The Forgotten History

The blistering heat is simply aggravating to say the least due to the sand hot as fire rubbing into Akeno's footwear. Thankfully she can wear some socks that somewhat protects her feet from the sand. Granted she can still feel the heat through the cloth. Akeno is a 5’10” woman with wavy long hair that is like looking at a river of darkness. Wearing a linen tank top and the cheap mesh shirt. Over her shirt is Konoha's flak jacket. The very same that was entrusted to her when she first came to Konoha. Two scrolls can be seen in the scroll pockets over her left shoulder, one of which contains five way kunai and the other contains the money Akeno stole from Iwagakure.

On her waist is a utility belt that is covered by a silk sash that once held a crimson color. However it now has tears and the color has been faded due to years of being out in the wilderness. Her legs covered by a sand colored linen pants to keep her body cool from the dry heat. Slung over her shoulder is a bag that contains her supplies and change of clothes. Her canteens of water hanging by a leather strap along the side of her bag. Akeno's right arm that is essentially mechanical yet has exquisite quality and design that if not for the very faint lines between the plates it could pass off as a real arm. Winds were blowing sand off the dunes as the scorching sun hangs low over the west.

Cliffs of rock can be seen rising and falling for a distance as wind seems to blow a bit stronger through here. That is, until finally through a gap within a large ring of sandstone can be seen through the cliff. Large enough for Akeno to slip through provided she takes her bag off her shoulders and carries it by hand behind her. It was pretty narrow and tight, and it extended for a good fifty meters of just walking sideways until finally Akeno squeezes through upon a large opening. Like a roar of a beast sounds of water falls from the small open in the ceiling into what appears to be a bay of clear water. Stone that resembles large roots crosses over this Oasis as light streams in from above. At the right angle Akeno can even make out the small part of a rainbow.

However what really caught her attention is the large slab of stone behind the waterfall that has strange characters and occasionally a drawing of something illegible can be seen. Akeno maneuvers through the bay of water to behind the waterfall. As she was closer now, her hair dripping from the water soaked. Wiping the excess water away from her eyes so that she can actually make out the stone. It has long been eroded in many years of weathering and judging from the sheer amount of sand this slab might have been a wall from an ancient civilization building.

”Well you're an old thing aren't you… I wonder if there is something hidden behind you.” Akeno spoke more to herself as she finds what she originally thought was a crack in the stone might actually be an outline to a door. Yet there is no keyhole or anything of the like to be found. So Akeno started to investigate things such as touching random rocks and even pushing/lifting said rocks over to see if there is a mechanical switch. Granted from the years of wind erosion and perhaps weathering from the nearby water can do wonders to any mechanism and civilization. Who knows how many empires rose and fell that are hidden within the sand dunes? At one point Akeno stripped of her jacket and took several laps underwater digging through the sand. Then finally underneath the waterfall Akeno felt something solid. At first she thought it was just a rock so she tried to dig around it to move it. Only to the find that it wouldn't budge. Swimming up to the surface for a moment letting the sand settle before diving back under. It appears to be a smooth rectangle brick about five meters down below the waterfall.

After several attempts of brushing aside the sand around it and trying to pry it open. She finally gives it a push and streams of air bubbles rise up from around the brick as the slab gave in. Akeno swam up to grab her breath, but there was no change in that wall. So Akeno swam back down to give it a second push and then a third as the brick sank all the way into what can be assumed is a pedestal of sorts. Akeno heard something click and rumbles can be felt within the water that the Phoenix swam up to the surface to investigate the source. Sure enough, the strange slab of stone happens to be a doorway. A section of it slid to the left as thick amounts of sand pours into the opening. Climbing out of the water to retrieve her flak jacket. Akeno approached the opening to discover that this door is actually taller, but the sand has made it seem smaller as the stone floor is about five meters below. Thankfully Akeno can just slide down the slope of sand to it. However it was incredibly dark that only the sun streaming from the Oasis is the light source.

Still with a little concentration of chakra to her left palm, she creates a small ball of pale blue light that she holds up to chest level creating illumination in front of her. As she walks forward more of those drawings of what can be better described as animals along the walls. This was a corridor that stretched forward twenty meters straight before splitting off into two paths. One was to the right, and the other is the left. Either way it was eerily silent save for her breathing. Both paths stretched onward for ten meters since that was the extent of her light, yet there was nothing in clear detail of which way was what. What's more as this flooring is actual leveled stone that has been chiseled by hand for each block Akeno walks. The ceiling was made of sandstone that held chiseled features untouched by time.

