“Madam Raikage, Indira and his team have been dispatched as you requested.” She gave her assistant a curt nod and turned her attention back to the litany of paperwork that decorated her desk. She was typically on top of these things from day to day however with the attack on her village things were at an eleven in regards to her priorities. Things were falling into place like the pieces to a puzzle even after her encounter with the messenger from K.L.A.W. as well as the news involving a bounty on a young boy from the chunin exams known as Okami Kitsune. She couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of such a young individual having such a profitable bounty on his head and yet here it was sitting on her desk. Chika gave the bounty paper work a cursory glance before tucking it away in her desk for a later date as it was only a matter of time before she could truly dispatch anyone of note to properly handle the matter at hand. However one thing that became apparent amidst the rebuilding process was the acquisition of resources outside of their borders. Chika herself was comfortable leaving the village to handle negotiations en masse and yet she still conducted these efforts under table. This would only lead her mind to the ANBU team she chose to dispatch to the very same land the young Kitsune who’s ticket had come across her desk all the same.
Meanwhile in the confines of the village things were slowly but surely returning to normalcy. The people within and even the buildings while still damaged were returning to their former glory due to the hard work of the shinobi at the village's disposal. Where Konoha had wood release to reconstruct its buildings the cloud had its lava release users and earth release users alike to reconstruct the homes of the people within. They were working hard to ensure that even while the raikage handled her duties in these times that their own sense of worth was equal parts duty and resolve. They were a nation built on the idea of the philosophy that drove nature itself; survival of the fittest. It was something that the raikage herself held in high regard and her people were starting to understand just that. The will of lightning was something that couldn’t simply be tarnished by an attack on its people nor would it falter in the face of such a fathomless attack. It was a shame that those who had succumbed to the attack lost their lives but it was time for the village to build upon the foundation of their losses. Amidst it all however they seemed to be brewing their own means to uplift the village itself. Even though the village’s outskirts had been destroyed the infrastructure within was in the process of being bolstered; wall’s constructed, barrier methods established and more importantly it was as if the scientist and even the medical staff were working under the guise of research. Among those setting up the new found barrier network for the village was none other than the Raikage’s bodyguard Orihara.
Orihara was previously meeting with the village's barrier team to ensure that the formula being used were up to snuff but more importantly he was conducting his own research with the cloud districts scientist. Despite it being an industrial workshop those within seemed to be toiling away without hesitation. The sounds of hammer on anvil and fires billowing and all of this was taking place in the bowels of Kumogakure. Where the village outskirts had formerly been decimated, the forge in question was nestled deep within the mountainous landscape that made up Kumogakure today. The forge hummed with life, nestled within the jagged embrace of a towering mountain peak. This forge, once a mere part of the village's daily operations, has now become a crucible of innovation and determination following a recent attack that left the village scarred but unbroken. The entrance, a massive stone archway adorned with subtle lightning motifs, hints at the intense activity within. As one steps inside, the cavernous space unfolds, illuminated by the fiery glow of multiple forges. The air thick with the scent of molten metal, sweat, and determination, punctuated by the rhythmic sounds of hammering, grinding, and the hiss of quenching metal. At the heart of this industrious hive was a master Blacksmith by the epitaph of N more openly known to the workers as Nue, a towering figure with a grizzled beard and piercing eyes that miss nothing. His arms, covered in burn scars, speak to decades of experience. Nue's sleeveless, soot-stained kimono allows for ease of movement, and his fingers, adorned with rings inscribed with protective seals, flash as he gestures, directing the forge’s activities with a booming voice that commands respect and focus. Around him, the forge's workers move with a blend of urgency and practiced precision, each one contributing to a seamless workflow aimed at one goal: fortifying their village.
Engineer Kiyomi, a brilliant and innovative mind, stands out with her short, spiky silver hair and keen, analytical eyes. Her utility belt, packed with tools and scrolls, jangles softly as she moves from station to station. Dressed in a practical apron over a dark tunic and sturdy pants, Kiyomi is the mastermind behind many of the forge’s new designs. Today, she is focused on developing revolutionary armor known to those around the facility as project beast skin, a suit that can channel and amplify the wearer’s chakra, functioning like a second skin and bolstering several aspects about the wearer in question. Something that those of the Kumoi clan are capable of natively, those under Kiyomi were working tirelessly to create something from the hunted beast of Raiyama to help bolster those tasked with defense of the home. Kiyomi herself surrounded by an array of parts and chakra-infused components, Kiyomi's nimble fingers adjust seals and mechanisms, her concentration fierce. Her workstation is a chaotic array of blueprints, prototype armor pieces, and chakra conduits, each one representing countless hours of trial and error.
