[Senju Kazuyuki]

The rest of the team left into the woods to try and find the boy, leaving Kazuyuki alone. He had no intention of going after them, knowing somebody needed to guard the caravan, but he did whistle for Itsuki, who came melting out of the trees. If a threat tried to attack them, Itsuki would be extremely helpful in defending the caravan, he reasoned. Thankfully, Kazuyuki was good at defending. Mokuton was kind of his whole thing, after all.

The fact that the group had ignored his words was a little annoying, but they at least had decided to stop wasting time. He was sure that between the three of them, the missing boy would be fine. Kazuyuki would just have to hold the fort down here. He had no issues with this, but did make the choice to switch the paper fan for one of his iron fans instead. The fans would serve him well if he needed to defend.

Sighing, he looked to his familiar. Itsuki seemed distinctly uneasy in a way he rarely was- perhaps his animal instincts sensed something was wrong. Kazuyuki couldn’t be sure, though, and opted not to think about it too heavily, even if he was stuck in the caravan with the civilians. He was just glad resting had solved the issue of using too much chakra, not having enough chakra to fight would be outright awful.

[TACTICIAN]

ROUND INFORMATION

Group D - SECTION ONE: COMPLETE
SECTION TWO: COMPLETE
SECTION THREE: COMPLETE
SECTION FOUR: COMPLETE
SECTION FIVE: ROTATION 1 OF ??

ROTATION DEADLINE: 8/31/24

TIMEZONE CONVERSION BELOW

POST

- Nightmare Fuel -

Zakku’s grim method of calling for reinforcements was certainly dramatic, but it was effective—once the clone had dispersed, Zakku original flavor and Ayukawa took off into the woods, leaving Kazuyuki and Itsuki behind to defend the caravan on their own. For Kazuyuki, the next few minutes would be calm, if unnerving, as he would be able to hear Zakku’s distant screaming from the depths of the woods.

Basagiri merged into Yuushi’s shoulder to begin gathering nature chakra on his behalf, while Yuushi and the remaining clone rushed ahead, as quickly and quietly as possible, to the scene of the crime.

It was, in a word, nightmarish.

TW: BIG SPIDER

SPOILER: Click to show

Half a dozen dog-sized spiders skittered a dark, shadowy, web-flooded clearing in eager anticipation as a truly gargantuan spider tenderly took the time to wrap an unconscious Kisuke in sticky web fluid, starting from the feet and spinning him around between two long, spindly forelegs. Yuushi, Basagiri, and the clone’s approach had been stealthy enough that none of the spiders seemed to notice their shared approach, though that was likely to change quickly—they would need to take advantage of their window of opportunity for an ambush. Ayukawa and Zakku were less than a minute behind, and would be able to join the fray shortly after.

The webs did get stuck in Zakku's hair.

SPOILER: Click to show

[Burokon Zakku]

// Zakku //

I could go supersonic, the problem's chronic
Tell me, does life exist beyond it?
When I need to sate,
I just accelerate into oblivion

Saeko Ayukawa   Nakahara Yuushi Senju Kazuyuki

Zakku whined and flicked his hair that had a web in it around.  "Gross gross gross."  Holding it up to Ayukawa he put on his best puppy dog eyes as he continued running.  "You know how much scrubbing is going to be needed to get these out?  When we get back to the village I'm...going...to....."  Zakku trailed off and began to slow as from the web emerged a baby spider.  It rubbed its face and looked at the Suna Shinobi.  The color began to drain from Zakkus face as his Raiton began to bubble up in fear throughout his body.  "It's in my hair."  Zakku practically whispered.  "It's in my hair Ayu-chan..."  



The clone watched in horror as the giant spider was spinning the unconscious teen into a web cocoon.  "Ok."  The clone said staying in their temporary cover.  "So I'm not counting how many we have to squish but If we can get the big one we can grab Kisuke and run like hell."  The clone tried to get its plan fully formed and explained to the combined Yuushigiri as it began to weave it's hand signs.  "If I can get a shot just right at it's legs at the right time think you can keep the littler ones while I grab the kid?"  Before he could get an answer a loud scream interrupted them.

Panic
"OH MY KAMI IT'S IN MY HAIR!"  The Originals voice would be heard followed by a thunderous 'Boom' as the original Zakku freaked out.  The clone ducked just in time to miss a speeding blue blur as it soared over them.  The ball of hair slammed into everything trying desperately to kill the tiny spider only succeeding in bouncing off webs and trees as the blue blue sped around the clearing.  "KILL IT!  KILL IT! KILL IT!"  He repeated as he slammed into anything in his way unsuccessful in even harming the tinier spider.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsu used:
Hari Jizō - [Needle Jizō]
A swift set of seals are formed as chakra is poured into the user's hair, inspiring growth and thickening of each individual fiber. The fibers continue hardening and sharpening until reaching a level of mimicking steel needles, creating a chain-mail-like defense of dense hair. Often times, the user will surround his or herself with the hair as a spike-covered mound so dense that weapons break upon striking it. If the user wishes, the hair can reach outward with its spines, aiming to thoroughly pierce and maim opponents with its stone-splitting spikes.

