New Eastern Gates

The new eastern gates had been completed by the order of the Princess Triumverate and under the watchful supervision of Arisu Ōtsutsuki. However, most avoided this section of the village walls. The superstitious began to believe that the eastern gates were cursed due to the violent events that seemed to take place there with unusual frequency. Even those who weren't given to such beliefs tended not to enter or leave the city through the newly rebuilt gates.

Kitsuki wasn't so afraid. She also wanted to remind herself of how fragile power was and what the cost to warfare could be on a person and a populace. It was a somber reminder that the decision to take lethal action against a perceived enemy should never be done lightly. The Princess walked through the gates and into the village. She had learned much from her meeting with the Princesses and there was so much to do. The battle against the Indaina Kujira may have been won, but there were always more threats to guard against. She'd also see to it that Katsumi was brought through the gates as well so that she could be placed in the hospital.

[Enter Kirigakure]

He was at the gate first, not surprising, even if Arisu had some sort of portal technique that allowed her to teleport around to various places. After all she had told him to meet her there after gaining his equipment and that she had needed to gain some herself. Valen however had already had all of his equipment. So all he needed to do was run by the vault, show the ANBU guarding said vault Arisu's bank note and withdraw what he wished. He settled on ten million ryo, he wasn’t aware how much would be necessary and he wanted a good, safe number. He would return it if it wasn’t necessary and if it was then it would be good that he had brought it.

He had his equipment and the ryo, and now he just needed the Princess. Idly Valen considered how strange that sounded. Still, he set the thought aside and continued waiting until her arrival. He had taken the liberty of ordering a Corvette prepared for their use, sending a messenger ahead to have the ship prepared. Some were always ready he had seen, can’t be a water superior nation without having some ships prepared to go after all could you? However giving a captain and crew some advance notice could never really hurt..unless you were hunting them..But that was something else entirely.

He would wait patiently until her arrival, at which point he would move toward the nearest port to leave. Their destination firmly in mind, it would take them a few days to reach it. However when he got there he would see if he could manage to earn the rank of Jounin Commander. Upon arrival at the boat he would board it, offering Lady Arisu a hand up the gangplank if she took it. He had seen men do so for women before, although he assumed it was something to do with being a ‘gentleman’. Something he did not quite understand but he also did not want to risk offending the woman who had already done so much to help his career along. With that they would be off toward their destination, the sleek, speedy ship pulling out to sea and off across the horizon.

Exit

Travel Stuff:

Arisu's departure from the office had merely been to head home and equip herself. As ever, the outfit she wore was little more than the battle gear she had taken from the armory, besides the signature blades she often equipped. The Kiba blades and the modified Ersatz Kusanagi blade were on her sides, and her hair was pulled into its signature ponytail. A small translucent bell adorned her neck, and several secretive scrolls that she protected were place in pouches on her person. She'd also gathered up the knowledge for Kirisame, as she planned on allowing Valen to train it if he could. Her headband had been altered to cover the horn with a metal one as well, forming into the Kirigakure headband as if it was a part of it. As always, her Rinnegan remained active, the two ringed purple eyes staring blankly ahead at her wall.

Her home in Kirigakure was more empty than normal, as she'd taken to leaving the Paths of Pain at a small base she'd set up on the moon, preferring to be able to simply summon them as needed if she wasn't using them already, rather than leaving them laying around the house when she didn't take them with her. Having the Animal Path and access to Yomotsu Hirasaka had been quite a boon for her, cementing that she was well on the path for completion of the Godhood trial she had been sent on.

Still, finishing equipping herself, she'd waited a while before deciding to head to the gates, simply allowing Valen the time to gather what he needed first. After an amount of time that she decided was likely enough, she simply opened up another portal in front of her, the opposite end opening up about 10 feet in the air in front of the gates, before she stepped through, gracefully dropping to the ground.

From there, they left to the port, where Valen had already arranged travel. As he offered a hand, she held hers out palm down, allowing herself the privilege of her station. Valen was quite the gentleman and understood the social differences between the two of them.

