[takeda sadako]

KILLING YOUR IDOLS IS A CHORE

The exams had put a bad taste in Sadako’s mouth. Leaving for Kuwana, she’d envisioned a triumphant homecoming; top score, promotion ready to be processed, everyone in the clan compound impressed with her flawless display of hand-to-hand skill and tactical know-how. Instead everything was just… the same. No one was angry with her for flunking out. It made sense, nearly everyone failed on their first go, you’ll get it next time, just a little more training. She would have preferred derision; at least that would’ve given her something to rail against. The regular routine was back to training and missions, except now she and Junichi had a third on their squad: something something Sakura. Some nobody who had been on extended leave for a while. Junichi wasn’t available for this assignment, so it was just Sadako and Sakura. Standard attire, but today she wore a sleek black mask over her nose and mouth, only the flat gaze of her dark eyes visible beneath a thin, wispy layer of fringe. Her mood was less foul than pensive, but she was certainly no ray of sunshine, and Sensei’s constant nagging of keep your mouth shut had been valuable advice that, in retrospect, she should’ve taken. Easier to keep her peace if no one could read her face. Sadako checked out with the guards and crossed the southern bridge, where the boy and the horse she’d been told to keep an eye out for were waiting. She jerked her chin up at him in greeting. "Southwest to the steel mill,” was all she said, her voice faintly muffled by her mask. "You done escort before?” She hadn’t, but Sakura didn’t need to know that.

Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki -- 281

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki]

[googlefont="Open Sans"]

_{takeda sadako | 2/15}

[PTabbedContent]

[PTab=Post]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]He hadn’t expected to be put on a mission so soon after returning to the Village, but Sakura was all for it. While utilizing the training grounds was helpful, going outside the Village was the best way for him and Kaede to get better at working together.

And speaking of learning to work together, the mission would allow him to get to know his new team, or at least a part of it, and see how well they would cooperate.

Sakura grabbed the horn of Kaede’s saddle and placed a foot into the stirrup to haul himself up onto the large animal. He left the Tenchi compound with plenty of time to spare, but he would have to take the long way, as most people didn’t like him riding his horse through the city proper where there were crowds of people to get in Kaede’s way.

But even so, he managed to get to the meeting spot first. His partner for this mission wasn’t present yet, so there was nothing for him to do but wait. He filled the time by checking his gear, even dismounting to make sure Kaede’s straps were all snug and in no danger of loosening.

Movement out of the corner of his eye alerted him to someone approaching. There was no proper greeting from the masked girl, just a nod, which he returned. The only reason he knew the girl’s name was Sadako was because of the briefing he got when he had been assigned to the Team.

She was rather brusque, but he didn’t particularly mind, he wasn’t one for meaningless conversation either. He nodded again in response to her question. "Once before," he said. "With my old team." The delivery of materials for the train tracks a while before he had taken his furlough.

He heaved himself back onto Kaede and turned the horse towards the direction their destination lay. But he paused before nudging the stallion into motion. "Did you want a ride? Or would you prefer to walk?"

Kaede snorted, bobbing his head as he eyed the girl. The horse would have no problem carrying both of the genin, but he was a little annoyed that his rider hadn’t consulted him before offering. Sakura simply pulled softly on the reins to quiet Kaede, awaiting Sadako’s answer.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

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00 | Items
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[PTab=Jutsu]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Abilities]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]『Crystals in the Blood』

Born into the Muten Branch of the Tenchi Clan, and despite being of mixed heritage, Sakurayashiki was lucky enough to be one of the few members graced with the blood mutation that allows him to wield the element of Shōton. While he is able to create the crystals at will, he's not the best at ninjutsu which effects the potency of his jutsu when he does use them.

Unlike others in his clan, who's Shōton manifests a pink color, Sakura's crystals appear pale green in color, similar to jadeite. This is simply an aesthetic change and doesn't effect the strength of the crystals.

『Crystalline Control』

While not born with the largest of the of chakra wells, Sakura has spent a majority of his younger life learning to properly mold his chakra so he didn't waste any of it when using techniques in combat.

