Zetsukuro

When Mashio would once again return to the waking world she would no doubt spot the heaving crumpled form that was Akimoto. Though visibly he appeared fine his chest was heaving and he gulped furiously for air. Down upon one knee and holding his body steady by the ends of his fingers digging into the soft earth. He was balancing himself precariously and working toward a full stand but only easing into such one bit at a time. The blow had landed, and it had temporarily incapacitated the vigilant Akimoto.

It was a feat that very few had ever accomplished, for his armor was thick and his determination thicker. Still there he was drawing heaving breaths and clutching at his chest. At once he pulled his helmet from his head, and lobbed the kabuto aside. Allowing fresh air to help sooth his nerves and ease the adrenaline.

Eventually he came to stand and faced Mashio once more. The features of his face going taut and stern. There was much to remark upon, but he refused to give any transparent views into his personal thoughts. The shinobi had always been this way, and so it would continue. Yet as difficult as he was to approach or even understand one could not deny that his conduct was always at least proper. He gave a deep bow of respect, and had felt no reason to continue the duel. The prodigy was mightier then he guessed, and by his own shortcomings had he felt defeat.

Of course the duel had yet to be judged, but his honor and pride already decided. He had failed to overcome the kunoichi and the only solution would be to train. Suddenly the mission felt insignificant now having tested the limits of his capabilities. Of course he would not decline if offered to take the mission, but the importance of outpacing Mashio just grew dramatically.

"Do you require medical attention?"

There wasn't a hint of concern nor kindness in his voice, he had asked more as a customary obligation. Already guessing the appropriate response while watching Mashio's movement. Theirs had been a glorious duel, it would be a shame to lose a decent opponent because of some silly complication.

"No," the young kunoichi replied, when she felt collected enough to do so. She gritted her teeth as she rolled to her good side and climbed to her feet. Without looking at Akimoto at all, she moved past him to retrieve her ninjato from where it lay from she had been disarmed. With a somewhat awkward motion she resheathed the small, straight ninja blade in the black lacquered scabbard at her side. "Well fought," she mumbled formally, still not making eye contact. She busied herself with minor actions such as dusting herself off, checking various fastenings, rolling her shoulder -- anything to avoid the inevitable.

Like the armored-nin, Miya was her own harshest critic, and where two good friends would have congratulated each other on their successes, it appeared that these two could only see their own defeat in the duel. Finally, unable to postpone any longer, she made her way over to Sugahara Matsu, ready to hear him declare her defeat. That it was the fat old scholar as the judge somehow made the anticipated blow sting all the more.

"11-9 Akimoto-sama," the scholar declared, pointing to the armored-nin as the winner. Miya tched, angry at hearing the results though not surprised. The numbers themselves didn't mean anything -- it was the ratio between them that told the story. A decisive victory could have been two-to-one, or maybe even a three-to-two ratio. Anything smaller was hardly conclusive, and barely even worth the title of victor. 11-to-9 was essentially tossing a coin to declare the winner. Let the faux-samurai have his hollow victory, she thought bitterly.

((Not sure if Zetsumie will agree to lead the mission or not, so I'm leaving it there. Depending on Zetsu's response, Matsu will either give Akimoto the black dispatch with the missive inside, or tell the two chunin that Z's in charge.))

***** *****

The missive was simple. Any child could read the basic characters that spoke of a man who was going to be going to the city to look for work. In it he asked for his love to be given to the recipient's family, and made other sentimental gestures before concluding. Rather a simple message, to hide such a fateful mission. Translated from the code that the Spirit Fox clan used to encrypt their missives, and the small paper scroll said something else entirely. Even now, despite having verified the message numerous times, Matsu wondered whether or not there had been some mistake.

Investigate and verify claim that Emperor Hasegawa's son Shuhei is gripped by a kami-spirit.
Depending on outcome, hold position and report for further instructions.
Leave no trace of presence.

Even this transcribed message seemed laden with unspecified undertones, although Matsu was no expert on such things. 'Leave no trace of presence' never needed to be stated to a Spirit Fox shinobi -- when it was specified it generally meant that there was a possibility of assassination. He trembled at the thought of being involved in a mission to kill an Imperial Prince, especially the 10-year-old Shuhei.

"We start on the morrow," he said to the others involved. Although the oldest of them all he was by far the least experienced in field work, and a genin besides. He was glad to hand the reins over to the new mission leader. Still unsure of why the his old sensei Arashiyami Kozaburo had sent him on this mission, he would do his best to stay out of the way and leave the work to the more skillful of the party.

