PROLOGUE | 30,000 Leagues Under The Sea

[The Mad Hatter]

The monstrous beast's lone, baleful red eye stared down upon the helpless pissants below it, tail triad thrashing this way and that, destroying buildings and rock, crushing people in their paths. Its massive jaw eased open with the sound of a thousand barnacles scraping along the seal floor, small, shapeless blobs of blue-green demonic energy exiting from within the chasm. The globs separated into two distinct masses and merged with the water in the air, coalescing into large spheres on either side of the beast's face. And with a thundering roar and a dark, oppressive cloud of fear, the beast unleashed its power onto the village beneath it.

30,000 Leagues Under The Sea

[/b][/u][/i][/right]
The whole day had carried itself with a sense of unease. Stormy skies just barely withholding the torrents of rain and lightning held within accompanied abnormal wave patterns that beached ships, stranded fishermen and devoured even those stilted homes on the shoreline.

And yet, among those bearing the unease, one man felt it above all.

Minazuki Shinjiro's jellyfish patrol around Mizu no Kuni's watery borders had gone dead silent. Not unsummoned. Not delayed. Not incapacitated. His heart mourned slightly, for his precious summons were dead. Devoured.

He was Kirigakure's Oinin and ANBU commander, and one of the few in the village who held more power and command than he was the Mizukage. He went straight to the Mizukage's building, striding with purpose.

"Get the shinobi ready! ANBU, drop what you're doing and assemble our sealers, sensor and barrier men! Every Iryo-nin is officially on-call, stock the hospital, NOW!"

As he did this, a mist descended upon the village. This was not uncommon, for in the Village Hidden in the Mist, water vapor was generally unregarded. This one, though.

This one was different.

"Mizukage-sama! Mizukage-sama! Damn it ANBU, find all the Genjutsu users you can! We have a situation!"

Reports came in from many small villages, numerous kilometers outside of Kirigakure. Radio communications had gone dead. People had passed out, suffocated to death, committed suicide under the weight of killing intent.

Shinjiro burst into the Mizukage's office, uncaring of protocol.

"Mizukage-sama, put the village on emergency lockdown. We have a situation."

---

Fifteen Minutes Later
ANBU Headquarters Underground Briefing Room[/u][/size]

---

"Mizukage-sama, Nidaime-sama," Shinjiro started, unrolling his personal map of Mizu no Kuni, perfectly marked with the locations of all ANBU and Oinin scouts, patrols, and his jellyfish blockade.

"Twenty minutes ago at 0937 hours, my jellyfish blockade here," he said, pointing out the west border of Mizu no Kuni, "went dead. Not returned from where I summoned them. Not wounded. Dead."

Withdrawing a pen, he crossed large black "X"s over several villages on the map of Mizu no Kuni.

"Forget that those villages exist. They have been wiped off the map. In addition, a confusion-inducing mist has fallen over the village. I have my ANBU and available Oinin assemble our best Genjutsu users to try and break its hold, but so far we have only been able to free our upper level shinobi and Iryo-nin. Men, we have an emergency situation of the highest ord—"

"Minazuki-Taichou! Come in Minazuki-Taichou!" Shinjiro growled obscenities and grabbed his radio communicator, setting it loud enough for the whole room to hear.

"Report!"

"Hostile sighted at eleven point five kilometers! Sir!... it's a Bijuu!"

* * * * *

Just as in Iwa, feel free to post what your character is doing during this time, in accordance with the lower part of the post. I'll finish the beast's attack in the next part, to be put up shortly.[/justify][/font][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Tenzō]

『30,000 Leagues Under The Sea』

Prior to the Attack
Mizukage Office
12:45 PM

Midday in Kirigakure, nothing was going on right now. It was the usual mis covered everywhere in the village, the sun was barely showing a nice day. He continued looking through a bunch of folders that was given to him by his assistant. The Daimyo needed them for a census on the village to supply proper funding.

The Mizukage sat in his chair, reviewing files that had to be check before being sent out to the Daimyo. He checked each on individually to make sure everything was in order. With everything fine he called for his assistant. "Tsuki!" The Jōnin appeared in front of his desk. "Yes, Lord Mizukage?" Tenzō placed all of the folders on top of each other. "Here take these." Tsuki nodded and went over to grab what the Mizukage ordered. "They are ready to be sent out to the Daimyo, have a squad deliver these." Tsuki understood. "Is that all?" Sandaime nodded his head. "Yes."

---

While in a conference with a Genin team, Tenzō felt an immense chakra pressure. A weird aura began to overshadow Kirigakure. The mist was not the same. This chakra was not from any shinobi, it was much more than this. He stopped what he was doing, and turned around to look at the window. From a distance, a large creature could be seen, but Tenzō couldn't get a good look. Watching trees falling down to the ground this was a serious threat. Immediately, Mizukage took initiative.

Quickly, before he could do anything the Oinin Corps captain appeared in the door yelling frantically. "Shinjiro, I know. I want all civilians to be protected. Contact the Fōjutsu department, to form a barrier quickly to keep them safe." The Mizukage reached for his ninja tools and equipment. "Put everything on high alert, village is on lock down, until we eliminate this threat, whatever the hell it is."

Tenzō turned to the team that he was talking to. "You four must help evacuate civilians." They nodded and left the room quickly. "Shinjiro lets move, the more time we waste, the higher the risk the village is in." He placed his over coat on along with his hat, it was time to go.

---

In the briefing room, Tenzō along with the Nidaime and Shinjiro needed think as to why this was happening. Listening to the information gathered by Shinjiro. Hearing how many causaties that Mizu no Kuni already faced in the matter of a few hours. Smaller villages already faced the wrath of this creature. Tenzō knew the amount of damage this thing caused could mean disaster for the village of Kirigakure.