---
-Exit-
Following Valen's travel path

Leaving his house with one of his swords and a bag full of supplies he would need to survive and keep his health up on such a trip he was excited on this day the headband of the village was secured for all to see around his neck. Attempting to clean it the best he can he brought it out in honor of the women who rescued him and brought him into a new home but being out there in the world lately all he saw was the evil in the eyes of the people. The sword he brought today was all black from the blade to the handle as a white and blue cloth wrapped around the grip of the blade. It was clear the violence would be kept to a minimum and he would not act without orders but in case someone wanted to test his resolve as a shinobi he wouldn’t have a problem giving them what they asked for. Indeed it was entertaining to be out of the village alone with no other shinobi; the freedom of being alone for once was something he needed and he took advantage of that. With his home behind him he ventured towards the gates of the village as they appeared to already be open ready for the shinobi and most likely those he saw in the office such a greeting he was now introduced to his first taste of freedom.

Making his way out of the village and onto the path he continued to venture forward not looking back at his home before that too became a blur in his eyes. On this day he wore his usual white and blue kimono with the traditional wooden sandals with a slight breeze in the air. His hair danced around for a mere moment before settling back down. But in time the breeze itself would pick up and feel a little stronger then it did after leaving the village he was nearing his first checkpoint as he broke the treeline and came out from the path he was introduced to a set of boats as he was all the way on the right end. But he was not alone; there seemed to be a set of people on each boat awaiting their voyagers to cross the sea and welcome themselves into unknown land but there were enough people on each boat to keep some type of survival and information relayed between each member of that ship. Gazing out to the sea that was going to be his new home for a while before touching land again he had no regrets in his choices and continued to push on to see this mission fulfilled to the end.

Walking down the path and towards the boats he ended up on the final one at the end of the peer walking on board as the members quickly began to greet him as they immediately prepared for their departure into the world. One of the members took the bag of the shinobi, placing it in the lower deck with other supplies of rations they maintained and held up for the journey as they allowed him to keep his blade on his body. They raised the anchor and opened the sails allowing the wind to do its job slowly pushing them out into the open waters as the crew fluttered around the shinobi getting everything tied down and secured every detail that needed to be tied down upon the vessel. He read the journey would take him at least a total of five days till he touched land once more staying on top of the deck he was now concerned with what he was leaving behind.

As his eyes remained locked in onto the peer that he was now leaving behind before that too was another blur in his eyes forging him to look forward for a better tomorrow and also wondering what he would find on this new piece of land hopefully something unique or maybe a set of people who loved to devote themselves to training and didn’t mind some blood. The ideas that crept into his mind were different from others, but he accepted the mission and now it was only time till the truth was revealed but indeed the thought of leaving his new home stained his mind as he was already ready to return back in the folds after embracing whatever the world had to offer him. Sitting down upon the wooden deck of the ship he remained silent and aware of everything the people were doing around him and how maybe he could lend a hand but first he needed to study such skills as this was his first time on a ship. Cruising the open waters, he could only think of the stories he was used to reading and hearing of the monsters that rested underneath the water ready to attack a lone ship, but this could have also been a fairytale, hopefully such creatures kept to themselves. Such a thought only made him chuckle more as he realized any moment their ship could be attacked and there was nothing, he could do but defend it and hopefully not die in the waters. Such an imagination as that was worth the laugh but for now all he could was sit down and wait for the trip to be over with nothing but patience inside of him he decided to close his eyes once more and catch some rest while they just departed.


‘From Kirigakure to Land of Water Borders takes 24 Hours -> Land of Water Borders across the Kanashi Ocean to Nanmen Ocean takes 96 hours and from Nanmen Ocean across half of it to Land of Sea Borders takes 48 hours but my corvette removes half that water travel time, making it a total of 72 hours. Totaling out to 96 hours of travel.’

Dante walked upon the gates, clenching his fist and ears flicking with every breeze of wind. It seemed like it was a long journey ahead, making Dante question what he got himself into. Alas he chose to pick a boat in his travels, having his time in half to travel to his destination. A few days would be long and tiring but he would nap here and there before eventually reaching his destination. Dante prepped his boat and set on his ways shortly after, enjoying the small breeze that blew across his face.

---

‘From Kirigakure to Land of Water Borders takes  24 Hours -> Land of Water Borders across the Kanashi Ocean to Taro Island Borders takes 96 hours but my corvette removes half that water travel time, making it 48. Totaling in 72 hours total.


