Kinkou's Hidden Base (Semi-Open)

"I am already here Zen..." a voice ehoed seemingly from nowhere.

Itsuki then soundlessly leaped down from a nearby tree landing next to Akali and Zen. He had been a bit slower getting here than he would've been under normal circumstances, but in times like these there was no such thing as being too cautious. With the Shadow Order having eyes and ears everywhere he made no expense leaving the Sanctuary in secrecy and getting to the location without detection, which he had managed. In his mind the only people that knew he would even be here were Akali, Zen (who were here themselves) and Shen.

"Forgive me if I kept you waiting, I had to be sure no one knew where I was going. With Zed's spies everywhere even in our own Order one can never be too cautious." he said with a bow to Akali and a nod towards Zen.

"I scouted the immediate area on my way here and did not see anything suspicious. So...shall we begin?"

Zen bows before looking at her. "It will be done." He said. He turn around and began climbing up a tree. He began leaping from branch to branch, putting more effort into it as the trees were spread apart more. The bird's eye view would be the best for this, so that the shadows below would not see or catch him. Such a beautiful place, teeming with life, nature, and beauty. It was such a shame that these beings of mother nature would be thrown into the conflict for balance without volunteering.

He continued his travel along the trees around the area... Looks like nothing is wrong with it. Though it wouldn't hurt to double check... Or triple check.

True to his word Itsuki had finished the small house atop the new underground base by dusk. Itsuki leaned against a nearby tree exhausted and stared at his handiwork. Small as it was he had never used his Mokuton ability to make an entire house before - much less in the short time-span he had given himself. Up until this point he had used it for simpler and smaller things, like shuriken and other wepons for himself while in combat.

"Akali...I've finished the house. All we need now is to bring in whatever we need for the underground base and we'll be finished here." Itsuki told her, exhaustion dripping from his voice.

He sighed content with his work, though not aesthetic, it would serve the purpose needed - something to hide the true underground base now only accessible through the trapdoor in the house.

The house itself was simply built - almost like a little wooden pueblo with the exception that there were no windows and only a front door. After completing the roof he had thatched it to have the top blend in with the surrounding forest from above. Every part of it from the walls to the floor boards he had made using his Mokuton ability that matched the surrounding forest so the house would blend in. Not only was it safe from the elements and prying eyes, but if someone were to try and break in it would be quite difficult to bash down the steel like front door to enter. Even the trapdoor that led to the Kinkou's true underground base was well hidden, so well in fact that only Itsuki knew where it was and how to open it at this point.

Zen had formed a perimeter of the area and already started a cycle around, hopping from branch to branch without so much as a creak from the platforms that protruded smoothly from it's origin. He kept doing this for a rather long time, just leaping from branch to branch. Of course he had his blade just in the case of some trespasser coming by and starting to try and make claim of the area. He did wonder when the building would be done, but he didn't really mind that. He had a duty, and if Akali demanded it, it would be done. She WAS his higher-up after all, and how could he just go against her like that?

The sun began to turn the clear blue skies to the opposite with a booming shade of red, slowly casting its shadows amongst the trees. Although it worried him slightly, due to the shadows starting to spread amongst the ground and even the trees, he reassured himself in thought. Don't worry... Itsuki will finish in time, I know it. In fact, it was probably best to check up on how it was going. The forest was practically empty with only animals and the three ninja to walk amongst it.

Zen had returned to see that nothing was built, but I suppose the plan was to not have it be seen. Zen walked up to Istuki quietly as he looked around. "I suppose it's done... Though where's Akali and what's our orders?"

The base had undergone several finishing touches over the last few months, and now it was barely noticeable by the passing eye. Her students managed to make the house appear more rickety and poorly aged. It would appear abandoned. Even if one were to enter, all they would see were a few pieces of old dusty furniture, and a large rug, which covered the trap door entrance no one would think to check for. The door led to the large underground base of theirs. Several of her dedicated students bunked there, it had become a second home to them. Several others would come and go, venturing far and wide to spy and collect necessary information to come back and update Akali on Zed's plans or whereabouts.

Often, though, Kennen would come visit her to relay any messages. Sometimes, he would visit to kill time, which was nice and made her feel like she was still a part of the Kinkou, a little taste of home. She hadn't seen Shen in god knows how long, but any relevant information of Shen's would not go without passing her ears first.

The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows along the forest.

Akali sincerely hoped Kennen would visit soon. Bonus if he had anything to update her on. She had hoped to wait for the most appropriate time to have Kennen approach the VNN about her departure of the Kinkou. Then, she had hoped, it would speed a few things up a bit, or even provoke. She had no idea to know how Zed would react to it. It partially intrigued her. She felt like she would be prepared, but there would be no way to know until the time arose.

Itsuki had seen Daichi making his way throught the forest by chance while keeping a lookout for the new base he had all but built himself for the Kinkou. He recognized the attire the man wore as Kinkou in origin, but that meant nothing, he had never met this man in his life and had no reason to trust him in the slightest. Not only that, but several members of the Kinkou had defected to Zed's order and this could easily be one of them in disguise for all he knew. He would take no chances.

"Why are you here..." a voice said coldly from behind.

"Choose your words carefully...depending what they may be they could be your last." Itsuki said threateningly. He stood a few feet behind Daichi holding a katana that was made from his Mokuton ability towards him, ready to impale the man he saw as an intruder.