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Forging from the Group up "Ummm..." While the webbing was hardly the most pressing thing on the teen's mind, it was clear that this situation had Zakku on edge. It was one of the very few times she'd ever seen the man like this, prompting her to blink as they continued running. Spiders were no different than any other insect from Ayu's own perspective. They were predators in their kingdom, and the smallest of bugs that were caught by their traps became their victims. It was the rules of nature. Though in hearing Zakku, it was as though they were entering the den of a demon. Upon hearing him complain some more about the condition of his hair, the purple eyed female would then continue to hold a blank expression, leading to her allowing herself a moment to reflect on what her friend Kazai might do to resolve this. In truth, some ideas came to mind, but even she questioned if they weren't a bit cruel. Though it seemed to sight of what awaited them prompted such thinking, revealing a giant spider with it's nest of little ones. Despite not being disturbed by this, she was a bit daunted at the size of such a creature. Of course, life always did find a way to make things interesting for her. It made her even more happy that she had left her home to live in Sunagakure to be able to experience such things. "Amazing..." She'd whisper this as she joined the other two in cover, looking on before noting the boy being wrapped up within the giant spider's threads. They would need to reach him soon, but how to do so effectively? Before any options could be discussed, Zakku would begin to throw ideas out into the air and seemed to rapidly begin weaving his own plan together. Usually, she'd be okay with this, but considering this was someone's life on the line and Zakku was acting far more erratic than usual, she questioned if it were not his desire to simply resolve this quickly to be able to leave. Though before she could say anything, the blue haired shinobi had already launched his attack, leading the Suna nin to look on with a narrowed expression as he launched into a blue ball of spikey hair, bouncing from one place to the next as he panicked and screamed. In shock at this, the girl would then turn towards Yuushigiri with a sheepish grin before then placing her hand behind her head. "He's not like this always....promise..." In defending her teammate, Ayukawa would then take in a breath before allowing her focus to overtake her. "But he has managed to get the smaller spiders to them...if you can reach Kisuke, I can draw the giant spider's attention until we can come back together.." Let's go That said, the girl would then jump forward, launching herself onto the side of a tree before making one last jump towards the giant's web. With her body rolling in the air, the teen would then recenter herself, snapping her leg back as she'd strike at the creature's many eyes. Though imagining it would not be enough to do full damage, it would at the very least draw it's attention from it's captured food, realizing it was being threatened. As she bounded back from the surface of it's face, her body would land in the branches once again, holding her position as she looked to the beast before calling out to it. "OOOOOOYYYYEEEE! Over here!"

    Tag: | Words: xxx | Notes:

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

SPOILER: Click to show

-Jutsu Used-

NAME: Misago // 鶚 [Osprey]
RANK: A
CHAKRA USAGE: Moderate - Very High
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: -none
DESCRIPTION:

The signature move of the Toridō, this is a swinging kick delivered with the utmost of the user's speed and power, comparable to the Raiton: Rariatto. In fact, it is meant to be performed with such speed that the kick is near impossible to follow until it is inches from the target's face, striking the neck with such force that it can snap it at the base of the spine or, with assistance, tear the head clean off.

-Item's used-
xPuppet Arm

-S.A Used-
Lion's Sleep
Hunter instincts and experience on the hunt have granted Ayukawa insight into the minds of the prey she encounters. Animalistic encounters have allowed her to track and be capable of following those that she intends to target, at times giving her brief, but small insight into their intentions. While not fully developed, they have improved over her continued use and natural development, allowing her instincts to be heighten to a point where she isn't caught off-guard when activated or in an intense moment that requires a reaction. It also allows for her to at times get inside of the heads of her target, mostly due to their movements and their patterns once discovered. It is a skill that is constantly growing, though has yet to reach it's full potential.

In the Jungle
To survive in the desert, one must be able to keep up with not just the prey, but also to outrun the wild predators as well. Ayukawa training and life in the wilderness and vast landscape has prepared her for such events. Her genetics in relation to the Saeko Clan have given her an edge in physical combat, along with making her much more agile. Living out in the desert has also made her incredibly durable due to the intense environment surrounding her, along with possessing a high amount of physical stamina.

Law of the Jungle
The law of the jungle states that the strongest survive and the weak perish. In further effort to increase upon such a principle, Ayukawa has further increased her strength by the usage of training weights. Her constant runs, strikes, and combat acts have more impactful strides due to their instrumental usage. As such, while not yet strong enough to break boulders without applying chakra, she has improved the impact strength of her strikes to the point that she can fracture bones with more ease, much like the bite of a lion.

[Nakahara Yuushi]

Woahhh.... The tiny mantis on his shoulder let out an awe-inspired exclamation of her own, and Yuushi couldn't help but agree. This thing was big. BIG big.

That was all that could be said about the spider that awaited them, that held the young boy they were meant to save in it's web. Very big. Around the size of Amenboken from the looks of it. Which wasn't great since the boy had almost died from treading in the earth mantis's territory. Hopefully this spider wasn't quite the threat the earth king mantis had been, he really didn't want a repeat of him running for his life. Which is why he stayed in the shadows with the blue haired clone even as they watched Kisuke in dire need of help, no longer rushing into things haphazardly.

And as Zakku raised a plan, the green eyed young man would reach out to gently grab his hands, stopping the seals he was making. Don't worry about the legs, I can handle that. Just run in and grab hiII-mmmph!...

Yuushi knew he was good at hiding, and so he had an expectation of when he was hiding, he wouldn't be found. So when Ayu managed to pop up next to them in the forest floor, taking him by surprise mid sentence his whisper almost turned into a shout before he bit his tongue as he went to draw a scythe, smacking Basagiri in his rushed panic before realizing it wasn't one of the dog sized spiders that found them. And as the tanned girl fully joined them, it was unclear who was in worse shape, Yuushi panting like he might have a heart attack any moment while Basagiri held her face.

Owwwwww!! It was an angry hiss at her human sibling, clearly quite upset. Though she at least had the forethought to still be quiet as she whispered her anger directly into his ear, which was good since any loud sounds would ruin the plan. It was going to have to be precise, requiring good timing. Which meant Yuushi had to be patient. He slowly reached for his scythe, making sure not to bump his companion this time, as he watched the legs pull up the unconscious teen, waiting for the perfect moment. And then the screaming got closer.

The predator sage had waited too long, a realization that came as the chaos began. The blue haired young man, the real Zakku, bouncing around not in an attack formation but a panicked one. The only person he was probably hurting at this point was himself as he somehow bounced off everything but the giant spider in the room. Four pairs of eyes rested on the clone, an awkward silence filled only by the screaming of the original and the now aware spiders.

Yeahhh... His response showed a lack of convincing, though it wasn't like there was a real way to broach the subject of asking the clone if it was possible the original hit his head at some point. Though she was at least keeping her cool as she came up with a plan on her own, with her being bait and Yuushi once again relegated to rescue. And before he could stop her she was on her way, off to fight the monster with a kick to the face.

Wait I-...uuuugh

The young man couldn't help but let out a sigh as she was off, his ambush over before it could even begin. At least she's talking again...Though I'm guessing if either of us try taking those legs out now she'll get mad again... He looked at the clone, a look that screamed they were both in the same boat now. Though he at least wouldn't poof into nothingness if poked wrong. Small wins. I guess this really is the troublemaker group...A call back to the Sand Ninjas joke from earlier.

