Eastern Gate

Korra flipped her dark hair out of the way. She was quite annoyed at the fact that she was assigned to gate duty. Because of what happened a few weeks ago. An attacker of immense strength attacked them. Rather it was by order of Kumo or he simply went insane. But tensions had been growing with the actions of the Cloud village. It was best to keep a watchful eye, especially since Shimi had brought number of forces at their doorstep. That beeing said, Korra was the one Riku had been speaking too. She had asked for permission to go to the beaches as they needed help cleaning. The world must go on despite the what could happen at the time. "Sure thing. Sign here and let us know when you will be back and where you will be that way we can locate you if things go awry." Korra said to Riku.

Riku nodded and signed where Korra indicated and wrote that she should be back by the next morning at the very latest. "Thank you shinobi-san. I'll be on my way." Taking back her mission scroll, Riku began her trek to Ota.

The number of Kumo nin near the gates made the blue-haired genin nervous, but she walked quickly and tried to avoid eye contact.

[//Exit Kirigakure --> Ota]

The following day, Riku returned to the village and approached the shinobi on duty. She bowed politely and explained that she had just returned from a mission before signing in. Once the guard gave her the go-ahead, the blue-haired girl would go write her mission report and bathe. She still smelled of salt and brine.

[//Thread Exit Ota-->Kirigakure]

Satori examined the scroll that he’d been offered. The job was something he’d usually send his clan members on, but frankly, he was tired of sitting behind a desk carefully planning everything. It would do him some good to get out and actually do things again. Stretching his muscles out slightly, he grunted and pushed himself to his feet, the elder glanced up from her desk work and cocked a brow at him silently in question.

“Going to get some fresh air and hunt a bit,” he explained simply, rolling his shoulder slowly. “I’ll take Midori with me, let father know for me please so he can keep an eye on things,” his father had been lowered to the second seat, and the conflicts that had risen since had passed by. Such was the Ryuutei way. Several new faces had obtained seats now, and yet, Midori had refused to trial herself against the others.

He knew why. She lacked confidence. Satori was determined to correct that issue by continuing to help her, and getting her to accept a seated position. She was already stronger than anyone aside from the top ten seats. It was a waste not to have her on the council officially.

Midori had gotten the summons from the ‘clan head’. It was all so weird… and now he was trying to get her to shoulder more responsibility on top of her already grueling training schedule. How was she going to catch up if she was stuck doing paperwork and shit? And he knew she wasn’t good at those types of things. If it wasn’t for the paperwork and other nonsense she probably would be apt to do it… but that wasn’t the only reason either.

She was always wrestling with her other side… the ‘dragon’ as her and Satori knew it to be called within her mind. That nature chakra was volatile stuff, and she knew how close she had come to really messing things up when Satori had undergone his contest against his father. Things were going to be changing slowly; Satori was too smart to try anything drastic all at once, knowing it was going to take time to acclimate to actually being a part of the village instead of a side-note.

So she stood at the gate near the forest, her arms crossed and eyes focused on the ground, watiing for him to show up at the rendevouz point. She had gotten stronger, but she still felt like she was very much being dragged onto a mission to ‘have a talk’ about what he wanted from her. She just wanted to be useful… to be able to watch his back and do her part for the clan. To be able to compete with him and cover for his weaknesses in a way that made him respect her not just as a sibling, but as a warrior. A true fighter in her own right, and capable of dealing with certain foes that he could not.

Damn jack of all trades made that difficult.

[1]

Satori flickered, landing lightly a few feet from her at the gates of Kirigakure with his hands in his pockets. His new outfit hadn’t changed too much with his new status, his usual leather jacket had been replaced with a leather vest holding a fur lining along its collar. The clan symbol still engraved in its back, but his original bone piercings had been replaced now with ivory, the symbol of a clan head.

Tilting his head slightly as he eyed her staring at the ground, he chuckled softly and moved forward to gently nudge her with a finger. Greeting her with a slight smile.

“C’mon. The village needs their stores replenished due to an outbreak,” he stated simply, he’d given her the details previously, not that they mattered.

