Mist District

[Mellow]

Shortly after mellow began walking away, both his sensei and village leader followed shortly behind him; Both having their own matters to address with him regarding the way he was feeling along with the bloodlust he had. At first he didn't know what his sensei meant about monsters having a concious since he grew up only knowing to eliminate any threat without remours. He viewed all enemies as monsters since only those with the intent to kill would do something like this, but when he remembered what was happening before he took off with Soma, his realized that the entire time these "monsters" were being possessed by someone else. As Isamu continued with his words, Mellow only realized that his bloodlust wasn't a bad thing, he just needed to direct it at the right individuals. Almost immediately, Lord Mizukage chimed in himself on the matter; He understood what was being said and knew what needed to be done, and after hearing Lord Kazuo mention a distraction, Mellow could do just that. A such, he nodded his head in agreement.

Mellow: "I understand, let's get this over with. I can distract them with what im about to do, and if you need a path cleared out for you let me know."

Play Ost Here (Image Won't Work For Some Reason)

With that, Mellow looked at his surroundings for a moment as the eel manifested by the Mizukage revealed itself. As such, Mellow weaved but a few handsigns. [Inu - U - Hitsuji - Tori] After these handsigns were created, a steady flow of chakra entered the earth from Mellow which caused a large abundance of trees to rise from the ground, encasing the immediate area about half a mile in diameter in a forest. With his control, there were a few things he did with this jutsu; The first was allowing his sensei and mizukage to gain the same advantages as Mellow when in this technique, as such; any sound that would be created from their movements were completely eliminated as this jutsu absorbs the sound of the user and those he allows for better advantages in battle. Ultimately enabling them to move in complete silence regardless of what they're doing. The second thing he did with this jutsu was manipulate each tree to attack and trap each shadow being within its grasp should they be possessing a body, rendering the body itself unable to move and remain in the clutches of his tree branches. With the use of his echolocation technique, Mellow is able to easily pinpoint where each and every one was and respond with his tree traps accordingly.

Mellow If Kazuo & Isamu can hear his thoughts through his Mind Release: "Alright, i'll keep them off you. But i'll be following close behind in the earth, incase you need me."

Mellow If they can't: "Alright, i'll keep them off you. But since I can't communicate telepathically. I'll follow you around and relay information to you."

With the first step of his plan complete, the two adults were now able to put their plan into motion without needing to worry the shadows as much since he'd be taking care of them by causing the trees to attack on a constant basis. As such, mellow will then hide himself by binding his body into the very ground itself to move undetected within the area, this allowed him to not only follow Isamu and Kazuo but also allowed him to watch their backs and keep the enemy away from them so they can keep as much of their strength and chakra as they could until they found the source of the shadows.​

 

[STORY]

ARC CONTINUES.
INVADING FORCE FROM THE SHADOWS - What's going on!?

The collaborative jutsu between the three shinobi proved to be highly effective. The Chinoike lord's impressive chakra surged, causing the ground to shake and throwing the controlled victims off balance, making them stumble and fall. In sync with the Chinoike's technique, the young Genin, Mellow, swiftly altered the terrain, further immobilizing the controlled victims.

The joint technique became even more effective with the addition of the Mizukage's lightning release, infused with yin and yang chakra, transforming the lightning's hue into a blinding white. The thunderous sound echoed throughout the battlefield like a sizzling symphony. The blinding light immediately extinguished the shadows within its vicinity, causing them to dissipate, but some shadows managed to evade the onslaught.

The remaining shadows swarmed, swirling and sliding across the collapsed rocky ground, seeking refuge within the mouth of a colossal shadow beast. The gigantic creature loomed ominously, its massive form a dark abyss where the shadows sought shelter. The situation grew even more dire as the shadows seemed to be regrouping and gathering strength.

As the shadows within the Mist District merged and formed into a muscular entity, the negative chakra emitted from the being rivaled that of a tailed beast. The man's immense size and malevolent intent made it clear that defeating it would not be an easy task. Beside the man stood the canine like beast.

"You know what to do Kagemaru" the mysterious man said to the canine like beast that howled in response.Within seconds, the beast, Kagemaru, began to gather a ratio of positive and negative chakra and formed it into a small sphere, firing it at an untraceable speed. The sphere exploded, engulfing the entire land in a gigantic sphere of darkness. The darkness blinded the targets, leaving them vulnerable to an upcoming attack.Even the Mizukage's light emitted earlier was overshadowed and consumed by the darkness.

