1 Recovery from The Sky City (A Rank Mission/Training) Thu Jul 25, 2013 10:28 pm
Kaguza
D-rank
A drum line of rain greeted Kaguza as he woke up. Today was a rare treat for him, over the years his usual routine was a heavy endurance based training, he was to head out on a search mission. Remains of the Land of Sky had been discovered in the waters near a few small islands along the countries borders. While the mission wasn't given specifically to him, it was offered to those of high ranks who were willing. While excavation and exploration were low on his priority list, the possibility of finding remnants of what their weapons and fighting styles were like did peek his interest enough, despite going alone. With the village still under reconstruction, exploring remains were far from important, so it seemed natural that there wasn't any attention put towards it other then a glance in the eyes of the village. The journey to the depths of the ocean that borders Kiri would be a new experience for him, moving about underwater would be difficult if he took his usual load of weaponry. While on his journey away from the village however, he did train to correct such a heavy problem. His training allowed him to carry less and still utilize the entirety of his arsenal, with that in mind, he was restricting himself to only what he might actually need. His inventory to choose from consisted of one short of twelve, that one being the first of his weapons to be destroyed or rendered unusable. His Kusari-gama, shattered in his recent skirmish with the Mizukage, lay in pieces on his dresser. Kaguza had no plans to reforge the weapon, such an act seemed like bringing back a fallen ally from the dead, it would instead serve as a symbol.
After considering the difficulty his mission might contain, primarily moving about through the water, he chose only four of his weapons to take with him. Temper, Kaguza's large war hammer was a given. The five and a half foot tall hammer was quickly becoming his signature weapon, though hammers were known to be his favorite to begin with. Silver, a weighted single edged long sword. The tip of the blade was crafted with extra weight, to give the weapon a feel similar to that of an axe. His other two weapons of chose for the mission at hand were a twin set, his war fans. A pair he didn't use too often, they favored a more defensive style of fighting, but today they would aid his ability to swim through the water acting as paddles on his hands. Weapons in hand, the load felt lighter then he was used too, it would definitely be easier then if he took everything. Finally the last of the equipment was to accompany him, a borrowed re-breather and a few flares. Similar to a gas mask in it's appearance, it would serve to give him some extra air while under the water should he need it.
The co-ordinates of where the under water remains were believed to be were a good run away. Stepping out into the rain, a dark red coat with a black collar covered his body from the rain and served to keep him warm during the sprint. Upon leaving the village, kaguza passed by a few travelers about in the weather. Most of the civilians stopped to watch with caution as what looked to be an armed man run by. Kaguza never wore the standard issue Kiri headband any where on his body, instead he bore the emblem proudly on his weaponry, mainly Temper. Before he had Temper, the weapon harness he used to carry his arsenal bore the emblem. While he never wore it, he did always have it with him in his ninja pouch that hung from his waist. Coming to a beach that had a few large stones with several decorative carvings on it, the distance to the temple was only a dip under the water away.
The question of swimming straight under or running a distance on the surface was a question that seemed to answer itself in Kaguza's mind. He had a decent ability to judge distances based on how long he ran, and with a roughly set distance given to him from his location the next leg of his run began. The sound of rainfall and the splash of his feet seemed almost rhythmic after a few minutes of running, an entire song after going what he believed an appropriate distance along the surface. While his jacket did keep him warm in the rain, going under the water would whisk such a feeling away. Standing on the surface of the water, his jutsu kept him from sinking, he needed to sink however. Donning the re-breather, ended the academy level technique and his body sounded out with a splash as it fell into the water. The combined weight of all of his weapons as well as his own muscle mass made descending into the depths of the ocean almost effortless.
The pressure was easily felt on his entire body as he descended. Taking out one of his fans, he used it to keep himself from descending any further. His other hand grabbed and ignited a flare for a better look around. The dimly lit area was bleak, a structure did stand out fortunately, that was his target. Making his way into the flooded structure, it seemed to be a long corridor. A reflection stared back at him from above upon swimming inside. A reflection meant some kind of air pocket, dipping his head beyond the reflection, he could feel the still air. It seemed he had found some kind of remains from something at least. Stepping onto solid land, he removed his re-breather and smelled the air, it seemed breathable. Taking a deep breath only to end up coughing it back up, the air was stale and foul, but breathable. The theory of pockets that pockets of air would be here definitely was not wrong.