He's turned manipulating his chakra into a fine art, rivaling the control of medics or puppeteers, and he doesn't misuse even a tiny bit of the energy on unnecessary flash. He's able to last in battle for quite a long while, compared to those without control, thanks to this control.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[/PTabbedContent={background:transparent;border:0px;width:80%;}]

Crystalline

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[takeda sadako]

KILLING YOUR IDOLS IS A CHORE

Once before. Shit. Sadako was banking on him being less experienced than her, but he did mention an old team—he’d probably been a genin while she was still in the academy, and she’d been a genin for almost a year already. Almost a year and she’d still gotten her ass handed to her. "No," she said shortly, her mood darkening. She didn’t want a ride on his stupid horse. Where did he even keep the damn thing? Was there a stable in the city she didn’t know about? "I can keep up.” Whether or not that was true fully depended on how kind Sakura decided to be. Sadako, in her infinite wisdom, would start out the journey at a healthy jog. She was quick, no doubt about it, but her quickness was relative to the tightness of her motion; she was quick in close-quarters, quick to react, quick to strike, quick to turn on her heel or change her stance. Long-distance running was a different beast entirely. If it seemed like Sakura was keeping pace with her, would speed up, as if trying to prove something about whether or not she could run faster than a horse. She absolutely could not run faster than a horse, but she would give herself a split side and a solid cardio workout trying.

Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki -- 226

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki]

[googlefont="Open Sans"]

_{takeda sadako | 4/15}

[PTabbedContent]

[PTab=Post]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Sakura blinked and Kaede nickered at the brusque tone that came from Sadako. "Suit yourself," he said with a shrug. He had just been trying to be polite. If Sadako would rather walk, that was her prerogative. Nudging Kaede in the sides with his knees, he turned the horse and began the trek to their destination.

As they walked along the path, it soon became obvious that Sadako was trying to outpace the horse. It made Sakura furrow his brow in confusion because he knew full well that there was no possible way she could. Neither of them could at this point in time. He almost offered her a ride again, but figured it would go over just as well as the first time.

He could just keep going and wait for her to give up her futile activity, but she struck Sakura as the stubborn type. Instead, he subtly tapped Kaede on the neck and the horse slowed his pace by a hair, just enough that someone wouldn’t be straining themselves to keep up with. Sakura wasn’t a hundred percent sure what they would all be expected to do once they arrived, but he figured everything would go smoother if Sadako wasn’t exhausted by the time they arrived.

The supply yard was a decently long trip from the Village, but it wasn’t too hard on horseback. The little group made good time and got there in the early afternoon. Sakura swung his leg over Kaede’s neck and slid down to the ground while the horse was still walking, grabbing the reins and leading him towards the foreman.

"Afternoon," he said. "We’re the shinobi from Amegakure, here to escort materials to the construction site."

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

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[attr="class","lightbluetext"]00 | Items
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


00 | Items
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Jutsu]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Abilities]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]『Crystals in the Blood』

Born into the Muten Branch of the Tenchi Clan, and despite being of mixed heritage, Sakurayashiki was lucky enough to be one of the few members graced with the blood mutation that allows him to wield the element of Shōton. While he is able to create the crystals at will, he's not the best at ninjutsu which effects the potency of his jutsu when he does use them.

Unlike others in his clan, who's Shōton manifests a pink color, Sakura's crystals appear pale green in color, similar to jadeite. This is simply an aesthetic change and doesn't effect the strength of the crystals.

『Crystalline Control』

While not born with the largest of the of chakra wells, Sakura has spent a majority of his younger life learning to properly mold his chakra so he didn't waste any of it when using techniques in combat.

He's turned manipulating his chakra into a fine art, rivaling the control of medics or puppeteers, and he doesn't misuse even a tiny bit of the energy on unnecessary flash. He's able to last in battle for quite a long while, compared to those without control, thanks to this control.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[/PTabbedContent={background:transparent;border:0px;width:80%;}]

Crystalline

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[takeda sadako]

