dust formed around her frame, fingers grappling at the ground to ease her momentum. ragged breaths came from her lips as her chest rose and sank, silvery hues watching intently as the rhino puffed into smoke. her efforts had done something again, and as she moved to get up to her feet she found her body faltering. she gasped in pain as she fell back down to her knees, fingers gripping into the dirt. lavender bangs hide the silver hues that stared intently at the ground, the sensation of her byakugan wanting to give out on her. the words that came from her sensei's lips caused her to freeze, her breath catching in her throat. slowly, her gaze lifted up towards anotsu. the popped veins around her eyes fading away to the smooth porcelain of her skin, silver looking into the ruby red of her sensei.[break][break]
it left her in awe.[break][break]
her lips trembled as she bit back the pain in her leg, fingers digging into the ground even more at the realization set before her. she was still so weak, that all she had done was the most she could do. yet, she didn't allow those turmulous thoughts to hinder what needed to be done. she lifted her gaze over towards the last rhino, lifting her good leg up and then forcing her other leg to cooperate as she stood up. the blood red liquid dripped from her leg onto the dusty ground, matching the intense redness of her sensei's eyes now.[break][break]
there was still so much work to be done, but for now she would watch just as her sensei commanded. her hand reached into the pouch at her back, pulling out a kunai and flipping it in her palm to rest the blade against it. hoshi watched carefully as she took in all the attacks, attempting to store as much data as she could in her little mind. being vigilant, she was more prepared for the rocks being hurtled in her direction. with as much strength as she could muster, she did her best in staying in place and allowing the blade of her kunai to deflect the rocks so as to not waste any more energy then she had left. although, he did what she could being hit a few times would be inevitable if it were to occur.[break][break]
Teeth clenched, the corners of her lips peeled back and curled into a pleased grin as the rhino shell crumbled before them. "Heeeey. Nice trick, big guy!" The charging clone was crushed byt the debris, the liquid replica's kamikaze frontal assault leaving little room for escape. So, the rhino wasn't quite as big as they originally thought. And he was a dad! Sure, ok. None of that really mattered to her at this point. This rhino was still talking, so she still had work to do. Without hesitation, the rogue shinobi charged forward, only to be met with a wave of energy and debris. One last burst of energy before the grand finale, huh? Challenge accepted.[break][break]
Her blade was held in a defensive position as she pushed in with the rest of the other shinobi, single eye flicking to the others to watch their movements to see where they were headed. It didn't take long for her to recognize the movements of the inuzuka trio, each of them moving in tandem with their hounds for a coordinated assault. That brief glimpse was all she needed to see. She held her blade in a defensive position as she pushed forward, aiming to slash through and parry any loose rocks that came her way. Anything that seemed like it wouldn't cause serious damage was avoided to the best of her ability, reserving the blade for any serious threats. Should she manage to get in close, she would swiftly reposition, moving around to stand behind the beast. There weren't many angles available without getting in the way of the hounds, but she wasn't about to just sit back and watch.[break][break]
"It's over, fat ass!"Her blade moved swiftly, aiming to slash at the back of the rhino's hind legs while the rest engaged in their frontal assault. It didn't matter if the creature was obliterated, killed or simply impaired enough to no longer be a threat. So long as they could claim a win over this cocky thing she really didn't care too much.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] @all
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] Sent clone in to attack head on while she moved to one side and slashes at its legs
[attr="class","APP3"]His ears had found themselves assaulted by the dual brays: one of man and one of beast-- or had he been more beast in the guise of man? Curiously, their voices spilled forth with a red laughter. They spoke during or concluded with a howl, the sort of cackle that worked through the cracks and crevices of even the finest plates of armor to unsettle confidence and strength. Seiichi met the man's daring with a glower, a crease worn taut on his forehead as his thick brows were equipped a furrow. Evacuating now was no option. Nor was it ever. Despite the herald of mayhem his distinct voice became vessel for, this menagerie of forces was bound to collide with them. Had there been no need for them, surely they could have stayed back and never arrived.
