Ouza Island

[Jeriah]

Ouza Island. Home of the reclusive Kitsune Clan, operating as a self-sufficient Sovereign Monarchy. Until this most recent Chuunin Exams, the island nation has had little to no dealings with the Shinobi world around them save for the founding of their own hidden shinobi village named Yokugakure - a village that was formed only as a method of self-defense against potential invading forces in case anyone showed an unhealthy interest in them. Their primary source of business comes from their international gambling industries, shrines for granting blessings depending one one's karma, and their seafaring trade in the form of exotic fish, pearls, and other things that can only be found in certain temperatures of water that so happen to be within Ouza Island's jurisdiction. Namely, the Northwest Arashi Ocean and Southeast Usagi Ocean, where the warm and cold waters meet.

 

[Okami Kitsune]

Upon his return to Ouza Island right at the gates of Yokugakure, the first thing Okami did was record the sister seal he appeared at within a scroll, and recorded the seal that sent him back to his homeland in a separate scroll - both for research purposes and to potentially create his own variation during his free time. Okami would then use a small Fireball Jutsu to destroy the non-recorded seal that he'd appeared on, preventing potential invaders using that method. With that taken care of, Okami would then go to a nearby breakfast diner/café where he would eat a large and hearty breakfast. Naturally, news of his return had been quick to spread which had inevitably lead to an interview... As heir to the entire island as well as their sole representative during the Chuunin Exams, he was quite well-known. Okami had no problems answering questions once the initial excitement had settled down, and one such question had warranted considerable thought: "Why did you go for the kill during the second part of the exams despite clear rules being in place that prohibited such actions?" Okami had needed to pause and actually think about how to put it into words, but when he did, it felt as if he himself had been given a reality check, his eyes fully opened to the darker meaning of what it was to be a shinobi.​

---

"That's honestly a difficult question to answer... At the time, I had only been following my senses and battle instincts, almost fully absorbed in a state I call battle meditation in order to further strengthen my own senses. But in hindsight... Well... To properly amswer your question, the only thing that actually mattered was ending the match as quickly and efficiently as possible in as few moves as possible - preferrably with as few casualties as possible to my own team. My reasoning for this is because the facts are that we are Shinobi. Honor means next to nothing to us, and we rarely if ever play by the rules. We lie, we cheat, we steal, we kill, and so much else and so much worse all for the right price - or has the fact that we actively, knowingly, and willingly train children how to fight and kill before they've even reached their double-digits not quite registered yet? If the powers that be want to preach to me about honor and playing by the rules, then they themselves fail as Shinobi - only a fool would make a rule to prohibit killing in the Chuunin Exams of all events and expect every participant to blindly follow it. Our world and the society we live in have no place for such naïve beliefs."​

---

Those had been Okami's exact words with a firm tone that held a sense of finality, his amber gaze betraying nothing as he vocally aired the cold, bitter and harsh reality of the world they lived in and the society it was founded upon to the public while also answering the initial question. He also held no fear in the face of the fact he'd also questioned the legitimacy of those who had imposed such a rule in the first place and foolishly believed there wouldn't be those who knew what it really meant to be a Shinobi... And subsequently disregard that order, just as Okami had done. It went without saying that due to Ouza Island being the one area largely untouched by the rest of the world's problems due to Yokugakure primarily existing as a means of defending the island, its people, and its interests from those who sought to destroy it all, and having been a neutral party and actively staying out of it all due to the island primarily functioning as a peaceful fishing nation... They had a clearer grasp on their world's history than most other nations, and an unbiased grasp of it at that. History that factually gave proper weight to Okami's words - after all, he himself actively used the Shadow Clones to read up on as much of that history in the local library as he could whenever he had the time. He knew fully well what he'd signed up for the moment he wore his headband for the first time.

Following the interview, Okami was no longer in any mood to properly celebrate his promotion when he'd entered his apartment to find a letter from his parents formally acknowledging his skill and awarding him the rank of Chuunin - along with a more personal note that had made him smile. They'd seen the live international footage of his actions during both phases of the exams and were proud of how he'd performed. They were proud of how he'd prioritized the lives and well-being of the civilians to the point of using two of their clan's techniques to do so for maximum efficiency in the little time available to him during the first exam, and were equally proud of how quickly and efficiently he'd taken charge of his team and demonstrated that he was not afraid to disregard the rules and genuinely aim to kill if it meant minimizing casualties to his own team as well as essentially ending the match as quickly as possible. Okami's parents had also made a note stating that they hadn't missed the ease with which he had adapted to constantly being in a nine-tailed state, therefore bypassing the need to actually earn his tails entirely. People in the capital were already hailing their son as a genius and a prodigy, capable of learning and mastering anything he put his mind to that wasn't a Kekkei-Genkai... It was humbling and flattering in equal measure to know that he was already gaining a reputation of his own, and it brought him no small amount of joy to know he was no longer just the heir to Ouza Island.

