Kumogakure Gates

The conflict was beginning to settle. Iro observed what was happening from the check-in box along side the village gate. Lei's sudden appearance followed by Ryuko put the situation on lock down, as both were loyal Jounin to the village. Wise enough to handle the situation efficiently. "I guess I will take my leave, then. Thank you." She spoke to the guard next to her, bowing and bidding farewell. She glanced once back at those who remained at the gate, namely the boy who was inclined to leave the village without permission. Lady Nariko needs to know about this Genin and keep a close eye on him...if he leaves the village without supervision he may run off. Keeping a moderate walk pace she headed to the Raikage Office Building where she would conduct her mission report.

[Exit - Raikage Office Building]

“Oh I bet you are, tis remains to be seen how long that egerneess will hold out.” commented Ryuko as Seid ran off towards the training grounds. She considered if she should threaten him or not about what she would do to him if he tried to leave the village without permission a second time but decided against it since that would start their relationship off on a rather sour note.

She wasn’t sure how long they’d be together, they didn’t have much time to get prepared. If he manged to pass the exams he wouldn’t need her much anymore but in a way that was fine too as her main job now was to make sure he was ready to pass the exams in the first place. With so little time could she even pull that off? Privately she had her doubts but she didn’t let it show on her face. She was just going to have to do her best and see what happened from there.

She herself had pretty much plateaued in her own skill at this point. She wasn’t going to get any much stronger or faster or tougher then she already was no matter how hard she trained. The only way to go beyond her own limits was to break them somehow but until that happened she was better off spending her time getting other members of the village up to snuff then whatever marginal increases she would get from focusing purely on herself.

“Looks like I’ll have to cut my guard shift early. Lei-kun I trust you can handle the rest.” she said not as a question but as a statement. A show of faith that in the end she could still count on him despite his recent lapse in judgement. With a wave she headed off after Seid ready to get their training started.

[exit to training grounds]

Masuyo caught wind of the Chuunin Exams starting sooner than expected from passerby prompting her and her squad to not make their stop in the Land of Sound and instead continue straight to Kumogakure. The squad would arrive at the gates along with all the other Genin and sensei participating in the exams. Her footwear consisted of standard black sandals fitted for comfort and security. With the toes and heel left exposed they provided additional balance, while the rest of the foot up to the ankle was protected by the thick nylon material of the sandal. The soles of the sandals are reinforced with hardened material to resist heavy impacts and weathering. She wore a pair of loose fitting black pants with the bottoms near her ankles taped securely in white bandage wrap. This provided balance and reinforcement to her ankles while closing off the ends of her pants. In addition, more bandage wrap was wrapped around her right thigh which allowed a navy blue holster to be strapped over comfortably. Around her waist she wears the basic utility belt which carries two green holsters on her right side along with a tool pouch around her back side and a canteen to the far left.

A black mesh shirt is worn under a common long sleeve black top having a red seal of fire placed on the outsides of each sleeve towards the upper arm. Over that was a fitted green flak jacket provided by Konoha's armory. The jacket was zipped up and secure firmly on her body. On both of her hands were a pair of fingerless black leather gloves, each fitted with a steel plate on the backs for protection as well as a means to fortify backhanded strikes. Around her neck Masuyo wears her forehead protector as a collar. The black cloth is tied in a knot around the back side of her neck with the steel plate facing the front for identification. The steel plate has Konoha's emblem engraved on the front. Masuyo has straight black hair which extends down to her mid back. Two strands of hair drop down touching her chest which leads into her bangs, those being cut shorter and swept to the side. She stands at 5'9 weighing approximately 145 lbs. Her fair skin is complimented with her voluptuous form which is completed with a pair of hazel eyes.

