Private/Closed Naruto AU: Roleplay

[Godjacob]

Darui had not been sure what to think, as within a matter of moments a series of blurs zoomed in area that soon revealed themselves as quite familiar figures. The Valkyries.

Well, better late than never he supposed. Not that he had been in any position to complain.

The Valkyries launched their attack, though the now talkative mindless beast seemed prepared as it curled up and produced a hardened shell which seemed to help block the wind blades before it began to roll towards the Valkyries with pure malice on the mind.

"Gale Style: Roaring Panther Jutsu!"
​

A mixture of water from the environment and electricity he produced formed what appeared to be some sort of giant panther that charged and aimed to tackle the rolling Tailed Beast head on. Darui had not been disillusioned to believe the panther would overpower the beast, but if he could stall it for even a moment and perhaps allow the residual electric water stun the creature on top of it perhaps the charge could be halted just enough to give the Valkyries another opening.

-----------
"I'll agree on that principle, I don't tend to push things with giant monsters running around." Madoka replied to Kiro as his account seemed honest enough even if the source had a questionable history with that word.

Then Madoka heard Kou ask Kiro for help, which seemed to flash back the memory of her being called a pervert by him. Something that needed to be corrected ASAP.

"Much as I enjoy idle chatter, I'll feel more comfortable once we swap locations. So let's go on with it." Pakura's clone urged as she would begin to lead the part of younger-nin on the path to the next island.

-----------
Indeed, the members of the caravan or at least of the active "raider" parities had wondered just why they had been called to this meeting, and they would not need to wait for long as Okabe turned to the old man in the main chair.

"I am sure it has to do with our next course of action. We've had a successful trip to Taki so word to our....contact, back in the Land of Fire is a must. Beyond that we can map out where we go next and how to cover our tracks." Okabe suggested.

------​

"Well if that is their cover then we need a way around it. Or a way to fish them out." Azumi commented from her position as storming the base as it were while probably exciting was equally foolish. They needed to reveal the real entrance to the caravan's base and then work a plan from there.

She'd begin with a Genjutsu release to try and dispel any possible illusion. It had not been her area of expertise, but one she had improved in over time while she formulated a plan around this little cover.

 

[Grand Master Koop]

The situation at hand had gone way outside the capabilities of the Genin present, Shura knew that very well. He started observing the scene all around him, the destruction caused by the Kaiju Yukimaru, the leftover trail that team Iwa left behind after presumably escaping with Henshina in tow, and of course towards the giant beast Yukimaru himself. Looking over towards it’s direction, Shura could see a multitude of high powered newcomers appear around him. The Hyūga assumes they were with Kumo as they seemed to be helping the Kumo Jonin who was on the escape from the attacking beast. “Those must be the valkyries.” He thought, making the most logical assumption. His eyes had been quickly scanning the area around him, while he himself stayed deathly silent.

Looking over to Pakura as she suggested they depart, Shura let out a sigh before nodding slightly. “We’re out of place here right now.” He thought. Shura looked around at the other people from his team, the other leaf team and the Suna team as well as a kid begin hanging around. “This really isn’t the place for this you know.” He spoke as he walked to clone Pakura to start their departure from their current island.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

The giant three tailed beast drove into it’s rolling. Darui, seeing if coming, Fire his justu. It hit the saiken shield, negating most of what it could do. A small bit of it, when concentrated, slipped through. If it hit Yukimaru, it would have paralyzed him. However, such a large beast was throughly uneffected as it hit it’s tough shell before the whole was covered up by the energy field. This thing was a tank!

Dust filled up the whole part of the island asbit tore through darui’s location, steamrolling to the other side. It kept speeding, and speeding, making it mere hundreds of feet from the coast

......



“Why bother?” Reaver huffed in his deep voice. “Just crush them! They are simple parasites without honor!”

The bandits in the caravan didn’t seem heavily armed. Only swords, knives, axes, and other such weaponry. Reaver pitied them. None of them would make great trophies. Unless he can find a really good one. A diamond in the rough...

 

[kyuukestu]

Baiyan

Baiyan remained mute. It wasn't that she didn't want to talk, but rather, she had nothing to add to the discussion.

For one's vision to be fooled by genjutsu, it was required that one had vision to begin with. As far as the sword star was concerned —two trees and a sleeping deer? It could've been Excalibur and Durandal and she wouldn't have noticed. Well, to say she didn't notice wasn't correct.

She could feel, if she focused, the subtle lines of chakra that wove the genjutsu into existence. A thin film blanketing some random spot god-knows-where. Certainly suspicious enough.

"Be mindful of traps."

Valkyries

Seeing her blades rebound off the beast's carapace, Kara raised an eyebrow. 'That shell isn't just for decoration...'

As the beast came barreling towards her, she leapt into the air. Her three blades, having been rebounded earlier, lined up before, creating a path of 'stepping stones' for her ascent. Within three bounds she was above the Biju, suspended high above while it thrashed the ground beneath.

She balanced on a single blade, the remaining two coming to orbit around her.

Meanwhile, Hlokk snapped her fingers once more. More rumbling thunder echoing out in all directions. She'd moved well out of the path of the bulldozer, taking refuge several hundreds of meters to the east and within the treeline. She maintained a wide stretch between herself and the Biju, knowing her sound would reach it while its large hunkering form made all its movements visible from a mile away.

Since the Biju had so kindly steamrolled past Darui, Brynhildr, Waltraute, and Reginleif had taken the chance to infiltrate the island, disappearing within the shroud of trees. Their aim —to stealthily make contact with Darui while the beast was distracted.

 

[Retro Master]

Just as Kiro was about to follow Pakura’s clone to the other island, he heard a voice call for his help.

“Huh?”

Kiro looked over to see a familiar little boy waving to him. The same one who had been with Zaku during the Sound’s escape. He did not know why they thought it was a good idea to bring the child. More importantly, now Kiro had to consider the suspicion that could be placed on himself if he went over to Zaku.

Of course, as long as he had no ulterior motives, then there wasn’t really anything for him to be concerned about. In fact, this could work to his benefit…

After considering his options, Kiro gave an ever so slight glance in Hinagiku’s direction before he went over to Kou as the group began to move out.

“Hey. So what happened to Zaku?”

The Uchiha followed up his casual greeting with a rather blunt question. He was meaning to ask about the injured Sound ninja anyways and now seemed like a good time to find out.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Kiro wasted little time approaching Zaku outside of shooting hina a look, weather it be out of caution or spite one couldn’t read. He seemed feather casual, coming up to Sakura, Kou, and the unconscious sound ninja in question.

“Hey. So what happened to Zaku?”

“It was so bad! First, Grumpy Sakon made this big square thing go reeeeaaaaallly high in the sky.” Kou said, standing on his tippy toes, holding his hand up in the air as high as he could to illustrate. “Then there were all sorts of attacking sand swooshing going on. Explosions, fire, all that stuff. Then suddenly...”

He made an explosions sound with his mouth, gesturing and explosion using his hands balling together before stretching out wide.

“The woody arms guys spewed fire everywhere! So I taught him a lesson and then Sakura helped me patch him up. Well...Sakura did all the work...”

Rubbing the back of his neck while a smaller at climbed to his shoulder, Kou tried his best to explain the situation to Kiro, weather the Uchiha would care or respond was unknown. But what was known was there was...an odd mist rolling in close by.

Hama smirked at the mist, knowing full well who it came from. Hama looked over to Kakashi, pakura, and the rest of the troupe.

“Well? What are we waiting for? We aren’t just going to let that old panther die are we~?”

 

[DarkHydraT]

Taji sensed powerful chakra signatures coming towards them, and unless she was mistaken those signatures belonged to the Valkyries! She was overjoyed by the arrival of Kumo's elite group, but the incoming jutsu would snap her back into reality. Even with her training in Genjutsu resistance, there was no way in heaven or hell that she would not be affected by the deafening thunder genjutsu. Her senses got disrupted and she lost altitude, although she recovered fast enough to prevent any severe damage being done. This genjutsu was so much stronger than her own, she wondered if she ever could get close to that level.

Shaking her head to get rid of the thought, she flew up to support Kenji and Aisha when they would get affected by the genjutsu. A second attack, and a second altitude drop. If I don't find a way to keep that genjutsu from affecting us, that beast will still kill us!

 

[kyuukestu]

Hinagiku

"Oh, I would."

Responding in contrary to Hama's rally, Hinagiku patiently began to observe the ongoing battle. Simultaneously, she threw Hama the proverbial ball. "You're raring to go, would you mind filling us in on your plan-of-action?"

Furījia

The Hyūga heiress remained on the outskirts of the group, specifically, as far away from Tayuya as she could possibly be. She was...less than comfortable being in the presence of one who'd previously tried to kill her. On this side of the group, the voices of conversation had been lost in the distance between them, leaving only a low murmur she couldn't make out.

Left to her own thoughts, the girl reviewed the past two days.

Her conclusion? Dead weight.

Even now, the adults had chosen to send them away to 'protect them'. In truth, they were dead weight. Unable to contribute to the situation in a meaningful way, and even on the off-chance they could contribute, whatever contribution they brought to the table was grossly outweighed by detriment of their presence. Any stray attack could be the end of them, and so, they were dead weight.

'And most useless of all...'

Herself.

She bit down anxiously on her lip, her gaze landing behind her, on the Mist Jonin.

'It's my fault...'

On the very first day, her team had been ambushed by Mist Shinobi. Of her entire group, she had the best senses. That ambush wouldn't have happened, '...if I'd been paying attention.'

Because they'd been ambushed, her sister had abandoned her own team to rescue her. This was also, 'My fault...'

The resulting distrust and animosity that seemed to radiate off Takato, 'It's my fault...'

And if this mission ended in failure, 'It's my fault...'

Her mind swirled with bitter guilt, her own thoughts confining her.

Nuzzling deeper into the neck of her summon, she feigned exhaustion. A simple rouse, a facade to hide her true actions.

As the group continued traveling, K'waule's feathers would only grow wetter and wetter.

 

[Mystic Zander]

Just as the islands were about to exit the view of Team Guren, Katsuo felt the pressure behind his Fish Spit start to fade.
“Damn. I’m too low on chakra. The seal really ate up my energy...” The young water nin scolded himself, viewing his actions as foolish for pushing his limited reserves so far.

“No,” He muttered as his water stream completely died out, “...I’m not just gonna fizzle away and let everyone down now!” His voice grew stern as he rummaged through his pack pocket, finally revealing a small red pill. It was a ration pill he’d sheepishly ‘confiscated’ from Mori to prevent his teammate from pushing himself to far again. What a hypocrite he was about to become.

“Don’t you worry Lady Guren, we’re gonna get this taken care of.” He said in a warm tone as he cracked the small orb in two, tossing half her way.

Tak~
Guren has clasped onto the small flying object without even looking forward to track its movement.
“Hehe. Katsuo you sly dog.” She muttered whilst holding the half orb up to the sky, before simply letting it leave her grip and drop into her mouth.
After a brief moment, her head shot forward, the kunoichi’s gaze shifting between each member of her little crew.
“Now that, that feels good.” She finally spoke with a small chuckle.

“No problem Lady Guren. But it’s Mori who you should be thanking. I got it from him.” Katsuo retorted, realizing he had no right to take credit for this little red life saver.

Crunch~
In an instant, Katsuo wolfed down the other half of the pill, a large grin appearing on his face.
“Now let’s see what we can do here....” He said to know one in particular while staring down at the water, which was now free of the black substance contaminating the sea surrounding the island they’d previously been stationed at.

“Water Style....Twin Tsunami.” Katsuo’s voice carried an almost ominous tone as he slammed his palms against the rippling water. After a brief moment, the ocean around them began rumbling as a wave steadily grew in the distance, approaching Gurens craft at roaring speeds. The crystal boat was swept up by this massive wave and carried forwards at a dramatic speed.
All seemed well and steady, until yet another tsunami slammed into the back end of the previous, forging a massive wall of water that carried Team Guren above the oceans at a blistering rate.

“WOOOOO! I LOVE THE OCEAN!” Katsuo roared while leaning over the front of the boat, his view locking onto the glimmering water ahead of them, which would soon be added to the massive wave carrying the group to there desired location....in style.

“How about a little warning next time?” Guren muttered casually, squeezing her bun dry as it had been soaked due to her head hanging over the side of the boat.

“Hehe....whoops~”

 

[sSoul]

Seiun/Tsuki
When the Yuki-nin heard Kai's voice telling Seiun of their departure, a look of annoyance appeared on her face.

Why would you tell me to get my slave if your just going to do it for me?

Regardless, she decided to rejoin Kai and also tried to remember what Hyo had said in order to guide her through the mist. On the other hand, Seiun was preoccupied with a conversation with B.O.S.E.C.

“Don҉e̷. B̛ut̕ t͞hat͘ ̕is but͞ ́a s̷t͜epp͡i̶n̛g̡ s͞t͜one̛.

While the missing-nin was happy to hear his new ally's compliance in his plan, Seiun couldn't help but wonder what B.O.S.E.C had in mind after freedom was gained.

“̡I am ̶youŕ ̷gol̀d͜e͏n͘ g͏ǫos͘e,͞ ͢y̨oùr g͝r̛eat͏ ҉w̨an͜t̕inģ.͏ ͟A̴nýth͟ing you w҉ąnt, ̸I̢ ̴can̡ ͜ģiv͡é y҉ou.̶ ͞Al͏l̴ ͝ýou n͡e͏ed͟ ͢to ìs ̶as̡k̕,̢ ͟a͡n͘d ͏I̷ will̀ d̕e͟liv͠ȩr. No ͠tàs͟k̸ t̡o̴ ̡g̕r̵eat ҉for us͠ to ̴a̢c͡hie͡ve҉. Don͟’̕t y͞o̕u şee̕? ̸W͏e͝ a͡re un͢st̵opp͞a̶b͝l̀e͘..̡.i͘f yo̷u ̕j̛u̵st fol̡low ̸m̷y̶ pat̸h͡ ̸t̶o̴ g̛èt ̢i͠t.҉”

The Rainy Rouge couldnt help but adopt a malicious grin on his face as he drank uo the construct's message like a newborn cow to its mother's udders. Unfourtunately, there were other people who had plans for Seiun.

“Seiun! We are leaving.” The voice of the Yuki prince called out to its intended target. Unfourtunately, said target wasn't completely ready to comply.

B.O.S.E.C I need some guidance, my current 'masters are calling me, and I doubt they'll take no for an answer, what do I do?
Taiyo
The Fire-nin had found himself with no activity to occupy his mind for a moment. That was before the creepy ice lady known as Hama had appeared to them yet again. Taiyo assumed that her squad would be there to follow, but for now, the collective forces of Konoha, Suna, and Kiri were waiting to head out. It then csme to his attention that there was a member of the collective leaf forces that seemingly couldnt be found, Furijia. Fourtunately, he did find her, albiet she seemed to be isolating herself for reasons unknown to him. With this information in mind, Taiyo took it upon himself to approach the Hyuga heiress and investigate the reasoning for her self-induced isolation.

"Hey," The leaf-nin did his best to mix in his normal greeting with a tone of comfort, "I just saw you alone and thought I should talk to you, if thats okay of course,"

 

[Retro Master]

From what Kiro got, there was a certain chain of events that led to Zaku’s injuries. First, there was this really big square thing that went high in the sky. That was probably the rashōmon he had seen in the distance before Takato trapped Tayuya and him with the shadow technique.

Then there was some attacking sand swooshing stuff going on. Kou’s mention of explosions and fire, along with his gestures led Kiro to somewhat visualize the scene that had gone down. Along with the mention of ‘woody arms guy’, he quickly concluded Taiyo was the cause of Zaku’s injuries.

Looking over at Zaku, Kiro was able to further assess the damage. His clothes were torn and ripped, with the left sleeve torn off and the cheek guards burnt a crisp, coal color. A majority of his skin was covered in black due to the severe burns he had received. The ninja tools that were scattered nearby also seemed to show signs of melting.

‘Clearly the work of Taiyo. Damn…’

Kiro was impressed by how much Taiyo had progressed since the exams. From being trapped by the sharingan’s genjutsu to blowing his arms off, the FBS specialist had definitely come a long way. Then again, Kou also mentioned he had taught Taiyo a lesson. Kiro didn’t really buy that. There was no way someone calling themselves a shinobi could get outplayed by a boy and a rat.

Overall, Kiro had found Kou’s explanation to be quite entertaining. Even though Zaku was in a horrible condition, the child continued to radiate with energy. Sakura’s assistance in getting Zaku stable seemed to be a key factor to this. It seemed that pink-haired girl was actually capable of doing something.

“Thanks for that explanation. It was really descriptive and I think I understand what happened. With that said, what do you need my help with?” Kiro asked gently, careful to keep his tone calm for the boy.

Having said that, Kiro was still suspicious of one thing. Had the Sound really ditched their own once again? There was the possibility the rest of Zaku’s team could be lingering in the distance. However, with the two Hyūga securing a perimeter around them, they wouldn’t be caught off guard this time.

 

[DarkHydraT]

Mori still looked at the sky, refusing to look down at the water below him. He was completely unaware to the conversation between Lady Guren and Katsuo, but he did notice the big wave coming their way. "No.....no...no!" His knees grew incredibly heavy and he couldn't move, it was as if he turned to stone. When the wave propelled the boat, he clung to the encased Henshina for dear life.

"AAAAAHHHHHHH!" The seal was still getting chakra, albeit in an unusual way. I'm gonna die out here, where the hell did this wave come from?! Right after finishing his thought, a second wave crashed into the previous one, only making matters worse for the mole genin. He didn't gather chakra in his feet to stick to the boat anymore, his hands and feet were suctioned to Henshina out of pure fear! He wanted to yell, but he couldn't. His voice didn't work anymore, and all that he could think was 'Get me out of here!'

 

[kyuukestu]

Sagisō

Taking her mother's orders to heart, Sagisō had advanced ahead of the group. Her byakugan had been activated and she periodically swept the group surroundings. A radius of 200m was just perfect. It was slightly above the base radius of the byakugan, but nowhere close to its maximum distance which, for her, was nearly 100 times greater.

Truth be told, she guessed that her own Byakugan was the 'weakest' of the Hyūga present. She had been raised Nadeshiko and, naturally, had never gone through training specifically designed to strengthen her Byakugan. Shura, and especially Furījia, likely had ranges of vision surpassing hers, and her mother...well, did anything really need to be said?

That was also the same for her gentle fist. With only 3 months worth of practice, her proficiency with the skill was also the lowest among the present Hyūga. Of course, she'd taken every chance since the Chūnin exams to utilize it, however, even now it still lagged behind her Nadeshiko Hardliner Style.

Well, given that she'd been incapacitated for much of those three months, that wasn't awfully surprising. Needless to say, the deficiency in skill needed to be corrected. She could only properly integrate the gentle fist and Nadeshiko hardliner style once both were on the same level.

However, those were thoughts for another time. For now, she would focus on the task at hand.


Furījia

Hesitation.

Tendrils of unease churned in Furījia's stomach as Taiyo's voice fell on her ears. She held no delusion. She could imagine exactly how she looked right now, tear-laden eyes and tear-stricken face —made all the worse by the plaster of feathers. She was a mess. To turn to him now was to expose that. To expose her vulnerability, her distress, her sorrow. But...was she really okay with doing that?

Sharing her past was one thing, but to break down in front of him? That was something else entirely.

And so, she hesitated.

Seconds ticked by, punctuated by silence. Eventually, she decided. She would not face him. Perhaps it was cowardly of her but then again '...that wouldn't be anything new.'

Shifting on K'waule's back, she turned away from Taiyo, presenting him only the bouncing twin-tails of her hair.

Though she refused to meet his gaze, or show her face, she was intent on answering him. But...what could she say? Words formed and died in her throat, stuttered starts fizzling out in the winter air. "I...um..."

And so, the awkward silence was maintained.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

B.O.S.E.C. Tilted it’s head, examine the situation, looking through the mist at Kai and Tsuki, who called out his name. It flashed next to seiun in a a trail of glitches particles. It laid it’s talons on his lower arm, a wide, pale grin stretching across it’s form.

“Go͢ ̢alon̨g͜ ͝w͢it҉h t҉h͝e͟m҉.̶ The ̢bes̶t́ ́wéa͏po͡n̷ ̀tò ha̶v͏e̴ i̵s one̢ t̴h̸át́ ͞the ̷eneḿy̸ d̷o͏e̢s̡n’̀t sus͞pe҉c̀t̸.̵”

“Tsuki. You should have a better leash on your pets...” Kai sighed.

The umbral form’s ‘face’ inched close to Seiun’s. “Wh͢en̢ y͠o̢u̷ ̵a̶r͝e ͜ba͢ck i̢n t̛h̢e hea͠r͏t̴ of ͡t҉he mi҉st͘-̀bor҉n,̕ ͜i̴t is ̨t͢h͢e̷n̨ ͜t̸hàt͝ a̢ ̕mo͟v҉e͟ ̨sh͡àll̢ ͡be made.”

In the mist, a thick band of red mist began to slowly appear. Kai turned to it, staring at the newfound discovery. What in the world...? The red mist kept the hunter nin on edge, as he put a hand up to hyo and Tsuki, warning them of it.

“Whatever that is...it can’t be good.”

B.O.S.E.C. Hissed, it’s wide grin glitching to form upside down. It sheltered close to Seiun’s body, it’s one eye narrowing.

“Though ev̛a̕d̕e ͡t̶h͝at di̶s͟t͢u̕r̴b͢a͟n͢c͠é.̴..̶l͡ess you fa̶ce҉ ͝t͟h̸e̴ ͢wrat͏h ̸o͘f ́t͡h͡e ̕go͢d ̡of͢ ̨desp̢ai̴r͘ ̷an̕d ̛fear.”


......


“Well a ride home would be nice...” Kou rubbed the back of his head. “To the sound, or back to the leaf for a little bit and then sound. Wherever we can get to so Boss can get some help.”

Kou didn’t know what was best, so he assumed wherever people would help him get to would be the best option. Beat lugging zaku’s heavy body alone while a kaiju jinchurki was rampaging

 

[Godjacob]

“I am aware.” Azumi replied to Baiyan, as she shifted her glance to Reaver as he made mention of his ideal method to deal with the caravan as she stared with a blank expression.

“Charging head first at the enemy blind is the surest way to get yourself killed. While you are sure of yourself, I am one who wants to maximize my chances…” Azumi explained, before she made some hand signs as she generated a water clone.

Poof!

A coating of smoke passed as the clone transformed itself, who appeared to be some sort of of unassuming civilian; one that was an average man who seemed to have clothing that matched some common ones Azumi had seen when she scouted Taki earlier. As Azumi worked to release this Genjutsu cover she sent the clone towards the area as there had been little better way to draw out the enemy or inspect for traps than with live bait.

Unknown to the group, a lone dove watched from far back. A dove that curiously had these purple eyes with a very distinct series of rings to it as it observed the group and their work.

-----
“If I may, I fail to see what makes this group worth such intrigue.”

The priestess that had brought forth Azumi and Reaver for care earlier had spoken up in the lone room; her position kneeled before a figure in the shadows whose twin purple eyes shinned in the darkness as they trained down on one of his subjects.

“Her motive and desires serve my ends well, and she seems to be making the best of this drive. It is an unexpected development, but far from unwelcomed. I suspect this may benefit in the long run….” The figure spoke, his tone composed with but that commanding presence as the Priestess nodded.

“I understand.”

“Good, then leave me. There is much that must still be done."

“Yes of course.”

The priestess left the room, as the figure would keep a literal eye on Azumi as her group might be of greater use but for the moment his main focus would shift to working up a link. If all went all, then Damos & Misa should have gotten their target by now.

----------
If Darui had aimed to simply try to overpower the Tailed Beast and banked on the Panther, he'd have been dust on the ground at the moment much as his section of the forest.

Woosh!

Thankfully, he had not relied on such a notion and already had made the preparation for his real aim after he sent the panther ahead of him. As Darui had already transformed into a bird and began to fly up to the side the moment he sent the panther towards the rolling ball of death towards him. The panther likely bought him next to no time, be it needed not to as all it had to to was distract him with between that and its rampage away from their area seemed signs of this...but he flapped those wings as fast as he could as he just managed to divert out of the war path before he landed and transformed back.

Darui took a moment to catch his breath from the mad dash, before he scanned around the ruined area...and noticed some figures that shifted about it and this odd distortion effect to kick in.

It had to be the Valkyries.

Off in the sky, Darui's clone seemed to share the same idea....transforming into a large bird to fly higher in the air....one that had to carry Kin's limp body as a consequence. Given it had been further away than Darui it was able to escape in the sky with less dramatic if not near fatal timing....though slogging the Jinchuriki around had been a chore.

-----------
Darui had been quick to fly under Taji and was ready to catch her as the Genjutsu effect had not been lost on him or Aisha as they continued to fly.

The lightning Genjutsu and thunderous distortions had not gone unnoticed. The trio needed to think of something and think of it now before they ended up accidental victims of the Valkyries main tactic.

"We need to release this or get out of the way. Either of you have ideas?" Kenji asked the pair as Sky & Luna kept close with them.

-----------
"Well, there is a Biju on the loose that seems oddly focused on our friends from Kumo. If nothing else its focus will be elsewhere…” Pakura replied as the gears turned in her head while Kakashi cast a glance Hama’s direction.

“You seem quite eager. A suggestion in your head already?” Kakashi asked the Yuki-nin while Pakura’s clone would lead them along the path as they began their trip to the next island away from this chaos.

Sakura had been about to explain what happened, before Kou offered his own well….colorful interpretation of the event. Not wrong per say but in language Sakura would have no picked as her first choice.

He’s got some colorful descriptions. A bit fantastical though…
He’s a kid give him a break.

“Bottom line is he is stable after our fight, but will be out for the foreseeable future and needs further medical care. Though if do desire to help maybe you can carry him.” Sakura said to Kiro as she added on with her simplified medical evaluation. Madoka herself had mixed feelings…on one hand, Zaku had shown himself to be an enemy to their national ally and he seemed to bring this upon himself.

On the other hand, they had a measure of respect between each other earlier during the exams. So she kept mostly to herself as she kept pace with Kiro, Kou & Sakura.

“And the other ninja in your party just….left?” Madoka asked Kou as she noticed Zaku’s allies seemed to have left which caused Tayuya to let out a sigh as she kept by Takato.

“Seems your group are good at ditching your allies when the going gets tough.” Takato said with a dead pan.

“Go fuck yourself.” Tayuya spat back.


-----------
"WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

In a stark contrast to Mori, Tomiko looked at the wave that approached with glee & excitement rather than fear. She kept her chakra constant for the required work as she braced herself and the first wave splashed over them.

Tomiko quickly shook her head, water shot out from her hair as that grin never faded....even when the second wave slammed into them. Tomiko had been overjoyed, as the slums of Iwa had offered little life in comparison to this current rush of water on this ride and she wanted to enjoy the moment.

Though unconsciously, Tomiko kept close to Mori perhaps to help offer some support both literal and figurative to her fearful ally.

 

[Grand Master Koop]

Following Sagiso's lead, Shura also ran ahead of the rest of their group to scout the area by Hinagiku's orders. His byakugans active, the Hyuga scanned his surroundings. His vision expanded around 1km in range, beyond the average Byakugan's range. There wasn't much around them, the sound team had apparently retreated, Kaiju Yukimaru was focused on the Kumo ninja and nothing else seemed to be within his circle of sight. With his attention free from focusing on anything in particular, Shura caught a glimpse of Sagsio's expression. For a single moment's worth of time, the kunoichi looked as if she was lost in thoughts, thinking about some far off thing. The moment was extremely brief as Sagiso snapped back into reality right away, but that instant still existed. "Hmm." Thinking to himself briefly, Shura went back to surveying the area.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

“And the other ninja in your party just….left?” Madoka asked Kou

“Well...I think they probably just lost us.”

Kou hasn’t personally layed eye’s on the rest of his team for some time. Although naturally, he took a step back from Madoka ever since the...incident.

“Uncle Sakon tends to get a bit angry, so maybe he got caught up in something.”

“Seems your group are good at ditching your allies when the going gets tough.” Takato said with a dead pan.

“Go fu-“

Suddenly, Hama swiftly slapped her hand against her mouth. Her sing song expression never fading. Her grasp was firm and her hand tight stop her lips.

“Shhhh...we have a minor present~”

After her intervention, Hama looked over to the rest of the jounin, who awaited a plan from her. Smiled as her usual nature.

“Why, we eliminate the pilot of course~” she beamed. “We have no need to defeat the entire beast. Just enough to punch a hole straight to the little brat~ lightning would do the trick, no? Though the rest of us would have to whittle it down so it has any chance in hell of penetrating.”

 

[kyuukestu]

Hinagiku

This was going...places, but Hina wasn't exactly interested in sightseeing. Hama's spin on things was to stop the beast...but that really wasn't Hinagiku's problem. Its rampage had no real bearing on Konoha or the land of Fire. With the Valkyries present, and by Hama's own admission an army of Mist shinobi on the way, the beast would be dealt with one way or the other. At this point, for the beast to even threaten the land of fire, both the Mist army and the Valkyries would need to be wiped out.

Hama's plan simply didn't play to Hina's objective. Throwing a glance in Pakura and Kakashi's direction, she spoke bluntly.

"I trust neither the Mist nor the Cloud. Our ultimate goal should be the girl, this beast will be put down with or without our assistance."

She folded her arms, finish up with a question.

"Are we focusing on our objective? Or shall you placate her?"

She threw a gesture at Hama.

The ball was in Kakashi's park. If he wanted to stick around and play Hero of the Hidden Mist, she would begrudgingly oblige. If he wanted to focus on the task at hand and swipe the Jinchuriki, then she would also oblige. It was just a matter of his decision. Their team —those of which she considered trustworthy— was truly only Pakura, herself, and Kakashi.

For all Hama's good intentions, the true test of character only applied when one held the upper hand. She refused to be caught flat-footed between a Tailed Beast and an enemy army.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

The giant rolling ball of a tailed beast screeched to a grinding halt. A large path of destruction where even the dirt didn’t survive remained. Leaving only the course rock underneath. Abomination Yukimaru stopped only at the edge of the island, near the ocean. The ball unfolded, revealing Yukimaru’s placement atop it’s head. His hairs stood on end, the jinchurki flashing over to see a Darui clone, carrying kin. He growled, his teeth and gums showing.

“You still defy me...! Face my wrath!!!”

Holding out a hand, the six tails of saiken circled around his hand, a thick, red energy sphere had begun to form in his palm. A sickening grin grew across his face as the sphere darkened and grew.

“Cast to hell!”

In a flash, a bright beam of red light emerged from his hand. Tearing through the air and hitting around the darui clones entire area. The thick, crimson beam utterly obliterated everything in sight. Even a nearby boulder, which wasn’t hit by the attack, began to melt into a puddle due to the sheer heat coming off of the thing.

 

[kyuukestu]

Valkyries

"Oh no, you don't!"

Snapping her fingers once more, Hlokk let roiling waves of thunder crash into the air, diffusing into the ears of the surrounding shinobi. It was yet another attack aimed at off-setting the Jinchuriki.

This was the third rumble of thunder. Each of the smaller blasts of genjutsu, though quick to dissipate were slowly being conditioned into a type of sound based trigger. Once the beast had heard her thunder enough times, she would be able to drag him into an even larger genjutsu. The slight ringing in one's ear caused by the loud sound was in truth the trace remnant of Hlokk's chakra after the genjutsu had attempted to seize the opponent's senses.

Needless to say, just the thunder alone would not be enough to shift the Jinchuriki off course. That job belonged to...

"Earth Style: Earthen Sink!"

Softening the earth beneath the mammoth of a jinchuriki was the 6th Valkyrie to arrive on the scene —Herja. She didn't need to spend too much chakra. These islands, formed as they were from limestone often had caves running beneath them. In addition, the beast's own massive weight would do most of the work for her.

She just needed to weaken the ground below him just enough that it would callapse under what appeared to be several tons of solid turtle meat.

Meanwhile as the trio of Kumo ninja pondered over ways of dealing with Hlokk's genjutsu, the trio of Valkyries sent to retrieve them had stealthily arrived just beneath them. Pointing towards the airborne trio, Brynhildr fired off a small lightning based fire-work of sorts from her finger, intent on getting their attention.

 

[Godjacob]

Madoka listened to Kou as he gave his account, and noted how he took a step back from her which caused her to let out a sigh. Seems he still hat that false notion about her based on their last interaction, a misconception she aimed to correct.

"In spite of what you might think, I am no pervert. I was merely acting on Tomiko's desire to keep you safe. A favor for a friend nothing more." Madoka replied matter of factly to Kou.

Tayuya had her eyes widen when Hama seemed to clear the distance between them in a flash to put a hand over her mouth as her curse had been cut off and she heard a lecture from the Yuki before she joined the other Jonin. Tayuya rolled her eyes as she muttered something under her breath and moved to the front of the group; annoyed but she avoided another curse just if for no other reason to not have to deal with that....weirdo. Takato followed, amused grin on his otherwise indifferent demeanor.

-----​

Kakashi listened to Hama and Hina as both laid out their cases, and in truth while he had his concerns about the Tailed Beast he knew what he had to do here.

"The objective of course, though there is that nagging issue here. The beast seems attracted to the girl, going for her does mean it will try to go for us." Kakashi clarified, as unlike Hina he had personal doubts any lone group could combat a Tailed Beast. His personal experience with the 9 Tails attack showed their destructive power in kind one that had been to some degree disregarded due to what its target had been. For now.

"Well, these Kumo gals might have more up their sleeve than you think. Really they don't need to win, they just need to distract it enough so it won't chase the girl. If not them then something else, either way keep focus on the girl." Pakura replied to this little debate over what is to be done.

----------
Darui's clones didn't have a great number of options. As the tailed beast fired a sphere his way, the Valkyries aimed to intervene as they tried to intensify the Genjutsu and even cause the ground beneath the beast to collapse to try and throw off the aim. But the clone could not remain an actual sitting duck along the treeline.

So, it folded its wings and would dive down with Kin, getting some better acceleration down due to the added weight of Kin's hair as they moved down....and even before this action was taken electricity surged trough the clone'd body as it would reach ground level....before an electric surge shot the bird clone forward as Darui's clone aimed to quickly try to escape the immediate area in the hopes that its mad dash and the efforts of the Valkyries had been enough to escape certain destruction but whatever skin of its teeth.

-----​

Kenji and Aisha had wondered what to do as the Genjutsu intensified, but then they saw a spark from below that caught their attention as they glanced down and noted three of the famed Valkyries were right below them.

"H-hey Taji let's land." Kenji stressed to his ally as himself, Aisha, Luna & Sky lowered down and transformed back into themselves.

A short but not too short distance away, Darui had also seen the electric signal and worked quickly to close the gap and try to get over to where some of the Valkyrie had been.

​

 

[kyuukestu]

Valkyries

Forming a triangle around the genin, Brynhildr, Waltraute, and Reginleif, swiftly began to urge them away. They had noticed Darui making his way towards them, but neither of the three would wait up for him. Time was of the essence. The children's safety hung in the balance.

That said, they still intended to communicate with Darui. Reginleif attempted to meet eyes with the other Kumo Jonin, made subtly gestures with her hand, directing him off the island and to the south. If he continued heading southward, he would encounter Aesir, their leader, who would have much more to comment on than any of them.

Keeping things briefly, they immediately attempted to leave. Gesturing for Kenji, Aisha and Taji to follow. While moving, Brynhildr, who'd taken point, turned back to the genin, a pleasant smile on her feature. Slowly and soundlessly she mouthed, "Well done little ones, you've made Kumo proud."

Hinagiku

"Timing my dear Kakashi."

Hina waggled her finger, disagreeing with Kakashi's point.

"She's got an army coming, yea? Well, if the Mist mobilized, then it's safe to say the Cloud might as well. All we need to do is choose the right opportunity. Best case scenario, we can slip away with the girl as the army is arriving, then the two big fish will take care of each other."

She offered a small smile, adding one last tidbit. "In the fight between snipe and clam, the fisherman gets the most of it."


Koki'o

"Hmmm, I wouldn't be too sure of that~ You seem quite the naughty one to me."

Teasing, but not tactless, the Scorpion of Nadeshiko slide herself up to Madoka whispering in a low voice meant only for the two of them. She doubted the girl's claims of perversion, or the lack thereof. She had, after all, been awfully quick to seize the opportunity and her clothes this morning.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Hama blinked, an amused grin on her face as she slid over to Hingaku. A hand on her hip and a whimsical expression, she stifled a laugh.

“Oh ho ho~ if I didn’t know any better, I’d say that our noble hyuga clan head is Afraid!”

......


Kou was put slight at ease from Madoka’s words, but was still noticeably on edge. But at Madoka’s mention of Tomiko, he perked up. He looked between Sakura and Madoka, who were at least friends with Tomiko.

“Is she here? Where is she?”

The name Tomiko should spark memories within Kiro, mist namely, a certain prelims examination. The start of a long list of dark choices.


........


The genjustu on the jinchurki proved nearly as effective as the first time: barley any effect. As he was now using the senses of the three tails and the chakra of the eight tails to dampen it, his human body had no need to fear such auditory and visual genjustu effecting him personally. The three tails showed visual discomfort, but not enough to drastically sway a battlefield to one’s advantage.

It however did distract it from an issue effecting the ground below it. It had begun to collapse! The footholds that kept the tailed beast up had begun to crumble. The eight different energy tails of the saiken cloak rushed to it’s aid, latching in the the terrain around him, anchoring him to the surface. Struggling, the three tails suffered back for the surface from what would have been a horrible fall. The eight tails that had saved him must have has incredible lifting strength to support such a thing. He was no short on energy.

Stepping back from the crevice he nearly fell into, the three tail’s back foot met with a splash. yukimaru gasped, before a wide grin forming on his face. He was at the ocean. The three tail’s trio of tails smashed into the ocean, sending a large splash into the air. But this was a side effect, as it seemed that Yukimaru was using these tails as straws to gain more water for his needs, soaking into the pores and innards of the three tails.

After taking a big supply of water, the eight tails of saiken lifted up from being support legs and each took their own path. They each pointed at a different valkry, energ build up seen within them. In an instant, a hybrid beam of water and tailed beast chakra fired off from each of them, tracking and locking on to the valkries, and the two extra seeking out the real Darui and kin If they moved, the saiken lasers would follow and predict.

 

[kyuukestu]

Hinagiku

"Quite. I have two daughters here, what mother wouldn't be fearful for them, and herself? You can play the fearless hero, I for one am terrified, and will not be following you into madness."

She stared down Hama, her white eyes unwavering. The Yuki would need to bring actual points to the discussion to sway her decision. Petty tricks like riling up her emotions were of no use.

"If you've got something to say, make it useful."

 

[Nukas]

Amari walked with the large group of genin to the next island. She once again chose to look off at the giant kaiju they had escaped from not long before. It seemed to be fixated on something indiscernible from here. It seemed the monster was putting all its energy into whatever it was trying to grab. This meant the group was safe for a time, but she did not forget the group that was currently in Uzushiogakure if anything changed. At the time there wasn't much to do but relax and walk. She noticed her sister move over to Madoka after hearing her claim that she was not a pervert. While most would not have been able to hear what she said, Amari's keen senses let her hear exactly what Koki'o went over there for, to pick on her for this morning. She decided to move over to the group that Koki'o had now invaded. The group was comprised of the Uchiha she had helped not too long ago, a very young kid, and a pink-haired konoha-nin healing an otogakure-nin. It was quite an interesting group, to say the least. She decided to talk to the Uchiha from before. "So for an Uchiha, you seemed pretty friendly with the Kiri-nin and the Otogakure kid here. Why would an Uchiha such as yourself be friendly with them and not the ninja from Konoha?"

 

[kyuukestu]

Valkyries — Kara

"Hoho~?"

Noticing the spear-pillar of water heading towards her, Kara had half a mind to dodge. The other half, however, came up with a crazy idea that just might give her an edge.

She launched herself off her sword, withdrawing her fourth and final blade from its sheath as she did so. She slid the new blade under her feet, charging it with her chakra to grant it levitation. From there, she began weaving hand seals. Crackling with lightning, her other three blades floated before her, forming a triangular shield, each a slanted plate that gave the overall structure the appearance of a fan —nay, a turbine. A Water Turbine. She beat a hasty retreat into the air, allowing the omnipresent forces of nature to weaken the skyward bound pillar of water as much as they could.

Her blades began to rotate, the lightning running through them generating a magnetic field, and the interactions between the three magnetic fields generating more lightning, or more precisely electro-motive force. The water crashed onto the tilted blades, pushing them back almost to the point of slamming into Kara behind them, but at the same time, the water churned the turbine, allowing it to spin faster and faster. Much faster than the Valkyrie could've managed to get them to spin alone.

Of course, this massive pushing force meant that the blades were now generating their own current, effectively reducing Kara's chakra consumption to a minimal. She no longer needed to use her own chakra to generate electricity on the blades.

Lightning cackled across the circle of steel, generated by good old hydro-power and Faraday's law of induction. Also cackling was Kara, who floated atop her fourth sword behind the sword-based water turbine. At first, the spray of water had been overpowering her little shield, but as time went by and the torrent of water spun the blades faster and faster, the shield grew stronger and stronger.

She was effectively turning Yukimaru into the oxen to spin her wheel, generating power. This was a move that was only as strong as the force used to drive it. Considering the source of its power was now Yukimaru, it was generating a voltage proportional to the amount of water and biju chakra he was powering through the turbine.

Despite her efforts, however, it would appear she yet underestimated the beast's sheer power. After only several seconds the disc of lightning was overpowered. However, by then she'd already dodged out of the way.

 

[sSoul]

Taiyo
There were no expectations from thr Leaf-nin as far as a response goes. Still, he has hoped for at least something, even if it was a variant of "Fuck off". Taiyo decised to take the silence from Furijia as a subtle tip to leave her alone, and began to take the unspoken advice until he heard the Hyuga heiress begin to say something. Granted, it wasnt even a sentence fragment, but it was still an invitation to speak.

"Take your time, Im in no rush," Taiyo kept in mind his goal of a tactful tone in order to best comfort his friend it she was hurting.

That's a pretty bird

And the person riding it isnt bad in the looks department either.

Excuse me?

I said nothing.

 

[Grand Master Koop]

Suddenly running up from behind the tree lines, Sanngriôr, one of the valkyries made her appearance. She looked strait at Kaiju Yukimaru, or more specifically, the ocean behind him in which he was drawing water from. “If you think we’ll just sit around and let you power up, you’re sadly mistaken!” Running towards the beast from the side, Sanngriôr began weaving hands signs. Even though she was rushing ahead, the Valkyrie still made certain she wasn’t blindly running into danger. “Fire Release: Fire Breath Jutsu!” She shouted, shooting a giant stream of fire hurling at the water before glancing up towards Kara who was dealing with the water pillars a bit further away.” Kara!” She shouted, notifying her teammate of what she was doing.

 

[DarkHydraT]

Taji was thankful that Darui caught her, thanking him silently. She didn't want to talk as she wanted to focus on staying airborne, so Kenji's words were a gift from above. She followed her allies and transformed back into herself. Following right behind her teammates, she felt a bubble of pride swell up in her chest when Brynhildr complimented them. Not only did a Valkyrie compliment her, she also said that Kumo was proud of them! A small smilie managed to appear on her face, her first genuine smile in a while.

-------------

As happy as Tomiko and Katsuo were, as scared Mori was. He flat out refused to let go of the crystal, even though his chakra was getting lower and lower due to the combined chakra suction cups and him supporting the seal. He wanted to take another Military Rations Pill, but he had to save it in case they needed it. He also refused to let go even just a bit and although he never thought about it before, he used them a lot when thinking back. Almost every fight he was in since the Chunin Exams required him to swallow the pill. Surely that couldn't be healthy for him, were these pills addictive by any chance? He had to look that up when back home. The terrified genin glanced at Tomiko and winced a little, he was far from proud of showing his fear so openly. After all, one of the Ninja Rules was 'A ninja must never show any weakness." He clearly broke that rule, and he felt a stronger urge than ever to get over his fear.

Slowly but surely, he made his foot touch the boat again instead of clinging to the crystal. It was terrifying as anything for him, but he had to do it eventually.

TAP

The sole of his foot made contact with the boat and he shivered. One foot was still stuck to Henshina's encased body, but every bit of progress counted for him. One of these days he would be okay, he knew it.

 

[Godjacob]

That smile had not escaped Kenji's notice, as he had to admit seeing someone who doubted her capacity as a ninja along this path she really didn't want feel pride in this had been rather relieving.

If she can find some peace with this, even if but a step...maybe I can to. And who knows, maybe if we make it out of this alive....I can work to be that ninja they think I am.

With the motion, both he and Aisha along with her companions would follow the Valkyries. Darui had caught up, though he had noticed one of their signals as it seemed he'd be led further south....a contact perhaps? Well Darui had no reason to doubt forces that Ay had such value in so with a nod he'd begin to move to that location.

Though Darui faced....a complication, as one of those water chakra spears shot at him; Darui responded by jumping to the side to gain distance but the technique seemed to track him somehow. It seemed to be tracking him as if it had a mind of its own.

This was gonna be annoying, and he couldn't shake it off so he needed an alternative plan. And as he drew a paper bomb he came up with one on the fly as he as he lept to the side when it charged again and dropped the bomb right in its path.

The plan was simple....have the bomb explode to detonate the energy of the Biju sliver as it would fade out while he sped off as quickly as his legs could carry.

-----------
As the beam of Biju chakra fired and began to try to zero in the clone and Kin, the bird-transformed Darui began to try and weave through the trees as it seemed to track him however slightly.

Seemed the clone would not shake the saiken laser so simply.

So the clone opted for a....creative tactic, and would fly around a tree in circles as the spear-pillar would have to circle around to peruse....wit the aim to try and have the technique wrap around to strike its own path that the clone would nimbly just avoid so that it would cut off the attack and work to fade it away.

-----------
"Lord Raikage! Our forces are mobilized and the border is secure."

Ay had been informed of the status of his forces, and with defensive formations at every place of the border on top of evacuation preparation should the worst come to it the village seemed mostly secure. Ay had already prepared troops not stationed at the border to advance to the islands with him personally....much as he trusted Darui, or the Valkyries when it concerned a Biju he had a duty to make sure its destructive path was kept away from Kumogakure and work to provide an additional security measure.

----------
"Not. Now." Madoka muttered in a deadpan reply to Koki'o as it seemed the Nadeshiko kunoichi was bound to try and make things awkward.

What are they talking about?
No idea but in the off chance she is a perv we should watch our step.

Madoka overheard Kou's question as Sakura had her internal conversation. "I am not sure, I presume back in Iwa if she had not been selected as part of the team that came here. I have yet to meet contact with her." Madoka replied to Kou.

Kakashi listened to both Hina and Hama as they seemed to have a bit of an exchange with each other which caused him to sweat drop a bit as he figured now had not been the time for something like this while Pakura had a chuckle.

"Now now ladies, let's be civil here. Besides nothing can be done till an opening presents itself." Pakura replied, though her interest had been far less on the beast and more what the beast desired.

 

[Retro Master]

After hearing Sakura’s brief medical evaluation, Kiro was certain that Zaku would be going to the Leaf. He was in no condition to escape and it seemed unlikely that the Sound would be returning for them. This meant Zaku would be joining Tayuya and him as prisoners of the Leaf. But Kou didn’t need to know that part. Kiro also did the honorable thing and decided to carry Zaku upon Sakura’s request.

As Kiro carried away Zaku away, he heard Madoka mention Tomiko to Kou. The Uchiha hadn’t heard that name in awhile. However, his interest soon shifted to the girl who had assisted him against Yukimaru with her fire style. Kiro wanted to assume Amari and the other girl were Sand shinobi but he also held his doubts. There was also a hint of familiarity Kiro could feel from Amari. Perhaps he could learn more by talking with her.

“Well, the short story is I’m not from Konoha. I was born and raised in Kirigakure due to some circumstances I don’t really know much about. As for my relationship with the Oto-Nin… we just got caught up in some events during the latest chūnin exams.”

The Uchiha neglected to tell Amari about his status as a Leaf prisoner as well as the true story behind his relationship with Zaku. He felt the bare minimum was enough information for the near stranger. However, now that he had answered her question...

“By the way, you and that other girl with the red hair don’t seem to be Suna Nin. Mind telling me what that’s about?”

 

[kyuukestu]

Furījia

Time?

Her heart clenched at the word. How much time would be enough time? How long would Taiyo even wait?

This problem had been with her for months, she'd certainly taken her time.

Anxiety rolled within her, however, amidst it was also a fuzzy warmth. Different from the heat of K'waule's body. Although she still remained silent, it was nice to have someone there. Even if not a word was shared between them. The comfort of his presence was enough.

"...thank you."

Her voice broke the silence, but only once. Afterward, she returned to her own thoughts.

'This is fine...'

Hinagiku

A sly grin covered Hinagiku's face as Pakura spoke, "Non, non, non —you don't wait for opportunity, you seize it."

She held out her hand, all five fingers splayed. "5 minutes. I'll be back."

Turning on her heels, she vanished into the forest. Her destination, a certain battleground she'd heard of earlier. Her target, the thick chunk of crystal Guren had left buried in the ground. Guren's crystal release naturally distorted vision, in fact, it was powerful enough to distort the vision of her own Byakugan.

By taking these crystals, and shaping them into a makeshift 'blanket' she could distort the area around an object —say, a person. With an application of Wind or Yin release, she could increase this distortion, essentially using the crystals to craft an invisibility cloak.

And that's just what she planned to do.

------------------------------
​

Minutes later, under the guise of her invisibility cloak she returned to the group, her body hidden within a distortion of light and chakra. Revealing herself, she tossed the cloak to Pakura.

Pointing at Kin she spoke, "We go in and out in a heartbeat. You grab the girl, we'll make sure no one...interferes. Make sure to smoother her chakra while you do so. The chakra within her, and the one cloaking the beast share the same signature. It can likely track her through that. Think you can do it?"

​

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

The beams from the enraged tailed beast continued to tear through everything in sight. The scorched swords of one of the valkries were plain as day, near the point of dripping off into a liquid.

Darui’s explosive plan was put into action. With a plume of smoke, the laser guessed where Darui was, cutting through the smoke in efforts to fry him. This however, was a double edged sword. As Darui couldn’t see the tailed beast nor the beams. Until it would be too late. And the moment he would come out, the beam would be hot on his tail yet again.

The other saiken tailed beams following kin and the clone followed, wrapping around the tree and frying the bark off it while in hot pursuit, quickly gaining ground. But it was buying valuable time. Before it crossed paths with the second beam, hitting each other in a volatile explosion of red energy, breaking the tree into splinters

Yukimaru himself had begun huffing and puffing. He blinked himself up from falling asleep, his resolve holding steadfast. I can’t give in. A god isn’t weak. This is MY time. For once it’s about ME. Not HER, not MASTER, ME!

“All of you just shut up!!! GAHHHHHH!!!!!”

In a cry of frustration and pent up neglect, Yukimaru raised his hands and clutches to the sky. Along the ground of the island, the three tails sunk it’s fingers into the dirt, a familiar chakra being poured into it. The terrain had begun to tear apart, geysers erupting everywhere! It was near in a constant state of earthquake, the terraforming justu Yukimaru did earlier had now been given a massive upgrade! Soon nowhere would be safe!


.......


“An opening...”

Hama scratched her chin, a wide grin stretching across it as she got a wicked idea. One could practically see the devil horns coming off of her head.

“Okay~”

With that, Hama flew upwards, carried by the stacked octagonal plates under her. Flying up to the sky, the otogonal amber plates disconnected, leaving only one as a foothold while the others floated around her in a rotation. She took a part of her foothold in one hand and began to mold it into a small, hand held ice ball. She aimed true, throwing it.

*Splat!*

It sloshed onto the saiken chakra barrier near where Yukimaru was. The enraged Yukimaru arching a brow as he saw the ice evaporate into vapor. He glared at Hama, who just gave a little wave and a smile back. He HATED that smug attitude.

He diverted three of the tails, getting some heat off the valkries and kin specifically into attacking Hama. Hama, coming prepared, sent all the plates to the front, where the beams were to hit. She began vigorously pumping heavy amounts of chakra into all the plates on the front section....

*VSSSSSSS!!!!*

The beams collided with her barriers. The initial impact of the beams shattering through one instantly. It acted like a cutting beam. Every second or so another barrier would break apart and shatter. She had his attention, for better or for worse. This will make a fine little distraction. Pease do help~

 

[kyuukestu]

Yasu

Kiro had not been the only one casually listening in on the conversation between Madoka and Kou. Yasu too had taken to gathering what he could as he moved along with the group, hands tucked away in his pocket. The full extent of the boy's story made his smile, one filled with mockery as he watched the smoked rat. Just as Kiro, he'd also swiftly been able to come to the conclusion that the MVP of the battle had been Taiyo.

Looking for the explosively energetic shinobi, he found his a short ways from the group. Gesturing a snarky tip of the hat, he spoke giddily, "It's good to see someone put the rat in his place."

Perhaps even more importantly than Zaku's flop, was the mention of Tomiko. However, by the sounds of the conversation, neither side had encountered her. Maybe...just maybe...it was time to be a little more proactive.

Valkyries

For every Valkyrie that'd been targeted by the blasts of chakra, they'd already been informed through their link with Kara about the properties of the blast. That said, none of them even attempted to block it. With bright charges of lightning chakra they each set of little flashbangs, obscuring their features.

Within that moment they dodged out of the way. Keeping up their momentum as the beams attempted to chase them down. This was, however, only a temporary solution, one they had plans to patch up. In perfect sync, each of the present Valkyries released a blinding flash of lightning-based chakra. Lightning had flashed and now, the thunder would roll. Hlokk snapped her fingers for the fourth time.

This time her genjutsu was a bit different, the ringing echoes of chakra obscured the positions of each of the Valkyries and even Darui. They seemed to 'echo' leaving behind a trail of basic clones as they moved. Clones which flashed out in all directions. Four Valks become eight, eight becoming sixteen, sixteen becoming thirty-two...

Each of the Valkyries presents had created five basic clones and Hlokk's distorting genjutsu had filled in the rest. The thirty-two woman scattered in all directions.

Meanwhile, Bryn, Regin, and Waltraute had sneaked back to the edge of the island they'd entered on. There Eir, the medical ninja had awaited them. They quickly sought to pass off the genin to Eir who would then leave the boundaries of the island. Afterward, they scattered to the North, East, and West. Chakra building in their bodies chakra so potent that it couldn't be contained in their bodies.

Arcs of lightning began to fly off them as they parted, slowly forming into pillars that reached to the sky. The conditions couldn't be any better. The Mist Shinobi's clash of building-sized Ice plates and the vaporizing energy of the Biju were sending copious amounts of water vapor into the air. Combined with the Mist from Hyōryugetsu, and the heat from Hinagiku's earlier Oil fire, as well as Sanngrior's earlier fire release, the environment, was becoming very hot, and very humid.

The perfect conditions for a thunderstorm.

 

[Retro Master]

Raiku had been keeping to himself while the rest of the group traversed through the trees. The group he was closest to was a mixed one containing that Uchiha along with the Sand, Leaf, and even an injured Sound shinobi in Zaku.

However, the inner workings of Raiku’s mind was more focused on the mission and their apparent failure. While he was covered in bruises and even injuries from his battle with Kidomaru, the other team seemed to have returned without a scratch and nothing to show for it.

‘This was a waste of my time.’

— — — — — — — — — — —

Sema lightly giggled to herself as she watched the little interaction between Madoka and Koki’o. Though the girl couldn’t exactly hear what the Nadeshiko had whispered into the ears of her Suna comrade, the deadpan response gave her a relative idea.

Her mind went back to the crack of dawn, where the puppeteer had pulled the strings on the lustrous scene that left Koki’o in the nude. Madoka had demonstrated her expert control over the girl’s body. It was only a matter of time now before she became a master. Sema could see that through her exceptional hazel eyes just as she could see the giant Kaiju rampaging in the distance.

‘There was a jinchuriki right in front of us... but the situation was too dangerous. How unlucky.’

 

[Godjacob]

"Earth Style: Terra Trap Jutsu!"

Kakashi needed not a moment himself, in spite of the idea of well....taking on a Biju on hand they needed some time to get the other Oto-Jinchuriki as he had been quick to act. He moved a bit further than where Hama had jumped to, and while Yukimura had been buys blasting her barrier Kakashi slammed both palms onto the ground. Moments later, several large Earth pillars would rise and aim to wrap around Yukimura...aiming to bind it by the legs, tails and around the mouth if possible.

Kakashi doubted this would work for long, but he hoped to but for what time he could and cut off its attack from Hama and perhaps further drive it down to provide an opening.

"Why thank you my dear, you are far too kind. And don't worry about me...once I get her he won't know where to look...got something special in mind~" Pakura replied with a toothy smirk as Hina's little invisibility cloak pleased her and she had been quick to slip it on as she coated herself and was soon all but masked.

"Well, let's go catch a Jinchuriki..."

----------
As Yukimura shifted its focus from Kin towards Hama, the clone took full advantage. With its immediate lasers diverted over it would fly up and began to dash; the aim was simple, to group back up with Darui as now that it had been clear that Yukimura had some sort of lock on her they needed some seal or something to break whatever link they shared if transport to Kumo was gonna be realistic.

So the clone moved, unaware an unmasked pursuer began to lap at its heels.

Darui in turn had been prepared for the spear as it moved through the smoke, as it would charge and meet Darui's electric funnel that would work not to block or overpower the attack but redirect it; aiming to funnel it through a loop and strike itself as it bent around hoping to make it explode.

And as others moved away from him, Darui continued to move south in order to meet up with whatever Valkyrie had requested his presence; the eyes never left the massive Biju all the while.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

*Rumble* *Rumble* *Rumble*

Kou winced ss the ground around began to shake, cracks splitting down the forest floor. Geysers erupting from the cracks in forms of scorching hot steam. Something was happening, and he didn’t like it. Nor did his brother, as the small rat took shelter in his pocket with a squeak.

“W-what’s happening?!”


.....

The lasers following Darui’s clone, given the preoccupied nature of Yukimaru, fell right for his trap, slamming into one another in a glorious blast of crimson! However, this caused a concussion effect that rippled rapidly out toward everything in a thirty meter radius.

Hama glanced over to pakura while she held up her amber barriers. A small, knowing smile grew across her face. The odds she will backstab me in turn for her own goals? High. Very high. The children fighting over toys as usual. But it wasn’t like I was in it for the jinchurki anyway. I’ve already aquired what I desire. Just this beast is in the way for reaping those rewards.

Another barrier broke, and then another. She was now down to 3 barriers, not counting the one she was riding on. It was then, Kakashi’s earth justu came into play. It grasped the three tails’s arms and legs, which were already somewhat buried in the earth. Now this would only work for seconds, as the saiken cloak was easily melting the stone as soon as it latched on. But the brief period was all that was needed.

It tugged him away from the ocean, which fueled his saiken beams. Without that, it wouldn’t be long until the beams were nonfunctional. Not only that, but he was dragged toward the large hole in the ground the valkries made. Right as we was being tugged down into it, Yukimaru growled.

“ENOUGH!”

The three tails’s arms and legs broke free, slamming into the sides of the large hole in the ground, propped up on the ring of the hole itself to prevent him from falling down. Without arms or legs to aim him, and the lasers about to fail. He whipped out his own hands to the sky.

“Show them our power, Three tails!”

It gave a low bellied roar, it’s tails curling. All of a sudden, several spikes on the tail began to sharpen and grow. In a quick move, the spikes shot off the tails in a huge needle squall! The spikes peppered the land, targeted indiscriminately at everything and everyone. Hama, in an alarmed look, swerved to Kakashi.

“Behind me! Kakashi!” She yelled, skipping her usual playful attitude

 

[sSoul]

Taiyo
A silence befell the two shinobi at that moment, however, Taiyo didn't believe that there were any words that needed to be said. Of course, that didn't stop Furījia from deciding to break the silence.

"...thank you."

The Leaf-nin allowed himself a smile when he heard the Hyūga heiress's gratitude. Oblivious to the full effect of the service he was providing, all that the FBS master could do was provide a normal response.

"You're welcome," He then turned to find a new face enter the conversation. Taiyo was going to enter a defensive stance, when the new arrival had opened his mouth.

"It's good to see someone put the rat in his place."

This, coupled with the tip-of-the-hat motion he made was enough to tell the Leaf-nin that the new arrival was an ally, and thusly loosened up.

"Thanks," Taiyo scratched the back of his head, almost as if he were embarrassed, "Really, it was just a regular fireball that was fired at close ra-"

Taiyo's words were cut short by the assault that the giant biju monster with a god complex had launched.

Oh yeah...he's here...

Kinda hoping he would just decide to piss off, go bother some other group of shinobi.

"Furījia, can your bird fit two more people?" The Leaf-nin gestured to both himself and his new acaquaintence, in case if she was curious to whom Taiyo was referring to.

"By the way, what's your name?" The FBS master quickly turned to the new arrival shortly after he concluded his gesture.

Probably should've askrd that first but ok...

 

[Godjacob]

"Whatever is happening isn't important, what is important is that we move and move quickly." Pakura's clone replied, as the scene had grown ever chaotic and she urged them all to move as she would lead the group quickly from one island to the next; as the clone would be eyefull of the spikes and fire some Scorch spheres to not necessarily overpower any that happened to cross them but knock them off course just enough to avoid a skewered party.

Madoka, Sakura, Takato and Tayuya had been quick to move at a quick pace. Madoka would take Kou by the hand as she would try to hurry them with the group to get to the other island.

One thing was clear, if Madoka ever saw Tomiko again she'd really have to give her a piece of her mind about all she had done for her sake...

----------
Kakashi nodded and quickly shifted behind Hama as he seemed to have a plan which given Hama's shift in tone was needed as this had grown dire, as he quickly worked on some hand signs and placed a hand on Hama's back.

"Brace yourself Lady Yuki, could be a bit noisy. Earth Style: Eternal Dome Jutsu!"

Several large Earth slabs appeared around them and formed a protective dome that the spikes began to rain down against. However, in living up to the name, for each section of the dome that was pierced by a spike that same section broke up and had been replaced instantly with another layer as it rotated shells using the earth around them as Kakashi worked to combat this attack.

But defense was all he had been good for. He needed, they needed a new plan of attack before the Biju changed tactics to work around this limited defense.

---------
Darui's clone had to work into overdrive at this pace as it seemed one issue after another and another kept getting created. First, it managed to successfully avoid the laser but then he had to combat the massive explosion that followed it.

Darui's clone pumped electricity through it and used it to shoot out a jump boost as it flew as fast as it possibly could; a race against the explosion with the limp Kin in its claws; with her added weight and even with the head start it had been a frantic struggle but thankfully they just managed to escape the blast.

The shockwave was another matter.

It knocked Darui's clone out of the sky as it and Kin were forced onto the ground as Darui transformed back into itself. Thankfully it avoided sustaining a critical blow to burst....yet, and Kin seemed okay. Breathing at least as far as it could visually tell. But he had no time to dwell on that as these spikes began to sprout and rain down as Darui's clone had to pick up Kin's added limped weight and moved to try and avoid them on the run.

----------
The spikes sailed over the battlefield and no where seemed safe from their fury.

Well, almost nowhere, as the invisible Pakura had been quick to act. As she used her scorch release to create this fiery current of air and fire around her....almost as if she made a little self-made twister that would work to just suck and push away any of the spikes shot her direction as she used this normally offensive technique as a shield to protect against the Bijuu's debris.

Though her focus on Darui never wavered even as the flame twister shielded her invisible frame, as she knew she could keep pace with the clone given the added weight to Kin's frame. Once this passed she could work to close in and get the prize...

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

“A even more thick defense added onto the defense I already sport, all to wait out the jinchurki’s water reserves? Not bad Kakashi~ you sure know how to think on your feet~”

Impressed by the dome created in such a short time, now it was up to the valkries to deal an offensive blow now that they had him heavily distracted. If they could apply a decent offense, they could take advantage of yukiamru’s Precarious positioning.


.....


Kou stared wide eyed at the hand Madoka clasped around his. Right after saying she wasn’t a pervert, she made a move to hold his hand! He began to sweat, getting more and more uncomfortable. His rat brother, sensed this, glaring up to Madoka. It snakes around kou’s Arm, coming up to where kou’s fingers locked with hers. With a raise of a jaw and a clasp around a finger....

*MUNCH!*