Team Mirai Missions: The First assignement

the missions:

As Nokino got ready for the first big assignment of the team in her house, donning her usual outfit, but this time wearing a big and long black ample kimono over it as a mean to be able to travel discreetly, as well as having a straw hat, hiding her identity. As she got out with the scroll containing the missions details on it for her and the team, she remembered what was written on it, the assignement being quite the challenge.



As Nokino got out in the darkness of the night, she walked slowly inder the fading pale light of the moon, and of street lamps, frequently looking behind herself and arroudn to ensure she wasnt followed. As she arrived to Yukio family house, she knocked strongly, as to be heard and waited until Yukio would come down, prepared for the assignement. He didnt know yet the details of the mission, but as soon as he would get out and meet her, she would tell him. As he got out the door, Nokino was leaning on the door frame, waiting, with her hands hidden in her kimono, and a smile as soon as she saw him.

''Hey Yukio. You are ready? Good. Here. Take this black kimono too, we dont want you to be recognized either. Keep your headband, just dont put it to your head as to not give it away. Act like it is a badge of police. The place we are going is quite tense recently, and we wouldnt help ourselves showing off our allegiance just yet. Follow my orders, your instincts and it should be all good, 'aight? Now... let me explain!'' Would say Nokino as they walked away in the middle of the night, fully covered underneath their large black cloaks, armed to the teeth underneath, ready for the special mission.

A few more miles down the road and into the forest of the Land of Fire, as they walked slowly to pass as vagabonds traveling long distances, Nokino looked around herself in the darkness of the night to be sure that no other ninja or anyone really followed them, and that it was safe to discuss the details of the mission with Yukio since no one was spying on them, or no ears could eavedrop on them.

''So kiddo, here is the mission. We need to go to Hachô village, at the border of the land of Fire. We will travel a few days, but it isnt too far. This village recently fell into a state of discontent, as a few unrespectfull genin seemed to act up over there. These genins seem to verge on the limit of being criminals instead of shinobi of the hidden leaf like they are supposed to be, patroling the outskirts of the border, and acting like tyrant at the village. The Sensory Corps of Konoha and the information agency suspect something more, a motive, behind their rash actions. We will need to investigate, and should they prove a menace to the integrity of Konoha or to us, or the village, we are to elliminate them, and keep the issue in house, and on the hush-hush. Also, since the elder of the village is displeased, he is rumored to rally up a town militia, to stand up for the village, and start more and more to act independantly. We need to secure his loyalty and the loyalty of the village to the hidden village of the leaf, and in order to do that we will need to guard him from these marauding genins. So, to resume, the village is disloyal because there is a group of would-be-deserters causing havok, and the village head loyalty wavered because of it, feeling like he was alone to deal with it, as Konoha's own ninja were his problem. We need to remind them that Lord Hokage Aokidanza is their master, protect the leader to prevent a diplomatic event, and neutralize the troublemakers, 'aight? If you have any questions, now is the time.'' would say with a low voice Nokino, speaking in a discreet way, still looking all around.

As they walked further, Nokino answered the questions Yukio could have, and added some details regarding the way they would opperate in this covert assignement. After all they would need to be subtle, and Nokino came prepared for this.

''So, as soon as we see others and enter the perimeter of the village of Hachô, you will not say my name ever, and I will not say yours either. If anyone ask, we are special envoys of the Fire Daimyo sent to investigate on the situation and on a strictly diplomatic mission, and you are my pupil. My name from now on is Tezazu, and you are Jya. As hard as this will be, I will not smoke, as this would be a given sign for anyone knowing me. If you have any patterns of habits, its time to hide them and control yourself.  We will rent a room in the local inn of the village, and only with the catchphrase of ''The leaves fall under the crescent moon'' will we break the cover, speaking in the privacy of the room. Clear?'' would add Nokino, tying up her hair into two braids, something she never did, making her unrecognizable. 

As they walked for a few days, passing themselves for diplomatic envoys, and passing by traveling merchants, strangers, villagers moving from settlements to settlements, most of them flocking to Konoha, being the biggest city around, Nokino and Yukio, or should we say Tezazu and Jya, were discreetely sinking in their role, hiding their true selves and mascarading as others, working on their tell tale signs. They talked and got to know one another better, forging their personnas and deepening the roles should they come into questionning regarding their identities.