In the pitch-black abyss, the mysterious man and his gigantic beast moved with incredible speed and stealth, avoiding both chakra and visual detection. Within seconds, they charged towards the trio of shinobi, closing the distance in an instant.

The entity's fist was mere moments away from colliding with the Mizukage's face. The speed was so overwhelming that a direct evasion seemed impossible. The villain's physique exuded dominance, making him seemingly impervious to any attack from the Mizukage's arsenal.

The beast's claws rained down upon the trio, making it apparent that both Isamu and Mellow were easy targets to evade. The sheer force of the gigantic claws was capable of crushing and killing them, and even evading the attack would not be without consequences.

The power and abilities of this new threat far exceeded anything the trio had faced before. As they stood on the precipice of battle, they knew that overcoming this adversary would require more than just skill and teamwork. Their determination would be put to the ultimate test as they faced an enemy that seemed nearly invincible.

The darkness surrounded them like a suffocating shroud, leaving them with limited options and a grim realization that this battle would be their toughest yet. The stakes were higher than ever, and the fate of the Mist District and its people depended on their ability to overcome this formidable foe.

 

[Jeriah]

Isamu observed with a mix of pride and concern as his pupil, Mellow, demonstrated newfound control over his power. The fallen trees served as an effective barrier, successfully trapping the controlled victims and preventing them from causing further harm. The Mizukage's mastery over yin-yang lightning was awe-inspiring, transforming the basic chakra nature into something otherworldly. The powerful jutsu managed to dissipate most of the shadows, showcasing the deadly potential of this unique lighting style. As Isamu watched the display of power, memories of his own master and a wise sage flooded his mind. The white lightning reminded him of the sage's teachings, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Yet, the gravity of the situation brought him back to the present.

The threat they faced was not to be taken lightly, and Isamu knew that even their combined abilities might not be enough to defeat this formidable enemy. The entity and its monstrous companion were on a completely different tier, and the shadow beast's power rivaled that of a tailed beast. This battle would test their limits and demand more than they had ever given before. With determination in his eyes, Isamu glanced at Mellow, silently acknowledging the progress he had made. But now was not the time to celebrate their achievements. The safety of their comrades and the world rested on their shoulders, and they needed to act quickly and decisively.

"Stay focused, Mellow," Isamu said firmly, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "We must work together and use every advantage we have to overcome this enemy. Keep your emotions in check and channel your power wisely. We need to coordinate our efforts and find a way to exploit their weaknesses."

Isamu's experience as a shinobi and his keen analytical mind allowed him to assess the situation swiftly. While the enemy possessed overwhelming strength, there had to be vulnerabilities they could exploit. They needed a plan, a strategy to turn the tide of battle in their favor. As he stood alongside his student, Isamu's gaze shifted toward the Mizukage, who was also facing the powerful entity. The collaboration of their combined abilities might be their best chance at survival, but Isamu could only fight one enemy at a time. Here he decided that he first assist his current pupil Mellow fighting the giant canine and then assist the Mizukage if help was needed.

As darkness enveloped the entire district, Isamu found himself trapped within the shroud of the mysterious man's jutsu. The technique was far more potent than the Hidden Mist Jutsu, and it worked in perfect conjunction with the Silent Technique, rendering Isamu unable to sense the enemy's presence. It was a disorienting situation, and Isamu realized that measuring the distance or predicting attacks based on sound or chakra alone wouldn't be enough.

Thinking quickly, Isamu summoned a body of water to cover the terrain, creating a makeshift river or stream. The water served as a means to detect disruptions caused by the enemy's movements. With this method, he could at least have some sense of where the enemy might be. Feeling the disruption in the stream of water, Isamu determined that the enemy was nearby, but he couldn't discern the exact nature of the attack. Faced with limited options, Isamu decided to take the defensive. Biting his finger and drawing blood, he used a summoning jutsu to call forth numerous eels. Infusing them with chakra, he created a protective dome to shield against potential attacks. However, the mysterious man's beastly companion was relentless. Its massive paw sliced through the eels but was enough time to allow both Isamu and Mellow to avoid the head-on attack, but caused the earth to shake violently. The force of the impact made Isamu and possibly his pupil(s) lose their balance, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks.

As the surrounding structures crumbled and fell towards Isamu, he acted quickly to protect himself. The eels, functioning as extensions of his own chakra, formed a secondary defensive dome to shield against the falling debris before ultimately succumbing to the intense pressure.

Despite the chaotic situation, Isamu relied on the disturbances in the water to anticipate the enemy's movements. His strategic mind raced, seeking any advantage or weakness he could exploit. The battle had become a test of endurance, wit, and resourcefulness. Isamu knew he couldn't let himself be overwhelmed by the darkness and the power of the enemy. He had to remain focused and adapt to the situation at hand. With determination in his eyes, he prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, trusting in his training and the bonds he shared with his comrades. As he stood ready to defend and counter, Isamu's mind raced with plans and possibilities. The shadowy adversary and its monstrous companion posed an unprecedented threat, and Isamu would need to draw on all his skills and experience to emerge victorious.

 

[Khandov]

Never before have the three faced such a being faced Kazuo. Never before has he felt so vulnerable, the sheer might of their opponents literally shadowing even Isamu's and his power. But in faith in Isamu, his capacities, and Mellow's sheer skill, it burned bright still. This is why all three were here, the world-class talents of their respective worlds. This is why they existed. To fight and destroy things that seem invincible. And with their powers truly combined, even that darkness would relent. They needed more than the sum of their wholes to win. But he was confident, and could more than count on Mellow and Isamu.

When said darkness enshrouded the mall, without Kazuo even thinking, he encased himself in chakra that made contact with the leader's fist: And so with that chakra shattered but intercepting most trauma from the fist, he was sent flying upwards, though very much conscious.

He could not see any vulnerability to exploit. Only the darkness. But then it hit him: The vulnerability was the very thing that blinded him, staring him in the face...

But first, he had to reorient, as the only thing he could perceive was neither sight nor chakra, only his companion eel, which he latched to. The familiarity and companionship he felt cleared his mind, once filled with contingencies. The only measure he could think of was leaning on his connection to the eel. He could not perceive chakra through the dark. Still, it mattered little so long as he could touch the eel.

Soon, he injected chakra straight into the eel to enhance the natural (as opposed to chakra) electric abilities, such that they could work overland, in the air... not as a weapon, but as a sensory system. Of course, the electricity's physics had to be stretched to an extreme. Still, combined with the eel's extraordinary power, it provided the eel, and by extension Mizukage, a working electrolocation, detecting the movement of the hound and the shadowy leader alike. Typical eels can do this underwater, so should Isamu extend his watery jutsu so Kazuo can use it, he'd have a less exhausting electrolocation within his stream.

With this, he could run genjutsu and his evasion ability to dodge the adversary, but he knew all too well that the genjutsu against such a being would only buy him mere seconds. And this only worked while he was mounted on his eel. He needed help. He tried to put walls and beams between him and the leader as he raced around another building. He cut his finger and summoned more eels to intercept the enemy's attacks as he pulled back from him. He observed through electrolocation how the commander reacted to different techniques, whether it was him projecting another illusion of himself and the eel (very taxing due to the inability to sense outgoing chakra) or the Mist Servant technique which he then unleashed. He observed how the structure of the darkness was affected by the genjutsu, if he was able to.

He now knew the situation: Isamu and Mellow defended against the canine, using the water to do what he also did. He chose to again converge with them as they presumably escaped from their collapsing building.

And so he peered towards the darkness: It may have obfuscated his sense and sight, but it was not doing the same to his foes. He still thought how to survive, how to synergize, how to make their weaknesses reveal themselves. He was in any case, doing his best to see how this dark trap worked. that'd go a long way in figuring out how to override it, even turn it against them entirely. Mind Release started readying itself, not to be emitted, but in case the worst came to show.