The radio went off, an incoming message from Shinjiro's radio. "Answer it quickly." The message which was relayed to Shinjiro wasn't a good one. "A Bijuu...How? Why now?" The Sandaime was uneasy about this. Tenzō grabbed the radio from Shinjiro. "Which tailed beast is it?!" No answer. "Which one is it?" He tried again. Another message came it this time they couldn't hear anything but loud static. "It-ha-s- thr-tails." The message was heard.

"Three tails?"

The Mizukage looked at the Nidaime and Shinjiro. "Contact Division 03, Research! Bring me information about this tailed beast. Don't waste any time." Tenzō looked at the other ANBU operative. "How is the evacuation of the civilians?" The ANBU looked at Tenzō and nodded his head. "Why are you nodding your head? That is not an answer." Nervous. "S-Sorry Lord Mizukage, the evacuation is going well. I got word of the fūinjutsu department already started on the barrier seal."

Tenzō looked at him. "Good." He turned back to Shinjiro. "Round up the shinobi and the Shinobigatana, we don't have much time.

[Tōshi Tsuyoki]

Before things turned to hell for the Village Hidden in the Mist, Tsuyoki had been in a place uncommon for someone like her.

The bar.

*sigh*

She sat there by herself at the counter on a stool, holding a cup of sake that was continually swished around and around. So far, she only had a sip of the sake and was only stalling for time until she figured out what she wanted to do with her day. In the months after the War, the villages had gotten to the point where a constant scrambling for missions was dwindling.

"Geh, I need a productive day for a change."

Just before she could down the cup of sake, Tsuyoki heard a call come over the radio around her neck.

"Tsuyoki-sama. Come in Tsuyoki-sama."

"...what is it?"

"All Shinobigatana are under an immediate summon. Report to the village border and wait for further instructions."

"Are you serious? What the hell is going on?"

"You'll be informed once you get there. Go now. Over and out."

"..."

Now she was officially on duty and had to drop the alcoholic beverage so she could operate with a clear head. Little did she know that once she walked out of the bar, Tsuyoki would be treated to a hallucinogenic experience that didn't even happen when someone was "plastered" to the wall.

"...it's been a long time. Tsuyoki-chan..."

"Y-you're... impossible."

~Later~

Tsuyoki had since dispelled the holding this ominous mist had on her. Even with not under its illusion-inducing effect, it would be obvious that this mist was not what any normal shinobi could produce. Tsuyoki reasonably concluded that some other force was behind it all, and had, since her arrival, been informed as to what was going on.

A tailed beast. The Sanbi.

The appearance of the beast and its mist had wiped out the outlying non-shinobi villages and the beast was apparently on its way to Kiri.

Not that Tsuyoki was a fighter that could take on a tailed beast well, but as a Shinobigatana, she would be called on to do combat with the beast until the appropriate persons could subdue the beast.

[Papi Neku]

Kirigakure was in panic mode right now. Many did not know what was going on. The clan leader of the Ichizoku rang the clan bell. Everybody headed out of their homes, and headed to the center of the district where meetings where usually held. From young to old, all appeared. The bell was rarely rang, this seemed to be an emergency. Shenzō heard this and hurried everyone outside the house. "Let's go." Walking towards the gathering of people about three hundred Soga there. The clan leader raised his hand, trying to gain attention. The crowd began to quiet down.

"All Soga who are shinobi please enter in the conference room please." About one hundred members entered the room. "Be patient, if you would I want you all to remain here." He spoke calmly. The leader entered the conference room and closed the door. "My brothers and sisters, the village is currently on lock down." Words began to be shared among the shinobi. "There is seemed to be a creature approaching Kirigakure, I have feared that is very serious."

"The Mizukage has ordered every shinobi to mobilize. I don't want to bring our Genin into this for they are our future, Chūnin and above will go. This is a serious matter. The rest of the Soga, that aren't shinobi are considered regular civilians, they are to be brought to a checkpoint where their safety is ensured. Now, we are descendants of the ones who founded this very village. Go and protect your village." The elderly clan leader nodded his head.

"Now, move out, for Kirigakure-!!" A loud roaring echoed in the conference room. "I want the Chūnin to go bring the non Soga shinobi to the evacuation check point now." About twenty Shinobi left the room, and began to do what the leader said. "Follow us." One Chūnin said the clan was a bit uneasy at first, but soon followed behind them. Back inside the Conference room. "The rest of you Jōnin please go now and ready up with the rest of the shinobi of the village." One by one preformed a hand seal disappearing via shunshin. The rest remaining were the Genin.

"You Genin are to go with the civilians." The Genin agreed and followed behind them. The Genin exited the room. The elderly man went outside and felt the presence in the area. "We are in grieve danger." He looked up at the sky. "Shodai.."

---

With the civilians, Shōmaru being a Genin was ordered to follow them. "This is so gay.." He was upset. "I am sick and tired of all the higher rank shinobi having certain privileges. We should all be equal, we are all Shinobi, and all live in Kirigakure." One of the Genin heard what Shōmaru said and laughed. "What are you stupid? We Genin can't do anything to fight off a beast or creature. Your pretty dumb." He gritted his teeth, and grabbed the Genin by the collar. "Hey. Watch your mouth, punk." The Genin nodded his head. "Alright , Alright get off."

Shōmaru let go. "I need to go help." He turned around and went the opposite direction of the group. He hid behind a tree and preformed a henge. The Genin took appearance of a nearby Jōnin that was evacuating. "This is more like it." The Soga began to head where all the shinobi were mobilizing, it was time to show that being just a Genin didn't mean anything, even if it did risk being in major trouble with the clan.

[Yasora]

30,000 Leagues
Under The Sea

EARLY THAT DAY:

[/size][/color]For the past few days the old man had been taking an easy, the village was finally improving and the economy was picking up beautifully. His time, as precious as it was to him, was spent within his home meditating, reflecting on any and every idea possible that would allow him to aid the Sandaime in pushing the Hidden Mist further and up that plateau they desired to rest upon.

