[Akira]

"It'll fuckin' come back... it's nature.... can't just drop a goddamn..." He put his hand to his jaw and chin and brushed it down to his neck. It was frustrating and he had made an error... this mission looked like fun and he had not read it properly. He had asked the only person he had thought and trusted to make the 'undying duo' come to fruition, Hotarubi to destroy and Kunikunosaku to kill... who else would he have asked to go on this mission? He didn't want to be paired with some unknowns.

Hotarubi had eagerly made his way to the front of destruction via the closest village to where their mission objective was located (it was the easiest way to meet!) And it wasn't like they had made their location a secret either, having anticipated some shinobi reaction. It wouldn't therefore surprise Hota if they'd also made lots of traps on the way there. But still, this was a small enough town their presence would be quickly noticed.

Hotarubi waited on the outskirts next to the river, roughly around the area - Kuni would probably find him first. Close enough to the water and with all trees around, dropping some several feet into the river below, and the road that was largely carved from the mud and rock to the opposite side - the rustle above would make Hotarubi stare up: a monkey was passing over. Long armed - it hooted as it passed but paid no mind to Hotarubi. It was alive as per usual.

Now, back to water: he'd been somewhat perturbed at now having to rethink his strategy. He had fully intended on just... dropping the lid technique on the dam and hauling ass out of there, but if it was so deigned that the water would've flooded the river-situated villages for here and several miles that would cause a humanitarian problem... so it needed to be dismantled carefully. This was going to be a longer mission. They had to figure out the what and the how.

And the most likely answer would be they'd need to open up all of the valves, and wait the days it would take to drain evenly - the river itself would be raised, sure, but that would only be for a while. Dealing with water would never had been his strong suit. As he paced back and forth, his thoughts would wander from the mission to life in general. When did he want to eat next? Would he be able to bring back a gem from this mission? Would there be lots of fighting? The alternate thoughts led to daydreams and eventually he would be in his own little world waiting for the day to start properly.

[googlefont=Open+Sans]

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

Akira Ronin

...

Evil Doesn't Die; It Changes Shape.

It was always nice to feel wanted, however, she hated doing things for others. When Hotarubi came to her with a mission request, however, his proposition was interesting. Wrecking ball and assassin. Undying and the immortal. The kunoichi could not say no to this, she needed some exercise anyway. She detoured at her abode on the way to the rendezvous point. Grabbing some gear, the kunoichi assessed exactly what she needed. The Mikatakujira was almost certain he didn't need protection but she couldn't have him risking his life unnecessarily, making her look bad. When she had her equipment armed, she rushed her way to the village gates. She went through her memory, recalling the point he had implied. Once she had a target locked, Kunikunosaku took to the trees, before blitzing her way to the point.

Kunikunosaku dashed around before landing on a branch, overlooking both the river, the village rubble, and Hotarubi. The kunoichi locked her eyes on the earthen boy as she ran through possible scenarios in her head. She did have some pause, if he were to wreck the dam, he would risk himself to the elements; Kunikunosaku assessed that she would need to be on calculated guard. She looked around, waiting and assuming that the minds were one. Seeing no one, the Kunoichi jumped down to the ground below, awaiting for Hotarubi to notice her. Standing straight up from landing, Kuni took the silence as a chance. Pulling out an extra headset, she walked over to Hotarubi as she held it out. "We might not need to use it, but better to be over-prepared." She held out the extra headset for the Yamakira as she took out her own, putting it in place.

The Mikatakujira really didn't want to talk, but a partner losing their life would be a forever stain on her record.

TEMPbyAi ♥

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(S) USED:
Jiongu | Earth Grudge Fear

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

Symbiotic Relationship: Mutualism

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

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

Power of a God:
After a great time learning how to control Jiongu, Kunikunosaku has learned to store chakra in each of her threads so long as they continue to be attached to at least one of her hearts. This extra storage capacity allows the girl to amass greater amounts of chakra within herself, expanding her reserves beyond that of the normal shinobi her rank. As with many other abilities, this ability continues to grow as the girl does through the ranks and years.

Cursed Master:

As a reward for attaining a greater deal of control over her symbiotic relationship with Jiongu, Kunikunosaku acquired the keys to the gate of mastering her abilities. This new boon allows Kunikunosaku to double the impact of her EGF ninjutsu. In addition, a passive boon is the ability to completely negate Jiongu's manipulation to consume more hearts. These boons together allow Kuni to further manipulate Jiongu against its basic natures, improving her unique utilization. While still young and unrefined, the ability is expected to grow as their bond deepens to even further levels.