But it wasn't the case, not now.
Not now as earth was ejected from the ground it laid upon idly, given a sudden kick from a burst of life. Broad forearms rose in response, neck lowered as shoulders tucked. Assuming this guard assured his face was shielded behind his own wall of muscle and meat. Seiichi was no stranger to this sting, no stranger to the the bite earth as it often grazed along him as a product of his training. Regardless, there was an influence behind these small rocks that made them more of a credible threat should they impact soft tissue. The Inuzuka trio advanced forward in the heat of it all, the coordination of their attack a product of their blood bond and talent. There's was a desperate effort, the Jounin recognizing the toss of caution to the wind as they braced what seemed the final stage.
Seiichi remained on the back foot as his peer and his sisters engaged in a combination of their calculation and fury, though they weren't the only ones to act. The Cloud Jounin inhaled deeply, a practiced breathing technique utilized on the battlefield as a bid to hasten his recovery. The strain of the First Gate was negligible in comparison to the rest, though he ran the risk of remaining sluggish should he neglect respite in these chanced opportunities. Besides, his mind found itself incapable of shaking that warning. While no good nights sleep, he could influence his own recovery with concentration.
For all it was worth, he needed his strength.
Last Edit: Oct 20, 2021 11:23:39 GMT by Seiichi Koji
The team hailing from the Hidden Rain village had already done more than enough to prove themselves. They had stood their ground when the odds were stacked against them, especially the Genin; and had also managed to narrow down and defeat two real rhinos. Each member had received a taste of real battle experience and had survived. Moreover, now that Anotsu had awakened the Sharingan, they could return with something of value to the village as a whole even should their hands turn out to be empty. It would be a good time to throw the towel and see themselves out. They were standing in enemy territory and well... The Rain and the Stone didn't get along well enough for the latter to forgive and forget this tresspassing.
With that said, Mai Aburame did not intend to drop out of combat just yet. With multiple members of the platoon remaining vigilant, it was a good opportunity to step out of the shadow and into the spotlight, if only for a few moments. While the Hidden Cloud had been busy unleashing their might against the main rhino in conjuntion with a few scattered Shinobi from elsewhere, the purple haired kunoichi had spent all that time building up her swarm of insects, raising them to be strong and to be many. So when the animal decided to send debris flying everywhere, the loyal servants of the Aburame were more than ready to defend their master and those immediately close to her (In this case, Anotsu, Hoshiko and to a lesser extent Koma), should some projectiles be flung far enough to reach the group, which was already at a fair distance from the action taking place.
Fortunately, she could act at a range without the need to venture much closer to the dangerous beast. This would not only preserve the defensive formation of the team, but also provide a panoramic view of the action that those more engrossed in close combat did not have access to. Using this to her advantage, the Aburame would send enough Kikaichu to cover the Rhino whole in his direction, timing their flight in such a way that they would join the fray after the Inuzuka attacked. While the main target was in fact the horned beast, the scene was too much chaos to entirely avoid others who might get in the way, so she could only trust that their instincts would be honed enough to dodge being caught in the swarm should they find themselves in their way.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
Our adversary had been deprived of further assistance as its kin burst into plumes of smoke.
Plainly, I could see the scene before me continuing to unfold as every present shinobi took to action. Our combined might had afforded us victories, but it was not without consequence that we engaged our quarry so ruthlessly. I watched as the terrain around the rhinoceros was torn asunder, cleaved and broken with effort and forcefully expelled outward. Such ferocity was only amplified by its declaration. Unfortunately for our assailant, my will was far beyond submission or yielding to threats. No, my resolve had only served to fortify my ministrations. And so I humbled myself before the Sharingan's prowess, a look not required to draw the last pair of my concussive grenades from their pouch. The pads of my fingertips flicked against metal, the instrument's pins separating and falling lifelessly to the earth below. The choice was clear: attempt to close the distance between myself and the rhinoceros, or protect my Platoon as best I could.
