[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

Luckily for both of them, Raiu was able to keep up well enough, and Taifuu’s shortcut brought them back on the main path a fair bit quicker than if they’d just stuck to the main road. Before long, a lone figure came into view: richly dressed, dark hair and tan skin, a large gourd upon their back. Both ANBU operatives quickly bowed after their approach, showing appropriate respect to a visiting dignitary. "Oonakayama-hime,” Taifuu said, taking the lead between the two. "Welcome to Kaminari no Kuni. The Hachidaime Raikage sent us as an escort to ensure your safe arrival to Kumogakure.” "You didn’t run into any trouble on the road?” Raiu tacked on. Taifuu’s tail abruptly lashed, the dense mass of fur whacking against the other ANBU operative’s back. Raiu ignored their companion, straightening up and peering down the road with a frown, though their expression was concealed by their mask. "I thought I sensed another chakra signature as we were getting closer, but then it left.” There was the distant dot of some traveling caravan; otherwise, the road seemed clear. Still, Raiu was suspicious: it was definitely a shinobi who had been in the area, and now they were already gone. If Oonakayama-hime didn't have any sensory ability of her own, would she even know that someone had been there? Problem was, Raiu's mastery of sensory was... burgeoning, at best. Their active range wasn't exactly impressive. If only they'd had a little more luck on their side.

Oonakayama Arashi Hayatoru, Kazuki -- 248

LAIKA OF THQ

[Oonakayama Arashi]

Travel through the Storm TAG. WORDS. xxx NOTES:

Arashi turned briefly as she heard the statement in response, though it seemed like she was going to be talking to thin air as Sarui was now gone from view. It was possible that he had indeed genuinely been grateful for the suggestion, but there was still something that was bothering her about the whole encounter. "Hmmm....weird guy...and that feeling I was gettin from em didn't help..." You were never able to recall just where such a feeling came from...Heh...It shouldn't be that hard... Arashi would hear Shukaku, but she crossed her arms as she closed her eyes for a moment. In truth, Arashi went through how many different scents every single day. It was to the point that she had memorized the important ones, but not all. Some smells she simply blew off as natural. But elements to people and their surroundings were usually apparent in every fiber of their being. Their cloths, skin, hair, every part of them held at least a small marker of where they had been and or what they had on them. But this guy was one of the few that had managed to evade that... One of the few....the first being... As the name came just to the surface of her tongue, it was at that point that the other signatures that had been arriving from the distance had reached her destination. She was rather surprised by their demeanor toward her, prompting her to blink for a moment as they bowed and then welcomed her to the Lightning Country. In addressing her by her more regal title, they'd state how the Raikage had sent them to escort her to the village, leading to her placing one hand on her hip as she held a small smile. "I'm flattered..." She wanted to add a but to that statement, of course, this was a completely new leader she was dealing with next to the last one she had met briefly. While she was familiar with how to get to Kumogakure, it would certainly not help relations for her to refuse an offer from it's kage. Nor would she ever hear the end of it from her father. At the mention of them having sensed another being here, Arashi would nod as she pointed off toward the distance. "Yea...ya just missed one of your people..Sarui..he said he was looking for a guy that had evaded his taxes..." In looking at their masked expression, her own began to shift from her smile to that a calmer look before raising her brow. "You two are the only ones supposedly sent out I'm guessin..." SPOILER: Click to show -S.A Used- Will of Sand Will of Sand- Adding the element of her own chakra into the mixture of sand, Arashi is capable of faster and stronger sand manipulation and attacks. The extent of this control is due to the supply gathered within her gourd, granting the bonus of power, but limited to only the amount contained within it. This ability makes her constructions more dense and harder to break down, and the swiftness of their creation is instant rather than requiring the prior time of build-up as before due to the strengthened bond between Arashi and Shukaku Ultimate Defense A Skill granted by her continued use and developed relationship with Shukaku over the continued use of his control over sand, Arashi has a stronger connection to the element, allowing her to use it at a much more intensive rate than before. As such, her defenses are much more adapt and capable of taking on stronger attacks and reinforcing itself at faster speed. This adaptation to the sand shield allows for it's reaction time to have increased and make it more challenging for attacks to connect and break through the first layer, while acting still on the natural inclinations of auto-repairing itself for the next strike. Sand Control Arashi is granted two forms of defense by the Ichibi. The first one is a subconscious ability granted by the Bijuu is that there is constantly a barrier of sand clinging to Arashi’s skin. This barrier acts as a shield against her skin, absorbing heavy blows and protecting her. Her sand defense is very tough, being very difficult to break through. The sand has been likened to steel and concrete. The second form is one which pulls sand from her surroundings and the sand piled on her skin to form a visible barrier and dome like barrier around her. The sand is typically pulled from the ground and any nearby source. Arashi’s various dogs often have a plentiful amount of sand carried in their thick coats. As such, the sand is often pulled from their coats to be used to protect the girl. Through the course of her training, Arashi has learned to control both of these forms of defense to a degree, making her much more capable of mounting a defense in a variety of ways. But she still at times must incumbent some cooperation from Shukaku to ensure of it's sustainability. Arashi can control sand and wind around herself to whip up sandstorms with powerful gusts. The sandstorm often appears when she’s emotionally strained and damaged. If there is no sand around her, powerful breezes will still gather around her. Shukaku enjoys teasing the girl to the point where sandstorms appear. But with the course of time, Arashi had grown more comfortable with this and developed a thick skin towards such actions by the Bijuu. While Arashi had previous had little to no control over her other sand related abilities, she has a somewhat capable hand at this one. Because of the trauma of her sand attacking her classmates at a young age, Arashi has managed to reign in some of this power. Learning to bend the sand to her will, Arashi can keep it from hurting those she doesn’t want it to hurt. Sand will be gathered from nearby sources to be used as a weapon when this ability activates. This ability typically only activates when Arashi is in severe danger, but it has now become possible for her to do so with ease. Though it is more prone to activating near or on full moons. The sand takes the form of blunt objects or tendrils to bash or choke enemies. During moments of extreme strain, Arashi loses all control over this ability as well. Enhanced Smell Somehow, Arashi has gained an enhanced sense of smell. It appears that she’s been hanging around dogs for too long and has obtained a sense of smell that rivals that of a blood hound. In reality, she has simply discovered that by channeling some chakra to her nose she can enhance the cells within it and gain a super sense of smell that may act as a sensor and tracking technique. She can smell out strangers, steel and various other things. Arashi may retract her chakra from her nose as well to make her sense of smell return to normal. Due in most regards to her heavily enhanced sense of smell, With her continued usage of this ability, she has now become capable of near passively monitoring the exact range of a target and their positioning within 250 meters. (Able to turn "off and on" this enhanced sense at the 'prick' of chakra to her nose) -Jutsu Used- NAME: Sunano Senshingu[ Sand Sensing] RANK: B CHAKRA USAGE: Low CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu ELEMENT: Jiton DESCRIPTION: By dispersing chakra enhanced sand into a specific area, the user is able to discern the presence of bodies that come into direct contact with it. This sensing sand can be spread across a wide terrain of 100 feet, or even float in the air allowing aerial foes to be detected for an extended range of 150 feet due to it's lack of being stationary. Once the sand comes in contact with a person, it will wrap itself around them, rendering even invisible targets, visible. -Items Used- Sand Gourd -Familiar Used-