It didn't take long before searching the room gave proof of it's origin. The emblem of the Land of the Sky etched into a few symbolic places on the walls were enough. He had found what he was looking for, the goal now was to see if anything of value had survived time and water. It was surprising just how intact the building was still. The corridor that led to the ocean of Kiri, was part of a network that led to so many other areas. It was strange though, a lot of what appeared to be exit points that would lead to the ocean were sealed with debris and other material. Were there survivors when the land fell to the bottom? A feeling or urge seemed to begin to grow in Kaguza's mind, something was here after everything sank, but what? The more he explored, the more his suspicion grew. There were clear paths, to most areas that weren't flooded. Debris or rubble should be littered about everywhere, but it's all been moved aside.
Walking into a larger corridor with several smaller branching off, his flare was the only source of light at the bottom of the ocean. It had been some time since he entered the ruins, the flare in his hand was beginning to burn out. Choosing to save them as best he could, he waited till it burned out completely before he'd strike up another. Darkness seemed to flood the room as his first flare went out. The realization that he was standing in a perfect darkness at the bottom of the ocean sent shivers down his spine. With another flare in hand, he went to strike it, but any sound he made seemed to go on forever. Striking the flare, light drove back the darkness. A hasty shuffling broke out and disappeared down the large corridor. Something was down in the ruins with him, but what? The odds of it being hostile seemed high. The urge to leave was not hidden to him, but he wanted something to take back with him.
Traveling down the large corridor in the direction of the previous shuffling, Kaguza came to a very large open room. It was a round temple. He had read a few pieces on the Land of the Sky before he began his journey, all of which mentioned a temple at the center of the civilization. The temple housed what kept it flying in the sky, some said it to be a machine, others a spirit. making his way towards the center of the temple, there was no machine but several track marks etched into the stone, most of which were fresher then the damage done to the ruins. His suspicions became a reality as another sound of movement whispered from the darkness. With the design of the temple and connecting tunnels it was impossible to determine the direction the sound came from. Keeping a calm mind, Kaguza looked around for anything of note. A few containers were strung out along one of the walls, upon opening them, they were filled with oil. The shuffling sound could be heard again from the darkness, it was drawing closer. Against a wall the source of the sound could be more easily be determined. Tossing the flare into the center of the temple, a face was revealed, a mask. The documents that described a spirit were right, none of which said it was kind either, the records told of it utilizing a dark form of chakra.
Quickly Kaguza created a sparking flame on one of his fingers and lit the container of oil before hurling it towards the creature. The creature lunged forward as he threw the container sending the burning oil in all directions. Light from the fire now replaced the dark flooded temple space. With a much larger light source it was easy to make out what was now his opponent. It was almost like a large black leech that wore a mask with five long red string or cloth flowing from it. Such a creature had never appeared before Kaguza, let alone attacked him. The spirit shrieked as the burning oil touch it, clearly causing some amount of pain.
Almost no details were avaliable to kaguza besides those in the records he went over, and they only told of a dark chakra. Fighting a ninja was different then this thing, he could determine his opponent's fighting style and capability. This creature he knew nothing of, it's fighting potential could be on any level. The risk was too high in Kaguza's mind, he knew to pick his fights and this wasn't one. Attempting an escape he began moving quickly towards the closest corridor only to witness the spirit send out tentacles to form a gate blocking his escape. Jumping back, he tried for another of the tunnels, only to get the same results. The spirit standing in the center of the temple could reach and block off all the exits, there was no way for him to escape without some kind of fight with the spirit. "This was the last thing I thought would happen. I even thought the place collapsing was more likely then you." Smarmy words from a man who didn't want to fight, but would have to. The spirit gave chance for him to analyze, not that it would help. It lashed out with several tendrils aimed at kaguza's body. Managing to dodge the attack, he sought to first test the spirit's capabilities first. With more information Kaguza might be able to avoid injury and combat this thing.
