Underneath the rain of Crimson Petals ch. 2: "NinEx: We'll get it there...eventually"

[Raiden]

Through some means or another, they managed to get all the ninjas for the Chuunin group into the meeting room. They all sat in chairs in a line, watching a small platform in the front. There was currently no one on the platform yet, so they were just waiting.

Finally, after about a half hour, a man finally entered the room. He was middle aged, his hair just beginning to turn thin and was white on the edges. His eyes were a hard black, and his jaw was strong set. He wore a wide brim hat that covered his eyes in shadow. The armor that he wore looked more like something a samurai might wear than a ninja. It certainly wasn't made for fast moving, that was for damn sure. Two large swords were strapped to his back, and a tanto was stuck in a holder on each leg. On his hat was a strange emblem that none of the Chuunin had seen before. It was a circle with several stars placed inside it.

The new ninja stepped up onto the platform. He turned to face the group with a stern look.

"So, this is the Chuunin group they sent us? You sure don't look like much. Then again, your little tirades did a number on the tower."

The ninja shifted his left arm, and a long blade popped out from under the armor above his wrist. He pointed the blade at Kokua (I probably spelled it wrong. It's late, I'm tired.)

"The monkey's parents have been notified for payment on damage his fight with the flamer had on the tower. And as for Miss Whirlwind and Mr. Neurosis over there, your parents and guardians have been informed."

The ninja shifted his arm again, and the blade receded back under his armor.

"Now, to the task at hand. My name is Ereson Ryugan. I am the leader of the Shinobi Outpost. The Kage if you will. If you get in trouble, you get sent to me. And I am NOT lenient."

Judging by the look he gave them, they could tell he wasn't kidding.

"The first mission of the Chuunin group is to deliver a scroll to an informant."

The ninja reached under his armor and produced a scroll with three seals on it. Also, he produced a map. He opened the map to reveal a route.

"This map will tell you how to get to the informant. The travel to the informant will take less than a day. However, the informant is secret and powerfully helpul to our cause. He will only stay in this spot for the day. If you're late, he won't be there. Plus, certain factors do not wish for us to meet with the informant. They will try to take the scroll. However, they will also settle for the map. If they take the map and manage to get to the informant first, it will make the future of the Shinobi Outpost much more difficult."

Ryugan tossed the scroll and the map onto the ground in front of the group.

"So, any questions?"

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

"Question," Kazisha raised a hand, when Shima nudged her. Translating Shima's purrs and subtle body language, Ka continued.

"Will we be provided or requiring extra equipment for this cause, or will we travel as we are of the moment, only less battered?"

[Mintaro]

Kokuo raises his own hand from behind Kazisha. "Also, Who is to carry the scrolls?" He then looked over to Aseta and gave him a hidden middle finger. Then gestured that it would be him, Kokuo Saru who was given the important place of scroll gaurd.

[TheBlindMime]

Aseta hadn't stirred during the kage's intro, nor the first question, but when Kokuo stood and asked his question Aseta's eyes opened with a firey passion. His shining gold stare caught a glimpse of the middle finger as he shot to his feet performing his most statuesque and respectful pose. "Sir, I would like to volunteer for the duty of carrying the scroll!"

Aseta's and Kokuo's eyes locked, the tension filled the room much like the clones of rose just moments ago. The two began moving towards the scroll their pace quickening into a charge, leaping towards the scroll they outstrecthed their arms to their limits.

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Aaaaaand that was when Shima, with at least 200 pounds of pure muscle unleashed, barrelled forward and sent both Aseta and Kokuo flying in another direction altogether with spectacular precision. As the two chuunins crashed in a tangle of flailing limbs and the odd curse, Shima's teeth closed ever-so-gently over the sealed scroll, tail lashing in triumph...

When Kazisha's hard hand came down on the oversized leopard's collar.
"Shima."

When one word was spoken so quietly and so calmly, there was no doubt that behind that was venom so deadly that it would kill you with a glance. Shima's mouth opened hastily, and the scroll dropped.

Even before it could move more than an inch, Ka's fingers closed around it, while the other hand scooped the map from the ground. Ka looked from one to the other, looking like she was weighing each. She turned baleful, pale eyes upon the other two ninjas.

"How many times must you prove me right to say that most men are ignorant, squabbling, selfish, dirty little children?"

She turned to Shima, who's ears folded back in apology.
"You shouldn't be as competitive either. But thanks for breaking up what was undoubtedly going to be another massive fight."

Shima's ears jerked forward and her tail twitched lazily. She conveyed the word content. Kazisha now turned to the others. She spotted her fellow cloud Chuunin, but though she believed him to be of a familiar face, she couldn't quite place his name.

"Seems like you're the only one that hasn't been in a fight. You take the scroll, I'll take the map. A good idea is to make false copies of these two as well, and make those two nutheads the main decoys," Kazisha nodded towards Kokuo and Aseta.

She held out the sealed scroll towards Tsume.

[OOC: IHMN, your call]

[Mintaro]

Kokuo carefully stood up and crossed his arms, using his tail to idly dust himself off. "As long as it takes for you to admit you love us this way." He threw a quick wink at Shima sense Kazisha wasn't really looking at him, and talking to someone else. At the mention of running a decoy his eyes brightened. "Distractions are my specialty." He said, pointing a thumb to his chest. "As a gennin I kept a jounin running in circles for over two hours." He looked over at Aseta as if to say 'top that'.

[Mesden]

"How well you run away from people isn't what we're here for monkey boy." Tayuumi suddenly said with deep content.
"This isn't a contest. So stop making it one before you get yourself or a team member killed. I agree with the cat woman over there. She seems to have thought this out the best. And from what I can tell, the rest of us have a problem with team work. Also, I have to agree with her on the comment about how men are.*cough*Fireguy and monkey*cough*." she said slightly louder than before.

[TheBlindMime]

Aseta growled as he rose to his feet paying little heed to others comments, "Don't be foolish my skills are perfect to act as courier of such plans. Firstly my fire strikes would create a barrier no one could risk reaching through. Secondly if they managed to get it off me I can ignite it with my inner spark technique sealing the documents secrets away in the flames. And finally if we were in a no-win situation I could ignite all of my chakra with my engulfing technique, sacrificing myself to insure the true document would never end up in enemy hands."

Aseta turned towards Kokuo for a moment before speaking again, "Although it is good to have B-team members prepped, there is no one here more apt to stop the theft of the scroll then me." Aseta outstreched his hand towards Kazisha in as demanding a fashion as possible.

[Mintaro]

"B-team? B-TEAM!?" the inner fire of Kokuo's spirit was ignited. " I could fend off hordes of Ninja with one hand. I am the great legend of the Hidden Rock. Kokuo Saru. The monkey king. I am stronger then anyone here! I'll show them. But wait maybe...." Kokuo kept his outer appearance calm. Deciding to instead play it cool. "I agree, let the burn out carry the scroll. Might as well put the weakest link in the center. I'll take point." With that Kokuo sat down. Confident.

[Mesden]

"You can't EVER be sure about anything, Flame man. You have no clue how the enemy can fight. For all we know they are so far beyond our level we wouldn't even see them take it and then all of your techniques fall flat. You can't just assume yourself the best to do anything." as she finished saying this she looked toward Tomasu and said, "Sage advice." with a smile. She turned her head back toward Aseta and said, "Please don't degrade other teammates and think of yourself all high and mighty. Thank you." she said with the same tone as before. The commanding tone rather than asking.

"And from what I can tell that fight between you and the groping monkey was close. So don't rate your equal as inferior. Because then you mark yourself as inferior. Okay?" she finished with a smile. She then turned herself towards Tomasu again smiled and said, "Sage advice."

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Kazisha was standing there one moment, calmly taking in what the other chuunin said. The next, though, she was moving. Lightning fast.

By some divine intervention of the Gods above (well, the ones that smiled enough on the unfortunate victim at least) Aseta managed to block the powerful knee blow towards his tender groin regions that sent him scraping back a few feet.

However, Kazisha - who had illicited the attack first hand - wasn't finished there. Not caring about any form of balance, and seeing her opportunity to strike her opponent again, her open palm smashed forward with vicious articulation. One hand gripped an arm, a foot planted on the ground and took root there through chakra. As the palm connected with violent anger into Aseta's right eye, the other arm was swinging. Aseta was jerked back from one flight path to continue with another, which went over Ka's head, and ended in an abrupt, hard stop against hard ground, effectively knocking the breath out of the ninja.

