Let's Hit the Road (Travel to Madness)

Roxas was still waiting on word from the elders before he headed off to the Shogunate in order to pick up Jazz and propose the alliance between the two nations. Since he, Laxus and Tikatchi had formed the offensive team they decided to go hunt down a missing ninja in order to better get a feel for each other before they began their movement toward Echoes as well. Strangely though, the trio had decided to take on an S rank bounty known as Mistgun. Roxas was waiting for his new partners at the gate of Kohaigakure in order for them to travel to the Land of Madness where rumors said that many Missing Nin had taken refuge. One place in particular was pretty famous for being the preying grounds of Missing Nin.

Laxus had been sent word to meet up with his other companions so they could begin probing around for Dobutsu and refugees alike. Oddly they were headed towards the Land of Madness, pretty much one of the only places the Dobutsu hadn't really been spotted, but who was he to judge? Instead of hunting Dobutsu, the squad had been tasked with tracking down a Missing-Nin, an S-rank at that. Granted they were running into Missing-Nin infested lands, literally infested, like the great watering hole of missing-nin. Gekihen territory at that, Missing-Nin were one thing, but Gekihen were a whole other ball game. Laxus sighed as he found his way to the gates of Kohaigakure. He rubbed his eyes and looked at Roxas, Mornin. He said simply, rubbing his eyes again, trying to fight back the sleepiness from his voice.

OOC: Sorry this is short, I was rushed...next one will be much better.

Roxas turned as Laxus arrived and he readjusted his vest. "Morning. Get enough rest?" He would ask as Roxas kind of wondered what it was truly like to sleep. Sure he would pretend at times, but Zireh never really slept. They didn't need to and as such it just wasn't built into them. The closest thing they could get to it was a system shut down. Even then, there were no dreams or moving about.

He made sure to check his equipment while they stood there to make sure he had everything. Sure he had already checked a few times but it doesn't hurt to triple check. His scythe was on his back, his sword and pole on his hips. His skates were on like always and his metal arm was firmly attached. In his flak jacket he had his assortment of weapons and his bow was compacted onto his back next to his scythe and quiver which held his assortment of arrows. Normally this would seem like too much, but to him it was perfect. His movements weren't hindered and he could utilize whatever he needed as quickly as possible. Though at times he thought about storing them within a scroll.

Laxus nodded and stretched his right arm up above his head, his left one grabbing the bicep of the right. Eh, had better but it'll do. He said from behind his skull-imitation mask. It was funny, he realized, here he was going on a mission with two powerful shinobi that had yet to even see his real face. How are we doing ladies? The hive up and runnin, ready for a long day of walking? He thought mentally through their connected hive mind. Why do you even bother asking? You know we never stop working to keep you alive you idiot. Ariagnae responded, somewhat annoyed but mostly just joking around. Rawr, someone didn't have their morning coffee yet obviously. Laxus teased back as Sylvia spoke up, All workers working at 100% productivity. Everything is prepared for the day ahead, young master. Ariagnae huffed and mumbled, Kiss ass.

Laxus smiled, his queens didn't seem to ever get along but deep down he knew they both cared for one another just as much as they cared about his own safety. After all that's what being a hive was all about, you get my back and I'll get yours. Laxus checked his gauntlets and the rest of his armor, making sure everything was hooked together and ready to go. His two swords, Scarlet and Turquoise Rose were sheathed on his back, slits cut into the long black cloak he wore on his back for easy access to the swords. Reaching back he flipped the hood up and looked to Roxas, Are we waiting for our third friend or are you ready to go? We'll need to scout this guy out before making any big moves so if Tikatchi tags along later he won't miss anything.

Roxas scratched the back of his head as he thought for a moment. "I'm not sure if he is coming or not. I'd like him to be with us since he knows the most about Mishura. However, since he hasn't arrived yet I guess he won't be coming or he is running late. Either way, we have a schedule to keep so he will just have to catch up," said Roxas as he turned from the gate any began walking toward the Land of Madness. There were a few things they needed to do before they could properly assault the Land of Echoes. First they needed to acquire war funds, which bounties were good for. He wondered how difficult this would be as he had not fought such high ranking opponents before except in the war. Missing Ninja were supposed to be much tougher than your average shinobi.

"Last I heard Mistgun was located in an abandoned village quite a bit away from Gekidogakure. As long as we avoid that place then we won't be at risk of having to fight the Shogunate's former prodigies. But still, there might be other missing nin there and as such we need to form a strategy. So tell me, you know a little of what I was capable of during the Chuunin Exams. I won the finals so there is no doubt most of the jutsu I used in the tournament have circulated through rumors. But I know little of you, besides of you being a Shinto. So what can you do?" He would ask, trying to think up a battle strategy for their upcoming fight.

