[attr="class","parchment-thread"]Reinforcements have arrived![break][break][break][break]The hokage’s camp had assigned @makoto and yet another makeshift team with the important duty of relaying intelligence around the battlefield between different platoons. They were to travel towards the line and order the shinobi fighting there to fall back into Onomichi. Accompanying Makoto was Nikukyuu Inuzuka and Sayuri Akiyama, perhaps to provide oversight over the mist shinobi. Two genin of the rain Daichi Konishi and Ryuunosuke Nara accompanied as well: one chosen to aid with obstacles in the terrain and another for their pristine memory that could come in useful for debriefing the situations found across the battlefield. [break][break] Following the status update, Makoto was ordered to check on one of the recon teams for a status update before reporting the situation on the ground back to the Hokage (in zone zero). [break][break] The team was dispatched as soon as the bat began attacking and they could be mustered. They began racing across the battlefield and found a group of four horseman with javelins rushing towards them on horseback to intercept. How would the team react? Makoto would not only need to deal with the enemies, but decide which path they would take: would they go straight through Onomichi, through the farmlands, or the forest? [break][break] A second group left from the Hokage’s camp. Led by Kegawa Inuzuka. The Kumogakure Jounin was given leeway to reinforce the battlefield with those he was leading as he saw fit until a time that his fuinjutsu talents would be called on. He would be leading Kyoufu Senju, Kaji Uzumaki, Gauma Gaojima, Jai Huángjīnjiǎ, and Suzaku Hozuki. It was an awkward arrangement given the number of Hidden Mist shinobi placed under his reign, but more a coincidence than a plan from the leadership as they were the ones available when shit hit the fan and reinforcements were mustered. [break][break] Like the other group, horseman would come to meet them on the battlefield as they entered. Three horseman circled around the group looking to wreak havoc on the group and preventing them from getting far into the battlefield. Kegawa would have to decide on a course of action after dispatching these enemies. Which zone would they travel towards?
[break][break] OOC: post once this week to validate entry into the event if you were tagged in this post.
So the time had finally come...to deliver messages. As the first sounds of real fighting echoed throughout the neighboring regions, Makoto was stuck racing back and forth like some dumb animal. It made her blood boil knowing that she was reduced to a supporting role. There was a certain chuunin - hell, maybe even the Hokage herself - to thank for the assignment. Both of them would pay sooner or later.
"Rrgh. Dammit." The Mist Jounin snarled when she noticed the first batch of hostiles galloping at her squad. Were they scouts? Or did one of the Sound's 'skilled' teams really let riders slip by that easily? It didn't matter much either way. "Close formation!" Makoto barked to the foreign ninja at her heels. "I'll make a path! Don't stop for anythin'!"
With that said, she fully intended to charge by the obstacle and make for the best cover - the forest.
"GATSUUGA!" the Inuzuka exclaimed moments later, diving into a twisting motion alongside a pair of her ninja hounds. The resulting cyclone barreled straight ahead with all its roaring fury, blasting toward the line of horsemen without a shred of fear. The brazen charge met somewhere in the middle, driving the horses apart and carving a path for Makoto's squad to follow.
the inuzuka stretched his arms out, opening his mouth wide in a yawn to show off an impressive display of fangs. the two ninken at his side lean forward in a stretch as well, opening their mouth wides to let out noisy yawns in conjunction. kegawa scratched at the exposed part of his chest, sleepy ruby eyes glancing over the genin gathered before him. he seemed far more relaxed over the situation than the boiling makoto had been over her situation. he steps forward, his lips curling upwards into a smile that spreads to show of his fangs.[break][break]
❝ i am kegawa inuzuka. starting today, you're all my pups. listen well and we'll get through this together~ ❞ the man introduces casually placing his fingers together as he gathers the chakra within his body. his fangs enlargening, pupils becoming slits, and the nails of his hands lengthening into sharp claws. he hunches forward to set down on all fours, the two ninken at his side baring their teeth and growling. his lips remained curled into a smile, his voice growling out his words. ❝ stick close as we move forward, ask your questions as we move. we are the reinforcement so we kill on sight, understood? ❞[break][break]
he grins at the genin before him, ruby hues glancing over to see makoto's squad already leaving the hokage's camp. he makes a whistling sound, his sandal digging into the ground as he took off in the direction of the forest with his two ninken following. a few minutes pass before upon entering the battlefield that three horsemen have arrived. he glanced beyond them to catch the four on makoto's team before returning his gaze onto the three. his eyes narrow as that grin remains on his face, pulling out a few shuriken from his pouch to throw at the horsemen's horses' legs. [break][break]
❝ don't let them continue further! ❞ he commands, letting out a few whistles. kakimaru and yukimaru come close to his side. falling down to all fours as he runs forward, he pushes against the ground to launch forward.[break][break]
❝ GATENGA! ❞he roars, spinning forward with high speeds as his ninken do likewise. the three split to hit each of the horsemen like buzzsaws, hoping to cleave them in half and leave a good opening for the genin to finish up if needed.
[break][break]
tldr; introduced to genin, making plans to head for the forest, intercepted by horsemen and fang rotating fanged each horsemen with kegawa, yukimaru, and kakimaru.
Why was he here? Why did anything think it was a good idea for him to be brought along like this?
Kaji stood by Koufu, clad in the clothing she had given him. This was insane! He didn't know any Ninjitsu, and had only recently started training again, and they were going to send him into a battlefield!? This was utter madness! Their squad leader didn't provide much comfort. He felt like the sort that would probably kill him if he dragged behind...which might actually happen.
This feeling didn't exactly improve once they left the camp. They were confronted by three horsemen and their leader took them out with little effort. He could only be thankful he was on their side...for now.
"I'm gonna die," he muttered to himself. Though who would be the one to kill him was up in the air.
The woman's aura was severe. Oppressive. Brows bent sharp over her eyes, lips pressed firm, though her posture remained at ease rather than see her shoulders square and rigid, self-control seemed to be the only thing keeping the simmer of her blood from bursting out in a fit of rage. The focus that sharpened her glare was mirrored by the large hound that trot beside her, the beast's head low as his ears perk forward to detect any unusual movement in the forests to surround them.[break][break]
It seemed the Inuzuka's air of cheerful mischief had been stolen away, and in its place, the murderous intent of an animal just itching for a fight.[break][break]
She'd been decidedly quiet during their trip, offering neither praise no irritation for the Mist shinobi assigned as her commander. Aside from a brief smirk to the familiar Daichi and an approving nod to the decision to maintain cover in the thick shadow provided by the wood, it seemed she had no opinion at all on the hand gradually being dealt to their team. Things seemed calm enough - until the sound of hoofbeats against the soil brought the silver fur of the ninken Ginmaru to bristle, lips peeling back from his fangs in an unsound threat.[break][break]
"Close formation!"[break][break]
Nikukyuu dropped herself low at the order, One hand pressed to the soil as its opposite rose to line its fingers in an even point toward the dense leaves of the canopy overhead, focus bidding her chakra to rush through her body with purpose. The round shadows of her pupils narrowed themselves sharp, lips drawn back from her teeth in a snarl as their blunt, ivory points extend to dangerous fangs. With her nails grown to the tapered points of a beast's claws, she activated her four legs technique. With the help of her newfound agility, she bolt in a sudden burst of speed to leap herself to the center of the group, her hound following suit in perfect tandem to close ranks.[break][break]
"I'll make a path! Don't stop for anythin'!"[break][break]
It was Ginmaru to sound off their agreement, Nikukyuu keeping silent as her companion sound out with an affirming BARK to match the Mist's volume.[break][break]
In the instant Makoto shot forward, Ginmaru and Nikukyuu tore wild at the earth, blistering forward to keep pace. In the midst of their feral rush, the pair's eyes turned - stares locking distinct toward the eyes of Daichi and Ryuunosuke. Their steps bowed them around to pass swift at the genins' sides, offering only a split second to grab hold and be whisked along at their breakneck speed. With Ginmaru drawn in beside Ryuunosuke, and Nikukyuu at a four-legged sprint just beside Daichi, they were set to take full advantage of what opening their leader had cleaved with her assault.
