There were still places Takashi hadn't visited. He was planning to leave Iwa so soon that he couldn't afford to work all day long anymore. He had to go and explore! Not that he could see much, but he definitely came across a lot. He found much more stuff than when he had to sneak in Iwa. Getting inside was more of a drag though. This time he can peacefully walk around, drop his guard and take a nap whenever he wanted.
So why did he choose to visit this stretch of woods? It could sound mad, but no, he wasn't looking for linden flowers (Takamura had already instructed him, that there was none), and no he wasn't looking for those mountain flowers (he was in woods, after all). Shrooms? Nope. Birch bark? Nope. This trip to woods was made completely by his own free will. And it's purpose was unrelated to tea.

It's true that he sometimes felt a little inappropriate walking around the streets. Although he could navigate around just fine (and by now he had learned most common places by heart), he recognized some flaws he had accumulated during these few months: bad hair days everyday, light brown stains on his otherwise white and orange robe, broken sandal. He was doing terrible on his own. He took zero care of himself. And he didn't even care much. Rather than solving these issues, he chose to isolate himself in the forest for today. Way to run from your problems, Takashi!

For him the forest seemed endless. For all he knew, it could stretch to Konoha. Of course, he wasn't planning on venturing that far today. Still some business to take care of in Iwa. His hands and feet could easily describe this forest. Most of the paths he took were covered in moss. In some places it was drier than it should be in a forest. Probably the recent heat could explain that. However, it seemed that anthills were doing just fine for Takashi experienced the bites after stepping in some. By touch of palm and a little rub of trunk the Nekomata could tell what kind of tree it was. You know, it's Nekomatas instincts - to scratch your nails against someting once in a while. Evergreens, pines, willows, yews, birches and even some oaks were in this area. Not many stumps though. Good to know this wasn't Iwa's primary resource of wood. Takashi's ears were tuned for recognizing other living beings in the forest too. Mostly it was birds that could be heard easily. They were social beings - chittering all the time. Cuckoos, flycatchers, finches, grouses and some pigeons. Woodpeckers too, but they were just banging trees and not participating in the ''talk of the forest''.
Once in a while some louder snaps of twigs could be heard. No, those weren't humans. It was the animals of the forest. Takashi could recognize rabbits by those little hops they made. Sometimes a sly fox ran around somewhere in the distance. Martens too. Takashi hadn't heard anything really big. Like dangerously big.
But then he heard it. Something hit a tree. And it was so loud, that this tree obviously shook a little. A sound like antlers bashing a tree. It was probably wise for Takashi to settle down somewhere and hope it doesn't come this way.

Grinning, the large bulk of a genin that was Oki stood in an offensive stance, legs in a standard T pose, right arm extended from his previous move, left arm to his side. His white jacket showed signs of the duo’s current training spar, covered in stains from dirt and seeming more grey than white. Around his neck, like a scarf, a chain hung, swaying with his momentum. As always, his Iwagakure forehead protector hung proudly around his neck as one would imagine a collar, and standing to the side, watching, was Debu the bear, watching as lazily as lazy could be. Oki was a prideful individual, anyone could tell you that. Perhaps it was for that reason that, when his squad mate and friend, Yusuke, asked for help with training, he didn’t give any hesitation in response. Yusuke was small, but to Oki, the two were equals without a doubt.

Oki had managed to get a fair few hits on Yusuke, but Yusuke got more than double that many hits, able to duck and weave around the large bulk of a genin more times than not, and Oki himself was bruised in places, especially those unprotected by hair, such as his face. So, as Yusuke complimented him on his strength, Oki couldn’t help but let out a cheerful laugh and shake his head. “You are strong yourself, little Yusuke! I can see potential!” and then, he resumed the attention he was paying, just in time to notice the shuriken in his hands. When he flung them sideways, completely unaware of the chakra threads, Oki looked to his sides and behind him, expecting them to come around him via some form of bukijutsu. He turned around just in time to receive a friendly hello from Yusuke’s foot, stumbling backwards as the accelerated genin dealt major bruising to the genin’s chest. At this moment, Oki was grateful for being a hairy bugger, and swung his arms forward in a basic, clumsy grapple, gripping onto Yusuke by the leg that was on his chest.

With a shout, Oki spun around, propelling the one that had just inflicted another wound on him flying horizontally, making care to not aim him towards tree’s, but by accident, not exactly looking for any other details, or thinking about how hard the small genin was thrown. Of course, this is all assuming the attack hit Yusuke. If Yusuke managed to spring himself off Oki, then instead, Oki would take a lesson from the bull the duo had recently captured, and simply tilt forward and rush at the retreating genin, shoulder barging him in the same direction. Either way, the effect is the same; Yusuke would find himself hit with a rampaging genin’s bulk, and moved quite a distance.

Who knew Yusuke’s could fly?