Such faith in him and his abilities... It was enough to light a figurative fire in him. The flame of ambition, the desire to constantly improve himself. If he so happened to surpass all who came before in the process, then that would just be an added bonus. Thinking on it a bit, Okami figured that gaining more real-world experience and having more missions under his belt would be the best place to start. But first, he needed to take some tome to properly adjust to being back on the island nation he called home after being overseas for over two weeks. With that in mind, he went back outside and climbed up onto the roof of the building where he would sit down, his tails lazily plopped down and spread out behind him as Okami meditates, his naturally enhanced senses taking in the smells and sounds he'd grown up knowing. Merchants bartering with their customers, customers haggling with more merchants over prices, the local blacksmiths forging all manner of arms and armor, and the familiar salty sea breeze carrying a number of other familiar scents he'd grown up knowing... He'd missed this, and despite everything he'd said, he would protect it all with everything he had.

 

[STORY]

A powerful bolt of crackling yellow lightning suddenly struck the center of Ouza Island without warning, sending debris flying as it impacted the earth. Yet no malice emanated from the energetic arrival. It was merely an unconventional mode of transportation. As the dust and smoke cleared, a tall man wearing a flak jacket stood revealed. This was Indira - a highly skilled jōnin shinobi hailing from Kumogakure, the Village Hidden in the Clouds within the Cloud District. However, Indira currently served the greater interests of the overarching Shinobi Alliance.

"Greetings, Kitsune Okami," Indira called out in a resonant voice. "First, allow me to congratulate you on passing the Chūnin Exams. Your steadfast commitment to strengthening your jutsu is proof that the future of the Shinobi Alliance is in capable hands."

Indira paused, gauging the young ninja’s reaction before continuing. "I understand Ouza Island is your home. However, I have been assigned to escort you to the Cloud District, where you will be temporarily living and training. I sincerely hope you will cooperate with this arrangement. Your participation would be greatly appreciated by Alliance leadership."

As he finished speaking, Indira subtly shifted into a relaxed yet upright posture, hands open and visible. He hoped Okami would acquiesce to this sudden request without conflict - but Indira was prepared to apprehend him with force if absolutely necessary. The stability of the entire shinobi world depended on ensuring Okami's formidable talents were mentored responsibly within Alliance guidance.

Location: Ouza Island -> Cloud District
Posting Order: Okami Kitsune-> Indira
Post Time Limit (PTI): 3 Days
Skip Points: ll​

 

[Jeriah]

Indira hesitated, caught off-guard by Okami's bold request. While the young Kitsune shinobi had showcased maturity in battle, Indira remained unsure of how wise and reasonable he would be in a diplomatic situation. "I believe you may have overestimated my influence," Indira responded carefully. "As a jōnin, I am bound to obey the orders of the Raikage. I am merely a messenger - it would be beyond my authority to allow you to remain neutral." Indira studied Okami, impressed by the young man's poise and rational arguments. Perhaps Alliance leadership had underestimated the independent thinking and personal codes of honor that still persevered amongst the scattered shinobi clans. "However..." Indira continued "Your request is not entirely unreasonable. You should communicate your position to the Raikage directly. He will decide if a compromise allowing your neutrality can be reached. Though I make no promises that she will be fair.

Extending his hand, Indira concluded "For now, come with me to the Cloud District's gates at least. Once there, I pledge to represent you faithfully to the Raikage before any decision restricts your clan's cherished autonomy further." If Okami accepted his offer of safe passage, Indira would reverse-summon them both to the very gates of the Village Hidden in the Clouds through lightning teleportation. Perhaps this young shinobi's wisdom could help reform the Alliance's overbearing policies after all. There was much Indira himself had come to quietly question in recent years...

Location: Ouza Island -> Cloud District
Posting Order: Okami Kitsune-> Indira
Post Time Limit (PTI): 3 Days
Skip Points: ll​

 

[Okami Kitsune]

For the past three weeks since his return home from the Chunin Exams, Okami had spent his time furthering his studies and increased the difficulty of his training regimen. Now that he was no longer considered a runt due to having proven himself to his clan (and especially his parents) and demonstrated that it was indeed possible for a Kitsune to be strong without being able to access his clan's "Nine-Tails Development" ability, there was a certain fire in his eyes that hadn't been there before. The fake confidence he'd used as a defense mechanism against the sheer weight of the expectations placed on his shoulders was no longer fake, though he knew that he couldn't afford to slack off. Part of his new training regiment involved maintaining a constant nine-tails state, and weight training in order to further increase his speed, strength, and durability. Okami wasn't so foolish as to expect any immediate or significant results after just three weeks, and absolutely refused to use his Adaptive Development for such a thing - he did not believe in taking shortcuts in the pursuit of greater power, especially after all the genuine hard work he'd had to put in to get as far as he did. The sole exception he'd made to his self-imposed rule, however, was if he was ever in a situation where the use of that ability could make all the difference between living to fight another day, or certain death.

