[Oonakayama Arashi]

Travel through the Storm TAG. WORDS. xxx NOTES:

Why are we here?..." What? Sick of me already? Holding a small pick between her teeth, the young woman would continue the march through the country side, her expression calm as she continued to hold tight to the strap that the gourd remained upon. Their travels had taken them quick some time to get through, but thankfully nothing appeared to be lost upon her frame of mind in terms of the safety of her home. If anything, she imagined that a word or message would have gotten to her by now. Still, she was starting to see the seams of how her progress was pulling it together. It wasn't so much as a lack of options in terms of freedom, but it was more so the simply courage it took to actually move forward. But it had less to do with just her connection with Shukaku, but a lot to do with her thinking in the lines of control and also in letting go of the things that she couldn't change. These were strong aspects to her life and to be able to liberate herself from it was indeed the best approach. Though, it did help that her time with just herself and Shukaku, she was able to hear much more of his voice, even when they weren't in each other's headspace. The rocky terrain began to show the familiar sight in the distance, but it was still a long ways before she actually arrived in Kumogakure. It would have been easier to just fly there, but that might not be the best idea considering she might be seen as a target. She had sent word of her arrival to the village, but there was still the chance of her being struck by something more than just lightning. Seeing the clouds that seemed to touch the heavens, her expression shifted to that of a smile before then placing one hand within her jacket and the other to the tooth pick between her teeth. "After this...its Konohagakure...kinda strange how this whole thing has gone down...and ya still haven't told me much of anything about you..." If your so interested in my past, perhaps you should consider earning the knowledge yourself..." "I have....and even they have limited knowledge as to who you are...the very species that you resemble..." Closing her eyes, she'd then kick the dust from her boot heels before then pressing forward. "May has well try here...different point of view and all that..." 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. -Jutsu Used- -Items Used- Sand Gourd -Familiar Used-

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

meet a monster

He had come far.

Much too far.

Much father than he would have liked.

This was out of place, even for him. But, a mission was a mission and he had to see it through to the bitter end, even if that meant losing them twice and was hoping to intercept them on their way to Kumogakure. As far as he had known, had picked up a trail through some very small villages between the cracks known as mountains in Kaminari no Kuni.

The reward that Hakurai promised had been too much and Isshiki was not a notable failure - at least, his persistence was what fixed some mistakes. Not always. He hoped it would this time, otherwise this was a 'shelf em, come back to em later' missions. He liked to watch people, seeing what they were like - and he always knew that a bug came out later if they went in sooner.

He was currently pegged over a cliff top, nearly in a seated position - a squat, with his elbows on his knees and otherwise limp. On his face, a trademark ANBU look - monkey, or at least an impression of one was on the front of his mask. But - no other mark was bore by him to make him significant to tie him to any land. His burn marks too, would have made him easily recognisable: which was why he was still in all black and covered from head to toe, save for a maroon cloak.

He did have a forged headband of Kumogakure no Sato, but that was one he would produce under duress and no other. If he were to be questioned, it would likely be other Kumogakure Shinobi, and that wouldn't bode well if they were also special ops.

The Jinchuuriki would likely see the ninja from afar as they waited - even though they stood up-wind, her other senses would not indicate otherwise, a rarity among Shinobi to lack a smell. But, even as he watched the country passing by - people were far and few between, and his hope was dwindling as time went on. A few more days of watching, perhaps?

[Oonakayama Arashi]

Travel through the Storm TAG. WORDS. xxx NOTES:

Moment Music Though her journey had held it's moments of different meetings and farewells, she honestly was glad that she had decided to do it. After all, she always complained before about never being able to go out and explore. Or even to enjoy the freedom that came with different assignments. They often resided only within Kaze no kuni, and it wasn't a bad thing. With her last attempt at it, she had nearly found herself dead. But, in truth, that had come from decade long plot that was so complex that even she had not seen much of it coming. She was a lot smarter and more cautious now... So the sight of a figure in black seeming to be sitting upon a cliff did ring a few bells and prompted her to raise her brow as she continued forward. She had not been told of an escort, save for the one that was currently with her in hiding. If they were from Kumogakure, it just seemed odd that they would not be coming to meet her. Perhaps they were simply trying to take a break? Drawing closer, she attempted to use her enhanced smell to pick up something on the wind....strangely even that seemed to give off a vague impression, and it wasn't much. It was strange...only because it rarely ever happened... Something doesn't feel right... The young female would continue along the path, her gaze looking to the figure in the distance once more, only to press on as she moved through the terrain. As she did so, she'd gently rub the tips of her fingers together, allowing a small trace of sand to fly from their surface. It wasn't much, but it would at least give her some semblance of her surroundings. But honestly, if there were danger out here...wouldn't Kumogakure already be out here? Wouldn't her own guard? In the end, she'd keep moving in the direction of the path, her steps becoming a bit more weary as she could see the rocky area becoming more ridged her in ascent. 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