466

Takashi tried to hurry back the way he had come. He was expecting a nice stroll in the forest. But now he had to backtrack his steps. The reason for that was to not make any noise himself. There was enough dry twigs that he could break. Or stumps that he could step on and fall. Taking the exact same steps backwards was the best solution. Careful and slow movement was the key to not anger any wild animal.

But it wasn't critters, twigs or anthills he had to watch out. Even nettles didn't sting as painful as what was coming at Takashi. Was it a bird? Was it a person? Yes. Something landed with it's back first on Takashi. Of course the impact was huge and drove the Nekomata into the ground face first. This was one of the rare occasions you can witness where Takashi Nekomata lost his cool:"The fuck!?" he tried to shove aside the body that was resting on him, "this fucker.." and then he regained his cool. Calm voice and cool mind. No bad words, no stressed exclamations, just the Takashi you knew. No, it wasn't because he recognized the person that had struck him from behind. It was simply because the pain was fading and the memory of an angry huge wild animal was back as number one priority.

After he had gotten to the point where he was finally able to sit down on the ground, he would look up to the culprit who has struck him down. Obviously there was nothing Takashi saw about this attacker, but he somehow seemed familiar. Like someone Takashi had met before. It was impossible to remember the instance. But the memories definitely had a bit of positive.

"Okay, sir, first get off me," although Takashi was almost free, there was still a lot of rumbling going on, "Secondly, remain calm and settle down." He had to listen in on the forest to make sure that the big beast was not following him. "There's a huge bear like animal. With giant claws." Yes, he was exaggerating. But then again - he didn't see anything at all. "I heard it sharpening them against a tree. I don't know who you are, but we both should get out of here!" Takashi warned the stranger and began to realize he might be lost in the forest. The impact knocked out his navigation for a while. Which way now was the south? He had to go south to get back to Iwa.

As Oki watched his sparring partner go about further than intended, he found himself pausing a moment, blinking and looking ahead of him where the other genin just went. “Whoops” muttered the behemoth of a genin, shrugging his shoulders slightly as he came to the conclusion that maybe, just maybe, he should have been gentler. Debu raised its head, looking at Oki for a moment, remembering all the times he confirmed his idiocy, before grunting and standing up. Oki looked to his companion for a moment, before giving a more pronounced shrug, adjusting his posture to be on all fours, and running off in the direction that he’d thrown the lithe genin, Debu following behind at a similar pace.

Leaves rustled and fell around him as he looked around, following that path that Yusuke should have landed, where instead were signs of dishevelled dirt, Oki humming. Still on all fours, he begun sniffing at the dirt, humming quietly to himself as Debu just kind of walked on ahead, rolling its rather chubby face around in a stretch. After sniffing for a bit, the bear man swung up onto his feet properly, humming even more, stepping forwards slightly.

If the duo decided not to climb the tree, the bulk of a genin would laugh and wave joyfully, Debu following along at his side as lazily as ever. With a grin, he’d run up to them, shaking his head apologetically. “I am very sorry Yusuke! I did not intend to launch you that far! You are a lot lighter than I remember!” it was then that he processed the other small person; one that he vaguely remembered. Debu growled slightly, quietly, staring at the individual as Oki just kept scratching his head. With a sudden start, he realised who it was, pointing a finger sharply at him. “You! You are tea person! Hello!” he called, as always, forgetting how to use the equivalent of a normal voice as he shouted, completely oblivious to their conversation or thought process.

However, on the other hand, if the duo did end up climbing the tree, then Oki would still arrive in the area that they were found. With an eyebrow raised, he’d look around, confused, and crouching back to his four legged position as he resumed trying to figure out where Yusuke went, clueless to the reality known as looking up. Debu meanwhile, would simply lay down in front of the tree, and wait, looking up once, but then just lying back down, completely care free, almost relishing in Oki’s stupidity.

426 + 466 = 892

While getting the person off him, it was impossible to realize that this guy who just landed on him was a customer of Takashi's. Only after the invader started talking, could Takashi recognize the voice of him - it was none other than Yusuke. Takashi tend to only keep good memories - Yusuke was a helpful guy who loved good scents (perhaps Takashi wasn't currently in the shape to emit a good scent. The opposite most likely), he was close friends with Oki. Maybe Oki was in this forest too? That would be very unfortunate if someone of his temper was to mess with the danger that was frowning upon the genins.