Today, however, he was focusing on something quite different while taking the day off from his increased training regimen. Okami was currently meditating within his personal living quarters, debating with himself on something that had been bothering him: Namely, his lack of ability to use the "Nine-Tails Development". Even though his clan and homeland had finally gotten off his back over it, the fact remained that it would always be a sore point for him, and was the primary reason he'd aimed for a more diverse set of skills in the first place. Even with his luck as horrid as it was, he couldn't just leave it alone forever. Okami knew that nobody on the island currently possessed the ability to forcibly draw out one's locked potential, and he'd much prefer to make his luck better than it currently was the hard way: By building positive karma. Unfortunately, with the island still officially being an isolationist nation even though everyone knew his father had plans to change that, it meant they pretty much never got any missions from their neighbors on Nagi Island or even the mainland due to their complete lack of allies... Which left only one course of action: He would need to make the journey to other nations, making use of his other, more unique position as Ouza Island's eyes, ears, and voice.

For a fresh Chunin, that was a huge responsibility, but it did mean he could freely leave Ouza Island to go to other nations so long as he didn't betray Ouza Island or start a war, and could even forge contracts himself - with the only thing he'd need to do being to forward them to his father for a final decision. He also only had to let the guards know he was leaving, and why. Being the sole living heir of Ouza Island's Sovereign Monarch had its perks, and it was high time Okami started making use of them. Eventually, Okami would make his decision to do exactly that. Although... He really wasn't looking forward to making yet another two-week trip by boat just to reach the mainland, and it left him hoping someone would just randomly show up and offer to take him there. But as far as he knew, there was no way his luck would be kind to him long enough for that to happen, which meant unless he was somehow proven wrong in that regard, he was indeed stuck going there by boat... Again.

 

[Okami Kitsune]

Okikurmi Kitsune, the current Satoosa and Sovereign Monarch of Ouza Island, was fully aware of his son's grievances. How could he not be? The man hadn't lead his people for a full seven decades just to not have anything to show for it - he had long since developed a keen eye for these things. It was also his duty as a father to know these things. At the current moment, Okikurmi was seated in his office, a contemplative frown settling on his face as he internally debated the admittedly very few ways available to him to make things a little easier for Okami as well as his people. For Okami in particular, the only means immediately available to him was to use [Ward Technique: Karmic Blessing] to improve the boy's luck, but it would only be temporary - what he needed was a more permanent boost. As for his latent potential, the very thing that allowed clan members to draw further power from their tails... Unfortunate as it was, Okikurmi had no such technique to forcibly draw out said potential in his possession. It was something he regretted every day: Not being able to help his son in the exact way he needed it most.

Shaking his head to get rid of the depressing thoughts, Okikurmi would begin to think of other things. The fact was that Okami had proven that out of every other Kitsune clansmen within his age group, he was the most skilled due to having had to train at least twice as hard just to not fall behind - and three weeks ago, he returned home from the Chunin Exams with a promotion to show for his efforts. Said promotion also meant he'd been recognized by the major nations in the Mainland, which could only be a good thing in the long term. The truth was, Okami was actually much stronger than Okikurmi had been when he was his age because of his much more intense training methods. Okami may not currently have the potential to use the very things that made the Kitsune Clan what it is, but that wouldn't stop the boy from surpassing him in sheer skill by the time he became a Jonin at this rate. That realization was one Okikurmi could be proud of... But that didn't mean he'd just simply let it happen. No - if Okami was going to surpass him, then he'd make the boy work harder than he'd ever pushed himself before for it.

But first, he had more immediately important matters to attend to, such as finally sending off letters of introduction to the Kage of the five major districts like he'd been meaning to do for some time now. When he was finally finished with them, Okikurmi would send them to Nagi Island using Falcons trained to be messenger birds. The man chose that location not only because it was neutral territory, but also because he knew the letters could be forwarded to each Kage from there faster and more effectively - Ouza Island did not currently have a reliable way of sending or receiving messages directly to or from the mainland on their own. The letters would read as such, each addressed to a district's respective Kage:​

---

"To Lord Hokage/Lord Kazekage/Lord Tsuchikage/Lady Raikage/Lord Mizukage

I pray that this letter finds you in good health, and I am aware of the unfortunate circumstances your people find themselves in. I am also aware of this time of peace coming to an end, and am hopeful that my people and I may be of whatever assistance you require of us. Ouza Island can no longer afford to maintain its isolationist policies or its stance of neutrality during this time of crisis - to which end my people and I humbly request to take part in the Shinobi Alliance.

Unfortunately, I cannot claim to be asking this without requiring something in exchange: Resources, and access to Missions in order to properly develop a fighting force. Ouza Island is home to an abundance of tropical resources, but small as our island nation is, I fear for the day our population becomes too great for our resources alone to sufficiently provide for them - not without having to relocate a portion of my people elsewhere. In the meantime, Oil Vents, Salt Rocks, Pearls, Island Timber, Island Fruit, and Sand as well as certain exotic breeds and species of fish that can only be found in specific temperatures of water by themselves will only continue to sustain us for so long.

