Kumogakure Gates

They hadn't been traveling overly long, only a few hours really. But that they had finally arrived at the village of Kumogakure. The shining beacon within the Land of Lightning. Moving quickly past the gate sign in point he would flash a sign for emergency before passing through. The guards, recognizing him and his chakra signature, let him pass without incident and ensured the path was clear of people waiting for entrance. He had to get to Ryuko immediately, judging by the time of day she would be in the audience chamber, holding court. So that was where the Chunin was heading. He would actually have to put in effort to keep himself slowed down so that his partner, Yenn, could keep up. In the end the few minutes it would have saved for him to run at his full speed wouldn't have mattered. Besides, he wanted to make sure she was near him so that he could keep her safe. So with great effort, the lightning prodigy made his way toward the Audience Chamber where Ryuko Shizu Von Rose, Raikage of Kumogakure and Queen of The Kingdom of Thunder, would be.

Entering Kumo.

Yenn could tell that Tamwyn was trying to keep pace with her as they made their way through the gates of Kumogakure. She knew she would have to train harder in order to keep up with him, as she didn’t want to hold him back, no matter how much she appreciated him by her side. Tamwyn was easily recognized by the guards and the two of them were able to pass without issue. She hurried along, anxious to have the upcoming meeting over with. She had known that they would have to deliver their accounts of the events that had just occurred, but she wasn’t looking forward to entering the Audience Chamber with the news they were carrying. She’d seen the place on television, but she had always imagined that if she ever got to see it in person it would be under happier circumstances.

{Entering Kumo with Tamwyn}

Kara had a long time to think of what she was going to say when she arrived in Kumogakure. And it had felt like an eternity as she worried about the safety of Damien. In a way this was like a homecoming for her, her family was originally from Kumogakure and she had travelled to and from the great city as a child before her parents eventually decided that slumming it in the desert was the best use of their time. She barely remembered what the metropolis was like, at least any significant details. She had memories to be sure, but they were a bit hazy as worry overtook her. At least her arm didn’t hurt any longer, although she did find that if she wasn’t looking at it she could still feel that it was there. Once she had approached the gate she would fill out the required form, mildly annoyed that the process was written as her current state made the task all the more difficult.

Full Name: Kara Darhk
Citizenship: Sunagakure
Reason for Leaving/Entering: Seeking asylum
Expected Duration: Indefinite

She had also thought long and hard about what name to use when entering. She had used two others before now and it wasn’t a stretch for her to want to identify as something other than what she had been known as in the desert. What she was looking for, hoping for, was a new and bright future. And in that future she saw Damien, still stubbornly holding on to a hope that she was usually pragmatic enough to avoid. Assuming she was allowed to pass she would make her way into the village, hopefully with her companion still at her side, and into a future that would be less painful than the past she had just left behind.

[Entering Kumogakure]

Seigi would approach the gates, nodding to the guards, just to the right of Kara. Their journey had been long and tedious, but finally, he was home. With a heavy sigh, he would hail the guards.

"She's with me. She's good to pass." He would say, escorting her through, helping her carry anything she had needed him to or brought with her that she couldn't carry herself. He was sure if the guards had an issue, they would raise alarm, but if not, the two would pass through, heading straight towards The Raikage Building so things could finally get sorted.

[Exit gates with Kara]

Naganori would simply approach the gates of Kumo, masked as she was, and upon meeting one of the guards. hand them a stack of papers. These are for your City's Administration. She couldn't be bothered to go into the city to deliver the paperwork, and worry about dodging  Anbu. Nagi could do that task some other time. For now she simply handed off the documents referenced in the mission description as well as a copy of the mission itself with Nagi's name and information listed on the back so he could pick up the reward later.

[Turning around and not entering the gates.]

Kara needed to secure her position within her territories, and as such she hired a crew and a corvette to take her across the water. It was a simple affair, commissioning the escort and taking with her a few of her supplies. Stepping onto the boat she turned her face to the open water and her mind to the future.

Full Name: Kara Darhk
Citizenship: Kumogakure
Reason for Leaving/Entering: Business Trip
Expected Duration: Two weeks

[Exit Kumogakure -> Gaikotsu Bay -> Land of Bears - Full Gaikotsu Bay 72 hours - halved for Corvette travel = 36 hours Arrival in Darhkvale on February 1st @ 9PM EST]

Kara and Doku arrived at the docks of Kumogakure slightly later than expected. Stormy seas had made the trip take longer than Kara would have liked, but it had given her the opportunity to go over paperwork and begin planning her newest project with Kumo. Doku had been pleasant, if dim, company. While he was an excellent combatant, a scholar or academic he was not. He thankfully gave up asking for an explanation for every word longer than three syllables that she used. At least he’s pretty.

