Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Aug 10, 2005 11:46:12 GMT -5
It was early morning when Kaori and Akina stood alone at the head of the small caravan, in full disguise. The Konoha party would be masquerading as a group of normal villagers who had come to Konoha to escape the war, with ANBU disguising themselves as Chuunin and Jounin hired to protect the travelers. The wooden ox-drawn wagons served two purposes: one was to play into their disguise, and another was to carry the supplies they would need for a long trek across the desert. A few shinobi traveling alone would do just fine in a pinch with what they could carry on their backs, but not only was that unwise with such a large group, but it also went against custom for a premeditated diplomatic visit. There were also their attackers to be worried about....
"Where is everybody?" Kaori asked irritatedly, adjusting her pale blue yukata. She didn't like wearing such restricting clothes, but it was necessary. Akina seemed to manage just fine in hers, green with sakura blossoms, but Akina had always been more ladylike than Kaori would ever be. "They're probably making sure they didn't forget anything," Akina mused. "Ah, look, here comes somebody now!"
Sure enough, the ANBU squads were approaching. Two full squads would be accompanying the party on this trip. Surely six ANBU would be able to handle anything they might come up with.... hopefully. Kaori went over to greet them, and while the other shinobi were making their way to the caravan and putting their things on the wagons - Akina soon hurried off to settle a dispute between a few rowdy Genin who had each decided that one specific spot was the only suitable place for their things and could be heard scolding them for acting like children, and when she left them, they had learned their lesson about commenting on her stature - Kaori went over the plans for the journey with the ANBU one last time. Soon the sun was its own height above the horizon, signaling their departure.
Leaping onto the top of the lead wagon, Kaori surveyed the group. Akina was now explaining to someone the importance of not wearing a forehead protector when they were supposed to be hiding their shinobi status, and Kaori couldn't help wondering how, with an attitude like that, the child had made it this far as it is. She shook her head and continued her inspection. Everything seemed to be in order. The ANBU were already taking their places among the caravan. It was time to begin.
A simple single-handed gesture was all she needed. Infusing her chakra into the air, she compacted it tightly, then suddenly cut it loose - the result was a very loud clap like thunder, and it had its desired effect. Everybody dropped what they were doing and turned on the spot to look at her. The first real rays of sunlight broke over the trees and fell on her wagon-top just as a morning breeze stirred up. Another, slightly more complicated hand seal would ensure that her voice carried far enough to be heard by everyone.
"Good morning, everyone!" She said in a perfectly normal volume, but it carried. Even those in the very back would be able to hear her, but anyone standing outside the caravan would wonder what everyone was listening to. "Today we start for Hidden Sand Village in the Wind Country. It will be a journey of about three days, so don't wear yourselves out walking. If you need a break, ride on the wagons - but do not get into the supplies unless you're ordered to. Remember, we're supposed to be in disguise. Act like it, or one of the ANBU will come to correct you. In case of an encounter-" the emphasis she put on the word said that she actually meant 'attack' "-you are to take cover and not fight unless your life is threatened, or unless I give the command. The ANBU will protect us should anything happen. If there is an emergency, find the nearest ANBU and report it. That is all. We're wasting time sitting here, so let's go!" Her final shout seemed to get everyone fired up, as the whole caravan let out a loud shout.
"That wasn't exactly the reaction I had in mind," Kaori remarked to Akina once she had leaped down off the wagon-top and they made their way inside Kaori's former platform to have an important talk. "Well, that wasn't exactly the speech most people had in mind, either," Akina replied with a grin. "What can I say?" the yukata-bound Hokage said with a shrug. "I wasn't in the mood for yet another formal speech. Goodness knows I've given enough of those lately." Akina shook her head with a rueful laugh. It was all too true.
As soon as the door shut behind them, the wagon lurched into motion. They were off.
