[attr="class","zacwords"]Despite the initial resistance the rope put forth when it came to lowering the masts, tugging away at his hands, trying to yank itself free from gloved embraces, Chinetsu held strong. At some point, the anchor he created by wedging his foot to the ship’s side was no longer needed, with the thick lacing smoothly flowing through his hands, guided by the wind that now filled the sails. Not a moment longer, the desired lengths were reached; the men, almost in unison, nodded to one another that their task was now complete. I could probably eat... They were now free to relax – for now. [break][break]
Decompressed and thus a bIt more comfortable among the crewmembers, Chinetsu was appeased that their ruse worked, and as such, was no longer worried their inception into the crew would not go unnoticed. Despite the fact part of their mission preparation involved stashes of select weaponry finding its way aboard the vessel, even before its occupation, the chuunin had not perceived any real threats existing amongst them. A side-eyed glance at Seiichi revealed his senior to be browsing the crowds with skeptical eyes, though the look was admittedly typical of the giant man. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder if he too was breaking everyone down that was aboard their ship. [break][break]
“...”
[break][break]
And though Chinetsu’s eyes wandered towards the horizon, his ears did well to acknowledge Seiichi’s statements. Damn right, we ain’t useless… Aside from the man-bear’s physicality alone, various items on their vessel could be used for methods that were alternate to simple seafaring. Ropes with metal endings could easily serve as a ranged weapon, not to mention the sheer amount of multi-sized blades scattered across the ship, most reserved for the role of a tool, with some doubling as a device of violence and war. In the end, with enough creativity it seemed there would be no shortage of weaponry, that is, should a situation arise that warrants a sudden need for their existence. [break][break]
“Tch...”[break][break]
“...I’m ready for anything...”
[break]
As his voice trailed off, he would continue to observe his surroundings. Most of the men were enjoying themselves now that some of the hard work was done, or simply took to more relaxed activities while they killed time until their arrival. Chinetsu would soon follow suit, but for now, he’d let Seiichi take the lead. Now, it was time to wait.[break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]Judging by the swift but friendly response that attempted to dismiss any assumption that the bear was anything but unfriendly, it seemed this was not the first time its owner had to deal with such a line of questioning. And considering how both of them responded in a similar fashion, Chinetsu feared he may have accidentally walked in on a conversation which not only had already covered that ground, but was also trying to move on to newer ones. Looks normal enough… And so, the concept of the bear would occupy his mind no more.[break][break]
In fact, he should have done so already once he identified her allegiance. She’s from Kumo… All the more reason he would be disappointed in his response to her inquiry. Not only had he let the numerous amounts of forks in the underground roads throw him off, but he had also followed the purposefully faulty and vague set of directions in here, given to him with the explicit purpose of leaving him lost and thus stranded. Well, it’s working... He sighed, one arm still aglow with chakra, hovering ahead of him to provide continued lightning, while the other remained at his side; both shoulders shrugged simultaneously. He concluded those who had awarded him such bad directions expected him to exhaust over time, becoming an easy target for thievery – or worse. After all, who would be looking out for anyone's best interest down here...? Chinetsu shuddered at the thought.[break][break]
“Truth be told, I was hoping you would know...”[break][break]
“…I’m not from around here, so getting’ lost became all too easy a feat to accomplish...”[break][break]
...not that I'm proud it, either."