[Entering Kumogakure with Doku]

Yenn had made haste to the gates once she had sent a message to her children’s nanny. She didn’t think the mission she was on would take long, a few days at most. With her she had nothing but her clothing, a hunting knife and her Gauntlet of Thunder - as usual. Yenn needed very little to survive and in fact would have been just fine without any of those things. With one final look over her shoulder in the general direction of her home and her children, she set out to the area indicated by Shimiko.

[Exit Kumogakure -> Northwestern Land of Lightning]

It had been far too long that Kara had avoided the one task she couldn’t delegate to anyone else. Visiting the wreckage of Moonspire to pay homage to Damien. She brought Doku with her, since she’d be an idiot to go without some form of escort. The last Darhk to be in that area had ended up quite dead. Before leaving she would send the Odachi she had crafted for Kensai’s apprentice off to the Land of Iron. Doku had a sword that she had gifted him when she had brought him into her employ, it was not nearly as impressive as the weapon she had just shipped, but it was good enough to slice up would be attackers. She had a small bag that she had him carry. Basic creature comforts, food and alcohol, as well as a small medical bag for collecting samples should she find anything intriguing. After checking in with the guards stationed at the gates she would walk towards the ruined city, her bodyguard trailing dutifully behind her.

[Exiting to Moonspire with Doku]

Kara had had an exciting excursion to the ruins of Moonspire. She had gone there to say her goodbyes, and she had, but she had also met a new companion. She had intended on probably drinking away her sorrows, but the bottles she had brought with her had gone untouched so far as she knew, unless Doku had opened them while she had been otherwise engaged. (He hadn’t.) She would nod to the guards and they allowed her entrance, as she was known within Kumo now having lived within it for over a year. Assuming Kim was still with her, she would walk inside with him, although he may have gotten held up and if so she would merely enter the city and reunite with him there.

[Entering Kumogakure with Doku and Kim]

[Fast Traveling Back to Kumo From the Kage Summit]

Shimiko had finally made it back to her more temperate albeit sky-blighted homeland. When she arrived at the village gates, she expected to have to scream at a few soldiers. The quality of the shinobi manning them had depreciated significantly since the war. So many good men had died on the frontlines that all that was left were the rubbish and the rejects. The village relied heavily on the power-houses to defend it in real times of danger. The medicore guard-nin were just there to stop opportunistic thieves and petty spies. More than once the ANBU Captain had caught men asleep at their post. When she arrived, however, Kumogakure's gates were bustling with activity. The ninja guarding it appeared alert and competent. Not just that....they seem excited?! Shimiko knew that word traveled fast. The end of the First Shinobi World War must have reached Kumo many days if not weeks ago. They couldn't only just be hearing about the end of the conflict and that still wouldn't explain how whipped into shape they were. No...someone is responsible for this.

When she walked up to the gates, one of the guards bowed and began a torrent of flatteries. He praised Shimiko's diplomatic skills and the glory she had brought Kumo as a result of the peace settlement. Shimiko took it all in stride but she soon grew impatient with his bubbly words.

"Okay cut to the chase. Why does it look like we have an active and lively crew protecting this village after months of stagnation?" she demanded. Please don't tell me some upjumped shinobi has taken over in my absence.

"Lady Shimiko.....you haven't heard? She's back! Our Queen of Thunder has returned from the heavens!"

Shimiko stood there as she processed the guard's words. The return of Ryuko Shizu von Rose wasn't far-fetched in concept. She was never killed. Shimiko had seen her friend whisked to another dimension before her very eyes. The way her parting words were said and the candor of her voice made her think that it was a final goodbye though. She honestly didn't think she would ever see her friend again. The part of her that would forever be a Thundercat held out hope, but the adult she had become had tried to move on. It was hard, but she had managed. Now when she saw the joy in the guard's eyes and the festivities that could be heard behind the walls themselves, that glimmer of hope became a roaring fire in her belly. He was telling the truth. By Jashin, she's really back!

Shimiko had a personal rule not to get emotional in front of her men, but she could not hold back. The Honey Badger sank to her knees with tears streaming down her eyes. She raised her hands into the sky and was blessed with a vision so powerful and prophetic that not even Mora could deny its source. In a fit of religious fervor, Shimiko shouted:

"Glory be to Jashin!"

