Shuusui Uzumaki has been undergoing the deadly process of harmonizing his body with all sorts of toxins and poisons in an attempt to learn the esoteric techniques of the Harmonic Death Arts. Unfortunately, he has taxed his body too much and lingers on the line between Life and Death.
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 8:18 am
โโ Village: Konoha || Rank: Genin || Classes: Scholar & Genjutsu โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ Shuusui sat quietly in a cave deep within the Uzumaki grounds. All of the grounds were warded against intruders, this was in a deeper part of the forest sectioned off for Uzumaki use and would not be developed yet for some time. Shuusui had found it when he had gone exploring to find some place to train away from the prying eyes of the clan elders. It did wonderfully to learn some of the less traditionally styles he had found and to use it to help hone techniques he didn't want anyone to know about.
Like the fact that he had been brewing a variety of poisons... and consuming them. Working to introduce substances into his body in a myriad of ways. The first, harrowing steps to mastering the Harmonic Death Arts. At this moment he was merely resting, with his arms soaking in vats of venom. A self-made concoction that he had learned through his studies into the field of Toxicology. The substance he was currently... introducing to his system was derived from a variety of poisonous herbs and the toxic organs of a variety of animals all mashed into a liquid-like paste. It had an odd sheen that disquieted him but he pushed his concerns aways as he kept his arms deep into the twin vats he had prepared solely for this purpose.
In fact, in an effort to speed up the process he was also chewing on some of those herbs as he sat, waiting. He did not want to push his body too far too fast, but the scrolls had been adamant at the constant, rapid exposure to the poisons would eventually turn into an immunity and a weapon. As he felt the last of the herbs disappear amidst his chewing he considered the dangers of the various toxins currently surging through his body. He knew he was close to the edge, frightfully so but he had yet to see the beginning of the results that should have theoretically already occurred.
He feared a rejection for sure. But he feared a half-assed result more. A rejection would mean his body wasn't prepared to handle the load of so many poisons but if he failed to properly materialize the results in full, it would require much more effort and the risk would be far greater. Shuusui was almost sure that if the latter occurred he would die in the attempt to push his body past the immunity it would have developed. He needed the complete results, the shield and the spear.
With that thought, he stood, drawing his arms out of the vats and walked towards the a a vial that was sitting on the make shift table in the cave. He was hoping that this final gamble would allow his body to achieve the purpose he was pushing for. Drawing a kunai he cut the tip of his finger and squeezed out a drop of blood that he poured into the vial. Then, quickly binding the cut, he took the vial, infused it with chakra. He took a moment to look over and inspect his work. The hope was that the toxicity of the ingredients combined with the symbolic connection of his blood and the chakra to enhance the substance that it would harmonize with his body as desired using his chakra and blood as the bridge to keep it stable. This was the moment of truth, Shuusui took the vial and drank it.
He went back to where he had been sitting, and reintroduced his arms into the vats. He sat there, in quiet contemplations for a few minutes when he realized his mistake. By introducing the arm that he had cut to get blood for the vial, he was not introducing venom at a faster pace than he had calculated. He ripped the arm out of its vat, but already he could feel his body begin to seize. His vision was blurring and before he blacked out, all he could think was what a colossal moron he had been. โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ โโ Chakra: 1250/1250 || Stamina: 1250/1250 || Elements: Suiton & Doton || Theme: Fierce Storm
Plague gently placed a wild flower between to pieces of paper in a dark green leather bound journal. Adding yet another pressed plant to her collection. She glanced at the dark brown basket sitting beside her. It had even more wild herbs placed in neat little piles, sorted in a way that only she knew. Common herbs that could be found any where else were sorted to the left. A smaller stack on the right was made up of more uncommon plants. Those plants were the ones that only grew in certain places in a forest. Luckily the forest she was currently in was just the right place to find a few of the herbs. The Uzumaki Grounds were largely kept so that no one could access it outside of the Clan, so the wild herbs grew a little better there.