[break]
He directed lowly spoken words towards the girl with funny ears – the one whose giant bear acted as her pet, and most importantly, her bodyguard – all the while re-directing his gaze to the other young shinobi. The boy carried an air of brash confidence typical of those in his age, but at the same time, it appeared he was somewhat capable of backing it up, should he need – or be forced to. I remember being like that... As he nodded to the youngster’s promise of safe passage, he could not help but let out a small grin; it seemed fate always had a way of dealing him a rather perplexing situation. Here he was, starting his ascension into the literal earth with nothing but promises of unique and incredibly potent alcohol, and instead, he is now being helped by shinobi half his age. [break][break]
“My name is Chinetsu, by the way...”[break][break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]He still couldn’t believe it. To be saddled onto the equivalent of a potential wooden – and for the moment, floating – coffin was nothing to take comfort, especially when considering the owner of such apprehension had a natural disdain for boats, as well as being out at sea in general. Why did I agree to this...? His face, sour in expression and moist in condition as a result of all sweat such intense exposure to the hot sun yielded, remained fixated on wearing a most unwanted scowl. Then again, a quick look left and right revealed this to be the default countenance among most of the men engaging in the work of a deckhand. [break][break]
His chosen attire wasn’t much better a situation either, the typical royal white threads that had become his signature now replaced by some ode to homeless couture. Much like the others, with their motley clothing, bright, mismatched colors abound, he had a bandanna on, a long sleeved shirt with puffed, dirtied sleeves, breeches, a waist coat, tight-fitting drawers, and of course, woolen stockings. And why am I wearing...this!? More rhetorical introspection that Chinetsu knew the answers to all too well; this was the start, after all, of his indentured military service for Kumo, or as his handler like to constantly refer to, “your way of giving back!”. Yeah right... [break][break]
Seiichi seemed in better spirits than the Chuunin did, almost as if he was eager to engage in this sort of droll. And while his hulking size made him hard to miss among the swell of twenty or so men, seeing as how they were in league with some serious roughnecks, he doubted such a thing would arise any suspicion. If anything, it would most likely be viewed as favorable among the crew, if not, desirable. Pretty sure this was your idea... Chinetsu just stared blankly towards the man-bear – which was also his platoon captain, a jounin, and as such, the outranking agent amogst the two. As he was in no position to question motive, the medic did the next best thing – accept the situation and move on. The sooner he was done with this mission, the sooner he’d be back home, and back on land. [break][break]
A crabby, shaky, yet booming voice came from near the captain’s quarters, the aftercastle on this vessel typical of most galleons and caravels he had read about. Chinetsu, while by no means a fan of the sea, was certainly an avid reader and an indulger in higher education, which meant the quantity of knowledge he held regarding various topics was vast. And while such a talent was left best behind when it came to his assimilation into this most simple-minded crew, it served as a silent guide that aided his progression for his new faux career. He didn’t need to look at Seiichi to know that interrupting the speech, or even providing any form of utterance at this time, would attract the most unwanted of attention. [break][break]
“...”
[break]
With one leg hoisted against the ship’s side, anchoring his weight, he joined the others in pulling a certain arrangement of ropes that would bring mast down and let its reinforced canvas use the wind as a means of accelerating their travel. After all, anything Chinetsu could do to aid in those efforts would bring him closer to home, and that much faster. For now, it was time to work. There was still time before their objective was to be met. Until then, only the lowest of profiles were desired. Unless the man-bear updated their parameters, the medic would keep on doing his best to fit in. [break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]Anotsu’s response, although cheeky and unexpected after such a serious air had suddenly been introduced into the area with his arrival, was quickly appreciated by Chinetsu, whose senescent veneer was almost always fixated on maintaining a stoic expression for the most part devoid of emotion. Not this time, however, and a minor smile suddenly grew wide and spanned from cheek to cheek into a full on devious grin, a deep cackle also escaping his lips before they returned to a smirk. That they do... For some reason, he found himself slowly nodding as well, as if he was hearing some faint musical tune with a steady, agreeable beat. [break][break]
“Whirpool stood no chance. But the Rain is no stranger to victory either...” [break][break]
“...a tale, figuratively, and literally, told by the sands of time.”
[break]
It was a cheeky reference to his village’s bloodied war of attrition held against what once was Sunagakure. And while sweet victory was not instant, Ame’s resilience over time – as well as its ruthlessness – would present a final solution that would end the war, permanently, in their favor. It was the true gift of patience and a strong will; of playing the long game. That last trick with the beast was neat, too... Despite his most recent bout of permanent inebriation, the medic had been well studied, and knew not only his own history, but that which was recorded and attributed to those around Kumo. [break][break]
After all, keep your friends close, right....? As Anotsu agreed with the Chuunin’s observation, he also began to explore the potential ideas he was bringing to the table. Due diligence would certainly include some form of confirmable patrolling, which could potentially morph in the form of shared intel should he run into others of his team any time soon. As observed by both shinobi, the Taiyou Empire had not yet made its presence widely known. This was both good and bad; as it gave them time to prepare, but it was also a foreboding predicament, similar to that of saying – the calm before the storm... It was inevitable, then, to assume something was coming. And soon. [break][break]
“Are you also waiting for your squad...?”