Medical Knowledge:

Being from Takigakure's prestigious clan medical clan, Kunikunosaku is also set to learn the human anatomy, biology, and Kinesthetics, While this knowledge DOES NOT give her access to Medical Ninjutsu Techniques, however, the knowledge does unlock abilities of precision to the human body with every attack. This knowledge grants field combat medic aid but nowhere near the degree of those actually trained in it.

JUTSU(S) USED:
N/A
EQUIPMENT USED:
01 | Ikari to Hisan (Continuous)
01 | Wireless Radio
01 | Mission Special Wireless Radio (Offered to Hotarubi)

[Ronin]

OOC: Mission Details (for my sake)

---

For the most part, the area seemed empty. It was clear that there had been a lot of activity here in recent time, and anyone who was observant enough would be able to notice quickly that whatever had happened to the area here had to have happened rather quickly and with the use of many people. The most likely scenario, especially from the mission information that had been delivered by the Takigakure Mission Office, was that the group of missing ninja responsible for this whole mess had forced the people of the village, whose ruins were now a stain on the otherwise pristine landscape, to be the menial labor for their dastardly task.

The fact that the river was much less in volume, thanks to the evidently reduced water level of the waterway, was proof that if the missing ninja had not completed their enterprise, they were close to doing so. And as the two shinobi met to plan and engage, unless they did not care for aesthetics, it would be quite obvious that this place was quite an impressive sight to behold, as far as natural beauty was concerned. There wasn't only the villages downstream of the river that had to be looked out for,; there was also the beauty of the area. If the shinobi marred the land extensively, it was very likely that the civilian hotshots of Bonchi no Kuni would be quite displeased. And though Takigakure was practically the country's power, it did no good for the ninja village to be alienated from the folks who had the hard cash.

From their position, the two shinobi would be able to see, in the distance, the crude but effective ramifications built to staunch the flow of the river. That was where they had to go.

Akira | Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku

[Akira]

Eventually his mission partner would arrive: perfect. It was hard to give real context clues with his ability: obviously he could distinguish heavy and not: large or small, but other than that without paying true, undivided attention in a hassle-free environment he could likely then draw out what he saw to someone accurate. But how he had developed the ability on the fly? It was contextless information of whom and where.

The sensory ability gave him pause and he looked up on cue of Kunikunosaku after she had landed. "Flashy." But the woman held out something for him to take, and Hotarubi would - what was it? Like a headband? There was the obvious look of confusion that might have surprised the woman.

"I've never used one." Hotarubi stared at the radio placidly, they had the equipment but such technology was usually beyond the scope of him: and were held by the select few. Obviously, that would mean that Kunikunosaku would need to give him a rough idea of how to use it. She had to remember that he had fast-tracked his way through the academy and so some of the lessons were... forgotten. So - when that little lesson had been placed on his head and enabled him to talk to her, he would have immediately learned what feedback was through the process of incorrectly using the equipment and causing him to cringe as he pulled it off, and when that was finally fixed, they could move on with the mission at hand.

"So, I dunno if you knew this but we can't like - destroy it completely. Needs to be done slowly, on account of the fact it will destroythelandscapeandallthepeoplebutwho'scounting," he spoke the latter half under his breath. It was a shame that his great technique which he'd really wanted to use was going to remain shelved.

They had a place to go, though - and the best bet would be to at least try and survey first. "Let me take stock first. See what we're working with. I'm not quite in range..." Hotarubi needed to be at least a couple of hundred meters closer for him to find out if there were people firstly, and then what kind of environment they would have. Kuni would likely have her own idea in mind of how to do it, and if he was running sensory and she was running death - could he complain?

Well.

Yes.

Obviously.

[googlefont=Open+Sans]

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

Ronin Akira

Ready or not.

Evil Doesn't Die; It Changes Shape.

Kunikunosaku noticed Hotarubi's hesitation. It was subtle but a tad worrying to her. She noted that the Yamakira stereotypes in the village: "rock for brains", seems to have a sad founding from her experience. Kunikunosaku said nothing but nodded, acknowledging that she needed to show him how to use it. "So really quick," Kunikunosaku put the headset on, the earpiece on her ear. Turning the top knob. "Turning this turns it on and off, turn it more to raise or lower the volume, and talk. You should be able to talk to me at a distance." She left her radio on, setting it in her pouch as she left the headset on. Kuni looked out onto the river, it was sad and destitute. She wanted to get this done quickly. The Mikatakujira swung her arms to the side and the black tendrils on her hands opened up, launching her daggers out and gripping the handles of the weapons that popped out.