Several of the individuals working the gates were worshippers as well and they raised their hands into the air and mimicked the cry. It was rather ironic given that Ryuko was a Priestess for a competing religion. But given the new Orthodoxy's position on religious pluralism, there was no blasphemy in welcoming their Queen back to this realm. Shimiko prayed to Jashin right before her village of birth and just in case she had any lingering doubts about who to thank, a powerful bolt of lightning struck the gates and filled the air with the deafening sound of thunder. She had spared Nozomi and she had done so in accordance with his infinite will. He had tested her time and time again, and each time she had held fast to her faith She had wiped out the stain of Mora's doctrinal deviance from his Orthodoxy, installed the true heirs to the Necrossiah's promise as the leaders of his Church, and she had shown wise judgment during the Summit. For a true Jashinst knows when to kill and when to let live.*

This was her reward. Her best friend and sister was returned to her safe and sound. The beauty of the moment was only furthered by the revelation she received from her god. She had been praying, ruminating, and fasting during her trip back from Tetsumura. She had done so in search of an answer. Now that she had what she needed, it was time to move.

Shimiko popped back up to her feet and wiped the tears from her eyes. The look she gave the guard made him snap to attention.

"Update me on everything else that's happened since I was gone...." Shimiko would walk into Kumo with the guard closely following, talking all the while about what had transpired during her absence.

[Enter Kumo]

*Nurturance 11:14 Verses 121-122

It was odd being back home.

That was the only thought in Tamwyn's head as he moved through the familiar countryside toward the sprawling city that was his home. He had been dead a year, but it didn't feel that long. Although he supposed it wouldn't from his perspective would it? With his memories of the other side gone then from his perspective he had simply fallen asleep for a bit and awoken. It was all so surreal to him and he still wasn't entirely certain it hadn't all been some crazy dream. As he crested the final rise because seeing the city of Kumogakure in it's full glory. He stopped a moment to take in the appearance of the place and feeling a warmth settle over him. He loved his home, loved this country. It had its dark twists and turns, and mistakes had been made here. That however only worked to emphasize the place in his eyes. He moved down the rise and onto the main road, moving at a decent speed. He hadn't pushed it on coming simply because he didn't know what might happen. Arisu had been kind enough, but in the end she hadn't been a doctor. Ryuko was but Tamwyn had wanted to get home so he had come on ahead.

His first act when arriving would be to go to the hospital to get a check up and make sure he was in perfect working order. Then he could start to push himself again in his training. He would need to work harder than ever in order to progress now however as during his travels toward Kumogakure he had been visited by Raiju. As always the great wolf didn't speak. He never did however Tamwyn would still understand what he was trying to say at any given time. Almost as if the words had been placed directly into his head. Honestly, it was entirely possible they were and he just had no way to feel it happening. Either way, they had spoken and Raiju had made it clear. Tamwyn had lost their fight, and while Raiju was content for his life being returned to him. The great wolf spirit would not be giving the Seraph of Lightning another chance to fight for his loyalty after failing once. Tamwyn understood, Raiju had greeted Tamwyn at the Heavenly Emporium in a spiritual way. Had been surprised to feel his presence again. However now that he understood what had occurred he was pulling all ties to Tamwyn. The Seraph wasn't mad, he had lost after all. He had misjudged Raiju's speed, had underestimated him. How could he earn his loyalty if he couldn't even have a proper appreciation for his capabilities?

After that, Raiju had simply left, and their connection was severed. That meant Tamwyn would have to find another means to increase his capabilities and he had began to consider them immediately. He had a few ideas to work on but for now he was going to get himself checked out and cleared for duty. Arriving at the gates he would nod toward the guards. Who would look at him, then double take. He had been known as one of Ryuko's students. Not only that, but he had gotten a bit of a reputation during the war. Particularly during the trench warfare against Kirigakure, Konohagakure, and Sunagakure. But mostly just the former two. Nodding toward the guards, one of whom could sense his chakra to confirm it really was him, returned from the dead. Tamwyn would sign up as entering the village and then proceed in toward the hospital. He needed to see a doctor quickly.

[Enter Kumo]

10 A rank Konoha shinobi properly marked with headbands would arrive with a prisoner in tow. The unconscious Iko Otsu would be dropped unceremoniously in chains just outside the gates. They would sign any prisoner transfer paperwork and as soon as custody was transferred to the gate guard they would immediately leave. Eager to be away from a recent enemy nations borders.