The latter, my soul knew, had been the only acceptable act.
I thrust the projectiles forward, timing their release from the cage of my digits with my fellow Jounin's Aburame technique. Though rock and debris careened toward us, we would face their wrath with that of an equal determination. Spinning with expert accuracy, a safe distance was created between us before a sudden, voluminous force burst forth. Terra would be thrown off course, blown apart as an opening cleared the way for Mai's kikaichu. Simultaneously, I had diverted the trajectory of some of our adversary's own projectiles and submitted them to our flanks in a harmless, aimless path of flight. I could do no more, and so I used the momentum of my extremities to shield my torso and face.
My arms crossed, years of Taijutsu practice affording me a musculature that was no stranger to defensive shielding via steeled flesh. I was no bear, but it was adrenaline - a protector's mentality - that would not see my Platoon harmed beyond what I could thwart. I braced myself, eyes yet open, as my lips parted and I roared in defiance to our enemy and its pursuit. Through modest sacrifice or otherwise, the children of Ame would be departing with their futures intact.
(tagged)⏤ Ame Shinobi (notes)⏤ To Bring Down A Deity.
One of the stray shards of earth flung forward violently and unexpectedly. Shoichi's laughter left him off guard, and a shard struck into his stomach. Powerful as the jounin was, he was still a mortal man. He was sent flying onto his back.
Higa on the otherhand was forced to quickly withdraw his puppet towards himself to use as a shield to protect themselves from the oncoming spikes of earth. He still managed to get peppered with stray rocks that left a nasty cut across his face and a shard in his leg. Seeing that Shoichi had fallen, he used what was left of his energy to grab his sensei and began attempting to flee the battlefield.
OOC: Shoichi's fate is sealed. Higa requested a leave of absence/withdraw from event.
This is an administrative action//not the NPC post of this event.
The volley of stones kept with the beast's proclamation, the man falling with half a skull making far a louder statement than any roar. A hyuga would be on the receiving end as well, although the scrape against her arm would be little to worry over if treated quickly.
The trembling ground accompanied more than death, thankfully - the courage, and some would say honor - of the shinobi at hand evident. A pack of beast-joined family collided forward in a massive assault, the younger few taking oppurtunity for shelter and safety; save for one.
A culmination of nearly a dozen attacks, a parade of their abilities not as singles, but as a whole.
All to meet an immovable object.
The uproar of laughter as the beast stood still, untouched as impacts seemed to do little but shake dirt off its hide, reducing its size slightly. A bucking nod as it almost seemed to applaud the group, before one last wave of the earth would send them all skidding back. "YES! VERY GOOD!" it brayed back and forth, pawing the ground beneath it with a fierce enthusiasm. "You have proven yourselves worthy. Or at least some of you."
It's eyes lolled back, turning to each of the men, women, and children surrounding it. "I am Ryoshu-Yama, the patriarch of the Idaina go Tsunoyama. For battle, and for entertainment, I have come to sire my children into your conflict ridden hellscape." A snort, as a hoof slammed forawrd. The ground split - a scroll rising up from underneath the soil.
"You two!" its head shifted, pointing lazily at the bear-engaged woman and young Amegakure boy, "You are interesting." Another shift of the head, regarding the more venerable jonin. "You lot can leave. There is nothing interesting of brute strength and inaction." Another gust of air from flared nostrils, eyes locking temporarily to the strewn about corpses. "And you have dead to care to."
As the two approached, they would be given the scroll with a nudge of the rhino's horn, signing with palm prints of their own blood. It would be a quick process, and not worth fussing about from any other participants - the beast would not be afraid to spear through them.
NOTES:
[/b] penalty for their next event - otherwise, thank you for participating.
Lyro has notified us of their absence, and will receive 1 penalty. With this wrapping up the event, we will assume their departure with their team following.
Shoichi's fate is sealed. Rest in peace.
Congratulations! Daichi Konishi and Korogaru Inuzuka now have the choice to sign the contract! Submit these to the upgrade station following the layout in the initial post. If you do not wish to acquire it, you can give it to someone else who has participated. Thank you all for joining the event, we hope you enjoyed it!