[break]
Perhaps there was a chance this down time could be used productively, especially with an ally near.
[attr="class","zacwords"]More toxins the color of a faint purple continued to be removed from the parts of his body his chakra-covered hands visited, his medical skills coming back to him at impressive rates as he sought out shelter whilst simultaneously healing himself. The inebriated path he had chosen to embark on lead to a lifestyle filled with multiple instances of self-poison, something even the most seasoned of veterans with the most weathered and thus most tolerant bodies could not withstand for long. I’m breaking down… In this case, Chinetsu served as a perfect example of this very situation.[break][break]
Angry voices and the rapid taps of shoes when one is engaged in hot pursuit continued down the alley he once attempted his escape on, his separation between the Chuunin’s pursuers and himself enough that he was able to slip off the side and hide with enough time and stealth that he was not noticed. Judging by how somewhat smoothly it had gone, it seemed his medical skills were not the only thing returning to him. I can still be stealthy… Then again, those who wished to be his captors were not quite as skilled as actual bloodthirsty enemies on the field. Therefore, it was imperative he stopped taking any more credit for his evasion. Even a single digit child from the academy could most likely due better.[break][break]
With the imminent threat gone – at least for now – the medic felt a lot more comfortable sitting down, so that he could properly carry out his own self-healing. Since the building he was in was naturally dark and abandoned, he wouldn’t need to worry about unwanted guests. On top of this, while the darker room gave him better hiding capabilities, it also didn’t hinder his medical ninjutsu since he knew exactly where in his body to go for immediate treatment; such was the only benefit he enjoyed from feeling pain almost everywhere. The results of his bad habits, it seemed, were finally starting to catch up to him.[break][break]
“...”
[break]
All he needed was a few minutes. After that, he was confident he’d feel physically able enough to take to the rooftops. A shinobi’s true home, it was the best way to move undetected, especially considering who his hunters were. Now, it was but a matter of time.[break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]Chinetsu’s main concern was to make sure he understood his various rally points, as well as who the fellow shinobi from Kumo he’d most likely provide back-up for were. As a battle medic, he was certainly capable of offense, but the main objective of his presence was for the sake of healing, as well as to abate any potential ruinous medical situation that could otherwise easily wipe out a squad. So why can’t I find them…? After a brief bout of frustration, he stopped and began to put everything away. He was done reexamining his methods and questioning himself, and instead, would soon resort to making random contact to potential nearby allies for help with directions. [break] [break]
Despite the mostly nature-filled canvas he had just walked through, there were spots containing small crews of friendly militia scattered all about, groups Chinetsu suspected were part of Oto’s forces and had set up temporary camp. These groups were the very same leading the defense efforts against the Taiyou. But hey look like farmers… Though he was in no place to judge, any previous lamentations regarding approaching them for information came from obvious reasons. However, with so much time already wasted spent scurrying across the Land of Fire, it was time to swallow his pride and do his best to get back on track. [break] [break]
It was at that moment that he was approached, quite stealthily he might add. The man carried a much younger but nonetheless imposing stature, and so, mutual respect was easy enough a fit, at least for the moment. Thus, Chinetsu’s plans to have to endure a predictably confusing conversation with the nearby militia had been delayed. And while there wasn’t much an annoyance felt as a result of that, the Chuunin would nonetheless remain vigilant. He seems…different… His approach, for the most part, had remained neutral, and thus peaceful. Chinetsu, now standing, did not move from his spot.[break] [break]
“Chinetsu. Kumogakure.”
[break]
His voice rang low but crisp, a quick certainty about its nature awarding his newfound guest both a twinge of commemoration for his appearance skill in stealth, but also the fact he was ready for a retort, should he need one. Still, these were friendly times, and Amegakure certainly was to be considered an ally. After all, the Raikage was very explicit in his orders of peace and support. Considering he was indebted to the man, or rather, his forgiveness, this was no time to go against the grain. As his introduction neared its end, Chinetsu would point to the Kumo headband, which had been inscribed near his hip and its various activities. [break] [break]
“And to answer your question, I am not sure what to think yet, Anotsu-san...”
[break]
“...On one hand, as a Medic, I am glad to not have witnessed first hand, so far, the need for my healing skills across bloodied fields...”