Drawn upon the walls were markings and sealing, to the untrained eye anyways, but for someone who had any sort of skill in Fūinjutsu they would see it as much more, calculations, a theorem even. This, whether he'd admit it or not, was why he stayed home, coped upon behind sliding doors. He needed his personal thinking time.

In a moment a loud resonating THAWK called him to alert--

"Odamura-sama!"

"Odamura-sama!" Two lone shinobi cried from the outside of his door step, the panic in their eyes was obvious. They seemed worried. Terrified. Scared.

"Is everything alrig--"

"Your presence is needed! You've, as well as all shinobi, have been summoned immediately! Something urgent is going on, Odamura-sama!"

"Has the Ishikiyogi twins threatened to attack us again?" Inquired the elder Kage with a sigh, he was disgusted by the mere thought of those two. "Tell Te--"

"No." They stated quickly. "It's worse."

Worse? What could be happening?

"We're undergoing a lock down, we may be attacked."

"By who?" Asked Odamura in a brash tone, anxiety striking in his chest. Piecing everything that could possibly happen together he envisioned the worse person who could be attacking;

"The--"

The Soga Ichizoku twenty minutes ago
"I will always protect the village, that's what we're suppose to do right? So that's what I'm gonna do until I die! Cha! No matter what happens there's nothing that will ever make me not do what I--what we HAVE to do!! I am a Soga!" To some what would appear to be short monologue about a Genin's dedication to his village was actually a debate between three hotheaded Soga clansmen who, as we all know, are know to bicker and boast;

"I don't believe that for a second! Shi-kun, you're a pussyfooter! You wouldn't squash a bug if you stepped on it!" Antagonizing his kin he turned around as the doors flung open--

"DON'T YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON ME YOU JOOGLEBUSTER!" Shishi yelped before being stopped and silenced by a glare--

"Settle down." The green haired, black clad Soga Jōnin commanded as he made his way in front of the eastern section of the clan--the Soga Ichizoku takes up two different sides of Kirigakure, one on the east and the other on the west. Each side had the same rules and regulations--they were separated much like the branches of the Hyūga clan, albeit a Main and Branch house.

"Why? Wee were told to stay in here until told otherwise, what's going on? Has the storm gotten worse or somethin'?" Quired the Shishi, walking back toward the door, looking out and getting an eerie feeling that pulled him into a frozen position.

"The Mizukage-sama as ordered that all shinobi mobilize. Line up according to your rank--"

"Why?! What's going on--?!" Interjected Shishi again.

"We're in a state of emergency thus we have been placed into a lock down for the time being." The Jōnin spoke as nonchalant as he could, behind that flak-vest and hitai-ate was a face filled with fear and a trembling body.

"So we're being attacked?! By what?!" He demanded to know as he grabbed his uncle, tugging him by the collar and barking in his face for what he desired to know.

"I-I do-don't know." His face dropped. "All Chūnin and Jōnin have been instructed to take their positions around the boards and the gates. You Genin," he said pointing to Shishi, "You will be moved with the non-shinobi and act as their escorts."

"What?! Our home is being attacked and you want me to babysit?" Yelling, the young Soga stepped back, an offended look on his face.

"No. It'--"

"No. Fuck that. I want to be in the action!"

"You don't understand..."

"I don't what? We're being attacked and you want me to walk off and not do anything! I refuse--!!" Mine mad up he sprinted out of the room and headed to where the action was.

I'm a Soga! I will not let my village down! Never!

ANBU Headquarters Underground Briefing Room
"Nidaime-sama, the Yottsu, Oyuji, and Totsuka clan's have each been alerted. Soru's on the front line's now." Tenzō's slender assistant told him as he stepped into the conference room. The three clans he had requested to be immediately altered had been called, everyone seemed to be on their feet preparing for what was to happen.

"Very well. Make sure to alert the 05-04 Divisions immediately." He told the assistant pushing the double doors and entering the conference.

"Hai," he said disappearing in a poof of smoke.

Five minutes later
So... After all these years I've finally found it? It's attacking the village no less, pondered the Nidaime as he drifted in and out of thought.

"Tenzō-kun was right. We don't have any time to waste. We need every capable shinobi to be at their station," looking back and forth between Shinjiro and Tenzō, he smiled. "Remember," Odamura said with a soft chuckle. "When fire dies out and there's only water left, there will always be the Hidden Mist!"[/justify][/blockquote][/font]

[Tatsuo]

The day started off like any other. Tatsuo was up before the sun, going through his daily training regimen in the outlaying mountains surrounding Kirigakure. With the session drawing to a close Tatsuo grabbed his towel and wiped the sweat from his face. Looking to the east he did not see the rising sun, but rather an ominous cloud drawing ever closer to the village. Numbers birds could be seen flying away from the distance, but he saw it as nothing more than a storm.

The rest of the morning was expectedly mediocre for his "day off." He ran inventory on his armory, sharpened the So'unga as well as his other bladed items, and then simply went for a walk around the village. It was for all extensive purposes a normal day. People ran about their usual routines and there was nothing that seemed to be amiss.

That was until the fog began to roll in.

It carried with it a sense of uneasiness and despair. Tatsuo's attention became drawn to the ANBU out patrolling the village. They were speaking on the radio more frequently, their body language showed their fear, and finally the roar of the beast echoed from the distance. At that moment people began to panic, some breaking down into hysterical fits from the binds of the mist. He muttered a curse under his breath and raced towards the ANBU headquarters.

[Ichigo!]

Sucking the air in through his teeth, Ichigo spat a wad of clear saliva fast onto ground, wiping the dribble from his lip. Sat neatly upon a cone shaped building, Ichigo squinted his stare out into the horizon, watching the fog uncurl. A taste and essence of deviance loomed within the mist, unearthly vibes were sent tickling about his spine.

Ichigo's nostrils flared as he sniffed in the breeze that was sent willowing through the dew, his tongue rolled and circled. "Something isn't right, and I don't like it."