I dunno...Seems like you're having fun. The gari part of Yuushigari spoke up, and a chuckle escaped his smiling lips. He didn't know when it'd happened, but maybe he'd become a trouble maker on this trip as well. And the beginner troublemaker grabbed his two scythes and he'd run out of hiding as well as the large spider was distracted and he'd throw the scythe not to attack but to cut the webbing holding the unlucky Kisuke, then he'd grab the weighted chain end of his other scythe and threw that out to wrap around the teens cocooned body, pulling him in.

SPOILER: Click to show

-Yuushi reminisces about the last time he almost got eaten as he looks at the man-eating spider behemoth
-Stops Zakku from doing a jutsu as he plans to try and go for the legs with an attack before he almost dies from a heart attack when Ayu finds them, and almost takes Basagiri out with him in his panic
-Looks like he's close to passing out, however they're still unseen...For now
-As he prepares his ambush, screaming approaches
-Zakku the hedgehog enters and makes chaos, and Yuushigari is stunned
-Doubt
-Ayukawa runs off before Yuushi's ambush attack, kicking the giant spooder in the face
-Yuushi is happy he's not persona nongrata anymore, though he states aloud to clone Zakku they'll both likely be in trouble if either them try attacking the legs now. Ambush cancelled
-Is pretty sure this is the troublemaker team, though Basagiri notes it looks like he's been having fun with them, which he can't deny
-Throws one scythe to cut the web holding Kisuke as he exits cover, and uses the chain of the other to wrap around him and pull him in

Gathering Nature Energy 2/2

---

Summons Summoned:
Basagiri

---

Jutsus Used:

NAME: Sasori no Kougeki [Scorpion Sting]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
ELEMENT: -
HANDSEALS: 0
DESCRIPTION:
This technique requires Kusarigama to perform. While holding the chain, the user tosses the short scythe at the opponent. At the very last second, when the opponent is prepared to block or dodge the attack, the user pulls and swings the chain so that the weapon pivots upwards, and then strikes the target from above in a very fast, stabbing strike.


NAME: Hebi no O [Snake's Tail]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
ELEMENT: -
HANDSEALS: 0
DESCRIPTION:
This technique is performed with a chain. The chain with the weight on its end is tossed at the foe with the force applied in a specific way, so that if it hits something, it doesn't bounce off, but instead wraps around and ensnares it. This technique is primarily used to trap opponents.

---

Stone Cap: 400-40= 360 Points Remaining

[TACTICIAN]

ROUND INFORMATION

Group D - SECTION ONE: COMPLETE
SECTION TWO: COMPLETE
SECTION THREE: COMPLETE
SECTION FOUR: COMPLETE
SECTION FIVE: ROTATION 2 OF ??

ROTATION DEADLINE: 9/7/24

TIMEZONE CONVERSION BELOW

POST

- Kind Of Like Gushers -

Zakku shot around the clearing like a spiky blue pinball, rolling around at the speed of sound—artfully somehow missing every enemy in sight, but doing a wonderful job of drawing a lot of attention to himself. About half the number of the smaller spiders anxiously skittered away as he burst onto the scene, startled by so much quick movement and loud noise that even in their home turf their animal instinct decided that flight was wiser than fight.

Of the three that fled, one ran deeper into the woods; the other two were startled the opposite way, towards the caravan in the exact direction that Zakku and Ayukawa had come from. It would take time for them to actually reach the caravan, if they ever did—meaning that Kazuyuki had ample opportunity to either intercept or shoo them away, if he was able to notice them incoming.

Ayukawa, meanwhile, took point on occupying the big creature; it was so laser-focused on finishing its task of cocooning Kisuke that it didn’t even look up as Zakku made his bombastic entrance. Her kick landed squarely against a clump of the spider’s eyes. Three of the eyes burst in their sockets like overripe fruit, blood and goo dripping down the side of its arachnid face, as it screeched and clicked its mandibles in rage and pain. Kisuke, now fully wrapped up, was abandoned as the giant spider lunged at Ayukawa’s perch in the treeline, some glistening wet ichor dripping from its mandibles as it tried to take a bite out of her.

With the big spider occupied with Ayukawa and Zakku effectively distracting the three remaining smaller spiders, the boy-mantis wonder was free to fling his kusarigama to start the rescue effort. The toss of his scythe cut loose the webbing holding him in place, while the chain wrapped around his enwebbed body and dragged him close to to Yuushi’s no-longer hiding-spot. The webbing seemed unnaturally durable, thin as silk but strong as steel, and it would more effort to make more of a dent in the cocoon, especially if Yuushi wanted to avoid hurting Kisuke in the process.

SPOILER: Click to show

[Burokon Zakku]

// Zakku //

I could go supersonic, the problem's chronic
Tell me, does life exist beyond it?
When I need to sate,
I just accelerate into oblivion

Saeko Ayukawa   Nakahara Yuushi Senju Kazuyuki

"KILL! KILL KILL! DIE!  DIE!"  Zakku screamed as he continued smashing into the ground and spinning wildly.  Kicking up plumes of dirt and grass the blue blur bounced up and popped open his spiked hair ball to draw in a quick breath of fresh air and saw the three spiders he'd been unintentionally distracting with his fear filled antics..  Another loud scream escaped his mouth as he recurled into the ball spinning rapidly.  "GET BACK!  STAY AWAY!"  He called out spinning straight into the first spider he could target.  

Zakkus clone watched the blue blur as he casually pulled another drag from his blunt.  "Ya know.  This probably could have gone better, but at least he's doing something."  The clone mused exhaling skunky smoke.  Zakku had been afraid of spiders since birth.  Finding their look to be fear inducing and unnatural.  Thankfully the few he'd seen in Sunagakure weren't as big as what he was panicking over now.  Another reason to burn down the forest in his opinion.  The clone pulled one last drag before flicking the half finished Blunt into the originals path as he disappeared with a puff of smoke the remaining chakra rushing back into Zakku.

As the blunt tumbled in air it made its way into the battle.  Zakku caught it pulling it back into his hairball as it bounced off the ground and used another web to repeatedly slam into the first spider.  "DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!"  He repeatedly screamed as he launched a spiked ball strike after strike.  The rush of chakra and memories from his clone helped aim his attack, catch the blunt mid flight, and stay safe inside his hairy cocoon.  It was safer in there.  At least he hoped so.  He also wasn't going to test it out or get out of his safe space until they were long clear of the spiders.  "I'm so taking a long break after this damned mission!"

