Makoto truly had no clue if she'd stepped into the middle of a family feud or if she was just being played for a fool. Had this all been some elaborate joke at her expense, she was still waiting for the punchline. Any minute now another Inuzuka would pop out of the underbrush and start singing a merry tune, right?
Not exactly. But there was...a bear. Wait. What?
Visibly tensing as soon as she caught wind of the approaching beast, the Mist jounin lost all interest in the conversation taking place. Feeling another predator waltz up so confidently sent her primal senses on high alert, the kunoichi's entire body tingling with anticipation. It was a natural reaction to her lessons in the wilderness, forcing her to react before she could even think.
Makoto sprung toward Korogaru in a mad rush, an air of ferocity pouring out from her movements. Initially it seemed like she was going to jump the woman in retaliation for something she said, but the jounin's burst of speed sent her past the Cloud ninja. And, as it turned out, closer to the bear.
"You!"
Makoto growled as she threw herself in front of the dangerous, hulking, totally bloodthirsty beast.
A loud crash burst from somewhere nearby, sending a wave of water onto the side of the road where it would douse a number of unsuspecting villagers that happened to be walking by. The abruptness of the splash gave rise to screams of surprise and angry shouts as the bystanders staggered in newly drenched clothes. Some looked intent on finding the perpetrator as they glanced angrily around while others ducked for cover.
That's when a second splash popped over the busy street, soaking the villagers again and sending them fleeing.
"Oh c'mon..."
Makoto huffed impatiently, wiping water from her eyes.
She was the only one to blame for all the splashes, thanks to staging her training exercise in the middle of town. But what was happening behind her didn't seem to register to the Inuzuka's senses whatsoever. It wasn't that she didn't know or didn't care, but rather she was of the mind that a little water never hurt anybody.
"Try it again!" she shouted to her dogs.
The three of them charged through the pond and barreled toward their master, paying no heed to the ornaments and carefully grown plant-life that lined the water's edge. Instead they only appeared intent on converging on Makoto as quickly as possible, to which the jounin responded with an expression of fierce concentration. Her fingers moved together in an unfamiliar pattern, indicative of a jutsu she had yet to master.
But the ninken got to her first, crashing and skidding as they knocked her back and sent more splashes toward the road.
Polite and good with animals? Makoto couldn't have wished for a better visitor. She had no patience for troublemakers and the like, but anybody that got along with her ninken was fine by her standards.
"Sato? Ahh, so ya must be Jun's kid then." Makoto looked suddenly curious as she walked a bit closer to the girl, circling as if inspecting for something. All she ended up doing was giving some inquisitive sniffs though, behaving eerily similar to her canine companions. "Call me Makoto," she clarified a moment later, looking content despite never explaining what she'd been searching for.
Beyond that, she could tell there was some hesitation in the girl's body language. Was it because of the dogs? Or was something else to blame? "Don't worry 'bout these knuckleheads. It's not yer fault they can't stay focused," the Inuzuka reassured behind a fanged smile. As she turned to look at her collection of pups, they were already jumping back into the river and chasing each other down the shore. All that wild energy had to be put to a use, yet it didn't seem very likely they would use any of it to listen to a lecture.
"I was tryin' to teach 'em a thing or two 'bout walkin' on water. Figured it'd could come in handy when we go on a hunt." The jounin shook her head, wearing an amused smirk. It sounded so easy when she said it out loud but the truth of the matter was more difficult than words could convey. "Problem is, the more of 'em I round up the more they just wanna cut loose and play." Getting her hounds to concentrate during a battle was easy since lives were at stake, but grabbing their attention for simpler activities was often a whole other beast. It was honestly pretty taxing to keep them all under control, but Makoto wouldn't have it any other way.
Besides, she had a bit of soft spot to see them having fun.
"Can't really blame 'em though, if I'm being honest. This Water Style stuff is pretty confusin'."
"Well there's an idea," the Inuzuka hummed with mild intrigue. Charging through the front doors was more to her liking but she was aware that doing so would only risk their objectives. Searching for an alternative way in would not only save them the trouble of fighting but also cut off another escape route for the enemy. After pouring through those details, she added one more comment to the mix, "Course, anythin' they're not watchin' is probably booby trapped."
It was risky. But a better option than anything Makoto could bring to the table. All that needed to be done is to find one such entrance.