"You don't understand, do you?" Kazisha scoffed at Tayuumi, dusting her own hands, "I know I'm generalizing and all, but unless you get a boy in the groin, or hurt them enough, all they hear are their own bloated egos.

"And as for you," Kazisha's words were cold like winter towards Aseta-gasping-on-the-ground, "you will be the main decoy with the fellow from Rock, or so help me I'm going to kick you where it really hurts while you're down to make you understand the vitality of 'co-operation'. You'll be carrying a scroll anyway, and you can ignite that if you want to make the enemy believe you are destroying vital information."

Shima heard a snigger to the side. She twitched an ear towards Kokuo, who didn't bother to hide his open grinning, but the leopard made no move in any direction. Rather, ignoring many things, she sat on her haunches and washed her muzzle in a carefuly, precise way, as if nothing violent or interesting has caught her eye in any way.

[Incendius]

OOC: Heh sorry Aero just realized that Oheru was your first name.

"I like you people, your fighting around is funny. This will help us out so much when we get attacked. I mean lets let the enemy do our job for us!" Chirin piped up sarcastically. Tilting his head he nodded to the girl who had just spoken with the same thoughts in mind. Pushing himself up and off the chair Chirin said "Listen people we all feel like we are the top of the world and we can do anything once in a while, but you must not let that get in the way of your duty. It's fine to feel powerful, there is no doubt you are if you have passed the Chuunin exams, but you have to keep your head in all situations to make sure the objective is reached" Raising his arm he pointed to each person succesively, not rudely but making a point as he stated his next speach "Each and every one of you has strengths and weeknesses, I don't doubt your good in what you do but you have keep an accurate assessment of your strength, and always be wary of the enemies. You might never know if they are holding back or not, and you don't want to waste yourself if they are."

Lowering his arm Chirin shrugged nonchalently "Well with that matter over with, I volunteer for scouting duty. I am the most suited for it" Looking over towards his teamate Oheru Chirin seemed to remember something and said "And if Oheru feels like it, we do much better as a team and we should be enough to fufill that duty." Pushing a hand through his hair Chirin asked "Does anyone feel they need to object to that?

[Mesden]

"Well the thing is, noone has to scout ahead and risk themselves. See if they're within a mile of us and touching any thing if you give me 2 seconds I will be able to find them. I'm just saying this as it's safer then one of our men actually going out." she said with any passion she had sucked away from the display the two nins showed.

[TheBlindMime]

Aseta eased himself up of the ground, it wasn't the first time he'd been struck today and with the way things we're going he wasn't expecting it to be the last. He stood back up in front of Ka, his proud golden eye's seeming to glow in the bright light, his glasses had either broken or flown off during her quick strikes. Aseta wasn't sure about it, she was either far quicker then he was or he had definately used to much chakra.

He began to speak towards no one in in particular, "I meant no offense, my techniques are not naturally better then others. They are simply more attuned to the situation. I would never suggest myself for a posistion I wasn't suited for." He blinked slowly, his eyes were tired, when the opened again the were a more gentle hue of gold. "And as for your orders...." His eyes drew closed once more, "As you wish."

Aseta's eyes remained closed as he sleepily walked over to a nearby chair and threw himself in it. I need another smoke, this groups going to drive me back up to 20 a day. Aseta glanced over to the still grinning Kokuo for a moment, they both thought the same thing in unison. I'll show him how it's done.

[Mesden]

"We weren't saying you are suited for the job. I was talking about how you called other members rank B in a tone that suggests you are better than they are. Remember it doesn't matter if you can beat someone in a fight, it matters how well you work with them on a mission. Also, for all you know you could be one of the weakest members of the group, but with this quick shift into a more humble mood you seem more valuable as a member now. Thank you." she said first harshly and then settling into a nicer tone.

"Now we need to go with the best plan we have available to us. That would belong to the cat woman. Please reiterate as some of us weren't really paying attention."

[Mintaro]

"I'll show him how it's done." Kokuo thought as he grinned at Aseta. He was sure the ninja was thinking the same thing.

Kokuo stood up and Yawned. "Well If its all the same to everyone, I think I'll get my stuff together. You all make your plans. I'll get ready to pull you out of the rock-viper bush when your feet get stuck. A good meal is all I need to get my strength back. Maybe a nap if their is time. Anyone needs me I'm in house 12. She can show you where it is." He finished, pointing to Kazisha. On his way out he passed by Tayuumi giving her butt a quick pat with his tail as he passed he headed on his way back to his small house.

[Mesden]

"That asshole." She tought fiercly, as she clenched her fist. She then yelled, "Grabbing a girl's butt is not a good way to get acquainted you ass!"
As she said that she stormed off to her dorm to grab her things and think about how to help Aseta.
"I don't know how the cat woman is going to handle being next to him for the next few hours." she thought as she gathered her things and waited.

[MC43]

He rolled his eyes. This is great, people are already leaving, and we still don't even really have a plan. This Kage will be lucky if he gets to see this village into the image he wants, if whatever IS standing isn't burned to the ground by us. He dropped his head and stayed quiet though, waiting for the Kage to speak once more. He had many questions, but they could wait for later, right now, they had a mission to do.

If they could ever agree on what to do.

[Raiden]

The group was lucky they had stopped fighting when they did. A vein was visibly popping up on Ryugan's neck.

"Gather your things. You leave at nightfall, which will be in about three hours. Make it to the informant before nightfall tomorrow, or you all fail. And I don't know how they handle failure at your respective villages, but here at the Outpost, it is not tolerated."

He was about to walk off the platform, when he noticed Tomasu standing in front of him. He hadn't noticed the kid move from his seat. Ryugan looked down.

"What do you need, Kirin?"

Tomasu scratched the ground with his boot.

"What was the name of that old guy that stopped our fight?"

"His name is Uzuma Sarin. He's a Jounin from the Hidden Village of the Mist. Why?"

"He's my hero!"

Ryugan raised an eyebrow. Then, he just quietly walked away.

[IHateMakingNames]

Tsume had taken the scroll when handed to him. Then he watched the events that unfolded from his seat. This only furthered his belief that his team consisted of idiots, though one seemed to be an exception.

"I'm going to go and create copies of the scroll. Then I'm feeding the real a ninja bird. It will be safe in his stomach." Tsume said before heading towards the door, to go to his house and do exactly what he said he was going to do.

[PyrosNine]

Rose panted heavily. She had used up a great amount of chakra with that fight, but as of current, she still had a normal sized amount of chakra to spare. The greatest toll was the mental one. While a majority of her clones had poofed when she wanted them too, there were some that objected, as well as some that ran off.

She guessed she could blame it on the cursed seal upon her head, but it did irk her a bit that there might be clones still out there, unpoofed. Oh well. Perhaps Kazero would find and take care of them before he came here to tongue lash me. Jin and Shino wouldn't mind my rough housing, unless it was a danger to my life. They only care that I'm where their money comes from...

She expected Kazero very soon, though he might be swayed to not interfere with the mission by pounding me senseless.

She did have to say that the Ninja from the mist who intervened in their fight was admirable, as in his wisdom all he had done wa kept watch patiently until the real Tomasu was clearly visible, and smack him around with speed and silence. Why didn't Rose think of that?

She turned to face the group. She hadn't been paying attention at all when the Shinobi leader of the Village had explained the mission, or while the others were discussing stratagems. This would obviously present a problem, but Rose had never been a part of a team before, her sensei opting out of that particular lesson due to the easily angered nature of his ward. And another reason, which Rose had yet to pick up.

<Well, fuck. Do I risk looking stupid and ask what we're doing, or do I simply pretend that I know long enough to get away with it? Wait...Is that Aseta?>

[Incendius]

Chirin sighed, this mission was going to be a long one it seemed. Shrugging Chirin nodded towards Tsume believing his plan to be sound. "I'll meet up with everyone in a little while, I need to go check out my house and set down my things." Getting up he bowed low towards Ryugan and said "I shall make sure if it is within my ability that the scroll will get to the apointed destination on time Ryugan sama". Swiftly he turned and walked through the door towards his house to set out his things.

[Red Mage Black]

I'm not going to be able to work with these people if they can't get along. As Kira made his way to the door, he stopped and looked back at Rose. "I hope you know. I almost got clipped by one of your clones before entering the tower. Be careful next time." Kira walked out the door before Rose could respond. He headed towards his house to gather up some food and clothes before the mission start.

[Aerozord]

He walked aside his partner. "They sure do bicker alot all things considered. You do know you are a good scout but a better assasin and infiltrater. But you forgot I am the best scout and spy in our graduating class thanks to my power. Suprised you forgot to tell them of that."

[MC43]

Nanashi's eyes slowly closed as everyone filed out of the room. Great. We're either gonna kill each other and fail the mission, be unprepared and fail the mission, or just argue with each other about which way to go on the map and fail the mission. Any of the choices, and everything is going to be tossed out the window. Great group you've picked Kage. He stood up and took a breath.

I guess it could be worse. I've made too many assumptions as to this group. Perhaps on the battle field we shall mesh together, like the wind and the snow in a storm, and with our combined fury crush our opponant and get our objective completed. I must have faith in the plan. He walked out of the door, down the stairs and out of the tower into the house that was declared his, sat on the mat he had brought from his town, closed his eyes and meditated until the time he was supposed to meet uup with the others.

[Incendius]

Chirin replied "I didn't feel like I needed to tell them. I implied that we worked well together and that was all that is needed for them to know. We may never know if we will have to split up from them or even fight them, and it is wise to not reveal all of ones occurence in that case. This peace is shaky still and war might erupt at any time." A smile alit onto Chirin's face as he thought of something. Opening his mouth in a wicked grin he said "And who would think you could even find your way around a room let alone scout. Sometimes I wonder if those people are right!" With that phrase uttered Chirin laughed along with the obvious good natured ribbing of his partner.

[Aerozord]

He laughed with his friend. "You definately have a good point. But I would attract alot more attention if they saw what my face really looked like. Oh and that reminds me." Tosses Chirin a small headset. "I can hide mine under my wrappings, I am sure you can find your own way to disguise it. Could be useful in a pinch. Now all we have to do is get the scroll there. Just remember, if need be you cloak and run. I will keep bide you enough time."

[Incendius]

Catching the radio Chirin said "I think I have a solution, as bad as it may be. In any case I will see you later, and you shall see me not at all". Getting into a jog Chirin waved back with his hand "Come get me if you need anything"

[TheBlindMime]

Aseta sighed, he really wanted a cigarette. his chair creaked as he leaned forward putting a hand against his battered eye, he solemnly began to speak complaints rather openly since no one would bother listening to him anyways. "Sigh, why couldn't I just been sent on a suicide mission. I could handle that. Boom, done. Suicide accomplished, but nooooo," Aseta sighed as his head drooped to the side, his thoughts echoeing far louder, I have two people to kill, two and if that girl had achieved kicking me in the balls it would have made it three.

Aseta threw his body over the other side of the chair his head drooping over its back, "I'll show that fuzzball how its done, Boom, done." Aseta's eyes opened lazily to see his glasses behind him, tipping his chair back he snatched them from the ground and set them on his upside down face, he groaned, "Cracked?" Sliding them from his face he crushed the thin frames in his hand. "Boom... done." He had rather liked that set.

He dropped the remnants to the floor and began walking out of the room when he caught a familiar face, "Bara Shojo?"

[Mintaro]

Kokuo stopped in the middle of the clearing between the tower and his house. He placed a hand on his staff stuck in the ground and then yanked once, pulling it free. He swung it around into the strap on his back. Then used his tail to strap it in. He was about to head back to his small house when he caught a familiar scent.

"Ah yes the lady with the nice butt." He thought. Turning around he saw her storming out of the tower. "hey" he began, Damn what was her name. Ah right."

"Hey Tayuumi. Wait up." She kept walking ignoring him. "Ah don't be like that." He ran quickly to catch up with her, his bare feet moving expertly through the muddy ground. "Hey Tayuumi, I'm sorry about before. When I get in a fight I get, a little out of control, and when I get in a big group I tend to try to show off." With a quick dash he stopped a couple feet in front of her and bowed. "I do apologize most sincerely for my transgression. I hope you can forgive me." Kokuo stayed in that position until either Tayuumi passed him or reacted.

[Mesden]

She stopped and looked at him for a second and said, "Whatever. Just don't EVER do it again. Ok?"
Suddenly a large glob of mud shot up into the bowing monky's face.
"That should keep me happy enough to work with you. Bye." she said smirking in her way back to her room.

[Mintaro]

Kokuo stood up and wiped the mud from his face. Smirking with a muddy face he walked off to his house and washed his face off. Then he gathered together some of his fruit and with an expert hand began slicing up the most exotic blend he had. Arranging it in a small box he had for such emergencies he made sure to arrange it to looked like a monkey surrounded by red flowers (OOC: strawberries, don't ask how he got them). Closing the box carefully he attached a note to it. 'Thank you for your forgiveness, from Kokuo.'

************************************************** ********

A knock rang out on the front door of Tayuumi. When she opened the door she saw only a small box hanging in the middle of the doorway on a string, it spun slowly with a note attached.

************************************************** ********

Kokuo sat quietly atop her house under a camo-sheet. Listening, for her response to the fruits.

[Raiden]

As Kokuo hid under the camo sheet awaiting the response, there was a slight tap on the shoulder. When he looked slightly from the sheet, he saw Tomasu uncomfortably close. Tomaus spoke in a whisper, which was a first for anyone in that group.

"Psst. What are we doing?"

[Mintaro]

Kokuo looked a little surprised at the ninja next to him. He'd been focusing on the sound comming from below so fully he hadn't heard the sound right next to him. Gennin mistake" he thought to himself.

"shh, Watch the master at work."

With that he pulled the cloaking sheet over both of them and went back to listening.

[Mesden]

She took the note down and read the letter. What seemed to be delight on her face showed exuberantly. She then leaned on the door frame for a second, leaning her head on it. Two seconds later two giant hands lashed up at Kokuo and Tomasu. The hand held them to the point where they couldn't move in any outwardly way shape or form. She then yelled, "Thank you for the gift! It's very sweet! It'd mean a lot more next time if you didn't stalk over me while I was looking at it!" She then touched the wall and let the hands go. She then walked to her room while opening the box.

[Mintaro]

Kokuo hit Tomasu in the shoulder lightly. "See what you did. You messed up the whole deal." Kokuo then lowered his voice. "Normally I would now sneak into her house and surprise her with some flowers. But now I have to go back to my house."

"You wanna go see if we can find some catnip and feed it to that Shima monster?" He asked Tomasu jokingly.

[Mesden]

The ground sprang up in front of Kokuo. The large inscription on it says, "I can still hear you. And Mr.Hyperactive didn't give you away. The fact you were anywhere near gave you away. And if you would of come into MY ROOM I would have to have killed you as I was getting ready to change clothes. Thank your lucky ass you were noticed. Oh and the catnip idea is not going to work. Bye.

P.S: Thanks for the fruit. It tastes great."

[Raiden]

Tomasu looked at the stone, and shrugged.

"Women."

Tomasu looked back at Kokuo with his trademark grin.

"I saw some Tiger Trap plants on the way over here. It wouldn't be that hard to collect some and have it ground into a powder before we leave..."

[Mesden]

A rock hits the back of Tomasu's head.
Another tablet appears and reads, "Women, eh? If you have problems with women that's your fault. You could learn a thing or two from Kokuo. NOT the butt grabbing or stalking. But the being humble thing. You probably only have problems with women due to how fast you are."

OOC: I did say she was a hothead.

[OmniShadow]

OOC: Damn, I really have to be more active here dont I? Also, Mime, the Shinreiku clan did not attack the sand, it was the sand that attacked the Shinreiku clan, although they had valid reasons to try and exterminate the clan.

After revealing that he was from the Shinreiku clan he observed the people in the room for some reaction, even though he was blind his soul sight enabled him to see the motions of peoples bodies by following their souls movements, which mirrored them perfectly. He noticed the one close to him pull his right hand into a place which to Ezari seemed one of the logical positions for a weapons pouch or holster. Although he kept his calm, he would be able to hear the weapon slice the air before it had even left his hand and could easily dodge something so obvious. 'I was not really expecting anyone to know of my clan, we have been in exile for so long and just resently appeared, although we made no big deal of it so most should not have known about it.' He thought as he let his blindfolded gaze stay on Aseta for a while longer than the rest.

He leaned back to the wall and then waited, and finally they were brought to the meeting room and was put in a chair, where they had to wait once again. But Ezari was accustomed to waiting, so it did not matter much to him. And once the man who later introduced himself as the "kage" of this outpost. While he knew to show respect for his superiour he did not like him, however he did not fully judge him as this was their first meeting. He sighed deeply while listening to the other chuunin, both what they said and by the sound of their movements it was easy to realize they where arguing again. He waited calmly, expecting the 'kage' to stop them soon, although the one accompanied by the large cat animal did it instead, and quite effectively.

After most had left Ezari stood up from his place and walked up to the 'kage' and before speaking bowed his head for him. "There is something I have wanted to ask, but have been unable to because of some... Rather childish happenings. Plainly, as you must have guessed I am blind, I relly on my ears and my bloodline to percieve my surroundings but following a map I can assure you is impossible, if it is not to much to ask I would like a detailed description of the route." Ezari said, bowing his head once again after having finished talking. "I would also want to know if there possibly would be a library in this tower, or nearby. There is something I am looking for." He added after getting whatever answer from the 'kage', despite the irony of what he now said and had previously said.

[PyrosNine]

The two who hailed from the Sand tribe traveled over to a nearby Ramen vendor, which was a counterpart of the Konohagure Instant Ramen shop. The two ninja weren't entirely aquainted with each other, as Rose's interaction with others was limited, but Aseta lived next door. They conversed now and then, and shared a love of ramen.

She found Aseta to often be a bit moody, and was often afraid that in silence, he was plotting to kill her as he plotted to do to everyone else that ever spurned him. Sure, in straight physical combat she could wail on him, but while she was sleeping, at night...It might be a different story.

But she did like his fire abilities. She didin't know why, but they were mesmerizing. So she was friendly enough with him to ask exactly why they were all here.

"So...Exactly why are we all here?"

[Raiden]

Tomasu rubbed the back of his head, and his smile lessened.

"That hurt!"

He reared his right arm back, and his muscles pushed against the straps that was attached to it. With a powerful punch, he sent his arm flying through the roof of the building. It would have been more impressive if the house had been made of a better quality of materials, but the Shinobi Outpost was new, and beggars couldn't be choosers.

After making a hole big enough for him to fit through, he jumped through the hole and into Tayuumi's room.

"I have no problem with women! I do have a problem with...with.........with.........WOAH."

Tomasu's eyes widened as they were filled with a sight he should have never seen. She did say that she was changing, and his sudden entrance didn't give her much time to cover up. Needless to say, he saw some things on her body she probably didn't want him to see.

"Ummmm......awkward."

With a quick hop, he went back through the hole and landed on the roof. He grabbed the back of Kokuo's neck.

"We don't want to be here anymore."

With that, he ran, dragging Kokuo behind him.

[Mintaro]

Kokuo quickly figured out what had happened. "IT WASN'T MY IDEA TAYUUMI I SWEAR!" He yelled as he was dragged off by Tomasu. Kokuo got his feet under himself and ran off along side Tomasu. The two ran for quite awhile until they could find a spot to hide in.

Kokuo turned to his new no good friend. "So....Tomasu....what color?"

[Raiden]

Tomasu was breathing heavily.

"Black. With what I think was a Rose Bud in the middle. I'm not sure, I didn't have much time to look."

Tomasu scratched his head.

"Maybe....we can convince her that it wasn't me."

[Mintaro]

Kokuo points to Tomasu's arm. "Anyone else here with bindings?" Kokuo seemed skeptical that they could do any such convincing. "It's just a matter of time before she hunts us down...wait a minute. I didn't do anything wrong I...really? Pink rosebud? No wait! Now is not the time. She'll be hunting you. I'm the one who gave her the exotic fruits. You're on your own." With that Kokuo begins to run away again.

[Raiden]

Tomasu grabbed Kokuo's neck again before the monkey could run. He then roughly sat him back down.

"Exactly. You gave her exotic fruits, and you were on the roof with me. After all the touching and going on you did, do you really think she's going to believe that you had nothing to do with an event that involved a guy watching her undress? Like it or not, you're stuck with me on this one. Besides, like a good man once said, 'Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn'."

Tomasu closed his eyes and nodded his head.

"Sage advice."

He opened his eyes again.

"Even if you run, she'll just handle me and go after you. Our best bet is to work together on getting out of this."

[TheBlindMime]

"Pork." Aseta declared through ramen filled lips. Rose looked very confused as he looked up to the chef. A bowl of pork ramen was set before him. Aseta's gold eyes flashed to the girl and then back to his bowl quickly, "We are nothing more then a large group of glorified couriers." Aseta began hastily slurping up his second bowl of ramen as he continued to speak, "The feline-nin girl from cloud will carry the map while the other cloud ninja will have the message. The map will guide us to our ultimate destination of an informant whom is very important to this area."

Aseta hungrily slurped up his bowl for a moment filtering the chunks of pork into his constantly rising stream of noodles. "Since I was seen as a security risk no one listened to anything I had to say. It's not my fault that monkey is irritating as he is." Aseta drank deeply from the broth, slamming it down he sighed with a deep sense of relief. "Shrimp."

The chef began to work on the next bowl of ramen as Aseta leaned back to relax, "Essentially the girl will guide us to our contact while the guy's bird holds the message safely in its stomach. He's making copies for the group, so I can only assume that the message isn't important." The 3rd bowl was set before him and he began to slurp it up within moments of its arrival. "False sets for others to carry would have worked far better but I guess people only half listen around here." Aseta could clearly remember the female feline ninja mentioning something about fakes for him and the monkey to carry.

"Damndable monkey, I won't let him beat me." Aseta began hurling shrimp into his mouth.

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

A vein bulged in Kazisha’s head, and her hands clenched. However, Ka was completely still, for she knew that there was much better things to do than further her quest to doom the two idiotic ninjas.

"Come on Shima,” Kazisha said as she went downstairs towards the tower.

<We didn’t bring anything for a long stay, Ka.>

“I know. Hopefully the shops around here are still open.”

<It’s lucky Ruma gave me quite a bit of money before we parted then,> Shima purred. Kazisha looked suspiciously at Shima. The big cat looked innocent.
“When we get back to our apartment, I’ll write a list,” she said instead of voicing something suspicious.

It was by some luck or chance that when they arrived at apartment 14 (next door to Kokuo) when Kokuo was away pestering Tayuumi. After a quick check around, Kazisha produced the key to the apartment and entered, Shima in close tow.

On the bedside table, Ka got out pen and paper, and wrote down a list of food items, equipment, and other such things needed and light enough to be carried easily by Shima. Then she folded the paper carefully and slotted it between two claws on the leopard’s forepaw. Shima clenched that paw then a bit tighter then usual.
<Money’s in a pouch under the collar,> Shima instructed, and Kazisha extracted the bulging purse, took out several notes from a thick wad and placed it in Shima’s mouth.

Once Shima left with a last twitch of her lazy tail, Kazisha closed the door and sat quietly on the bed. The map had unrolled out in front of her, and she carefully perused it, noting important landmarks, strong bearing points, and occasional places of rest. Her fingers also traced potential enemy striking zones, marked them mentally in her mind, and went on to see the actual route. Once she was sure she had become familiar with the route she carefully memorized every part of the map before rolling up the map again and sitting back.

She yawned widely, then, and thought about that Tsume and his idea. The bird summons were giving her an idea that will put a few of Shima’s bought stuff to good use. But first…

Kazisha put her hands together in a Tiger seal, and her eyes closed.

To those that could see or sense chakra well, they would notice that Ka’s chakra flowed and pulsed, before pooling into her head and intensifying.

Kazisha’s senses became sensitive. So sensitive, in fact, that she could pinpoint the exact location of a fly buzzing noisily outside, wanting in to her apartment. She didn’t bother with her sense of smell, rather concentrating on her ears, straining, stretching her range of hearing, ignoring the other noises of the world.

…

…

Kazisha opened her eyes and allowed her own Chakra to flow as normal again. The Kokuo fellow was still some distance away. Ka turned on her lights and meditated until Shima came back.

[PyrosNine]

"So we're working as a team? With people from differing villages? And why are you here? I'm totally left out of the dark on this! Kazero-Sensei hasn't told me jack squat, and I woke up here after being drugged and bound!" Rose replied, indignantly.

She pointed to the waiter. "BEEF! HERE!" The waiter rushed towards the leather clad (kinda) kunoichi.

She recieved her bowl and started shoveling it in. "So let me guess, you don't like that guy with the tail? What for? He's a guy with a tail for crying out loud! *chomp* uu shudn't teak hm *gulp* seriously."

If he also wanted to break the ninja code and kill another Ninja over a simple grudge, she be damned if she let him do it first.

[Mesden]

OOC: It's really high up

Tayuumi slowly walked out of her room. She wasn't completely dressed, but moreso than when TOMASU came in. She touched the rubble that used to be her room and reformed it. Then she quickly placed her hands on the ground. After a brief moment the entire area that Tomasu and Kokuo were on shot up into the sky. Tayuumi rode a smaller platform up to theirs, landed on it and looked at them. She then said, "Kokuo, you leave now. I heard the whole conversation. Your secrets aren't safe with me around. Little asshole with the privacy issues, Why shouldn't I have killed you instead of putting you up here? EXPLAIN. NOW. " with as much and more malice than Tomasu had ever heard in his life. Her neck was eminating with what seemed to be some sort of marking. Istantaneuosly(sp?) the rock shot around Tomasu, enclosing him in an immovable position. "And if you aren't good at weasling your way out of problems, you had better get better." she shifted her eyes to the stunned kokuo "MONKEY I said GO!"

[Raiden]

Inside the stone, Tomasu took a quick look at Kokuo.

"Moving would be good now. In fact, I'm doing that right now."

Tomasu wiggled himself so that a sharp piece of stone stuck him in the arm. In a puff of smoke, he disappeared.

Meanwhile, the real Tomasu was streaking away towards somewhere safe. He felt that his clone had disappeared, which meant that he didn't have much time before she came after him. As he ran at high speeds, he crossed his fingers.

"Bushin!"

Some more puffs of smoke, and five Tomasus were running at high speeds.

"Split up!"

Four of the five heads nodded, and they each took different directions.

[Mesden]

As soon as the clone poofed she placed one hand calmly on the platform and moved it down as she was doing this she started to see through the terrain. It would be a hard thing to describe how nature sees things, but none the less She saw through nature's eyes. She found every Tomasu in the village and grabbed each one. But not at the same time. Every time she grabbed one she made the hand squeeze tighter until it either poofed or let out a yell of pain until she had the real one. She moved herself to him quickly and then asked, "This isn't increasing your chances of calming me down. Remember, I know where you are at and I will always find you. ALWAYS. You haven't apologized. All you did was say whoa and commented to the monkey about how I looked naked. Not apologizing and letting out something you shouldn't talk about will get you killed. My family doesn't like me, but for this they would find you. You had better be real sorry, real quick and it better be sincere." Her neck started glowing more fiercly. Her foggy gray eyes seemed to swirl with anger. "Running away will do you no good as you can tell. You might have had a chance had you fought me head on, but I doubt it. Your speed is of little effect on me if all you do is run away. The only place I can't see you is through the air, but jumping doesn't work either as a few of your clones can tell you. NOW EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"

[Raiden]

Tomasu blew air out of his mouth to move the hair from his eyes.

"Fine. I'm sorry. It was an accident, and I did not intentionally try to see you naked. That's Kokuo's job. I'm just here to have some fun and do my job. If I wanted to peek on naked girls, I'd raid the bath house at the village over."

Tomasu then raised an eyebrow and kept his grin going.

"You know what you need? You need to learn to relax. A guy accidentally sees you naked, and you flip out and start trying to kill him. And of course I would run. I don't attack girls, especially if they're on my team. I'm that much of a gentleman."

Tomasu tensed his muscles, and the rock surrounding him began to crack. He finally managed to get his right arm out. Whether it was through some mercy of Tayuumi, or because she was too focused on listening to him to hold him. His fist was covered in a sound aura. Luckily, he had activated the jutsu before being captured. He punched at the rock, and it cleaned off of him. The aura disappeared.

"We have another couple of hours before we have to head out on the mission. I'm hungry. Now you can go back to your house, hold a grudge, and plan on how to kill me on our mission and make it look like an accident. Or, you can let me buy you some dinner to make up for it."

Tomasu scratched his head.

"I'd ask Kokuo, too, but I think you scared him into hiding..."

[Mesden]

"Fine, but this is never spoke of again and I need to go get my neckprotector." she said while covering the symbol on her neck. The bright glow it had faded as she seemed to calm down. "Oh and next time a girl says she is changing, don't punch her wall in. That's not a good way to get acquainted." she said in a still malignant voice. With that she touched the ground and all of the rubble she had made fused back with the earth. "Ya know I would have done that for Kokuo to save him the trouble of getting his parents to pay for it, but the whole butt grabing thing changed my mind." she said with a smile. She then slowly walked off to her room to get her protector.

[Raiden]

Tomasu leaned against a nearby wall for Tayuumi to return. He adjusted his forehead protector, trying to put it in a position where it would keep the damn hair out of his eyes. Maybe he needed a haircut? Nah, long hair is cool.

Then he looked back down at his right arm. After being surrounded by stone all those times, it started to mess with the wrappings. Well, he hadn't made a new bandagewrap in a few years, so it was probably time to make a new one. On his forearm, a belt had been torn and loosened the spot. Inbetween the loose flaps, some dark black markings were seen on his skin. Now somewhat free of the confines of the wrap, the markings began to glow a dark red.

Tomasu's eyes widened.

"Not here...not now...!"

He took the torn belt and tied it tight together, covering the bare spot. He could feel the chakra float away from the spot. He let out a sigh of relief. If he hadn't noticed the opening, the results would not have been good.

[Mesden]

As Tayuumi walked out she said, "What is that mark for? I saw you through the wall and you looked pretty serious about it." she said inquisitively.

OOC: Let's dig out some Tomasu background!

[Mintaro]

With Tomasu leading a run away distraction Kokuo had figured the best place to be was where he was already. Laying back he had spent the duration of the chase trying to take a nap and simultaneously picture Tayuumi in her panties. He had been getting a pretty good image in his head when the chase ended and Tayuumi decided to return the earth to the way it was supposed to be. The earth under Kokuo's back vanished. Well rather it had receded so fast it might as well have.

Kokuo opened his eyes mid free fall. Looking around quickly he tried to find something to grab or graze against to slow his fall. Finding nothing he did the only thing he could think of. "Clone cushion technique!" He said as he created a series of clones in mid air. Grabbing them all together he placed them underneath himself. The force of the impact destroyed all of his own clones. The puff of smoke was clearly visible across the entire length of the small village.

Kokuo emerged from the smoke dusting himself off. Then another Kokuo emerged dusting himself off.

"Why arn't you gone?" Kokuo asked.

"We'll I'm the real Kokuo obviously." The second one argued.

"You can't be because I'm the real Kokuo." The first one countered.

Then a third one emerged from the smoke. "No I'm the real Kokuo." He said angrily.

"Well this isn't going to work. We have to figure out who the original is." The first Kokuo responded.

"We could beat each other up until there is only one left." The third Kokuo suggested.

"No, then I won't be in any shape if Tayuumi decides to attack." The second Kokuo said.

"I know!" Exclaimed the First Kokuo. "Lets go ask Ka! Her and Shima could tell for certain!"

"Excellent Idea!" The second Kokuo agreed.

"Quite brilliant!" The Third one conquered.

"Thank you." The first one said.

************************************************** ********

The three Kokuo's stood out in front of Ka's small house number 14, and knocked on the door. When it was opened they all smiled. "We got confused. Can you help us tell which one of us is the real one?" They said in unison.

[Raiden]

Tomasu tossed a thumb in the direction of a restaurant. He thought he saw the girl he had fought earlier and the fire breathing guy walk in there. If so, then there was definitally food to be had.

"We'll eat over there. I smell ramen and radish."

As they walked, Tomasu looked down at his bandaged arm.

"It's the Kirin Seal. It's been passed down from generation to generation of Kirin men. It's a very dangerous tool."

Then, Tomasu did something Tayuumi had never seen him do, and would never see him do again for a long time. He frowned.

"It's nothing but a curse that's meant to severely hurt people. Plus, it's very hard to learn to control. Unless I keep it wrapped up in this sealed wrapping, it will activate. Only my grandfather has been able to reveal the seal without it activating. So, I need to spend my life with this thing wrapped around my arm, or it will hurt both me and anyone around me. I didn't even want the damned thing."

Tomasu's frown went away, and he began smiling again. He looked at Tayuumi with no trace of the anger or sadness he had in it before.

"But, it's a family thing. What can I do?"

When they got close to the opening of the restaurant, Tomasu reached out and moved the curtain to the side.

"Smells good."

[Mesden]

"Hey, isn't that the girl you tried to beat up, but then got stopped by thay mist guy? Oh and hey it's Aseta. Do you guys know each other?" she said inquisitively(sp?).

[TheBlindMime]

Aseta quickly finished up drinking his broth before covering his face with his scarf once more. "Bara and I are both of the sand, it would be quite apt to say we know one another." Aseta turned to see Tomasu holding the curtain out for Tayuumi, he scratched his numb chin, "So, how do you two know eachother?"

[Mesden]

"Well, I tried to kill him. Not really tried so much as scare the hell out of, but you get the point. And of course that's a great way to meet somebody. I don't think we should talk about why though. So, how's the ramen?" she said most of this with a smile, but she seemed uneased after seeing Tomasu frown and feel sorry for anything.

[Raiden]

Tomasu took a seat at the counter and looked at the chef.

"A bowl of ramen, and don't skimp on the miso pork. Also, a side of white radish. My stomach is a little queesy."

A small harumph was his reply, and in a few minutes, the bowl was set before him, along with a plate of white radish sliced into circles. He took his chopstick package, split the sticks, and began to eat feverishly.

"Mmmm...good."

He took a radish slice, dipped it in the broth, and tossed it in his mouth. He drained the bowl of noodles, pork, and broth, and held the bowl out to the chef. Some noodles still hung from his mouth, but the chef got the idea. He scooped another clump of noodles into the bowl, poured some broth in from a kettle, and tossed in a large spoonful of pork. Tomasu went back to his work.

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Kazisha glowered at the three Kokuos. She had been interrupted from her meditation to come upon this.

There was no doubt that this chuunin from the Hidden Rock was, once again, somehow trying to impress her with his machoness and gentlemanliness.
But this chuunin also seemed to suffer the delusion that a girl will forget she is standing before a boy who just felt her up a moment before.

So what Kazisha first did was to casually check the time on her watch. Noting that she still had enough time left before the actual mission started, and seeing that she had pretty much memorized the map and had slipped it into a secret pocket for later reference, Kazisha was pretty much free to beat poor Kokuo up.

The cloud ninja didn't, though. Instead, like a viper striking, Ka's hand jerked out with a Kunai ready, jabbing it into the nearest of the three Kokuo's tail. With a startled yelp, it disappeared into a puff of smoke. The second one she turned to got wise and jumped back warily, but got Ka's foot in the stomach, and likewise disappeared.

"... You smell like you haven't washed for a week," she said to the last, real Kokuo, and slammed the door shut again.

[Mesden]

"Stupid Kokuo." Tayuumi murmured to her self as she began to lift her chopsticks to eat her ramen. She glanced over at Aseta who seemed uncharacteristcally quiet considering the last meeting. She didn't think too much of it and continued eating. After her second bowl(and Tomasu's fifth) she left her money, stood up, thanked the chef and said, "Well guys it's about time to go. I'll meet you there." And with that she started to walk off.

[TheBlindMime]

As Tayuumi called Kokuo stupid, Aseta's eyes flashed catching Bara in his gaze. His eating slowed for but a moment while he thought of the monkey man, "Their red by the way. Red and yellow. The color of passion and fear. Which one are you match-box?"
-----------
"That must be boring. Never to see the beauty in the eyes of a woman. Or the color of her dress. Tell me, can you smell her perfume? Or is your nose permanently plagued by the smell of sulfur."
-----------
"I'm only furry half the time, but you're ugly forever!"Soon monkey, very soon.

Aseta stacked his sixth bowl down and turned to Bara as he pulled out a package to find it empty, "Damn, out of papers... I've gotta go buy some supplies, including a new pair of sunglasses." Getting up Aseta moved the curtain aside and paused, "The monkey, because of him, I saw color." The curtain fell limp as Aseta walked away.

[Mintaro]

Kokuo looked at the door slammed in his face. "I'm me again!" He chortled joyfully. "And for your information thats because I was fighting with a man who can create fire. A furry guy tends to sweat under those circumstances." He yelled the last bit at the door, then walked over to his own house. He walked in then smelled his own clothes. They smelled of ash and sweat. "Oh yeah, I haven't changed sense I got here." With that Kokuo preceded to wash and change clothing. "Another outfit just like the one I have on. It's weird that I never buy different styles of clothes."

When he was fully washed and clothed he began to sort through his food. Getting the fruits and veggies that would withstand combat the easiest and set up rations for the next three days in his pack. He went over his equipment and then placed the pack by his door. Unstrapping the staff from his back he placed that next to the door as well.

Picking up some grapes he went outside of his house looking around at the light he decided he might as well start jogging. He began to slowly jog around the inside of the town. Tossing up grapes and catching them in his mouth as he went. "maybe 5 laps will do it." He said to himself as he jogged.

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Shima slinked back from the shops, laden with white bags and even two bowls of ramen (with extra rare, extra pork in one) balanced carefully along the length of her tail.

It was lucky that Ka didn't need extremely heightened senses to hear Shima come up the street, and the door opened expectantly.
"Thanks, Shima," Ka said simply as she helped unload the leopard, placing the ramen on the table, and passing perishables into a handily-provided - though small - refrigerator. Together, they wolfed down their meals before looking at the other things they had.

<We have: Kunais, blank scrolls, ink, brushes, extra shuriken, some extra expensive soldier pill refills (took me at least fifteen shops to find), a small backpack, some trapwire, some small blank tags, a pack of 12 mueslis, a strip of waterproof cloth, a roll of bandages, and a few other random things I thought might come in handy.>

"...Nail clippers?" Ka held one up. Shima's ears folded back sheepishly.

<Yeah, I think I got a little carried away,> she said as Ka produced a small umbrella, some drinking straws, a packet of sugar-free mint chewing gum, and a bunch of toothpicks. Ka also found a bag of barley sugar, opened it and popped one hard-boiled lolly into her mouth, before tossing another into the air. Shima caught it easily, and enjoyed the sweet taste.

The leopard was not in the least curious when Kazisha placed the straws, gum and toothpicks into the backpack and left the umbrella on the bed. She put a few extra kunai and shurikens in, along with a long coil of trapwire.

Then she put the pack aside, took the brush, inked it, unrolled a scroll and set to.

When it was only a little while left until they had to meet up for the mission again, Ka finished with her work. She quickly stuffed two scrolls and five folded tags into her near-filled pack, threw in the pack of mueslis (each muesli wrapped carefully in a piece of the waterproof cloth), checked her various pockets to reassure her smoke bombs and flash bombs were still where she remembered them, and lastly split her bag of soldier pills between her and Shima. Securing it in a pouch sewn specifically into the 'collar' Cloud headband, Shima now carried five precious pills, while Kazisha herself carried about half a dozen.

Then, with a quick glance around the room, Ka turned off the light, and left, locking the apartment behind her.

"Let's make sure we're not late this time."

Shima made a purr of agreement.

[OOC: Raiden, if Ka has a blood contract summon, can she do the scroll-thingy like Kakashi did with the dogs?]

[PyrosNine]

Ever Aseta, Ever moody. A colorblind man seeking colors. If Rose had been like most other girls, she would have thought such a guy was pretty romantic. Of course, she wasn't into those things....But...she couldn't help but always watch intently as he walked away.

Once he wasn't visible any more, she turned back to her table. Tayuumi and Tomasu were here. <Okay. One more bowl and I'm outta here before I pummel him and get more of an earful from Kazero...>

"CHICKEN!" She called to the waiter.

He turned to her, threw down a bowl, and slammed the chicken and ramen inside. She was dumbfounded.

"DAMMIT Ninja! I'm only a Ramen server, and just a novice at that! I can't keep up with your INCESSANT demands! What, do you think I LIVE to rush back and forth to feed that whirlpool of a stomach you have? I"M NOT some FARKING machine y'know! I"M ONLY HUMAN! Why can't you let me BE WHAT I AM? WHY!?! WHYYYY!Y!?!Y!!!?"

"Um...I think I'll take it to go...." The server handed her a plastic bowl with a lid, then turned his maniac head towards the others.

"AND CAN I Get you anything?" His face was a mix of that perfect smiles waiters and waitresses have, but at the same time, a boiling pot of anger.

[Raiden]

Tomasu sucked up the stray noodles hanging from his mouth, and looked at the waiter. His devilish grin spread across his face.

An overworked, undertempered chef in need of cheering up? This is what Tomasu lived for!

A small flash, and Tomasu appeared behind the chef.

"You seem to be upset. Tense. You should learn to relax. After all, a happy chef is a good chef."

Another flash, and Tomasu was at the boiling pot.