Unsure Akeno might have been, the Phoenix decided to take the path on the left as her steps are light on the stone yet surprisingly there was no echo. Even her ears popped from the silence as they ring. After twenty meters down the corridor Akeno comes upon a flight of spiral stairs leading downward. No railing unfortunately, and as Akeno peers over the center there was nothing but darkness greeting her. Cautiously, Akeno steps on the top of the stairs to test it before applying her full weight. Surprisingly it held without creaking or making any noise aside from the faint scrape of her shoe. So Akeno begins descending to the bottom which was about ten meters.

The tireless pursuit of Akeno was finally coming to an end. Although the sand didn't hold Akeno's tracks well given the conditions, her scent still remained. A squad of four Shinobi marched through the ripping winds. Three of the four members were nearly identical. They wore black sandals, loose fitting black pants, and a long sleeve black top. They each were equipped with a unique assortment of martial weapons which were all stored on their utility belts along with a single hip pouch and a pair of blue holsters on their right side. One of the cloaked men had a Kusarigama on his belt with the chain and weight neatly coiled up for storage. Another was equipped with a pair of Senju Wood tonfa which he tucked in his belt around the back side with the handles sticking out either end for quick access. Lastly, the final man had a pair of Sai tucked into the front part of his belt. These were lethal, military Sai with sharpened points instead of the traditional blunt tips which were commonly used for demonstration. The men each wore a flak jacket over their long sleeve shirt. This entire affair was covered by each of their cloaks with their hoods pulled over their heads. The men wore distinctive wooden masks with red paint. One was of a Jackal, one of a Lion, and the last as a Hawk. The final member of the party was unique from the rest, the most notable feature being a female.

Her outfit was a bit different from her usual garb as she appeared more battle-ready than usual. Masuyo dressed in her standard gear choosing not to wear the common Hokage garb. 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 two tool pouches around her back side and a canteen to the far left next to her signature long sword, Blacktongue.

A titanium mail 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 and fitted with steel plated inserts making the jacket like a more flexible breastplate having the steel in all parts of her leather. The jacket was zipped up and secure firmly on her body. She wore a pair of banded steel arm guards which protected the backs of her hands and down to her elbows with a narrow soft spot on the backs of her wrists to allow freedom of movement. Around her forehead Masuyo wears her forehead protector as it should. The black cloth is tied in a knot around the back side of her head keeping her hair in place with the steel plate facing the front for identification. The steel plate has Konoha's emblem engraved on the front. She wore a piece of cloth around her face up to her nose acting as a face mask. 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. Covering her entire body was a large black cloak with the hood up like the rest of her squad.

She led the group with her Yari in her right hand using it as a walking stick. The party stayed quiet, each of them alert for any visitors they may encounter in the desert. Unlike the mountains or forest the desert was dead. Masuyo only encountered two sidewinders which quickly made itself away from the group. It was no place to call home. She had no doubt why the Sand village failed in such unforgivable terms. The group followed Akeno's trail until they reached a crevice. A guarded hand made its way up to Masuyo's mask as she pulled it down taking a few whiffs through her nose. Her scent was the strongest it had every been since she started tracking her in Iwagakure, albeit a little sweatier. "She's really close. She must've taken shelter in here." Equipping her mask over her face she'd kneel down on the sand setting her spear beside her before slamming both palms onto the ground.

Her chakra race to influence the earth which made up the canyon walls. A chunk of earth fifty meters in length, five meters wide, and five meters above ground level would suddenly break away from the rest of the construct and shift downwards creating a rectangular five meter high and wide tunnel leading straight to the oasis. Akeno was an earth user herself. She figured it would be foolish to sandwich her and her allies between such narrow corridors of earth when she could be waiting for them any moment. "Let's go." Masuyo picked up her spear before moving forward into the oasis.

Traveling through the tunnel led them to a respite. She approached the body of water, bend over on her hands and knees, and take a refreshing slur of the water. She'd swish it around in her mouth to test it for purity before swallowing. The water was brisk and refreshing. Better than what she had swishing around in her canteen for days now. She'd replace her water supply as did the ANBU with their own water skins as Masuyo pulled her mask back over her face. Admittedly these last few days have made me sore...I guess the office job has really done a number on my performance. The pit they were in helped preserve Akeno's presence. A trail of wet sand and foot prints led straight into an entryway. "Wait out here. This could very much be a trap." Masuyo leaned her spear against her body as she held the Shadow Clone seal. Creating a replica of herself the clone would descend into the cavern taking a Zippo lighter from her pocket to help illuminate the corridors.