Okay, let's go wre- The kunoichi was in midthought but she was cut-off as the Yamakira spoke. She raised her eyebrow as the boy stated they couldn't destroy in completely. The girl slowly turned her head to the boy, her blank expression asked her question and stated her frustration through her silence. The girl awaited for some but, alas, she only got a mumble of incohesion. All of a sudden, the boy spoke of surveying the area. When the hell did this boy get smart? Did I kick some sense into his head? Kunikunosaku felt a bit prideful in that, but she was disappointed. She wanted to go in, jutsus firing, people dying, structures wrecked and he just completely negated that notion? The audacity.

"I think that's a good plan, we can't underestimate our opponents." But they could believe in their abilities. I want a heart! Quiet, we might get one this time. GIVE! Kunikunosaku mentally sighed as she nodded her head and narrowed her eyes. "Let's go." The kunoichi stated in a cool tone.

TEMPbyAi ♥

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(S) USED:
Jiongu | Earth Grudge Fear

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

Symbiotic Relationship: Mutualism

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

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

Power of a God:
After a great time learning how to control Jiongu, Kunikunosaku has learned to store chakra in each of her threads so long as they continue to be attached to at least one of her hearts. This extra storage capacity allows the girl to amass greater amounts of chakra within herself, expanding her reserves beyond that of the normal shinobi her rank. As with many other abilities, this ability continues to grow as the girl does through the ranks and years.

Cursed Master:

As a reward for attaining a greater deal of control over her symbiotic relationship with Jiongu, Kunikunosaku acquired the keys to the gate of mastering her abilities. This new boon allows Kunikunosaku to double the impact of her EGF ninjutsu. In addition, a passive boon is the ability to completely negate Jiongu's manipulation to consume more hearts. These boons together allow Kuni to further manipulate Jiongu against its basic natures, improving her unique utilization. While still young and unrefined, the ability is expected to grow as their bond deepens to even further levels.

Medical Knowledge:

Being from Takigakure's prestigious clan medical clan, Kunikunosaku is also set to learn the human anatomy, biology, and Kinesthetics, While this knowledge DOES NOT give her access to Medical Ninjutsu Techniques, however, the knowledge does unlock abilities of precision to the human body with every attack. This knowledge grants field combat medic aid but nowhere near the degree of those actually trained in it.

JUTSU(S) USED:
N/A
EQUIPMENT USED:
01 | Ikari to Hisan (Continuous)
01 | Wireless Radio

[Ronin]

If the two Takigakure shinobi began moving towards the obvious structure that sat uphill from them and stifled the life of the river, they would notice that they had two major options for approach. As was expected of the land, being a textbook Bonchi no Kuni ecosystem, there were a lot of trees in the area. As a matter of fact, except for the banks of the river, and perhaps the ruins of the wasted village nearby, most of the land was well and heavily wooded. This would definitely allow the shinobi to draw closer unseen as they hid among the trees... that was, of course, under the assumption that their enemies did not have any advanced sensing techniques. Also, the fact that there were trees meant that there was the potential for a lot of things to be concealed in the forest: traps, scouting enemy groups, hostile wild animals, and other such things.

The second most notable approach option was to move along the bank of the river, uphill towards the dam. While that would be a lot faster, as the ground, though uphill, was relatively plain enough not to cause serious hassles to travelers, it had the downside of being rather visible to the fortifications of the dam. And though with the distance the two Taki shinobi were from the dam, it was difficult to tell whether there were lookouts, one would have to expect there to be.

Other paths were probably available, but these two were the most obvious options.

Akira | Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku

[Akira]

"You can't. I'm invincible." Hotarubi would shrug, but it got him thinking about the route to go in...

Obviously he didn't believe that he was invincible: but having an arrogance and confidence helped maintain the confidence of others, and he would get around issues as and when he dealt with them. Going in gung-ho was... frustratingly difficult not to pursue. If they were going to take their separate paths, it was best one of them took one while the other ... took the other. "I'll take the open dam: break down and reform just at the bottom and hopefully out of sightlines. I should be able to get a good idea of who's around from that. If you enter from the top, I can guide you to where they are. I mean. Look at it, even from here I can tell it's a piece of shit, if I took out a single beam then they might come running down there anyway?"

Despite the plenty which way to enter, now that he couldn't just summon a gargantuan statue from the sky, actually had to put effort and think about what was the best option. Hotarubi would do exactly as he said he would: taking the obvious path, because as an earthen body a bit of dust creeping along the dried up floor would not raise any alarms if they didn't have sensors. Of course there was no using an electronic device during that - but between then he would clamber and keep close to the ground, as to reform at a point when he could place his back against the wall of the thing: and then, and only then, would he try his best to capture the layout of the place, to whisper it quietly over to the wriggle monster.