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsu used:
Hari Jizō - [Needle Jizō]
A swift set of seals are formed as chakra is poured into the user's hair, inspiring growth and thickening of each individual fiber. The fibers continue hardening and sharpening until reaching a level of mimicking steel needles, creating a chain-mail-like defense of dense hair. Often times, the user will surround his or herself with the hair as a spike-covered mound so dense that weapons break upon striking it. If the user wishes, the hair can reach outward with its spines, aiming to thoroughly pierce and maim opponents with its stone-splitting spikes.

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Forging from the Group up "Would it help if I said I was sorry about your eyes?" Moment Music In having managed to get the creatures attention, Ayukawa would then allow herself to move the opposite side of the tree, her body cartwheeling through the air as the large archanid attempted to bite down into her. While it managed to destroy the perch in which once had, her position was now upon it's thin mandible, balancing herself upon it as she could see the damage she had caused, winching only slightly as it's gaze would likely shift in her direction upon it's mouth. "...Heh heh....hi.." Waving slightly, the teen would then glance down to note the situation below. While Zakku had managed to handle the smaller spiders from the safety of his hair cocoon, Yuushi had also been at work recovering the young boy and having to deal with their binding. Everything was working out, but it looked like he might need more time. "Okay then...." As she darted along the surface of the spider's mouth, she'd quickly zoom inward to close the distance between herself as the creature's center of vision before applying chakra to her right arm. As she drew closely, the girl would swing her limb outward, prompting a flare of fire to launch itself in the spider's cluster of eyes, allowing herself to turn sideways as she leaped ahead to try and place herself upon it's scorched retinas. From there, she'd then slam her puppet limb downward, attempting to take out yet another eyes, this time hoping that the distraction would keep the beast occupied further as the others continued to work on the ground below. "Guys! I don't think I can this!" Yelling down below, it was beginning to become clear to her that while she could at the very least delay the creature, she very much could not take it down. Not alone. As much as she was progressing in hindering it's attention away from them, she wasn't capable of the strength required to completely down the beast. More than that, if that was the goal, she certainly wouldn't be able to keep it steady for much longer before it began to notice the death of it's children. Which then, might cause it to rage even further.

    Tag: | Words: xxx | Notes:

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

SPOILER: Click to show

-Jutsu Used-

NAME: Toeken Dai [Sword Stand]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low - Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: -
HANDSEALS: 0
REQUIREMENT: Mogura Tataki [Whack-a-Mole]
DESCRIPTION:
This being a more advanced version of the Mogura Tataki [Whack-a-Mole], the user focuses their chakra into the feet creating a thin layer under their feet that sticks and protects their feet. The chakra is strong enough to stick and protect the user for a second so the user is able to step/ jump on an incoming strike from a weapon being it a sword, spear or knife. The user would be able the step/ jump on in and balance on it for a second while delivering a counter-attack with the other foot.

NAME: Taimatsu [Torch]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: Katon
HANDSEALS: 0
DESCRIPTION:
This technique fires a particularly strong, destructive fire blast. The energy flows out of the fist and fires in the arc of the punch’s swing. The technique is capable of completely destroying large boulders and causing second degree burns. Each arc created is about three feet around, and usually blast forward directly from the fist. It only has a range of about 5 meters before losing its flame.

NAME: Tekken: Kaminoyari [Iron Fist: God Spear]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: N/A
DESCRIPTION:
Made to pierce through opponents, the user will form a four fingered nukite with their hand. Putting a spin on their strikes, the user’s hands will act like boring drills, striking hard enough to pierce their opponent’s body and damage the muscles and bone underneath. Coupled with being able to be performed in rapid succession this attack is perfect for attacking those who boast strong defenses.


-Item's used-
xPuppet Arm

-S.A Used-
Lion's Sleep
Hunter instincts and experience on the hunt have granted Ayukawa insight into the minds of the prey she encounters. Animalistic encounters have allowed her to track and be capable of following those that she intends to target, at times giving her brief, but small insight into their intentions. While not fully developed, they have improved over her continued use and natural development, allowing her instincts to be heighten to a point where she isn't caught off-guard when activated or in an intense moment that requires a reaction. It also allows for her to at times get inside of the heads of her target, mostly due to their movements and their patterns once discovered. It is a skill that is constantly growing, though has yet to reach it's full potential.

In the Jungle
To survive in the desert, one must be able to keep up with not just the prey, but also to outrun the wild predators as well. Ayukawa training and life in the wilderness and vast landscape has prepared her for such events. Her genetics in relation to the Saeko Clan have given her an edge in physical combat, along with making her much more agile. Living out in the desert has also made her incredibly durable due to the intense environment surrounding her, along with possessing a high amount of physical stamina.

Law of the Jungle
The law of the jungle states that the strongest survive and the weak perish. In further effort to increase upon such a principle, Ayukawa has further increased her strength by the usage of training weights. Her constant runs, strikes, and combat acts have more impactful strides due to their instrumental usage. As such, while not yet strong enough to break boulders without applying chakra, she has improved the impact strength of her strikes to the point that she can fracture bones with more ease, much like the bite of a lion.

[Nakahara Yuushi]

Yuushi had never quite seen something like when the blue haired ninja started ramming one of the spiders while as a ball. It was...Disgusting, actually. Like stepping on a giant spider with hair, guts and viscera caught in the strands. The older teen wondered if the panicking man realized, and quickly decided against pointing it out to the clone, genuinely not sure just what he'd do. The young sage remembered how protective he'd been of his hair before, "no one messes with the do or something. And now, they were looking at a problem that might only have anyone start feeling clean after maybe fifty showers.

I think I'm gonna be sick... New rule. You're not allowed to throw up while merged. There were enough people who were going to be coming out of this in need of a shower, and he wasn't trying to be one of them. Though he was carrying one of them, Kisuke trapped in this sticky silk cocoon.

The young teen would probably be randomly finding silk on himself for weeks after this day was over, but he'd be alive as the young Grass Ninja held him gently after pulling him in with chains. Though he'd find out that on top of being sticky, the silk threads were hard. Really hard. The kunai he'd grabbed to cut the silk wasn't even cutting through a single thread it looked like, which meant he'd have to go bigger. And get more careful. He drew his scythe, being careful as he ran it's tip along the silk, trying not to press too hard. He could run it's blade over the silk multiple times after all, but fixing cutting open Kisuke's stomach would be much harder.

Careful...Careful... I am being careful! What makes you so sure how do this? Ahem. The small mantis waved her bladed arms as the sage stopped for a moment to have an awkward look at her, before resuming his cutting, blushing a bit more than before. Alright...Bad example...Still, it doesn't matter. These threads are like steel... And as he was mid-rescue, things on the battlefield seemed to be getting even more hectic. Then the unthinkable happened, he heard a call for help. Not from the panicking Zakku, but instead Ayukawa, asking for backup.

Yuushi looked up to see the scene, the gigantoid spider still standing and glaring angrily at the tanned girl as two of the smaller ones still fled towards the caravan. At least Zakku seemed to be, well handling things were very strong words for what he was doing, but he at least didn't seem in any large amounts of danger so far. OK, so I know you probably don't realize this even though you made fun of her, but Ayukawa would never ask for help even like...Yesterday. So this is a pretty big development for her I feel, and ummm...I should probably go...help...her. So don't...move? Even though you can't...And I'll be right back. Yuushi gave a very thoughtful, if slightly awkward, explanation of why he was putting the young teen down to an unconscious boy unable to hear him wrapped in a cocoon.

...That was kinda weird Yuu-nii. I just felt he deserved an explanation. For...When he wakes up...Look, let's just go. Instead of trying to defend his reasoning, instead the young sage stepped out into the clearing. And he let out a breath. And then.

A clap.



Only Ayukawa would be able to see it, as the older teen approached her and the giant spider. He'd have the same aura as before when he'd attacked the pirate Kunoichi, his eyes glowing green, his arms slimmer. He'd approach the large spider and whistle to get it's attention, he wanted it looking at him. It's head facing him. And he knew how to get it's attention he was pretty sure. He'd raise an arm, glance towards one of the spiders approaching the caravan, and flick his finger at it. Almost like he'd done nothing, yet he'd felt the nature Chakra shaping in his hands, forming a small ball, and he'd wait to see the ball impact the dog sized spider, hopefully exploding it. Then, with this introduction, he'd leap at the spider, the same giant leap that he'd used to clear the ship they'd been on earlier in one jump. And he'd grab his scythes.

The first blade would be created before he drew the scythes, simple grabbing the handle creating a blade of fuuton aimed at the spiders neck.

First strike.

Next, he'd swing his two scythes in a flash of a swing, the flower blades going from on his back to slicing spider flesh in an instant as he continued his attack on the neck.

Second strike.

Right after swinging, another Fuuton blade would be released, showing Yuushi was fully intent on killing the large bug as the assault on the neck continued.

Third.

Immediately after the wind blade, the young scythe-wielder would try maneuvering behind the spider, just as another wind blade would be made AND an afterimage of himself still in front of the spider thanks his speed, with its own slice as well.

Four and Five.

And as he tried getting behind, or more accurately on top of the spider, he'd finish his swarm of cuts with a downward stab at whatever remained of the head and neck as he shifted grips to his tonfa style to allow him to stab downwards with ease. And hopefully pierce it's eyes, brains, or whatever was left after all his attacks.

Six.

SPOILER: Click to show

TLDR:
-I don't think Zakkus thought steamrolling a spider with his hair through
-Yuushi is at risk at getting his hair ruined as well and makes a no barfing on shoulders rule
-Has Gained 1 Kisuke
-Realizes cutting him open is gonna be harder he thought, and gets some backseat driving from Basagiri
-Starts using his scythe to gently run over the silk, trying not to disembowel Kisuke after rescuing him
-Ayukawa asks for help. Holy cow!
-Yuushi explains how this is such a big character development for her and he's gotta leave but will be right back. To an unconscious, cocooned teen who can't hear him. Basagiri has questions.
-Sage Mode and music tine babyyy
-Let's Zakku keep fighting the small spiders he's attracted, but whistles to get the big ones attention, then creates a Chakra bullet to explode one of the spiders heading towards caravan to REALLY get it's attention
-Jumps towards it using Sage Jump instead of trees, and uses Hanami's reactive ability to create three wind blades, the first before he even starts swinging aimed at spiders neck
-Uses shadow quote timed alongside the second wind blade from Hanami, then tries ending up behind it as the third Windblade and afterimage hit at neck
-Swings down for stab through whatever left, holding scythes in Tonfa Style

---

JUTSUS:
NAME: Sējifurikkā [Sage Flicker]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu/Senjutsu
ELEMENT: -
HANDSEALS: -
REQUIREMENTS: Sage Mode, Sage Fist
DESCRIPTION:
By concentrating Senjutsu Chakra right at the tip of the finger the user will unleash a blast of compressed air funneled with Senjutsu chakra that moves as fast as a speeding bullet and has the potential to pierce through objects and flesh, the technique travels a total of 5m and fizzles out around 3 meters.

NAME: Senju Choyaku [Sage Leap] (1/3 Remaining)
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu/Senjutsu
ELEMENT: -
HANDSEALS: -
REQUIREMENTS: Sage Mode
DESCRIPTION:
After Imbuing their feet with Senjutsu Chakra the user is able to increase the power in their legs in order to jump to great heights, depending on the amount of chakra the user is able to jump the height of a bijuu or large summon, but after 3 uses the users legs will be heavily damaged and walking will become much more difficult.

NAME: Kage Kuooto [Shadow Quote]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
ELEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION:
Using their great speed, the user rushes forward to close the gap between themself and the target. They will make one incredibly fast slash with their scythe immediately before moving out of the way. Right behind them will be an after image, performing the same move the user did. However the after image's slash will be weaker as it is made up of a single air current created from the speed and slashing of the user and scythe.

---

SAGE MODE:
Sennin Modo-Perfect Sage
Yuushi is a prodigy when it comes to senjutsu, there's no other word for it. His progress has been phenomenal, and constantly bearing results, and it's allowed him to reach the pinnacle of sagehood. But it has been well earned, spending an entire year doing nothing but practicing and living with the mantises at first, to escape his fate of an early death. And the practice after was constant, seeking new heights, always remembering of the illness that plagued and the sacred chakra that cured him. To the point he can be considered a Perfect Sage, able to gain 40 pts for every 1/One round of Still Meditation, with his threat cap being 130 and his stone cap being 400.