Aligning the hilt of his blade, Ichigo jumped down from his vantage and met the floor with a dusty thud. Something was stirring out there, something capable of throwing things gratingly out of balance.

---

Strolling with caution, Ichigo pushed through the streets and shoved his way through the cluster of civilians. The atmosphere was somewhat electric, a buzz of uncertainty was whizzing and whirling in the midst.

ANBU were on serious alert, emotions were on edge and citizens of Kirigakure were in a turbulent state of hysteria. All completed with a rippling, beastly roar that bounced a menacing echo upon every ear in the village.

Ichigo's muscles tensed, and paid his attention to the flow of shinobi parting towards their positions. He followed their course of action, by floating atop the rooftops, hopping to and fro. Gangōbōshi was poised readily upon Ichigo's back, throbbing for a chance to cook up a boiling roast.

[The Mad Hatter]

"No Odamura-sama, not yet."

Shinjiro's hand barred the entrance, his lone bloodmoon eye staring balefully at the men in the room.

"We know some of the Sanbi already. Of the Bijuu, it has the lowest order of intelligence. That means it runs on instincts. And what is the instinct of prey when it sees a predator?"

---

"Mommy! Mommy, where are you going!?"

Benihime slipped the twin swords of Kanryuu into the holster on her back, sighing softly, eyes full of resigned resolve. She turned back towards the voice that had called her—her daughter.

"Akemi-chan, I want you to go down into the basement bunker, reinforce it, and stay in there, okay? If I don't come back in two days, then you'll know I'm gone. Be brave, my child," she said, grasping the young red-haired girl in a hug and planting a kiss on her forehead. "I love you." And with that, trying her best to ignore the cries of her daughter and the tear slipping down her cheek, Benihime went to the battlefront.

She would not run away. She was Shinobigatana.

---

The Western Border of Kirigakure
Ten Minutes After Sighting

---

It was a smell. A smell the beast hadn't had the pleasure of experiencing for far too long—the scent of human. Of hairless ape.

Of prey.

The monstrous beast's lone, baleful red eye stared down upon the helpless pissants below it, tail triad thrashing this way and that, destroying buildings and rock, crushing people in their paths. Its massive jaw eased open with the sound of a thousand barnacles scraping along the seal floor, small, shapeless blobs of blue-green demonic energy exiting from within the chasm. The globs separated into two distinct masses and merged with the water in the air, coalescing into large spheres on either side of the beast's face. And with a thundering roar and a dark, oppressive cloud of fear, the beast unleashed its power onto the village beneath it.

The west gate of Kirigakure had been destroyed.

The Sanbi's assault had begun.

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[-; J ;-]

- ; 30,000 Leagues ; -
Under The Sea

Mizu no Kuni
Horizon HQ Main Boat
12:50 PM

"Nodairo-sama!"

Prior to this moment, Nodairo was relaxing on the deck of the main patrol boat, where he received reports and dished out orders to be transmitted all day long. Nothing completely unusual had been going on, until the receiver inside of the communications deck had gotten grim reports of news that was unbelieveable.

"Nodairo-sama--!"

A messenger ran from the communications deck to the main deck of the boat, screaming at the top of his lungs as if the person he were talking to were a million miles away. Sheesh. Nodairo calmly looked back over his shoulder, giving a slight grunt. With the full rotation of his body, he would appear as a cool, non-chalant shinobi with his hands in his pockets. One who would normally seem the type to be dark and mysterious, but that wasn't the case. The men in his division knew of him well, and to disturb him at a time where he was thinking without a good explaination was not something people got away with.

"Y-You must come to the communications deck immediately! Something is... happening!"

Without a word, Nodairo quickly shuffled to the room where all of the reports were taken in and put out. It was a large area on the boat, and there were several receivers at work with earbuds in, trasmitting data and other things to squads in the area, including updates in the weather and the climate. However, when he entered, they all stopped and watched as the messenger directed him toward the chief receiver, a man known as Yamatzu Dah.

Yamatzu was a scrawny, middle-aged man who had served under Nodairo ever since he commissioned the first batch of workers into his service. This was a common thing, for Nodairo to be called down into the communications deck, and be given a folder of reports by Yamatzu, but this time, the look on all of the faces of the men were different. Their held a sense of fear and sorrow, and obviously something that had recently been reported was daunting enough to cause such an effect on them.

After seeing their faces, he realized that his past worries were correct. He had felt something different about the atmosphere lately. Something was changed enough around him that he noticed and ever since it had picqued his interests, but now his worst fears were confirmed. Opening the folders, he came face to face with images of shinobi files and squad listings. He moved through the tabs in the folder, going over the usual things like trade ship reports and safe zones, but as he stopped where he usually did, he noticed something.

Another tab came up from underneath the stack of papers. Odd. I don't remember seeing this one... He thought, curiously opening it. His eyes widened at what he saw. It was a squad update sheet, which usually meant that something had gone extremely wrong. ANBU Squads "Shark" 01, "Mist" 03, and "Mist 02" had all gone dark, and hadn't yet sent in their hourly reports. Several names were also crossed off as being marked "tardy" to their next location in the scheduled patrols. Nodairo was furious, unable to make sense of the situation.

As if on queue, to answer his questions, a radio went live. Shouting and crackling began to bounce off of the walls inside of the communications room as the receiver began to note down whatever words and phrases he could pick up from the transmition. Nodairo could tell by the tone of the voice, even just by a faint mutation that something or someone had infiltrated Mizu no Kuni. Which, on his part, would normally require a full retreat and spread from the village with his division, checking the waters for anything or anyone that would have killed them.

But how could someone possibly eliminate three different units by themself? Many thoughts were running through his head until his receiver mumbled the words which broke his concentration. "Bijuu!?" The receiver cried out in anguish, standing up from his seat to turn to everyone else. "T-Three... tails?" Nodairo's first instinct was to get everyone back to the village, which was exactly what he was about to do. He began to shout out orders, telling the receivers to order a full retreat of all patrols of coastal waters codenaming this movement "Blackout."

