[Kaguya Toru]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you @--

Toru had heard plenty of times to this point, that being on ones own was not always ideal. It did not always bode fruitful results, and he agreed but he also disagreed. He most often worked on his own, that was what he was comfortable with. But, he was not incapable of taking up a position on a team. But, fortunately, Toru had not come to seek glory. Only to bring honor to his new name, and his village. Whatever that meant, he would do it. Whatever he had to do to succeed, but it was good to know that teamwork would be vital in the future, at least that's what the woman seemed to be implying, he could be entirely wrong.

Hot springs did sound like a good idea though, it would relax his muscles and the tension he generally felt in his body before the exams or at least it would somewhat. Another note to take down though, the world here was ice, but in accordance to what their guide was saying, it seemed that it was not only ice. There would be more to discover, this didn't necessarily give away much as that could mean any number of things, but it also meant that Toru absolutely had to be prepared for anything.

Anything.

He continued to wait, hoping that they would start moving soon as movement always managed to warm up the body.

OWL

[Zakku Burokon]

// Zakku //

There's a reckonin' a-comin'
And it burns beyond the grave
Lead inside my belly
'cause my soul has lost its way

@tag .

Zakku was surprised he's been heard and buried his head deeper into the neck of his coat.  She was right though.  It'd do him good to listen to her.  Listening to her talk about what she could Zakkus mind was taking in the words and putting his ideas together.  He was in the dark but the talk of teams helped him start to form ideas.  The last time he was at the Exams it didn't go so well for him.  

After being kicked out last time he was determined to not make the same mistake.  He only brought his blunts this time and was staying away from alcohol.  The mention of Hot Springs brought Zakku back to the conversation.  That sounded fantastic.  He'd have to try it after he'd gotten settled in his room.  He'd also have to get better clothes for the temperature.  

Zakku was sure he'd brought enough for some new books and warmer clothing.  Wouldn't hurt to get some extra equipment either.  He was getting quite a list now but he had plenty of time so he'd better get it done now so he could read before the Exams.
 

[Yoi Kaiyo]

template by punki of adoxography

don't forget to bring
your scarf and booties

All questions were answered and the small crowd would begin chirping into their own conversation, the woman gave them a moment to chatter amongst themselves with hands on her hips and the happy smile upon her face still present. 

Gold browns would watch the children for a small moment, watching as the boy who'd been called out burrowed his head into his scarf, the girl who had had so many questions equally as enthusiastic, the boy who'd stood with them indifferent and then the girl with the cyan headband... well she was quite something. Staring hungrily. 

Meh. All of them had some kind of uniqueness to them, it was why they were competing to become Chuunin, after all. And hungry stares were not threats, the woman could have easily thrown the girl clear of the city and into the arctic freeze - but that wasn't what they were here for! 

"Aaaaalrighty, if you'll follow me I will show you through the town's main thoroughfare and to where you are all staying~", she'd turn sharply on her heel and hop down off the small step she'd been using as a podium, moving through the central doors of the train station and out into the street. 

If they had thought it was cold in the sheltered train station, they'd sure be in for a surprise outside! The cold would be biting, enough to nip even through their scarves and coats. To be truly unaffected out in the streets, they'd have to invest in Yuki no Kuni's own brand of clothing, specially designed for the level of cold. 

Snow would blister the street, bathing everything in a white - even the houses lining the streets would be crystal white from the frost, the only stand out colour would be the white and pink stemmed Snow Fountain trees that lined the streets. Gentle snowflakes would dance down into the already set snow, a few more hours and the lines made in the snow to navigate through the main street would be invisible. 

The difference in temperatures made no never mind to Kaiyo, even as the wind nipped at her skirt she'd not make complaint. Instead she'd almost skip into the snow, turning on her heel and waving the children to follow her. 

"Byakuya is a tourist destination primarily for three things! The trees lining the streets, the salt water hotsprings and the arena," she'd turn as she walked backwards, leaning towards the children with her hands behind her back, "but you'll learn about the arena soon enough! For now there are important rules you all must follow!"