They were allowed entry without a hitch as they were in Kumogakure for two purposes, their mission and the exams. Once beyond the gates she would stop her squad and bring them in for a brief huddle. "So this is how we're going to do this: Rin, you will be partnered with Rei. Yui will be on her own. I want you guys to ask around the village and speak to the Shinobi about a recent traitor somewhere around two years ago. This particular Genin associated himself with a National Terrorist. This betrayal occurred in Kumogakure's Northwestern province within the Takoyaiba Mountain Range. The Terrorist, although we do not know her name, is a woman in her mid 20's with pale skin and hair, and a notable red burn scar around her eyes. I will try to speak directly to Kumogakure's Administration to see if I can get a file on him." Stepping back a pace she placed both hands on her hips speaking to them after giving the mission details. "Now, you are free to do what you want with your mission in mind. The Chuunin Exams are not the only event happening. There is going to be an Elite Tournament along with some festivities as well. That only rule I ask is for all of you to return to our hotel by nine o'clock in the evening. I will pay for dinner, and breakfast in provided by our hotel. Lunch and snacks are on you guys. Anyways, happy hunting!" Giving her final word Masuyo vanished in a cloud of smoke.

[Enter Kumogakure]

The Kumogakure gates loomed over the squad as Rin noted how tight the security was around here. Which is not surprising in the teen’s mind, but still they managed to gain access into Kumogakure. Masuyo briefed them before on what they’re supposed to do and informed them that the Chunin Exams will be starting soon and Elite Tournament with some festivities. Apparently Rin is being paired up with Rei, which honestly was fine with Rin. However the part of Yui being alone in this city is something that Rin was concerned about. But then again Masuyo just disappeared on them so he can’t protest about that.

Turning Rin’s attention to Rei and Yui, Rin spoke. “While sensei goes and do that; we can start investigating around the market. Yui, I leave whatever area you wish to check out to yourself.” Normally Rin would say going to the bar is also a method of obtaining information since alcohol tends to loosen lips, but he doesn’t know if they would even be allowed inside. Rin’s senses were sharp as even his keen nose caught the scent of food that was faint yet he could still smell the seasoning. In fact with the bustling noise from the city it almost sounded quite deafening on his ears, but thankfully Rin can just tune it out enough to discern certain sounds. All while suppressing his chakra so that sensors won’t be able to pick up on him nor read any detail if they attempted to analyze his signature.

“Well lets go Rei. I’ve actually been meaning to chat with you for a bit anyways.” With a gesture of his hand for Rei to follow, Rin would make his way into the city. Where there is food involved, there are other places to shop and places to investigate.

---

[Chakra Suppression | No Cost]

[Enter Kumogakure]

Since coming to the land of lightning, Rei's mind had been filled with all of the new sights. The high rising mountains and the clouds that hovered around them. He could easily see why they were the village hidden in the clouds. Such scenery was amazing for the young genin, especially since he had never left the leaf village yet alone visited another.

Arriving at the gates alongside his teammates, they all were granted access due to their mission being the reason for them being here. After the showing of paperwork and having it verified, he followed the others past the gates. Glancing from place to place, his eyes wandered about the village. Taking note of the area and how differently their structures were from his own village. Though his attention was soon brought back to focus as their sensei gathered them together to go over the mission once more and bring them up to speed on current events. It would also serve to pair him up with Rin, which was interesting as he too was an Uchiha.

Now that information and instructions for the day had been laid out, their sensei just poofed in a smoke cloud. The act bringing a smile to his face almost near the point of a snicker. The boy couldn't help but think about just being abandoned in a new place, though in a joking manner. It just meant she trusted Rin and Yui as well as their abilities. Soon after sensei had taken her leave, Rin began talks toward the mission. The two of them would search the market while Yui would look for information wherever she saw fit. Rei was fine with the idea, the mission aside he was interested in seeing more of the village. He was also curious as to what Rin had wanted to speak to him about. A nod of his head and he followed after his teammate after giving a small wave to Yui.

