It was a dreary day. Thick grey clouds hung low in the skies, laden with seemingly endless amounts of raindrops. Thunder rumbled low and complainant as it brooded on an unknown problem to the mortal world below, pouring its horrible mood over everyone in an incessant drizzle. Despite that, it wasn't all that cold, actually. Just... miserable, and not exactly an ideal weather to be outside with.

Since a handful genin had decided to gather together for some training matches, the Arbiter's Ground wasn't entirely empty. Mizuki hadn't really been in the mood for training, but she had showed up to watch the others nonetheless, and was somewhat regretting that choice now since the drizzle slowly seeped into every fibre of her clothes.

She had put on her kunoichi attire, since it had originally been quite good weather, which consisted of a short version of a dark blue yukata with snow white edges, which had long sleeves to easily hide items or small weapons in. It was kept together by a long blue sash around her middle, which also tied together her Kumo forehead protector. Under that, she wore a pair of shorts and a pair of asymmetrical stockings of which one leg was just a plain smoke grey and the other was of the fishnet sort, to offer some protection against the weather. Finally, a pair of solid sandals allowed her to run without worry for whichever debris the ground harboured that might try to hamper her. And, of course, on the back, bound solidly by a sash, she wore her katana, positioned in such a manner iaijutsu was a feasible thing.

Standing somewhere on the side, Mizuki stood watching the other genin, her eyes analysing their moves as good as possible in hopes to find weaknesses and capture hidden moves or combos she could measure against her own bukijutsu. Arms crossed, and her weight placed mostly on her right leg, she looked, mostly thanks to her age, much like a trainer observing her own genin team in action. Less was true, however, as Mizuki was only a genin herself.

The thuds of punches and kicks were mostly dampened by the drizzle's rustling, and drops flew around with every strike. The genin didn't hold back. With killing intent and their mind set on taking down their training partner, some of the attacks they performed looked sickening hard and more than once send one of them flying into the ground rather painfully. To add even more difficulty, the ground had become slippery by the rain, forcing the sparring genin to calculate their moves even better and forcing them to seek stability with their feet on a higher level than usual. Not surprisingly, more than once one of them lost their footing, offering an opening in their defences during battle. All in all, it was a fascinating thing to see, Mizuki considered. Perhaps she should have joined, after all.

Since she had nothing better to do, Mizuki's gaze glided over the horizon. It didn't look like there was much to be seen. Most people wouldn't bother to come out despite that it wasn't cold. Yet, in the distance, she spotted a humanoid figure, seemingly wandering about. It was too far for her to see properly who it could be, but a hunch told her something was off. Deciding to trust her own senses, she dashed off to get a closer look.


wc: 580

Alwen did what had become somewhat of a routine for her, groaning as she sat up in the hotel room that she had been renting. The room was small, and grey, and Alwen looked to the clothes she had bought while out with Lin the other day. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but, it was useful for keeping herself looking more normal. With that in mind, she got up and looked to the mirror in the room, standing over the sink with a sigh. Two horns stood short atop her head amidst black, long hair that hung loose with purple and blue blocks of colour in the fringe. Her amber eyes looked over her body with an almost emotionless glance, before the dragon child stepped back, and yawned with a wide stretch, waking herself up.

After getting dressed, she left her room, deciding to try save her chakra today. Clad in rather basic long trousers, and a plain white shirt, Alwen had a rather simple cloak covering her shoulders and upper torso, as well as a hood to cover her hair and horns as a part of this cloak, which trailed down her back. Ready to go, she sighed, stepping out of the room, locking it behind her, and then heading out to go find where to head for the day, looking and studying the map just outside of the information centre. After a brief period of time, she concluded that perhaps it would do to either go to the place named Arbiter’s grounds, or the Skyforge.

Given the dreary weather, Alwen thought about a location others would perhaps be unlikely to be. As the rain began to pour, she simply hummed in thought, before shrugging, and deciding perhaps she would pay her respects to the deceased. After all, while she didn’t personally know the dead, she knew that there were going to be all sorts that had died. That alone was sad enough that she felt the need to pay respects, perhaps especially due to her being a foreigner to these lands. Still, as the rain began to fall, Alwen would move, seemingly staying dry from the rain as she made her way to the graveyard, concealed by her cloak, and looking around on her way.

The burial ground was simple, and heavily dark from the concealment of the clouds and rain. Yet to her surprise, there was noise at this place despite the weather. She kept close to the edge of the training grounds, staring out at the ones in the area, specifically at the one that was not training. Among the group of those sparring amongst each other for practice, a single person stood and watched them. Their sensei, perhaps?

She shook her head, turning away from the group and heading further out, staying concealed by the use of her cloak as she loomed away from the locals and continued on her look around the place, eyes scanning from side to side. As the rain fell, she smiled softly to herself, glad to have at least some sense of familiarity despite the completely different atmosphere the mountain village had to her own home. Yet among the rainfall, a noise caught her attention. Someone was running, feet splashing in the growing puddles. The cloaked girl turned to face the source of the noise, amber eyes apparent despite the distance, and upon seeing the person rushing after her, Alwen herself took off as well, running to try get away. If that person was the sensei of those training, then she was probably going to get killed. Not something she planned.