Yusuke was rambling about some things Takashi didn't really want to hear about. Yusuke was ordered to stay quiet after all. Like expected, he mentioned Oki too. So the king of the forest was here too. The proposed idea to climb a tree was completely surplus. However, Takashi was a Nekomata. Of course he will climb a tree when someone encourages him to. He hasn't developed cat-like claws yet. His legs would be suitable for jumping high in the air and landing on a branch to wait on. But Yusuke requested a climb, and a climb it would be.
Takashi started to spin around and try to locate the nearest tree to climb on. His arms were extended and as soon as one touched a tree, he clenched onto it. From touch it seemed like Takashi had found a yew. Then he appeared to be hugging the tree. His arms around the trunk. All the lichens, moss and dirt on the trunk were now pressed against Takashi's robe and smeared the few spots that still were in the original color. Then, using his powerful legs, he started to advance upwards the trunk. No ninja tricks involved, just pure strength and stamina. It somewhat resembled a real cat climbing a tree. Some parts Takashi almost sprinted up a few metres. Other parts he rested and wouldn't move at all. If he had tail, he would wiggle it around whilst resting.
A few minutes passed untill Takashi could rest on a branch that could support his weight. Yusuke joined him on this branch too. It was high enough to evade whatever was lurking out there, but Takashi still looked worried when Yusuke started to talk in a normal voice. Looking kind of annoyed he answered Yusuke's question anyway:"You know. Just enjoying nature. Evading killer beasts," the real description of the beast he only heard was lost forever. Perhaps his mind didn't even possess a memory of it. After this short reply he kept on sitting quiet.

It soon got kind of boring - just sitting on a branch, swinging both legs around and occasionally looking at a bird's chirping somewhere in this very tree. Maybe it was hunger, but maybe just Nekomata's insticts to lick his lips when staring in the direction of chirping. But all the birds took flight when some aggresive sound of chain dangling and striking itself appeared in the distance. No question - it was Oki. The genin said nothing just looked awfully worried because of this unwanted attraction. Why did Oki even have such an accesory? "I wonder if I could bribe him with some tea to tell me about it," went through Takashi's head. But some more important actions needed to take place before a relaxing tea party. However Oki seemed clueless of where Yusuke is, because none of them spoke. Perhaps they were gesturing some prank to play on Takashi. It really wasn't the time to do that. "Now that you both are here," Takashi started speaking clueless that Oki still hadn't located the two genins, "I will repeat what I told Yusuke," and yes, his memory was short enough to forget what he had told Yusuke. He had to dig deep in his memory and try to forget what scared the poor Nekomata before Yusuke landed on him. "I was just taking a stroll around the forest," it was okay to talk normally now, since nothing could attract more attention that Oki, "and suddenly this huge demon attacked me! I barely escaped. It had spikes all over his body that could easily chop down trees easily!" hopefully this wouldn't scare the two Iwa-nins back to their homes. "I barely escaped. But that's only because I'm swift like a cat!" he praised himself although just a few minutes back he was lying under someone and then he could barely climb a tree, "an innocent person could become it's prey. An unsuspecting kid or some other local," he then jumped off the branch and landed right next to this tree, almost hitting Debu whom he hadn't noticed before. "Hi there Debu!" Takashi got distracted and offered his palm to Debu. After this little greeting he continued his speech, "therefore we must go and take care of it!" something about Oki made him think that this bear person would follow this plan. After all, Takashi previously had said it was a bear in forest and not a demon. If it was a bear, then there should be no problem for Oki to resolve the problem.
887

With a huff, Debu rolled back onto all fours, deciding to not point out the existence to Oki just yet. Instead, it seemed Debu wouldn’t have to, as the clueless genin heard the sound of someone addressing him. A familiar voice. His eyes shot up to the trees as he found himself staring at the rather feline like form of Takashi, the guy that got him drunk off tea. It appears something had startled him… And nearby, Yusuke, the flying genin of Iwa, was also in a tree! Had something happened? As Oki listened to the strange Konoha genin, he once more, as he always did, began stroking his goatee in thought. A monster was in the woodland? That was not good news at all. He listened to Takashi’s rather vague description, trying to deduce what sort of animal it could possibly be from the concept of spikes. A porcupine perhaps, yet from his description, not as docile, and larger. To the animal enthusiast, it didn’t make sense. Still, it explained why both the person and Yusuke were in the tree.

Upon the mention of danger to the citizens and children of Iwagakure, Oki’s expression became serious, the pride of the jolly giant not wanting to allow a repeat of the snake incident that occurred recently, wherein a child was killed by a rock python. He frowned, nodding at the warning. When the cat ninja leapt from the tree, nearly landing on Debu, the bear leapt to the side to avoid being landed on; being landed on wasn’t something it was hoping for after all. Upon the greeting, the bear would just look blankly to the person, its memory of the previous meeting with Takashi blurred due to the alcohol of the time. Shortly after, Yusuke joined them on the ground, continuing off where the tea ninja left off. Debu’s eyes followed the short genin as he walked around the two animal like individuals, speaking as he began forming a plan. Oki merely nodded, listening as he stood up on to his two feet. Oki agreed, yet, before he could say anything, he heard a cry from behind him. It was Yusuke. Debu, having been watching, got up, stretching out as it got ready for the inevitable chase.

