3353/A Hunting She Will Go

A Hunting She Will Go
Date of Scene:	08 November 2015
Location:	The Deep Valley
Synopsis:	Yari takes a bunch of Hunters to find rare poisonous plants. Hisoka intervenes. New friend achieved!?
Cast of Characters:	691, 799

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Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari had been a bit skeptical of this 'Hunter's Association' and whether or not they could really help her find what she was looking for. She'd taken a week to respond to their message, with lots of research and vetting, but finally she went for it. They seemed to check out, and from the rumors, could all but ignore the law as they wished.

Which is perfect, because what Yari is after is likely illegal in several different countries. A special flower found only in the worst kind of jungle, full of danger and disease and general lethality.

It's perhaps a wonder why Yari's gone in a kimono then. Likely to just be easily seen by her hired crew, as she awaits them at the jungle entrance, a machete and backpack with her.

Once the trio of Hunters arrive, she'll start hacking away at vines.

"Let's go over this once more. I'm looking for the flower I told you all about. At least three full specimens, and if possible, some seeds as well. Let's get going, please."

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    The Multiverse is of course hooked into the Hunter network, though perhaps it's more accurate to say it the other way around. Syndicate mission requests can reach Hunters, and of course people looking for exotic and dangerous materials are exactly the sort of thing the Hunter Net is for. On this world the exact plant Yari's searching for may or may not exist, but surely one similar enough for her needs would be present. These sorts of things tend to recur across the Multiverse, wherever the lands are suitably forbidding and dark, filled with suitable menace.

    Dealing with Hunters, from a Syndicate perspective, is easy. Hunters are vetted for seriousness and skill based on the simple expedience that they have to pay to get the information on the contract. People without necessary knowledge wouldn't pay the Hunter Association fee, and those lacking the skill would have never passed the Hunter Association's brutal tests in the first place. Those tests, in fact, may well interest the Confederacy and Yari. They're brutal, by all accounts, and those who don't make the grade are rather fortunate to survive the process to repeat the exam the next year. In short, anyone who can pass the Hunter exam is by definition an Elite. And so, this mission not receiving a particularly high difficulty level, Yari would be contacted by the trio of junior Hunters. Any Hunter should be considered competent enough to seek out rare jungle materials. This one is particularly dangerous however, so the mission receives an E ranking. Sufficient, one would think, for a hunter Team to undertake.

    "You should probably wait for us to return." one of the Hunters says to Yari, checking out her kimono. "This isn't a good place for people who don't know the risks. You may be tough where you come from, but we can't spend all our time protecting you from dangers you know nothing about." he says. The words are reasonable perhaps, but drip with condescension and self-assured arrogance. He makes no bones about appearing to be in charge here, a professional with no interest in dealing with amateurs. "We'll get you the plants, the seeds, all that. You just have to pay when we get them."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
There's the slightest of frowns to Yari's face as the Hunter offers reasonable, but utterly arrogant, words. Perhaps, if he's just been a little nicer, she'd actually have opted to stay behind.

She peers back at the Hunter. "If this place is so dangerous, then that's more reason for me to follow. I want to see the strength of this 'Hunter's Association' myself. Don't worry, I can handle myself well enough. Now let's get on with things, gentlemen."

Whack! Cut! Slash! That's a /lot/ of vines to be cut. Almost as if to defy the arrogant hunter, she takes the lead for a little while, before finally allowing the trio to once more lead on. She gives the arrogant Hunter an almost chiding glare the whole time before she deems him suitably chastized.

The journey starts off well enough. Nothing instantly kills anyone, but there are a few horrible plants that try to eat the quartet. She'll let the Hunters deal with them, somehow managing to always be behind one of them as if using them as a shield while she observes.

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    The Hunters are strong, to be sure, but nothing special. Junior members of the Association at best, they've only begun to manifest their Nen talents. Lacking a developed Hatsu, they're limited to channeling their powers through weaponry and their own bodies. While their ability with machete, bow, and a trained wolf-beast is impressive, it's not so impressive as to make them anything other than possible grunt soldiers in any actual multiverse-level conflict.

    The trio avoid harm more by awareness than actual power, seeming to somehow be aware of any attack before it closes around them. Some of it is the senses of the wolf, some of the Hunters themselves. Their arrogance MAY be justified. If, that is, Yari lacked the senses for such stealth and would be vulnerable to such attacks. At least, their warning may have been justified. Their reactions to Yari taking the lead suggests they don't believe her capable enough to sense the dangers... which is more arrogance than mere caution.

    And yet, despite them sensing every purely natural threat within the jungle so far, the Hunters seem unaware of a fifth presence following them. Hisoka doesn't act, not directly. He's content to follow for now, curious and patient, Zetsu shielding him from the notice of Hunters and predators alike. If he were to be attacked while using Zetsu he might be vulnerable, but Hisoka has no fear of any attack he can see coming, and no worry about anything that can somehow escape his notice and attack him unseen.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Grunt-level, but their talent is real enough. Still, that arrogance might well get them killed before they can truly come into their own. A shame, as Yari can respect their jungle instincts.

She's never had jungle training before, and indeed on some occasions their senses for the natural seem to outstripe her own. Her prey, after all, is more human than animal. Still, she knows forests well enough, and manages to never quite be in the waiting jaws of a beast, or just in range of the Hunter's protection.

Oddly enough, between her training and simply being used to looking for more physical signs of passage, it's that creeping hairs on the back of the neck and sweating scales that tips her off. The feeling of being followed. Of being hunted by something other than a mere beast.

Yet, she doesn't turn to look, instead keeping that feeling on the forefront of her mind. It is, however, a distraction. Some gut feeling tells her this is the true danger out here.

She loosens her sword in its umbrella sheath, slicing up an offending too-large bird that got too close while she was concentrating on the one following them. It's back in its sheath before it falls to pieces.

"It looks like you all aren't all bark after all. I was worried for a while."

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    "We're pro Hunters." the leader replies, grinning, his tone more than implying 'of course we aren't all bark'. A Hunter license is also a license to print money. There's no such thing as a poor Hunter, at least in the financial sense. A Hunter who can't get millions of Zenny almost on demand isn't worth the title... so much so that a game that costs billions is considered rank G to acquire, simply because money's so easy to come by.

    They notice that Yari uses her sword to defend herself, and there's perhaps a hint in one set of eyes that they underestimated her. She's quick after all, and skilled, and has no fear of violence. She might even be worthy of the title of Hunter herself, perhaps.

    There's no real opportunity for them to apologize however, even were they inclined to do so. Barely after the words are uttered, a whisper cuts through the jungle from behind. Razor-edged cards cutting through the air, through leaves and vines, striking inerringly at the Hunters. Oh, and one for Yari herself. Curiously, while there's bloodlust in the air, there's no hostile intent directed her way. That card was flung on a whim, to test rather than to harm.

    The Hunters react quite well, dealing with the surprise attack similarly to how they've dealt with every hazard so far. One blocks with the machete, one dodges, the third directs a heavy branch into the path of the card, causing it to embed deeply into the branch before stopping.

    Hisoka steps out, his expression a twisted leer. "Pro Hunters?" he drawls, speaking without a hint of fear or even anticipation. "Don't make me laugh. You are trash. Know your place, trash, or I might have to discard you." he smirks. The words aren't directed at Yari any more than he'd intended to kill her with that first surprise attack... but neither does he extend further effort to make it obvious he's excluding her.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari tilts her head, a plan already forming.

"Tell me about this 'Hunter's Association'." A good ninja fishes for information when possible.

That look in their eyes is satisfying. Better, after all, to let your skills speak for themselves. Case in point: as soon as that whisper hits the air, Yari's reacting just in time.

It helps when you know someone's been stalking you. The razor-edged card is snatched from the air by the Au'Ra, and she looks it over. Then, her eyes go straight to Hisoka. At least the Hunters seem to be alive, for now. She's not sure if she'd have to pay for funerals if they died.

The pure arrogance in the man's voice has her brows tightening in annoyance, at least, before she looks the man in the eyes.

Yari, oddly, smiles. The annoyance vanishes. Even her tail flicks a bit. She offers the man a traditional Doman bow.

"Good evening. May I ask why you've been following us for so long? You had plenty of opportunities to kill us by now, so I doubt you're really interested in just slaying these 'trash'." Comes Yari, rather directly.

"Though I'm curious what makes up a 'Pro Hunter'." For some odd reason, her eyes rarely leave Hisoka's, even as her tail is wrapped around the hilt of her blade.

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    Is it arrogance if it's true? Certainly there's a certain pride in the deadly jester, but he has the skills to back it up. His smile is perhaps cruel but strangely not unpleasant as he regards Yari. Well, not hostile at least. There's none of the contempt he has for the Hunters showing when he considers the Au'ra they're escorting. He's assessed her, assessed them, and she's not the one he finds wanting. Not yet, at least.

    "Who goes out of their way to deal with trash?" he asks, stepping forward in a slow graceful glide. Not getting into position to make a melee attack, but just a general aggressive motion. "You only deal with trash when its presence offends you." he claims, narrow eyes turning to the trio of Hunters. Seems his sense of aesthetics is offended... though given his outfit, his sense of aesthetics is hardly a normal one.

    Hisoka doesn't seem surprised or upset to learn he was sensed. The Hunters however seem to be startled. To sense active killing intent, such as when the cards were launched... that's one thing. To have sensed their stalker for so long though, if Yari is telling the truth, is quite another thing. They seem paralyzed, indecisive. To anyone with sufficient skill to sense the killing intent of another, Hisoka is a terrifying figure. Their path isn't clear though. To flee, or to band together to fight. It's not obvious which choice will lead to victory, to escape, to failure and to death. Hisoka is clearly strong and apparently unworried about the odds... but is it confidence or arrogance?

    "You'll have to ask them. They spoke of themselves as pro." Hisoka continues, again stepping slowly forward. Marking an unspoken deadline before a decision is made for them all. "I just know they are not. They haven't passed... my test." he grins maliciously.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
That assessing look, the pure aura of danger and desire to kill...it's almost too much. The combination, even as good old survival instincts florish within her, only to be beaten down by training, has Yari taking a deep breath, out, and then she just smiles.

"Then I suppose that trash should make themselves scarce and get back to their job." Comes Yari, rather pointedly to the Hunters that find themselves mired in indecision.

She looks back, and scowls.

"I paid you all to do a job. Do it. We'll meet up later. Remember, three samples, seeds and all. I'll be displeased if they're harmed in any way."

Then, she too walks closer to Hisoka. She pulls something out of her kimono. Is she reaching for a weapon?

It's a pipe, it turns out. She could use a smoke right now, next to that presence. Her own eyes look the man over finally, and offers the end of the pipe over.

"Mind giving me a light?"

"Yari Takane. It's a bit strange, these circumstances, but it's a pleasure to meet you, Mister...?" Her words seem genuine, at that.

"That aura of yours reminds me of someone who raised me. I like it. Go ahead. Test me, if you want. I need to get stronger, so with someone who feels as strong as you do, this could be a perfect opportunity. Need to kill time while the 'pros' do their job." When in doubt, try to throw someone off balance.

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    Hisoka might want to kill these three anyways, simply because his blood is up. Letting them run off to complete their job, well, he can do that. It's nothing to him. But he doesn't NEED to kill them. To have them flee his presence may suffice. Besides... the Au'ra is interesting. Should he indulge himself with the trash, he may lose a much more intriguing opportunity.

    The three Hunters are given an out. They watch Hisoka, but the deadly clown seems to lose interest in them. To lose focus. He smirks, pleased by Yari's suggestion. It puts them in their place. They might not be happy about it, but it avoids a fight without damage to their reputation. Should anyone hear of the conflict, no one could fault them for completing their job rather than engaging in a fight with someone with THAT strong a killing intent.

    Hisoka watches Yari approach, his advance stopped by her actions. He doesn't retreat though, or show any fear. She could be reaching for a hidden weapon, but if so he doesn't make a move. He waits for the Hunters to flee though before addressing Yari.

    "A light." he says neutrally, studying her with intense psycho's eyes. After a bit, he brings up a hand. There's no sign how he does it. He brings his hand over the pipe, and fire flares. Just a little fire, but it should be sufficient to ignite tobacco. Fire's not one of his powers. Then again, it could be simple sleight of hand. Perhaps he's also a smoker, and has been carrying his world's equivalent of a handheld lighter around with him, and he's just applying the flame from a palmed lighter. A petty trick, but sometimes those can be amusing too.

    "Hisoka." claims the unusual man. A word that could be a name, or it could be a contraction. Himitsu, sou ka. Hi sou ka. A secret, it is. "You dismiss trash who might have fought to protect you, coming instead to one who already attacked you. Why would I need to test your will?" he grins. Besides, Yari doesn't rub him the wrong way like these 'pros' do. He doesn't love strength for the sake of strength itself, but he despises those who set themselves up higher than they can truly justify.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Definitely a frigtening man. Stalking them well, that pure aura and the way his eyes look. How he doesn't even flinch when approached. She'll have to watch him closely. The blood lust in obvious in the air.

Both brows rise at the little trick. She didn't sense any magic, nor did she see just how he managed it. Suddenly it all clicks. Tricks, cards, and that strange outfit.

She does look a bit amused at the little trick.

"Thanks. A magician, or a stage performer? You have interesting hobbies." She's not sure if she really wants to know what all those might be.

She takes a long draw, and polite blows /away/ from the man.

"Hisoka, then. They wouldn't have helped much. Good with the jungle, but not much against humans it seems. Besides, I already paid them, I'd hate for my money to go to waste." More and more, the idea of looking into the Hunter's Association is taking fruit. Raising a kid is expensive, after all!

Then she shrugs. "I'm being selfish, though." It's only then that she backs away, leaning against a tree.

"Nnn. I should have hired you, as boring as the job might be. You seem more capable." Comments Yari off handedly. Is that an offer, or just her making polite speak?

"Though if you /are/ for hire, I could use someone like you. I'm looking for methods to kill beings that return to life after you kill them. To put them down permanently."

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    Hisoka grins, only this time it's amusement rather than obvious sadism that backs the look. "A Magician, yes." he says. Which is of course the stage-name he took when he'd entered the WMAT this year. He's... a bit infamous. He's not a stage performer however. Arena, perhaps on occasion... but he's never particularly sought the stage or spotlight. The outfit, like everything else about him, shows one truth while concealing another.

    "Those ones aren't worth your time." Hisoka says dismissively. He's not interested in them, not unless they cross his path again. If anything he seems mildly irritated by being reminded of them.

    He listens more intently though when Yari mentions a job. He seems intrigued, though at the same time not quite eager. "I... do what amuses me." he says with a slight smirk. He can't really be hired, but he can be persuaded. "And I have little interest in things which don't fear death. But teaching them that fear... ah, that can be intriguing. I remember one... ah, her scream was pleasant." he says wistfully. Not that HE made her scream. He was busy dealing with someone less immortal, but perhaps more powerful. One who died cursing Hisoka in fact.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
What an odd, odd man. She dumps out her now ash-filled pipe, and stows it away. Wisely, Yari shrugs at the mention of them, rather than getting the man's back up.

"Well then. If my little plants bare fruit, I'll let you know. I would love to hear /those/ things scream." There's utter hatred and malice in her voice. Whatever she's after, it might just be personal.

She quickly pulls out a pen, writing a radio number down on it before flicking the card right back to Hisoka.

"Call me some time. I want to see what you're capable of. Nnn? One moment."

One phone call later, and she sighs.

"Looks like they actually managed it. I'll be off then. Until next time, Mister Hisoka." A little wave, and then the ninja's off. She has a feeling she'll see him again.