600

As she dashed through the rain, one hand resting on her katana, Mizuki had to eye the floor from time to time. The slippery floor wasn't exactly working in her favour, but she was reluctant to use chakra just for this occasion.

Approaching the individual in the distance, it hit Mizuki the figure had golden eyes? While most curious, she guessed she had to be seeing things. Surely, it was the rain distorting the view or something similar, as gold wasn't exactly a humane colour. Not that she intended to judge or anything.

However, as she drew nearer, the figure suddenly took off, and not exactly slowly either. Not only did it make him or her suspicious, Mizuki started to wonder who exactly she was facing. In any case, it could not be just a casual person. The swiftness with which the figure moved implied shinobi or samurai training, but Mizuki couldn't stop now. Even alone, even genin, she had to try. If she could just catch a glimpse of who it was, she would have enough to seek out more information or deliver a report of sorts.

Having made her decision, it was imperative that she didn't stupidly slip over the wet floor, and thus Mizuki channelled chakra into her feet to assure her grip. Pacing her breath and easing her muscles in preparation of a possible long run, she set to her best pacing speed and gave chase in hopes the figure was just trying to intimidate by showing off a good sprint.

If not, Mizuki wasn't too sure she would catch up by just running. Should golden eyes prove to be more than just a trained sprinter, the Kumo kunoichi might have to rely on some ninjutsu. For catching someone, she knew exactly which one, but the flaw there was exactly that: she'd have to get much closer first. And it wasn't said golden eyes was a ninja to begin with. If anything, Mizuki preferred to avoid ninjutsu against a citizen.

Chakra 145/150:

wc: 341 + 580
Total: 921

Alwen cursed herself beneath her breath for getting in such a situation, not aware that she was faster than the person behind her and preparing simply to make her escape in some way or another. Quickly she looked around her surroundings. It was a generally large expansive area, made dark and less visible from the rain, which now began to downpour. Rain… An idea popped into the chuunin’s mind, although it was incredibly risk to do, and would only work as a way to perhaps unnerve her pursuer enough for her to get away. She glanced behind her, amber eyes once more apparent as it seemed the stranger was behind her, but, quite a distance away. Something about this didn’t make sense. This person was a jounin, right? Why was the stranger so far behind her?

She shook her head, getting the thoughts out. That didn’t matter – the hostilities between Kumo and Kiri meant that it was likely Alwen could die here. She had no intentions of hurting this person, they had done nothing to her that would cause such an idea, and she couldn’t blame them for chasing her. But, perhaps she could do something to either get away, or convince the person that she wasn’t a threat. Sighing, the dragon girl resigned herself, making sure that her cloak covered most of her face before forming hand seals, stopping to do so before turning to face the person directly, amber eyes even more obvious than before and seeming to gaze out from an otherwise concealed appearance. As she finished the hand seals, water began rising from a nearby puddle, taking the shape of a humanoid figure that quickly gained the features of herself, also covered and concealed. It was then that she held up a hand in front of her, hoping the stranger would pause as she spoke up, trying to keep herself as anonymous as possible while getting the clone to do the talking for her.

“Wait. Please wait.” She started simply, hoping the person would stop as she lowered her hand. “I do not mean any harm. If you’re a jounin of this village, then, I would like to request you please just turn the other way. I don’t want to die here.” She stated, gulping as she finished, and trying to steel her nerves. If this person was a jounin that simply pretended to be slower, then it was likely this was where Alwen died. Her nerves were failing her as she looked onwards, having created the clone in the hopes of if nothing else, buying herself some time. She really didn’t want to get in a fight.

442 + 600 = 1042

Chakra: 155/190 (-35 for Water clone technique)
Water clone: 20/20 chakra

Jutsu used:

She ran fast. With every passing second, Mizuki's hopes to catch the stranger diminished as she was already running at full speed. When the rain set on from a drizzle to a downpour, Mizuki felt it increasingly more difficulty to keep track of the shade in the distance. At this rate, she'd lose the stranger completely, being left behind with the only certitude that golden eyes wasn't a civilian. Well, that was hardly anything useful to report. For all she knew, it could have been a misunderstanding between a higher ranked Kumo ninja and herself.

A brief flicker betrayed the fact that the ninja in front of her was taking a quick look back. Probably to assure itself she was winning the race. Mizuki swore quietly under her breath, more angry at herself than at the shinobi in front of her. First she forgot her katana on her mission, now she wouldn't be able to deliver anything proper for a report. This wasn't a good start for her genin rank. Determined to do something about it, Mizuki assured herself she would not give up - she knew well enough, though, that her body would sooner or later put an end to that promise.

However, everything changed when Mizuki suddenly caught up with the figure. She was... somewhat amazed, and cautious. How was this even possible when the person in front of her had been clearly much faster than her? Yet, staring into those golden eyes, Mizuki was assured she had caught the ninja. Unless... it was a clone?

