[Kyodai Jirou]

Kyodai Jirou

The Voice of Jashin 

The border had changed a few miles back, the terrain had changed as well. It was of little note to the sole wanderer making his way through Tsuchi no kuni. His map lay in the depths of his backpack, memorized and catalouged in his mind's eye from all the years spent on the road. On it there was no location marker indicating the nation's hidden village. However finding it could not be too difficult should he desire to do so. People talked, gossiped quite readily once under proper motivation and certain circumstances were met. 

Jirou, weathered and tan, bits of dust clinging to his skin and clothing, did not seem much older than when he had been by these parts in the past. However, he had wandered far longer than what his looks gave away. 

A small village would be his first stop in Tsuchi no kuni. A quaint place.A place where word travelled fast and travellers were welcomed - though more their ryo than their company. A mindset Jirou had no trouble with. 

He kept to the side of the street, he was not here for attention. He was here to resupply and hopefully snatch up some useful gossip of some sort. Buy a horse if any were to be had. The pitstop was indeed a quick one... Cheese, bread, salt, and an extra waterskin was all he needed before he ventured to a stable in an attempt to procure a mount. 

"Anyone looking to sell a horse around here, hm?"

The first target was a stable boy who was busy with grooming a brown horse at the gate. The people passing by behind was of little concern to him, so was the notion that his question was direct and curt. The scythe resting across his shoulder likely did not help his case. 

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[Mayumi Okada]

No One Will Tell Me How To Live

The world was truly a vast place. And Mayumi’s feet were suffering because of it. Lugging her gear and walking cross country was hell on her body, but such was the fate of a Missing Nin. Staying in a place for too long usually led to trouble, trouble she wasn’t that fond of. It was best to keep her visits short. Do what she needs to do and move on. It wasn’t that exciting to be honest, but the last time she had an exciting visit, she almost died for it. Not something she really wanted to repeat. Currently she was somewhere in Tsuchi no Kuni. As for where exactly she knew not. Mayumi wasn’t particularly good with directions and she also went wherever her body told her too. Combine those two little tidbits, and the young woman was almost always perpetually lost. At first such a thing bothered her, but over the years she got used to it. Might as well go with the flow rather than fight it. Life was much easier that way. Thankfully after hours of walking, Mayumi stumbled upon a village where she could finally ask for directions. Walking down the street, she took a quick look at her supplies. She had a decent bit left, but she didn’t know if it would last. It all depended on where she was really. Wiping her untamed hair out of her face and adjusting the large scroll on her back, she looked around for someone to talk to. It didn’t take long for her to spot a stable boy as well as a taller man next to him. Pretty tall too, somewhere around 6 feet maybe? She didn’t know his exact height, but from the way the man towered over her as she walked next to him, she had a feeling she had guessed correctly. "Ohhh a horse, that might be pretty cool. Also do you happen to know where we are by chance?” Giving the stable boy a fanged grin, Mayumi scratched her head and eyed the taller man next to her as she waited. Judging from the skin that she could see, the man seemed quite built. Not really a simple traveler if she had to guess. Wasn’t really her business though, but she thought it was interesting to note. His horse idea was a lifesaver as well, if she could figure out how to actually ride a horse. Save her feet some pain, and it shouldn’t be too hard to ride…..right?

Kyodai Jirou // other notes

this is something endless

[Kyodai Jirou]

Kyodai Jirou

The Voice of Jashin 

The stable boy looked him up and down, wrinkled his nose and seemed to be about to form a reply when the arrival of another interrupted him. Jirou would glance down to see who had joined the conversation. Wild blonde hair. Fair skin. A tired look about her despite the chirp in her voice. Another traveler seeking advice and an easier way of travelling the uneven terrain. The stable boy looked from one to the other, then patted the horse on the neck and replied.



"Well, you are just a little north of the border to Narashi no kuni. Not really on any maps unless look at local ones for this area. Taka village, if you must know. As for horses... I know Haori has a few stabled here that are for sale. Though they aren't the best - obviously. I'll fetch her for you..."



And with that the stable boy and the horse walked on and Jirou took it as an invitation to follow at a leisurely pace. If the runt, who had joined them, decided to follow a comment would be made in her direction, accompanied by a flash of teeth in a thinly veiled smirk. She didn't seem the type to carry around enough ryo or wares to trade for a decent mount.