[Deleted]

meet a monster

A person had become visible. Her appearance perked him, from behind the mask, he came to a stand. But - a quick analysis and he lost interest again, going back down to a squat. It was not a large male but a small female.

Isshiki had no means to detect the technique used by Arashi and did not perceive the grains of sand.

The ANBU member waved but otherwise appeared disinterested. "Traveller, welcome to Kaminari no Kuni!" The voice was loud, but toneless. The mask ruined his perception of tone, because Isshiki was naturally quite a bright individual and it would have come across as more friendly, but otherwise seemed impassive. "I mean you no harm. Please disregard my forsaken appearance," there was some humour, but his mask removed all poignant talking tics that could have identified him.

There was purpose to his introduction, mind. "You're the first person I've seen in several hours coming this direction. Have you happened by anyone on your journey? I'm looking for a man- aye high," his arm came out to taller than Isshiki. "Bright orange hair, very pig nosed." It was buttonlike, so he remembered.

The parasite within him squirmed. This heart was strong, it cooed. A fine addition, he regarded. But, there was plenty of time for that and he felt as though he had it under control. He had not yet properly afforded control to it, but its boons were numerous and he were already making fine use of them already.

He had already been around for... eighteen hours? Longer? Time was not an object to the man who did not need to sleep. The only foolishness was that his mind was constantly active now, and there were only so many things one could say to themselves.

[Oonakayama Arashi]

Travel through the Storm TAG. WORDS. xxx NOTES:

Moment Music While her technique had allowed her now to know of the position of the individual above her, her presence was soon directly contacted as they began to speak to her. Looking upward, Arashi would blink for a moment as the masked individual welcomed her and seemed almost a bit down upon himself in saying to ignore his appearance. But as he said he meant her no harm, there was still something a bit off-putting by hearing such a statement from a man in a monkey mask. Not to mention...she was still attempting to figure out just why in the world her sense of smell wasn't getting a single reading from this person. It was certainly something that didn't happen much, and in truth...it was familiar of someone she had run into before...if not briefly... At the question of if she had seen someone with orange hair and a pig nose, being as she was the first person this individual had come upon, Arashi would place her hand upon her hip, looking up at them as she began to think on the matter. Of course, thinking on it, she'd began to see a reflection lingering at her back of someone who was indeed orange haired. Not that it mattered much, as the individual that came to mind....was nothing more than a memory... "Can't say I have...I've only recently arrived myself..." In saying this, Arashi would then smirk for a moment as she'd shake her head. "Plus...kinda hard to miss someone with a pig nose..." It was odd enough considering that they were on a hunt and at the point of asking for aid, considering their demeanor appearing as that of an ANBU, but it seemed like they were attempting to try and garner as little attention as possible. Perhaps it was just that simple... "Sorry...maybe further down the road ya might have better luck..." 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

[Deleted]

meet a monster

Well, that was obvious enough - they were quite close to the border, when you got through the mountains anywho.

"Not a literal pig nose." He chided to himself. But - a large, stubby nose was what his intended description. But, she had also been a traveller- she wasn't typically darker like those of Kaminari no Kuni tended to be, but she was olive skinned. Warmer regions existed in the world; he was currently thinking of Tsuchi no Kuni, or Kaze no Kuni. Wasn't Hi no Kuni rather warm? His knowledge of climate was failing him at this endeavour of the mind and he dismissed the prior thinking. Why not just ask?

"Where do you hail from?" Isshiki supposed he didn't mind spending a bit of time wasting away the day since he was just going to sit there otherwise. Right now, he was taking advantage of being both a Kumogakure shinobi and not a Kumogakure shinobi, since no truth had been erred. Not that he had an issue with lying. It would at least provide some insight to Arashi that he was not expecting her visit for his lack of courtesy at her identity.

