The Southern Mire is known as one of the more wild and untamed areas of the region and a wide range of animals make their home here, along with the more dangerous creatures such as poisonous spiders and even larger predators like alligators and the rare giant snake. Much of the Southern Mire is mostly uninhabited due to the dangers of the region, though it is often visited by the hunters of the Eastern Mire who hunt game in the area. Outside of the riverbanks, where the vast majority of the area’s population live in floating villages or port towns, a few small camps exist, offering a relatively safe haven for hunters or explorers. They are usually found above ground level in small, treehouse-like structures.
The Southern Mire. The area of the Ninja World that Kurama and the white tigers had called home for the longest time, for it was as wild and feral as they were. Bones extended from her fingertips and tips of her toes as faux 'claws' she landed on a nearby tree where she had traced the large roar to its source. Below Kurama, she saw her old friend, Tigrerra, the queen of the white tigers, with some of her followers, combating a small group of monstrous alligators. Tigrerra, due to her size, was easily able to fend off most of the creatures, and her legion followed suit teaming up against the predators. Tigrerra let out a great roar once more as she was about to finish the last remaining alligator, but before she did, Kurama pounced from her hiding place and pierced the gator's hide with her bone spikes protruding from her body, licking the blood that splashed her face as the beast fell to the ground.
She then roared at the great beast, Tigrerra! I've returned, my friend.
Realizing who had just arrived in their midst, the streak of tigers then knelt before their Empress, as their queen followed suit.
So you have, Empress Kurama. So you have. Tigrerra smiled, motioning the streak to carve their latest kills for their enjoyment. Kurama sat before the gigantic white tiger, devouring the alligators' meat with her and the rest of the ambush. So, what brings you back to the Southern Mire? I thought you were hiding out on San'indo helping your uncle.
I was, Kurama said as she tore through another piece of meat, ...but then I decided that life really wasn't for me. Things have gotten better over yander though. Some guys came and made a small clan there, and made plenty of improvements...I even joined them for a bit, until...things went downhill, and I realized societal life wasn't for me. You know that I was always more of a wild child anyway. San'indo is fine, but now I've returned to roam the lands with you once more my friend. You know, like we used to. She gulped, finishing the meat she had been eating.
If that is what my Empress desires, so it shall be. To be honest, I was starting to get tired of the same old prey here anyway. Let's be off. The tigers can handle themselves I'm sure; they won't have to worry knowing you've returned to us, Kurama. Tigrerra growled, finishing her fill as well.
The streak of tigers finished their portions of their hunt and departed from them. Kurama mounted Tigrerra and continued to a new land.
The Southern Mire - an uninviting place, where most people tend to avoid or simply use to pass as a last resort. Grey was happy to be here though. He had just completed a daring heist and was unsure of weather or not he was followed here. Did they even know he was the one who stole the amulet? Panic creeped in and this seemed like perfect spot to hide for awhile, before reuniting with Jhin and his sword Hyourinmaru. Furthermore he really needed a rest and to tend to his wounds he sustained in battle. Any towns and places where people would see him were off limits. He needed to be alone for awhile. On to the task of setting up camp and then hopefully rest for as long as necessary.
Using his ninjutsu he could easily build a camp, a comfy bed, but he was paranoid he was being followed. Altering the terrain with earth style techniques would only lead the troops at his doorstep. With ninjutsu off limits, it had to be done the old fashioned way. First he had to pick a spot. He moved carefully through the patches of mud, trying not to get tripped in one, while watching for any signs of the notorious predators he had heard lurked around. Last thing he needed was an encounter with an alligator or snake, though he had heard snakes were tasty.
After walking for awhile and scanning the area, he found a cluster of sturdy trees woven together by thick vines. This had to be it. Wasn't gonna be comfortable, but it would be safe from most predators and with enough concealment, it would appear as if he was never there.
Focusing chakra in his feet, he began climbing the tree, each step painful due to the bruised ribs. Once he reached a suitable branch, he focused more chakra in his feet to "lock" himself in place while also balancing and began to weave together some of the strong vines hanging nearby. Soon, a small platform was made from sturdy branches and strong vines that were tied together for support. The vines were flexible, but thick ensuring the structure could bear his weight.
