Begin processing materials (Custom Merchant C-Rank Mission)
~~~
After waking up early, Ithaqua set to work. Using the most basic of fire jutsu, he ignited two firepits set up in different locations in his small campsite, one a bit larger then the other. The larger fire was more of a small rectangular patch of burning coal. This was intentional as he set up a large wire press of sorts above the patch, where he delicately placed each bundle of the gathered herbs. This contraption was designed to help dry out the plants quicker then just from the sun, making sure to maintain a low but constant heat from the coals, and rotating the bundles every so often as to not let them burn. He even sprinkled aromatic wood chips to burn and to infuse a smoky element to the process.
The smaller fire is where he would require a bit more finesse with his equipment. As any skilled potion brewer would know, the best base for any potion was distilled water, and the process itself was rather interesting to boot. First he would use a basic water jutsu to fill up several large glass flasks. He could easily just grab the water from the stream, but using water that was infused with chakra, resulted in a more potent base. Each of these flasks had specialised stoppers made of rubber, each having a small hole in them for Ithaqua to insert a small but long rubber tube into. These tubes would lead a small, safe distance away from the fire and flasks, for the distilled water to collect into a smallish cauldron.
This method was pretty interesting. The heat would cause the water to boil, which in turn, evaporates the water and generates steam. This is then fed through the tubing where it cools down and condenses into what is known as distilled water, a fascinating process which allows for purer water to be used whilst leaving behind any impurities or foreign bodies within the flask. As this process began, Ithaqua would use his water jutsu again to fill up three more sets of large flasks, so he can rotate them out until he has enough distilled water to use.
Now that was in progress, Ithaqua return his attention to the drying plants, rotating them slightly to check on there progress, seeing that they had dried out enough for him to continue processing them. Ithaqua then began the arduous process of grinding them into fine powders, using a mortar and pestle crafted from volcanic stone. With each rhythmic thud of the pestle against the mortar, the herbs released their powerful essences, filling his nostrils with their intoxicating aroma. He first ground up each individual herb to keep enough of them separated, while also combining Ithaqua combined the powdered herbs with some of the other dried ingredients, painstakingly measuring each component to create the perfect balance of potency and effectiveness.
It wasn't long before he needed to change over the flasks, and having timed it perfectly, he had finished grinding the dried ingredients by the time of the first changeover. Since he was making several batches of potions, he made sure that he had multiple sets of equipment to add to the efficiency of the project, swapping out the flasks at the same time as he swapped out the filled cauldron with another empty one, he could begin brewing his first batch of potions.
Setting the cauldron onto the coals of the larger fire pit, he would stoke the flames with additional woods, bark and twigs he found around him, slowly bringing the water to a gentle boil. Now was the easiest part of the process, with a wooden ladle, he would careful pour in some of his mixed components, mixing gently as he did so. After a small amount of time stirring, he would shift the cauldron to one of the less stoked parts of the pit as he would bring over another cauldron and repeat the process. Change the flasks and cauldron, bring cauldron to a gently boil, add in components and stir, moving the cauldron to less hot spots each time he needed to.
Once all the distillation had been completed, Ithaqua was left with 4 small cauldrons, all gently boiling on the pit, with all he needed to do was stir each potion gently on occasion. With each stir he would channel a small amount of his chakra into the ladle, slightly tedious but would result in a more higher quality product once done. After a few hours of simmering and stirring, Ithaqua carefully strained the potions through a fine mesh sieve, separating the liquid from any solid remnants that had been missed. He poured the potion into small glass vials, which he had already sterilised with hot water beforehand, corking them tightly to preserve their potency, and labelled each one with intricate symbols denoting their specific uses.
~~~
MISSION END
TECHNIQUES USED
Type: Offensive
Rank: D
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra: 10
Damage: 20
Description: The user will release a small but powerful flame of fire at their opponent from either their limbs (through movement) or exhaling it. It can produce fire balls or fire streams or simply aid in taijutsu.