 

[Mellow]

While mellow watched from within earth as the shadows merged together to form one massive, he remained near his sensei for the time being to deduce a plan, which also shadowed him from the blinding light being emitted thanks to his jutsu which allowed him to hide within the earth, and navigating through it from the smell of his sensei so he knows which direction to go without the need to use his eyes at that current time. The situation was indeed something that required all of his skill and power to overcome along with that of Isamu and Lord Mizukage. While the blinding light had particularly no effect, the swipe from the beastly canine was a different story. While he was able to evade the attack thanks to his sensei buying them some time to move; A direct copy of Mellow emerged from one of the many nearby trees and went off to close the distance between itself and beast.
​

“Tch..How the hell do you defeat a shadow without light?! It's impossible! But if this plan works, we might have found a weakness.”​

With that, Mellow continues to use the trees he had set up in order to help his doppleganger better manuever around any attacks that it may be subjected to. The earth moved quickly in a maze like fashion with only one having the clone hidden within it's surface, most of the trees around attacked the beast in an attempt to pin the beast down while others moved more like whips aiming for both the body of the beast and the man attacking the Mizukage. This plan was due to something that donned on the genin, a real body had to be present within the shadows as shadows shouldn't be able to damage the terrain, which would only be possible if there was a body or bodies present within. While he had no idea if this was true, this was a simple attack to test his theories. Meanwhile, during the maneuvers of the trees, the hidden doppleganger will be releasing a type of mist that wreaked of death or rotting flesh.
​

“That's is, tell me exactly what I want to know...Sensei, if my theory is correct, there should be bodies within those shadows. I don't think pure shadows can directly impact the earth in that way, even if it is being created by Chakra. As for what my clone is up there doing, this should by us some time to regroup with Lord Mizukage or at least take this thing down if it works. If all goes to plan, say the word and i'll take it out!”​

 

[STORY]

ARC CONTINUES.
INVADING FORCE FROM THE SHADOWS - What's going on!?

As the intense battle raged on, the ferocious canine's claws descended upon the massive Eels, cutting through their form as if they were mere playthings. The earth beneath quaked in response to the tremendous impact, an earthquake born from the sheer force of the canine's paws colliding with the ground. Buildings swayed precariously, teetering on the brink of collapse, and a sinister plan was set into motion. The structures leaned perilously, poised to fall and unleash a cascade of debris upon Isamu and his dedicated pupil, Mellow. Yet, fortune favored them as the towering Eels repositioned themselves, bearing the brunt of the impending disaster and shielding their comrades from harm's way.

However, the respite proved fleeting as the immense pressure brought the colossal Eels to their knees, unable to withstand the weight of the collapsing buildings. Amidst the chaos, Mellow seized the opportunity to act, releasing a swirling mist that enveloped the beast in its obscuring embrace. The mist, a calculated assault on the creature's senses, left it disoriented and bereft of a coherent response.

Induced by a primal fear, the canine creature recoiled, seeking refuge from the disorienting mist. Its retreat was marked by a sense of desperation, but its escape was short-lived. Mellow's strategic prowess came to the forefront once again, altering the very terrain beneath the beast's paws. Trees, once steadfast sentinels, became instruments of retribution, falling like a cascade of judgment upon the enigmatic creature. The force of the impact was enough to shatter the shackles of the genjutsu that had ensnared the beast's mind, unleashing a resounding growl that reverberated through the air like a proclamation of defiance.

The unleashed power of the beast was not to be underestimated, as its primal fury manifested in a violent surge. A vacuum-like force seemed to emanate from the creature's gaping maw, unleashing a tempestuous torrent that sent fallen trees and shattered debris hurtling through the air. The very atmosphere seemed to buckle under the force of its release, and the torrential onslaught bore the hallmark of a creature unwilling to be contained.

In the midst of this tumultuous clash, the indomitable spirit of Isamu and Mellow shone through. Their coordinated efforts and tactical maneuvers demonstrated a profound understanding of the battle at hand, each action and reaction a testament to their unwavering resolve. The battleground had become a cauldron of chaos, where each movement and decision held the weight of survival, and the howls of the beast were met with the unyielding determination of those who stood against it.

The clash between the enigmatic muscular man and the resolute Mizukage erupted in a burst of kinetic energy. Their hands collided with an impact that resonated like a thunderclap, a desperate attempt by the Mizukage to halt the impending strike aimed at his face. The collision, though powerful, proved to be a grim salvation as it redirected the devastating force away from his head, sparing him from a potentially fatal blow. However, this reprieve came at a heavy cost, propelling the Mizukage through the air in a chaotic ballet of limbs and gravity.