"At least we'll die together, right?" Kyoufu teased, having heard Kaji's internal monologue. If anyone was to die here, she had a feeling it wouldn't be him. After all, he could bite himself to restore to full health, right? It was pretty cool that he could autoheal like that. However, even better would be if they could keep him safe so that other members of the team could use him to heal... or at least so that Kyoufu could do so herself.[break][break]
She did feel like it was somewhat of a bad idea for her to have dragged Kaji into this situation. In fact, she hadn't done so intentionally. It wasn't like he was a shinobi of a particular village, but he did want to keep her safe; and she wanted to stay safe. So in a way it was to both of their advantage.[break][break]
Their team leader was had brought two shinobi dogs with him, making their squad much larger than it otherwise could have been. However, Kyoufu was a bit worried about his ninken. Shinobi tended to travel in small squads so that they would be harder to detect... so didn't bringing ninken defeat that purpose? But this was answered for her when she saw their amazing assault.[break][break]
"Kaji, lets hang back for a sec." she rested her arm on his shoulder blade whilst they watched his assault on the horsemen. "We'll let someone on our team with more firepower deal with this. Lets focus on medical support, and I'll be your protection."
Life was moving so fast for the young Hozuki. Just a week ago, he was on his first mission. Now here he was on a joint mission so big that every single village had sent Shinobi from every tier to take place in it. Suzaku's skills were novice at best. What could he contribute to this effort? How dangerous was this mission in the first place? After all, some of the people he saw in the camp looked just as young as him if, not younger. They couldn't be sending this many shinobis to their doom. Or maybe they would be acceptable casualties if it meant the villages survived. They could always raise more ninja.
Before long, they had begun on their travels to support one of the teams that had left camp earlier. Suzaku paired with a few faces he recognized from the village and strangers. To be led by someone who was also a foreigner to him. Trusting this person with not only their lives but having their best interest in mind seemed like a reckless decision by all parties involved. Suzaku would have to be on the top of his game. As little game as he had at least.
As soon as the horsemen surrounded them Suzaku saw how the Inuzuka leaped into action, followed by the companions. An aggressive approach was directed to them before embarking on this journey. It seemed that their leader was going to follow through on it. He would wait before making any move. Not sure if it was fear or just trying to see what impact the captain's move would have on them. Either way, it was like he was frozen in place.
When he had gotten his orders he honestly expected this mission to be quite simple. However, from his experiences alongside Anotsu-sensei, should of told him otherwise. Dark eyes narrowed as the four horsemen closed the distance - his superiors shouting for them to run quickly snapped the genin into gear as he bolted, but keeping close to his fellow genin.
Glancing to his side he noticed the ninkin that trailed beside him. Giving a grateful smile he leaped on the ninja dog's back rubbing it's neck in thanks. The wind was particulary blistering at the speeds they were going as he felt it hard to keep his eyes from watering. Still, he pulled out a kunai and held it at the ready - in case something unexpected would happen - fully expecting something to go wrong.
While worry gnawed at his inner thoughts he held fast. Hoping that everyone here would come out of this alive.
'Please, let's all survive- no, WIN this together!'
It seemed like they had a rather easy job, simply serving as messengers between the various deployed shinobi. One of the most important jobs on the battlefield, of that he was sure. But at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel frustrated with his position. The Kazekage was watching this mission closely, and after their conversation he was more desperate than ever to prove himself. How was he supposed to do that when he main job was just to help deliver reports back and forth? Still, he couldn’t let that bog him down. The pain of failure was greater than the joy of greatness, and so he would do his best to make sure he did his very best in his assignment.[break][break]
At least he got to work with animals, which was nice. There wasn’t any time to stop and pet or interact with them, but still. That and the familiar face of his platoon mate definitely helped to cut the edge of being placed under a rather intense Mist jonin.Things seemed to be going smoothly until they caught the attention of a small unit of horsemen. The genin clenched his teeth, turning toward the eldest Inuzuka for direction on how to handle the situation. And, unsurprisingly, she chose to carve through without hesitation. It probably wasn’t his first choice, but there wasn’t much to do but follow her orders.[break][break]
When the more familiar Inuzuka came up beside himself and Ryuu and leaned closer he climbed on without hesitation. It was a bit awkward for him, riding on the back of a woman like this. He would’ve much rather had the fluffy dog, but this wasn’t a time for wishful thinking. All he could do was be thankful he wasn’t about to be left in the dust. A hand then reached into his tool bag, pulling out a few smoke bombs. With a swing of his arm they were tossed out in front of the charging pack, creating a barrier between themselves and the horsemen. Their path was clear, they were tearing through in a straight line. All he could do was hope that this obstruction would keep them from managing to land a shot with those nasty looking javelins of theirs.
The time had come. The teams had been sorted and everyone was ready. Sayuri had been delegated to aid a group with delivering messages around the battlefield. Straight forward and somewhat one of the more dangerous and vital assignments. If they failed... They would doom the squads to fighting blind and with no knowledge of what happened elsewhere. Sayuri didn't know the others, not truly, but she had faith that their abilities were great otherwise they would not have been tasked with moving through all the zones. Makoto - an Inuzuka with great hounds supporting her- would lead them and called for them to follow. Sayuri would take up the rear, keeping an eye on their backs.
The sound ninja was clad in the traditional uniform and was rather incognito looking, but it suited her just fine. The group moved quietly and all was going smoothly until they encountered a group of horsemen. Makoto urged them to keep pushing on, clearly going for the forest, as she carved a path for them. The sight of the ninken offering a ride to the genin made her smile, meant she didn't need to dally behind to keep them going. Feet pressed at the ground and the chuunin did her very best to follow the group, kunai in hand and ready to strike should a horse or its rider pop up.
[attr="class","APP3"]Makoto barreled forward into the group of approaching horse riders, the armored figure leading the group pulled at her reigns and managed to get her horse out of the way, while the second in the line was hit directly and their horse toppled. The third rider was hit and fell from their horse, which continued running forwards. The fourth had managed to make their way away and began moving along the side. Both remaining riders found themselves choking on smoke as the group passed by.
Keeping up with the ninken would be difficult for Sayuri without using up a lot of energy, but through the grace of good luck a pinto horse with a tobiano pattern came running out of the smoke on its own, already saddled up and hers for the taking if desired. Behind them was the rider coughing and trying to catch up to the horse with a blade drawn.
Eventually making it out of the smoke, the two riders would loop around and follow the left and right flanks of the party. The female rider was holding onto the horse with her legs quenched and a bow drawn, she knocked an arrow back and took aim for Daichi. The arrow flew from her hand straight towards him!
Somewhat behind the first group was Kegawa and his reinforcement squad, they seemed to be heading in the same direction.
To each horseman, Kegawa had sent a hound or himself. The one that he went after himself was hit with such force that the rider fell from the horse and was trampled by the equines retreat. Kakimaru bit into the tendons of one of his target’s front legs and crippled the horse, it’s rider dismounted and drew a blade and began swatting wildly at the dog to no avail. The third rider managed to graze Yukimaru with a javelin as they approached, failing to pierce but leaving a moderate cut along his right side. The ninken had to roll to get out of the way of being trampled by a black horse.
That last rider continued forwards towards Suzaku. With a javelin already stained with blood the rider would draw his arm back and then lunge the polearm forwards with the force of the horse at his aid as he attempted to drive the polearm through the youth. Whether it be through his own actions or that of a teammate, if not stopped the ride might leave him skewered!
Yukimaru’s wound wasn’t enough to kill him, but without some first aid he might be a bit slower through the rest of the battle.
Although successful in punching through the enemy's charge and leaving them scattered, the Mist jounin wasn't going to gloat because of that small triumph. The moment her jutsu ended and the twisting rotations dissipated, she landed right back on the road and resumed sprinting. A quick glance over her shoulder told the kunoichi everything she needed to know about how the rest of the squad fared.
"Wanna die back there?! Pick up the pace DAMMIT!"
All things considered they were making good progress, but 'good' wasn't going to cut it. Makoto knew they wouldn't last long running in the open. Samurai riders could easily outpace a ninja at full tilt, meaning it was just a matter of time before another clash.
Fangs gritting angrily, Makoto looked to the forest ahead and tried to gauge the distance. It wasn't an achievable goal at their current speed unless she could buy more time. "AARRGHH! Aim for the beasts when they get close!" the jounin commanded with a vicious roar. The exclamation might've sounded like it was born from nothing more than a deep rage, but there was something else too. Those ferocious tones spurred some direction in her ninken, prompting them to jump into action. "Slow 'em down and dash for the tree line!"
To create that opening, Makoto's ninken darted to both flanks and began rushing at the riders from below, intentionally driving the enemies closer to her group.
clawed fingers dug into the ground, body twisting to drag along the ground to face towards the three horsemen. ruby eyes looked to the one getting trampled by their horse, then towards the second horsemen that fell from kakimaru's efforts. the ninken growled, hunching downwards as blood dribbled from his snarling mouth. he swiftly dodged the swords haphazardly swung in his direction, amber eyes watching carefully for an opening before waiting for the right chance to lunge at the second horseman to try to rip their throat out. sharp claws working to dig into the person's chest and cut at the arm brandishing the blade.[break][break]
yukimaru was the less fortunate one, and perhaps it was due to their old age. they let out a sharp yelp at the sensation of the javelin peircing into their side, rolling out of the way to ensure that they received no more damages from third horseman.[break][break]
❝ ARE YOU ALL DAFT? DO YOU WANT TO DIE? ❞ the inuzuka roared, teeth-gritting as he watched the third horsemen make their way towards suzuka. reaching into their pouch, he grabbed three shuriken and threw them quickly at the spine of the third horseman as he rushes forward as he drops down to all fours. yukimaru didn't waste any time feeling sorry about their injury, rushing after as well as they launched themselves at the third horseman to bite down hard along their arm. hoping to make the horseman miss in their skewering or at least make it less lethal. [break][break]
❝ don't just stand there, do something! ❞ he growls out, having rushed out towards the second horseman to assist kakimaru in taking the man down. as he nears, he moves to stand up as he aims his sharp claws at the back of the second horseman to help give him a new makeover. he delivers two diagonal slashes with his claws in an x shape in the direction of the second horseman's back.
[break][break]
tldr; kakimaru tries to rip the second horseman's throat out. kegawa throws three shuriken at the back of the third horseman and rushes to slash at the second horseman's back with his claws twice. yukimaru does his yukibest in trying to bite down on the third horseman's arm to keep suzaku safe.[break][break] injuries; yukimaru cut on the right side, moderate.
Soil turned underclaw, Nikukyuu and Ginmaru pressed further for speed, an irritable chuff rumbling under the dog's breath for the genin's pat to the bristling fur of his mane. With Daichi's cloud of smoke serving as brief cover, they pierced through its fog to burst from its disguise on the other side, though they could only manage so much distance between themselves and the riders closing in from behind. The hound's ears fold back with determination, lips peeled back from the daggers of his teeth as he raced after Makoto's path, Nikukyuu keeping in step with her partnered beast as their muscles strained in a bid to accelerate further. Jetting after the woman could pose a risk given the potential inexperience of the genin at their backs, but with the familiar groan of a taut bowstring sounding against the steady gallop of the riders being coaxed within striking range, there was hardly time to second guess.[break][break]
In the same blink, Nikukyuu and her canid partner swivel on the heel of their forepaws, swinging to loop back around in a swift motion to confront the horesmen rushing toward them. With any luck, the abrupt sweep of the woman's figure would see the arrow aimed toward Daichi biting the dirt rather than the young shinobi it had been intended for. Now facing their opponents, Ginmaru and Nikukyuu shot forward, ready to confront the samurai head on.[break][break]
❝ THINK FAST! ❞[break][break]
Daichi would have only a fraction of a second to get his bearings. The warning came near in the very instant he was thrown, the woman leaping herself into the air to whip her body sharp and grapple to Daichi's clothes with a clawed fist - seeking to pitch him into the rider drawn in at their flank.[break][break]
While Nikukyuu threw Daichi in hopes of toppling one samurai, Ginmaru put his efforts into felling the other.[break][break]
With a whistle of steel, the hound anchor his teeth around the grip of his tanto and drew it from his sheath. A feral leap shot the ninken up from the ground, blade leveled toward the throat of the rider being herded nearer to him. Should Ryuunosuke still be along for the ride, it might allow an adequate chance to try and steal the horse for himself.
Why did he have to stand still? That decision was about to cost him his life. He heard the leader of his unit yell out something about trying to die. It was audible but, with the horse charging him surely, they could understand if he wasn't comprehending anything other than the fact that he was about to die. He had to do something. Act now or die in foreign lands. He pulled his sword from the side of his hip.
Suzaku saw the Inuzuka leader's dog come to assist him as well as the shurikens that were thrown at the horsemen. He started running towards the horse sword, extended. His only real option was to avoid the weapon in the rider's hand. He slid as he got within range of the horse. He would try and cut through the front leg of the beast to get the rider off his perch and at least make it easier for the dog coming to help him to take the adversary out.
When he had gotten his orders he honestly expected this mission to be quite simple. However, from his experiences alongside Anotsu-sensei, should of told him otherwise. Dark eyes narrowed as the four horsemen closed the distance - his superiors shouting for them to run quickly snapped the genin into gear as he bolted, but keeping close to his fellow genin. 
