She would find the path down between the dunes fairly easily. It was designed to allow wagons and such to come down. It wasn't perfect but it made traveling easier. As if someone had reinforced just beneath the sands with solid stone to make it reliable. Still her and the one traveling with her would have been spotted about half an hour ago. Their straight path to the location kept them being tracked. No sooner would they have crossed the top of the dune to see the small settlement would there be an animal sound like a coyote barking from some distance behind them. Echoing across the distant desert. Two barks. A moment later it was answered from within the settlement with two barks and from the other dune across the way with two barks. They were communicating and watching. It seemed like the Jackal wasn't playing with the idea of security. If anything he was creating a nice little set up. Even if it wasn't as hidden as he had hoped based on all the visitors. Then again he was just outside of where the slums used to be. He couldn't expect to remain unnoticed but there were more resources available this close.

Still there would be a bustle as she approached down the dune. People would move out of the dome like houses and head back to the back of the area where it was almost a straight drop from the dune. There would be a door there and they would quickly be ushered in. A preventative protocol for new and potentially dangerous people wandering into camp that was recently founded after a samurai found his way in. Just a precaution that kept people out of any lines of fire should shit hit the fan. Still three men would approach from the crowd mulling towards the bunker. Three men in robes with turbans on their head. Sandals on their feet. They were dirty but serious expressions crossed their face. Each armed with daggers along their belt and one in the center even had a scimitar. He would scowl at the girl before looking passed her for the other. Regardless of if he saw her or not he would hold up his right hand as the two behind him made hand signs. Stone wolves would rise from the ground. Three from each caster. The one in the center would lower his hand and around him three more would appear. All thick dogs made of dark stone with sand falling away from their bodies. Nine in total now.

Before the man in the center could speak his threatening tone however she would say her piece. They looked confused. Cats kittens? Were they hookers? That seemed unlikely. Still from inside of the nearest dome building a chuckle could be heard. Soon after a man emerged. Dark hair hanging about his form. Over his legs was a pair of faded blue jeans with a hole in the right knee. A pair of brown boots covered his feet with a glove on his right hand that seemed to hum on its own with energy. A dagger was tucked into his own belt but only the one.In his left hand he was holding a kunai which he was using to cut a green apple within his right and eat a slice. His left eye seemed to glow blue as if powered with energy while his right was covered with a dark leather eye patch with the symbol of the jackal on it. Tribal tattoo's littered his arms up to his neck while on his chest was the head of the jackal. Two paw prints over his abs. He would glance to Izumi before walking up to the line of men. Never breaking eye contact with her.

"Nice coat kitten. You lot should head over to comfort the rest. If she here lookin for a fight, well, yer dogs are good for taking on groups of low level and unaware bandits, not this chick."


675

Ryu would Smile and then his eyes would widen with surprise as Izumi would step forward and hug him. He wasn't sure he had left much of an impression but for it not to be one where someone was coming to fight him was rare. He had a talent for pissing people off. It was something he was actually rather proud of. Still for the one night he had housed them he supposed Izumi had taken to actually learning something. As soon as she mad contact though the world would seem to grey out for him and stop for a moment. His eyes would shift to the side as a man sized Coyote would walk passed him from behind in this mind realm of his. Almost like it was trapping him in a genjutsu. He understood the message even if it was only about five seconds of it walking passed and looking at him. These two were essentially the same level as him now. If they weren't looking for a fight he shouldn't press for one. He could feel Izumi's raw elemental energy and Nova's precise power emanating from her. He wouldn't like that fight he was certain. If they were just here to catch up that would certainly be nice.

The world would seem to return to normal a moment as the coyote vanished from his mind. It was unlikely either of them would have felt the slight surge of sage energy just feeling them out but at their level it was possible. Just a warm wave passing over them and retreating back. Like it was a part of them for just a moment. Still he would pat Izumi on the shoulder before she pulled away. As she introduced the silent girl he would step forward and smile as he took her outstretched hand as an invitation for his kind of greeting. His matching hand would snap out at a casual pace to slap hers before forming into a fist and holding it there for a knuckle bump. He wasn't the kind of guy who shook hands. Not unless he was bartering a deal. Even then it usually involved some spit or blood, The apple that had been in his hand had at some point been launched into the air. Likely he had done it with some slight of hand as Izumi had hugged him. It fell now as he caught it on his kunai casually. Not really bothering to glance at it.