Next step was making this as comfortable as possible. He scavenged for whatever materials he could find, mainly moss and leaves to create bedding of some sort. The thick layer of green he created, provided the much needed cushioning on the otherwise hard and bumpy platform. He laid down for a moment to see if it was up to his standards and it was. He almost dozed off for a moment, when he remembered much more work needed to be done. He quickly grabbed a few leafy branches and tied them around a meter above his head to the furthest point of the platform, providing stealth and cover from the winds.
Once he had settled his bedding, Grey turned his attention to protection. He set up a thirty meter perimeter around the tree. Going around the perimeter, he drove into the ground sticks he had gathered, at two meter intervals. In between the stakes, he strung additional vines and loosely hung various items from his pack: a few empty cans, old rope, and any other piece of debris he could find, as well as 6 bell rings he had kept from previous campsites. The clanging sound of these items would serve as a warning system, alerting him if something approached his camp.
Once all was done, Grey climbed the tree and laid down. He wished he could look at the stars but the leafy branches he had put above him were obscuring his view of the night sky. He contemplating removing them, but his paranoia someone could see him made him leave them be. He took one final look at the amulet he stole the day before, that had put him in this predicament. "It was worth it" thought Grey as he put the amulet in his pocket, shut his eyes and went to sleep.
Mission: Deal with a traumatic event from your past (B)
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As the sun came up, the first rays of light went through the leafy branches that covered Grey's shelter, eventually landing on his face. Grey woke up with a smile, that quickly turned into a wince after trying to move and feeling the pain in his ribs. Then came anger. How could he let that brute beat him up like that?! He clenched his fist as he got up, attempting not to shed a tear from the pain. One thing was certain: He was not ready to go on the move. "Ah, one more day in this shithole" though Grey as he pushed aside some of the branches to reveal the mediocre landscape before him.
Throughout the morning, Grey took it easy, resting and allowing his body to heal. He would occasionally climb up to higher branches, allowing him to scout a larger area for threats. No soul was around, just deafening silence, capable of maddening even the strongest of spirits. By afternoon hunger had settled in. He knew he needed nourishment to regain his strength, so he climbed down and started looking. He spotted an alligator a little down the road, but the thought of having to carry it with his painful ribs made him keep looking. As he moved cautiously through the foliage, he managed to spot two small snakes basking in the sun on a nearby rock. Two kunai to their heads was all it took and dinner was secured.
Grey returned back to camp and found a dry patch of earth, perfect for making fire. He gathered several rocks and placed them in circle to make sure the fire doesn't spread to the vegetation around. Without the ability to use Katon, fire had to be made the old fashioned way. He always hated that. Not only because it was hard, but also because he feared getting near the hot flames. As a child, Grey had sparred with a visiting boy from another village, whose mastery of Fire style technique was unlike anything he had ever seen at the time. The flames were fierce and formidable, easily melting through Grey's ice defenses and leaving him with severe burns. From that moment on, a deep-seated fear of fire took root within him. Yet, he still had to use fire sometimes to cook his meals and survive.
Grey collected small twigs, dry leaves, and some bark from fallen trees and arranged them in a pyramid shape. He took out his flint and struck it with a rock, trying to catch a spark. It took him several attempts, but a spark did fly, igniting the dry leaves and by carefully blowing on it, the fire grew. Skinning the snakes and cleaning them was easy work and soon after they were impaled on sharpened sticks and placed to cook.
Grey stood by the fire, placing his palms forwards to keep warm. At first he was paranoid someone might see the flames, but the complete silence soon made him forget about it. He stood there watching the flames cast their light at the surroundings; the smell of burning flesh filled his nostrils. He didn't realize how it happened, but soon memories came rushing back with vivid clarity.
He found himself transported to his childhood, training under the stern gaze of his father. He remembered the way the snowflakes would touch his shoulders, turning into water from his warm skin. Grey's father was strong and imposing, a man who would not tolerate weakness. "My son will not be afraid of Fire!" he would say as he would press a torch against Grey's skin. "My son will be Strong!" But instead of strength, all Grey felt was fear and pain.
He could recall the flames burning his skin, leaving marks on his arms, shoulders and soul. With every flare of fire his father summoned, Grey learned to associate flames with a sense of dread. He was just a kid, yet had to endure such monstrosities in the name of what? Strength? He couldn't understand his father's methods, not to this day.