As per her habit, Mizuki rested her hand on her katana upon arrival, her breathing deep and controlled, and sank immediately in a common kenjutsu stance, ready to strike even from a sheathed form. Iaijutsu, though difficult, was still her favourite pass time and she was, in all respects, really good at it for a genin.

However, amber, not golden, eyes aside and a fast speed, the kunoichi in front of her didn't show any sign of hostility. She was dressed rather plainly, in fact, and mostly cloaked against the rain. Had Mizuki imagined things? After all, the rain did make things difficult to spot correctly, and she would hate it if she was making a fuzz for nothing.

She was even more surprised when she heard the woman refer to her as a jounin. This confirmed the stranger's knowledge on ninjutsu, but Mizuki wasn't too sure how she had to react to those insinuations. Had golden eyes not seen she was slower? Was she a wanderer without knowing the difference in ranks? So many questions, but the sincere request to not kill her made her blink a few times. The idea of killing hadn't exactly run through her mind. At all. All she wanted to do was figure out why she had the urge to check on the distant stranger.

"I had no intention to kill you", Mizuki began, deciding to make use of the misinformation about her rank. "I merely wanted to know who you were."

Her eyes darted to find a forehead protector, hoping to identify golden eyes as being part of a village, but she found none. So she was not a Kumo nin. Mizuki's mind raced to find all possible solutions and situations to this case, ran through all her lessons at the academy and every moment of sage advice she was supposedly to remember in an attempt to be able to handle this situations just fine.

"However, I can't just let you go either since you acted so suspiciously. I hope you won't mind answering a few questions?"

She wasn't sure something as simple would work out, but Mizuki tended to lean naturally towards diplomacy rather than fighting. And in a doubtful, confusing situation as this, her nature tended to win from her training.

Chakra 145/150:

wc: 650 + 921
Total: 1571

Alwen watched as the stranger stopped, and seemed to have no intentions of attacking. That was something of a relief. However, what was odd to Alwen was that this person had a somewhat confused expression. Perhaps Alwen had been mistaken when trying to figure out the rank and status of the stranger? She looked at the person with a new curiosity, taking the time that she wasn’t rushing to look at their features.  She was shorter than Alwen, and seemed to stand with a somewhat formal and attentive posture. Yet, before Alwen could look too much in to it, the stranger began speaking.

Fortunately, the person had no intentions on any of what Alwen feared. Instead, they had intentions of finding out who Alwen was. She wasn’t comfortable with that, as Alwen knew that if this person was a jounin, and if they found out who Alwen was, or even just saw what she looked like, they would likely remove the threat to their village. She cursed herself beneath her breath for deciding to leave the hotel, before stating simply. “You can call me Al.”

Next, the stranger declared that, due to Alwen’s suspicious behaviour, she had questions to pose to Alwen. Still cloaked and standing behind her water clone, Alwen nodded, forming a hand sign to disperse her clone, which splashed harmlessly in a little puddle, deciding to simply make sure she didn’t seem to be a threat. Still, Alwen couldn’t just let this shinobi pose her any questions she wanted – that would put Alwen even further on the defensive. So, she shook her head somewhat, before speaking up, hoping that setting up some terms of her own would keep her safe. “Answering questions is fine by me. However, for safety purposes, I would prefer not to reveal my appearance. Know that I did not come to this village to cause harm. In fact, I ended up here by accident, and will be out of the village’s hair once things are sorted. My appearance alone could perhaps make you deem me a threat, so, I will maintain my anonymity for as long as I can, understand? I have no intentions of fighting, or causing trouble.” She sighed, deciding to perhaps display a bit of power, hoping that doing so would deter the person from striking her.

Allowing her words to sink in first, Alwen simply kept staring forwards at the Kumo person, deciding to use her influence over the water, over the rain, to make herself seem… Well, intimidating wasn’t the right word, but, stronger than she actually was. If this person knew that Alwen wasn’t that good of a fighter, and only a chuunin, they probably wouldn’t hesitate to just knock her down, take her in, and then ask questions. So, she shut her eyes for a moment, and as she did so, both she and the stranger that was about to question her would stop getting touched by the rain… As did the ground, and within an area around them of roughly 15m, a thin layer of water would seem to spread, catching the rain as it fell, and seeming to be made of the rain itself. Her makeshift umbrella made, Alwen then figured she’d try and lighten the mood, pulling down enough of her cloak to reveal a smile before shrugging once more. “I hope you don’t mind. It’d suck if it started raining more and we both caught a cold, and if you’re going to interrogate me, I’d rather we both be comfortable. You know?”

590 + 1042 = 1632

Chakra: 155/190 (+20 for dispersing the water clone, -20 for B rank hydrokinesis)

Jutsu used:

Golden eyes sighed when she heard Mizuki didn't intend to kill her, yet she remained defensive nonetheless by refusing to reveal her appearance, identity or origin. As a sign of good faith, or maybe just a trick to lure her into a fall sense of security, the person in front of her dispersed into a puddle of water. So the stranger was a Suiton user as well? When she proceeded manipulating the flow of the rain in such way that it no longer touched them both, Mizuki knew for certain golden eyes was of a higher level than her. The speed she had seen hadn't been a trick of the rain, it had been actual training manifested. This didn't bode too well for her - Mizuki would have to be careful.