"Sure you can afford one, kid?"

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[Mayumi Okada]

No One Will Tell Me How To Live

"Careful big guy, I bite.” Showing off her fanged teeth with a menacing grin, Mayumi stared directly into Jirou’s eyes as she spoke. She wasn’t that offended about the jab toward her height, as she was sure that Jirou considered quite a few people children. She probably would too if she was that tall. "And yeah, I got the money. Not so sure about you though. You kinda look like a traveler down on his luck. Dusty and downtrodden. You telling me you can afford a horse but not better clothes?” Taking a moment to sniff Jirou to see if he smelled as rough as he looked, Mayumi followed the stable boy with the taller man. The boy was actually quite helpful, letting her know she was somewhere around Narashi no Kuni and for more information she needed to look at a local map. Something she’d do after grabbing a horse, or maybe before. Since while she did have money, that didn’t mean she wanted to use it. If she saw the opportunity, a horse would be yoinked, never to be returned. "Where are you even traveling to? Not really safe for travelers around here ya know? Heard there were bandits and such.”

Kyodai Jirou // other notes

this is something endless

[Kyodai Jirou]

Kyodai Jirou

The Voice of Jashin 

The rather peculiar response was not one he often received from strangers. People who knew him? People who had some form of respect for him and vice versa, sure. But this little runt of girl? It was enough to pique his interest and pay no mind to the slow pace of the stable boy.

"Tsk... This is Tsuchi no kuni, if you aren't dusty you aren't travelling through it. Besides if that is your greatest worry, runt, then you might reconsider whatever trip that requires you to have a horse."

He was feeling rather generous, letting the girl have a sniff of his worn clothing and less than clean skin. He didn't care much for keeping clean when on the road, but it didn't mean he enjoyed being all grimy and somewhat musky. It made the bath he would eventually find so much more rewarding. The look on his occasional travel companions' faces were also priceless whenever he cleaned up and didn't look like a complete vagabond.

As for divulging where he was travelling to, that was another matter. The more the girl talked and showed her personality, the more suspicious he grew that this one would be considered a rotten egg by most of society. Placing her in the same basket as most would place himself in. Only difference was their level of corruption. Something which did not matter to many so called ordinary, law-abiding citizen. Heathens...

"Depends on who you are and who you know. Jashin keeps me safe wherever I may tread. You? You are donezo if you run into real trouble..."

Even if the scroll she carried had anything of value it'd land her in trouble. Either with shinobi or people of faith such as himself. But right now, a horse was a more important item to acquire than some lowly sacrifice.

The stable boy came back with the person named Haori.

"So you two are looking to buy?" To her credit she barely bats an eye at the two travelers. Though Jirou does catch the way her eyes linger at the weapon slung over his shoulder. Jirou raised a brow in a subtle reply.

"Yeah so I have one that would fit you. He is a mean one though... As for you. I have a pony that would do, a bit flighty though. You want them? It is 10 golds for the mean one and 50 silvers for the pony."

"let me see it. If it is as mean as you say I won’t be paying anything close to a gold coin. It is far above any price you'd get at the butcher if you can't ride it..."

He didn't like being taken for a fool and certainly would not pay more than needed for a mean horse which was headed for the butcher shop anyway. He would take a gander at the black horse and fork over the standard fee a butcher would pay. Only adding a few extra coins to purchase the gear needed for him, too.

He spared a glance at the runt to see if she was going to follow through with her purchase. The pony was cheaper after all.

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[Mayumi Okada]