The warmth of the campfire now felt suffocating. Panic gripped him as memories surged forth. He felt his breath quicken, and his heart raced as he struggled to calm himself. "Breathe, just breathe," he whispered to himself, fighting against the wave of emotions. He closed his eyes, clinched fist, rocking his body back and forth. Memories were racing one after another - a younger version of himself trying to crawl back; his father placing a torch on his shoulder; tears dripping down as screams echoed throughout the mountains. But deep down, what hurt him the most was the feeling he was weak; disappointing his father, even though he was torturing him.
"Deep breaths, deep breaths.." Grey kept saying to himself over and over again. It didn't help. The panic attack was so severe, he was now at the verge of unconsciousness. He needed his nervous system suppressed. One thing that would calm him down was his mother's hug, but she was miles away. He couldn't muster hand signs at this state to summon a companion to comfort him either. In a desperate attempt, he unclenched his fists and wrapped his arms around himself, trying to squeeze himself as hard as he could. He kept rocking back and forth, but with every squeeze he would slow down, his heartrate too.
At the same time, other memories started flooding in, ones where he and his father would share a hug that would seemingly last a lifetime. He remembered laughing with his father over a glass of ale, the early training sessions where he would teach him Ice jutsus without the weight of expectation hanging overhead. He remembered his father's smile. The image stood at the top of his head for awhile, slightly moving in slow motion. His father wasn't a sadist, nor did he enjoy torturing his son. Maybe all this time, Grey had misunderstood him and this torturous training session.
With each deep breath, Grey tried to return to the present. He was looking at the fire, but does he actually see the fire for what it was? Did he see what his father wanted him to see? Were his father's methods rooted in love, instead of cruelty?
He no longer rocked back and forth. His breathing was slowing down. "Father, I've hated you for so long because of this. Did you really do that out of love?" If only someone could have given him the answer. One thing became clear though - this trauma had to be dealt with. Grey's expression changed. Tears were no longer falling down his cheeks. His eyes glared not in fear or sadness, but determination.
It was about time he pass the test given by his dad, Grey took out a burning piece of wood from the fire. Ironically it quite resembled the one his father used. He put it close to his shoulder, the light from the fire revealing the scars he already had there. "One, two three" The fire touched Grey's skin, causing him excruciating pain. He opened his mouth to scream but successfully resisted the urge. His breathing fastened again, but the panic didn't flood in, nor did any memories this time. He threw the log back as he watched his wound, horrifying smell of burnt skin coming out of it.
Grey closed his eyes. The pain was sharp but oddly grounding, as if it shattered the chains of fear that had bound him for so long. He put his palm next to the burn and channelled his ice chakra. A wave of chilling energy enveloped his arm. As the ice cascaded over the burn, it numbed the pain and soothed the angry flesh beneath. And then it hit him. "That was it, dad..."
In that moment of clarity, he understood the true lesson his father had tried to teach him. In the end it wasn't about fire. It was about overcoming the fears in his heart, through strength and determination. The fire was one of the many things Grey had feared growing up, but in his father's lesson it was a tool. An obstacle for Grey to overcome to become stronger. "Thank you dad" whispered Grey as he looked into the sky, hoping his father's watching.
Mission: Win a fight without your ninjutsu (S)
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The first rays of the sun hit the ugly landscape, as Grey was preparing to leave. The distant songs of birds were the only sounds around him as he packed away his belongings and started walking. This unforgiving and dark place would forever remain in his hearth, as this is where he finally confronted his inner demons and won. He stopped to take one last look at his makeshift camp, before heading out for good. As Grey turned around, his heart dropped into the pit of his stomach. There, just a few steps away, stood a tall man, holding a Katana. Grey's pulse quickened, a rush of fear coursing through him. The worst part was, he didn't sense him, nor did he hear him. All the traps and alerts he had laid around camp had proven useless, as the man had bypassed all of them. Their eyes met for a brief moment. Before Grey could say anything the man pushed off, closing the distance in an instant. With a swing of his katana he attempted to decapitate Grey, no questions asked.