Looking behind him where Yusuke should have been, Oki called out suddenly. “Yusuke!” Of course, being unconscious, Yusuke couldn’t hear or reply. Debu, being the competent one of the bunch, began running off in an instant, the large bulk of the chubby brown bear taking off at decent speeds after the ‘demon’ that had kidnapped Yusuke. Seeing his companion in action, Oki gave a thumbs up to Takashi, unaware that he couldn’t see it, before running after the bear, chain tingling. “Let us go, tea person! Comrade Yusuke is in danger, and we must rescue him!” he called behind him, before dropping to all fours and entering a sprint in an attempt to catch up to the animal. The bear man had no idea where the creature was, or what it looked like, oblivious to when it happened, but fortunately, his smarter companion did. For the sake of writing, the identity of this spiked, horned, or whatever other description the blind genin offered, creature, will remain a mystery. So, the bear duo chased after the shadowy creature that had abducted Yusuke.

559 + 892 = 1451

The scream was what alerted Takashi. Otherwise this demon was so quiet that it might as well have stood behind Takashi this whole time and he wouldn't have noticed. Kinda like previously, when its' footsteps were inaudible, but only it rubbing against a tree was picked up by the young genin. Of course in the first few seconds it wasn't clear to Takashi why Yusuke had screamed. Perhaps he had stepped on a thorn. Or he was easily startled by snakes or spiders. Oki's shout was what really made Takashi start running and chasing after the demon.

Previously Takashi had had difficulities navigating the forest. But now he was dashing through at great speed. How? Easy, because Oki wasn't charging down any trees, it was piece of cake for Takashi to follow a bear with a chain. The Nekomata could fall behind 50 meters or more and still hear exactly what the man was doing - if he was advancing in a straight path or had to jump over a fallen tree. Even if Takashi could perfectly mimic every step, there was still danger of slipping on a wet moss. The bears had no problem with that - they were way more stable running on all fours.
After a few minutes of sprinting Takashi got tired. His stamina was fine, but he just got too lazy to chase. He started getting sweaty and that's what he disliked. Because he kept the tea inside his robe. And the sweat could get to the tea and ruin it. "What's the hurry!" Takashi started to gasp for air while trying to convince Oki to stop, "Yusuke is fine, I bet!" and then the Nekomata started to fall behind Oki's pace.

Instead of just falling behind Takashi jumped (and no climbed) on a tree to further his advance using the tree tops. Some would wonder why isn't Takashi hitting any stray branches while jumping around the thicket. It's easy - he is literally using treetops. Elevating high beyond trees when making a jump onwards. Coming down is a trickier part but Takashi mostly manages to clench onto a tree trunk or land his feet onto a branch. This kind of movement went faster than Oki's running on all fours. But meanwhile Takashi didn't really know where he was going... and taking one jump too far with too much confidence in his ability to land... and ouch...

A slip of foot and Takashi came crashing down just like Yusuke had crashed on him. Except there was nothing to soften Takashi's fall. He didn't lose consciousness though. Because he landed on feet, like a real Nekomata would! Clueless of Oki's whereabouts, Takashi started wandering around on his own pace. Just like he had before all this ruckus started to happen. Only this time he didn't look for nice smelling flowers and leaver, but for a demon! A foul smelling one most likely. And Yusuke too.
What the genin heard now was a noise that had started all this. A rubbing of antlers against a tree trunk. "That demon!" Takashi whispered to himself in a low voice and started touching for a tree or brush to hide behind whilst facing the direction of sound.

It was time to show these Iwa-nin what Takashi Nekomata really was made of! The young genin placed Ram, Rat and Boar signs while focusing his determination on the said demon and then loudly clapped his hands. "Ooops" he shouted and then hit the ground with his foot as loud as he could. The moss and soft dirt absorbed the sound, but the demon still fell for Takashi's genjutsu. This demon should now be frightened and not only of Takashi but of everything in this enviroment. Everything should be shaking heavily. It's balance should be terrible and it shouldn't be able to run more than a couple meters without stumbling down. "Haha, I did it!" he then called for his friends, "Oki, get over here! Yusuke, you can escape!"
682

chakra 130/140:

The flying genin of Iwagakure wasn’t comfortably seated among the pointy things that he had suddenly been entangled in. He didn’t even know where he was or what was happening. He just fell unconscious because the sudden impact from a gigantic and heavy creature as that was devastating for the poor genin. Granted, the creature wasn’t at its full speed and it didn’t inflict any damage that would prove fatal but still, damage had been dealt. Yusuke had no idea that he was being shinobi-napped while his friends were attempting to save him. So he completely missed out on the chase. He had no idea that the bear and the bear like shinobi were chasing after the creature running after him. And the blind Nekomata of Konoha was also chasing the creature by running on tree tops. If only Yusuke was awake, that would have been an amazing moment to witness. Sadly though, his eyes were shut and his body was hanging onto something of the creature like a rag doll.

While running, the creature grew angry of the fact that this strange human was clinging to its pride and joy. So the creature decided to ram the genin to a tree, after running for a little while. Even then, the genin had no idea that he was about to die. As luck would have it, Yusuke’s eyes opened as he noticed that he was headed straight for a tree. On impulse, he jumped from his position and hung on to whatever he was riding. He didn’t even pay attention to his hand placement. His hands had conveniently covered the eyes of the creature so the creature blindly rushed forward. The result was a collision with a tree. The sound that Takashi heard was indeed the creature rubbings its antlers against the tree but that was because it was shaking its head to get Yusuke off of it.