She pondered upon the words 'Al' revealed about her origins. She was, indeed, not a Kumo-nin, but the way she worded it, it sounded like she didn't belong here either. Mizuki wasn't too sure what the whole deal about Al's appearance was, nor why it would cause any trouble in Kumo, but she nodded briefly at her request to remain concealed.

"I'd consider the rain a triviality, but you may be right about the cold. Thank you for that, Al-san. Your mastery of Suiton is admirable.", she stated with trained diplomacy.

She wasn't lying though. If anything, most Suiton users she'd seen in action seemed more combat-oriented than this sort of practicality. The precision with which Al parted the rain was something that made Mizuki think about Ranton. A form of weather control, combined with refined precision, as it were, wasn't something she saw often outside her own clan. The biggest difference here was that Al didn't use any lightning chakra, as far as Mizuki could tell.

"I'm sure your intentions are serene, though I have quite hard to understand how exactly you ended up in Kumogakure by accident while you are clearly trained in ninjutsu.", Mizuki said, lingering somewhat on the 'by accident' part to emphasise her distrust of the wording. Someone with Suiton as hers couldn't have stumbled into a hidden village just by chance, right? They had to be knowledgeable about such things, at the least. "Neither do I understand why your appearance would invite me to strike you down. Would you mind elaborating a little? I'd hate to assume you're a spy or a missing-nin, Al-san."

Even if Al was kind enough to keep the rain out of their way, it was hard for Mizuki not to remain suspicious if all she saw as a golden eyed stranger in a cloak, giving her more riddles than solutions. Mizuki considered that, if Al really didn't mean any harm to the village, there was no reason to be so shady.


wc: 483 +1571 = 2054

Chakra 145/150:

Alwen just kept staring ahead at her, trying to stop herself from smiling at the compliment on her Suiton proficiency. She prided herself in her skills with the element, deeming it something positive about herself that helped get away from the negatives. But this was like a battle of minds – the jounin and the stranger. To Alwen, it was a case of giving away as little information as possible. And to this stranger, it was the opposite. Two goals that completely opposed the other, perhaps what could be determined as a peaceful conflict.

It was then that the person spoke up further. Their questions were fair, and Alwen could understand where they were coming from. Alwen was very suspicious, and to an outside perspective, although her story was true, it was also unrealistic to expect someone to believe it instantly. She sighed, thinking for a moment, and humming. She had a choice to weigh up. So far this jounin hadn’t opted to simply strike her down from afar, or from up close, and everything she seemed to be doing made sense from an outside perspective – just for the good of her village. Perhaps this shinobi was similar to the one that showed Alwen where to stay, and helped her get settled, recovered, and better clothed?

Pausing for a moment, Alwen removed the cloaks hood from atop her head, revealing openly her appearance; her hair was long, loose, and black with light highlights throughout, and purple and blue blocks of dye in the fringe. Her amber eyes were still stark, standing in contrast to the ghostly pale of her skin, one that seemed as if it had seen too many sleepless nights. Yet perhaps most out of place, the most inhuman feature that could be seen and noted from within the dome of water was what lay nestled between the hairs, poised on top of her head. A pair of nub like horns, clearly real by the detail of their ridges and the shape in which they were leading – perhaps akin to a goat, with the texture of a seashell.

She stopped and allowed the information to sink in, before putting the hood back over herself to resume concealing her appearance, gesturing to the sphere of water that shielded them from the rain as she spoke. “There. Does that answer your latter question? I’m showing you because the water can distort the perspective of outsider interference enough that if someone else asks, I can play it off as a trick of the eye. You don’t seem malicious, and given my treatment by the shinobi who set me up when they found me here, I have no intention to doubt you, nor reason. I was born with horns, and on some parts of my body, scales. I don’t know how much faith you have in your village for understanding, but I’m given odd looks in my own village. I don’t expect positive reactions, or even to be allowed to live, for looking as I do here.” She stated bluntly, sighing as she laid her cards out on the table. She was too fatigued, too fed up, to play the game of minds. If it got her killed, it got her killed.

“As for your first question, about how one could accidentally end up in a village by accident… Well, think of it less as arriving in a village, and more like arriving in a country by accident. I’ve already set enough of my cards on the table that if you wanted to, you could kill me, and quite frankly I’ve never been one for subterfuge anyways. I’m from the hidden mist village, and was taking a boat down to the south of the land of water. There was a bad storm, and before I knew it, I hit my head. I must have went overboard, because next thing I knew, I woke up on a rocky beach in a place I’d never seen before, bleeding, dizzy, and looking more drenched than a used towel. My first intention wasn’t figuring out what village I was entering. It was not dying. So, yeah. There’s my story. Hand me over to your superiors, execute me on the spot, or keep the secret. The choice is yours. Although, if you’re planning on killing me, I’m not exactly going to just die. We all have our motivations in life after all.” She declared bluntly, amber eyes staring at the stranger as she tried to figure out what she was thinking, and how she would use the information.