No One Will Tell Me How To Live

"Relax, big man. All I’m saying is that there’s nothing stopping you from being clean and well prepared.” Tapping her head with a condescending smirk, Mayumi jabbed back at Jirou. Seems he was getting a little irritated with her words….good. That’ll teach him to call her a runt. Although she was serious about maintaining just a tad bit of cleanliness. It truly wasn’t hard, since she was doing it herself. "Hehe, yeah little old me would definitely be in trouble. It’s a scary world out there.” Making light of her apparent weakness, Mayumi tried to think of where she heard the name Jashin from. He was some kind of god right? And his followers were a little wonky if she was remembering correctly. Although she thought that about all followers of religion, so she took that little rumor with a grain of salt. As long as they didn’t start preaching to her, she didn’t care what they did. It didn’t take long for the two to find the owner of the horses, some woman named Haori. As for the prices, Mayumi had no clue if she was being ripped off, as she had never bought a horse before. The price for Jirou’s horse did seem quite expensive, as compared to her pony. 10 whole gold? That was quite a bit. And for a horse that might not even listen? It did seem pretty suspicious as Jirou noted. Scratching her chin and staring at Haori, Mayumi decided to follow Jirou’s lead on this matter, and test out the horse. 50 silver wasn’t really a concern to her, as she planned to rob the place after. Judging from what she could see, the combat potential in this town was quite low. An easy steal from the looks of it. And who was she to say no to such an opportunity? "I wanna see mine as well. Get a feel for the goods ya know?” She also had to make sure it was a good fit for her. Like what the hell did flighty mean? Did she have to worry about it running off? Mayumi didn’t think she was fast enough to catch her horse if it decided to run away. She might as well not even buy it at that point.

Kyodai Jirou // other notes

this is something endless

[Kyodai Jirou]

Kyodai Jirou

The Voice of Jashin 

So she wasn’t completely lost behind the wagon when it came to buying something, that was good. Jirou followed the woman until she could point at a black steed grazing tied to a hard point in the ground. Pretty simple and a good sign, as he wouldn’t be able to provide it a stable every night and it being able to be tied like this was a pain to teach to an unwilling animal.
He didn’t look like the type, but he appreciated animals. Mostly his own. They were pure in a sense. They didn’t quarrel and spread hardship and pain the way humans did in this world.

Jirou walked up to the black horse, his posture softening as he did. He wasn’t there to fight or take over this animal’s grazing area. Just there to have a chat. Soft spoken words of praise and greetings were muttered and he managed to pet the horse’s neck a bit before it snapped after the arm. With a chuckle he flicked its soft muzzle and the offended look it shot him wasn’t enough to intimidate him. He had dealt with tough horses in the past. He bent down and pulled the ground tie up and would attempt to walk the animal back to Haori to discuss the gear and any adjustments it might need. For all he knew it might be the gear making the horse sour. In the end he ended up with a saddle, pad, necktie, and a worn but working bridle.

If there was any fuss with the Runt and her purchase, he paid it little mind. He doubted she’d go through with it. She had had her eyes on all the exits several times. Though if she attempted a mad dash with the pony, he would have a perfect excuse to ride off and ‘’fetch’’ her.

Of course, returning her here was not included in that...

As Haori had her attention on the Runt and the pony, Jirou took the time to test out his own purchase. He could see why it was labelled a problematic horse. Standing still when asked to walk forward, kicking a leg out to show his annoyance. Definitely someone who was used to having their way by showing some personality and demanding its rider not be mindless and actually ride rather than simply sit there. Lucky for Jirou he wouldn’t feel it if the horse ever managed to catch his foot or ankle in its mouth and it would soon find out that what Jirou wanted was the easiest and the path of least resistance and work. A job well done would result in treats and feed while trouble only meant more work. So, soon they were walking and trotting without much fuss. The trot would occasionally become a canter peppered with small bucks, but eventually they seemed to have found an understanding. The horse definitely had the wrong set of boundaries if you asked its new owner. All things they could work on though.
It did mind the scythe whenever it managed to catch a glimpse of it. Most likely due to the tall nature of the weapon rather than the sharpness and connotations the weapon held.

Now all he had to do was wait and see if the Runt would be a good egg or a rotten one…

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[Mayumi Okada]