-Leaving Kirigakure to Taro Island. Will arrive in 72 hours-

Tsumi walked ahead of a large crowd of people huddled together. Scared, cold and tired the citizens of Kumogakure would follow twenty meters behind him. Tsumi himself walked with only a leather jacket on over his shinobi outfit. Black pants over boots with black shirt. The kumo headband dripping as he held it in his hand. A forgotten promise...a failed hope. The rain beating down against him and flattening his hair. The fire sword gripped tightly in his other hand as he stared at the ground. Why was he here leading these people? Why would they follow him when he failed to stop them from losing their home in the first place. Their government torn apart and he had done nothing to stop it from happening. They held faith in their shinobi for some reason before this point. Yet he had done nothing...could do nothing about the attack. All he could do was attempt to redeem himself for his failure through finding them a new home.

Tsumi would approach the gates. His black horns poking out from his hair line. He would stop when men would step forward to bar his path and hold up his hands. The legendary fire sword clear in his hand. His red eyes would shift between the men trying to figure out who was in charge. Announcing himself as the rest of the people behind him halted when he did. Cowering back a little. The village hidden the mist was known for violence. Was this a valid choice? Still he would announce himself loudly. Trying to keep his wavering voice from cracking.

"I am Yokai Tsumi. I am.....was a Jounin of Kumogakure...it was destroyed by Raijin the warmonger. He was seen heading east of Kumo and another him was heading to snow village. Our government has been torn down and our people misplaced. We need shelter and protection and food. I offer the fire sword from Kumo and three of its corvettes in return for these things...please...take these civilians in...even if you won't let a failed shinobi like myself..."

Touka walks calmly and slow, thinking about everything she could or should say. Considering she isn't really much of a strong willed speaker like some other people, she feels this will be a good opportunity to remove as much of everything that is restricting her mentally. Reaching the gate, she stops right inside the borders, taking one look back at the village behind her.

"The last time I walked through these gates, I avenged my parents... This time let it be positive overall... I need some change in my life. Gripping the handle of her scythe and running her fingers over the carvings, she takes a step outside of the gates stopping immediately. Not a second goes by before she calmly taps the tops of both Shinobigatana slung on her back before speaking to herself. "I'll be back, Mom. Dad. Wish me luck." Touka begins to pick up her pace slightly, adding a bit more energy into her trek and travel.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

From Kirigakure to Land of Water Borders takes  24 Hours -> Land of Water Borders across the Kaijuu Ocean to Land of Moon Borders takes 96 hours but my corvette removes half that water travel time, making it 48. Totaling in 72 hours total.

Valen Minamoto was in his office when the report reached him about a fairly decent sized group of people outside of the village gate with a very tall man holding a sword calling out and seeking refuge. The gate guard, reporting in while leaving their partner at the gate after informing the individual known as ‘Tsumi’ that he would return with someone of import, informed the Fire Swordsman of everything that Tsumi had declared. That caused Valen a moderate amount of concern and the Jounin Commander immediately moved toward the gates of the village. His equipment was on his body and his weapon, the Hai no Ha, was at his hip as always and he moved toward the gates at his best speed.

He arrived only a bit later, the gate guard that had brought the new returning right behind him. The dark haired swordsman took a rough count and nodded. About 600 people, that was a lot to fit onto three corvettes. The swordsman’s critical eye saw the weapon in Tsumi’s hand and judged it a fine blade but did not look at it for more than needed to confirm that. For the moment, he simply wanted to ensure that his own people would be safe. He turned to one of the guards and snapped an order. “Get two tents set up in front of the gates. Entrances in front and back of the tents. Get a message to my secretary and have her find housing for..call it 700 refugees. Keep them together. They’re in a strange place and know no one but each other. Detail rotating shifts to watch them and keep track. Allow them in, but only after a search of each one, men in one, women in the other, ensure searches are conducted by the same gender. I’m more than willing to help but the protection of our own people comes first.” He would say to the guards immediate salute and departure. He had overshot the number he thought he had roughly estimated just in case but he doubted he was off by more than twenty or so in either direction.

It would not take long for the man to return with a few others and begin setting up the tents and once that began Valen would finally walk forward alone. Coming to stand before Tsumi fully, he looked up at the man and nodded to him in greeting. “I am Valen Minamoto, Jounin Commander of Kirigakure.” He would begin, introducing himself politely before continuing. “I am more than willing to take you and your people in Tsumi-san. However I have to protect my people. I’m going to be frank, I don’t know you, and I don’t know those you bring. You’re welcome into Kirigakure, welcome to join our village if you so choose after you’ve shown you can be trusted. However any civilian entering will have to be searched. Shinobi can avoid that, as I would expect them to be armed of course. However I want to ensure that there are no surprises. Men in the left tent, women on the right. Same gendered shinobi will conduct a brief search to preserve modesty, and then they can enter and will be shown to what will probably be temporary shelter until something more permanent can be set up. Will this be acceptable?” He would ask, a black eyebrow raising in curiosity.