Type: Supplementary/Offensive/Defensive
Rank: D
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra: 10
Damage: 20
Description: Creates small waves of water,small blasts, and small shields of water.
Note: Doesn't require a water source but can be used to manipulate existing water.
story board elements: Defend caravan while they continue to their destination at Badlands trades reserve from bandits and rogue shinobi
The city of Annuntiatium was loud and bright. The eternal rainbow spanned the sky, powered by the lake's Chakra and Siris currents. Angel stood in the office of Elder Rin, a stern Arali financier who managed the Pingshu Marketplace trade routes. Rin pushed a contract across the polished steel desk. "This cargo is vital. New forge refinements. It must reach the Badlands Trades Reserve safely."
Angel took the thick scroll. The payment was substantial, enough to fund his current aid work—enough to ease the guilt of Forskellig. He needed this contract. "What is the threat?" Angel asked, his focus sharp. Rin leaned forward. "Not bandits. Whispers of organized groups. We anticipate Rogue Shinobi—perhaps elements of the defunct Veil Syndicate, hired by rivals." Rogue Shinobi. Angel's face tightened. The word brought up the ghost of Orelieo. He knew this was a trap, a high-stakes magnet for trouble. But he had a code to uphold, and mistakes to atone for. "I accept the contract," Angel affirmed, rolling the scroll shut. "The caravan moves at dawn. I require a small, capable team. My orders are absolute. If we encounter organized resistance, we will not retreat."
The weight of the mission settled. Angel left the office, heading toward the open roads. This time, he would be ready.
The Pingshu Trade Caravan, laden with precious goods from the manufactories of Annuntiatium, slowly transitioned from the familiar forest roads to the dusty, arid edges of the Badlands. Angel rode point, he would activate his Byakugan passively and start scanning the rock formations and shifting dunes. He was tense. This area was known for low-level bandit activity, but this cargo was too valuable for mere thieves.
(Dōjutsu: Byakugan) Eye Technique: The All Seeing White Eye
Type: Supplementary
Rank: C
Range: Short-Long
Chakra: 15 (+5 per turn to keep active)
Damage: N/A
Description: The kekkei genkai intrinsic to both the Hyūga and Ōtsutsuki clans—descendants of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. Those who possess this dōjutsu have it manifested as eyes with featureless white irides and no visible pupils. And when activated, the pupils become more distinct and the veins near their temples bulge. To activate the dōjutsu, Hyuga but not Ōtsutsuki clan members are initially obliged to use a rather long and specific sequence of handseals: Horse → Tiger → Boar → Hare → Rat → Dog → Horse → Dog → Hare → Rat → Boar → Snake. But once activated, the dōjutsu user is endowed with a range of skills.
To start, an activated Byakugan gives the user a near 360º diameter field of vision bar one blind spot at the back of the neck, above the first thoracic vertebra. Its vision can penetrate through any solid objects or obstructions, and likewise remains unaffected by blinding interferences. But that being said, certain barriers and the like may distort its perception. In addition, it is able to follow high-speed movements, which enables those with this dōjutsu to analyze their foes' actions and better react to them. The Byakugan is also able to see chakra to a higher degree than the Sharingan and ergo, identify where a person's chakra signature originates from. Beyond that, it can discern certain types of clones from the real person. And its ability to see chakra is in fact so acute that those who possess this dōjutsu are even able to see the chakra pathway system and the 361 tenketsu that comprise it. The Hyūga clan has gone so far as to develop their unique Gentle Fist style in order to capitalize on this particular ability.
Note: Hyuga clan bios of at least Jonin rank become able to passively activate their dōjutsu upon one month having passed since Gentle Fist training concluded. Ōtsutsuki bios never need to expend a move in order to activate it.
Note: While traversing the NW, bios with activated Byakugan are able to see up to two 2 adjacent landmarks away while those of sage rank can see as far as three away, but this doesn't extend beyond an ocean landmark.