760 + 1632 = 2392

Chakra: 150/190 (-5 for maintaining jutsu)

Awaiting a reply, Mizuki could see golden eyes was contemplating whether to reveal more information or remain hidden. It was at times like this that Mizuki was even more curious about what went on in a person's mind, but she guessed that from the stranger's perspective, considering she had been ousted for revealing her appearance, it was a matter of safety.

Great was her surprise - and her eyes - when golden eyes suddenly removed the hood from her head, revealing two seashell-like textured horns nested in between black, blue and purple hair. When Al revealed that she had scales here and there, Mizuki wasn't sure she believed what she saw and heard. So... Al-san isn't exactly human? A colourful oni, then? Wait, did oni actually exist? Probably not, but Al-san's horn seemed real enough. Or was this some well-prepared genjutsu?

Realising she was staring, she averted her gaze for a moment and softly cleared her throat as to reprimand herself for the rudeness she just showed. Mizuki felt rather fascinated by this, but she could understand why Al-san might think different. People mostly feared what they didn't understand, or what wasn't exactly the norm in life. To hear the sudden outburst and feel a sense of cropped up frustration for the whole situation coming from golden eyes as she bluntly spat all the information at her, Mizuki felt almost guilty for being so cautious.

But when Al-san mentioned she was a Kiri-nin, Mizuki couldn't help but tense a little. Kiri and Kumo weren't exactly on the greatest of terms with each other ever since the war. Both villages had plenty of reasons to raid each other, take out easy shinobi targets who found themselves at the wrong time or the wrong spot. Whether vengeance, superiority or simply for bloodshed, where war had passed and claimed its victims, it had left an ugly scar behind. One that might not easily heal.

This, however, was exactly why Mizuki wanted to become a diplomat to her village. Diplomatic relations had to be restored, trade routes opened, knowledge shared. If not for the development of the shinobi, then at least for the well being of the people. A life here, or a life in Kirigakure, was still a life.

Mizuki realised she had tensed at the revelation of a Kiri-nin, and decided that if she ever wanted to achieve the proper position of diplomat, this would be the first opportunity. The first, and probably the most important one, too. Taking a deep breath, she eased herself out of tension and bowed courteously towards Alwen.

"Thank you for your trust. It was a very brave thing to do.", she started. "As for my intentions, I do not wish to kill you for what you are, nor for who you are. As far as I know, Kumogakure has no standing orders to kill Kiri-nin on sight and I see no reason to change that with needless bloodshed."

But whereto then would she have to go? Most Kumo-nin might not be so understanding, blinded by their own reasons to kill any and all Kiri-nin. If the horned Kiri-nin truly had been shipwrecked, stranded and merely looking for shelter - and, considering her obvious fatigue, might actually be speaking the truth there, too - the next humane thing would be to help a hand somehow. Mizuki knew no iryo jutsu, though, and taking golden eyes home for a meal might not exactly be the best of ideas considering how ill her mother was. But perhaps... Lin-san?

"I can't speak for the other Kumo-nin. Many have suffered great losses and may therefore be less understanding, seeking retribution by trying to slay you.", Mizuki continued. "Since you are merely looking to recover, I may know someone that might be willing to help you out as I'm not really able to do so myself. She's a kind-hearted iryo-nin, of all people I know she might be one of the few not out to kill Kiri-nin on sight."

Mizuki flashed Alwen a warm smile. Perhaps this was surpassing the boundaries of what a diplomat should be doing in such a case, but she guessed it was better than just leave a stranded... whatever golden eyes actually was... to her own devices in a foreign country.

Well, there was the thing she'd still need to find Lin-san, though.

Chakra 145/150:

wc: 753 + 2054
= 2807

The reaction was obvious, and one that Alwen had seen countless times before. Not long after Alwen had revealed her appearance, the stranger stared, and then looked away, recognising her own staring. She expected it, and yet, a part of her felt… Disappointed. Then again, when Alwen mentioned where she was from, the girl once more grew tense. After what felt like a long, awkward pause, the stranger who had yet to state their name responded, declaring what she did brave. Alwen didn’t feel brave. She just felt silly. Like she had given someone a knife, and shown them where to cut. This was a defeat before a battle. She had just emotionally surrendered before anything had begun.

What was said next, however, Alwen felt unsure of once more. They immediately stated they would get a second Kumo ninja, for the sake of helping. She sighed, shaking her head, and allowing her to finish before speaking. “When I arrived, I was attacked at the gate for wearing my forehead protector unknowingly. I’d be dead right now if a certain shinobi hadn’t stepped in, and with red chakra chase off those aggressing me. She helped get me set up in a local hotel, where I’m staying to recover, and figure out what I’m going to do. I’m not exactly in a position to just up and leave, but she saw to it that I got medical attention.” She declared, waving the topic away with a hand and not wishing to divulge information about someone other than herself.