Grey ducked at the last possible moment, narrowly escaping the lethal arc of the sword, but the man was swift and fast. He retaliated with a kick that caught Grey off-guard, sending him flying backward, crashing onto the ground. As instinct kicked in, Grey’s hands twitched, desperately trying to form hand seals for a jutsu. But the samurai was quicker, a blur of motion as he executed a sharp, vertical slash aimed straight for Grey’s chest. The realization hit him like a cold wave: there wasn’t enough time to use ninjutsu. In a split second, Grey rolled to the right, narrowly evading the deadly arc of the blade. He quickly scrambled to his feet; the adrenaline rushing over him as the man sheathed his weapon.
Grey didn't have his trusted sword - Hyourinmaru with him so he channelled his Hyouton chakra in order to create a sword made of ice. His opponent reacted faster. In an instant, the man drew his katana in one seamless motion. The blade flashed in the scorching sun and Grey's instincts screamed for him to move. He pushed off the ground, attempting to create distance and finish forming his ice sword, but it was too late. The tip of the katana sliced through the air and met Grey’s chest with piercing precision. Pain shot through him as the blade left a shallow yet stinging wound, blood seeping from the cut and staining his shirt.
( Iaidō ) - Art of Quick Draw and re-sheathing the sword
Rank: A - Forbidden
Type: Offensive / Defensive
Range: Short
Chakra: 30 - 50
Damage: 60 - 90
Description: Iaidō is a form of kenjutsu where the user utilizes his chakra to quickly draw the blade extremely fast to strike before re-sheathing it. This method prevents enemies from using hand seals, thus preventing them from using Ninjutsu, making it highly effective against ninja. At A rank, this technique is capable of preventing more than 2 Hand Seals from being chained together. S rank prevents from than one seal from being completed while Forbidden ranked usage is capable of preventing even one handseal but can only be used twice a battle.
Note: Can only be used by Samurai biographies.
Note: A rank can only be used three times while S rank can only be used twice.
Realization hit him hard as the man completed the motion by sheeting his katana. This wasn't a shinobi he was facing. He was up against a Samurai. With the realization came a great amount of pain, though he was sure the adrenaline prevented him from feeling a large portion of it. With ninjutsu out of the way, Grey needed something to help him keep up with the samurai's speed and he needed it fast as the samurai pushed of once again. Grey quickly unlocked his clear state of mind, eliminating the fear he had been feeling so far. With his reaction speed doubled, Grey drew a kunai and intercepted the horizontal slash motion the samurai was performing. The sound of clinging metal shocked the samurai, as if he had thought this was gonna be the killing blow.
( Sempai Oshie: Roku Sacchi ) Elder teachings: Sixth Sense
Type: Supplementary
Rank: S
Range: Short
Chakra cost: ( -10 per turn to keep active )
Damage points: N/A
Description: Elder teachings: Sixth Sense is a skill known only to those who have achieved mastery in meditation and fighting arts. The user unlocks the Sixth Sense, which is also known as a clear state of mind where the user eliminates the factors clouding the mind such as fear and regret, thus allowing the user to be able to increase their reaction to incoming Taijutsu attacks and not fear death, making the user possible to react fast to the attacks. This increases the user's reaction speed by x2, giving them heightened senses to attacks.
Note: Can only be used two times
Note: Lasts four turns
Grey’s focus sharpened. He took a step back, gauging his opponent’s stance, searching for an opening. The samurai was relentless though. In a feint, he lunged left, then quickly pivoted right, swinging his katana at Grey's neck. He could see the movement and could read through it, but to his surprise he was slower. The blade was going to connect. A hit to the jugular would be lethal. Only thing Grey could do was minimise the damage. He tried to push himself off the ground with his foot in order to create some distance, while bringing his shoulder up to protect his neck. A sharp pain shot into his arm, causing him to wince as he stumbled back, trying to regain his balance.
Three problems stood before Grey. One - even though he could see through the attacks, he wasn't fast enough. Two - he didn't posses a sword to battle the samurai. And three - with the two wounds he sustained, he needed to end this quickly. Channelling chakra into his feet, Grey pumped his muscles making them faster and stronger as he pushed backwards, creating some much needed distance. Grey also loosened his stance and drew a plan in his mind as he awaited the samurai's response. He didn't wait much as the samurai pivoted his body to face Grey. His hand holding the sword was already fully extended to the side. As Grey had hoped, the samurai made a fast step forward while performing an inwards horizontal slash motion, attempting to decapitate Grey. Though this time he was ready. The samurai had underestimated Grey's capabilities by going for the same decapitation horizontal attack. With his loosened stance, Grey let his body, almost in a clumsy unpredictable way drop backwards, bending his torso while placing his left hand on the ground to prevent him from falling there, narrowly avoiding the katana. His plan had worked. Grey smirked as his right foot exteneded upwards with lightning speed, kicking the samurai's wrist that was holding the sword. The force of the impact was severe. Grey could hear a bone shattering as the sword was sent flying into the air. With his hand on the ground and leg in the air, Grey pushed off almost in a stumbly way, completing the ugly back flip as he landed on his right foot.
Freestyle art Power legs = Furīāto Pawā ashi
Type: Supplementary
Rank: A
Range: Self
Chakra Cost: 30
Damage Points: N/A
Description: The first stage of the leg empowering freestyle tech, the user focuses big amounts of chakra into his legs, this technique allows the user to temporarily increase the strength in his legs, by pumping the muscles and tissue full of concentrated chakra. This technique gives the user 10+ damage to all Taijutsu, which involves using his legs, and a boost of speed, equal to Lee without weights. This technique does have some drawbacks, when it ends, the user will have used a big amount of power in his legs, making them weaker.
Notes:
• Can only be used twice per match.
• Lasts for three turns.
• After it ends, the user has -5 damage to all his Taijutsu, for the rest of the battle.
• No A-ranked or higher techniques in the next turn.
• Can only use two moves in the next turn
• Can only be taught by ZeroGarra.
(Suiken) - Drunken Fist
Rank: C
Type: Attack
Range: Short
Chakra Cost: N/A
Damage Points: 30
Description: This unusual taijutsu style is a unique style of combat Drunken Fist Fighters become human powerhouses who'll strike unpredictability, with no inhibitions, an explosive fury and without any second thoughts about their actions. The user can either make themselves drunk or imitate the method by use of swaying and uneven balance on their feet to attack their opponents a total of 12 variant attacks.
The Drunken Fist and the speed from the power legs caught the Samurai off guard. He was holding his hand, eyes wide open as the shock of what had happened was settling in. He noticed the sword landing on the ground a few meters beside the two men. As he glanced at the sword Grey was already moving. In a burst of speed he quickly appeared behind the samurai, delivering a powerful kick to his right side that sent him flying away from the sword. "We are going to end this, the old fashioned way. No swords on ninjutsu..." said Grey angrily as his opponent got up.
The samurai was far from defeated. In a surge of adrenaline, he lunged forward, tackling Grey to the ground. They rolled through the dirt, grappling fiercely, the samurai trying to regain control. Both parties were delivering punches left and right, blood dripping from both faces. In the entire scuffle, Grey managed to focus some chakra in his forehead to make it extra hard and slammed it onto the samurai's jaw. His upper incisors flew; one even got stuck to Grey's forehead. This only seemed to angry the samurai even more. He was now on top of Grey and was sending a barriage of punches at the Yuki ninja's face. The punishing blows made Grey’s vision blur momentarily. Pinned beneath the samurai’s weight, he felt the desperation beginning to kick in even though he had activated his sixth sense.
The man leaned closer with intent on delivering the final blow. Summoning every ounce of strength still left within him, Grey twisted his body, shifting his weight just enough to shift the balance. As he pushed upward, the samurai faltered for a moment, caught off guard, allowing Grey to break free. They scrambled to their feet, but the samurai was quicker, seizing Grey’s arm and pulling him back down with a punch to the face.
The man was once again on top of Grey, sending a ferocious barrage of punches to Grey's face. Everything was starting to blur; darkness was coming for Grey. But just as everything was starting to turn dark, an image appeared before Grey. It was a memory of his sister - Maria. He could still see her bright smile, the way she looked up to him with trusting eyes, filled with hope and admiration. He remembered their childhood games, and the promise he made to always protect her, to always come back home. Yet here he was, on the brink of death, unable to keep that promise.
With a surge of emotion, Grey tapped into the depths of his willpower. "I won’t let this end here," he thought fiercely, summoning every ounce of determination he had. “Not like this.” His fists clenched tightly, ready to fight back with newfound energy.
"Little sister, I will come home!"
( Muneisei Za chuushin ) - Will Power of the Heart
Type: Supplementary
Rank: S
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 40 ( -30 per turn )
Damage points: ( +45 to taijutsu techniques )
Description: The user will use this when they are at death's door with dying thoughts where they believe that there was something they didn't quite accomplish. Then by using sheer willpower, they manage to pull themselves together long enough to accomplish that goal, providing the user with extra power due to the sheer determination of the heart of the user. This jutsu provides +45 damage points to all Taijutsu techniques.
Note: Lasts 3 turns and can only be used once
Note: User must defeat the enemy in the 3 turns or they die due to depletion of energy
In a last desperate act, Grey acted on instinct. Turning his willpower into strength, he lunged forward between the barrage of fists coming at him, his teeth finding the exposed flesh of the samurai's neck. The bite was fierce and primal, fueled by the sheer willpower to survive, for his sister's sake. The samurai’s eyes widened in shock, his grip faltering as he realized what was happening. Grey sank his teeth deeper, feeling the warm rush of blood as he tore through the jugular vain. The samurai gasped in agony as blood was shooting from his neck in all directions.
Grey could feel the samurai's strength waning; his hands fell down. In his final moments, the samurai looked up at the sky, the sun shining onto his face for one last time. Grey didn't have time to ask or even think - who was he? What was he after? Could all of this have been avoided?
Panting, Grey pulled away, the taste of iron filling his mouth as he stared at the fallen warrior. With adrenaline still rushing over him, he knew he had to move fast and find a healer. Thankfully he knew where to look.
Start of custom mission: Find a healer and convince her/him to heal you. (B)
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The sun glared at Grey's bloody face as he realized time was of the essence. He had taken quite a bit of damage from the samurai and had to find a healer quickly. He got up on his feet and started walking but soon realized he wouldn't get very far. He needed to focus. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, drawing in a steadying breath. The vision of his sister, Mira, flashed in his mind again. He couldn’t let her down. Not now. Grey crouched low as he formed five hand seals. Using his blood he whispered in pain "Kuchyose no Jutsu"
A large wolverine appeared before him. One of his most trusted companions over the years. Aki was the only kind-hearted wolverine that didn't hold a grudge against shinobi and was Grey's favorite. As she saw him she spoke in a soft and concerned tone: "Grey-san. What happened? What can I do?" She always worried about Grey too much. But this time for a reason. "Ah this bloody mess you mean? Just a scratch." said Grey with a slight chuckle on his face as he wobbled towards her, grabbing her dense scarlet fur in the last second, before almost falling to the ground. "I will need you to take me to a healer though. Can you push me up? I don't think I can climb"
(Kuzuri Kuchyose no Jutsu:Aki)-Wolverine Summoning Technique:Aki
Type: Supplementary
Rank: S
Range: Short
Chakra: 40
Damage: N/A
Description: Aki is a female wolverine about the same size as Katsuyu, she is very kind-hearted and very eager to help those close to her whenever possible. She has thick scarlet fur, sharp fangs and very powerfull claws. Aki has a wind affinity wich lets her use wind techniques up to A-rank and for techniques that need hand seal she ''charges'' up the techniques in her mouth the same amount of time it will take to perform the hand seals. If Aki happens to use Atsugai (Pressure Damage) in battle, insted of letting the blast explode right in front of her she can blow it out more, missile-like but once in contact with the target it will take the same effects as a normal Atsugai keeping herself safe from her own attack. Also Aki has a very sharp sense of hearing, she's able to hear the slightest sound and know inmediatly where did it came from.
Note: Aki can stay in the field for 4 turns.
Note: Can only be summoned once per battle.
Note: Must have signed the Wolverine Contract held by Ryuji.
Aki grabbed Grey and placed him on top of her. "Where to Grey-san?" her voice ever so concerned. "We ride North-East. The Eastern Mire is not far." said Grey as he tightened his grip around her fur.
They raced through the ugly terrain; each stride of the wolverine sending jolts of pain through Grey’s body. But he was determined to find help and soon return to his sister.