Nodairo also had to send a transmition to Kirigakure, which was his main concern currently. "Get word to the Mizukage and Commander Minazuki Shinjiro." He turned to the messenger that had escorted him down to the communications deck, and ordered him to tell the ship driver to pull back to the shore. The Sanbi would be there soon.

---

Over the time it took for the tailed-beast to reach the village, for him to call all of Tensai back to Kirigakure, nothing of importance occured. Nodairo decided to join up with his division within the Kirigakure ANBU HQ, but he himself went to accompany the Mizukage. The village was under assault of the Sanbi, and he had to make sure that his kage was under safe conditions.

Entering the briefing room, he stopped in shortly to reacquaint himself with the higher-ups, letting them know the state of his division.

"Mizukage-sama, Commander Shinjiro, Nidaime-sama." He saluted to all three of them, speaking once more. "Tensai had received minimal casualties, and I've successfully pulled all of my men from the waters of Mizu no Kuni. We will be on standby until further notice, and when the bijuu comes, we'll begin orchestrated assault until other order has been given."

With that information transmitted, he had no other reason to remain within the room. Nodairo turned, hearing minimal feedback from them as he did so. He was to report to his division and set them up properly within the village so their assistance would be at it's full.

---

Not long after he and the rest of Horizon had taken their positions within the village, a large, terrifying noise has boomed through the area following the explosion of the west gate. That was no good. Quickly, he reassembled his squads into offensive groups and defensive groups, placing them along key positions within the village, all within range to respond to other situations if needed.

The presence of this beast was disgusting alone, and it's level of chakra was seemingly overwhelming. It was unknown how they were to fight amongst these conditions, as it wasn't much of a deal to Nodairo himself, who was more resilient, than it was to every other one of the regular shinobi within the village.

For the beast to attack now... why? Theres no reason.

The radio's were live.

It was about to go down.

[/color][/font][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Yasora]

A sudden silence followed Shinjiro's inquiry, if you could call it that. Looks from each of the shinobi, whether Anbu, Jōnin, or Kage, all dawned upon Odamura instantly; an answer was expected, and for a moment it seemed as if the great Nidaime had nothing in terms of a response. Only a fool would doubt one of the greatest ninja ever, only a fool.

"To fight or flee--" Clean whites were revealed in what Odamura made into a smile, "Those are the instincts that any being would naturally possess, in a situation like this one--but for us, shinobi of the Hidden Mist--we will do as my predecessors would have done. We will out smart and conquer the Sanbi."

Tenzō, hands pinching at his goatee as he noticed that glare on the face of the Former-Mizukage, a look that he saw had the pleasure of seeing many times before a elaborate plan was devised by Odamura and then executed. A set of expression that dwelled in times of trouble--sheer confidence and the lack of doubt--a face that he grew to inherit.

After the commute
"This plan is brilliant."

"I agree." The current Mizukage said with a stern nod, looking between all the faces in the room before he stood to his feet. "We will begin the first phase of our plan by deploying both the 02 Division and the 04 Division, as agreed. From there, with the defense devision and the medical division on front lines we will have them defend the village as the 05 Division gets its barrier and sensor units to erect a barrier to hold it off. Then the 03 Division will record everything that happens, we will learn any and all strengths or weaknesses of this beast."

As Tenzō reviewed everything they went over in those few minutes that had, a new set of instructions were issued in an instant. Suddenly, barging through the conference room's doors a worried Chūnin warned the room of valiants--

"It's here! The Sanbi has attacked the Western Gate!"

Following the arrival of a frantic middle-ninja was Nodairo. After the status on the village thus far had been given the men within the room would divide and take their positions and post along the village, the battle began.

"It appears you were wrong, Odamura-sama." Falcon-like eyes shot towards the Nidaime, a friendly smirk settled. "Adding on those additional divisions was a great idea."

"It seems so."

At the Western Gate
Dozen upon dozens of shinobi gathered, Doton walls as dense as steel erected everywhere, and disoriented bodies wobbled all willynilly. At the very front of the barriers that was conjured by the 05 Division operatives, was a group of four ninja with the kanji for "death" embroidered into their kimono as a kamon. Along side them were group of shinobi with the kanji for "life" embroidered into their kimono in the same manner. These were two of Hidden Mist's oldest living clans, standing at the front lines at the Western Gate, ready to fight for their village. Ready to die for their home.

"So that's the Sanbi no Kyodaigame? I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have to go head to head with it, eh, Tetsu-kun?" Standing in front of the clansmen known as the Yottsu, a great warrior with an even greater zanbatō resting over his shoulder laughed with a certain surprise.

"I know what you mean, Benkei-senpai." Nodded the younger, much shorter man.

"It seems to be scarring a lot of people, it also seems like it's the cause of this mist that's going around, too. It seems like it may be an ability of its or something." Benkei said noting a few things, trying to understand what he could about the Sanbi as the fight began.

"Way to state the obvious, senpai." Teased Tetsu. "If I didn't know any better I woulda' thought you were over-analyzing the Sanbi due to fear."

"Fear?" He laughed at the sound of the word. That was something he didn't know, the thought of it was funny to Benkei. "Unlikely."

"It almost seems like that's the situation; then again, you are the rival of the Sandaime and the student of the Nidiame Mizukage... Such a emotion should never been fathomed by you, senpai."

"I'm no God. I feel as I must." He said lifting his zanbatō high into the Heavens, "But fear is the furthest thing from my mind now. I'm more... anxious." Bouncing off as the barrier was opened so that platoons can enter the battle field, Benkei took to the field in an instant.

Ninja deployed.

Counterattacks began.

A loud roar rung through the ears of all those audible.

"It seems Benkei-sama is about to join the attack on the Sanbi." Tsume of the Oyuji said as she exited the barrier, turning to the older woman beside her. "Will you join his side, Suzuki-sama?"