It was by then that Takashi used a jutsu and told Yusuke that it was okay to escape. Yusuke had no idea what jutsu had just been used but he could feel the creature now unsteady. Thanks to the jutsu that Takashi had used, the creature stopped shaking its head. Yusuke took advantage of the situation and jumped off of the creature, landing a few feet away from Takashi. He almost stumbled and fell on his back but managed to remain standing. He could feel the pain running through his body. This was a powerful creature, not one that Yusuke had seen before but he had seen pictures: it was a moose. ”Thanks but I think we’re not done here”, said Yusuke as he whispered to Takashi who was next to him. The creature though dealing with some sort of a shaky situation, seemed to have gotten even angrier now.

”I think, the moose is angry”, he said noticing how the creature was glaring at them. By then, Oki would have arrived next to them; provided Oki had continued running in the manner that he had begun the chase.

Chakra: 145/150.
Chakra Used: 0.
Word Count: 515.
Total Word Count: 2085.

Oki kept running, keeping at a full sprint as much as his bulky figure would allow. At some point or another, Takashi had disappeared, and then, to both he and Debu’s surprise, ended up ahead of them, falling out of a tree in front of them and… In front of a moose that had Yusuke on its horns. Oki skidded to a halt, slowly getting back up to standing on two legs while Debu simply leapt backwards, away from the moose. Oki was a nature enthusiast, and if there was anything he knew, it was that they had to be careful about what they did, so as to not startle the creature- and just like that, the crazy tea person began acting, facing the moose that was busy slamming Yusuke into a tree (or trying to at least), and performing some form of ninjutsu?

Whatever it was, as soon as the blind person stomped their foot on the ground, it seemed to have an effect, although perhaps not the best effect, on the moose. The wild thrashing of the creature got slower, and Oki couldn’t help but take a step back for a moment. If there was one thing the nature enthusiast knew, it was to not fuck with an angry or startled moose. While Oki had no idea what exactly the tea person had done, he knew it was something to the moose. And if it wasn’t something to calm it, this would be a lot worse. As Yusuke announced his observation, Oki nodded. “If I can make a suggestion, as moose are a rare animal that can be quite dangerous. Do not anger it. It is highly likely we trespassed on its territory, or perhaps startled it in some way or another. I wasn’t aware there were moose here, but, we should make sure to act calm, and not further provoke it. Yusuke, if you have any method to stop its movements without causing it pain, please act upon it. Tea person, if you have anything that can calm down an animal, please share with us that and do it. Me and Debu will keep out of the way and simply stop it from getting away, as, while I expect it won’t, an angered or scared moose could still attack civilians. However, please try to refrain from hurting the animal. It is likely startled after all.” Having said his piece, which was perhaps a lot more informed than someone would expect from Oki, he walked over to his pet bear, giving the chubby brown bear a rub on the head. Nodding to the bear, he began stepping slowly away from the moose, Debu mimicking the act. At a distance away, he then proceeded to walk around, keeping within distance to listen to Yusuke and the tea lunatic.

469 + 1451 = 1920

Chakra: 145/150 (-5 for prepared jutsu)

Jutsu prepared:

Yusuke was saved and it was all thanks to this tea person. What a notable moment! Especially since Takashi wasn't sure for hundred percent that he was saving Yusuke. He was just relying on his cat instincts, but it worked out just fine.
However, after Yusuke had gotten away and was safe, he announced that this moose (whatever kind of demon that was (note: Takashi has no idea what a moose looks like)) was angry. Therefore hostile. Oki arrived around this time. Apparently he was expert on demons, because Oki just gave a long description of instructions, but didn't really initiate any help.

Seems like it was up to Takashi again. His genjutsus were not designed for calming down demons, so he relied on some other talent he possessed - tea. First, the young shinobi took out a pouch of tea. It was valerian, it's supposed to calm down someone way more than a catnip would (in fact, on some individuals catnip did the exact opposite). Then the pouch was thrown at this moose demon and Takashi said "Eat it!" Takashi didn't realize that this demon didn't speak human-tongue, but the herbs smelled so good that this moose was very likely to grab it into it's mouth.
However there was something else Takashi had to do before moose could chew on some valerian. The genin had to release the moose of the genjutsu. With a few quick hand-seals, the jutsu was undone. First the thing stopped freaking out and stabilized it's footing. And only then moose did indeed pick up the valerian scent and wanted to try it, ignoring the three boys (and a bear).
283

Dice:

The member 'Takashi Nekomata' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Six Sided Dice' : 3

As Takashi began searching something in his pouch, Yusuke kept a watchful eye on the moose. He didn’t want to be hit again by the moose. Not to mention, they were quite close to it too. It would only take a moment to make a mistake that he could regret for the rest of his life. Takashi found and then threw something at the moose. Internally, Yusuke crossed his fingers hoping that it would be the solution. Not just that, the Nekomata even relased its genjutsu over the moose. The moose did try whatever it was that Takashi had thrown at it but it didn’t seem like it was effective at all. ”Oh no.. Oki.. that didn’t work. I have an idea. Turn into a net”, he whispered to Oki. He didn’t have time to explain the whole thing, who knew what the moose would do to them.

