Arashi would look toward this exchange between Zakku and Asahi, her eyes rolling at the sight of the blunts, though she had to admit that it was a good play. After all, offering such an gift would at least open people up to conversation.
"Zak...ugh...fine...but be sure not to get so high on ya supply that ya forget the mission...same for you too...I didn't even know ya smoked..."
With a blank expression, she'd place one hand upon her hip as she raised her brow toward Asahi, listening to him explain how he would use his chakra sensing ability to monitor the situation as things unfolded. If things went well, he would be aware of what each of them was dealing with at all times, ready to come to their aid if need be.
Somehow...she was starting to realize more and more why both her and the Kazekage agreed on having Asahi on his mission. Not only because of his level headedness, but his skills as well. His ability to sense chakra and it's stability would allow for none of them having to make a scene. In a place like this, that would only start trouble, which was what they were trying to avoid.
"We only get one shot at this...if this goes wrong..we're lookin at either all out war with the badlands or possibly isolating these groups to the point where Sekara becomes a bigger warzone than it already is...we can't afford to have a civil war within Kaze no Kuni...lets get it done..."
Den of ThievesWith a smirk crossing her lips, the Jounin would then begin her ascent up the stairs, opening the doors as the music seemed to burst out as though trying to escape into the atmosphere. The air was wavering with smoke and the smell of mixed odors hit her nose like a bull. Thankfully, she could focus it on smells less apparent as she made her way inside with her teammates. Lights flashed on and off, figures dancing and moving across the floor. The clicking of glasses could be heard from close by as these groups seemed to have gathered in this place in one moment of peaceful entertainment.
It was strange how a meeting of leaders was the only time such fraction could work together. Otherwise, she'd imagine they'd be trying to kill and steal from each other.
So far, she couldn't pick up any sign of Rei, which for that moment, brought her a lot of relief, even prompting a sigh to escape her lips as she scanned the area. In the end, she knew that she couldn't show any sign of weakness here. Especially if she was to lead on this.
Looking over her shoulder at both Asahi and Zakku, she'd signal for them to spread out to begin their tasks, Arashi moving forward as she made her way through the gathering.
"Ey ey ey!! Look out! The floor is crowded enough..."
Arashi would see the man whom seemed to have bumped into her, though she did her best to ignore him as she continued on. Yet as he attempted to take hold of her shoulder, he'd find himself buffered back by a swipe of a hand.
"Now now Beju! Thats no way to treat guest now no?"
Arashi would blink as she'd see her defender standing between her and the drunkard, the man now scoffing as he waved his hand to the side and kept moving back toward the bar.
"Forgiveness is in order for Beju...he is a terrible drunk..."
"Never of guessed..."
Arashi would keep moving as the man would continue to follow, his tanned demeanor keeping to her side.
"I have no doubt...Lady Arashi yes?...I was told you were coming...I wished to be the one to escort you to the table..."
"And you are..."
"Noji Genikuma...I am second to my groups leader, Gobai..."
"Gobai?"
"Yes...terrible name I know...still...he is one of the leading groups here in Sekara...he is the one that you might want to keep on your good side..."
Arashi would raise her brow before looking away with a serious expression.
"I'm sure ya sayin that because it might benefit your gang gettin a better deal right?"
"Ha ha ha...It's no secret what it is that you intend to accomplish here princess..."
"Jounin Hanchou..."
"Such a mouthful...in any case...I am only giving you advice...the rest may not be so willing to budge if you are not on good terms with one of their major players..."
Stopping short of a door, Genikuma would bow as he then began to wave his hand with closed eyes and a smile.
"Food for thought Princess...."
As entry was given to her, Arashi would narrow her eyes before closing them as she went inside to join the rest. Not seeing Genikuma as he seemed to begin making his way back, a smile on his face as he began scanning the area for both Zakku and Asahi.
-----------
Meanwhile, the area was rip with people that could be mingled with. Though the ones of note seemed to be wearing garbs of red, another with tags of yellow as they narrowed their eyes at each other. On the far side of the area was a group that seemed to be more relaxed than the rest, their glasses filled as one stand at the center as calm as a brewing storm. His large physique held a strong presence of chakra, yet his appearance alone would be intimidating enough...
As for Beju..clearly less than thrilled at being shoved off, he'd begin to pace back over toward the bar, sitting himself down as he grumbled under his breath before ordering another drink.
-S.A Used-
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.
Ichibi Host
Arashi is the host to the Ichibi. As such, she has been granted a massive boost to her chakra and various other skills. Sand will unconsciously move to her will, even if she doesn’t want it to. She also has a natural affinity with Fuuinjutsu due to the curse marks that appear over her at times. Arashi also has an affinity to wind. However, because of the low number of tails on Ichibi, Arashi has difficulties controlling the biju and rarely sleeps. She rarely lowers her guard as well.
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.
-Jutsu Used-
-Items Used-
-Familiar Used-