After the long walk trough the land of Fire, they finally arrived into Hachô village, arriving in the late evening, the village lit by rows and rows of red papper lamps fixed on garlands giving a red shade of light to the streets and alleys, all made of rustic wooden buildings with tile roofs, the old style of building common to the Land of Fire. The village itself was pretty and quite lively, the night life of hundreds of artisans and workman getting out into isakayas, bars and restaurants keeping the town alive at such a later hour. 

Making their way like any other citizen would trough the buzy and full streets, the pair of undercover shinobi of the hidden leaf arrived to their Inn, a large wooden building with a blue neon sign of a sleeping man with 4 Z z z z animating the man's sleep in bright green neon light, a sign that they were in the right place. Without a word and slipping trough the crowd at the lower floor enjoying the bar and tavern part of the inn, Nokino and Yukio would arrive at the desk, and rent a room for 2 upstairs. As they made their way up the stairs, muffled by the loud chanting and crowd talking of the bar, they both made their way into the room. 

It was a single beded room (at least queen size), with a lot of furniture, a window overlooking the market plaza of the village, shining bright with walk-in bars, restaurant neons signs, and strings of red glowing paper lamps. The room had only one sturdy wooden door, and this was perfect if anything would happen. Setting down their travelling gear and preparing the room as a temporary base of opperation, Nokino leaned on the side of the window, looking down on the active nightlife of the village of Hachô.

''So Yukio, what do you say if we get out of our ninja clothes, dress normally and mingle in the population tonight, maybe even make contact with the band of gung ho genins, hear a rumor or two, gatter intel? First round of Soju is on me!'' said Nokino in a low voice, making sure only her team member would hear the info. 

As she changed and asked yukio to turn around to not look, Nokino was barely recognizable to anyone who didnt knew her before. This costume was perfect. She hid her outfit underneath the bed, and hid the ninja tools in her outfit in a matter to have them be unnoticable, trully concealed. She waited for Yukio to do the same, and then headed out into the fray, starting their assignement of covert opperation.

wc: 1564

In the Village Hidden in the Leaves, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a dim glow over the lush forest that surrounded the ninja village. In a modest room in his home within the Senju Clan compound, a young Senju named Yukio was preparing for a mission that would test his mettle like never before. He and his sensei, Nokino, were tasked to deal with a potential uprising in a small village near the border of the Fire Country. Yukio himself did not know the details of this mission yet, but he knew it would require stealth and reconnaissance, neither of which were skills he had much of an opportunity to practice or perfect yet.  Still, the young man found himself feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation.  Around him sat all of the gear and equipment he would need for his mission, and it was time to start preparing.  Due to the covert nature of these missions, his headband denoting him as a shinobi of the Village Hidden in the Leaves was placed to the side.  He would bring it with him, but it would not be worn, instead stored away.  His usual attire had been replaced by clothes in darker colors and with lightweight, breathable fabrics. He wore a form fitting vest which could be worn underneath overclothes to conceal some of the vital equipment which he would need on him, such as his senbon or his tanto.  The senbon went into a small pouch near the bottom right of the vest that held the razor sharp needles close to his body, and the back of the vest held his tanto in a near vertical position, with the handle of the blade oriented towards his right hip and the tip of the blade near his left shoulder blade – this would allow him to conceal the blade nearly completely, especially underneath something such as a jacket, while allowing him easy access to the blade should Yukio need it.  In a large, black travel bag he had a variety of important equipment, but nothing that should require immediate access. Soon he had all of his equipment stowed securely and he was ready for Nokino-sensei to arrive. A proud knock roused Yukio from the couch.  He grabbed the travel bag and moved towards the door, opening it to reveal Nokino.

”Hey Yukio. You are ready?” Yukio nodded silently as he stepped out of his home, closing and locking the door behind himself. ”Good. Here. Take this black kimono too, we don’t want you to be recognized either.”