Suffice to say, I - as well as the people of Ouza Island as a whole - cannot and therefore shall not continue to fool ourselves: We cannot hope to survive on our own for much longer, even with the founding of Yokugakure, which was created myself solely with the intent of being a defense force. I am not blind - we need the aid of you and yours a lot more than you need us. It pains me and my people to admit it, but foolish pride is folly at this juncture.

I am perfectly willing to meet in person to discuss the matter further at your earliest convenience if needed - even if it must be during the upcoming Summit. I hope to hear back from you soon with a positive response, for only by standing together can we all hope to overcome this crisis.

Sincerely,
Okikurmi Kitsune
Sovereign Monarch of Ouza Island
Satoosa of Yokugakure

---

Okikurmi had wisely left out that as a result of being an island nation that had little to no prior dealings with other nations and even fewer as a shinobi nation, much of their way of living was sorely outdated, and that the only reason they had any metal to work with at all was due to the tropical storms that came every summer... They tended to get bad enough that even larger ships were torn apart within the span of minutes, and the wreckage as well as much of the cargo on board ended up washed up on the shores of Ouza Isand. Suffice to say that while these storms were as much a danger to the island nation as it was to anyone caught in said storms, they were the island's natural defense.

With the letters taken care of and sent off, Okikurmi would take a deep breath and hope for the best, allowing his posture to relax as he leaned back in his seat. This was a huge step towards finally getting his people the resources they needed - he hadn't been joking about the risk of overpopulation. Even if it didn't happen anytime soon, he'd much rather already have it handled when it did.

Location: Ouza Island, Yokugakure (Satoosa's Office)
Posting Order: Okikurmi Kitsune -> [Undetermined]
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approx. 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II

 

[Okami Kitsune]

All around Ouza Island's many ports that made said nation's perimeter, the bulk of the GHOSTS that had been personally hand-picked and trained by their Satoosa and his second-in-command over the past seven decades were keeping an ever-watchful eye on everyone that came in and out of the island. Disguised as civilians among the Kitsune Clan with each operative's chakra suppressed to that of a civilian with just enough training to defend themselves from bandits and the like, it was just another day at the office for them: Have everyone coming in and out go through a check which involved passports and all other necessary paperwork without exception, search all incoming and outgoing vessels for any form of contraband and other such undesirables, and catalog any and all incoming and outgoing cargo. Such precautions were necessary and even expected of a nation or village that makes its income primarily off of the sea's vast, nigh-inexhaustible bounty despite their supposed isolationist policy - it was how they'd been able to throw off any cause for suspicion on part of the mainland for years.

Another part of the established procedure was that all operatives were to provide their reigning Satoosa with hourly reports at fifteen-minute intervals between each port, with the only exceptions being attempts at infiltration by more unsavory groups, especially other nations - it wouldn't be the first time, with that particular honor belonging to an attempted invasion during the final years of the reign of their previous Satoosa. These reports were given by way of specialized seals that allowed each GHOST operative to discreetly and wordlessly pass them between themselves and Okikurmi via scrolls in an instant. Such was why each operative's chakra suppression seals were not made to suppress their chakra entirely. Each of these particular operatives were old enough to remember the first time shinobi from the mainland had set foot on their soil with naught but hostility on said invader's minds, and as such these veteran men and women were the most keen-eyed due to having absolutely no desire for anything remotely similar to a repeat of that.

Thankfully, such a thing hadn't happened in years, though the GHOSTS never once dropped their guard. Their home was Ouza Island, and its location by itself provided a wealth of natural defenses that made it very difficult to reach. The selfsame heat that was the result of the island nation's close proximity to the equator gave rise to tropical storms that were massive enough to span the distance between Ouza Island and Nagi Island, and mighty enough to still end up causing mayhem to both islands. These storms were most frequent and at their most powerful during the summer, with the time between late fall and early spring being when these storms were at their least frequent and most mild. However, the sheer severity of these storms made them predictable to anyone with the know-how, which meant any respectable seafaring sort worthy of their name and their job. But even without these tropical storms, one still had to brave waters filled with all manner of predators of the seas. These were not so easily predicted, and unlike the storms that had a penchant for "claiming a blood sacrifice" at least one occurrence per year and were barely a threat during a specific period of time, these predators were a year-round threat to anyone remotely unprepared and lacked sufficient means to fend them off - something that Ouza Island's residents had spent an entire century with, and would continue to do so. It was, after all, a big part of their livelihood, and provided good experience for their Genin in terms of getting their first kills as well as learning how to survive in the wilderness.

In simpler terms... It was very rare that anyone successfully reached or left Ouza Island with hostile intentions. The GHOSTS themselves were a line of defense on their own, and nobody came in or out of the island nation without their leader knowing about it - just as nobody could just smuggle their way to their home and hope to remain hidden for long in such a small area of land.

Nobody would get past them without them knowing. Not a soul. Never would they be deceived or caught off guard. The GHOSTS - the shadows cast by the light - saw all and heard all.