[1]

Tsumi would pause as men began to organize before glancing to the man walking towards him. He was short but he held himself differently than the others he had seen so far. Carrying with himself a certain presence Tsumi simply didn't have. He seemed to begin making arrangements from where he stood at the gate. Giving orders which were clearly being followed without hesitation. His red eyes shifted to his people who he held out a hand to. Waving it nonchalant as if to suggest they wait and remain calm. His eyes returning to the man as he would walk forward. Seeming to appear more and more short in stature until he reached Tsumi. Explaining a reasonable plan and extending a welcome. Tsumi would hesitate however. Shame crossing his eyes as he looked away. There was a bit of pain there. A man who had thought himself a hero having failed the people. Powerless against those flames as they spread. Powerless to stop the man who burned it all down. Raijin had torn his confidence and view of the world. Naivety no longer allowed for him. Still his hand around his headband would loosen and let it fall into the mud of the road.

" There are no Kumo shinobi here....Not anymore."

There was a heavy weight to his words. Idly he would lift the sheathed fire sword before plunging it into the street with impressive force. Horses couldn't so much as put more than an indent into the road. Most attacks with actual weapons would struggle to go very deep. However Tsumi was the wielder of a monstrous strength. He pushed the blade down like the solid road was butter until it rested firmly. Planted next to his kumo head band. He would return to the group before explaining to them the plan. Men and women quickly splitting into groups. The children kept with a parent or someone to look after them. Tsumi himself would wait his turn at the back of the line off to the side. Finding a fallen tree on the side of the road to settle into a sitting position upon. His red eyes watching the entrance process go down while he contemplated what he would do next from here? Construction maybe? Probably a demolition specialist of some sort. He could take down buildings if he needed to. Otherwise his strength would be impressive on a crew of some sort.

Tsumi’s response was that there were no Kumo shinobi anymore before lifting the weapon he held, still sheathed and thrusting it, sheathe and all into the street. The crack of impact caused heads to turn from every side and Valen’s eyebrow would rise in curiosity. Tsumi would go to speak to the people and they would begin to organize and as the large man began to move to the back of the Valen would wave him over as he reached for the sword and pulled it out. Valen’s strength was powerful to and he looked at the sheathed weapon in his hands, even pulling the blade out an inch or two to admire it’s quality before nodding to himself and leaning it, still in it’s sheathe, on his shoulder. Should Tsumi approach Valen would look up at him and speak, his other hand reach up to his arm to untie the headband that was around it and offering it to Tsumi.

The obvious difference of course was that this headband had the mark of Kirigakure upon it’s metal and not that of Kumogakure. “You’re right of course, no Kumogakure shinobi here. But perhaps there’s some Kirigakure Shinobi, if they want.” He would offer, holding the headband out to the demon. Hopefully he he took it but regardless  Valen would nod toward the gate and turn to head inside, silently telling Tsumi to come with him. Shinobi were going to be armed, searching them for weapon was therefore pointless unless he wanted to have them disarmed for some reason. Which would send the wrong message. Tsumi having been a shinobi would probably have kunai, shuriken and explosive tags on him. As would any other that had been a shinobi from Kumogakure. Should Tsumi and Valen be moving into the gates the Jounin Commander would begin to speak. “We’ll get everyone situated as quickly as possible. We’ll get some volunteers, probably a few D rank missions actually for someone to come and go over weather precautions and such. We get frequent storms here and being on Islands make them a bit more serious.” He would say as they moved.

[2]

Tsumi would let his red eyes settle on Valen as he approached all the same. They were being given shelter and such in return for their cooperation. He knew that Kiri had some sort of alliance with Kumo but he hadn't been certain of them taking these people in. He had heard stories of pit fights and such before. Some of his comics had shown Kiri in a bloody light. That they were all trained killers. However he had to recognize that as fiction. Just like the concept of super hero's. He knew now the harsher reality and wanted to get strong enough to protect something. Raijin had been beyond him and he couldn't stand against him. No one even tried though. A bunch of the military even went with him. How they couldn't feel anything about destroying their home was beyond him. Still the headband would be handed to him from the mans own shoulder. He would cradle it in his hand as he shifted his eyes to stare at the kiri headband. Was he really worthy of being called a Jounin? Would he gain the power to protect serving a new master? Or would they make him into a real demon....