The speed at which the spirit could strike was impressive and dangerous. Several times over the spirit lashed out with multiple tendrils, each trying to pierce Kaguza's body. Their seemed to be no limit to the number of tendrils it could create, but it was clear that the mask was where it had it's sight. Running around the creature it began swiping at him, leaving slash marks in the structure. Blades now, the creature could create blades. The threat this spirit could produce was only increasing. Mild shape shifting capabilities and that it could attack at a distance greater then the radius of the very room it stood in the center of, kaguza would permanently be in this things threat range. Grabbing Temper, he made a dash to put the body of the spirit in his threat range. With a strong swing of his hammer, he released the lock and sent the hammer head flying towards the spirit. It collided with the body of the creature forcing another loud shriek from it. Thankfully physical attacks could hurt it.
The barrage of bladed tendrils continued at a quickened pace upon striking the spirit. A pattern formed in the ninja's mind, it could launch several ranged attacks before it would recoil them all for another. While there was no definite number to the tendrils with each attack it still followed the same pattern, attack and withdraw. More and more kaguza could put in a blow of his own while moving to avoid the spirit's attacks. Time however was favoring the spirit. The oil was burning out, and darkness would put an end to his life for sure, the fight needed to end. Lashing out with Temper, this time not at the spirit but the other containers, smashing them open. A renewed light emerged as the oil came in contact with the dwindling flames, the new light seemed to stun the spirit for a moment. The brief stun was his only window to end the fight, but how?
Quickly Kaguza scanned over the area once more searching for a way to deal a massive blow to the spirit. The temple roof! It was incredibly dangerous, but would likely be his only option, he'd bring the roof crashing down on the creature. The force of the roof and falling water would end the fight. Grabbing Silver, he called out "Temper" A puff of smoke engulfed the long sword and revealed a copy of his war hammer. With two ranged weapons in hand, he dashed up the wall of the temple. The spirit having recovered began it's attack again, lashing out with several tendrils. Upon reaching the dome, Kaguza unlocked both hammers and struck opposite ends of the structure. The force created creaters upon impact, and with the help of his Chain Latch jutsu began to collapse the dome. Hanging in the air however gave the spirit the contact it was looking for. A few of the tendrils dealing minor cuts to varies parts of his body and one managing to pierce his side, thankfully missing vital organs. A cry of pain rang out from the ninja, but it was drowned out as the water began rushing in from above.
Releasing one chain, Kaguza pulled himself back to the temple wall. A new challenge began, out racing the falling debris and water. The spirit shrieked once more as the larger pieces of the ceiling began to fall on it, pinning it. Ignoring the pain and channeling his raiton chakra, Kaguza boosted his speed and dashed down the corridor he had entered. It was not a short distance, but with a clear path he could make it. He held his jutsu for as long as he could. The rushing water following him at every turn, crashing through everything in it's way. After retracing his path, he was on the final stretch. The corridor he had entered in was the last leg. The rampaging wall of water only a few inches behind him, he broke the surface of the water that he entered though. The rushing water did not halt it's flow, pushing Kaguza and every piece of debris out the end of the corridor and into the vast ocean that bordered Kiri. Quickly, he swam to the surface breathing what he could from the re-breather he now had to use with water in the way.
The rain had stopped, as a small bloody spot formed on the surface of the ocean. Kaguza managed to return to the surface world, he had several wounds though save for one nothing severe. Climbing onto the surface of the water, and returning his two weapons to his harness, he used a portion of his shirt to try and bandage up the wound that ran through his body. Several pieces of debris began to float to the surface. Wood items mostly. While returning empty handed was not a concern having discovered such a creature living in the ruins, he did scan for anything of potential value. An old scroll broke the surface of the water. The water damaged paper seemed to have remained intact as well as expected, least it was something.