Current Location: Ouza Island - Harbor Checkpoints
Posting Order: Ouza Island GHOSTS -> Undetermined
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II

​

 

[LucianRedgrave]

Despite their boat mooring on the shore of Ouza island it would be practically empty emerging with nothing more than a tarp perfectly secured over its form before thudding against the dry land in the wake of the tide. Their images clad in cloaks and more importantly their essence devoid of chakra, suppressed to the finest degree. These individuals were not simply anbu because of their innate skill but moreover their ability to infiltrate even under the most scrupulous odds. However these odds were not stacked against them in the least bit. Even the people of this land capable of detecting them on the most basic level would find that they functioned as an enigma. In the same way that those of the past rendered themselves invisible to detection these anbu would be function under the same principle and yet under the guise of a sensory ninja they would appear as if they were nothing more than a part of the islands natural makeup presenting as nothing more than nature itself despite their physical bodies being more than present in the moment. Like a tiger stalking its prey they moved in utter silence their images nothing more than a figment of imagination even in passing as it stood they were to do more than simply observe and report back. This was an annexation they were intending to take this nation down at its very core or at the very least ensue a coup d'etat. Those among the people of Ouza Island would have no idea these members of Kumogakure had even infiltrated the land by the time the need for cloak and dagger had even arisen the shinobi in question had already integrated themselves among the people. As far as the people would be concerned they didn’t exist at all mere whispers on the wind. As far as the security of their nation was concerned it was too little too late the infiltration. Perhaps it was a matter of folly or perhaps it was a matter of precaution.

However they were already watching them from afar. The people of the land scurried like rats tasked with a job unbeknownst to them. In a way it was quaint to watch a much smaller land to work to make an ends to a means. Even as they sat perched as silent observers among nature itself like birds of prey they were already collecting the intel they needed but more importantly this squad of Anbu had come with the intention of annexing the nation under the rule of Kumogakure. So as things began to unfold their machinations would already be afoot. Their position on the island was unbeknownst to the inhabitants in question and more importantly their desires a secret. One with foresight could perhaps have seen what machinations they had in store but alas the clock was ticking and the bell was tolling as clouds began to roll in overhead. Hours ago when they had initially arrived at the island the means in which they had supposedly dropped anchor out at sea to begin fishing was of ill design a rod from god if you will be undisturbed by the flow of the ocean like any anchor as hit the ocean floor. Now as the initial team of ANBU sat within the depths of Ouza Island’s forest on its most eastern point they would plant another rod. It was only a matter of time before things had truly begun to unfold within the small island nation.

The squad that functioned deep within the forest of Ouza island was only one of three and the team that infiltrated the confines of Ouza Island consisted of 12 people total meaning in total there were three squads of four roaming about but one squad in particular was still at the docks. Their visage’s that of Kitsune down to the very essence of their chakra and even their scent. They didn’t approach the hustle and bustle of the dock with caution but instead with casual rapport. The team working the docks much like the ones in the forest blended in seamlessly. They carried in their haul from the ocean depths with ease, their net filled to the brim with a day's work meaning their expedition was successful as they pulled it deeper into the docks. One of the individuals playing the part of the fishing crew could even be heard whistling in a off kilter rhythmic tone, his compatriots joining in like song birds as a storm began to roll in even more. The sound of thunder rolling across the airwaves as if tolling a bell. They would continue their duties in the present and the future.

MEANWHILE ON THE WESTERN EDGE OF OUZA ISLAND…

The third team was operating in the wide open no concealment not even their chakra suppressed. They wanted the militants of Ouza island to know they were there, however had someone descended upon them they would find they weren’t clad in any identifying attire at all, no headbands, no flak vest, not even a mask to conceal their identities. This was intentional of course as the intent was to appear as if they had merely gotten lost at sea. For all intents and purposes they were pedestrian in appearance, one going so far as to even be missing a shoe. Had they been stumbled upon they could be seen foraging for supplies attempting to make something of the situation at hand. All of the anbu involved were effectively playing chess instead of checkers and despite this team being openly exposed they were doing exactly what they needed to do for the mission at hand. In the end all of the pieces were beginning to fall into place. The next rod from the would-be shipwrecked crew was already well at the depths of the ocean by now.

This tertiary team would begin making their way inland slowly but clumsily stumbling through the dense brush like a freshly born calf trying to stand for the first time. They were far from in a rush but merely making their way without due cause on the surface level of things. Their hands fumbling about in the brush placing their hands and something more upon the trees. Unbeknownst to anyone but themselves and the person who sent them. An etching here and there perhaps markers so they couldn’t get lost on their trek through the lush forest. It was only a matter of time before things truly began to unfold but until than the eb and flow of Ouza island would continue practically undisturbed.

