Eye of the Storm [ToW]

Reinforcements:

The heavy vegetation enabled easier methods to hide from the prying eyes within the Land of Bears. In the distance Inarie could faintly hear the sounds of orders shouting, but as to what they were Inarie was too far away to make out what was being said. For a bunch of people who rely on their overwhelming sense of pride and spiritualism. They certainly had a lot of spunk to stake their claim on the Hot Zone.

A sigh escaped from her lips as Inarie remained perched on one of the many trees overlooking a 80 meter wide clearing while it stretched out almost like an oval for 120 meters clearing that leads up to the Hot Zone. And it was also the same direction where the Land of Waterfall resided in. Inarie accepted this job to not only acquire a bit of money, but to assess what exactly Kirigakure might be going up against if this war comes to them. It also gave her enough excuse to test herself on the field. Granted the Chunin Exams spoke of her abilities back then, and frankly the only thing Inarie fell short on was her lack of speed. A flaw that Inarie remedy, and while she isn't as fast as Chigetsu was. It was enough to give Inarie the extra boost she needed in that fight.

Alas, Inarie is garbed in her armor from head to toe. Wearing the titanium forehead protector along with a happuri that protects her face. Protecting her torso is the flak vest that holds Kirigakure's symbol on the back, and underneath is the long sleeved body armor with a titanium mail shirt underneath it. On her hands is a pair of lightly armored gloves, and secured around her waist is a leather belt that contains her sheathed katana on her left side. Her wakizashi is positioned on her left flank as well, and a hip pouch can be found at her right side. Inarie’s pants are part of the uniform as it is dark as well, and on her left thigh is a holster which holds her three kunai in place. Lastly, but not least Inarie’s feet are protected with a pair of lightly armored shoes.

Inarie’s platinum long hair is pulled tight into a ponytail as her scales are not seen on her body. Even her face is clear of her scales, and perhaps it’ll throw other people off when trying to identify her. Unfortunately a bunch of Loyalists apparently are stalkers and it didn’t work against them. Still, it’s best not to lay out her cards when her opponent, if there is any, hasn’t shown up yet. Of course, Inarie had formed the tiger seal to conjure two shadow clones and positioned them roughly 50 meters from Inarie on both sides of her. Essentially closing the net for any potential threats that try to sneak their way through.

Used Shadow Clone x2

The Land of Waterfalls was truly desperate. They had asked for the highest ranking member of Konoha's military that was available to help them. Konoha had forged strong ties with Takigakure and there was no better way to prove the strength of their bonds then sending the Hokage-elect himself. Nyguyen Uchiha hadn't been on a mission of this importance since...well ever. He had served as a Jounin in Konoha's military but his skill was not legend. He had more or less been a "background shinobi" for most of his career. Unfortunately, the dearth of proper leadership in Konoha had forced him from the background to the forefront. His ascension to the status of Hokage was all but assured but the Elder Council wouldn't let him have his prize so easily. They wanted proof of his capability and Taki's request had provided the perfect excuse to test his mettle.

Thus, Nyguyen found himself leaping across the battle expanse to the Land of Bear's encampment. He was wearing a long dark cloak which covered most of his form. It was something akin to what the Akatsuki wore. The black man's miniature afro swayed in the breeze as he homed in on his target. The enemy was exhausted and tired, how hard could a preliminary assault be? Nyguyen had his Sharingan active and thus he could distinguish the real Inarie from that of her clones. The presence of two clones and a real person serving as a vanguard for the exhausted troops was enough to tell him that something was up. Nyguyen drew his A-Grade Tanto that was securely attached to his Scarlet Gauntlets's chain. He skidded to a stop 20 meters directly in front of Inarie. She was all that stood between him and the resting Bear-Nin. If he wanted to secure the Land of Waterfall's relationship with Konoha then all he needed to do was get through her.

"I suppose it would be rude of me to ask you to simply stand aside"

Active: Sharingan Tomoe 3

Not surprising that the Land of Waterfall called upon a task force to wipe out the exhausted army of Bear’s. It was the main reason Inarie was hired, and while she is not known throughout the world. The latest Chunin Exams spoke for her prowess to many, and with how weakened the army was, any help was a godsend to them. That being said, Inarie didn’t really think her target would openly walk in the clearing, yet her rose pink eyes still focused on the singular individual. With a push of her thumb, Inarie’s titanium katana was released from the seal for a quicker draw if needed as her right hand is gracefully placed on the handle. The comfortable wrap was indexed with her grip, but once Inarie heard the lone aggressor speak and the lighting peaked through the dark clouds to reveal the Konohagakure symbol on his headband. Likewise, Inarie’s headhand is also visible as well.

Inarie’s brow raised as she didn’t expect to face someone from Konohagakure to be here. Granted from what she has heard that the Takigakure has been leaning towards Konohagakure for support. Even so, Inarie’s demeanor didn’t waver as she and her shadow clones hopped down to the ground from their trees.

”You could ask nicely and my answer would always be the same. I recognize you as an ally, but I accepted the job to protect these people. If you do not reconsider, ally or not I will not let you pass.” As Inarie spoke, her metallic blue scales seem to emerge from her porcelain skin. Sparks of live electricity seem to occasionally dance along her scales as her eyes are focused on Nyguyen. Albeit with those crazy eyes active, Inarie focused her eyes at his chest level. Frankly if Nyguyen wasn’t from Konohagakure, or seemed to be enlisted in their ranks, Inarie wouldn’t have bothered with presenting him an opportunity to reconsider. Not to mention her tone had that balanced mix of authority and warmth. Her refined posture and the way she carried herself was that of pride and grace. Meanwhile her other shadow clones were circling around him until they covered both sides of Nyguyen while still at 20 meters away from him. Neither has drawn their weapons officially.

Nyguyen could see the girl was unshaken by his request. He did not recognize her from the Chuunin Exams as he had been retired while they were ongoing. He didn't keep up much with such trifling affairs as he had his books to attend to. He did recall his daughter being relatively angry that he would not permit her to go. It turned out to be a smart decision as Tatsu-sama had threatened to blow the whole event to heaven with her madcap antics. Fortunately that was all in the past and now Konoha-Kiri were on positive terms. Of course, in the shinobi world, business was business. It wasn't unheard for allied major villages to meet on the battlefield on opposing sides. Money was money and given that their interests were not directly threatened it was considered no harm, no foul to fight on behalf of another. There were certain rules of engagement of course: no killing, no looting, no torture, and above all else, show respect.

Nyguyen would honor that code and he expected Inarie to do the same.

"Understandable. I trust there will be no hard feelings then...."

If Inarie responded in the affirmative, he'd take that as a sign that she was ready. He'd lurch forwards drawing his short blade and gripping it in one hand, praying-mantis style. He entered close quarters range with Inarie and attempted to slash at her arms and chest. They were precise cuts. The man's goal was to lacerate and render her arms useless while causing her to give up from bleed damage. Once he had incapacitated her, he could move on to his true targets.

Stamina: 105/110

Active: Sharingan Tomoe 3

Used:
Praying Mantis Wushu: 5 CP [Kenjutsu/Taijutsu Reduction]


Stats
Strength: C
Constitution: B
Stamina: C
Speed: C
Coordination: A (Praying Mantis Wushu)-> A++
Intelligence: C
Perception: C (Sharingan Tomoe 3)-> B

-1 Tier to the opponent's Perception for the purpose of tracking the user's movements.

It was pleasant to know that no matter what side they were on when it came to battles they would still respect each other. A ghost of a smile appears on her lips in acknowledgement of this fact.

"You trust correctly sir." As Nyguyen drew his rather dangerous looking tanto, Inarie and her clones drew out their katanas with the level of grace of a dancer yet precise. Inarie became almost relaxed as she wielded her katana, trading raw power for a better sense of coordination. While Nyguyen charged forward, Inarie and her clones initiated a different yet familiar dance. In a high speed to which both Inarie and Nyguyen could track with focus. Simultaneously, Inarie and her clones charged forward to Nyguyen. However, once Inarie and her clones get within 5 meters of Nyguyen. All three including Inarie projects a crackling aura of Raiton that expands up to 5 meter radius. This aura was only temporary as the clones were coming in by Nyguyen's flanks and practically the auras would attempt to sandwich Nyguyen before they get dispelled from connecting against each other.

This attempt is to stun Nyguyen while also causing his nerves to be susceptible to pain. Whether it is successful or failure, Inarie will continue to engage Nyguyen in close quarters by swinging her titanium katana downward against Nyguyen. This is an attempt of slashing into his right shoulder while also serving to block the first slash of Nyguyen. Simultaneously Inarie's two clones slash against Nyguyen's left side against the ribs and a slash against Nyguyen's back right thigh. None of which are lethal assuming he gets medical treatment, but otherwise the pain might incapacitate him. The combined strikes made Inarie's blades contain more force behind it. In the case these simultaneous strikes along with the auras connected, Inarie does take care not to let her sword bite too deep where she might have sliced through an artery.

---

Inarie;
Activated One With The Blade -5CP (+1 tier Coordination, -1 tier Strength)

Used Draconic Aura -3CP (Affinity, C rank Raiton and inflicts a 2 minus debuff to Constitution)
Used Dance of the Crescent Moon -10CP (Maneuver)
Used Dance of the Azure Blossom -5CP (Fighting Style)

Strength: D++ (UA+Blossom) > C++ (Crescent Moon if all 3 strikes connects)
Constitution: C (B++ v. Physical)
Stamina: C+
Speed: A (Crescent Moon - B if all 3 strikes connects)
Coordination: B+ (UA+Blossom) > A (Crescent Moon)
Intelligence: C
Perception: B+

Stamina: 112/135

---

Shadow Clones X2;

Used Draconic Aura -3CP Affinity
Used Dance of the Azure Blossom -5CP
Used Dance of the Crescent Moon (User paid)

Strength: C++ (Azure Blossom) > B++ (Crescent Moon if all 3 strikes hit)
Constitution: C
Stamina: C+
Speed: A (Crescent Moon - traded boost over to Strength if all 3 strikes hit)
Coordination: B+ (Crescent Moon+Azure Blossom)
Intelligence: C
Perception: B+ (Azure Blossom)

Stamina (Both): 37/45

Nyguyen trusted his Sharingan. He had spent years honing it much to the neglect of other aspects of his training. It had never steered him wrong and today was no exception. Before Inarie unleashed the Draconic Aura, Nyguyen could see accurately predict what was going to happen. The Hokage stopped on his tracks and pivoted backwards just where one of the clones would be emerging. He used the momentum of his attempted slash to instead drop the tanto and grab it by the chain attached to the mechanism on his wrist, he swung the tool around and lowered himself spinning dramatically to catch the clones and Inarie in a ground slash. The intent was to get them off their footing so that he could control the tempo of the fight. If this failed, then Nyguyen would execute a few well-timed backflips to ensure distance between him and the lightning aura clones.

I must find a way around that raiton shield....

(Given Scare's absence and his stated inability to RP fight threads, he has given me permission to declare victory for this fight)

Nyguyen engaged in a hard fought battle with Inarie Yoru-Kaguya. The two were closely matched but ultimately Nyguyen's experience (and abuse of the 8 Gates) prevailed. He knocked her unconscious and moved forward to decimate the opposing side's forces. The Land of Bears troops that had been retreating were all slaughtered by an angry Hokage who was still hopped up on the power of the Chakra Gates. Nyg didn't like to think of himself as a killer but Konoha's relationship with Waterfalls was too important to jeopardize. They simply had to ensure their ally prevailed in this fight.

Exit