All Hail the Future King

[Sand Council]

Urufuu​

"Your concern for me is touching but unwarranted, ape."

The chill in the atmosphere was stifling, it crept from the fingers and the toes all the way to the core. There was also an ominous invisible weight that seemed to dangle in the air, weighing heavily on the backs of all those present. It was a moment of merciful respite perhaps as the Ancient approached. "This bane," Urufu echoed as the edges of his lips curled upward into a sneer. His rugged features laced with pain, he somehow donned a condescending expressing. "Can be my gift to you," Urufu grunted.

"Everyone else may leave."

The Deep Court Lord ordered, before his statement could even be completed the spectators started to file away. Some slipping through the back door, others creeping out from beneath tables or behind others as cowards often hide. The crowd thinned almost immediately, there would be a few curious onlookers still. Some foolish enough to watch the spectacle, thinking that they were hidden because they stood behind a pillar or remained hidden beneath a table. One or two were foolish enough to remain in plain view, well perhaps daring but this was not a place that would entice a 'daring' man or woman... so fool.

"Rise and meet your end with dignity."

"I'd love to," Urufu announced as he forced himself up against the will of sanban. His massive legs flexed, the musculature apparent. The vessels in his neck engorged, he strained to reach his full height which towered over most men but not Mikaboshi. A mere pair of inches. Urufu released a huff of air and leaned close to Mikaboshi's face. "The book likes you. A first," Urufu commented. He remembered when he procured the book, he did not recall any favoritism in that battle and subsequent slaughter as his prey was of greater value than he anticipated. Yet he always wondered - how or rather why. How he came to the book at that very time and place. How his opponent never learned a viable skillset against him despite the vast repository of information at his side. Had the previous owner also suffered betrayal in the same way. This surge of pain that made him weak in the knees.

"Survival of the fittest," Urufu growled as he bore his claws. A trademark of the Inuzuka along with their famed canines, Urufu swiped at Mikaboshi.

---

OC: Let's get this over with. Good Luck. Update your stuff and prepare your actions.

Actions (Basics)

• Eagle Vision
• Zantetsuken
• Annihilation
• Steel Weaving
• Steel Weaving second time if all hits land

 

[Mikaboshi]

[col]Urufu struggled to his feet and Mikaboshi made no physical move to stop him. He wanted the Inuzuka to rise and fight. He wanted Sanban to bear witness to the fact that unlike it's current bearer, he would not be controlled by demonstrating how far Urufu was beneath him. To that end, as the Inuzuka elder leaped forward into the fray Mikaboshi's insidious spiritual presence was already hard at work. If Urufu's will failed him, Mikaboshi would disappear from sight and be replaced by several replicas of himself as the shadows themselves stepped up off of the floor and down from the walls to join into the fray. They existed only as a distraction, of course but in a battle of strength such as this distractions could easily prove to be deadly if timed properly. Even if the Inuzuka elder managed to strike down and destroy the reflections of Mikaboshi that joined the battle, they would only reform in time until Urufu managed to rally his senses and defeat the illusion cast over them. Still, Mikaboshi did not intend to give Urufu the respite he needed to recover. If allowed to stay hidden in the shadows, Mikaboshi would further tighten the noose with a dose of his own poisonously lethal chakra to Urufu's system which would cause his body to fight him on every move he wanted to make. Each attack, each step, each blink would become a battle against his own body to even perform and then when finally Urufu was at his weakest, Mikaboshi would bring down the blade of the guillotine and end the fight.|[legend="[[b][u]OOC Notes[/u][/b]] - [[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Tg_wjWT1g]SCENE BGM[/url]]"]

Mikaboshi - Sand ANBU Sennin

Actions

• Declare Duelist against Urufu with +2 Genjutsu DC. [0 AP/0 CP]
• Cast Stunt Double (Master Rank) paired with Advanced Clone (Master Rank) [3.5 AP/882 CP + 315/rnd]
• Cast Active Camo (Master Rank) [2 AP/560 CP + 280/rnd]
• Draw Right Hand of the Devil [0.5 AP/0 CP]
• (Conditional): If in Stealth Mode, cast Mind Ripper on Urufu as a Sneak Attack. Using Stalker to remain in Stealth afterwards. [2 AP/0 CP]
• (Conditional): If detected at any time before Mind Ripper is cast use Special Action 2 to remain drop Active Camo (Master Rank) to Rank 1 to remain in Stealth Mode. [0 AP/ 280 CP]
• (Conditional) If not in Stealth Mode at the end of the round, attempt to go into Stealth Mode before the end of the round. [1 AP/ 0 CP]
• (Conditional) If not in Stealth Mode at the end of the round, attempt to go into Stealth Mode before the end of the round. [1 AP/ 0 CP] (Not a typo-- exists twice in case first instance fails)

Notable Abilities

• Insight: Reveals hidden actions via PM.
• Elemental Illusion (Fire): Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Shattered Reality: Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Stalker: Terrain and Visibility modifiers are treated one level higher in the my favor.

[/legend][/col]

 

[Sand Council]

[col]

Urufu
Cabal Member
Bearer of Sanban​

HP: 50,000
CP: 35,000 [-225][-2065]
AP: 10
Effects:|

Mikaboshi
Lord of the Deep Court
Monster Sennin​

HP: 42,000
CP: 33,000 [-882][-560] 31,558
AP:
Effects:[/col]

Urufu's eyes flickered momentarily and his pupils grew to be twice their previous size. He scanned over his quarry, the ever elusive ANBU Sennin. He had heard stories or rather children's tales about this monster who worked in the shadows under the authority of the Steward Kazekage. Only such a man as weak as the Takahashi would resort to allying himself with demons and Ancients to gain power and security. A gutturnal growl escaped through Urufu's bared teeth. In shades of darkness or gloom Mikaboshi became a sextet, Urufu sniffed the air. They all smelled the same as Mikaboshi started to fade away but failed to do so. There were six and not five. Urufu scanned the battleground, "party tricks?" He sneered as he identified one that he felt was not like the rest. He lurched at the image, his claws sliced through the air and the image disappeared in a puff of smoke. "Scurry and hide, you will not escape me for ever Sennin!" Urufu announced as he again tried to rip into Mikaboshi but was faced with nothing more than an illusion that dispersed upon impact.

"Which one is he?" Urufu demanded of the book at his side. Mikaboshi with his weapon drawn seemed to recede into the shadows.

The book only laughed and said, "The one you will likely not see."

From the shadows Mikaboshi sprung forth, his hand reached for Urufu's skull but Urufu blocked the assault with his forearm before spinning around and skidding several feet away. Mikaboshi was already gone once again. Urufu let out a huff through flared nares, his shoulders heaving as he attempted to discern anything... anything that would tell him where the Sennin had gone.

What Happened<i></i>

• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi declares Duelist against Urufu with +2 Genjutsu DC. [0 AP/0 CP]
• 1.25 Seconds | Urufu uses Eagle Vision.
  • +1 Called Shot Accuracy and +5% Called Shot Chance for 1 Full Round or until 2 successful Called Shots.
• 3.50 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Stunt Double (Master Rank) paired with Advanced Clone (Master Rank) [3.5 AP/882 CP + 315/rnd]
  • Stealth Roll: 5
    Awareness Roll: 15
    • Stealth Failed
  • Genjutsu Check Mikaboshi: 19
    Genjutsu Check Urufu: 18
    • Success. Causes the target Urufu to see 5 copies of the user.
  • Clone Check: 8
    Awareness Check (which Clone is the Real Mikaboshi): 3
    • Urufu does not know which clone is the real Mikaboshi.
• 4.00 Seconds | Urufu attacks Mikaboshi or his clones with Zantetsuken.
  • Random Roll for Correct Target, 1 would be considered the REAL Mikaboshi. Roll: 2
    • Urufu's attack will target a clone.
      Attack Roll: 13 HIT! The clone is destroyed. 4 clones remain.
      Evasion Roll: 4
• 5.50 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Active Camo (Master Rank) [2 AP/560 CP + 280/rnd]
• 6.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi draws Right Hand of the Devil [0.5 AP/0 CP]
• 6.75 Seconds | Urufu attacks Mikaboshi or his clones with Annihilation.
  • Random Roll for Correct Target, 1-2 would be considered the REAL Mikaboshi. Roll: 7.
    • Urufu's attack will target a clone.
      Attack Roll: 9 HIT! The clone is destroyed. 3 clones remain.
      Evasion Roll: 7
• 7.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi attempts to enter Stealth.
  • Stealth Roll: 11
    Awareness Roll: 4
    • Mikaboshi is now considered to be in stealth.
• 9.00 Seconds | From Stealth Mode, Mikaboshi casts Mind Ripper on Urufu as a Sneak Attack. Using Stalker to remain in Stealth afterwards. [2 AP/0 CP]
  • Attack: 8 Failed melee check.
    Evasion: 15
• 9.00 Seconds | Urufu attacks Mikaboshi with Steel Weaving.
  • Random Roll for Correct Target, 1 would be considered the REAL Mikaboshi. Roll: 4
    • Urufu's attack will target a clone.
      Attack Roll: 14 HIT! The clone is destroyed. 2 clones remain.
      Evasion Roll: 6

 

[Mikaboshi]

[col]"If you cannot see me then blame your own weakness." Remarked Mikaboshi as he stalked in a circle around where Urufu was crouched.

Cloaked as he was in the darkness of his spiritual presence, Mikaboshi was difficult to detect even for a fighter with the enhanced senses of the Inuzuka Clan. In order to be able to reliably perceive Mikaboshi's movements and attacks, Urufu would need to rally his spirit and pierce through the veil of Mikaboshi's tangibly thick veil of chakra. The shadows around them flowed like rivers of power unbound by the normal rules which would have bound them to the sources of light in the room and actively raised their efforts against Urufu in his battle against the sennin. Darkness was not simply his element -- it was his ally.

Further complicating matters for the Inuzuka elders were the images of Mikaboshi that were spread out around him, each a potential enemy in their own right. When Mikaboshi spoke his words did not originate from where he actually was but rather from each of the mirror images of him that surrounded Urufu. The curse that Mikaboshi had attacked Urufu with had infiltrated his mind and his sight preventing him from being able to discern reality from falsehood and weakening his overall defensive posture. Since he could not determine from which way the sennin's attacks would come he could hardly mount an effective defense against them.

And that was just as Mikaboshi wanted it. Even despite the disadvantages leveled against him, Urufu had managed to hold his own thus far. In the split second of being visible and attacking Mikaboshi's opponent had managed to hastily knock the attack aside while knocking himself off balance in the process. He'd been off guard afterwards but the defensive gambit had proved effective enough given that he was not currently dealing with Mikaboshi's poisonous essence boiling beneath his skin. Still, such quick reactions would only take him so far and Mikaboshi had no where better to be...|[legend="[[b][u]OOC Notes[/u][/b]] - [[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Tg_wjWT1g]SCENE BGM[/url]]"]

Mikaboshi - Sand ANBU Sennin

Actions

• Maintain Active Camo (Master Rank) and Advanced Clone. [0 AP / 595 CP]
• Cast Devastating Aura as a Sneak Attack and paying the maintain cost of Active Camo (Master Rank) to activate it's Special Action 2 to remain in Stealth Mode. [2.75 AP / 2065 CP + 1035/rnd]
• Cast Fist of Virtue as a Sneak Attack using Special Action: Temperance to remain in Stealth Mode. [2.75 AP / 1236 CP and HP]
• Cast Fist of Sin as a Sneak Attack using Special Action: Pride. [2.75 AP / 1236 CP and HP]
• Attempt to go into Stealth Mode. [1 AP / 0 CP]

Notable Abilities

• Insight: Reveals hidden actions via PM.
• Elemental Illusion (Fire): Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Shattered Reality: Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Stalker: Terrain and Visibility modifiers are treated one level higher in the my favor.
• Right Hand of the Devil has the Vampiric Augment which causes me to recover 10% of the damage I deal as HP.

[/legend][/col]

 

[Sand Council]

[col]

Urufu
Cabal Member
Bearer of Sanban​

HP: 50,000 [-10437] 39,563
CP: 32,710 [-7350] 25,360
AP: 11 [-9.7] 0.3
Effects: Eagle Vision|

Mikaboshi
Lord of the Deep Court
Monster Sennin​

HP: 42,000 [-7505] 34,495 [+2303] 36,798
CP: 31,558 [-5132] 26,426
AP: 11 [-8.54] 1.45 [-0.5]==> 0.95
Effects: Duelist against Urufu with +2 Genjutsu DC; Advanced Clone (Master Rank) [315/rnd]; Active Camo (Master Rank) [280/rnd]; Drawn Right Hand of the Devil[/col]

The shadow Sennin taunted the former Cabal member. Urufu sniffed the air, he attempted to catch of whiff of the Sennin and follow his trail. Urufu shifted his stance as he tried to follow the movements of the Sennin. His eyes betrayed him as the shadows and the gloom obscured Mikaboshi's seemingly shifting form. An ominous sensation... a heavy weight... It was hard to breathe. His heart felt so large that there was no space for his lungs. Urufu bared his teeth and let out a growl like a cornered animal as his golden eyes scanned the air. Most of the spectators had left, perhaps it was for the best as they left with their lives but their was no honor in begging or fleeing. You never escape a true predator.

Urufu's hands planted on the floor and he let out a howl as his tanned and scared flesh was covered with fur. His incisors became long and sharp and his mouth and nose changed in shape to make a snout. He was transforming into the very beast his clan allied themselves with. In the absence of a familiar he was ostracized, but during his many adventures he had found the power he had lacked. The tangible proof of this was already forfeited to the only woman worth a dam in this village. Yet still, power lingered within him. Power to protect her. Power to stop him from getting this book and becoming more powerful. From behind Urufu was stuck, his back arched and he spun around but nobody was there besides the grinning masked specters that danced about. The book was tethered to his side and it swung about wildly as the feral Inuzuka lurched at Mikaboshi. He was not among the images he saw, or so he thought. He thought he caught the Ancient's scent. his claws cut through the air but touched nothing.

"You cannot keep this up forever Sennin," Urufu growled, his nose turned downward to the floor as he took another sniff. He was struck again, hard enough that he was knocked back several feet. Urufu spun himself about, remaining in a low crouch he would try again. There were now six rather than five images. Urufu's eyes watched each of them, each a perfect replica of the next. Urufu sniffed again, his eyed widened - was that it? This was his chance! "That one!" He told himself as he grabbed hold. His massive clawed hand wrapped around Mikaboshi's wrist and it was tangible. With all of Urufu's body weight he heaved Mikaboshi into the air and allowed gravity to finish his task. As soon as the deed was done, the clones flocked to the site of their fallen comrade it would seem and Mikaboshi was no longer among them.

Mikaboshi had returned to the shadows once again.

He could not be gone. NO, not yet! With quick movements Urufu stepped into the crowd, his fist attempting to take on nothing more than thin area erroneously assuming that the Sennin's hiding place would be so obvious. Urufu huffed, sweat beaded across his brow. "Stop now and I will let you live," Urufu panted.

What Happened?

• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi maintains Active Camo (Master Rank) and Advanced Clone.
  • Genjutsu Check (Mikaboshi): 12 Success!
    Genjutsu Check (Urufu): 8
    Awareness Check (Mikaboshi): 14 Success!
    Awareness Check (Urufu): 6
• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi remains in stealth.
  • Stealth Check (Mikaboshi): 13 Success!
    Awareness Check (Urufu): 3
• 0.45 Seconds | Urufu uses his Inuzuka Trait Enhanced Smell in an attempt to locate Mikaboshi.
• 1.25 Seconds | Eagle Vision ceases.
• 2.50 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Devastating Aura as a Sneak Attack and paying the maintain cost of Active Camo (Master Rank) to activate it's Special Action 2 to remain in Stealth Mode.
  • Attack Roll: 9 Success!
    Evasion Roll: 2
• 3.18 Seconds | Urufu transforms into Were Form.
• 5.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Fist of Virtue as a Sneak Attack using Special Action: Temperance to remain in Stealth Mode.
  • Attack Roll: 6 Success!
    Evasion Roll: 9
• 5.68 Seconds | Urufu attacks Mikaboshi using Fatal Draw.
  • Awareness Check (Urufu): 14 Failed
    Stealth Check (Mikaboshi): 12
    Random Target. Roll: 1 Correct Target Chosen but awareness roll already failed.
    Attack Roll:
    Evasion Roll:
• 7.50 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Fist of Sin as a Sneak Attack using Special Action: Pride.
  • Attack Roll: 15 Success!
    Evasion Roll: 11
    5% chance of being placed into Stealth after their attack. Roll: 15 Failed
    Mikaboshi is no longer in stealth
• 8.18 Seconds | Urufu attacks Mikaboshi with Eagle Drop.
  • Random Target (Clones 2-6). Roll: 1. Targeted Mikaboshi!
    Attack Roll: 17 Success
    Evasion Roll: 10
    36% chance to be afflicted with the Brain Damage status. Roll: 4 Success
    Bleed Roll: 6 Bleed I
• 8.40 Seconds | Mikaboshi attempts to go into Stealth Mode.
  • Stealth Roll (Mikaboshi): 5 Success!
    Awareness Roll (Urufu): 7
• 9.77 Seconds | Urufu attacks Mikaboshi with Step-In Flash
  • Awareness Check (Urufu): 16 Success!
    Stealth Check (Mikaboshi): 7
    Attack Roll: 17 Miss!
    Evasion Roll: 13

 

[Mikaboshi]

[col]The answer to Urufu's offer fell to deaf ears as Mikaboshi's mocking laughter erupted from the splintered images of him that stood around the room.

"Spare me?" He rasped, his words rife with biting amusement at Urufu's confidence. "A warrior of your experience should know better. Look at you. We've barely gotten started and you are already gasping for air. The sweat you wear on your brow grows heavier by the moment."

Each of Mikaboshi's illusionary clones relaxed their posture and clasped their hands behind their backs, a gesture that Mikaboshi was well known for. Each stood perfectly still and ceased any sort of hostile movement as the real Mikaboshi ceased his pacing and sent his consciousness into the shadows around them, calling to them as a king might summon his banner men. Whether or not Urufu managed to finally pierce the veil of bent light that he hid behind, Mikaboshi focused solely on drawing all of his power into his physical person.

"But since you insist on talking such rot, I will give you a glimpse at how truly far you are out of your depth."

Mikaboshi finished speaking and the clones of his which stood at various points around the room disappeared at last, dissolving back into the shadows that had formed him but by the time they did they had served their purpose. Crackles of obsidian electricity raced along the ground towards Mikaboshi's true location, revealing him at last but not as he had appeared previously to Urufu. Now the shadows twisted around his body like a localized hurricane of dark ash and smoke, crackling with bolts of energy that arced between them and his body. His head rolling on his shoulders, Mikaboshi turned his eyes to look at Urufu -- two points of burning golden light shining out from the depths of his hooded visage.

"Now, the true battle begins."

And like that, Mikaboshi was gone. If Urufu were fast enough he might have been able to catch a glimpse of the Sennin leaning forward before disappearing entirely from sight. It was a technique that he'd borrowed from the body that he wore now -- a relic of physical memory that had not disappeared when he'd sublimated the previous personality of the body's owner. In the blink of an eye Mikaboshi would have crossed any distance between them and appeared behind Urufu with razor-sharp tendrils of void energy trailing past his fingers as he swiped at the Inuzuka elder.|[legend="[[b][u]OOC Notes[/u][/b]] - [[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-MY9rIltwU]SCENE BGM[/url]]"]

Mikaboshi - Sand ANBU Sennin

Actions

• Stop maintaining Devastating Aura. [0 AP / 0 CP]
• Maintain Advanced Clone (Master Rank) [0 AP / 280 CP].
• Activate Defensive Mode - Swapping -2 Accuracy for +4 Dodge [0.5 AP / 0 CP]
• Cast Mystic Transmutation (Master Rank) to double the effects of Vampiric, Steady and Vanguard [2 AP / 620 CP + 295/rnd]
• Cast Form of the Demon. [3 AP / 2,400 HP + 1,140 HP/rnd]
• Cast Fist of Sin (Master Rank) with the Wrath special action. [3.75 AP / 1236 HP and CP]
  • Adding Fell Drain Dependent Special Move.

Notable Abilities

• Insight: Reveals hidden actions via PM.
• Elemental Illusion (Fire): Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Shattered Reality: Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Form of the Demon: Grants +2 Secondaries, All damage is "Dark" and by-passes half of all Damage Reduction, +10% Damage, 20% Damage Reduction and restores CP equal to the damage.
• Mystic Transmutation (Master Rank) doubles the following effects.
  • Vampiric: 10% Lifesteal to 20% Lifesteal
  • Steady: Half Defensive Mode penalties to no Defensive Mode penalties.
  • Vanguard: 10% Damage Reduction to 20% Damage Reduction while in Defensive Mode.

[/legend][/col]

 

[Sand Council]

[col]

Urufu
Cabal Member
Bearer of Sanban​

HP: 39,563 [-12375] 27,188
CP: 25,360 [-4857] 20,503
AP: 10.3 [-10] 0.3
Effects: Enhanced Smell|

Mikaboshi
Lord of the Deep Court
Monster Sennin​

HP: 36,798 [-7621] 29,177 [+7200] 36,377
CP: 26,426 [-4535] 21,891 [+2129] 24,020
AP: 11 [-9.25] 1.25 ==> 1
Effects: Duelist against Urufu with +2 Genjutsu DC; Advanced Clone (Master Rank) [315/rnd]; Active Camo (Master Rank) [280/rnd]; Drawn Right Hand of the Devil; Bleed I[/col]

The clones returned from death.

Urufu was wearing faster than the Sennin. He let out a low, rumbling growl as his eyes scanned the battlefield. He could not see him, not for sure. Mikaboshi was likely not among those that he could see, but he could not find the Ancient's scent or a glimmer of where he might have have. His claws sliced through the air, hitting nothing. Undeterred he tried again, Mikaboshi's genjutsu was wrecking havoc on his mind as he struck one of the mocking clones. It dispersed, "Gah!" Urufu yelled in frustration. "You want this coward?" Urufu muttered, not to the Sennin but rather the sentient tome at his waist.

The book answered no more.

The Sennin has revealed himself from among the darkness and the gloom, long enough to strike Urufu squarely not once but twice. It sent Urufu sliding back but he maintained his stance. "A predator emerges," Urufu announced strangely invigorated by this fight for his life and his right to exist. "Let's see if I can hit what I can see!" Urufu declared as he let out a war cry and with all of his strength he too attacked Mikaboshi but there was something amiss. A specter made of shadow and shade, his far was solid. Durable even, not the wisp of existence Urufu had imagined. He struck a second time and it was the same. A third... He furrowed his brow, confused and excited still. "A wonder the book has failed to share."


What Happened?

• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi stops maintaining Devastating Aura.
• 0.00 Seconds | Urufu maintains Enhanced Smell.
• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi maintains Advanced Clone (Master Rank)
  • Genjutsu Check (Urufu): 10
    Genjutsu Check (Mikaboshi): 8 Success, Urufu cannot tell who is a clone and who is the real Mikaboshi.
• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi remains in stealth from the previous round.
  • Stealth Check (Mikaboshi): 14 Success, Mikaboshi remains in stealth.
    Awareness Check (Urufu): 1
• 0.46 Seconds | Mikaboshi enters Defensive Mode - Swapping -2 Accuracy for +4 Dodge
• 2.29 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Mystic Transmutation (Master Rank) to double the effects of Vampiric, Steady and Vanguard
• 2.66 Seconds | Urufu attacks Mikaboshi with Zantetsuken.
  • Awareness Roll (Urufu): 10 Success, Urufu can attempt to target Mikaboshi.
    Stealth Roll (Mikaboshi): 1
    Awareness Roll (Urufu): 14
    Stealth Roll (Mikaboshi): 9 Success, Urufu was not able to determine where Mikaboshi was in stealth to attempt a blind shot. Auto-miss.
• 5.03 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Form of the Demon.
• 5.33 Seconds | Urufu attempts to attack Mikaboshi with Fist of Virtue using special move Diligence.
  • Awareness Roll (Urufu): 3 Success, Urufu can attempt to target Mikaboshi.
    Stealth Roll (Mikaboshi): 20 Success, Urufuu was not able to determine if Mikaboshi was among the Clones and if so which one.
    d6 roll to see if Urufu attempts to target a clone or Mikaboshi. 1 for Mikaboshi. Roll: 5 Failed, Urufu would attack a clone.
• 8.45 Seconds | Mikaboshi attacks with Fist of Sin (Master Rank) with the Wrath special action and Fell Drain Dependent Special Move. Considered a sneak attack because this was done from stealth.
  • Attack Roll (Mikaboshi): 11 Success, Urufu was hit.
    Evasion Roll (Urufu): 18
    Attack Roll (Mikaboshi): 12 Success, Urufu was hit.
    Evasion Roll (Urufu): 5
• 8.97 Seconds | Urufu attempts to attack Mikaboshi with Fist of Sin using special move Wrath.
  • Attack Roll (Urufu): 11 HIT!
    Evasion Roll (Mikaboshi): 3
    • Auto-dodge chance. Roll: 30 Failed
    Attack Roll (Urufu): 6 HIT!
    Evasion Roll (Mikaboshi): 7
• 9.70 Seconds | Urufu attempts to attack Mikaboshi with Uncalled for Shot.
  • Attack Roll (Urufu): 18 HIT!
    Evasion Roll (Mikaboshi): 6
    • 10% chance to inflict a -1 Dodge to the next Offensive Action targeting the target. Roll: 83 Failed

 

[Mikaboshi]

[col]Sliding backwards across the floor, still solidly standing, Mikaboshi skidded to a stop and straightened his back with an audible popping noise. Clasping his hands behind his back, it was clear that Mikaboshi did not feel threatened by the situation he was in even as the shadows poured from his body into the surroundings. Unlike the shadows which were cast by the few remaining bystanders that shook in cowardice huddled in the corners and nooks of the room, these shadows did not merely mimic Mikaboshi's movements. They twisted and writhed like the the tentacles of a great beast which had been unleashed at last, grasping at Mikaboshi's extremities and embracing him but also threatening to shred anything else that strayed too close to their king.

"So." Asked Mikaboshi, the smug smirk present in his words was tangible as the sound echoed off of the acoustics of the club. "That's it, huh? That's as deep as the well goes? Or are you still holding something back as a trump card? Perhaps an ace in the hole to play at the last minute in a desperate gambit?"

Even as he spoke the damage which Urufu had managed to inflict on his physical body was being undone by the unchecked influence of the black shades that he'd summoned to haunt his presence. Where they passed slashes in his body, even his attire, were undone as they feasted on the harm Mikaboshi had visited upon Urufu. They drew in his ragged breathing, his worried sweat and his doubt, feeding all of that back into the reservoir of Mikaboshi's dark consitution.

"No, I suppose not. This isn't, after all, a fairy tale where the hero defeats the dark king in the fleeting moments right before his trimuph. We are not actors on a stage."

Bolts of obsidian energy lanced down Mikaboshi's arms as he unclasped his hands and brought them forward in an open gesture. In that moment, the unearthly appendages of gloom were completely still about Mikaboshi's form giving the impression that perhaps they had finally gone to rest.

"You should have taken my offer."

His statement spoken like the threat it was, his shades pulsed to life once more and again the ANBU Sennin set upon Urufu with a concentration of his poisonous, corrosive black chakra crackling about his fingertips.|[legend="[[b][u]OOC Notes[/u][/b]] - [[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-MY9rIltwU]SCENE BGM[/url]]"]

Mikaboshi - Sand ANBU Sennin

Actions

• Maintain Mystic Transmutation (Master Rank) and Form of the Demon. [0 AP / 295 CP + 1,140 HP]
• Activate Death Touch [Independent Special Move]. [1 AP / 0 CP]
• Cast Mind Ripper [Independent Special Move] [2 AP / 0 CP]
• Cast Fist of Sin with the Greed special action [3.25 AP / 1236 HP and 2266 CP]
  • Casting Fist of Virtue as a follow-up due to Greed special move. [2.75 AP / 1030 HP and 2060 CP]

Notable Abilities

• Insight: Reveals hidden actions via PM.
• Elemental Illusion (Fire): Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Shattered Reality: Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Form of the Demon: Grants +2 Secondaries, All damage is "Dark" and by-passes half of all Damage Reduction, +10% Damage, 20% Damage Reduction and restores CP equal to the damage.
• Mystic Transmutation (Master Rank) doubles the following effects.
  • Vampiric: 10% Lifesteal to 20% Lifesteal
  • Steady: Half Defensive Mode penalties to no Defensive Mode penalties.
  • Vanguard: 10% Damage Reduction to 20% Damage Reduction while in Defensive Mode.

[/legend][/col]

 

[Sand Council]

[col]

Urufu
Cabal Member
Bearer of Sanban​

HP: 27,188 [-18972] 8,216
CP: 20,503 [-4787] 15,716
AP: 10.3 [-10] 0.3
Effects: Enhanced Smell; Mind Ripper|

Mikaboshi
Lord of the Deep Court
Monster Sennin​

HP: 36,377 [-2686] 33,691 [+1590] 35,281
CP: 24,020 [-5761] 18,259 [+2129] 20,388
AP: 11 [-9] 2 ==> 1
Effects: Duelist against Urufu with +2 Genjutsu DC; Advanced Clone (Master Rank) [315/rnd]; Drawn Right Hand of the Devil; Bleed I[/col]

He was in trouble here. Urufu panted and let out a cough, his muscles ached and he was getting tired. His golden eyes scanned the field and his nose continued to follow the Sennin's scent. A guttural sound rattled deep within the throat of the Inuzuka, his hair on end. Urufu lunged at the twisting nexus of shadow that housed the Ancient, his claws cut through the shadows. He recoiled and struck again and for a second time he struck nothing. The pompous, mocking assailant was not going to be the end of him. This was not going to be the end for him, this was not how it was supposed to happen. His heart pounded within his breast, this determination to live.

"I will never stop," Urufu huffed. "I will never give up," arrogant even to the end perhaps. There is a time in every alpha's life where the old gives way to the young, was this his time? Was this monstrosity meant to be his replacement? No -- no, the fates would not be so cruel. He tried to steel his resolve, and then.

Not one, but two strikes in a span of less than a fraction of a second. He could feel his body fold onto itself as he was launches back across the room and into the wall. Only one of the blows actually landed but it was more than effective in taking the wind from Urufu's sails. He staggered upright, his form was swaying and he stumbled forward, the Sennin glided out of harms way not once but twice more. He was no longer even able to land a blow against Mikaboshi. "Impossible... You... HOW!" Urufu clasped his prize tightly in his hands, a book that no longer wanted to be attached to such a weak host. "Book... why do you forsake me now."

The book uttered not a sound.

What Happened?

• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi maintains Mystic Transmutation (Master Rank) and Form of the Demon.
• 0.00 Seconds | Urufu maintains Enhanced Smell.
• 0.90 Seconds | Mikaboshi activates Death Touch [Independent Special Move].
• 2.66 Seconds | Urufu attacks Mikaboshi with Zantetsuken.
  • Attack Roll (Urufu): 3 Miss
    Evasion Roll (MIkaboshi): 15
• 2.72 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Mind Ripper [Independent Special Move]
  • Attack Roll (Mikaboshi): 3 Hit
    Evasion Roll (Urufu): 2
• 5.33 Seconds | Urufu attempts to attack Mikaboshi with Fist of Virtue using special move Diligence.
  • Attack Roll (Urufu): 8 Miss
    Evasion Roll (Mikaboshi): 18
• 5.65 Seconds | Mikaboshi Cast Fist of Sin with the Greed special action
  • Attack Roll (Mikaboshi): 20 CRIT
    Evasion Roll (Urufu): 10
    • 5.65 Seconds | Mikaboshi cast Fist of Virtue as a follow-up due to Greed special move.
• 8.97 Seconds | Urufu attempts to attack Mikaboshi with Fist of Sin using special move Pride.
  • Attack Roll (Urufu): 17
    Evasion Roll (Mikaboshi): 15
    10% auto-dodge. Roll: 3 Auto-dodged
• 9.70 Seconds | Urufu attempts to attack Mikaboshi with Uncalled for Shot.
  • Attack Roll (Urufu): 1 Miss
    Evasion Roll (Mikaboshi): 7

 

[Mikaboshi]

[col]Mikaboshi laughed as Urufu barked his challenge that he would never give up or be stopped. In spite of everything, Mikaboshi found that he was enjoying their contest. Conquering Urufu had not proved to be any level of real challenge for him but the old wolf had certainly proved that he was tough. A blast of dark chakra in a physical strike in the same way that he'd just taken one would have instantly killed a lesser man, even some lesser shinobi. The fact that Urufu was not only still alive but also able to even stand was a testament to his durability and grit. The laugh that Mikaboshi let loose was not one of derision as had been the case so far but one of excitement and passion.

This hunt had not been boring, at least.

"That's it old wolf. Never give in. Never say die!" Mikaboshi laughed again, shadows surging around his form like hungry dogs waiting to be sent in for the kill. "You have come so far that it is almost a shame that I must put an end to this."

Reaching out to his right, Mikaboshi extended his hand and the shadows flowed from around his body and into his hand, solidifying into a physical form in short order as if there were an invisible container that the shadws were being poured into. Appearing in the ANBU Sennin's extended fingers was a long katana, it's curved blade still sheathed within a scabbard the color of midnight. Neither the sword nor the scabbard had any real adornments or anything truly remarkable about it at all. In less dire context, an observer might note that the blade likely seemed mismatched to Mikaboshi who fancied himself a king as this sword, at a cursory glance, was not the sword of a king. It was simply wrapped and prepared but gleamed no less as Mikaboshi slowly drew the blade from it's sheath before tossing said sheath away from him allowing it to disintegrate back into the shadows that had condensed into it in the first place.

"I salute your demise, Urufu of the Inuzuka Clan. You are a man worth killing."

The sword he'd drawn was Ropentaar -- Mikaboshi's retribution. It was the blade he'd used to excise the portion of his own spirit that bound him to his nature and was the focal point of his revenge against the world that had wronged him. Given that Urufu had been a member of the Cabal, the same organization that had dared jail Mikaboshi and once more take away his freedom even if temporarily, it seemed only fitting that Mikaboshi finish this battle with the sword named for his revenge. Holding the sword in front of him with his right hand, Mikaboshi ran his fingers down the flat edge of the sword and as his digits passed the bright silver of Ropentaar dimmed and crackled with the same hungry black bolts of chakra that sizzled around Mikaboshi's body.

"Die well, old wolf!"

Charging forward as he cried out, Mikaboshi's blade was everywhere at once. In the blink of an eye, his sword slashed in from a multitude of directions at once -- blocking, dodging or countering the attack was impossible. The only thing that an opponent facing such an attack could do was counter or mitigate as many of the strikes as possible and try to weather the downpour of razor-sharp steel that he unleashed. It was a technique that Mikaboshi had dug out of the memory of the man that he'd possessed, a blade technique that he'd learned from one of his early masters which had claimed it to be unconquerable. This was Mikaboshi's finishing move -- his salute to Urufu's tenacity that he intended to finish the battle with such a fierce attack. Any other opponent he might have toyed with more, played with their expectations and given them a sense of hope that they might survive the encounter but something deep within Mikaboshi urged him to give the Inuzuka elder the warrior's defeat that he deserved.|[legend="[[b][u]OOC Notes[/u][/b]] - [[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-MY9rIltwU]SCENE BGM[/url]]"]

Mikaboshi - Sand ANBU Sennin

Actions

• Form of the Demon. [0 AP / 1,140 HP]
• "Drop" Right Hand of the Devil [0 AP / 0 CP]
• Draw Ropentaar [0.5 AP / 0 CP]
• End Defensive Stance. [0.5 AP / 0 CP]
• Cast Higuma [2.75 AP / 2272 CP]
  • Adding Fell Vengeance dependent special move. [+10% CP Cost]
• Cast Higuma [2.75 AP / 2582 CP]
  • Adding Fell Vengeance dependent special move. [+10% CP Cost]
  • Using Special Action to combo with previous Higuma. [+15% CP Cost]
• Cast Higuma [2.75 AP / 2272 CP]
  • Adding Fell Vengeance dependent special move. [+10% CP Cost]

Notable Abilities

• Insight: Reveals hidden actions via PM.
• Elemental Illusion (Fire): Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Shattered Reality: Increases damage taken by 10% on targets afflicted by my Genjutsu. Counts as Illusionary Damage.
• Form of the Demon: Grants +2 Secondaries, All damage is "Dark" and by-passes half of all Damage Reduction, +10% Damage, 20% Damage Reduction and restores CP equal to the damage.
• Fell Vengeance: Increases damage by +30%.

[/legend][/col]

 

[Sand Council]

[col]

Urufu
Cabal Member
Bearer of Sanban​

HP: 8,216 [-14832] -6,616 Knocked Out
CP: 15,716 [-250] 15,466
AP: 10.3
Effects: Enhanced Smell; Mind Ripper|

Mikaboshi
Lord of the Deep Court
Monster Sennin​

HP: 35,281 [-330] [+3073] 38,024
CP: 20,388 [-4749] 15,639 [+1483] 17,122
AP: 11
Effects: Duelist against Urufu with +2 Genjutsu DC; Advanced Clone (Master Rank) [315/rnd]; Dropped Right Hand of the Devil; Drawn Ropentaar, Bleed I[/col]

• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi maintains Form of the Demon.
• 0.00 Seconds | Urufu maintains Enhanced Smell.
• 0.00 Seconds | Mikaboshi drops Right Hand of the Devil
• 0.46 Seconds | Draws Ropentaar.
• 2.97 Seconds | Mikaboshi attacks Urufu with Higuma
  • Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 16 HIT
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 8
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 11 Hit
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 14
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 20 CRIT
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 2
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 10 Hit
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 5
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 11
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 20
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 18
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 4
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 17
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 11
• 2.97 Seconds | Mikaboshi attacks Urufu with Higuma a second time due to it being a combo.
  • Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 16 HIT
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 1
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 7 Miss
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 20
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 12 Hit
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 2
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 17 Hit
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 1
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 1 Miss
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 20
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 18 HIT
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 4
    Attack (Mikaboshi). Roll: 11
    Evasion (Urufu). Roll: 4
    • Urufu is KO'd

Closer to Hell

Mikaboshi did not waste any time he he unleashed a flurry of attacks, Urufu was exhausted and badly beaten although he seemed to refuse to admit that even to himself as he stood there in that wavering stance. Urufu never had a chance to get off another attack, but until the end his eyes and his face remained defiant. In a way he got the last laugh, or so he would believe. "That book will consume you," he uttered as he fell to the floor face down. A sickening crack resonated through Mao's Place. There was the rare, occasional stifled gasp from those who remained silent, fearful witnesses to what had just transpired. The ANBU Sennin, whoever he actually was beneath the mask and that ominous cloud of gloom and shadow had just single-handedly and rather easily defeated this infamous member of the Cabal.

The book clasped tightly in the Inuzuka's arms, even in this state beneath him called out to Mikaboshi. "Take me Ancient. Know the secrets only I know the answer to. Bind yourself to me and through me you will have every answer!" The book hungered for the Deep Court Lord and undoubtedly assisted in a way, however it would appear that Sanban's intervention was unnecessary and that was why it hungered for this new host. "Come Ancient and be enlightened!"

 

[Mikaboshi]

[col]Mikaboshi appeared behind Urufu, his head bowed slightly with his eyes on the floor and his blade slightly low... and slick with blood. After a moment, the proud Inuzuka crumpled to the floor before uttering one last warning about the nature of Sanban. Even falling to the floor after being utterly defeated by the ANBU Sennin, Urufu was still underestimating him. It didn't matter what Urufu thought now, reflected Mikaboshi as he turned and slowly paced over to where the unconscious wolfman lay on the floor. To his credit, Urufu had managed to evade two of the strikes from Mikaboshi's attack but it had been no where near enough to save his life. Towering over the defeated and prone form of his opponent, Mikaboshi reflected for a moment on his victory. Urufu's repeated warnings about the nature of Sanban were not without merit -- the director of the ANBU knew enough about the artifact's legacy to know that those who possessed the book were ultimately consumed by it in the end.

"Be silent book, I will get to you in a moment." He hissed at Sanban. He was not interested in the artifact's temptations. Sanban clearly knew of him, knew what he was, but even still underestimated him just as Urufu was. By the way it whispered it's honeyed offers to Mikaboshi, it viewed him as just another host that it could feed off of as it teased him with the knowledge that he wanted from it. That was not Mikaboshi's intention for their relationship as Sanban would soon discover but he would tend to that in a moment. In the immediate, Mikaboshi needed to finish dealing with Urufu and send him on his way to the hereafter before he could claim his prize. Lifting Ropentaar above his head, Mikaboshi pointed the blood-stained sword tip down and prepared to bring it down to impale Urufu and finish him but as his hand reached the apex of his reach...

Mikaboshi found that he could not bring down his sword.

It wasn't because he didn't want to. He respected the conviction with which Urufu had fought but still the ancient still harbored full intention to slay him and take Sanban for himself. Instead, it seemed as if his wrist were behind held in place by an invisible force that would give him no quarter. No matter how he pushed against that will, he could not bring down his sword. Was this the spirit of Ropentaar fighting back against his desire to kill Urufu in cold blood? The sword had never really wanted to be picked up in the first place, he recalled. In their first moments together Mikaboshi had wrestled with a presence within the sword for control of it -- for the very right to pull it from the stone that it had become lodged in. And it seemed once again the sword was fighting back against him. Was it because of it's nature as a holy sword that it battled against him? Snarling behind the mask of shadows that he wore about his face, Mikaboshi relinquished his effort to slay Urufu and then released his grip on the hilt of Ropentaar causing the blade to crumble away to particles of ash and smoke as it returned to the place between light and dark where he kept the sword. Crouching down next to Urufu, the sennin reflected on this discovery.

"I could just as easily crush your throat with my bare hands if the sword does not want to be a part of it." He stated aloud to no-one in particular, even though he addressed the unconscious form of Urufu. "But for some reason my blade does not think I should slay you. That for some reason your life is worth preserving. Why is that, I wonder?"

The crowd around him in the club that had been too scared to leave lest they get caught in the crossfire had begun to hurriedly escape the scene as Mikaboshi stood crouched next to Urufu in thought. There were many variables to consider. The fact that Ropentaar had been so resolute in it's conviction to prevent Urufu's death was a startling discovery for Mikaboshi who believed up until that moment that he'd mastered the blade's will completely. What was it about Urufu that made his sword resist his demand? As he wrestled with that thought, he considered Sanban and it's cancerous reputation. Was Ropentaar protecting it's master by causing him to pause and consider his actions? He could not directly communicate with the sword and that thought seemed somewhat likely. There was no aggression in the way that Ropentaar had resisted him but there had certainly been a conviction the likes of which he had not seen from the sword thus far.

"So be it then." He concluded, as his dangerous mind considered other options for what he might do with the opportunity that he'd just claimed. Several ideas came to mind immediately... but one in particular stood out so far that Mikaboshi could not help but grin behind the mask of darkness that he wore in spite of the derailment of his original plan. "It seems to me old wolf that you could use some medical attention..."

Reaching forward, Mikaboshi set his palm flat with his fingers out upon Urufu's chest and called to the gloom in the club to swirl around their bodies. The shades gathered quickly as their master called and soon the pair were obfuscated by a thick veil of smokey shadows which lasted for only a heartbeat before it dissipated... and there was nothing left behind where they had been only moments before.

[Topic Left with Urufu/Sanban]|[legend="[[b][u]OOC Notes[/u][/b]] - [[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-MY9rIltwU]SCENE BGM[/url]]"]

Mikaboshi - Sand ANBU Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Sand Council]

Urufu
Cabal Member
Bearer of Sanban​

Urufu remained limp in this perilous state between life and death. His breath was raspy and shallow, most of his ribs had been broken by that last Higuma it seemed and his flail chest seemed to lack the elasticity of an intact one. He was a large man but he always was one, even as a child he was considered a large boy. Now this man, an exile of the Inuzuka Clan, this broken shinobi with no familiar lay dormant and helpless to the Sennin's wrath. The book laughed, this vessel had been spent but it was a fascinating ride. A mongrel who thought himself a man. A loyalist turned traitor. A humble man turned prideful. A strong man, now weak. It only took a few words, some whispers of encouragement. A lie lies sprinkled within a sea of truth. The problem with believing that you are enlightened is the false security it brings. That lack of fear. That psychological loss in your need to struggle because you believe you already know the outcome, but the truth be told you only know a single possible outcome in a sea of possibilities.

Urufu will likely die here. He loved and for that reason he became weak. His choices and his heart is what brought him here. He could have avoided all of this and the book warned him of such, that girl would be trouble. That Inuzuka that he fought for. That he defended. How he earned the ire of the Kazekage through his brute actions and forceful words in a way more terrible than when he destroyed the Steward's laboratory. He loved Yume, perhaps not in the way a man loves a woman. There was always something perverted about that sensation, that feeling of lust. Rather he loved her, what she was and what he believed she would become. Some of this would of course be a lie. Information and misinformation both were the lifeblood of the book, an entity that thrived not on information alone but on chaos. The world is simple and predictable in and of itself. But there was always something unexpected that would emerge from the twisting chaos.

"Kill him. Kill him. Kill him," the book chanted. "You have defeated him in battle and you have known earned your kill. You have earned your meal."</B><i></i> The book whispered. <B>"Kill him. Kill him. Kill him," the book continued to whisper and chant from beneath the massive man that laid upon it.

Taken with Mikaboshi, Topic Left.​