Isshiki hadn't moved from his spot or position - clearly uninterested in Arashi. "I can't confide the same to you, as is the nature of dingy, dirty work. Apologies. You can call me Saru [lit. Monkey], though." The voice inside his mind wanted to smear her blood on the rocks he squat upon for no reason other than he wanted to - but he had better things to do. Better rewards would come out of being patient, and he, was a patient hunter.

[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

The midmorning light filtered through the blue-tinted windows of the Raikage's office as Kizumi sat placidly doing paperwork--reviewing mission requests, promotional opportunities, letters, notices, financials, the works. When she glanced up at the clock, however, she squinted. "Raiu, Taifuu," she called. Two ANBU operatives appeared at the foot of her next in a blur of motion; both wearing plain masks, unadorned with any particular likeness of an animal. Raiu was a solidly-built, muscular person with a mop of short, unruly dark hair, while the more lithe Taifuu made no effort to hide the thick brown fox ears and substantially fluffy tail indicative of her people. "Oonakayama-hime sent notice that she was anticipating her arrival today," Kizumi told the operatives. "She should be taking the standard path; she's trained with Kiho before, she should know the way, but I don't want to take any chances. Locate her and escort her safely here." Simultaneous salutes, and with another blur of motion and a puff of smoke, the two shinobi disappeared. Kizumi sighed, her eyes falling back on her paperwork. Was this the wrong call? Should she go herself, as a sign of respect to the visiting jinchuuriki and Oonakayama clan heir? Or would that have been taken as condescending, as if Kizumi thought the young woman couldn't look after herself? At least the two operatives were capable, a nominal honor guard. Only time would tell. [Five rotations before Kumogakure ANBU operatives arrive.]

Oonakayama Arashi Hayatoru, Kazuki -- 240

LAIKA OF THQ

[Oonakayama Arashi]

Travel through the Storm TAG. WORDS. xxx NOTES:

Arashi would raise her brow with a smirk at the mention of it not being a literal pig nosed individual, her body continuing upward through the path as she began to speak again. "Hope not...otherwise I'd feel sorry for the pig nosed human..." With her sand placed on the individual unnoticed, she'd be able to sense his position had not changed, allowing for her to be out of sight briefly, but still be aware of his own as he spoke of where she came from. Coming back into view as she continued the path to the cliff, her gaze would rest upon the masked man as she answered calmly. "Kaze no kuni...mostly downward..." A smirk crossed her lips as she shrugged before speaking again. "Sorry... I get your position, but I'm not much for sharing information with people I don't know either...kinda works both ways to be fair..." Though she at the very least got a name to call him, Saru. "Monkey?...Heh...okay...I guess I get that...my name is Arashi..." Giving a first name didn't really do much, save for perhaps an identity of how many other people that had the same name. Despite it being on gifted to her at birth, she could think of a million other places and people that held it as well. Looking around the area, she'd then release a calm breath before seeing him remain squatted upon the rocks, a bit closer now than she was prior. "Guess that means since ya can't tell me of your name, ya can't tell me of why your looking for this individual either huh?" 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

[Deleted]

meet a monster

Well, that would do nothing but make him more biased in his own view! He had roughly guessed the area of heritage, given by her skin. Internally validating his own beliefs. She told him her name and he did know of Arashi's - there was the world famous one, the household name and Sunagakure's Jōnin Hanchō. But, it bothered him none. There were three people in his own village named Isshiki that he knew of, it wasn't an uncommon name - why wouldn't it be the same of Kaze no Kuni?

He was the hunter, and not the other way around, and did not like it when Arashi disappeared from view. He remained still - of course, that would be passed over to Arashi. Listening via his ears - and relaxed again when Arashi came into view once more.

Would it be an issue for him to reveal himself? The mask was already on. He was already in assassination mode. A real question, but he would have to keep up appearances. Murder was never particularly a fun topic, not to arouse one's interest. "For evading the law in his home country over some taxes chose to flee." That was the truth of it, but he had not laid out his dispensation or duty over the matter. Isshiki was always known as being unconventional.

She was continuing to move past him in spite of their conversation, and internally - that was fine. A bit boring, but he wasn't there to have fun. Even if what it was he was doing were fun. The mission scroll was still in his back pocket, waiting to be used.