Though she was not an Uzumaki Plague looked after Shuusui, heir to the clan, as a medic. And so she was allowed to pick some herbs. Or rather no one had stopped with her when she did spend time on the grounds. Quietly as a mouse Plague picked the basket up and stood up. She brushed some dirt from her clothes and walked away from the small clearing she had been in. Behind her mask Plague kept a sharp eye out for Shuusui. She knew he was back here somewhere, but where he had sneaked off too was beyond her. She wasn't as familiar with the grounds as he was after all. There was one area of the grounds no one else really went to that she knew Shuusui would probably be in.
A short time passed before Plague finally found the cave that Shuusui would hole himself up in. Plague was not fond of any place dark, even if it was lit up a bit. A dark cave was still a dark cave. Usually Plague stayed outside any time Shuu decided he wanted to go in there. She took a deep breath, gripping her book in one hand and basket in the other before walking into the cave. Even after just one step into the darkness Plague wanted to leave. She forced herself to keep walking however until she came to the more well lit area where Shuu did his training.
The sight that greeted her as she came into the cavern was practically her worst nightmare. Shuusui was lying on the ground and not moving. Both the book and basket clattered to the ground, spilling their contents, as Plague rushed over to the unconscious boy. As she knelt down next to him she took in the obvious signs of no outward injuries. He was also breathing from the looks of it. For a brief moment she looked at the vats next to him before putting her hands over his chest. Dark purple chakra coated the palms of her hands as she inspected Shuu for any injuries'. It only took her a moment to discover the cause. A new wave of panic washed over Plague as she hoped it hadn't been to long since the poison made its way into his system.
The frown deepened on her face as she realized that introducing an antidote with a needle could cause more complications than good if she didn't know the poison. Standing up quickly Plague looked into the vats that were beside Shuu. Inside was a liquid Plague couldn't even begin to guess the contents off. Her frustration grew as she looked around the cave for anything else that could clue her in. Spying the table on the other side she noticed there was nothing on it. Taking a steadying breath, she knelt back down once again forming chakra around her hands. Using her chakra she removed the poison as carefully as possible from Shuusui.
After she removed the last of the poison Plague placed her hands flat on her lap. With her mask covering all but the frown on her face Plague appeared just to be looking at Shuusui. Behind the mask though Plague all but glared down at him. She waited patiently for the poor boy to wake up.
โฐ Diagnosis [ Shindan ] | Rank E Chakra is applied to the palms of the medic before placing them on the patient. The chakra then reveals to the user all signs of injury, trauma, or any other malady, especially those that cannot be analyzed by the naked eye. Internal injury, improper heart rate, non-apparent bone fractures, poisoning, disease, and more can be identified in the same post this technique was used. This technique can also be used on a corpse for an autopsy to determine the cause and time of death.
โฐ Poison Removal [ Jokyo Dokubutsu ] | Rank D Allows the user to use chakra to extract the poison the target is suffering from. This removes one of the status effects of the poison the target is suffering from. In addition, the user may bottle the poison for the use of an antidote creation technique. This technique does not require an activation. Can only be used once per target.
Current Mission
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 8:13 pm
โโ Village: Konoha || Rank: Genin || Classes: Scholar & Genjutsu โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ The void that he found himself in brought no comfort, no peace. All he saw, were his fears made real. Standing in the fiery ruins of the newly constructed Uzumaki Manor. The body of his clansmen strewn about. Konoha ablaze so much like Uzushio before it. All with haunted eyes as if telling him it was his fault they were dead, because he failed, because he had killed himself in such a stupid manner.
He saw himself if he hadn't taken that path for Harmonic or the other style he had secreted away to learn, and saw himself die in a variety of ways. In the Chunin Exams to a particularly bloodthirsty competitor, to a nameless nuke-nin who wanted to harvest Shuu's heart. Failure if Shuusui merely adhered to the traditional methods of his clan.