No One Will Tell Me How To Live

Hopping on her pony in one fluid jump, Mayumi wrapped her arms around its neck as she wiggled around uncomfortably. Was this really how people rode these creatures? And if so, props to them, as it was quite difficult to stay balanced. Something that was immediately tested as her pony bolted the moment she got comfortable. It had quite the impressive speed and stopping force too, as she experienced first hand when it suddenly stopped a few moments later, sending her flying. Slamming into the stable’s wall with a bang, Mayumi slid down the woody exterior as her mind blanked. As she laid in a daze, the young woman tried to comprehend what just happened. Why would her pony run with all its strength just to immediately stop? Was it trying to kill her? If so, what a vicious animal. They barely knew each other! After lying on the ground for a few moments, she picked herself up with a frown, glaring at her pony. But before she could approach it or do anything, she was interrupted by Haori. "You know your purchase comes with a saddle and stuff right? That’s all included in the price.” As a mortified blush spread over her face, Mayumi scratched her arm awkwardly before handing Haori the money without a fuss. She was too embarrassed to barter, too embarrassed to respond even. Stupid horse. Stupid gear. As Haori placed the gear and adjusted it on her pony, Mayumi stood there in silence, letting the woman do her work. Now that she was actually thinking, it didn’t really make sense to ride a horse without any equipment. Especially for long periods of time. Rubbing her sore forehead, Mayumi approached the cunning beast cautiously, now aware of what it was capable of. Flinching when the beast snorted, she eyed it suspiciously. What type of devious plans was brewing inside its tiny little head? What type of monstrosities was it thinking about inflicting on her? Patting the beast quickly before darting back, Mayumi nodded her head before turning to Haori. "I shall come back for my pony a bit later. Gonna look at some stuff around the village first.” Taking a tactical retreat from the beast, Mayumi began to head off deeper into the village to look for a map. She wasn’t running! She just needed to find a map to see where she was, then she’d deal with her pony. No point messing with it now, she was just being efficient!

Kyodai Jirou // other notes

this is something endless

[Taki Okada]

Taki "Bakudan" Okada

A loser like you ain't got no guts!

It was a long walk from Iwagakure back to the sage compound, and with her small companion by her side she opted to take a more scenic route through a small village which she would often frequent on her travels. Her students were in the care of the apes so they were in good hands and while she was in no rush to make it back to the compound she was making good time so she figured she could take a bit of a break. And so there she stood at a market stand purchasing some meat for a meal she was going to make back at her hotel.

But as she stood at the stall near the entrance to town the girl would notice something that seemed a tad familiar but she couldn’t be sure, someone she hadn’t seen since before she’d become a shinobi, her cousin Mayumi who likely wouldn’t recognize her since the last time the two had seen each other Taki was 13 and Mayumi had just recently become a chunin, with Taki's hair not being nearly as long. By the looks of things Mayumi hadn't changed, at least she didn't think so if that was even her. Why would it, after all these years why would she be bold enough to show her face in Tsuchi no Kuni did she have some sort of a death wish?

"Hey!” the Okadan would say calling out to the girl her distinct drawling accent quite noticeable in the crowd. She'd fixate her eyes on her and after a short moment would start to walk in her direction, wading through the busy market after spotting the blonde haired woman from out in the distance. "Can I tawlk ta you for a second?” she’d say slowly approaching the girl she didn’t want to make a scene if she had the wrong person but if she was right she wasn’t going to let her go.

Mayumi had lost her title of being an Okada and was simply referred to by the designation 21, the reason being is due to the fact that the Okada were known for only having a small contingent of Shinobi usually celebrating each one with a numerical designation she was the 21st member since the few they had were taken out during the civil war, but after her crimes she’d had that designation removed and became only referred by her registration number. #21. Taki moved with a purpose as she attempted to go towards the girl and grabbed her shoulder before spinning her around to face her keeping a stiff tug on her arm if she was proven right.

As she strode over her chimp companion would rise onto her shoulder and she’d look over at the small animal. "You know what ta do.” she’d say speaking to the small creature who would nod and begin to channel sage energy on her behalf she wasn't sure what might happen and needed to be prepared.

SPOILER: Click to show

MOVMENT TECHNIQUES:



OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:

SUMMARY

SA's:

House of Fire

During Taki's training she learns that she has a significant amount of energy and after graduating to the rank of genin she began to learn how to properly make use of them under the tutelage of Midori Chizawa. As a result the girl is now able to perform a bevy of powerful techniques for longer periods of time without tiring as quickly as others.

[Heavyweight: Super Strength SA]

With the rigorous training that Taki's now able to throw down with the best of them boasting monstrous strength fitting for her professional wrestling background, having combined that with the training she performed at the academy has now made her able to performs ridiculous feats such as being able to crush stones in her grip causing concussions and snap bones with her powerful strikes and holds. Taki has also increased the amount of weight she is able to lift by a massive margin in a way that makes her an even more fearsome taijutsu practitioner than before.

[Wrestling Genius]

As a result of her training, and advancements as a genin. Taki's grappling ability has increased even further making her wrestling based techniques far more difficult to deal with and escape from. As a result, her slams, holds, submissions and suplex's are far more damaging and harder to escape from then that of a genin who is not trained in these particular abilities.

