Traveling Merchant[Wind]

Posts : 677

A large shit ported into the harbor, the sounds of whistles and bells and shouting was overtaking everything. These were all in order to create a safe landing zone and be able to port correctly and without error. If there was a simple mistake then major drastic consequences could arise, whether it'd be colliding into another ship or ripping right through the port, and crash and burning. Some sailors could be seen on the side of the ship simply holding onto a rope and wrapped with their lifelines. The captain could be seen through a window where the main control of the ship was located at, a huge grin showing he was happy to reach port. The huge smile that was cast upon the captain might have been due to the fantastic smell of the seafood. The marvelous tuna, flounder, catfish and even the smaller species of shrimp and oysters. This was a spot that the young Nara knew and gave him chills. Months ago, this was the spot where he last seen before he was taken prisoner by the shinobi of the warring village, Yukigakure. Now they asked him to come once more so he can prove himself once again, that he can prove that he is a worthy shinobi of being able to complete a simple task. The mission was given to him and he was to meet his single teammate here. He was given a personal datasheet about his teammate who was named Chosuro Takado. When given the mission was certainly annoyed because they gave him a C ranked mission and he was ready to prove himself once again by doing a much more difficult mission.

Maybe he was given this mission to prove that he can be a leader and prove his leadership skills. That is why he took the decision to be much more serious about this mission, his every move might be evaluated and maybe it can help him get into a much better position. There was many people rushing out of the ship with barrels of various miscellaneous items. Most was surely brawn over brains as some tried to carry as many boxes as they could in an illogical configuration. Then his mission was to be set. He saw the merchant with a shipment of weapons. It was being carried by an animal with four legs. Trotting down the wooden landing gear and making its way onto the wooden port. The man was still without his partner so he wasn't going to approach him but he would keep his eye on him and make sure that he wasn't going to be going to far. If he would leave, Shikari of course would follow and hopefully find his teammate some way.

The man stood about 30 yards away from the merchant whose name was Argo. This information was given to him by the Raikage in the mission debriefing. He was standing underneath the shade of one of the shacks that sold fishing gear. He wore his traditional chunin vest and his Kumogakure headband that was polished on his forehead. He also had a red headband that worn the Allied Shinobi insignia. He wore it as a medal around his right bicep and it too, was polished just was much as his Kumogakure one. He also had an arraignment of shinobi pouches and gear around his waist and it showed that he was most prepared for the worst. He wasn't planning to relive what happened months ago, something that he truly feared and hopefully wouldn't regret the decision of coming back to this place. He was much more aware then he was when he came here the first time. He was sensing everything around him and making sure nothing suspicious was going on. Hopefully he wouldn't see another band of Captain Fao's men like he did before, of course, a band of thugs is nothing compared to several shinobi that are equivalent in rank but far more superior in experience. He stood watching over himself and over the merchant.

Posts : 730

Kageru lingered long on the outskirts of the docks, silently watching the day grow older. She’d been there since sunrise, pitch black eyes peering across the crowd while most of the world was simply content to ignore her. They had good reason, for the shinobi seemed an alien to society, cold and blank with the compassionate stare of a pirate and the warm glow of an icicle. Those who did chance to lay eyes upon her would quickly divert their gaze, stealing only brief looks from the side as they scurried past her, uncomfortable and subconsciously aware of the predator lurking within. She is dressed as always, but it isn’t the long and loose layers of silk and linen draped perfectly over her blossoming figure that cause such distress. It was her face. She stands there unblinking, unmoving, simply staring across the crowd and listening to the tolling of the bells as ship after ship comes into port.

Her lips are pursed into a tense expression, not bitter or angry, not vile or cruel, a simple expression of such apathy it might seem she has no heart within her chest at all. Reflecting this visage her eyes shine like fine jet beads, each one large and hard, so devoid of emotion she may as well be a statue. That she breaths at all is the only sign that she lives, for behind those eyes no heart seems to beat, no passion seems to grow; there is only the single minded stoic expression of utter ennui towards the whole of the world around her. In truth she was teeming with emotion inside, a roiling mix of apprehension and dread clashing with a sense of duty and loyalty. She had always done what her village asked of her, and it had always turned out well for her, but now they’d done something she had always hoped they would spare her from. They partnered her with another shinobi, someone who would be there to watch her work, to judge her actions, to stand near her while she traveled.