KILLING YOUR IDOLS IS A CHORE

Sakura’s evaluation of her was right on the money: she was, in fact, incredibly stubborn, and she would, genuinely, work herself to exhaustion to prove a point that nobody gave a shit about but her. If she realized what Sakura was doing when he adjusted the pace of his horse, she didn’t acknowledge it; but she didn’t push herself to go faster, either. Silently acquiescing to the middle ground of maintaining her pace. Even still, Sadako was winded by the time they got to the supply yard, and while Sakura dismounted and went to go speak to the foreman, Sadako hung back, bent in half, sweat dripping down her back and brow as she tried to catch her breath. She was fine. Everything was fine. She wasn’t being stupid at all. The foreman directed them to their payload: a cart hitched to a draft horse, already loaded up with the necessary supplies. "Anything else?” she asked, and when the foreman replied with a negative, she nodded brusquely. "Let’s go, then.” Sadako, having no earthly concept of how to ride a horse, instead opted for taking the horse’s reins and leading it from the supply yard—she’d be making the journey back on foot as well, albeit at a much slower pace. This was where potential threats were likely to come in, though; the draft horse was a vulnerable animal, which could make it a tempting target for hungry predators, or local rogues could be looking to ambush the payload and make off with the materials. Before they made it too far from the supply yard, Sadako did not make eye contact with Sakura and said, "We should scout ahead.” She ground her teeth and swallowed her pride and continued, "You’ll be faster about it than me.”

Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki -- 295

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki]

[googlefont="Open Sans"]

_{takeda sadako | 6/15}

[PTabbedContent]

[PTab=Post]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]The whole transaction went quickly and smoothly. With very few words exchanged between all parties involved, the two genin were given their cargo and sent off to their next destination. Despite there now being a second horse, Sadako opted to walk again. Sakura wasn’t sure if she couldn’t ride, or if this was another bout of stubbornness.

He sighed through his nose and placed his foot into the stirrup of Kaede’s saddle, swinging himself back up into the seat. He took the lead, but not by much, again, not wanting to wear out Sadako while the girl was walking.

He was all too aware of the threats having horses in the woods could pose, and then there was the fact that they had decently valuable cargo. So Sadako’s suggestion to scout ahead, while a surprise, was a welcome one. It was a good idea so he nodded and pulled out his bow and knocked a wooden arrow - just in case.

He nudged Kaede in the sides and the horse broke into a trot moving ahead of the caravan. As they continued down the path, the boy kept an eye out on the fringes of the path alert for any threats. Kaede’s ears were flicking back and forth, also keeping an ear out for predators. The only sounds that Sakura could hear were the normal sounds of nature beneath the sound of Kaede’s rhythmic hoofbeats and breathing.

They moved at a slow trot, losing sight of the caravan. After about ten minutes down the path, Kaede stopped, pawing at the ground. His ears pinned back and he let out a snort. Sakura immediately went on the defensive, tightening his hold on his arrow, ready to take a shot if anything emerged from the woods.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Items]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]00 | Items
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


00 | Items
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Jutsu]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Abilities]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]『Crystals in the Blood』

Born into the Muten Branch of the Tenchi Clan, and despite being of mixed heritage, Sakurayashiki was lucky enough to be one of the few members graced with the blood mutation that allows him to wield the element of Shōton. While he is able to create the crystals at will, he's not the best at ninjutsu which effects the potency of his jutsu when he does use them.

Unlike others in his clan, who's Shōton manifests a pink color, Sakura's crystals appear pale green in color, similar to jadeite. This is simply an aesthetic change and doesn't effect the strength of the crystals.

『Crystalline Control』

While not born with the largest of the of chakra wells, Sakura has spent a majority of his younger life learning to properly mold his chakra so he didn't waste any of it when using techniques in combat.

He's turned manipulating his chakra into a fine art, rivaling the control of medics or puppeteers, and he doesn't misuse even a tiny bit of the energy on unnecessary flash. He's able to last in battle for quite a long while, compared to those without control, thanks to this control.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[/PTabbedContent={background:transparent;border:0px;width:80%;}]

Crystalline

[newclass=".PT_table .PT_tabs"]font-size:12px;border:0px;padding:10px;text-align:center;color:#a4cbad;background-color:white;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
[newclass=".PT_table .PT_tabs_selected"]font-size:12px;border:0px;padding:10px;text-align:center;color:white;background-color:#a4cbad;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
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[takeda sadako]

KILLING YOUR IDOLS IS A CHORE

Sadako would lay down and die before she ever admitted that she didn’t know how to do something; Sakura would have to pull off her toenails and hold her feet over a fire if he wanted her to admit defeat and ride the fucking horse. Wasn’t gonna happen. Death was a small price to pay if it meant avoiding utter humiliation, and that was all that would come to her if she tried to sit horseback and make an animal move. Thankfully, though, Sakura accepted her suggestion of scouting, and he and his horse quickly disappeared down the path ahead, moving faster and with less strain than if Sadako had tried to scout on foot. She clicked her tongue, trying to nudge the draft horse into a faster pace, and it very reluctantly accelerated ever so slightly. Sadako sighed heavily, and stayed the course. Up ahead, Kaede’s keen ears alerted him to danger, and Sakura was on edge… and for good reason. Slinking out from between the trees, teeth bared and ribs jutting out beneath mangy skin, was a pair of unusually large gray wolves—not quite the size of dire wolves, but larger than most of their kin that roamed the wilds of this area. Another pair emerged from Sakura and Kaede’s other side, flanking the boy and his horse in a desperate bid for a decent meal.

Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki -- 228

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki]

[googlefont="Open Sans"]

_{takeda sadako | 8/15}

[PTabbedContent]

[PTab=Post]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]As Sakura faced the encroaching wolves, the clarity of his training crystallized in the moment's tension. The wolves, larger and more desperate than any he had seen in the region, advanced with a dangerous hunger in their eyes. Sakura's calm was a thin veneer over the rapid beat of his heart; he knew the importance of each movement now, where a single mistake could spell disaster.

He aimed his bow at the closest wolf, hoping the threat would be enough to deter them. But their desperation made them bold, and they continued their advance, eyes locked on Kaede. The horse, sensing the danger, stood ready to bolt or defend, relying on Sakura's guidance.

Sakura's focus remained split between managing Kaede and keeping the wolves at bay. The standoff felt like an eternity, each second stretching out as he weighed his options. His first arrow flew, striking one of the wolves and eliciting a pained yelp. But the animal falling from the arrow did not deter the pack; if anything, it seemed to make them more determined.

Sakura quickly notched an explosive arrow, aiming to shoot into a tree and set the blast off. His goal was to scare them off, not to kill, but he was prepared to do whatever was necessary to protect both himself and his horse. He quickly notched another arrow if the explosion didn’t send at least some of them running.

Kaede, for his part, exhibited remarkable calm, trained to trust in Sakura's decisions. His ears flicked back at the sound of the bowstring, his body tense but under control. The horse's presence was a reassurance to Sakura, a reminder of the companionship that extended beyond the battlefield.

As Sakura prepared for the possibility of close combat, his mind raced through various strategies. Could he use the environment to his advantage? Was there a way to use the wolves' pack behavior against them? The wolves, now cautiously circling, seemed to sense the gravity of the standoff as well. Sakura stood ready, bow in hand, prepared to defend against the wild desperation before him.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Items]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]00 | Items
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


00 | Items
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Jutsu]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Abilities]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]『Crystals in the Blood』

Born into the Muten Branch of the Tenchi Clan, and despite being of mixed heritage, Sakurayashiki was lucky enough to be one of the few members graced with the blood mutation that allows him to wield the element of Shōton. While he is able to create the crystals at will, he's not the best at ninjutsu which effects the potency of his jutsu when he does use them.

Unlike others in his clan, who's Shōton manifests a pink color, Sakura's crystals appear pale green in color, similar to jadeite. This is simply an aesthetic change and doesn't effect the strength of the crystals.

『Crystalline Control』

While not born with the largest of the of chakra wells, Sakura has spent a majority of his younger life learning to properly mold his chakra so he didn't waste any of it when using techniques in combat.

He's turned manipulating his chakra into a fine art, rivaling the control of medics or puppeteers, and he doesn't misuse even a tiny bit of the energy on unnecessary flash. He's able to last in battle for quite a long while, compared to those without control, thanks to this control.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[/PTabbedContent={background:transparent;border:0px;width:80%;}]

Crystalline

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[takeda sadako]

One of the wolves fell with a pained cry, while the rest of the hungry pack closed ranks, determined for what seemed like the last chance for a decent meal before their collective hunger robbed them of their ability to hunt at all. Sakura’s explosive arrow landed into the trunk of a tree nearby a with a distinct thunk before exploding in a concussive blast. One the wolves was caught in the blast, setting mangy fur aflame and sending the creature running, too frightened now to hunt past the flame and pain; a second wolf was bowled over from the concussive force, but wasn’t terribly injured and got to its feet to rejoin the last wolf standing, apparently ready to either succeed in the hunt or die in this critical moment. The uninjured wolf snarled and leapt at Kaede, teeth snapping in a ferocious bite aimed at the horse’s hind leg, attempting to cripple the animal in anticipation of finishing it off. Sadako, some ways back, heard the explosion up ahead and swore loudly to herself. Something had clearly gone wrong, but in telling Sakura to scout she’d forgotten that they didn’t have any fucking radios, and she had no idea what was going on. She couldn’t leave the payload behind, but she couldn’t leave Sakura on his own, either—what the fuck was she supposed to do? The only thing she could do, really. She got on the fucking horse. ”Go!” she yelled at the draft horse, kicking it the way she’d seen other riders kick a horse’s flank with their heels; but she didn’t know the technique, and the sound of the explosion and scent of wolves had spooked the draft horse. It paced uncomfortably in place, now resisting moving forward at all, growing only more anxious as Sadako tried to issue even more urgent commands. "Run! Do horse things!”

Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki -- 315
9/15

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki]

[googlefont="Open Sans"]

_{takeda sadako | 10/15}

[PTabbedContent]

[PTab=Post]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Even as he dealt with the wolves, Sakura couldn’t shake the feeling of worry for Sadako. She was alone with the payload and, without a means to communicate, he couldn't warn her of the danger or check her status. His heart pounded harder with the burden of immediate threat and responsibility to keep his .

With the wolves momentarily staggered by the blast, Sakura quickly notched another arrow, this time aiming directly at the advancing wolf. His movements were fluid, a testament to his rigorous training, but the tension in his arms betrayed the gravity of the situation. As he released the arrow, it flew true, striking the aggressive wolf before it could get its teeth into the horse’s leg.

Kaede neighed loudly, pawing anxiously at the ground. He shuffled further back down the path, away from the remaining wolf, while still allowing Sakura a clean view to aim his weapon. Sakura shushed, softly keeping the horse calm so he didn’t spook. Their bond was their greatest strength, allowing them to function as a cohesive unit against the wild threat.

Sakura kept a wary eye on the remaining wolves. His last arrow had bought them some time, but he knew the animals were desperate and might regroup for another assault. He prepared for another potential engagement, his senses sharp and his mind racing through tactics.

As he steadied Kaede, ready to move at a moment’s notice, the standoff continued. Sakura pulled another arrow from his quiver and held it ready in case another wolf tried to lunge. Each side measured the other, waiting for a break in the tension that would dictate their next move.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Items]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]00 | Items
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


00 | Items
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Jutsu]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Abilities]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]『Crystals in the Blood』

Born into the Muten Branch of the Tenchi Clan, and despite being of mixed heritage, Sakurayashiki was lucky enough to be one of the few members graced with the blood mutation that allows him to wield the element of Shōton. While he is able to create the crystals at will, he's not the best at ninjutsu which effects the potency of his jutsu when he does use them.

Unlike others in his clan, who's Shōton manifests a pink color, Sakura's crystals appear pale green in color, similar to jadeite. This is simply an aesthetic change and doesn't effect the strength of the crystals.

『Crystalline Control』

While not born with the largest of the of chakra wells, Sakura has spent a majority of his younger life learning to properly mold his chakra so he didn't waste any of it when using techniques in combat.

He's turned manipulating his chakra into a fine art, rivaling the control of medics or puppeteers, and he doesn't misuse even a tiny bit of the energy on unnecessary flash. He's able to last in battle for quite a long while, compared to those without control, thanks to this control.

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[/PTabbedContent={background:transparent;border:0px;width:80%;}]

Crystalline

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[takeda sadako]

If there was a lesson to be learned here, Sadako thought viciously, it was to never forget their fucking radios. All of this could have been resolved easily if they’d just had a way to communicate, but Sadako was a moron who didn’t think to bring them—which left her feeling like even more of an idiot, trying and failing to get this stupid horse to move. Sakura’s arrow struck true, protecting Kaede from the gnashing fangs of the attacking wolf’s maw, which left boy, horse, and wolf in a standoff, warily measuring each other over the span of several long, tense seconds. And then came the crashing. Some combination of Sadako’s increasingly frantic tactics sent the draft horse into a panic; she clung to its mane for dear life as it reared, neighing anxiously, then bolted forward, galloping frothing and blind with panic straight down the road towards Sakura, Kaede, and the final wolf. All Sadako could do was cling to the horse’s back, swearing furiously under her breath. When Sakura came into view she shouted, "Get the fuck out of the way!” She tried in vain to tug on the reigns to slow the draft horse down, but it was well past the point of listening, and was on course to trample down both Sakura and the wolf as it barrelled down the path. The cart, heavy with loaded goods and under an unexpected amount of strain, was shaking violently; if this kept up for much longer it ran the risk of popping a wheel, or else falling apart entirely.

Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki -- 269
11/15

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki]

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_{takeda sadako | 12/15}

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[attr="class","lightbluetext"]As the chaos unfolded, Sakura's focus remained sharp, his instincts guiding him through the crisis. With the last wolf momentarily stunned by the deaths of its pack mates, he quickly assessed the situation, his mind racing.

Seeing the draft horse careening down the path towards them, panic was evident in both the animal and its rider, and Sakura knew he had to act fast. With a swift motion, he yanked on the reins to pull Kaede to the side. The horse neighing loudly at the rough pull, Sakura narrowly avoided the oncoming collision.

The wolf released a startled yelp and cut its losses, returning to the woods before it could be run down. Sakura’s heart raced as he watched the chaos unfold, the heavy cart shaking precariously as it struggled under the unexpected strain.

With a surge of determination, Sakura sprang into action. Drawing on his quick reflexes, he kicked his heels into Kaede’s side, sending his horse sprinting alongside the runaway horse. His eyes locked on Sadako, clinging desperately to its back. As he drew up alongside the frightened animal, he reached out, grabbing hold of the reins with practiced precision, his muscles straining against the force of the panicked animal.

Thank goodness for being taught how to run down panicking horses back in his tribe.

"Easy now," he called out, his voice firm but reassuring. He gently guided the horse with steady hands, using his calm demeanor to soothe its frayed nerves. Kaede kept vigilant, making sure that he could react if the larger horse started veering off path. Slowly but surely, the animal began to respond, its wild gallop gradually slowing to a more manageable pace.

As the dust settled and the chaos subsided, Sakura sighed in relief. Turning to Sadako, he offered her a soft, reassuring smile. "Are you alright?" he asked, his concern evident in his tone.

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[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


Japanese Name [English Name]
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[attr="class","lightbluetext"]『Crystals in the Blood』

Born into the Muten Branch of the Tenchi Clan, and despite being of mixed heritage, Sakurayashiki was lucky enough to be one of the few members graced with the blood mutation that allows him to wield the element of Shōton. While he is able to create the crystals at will, he's not the best at ninjutsu which effects the potency of his jutsu when he does use them.

Unlike others in his clan, who's Shōton manifests a pink color, Sakura's crystals appear pale green in color, similar to jadeite. This is simply an aesthetic change and doesn't effect the strength of the crystals.

『Crystalline Control』

While not born with the largest of the of chakra wells, Sakura has spent a majority of his younger life learning to properly mold his chakra so he didn't waste any of it when using techniques in combat.

He's turned manipulating his chakra into a fine art, rivaling the control of medics or puppeteers, and he doesn't misuse even a tiny bit of the energy on unnecessary flash. He's able to last in battle for quite a long while, compared to those without control, thanks to this control.

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Crystalline

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[takeda sadako]

The wolf fled, having little desire to face down a frantically galloping horse; Sakura’s quick reflexes and fast decision-making spared him his own fate of being flattened like a pancake. Sadako kept tugging on the reins, fighting with the draft horse to make it slow down, but as Sakura and Kaede circled around and ran up alongside her, Sakura’s vivid red eyes locking onto hers, she was quick to let go and allow Sakura to take over, instead just focusing all her efforts on not falling off. He was some kind of fucking—horse-whisperer. Sadako was sure one of the wheels was going to pop right off with the force of how hard the draft horse was running, but under Sakura’s steady, gentle ministrations it started to slow down. Still frightened, but not nearly as panicked, and eventually it slowed to the easy, steady walk that they had started the journey at. Sadako collapsed in the saddle, burying her face in the horse’s mane as she tried to catch her breath. "I’m fine,” she said tersely, her voice muffled by horse hair. Could she have possibly fucked that up any worse? At least the payload hadn’t been damaged, but even that was thanks to Sakura, not because of anything she had done. Sadako rolled out of the saddle, her knees buckling lightly as her feet hit the earth; she tried to play it off like she was just checking something on her shoe. "I’m gonna make sure the cart’s still stable,” she said, and then, ardently refusing to make eye contact, "you did good.” And then she fled back to the cart, inspecting the rumble and turn of its wheels and axles to make sure everything would survive the remainder of their journey back to Amegakure.

Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki -- 302
13/15

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki]

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_{takeda sadako
14/15}

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[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Sakura watched Sadako rush off, furrowing his brow before settling on rolling his eyes and letting a small smile cross his face. Despite her rough exterior, it was clear she was committed to their mission's success, even if her pride sometimes got in the way.


"Yeah," he muttered to himself, sliding from his own saddle as he watched her check the cart with meticulous care. Her acknowledgment, although gruff, was appreciated. It was a good start, perhaps the first step toward building some semblance of tolerance.


The cart seemed stable enough, and Sadako appeared to have everything under control for the moment. Deciding to take a proactive approach, Sakura turned his attention to the surroundings. He patrolled around the cart and the resting horses, scanning the dense foliage and the path they had traveled. It was better to be prepared, considering the recent wolf attack.


His thoughts drifted to the team dynamics. It was evident that Sadako was tough and skilled, but her solo approach could be a liability in missions requiring close coordination. Maybe, just maybe, this experience would open up a new understanding between them. After all, teamwork often started in the face of adversity.


Returning to Kaede, he checked the horse over once more, ensuring no injuries from the scuffle. "Good boy," he whispered, stroking Kaede’s mane, his eyes still on Sadako. The horse nickered at the praise before returning to his grazing. He wondered what her next move would be once they resumed their journey.


"Ready to keep going?" Sakura called out to Sadako, keeping his tone neutral and friendly. "We should reach Amegakure by nightfall if we move now. I'll lead Kaede, and you can guide the draft horse. And maybe we should stick together this time around."


He hoped the shared responsibility would foster some trust, showing her that he valued her abilities and presence on the team. Sakura was prepared to adapt to whatever role would help bring out the best in both their capabilities as they navigated the final stretch.

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[attr="class","lightbluetext"]Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet


Japanese Name [English Name]
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

[/PTab={width:25%;padding:25px;background:transparent;}]

[PTab=Abilities]

[attr="class","lightbluetext"]『Crystals in the Blood』

Born into the Muten Branch of the Tenchi Clan, and despite being of mixed heritage, Sakurayashiki was lucky enough to be one of the few members graced with the blood mutation that allows him to wield the element of Shōton. While he is able to create the crystals at will, he's not the best at ninjutsu which effects the potency of his jutsu when he does use them.

Unlike others in his clan, who's Shōton manifests a pink color, Sakura's crystals appear pale green in color, similar to jadeite. This is simply an aesthetic change and doesn't effect the strength of the crystals.

『Crystalline Control』

While not born with the largest of the of chakra wells, Sakura has spent a majority of his younger life learning to properly mold his chakra so he didn't waste any of it when using techniques in combat.

He's turned manipulating his chakra into a fine art, rivaling the control of medics or puppeteers, and he doesn't misuse even a tiny bit of the energy on unnecessary flash. He's able to last in battle for quite a long while, compared to those without control, thanks to this control.

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Crystalline

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[takeda sadako]

Sadako was lucky that Sakura was as tolerant as he was; anyone with even the slightest hint of an abrasive personality might have visibly chafed at how she was acting, but his neutral, friendly demeanor was kind enough to dodge the risk of Sadako thinking he was angry with her, while not being saccharine enough to risk her ire at being coddled or condescended to. As she tended to the cart, her hackles slowly lowered, her frustration ebbing away as she was given the time to collect herself. The cart wasn’t too badly damaged; nothing that quickly adjusting a wheel and smacking a spoke back into place couldn’t fix. By the time Sakura called over to her, the cart was dealt with and Sadako had calmed down, nodding tersely in response to his question. "That’s fine,” she called back, jogging back up to take the draft horse’s reins and urge it to get moving. It glared at her from the corner of its eye, refusing to budge at first; then, furious with herself and her ears turning red with embarrassment, she tried to copy what she had observed Sakura do, speaking to it calmly but firmly, and eventually they were able to get back underway. Sadako was quiet for the remainder of the journey back to Amegakure, though the miserable, latent anger that she had bled on the way to the steel mill was conspicuously absent on the journey back. Humbled, yes, frustrated with her own performance, but the beast of her anger was, at least temporarily, soothed. She broke the silence once of her own volition, asking briefly for Sakura’s advice on getting the draft horse to navigate around a too-deep too-large puddle on the road; in all other respects she had withdrawn into deferring to his guidance, until they finally made it safely back through the gates of Amegakure.

Tenjikubotan Sakurayashiki -- 315
15/15

LAIKA OF THQ