"I watched you cook. You tossed the noodles around with little style and grace. Have fun with your cooking, and it will taste as such."

Tomasu flashed and moved again, barely dodging a large skillet to the head. The chef had his angry face back.

"Do not come into my kitchen and tell me what to do! I may be a novice, but I still know more than you!"

A small flash, and Tomasu was back at the point, picking up the clumps of noodles and tossing them with style in the water. He ducked the skillet, and with a toss, he launched a large ball of noodles into the air. Another flash, and he caught the noodle ball with a bowl. A scooper was tossed at him, and he dodged. He made his way to the broth kettle, and poured it in the bowl. The chef picked up handfuls of pork and beef, and tossed them at Tomasu in an effort to get him to leave. Tomasu did nothing more than catch the meat in the bowl and stir it all in.

"Listen you little TROUBLEMAKER! Either get out of my restaurant, or I'll -HRMPH!"

Tomasu had taken the opportunity of the chef yelling to stuff a large amount of the ramen into the chef's mouth. The chef looked quite angry, but then began to chew, and his anger slipped away. He took the bowl from Tomasu's hands and began to eat it with much abandon. Finally the bowl was empty, and the chef was licking the bowl clean of any remaining broth.

"Delicious, ninja! Who trained you in the making of ramen?"

"No one. In fact, that was the first bowl I've ever made."

The chef raised an eyebrow.

"But this ramen is so incredible! The spices are even, the noodles cooked to perfection, and the layout was like nothing I had seen."

"Fun makes everything better. I enjoyed what I was doing. As such, I worried less about what was going on around me and focused more on what I was doing. Like a wise man once said, 'A wide view may show all that happens, but a blind man knows when the chicken is done.'"

Tomasu closed his eyes and nodded.

"Sage Advice."

The chef went hard at work making ramen again. He had invigoration in his eyes, and he even laughed every so often as he tossed noodles in the air. Tomasu opened the curtain of the restaurant and walked out.

"Another happy learner in the ways of the Kirin. I shall make my mark on this world soon enough."

[IHateMakingNames]

Tsume was at his house, quietly making false copies of the scroll they were to delieve. He was blissfully unaware of what his teammates were doing during this time.

[Mintaro]

Kokuo jogged past the ramen shop and glanced in. He stopped and looked again seeing Tomasu cooking ramen. In fact he watched the entire ordeal quietly. He hopped up quietly onto the roof and waited. When Tomasu came out he flicked a grape at him. It popped him right in the back of the neck. When Tomasu looked up Kokuo gestured for him to follow and ran off into the city again.

[Raiden]

Tomasu managed to grab the grape before it landed on the ground. He popped it in his mouth and swallowed it down.

He then began to run and chase after Kokuo. Within a few moments, he had caught up.

"Are we up to hijinks and no-goodery?"

[Mesden]

"What are they doing now?" Tayuumi murmured to herself as she waited for anyone to arrive at the meeting point.

"They'd better not try anything on me again. I hope they got it the first time. Well more like fourth for Kokuo." she said as she watched the two speak with each other.

[Mintaro]

Kokuo gave him a wink and then headed off toward a book store. He landed gently in front of the window and pointed to the book in front of him. "the new ones out." The book he was pointing to was the new edition of 'Come Come Paradise'. Kokuo walked inside and picked up the book and walked up to the counter. He placed it down in front of the shop owner. The shop keep looked at Kokuo and then the book.

"This ain't a kids book son. Go look in the children's section." He went back to sorting through receipts. Kokuo wasn't phased however. He pulled out a small piece of paper from a hidden pocket and placed it in front of the man. The man looked at it lazily and then picked it up reading it carefully he looked at Kokuo and grimaced. Handing back the note he rung up the book. Kokuo paid and walked out of the store. He opened it up and began to read. "So how did you placate Tayuumi?" He asked, acting as though the whole exchange hadn't happened.

[Mesden]

"Nah ah ah ahh." Tayuumi said loudly.
"Tomasu and I agreed that was our secret on what happened. I hope you don't have to ask again. Now It's almost time to go and we need to get to the meeting spot." she said authoritatively.

[Mintaro]

"Ah there's my little Forest flower. Must we leave so soon. I was hopping for a walk through the moonlight, minus our little secret keeper here." Kokuo said pointing to Tomasu. "no offense." He said to Tomasu. "But alas if we must depart we must depart. I suppose I shall go to my house and gather my things. Care to walk with me Tayuumi?" He asked giving her his best smile.

[Mesden]

"Fine, but we need to get going soon. And knock off the over romantic talking please?" she said with little feeling as she followed Kokuo.

[Mintaro]

"Oh but my sweet lady of the leaf. I could no sooner quit speaking to you in such delicate tongue. Then I could cease being as handsome as I am. Come tell me of your home land. There is so little I know that isn't coated in the mud of an old forgotten war." Kokuo walked close to Tayuumi placing his tail up on her shoulder.

[Raiden]

Tomasu scratched his head. He never remembered promising anything, but it wasn't worth running again.

"I...guess it's a secret."

*some time later.*

It was now nightfall. The group of Chuunin gathered together in the spot they were told to meet. They had each been passed the false sets of scroll. The carrier of the real scroll was chosen, and he/she took the real one and hid it.

Ka showed the route to the informant, and they all set off. They would be following a path for quite a while, so the route would be hard to loose for a while.

A small group of the ninja walked along the path. Others were up in the trees, following from above.

Tomasu was walking on the path. As he walked, his arms were crossed and his head was leaning back. He stared at the moon. It was night, so the moon was bright and clear.

"Ninja Express. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail, will keep us from delivering the goods."

[Mesden]

A ball of dirt hit Kokuo in the face.
"There your not handsome anymore. So since that is stopped now you can stop. Oh and my "homeland" is a place of asshole who believe slander easily. They're all pretty dumb and follow a stupid overreactive Kage. There I told you." she said with a tone on annoyance.
"Now let's go."

[Mintaro]

Kokuo smiled through the mud at Tayuumi and let the subject drop. "I may have mud on my face. But I am still handsome."

************************************************** ********

Kokuo leapt through the trees along side Aseta. Occasionally looking over and glaring at the flame breather. "I could have been grouped with any number of people. Tayuumi with her cute but. Kazisha with her meltable heart. Or even that cute looking Rose I have yet to talk to." Kokuo thought to himself. "I can't beleive I got stuck with you instead of one of those beautiful women." Kokuo muttered so Aseta could hear.

[Mesden]

Tayuumi dashed along with [insert whoever wawnts to be paired up with me] thinking, "Why are those 2 together. They already tried to kill each other once and obviously aren't real chummy. I would have rather have Kokuo with me tahn trying to kill Aseta. Whoever thought up that plan wasn't thinking to well. Too bad. Maybe they'll just try to one up each other and do a better job than if they were friends. Here's hoping."

[Incendius]

As Chirin walked into sight there could be seen a change in his atire from before. A very noticable one, namely a black cloth wrapped around most of his head covering everything but his eyes and a hole for his nose and mouth. The clothes he was wearing were also changed, he no longer wore his Chuunin vest, it was too conspicious would be the first thought to anyone's mind when they saw his outfit. He was in fact were an entire suit of the deep black cloth, such that it made him look like a traditional ninja. Tucked under his sash (black of course!) was a sheathe holding his wakizashi. Unseen were the many kunai and shuriken folded into different places, just so he could keep the element of surprise.

Raising a gloved hand (black again) he waved towards the assortment of people and called "hey". "Now before anyone says anything about my outfit, I would just like to point out that Monkey boy is still stranger then me on any day of the week. Well with that now out of way, how are we going to do this. As before I voluteer for scouting duty, preferably with Oharu." He said with a quick point at Kokuo in the middle. Tilting his head against his right shoulder as if to stretch Chirin made sure the unoticable radio was in his ear.

[Mesden]

"Don't worry about it. I can see through there without anyone having to risk themselves!" Tayuumi declared. And then she stopped and placed her hands on the ground. She fazed out. She seemed not aware of the area directly around her, but more of a far off area. Her eyes had changed from the swirling gray to green and brown. She then stood up suddenly.
"There are people waiting for us. Not sure how many as they are to far spaced out, but they seem to be in groups of 5 to 15. They are setup at points that we have to cross. They are waitnig for us."

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

“I’ve got it covered,” Shima heard Kazisha say, “Everyone stop for a moment. Right.”

Shima was very curious then when Ka took out the packet of chewy, unwrapped two and popped it into her mouth. Chewing vigorously, she looked at Tayuumi. Now that they were on a first names term basis, Kazisha knew who everybody was.

“Tayuumi, we’ll be setting two courses. You said that they are spaced out, but in groups, right? Focus on the first group we will come against. Tell me their exact placement positions, and their numbers. Don't go slack on detail either. We need to smash through them as quickly as possible and move on quickly, or we'll tire before we get to the meeting point. This is going to be a typical Ambushers-turned-Ambushees style."

While chewing, she took a toothpick from her pack and broke it in two, before putting them with care between her fingers for later use.

[Aerozord]

Oharu stood near them. Rather then interact he decided to just absorb all around him. "So, are we gonna leave soon?" He spoke quietly. More out of impatients then anything. That and he has been relaxing his argus-eye for the trip. So at this moment he is focusing more on sound then anything. In short he couldn't see too well and would like to get going so he could open up his sence again.

[Incendius]

Chirin raised his hand and rubbed his chin in thought. Raising his index finger into the air he said "Kazisha right? Good plan but I think I can contribute some more to it. Tayuumi also besides the first group, can you describe the ones along the routes, and the any else nearby. I will eliminate those side groups and any others you specify along the way to ease the path. They will most likely not be able to react before I take care of them, but just in case I can send information to you all through Oharu, as he can vice versa to give me the neeeded information."

Taping his chin repeatadly with two of his fingers Chirin added in before anyone could speak "Please also, I know my limits, on this venture any one else that is not specifically trained for stealth and assassinations would only limit me." Glancing all around at the gathered people Chirin swiftly walked over to Oharu and said into his ear as he passed "We'll be leaving soon, get your radio on, I'll also be depending on you to provide me information also if possible." Turning around Chirin faced the rest of the group.

[Aerozord]

With a small motion he acknowledged Chirin's request. "I volenteer to engage them first. I specialize in defencive combat and I believe I could last long against them." His argus eye became active once more. The eye caught all around him including the enemies near them. He was even able to see their heart beat and physical condition. "These guys aren't light weights. They are completely calm even with the prospect of battle." This was spoken lightly, slightly muffled by his wrappings. Only Chirin could hear him clearly

[Mintaro]

Kokuo hopped out of the tree's and landed next to the group. "Here's a thought. Why don't we all go in at once. Sense we have no idea what their abilities are if everyone is present we can deal with any contingency available." Kokuo seemed rather annoyed that they had stopped in the first place. "We can all disguise ourselves as one member of the team that way they'll think we're all clones, then bada-bam, big surprise, we're all real and different people."

[Incendius]

OOC: My character is going to be somewhat condescending so don't get too mad at his insults:p


"Which still, would almost completely negate the element of surprise and a huge avantage would could, and might sorely need, use" Chirin replied his eyes drooping and his tone low as if adressing a wearisome child. "You really forgot something about your plan, the thing that if they are hostile then they will immediatly attack the clones and destroy them. Something that I doubt any of us would enjoy" Chirin continued. Leaning over he whispered to Oharu "It seems like the monkey is thinking the the beast it emulates"

[Mintaro]

Kokuo looked at the condisending man. "I don't know about you, But i'm not such a wuss that I can't take a hit. Not to mention that I have no intention of letting them hit us. You know why clones get destroyed? Because they contain less then a 10th of the creators real power. So they will expect us to be slow, weak, and to puff out of existance. If you had payed attention in your class you would know that this would give us an even LARGER element of surprise."

[Incendius]

"A kunai lodged in your throat will kill you if your a clone or not" Chirin replied simply and effectively. "Look I don't know, or care, about what you do but I and I believe our companions will be doing this stealthily and quickly"

[Mintaro]

Kokuo began to laugh, so hard in fact he fell on the ground. When he composed himself he stood back up still grinning. "What the hell makes you think anyone here would be hit by a kunai in the throat? Look stealth boy. Just because you spent all your time running and hiding dosn't mean the rest of us did. I've killed enemies that would leave you in a puddle of piddle. I've faught enemies that COULDN'T be killed. Ninja that could reset their bones after you break them. You ever fight a man with his head on backwards? Trust me unless those ninja are sennin I doubt we'll have much of a problum."

OOC: he totally did too.

[Incendius]

"Really youve fought people with their heads on backwards? Duly noted monkey boy, duly noted" Completely ignoring him Chirin turned to the rest of the people "Alright lets get back to developing a plan that doesn't uneedfully risk the health of any of its participents or the deliverance of the scroll."

[Mintaro]

Kokuo laughed again. "Look we know they're there, which means they know we're here. We don't HAVE an element of surprise. They know where we are, and how many we are, but they don't know WHO we are. That IS our element of surprise. We have at least three people here who can tell where they are. If they number up to 15 how many do you think of their number can see us?"

[Raiden]

Tomasu scratched at his head. So many arguments. There was so much unhappiness here, and so little time for him to change it to fun. Plus, the fact that most were from different villages didn't help in the least.

"Remember the fact that we're on a time limit. If we're late, our mission is failed whether we have the scroll or not."

Tomasu took the map and made little drawings on it.

"How's this. A group of us stay on the path. They're expecting us to be coming, so they'll be listening everywhere. We're Chuunin, so we can hope they believe that they're more advanced than us. So if they see us walking down the road, they'll most likely believe that we were simply careless."

Tomasu made some squiggles along the path on the map.

"However, some of us will be sneaking on the sides. We know roughly where they are, so the sneaky people could go ahead and discern the location. Then, when the hidden ninja see the path group, they'll drop their defenses and worry about attacking the path. That's when our stealth ninja attack them while they aren't expecting it. Then we kick their ass while they're falling over themselves in shock, and we move on."

[Incendius]

"A better plan and much more servicable." Chirin complimented slightly in Tomasu's direction with a slight nod of his head. Leaning over the map he traced his hand along it memorizing the routes. Looking up he asked to the surounding Chuunins, excluding Kokou of course "I trust no one has any problems with that in at least its basic form?". Rotating his shoulders slowly Chirin said "If not I shall be taking my leave"

[Aerozord]

The argus eye scanned the terrain. "The path to the right looks best. Lots of cover and abit higher up. Also I don't think they have any unusual abilities, but they have experience. They may be expecting a diversion"

[Mintaro]

Kokuo looked at Tomasu. "So Tomasu, what you're saying is we keep doing what we we're doing? Wow...why did we stop in the first place?" Kokuo just laughed and went back into the tree landing next to Aseta. "Come of flame man lets keep out of the way of all the geinus down there. Don't want to bore them with our half baked plans."

[Raiden]

Tomasu looked at Kokuo with a grin.

"Simple plans are often the best plans."

He closed his eyes and nodded.

"Sage advice."

Tomasu handed the map back to Ka.

"Well, I'm bored."

He began to walk down the path.

[IHateMakingNames]

Tsume sighed. They had been very ill-informed for this mission, only being told that they may or may not be attacked. Now they were walking into a trap by an unknown amount of enemies. Tsume would have to talk to Ryugan about this later.

The only good news was that the scroll was safe inside the stomach of a giant ninja bird. Tsume had wrapped it in a special, undigestable cloth and fed it to a summon before they left.

Tsume followed Tomasu down the path once things were settled. While he didn't like the fact that the plan came from one of the idiots, it seemed like the best option they had.

[Incendius]

"Right, I'm out" Chirin said to no one in particular. "Make sure those idiots don't screw up" Chirin whispered on last time to Oharu almost desparingly as if he was implying the request to be impossible to fufill. "Later people" Chirin called sofly as he waved slugishly his right hand in goodbye. At the far end of the arc of his swaying hand Chirin dissapeared into the night the last trace of him gone with the telltale blur lines of speed left as a ninja moved quickly out of a spot. Chirin hadn't used his invisibilty just yet, the more perceptive ones probaly caught on were he had moved to, Chirin was still attempting to retain all knowledge of his abilities to himself and Oharu as possible. Silently Chirin stalked through the trees during the night.

[Raiden]

(OOC: And with that, I'll open a new thread.)

[PyrosNine]

Rose sighed. Yet again, she hadn't been paying attention while the others were arguing. Or perhaps she did, and just forgot.

Well, regardless, if they were attacked during whatever they were doing, she'd just beat the bloody hell out of whomever was attacking and that'd resolve any problem.

Occam's kunai. The best solution to any problem is most likely the one featuring a sharp knife. Or something to that effect.

She followed the ground team, unless someone told her to do otherwise.