While in Sage Mode, Yuushi does take on some somewhat unsettling qualities, especially since they're bug like qualities as he's the mantis sage. His eyes go from forest green to bright, shining green, and his pupils all but disappear. His canine teeth get longer as well, both pairs curving closer together and giving the uneasy appearance of mandibles when the top and bottom clink together, though they don't peek out from his mouth now as they used too thankfully. Lastly, his arms get thinner, his already oversized sleeves now draping over his hands.

Active Ability: Predator (4pt Drain)

Yuushi is very used to being perfectly still, needing to do so to even enter sage mode. And so when doing so in Sage Mode, it only makes sense he also reaps some benefits. When standing still, he can become virtually undetectable by Chakra sensory, his Nature Energy Chakra acting as a camouflage as it masks his chakra signature. Even dojutsu users will have a very hard time finding him, his Nature Chakra acting like interference and him impossible to pinpoint.

Passive Ability: Don't Blink (1pt Drain)

When in Sage Mode Yuushi is able to move very fast. Not in movement speed, but in his attack speed. He's able to go from a relaxed position to finishing up an attack faster than most people can process that he's even attacked in the first place, let alone try and defend themselves.

Passive Ability: Never Again (1pt Drain)

Yuushi's one goal, perhaps more than any other, is to never get sick again. And thankfully for him, bugs have a very different circulatory system than most. This means that he's able to heavily resist things like poison, disease, and anything else that might impair him of that nature.

Active Ability: Snatch (4pt Drain)

Imitating how a mantis grabs it's prey, when Yuushi folds his arm inwards he can create a chakra extension of a mantis claw, doubling his reach length and able to fold it inwards to trap people in its now vice grip capable of crushing concrete. However it can also be broken out of, whether by so much strength that he can't hold it shut or just breaking his chakra claws.

ENERGY POINTS: 40 - 3 (1 Senjutsu Low ) - 3 (1 Senjutsu Low) - 20 (1 Non-Senjutsu High ) - 4 (1 Non-Senjutsu Medium) - 2 (Passives) = 40 - 32 = 8 pts remaining

---

Stone Cap: 400 - 80 = 320 Points Remaining

[Senju Kazuyuki]

The sounds of the battle were getting louder now, the faint echoes of Zakku’s screaming loud even through the many trees in the area. Nothing much had happened at the caravan- yet, but Kazuyuki wasn’t going to be taking any chances. Making the the handsigns for the same Mokuton he’d used more than once on this trip, vines would grow around him, in the trees, draping themselves and laying dormant for something to come near them.

The vines were not coded to attack any of his temporary teammates, or the merchants, but would react violently to anything nearby that wasn’t of their group. And soon enough, they found their use, as two spiders came crashing through the trees and right towards his vines. The vines, made as a trap, would make to wrap around and rip apart the spiders without Kazuyuki needing to do much of anything, though the young man still tended into a defensive stance. Itsuki, snorting, pawed at the ground and scanned the trees for further intruders. The moose was impatient at the best of times, but hearing a battle and doing nothing certainly wasn’t helping that.

Sighing, Kazuyuki pulled out his metal war fans, though he hoped he wouldn’t need them.

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Budō o sasu [Strangling Vines]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Mokuton
HANDSEALS: six
TRIGGER: N/A
DESCRIPTION:

Once the shinobi completes the handseals vines grow up from the ground within thirty feet winding their way up trees or ledges to drape down and spreading over the likes of a building in a lattice like pattern. From then on the plants will appear to simply be normal dormant vines, but will attempt to entangle and strangle anyone that touches them or comes within their reach of five feet who is not their original caster or designated by their caster. This justu was often left behind as a trap by the Senju or cast over their homes or outposts to prevent intrusion.

[TACTICIAN]

ROUND INFORMATION

Group D - SECTION ONE: COMPLETE
SECTION TWO: COMPLETE
SECTION THREE: COMPLETE
SECTION FOUR: COMPLETE
SECTION FIVE: ROTATION 3 OF ??

ROTATION DEADLINE: 9/13/24

TIMEZONE CONVERSION BELOW

POST

- The Power of Asking For Help When You Need It -

Zakku emerging briefly to take a breath, and the clone dissipating to give its memories back to the original, meant that what had started as chaotic ping-ponging was now transforming into an effective if frenetic attack on the remaining spiders. The hard spines of his Hari Jizo technique were more than capable of piercing through exoskeletons to reach their soft interiors.

A brutal combination of agility, excellent balance, and a fiery arm meant that Ayukawa made short work of the giant spider’s remaining eyeballs, using her impressive dexterity and a fair few fancy footwork techniques to bounce from mandible to mandible even as it roared in rage and frustration, clicking furiously as it tried to eject shards of heavy tree branch from its mouth. As a distraction she was extremely effective, blinding the giant spider entirely. It rose up, slamming its forelegs hard into the ground and sending a brief shockwave through the earth that would knock Zakku off-course in his pinballing, trying to fling Ayukawa off the surface of its face.

Yuushi whistled loudly. The spider may have been blinded, but it could still hear, and its head whipped around to face Yuushi’s direction. One of the spiders skittering back towards the caravan simply exploded, its guts splattering all over its kin; the big spider couldn’t see, but it howled regardless, whatever grief it may have been capable of feeling clearly coming to bear. It lunged forward, stomping down with its massive forelegs and gnashing its mandibles to try to catch Yuushi in its venom-slick jaws—

It never got the chance to bite down.

Blinded, enraged, distracted and slowed by Ayukawa’s deft handiwork; Zakku effectively occupying all of the big spider’s potential backup; Yuushi’s lightning-fast attack speed, the full power of his Sage Mode coming to bear as he made a series of brutal strikes in rapid succession, able to take full advantage of the opening that Ayukawa and Zakku had made for him—it was the work of moments, but their teamwork had been truly flawless, as the last of Yuushi’s strikes came down to pierce the giant spider through the brain, finishing it off for good.

It slumped to the ground, legs splayed unceremoniously. One of the spiders was technically still headed for the caravan, but it blundered into Kazuyuki’s trap in its panic and was subsequently torn apart, destroyed before it could make its escape into a new life.