Still, the horned girl stumbled for a moment, and the water began to fade before dissipating and allowing the rain to break through once again. Alwen shook her head, holding a hand to her temple as she squinted. Her breathing grew heavier as she stopped for the moment, stopped paying attention, stopped focusing. Just stopped. She felt the world around her grow heavy, as if the air itself had gained a huge weight that was crushing on her. After simply pausing everything, unaware of anything, the girl stood up again, shaking her head. “Sorry. The air here… The general lack of water… It’s a bit hard for me.” She declared simply, before continuing. “If you want to know more about the shinobi that set me up here, I’m afraid you’ll have to torture me for that information. I may not be from this village, but I trust that person and they trusted me. Whether they deem me an enemy or not, I deem them a friend, and I won’t give up a friend, even to one of their comrades.”

Having got that point across, Alwen shook her head. “Well, you know what I look like, so, no point hiding my name. It’s Alwen. And before your curiosity gets the better of you, yes, the horns are real, and I was born with them.” She sighed, shaking her head. “You aren’t actually a jounin, are you? You gave a way too… Overt reaction to be a member of a village’s elite. I can understand using misinformation for your village, and stuff, but, since I’ve put my cards on the table, I’d like to ask you to do the same. You don’t have to. I’m just wondering. So, stranger. Who are you?”

546 + 2392 = 2938

Chakra: 150/190 (No longer maintaining Hydrokinesis)

Mizuki nodded as she took in all the information Alwen revealed to her. While it might have been a tactical victory for Mizuki to see Alwen surrender emotionally, Mizuki didn't saw it like that. This conversation had been nothing but an awkard push and pull as two opponents tried and tested each other, even though both seemingly didn't wish for any hostilities to begin with. But now... all of it seemed to be washed away by the rain that suddenly hit them both. Perhaps the refreshing touch of the rain would do some good.

When Alwen stated she would not betray the one who helped her out, neither join her, she felt a bit disappointed her help was so easily declined. Not that she could blame golden eyes. She was still on hostile ground and was required to remain cautious no matter what. Fatigued, using chakra to prevent the rain while all together seemingly discomfort herself even more by doing so, Mizuki could only wonder what Alwen had gone through that she felt it necessary to accommodate this much for the sake of an uncomfortable peace.

Despite all this, Alwen had a strange way of turning the tide in a conversation. For every bit of weakness she might show, she returned equally as hard on another side. Pointing out how Mizuki's overt reactions had revealed the fact she was no jounin, only made Mizuki frown at herself. A lack of self-control? She found it not befitting the discipline she was usually so proud about. And as it was followed by golden eyes asking for her name - making her realise she hadn't even introduced her properly yet - Mizuki contemplated how much more training she still required before even reaching the base of the mountain her diplomatic ambitions were. No matter her age, she was still a genin. This had been clear once again.

"My name is Mizuki. A pleasure to meet you, Alwen-san.", she replied, bowing curtly in the process. "You are right about my rank. I'm actually a genin of the Raiu clan. One that graduated not too long ago, in fact, but I guess my age clouds such things easily."

Something her birth's illness had made sure of. Having been sick at birth, her body easily tired during long during physical activity, and that had delayed her ability to pass the genin exams considerably. Since her body build up endurance at a much slower rate than most other, she had failed the most basic physical tests time and time again, resulting in her achieving genin rank at 19 years.

"You might have seen me at the training area.", she continued, pointing from the direction she came. "Since I was invited to Lin-san's squad, I tried planning my future training to grow into a reliable member, and started with analysing taijutsu styles to see if one would fit me. Until I spotted you, that is."

She glanced with a smile at her katana, hinting at her bukijutsu combat style. The katana, sheathed in a black leather covered scabbard, rested elegantly, almost serenely, against her hip, positioned perfectly for an iaijutsu strike.

"But I think I'll stick with bukijutsu. I have a few techniques and ninjutsu combinations I'd like to try out with it, and I'd have hard to imagine myself fighting without my trusted katana, to be fair."

The silver kanji forming her name that were imprinted on the scabbard seemed to give a brief shine, as if on cue. It was true that Mizuki had rarely left the house without her katana since the day she had received it. Those few day where she remembered she didn't have her katana with her, she felt so out of place the whole day seemed to go wrong. No to mention she still scolded herself for it so many years later.

"Considering your meticulous mastery of Suiton chakra, may I assume your bond with it is alike to my katana?"

Chakra 145/150:

wc: 672 + 2807
= 3479

The stranger revealed herself, and at this point, Alwen had no reason to doubt her – she had shown her cards, and the tension seemed to have settled down somewhat. She revealed her name to be Mizuki, and stated that she wasn’t a jounin, just a genin. Her clan name meant nothing to Alwen – she wasn’t familiar with the clans of her own village, let alone another. Still, it was odd to hear this person graduated not long ago, and honestly, she felt somewhat bad for the person if that was the case – Alwen could have been a legitimate threat, and if she was only recently a genin, that would have been terrifying. If it wasn’t for the fact that there were other people around, Alwen would have taken her hood back down, as a hooded figure was never comforting. But, hopefully they understood now, as they themselves gave a less than wanted reaction.

