[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Sourei Hisao Kuronmeru Enyo

There were two genin teams dispatched North towards the Red Keep. They had no supervision either, because everyone who could easily supervise them was already up North waiting for orders on how to proceed towards the large keep that the village was intending to take for itself. Soon it would be an important spot as a shinobi base and for civilians. But first, the shinobi had to take it over which was easier said than done as the reports from the missions prior had made a crystal clear picture...

The Red Keep was absolutely crawling with vermin - and now it was up to the genin teams to deliver scrolls with orders written in them. They were not to read the scrolls - that was not part of their orders, instead they were to traverse from Kirigakure no Sato all the way to the Red Keep in the north as quickly as possible.

There were some dangers on the way, of course, but if they traveled efficiently they may not run into anything.

The first team was a team of two, and with only one more experienced genin it would likely be his job to take charge at the helm. Would Hisao take commands well, or would this medical expertise team fall apart at the seams before it even started?

SPOILER: Click to show

Rotation 0/5
Make entrance post.
Yofie will be doing the rest of the NPCing for this thread

OWL

[Kuronmeru Enyo]

blood as black as the ocean

Enyo was holding onto the scroll handed to the team he was assigned to firmly, and upon Hisao's arrival - whenever that would be - he would look towards the other boy, who he - unsurprisingly - felt was poorly dressed he would show him the scroll.

"I'm going to keep it, but if something happens I'll keep whoever or whatever occupied and you make the rest of the trek."

It was a bit demanding, and snotty but it was a plan nonetheless. He had no intention of failing this thing, after all, and Hisao was a wimp of any kind it would be best that he simply do all the foot work while Enyo fought. After the brief for the mission itself, it had been made clear that Enyo was more experienced so he almost expected that he would be leading the way in this situation and if any fighting occurred he would be the one to occupy the enemies to keep Hisao moving to the end goal. It was important to do so so there were no delays for those waiting on the front lines.

Enyo was hardly the best partner to have, but he knew how to get a job done once handed the reins.

Sourei Hisao Yofie

aeron at thq

[Sourei Hisao]

Sourei Hisao

" Just surviving in life isn’t the same as living "

Having barely managed to even be allowed to sign up, but intent on doing his part to help, Hisao marched to the meeting point, making sure he had all his equipment and that his mask was securely attached. He knew if he showed up when they were supposed to and not before, he could likely avoid casual conversation and his hopes were satisfied when he saw who he was there to meet seemed just as eager to get going.

The mission briefing ran on repeat in his mind and he went back over everything again and again, making sure he would be as prepared as one who, frankly, was lacking in expertise with just about everything really; working with others, actually fighting should they need to and missions in general, having never left the city before. Most likely from an outside perspective he was only there to assist with his medical skills should his teammate get injured - or perhaps because Hisao himself had been willing to work with anyone, not demanding anything beyond getting to go in the first place.

Hisao had been warned somewhat of who he was going to be working with, so he had mentally prepared himself beforehand and so responded with a short nod in affirmation and a simple answer, confirming the plan and his willingness to follow Enyo’s command - for now at least.

"Understood. Ready to depart”

Hisao would follow Enyo’s lead, generally just trying to keep up and not cause too many issues for the other boy.

Don’t screw this up Hisao

The reprimand ran on a loop in the back of his mind and he mindlessly kept his teeth clenched tight, nerves running through his body but doing the best he could to conceal them.

tag: lir words: 1173 template by eliza @ tb & thq

[Yofie]

Enyo tightly clutched the scroll entrusted to his team, vowing to guard it with unwavering determination. He glanced at Hisao, whose attire he considered lacking, and confidently asserted that he would handle any trouble that might arise on their journey. Enyo's self-assured demeanor conveyed his belief in his superior experience, expecting to lead the way and confront any potential threats, all while ensuring Hisao stayed focused on their mission without causing any delays.

Hisao, on the other hand, had arrived at their meeting point fully equipped and ready to contribute. While he had limited expertise in various areas such as teamwork, combat, and missions beyond the city, this time, Hisao's primary role was to provide medical support. He agreed to follow Enyo's lead and nodded in agreement, committed to staying inconspicuous and not becoming a hindrance during their mission. Thus they departed.

The journey from Kirigakure no Sato to the Red Keep was no short feat, requiring a northward departure and the navigation of numerous mountains along the way. Thankfully, they had encountered a clear path thus far, devoid of any imminent threats. Occasionally, birds fluttered by, and the usual sounds of wildlife filled the air, but there were no signs of danger ahead, providing them with what seemed to be a straightforward route to the north.

SPOILER: Click to show

Rotation 1/5
Next Post Due: Wednesday, September 20th; 10:00 AM [CENTRAL STANDARD TIME]
Update: No enemies or opposition, the team can use a nearby road going North as a guide if they choose a less traveled path to move through.