Exit thread traveling to Konoha 10 A rank npc

Southeastern Lightning Country -> Land of Frost -> Land of Hot Springs -> Northwestern Fire Country (72 Hours)

Osho arrived in a kind of wheeled litter, somewhat like the a ceremonial processional seat of a daimyo or king. It was nothing mechanically special, but did contain wheels and a cadre of guards who hid within the curtained confines, hidden away from sight. With the use of his puppet technique, set to a low output as to maintain the secrecy of his machinations, he waited for Konoha's delegation for the international criminal Ikomiki Otsutsuki. A group of guards who ranked much more highly than himself surrounded and tailed him as he stood, lightly fanning himself. From his recent recovery he could hardly believe that the absolute monster of a creature - Iko - had been captured alive. He had heard of Moonspire and even though he did not consider himself notably patriotic, the thought of her boiled his blood.

The delegation arrived and signed the... creature into his and Kumo's custody. They loaded her into the litter, securing her into the restraints hidden in the vehicle, and they turned to process down to the Defense Coordination Center, a veritable army of hidden ninja tailing and proceeding them to keep the streets cleared and the threats removed.

Exit with Iko's body

Kim had to attend to a few family errands that prevented him from joining Kara at the gates. He promised to meet her back in the city, but as he probably expressed to her on their way back from the ruins, Kim's family would always come first. Once the errands were completed, he entered the gates. He filled out the proper paperwork and was promptly able to enter.

[Exit]

Seigi approached the gates of Kumogakure with caution, seeing if much had changed in the months he was gone. He had told the world that he was going on a training mission, and in a way, he wasn't lying. The guards at the gate would wave him through and Seigi would pass onward without issue.

"I need to go see what Shimiko is up to... and who's in charge... " He would mutter to himself, extremely out of the loop of what had happened since he had left.

[enter kumo]

Tamwyn moved quickly through the village, toward the gates and the guards at the entrance. Showing them his shinobi ID he spoke calmly, but urgently. "Tamwyn Inazuma, Jounin. I'm going out to search for a missing shinobi. I'll check in within the week." He would say, getting nods in response as he turned to leave. Due to his Jounin rank he was able to do that, although anything involving out of country travel needed to be cleared prior. Moving at his top speed, the Seraph of Lightning moved toward the last known location his beloved wife had been. She had been given a mission to the Takoyaiba Mountain range, and so that was where he was going to search. With him he took a thick wool cloak lined in fur. The mountains were constantly covered in ice and snow and going through the region for any prolonged length of time would require the attire.

[Exiting Kumo, traveling to the Takoyaiba Mountain in the Northwest Land of Lightning.

Travel time normally 24 hours for a half major counter.
-half for paved roads.
-22 hours for using chakra to travel with S rank speed. Tamwyn will arrive with -25 chakra.

Travel time is instant.

He returned to the village, heavier in more ways than one. He was heavy of heart, heavy of rage, and heavier of burden as he carried the corpse of his wife into the village. Still tears standing at the corners of his eyes as the storm behind him moved upon the village. It did no more than a normal storm would, but the symbolism was not lost upon the grieving man as he moved through the village with the wrapped body of his wife within his arms. Once he had reached the village his steps became solemn, and the storm overtook him where before it had merely followed. He let it, let the driving rain wash away the snow and ice that still somewhat clung to his attire as he moved. With the cloak off he was easily recognizable by almost anyone without the village. Crowds in streets parted ways for him despite people moving to get out of the storm quickly and his own destination was obvious based on his burden. He moved with a straight backed solemnity that no one would miss and his yellow eyes cried tears that they had not been able to without any longer. The rain would hide them regardless. His next destination was the Palace itself, and his eyes dared any to stop him.

[Entering Kumo]

He'd waited for the rush of the middway, when eyes were busiest and minds were foggiest; when the gates became a veritable river of human bodies, cargo and colors. Kumogakure's rehabilitation clinic, and Ryuko herself, had been kind enough to provide him with clothing.All he had to do, was simply make his way across the Hidden Village.

Irui had paused several times, looking back to the village's skyline; nestled between and atop mountain peaks. He'd seen it so many times throughout his childhood, and now as a Shinobi, it seemed he barely had seen it at all. He studied the low clouds drifting between support columns and bridges, watched fresh Academy Students flit between buildings like birds. He pressed his teeth together hard, and bit back a pang of regret-- chewing his inner cheek  until he tasted iron.

The Mikiri Clan could no longer hold sway over whether he came or went. This place, it prided itself on standing tall above all others; a throne that looked down upon the rest of the world. His cage had been opened for him-- busted wide open by the very people that had broken him.