"And encourage him and his antics? ...I think naught." Taking a breath as she tied her hair back into a bun, licking her lips. "Although, this mist is ecstasy." In a flash, she too took to the field, hands clapping into a blur of seals as she engaged the Sanbi.

- -

"Where are you heading Mizukage-sama?" Asked Jōnin asked as Tenzō, the Mizukage, champion of the people, the successor of Mimura Odamura, as he wandered by her. His garb consisted of an informal attire; black kimono, black geta with maroon kanji, and black haori with the kamon of Hidden Mist's embroidered in its core wrapped around his arms. A large, cross-shaped longsword was clenched in his hand and holstered across his shoulder.

"I'm going to save the village." He said with a reassuring nod.

[Tenzō]

After Jōnin Briefing
As the many different shinobi heading towards the front of the village to fend off the beast Shōmaru remained still in his henge. He was getting a bit nervous due to the fact that the Sanbi finally had approached the Western Gate. Watching the destruction from afar was a scary thing. He saw the enormous size of the tailed beast and couldn’t believe his eyes. “It can’t be..” Shōmaru was having second thoughts about going into battle.

A nearby Jōnin walked up to Shōmaru, still in his henge state. “Shinobi!” Shōmaru deepened his voice. “Yes, sir.” The man looked at him weirdly. “Where are you suppose to be?” Shōmaru knew this was a crucial moment and saying anything else would maybe blow his cover. “I was just making sure every civilian was fine. I am heading towards the western gate now.” The Jōnin nodded his head approving Shōmaru’s statement.

“Affirmative.”

He disappeared in an instant, moving quickly heading towards the gate. Wiping the sweat that dripped from his forehead, the young Genin sighed. “That was close.” He saw the beast and the chakra that came from the body of it. It was really something to worry about. The Soga cracked his neck. “Well here we go.” He walked up and from the side he saw someone that looked familiar to him.

Shōmaru walked closer to the person he thought he knew. It was no other than his cousin, Shishi secreteively heading towards where the Biju was. Coming up with a plan to sneak up on his cousin, Shōmaru smirked. It was not the time for games, but the Genin felt a need to do so.

“Ahem.” Shōmaru cleared his throat. Shishi froze in his tracks turning around. “Y-Yes.”Shōmaru folded his arms. “Now where do you think you are going?” Shishi began to think up a good excuse. “I was just looking for my sister.” Shōmaru chuckled. “Your sister ? Bullshit.”

Shishi knew that no Jōnin in their right minds would deny the fact of him having a sister or not. “And how do you know?” Shōmaru not thinking spat out the answer. “Cause we live in the same clan distric-“ He didn’t realize what he said, he finally caught himself.


“Aha!” Shishi pointed his finger and smirked.

“Damn it.” Shōmaru sighed and released his henge.

“Shō? What are you doing here…you were planning on going to the gate weren’t you?” He nodded. “You were going to do the same so don’t hold anything against me.” Shishi smirked. “Alright why are we standing here? Let’s go.” They both nodded, pounding their fist together. Both looking towards the gate and the large biju which overshadowed the village. “For Kiri!”

Western Gate, Battle Field

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“Let it begin.”

Tenzō spoke. Wasting no time, the Kage began to perform a series of hand seals. Soon after heat began to arise from his body, drying up the air around him. His assistant on the battle field next to him felt the heat. “Mizukage-sama.” Tenzō turned to look at him and nodded his head. “Tsuki, you are to give it your all. Go with the Defense division at the front lines, I am counting on you. I have it from here.” Tsuki nodded his head respecting the wishes from the Mizukage.

“Mizukage!” One of the ANBU came up to him in haste. “What is it?” He looked at the Sandaime, sweating. “Division 05 needs more time for a proper seal to be formulated.” Tenzō acknowledged this. “So, we will by them time. Commence the attack on the biju, do not let up.”

Tenzō looked at the Sanbi just eighty five meters in front of him and smirked. “You will go down.” Preforming three quick hand seals, Tenzō slammed his hand on the ground. The earth under the biju would begin to shake. Standing up, the Sandaime raised his two fingers upwards, this released a powerful geyser of lava under the Biju. Thrusting his hand upward again sent another. Tenzō began the first offensive strike. He turned to the mass numbers of shinobi behind him.

“WE BEGIN OUR ATTACK. WE MUST BY THE FUIN USERS TIME. LETS GO KIRI. NOW IS OUR TIME-!!”

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NOTES: 1YOTŌN: ŌITŪYE Lava Release, Shooting Geyser, After doing a selection of unique-In, and thrusting their index and middle fingers upward, multiple geysers of lava will burst from the ground by the targeted area. The Geysers of lava shoot upward twelve feet from the ground, and encase everything it catches into extremely hot lava. The lava is hot enough to burn through almost anything, especially human skin, probably killing any body caught with the full force of the geysers.

2KYŪTEN Kyūten, was hand crafted and forged by the Sandaime's Grandfather, a skilled swordsmen and black smith. The swords blade has the immense cleaving power of cutting men into two. The handle of the sword is black, and the guard is the exact same width of the blade. The blade is extremely sharp and its unique design is able to make it able to manuever faster, carry lighter, and does not change the mobility of the user at all. The thickness of the blade is compared to steel. Sandaime is able to use his blade in conjuction with his kekkei genkai, Yōton. He is able to transform his sword into a lava sword of some sort. He is able to spew lava from his sword in many variations due to specific movements from the sword. Not only if he can spew from the sword, he can absorb pre-existing lava as well to add to the fire power. This is only used when Yōton is activated.

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[The Mad Hatter]

Let it be known that the Sanbi was, above all, a beast of pure instinct. And any best of pure instinct, no matter how powerful, has its fears. Fear of the dark, fear of predators, but above all, one fear overpowered all.

Fear of the planet beneath them.

The ground beneath the Sanbi shuddered, and it paused in its offensive, its tails stopping mere feet from buildings beneath them as its lone crimson eyes surveyed the ground beneath it.