[break]
A heavy sigh soon followed as he took a break from his response, his once relaxed arms joining his shoulder in a relaxed shrug meant to accentuate his last statement. As he continued to observe the newcomer’s general presence, he broke out a genuine smile, his aged old façade cracking briefly to reinforce the notion of peace. It wouldn’t be long before he returned to his stoic, neutral state, however. That is, unless Anotsu had a good joke up his sleeve. [break] [break]
“...But on the other, I can’t help but wonder where else I could probably be that would beat this...”
[break]
“...and I have a strange feeling there are more than a few...”
[attr="class","zacwords"]Dark. Damp. Bleak. How in the hell did I let myself get so lost…? He knew the reason, of course, but avoided owning up to it in order to not get so upset. Instead, as he progressed forward down the cavernous path, he mumbled and growled, blaming everything from his compass to his map, as well as unforeseen circumstances unrelated to him. Yet in the end, he could not shy away from it – he had ventured down here because the local drunk he gave money to earlier convinced him there was an illegal but potent bootlegging operating somewhere below the villages, where an ancient set of tunnels and caves exist. [break] [break]
It would be here that he would find a legendary elixir said to knock you out drunk with one sip; after all, how could a sip hurt!? Truth be told, these tunnels probably were not all that secret, especially when you consider the source. And although his directions weren’t exactly the most accurate, he knew all to well how to arrive here. These aren’t secret tunnels at all… Either the result of abandoned underground projects, or an old way to commute across the village, one thing Chinetsu was for certain about would be that with enough walking, he’d eventually find his way out. This would be about the time that he heard the voices; two, at least. [break] [break]
“...”
[break]
It seemed he was not alone, nor did it seem like there was any immediate danger; their tones appeared somewhat friendly and considering the nature of events recently taking ahold of Oto, it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary these were the very allies he was waiting for. They sound like kids… And while the voices were rather on the younger side, he was in position to criticize age, considering he was well on the wrong side of time. Let’s get this over with then… After a brief sigh, he would begin his approach towards the two, figures that became clearer and clearer with each step taking. It helped that his right hand, crackling a faint blue hue as it channeled a small amount of raiton chakra, would grant additional light for improved sight. [break] [break]
“Is that...a bear...?”
[break]
His voice, deep but friendly, rang as he approached the trio. Maybe they knew how to get out quicker than the Chuunin could decipher. Or maybe it would get worse. Who knew? Only time would tell. [break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]While he wouldn’t exactly describe his attempts at locating his fellow countrymen (and women!) as a waste time – seeing as how he had little choice in his being here, as well as serving Kumogakure in general – he had grown a bit dissuaded with his vapid efforts. The lack of results had left him famished, though Chinetsu had also noticed that once he quit alcohol, it seemed he simply replaced one vice for another. I’m gonna get fat… Though his lamentations were his own, he nonetheless sighed as he neared food district, “reluctant” in his inclination over unrighteous indulgences. [break] [break]
But at least he was not drunk, which is better than he could say for the random vagrant spotted not too far away, one single, bony outstretched hand protruding from layers of tattered cloth, hoping for the tokens needed to continue his poisonous ride. But better fat than to get like that… Despite the night coming down inevitably, he could scan and see the mess before him rather clearly, and rather than pity, began to wonder of his devises. Had he not been plucked from the streets and tossed back into the military fray, would that soon be him, but in Kumo? [break] [break]
He shook the notion away, both metaphorically as well as physically, refusing to accept his will would allow him to enter such declination. Upset at himself for even entertaining the notion, he paused his current movement, leaving himself in the middle of a rather bustling row of restaurants, bars, eatery, and part of a market. Beings of all shapes and sizes move around and about their business, paying no mind to the Kumo Chuunin that had been dispatched as an empathizer to Oto’s cause. People just do what they want around here… These included the children up ahead, playing around innocently enough, but nonetheless partially blocking his path towards a potential location for dinner. [break] [break]
He was aiming for a ramen shop, especially the kind of restaurant that came without any alcoholic offerings. He did not wish to “test” his will, after all, and felt the best exercise in sobriety would be extreme caution with proximity. As in, no alcohol whatsoever…that way, I can’t cheat… The shopkeeper, however, had other momentary plans, the grumpy old man finding himself more preoccupied with yelling at some of the youth that had adopted the game. Without warning, even to himself, a small chuckle escaped his lips. Was he becoming soft…? Hopefully not. But he had become increasingly hungry. And he could care less about any children nearby. [break] [break]
“Now now, roujin...what say we forget the kids..."[break][break]
“...and instead focus on your newest client?”