The Mizukage's body became a helpless puppet of momentum, his form careening into the unforgiving surfaces of buildings that loomed like cruel sentinels. Each impact sent shockwaves through his body, the architecture becoming both a shield and an instrument of torment. His resilient spirit fought valiantly against the onslaught of pain and disorientation, a testament to his indomitable will.

In the aftermath of this brutal encounter, the Mizukage's body lay battered and bloodied, the vivid crimson staining his skin and clothing in a macabre tapestry. His injuries were numerous, a testament to the sheer force of the collision and the unforgiving environment that had become a battleground. The blood that adorned him spoke of the price he had paid, a testament to the ferocity of his foe's strike.

Yet, even in the face of such adversity, the Mizukage's resolve burned undiminished. His unwavering determination was evident as he called upon the power of the Eels once more. These towering guardians, summoned to his side, stood as both allies and a symbol of his unyielding spirit. The question hung in the air: would their combined might be enough to counter the seemingly insurmountable threat posed by the enigmatic muscular man?

 

[Jeriah]

Chinoike Isamu, the former Mizukage, stood as a figure of both fear and respect within the realm of shinobi. His reputation was a tapestry woven with tales of legendary prowess, a man whose very name inspired both awe and caution. While the chains of political responsibility had once held him, today was a reminder of the latent power he possessed, the dormant monster within him now awakening with a singular purpose: to vanquish the enigmatic menace that threatened his world. The beast, a monstrous creation under the control of the mysterious man, felt the grip of Mellow's genjutsu ensnare it momentarily, a brief respite from its chaotic rampage. Yet, this moment of immobilization was short-lived as the brute strength of the creature shattered the illusion, its form once again wreaking havoc upon the battlefield.

Undeterred, Isamu's resolve solidified. He orchestrated his own blood, a testament to his mastery over the Chinoike clan's kekkei genkai, shaping it into colossal hands that sought to capture the very essence of the violent winds summoned by the beast. The collision of forces created a tempestuous dance, the winds swaying in a symphony of power. Isamu's raven hair billowed in the wind as he poised himself for the oncoming clash. A master of tactical awareness, Isamu harnessed the keen senses of his Eels, the electrical pulses guiding him to pinpoint the beast's location. The defensive hands bought him precious moments, a brief respite that he seized upon to summon the legendary Kiba blades. Lightning crackled and danced along the gleaming edges of his swords, the air electric with anticipation.

With a flourish, Isamu infused his essence into the heavens, orchestrating a celestial ballet that transformed the very weather above the Mist District. Dark storm clouds gathered, casting an ominous shadow over the battlefield. Rain cascaded down like tears of the heavens, drenching the earth below. Thunderous roars echoed in harmony with Isamu's intent and the lightning came. A bolt of divine fury cleaved the sky, a manifestation of nature's wrath guided by the masterful hands of Isamu. The strike, impossibly swift, found its target with unerring accuracy. The heavens trembled as the lightning coursed through the beast, its form convulsing in a primal dance of agony and defeat. The darkness that had enshrouded the battlefield began to recede, consumed by the brilliance of the lightning's onslaught. In tandem with this cataclysmic assault, Isamu's rain bore a secondary purpose – a chakra-absorbing maelstrom that greedily drank the energies of those it touched. This aqueous vortex ensnared the beast and the malevolent sphere of darkness, siphoning away their power, and weakening their hostile essence.

The culmination of Isamu's actions had brought the battlefield to a precipice. The beast, once a juggernaut of destruction, now stood immobilized, its power waning as the lightning's tendrils bound it. The shroud of darkness was dispelled, revealing the battlefield in all its clarity. Chinoike Isamu, the former Mizukage, stood undaunted, a maestro of elemental forces. His display of mastery had shifted the tide of battle, reasserting the indomitable spirit of the Mist District against the sinister threat that had sought to consume it. His legacy, a testament to unwavering determination, was etched into the very fabric of the world he fought to protect.

Exhaustion clung to Isamu like a heavy shroud, his formidable display of power having exacted its toll upon his body. The Kiba blades, once the instruments of his dominance over the elements, were now planted firmly into the earth, a symbol of his momentary surrender to his own fatigue. His ketsuryugan, still blazing with crimson intensity, surveyed the aftermath, seeking the telltale signs of the Mizukage's blood. Among the chaos of battle, the spilled blood of Kazuo had mingled with the rain-soaked earth, a macabre tapestry of life and death. Isamu's keen gaze tracked the scarlet traces, his senses acute even in his weakened state. Every droplet told a story, a testament to the sacrifices and struggles that had unfolded on this battlefield.

