Settling In

Now that things had finally settled a bit, some ryo had been gained, and just the generality of the hideout finally being set up now, it was time to now actually check the place out. Beforehand, Hiko had already known the places location and that it was a cavern. However, besides that fact, the short haired youthful delinquent had no clue as to what it actually looked like. Traveling alongside two others, Katsuragi and a new person by the name of Howl, or so he’s heard at least, the trio would make a bit of trek through a wooded area of Rice Country. Side by side, they would make their way in zig zag patterns, ensuring a few things. The first of which being that they weren’t being followed, or at least making it more difficult for any pursuers to actually know where they were headed to. The second reason being of a similar situation as the first; with the allegiances of this new guy still unknown, Hiko didn’t want to run the risk of him fully knowing whereabouts they were either.

After some time of heading out from Tanbogakure, eventually the three would reach a cliff along the Gaikotsu Bay. Looking down from the cliffside, one would be able to take notice of where the entrance was, which is precisely what the Tau had done. But before taking the two down the rocky slope to actually reach the entrance, he would stop them. A rumbly voice echoed out from his lips ”Oi. You.” And a finger would point towards the newcomer. ”Before we take you down, where do your…how should I put this…allegiances lie?” Asking the question with a raised brow, his eyes would quickly also scan the man, waiting to see what he would do next.

WC: 298

Accompanied by Hiko and a stranger, Howl trekked away from Tanbo and into the wooded area which was plentiful throughout the Land of Rice. Howl had met Hiko on his last mission which was to help a contractor design an elemental training field for the village. Hiko had also been hired to assist with the work, although Howl was unaware what his relation to the village of the contractor was.
 
After a while, the trio would arrive at a cliff which was located along the Gaikotsu Bay. Howl examined Hiko who was looking down from their location at what resembled an entrance of some sorts. He then turned to Howl and pointed a finger at him, asking Howl where his allegiance lied. Howl wasn’t alarmed by the question. In fact, Howl would have been more concerned if Hiko had led him to his secrete base without asking what his intentions were first. “Very good question.” Howl said, now crossing his arms. Howl took a moment to contemplate the question and form a viable answer. At that moment, Howl was unsure where his loyalties lied. With himself maybe? He had fled Konoha on the brink of death and here he stood, in Tanbo, with an entirely new identity and no recollection how this entire ordeal came about.
 
For now, Howl had no intentions of traveling back to Konohagakure and making a grand entrance. That would be foolish and who would possibly believe him? After a few moments, Howl would answer Hiko, “I guess my allegiance lies with myself for now, although I have no intentions of crossing you if that’s what you’re truly referring too.” Howl said, examining Hiko’s face for any clues as to how he would react to this information. “Maybe we share a common interest, and we just don’t know it yet. I presume you are both Missing-Shinobi?” Howl inquired, taking note that neither shinobi wore a head band which signified their allegiance.

WC: 325

With the three of them now all standing near the cliffside, Hiko’s arms would cross and an eyebrow would be elevated, awaiting for the response given by Howl. The moment of hesitation wasn’t too suspicious, but then again there still was the question of why did the guy pause before continuing with the statement? Had there really have been the need to think about such a question? A good eye would have to be kept on this one during their exchanges. Anything said between them all, would have to stay between them all. Hopefully, although it being unspoken, the other three would resonate with this rule of sorts. Had the need really arose, there wasn’t really a doubt though that both Kat and Hiko would be strong enough to take on the new guy if things went sour.

Tapping his finger on the top of his right arm, the Tau would listen to the newcomer blatantly ask if they were missing nin. While the inquiry was something to be asked, and while it didn’t seem to have bad intentions hidden behind it, one could never be too sure about something. An answer would be concocted soon after it was asked, adding onto what Kat decided to say about it ”As my partner mentioned, we are of the free lancing variety. Our only allegiances lie solely amongst ourselves and the empire we plan to raise.” To also go on with potential plans, the second part of his statement was formulated in a way to not bring about an air of illicit activity. No words could be used to twist it around to pin something onto the duo.

Looking slightly upwards, eyes drifting towards the ex-convict, Hiko would say to him ”I’ll let you handle the rest, making sure everything is clean. Hell, money man, you’re being promoted at that. If you’d so choose, you can be the one to bring more people in. Once you’ve come up with your decision, meet me inside. Oh, and from what I hear, his name is Howl.” Then the spotlight would be directed towards the both of them at once. ”Once inside, we can further any common interests we may have in there, so I’ll leave you two to it.” Then the teen would do a 180, turning around on the balls of his feet, and further make his way down the path towards the entrance to their lair.

(Thread Exit)

WC: 406
TWC: 704

Claims:

Misc-
Thread Exit

Techs/Skills-
663 words to Earth Flow Spears (was previously 337/1000 from here, now completing it)
41 words to Tearing Earth Turning Palm (was previously 423/1000 from here, now 464/1000)

Stats-
6 total, all going to Chakra

APPROVED

Howl eyed Katsuragi, who was slightly taller than him, taking note of his attire. He was wearing a black Yakuta jacket and underneath, a blood red hoodie. Around his waist was a black leather belt with an LV buckle. On his lower half, he wore black stretchy jeans that had zippers located near his ankle. Howl had never seen a shinobi dress in such a way, but Howl was no one to judge, for he was now the victim of an unusually elegant outfit which was much different that the dark colors that Ita was used to wearing. The man’s hair was a solid dark purple, which contrasted well against his pale skill.
 
The stylish shinobi responded to Howl, stating that they didn’t work for anyone else but themselves which was a perfectly reasonable respond to a stranger. Howl shrugged. “Don’t worry.” Howl said to the purple haired male, “I’ve no reason to expose your whereabouts or your intentions, I too am considered to be an outlaw, although I am sure no one is bothering to look for me.” Howl smiled sincerely.
 
“Building? Well, that is something I can get behind. I too am hoping to build something grand although I have much to figure out before then. Although I am not entirely aware of what you two are up too or planning, maybe we can come to some sort of business agreement? I happened to be in the market for somethings that could potentially be frowned upon by any major village- I plan on heading to Sunagakure soon in search of them, perhaps you also may have business there?” Howl inquired. Howl was referring to his desire to replace his now normal eyes with the much familiar eyes of the sharingan. Although Howl had very little complains about his new body and abilities, he couldn’t help but feel incomplete in the absence of his clan’s dojutsu and his ability to travel quickly through Space-Time techniques. Never in his life did Howl think he would actually miss his dull dimension of Kamui.

WC: 342