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Post by Kiri on Aug 11, 2005 3:07:03 GMT -5
Nada had left home rather quietly, letting her father sleep and leaving only a note for him. It had ended up being rather lengthy, between the goodbye and the extensive list of things he had to be reminded to do. She had given up when she came to items such as "eat three times a day" and "don't stay up all night working."
She felt like she was the mother of the world's most unruly five year old.
As she walked down the quiet streets, lugging her things, she couldn't help but feel strange. It was the first time in a while that she had worn normal clothing. She was dressed totally in black and wearing a skirt--something that had become foreign to her. She felt incredibly ackward.
She could see the caravan up ahead. There didn't seem to be too many people there, yet. From what she could make out, it was almost totally ANBU members and, of course, the Hokage and her assistant. She approached and put her belongings where she was directed to.
By the time she had that taken care of, more people were starting to arrive. She moved away, leaving room to access the carts. Her eyes scanned the group of people, looking for her genin, but she didn't see them yet. Just a few moments later, the Hokage started to speak.
Nada listened to instructions quietly, filing them all in the back of her mind. She couldn't help laughing as Kaori finished her speech and almost everyone erupted with a shout. Although it wasn't so much the shouting she was laughing about, but Hokage's reaction to it after she hopped down off of the wagon she'd been standing on.
As the group set off, the jounin looked around once more for her team. Furrowing her brows, she scanned the crowd until she finally spotted them. Smiling slightly, she waved, hoping to catch their attention.
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Post by Sorien on Aug 11, 2005 3:33:59 GMT -5
It was early morning. Sorien was up bright and early as usual. However something unusual to Sorien was his unsteady nerves. This was to be a very important mission, journey to the sand country. Sand. Sorien didn’t really like the idea of that so much; he could survive in the forest for years without even trying. But the sand was a different story. All of this was going through his mind as he was getting into his civvy clothes. For a clear mind, he tied his headband tightly around his forehead with a ‘vooh’ sound. He took a look in his mirror, and quickly reinstated to himself what this would be like. With a few deep breathes he packed his forehead protector back into his pack, slung it over his back, and made his way out the door.
“It’s a shame that we’re leaving so early, I could do with some morning training as a warm up. I’m a little blurry this morning”. Sorien thought to himself as he made his way to the assigned meeting point. As he walked he inhaled the fresh, cool morning air, and took in the sounds of the birds in full song. “Still not as loud as…” His thoughts tapered off. “What a nice morning though.”
Sorien made his way promptly to the site. He soon saw the Hokage’s plan in motion. “Wow, that’s quite an elaborate guise. Instead of asking the Hokage what to do first, he approached a similar height ANBU member, and asked what to do next. He did as he was instructed and then plonked himself on the ground in thought. Sitting, absorbing the entirety of the events going around him, Sorien closed his eyes and listened to everything happening around him. He over most things heard a lady heading around with great authority in her voice…he listened closer… “Forehead protector? In civvy clothes? That’s really quite taking the cake, I wonder why Hokage-sama invited that person here. Ah well…” Sorien opened his eyes again, and looked up when the authoritative voice crunched past on the ground past him. His eyes fell upon a short red haired woman. “Wow…she isn’t all tall as she sounds. That just re-instates that just cos you’re short doesn’t mean that you’re not strong. Heh…I’d like to see Mazz take a few jabs at her like he does me…I take things as a joke…but…her well I’m not to sure.” Sorien closed his eyes again, and listened to the activity.
His eyes snapped open as a crack of sound whipped through the air. “Crikey, what the….ohh…” Sorien stopped thinking when he found the source of the noise. He listened to the Hokage’s speech right the way through, then darting his eyes to her side, where the red haired woman stood. “We're wasting time sitting here, so let's go!" said Kaori, Sorien agreed, and at the same time, roused by the speech. Just as he was about to consider what to do, something caught his eye.
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Hatake Hiroshi
Lieutenant Hokage
Konoha's #1 Hunter-nin
Beat me brother, with a solid four!