Laxus nodded, Hmm that's a shame, he would've been plenty helpful in this hunt. Oh well, maybe next time. He said with a slight shrug. True Tikatchi would've been a nice crutch to lean on, especially when dealing with one of his own people, but Laxus didn't entirely trust the Legend reborn. Granted he didn't entirely trust anyone on the council, but something about the several centuries old guy just didn't seem right to Laxus. Roxas was shaping up to be an interesting fellow, a powerful ally but a dangerous enemy should it come to that Laxus realized with a frown. It'd be best to keep this one close, watch him carefully, perhaps even try to guide him a certain way. For now though, it was still early and who knew, maybe Roxas would die on this mission and Laxus would've have anything to worry about. Then again maybe he would die on this mission too. He had no intention of that of course, both Roxas and himself were more useful to Laxus alive than dead.

What can I do? Laxus asked, smiling to himself, What can I do indeed. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that you don't need to know about unless absolutely necessary but for now just know I'm both a long and close ranged specialist. You need me to take out a target from a mile out, done. You need me to get up in his face and slice him a new one, done. A jack of all trades if you will.

Roxas rubbed his eyebrows with his thumb and middle finger, clearly annoyed. "I'm not asking for your secrets. I'm asking for what you can provide that I can clearly determine a battle plan. Such as this. I am a guerrilla style fighter, utilizing deception I can pack some serious close range damage as well as provide long range support. I am also quite durable, capable of negating a variety of damages. See? I said what I can do without giving away anything. Let's see you try, otherwise we will not know a suitable battle plan and will just get in each others way." Roxas clearly showed a bit of disrespect with the tone in his voice, but it couldn't be helped. Everyone always gave the same answer when another asked, when they merely had to give the answer without giving away the info. It was a clear Shinobi tactic that people have seemed to have forgotten. Being a Zireh, Roxas had this programmed somewhat into him. It was like basic instincts to him.

"And just so you know, I can gleam this information just by looking at you. However, I am inclined to be polite and ask since we are supposedly allies." said Roxas, making it clear he had the means to involuntarily gather the information though he was foreholding doing so out of respect for the current partnership. There was one thing that Laxus was right about... Roxas could become a deadly enemy if the path ever went in that direction. However, as far as Roxas was concerned, the survival of the Shinobi Nations was his top priority.

Laxus held up his hands in mock defense, Whoa there let's not get our panties in a bunch. Laxus rolled his eyes, To be honest, like I said I don't specialize in any one thing. My archery and swordsmanship are top notch, although my bone garden is a real bitch to get trapped in. My ants offer me mostly support with various defensive capabilities as well as things like traps and such. I mainly specialize in blood and because of that, kinjutsu, but I can hit pretty much every other damage type. Though my mental game is only just budding. Laxus shrugged and looked at the guy as they walked, Any other questions your highness? Or is this enough to supplement a battle strategy for you? Quite frankly there's no point in making much of a strategy until we actually spot this guy. Once we know where he his we can use the terrain and situation to our advantage. Until then we're simply assigning roles that could become completely pointless as soon as we locate the guy. Laxus respected Roxas to an extent, but he also saw him as a know-it-all kid that didn't really know it all. Laxus didn't doubt for a second that he was a capable shinobi and wise beyond his years, but the arrogance could use be turned a couple of notches down.

Tika would arrive at the gates shortly after the others had left he would shrug knowing the way he figured he could make up ground but he wouldn't tire himself he would begin running at bullet release speeds keeping his eyes open untilbhe caught up with the others he figured that they couldn't be too far away but after about 10 min or so Tika would realize otherwise he couldn't be upset because it was his fault of being late but he would dash for now boosting to crashing ground after a couple more minutes at this pace he would see two figures off in the distance he would slow down gradually as he got closer and and slow down to there pace yo.. Alright sorry for being late ,he'd say as he began to. Walk with them

Roxas laughed a bit. "Sorry, its a bad trait of my race. It doesn't help that I am part Kukinorite as well, it makes me extremely analytical and serious at times. Anyways, thanks for the information. You may think it won't help much, but its already given me an idea on a strat-" he would start to say before he sensed some vibrations coming toward them. He stopped and turned to see Tikatchi rushing up to them. After he arrived and spoke Roxas smiled.

"Better late than never. We are almost there, so, Tikatchi. I have a certain battle plan in mind, but since your here I may need to adjust it. Please, quickly, tell me what you can do. You don't have to give your own abilities away, just a general explanation will do. Also, it would help if you give us a little information on Mishura so we can be fully prepared to face this one. I believe I've come across some in the Academy, but all I really know is that they possess two different Dojutsu depending on birth. The exact details of these dojutsu I do not know of nor what else they are capable of. Any information you are willing to give will be greatly appreciated toward the succession of this mission."

OOC: We have met the requirement with this post, but lets get this battle strategy out of the way before we officially get there.

Laxus turned to see Tikatchi approaching them, he gave a slight salute in hello, but didn't say anything as Roxas continued talking. Quite the mouth on this one, never seems to stop moving. Laxus thought as he watched Roxas speak with Tika. Quite the cutie if you ask me. Ariagnae said, but Laxus simply rolled his eyes, Guess it's a good thing I didn't then. Laxus was perplexed however, as a child he had always been far too busy and emotionally distant to take the time to notice anyone beyond what uses they could provide him. Attraction had never been part of Laxus's emotion spectrum, he simply didn't view people in that way. He was neither heterosexual nor homosexual, and he certainly wasn't pansexual like some of the people these days. The things that attracted Laxus to people, what made him want to be around him were power and intelligence and an immediate and long lasting use to his benefit. Laxus pondered this more as they crossed the border into the Land of Madness, Roxas continuing to blabber on about a plan they didn't really have yet.

Tika's eyes would shift to look at laxus giving him a nod as to say hello he didn't really know much of the two but roxas seemed to know him maybe his ancestors or someone of the past knew him. However as roxas spoke Tika would listen before speaking he had been walking behind them and since they were almost there he would make it quick..

well there's two things to look for however its rather difficult to understand. The eye you see now that I have is that of the kyougan which enhances your physical abilities and enables the bloodline trait of blaze release in its later stages. While the itsugan is a genjutsu based eye and very deadly if this target hold that eye don't make eye contact with him it makes it harder to escape from their gen depending on the stage he possess. As for me my speed and strength are what make me key for this.. I would advise to stay out of the range of my atomic release and direct line of sight with my blaze release. Being the fact I don't have the needed techniques to heal the radiation poision. I just don't wanna use the extra chakra to extinguish the blaze release and its a pain to be caught in. If it gets physical in hand to hand I can be of great use since Ive regulated the teaching of the clan for the past couple centuries.

"Blaze Release. Genjutsu. Sounds too easy..." muttered Roxas as he looked down at his hand. "Alright. Here is the plan. When we find the target I will try to isolate and distract them while Laxus builds up his forest. Tikatchi provide support to me or Laxus, whomever needs it at the time. I have a very easy way of combating both Genjutsu and Blaze. Also, Laxus. I know that the Shinto have some special skills with their insects... I can most likely get some of yours onto them if possible. Therefore, I want you to hide as many as you like in my clothing. I'll make physical contact to transfer them. They will want to mainly settle in my chakra skates that way when I activate my armor they can freely escape onto it rather than being trapped. Hopefully your ants can stand the heat," he would say before moving on. Whether Laxus released his ants onto him or not, Roxas didn't care. It was just a cautionary suggestion as he figured he might already have this in the bag.

Laxus smiled, I suppose I could spare a few ants to your needs. He grabbed Roxas's shoulder and silently said to his hive mind, You heard the man, roll out. Seconds later about forty black ants began marching from beneath Laxus's clothing and across his arm over onto Roxas. The green ants wouldn't be able to survive the heat that Roxas would be producing, but his Black Chimera Ants could sustain the heat just fine. The small creatures would move down Roxas's body as the three men continued their walk into the Land of Madness. Twenty would settle in one skate, and another twenty in the other. They would be out of sight for the time being, but ready to move as soon as they were needed. If you can get these guys onto the target, they can drill into his chakra network and rip him apart from the inside out. He'll be dead before he even knows what happened. As for myself I'll take up a position on high ground, rain hell from afar while you two deal with him. Just try not to make any sudden movements in front of him, wouldn't want to clip you by accident. With that, Laxus turned his attention forward again, removing his hand from Roxas's shoulder and noticing an out cropping of old buildings in the distance. They were nearly there.

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"If you get a clear target, don't worry about me. Just go straight through my body. As long as you don't hit my core or brain then I'll be fine. After all, I am a Zireh. As long as those two portions are fine then any harm to the rest of my body will be manageable," he said before seeing the buildings and moving on ahead of the others since the ants were now in place. "Black ants, perfect. When I activate my armor they can climb onto it and won't be noticeable at all."

[exit]