Kuronmeru Enyo Sourei Hisao

[Kuronmeru Enyo]

blood as black as the ocean

Enyo motioned with his hand for Hisao to take a flanked position along the road. They did not want to be directly on the road after all, but it would be a good marker for now as they headed North. The genin in question kept his eye out for any other marks, but for now they would stay in the trees opposite of each other. Hisao on one side, and Enyo he was positioned on the other side of the road. The intention was to avoid any encounters with a little more ease than if they were directly on the road and thus fully exposed.

That was an amateur move, after all... Such a move could only be made if they were forced to escort a merchant or some civilian who could not travel through woodland areas and trees with relative ease. This would give them adequate cover and time if they did run across someone - but for now, they were safe it seemed. Nothing was coming up along the road, but that didn't mean that Enyo was not ready.

In fact, the genin had already bitten on the inside of his cheek, drawing blood and swirling it around in his mouth with a bit of saliva and chakra pre-prepared for any potential threats.

Sourei Hisao Yofie

aeron at thq

[Sourei Hisao]

Sourei Hisao

" Just surviving in life isn’t the same as living "

Hisao would wordlessly have moved to the other side to flank with Enyo, splitting his attention between watching out for any marks or movements in their surroundings and on Enyo, making sure he was keeping up with him or any other wordless commands.

As a bird sang out, Hisao recalled the sound described in his books, imagined the illustrations that came with it and felt the corners of his mouth tug up in a smile before he could scowl it back. While the sounds of birds and wildlife were enticing for Hisao on its own, he couldn't help the excitement of being out here, in the northern mountains, mixing with the paranoid feeling of always being watched, never quite leaving his mind. That feeling was moving like electricity through his body, almost subconsciously preparing his flow of chakra to harden the bones in his arms and back, shielding his most vulnerable spot.


Hisao had not seen Enyo fight for a long time, if ever. Likely only back in their academy days, and even then Hisao had barely paid enough attention to anyone else, their faces all mostly blurring together. He had sought out a little information on the boy, when he’d been told they were to be partnered together for this mission and while the information had been surface level, he would just have to trust that he was teamed up with Enyo for a reason - and that hopefully that reason was some level of experience and competence Hisao did not have.


It would be fairly hard to get a facial read on Hisao, the mask effectively covering most of his face. However the way he kept looking across the road towards where Enyo would be, probably betrayed his inexperience and persisting nervousness.


If the uneventful silence continued for a good while longer, Hisao would start to wonder how long they had left and look to Enyo to see if he could perceive if perhaps he felt like him, or if this lingering fear of being caught unaware would ever disappear.

tag: lir words: 1173 template by eliza @ tb & thq

[Yofie]

Enyo's practiced hand signals guided Hisao through the forest with precision and caution. His years of experience had taught him the importance of minimizing risks during missions, and the dense foliage provided them with valuable cover as they moved in silence.

Despite his limited combat experience with Enyo, Hisao understood that trust was essential for the success of their mission. However, an undercurrent of unease gnawed at him beneath his composed exterior. He couldn't help but betray his nervousness through subtle expressions—flickers of tension in his eyes and slight twitches of his brow.

Hisao discreetly glanced at Enyo, hoping to find a sense of camaraderie in their shared mission. The contrast between the tranquil natural surroundings and their readiness for action was stark. He wondered if Enyo, too, felt the apprehension about the mission's duration and the potential threats that lay ahead.

In a pivotal moment, the duo reached a critical decision point. Their options were clear: one path appeared to be the swiftest route to the Red Keep, leading them along a seemingly direct route. However, from their current vantage point, they could see that the protective forest canopy would soon thin out, exposing them to the open sky.

Alternatively, they could choose the North-western trail, which would take them deeper into the heart of the forest. While this route posed the potential for greater danger due to its dense undergrowth, towering trees, and entwining bushes, it offered unparalleled concealment from anyone who might be watching.

SPOILER: Click to show

Rotation 2/5
Next Post Due: Thursday, September 21; 3:00 PM [CENTRAL STANDARD TIME]
Update: No enemies or opposition, the team comes upon a crossroad - go straight or go North-West?

Kuronmeru Enyo Sourei Hisao

[Kuronmeru Enyo]

blood as black as the ocean

Unlike Hisao who was concerned and perhaps felt a bit of nervousness, Enyo had a lack of it. A concerning lack for his own safety and perhaps the safety of his partner. It came from a place of lacking too, in his head. Not a lack of intelligence, but a lack of empathy. In his mind, they only had one thing to do - and that was get the mission done, no matter the consequences. There was no point in worrying, die or not. The genin kept on moving and did not look towards Hisao at all throughout their long journey.