And caught a burst of lava full blast.

There are two emotions that can easily be proven as universal. The first of them is fear.

The second of them is anger.

And the Sanbi no Kyodaigame was FURIOUS.

It gathered its chakra into the two spheres of chakra and water once more, even faster this time, releasing another Sanbiko Imari (Three Tailed Menacing Ball) upon the village beneath it.

Kirigakure had angered the beast.

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[Fushigi Ketsuro]

“…”

“…..”

“………”

“Fucking turtles.”

Suika Sencha, Tokujou Jounin and Trap Master of Kirigakure no Sato, looked up into the air as the battle at the gates raged on. So far he had been preparing himself for this, gathering his supplies to bomb the beast and making sure he was ready for the fight. Never one to be called to the front lines and always sent before war broke out or to cover someone’s tracks, Sencha felt no need to rush to the gates.

That was, of course, before a giant turtle was propelled into the air by a geyser of lava and sent two large balls of chakra down towards the village. Whether they hit or not was none of this concern, however. Sencha had, instead, decided it best to sprint to the gates and, upon arriving there, reached into one of the many containers on this belt.

“…Fucking turtles.” He kept repeating that same statement to himself over and over as he watched the magma-covered Bijuu flip and fly through the air. Eyes narrowing, the Tokujou mapped its descent and landing spot mentally and began to slowly unwind a scroll.

Throwing it as hard as he could and clasping his hands together to form In, Sencha conjured up dozens, maybe even more than a hundred or so, explosive tags from the scroll, all covering the ground where the Sanbi would fall. Naturally, when it landed, it’d be in for one hell of a surprise.

[Yasora]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 580px; background: #000000; border: 1px dashed #000000; border-radius: 30px; -moz-border-radius: 30px, bTable][atrb=style, width: 12px][atrb=cellSpacing,20,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 580px; background: url(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs29/i/2008/081/d/7/Abstract_fun_Wallpaper_by_rogueXunited.jpg); border: 1px dashed #, bTable] nidaime mizukage - odamura arrives at the western gate!

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When the Mizukage's voice roared it thundered - like a mighty bolt of lightning cascading its way through the wind, cashing into the inner ear of all those who looked up to him as a savior, a leader, and a role model. Tenzō stood brave when his people raged on following up his attack, a iron light gleamed within them all, and somehow, he could see it within them all - their aura. The passion weighed heavy. Compared to having a bond worth fighting for, people to save, fear was nothing.

Like an angry mob they flocked to the coast with weapons clenched in their bare hands. Others hands clapped in forming many hand seals, earth of the elementals began to work against this monstrosity. They weren't letting up one bit. They refused to.

"SQUAD 12, 22, AND 64!! USE YOUR EARTH JUTSU TO BIND HIM AS LONG AS YOU CAN."

"¹Doton: Doryū Taiga!" One group of shinobi called out, altering the others; although before they can move forward with their advances, a new rage appeared within the Sanbi's red orbs. The streams were formed but as they were the Sanbi's oculars turned darker, more crimson. Shit just got real.

Suddenly, as the air began to whistle entirely, it seemed something akin to a tornado forming. Standing actively the shinobi's eyes all widened as a black and white cavity filled with positive and negative formed above the three tailed tortoise. But the tragic didn't stop there, oh no; a second one was conjured as well.

"Dotonbuntai!!" Tenzō, the mighty Mizukage called for his two squads of purely earth release users, "Form a wall to shield the village!"

At his call walls made of earth raised quickly, panic soared through the roof. Impending doom seemed to be knocking on Kirigakure's door step.

²Pillars and walls were in place - Three Tailed Menacing Balls were released and streaked through the crisp air - in place, before the two chaotic sphere's were released a group of five stood before the front line.

"³FŪIN NO KYŪ!"

A set of circular-seal with octagonal engraving in their center appeared suddenly sucking in the chaos before it was allowed to ensue any further damage. Each of the rondure masses of mayhem were absorbed - everyone was saved. But by who?

Who were these five shinobi who saved them from the Sanbi's judgment? In a moment, as a smile as whit as the clouds shined it's way through the mist, it was obvious to everyone that the Nidaime Mizukage had arrived.

Hope was not lost; the man who saved the village time and time again had once again came to usher his assistance. Now the Nidaime and the Sandaime where both fighting together - there was no way the Sanbi would harm the mist further. Odamura and Tenzō would not allow it, their lives would be lost before they allowed harm to befall their people.

The men with the Mizukage hat always had your back. That should be comforting, eh?

"Tenzō-sama." Odamura called towards the Sandaime with a smile, "It seems we will have the privilege of taking on the Sanbi with the help of some old friends..." In that moment, Oyuji Suzuki and Totsuka Benkei arrived by the side of the Mizukages. The first squad of ninja the Nidaime had ever taught had reunited - Kiribuntai was about to take down the Sanbi with the Hidden Mist playing playmaker.

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¹DOTON: DORYŪ TAIGA
A Ninjutsu technique utilizing the Earth Element. The ninja will do the necessary hand seals and transform the ground upon which the enemy stands into a river of mud.

²DOTON: DORYŪ JŌHEKI
A Ninjutsu technique utilizing the Earth Element. The ninja will do the necessary hand seals. Then a large earthen wall will erupt from the ground.

³FŪIN NO KYŪ
Seal of Absorption, is a Jutsu used by the 05 Division within Kirigakure's hierarchy, which possesses a majority of Kiri-nin who are known for their proficiency in Sealing Jutsu. This is one of the most advanced Jutsu used by the 05 Division, after extending their hands forward an circular-seal with an octagonal engraving in its center will form around their hands, absorbing any source of chakra composed into a Ninjutsu or charkra that is in use albeit visble or not. Meaning bluntly, the users of these techniques are capable of absorbing any source of chakra that targets them. [/center][/td][/tr][/table]

[Tenzō]

Tenzō turned around to face his two former teammates. The Sandaime smirked and nodded his head. "Glad the two of you decided to show up." Benkei scratched the top of his head, grinning. "What do you mean? We are Kirigakure shinobi, and Kirigakure shinobi we shall forever be."Suzuki agreed. "So, Mizukage-sama whats the plan?" Tenzō did not even answer, but just turned his head looking at the beast in front of them.