Life after life flashing before his eyes, failure after failure heaped upon him as each dark choice led to a grisly fate for himself or for those he cared about But the worst... the worst was seeing Plague's broken form. Her mask shattered on the ground next to her. And through it all, a burning pain permeating throughout his body. As if every cell of his being screamed for death.
And then suddenly, he felt as if dropped into a lake; cool and refreshing. Sinking into its depths and the pain ebbed and bled out of his form. he felt exhausted as his body murmured in relief. His eyes cracked open to see himself lying on his back in the cave where he trained in secret. Then his eyes focused onto Plague... who judging by the angle of her mask, did not look pleased."Hello Plague."He whispered,"Thank you..." โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ โโ Chakra: 1250/1250 || Stamina: 1250/1250 || Elements: Suiton & Doton || Theme: Fierce Storm
Plague's body physically relaxed as Shuu opened his eyes. It had been barely a moment since she removed the poison, but it almost felt like an eternity. She seemed to soften at his appreciation over being saved, but the frown still lingered. She let out a barely audible sigh before she reached up, placing the back of her hand gently against Shuu's forehead. Seemingly satisfied he didn't have a fever she relented with her medical treatment. If he needed it Plague would help him sit up, but she would rather he lie still for now.
"What is all this? Is there an antidote?" She patted vat after signing her questions. Poisons weren't exactly her forte. She could tell you what plants and animals could make which poisons, but not actually how to do it. Shuu was lucky she had decided to study medical techniques instead of combat ones. Chakra wouldnโt have an adverse reaction to a poison like the wrong kind of antidote would. But an antidote would still help.
After a moment Plague firmly stated "Never do that again." Patting the vat next again to make sure Shuu understood. "That was a bad idea." she scolded in signs. Now that the adrenaline of the moment was fading away so was Plague's anger and frustration. It was quickly being replaced by relief and it showed. "You are welcome." she signed.
โโ Village: Konoha || Rank: Genin || Classes: Scholar & Genjutsu โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ Shuusui grimaced as he sat up from where he lay on the floor. Plague wasn't happy at all. What's worse, she was not going to like his explanation for what he had been doing."What is all this? Is there an antidote?"She signed at him, patting one of the vats that he had a mixture in. He huffed as he thought about how to answer. With a sign he flashed a release seal over one of the Fuuins on his clothes, releasing a scroll. Specifically, a scroll detailing the Harmonic Death Arts.
He held it towards Plague as he began to explain."I found a taijutsu style in one of the abandoned areas of the academy library. The basis of the style is harmonizing one's body with poisons to imbue the user to become venomous. To help, I started studying toxicology so that I could properly assess what kind of poisons I needed to make so as to make the process as safe as possible."He gave a grimace."I miscalculated while I was dosing myself in this last round. But there's no antidote since it... shouldn't have killed me in truth. Make me want to die perhaps, but I believe I would have... survived."With that admission he stood as he started cleaning up some of the mess. He gathered as he organized the cave area.
After a moment Plague firmly stated "Never do that again." Patting the vat next again to make sure Shuu understood. "That was a bad idea." she scolded in signs. He winced at her admonishment, well deserved as it was. Suddenly Plague's anger and frustration faded away, showing her relief. "You're welcome." She signed to him.
"I do appreciate you helping me Plague. But I need to complete the process. This is just one of many steps I'm taking. I can't let something like Uzushio happen again... I won't."
He shook his head helplessly"Do you know what the elders want me to do? Be their messenger to a summons from our Hokage! They're sending me as a subtle but deliberate insult. Instead of working to protect our people, they're too busy playing petty political games that mean nothing in the larger scheme. We need everyone to secure this place and make it a safe haven for everyone! THEY SHOULDN'T HAGGLING WITH PEOPLE'S LIVES!!"The last came out as a horrified shout, his frustration and anger bleeding out for the first time in months since they had arrived to their new home. He whirled about throwing the now empty vial that he had drunk earlier at the cave wall, it shattered spectacularly and he would admit that he felt some satisfaction at hearing it break apart like he felt his clan was. All tied up in their pride, attempting to secure, no, improve their position in the village. They weren't that irreplaceable Shuusui thought fiercely, Arashi was getting by dint of other means. But Fuuin could do a lot of good if the Uzumaki merely allowed it. โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ โโ Chakra: 1250/1250 || Stamina: 1250/1250 || Elements: Suiton & Doton || Theme: Fierce Storm
Taking the scroll from Shuusui Plague felt utterly confused. The Uzumaki's mastery of Fuuin always baffled her to no end. Even after years of being beside Shuusui through his training Plague barely grasped the basics herself. She listened to Shuu's explanation as she looked through the scroll. A poisonous taijutsu sounded ridiculous to Plague. However, his idea to combat the poison to himself with toxicology was a smart idea. If he hadn't miscalculated somewhere at least. From where she sat, she watched Shuusui go about cleaning the mess he had made. As he picked up at little glass bottle Plague suddenly remembered her own dropped contents.
She glanced over her shoulder at the basket and book. As she stood up Shuusui was once again thanking her for the help. Though with a bit of that determination to see his training through to the end added for good measure. She knew better than to try and talk him out of it. This was his path and she wasn't going to stand in his way. The best she could do was patch him up afterwards. Plague took a step towards Shuu while holding up the scroll to return to him when the redhead mentioned Uzushio.
Just hearing the name of their original home sent a pang through her chest. Bringing with it the painful memory of the day. Thankful for the mask covering the grimace that flashed over her face, Plague continued to listen. Hearing what his clan intended to do was just as painful as remembering Uzushio. Plague was fully on Shuusui's side when it came to dealing with his family. The Uzumaki clan heads were about as corrupt as a political group could get to Plague's eyes.
And now it seemed they were finally going to drag Shuusui into their schemes. Plague had lost all faith in the head of the clan years ago. It wasn't often the normally laid back teen yelled. Plague opened her mouth as if she was about to say something, but quickly closed it again. Flinching as Shuusui vented his frustration, taking it out on the glass bottle. For a moment she was still, but then she moved to stand next to Shuusui.
Plague placed the scroll on the table before softly placing a hand on Shuusui's shoulder to get his attention on her. She didn't know exactly what to say or what advice to offer. She didn't like seeing him shoulder this burden on his own. However she couldn't think of something to say. Any advice she thought of didn't feel right to say. Simply not going to the meeting wouldn't help any one. Honestly she felt the same as Shuu did. Though she never vented it as such. Lifting her hands up she signed "Then use that meeting to make them work. Tell the Hokage what you just said." In an attempt to elaborate she added "Make them work for their position." This felt like a good idea to Plague. If the clan wanted peace then they should have to work for it.
โโ Village: Konoha || Rank: Genin || Classes: Scholar & Genjutsu โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ Shuusui turned as he felt the touch upon his shoulder. he turned to see what Plague had to say,"Then use that meeting to make them work. Tell the Hokage what you just said." She signed. In an attempt to elaborate she added "Make them work for their position."
Shuu's eyes focused as he contemplated Plague's point. It would require carful wording on his part. To bring to the Hokage the machinations the elders were indulging in without making the clan seem disloyal. He also couldn't hurt he prestige of the Uzumaki to simply get the elders removed. They hadn't committed treason after all. He focused back on Plague,"Yes, that could very well work. You keep me grounded sometimes I think."He chuckled as he took a look around."I still have much to learn, including how to properly beat them at their own game. The Uzumaki will be a source of strength for this village, I swear it." โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ โโ Chakra: 1250/1250 || Stamina: 1250/1250 || Elements: Suiton & Doton || Theme: Fierce Storm
Plague hoped at least a bit of her message got through to Shuusui. Politics wasn't her strong suit. It frustrated her that she couldn't properly help her friend out of this situation. She let a small smile appear on her face for a moment. It was an almost chuckle worthy notion when he said that she kept him grounded. Plague could have sworn it was the other way around. If she didn't have Shuusui Plague would have been lost long ago. "I think it's the other way around." she signed, feeling a bit of relief now that he was no longer throwing vials or shouting. "You are already a source of strength."
Now that the anger had passed from Shuusui Plague looked back at her things laying the ground. Quietly she stepped over to dropped items and began to repack the basket. She carefully placed the plants back before turning her attention to the book. Picking up with the leather bound book Plague returned to Shuu's side at the table. She placed the two items down gently next to each other. Though a hand lingered on the cover Plague was still and silent for a moment. This whole time Plague had been trying her best to ignore the fact that they were currently in a dark cave. The cave didn't bother her, but the darkness did. The fear she had felt seeing Shuu on the ground was enough to make her forget her other fears at the time. Now that the initial adrenaline was gone Plague was suddenly in the dark and she didn't like it.
Trying to ignore it though, she reached out and lightly tugged on Shuu's sleeve to get his attention. She signed "Do you have a plan?" Surely just training wasn't Shuu's only part of the plan. Even if it was a bare basic plan something had to be laid in preparation for such a meeting. Then he had to think about what would happen after the meeting as well. Perhaps she was over thinking this however, in an attempt to get her mind of the darkness around her.
โโ Village: Konoha || Rank: Genin || Classes: Scholar & Genjutsu โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ Shuusui knew that Plague struggled with some of the intricacies of politics but she was by no means stupid. Her words echoed in his mind."I think it's the other way around." she had signed, "You are already a source of strength."Perhaps that was true, Shuu felt he had so much more ground to cover, more to learn, more to master. He didn't feel ready, not yet. And the position of the elders themselves was strong, rooted in traditions and the very real prestige won in being the founding clan of Uzushio which was the core of Konoha.
His attention was brought out of his musings by her light tug of his sleeve"Do you have a plan?""Yes."He answered firmly."They want me to be the messenger? Very well, I will accept. I will go meet our new leader and get their measure. I will have to be careful but her support will safeguard my position and allow me to start pushing pack against their control. From there I can erode their position. In fact, I have already started on that front. Quietly oh so quietly, the people that deals with the clan have been met by a helpful young lad, eager to learn, eager to help. So I expand my knowledge and at the same time build a good reputation. Once I get closer to the age of taking over, the elders will find those outside happy and ready to accept me as head. What a shock that will be I think."
Here he allowed himself to grin, fierce and feral."Let them think me a puppy, small and defenseless, leashed by their machinations. Soon they will find that they have raised a wolf all while calling it a dog." โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ โโ Chakra: 1250/1250 || Stamina: 1250/1250 || Elements: Suiton & Doton || Theme: Fierce Storm
The smile came back to Plague's face as Shuusuui revealed his plan when he confirmed his plan. The smile stayed through out his explanation. It sounded fool proof. Providing that no one threw a wrench into it somehow. When he was done sharing his plan Plague signed "I want to see their faces." she stated firmly, letting her smile drop to show her seriousness. Whether she was permitted or not Plague was going to be there whenever this plan went into effect. While her primary goal was to support Shuusui, shocking the elders was just icing on the cake for her.
For a moment, lost in her own musings, she almost missed what Shuusui said next. The comparison was pretty on point, but Plague couldn't help but picture Shuusui as a dog for a brief moment. There was a silence followed by a short chuckle from the young girl. She resisted the urge to reach up and pat him on the head, instead she signed "I will be there to help." No matter his answer Plague was going to dutifully follow him around, not much unlike a puppy herself. "Well where should you start? Training or meeting with the leader?"
โโ Village: Konoha || Rank: ??? || Classes: Scholar & Genjutsu โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ Shuusui glared suspiciously at Plague when she giggled. He knew her too well and had a strong suspicion she had pictured him as a dog. Still he appreciated her words of support.โFor now, letโs wrap up this training, then Iโll get ready for my meeting with the Hokage.โ โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ โโ Chakra: 4200/4200 || Stamina: 4000/4000 || Elements: Suiton & Doton || Theme: Fierce Storm
Reply
