Picking the Bones

Taishi would look around, his eyes focused on the skyscrapers. They were easily seen from pretty far away considering their size, and Taishi wasn’t quite sure what they were. Never before had he seen such large buildings, completely baffled at how… excessive they were. Who needed a building that large, let alone several of them? The brute would ponder this to himself before pointing at the largest skyscraper and adding in a, “Ya think they were compensating for something?” before cracking a grin. The wandering brute would walk right through the unmanned gates, wasting little time in his search for treasure of some sort. He would constantly utilize his sensory technique, hoping to avoid having a skirmish that he was caught off guard for. His cloak would surround him, his hands hidden beneath it with clear access to his weapon if the need arose.
 
This former village of Tengakure no Sato felt not only deserted, but also so foreign compared to everywhere else he had been. Each place had its own unique features, but most of those were natural wonders created by the earth itself. These hulking buildings were lifted from the ground by man, and didn’t really feel like they belonged here. Despite years without being operational the place was holding up fairly well, though nature was beginning to reclaim what had rightfully belonged to it. Plants were beginning to grow up through the manmade structures, some vegetation climbing its way up the base of the giant towering buildings.
 
“Too many buildings to search ‘em all. Probably gotta pick a couple to check out unless we plan on having an extended stay here.” The grey brute would find his gaze seeking out the building that might have been the most important… the building of the old village kage. “My money is on the good stuff being where the ruler stayed.” He would add to the others, his meaning clear. He had no idea what one of these buildings would house the kage’s office, but his gut was telling him to check out the tallest building. “You think it’s the big one?” He would ask, seeking input from the others.


WC: 360

Levi would follow behind the grey brute as they were entering the village of Tengakure no Sato, at least if it could still be called like that. There weren't any more signs of life, let alone people around. Once a village but now left in ruins. The completely deserted place made for quite the unique atmosphere. With every street and house abandoned Levi thought it had a certain charm in its own way. He wouldn't recommend it to anyone as a must see when they would visit Moon Country, but the place had its own beauty. The Nara wouldn't mind having something like this as a hideout, but he knew he wouldn't be able to afford such a place by himself.

As they were making their way through the village he would then listen to Taishi's suggestion of picking a couple of buildings to check out in order to save time. It was true that if they'd inspect every single one of them they would have to hang around way too long. And with the city in complete ruins he doubted that treasure would be laying around everywhere. The former inhabitants of Tengakure no Sato probably took all of their valuables when they were forced to leave, but they might have forgotten some since they might have been in a rush. It would have been impossible for them to take everything with them when the escape had to happen so fast, so Levi was hoping they had left something behind.

The grey brute suggested they should take a look at the old building where the Kage used to reside. Out of all places that might be the one where they could find something of worth. "I've never been into the Kage chambers before." During his life as a shinobi Levi never had the chance of finding himself in the most important building of the village. It was kind of ironic that all he had to do was become a missing nin in order to end up at a place like that. The Nara would agree with Taishi's idea. "Sounds like a plan." Levi would wait for Ryal's approval before he would start to head for the old Kage's building. 

(WC: 369)

So far so good. Ryal thought as he scanned the area for any chakra signatures during their quiet walk over. Taishi was the first to make a comment about their new surroundings, though he couldn’t put his finger on it, the Shinkou agreed and let the grey-ish brute know it. “Something definitely.” The blue haired male would reply looking at where his partner was pointing, if they were gonna find anything of value it’d likely be there. After walking through the gates and looking in a few empty windows and doorways the Ishi suggested they pick a few buildings to search. Ryal nodded, an extended stay wasn’t ideal and he preferred to avoid it at all costs. Even if there weren’t so many places to look the golden eyed god was skeptical about the strength of these towers, who knew how long it’d been since they were maintained, they could very easily come crashing down with one wrong move. “Same.” He’d reply when Taishi spoke about the ruler’s area. Levi mentioned that he’d never been in a kage’s chambers, the Shinkou hadn’t either but the place he was born didn’t have one so it didn’t really matter. “That would also be the best place for survivors and squatters to set up base.” He cautioned the group before going on. “We should search the surrounding buildings for traps before heading straight for the biggest one.” He’d wait to hear his comrades' response before they split up.

WC: 245

Taishi would scratch his head and let out a grunt and nod of approval at Ryal, “Huh, I guess I am rustier than I thought. See this is why we make such a good team. That possibility didn’t even cross my mind. My dumb ass would have fallen right into an ambush if there is one!” He would shake his head and smile, realizing just how foolish he had almost been. “Searching the ones around it seems like the best plan, so I’m in. There is strength in numbers, so I recommend not spreading too thin or allowing us to get cut off from one another. If any of us get into trouble we should regroup in the street down there. I'll watch through the windows when I pass them.” Despite his bulk, Taishi was pretty good at moving around when you consider that the earth itself moves to allow him to pass. Of course, he wasn’t sure what impact on his capabilities this strange village would have. Would he be able to pass through the ground as easily here as anywhere else? He’d just give a shrug. He really doubted that any earth could resist him, why would this be any different?
 