It seemed a simple mission to her, escorting some merchant and his goods to market, why should she need back up? She was a finely honed ninja, one capable of not only scaring would be villains away with a single icy stare, but backing up her stare with swift action and a brutal death for those who might not choose to flee. Her eyes settle on the Nara from a distance, carefully taking in each detail. He had a more traditional look to him, seeming more the ninja at first glance than Kageru did after even a slow inspection. He wore his Kumo band proudly, over what was clearly a Chuunin vest, and britches. The two could not have been anymore different from each other unless Kageru had been born a completely different species. She was a little late already, and yet still she was only just staring, watching, scanning the man for his weapons and dreading the simple action she knew she must eventually commit too: approaching.

By the time the ship was almost fully unloaded she’d know she had no time left to dawdle. She’d waited long enough, and perhaps her tardiness would cut short any time for lengthy and unwanted conversation, but it came to the point where she simply had to go. So one foot was placed before another and with a gait as silent and casual as one out for an afternoon stroll, Kageru finally made her appearance. Her eyes remain fixed on Shikari as she walks, each step taken calmly though her emotional defenses were being built stronger and stronger as she went. Her ninja dossier was not long, but it was informative, marking her as both a talented swordsman, and one possessed of a growing talent with the Sealing Arts as well. She matches the image captured in her file perfectly, and though it provides a fair amount of information, it does not provide the name Chosuro. Even the name Takado was missing, an where most ninja may find the proper family name to be listed, this file read only ‘Kageru’. Perhaps it was a moniker, perhaps it was her name. Few could know, but many would guess. In truth there were only two people in the whole of the world that knew the girl’s true name, and neither of them seemed to be talking.

Stepping up before Shikari she finally pauses, that gaze never once breaking away. She stares at him with a threat in her eyes, the promise of pain in that emotionless face, a malice within her which repelled all those unfortunate enough to look upon her. She says not a word, her lips not shifting from their tense and pursed expression, that single pink scar across her snow white features only aiding to subtract from any sense of physical appeal she may have possessed. Gazing upon her only one thing seemed immediately clear; this girl is no one’s friend. Kageru simply stands there, and speaks not a word.

Posts : 677

Watching Argo work and organize everything once he got off the ship, making sure he had everything. He sat himself aside and pulled out an inventory list with a clipboard and started to go some logistic calculations. Making sure that he had everything and he checked everything off the list. Once he was complete he put his clipboard in a long extended side pocket and then looked around to make himself into a secure setting. The man shadowing him watched his every move and watched everyone around him and himself. Then he managed to turn his head to see a strange glare. It was of a young kunochi that slowly started to walk towards him. "ehhh" He said as he made a poker face of a smile and was creeped out by her appearance. Her eyes shot through his and it felt like she was searching his soul. It really was gross, eerie and uncomfortable for him. She slowly walked up to him regardless and did not say a word. It was rather strange and he almost wished that he had a more 'normal' partner. The pink scar of her face made it even worse and uncomfortable, it showed that she must have endeared some pain and that scar might be the reason for her awkward personality. Of course, Shikari didn't know much of the girl and he knew it wasn't his place to judge people. It was hard for him though since she was so extreme with her personality, so off putting that he had never seen before and truly something that maybe only an epic hero would be able to show the brighter shade of light.

Once she made her last step to the commanding shinobi, he gave a nice bright smile and gave a quick nod of welcoming. "Nara, Shikari. Nice to make your acquaintance." He avoided the the contact of her body and also tried to avoid direct eye contact. "I'll give you a quick mission debriefing. Argo is a traveling merchants selling goods to Kumogakure. Our mission is to make sure he gets to Kumogakure safely." Shikari gave a head nod to the direction of Argo, he could be seen through the crowd easily. "We are to make contact and walk with him." Shikari took a step and gave his hand out in a motioning motion, slowly walking through the crowd and keeping his eye on the prize, he also kept his senses on the girl. He wasn't sure how he felt about her, he wasn't going to keep his nerves off of her though. Turning his head so he can speak to his new partner. "We're about to make contact...remember smile and try to brighten up."Hopefully his judgement won't be clouded in this mission, he wasn't feeling much pressure from the mission though. Going through the simple steps and simple tactics to achieve that. Once he took his last step to meet Argo, he smiled. It was easy to spot them a shinobi, wearing their headbands and simply having the proper stature of a true shinobi.

Argo was a short tanned man with medium length brown hair and brown eyes. His ears were long and pointy and he was rather lanky. Shikari wasn't going to judge him personally or physically but he did want to make a good impression. "Nara, Shikari. Glad to you Mr.Argo." He said with a smile as he pulled out his hand to make a nice firm handshake. The young genius learned that proper introductions are one of the best way to reach a person. "Very nice to meet you also." Argo said as he hugged Shikari's hand with both of his. "Good to see that you are alright and we are here to make sure everything will be okay on your journey to our home village, Kumogakure." Then he took a side step, following his proper protocol he waved his hand towards 'Kageru'. "This is my partner who will also be of aid." Then he let her introduce herself, trying to bring her into the conversation and lighten her up.

Posts : 730

Even standing right in front of Shikari, it is difficult to read the girl. Her expression remains unchanged, her empty eyes unblinking as she listens. She had already been briefed but it did not stop her from listening closely to every word he said, just in case there had been a detail her mission dossier had left out. When he’s finished she simply nods once, a subtle gesture of her dipping slightly before lifting again, and then she falls into step behind him. The crowded docks seem to part for them as people catch sight of Kageru, then quickly sidesteps to give the walking creep show some space. Her lips never part for speech, nor does she smile or frown at anyone around her. She seems, instead, completely devoid of emotion, as though a statue of cold stone had been brought to life and sent on its way to accompany the Nara on this mission.

Even arriving at Argo had not stirred a change in her expression. She had given it a moment of thought, but in the end she knew better than to smile at the man she’d been sent to protect. A smile never helped, it only revealed those teeth, the terrible jagged fangs sharpened to points and laden with filed down edges as sharp as razor blades. Instead she only regards him coolly, the vacant expression in her eyes meeting his for a moment before she bends in a formal, if respectful, bow. Straightening again, she draws her left hand up, her wrist bending softly and moving to position the loose sleeve of her robe in front of her mouth. Concealing her teeth from view she manages to speak at last, proving it is something she is capable of. “I am Kageru” she states quietly, and simply leaves it at that.

The soft silk of her sleeve is pressed against her mouth for a short moment before she lowers her arm once more, her left hand falling to settle quite naturally on the handle of her sword. The few words leave her black painted lips glistening slightly in the sunlight. The subtle drops of red remain difficult to see over the deep black lipstick, but they were still there, fresh blood still wet on her lips. She speaks not another word, and diverts her attention to Shikari. Why she had been asked to come here was simply beyond her. She was uncomfortable with civilians, and most of them were uncomfortable with her. Even Argo was already matching the suspicious looks others gave her, clearly unsure if he wanted to remain anywhere near her, let alone place his safety in her hands. Capable or not, Kageru was simply too much for most people, to silent, to cold, to abstruse, to inhuman seeming to be trusted.

With her black eyes once more settled upon Shikari, she awaits his orders. He out ranked her, and seemed to do so for good reason. He was professional and yet casual, able to speak with the citizens with confidence and without silently threatening their livelihood. Argo took a step closer to Shikari and further away from Kageru, a suggestive motion which while possible an act of the subconscious, spoke volumes about how the world seemed to treat the brooding kunoichi. If she even noticed there is no response to cross her stoic expression. She simply waits for Shikari to move them out. The sooner this was over, the sooner she could return to her solitude.

Posts : 677

"Okay Argo, we are planning on leaving within minutes after we speak. We are going to take the safest route to Kumogakure through the highway. We'll take one break to eat and relieve ourselves. It isn't a far walk but it'll be better if we're comfortable. I'll walk furthest in the front with Kageru on my left side a couple of steps behind me. This way she can assist in a counter attack and close enough to save you from danger. We won't need to worry about anyone sneaking up on us, so don't worry about that. Any questions?" Argo shook his and smiled, he seemed to look very comfortable and secure with Shikari. Then he gave a really faint smile towards Kageru as he walked to his cart. Shikari walked up to Kageru to give a few words of advice. "This is just another mission, don't worry we'll be fine and don't let your guard down. We are here for a reason and more than likely we'll encounter some resistance. I assume they'll strike us in numbers. Argo said he has been attacked several times before by a gang, which means that it's more than one person. With these headbands on, I am sure they'll enlist more people to join their mission this time. I don't think they won't attack since there has been an increased amount of shinobi attacked by non-shinobi recently so always be prepared. Raikage-sama wouldn't have sent us if he thought he couldn't handle it " Then he gave a quick nod. "Remember your in charge for Argo's safety, I am in charge for Argo and you." He gave her a quick pat on her shoulder to lighten her up and make their relationship much more than just partners who will never see each other again. The combination is effective for weaker targets but Shikari thinks that the duo isn't effective enough to fight together against greater foes than thugs.

Then he walked over to Argo, who tying rope around his cart to ensure nothing will fall off. Shikari placed his hand on his shoulder, which then Argo turned to face who it was. Argo lifted his head up to the taller man and made a face that he was ready for him to say something. He brought his mouth close to his ear, he had to whisper something. 'She might not seem like much, but remember...she'll keep you alive or matter what.' Argo nodded his head and then patted him on the shoulder as he released the space in between them. Hopefully those quick words would also lighten up the relationship between Kageru and Argo. Kageru was easily someone that most people don't want to be with but it is their job and she truly isn't THAT bad. It must have been something in people's mind that disconnected her from humanity but people need to realize that she too, is a human. Now is not the time to ponder on such things for the trio have a trip to make. The young chunin made his way up to the front of the cart. Shouting loud enough so the two could hear from the loud whistles coming from a boat. "Alright we leave in one minute, make sure your shoes are tied and your bladder is empty." Argo made a mad dash to the bathroom and came out a within the end of the minute. Shikari chuckled to himself, then tried to give some eye contact to Kageru.

Once Argo came back, Shikari turned around and started walking. His action signalling that we are ready to leave. He was in a good mood right now, so hopefully nothing will ruin that for the remainder of the mission. It seemed like an easy mission, but he wasn't going to assume like he did last time, which had dire consequences. The trio would slowly make their way through the port so most people moved out of their way thanks to Kageru. Shikari was always looking over his back to make sure that the duo was behind him and no one else was. He was sensing everything around him and looking for groups of people or even people with large amounts of charka . He couldn't really sense anyone of any significance as they slowly made their way out of the port and onto the highway where they might encounter highwaymen or even some dangerous animals. Argo didn't seem scared, with Shikari's personality and attitude, he always seemed to relax people naturally and follow his leadership. The trio just made it onto the highway within a five minute walk, now this is where the journey begins. The young chunin nodded his head.

Posts : 730

Kageru remains quiet and idle while Shikari goes over the game plan, her eyes flicking first between him and Argo, and then eventually just lowering to focus on the ground in front of her. She doesn’t speak a word through any of it, just silently listening and absorbing every word. Their voyage would be a long one, made only longer by the civilian on foot and all the wares the man needed to transport. Even if it was a short trip back to town, Kageru had followed more than one merchant moving their goods. They always seemed to trail behind, complaining endlessly about their burden and seeking any reason at all to stop for a drink, a snack, or even to set up a camp long before the sun was due to fall. Even if Shikari claimed there’d be only one break, she had her doubts things would go quickly, or smoothly. Inwardly she wanted to question her leader for this mission, wondering how their rear would be covered; but as he explains with such confidence that it wouldn’t be needed, Kageru accepts it for truth.

In the moment of silence after his speech, Kageru sighs very softly, an almost imperceptible release of tension as things were soon to be underway, and then she nearly jumps out of her skin. The moment his hand lands on her shoulder she gasps loudly, and those empty black eyes flash with sudden emotion and shoot wide open. She looks up at the Nara with utter shock in her eyes, and a wash of confusion and sudden disorientation. She staggers backwards a step, her lips curling into a strange half smile, though one filled with a strange sensation of panic. She hadn’t expected the contact at all, few wanted to talk to her, let alone touch her. Perhaps for good reason as the shock parts those black painted lips, and a thin bead of glistening red blood collects at the right corner of her mouth. The source is easy to spy, for with her mouth slightly open, the tips of her teeth can be seen, pointed and sharp. They are not quite shark like, but akin only the monsters of some child’s nightmares. Each of her front teeth is filed to an edge, and each one seemed to glisten with a thin coating of the same blood already making a slow line down towards her chin.

The shock, and the view, last for only a brief moment before she spins around quickly and turns her back on Shikari. She covers her mouth with both hands and whines quietly, a strange sound of subtle pain. She shrinks some, her shoulders slumping, her head dipping forward and her eyes closing tightly. This was terrible; she hated it when people saw her teeth. Already her head was spinning, more emotion than she ever let to the surface welling up and bubbling within her. If not for her eyes being closed so tightly, she might even cry. She resists her tears, however, her mind whispering words she’s become to familiar with. ‘Never let them see tears. Your life depends on it.’

As quickly as the shock had faded, the torrent of emotion is willed deep inside. She swallos softly, both a mouthful of blood and a heart full of emotions, and with a single slow breath she wills her stoic exterior back into perfect formation. It was only one lapse, one brief moment of emotion, and one she’d do her best to never repeat. Her left hand comes away form her mouth with a bloody palm, though it is thoughtlessly wiped clean on her soft silk robe. Her hand then moves to her sword and simply rest there, while the right keeps its place over her mouth. She speaks softly, her voice holding a tone of forced calm. “I am ready to move.” She says softly, before turning back to look at the two of them.

In spite of that brief break in her stone exterior, her eyes are one more empty, her lips pursed in an expression of indifference. She gives each a slow stare, Argo and Shikari both getting another look at the abyss of her soul exposed freely through portals of her jet black eyes. She waits to move, and once the Chuunin has started off, she would fall into step silently behind him. She keeps her eyes lowered at first, but as they leave the docks she lifts her head and keeps her eyes in motion, carefully searching the mountainous terrain for any sense of danger, and any sign of ambush. Enemies would rue the day they chose this band for their target, for the moment of weakness had Kageru’s head calling for blood. A fight would be a good way to prove she was not weak.

Posts : 677

The young chunin got a quick glance at the young lady's teeth but he paid no mind it them. He wasn't here to judge and that is the rule he was going to follow and he also noticed the girl's reaction to his touch and was very curious to see what else this lady was all about. --

Walking down the highway and the new chunin was observing his surroundings. He was very aware because he knew an attack was coming, but he just didn't know when. He focused his sensing to his rear as his eyes focused on the front. He wanted the back to be open so he can give them an 'opening' that they think they have. He was capable of seeing anyone that was even remotely close. He sensed two people on the highway, not far from their anterior position. Yet they didn't seem lethal, they weren't coming at a quick speed and their charka reserves were low. He also read that their charka signatures and natures and they weren't impressive. Yet he was still going to keep his eye on them. He spoke loud enough just for Kageru to hear him but he kept his eyes focused forward. The duo were to far ahead and beyond a hill where they were naked to the human eye. "We have two coming at our twelve." The two would slowly come closer and closer and he was remaining calmed and relaxed. The duo would eventually make their way in sight and slowly walk closer until they eventually came yards within the sides of each other. No words were spoken as they passed each other but he saw both of them staring into the eyes of Shikari, his eyes stared daggers back. He couldn't do anything though, he was in uniform and he was not struck upon, so he will not strike upon. They made their way to the posterior area of the trio and maintained their pace. Maybe they were sent to get some reconnaissance or maybe they weren't even thugs at all. They made it about 5 miles out and this was a hot spot. It was going to be a hot spot for another 10 miles or so. They needed to take a resting period. This was mostly for the fisherman and some chow sounded good right about now.

"Alright we'll take a small break. Some time to rest our feet and get some quick chow." He said this while looking directly at Argo , who nodded his head in relief. They were only going to stop for about 20 minutes or so, so they wouldn't need to go find some shelter. Argo jumped onto his cart and pulled out some food to munch on. Shikari too pulled out some dried noodles that he mixed with water. His soup tasted decent but it was much more than that. A meal packed with calories and nutrients to keep the shinobi going for awhile. He stayed standing though as he made sure to keep out for enemies. His mind keep referring back to the people that passed earlier, but he wanted that clouded judgement out of his head. It was fairly slow right now so he would walk up to Kageru. "How are you holding up?"

He knew she was fine but he did it as an introduction to build some more conversation. He knew she was a lady of very few words and he was going to try to break that for now.

Posts : 730

She follows along in the center of the group, silent as death their entire voyage. Even her foot steps seemed to bring only the hushed whisper of soft leather on packed earth. Her eyes remain alert, carefully sweeping over the landscape to each side, searching over rocks and studying carefully the shadows within the canopy of trees around them. This was shinobi territory, not the sort of place even run of the mill bandits would just stand out in the open. Ambush and the element of surprise were vital for the hoodlums, and that was something her keen eyes and sharp ears were carefully focused on denying them. Her left hand remains resting gently on her sword as she paces, her right swaying rhythmically at her side. As always she did not seem tense, nor did she seem relaxed, she seemed simply alert and yet aloof to the whole of the world around her.

Even the announcement of company on the path did not seem to light any emotion in her face, her deep dark eyes simply flicking forward for a moment to glimpse upon the two approaching them. The abyss of her gaze lingers on them for only a moment before returning to the slow survey of the lands surrounding them. As they draw nearer she still pays them no mind, returning her eyes to them only as they pass beside the group. Her left hand slides down subtly, moving from the handle of her sword to grip lightly around the top of her saya. Her thumb gives the oval shaped cross guard of her sword a light flick and pushes the blade an inch out of the wooden scabbard. She leaves it there as a silent threat, the sword unlocked from its sheath and eyes resting coldly on the two moving past them. Though she didn’t scowl, and she didn’t speak, her cold and emotionless gaze alone was enough to curdle milk before it even left the bottle. The same thumb would inch forward to tug the sword back into place as they moved on, and confrontation seemed momentarily avoided.

They continue onwards without incident, though the sun above continues its relentless assault on their voyage. Creeping past noon it may make the voyage difficult for some, but Kageru’s exterior does not shift. She remains stoic and silent as they walk, keeping her vigil upon their flanks, trusting in Shikari to watch over the front and back. She still had plenty of energy going when the Nara finally calls for a break. She glances ahead towards him a little surprised, but simply says nothing and takes two steps to the side off of the trail. She remains on that spot for their entire break, silently scanning in all directions now, and content to simply work through lunch. She really wasn’t time off sort. While the others set towards getting their food prepared, Kageru sneaks a hand into her pouch and secrets out a food pill. She pops it into her mouth silently, and swallows it after only a single bite.

Her vigil continues as she does her best to give Agro and Shikari some space to be free of her oppressive presence, though her attention travels towards Shikari as he approaches her to speak. She stares at him as he asks his question, silently wondering just what he took her for. How was she doing? It was an afternoon stroll, how could she not be faring well? Her inward irritation is well masked behind a face of stone and cold of emotion, and though she stares, she seems like she has no intention of answering. A long moment passes, far to long for anyone’s comfort, before her right hand finally moves. Predictably her hand reaches up to conceal her mouth behind her sleeve as she answers. “I am fine” is all she says, before lowering her hand once more. With that bit of socializing out of the way, her eyes return to scanning over the surroundings. Her lips are once more freshly reddened, specks of blood lingering behind atop her black lipstick.

Posts : 677

Shikari stood tall before the girl as gazed his surroundings with a smirk. The two stood quietly for a moment before she spoke little words...while Argo spoke none since he was chowing down his noodles. The smirk grew wider but it seemed to be of no apparent reason. Shikari brought up his right hand and was to place it on her left shoulder. He was very calm and didn't mean any harm, he side stepped to the right and with enough force to imply her to follow his movement. Soon after the side step several kunai would fly past Shikari and hopefully wiz past Kageru also. He smiled to her, "There seems to be eight of them hiding in the trees to our right and front, remember our mission is to protect Argo. So we defend and wait for them to come to us."

Then he quickly turned his body and took his flak jacket off, and threw it to Argo. The jacket spilled his noodles over but the chunin didn't care. "Quickly put it on and stay away from the trees." Argo frantically put on the vest and followed orders, pinning himself against the cart. He seemed to be shaking and showed that he was scared and very nervous. He must have been put in these situations before and the fact that he makes weapons, Shikari thought he would be a little less of a pansy. Shikari took a stance in front of the cart. "Look gentlemen, we can handle this the easy way...or the hard way!" He yelled so they could hear. They were well camouflaged and the only way he detected them was because he sensed them. A gang of eight men climbed out of the trees to the right and front of the trio, it didn't seem like anything the two shinobi wouldn't be able to handle. Hopefully he wasn't going to to have to look after Kageru aswell as Argo. Several bandits started to throw a barrage of weaponry toward the cart. Shikari brought his right hand and seemed to be very relaxed. "Doro Gaeshi!" A wall of earth intercepted the weapons, showing off some of his speed and skill. The wall literally covered the entire cart, but some weapons managed to get past the wall. These ones weren't even on target and landed on the trees on the around the wall. The wall also was pressed against the cart so there wasn't any space to move between the wall and the cart which was hiding Argo.

The eight stood there and Shikari easily identified the toughest one. He seemed to be very scarred and was even bigger than Shikari himself. He also had a large charka pool and might even be a shinobi. Of course, he wasn't scared but he knew he was going to have some troubles with him. Kageru wasn't going to be able to take on seven people while defending supplies. He was put to a test on his intelligence and he knew what to do. "Magen • Narakumi no Jutsu" Performing a long string on handseals, hopefully he caught some in a genjutsu. He would be able to tell by sensing their chakras but then he took a glance over at Kageru...to see her status.

Spoiler:

Posts : 730

Glancing over at Kageru may yield a surprise, as already the young kunoichi has sprung into action. The surprise attack and the sudden defense barely seem to register as even in these moments of true combat nothing alters the placid and stoic expression she wears as her mask. Abyssal black eyes peer across the landscape towards the distant horizon and the much closer forest pouring forth it’s host of bandits to assault her. With the bevy of thrown weapons easily defeated, Kageru had already moved atop the wall. It took her little more than a pair of hops and the gentle application of some chakra to her feet to get her above the stone and earth barrier keeping the cart safe. At first glance it’s easy to tell she wasn’t intending on hiding; but second glance would note the pair of small scrolls she is holding behind her back.

No sooner had dust settled than five of the would be robbers dash forward from the protective canopy and shadows of the forest and begin their frantic rush straight towards the merchant and pair of shinobi guardians. They were fools, no doubt little more than pawns in whatever organization the highwaymen were part of, though they were waving their weapons above their heads and shouting as though they were in some manner of epic war. All five held weapons over their heads. They were cheaply made weapons, swords and axes, one of them even had a spear; but none of them would ever come to use. Kageru watches their approach with silence, and lets her nimble fingers poke at the edge of the scroll and work beneath the tail end of the paper.

Shikari would get a fine view as her fingers released the roll of the scroll, each one following gravity and rolling its way downwards behind her. She held each scroll by only a fingertip and the single long page showed a rich detail of fuuinjutsu seals covering each one. With these weapons in hand Kageru still waits, watching patiently as the bandits approach. Though her seals could cover a long range, she knew just how best to maximize the damaging effect of her jutsu. The five were clustered together as the pack mentality and their lack of experience gave them the idea that there was strength in numbers. As they approached closer and closer Kageru intended on proving that point quite wrong. They were only some 50 feet away when she finally acts, close enough to see their eyes, and spot each chip and crack in their low quality weapons.

She needn’t use such force, it seemed obvious. The five were hungry and desperate, they may not have been bad people but they were in a bad situation. Kageru had been trained to kill, honed from birth to be a merciless machine of sudden and swift death. Both of her arms lift at the same speed and sweep across in front of her. The scrolls she clings delicately too follow the motion, rippling like ribbons as they’re drawn up and over. As they cross each other in front of her there is a single moment when they both run parallel to each other, and the intricate black ink is plainly visible to the rushing five, but by then it is far to late to correct their folly. With just a thought and some focused chakra the seals activate, and death pours out of her scrolls.

The weapons are not aimed with deadly accuracy, but they don’t really need to be. Senbon pour from the scroll at the top of the pair, while from the bottom kunai blaze forth. There’s more power behind them then a simple throw and the sound of steel cutting through wind is replaced by the sounds of steel biting flesh. 20 senbon and 10 kunai in total are released both peppering the area with a cloud of steel flying fatally fast, and even as the puffs of smoke are clearing the sounds of injured men wailing fills the air. Two of the men died instantly as needles and stars dug into a neck or pierced the heart, but the three others are not so fortunate. All three are downed, the trio spending their last moments on earth grabbing the senbon which sunk through their shoulders or knees, their stomachs and arms and feet. The wide gashes cut by razor sharp kunai and within another moment one of the three bled out and fell silent. Two remained, though by look of their injuries they wouldn’t last another ten minutes.

With so many killed at once, some shinobi might find the urge to smile, perhaps to frown, most would find it reason enough to issue a kind warning to the three still remaining in the woods. Kageru did not. Instead she remained as placid as ever. She releases the scrolls and lets the paper flutter down towards the dead and dying, and then moves her right hand gently down to rest on the handle of her sword. She says nothing. If there is emotion somewhere in her heart, it does not appear now. Instead she turns her lifeless black eyes back towards the three in the trees, and waits.

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Posts : 677

Shikari would notice the prowess of the paragon who stood upon the trees. Her eyes seemed empty and she seemed to be a spartan, a shinobi of war meant for the bloodlust and pain that the battlefield brings. Shikari gave a slight frown to see someone from his own village give such a sinister glare and seem so detected from the people of the world. She must have never sat down a thought about what war does to not only shinobi themselves but to everything around them. Most shinobi don't, it's a defense mechanism and it usually works fine. It consistently serves its purpose by shunning the dark side of the moon and hiding the darkness within the shadows. Which always left Shikari in the idea that he was betraying who he was and the people of his clan... that he sees... never, less than his own shadow. The pounding of the footsteps that made its way towards Kageru sounded fierce and the young genius realized why they could be see to a unprotected merchant or traveller yet to skilled shinobi they are seen as weak ants, who serve one purpose. It increase numbers, the theory that more lesser warriors could defeat a smaller squadron of elite warriors could work, but in this case... it is not a worthy plan. Nothing that Shikari wouldn't be able to see through and create the perfect counter attack. He even knew that most of the warriors weren't fully connected to their charka and even for the few that were, they didn't seem to have a useable amount of charka. Something that Shikari felt comfortable with over looking in his strategy. Which was hardly a battle plan, because they seemed just like bunshin, something that with one swoop of a kick or a swift punch could drop them and render them petrified.

This gang of bandits was almost insulting to Shikari, such a menial task. He was always taught to never underestimate an enemy, but they seemed so weak. Even with all the information he gathered from surveying and sensing the battlefield, it didn't seem like they were organized or prepared to fight anyone. The only way that Shikari would lose this would be if a jonin leveled shinobi was hiding his charka with perfect camouflage hiding somewhere and waiting for the perfect counter attack, but that seemed not likely at all especially since the mission reports he read, the mission debrief and all the reports taken and given up as evidence to the mission. Even then, the mystery shinobi wouldn't even need an army of such weak mindless slaves to perform his job. Something seemed wrong, or maybe they were just so stupid that they seemed suspicious. The young chunin was being to skeptically and wasn't seeing it how it was. That it was JUST a gang of people who need money and are willing to do stupid things to get it and that some people are actually dumb enough to cross his own path.

Watching as Kageru released her scrolls, Shikari was slightly impressed completely forgetting his mindset before she attacked. Then he saw the aftermath of such a gruesome attack which pierced flesh and crushed dreams. Watching some yell in agony as they held their death wounds tightly, praying with their hearts for a savior to come, yet their saviors were fossilized within the trees. Their hearts sake down and their bodies seemed worthless. Shikari could sense their fear, the fear of what they just say consumed them. A shake of the head was seen from Shikari. 'This place is no match for a penniless father', He fixed his right hand into a handseal. "Kageru, you take Argo and his goods to the village. I WILL catch up when I am done with these guys.

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"Kagemane no Jutsu" The shadow jetted through the ground and snaked its way into the shadow of the branches of the canopy. The tree housed the three left over from the quick aftermath as the dying already died. The shadow was quick to capturing the criminals and their bodies started to shift. The three would gasp in shock and frightened by the mystery. Their frozen bodies were set free into another trap that belonged to Shikari, The trio had to fall from the tree which made for an uncomfortable landing. Getting them up also seemed awkward, and painful for one of them since his leg looked broken. He walked closer to them as they walked closer to him. "What are you doing?" "We're walking into our own deaths!." And the last one was crying in agony trying to break free and hold his leg. Shikari had no motion on his face as he slowly walked towards the trio. Once they were close enough, about 5 yards from Shikari, he sat down on the ground forcing the other three to also sit down. He kept the jutsu on, only to protect them. To make sure they avoid making the wrong move. He looked all three in the eye and examined them thoroughly. They were all young and muscular, they seemed to have brawn over brain but that didn't mean they needed to become criminals. "Now... we are here sitting down and you have the power of your own fate." The three had the most cowardly face on, they seemed to be talking to the savior that they wanted to be, that they need now. Shikari looked to his right, which forced the three to look to their left. Forcing them to look at the dead bodies that were only yards away from them. "The one in the tan shirt didn't die on impact, and you all knew it. He was calling for help and no one showed. So why should someone come help you?"

The three started to cry to see their fellow comrades dead, and they should have been dead with them. They seemed to understand that but were to cowardly to face the reality and the moment. They were only bandits though, so he didn't expect them to fully understand. Shikari let the jutsu go, but none of them moved. He stood up, showing his superiority , seeming as a deity. "Now you have two choices. Use your strength to be a farmer, a fisherman, a construction worker. Do something to help rebuild the world that you have been destroying. Or... Step into the battlefield and face a fate worse than him." Specially speaking to the body what seemed to take most of the kunai to the head and chest. Shikari slowly walked away as it started to sprinkle, maybe it was their cleansing. The three stayed seated as they seemed to cry more than the angels, Shikari gave a small grin.

Slowly walking away, he sensed a purity in the battlefield. He always saw himself as a... consular.

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(Exit due to character death)