Naruto Fantasy (AU) : The Rise of the New Generation

[fieldbox="Lesson Learned, yellow, solid"]

A Collab between Mary and Zane
Summary: Mitsunari gathers Yone to talk and tries to work out a plan to get some confidence in her, when it comes to fighting.
​
Having sent out a message for his pupil to meet him at their designated training field, he would be sitting upon a stump as the never ending rain fell upon the field. He wanted to have this conversation with her sooner but a certain someone quit their job which got the responsibilities shoved onto him by Eiji. Not that he minded as he could finally correct the mistakes that woman made. Granted not all the mistakes were going to be fixed right away, yet they were dealt with to the point he actually had a bit of free time. Something which should be spent on getting his pupils ready for whatever may come their way in the future. So he wasn't sure how well Yone would be accepting of this, given her reaction when situations hit the boiling point. However if she was willing to accept his help then he would try to make her a little more confident when it came to combat in general. He also had to help Sho as well, maybe teach him how to spot Genjutsu better. Thinking about it actually, Yone seemed a bit more relaxed around Sho. Mostly since he was given a report that Sho got arrested for a dispute and Yone was around the scene at the time. Maybe he should bring Sho along one day for a joint training session.

Yone almost had to drag herself to the training field which would serve as a meeting spot with Mitsunari sensei. In the past few days, she hadn't relaxed or taken it easy. No, quite the opposite. Work at the post office had claimed her free time. For the past week, which had seemed like a lifetime for the teen, was all about the post office. Mister Nomura had tried to persuade her several times that she should take it easy. Take fewer orders and packages to bring away. Or let him do some work at the ceiling and roof. But what would people say if they heard that she would let the old man do all the work? It wouldn't look nice on her resume!
Mentally she kept claiming that she had no personal attachment to see the office being restored. To see some glint in the eyes of the man that felt like a grandfather for her. Or what she assumed what a grandfather was like.
She had even refused extra payment. In a way. After all, she doubted that mister Nomura could afford the entire repairs on his own. And she could afford a bit of a lose.

Arriving at the field Yone already dreaded the idea if the entire team was there. The last time hadn't gone well. Would it now be different with Mitsunari being the jounin commander of the Rain province? Would it mean that they would get some extra payment or privileges? The man had certainly not come across as somebody who would do either. Likely the opposite. Probably being disappointed that she hadn't done any kind of formal training or dedication to her 'kunoichi' skills. At least, she could state she had worked on her stamina. Her sore back and legs made that clear.
"Uuughhh," resonated softly from Yone's mouth as she spotted the man. Heading over to the man, with her head a bit lowered she would offer a sloppy salute.
"Reporting in, sensei," Yone said, trying to mask her being wary and already tired.

The woman of the hour would arrive looking like she just went through hell. Mitsunari would be silent for a bit as he looked at her, offering her a smile. "Are you feeling alright?" he would ask her noticing she tried to look fine, yet at the same time he was sure a strong enough gust would knock her to the ground. Mitsunari would then stand up off the stump he was sitting upon and offer it to her to sit on. "So I got this funny report. Heard Sho picked a fight with a Hyuuga and Uchiha, those three got arrested. I also heard you were at the scene as well." folding his arms he would look at her before snickering as his smile broke through. "They may have a dojutsu but I'm sure you could have kicked their ass. Although for the future might want to save it for when it's allowed and won't involve jail." Mitsunari advised still smiling as he would continue on. "That situation actually brings up what I wanted to talk with you about. You aren't in trouble, yet may I ask what happened exactly? Apparently when you become the Jounin commander you get reports of what both sides say. And as Sho will grumble and groan at me asking him questions, I hope you can tell me the truth of what happened."

"Creep."​

She would have likely cast a smile back and not have such a rude thought. But this wasn't a day where Yone felt at her best. Not with the rough past week. At least, it was just them. But why had a training field been their meeting spot? Already Yone feared what it could imply, though no complaint left her lips.
"I am alive, guess that is a thing," was her answer on Mitsunari's question, a light shrug following the reply. Should she ask how he had been? Probably busy if she had to make an assumption.
Then her eyes slightly widened as Mitsunari brought up the scene with the 'Hyuuga leader' and that Uchiha. Already her mind started to progress various reasons and arguments that she had done nothing wrong. Her eyes narrowed as result, growing as wary as a cornered cat. Only to become confused as Mitsunari expressed that she could have likely kicked their butts.
"Huh?"
Temporary confused on why the man would say such a thing, Yone forgot that she was tired.

"But I didn't do anything wrong. I just called out a petty liar. The leader of the Hyuuga, sure and I am the mother of the Empress," the last sentence was muttered out as Yone briefly threw a look to the right, crossing her arms out front of her chest.
The wary look shifted back on Yone's features as Mitsunari stated she wasn't in trouble, yet. What did that mean? Was he going to instruct her to do some work to make up for calling out a Hyuuga? A certain rebellious side of Yone was starting to boil and ready the teen to sneer a reply back. Only remembering that the man would likely be able to break her like a twig if he wanted to. Or probably nag for hours until she would cave in. Old people usually seem to have some talent to be good at nagging.
Only he asked what her side of the story was. Something that caused Yone to frown for a second and then only a blank expression to flow over her features.
"I believe that I have the right to remain silent, don't I?"

He had to hold in the chuckle at what she said as he was suppose to be unbiased but he didn't really roll that way. "I understand what you mean, and prepare for the shock. That kid was indeed the leader of the Hyuuga, if you can even consider someone that young a leader. Yet good to know you mother her grace." he spoke as his smile would go back to its neutral expression, when she voiced she had the right to remain silent. He nodded his head to what she said. "True you do indeed have that right. However think of it this way. What could I possibly do to you if if don't tell me? I suspend you and it looks bad on me, I kick you back to the academy and it looks bad at me. I can't really punish you for not telling me, it was more so me just asking. You don't have to spill the details. Yet if you can spare one detail.... Did Sho swing first?" he asked examining her face before moving onwards to why he brought her here. "I only planned on having a small conversation with you today, so no need to go anywhere just to take up room. I do believe you can and are a valuable assest to the team, yet your nerves fail you when things escalate more than you anticpate them too." he stated briefly giving her a look before continuing. "Is it a combat problem? Do you not trust yourself when it comes down to such acts? Is it something else that might be causing this problem? I'm willing to help you work on it, but you need to let me help you."

"What the crap," Yone said, both amazed and confused. Was that punk supposed to be a clan leader? How was that even possible? While she wasn't part of a clan Yone had learned of various clans in the Academy. The idea that the Hyuuga had somebody like that as their clan leader made her wonder how that had come to be. She wouldn't respect somebody who had chickened out as he had done. Even calling for help, only to be arrested in the process. Which was ironic and thus amusing for Yone.
The man continued and Yone wagered her options. She could rat out on Sho. But it would likely come out that she had done that. And what was the saying again? Snitches gain stitches? Sho didn't seem the kind of guy who would hold back to make her gain some stitches if he would learn she had ratted him out. Then again, had he swung first? The man did continue about that he considered her having potential to be a valuable asset to the team. She had her own doubts but wouldn't voice them. He had the right to think that, she just told herself.
When he brought up the fact she became nervous in tedious situations Yone wanted to note that the term 'nervous' was quite relative. If paired near a person who had murdered for no good reason? Then yeah, nervous would cut it. Anxious perhaps even better.

"He didn't swing first," Yone said in a calm and collective fashion. "As for my nerves," the girl said as she would pause for a second.
"I don't know. I have seen people fight. Not much of a fighter myself. Just, never killed somebody. Never thought of it when being actually educated and trained to be a kunoichi in the Academy."
Another pause followed the words of Yone as her head would turn to look away.
"I just don't know, okay? I guess I never considered going straight into a combat situation ever before. Not with the risk of losing limbs or my life."

She would state he didn't swing first which kind of made him suspicious but he wouldn't pry any further on it. "Alright I trust you then." he spoke as he would then listen in on why she was a bit panicked, the reasons she gave were perfectly fine too. Their was only one thing he couldn't however help her with. "Well I can train you to be more of a fighter. Make you slightly more comfortable when those situations arrive. However when it comes to killing, in the end its on you on how you proceed. You can let the grief overcome you and weigh you down for the rest of your life. You can also thrill for it, its messed up but those people exist. You can also live on with it always hanging over your head." Mitsunari spoke rubbing the back of his head trying to find the words to explain it. "In this job, you can't exclude killing. One day it may come to it. You know when I first killed someone, I was mortified. It was a young woman who chose a life of being a missing nin. Yet to watch the life fade from someone and know you are the cause...." stopping briefly he took a deep breath in before exhaling. "It's terrifying I won't lie to you about that. The reason I carry on is because I'm a source of hope for my clan even if it is small. Believe it or not some do consider me a role model, even if that is pretty freaking stupid if you ask me. So I chose to keep my head up and live with what I had done. Give my clan that hope they need and be a stepping stone for the future. All I can say is if you can't bring yourself to kill someone, you might want to stay away from the shinobi path. Just know that if you stay, and if you kill. I am here to talk thing through."

When Mitsunari stated he trusted her, Yone felt once more wary and confused. Deciding to not linger her thoughts about it, Yone would pay attention to what the man would continue.
As he brought up killing Yone mentally sighed. She expected him to try to act as some wise monk. Already the words were at the tip of her tongue, telling him she would think about it. Yet, the words wouldn't turn into words. Gazing at Mitsunari as he began talking about his own experience Yone wasn't sure what to think of it.
In a way, she appreciated it. It showed a good side of the man. But she wasn't certain how she should respond back without either offending him or seem too touched. Lowering her head a bit Yone remained silent. He continued on why he still carried on, even after such an experience. But she wasn't certain what she should do with his words. The meaning was clear but she couldn't make it relevant to herself. The idea of making herself a role model sounded nice. Only that she had nobody to look up to her or be proud of her. Unless it would bring in booze or only money for her father. Her mother? Yone wasn't even sure if the woman even lived in the present or what her name was.

"I don't know if it is really true," she started, still looking away, "But I guess I am just scared to end as my old man. Damn prick is more than half of the time drunk. Lost a leg as missing three fingers on his left hand. The result of a combat situation when serving at the borders. He and his unit were caught between a skirmish. Before you ask," Yone turned her head to look at Mitsunari, a clear expression that demanded he wouldn't pity or treat her different, "My mother just dumped me with that fat oaf and left. I guess that I am just scared to end up as the idiot. Drunk, miserable and that just with one combat situation gone wrong."

End up like her father? Well he was making progress if she opened up about this to him. Being injured during a skirmish which he took pretty hard apparently. Yone would then give him a look to show her no pity or treat her special, which he never planned to. If he di that to her he would have to do it for hundred others. finish explaining that her mom left her with him and she feared becoming like him, brought up the next part. "That would be the next part in those situations. Overcoming killing is one thing, yet if it leaves you scarred for life. Then you have to overcome yourself. That is something both our fathers seemed to have failed to do. I don't know if its too late but maybe you can make him see a different path in life. I can't truly say what he should do. He could always aim to be a teacher. Not like I teach you, but one that goes into detail on combat sitautions. Its one thing to particpate in battles, but offering your insight on how a battle may pan out is very vital." Mitsunari would pace a bit as this was never his strong subject. "Can't promise nothing, but you will only end up like that if you let yourself end up like it. You only lose if you choose to stop fighting."

A scoff would make it clear that Yone didn't share the hope or consider it a viable thought to see a different path in life. She even doubted that he even gave a damn about her. Why would she be able to make him suddenly care? But she would once more hold those thoughts for herself. Mitsunari probably just assumed how her situation was. Instantly the mind of the teen would push her own problems to be above that of Mitsunari. Not allowing her to consider that his youth could have been rough or even rougher than hers. He was, after all, a clan leader. Somebody who could enjoy a rich life, couldn't he?
Pushing the thoughts and questions aside Yone kept paying attention to what Mitsunari told her. She was somewhat interested in what he could teach her. Yet she hoped it wouldn't include him throwing her into some nasty situation and hope she would learn how to deal with the stress that one would undergo in combat situations.

Spitting on the ground, a challenging expression had taken form over Yone's features. "Damn that. Not going to end as some bitter fat prick," she grumbled. The mere thought was enough to piss her off.
"Fine. So I decide to continue fighting. How does that help my nerves? I learned that when a person draws a knife, the best thing you can do is to make a run for it. Yet when I made a run for it, I doubt that I did the right thing last time."

"Hear me out now." He said smiling as he held up his index finger. "This is where the lovely art of strategy comes into play. Someone pulls a knife is fine and dandy, yet you have to take facts into considerations. How well versed are they at using that knife? Are they being really agressive? Timid? Lots to consider. For example you are pretty fast at running. Say this attacker has better martial skills than you. Say hes agressive and really wants you dead. Use that to your advantage. Who said you have to show honor when you kill? Be dirty, be as dishonorable as possible. They say the strong thrive and the weak die. Know what I say? The intelligent surive and the idiots perish. So say you fake a retreat. You keep ahead of this guy by just enough to keep making him want to chase you. You sleek around a corner, place a well place paper bomb, cover it with a rock and continue running. He comes around runs over the rock and boom. You just beat someone who had far more skill. Some think battles are who is stronger than who. Its far more complex than that. You have to study your foe, a smart man can even fake it. A timid person could really be a damn skilled warrior. So running can be smart, whats smarter is to study them first. In fact test them. They pull a knife, you pull a knife. Sometimes weapons are involved for intimidation than they are to actually cause harm. "

Hearing him out, as he asked, Yone crossed her arms out front of her chest. "Huh," she frowned slightly as she eyed Mitsunari once more. "Weird, I always imagined that you were one of those crude guys who had a sense of morality and honour. But guess you're right. Only, I doubt that I can think of so many questions and then do something and not give into instincts and just run."
Yet Yone did realise that she had never tried to give it any thought. "Okay, I guess it is worth a try. But how can I practice it? Unless you are now advising me to look up people with knives and a short temper."

He laughed at bit about what she thought he was, a crude man with morals and honour. "In this age Yone that will get you killed. Unless you are a damn war god, probably should shown some skeptism around people. It's after all how we as humans learn wether to trust or feign trust" Mitsunari answered that before moving on to her next question on how to practice it. " Well we can ease your way into it. Only way you may find someone with a knife is a petty criminal or a potential target on a mission. Which if I feel the team wont kill each other first. I may consider doing. But easing your way into it is something I can do. Practical experience would be regular combat. So it wouldn't be fair to compete against me but Sho on the other hand would be more productive. I will arrange for him and you to spar with each other with me spectating just in case someone doesn't stop punching."

"I guess," she responded at first. Realising she was getting less tense now that they were talking and Mitsunari didn't seem as a bad guy, Yone almost felt the need to tense up. As if it would be bad to lower her guard for the man. Deciding to not bother too much with how the man was talking or teaching her, Yone continued to pay attention to what he said.
"Heh," snickering she could imagine that the team could very well start to target each other. Not a really funny image but she dreaded that it was indeed the reality.
"Yeah, no. I am not going to challenge Sho to a fight. I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, sensei, but giving Sho a reason to release some pent up aggression or anger on me? I rather not, thank you." Yone said, really not finding it a smart idea. Perhaps Sho would find some fun in it but she certainly could imagine that it would be just a session of pain and regret. Much like how her mother probably felt after her father had made her pregnant, Yone thought to herself, slightly disturbed.

Well she was quick to decline sparring against Sho, and her reason was just. "Well that would be the point in me spectating but can't really force you on that...." Mitsunari said as he tapped his chin trying to think of someone she could spar without fearing being pounded. "Well if not Sho then what about my younger brother Sintra. He is as calm as it gets and has some experience to be a slight challenge.... I think." he spoke as he continued to think of people. "I could always borrow someone from Etsu's team... Oh! Thats and idea. I'll give you the choice here before I start enforcing. You can challenge Sintra, or team up with Sho to have a friendly spar against Etsu's two pupils. Which would you prefer?" Mitsunari said folding his arms as he gave a small smile to her. For someone that was afraid of most combat situations, she was assertive when she wanted to be. She was more like Sho than she realised.

Yone once more wavered. But it was probably better than Sho Deshuga. Nodding slowly Yone made it evident that she was more content with the suggestion of Mitsunari's younger brother.
He would continue on to suggest something and Yone once more found herself wavering.
"I think that I will risk facing your sibling. Sho might be a good guy and all, but I am not going to risk the unknown yet. Perhaps after I gain a bit more experience I might be more acceptive of the idea."

Nodding his head he would begin making plans once he returned home. "Alright probably wise. After all Etsu probably has those two on the same wavelength by now knowing her. Well I shall begin making preparations for this spar. I'll send you a note when to arrive. Who knows show me some promise and I'll think about getting this team it's first low rank mission. Nothing too serious as that requires teamwork but something to add to your record pretty much. Genin level you could say. So unless you have something you wish to discuss then you are free to go."

"Perhaps something with some bonus to it, hm? Could always use extra motivation in the form of money," Yone brought up, though she doubted that Mitsunari would do that.
"I guess that I have nothing on mind right now. Guess you're busy these days, so I might be great in phrasing it but I am grateful for... this lesson, kinda."
Scratching behind her right ear Yone looked away for a moment before she would speak up and look once more in Mitsunari's direction.
"Well, you know what I am probably going to do. Old man Nomura is going to repair the last damage to his post office. I am going to help cause... got nothing better to do, anyways. So, yeah, see ya sensei." Her words were followed by a salute as Yone turned around and thought about what they had discussed.

He gave a shrug and smile at her first question. "Do a perfect job and who knows." he stated not showing it but being a bit happy she was grateful for their talk and gave her a nod of approval. "Alright you do that but don't overexert yourself now. It would be no good if my pupil went to the hospital cause she collapsed now. So take care Yone, I'll see you later." Mitsunari spoke as he watched her salute and begin walking away most likely to the post office. He would wait until she was out of sight before heading home himself.[/hr][/fieldbox]
 
[fieldbox=Nobody will know, olive]
In the Empire of Akino, the Fire province.
Some small hamlet near the border of the Fire and River province.

A collab between Fieryfly and Lesli.

Summary:
Having left Konohagakure for some time, Meisa and Hisoka arrive in a small hamlet where the mother of Sakamoto's murderer lives. They pay the old woman a visit and end her live in order to avenge their dead friend in their own vengeful way. Yet, it doesn't stop there as Meisa announces a new desire. One that might overthrow the uneasy peace existing on the western continent of the known world...

[spoili]
The town looked normal. Simple. Plain. It looked like every other town they had encountered on the way. Houses, shops, places of worship, people. There was no reason that this town should be special in any kind of way. Except that this one held someone that was responsible for the death of his friend.

Hisoka shot a look at Meisa as they stood on one of the roofs of the many buildings of the village. They had been traveling for awhile now. Mostly enjoying the silence between them. It had always been like that between them. Sure, they could have good conversation, but most of all they could have comfortable silences and those were precious. Besides, there was not much to be said. They knew why there were out here and though Zakito's pleas sometimes haunted Hisoka in his dreams, he had pushed them away in some dark part of his mind, had locked the door and thrown out the key. This goal was his life for now and it was nice to have a simple goal for a change. Political intrigue, arranged marriages, behaving according to the rules, those were things belonging to live within a society. But now he was outside of that, above it, or maybe below it considering what he was about to do. He didn't feel bad about their plans. This simply needed to be done.

It was turning dark and soon the twilight would give way fully to the blackness of the night. Which was when they worked. Between the two of them they really should not have any problem performing the task they had set out to do. He had the skill, she had the ruthless efficiency. He shot her another look. "Okay then," he said. He flexed his fingers and turned his gaze to the street down below. It was time to get ready.

Slowly nodding Meisa kept her gaze on the scene in front of them. This place looked so tranquil at day. Even when the sun was settling and the light of the day would be replaced by the night at a slow and comfortable pace, Meisa couldn't but wonder once what it was like to live here. Pushing the thoughts aside she would reach out to the small pouch at her left hip. Pulling out a small paper, she briefly frowned. Not many notes were written on it. Most of the information was rather simple. Wasn't like their target was really in hiding or aware of what was coming for her. And if she did, it wouldn't matter anyways.

"Shouldn't be too far from here," Meisa said, only realising that the place wasn't big, making the phrase slightly odd in her opinion, "You ready?" She asked, half turning around towards the direction of where their target's home would be. "Else I can take care of business while you arrange a place for us to stay," Meisa suggested, flashing a faint smile.

"We are doing this together," was the simple reply. "I am not going to sit in some random room in some random inn in this random town and wait for you to finish up." It was perhaps not the time to resort to any form of humor, but times like these were exactly the moments when these jibes happened. He wouldn't say that the offer wasn't somewhat tempting. Not get his hands dirty. To have everything taken care of just like that. But while that sounded easy, is also sounded too simple. If he just let Meisa do everything then why was he even here? If he just let her fight then was he even avenging his friend's soul? "Besides," Hisoka continues, "I have no desire to stay in his place longer than necessary. I'd rather camp out on the road like we have done previous days."

"If you say so," Meisa said as she would lead the way. "I would prefer a warm bed with cozy blankets. Less dirty and prone to the weather," the woman mumbled. As expected the route to the home of their target wasn't long. Within a good ten minutes they reached a home. It wasn't particular large but it seemed to be in a good shape. Light illuminating from inside made it evident that somebody, hopefully their target, was at home. Instead of just walking up to the door Meisa did come to a halt and shot Hisoka a look. Another attempt to try to coerce him to stay behind or allow her to just do this on her own would be futile. Yet, another question would leave Meisa's lips on a soft volume. "I don't know about how you want to do this and seeing we got to share, any preferences or ideas?"

Hisoka raised his eyebrows ever so slightly. "I don't demand to share a kill. I just wish to be there. This is our quest. I'm not going to shield my eyes from what we are doing here." He looked at the house before him and let his eyes glide past the windows and the door. "We go in, we do the job, we go out. I want her to know why we are here, I want her to know what she has done, and I want her to die, but I don't want a mess. No one should know we have even been in here for like five days when they start missing her." It was harsh maybe, but honestly he was past the point of caring. "It is not like windows are going to keep us out. One flashstep and we'll be inside. Easy like that."

"True, but that isn't exactly what I meant. Okay, I meant it like this," brushing a few strands of hair aside Meisa gestured to the home. Luckily there weren't any people on the street. Perhaps this entire hamlet was filled with good folk? Which would work quite well in their advantage. "She does need to die. That much is clear with what we want. But the problem is that how much do we want her to suffer? We can strangle her, stab her to death and all kind of manners but we can only kill her once. You see," a faint, and perhaps the hint of some sorrow, smile crossed Meisa's lips once more, "We have to decide how we want to end her life. And if anybody else is present in that home if they should be allowed to life or die."

It became clear to him once more that Meisa had way more experience with this than he had. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing. This had been her life for many years where as his own had been more... varied jobs. He had killed people of course, both during, before and after the war, but it had never been this planned out. He just did it. Didn't think about it. It just happened. "Right," he said, somehow slightly taken aback. "No one inside that home should be alive when we leave. I'll give the lead on the rest. I am sure you know the right way to go about this while I'll check the rest of the house for intruders."

"Now we're making a plan, just like in the old days, heh?" Meisa said, trying to sound somewhat upbeat. Turning her head to throw a look at the house she did wonder why her right hand was shaking. Taking a life shouldn't be difficult for her. How many lives had she ended or ordered to be ended? Countless had such a weird ring to it but she had never felt obliged to hold a counting. Taking a deep breath in, a frown would appear on Meisa's brow. "Okay, this is how we will enter the home. Judging by that it is probably a small community, everybody here knows each other. So if we would do something that create a lot of noise, the neighbours will come and take a look. And no offense, but you don't look bland, 'governor'," the woman added with a hint of feigned amusement. "So our gig will be that we are on our way to the... River province. We just want to stay for one night and are too tired to find the inn. If she let us in, good. If she is hestating, I will seize the chance to force our way in. Problem is, should we use chakra or not? Doubt that they have any sensors in this place stationed." Thinking about it in silence for a moment Meisa shook her head lightly.

"Okay, yeah. Doubt we will need to resort to ninjutsu. According to the information she is an old bat. Hopefully, one of those sweet grannies who likes to bake cookies for the children in the neighbourhood and believes that those who do good will receive good," Meisa continue to think out loud, in a soft volume. "So, ready to play your part?"

"You realise that we can literally transform ourselves to look like anything we want," Hisoka threw back at her when she commented that he didn't look particulary bland. He decided to at least take that as a compliment. "But I doubt anyone will really recognize me here regardless of my non bland looks." As if to emphasis it, he dragged a hand through his short dark hair, scratched the back of his head as he thought about her plan. "I can pull that off. I have become quite adapt at talking my way through things over the years. So yeah, let's go."


Without wasting any more time, Hisoka stepped forwards towards the door. He cracked his neck and knocked on the door without any hesitation. He shot a smile to Meisa and then turned back towards the door just as it opened. An old woman stood before him, quite a bit smaller than him, dressed in some decent looking purple kimono.

"Yes? Can I help you?" she asked, looking up at him with a polite smile.

"Sorry to bother you on this late evening, ma'am," Hisoka started as he made abow. "Me and my wife arrived late in your village. We are traveling to the River province you see. It is our first holiday in a longtime, but we miscalculated the distance a bit I am afraid. My wife is dreadfully tired and we have tried to find the inn, but it is still ways away. As such we were humbly wondering if by any chance we might invade the privacyof your home and beg you for a night to stay. We can pay you for lodging andfood." He made a bow once more.

"Wife?" Meisa thought to herself, amused for a moment. Flashing a smile as well offering a bow towards the woman Meisa folded her hands together in front of her stomach. Clenching her right hand, covered by her left, into a fist she waited. The old lady was clearly wavering on what she should do. It confused Meisa that she didn't feel any anger rising inside of her. This was the mother of Sakamoto's murderer. The one who's life should be taken as her son had passed away.

Just as Meisa's patience was about to crack the old lady stepped aside. "Come on in then before you two catch a cold," there was concern present in the woman's voice, which baffled Meisa for a second. Flashing another smile she would enter the home and took a quick look around. It seemed simple. Nothing too extravagant or expensive in any sense. "Thank you. It has been quite a long journey from Keishi," Meisa said in a cheerful tone as she would appear to be curious. A glance was thrown towards Hisoka.

"Oh, that is fine dear. There aren't many that come to visit this small village. And less even come to visit me," the old lady snickered as she hushed them into the living room. "I was just about to knit a sweater. You see," she began talking in a normal pace, about her neighbours. Apparently one of the boys next door would soon turn twelve and as a surprise the old lady wanted to give him a sweater. Ending her story with that it would become a cold winter, she gasped as she seemed to realise something. "Where are my manners? I forgot to offer you two something to drink! Would you love to share some tea with me?"

She was so... ordinary, Hisoka concluded as he walked into the living room of the old woman he was about to murder. When she started talking Hisoka realised he didn't want to know anything about her. He didn't care about her, about her neighbours or anyone in this village. He didn't need to know her favorite food or her favorite type of cake. She just needed to die. Yet he smiled. "That would be lovely, but if I may, could you direct me to the toilet?"

The woman smiled at him and nodded. "Of course, dear." She gestured to the hallway. "First door on the left."

Hisoka nodded, got up, shot Meisa a look to indicate that he would keep the house clear of intruders, and left the living room. First he would check if the front door was locked, then he would slowly make his way through all the rooms individually, starting downstairs and then moving upstairs. She didn't seem to have anyone over, but one could never be too sure.

Subtly nodding back to Hisoka as he shot her a look, Meisa waited. Listened to the sounds from the nearby kitchen as the woman was humming some cheerful tone. One more Meisa eyed the living room. She could see two small portraits. Perhaps when the woman had been younger. Perhaps it was just to brighten up the room and she nor any relatives were painted on the canvas? Leaning back in her seat. Had her son, the murderer of Sakamoto, once sit in this chair? Drinking tea and breaking bread, all the while plotting on how he would commit his crime?

It didn't work. Slightly frustrated Meisa got up and would take the few required steps to move closer to the painting. She wanted to get angry. Just feeling anything else but doubt about what they were going to do, and pity for this old lady.

"Ah, like the painting? I looked much younger there." The voice of the old woman sounded as she entered the living room. Meisa turned briefly around, flashing an apologetic smile. "Sorry, just became a bit curious," she stated, on which the old lady shook her head. "It is fine dear. My husband used to paint on his free days. When not working as a carpenter. Believe I have some more paintings of him around. Would you like to see them?"

Meisa considered it. She caught herself being surprised but she honestly considered to say yes. Just do the woman a pleasure. How long ago was it that she had performed an assassination? Perhaps a bit too long ago. "No thanks. Perhaps later." Meisa would sit down, near the woman.

Hisoka listened in vain for sounds coming from below. He was working his way through the upper rooms now and expected that Meisa had long since taken out the woman. Of course, she would do that silently, but still he was straining his ears to hear it. There was nothing. Or well, no sounds of death. It seemed that the woman was still talking. So either something was up, something was wrong, or this wasn't the right person or something. Something must be holding Meisa back. He made another circle through the house, walking slow. He glanced into each of the rooms noting some were obviously more used than others. Her bedroom was clean and neat, but there were other rooms that showed signs of disuse. Dust spreading in thick layers over the closets and shelves. Hisoka wondered if the old woman had ben lonely.

Eventually he had to go downstairs again. There was nothing else to see. So he walked down the stairs and back to the living room where he found Meisa sitting on the couch next to the woman. He halted in the dooropening, a question clear on his face. What was she doing? Should he take over?

"So, you two came from Keishi? What is the city like?" The woman asked. Meisa had no trouble to describe Keishi. She didn't even lie one detail about it. Only deception was details about her and Hisoka. Speaking of a life that they had, even working for some family company, they never had visited something as another province. The old woman was captivated by the story and Meisa realised she was enjoying it. Finishing her story, the old lady picked up her mug and stared for a moment at the dark brown tea. "Lovely. Oh, I wish I could travel again but I fear that I won't be able or have such lovely company to go with me."

"That is okay," Meisa said with a faint smile moving over her lips. "I can arrange perhaps something." The words caused the old lady to look up, surprised, at Meisa. Her eyes widen as her lips parted but Meisa managed to beat her to it.

"Please, don't scream," she said with a soft voice, "I would say that I would be sorry but I honestly don't want to lie. It might be best if you put your cup down, ma'am." The old lady stared at a moment, her gazed fixed on the revealed dagger in Meisa's hand. Putting her mug down the old lady turned pale. "Good, now I am not a really big fan of religion. My father and mother believed in different ways. Honestly, I like to think I have to follow my father's belief. Not that I have prayed much to my God. But if you want, then feel free to pray to yours," Meisa gestured, hoping that Hisoka would take care of his part of the plan. The old lady just stared at Meisa before dropping on her knees, folding her hands together and starting to mumble and whisper in a fast pace.

Slowly Hisoka stepped forwards. Why Meisa had let the woman talk so much he didn't know. Maybe she wanted to be sure? Though there was nothing more to be sure about. They knew it was her. He walked past the woman to draw the curtains of the living room closed tight. No one would be able to see what was going to happen in this room tonight. "You had a son," he said then as he walked back to the woman on the ground. He stopped behind her so that she would have to turn her head around to see him. "And he took a trip to Konohagakure recently. There he took something he didn't belong to him." He inspected the nails of his left hand as he talked. "Do you want to know what he took?"

The woman didn't reply, but kept muttering her prayer.

"A life. He took a life from someone who was far better than he was. He took a life from someone who was having a nice day alone with his daughter. So since he took that life, we figured," he shot Meisa an uninterested look before turning back to the woman. "We could take a life as well. Not that yours could possibly compare to that of the man who is now dead. He is worth far more than just the soul of an old woman."

Meisa remained silent. She did spot some tears running down the cheeks of the old lady. Glancing at the knife she was still holding in her right hand she weighted the weapon before looking back at the woman. Waiting a moment to let Hisoka's words settle in Meisa would step forwards. A visible flinch went through the old lady. What was her name even, Meisa wondered as she would kneel next to the woman. "I will make it quick." It was spoken on a soft volume but a certain confidence rang through Meisa's voice. Placing a hand on the woman's shoulder Meisa readied the knife as she would slowly breath in through her noise. Before exhaling she would ram the knife into the desired spot, hearing the old lady gasp for air. Turning the knife to tear the flesh and the artery that Meisa wanted to cut open she also turned the woman so that she could lean on her. "Ssshhh..."

The old woman shivered as she once more breathed out. One last time.

Waiting a second Meisa would slowly push the woman back while jerking out her knife. "That was it then." Putting the woman on her back Meisa would inspect the wound. "Any last words for her?" She asked Hisoka, cleaning the knife on a nearby napkin.

"No." Hisoka stared at the unmoving body of the old woman who had died for the sins of her son. He wondered if he should feel bad now. He probably should. Instead he felt nothing. There was an emptiness inside his chest that seemed to numb him. "I have nothing to say to someone like this." He reached for one of the spare blankets that lay on the couch, unfolded it and threw it over the body. He didn't bother putting it neatly.

"Let's go," he said, walking past her towards the hallway. "There is nothing else here for us."

"Well, we are clearly not cut out for the work of priests," Meisa mumbled as she would get up. Throwing one look at the covered body there was something that went through Meisa's mind. "Give me one second, you go on. Just have to make sure that nothing remains." Meisa stated as she would head to the kitchen. The fire that was used to warm the water was still going on, probably used to heat the home somewhat. Or in any way, the lower level. Looking around Meisa didn't take long in her task. Making sure that a fire would start was quick work. Leaving the home she threw a look at Hisoka. Not hiding her concern for him she didn't voice any question on how he was doing. It just felt of place, anyways. Walking away she didn't concern herself with what would be found next day. If the fire wouldn't be noticed in time then people would find the corpse of the woman, just charred bones and remains.

"I am going to the Wind country," Meisa suddenly announced as they would leave the village. She kept her gaze focused in front of where they were going. "I don't expect you will be coming. Or well, no, I should phrase that differently," Meisa took a second before speaking up again, "You will not want me to go alone and either press I will come to Konohagakure with you. Or wanting to join me. But," coming to a halt Meisa direct her gaze on Hisoka. "I feel like that somebody else should pay for our loss. It is just bullshit that the guy managed to get into Konohagakure without aid. And if he came from the Wind country years ago, then it is clear who we have to make suffer."

Hisoka was silent for a moment as Meisa explained her plan. Of course, she had a plan. She always had a plan for the future. "Pressing you to go back to Konoha would be stupid and I'd like to think that I know you better. You have already decided and I am not the one to stop you. I don't have the capabilities, nor the desire to do so. But I am coming with you. And if you are going to object," he interjected before she could say anything else. "Then you can get used to me following you behind your back." His voice was even, but he spoke his words with conviction. "You are stuck with me, if you want it or not. I dragged you with me and now you are dragging me with you." The Wind Country was a place he hadn't been to in a very long time. The only time had been during the war. He had no desire to set foot on that soil again, but the need to get justice was far greater than his wish to go home and have this all behind him.

"So are you going to object?" he asked her.

"I really want to, yes," Meisa sighed as she lowered and shaking her head for a moment. "But it is going to be just wasted energy and thus it seems I am forced to 'tolerate' your presence," Meisa replied. Crossing her arms she briefly thought about it. She was happy that he would come with her. The person she wanted to take down would be out of her calibre, or so she considered it to be. "Besides, perhaps it is true that it takes a kage to take down another kage? In any way, I want to murder the Fourth Kazekage. If anything, the bastards had it coming. Invading us twice and never being 'rewarded' properly for it." A faint glint would appear in her eyes. One that lacked joy, that much was certain. Knowing fully that if they failed that it could mean a large disaster and potential war between the Wind country and Empire of Akino, Meisa didn't feel any remorse about wanting it. An eye for an eye, wasn't it?

Hisoka almost stumbled over his own feet when Meisa casually dropped that she wished to murder the Fourth Kazekage. He had expected some higher up but not the... actually kage. The man that ruled the Wind Country and was probably the strongest and most heavily guarded man in the entire country. He stared at the woman beside him, at a loss for words. "Well then," he said after a good minute of silence. "Two kages might be able to best one." He wasn't quite sure why he was agreeing with this. This was a terrible idea. If they failed... It would have so many bad consequences. So many things would be set in motion. Zakito would be devastated. But didn't he already disappoint Zakito? It was almost impossible to destroy their friendship even more. By setting out against the Hon's will, Hisoka had already crossed a line that should not have been crossed and honestly, Hisoka didn't know if it could be mended. He didn't wish to start another war. He really didn't. He wanted peace for those who were growing up. And yet, that had all gone out of the door when he had left Konoha on this mission. Kiyomi would call him a hypocrite now. She had wanted to give him that bandana, he was quite convinced she would have used it to track him down. Good thing he didn't take it. No one should even know they were going to the Wind Country. No one should ever know that they were going to murder one of the most powerful men alive. And if they pulled this off properly no one would ever know.

"If that is what you want," he said finally. "Then let's do it." And by saying that he knew he had in a way condemned himself to a lot of trouble. And perhaps the world with it.
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[fieldbox=The new sergeant]
On the Eastern Continent,
Wolf country | In the camp of the Lightning country's host, under Satoshi Jun's command.

A collab between Jason, Boi, Glitch, Frost, Zane and Gerontis.

Summary:
After Satoshi left, the group of few nin and soldiers pick a new sergeant. This leads up to that Miu steps forward and Niji questioning her. Mizuchi makes a bid as Toshi throws in that he wouldn't like her as the leader. The soldiers then make it clear that they will prefer the 'Hothead' as their 'little sergeant'.

[spoili]
Nji listened patiently. Firstly to a young boy's input on the concept of laying traps for the enemy to happen upon and nodding to it in agreement to what would be needed. And then to Satoshi Jun's response on the matter, having considered and decided that laying traps wouldn't be beneficial due to the plan he already had in mind. "I see what you mean, laying traps wouldn't be too useful if the river is going to test their mettle."

Niji idly tapped her chin in thought as she finished her response, giving a slight smile of confidence to Satoshi as well. "With forethought like that it's no wonder he's the commander of the host. That in mind, we would have a better grasp on the state of the opposing forces too once they're in sight, wouldn't we?" She didn't expect an answer as he was already dismissing himself to handle other matters, so instead she looked around at those currently gathered.

"So... Would anyone like to volunteer to be the troop Sergeant?" Niji gazed out, still holding her quaint smile whilst silently hoping that someone would in fact chime in on wanting the position, being one of the most vocal of the group currently she wasn't exactly keen on taking it herself but she'd give it a try if no one stepped up to the task.

Miu had remained silent while everything was going on. It was a bit disheartening hearing about the odds that would be against them. Yet if they were to advance to them then they must have hope for victory. Still staying silent she would follow Toshi to the commander catching this one girl tell about a possible plan. Traps, which Toshi was more than happy to add on to with some enthusism. She smiled slightly at it before the commander explained why traps wouldn't be favorable to them. It would explain some of the confidence as well. He then gave them their position in all this and what more told them to choose who would be the sergeant. Nodding back at Satoshi, she would stay silent expecting others to jump for the position. Only no one did. Then when someone spoke up it was to ask who wanting to be the sergeant for the troop.

She could feel her anger rising slightly that no one had the damn balls to even offer, and then when someone speaks up its to repeat what Satoshi pretty much told them. That was when Miu cleared her throat and looked around at everyone. "Well since it seems I have the biggest set right now. I'm going to say I'll be sergeant since no one here seems to want it. Any objections ladies?!" Miu said folding her arms, wondering who would speak up, if they even would.

The sharp response from one of the younger-looking kunoichi present drew Niji's attention, quietly evaluating her for a second before retaining her smile, it was kind of nice to see someone being ambitious. "Okay, just to check, what experience do you have in instructing or leading a group of soliders?"

She expected some sort of back talk but what would cause her to glare, would be the same woman who had the gall to ask who wanted the damn position. She gave Toshi a pat on the shoulder as she moved closer to the girl and would look up at the girl and stare her dead in the eyes. "None. None what so ever. Yet you know what I do have experience in? Surviving. I broke multiple ribs, nearly have both my head and leg lopped off, and was stabbed all in the same day, and I won. Know what I also have? Some mighty big balls to claim myself as sergeant cause a little shit like you couldn't choose. So sweetie. Who the fuck are you?"

There was some surprise in Niji's expression at the girl's response to her question, it sounded as if she had been through some hellish time in one day but it wasn't something that Niji was a stranger to. To repay the gesture in kind, she maintained eye contact as well. "I'm, Niji Yakei, I'm not special and I'll accept that you've seen some horrific things. But I'm just a kunoichi of the cloud that wants to make sure things are done properly, surviving alone doesn't mean anything when you've got to keep others alive, sane and at the least give them a sense of safety." She didn't give the girl a chance to respond as she continued to speak.

"But I'll tell you what I do have, like you've so kindly done for me. I am trained in protecting others because it's part of my family's business, I have grim experiences of my own that I'd rather not talk of and if balls are what makes someone as rude as you seem to be, I'd be glad to not have any. So please tell me if it's actually a good idea to let a girl like you, who seems to be focused on aggression and violence, lead a group that's supposed to be protecting and defending."

Miu gave her credit for keeping eye contact, it made her seem more brave than she probably was acting like. Yet then she would begin to question things again, with the first being her having seen horrific things. Miu scoffed at that as she folded her arms allowing the girl to speak. As she would though Miu could already tell that this Niji person could never be the one to lead them. She would have to mind control them into accepting her. Yet she has some bark to her, although bark was child's play. "I'm going to allow the others to have some say, but I will say this real fast. The soldiers are plenty trained in protecting. I don't need to instruct them on that front. I will keep them together. I will make sure not even one of those bitches get near our side. I will lead them and prove that Sanosuke's do it correctly. So if I seem focused on aggression and violence then thats great. Least I don't sound like a bitch, who can't even talk about some troubles in their life. Yet hey you are good at being defensive." Miu said staring at her for a bit more before turning away and looking around. "Anyone else want to object to me leading? You only got one fucking chance!"

This girl was starting to seem quite concerning with her attitude, it had seemed promising at first but Niji couldn't exactly be sure about her. "I'll give you that, after training with the soldiers I saw that they know exactly what to do. Whilst you're comfortable with bragging about almost dying, I for one am not keen on talking all about how I watched and heard some men from the Shoji occupation that I tried to save from being further victims of the war slowly burn to death underneath a pile of their comrade's bodies. Would you be proud that people who didn't have to die were forced into an excruciating demise like that?" Niji calmly stood and waited to see if she'd turn back round to respond, but it seemed like the girl was fed up of being spoken back to.

"After all that's why we're in this country, to put a stop to abominable acts such as that before it gets out of hand, we're not just protecting ourselves or those we care for at home. We've an obligation to protect the lives of those in the Wolf Country who have a fate like that looming over their heads every minute of the day, just waiting to engulf them. So are you here to save innocent lives or to reinforce your ego by proving that you Sanosuke's do it right?"

Raising an eyebrow as the two argued, she quickly saw this going nowhere. Although the Hojo did have to admit to herself that there was an inkling of respect for the Sanosuke genin. "I'll object." Mizuchi said in a calm tone, looking between the two. "Since you're both going on about your merits, I'll state that I've personally fought against the Shoji before this deployment. I've also been on that same mission as Sanosuke-san, but I walked out of that. I've led another mission since, so I have the experience. It's my personal opinion that the Chuunin present might just have more experience than the genin in such a subject." Mizuchi said, looking around the small group. "Of course, not doubting any of your capabilities or merits, I just believe we need a tested individual against an enemy of this size." She added, careful to keep her tone and expression even. It wouldn't do for any of those present to start thinking she was looking down on them, regardless of the truth.

A fresh voice in the disagreement drew Niji's attention towards the white-haired Hojo, explaining her own case on the matter in a better way than the other girl had, she found herself partially agreeing with her too. "I see your point. It does sound like you've got experience in both of the areas we mentioned so I don't see any harm in it." Niji then shifted her gaze over to Miu, there was a hint of regret over arguing with her, they were supposed to be on the same side after all. "And... what do you think? You at least know one another a bit, so you'd have a better idea on if her leading the group is beneficial or not."

When someone elses objected she turned her head towards them, yet instead of anger she snorted a bit. A determined face quickly switched to amusement as the Albino bitch started to list off her "achomplishments" going as far as to say she was in the same mission as hers only she walked out of it. Also that she lead a mission as well, at this point she was just waiting for this woman to shut her idiotic mouth so she could shut her down and save everyone's eardrums from her voice. And that Niji brat was eating it up like just the word was all she needed to believe. Then asked her what she thought.

"First off, congratulations. You let the Hons do most of the work and then strolled on in. I however won't mention what the Shoji occupation has done. Cause I would win in that category too." Miu said looking at both women as her amused looked shifted back to annoyance now. She turned her gaze towards albino bitch. "Funny you should bring that mission up. You were one hell of a sensor that day. So much so that when I was on the front lines. I was so prepared for wave after wave to come slamming into me and possibly some of these soldiers. So you may have walked out yet just remember which of us was on the front lines at the start of it. As for this mission you.... lead." giving air quotes when she said lead. "You hear a lot of things while injured. Things like albino bitch sat on top of a hill and did fuck all while everyone else worked. Like your younger sister. Also Toshi a genin, in which you said in your personal opinion, the present chuunin might have more experience than the genin. Know what I say to that?"

Miu would look around at everyone, before looking back at Mizuchi. "That your personal opinion is asinine. It's my professinal opinion from being around you less than thirty minutes, that you are a selfish, lazy, idiotic excuse of a chuunin. I would rather have a horse lead us than you. Cause at least the horse will do something useful. I'll be a one woman squad before I ever follow any of your orders in my life. So I will still claim the sergeant position for myself, or is there anymore objections that are hopefully better than Albino Bitch's here?" Miu said looking around not even giving Mizuchi the time of day anymore. "Clock's ticking ladies, anymore objections I say have a couple of minutes to present themselves, because we have got to get packing and moving."

Toshi watched in awe as Miu answered the older kunoichi's call for someone to lead, 'That's unexpected,' he was about to shake his head indicating no objection to her decision to try and lead when the first kunoichi spoke up again to question her worth as a leader and the already tense exchange quickly devolved into a heated dispute, 'But that isn't really unexpected...' he thought as the hot headed genin and the kunoichi went at other verbally.

Toshi remained where he had been when Miu walked forward to answer, simply watching with a growing feeling of embarassment as the two continued to argue. He pulled the scarf around his neck up slightly over his face, attempting to melt into the group and remove himself from the current predicament as much as possible, 'At least things can't get any worse...' he thought and as if on cue the Chuunin he had sparred with earlier, Mizuchi, decided to throw her hat into the ring as well, "I take it back, things can always get worse." he sighed quietly, the defeat in his voice at any chance of the current situation calming down was evident to any that may have been close enough to hear it.

Grabbing a kunai from his pouch and spinning it for a few moments as he attempted to come up with anything to calm the three down, wrestling with a few options he sighed again. Still fiddling with the Kunai he tossed it into the air in front of him spinning and caught it at the tip of the blade as it came back down before flipping it around so he was holding onto the handle once more. Giving it another spin as the kunoichi conitnued to argue in front of them, Toshi slipped the kunai back into his pouch and quietly moved forward. "I vote for anyone but the Hojo." he said loud enough to almost be yelling as he tried to tear the trios concentration off one another.

The soldiers that were present listened to what was being said. There was some grunting and chuckling when Miu stepped forward. One of the troops, at first, joked softly about her size. But when the girl, however, started to speak up it became silent. A soldier grumbled in an approving manner as the girl's phrasing was probably much to his liking. The questioning of Niji brought some grumbling up and a few of the troops started to talk together, while the majority kept watch of the ongoing conversations. "At least, a small one that knows how to take hits," a soldier commented when Miu summed up her previously gained wounds. "Aye, can't say that about some shinobi." Clearly the majority of the soldiers weren't very keen on the fact that a kunoichi was questioning what seemed to be a young recruit - as there was no visible sign that Miu was a kunoichi by the lack of a headband.

Approving grunts and grumbling rose from throats as Miu commented that the soldiers were trained. "My old man taught me how to make art out of corpses, hahaaa!" A few laughters resonated as it became apperant that the men were having some fun in the talk. "Obligation to the locals who attacked and hurt our fellows? I spit on their graves!" Another soldiers said, commenting on Niji's words of protecting the locals. Then as Mizuchi stepped in and stated she had experience, a soldier coughed loudly before speaking. "One a patrol mission, lass. Sitting on top of a hill, weren't you?"

The few soldiers next to Toshi were slightly alarmed as the boy pulled out a kunai and starting to flip and spin the weapon. "Going to use that? Can you put that weapon away, son? Please, before you hurt yourself, eh?" a soldier was about to ask, until Toshi declared his 'vote'. "Ah... okay then."

"I say," a soldier that seemed older than the majority, stepping forwards. A grim expression seemed to be plastered on the facial features. "The way I see it, we got two kunoichi. One who seems to like to question others," the man nodded towards Niji, "And another who led one patrol and claims she has experience," the old soldier grunted as he shook his head. Turning his attention to Miu the old soldier spat on the ground. "Saw what the Sanosuke can do in their forges. You think you got big balls? Well," the man paused before he would continue. "I say, give the hothead a shot! We might as well be led by somebody who isn't afraid to get hurt, eh?" At first, just a few soldiers gave their approval with a short shout as others started to raise a fist in the air and proclaim the 'new nickname' for Miu, "Hothead!".

Keeping her gaze on the other soldiers, Toshi would speak up causing her to look at him and not even hide the laughter when he stated he would vote for anyone but the Hojo. That was a pretty bold move to do, although a lazy one at not picking anyone in general. That was when the sodliers began chiming in with their thoughts on the matter. At first they seemed to find the idea of her leading humorous by the few chuckles, yet they died down when they knew what she was about. They weren't a big fan of Niji at the moment even if the woman had the stature and size to be a leader.

Soon more began speaking up one about making art from corpses, one denounced protecting the locals who in his mind were attacking them, one that also called Mizuchi out on this leading experience of hers. It basically meant they didn't really sway the soldiers to their side. Which was fine they weren't firing insults her way, maybe cause they knew she could do it better. Maybe they were impressed with her as well, she wouldn't truly know until this older man spoke up.

He gave them a simple run down on what was said. Calling Niji out on questioning others and the other that leads once and has little experience in it. Then his attention turned towards her, asking if she thought she had big balls to which she gave a smirk. He spoke of their forges and then proclaimed they should give the hothead a shot, as she wasn't afraid of being hurt. Then her smirk faded when other soldiers chimed in and spoke out a nickname. "Hothead? ..... Fair enough." She mumbled as she looked at Niji and Mizuchi with a smile. "You heard the boys ladies. Okay then men, lets get packing double time! We wasted enough time with this shit!" Miu shouted out as she began to disperse from the crowd to aid in packing.