As he attempted to rise, the toll of his exertions became evident. The overestimation of his own body's limits had led to the unintended release of his own blood, a miscalculation that left him weakened. Yet, Isamu was not one to yield to his own vulnerabilities. With a fierce determination, he sought to reabsorb the spilled blood, a process made more arduous by his waning strength. Turning to his trusted pupil, Mellow, Isamu's voice carried the weight of command, a testament to the respect he held for the young shinobi. "Mellow, I need you to aid Lord Kazuo. Ensure his safety and offer your strength where mine falters," Isamu instructed, his words laced with both exhaustion and unwavering resolve.

Mellow's presence provided a glimmer of reassurance, a reminder that the bonds forged through battle were unbreakable. As the rain continued to fall, the battlefield was a testament to the trials faced and the victories achieved. Isamu's gaze lingered upon his pupil and the wounded Mizukage, a silent promise of his return, a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Mist District.

 

[Khandov]

The battering of Kazuo meant he was compelled to switch to highest gears of his willpower and chakra: Almost by itself, his body surged in inner chakra to compensate for the wounds. Sword and eel at command, he swiftly deflected anything coming his way as he got up and escaped the building: A shell and a potencial tomb alike. With his eel, he knew the strikes as they came, and then Isamu's power gave him greater boon still: It lifted the utterdark forcing him to rely on his eel. Now everything was clear. Chakra could be sensed. As could Mellow, coming in to reinforce.

The two Kage-tier men were about to face off on truly equal footing, and Kazuo wasted no time: Using the blood that flowed from his lacerations, he summoned more eels. Mellow was coming in fast, and he knew just the job for him.

There you are, Mellow. Stop at nothing to constrain and distract him. I know just a way to get into this thing's heart. Literally.

The eels rushed to battle alongside Mellow, attacking the large man with all directions while Kazuo kept defensive stance and lightning aura about him, just in case he somehow got to him. The chaotic concert of Mellow's exotic style and eel onslaught would be more than enough for most people. Yet that was not nearly enough, this being of shadows and insane will would not relent yet. Eels will fly in pieces, but Kazuo was not done.

Enshrouded by his battered sleeve, his hands got to work.
Ram → Horse → Snake → Tiger
And then there was light. Lightning illusion flash of lightning pillar.

As soon as the shadowy figure saw him, it saw blinding electric brightness coming from Kage's body. Mellow presumably knew better than to look, as Kazuo became like a sun, spewing lightning, imprinting images of even more eels surrounding and attacking the shadow man, further overrunning his senses. Indeed, he even bothered to encase his mental suggestion in Yin, to integrate it into the foe seamlessly.

Mellow was not a novice in genjutsu, and Kazuo knew that with his collaboration, the enemy would be truly overwhelmed. There'd be no complications with putting him under his bright influence as Yin chakra protecting his suggestion made sure he was too confused to resist his illusion. Light and dark. Mellow's work. Ram sign. Fist holding a kunai. A prayer to Isamu. Lend me strength, Isamu. And a psychic plea to Mellow at the last moment. Stand back. The fist moved, and the Kazuo's brightness within the Lightning pillar drew itself into it.

Powerful Breath, they called it. But this surge of lightning was more like a shell, propelled by Kazuo's fist, aiming straight at the shadow man's dark heart. Its tip... Kazuo's Kunai. With its velocity, it was sure to pierce the man's shell, and be a conduit to the Lightning and brightness chakra to inject itself straight into the shadow's body, more efficiently. Perfectly arranged to keep the kunai pointed and propelled. May Mellow make the most of himself here. May he stop at nothing to constrain the enemy. May he not be harmed by the shadow man... more than he can take. For he's mightier than I was at his age, he thought. Not to mention... if the shadow parried this strike, then that on top of all the genjutsu he was under, would render the shadow vulnerable... and whosoever was to use that, Kazuo was ready to lend his chakra to that strike as well.