The return trip would be much slower then the arrival. Kaguza stopped at the first settlement he could find in order to receive medical attention and rest. Images of the creature still clear in his head, while it wasn't a creature to fear, it didn't seem natural. After being treated, Kaguza gave his thanks and began his slower trip back to the village. Walking this time instead of the full sprint that he did that morning, he walked throughout the evening. While the venture under the water only seemed like a few hours, it had taken half the day to explore what he had of the ruins. He even passed by a few of the people who stared at him that morning. As he drew closer to the village, a few Anbu greeted him and questioned if he needed help. Kaguza simply handed off the only scroll he managed to bring back. he'd give a full report after visiting the hospital, they'd be in for quite a surprise this time. Training was the usual reason for his admittance. A story of a black creature that attack him with dangerous tendrils was his excuse this time. So onward he marched towards the hospital for a full series of medical treatments.
A Rank Mission 2500/2500 Words
Ghost Fire Spark 509/500
Total Word Count 3009
After considering the difficulty his mission might contain, primarily moving about through the water, he chose only four of his weapons to take with him. Temper, Kaguza's large war hammer was a given. The five and a half foot tall hammer was quickly becoming his signature weapon, though hammers were known to be his favorite to begin with. Silver, a weighted single edged long sword. The tip of the blade was crafted with extra weight, to give the weapon a feel similar to that of an axe. His other two weapons of chose for the mission at hand were a twin set, his war fans. A pair he didn't use too often, they favored a more defensive style of fighting, but today they would aid his ability to swim through the water acting as paddles on his hands. Weapons in hand, the load felt lighter then he was used too, it would definitely be easier then if he took everything. Finally the last of the equipment was to accompany him, a borrowed re-breather and a few flares. Similar to a gas mask in it's appearance, it would serve to give him some extra air while under the water should he need it.
The co-ordinates of where the under water remains were believed to be were a good run away. Stepping out into the rain, a dark red coat with a black collar covered his body from the rain and served to keep him warm during the sprint. Upon leaving the village, kaguza passed by a few travelers about in the weather. Most of the civilians stopped to watch with caution as what looked to be an armed man run by. Kaguza never wore the standard issue Kiri headband any where on his body, instead he bore the emblem proudly on his weaponry, mainly Temper. Before he had Temper, the weapon harness he used to carry his arsenal bore the emblem. While he never wore it, he did always have it with him in his ninja pouch that hung from his waist. Coming to a beach that had a few large stones with several decorative carvings on it, the distance to the temple was only a dip under the water away.
The question of swimming straight under or running a distance on the surface was a question that seemed to answer itself in Kaguza's mind. He had a decent ability to judge distances based on how long he ran, and with a roughly set distance given to him from his location the next leg of his run began. The sound of rainfall and the splash of his feet seemed almost rhythmic after a few minutes of running, an entire song after going what he believed an appropriate distance along the surface. While his jacket did keep him warm in the rain, going under the water would whisk such a feeling away. Standing on the surface of the water, his jutsu kept him from sinking, he needed to sink however. Donning the re-breather, ended the academy level technique and his body sounded out with a splash as it fell into the water. The combined weight of all of his weapons as well as his own muscle mass made descending into the depths of the ocean almost effortless.
The pressure was easily felt on his entire body as he descended. Taking out one of his fans, he used it to keep himself from descending any further. His other hand grabbed and ignited a flare for a better look around. The dimly lit area was bleak, a structure did stand out fortunately, that was his target. Making his way into the flooded structure, it seemed to be a long corridor. A reflection stared back at him from above upon swimming inside. A reflection meant some kind of air pocket, dipping his head beyond the reflection, he could feel the still air. It seemed he had found some kind of remains from something at least. Stepping onto solid land, he removed his re-breather and smelled the air, it seemed breathable. Taking a deep breath only to end up coughing it back up, the air was stale and foul, but breathable. The theory of pockets that pockets of air would be here definitely was not wrong.
It didn't take long before searching the room gave proof of it's origin. The emblem of the Land of the Sky etched into a few symbolic places on the walls were enough. He had found what he was looking for, the goal now was to see if anything of value had survived time and water. It was surprising just how intact the building was still. The corridor that led to the ocean of Kiri, was part of a network that led to so many other areas. It was strange though, a lot of what appeared to be exit points that would lead to the ocean were sealed with debris and other material. Were there survivors when the land fell to the bottom? A feeling or urge seemed to begin to grow in Kaguza's mind, something was here after everything sank, but what? The more he explored, the more his suspicion grew. There were clear paths, to most areas that weren't flooded. Debris or rubble should be littered about everywhere, but it's all been moved aside.
