Cloud District

[Fox]

​

The secrecy from the cloaked man had elicited a soft chuckle or two from Ichijo, as it was no secret that it had caught him off guard. "Ahhhh..." He droned on the single word before continuing. "So, you're the legend himself I've heard a bit about from Sparrow," he murmured, continuing to sip his beer. His head nodded at Tenbo Uchiha to continue the conversation, as Ichijo merely acted as the frontman to reach this man. He had done his job with just that, and it was up to Tenbo to continue and make a request from this man if he hoped to continue this journey. "Of course... I'll front it," he added, his body language suggesting that he would be the one to cover the expenses for the journey. His eyes continued to wander, wandered off for a bit, though his ears remained focused on the conversation that could determine the next steps of their journey.

The memory of a loved one dying had resurfaced in his thoughts as a constant reminder of his sins, condemning him to live longer as his eyes remained dark, with no sign of light. There was no chance of him finding something to repair it, though his mind was like a maze, so intricate that even if a Sharingan user peered inside, all they would find themselves in was a labyrinth, occupied by several fading figures from his past deaths. His expression, on the other hand, appears normal. There's nothing you can do but hope that he will say something.​

 

[Davon]

The Uchiha paid attention to the bartender and noted his mannerisms, as well as those of those nearby the bar. It would not take long for the coin to do the speaking for them, as said compensation was able to quickly lure out who they were searching for. It took little of his sensei to accomplish what he was needed for, although that was not his only part to play in this discussion or adventure. The Uchiha stepped forward, larger than Ichijo, to confront the man Jōtō. Tenbō understood this was an individual of the coin, who quickly leaped to and fro, whoever is the highest bidder he would at least listen to. The Uchiha believes Jōtō is a hunter of not just beasts and creatures of the world but perhaps men. This made conducting business with this individual, who is driven and steered by money, to be a risky one, although all great rewards come with that. With a large sum of money easily given by Ichijo, maybe the spirit of greed overtakes Jōtō. Nevertheless, Tenbō stood before the man who seemed taller than himself by an inch.

"Yajūkeiri, a name that echoes through the corridors of rumor, bestowed upon you, Jōtō. Within the annals of history, I have encountered no tales that extol the mastery of one in the art of subduing the untamed creatures of this world, unless they bear the bloodline of the Uzumaki. For it is in the domain of the Uzumaki that such extraordinary abilities are traditionally harnessed."

Tenbō paused briefly to take a sip of his drink, as his eyes stayed focused on the target. The Uchiha's sixth sense was able to give him a thorough read on everyone's reactions within the residency. Those who paid attention, those who knew of the person they were speaking to were nervous, some even frightened. Some of the individuals reacting were shinobi themselves, which highlights the prowess of the man before him. The Uchiha wanted to smile; luck and fortune were good to him. He resumed.

"There's a hunch within me that whispers your given name isn't truly Jōtō. I yearn to uncover the verity of your identity, and for such a modest request, we shall augment our offering by an additional 100,000,000. However, if my intuition and discernment should detect the strains of falsehood in your words, you shall not partake in the bounteous rewards that loom beyond the mere glitter of these coins. Following this revelation, I shall proffer a contract that befits a persona deserving of the title 'Yajūkeiri'

Tenbō spoke calmly, as his intent was clear and his words were truth. He was a part of a team with Ichijo, and they were seeking to contract a freelancer, yet that had come with rules: information for money, and from there, money for service. The payday ahead was beyond Jōtō's wildest dream. It was about money and beasts. However, for Tenbō there were more significant things beyond money and these things were clear to Ichijo, Mujin, and Mirai.

 

[Mugen]

Jōtō lightly chuckled as he listened to the other man talk. Never interrupting but simply listening to the poetic man speak so eloquently with a mouthful of words that Jōtō clearly had no idea. While the rest of the crowd had avoided them, they were some that were still listening. This was a humble tavern providing sanctuary for many so they were, for all intent and purposes, loyal to this place whether or not if they were loyal to anything else. They were ready to intervene at any moment in time. Besides, the tavern had its own protection embedded within the walls as well. "You talk funny!" He said joyously with a genuine laugh, "The power of names!" his raised his fist dramatically as he if he was screaming at the Gods! He held the dynamic pose for a second before his facial expression reverted back to a more serious expression and his arm fell lightly down into his lap. "You've said too much. You need me, so just spit out what you've got to say so we can talk business and get down to price!"