---

SA Reference:

SPOILER: Click to show

Maisou no Jutsu | Burial Technique
Hotarubi is a natural savant of the Yamakira hijutsu - comprised of a complex formulae from birth which turns individuals into stone, rock, dirt and everything between - and is able to compact that within him to increase his weight beyond normal human means which makes him more durable and harder to move, as well as an inability to be poisoned because of his non-human physiology.This form can be regenerated and as such it makes him 'functionally' immortal in the form, but is still exceptionally vulnerable to Suiton and water in general, as well as retaining the traditional weakness to Raiton.

As a natural prodigy of the Hijutsu, Hotarubi has mastered the boons of his Hijutsu which decreases the cost of high-ranking Doton Ninjutsu to minimal levels, less seals than most - and even in some cases, zero handseals at all (B-ranks and Low Handseals being formed without any handseals at all), that has rewarded Hotarubi with a capacity to simply 'will' techniques into existence, much to the fear of others about what he could become in the future.


Monstrous Strength
Hotarubi's weight has become effortless to him. Not only is he stronger, but he's also not slower - on account of the Yamakira physiology Hotarubi weighs a great deal more than your average person which makes him harder to move, hit and generally harm. As a result of that greater weight, his speed had dropped: so he focused on increasing his strength to where it no longer presents as an issue.

Not only is Hotarubi no longer burdened by this greater weight, he's also now generally much stronger. Even in his human form, his ability to grip, and cause blunt force trauma and crush rocks into dust with his hands is scary. He can hoist much bigger things than himself and his body weight around as if it were nothing, and generally makes him fearsome in all aspects of Taijutsu.

Combined with his Yamakira Hijutsu, and proportionate strength, it would not be out of the question for him to manoeuvre huge objects in the future.


Sensitive Touch
Having become truly attuned with the earth as a Yamakira, Hotarubi is almost naturally 'one' with the earth. Because of his specialised training he has learned to sense vibrations to a minute detail, retaining the ability to navigate and identify complex maps, traps and structures with ease, and enabling him to detect even hidden ninja through even their heartbeats and some conscious effort. While previously he was unable to 'perceive' things as a new sense, by now it has matured and is second hand to him to interpret and comprehend large amounts of new information to him.

With the use of chakra and focus, and by applying contact with the ground in some form (whether by feet or hand) he can sense even further out of his existing position. Because the active use requires chakra, unlike the passive which does not - it can still be affected by sensory jamming abilities.

[Passive: 400m / Active: 2km]


Terraformer
As a Yamakira and one who has focused entirely on his Hijutsu than other Ninjutsu elements, Hotarubi has earned his spot amongst the ranks of Takigakure's feared by simply being superior to almost any being on the earth with Doton. His ability to mould his body and Doton techniques is unparalleled. Hotarubi can form his body into large, complex shapes with absolute efficiency and frightening speed to perform feats of Nintaijutsu.

This speed carries over into his Doton ninjutsu: they are extremely faster than regular Doton performed by others, and large scale ninjutsu are formed in half the time.


Chakra Reserves
If it weren't enough that Hotarubi has an unparalleled affinity for Doton ninjutsu, his capacity to endlessly perform techniques is massive as well, his chakra reserves rarely run dry because of his Hijutsu's unique benefits (See: Maisou no Jutsu). It directly translates to that Hotarubi can use even techniques ordinarily meant to 'exhaust' a Shinobi - causing him instead to break a sweat.


Double Down Doton
Elevating his Doton prowess to another level by his consistent focus and continued relationship with the element Hotarubi has become prodigal when using Doton. His doton jutsu are much more packed together - making them more durable and stronger against attacks as a whole, and reinforcing itself at a faster speed. While this does not apply to his own body techniques, nor does it enhance itself against Raiton, it makes even his lower ranked techniques excruciatingly difficult to break out of, or break with physical force, or non-raiton based elements.

Jutsu Used:

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Doton: Kojin Kumo [Earth Release: Dust Cloud]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Doton
HANDSEALS: 0
DESCRIPTION:
The user manipulates the composition of their body, turning the entirety or parts of it into dirt while still retaining their consciousness. This dirt has no offensive capabilities whatsoever and is used to slip through places a human body normally can’t or through phase through attacks. They cannot phase through liquid-related attacks nor can they actually attack while in their dirt form. As such, it is more suited for reconnaissance and espionage purposes.