If you stick around long after signing, you might have a bad surprise coming. Make your exit posts now![/ul][/div]
After the arrow fired, Aiko felt the first wave of fatigue.[break][break]
The tension around her eyes abruptly faded, and her vision blurred. It was jarring enough to almost make her sick, her eyes burning from the strain. She recoiled ever so slightly, but did her best to keep her posture to avoid alarming those around her. There was some sort of shouting, reaction, but all she could do was try to stay upright. The chakra drain was finally catching up with her, mostly that massive Kai from earlier.[break][break]
Her head was pounding, her vision blurring as her eyes tried to recover. She felt so dizzy all of a sudden, and could barely process the distant shouting and sounds of combat. Just as she was about to warn the others she needed to fall back, her disoriented state in the middle of the battlefield was punished.[break][break]
A stone crashed into her arm, knocking her back to the ground. She reeled from the impact, swiftly biting her tongue to hold back her reaction. Without a word, she pushed herself back up with her good arm and stumbled back from the commotion to gather her bearings. With all eyes on the field, she’d have a moment to gather herself. Which was just enough to realize in her scurry to get out of the way, it would seem the fight was over.[break][break]
Immediately, she pressed herself back forward to rejoin her team. Despite her exhaustion, and gash to her arm, she seemed to be handling herself a bit better, now. Her eyes fell to the injuries the two youngest had acquired with a small frown.[break][break]
“Let’s… Let’s head back and get patched up” she decided, looking up briefly to see where Daichi had gone. Her brief glance turned into a lingering gaze as Daichi was called towards the rhino. She visibly tensed, the hint of tension around her eyes alluded to her trying to activate her Byakugan, again. An action that was punished with a growing migraine and faint feeling. Aiko pressed her good hand to her head, before she reached for the radio in her ear.[break][break]
[ Sensei, we’re going to fall back now. Please keep an eye on Daichi for me. ] She requested, before motioning for the two younger genin to follow her as she began the retreat back to their camp.
[break][break]
TLDR: Fatigue from chakra depletion has Aiko lose her Byakugan. She is struck by the flying debris and disoriented briefly. Asks Anotsu to keep an eye on Daichi as she asks Koma and Hoshiko to retreat with her.
And just like that, it was over. The final assault proved that no one here, even with their combined efforts, would be capable of taking this beast down. Daichi stood in silence, his eyes hardening as the rhino pushed all of its attackers away and bellowed out once more. His mind was already racing, trying to find something that might be able to stop this thing or convince it to cease this rampage. But before a plan could come together, the creature started to speak once more. The words would pull the genin from his thoughts, a look of confusion overtaking his features as he tried to process the sudden change in tone. HE wanted to talk now?[break][break]
He stood silently, surveying the battlefield and the carnage that filled it. The smeared remains of another ninja, his own allies who had drawn their own blood to seal this contract, the man from Iwa who fell at the end and of course the familiar chunin who was injured in the same blast. All of this was just...a test? For a moment, Daichi felt his blood boil, eyes narrowing in to a glare as he stared the creature down. Even as it beckoned him forward, he would push out a sigh of frustration as he shook his head. Before responding, he would step over toward Aiko. She was clearly hurt, and had used more chakra than anyone else on the team. A hand came to rest on her shoulder, eyes remaining firm as he gave it a squeeze. "Don't worry about me. I'm just gonna go talk to this thing." His attention then turned to the rest of the platoon, giving them a weak smile. "I think we did pretty good, all things considered. We'll have to celebrate when we get back home."[break][break]
As much as he wanted to stick with his team, he knew better than to keep this hulking monster waiting for long. And so he would step away from his fellow shinobi, approaching the Ryoushu-Yama. The genin did his best to lock on to the other's eyes, but in the end their presence was too intimidating to do so. So instead he simply clenched his bloodied fist as he stood before them, eyes instead turning to the offered scroll. "...You didn't have to do all this. You didn't have to go killing people to get our attention." He took the scroll, sucking in a deep breath to steel himself for what was happening. "...I'll bring your kids to war. But I'm not gonna be allowing them any of these pointless rampages. We fight to protect. Not for the fun of it."[break][break]
There was so much more that Daichi wanted to say, but in the end this WAS a creature that he just saw could kill him very easily. And so, if the Ryoshu didn't protest to him doing so after these words, the genin would follow through with the contract. It was signed with his already bloodied left palm, as if the kunai driven through it earlier was in preparation for this moment. Maybe this was meant to be? Maybe he could help guide these rhinos down a less destructive path? Whatever the case, he would clench the scroll as tightly as anxiety gripped his own heart as he bowed respectfully toward the patriarch. "Goodbye, Ryoshu-Yama-Sama."