"Sup lover girl? Welcome to the new slums. Come inside my dome if yer both lookin ta drink and talk." He would wait for a fist bump or to be ignored before using that had to lift the flap of thick cloth covering the doorway.  Even as he held it open he would turn his head and whistle towards the back. A harsh high pitched thing. People mulling into the bunker would stop before some call outs were made distantly. They would wait a few minutes before the people would start coming out to make sure but scouts were dispatched to look over the surrounding dunes. Just checking for safety. Still he would follow them into his dome. Furs littered the floor everywhere but there seemed to be some sort of chakra powered lamps within. As soon as any of them would step inside the lamps would dimly light just from their passive power output. As Soon as Ryu would enter though they would brighten up as he actually focused on them slightly. The flap falling behind him before he walked passed them. As he walked from under the furs three stone stools with backs would rise up from the furs. Keeping the fur on them for padding. Ryu would grab a bottle of fire whiskey before settling down into one of them facing the flap with the other two facing him. He would pop the top of it off as leaned back. A small bit of earth rising so he could kick his feet up onto a stool. He would take the first swig before tossing the open bottle to Izumi. Ill mannered to say the least.

"Catchin up eh? I mean, Ain't much on my end. Same old story. Have ye two come to tell me some juicy adventure? I mean ell, I expect somethin good for the winner and runner up of the exams."

1414

Ryu would watch as he took a bite of the apple on the kunai. Letting his meal continue as his eye caught Izumi catching the bottle with ease. An open container of liquid would have been difficult to catch back at the level she had left him at. For her to snag it out of the air effortlessly without spilling a drop, He would almost scoff. Her physical level was likely around that of a high level chunnin or a low level Special Jounin. Jesus the kids these days sure did progress quickly. Still her manners had improved. Not a single spark or threat as of yet. Still she would speak as he swallowed his bite. “So you've heard about that already. I did so well thanks to you and Syekren. I'd have been lost without you two. My life afterwards was pretty boring at first. Just going on missions and visiting the library, it really got interesting just before leaving Kirigakure actually. The Lord Osada held an exclusive training camp. It was nothing like the spars and the mockery of real combat the exams make. They don't fuck around in the Mist Village. I'm actually supposed to be in the Cloud Village right now.... you know what's weird? You've never told me your name I've just been calling you the Jackal all this time and never realized how strange that is. I've got a secret identity of my own now though what with the partial dereliction of duties. Oh yeah, and the killings.”

It was good that her life had been boring. His sure hadn't. The sands burning down had left him with a lively time as a smuggler and a guardian to some rag tag group of people that followed him. Fools as they were they were getting by. His eye slid over to Nova a moment. She had gotten close to Izumi as if out of a sense of caution towards new surroundings perhaps? He smirked a little at the thought that maybe it was more of a possessive action. Placing herself as the mate in this situation subconsciously over a hug. Still they seemed comfortable enough even if Izumi was taking some liberty with the drink. He could replace it easily but damn did she want to get smashed at the pace she was going. Still he would nod a little at the words about Kiri. Yeah they were some mean fucks those ones. Still the question was put up in the air. What was his name? Before he might have been hesitant to answer but he supposed with any possible record of him burned to shit and back it didn't matter. Still he would run one hand through his long dark hair a moment before letting his head fall back. Staring at the ceiling a moment. The alcohol was for guests anyway. He could only get drunk via chakra means or some ungodly concoction that would send most to the hospital from a shot. He was working on it. Still he would speak up as if to the ceiling.

"Myugan Ryu. Once upon a time I was a shinobi for a lost village. They disagreed with one of my disagreements years before that shit hit the fan though. All I am now is a business man. These sands, far as the eye can see from the top of this dune is mine. I can be happy with that. Got a question though." He would tilt his head down and his blue eye would focus on Nova now. Seeming to glow with energy even though he wasn't charging anything. "You a mute girl? Ain't said a damn word yet. Startin to wonder if your a genjutsu over there. One of them fake clone thingies? Ya know?"