For now, the moose stood still, staring angrily at the three genin and the bear. ”Takashi, slowly move at least 15 steps away from me. As slowly as possible, no sudden movements”, he would say this before Oki could turn into a net. Then he would wait till Oki would do as he had asked. He trusted Oki to trust him with the one strategy he had in mind. It wasn’t that complex, so Yusuke assumed that both Oki and Takashi would understand. He even hoped that Debu would have an idea of what he was trying. ”Debu.. I’m counting on you to pin down the beast once we catch it”, he would whisper to Debu. He was not in a position to give orders but he had an idea. It wasn’t that bad of an idea, so as long as everyone cooperated and as long as the moose stay put; they could capture it.

It all depended on the timing. Right after Oki would transform into a net, Yusuke would throw the net over to Takashi and the two will attempt to capture the moose in it. The moose would without a doubt attempt to get free but he left the final bit to Debu. As long as Debu used his weight, they should be fine. This way, they wouldn’t have to inflict physical harm and would still be able to capture it. He still had one last resort in his pocket. He could use the water prison technique on the moose if things went that way. However, that would mean that the moose may drown and that wasn’t something he was comfortable with. He hoped that they would be able to manage the capture.

Word Count: 443.
Total Word Count: 2528.

Oki watched as the tea person tried to calm the moose, to literally no effect. It was then that Oki heard Yusuke’s suggestion. He couldn’t help but grin, the situation reminding him of the duo’s first mission together, although that time it was Yusuke who had transformed. With the grin plastered across his face, the bear ninja formed the hand sign required for the transformation technique, jumping forwards and aiming himself so that he’d transform in the space between Yusuke and Takashi, still close to Yusuke, before transforming in a poof of smoke – where once was Oki, now was a net drifting to the floor. Assuming Yusuke grabbed the net successfully, Debu would be right behind them, completely understanding the intentions of the average shinobi.

Of course, the moose wasn’t still during this time. As the net was formed, the creature crashed its antlers aggressively against the tree once more, before turning to face Yusuke and Oki, the poof of smoke having caught its attention and further aggravating the creature. Debu growled, the bears posture dropping low in an attempt to intimidate and slow the actions of the moose. While it could go two ways, it was still the only thing the bear could do to attempt to cause hesitation in the creature. Still, Debu would act in time with what the others did. If Takashi and Yusuke successfully used the Oki net, the bear would come in from behind them, waiting for the moose to be slightly tangled before leaping its entire body weight at it. If the duo didn’t co-ordinate well enough, the bear would approach the nearest tree, digging its claws into the bark, before scaling it rapidly, awaiting a need to jump on the moose from above. Regardless, the bear would act, while Oki, would net.

300 + 1920 = 2220

Chakra: 140/150 (-5 for transformation)

Jutsu used:

(OOC: I know it's a short post, but, considering Oki's a net, it was a bit tough to figure out what to write, sorry ^^')

Takashi was only sure that the moose would try to eat his herbs. Wild animals were always hungry after all. But he realized it wouldn't work with such a small dosage only later. And Yusuke confirmed it. "Dang, my valerian," Takashi grieved the loss of his precious tea, that served no real purpose.
The moose was still angry and heady. It rubbed it's antlers against a tree to intimidate the genins who had trespassed into it's territory. However, Iwa-nins weren't pushovers either, they had a plan ready immediately.

First Takashi complied with what he was told. He retreated. And Yusuke did well by specifying that Takashi had to move away from him. The source of voice was easy to locate and Takashi had no problems taking 15 steps back.
The next step - to catch a Oki's weigh net. Takashi extended his hands and prepared himself to catch the incoming net. This preparation was pretty much useless for the not-so strong boy almost fell over and tangled himself in the net. Barely holding his side of the net, with his hands completely down and dragging the rest of the net along the ground, he was ready to capture a demon.