Quietly he would rise to his feet as he clutched the headband in his fist. Not putting it on yet but not dropping it or handing it back either. The refugees were going to need some income supporting them. At least until they picked up jobs to be self sufficient. He believed this Valen would help them but not without anything in return. Still he glanced over his shoulder at the people watching him as he followed. His eyes said he would be back but those red orbs wouldn't meet the peoples. He had failed them and now he lacked the ability to do more than show his shame with his eyes to the ground. They trusted him and he could only put them in the hands of another. He would follow Valen inside the gates however. Listening to the plans as they walked. He wanted to believe in human kindness but he felt so much doubt. Still if it was a fighter they wanted he could do that at least. Though the only equipment he had on his person was a pair of old dented metal gauntlets that hung from his belt. He didn't have anything else. He never needed it.

attempted entrance (Exit thread)
3 x 10 = 30 exp.

His mission was complete with the only delay being the boat ride home nothing else seemed to catch his attention but the silence of the night that he was brought into unlike his departure this time no one was around on the docks. But the light from the village itself reminded him he was now home and the time to return was now in a way seeing the light from the darkness brought by the water it reminded him he did have a home. Gazing up at the moonlight for a quick moment the scouts bowed their heads slightly before dispersing into the night, most likely heading back to report ahead of the shinobi. Cracking his neck before turning his back to the vessel and entering the darkness of the forest he headed straight home walking on the path of darkness with nothing but silence. It had been some time since he heard the voice in his head but as it seemed it may have been he was simply watching, waiting for his moment to appear and cause stress or even attempt to take over once more. Regardless it did seem calm with his presence not being shown he almost even forgot about his very existence. Such things made him wonder if he was going crazy or if this was all reality. After taking his time walking down the path he now found himself at the gates still open with a tiny outpost containing two guards standing behind a black desk. Blitz was gone for nearly a week or more but it didn’t stop him from walking up to the guards and revealing his headband to each of them before repeating his alias to them. Giving them a little time for them to receive the word about the shinobi back with a little intel on him leaving to go out on a mission he could only smile at the two shinobi before being allowed back in.

Waving at the two shinobi he could only now wait till he and the swordsmen met once more to discuss this mission; it was now completed but it being late at night he wondered if the man was even up. Most likely in the morning would be a good time to return back to the office and discuss such events with him. Enjoying the late night entertainment he had taken for granted after being gone for a short time he really seemed to be enjoying his new home more than he had before walking through the districts to head home he took his time enjoying all the sites of the village once more. Each step remembering the tour he was given from the very first time being brought into the village he enjoyed each second of his memories before finding himself at the door of his home. The thoughts of his past flooded his mind as he entered his home for the night ready for day that would come from his return.

~exit

Dante returned from his expedition, quite tuckered out. Instead of going home, he headed towards Valens office to report for his duty of bringing the exclusives to Kirigakure. “Sleep… please….” He groaned, wanting to sleep in a Comfortable bed.


[exit]

The Jounin Commander of the village would turn and enter the village with Tsumi, intent upon showing the newly acquired shinobi of Kirigakure to the training grounds where they could then test the capabilities of the tall demonic seeming man. Valen carried the fire sword with him, intent upon stopping by the vault on the way to safely store the weapon. It could be reobtained later if someone wanted to make use of it and they proved themselves worthy to wield it.

[Entering Kiri again]

Finally returning home from her first ever excursion outside of the Land of Water, Touka has completes her mission that was given to her by Valen. As she reenters the village, the first place he heads is directly to his office where she started this whole journey. Only makes sense to do such a thing.

"Time to get the approval of this mission completion... Mom and Dad... I'm Home..."

(Reentering Village)
[Exit thread]

Kaida yawned as she awoke from a nice nap, it had been some time but no serious threat to the village had been around, she had yet to be able to see any of the princesses for a rank so this also made it boring. She was only allowed minimal activity in the village, and couldn't even do jobs because she had no official rank to be able to do anything.