2056

Ryu would glance at the girls. Listening as Nova finally spoke. Or rather sputtered and then spoke. He imagined her nostrils were burning from that. Fire whiskey was flavored as just that. Like snorting cinnamon. He would have chuckled if not for being cautious with present company. They might fly the banner of friendship but one could always change loyalties. It happened often. Their own connection was one fragile night. Not even on of romance but instead born of violence and loss. Still she would introduce herself and explain that her story basically mirrored that of Izumi's. His blue eye would study her a moment as she spoke. Well built except for that foot. Likely not designed for hand to hand combat. He had a solution for her dragging in the sand issue though. As for them studying under some lord Osada that was their business. He had come to never believe in any lords or ladies that claimed sovereignty over a land. They always claimed his land and wanted taxes or something. Issue being was he didn't bow to anyone. Lord or no it mattered little to him. Still they were getting stronger. Perhaps he would have a use for them. Or he needed to step it up himself.

Still he noted the amount they were drinking. Likely they wouldn't be moving to much any time soon. Hell if Izumi tried to stand up right that second her head would likely spin. It wasn't a light beer they were drinking. It was a Myugan craft hard alcohol drink. Not that he minded though. He was used to drunk people and if they were drunk they were comfortable. He wouldn't come under attack if he didn't provoke one. Still he would sit forward and cross his ankles under him. His arms resting on his knee's. She offered to buy the bottle and he almost smiled as she offered to help him with anything he needed as well. Drunk business deals usually worked in his favor. Still he would resist the urge to jump straight on the deal. Payment was nice and all but actually having a market nearby to buy from was unlikely. Still he would seem to consider her words a little. His eyes shifting as if he were thinking about something in his head. Truth was he knew exactly what he wanted from them. Given their stories. Still he would be sure to answer Nova first. Direct away from the deal and back to it. Don't show too much interest.

"Nah, I didn't go. But given everything that happened round here during that time any one from Suna likely knows your names. Placing us so high in the ranking. It's no surprise you both found training and work easily enough. As for that bottle, if ye wantin to help me with some business, ill trade ye the bottle for some simple information. What road did ye use to get here from Kiri? No one saw ye coming and in my line of work thats got some value. As for you," he would slide to his feet from his chair and move over across his room to a chest. Kicking it open with one swift kick before rummaging around in it. Some cloaks, a gas mask, ah! Having found it he would collect two snow shoes. They used it to hide their tracks in the sands but for her it would serve another purpose. He would toss them one at a time to her before speaking and leaning against the dome wall. "They called snow shoes but they work for sand too. They expand your foot base out for better balance."

2678

Izumi hopping up to challenge him drunkenly caught him by surprise. A spark flickered around him for a moment as he prepared to lash out at the shouting woman. He wasn't about to get burned because he assumed she wasn't capable. That was a fools game. Still his eye narrowed as the spark faded and she fell back into her seat. Jesus he had to wonder just how close they had just gotten to this whole dome being turned into a kiln. Of course normally she wouldn't risk it with her lover there but he wasn't certain that she wasn't within the drunk enough to ignore the consequences but not drunk enough to cast jutsu. Still as she fell back into her chair and claimed he had won he would take a breath. The other seemed a little drunk as well but a different kind of drunk. Usually he would pick pocket them for their belongings at this point but being as they had a history he would refrain from his old games. No need to loot some ninja gear after all. Back in the old days he would use his inability to get drunk as a ruse to cheat people out of easily obtained goods.

Still his ears twitched as they mentioned they hadn't exactly been subtle on their approach so much as they killed any and all opposition. Tunneling when they could but simply slaughtering when they couldn't. The fake names seemed to lack point when there was never witnesses. A little savage but he couldn't blame them. For now they were smashed. If that was the case he might have the advantage here. Not to do anything unwarranted to the girls, he was sure he could find a woman any time he wished that worshiped everything under his clothes. Perhaps for a price if he wanted that specifically. No, these two were not drunken and vulnerable girls. They were inebriated warriors after battle. Like the Valkyries of old. His attention would shift to the north east. There were Kumo camps and trade routes in that direction. Moving as they liked and conquering where they pleased. Such ripe supply routes for those not accustomed to the heat. A lot of food meant to last and hydrate. In the desert it was its own treasure. Especially with society broken down to this level. Every camp scrounging to get by. Even his only had so much supply left. Eventually....no this raid would set them for a long time. If the two of them were used to killing all witnesses....