Giving a quick stretch of her arms and a crack of knuckles, the Inuzuka removed her attention from the castle. "Sure beats stickin' around here all night, so I say we go for it. Hope yer light on yer feet, Jun." A fanged smile parted the kunoichi's lips as finished that remark with a challenging tone. She was ever the competitive type, especially when it came to showcasing her abilities among other jounin. "Let's get a closer look, eh?" She nodded toward her intended path and began to skulk in that direction, dropping onto all-fours like a predator on the hunt. Ninken followed at her flanks as soon as she moved, moving just as quietly to avoid detection.
Minutes later, after circling the perimeter and sniffing around for anything useful, one of the Inuzuka's dogs stumbled upon something of interest. There appeared to be a large drainage grate at the bottom of the fortress, presumably used for water runoff or maybe for disposing sewage. The metal had long rusted into little more than feeble rods, meaning it wouldn't be difficult to break inside.
"Whaddya think? Smells like it hasn't been used for a while."
Was that confusion she spotted? Huh. Maybe the guy didn't know a thing about Saba-Ou after all, but it didn't make his interference any less frustrating. Why get so worked up about a broken fishing rod anyway? It was his own fault for relying on a tool when he looked perfectly able of diving for a meal.
"Whaddya mean? That's just a stick! If ya wanna catch somethin' then get off yer backside and learn how'ta swim."
Biting through a piece of fishing line that still dangled from her wild locks, the Inuzuka growled in discontent. She was having a difficult time understanding the chuunin's reasons for being upset when he was the one throwing elbows. Then again, she was always better at understanding beasts than she was at understanding people.
"Everythin' was fine before ya got here, thank ya very much. I coulda nabbed that fish and never gone hungry again if it weren't for all yer floppin' around!"
Makoto's scowl turned deeply furious for a moment, like the beast inside was going to jump out. Then just as quick as it flashed through her gaze, the energy faded. The jounin relented with a sigh and a roll of her eyes, seeing no point in arguing over the what-ifs. Setbacks were to be expected and, to be frank, she felt like she should've been more prepared to begin with. Thankfully, she could learn from those lessons and use them to overcome the next part of her hunt.
Assuming a scolding tone of voice as she regarded the chuunin moment later, she carried on with a bit less frustration visible in her grimace. "The Saba-Ou's not gunna listen to some whiny pup, so just stay outta the way if ya got any sense." Though the words posed a certain challenge when combined with her bestial demeanor, it almost sounded like a warning too. Like she was trying to push Zazou aside for his own good. Granted, she still hadn't explained what any of this was really about.
The Inuzuka snickered, "Course, maaaaybe I'll share Saba-Ou's power if ya get ridda that bad attitude of yers."
Mimicking their master's motions without knowing what any of it meant, a number of ninken began trotting through the water and barking happily in a line. If there was one thing they knew and loved, it was definitely water. All of them were great swimmers and did plenty of training drills around their island home. But they were still missing the point no matter how their master tried to explain it.
Sensing a presence from behind, the Inuzuka calmly glanced over her shoulder, seeming none too shocked to notice a visitor. She had been doing a lot of shouting lately, so people were bound to take notice. "Don't be shy, pup. They won't bite." Makoto gave a soft smile and a reassuring wave to usher the young ninja closer, ensuring it was okay to approach the rowdy pack. They might've been a bunch of wild mutts when it came to battle, but they knew to show some discipline when it came to youngsters.
Or so Makoto had hoped.
Instead, several of her dogs went rushing by her legs and dashed over to the guest's side, enthused by the chance to meet a new face. A storm of wagging tails and inquisitive snouts soon surrounded the young kunoichi, canines of various sizes battling for her attention as they panted excitedly. The speed with which they swarmed the girl was admittedly a little overwhelming, but fortunately there wasn't anything to fear except their rampant energy.
"Heh. Well, so much for stayin' focused," Makoto muttered with a sigh. She wasn't quite ready to admit defeat on the training yet, but letting her dogs indulge in a few pets was a welcome distraction. Taking a few steps closer to the dog swarm and the cornered kunoichi, Makoto remarked in an amused tone, "Guess ya made a few friends today, huh? Hope ya don't mind the slobber."
It was pleasant day in Kirigakure, the fog having peeled back just a little bit thanks to the heat of the midday sun. One could barely hear the lapping of ocean waves over the bustling noises of village life, whether it was due to the unruly antics of the local pirates or the excited ruckus of young shinobi racing across the rooftops. Of course, few places were more active than the waterways that coursed around the region, those shaded banks providing the perfect atmosphere for just about any kind of activity.