The Kuronmeru came to a halt, noticing the shift in the terrain and the sudden choice that the two of them had to make. He looked up towards where the forest thinned out and there was nothing but sky, the other side was a forest that got thicker...

The clear path seemed faster, there was a good amount of concealment in the other path though, through the woods. However that could slow them down, and on the off chance they were to face enemies, there would be little space and maneuverability for them. He frowned, contemplating and then shifted towards the faster, clearer path.

"This way, I'd rather not get caught on a bramble," He grumbled towards Hisao not even wanting to listen to any resistance about his choice.

Yofie Sourei Hisao

aeron at thq

[Sourei Hisao]

Sourei Hisao

" Just surviving in life isn’t the same as living "

Ah, a split in the road.. It is almost poetic, I wonder what-

Hisao thought and looked at the other boy, a question at the tip of his tongue. He wanted to take the shortest route, knowing that even if it would bring them into the open he could potentially create some concealment should they get jumped, with his hidden mist technique. He also figured that while being out there they could be more easily spotted they might also more easily see any incoming attackers as well. He knew he would feel better the closer they would get to their targeted designation and he was willing to take the risk to save whatever time they could.

His question was stopped by Enyo speaking up and Hisao frowned at the reason he gave.

"I find your reasoning childish but I agree with the direction. Best be quick about this”

Hisao responded in a deadpan tone as he was feeling just about as unwilling to argue with Enyo as he had sounded in turn. Hisao then quickly turned to run straight ahead towards the thinning treeline and open sky. He would stop and wait for a moment at the very edge, letting his eyes adjust a bit to the harsher direct sunlight and generally just attempting to scout out for any movement before moving out into the open and once again following Enyo’s lead.

tag: lir words: 1173 template by eliza @ tb & thq

[Yofie]

Enyo and Hisao are on a mission and are faced with a choice of two paths. Enyo, who lacks empathy and prioritizes the mission over safety, chooses the faster, clearer path. Hisao, while wanting the shortest route, agrees with Enyo's choice and follows him. They both acknowledge the potential risks but opt for speed. Hisao briefly scouts ahead before following Enyo.

The two found themselves on a seemingly peaceful path, free from immediate threats as they made their way towards the Red Keep. The road was flanked by trees on one side and a mountain covered in vegetation on the other. It appeared relatively safe, but their journey was soon interrupted by a significant obstacle—a massive fallen tree blocking their path.

The fallen tree could be a potential danger, concealing lurking enemies or simply a result of natural forces. Faced with this dilemma, the two companions had to make a crucial decision. They could choose to run straight ahead, attempting to leap over the fallen tree, while hoping there were no adversaries waiting on the other side. Alternatively, they could opt for a more cautious approach by circling around the fallen tree within the forest, taking care to avoid any potential ambushes.

Their third option was to bypass the obstacle entirely by navigating the steep, less densely vegetated slope of the mountain. Each choice held its own risks and uncertainties, forcing Enyo and Hisao to carefully weigh their options before proceeding on their path to the Red Keep.

SPOILER: Click to show

Rotation 3/5
Next Post Due: Thursday, September 22; 3:00 PM [CENTRAL STANDARD TIME]
Update: No enemies or opposition, the team comes upon a crossroad once again - jump over the fallen tree, circle around the fallen tree within the forest, or bypass the obstacle entirely by navigating the steep?

Kuronmeru Enyo Sourei Hisao

[Kuronmeru Enyo]

blood as black as the ocean

"Well, it does not matter what you think." Enyo hummed in response quietly, not wanting to attract any particular attention. Though, he was by no means hiding what he had said from his mission partner. They still had a little ways to go if he was imagining the map in his head correctly. It had been several hours of extremely smooth sailing, which was pretty surprising all things considered.

But he wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. So, they took the easier road not in the clearing and it seemed pretty fine... Until the tree.

The tree made Enyo sneer. It was, after all, just a tree. But it was in their way. It was probably best to just jump on top of it and then over it. No point in beating around the bush and doing nonsense like walking around. If there were enemies or ambushes, they would be caught by them regardless. So he glanced to the other boy.

"Get to the top, and then we can jump down. Once at the top we can check if there are enemies, if not, just keep going."

And Enyo would lead the expedition up, jumping up onto the fallen tree first to glance down. If there were enemies or an ambush awaiting he would stealthily hand the scroll over to Hisao and tell him to get a move on before jumping to begin an immediate distraction of any enemies that were present.

If not? Enyo would simply jump down onto the ground on the other side of the tree and continue their journey forward.

aeron at thq

[Sourei Hisao]

Sourei Hisao

" Just surviving in life isn’t the same as living "

Hisao decided to not respond to that and continue travelling in silence. While they could work together, Hisao found his teammate more and more childish and so his respect for the other boy started to wane, childing himself for setting his expectations higher than he now felt the boy deserved.

As they came upon the fallen tree, the hairs on his arms started to stand and the queasy feeling of being watched, hunted, came back in full force. He was about to suggest they take the forest fath around to avoid running directly into a trap when Enyo had spoken up again.
Hisao scrowled at Enyo’s disregard for their safety and looked at the base of the tree, trying to spot, from where they were standing, if it had fallen naturally or been cut. Either way, he would continue carefully, not letting Enyo’s apparent disregard for their safety affect him beyond the tinge of annoyance.

Fine. Let him go first then.

With that thought, he gave Enyo a nod as to confirm he had heard the boy but he also let him go first - waiting a moment before he joined him up on the tree. While he was willing to take some risks for the success of this mission, he could already imagine the verbal and physical reprimands he would have had coming from his brother should he do something foolish - like almost get himself killed.

Sagging behind a bit, Hisao would prepare for an ambush, readying to harden his bones beneath his skin. He would rather be overly cautious here and expect it rather than be caught by surprise and potentially delayed even further should a fight break out.

tag: lir words: 1173 template by eliza @ tb & thq

[Yofie]

Enyo and Hisao continued through the forest in silence. As they encountered a fallen tree blocking their path, Enyo suggested they climb it and check for enemies on the other side. Hisao, feeling a growing sense of unease and distrust towards his teammate, agreed but remained cautious. He observed the fallen tree's base to determine if it had fallen naturally or been cut. With a nod of acknowledgment, he let Enyo go first and prepared for a possible ambush, ready to use his abilities to protect themselves if necessary.

As Enyo leaped onto the fallen tree, the forest floor beneath it suddenly burst to life with an unexpected, shadowy assailant. It was not an enemy lurking in the underbrush but a majestic, predatory force—a tiger the same size, if not bigger than the boys. With a swift and silent pounce, the tiger lunged at Enyo, catching him by surprise.

SPOILER: Click to show

Rotation 4/5
Next Post Due: Thursday, September 24; 4:00 PM [CENTRAL STANDARD TIME]
Update: A tiger appeared, and the only way forward is by defeating it, what will Enyo and Hisao do?

Kuronmeru Enyo Sourei Hisao

[Kuronmeru Enyo]

blood as black as the ocean

Enyo had been looking down, and well, saw the underbrush move before the lunge happened, so he was not fully caught by surprise. He reacted immediately, jumping back and drawing his katana for safe measure. The sword was an extension, he could use it to keep the beast at arms length. But for now, that wasn't the point, right now he needed to do something else and with the tiger's eyes on him, he moved his katana side to side in an attempt to keep that attention there while he fished the scroll out from his yukata to toss it to Hisao - even if haphazardly, the other was a shinobi and should be plenty capable of catching a fairly obtuse object.

"Go, now."

The mission was to get the scroll to the destination, not to be stopped by a bunch of stupid animals or whatever else came along. One of them had to be the sacrifice and in this case, Enyo felt that it would be better that he stayed. He could bleed out quite a bit before tiring and knew how to fix up a few wounds with basic care if it came to it.

He could handle the tiger otherwise, or at least attempt to do so. After all, defeating would be his way forward. But nobody had said he could not go backwards.

Sourei Hisao Yofie

aeron at thq

[Sourei Hisao]

Sourei Hisao

" Just surviving in life isn’t the same as living "

Had he been less worried about this missions’ success, Hisao might have rolled his eyes at Enyo rushing straight into a trap and verbally chastised him for it. Instead he had halted for a second, mentally trying to remember everything he could about wild tigers and their potential attack patterns since this almost seemed unusual to him - until Enyo tossed him the scroll. He jumped up and caught it, tugging it safely away and out of sight. Then without any further prompt needed, he would circle around the distracted tiger, over the tree but with enough distance where hopefully Enyo was still the more distracting and thus interesting target and continue forward, leaving Enyo and his whirlwind of thoughts behind.

After running for a minute he had the fleeting thought that he should go back once the scroll was delivered. While he didn’t really want to fight a tiger or anything really, if Enyo could not get himself killed while Hisao was gone, he might be able to patch him up afterwards.
With that plan in mind, Hisao sped up and put this renewed energy, likely from the adrenaline rush of actually being attacked and not just stalked from the shadows, into rushing forward and unless he came upon anything else, would have continued at an exhausting speed until he reached his designated target. There he would try to quickly find whoever he needed to hand the scroll over. Were anyone to ask, he would likely respond with a fairly neutral;

"Hopefully still alive, he is fighting the local wildlife. I shall check on him on my way back”

if anyone were to ask about Enyo’s whereabouts.

If everything up till then went smoothly, he would indeed then try to retrace his steps and get back to Enyo - hoping that by then the fight would be over and they could simply return to town

tag: lir words: 1173 template by eliza @ tb & thq