[break]
While he wasn't getting any younger himself, he refused to believe he'd turn into a grumpy old man like that anytime soon. As such, he waited patiently for a response, his hands dug into his pocket, an honest smile slowly growing over his otherwise expressionless façade. [break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]And now he knew the man-bear’s name, as well. Seiichi, huh…? It seemed his stealth and spying plan had worked! Sarcasm aside, it would appear most of his problems were solved rather easily. While he had received more than sufficient notice that be had been re-enlisted under his last rank, not much more information was afforded in terms of whom he’d be working with. His handler, you see, had little regard for him, and viewed the village’s offer to forgive his many, many civil transgressions in exchange for his skills as a waste of time. Asshole… Still, even he answered to a higher power, and so, like it or not, he was supposed to set Chinetsu up. [break][break]
And that he did, but not in the way he had hoped. Fortunately for the medic, one embarrassment had been traded for the other. It seemed to him that appearing as bumbling, or unintentionally rude, was better than looking like someone that did not bother to read his briefing at all, labeling him flat-out irresponsible, and thus, unreliable. In a normal setting, a dossier regarding his platoon would most likely be supplied, including information on his teammates deemed helpful for cohesion by the higher ups. But in Chinetsu’s case, he got a few passing words as a cloud of unwanted smoke swatted his face, courtesy of his mutually hated handler. Why do all you arrogant types always smoke...? Talk about an overused trope.[break][break]
“Chinetsu, at your service.”
[break]
Spoken in a deep but calm tone, it was a truthful and meaningful acknowledgment that would both address the Raikage’s faith in him to add him to such a seemingly dangerous task, as well as his new platoon leader. It seemed hulking visage adorned in the remains of a bear would most likely be more desirable as an ally, rather than an enemy, after all. After a small, quick pause, Chinetsu shot a one-sided grin, his outer edge of the right of his mouth arching upwards ever so slightly – and with that, his finely glossed mustache. He motioned to the nearest exit, a route the titan seemed to already have embarked on.[break][break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]Despite not being able to yet locate the platoon he was assigned to support, it seemed Chinetsu’s early departure from Kumogakure ensured he had arrived before calamity did, and that – at least, for now – he was able to roam a bit freer than intended. It was all in the spirit of scouting and discovery, of course! As if… Regardless, what the medic had not expected was the huge distraction his surroundings would become. The place was sprawling with activity, and as time would soon reveal, not the best kind for a man recovering of more than one mental disease. [break][break]
It had been over a week since his forced conscription back as a battle medic under the banner of Kumogakure. And despite his undying will to not break sobriety, no matter what – after all, a week, for a drunk of his nature, was basically an eternity – constant reminders proved his fortitude was not quite as ironclad as he had given himself credit for. Shit… Despite the literature awarded to him upon arrival to the village meant to assist in traversing of such – offered to the Chuunin as both visitor and ally – it seemed the Chuunin had “accidentally” stumbled upon a very specific area of the village. Where am I…!?[break][break]
While he wasn’t sure of its name, it was hard not to note that it certainly was both festive and plentiful when it came to imbibement. Immediate mental alarms began to sound off as he continued forward, entwined to perambulate in a zigzag-like pattern. It was hellish. Yet a combination of his trained overwhelming defense mechanisms, as well as the sheer number of places offering sinful indulgences, resulted in warnings that did little to soothe the soul. Heavy sweat in the form of droplets began to form at the base of his forehead, rolling down soon after, accompanied by a rather unflattering set of tremors in his hand, and a trembled speech. [break][break]
“F-fuck-k-k…”
[break] Such were his pains that he felt his body was completely constricted, and thus, oblivious to an incoming passerby, whom before unavoidable contact, seemed to also be extremely overtaken with what seemed to be a most fascinating binding of literature. Chinetsu, drowning in his own demons, was unable to prevent the crash, a doomed trained forever stuck to the tracks of misery he had ridden for so long. All he could do was stare at the inevitable, a slave to his own stupor, horrid he now had to involve a completely random and innocent person in his own problems.[break][break]
[attr="class","zacwords"] The response was lightning quick and most sudden, like a hidden prey cloaked in the jungle, finally able to pounce and end its chase. Weaponry took flight with the assistance of what Chinetsu would assume was the use of some form of chakra, elemental or otherwise – though he still left the door open to other more frightening possibilities. Then again, with his memory slowly being restored now that his long bouts of alcohol consumption have come to an abrupt stop, he recollected the deadliest strike was also almost the simplest, most efficient one.[break][break]
Chinetsu, of course, knew better than to respond. So this killer’s name is Benjiro….? He was preparing an eloquent speech about how he had been away for so long due to “medical reasons”, and that as such, he had forgotten some of the proper manners that needed to be employed by shinobi of his ilk, when in the tower, and especially around the Raikage himself. But somewhere along his excuse’s construction, he concluded that in his situation, silence was most likely golden. Or so, at least, a variation of it. ”My apologies…it is my first day back in action, and at your service.” A small but efficient bow followed soon after.[break][break]
Not wanting to overcome to obvious personal conversation between the Raikage and what appeared to be one of the village’s top agents, Chinetsu would remain quiet yet observant. Despite his uncouth entry, he was still offered an opportunity, and soon, the Raikage dove back into his own discourse, bringing the Chuunin into the fold. Around this time, he also had gotten an excellent chance to quickly yet efficiently scan the room, and thus, better himself with his surroundings.[break][break]
Instruments of war, in all shapes, sizes, and designs, would decorate the walls in a most symmetric fashion, inscribed with text that, although unreadable from the distance he stood from them, most likely contained a blurb behind its history and purpose. It was a fascinating sight, though not the most enticing of excitement for someone who’s main profession was that of healing. And while he did understand that peace required proper force at times in order to be attained, he was a man of fists and chakra. Weapons, although extensions of the warrior when wielded by the proper hands, never truly motivated him.[break][break]
Arms crossed, Chinetsu would ignore the assistant’s glare, and instead let himself be distracted by the Kage’s tale. I was never fond of boats… As the recollection progressed, the medic would find himself giving life to the novella inside his very own head. The man-bear’s comments on ghosts of the past would snap him back into reality. He did, after all, know a thing or two about skeletons in his closet. And while, at his age, it was best to simply move on, the distraction inebriation brought never truly allowed him the luxury. And now, it all but stares at him in the face.[break][break]
In the end, a silent nod in his part, arms still locked across his chest, would accentuate the end of their verbal exchange. He was eager to know more.[break][break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]Why was he so loud…? Then again, it didn’t matter. With his forced conscription now in play, Chinetsu figured hanging out by the tower would not only keep his bill collectors at bay, but also give him a chance to make new “friends" - that is, those best suited to assist him in escaping his financial distress, or so at least, in the long run. He was never one for official settings or the practice or worshipping such, but if he planned to play the part properly over time, this was most likely an excellent genesis.[break][break]
And make friends he would, which is why, despite being taken aback by his brash, booming demeanor, Chinetsu was in position to complain or critique. The large, portly, imposing man shouting about pirates seemed to have gained an audience with the fearless leader. Perplexed looks by the local guard meant their combination of fear and amazement would lax their guard, and as such, allow, for the moment, Chinetsu to have some room to be more like his "usual self". Before the doors could close, he slipped in, hoping to catch a lesson or two in shinobi diplomacy.[break][break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]While Oto’s dense forestry clashed greatly with the ‘home in the sky’ he was long used to in Kumogakure, Chinetsu supposed it would lend itself for much more basic exchanges, should conflict arise, that is. After all, it had been a little over a week since he had been reluctantly plucked away from his sedentary, inebriated lifestyle by his village’s leadership, and forced back into the mighty military fold of Kumogakure. And while he had only allowed his conscription to occur in order to avoid the consequences of his drunk lifestyle back at home, it did not go without saying he considered complete desertion with every step he took outside his homelands.[break][break]
But that would only make things worse for Chinetsu. He was barely in any condition to fend of barkeeps, bill collectors, and their security, which placed him unwillingly back into service; what made him think he could outrun an actual organized, extremely sober and well-trained force such as Kumogakure? And while his alcoholic bouts often made him foolish in thought, he had yet to go so astray as to think such a plan possible, yet alone, plausible. Ugh. And so here he was, restored to his shiny white attire, showered, clean, and ready to serve his country. I feel so... A sour look soon adorned his worn, aged façade.[break][break]
...pathetic.[break][break]
Though the Land of Fire was possessing a plethora of mountain ranges, their might was dwarfed by that of the great sky towers that naturally comprised the Hidden Cloud. As such, he found transgressing through it a rather easy endeavor, even when rushing rivers would often force him on diverting paths. Still, he was well within his mission timeline, and had not yet been aware of any conflict that had been sparked, which would necessitate his medical skills being employed prematurely, sans the arrival of his back-up.[break][break]
He arrived in Sound boasting with full medical capacities, though his armaments would also allow him lofty defense should battle visit his doorstep. He was instructed there would be others of his same ilk to join him. Their mission? To provide support for Otogakure as they fended off intruders known to him as ‘Taiyou’, invaders of the Sound’s sovereign borders, with nothing but extermination and bloodshed in mind. At least, that’s what he had gathered during his briefing.[break][break]
He had chosen a plain, open field as a stopping point, passing a series of raging rivers just before in order to reach a small patch of high ground, which allowed him equal sight to the village, as well as the road to their intended defensive position, the city of Onomichi. Dossier in one hand, map on the other, wish a lazy left and right gaze across the fields occasionally interrupting his analyses, Chinetsu would wait patiently for the arrival of his comrade in arms…[break][break]
…if they would even refer to him as that.[break][break]
[attr="class","zacwords"]There it stood, in all its shining glory, a monument to a past best left forgotten. Yet with all attempts at self-immolating his memory via alcohol, it was that damned jewel of a tower that constantly pierced the skies, as well as his vision. A totem he could simply no longer ignore, the apparent vagrant uttered unintelligible moans of disgust after his sight had been invaded by such a monument – it was none other than the Kumogakure tower, the crowned jewel at the center of one of the more prestigious hidden villages across the lands. There it stood, glass meeting wood and steel in the most organized and efficient way possible, perfectly designed to hold the collective pride of the Hidden Cloud.[break][break]
Having recused himself to the slums, only the very top was most visible, low-income dwellings otherwise sprawling across his vision scape, a constant reminder of where he was, and what he had become. Contrasted with the glory of the tower, and ironically, the most visible floor, the top, the home of their fearless leader, it served as a silent form of daily shunning. It was all self-imposed, of course, and he was more than capable of ending his own torture at any time. But with years of conscripted service to self-misery and pity, it seemed there was no end in sight. Chinetsu was truly at home with his degrading self, and the actions he himself took to retain such a status.[break][break]
Hues of light blue crackled at his side, the results of a minor medical technique being summoned. While he had resigned himself from the shinobi life some time ago, preferring instead one of transiency and inebriation, he still used his natural skill when it suited him. If he met unruly and unsavory characters at one of the many dens of misery that he attended, he would employ his taijutsu skills to dispatch his foes with swift ease. If he had one too many constant nights living outside the world of sobriety, electrical currents would make sure his heart never failed him. And he woke up a little too hungover – a state of mind all too often embraced by the Chuunin, he would do his best to remove as many toxins from whatever was left of his liver.[break][break]
His long face, broad chin, and pronounced eyebrows employed a myriad of dirt and scars, a dirtied façade that screamed an extreme lack of self-care. His long black hair, once flowing proudly, reaching such lengths as his lower back, was now knotted and disheveled, nary a comb nor hair product having frequented it in ages. Mutton chops that once were associated with a brash, arrogant but effective battle medic, were now riddled with old food and cheap liquor. And his once proud white attire – which consisted of a double-breasted French coat, large, buttoned cuffs and lapels, trousers and trench boots – had finally achieved the same color of his surrounding, the proud achievement of an alcoholic chameleon that, simply put, no longer gave any fucks whatsoever.[break][break]
After another long sigh, he was finally satisfied with his purging, though his body was far from being fully cleaned. Still, it was enough to allow him to lean the rest of his body weight off the side of the abandoned building he chose to hide in, and continue to slink around in the darkness, avoiding the pursuit of a potential barkeep whom he had cheated out of his bill just the night prior. Footsteps scraped in the distance, their accelerated pitter patter growing louder and louder.[break][break]