"Number one! So long as the Chuunin Exams exist, Byakuya is under truce - this means that no violence is tolerated for the duration of your stay. Number two! leaving the Village is not permitted, for your safety as well as security - if you do not know where you are going you will get lost in the snow, you may explore the Village to your own leisure while you are here as well as use one of the many designated training areas to train, but please do not leave the village!"

They'd turn a corner off the main street, down a narrower - but not entirely unaesthetic - side street. Here there'd be lights on in windows against the increasingly darkening skies, merchants peddled their wares, small signs in windows illuminated a variety of items available for sale: weapons, clothes and best of all? Food! The smell of cooking food would waft over the large group as they made their way towards the boarding house. 

"Number three! Although many of you are eager to scout out the area and the competition, please know that the arena, for now, is off limits! Treat this as you would restricted areas in your own villages, no one will be tolerated if they go snooping. But, ah! You don't need to go snooping when you have an entire village to explore!"

They'd come to a stop in front of a large building, elegant and carved against the ice, doors were open and a few attendants stood waiting for the Genin to turn in their papers in order to receive their lodgings. In it they'd find more than ample accommodation: warm cosy beds with extra fur lined blankets, a wash basin and bathroom that pumped out warm water into the showers, as well as ample storage space to unload their large bags. 

Kaiyo would turn one last time to the children, stopping in front of the steps up to the house. 

"Byakuya is a place of wonders and you are encouraged to explore what it has to offer to your hearts content. This is a unique time in your life! You will never find another moment to make new friends and discover new likes, you will find shared meals on the ground floor by the large stone fire place served morning and night and you have a short time before your exams begin to explore and prepare yourselves. When you are required for participation, notification will be sent to each of your rooms. Stick to the three rules we have provided for you and you will be safe within the village limits, and lastly!"

She'd grin pearly white, but sharp teeth at the Genin. 

"Welcome to Byakuya!"

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

A lot of people

Read notes

"Why should I apologize for the monster I have become? No one ever apologized for making me this way.”

---

NOTES!
Triggers for Kunikunosaku:
"Kunikunosaku", "Puritiwan", "Nezumi", "Mikatakujira", "Dream", "Pest", "Star", "Better", "Who".
Triggers for Zangyaku kōi:
"Hearts"; "Zangyaku kōi"; "Bitch"; "Kunekune"; "Monster"; "Shrimp"; "Pint"; and "Brat".

It was a hassle even for Zangyaku kōi to hold back Jiongu around a crowd of this many shinobi, all ripe for the taking, all explicitly and exquisitely appetizing. Maybe one or two now- no, no, Zangyaku kōi gripped its opposite wrist, and held in silence, looking away as it recomposed itself, coming back to the present to realize it was walking, near the front of the group, a figurative shadow to Kaiyo. This proximity forced Zangyaku kōi to listen to Kaiyo breakdown the rules. The first was a diplomatic ceasefire for the exams. All the nations shouldn't be fighting if they are entrusting youth to easy kill boxes. However, it failed to merit enough interest as the second ruling. Not allowed to leave the village at all. Zangyaku kōi meant to add a mental note to ask about that, for Kunikunosaku's sake. The third and final rule, so scoping the arena under any circumstances.

After the lengthy introduction, many immediately dispersed to turn in their papers, receive their lodgings. Zangyaku kōi remained, the almost dead gaze locking on her dark brown balls of eyes. Effectively eradicating softer genuine details. "Kaiyo-san, I need a bit more clarification, I know Yuki is home to beautiful wintery sights. Are there any cave or cave systems within our Byakuya stay that we can perhaps visit?" In an attempted whisper that was still audible for anybody nearby to potentially hear, Kōi attempted to speak on a half truthful lie. "I struggle with really bad social anxiety and isolate a lot. I find my peace in nature, back home by waterfalls, any places around here I can get a reprieve?" Zangyaku kōi asked, waiting for any answer that may come, regardless, the Mikatakujira girl went to turn its papers in for a lodging pass and key.

Well, Kuni... welcome to Byakuya.