Zetsumie had heard the offer from Matsu yet didn't quite respond. He watched the dual as it took place before them. "I'm curious as to whom the dispatch officer was." he stated rather than posing his words as a question. "If you were only told to bring one other, my concerns rest on the idea whether or not you were looking for a child to baby sit or looking for someone /to/ watch children." He said almost suggesting that if he were to take one of the two dueling he'd be putting himself up to the test of watching over them. If he wanted Zetsumie to come Zetsumie was taking it that he would be watching over some one. If Matsu wanted to bring all three Zetsumie figured Matsu would be watching over one of the two dueling and Zetsumie would be watching over the other.
Zetsumie pushed off the wall and took a few steps before he hopped down from the walk way and started towards the pair as the duel came to an end. An ever so faint smile lacing his lips on that marred visage. To be honest smiles really didn't suit the man and tended to give people and eerie feeling. "Aki-kun; you did well." he praised lightly as he stepped on over to Miya.
Without warning or ceremony he reached out and took her wrist and with surprising gentleness, turned her arm this way or that giving her a once over.
"Ichigo and his 'imp' may be queer but I'm sure you know as well as I, that the pair can help with many ailments. " Zetsumie said before gently returning to her, her arm and wrist. Zetsumie didn't quite care much for that short imp Ichigo kept by his side. Ever since he was younger he stayed clear of that short boy who still as tall as a nine year old runt. Nekura Naraku (Dark natured Hell)was the name of that strange 'creature'. The elongated ears and vivid flaming red locks were strange enough paired with those vivid green orbs. But the two preferred to live in a separated building in the compound off near one of the far walls. Now that Zetsumie was older he could look down upon that strange imp. Even Ichigo was a strange one. A flamboyant male with exceedingly maternal actions. It was no wonder he chose to heal their wounded or sick. Ichigo was willing to brave vicious storms that ripped trees from the ground to visit a sick member of the clan. A willowy slim build partnered with vividly bright kimonos and yukatas meant that Ichigo could often be mistaken for a you Maiko (Apprentice Geisha). It wasn't any of these qualities that struck Zetsumie off guard and made him cautious of the pair. It was the fact that time seemed to ignore the two. When Zetsumie was much younger he knew Ichigo looked to be in his very early twenties and Nekura looked to be a youthful eight year old at most. Now that Zetsumie was a deal older Ichigo still looked to be in his early twenties and Nekura has seemed to have aged a year if at all. "Even shinobi with otherwise fatal wounds are returned to near perfect health upon visiting them."
Zetsumie added as he turned on his heel and returned to the sanded wooden decks. "Matsu-san I've brought home a new child and I've yet to inform the council. I've already a child to look after for the evening. Come the morrow if you wish for me to accompany you, I will." He offered. Zetsumie was leaving this choice entirely up to Matsu If there was some sort of test involved Zetsumie wouldn't be meddling. Although he assumed by tomorrow he would be able to find someone to keep a watchful eye upon Masao if Zetsumie's presence was requested.
"Though a word of advice. . . " He trailed. "If the missive calls for physical skill as well as mental I suggest a sure decision where no wear or tear on your accompanying partner take place... Perhaps a little 'childish' but I think stone, parchment, shears would have sufficed. " He explained. A team should be well rested and ready to go with as little distractions as possible. " he concluded as he made his way towards the his destination.
Zetsumie poked around the council building and found Tatsuo nowhere in sight. With a heavy sigh of annoyance he headed off in search of the fossil. Zetsumie poked his head in to several dojos and saw a few different activities going on from grappling, to target practice. It was indeed nearing the evening as the sky continued to change. Zetsumie peered about through many areas indoor first before heading out side and spotting a small group gathered around a large Balance beam. The familiar sight of slightly crooked posture accompanied with a cane. Zetsumie paused and watched for a moment or so before slowly approaching the class that was more than likely soon to be coming to a close.
The hour was near of dinner time as Tatsuo walked around the balance beam, two of the students in his class demonstrating their balance while sparring. Ever so often the ebon haired sensei would give them a push with his cane to correct their stance, something the kohai had adjusted to. As the sun began to sink beneath the horizon, Tatsuo paused his pacing and gazed at the sky, set ablaze with orange subtly darkening with each passing moment. He lightly closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He then quickly turned and thrust his trusty cane out to catch one of his students as they lost their balance. With a careful push in the right direction, he got them back up onto the beam, "Mind your footing, kohai. Look only to your opponent, or the next thing you see will be the ground." His voice was gentle, not even a slight bit of scolding as he gave his correction, "The better you do, the sooner we can all go get some dinner. And I don't know about you," well, he did actually, "But I am famished! So," He gave the sparring kohai a light bop to the head each with his trusty old walking stick, "Try harder."
Soon enough Tatsuo noticed Zetsumie's approach, and he smiled, turning towards his oldest pupil, "Ahh, if it isn't my most hard-headed student. Have you come to train with the rest of the kohai?" He paused while the younglings failed to restrain a bit of giggling, "Or perhaps you come to inform us that dinner is ready?"
Zetsumie looked about to the mats they had on either side of the beam and raised an eyebrow. "I don't think they will ever learn that way Tatsuo-sama. " Zetsumie said not quite responding to such a jab. "Though I do believe supper is ready. " he added. "Some nice fried rice and steamed pork buns were what I saw when I was there. I have come to request audience with you master."
Tatsuo chuckled at Zetsumie's disapproval of the matts, "Why do you say that? As I recall, you learned rather well." As the younger teacher started to describe dinner, he could practically hear the collective rumble of his class's tummys. He... ignored it for now, instead more intrigued by Zetsumie's formality. Perhaps he simply wanted Tatsuo to send the children away, and deny the elder his most enjoyable hobby; embarrassing his oldest students, "Class is nearly done, my stubborn student. After that I will be happy to speak with you." He cleared his throat and turned back to his students, "Come now, we're almost done."
"Did I mention the tempura black tiger shrimp? Oh and I believe there was some crab Rangoon, Ichigo dafuku, Eel sishimi, fried dumplings, dango...." He trailed with a small shrug raising an eyebrow knowing full well what his words were doing and the power they held. "Oh and I believe tonight's green tea is sweet ginseng with jasmine. " he added in there recalling all the delicacies they were cooking up in the heated kitchen.
Tatsuo listend, and sighed in defeat. He could practically FEEL the burning, pleading gazes of his students peering at him from all directions. Acknowledging Zetsumie's check mate, Tatsuo motioned towards them, "I believe that's enough training for now. Go on, children, but remember to save some for your dear old sensei!" After a small stampede of hungry pupils, the two teachers were alone. He gave Zetsumie a light smack on thigh with his cane, "Well played."
Yes, seemed the stubborn little kohai had learned well over the years. Tatsuo always found ways to embarrass Zetsumie in front of the younger students, because Zetsumie was always his star pupil. The boy had tried keeping his distance and waiting till the teacher was alone to speak with him, but Tatsuo would just call him over. Zetsumie tried to hide, but Tatsuo always found him. It wasn't until Zetsumie was a sensei himself that he learned the art of avoiding Tatsuo's detection until he wanted his old master's attention. Now it was like a game of cat and mouse. Today, Zetsumie won. Tatsuo would just have to REALLY get him next time, "What can I do for you, my child?"
"When I learned I was over a water fall- when I fell I fell twice. " Zetsumie said if only a slight bit sour at Tatsuo for that. "Tatsuo-sensei I've come to inform you of something rather important- seeing as you are a council member and elder and all." Zetsumie explained.
"Eh, the water was blue, the matts are blue, close enough." Tatsuo smiled. Perhaps Zetsumie knew it was because Tatsuo had more confidence in Zetsumie's abilities, or perhaps not. The elder was fine with either way. When he heard something important, however, he nodded, "Come, walk with me. Tell me what is on your mind, my most stubborn of students." and Tatsuo started towards the gardens. Refering to Zetsumie in such a way was actually a term of endearment in Tatsuo's mind, but the elder could see how not many would see it that way. It was his hope that Zetsumie knew him well enough to know what was meant by those words.
Zetsumie nodded and followed Tatsuo along to one of the many garden paths of their compound. "I've brought home a new student to take care of... A new apprentice." To have an apprentice was something a bit more important than training an 'unclaimed' Kohai. To have an apprentice meant you were training someone to eventually fill your shoes. It was much more personal. You took care of your apprentice like he was your own- because they were. The last Apprentice didn't do so well.... or perhaps Zetsumie was to blame for not doing well enough in training his reckless pupil. "This one is shy, and quiet... very obedient I've mistaken him for a girl at first." Zetsumie admitted. "I'd like to make formal note that I have decided to take on this new apprentice." Zetsumie said knowing to topic held heavy on the good qualities as well as the bad.
"Apprentice?" Tatsuo repeated as if to be sure Zetsumie was clear. Carefully he listened, deep in thought a moment. Few were the losses the clan experienced that did not weigh heavily on Zetsumie's heart, but Zetsumie's first apprentice was particularly hard to lose. It was like watching his son raise a boy of his own, and Tatsuo allowed Zetsumie as much freedom as he could in teaching the young one the ways of their clan. Perhaps Tatsuo had allowed his own apprentice, Zetsumie, too much freedom. He did not blame the other sensei, at least he tried his very best not to, but it would taste a lie to say that he didn't feel responsible himself. If he had been more involved, maybe things would have been different. After a bit of thought, Tatsuo nodded, "Good. A new apprentice would do you some good, I think. I should very much like to meet the boy that my most thick-headed son will be taking under his wing." He nudged Zetsumie almost playfully, "Make sure he isn't too delicate to endure your training."
Zetsumie smiled feeling a touch of melancholy. "His name is Masao. . . and he looks like an apparition."
"Apparition, huh?" Tatsuo raised a brow, tempted to make a joke about that being a bad sign, but he opted to keep that to himself, "I'll have to see when I meet him. Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me?"
Zetsumie nodded. "Would you perhaps be willing to do me the favor of watching over the child on the morrow?" Zetsumie asked. "I may be called upon and I believe you possess the sort of gentle nature to show such a fragile boy around. " Zetsumie stated. "I think he needs a softer introduction to our family then what I have given him." Zetsumie was either cryptic or blunt.
"You've barely had the boy and already you need Grampa to babysit?" Tatsuo replied, "Though I suppose you have a point. He would indeed be in need of a more kind welcome to our family." He smirked, "Besides, it'll be fun to spoil the boy and send him home for you to deal with; actually... You'll probably break him if I do that, huh?"
Zetsumie chuckled, "Aye you can have your fun with spoiling the boy whilst I'm gone. Thank you."

The missive was snatched with little care by Akimoto's hands. Zetsumie's words were well heard, and noticeable irritation ebbed through him. It was one thing to respectfully decline a mission after such a rocky victory, quite another to freely offer it whilst the duel was underway. He believed such actions radical and outright rude, if the old man wanted Zetsumie to lead, then he simply should have asked him in the first place rather then waste their time.

Once his eyes transcribed the words in the letter he began to understand the hesitance in Sugahara. Such an order was unfitting of the old genin and Akimoto began to sense the dread surrounding the small black print. A kami was no laughing matter, for they possessed knowledge that were beyond this earthly realm. Their minds were alien, and their abilities or intentions were strange and most of the time dangerous.

"They're hiding something..."

It was all the armored-nin had left to say on the matter before casually discarding the scroll. Heading back to retrieve his nodachi and carefully slinging it about him. The morning would mark the start of an irrevocable journey. It was not everyday they engaged the likes of royalty. He silently pondered upon the steps where their adventure started. Starring out into the day with his thoughts meandering around behind his face of stone.

Sugahara Matsu recommended that they all spend time in preparation and meet back at the mission office within the hour. Actually, he didn't recommend it so much as phrase it as a question -- his habit whenever in the tricky situation of speaking to juniors who outranked him. Still a genin despite his middle years having come and gone, the fat old scholar found himself in that tricky situation an awful lot.

He returned to his hut and gathered a few things that he wouldn't want to leave without, but as the pile grew larger and larger he spent a comparable length of time paring the selections back down to a manageable weight. After this he tidied his room, knowing he might not be returning to it for several months. If at all... he couldn't help but add. Not for the last time he wondered just why he'd been picked for such a mission -- one so obviously out of his depth.

After leaving his small hut Matsu ventured to the stockpile, where a small clutch of people stood in line, requisitioning the many communal items that the clan stored. When his turn finally arrived, he asked for a few weapons that he felt most comfortable with, but the bulk of his requisitioning was in the form of food, supplies, maps and other more practical provisions. Sure he packed several kunai and a bō staff that looked like a peasant's walking stick, but combat simply wasn't his forte and if the likes of Zetsumie, Akimoto and Miyazaki couldn't defend themselves, it was unlikely that his efforts would change the tide.

He returned around the time agreed upon, and waited for the others. Their mission would be a long one -- even reaching the capital would take weeks of hard travel -- and they would have several hard choices along the way. Starting with the direction and manner of their travel...:

"I propose that we travel east to the port town, and commission a coastal boat or fishing trawler that will take us north along the coast and then back west along the river to the capital. Longer, perhaps -- but safer by far." Whether or not the others agreed, he didn't know. His opinion wouldn't weigh heavily in their minds, that he knew.