[Enter Kumogakure]

It was ironic that Konoha had tasked its Nin with searching for clues about the Enlightened Society of Rebirth and Reordering. The order was given as though their organization would need to be searched for and rooted out as the competition was to proceed. Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, their presence would be made known to all within Kumogakure. Balerion flew low as the group entered into the village, the massive dragon spreading its wings and spitting fire in the air to announce its arrival. It was possible that some might interpret his arrival as the initiation of some kind of attack but at the speed he was flying at it was likely he'd clear the walls before any offensive could be mustered. Despite the shock and awe entrance, Balerion and his passengers did not come to destroy. That is not to say that they came in peace either. Their leader, Honiko Yoshidara, sat atop the beast's head in the lotus position focused on a single destination. Nozomi, Raijin, and the Stray Dog would behind her. As per custom she kept communication to a minimum during travel but the disciples were free to converse among themselves.

Exit into Kumogakure

Kumogakure...how funny the world worked. After all, last time she had located this place on a rather hard and devastating mission which cost her two things: belief in the shinobi system and her pride. Years had passed since that moment and now she simply saw it as a defining moment in her career, a moment which taught her the error of her ways and the faults and flaws in her very own nature.

But now was not the time to be dawdling over unimportant tidbits of the past, but the time to shine as bright as only a kirigakure jounin could do. So after having shown her papers to the guards and her attendance invite for the Jounin Tournament, Yomi was ready to head on and search the place for some good food parlors before going to the place where the tournament would be held.

[exit to Kumo]

Shimiko left Kumogakure because ya know the tournament wasn't held in Kumogakure, it was being held somewhere in southwestern lightning country. The blonde walked through the gates with an entourage of members of her Church who would come to see her compete. Shimiko was wearing her armour and had all of her personal effects that she'd need for the match. She had taken of the serrated kunai she made quite some time ago and had placed them in her ninja pouch. Her tessen, sai, and both Kālīkoroshimasu on each arm. The girl was strapped up and ready to go, she headed to the tournament arena with some pep in her step as the small crowd around her prayed and recited verses from the Orthodoxy.

Exit to the tourney

After Natsuru's prolonged two month vacation she returned to Kumogakure in the back of a luxury carriage. The carriage would stop short of the gates not entering the village. The coach would hitch the horses to the hitching post near the stables and open the door letting Natsuru step out. "Thank you." She said being tipping the man a small sum of fare allowing him and his livestock to rest. Natsuru wears black combat boots which cover both feet securely and tightly providing comfort and protection. This is matched with a pair of dark gray steel shin guards. The shin guards covered the tops of her feet all the way up to her lower knees. This was matched with a pair of black stockings which covered her feet and extended above her knees. Although made from cloth they were somewhat thick and provided minor protection. Natsuru wears black undergarments which are concealed by a long, black loincloth which extends just to the sides of her knees on the front and back still providing suitable coverage. Around her right thigh she wears a simple, small black leather belt. Attached on the belt is a dark gray lacquered scabbard sized for a tanto. Another black belt is worn around her waist which serves to hold her quiver located around her back side. This belt is accompanied with a hip pouch above her rear and a katana on her left side, the scabbard design mimicking that of the tanto.

A mesh, sleeveless undershirt covered her body as a set of riveted mail is worn over the undershirt. As her primary top she wears a simple black leotard fitted to her body type. Naturally, her mail shirt beneath her top extends slightly down her upper arm adding some additional protection. On both hands Natsuru wears a pair of long gloves which extends just below her elbows made with the same material of cloth and quality as her stockings. These are backed by a pair of soft leather arm guards protecting her forearm and back hand leaving a small soft part on her wrist still allowing flexibility and a pair of leather combat gloves with metal plating on the backs of the hands. Her bow is worn across her chest with the front of the bow between her bosom and the string running across her back, the natural properties of the bow clinging itself to her body. Over her torso is a black cloak that extended down to the backs of her knees with a down hood, the mantel thick and well-insulated.

Natsuru has very fair skin with an almost ink-like navy blue hair, which matches her eyes in the same regards. Her hair runs down her back inside of the cloak's cover down to her rear end with a few bunches of hair touching down her breasts. Standing at 5'11 she has a very slender frame which maximizes her role as an archer giving her a statuesque vibe. Alas, a highly decorated Indian-style necklace made of silver and ruby was worn around her neck resting atop her chest serving as a relish for the stunning Kunoichi.

Approaching the gates she first checked in with the sentry filling in her return form to allow her to be checked back in with the logs. It was the start of winter and her gear was beginning to pay itself off as it kept her toasty warm in the cold and sometimes windy conditions. Construction should be done with my tower...I should check it out and start stocking. Her first plan was to fill up the pantry and fridge with goodies.

[Exit]

The Twins were back. After years searching for origin of the plague and a way to weaponize and harness it, the two genius scientists had come up with: absolutely nothing. Although it might not be totally accurate to say that they came up with nothing, it was more or less true that they had such little to show for it they may as well have never even went on the adventure. It wouldn't be wrong to say they knew more about the plague than your average doctor and they had come up with a few working theories as to where the disease came from but they were far from weaponizing it. The research tour had left them with more questions than answers and after grueling months of work they pair had decided to call it quits, or at least an extended break. They were angry, frustrated, and a bit defeated that they'd have to come back to Kirigakure empty-handed and without a super-weapon to wield against their enemies. Konami had speculated that their friend in Kirigakure who had helped them poison Nikuyo was just pulling their leg in some kind of elaborate scheme. She wouldn't doubt it but for the way Makahshi fell ill after their assassination of the Mizukage. He was certainly onto something but he had refused to share his secrets and had only offered vague hints and tips. The bulk of which became their starting point for figuring out how the plague worked and where it came from. It wasn't enough. And so now after years of being abroad, Toonami and Konami were ready to return to the shinobi world proper. Since they had no new weapon to speak of and their lackey had been replaced by Takeo, they knew that returning to the village itself would be dangerous.

Kotsubo they could trust, Takeo on the other hand not so much. If he uncovered what they had done to the Kaguya Clan leadership then they'd be hunted as enemies of the State. The Kaguya Clan in particular would be gunning for their heads. The only thing that could protect them was the shield and power that came with the Mizukage's hat and in order to secure that from Takeo they'd need allies. Fortunately for them, they had already made a few during their short stint in the leadership position. It was now just a matter of finding those contacts and leaning on them .

The twins walked up to the village gates, Konami in quick powerful strides and Toonami with her typical gangsta walk. The latter was sober which was relatively uncommon for the adrenaline junkie. Their long twin braids swayed in the breeze as they passed through the gates and into Kumogakure. Their first order of business was to find Satomi or a Konoha-Nin that could take them to the man.

Enter Kumo

Shimiko had been given permission to take control of a squad of scouts. As member of ANBU Black Ops she had considerable influence and power when it came to acting in the village's best interests. Shimiko had spoken with her Lady Superior about the threat posed by this man known as "The Walking Death". Lady Superior Mora had made excellent arguments as to why this man was a bastard and a severe threat to national security. She had hinted about her plans but did not tell the Chinoike everything which was fine for the time being. Shimiko did not want to create the impression that she was acting under the Church's orders rather than what was best for Kumogakure. As far as she and anyone else was concerned Lady Superior Mora was just a citizen doing her civic duty in informing her military of foreign threats. This Walking Death character was a shadow whose identity had yet to be revealed. They had no real name to go off of but they could get a physical description straight from the horse's mouth. Shimiko would send a group of scouts to the Land of Demons to get an accurate idea of what the man looked like. She gave them their marching orders and sent them from the village's back gates.


[Sending A-Class Scouts to Land of Demons w/ Nariko's Permission]

[Exit > South Eastern Lightning Country -> Land of Swamps -> Land of Demons]

Quite a bit was happening currently, and it was good that the Gates were well manned. A blockade quickly formed at the gates as the twins Toonami and Konami moved to simply walk through. Nariko paid the guards well and was getting rather frustrated with people breaking protocol.

"I'm going to have to ask you to stop and check in. We don't just let people walk in without verifying their identity and making sure we know who is in our village."

One of the men, an A rank Jounin, much the same as his other fellow guards spoke to the former Mizukages. He knew by reputation alone who they were. Much the same as they all recognized the next entrant who was a known shirker of protocol.

"And you there, Lei. Halt right there or you will be court martialed. You'll also present your identification papers for inspection and sign into the village. We have no record of you leaving, so I'm assuming you snuck out again. Lady Nariko'll have our jobs if we let this slide again."

Currently blocking: Lei, Toonami, Konamo

1 A rank guard group.

Amidst the confrontation emerged Natsuru from the streets of the promenade and towards the gates. She dressed in her usual concealed outfit. Natsuru wears black combat boots which cover both feet securely and tightly providing comfort and protection. This is matched with a pair of dark gray steel shin guards. The shin guards covered the tops of her feet all the way up to her lower knees. This was matched with a pair of black stockings which covered her feet and extended above her knees. Although made from cloth they were somewhat thick and provided minor protection. Natsuru wears black undergarments which are concealed by a long, black loincloth which extends just to the sides of her knees on the front and back still providing suitable coverage. Around her right thigh she wears a simple, small black leather belt. Attached on the belt is a dark gray lacquered scabbard sized for a tanto. Another black belt is worn around her waist which serves to hold her quiver located around her back side. This belt is accompanied with a hip pouch above her rear and a katana on her left side, the scabbard design mimicking that of the tanto.

A mesh, sleeveless undershirt covered her body as a set of riveted mail is worn over the undershirt. As her primary top she wears a simple black leotard fitted to her body type. Naturally, her mail shirt beneath her top extends slightly down her upper arm adding some additional protection. On both hands Natsuru wears a pair of long gloves which extends just below her elbows made with the same material of cloth and quality as her stockings. These are backed by a pair of soft leather arm guards protecting her forearm and back hand leaving a small soft part on her wrist still allowing flexibility and a pair of leather combat gloves with metal plating on the backs of the hands. Her bow is worn across her chest with the front of the bow between her bosom and the string running across her back, the natural properties of the bow clinging itself to her body. Over her torso is a black cloak that extended down to the backs of her knees with a down hood, the mantel thick and well-insulated.

Natsuru has very fair skin with an almost ink-like navy blue hair, which matches her eyes in the same regards. Her hair runs down her back inside of the cloak's cover down to her rear end with a few bunches of hair touching down her breasts. Standing at 5'11 she has a very slender frame which maximizes her role as an archer giving her a statuesque vibe. Alas, a highly decorated Indian-style necklace made of silver and ruby was worn around her neck resting atop her chest serving as a relish for the stunning Kunoichi.

She made sure to check in with the front desk security showing her ID as she did. "Greetings. I will be departing to the Land of Water seeking business within Kirigakure. Expect me to be away for two months." Assuming the sentries did what they did best, which was gather information and not confront, Natsuru would be on her merry way stashing her ID back in her wallet and leaving the village limits to head to the docks where she would charter a ship to the Land of Water and make her way to Kirigakure.

[Exit -> South East -> Open Seas -> Hozuki Isle | 36 hrs due to Aristocratic Travel Perk]

Natsuru Stuff:

Provisions Consumed:

"We don't do no mothafucking check-ins! I put that on my fucking last name! Do you even know who the fuck we are?!" Toonami shouted out in the guard's face. She was in a really bad mood. She had failed to find out the source of the plague, she had failed to get with Kotsubo before he fucking went MIA, and her sister had practically forced her to stay sober for several weeks. Needless to say, Toonami was quite pissed off. Konami cut in and gripped her sister's arm.

"You'll have to forgive my sister. She's a bit moody, and we've traveled quite a long distance" Konami shot Toonami a glare that communicated her thoughts.

Don't fuck this up! We need to get inside the village!

Toonami broke from her twin's grip and merged with Konami. She really didn't like being cramped up inside her older sister's body but if she had to deal with these stupid pieces of shit she was liable to do something crazy. Since she was of sound and sober mind, she decided it was probably best to just sulk where it was warm and she wouldn't be troubled. The pair of twins had no become one. Konami stood in front of the guard with her hands on her hips and complied with whatever process was necessary to gain entrance into the village. If they asked what she was doing there, she would truthfully tell them she was here for the tournament and to see if the Hokage had been in. She'd give all relevant and pertinent information about herself including her status as former Mizukage. Once the proper protocol had been completed, Konami would hopefully be permitted to enter into the village. She would walk forward confidently, pregnant with her twin sister's body.

[Enter into Kumo if given permission.]

The process for the group was fast. Luckily , despite their begrudging responses, they cooperated.

The guards verified Lei and moved him on through, although one if them shoved a denial stamp over his future leaving. He would need to check out then, not now.

Konami was given an odd look but her information was written down and she was allowed through. The exams had tightened security in some ways, but loosened it in others.

Seid showed up to the gates fully armored in his Jade attire. His ninja tools and backpack were all equipped. He made his way to the check in station. "Seid here on a mission to the town of Shungiku. Permission from the Raikage to go on this mission as well." The lady at the check in nodded. Now they knew where he was going and why. The journey would be mild and short. The mission was only to check on a valuable gem. No ninja to fight so that meant he would be back before long. The Otsusuki now checked out made his way to start his mission.

[Exit > Shungiku Town]

Seid finished his mission within the small town of Shungiku though no new intelligence to bring back. The gem would have to be something he would have to ignore for now. He did not like the reaction it had when he touched it and so it was best to ignore it. He walked to up to the check in station letting the guard know he was returning back from his mission. Then proceeded to make his way back to the Raikage building to let her know of his mission success.

[Enter Kumo]

Mission Details:

Leora approached the city gates from the inside as her steps held purpose in a brisk pace. It wasn't exactly her first mission, but it'll be her first C ranked mission to date. Apparently some group of bandits have been making trouble on the roads. Granted Kumo could have always issued an order to eliminate the bandits, but Leora is tasked with a diplomacy attempt. With the exams post-poned for so long Leora has grown a bit anxious, and with the Raikage's permission Leora can take on this mission.

The pyro teen walks over to the registration section of the gate where Leora signs her name and reason for leaving;


In case any of the guards request to see the mission details themselves Leora will reach into her bag to pull out the mission scroll before handing it to them. Once the guards determine that it is legitimate, Leora assures them that it shouldn't take a week, but diplomacy is never easy nor is it a quick thing either. Handing the scroll back to Leora, she will depart for the roads. If she had any destination, it was the roads that lead to the Land of Frost. The sooner she gets those roads under control the better.

[Exit -> Southwestern Land of Lightning's Roads]

Seid was back to the gates. It was apparent that he was mission hungry. Finding any type of task for him to take. This within itself would be training for him to become a Chuunin. The day was young, and he was to test his new battle skills. He had helped deal with bandits before but that was with the help of a team headed by Lei. He wasn't a fighter though so that made things much more hectic. The Otsusuki walked up to the check in station and mentioned he was with Leora. She was given permission to do a C-rank mission as well. After checking in he would follow Leora to the Southwestern roads.

[Exit -> Southwestern Land of Lightning

The scouts from Land of Demons returned with a very specific description of Ken Tetsudashi and Halycon Yomi. They couldn't get any specific names but the facial features were now known due to the sketch. The scouts entered through the discreet back-entrance and filed their report to ANBU. A copy would be sent to the Raikage's Office and another copy would be sent to Shimiko's personal office at ANBU headquarters.

Toonami and Konami waited for Masuyo and her merry band of followers to meet them at the gates. The Twins were wearing their regular clothes and had a large pack on each of their backs. Toonami was still sober much to her chagrin so she was pacing back and forth while her older sister remained as stoic and still as ever. Both of them were eager to get a move on as they were curious as to why the Leaf-Nin were being recalled so quickly. They also wanted to speak with the Hokage so that they can begin working him as an angle. If they were to return to Kirigakure they'd need the backing of a fairly powerful village.