[googlefont=Open+Sans]

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

Ronin Akira

...

Evil Doesn't Die; It Changes Shape.

Well, that was one way to underestimate them. Kunikunosaku waited, listened, and honestly silently judged Hotarubi's overconfidence. She waited as he stated he was going to go straight to the dam to wreck it and get out of site. It sounded pretty well at face value. He continued to follow up that he can do some reconnaissance from going straight at it. However, as he pointed out how weak the dam looked and could be, Kunikunosaku felt somewhat disheartened from believing in Hotarubi's plans. She wanted to believe him but she just couldn't fully believe him. Hotarubi ultimately decided to move out through the more open path. The Mikatakujira watched him as she reflected what to do.

Kunikunosaku moved towards the trees as she tried to look out and scan from afar to no avail. Kunikunosaku would attempt to approach from the forest of trees. Kuni was not worried about her struggles, she was worried if someone dangerous was waiting for Hotarubi. Her earpiece kept on her in preparation of Hotarubi, with her equipment ready and on, the Kunoichi would move to stay hidden and ready to strike. In the meantime, she was trying to see what she could on her own.

TEMPbyAi ♥

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(S) USED:
Jiongu | Earth Grudge Fear

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

Symbiotic Relationship: Mutualism

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

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

Power of a God:
After a great time learning how to control Jiongu, Kunikunosaku has learned to store chakra in each of her threads so long as they continue to be attached to at least one of her hearts. This extra storage capacity allows the girl to amass greater amounts of chakra within herself, expanding her reserves beyond that of the normal shinobi her rank. As with many other abilities, this ability continues to grow as the girl does through the ranks and years.

Cursed Master:

As a reward for attaining a greater deal of control over her symbiotic relationship with Jiongu, Kunikunosaku acquired the keys to the gate of mastering her abilities. This new boon allows Kunikunosaku to double the impact of her EGF ninjutsu. In addition, a passive boon is the ability to completely negate Jiongu's manipulation to consume more hearts. These boons together allow Kuni to further manipulate Jiongu against its basic natures, improving her unique utilization. While still young and unrefined, the ability is expected to grow as their bond deepens to even further levels.

Medical Knowledge:

Being from Takigakure's prestigious clan medical clan, Kunikunosaku is also set to learn the human anatomy, biology, and Kinesthetics, While this knowledge DOES NOT give her access to Medical Ninjutsu Techniques, however, the knowledge does unlock abilities of precision to the human body with every attack. This knowledge grants field combat medic aid but nowhere near the degree of those actually trained in it.

JUTSU(S) USED:
N/A
EQUIPMENT USED:
01 | Ikari to Hisan (Continuous)
01 | Wireless Radio (Continuous)

[Ronin]

For Kunikunosaku, the trees provided a good amount of cover as she made her way in the direction of the dam. However, she would soon realize that the trees stopped abruptly about two hundred meters from the point where the new and hastily cobbled dam sat on the river. This meant that if she wanted to make any advances closer to the place, she would have to leave the cover of the trees. From her hidden place, though, she would be able to spot two men standing on a section of the dam, looking out at the land spread out below them. Shortly after she arrived, the kunoichi would hear a loud screech from a little distance to her left. A band of howler monkeys didn't seem too pleased to be sharing space with her, and a few more adventurous ones threw fruit and twigs at her, but they did not make further hostility.

Meanwhile, Hotarubi would be able to creep up close to the dam unnoticed, thanks to his Doton technique. There was a bit of wind in the area, so what looked like some dust being kicked up by light gusts did not attract any attention. Even as he crept closer, he would sense more than just the two men Kunikunosaku could see. There seemed to be about a dozen or more people scattered along the length of the dam, though there were a good many obstructions on the structure which made observing them with eyesight alone difficult. But there was someone at the base of the dam, not too far from where Hotarubi had crept up to. He seemed to be a lookout like the two men on top of the structure, but he didn't seem to have noticed anything worthy of raising an alarm. There were about three others within Hotarubi's sense at the base of the dam as well, but they were spaced a bit far from the one Hotarubi was closest to.

Akira | Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku

[Akira]

Fucking great. The piece of dust thought to himself as he observed his environment. It was quite funny - actually. Eyes and dust forming enough to see his environment and to sense it out critically as he was flat to the floor meant that he was ... getting the right information, but not the knowhow to execute it. There were four of them in his immediate 'must deal with' vicinity. They were all far out enough that meant dealing with one poorly would alert the others.