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
The entirety of my form yet steeled against earth, I bore down upon ivory daggers as a small multitude of rocks battered and beat against my extremities.
I could no longer bear the power of the Sharingan. Its tax upon my chakra too great, I dismissed the ocular power from my vision and reserved the last vestiges of my strength to peer out and into the distance. The laughter and dialogue that boomed forward throughout the vicinity forced my undivided attention. Worth was one of my own. I stood to full height and cast my gaze upon Daichi, nodding slightly as my Platoon's voices rang through into my radio. "Indeed. Fall back, all of you. Once you've created an appropriate distance, return to Amegakure at once. Make sure that none follow you or can track the main route back."
I brushed my clothing, my attire dirtied and sullied with the evidence of a war waged against beast. A hand lofted to brush my locks back, my eyes cast to the heavens in silent homage. We had survived to see the aftermath of our battle, though there were some who had not been so fortunate. I had no time to linger upon the souls lost, however. Confirming their identities to the best of my ability, I ambled toward Daichi and listened to the intent of his words. A noble speech of sorts, to be sure. My palm pressed to his shoulder as I looked down at him. "You've done well. We leave now."
Turning upon my heel, I delayed the moment no longer. A watchful gaze upon the entirety of Amegakure's children held, I sped forward with an adequate speed and vanished into the protection of the wilds. Amegakure awaited me, and there was much to report to the KazeKage.
Koma right his posture, a small step dared forward as his gaze set ahead toward the immovable presence of the rhinoceros ahead.[break][break]
It was over?[break][break]
That it failed to crumble under the joint attack gave evidence to its power, and though its opponents remained standing, it seemed the battle had been called to a close. The boy's gaze drift brief toward the stone where the Iwa jonin sat perched, taking note of his disappearance before the boom of the beast's voice saw his eyes forward again. It was calling for someone, and as it acknowledge Daichi - a genin - to step forward before it, the deep amber of the boy's stare found itself locked toward the monster summoning a scroll from the earth.[break][break]
The warning that he may want to make himself scarce went ignored as his teammate stepped forward, a hand reaching for his belt to claim a bandage from one of its many pockets. He'd leave only when they had Daichi safely along with them. Might or not, the rhinoceros was not his commanding officer.[break][break]
It was a soft breath that escaped the boy as he bind up his wound in the bandage's gauze, gaze turned off and aside as he let Daichi's speech ring in his ears. He had guts, talking to such a powerful beast that way, and it earned no small amount of respect from the boy when shown alongside his fellow genin's display of humility.[break][break]
Nodding his head to Anotsu's words, he finished off the bandage of his hand, focus drifting toward Daichi as a rare smile found his lips. The amber of his eyes showed soft, some spark of praise lighting his gaze as he regard his fellow shinobi.[break][break]
"Looks like Lord First isn't the only one seeing something in you."[break][break]
He was impressed, thought he wouldn't say the words outright, tone cool with praise as some shred of humor managed to lighten his voice. No doubt it was granted by the ghost of a smile to wink at the corners of his lips.[break][break]
With an amused scoff, far more suitable a rebellious teenager than a twiggy twelve-year-old, Koma let his gaze linger a moment longer before the humor in his expression fade to something more impassive, attention shifting to the other ninja on the field.[break][break]
Head bowed in a gentle nod toward the lingering Cloud shinobi, he offered his wordless condolences before turning to follow after Aiko's retreat, a fleeting glance spared toward Hoshiko to ensure she'd be able to manage their pace.[break][break]
Though he did well in maintaining his upright posture, a keen eye might note the measure of sluggishness to shackle his movements. His limbs leaded with fatigue from the battle, the adrenaline to have raced through his veins having run its course.
Yet again, their attacks were fruitless in the face of the creature's might. The kunoichi tightened her grip on her katana, her lone eye searching quickly to try and locate a weak point. She was about ready to say screw it and flee the scene, as it was becoming more and more clear that this fight really wasn't worth it for her. This was just supposed to be a fun little tussle. She wasn't even getting paid for this shit! Luckily for her, it seemed her opponent had seen enough.[break][break]
Brows furrowed as she refused to break her ready stance. Her bandaged arm reached up from its place in her kimono to pull the cloth from her ear, allowing her to properly hear the rhino as it bellowed. At first she had no response, her gaze hardened as she stared the creature down. But after a few beats she couldn't help but burst into laughter. "I knew you were just screwin' with us. You're a sick piece of shit, big guy. But I respect it." With a casual shrug she gave her blade a quick flick before sliding the blade back into its sheath.[break][break]
Her eye scanned across the crowd, a small cluster of both familiar and unfamiliar faces. Though with any luck, none of them would be able to recognize a thing about her. "Guess we're done here." And with that, the rogue kunoichi formed a few quick hand seals before vanishing from sight. And a few moments later, that old bald man who was hanging around before the chaos erupted would be seen walking off into the distance as if he had simply come out from behind a large boulder he had been hiding behind.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] @all
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] Sent clone in to attack head on while she moved to one side and slashes at its legs
the combined efforts of the sibling caused the inuzuka's chest to swell with pride. it was executed perfectly. his zori and clawed hands skidded along the ground to halt his momentum, the growl coming from his ninken barely being heard. ruby eyes focused on the large rhino, surveying the damages that might have been wrought. yet, it remained confident and seemingly amused. while his heartbeat in a steady pace, the inuzuka carefully pulled the earplugs from his ears and from his ninken as he listened quietly. [break][break]
a laugh erupted from the jonin's lips, causing him to wince and place a hand to his injured face. despite the pain, he still snickered as he shook his head in humour. the red haired woman was right, this rhino had a sick sense of humour. very sick one. the chakra built up in his form began to ebb away, his clawed hands returning to normal along with his fangs shortening to an extent. he was quiet as he let the others speak, moving to grab his scrolls and place them in their proper place. now wasn't the time for congratulations or cheer over the 'won' battle. that would be for another time, for now he had more pressing matters.[break][break]
his zori eventually made their way towards the crushed and bleeding form of kureiru. he knelt at her side, long fingers brushing along the mess that would have been her head. he quietly surveyed her injuries, ruby eyes glancing towards kakimaru. the ninken pressed along his arm, letting out a whimper and hung his head. kegawa simply places a hand along the ninken's head, smoothing it in gentle strokes that left a trail of red along the orange fur. ❝ i know you did your best partner. ❞[break][break]
pulling his hand away from the ninken's head, his hand moves to reach into his kimono to pull out a handkerchief. he unfolds it to gently place it upon the girl's head, offering her some dignity in not allowing any foreign shinobi to see upon her affliction. kegawa pulls the girl into his arms, rising to his feet as he keeps his back towards the other gathered shinobi. he glances over his shoulder in the direction of his sister. [break][break]
❝ we return to kumogakure immediately, kyuu. i'll file a report to the raikage after i return kureiru's body to her family. ❞ he softly speaks, mustering a small smile for the woman. although it doesn't reach his eyes. ❝ see to it that seiichi and korogaru return promptly as well, staying within iwagakure territory any longer won't do kumogakure any good. especially if shinobi have already been dispatched to inform the Tsuchikage of the matter. go, quickly. ❞[break][break]
at that, the jonin's makes his way for the trees in a sprint with his ninken trailing behind him.
Nothing. She went at it full force, the combined strength of her whole family, and all the monster could do was laugh. The thread of irritation that ran itself under her skin cinched itself to bind up her muscles, a nimble hop back greeted with a soft clap of dust from underfoot. The woman was haggard, breaths coming heavy from her continued exertion, and her ninken too looked winded from the prolonged fight. Both were ready to launch themselves right back into the fray, but as he spoke, Nikukyuu held her position, ears straining to cling greedily to his words.[break][break]
It was the last drop of intel they'd been sent to find.[break][break]
Slowly, the shinobi, crouched on all fours, rose to stand upright on her feet. Her eyes held sharp, nails tapered to claws as she maintain her hijutsu. The silver of her hair shade her eyes with its rumpled appearance, and with the battle called to a close, she turned her eyes for the corpse of their genin left to stain their battleground.[break][break]
Already, it seemed, her brother was on his way to recover the body. It helped her to relax, weight shifting as her shoulders dropped. She met her Kegawa's eyes with ease as he cast his focus back toward her, head lifting faintly to assure him of her attention.[break][break]
❝ You've got it. ❞[break][break]
The gravel of her assurance held some softness for her sympathy, a hand lift to drag her wrist across a cut left to bleed at her cheek. Hound sheathing his blade to the scabbard fastened at his shoulder, he moved with slow, steady steps to circle himself around to his partner's side, a brief glance thrown toward Korogaru in quiet consideration.[break][break]
❝ Gawa's right, yanno. ❞[break][break]
That the woman still hadn't come down from her battle high was clear. Though the slits of her pupils round out, the blades of her claws ebbing to the blunt rounds of her nails, her stare showed distant and intensely focused, no hint of cheer in the growl of her voice.[break][break]
❝ Not good to dawdle. ❞[break][break]
With her face turned toward the east, Nikukyuu start forward, easy steps followed by the light padding of her four-legged companion.[break][break]
❝ Good fight, out there. I'll see you guys at home. ❞[break][break]
In the blink of an eye, she and her hound had flickered from sight, on their way back to Kumogakure.
Deep in the forest a call was sounding... he felt compelled to turn his back upon the fire and the beaten earth around it.
Korogaru collided with the rhino, bouncing off harmlessly before digging her claws into the dirt to slow to a stop. She charged back in, sprinting forward on all fours before popping up with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head and a punch to the beast’s ear.
He ignored her attack almost like it were nothing. It was weird that he wasn’t moving anymore. Probably another doton attack was impending… Why wasn’t anyone else fighting anymore? The Inuzuka stumbled back, breathing heavily, and wiped some sweat off her brow. Her bangs stuck up from the wetness and dirt that had been under her fingernails. She could barely hear the rhino’s rumbling voice over the pounding of blood in her ears.
The rhino stopped talking but now others were chiming in. The chunin looked around in confusion. The rhino was staring right at her and there was a scroll rolled out on the ground. That guy she’d gotten lost with in the tunnels below the sound village signed the scroll in blood and wandered off. She looked at her brother for guidance but he just turned away to collect the body of his fallen subordinate; his companion limping at his side. Her sister urged her to hurry it up and she started to panic a little. What was she supposed to do?
Nomi lumbered up behind her and nudged her forward with his snout. She scratched her palm and spread the blood over her fingers and stared at the paper for a moment. She seemed more apprehensive than she had all day as she mouthed her own name, trying to sound it out like they’d shown her at the academy. In the end she noticed some other handprints stamped on the scroll and just pressed her own palm down on the paper. She looked up at the rhino to make sure that was ok.
“You’re pretty tough. But so am I. I expect a rematch someday.”
With that, she turned to mount her bear and together, the two followed after her pack on their journey back towards their own turf.
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