Water Travel
- Thread starter Mellow
- Start date
The pirate-like ship, known for its sleek design and black sails adorned with golden symbols, sliced through the choppy waters as it sailed toward the Grass District. Tarkaji Tendo, Vice President of the gold district, stood on the bow sprit, his black & purple hair billowing in the wind like a banner of determination. The ship creaked and groaned in response to the tumultuous waves, yet Tarkaji remained unmoved. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon, watching for any signs of potential threats or unwarranted attention. Behind him, the crew of the ship worked diligently, adjusting sails and navigating the treacherous waters with practiced skill. At the center of the ship's deck, the mutated Kazekage clone creature was securely bound to the base of the main mast by the heavy duty chain keeping it from moving or breaking free. Tarkaji had chosen this method of transportation to demonstrate the strength and control the gold district possessed over their creations. His gaze shifted to the mutated creature as he spoke, his voice carrying authority over the sounds of the ship.
He gestured to the bound creature, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. The crew, though accustomed to the unpredictable nature of their Vice President, cast uneasy glances at the mutated Kazekage.
The ship's movement became more pronounced as it encountered the rolling waves. Tarkaji maintained his balance effortlessly, his stance unwavering. He emanated an aura of calm and control, instilling confidence in the crew as they faced the unpredictable sea. As the pirate-like ship cut through the waves, carrying the gold district's envoys and their unique cargo toward the Grass District, Tarkaji's mind focused on the delicate dance of diplomacy that awaited them. The outcome of their quest would shape the future of alliances and power dynamics in the shinobi world, and the mutated Kazekage served as both a gift and a warning to those who dared challenged the might of the Grass & Gold District's alike.
Location: The Amado Sea
Location: The Amado Sea
Oboro, feeling the subtle shift in the sailer's momentum as it transitioned from sand to sea, decided it was time to relax and enjoy the journey ahead. It was going to still be quite long, and he knew the importance of maintaining his strength. The gentle sway of the boat on the ocean waves provided a welcome contrast to the harsh, unyielding dunes they had just crossed. He walked with a purposeful stride toward the interior of the ship, his sandals making soft thuds against the wooden deck. As he descended a short set of stairs, the sounds of the ocean outside faded slightly, replaced by the muted hum of activity within the ship. The air inside was warm and carried the faint aroma of cooking food, a comforting scent that reminded him of the small but well-stocked kitchen onboard. Oboro pushed open a wooden door leading to the ship's modest interior quarters. The space was compact but well-designed, with various storage barrels lining the walls and a small food restaurant nestled in the corner. The restaurant, though simple, was a favorite among travelers, offering hearty meals to those making the long journey across the desert and sea. The cook, a burly man with a thick mustache and a welcoming grin, looked up as Oboro entered.
Oboro offered a rare smile in return, his usual stoic demeanor softened slightly by the cook’s friendly nature.
The cook nodded, wiping his hands on his apron before moving to the stove.
As the cook busied himself with preparing the meal, Oboro walked over to one of the large barrels in the corner of the room. These barrels were filled with various provisions for the journey—dried fruits, nuts, and other preserved foods. He reached into one of them, pulling out a handful of dried apricots and a small tin of salted almonds. These would serve as a quick snack while he waited for his main course. He made his way back to a small wooden table near the window of the restaurant, the tin of almonds clinking softly as he set it down. The room was dimly lit by a series of lanterns hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the polished wood of the ship's interior. The gentle creaking of the boat as it moved through the water added to the peaceful ambiance, a soothing background to his thoughts. As Oboro nibbled on the dried apricots, he watched the cook skillfully prepare his meal. The lobster tail sizzled on the grill as another prep cleaned out the shell and tossed it in a pot of boiling water to finish its prep. The aroma of the seafood mingled with the earthy scent of the rice cooking in a pot nearby. Once the food was all finished, the cook then carefully placed the lobster on a large miniature wooden ship with plates along the deck, the lobser shell itself placed on the upper deck on the ship to make it look like the food itself was being attacked by a monster, adding an intriguing scene to the food while the chef then added a generous serving of rice and a delicate arrangement of fish eggs beside it.
Once the meal was ready, the cook poured a cup of sake from a small ceramic jug, the clear liquid shimmering as it filled the cup. He placed the cup on the wooden ship-like tray and brought it over to Oboro’s table.
Oboro nodded in thanks, his gaze briefly meeting the cook’s before he turned his attention to the food. The lobster was perfectly cooked, its tender meat glistening with butter and a hint of herbs. The rice was fluffy, with each grain cooked to perfection, and the fish eggs added a burst of rich, briny flavor that complemented the dish beautifully. He picked up his chopsticks, taking a moment to appreciate the meal before him. The first bite of lobster melted in his mouth, the combination of flavors and textures a welcome respite from the rigors of his journey. He followed it with a sip of sake, the smooth, slightly sweet drink warming him from the inside as it flowed down his throat.
As he continued to eat, the peaceful atmosphere of the ship’s interior allowed him to relax, if only for a short while. The mission ahead was still at the forefront of his mind, but for now, he allowed himself to savor the meal, the simple pleasure of good food and drink a rare comfort in the life of a shinobi. The sailors outside continued their work, their voices muffled by the thick wooden walls of the ship. The gentle rocking of the boat on the waves was a soothing rhythm, and for a brief moment, Oboro felt a sense of calm. The journey was far from over, but this moment of peace was a reminder of the small joys that could be found even in almost any situation.
Location: Entering Sand Peninsula
Post Order: Oboro -> ???
Time Limit: 3 Days
Skip Points: 2
As Oboro finished the last bite of his meal, he set his chopsticks down on the now empty plate, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. The flavors of the lobster, rice, and fish eggs still lingered on his palate, mingling with the warmth of the sake that had spread through his body. The meal had been a welcome reprieve. He reached into his pouch and pulled out a small stack of ryo, counting out the appropriate amount for the meal. He placed the coins on the table, neatly stacking them before sliding them toward the edge. The cook, who had been quietly cleaning up behind the counter, noticed the gesture and gave a grateful nod.
The cook’s smile widened as he went back to his work, and Oboro, feeling the comforting weight of the food and sake in his stomach, decided to relax for a moment longer. He leaned back in his chair, the wooden frame creaking slightly under his weight, and allowed his eyes to wander around the room. The restaurant was small but cozy, with wooden beams overhead and lanterns casting a soft, golden glow. The scent of cooked seafood still hung in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of the ocean that seeped in through the cracks in the walls. The rhythmic sound of the waves gently rocking the boat was a lullaby, its steady beat soothing his mind. Oboro felt his eyelids grow heavy as the warmth of the meal and the gentle sway of the boat began to take their toll. He shifted slightly in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest as he let out a quiet sigh. The mission ahead required his full focus, but in this moment of calm, he allowed himself to rest. As his head tilted back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, his thoughts began to drift. The steady motion of the boat, the distant murmur of the sailors outside, and the lingering warmth of the sake all conspired to pull him further into a state of relaxation. His breathing slowed, becoming deep and even, as his body relaxed fully into the chair. The flickering light of the lanterns created soft shadows on the walls, the patterns shifting gently with the motion of the boat. The low hum of the ship’s movements and the occasional creak of the wooden beams blended into a soothing background noise, a peaceful rhythm that matched the slowing pace of his thoughts. His vision blurred slightly as his eyelids drooped, the golden light of the lanterns becoming a soft, hazy glow. He blinked slowly, his mind growing foggy as sleep began to overtake him. The room seemed to blur at the edges, the details fading as his consciousness ebbed away. He made a final, half-hearted attempt to stay awake, but the pull of sleep was too strong.
His head slowly leaned forward, his chin coming to rest against his chest as his breathing deepened. The room around him faded completely, the last flickers of consciousness giving way to the darkness of sleep. Outside, the boat continued its steady journey across the sea, the sailors quietly going about their tasks, unaware of the sleeping shinobi within. Oboro slept soundly at the table, his body and mind taking the rest they needed. The mission was important, but for now, he was at peace, lost in the comforting embrace of sleep.
[ 4 Hour Time Skip ]
Oboro was deep in a dreamless sleep, the world around him had faded into the background, the sounds of the ocean and the distant voices of the sailors all merging into a soothing hum. It was only when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder that he began to stir.
His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light of the room. The first thing he saw was the face of a woman looking down at him, her long, royal blue hair framing her face. It took him a moment to register who she was, the remnants of sleep still clouding his mind.
Oboro blinked a few times, shaking off the last vestiges of sleep as he slowly sat up. He stretched his arms above his head, feeling the satisfying pop of his joints as he woke up fully. The small aches from sleeping in the chair melted away as he stretched, leaving him feeling surprisingly refreshed.
Sanami nodded, stepping back to give him some space and nodded her head in a fashion that said you're welcome. He then began to follow Sanami out of the small restaurant once she began moving. The moment he stepped back onto the deck, he was greeted by a refreshing breeze, carrying with it the scent of greenery and fresh earth—a stark contrast to the arid air of his own District. As he emerged from the ship's interior, the sight of the Grass District spread out before him. The vibrant colors of the area were a welcoming change from the endless sands of his homeland. The sun was still low in the sky, casting a golden light over the landscape and making the dew on the grass glisten like tiny jewels. The air was thick with the scent of flowers and the sound of birds singing. Oboro took a moment to take it all in, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon as he adjusted to the new environment. The Grass District was known for its natural beauty, and it was easy to see why. The lush greenery seemed to stretch on forever, a sea of vibrant life that was a stark contrast to the harshness of the desert. He turned to the crew of the sand ship, who were busy securing the vessel to the dock. They looked up as he approached, offering respectful nods as they saw him coming.
The sailors returned his nods, clearly pleased with his acknowledgment.
With a final nod, Oboro vanished from the docks, using a swift burst of chakra to propel himself into the heart of the district. He moved with purpose, his mind already focused on the task ahead. The Kusakage's office was his destination, and he knew that finding it quickly was crucial. As he made his way through the bustling district, Oboro moved along the streets. The district was alive with activity, the streets filled with villagers going about their daily lives. Market stalls lined the roads, selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Children played in the streets, their laughter echoing through the air, while the adults bartered and chatted with one another. As Oboro continued his journey through the district, he asked around discreetly for the location of the Kusakage's office. The locals were helpful, pointing him in the right direction and he decided to enjoy the scenery while making his way there to see what this place had to offer as he planned on buying something on the way back if he came across anything that piqued his interest.
Location: Sand Peninsula -> Grass District
Post Order: Oboro -> ???
Time Limit: 3 Days
Skip Points: 2