Walking into a larger corridor with several smaller branching off, his flare was the only source of light at the bottom of the ocean. It had been some time since he entered the ruins, the flare in his hand was beginning to burn out. Choosing to save them as best he could, he waited till it burned out completely before he'd strike up another. Darkness seemed to flood the room as his first flare went out. The realization that he was standing in a perfect darkness at the bottom of the ocean sent shivers down his spine. With another flare in hand, he went to strike it, but any sound he made seemed to go on forever. Striking the flare, light drove back the darkness. A hasty shuffling broke out and disappeared down the large corridor. Something was down in the ruins with him, but what? The odds of it being hostile seemed high. The urge to leave was not hidden to him, but he wanted something to take back with him.
Traveling down the large corridor in the direction of the previous shuffling, Kaguza came to a very large open room. It was a round temple. He had read a few pieces on the Land of the Sky before he began his journey, all of which mentioned a temple at the center of the civilization. The temple housed what kept it flying in the sky, some said it to be a machine, others a spirit. making his way towards the center of the temple, there was no machine but several track marks etched into the stone, most of which were fresher then the damage done to the ruins. His suspicions became a reality as another sound of movement whispered from the darkness. With the design of the temple and connecting tunnels it was impossible to determine the direction the sound came from. Keeping a calm mind, Kaguza looked around for anything of note. A few containers were strung out along one of the walls, upon opening them, they were filled with oil. The shuffling sound could be heard again from the darkness, it was drawing closer. Against a wall the source of the sound could be more easily be determined. Tossing the flare into the center of the temple, a face was revealed, a mask. The documents that described a spirit were right, none of which said it was kind either, the records told of it utilizing a dark form of chakra.
Quickly Kaguza created a sparking flame on one of his fingers and lit the container of oil before hurling it towards the creature. The creature lunged forward as he threw the container sending the burning oil in all directions. Light from the fire now replaced the dark flooded temple space. With a much larger light source it was easy to make out what was now his opponent. It was almost like a large black leech that wore a mask with five long red string or cloth flowing from it. Such a creature had never appeared before Kaguza, let alone attacked him. The spirit shrieked as the burning oil touch it, clearly causing some amount of pain.
Almost no details were avaliable to kaguza besides those in the records he went over, and they only told of a dark chakra. Fighting a ninja was different then this thing, he could determine his opponent's fighting style and capability. This creature he knew nothing of, it's fighting potential could be on any level. The risk was too high in Kaguza's mind, he knew to pick his fights and this wasn't one. Attempting an escape he began moving quickly towards the closest corridor only to witness the spirit send out tentacles to form a gate blocking his escape. Jumping back, he tried for another of the tunnels, only to get the same results. The spirit standing in the center of the temple could reach and block off all the exits, there was no way for him to escape without some kind of fight with the spirit. "This was the last thing I thought would happen. I even thought the place collapsing was more likely then you." Smarmy words from a man who didn't want to fight, but would have to. The spirit gave chance for him to analyze, not that it would help. It lashed out with several tendrils aimed at kaguza's body. Managing to dodge the attack, he sought to first test the spirit's capabilities first. With more information Kaguza might be able to avoid injury and combat this thing.
The speed at which the spirit could strike was impressive and dangerous. Several times over the spirit lashed out with multiple tendrils, each trying to pierce Kaguza's body. Their seemed to be no limit to the number of tendrils it could create, but it was clear that the mask was where it had it's sight. Running around the creature it began swiping at him, leaving slash marks in the structure. Blades now, the creature could create blades. The threat this spirit could produce was only increasing. Mild shape shifting capabilities and that it could attack at a distance greater then the radius of the very room it stood in the center of, kaguza would permanently be in this things threat range. Grabbing Temper, he made a dash to put the body of the spirit in his threat range. With a strong swing of his hammer, he released the lock and sent the hammer head flying towards the spirit. It collided with the body of the creature forcing another loud shriek from it. Thankfully physical attacks could hurt it.