She made her way to the eastern gate when she heard a familiar voice, it had been several years but she was sure she knew who it was. She looked she could see it was Gyo, she remembered he was rather flamboyant but a good man, it seems the rumors of Kumos downfall were true. She would make her way to the gate as she would smile at him. She wondered if he would recognize her it had been over four years now. She was now twenty-two years old and she was eighteen at the time in Kumo.

"If it isn't Gyo, it has been a long time my friend my name is Kaida I am sure you remember our battle. It was a nice try back then but I am even stronger right now than I ever was back then. Come on in, do not worry they won't attack you as I am inviting you inside. Just behave you would want me to fight you seriously now, would you?"

She would step to the side to let him enter as she cautiously watched to see if anyone else would be trying to enter the area, to try to hurt herself or him, having her various masks deployed and spread out all around the pair. He likely would be creeped out by the EGF but it was her new tool to try to rid the world of evil.

ooc: Allowing Gyo entrance into Kiri and reentering fully into Kiri

Valen moved at the head of a group of scouts, moving through the crowd and dashing through the gates. The group would maintain cohesion all the way to the docks where they would board separate ships on the way to their destinations. The scouting group was on the way to look into a matter that had come to his attention recently and he himself was off to take care of something that would hopefully, if all went well, work for the overall betterment of Kirigakure. He wore white pants, black boots, his black gloves, his cloak, but remained shirtless. His sword hung at his waist within it's sheathe and a Stone of Gelel was settled firmly into his chest.

Travel Shit:

Masaru's entry into the land of water was sure to be noticed, it wasn't everyday that the former Tsuchikage and current second in command of Iwagakure paid the land of Water a visit. While he could have entered in a much more secretive way avoiding the eyes of the public, he was not here for any act of nefariousness. Masaru had come to the land of Water with one intention, information. He did not know if he would find the information he sought, but he was here to try to find it either way.

Arriving at the gates Masaru would stand and look to the guards, looking them up and down before he spoke. "My name is Masaru Tatsudashi of Iwagakure, I have come in search of information and would like to speak to one of the princesses or whoever is in charge." Masaru would then wait patiently for them to grab someone of authority within the village for him to talk to.

Arisu wore her usual attire, a simple black and gray kimono with a blue obi tying it closed. She was in the middle of studying a report that Sero had filled out, brow furrowed about the situation. That would need to be dealt with soon. It wasn't the most pressing matter, but Valen was out of the village for the moment, so she would likely get to it in the next day or so. She could recall him at any point that she wanted to.

As soon as Arisu received the information that Masaru was at the gates, she grabbed the Kiba Blades that she kept leaned next to her desk, attaching them to her via the belt she kept them on. Arisu ripped open the fabric of space, stepping through the portal and appearing 5 meters from the gates. The portal closed behind her as she completed her exit, and she quickly found who she was looking for.

"Welcome to Kirigakure. We cannot promise that the information you seek is in our grasp, nor that it is information we would divulge, but we are willing to hear your questions."

Masaru would watch as a small portal would form in front of him and seeing Arisu step out, he was not too surprised, he had heard rumors of the Otsutsuki and their powers. He could sense the level of her power the moment the portal opened and it dwarfed his own, he would be watchful of the woman due to this but also because of what he was about to say. He may have heard of the woman, but he did not know her. This would not be the same pleasant conversation as he had had with Tengoku, he would need to remain on his guard considering it was hard to tell where Iwa stood with Kiri, and he did not know if this welcoming was just to lead him to his death as the woman no in front of him could very well be in league with the man he was searching for.

Masaru would nod at her statement, "I understand, and I appreciate you taking the time to see me. I come seeking information about Nikuyo Yuki, a former Mizukage. I have reason to believe he was one of the individuals behind the attack on the Heavenly Emporium and kidnapping of my cousin Okane Tomi. If you know where Nikuyo might be, old haunts or maybe a link to someone that might know. I would appreciate the assistance."

During this day Blitz had found himself wandering around patrolling the village from within making sure the civilians themselves were keeping out of danger from each other or themselves. Sporting his usual blue and white kimono with the usual shinobi footwear Blitz was only gathering intel on this day while protecting the people this proved to be a silent day when it came to the common folk. Upon his back was Samehada, a large and mighty weapon with the weight upon his back and his chakra constantly being consumed; this was enough training for him to get used to the blade upon him. Landing upon the roof all had seemed fine until the various growls coming from the blade itself had caught the attention of its wielder. Someone was around and the blade was picking up on their energy; he had just finished patrolling the west side of the village. Pushing deeper into the eastern part of the village the growl on Samehada only erupted louder and louder the closer he got before realizing that he was heading in the direction of the eastern gates of the village. If someone was at the gates he surely wondered who it could be and why would they be out and about with no supervision closing in on the gates. Blitz made his way off the roof and onto the floor slowly walking underneath the shade from the buildings before coming into a clear view of the gates the closer he got the more of a fuss Samehada continued to show.