The clone followed Akeno's path to the last detail before finally finding her. She stood just outside a stairwell peering down into the abyss. The clone would pull down its mask and hood using her single free hand before speaking out. "Running getting a bit tiring? Because chasin' you certainly has." The clone's eyes would shift to the side identifying a sconce. There was no surprise some lighting system existed in those deep ruins. Seeing how primitive it was she figured this belonged to an old culture before gas and electricity existed. The tinder would help the fire burn as the old torch lit. The wood was still good which was beneficial for the both of them. The clone closed her lighter allowing the natural torch light illuminate the corridor. She'd slip the lighter back in her pocket and place both hands on her hips before speaking directly to Akeno who stood on the far end of the corridor, a mere ten meters from her. "Ain't it a shame? You spent your entire life training for the perfect body and mind just to die in a dusty tomb in the middle of this barren wasteland."

Cheap Liquor: 3/10 Duration

The Stuff:

NPC Group:

Masuyo's clone:

A whisper, or something that was faintly audible within these stone walls. Either way it echoed through the walls that Akeno barely heard it. What if she woken up something down here? That was hard to believe if one didn't believe such a possibility existed. Akeno kept walking through this place until finally she heard a familiar voice coming from above the staircase. She recognized it almost immediately as a sigh escapes from her lips.

”Why did you of all people had to hunt me down… Well I can't say that I'm surprised either way.” Akeno spoke, but she kept walking down the 15 meter corridor as it leads to a large opening. It essentially was a dome of 40 meters with several openings. The ground was surprisingly marble although not the shiny marble kind. It held a particular design of a turtle with various marks on the shell and limbs. Akeno wagered that this civilization believed in animism. Akeno figured that this should do nicely as she dropped the light embracing the darkness as Akeno weave the three hand seals allowing the chakra to build and flow through her feet as she walked to the center of the dome. If Masuyo jumps down or walks down the stairs illuminated by her only torch for 10 meters out. She'll see within the darkness multiple webs of fiery red lines spread out to cover approximately 37.5 meter square of this dome.

Suddenly three geysers of molten fire erupts closer to Masuyo's entrance as the geysers stretched 10 meters high before raining droplets of lava 3 meters out from each other. Considering the spacing of each other one meter each and each geyser was a meter radius together they link a full ten meter half crescent line. Slithering from the pools of lava that briefly illuminates the dome casting shadows everywhere as heat increases dramatically is multiple tendrils of lava. Each slithering like snakes yet each seemed to be aiming roughly at Masuyo's direction. Two more geysers of lava burst from the ground closer to the center about five meters behind Akeno as she stood looking at Masuyo and a duo of tendrils slither around behind Akeno ready to lash out at a moment's notice. Thick black smoke lingers in the air that climbs up to the ceiling from the pits. In short, this was Akeno's domain, and no earth user has control over the earth since the very ground they stand on is just pure lava under this crust of stone. With the tendrils essentially forming a thick wall it would be fairly difficult to jump straight for Akeno without sustaining heavy injuries from the lava itself.

”I might die here miss Kaede, but know that I will tear everything down before the night is out and my beating heart stops. Wanna kill me? By all means come and do so if you can.” There wasn't much of playful atmosphere with Akeno this time. Her eyes of molten gold seems to glow from the heavy smoke and fiery hues around them. Her mind sharp and her motives clear as day that Akeno means business. Fragments of molten rock splinter off from the rings of lava and seem to glide over to Akeno until eventually she has many shrapnel spiraling around Akeno's body. In short she is gonna make what happened at Iwagakure to be mere child's play.

Akeno's Stuff:

The Masuyo clone rose an eye brow not understanding her discontent with her. She didn't hold any personal vendetta against Akeno, though it was quite irksome she had to track her down so far to seek justice for her village. The clone followed Akeno down deeper into the underground system into a sort of rotunda. Masuyo couldn't argue she was at least a bit intrigued of their setting but knew better than to distract herself from the fight that was imminent. The zero visibility was no handicap to Masuyo. In fact, the dark conditions worked more in her favor than it did Akeno. But it wasn't long before things started to pop off. Akeno was brief as she wasted no time to start the battle. The ground beneath them began to crack and web as a red heat was emitted from below. Whether it was Fire or Lava she had to be very careful to not get hit.

As the magma surged through the ground Masuyo's clone sprung up and away from the impact zone. Although there was low light visibility it did not hamper her reaction time in the slightest. The clone's hands rose up to hold the Ram seal as she mustered her chakra from within her stomach. The clone released a massive downpour of water from her mouth as it cascaded to the ground below. The water rushed towards Akeno at breakneck speeds and would impact her full force. The water quickly filled the rotunda as they were all soon underwater. The water reacted violently with the lava as bubbles vigorously rose from the ground exactly how geothermal vents would react in a natural setting. It would take some time but the lava would eventually extinguish. If Akeno was conscious after the initial impact she would be trapped underwater as the only light source she had was gradually being diminished.