Taishi would follow the lead of the others if they were all on the same page and would make his way to one of the nearby buildings. Despite nature reclaiming some of the village, the buildings are holding up exceptionally well. He would still be utilizing his sensory and force his way into the first building. Surprisingly, there was still lighting in the buildings (or at least this one), likely a remnant of this places history. The brute would have his hand resting on his blades handle, ready to strike at any foolish enough to try and attack the greyish brute. The building was massive, far larger than anyone could possibly need. This floor alone could house a whole extended family and they would all fit comfortably. Why would anyone build something like this? Taishi would question this as he wandered about, searching for anything that looked valuable or useful in any way. Sadly it seemed that they cleared it out as they left, since there is nothing but junk left behind. There were also no signs of life, though it was a large building and this was only the first floor. The brute imagined he would be capable of feeling out the chakra of someone on the floor above him as well, but that depended a great deal on just how powerful their chakra presence was, and whether or not they were masking it.
 
“I guess I’ll check the second floor,” the man would mutter almost silently to himself. His mind would shift to the others, wondering whether they had found anything noteworthy. This building so far seems like a dud.

WC: 475

The Nara had already decided to follow his two companions no matter their decision. He was already glad they had made it this far. If the three of them would come across some hidden treasure, all the better. It would certainly make for a nice little bonus. Before they would head to the old Kage's building, Ryal suggested it would be wise to check the surrounding ones first in case there were hidden traps in those places. "That makes sense." Levi agreed with the note that one of his two partners in crime made and from what he could tell it seemed that Taishi would be in agreeance as well.

The grey brute would recommend for them to stay close to each other in case one of them ran into trouble. Levi saw how Taishi entered one of the buildings so he decided to enter the one next to it. "There better be no frickin mice." He would look around him one more time before he would finally set foot in the abandoned building that used to be god knows what. His sensory active as a precaution he took in case he wasn't the only one present. He figured it would just be his luck if he would be the one to run into some thieves or other dangerous individuals. 

He would check every corner, not missing a single spot, but unfortunately he wasn't able to find anything that may be of some worth. At least not on this floor, which meant he would have to take the stairs, as if he hadn't walked around enough already. Wondering if maybe the others had more luck he made his way to the second floor. His sensory still active he wasn't able to pick up any other chakra presences so at least he had that going for him. Levi was in no mood to deal with some bullshit gangsters residing in the building he was checking. But for now things were pretty calm, unfortunately the same could be said about any valuables. 

(WC: 340, TWC: 709)

Ryal gave Taishi a firm pat on the shoulder to reassure him as the latter was feeling a way about almost charging headfirst into an ambush. “It’s easy to forget the basics when you get used to being around people whose mere presence is enough to stop the toughest guy in their tracks.” He added to let him know it was ok, everyone makes mistakes. “Now that you mention it there is a jutsu that can help us keep in touch no matter the distance.” The blue haired male would then perform four hand seals. “I simply need to touch the back of one of your ears and we can communicate telepathically. However, while I’ll be able to reach both of you, you two won’t be able to talk to each other.” Ryal would wait for them to think it over and then apply the seal to whoever asked for it. Following that the three would separate, the building Ryal ended up in was rather dusty. A few cracks in the floor and walls but it seemed to be sturdy enough, even the furniture looked like it had a few good years left in it. Not that he was going to test it, the subtle sound of its collapse could be a silent alarm. Walking to the back of the room he was surprised to meet what looked like the end of his investigation but that didn’t sit right with the Shinkou. Sure this building wasn’t as tall as the others but it at least had one more floor. Looking up to examine the ceiling he would notice that the hole appeared deliberate yet there were no stairs in sight. I guess this means that someone did or does live here. He thought to himself before taking a breath and jumping up to the next story. His landing wouldn’t be audible due to the chakra cushioning his feet.

Although he was still unable to sense any foreign chakra the golden eyed god still had his guard up. There were a couple of broken picture frames on the floor of the hall he stood in along with three doors. Being that the lower level was a living room and kitchen combo one of these doors had to be the bathroom so he wouldn’t need to search all three. Entering the first room he’d go directly to the dresser looking for any leftover jewelry hidden inside. Nothing, he sighed and moved on to the closet. Maybe there were some expensive materials or jewels sewn on. Another bust, with a single arm he flipped the mattress over hoping to find money, slid underneath or stuffed inside. Well, this was boring, perhaps his friends were having better luck, the blue haired male would test the new jutsu had either of them accepted it. I’ve got one last room to check. He thought before entering what was once a child’s room, he definitely didn’t expect to find anything here. Though he still checked for a piggy bank or expensive toy, not that he would know how to sell a child’s toy.