Posts: 1,194
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Post by Hatake Hiroshi on Aug 11, 2005 22:14:43 GMT -5
Kohana was up bright and early, excited and ready to head out. She pulled on the outfit she had laid neatly over her chair the night before. She sighed as she gazed in the mirror at herself. Bleh. It was so plain, so normal. She was wearing a pair of tight black capri-like pants with purple seams running down the sides, and a loose-fitting purple tank with a 3/4 length sleeved fishnet shirt underneath. And of course her regular dark blue sandals. She grabbed her bag and headed out into the living room, where she found both of her parents waiting for her.
She bid them both fairwell, and promised she'd stay close to Aijou if anything were to go wrong. She then headed out the front door towards the meeting spot.
Off in the distance, she could see the caravan. Several ANBU had arrived already, as well as a few others. She could recognize her brother and his squad right away. And it was pretty hard to miss Ryuji's flaming red hair and loud, cheery voice. She arrived at the caravan soon enough, and she met up with her big brother and gave him a big morning hug.
After greeting her brother and the rest of his squad, she searched around to see if she could find Nada-sensei, or Maz, or Iro, but her search was cut short as everyone's attention was soon on the Hokage. She gave them her speech, and the rules. The crowd gave a loud shout as she concluded her speech. Kohana looked around again as the group began heading out. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted someone waving at her.
She turned to see that it was Nada-sensei. "Nada-sensei!" she called out, waving back at her as she ran to greet her.
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Sergeant Tenny
ANBU Member
BETA Tech Team Member On Military Leave
Posts: 324
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Post by Sergeant Tenny on Aug 11, 2005 22:45:06 GMT -5
Masato looked quickly around his flat, making sure that he had not left anything in his haste. Pulling at the high collar of the farmer's outfit he wore over his sleeveless tee, he wished for the thousandth time that this mission wasn't undercover. He shrugged, figuring that if Hokage-sama said they needed disguises, they probably did. Picking up one more box of smoke bombs, he decided that if he had forgottten anything else, he could probably get a hold of a replacement somewhere along the way. He bent down, put the smoke bombs in his cargo pockets, snugged the cloth wrapping around the katana and two ninja-to at his feet, taking special care to wrap his favorite blade tightly. Stuffing his forehead protector in his pack, he hefted his gear, stepped out, and locked the door behind him.
He arrived at the wagon train and set his gear down in the first open spot he could find that would be both concealing and easily accessible. He reached into his pack and pulled out a large, round straw hat of the type favored by farmers. He put it on, knowing he looked ridiculous, but at the same time, felt better prepared, being able to activate his byakugan without passerby being able to see the telltale veins popping out around his eyes. He walked back and sat down on the back of the wagon, waiting for everyone else to arrive.
Suddenly hearing a loud crack, Masato jumped to his feet, byakugan active and a kunai that had been hidden behind his back in hand. He relaxed quickly when he realized that it was merely an attention-getter for Hokage-sama's speech. He listened to the speech attentively, planning on just absorbing the knowledge from another dull speech, but instead found himself highly motivated by her seemingly ad-libbed morale booster. As soon as the speech was over, he found himself shouting "Yosh!" alongside much of the caravan. Perhaps this could turn out to be a very interesting trip after all.
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Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Aug 12, 2005 4:43:27 GMT -5
Packed into a single bag. All his gears for the next week or two he'd easily packed into one large bag. A few clothes -- including his normal outfit (which he considered lucky), and his more formal outfit (which was to be brought at the request of Hokage) -- as well as some food. His father also told him to take Kage-ryu-ken, which he placed at the bottom of his bag: if this outing had been declared S-rank, Maz would need all the help he can get, in case he came across some sort of trouble. Kagemaru also offered to give Maz some money, but he refused: he pointed out that his father had already given him his Ninja Express card, and that he didn't need anything more.