From the surface the real Masuyo was able to pick up the sound of Akeno's lava eruption and crashing tides from below. "The clone has made contact. Our target is below. Time to end this." Masuyo thought it was foolish for Akeno to corner herself in such a hazardous environment. She was underground. As a natural earth user and Iwagakure native she should know their signature technique. Placing her spear down she weaved Tiger, Rat, and Snake all together in a quick sequence before placing her hands on the ground just outside the entrance of the entryway. Her Earth nature chakra surged into the cave and searched for weak links in the cave that would help collapse it entirely. These weak bits of stone would crumble and loosen allow a cave-in to start. The clone and Akeno would hear the sound of earth breaking and stone shifting as the integrity of the cavern began to change. Suddenly the rotunda would break apart as large stones would fall from above. The stone would fall down in cascading numbers as they worked to leave no place safe. The entire cave-ruin would fall and break apart as the cave-in worked its way from the deepest part of the cave towards the entrance. Akeno would either be trapped in an underground sea and eventually drown or be crushed to death. There was little way for her to escape unharmed.

The Stuff:

Masuyo's Clone:

Cheap Liquor: 4/10 Duration

Considering that she was using the primitive torch for light Akeno's eye followed Masuyo's shadow and indicated where she would land at given her intellect and perception working in conjunction. In a five meter radius before Masuyo could finish her movement the very ground beneath her as her feet left the ground in that moment seems to instantly glow bright orange before a five meter radius geyser of pure lava bursts at high speed. As this would no doubt completely incinerate the clone well beyond the point it can possibly handle. Even if she manages to complete that water jutsu it would evaporate into thick hot steam as particles of magma cling onto her flesh burning through her skin and armor. However once the clone disperses Akeno frowns as it can only be a few things that could happen here.

As if to answer Akeno's mental questions from above like the crack of thunder the very ceiling starts to cave in on top of her. Her immediate reaction to throw her hands up causing all of her geysers and tendrils from the pools of magma surge upward to slam against the thick amounts of earth and sand. It was mostly sand funny enough, but regardless the magma quickly expands along the rocks and sand interlocking each other until it forms a thick barrier of magma as the liquid fire had quickly hardened at the base and joints to withstand the pressure. Spears of magma jags upward from the ground around Akeno before she launches them at high speed through the sand and rock obliterating just about everything above Akeno. This may cause several Spears of molten rock to suddenly burst through the ground around Masuyo as an attempt to skewer her and the trio of Anbu in the Oasis. Then Akeno commands the might of Efreet himself as more geysers of liquid fire erupts to slam against the crust and intends to shove it upward creating a giant upheaval of earth on the surface.

By extending the shell of magma and fortifying it even further, Akeno essentially pushes giant slab of earth and stone up throwing Masuyo and her team into the path they came from. A multitude of magma tendrils slams against the giant slab turning sand into molten glass and molding earth with it as the magma basically seals the slab in place as an attempt to keep Masuyo and her team out. Granted this was also assuming they were not skewered by her molten Spears from earlier. Afterwards Akeno will hop onto one of the thick roots of magma and using chakra to magnetize her feet onto the surface Akeno runs up to the surface. The waterfall now pours down into the pit and her lava hisses violently from the reaction as it floods the small gap her lava had made. Still Akeno will make it to the top and even go through the small gap within the ceiling. Where she will be greeted by quite a large pond of crystal clear water. Yet mounds of sand can still be seen to which Akeno will make haste towards one of the dunes before turning around looking for her opponents.

Akeno's Stuff:

When Masuyo's clone executed its water technique it was greeted by a breakthrough of magma was it was overpowered by Akeno's lava. The memory as well as the chakra was replenished to Masuyo. Despite being a powerful water technique it wasn't enough to extinguish the lava. In addition to her clone's failure these was no sound of the cave in she was expecting. Masuyo's sharpened senses were able to identify what was going on. The sound of the magma churning beneath the surface of the earth helped give her a picture of what was occurring. As the lava Akeno manipulated fought its way to the ceiling of the underground ruin a very audible crash and rumble was heard by all members of the party causing the ANBU to shift their attention around. "Clear off!
" The ANBU members cleared back sprinting back through the tunnel they came from. They'd dash back one-hundred and fifty meters. There was no doubt Akeno was an adept Ninjutsu user. Approaching her in close quarters had its potential risks. If she was prepared she would have a method to prevent close quarter combatants from touching her. Forcing them into the medium and long range would be fatal for the victim.