Irui turned, and departed for the Heavenly Emporium

[Exit > Secret]

[1]

----
Chakra Suppression

Irui had returned to the Land of Lightning, unexpectedly. While he'd opted to go straight for his destination, fate (and cosmic rules) had other plans for him. He'd returned briefly to the high alpine environment, if only to survey it.

As he munched thoughtfully on a bowl of rice and spicy meats, he studied the familiar rooftops and peaks. He'd taken a moment to get food, and clean himself up and one of the nearby traveling inn; sharpening his weapons, maintaining his armor. However, time was critical.

With a sigh, Irui would be off again in the morning for his next destination.

[Heavenly Emporium > Half Major Nation > [Secret] ]

Destination: Secret [48hrs]

Shimiko walked through the gates of Kumogakure. She was feeling rather victorious after the battle with the Indaina Kujira and so she practically skipped through the gates and to the city proper. She had a few things to settle up on before it was time to retire from the shinobi world altogether.

[Exit into Kumo]

Shimiko exited the gates of Kumogakure for the last time. She had loaded up two wagons with all of the possessions that she was taking with her. A good deal of her belongings had been donated to charity or turned over to the Kingdom of Thunder. After all, she wanted to travel to Wangchuk Mountain fairly light. The ancestral home of the Chinoike Clan was deep in the mountains and it would be quite the journey to get there. Its worth it....we need to get away from it all. Start fresh. The old country will be a good fit for us. Shimiko had picked up Yenn's twins and as she had promised, she would take them under her care. She'd raise them under her roof and treat them as though they were her own children. She wasn't sure if their mother or father would ever return but even if they didn't, Damien and Chloe would always have a place to call home. Miyu Ryuutei had agreed to come along and join her in retirement which was great. She could use the companionship and help. This was going to be the next chapter in Shimiko's life. A battle unlike any other she had faced before: Motherhood.

The former ANBU Captain gave her best to the gate guards and said her final farewells to the security staff. One of the guards on rotation was a purple haired woman wielding a scythe. Shimiko recognized her as a fellow Jashinist and a former member of Mora's guard. Sacristan Wei had been one of the few Mora loyalists to immediately side with the Twins in the aftermath of Mora's death. She had been invaluable in uncovering Mora's secret supporters and legitimizing the Twins' claim to the title of Superior Sacristans. Shimiko hugged the purple haired shinobi and said farewell. She then hopped into the wagon with her family and road off into the sunset.

[Exit to Takoyaiba Mountain Range]

A very bored Ananta would be standing in front of a kiosk to turn in the paperwork required to leave the village. She'd hand off her paperwork to the clerk and take her leave.


Full Name: Dr. Ananta Miura
Citizenship: Kumogakure, Kami no Kuni
Reason for Leaving/Entering: R&R to overcome the stress of the Indira Kujira.
Expected Duration: A few weeks.

Without even a glance backwards she would leave. If she had to explain herself to Lady Ryuko, she was sure it would be fine.

Some Bookkeeping - Not for Outside Eyes:

It had been almost five years ago. Since he had returned to the village hidden in the clouds. They had immediately tried to Jill him when he tried to join Honiko and Nozomi. He was the only one to join. He was incredibly weak, probably the weakest ninja at the time. But now he had returned as one chosen one. One of the most powerful ninjas in the world. His actions spoke for themselves. Single handledly thwarting entire Hidden Villages. But what had attracted him to this village again was the new Raikage.

Raijin in a turn of events had defeated the last Raikage Ryuko in battle. So he had initially thought his presence would not be accepted. But he had heard before that the country was accepting of Jashin. It was a little bit more unorthodox than the true beliefs. But it was very interesting to hear that the newest Raikage was a Jashin themselves. This he needed to see himself. With Nozomi in the wind it was up to him to cause trouble in the world till the Otsutsukis returned.

At least he wasn’t alone. He had grown bored flying to Kumogakure, so had summoned the great Sage Dragon C. Raijin rode on his back over looking the giant village gates. He finally landed about 50 meters away from the gates. He certainly had gotten their attention with the titan of a dragon landing in their yard. Raijin was of course armed to the teeth. Kusanagi hanging down his back. And the white light chakra sabre was in its sheath on its side. Walking up to the gates he announced himself to the guards who undoubtedly already knew who he was. “Greetings. I am Raijin. Can your Kage come out to talk?” He said with a smile.

—————————-

Sensory
Sumonning