Niji couldn't say that she was impressed by the opinions of the soldiers, but if that was what they wanted to do she wouldn't argue. So she gave a small shrug as she looked at Miu. "If it's what they want then I can't argue." With the matter settled Niji moved off to get to work on helping pack up, hopefully the decision for a "hothead" to lead wouldn't put the unit or the wagons in danger if they were attacked in transit.

With a significant blow to her pride, Mizuchi bit back any replies. Keeping a blank expression as she started moving, the chuunin made her way to the genin who was now dubbed 'hothead'. "I can try to keep watch with my sensory technique. Though they may be concealing their chakra again." She suggested, fully expecting to be berated on some level. It didn't matter, she was more concerned with completing the task at hand.

Gazing at Mizuchu she would shake her head at her words. "Yeah rather you not. I saw and felt how well that goes, just keep your eyes open instead. Now enough wasting time talking and get packing." Miu said to Mizuchi leaving her to help some of the other soldiers.

Kenshin remained had been observing situation silently, the pupils of his eyes shifting to each person as they spoke. The young shinobi immediately removed himself from the draw as he had no experience in leading people. A leader needs many traits,he believed. He little information on the participants, however he made rough judge on what he had heard, and their recent actions. Squinting eyes the boy put made conversation with himself inside his head. "The blue haired Sanosuke, she seems determined and strong, I dislike the way she's showing it right now." Turning his gaze to the white haired woman, a.k.a The Albino Bitch, the boy would sigh. "I saw earlier in action and there is no doubt she's skilled. But I didn't like the way she taught the brown haired boy." It was obvious to himself who he was going to pick. However everyone had already made the decision, making it too late for Kenshin to even vote Niji Yakei
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[fieldbox=The meeting of Wolves, Teal]
Zakito Hon
Jounin Commander | Major General of the First Division | Akinian Empire, Konohagakure - Hon compound.

Part I.

[spoili]
He sighed. All morning he had not worried over what he would need to do. This wasn't a meeting that was rare or one that was going to be really difficult. Once every now and then, they would come together. To discuss matters. See what troubles they had in their own holding and what they could do to keep each other strong. To stand unified. At least, that was the idea. It really depended on who was participating, their history, their lineage and relationship. While in theory being oathbound to him, Zakito knew better. The jarls of each of the Hon House didn't just consider themselves as a Hon. Not as one would expect that a Senju perhaps would consider himself a Senju for just being part of the respective clan. First what counted was your lineage. Then your house and then the clan. After that the empire. That was what made his people strong, independent and also... a bit rough around the edges.

No, he wasn't concerned that the meeting would go without any problem. The current jarls were on good terms with each other. There was no such thing as a current feud boiling or in need to be concluded (can't say this either). They also had little trouble in the past following his leadership or acknowledging who the Lord of the Hons was. There was, however, a small Hon who denied to acknowledge the authority of the clan leader. Standing right next to him, small hands folded in front of her stomach, staring with her eyes at the direction Zakito was looking at. Silent and looking courageous, yet small and frail.

"If you want, you can still go home. Fugiki is probably still waiting to bring you home," Zakito softly said, holding back a chuckle as Kei looked up, a frown on her brow appearing. The scarlet coloured hair touching the child's shoulder was only brighter with the jade coloured eyes shining brightly.

"No," was Kei's resolute answer, though spoken with a soft voice as well. "I want to stay," she further added, her hand moving up to grab Zakito's. Turning her eyes back in the direction, she clearly was hiding that fact she was nervous. But she still seemed determined. The moment Zakito had told them that he had an important meeting Kei had gained the idea that she had to be there. Zakito had tried to explain that it would be a very serious one where he couldn't have her spy and toy around. Only for Kei to state that she could be serious. That she could be more serious than Akimoto, which had obviously prompted an argument between the two children. Eventually, Akimoto had lost his interest and had to go. Together with Daisuke the dire wolf pup, the boy had been brought to the Cho compound for some of his lessons with Min Cho. Kei, however, had remained resolute in her decision. Thus being with her father as soon the jarls of the various Hon houses would arrive in the Hon compound for the meeting.

The compound had always been in a good fashion. Clean and orderly, yet having a relaxed and nice atmosphere. Various good lodgings had been made clear and reserved for the jarls and their retinue, likely a part of their own inner-circle, called a 'hird'. Just as Zakito was about to ask if Kei wasn't tired, the girl slightly raised her chin and narrowed her eyes. Causing Zakito to look at the direction of the entrance. The first jarl was arriving. On foot even.

Sturdy passes were made by the first jarl as his steel grey eyes had caught sight of Zakito and the hall where the meeting would be held. Following the jarl was a group of armoured and armed people, trying to stay on par with their jarl. A small smile formed on Zakito's lips -wearing no mask, as that would be improper for this meeting - as there was no mistaken in Ihor Hon, jarl of Ecla. A stern man that perhaps had long passed his prime but made certain that every time he could, he made it clear that he was as fierce as he had been when he had been of a younger age. Wrinkles as well as various scars covered his features as a white messy but short beard further 'decorating' the man's face. Making it rather hard to mistake him for somebody else.

"Lord Hon," the jarl said as he would slow down his pace, closing the distance between Zakito and himself. "I hope I am not late," Ihor grumbled, forming a fist and saluting his clan leader. "Have been picking up the pace since a day or two to make certain that no pup would beat me in getting earlier."

"You're the first jarl Ecla," Zakito said, "I know it is unusual but today my daughter will accompany me. Kei Hon," he would softly squeeze the girl's hand as she had taken a step back, needing to look up to the senior Hon. The resolute attitude had wavered for a bit, showing the more shy side of the girl. Biting her lower lip she would slowly incline her head towards the man.

"Ah," the senior would crouch slowly to be at the same height as the girl. "Your eyes..." he began slowly as Kei started to squeeze Zakito's hand. "Perhaps not that of your father's colour, but you got the same eyes, pup. Unfortunately," the man would get up, flashing a grin towards the girl.

"Why, unfortunately?" Zakito asked, slightly confused but hiding it behind a calm tone as if he wasn't bothered by it. Kei, however, only frowned.

"It means she will be like you." Ihor replied, "Therefor, meaning she will try to do better than you. And you will fear her for it," was the cryptic answer. Zakito's eye half closed as he was about to say something.

"I am already better than stupid Aki." The answer was said with a certain determined tone as if she would show the jarl in front of her who was his true superior. A second of silence followed Kei's words as Ihor looked down. Only bursting out in laughter.

"Aye, I like her already!"

They all sat down. Water with light refreshments were offered. Some small talk had begun. All, of course, in Chonobi. There was no way that they would discuss the state of their House, people and clan without speaking in the language they considered their own. The language that was that of their ancestors.

Kei had remained silent, sitting on Zakito's lap. Though the resolute and bravery of before had watered down with the amount of people she wasn't familiar with, the girl threw curious glances at the jarls. Watching them. Studying them, in her own way. "Well then," Zakito began after taken a sip of water. Placing his drink down he would throw a look at those who were present. "I am glad that everybody could make it. Some clearly more excited than others." The words caused a few of the jarls to chuckle and shake their head as Ihor scoffed, though he was clearly amused as well. Perhaps even proud that he had managed to reach Konohagakure before the other jarls had. "I think it will be best if we would discuss the important matters right away. Lately, there has been some... tension rising. Something that must be dealt with."

"Aye, indeed," a woman said. She stared down at her drink. Gentle as slowly moving the mug, causing the water within to move with the movements of her hand. "The amount of young folk that want to prove their worth is ever more increasing in my hold. While some sign up and start a career in the Imperial military, most tend to stay at home. Restless and eager," the woman raised her eyes to look at the other jarls at the round table. "I make no illussion that I can keep them from doing anything stupid but it will take one small event. One small incident to rile them up."

Hilde Hon. Jarlynja of Daell. A reputed woman who was known for her iron-fisted rule. In her hold, nobody should doubt her authority. Or else they would face her sharp tongue, which was rumoured to be sharper than the edge of any blade. A young man, the youngest of the group, next to her spoke up. "In my hold, there is the same situation. I have managed to keep my young warriors in line. The troubles and dangers of the Blackroot Vale have always been something we of House Rachon have been busy with. However," the tone of the young man shifted into a sterner and almost angry one, "Fifteen warriors have been found death. Not taken down by any beast. But by Uchiha."

"What?! Those cowardly..."
"Nonsense! If your warriors can't handle a boggart, then don't go into the Blackroot Vale. Simple---"
"Don't you finish that sentence, Jarlynja, for I---"

"Silence!"​

Zakito's right eye had narrowed. The jarls sat down. Perhaps not yet calm but they were silent. Letting the silence stalk the room for a moment longer, Zakito turned to the young jarl. His name being Jorun Hon. While he was perhaps the youngest and not the jarl of the largest of the Hon Houses, he had earned his respect and worth among the other jarls during the occupation of Shoji. Rumours went about that he had taken on an enemy group that not twice, but fivefold that of his hird. Yet managing to not only overcome the odds with brilliant tactics but also preventing his warband from suffering any losses. "How are you certain that those fifteen warriors were taken down by the Uchiha, jarl Rachon? The distance between your holding and the lands of the Uchiha is quite large. I also doubt that the Uchiha would be so vengeful to attack your warriors or any of us here."

"I have no real explanation on why they would do that, my lord Hon," was the bitter voiced answer of Jorun but he would then produce a piece of cloth from the bag that laid next to his chair. It was a black piece of cloth with the Uchiha crest visible on it. Crimson spots of dried blood were present but couldn't hide the Uchiha crest. "One of the warriors had still been alive. Wounded, but alive. He managed to tell me in person what had happened. How they had been ambushed by a larger group of Uchiha. Fighting back as true Hons, fierce and mighty, they would yet fall in battle. Taking down as many as they could with them the warrior had managed to get close to an Uchiha who held up a standard. Managing to grab the cloth and tore it off before they had slashed him in the back. Leaving him and all just to rot with the worms... The man died later of his wounds. May he feast with his ancestors in Akumu's halls."
[/spoili]
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[fieldbox='Reyna Azuma | Kumo Genin | Team 13, Aqua']
Who Let The Turtles Out?!?​

The terror of the battle, of her enemy, was nothing compared to what happened next.

In a moment of weakness, Reyna had pleaded for help. Prayed for help... Of course, the voice that answered was the last one she expected, the last one she wanted.

Maybe she was just cursed... That had to be it. If there was a God, like her parents and siblings believed, then it was becoming increasingly clear that he or she hated Reyna...

The turtle monster's voice brought chills to her spine and Reyna could feel herself shaking. This time, the nausea was not caused by whatever strange technique her opponent was using. No. This was something else entirely. Feeling almost as if she was going to fall, Reyna bent forwards, blinking. When she opened her eyes a scream caught in her throat. She was back in front of the large cage, the beast grinning down at her. No, no, no, no, no! Reyna thought, closing her eyes again and shaking her head. Praying that she would open her eyes and be free of this nightmarish place. When they opened once more, however, she was still in the same place. So much for prayers...

She could feel the turtle monster laugh, a cold, cruel laugh that brought a fresh wave of fear and anger washing over her. Mustering the last of her courage, Reyna glared up at the beast. "I DON'T WA-" Her shout was cut off as the monster sent a flood of red chakra towards her. Reeling backwards, Reyna fell to the ground, bringing her hands up in a faint attempt to shield herself. She could hear the beast shouting something at her, something about power, but Reyna was too busy trying to fight the wave of bijuu chakra that was washing over her, overtaking her... It felt cold, unnatural. She could taste the power and it terrified her. Closing her eyes, Reyna let out a haunting scream.

When the eyes opened next, she was watching from a distance. She could feel the monster's chakra as it formed around her body, watching as her skin began to peel and fall away under the power of the beast. Her Lightning Aura kicked in automatically, trying to heal the wounds that were forming all across her body. It was a futile effort, however, as the bijuu chakra overpowered her Lightning Aura by a significant margin. Still, while the sight was horrifying, there was also something strangely beautiful watching how the blue arcs of lightning danced across the red coat that flowed around her. The pain that had been excruciating at first, faded into numbness and Reyna watched as the others on the beach had frozen, momentarily frightened at the waves of Killing Intent the beast had released. She felt a sense of bitter amusement at first, watching how they feared this power she possessed, none of them realizing she was more scared than all of them...

Reyna noticed how the turtle monster began forming a tentacle from the chakra, moving it around as if it were his first time using it. Fighting the revulsion, Reyna tried to look around, hoping to see her teammates. Hoping she hadn't given them yet another reason to fear and hate her... Catching sight of Midori running towards her, Reyna felt a flush of relief wanting her friend to comfort her, to tell her it would be alright.

But it wouldn't be alright...

She couldn't move. She wasn't in control anymore. Not really. She had no way to overpower the beast and the numbness that spread across her mind made it hard to focus on anything for long. Midori began speaking to her and it sounded as if she were a great distance away, almost as if Reyna was listening from under water. Fighting through the haze that filled her mind, Reyna tried to focus, her friend needed her and she couldn't fail again. Midori's words finally made it through to her but Reyna pulled back, confused. Reel the power back in...? How could she do that? The beast was far more powerful than her and she had no idea how its power even worked. "I... I don't know how." She tried to say, hearing her voice crack. Reyna didn't know if her words had even made it out of her own head, but she didn't have time to think as a new sound came booming in. The sound of some massive creature stomping, followed by an incredibly loud shout that filled her mind, clearing away some of the haze. Looking around in a futile attempt to try and find the source of the noise, Reyna's eyes widened. Was this... Was this Midori's beast? Confusion swept through her. Why would Midori's beast be helping her?

Wrapping her arms around herself, Reyna bit her lip, trying to figure out what to do. Everyone else was trying to help her and all she could do was stand there uselessly, trapped in her own mind. An anger began boiling inside her, anger at her own failure. She would not be helpless. Not again.

"STOP THIS NOW MONSTER!" She shouted, her rage lending her courage. "I don't want your stupid help! I don't want your power. Leave me the hell alone and give me back my body!" Feeling herself shaking, in part from the rage and partially due to the fear that still coursed through her, Reyna clenched her fists. She did not know what else to do and so she would wait for the beast to react.

Please let this work...

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[fieldbox="Isobu, cyan"]
Sanbi | In Reyna's Tummy​

It felt good to be in control again once more. To bend the body of this girl to his will, move her fingers, tap her toes. Not to mention that he looked quite dashing with the blue lightning flashing around his body in syncronisation with the ever growing red. Yes, it felt good. He urged the body to make a tentative step and smiled. He could get used to this. Though his own body was obviously far more marvelous, but this was a good start in general.

A human appeared in his cone of vision as he was testing out Reyna's hands. The one tail behind him moved by itself, controlled by inpulse and thought alone. Isobu recognised the human who was now talking. She was the one that housed Gyuki. She had been in the cage for a long time. They had talked once. She had not set too much and had not allowed him to speak to Gyuki directly. That had been very annoying. Remembering that annoyance, Isobu felt inclined to ignore whatever she was saying right now. Not only was she not talking to him, which was increadibly rude considering he was right there, her words also couldn't do much. He could smash her. That would be interesting to see. But then again by smashing her, he might kill Gyuki and he was not one to kill his own brother.

Maybe he could just hurt this human really ba-

"ISOBU!"​

The beast reeled back, surprised by the sudden sound invading his mind. Reyna had done some yelling but that had been small, insignificant. This was something else. This was...

"Sit still before I will consider to pulverise you here! That vessel of yours is under this one's command. Best listen if you don't want to be beaten by me!"

Why was Gyuki yelling at him? Isobu honestly couldn't fathom it. Weren't they brothers?! Weren't they kindred spirits?! Hadn't they experienced the same things in life?! They were both locked up in a cage, hidden away from the world because the humans considered them dangerous. Why couldn't Gyuki understand that all Isobu wanted as to be outside sometimes. He hadn't been outside in ages, he didn't know the years anymore. He just knew that the last time his actual feet had touched the ground, the world had been far different. Far more bloody. Far easier.

"WHY are you yelling at me brother?!" Isobu cried out to Midori. He yelled it over the battlefield, his voice carrying far. "Are we not ALLIES?! Do we not wish the -"

He was cut off by another voice from within. Reyna. Calling his power stupid. The beast scoffed.

"You ASKED for help!" He yelled back at her, still also yelling to Midori before him. "And when I OFFER, you get mad. You make little sense. What do you want?" His yelling became less loud, more confused almost. "If you ask and then receive, you are unhappy. If you ask and then do not receive, you are dead. Which is the most favorable option here? I don't know. I don't care. What do I know about anything in this world after having been locked in this cage and in a jar and in other things, I don't even know. So many years, are they even years? Why is my brother mad at me?" The yelling became mumbling now as if Isobu was debating with himself, confused as he was by the sudden strange turn of events. The tail lowered as if contemplating too and Isobu stood still.

[/fieldbox]

[fieldbox="Midori Sato, yellowgreen"]
Team 13 Sp. Jounin | On the Beach​

Gyuki was helping.

Midori felt a wave of confidence wash over her. Yes, she was still incredibly mad at Gyuki for what he had done, but at least he had the balls to step up and help her out in this situation. He had been silent, very silent, but now his voice was ringing out. And it was loud. And Isobu yelled back.

She had known the beast was unstable, but didn't it know the difference between talking to Gyuki in his mind and talking to Gyuki in the open. Why was he still yelling like that to her for? She held her position against this onslaught of words that weren't meant for her, but for his brother. She never considered that the beasts might actually view each other as family. And for one brother to go against the other, it was no wonder Isobu was somewhat confused. He hadn't seem the most logical being she had ever met and this must have thrown him off. Which was perfect because it would give them some time to clear this mess up and to get Isobu back to where he belonged.

That sounded harsh, she realised, especially since she had been in that dreadful place for a very long time. But while she trusted Gyuki with her body - after all he had guarded it pretty well for those past months - she didn't trust Isobu with Reyna's one bit.

Isobu's talking faded to mumbling and Midori could see the coat shimmer. The blue lightning from Reyna's own Aura was trying to repair the damage Isobu was doing to her friends body, but it wasn't strong enough yet. She needed to act quick. Behind her, her teammembers were fighting, they were losing. She had to make a decision! Would she stay here and calm the beast or turn and fight the original enemy on the beach? She had to save-

Fire.

It appeared behind her in the form of a dragon and Midori couldn't help but turn around to find the origin of this sudden new danger. Was it an enemy attack? No, 'cause the fire was cutting her of from the remaining foe. A figure, standing not far away from her, was controlling the flames. His clothes tattered, his face covered in mud. Who was he? Where did he come from, and more importantly why did he save them?

"Gyuki, keep Isobu busy. You seem to be confusing him. It is keepig him occupied until Reyna can get the control back or he gives it back."

She moved back, not losing eye contact with Reyna because she didn't want to give the girl the impression that she was giving up on her, back to Kaya. Her hand found Kaya's. "You're okay." It was a statement, not a question. She needed Kaya to be okay right now. This beach needed to be empty. "I am getting this under control. The corpse," she said. "Get it, and get out of here. Away from the fire, away from Reyna. Check on Yumeji if you can. I'll be right behind you."

-

The Ink Clone, meanwhile, was very confused by the sudden appearing fire cutting her of from her allies and from potential other threads. Her enemy seemed just as surprised, but nevertheless launched an attack. She was a fighter with a sword and shield, something Midori didn't have much experience with, but she could make due.

Probably.

Knowing that it did not posses much chakra, the clone went for strict taijutsu combat, trying to taunt the woman into attacking her before ducking aside and sending punches and kicks to the woman's unprotected knees, sides, and back. They did not connect. The shield or sword would intercept her movements every time and she had to fall back, but the fire was in the way. Somehow her enemy was taking advantage of the attack that might just have saved her friends, but driving her towards the flames. Jump, dodge, kick, punch, dodge. It didn't get Midori anywhere. Until she was almost in the flames. The clone formed seals, using all its chakra as a last resort, and stomped its foot down. An invisible wave of words crashed against the woman before her, echoing a thousand times in her head. The clone made use of the situation by dashing forwards and swiping at the legs of the woman, who fell down with a smack. With a quick move the clone had its foot on the sword hand of the woman, twisting it so that she had to let go.

The sword went into the fire.

But as the clone threw the weapon away, the woman's shield smashed into her side, no doubt with the intent of driving this girl away from her. Instead the shield shattered the clone and dark black ink crashed down on the woman, who now swordless lay on the ground covered in drab.

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Yumeji Hojo,
Chuunin and Vanguard member, Team 13 of Kumogakure
Wolf country coast, fighting on the beach!​

Things were going suddenly really well. A quick look was all that Yumeji needed as she would turn towards the new stranger on the field. Gripping her weapon tighter Yumeji didn't throw a look back. Sure, she felt intimidated by the pressure and presence of bijuu chakra but she had to trust Midori on it. The questions that came with the sudden rise and appearance of the bijuu chakra from Reyna could come later. Perhaps when they weren't beset by unknown people and needing to bring back a corpse. The corpse.

Keeping her attention on the newcomer Yumeji would move quickly towards the mission's objective. Skidding to a halt she dropped immediately into a combat stance.

"Got the objective covered!" Was what the chuunin would shout. Not that she had heard what Midori told Kaya. The distance and all other factors made that near impossible. Hopefully, there weren't more enemies lingering around.
 
[fieldbox="Looming woods - Part 6, green"]

A collab between Lilly, Alice, Nim, Oetje and Roran Hawkins

Blackroot woods

The man known as 'Packmaster' is revealed to be Gunnvor Hon. His origin seems a bit off as the noble lineage he claims to be a descendant off, is the same lineage that rules over the Hon House of Dowhon. Confused, the team tries to act with caution while trying to win more information over the place where they find themselves in. Eventually, they learn that they will need to head towards Pinedale as a force of Uchiha and Zealots seem to have taken that direction. Thus, the team heads east as well.

He followed the servant through winding corridors towards the quarters in the keep designed to accomodate the injured. Despite Meilin, who walked besides him, being a medical ninja, the chakra-tracking ability of the terrible boggarts had denied them the opportunity to mend his arm and wrist. When they arrived at the medical ward the servant knocked the door a couple of times, and patiently awaited a response.

It didn't take long for an answer to come from the other side of the door. A woman with grey hair and deep, dark circles beneath her eyes opened the door. Staring at the two faces that weren't familiar, the servant that had accompanied as guided Kensuke and Meilin explained that they wished to have somebody check their wounds as well that one of them wasn't familiar with speaking or understanding Chonobi. The woman just listened, nodding to emphasise that she was paying attention. Thanking the servant and sending him away, the lady now speaking up.

"Alright, doves, take a place. As you can notice, my place isn't that occupied at the current moment," the lady stated as she would almost drive the two inside the medical ward. Compared to what one could experience and see in Konoha, the lady's ward wasn't that impressive. There were some beds stalled out and various shelves on which either books or pots with all kind of matters were stored in. "Just take a place on those two beds. Margrethe," the lady raised her voice as she would dish out instructions in Chonobi, telling this 'Margrethe' to ready some of the salves, before turning her attention to her two visitors.

"Now then, just let me check on those wounds. Might you both be so kind to inform me how you two got them and where?" The woman asked in a friendly, almost in the fashion of an old granny to her beloved grandchildren. "Have you both also eaten or drink anything?" She further inquired, clearly on the ready to request Magrethe to bring some if that wasn't the case.

Kensuke grinned at the old lady and showed her his splinted forearm. "I caught a Boggart's punch in the caves. But she's got some cuts and bruises, might check on her first."

Entering the room Meilin remained silent. Listening and paying good attention, she wouldn't take the word or initiate a conversation right away. The old lady instructed them to sit on the beds, which Meilin did. Settling down she would throw a look at Kensuke.

Paying attention to the way how the woman spoke Chonobi. It was clearly in a fashion how the Hon spoke it, only there were bits and parts of a Sarutobi accent in it. How interesting, Meilin thought to herself.

As Kensuke explained how he got his injuries and that she should be checked first Meilin didn't argue against it. "Got mine in a skirmish. Some cuts from bladed weapons. Nothing too bad, really."

The woman frowned upon hearing Kensuke's answer. She mumbled something in Chonobi about the recklessness of youth before checking on Meilin's wounds. "This should be easy to remedy," the old lady stated with a calm tone after inspecting the wounds of Meilin. A young lady with blonde hair reaching her shoulders entered the room, carrying a box. Placing the box on a nearby table the young lady would start to pull more pots with salves, some having bright or dark colours. The old lady continued over to Kensuke, starting to inspect his handiwork regarding his forearm. "This might require a bit more than just salves. Magrethe," the old lady dished some orders on that the girl should check and help Meilin.

Carefully removing the splints and handiwork of Kensuke, the old lady started to treat the forearm. Using not just one medical ninjutsu, but clearly a few, she started to patch and heal the wound. A few times a sharp pain would shoot through Kensuke's arm but the woman continued on as she told the Nimatsu to sit still and man up. "Most of the work is done. I will give you some salve. Smear it on the forearm before you going to sleep and after. Try not to sleep on the arm or better. Not being punched by a boggart," the old lady grumbled content after she checked her work. Magrethe would use some technique to clear and clean the wounds. Applying two salves the helper of the old lady would then apply a technique, closing the wounds slowly and carefully.

Kensuke smiled at the doctor throughout the entire process, and his face only betrayed the slightest acknowledgement of pain shooting through his arm when it did. A habit he'd grown when Sachiko nursed him back to health to try and get out of his room more often that'd caused him as many problems as it'd earned him walks through the hospital's small park. He nodded at the lady and flashed her a rueful grin when she grumbled about being punched by boggarts. Like a dart the thought struck home that Sachiko usually said something of the same. although usually on a different tone. A strange pang of doubt confsed him at the thought, but it was easily dismissed.

"I'll do my very best. Thank you." He said, moving his fingers one by one, enjoying the absence of pain with the experience of a scarred man. He accepted the salve and inspected it.

"What's this made of? Do you make it yourselves?" He asked, not even feigning interest. Medical ninjutsu fascinated him, but he was barely able to heal a scratch himself.

She didn't like the idea of Magrethe helping her. Already wary because she wasn't certain of certain matters Meilin glanced at the approaching Magrethe. The latter would check the bandaged wounds and compliment Meilin on it. Not replying Meilin cast a look at Kensuke and the old lady. Once the helper of the old lady had inspected Meilin's wounds she would apply the same coloured cream the old lady was applying at Kensuke's wounds. Feeling more uncomfortable Meilin wanted to just get over it. They wanted to ask questions and then get going, right? A frown appeared on her brow when Magrethe would further with a medical ninjutsu technique. A shot of pain caused Meilin to cringe but she would keep her lips tight on each other.

Much like Kensuke, Meilin was curious to what kind of cream was being applied. A technique had been used to clear and clean the wounds before the cream was being smeared on the wounds. Once the treatment seemed to be done Meilin took a quick look at her wounds. There wasn't much to spot the previous wounds from what she could tell. Both amazed as curious the Cho opted to remain silent as she heard Kensuke asking a question.

"Hmmm? Ah," The old lady turned towards Kensuke. "It is a bit hard to.. translate, but yes we make it ourselves. It is a salve that serves the purpose to provide some nutrients for the skin to recover faster. Might smell a bit when you apply it but nothing too bad. As what it is made off? Some nightflower and..." The old lady's voice trailed off as she noticed a look from the young woman, Magrethe, who frowned. "Don't worry too much over it. This should suffice for some time. Just make certain to not exert too much pressure or stress on the treated wounds and you will be fine." The old lady would turn to one of the shelves, starting to search for something. "Was certain I had it somewhere here. Ah, yes," grabbing a small jar filled with a brown paste, she would put the jar on the table. After finding a small empty pot the old lady would put some of the brown paste into the empty pot. Only to then give it to Kensuke with some instructions. "Now, before you will think about complaining about the smell, this paste will come in handy when you are in the woods. Smells horrible but it will be good to clean wounds and prevent infections. Just mind that it will sting a lot more than alcohol as well that you don't want to have it inside your mouth or eyes. Unless you want to experience what it is like to have either of those on fire. Now, think that was about it."

Kensuke nodded at her explanation, although he didn't know the herbs she was talking about. After all, he'd never gotten past the stage in medical ninjutsu where he learned to harness his chakra to bind rather than to sever, and in his ready-to-hand medical knowledge did not extend that far. But he listened, captivated by her story.

"I see! Sounds like something I've used in the past. Do you have to make everything yourselves here then, or do you get shipments from outside the woods?" He asked. "I don't know which is more dangerous with the boggarts and bears, nevermind those Uchiha I've heard about." He then asked.

"Most materials and products we have are produced and harvested by ourselves," the old lady answered at frist. She seemed slightly wary as Kensuke asked more than she had clearly expected. Instructing Magrethe to continue her tasks, the old lady continued to speak to Kensuke. "Some products are brought and traded from outside sources," the old lady said as she folded her arms out front of her chest, "As for dangers, I have known no better. It is something we are used to as much as that the sky is blue and the winters cold."

"My my, the folks in the city could learn a thing or two from that." He said with a smile, before getting up and testing his forearm again by executing a few wrist cuts with an imaginary blade. Everything seemed to work fine, safe for the usual lingering aches that medical ninjutsu always left. He bowed to the doctor and the nurse and began leaving. "Thank you for your time, ladies."


As she followed the servant, with Sen walking close behind her, Karma kept thinking about several things. The mission started out as a standard information delivery mission, but from the moment they arrived at the forest, it turned in several directions. First, following Meilin, they begun aiding the Blackroots. Now they encountered a Hon group in a forest that was supposed to be a place for only the Blackroots. But then again, she supposed no one outside of the forest really knew. Before she could delve any deeper into her thoughts, she heard a cough and looked at the servant, who stood by a door and then procceeded to knock twice on it. Karma motioned to Sen to come stand beside her.

The kitchens were a busy place. It had various odors mixing together, creating an almost overwhelming sensation for those who weren't used to the buzzling culinary place. The servant told Karma and Sen to wait as he would vanish into the busy place for a moment. Only to return with a rather plumpy man. Introducing the man with the name of Magnus, the servant would consider this the point of his leave as Magnus stroke his beard for a moment before speaking up. "I didn't expect any guests to arrive in my kitchens. From what I understood, you two had some questions?" The man asked, sounding both slightly wary as even confused about what he should think of his 'visitors'.

Karma thanked the servant as he left, and turned to look at Magnus. When the man spoke, she couldn't help but feel somewhat relieved that he spoke in common tongue and not Chonobi "I suppose it is unexpected. My name is Karma Minami, and this is Sen Cho. We did have a few questions, but first, if I could compliment the food that was served to us. That was quite a delicacy." She said with a smile "And that actually brings me to my first question. My team and I were wondering if we could, if it wouldn't be any trouble of course, get some fresh rations to take with us for when we next depart?" She asked politely.

The compliment was received quite well as Magnus flashed a warm smile upon hearing that it had been enjoyed. The request of Karma wasn't answered instantly as the man pondered on something. "I suppose we can spare some with you. I will have to request how much I am allowed to give. So I can't make any promise for now." Was the response on Karma's question. "Anything else?"

"The fact you are willing to spare some is already appreciated, so thank you, regardless of how much you will be able to spare." She said with a smile "And I did have a couple more questions. The first was, seeing how this is a forest and not many crops will grow properly in the dense shade provided by the trees, where do you get the ingredients to make the food in the impeccible quality you make it? Surely it isn't easy recieving deliveries to here." She asked.

Nodding, the man listened to the following question. A faint smile dawned on the lips of Magnus as he just realised how foreign this region probably was for the visitors. "Not many crops grow indeed very well within the dark or dim light of the woods. It is why when we settled down cleared the surrounding area mostly of the trees. With the security, we are able to produce most of our food ourselves. Not that we can grow much with the cold of the winter. That what we further need is gained with the trade with the House of Rachon and Pinedale. Not an awful lot, though, but enough to not grow hungry or lacking in much."

Hearing Magnus's answer, Karma nodded. Made a lot of sense to do so, and she noted the names Rachon and Pinedale to check with Meilin later on, as she seemed to be the more knowledgeable between the two Cho members in her team "Thats good to hear. Always good to have more than one way to ensure everyone is well fed." She said "Now this might be a bit more of my own, personal paranoia, but I assume all food deliveries from those two houses are constantly secured? Wouldn't want to think that a delivery would go missing due to a boggart attack or anything else." She said, sounding concerned at the thought of people possibly losing their lives delivering one of the more vital items required for everyday survival, and thus causing the loss of lives of those who attempted to deliver and possibly harm those who live here.

The man frowned as Karma asked if the deliveries and thus the trade was constantly secured. "It is secured as the lords and merchants can make it. Of course," he continued, "It has occurred and most likely will continue to occur that a trade convoy that heads towards or comes from one of these two places into the Blackroot Vale will experience trouble with its... hostile occupants. Boggarts can be a problem indeed such as other creatures that dwell in these woods. It is why we are cautious and stock food and resources to prevent that we will be too dependent on sources outside of our own community." This time the man decided to ask a question back. "And where do you two come from? We don't receive many visitors that don't speak Chonobi or aren't from one of the three clans."

Listening carefully to what the man said, Karma made sure to note the fact the security of the trades are not secured by the clans, but by the traders and lords. When Magnus asked a question, Karma was slightly caught off guard "Thats a good question. I'm not from any clan at all. I don't know about my two teammates, but I know they are both Cho, just not what house they are from. My last teammate is from the Nimatsu clan." She said and then her sight moved down to the ground, starting to feel bad she never made any more effort to learn about the clans "I guess you can say that even though I grew up in Konohagakure, a village filled with such a large variety of clans, I am quite ignorant about the different clans." She added.

Magnus made no comment regarding the last bit of what Karma said. He briefly shot a look towards Sen, who had remained quiet. As the Cho flashed a smile, Magnus seemed to ponder on something as he thought about what Karma had told him. "Alright then, well, unless you have any more questions I am needed to get back to work. I will request what I can give as rations. Hopefully, I will be able to provide an answer before supper."

Raising her sight back to Magnus, Karma nodded "Thank you again for checking about the rations. And an even bigger thanks for answering my questions. I hope the rest of your day will be as nice as possible!" She said, giving him a smile.


Having acquired a sword after his arm was patched up Kensuke found himself rather dejected at the foreign object in his hands. It was a fine sword, really. Proper balance, hard edge, soft back and core, gorgeous pattern in the hardening, a hilt worked in dark wood with ornate carvings. In fact, it was quite a miracle they even had a sword of the style he was accustomed to. He suspected it'd been a gift or loot at some point, but that didn't really matter now. He'd wrapped his old one in an oiled cloth and stored it in his backpack, the new thing now strapped to his side. It felt weird, but good. A sword was a sword after all.

Like discussed before Team 7 had reconvened in their room after their preparations and inspections, but all they could really share with each other was that the people here were wary of sharing any kind of real information with strangers. Whether that was mistrust or suspicion was not as important as the fact that they'd learned nothing of the supposed Uchiha roaming the area. Yet Kensuke had made his decision. Either they were rogue nin, which meant this mission suddenly became a lot more dangerous than it already was, or it was a confusion or misdirection by the zealots, who'd proven to be quite capable of such diversions.

"Looks like we'll just have to gather more intel on the go. Any more questions?" Kensuke asked Team 7.

Sen inclined her head as she wriggled inside her uniform. Youthful impatience and nerves were made her feel giddy inside, but nothing that even rivalled the feeling the boggarts'd given her.

Meilin remained silent. She hadn't asked for anything. Only to have her weapons sharpened. There was some thought of asking for some items and gear but she didn't want to ask anything of these people. They were living in the infamous Blackroot Vale. They probably could use anything she wanted much better. Needed it more than her. Thus Meilin had remained silent. Just being with Kensuke as he had gone to get a sword, just making sure that there wouldn't be any unnecessary clashes between him and the locals. Besides she spends close attention to how they spoke Chonobi. But it was a constant shift and mixture of Sarutobi and Hon making the teen wonder about something. Pushing the thought of her mind she would

"The only questions I have right now are those who none here can answer," the teen stated calmly as she shot Kensuke a look, "I do wonder what might happen if news spread that a force of Uchiha is bothering this region. Regardless if they are or aren't really Uchiha. I also wonder if we made it in time to see Authun and his men getting the help he wanted us to get. That and," Meilin attempted to sound a bit more cheerful, "What we will eat this evening."


Once the group was ready they were invited to dine with the local lord. Gunnvor Hon seemed to be in a good mood, even better than when he had learned more of his guests. The hall in which they dined wasn't empty as much more men, women and even children were present. Seated at a smaller table with the man, he would introduce his own wife and his children. While perhaps the team wasn't completely certain on what Gunnvor's game or aim was, the atmosphere in the large hall was pleasant. There was some music being played and a few people even started to sing in a joyful fashion. Making it only hard to relax a bit. While eating Gunnvor would report to them in a casual manner that once more a band of Uchiha had taken a few lives. This time they had attacked a local farm, not too far away. The men had been murdered right away. The women had suffered a worse fate and there was no trace of the children. He spoke of it in an almost casual manner, as if it was either something he had expected or didn't care for. A good observant would, however, pick up that the man was clearly going through a mixture of emotions. Disclosing that he had also sent men to the catacombs to see how Authun was doing, Gunnvor would let a pause follow his words.

Flashing a large grin to the team, he made it clear that he was relieved he wouldn't have to kill them in his own hall as their story had proven to be true. While there had been various skirmishes and fights, the rider had arrived just five minutes ago. Authun and his men had managed to join forces with the other Blackroots. Apparently, the fights in the Catacombs weren't going well for the Zealots. Unknown for its many dangers and passages it didn't take long before Authun and his kin was making them flee en mass out of the dark halls of the Catacombs. Only now came the problem.

While the zealots were on the run, they weren't yet beaten and still would remain a threat with their large numbers. He also stated that he was certain that the large force that was harassing his people weren't Uchiha. It would just be too much out of place and convenient for an outside enemy to set Chonobi and Uchiha in an armed conflict by pretending to be one. Briefly, Gunnvor broke up from the serious talk, as his youngest son came and joined them for a moment. The child was curious as well intimidated by the people who were labelled as 'outsiders'. After a few minutes, Gunnvor would manage to get his son to join his siblings and mother at another table. Continuing that he had already arranged that a group of Hons from House Rachon would come to their aid, the last tracks and signs of the 'Uchiha' force was heading away. To the east, towards Pinedale. Explaining that while this meant that they could leave a bit easier this was where they would have to decide to continue on to fight or be shown the way out of the Vale. Stating that they would attempt to contact the people in Pinedale to warn them of the imminent threat of the 'Uchiha' and zealots joining force in their region was of paramount importance, yet it was important that a force would be assembled before this threat could devastate a good portion. If that would happen, Gunnvor made it clear that it wouldn't matter what he or somebody else would think. The damage that could come from that would most likely see that the Sarutobi would desire retribution.

Continue on talking with the team and their decision, Gunnvor stated that they could best travel towards Pinedale as fast as possible. While it wasn't really safe to travel by night, it wouldn't be much safer during broad day light either. And time seemed to be a luxury none of them could afford anymore. Furthering that he would arrange a group of riders to accompany and guide them to Pinedale, Gunnvor would add that they should eat well for a real fight would take place soon.
[/fieldbox]
 
Nishi Hirashima,
ANBU member,
Kirigakure, at the eastern part of the city.​

Previous Post.


It was perhaps a simple objective. Find the corpses that had been reported some time ago. The corpses that a genin of Team 14 had sighted in a warehouse. The corpses that the Demon Sharks had failed to find. While you could argue that it seemed like a weird puzzle, and literally a needle in a haybale, Nishi had experienced that this had to be the most frustrating mission she had ever had. Used to work undercover, assassination, both intel gathering and countering, this mission was something else. Countless of times she had wondered where one would attempt to hide corpses in the city. The various time she had checked the most likely of places such as the undertakers working in the city. Or even checking on the present temples and shrines of various beliefs and religions. None of it had led to anything. And if there was one thing that Nishi dreaded, it was coming empty handed back. Sometimes it couldn't be avoided but those who had served and worked for some time in the ANBU of the Republic knew what kind of punishments one could suffer for not having any result or information that could benefit a future assignment. From mild punishments such as lower wages to the more harsher ones. Punishments that shot a cold shiver down Nishi's spine. But so far she hadn't been able to get any progress on the mission. Other than that the warehouses were 'clean' of corpses.

Leaning against a wall she was still in the harbour. Watching and waiting. As per usual, it was buzzing with activity as people were busy with loading or unloading the vessels that were anchored in the harbour. It occurred to Nishi that it seemed so simple to get away. Paying a captain and then just boarding a ship. Shame that there weren't many places that Nishi could hide from her peers. Chewing on her lower lip she watched a few ships. There were a few traders that came all the way from the more southern island nations. Bringing in luxury and exotic products that weren't made or found within the Republic. Then an idea popped up in Nishi's mind.

Pushing her back from the wall she had been leaning against, Nishi started to walk. It was rather easy to blend into the crowd and move towards one of the ships that came from the southern isles. Closing in the distance she could spot the various armed guards. Not that it was something that piqued Nishi's interest. The sea route towards Kirigakure was perhaps not that safe. She had somewhat limited knowledge on the naval trade between the Republic and other countries, so she decided to push that thought into the back of her head. What was more important, she had to get onboard without anybody being alarmed...
 
[fieldbox="A New Jinchuriki is Born!, Royalblue, solid, 10, Tahoma"]

A collab between Lesli and Jason

Summary: Taishiro is relaxing in the orphanage where is staying when a sudden knock disrupts the calm.

It had been bad weather all day. Dark grey clouds portrayed an ominous scene. Deep, growling roaring thunder heralding the coming storm. Many owners of stands and those working outside in the harbour or construction sites decided to quit earlier today. As if the tension with the rumours and past actions of the Suzu insurgents weren't enough, there was a bitter cold wind coming from the east. Sweeping past the habour and over the city walls. Making the streets grow quiet and more desolated than any greybeard was used to. Even heralds at the street corners, that were paid to suffer and work in grim weather weren't speaking with their loud voices. Somehow an ominous silent had taken hold of the Republican capital. Tightening its silent and cold grip as the dark sky would even lose more light, making way for the night. It didn't take long for rain to come down pouring from the heavens. A pour that would even make a local from Amegakure question if those who ruled over this world weren't angry for some act commited within the walls of Kirigakure.


In the orphanage preparations had been made. While the cold reigned surpreme outside, it was kept out as the fire inside was burning bright. Thus also preventing the darkness of the clouded night to haunt the halls of the building. Most of the kids and teens that lived in the orphanage had just enjoyed their supper. While it was usual that most went to their rooms or played till late outside, most were now in the living room. Even while the majority was present, there was still some sort of tranquility. A certain silence that couldn't be driven away by any laughter of joy. No joke that could make everybody forget what was happening outside as the rhytmic sound of the heavy pour of rain continued on to besiege the city. Suddenly, loud knocking at the door resonated, alarming most of those who were in the living room.


Sitting among those in the living, Taishiro had left his father upstairs to rest. He figured he might as well get to know some of the others living around here, given how long he could possibly end up living in the building. It was a peaceful moment, despite the rain pouring outside. Then suddenly a loud knocking from the door resonated through, destroying the silence. As most were alarmed, Taishiro was on his feet in an instance. "I'll get it." The boy said to the others, as he had been closest to the door. Making his way over to the door, he briefly wondered who was out and about in this weather. Once he reached the door, Taishiro opened it slowly, looking out to see who happened to be standing there. "Hi, is there something you need?" He asked quickly, keeping his tone kind to avoid sounding rude.


"I do hope so.~"


Before the stranger's smile could be spotted a bag would flash over Taishiro's head, turning the world black as a sharp pain would flow through his head, spreading through his body before a sweet and smoothing silence and sensation would knock him out.




"He is waking up. Good evening," a woman said with a growing smile. The only other thing that Taishiro could spot was a dark grey ceiling and some faint light, spread by various candles in the large but empty room. "Was wondering if the 'tap' wasn't perhaps a bit too much. Good thing that you got a sturdy head, huh? Anyways, you're Taishiro, no? Not that it actually really matters. My name, for one, doesn't matter." The woman proclaimed, almost in a most cheerful way. "Now, just try to settle in and don't panic. If you panic, then it won't get any easier." The woman instructed, straightening her back as she nodded. Various ANBU would carry a large jar into the room as various others were inscribing something on the floor.


His head seemed to be swimming as the boy became conscious once more. He didn't catch the first thing that the woman said, as it was just senseless mumbling to his muddled mind. Then she mentioned the tap, and called him by name. What was that all about? He wasn't special, why had they taken him? "What are you doing? Why am I here? How did you know my name? Let me go!" The boy said, starting to panic just as he had been instructed not to. He'd barely gotten out of the academy, and was now being kidnapped. As a large jar was carried into the room, the boy's eyes suddenly went wide as he fell silent and stared. "What the hell is that!" He demanded, deciding that of all the occurrences today, a big jar being carried in definitely ranked high on the strange scale.


"Told you," the woman sighed as she shook her head, "To remain calm. Panicking won't do you much good. Then again, feel free to scream and tire yourself out. We're here to do the work of the Lord. That is all." Was the cryptic answer of the woman. She would start to walk away from the stone slab on which Taishiro was binded. The masked ANBU would continue with preparing something. Soft mumbling occured between the masked people as several would take up a position at the corner stones of the room. Slowly and softly a few started to mutter some prayer. Praying about shedding Miku's light upon the present child, hoping that he would prevent the disaster from occuring once more. The muttering would increase in volume as a few of the masked ANBU would start to slowly take off the jar's lid. A weird sensation crept into the room as the black lines on the floor started to lighten up.


When she spoke of doing the lord's work, Taishiro grew only more confused. He was certain that he had heard nothing of kidnapping young teens for the lord. Suddenly he heard a prayer, and the boy began to try to resist once more. However that stopped soon enough, as the lid came off the jar and the black lines along the floor began to lighten. What the hell was happening? The boy became frozen, entranced by the lines on the floor and the sensation that had crept into the room. Meanwhile his own prayer had started leaving his lips, asking his God to save him from these people.


A soft whisper would resonate through the room before the light would blind those in the room. Only following up with a bloodcurling shouting that would first just hurt the hearing of Taishiro. Only to spread and increase over his entire body. But the center of the agony would take form at his stomach. As if something diabolic was trying to find its way towards Taishiro's soul itself, clawing and gripping through flesh and bones to just find what it wanted. It didn't last long before the pain would slam Taishiro out cold. As the soothing darkness would return a soft whisper would resonate through Taishiro's mind. A soft but yet seducing whisper that said something that didn't seem coherent.




"Hey, wake up. Taishiro?" The mix of concerned voices would move through the air as soon after a cold sensation would move over the boy's face. Only to have something dry being rubbed against the boy's face. "Seems he is starting to wake up. Hey, you fell pretty hard on your face didn't you?" The man said, who had duty this evening to watch over the orphanage. "Don't try to get up too soon."


As the screaming blinded his hearing, Taishiro genuinely began to wonder if he was to die here. Not long after, his theory seemed to be confirmed as a searing pain tore through his body. His stomach became the center of all this pain, and he screamed. Though his voice seemed to be lost among the shouting that was playing hell with his own hearing. Then, as if hit by a wall, the boy fell unconcious. The faint whisper in his mind went without heed, as he couldn't understand it anyways.


His eyes shot open when heard the voices, immediately trying to force himself away from the others. "T-they did something! There was a jar, glowing lines, and pain! S-stay away!" He shouted at them, his hand covering his stomach where the pain had been, as frantic eyes searched the faces of those around him. He still remembered the pain, feeling as if ghosts of it ran through his body.


Frowning the caretaker just stared at Taishiro. A few of the older kids were around, all remaining quiet. One of them then asked if this was what a nightmare was but the caretaker would usher them to go to the living room. Remaining alone with Taishiro, the man clearly wavered on what to do. "I think that you had a rough fall. Take it easy. If you do still want to, we could let some doctor come over tomorrow." The man stated as he would nod towards the boy, clearly deciding that it was the best course of action for now.


"I didn't fall! People were at the door, and they kidnapped me!" He protested, even as he was starting to wonder if he had indeed fallen, and all that was just a bad dream. "Y-yeah. Let's have a doctor come over tomorrow then. I'm gonna go... check on father, alright?" He said, even more confused than he was only a few minutes ago. Had something happened, or had it all been a really bad nightmare from a fall? Why had it happened, if it was even true? The boy tried to think of these as he made an attempt to rise and go check on his father upstairs.


The man clearly wavered more, not really buying it. "There was nobody at the door, Taishiro." The man said in a careful manner as if he was worried that the answer would make th eboy panic. "I will write a report in a moment so that they know what happened. Hopefully, a doctor can look up if you didn't fall too badly." He briefly looked at the open door. "I need to get down before they will make a mess. Rest out. Luckily, nothing bad had happened. Just, stay calm okay?" The caretaker once more said, though it sounded like a question.


Nodding, Taishiro decided that for now it might be easier to go along with all this. He wasn't sure what was true, but if they called a doctor then surely he'd be able to tell if something else was the case. The genin slowly got up and made his way towards his father's room, but detoured slightly into a bathroom. Once inside, he lifted his shirt and started at the stomach, where he was sure that the pain had been centered. Yet, there seemed to be absolutely nothing wrong. When he ran his hand along the skin, it was not tender to the touch. His face only further betrayed his confusion, and the boy eventually went on his way to check on his father. The man was once again sleeping, as he usually was these days. Taking a seat nearby his father's bed, Taishiro looked over the man with a bit if concern.


"Did you ever go through something like this, dad?"​
[/hr][/fieldbox]
 
[fieldbox=The meeting of Wolves, teal]
Zakito Hon
Jounin Commander | Major General of the First Division | Akinian Empire, Konohagakure - Hon compound.

Part I.
Part II.

[spoili]
Silence returned to the room. It plagued the room and those in it for some time. Kei just watched from the chair next to her father, Zakito. She knew her father, obviously. Knew when he was mad. Knew when he was concerned or displeased with some matter. Her green eyes turned her gaze to the other people in the room. The man who had spoken last, putting the piece of cloth on the table, was the one who had left the silence. The man who had caused her father to be discontent. Though she wasn't sure why or what. Was it the cloth? Kei folded her hands together and threw a sideways look at her father.

"If it were the Uchiha, then this is indeed a grim situation. Even while I understand how this can sound and seem wrong to you, lord Rachon, allow me some time to figure out if the Uchiha are truly behind this. We will just cause the downfall of our clan, our people if we would act hastily. But," the last word was spoken with a harsher tone and quicker pace as Kei noticed that the lord of House Rachon was about to speak up, "You have the right to defend your home. To oblige to your duty. Any outside force that attempts to harm anybody in the region can be put to death if they are caught harming our people. From today I will spread the word that nobody that isn't affiliated or allowed by the state to bear arms will be arrested and expelled from the Hon clan lands. Those who fail to submit to this rule will be taken down."

The youngest lord stared at Zakito. Kei didn't like it as she didn't know him. She didn't know what was going on but knew that the word 'harming' was bad. Who was harming who? Approving grunts and mutters were heard from the other people present.

"Very well. I suppose it is also then fair that we will increase the number of patrols and such in our holdings? While I haven't gotten any report of marauding Uchiha or other scumbags in my holding, I rather be prepared before being surprised," said the man of before. The lord of Ecla, if Kei remembered correctly. She had once heard a story about Ecla from her father. Her ancestor, Atsushi Hon, once had travelled to Ecla to see a friend of his. Somebody who would help him defeat a large monster. Perhaps this man could help her father defeat whoever was doing 'harming'? Kei looked back at the cloth.

"Yes. But don't try to rustle up the neighbouring clans. I doubt that the Sarutobi of Pinedale or from Blackroot will really grow uneasy. But I rather prevent that the Hanta or any other clan will become wary because we are intending to prevent any more damage done to our people. Give me some time to investigate into this matter and once I know more, I will share what I know with each of you." Zakito told them, leaning with his elbows on the table. The silence briefly returned as each of the present Hon House rulers nodded.

The meeting continued on. They would speak of other matters, such as various improvements in their holdings, infrastructure and organisation. There was also some time to talk about Jorun Hon's first child as the news had spread that his wife had become pregnant. A bit of a casual talk interrupting the serious meeting. Eventually, it would be over and most of the house leaders would take their leave. Only the lord of Ecla remained, his eyes set on the piece of cloth with the crest of the Uchiha clan.

"You don't think it is the Uchiha clan, do you?" He would ask, his eyes still locked on the piece of cloth. Zakito remained silent as he would gesture Kei to go. Quite reluctant, the girl went off her chair and was about to take her leave. Throwing a look over her shoulder she noticed that Zakito looked unhappy, staring at the piece of cloth as well.

"I am not certain. I have quite some doubts. I don't think that Shozo like me nor the clan in particular. But to imagine he would send a force to attack both Hon and Sarutobi... I don't think he would do that." Zakito paused as he turned his gaze towards Ihor Hon. "It might be a wild guess but it could be a diversion from the zealots. They were attempting to smuggle wares and prisoners through the Blackroot Vale towards the east and south. Most of the Zealots were captured entering or leaving the region, and I think they weren't properly aware of the dangers stalking the area. Or they perhaps didn't believe some of those dreadful stories that people say about the Blackroot Vale." Shrugging lightly Zakito raised his right hand to rub his forehead. "I don't know..."

That was it! Growing angry, the girl turned around. Instead of going out of the room, where Fugiki Hon - the caretaker of her and Akimoto - was waiting, Kei would walk as fast as she could to the table. Determined and truly pissed off, the girl reached out and grabbed the piece of cloth with the Uchiha crest from the table. Throwing it down the girl glared down on the object she held responsible for making her father unhappy.

"Heh," Ihor chuckled softly as he witnessed the action of the small girl. "Already as fierce as a dire wolf." Zakito just stared at Kei for a moment, only to smile faintly. Picking the girl up, he would plant a kiss on her forehead. "She can be. But it is time to head home, little princess."

Kei just nodded as she would wrap her arms around Zakito's neck. Hopefully, they could go home and drink some warm choco. That was sure to drive away the unhappiness. If her mother was only home, then they could eat some of her baked sweets...


Arriving home Zakito spend some time with his kids. Yet, he couldn't get rid of the questions and ponderings that kept bothering him. After he had put both Akimoto and Kei to sleep, telling them one of their most favorite stories, he would go to his study room. It was tempting to just head out and try to talk to Shozo. Trying to figure out what was going on. Who could be behind the attacks and spreading of dissent and chaos. But such a rash action wouldn't be likely well received, no matter how it would be phrased. It would only lead to more misery and anger. Something he wanted to avoid.

Going through some of his papers Zakito tried to find some kind of answer. He knew that he wouldn't find any answer just by going through reports, letters and his papers. He had to think and figure something out. But he found it easier to conjure a plan while going through his papers.

Then something dawned upon Zakito. Pulling out a letter that had the symbol of the Jinryu dynasty. The last Fire daimyo dynasty. The one who had been put to death after Meisa's plans were moving into action. The dynasty that had attempted to form some sort of plot, to likely regain some of their old power. Perhaps...

[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
 
[fieldbox=Let's head out, maroon]
Hiron Hon
Jounin of Team 9 | Major General of the Third Division | Empire of Akino, Konohagakure - Jounin Commander's Office.


Sitting behind his desk, Zakito read some reports. One of them was an encoded message from a Zero team operating in the Earth country. Though it was enjoying a period of peace and growing prosperity, the Earth country was having some trouble at the border with the Waterfall. The smaller country, that of the Waterfall, was proclaiming that some farmers of the Earth country were herding their cattle over the border. Something that they didn't particular fancy but nothing too grim that would provoke a conflict between the two. While it could seem as something trivial for him or the Empire of Akino, Zakito knew better. The moment that the Earth country would start to mobilise troops could have an impact on their borders as well. It was always surprisingly easy to make some weird connection to one realm and another, even if there was none in existence, allowing some justification to attack both realms.

Sighing softly he realised that it was perhaps a bit paranoia to think in such a fashion but expecting the worst had the habit of keeping him both sharp and alive. With most occasions, at least. Folding the report and sliding it back into the envelope Zakito would put it away in a hidden drawer. Just in time as somebody knocked on his door. "Come in," he said, folding his hands together on the desk.
It had been some time since he had visited the office, Hiron stepped in with confidence once one of the guards opened the doors for him. Garbed in his jounin gear, the Hon would wait for the doors to close as he would incline his head towards Zakito. "You summoned me?" He asked, a certain eagerness present in his voice. Knowing all too well that he wouldn't be just sent to operate on a B-ranked mission, Hiron remained a bit hopeful that Zakito wouldn't hold the previous mission and wounds he had acquired against him.
"Ah yes, I had," Zakito would take a moment to pick a closed and small scroll. Holding it up, he waited for Hiron to accept it. Which the later did. "I need you to travel light and fast, as soon as you are able. I fear it isn't a particular exciting mission but doubt that there is anybody who can perform better than you can on this." The commander said, watching how Hiron read the content of the scroll silently. A brief expression of surprise dawned on Hiron's features but it would only last for a moment as the jounin would close the scroll and nod.

"Not my first time to apprehend people who have been naughty, I guess," Hiron said as a grin spread over his lips, "Do you want me to do this with or without my team?"

"I am certain that you're in a better position to make that call. The others that are waiting for your signal, will be in position by the time of tomorrow. Waiting for you." Zakito answered. Hiron nodded as he turned around and started to walk back to the door. Only to come to a halt. Turning half around he threw a stern look at Zakito.

"Thanks."
Turning around, Hiron would open the door and close it behind as he would take his leave.
Travel would be done by riding horses. Arranging a couple of horses, two for each member of the team, wasn't a big task. Then again, not really easy either. While he had his influence and position as Third Major General as a member of the War Council, it remained a hassle to make certain arrangments go without questions or people wavering. Enjoying the prospect of going out on a mission, Hiron felt his mood sinking in a bit by the small trouble he had taken already. Now it was waiting for his team.
Except for Masami. The Hyuuga chuunin was off towards the east. How much time had passed since then? Hiron wasn't sure as he thought about it. Couldn't be too long, he hoped as he was inspecting the animals. Not able to call himself an expert or lover of horseback riding, he was capable of doing so. Besides, the ride to their destination would take not that much long. A week or so, he expected. Now it was just waiting for his team to arrive at the stables. Hopefully, they wouldn't be too nervous of what kind of mission they would conduct this time...
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[fieldbox="Lost in Her Home Town, red, solid"]
A collaberation between @conman2163 and @Fieryfly

Kona was lost.


Her initial intention upon setting out from her wrecked home had been to travel to the office for shinobi records, get her step parents records, and then return home so that she could read up on them. Possibly stop by the market to get food on the way back. Of course, it wasn't until she was a bit deeper in the village that she realized how very little she traveled through it. Usually her only trips out were to the market or the training fields, particularly since she had become a genin after graduating from the academy. As Kona stood off to the side of the main flow of foot traffic, she had come to the realization that the place she was in was very foreign to her, which she actually found pretty funny, considering that she had lived here her entire life.


The place was not foreign to Sho, who had living in this section of Amegakure for all his life and was currently coming back from a disappointing day of trying to find a job but failing. Sure, he had gotten money from Kuni and that had been quite a lot, but there was rent to be paid and food to be bought and so that money would run out at some point. Especially since he had to take care of himself and his mother. Though somehow the woman had found herself a job again and was actually bringing in some money too for a change. It also meant she was out of the house more, which suited Sho just fine.


He was holding a white plastic bag as he turned a corner. Groceries for tonight. He wasn't sure if his mom would remember buying stuff like that so he had just done it preemptively. Better safe than sorry. As he turned the corner he spotted a semi-familiar face. What was her name again? K… Something with a K. His teammate who he had seen like three times or something. She was right in front of him looking around. "What are you doing here?" he scoffed as he gave a her a look over.


Kona turned at the sound of the familiar voice, it jogged a memory of something, someone, she just couldn't quite remember what it was, and he thought process was largely taken up by the question of who it was as she turned to face them. Who she saw was Sho, and with the name came a few memories, most of them reminding her that he was an asshole. She frowned for a moment as she tried to remember his question, before stumbling upon it again in her brain. Why she was here? Well she was looking for the office responsible for keeping shinobi records to get her step parents files, she wasn't supposed to be here, she was just lost. She pondered whether she really wanted to tell Sho this for a moment, then replied. "I'm supposed to be getting to the office for shinobi record keeping, I got lost on the way there though."


Sho raised his eyebrows. "You sense of direction must really suck then," he deadpanned. "You are not even close to those offices right now. How did you even manage that?" It was seriously baffling in a way. Sho knew he wasn't the best with directions, but he knew this. Though, why anyone would go to the office of shinobi record keeping was beyond him. That sounded incredibly boring. "What do you need to do there?" he said, not really interesting in the matter, but finding it a good distraction for his boredom.

Kona felt her face turning red from embarrassment from the insult, and the news that she had managed to end up not even close to the offices. The way the news was delivered had done nothing to help her impression of Sho either. She was momentarily distracted once again by another question, this one about why she'd need to go to the office of Shinobi record keeping. Kona didn't exactly want to tell him just why she was going where she was, but at the same time, she didn't want to draw things out by not telling him, and then not being able to get directions. "Look, I don't travel much outside of my normal route to the market and the training fields ok? Not like I carry a map of the village around. I have to get to the office so I can get my step parents records." The words came out in an exasperated tone, as Kona was already frustrated enough over being lost.


Sho shot her a questionable look. Didn't she live in this city? How could you not know the way in your own home town. Sho was pretty sure he had been all over the city. Mostly because he had been annoyed, bored, or for jobs be it shinobi work or another part time thing. He wouldn't say he knew every street, but he was pretty good at guessing where he was all the time. His sense of direction wasn't bad either. He hoisted the grocery bags up as Kona, that was her name, explained why she wanted to go to the offices. "You should go out more," he said as she finished. "What you need the records of your step parents for? 'fraid, they are hiding something from you?"


Kona's look hardened at the mention of her step parents, a low blow, even if he didn't know it was. Her tone was low as she replied to the question. "My step parents are dead. I'm going to collect their records so I can learn more about them." The words left a bitter taste in Kona's mouth, they were the only real parents Kona had ever known, she'd never even heard the names of her actual parents, well aside from the last name. Omari.


Well, that was not entirely what he had expected to hear. Then again, while his own parents weren't dead, it sometimes felt like they were. His dad was in prison, his mom barely cared. "That sucks," was the sort of nicest thing he could say about it. He was not about to shit on dead people. They usually didn't deserve that, unless they did, then it was okay. "Still, what are some stupid records going to tell you? You already know their names."


She shook her head at his ignorance. "A lot of things I wasn't old enough to understand was important when they died. Who they were mostly, at least outside of my home. I know they were shinobi, that's about it. Maybe the records will have some hint to family heritage too….." She shrugged. "In any case, it doesn't really matter if I can't find my way there does it?"


Sho wondered if those records could actually provide the information needed. He doubted it. Besides why would they just give records of shinobi to people. But then again, what did he know? Not much really. He also didn't really care about Kona's parents, be it real or fake. They were dead anyway, what good would digging up information do? The only thing that could possibly happen was that you dug up some dirt that you didn't know about and that you didn't want to know about. But if that was what she wanted that fine.


Sho lifted his arm and waved to the left. "That way," he said vaguely. "To the records office." He was done with this boring conversation.

Kona shrugged and turned that way, turning back only for a moment. "Thanks." curtly spoken was all the thanks she gave before walking on, moving towards the records office and leaving him behind.
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[fieldbox=Step by step, #993366]
Rini Yoto
Genin of Amegakure Team Etsu | Amegakure, near the Training Facility.

The rhythm of the rain falling the sky on the roof didn't stop. It was a beat that held no pause. It would just go on as she sat under the cover of a small balcony, eyes closed and listening. For the past week, she had done nothing else but training. While Rini wasn't certain what she had gotten herself into with the new team she had been placed in, with Etsu-sensei somehow being more intimidating than either Ryoku and Itsuo. The woman hadn't really threatened them but Rini found her scarier for the fact she could delve into the minds and uncover secrets and fears of people. How she did that, was something that Rini hadn't figured out. In fact, she wasn't certain if she was willing to figure such a technique out. In her mind, such techniques and abilities weren't without risks. Not that she believed that Etsu was less of a person but having such an ability made it easier for you to become corrupted.
Taking a deep breath, Rini would open her eyes slowly. Breathing out she just kept staring at the sight in front of her. Getting up slowly Rini would unleash a sigh. How long had she been training her chakra control, controlling the moulding of her chakra, this time? If felt like an entire year, that she had been sitting underneath the balcony to just practice her chakra control. But she wagered that it couldn't be more than just a half hour. Perhaps even an hour. But she doubted that it would be an hour, even if she was starting to become more patient as getting the hang of it.

Stepping into the rain the girl would raise the hood of her raincoat to shield herself against the rain pour. Nearing the edge of the roof Rini looked down at the street. Even with the 'bad' weather, there were plenty of people down on the street. Heading to either their work, family or some other destination where they required to be. Or wanted to be, she added in her thought. For a moment she considered what her destination would be. It would be perhaps a good day and time to once more attend to continue her katas or attempt to improve her stamina. Noticing, however, a group of people wearing bright colours Rini frowned. It wasn't a rare sight to see a small group of Godai fans heading over to a game, wearing bright colours and the emblem of their favourite team. Not a truly big fan of Godai, Rini considered it an interesting change of pace instead of just heading to the training fields.
It didn't take long for the girl to find a desirable path to descend down to street level without catching too much attention. Once down on the street, Rini caught up with the small group. Judging by what she heard and could recognise they were supporters of the Grim Brothers. A rather renowned Godai team in the Rain province. Rini also learned from the loud talking men and women that the Grim Brothers would once more have a match against the Fierce Strikers. Another renown Godai team in the Rain province, the current competitors of the Grim Brothers. Following the group, Rini wondered how much a ticket would cost to witness such a match. The walk to the arena, which was conveniently also the Training Facility, didn't take more than a half hour to complete. Still following the group Rini was surprised that the ticket to the game wasn't that much. She still had some change in her wallet, which made the girl wonder if she should see if there was a way to purchase some drink or food to watch the game.


She had found her seat. Together with some drink and a few flavoured rice balls, Rini was rather content with her choice. It was a bit exciting as she was in the middle of the tribune that was occupied by the fans of the Fierce Strikers. People even had painted their faces and were yelling, shouting and cheering. Staring at the empty field Rini wasn't certain why anybody would yell or shout but she wouldn't question it. Enjoying one of her snacks she was wondering if she had picked the right team. Both were renowned and said to be the best of both Amegakure as of the entire province.
As if the noise wasn't enough it would go up a notch when from both entrances to the field the teams would enter the field. Frowning, Rini couldn't mask away from her annoyance as a man next to her started to yell even more. Who knew that watching a Godai match would mean you could lose your hearing? Deciding to focus on the match she saw how the teams took their position. The noise lowered a bit as the announcer presented each team, only arousing noise - yells, shouting and cheering - from the supports of each respective team.

The game would then start. Fierce fighting erupted and for a moment Rini forgot that she was munching on a flavoured rice ball. Her eyes widened as she noticed how agile and swift the members of each team were. It seemed as if they were incorporating dancing together with using ninjutsu. Balls of water, wind and fire moved over the field but with a grace that Rini hadn't ever seen in any battle. The participants seemed to work also together in a way that was odd to Rini, who was used to the more rigid formations and tactics of a small shinobi team. It wasn't even if they were attempting to compete with each other for the ground but were just trying to really give a show.
Eventually, Rini found herself cheering, shouting and booing. The Fierce Strikers had a bad start, being quickly forced into the defence. Attempts to push the Grim Brothers back was met with fierce resistance but eventually, the Fierce Strikers started to win some ground back. Then out of nowhere, the Fierce Strikers started to gain ground. As if they were possessed by demons, they started to attack without any mercy. Their attacks and responses were faster and without a flaw, pushing the Grim Brothers back.

Desperate by this sudden advance, the Grim Brothers attempted to win back some ground. But then it happened! One of them Grim Brothers would be knocked out of the field! Rini couldn't believe it as she cheered together with other fans of the Fierce Strikers.
It went quickly from that point. The Fierce Strikers would honour their name, relentless in their attacks. Taking out the Grim Brothers, the tribune on which the fans of the victorious Fierce Strikers were at burst in cheering. Rini barely even registered that she was given shoulder pats as if she had won the match with her cheering and booing. Leaving the arena the girl couldn't wipe the big smile on her face.

"Oh wow, that was amazing," she whispered to herself. Deciding that she should go back home as it was getting late Rini heard somebody saying that the Fierce Strikers would hand out autographs. Suddenly the teen found herself turning around. She had to get an autograph. Following the person who had told his friends, Rini couldn't hold back a giggle.


"What is your name?"
"R-R-Rini Yoto, sir!"

Her cheeks were flaming red as her eyes cast down, too shy and nervous to look up at the man who signed an autograph. "Here you. Did you like the match?" The man asked, who was no other than the renowned captain of the Fierce Strikers, Roi Rokurõta. It was said that he could take on five regular Godai teams with ease.
Looking up, surprised by the question, Rini didn't know that her head could turn even redder. She didn't think she had ever seen a more attractive jawline, prettier eyes or perfect smile. Nodding as she didn't trust her voice, the man winked - causing Rini's heart to skip a beat. "Great! Always nice to know to have such a nice fan. Enjoy Rini Yoto!"

Handing her the autograph over the frame, of the current team of the Fierce Strikers, Rini held the frame with a tight grip. She stared at the writing of the man. Even his writing was just stunning! Pressing the frame to her chest she quickly hurried away.
Getting home she would place the frame with the autograph on her small table. Giggles kept escaping the girl's lips as she wished that she could just go back tomorrow to see another glimpse of Roi Rokurõta. Grabbing the frame and pressing it to her chest, the girl would burst in more giggling. Falling on her back on her bed, Rini held her eyes closed.
She couldn't remember when she had been this happy. Closing her eyes she could imagine herself. The best Godai player in the River Province of the Empire of Akino...

"RINI" "RINI" "RINI" "RINI"
"RINI" "RINI" "RINI" "RINI"
"RINI" "RINI" "RINI" "RINI"
"RINI" "RINI" "RINI" "RINI"

Her name would be cheered, almost chanted, through the arena. Entering the field Rini couldn't see her supporters but they were there. Occupying all tribunes and they were there to both support her as witness the spectacle that was Rini Yoto playing Godai. Spreading her arms Rini couldn't help but relish the sensation.​

Opening her eyes the girl stared at the ceiling. She now knew what she wanted to do in her free time.
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[fieldbox="Looming woods - Part 7, green"]
A collab between Glitchybugger, Alice, Nim, Oetje and Roran Hawkins
Blackroot woods

Arriving in Oakrath, the team is brought to one of the barracks within the large city. There they manage to get some rest, while waiting for news or word from what their next action or meeting will be. During their visit at the barracks, the team is met with Kyoi Hyuuga. A specialised jounin who had been send to Oakrath, along with various other operatives, to be on the stand-by and aid any ongoing missions of other teams in the region. Eventually, the Blackroot Captain of before enters the barracks with the news that either the leader or the team needs to come with him to meet one of the council members. The team enters a discussion as Meilin, however, decides that it is best if she goes. Alone.
The ride towards Oakrath, the capital city of the Pinedale region, wasn't the most pleasant one. While it was some relief to be out of the Blackroot Vale, there wasn't any joy found within the fast travel towards the large city. The surroundings of the dark woods and hills would make way for much more pleasant sights. Sights that the group couldn't really enjoy as much as some desired, as they were clearly running short on time. A few of the riders of the group that were ordered to guide them out of the Blackroot Vale would split off. Much explanation wasn't given but it was easy to assume that with the ongoing developments that they would act as messengers and heralds of what was to come towards them. To give the locals of Pinedale some time to either prepare or get away from the coming marrauding Zealots and 'Uchiha'.

Eventually, reaching Oakrath there was a certain shift in the atmosphere of the group. The wooden walls were tall and many men could be spotted between the defences, the more noteworthy features were the amount of caravans that were regulated to move in and out of the city. It thus wasn't easy for the group to get into the city. However, some talk in Chonobi transpired between the leader of Gunvvor's riders and a captain of the guard. Once the conversation was over, the captain of the riders beckoned them to follow him as the captain ran off. Literally, running into the city with shouting to a few to get out of his way. The commotion briefly attracted some attention but the group would venture into the city. There was a cheer and joyful atmoshpere present. And it was bustling with a lot of activity. Where the majority was clearly Sarutobi and Hon influence, there were some stands and establishments that weren't from a Chonobi influence. Arriving at some stables, the captain explained that they had arrived at one of the city's barracks. He would need to speak to some people while the team had to wait here. His men would take care of the horses while the group would be able to enter the barrack's hall. Once inside they would be welcome by a young woman, who would guide them to one of the long tables where they could sit and enjoy some rest as good breakfast.

Meilin sighed after she was done with her dish. It was some potatoes with some vegetables and roasted meat. Quite good, really. But she was feeling restless. "Going to stretch my legs," she told the team. "Just, stay here." The teen further added with a stern tone. While she knew that they had to stay in or close to the barracks Meilin figured that she could take a small walk in the large hall. Unlike the majority of the team, she could speak and understand Chonobi. That and she could think better when walking.
Getting up from the bench she would rest her left hand on the hilt of her longsword, starting to walk. There were some soldiers and other folk present in the large hall. Not too many as there was still a good amount of space between each present group and few patrons that ate and sat alone. One of them had something noticable. Eyes that caught Meilin's attention. Suppressing to frown the teen would walk up to a supporting pillar and lean against it. Near the door which they had entered the hall. Hoping that they wouldn't need to wait too long for news from Gunvor's captain and his men.

Everything considered the journey to Oakrath had been boring. Boring meant - at least to a veteran campaigner like Kensuke - that it was a good journey. No ambushes, no situations, no trouble of any kind. If they'd taken the time it could even have been scenic, but that was something hardly ever permitted to shinobi on missions. The town itself had been as impressive as the one before. Tall, wooden pallisades with rough-hewn faces behind the parapets, all dutifully manned. It earned them an approving nod from the jounin. Whatever delicate, cultural prejudice that existed on either side that made any interaction between outsiders and these people so difficult aside, they knew their business. And like any craftsman, Kensuke could appreciate that.

As such it did not surprise him that the barracks were clean and manned, although the furniture was spartan at best. Meilin announced that she'd be taking a walk amongst the local men and Kensuke shrugged. If anything he'd learned that anything of a direct order which he'd stubbornly stand by would stop Meilin from doing what she ought best. The thought lade him scoff. He knew someone else with those qualities. Who in his right mind would try to blackmail the hokage to get what he wanted? So he drew the sword instead and began drilling through his repertoire of cuts at a wooden post erect in the barrack' yard for just that purpose.

Sen returned to their room and went to lie down on one of the beds once she'd eaten. Although the previous few days hadn't been quite so bad, she still felt her hands shake at the mere thought of ever facing one of those boggarts again. She hated that, and as she felt her hands tremble she punched the wall next to the bed, accepting the jolt of pain that drove away the fear like a warm embrace. She hated the fear of the dark caverns, of the unimaginable beasts, of the cruel men and the chaotic flash of combat inside. She didn't want to be called a coward, and she bore several new scars to prove that she wasn't. But she still feared. And she hated it. If only she could just go home.

Zealots and Uchiha, Zealots and Uchiha. It made no sense to her, that was the thing that was consistently on Karma's mind since hearing about the Uchiha attacks in their previous stop. While the travel was quiet, she did not notice it. The parting of the Blackroot, the woods making way to nicer sights, all went above her head. She kept switching her mindset to try and find connections between their previous mission and their current one, aside from the connection of the Zealots operating in both areas.

When they arrived at the capital of Pinedale, Oakrath, Karma finally started paying a bit more attention to everything around her. The surrounding area looked vastly different than the last two places they had been in, which made her wonder if perhaps the people here would act a bit differently than in the Blackroot forest. She then decided it would most likely be incredibly rude to ask such a thing, regardless of her ignorance or not. Upon arriving at the Barracks, she watched as Meilin gave them an order to stay near the Barracks while she went to stretch her legs. She nodded briefly and watched her teammate, or rather current team leader, go away, and soon after Kensuke and Sen both departed as well.

After looking at her Naginata for a bit, Karma looked up at the surroundings area. There were several other people still eating in the hall, and no one seemed to tell her to leave, so she decided that while she waits for Meilin to return, she would at least do something a bit productive with her time. Taking out a notebook and a pencil, she slowly begun to sketch out the surrounding room from her point of view.

Unlike the group that had just arrived, a young woman was in the barracks mess hall eating without complaint and generally minding her own business whilst they seemed to go their own ways and start doing whatever took their fancy. A couple of them had gone off to rest by the looks of things whilst the others stayed and dealt with idle tasks such as training and by the looks of things, drawing.

A small smile crept across her lips as she finished her meal and disposed of the waste, a team of shinobi arriving out of the blue was a fairly rare sight... At least in the past couple of weeks that she had been here and if their bands were evidence enough, it was the sort of group she had been assigned to assist by being out here in Oakrath. The one that looked to be mostly making the orders was the dark-haired girl who stood by one of the supporting pillars and observing the room, the girl was mere inches taller than herself but she looked to be the one to talk to about the situation going down pertaining to the borders and these zealots that had apparently been causing a problem.

And so Kyoi rose from her seat and nonchalantly approached the girl. "Excuse me, you and your group came this way from Konoha, didn't you?" She gave her a smile and with one hand brushed her fringe away to show her own headband. "Kyoi Hyuuga, I'm here to lend a hand with your mission, whatever it may be." With that said she offered a small bow of her head in greeting.

It was taking long. Granted, they had just arrived but Meilin wanted to get moving. In a different situation she would have been anxious to explore and experience Oakrath. Where the stories regarding the Blackroot Vale were anything but encouraging, the stories she had heard and knew about Oakrath and the Pinedale region were quite the opposite. Perhaps one day she would be able to come back during the time when the festivals and competitions were held, on which family could brew the best Pinedale ale. But for now the thought of ale, festivals and such matters were considered trivial by Meilin.
Staring at the door she was hoping that it would open and some familar faces would appear to tell them that they had everything arranged. That they could get moving once more to take the fight to the Zealots and their allies. To crush them and rescue everybody that those bastards had taken captive. Yet nobody that entered the barracks was a familiar face. Nobody that came to deliver the message that she was yearning for.

Her gaze moved as she noticed somebody approaching. Turning her head slightly, Meilin's left hand would tighten around the handle of her longsword. Being approached by a young woman, the first thing that Meilin noticed were the eyes. She had seen those before. It were the same as Hideki. The eyes of a Hyuuga.
Remaining silent Meilin would slowly turn towards the other young woman, slightly confused on why a Hyuuga would be in Oakrath. The first words that were at the ready on Meilin's tongue were to question this Hyuuga right away. Instead, she would opt for a different approach.
"How covenient, Kyoi Hyuuga," Meilin replied as she flashed a smile, "If you are," the Cho continued as she gestured to the table where she was expecting her team to sit, only to notice that Karma was there. A second of silence thus following as Meilin stared at the table, noticing that both Sen and Kensuke weren't where she had left them. "By Akumu's fucking..."

"Well, haha," Meilin would let out a short laughter as she kept up a smile, "Seems two of my companions aren't present. But perhaps you can explain to me and the others on what a kunoichi from Konohagakure is doing all the way here, in Oakrath?" Meilin would turn towards the direction of the table, ready to walk if Kyoi would go with her. The tight grip on the handle of sword, however, wouldn't lessen.

It wasn't confusing that this girl would be wary of someone who had seemingly been in town all along was here to conveniently help them. Not wanting to make the girl's suspicions worse, Kyoi nodded in response and followed alongside her, her hands one over the other in front of her to show there was nothing in them and that she wasn't hiding a fist of some form. "Of course, I can inform the other members of your team when they return as well if you like."

Kyoi would sit first, placing both hands palm down on the surface of the table and give a smile and a nod of greeting to the others present. "So where do you want me to start?"

"Good," was all that Meilin said in a friendly tone. On the short walk towards the table where Karma still was sitting, Meilin attempted to spot Kensuke and Sen. She could spot the tall, blonde Nimatsu up ahead. Meilin couldn't spot Sen and it wasn't doing anything to improve Meilin's mood. Sitting down as well, across the table from Kyoi, Meilin gestured to the former.
"Kyoi Hyuuga," the teen said as she shot a sideways look to Karma, "She and I just met. Apparently here to reinforce our team. Kensuke," Meilin raised her voice without a warning nor caring for the fact she could attract attention to them as she settled her gaze back on Kyoi, "I guess that Sen is off doing something but please, I am all ears on your answer, Kyoi."

Looking up at the approaching girls, Karma fliped the page as Meilin briefly stared at the table before introducing Kyoi Hyuuga. That made something in her mind click, but she quickly put it aside as she decided to instead focus on the newcomer "It's nice to meet you Kyoi, I'm Karma Minami." She said and begun working on a new sketch while she kept looking up at the two every now and then, making sure to show that she was still paying attention to them both and what they were saying.

"Likewise, Minami... Kun? San? Which do you prefer?" The Hyuuga nodded and looked between the two currently at the table, listening for a response from Karma and then continuing to speak. "As you already know, things are already tense on the Hon and Sarutobi borders, moreso with the troublesome folk in the area whom are just making things worse." She paused, assuming they knew what she meant. "I was sent to Pinedale a couple of weeks ago to act as part of a standby unit in case any shinobi came through the area on a mission to provide support if the mission was still ongoing, as yours seems to be, I'm able to lend aid where and when it's needed. There were a couple more shinobi in my cell but I moved further into Oakrath whilst the others spread out elsewhere in case any team going through wasn't able to stop off here. As for my experience, I'm a fully trained medical nin and as you can tell by the name and the eyes, I'm proficient with the hand to hand Gentle Fist style. Any other questions you have for me?"

He missed the sparring post and looked at the last three inches of the sword he'd been given. It probably was not even an inch shorter than his previous one, yet he had grown so accustomed to it that he could notice the difference when performing strikes with the tip of his blade. He was settling back into a balanced stance, shaking his head in annoyance when he heard Meilin call his name. He threw a glance in her direction and saw a girl standing at their table that looked as out of place as they did. With a sniff he sheathed the blade and walked back to where Karma'd been sitting the entire time. When he got closer it was impossible to miss her pale, violet-hued eyes. A Hyuuga. It brought a particularly sour taste in his mouth as his memory produced several memories without being asked to. Ezuri. Matsuri. Even speaking her name in his mind brought back unwelcome and sweet memories which he had to store away with more effort than he'd admit to himself - he mastered himself in an instant. He spent a second glance at the girl - no, woman in front of him and came to the estranging realisation that she was quite a bit older than he was. "Nice to meet you. I'm Kensuke Nimatsu." He said, inclining his head.

A frown almost dawned on Meilin's brow as she saw Karma scribbling something. Was she drawing? Odd, she hadn't taken Karma for somebody who dabbled in any kind of art. Then again, Meilin had never indulged into the other's hobbies. That and it didn't matter at the given moment. Her attention was mostly focused on the Hyuuga in front of them.
When Kyoi began, she had a certain polite impression. Sadly, Meilin didn't care for politeness at the moment. Perhaps now was a good time to get a taste of the renowned Pinedale ale. After a moment of consideration, she figured it would be best to not let herself be distracted in the slightest. Hearing out Kyoi, Meilin had to hold back a chuckle. Things being tense between the Sarutobi and Hon borders? If she was only aware of how things once were, centuries ago. Explaining that she had been sent as a stand-by made some sense. Yet Meilin couldn't just trust this Hyuuga. And for a moment she wasn't sure if it was because of her own experience with trusting people or if it was because the mere idea of a Hyuuga in the middle of Oakrath was as weird as Karma or Kensuke starting to speak or understand Chonobi.

Thinking for a second, Meilin would lean slightly backwards. The smile of before found its way once more on Meilin's lips before she spoke up. "That is quite covenient. We could use more help. Allow me to introduce myself," Meilin started, "My name is Meilin. Don't think I have given my name yet," the teen continued on the same casual tone, "As for the moment, I am the one who is in command of this team. Right now we are just... taking it a bit easy, you see?" Meilin added. She made it certain that there was nothing in her body language that could betray her thoughts or mood at the current moment.
"As for questions, I am wondering how well known you are with the Sarutobi or Chonobi culture in general. Some thought that conjures upon finding a Hyuuga here. Surely, not a weird thought, right?"

Kyoi nodded a greeting to Kensuke as he joined the conversation. "Well met, you're the green falcon, right, or do you prefer using your name?" She asked briefly, retaining her focus on the conversation itself. "Well yes, my presence here is a little bit out of the ordinary, usually. But Oakrath, and Pinedale in general really, are a bit more lax about the presence of outsiders compared to other Sarutobi towns and cities, so it was seen as more or less safe for me to be here for a short amount of time. No doubt I would be getting called back soon if others hadn't shown up. As for your team taking it easy I can understand that, it never hurts to rest for a little while, dare I say if you have the time you should at least indulge in the city's ale before we get started. But you are on a mission after all so it probably wouldn't be for the best." Finished with that explanation she looked between the three at the table. "Would any of you be able to update me on whatever transpired before you got here so that I'm on the same page as you?"

Looking up briefly, Karma nodded as she listened to what Kyoi had to say. When she asked about what transpired with them, she looked up once more briefly before looking back down at her sketch and beginning to answer "I can try and explain the best I can, though Meilin and Kensuke can both correct me if I get anything wrong. We were sent to aid the Blackroots with reported movements of Zealots within their territory. We have done so, and afterwards got sent to a different fort to request help, and then we were escorted out of the forests and were told to come here next." She looked up at Meilin "I think I covered the jest of it, right?" She asked, indicating she was also being somewhat wary as to how much they information they should give out to someone they do not properly know yet.

More were sent to the region to act as stand-by? Interesting, Meilin thought. If that was the case perhaps they could assemble a small force to aid the upcoming conflict. Perhaps tipping the odds more into their favour? Then again, it could consume too much time so she wasn't certain if they should indulge into that. Besides, who said that this Hyuuga was speaking the truth? Wouldn't be the first Hyuuga they caught collaberating with the Zealots. A subtle sideways glance was thrown towards Kensuke as the previous thought went through Meilin's mind.
When Kyoi asked to be updated Meilin waited a moment. She had noticed that she was the only one who hadn't given her surname. Not that it would mean much but it now occured to Meilin that she might be the only one who wasn't trusting the newcomer that easily. Which was probably not entirely the fault of the rather super convenient situation but also the fact with some former 'vocation', Meilin thought to herself.

Karma then would speak up, answering the question of Kyoi. Meilin's eyes would close half as Karma would start. She would indeed correct Karma, even if the later wouldn't have stated that small fact. When the demoted chuunin instantly began over that they were send to aid the Blackroots, Meilin wished she had a hammer to start dishing out blows to the people present. That was already wrong - as they had been sent to just hand over information, nothing more - but Meilin would wait to see what more Karma would say.
Leaning slightly backwards, once more, Meilin felt the desire to indeed drink some alcoholic beverage. When Karma decided to ask if she had covered it, Meilin shook her head lightly.
"No," was the firm answer, "We were sent to bring information. We did so and some developments saw us arriving here. That is it," she said, her last words more aimed at Kensuke and Karma than at Kyoi. "Dear ancestors, not going to entrust them with answering anything a stranger might ask in the future. They probably would trust their purse with a damned pickpocket that promises not to run off," Meilin thought to herself, slightly annoyed.

"So an information delivery that led to you assisting the Blackroots with this zealot trouble? Well it makes sense why you're here. How many times have you encountered the zealots so far and are they using any form of tactics or is it just a mess of people doing what they want?" Prying for a little bit of information like that surely wouldn't hurt, but it seemed Meilin wasn't willing to fully trust Kyoi at the moment and currently she couldn't think of a way to show that she was trustworthy until it came to actually dealing with these zealots. "And what is the next move from here? if we're going to track them down then I should be of use."

"Eh, just call me Kensuke." He said at obvious discomfiture. He was slowly growing used to some people recognising who he was, and he was fine with that. But knowing he had a nickname and hearing it was a different thing altogether. Listening to Karma's summary of their mission and Meilin's correction he considered halting her. Generally information about missions wasn't so freely shared, but given the circumstances he felt there was relatively little harm. A Hyuuga would have come directly from Konoha, and although Ezuri had been converted by the zealots, he doubted that the clan would allow another incident like that. They rather liked being in absolute control of their precious heritage. Then Kyoi asked about the nature of the zealots, a question that struck a false note in Kensuke's thoughts. It was strange to hear someone ask about them as if they were mysterious and unknown now he'd been actively opposing them for the past month and a half. Especially since she was here - to offer support to local units. "What did they tell you about the zealots?" He asked, sitting down and crossing his arms.

"I know that they're a religious group following something called a 'Maker', some form of foreign deity, that have been trying and failing to disrupt and destablise the Empire, it seems to be their only goal that I know of at the moment. Seeing as you seem to have faced them I was under the impression you'd have a more accurate idea on what their intentions actually are. Now I'm not sure I believe the rumour myself, but I heard that they may be here as some form of tactic to distract or weaken the Empire for the benefit of the Wind Country. Take that as you wish, as I said I don't quite believe it myself." Kyoi gave a pause before suddenly adding another note. "Also, they don't seem to be doing much in this region as of yet, but it would be a bit foolish to assume they wont do anything to the Pinedale region."

"So, have you any extra information on the zealots?" Kyoi directed her gaze to Kensuke seeing as he had been curious about her previous question, but her new one was directed to everyone present at the table.

Meilin continued to listen. She also didn't really buy it that the Zealots were from the Wind country. Actually, she couldn't care where they were coming from or who they were serving. Whoever was responsible had to pay the highest price possible. Not that she considered herself capable of making the culprit behind the Zealots pay her in person. But she would see to it that she would contribute everything she could to see the Zealots, their cause and goal as support collapse in the hardest way possible.
"Hmm," the teen briefly looked away. She was considering something but they had to wait here for the news.
"That they are a bunch that could be considered vermin, not nothing really other than that," Meilin said, surprising herself that it came out really calm and without any sliver of anger or resentment audible. "Anyhow, what rank are you at?" Meilin decided to ask, figuring it would be best to just keep on talking until Gunnvor's men would return.

"I see... More or less as much information as everyone else has then." Kyoi rubbed her chin idly as she thought. "Then we may have to go and make a couple of them talk so we know who to deal with to make their rabble run away. As for rank, I'm a Tokubetsu Jounin, as I mentioned earlier my specialities are medical ninjutsu and taijutsu. And yourselves? I know Kensuke is a Jounin, but what about the two of you?"

"Make a guess. Already told you that I lead this squabbling ragtag group. And right now, I keep the team here," Meilin answered with a blank expression. Folding her arms over each other, she slightly tilted her head to the right. She was tempted to state that Karma was a demoted chuunin, thus now ranked as a genin. But Meilin decided against that, for now.

"Well you both look fairly young. I would wager Chunin in actual experience, but you probably haven't been officially promoted, so you would still be classed as Genin. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong." Kyoi had remained in more or less the same position since she'd sat down, merely looking between all of those present as she spoke to them, but they seemed to be a bit more relaxed about her being here, so she brought her hands down to rest in her lap.

Looking young? Meilin's right eyebrow went slightly up as Kyoi wasn't really scoring points at the moment. She wouldn't yet speak up, allowing Kyoi a chance to make a shot. Perhaps it was her experience in her 'previous profession' but judging people on their age wasn't really a good start. It usually ended up in assumptions that could get you in more often in trouble than being able to profit from it. Or becoming very disappointed when their purse wasn't as filled as you had hoped for.
"A genin leading a squad in which a renowned jounin is assigned to? Huh, almost make it sound like the Lord Commander himself would like to jest his past student. That and not really scoring points now, if I have, to be honest. You may, of course, try again." Meilin said, raising both her eyebrows as slightly raising her chin.

"Jounins act as teachers and leaders, but they're able to delegate leadership to one of their students if they trust them. With the original mission having just been an information drop I would think that sort of mission is safe enough to let one of your students lead the team for, and if they had been doing a good enough job so far, allowing them to continue to lead until the Jounin sees fit to retake command. Admittedly I'm not here to score points, I'm only here to help with the situation, but if points are needed so that you trust me to work with you then I understand. Going on what you've said so far I guess you would either be a Chuunin or a Tokubetsu as well, of which specialities I wouldn't be able to discern right away." Kyoi wasn't sure if Meilin was just trying to push her into a metaphorical corner, but judging by her response she was looked to be offended by her initial evaluation based on Meilin's apparent age.

"True, they might be. Then again," Meilin raised her left hand and pointed towards Kensuke's direction. "That guy isn't my sensei or teacher. So, no. Not really the situation here nor making your previous assumption any more justified or correct," the Cho further added to her response.
"Though, I also wonder what you consider young," the teen brought up as her nose wrinkled, "Kensuke over here isn't that much older than me if I have to spoil that surprise. Besides," her eyes half closed as she was wondering what kind of logic that was, "The Blackroot Vale isn't a particularly safe place for anybody. Handing over leadership to a recruit ranked operative would be literally the dumbest thing to do," the teen added. If that would agitate Kensuke, then Meilin wouldn't really care. If anything, she knew how to turn the tables and perhaps see to it that the entire group would be left behind at Oakrath while she would finish the mission. Probably something that they would desire to avoid but once more, that wasn't really any of Meilin's worry.
"So, what am I now? A genin, chuunin or specialised jounin? Or perhaps even an ANBU? Don't think age really matters, you know? But got to make a decision, Kyoi Hyuuga. As for the points," Meilin shrugged, "Let's say that it was a matter of saying. No need to focus on that."

"I would call anyone in their mid-to-late teenage years young, Meilin. And handing over leadership to a recruit ranked operative, whilst still present to retake command if things don't go as planned, isn't too out of the ordinary if you ask me. Yes, maybe in this area it isn't such a keen idea, but if Kensuke were to be the teacher and leader of the team, it would show how much trust he has in you knowing what to do as team leader. And if a renowned Jounin giving that sort of responsibility to someone of their team would probably be quite the honour." Kyoi was watching Meilin's shifting expressions and cracked a smile again. "For my final answer I would say you're a Chuunin that's not yet been officially promoted."

Meilin stared at Kyoi for a moment. "Okay then," letting a silence continue, Meilin would take a small breath in. "You are quite the "optimistic" person, got to give you that. Not sure what kind of mentor you had that decided to pass the leadership on in an area where things will obviously go as they aren't planned. That or you aren't just aware of the damned dangers that lurk in the Blackroot Vale," which was, perhaps, also a possibility and more likely on how the Hyuuga built up her assumption. She, for one, couldn't see any honour in being granted the responsibility from a man who she didn't see as her mentor or guide. Nor in any light a person that had earned her respect. Some thanks? Perhaps but that was literally stretching it already at this point. So far trust, she wasn't so certain if Kensuke either trusted her or was just aware that if this mission wouldn't end in a success that he would await some scolding. If that wasn't already the case with her basically claiming the leadership and doing as she saw fit.
"But your answer isn't correct." Was her reply back. Finding that a fitting end for the little game that they had, the teen shot a look at the door. "Besides, where is Sen?"

Kensuke shrugged at the ongoing conversation. He'd had some time to think over the past few days and had been able to place some stuff left and right. Like Meilin's abbrasive way of leading, her grief, her frustrating lack of respect. Her rebellion had at first puzzled him, and like most young men who were puzzled that had frustrated him. But it also shook him awake to some extent. Showed him what he wanted out of this mission. Why he was even doing missions. It was to prevent more Kensuke's from happening, because that's what he owed to the people he'd lost over the years. "Sen's in our room as far as I know." Kensuke said, refusing to comment on the previous topic. He'd always had a lack of respect for ranks. Having been leader of an all chuunin squad with Ryo and Katsuko inside didn't help either. He had taken note of her rank though. The fact that he didn't respect rank as much didn't mean he disregarded it. If she was a tokubetsu jounin at taijutsu odds were she could hand his ass to him in a brawl. A smile grew on his face. "Tokubetsu jounin and a Hyuuga member hmm? Tell me, does the clan know you'd be assigned to my team?" He asked. "I've been told I have a bad reputation in your family. Any complaints about working with me?"

Kyoi gave Kensuke a puzzled look as he spoke, her little back and forth with Meilin had given her a good idea on what sort of girl she was so a shift of focus to Kensuke was welcomed. "I've heard that there have been other members of my clan in your team previously, but other clan members never really wanted to talk about it so I never enquired, you don't need to tell me either if you don't feel up to it. Though I doubt they would know about our co-operation until we return to Konoha, so perhaps this mission will serve to slightly improve your reputation with the clan."

Listening to the conversation as she kept on sketching, Karma couldn't help but notice how naive Kyoi's thoughts and opinions appeared to be, also with how consistent she was and seemed to have a hard time taking in what Meilin was telling her, but at the same time, Meilin wasn't being straightforward either, although she figured the latter had somewhat more of a reason to be like that, considering what she experienced. After Meilin's answer gave a ring that felt like that topic has concluded, which was something she felt was probably for the better. Hearing that Kensuke had a bad reputation in the Hyuuga clan made her briefly look up at him. Was it because of his former teammember, Ezuri? Or perhaps something even further down the road she wasn't aware of? Regardless of what it was, the response that came from Kyoi only confirmed what Meilin said. The former appeared to be a very optimistic person. a bit too optimistic in her own opinion.

"Always looking on the better possibilities Kyoi? Because I would personally rephrase that last sentence." Karma said, slowly removing the sketch she had been working on from the notebook "Hearing reports about threats does not always mean those are the only dangers around, as Meilin mentioned." She said, having finished removing the sketch from the notebook and passing it to Kensuke before putting her sketching tools back in her backpack. She gave Kyoi a clear look that did not appreciate how optimistic the tokubetsu jounin appeared to be. Had she never experienced any hardships? Losses? Because this girl did not look like a person who did so far.

The door would open as the captain of Gunnvor's men, who had escorted them to Oakrath, would enter. Followed by a pair of his men the captain would take a sit at another table. They seemed to be in a relative good mood. Not long after the door would open as a familiar figure would enter the hall. It was the first Blackroot captain who had found and partially escorted team 7 through the Blackroot Vale. He would step further into the building, his eyes scanning those who were present. A few more Blackroots entered behind the captain. Catching sight of Team 7, the Blackroot captain would walk up to them without any pause. He briefly only glanced at them before placing his gaze upon Meilin. Without the piece of cloth covering the lower part of his face or the hood up, the smile as friendly expression was easily spotted among the few wrinkles and scars on the man's face.

"Ah, seems you lot managed to survive. Wasn't certain if they meant you lot with the news that a team had came from Gunnvor's Hold," the captain said. "Anyhow, you are to come with me. The news has reached the Pinedale council. Not to mention that more news from the Blackroot Vale has emerged. Can't say that we have a lot of time anymore," the man said as he turned half around, expecting that they would come with him.

Meilin had lost most of her interest and curiosity in the newcomer. She still didn't trust Kyoi, that still stood. At the given moment the front door of the barracks was still something that Meilin kept her attention focused on. And seeing the captain of Gunnvor's men entering made her almost jump up. They sat down and seemed rather content. Curious Meilin was about to move up but then she froze. Right then the Blackroot captain that had escorted them through the Blackroot Vale and into the catacombs stepped through the door. A smile crossed the teen's lips as she already rose up and wanted to approach the man. Instead, he came to them and stated he was happy to see them alive.
"Glad to see you alive as well, sir," Meilin responded, placing her hands on her hips. "Okay, fair enough. I will go with you. You guys," Meilin shot a sideways look at them. "Can't leave Sen just by herself. I will go and you guys remain here. As soon as I know where we can help, I will come back."
Turning to the Blackroot Captain, Meilin nodded. "Ready to go. Alone," she said, in Chonobi.

Waiting for a moment as Meilin responded, the captain waited. His right thumb was hooked behind his belt as he noticed that there was a new person. With a pair of eyes that revealed the woman's herritage. "Folllow me," the captain replied back in Chonobi as he turned fully around. Walking towards the entrance, he mumbled something to one of his men, who just nodded and took place at the same supporting pillar - where Meilin had stood before. The others already went outside before their captain. "I must urge that you try to keep your story short. Only one member of the council is able and ready. The others are busy with arranging matters. Things aren't looking that well," the captain already started to explain to Meilin, in Chonobi.

Kensuke's eyes narrowed as he sized up the two men leaning against the pillar, but most of all Meilin walking away. He was willing to trust her - she'd earned that much, a chance - but she was treading dangerously close to squandering that. She could run off at any moment if she went alone, which was definitely something she'd implied she might do. And that'd leave the team stranded in here with no real way of communicating with the locals in a way that they considered trustworthy. Despite all their efforts so far to show that they were allies. "Remember you're in a team Meilin." Was all he said. After a moment he got up and sniffed. "I'll pick up Sen. I'll be right back."

Meilin came to a brief stop as she turned to throw a look at Kensuke. She had to remember that she was in a team, on which the Cho inhaled for a moment.
"I do," she replied, "That is why I tell you guys to stay with Sen as sticking here." Shooting a frown over her shoulder she would once more make way towards the door. Without anybody speaking against her decision, Meilin wouldn't bother with spending a thought if they would follow up her command on staying there. If they wouldn't be there when she would come back, then it would be tough luck for them. Then again...

Hearing someone enter and seeing it was the Blackroot captain that escorted them at the beginning made Karma's heart stop for a moment. Had the Blackroots arrived with any kind of news? She wondered how many more actually arrived as she watched Meilin stand up to talk to the man, and then shortly afterwards telling them to stay there just because Sen didn't need to be left alone. Karma felt like throwing a remark on how Meilin so suddenly turned them all into babysitters. Instead, while she and the captain talked in Chonobi, Karma stood up. Hearing Kensuke's remark made her glance at the man for a second. After seeing Meilin's behaivor for two missions, her actions, he still trusted her to not just leave them behind?

She trusted Meilin to want to take down the Zealots at any cost. She didn't trust Meilin to keep them in the loop. Walking up to the Blackroot Captain and Meilin, she coughed slightly "Apologies, sir, but I do not believe Meilin should go alone to report on what we have witnessed, or talk to a council member on her own. I will accompany you as well, to ensure there is less reason to doubt anything she says, and if needed, to also bring up knowledge she may not be aware of herself." She said in a calm manner, and wondered if Meilin would start to argue against it or not. After all, she did not encounter the woman back in Keishi who attacked the team, if she could call her a woman.

Meilin just stares at Karma when the later decided to state her opinion. Karma apparently decided to insist that she would improve her integrity. What was that supposed to mean? Instantly the teen wondered if it was because Karma was aware of her previous 'profession'. Blinking a few times in a rapid manner Meilin wasn't sure if she should just land a blow with a fist against Karma's lips or spit in her face for basically saying she couldn't be trusted.
"Thanks," Meilin started as she flashed a smile, "But no. You're going to stay here. Certainly after... whatever you just said." Meilin stated, a sliver of anger going through her voice.
"Let us get going. Before I will not ignore the itching to start to dish out some punches," Meilin told the Blackroot captain in Chonobi, throwing a glare at Karma.

"After what I said? I did not say that you cannot be trusted or such, if that is what you took from it. I said I'm coming to make sure the council member has much less of a reason. Two people reporting the same thing give less of a reason to argue than a single person." She said, giving Meilin a glare "You are about to go to one of the people in charge here and tell them of a dangerous situation. While I am certain the captain here will support you, he cannot support you in what we have seen back in Keishi. I can. Don't think everyone in the world would just be willing to accept how big a danger is just because you said it. Considering how we have seen the Blackroots deal with the Zealots in the caverns, the council member could decide that there is no need to delve into this matter any further and instead put more efforts into the reports of the supposed Uchiha attacks. Let me come, make it even clearer to him just how big the danger really is. I want to have your back here just like I did before, at the Blackroot fortress." Karma told Meilin in a slightly lower voice.

Clenching her hands into fists a small faint red taint start to spread on Meilin's cheeks. What was she trying to accomplish here? She had managed to take the leadership of a damn, renowned jounin and now this? "Watch it..."
Taking a second to make certain she would speak in a normal tone, Meilin replied back to Karma.
"I am quite aware. Thanks for reminding me. I will make certain to remember your advice when going, which I will do right now. You're going to stay here with the rest and that is the end of it. I will check if possible on you guys when I am able," Meilin said as she already turned around by her last few words, "We should really get going," she stated to the captain in Chonobi, her hands still clenched into fists.

It was hard to say if the Blackroot captain was amused or only slightly interested in the exchange between the two teens. For a moment he visibly pondered on something but then slightly shrugged. "If that is your decision," the man answered back in Chonobi to Meilin. Without further due, he would exit the barracks with Meilin. The one Blackroot that stayed behind, chuckled for a moment as he shook his head. It was clear that he had to remain behind but he would opt to join the small group that had came from Gunnvor's Hold.
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[fieldbox="Karma Minami, #FFFFCC"]
Konoha Team 7 Genin | Akinian Empire |Oakrath - Barracks Dining Hall


~Everyone deserves a break, even from strangers~

A short collab between Aliceee and Nim​


After seeing Meilin and the Blackroot Captain walk away, Karma looked at the Blackroot who went to sit down with his mates. She pondered briefly about something before beginning to walk towards the group that sat by the table. Once she was standing next to them, she gave them a good look "I know this is a bit rude of me to do so, but would you mind if I invite you all to a toast? For all the Blackroots, both you and everyone out there, thats fighting to keep your lands safer from the Zealots and Uchiha?" She asked with a friendly tone, hoping they would accept like the Blackroots back then had no issues with accepting a cheer in their brothers in arms name.

The group of men weren't either strangers or more than content to keep each other company. Just before Karma arrived and spoke up, a few of them were laughing together. When Karma approached them and suggested a toast, the group just looked at the kunoichi. "No thanks," one of the men said, already turning his back once more to Karma. Another, a more younger one of the group, man frowned. "Just Blackroots? Psh, glad to know that I am excluded. Again," he shot a sideways look which earned a chuckle from the man next to him. "Still not my fault, buddy," this reply earned some more laughter from others of the group.

Seeing the way the group responded to her suggestion made it clear to her that this wasn't the way to go. These weren't solely Blackroots, even if they had come under the leadership of one "Alright then, how about we do two toasts instead. One for every single person that is fighting to keep these lands safe, regardless of where they come from, and another for our excluded friend over here so he won't feel left out?" She suggested with a smile. The smile quickly turned into a frown "Sorry fellows, I was hoping I could join you because you seem like you lot are in a good mood, and I just got shunned by my own teammate. Would love some good company now, if you don't mind a stranger who also fought out here recently to join you. Boggarts sure are a pain in a small space, you know?" She said, placing her left hand on her right arm.

Most of the group's attention went towards Karma as she spoke up again. "Think that we don't need to toast, but thanks anyways," another man of the group said. He frowned as he eyed Karma. "Well, no sorry," shaking his head the man would add some more, "But think we are alright right now." No further replies were added as it was clear that the men weren't really coerced in allowing Karma to sit with them. The man who had first said no, turned half around and tossed a coin up in the air towards Karma. "Here you go, lass. Now, get yourself some drink and toast in peace."

Catching the coin, Karma looked at the man who just told her no. Was this how they treated outsiders when there was no involvement of their higherups? She felt like spitting in the man's face for being like this, but instead she merely placed the coin back on the table "Thanks, but I don't need charity to get a drink." She said and half turned around. They didn't want a toast, they were fine as they were, and had no trouble showing it either "I guess the only thing that I can say is that you men have a good day." After the last sentence, she turned around and begun walking away slowly.

After nothing came from her last remark, Karma went and sat down in a table across from the men's table. She had no desire to return to the table she sat at with Meilin, Kensuke and Kyoi, as the former two were gone and she did not wish to hear optimistic thoughts from the latter. Opening her bag and looking into it, she grabbed a hold of her notebook and opened it, going through the pages. She came to a stop at a certain page, where her siblings drew her a picture of their home during one time they stole the notebook from her. She flipped the pages some more and took out the pencil, looking at the men across from her and beginning to sketch.

It would take her about fifteen minutes, as the men's slight movements during the time slightly hindered her sketch, but she finished making a sketch of them. Taking it out of the notebook, she looked up at the men and thought about how they reacted. They did not want to toast, nor let someone they did not know join. They were taking time to enjoy it among themselves, with people they trusted and shared their experiences together. Putting the notebook and pencil in her backpack, she got up and grabbed a hold of the sketch. Walking up to the men's table again, she let out a small cough "Sorry to intrude again. I realize now that you are enjoying what I am sure is a well deserved break, but I just wanted to give you this." Karma said, placing the sketch down on the table "Because we should always aim to have many more moments like these, and remember all the previous we had. Right?" She add with a small smile before walking back to the table across from the men, feeling rather satisfied with herself now.[/fieldbox]
 
[fieldbox=Formulating a plan!, burlywood]
A collab between Alice and Oetje.

Summary:
Meilin and the Blackroot Captain, Amund Sarutobi, head towards the manor of Ragnhild Sarutobi. One of the prominent council members. In the manor, Meilin and Amund meet with Ragnhild and two other council members. There, they discuss the situation as formulating a plan on how they will confront the Zealot and their allies in the Pinedale region. Eventually, it is Meilin who comes with a plan that is considered a good approach. Once the plan is a bit adjusted Meilin and Amund head out to gather what they need before they will move towards the small town of Dalir, in the Pinedale region. The town which the enemy force is advancing towards - according to the latest report.

[spoili]
Walking with the Blackroot Captain and his guard, Meilin felt she could take it a bit easier. There was no pressure from being watchful of how the others would be around the Sarutobi. Or even Hons, as they had encountered them at the place governed by Gunnvor Hon. Keeping her bag close to her, Meilin wondered if she would also be able sooner or later to indulge further into the book that she had retrieved from the Catacombs. However, that could perhaps wait when the whole scenario with the Zealots and those 'Uchiha' were dealt with. Glancing at the captain that walked next to her, Meilin wondered what kind of fights or dangers he and his troop had encountered in the Catacombs. The idea alone to go back to those dark halls caused Meilin to experience a cold shiver running down her spine.
"I never really asked but might I know your name? Unless you prefer me to call you sir," the teen asked the captain.

"Amund Sarutobi," was the reply. Amund threw an amused look into the direction of Meilin. "Why did you decide to go alone? Don't trust them for some reason?"

"I want to do this on my own. They aren't the worst bunch, I guess," Meilin lightly shrugged as she considered and weighed her words for a moment. "I just don't think that they are needed at this moment. Managed to get the leadership and they still treat me as if I am a genin who isn't certain of what left and right is."

The frown was still present on Amund's brow as he would reply back. "Who was, by the way, the Hyuuga? Thought that you were with four people but not with a Hyuuga. Where did she come in?"

"Nobody important, trust me," Meilin made a subtle gesture, waving her right hand, "Someone that I don't really concern myself with at the moment. So, where are we going?" Meilin decided to ask. The city of Oakrath was quite something. In terms of atmosphere, it wasn't that much different than Keishi or Konohagakure. It was bustling with activity and all kind of people. Granted, it was more Chonobi than the two other cities she had in her mind, for a moment. She wasn't entirely certain why, but she had the idea that this was a place where she could spend an entire week without being bored. Without getting frustrated to be lost.

"We're going to the manor of Ragnhild Sarutobi. Known as the Lady of Oakrath," Amund explained to Meilin, "She is one of the prominent members of the council and once the news had reached, she wanted to hear more news about these... Zealots. Just before I left, I caught on that she is trying to assemble a fighting force to join with Lord Blackroot. Hopefully, it will all be in time before the enemy makes their next move." The last sentence was muttered with a grim tone as Amund kept leading both Meilin and few of his men towards the manor of Ragnhild Sarutobi.

"Is Lord Blackroot out in the field, fighting against the zealots... the enemy?" Meilin asked, genuinely surprised. The man had seemed old but having a certain pride to him. The idea that the old man was out in the field, waging battles against the enemy was both an inspiring as frightening thought. What kind of fighter could the man be?
"To be fair, I also didn't expect you guys to be here."

"Lord Blackroot isn't easy to keep away when there is the promise of battles near him," Amund said with a faint smile present on his lips, "He has led several attacks against the Zealots. The only problem was that we were too widespread to combat the force of the Uchiha. It seemed for the moment better to request the aid of both Pinedale as the Hons of Rachon to face the threat together. Enables that we don't have to exhaust all our forces and become vulnerable to whatever threat may still lurk around for us."

That made sense, Meilin thought to herself. The idea that the Hons of Rachon would join them made her also more at ease. It meant that the fighting force against the enemy was growing, perhaps even tipping the scale in their favour.
"Do you think I would be allowed to fight along?" Meilin asked, biting on her lower lip afterwards.

Amund seemed surprised by the question and snickered for a moment. "I believe that you once said that you would face a dozen of boggarts. Think we can use some help from somebody who is bold enough to make such a promise," was Amund's reply. They would arrive at the perimeter of the large manor. It was quite a sight to see. Various well armed and armoured Sarutobi stood guard as the decorations and inscriptions on the walls surrounding the manor were clear from Sarutobi origin. Guiding Meilin past the guards and into the manor, they would be received by two servants.
Eventually, they would be led towards a large room where a few people sat around a table. Amund would gesture that Meilin should approach the table as he would wait, keeping some distance. There were two men - one clearly a senior with his grey hair and trimmed beard, the other having short brown hair and a shaven face - as one woman with her blonde hair braided.

"So, this is one of the shinobi, Amund?" The old man asked, eyeing Meilin sceptical. Amund simply nodded, remaining silent. "We are all ears, girl."

Meilin would bow into the direction of the three Sarutobi before she would begin to tell what she knew of the zealots. Of the experience in the Blackroot Vale and what they had encountered until the point that she and the team had reached Oakrath. She would then go on to explain what she had seen the Zealots doing in Keishi, stating that they were a troublesome lot but not undefeatable. Becoming silent Meilin didn't cast her eyes down. Trying to appear a bit proud she wasn't so certain of what more she should do or say.

"How large is the force of the enemy again, Amund?" The blonde woman asked, pondering visibly. Amund didn't need long to answer that question. "Various large detachments. Scouts report that it is a force of around fifteen hundred men strong." Was the answer of the Blackroot captain. The woman would rise up as she spoke up again.

"I take it that Lord Blackroot and his hird will join us to combat this threat?" Was another question of the woman. Amund flashed a smile as he nodded. "Yes, of course, Lady Oakrath. The forces of Lord Blackroot are still gathering but we should be able to muster half the enemy's force in a short time." This answer caused a short discussion between the three Sarutobi at the table. The old man suggested that they would muster a force of their own at Oakrath, thus also able to defend the region's capital from the threat. The young man stated that he found it wiser to try to contact their neighbouring factions and Houses, thus being able to gather a force that could decimate their enemy without much of an effort. The woman, who was called Lady Oakrath, thus being Ragnhild Sarutobi, stated that if they would allow a large hostile force just roam their land that they were nothing more than cowards. Allowing their people to suffer cause they were afraid to do something right away. The old man, however, stated that they would suffer heavy losses if they would confront the enemy head on in battle.

Amund would walk up to stand next to Meilin. He was about to say something until a messenger ran into the room, heavily breathing. "T-They are advancing towards Dalir!" The message caused a silence to follow for a moment. "Damnit, we need to do something now! Amund, can you implore Lord Blackroot to travel towards Dalir? I will be on my way with reinforcements as soon as possible." The request was met with a nod from the captain as he turned half around. Glancing at Meilin, the man's eyebrows rose. "Are you coming? I am certain that we could use some of your bravery."

Meilin remained silent. She wasn't still sure what to say. These people were members of the ruling council. Even while Meilin wanted to take the fight to the Zealots and their allies, she knew that it wasn't that simple. If they would lose then they would leave a large opening for those scumbags to wreak more havoc on the innocent people of Pinedale. Watching the three Sarutobi council members, Meilin was pondering if she couldn't be of some use. Her concentration and pondering were interrupted as Amund asked if she was going to come with him. "Yes, yes I would love that. But," turning her attention towards the three council members, Meilin bites her lower lip. "Oh to hell with it, here I go..."

"I am sorry to disturb you. I am certain that you three could go without my advise. But it is clear that the enemy force is too large to just meet in an open battle with our own forces not mustered being close enough to advance upon them before they can cause more damage," Meilin began.

Before she could continue the old man scoffed. "And what do you know of warfare, girl?"

"Frankly, I think that I would look like a toddler compared to anybody here, but perhaps the enemy shouldn't be faced in direct combat?" Letting her question sink in, Meilin continued as she walked towards the table. Spotting a piece of paper and a pencil, she picked both and started to draw.
"Right now the enemy has a larger force mustered together. To face the enemy in a direct confrontation will lead to losses. Waiting for them to come to Oakrath will mean that a lot of people will suffer as well. Why not instead," she looked up from her drawing to the three council members, "Fight in a way that they won't expect? I am not certain if you have heard of the Battle of Niri, but I was considering that we could pull a similar tactic."

Noticing that the Sarutobi remained silent, Meilin continued as she used her drawing to aid her explanation.
"We have to lure the enemy into a false sense of security. With a force that is smaller trying to make them go to a favourable position, we will have two other forces hidden from sight. When the enemy is readying themselves, the first force will flee, only for one of the other forces to launch a few volleys. This will take the enemy by surprise and before they can react, this force will withdraw. Giving the opening for the third force to launch a few volleys," the teen explained. It wasn't perhaps the same and exact tactic as that her clan had used at the past Battle of Niri but it was the same concept.
"From what I have heard, there are no better archers than the Sarutobi, so I doubt that giving them a few deadly volleys won't be much of an issue. Now, this is where it gets tricky...."


Walking through the halls to exit the manor Meilin had a smile plastered on her lips. Her plan had been a bit adjusted. Amund and the three council members were interested but had more knowledge on the area around Dalir and with the fact that the enemy force was likely to bend on wreaking havoc and destruction than to risk to engage battle, the plan would be a bit different. Now she was walking together with Ragnhild and Amund.

"I will be able to leave within a few hours. It will take me three days before reaching Dalir with my force. Please make certain that Lord Blackroot won't be eager to meet the enemy head on. I rather follow the plan we..." the voice of the woman trailed off as she flashed a grin at Meilin. She would pat the Cho on her shoulder, continuing talking, "That Meilin made. Make certain, by the way," the woman said to Meilin, "To bring my instruction over to the armoury. I will see you both later, ancestors bless you both."

Amund nodded as he remained silent for a moment before turning to Meilin. "Well, I will have to gather my own troop now. Had actually hoped that we could enjoy the comfort of Oakrath a bit longer but seems that we will have to get going soon. I will aim to leave the city within an hour or two. Do you want to travel with us?" The captain asked, flashing a smile.

Meilin considered her options. She had first to get to the armoury. Which wasn't too far from the barracks, if she remembered the directions of Ragnhild. The only matter that she was somewhat concerned with was Team 7. And that Hyuuga. She still didn't feel that this was their fight. Certainly not with what and who were gathered. Perhaps they could aid in the upcoming fight but she didn't feel like having them with her.
"Yes. Two hours should be more than enough. Where shall we meet?" Meilin asked, both nervous and eager to take the fight to the Zealots and their allies.

"Near the main gates. Just go and wait there. Or if you spot any of my men then just approach them. Will see you there, Meilin. Meilin Stormraven." Having said that, Amund would take his leave, quickly walking to muster his men as quick as he could together from the various sites of the city.

Nodding that she had understood and memorised where they would meet, Meilin's eyes widen a bit as the captain decided to give her a nickname. "Stormraven?" She wondered, "Sounds like quite intimidating nickname. I like it, but why Stormraven?" Deciding to push the question away, for now, she would head towards the armoury first. She had still time to consider what she would do with the team.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
 
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[fieldbox=Retribution - part 3, violet]
Amegakure,
Operation : Swift Retribution.

A collab between Tim, Zane, Jason and Lesli.

Summary:
With Team 8 having gathered, Aiko decides to brief them one last time before they head out to conduct a raid on what is likely an outpost of zealots and insurgents, if they will go by the information given to Aiko by the ANBU. The team heads out, eager and determined to settle the score with the enemy.


[spoili]
"Sorry won't help you," the voice morphed as Aiko's right hand shot towards Kazumo's throat, a firm grip spreading a cold as a grin would flow on Aiko's lips. The cold seemed to radiate from the jounin as well as for Neji and Tomiko the image would shift and morph into a morbid form of a human. One that had suffered many wounds and seemed to be just held together by chakra, appearing as an animated entity. Standing up on its own, the image of the Cho, would use the free hand to place it against the Sarutobi's face. A feeling other than the cold would start to spread through Kazumo's body. The feeling of a thousand insects starting to crawl underneath his skin, poking and scratching as they would spread. At the other side of the hallway another breeze of ice cold air would emit as a figure would just step around the corner. Clad in what appeared to be black armour of some foreign design, the newcomer stared at the unfolding scene.

But as sudden as the situation shifted, so would Aiko's chakra signature appear, from the room where she had vanished prior into. Sliding out of the room, she held a kunai in each hand. Throwing one towards the other side of the hall, she would turn to throw another kunai at the figure who held Kazumo in its firm grip. The first kunai would have a flash tag wrapped around its handle, going off and blinding the new threat as the second had a wire. As much as the jounin had expected, the kunai would sink slightly into the back of the figure's neck. Pulling hard, she would manage to cause the figure to stumble, still holding on to Kazumo.

A voice came from Aiko, a voice that was not hers and it said "Sorry wont help you now". Just as Neji was about to tell Kazumo to run, it was too late. Whatever the hell this thing was, it was not Aiko sensei and soon the thing grabbed a hold of Kazumo's neck. The cold continued to increase and then something happened to the body of Aiko. It changed, it went from looking like Aiko sensei to looking like someone who was dead. It animated and apperaed to only be held together by chakra. " What the hell is this thing?" Neji griited his teeth as he had never experinced anything like this before and had absolutely no explanation of it. Then another cold breeze, this time from the other end of the hallway would approach them. Neji turned around to see a figure clad in some sort of armour come around the corner and just stare at them.

Great great what were they supposed to do Neji thought in his mind. Aiko and Kazumo were down. It was just him and Tomiko left. Dammit what are they gonna do. "Tomiko" Neji yelled her name and was about to say that he would try and take on the one at the end of the hall and that she had to somehow get Kazumo free. Just as he was about to speak up again. Aikos sensei's chakra appeared. "Wait sensei?" She had come out of the room and threw two kunai one at each end of the hall. One stuck in the neck of the thing that held Kazumo and stayed there. The other was a flash tage she threw at the other end of th hall to blind the new enemy that appeared. Neji closed hie eyes just in time so he wasn't blinded as well. He opened his eyes to watch as Aiko would pull at the wire that was attached to the kunai blade stuck in the enemies neck. This caused the enemy to stumble a bit and thats when Neji saw his opening. He swalloed nervously as he ran towards the enemy holding onto Kazumo. Kunai blade in hand. His plan, to cut off the hand holding Kazumo. He jumped in the air and would strike down with his kunai balde.

"Sorry won't help you," The body that she had thought to be Aiko's said as the cold feeling seemed to begin to radiate from her. The girl's eyes grew wide as the same fluctuation from before could now be seen inside 'Aiko' as she began to change. Suddenly it seemed like the woman was only being held together by chakra, and as if she had died long ago. The sight alone was enough to make the girl let out a small yelp as she stumbled backwards, beginning to wonder why her prayer from before the mission had gone unheard. However, it only got worse as she was assualted by a second cold breeze and noticed another clad in some sort of foreign armor enter the hall. She swore loudly, realizing that there were two of these things and it very much seemed like only she and Neji were able to fight anymore.

That was when she suddenly noticed Aiko's chakra signature appearing, and barely had time to register the flash tag before it went off. Tomiko had just barely managed to close her eyes in time, and when she opened them found that the beast holding Kazumo seemed to be off balance. As if something was pulling it back. She also noticed that the enemy was flowing its chakra into Kazumo, and it didn't take a genius to figure that was probably bad. As Neji jumped in towards the enemy, Tomiko took aim with her wristbow, channeling more chakra into the bolt and firing towards the thing's shoulder. Hoping to do just as she had with it while it had been pretending to be Aiko.

As Kazumo was sobbing as he was pulling back slightly, Aiko's voice suddenly shifted. The shocked look on his face said it all. A hand proceeded to grip his throat sending a painful cold chill through his neck making him want to cry out in pain but be unable to. This thing no longer resembled his sensei, this was what he had guess was. An imposter wearing her face, yet to think two of them were here. This was real bad news, would this be where he died? As the person's hand was placed on his face, his eyes would widened as he tried shouting out but couldn't he felt his skin moving everywhere almost as if he was being destroyed from the inside. Scratches, bites the feeling of his skin moving in ways it shouldn't. Tears certainly strolled down his face at this. He didn't neccassarily fear death yet... he always felt it would be more quick than this. Yet his face felt like it was being shattered along with his neck. So much pain.

Then his vision changed he was no longer in the hideout, and he wasn't in Akumu's Hall either. He was staring at a odd city, if it could even be considered that. The place was the biggest city he has ever seen in his life. What on earth was he staring at? Yet it was strangely lovely. He gazed upon people in a rather busy market, talking with one another buying, haggling prices. It was just like home only bigger. He even saw friendly faces but... why were they friendly? He never seen them before in his life, was this.... this person's memories? The flashes would continue as he watched children playing with a ball enjoying their carefree life, such an odd city but it felt so..... peaceful. Then all of a sudden the flashes would shift as some people in red claoks and straw hats started to guide him away. Just what was going on right now? What was he witnessing?

He would then be gazing on the person once more as their hand was on his face. The pain still shooting through him, he raised his left arm to swing at the man, only to feel the kunai blade from Neji slice into his arm. Kazumo felt a surge of pain in his left arm as it didn't cut his arm off but left a big gash in it to the point his blood instantly started spilling onto the ground. Kazumo still couldn't make any sounds but when Tomiko's bolt would shoot out. Kazumo would reach down with his right hand grab his knife and proceed to stab it forward into the person's chest, a bit right to where his heart should be.

The situation was overall pretty bad. But it was going as she had expected it the moment that one of those damned things almost surpressed her. Her way of escaping its attention, giving the idea that she had fled right away, was by making her own chakra signature vanish for a moment. Something that the damned thing had used to get close to her team. Now there were two, with one of them being blinded for a moment while the other was being assaulted. Only much to Aiko's horror the coordination of the genin lacked quite some accuracy. Seeing how Kazumo also got a hit, the jounin decided that this was a moment where holding back was really out of consideration.

Moulding chakra in her hands, Aiko focused once more on using the Wind Blade technique. This time she wouldn't aim to make the cresents disable. As the attacker of Kazumo was stumbling, it managed to find its balance again. And with that, also focusing better on its work. The bolt of Tomiko would collide against the shoulderplate, only to bounce with causing any visible harm off. Just as the figure was about to disrupt its hold and technique over Kazumo, it flinched. Without any resistance the knife of Kazumo sliced into the chestplate. A visible shiver was the result before the thing attempted to throw Kazumo off. Just as the figure made its attempt, a sharp and small cresent of air would slice at the ceiling, followed by another one. A bit of dust would herald the incoming wooden part falling down towards the figure.