The man didn't want to pull out all of the stops until it was absolutely necessary and would take the 'assassination approach' - it was... it made him feel dirty. Hotarubi was not the kind to just sneak up and kill someone. It didn't feel right. But ... some missions needed it, and he needed the positive credentials.

Quite plainly: Hotarubi would reform behind this first-identified, the unlucky one and in the rush of the dirt and for them to turn around to wonder what it might have been: his half formed body rose from the ground and swiped at the throat.

And that would be a blade hand right through the throat, if this wasn't some sort of enhanced Shinobi who had the body flicker at their disposal. This was a C-rank mission enough that there was a chance any one of these idiots who could put together a dam would have some firepower. But Joe-Ninja number four, doing the grunt guardwork? Unlikely. He hoped. It was one of those guesswork games that he would play to ensure that he was making the right decision.

Provided that hard worked: he would pull the body back and try to lay it flat against the Dam to give it the smallest possible 'angle' for someone else to see it. Either way: damage control was officially on. And if THAT had gone without a hitch, he would relay his new information to Kunikunosaku.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Bubun-tekina Dōka [Partial Assimilation]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Doton
HANDSEALS: 0
DESCRIPTION:
This is the second jutsu Yamakira clansmen learn after they have gone through the Maisou no Jutsu technique. This technique allows the user to pull in the earth around them in order to regenerate themselves by putting in chakra into the earth and then pulling it in to one of their body parts. This technique can be used to heighten the user’s strength and durability at the specified body part by enlarging it as well.

[googlefont=Open+Sans]

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

Ronin Akira

Read notes

Evil Doesn't Die; It Changes Shape.

As the skilled Kunoichi gracefully maneuvered into her strategic position, she keenly noted that her available cover points were dwindling. Though she managed to catch a distant glimpse of the figures on the dam, the limited vantage point hindered her from discerning crucial details. Suddenly, the air was pierced by the shrill cry of an unidentified source, diverting her attention. Shortly after, projectiles were hurled in her direction, prompting the Kunoichi to swiftly draw a dagger, an unexpected yet effective tool for this impromptu pest control.

Instinctively, she contemplated utilizing her long limb technique to swiftly clear the area of the mammalian residents. However, her intentions were momentarily halted by the crackling voice of Hotarubi emanating from the radio. The Kunoichi, standing in a vigilant stance, absorbed the incoming information, her focus momentarily shifting from the immediate danger.

In a calculated move, the Special Jōnin plunged the dagger, once clasped in her left hand and now secured at her thigh, with a precise and deliberate motion. With a brief backstep, she then propelled herself out of the concealment of the trees, executing a motion that resembled a purposeful dive towards the ground below. "This hardly seems fair for them. Moving in." she declared over the radio, a touch of wry confidence in her tone.

Initiating a well-practiced technique, her left arm, now perpendicular to the ground, shot forward, striking the earth and generating a force that propelled Kunikunosaku upwards. The limb elongated, achieving a remarkable 35-meter lift as she seamlessly transitioned into an acrobatic somersault. This intricate maneuver not only allowed her to swiftly close the distance with her targets but also maintained her concealed position, keeping her adversaries in the dark about her impending assault. The Kunoichi, a master of both agility and deception, was poised for a strategic and surprise offensive.

TEMPbyAi ♥

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(S) USED:
Jiongu | Earth Grudge Fear

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

Symbiotic Relationship: Mutualism

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

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

Power of a God:
After a great time learning how to control Jiongu, Kunikunosaku has learned to store chakra in each of her threads so long as they continue to be attached to at least one of her hearts. This extra storage capacity allows the girl to amass greater amounts of chakra within herself, expanding her reserves beyond that of the normal shinobi her rank. As with many other abilities, this ability continues to grow as the girl does through the ranks and years.

Cursed Master:

As a reward for attaining a greater deal of control over her symbiotic relationship with Jiongu, Kunikunosaku acquired the keys to the gate of mastering her abilities. This new boon allows Kunikunosaku to double the impact of her EGF ninjutsu. In addition, a passive boon is the ability to completely negate Jiongu's manipulation to consume more hearts. These boons together allow Kuni to further manipulate Jiongu against its basic natures, improving her unique utilization. While still young and unrefined, the ability is expected to grow as their bond deepens to even further levels.

Medical Knowledge:

Being from Takigakure's prestigious clan medical clan, Kunikunosaku is also set to learn the human anatomy, biology, and Kinesthetics, While this knowledge DOES NOT give her access to Medical Ninjutsu Techniques, however, the knowledge does unlock abilities of precision to the human body with every attack. This knowledge grants field combat medic aid but nowhere near the degree of those actually trained in it.

JUTSU(S) USED:
NAME:Nagai-shi no Jutsu [Long Limb Technique]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu | Hijutsu
ELEMENT: N/A
DESCRIPTION:
By utilizing their kinjutsu, the user will extend on of their limbs. They can then direct the limbs to attack opponents with the maximum length of the limbs being 35 meters. Along with lengthening the limbs themselves the user can move a mass of tendrils and a heart with them into the limb, allowing it to act independently from the main body.

EQUIPMENT USED:
01 | Ikari to Hisan (Continuous)
01 | Wireless Radio (continuous)

[Ronin]

The sound of particles of dust rubbing against each other made the hapless bandit turn to investigate what was making such a sound, as it did not seem to be accompanied by the wind which would have produced such an effect naturally. His expression changed to one of puzzlement, as his brain registered that there was an anomaly before him. But even as he registered that he was in the presence of a threat, even as his eyes began to unconsciously widen, as his brain began sending messages to his mouth to scream an alarm, the man's life blood was already spraying from his throat.

Vainly, he tried to scream, but there was only a gurgle. Clutching at the gaping gash in his neck, he took two steps backwards, and then fell, as his body slowly stopped moving, a sanguine pool quickly soaking the earth around him. The other lookouts at the base of the structure were too far out to realize that their colleague had been silently snuffed out, and no alarm was raised. But the other sentinels on the ground were making rounds, even if slowly, and soon two others would begin approaching the area where Hotarubi had hidden the corpse.

Meanwhile, Kunikunosaku would make her approach towards the dam wall, scaling it acrobatically. The two men had not yet noticed her, as they were not expecting an attack from that position, but she would see that there was a third one in a crude alcove in the dam wall. He was not aware of her yet, but it was likely that if she kept moving without attending to him, he soon would be. And if she attacked him first, that would draw the attention of the two men she had seen initially. Decisions to be made....

Akira | Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku

[Akira]

Too many fucking things to do.


"Two moving toward me." Hotarubi whispered. It was good to remain communicative. Then - the man would immediately begin regaling his own thoughts of where people were for her - including the position of the third in the crude fixing - but the intial indication that he was about to become principally busy would help her come to the engagement.

There was a concern of what to do and how to approach the situation a second.. and third time. He could repeat the same - but there was no chance it would be successful again, much less if they both acted in different ways and every attack came with a chance that they were dealing with someone more dangerous than their station let on - and then it would go to high hell, but at least Hotarubi would get the chance to practice his technique should that have come to pass.

Decidedly, Hotarubi would choose the more conservative approach: he took the moment to turn around, study the... face of the person he had just killed, keeping in mind the blood was making it hard for him to distinguish the clothing and some of the neck, in the interest of choice, Hotarubi used something he thought he'd never have to: the henge technique.

From up close, it was clear that it was a rushed technique but he would prey on the two's ability to percept and give them just enough doubt for him to walk immediately past, and then through them. Walking out from that spot, and toward the two of them at a relaxed ample pace: looking around so that they would not get the clearest look of the man's face and should they have gotten close enough, he would perform the same attack, turning his two arms into blades right through the faces of the two sentries, hoping that they would be fooled by the disguise first.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Henge no Jutsu [Transformation Technique]
RANK: E
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low [Continuous]
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: None
HANDSEALS: 3
DESCRIPTION:
After performing the necessary hand seals, the user transforms their appearance to become that of another person, animal or even an inanimate object. This is considered one of the most advanced academy techniques, as it requires a constant emission of chakra as well as constant mental focus to maintain the transformation. Shinobi are limited to transforming into objects roughly their own size, preventing them from turning into a fly while being able to carry items far greater than their transformed state.

[googlefont=Open+Sans]

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

Ronin Akira

...

Evil Doesn't Die; It Changes Shape.

Once she got lift in the air, Kunikunosaku caught a visual identifier of the other figures. She didn't see all that Hotarubi had observed and detailed earlier and that sent Kunikunosaku to scan the area. At the apex of her acrobatic maneuver, Kunikunosaku knew she had a couple more seconds to commit to a given maneuver. In the midst of her racing thoughts, a voice came into her earpiece detailing the approaching of two more. The Special Jōnin had a feeling they were in the clear but she knew it was probably time to take a more... distracting approach. His job was to smash that dam, and hers was to kill, right? The best avenue was to exacerbate the threat she posed and minimized Hotarubi's. In the best case scenario, he'd have a clear shot getting the dam totalled while she might have a chance for a heart. Would she walk away with Raiton? Suiton? Or will she have to try another day?