A sudden explosion of smoke and rock dust erupted fifty meters ahead at a narrow gorge entrance. Angel's Byakugan immediately detected the thin, almost invisible tripwires and detonators—crude, but numerous. "Ambush! Defensive formation, now!" he barked to the escorts. He leaped forward. He couldn't allow the caravan to stall in the choke point. Quickly weaving seals, he gathered his Wind Release chakra.
Angel expelled rapid blades of wind that sliced through the air, detonating the remaining tripwires before the main body of bandits could engage their traps. The sound of shuriken hitting rock confirmed the enemy was now resorting to brute force. while in tandem having a great suction capabilities that would make the bandits off balance being a large distance between them.
(Fūton: Shinkū Renpa) – Wind Release: Serial Waves
Type: Offensive
Rank: S
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra: 40
Damage: 80
Description: After performing a the required hand seals Rat → Snake → Horse → Dog theuser takes a deep breath and exhales several blades of wind at different angles, by rapidly moving their head in various directions. The power of this technique can be dramatically enhanced when utilised in conjunction with the effects of extreme suction, such as that generated by the Baku, where the augmented attack proved effective enough to even slice through the defences of a complete Susanoo.
The bandits, a ragged group numbering perhaps twenty, rushed the flanks of the wagons. They relied on sheer numbers and basic weapons, trying to overwhelm the caravan's security. Angel landed beside the lead wagon, engaging three bandits simultaneously in close-quarters Taijutsu. His focus wasn't offense, but defense; every strike was calculated to divert the foe away from the caravan wheels and the fragile cargo. He moved with cold efficiency, relying on his physical training to incapacitate the attackers without lingering injuries.
The skirmish ended swiftly. Angel pinned the bandit leader to the ground with a well-placed kunai. Angel would grow a spear of steel from his left arm and point it to the leader The leader, frightened and desperate, quickly revealed the truth: they were hired muscle, paid well by a "silent group" to be a decoy.
Angel stood, a grim look crossing his face. "Rogue Shinobi. They're testing us." He ordered the caravan master to accelerate, knowing the real threat was likely observing their performance from the dust-choked ridges. The mission had just begun.
(Koton: kigokoro no Metallicana) - Steel release: temperament of Metallicanna
Rank: A
Type: Supplementary/Attack/
Range: short - mid
Chakra Cost: 30
Damage Points: 60
Description: This jutsu is based of the basic steel release jutsu, where the user will release more chakra from their body to create steel constructs. But instead of creating the pillars and such, this creates more steel surrounding the users body parts giving the impression that that body part has grown. For example, if the user uses this on their arm, it would look like their arm had grown to a desired size made of steel, similar to akimichi jutsu but through steel creations. This maximum size of this is to reach up to mid range (15m) and be to scale in all other aspects. The user can choose to use this on a single body part or multiple, like both his legs ect, or one arm and one leg or just his chest. The user will need to describe this when using this jutsu and must follow logic. Though the size is increased the user is able to manipulate this as though it was still his own arm due to his chakra being in the construct surrounding his body part. This also acts a an armor of sorts being a solid form of A rank steel surrounding the user.
Note: Useable 4 times
As the caravan pushed deeper into the open Badlands, the terrain became a monotonous expanse of rusty rock and coarse sand. The attacks changed dramatically—no more frontal assaults, but highly targeted Jutsu. A sudden, intense pressure hit the caravan's left side. A rogue shinobi launched a powerful, swirling cloud of iron-rich sand, attempting to magnetize the metallic frames of the wagons and grind them to a halt. This was a Magnet Release user, optimized for this dusty environment.
Angel immediately saw the danger. He needed a counter that wouldn't damage the caravan. He called upon his most familiar element. steel.. he would locate the shinobi in the distance and fire a missile so small the shinobi wouldn't see the strike, this would lock onto his charka signature ensuring damage would be dealt.
Rank: A
Type: Attack
Range:Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 30
Damage Points: 60
Description: The user will release from their hands a missile of steel. It's about 1 diameter fired at high high speeds at it's chosen target. Though as stated there is more to it than that. This missile locks onto the chakra signature of what it was fired at, be it an opponent, a summon, or just a structure itself like the earth golem jutsu. The second part of this jutsu, is with the user closing their fist, the missile will explode outwards in short range around it into steel razor blades not much bigger than sand, that almost looks like a puff of dust/smoke. Due to the sudden burst it has a pushing force going outwards with the blades, much like when a grenade goes off and the shrapnel goes all around and there is the pushing force, though without the fire. No burns, just impaling.
Note: Useable once every two turns
Angel's Byakugan suddenly detected a faint, displaced chakra signature moving inside the cargo hold of the middle wagon. A rogue shinobi had used high-level stealth likely Earth-Style Camouflage to infiltrate the train during the elemental distraction, aiming to destroy the most critical cargo or take out the merchant leader. His thoughts would swirl.
Angel vaulted onto the wagon roof and plunged inside. This was a silent, frantic Close-Quarters Ninja Duel in a confined space. He couldn't use massive jutsu. Relying solely on his speed and Byakugan, he anticipated the enemy's hidden blade, catching the attack with a reinforced forearm. The fight was quick, brutal, and silent. Angel ended the threat with a focused blow, neutralizing the saboteur before they could use any seals or alarms. he would place a restrictive muscle seal on the back of their neck to ensure they wouldn't be troublesome later.
( Suji Haji Fūin ) - Muscle Restriction Seal
Rank: A-Rank
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short
Chakra Cost: 30
Damage Points: N/A
Description: A special fuuinjutsu utilized by taking a tag that bears the symbol for "Restrict". When placed upon the opponent it generates an electrical current that is not physically harmful. However this flows through the nervous system and restricts the movement of muscles. This slows down the opponent and prevents him from using A-rank Tai and above for three turns.
Note: If applied by a medical ninja with sealing mastery, the effect will last until released.
The ambush had cost them too much time. Angel conferred with the merchant leader. They were still hours from the Reserve, and the Rogue Shinobi were closing in again, likely using the incapacitated Magnet Release ninja as bait. "We need a distraction and distance," Angel ordered. He commanded a smaller, pre-designated supply wagon—filled with non-critical provisions—to be unhitched. Angel rushed to the abandoned wagon and quickly set a powerful, large-scale explosive marker upon it. He waited until the main caravan was out of sight behind a rocky knoll.
(Kekkai Houjin) - Barrier Method Battle Array
Rank: B-Rank
Type: Attack
Range: Short
Chakra Cost: 20
Damage Points: 40
Description: Kekkai Houjin is a high-level Fuuinjutsu trap technique. An array of explosive markers is jointly placed around the boundary of an area. If any opponent walks through the boundary, the seals will activate and explode.
He erected a simple explosive barrier array around the wagon, then sprinted to catch up. The sound of the massive detonation minutes later confirmed the rogue shinobi had fallen for the decoy. They had bought valuable time, but they were almost to the border, and the true leader was surely waiting. The caravan rumbled closer to the Badlands Trades Reserve, the air thickening with the promise of safety, but also the ominous certainty of a final, desperate assault. Angel's Byakugan scanned the horizon, picking up faint chakra signatures—more organized, more potent than the scattered rogue shinobi. A familiar sickening sensation pooled in his stomach. This wasn't just a job anymore; it was a reckoning.
As the lead wagon approached the perimeter of the Reserve, Angel's Byakugan flared, picking up shimmering chakra lines woven into the very earth. A massive Steel Chain Sealing Matrix had been erected, spanning the entire gateway. It was a familiar, insidious design—a blend of Fūinjutsu meant to paralyze chakra and physical movement, but reinforced with razor-sharp steel filaments that would lash out at anything that touched it. This was Kaito’s mark, a twisted homage to Orelieo’s sealing prowess, designed to trap Angel.
"They're not just trying to stop the caravan," Angel muttered, his voice tight. "They're trying to stop me." He leaped from the lead wagon, chakra flowing to his hands. He couldn't just brute force it; this was a riddle Orelieo would have delighted in. With practiced ease, Angel began weaving intricate hand seals, his Byakugan tracing the complex chakra flows of Kaito’s seal. He directed the caravan master to stay behind and prepare for his signal to move forward again.
Suddenly, a voice, chillingly similar to Orelieo’s but laced with a younger, sharper edge, cut through the wind. "Well, well, if it isn't the disgraced hero, Angel! Still running errands, still cleaning up messes, still a failure at the last hurdle!"
Kaito, Orelieo's brother, stepped into view. "You disgraced my brother, you know," Kaito spat, his eyes blazing with hatred. "This caravan, these people… they're just pawns. The real prize is watching you break."
Before Angel could retort, Kaito slammed his hands onto the ground. causing 5 geysers to erupted randomly around Angel and the caravan. The ground became a minefield of boiling hazards, preventing Angel from using his powerful Steel techniques from the ground.
(Yōton: Kazangan no Deguchi) – Lava Release: Lava Geyser
Type: Offensive
Rank: A
Range: Short-Long
Chakra: 30
Damage: 60
Description: The user does 4 handseals (Rabbit+Tiger+Ox+Ram) and slams his hands on the ground. By channeling his chakra inside the ground, the user can trigger up to 5 large geysers of hot lava to erupt. Before erupting, the ground above quickly becomes red and hot before breaking apart under the pressure of the Lava. By sustaining the technique by keeping ones hands in the ground, the geyser will initially shoot a large quantity of molten lava, slowing rapidly as time passes and the lava cools and becomes less fluid. Even if not sustained, the lava will still overflow and run across the ground depending on the topography and has the potential to cover a large area in hot lava.
Note: Can be sustained for 2 turns, after which the lava hardens into rock.
Kaito would mock Angel "Can't use your little earth tricks now, can you? Can't hide in the ground!" Kaito cackled.
Angel's frustration boiled, but a cold resolve settled in. I won't run again. He wouldn't abandon this caravan. He remembered the humiliation of Forskellig, his retreat, the lingering guilt. Not this time.
He focused his chakra, He transformed, his body shimmering into the steel-feathered sparrow of Steel Release: Druid. He zipped through the air, darting between the random lava eruptions, his metallic form reflecting the harsh desert sun, refusing to be drawn down to the treacherous ground.
(Koton: Druid) Steel Release: Druid
Rank: A
Type:Supplementary
Range:Short
Chakra Cost: 30
Damage Points: 60
Description: This i one of the more complex applications of steel release based on the impervious armor. With which you turn your body to steel. In this more advanced application, not only do you become steel but you use it in combination with shape manipulation to create a steel transformation jutsu as such. In doing this you will activate this technique turning your body to steel but reshaping it to become the animal of your choice, as is the tradition with druid, which gives this jutsu it's name. In becoming these animals you would take on their traits as such, for example, if you were to transform into a steel bird, through chakra control you'd be able to fly. If you were to transform into a cheetah you would be able to run on all 4 legs with perfect balance. If you were to take on the form of a snake you would be able to slide along the ground like a snake. You would move at the speed of a normal animal and take on it's size depending on the animal. With this application, the user can't turn into mythical creatures. The user would have A rank steel defense and be able to use earth fire and steel jutsu while this is active, though this would make them more vulnerable to lightning. It can be done in an instant quickly reshaping to adapt to the situation. A drawback is, the user wouldn't be able to use handseals if he became something like a snake. But if he became a monkey, he would be able to do so with his hands. The transformation lasts for up to 3 turns or until canceled and can be used 3 times per match.
Kaito, growing impatient, roared, "Coward! Come down and face me!" His arrogance, a mirror of Orelieo's, was his undoing. Angel, now moving at incredible speed, saw the opening. Kaito was too focused on the insult, too confident in his environmental control. Angel descended in a blur, reforming just meters from Kaito in response would activate his lava armour. Before Kaito could react, Angel unleashed his most powerful Steel technique, but with a new intent. No longer for retreat, but for capture.
(Yoton: Maguma no Yori) - Lava Release: Magma Armor
Type: Defensive/Offensive
Rank: A
Range: Short
Chakra: 30
Damage: N/A (-20 if direct contact occurs)
Description: Roshi envelops his entire body in a thin coating of magma that enhances the damage of their taijutsu, as it allows them to burn objects through simple physical contact, due to the extreme heat generated by the molten rock. In addition to the damage it can inflict, the armour also acts as deterrent towards those who wish to engage Roshi directly.
Note: The armor remains active for three turns.
Thousands of razor-sharp steel shards erupted from Angel's body, spinning horizontally, forming a tornado of blades with Angel at its epicenter. The blades expanded outwards, trapping Kaito in a whirling cage of cutting steel. The sudden speed and volume of the blades were too much for Kaito's limited Lava Armor. The blades whipped around Kaito, tearing at his armor, forcing him to focus all his chakra on defense as he body was shredded from the steel blades. His arrogance had left him vulnerable. In that split second, while Kaito was overwhelmed and confined, Angel located a weak point in Kaito's defence.
(Koton: Ken-Arashi) - Steel release: Blade Storm
Type:Attack/Defense
Rank: Forbidden
Range:Short-Long (made short)
Chakra:50
Damage:90 (-20 damage to the user)
Description: This is one of the strongest steel jutsu know so far. The user will release a huge burst of steel chakra from their body outwards in a large surge, and as the chakra leaves their body it takes the form of thousands of razor blades. This blades are extremely sharp and spin horizontally for extra cutting power. They are released in all directions, if the user is in the air they will be released downwards aswell going in all directions to long range. As the blades are released outwards and are rotating they swirl around the user rotating around him as they expand ourwards in the form of a tornado of razor blades made of steel with the user at the epicenter. This technique has the added power of them spinning around the user as they push outwards able to level small towns and forests destroying all in it's path (within rank reason.)
Note: Useable once
Note: No jutsu above A rank next turn
Note: Only Fire, earth, steel elemental jutsu in this turn and the next
Note: The strain of this jutsu halves the users movement speed for this turn and the next
Kaito overwhelmed and not focused on Angel, Angel would take the decisive decision to land the final blow, controlling the steel further he would manipulate it to become fluid liquid allowing it to amass around Kaito. This still being solid would entrap him under hot molten steel. frying him underneath the steel liquid and undoing his barrier he erected to intercept the caravan and ambush it. The path to the Badlands Trades Reserve was clear. Angel stood over the defeated Kaito, his past transgressions not erased, but finally addressed. He had not fled. He had learned. He had adapted.
(Koton: Sui Ko) Steel Release: Fluid Steel
Rank: A
Type: Attack/Defense
Range:Short-long
Chakra Cost: 30
Damage Points: N/a
Description: This is quite a unique version of steel release using precise chakra control to execute it. The user will release their chakra into steel they control and change it's density. Unlike other jutsu this doesn't apply heat to do so, but instead an extreme chakra control while thinking of the flow of water release. It will almost look like mercury which is in it's liquid form and through this jutsu the user will control the steel. They will control it using hand gestures pushing the steel around in a fluid like motion, yet it will still be solid, just controlled like it's a fluid. This makes it easier to trap people, but at the same time this has another use.
Note: Useable 4 times, last 3 turns per use but only works on existing steel the user has made or is devoid of chakra.
Note: Changing the shape, direction and other control of a steel construct takes up another jutsu of the users per turn after the initial use of this.
Note: This does not effect the strengths and weaknesses of steel, it's just advanced shape manipulation.
Angel would sprint back to the caravan master and signal it was free to move onwards, the caravan rumbled past the now-open gates, into the safety of the Reserve. Angel had completed the contract and, more importantly, proven his growth since Forskellig.
Shin appears finally in the Ninja World at the Ninja World Marketplace. He starts going around to get information on this world to understand where he is at and what he is for.