TEMPbyAi ♥

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(S) USED:
Jiongu | Earth Grudge Fear

After having to recycle the roots that ended up killing the previous Apprentice just to transfer Jiongu to Kunikunosaku, the mass of black roots recollects most of its abilities from the Apprentice previous while forming new ones with its new master/host, Kunikunosaku. As far as the roots are concerned, like any organism, it desires to feed and survive, all else is not required, nor necessary to function. As for the Symbiotic Relationship benefits Kunikunosaku can control the thread-like roots however she wishes. The thread are quite versatile, acting much like surgical threads they can be used to sew up wounds stretch, or harden for attacks akin to squid tentacles, as well as being equally flexible and significantly dexterous. In time, Kunikunosaku will learn that as long as they keep a heart attached to at least some of the roots making up her body at all times, she is functionally immortal, only dying once all the threads are completely removed from any living hearts, and is unable to be poisoned. Because all of her vital organs and their corresponding systems are gone, Kunikunosaku has no need to breathe, eat, or sleep. The roots are sufficiently maintained by storing hearts that are pumping and living, in turn drawing sustenance from them. These roots also allow Kunikunosaku to utilize the inherent nature of any hearts she adds to their body, allowing them to perform jutsu of that element as if it was their natural affinity.

Symbiotic Relationship: Mutualism

After gaining knowledge on how Jiongu behaves and acts, Kunikunosaku developed a strong bond with the Jiongu entity. Accepting both live in her now; that both are what makes up Kunikunosaku. As a result of this understanding and bond, Jiongu aids her in combat - despite being a small boost. When conditions are met, Jiongu can provide an aided strength boost to Kunikunosaku during combat. It is still relative to her natural strength at the time. While this has no speed benefits, this boost of strength can put her up to par with the max strength of her peers at the same rank level. As she matures and gains new skills and new statuses. So too does her strength grow.

Symbiotic Bond: Strong Mind, Strong Body

As Kunikunosaku developed a stronger relationship with Jiongu, the creature bestowed Kunikunosaku an additional gift. That which is bestowed grants her the body as strong as her will. As long as she has the will to fight and keep pushing forward, Kunikunosaku has attained a sense of a strong body. She can still feel all the pain she receives, however, her will will push through it; literally making her body push through the pain and maintain functionality despite the egregious wounds she may receive. Overwhelming pain at one time or other will breaking input can debilitate the girl's will-driven tolerance to falter to the degree of an average shinobi, opening her up to common pain. It is this will that allows her to force the tendrils/roots/threads to repair themselves from injury or stitch back together. This will increases with her skill as she becomes more confident and driven to satiate both her needs and Jiongu's.

JUTSU(S) USED:
N/A
EQUIPMENT USED:
N/A

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Welcoming the Rabble "Okay" Excitement seemed to fill the air, along with the sudden chill that crossed the length of her legs and feet. It was so crazy how people could really endure certain surroundings and yet not even mind it. Of course, it was no different than if you lived in the desert. People could adjust to anything if they put their minds to it. Following along with the group, her eyes would move from one setting to the next. From the various shops and stands, to the buildings and structures that were around them. All the while, Ayukawa would pay mind to hearing of the rules that came with being here. It seemed simple enough...free roaming within the village, but not outside of it. They were not to start fights with each other, but were able to use the training grounds made available to them for the duration of their stay. But what came to be of more value was the idea that they had food within the building in which they were to stay. That would prompt the girl to squeal as she was already hungry enough to eat for days. With their welcoming tour clearly over, the youth would look over to see the smaller girl ask yet another question, leading to her listening in as well. SPOILER: Click to show -Jutsu Used- -S.A Used- Lion's Sleep Hunter instincts and experience on the hunt have granted Ayukawa insight into the minds of the prey she encounters. Animalistic encounters have allowed her to track and be capable of following those that she intends to target, at times giving her brief, but small insight into their intentions. While not fully developed, they allow for her to be less than likely to be caught off guard in a extreme moment, but it isn't as developed as one with further experience in the art.