Location: [The forest of Ouza Island]
Posting Order: Kumogakure ANBU -> Ouza Island
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II

​

 

[Okami Kitsune]

Unknown to the invaders, the disguised GHOSTS of Ouza Island were not so easily deceived - especially the operatives stationed at the docks. While they had nothing concrete, they had their suspicions regarding the Kitsune that everyone who'd worked at the docks for years knew had simply never been there before. However, as nobody had been harmed within the past several hours, they'd let it go... Especially since they were about to have a bigger problem. A storm was once again forming - that was nothing new, considering the usual strength of the tropical storms that Ouza Island regularly experienced, but this one was different. The winds were stronger this time, stronger than they normally were, and the clouds were also a tad darker than they usually were. There was also lightning of an intensity that was first seen exactly eighty-four years ago to this day... The same day they lost the wife of their previous Satoosa - the only instance more recent than that being the day they were invaded for the first time almost exactly seventy years ago. Lightning at this level of intensity was an ill omen, and everyone old enough to remember those events, civilians and otherwise, feared for what they would lose this time... Their queen? Their king? Their freedom and with it, their independence? Come what may, a reckoning was close at hand and all who called the island home were sworn to defend it and all that made Ouza Island, Ouza Island from any and all threats... No matter the cost.

Unknown even to the GHOSTS save for those standing guard within his office, this omen brought a sinking feeling to Okikurmi's gut. Not being one to ignore his instincts, Okikurmi hastily left his office while dismissing the constant Genjutsu he'd been wearing that hid his own GHOST uniform (though it kept his haori since he really was wearing it and only had a hood on instead of a mask) as well as instructing his guards to follow closely and keep their guard up... Among them was Okami's own mother. There was an unspoken agreement between the five of them after going through the suspicions in the reports he received within the past several hours that, while vaguely mentioned, could not be ignored in the off chance that they were true: They could not allow their nation's secrets to fall into the wrong hands, much less the hands of those who may eventually learn the full extent of their power and seek it for themselves. Even if their nation were to fall and fly the banner of another, their duty required that they at least manage that much in the event it was truly worst-case scenario: Invasion. The very thing every GHOST operative had trained for seventy years for. Discreetly, Okikurmi signaled his guards to relay a message to all operatives: They were to place the entire island on lockdown - nobody got in or out without them knowing. They were also to cease hiding their ears and tails.

After his guards departed without a word via a smokeless [Body Flicker Technique] to carry out the will of their lord, Okikurmi went behind the building and formed a half-ram seal, undoing the Genjutsu that hid the entrance to a stone stairwell that lead underground to their kind's vault. Looking around to make sure none were in sight, let alone within range of his ability to hear or smell them, he entered and climbed downwards for what felt like fifteen to twenty minutes before finally reaching a more wide-open space, with a massive stone door on the other side with the Kitsune Clan's sigil engraved on it in red, large enough to be split down the middle by both sides of the door - this was also a seal that made sure none but a Kitsune could get into it. However, that was precisely why he was here: If his instincts proved correct, then the seal would need to be heavily modified with much stricter requirements. There was no telling when Okami would visit the island, and it wasn't like they could sent it all to him - not with a high risk of anything going in or out of the island being intercepted. So modifying the seal with stricter requirements to even open the door was the next best thing. Striding across the room, Okikurmi would motion to the two GHOST guards to leave him, which they did without question as if sensing what he had in mind - this wasn't something that anyone not of the Kitsune clan's royal bloodline could witness.

Upon confirmation that the two operatives were out of range of his senses, the current reigning Satoosa of Ouza Island got to work. Revealing all nine of his tails, he pressed the tips of each into nine circular indentations within the circular perimeter of the seal, and used his chakra as well as a pint of his blood (given through the tips of his tails) as the medium to rewrite the requirements to enter the vault... None but those of the royal Kitsune bloodline may even enter the door, and all others (particularly those who dared to force entry) would find their souls and chakra forcibly ripped from their bodies. The chakra would be used to power the seal, and the soul would be forever trapped within a timeless void with no way back. Furthermore, he added an extra precaution that prevented the seal from being tricked by jutsu since he knew there were techniques out there that allowed one to copy another person's chakra: The seal now required the blood of any entering the vault, as well as the use of all nine tails (hence the indentations), and the blood of the Kitsune clan royal family offered to the seal through all nine tails. There could also only ever be one person trying to open it at any given time.

It was only after he was finished and made sure there were no gaps that Okikurmi would remove his tails from the seal, proud of this achievement: In the event he was right about his gut feeling and one of the major nations had indeed taken an unhealthy interest in his homeland, he had effectively denied these pillagers his clan's secrets - none but himself, his wife, his predecessor and father-in-law, and his son could enter the vault now without exception save for those who genuinely were also of the royal bloodline. It was with that sense of fulfillment that Okikurmi exited the vault and motioned for the two GHOSTS that were now standing guard outside the entrance to return to their posts. After replacing the Genjutsu that concealed the vault entrance, the Satoosa would return to his office and await whatever lay ahead, thankful that he and his people had long since come to take the signs of an especially severe tropical storm even for Ouza Island as an omen. The only other two times it had occurred, after all, was when utter chaos was just around the corner.

Nevertheless, everyone in-the-know could only hope that whatever happened wouldn't force them to fight - it was bad enough that Okikurmi had been left with no choice but to concede to the demands of Fire District's Hokage and allow Okami to be transferred to said major nation earlier that day, even though the boy had been entirely against the decision that was made for him. Frowning as he thought about it, the Satoosa couldn't help but think how much more his nation and people would be forced to sacrifice before the larger nations were satisfied. They had the majority of the mainland to themselves and there were plenty of other minor nations to bully into compliance that didn't require at least half a day of travel by sea to reach. No - Okikurmi was fully aware of the strategic position held by Yokugakure. Whoever controlled Ouza Island effectively controlled a significant portion of international seafaring trade, and it was also a prime staging point to enter any other nation.

Seventy years, he repeated within his mind... It was just as this seventy years ago to the very day when his predecessor had singlehandedly repelled a force sent by the mainland a hundred strong. The difference was that the first time, the enemy had made no effort to hide themselves or their intentions. It wouldn't surprise him one bit if whoever darkened HIS people's shores and brought forth that selfsame omen yet not make a single peep that would reveal themselves this time had learned from the mistakes of the past, and were instead opting to take the subtle approach. Now fully assuming that history was indeed seeking to repeat itself, the hundred-year-old Satoosa could only commend whoever was here for avoiding being noticed so far - but they would slip up sooner or later. They didn't know a thing about the island's people, culture, or general way of life. Furthermore... Nobody on the mainland knew Ouza Island as the Kitsune Clan did.

It was that same thought that brought a smirk to Okikurmi's face, who wordlessly wrote more messages and had them sent via seal to the GHOSTS that weren't on the clock: Orders to gear up if they weren't already, and search the entire island for anyone not a Kitsune, and were to take full advantage of their homefield advantage. Anyone they found were to be fully restrained with their chakra fully sealed even if they didn't look the part of ninja - they couldn't take any chances. The ones they found were also to be brought straight to their prison for interrogation. That went double for the Kitsune at the docks that had been reported to have never been there before at any point in time, regardless of the fact they haven't yet hurt anyone since getting there - they couldn't take any chances. After those potential imposters had been detained for interrogation, they were to conduct a more thorough investigation within that port town.

After he received confirmation that his orders would be followed to the letter, Okikurmi would allow himself to once again lean back in his seat, closing his eyes and concentrating on his surroundings, thus making it look like his guard was relaxed despite it being anything but. In the meantime, he had but one thought:

"The board has been set, and both sides have made their first moves. All that remains is to find out who's on the other side of the board, and what their end goal is. One of the major nations, or a smaller yet more ambitious minor nation? From what we hear through the grapevine through our trade, Kumogakure's certainly bold enough. It couldn't be Konohagakure, not when one of our own was just transferred there today - the Hokage being the one behind it would defeat that entire purpose. The rest either have bigger problems to deal with or simply have no interest in conquest from the look of things. But appearances can be deceiving - we Kitsune know that all too well."

Unknown to anyone, be it those of Ouza Island or whoever it was sought to conquer them, was exactly how events would unfold. However, one thing was clear: If not for the tropical storms that regularly "visited" Ouza Island serving as both an omen and a natural defense, as well as his forces having a reliable system set up so that he was always in-the-know of who left or entered their peaceful nation as well as keeping him informed of anyone even remotely suspicious, the Satoosa would have never had cause to deploy any meaningful defense against whatever was to come next.

Location: [Ouza Island]
Posting Order: Kumogakure ANBU -> Ouza Island (Okikurmi Kitsune, Ouza Island ANBU)
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II

 

[LucianRedgrave]

[TEAM 1]

Like roaches and mice they scattered under the watchful eye of the ANBU sent to conduct their mission. Some members of the anbu squads from the very same clan that the Raikage herself came from, these shinobi under the umbrella of the ANBU. They were excited at the idea of the hunt and more over the stalking of their prey. They were waiting their turn but in doing so however they only trekked further inland with haste. Their images only a shadowed blur amongst the murky nimbus in the sky. Thunder cracked and lightning flashed like a baptism of the land; their images were gone just as quickly as they had come with each passing moment. However a moment was all they needed when lightning struck a tree amongst the canopy and set it ablaze their images vanished entirely. Squad one was tasked with scouting but more importantly implementing the plan in full. This team consisted of two Kumoi huntsmen and two members of the Takeuchi clan. Each of the squads were a variation of this makeup but this squad was important as they skulked in the shadows of Ouza island. They were concealed among nature itself, their very essence masked from chakra down to scent as they encroached further inland. The time they were left undisturbed was dangerous to say the least as unbeknownst even to the very figure who ran the nation they were hunting them down; was it in hopes of laying waste to their leader or perhaps this was becoming a capture mission. Yet here their leader was painting himself as a target unknowingly between dropping his genjutsu and skulking about on his own his far off observers were ready to pounce like. Their descension never came however in fact they seemed to be perched within the wilderness concealed amongst its very essence like birds of prey. Their mark had made itself known but more importantly as the squad moved past the home of the Satoosa and to the northernmost point of the island while he was busy playing locksmith with his clan’s seal they would take it upon themselves to bury another rod within the depths of the island's soil. Fifteen minutes was more than enough time for a there and back trip for this endeavor, in fact by the five minute mark they had already closed the distance on the target and by minute ten, they had already buried the rod in question by minute fifteen, and by minute twenty they were already reaching their return point on the local of the Satoosa themselves some distance away from the figures home continuing their observation of place in question.

It was never hard to find a kage’s estate; it was truly the bane of a nation's existence regardless of their umbrella. Even their own Kage was victim to the lavish workspace despite her distaste for the glory it often baptized her in. In the eyes of the people it was well deserved it was what those in charge deserved as far as they were concerned. This simple notion was what made it easy to find and even easier to set eyes upon for observation even among the stormy skies and turbulent winds. Trees bowed and branches snapped as the storm began to pick up. After everyone's twenty minute excursion the storm was firmly in place over the island and with it lightning danced elegantly over the thick nimbus that decorated the heavens. It was only followed by a cacophony of booms as lightning danced and thunder rolled. It was the orchestra of nature that was something even those of Kumogakure could appreciate.

[TEAM 2]

Rhythmic yet off kilter whispering continued and even as the people on the docks began to make way for safety in their own way those buried in the depths of the crowd were still fast at work. Their haul was now tightly secured but more importantly their objective was already under their thumb. The hustle and bustle of the docks would be silent at this point the voices of the people muddled in the mixture of off kilter whistles before an odd deafening silence came, their mouths still moving and their motions that of hurried settlers escaping the storm. The tension in the air was palpable but like the lovely dance of a bow on the strings of a violin things seemed to play out in an almost rehearsed manner. Lightning struck the ocean surface before shooting back up into the sky and just as thunder rolled in following that same violent embrace of light the shrouded shinobi playing Kitsune seemed to melt away into the hurried masses. The thunder that rolled in equally as silent as the motions and voices of the crowd. The squad melted into the crowd and even further into espionage as things unfolded. These shinobi were doing what they did best and becoming one with very shadows they emerged from it wasn’t a matter of when they would get caught but a matter of when they would begin their own hunt.

This squad's make up was no different than the first as they loomed on their prey from the shadows. The hunt was already on even if they had been spotted amongst the people. It was only a matter of time before things began to unfold in a manner unseen even by the standards of the darkest reaches of the shinobi world today. Even the ANBU of Konohagakure would revel in the wake of this mission's outcome. Those who seeped into the muddled mixture of kitsune were busy marking buildings and even the ground. The rain came down in sheets making it exceptionally easy to conceal their efforts but moreover conceal themselves. Even native Kitsune would find a level of comfortability in the storm the way that those from the land of lightning did. Another ceremonious crackle of lightning danced across the sky but no thunder came across the air was static and still as the rain smacked across the surfaces present at the dock. The wind blowing set the aggressive downpour sideways in its arrival yet those stationed on this mission seemed to carry on with their task in search of accomplishing their end goal.

[TEAM 3]
The third team of ANBU were continuing their due diligence in the forest of Ouza Island unlike the other two teams that consisted of two Kumoi clansmen, this team was the opposite consisting of three Takeuchi clansmen and a single Kumoi. They moved with haste inland at this point dropping their guise of being nothing more than shipwrecked sailors. Their images going up in a cloud of smoke before revealing their proper anbu attire. Clad in the typical attire of most ANBU, the staple gray vest covering their torso and classic black shinobi pants to match. Their faces clad in the porcelain faces of birds of prey as they moved through the depths of both the storm and the forest alike. Their images were nothing but streaks of darkness as they moved about their way but moreover the shinobi from the Takeuchi clan seemed to be laying tags for barriers. While the man who led the takeuchi clan was more than capable of laying these traps without tags at all, this was a matter of sending a message or rather setting the precedent for what was to come. Had they been set upon by the shinobi of the land they were currently encroaching on they would be in for a rude awakening.

Effectively speaking this team was the most likely to encounter conflict given their open air means of approach. This however wasn’t enough to even strike them with a sense of unease let alone any amount of fear, the same way the shinobi of Ouza Island felt solace in the very storm that began to batter their island the shinobi of the cloud district felt more than at home amongst its rough and tumble nature. Lightning was an untamed beast except in the hands of the cloud it was the very thing that made their Kage’s so formidable and their shinobi revered when it came to such an untamed specimen. So in the here and now where a storm raged on those of Ouza island would revel in its glory in the event true conflict broke out amongst the shinobi involved. So in the end it was only a matter of time before things truly began to unfold and reveal the cards at hand.

Location: [The forest of Ouza Island]
Posting Order: Kumogakure ANBU -> Ouza Island
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II

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