What surprised Alwen the most however, was the name that was mentioned. Lin? No, there was no way that she meant the same Lin. She pushed the thought aside for the moment, continuing to just listen to what was said. Still, it seemed the genin had interest in learning from her peers by watching, something Alwen could understand herself. Still, as she gestured to the katana, Alwen got the hint. Taijutsu was just something she was debating. Mizuki was a weapon specialist? Interesting, if nothing else, although perhaps the katana should have been a clear sign.

At Mizuki’s last question, Alwen shrugged somewhat. “I guess you could say that. I almost feel like… Fatigued, without the water. The rain is, refreshing, to say the least. My skills with Suiton are just something about me. And while I don’t look like it, same as you, I am a weapons specialist. I just don’t need to carry a weapon with me at all times.” She hummed for a moment, deciding to give a brief demonstration, just because this person seemed friendly enough. The girl clapped her hands together, a sphere of water building between her palms, before stretching out, and forming a hilt of a sword, and a long, thin sword like blade of water. At the hilt of the sword, where a pommel should be, was a head that looked like that of a dragon, maw open. Content that the point was made, Alwen shook her head, and allowed the water to simply fall to the ground with a splash.

“When you said Lin… That name is familiar to me… Per chance, is this Lin someone with silver hair, and a scar?” she grew thoughtful. There was no way this was the same Lin that saved Alwen’s life. The world was too large. This village was too large. The idea that Lin was also teaching the person that she was talking to at this moment. She couldn’t believe the world was such a small place. Although, if that were the case… Then, it meant that Kumo was a much nicer community than her first impressions had given. If Lin was a squad leader, then that meant she was a higher ranked shinobi that Alwen. And if this person was with Lin’s squad… Then maybe this could be how she repaid the girl for her kindness! Alwen wasn’t the best at teaching, because, she hadn’t really done it much. But, she could always share some tips. A friend of Lin was a friend of Alwen, as far as she was concerned.

582 + 2938 = 3520

Chakra: 135/190 (-15 for C rank sword jutsu)

Jutsu used:

Seeing how Alwen created the beginnings of a weapon out of water, was mind-boggling. Mizuki knew how chakra could influence many things like water and wind, but to have it create actual reliable weaponry? That was inspiring to the point she wondered if it was possible to do the same with Ranton. Realising the potential of such a trump card in combat, even when she she lost or broke her own katana, was tremendous. To think Alwen had that sort of ability after she had already shown her mastery over rain... how powerful was she exactly?

"That's a powerful trump card right there, perhaps even being able to demoralise your opponents after they disarmed your actual weapon.", she said with a nod."What rank does one need for such jutsu? It can't be that easy."

She would have tried it herself already, but since she had not the slightest clue even how to start such a jutsu, Mizuki refrained from making herself look like a fool. She had seen the sword fall into a puddle of water, thinking to herself that she certainly had the possibility to create one herself. Perhaps not one as beautifully detailed with a dragon's head, but any sort of katana would already be a valuable asset.

Her train of thought was interrupted when Alwen asked her about Lin's looks. Silver hair, a scar, that did sound like the same Lin she knew. Did this mean Alwen already knew Lin? How was that even possible, considering she had avoided being seen? Then it hit her... Alwen mentioned a kind stranger who had taken care of her, had healed her wounds. That sounded like Lin-san.

"Yes, Lin-san has short, silver hair. And a scar. She's the iryo-nin I offered you to meet, actually.", she replied, tilting her head somewhat curiously to the side. "Is she the stranger that helped you out when you were stranded, perhaps?"

Now that'd be one hell of a coincidence. How big were the odds? Mizuki would almost call it destiny, were it true, but she wasn't really one to believe in such a thing. She was more the sort to believe that people tended to attract others of a same kind, under the saying of, "Birds of a feather..." Otherwise said, if Alwen and Lin got along just fine, this meeting was bound to happen sooner or later.

"If you wish, we can still try to find her. You'll be welcome if you are a friend of hers."

Chakra 145/150:

wc: 428 + 3479
= 3907

Alwen smiled at the curiosity Mizuki had. It was now as if they were equals, having a conversation like one would imagine from ninja from the same village. It seemed Mizuki was curious about Alwen’s technique. If Alwen had to guess, the genin wanted to know the technique for herself. But, Alwen saw no need to keep it secret, and as she listened even more, it was even more apparent that she was not an enemy, revealing the Lin to be the same as the one that saved her life. The least Alwen could do was share a technique only she knew. She made it herself after all. She hummed for a moment, before shrugging. “She is the very same. Stopped two guards from killing me when I walked in to the village, set me up at a hotel, tended to my wounds, and helped me get new clothes. So, if you’re a student of hers, then a friend of hers is a friend of mine. If you want to know how I made the technique, I’ll happily tell you. You don’t seem like a terrible person after all. I created the technique because of my natural affinity for water. It’s something my family is skilled with naturally. I focus that chakra, and the base of that nature itself, between the palms of my hands, focusing and willing it for a moment and using the clap as a sort of catalyst to emphasise the control required. Then, like you would to shape the chakra into the form you need for a jutsu, manipulate the shape and form into the sword. I’m not sure if you have the suiton control to do it, but, I did it when I was a genin. If there’s an element you’re better with, I’m sure the concept will apply to that as well. I hope that makes sense.” She explained with a nod.

