The Arsonist D-Rank Mission

The Arsonist D rank Mission

The rise in fires had increased in Hoshi-- and Zeo had been around for its first wave. A fanatic had set fire as an attack on Hoshi, or perhaps one of the religious zealots who were opposed to the ninja of Hoshigakure. While progress and acceptance were made far more than before, the fires still happened every now and again. Zeo, at the time, was only starting to master his skills as a shinobi-- and mastered the Water Dragon Bullet as a means to put out the fire.

He hated fire. It wasn't anything personal but since his village was destroyed by fire and his parents killed in it-- he didn't like it. But his fear of it lessened greatly. He wasn't going to let it rule him. He was far stronger now and proud of what he was. That, and he now possessed the Uchugan-- the eyes of his bloodline he only just started to discover. He wasn't afraid of that past before, at least it was how he felt on a calm day.

Zeo walked along the road that led through the village, having been asked to keep an eye out on things in case another fire broke out. Things were calm for the most part as he made his way on patrol--

-- till a citizen suddenly cried out for the rise of smoke. Alarmed, Zeo quickly jumped upward, using his ninja speed to reach a high vantage point. He got there to soon see another fire nearby, this one near the academy again! Was it the same person? Like before when he was caught in the fire in the library?

This time, Zeo felt a bit of spite and vengeance... he hoped it was the jerk setting fire all this time because he would wish he never crossed Zeo. He soon took off, towards the scene, prepared to fight the fire, and if possible, the man responsible for the attack.

WC: 323

Stats and Gear:

Zeref had been out on patrol unfortunately. It had been sometime since the last time he wa stuck with such a trash job to have but someone had to walk around the village and make sure nothing wild was going on , he only wished he could of gotten some food before he started his shift. He had gone all day without eating because of training and due to him forgetting that he was even suppose to be on watch tonight he didn’t pack himself a snack either. When he was back in the barracks getting dressed in his full armor he had heard some intel about a arsonists that had burned down a couple building a few days ago and to be on the lookout for him since there was rumors that he might be out again tonight.

Luckily for Zeref it didn’t take to long after his shift had started for the madness to kick off, first it was a building somewhere in the village that was set a blaze but there were some shinobi near by to stop it from burning down. “Well I guess it’s ov..”, before Zeref could finish his sentence another fire went off this time near the academy. “He couldn’t of gotten to far I’ll do my best to try and cut him off “, he thought to himself, by the time he got close enough there was another shinobi arriving as well. 

In the position they were in it was the only route away from the academy that didn’t lead to the village, after passing through some trees it would lead to an opening that was 40 meters in width and 40 meters in length forming a square that had trees surrounding it, with only two entrances to it. If followed by the other shinobi they would be standing at the southern entrance to the arena facing them would be the academy and the northern entrance.

“He should be coming out of here any second now”, Zeref would say to the other shinobi.

WC:335

Spoiler:

Nobuuji Nishina:

Thick smoke drifts above the clearing in a plume, the sunset making it seem as though the entire horizon burns. Nobuuji steps through the northern path across from the two shinobi into the clearing, wiping sweat from his brow, unaware of the pair across the way. He's occupied with his own issue - a clean getaway from his latest work against the city's shinobi parasites has been... complicated.

"Are we safe from the fire, mister Nishina?" the young child on his back asks, poking his head over the monk's shoulder. The kid's shock of red hair is vibrant enough to be visible across the clearing. Nobuuji has the little one hoisted up in a piggyback, easily carried from danger. Nobody was supposed to be in that building this time of day, but it seems that this one had been using it as a sort of hideout after hours. He must be from a ninja clan - they let their kids run around anywhere. It isn't the child to blame for any of this, of course, and Nobuuji could never live with himself if he accidentally hurt a child, even one from one of the Clans. 

"Yes, we're plenty far away now, son," he replies. "Where might I be bringing you home, then, Tora?"

Distractible, as children tend to be, Tora's eyes widen and he points towards Zeo and Zeref. "Look! Ninjas! They'll catch the bad guy!"

"I'm sure they will," Nobuuji murmurs, hesitating only for a moment before beginning to walk towards the pair. He brings the slightly-singed kiddo around to hold in one arm and raises the other to wave the pair down. "Shinobi sirs! I pulled this boy out of the fire - might you be able to lend a hand?"

290

Zeo joined the new shinobi, Zeref it seemed, into the clearing that led to the remains of the destroyed building. While others were tending to the fire, Zeo reached the spot where it would be. They reached a wide clearing area with two main entrances and exits as Zeo quickly came to-- but stopped short as he saw a figure emerge from the wreckage of the fires. A single tall man, far older than Zeo. Comparatively, Zeo was still a child himself despite being in his teens. Regardless of that technicality, he saw the man as a far more seasoned adult. Perhaps it was the bald head. He almost resembled a monk or sage, while still in his prime. Additionally, the site of a small child on his back was clear, having emerged from the fire.

Zeo could easily hear them, as he soon heard the man call to them to help them. However, Zeo's nerves shook with a sense of suspicion. Perhaps it was the prelude to battle nerves taking on him, but the way the man handled himself in the heat of rescue was too... chill for someone.  His friendly wave and call for aid was indeed welcoming, but still...

Zeo held a hand keeping Zeref from progressing, taking charge for the moment to non-verbally tell him to be cautious. "Please explain what happened here, sir? Did you see what happened? Of course, we want to help but you need to tell me what is going on so we can help properly." Zeo said calmly and directly, "Is the child hurt? We can get him to a medic if need be."


As he did, Zeo felt his eyes stir. While instinctive, and not 100% under his control-- Zeo's eyes soon transformed into the Uchugan, the normal whites and blue of his eyes washed away with starry darkness. As he did, he could see the spiritual energy of his surroundings. Specifically the man before him and the child. He would look on intently, his unease soon able to tell what was behind that stoic and calm demeanor.

His gaze would go to the man's physique, the vision he would see a representation of the man's true self and motives... if he could see it.  The starry energy would start to take shape, allowing Zeo to see who this man truly was.

Zeo kept his body relaxed, but a hand behind him in the need he had to weave signs...

WC: 412

Actions: Being careful as to keep distance for the moment and askes man to explain what happened. While talking, Zeo uses Uchūgan. Allows him to see the man's true nature, soul and potential motives-- @murata please provide detail at what Zeo would see -- as suspecting he would see imagry that suggest he started the fire or malevolence behind his actions to some extent.  Overal goal-- being cautious before making a move. Keeps a hand behind him, prepared to use hand signs if need be.

AP: 1307 / 1317

Use of Uchugan Activates.

Zeref was slightly relieved to have someone else here with them , he didn’t mind one on one combat but since he didn’t have any information on the arsonist another person there with him was perfect. It didn’t take long for before people started coming from the other path but to Zeref surprised it’s not what he thought would be the first thing they see. Before Zeref could make a move or say anything he watch Zeo put his hand in front of him as in telling Zeref he would be taking charge, with no complaints from Zeref. 

He didn’t have any idea who this man was but something was off , there should of been a shinobi at the academy teaching the students not some old guy. As he listen to Zeo talk to the man he would start forming handsigns , if uninterrupted two shadow clones would appear beside him, clone one would be a meter in front of him and clone two would be a meter to his left. He knew that either the real enemy was about to come from the path way or he was already in front of them. The only problem was that their were children around , something that he hadn’t expected. 

Once the two clones would appear clone one would start forming handsigns, he rather be safe than sorry. Clone one would use rain tiger at will , causing the entirety of the open area to start have 1cm deep puddles all over the area due to the rain that was coming down. He had hoped that the arsonists was proficient in fire style so that the rain would atleast give them a slight advantage. Zeref and clone 2 would get ready to start forming handsigns of their own just in case something happened. He would hate to have all these people right here and not be prepared for something, the last thing he needed was to have unnecessary casualties while it was on his shift and besides after all the heat the kids and old man were by , Zeref was pretty sure they wouldn’t mind a little rain.

Wc:359

Jutsu used

Spoiler:

Cold, hateful blue nebulae and innocence like diffuse sunlight mingle before the gaze of Zeo's Uchugan. Nobuuji's aura communicates discipline, patience, and loathing honed to a deadly point. As they take their actions, he has continued to approach all the while, reaching the twenty meter mark as Zeref readies for battle, the sorcerer duplicating himself and summoning rainclouds above them. Clearly, they suspect him. This will be difficult.

"I heard the kid yelling," he calls, doing his best to keep his cool. A significant lie by omission, but he lets the technical truth guide him. He shields Tora from the torrential rain with his sleeve as he reaches the three meter mark in front of Zeo and the real Zeref. Tora looks to Zeo's starry eyes curiously, mouth wide as he studies these cool ninja who have come to his aid. "I live close by. This little guy was huddled up in the corner of one of the rooms. He isn't hurt, thank the stars."

165
TWC 455

Zeo's eyes were wide with alertness. While he didn't understand 100% what he saw, he trusted what he felt when he looked upon the starry aura. The blur of dark, cold blue stars, so dark it almost could have been an absence of warmth, mingled with specks of brightness that represented something almost noble. The conflict was there, but his voice also gave away more as well. . Flickers of that energy mingled in the space where his body was. Withther it was his chakra or something else, the visual was enough to make Zeo interpret as someone who was lying through his teeth. The man was cold, almost detached, despite the welcoming tone of his voice. He continued to come closer-- but Zeo wouldn't have it as he took a step back, urging his partner now to do the same.

"Step away from the child. Now." Zeo demanded, just short of him finishing his sentence.

Zeo formed a hand sign behind his back, unseen due to his use of One-Handed Skill to weave signs.  

The sharpness of Zeo's voice was clear he wasn't going to be deceived by the man. He had a bad feeling before but his eyes wouldn't be fooled so easily. "Stay where you are and allow the child to walk away. " Zeo encouraged.

His calculating, sharp mind was already hard at work now to figure out the best way to handle this. This guy was trouble. He probably was involved with the fire somehow. However, a simple fight catching a third-rate criminal was easy. This guy was something else. Not only that-- to make matters worse, if he choose to confront them, he had a hostage he could use. This was all-around bad news.

"Release the child now and no one has to get hurt here," Zeo said again...

But this time, it wasn't the same Zeo.

The monk-like character, and the child would soon see something unexpected. To his left, 3 meters away was another Zeo Kamigawa, same eyes and clothing as before. He stood calmly as the first and seemed to appear without sound or hint of appearance. However, it didn't end there. As the stranger would look around, as would the others, they would find more of Zeo appearing all around the open field, the rain providing an excellent ominous backdrop to his multiplicity act. Over ten of them were scattered from within 3 meters, to several more ranging from 5, 10, 15, 20 meters away, all adding to the confusion. Even more confusing if the man decided to attack.

"I have no intention to fight you, so stand down." One Zeo spoke.

"This doesn't have to end in Bloodshed," another one spoke, starting to confuse him.

Meanwhile-- the real Zeo, under the illusion of his Genjutsu, moved around to the right side of the battlefield, reaching 15 meters among the chaos of clones that were in the genjutsu, keeping well out of the reach of the man, in another direction. Zeref by now should realize the danger that was around. Luckily, Zeo was good at using Genjutsu, buying them the necessary time to adjust to the danger-- and a plan to rescue the child nearby.

Forming the rest of his hand seals with his other hand, Zeo soon drew out something else-- his bubble pipe. With the man distracted by the Mist Clone Genjutsu-- Zeo took the pipe and blew out a series of bubbles. The bubbles were clear and wafted in the air, despite the drizzle coming down from Zeref's jutsu.

The bubbles would spread out, mingling in with the visions of the Mist CLones now seen by the suspicious stranger.

WC: 601

Actions:  Able to see through the potential deception and danger of  Nobuuji's aura, Zeo keeps his guard up and backs away. Using his unseen hand, he casts Genjutsu Mist Servant creating illusionary clones of himself all around the battlefield to confuse him. (All members can see the doubles to prevent confusion)  Current Power : 60 via chakra scaling.

Using the diversion, Zeo mingles his real self at further range to 15  meters, and takes action. Setting the stage, he soon casts from his drawn bubble pipe - Suiton Soap Bubble Ninjutsu to fill the surrounding area with his bubbles, allowing for him to take the next step in saving the child and attacking-- if the enemy makes any hostile moves. The bubbles will be positioned in random points within the 20 meters of Zeo's range, enough to encompass the area around the target and between Zeo. .

AP: 1252 / 1317  (25% discount from high chakra) Upkeep paid for Uchugan.

The downpour was a beautiful thing to experience, it had been a while since the last Zeref had seen any rain and with everything going on he couldn’t think of a better time to have it. As the man approached them Zeref suspicion had came true , this man had to be the arsonist. To much time had passed and there was no other people was coming out behind him and the child and with Zeo demanding that the elder man step away from child , Zeref assumed that he had came to that conclusion as well. 

By the time Nobu reached the 30 meter mark , Zeref clone had already used the RTAW, when Nobu didn’t stop nor move away from the child Zeref & Clone two had started forming handsigns. Clone 2 would use Ninjutsu amplifier and would then form another set of handsigns activating the Cutting jutsu , but would wait untill he was close to the man before having any branches come out his body. He would then approach the man at the 15 meter mark before he would get any closer, while also making sure not to hit any of Zeo bubbles along the way. Once near nobu the clone would step directly infront of Nobu, being 3 meters in front of him with the child on the clones left. While keeping his eyes on Nobu he would tell the child to run towards Zeo and the two Zerefs in his most serious tone. 

Zeref could tell that the little girl was understanding the situation and would start to run toward the shinobi. If the man would hinder the child from moving or would try to walk pass him In anyway he would activate his Cutting jutsu and shoot 3 branches , one from his right knee another from the center of his chest and the final one would be used as a counter in case the man tried to attack him.

If the child was able to make it to Zeref and clone 1 , he would tell her keep running down the path until she found help. Around this time Zeo had decided it would wise to take a get back just in case this man decided to try something, but Zeref didn’t share the immediate concern he had a plan and a back up just in case. As the rain continued to pour down and the child was finally out the way Zeref knew it was time to really get this situation over with.

WC:422
AP used

Spoiler:

Zeref:

Nobuuji is allowed to reach the three-meter mark from the pair. Zeo interrupts him at the end of his second sentence, at which time he had already reached that point, dangerously close to the suspicious shinobi. Zeref's handseals, being conditional on Zeo asking the man to stop, will not begin until seeing his reaction. He does, indeed, stop - but seeing the multiple images of Zeo begin to surround him, he narrows his eyes, distrust taking over his aura and fear beginning to fill the confused Tora's.

Nobuuji lifts his foot an inch from the ground and slams it back down with startling force at his maximum speed. This occurs just as Zeref begins his handseals, if he still opts to do so, and just as Zeo begins to move to the side. His Earth Shaker spreads from where his foot impacted the ground at a Speed of 95 and a Power of 125, and every opponent caught within its radius will be tossed into the air. Tora, held by its caster, is safe from this effect. In addition, if Zeo is caught, he will suffer a debuff of -30 to his Strength and Speed. If he is not caught, but the real Zeref is, Zeref will suffer the debuff instead.

"Awful lot of Ninjutsu for a situation that doesn't have to end in bloodshed," Nobuuji says grimly, keeping Tora secure in one arm even as he tries to wriggle free. The shinobi's actions scare him, too, but he has begun to figure that he's been rescued by a very bad man. Nobuuji watches his surroundings and the actions of his enemies closely, unoccupied hand raised to defend himself and Tora, even as the child's voice wavers a complaint. As much as Nobuuji doesn't want to do this, he does not trust these shinobi for an instant to protect this child even for the time it would take him to leave the battlefield. "I'll keep you safe, son. We'll get you out of here soon."

As Zeref's attack is conditional on keeping the child from running after he has already gotten down (and several other previous actions rendered moot by the timeline), the Cutting technique has not yet launched, and Nobuuji keeps a close eye out for countermeasures as he watches how his opponents react to his technique.

387
TWC 842

Earth Shaker -35AP
Heavenly Body +10 AP
AP 725/750

(Backtracking to go with flow of events, Refunding my AP from Bubble Jutsu)

Zeo felt like scolding Zeref for that hasty act but it never got that far. It seemed the man had indeed have malevolent intent. The aura gave it away and so did his too calm demenor. This was bad.


In that moment with one defining step forward, the surge of energy quaked the ground. Zeo's star-filled eyes widened as the ground was torn apart. He managed to make one single hand sign with his free hand-- and blurred away! He became a flash and evaded just in time, disappearing instantly.

Body Flicker. The best of a bad situation. While it couldn't save Zeref too, it was enough for Zeo to get out of there, and if Zeref was smart, he would use the same jutsu. Zeo blurred into a flash of speed to the right, reappearing in a flash of movement far out of the range just where the quake and trembling earth finally stopped just in time. He landed with a thud, but also to Nobu's vision, his quake would hit all the phantismal copies of Zeo.

As the dust would settle-- Nobu would see the clones all get smashed by the earth shaker he did, but soon what he saw began to become ominous. The seemingly broken bodies of the clones began to rise-- as if they were zombies. They would rise up, their limbs becoming whole again and some starting to --- divide. They were acting like mitosos, as one had fallen, more began to sprout from the ground and surroundings where the others fell. Before he would know it, 20 clones were now standing around him at varying spots-- which blended in with the real Zeo well .

"We can tell you're lying through your teeth," one of the Zeo's spoke.

"Surrender before anyone else has to get hurt," another said.

The words of pacifism were sincere, but the clones' conjoin voices would be enough to unnerve the monkish stranger as he would grasp the truth that his attack wouldn't stop the 'clones'.

Zeo's strategy was clear. He didn't have to attack the person with the violence of any kind. He could easily disarm him and expend his strength by using his genjutsu to get him to stop if he had to. If possible, Zeo would resolve this peacefully. He could tell this man wasn't completely rotten, but still, caution was still required. He wasn't going to risk his safety or the hostage with unnecessary violence.

"You're the one who started the fire, aren't you?" One of the multiplied clones stated. "Let's just talk about this okay? Let the boy go and we can discuss this peacefully. I don't want to hurt you unless you force our hand. "

While all the clone confusion continued, Zeo took action and drew his bubble pipe. With a deep breath and focus, he blew softly and caused a myrad of bubbles to come sprouting forward. The bubbles soon filled the air, drifting further and further out to surround the general area, reaching the monk and the child. WIth the bubbles in place, he had better room to work with.

Zeo, while keeping his movements minimal as possible to blend into the clones, made another mix of hand signs with his free hand-- casting the next one to get the kid out there. By now, the little boy might notice the bubbles, finding them fun and whimsical to look at them. Anyone who would see them would feel the same way...

.... however...

"Bubble Prison Jutsu." he breathed softly to himself.

Blub.

In that instant, one of the nearby floating bubbles reached its target--- the little boy Tora. The moment the bubble touched him, it formed a perfect sphere-- one that would push Tora back from the size of the solid bubble taking shape from under his arm. The bubble now seperated Tora from the enemy. Normally, this jutsu was meant to capture and isolate an enemy, holding them in place. However, Zeo realized this was the best way he could help the boy. Tora soon floated into the air inside the bubble. If anything, Tora might find the ride inside a soap bubble fun, or downright amusing.

The real Zeo held his confrontation hand seal, controlling the bubble's movement! In that instant, he began to move the bubble away from Nobuuji, intending to keep the two separate. All the while Zeo's Uchugan eyes kept focused on Nobuuji's malevolent aura, and the pure aura of Tora inside his bubble. Tora's bubble began to move to the far end of the battleground, intending to reach the end of the path. If he could get him there-- Zeo would release the jutsu, freeing the boy and allowing him to run out of here.

As for Zeref, supposedly if he could too escape using his wits, he would be wise to use his best effects to distract Tobuuji and cover Zeo's extraction of the hostage. Then at least, they can do what they have to subdue him without risk of hurting the boy.


WC:

Action: Body Flicker -- 7.5 AP: Total speed t o evade Earth Shaker -- 165 . Transport to 20 meters near edge of his range and blend in among the clones.

Recasting Soap Bubble Jutsu: 30 AP (25% discount) . Allows bubbles to spread around area between self and Nobuuji.

Suiton Bubble Prison Rank A 38 AP (25% discount) Use to take hold of the little boy Tora, and move him safely to the path leading out of the battlefield so he can escape if successful.

AP: 1193 / 1317 (25% discount from high chakra) Upkeep paid for Uchugan and Mist servant genjutsu.,