"Okay, Yusuke. I'm.." Takashi puffed "I'm ready" he finished his sentence. Takashi had taken a few steps forward, nearing the sound of antlers rubbing a tree. He was ready to go on Yusuke's command and lift this net up with all his might and throw it at the moose. No idea why they needed Debu to help out if the net itself was so heavy. It definitely would keep him down for long. Perhaps not a moose. "On your command," he clarified.
291

The military strategist genin of Iwagakure, despite being injured had devised a plan and the others had performed exactly as he had asked. He immediately caught Oki, who was now a net and then he flung it after Takashi had held out his arms to catch it. Regardless of the weight of the net, the two were now prepared to hold the moose while Debu would be able to pin it. As Takashi began moving forward, so did Yusuke; matching his pace and heading straight for the moose. The angry moose would charge at their attempt at capture. Anger does cloud one judgment; that would be witnessed by the genins as the moose would entangle itself in the Oki net. ”Hold em down Takashi, hold on tight. Now Debu!”, he would shout to his comrades. Debu would deliver the final touch and then the moose would be caught. Yusuke would immediately begin tying the moose, this time making sure that Oki wouldn’t be caught. He would tie two shurikens to chakra threads and then swing the chakra threads by using the shurikens; tying the moose’s legs.

With Debu’s help and Oki’s netness, Yusuke will manage to tie the moose down in a few moments. ”Alright Takashi, you can let go. Step a few steps back to keep a distance from its antlers. You revert back too Oki”, the strategist would relay the orders to his comrades in arms. Feeling proud but mostly feeling the pain from the previous impact delivered by the gigantic beast, Yusuke would breathe a sigh of relief. One way or the other, they had survived the ordeal and had managed to capture the creature that could have hurt countless innocents. Only after the capture of the moose, would the reason behind this whole endeavor present itself. From behind the bushes, a little moose would come running and would run through the shinobis and begin cuddling with the mother. Crying out as if protesting the moose-handling that was in process. ”So that’s why the moose was so angry. It was protecting its little one”, the military strategist would state the obvious shaking its head in disapproval.

That’s what happens when you ask an average shinobi to plan the whole thing. What’d you expect? ”I think it’s safe to assume that if we let her go and leave this place. This moose won’t cause anyone any harm”, said Yusuke to the two shinobi. If the others would agree, he would then follow to untie the chakra threads he had used to tie the moose’s legs.

Chakra: 140/150.
Chakra Used: 5.
Word Count: 438.
Total Word Count: 2966.

Jutsu Used:

And so, Oki was a net. This was life as a ninja. Of course, he wasn’t a type of metal net. Just a soft net. Like one made of fur. Life as a net was good. A bit disorienting though, as he felt the touch of Yusuke’s hand around a part of his rope. Was this his arm? His neck? It was a mystery, that as a net, Oki was only vaguely aware of. Still, it seemed the plan was going swimmingly as he roughly felt himself getting thrown or at least partially thrown, and then held by Takashi as well. As Yusuke commanded the group, and the Oki found himself connecting with the moose, Debu also would follow the plan, leaping into the moose to topple it over with its weight, getting grazed by the antlers and letting out a roar, but otherwise being fine.

As Yusuke tied up the moose, Debu jumped off the moose carefully, almost surprisingly nimbly as well, before landing near Takashi, paws making a light thump into the ground. Upon Yusuke’s command, Oki transformed back into himself, taking a step away from the moose slowly, looking down at it and stroking his beard. As the sound of rustling occurred behind the four, Oki spun around on his heel, watching as suddenly, a… Baby moose emerged, bursting through the foliage and rushing up to the creature the group had just tied up. In a very heart touching way, the young one cuddled up to the moose that was lying down and tied up. So heart touching in fact, that Oki of all people couldn’t help but let out a surprisingly gentle “Aw…” at the sight.

As Yusuke made his observation, Oki was already approaching the moose. Unwilling to let a young animal stay so distressed, he stepped forwards, shaking his head. Stretching out a hand, he slowly stepped towards the two moose, crouching cautiously, each movement thought out and careful. “Sh... Shh…” he muttered quietly, his steps getting slower and slower the closer he got. With his right hands index finger extended, the bear genin put his rather sharp nail to the back legs of the moose first, being slow and careful as he cut the strings. Continuing to be slow and calm in his movements, Oki did the same for the forelegs, cutting the moose free. As one would expect of a still somewhat startled animal, and also of an animal that wasn’t incredibly flexible, the creature kicked its forelegs at Oki, sending the big guy back a significant distance, before standing up, putting its bulk between itself and the younger moose. Provided nobody did anything hasty, the two would then proceed to walk off, leaving the four ninja alone once more.

Groaning as he got up, Oki held a hand to his chest, already feeling a bruise showing up. Still, with a cough, he would laugh, shaking his head. “Well! I would say that was successful!” he declared with a grin, back to his loud and jolly self. Then, turning to Yusuke, the wannabe best bear of Iwa shook his head, before declaring. “That was a male by the way. Female moose don’t have antlers, and can also be called moose cows.” He explained, once more stroking his goatee.

546 + 2220 = 2766

Actually Takashi found holding down a moose way easier than he first had expected. The Oki net did it's job just fine and held down the moose long enough for Debu to help out too. However, for Debu everything didn't go as smooth as planned - he got attacked. Apparently, the antlers had hit Debu, that's why the roar. Takashi jumped back immediately when Yusuke said he had to step away from the antlers. Were those like a weapons? Swords perhaps? Who knows what might decorate this demon's body. "I'm definitely not touching it," Takashi said and left Yusuke proceed with tying it up.

