Sakuya should have expected the hug, but the swift motion of how it happened elicited a yelp from the girl before she returned the hug as well.

"O-of course!" Sakuya managed a quick reply when Nanami asked if she remembered the promise to see the latter's next concert, "I'm looking forward to the coming performance, so let's make sure this mission is a success!"

"That said, Sima-sensei need us to prepare a sedative effective enough to keep the mission target from causing trouble on our way back," Sakuya then answered when asked what was needed from Nanami, "He's currently still sedated, but the effects are likely to wear off soon."

To her credit, Tsukiko listened, quietly, her gaze never leaving the girl as she recounted her issues and her troubles. The Ronin merely made the occasional hum of acknowledgement, a nod to show she wasn't just staring off into space. Once Nori had finished, or at least found herself at a loss of how to continue, Tsukiko remained quiet for a moment, before leaning forward, resting a hand on a leg as she regarded the Genin.

"That movement, right there, coulda got someone killed. Sure, there's moments when yer gonna be weak, but that's not an excuse t'just let 'em happen. If anythin', it's an argument for your Sensei to be harsh on ya so ya screw up less. Lookit, I get it, ya hate bein' chewed out, no one likes it. But its either that, or keep doin' that sorta shite until you actually get yourself or someone else killed." A quick shift and she slid the bangles and sleeves along her forearm down, exposing more of an intricate tattoo and a myriad of deep scars. "Unlike yer Sensei, my mentor didn't believe in sayin' a thing. When we sparred, if I moved wrong, I got cut, period. Always the same spot. End of the day, though, he's dead and I ain't, but you know what?"

She slid her sleeve back into place. "He was more experienced'n'I was. He was tougher'n I was. When he spoke, I listened not because I wanted to. Not because I thought he was a stand up guy, not because I wanted to be liked or to have my feelin's validated or to have my skills acknowledged, but because I respected how much stronger he was compared to me. 'n your sensei, if she had a mind to? She could tear you apart with 'er pinkie finger."

"Now, I don't say do as she says blindly, but at this point in time, you doin' as she says is in your best interest. You ladies have been together for a while, I can tell, but at the same time Sarada's got more battle experience'n'all three of ya put together. It's not about bein' the best shinobi you can be, that's up to you to decide, but shinobi, ronin, mercenary...jobs like these, you find your heart, and you put it in a box until the job is done. You keep that box with ya, yeah, you listen to your heart, but you don't let it take over you. You want an example of what might happen if you don't, you ask Nanami about our little impromptu training session, have her tell you all about it."

Nanami smiled "No need to make any. I have been perfecting the sedative I used on him last time. I imagine the dark chakra has likely increased his regenerative qualities. However I have something else to keep him locked down so to speak." She began to walk "Lets go Sakuya, and you are welcome to come if you wish Shiroma." Nanami's eyes gleamed, part of her had been prepared mentally for this, and knew it was coming. Just not this quickly..

"Sakuya, how did you subdue Sigmund? Was it the weakness in his neck? Did he rampage if that is how you took him down?" All questions that would allow her to fully understand the situation. She had a smile on her face. But it was unusual, though nothing to far from ordinary, as is the price that often comes with war. Nanami's tone of voice was very inquisitive.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 08:09, Thu 21 Mar 2019.

"Yes..." Sakuya said before pausing briefly as she recalled the moment they encountered Sigmund in the mansion, "You could say we were lucky to discover the weak point in the heat of the moment and subdue him before he could act. We may have not succeeded if not for that lucky break."

"Did he always have that weakness, Nanami-chan?" the genin asked out of curiosity next, "It's just... the chakra flow in that area didn't feel right when I checked on him to make sure he was down."

Nanami had a brief annoyed look on her face. As something came to light. The only thing she feared was the chance of him rampaging when that area was attacked. Knowing he didn't rampage will make keeping him under lock and key so to speak, much easier "This is good to know." But she had to confirm it, as Sakuya response was a little vague "So your team struck the weak point in his neck and he passed out?" She asked as they walked. The last piece of information she would need to perform a specific surgery, to that area. That was the reason she had the three odd looking needles/senbon.

As they reached the top of the ship. While she waited to hear Sakuya's response she started humming again. This time a far more cheerful tune "I am glad you did find that weak spot. I was worried about you. The trip home will likely be dangerous. So if we can get a good night's sleep make sure to take it. We'll need all our strength for what may be coming for him. I don't see Kotatsu letting his brother be taken unless it's some part of a plan. Which is why I am being very cautious."

"Hai... I did not expect him to get knocked out with a hit to the neck like that," Sakuya nodded a response as she followed by Nanami's side to find Sigmund, "Sozui and I were just managing to keep things together with our encounter against him."

"We are expecting pursuers, but aren't sure how long it will take them to realize what happened and come looking for Sigmund," she then added, briefly looking at the direction of the woods they passed through.

"I've thought about it, and the best course would be to bind his hands in such a way that moving the fingers would be nigh impossible. Not an easy feat, but I may be able to get pretty close to doing it. Though, it won't be the most comfortable of situations for him, stated Sozui as he started walking toward the boat. Naturally, Sigmund's eyes would have to be covered with a series of blindfolds or something else to keep him from laying eyes on someone. It was too bad that they couldn't keep him out in the open where Sakuya could keep draining his chakra, but there would be too many variables in such an open space.

With these thoughts in mind, Sozui 'recruited' some of the crew, found such a spot in the ship and began clearing out everything before he began setting up the elaborate restraint system that utilized ninja wire and whatever weapon snares that he could connect to them without causing things to be too cramp. He also had a string of wire that would wrap around Sigmund's neck and be held by either him or Sima depending upon who was watching over their prisoner at the time. He figured that if it looked like Sigmund was breaking free then they could deliver a quick charge directly to the vulnerable spot on the neck.

Both Nanami and Sakuya reached the edge of the ship. She looked down surveying the field before hopping off the ship onto the beach. Her medical bag in hand. Nanami walked at a slow pace. The events of late have led her to become very wary of situations that seem too good to be true. Nanami would look at Fuji "I am going to activate my sharingan, just incase he wakes up." But as she said that "It's also so I can see the changes in his chakra system on the cellular level." She activates her Sharingan and kneels beside Sigmund "It's been a long time my once close friend." She says as she circles around to Sigmunds side "I know you can hear me. But I know you can't respond. Or so says your brain activity."

She takes out a case that had five vials in it "These should keep him sedated for most of it. However.." She says as she takes out the three needles "But these should keep him immobilized and helpless for the duration. Well after they are inserted into his neck. The combination will likely put him into a coma. Until the needles are taken out." She looked at Fuji "Do I have your permission to proceed? Since he is your captive.."

Sima watched carefully. He didn’t like the idea that someone so close to their captive was personally working on him. He had been told neither of the girls were allowed so close in case he reacted to them out of spite. Nanami had taken out what looked like giant vials and needles to likely subdue their captive but Sigmund was rather still unconscious from their efforts from earlier. ”You were only instructed to assist Sakuya in ways to further keep him st bay. That wasn’t permission to come over and exam him like a doctor,” he stated before eyeing her sensei.

At this point, Sarada made it clear that she knew something was on its way. She knew they all felt it. Whether it was another army or even this boy’s older brother, the events that would unfold weren’t going to be pretty. Master Fujii have his orders to his students whistle she remained quiet and only looked down at Sima’s mission objective. That’s all he was to them: an objective to be taken back. With all his destruction and irrational behavior, he didn’t deserve to be treated like a human being. He was a prisoner of war and Sarada would ensure it stayed that way.

Eventually Sima’s young medical genin made her way to fetch her counterpart that also studied medicine however Sima did make it a point that she was only to seek and gain assistance from her peer, not being her entirely over here. Sima made it clear in his voice as he glanced at her, making Sarada having to confirm. She cleared her throat. ”Master Fujii is right. Unfortunately neither you or Nori are allowed a certain distance from this boy. Orders from the Omo. You three have too much of a history that potentially could trigger anything from him,” she clarified. She remembered telling the girls from the very beginning that weren’t to engage or interact with Sigmund until their ban was lifted. Lady Sarada did have say as a Hime if it warranted, however in this case she strictly stood as their sensei for now.

”Nanami, you’re capable of explaining to Sakuya what she may need to do. I believe Master Fujii’s orders were that you both come up with something, not you, Nanami taking control of the situation to your own hands,” she corrected. Sarada had a geninine apologetic expression on her face but she knew she had to enforce these in order to keep things from getting complicated.

With a small sigh under her breath, her eyes couldn’t help but glance towards the ship, seeking the white haired beauty her heart yearned for before returning to the matter at hand. ”We have some down time. Ensure Sakuya knows exactly how to make those and exactly how to administer them. It is never too late to teach and every moment can become a teaching moment,” she added, sounding more like a sensei than just a scolding Hime.

Nanami deactivated her Sharingan. But when she looked iup. She felt something. It made her uneasy, but it could be just the wind. With these lands danger is everywhere. She nodded and backed away from Sigmund. A look of disappointment, and annoyance. It couldn't be helped she supposed "Sakuya have you learned the Chakra scalpel technique? The needles can't be placed without it." She hands the kit with the five syringes to Sakuya. If Sakuya does know the chakra scalpel, she would give her the three needles and how to perform the minor surgery to install them.

"Use these, they must be injected just above his weak point. Its does two things. Prevents chakra flow to his eyes, and places him in a coma like state. He won't be able to regenerate past this. However if you don't space these out, they each last at least twenty two hours. If you inject to soon you risk killing him. It's the same risk as with any sedative." She takes out a notebook, writes down the instructions, and draws a diagram where Sakuya needs to inject it. She hands it to Sakuya..

Nanami then walks up to Sarada "I felt a cold chill. I am going to prepare, I've had a bad feeling since I felt Sigmund. His brother will be coming. Either that or its a trap that will be sprung at a later time. Either way, I am going to eat, and make preparations just incase." She would walk back to the kitchen, and finish making the food.

When Nori felt Fuma rest a hand on her knee, her eyes flicked down to look at it as she listened until she felt she could intercept. “I know I need to get stronger in a lot of ways. I know there are still things I need to work on. I understand that. But I don’t want her to only recognize the mistakes I’ve made. I don’t want her to let them define who I am. I don’t want to make her question my abilities or my dedication in doing what’s right or doing what I have to do. I am...stronger than I seem,” she said. “And I would never let my selfishness or curiosity get in the way of putting the people I care about in danger. At that moment, my body just moved on its own. There was this force pulling me and I let it. I had to see for myself and I should have controlled myself better. Even if it was a feeling I had.” As she felt the hand leave her knee, Nori’s eyes moved down to her forearm. She saw an array of scars across her skin. Some looked deeper than others. Some were faded and could hardly be seen. But just looking st them looked painful. It was than she was told her sensei was the one that caused them.

Nori knew that If Sarada had wanted to, she could’ve caused her a lot of damage. She could have put her in her place on different occasions, but instead she used her words. But...sometimes words could hurt more than any cut could have done. That was besides the point, though. She knew what Fuma was saying. They were things that she knew very well. “I just want to tell you. I do respect sensei. I do recognize her abilities and that she is on a whole other level than I am in every way. I know I can learn a lot from her and I try to every day. Even if I don’t agree with everything she says or does. I know she has more experience than any of us put together and she probably does know what is best for us as a team. She can probably teach me a lot of things that I lack in. But...” Nori lifted her head up and looked at Fuma across from her. “...I am not going to just respect her because of what experience and abilities she has. I do look up to her in the sense that I do aspire to become strong like her, but to respect her as a person and a leader is something completely different. Maybe my trust and respect  mean nothing to her, but to me, having that respect and trust within a team is important. It’s not just given because of how strong you are or how many years you have on you. We have to be able to trust in our leader. Just like we have to earn her respect and trust, doesn’t it also apply to us being able to trust and respect her?”

The burgundy haired shinobi stood up from her spot on the bed and quietly walked across the way. “With our last sensei, he wasn’t entirely easy on us, either. He scolded us and put us to work, too.  But we built up something with him, you know? It took work, yesh, but we got there. We were able to put our trust in him. And if I had to, I would have given everything up for sensei because he was someone important to me. Even though he is no longer here, there are times when I hear him in the back of my head. He probably would have been disappointed in me for all the mistakes I’ve made, but he would have forgiven me, too, because he knew everyone made them. He would make sure I would learn from it and move on,” Nori folded her arms across her chest and softly scoffed as a small smile curved on her lips. “He also told me to listen to my heart and be strong. To stay calm and breathe before making any decision on what to do. I think I’ve failed him on many different occasions and if he were here, he would probably scold me even now,” she said and brought up a hand to cover her mouth and let out a small chuckle. “But even if he did, I wouldn’t have been upset or minded because I know his words were said with good intentions. They weren’t meant to be a punishment like I feel they are now with Sarada sensei.”

Nori let her hand fall from her mouth and she folded it back across her chest. “She’s more a giver of tough love in comparison to my sensei, but the only difference is is that for him, I would give anything. I wished he hadn’t had died that day, but I knew he died knowing he was saving lives, including our own. It makes me wonder what went through his head at that moment. I wonder what he knew he was leaving behind. I don’t think he really even thought of it. His body just moved. It went on instinct because he knew what he had to do and what it was going to cost him. But...despite it all, I think he knew that we would be okay as long as we stuck together. He left to us what he couldn’t finish and I fully intend to see it through no matter what because even to this very day, I respect him like no other. He’s someone that can never be replaced and I hope one day I can feel that way about Sarada sensei, too, but right now I don’t. Not because of the scoldings or the punishments she dishes out. I just feel like I haven’t reached that point of giving her all of my trust and respect like I once did with my old sensei. There’s a lot I have yet to understand about her and I hope I can one day just like I hope she can understand me, but that’s not going to happen until she feels like she wants to even try,” she said as she looked over at Fuma with a serious expression.

“And contrary to what she believes, I fully understand that Sigmund has done terrible things. Unforgivable things. Things that he should probably die for, but I’m not giving up on him and I know in my heart sensei wouldn’t want me to, either. I know my feelings seem like they may be compromised because of what once was our relationship, but Sigmund is my family. Nanami is my family. Shiroma is my family. There’s nothing they could do that I wouldn’t forgive them for. That I wish they would die for. I hate the pain and the suffering Sigmund has caused everyone, but if you and Sarada sensei both truly knew him like we did, you would understand why none of us are giving up on him. I know all Sarada sensei sees is a bloodthirsty shinobi who isn’t worth a shit and should just die. In fact, I’m sure that’s what she’s thinking. Even I don’t understand why he’s still alive, but there’s a reason why he is. I don’t know what, but I want to believe that he can be saved from this darkness. He will be saved. I know it. Call me a fool or think less of me as much as you want, but I fully intend to do whatever I have to to save him. Not from what he’s done, but from himself.”<Pink>

Nori made her way over to the door and stopped in front of it, slowly putting her hand on the handle and opening them. <Pink>“I won’t get in the way of what needs to be done because I know he needs to face the reality of it all. I never intended to free him. I want you to understand that. Nor did I intend to jeopardize or compromise anything. Now I know he’s here and at least for now, he is safe despite his conditions. Once we get to Konoha, I don’t know he’ll face, but, I, too am going to face that head on no matter what punishments he receives. I will be there whether anyone wants me to be or not,” was the last thing she said before she walked out and let the door close behind her.

Sarada has been impressed. Fujii’s squad knew they had likely led an army this way but didn’t know how much time they had exactly. However Fujii, herself, and Nanami had been the very few that felt the weird traces within the air. It was unsettling and she was rather glad Nanami took initiative to say something. Sarada merely nodded her head in agreement. ”Make your food preparations quickly. I am not sure just how much time we have. I’d much rather you spend it preparing everyone else as oppose to feeding them,” she whispered back before waking passed Nanami and off to the shore. She didn’t have enough time as far as she knew. She needed to oversee their position, taking in their scenery. While the blizzard had stopped for now, it was likely to come back, hopefully giving them an advantage for concealment.

She knew Master Fujii and his group would likely be tired, however that force difference would be made up with her new ally, the Fuma shinobi. Fujii’s captive was grounded for the time being but who knew how much time it would give them before he broke that trance. She sighed to herself as she slowly paced the beach shore by herself, lost in her own thoughts away from others until otherwise spoken to.

Shiroma had followed Nanami and Sakuya though had stopped outside the room that Sigmund was being kept in. Even though she herself understood something of the lure of the darkness having been under it herself for a time, and more so even now after reliving it in the training with Sarada only made it more clear to her.  She knew the sway it held and wondered just how much of Sigmund was actually left at this point. If not for her own mental breaking she would still have been there leading a squad to kill these people herself. She sighed and watched as things unfolded with the Jonin and everything and kept her mouth shut it wasn't the time for anything.

She turned following Sarada out of the boat and then giving her some space for a time but recognized the walk as one not to be alone but to fill time.  She nodded and moved down to intercept her. "Sensei do we know how much of a lead time Fujii-Sama's team had on any pursuit?" Her eyes were scanning the approaches for signs of movement thinking of points she could fortify for a coming attack.

Sarada has stopped in her tracks as Shiroma showed up silently and then finally asking her a question. This allowed Sarada to collect herself for the moment before answering her. ”According to Master Fujii, they left the moment they finished their mission. He said they didn’t rest or stop until they got here,” she answered and the. Paused, doing the math. ”They traveled for a day straight, knowing there was the possibility they were going to get followed,” she added before the wind picked up slightly. ”It’s a matter of whether we want another naval battle or await here and finish this once and for all on land,” she uttered as she turned to Shiroma fully.

”This Kotatsu kid isn’t going to just let us have his brother without a fight. Or this mysterious man. That would be far too easy. Expect an army and expect one hell of a fight,” she commented before looking towards more in-land. ”We all feel it; I know we do. It’s only a matter of time before they actually show up,” she continued, her fists in balls at her side now.

She went into a vacant roomed and took her gear from her med bag, and changed. She knew it could be a long fight. Nanami was always warm when even in this cold. She put on her archers outfit, slings her bow, and then places her quiver at her lower back. Nanami would look for Nori, most likely running into her in route to the kitchen. Or somewhere close to it. She needed Nori to be ready as well. When she does find Nori, she would pull Nori aside, and speak quietly "Nori grab your gear, and if you know where Fuma is. Tell her to grab her gear as well. We may have an hour or two at max before our sendoff party arrives. Most likely led by Kotatsu, if not that man we met when Sigmund was taken the first time."

She hated to be the bearer of bad news. But it was required for Nori to know. She wasn't sure what type of fight the coming one would be. She was prepared to do whatever she could to make sure they left with Sigmund intact. Nanami hoped this would be the case. Though she was ready for the worst case as well. Nanami wasn't flustered at all. She knew keeping her composure to help the morale of everyone around her.

It wasn’t too long after Nori had walked up the stairs and gone on deck that she felt her arm being pulled, causing her attention to be brought over to Nanami. She had told her to get her gear and get ready for what seemed like would be an all out battle to get Sigmund back. It wasn’t something that was unexpected. She was sure that both Sarada and Fuji sensei we’re prepared for the possibility that there would be a retaliation against them. They weren’t going to let him go so easily. But what if they did let him go as part of some plan? It was hard to tell exactly what they were thinking or planning to do. “If they are going to attack, I’m ready,” she told her friend before she folded her arms lightly across her chest and looked out at the shore. Fuji and his team were no longer there, which meant that Sigmund was onboard the ship now. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply before she opened her eyes. “He’s okay?” she asked in a low voice as a light breeze ruffled her hair. She knew she shouldn’t have asked, but she felt like she had to know. “You know what? Nevermind. Forget I asked. Maybe it’s better if I don’t know.”  Nori turned on her heel and began to walk away from Nanami.

Nanami stops Nori "He'll be fine. I gave Sakuya the sedatives that I had been working on. As long as we get away everything will be ok. Don't worry, I promised you even though I don't fully understand. That I would get him back for you, and I will. There's just going to be a lot standing in the way." Nanami gave her a kind, warm smile..

"We'll all make it through this. So lets get some food, as fighting while hungry is a bad idea." Nanami tugs on Nori's arm "Cmon, a good warm stew will do wonders for your confidence, and emotional state.." She said in a cute, and fun manner. She wasn't lying, fighting on an empty stomach does suck. She remembers the training with their first sensei.. No food until after training. That was rough. But it was also a good learning experience "Remember early morning training with Sensei, he made us wait until after training to eat.. That was rough.." She said trying to lighten the mood..

When Nori felt herself stopped by Nanami, she stood in place and listened to what she said. She heard her mention that she had given Sakuya sedatives for him and she reassured her that everything would be okay as long as they got away. Would they be? Really? “Thank you, Nanami. I appreciate you wanting to help get him back. Despite what you may think of him now, he really did hold a higher respect for you than me. Even though it hasn’t been that long since we parted ways with him, I’m pretty positive if he saw you for what you are now, he’d see you more as a rival than ever. You’ve gotten a lot stronger than before,” she said with a small, faint smile. “I know when we left him that time to go train, he was pretty upset by it. We left him when he needed us the most and I...I don’t intend to do that ever again. I think now more than ever he needs us. I know a lot of people don’t or will never understand the bond we all have, but it doesn’t matter to me. I intend to save him. Not by breaking him free and letting him go, but to save him from himself.”

Nori turned her head and looked over at Nanami again and into her eyes. She saw such hope in them. Even now in the darkest of times she was happy and thought so positively. She wanted to think that, too. She was to a certain extent or at least was trying to be. When she heard her mention their sensei, the burgundy haired girl turned her head and looked out at the water. “No matter how much we complained, he’d make us see our training through to the end but it was worth it. He always treated us to ramen or hot pot afterwards. It became like a tradition of ours. We ate together almost everyday just like a family,” she said with a faint smile before a hint of sadness spread across her face. “I miss him a lot. Probably more now than ever.” Nori closed her eyes. She said nothing for a few moments. Just letting the sound of the waves crashing against the shore echo in her ears.

“By the way, I’m sorry about what happened earlier. When I thought I sensed Sigmund nearby, my body just moved. It was impulse. I had to know it was him, but at that moment, I wasn’t thinking of anyone else. Just him...and me. I know my emotions can get a little bit out of control at times and I just move based on what I feel. I really need to stop that or else I’ll put everyone in danger. Sensei told me a long time ago that I should listen to my heart and do what it tells me to. That I just need to take a step back, breathe deep, and just think before I make a decision. I feel like I’ve let him down a lot in that aspect. He’d probably be disappointed in me,” she said and opened her eyes before she looked at Nanami again. “Is it weird to think that even now I...still want him to be proud of me and to be forgiven? I wish I could just hear his voice one more time. To feel him ruffle my hair and smile at me and tell me that it’s okay and to keep going. More than ever I feel like I need his guidance,” she said. “I wish he was here. Now more than ever.”

To her credit, Tsukiko gave Nori her ear. A grim, mirthless smirk had worked its way onto her lips as she'd leaned back, taking in what she'd said though keeping her peace. Puzzle pieces fit together, though the Missing-nin betrayed none of her thoughts behind that almost passive gaze. For whatever it was worth, though, Nori had got her feelings out - wordy though they'd been, but the lack of understanding brought a twitch to her eye. As Nori stood, Tsukiko remained seated, offering only the slightest of waves as she leaned back, tilting her head towards the ceiling and listening as the door shut behind her. When it did, she let out a long, held in breath.

"What have you got me into, Tetsu-tan?" She huffed quietly, letting her eyes slide shut for a moment, savoring the peace. Reaching for the gourd at her side, she popped the cork and tipped it over, opening her mouth only for the last drops of sake to fall free. "....Pig. You're payin' for the next round when I get home." Dragging herself to her feet, she corked the gourd and replaced it at her side, slowly moving towards the door.

By the time she'd meandered her way to the deck of the ship, she could feel it. The calm before the storm. Intensity ramping up, the feeling that something was going to happen. Tsukiko couldn't help but taste saltwater, smell brimstone. She slid to a stop next to Sarada. Fiddling in a pouch of hers, pulling out two headbands. One had the symbol of Konoha, with a neat, long split down the middle not unlike most Missing-Nin, while the other was less a headband and more a neckerchief, with a wide strip of metal designed to lay against the chest bearing ragged scratches over the symbol of the Land of Iron. "One of the things th'Snow used ta yell at me for quite a bit was never wearin' nothin' sayin' who I was aligned with." She said, quiet enough that only Sarada and the others nearby could hear. "I'm a Fuma, yeah, the Clan's insignia I never minded, but, ah...Nations?"

Slowly, she tied the neckerchief around her neck. She adjusted it until she was comfortable, before idly running her fingers along the Land of Fire's sign. "Guess if I'm goin' home, this is better'n nothin'." With that, she tied the old headband, still remarkably well kept despite the years of wear and tear, around her neck as well. Fluffing out her hair and adjusting her gear, she shifted this way and that, testing how things felt, before turning to grin at Sarada, having struck a pose.

"How d'I look, Hime-sama? Ready t'be a proper Shinobi now?"

Nanami smiled, it was an odd feeling to have her say many of those things. Kind of nostalgic in many ways. There were many good memories of Sigmund. The loss of their sensei changed Sigmund in her mind. He became a very different person after their sensei went missing. It was night and day. Before Sigmund would actually hold a conversation, and be honest. Not go on about how weak everyone was and such. All of this flashed through her mind as Nori spoke "He'll never admit it. But I think the disappearance, and then loss of our Sensei hit him just as hard. It was after that he completely shut himself off from everything, but his own pride. One day you many hear those words you wish to hear him say. For now, we need to defend this ship, and him. I am sure Lord Sasuke will find a way to reverse it. If not him, then I will. Its something I've been researching. For now everything is just theories.."

She would hug Nori, then tug her towards the kitchen "And I wasn't kidding about needing to eat. Let's do so while able. We might be fighting for a long while, and feeling weak due to lack of food, and calories could cause issues mid fight.. This isn't negotiable." She said almost sounding like a parent.. She would say all of this in a stern but caring way. Nanami would get a rather large bowl of the stew for each of them "And no its not weird for you to want Sigmunds approval, and have him see you as an equal." She pauses "Me, I would just like my friend back, needing his approval is no longer something I desire. You and Shiroma, are two people I want to be proud of my efforts. You two are family, and come hell or high water I'll protect you, as I know you will protect me." Nanami said with a relaxed, and confident smile.

Sarafa eventually dropped the conversation with Shiroma as they were interrupted by their mysterious stranger of an ally. Sarada had briefly glanced at Fuma, barring the headband of her former land. The Land of Fire would always have a place in hr heart; it was her origin of birth; the land itself had much history that a shinobi could be proud of. It was a shame that that land she was so proud of crazy to exist now. It brought a small smile upon Sarada’s lips before it vanished. ”It suits you,” she said softly before pulling out her own headband, baring the Land of Storms. ”However we’ll have to get you a new one once you come back. I’m afraid the Land of Fire is no more. It’s the Land of Storms now,” she informed before tying the shiny new played headband upon her forehead, tying to tight as it flashed before them.

The uneasy feeling she had at the pit of her stomach grew worse. She could feel the chakra presences approaching. It was only a matter of time. She told herself she wasn’t going to use her mangekyo sharingan. She couldn’t afford to keep using it; she had exhausted too much from it. She needed to rely on her true skills now, the ones she was famous for as an Uchiha and as true shinobi.

In reply to Nara Nanami (msg # 393):

The events that happened with their sensei and the appearance of the mysterious man were nothing short of a memory, but it was a memory that Nori wished she could forget. TheI ebloved sensei, whom they all admired and respected, had been taken away from them before their eyes. It was a day that chnaged all of them. She could stil remember both tha fear and the anguish she had as if it had only happened yesterday. “Sensei threw himself into that fight without a second thought. He put his own life on the line to save the lives of others. He wasn’t thinking about anything else. He knew what he had to do and what it was going to cost him, but he was willing to do it. He left this fight for us to finish and I intend to see it through to the end. I don’t want to see other people I care about taken away from me ever again,” she said and turned her head away to look back out at the water. “We all have our part to play in this and I ask that you let me do mine, Nanami. I don’t expect you to bring Sigmund back despite your good intentions. That darkness in his heart may never go away, but there is still some good in him left and I hope he can continue to hold onto that goodness just a little bit longer. Hope isn’t lost for him.” Nori closed her eyes and a picture of Sigmund flashed in her mind. Not the Sigmund she had last seen, but the good Sigmund. The Sigmund that had that crooked, cocky smirk. The confident Sigmund. The Sigmund whom she loved and respected. “He’s still inside there somewhere and we need to save him...I want to save him and yet...” She thought back to the Sigmund that had appeared during the genjutsu and opened her eyes. “...you can’t save someone that doesn’t want to be saved.” That was the reality of it.

Nori grew silent sgain before she closed her eyes briefly for a moment. A small smile curved on her lips before she opened her eyes again and looked at Nanami. “Well, it looks like we got a long battle ahead of us, so maybe you’re right. We will probably need to replenish all the energy we can get. It’s going to take a lot of work, but all of us were built and trained for times like this,” she said. “Whatever comes at us, we have to be prepared for it. No matter who it is or where we are, we have to work together to see it through. And hopefully at the end, everything will be worth it.” At least that was what she hoped. She wouldn’t give up on Sigmund and she wouldn’t give up the fight that their sensei left them to finish. She didn’t know how this fight was going to end, but she was going to give it everything she had.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Tue 26 Mar 2019.

As they walk towards the galley "That is true, but I have also thought of that. Its my last resort idea, and I won't speak of it unless at a certain point you want me to. But for now, lets have faith in who he is now, isn't what will remain.." She nudges Nori playfully with her shoulder. She hoped Nori would never reach the point that she would ask Nanami about it. Once they reach the galley Nanami would find two good sized bowls and fill them with the stew "Probably should take some out for the others when we are done. Assuming we aren't under fire by that time."

Nanami sits down and smiles as she starts to eat. So much to think about. She thought about how she wanted a few weeks to do research. She had discovered so much with each attack. She was sure she would discover even more once they get past this next assault. Even though she wished they could just leave the area of hell. She takes a bite and grins "For just having the basics, this is actually better than I thought it would be. What do you think Nori?"

Sakuya uunfortunately did not have the chakra scalpel technique learned, which was why she resorted to mundane means in the form of surgical tools for such matters.

"I may need some assistance from someone who knows the technique if it is necessary for the operation, otherwise we'll have to make do with the skills I have available," Sakuya apologized as she weighed the options and checked how she can properly administer the preparations Nanami made for incapacitating Sigmund for the trip.