If the man truly had the ability to detect whether or not he was lying, he would note that this man before him was not lying. He had no intention of revealing his true name, especially to someone who had not revealed their name. Jōtō picked his glass up and chugged his drink before slamming into back down. "ANOTHER!" It was clear that whatever style of business these two gentlemen had would not work here. ​

 

[Mugen]

Located deep within the Cloud District is an oasis hidden high within the mountains. There is no special name for this place. It is nothing more than an abandoned training area during the time of a certain Takamagahara Monk. It is very tranquil, and spacious enough to practice close-combat. The mountain ranges provide security and safety, but also allows for more versatility and creativity during practice. At some point it had become a go-to for Monk Training because of the unnatural abundance of natural energy.

Location: Unknown Oasis within Cloud District​

 

[Mugen]

---

They glided through the air elegantly on the back of the rather large summon that Money-bag Man had provided for their travels. As they made their way, the wind rushed against their skin and one could feel the cold embrace. It's a chill that electrified one's senses, invigorating and awakening them. Yet in the same breathe it was liberating, as if you were free. Jōtō hummed to himself a sweet tune with a smile painted across his face as he allowed himself to feel every sensational, every chill through his entire being. He glanced down to the ground below them, the world had become a blur and everything had become a distant, abstract painting. From some odd reason, he wanted to jump and feel the weightless of just falling through the clouds. It would feel so enlightening.

Jōtō glanced over at the other man that was with him, Sparrow. Jōtō knew nothing of either of them but he did not mind because he was not someone that needed to know everything. He was okay working with the unknowns and the ambiguity, it was actually why he was the best at what he does. His adaptability was second to none. "Over there!" Jōtō pointed for the summon to recognize what he was referring to. "You can set us down over there." The bird adjusted its flight pattern and nose dived towards the mountaintop oasis while he held on tight. The speed it moved at it was almost as if they were going to kamikaze right into the ground and splat into a million pieces, but with one flap of the wings the bird slowed us down immediately. A powerful gust of wind pushed all the leaves and debris out from where they landed, even rippling the water. Jōtō hopped off as he touched the beak of the summon, thanking it for its services. He had always had a way with animals. "I'm going to ask for one more thing, friend. Please look around to see if you can find it before us."

Jōtō glanced over at Sparrow before jumping onto the one of the large mountaintops. They were already had the top, but there was certain mountains that were higher than the others. "Rumors are it's someone around here. For some reason the abundance of natural energy has always been oddly stronger here than others." By the time he had finished his sentence he was at the top and almost cartoon like fashion he covered the top of his eyes with a straight palm and looked around almost aimlessly. "Now comes the fun part! Tracking it down!"​

---

 

[Davon]

Sparrow, at some point, transitioned into his operative outfit with his gunbai, keeping his true identity concealed from Jōtō. However, they had managed to come to an agreement for the task previously discussed. The Uchiha's countenance was hidden behind the white horned mask, but his intentions were clear as the sky they glided through. That's why he had revealed the squadron of Root operatives who accompanied him and Ichijo. They too were on the massive summoning mission. The pace at which the bird moved caused the fabrics he wore to dance in harmony with nature, providing him with a sense of tranquility. With both his eyes closed, Sparrow relied on his other sensory methods to tune into his surroundings in a more intimate sense and clear his mind. As an individual connected to the fundamental forces of the world, the peace he felt was akin to being within his own home. Although this feeling couldn't deceive him, for this very territory was perhaps home to one of the most enigmatic forces on this continent. Simultaneously in tune with Jōtō's movements, Sparrow landed on the surface of the mountain. A second later, the squadron also joined them, maintaining their respective distance from their commander. They had received their orders before embarking on this journey, and their task was to provide support at the opportune time.