Masuyo traced her ANBU's steps in a similar fashion followed them out the tunnel she created earlier with the canyon walls. The lava upsurge would miss her as she generously cleared the distance with her remarkable speed having grabbed her spear before departing. It was one thing to break the shaft, but the entire thing being annihilated wasn't covered under her black smith's repairs. The spear was special to her as it was one of Kameko's first crafted items for her. Masuyo regrouped with her squad in their position a little more than one-hundred and fifty feet away from Akeno. As she resurfaced Masuyo immediately caught her from through the tunnel. Masuyo turned her spear upside down and buried the steel blade into the sand besides her as a satisfying crunch was heard holding it in place.

Akeno would no doubt have no trouble spotting Masuyo with her squad. The four, dark-clad figures standing in a bright, sandy dune in broad daylight was not hard to spot. Although it was fairly warm the clothing they wore was ideal to prevent sunburn, and for Masuyo, unnecessary tanning. She found her skin tone just right and didn't want to foil her feminine appearance with any shades darker. Masuyo had little connection with Akeno, though some rural sympathies given their background in Iwagakure. They were quite the opposite despite that. Akeno preferred a finer standard of living whereas Masuyo was a lot more humble. It was almost natural to see them in conflict. "You're making a bit of noise. All of this struggling for an inevitable death. You killed hard working men. Destroyed and robbed the village you were 'saving.' What did you think was going to happen? Konoha would let you walk away?"

The Stuff:

NPC Stuff:

Cheap Liquor: 5/10 Duration

Surprisingly Masuyo did not attack nor attempt to hide her presence from Akeno. Instead the Third Hokage made comments about Akeno's resistance yet asks what she thought was going to happen. Her brow rose and she resisted the temptation to smile on that question.

”Pretty much what you're doing now actually. It was the only discreet way of warning you people of what is to come sooner than you think. Capturing me will only bring more death than you realize, so I suggest you end my life. Kill one to save the many if you will.” Akeno admitted that much, but as to what she meant by that Akeno neglects to say. After all she did give her word to a certain group that no secrets may be leaked, but nothing prevented her from giving hints. The open gap that Akeno had came out of has a thick column of steam that smells faintly like sulfur. Her hands folded behind her back as Akeno looked upon the four.

”Either way you tracked me down faster than I originally thought. So whether you capture me and risk your city; kill me to save the many; or you could just walk away. Entirely up to you, but I'm not the one you should be worrying about right now.”

Masuyo was dumbfounded by what Akeno meant. She was warning her of a future enemy. It was possibly useful advice. Either that or she was talking out of her ass. Masuyo rose an eyebrow as she set both of her hands on her hips. "Death is about the only thing you're useful for now. Anyone else who opposes Konoha will meet your same fate. I will make sure of that." Masuyo was through entertaining Akeno. It was a bit depressing to see her former comrade go down such a chaotic path. One that had little to no purpose. Just chaos for the same of kicking the hive. She had only been in the Land of Wind for a few hours and she desperately wanted to return back to Konoha. She figured the faster she dealt with Akeno the better. Masuyo's hands rose up to perform three seals: Tiger, Ram, and Rat. Upon completion she would kneel over and slammed both palms on the ground.

Akeno stood one-hundred and fifty meters from Masuyo as she did not make any effort to relocate. A deep magnitude would quake the earth around them as the sands began to shift. From either side of Akeno, two tectonic plates of earth were pulled up from the ground as sand ran off its surface. The monstrous slabs of granite raced together attempting to sandwich Akeno between them both. This technique was kept in mind by having Akeno at the epicenter of it all leaving little avenue of escape. Unless she was fast enough to react and move out just in time she could be spared. But such was unlikely. There was as little as twenty five meters of space between Masuyo and the outside of the technique. The ANBU were prepared to defend against any retaliation Akeno would attempt, performing Tiger, Snake, Rat, Snake, and Tiger as Masuyo prepared her technique. They remained stationary having the necessary chakra prepared within. But in the end they felt she was done for.

The Stuff:

NPC Stuff:

Cheap Liquor: 6/10 Duration

Akeno can see what Masuyo is trying to accomplish here. It is not so much as Masuyo is wanting to claim the former jounin's life, but rather as a demonstration to those who oppose Konohagakure in general. Akeno predicted as much on Masuyo's part that she quickly recognizes as the Sandwich technique. A troublesome technique to say the least, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. In fact she sees this as an opportunity to grant what Masuyo wants and allow Akeno to work in peace for the time being.

While Masuyo was weaving her handseals Akeno poured her chakra through her body and onto the sand dunes she stood on. Churning the sand into fine sand underneath her. Her eyes widened in 'surprise’ as Masuyo completed the seals and was reaching down to the ground. Akeno started to step back as her Jade blade slips through the center of her right palm and slices onto her left fleshy palm. It also cut through her sash and belt. Blood splatters onto her sash and belt as the blade slides back into her arm just before Akeno appears like she is reacting to the gigantic slabs of earth. Large amounts of sand clouds her vision and even shrouds her body from view as the gigantic slabs of earth emerged from her sides.

”Impossible…” Akeno made sure to yell at Masuyo as she held the whole charade like she's about to die. Akeno being frantic was attempting to form the Horse seal albeit she wasn't charging chakra. This opportunity, Akeno slips underneath the sand dunes as it parted underneath and allowed Akeno to descend 10 meters deep as the plates slammed close. Akeno formed the clone seal to conjure a shadow clone that surfaced between the two now broken slabs as the sand was still shrouding the area. The clone immediately took out her vial of ink and have it splatter on the slabs where Akeno would have been squished before forming a single seal to transform the whole scene into a horrid mess of blood and the clone is found mostly pressed flat with fluids oozing out as organs had been liquified. It was hard to distinguish Akeno anymore as her hair is slick from the brain matter oozing from the cracks of her skull and her once liquid gold eyes popped out of their sockets and squished flat onto the titanic slabs. Meanwhile her sash that held the Tatsuda family crest, one that she always wore even in it's tattered state, laid in front of Akeno that has been splattered with blood and probably torn further from the slabs. The puppet right arm smashed beyond repair into many fine pieces revealing the scar tissue, or what is left of it as bone can be seen protruding out of the socket. Essentially the body has become more than attached to one side of the slabs. The bag seemingly crushed flat as well along with any contents that can be found on her body. Scrolls included.

Meanwhile as the sand is drinking the crimson liquid of life, Akeno descends further until she was about 25 meters below surface. All while being aware of the magnetic forces around her, so if someone came to investigate Akeno would know it. Otherwise Akeno will lie and wait unless Masuyo has other plans in mind.

Hopefully this will work and I can go about my evening in peace… Akeno thought to herself as she crosses her arms. Only time will tell if Masuyo seems satisfied and has something to claim that Akeno is now dead. Well, a fake death that is, but that's to remain to be seen. Still the slash on her palm stings like a burning sensation. For now she will ignore it.

Akeno's Stuff:

Shadow Clone:

The technique was executed without any delay. And that's what initiated Masuyo's suspicious thoughts. As the mountains of earth clapped with tremendous force it caused each of them to fissure and break apart leaving anything caught between it mutilated beyond recognition. Masuyo stood up on both feet before moving forward, her squad getting the cue to follow her. They'd dash fifty meters towards Akeno's previous location scaling the bits of rubble left behind. The sand cloud would dissipate quickly leaving what would appear to be a mangled corpse. Everyone but Masuyo was convinced of the illusion. "She's gone. Well done, Masuyo." She remained silent. Behind her nonchalant gaze was intense calculations. Finally, she'd react. Kneeling down she'd place both palms on the ground again performing another Earth technique. Masuyo was no fool. Akeno was a Jounin and an Earth user nonetheless. The phony prop and acting helped her boil down something at play here. The only logical escape was down below.

"No. Get ready to target." The ANBU all performed a series of hand signs as Masuyo's technique was executed. The rupturing of the earth and growth of the volcano had enough impact to dispatch the faked clone death. The ANBU performed five signs before clapping their hands together as a volcano formed before Masuyo and the ANBU. It would grow thirty-five meters high and span one-hundred meters in diameter. The earth within the diameter of the volcano would start to pull towards the chute. Akeno would inevitably be forced with the earth flow unable to fight the traction. She would be forced up a narrow chute with lots of dirt and sand. Reaching the climax of the volcano she'd be fired out the volcano ten additional meters in the air as all the ANBU released their technique. Three high pressure streams of water raced towards Akeno combining into a single high pressure torrent with the capability of dismembering her body on impact. Being thrown into the air she'd have little avenue of evasion.

The Stuff:

NPC Stuff:

Cheap Liquor: 7/10 Duration

Like a rush of memories running through her mind as her clone was dispelled by Masuyo, Akeno silently cursed herself for hoping as much. Based on the last thing Akeno's clone saw Masuyo was preparing to form some seals including the three anbu. It wouldn't be surprising to see if Masuyo drags Akeno out from the ground itself, and sure enough that proved to be the case. Akeno weaved her five seals and held her chakra before she was forced to be dragged through a chute of sand and dirt. This was good in Akeno's mind as she is ejected through the chute.

Granted she cannot control her direction yet Akeno has learned in her years of roaming to become adaptable every second that passes. Her eyes immediately look over at the four and sees that Masuyo's three musketeers had their mouths bulged and their lips pursed to keep something in. In Akeno's memory people only do that with Katon, Suiton, or Fuuton in terms of basic elements. Truthfully Akeno's main worry is if one of them happens to be a Yuki or Ice Release user since they are Akeno's strongest nemesis. Still Akeno waited as she ascends ten meters in the air climbing at a 45 meter altitude until the Anbu unleashed their water jutsu. Using the earth from Masuyo's chute considering the top is within range. Instantly erecting 20 meters high and ten meters width is a two meter thick obsidian wall covered in fiery red veins that will shield Akeno from the blast or at least for the most part. Simultaneously Akeno flipped her body so that when the wall erects her feet will be placed against the volcanic glass. So Akeno essentially leapt downward on the other side of the chute as the wall shields her from everyone's view.

However despite Akeno’s best efforts even her enhanced wall of magma wasn’t enough to stop the overwhelming force of the combined suiton blast. It overpenetrated the wall and slams onto her torso. Severe pain of bones cracking and it felt like the very wind was sapped from her lungs as it blasted Akeno off the destroyed wall. During the pain of her vision darkening around the corners of her eyes while having a difficult time to catch her breath. Akeno felt that moment of weightlessness before she started to rapidly descend towards the scorching sands beneath her. There was of course a small body of water as Akeno struggled to look ‘up’ and sees that it is still far too shallow to act as a cushion. She couldn’t fight back the cough from the shock and she felt something hot and wet on her lower lip. Little did she know it was actually her own blood from her broken ribs puncturing her lungs.

The inevitable, Akeno attempted to flip her body over to land on her legs versus landing on her head. All she managed to accomplish is that she came crashing hard on the water that created what can be best described as a geyser of clear water that raised two meter above the surface. The immediate impact upon the water was like she struck stone as Akeno’s muscles spasmed wildly and her already winded self feel like her lungs were going to explode from the force. Before she can even try to catch her breath water quickly shrouded her face and Akeno instead drank in excessive amounts of water. Now she can feel pain every time Akeno tries to take a breath from both side and back.

Her vision grew darker even though it was clear as day yet it seemed like night had fallen upon her with only the soon being her ray of light. Akeno’s puppet arm lurched up with chakra laced on the palm to grab onto the surface of the water and weakly pulls herself up. Half of her body in water as she coughed up what is a mixture of blood, saliva, and water while trying to catch her breath. Yet she knows that Masuyo wasn’t going to let up after this, and frankly Akeno didn’t see herself surviving from this now. Her puppet arm reached up to her left upper torso where she brings out one of the scrolls. It was just roughly 800k ryo, but she’ll be damned to let them have it. So she was going to demonstrate how easy it is to just burn it.

Activating the fuuinjutsu within her arm, the right arm ignites in raging fire from the elbow down to her hand. The scroll immediately catches on fire and just like that ash flutters within the wind as it was all that was left from it. Once this is done provided Masuyo hasn’t come to finish the job yet, Akeno practically drags her body out of the water before laying down on the sandy shore with her eyes looking up at the clear blue sky as she can barely make out the heatwaves. Strangely, when it was hot Akeno can’t help but begin to feel cold as her bloodshot eyes are finding a difficult time to stay open.

”Seems like… my end has finally come at last…” Akeno faintly speaking more to herself as despite the pain Akeno smiled. Blood dyed her lips red as her soaked hair broaden around her head, and perhaps for the final time Akeno’s golden eyes close once more.

Her plan was executed the way she envisioned. Although Akeno attempted to erect a barrier to help mitigate what was bound to come her way it was all for nothing as the combined Ninjutsu of the ANBU overwhelmed anything she could conjure herself. The impact would cause severe damage to her body. Coupling the fall damage she would suffer Masuyo reckoned she was done for. As the situation eased so did Masuyo and her ANBU, no longer on high alert. As her survival instinct settled she couldn't help but notice the mess made by what would only be a minute or two of skirmishing. Such was the case with Jounin battles. Masuyo vanished from her location moving at top speed to scale across the mountain and appearing before Akeno by a couple meters. Naturally there would be a second or two delay before her ANBU joined her standing behind their Hokage. She was able to witness Akeno's last move. It was a disrespectful gesture to say the least. A sealing scroll she held in her hand was burned into ashes. Masuyo could only assume it was Iwagakure's money she stole from them just before leaving. She had high doubts it was classified information about her organization, if any. No, Akeno was content on making sure the quest was almost in vain.

Moving her hand up to her face mask she'd pull it down around her neck revealing her pretty face while pulling her hood down. The intense sun began to beat gently against her head and face. The minor exposure wouldn't damage her skin, thankfully. She didn't intend on staying long. "Normally I'd make your last minutes the worst by doing that. But today...well, let's just say you lucked out." Masuyo's right hand moved down to her holster to retrieve a single shuriken. She'd take a second to inspect it appreciating the simplistic beauty of the polished iron throwing star. They were a dime a dozen but got the job done. "I never really got to know you. So I don't understand your motive, and frankly that's not important anymore. I just wish you were a bit more vocal about you desires. Or even just retire. Go ahead and do it, Rion." The ANBU nodded as he held a hand sign.

Akeno's muscle spasms, open wounds, internal wounds, and emotional stresses would suddenly begin to float away as the vision of white feathers began to descend from the pale blue sky. The hot sand began to feel like a warm blanket as any existential pain and emotional distress was non-existent. Furthermore she would begin to feel a great euphoria as if she was on a powerful drug further escalating her status into a true high. One no drug could even dream to achieve. One of the other ANBU placed two fingers on both Masuyo and the third ANBU's spine channeling Genjutsu release into both of them before performing it on himself. This was Akeno's treatment, not theirs. Masuyo spoke softly and sincere as if she was speaking to her on a personal level. She'd let the Genjutsu settle in, a few seconds feeling like a couple minutes of euphoria. "Farewell, and safe journeys, Akeno."

Her words would slip into Akeno's ears just before her eyes would roll back and she transcended into a blissful sleep. The single shuriken she held would be raised up to her lips as she exhaled a stream of wind-infused chakra. The shuriken would spin on her finger as she held it out to her side allowing a disc of wind release chakra to form around the shuriken blade. Masuyo pitched the tool straight down Akeno's body. It would pass through her head like butter and successfully bisect her in two passing out from between her legs. She would be executed painlessly and immediately sent to the after life. Masuyo fought a hard clenching sensation in her throat as she fought the urge to show any emotions biting the side of her tongue to drive her mind elsewhere.

Killing anybody has never been an issue. But you? You were somebody. Nothing remained for them at that point. There was silence among the Shinobi as nature's ambiance retook the atmosphere. The distant sound of the oasis would be heard despite terraformed. Wind beat against their clothing as it was normally stronger in the desert giving how little obstacles served to break it. "Scavenge what you can. Especially that arm of hers. Be ready to move out back to Konoha." Masuyo would take a stroll back to her spear and retrieve the item before making it back to her squad. Assuming they were all ready to do and Akeno's status was confirmed they'd stat their trek back to the Land of Fire. It had been quite a week for Masuyo. Upon learning the status of Iwagakure, revisiting her old home, and tying up loose ends. She anticipated the lazy days back at her lake cabin where her life was much simpler.

[Exit -> Sunrise Desert -> The Pastureland -> Senju Forest | 60 hr - 16 hr (fast travel Land of Wind) - 16 hr (fast travel Land of River) = 28 hrs]

The Stuff:

NPC Rion:

NPC Akame:

Cheap Liquor: 8/10 Duration

Like a flicker of images Masuyo appeared quite close to Akeno, but no matter as the damage was already done. The scroll scattered in the wind as ashes left Akeno's palm of platinum. Just breathing hurts as it always feels like multiple things are stabbing into her lungs. Masuyo's comment about Akeno's actions made the dying Phoenix chuckle before coughing a few times. Her once white teeth are now ghastly red due to blood sticking onto the bone.

”Honestly… I wouldn't blame you if you did…” That's when Akeno more or less dragged herself to the shore as she could not feel her legs and her fleshy arm is difficult to even make her fingers twitch. Funny enough just about the only thing that she can move is the puppet arm that actually looks like a human arm save for the very faint lines that indicates the different plates. Well since Masuyo is the one finishing the job as she was essentially expressing her parting words. Akeno slightly shook her head as she laid down on the sand.

”Don't regret the past… there is more danger much bigger than I coming into this world… my death is only the beginning I'm afraid…” Akeno's vision grew dark as her eyes flicker to stay open. To which she held up long enough for another.

”Besides… I got to see home for a couple of days… so I couldn't have asked for a better outcome than this…” As the Anbu performed their Genjutsu, Akeno still held a smile on her lips weak as it might have been given her strength fleeting with each passing second. Whether she goes to the worse parts of the Underworld or by some strange miracle ascending into the afterlife. Akeno left it up to fate at this point. Honestly she welcomed the Genjutsu as it dulled the pain to where Akeno can't feel it anymore. The Tatsuda didn't know if that was because she had already passed away and not realize it or Masuyo already drove the shuriken into Akeno's head. Either way, she shortly passed away about a second or two within the Genjutsu as she took her last breath with her eyes still looking up at the blue sky.

[Confirmed dead]