Another set of people were coming into the horizon as well; a caravan. Isshiki knew this person was moving by themselves and so it was unlikely they'd have seen anything, if they weren't that far behind Arashi too. At least, it might be a good lead to follow...

[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

The two ANBU operatives departed the village at a fast clip, deftly bounding from rooftop to rooftop until they reached the southern gate. They were allowed passage, and started making their way down the steep, winding path through the mountains that warded the Hidden Village. "You know anything about this girl?” Raiu asked their partner. Their voice had the rough, scratchy quality of a chainsmoker’s, gravelly and pleasantly low. "Oonakayama-hime,” Taifuu replied, her tone simultaneously higher and far more blunt. "Princess of the Royal Family, Jounin Hancho. Jinchuuriki.” "Ah,” Raiu said faintly, scratching their neck. "That explains training with Zeus, then.” "Mm. This way.” Taifuu led the pair off the beaten path, deviating from the main road in order to angle further south. "From what I hear, she’s extremely capable, but jin are always a target—if she doesn’t have an escort of her own, then we should link up with her quickly.” "Yes boss,” Raiu said, offering a wry kind of salute. "But do you really think she’ll run into trouble this far up the path?” Taifuu shrugged, her tail whipping in the wind. "I don’t know,” she said. "But I’d rather not take any chances. C’mon, let’s move it.” [Four rotations before Kumogakure ANBU operatives arrive.]

Oonakayama Arashi Hayatoru, Kazuki -- 200

LAIKA OF THQ

[Oonakayama Arashi]

Travel through the Storm TAG. WORDS. xxx NOTES:

"So Tax Evasion? Must of been quite the loan..." Arashi would finally have reached the position in which the masked man was standing, her hand resting upon her hip as she raised her brow with a calm expression. In the end, she couldn't imagine just what kind of loan could have caused a response from the ANBU to be the correct route. But then, she wasn't from these lands, so it was possible that some of their rulings and decisions were far more harsh than within Kaze no Kuni. She was familiar with the politics, but not all of them. In the end, the man hadn't done anything that seemed too suspect, but there was indeed something off about him. If her nose was any indication of this being a warning sign, then she could think of nothing else. Still, within the distance, her nose did pick up something a bit more sudden moving in their direction. It was faint, but it was drawing closer by the moment. At least they smelled like this place, and not...like anything he was giving off. With her hazel gaze remaining on Monkey, she'd question a lot about what could be causing their rapid approach, but she dismissed it for the moment as she seemed to now be within close range of the man. "Well...if I happen to see em...I'll definitely report it in...of course..if he did beat feet, he'd probably be moving toward the port by now..." Pointing her thumb backwards as to indicate the direction she had come from, her expression remained calm as she then tilted her head to the side. 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

[Deleted]

meet a monster

"..." It actually hadn't been a large loan at all. Large enough to warrant a secondary contract, but scarcely to the point that revenge was better for one's honor than to have simply taken them through a legal route. Because why else than to signal the other people you did business with than 'pay your dues or don't - and suffer the consequences for it' and that was a belief that Isshiki wholeheartedly agreed with. The message was more important than the cause.

But Isshiki didn't say that, because why else would he have given Arashi logic to assume otherwise? It would have been foolish for him to object otherwise. The silence would speak affirmatively for him. The woman that now finally stood equal to him was petite. Small, unassuming. The gourd on her back, as he could see from it protruding around her figure was impressionable.

Isshiki also didn't state that he had already checked the ports; and had found no sign of him, leading to why he'd ended up there on the rocks waiting for someone to show up. Because if you weren't taking off to other lands, you take the next safe haven and what better than a shinobi village? But still... she did have a point. Maybe it was worth checking out a second time? The main difference between his failure before and success now was time. Isshiki was far stronger and faster than the civilian, but perhaps his intelligence was not greater than that of his target's.

It would make sense that they would lose the trail of the ports and redirect Isshiki so he could actually take off. But, he assessing that option as he watched a secondary caravan of people. He wanted to check that out first - they would be a while before they got there, where Arashi had come from. "Thank you for your integrity and due diligence, ma'am." he felt twitchy. The rabble rousing needles inside his body were pricking at the inside of his skin - he could feel how strong this woman was. His forearm was twitching at the joint, not that he would pay it any attention but it would be clear enough to Arashi. But, he dismissed the thought; it was illogical. The same desire had come from a Genin that he had run by. It was the exterior factors (their locale, her lack of guard and indifference at Isshiki's imposing appearance) that his intelligence hinted toward slightly better than Genin.