Today, along the sandy shores of one such river stood a lone jounin who could be heard shouting instructions and barking orders. But rather than academy students or ninja pupils that one might expect to see on the receiving end of her words, there was instead a group of dogs listening to the chatter. Yes just dogs. Wily, playful and itching for attention, the numerous furballs waited for the jounin's cue before jumping into the water.
Again and again and again.
"No, no, no! Yain't doin' it right!"
Makoto shook her head in disappointment after seeing the latest attempt, some of the pups splashing aimlessly along water and others beginning to wrestle. Ordinarily she wouldn't have been so critical of their performance, but a spot of roughhousing or a simple swimming exercise wasn't what she brought them here for. The whole pack seemed awfully unfocused today too, putting another wrench in her plans.
Stomping a foot into the river and giving a loud growl, the Inuzuka tried to get them all back on track. "Water. It's about feelin' the water, ya bozos."
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.
Those poor watchmen didn't know what hit them. Each unfortunate soul that the Inuzuka raced by was covered in vicious scratches before they could so much as cry out in pain, their bloodied bodies thudding on the ground one by one. Pure savagery dismissed any threat the villagers might've posed, claws and fangs ripping right their puny defenses like an angry whirlwind.
Makoto was sure to keep close to the genin's side the whole time, covering any blind spots when he rushed ahead. Whether two guards stood in the path or twenty, it didn't make a difference. The jounin knew her way around close-quarters combat better than anything else, dashing in tandem with Suzaku's attacks to rake at the opponents' legs. They would tumble and buffet from the blows, leaving themselves wide open for the genin's blade.
And there were plenty more where that came from.
Though the rains masked scents to some extent, Makoto only had to hear the howls of a couple of hounds to alert her to other dangers. More guards were rushing around the stables and noticing their fallen comrades, the wet plops of their hurried footfalls drawing closer by the second. "Set the beasts loose!" she barked, pointing to the pens where all manner of livestock was kept. With any luck it would buy them some time to complete the next task. "I'll plant the tags!"
Just then a small group of guards rounded the corner with weapons at the ready, looking intent on blocking the way. Seeing the trail of bodies that decorated the area, the newcomers didn't hesitate to charge at both Mist ninja. Flimsy spears thrusted and clumsy swords swung, an uncoordinated mess of movements rushing at the intruders.
Only a few miles away from the border which separated the Lightning and Fire Countries, a lonely fortress stood in a state of neglect and disrepair. Whatever purpose the structure had served in its original state was long forgotten and its rightful inhabitants were gone without a trace. It mattered little nowadays, because the place was mostly ignored by travelers and nobody seemed interested in rebuilding a crumbling ruin.
However, lately there was someone poking around the fort and drawing some attention. An important dignitary from the Hidden Cloud, no less. Rumors suggested he was on a diplomatic mission to the neighboring lands, using the old structure as a kind of rest stop along the way. A lifelong supporter of the Hidden Cloud who boasted connections with some powerful figures in his homeland, there was no doubt his influence would make him a target when traveling abroad.
Hence, the group of Cloud ninja that followed at his heels.
"At least five outside." Makoto's icy blues shifted over to her companion, studying his reaction. Key word - outside. Chances were, at least another squad of enemy ninja would be guarding the diplomat on the inside. "Chuunin by the looks of it," she added nonchalantly, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back on a crooked tree. "I bet they're expectin' trouble."
The mission was high stakes. One misstep could mean the difference between life and death. Which was why Kirigakure had sent two of its best to get the job done - the hawkeyed archer and the wild mutt. Where one excelled in close-quarters, the other was a master of fighting from a distance. Between them both was years of experience that would surely come in handy. Success hinged on their ability to work together and capture their target - failure was not an option.
Notes: Jun Satō we gotta infiltrate the castle and grab the guy inside!
The Inuzuka gave a low growl while she rubbed the top of her head, grimacing from the soreness that dazed her senses. Combined with the tangled length of fishing line still caught in her hair, the building frustration flickered in her eyes. That same gaze peered toward the shore a moment later, frosty hues seething with ferocity.
Only one target laid within her sights - Zazou.
"What's the big idea, huh?!" the Inuzuka demanded behind another intimidating growl, her posture somewhat hunched as she crept to the shallows. Each wading step she took through the pool was made with a deliberately heavy splash, her movements purposefully subdued to illustrate a growing aggravation. "The Saba-Ou is mine, y'hear? Ain't no way yer stoppin' me!" she barked defensively, pushing a thumb against her chest for more emphasis.
One could only assume she was talking about the escaped fish, though for it to have a proper name was utterly peculiar.
Holding up clawed hands and staring at empty palms as if picturing the prize plucked away from her very fingers, Makoto anguished with a mournful growl. "I was *this* close to gettin' the slippery thing before ya decided to jump in an' muck everythin' up!" She clenched her fists after making that assertion, a fiery glare returning to the chuunin by the shore. "Well it won't happen again, got it? I don't care who sent ya!"
Whatever the holdup was, it couldn't have been that bad. The genin was still in one piece by the time he came running by, putting Makoto's doubts at ease. She trusted he got the job done, seeing how eager he was to move, and didn't hesitate to follow. "Let's move." Kicking off the muddy ground with ample force, she sped toward the next objective while her pack started weaving through the streets.
All that was left to do was to wait for the...
BOOM!
And just like that, the storehouse erupted into a shower of flames and debris, pulverizing everything inside the building. Rain or no, the sound from the combined blasts carried clear across Kawaba and drew the attention of countless villagers. Cries of panic were already popping up from the site of the shattered building, yet the Mist ninja still had some element of surprise.
"Up ahead!" Makoto barked.
The second cache was situated within the likes of a dreary stable, evident by the panicked beasts of burden making a racket nearby. Unfortunately, the animals weren't alone either - another handful of watchmen scoured the outside. Some were attempting to calm the livestock but most were peering in the direction of the recent explosion, arms at the ready.
Switching to a predatory stance, the Inuzuka offered a curt warning before rushing into the bulk of the guards. "Stay close! There's more of 'em!" Sprinting on all fours like some rabid animal, she managed to close the distance with impressive speed. A moment later, a spray of mud kicked up in her wake when Makoto dove into the clustered guards, disorienting those at the front of the stable and sending them jumping for cover.
"Hmph. Safe? Never heard of it." Makoto might've scoffed at the sentimental goodbye, but she still did a bad job hiding that worried furrow of her brow. There was no telling if she would see Tsubaki again or if circumstances would lead them apart. In either case, she didn't want to commit any farewells; the closure sounded like a bad omen. "Us rabid mutts have a knack for gettin' into trouble y'know," she rebutted instead, carrying on with her dismissive tone.
Shortly after that remark, the Inuzuka calmly turned to the forest and gave a sharp whistle. Distant sources of barking rose up from separate directions, giving her a notion as to where her ninken had been roaming all this time. Good thing they knew better than to go far without her instruction, but she would still need to round them up nonetheless. The rowdy pups would probably get jealous once they learned she had a snack too.
Giving a light sigh at that thought, Makoto quietly prepared for the whining she would surely hear ahead.
"Oh. Next time...do us both a favor an' bring some real drinks."
Makoto snickered along with that request, giving Tsubaki one last fanged smile before her departure. Not wanting to overstay her welcome much longer, the Mist ninja soon began trotting down the riverbank before breaking into a sprint. And she was gone in a matter of moments, vanishing into the tree line to regroup with her pups.
Too distracted by the pain running across her scalp to register anything else, Makoto was left wide open. It was quite possibly during the last second before impact that she felt a tingle up her spine, the woman's instincts telling her to move. But she didn't get the chance, a harmful elbow crashing against her skull, knocking the jounin's senses for a loop.
Makoto lurched forward and spat the fish out, the scaly thing jettisoned from her jaws and flopping right back into the pool. Infuriating as it was to lose the catch, a tiny morsel like that was the last thing on her mind. She was much more busy staggering from the dizzying aftermath, her limbs splashing wildly to gain whatever balance she could muster.
"RRRAAAAAHHHH!"
The Inuzuka suddenly swept around in a blind rush, gaze ferocious and claws at the ready. Those nails were quick to swipe in Zazou's direction, latching onto the fabric of his clothing and yanking him downward as if planning to drag him into the briny depths. Even dazed, her strength proved to be formidable, like her entire being was driven by the urge to repay pain with pain.
"THAT. WAS. MINE!"
As Makoto roared at the top of her lungs, that clawed grip tightened and she shifted in the water, making a twisting motion not unlike the jutsu of her clan. Though weighed down by the water, the Inuzuka still had ample energy to make a single heaving motion, releasing the chuunin from her grasp and lobbing him back to the shore.