 

[Mellow]

During the clones assault with his mist, and the regroup with sensei Isamu, he was informed to go help Lord Kazuo. While Mellow was hesitant to leave his master alone, he also knew that his duty was to protect his leader and brother figure since the disappearance of his actual brother Satsujin. As such, Mellow nodded his head in agreement with Isamu and turned his back before running into the direction where Kazuo's signature was coming from. He had no idea how bad the situation was and considering the fact that his sensei gave Mellow direct orders to leave his side and help Kazuo made the young Tomogui think the situation the Mizukage is in was dier. As such, Mellow sped up as much as he could as he yelled back at Isamu.
​

Mellow: You better not die on me Sensei! I expect you to be alive when all of this is over!​

Mellow's Bloodlust

Once Mellow arrived on the scene of Kazuo, the first thing he noticed was the large humanoid and the Mizukage beaten and bloodied. Mellow's heart pounded as he watched in disbelief, Kazuo's once-gentle eyes now held a cold, calculating gaze. A hush fell over the area, and an extremely unsettling tension washed over Mellow's existence as anger began coursing through his veins. As rage and despair consumed Mellow, an unsettling thing began to transpire. The body of the young boy trembled as a primal chakra surged within him, fueled by the intensity of his emotions. His skin prickled with dark energy and his veins pulsed with a foreboding power, one that Mellow himself had never personally experienced. His eyes glew with an otherworldly light, a reflection of his growing fury as the young genin began screaming in pain as his body began shifting with haunting howls as his transformation continued. His very bones began cracking, and his muscles were straining themselves. His very being contorted and twisted, growing larger and more menacing. His hands morphed into a set of claw-like appendages, his spine arched in an unnatural curve, and a set of demonic antlers protruded from the sides of his skull as the skin on his face seemed to fall off and reveal a skull while the skull itself morphed into a formation like that of a deer. The transformation was agonizing, a manifestation of the intense emotions that had overtaken him. With a guttural roar, the transformation was complete—Mellow had become a Wendigo, a creature of myth standing at aproximately 15 feet. His feral eyes fixated on the giant humanoid, whose malevolent presence and actions had sparked his transformation.

With an eerie silence that sent shivers down the spines of any onlookers, Mellow with a wave of his arms called on his prior forest jutsu to come to life once more, thick tree branches hurtling themselves towards towards the humanoid, wrapping around it's limbs and squeezing with intense force. Ensuring escape was not an option for the enemy; Amidst the twisted trees and chilling winds, Mellow stood alone, his form a grotesque amalgamation of humanity and monstrosity. His fur-clad body loomed ominously, casting a eerie silhouette against the backdrop of darkness. As Mellow stood amidst the shadows, a rustling sound pierced the silence, his breath misting in the air. Mellow's fur bristled as a primal instinct took hold, urging him to confront the embodiment of his inner turmoil. With a guttural growl, Mellow's lips curled back to reveal his razor-sharp fangs. His claws scraped against the forest floor, sending a sinister chill through the air. The tension Mellow had was palpable as he let out of a sound only known to his clan as "The Screech Of The Kewok".

Mellow heard the orders of Kazuo and remained stationed, but this was due to him channeling his chakra into his entire body. With the combination of Mellows genjutsu along with the their attacks working in tandem nearly promised their victory. Should Kazuo miss his mark, or the enemy still be alive after the attack runs its course. Mellow will kick off of his feet with incredible speeds moving 2x faster than what is normally capable of, completely ripping through the very essence of the shadow humanoid, clawing straight through its chest and rip out the heart of its being and allowing his chakra to explode in a shockwave to completely blow the body of the beast apart.

 

[STORY]

ARC CONTINUES.
INVADING FORCE FROM THE SHADOWS - What's going on!?

Within the depths of its eyes, the monstrous figure harbored a void, an emptiness that was more than just a lack of feeling—it was an absence of emotion itself. The looming shadow seemed to shroud its form in the same void, a pitch-black manifestation that exuded an aura of unrelenting servitude to its master's insidious desires. Its purpose was simple, one etched in the very fibers of its being: to annihilate all who dared to stand against its path. In the aftermath of its recent encounter, the Mizukage clung to the tenuous threads of life, the air still finding refuge in his lungs a testament to his luck, for the beast that confronted him was well aware of its crushing might. A solitary strike, a mere whisper of the entity's raw force, and the Mizukage could easily meet his demise.

But such an end was too swift, too straightforward for the monster's insatiable obsession. Its focus narrowed to a singular point—to erase the Mizukage and erase any interposing opposition with equal measure. Flexing its colossal limbs, it propelled itself with astonishing speed, a resounding boom marking its departure and leaving an imprint of its existence in the very ground. Its destination was clear—Kazuo was its target. Its furious journey, however, found itself met with an unexpected challenge as an array of eels attempted to ensnare it. Yet, these aquatic assailants were met with a fate they could not have anticipated—their attempt to constrict the entity resulted in their own catastrophic demise, their forms exploding upon contact with the figure's unyielding might. Once again, blood was on the Mizukage's hands, the very same blood that fueled the monster's relentless pursuit.

The chasm between the beast and Kazuo narrowed with each rapid beat of its heart, an impending strike poised to rend the Mizukage apart. But a sudden burst of radiant light punctuated the darkness, disorienting the entity and causing it to lose sight of Kazuo in the realm of reality. Unbeknownst to the entity, it had been ensnared in a genjutsu woven by Kazuo—a mirage of the punch connecting. The force behind this illusion was so potent that it generated a palpable gust of wind in reality, a tremor that resonated through the very earth beneath. The might of this blow held enough destructive power to shatter bone and rupture internal organs, a perilous fate that seemed all but inevitable for the Mizukage.

A chilling, otherworldly screech pierced the air, its resonance echoing with eerie significance. The boy who once stood beside Isamu had been transformed, now embodying a Windego, and his wailing cry was the harbinger of the entity's impending doom. The creature's senses spiraled into confusion, its perception blurred by Kazuo's genjutsu, rendering reality a bewildering tapestry of falsehoods. The genin who had been the monster's intended target was no more—a new force had risen in his place, a creature poised to unleash devastation.

As realization dawned upon the entity, its fate was already sealed. The blinding brilliance of a lightning-infused kunai clashed with the darkness, rending through its form with electrifying potency. In tandem with the ferocity of the Windego's assault, the entity found itself stripped of its very heart, an engine that had powered its rampage now snuffed out. Its monstrous frame met the earth with a seismic impact, an earth-shaking tremor that reverberated through the bones of all who stood near.

Amidst the aftermath, the shadow of its existence lingered—a testament to the might that once was. The Mizukage, weakened and battered, breathed a heavy sigh of relief, his survival hanging by a thread. The battle had reached its grim conclusion, the once-ferocious entity reduced to naught but echoes in the air and the memory of those who had witnessed its wrath.

As the tremors of the earth cascaded through the battlefield, the once-vigilant Windigo and Chinoike Lord found themselves ensnared in the throes of the very cataclysm it had helped unleash. The force of the entity's attack, combined with the seismic shockwaves from the fallen monster, manifested in a devastating impact that left the two Mist shinobi bones brittle and fragile, succumbing to the immense pressure. The very ground beneath it seemed to gnash its teeth, its unforgiving nature determined to crush anything caught in its grasp.

In the wake of the tumultuous upheaval, the Mist shinobi stood victorious, their efforts culminating in the defeat of the shadowy menace. The battle had raged on with a ferocity that left no doubts of its gravity, yet as the dust settled and the echoes of conflict faded, a somber truth emerged—an overall victory had not been won. The echoes of the overarching war resonated more deeply, the consequences of this cataclysmic clash reverberating far beyond the immediate battlefield.

The Mist shinobi's triumph was a hard-fought one, a testament to their courage and resilience, yet the cost was not to be ignored. Amidst the stillness that followed, the realization dawned that battles, however decisive, were but fragments of a greater whole, a larger conflict that spanned beyond the visible horizon. The landscape, marred by the aftermath, bore witness to the complexities of war—a mosaic of victories and losses that painted a narrative that transcended the immediate fray.

As the Mist shinobi surveyed the aftermath, the weight of their achievement was juxtaposed with the gravity of what lay ahead. Victories and losses intertwined, and the path forward remained shrouded in uncertainty. It was a testament to the nature of conflict—a tumultuous tapestry woven with the threads of bravery, sacrifice, and the inexorable march of time.

The Mist District was severely weakened. Its population shrunk as the Mizukage failed to save the remaining citizens and Mist shinobi from fully evacuating. The dead bodies amounted to about 378. With the Mist District severely weakened, they were easy prey for neighboring villages to attack. The annexation of the Mist District would be a swift and easy one had enemies shown up unannounced.

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