“I figured hunting sharks would be a decent way to do things,” with this he would begin meandering toward the gate exit. They weren’t going far, but it was still outside the village technically.

Travel: Kirigakure Gate > Hozuki Isle, No travel time.

Midori had noticed him with her peripheral vision but hadn’t moved or acknowledged his presence, but not on purpose. She was so lost in her own thoughts that even though her body registered he approached, her mind was too focused on other things to do the right thing and give him the respect he deserved and earned. The nudge brought her back into focus though, and she immediately reprimanded herself mentally for slacking, giving him a respectful nod.

She had gotten the details earlier, but what was important was that they were severely lacking in fresh foods because someone hadn’t done their job properly and a bunch went to waste. Well, not waste, as it was useful for compost and the like, but it couldn’t be eaten, and that was the whole point of this mission. But as Satori spoke, she had to consciously stop herself from sighing.

She didn’t mind a fishing trip, but it would be hard to make this a good training session. Swimming was great for exercise but not really great for combat training, and considering how much she worked out, to begin with, she didn’t feel it was necessary. But she would do it, not just because Satori was the clan head and she was obligated to do so, but because she hardly got to see the man anymore. A little time together would be nice.

Travel: Kirigakure Gate > Hozuki Isle, No travel time.

[2]

With the orca and sharks decorating his shoulders, Satori hauled the catch along as he re-entered the village after finishing the mission alongside Midori. Heading in the direction of the administration building to turn in the mission, and drop the meat off at the market to be prepared for storage.

Travel: Hozuki Isle > Kirigakure, no travel time.

Midori was walking beside Satori, smirking as people from the village were astounded at these two people carrying an absolute ridiculous amount of shark and orca back into the village. The fact that not only were two people carrying all this, but that she had defeated them all with her own hand was something that allowed her to stick her chest out with pride and walk a bit taller. She would head straight to the butcher, and then double back to the Administration Building to help Satori get the rest of the haul to the butcher as well. This would feed the residents here for quite some time, and she was thankful that they had completed the mission without any major incidents.

Travel: Hozuki Isle > Kirigakure, no travel time.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Shimiko had had a bad time, then a good time, then a uh, she wasn't sure how to feel about it yet time in Kirigakure. A lot of happened during her first official visit to the Village Hidden in Mist. She had yelled at the Mizukage, helped plot the downfall of another Mizukage, found a new little sister and Jashinist disciple, drank tea with a Ryuutei, and met some cool Kaguya. It was a fruitful journey and Shimiko took the trip as a great learning experience. The ANBU Captain gathered up all her soldiers that she had brought to Kiri, along with her genin and then departed from the village.

Hozuki Isle -> Open Seas -> Southwest Lightning Country

Total Travel Time: 72 Hours

It was time to go home, the twin's had learned many things introduced many to the religion and had met a possible future friend. They would wave to Shimiko as they spotted her, unsure if she had accomplished what she wanted the began to travel with her back home. So many things they had learned here and they were sure in a nation like this Jahinism could grow massively.

Hozuki Isle -> Open Seas -> Southwest Lightning Country

Total Travel Time: 72 Hours

It didn't take long for everyone to gather back at the gate to go home. That was the way of traveling, it seemed. Going somewhere knew dragged on and on as though one was trudging through snow. A soon as it was time to leave, it felt like a massive rubber band was snapping back into place and taking folks along for the ride. That was how Yagami felt as he turned to cast a final look on the village of Kirigakure.

It was a surprisingly peaceful visit. A bit of food, a fair amount of wandering the Districts, and even having a conversation with a woman near the marketplace. Part of him wished he could stay longer. Another part was ready to see the familiar stone crags of Kumo. With a final farewell he shouldered his pack and darted off to join the others.

Spoiler:

Hozuki Isle -> Open Seas -> Southwest Lightning Country

Total Travel Time: 72 Hours

Kyoji arrived to the Eastern Gates. He was not alone. Beside him was Korra and Zi, his friends that he always had at his side. Everyone was still seemingly surprised at the sudden change of appearance from the Mizukage. The Rokudaime was pale skinned instead of his fish blue, the Hoshigaki appearance completely gone. No one knew why or how he was able to accomplish this amazing feat. But not many had enough courage to actually ask him. However Korra gave him dirty looks the entire time making their way to the gates.