And then the chaos was done. Which left only Kisuke, still unconscious and cocooned, subconsciously mollified by Yuushi’s inelegant speech.

SPOILER: Click to show

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Forging from the Group up Anytime now! Woah!" Admitting that she needed help may have felt like a stone being dropped in her stomach, but Ayu was able to swallow that sense of pride due to the fact that it was true. All facts lead to it and even if she had managed to blind the beast, she couldn't take it down. Not alone... Thankfully, she was starting to recognize just what Yuushi was saying before, that they were there to support one another. That was what being in a team was about. Though it was a concept that she was familiar with, and having been on a team with Zakku for some time, it should have easily been something she could do. But, with everything that had happened, she found that her teamwork abilities had been lacking, if not dismissed after what had happened between her and her own clan. A mistake cleared, but not forgotten. Though in the end, that trait of acceptance, no matter how bitter, had managed to bring down the massive spider. Her own frame managing to hold up as the creature began to crumble beneath the attacks of the sage, soon slumped against the ground as the young kunoichi looked down upon it's form before gently sliding off it's face and to the ground. "ያ አስደናቂ ነበር።..." (That was amazing...) With the danger passed, the teen would then grin as she then cheered. "BONZAI!!! THAT WAS AWESOME! YOU TWO ARE SO COOL! I WANNA LEARN HOW TO DO THAT! IS THAT A SAGE THING!? IT HAS TO BE A SAGE THING!? OR WAS THAT ALL THE MANTIS!? I know a technique that uses footwork and the piercing style of a mantis! But I can't generate Chakara like that! Zakku-kun! Did you see it too!?" It seemed that whatever issue the girl had been having may have very well been cured as her explosive conversation outburst was near overwhelming. Though in realizing it, she'd soon reel back as she blushed before turning her attention back towards Kisuke state. "We should check and make sure he's okay! Mostly by first removing that webbing....right?" Shrugging her shoulders, the teen would then begin to draw out her kunai, beginning to work on the boy's bonds as she then glanced at Zakku hair ball state. "Its safe to come out now Zakku-kun....the spiders are gone..."

    Tag: | Words: xxx | Notes:

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

SPOILER: Click to show

-Jutsu Used-




-Item's used-
xPuppet Arm

-S.A Used-
Lion's Sleep
Hunter instincts and experience on the hunt have granted Ayukawa insight into the minds of the prey she encounters. Animalistic encounters have allowed her to track and be capable of following those that she intends to target, at times giving her brief, but small insight into their intentions. While not fully developed, they have improved over her continued use and natural development, allowing her instincts to be heighten to a point where she isn't caught off-guard when activated or in an intense moment that requires a reaction. It also allows for her to at times get inside of the heads of her target, mostly due to their movements and their patterns once discovered. It is a skill that is constantly growing, though has yet to reach it's full potential.

In the Jungle
To survive in the desert, one must be able to keep up with not just the prey, but also to outrun the wild predators as well. Ayukawa training and life in the wilderness and vast landscape has prepared her for such events. Her genetics in relation to the Saeko Clan have given her an edge in physical combat, along with making her much more agile. Living out in the desert has also made her incredibly durable due to the intense environment surrounding her, along with possessing a high amount of physical stamina.

Law of the Jungle
The law of the jungle states that the strongest survive and the weak perish. In further effort to increase upon such a principle, Ayukawa has further increased her strength by the usage of training weights. Her constant runs, strikes, and combat acts have more impactful strides due to their instrumental usage. As such, while not yet strong enough to break boulders without applying chakra, she has improved the impact strength of her strikes to the point that she can fracture bones with more ease, much like the bite of a lion.

[Burokon Zakku]

// Zakku //

I could go supersonic, the problem's chronic
Tell me, does life exist beyond it?
When I need to sate,
I just accelerate into oblivion

Saeko Ayukawa   Nakahara Yuushi Senju Kazuyuki

Landing with a thud the blue blur spun in place slowing down before coming to a complete stop.  "You'd better promise there's nothing out there!"  Zakku replied from the safety of his hairball and let out a long quivering exhale as he slowly uncurled from his Shelter.  Something he always forgot was the length of time he used his impromptu technique he'd end up dizzy.  Shaking off the bits of spider gore and remains from his hair as it retracted back to it's normal length he stared at the ground.  "Did we win?"  He looked around.  "We won.  Let's go team Kick Ass!" He cheered standing up and flashing a quick smile.  He really couldn't wait to leave this forest behind them.  It wasn't a memory he was going to be fond of but he would remember it.  

Looking between everyone and the unconscious boy they'd rescued that Ayukawa was working to extract from the webs Zakku lit another blunt..    Zakku slowly turned to the body of the big spider that had been killed.  "Dude."  He said impressed but refused to step closer choosing instead to throw rocks at it making sure it was dead.  Thankfully it didn't react.  "That's Definitely worth bragging rights."  

Pacing around Zakku made sure they were alone keeping an eye out as he kept one hand in his pack resting on a kunai.  He could help Ayukawa but he'd felt he'd touched enough of that icky sticky substance today.  Especially when it got in his hair.  Debating on burning the webbed area down he decided against it and decided to keep any eye out instead.  He could start a fire later he supposed.  "We should get moving.  We don't need anything else to show up please.  I'd hate to imagine the size of the bed bugs out here."

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsu used:
Hari Jizō - [Needle Jizō]
A swift set of seals are formed as chakra is poured into the user's hair, inspiring growth and thickening of each individual fiber. The fibers continue hardening and sharpening until reaching a level of mimicking steel needles, creating a chain-mail-like defense of dense hair. Often times, the user will surround his or herself with the hair as a spike-covered mound so dense that weapons break upon striking it. If the user wishes, the hair can reach outward with its spines, aiming to thoroughly pierce and maim opponents with its stone-splitting spikes.

[Nakahara Yuushi]

There can only be one true alpha predator in a territory, this was a rule of nature. When two top predators met, they'd fight until one feed or died. It was harsh and cruel, but it was how mother nature worked. And in the bug world, mantids and spiders were both the top of their food chains, and so it was only right they fight. And the predator sage would be who strikes first, and who striked last. While the arachnid tyrant shook the earth with a mighty stomp, he was in the air swinging his weapons of reaping. And his flurry of blows would all hit their mark, the spider never even seeing it coming thanks to the Sand Kunoichi blinding it until it was too late. Until Yuushi stood atop it, both scythes buried into its head, the spider collapsing with nary a whimper. Just silence and a crash to echo through the forest that a new alpha predator was in these forests.

Oh! Can I? Can I? The small mantis on his shoulder suddenly got very excited as the battle ended, not even explaining what she was asking for. Yet, it didn't seem it was needed. Hmmm? Oh. Yeah. Sure. And the older teen dispersed the nature energy, once again returning to plain old Yuushi, and the now un-merged Basagiri hopped off while Yuushi swung his scythe one last time, opening the neck of the behemoth spider. Now, it was simply prey, as the cute mantis girl showed that while she might be a kid and cute, she was a pure carnivore as she ate the exposed flesh. It's an insect eat insect world.

He'd then look up, breathing a bit heavier. That was a lot of energy and Chakra to use all at once, and he was kinda hoping things were almost over. And as he looked up, his eyes would meet the very impressed looking eyes of Ayukawa, though she was speaking in that language he didn't understand again. He hoped she wasn't expecting a response, and he tried not looking like the lost idiot he kinda felt like. Thankfully, he wouldn't be lost for long as soon the martial artist girl would start cheering, and asking just how he'd done all he had. He supposed it was natural to assume that Sage Mode had something to do with what he'd done, after all he was glowing while doing it. But, that wasn't quite the case, and he did his best to say as much.

You really think so? You're the first to call it that, I think. He smiled, meeting her enthusiasm with simple sincerity that sometimes made him come off dorky. Though they actually weren't really sage mode related. It was totally me, like you said. The small mantis girl looked up at the new friend she'd made, mandibles full of fresh meat, as she claimed full responsibility. Don't listen to her. Between you and me...She couldn't even cut the silk of the spider... The teens voice lowered, though it was purposefully loud enough for the small mantis to hear, a small joke of the boys own. I HEARD THAT! YOU CAN'T JUST GO AROUND SAYING STUFF LIKE THAT!! The green haired teen feigned ignorance as he looked away with a small smile, before returning to Ayukawa.

And as for what it all was...Well, the wind blades are an ability of my scythes but everything else was...Just me. I guess. Hope that's not disappointing. Honestly, your fighting style sounds a lot more appropriate for a mantis sage than what I do. Maybe one day I can get you an audience where you can show it off and get it critiqued by real mantises. He couldn't help but wonder just what a mantis based fighting style entailed, though he was sure that Narenareshi at least would approve of having an entire martial art based around her abilities. She'd probably love the idea of a show like that, something to glorify the mantises, and by extension her personally as the leader of the mantids.

But while the future was looking bright for the group and potential plans, they still had things to do. Like rescue Kisuke. And Zakku oddly enough, with Ayukawa calling out it was safe as the blue haired young man was surrounded by spider corpses. I think that's the first time you've smiled since we left the hotel. Yuushi commented on his happy cheering, and gently grabbed the rocks out of the possibly paranoid sand ninjas hands while his young mantis ward still ate. He'd rather not get another fight going if a rock hit her. Thankfully Zakku calmed himself, annoyingly he did it through smoking. Still, Yuushi stuck around as they grabbed Kisuke, and Ayukawa started using a kunai. And the well dressed teen seemed to agree with leaving sooner than later as Zakku suggested, as he pulled out a scythe. It's pretty tough, like steel. It'll be hard with just a kunai. And once again, the young man started to try and break apart the cocoon by raking his scythe over it alongside Ayukawas kunai.

[TACTICIAN]

ROUND INFORMATION

Group D - SECTION ONE: COMPLETE
SECTION TWO: COMPLETE
SECTION THREE: COMPLETE
SECTION FOUR: COMPLETE
SECTION FIVE: ROTATION 4 0f 5

ROTATION DEADLINE: 9/26/24

TIMEZONE CONVERSION BELOW

POST

- A Bitter Pill -

The team’s victory lap was punctuated by the noisy sounds of Basagiri tearing into insectoid flesh, devouring the slaughtered beast as eagerly as any kid might tear into a bag of candy or a freshly-baked pizza pie.

Zakku started smoking again to calm himself down while Ayukawa and Yuushi worked at the tough, dense spiderwebs. While Yuushi’s assessment was accurate—it would in fact be tough to cut through the extraordinarily tough webbing with only a simple kunai—Yuushi’s scythe was more than capable of the job at hand, and once the initial cut had been made it was easier for Ayukawa to continue cutting at the webbing in the ongoing effort to free Kisuke.

The boy was still alive—barely. He was unconscious still, but breathing, and his skin had an unhealthy pallor that indicated it would probably be some time yet before he woke up, let alone was back to full health. His nose was still bruised and purple from Ayukawa’s handiwork; he’d clearly tried to set it himself, and done a piss-poor job of it. His unconscious breathing was a little ragged as a result.

With the spiders vanquished and Kisuke successfully retrieved, the group could rejoin the caravan and Kazuyuki a little tired and a little haunted by the image of so many legs, but truly no worse for wear for the experience. Kisuke’s father burst into tears on their arrival, gratefully taking the teenager into his arms and spiriting him inside one of the covered carts to rest.

The rest of the day’s journey continued uninterrupted. They arrived in Konohagakure without any significant issue, able to spend the night resting with hearty food, secure lodging, and most importantly, baths with which they could wash off all the sticky webbing and ichor and spider goo from their encounter. A medic arrived to tend to Kisuke, as well as check over the group for any injuries they might have incurred on their journey. When morning came, it would be time to make the final stretch of the journey to Nokoribi. With fair weather and reportedly clear roads ahead, it promised to be a swift and uneventful end to the journey.

But when dawn broke and the caravan members began preparing for the journey, there was one final surprise—Kisuke, wan and exhausted but awake and standing, fidgeting uncomfortably as he approached Ayukawa and the others.

"Dad said you guys came to help me,” he said, his mouth twisted into a sour expression, decidedly not making eye contact. "I just wanted—I mean—”

He stopped, and took a deep breath.

"Thanks,” he muttered, almost too quiet to hear. "And I’m sorry. For what I said.”

SPOILER: Click to show