"If we are dealing with a creature that thrives in an environment rich in natural energy, we might be in for quite a challenge. Given the vastness of this landscape and our lack of knowledge regarding its appearance, the task of locating it could prove to be a protracted endeavor. Nevertheless, your exceptional tracking skills provide a glimmer of hope. What counsel do you offer, Jōtō?"

 

[Mugen]

---

“Hmm..” Jōtō hummed to himself in thought for a brief moment. “You are right in some sense,” he responded to the masked man in regards to the natural energy, “But when hunting for something that is rich with natural energy, you have to change your perspective. Instead of tracking something that appears to be out of place, you’re looking for something you’d look past without second thought, as if it had some sort of imperceptibility.” Evidently that was easier said than done. Jōtō closed his eyes as he stood motionless while taking a deep inhale. For the first time, his chakra would be capable of being read and his sensory would extend outwards. His senses, specifically his Yang Sensory, allowed for him to read powerful life forces that would otherwise. This was because he himself had a powerful Yang Energy that was innate from his bloodline.

His eyes opened slowly as he turned around from the initial view he was glancing out towards. Jōtō jumped to another end of the cliff as he stood there looking out toward the barren mountaintops before glancing back down. “We are close, that’s for sure. You see that?” He pointed out towards the rest of the mountains. “They all are free of any greenery, yet here it’s like an oasis. That’s because it’s nearby.” Jōtō again relocated himself to another end of the cliff, looking around down at the forest below them searching for any subtle shiftness. Minutes had passed as Jōtō continued to search through the massive forest until finally he pointed out toward the sea of green.

“I think it’s in that area over there.” Jōtō pointed out toward the massive carpeted greenery and vitality, there was no movement at all yet outside of the specific area there was sound and movement originating. It was a subtle thing to notice, but there was no movement there. Only stillness. Jōtō would glance over at the masked man to see what he thought before just launching himself into it. Not to verify, Jōtō was positive he was correct, but he wanted to see the thought process of the man that hired him.​

---

 

[Mellow]

In the ethereal realm that interweaves with the physical world, where the boundary between the living and the afterlife is blurred, a group of paranormal spirits materialized. These spirits, remnants of souls with unfinished business, were bound by a common purpose: to deliver a message that had transcended the veil of existence. These spectral entities, whose forms were translucent and ephemeral, congregated near the Gold District's borders. Their presence was marked by a gentle, eerie luminescence, casting an otherworldly glow on the surroundings. Though they lacked corporeal bodies, their collective will and determination were tangible. Tessa, the president of the Gold District and a master of the Koyami Clan's Soul Release Kekkei Genkai, had summoned these spirits to convey a message to some of the hidden villages. She had crafted a bounty scroll targeting the Shimo Clan as a request from her brother-in-law, a formidable and enigmatic group with secrets that had threatened the peace of the Grass District. Tessa understood the urgency of her message, and these spirits were her chosen emissaries. With a solemn nod, Tessa transmitted her thoughts and intentions to the spirits. Their spectral forms flickered, acknowledging her command. In an instant, they began their journey through the spirit realm, an otherworldly dimension with no fixed laws of space or time. As they traversed this supernatural realm, the spirits encountered surreal landscapes, composed of fractured memories and echoes of past events. The spirits moved with an eerie grace, their passage marked by a gentle, otherworldly wind. They navigated through the ever-shifting, kaleidoscopic terrain, guided by an instinctual knowledge of their destinations. Eventually, they approached the threshold that separated the spirit realm from the mortal world.

Spirits: There, on the outskirts of Konohagakure, Kusagakure, and Kumogakure, the 3 ghostly being split off into 3 different locations. These beings found the perfect location—a wall near the cities busiest streets. The spirit converged upon the wall. In unison, going completely unnoticed due to its highly translucent figure began to inscribe the bounty scroll onto the surface, its touch leaving an ephemeral mark that transcended both the physical and spiritual realms. As the last stroke of the message was completed, the spirits' glow intensified, their purpose fulfilled. The message for the three districts was now etched into their walls, awaiting discovery by those who could decipher its meaning.

