[Shouki Shizuka]

As before, Shizuka listened to Mizuki's story without great interest. She cast her thoughts into the immediate future, trying to recall who she might be brought to, and what she might say in her defense. Her mind was clouded with fatigue, however, and she had no success.

"Torture. The earliest memory of everyone in the Shouki clan is torture. Pain and suffering inflicted by our own blood, our own poison." While Mizuki would be unaware of the true nature of the Dokuyoke, they would at least know the public story. That the powers and immunities of the Shouki clan were born from a bloodline. An inheritance which claimed the lives of a majority of the clan's young.

"Children of the Shouki clan are trained to resist interrogation before we even begin academy. It surprised me this was not the expected standard of all shinobi. Your mother deserves praise. She prepared you well."

Contempt and scorn were obvious on Shizuka's expression, though for who or what remained unclear. She let out a weary, pained sigh.

"As for the Hachidaime Mizukage... he's hopeless. He knows everything, and he doesn't act. Forget him."

Shizuka lurched towards Mizuki, releasing the pressure on her wound. A singular, unmistakable stench filled the air. The odor of living rot, of a twicedead corpse clinging to life. Shouki blood was repulsive to the living like no other poison, and even unconcentrated its vapor burned the nostrils and made one's throat itch. Shizuka sank her weight on the chain and met Mizuki's eyes.

"Forget the Mizukage. You help. If I had your strength I could-" suddenly, she broke off. "Forgive me, I spoke out of turn. I need rest."

[Hōzuki Mizuki]

Mizuki remained silent as Shizuka spoke, absorbing her words with a calm, patient expression. The intensity of her bitterness and the weight of her past with the Shouki clan were clear, but Mizuki didn’t let it show on their face. They knew there was no point in addressing the contempt directly—Shizuka was exhausted, physically and emotionally. Right now, rest would serve her better than any conversation.

As the foul stench of Shizuka’s blood filled the air, Mizuki wrinkled their nose but remained composed. The Shouki clan’s blood was notorious, but Mizuki had prepared for situations like this. "You’ve been through enough for one day,” Mizuki said softly, tightening the restraints on Shizuka to make sure she wouldn’t lose any more blood. "You’re right—rest is what you need. There’s no point in pushing yourself right now.”

Mizuki glanced toward the gates of Kirigakure, the towering figures of the guards already visible in the distance. As they reached the gates, Mizuki waved down the guards, explaining the situation briefly. "She needs medical attention and some rest. Keep an eye on her I have to get back to my post.”

With a final nod to the guards, Mizuki turned back to Shizuka, offering a calm but firm farewell. "Get some rest.”

Without waiting for a response, Mizuki turned away, heading back toward their post, the weight of the mission beginning to lift as they disappeared into the fading light of the day.


Shouki Shizuka

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Mōfu [Morph]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: low
REQUIREMENTS: Zōkyō
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Water
DESCRIPTION:

Armed with the knowledge of Zōkyō the user is able to put the technique into actual combat use. By using the Hijutsu of the Hozuki the user transforms either their arm, leg or even entire body into liquid. While in this state the user is able to use their chakra to mold their body into any item of their choosing. The larger the item, the larger amount of chakra used. The item is charged with chakra, able to withstand attacks from metal objects alike and melee attacks. A full body transformation would cost significantly more than transforming a single arm or leg, into either a sword or spear. The weaponry used is capable of cutting through flesh but not bone. Able to cut wood and stone, but not able to cut through them. The time it takes to create an item with this technique takes only moments. However, when struck with an attack of Raiton origin, not only will the user be shocked but the technique will disperse as well.

Note: Items include swords, axes and the like. Shields and even body armor.