[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

The humid fog enveloped the village of Takigakure like a thick blanket, obscuring the morning sun and casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. Despite the oppressive mist, there was an air of anticipation and excitement lingering in the atmosphere. Today marked a pivotal moment for the children of Takigakure as they prepared for the ultimate test of their skills and abilities.

In private chambers, whispered conversations took place, and names were carefully chosen. Hands were raised, and the fate of the village's youth was decided. It was hoped that they were ready for the challenge that lay ahead, but if not, there would always be another opportunity in the future.

Letters were meticulously drafted and stamped with the official seal of both the Academy and the office of the Takigakure Lady. These letters bore the names of the selected students: Yamakira Nageku, Ikebana Kaname, and Ikebana Hajime. They were instructed to gather at the village gates where a waiting caravan cart would transport them to their destination.

At the appointed rendezvous point, three mysterious figures clad in ghillie-suit-like attire stood silently, their faces concealed behind intricately crafted Hannya Noh masks. These masked individuals were entrusted with the solemn task of guiding the young students on their journey.

The letters sent to the students emphasized the importance of composure and readiness. It was made clear that the caravan would depart only once all students had arrived, signaling the beginning of their momentous adventure.
Nageku
Ikebana Kaname
Ikebana Hajime

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Nageku]

Composure, ha. Nageku was the thing poise was based off of, especially considering his position as the sole Yamakira amongst all of this who was to even measure? Sporting his typically half-worn kimono, the jacket falling from his hips where the loops of it were kept mostly together. A half-finished statue of himself hefted onto his stone-y shoulder as sculpted muscle stood completely unimpeded in front of the masked individuals. Two fingers would salute the two as his general demeanor took on a calmer stance then what was typical for the Yamakira man. He was taking this seriously enough after all, it would be embarassing to fail a test designed for babies after all. Looking at his competition before simply looking ahead he couldn't say he was impressed at all. Instead he focused on the thought in his head: re-surpassing his brother. Hotarubi would not be ahead of him much longer, he would make sure of that if nothing else. Between the art of puppetry that he had been reading on, something he was certain that Hotarubi would never do, and the general point of him being the better twin Nageku was sure it was just a matter of time. Nageku was, regardless, more then ready for this event - at least he believed so.

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

As time ticked by, only one of the intended students arrived at the designated rendezvous point, causing a ripple of silent communication among the waiting crew. Gestures were exchanged, nods shared, and a sense of urgency permeated the air. The driver of the caravan emerged from the vehicle, acknowledging the situation with a wry comment, "It's been a couple, hasn't it? Well... Her directions are tight on time. Let's go."

Taking charge, the driver returned to the driver's seat and grabbed the reins, signaling the start of their journey. One of the masked figures motioned for the Yamakira boy to take his seat in the caravan, offering a helping hand with a shrug of resignation. "Listen, we're going to be dropping you off somewhere. You have to get to a safe haven and find your way to contact the village. Easy? Don't forget, you have to prove you are a shinobi. Only doing both can you pass. Look at me and tell me you understood, and we can get moving."

As they journeyed, the boy began to feel an overwhelming sense of drowsiness, succumbing to a deep sleep induced by an unknown force. Hours passed, marked by the rhythmic gallop of hooves, until the caravan eventually came to a stop in an unfamiliar location. The boy was gently lifted from the caravan, carried off for additional hours before being laid on the ground, accompanied only by a scroll bearing a cryptic note. The figure jumped into the canopies before disappearing. Eventually, the forest got hit by heavy rainfall and the genjutsu's hold was released.

Left alone in a strange and rainy forest, the boy awoke to the daunting task ahead. With instructions in hand and the weight of the test bearing down on him, he faced the challenge of navigating this unfamiliar terrain, proving his worth as a shinobi in the process. As the rain poured down and the forest echoed with the sounds of nature, the boy contemplated his next move, uncertain of what lay ahead.


Nageku

Made by Riley at THQ!

SPOILER: Click to show

NPC used:
NAME: Nehan Shōja no Jutsu [Temple of Nirvana Technique]
RANK: A | [C rank Kai Effectiveness]
CHAKRA USAGE: High
CLASSIFICATION: Genjutsu
RANGE: 25 - 50m
TRIGGER: AoE Burst of Chakra
DESCRIPTION:
It is a powerful genjutsu when cast, gives the target a full post rotation [1] to react. Activation of the jutsu causes targets within the range to see a fluttering rain of sleep-inducing, illusory white feathers [1 rotation to react]. If they don't successfully escape the genjutsu in that time, those who see them as they fall, piling up and covering the whole target area, will experience Eden-like bliss and fall into a state of tranquil slumber. No matter how much one resists the hypnotic spell, the desire to sleep is instinctive, and there's no fighting it. However, an experienced shinobi will be able to dispel the genjutsu before it takes effect.
25m Range = 4 Round Duration [Following reactionary round]
50m Range = 2 Round Duration [Following reactionary round]
Civilians Indefinite Duration

NAME: Meisaigakure no Jutsu [Hiding with Camouflage Technique]
RANK: A
CHAKRA USAGE: Medium [Continuous]
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: None
HANDSEALS: 8
DESCRIPTION:
With careful chakra control, a shinobi is capable of manipulating the means to which light affects their body as well as what odors escape them, completely concealing oneself from both sight and smell. While in this state, the user will fail to even cast a shadow. This leaves the shinobi in a state that makes them almost impossible to detect outside of chakra-detection, the other three senses, and noting disturbances to their surroundings.

[Nageku]

Nageku didn't bother too much with the offered hand even if he took it for a brief moment. His unfinished statue the real weight of how he moved his massive stone body up and onto the wagon they would be riding out on. Sitting still with the half-finished statue in his hand kept next to him. If Nageku was worried, he wasn't, it also did not show on his face. A grin spreading overall, "Seeing as the cowards didn't show up lets get the show on the road yeah? I have goals to reach and being in the academy isn't getting me to them." Nageku was self-assured as it got, the sort of pep talk run down not swaying his trust in his own dominance. Out here he would find everything he needed and more, but for once he was going to have to do everything and that was enough aggrivation for him to want this over with. Mortals should never bother a monarch with their pettier matters, that was not how any kingdom could work after all. The scraps of the common man were not the worry of an emperor. That was a good thought, a good feeling, the pattering of rain saw him lulled to sleep just as another would. --- A groan like granite scraping metal released the boy as he woke up and cleared the haze. Those bastards drugged him? How the hell? He would have Hotarubi figure out who they were so he could remove them after. Not bothering his 'drugged' state any longer Nageku stood and took in his surroundings. Properly layering on his yukata along with its hood. Mundane water didn't really mess with the Yamakira that badly, but it would make this incredibly uncomfortable all the same. They had left him with a scroll? Ah, no the stone was left behind him. Reading the scroll first for its contents Nageku would heft the stone to one shoulder. If he was going to put up with this shit he was definitely going to pass it. Which meant finding his way to Takigakure - not that he knew the direction he was facing even momentarily. Was there a hint towards north and south? He'd seen where the village was on a map before, but that wasn't gonna help if he didn't have direction. Shrugging he began to walk - if he needed time to ponder actions then he would hunt for the time being.

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

Amidst the cacophony of coos and caws emanating from the dense jungle, the stifling humidity hung heavy in the air, enveloping the surroundings in an oppressive heat. The soft sounds of wildlife echoed through the foliage, gradually fading into silence as a distinct, unfamiliar noise pierced the tranquility.

Groggily rousing from his slumber, the boy surveyed his surroundings, grasping the scroll and scrutinizing its contents in search of any clues to aid his current plight. However, the cryptic contents offered little solace, leaving him to ponder his next move in the midst of the eerie calm.

Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by a series of shrill screeches echoing from above, accompanied by a subtle sense of urgency in their tone. The rustling of the canopies overhead hinted at a hidden command, prompting small marsupials to dart off in the direction of the northeast. If Nageku observed closely, he might discern the telltale signs of white fur amidst the verdant foliage.

To his right, roughly five meters away, the forest seemed to part like a rudimentary tunnel, leading eastward with no signs of human intervention. Meanwhile, to the west, about ten meters distant, another unmarked path veered downwards, shrouded by dense vegetation. Faced with limited options in this remote locale, Nageku now stood at a crossroads—would he opt to venture eastward, delve deeper into the earth to the west, or follow the path of the lemurs to the northeast?


Nageku

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Nageku]

Nageku grimaced as he was presented with the decision of directions. The decision to follow three distinct paths opened before him, and he was unsure of which would be best for him. His lack of ability to check his own location in the storm meant that he had few options. All of that to say he didn't even hesitate to venture eastward. The tunneled shape of the eastward path intriguing him more then the other two options immediately from a perspective of shape and artistry. Nature wasn't half bad about making natural beauty out here in the world where things were not as they initially seemed. He knew he would not return without at least hunting a creature down, or three, but that was just an excuse to have some violent fun while stuck out here in the midst of nowhere at all. Continuing onward he would squint at the scroll before shurgging putting it into one of his robes few pockets. It was probably important enough for the event that he shouldn't lose it - gibberish or not. His ego not allowing hubris to take it so far that he would perform self-sabotage for any reason. Perhaps that was simply the peak condition of paranoia for the self-assured young man. As he continued to walk he would keep an eye to the verdant growth around him. Looking to catch anything that would otherwise cause him a great deal of complication in this examination, not that most anything in the world could really do that. It was to a degree he hoped that snakes he could crush in hand or under stone would try to come for him. He was so sure of his victory given his near permenant and semi-impervious rock body.

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

Contemplating his options, Nageku decided to continue heading eastward, determined to press on despite the eerie silence that now enveloped the jungle. As he ventured further along the path, a subtle feeling of unease began to creep over him, heightened by the rustling of foliage on the forest floor behind him.With each step forward, the sense of being watched intensified, prompting Nageku to cast wary glances over his shoulder, only to find nothing but stillness and silence. Yet, the feeling persisted, like a shadow lurking just out of sight.

As he progressed deeper into the heart of the jungle, the path transformed into an unmarked trail, the undergrowth thickening and the oppressive heat giving way to a refreshing coolness. The air felt lighter, easier to breathe, and the surroundings took on a crystalline clarity. Suddenly, Nageku's attention was drawn to a large mass of brown fur further down the trail, its presence unmistakable against the verdant backdrop. For a fleeting moment, it remained motionless, before suddenly shifting direction and beginning to move southward at a brisk pace, traversing the jungle floor with uncanny agility.

Faced with a choice, Nageku deliberated his next move. Should he follow the mysterious creature to the south, or continue on his current path to the east? With nature seeming relatively calm for now, the decision lay in his hands.

Nageku

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Nageku]

Something weird was going on. But it had to stem from whatever it was not realizing that it simply needed to bend to the whims that were Nageku and his abilities. The eery flora of nature curving beautifully, but that didn't mean that he was about to make any moves to slow his trudge towards supremacy. He had better things to do and that proved even more true as the tunnel of plants gave way into the vision of at least one beast and a further continued path. He had said he wanted to hunt, and this was a good chance. The beast was large enough to be worth the hunt and so he had turned after it, having set the handseals for a substitution with the boulder he carried. Prepared to toss the boulder that he had brought with him to the side if it turned to fight him, as long as he stamped down enough on the earth below his weight and speed would create the trail to backtrack if he decided to do so. He had nothing to otherwise throw at the creature though and so he needed to try and outpace it enough to actually make headway so he could cut it down. If he didn't at least do that much then becoming a proper god emperor was still far too off into his future.

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

With determination fueling his steps, Nageku continued to pursue the mysterious creature, his curiosity piqued by its enigmatic behavior. As the beast led him on a relentless chase through the jungle, Nageku found himself pushing his limits, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he matched the creature's pace. (Assuming that he could right now breath)

For what felt like an eternity, they raced through the dense foliage, the creature's movements fluid and graceful, guiding them ever closer to their destination. Finally, the beast began to slow, its gait gradually easing into a gentle trot as it approached a body of water.