[Sage Mode]


✤ | Abilities (Imperfect Enhancement)
✤ Gorilla Grip [Grip Strength]

When transforming into Sage Mode Taki's body and overall Taijutsu prowess increase exponentially most notably her grip strength allowing her to take hold of someone with a painful amount of power amplifying her already proficient ability to grapple with an opponent making it significantly harder to be broken out of as well a deal a considerable amount of damage.

✤ | Abilities (Imperfect Enhancement)
✤ Gorilla Press [Natural Taijutsu]

When transforming into Sage Mode Taki's body Taki is able to use nature energy to harness her powers in order to make her more physically imposing than normal adding to her natural affinities with Taijutsu allowing her move faster and hit harder heavy items thus adding a good amount of power and heft to her attacks allowing her to snap bones with much less effort and outpace a good majority of her enemies with her monstrous charge.

✤ | Abilities (Imperfect Enhancement)
✤ The Immovable Force [Durability]

Due to the coarse strength of a gorilla's skin Taki is able to withstand a good amount of extra punishment allowing her to be able to withstand blows from most enemies that most shinobi wouldn't be able to normally withstand. As such blows from strong fighters are reduced by a considerable amount and when struck feel like colliding with a considerably immovable force.

332 WORDS

Mayumi Okada Kyodai Jirou

SHORT NOTE

deltra of gangnam style

[aihara ryoko]

While the mountains made for a fine natural barrier, they also made patrolling the whole expanse of Tsuchi no Kuni a challenge. Ryoko had her own approach, of course, as fitting with someone of her unique talents.

While most shinobi wandered on foot, Ryoko was usually in the sky. While her shape varied, and her methods of flight could be different, today she was a bird. With a wide wingspan and common appearance, the vulture above seemed rather innocuous. Even above the mountain tops, she frequently sat outside of sensory range, but her eyes could see from horizon to horizon.

Her course is casual, energy not needed to fly. Her wings caught updrafts and let her glide from place to place. It was more than a patrol, more than investigation. This was just fun. Relaxing. The sort of joy and freedom few can experience until they let go of their human form. Ryoko had done that ages ago.

The vulture roams, eyeing the valleys, watching the trade roads. She glides effortlessly over cities and towns, just watching, just enjoying the down time. Other days her pace wasn’t so casual. Other days she could race through the sky like a fireball. Today, however, she was feeling rather optimistic.

Lazy, even. Happy. More missions. New positions. She had a growing list of things to prove, but today none of that was on her mind. How to break into the kage’s office and steal a few higher ranked missions though. That would be funny. She had to assume she’d get in trouble, but denying her missions suitable only to her rank was such a loss. She could do more.

Her mind drifts to the land of grass while she lazes about in the skies. She’d go back there soon.

SPOILER: Click to show

SA: Expert Shapeshifter
Due to constant practice with the true transformation jutsu, as well as pushing herself to use it for long durations, Ryoko has become as natural at holding an animal shape as she is walking on ceilings. Her deeper understanding of this jutsu, paired with her exceptional chakra control, allow her to maintain the jutsu with only a very low amount of chakra. The cost for the initial transformation remains unaffected.

Jutsu: True Transformation into a Black Vulture

[Kyodai Jirou]

Kyodai Jirou

The Voice of Jashin 

Sadly the egg would not be a rotten one. Rather she would be a funny one. Her mounting in itself wasn't that telling about her horseback skills, but when she was launched at the nearest wall it was clear she lacked the rudimentary skills taught to most kids when they are first introduced to horses as a form of transportation. 

Jirou couldn't help the grin on his face. He liked the pony. The girl was a hoot, too. He would watch in silence form atop his mount as the girl let the place and Haori was left with a promise of a girl coming back for the pony. As the blonde left their view, Jirou would walk up to Haori with the horse in hand. There would be no need to untack it. he would pay for the black beast and with a smirk he paid for the pony, more than the asking price and had a halter and a decent lead rope included in the price. Now he had a packing pony. 

Atop his horse and with the pony tied to his saddle he rode out of the area. Now... Should he go looking for the Egg or should he simply be on his way? Rotten eggs could be useful after all and most of them were simply lost souls in need of something to follow and believe in. A place to call home. 

//Note: He isn't reacting to Taki and Ryoko since it kind of depends on what Mayumi does as he leaves later than her. 

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