WC: 516

Taishi would listen as Ryal spoke of it being an easy mistake and to not dwell on it. Taishi would simply nod, knowing that his companion was right. Then the blue haired shinobi would offer up the use of an incredibly useful technique. So with a single seal of Fuinjutsu one can communicate telepathically? How incredible. Such a technique could prove useful not only now, but also the next time they find themselves in trouble with an enemy shinobi. It was no secret that Taishi was adept at moving through the earth itself in order to catch his targets unaware, but the big downside such a tactic had was that there was no way for the brute to communicate with the others in order to coordinate any sort of concentrated offensive. This would fix that right up. “Yeah, I’m up for it. Better to keep in touch than to not.” The grey male would then turn his head, allowing Ryal easy access to touch his head right behind the ear.
 
His search of the first floor of this building had been almost a complete waste of time. There was no signs of any sort of treasures or trinnkets, nor were there any signs of life in this old, run down building.  Taishi would find himself climbing the stairs, keeping his eyes peeled for anything noteworthy, be it an item worth something or a trap designed to ward off any intruders. Nothing. The grey brute would find himself now on the second floor, his senses on high alert as he makes his way in. It wouldn’t seem like this place was left abruptly. The people packed up anything of value before leaving, making this whole ordeal seem less and less worthwhile. As the brute opens some drawers that seemed to be left in one of the bedrooms he hears something behind him. His hand would immediately shift to his knife, his stance now that of a man ready for combat. He had no idea just what he heard behind him, but he had no desire to let an enemy catch him off guard. His chakra sensory didn’t pick anything up, so the assailant must be hiding their chakra presence with some sort of suppression. The brute’s eyes would quickly dart around the room, no enemies to be seen. The sounds of something moving just outside would shift the warrior into gear, his next action to dash out of the room and run down this possibly enemy. If they didn’t engage, it was very possible that they were scouting and now moving to alert the others. Part of him almost wanted the target to escape to get the others, for that meant that he could at least have some fun with them considering the lack of valuables this place had to offer. Of course, he knew that the smart play would be to take out the scout quickly and quietly. That way he could kill any of the others before they know what was going on.
 
Movement out of the corner of his eye would cause Taishi to draw and fling his arm to release a shuriken while keeping his focus on the original target. The quick movements of the hunter would be too fast for his target, and he would tackle it to the ground and nearly slit its throat before realizing his mistake. What he thought to be an enemy was simply a dummy of some sort dressed in some of the discarded clothing found in many of the rooms here. While he recognizes that this was not an enemy, it was surely signs that someone had been here though it was impossible to tell how recently. He would then investigate what his shuriken had hit, and it was nothing more than a large rat.
 
Taishi wasn’t entirely sure how to use this telepathy communication method that Ryal had mentioned, so he would place his hand near his head and think really hard at what he wanted to say to the others. “I have seen no people, but I have found reason to believe people may be here. Keep alert.” The brute would recall that he could only pass this information to Ryal, but he imagined that the man could easily relay that information to Levi. While waiting to hear back from the others, Taishi would stand firm with his blade in hand. He was ready if an enemy made itself known.

WC: 742

As Levi was looking around the second floor of the building he remembered how Ryal explained he had a way to keep in contact with each other even while they were separated. No matter the distance between them, the Shinkou knew of a jutsu that would help the three of them to keep in touch. He simply needed to touch the back of their ears and they could communicate telepathically. The only downside to the technique was that while Ryal would be able to reach both Taishi and Levi, the two of them wouldn’t be able to talk to each other. The Nara agreed with the idea and allowed his companion to place whatever it was he needed on the back of his ear. 

Now that he had found himself on the second floor Levi hoped he would at least find something useful. From what he could tell it looked like there used to be people living here since he was able to spot a refrigerator, a couch, a mattress here and there. But then, there it was, the biggest treasure of them all: a CD player! The Nara would hurry over to see if it would still be working, he figured looking around would be more fun if there was some music playing on the background. To his relief there was even a disk inside, wondering if it was still able to play he pressed the start button.

In the meantime he could hear a voice coming in, he recognized it as Ryal's which meant the telepathy was working. "Roger that." After responding to the Shinkou he would start the music, put the volume up since he figured he was the only one in the building so no one would mind. As a true fan of music Levi would sing along. "I used to think maybe you loved me now baby I'm sure. I'm walking on sunshine, wow! And don't it feel good. Hey, alright now. And don't it feel good, hey." The Nara wasn't aware if the telepathy between Ryal and himself was still active, but if it was then Ryal was able to listen along to the song. 

(WC: 361, TWC 1070)

After explaining the technique Taishi would eagerly agree even going so far as to turn around to make it easier for the Shinkou to place the seal. Levi would follow suit and the three males would depart. Though it was odd, with them all separated it seemed to get even quieter in this ghost town. Perhaps it was all just in the Shinkou’s mind and that’s the real reason he wanted to test out the jutsu. Not because he was uncertain whether he’d done it properly or that the others couldn't figure out how to activate it but because he suddenly, albeit randomly, felt lonely. Luckily he could rule out the last idea after Taishi’s thoughts came through rather loudly. The blue haired male tossed a deflated ball in the air a few times, while crouched in the child’s room as he listened to his partner’s message. However the brute’s mention of reason to believe people other than them might currently be here put Ryal ease a bit. Even though that’s the opposite reaction one should have after hearing that it meant that the imbalance in his feelings just now had a viable reason.

After hearing from the Ishi, Ryal checked in with the Nara. His reply was short, that is until the song began. The golden eyed god couldn’t help but crack a smile. I guess I should’ve mentioned that the telepathy is turned off and on by stopping and starting a flow of chakra to the seal. He’d say to Levi, for now, he could wait to tell Taishi about his volume and after the laugh, he’d also warn the Nara that they had reason to believe they weren’t alone. Hopefully, if Levi’s music was loud enough to be heard the stranger would get scared and run off or better yet it wasn’t at all audible beyond the room he was in. Although that could mean that he wouldn’t be able to hear someone if they approached, Ryal couldn’t be sure how good the Nara’s hearing was. He also hoped that despite his calm tone when warning him, Levi didn’t feel bad about potentially putting them in danger because he had a little fun. When Taishi got embarrassed earlier Ryal felt like a teacher consoling a student or something. It was a little weird, yea he knew he possessed leadership quality Ryal didn’t wanna be the boss of anyone.

Getting back to it Ryal stood and dropped the broken toy on the floor on his way out while shooting Taishi a quick, Understood. He was going to exit the building and head to their meeting spot, letting them know he’d done so upon arrival, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that he should check the bathroom. Approaching the door he immediately noticed that the handle wasn’t as dirty as the others. He then found that the door was locked from the inside, very suspicious. Pulling a kunai from his weapon pouch the male knocked the door down fully prepared for anything. At first glance, nothing seemed out of place until the Shinkou pulled back the shower curtain. There was a pillow and thin blanket in the tub, lifting the blanket caused empty pill bottles to rattle. The blue haired giant sighed, turning to the mirror he opened it to discover more empty bottles tumbling out. He then shook his head, whoever was hold-up here must’ve collected whatever leftover drugs they could find. My house was a complete bust, I’m headed back. He telepathically told his friends before making his exit.

WC: 592

Taishi would hear the scuttling sounds of movement again, his eyes darting to what looked like another rodent. It would seem as though the surplus of food stuffs that were left behind caused this place to develop a community of vermin. Taishi would ease his mind momentarily, focusing in on sounds different than those he attributed to the rats. Nothing. This hauntingly silent remnants of this village were beginning to cause the earthen man to become paranoid it seemed. Better a little on edge and alive than dead, but there was something about this place he couldn’t put his finger on. There were signs of people, likely even after the official residents fled. Why else would there be a dummy set up in clothing as a decoy? Was he reading too much into the situation? Maybe this person designed clothing or something like that… Still the brute would find himself on a razors edge. He would end up grabbing a few handfuls of clothes that looked like they may fit the trio and considered heading up the stairs to the third floor of what must have been an eternally climbing building. That’s when he hears the communication from Ryal that his building was a bust. He would try and flow his chakra into the seal and reply, this time a bit more quietly. He thinks that he was starting to get the hand of using this new method of communication. “All I got were some clothes in decent condition. Tossed some in my bag. May come in handy if we need to look less… well, conspicuous.” He almost laughed at the thought of this. Perhaps the other two could easily change clothes and adopt a new guise, but the large greyish brute was rather unique in appearance. A simple change of clothing wouldn’t hide his greying skin from any keen observer unless he covered himself from head to toe.
 
“I’m on my way to the meeting place now. Won’t take me long.” The brute would then sprint down the staircase towards the base of the building. It was already cleared on his way up, and he doubted that someone got passed him without his notice. In no time flat he would find himself out of the building and meeting with the others at the rendezvous point. “Well, this was a bit of a bust. Judging by what I saw, if there was anything left of note it was probably picked clean long ago.”


The brute would stretch a bit and try to loosen up. He was incredibly tense from all of the false alarms from the vermin littered throughout the building. He couldn’t believe he was saying this, but he was getting worked up over rodents? Sheesh. He would need a drink, so he would pull out his flask and go for a sip, only to find no liquid reaching his lips. Turning it upside down, nothing would spill out to the ground. “Think we gotta find a tavern soon.”


WC: 500
TWC: 2077