Behind the three were several squads of ANBU and Jounin. The vanguard was ready to move. Apart of the squad was a group dedicated to protecting Takeo in his time. Yuki guards from his clan who were very dangerous. Now they were assigned to Kyoji. They were garbed in ANBU gear hiding their faces with masks. Kyoji's face was covered as well with a Monster Rebreather and the rest of his jet black monster armor. But his newly silver hair hung on the side with some of it tied up. Behind the ANBU were Chuunins of varying skills but they would be good for the battles to come, about 5 squads of attack ninjas. They would rendezvous with a bigger force. They were moving under the cover of night so there trip would be quick and effortless. Samehada was on his person as well as his other items, he would be feeding it very soon. Commanding the rest of the forces, "Lets move out." He ordered as they all followed the Mizukage.

[Exit - Open Sea - Nagi Island - Nagi Island Militia Stronghold- 8hrs]

Mission:

To be frank Inarie didn't anticipate going back to the Hozuki Fisheries so soon. It wasn't long ago when Ann joined with Inarie to catch a bunch of rockyfish at the Hozuki Fisheries. Only this time however, it seems that they don't have to venture so far out. Which is good in the young Kaguya's mind as she does not want to clean the fish guts from under her fingernails again. Not to mention the amount of soap and scent oil of lavender just to get the smell off from her hands.

Inarie made sure to pack her bag of supplies including food, clothes, hygiene, and other tools such as flint and steel for example. Approaching the gates, Inarie addressed the guards stationed there and even gives them the details of her mission before stating that she is waiting on one other to arrive. Assuming everything goes according to plan the summary will result in Inarie waiting by the gates on this person that goes by the name of Miyu.

Inarie is garbed in practical clothing meant for travel that consists of the cheap mesh shirt underneath her short sleeved sandy brown shirt. Over these two shirts is a mail shirt of steel that adds protection from slashing and stab wounds from reaching the many vital organs of Inarie's body. Slung over her shoulder is a strap connecting to her bag of supplies. The belt secured around her waist holds a sheathed chokuto on her left flank, while a hip pouch can be found at her right flank. Choice of lower body clothing happens to be a pair of leather brown shorts as they will likely travel through water a lot. Pants will just soak and weigh heavily after a while. Wrapped around her right thigh is a white cloth where her holster of Kunai resides at. Finally on her feet is a pair of navy blue sandals.

Inarie's hairstyle for today is the usual tight ponytail with two perfect spirals next to the fluffy tail and her left bang is purposely down to frame her face. Her metallic blue scales cover her forearms to the wrists and partially the back of her hand. On her face is another patch of scales which seem to resemble a pair of bat wings stretching from her cheek to just under her eyes. Practically framing her piercing pink rose red eyes as they shifted from one thing to the next. Another set of scales can be seen on the sides of her calves that seems to spiral around downwards to her feet.

The large company of ninja appeared at the secret location of the Mist. Leading the pack was none other than Kyoji Hoshigaki, now human, slightly. His armor unscathed in the wake of the great battle for Nagi Islands. He had left a contingent of forces to finish taking over the island. This would complete the expansion process for the Empire of the Mist. A plan first set out by Takeo, and finished by himself. They were greeted at the gates by the Kiri forces and the Demons forces. They had arrived a short while ago and waited to greet them as ordered.

One of the guards walked forward as Kyoji, Zi and Korra approached the gates. "We have the package Lord Mizukage." He said holding a large parcel on his person. Kyoji nodded, with a pleased expression on his face. He took the package and said, "Good work. Now I must do my part, and fully unify the land." But Kyoji had other plans as well. He beckoned for his forces to enter the city, their mission complete.

[Enter Kirigakure]

Miyu walked to the gates, she was supposed to meet a fellow Genin, named Inarie Yoru-Kaguya. And was the first time in several weeks of trying to forge a connection with Kiri nin, that had borne fruit. Both her clan's reputation and Big Sister's curse seemed to proceed her, but after her job as Head Chef for the Chuunin Exams coming up. She had plans of dealing with that problem.


For now? It was time to try and make a friend, and get outside the city walls long enough to get her wings stretched.


She'd arrive with a decent sized backpack that held a single large scroll, and a slightly modified version of her special blend of coffee, to ensure she didn't sleep at all the upcoming week, and changes of clothing. Her normal uniform's bagginess doing well to hide the senbon launcher's on each arm, and the Ink Claws she had stored in the slots.


The most biggest thing that stood out about her? Besides standing at 3' 5", and signature hair and eyes. Was the new additions, Ebony Ryuutei Studs. 3 on each brow ridge, 3 circling her eyes before 3 more going down an inch beside her nose.
If one were to connect the dots, would form a skull like design. With a single Stud in her nose below the Septal Cartilage, and one on her tongue.


The Studs were an official part of coming of age, something Miyu had passed years ago. But never knew were to get them placed until recent events pushed her to taking a rather strong view, on the importance of not holding off on important matters, now that her Big Brother succumbed to the Plague. Upon seeing the porcelain skinned, blue scaled genin she was going to be joining on a small adventure Miyu waved over to her as she ran up to meet her.


She'd give her, her patented "I'm made of Sunshine and Rainbows" Smile, and would let her Senses hone in on her chakra. Getting used to it's flow and flavor. Getting things set up so she could use her Empathy to better help her teammate when the time came, then proceeded with the most cheerful and upbeat greeting she could,"Hiya! I'm Miyu Ryuutei! And I heard you needed help with gathering Octopi, I can definitely help in that regard. I'm a Sensory Type, got decent skill with Puppetry Techniques, and if we end up needing to fight, I have access to multiple weapons of S Rank sharpness. So you're in good hands."

Fortunately for Inarie it didn't take long at all before Miyu approached the gates and Inarie herself. Although at first Inarie thought it was just a kid wandering too close to the gates. After all Inarie is not used to anyone being smaller than herself lest they are children. Miyu's hair at least matched what Inarie briefly knew of, and as Miyu waved at Inarie the young Kaguya responded with a wave of her own hand. Presenting a small smile for pleasantries sake.

The next moment later Miyu introduced herself and makes an enthusiastic point that Inarie doesn't have anything to worry about. Her enthusiasm has Inarie unsure how to respond since normally she would be polite and nice until provoked. However Miyu's level of energetic and positive attitude is throwing Inarie off a bit that shows in her words.

"P-pleased to meet… you. My name is Inarie Yoru Kaguya, and thank you for your assistance in this mission Miyu-sama." Inarie nearly sighed of relief that as she talked Inarie had regained some form of composure. Remembering to be courteous to her superiors, Inarie will present a formal bow in display of respect.

"As far as I am aware we only need to worry about is some octopi. Nonetheless it is good to have you. I assume you have everything ready to go? Inarie inquired as she straightened her form.

Miyu had never had someone bow to her, nor talk to her with that level of formality, but the usual level of fear and mistrust that came from her fellow Kiri nin wasn't tainting her emotions. It was odd, but not fully unwelcome. Giving an even brighter, more welcoming smile Miyu gave an enthusiastic nod to the scaled Kunoichi.

"Yep, yep! I got everything I need for a long trip, and ready to go out when you are. As for octopi, those shouldn't be much of a problem, Miyu replied warmly, "And you don't need to be so formal with me, we're both Genin, and should be able to look out for one another."

Thinking about it for a second, Miyu added on as an after thought, "Why don't we spend some time on the way there getting to know one another? It's rare that anyone in Kiri would work along side me because of my family ties. So I don't have a lot of friends here, it'd be nice to have a friendly chat. And I got cooking covered, between us, I got into the Chuunin Exams as the Head Chef for the Kages. So you know I'll be able to make you something that's out of this world."

It was hard to believe that for someone to have such weapons at her disposal and more likely the skills to back them up is only a Genin. Somewhere in the back of her mind a whisper echoed that sent chills down her spine as the familiar sense of depression weighs on her.

I am still too weak to be a proper Genin… Miyu kept talking as Inarie listened to every word. Hell the young Kaguya didn't think that grin can get any bigger, but sure enough it did. When Miyu stated that Inarie didn't need to be so formal. It felt strange to not be formal since she was always careful on her words, how she walks, how she dresses, and so on to ward off any harassment from her Kaguya brethren. So trying not to be formal was hard for Inarie since it served as her armor as much as it is her persona.

"My apologies Miyu, but I'm afraid being formal is who I am. Although I shall work on that some time in the future." Despite the hefty thoughts ringing through her mind her honey words spoke for her. For she won't let something like this get to her, and she certainly didn't want to put a stain in the Kaguya's name. They are quite stingy about that, but Calin is the exception Inarie wagers.

Hearing Miyu suggesting they take some time along the trip to get to know each other, and honestly Inarie happily agreed to that. It wasn't everyday that she gets to make a friend.

"Of course! Although if I am going to be honest I don't see why people won't work with you. I'm just not used to seeing someone so cheerful, so forgive me if I come across as rude." Apologetic Inarie was in the case of Miyu picking up on Inarie's impression. Still she presents a curl on one corner of her lips as Miyu spoke further that she was to serve food at the Chunin Exams. It was the exams that Inarie wanted to take part in as it would be a clear sign to not just everyone, but to the other Kaguya that she is not just some black sheep of the family. Still to be able to become the Head Chef was nothing to frown on since it is another battlefield entirely just to get into that position.

"Well in that case I can't wait to try it for myself. Eventually I will be participating in the Chunin Exams, but first I need to fine tune myself before it arrives at our doorstep." Now she can't help except wonder what sort of food does Miyu cook. Inarie could ask right now, but she really wants to hurry up and get to the Hozuki Fisheries. So Inarie gestures to the gate before she does the gate procedure of signing herself out and stating the reason is for a mission to the Hozuki Fisheries. Inarie wagers it shouldn't take more than 3 days at most. Once she was done, Inarie turned towards Miyu in a better mood than earlier.

"If you don't mind me asking, but what kind of food do you mainly cook?

Upon hearing that the Kaguya was just naturally formal, Miyu gave her a good-natured hug in response, "Well if it is who you are, then that's who you are." Giving a last squeeze she backed up as gave a slightly sad smile when Inarie mentioned how she didn't know why people didn't want to work with her.

"Let's just say that the village doesn't like my Big Sis and the family I was adopted into. Both of them are amazing and honorable people. But people fear what they don't understand, and certain customs of the Clan aren't for everyone. But those who don't get adopted, who get sent elsewhere, they spread onto the fear and misconception of the clan.

"Most aren't really outwardly showing of their distrust, fear, and hate. But I'm an Empath. Their emotions are as open a book to me as if it were written in large, bold, print. Which only makes things harder. Not that I mean to sense them, it's for me what breathing is for other people. Just a natural reaction."

Giving her head a shake, her bright smile returned, "But I have to have faith that it's not going to be forever. And at least those in my clan, and now you too, within the village take a look at the real me. And I do love Kiri, it's the land where my family lives, the land they love. but anyways onto something more fun."

As the topic came to food and what she mainly cooked Miyu gave a thoughtful hum, "I can cook anything edible, and it usually depends on what I have on hand, or what inspires me at the moment. But you'll find out soon enough, I have Kitchen-Kun sealed away for later, so you'll definitely have the chance to eat whatever you can dream of having cooked."

With that she'd give one final hug, and tug towards the gate, "Lets go Inarie-chan; I'll make you some Takoyaki from our catch. It'll be amazing."

[Exit Kirigakure -> Hozuki Fisheries]

Miyu was being simple and honest in a more positive light. Expressing herself openly even though they had just met. Inarie speculates that it will take her a while to get used to this person. Still she listens on Miyu vaguely detailing the reason behind people not wanting to join with her. Seems like this clan of hers has some issues, but Kaguya has issues of their own. So does any other clan really, but the village tolerates them. Inarie subconsciously tapped her index finger on her bottom lip while she was thinking.

Perhaps I can look into this clan more. If I can understand them, then maybe we can work something out. Inarie's thoughts snapped back to present as Miyu promised to cook something from the octopi after this mission. Accompanied with another hug only this time Inarie isn't so much as surprised, but rather unsure what to do and being awkward in general. A brush of red warms her cheeks just below the scales. After they separated, Inarie dipped her head agreeing with Miyu on going ahead. With a graceful turn, Inarie proceeds to walk down the road to the Hozuki Fisheries while listening/speaking to Miyu.

[Exit Kirigakure -> Hozuki Fisheries]

It hadn't been long since the young Leora came to Kirigakure. Unfortunately she didn't really gain anything substantial worth of information. People stated that the Mizukage was attacked by Khaix, but for what reason they didn't know. Leora speculated that she could've asked the guards themselves, but by the time she came up with the thought of it was high time to return to the gates.

Walking up to the imposing gates of Kirigakure from within the village itself. Leora made sure to check in with the guards and sure enough the others had already left. She wondered if diplomacy was a success or not, but that was a question for another time. For now Leora followed the standard procedures if any before taking her leave from the hidden village. From there Leora will head for her home, Kumogakure. She honestly felt like she didn't do much, but then again perhaps just being in Kirigakure was enough for exploration reasons.

[Exit -> Kumogakure (48 hr)]

Mission with Ann-

Spoiler:

Arisu had been training solo for long enough that she felt like the time was right for a mission. Luckily, it appeared that the Jounin Ann she had met previously was also looking for a mission, and so the two of them had been paired together to complete one in Ota. More security was required after a storm, to make sure that nearby pirates didn't raid weakened areas that didn't have Kirigakure's fleet protecting it.

She had followed all the procedures, signing herself out of the village for the mission already, in case that was necessary.

She had more or less prepared herself for the mission, not requiring any sort of tools or anything. Arisu wasn't exactly that sort of ninja, she didn't rely on weaponry. Then again, most people couldn't create rods like she could. Having been weaker than the average person, the Otsutsuki had relied on her chakra reserves to create Receiver rods to use as weapons rather than weigh herself down with weapons she could barely use.

Wearing the standard Kirigakure uniform, minus a flak jacket, her headband covering her right eye as usual, Arisu waited for her Jounin to arrive so they could set out. When Ann arrived, they wouldn't waste much time with conversation, and would set out immediately. They could talk on the way to Ota if they really wanted to.

-Exit to Ota

It had been a while since the last time Ann completed a mission. She had been dedicating herself to training and improving her abilities in secret. The young Steel user was still recovering from the time she had spent frozen, but she could feel her body getting back to active. This was one of the reasons why she didn't hesitate in accepting a mission to go alongside Arisu to hunt some pirates.

In fact not only did she not hesitate, but Ann was actually looking forward to this mission. She had been enjoying her time in Kirigakure no Sato, even the last couple of months she had basically spent training alone. But there was something missing...the call of the horizon, the scent of the sea, the cold breeze gently touching her cheeks. Mostly, Ann missed sailing. And this mission gave her the opportunity to sail, and she was eager to accept it. Even if it meant sailing against a few pirates, what did it matter? She'd be fighting enemies in a ship alongside one of her friends. There could hardly exist a better scenario for a mission!

Neither Arisu nor Ann spoke any words when they met at the gates. Ann simply nodded her head, and the two moved out.

[Exit to Ota]

The Mizukage had allowed Miyu to leave without too much fuss. He didn't even want to see Shimiko apparently. This was a smart move on his part. She was willing to be respectful and understanding, but saying "No" simply was not an option for the Kage at this point. The blonde walked out of the gates with her sister in toe.

"That was easier than I thought it would be....we'll head to Kumo soon, but before then I need to pick one other person up!"

Exit

Northeast Water Country -> Land of Whirlpools -> Land of Hot Springs -> Land of Sound

60 Hours