The barrage of bladed tendrils continued at a quickened pace upon striking the spirit. A pattern formed in the ninja's mind, it could launch several ranged attacks before it would recoil them all for another. While there was no definite number to the tendrils with each attack it still followed the same pattern, attack and withdraw. More and more kaguza could put in a blow of his own while moving to avoid the spirit's attacks. Time however was favoring the spirit. The oil was burning out, and darkness would put an end to his life for sure, the fight needed to end. Lashing out with Temper, this time not at the spirit but the other containers, smashing them open. A renewed light emerged as the oil came in contact with the dwindling flames, the new light seemed to stun the spirit for a moment. The brief stun was his only window to end the fight, but how?
Quickly Kaguza scanned over the area once more searching for a way to deal a massive blow to the spirit. The temple roof! It was incredibly dangerous, but would likely be his only option, he'd bring the roof crashing down on the creature. The force of the roof and falling water would end the fight. Grabbing Silver, he called out "Temper" A puff of smoke engulfed the long sword and revealed a copy of his war hammer. With two ranged weapons in hand, he dashed up the wall of the temple. The spirit having recovered began it's attack again, lashing out with several tendrils. Upon reaching the dome, Kaguza unlocked both hammers and struck opposite ends of the structure. The force created creaters upon impact, and with the help of his Chain Latch jutsu began to collapse the dome. Hanging in the air however gave the spirit the contact it was looking for. A few of the tendrils dealing minor cuts to varies parts of his body and one managing to pierce his side, thankfully missing vital organs. A cry of pain rang out from the ninja, but it was drowned out as the water began rushing in from above.
Releasing one chain, Kaguza pulled himself back to the temple wall. A new challenge began, out racing the falling debris and water. The spirit shrieked once more as the larger pieces of the ceiling began to fall on it, pinning it. Ignoring the pain and channeling his raiton chakra, Kaguza boosted his speed and dashed down the corridor he had entered. It was not a short distance, but with a clear path he could make it. He held his jutsu for as long as he could. The rushing water following him at every turn, crashing through everything in it's way. After retracing his path, he was on the final stretch. The corridor he had entered in was the last leg. The rampaging wall of water only a few inches behind him, he broke the surface of the water that he entered though. The rushing water did not halt it's flow, pushing Kaguza and every piece of debris out the end of the corridor and into the vast ocean that bordered Kiri. Quickly, he swam to the surface breathing what he could from the re-breather he now had to use with water in the way.
The rain had stopped, as a small bloody spot formed on the surface of the ocean. Kaguza managed to return to the surface world, he had several wounds though save for one nothing severe. Climbing onto the surface of the water, and returning his two weapons to his harness, he used a portion of his shirt to try and bandage up the wound that ran through his body. Several pieces of debris began to float to the surface. Wood items mostly. While returning empty handed was not a concern having discovered such a creature living in the ruins, he did scan for anything of potential value. An old scroll broke the surface of the water. The water damaged paper seemed to have remained intact as well as expected, least it was something.
The return trip would be much slower then the arrival. Kaguza stopped at the first settlement he could find in order to receive medical attention and rest. Images of the creature still clear in his head, while it wasn't a creature to fear, it didn't seem natural. After being treated, Kaguza gave his thanks and began his slower trip back to the village. Walking this time instead of the full sprint that he did that morning, he walked throughout the evening. While the venture under the water only seemed like a few hours, it had taken half the day to explore what he had of the ruins. He even passed by a few of the people who stared at him that morning. As he drew closer to the village, a few Anbu greeted him and questioned if he needed help. Kaguza simply handed off the only scroll he managed to bring back. he'd give a full report after visiting the hospital, they'd be in for quite a surprise this time. Training was the usual reason for his admittance. A story of a black creature that attack him with dangerous tendrils was his excuse this time. So onward he marched towards the hospital for a full series of medical treatments.
A Rank Mission 2500/2500 Words
Ghost Fire Spark 509/500
Total Word Count 3009