He could only see two individuals both never seen before by his eyes but his sword was quick to pick up on such tension he wondered if it was even a smart idea to venture out and find such a beast. Even with a gaze Blitz could feel their pressure from here the two of them seemed to be having a calm chat but underneath their skin each was primed with destructive power. One female the other a male the female seemed to be in possession of two blades sharp enough to cut through the memories of anyone who dared cry over the fallen victims from its wrath. These were two shinobi Blitz never encountered but yet they were in the border of the village from the looks of it one was interacting calmly. Keeping his distance the sounds coming from his blade was enough for him to know these two shinobi were not the regulars he was used to seeing even wondered if the two shinobi could produce high levels of irritation from his blade. Seeing these two talk let alone out in public was enough for the sword to catch a scent and be attracted to such power he watched wondering if they were going to fight. Or was this a simple visit from comrade to comrade under special circumstances regardless he could only watch and wait wondering if they even cared he showed his presence or if they would remain focused on whatever it is they were discussing.

Studying the women once more, something about her was familiar to him, something that reminded him he was not alone yet again the village as for the stranger he wondered what brought him out here. Yet a stranger from a far away land with odd clothing could only mean he was skilled to step up in front of this unknown kunoichi; he wondered if their battle would leave destruction at the gates. Smiling to himself he would probably not get the option of watching such a battle but maybe studying these shinobi he could probably learn at least their name or something. The growling from the blade continued as Blitz could only run his hands upon the bandages attempting to sooth the beast underneath the cloth; he could only wait and see if anything was going to happen as he hid in the shadows. Thirty five meters away rather close enough to see and but barely hear anything but indeed close enough to see if a battle would engage.

“Apologies my friend... I don’t think I myself is at the level of power you’re currently feeling. For now let’s just watch and go back to training after.”

"Nikuyo..."

The name barely struck a familiar tone with Arisu. There were so many mortals that she'd met over the years and it was hard to keep them all straight in her mind. Still, the fact that it was only Masaru's inclusion of Nikuyo as a former mizukage that struck any sort of resonance with her meant that it was unlikely that she would be able to help him find his quarry.

With her memory slightly jogged, she tried to remember anything she could about him, but even as far as Mizukage went, he was fairly often absent as well. Often at the Pits, but Kitsuki had personally shut those down some years ago.

"Unfortunately, I cannot assist in this matter. He has been gone from our lands for quite some time, and since Kitsuki shut down the Pits, I believe his old haunts are no longer in use. You are free to check around the old location for them however, and our doors are open for you during your investigation. Should you require any aid, we will provide it if possible."

"Perhaps you might wish to wait for the return of our Jounin Commander. He has been running the day to day affairs of Kirigakure and may have more information than I would. He should be back from his travels any day now."

Arisu waved off the guards to allow Masaru entrance into the village. There shouldn't be any real issue in doing so, and had he any wish to cause problems, he'd have just muscled his way through in the first place.

Though he would be disappointed in the fact that Arisu couldn't help with locating Nikuyo, Masaru would nod at her words. It made sense that he would have gone underground, but just because Arisu did not know anything did not mean that someone else within the village didn't know something that would point him in the right direction. Of course, it would be rude to reject the invitation into the village, and the prospect that the Jounin commander might be able to provide information was also promising. Masaru would bow his head slightly in acknowledgement of the woman's offer, "Thank you, Princess. I would be happy to await the return of your commander, while I wait might I begin my investigation at the Yuki clan district. Perhaps one of his kin might know something, if you could point me in their direction." Masaru would reply as he began to move through the gates of the village, sensing the chakra of another not too far off as if they were watching him. Masaru would make no movement to acknowledge this, he was after all a foreign shinobi, there were bound to be eyes upon him. Though he was invited in by the princess, he would remain on his guard should he be walking himself into a trap.

---

exit attempt (entering Kirigakure)