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

At the information Oonakayama-hime shared, the two operatives exchanged glances, their masked faces a blank, mirror image of each other. "Well,” Raiu said hesitantly, glancing back to the Sunagakure Princess, "supposedly, but it could be nothing.” "Could be something,” Taifuu replied, somewhat terse. "Worth checking out regardless. I’ll—” "—Then I’ll go,” the taller operative said, interrupting their companion as politely as humanly possible. "Raikage-sama is expecting Oonakayama-hime, right? We should make sure she gets there safely.” A pause, and then: "Of course.” Taifuu’s tail lashed, agitated. "My apologies, my lady. It was disrespectful of me to consider otherwise.” "I’ll send word once I have news,” Raiu said, and they offered a deep bow to the Suna nin. "My lady, thank you for the honor of your visit. May your travels be swift and safe.” In a blur of movement, the operative vanished, disappearing further down the mountain path from whence Arashi came. Taifuu bowed as well, and gestured from where she and Raiu had come—not their little shortcut, but up the path proper, into the steepest part of the mountains. A goat bleated at the pair of them. "Thank you for the information, my lady,” she said after a moment. "I’m sure it’s nothing, but—well, we live in interesting times. I hope you understand our desire for due diligence. Lady Raikage would never forgive herself if you were accosted on your journey here. Please, follow me.” And the operative would lead the way, following the hidden and twisted paths up the mountains until they ascended above the clouds themselves, and reached the gates of Kumogakure.

Oonakayama Arashi Hayatoru, Kazuki -- 265

LAIKA OF THQ

[Oonakayama Arashi]

Travel through the Storm TAG. WORDS. xxx NOTES:

While it was impossible to tell just what their faces looked like from behind their masks, she imagined that the pause was an indication of some mild confusion, if not a bit of hesitation. If Sarui wasn't one of them, then who the hell was he? There was still the matter of him avoiding her more advance sense of tracking, which by all accounts, was near impossible for most people. Still, it appeared as if they were uncertain as to how to proceed, even among their ranks. But, this was a matter for Kumogakure, and Arashi was smart enough to know better than to butt into their affairs. Their alliance was still new to a point, and if they had wanted her to join in the hunt, they'd have asked. Rather, it appeared that they wished to ensure that she got to the village in one piece. This came with their numbers being split as the tallest of the two would resign themselves to the task of investigating, leaving their companion to escort Arashi the rest of the way. With the departure and solemn farewell, this left Arashi with the other ANBU within the area...as well as a rather loud goat. "Well...that's somethin..." As her gaze shifted toward the animal, she'd return her attention back to her new companion, blinking for a moment as she then released a calm breath and a smile. Though she appreciated the apology, she imagined there would be a similar situation called if she had been made aware of someone attempting to breach Suna. Though then again, there had been enough times when it had happened. "It's no problem...after all...I imagine this isn't somethin that happens everyday right? Better safe than sorry right? Thanks though..." In nodding her head, the young woman would follow after the other, her expression calm as they made their approach to the gates of Kumogakure. Still, her thoughts remained upon the individual she saw, and his ability to evade her sense of smell. Ya know? If ya got somethin on your mind...ya could just say it... The boy whom you encountered...his lack of scent could easily be like the female you encountered at the Bonchi no Kuni border...it's just my assumption...but did she not lack a scent as well? There it was...the connection.... Takigakure... But what would the waterfall be doing this far inland? Narrowing her eyes, Arashi would relax as she imagined that this was something that would come out in time. For now, it was only an guess from Shukaku...not enough evidence aside from her one encounter with someone similar. Even if they shared a common ability, that didn't connect them completely. Best not to think on it now I guess... SPOILER: Click to show -S.A Used- Will of Sand Will of Sand- Adding the element of her own chakra into the mixture of sand, Arashi is capable of faster and stronger sand manipulation and attacks. The extent of this control is due to the supply gathered within her gourd, granting the bonus of power, but limited to only the amount contained within it. This ability makes her constructions more dense and harder to break down, and the swiftness of their creation is instant rather than requiring the prior time of build-up as before due to the strengthened bond between Arashi and Shukaku Ultimate Defense A Skill granted by her continued use and developed relationship with Shukaku over the continued use of his control over sand, Arashi has a stronger connection to the element, allowing her to use it at a much more intensive rate than before. As such, her defenses are much more adapt and capable of taking on stronger attacks and reinforcing itself at faster speed. This adaptation to the sand shield allows for it's reaction time to have increased and make it more challenging for attacks to connect and break through the first layer, while acting still on the natural inclinations of auto-repairing itself for the next strike. Sand Control Arashi is granted two forms of defense by the Ichibi. The first one is a subconscious ability granted by the Bijuu is that there is constantly a barrier of sand clinging to Arashi’s skin. This barrier acts as a shield against her skin, absorbing heavy blows and protecting her. Her sand defense is very tough, being very difficult to break through. The sand has been likened to steel and concrete. The second form is one which pulls sand from her surroundings and the sand piled on her skin to form a visible barrier and dome like barrier around her. The sand is typically pulled from the ground and any nearby source. Arashi’s various dogs often have a plentiful amount of sand carried in their thick coats. As such, the sand is often pulled from their coats to be used to protect the girl. Through the course of her training, Arashi has learned to control both of these forms of defense to a degree, making her much more capable of mounting a defense in a variety of ways. But she still at times must incumbent some cooperation from Shukaku to ensure of it's sustainability. Arashi can control sand and wind around herself to whip up sandstorms with powerful gusts. The sandstorm often appears when she’s emotionally strained and damaged. If there is no sand around her, powerful breezes will still gather around her. Shukaku enjoys teasing the girl to the point where sandstorms appear. But with the course of time, Arashi had grown more comfortable with this and developed a thick skin towards such actions by the Bijuu. While Arashi had previous had little to no control over her other sand related abilities, she has a somewhat capable hand at this one. Because of the trauma of her sand attacking her classmates at a young age, Arashi has managed to reign in some of this power. Learning to bend the sand to her will, Arashi can keep it from hurting those she doesn’t want it to hurt. Sand will be gathered from nearby sources to be used as a weapon when this ability activates. This ability typically only activates when Arashi is in severe danger, but it has now become possible for her to do so with ease. Though it is more prone to activating near or on full moons. The sand takes the form of blunt objects or tendrils to bash or choke enemies. During moments of extreme strain, Arashi loses all control over this ability as well. Enhanced Smell Somehow, Arashi has gained an enhanced sense of smell. It appears that she’s been hanging around dogs for too long and has obtained a sense of smell that rivals that of a blood hound. In reality, she has simply discovered that by channeling some chakra to her nose she can enhance the cells within it and gain a super sense of smell that may act as a sensor and tracking technique. She can smell out strangers, steel and various other things. Arashi may retract her chakra from her nose as well to make her sense of smell return to normal. Due in most regards to her heavily enhanced sense of smell, With her continued usage of this ability, she has now become capable of near passively monitoring the exact range of a target and their positioning within 250 meters. (Able to turn "off and on" this enhanced sense at the 'prick' of chakra to her nose) -Jutsu Used- NAME: Sunano Senshingu[ Sand Sensing] RANK: B CHAKRA USAGE: Low CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu ELEMENT: Jiton DESCRIPTION: By dispersing chakra enhanced sand into a specific area, the user is able to discern the presence of bodies that come into direct contact with it. This sensing sand can be spread across a wide terrain of 100 feet, or even float in the air allowing aerial foes to be detected for an extended range of 150 feet due to it's lack of being stationary. Once the sand comes in contact with a person, it will wrap itself around them, rendering even invisible targets, visible. -Items Used- Sand Gourd -Familiar Used-

MADE BY VEL OF GS