Young Apprentice Takeshi, with a shock of unruly black hair and an eager expression, mirrors Raijin’s every move. His hands, perpetually smudged with grease and soot, deftly handle the red-hot metal as he follows Raijin’s instructions. Takeshi's simple, sleeveless shirt and trousers are practical, his forearms wrapped in protective bandages. His eyes shine with determination as he hammers and folds the heated metal, creating blades that are sharp and durable. Takeshi’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his desire to prove his worth is evident in every swing of his hammer. Chakra Specialist Hana moves through the forge with a serene grace, her lavender robes flowing around her. Her long, dark hair is tied back in a loose braid, and her eyes shine with a gentle, focused light. Hana’s role is to imbue the newly forged weapons with chakra, enhancing their capabilities. Her hands, glowing with chakra, perform intricate sealing techniques on the finished blades. As she channels her energy, the weapons glow faintly, absorbing the chakra and becoming extensions of the wielder’s will. Hana’s presence adds a mystical element to the forge, her chakra infusions transforming ordinary metal into extraordinary tools of defense.
The forge itself is a marvel of both traditional craftsmanship and advanced ninja technology. Massive anvils and hammers share space with precision tools and chakra-infused devices. The walls are lined with racks of raw materials—chunks of chakra-infused steel, rare ores, and bundles of high-quality leather for grips and armor. Scrolls containing ancient designs and blueprints are stored alongside modern technical manuals, highlighting the blend of innovation and tradition. The forge’s layout is meticulously organized to maximize efficiency; workstations are strategically placed to allow for a smooth flow of materials and finished products. The workflow in the forge is a well-oiled machine. Raw materials are brought in by sturdy, silent shinobi who ensure a constant supply without interrupting the craftsmen’s focus. Raijin and Takeshi work side by side, transforming raw metal into deadly kunai, shuriken, and swords. Sparks fly as they hammer and fold the metal, the rhythmic clang echoing through the forge. Each piece is then passed to Kiyomi, who incorporates her mechanical enhancements and chakra-infused components, creating weapons with enhanced range, power, and precision. Finally, the weapons are handed to Hana, who infuses them with chakra, adding the final touch that transforms them into powerful tools for the village's defense. The atmosphere in the forge is one of determined focus and collaborative effort. Despite the urgency brought on by the recent attack, there is a palpable sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the workers. Raijin’s booming voice occasionally breaks the steady rhythm of work, offering instructions or encouragement. Kiyomi’s focused muttering can be heard as she tinkers with her inventions, occasionally breaking into a triumphant cheer when a new design functions perfectly. Takeshi’s enthusiastic questions and Hana’s calm, reassuring answers create a backdrop of learning and growth.
The forge operates in a carefully coordinated ballet of movement and sound. Workers communicate with concise hand signals and brief, efficient exchanges, ensuring that each step of the process flows seamlessly into the next. The clanging of metal, the hiss of quenching blades, and the hum of chakra create a symphony of resilience and innovation. The occasional burst of laughter or shared joke lightens the atmosphere, reminding everyone that despite the gravity of their task, they are in this together. The sense of purpose is almost tangible, as every hammer blow, every infused seal, and every completed weapon brings them closer to ensuring their village’s safety. The recent attack has left its mark, but it has also ignited a fire within the forge’s workers, driving them to new heights of creativity and dedication. They are not just crafting weapons; they are forging the future of Kumogakure, one blade at a time. In this forge, the spirit of Kumogakure is alive and thriving. The workers, united in their resolve, embody the village’s resilience and strength. Every clang of metal, every glow of chakra, and every shared moment of triumph and challenge is a testament to their unwavering commitment to protect their home and forge a stronger future. Orihara was simply checking on the safety of those involved in the heavy flow of the village's inevitable functionality returning . Those working within seemed to be pleased they had even gotten him as a visitor but kept to their workflow ballet. Orihara merely did his due diligence before returning to the team that had been so purposefully working on the barrier network that was going to protect the village from future attacks. Orihara himself being the final piece to the puzzle as the necessary formulas were formed things were falling into place with ease. However he knew that even with this in place things were never going to be the same for the village.
Location: [Raikage's Office]
Posting Order: Chika Kumoi/ Orihara
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II