"Welp, time for me to go." "Okay, son... you looking forward to it?" "Sorta. It'll be cool." "Hehe, alright. Well, see you when you get back. Behave yourself." Maz nodded, and hugged his father, before a familiar black fog enveloped his bag; with a whoosh both shadow and bag had disappeared from the Adarakis house.
* * * * * * *
Maz managed to hitch a ride to the designated meeting place – a group of Genin who he remembered seeing at the meeting were walking together. The shapeless Maz smiled as he quickly zipped from building to person, waiting until they crossed the street, then dashing along the shadows of the numerous stores until he was in front of them, and waited for them to catch up to him. When they passed through the shadow of the large building he was in, he slowly and gently moved underneath them and followed them right underneath their nose. Easy as pie.
When the three (or for that matter, four) arrived at the site, the Genin began to discuss where to put their things down. They were busy arguing over where to place their belongings when a woman with bright red hair, who Maz instantly recognised as Akina, began telling them off for acting like children. They began to talk back to her, making a comment about her size -- between them they thought this was a smart comment, and the Genin who said it smirked at Akina. Maz knew what was coming, and if it weren't for the major earbeating they were getting from Akina, the Genin probably would've heard Mazrakiel laughing at them.
Feeling heated at having just been scolded, the Genin picked up their gears and started moving over to one of the wagons, where Akina had ordered them to put their gears. They quietly cursed and threw their bags onto the back of the wagon with a half-hearted groan; but before their bag had even hit the pile of belongings, a figure appeared suddenly on top of the heap, clutching his own bag, as well as something else which resembled a magazine. In fact, it was a magazine. And it wasn't for kids. The Genin leapt up in fright of the sudden appearance of the figure, Mazrakiel.
Maz held up the magazine, and with a disgusted look on his face, glanced over the cover of the booklet.
"Come Come Paradise... third volume, hmm?" Maz said casually.
One of the Genin -- the one who'd made the comment about Akina's size -- looked closely at the magazine in Maz's hand. It was his.
"Hey, how'd you... GIVE THAT BACK!!" "I didn't think children were supposed to be reading this sort of material." "Hey, I'm not a child! Give it back!" "I wonder if I should report this to Tokoharu-san..." "Who, her? What, she's just a li--" Maz interrupted. "I hope you're not going to insult her again. I would hate to see you shamed twice in one day." "I wasn't sh... you shut--" And before he could even finish the sentence, Maz flicked the book at the Genin -- leaving a faint red mark where it connected with his forehead -- before climbing out of the wagon and wandering off to find out what to do with his gears.
And as for the Genin? They began pointing at the 'leader', making comments about his forehead.
He spotted Nadameru placing her belongings in a wagon a little while away. Maz walked over to it, where a Jounin sensei was handling more belongings and piling them up. After he took Maz's bag and placing it inside, the Adarakis casually put his hands in his pockets and walked around looking for his team-mates until his next instruction -- which undoubtedly wouldn't come until all the gears were packed.
Thinking about the trip ahead, Mazrakiel was most certainly dressed for the desert. Not. He wore a plain grey t-shirt and black pants. His cape was turned inside out, so as not to show the Adarakis symbol on its outside, to protect him from the wind. Not that it was especially windy at the moment, but when they reached the desert things would undoubtedly pick up.
While lost in his thoughts, a loud crack, almost like thunder, ripped through the air. Maz suffered a minor fright, and turned around. On top of the lead wagon, Kaori stood, speaking to the group of people she was about to take to the Wind Country. Maz, finding himself closer to the back of the caravan now, began walking towards the front, hoping to get a better view.
The trip would be about three days, according to Hokage. "That's a while," Maz thought to himself. He wondered if they would be moving constantly for that whole time. Mind you, the wagons were there to carry them if they felt tired.
Maz finally found a spot where he could clearly see Hokage -- right as she finished her speech. The crowd let out a loud shout. And with that, he saw Kaori drop down and out of sight from his perspective. That wasn't the only thing he saw though...
He pulled a friendly gesture at Sorien, acknowledging his presence. It seemed his friend had noticed him too. He walked over to Sorien, and gave him a cheery greeting, urging him to stand as the caravan was now on its way.
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Post by Kiri on Aug 13, 2005 22:07:10 GMT -5
Nadameru smiled as Kohana ran up to her. Falling into step with the girl, she moved along with the rest of the caravan. "G'morning, Kohana. How are you?"
Letting her eyes roam, she spotted Maz talking to another boy. That was good. At least she was sure now that he had made it. She would have to keep an eye out for Iro.
There were certainly a lot of people going along. She hadn't noticed so much at the meeting, but it was a large group. Silently, she noted the number of ANBU coming. She began to wonder what exactly made this an S-Rank mission. It was concerning.
"So," she murmured, wanting to derail that train of thought, "anyone else you know coming along?" she asked Kohana.
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Post by UchihaJyounochi on Aug 14, 2005 8:22:39 GMT -5
Iro was double checking all the belongings in his bag. He was getting ready to set off on his most important mission ever, and he was nervous. After assuring himself that he had everything he needed he headed downstairs. His parents had breakfast already prepared for him when he got to the kitchen. "You know you don't have to go on this mission Iro." his Father told him as Iro took a bite of his sandwich. "Dad, I have to do this, you understand." "Yes, we do, but you understand that we're just concerned for your safety" his mother said as she poured him a glass of water. "Yah... thanks." Iro took the last bite of his breakfast and downed the glass of water. He hugged his parents and headed out the door. He felt completely awkward, with unusual clothes on, and nothing covering his sensitive eys. He was currently wearing a plain green tee-shirt and baije cargo shorts. After a few minutes he could see the caravan and the people busily milling around it. He immediately began looking around the caravan for his teammates; it would be hard to find them in civilian clothing. After a few minutes he found a free ANBU and was directed to where he should place his belongings. There was a loud noise, and Iro nearly fell over as his ears began ringing. Hokage-sama's voice split the newly created silence. After she had finished up her speech, everyone let out a loud cheer. Iro chuckled at the crowd. After Hokage-sama had finished speaking, everyone began milling about, making the final preparations to leave. Iro finally found Maz near the front of the crowd with someone Iro didn't recognize. Iro walked up to where Maz was and waved, "Hey there Maz!"
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Hatake Hiroshi
Lieutenant Hokage
Konoha's #1 Hunter-nin
Beat me brother, with a solid four!
Posts: 1,194
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Post by Hatake Hiroshi on Aug 14, 2005 13:44:40 GMT -5
As Kohana met up with Nada, she was greeted with "G'morning, Kohana. How are you?"
Kohana smiled. "I'm fine, thank you!" She then looked around, spotting Maz out of the corner of her eye. Wow, he actually made it! she thought. This is going to be an interesting trip...I wonder where Iro is?
Her thought was interrupted my a question from her sensei. "So, anyone else you know coming along?"
Kohana grinned. "Yep yep! My big brother is coming... and so is the rest of his squad. I've known them all my entire life! Would you like to meet them, Nada-sensei?"
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Post by Sorien on Aug 14, 2005 16:22:25 GMT -5
Sorien twisted his head around to look at the person. He was correct. It was Mazz. He watched as Mazz made his way over. Sorien got to his feet and made his way over to Mazz, prompted by some expressions. "Yo. You made it mate. Good to see ya. Haven't seen ya these past couple of days. Whatcha been up to?" queried Sorien. Before Mazz could answer, a tall lad with silver coloured hair approached him. When trying to make eye contact with the young man, he noticed he was squinting. "Hey there Maz!".
Sorien felt a little irritated by the intrusion, but didn't show anything. Instead he turned with a cheer in his voice. "Good mornin', you're a tall lad ain'tcha?"
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Post by UchihaJyounochi on Aug 14, 2005 17:39:39 GMT -5
As Iro approached Maz, the person he didn't know responded to him, " "Good mornin', you're a tall lad ain'tcha?" "
Iro stopped mid-step. He didn't really know how to respond to this person.
"Sorry, i didn't mean to interrupt... Maz, do you happen to know where Nada-sensei or Kohana-sama are?"
Iro did feel somewhat awkward, he had obviously intruded on the conversation of old friends.
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Post by Kiri on Aug 14, 2005 19:11:41 GMT -5
"Yep yep!" Kohana responded. "My big brother is coming... and so is the rest of his squad. I've known them all my entire life! Would you like to meet them, Nada-sensei?"
"Sure," Nada replied. Why not? It was going to be a long trip, and there wasn't much else to do. She needed to meet new people, anyway. Otherwise, she'd end up spending all of her time with her father for the rest of her life.
That thought induced a tiny wince.
"Lead the way," she told Kohana with a tentative smile.
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Hatake Hiroshi
Lieutenant Hokage
Konoha's #1 Hunter-nin
Beat me brother, with a solid four!
Posts: 1,194
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Post by Hatake Hiroshi on Aug 14, 2005 21:09:02 GMT -5
Sure...Lead the way. Nada replied to Kohana's invitation.
She smiled. "Come on!" She waved for Nada to follow her. She led her through the crowd of travelers to where Aijou was. He was busy conversing with Haruki and Ryuji about random things, acting like a normal guy.
"Hey, Aijou!" she exclaimed as she jumped at him and threw her arms around his neck.
Aijou grabbed hold of Kohana and wrestled her into a headlock. "Hey there, kiddo! Think you could get me did ya?!"
"NO!" Kohana struggled to get out. "I just wanted you to meet my sensei! Let me go." Aijou eased up and let Kohana go.
"This is Nadameru-sensei!" Kohana chimed as she pulled Nada into clear view. "Nada-sensei, this is my big brother Aijou...." she paused as Aijou smacked Ryuji in the back of the head.
"Hey! Kohana's trying to introduce us to someone! Stop being rude," he said sternly. Ryuji turned his attention to Kohana, as did Haruki. "These two are the other ANBU in my squad....Ryuji and Haruki."
"Hiya!" Ryuji said cheerfully, waving at Nada once.
Haruki smiled weakly, his ice-blue eyes shimmering in the sunlight. "Hello. Nice to meet you, Nadameru," he said in his nice, deep voice, holding out a hand towards her.
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Post by Kiri on Aug 14, 2005 21:36:40 GMT -5
Nada followed Kohana through the crowd, dodging people as she went. She raised a slender eyebrow as Kohana pounced a tall man with white hair and blue eyes. Aijou... so this was the brother, then. Nadameru could certainly see the resemblance.
The jounin smiled politely as Kohana introduced her. "Nice to...." she trailed off, watching Aijou hit one of the other men he was with upside the head.
"These two are the other ANBU in my squad....Ryuji and Haruki," Aijou said.
"Hiya!" the redhead--Ryuji--said cheerfully, waving. Fighting the impulse to laugh, Nadameru gave a quick nod, grinning.
She let her eyes wander to the one Aijou had introduced as Haruki. He gave a slight smile. Goodness, but those were some blue eyes....
"Hello. Nice to meet you, Nadameru," he said in a pleasant, deep voice, extending a hand to her.
Nada nearly tripped over her own feet.
Trying to regain whatever composure she could, heat rising to her face, she quickly took his hand and shook it. "L... likewise," she managed to reply.
Oh dear.
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Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Aug 15, 2005 1:46:48 GMT -5
The convoy was moving. Maz and Sorien had just started to converse when all of a sudden, Iro approached him.
"Hey Maz, do you know where Nada-sensei or Kohana-sama are?" "Uhhh, no, sorry. I haven't seen them yet."
Maz introduced them to each other. "Iro, this is my friend, Sorien. Him and I go back to when we first graduated as Genin, don't we?"
"Sorien, this is Iro." He'd talked to Sorien before about them. Now he could put a face to the name.
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