At Mizuki’s suggestion, Alwen simply smiled, nodding to herself. “I’d love to. It’ll be nice to be in welcome and friendly company. Although obviously, it’ll need to be another day. I can’t really afford to stay outside for too long, which I hope you understand now. Still, it’d be a pleasure. Um, you can find me at the hotel by one of the side streets of Kumogakure from the main gate at the south of the village. I’m in one of the cheaper rooms, so, whenever you want to, I should be there. The only time I won’t be is that I have a slight bit of business to attend. I believe someone I know is in the village. Nothing major, but, if true, I need to see him. So, if I’m not at the hotel, it’s likely I’m looking for him, or have found him. I won’t leave the village without saying goodbye though. The hospitality from Lin was too nice for me to dare do something like that.” She explained, waiting to see the genin’s reply. This person was nice.

500 + 3520 = 4020

Mizuki was glad to hear that the helpful stranger Alwen talked about was Lin-san. Though curious how such coincidences came to be, this uncomfortable confrontation could have been avoided with Lin-san. Still, Mizuki considered it a lesson, and was glad unnecessary combat had been avoided.

She listened further to every word spoken about the creation jutsu carefully, matching it against her own knowledge and capability. If a genin could learn it, then she, too, should be able to do so. She would create it with Ranton, however, combining two chakra into one. It might be harder, but she believed it was an equal tactical advantage in return.

"Thank you for showing me. I think I'll try to shape the sword jutsu with ranton. My suiton may be the weaker of the two, but it should be feasible with some training."

She nodded empathically at Alwen's explanation as why they couldn't meet up now. Since she had some things to attend to, it would give Mizuki some time to create the ranton weapon jutsu, or at least try and see where she got to. And if things went well, she might even show the results next time they met.

"We'll meet another time then. It'll give me some time to work on the jutsu, and perhaps I'll be able to show you the result of my training. Meanwhile...", she said, taking a glance at the training area from where she came. "I'll return training with the taijutsu users. They might start to get worried since it's been a while I've left."

Mizuki bowed towards Alwen, and dashed off when she decided to halt mid-run just a few seconds. Assuming someone might ask questions about her sudden disappearance from the training area, and considering Alwen was still a stranger in hostile lands, she guessed some reassurance was appropriate.

"I'll tell them I was meeting a friend.", she said, looking back to flash Alwen a smile, and left to run back to the training area.


[Exit]

Chakra 145/150:

wc: 345 + 3907
= 4252

Training:

Extra Training:

Alwen tilted her head at the Raiu’s reply. Ranton? She hadn’t come across that element before, nor heard of it. It seemed there was something interesting about this shinobi, something unique of her own. Still, she nodded quite happily at Mizuki’s statement that they’d meet again another time. The fact that she said she was going to train somewhat amused Alwen, and she wondered how long it’d take before this stranger overtook her. Still, that was a thought for later. She’d take a step back as the other stated her intention to return to the training before they wondered where she had gone. It made sense.

As she bowed, Alwen herself returned the bow, waving slightly to the running Mizuki. At her insistence that she’d tell them she saw a friend, Alwen couldn’t help but smile. That was two people now. Two people that declared her a friend, despite her appearance, and despite her being a foreigner in a land so recently wounded. She felt a slight warmth against her cheeks, before nodding slightly, turning her hooded and cloaked form away, before walking off to vanish once more as she had arrived, slipping into the crowds and streets to blend in as one of many, taking shelter from the rain by the alleys that they walked through.

Still, after a walk, Alwen made it back to the hotel room where she had been staying, laying her cloak down on the ground and sitting on the edge of her bed before flopping back, allowing herself to sink back and simply stare at the ceiling. There was still time to spend, but, she wasn’t sure she wanted to. She had risked getting caught, and already felt stressed. Yet, she also felt happy. She wasn’t at a point where she could go out as just herself, not having to conceal her true identity as a horned person, but whether it was the rain, or the friendly encounter she had just had, Alwen felt calm. She stared at the roof, listening to the sound of the rain pouring and hitting the cobbles and wall and roof from outside. Pitter patter. Pitter patter. It was pleasant, and soothing.

Closing her eyes, Alwen thought back on the encounter. That Mizuki person. She was a genin, something Alwen herself was not long ago. And she was brave. She thought Alwen was a threat to the village, and opted to approach her despite the risk, even more so approaching with her weapon not drawn. In a way, Alwen saw herself there. Someone that didn’t want to start a fight. Who would rather find peace, and a friend. She smiled to herself once more, adjusting her posture to now be lying properly on the bed, curling up slightly as she prepared herself for the world of sleep. Today had been a productive, and pleasant day. She made a friend.

480 + 4020 = 4500

[EXIT]

Training: