Mane Village

[IsamuChinoike]

Within the 56 hours of their stay, the Kirigakure shinobi had experienced the hospitality of the Land of Lions. They were provided shelter and giving with warmest of welcomes. Their bellies had been filled with protein riched foods, provided with appropriate dieted and regulated foods so they were not victims of sluggish movements nor tired from excessive eating. A burst of energy had shot through Sumato's body as he could feel the rich-nutrients foods that flowed through his system helped kept him motivated and ambitious to see this mission through. His frequent conversations with the purple-haired woman brought up new and progressive information that would have lead to Team 2 knowing the whereabouts of the Beast scroll and the shinobi who carried it. As they rested and retreated for the two and a half nights, the bandits had tireless followed the trail of the individual who held the precious scroll. With the clues presented to him, Sumato was able to preciously navigate the whereabouts of the scroll-bearing wandering and the bandits who followed. His eyelids closed and his brain activity had traversed elsewhere as it summoned itself into the soap-spheres that mimicked that of an eyeball. The bubbles had traversed East, North, and South. Connecting his optic nerve via chakra link with the numerous bubbles that hovered over the three different terrains, the thin sphere of liquid allowed for Sumato to have a large field of vision. Surveilling over the terrains he could accurately pinpoint the locations of the bandits, where they had set their traps, and most importantly the location of the man who bore the scroll. Inherently born with hyperthymesia, Sumato's bubble eyes helped the jonin learn the whereabouts of the traps and how to disarm them. These bandits were not inexperienced and hide these traps where the common man or shinobi who bore the naked eye could not immediately see. Bowing to the young lady for the information, the jonin lead his team to the South of the village.

Imbuing his soap chakra within the water molecules surrounding the three shinobi, three moderate size bubbles would form around the Kirigakure ninja and again they would travel via Water Release: Bubbles Technique-Drift. With his command, the three would travel to the south of the village appearing there within a minute or less. Gravitating closer to the ground, the bubbles would pop releasing the shinobi from the sphere's confines. Looking at his two pupils and instructing them on what to do, he'd exemplify how to change their chakra from their normal means into molding their chakra and changing it into sensor type chakra in order to sense the chakra imbued traps that varied from wire string, hidden sealing tags, wooden log traps. Upon using the sensing technique, Sumato was able to sense the conceal paper tags within the trees. Placing his hand towards the trees he would convert his soap chakra into the tree utilizing the stored water and forming a bubble that would encase the tags. Moving a few feet from the tree, while his hand steadily and constantly faced the tree. He would telepathically and forcefully extract the bombs that would have phased from the tree within a bubble, had the bombs exploded they would be in the confines of a small bubble barrier that could withstand the explosion within the contents to stay within the bubble. This process was repeated and with the crafty swordsmen ship of Takezo and the mental and telepathic abilities of Kazuo they would help extract and disarm the traps.

Extracting all of the traps that laid in their way, it was now safe to travel through the terrain and the team would have done just that as they had calmly passed through the forest within the new bubbles that entrapped the three and allowed for them for a safe and efficient journey. Constructed with elasticity, durability, and the skill to avoid sharp objects, the bubble would transport them safely through the forest allowing for it to not pop as they traversed. Ensnared in a barrier-like jutsu that the bubbles helped hide the physical appearance and chakra of the three mist shinobi, this prevented them from being sensed thus giving them an upper-hand to attack the bandits by surprise. Speaking to his two pupils via telepathic, he would warn them of the great risk that they would now face and that they'd be encountering battle. Navigating the bubbles downwards and appearing in the middle of the bandits, Sumato would form a hand seal as pop the bubbles, setting the team of three in the middle of the bandits. Converting the bubbles back into liquid soap, the popping of the bubbles would relinquish a mysterious moisture that targeted the eyeballs of the bandits temporarily blinding them if they had not evaded. Simultaneously the peculiar liquid would cover the ground and reducing its friction, considerably limiting the opponents' movements. Looking at Kazuo and Takezo, he'd shake his head symbolizing to cast their jutsu in furthering defeating the enemies that stood before them.

​

 

[BQD]

Takezo followed intently to Sumato's instructions. Though, it was likely the Samurai wouldn't admit to it, his body moved before his mind could, perfectly synching with the movements of his teammates and his Sensei. Within the bubble, he bent his knees slightly his hand remaining at the hilt his sword comfortably. His grip was neither tight nor loose, but it laid perfectly in between, as if this was a stance, a pose, that he'd practice a thousand times. Though he was surprised before, once more Takezo was taken aback by the flexibility and strength of the bubble he remained in at first, he felt light, almost as if he was a soaring bird, but his balance, his strength, none of it was compromised as the trio of shinobi approached the earth. His silver chakra could be seen within it, molding, changing, adapting. As he fell towards the earth that he was so comfortable with, his chakra expanded in every direction, creating a circle around Takezo's figure with a relatively large radius, around 100 or so.

As both Sumato and Kazuko moved, he could see it all. Every single chakra signature from the traps in the trees, their chakra signatures basically calling out to him. The samurai grinned, his eyes narrowing as his brows furrowed.


"Within this area...nothing can escape my blade."


The sound of metal escaping its sheath could be heard through the area, but in that same moment, Takezo had already moved. His feet barely kissing the earth as he rapidly disappeared from sight at speeds that far surpassed that of most genin, nay, ninja. His swift release was at play, as near many trees, a silver flash could be seen. Again, and again and again, leaving only large cuts through the traps themselves, slashing them in such a way that even the explosions were miniscule. Within just a few seconds, he'd slashed dozens upon dozens of times. Finally, he stopped in his tracks, and it was only then that his blade returned to his sheath. Not a single sizable explosion escaping from the aftermath.

Moving once more within Sumato's bubbles, despite the rush of adrenaline that he felt, Takezo played along with Sumato's method of transportation. He grit his teeth slightly, tapping his foot on the bubble anxiously. But soon enough, they'd approach the bandits themselves. As once more, they approached the group of bandits from the middle, Takezo rapidly noticed, the techniques his sensei attempted to use, and while he wasn't exactly aware of what they'd do, he noted that some of his bubbles approached the earth.

"Tch..."

Using the bubble's sudden pop to boost himself, Takezo's upper body lowered itself as he jumped backward, effectively attempting to backflip into a nearby tree branch. His sword became embedded in a silver hue as he did so, perfectly reflecting off of it as he now held it with both hands. Knowing that the possible lack of friction could instead be harmful to him, he instead slashed his chakra enhanced blade several times at the opposition.

"Rupture."

Slashes of pure chakra escaped his blade, aimed at large areas of his opponents, each one carrying with it sizable strength, speed and of course, technique. They were spread across intervals and distances to allow both Sumato and Kazuko to move.



​

 

[Khandov]

"The Codex Astartes names this maneuver Steel Rain. We will descend upon our foes, we will overwhelm them, we will leave none alive!"
-Indrick Boreale, a character from another universe altogether.

From scrying for mines laid by the bandits (boring), to the revelation of their position and subsequent travel with the bubbles (mildly exciting), to Kazuo's otherwise dormant mind hearing the call it found refuge from all the world's problems and his woes for so long ago. Heartbeat, up. Hearing, eerily altered. Paradigms, plans an eventualities lined up in his mind, as if a cohort of drilled warriors moving into formation with speed.

Without any beckon of Kazuo himself, his chakra entered exciting state that started to make weird audible effects within his bubble, which suddenly burst, landing him with the team. It couldn't be from the chakra enticement within Kazuo: This was Sumato, popping them such that some enemies would be dazed by it. Either way, goal was they'd end up in the middle of dazed opposition. Regardless of the bubbles' effect, they still landed in the middle of the enemy party from seemingly nowhere. Just when Kazuo's mind lined itself up for the battle and looked around to scry surroundings in a nanosecond, he saw Sumato nodding; It was on. In each direction, from Kazuo, there were enemies in varying density from fifteen meters, with one empty route to the west. There were few obstacles. around the way.

The enemy group must have been having an unforgettable luncheon; unforgettable because if all went well, it'd be their last.

The hands moved like lightning into Ram hand sign. Raiton-Dan: Ibuki. Clenching his fist, Kazuo felt it getting almost unwieldy, as lightning release gathered in it. Still, calling them with euphoria of what was to come, he concentrated it harder than ever, hurling the fist to the enemy group dealt with by Takezo, from the flank; such that the substance that one stood upon would also be hit by the ensuing release.

Kazuo wanted to move, but the gelatinous substance around him was everywhere, such that any lightning release would be conducted by it. They really should have prepared a plan moving onward: Although plans don't survive first contact in battle, first contact is often still the deciding one. Kazuo was practically separated from the enemy by the frictionless fluid. For now, Kazuo appeared unsure on what must happen next, building up the lightning chakra, as a scene behind which Yin chakra built up. For now, he stood alone against the chaos. Not so much eye in the storm, but brighter. In fact, the bandits would be excused to think that it's not a lowly Genin standing in the middle of them, but Sol Invictus, evoking awe in their minds, and communicating divine confidence. As he saw the fluids all around him, so did the enemies who looked upon him, see fluid substance extend close where he stood, shining as fatamorgana.... and evaporating in visible swiftness. Such that in moment, there would be none in his 6m vicinity.

 

[Tsukuyomi]

"WHAT THE HELL! WHAT'S GOING ON"

Before the trio knew it, they were being pursued by shinobi. In an instant a thin layer of soapy liquid exploded across the battlefield, coating every inch of their bodies. Their eyes began to burn as the soap seeped into their eyes, blinding them and leaving them unaware as to what was going on around them. As they attempted to open their eyes again and again they would be greeted by multiple shinobi surrounding them, it wouldn't be long before even they realized they were ambushed.

"DON'T JUST SIT AROUND! ATTACK THEM"

The largest bandit of the three cried out as loud as he could, hoping one of them could open their eyes long enough to pursue their enemies and make it out of this situation unscathed. As each of them soon realized their eyes weren't getting any better, panic set in. They began to stumble over each other, one after another they slipped and slid across the ground almost as if they were walking on marbles. Not one of them could gain their bearings. They reached for weapons but to no avail. They couldn't steady their hands long enough to hold a weapon, let alone weave a hand sign. Their kunai and blades slipped from their hands as if they were sticks of butter and nothing more.

As the bandits began to slowly regain their composure, they would blink their eyes to realize it was too late. As they became aware of their surroundings once again, several blades of chakra would have been speeding towards that with considerable amounts of speed. The bandits tried to escape, but alas the bubble proved to create a slippery prison for the trio, leaving them in harm's way.

That smallest bandit began to weave multiple hand signs, however, it was much too late at this point. The blades had nearly shredded them, ripping the ground beneath them asunder and tenderizing their skin as if they were slabs of meat. Each and every one of them fell to the floor, blood dripping from their sides as they coughed and wheezed, in disbelief as to how fast they were defeated. As the soapy liquid began to seep into their wounds, they would be greeted with a striking realization. The blades of chakra were in fact not the final wave.

As Kazuo's fist of lightning made contact with the liquid it sent currents of electricity all throughout the ground. They were shocked from the inside out, the electricity coursing through their bodies in a violent race across the soaked earth as it instantly evaporated the soapy mixture. It traveled against the liquid like a flame would a thin piece of string. The liquid acted as the perfect medium for his attack, leaving the bandits with no more cards to play and surely out for the count.​

 

[IsamuChinoike]

Moving at Godspeed, the bandits who were known for prowess and large member size was taken out immediately by Team Sumato. A bubble specialist, Sumato was able to mold and kneed his chakra into a compound of natural oils or fats with sodium hydroxide or also known as a strong alkali. Such a basic water technique gave the man a variety of skills to release from his ninjutsu arsenal. By utilizing his soap bubble ninjutsu, he was able to both blind his targets while simultaneously changing the friction of the ground, what was so impressive about these techniques one may have asked? Preservation and Reusability. Using pre-existing three medium-sized bubbles that were previously used for transportation was the catalyst for his two supplementary jutsu. This sort of fighting style preserved chakra and shown the intelligence of the late bloomer who had finally reached the rank of jonin not long ago. The jonin had continuously refined his jutsu endlessly expanding his imagination. As he hoped to prolong the battle to gather information on the bandit's abilities, that goal was buried fast. His eyes shaped as white circles with no iris, his hand clenched in a fist as a stream of tears released from his tear glands. He was both appalled and fearful at the jutsu that both of his pupils had displayed that were from the genin members of his team. These were enough to give the man worrisome as he looked at his own left hand that was now open palm, outright comparing his prowess when he was their age. "Could these really be genin or little people in disguise?" Sumato mumbled to himself. The worrisome look on his face dwindled away within seconds as he rested both hands on his hips and looked at both of his students. A “Duchenne smile” manifested on Sumato's pupils as he begins smiling (smiling with his eyes). The glowing of his face helped show how impressed he was by the two. Takezo who was quick and nimble, show his mastered use of kenjutsu capabilities. He was indeed a master already and shown that his blade was only an extension of his will. Kazuo was already proficient in using his Kekkei Genkai and was adept in lightning release. Not only could use his natural affinity to conjure ninjutsu techniques but he was also to create genjutsu techniques, which were on another level. With a little bit of training, they could definitely be ready for the Chunin exams.

The inherited bloodlust and hunter-nin training emerged from Sumato's subconscious clouding his sane and reasonable judgment. Upon forming the Ram hand seal, the soap would have risen from the ground forming a large dome that had engulfed the pile of the unconscious bodies. Decreasing in size, his pupils transformed from happy and proud to barbaric. The large bubble appeared to fill itself up with a mysterious black liquid covering each and every inch of space within the dome. With a snap of the finger, the bubble popped erasing the contents of the smoke as well as the bodies, leaving not a trace of evidence. What had happened to the bandits' bodies? They had been instantly disintegrated. Such a strange technique questioned the extent of Sumato's abilities and what more did he have installed. The cloudiness went away and he returned back to his normal, a smile of embarrassment and the scratching of his bandana furthered this claim. Bowing to both his students and clapping his hands together he asked for their forgiveness and to forget what they just witnessed.

Furthering from his two students, Sumato flickered in front of the scroll bearer nervously speaking to the man as he tried to present no harm. Emitting from his body was nothing but good intent. "Excuse me, sir, my name is Tsuchigumo Sumato. I am from the Village Hidden in the Mist. Our mission was to retrieve the beast scroll. We have also disbanded all the bandits that were after you in this region. You're safe now. If you so please, I'd like for you to come with me back to Mane Village where you can be back in safe hands and I can return to my village informing the Mizukage of the job well done." Sumato's tone was soft-spoken and polite. He did all this while pointing to the crest that was carved into the metal plate on his bandana. Hoping the man would follow him to meet the other members of the team he had to thank for saving his life, he'd send the boys on one more mission before departure.

"Kazuo I want you to head to the Northern path of the village and finish off the remaining bandits. The same goes for you Takezo in the Eastern path of the village". As Sumato said so, medium-size bubbles would have engulfed them transporting them to their destination. Had the scroll bearer followed and trusted Sumato, they would back in the heart of Mane Village.

​

 

[Khandov]

"On hemmed-in ground, I would block any way of retreat" - Sun Zi
The hardest thing was not even control of chakra; it was letting go, putting it back to rest. Anticipating to blind them and then release pure lightning upon them, Kazuo was barely able to halt once he saw them disintegrate. Still, the light dimmed and, breathing heavily, he somehow managed to get back to being himself. As usual after chakra-heavy fight, he dropped on his knees and rested, breathing heavily. He stood up only when Sumato addressed him, not daring to tell him he could have finished the whole group off with Takezo.

"Understood. I should be able to read their exact position by Mind Release, none will escape." - he nodded as he took off, standard body flicker routine accelerating him.

Caring little of what happened behind him: Sumato clearly had everything under control, the enemy was more than outmatched; Kazuo reached northern parts of the village and started to let his eyes glow purple; the Mind Release gave him echolocation of all hostiles around. Its range was far enough that even if they ran, they could still be spotted, but Kazuo did his best to not give his location away anyways. He drew his Kunai as a dagger; he was not reveling in unlimited lightning power, he was an assassin. Echolocating, Kazuo snuck up on one isolated bandit, glowing red in Kazuo's eyes as a hostile, albeit shrouded in fear. Small lightning release allowed him to imbue his kunai with lightning for stun effect. Once he was 10m away from him at the back alley, as he walked across the main road, Kazuo sprinted, almost jumped upon his back and started the shanking. He'd intend to execute the rest in similar manner, until he was confident they would not get way; then they'd witness the true power within him.

 

[BQD]

Quickly and discretely, the bandits had been dealt with. Without any sorts of communication, Team 2 had rapidly adapted to each other's strategies and easily dealt with the opposition. Takezo felt no remorse as his slashes tore through their bodies, or when both Sumato and Kazuo performed their techniques and harmed the bandits. Their screams mattered little to one who's will was unbending, he simply remained in the tree branch, balancing easily as Sumato dealt with the aftermath.

"Sensei...next time you pull something like that, please let me know in advanc-"

However, as a black liquid appeared, born from Sumato's chakra, Takezo could only look in disgust as the two bandits completely disappeared. He felt paralyzed momentarily at what had occurred. Just like that, they had vanished from existence.

"W-what the hell was that...."

While he attempted to process the jutsu that he had just witnessed, Sumato's instructions brought his mind back to the present. The eastern port. Genkou remained within Takezo's hands, he bent his knees slightly, his perfect balance allowing him to remain atop the branch. His core tightened, his sword moved back into its sheath as his torso was now nearly parallel to the ground. This was the Ram stance. Unlike ninjas who used hand signs, Takezo had been taught to channel his chakra in a way that would not harm his sword play. Thus, stances were born. Swift release chakra built within his body, specifically his legs. In an instant, Takezo boomed from sight, completely disappearing. If his previous demonstration proved he was naturally fast, with Swift release, he was unnaturally speedy. His chakra expanded once more around him, as he quickly made his way through to the Eastern port.

Whether the remaining bandits could sense him or not did not matter, for his body moved too fast for them to react to his approaching chakra signature. Reappearing within the perfect distance for his blade to strike, Takezo then channeled his swift release to his sword arm instead, as his blade, covered in his chakra expanded, and with it he hoped to cut through any of the bandits in sight.

 

[IsamuChinoike]

Conclusion:

Team 2 would have retrieved the mysterious Beast Scroll and reversed summoned it to the present Mizukage Isamu Chinoike. With the swiftness and mass intellect of the team which consisted of Takezo the skilled samurai and the young phenomenon, Kazuo defeated the remaining bandits in the village. In the end, this mission had strengthened relations between the Land of Water and Land of Lions potentially allowing them to become future allies. The members of Team 2 traveled back to the Land of Water; Kirigakure through the use of the traversing bubble.
​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

After the sudden and devastating declaration by the being known as Madoguchi, it would seem as though as he had retreated into the chakra source as fast as he had arrived. Due to this sudden retreat by the alien threat, the world leaders have ordered all citizens' return effective immediately.

Time-skip Implemented
Zone 1 & 2: April 13, 1205 AH 9:00 AM
Zone 3 & 4: April 13, 1205 AH 9:00 PM​

 

[Jeriah]

Matatabi (又旅, Matatabi)

The two tails mysteriously appeared in the Land of Lions. The feline-like beast earned the respect of the tribal members who resided within the Mane Village. Her politeness and non-threatening nature captivated the inhabitant's attention and immediately bowed while in the presence of Matatabi. Would one dear kidnap the Land of Lions Goddess Nibi for their selfish needs?