guardian of the storm | ✓

Aftermath (written by Infinitely_Eternal)

With a satisfied expression and trailing red cloak, there was a girl running down a small dirt road practically forgotten by all but her. Silver flashes of metal could be seen within her curtain of black hair as she moved under the sun's rays, and the hilts of her twin katanas were visible. The teen's one eye, an analytical blue, was sweeping across her path in wariness.

She was finished with her mission, and the white and red mask was tucked away safely. The girl decided that she couldn't wear it or else she would be asking for trouble. Her own face would have to do despite herself being a wanted target by Konohagakure. Luckily, no one knew her whereabouts besides her trusted allies. Now all she had to do was get back to the Storm Village, and prepare for the next step.

However, that didn't go according plan as a speeding arrow was hissing its way towards her neck. Although her reflexes should've prevented any ambush, the black haired girl was a bit slow from her previous fight, and the metal tip grazed her neck when she twisted away. The arrow lodged itself into the tree behind her, but she couldn't dwell on it as a kunai quickly followed. The black blade was thrown with deadly accuracy, and it was cut so the only sound was a small hiss. The girl was barely able to avoid a major injury, and received an insignificant wound behind.

The forest settled down into a silent atmosphere as she scanned the area around her, trying to find who was foolish enough to attack her. She didn't have to wait long for them to act since another kunai came flying out of the trees, this time accompanied by a few shuriken. The girl dodged each one effortlessly, much more prepared for an assault.

By following the trajectory of the weapons, the black haired teen pinpointed where the thrower was. She planned to use her own aerodynamic kunai to kill the attacker at best, or wound at worst. However, kunai and shuriken exploded from two other spots before she could make a move. Spinning on her toes, the girl unsheathed her katanas to block the rain of weapons in a whirlwind of metal.

It became evident to the black haired teen that whoever her opponents were, they worked in sync. With projectiles coming from several directions, she thought that at least two would collide, but none of them came close.

The kunai and shuriken that were thrown were very close in hitting her, but the girl was able to prevent any major injuries. Her cloak wasn't so lucky to avoid damage, and she removed it to give herself more mobility.

She found all three hiding spots of her attackers by tracing the kunai and shuriken back to their source, and she retaliated. After throwing aerodynamic kunai at their estimated locations, the girl heard two of the three find their marks. The sound of shadow clones disappearing out of existence reached her ears, and the onslaught of weapons stopped.

Not letting her guard down, the black haired girl tried to figure out how many shinobi were on her tail, and where they could be from. The most likely was a group of shinobi from Konoha somehow tracking her, or a quick retaliation from Septor Eight for killing General One. Either one would be trouble, and the girl hoped she was wrong on both accounts.

"Yuki Ookami, and also referred to as 'Winter'." A boy called out as he emerged from the treeline. "She— or should I say you?— was labeled a rogue by The Village Hidden in the Leaves after her last mission of destroying the Colosseum. Originating from the Storm Village that was attacked by the neighboring Shadow Village, you proceeded to enter the Academy in Konohagakure, and become a Leaf shinobi."

Winter snapped her attention to him, and watched him carefully. He had blondish brown hair, and his eyes held no pupils. The boy had no weapons in his hands, but a ninja pouch was strapped on his left leg. What caught her eye was a long-sword sheathed on his back, and based on the calluses on his hands, he knew how to use it.