Once again he would feel his muscles tighten as Izumi shot up and fell down again. Damn if that girl didn't keep him on edge. Laughing and yelping like a girl fresh out of school with her first drink. He would take a breath as he considered who her teacher was. He enjoyed his drink too. Not to the point of pounding it but she was less weathered. Instead he would stand up and move to one end of the dome. Letting himself fall back into a pile of furs. His blue eyes watching them both as he lounged about. It was a risk but they were likely not huge fans of Kumo. Few people were and even fewer from the sands for that matter. He would prop himself up on one elbow before speaking. More to Nova at this point since Izumi was mostly faded.

"Well I suppose that is one talent to keep handy. And some experience with enemy combatants too boot. Though I don't know that your ready for the big girl games yet. See, I intend to hit a kumo trade route tomorrow. Maybe soon you two might be ready for the big kids table?"

3317

They would mention how they had already used a ruse to lure in enemies as it was. He would tilt his head and look to the two of them. Damsel in distress in the desert? Well he supposed it was easy to fall for. As Izumi brought up they took one look at her chest and men would come running right into a demon pit. He would run one hand through his hair as he sat forward. Still his hair would fall around his face as he took a breath. So these two were already soldiers in this war. He couldn't help but feel an attachment to them now. Izumi he had history with but anyone willing to put blood in the water in these times for his side, he was grateful for.  He always needed allies because if there was one thing he knew about battle, the fight never ends. Still if he was going to be a legend in this place he would need to start to move. He had kept to himself for the most part and survived. Gathering power and still he hesitated. He would bring the hand from his hair down in front of his face. Contemplating as he slowly clenched his hand into a fist a few times. Feeling the power gathered there. Was it enough to make a difference? It was potent but...he would need to be smart about this still. There were more powerful people out there. But they could be beaten if approached in just the right way.

:"Tomorrow than, I will be sure to have something to eat for you before we go and show them the sands belong to us. Be prepared for the fight of your lives."

With that he would look to Izumi who had already drifted off. Whether she heard him or not it didn't matter. He knew she would be down to burn someone. This was her home originally too. A Karisuma. His blue eye would shift to Nova which he knew less of. Her puppetry had left her invincible in the exams. The Iron spider. It would prove useful but hopefully she was prepared to kill. Plenty of talk but than again there always was. He would see for himself in the morning though. For now he would rise up out of his seat.Walking to the edge of the tent and grabbing a cigarette out of a jar there. Walking outside of the tent. Letting the lights dim to let them sleep. For now he was waiting on his scouts to come back. Looking for a good time and place to hit tomorrow. There were preparations to make when dealing with attacking a superior force. He would step to the side and lean back against the dome wall before lighting his smoke with a spark of his finger. Inhaling deeply before blowing out a thick ring. Chances are he was going to have to rely on that form...it was dangerous and he couldn't control it yet. There were other options though. A couple of jutsu he had been studying. He felt the power at his fingertips to use them but had been hesitant. Using any A rank jutsu was bound to attract attention for perhaps up to a mile out. The war nearby was already close enough without any questions coming his way. Still he knew the motions, knew his control and was certain he could preform them. He would finish smoking over the next several minutes before stretching. He was restless before a big fight. After all this could be it for him. Idly he would hum to himself. He hadn't accomplished much but if you were from the sands you likely had heard of the jackal. If he pulled this off...if he drove off armies he would be remembered for centuries in Suna. If they won tomorrow, their power and fame would only grow. However with that came new challenges. New challengers and more power behind them. The element of surprise wouldn't always be his. He would contemplate that as he tossed the butt into the sand and turned to sleep on the other side of the dome from the drunken girls.

4026

Exit thread

Earth Release: Strong Servant Warrior Technique
A rank 2000/2000
Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld
A rank 2000/2000