With a sense of anticipation hanging in the air, Nageku watched intently as the creature froze halfway into the water, its amber eyes reflecting the sunlight with an eerie intensity. Without warning, the creature began to slide across the surface of the water, its movements silent and hypnotic. As the direction of their journey shifted to the east, Nageku was given another choice between the urge to continue pursuing the creature or freezing by the uncertainty of what lay ahead. However, his curiosity and determination won out, propelling him forward as he plunged into the water after his elusive quarry.

With each stroke, he drew closer to the creature, his senses heightened as he observed its movements with a keen eye. And then, as he drew near, the truth was revealed—the creature was not alone. Another entity lurked just below the surface, guiding the beast's movements with its own. The choice of a 2v1, or would he remain sulking near the water's edge?

Nageku

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Nageku]

Did the thing think that he was afraid of water? Natural water was nothing truly but a slight discomfort to a truly transformed Yamakira and that meant that this situation was no different. The thrill of the hunt was a glorious rush of adrenaline for most, but for Nageku it was purely his own natural instincts finally kicking in. As the creature had races away Nageku had never slowed his pursuit - hesitation was not a defined word in his actual dictionary of words, and if he used it it was probably because he saw the word as an insult to fling. As it had entered the water Nageku had not slowed to think about how the fight would go and noticing a second combatant only made it better for him as he would hunker on one last large step before leaping high as he could. Shifting his massive stone boulder to come down with him he hoped to crush at least one of the two creatures under the combined weight of his stone body and the stone with him. A rather simple opening, but he had already prepared the trick he needed to likely get away with this, he didn't want to waste chakra if he didn't have to as it was. A blissful idea of violence rapidly plummeting down. If he was successful in crushing, but did not kill one of the two creatures he would make sure to reach for its neck to attempt to crush an airway.

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

To say that it hurt was an understatement. The action seemingly pancaked the fur mass between Nageku and whatever was below the surface. He would notice his weight also dropped the subsurface creature down a decent bit. Even with the disorienting crash, fight-or-flight instincts kicked in and the secondary beast started thrashing and rolling to get away. The boy would realize, perhaps just notice, a scaled tail kicking up from the waves. Once he wrapped his arms around the beast, the boy would realize they were starting to sink. The animal was thrashing less and less. Eventually, resistance became undetectable.

This meant he had committed the worst sin in the jungle. Animal Cruelty. But having slain the witnesses, well except for what is watching him, he wouldn't have trouble. If Nageku stood back up, he would see the Caiman that he strangled and drowned. Earth Body strangulation is a terrible fate. Struggling against Earth is painstakingly worse. To the side, it would, to his horror, show the carcass he crushed. A very large rodent, bigger than any rodent seen in other areas. He crushed a capybara. That monster. Ahead of him, further to the east. It appears as if a trail made by heavy footfalls continues out of the water. To any other side, foliage heavily covered the possible ways.

The boy is free to forge his own path or he is free to continue the suspicious-looking path. But he is now a murder, is the blood on his hands worth it?

Nageku

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Nageku]

That most certainly got him score, a grin as picked up the corpse of the caiman and slung it to the far shore before lifting his boulder back to his shoulder, "Its like they wanted to make a test that was just for me hahahahahahahahaha," Nageku spoke up - obviously his lack of remorse a boon in his favor, if it wasn't then Nageku wasn't sure what the cowards were looking for here. Noticing the foot trails had made it obvious which direction he should head though, the rain made getting cardinal directions impossible for him, and if people had walked in a direction it meant that he could abuse whoever was there, potentially, into leading him where was meant to go. His substitution still in tact he would move along the trail, draging to caiman for reasons he need not explain to anyone, but it would easily free him from some stupid beast if he truly felt overwhelmed. Part of him wanted to try and rig the corpse, but he didn't exactly have the tools or want to do that at the time. Paying attention mostly to his surroundings and where he was walking Nageku trudged on, unsure of what was to come, but far from ready to give up for a time to rest yet. It had only been what? Half an hour? It was far from boring for a hike all things considered.