(Note: Wanted for the assassination attempt on lord Kusakage, Xaio Tendo. Clan members hail from the Mist District and have symbiotic hosts as their Kekkei Genkai. Search for the clan crest and eliminate every member of the clan with no remorse and return with DNA samples.)

With a final, melancholic wisp, the spirits began to fade. Their mission accomplished, they slowly dissipated into the ether, returning to the realm beyond the veil. As they vanished from existence, their ethereal journey served as a testament to the interplay between the living and the spirit world, a phenomenon that remained a mystery to many but a profound reality for those who possessed the unique abilities of the Koyami Clan.

​

 

[Davon]

"It seems so," he acknowledged in response to having to alter perspectives. It was imperative to see the environment for what it is and isn't. Despite not having the visual acuity to do so at the moment, there was Sparrow's sixth sense allowing him to be aware of the immediate area and beyond. He released a soft sigh, inaudible, as he analyzed the vicinity once more with his senses. "I possess limited familiarity with the intricacies of natural energy, although it stands to reason, given the nature of our quest." Sparrow inhaled intently, taking in the oxygen as he focused his senses to thoroughly read the expanse within range and noticed the smallest of details. Everything tangible takes up space, and within the field of his detection system, Sparrow was able to tell the rocks, leaves, insects, and more apart from one another. This also extended towards the cliffs, mountaintops, and more.

"Indeed, you are correct; this expanse appears to be lacking in many aspects. Nevertheless, in this specific locale, there is an unusual profusion of life. I am reasonably confident that the monster you mentioned is indeed present here. Allow me to verify this." He inhaled once more and closed the window of his sensory range to the specific region where his partner had stated. Sparrow had moved adjacent to his partner, and upon their landing spot, he spoke once more. "It resides in that direction. My senses discern its presence, and it appears to be a colossal creature." He was able to confirm by the faint movement it made, although nigh impossible, the probability allowed it. It was analyzed by the subtle and nearly imperceptible movement that could only be produced by a heartbeat, which is only capable of being produced by living creatures. Jōtō inquired on Sparrow's opinion, and the answer was now given. Now that the two were here, it would be soon to engage in a scenario where they had taken on this beast and perhaps take it down. Tilting his head side to side, he then followed by shrugging his shoulders up and down to ease the tension within them. "Exercise caution, for the full nature of this creature remains a mystery to us. Nevertheless, given the extraordinary abundance of life within its habitat, it is likely that its presence has significantly influenced the environment. Its affinity for physical energy might be a defining trait, yet certainty eludes us. Please take this information into careful consideration." Sparrow did not anticipate the creature to be so large, which made him consider the process in how they should begin hunting their target down to its last breath.

 

[STORY]

In the heart of a dense, ancient forest, hidden deep within the borders of a vast wilderness, the tranquility of nature's dominion was abruptly disrupted. Towering trees, their branches interlocking to create an intricate canopy, stretched skyward, casting an emerald-green shadow over the forest floor. Beneath this majestic canopy, a colossal, 82-foot boar kaiju lay dormant, its massive bulk partially concealed within its environment. This behemoth of a creature, had long been considered a legend—a force of nature that only the most daring adventurers dared to seek. On this fateful day, the forest seemed to hold its breath as Shigabuta's massive form stirred. The kaiju's eyes, each the size of a wagon wheel, opened slowly, revealing fiery, crimson orbs that blazed with an ancient, malevolent intelligence. A deep, rumbling growl emanated from the kaiju's gargantuan chest, shaking the very ground beneath it. The forest itself seemed to shiver in response to this awakening force of nature. Meanwhile, on the forest floor far below, two small figures, seemingly insignificant in comparison to the colossal kaiju, moved cautiously through the underbrush. These individuals were no ordinary adventurers; they were skilled shinobi by the looks of it.


The colossal boar kaiju, still groggy from its long slumber, shifted its enormous bulk, causing the very earth to tremble. It blinked its fiery eyes, trying to focus on the intruders within its territory. Shigabuta regarded the two small shinobi with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Its rumbling growl softened, indicating a level of recognition in its ancient eyes. With two unknown beings within its territory, its senses of course were on high alert in case they posed a threat to the beast.