For Akimoto a the mission was a bit of an enigma. Such dangerous opposition with undocumented abilities combined to make one of the most exciting and terrifying ventures the shinobi could ever hope to embark upon. Of course it stood to reason that there was some kind of misinformation. It certainly would explain their choice of delegation to Sugahara, and would actually make for a rather bemusing joke. Yet he couldn't help but allow himself to fantasize about the nature of their mission. He could return home as Akimoto, the blade that tore through a kami. At the same time, it wasn't so far fetched an idea that he could never see the village again.

Zetsumie was coming with them but this did not bring any comfort to Akimoto. The elder ninja was a powerful force but his reputation wasn't in the safekeeping of his comrades. While the details were foggy, it was known that Zetsumie had lost his former apprentice. Through wild speculation or not, the situation was less then ideal. Zetsumie would get the job done if the task before them could be accomplished.

Strangely it was in Mashio that he found a private reserve of resolve. Though he would never admit it to himself, she was still superior in his mind. Yes today he had eked a victory, but he had done so with the addition of intense training. Weeks had been spent and milestones accomplished and it all amounted to little in their duel. Akimoto has the resolve and the nerve to grow, but it was Mashio who had the true potential. Though he hated it, he was gladdened for her company and more importantly her talent.

Preparations were hardly needed he had been in anticipation for an outing in some time. Food and supplies were constantly restocked in hope and all that he had left to accomplish was to ditch his armor in favor of stealth. He gave up the armor reluctantly but understood his mission demanded otherwise. Stealth wasn't Akimoto's strong point but he could fight with the best of them. All that remained would be to gather the various tools that could be needed.

When he returned to the appointed gathering he had said nothing. Moving about in his travel guise and abandoning most anything that resembled the armored-nin's iconic appearance. He had kept his contributions to himself for the time being, their journey would take the path decided by the eldest. Though Sugahara had expressed a wise course of action, he knew it would ultimately be decided by whomever had both the most prestige and loudest opinion.

Every journey changes a man -- even short walks after a heavy dinner can induce the kind of quiet reflections that are the origins of soul-searching. Whenever Sugahara Matsu had real difficulty with his reports -- when understanding simply wouldn't come -- he would put down his work and walk about the shinobi village or sometimes its immediate surroundings, and by the time he'd returned his frame of mind had sufficiently changed where he could suddenly make heretofore unseen connections between the differing and sometimes contradictory reports that passed across his desk.

If such effects could be felt in even the shortest of walks, what then could the old scholar expect from a months-long journey across the land? Was it as his old mentor Arashiyami Kozaburo had quoted? That 'he who returns from a journey is not the same man as he who left'? Sugahara Matsu found the prospect daunting.

Still, as the group began their journey the dark clouds lingering in his mind slowly but surely evaporated, leaving only rays of sunshine and warmth. The land was beautiful, the weather perfect and the company interesting. There was Zetsumie Aku, the living legend; mysterious, dour and capable. There was Akimoto Tsugaru, young and inexperienced but whose brashness was tempered by a quiet and introspective soul that Matsu sensed as being not altogether different from his own. Then there was Mashio Miyazaki, who was like an ornery house cat -- pleasant in limited doses, but fickle and prickly and prone to lashing out.

As their journey began, the company had walked more or less in a loose single file, so that each was in his or her own world, silent and isolated from the others. As the morning sun slowly climbed in the sky, the formation began to change at random -- sometimes Matsu found himself side by side with one of the other three, enjoying a conversation of small talk and pleasantries; other times all of them spoke together in their first real group dynamic. These conversations didn't last long -- as though Zetsumie's overbearing presence required Miya and Akimoto to bristle. One of the two youths would snap at the other, then there would be a short burst of heated comments before both retreated to their solitude once more. Matsu hoped that they would come to accept each other's company as the journey went on. For his own peace of mind of course, but for the strength of unity and success in their dangerous mission.

"Perhaps we can take a quick break here?" he offered to the group as the sun neared its peak in the clear blue sky. They'd been walking for several hours, and while the three chunin were no doubt ready and able to continue for days without rest, the old genin was ready for a good meal and a nap. He would find neither today, as lunch consisted of some root vegetables and a negligible bit of smoked mackerel; and the group was ready to move on almost immediately after the small meal. With a hearty sigh, he licked the grease from his fingers before wiping them on the grass, and moved on with the others.

After the shared meal the group's spirits seemed higher than before, and even the two competitive youngsters shared a few words that weren't snapped off between gritted teeth. Matsu found Zetsumie to be a fount of information when the stoic warrior deigned to speak -- the man was a walking treasure trove of exciting trials and tribulations from his storied past. Akimoto possessed a scholar's mind to be sure, and Matsu found their conversations to be stimulating, although a bit one-sided. And even the tempestuous Miyazaki was entertaining as well, although too eager to see slights where there were none.

"Oh dear," Matsu muttered as the small group crested a hill, where they saw a steep ravine barred their pass. The floor of the trench was no more than four or five paces deep, but recent rains had turned its steep slopes into mud -- the robed scholar didn't much like the idea of struggling to climb up that slippery, crumbling slope, or of falling back to the muddied floor again and again. He scanned up and down its narrow banks, looking for a drier space to traverse. Instead, he saw a short ways along the ravine that there were two trees -- one on either side -- whose high branches intermingled enough where passage could be attempted. Still, even the soft mud floor wouldn't make safe a fall from that height.

The kunoichi spotted the trees as well, and made her way to them. Placing her pack on the ground, she nimbly scurried up the trunk and disappeared into the branches. Matsu heard the leaves rustle and watched them fall to the ground as the girl made her slow progress across, her every footstep accompanied by an ominous snapping noise. Eventually she reappeared above them. "I don't think you three will be able to cross here," she admitted. "The branches barely support my weight."

"Can you cross?" the scholar asked, and predictably the girl stiffened as though at a challenge. "Of course," she snapped, as though daring Matsu to contradict her. When he said nothing she relaxed. "Probably," she added quietly.

For the majority of their trip Zetsumie seemed to trail be hind the group most of all. He was being rather silent and spoke only when spoken to or about. He had brought Kuro with him and had been leading the work horse along. As they neared their first little obstacle He remained silent seemingly observing the others. He seemed to allow his mind to wander for certain subjects abut for now he was focused on the task at hand. "Aki; Take Kuro and check for any alternative routs." He said leading the black horse over to the younger. "Be quick about it." He said before moving towards the tree the young girl scuttled up. "Come down from there we needn't be making any trip back home so soon. "Zetsumie Called up before removing a knife and going to fetch a thin sapling to see just how deep the w mud would sink if prodded in to. If worse came to worse they could always ax down some smaller trees and create a path. Zetsumie paused looking to Matsu as he stabbed the sapling in to the mud. "Don't supposes you're up for rope climbing?" he asked.

"That seems to be the best solution," Matsu agreed, gathering up some of his beard between his teeth to chew on fretfully -- an absent-minded habit he sunk into when worried. He wasn't afraid of getting muddied of course, nor was he particularly concerned about climbing the rope back up the other side, but the fat old scholar was worried about how the others would perceive him. He would have thought that in his old age that others' opinions of him wouldn't matter -- but he was so conscious of being unsuited for a mission such as this, that he couldn't shake the feeling that each of the others harbored those same doubts about him.

He looked up from the ravine to see Miyazaki climbing down from the far-side tree, having safely made the crossing. "Throw me the rope!" she called, so that she could anchor it to the tree for the others to scale the steep, loose mud wall. Matsu stepped back to give Zetsumie room. "It will be difficult to bring the work horse along," he acknowledged. "I hope Akimoto-sama finds another way across." It would be hard enough for Matsu to climb the rope himself, much less haul the pack animal behind!

Gingerly, Sugahara Matsu made his way down the side of the slope -- half sliding, half crawling. Nearly tumbling as his foot sucked deep into the muck, but he was able to wrench himself free without going sprawling at the bottom of the ditch. He made his way across the thin expanse to the other side, and grabbed the rope that Mashio Miyazaki had secured. He gave it a few experimental tugs before putting his full weight into climbing.

The muddy walls made the task difficult, but Matsu was surprised and pleased by his relatively smooth ascent. Sure, none of the other three companions were likely to be getting jealous of his skills in the near future, but he hadn't embarrassed himself either. With a groan and a helping hand from the kunoichi, the old genin hauled himself out over the lip of the ravine, rolling onto his back.

"Whoof!" he exhaled, before climbing to his feet and spending a few fruitless moments using handfuls of grass to wipe the mud off his arms, legs and belly.

"I half thought we were going to have to leave you behind, Matsu-sama," the girl joked, gracing him with a quick smile.

"Perhaps that would have been wiser," he laughed ruefully. He turned to watch the others.