Regardless, the Kunoichi positioned her blades away enough as she weaved seals, repositioning to aim her now nose dive both away from the dam, yet close enough to draw attention and hopefully maybe even get a bastard or two worth of collateral. "I'm going to buy you as much time as possible. When the opportunity arises, go do your rock thing. You'll know when you hear it." Kunikunosaku spoke clearly in her headset as her worry of being heard meters above any tree was non-existent. Fūton chakra enveloped her as the Kunoichi moved faster and faster to the ground. The sound of a vacuum gust began moving over the area before the air felt like it died and wind was non-existent.

The Mikatakujira gripped the handles of her daggers before her energized being practically stabbed the ground with her face. A vacuum screech reigned as the Fūton chakra built and discharged so forcefully. It was terrifyingly loud like lightning striking the ground while the force could but typical hurricanes to shame.

TEMPbyAi ♥

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(S) USED:
Jiongu | Earth Grudge Fear

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

Symbiotic Relationship: Mutualism

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

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

Power of a God:
After a great time learning how to control Jiongu, Kunikunosaku has learned to store chakra in each of her threads so long as they continue to be attached to at least one of her hearts. This extra storage capacity allows the girl to amass greater amounts of chakra within herself, expanding her reserves beyond that of the normal shinobi her rank. As with many other abilities, this ability continues to grow as the girl does through the ranks and years.

Cursed Master:

As a reward for attaining a greater deal of control over her symbiotic relationship with Jiongu, Kunikunosaku acquired the keys to the gate of mastering her abilities. This new boon allows Kunikunosaku to double the impact of her EGF ninjutsu. In addition, a passive boon is the ability to completely negate Jiongu's manipulation to consume more hearts. These boons together allow Kuni to further manipulate Jiongu against its basic natures, improving her unique utilization. While still young and unrefined, the ability is expected to grow as their bond deepens to even further levels.

Medical Knowledge:

Being from Takigakure's prestigious clan medical clan, Kunikunosaku is also set to learn the human anatomy, biology, and Kinesthetics, While this knowledge DOES NOT give her access to Medical Ninjutsu Techniques, however, the knowledge does unlock abilities of precision to the human body with every attack. This knowledge grants field combat medic aid but nowhere near the degree of those actually trained in it.

JUTSU(S) USED:
NAME: Bakudan [Dive Bomb]
RANK: A
CHAKRA USAGE: High
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Fūton
HANDSEALS: 15
REQUIREMENT: EGF SA
Fūton Heart/Nature
Nagai-shi no Jutsu [Long Limb Technique]
DESCRIPTION:
While seemingly a simple jutsu, the user absolutely needs EGF to survive the drop and sheer force of the jutsu. There are 2 conditions to use Bakudan: The first is weaving the seals prior to launching yourself into the air for this jutsu, OR you are already in mid-air, at least 10 meters above the ground. Once the seals are completed, the Mikatakujira is capable of coating themselves with Fūton Chakra. This increases the velocity of their nose dive towards the ground. Upon impact, this creates a 30-meter radial area in all directions of great concussive, and blunt trauma, in a large wind blast. This affects all within the area by blowing them back with extreme force, objects/people rooted to the ground will suffer rapid erosion or cutting damage due to the sheer force of the pressurized impact.

EQUIPMENT USED:
01 | Ikari to Hisan (Continuous)
01 | Wireless Radio (Continuous)

[Ronin]

As the two men approached Hotarubi, they were fooled by the Henge no jutsu which he had used to make himself resemble the fellow he had just killed moments before. As they expected this to just be a routine patrol, they were not expecting the earthen blades that suddenly jutted out from the arms of their 'colleague'. Stone smashed through skull and viscera, with blood and particles of brain matter littering the Taki ninja's arms, as well as a good portion of the area. Quite brutal, but effective enough to prevent any discovery of the plan to destroy the dam. The corpses fell in silence, their brains destroyed before any semblance of sound could be made from their throats.

Meanwhile, Kunikunosaku's aerial maneuver brought her swooping at high speed to connect with the upper level of the dam. The resultant sound, ignoring the screams from the couple of hapless rogues who were blown clean off the wall, could probably have been heard for miles. Almost immediately, as though someone had been itching to activate it, came another sound, this one the wail of some sort of crude siren. And even as the sounds of feet could be heard, moving in the kunoichi's direction, even as voices could be heard calling out to each other, Kunikunosaku would hear a voice call out: "we're under attack! Open the bloody dam!! All of it!!!"

Akira | Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku