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Verjil
AuzSoryu Shinano
Other than the Cloud ninja, it seemed to Soryu that his assigned squadmates didn't exactly appreciate him. Yuhi ignored him and Nagi snapped at him, but at least this Izuku fellow returned the greeting. I could've sworn the file on him said he was a jonin. I think I should've paid more attention, he couldn't help but think after Izuku introduced himself as a "pretty damn good genin." Hopefully he can provide more than just liability. Like Nagi said, it'd be odd to send a genin on something this important to the Kage... For now he had to ignore the open hostility Nagi had towards Izuku, as clearly there was some past history between the two and Soryu knew that getting involved with that wouldn't help anyone. Of course it would have to be addressed at some point in the future of this squad was going to be working together for a long run, as the cohesion of the unit was far more valuable to Soryu than petty relationships. Life was the most important thing, after all, and the potential risk to his from an extended quarrel in the team didn't appeal to him at all.
The personalities demonstrated by his squad so far didn't paint a remarkable picture. It would've been better if his friendliness was returned, but at least the situation didn't seem dire. Soryu felt that even right now after just meeting they could work together if push came to shove. Sure, probably not in the most efficient manner but working together was better than four "lone wolf" types failing to communicate completely. Most the team seemed rather silent, or at least reserved, but that didn't dissuade Soryu. "Well, let's get this show on the road then!" he proclaimed to Izuku and Nagi, as Yuhi had already left ahead of them without a word. On the surface it appeared as if he was blissfully unaware of the tension between his two squadmates and of Nagi's irritation with him personally, meaning he did a good job at projecting his charisma over his true concerns. Hopefully his smile would eventually be infectious to these people but as of right now he didn't honestly expect the squad to mesh together very well during this upcoming flight.
- - - - -
It was only when they were onboard the VTOL did this Yuhi fellow finally address the team and introduce himself. Apparently he was some kind of support role, equating himself to a librarian that just knew how to fight. A vague description, but at least it was something. Nagi as well felt the need to vaguely explain her capability, but even more direct and to-the-point than Yuhi. Though Izuku didn't give clarity, the picture Soryu had of the team now was that he and Nagi were likely intended to be the muscle. Or perhaps Nagi the muscle and Soryu as back-up muscle. Yuhi was surely a support role in combat with more use out of combat, and Soryu assumed that Izuku would be similar in a way considering he was only considered a genin. Either way, now he felt it would be best to give his new friends some intel on himself. "Ah, well I'm pretty well-rounded in my skills. I can do a bit of everything, so I'll likely just be filling in for what we need as a team at any given time. You guys can count on me, I'll always have your back." He didn't expect these three to fully believe his capability right off the bat, but Soryu still spoke in earnest. If all else failed he would at least ensure this team survived.
The unannounced but obviously coordinated change in the flight plan immediately bothered Soryu. When his squad's VTOL aircraft diverted from the rest, despite there being no apparent need based on his knowledge of the map, he grew suspicious. Not of a potential trap or betrayal, but of the intentions of the people organizing this expedition. Clearly the mission briefing given before was a red herring, to convince the other seven squads of a false story. Now that I'm thinking about it, I don't even know who is in charge of this operation, Soryu thought to himself, bringing a hand up to his chin and staring down at the floor between him and Izuku as he contemplated. Surely I just missed the part where that was explained. I know the Hokage isn't controlling this, and I can't recall hearing any names I recognized... Surely the ones in charge of this expedition were chosen by the Kage in either a vote or as a representative committee, but then again... His thoughts trailed on like this but to no proper conclusion. The more he pondered the more questions he was left with, eventually prompting him to give up on trying and direct his attention elsewhere. Such as to his squadmates.
He didn't notice the God-Tree until Yuhi had made an exclamation about it. The phrase was unfamiliar to Soryu, but he felt like he had a pretty good understanding of what this "God-Tree" was once he had a look at it. A massive, monolithic trunk that he could practically feel. It almost made him feel uneasy but Soryu wasn't so easily intimidated. "That is a big tree," he agreed with Izuku. When the pilot made clear what was to come, Soryu stood from his seat and patiently allowed his comrades to all jump first. Not so that he could use them to test the waters, but because he wanted one last look at the landscape from the air. This location wasn't on the map provided in his PDA (not that he could've accessed it right now anyways) and he wanted to get a clear understanding for navigation purposes before he returned to ground level. With a deep breath he stepped over the edge and allowed himself to fall. The trip down was quick and like his teammates before him rather uneventful. He had properly braced for the impact and felt completely fine after landing.
They were quickly approached by this scientist, one Dr. Okaminari, that Soryu couldn't say he ever heard of. He paid attention to some things going on in the world but not the sciences. The stuff plainly didn't interest him. And this doctor's demeanor was endearing but at the same time he had a sinking feeling that he would be at least a little bit annoying and overbearing. "Yeah, we're the... crack team..." he confirmed, his smile fading slightly at what he perceived to be an insult, though he continued trying his best to maintain a friendly aura for this civilian. Soryu ignored the talk about NDAs and PDAs and the bio-whatever jargon. This stuff may have been up Yuhi's alley but the finer details weren't his to worry about. He only really began paying attention once the important things were brought up. "Local fauna..." Soryu repeated to himself as he gazed off towards the God-Tree from the line of sticks. He presumed this meant some kind of animal, but considering the gigantic magical plant before them it wouldn't do to exclude the possibility of carnivorous plantlife attacking them.
He didn't get to assess the situation long before the others stepped ahead of him to enter the "no-go" zone. Soryu had to resist calling out to them to wait a moment longer, so that they could gather their thoughts better and coordinate a plan of attack, but considering he was actually the odd one out in wanting to wait longer he decided to remain silent and adapt. Stepping forth and being subject to the same illusions he was actually glad they made their way in so quickly. He would've failed to account for such a detail from the "outside" looking in. "We don't need to panic," Soryu spoke up to his team, in regards to the genjutsu effects they were under. "This is one of two possibilities. Either we stepped into a genjutsu or, what I think is more likely, what we were seeing before we began walking over here was the actual genjutsu and we are now perceiving the environment correctl-" Soryu stopped himself mid-explanation as the strange sounds began. Instinctively he removed his bow from his back and drew a single arrow, notching it and turning around to face the direction the team came from. The sounds came from every direction so he figured if each member focused on a 90 degree quadrant, with him taking the rear, they would have maximum awareness.
Is this the fauna the man was referring to? Definitely some kind of beast. A civilian could be killed by an average wolf, so we've got no real intel on how dangerous this is. I could kill it with an arrow, or perhaps I would need to use ninjutsu to be able to do the job. But I can't just waste chakra on regular animals, so I have to be ready to switch tactics if my weapons alone aren't cut out for this... Already his mind was racing on the possibilities of this coming encounter. How many hostiles, what they could be like, whether or not he would even be strong enough to defend himself alone should his team briefly fragment in any possible chaos or disruption. "If this is just wildlife then we want to preserve our energy. Surely we'll need it as this can't be our only danger..."