But moose wasn't lying on ground tied up for too long. It's child apperaed. Takashi probably heard it first, but paid no attention it. The size of creature running could be a wild rabbit or even a larger rat, that had no bussiness with a moose. But it became clear when Yusuke called it ''little one''. And then they got all soft. Yusuke proposed to free their trophy. And Oki was up to the job immediately. And soon he was sent flying. "I thought you said it would cause no harm?!" Takashi couldn't really keep his cool. He was just too confused.

"Are you unhurt, Oki?" Takashi asked Oki after the bear-man had gotten up and identified the moose as male. The hit dealt to Oki sounded pretty strong. Perhaps if he was looking well on the outside, there could be some major damage inside. Broken ribs at the worst. "Do you want me to prepare some tea with calming and healing herbs?" Takashi offered.

But this offer didn't last. For starters, Takashi had no stove or kettle to boil water. And his mentioned tea would taste like terrible medicine if not served hot. And Takashi wasn't a pharmacist. It was unlike him to give anyone bad tasting tea. And this was no exception.
But the real reason why it was impossible to serve tea for Oki, was because the said moose wasn't all that calm. After all, the valerian had had little to no effect on it. Of course, the trio could perform a miracle and catch it again. However, a new participant in this ruckus introduced itself. Takashi noticed it first - the ground shaking, just like when the little one had appeared. Only this time you should magnify it 6 times. A huge moose ran out of the same foliage the little one had made it's entrace of.

There was a major difference regarding the two moose. The later one had no antlers. Takashi knew it because it had passed a tree dangerously close. If the male moose had done it so close, there would be that terrifying noise again that had started all this ruckus.
And Takashi was the first one to chicken out. Male moose wasn't calm like Yusuke had promised, and there is no telling what the female could be capable of.
"I don't think we can catch them both!" Takashi loudly expressed himself as he was already taking first steps away. "I'm not staying around!" he continued and took off at the pace he had came here. However, there was one major error in Takashi's action - he had no idea which way he was going.
561

[exit]
Total Word count: 3705
Training:
Scaling jutsu ''Cat's sight'' 3000/3000
Leftovers: 705

[Exit

Right when Yusuke thought that the deed was done, the appearance of the little moose changed everything. Even before Yusuke could cut his own chakra threads, Oki did it for him. Thank goodness Oki did it because if Yusuke had received that kick; that would have been far more dangerous. He was already injured and had fell victim to this male moose not so long ago. ”Oki, you okay?!”, he would shout right after Oki would stand up recovering from the blow. Before the three could rejoice about their ‘accomplishment’, their ordeal wasn’t finished. Yet another moose appeared from the bushes and began charging in their direction. Takashi was the first to make the smart decision. However, running off without being able to see where you were heading wasn’t the smartest of decisions.

”Oki, I’m heading with Takashi. You go in a separate direction so the moose get confused while we run”, he would shout these words to Oki before running towards Takashi. ”Takashi, I’m coming with. I’ll show you the way”, he would shout running after the escaping genin of Konoha. This was a strange ordeal but they had survived it; especially the average flying genin of Iwagakure had survived it. He had now one more experience to add to his average life and that was getting hit by a moose. Not really an average thing to happen to one but that was Yusuke’s life. Despite being an average shinobi, he still underwent unusual and special situations.

Yusuke was injured so he would take some time catching up to Takashi. After catching up, he would attempt to lead the way hoping that Takashi would follow. Right now, his priority would be to get out of the forest. His second priority would be to visit the clinic sensei operated; he was hit pretty bad. May be Oki would find his way their too. Unless Oki would decide to just toughen up and not take medical assistance. Regardless, for now, their moose catching endeavor had come to an end.

[Exit]

Chakra: 140/150.
Chakra Used: 5.
Word Count: 344.
Total Word Count:3310.

As the second moose appeared, Oki sort of stopped paying attention to what everyone else was saying. He and Debu knew better than to stick around with a group of angry moose. Almost self perseveringly, he began running away, calling out behind him to those he was with, while running in a separate direction and not noticing that they had planned to ditch him as well, the bear genin and his bear companion hightailed it the fuck out of there. “Companions and comrades! I recommend getting away! I am in pain, and would recommend not staying! Like, I would seriously recommend running! I am sure I will meet with you again later, and when I do so, we can talk of our adventure! Stay safe my friends!” he finished calling at last, before continuing to run away, now on four legs as he and Debu did whatever they could to just get as far away as possible. Self-preservation was a powerful thing, and while Oki would surely feel guilty about it later, he just had to get away from the angry animals, even before knowing if they were hostile or not. He was a nature enthusiast after all – one of the most important things he knows is to not mess with angry creatures. So, after a few hours running, the bear genin made it home. Panting, the two got some tea to calm down.

234 + 2766 = 3000
[EXIT]

Training: