>>3084325
>Wait in the middle of the road

Be cryptic boi

>>3084341
Wins, writing.

You stop and focus on your pursuer's movement. Short steps and clanking wooden sandals. They're close, just behind the bend. How they got out here with the area so heavily patrolled is a wonder, especially since they're about as stealthy as a bomb. Unless the guards turned a blind eye.
They slow to a creep, then a shuffle. Even their weapon rattles from improper handling. Only a few feet away as a wispy smile tinges at your mouth. The little brat wouldn't know what hit her.
"Bro-"
"Azumi!" You shout, spinning around to face a terrified girl. Her already pale looses another shade as she gasps in surprise. She stands there frozen stiff as her naginata clatters to the ground. Tears well in her big gray eyes as she bites back a frown. Backpack, sleeping roll, and her travel yakuta. Azumi Yamagchi, an annoying brat only two years younger than you. And she's prepared to go on an adventure.

>Berate and tell her to go back up the mountain
>Apologize, ask her to go home
>Ignore her and keep walking
>Write-in

>>3084458
>Apologize, ask her to go home

Oh boy, she's gonna die isn't she?

>>3084458
>Apologize, ask her to go home

I don’t know if it’s just me, but please space out your paragraphs a smidge more QM

>>3084468
>>3084487
Apologize it is. Writing.

Also forgot to post the rules.
30 minute vote period
d100 for rolls
crits on 1 and 100
I'll add more if I see the need.

You sigh and pat her head. She isn't a bad kid, just awful with common sense. But this journey is no place for a her, not when it deals with ninja. The lowlands are ripe with bandits too. "I'm sorry, that was mean. But I need you to listen, alright?"

"O-okay," she chokes out before sniffing hard and wiping her eyes.

"It's dangerous where I'm going, lots of bad people. And if you got hurt well... Master Mifune would have my head. Can you please go home?" You give her shoulders a squeeze and let go. She's like your shadow sometimes, always following if the opportunity presented itself.

"No." She sniffs hard again then dances around you, shooting down the path at full sprint. "That's why I'm coming with you!"

"Go- you little shit." No chance in hell does she even know where Konoha is. You take off after her, your wooden sandals clapping against the stone path loudly. Wolves flash through your mind along with a hundred other dangerous animals that live in the area. Worse, she could trip and fall off the mountain. Now that's an idea.

>Jump off the path, try to get in front of her
>Keep sprinting, she doesn't have the stamina to go far
>Shout at her
>Write-in

>>3084587
>Jump off the path, try to get in front of her

She's gonna get caught by Ninjas! With PLOT devices! And she'll DIE!

>>3084587
>>Jump off the path, try to get in front of her

Rule of cool.

>>3084587
Give her an "important" mission to do.

>>3084624
Oh that’s a good idea. Maybe something like getting strong while we are away so we can take her with us on some other secret mission. The secret mission of course is some goof.

>>3084596
>>3084617
>>3084624
Jump off the path and the write in.

Roll me 2d100

Rolled 34, 43 = 77 (2d100)

>>3084697
Both options?

Rolled 4, 67 = 71 (2d100)

>>3084697
just watch we end up faceplanting

is it Best of 3? You didn't mention it in your clarification post here >>3084576

Rolled 31, 72 = 103 (2d100)

>>3084697
There goes Action man actioning again.

>>3084714
If you guys like it and it doesn't conflict, yeah. Though in this case it's entirely dependent if you pass this roll.

>>3084724
I didn't figure there would already be more than two people interested. Best of three it is.

>>3084714
>>3084724
>>3084739
34,72 fail and a pass. Writing.

>>3084747
HA. Saw it coming a mile away. What's a 34, twisted ankle?

While you're sure of your own stamina you're not of hers. And she's already too far away to hear you, not that she'd listen. That leaves you with only one option. And it's either going to kill you or impress the shit out of anyone watching.

You take a hard left and leap. The mountain path disappears beneath your feat, replaced by open air and a steep drop until the path wraps back around a hundred feet bellow. Of which Azumi was already at the top of, she must have figured out chakra a few days ago like Master Mifune was hoping. Hopefully you can turn this around.

"Azumiiiii!" You yell, wind ripping the words right from your mouth. And then your feet catch the slope and everything goes black. A wraith dances with ethereal grace, their eyes like bursting stars in the night.

Something pokes you in the cheek, bringing a blaring headache to the forefront of your attention. You crack an eye, seeing a teared up Azumi prodding you with a stick. You could still turn this into a lesson.

"Azumi," you grumble, not bothering to sit up.

"You're alive!" She shrieks, her voice like nails. Her arms wrap around you, squeezing the ever loving life from you body.

"Do you know why I did that?" You ask. She nods her head. "Good, do you know how hard it would be for me to jump off a cliff every time I couldn't see you?"

"It would be really hard," she mumbles. "I'm sorry."

You sit up and give her a tight hug back. "So will you please go home to grandpa? I promise when I get back, I'll take you out on a secret mission, okay?"

"Okay..." She lets go, her face still red as she slowly marches back up the mountain pass. You wince as you climb up to your feet. Upon further inspection, or rather something very blatant, your left index finger is bent at an unnatural angle.

>Deal with it later, nothing to stabilize it with yet anyways
>Heres a good place to take todays break
>Set it now
>Write in

>>3084788
>Set it now
It's just a finger. Besides, a Samurai with a fucked up hand is no Samurai at all.

>>3084788
>Set it now
Shit, we need that finger

>>3084788
Deal with it later.

>>3084803
>>3084825
>>3084828
Setting it wins. Writing.

Damn it, it's your off hand but it's still important. You grit your teeth as you firmly grasp the appendage. With a grunt you slowly pull the dislocation apart until the joints clear and you can force it back it with a plop. The pain subsides from numbingly painful to moderately agonizing and then an unwelcome throb. Usable in a pinch, and holding strong.

With a sigh you continue on down the path. The fall had put you ahead of schedule, placing the Samurai Bridge firmly in your sights just down the hill. As you descend the vast emptiness of the area becomes apparent. The Land of Iron has always been insular, isolationist even. It left a stillness in the nation, loneliness. No excitement, no fighting to hone your skills, no chance to bring glory and honor to your name. Too many have deserted already.

Without realizing it the Samurai Bridge's gray brickwork clicks under your sandals. What lies beyond is dense forest with a single path cut through. The red scroll still in your gear sack, katana on hip, the world sits before you. So vast and-

"Damn it," you grumble. The boredom is absolutely oppressive.

>Pick up the pace, you'll make it to Konoha before the third day
>Keep up the slow pace, you'll get there when you get there
>Maybe just rush to the first inn
>Write-in

>>3084939
>Keep up the slow pace, you'll get there when you get there

If we look like we're in a hurry people will get suspicious. Also QM, are we one of the Three Wolf Samurai?

>>3084939
>Pick up the pace, you'll make it to Konoha before the third day.

>>3084939
>Keep up the slow pace, you'll get there when you get there
Pace is important to manage

>>3084948
>>3084952
>>3084954
Keep up the pace, boi this is going to be fun. There are reasons why ninja like to blitz though.

Well. Master Mifune always says patience is a virtue, this would be a good way of learning it. And it's not like you'll freeze to death in this kind of heat, worst of it is probably just animals anyways. Maybe a few bandits but you wouldn't mind. You keep on down the path, walking on a steady beat. With this pace you'll make it in about a week.

As the sun begins to set, an evening breeze sets in. Pleasantly cool in contrast to the stifling lowland heat. Halfway to the next inn and you're not even tired yet, the perks of not overdoing it. Just you, the rising moon, the distant calls of wolves, and a bear traveling next to you in the forest.

You do a double take and sure enough, a big mass of brown fur with beady black eyes and blood covering it's maw. It snorts at you and squares off, rearing up onto it's hind legs before bellowing out a challenge. The hair on your neck stands on end, how the hell did it even sneak up on you?

It charges forward, every breath a heavy pant. The ground faintly shakes with each step, or maybe that's just your heartbeat. Everything tastes like metal and your vision tunnels. This is not a safe place to be but you can't help to appreciate how exciting it is.

>Try and outrun it
>Try and loose it in the forest
>Ready a quick draw

>>3085060
>Try and loose it in the forest.

>>3085060
>Ready a quick draw
Omae wa...

>>3085060
>Ready a quick draw
Nigga underestimates us

>>3085072
>>3085079
>>3085090

Gonna call it here, Quick Draw wins. Roll 1d100
DC 75

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>3085142
Oh shit, that's a difficult one.

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>3085142
Rock and roll son

>>3085162
Ha, fuck ninjas.

>>3085162
>>3085165
Alllllrighty then, fuck ninjas indeed. Writing

File: kenshin-iaijutsu-350_1592.jpg (19 KB, 350x436)

19 KB JPG

This is it, your time to shine. It might be a fucking bear but hey, beggars can't be choosers. You crouch down low and rest a hand on your katana. Each finger over a weave of the rough blue cloth that constitutes it's grip. It's weight, draw length, curve, even how sharp it is, all instinctual to you from years of training. Your heart pounds harder than you've ever felt before, almost like it's trying to break out of your chest.

