[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3YdqYf1.png[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0zvnz6I.png[/img][/center]
[hr][center][b]Breakthrough[/b][/center][hr]

[i]Komatsu Bay[/i]: [@PaulHaynek][@The Irish Tree](Lili)[@Crowvette][@Restalaan](Skars)[hr]

In the few hours leading up to the operation, Shizuka opted to bathe, eat a little bit, and provide any relief assistance that was possible for the refugees and workers on the temple grounds. He was still a bit on edge, knowing that while they could stay here anymore, staging a relocation would have to be put on hold. Hopefully, after their defeat, Varjan forces wouldn't waste their resources staging another attack and would focus their efforts elsewhere. 

--

Following the directions given by Ayu, Shizuka and the group trek on the Vermillion hued landscape until Komatsu was just within reach. Eyeing a peasant house, he along with the others heard Ayu arguing with someone. Upon entering, they would see the other person was a short and portly man - whose name just so happened to also be Shizuka... 

[color=royalblue][i]This certainly won't create any confusion or unforeseen circumstances down the road...[/i][/color] Kannazuki thought to himself.

They appeared to be arguing over the details of the operation, about which it was planned that the shorter Shizuka would smuggle them into the bay under the guise of delivering sake. Apparently, Ayu's confidant was a rather skilled swindler and smuggler. The others offered alternate means to infiltrate the bay, based on their respective skillsets. 

[color=royalblue]"I don't mind spiking their drinks, but rather not to anything to poison the water supply here."[/color] He said. [color=royalblue]"If there are any innocents there, they'll be affect as well."[/color] He then turned to Io, with stern eyes. [color=royalblue]"I'd rather you not create a small army of undead, it doesn't paint a good picture."[/color] Shizuka said solemnly. 

[color=royalblue]"Ultimately, Ayu-san has the final say with what plan we go with. I don't mind posing as a delivery man with Ayu-san or...Shizu-san."[/color] He then placed his hand on his sword. [color=royalblue]"Skars-san, you can carry my blade with you, if you plan on sneaking in on your own. Should be easier than carry another person on your back."[/color]

[hr]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/cDfjYN0.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/0u0wcUo.png[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/NporBQG.png[/img][/center]

[hr][center][b]Second Chance[/b][/center][hr]

[i]Fort Tanabe[/i]: [@PaulHaynek][@Restalaan](Grin)[hr]

Following Lady Kikyo, ignoring the dagger-like gazes she shot them on occasion, the party were led through the winding mountain paths and plateaus until eventually Tanabe Fort was within view. Atsuha recalled the information that Kikyo gave them prior, the fort was stationed on a high plateau with only one road that led in and out. The cliff were also indeed stiff. However, to a being like Atsuha, that meant very little. 

[color=9e0b0f]"I don't think that'd be too difficult. My name is Atsuha, by the way, Gringor..."[/color] She responded, in somewhat of an exasperated tone. [color=9e0b0f]"If I can climb into the fort without being seen, I should be able to create an opening in which everyone else can enter."[/color] 

She turned to Kikyo, gesturing on the sakura tree that grew on her back. [color=9e0b0f]"This plant I have on my person produces special petals that can induce drowsiness and delirium in people. With the guards incapacitated, I feel that should make it somewhat easier for you to enter and recuse the prisoners."[/color]

[color=7bcdc8]"Yep! Since my sister's a spider, she can climb on just about anything! Grin-san and I are pretty strong too, so um, [i]maybe[/i]we could climb up too...?"[/color]  Hinami said, beginning to scratch her head while pondering.