Tomiko's bolt didn't seem to cause any visible damage on this thing, yet his knife did. In fact it surprised even himself when his blade went in no problem at all. It even looked like it wanted him off at all cost when the knife went in. This caused Kazumo to give it an almost devious grin as he wrapped his hand around the arm grabbing him, forcing the creature to keep it chilling hold on him. "I win." He uttered in Chonobi, as Aiko's cresent cut the ceiling causing debris to come tumbling down on the figure. This in turn caused Kazumo to land hard on his knees and dust fell on him. With his left arm holding the creatures grasp on him. He reached over with his right and grabbed the knife in its chest, ripping it out and then in turn bringing it up and down towards it's skull.

Her attack had just... bounced off. Had it been faking earlier when she hit it? The genin couldn't understand, as Kazumo's knife seemed to have no issue punching into its chest. Did it have something to do with whatever it was doing to Kazumo? That was one of the only things that made even a slight amount of sense... but even that didn't seem right. Looking towards Neji, Miko was about to speak up when Aiko's Wind Blade caused a part of the ceiling to come down. The girl took a small step back as she debated what to do next. Kazumo, afterall, seemed about to strike the thing down. Throwing a kunai at the creature, away from Kazumo, she tried to make herself seem more like a threat. Hopefully just long enough for Kazumo to finish the job. Grabbing a shruiken, the genin this time took aim for the chest, wondering if Kazumo has somehow found a weakpoint, and threw.

Neji's eyes saw everything. Including the horror that was him cutting into Kazumos arm. Nejis plan was to cut the arm of the thing that was holding onto Kazumo. As he was about to strike down it though Kazumo started wildly swinging at the enemy. Neji had picked it up with his sharingan but couldn't move his kunai balde in time, he was too slow and it struck down onto Kazumo's arm in Nejis horror. Kazumo's arm was bleeding preety bad. Neji landed on the ground and watched as Kazumo eventually found the enemy and was able to strike him in the chest. Neji froze as he didn't know what to do? He feel like no matter what he did he would just make the sitatuion worse. He just stood there and watched like a deer in headlights.

The blinded figure at the other end of the hall had managed to recover. Turning to face this new threat Aiko noticed that the figure seemed to waver. Her right hand went towards the hilt of her blade but she didn't yet draw it out of the scabbard. Suddenly the second figure ran off, vanishing out of sights. Frowning Aiko waited a second before throwing a look over her shoulder. Just in time to see that Kazumo's knife would plunge into the skull of his opponent. A screech briefly escaped the figure before its movement would cease. Yet as it seemed that Kazumo had delivered the killing blow Aiko noticed that the shuriken of Tomiko didn't do any damage. Slowly but surely the figure that had ambushed the team started to decompose in a rapid pace. Ash and dust of a dark grey colour started to fall down to the ground and a cuirrass remained left, together with the knife the figure had wielded before.

Throwing another look at the other end of the hall, the second figure was clearly off. Turning to her team Aiko shot a look at Kazumo's arm wound. A nasty gash from what she could conclude. Not life threatening but it was clear that this was a turning point of the operation. A look at the other genin made it clear that they were shocked. Aiko threw another look at the end of the hall. She wanted to hunt down the fleeing figure, alone. Not just to be certain it was dealt with but also to exact some revenge. Deciding against it Aiko whistled hard to gain the attention of the genin. "We are going. Keep a watch on your six. Kazumo, you're going to be on my flank. Tomiko and Neji, you hold check of the rear. Now."

She stepped towards the remains of the ambusher, only picking up the knife. It had a very cold touch. Almost as if she was holding a piece of ice in her gloved hand. Putting it behind her belt the jounin once more ushered the genin to take their positions. Starting to lead them further, remembering that the way behind them had been shut, Aiko threw one worried look in Kazumo's direction, only to decide to pay focus on the path they were going. Crossing the hall as Aiko would use the Wind stream technique to blow the gas away, the team would need to climb another stair. Leading to another hallway Aiko came to a halt. "How are you guys feeling?" She asked, not turning her gaze from the hallway they had to cross.

As her attacks did no damage while Kazumo seemed to have no issue killing the beast, Tomiko turned her attention to the other one. As it turned away to flee, the girl tried to keep track of it for as long as she could and remained silent as Aiko approached. She moved over towards Kazumo, eyeing his wound, as well as checking for traces of that thing. It had, afterall, been channeling it's own chakra into him. "Are you going to be ok, Kazumo-san? What were you doing to it, that let you hurt it while our attacks bounced off?" The genin asked, although she was seriously starting to consider that it might have had something to do with what the beast was doing to him.

They were soon after told to move, and the genin took a quick moment to gather the two bolts she had fired. They were expensive, and she wanted to keep track of them best she could. Pausing by where the being Kazumo had fought seemed to have perished, the genin silently stared at the floor. Once more she had been useless, and others had gotten hurt because of it. Even as she thought this, Tomiko felt her hand shaking slightly and once more wondered if she was a coward. Afraid of everything it seemed, why couldn't she be more like Hayate, Saki, Aiko, or even Kazumo at the moment. In a sudden fit of anger, the girl lashed out and kicked the cuirrass, ignoring the pain it caused for a moment.

After her brief outlash of emotion, the genin fell silent once more. Trying once again to bottle up her fear, doubt, and everything else for the time being. She stayed towards the rear of the group, as was ordered before. When they reached the top of the stairs, she immediately noticed that they had company once more. This time she took the time to count how many, and decided she would heed Kazumo's advice from earlier. There were five total, three in a room to the right and two to the left. When Aiko asked her question, Tomiko spoke up with a warning instead. "Five at the end of the hall. Three right, two left." She said in a soft tone, just loud enough for the others to hear. She hoped that she had kept the fear from her voice, or it hadn't been enough for others to notice. Even so, Tomiko drew her bow and waited to hear their plan of action.

Neji had messed up again. Neji just watched as Kazumo's arm wound and everything was able to kill whatever the hell this thing was that they were fighting. Neji had rushed in epxecting to actually be able to do something about this situatiuon. What ended up happening though was that all he managed to do was put a nice gash into his commrades arm. Neji's mind and emotions were going a million miles an hour. All he could think about was him messing up again. He gritted his teeth as he everything that he had done rushed his mind. He looked over at Tomiko who came over to see if Kazumo was okay. It was a nasty cut, but it wasn't life threatning. Neji wanted to say someting to him, but he figured that he was the last person Kazumo wanted to hear from right now. Neji turned to look down the hall, and saw that the other beast was gone.

Aiko whistled to get theri attention and told them her orders. Neji did as he was told and got in the rear of the formation. Neji tried to bottle up everything. His worry, his doubt, his ineffectiveness. Everything he was thinking about he tried to bottle it up and put it away, they were still in enemy terrirtory and needed to be on guard. Neji remained silent he had nothing to say, even when Aiko sensei asked them how they were feeling. Neji felt a million different things right now, but the thing he felt the most was shame. Neji looked over to Tomiko who then said they had company. five enemie lay ahead of them. Neji held out his kunai blade and looked up with the red eyes of his sharingan. Hopefully he wouldn't mess up again.

Much as he thought his knife would penetrate the skull rather easily of the creature. He also saw Tomiko's shuriken bounce right off. While he would normally be a bit pissed his other ally threw shuriken in his general vicinity. Mostly with an enemy that could have grabbed him and threw him in the way, he decided to let it slide on the account it solidified his proof. He knew how to kill them, which might come in handy considering the other one retreated. Pulling his knife out of the skull and holstering it, he gazed at the wound on his arm, somewhat listening to Tomiko as he pulled his headband from his waist and wrapped it around the wound, to stop some of the blood flow. "I'll live. As for how I killed it.... Probably shouldn't say when there could be more. Just don't do anything stupid." he spoke as he eyed the Uchiha a bit

Their sensei would then give them order, giving him confidence that this was the real genuine sensei. So he'd comply and do what he was told until Tomiko told them how many were waiting for them. "Out of those Gas bombs too so we wont be able to suffocate them."

Five enemies? Wasn't that much of a problem if they were not more dangerous than the previous lot. It was a bit troublesome that neither Tomiko or Neji were answering her question. Listening to the conversation behind her, Aiko's irritation had reached its peak. "Think it is time for everybody to shut up," Aiko said, not even keeping her voice hushed as she focused on the end of the hallway, "So just speak when you have something to warn me off or else just zip it. That other thing is still around and they can cloak their chakra and presence," Aiko continued as she would wait. The enemy was aware that they had only one way to go. And that other figure wasn't gone yet. Or not too far. "Kazumo," Aiko said as she would shift phrase into Chonobi, "I want you to warn me of any odd feeling. Don't overdo it. I will make sure we will get you patched up right after we get out of this crap," the jounin remained silent for a moment.

"Just wait. Am thinking of something," Aiko stated as she would place her hands on her hips. Biting her lower lip the woman was considering to pull off something risky. It was clear that they were outnumbered and that the enemy would just try to wither them down. They couldn't likely escape or wouldn't be permited to leave until they were dealt with. Was that remaining 'thing' in charge of them? Thinking about a way to draw it out Aiko simply stayed put and silent.

The genin was more than a little confused whenever Aiko told them to shut up unless they had a warning, given that she had just given a warning. When she told them to wait, as she was thinking of something the genin simply nodded and kept a watch on the five at the end of the hall. No point in giving that lot a chance to do anything without her noticing. She noticed that Aiko had briefly switched to Chonobi for a moment, and quietly wondered what she was saying. Still, it wasn't her buisness most likely, else Aiko would've addressed her. The five at the end hall stood near their respective doors, but still a little spaced out. She couldn't see any sort of odd fluxtuation in their chakra, but after what they had experienced downstairs... she didn't trust it. The genin remained silent as the group didn't seem to be doing anything of note either, and she figured Aiko wouldn't appreciate an update that they weren't doing anything out of the ordinary.

Neji looked up as Aiko told all of them to shut up unless they had a warning. Neji had nothing to say so it didnt matter to him. He noticed that Aiko switched her toungue to Chonobi. Neji had heard it enough times to know that it was chonobi, but he had no idea what she was saying to Kazumo. Neji stood at the ready with his kunai blade in hand. Many different things going through his mind right now.

Listening to sensei tell them to be quiet didn't surprise him, a possible enemy that could camoflauge themself shouldn't be considered someone they could just talk openly with around. She then told him in their tongue to warn her of any odd feeling and to not overdo it, he would be patched up when they got out. "Only odd thing that happened was those visions I saw, I can explain them later. Yet will do sensei." Kazumo spoke as he then did as told and to wait. He kept a arrow notched just to be prepared however for any new attackers.

It continued to remain quiet. Listening and on the watch for any movement Aiko eventually clicked her tongue. Her patience was running empty but she didn't want to advance further. As if the enemy was growing weary of waiting the group would once more experience a gripping cold moving through the hallway. "Listen carefully," Aiko spoke up as the cold waned and rose in strength, creating a confusing experience, "I will face that... thing alone. I want you three to keep my flank while I take care of it. Keep your focus on each other and the enemy but don't intervene with my fight unless I order so."

Throwing a look at the genin she didn't wait for their reply. The tone of the jounin had made it clear that she wouldn't accept any back talk or arguments from the genin. Before Aiko could take a step forward the sounds of movement would resonate through the hallway. From their position they could witness a group of armed men starting to run down the stair case and start to enter the hallway. It were around a dozen of armed men, not holding back as they charged at the team. The doors at the end of hallway were opened as well, where the five more men joined in the charge.

Recognising the fact that they were about to be overwhelmed Aiko cursed the fact that they had no sensor. "Tomiko, watch for any odd chakra signatures. You go to the back. Kazumo, Neji," Aiko further ordered as she draw out a kunai. Chakra would become visible at the edge of the kunai, starting to create a menacing and soft sound. As Aiko ran towards the incoming mob, she would unleash a sharp gust to mow down the first three men. Blood splattered over the walls, floor as some internals would flow out of the gaping wounds.
The dying men would fall on the ground, trying to keep their internals inside of their bodies as their comrades stepped on or over them, stopping the momentum of the charge. Readying herself, Aiko would soon face off against two men, while another was attempting to get past her, a hatchet already raised to attack the jounin in the flank.

Nodding Tomiko stepped back from the others, keeping watch for any odd chakra signatures. It had to be in the area again, as Tomiko recgonized that cold feeling. Drawing her bow Tomiko watched as Aiko made her first attack. When the three men fell, Tomiko forced herself to keep from being distracted by the results of the attack. As she watched, the genin noticed that these men seemed to be in their prime and armed solely with weapons meant for close quarters. Better to keep them at range, especially given their lack of armor. Pulling an arrow back, the girl watched as her arrow whizzed down the hall. The man attempting to get past Aiko as she fought two others suddenly sprout an arrow from his chest. Drawing and notching another arrow, the genin shifted her sights to aim for another of the group charging. She then swore as the man anticipated her shot and moved just out of the way as she fired. "Keep them at range." The genin said, though unsure if she spoke loud enough to be heard over the fight.

Hearing Aiko state she would face it alone caused him to get a worried look. He wanted to speak up and tell her something, yet he decided to leave it. After all his sensei didn't go picking fights without some odds of winning. Thats when some advesary showed up and a good bit of them. Enough to outnumber them twice over. Yet even more would come out of the doors just a bit ahead, which didn't bode well for a quick pace if this could happen on a flip of a dime. Yet Sensei dished out orders and would pull out a blade and proceed to send a wind blade at the first three enemies effectivly mowing them down and halting the charge.

Yet as she was going forward a man got past and raised his hatchet to strike her flank, which Tomiko saw and shot him in the chest, but it could take a second or two to die from that so just in case his arrow would soar and hit him in the head effectivly makign sure his body dropped like a rock. Thats when Tomiko shouted to keep them at range. "No shit kid." Kazumo spoke notching another arrow and letting it fire hitting one man in the right eye causing him to fall face first which would cause his arrow to break at the shaft.

Neji stood next to Kazumo as the men entered the hallway, they outnumbered them and they were full grown adult men, while not having chakra or probably any shinobi training, they were proably still stronger than the kids in this squad.This was not the best situaion for Neji as it would be better to be a long distance fighter like Kazumo and Tomiko in this situation and be able to keep them a decent distance away. If Neji just ran in at them he would be outnumbered and over runned in a moment. Neji grabbed some shuriken from his bag and threw them at the men running towards them. One struck a man in the eye forcing him to fall to the ground as he rolled around in pain. Another Shuriken struck a man in the chest, the man moaned in pain as the shuriken stuck out of the cut in his chest. It was not enough to take him down as he took it out as some blood came out, he rushed passed Aiko sensei and ran at Neji. Neji saw with his sharingan the man running towards him with a knive in hand. Neji pulled out a kunai blade and met the man as their blades struck together. Neji jumped back as the man came back at him. Neji could see other men running down the hallway and needed to end this quick. Neji ran back towards him and ducked under the mans knive swing, Neji then swung his kunai blade up as he struck the man the neck forcing him down to the ground.
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[fieldbox="Intelligent Design, Orange"]Yamada Suzu "Rabbit" | Sworn Sword | Akinian Empire, Akinian Capital Konohagakure, Southeastern District
Suzu is dispatched to investigate reports of odd symbols appearing in the Southeastern District of the capital. After taking a look at the symbol Suzu goes to talk with a few of the friendly people of the district, although she may not have reciprocated the amiability of those she talks to.
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It was well hidden, tucked behind a piece of fencing that likely hadn't been moved in years and painted onto the wall behind it with a black so similar to a shadow that Suzu had almost completely missed it in her twenty minute search of the alley behind a small store. The symbol before her was odd, almost aggressive in nature, the pointed outcroppings threatening to cut any that reached out to touch it, and the eye in the center; what Suzu could only guess was an eye; was watching any that looked upon it as if ready to lash out. The outside of the symbol held six smaller markings, nothing Suzu had ever come across in her work or any texts she had read in the past. They were peculiar, enticing even. Each of the six markings offered up as much mystery and intrigue as the entire symbol itself, each one an integral piece to a puzzle. Each one holding a key to figuring out the meaning of the symbol, a meaning that not even the best of the Police Corps and ANBU were able to piece together.

Suzu let go of the derelict fence, letting it fall back against the wall to once more block the symbol from sight. She watched as the top of the fence chipped and fell, the wood so rotten at the edges that it was barely a pulp being held together by the fact that it was seldom bothered in its back alley. She turned to head back to the street she had come down, stopping at the entrance to the alley she took a moment to look around. It was only midday, and the few shops that were in this part of the Southeast district were open and would probably be considered busy by their owners. People ccoming and going, buying wares and ingredients before hurrying on their way down the road. But no one was using any of the alleys, Suzu tapped her foot before deciding that none of the random shop-goers would have any useful information, 'They're all just passing through' she thought before turning to the small convenience store that used the back alley as its place to store trash.
She pulled the door open with a small ring of a bell overhead marking her entrance, the man behind the counter giving her a hearty welcome as she did so. "How can I help you Miss?" he called as he watched her walk in.

She looked around the store for a moment, ensuring that it was empty before stepping up to the counter, "I've got a few questions if you don't mind me intruding." she stated, her dull expression leading the man to lessen his smile a bit.

"Well sure go ahead," the shopkeep said as he scratched his arm, "I can answer all sort of questions about my goods."

Suzu pointed at the wall that would be the same one in the alleyway she had been in earlier, "I'm looking into the symbol that appeared on your wall in the alley, trying to piece together how it may have ended up there... What it may mean. Anything you could tell me would be much appreciated.." she said.

The man eyed the wall that held the symbol, no doubt aware of the ominous marking on his building. "Well I don't see what I can tell you, I've already spoken to the Police Corps and a few ANBU..." he scratched his arm again before continuing, "I told them everything I know... And who are you anyway? I can't just go telling some stranger things that the ANBU were asking about." the man quickly changed his expression, as if guarding information from a thief he crossed his arms and took a step away from the counter.

"I work for the Sworn Swords, was sent to see if we can't get any information or even hearsay that the ANBU or Police Corps may have missed, if you don't want to tell me..." her lips pursed as if into a smile for a short moment, "then this will just become far more interesting for me."

The man loosened his stance at the mention of the Sworn Swords. He let his hands down to his sides and let out a sigh, "Should have opened with that lass." he said before pointing at the wall, "I already told the other guys that came through here, it just appeared one day out there. I didn't find it the tenant that lives upstairs, her kids found it while horsing around in the alley..." he shook his head, "how many times I told them how dangerous it is to play around in an alley like that. Broken glass and tools laying all around. Lucky none of them ever got sick back there. Anyway I'm getting sidetracked, the kids they found it when the youngest of the lot was hiding behind that fence piece back there." he moved a bit forward placing a hand on the counter once more.

"The kid had gotten stuck so the eldest of them pulled the fence piece over and there it was, clear as day. scared the living hell out of em it did. Heard their yelling from right here I did. Went out to make sure none of them had died on my property and found them in wide-eyed awe staring at that unholy sight." the shopkeep stopped for a moment, as if collecting himself before starting again, "I told the ANBU that came by, it's got to be the Jashin Cult. They're making a resurgence I bet. Trying to get a jump start right here in my backyard, trying to corrupt us good folk I say. Next thing you know, people are going to start going missing without a trace, end up offerings to a twisted God."

Suzu nodded along as the man spoke, she had given thought to the ones behind the events as being a splinter group of the Jashin Cult. Holdouts clinging to false hope of their resurgence to power, that one day they could regain their former power. At least until she had seen the symbol, after laying eyes on it she threw the idea clean out of her mind. The Janshin were never so elaborate, never so mysterious as the marking on that wall. She swayed in her spot as the man went on, recounting his fears of what the symbol would bring to them, how they would disappear without a trace to be sacrificed, the last part would have been humorous if Suzu were able to grasp the cynical comedy present in those words and her experience just days before.
"I have reason to believe you'll be alright for the time being. At least from the Jashin Cult that is." she shrugged and continued, "Anyone else I may be able to talk to about these symbols? I was told there are two that have been found so far." she asked.

The shopkeep nodded, "There is, a man by the name of Airo. He's homeless, lives in an alley a few blocks from here... Myself and a few other shop owners pitch in to buy him clothes when his get all battered, last time we did that he was going on about a weird marking on the walls. We all figured he was crazy but... Not so much anymore. If anyone knows more about this it's him, although his recollection of events may not be the truth as you or I would know it..."

Suzu nodded, a crazy old homeless man was about to be her best source of information on what might be going on in the Southeast District, 'Great.' she thought before giving the shopkeep a wave, "You've been a great help." she said before walking out of the store, the bell above her head ringing just as loudly as it did when she entered.

Suzu scoffed as the gruff looking homeless man known as Airo took another swig of liquor, paying little attention to her questions. "Airo, I need you to tell me what you've seen, what you've noticed." Suzu asked, her hands crossed at her chest as the man continued to ignore her in favor of the alcohol in his hands. Her mind moving from one alternative to another to get the drunkard to listen to her Suzu settled on what she figured would work best while not upsetting the man so much he wouldn't say anything.

Forming a tiger seal, two shadow clones would appear on either side of her, one of them quickly moving to the top of a nearby roof and the other quickly dashing forward at the drunk. Caught unaware the drunk did nothing but simply watch as the clone took his bottle of liquor and threw it full force to the clone on the roof. Suzu smiled to Airo as the clone that had gotten the liquor dissapeared. "Now now, Mr. Airo. We can do this one of two ways." she said holding up her hand. She nealed in front of the man, placing a single finger in front of his face, "The first way, you tell me what you know and you get your liquor back," her clone, now sitting with her legs over the edge of the roof shook the bottle in front of herself with just two fingers keeping it from falling, "easy right?" she put up her second finger and continued "The second way. Well you lose your alcohol and I dig through your mind myself. You won't really know it's happening but it will take longer..." she shrugged, "Probably."

The drunk blabbed for a few moments as if trying to remember how to speak before throwing his hands out in front of himself with his palms open, "D-- Don't drop my liquor I'll talk!" he called out as he watched her clone atop the roof intently, "W---what do... Do you want to know?" he asked, the anxiety in his voice obvious as the clone swung the bottle from side to side.

Suzu stood, pleased that he had been so easy to win over and cracked a friendly smile, "Well Mr. Airo, I want to know what sort of markings you've seen that you were telling the whole shopkeepers about. The ones that seemed to scare you."

Airo fidgeted on the ground and looked to the real Suzu, "I've seen a few o' them markings popping up, don't know what they mean. now give me my drink!" he said the desperation in his plea stirring something primal within Suzu, she wondered for a moment if anyone would care to look for a missing homeless man in this district. She settled on no but knew better than to let her instincts lead her actions.

"Oh no no, not yet. I need to know more Mr. Airo. Did you see anyone putting them up? notice anyone looking at them that wasn't a regular face in the area?" she leaned forward a bit, her hair falling over her shoulders as she did, she lowered her voice and settled her face into a much more grim expression, "I need you to really think here Mr. Airo, there's a lot at stake on how you answer."

The homeless man shuddered in place, before trying to move himself further from Suzu on his butt. Pushing himself with his hands and feet across the dirty alleyway, as he slowly moved himself away he spoke in bouts between his breaths, "I seen---" he took a breath, hoarse and shaky, "a few people---" he had managed to make it a quarter of a meter so far, "hoods mostly---" almost half a meter, Suzu was slightly impressed how he could move so slowly in such a situation, "they just stared---" almost a meter now, "always alone---" he stopped as he pressed his back against a trash bin, "the last one I saw, he got rid of one of the markings... That's really all I seen please." he said, his voice shaky and his eyes beginning to tear up.

Suzu simply stepped forward closing the short distance that he had managed to place between them. "Did you see where any of them went?" she asked him as she leaned herself even closer than before, able to smell the alcohol on the mans breath she was so close now.

The man let out a small squeak as Suzu leaned in and turned his head to the side with his eyes shut, "They all went South of here! That's really all I know! Please!" he yelled as loud as he could.

Airo sat there terrified for what must have been ten minutes before he slowly opened an eye. Through his tears he could make out the alley and the street beyond, but the woman who had been standing in front of him was no longer there. He opened his other eye and wiped the tears from them, blinking at the empty alley for a moment and checking the now empty rooftop above him before noticing the bottle of liquor standing at his feet.
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[fieldbox="The Artist Sets Out, Teal, solid"]
Kouta Riojin- Chuunin of Team 9
His life was a rather busy one since coming to Konohagakure, not only was he happier here but he was treated with respect by people he never knew. Who even helped him without asking for anything in return, it made the weight of the Riojin clan feel like a thing of the past at this point. His name somewhat became better known when he one day did a painting for a noble without realizing it. Turns out they had some sway and sent others to him, hoping to get a painting from him. It once gotten to a point he had a queue and date of completion for those requesting from him. His room became covered with Canvas's and paint cans everywhere. He had to create a pathway to his kitchen and to the door to leave. Yet despite his new found busy schedule he was rather happy.

He even meet this rather lovely woman through his paintings. He was so mesmerized by her natural beauty that he ended up making multiple portraits just for her, free and everything. Yet he wouldn't say their relationship was too advanced yet. Although she has been the first client he has seen while not painting. Yet today was a different kind of day, he had to put all paintings on hold for the time being as he was to set out on a mission today with his sensei and team member.

Taking a bit to get there he would spot his sensei and give the man a smile and wave, not noticing that his shirt had some paint stains on it. "Good morning Sensei, what kind of task are we taking on today? I have to say it will be a change of pace compared to what I've been doing as of late." Kouta said smile still on his face and everything, the kind of smile that jsut said nothing could really ruin my day.[/hr][/hr][/fieldbox]
 
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