The bear draws closer, it's blood covered mouth revealing dagger like teeth. You inhale deeply and pop out your sword only a thumbs width. It's blue gaisteel blade shines under the full moon, it's edge honed razor sharp. Then you exhale with only the faintest of resistance tugging on your arm and wrist. A glint of azure settles as your blade comes to a sweeping stop, it's edge doused in fur and fat and blood.

Something heavy flops to the ground like a pile of west snow. Your vision swirls with black dots as the adrenaline wears off, forcing you to a knee while your stomach forces it's way up your throat. Your previously dislocated finger throbs against your katana's sheath. You fucking did it, you took out a damn bear. Now to-

Vomit erupts from your mouth as anxiety pushes through the rush. But looking at the profusely bleeding mass behind you, you can only smile. The cut was deep enough to utterly destroy it's left flank, exposing it's ribs and even revealing bear shoulder and thigh joints. But it's still alive, it's struggling to regain it's leg proof of that. Though thankfully it is unable to do so.

"Fuuuuuck," you say in relief, letting out a huge breath.

>Finnish it off and leave
>Finnish it off but collect a trophy
>Let it bleed out
>Write-in

>>3085271
>Finnish it off but collect a trophy.

File: 93F5053E-13A7-4C1A-8555-2(...).png (47 KB, 683x601)

47 KB PNG

>>3085271
>Finnish it off, take a trophy
Ebin

>>3085271
>Finnish it off but collect a trophy

Fuck you bear.

>>3085298
>>3085289
>>3085282
Giving the bear what for and taking it's shit wins. Writing.

File: fantasyart-1543800954363-838.jpg (1.01 MB, 1920x1080)

1.01 MB JPG

>>3085383
With another deep breath to help you get your bearings you trudge over to the beast. It's breath shallow and labored as each pulses the lungs against it's ribs. Blood pools from the bear in a great muddy puddle. No need to make it's suffering last any longer.

With a sharp stab down into the base of it's skull it falls still, eyes glazed over. Teeth still bared and claws still dug into the ground. Perfect trophies for such a... hunt? Or were you hunted? Either way you take two claws and it's canine teeth, each nearly as big as knives in your hands. In fact... the whole thing seems just a bit smaller than when it charged you. Either way, no one would know but you and the parts would make good presents.

With a flick of your sword you get most the blood off but the fat and hair wouldn't go so easily. As you walk you spend the better half of the next our ensuring there are no stains on the blade. And just as the sun casts it's orange morning light on the eastern horizon you see the first inn, still ahead of schedule even at such a leisurely speed.

A days stay is only a few ryo if you remember correctly, easy on the travelers not that many come out this way. Then again the only tiring thing to happen all night was the bear and you're far from your limits if a bit shaken. Though learning about any local news or rumors might prove helpful.

>Stop and rest for the day
>Stop and take a breather, maybe get some food
>Keep going
>Write-in

>>3085421
>Stop and take a breather, get some food.

>>3085421
>Keep going
Onwards!

>>3085421
>Stop and rest for the day

Obligatory meet in tavern situation

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>3085473
>>3085445
>>3085425
Gonna need a tie breaker here in the next few minutes, if not I'll go with the result of this 1d3

>>3085530
Alrighty then, 3rd option it is. Writing

File: Sound_Four.png (936 KB, 1000x756)

936 KB PNG

>>3085549
Alright sorry for the delay, needed some dinner.

Getting rest is crucial but you've been up far longer and in far harsher climates. With a shrug you press on, taking a right along a small intersection to head further south. As you pass by the entrance, a blonde pony tailed man dressed in a black cloak with red clouds slips out of the entrance before dissapearing from sight. You're sure you caught the sight of a village's head protector too. Fucking ninja.

The monotonous taiga is broken up by occasional swaths of bamboo. A traveling group of citizens pass you by later in the evening with nods but otherwise the whole walk is a snore. No bears this far into the lowlands and far less game too. Your stomach grumbles but is easily quelled by the pemmican ration in your pack. With enough food for another day or two there isn't much to fret about on the dirt road. A shadow swoops overhead, a white huge white bird.

"Hate to be that things food," you say out loud. With no one to talk to the whole walking thing only drags on.

"Can you hurry the fuck up?!" A girl shouts, from behind. An angry pink haired girl with weired looking helmet and a beige tunic. Ninja sandals too, damn ninja. With her a collection of misfits. "Get a move on!"

"Tayuya," a towering you man said. "That's not how you greet people."

>"Howdy?"
>"He's right, pink, mind your mammaries"
>Ignore them and keep walking, no time for ninja shenanigans
>Write-in

>>3085644
I'm in no hurry. Feel free to pass me.

>>3085644
Hrs right pink. Mind your manners.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3085670
>>3085669
Tie breaker, writing

>>3085644
>Ignore them and keep walking, no time for ninja shenanigans

"I'm in no hurry, feel free to pass," you answer while moving a bit to the left. They're ninja, you've never heard of them just walking. Something could be up but it's none of your business.

"That's what I thought," the girl named Tayuya sneers. The group move on ahead of you with most ignoring you but the giant giving an apologetic frown as he passes. Not all bad it seems.

You continue down the path, uneventful as ever. Another night and another day pass by and you don't see anyone. No traveling merchants heading to other villages, no wandering ronin and thankfully no more ninja.

Then the second inn comes into view, giving you pause. It was supposed to be another day out. Either you were walking faster than you thought or- no you couldn't have gone the wrong way. There was only two ways to go and one headed west, away from where you needed. You're headed south, from what the moon shows.

The scroll is still in your sack, along with your mask and everything else. Maybe you're more tired than you thought. Getting some rest might be a good idea.

>Keep going
>Stop for the night
>Short rest
>Write-in

>>3085775
>Short rest
We need to deliver that scroll, but sleep is a must.

>>3085775
>Stop for the night

>>3085775
>Short rest
Keep at the ready...

>>3085775
Stop for the night.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>3085824
>>3085807
>>3085804
>>3085782

Also roll me a 1d4, i'll let you guys do encounters. Taking the third or most common.

Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>3085879

Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>3085879

>>3085898
>>3085885
Alright then, everyone's favorite Uzumaki wins it. Writing.

You're just tired, it's the only explanation. Could be that the fall did something strange with your head too but that's a problem for later. Right now the warm lanterns and busy inn are all you need.

As you're about to step inside you notice all but the receptionist are wearing village forehead protectors. A dozen from Takiga, a few more than that from Kusaga, and an absolute ton from Amega. All sitting around and looking mopey or downright creepy. It's like a ninja bargain sale.

"Room for one, please?" You ask the receptionist. Everyone's eyes snap to you. All forty or so of them and their adult chaperones. She smiles and nods, handing you a room token, number twenty. A sweet old lady absolutely shaking with excitement but she didn't ask for any money, so you leave a few ryo on the desk and head down the hall.

Someone bumps into you and grumbles an expletive. Red hair, red eyes, and a Kusuga forehead protector. She pats around the ground for something, ah, her glasses. You reach down and pick them off the floor before handing them over. She couldn't be any older than twelve.

"Ah-ah..." she stutters. A quick bow nearly nails your hand before she stands back up, stiff. " Thank you, I'm Karin."

>"You alright?"
>"No problem, see ya."
>"Eliko, nice to meet you."
>Write-in

File: Genin_Karin.png (1.69 MB, 1910x1076)

1.69 MB PNG

>>3085971
Forgot the pic

>>3085971
>"No problem, see ya."

>>3085971
You alright?

>>3085971
>"Eliko, nice to meet you."

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>3085984
>>3086003
>>3086015
Seems like another tie.

"You alright?" You ask, looking at her closer. More than just the scuff, she has bite marks all over her arms. Even for ninja that's pretty damn strange, at least you think it is. "That's not normal."

"What?" She backs up a few steps and waives her hands dismissively. "No, no! I'm fine, perfectly fine. But what about you? How do you get through life like that?"

"Like...?" You look on in confusion. Did that bump mess up more than you thought? Unless she's talking about-

"You have no chakra!" She shouts. That like, the big like that people have given you shit for as long as you remember. You sigh and face palm. She gives an apologetic smile. "Was that... supposed to be secret?"

"No no, it's fine, goodbye," you grumble while heading to your room. The eyes of everyone in the inn bore a hole straight through the back of your head. Something felt off about them all to begin with and Karin's loud mouth only made it worse. Room twenty, the door slides open revealing an empty room much larger than you need.

"So?" Karin asks. You grit your teeth and take a deep breath, spinning around to face her. "Nice room."

"I have no issues getting along in life, and yes, it is." You clutch the door, ready for her to politely excuse herself and politely leave your company.

"Are you going to Konoha, by any chance?"

"Yes, I am, now goodnight and goodbye." You slide the door shut and count away your anger. Ninja or no, she's just a kid who found something strange. Nothing to get upset over. A look around the room provides a prepared futon and a kotatsu with a steaming teapot on top. And two cups.

And that's it for tonight. I'll be back on tomorrow afternoon around 12PM PSTif any of you are interested in continuing.

Feedback, criticism, comments, slurs, any and all are welcome. I'll be around for an hour more if any one wan't to ask anything.

I like these posts Mr op man! Concept is pretty neat and I want to see where it goes. No real criticism so far except that you kinda glossed over describing locations besides "Inn" so to me it feels like everything is happening in this white void.

Anyways I have this bookmarked so hopefully the Naruto quest curse doesn't kill you too fast. Good luck!

>>3086105
I had to sleep so I ended up missing some of it. Would like to see it continue I always like naruto quests. That is if the Naruto Quest truck-sama doesn’t isekai you.

>>3086668
>>3086487
Don't put that evil on me, I started this because of the curse. Starting in two hours by the bye.

File: Konoha_gate.jpg (35 KB, 640x480)

35 KB JPG

When you woke up that morning,a raven haired girl was dead asleep on your chest who you know for a fact was supposed to go home. And now she's following you. After a few hours of incessant talking you yearn for the days of traveling alone. Konoha isn't too far out and strangely you haven't run into bandits the entire trip. No animals either after that bear, except a few snakes.

"Do you think I'll get to meet any shinobe?" Azumi asks. "Maybe they could show me a cool ninjutsu!"

"I don't think most ninjas are willing to tell secretes to a talkative little girl," you answer. You're already too far out to turn around and make sure she gets home.

"Okay..." She watches her feet in defeat. A well traveled dirt road stretches on through the forest. The trees look older, taller and wider than anything before. More homogeneous too as if every tree is from the same colony. Muggy heat settles in, the early morning coolness already warn off. People zip by at high speed, shooting through the forest canopy or sprinting while bent over at the waist with their arms out behind them for some odd reason.

You wouldn't sprint like that, that's dumb. But Azumi thinks differently as she sticks her arms out and breaks into a run. She disappears from sight around a curve in the road, leaving you in the dust. A moment after you pass that same bend, however, you see her stopped in front of a big green gate. Two men stand with her, both in green combat vests and with Konoha forehead protectors.

"Eliko?" One puffing on a cigarette asks.

"That's me," you answer. The other one, holding a clipboard, nods.

"Head on in, the Hokage should be in his office at the academy. Welcome to Konoha."

You nod and head on through, grabbing Azumi by the hand as you do. She won't get away from you this time. Two and even three story buildings litter the skyline. Hundreds of people mill about, buying things, going to work, and every tenth you see wears a headband. Konohagakure, one of the largest and most powerful hidden villages. Though judging from the random assortment of other village headbands, not so hidden.

"Ground rules," you says. Azumi stiffens up as your grip tightens around her hand. "No talking to strangers, no souvenirs, and absolutely no leaving my sight."

"You're worse than grandpa," she pouts. Considering the throttling you'd get from Master Mifune if anything happened to her, they're pretty light rules.

You pass by a weapons shop. Giant fans are on display along with bundles of throwing knives and stars. Half off a bundle of one hundred, only a thousand ryo. Azumi tugs at your hand, pointing at a bakery. Freshly made bread catches your nose, along with cinnamon and a myriad of other things. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to get something, more weapons are always useful and you haven't had lunch yet.
>options cont

>>3086983
>Food it is, can't work on an empty stomach
>Never enough weapons, and 1k is pretty cheap
>No! You have a mission, no distractions
>Write-in

I'll let this sit for a while for people to get here.

>>3086987
>>Food it is, can't work on an empty stomach

>>3086987
>Food it is, can't work on an empty stomach

>>3086987
>>No! You have a mission, no distractions

>>3087018
>>3087017
>>3086991
Food wins. Roll 1d3
That went faster than I thought, good stuff.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>3087023

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>3087023

Also, once again, I'll take the third or most common roll. Or would you guys rather do encounters a different way? I'm open to suggestions.

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>3087023
Roll.

>>3087030
>>3087034
>>3087044
Best boi wins. Writing.

>>3087039
Nah that’s fine with me. Welcome back QM.

Your stomach growls, Iron Buns Bakery it is. A few people sit at outside tables, enjoying bear paws and sweet rolls while inside a single person waits on their order. Freshly made bread products line the glass counter. Muffins, donuts, cinnamon rolls. Each looks just as mouthwatering as the last. A boisterous welcome rings out from the beker as her previous customer leaves.

"Ah, a new customer!" The baker happily shouts. Low cut top, big assets, flour stained apron, and white hair. Distracting. "Tetsu Suzu, at your service. What can I get for ya?"

"Cinnamon roll, please!" Azumi says. A hard choice with such... wonderful looking goods. You clear your throat and nod. Maybe Zumi has the right idea, simple and sweet. A bell rings from the door.

"A line, what a drag," someone sighs. Not very polite, you just stepped up. Standing just in front of the doorway are two boys, a scrawny one with a messy black ponytail looking like he doesn't want to be there and a fat one munching on a bag of chips.

"I recommend the donuts," the fat one says. he wears a leaf headband properly while the other carries it around on his bicep. "They're all good."

"Thanks," you answer. "I'll take a glazed donut then."

"Coming right up! And i'll get you two the usual." Suzu ducks into the back with a smile. Utensils and cookingwear clank and clatter loudly. The scrawny boy sighs again and puts his hands in his pockets. Impatient guy. A few long minutes go by without any conversation before your orders arrive, Azumi happily rocking back and forth on her feet. You take them to the outside table where the two boys join you.

"So, you two don't seem to be shinobe," the scrawny one says.

"Samurai, Land of Iron," you say. One would think the yakuta and tanto would mean something. Not everyone is a damn ninja. "Eliko."

"Shikamaru, and this is Choji. What's a samurai doing here?"

"Sup," Choji says, already digging into a bag of powdered donuts. A sloth and a gluten, must be pretty skilled if they have those headbands.

"Meeting the Hokage... you guys know where the academy is?"

Shikamaru points to four giant heads carved from a not so distant mountain. A landmark if you've ever seen one, it would be hard to get lost now. "Office on the top floor. Though I hope you're not in a rush, he's having a meeting. We're heading for the training field if you want to come along."

Well there go your plans. It wouldn't hurt to get a feel for the town, you won't be leaving for a few days. While a well earned victory that bear wasn't much to help you grow. And training does sound pretty good, though sparring with ninjas seems a bit... Who knows, might be good experience. Something you could apply to any future fights against less direct opponents.

>Go train with Shikamaru and Choji
>Look around some more
>Go wait at the academy
>Write-in

>>3087096
Look around some more.

>>3087096
>Go train with Shikamaru and Choji
Why not?

>>3087096
>Go train with Shikamaru and Choji
Fuck it, we have time. And practicing against ninja would be a good experience.

>>3087096
>Go train with Shikamaru and Choji

Let’s see what we can do.

>>3087123
>>3087108
>>3087106
>>3087103
>Training
Writing

I'm curious about how we have no chakra. Doesn't every living being have chakra in the naruto universe?

Always a good thing to have more experience. You make your way through the town in short order, correct in your assumption that the two know their way around. Mid after noon and only a few clouds in the sky, perfect conditions for a spar, though too war for your liking. They lead you to a small glade where two poles and some sort of black knife shaped monument sit. Not too far off you can hear the sounds of others excitedly training.

Shikamaru takes a stand on one end, and you on the other. "Rules," Choji says, "first to give up looses."

You nod and draw your sword, getting into a low dueling stance. Theres no guarantee he would charge you so a quick draw is useless. But you'd make a poor samurai if that was your only attack. Choji drops his hand and the spar starts.

Shikamaru bursts into a cloud of smoke before popping out, three throwing knives in hand. With a flick they shoot towards you, only for each to land short. Three more sail at you forcing you to dodge out of the way. As long as he kept his distance there was little risk of melee, disadvantaging you. Your only weapon consists of a katana, your preference over many years of training.

"You can do it, big brother!" Azumi shouts, waiving her arms in the air excitedly. Shikamaru lands opposite his failed throwing knives and smirks, waiting for something. The bushes behind him shake and something not so camouflaged moves a bit too much.

>Rush in (Which?)
>Throw your sword (Which?)
>He's baiting
>Write-in

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>>3087159
Once again forgot the pic

>>3087159
>He's baiting
Shit, don't know why I included that as an option. Eliko knows Shikamaru is baiting.

>>3087159
Be wary of those three kunai on the ground, start moving in closer to Shikamaru

>>3087159
>He's baiting

Ninja are tricky. Yeah, he *could* have missed, or he could have just placed some tripwires for us to trigger.

>>3087159
Apply pressure.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>3087209
>>3087208
>>3087175

I'll rule this as the write-in i suppose, taking it cautiously wins. Roll 1d100, please. I need three rolls.

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>3087215
Dice Gods guide my way.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3087215

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>3087215
Up the average.

>>3087144
Samurai have chakra I think. They channel it into the swords for attacks. We might be some exception like rock lee.

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>>3087249
If that turns out to be the case, we know what we must do.

>>3087236
>>3087220
>>3087217
>71
passed with a good margin, good stuff.

>>3087249
>>3087257
Lee has chakra, it just don't work no good.

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Rushing is what he wants and your smart enough to know how bad disarming yourself would be. You inch forward, taking it wide around the knives. They could be rigged with something like an explosive or other kinds of nasty traps, either way you can tell they're dangerous. Ninja are crafty like that, one moment you're cutting them down and the next he's a damn log. At least that was story you've heard.

Shikamaru's smirk drops to a monotonous frown, you're right on the money. Out of the corner of your eye, you see it. A shadow races across the ground, using the throwing knives to extend itself like nodes. You leap out of the way in time and the shadow over stretches, stopping well shy of you.

"What a drag," Shikamaru says while standing in front of the bushes. Two places at once, must be one of those clone jutsu you've heard about. You take the opportunity to lunge at the closest one, your blade cutting through his collar before he can raise a knife in defense. Then he pops into smoke much like earlier but no counter returns, it was the clone.

A dozen more thrown weapons impact the ground around you, several swatted out of the sky. Then you turn and face, presumably, the real Shikamaru. That shadow is a dangerous thing, some sort of ensnarement or low attack. He has an even greater range advantage against you, though his limit is apparent.

Shikamaru performs a string of hand signs, something you know to watch out for. Now's your chance but can you get there in time?

>Rush in, it's your only chance
>Stay back, who knows what could happen
>Move in, slow and cautious
>Throw some of the weapons on the ground
>Write-in

Also as long as they don't conflict you guys can take multiple options. I'm more than happy to make them work.

>>3087264
Move in slow and cautious.

>>3087264
>Grab a kunai, throw it at Shikamaru, rush when he's distracted.

>>3087264
>Rush in, it's your only chance
Hopefully we can at least disrupt his hand signs

>>3087264
>Move in, slow and cautious

He already tried to trick us once, let's be careful.

He already saw us being cautious, I think we could catch him off guard by getting more aggressive. I'm worried about letting him finish those hand signs.

>>3087282
>>3087312
Actually, yeah. I'm going to change my vote to
>Rush in, it's your only chance

Maybe we can interrupt him?

>>3087321
>>3087312
>>3087282
>>3087281
>>3087280

Aggressive it is, lets see if it works. 1d100 if you will.

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>3087330

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>3087330

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3087331
Heh.

>>3087341
>>3087333
>>3087331
Great success, writing.

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>>3087045
>Best boi wins. Writing.

>following post doesn't have Lee

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>>3087358
No, if he gets off another jutsu who knows what could happen. Now's the time to strike. You break into a dead sprint, covering the ground quickly. Once again he smirks but you're already familiar with his ploys. A throwing knife sails your way, only for you to catch it in a spin and throw it instinctively back. A reaching shadow strains the disappears as Shikamaru is forced to dodge, dissapearing for a moment. But you see where he ends up, along with the parachuting knife above you.

You jump and sail through the sky, aimed at the branch he just appeared on. With a wide arc, you graze his chest and sheer the branch off. He falls to the ground, landing with a thud, and laying spread eagle. When you land you tap him on the head with the blunt of your blade, half expecting him to puff into a cloud of smoke. But he doesn't, instead he just look at you with an unamused frown.

"I give," Shikamaru sighs. "Too much effort, we're not even in the exams yet."

"I win?" You ask. "Well that was something. Choji, are you up for a match?"

"No thank you," he answers, elbow deep in another bag of chips. Like a bear, preparing for hibernation. Azumi dances in excitement next to him, her gear on the ground. "Gotta save energy for the exams."

"Exams?"

"Hokage's probably done with his break, I'll tell you on the way," Shikamaru says. The sun hangs heavy in the sky, late afternoon at best. Once again you can hear the sounds of a spar, one much more violent than you just had.

>Head to the Hokage's, enough distractions
>See more of the town, you can always do it tomorrow
>See who else is training
>Write-in

>>3087385
>Head to the Hokage's, enough distractions.

Hang out after mission complete.

>>3087385
>Head to the Hokage's, enough distractions
We're on a mission.

>>3087385
>Head to the Hokage's, enough distractions

>>3087385
>Head to the Hokage's, enough distractions
Sightseeing after we've delivered the scroll.

>>3087414
>>3087401
>>3087391
>>3087390
finishing the mission it is, writing

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You focus your mind and return to the mission at hand, anything you wanted to do could be done later. This is now. On your way towards the stone faces, Shikimaru explains what has so many people in a huff this time of year. The Chunin Exams, a bi-annual event where a village can send it's young genin ninja to become chunin, something like a genpuku but on a much larger scale. Anything from paper tests to survival games can happen. Absolutely asinine, who would send their child soldiers to be tested by a rival village? It's only asking for trouble.

The sun begins to set, casting orange and purple hues into the sky. Villagers prepare for the night but not a single lamp lights the streets to guide the way. Many shops are already closing too, armored shutters locked down tight and window shutters closed. Less and less people stay out as you go on, but the ones that do almost exclusively seem to be ninja.

Arriving at the academy finds little difficulty, even entering past expected closing hours. As you make your way though it's halls you come to a door guarded by two men in gray vests with animal masks. They carry swords on their back, an inefficient way of doing so as it would slow draw speed. They nod as you enter.

An old man sits at an oaken desk, his beady gray eyes tired but aware. "Eliko, I presume? Shikamaru, Choji, too and-"

"I'm Azumi!" Azumi greets with a toothy grin.

"Hello Azumi." He gives a smile and nod. "I am Sarutobi Hiruzen, the third Hokage. I believe you have a scroll for me?"

"Of course." You reveal the red scroll and place it on his desk. Not a moment later it's pulled open with him giving a harsh frown.

"Thank you." Hiruzen rolls the scroll back up before tucking it away in an unseen drawer. He puts his hands together for a moment, staring over them. At you. It couldn't be good. "Eliko of the Land of Iron, I welcome you as an adviser to Konohagakure as per the recommendation of Lord Mifune."

"Uhh-"

"As you pertain an unique outlook you may very well provide a critical insight to what we do. If I may ask you to help in the exams? I would agree to you being either a proctor or participant." The unblinking stair tells you it might not really be a choice. But if Master Mifune recommended you, could you really let him down?

>The exams could be good experience, take them
>Supervising sounds like a much safer idea
>You don't have time for this, you have training in the mountains to get back to
>Write-In

>>3087489
>>The exams could be good experience, take them

>>3087489
Well when you phrase it like that...

>The exams could be good experience, take them

>>3087489
>The exams could be good experience, take them
Damn, I was really hoping this quest would explore other parts of the Naruto world more

>>3087489
>Supervising sounds like a much better idea.
.

>>3087501
Well, who said we had to stay here after the exams occur?

>>3087505
>>3087504
>>3087501
>>3087498
>>3087494
Calling it a few minutes early, taking the exams it is. Writing.

>>3087505
Don't worry, you'll be heading back to the Land of Iron as soon as the opportunity presents itself, you're only here for the exams after all.

>>3087562
So you’re saying there’s a chance we become Kage of the land of iron and play the game of politics within the naruto verse. I don’t need confirmation. I just need hope.

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No matter which way you cut it, you lack any and all forms of experience. Eight years on the Three Wolves has left you with plenty of theory but no application. And what if the ninja nations become hostile to the Land of Iron? You'll have plenty of insight on the way they work to help any war effort. Besides, you'd be lying if you say you didn't have fun fighting Shikamaru.

"Alright, I'll participate," you answer. "When do I start?"

"Report to the testing hall in three days time," Hiruzen says with a thin smile. You just walked right into some ploy, you can feel it in your bones. But it doesn't seem like anything bad. "In the meantime, a hotel has been reserved for you. I expect good things from this, Eliko."

A few minutes later, you're wandering the darkened streets of Konoha. Many houses have their lights on but only the seldom green vested ninja seems to be around in any scattered number. Shikamaru and Choji look ready to leave. You can't blame them, you basically just took up their night. Azumi trudges along, her face drooping with exhaustion. Your stomach rumbles for dinner however. A good meal before calling it night would be nice.

>Ask if they have any place they want to eat, as thanks
>Turn in for the night, Azumi is tired and so are you
>Write-in

>>3087620
>write in: (Go see if you can have some of the famous Ichiraku Ramen.)

>>3087620
>Ask if they have any place they want to eat, as thanks.

>>3087620
>Ask if they have any place they want to eat, as thanks

>>3087620
>Ask if they have any place they want to eat, as thanks

>>3087627
>>3087628
>>3087634
>>3087644
Reading my notes wins it, roll me 1d4 and we'll see who you guys meet. Common or third roll.

Rolled 4 (1d4)

>>3087666

Rolled 1 (1d4)

>>3087666

Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>3087666

>>3087673
What is it with threes in this piece?

>>3087673
>>3087670
>>3087668
I don't know why I expected any different. Writing.

>>3087674
Must be our lucky number.

You've heard about it in passing, even as far out as the Land of Iron. Samurai returning from their self imposed journeys and merchants always spoke highly of it. Ran by a man who's so devoted to his specialty few dare challenge him. The best ramen in the land. "So, uh, you guys want something to eat? I've heard of a ramen place that sounds interesting. My treat."

"Ichiraku?" Choji says. "I always have room for ramen, lead the way."

"You always have room for anything," Shikamaru says. "Come on then."

A few moments later and you're at a small shack with enough seating for six people at the bar. A grinning older man works a boiler, preparing a dish for his lone customer. Shikamaru sighs and sits a few seats over with Choji, who greets the other customer with a smile. Not blonde but straight yellow hair, an obnoxious orange jumpsuit, and a Konoha protector.

You take the seat next to him, placing Azumi between you and Choji. The yellow haired boy takes his order gleefully and eats it as if it was his last meal in the world. "Calm down there, Naruto," Choji says with a half smile.

"Like you're one to talk, Choji," The boy says. He gives you a dirty look for a moment before sticking out his hand. "Uzumaki Naruto! Nice to meet ya!"

"Eliko, and this is Azumi," you answer. You place your order with the jolly chef and he gets to work immediately. Spicy beef with an egg and plenty of onions, a nice hearty meal.

"Eliko?" Naruto asks. His voice is grating like sandpaper but he doesn't seem to have any ill intention. "Strange name, and what about your family name?"

"Yep." Maybe he'll move on from the topic. The look he's giving you says otherwise for a few moments but then he relents with a knowing nod and softened expression.

"Welcome to the Leaf, Eliko and Azumi! You guys here for the Chunin Exams too?" Your order is slid over the counter, coming to a rest between your hands. Thick, red broth and plenty of good smoked beef cuts. All in a huge serving easily twice as big as any ramen bowl you've ever had.

"So it seems," you answer. The first bite is truly a work of art, making your jaw tingle with it's richness. "Though I won't become a Chunin. I'm participating as an affiliate from the Land of Iron. "

"You're a samurai?!" You wince as Naruto jumps from his seat and points at you. "You've got to fight me!"

"Uh..."

"Give it a rest, Naruto," Shikamaru groans. The lazy ninja stands, having already finished his meal. "You'll have your chance at him in the exams. I'm heading in, good luck to you Eliko."

"And you," you answer. Naruto quiets down and finishes his own bowl before leaving with Choji. The bowl of ramen only gets deeper as your appetite fades. Is this how ninja really act? Someone already has their eyes set on you and it's not even time to fight. But the sleeping Azumi on your arm tells you it's a problem for another day.

>>3087739
And that's it for tonight. Got some stuff to get done and work shopping to do on the quest.

Feedback, criticism, comments, insults, any and all are welcome. I'll be around sporadically tonight if any one wan't to ask anything or come up with stuff for Eliko.

Also, thank all of you who've participated thus far for showing interest.

>>3087750
How much will it follow Naruto? I really only watched to the middle of the first exam, then they wouldn't move past that. That was around 10 years ago too.

>>3087753
Depends on what choices you guys make. It's entirely possible that you never see Konoha again after the Exams. Don't want to spoil anything but it's entirely possible to skip out on the ninja world.

>>3087750
Thanks for running!

>>3087764
I don't know everything about the world but I have heard some stuff. Will it follow the events of cannon?
>Don't want to spoil anything but it's entirely possible to skip out on the ninja world.
Arent we an a advisor.

>>3087798
Cannon events will occur at their natural pace unless you guys do something to interrupt or change them.
>Arent we an a advisor.
Yes, but only for the exams.

>>3087750
Good quest QM. thanks for running.

>>3087794
>>3087803
And thank you for playing. Here's hoping I don't get hit by a car or something.

>tfw Narutard
I hope we kick his ass. I hope when he uses his stupid bullshit we just dodge like a sane person and he falls down. Naruto is possibly the worst part of Naruto.

>>3087884
Couldn't have said it better myself. That's why I like naruto quests, you don't have to be or interact with him.

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Made a header for if this quest somehow maintains enough interest to get a second thread. Working on a pastebin for Eliko now.

>>3087946
Yeah I'm curious about our skills.

>>3087955
Using the official data books you guys are pretty limited. Anything chakra related is going to be 0 and there's no stat for weapons, for some odd reason. Though adding one wouldn't be a problem.

Alright, here's the character sheet. If you guys have any recommendations, improvements, what have you, feel free to let me know. https://pastebin.com/pvNr0Er0

>>3087970
>Chakra is 0
>Balls are huge

Being a skeleton wearing a flesh suit is great.

>>3087970
Guess we can make up with trying a taijutsu build or something.

>>3088026
As a preface to the stats, Taijutsu does not encompass weapon handling. That's why I included Bakijutsu.

>>3088029
This’ll be one cool character OP. Once he’s up and running. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

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>>3088025
Shit, you figured it out. Ninjas go home.

>>3088035
Thanks. Hope you guys like how he develops.

Also, I'll try and start up again tomorrow around 5PM PST or earlier depending on how early I can bail on work. If not then, then I'll for sure start the day after at 12PM PST.

>>3088041
>Shit, you figured it out. Ninjas go home.

Yeah fuck ninjas. Especially ones with fishnets. Or magic eyes. Especially magic eyes. Gotta get that eugenics program going. I feel like I may have lost sight of what kind of fucking I meant.

Well, didn't have to work at all it turns out. Resuming the quest in about three hours.

Also, you guys have three days in universe to do shit. I'll let you all decide now so I can get some stuff done. You can
>Train
>K N O W L E D G E it up at the library
>Dick around in town
>Write-in

>>3088804
>>Train

>>3088804
>>Train

Fite me headband-nerds!

>>3088804
>Mostly train.
>K N O W L E D G E it up some at the library

>>3088804
Hurrah for no work.

>spy

Kumogakure Diplomatic incident 2: electric boogaloo.

>>3088869
>>3088828
>>3088824
>>3088821
Looks like you guys are having fun on a grassy knoll, 1d6 for encounter. Third or most common.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>3088887

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>3088887
Good read so far, keep it up OP.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>3088887

>>3088924
>>3088919
>>3088890
Well, at least it wasn't a three. Hope you guys are ready for brooding.

A clear day without a cloud in the sky, a soft breeze in the air, and a lull set on the town. Few people take to the streets as the day's grind sets in. But for you there is no such grind and it would be a shame to waste such an almost pleasant day. One might think to fulfill their diplomatic duty and help their own nation's agenda but you won't fall into that trap. You're no ninja, you're a samurai. And samurai train.

"Uh, big brother..." Azumi nervously says. Her naginata nearly catches you in the face as she turns around. She promised to not get in the way of your kata again, though you saw right through her lie. She likes to try and counter the movements too much. "A strange boy if following us."

You follow her head, coming to a section of a fence significantly off from the rest. Slightly different color, and facing the wrong direction. Also a head of spiky dark brown hair. The section trembles for a moment before the fake wall crumples to the ground, revealing a boy with goggles in place of a headband and a blue scarf. He looks at you with wide eyes.

"You-"

"Samurai from the Land of Iron!" He shouts while pointing a stiff finger, cutting you off. Excitable kid, hopefully he isn't too much trouble. "I'm Sarutobi Konohamaru!"

"Ah, Hiruzen's-"

"My boss has made you a rival! That means you're my rival too!"

"Big brother can beat anyone in this village!" Azumi shouts before you can answer. They glare at each other, the absolute disdain clashing like lightning.

"Oh yeah?! I bet he can't even do jutsu! Or you!" He pulls an eyelid down and sticks out his tongue. Absolutely savage. You look at Azumi, waiting for a response. Instead she's grinding her teeth and her face is bright red. Then she starts crying. "H-hay, you're not supposed to do that!"

"You're a bully!"

"She's got you there, kid," you interrupt. As much fun as children's squabbles are, there are other things you'd like to do for the day. Like hitting the air with your sword. "Come on, Azumi."

"No, wait! I'm... sorry," Konohamaru says sheepishly before perking right back up. "How about I teach you a really cool jutsu to make it up?"

"Really?!" Azumi's face returns to it's normal shade. Then she looks at you with big puppy dog eyes, and your heart hurts. It hurts so much. "Pleaasee?"

"I'll be in the training field," you relent before taking her naginata. There is no reason for a child to carry around a field weapon, she could keep her tanto however. Never know what might happen. "Be safe, don't talk to strangers, and stick together. Meet me at the hotel by sundown."

She latches onto you with a hug before breaking off and running away with Konohamaru. A strange feeling twists in your gut, some sort of latent parental instincts. But you can't stop her from having fun, not if you wanted to feel good for the rest of the day.

>cont

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>>3088973
fumble fingers with the pics

>>3088973
D'awww

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Sorry for the delay


Noon arrives as you enter in the training field. A few scattered pairings spar each other, some in groups of three, some in twos. All giving you stairs as you take up a fairly spacious spot near the stone pillars. They'd make good targets but you'll be sure not to strike them. Wouldn't want to damage government property.

After two hours of training you feel a welcome burn as you repeat the same hundred moves over and over, picking up speed with each iteration until the blade is nothing but a blue flash. Each strike landed true, a quarter of an inch away from the stone pillar exactly. Deliberate repetition, every motion second nature to you. Every samurai must master the basic kata of at least two forms. You've grown adept at all from Shinbuken. But know you work on your second, Iaido, of which your quick draw derives from.

Slow clapping echoes from a nearby tree, drawing your attention. A pale boy with black hair and a high collared blue tunic. Cargo shorts too, strange attire. But a ninja nonetheless with his konoha head protector. "So you're the Land of Iron samruai."

"Eliko," you answer, sheathing your katana. A bead of sweat drips from your nose. "Please to make your acquaintance."

"Uchiha Sasuke. Naruto was boasting about you, I thought I'd come and see the swordsman for myself."

"Samurai," you correct. Anyone could be a swordsman, but few have what it takes to be a samurai. "And what does the ninja Sasuke think?"

"Shinobe," he says. "Not much, I'm sure you won't be a problem at all. Especially if all you do is kenjutsu."

"Careful, little boy, swords tend to be sharper than fists."

He grins and jumps from the tree, landing almost silently before walking up only a few feet from you. His hands dip into his pockets. "How about a spar then?"

>"Why not?"
>"No."
>Ignore him and keep training
>Write-in

>>3089025
You dropped your trip and name.
Ignore him and keep training.

>>3088973
>>3089025
>>3089028
Thanks, didn't even notice.

>>3089025
>Ignore him and keep training

pst op, ain’t it Shinobi?

>>3089025
>>"Why not?"

>>3089025
>"Why not?"

>>3089025
>Ignore him and keep training
Not letting the demon-eyes scout us

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>3089028
>>3089052
>>3089058
>>3089059
Saying no to eye molestation wins. Lets see if Sasuke takes it well.

>>3089041
Indeed it is, thank you for the correction.

Angst DC 60

>>3089068
Not well. Writing.

The breeze picks up to a slight wind and the trees susurrate. Clouds gather over the horizon a few hours out. Uchiha... where have you heard that name? A Konoha clan, rather important too if you remember correctly. One of two dojutsu clans in the village, this one of the Sharingan. Eye ninja.

From what you've heard, the Sharingan can see through your moves before you've even made them. Fighting against him would be downright foolish. Master Mifune always said be weary of the eyes. You look him dead on, then return to the stone pillar and continue practicing your kata. While exposing your skill might be a poor choice, it's far better than letting an eye ninja break down your entire form.

"Wh-what?!" He shouts with a furrowed brow. "Fight me!"

His words fall on deaf ears as the only sound that fills your mind is the whoosh of your sword. Each quick draw starting and ending with nothing more than a fluid motion. There is no strike, no followup, only the pull of the draw and the push of the sheath. One with the sword, one with the motion. You are zen.

At least until the hair on the back of your neck stands on end. From the corner of your periphery you see Sasuke charging you down, a throwing knife in hands. Not too unlike that bear, though a lot less vicious looking. His eyes turn red, forming a strange pattern. A chill goes down your spine, the Sharingan.

Your body moves on instinct, a dominate hand going to your sheathed sword while the opposite prepares to draw. At that speed though you would cut right through him. "Fight meeee!" He bellows.

>Quick draw, handle strike
>Quick draw, blunt strike
>Quick draw, full strike
>Try to block
>Dodge out of the way
>Write-in

>>3089087
>>Quick draw, handle strike

>>3089087
>Quick draw, handle strike

>>3089087
>>Quick draw, handle strike

>>3089107
>>3089096
>>3089093
Handle strike it is, roll me 1d100. I need three rolls.

DC 60

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>3089129

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3089129
Is this roll over or under.

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>>3089138
Nice.

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>3089129

>>3089134
My long lost purple brother?!

>>3089134
>>3089142
>>3089138
>92
Good shit.
>Is this roll over or under.
Crit fail on 1, crit success on 100.

Writing

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The world moves in slow motion, Sasuke's steps coming at a snails pace. Each footfall kicks up the grass, leaving torn depressions in the greenery. Ninja are supposed to be masters of stealth yet here is, running you down with a knife in hand out in the open like a deranged sociopath. You dip low, pushing out your katana with a thumb before grasping it with an inverted grip. Then you spin the sword over, letting it's edge face up to better draw.

Blue glints off your katana as you become Iadao. Just like with the bear the only thing you feel is the resistance of your target. But this time you hear the crunching of bone as your pommel sinks deep into the bridge of his nose. The red in his eyes fade back to a glossy black before he flops to the ground on his back, clutching his face. Silence falls on the training yard as everyone stops to stair at you. Even the wind had died down.

Sasuke yells in pain as blood seeps between his fingers. He curls into the fetal position, rocking left and right. He can't be older than twelve, no way his Sharingan is fully developed. But what was it supposed to do? Clearly it hadn't helped in the fight. And the way he stood in that tree made it seem like he was studying you for a while. "How?!" He shouts. "All you have is a damn sword!"

"I've spent most of my life with this damn sword," you answer. "Know your limits before you try and fight someone. At least Naruto had the courtesy to wait."

"No!" He snarls, shooting up with blood poring off his face. His nose is more than just broke, it's utterly smashed in. He runs off, shouting as he does. And crying? "I'll beat you! I'll beat everyone!"

You shrug and return to your training with plenty of time left in the day. If only he'd kept his range like Shikamaru instead of getting angry, he might have had a better time. While unable to perform them, learning the hand signs might prove useful in combat. Perhaps a small trip to the library might be in order, they probably have loads of material on the stuff. Or maybe even kenjutsu books you've never seen.


By late afternoon you feel your strikes are faster, more accurate. By tomorrow your muscles will acclimate, making each attack hit harder. But for now perhaps it's time to do something else. Over training is a danger just like any other.

>Take a trip to the library
>Try and find Shikamaru or Choji
>Walk around town
>Check in on Azumi
>Write-in

>>3089191
Check Azumi.

>>3089191
>Check in on Azumi
Pressing X to not trust

>>3089191
>Check in on Azumi first
>Take a trip to the library

>>3089191
>>Check in on Azumi
Maybe get some lunch with them

>>3089146
Purple *is* the best color.

>>3089196
>>3089198
>>3089203
>>3089206
Azumi it is, writing.

File: KonohamaruAndKankuro.jpg (28 KB, 640x480)

28 KB JPG

No, you better call it here and go check on Azumi. No matter how good she promises to be or how closely you're watching, trouble always seems to find her. And with the sun sitting lower and lower it's a good of time as any to collect her. You sheath your sword and head out of the field, the remaining ninja watching you intensely as you do. With a wave and polite smile they back off, returning to their routines of punching, blowing fire, and using bombs. The real stealthy stuff.

On your way through the streets people begin their homeward trips, with some shops closing down early. Scattered among the various specialty stores still open is a puppet shop. Though who would need puppet related services so late in the evening is beyond you. A headache nearly blind you for a moment but then you see it, a blue wisp of smoke disappearing behind an alleyway. Something whispers in your ears.

You shake off the pain and the whispers fade, along with the wisp. Nothing more than a hallucination brought on by hangar, thirst, exhaustion or any combination of the three. Master Mifune was never worried about them and neither should you. First comes Azumi, then you'll get some food. Maybe a stop at the bakery if it's still open or more ramen. Or any other restaurant that closes late.

A shriek cuts through the crowed and your heart stops. The blood rushes from your face as you break into a dead sprint. Alleyway after alleyway, street to street. It had to come from this direction, then you hear them.

"Let her go!" Konohamaru's says. They stand in the middle of a wooden fenced junction. He's kicked over, crashing to the ground and scraping his hands. Two ninja, headbands from the sand. A blonde girl with a fan and a slightly older boy wearing nothing but black and purple face paint. The face painted boy holding Azumi by the scruff of her collar, her tanto in his hand as he waives it in her face.

"Didn't you parents ever tell you not to play with knives, kid?" the boy says, holding the tanto close. Blood roars in your ears, drowning out each step. You'll kill him.

"Come on, Kankuro," the blonde one says. Yes Kankuro, come on. You've already gone this far. "They're just brats."

Neither of them see you approach. You could draw your sword, cut them down where they stand, no one would be the wiser. Even throw the naginata on your back, they might see it coming but it would provide a good distraction. The taste of iron fills your mouth. And you stop, no more than a foot away.

"Oh come on Temari-" Kankuro stops. His eyes go wide for a moment before squinting hard at you. Your hands vibrate with anticipation, your whole body cold. "And you are?"

>"Put. Her. Down."
>"That's not a good idea, she's... "
> Take a deep breath. "Please put her down."
>Write-in

>>3089267
>"Put. Her. Down."

>>3089267
>"Put. Her. Down."

>>3089267
>Take a deep breath. "Please put her down."

>>3089267
>"Put. Her. Down."

>>3089267
>> Take a deep breath. "Please put her down."

>>3089191
Reminder that Sasuke got his ass handed to him by Killer Bee and his swords on a 4v1

>>3089270
>>3089273
>>3089276
>>3089300
>>3089311
Barely controlled rage with a hint of clarity wins. Writing.

>>3089339
He doesn't seem to have a good track record against swordsmen, might be why he carries one.

File: Gaara.png (1.52 MB, 1440x1076)

1.52 MB PNG

"Put. Her. Down," your oder. Even your voice shakes as a million different ways to dismember this fool flashes through your mind. No visible are a problem, that means he might not use them to primarily fight with. A taijutsu or ninjutsu specialist of some sort. Either way, he'll have a hard time doing jutsu without hands.

"Ah- why don't we all calm down here, yeah?" The blonde says nervously. She raises her hands in the air and gives an awkward smile. "Theres no nee-"

"He's terrified, Temari, look at him shake like a leaf. If this is as good as Konoha can come up with, what do we have to worry about?" He lowers Azumi but doesn't let her feet touch the ground. She's red in the face but not from being scared. Instead her eyes watch her tanto, waiting for an opportunity. She should never worry about such things.

"Do not mistake my anticipation for fear. I will flay you like sashimi before your body hits the ground." you say in a low tone. You're hands are white knuckled on your sword, ready to cut him down as soon as he so much as blinks. You let out the breath you've been holding since the shriek. Intimidation needs a fine hand and a keen mind, not something blinded by rage. But a red haze hangs in the corners of you visions like an infection. It would be so easy to just end it now. "Now, once again. Please put her down."

Kankuro glares daggers into you for a moment before releasing his grip and tossing the tanto to the ground. His hand draws back for a cheap shot, fingers pulled in wrong. And then a swirl of sand appears next to the both of you, a short red headed boy apparating from it's center. The new comer shoots a blank stair and Kankuro, forcing him a step back.

"A-h Gaara!"

"You dishonor our village, Kankuro," the redhead answers before turning to you. His eyes feel soulless, an empty blue. "Enjoy the exams, Samurai."

Gaara leads them away in silence and your tremble calms. Azumi buries her face in your leg as you pat her head. Some people just aren't very nice. "Konohamaru, I think it's a good idea for you to head home."

"Y-yeah," he stutters out. "Thank you... Goodbye Azumi."

"Goodbye," she answered quietly. "Can we go home?"

"Yeah." You pull her into you arms and head towards the hotel. She's had more than enough excitement for one day. She won't be going out alone again after this, not without more than Konohamaru.


And I'll call it here for tonight. Something came up and this is a good spot for the break.

As always feedback, criticism, comments, insults, any and all are welcome. I'll be back in two or three hours to read and answer any questions. And if I don't i'll be back tomorrow the same time I started today, 12PM PST.

Also, if you guys want to figure out the next two in universe days are going to be used for go for it. Or you can just skip right to before the written exam and i'll assume it's just more generic training unless stated otherwise.

>>3089379
Time skip I guess or shadow the sand ninjas.

>>3089431
>>3089402
Nah, we need to get familiar with justus and what the fuck they do. We need to study at the library. Especially when it comes to genjutsu

>>3089402
Ninjas are tricky. Wouldn’t hurt to go learn basic ninja shit in the library. Stuff we haven’t heard of before. Just to be prepared.

>No sell sasuke
>Gaara is a secretly repressed decent person

All is as it should be.

Alright, next session I'm going to be trying something a bit different on my end. Writing a post within thirty minutes of a vote or roll isn't meeting my own standard of quality. Expect longer down time between each post.

>>3089452
>>3089462
Eliko trained with the assumption that because he has no chakra then there is no use in learning about it. Meeting ninja has changed that if ever so slightly as everything he knows about it is hearsay from other samurai.

>>3089547
A perfect balance. Though getting the other naruto quest tropes might be a bit more difficult.

>>3089392
Just caught up to this. I love your writing style, but you need to work on correcting your misspellings. It's not so bad on the first pass, but rereading it really brings it to light. You should definitely try proofreading a little bit more to compensate for that, but otherwise, you're doing quite well.

Will definitely keep an eye on this in the future. Hope you keep at it, QM.

I'll be running again in two hours.

>>3089431
>>3089452
>>3089462
Library it is, I'll also do a the time skip so we don't dwell too long on any filler arcs. Or if you guys want I can write it as a bonus chapter for character interaction and shenanigans.

>>3090307
I entirely agree. I'm not the best speller and writing fast only pronounces the problem. Having more time between posts will help me edit. Thank you for the feedback.

>>3090447
Do we even have chakra coils? If we don't, I don't think we can be genjutsued

"Mask?" Azumi asks.

"Check," You answer. She checks off something on a notepad, everything she thinks you might need. Her purple kimono flows with flower patterns and her hair is pulled up into a bun. She insisted it's a formal occasion and pulled out all the stops though based on the schedule, she won't be able to actually see anything until the final segment. A one versus one tournament for anyone in the village to spectate. Or in other words, duels.

"Katana?"

"Check." You tap the blue wrapped blade's over-sized pommel. Not like you ever took it off anyways, many times falling asleep with it still on your hip. Another check mark is scratched on the list. Knowing her she probably included something like an obi or some such. To look 'presentable.'

"Sandals, yukata, sash, hat?" She paces behind you as you mentally run through what you put on that morning. A half eaten breakfast of eggs and rice sits before you on the low table. The hotel had been gracious enough to allow for private dining in preparation for the Exams. Even providing the food, though the deliverer was a strange one. An old lady who just stared at you until you had to close the door on her.

"Check, check, check-" A wide brimmed weaved hat covers your face. Good to keep the sun away but it's use in combat is a little stretched. Azumi giggles then reveals something from behind her back as you lift the hat, a satchel and a sheathed weapon. A black handled wakizashi, a short sword hardly any longer than a tanto and very straight. Inside the bag is a small paper wrapping with three brown pills, a bundle of senbon, and a dozen balls wrapped in paper marked with the words for light or smoke. And six small unmarked ceramic vessels tightly wound with browned cheese cloth and waxed yarn.

"Fire bombs!" Azumi throws her hands while making a 'whoosh' sound. "They're like explosive tags but... bombs. And they don't need chakra to use! Isn't that cool?! The bandaged man said anyone can use them, just take off the wrapping and throw!"

"Bandaged... man?" You hold the satchel away from the both of you. Accepting things from strangers in a village of ninja... That just screams bad idea all over no matter how you look at it.

"Yeah! He was with the Hokage." Her bright smile hits you like a ton of bricks. Well if the Hokage didn't say anything about it... She clearly put thought into this, to overcome your range disadvantage and even a backup. "So? Do you like it?"

"I love it," you answer. Azumi leaps into your chest, wrapping you up in a tight hug before quickly letting go. You'll have them if you need them but hopefully it wont come to setting people on fire or stabbing them with needles. Much less refined than a good old sword fight. "I suppose I should go take that test then, huh?"

>cont

With a sigh you come out on the second floor of the academy, the testing room on the third. A pair of older boys wearing leaf headbands smirk at you before stepping in front of a classroom labeled 201. You shrug and keep going up the stairs. It makes sense for other classrooms to be dedicated to such a big event, though why they let takers run rampant and strong arm each other is odd.

Third floor, room three hundred. And by the looks of it you're one of the first to arrive with only a few squads from the smaller villages being present and one from... a sound village judging by the note on their headband. Must be an up and coming village. They snake pattern scarfs and pants and the creepy hunch back one heavy looking gi.

You take your seat near the front, adjusting your katana to not be in anyone else's way. It doesn't take long for people to start filing in. Most around your age, some a bit older, and a surprising few a bit younger. In fact, so far, only one squad seems to be in the younger age group, Karin and her own. She smiles and splits off from her squad, coming to sit by you.

"So they do let people like you in!" She says happily, almost proud. You take a deep breath and tap your fingers on the table. She didn't mean anything by it, just an observation. "It must have been hard-"

"Alright," you interrupt while turning to face her. She's just as bad as those back at Three Wolves, nothing but two-faced pity. She probably talks behind your back, spreading all kinds of lies. "I don't have a problem, I'm not disabled, and I sure as shit don't need you acting like I am."

"A-ah, I'm sorry. but-"

"But nothing. I've beaten two genin in the last three days and I killed a fucking bear on my way here."

"A... bear?" She cocks an eyebrow but before you can say anything an argument breaks out among a group of new arrivals. Shikamaru and Choji standing with a blonde girl, Naruto and Sasuke with a pink haired girl, and a strange group. A kid in a parka with a puppy on his head, a creepy looking boy in an overcoat, and a shy girl with empty white eyes. Blind, maybe?

"Well, good luck," Karin says with a sigh. She leaves to rejoin her team. A flash of movement catches your eyes, the three sound ninja nimbly rushing between the crowed. One throws a pair of kunai while the other readies a punch augmented by some sort of gauntlet. A very faint whir escapes from the gauntlet as the hunchback swings, only to miss. A moment later the target's, a Konoha genin, glasses break.

A directed sound attack? No, something else. The genin's face turns a faint shade paler then he falls to his knees and vomits. A threat is given by the hunchback but you've already stopped paying attention. One of the windows had opened while no one was look.

A big puff of smoke obscures the chalk board, revealing a whole unit of staff lead by a scarred man in a black overcoat.

>1/2

Also, roll me an encounter 1d6 to see who's in your seating arrangement. Third roll or common.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>3090592

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>3090592

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>3090583
Rolling.

>>3090611
>>3090599
>>3090594
>4

Writing.

"Alright you baby faced degenerates!" The scarred man shouts. "It's time to begin. I'm Ibiki Morino, your proctor. And from this moment, your worst enemy." Everyone's attention turns to the proctor as he calls out the sound ninja. They offer a hollow apology before he continues with some basic ground rules. No combat, no attacking without permission, and no deadly force. Common sense stuff. A Konoha ninja places a token with the number zero on it and a single sheet paper, presumably the test.

Genine hand in their paperwork and are handed similar tokens, seating arrangements. To your left is... of course, Sasuke. He greets you with a narrow glare before taking his seat and folding his hands in front of his face. Not even a bruise remains of what you did to his nose only a few days prior. Ninja doctors must be as good as those in the Three Wolves.

"You're the samurai!" A girl says with hushed excitement. To your right is a girl your age in a sleeveless blouse with two buns in her hair. She quickly takes her seat, the chair's legs dragging across the ground. "I"m Tenten. Is your katana blue like they say? Can I see it?"

"Eliko. Yes, no," you answer flatly. This is the middle of a test, doesn't she understand that? She faces forward, deflated.

"Rule number one!" The proctor Ibiki shouts. "The written part of the exam is conducted on a point reduction system. Contrary to what some of you may be used to, you all begin the test with a perfect score of ten points. One point will be deducted for each answer you get wrong. So if you miss three, your final score will be seven. Rule number two. Teams will pass or fail based on the total score of all three members. If any candidate should get a zero and fail the test. Then the entire team fails."

"What?!" A pink haired girl screams from a few rows back.

"Silence!" Ibiki bellows. " Rule number three. The sentinels you see positioned around the room are there to watch you carefully for any signs of cheating. And for any genin they spot, they will subtract to points from the culprits score. Be warned, their eyes are extremely sharp. And if they catch you five times you'll be dismissed before the tests are even scored. Any genin fool enough to be caught by the sentinels doesn't deserve to be here. And one more thing, the final question won't be given out until fifteen minutes before the end of the testing period. You have one hour total. Begin!"

>Figure it out

Have at it, I don't think this is going to be hard to do. And if it is I'll provide some options in half an hour.

File: Ibiki.png (1.91 MB, 1388x1050)

1.91 MB PNG

>>3090644
Dropped pic again. I'm such a good QM.

>>3090644
In the show it was about trying to cheat without getting caught right?

>>3090647
>extremely sharp eyes
>guy behind him is wearing sunglasses indoors

Gets me every time.

>>3090644
Idk man, we're just in this to fight shinobi. Do we really care about this part of the test?

>>3090647
So do we have chakra coils?

>>3090673
All things in due time.

>>3090672
Probably not, and that's why I'm having you do it. Why would they apply the same rules to a samurai that they do a shinobi?

>>3090657
Indeed.


Also it seems like part of the passage didn't copy over, one moment.

You flip over the test and give it a cursory glance, giving you everything you need to know. And you don't know shit. Extremely detailed questions about trap laying and genjutsu functionality. Advanced uses for ninjutsu and summoning. Absolutely nothing you're familiar with. And with a quick look around the room, apparently things many of the other participants are knowledge able about either. How do they expect you to take this? Unless... they don't?

>>3090657
>>3090658
>>3090672
>>3090673

Alright, looks like no plan has been made. Here are your options.

>Bullshit your way through
>Try to cheat
>Get up and leave, you know where the next faze starts

>>3090708
>Bullshit your way through
We shall answer the test like a Samurai. "I cast sword."

>>3090708
>Bullshit your way through

>>3090708
Just don't answer any of the questions, we'll keep all 10 points if we don't answer any questions

>>3090741
I don't think it works like that.
Bullshit.

>>3090743
We start with 10 points, if we miss a question we get one point deducted. Those are the rules.

>"The written part of the exam is conducted on a point reduction system. Contrary to what some of you may be used to, you all begin the test with a perfect score of ten points. One point will be deducted for each answer you get wrong. So if you miss three, your final score will be seven.
>How do they expect you to take this? Unless... they don't?
Guys learn to read, we're not supposed to even try answering the questions.

>>3090741
All right. I'll change my vote to just sit there and wait for the test time to be done. Maybe we can meditate or something.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>3090753
>>3090743
>>3090741
>>3090732
Looks like a tie. 1 for Bullshit and 2 for Not Answering. Writing.

>>3090765
Roll me 1d100 to see how well that goes over with the proctor.

DC 60

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>3090766

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>3090766

>>3090768
I guess he likes it?

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>3090766

>>3090773
>>3090771
>>3090768
>98
Great success.
You guys are killing me with these high rolls. Writing.

File: Anko.png (1.23 MB, 1440x1076)

1.23 MB PNG

The test is bullshit, you realize, they don't expect you to take it. You're here to just go through the motions after all. You could try filling it in with your own BS, it might catch the proctor off guard. You might even get one or two right by accident. No, if you're totally wrong on something it'll only serve to make a mockery of the Samurai. You fill out your name and turn it over before going into your meditation state. People all around the room whisper in hushed tones, more than likely mocking you for an inability to answer. Sasuke sighs next to you and fills out his own. Tenten fiddles around with her hand underneath the table but does much the same and completes the test in short order.

An hour in and the tenth question is asked. Give up now and take the test again, or fail the question and never have the chance to retake the test. You don't even bother opening your eyes as the whole class erupts with noise, Naruto among the loudest and proudest. Many quick and are escorted from the room. Naruto, however, declares his relentless dedication and bid for Hokage. A long moment passes before the proctor speaks back up, a much more upbeat tone to his voice. "For all of you that remain there is only one things left for me to tell you... that you all pass!"

Of course it was bullshit, this didn't even matter. You jump over the desk and hand in your paper before heading to the door. But a firm hand stops you before you can even step away. "What's this?" The proctor asks, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. Did it matter? You already passed. Unless the questions had to be at least filled out.

"My test," you answer.

"How... did you know?"

"What."

"This test is about having the drive to become a shinobi, regardless of any obstacle! And you did it against absolute odds, in the face of utter defeat! You provided no answers and therefor lost no points. Even with the tenth question you remained silent, unwilling to divulge any information that might lead to your ultimate victory or defeat. Unwavering silence under any circumstance, the mindset of a true shinobi." He faces the class and continues his rant while you use the distraction to escape. Lunatics, every one of them.

You descend the academy and head towards phase two in a hurry, the Forty-fourth Training Ground. The next proctor should be someone named Anko, however when you arrive at the gate no one is around to greet you. Except a woman hanging out up in a tree, glaring down at you. What is it about ninjas and glaring? She doesn't move, doesn't speak, just stands there. She wears a tan overcoat and full body fishnets. A Konoha forehead protector keeps light black bangs from her eyes.

Over the next few minutes the genin arrive, and she jumps down, standing at the head of the group.

1/2

File: FoDmap.jpg (79 KB, 1280x800)

79 KB JPG

Sorry for the wait, family emergency. BRB in an hour.

"This is the location for the second phase of the exam," the woman says. "But we call it the forest of death." A box chases around Naruto for a few moments before Konohamaru and two other children pop out. A ten minute break is called, something about news paper and an interview. One approaches you after talking with another, the young girl with orange hair. She looks at you for a moment, notepad in hand.

"So you're the samurai?" She asks. "Eriko? Can I ask you some questions? I'm Moegi from the academies news paper."

"Eloki," you correct. "Shoot."

"Is your sword really blue?"

You unsheathe your katana, and hold it out. The afternoon sun reflects off an azure blue from the foreign alloy that constitutes it's build. Gaisteel, from the Lands of War for to the west. Not much is known about the metal other than it's extreme durability.

"Wow!" She says, "It's really pretty!"

"Thank you. Next question?"

"What's it like in the Land of Iron?"

"Cold, really cold. And people don't like to talk nearly as much." The masked off faces of full samurai are burned into your memory with their heavy armor and beady red goggles. Bumping into one of the captains in the middle of the night convinced you that demons were real with his horned helmet and creep breathing. You shutter.

"So what do you think of our village?" She asks proudly.

"Not-"

"Alright everyone, gather around!" The woman shouts. She holds up the consent form, one you've already filled out. They're passed out and she explains the rules with a map in hand. The only segment you weren't familiar with was the written to make it more fair to the other candidates. But this one is much more straight forward. Get two scrolls, make it to the center. Don't die.

You're given an heaven scroll after she's done and are given the starting gate. Gate number 41, with Tenten, a boy with eyebrows like caterpillars, and another one with white eyes. Tenten smiles at you and mimes a sword swinging motion. Hopefully they don't target you right out of the gate.

Without a chance to introduce themselves the gate swings open, exactly at noon. They disappear in a blur, leaving nothing but falling leaves and torn up grass in their wake. You walk inside and the gate closes right behind you. Birds fly away in distress, their nests disturbed. And then everything goes silent. No animals, no wind, no swaying trees. Just a dark forest with no one around.

You continue further in, weary of any booby traps that may already lie in wait. One time you saw a samurai with a missing foot, the result of an explosive tag under a rock. Shrapnel scars dotted his entire body. It cost him his career but for you it's a good lesson.

Thirty minutes in and already you see the signs of a battle. A body lies in the ground, back peppered with senbon. Very clearly a trap.

>Cautiously inspect it
>Set up your own ambush
>Keep walking
>Call out to the ambushers