Jiongu craved strong hearts, and so it was at least an indication that she was a Shinobi. Civilians didn't quite hit the mark anymore, and so his depravity grew. "Well." Isshiki would tug at the bottom of his mask, pulling it slightly away from its voice that the muffling was only half reverbed. "Thanks for breaking up my day!" The joy could not be missed in his voice, but it was still absolutely not the male's true voice. Isshiki would slip it back on. It was true, sitting there motionlessly for several hours was... tedious. There were only so many thoughts he could have in any one sitting.

He supposed it was time to go check out the caravan, and maybe the ports once again. Isshiki would do his duty, more or less.

[semi-exit]

[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

It was a simple enough affair for two experienced Kumogakure shinobi to make their way down the path, but that didn’t make the path any less long. Taifuu’s shortcut was a precarious one, saving time only if one was extraordinarily precise with their footwork—something the Murahira operative found quite simple, but that the larger, comparatively less dextrous Raiu was struggling to match. "Taifuu, slow down,” they hissed. "I need to watch where you’re going so I know where to step.” They couldn’t have possibly seen Taifuu’s eyeroll, but they felt it deep in their soul. And so the journey went. It was an easy dynamic between the two individuals, but as the minutes passed by the difference in their skill level would become demonstrably clear: no rank tabs present, but the average observer would immediately pinpoint Taifuu as a jounin, while her partner was at least a rank behind. Still, Raiu was doing their best to keep up, and doing a relatively decent job of it—which could even cut down on their arrival time, if all continued to go well. [Three rotations before Kumogakure ANBU operatives arrive. Should Isshiki depart the thread before schedule operative arrival, will speed up the arrival time so that Arashi and Shukaku aren’t hanging out alone, lmao.]

Oonakayama Arashi Hayatoru, Kazuki -- 181

LAIKA OF THQ

[Oonakayama Arashi]

Travel through the Storm TAG. WORDS. xxx NOTES:

Their pretty twitchy for an operative of a shadow group...but then..maybe it's just me.. It isn't... Hearing Shukaku tone of voice, Arashi would continue to watch the masked individual as they seemed to thank her for the suggestion, indicating that they may be preparing to move on their way. Even then, as it seemed like the moment was about to end, she was a bit curious more so on just who this person was? She'd probably have to ask the next time she could, but someone capable of eluding her sense of smell was certainly not someone to take lightly. But then, it wasn't really a lack of odor that bugged her, it was what seemed to be replacing it. Nothing...but a lingering fragrance. She knew she had been around it before, and the longer she stood there, the more it was starting to come to mind and create an image for her to recall to memory. "No problem...Good luck..." In saying that, Arashi would then seem to move passed them, her body only inches away as her chakra only flared briefly as far as the man was concerned. If anything else, it wasn't by design, but impulse from Shukaku. As the strong aura radiated in it's invisible form, the Sunagakure nin would proceed back down from the opposite side, her steps careful against the rocks as she made her way forward. She still had a way to go, but as she picked up the figures that were drawing in close, she'd stop briefly as she looked upward with a calm expression. "Guess ya not gonna be alone in ya hunt at least right?" 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

[Deleted]

meet a monster

Isshiki moved past them, giving Arashi from Kaze no Kuni a wide berth, as was natural when dealing with Shinobi, given their... tumultuous history with one another. She might've not known it but it thrilled him as he passed by her, Jiongu was pulling at him to turn around and dig his fingers underneath her skin from the base of her skull.

But, he did not. The twitching continued. He stopped when she offered him good luck. "Thanks." and he did not answer for a few seconds when she did. 'It wouldn't hurt...' The internal workings allowed it.

There was perhaps a bit of arrogance in his voice, but it would not have been telling by the voice of the mask who simply blunted the wording to sound like a statement. "I do get lots of help." If only she knew the truth of the help that he got. Under the mask, Isshiki grinned. But, she would not have seen it nor been able to foretell it.

He hoped they did not meet again.

And off he went.

[exit]