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

As Nageku trudged along the well-worn path, his determination driving him forward despite the endless expanse of the jungle surrounding him. With each step, he racked up the distance, his pace steady but uncertain of how much longer the trail would stretch before him.

The hours would pass, and the path seemed to stretch on indefinitely, the dense foliage closing in around him with no end in sight. Nageku couldn't help but wonder how much longer this trek would continue, his curiosity piqued by the unyielding trail. Suddenly, a divergence in the path would catch his attention, a large opening appearing ten meters to his right. This area would call for the boy to investigate. Beyond the opening, he spotted another pond, its tranquil surface reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above.

If he decided to investigate, Nageku would come across a marvelous sight before him—a magnificent waterfall cascading gracefully from a height of twenty meters above. The cool mist enveloped him, a welcome relief from the oppressive humidity that hung heavy in the air.

With the option to rest by the soothing waters of the pond or continue his journey deeper into the jungle, Nageku had to decide weighing his choices carefully. The allure of the tranquil oasis beckoned to him, promising respite from the relentless march of the trail. Yet, the urge to explore further tugged at his adventurous spirit, tempting him to wander deeper into the unknown.

As he pondered his next move, Nageku would notice the available sun was starting to flee. He was never given a time limit, but would he press his luck?

Nageku

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Nageku]

Nageku was not afraid of stopping or continuing. The options weighed as he had continued is march indefatigable. He, however, ended up makin his decision very simply off the concepts of the one rule every Takigakure Shinobi had to learn to live in their own nation. Never trust what you see. It was a simple rule and one that needed to be followed in a land filled with every conceptual way for someone to die. Venoms that killed before you could blink, animals that ambushed you constantly, having been sent out alone it wasnt like he had a minion, and given his earthen form he was better off pretending to be a pile of rocks somewhere to sleep then trying to sleep out in the open like what was trying to call for him. No the sheer fact it felt like it was calling for him was a reason enough not to trust it. There was a set of tracks to follow on the muddy trail and nothing that looked like life at the waterfall, that was an awful sign for its safety. Turning having spent only a moment thinking on the matter he continued forward down his path into the jungle. If that meant that it got dark then he would figure something out at that point in time, but there was no reason to stop when he had daylight still.

[Mikatakujira Kunikunosaku]

As Nageku continued along the winding path, he found himself at a crossroads, both figuratively and literally. The divide ahead offered him a choice: to follow the trail leading to a tranquil opening or to press on with his journey. Pausing to contemplate his options, he weighed the merits of rest against the urgency of his objective.

The allure of the serene opening and clear waterfall beckoned, promising respite from the arduous trek thus far. The thought of a moment's reprieve, surrounded by the soothing embrace of nature, was tempting indeed. However, Nageku's resolve remained steadfast, his determination to reach his destination unwavering.

With a decisive nod, he chose to continue along the path, turning away from the inviting oasis. Unbeknownst to him, a towel caught in the gentle breeze fluttered from the ground and disappeared into the nearby waters, a silent witness to his departure. As Nageku ventured deeper into the dense foliage, the tranquil sounds of nature gave way to a cacophony of hollering and screeching, the eerie chorus growing louder with each passing moment. The forest seemed to come alive with an electrifying energy, pulsating with an unseen force.

Suddenly, the rhythmic beat of stomping feet reverberated through the trees, disrupting the tranquility of the surroundings. Peering ahead, Nageku's eyes beheld a sight both surreal and terrifying. Hordes of blue faces and red noses filled his vision, their imposing forms charging toward him with alarming speed. Massive creatures, their thunderous footsteps shaking the earth beneath him, bore down upon him, their intentions unknown but seemingly to be hostile.

50 meters... 40 meters...

Time was beginning to run out at this critical scenario, Nageku found himself faced with a critical decision. Would he stand his ground, summoning his courage to confront the oncoming threat head-on? Or would he choose the path of flight, abandoning caution in favor of self-preservation? Alternatively, would he maintain his course, steeling himself against the looming danger and pressing onward toward his destination, come what may?

Nageku

Made by Riley at THQ!