Tag: | Words: 238| Notes:

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

[Senju Miho]

Welcoming the Rabble

Upon getting the tour and learning of the rules for their stay here, Miho would pay close attention to this. Though truly, despite regulations, she was more than aware that just about anything could happen within the exams. Death was one of those things, along with possible conflicts from those of different villages. Yet, she honestly had hope that this would be relative to the point of exchanging ideals that could aid in benefiting everyone. As they reached the structure to which they'd be staying, the brunette female would tilt her head to the side, though hearing the young girl speak once more upon finding locations of peace within Byakuya. It was a reasonable request, but Miho imagined that it would likely be something she'd have to discover upon her own. Right now, Miho simply wished to get to her room to try and find her own center before heading out to explore for herself. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Kaguya Toru]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you Zakku Burokon

Toru did follow along, quietly. The air outside of the station was colder than it was inside, but it was to be expected and he had already gotten a little taste of the nipping cold when he had arrived by ship in the town over before boarding the train. He just tightened his scarf a bit and placed his hands closer to his armpits, bracing against the cold as they walked. He looked upon all that there was to see, not with awe reflecting in his eyes but with a distinct interest. After all, this was a new place and it was quite beautiful in its own way. Even if it was all covered in snow, but the snow did have its place in the world. It was peaceful in a way.

He listened to the rules as they walked along, they all made sense. He had no intention of breaking those rules either. Violence was something he was going to purposefully avoid because he didn't want to show off his skill at all. Not until the time came to actually show it. No reason to give away information to his potential opponents. Leaving the village, that also made sense and frankly, Toru couldn't imagine why he would want to. There would be plenty of things to do before he got to the first round. And the arena was off-limits, he could only imagine what they put in there to make it off-limits... But, whatever.

Finally, they arrived at the check-in, something Toru would do without sticking around much longer after the woman made her final speech and welcomed them to the town. He would hand over his paperwork, and receive a rooming and food pass... Right after? He was on his way. Time to get warm inside and get some rest.

OWL

[Оonakayama Setsuna]

THE DESERT PRINCE

i am not defined by my birth

Zakku Burokon Saeko Ayukawa

203 words

Under any other circumstance, Setsuna would have been half an hour early before anyone else, however, the culture shock of being in a new country for the first time threw off his normally excellent sense of direction. He'd seen small groups gathering but they didn't seem to be the other genin candidates he was looking for. Eventually he was pointed in the right direction, and sheepishly tried to sneak into the group. Seeing Zakku and Ayukawa, he grinned sheepishly and would give them a nudge to signify he was there, but immediately put up a finger so as not to cause a disturbance. The village was much larger than he had anticipated, but it still felt homey to a degree...minus all the snow. Now that was a culture shock.

Setsuna perked up as one of the young girls mentioned how she struggled with social anxiety.  He certainly hadn't expected to hear something so vulnerable from a potential competitor, but to hear it said aloud gave him some odd sense of comfort. Turning to Zakku and Ayukawa, Setsuna grinnned. "I don't know about you two, but I'm starving. What better way to celebrate visiting a new place and culture then their food! I'll pay!" 

❤

[Zakku Burokon]

// Zakku //

There's a reckonin' a-comin'
And it burns beyond the grave
Lead inside my belly
'cause my soul has lost its way

@tag .

Zakku emerged his head as they started walking.  The new land was impressive to the Suna shinobi and he found himself wondering if the snow was replaced with Sand would it be that different than Suna?  A shiver brought him out of his thoughts as he looked at the Tree's listening to the Rules.

Nothing he wasn't warned of last time.  'Maybe we're not allowed in the Arena is because of you.'  Zakku had been with the group that had tagged the arena and gotten kicked out but he also figured the rule was so no one got and unfair advantage.  As they stopped in front of the place they'd be staying Zakku eyed the building wondering which room would be his.  

He was nudged and quickly shot irritated eyes at it's culprit.  Seeing Setsuna he quickly changed his look to more pleased one.  Returning his attention to the building he listened to the same girl ask another question.  He knew better than to murmur under his breath this time and resorted to just rolling his eyes. 

At Setsunas suggestion Zakku nodded approvingly.  "I'm all for it Dude.  I've never been one to turn down food."  He smirked and flashed the devil horns with one hand.  "First I think we should put our things inside.  Unless you plan on lugging your stuff through the place."