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As they approached the group of unkempt men, Touwa noted Kaoru's readiness for potential conflict. His teammate's hand resting casually on his sword was a clear signal that he was prepared for anything. This was reassuring to Touwa, who appreciated the balance Kaoru provided: a reliable and formidable presence, ready to back him up without overshadowing his efforts.
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Stopping a few paces away from the group, Touwa's eyes swept over them, assessing their demeanor. They seemed edgy, and he could tell they were trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Perfect. He stepped forward, adopting a casual yet authoritative tone.
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"Morning, gentlemen," he began, his voice carrying a hint of steel.
"I'm looking for a small, ornate box. Dark wood, silver inlays. Word is you might have seen it." One of the men, a tall figure with a scruffy beard, shifted nervously.
"Don't know what you're talking about, kid," he muttered, avoiding eye contact.
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Touwa didn't miss a beat, maintaining his calm exterior.
"Look, I'm not here to cause trouble. Just trying to retrieve something that doesn't belong to you. If you cooperate, this can go smoothly for everyone involved." The scruffy man glanced at his companions, clearly weighing his options. Before he could respond, another man, shorter and stockier, stepped forward, his eyes narrowing.
"And what if we don't feel like cooperating?" he growled.
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Touwa's gaze hardened, but he kept his composure.
"Then things get complicated. And trust me, you don't want that." He tilted his head slightly, signaling to Kaoru, who hopefully would let his bloodthirst seep into his expression, enhancing the implied threat. The shorter man hesitated, clearly unnerved by the combined presence of the two genin.
"Alright, alright," he said, holding up his hands.
"We might have something like that. But it wasn't us who stole it. We were just trying to make a quick sale."[break][break]
Touwa nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I appreciate your honesty. Now, hand it over." The men exchanged nervous glances before the scruffy one reached into a bag and pulled out a small, ornate box, exactly matching the description. He handed it over reluctantly.
"Here. Take it."[break][break]
Touwa accepted the box, examining it briefly to ensure it was the right one. Satisfied, he gave a nod.
"Thank you. Now, I suggest you find a new line of work. One that doesn't involve stolen goods." With that, he turned to Kaoru, his expression shifting to one of relief mixed with triumph.
"Let's head back and return this to the client. Job well done." Ruiteki once again returned to its dormant form.
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The journey back to the client's house was swift. When they arrived, the old man greeted them with a mixture of hope and anxiety. Touwa held up the box, his smile warm.
"We found it. Your heirloom is safe." The old man's eyes filled with tears of gratitude as he accepted the box.
"Thank you, young men. You've done a great service to my family."[break][break]
Touwa nodded respectfully.
"It was our pleasure. Take care." As they left the client's house, Touwa turned to Kaoru dropping his polite facade,
"Finally, can't they find better actors? Anyways, let's go get some food, it seems the chicken yakitori was well used." With that said Touwa would take the lead once again and lead the two to a nearby stand to grab some lunch.
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- E N D -
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斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
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The Araikettei clan's hijutsu allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.
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毒耐性 | Doku Taisei [lit. Poison Tolerance]
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Touwa has a higher tolerance to biological toxins and poisons because he is a member of the Tokonatsu clan. Because of his resistance, Touwa can heal from wounds caused by biological poisons or toxins more quickly. Biological poisons or toxins require a dosage increase of one to become effective.
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竑 | Kou [lit. Endless]
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Touwa possesses significantly larger and more formidable chakra reserves compared to his peers. This advantage enables him to execute various jutsu without rapidly depleting his chakra, granting him a distinct advantage in combat situations and the capacity to maintain prolonged, intensive chakra utilization. Consequently, he can employ advanced techniques for extended durations surpassing the capabilities of most individuals within his rank.