"Ah I see." Suzuki pointed out the obvious.

"Shall we do this like old times?" Tenzō turned around and faced the two again.

"Like twenty plus years ago? That sounds like plan." Benkei sided with Suzuki. The Sandaime began to think on how their team worked together in unison to get things done. It was about time that the Sanbi's attack on Kirigakure came to an end.

"As long as this beast falls, and no more damage is done to the village I am fine with it." The Sandaime spoke. Odamura watched nodding. "So, why are we standing here chatting while the beast is attacking the village." Suzuki commented.

"Alright, lets go-!!" Benkei exclaimed.

"Ranmaru, utilize Daibufuku." The Jōnin nodded. Ranmaru began to weave kata, the nearby lake containing a great water supply began to surge, and shoot up into the air. The water then plunged down heavily onto the body of the Sanbi. Not wasting no time, it was time for the former team to begin their attack.

"Amatsu Shōjun: Suigoukiri Renda^{Heavenly Alignment: Great Mist Barrage}" The three said in unison.

A series of hand seals were preformed by Benkei. "Raiton: Raijin Dageki!" Clouds began to form above the tailed beast. The clouds were gray and looked like thunder clouds. This was one of Benkei's strongest jutsu. Raising his hand, a series of lightning bolts would quickly make its way down toward the Sanbi. Each strike came with force, with the ability to shock the tailed beast massively. The jutsu soon stopped, and the clouds slowly dispersed.

That was just one assault on the tail beast from the trio. Suzuki preformed hand seals as well.

"Fūton: Daitoppa!"

Soon, Suzuki blew out a powerful wind which was strong. But Suzuki's variant of Daitoppa had a special effecting. Instead of the strong wind it produced, it also had the immense slicing abilities. This was all aimed at the Sanbi.

"Dotonbuntai! Use the crater jutsu!" Hand seals began to form, and the land surrounding the Sanbi would cave in into a crater, with earth spikes forming. This crater was a fifty meter radius. "Go on, Tenzō."

It was now the Mizukage's turn. Not wasting no time, he continued to raise his hand multiple times in the air. This sent more geysers to come up from under the large turtle. With the hot pressurized lava, hitting it damage would be dealt. The Sandaime's attack was not going to just stop there. He began to preform more hand seals. Soon the ground beneath the beast would slowly become covered in lava.

"Yoton: Yōnkuiki.."

The lava continued to rise eventually hitting above the ground, filling the deepened crater which it stood in, due to the earth jutsu which was used. The lava would have the beast in excruciating pain. The lava continued to rise, stopping at five feet. This was just the first step on his attack on the beast, the next would hopefully end this attack. The former teammates, delivered strong blows to the Sanbi.

"Don't stop attacking, keep on Kiri-shinobi!" Odamura spoke. Arrays of different jutsu was attacking the beast from all directions, hoping with the working together to end this at once. Tenzō turned to an ANBU operative. "Inform Division 05 to prepare for sealing."

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NOTES: 1YŌTON: YŌNKUIKI Lava Release, Lava Lake, The user uses Youton, to manipulate lava. The user creates a lake. The lake is completely made out of lava. The user is able to withstand the lava because he is not effected by it. The user can stand on the lake as if it was water. The lava lake can be used to create various other lava jutsu. The lake size is relative to the target.

2RAITON: RAIJIN DAGEKI A lightning jutsu formed by Jōnin, Totsuka Benkei. The user would first form a series of hand seals. A cloud would begin to form in the sky. This is not an ordinary cloud, this cloud is full of his own chakra, making his own thunder cloud. The user then raises his hand in the air, then points his index and middle fingers in the air, then thrusts them down. Releasing a series of powerful lightning bolts on the target. The lightning is capable of massive shocks, and causing paralysis. The shocks giving by these bolts, can cause electrocution. 3FŪTON: DAITOPPA A wind jutsu used by Jōnin, Oyuji Suzuki. The user would first form a series of hand seals. This is a relatively simple technique that creates a sudden gust of wind, but its scale varies greatly depending on the user. If used by a superior shinobi, it has enough destructive power to knock down a large tree. The wind from the squall can blow away all things in the user's line of sight. A variation of the technique involves a smaller blast of wind which gets ignited with flame. Suzuki was able to formulate his own variant by using the wind element to have immense cutting property in his jutsu.

[The Mad Hatter]

They'd angered the BEAST.

And now they were going to reap the whirlwind.

The Sanbi was a beast of primal fury. Anger. Fear. Hunger.

WRATH.

Oh, their attacks had affected the beast. But the pain was hardly anything to worry about. And that's all the Sanbi understood.

Pain and Power were the only absolutes in its mind.

The massive creature charged forward, clearing the lake of lava, ignoring the attacks that attempted to stop it.

And it charged straight for the Mizukage.

---

"Get me a fucking Mizurappa YESTERDAY!"

An ANBU responded to Shinjiro's forceful yell by coming next to him and forming the signs.

"Sir?"

"Aim for the eye." He bit his thumb, and signed for the Kuchiyose. "It will know true pain..."

The ANBU nodded.

"Suiton: Mizurappa!"

The ANBU exhaled, a fine beam of water augmented by Suiton chakra bursting forth from his mouth. Shinjiro put his bloody fingertip in the water... and smiled.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu: Irukandji."

Thousands upon thousands of jellyfish containing the most painful venomous sting in the known world rocketed towards the Sanbi's crimson eye, striking it full on, sending its mind into a haze of pain.

The beast roared, the twin chakra blasts it was forming firing off in random directions, striking the top of the Mizukage's tower in the process.

The first blow had been struck. It was time to press the assault.

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