”Hai, sensei.” Yukio placed the bag down and received the black kimono from Nokino.  It fit over his vest very nicely and concealed all of the equipment it held perfectly.  Drawing his tanto would require he undo the kimono quickly, so he kept the belt loosely tied so it could be opened without difficulty. As he finished, Yukio picked up his travel bag and hoisted it onto his shoulders.  The two began moving down the road, officially setting off on their mission.  As they walked toward the gate of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Nokino went over his equipment, ensuring Yukio was fully equipped for their work ahead.  Soon, they were a few miles down the road and into the forest of the Land of Fire proper. Huge trees, most of which were birthed by Senju chakra, rose into the sky around them, blocking out the faint light given by the moon and stars. Nokino peered around, ensuring they were alone, and began explaining the details of their mission.  Yukio listened intently, committing the details to memory.  It would not do to have unclear objectives while operating in enemy territory.  Hacho Village, Nokino explained, was a hotbed for discontent due to the actions of some apparently traitorous Genin.  Upon hearing this, Yukio’s face adopted a vicious scowl, before he quickly schooled his features back into a neutral position.  It wouldn’t do to react this emotionally, as both he and Nokino-sensei were supposed to be undercover. She went on to explain how the leader of the village seemed to be rallying his people to fight back against these Genin and declare themselves independent of the Leaf, due to the Genin’s banditry and vile behavior.  Yukio nodded in understanding.  The village leader clearly had his people’s interest at heart, but rebelling against the Leaf would only bring him heart ache.  He was glad they were stepping in, helping this man would go a long way toward cementing their loyalty to both the Village Hidden in the Leaves and Aokidanza-sama. Nokino summarized their objectives, and Yukio nodded in understanding.  He asked a few questions, such as what the rules of engagement were for the Genin or any civilians that may be assisting them or engaging in traitorous behavior, all of which Nokino answered.

His sensei then went on to explain their cover story for this mission.  They were to be traveling diplomats from the Fire Daimyo.  He was to assume the name Jya, and she would be Tezazu. She would also cease smoking, which Yukio understood.  Smoking wasn’t very popular as a shinobi to begin with, due to smell being such a strong sense (especially for those from the Inuzuka clan) so it would make sense to eliminate a possible angle to recognize her, however small it may be. Nokino then explains that their code phrase would be ”The leaves fall under the crescent moon.” Yukio again commits this to memory, he will not fail on his first real mission!  Having passed on the critical information to him, Nokino and Yukio walked in companionable silence. After traveling for several days and further cementing themselves into their undercover roles, Tezazu and Jya came to life, a sensei and her apprentice, loyal servants to the Fire Daimyo.

Finally, the two were within sight of Hacho Village.  Tezazu and her apprentice Jya approached an inn and received a room.  It was fairly spartan but would serve their purposes well.  It had a strong wooden door which could be barricaded if necessary to prevent easy entry, and Jya thought that perhaps he would be able to utilize Wood Techniques from it if the worst came to pass. Tezazu asked if they should go mingle amongst the villagers, to which Jya agreed quickly.  Some time in civilization would do them good after days of travel!

---

WC: 1,065 | TWC: 1,065 | TMWC: 2,629/9,000

As the town lights, dimly shining on the two undercovers shinobi of the hidden leaf, ruffled in the wind, the two now casually dressed inidivuals crossed the busy street to go in an open bar, and mingle into the crowd. As they made their way to the bar, Tezazu noded toward her pupil, asking for him to sit down together at a table, perfectly place to watch the overhall scene of the bar, as well as listen to most conversations around. As a barmaid arrived to take their order, Tezazu signaled to the waitress with a raised hand that she wanted to order a drink or maybe food.

''Greetings miss. I would like to order a vintage rice wine, something for great ocasions. Yes, the full bottle please, and unopened too. I would also take an aged whiskey on ice, along a few tempura shrimps and chicken curry yakitori. And my apprentice ?... Yes thanks a lot. That will be all. Make it one bill only.'' Said the disguised Nokino, making sure to talk formaly and in a way that was different than her normal talking voice. As they ate and drank, she would extend an ear to listen to what people were saying. 

Most of them were talking about the recent attacks on the village and thievery, by a group called the Black Vipers, who according to the citizens of Hacho village, were genins of the hidden leaf stationned close, but in their free time, they would change their uniforms and ditch temporarily their shinobi headbands to pass as a gang and thieves, racket and extort the villagers. One particular citizen seemed more informed then the others, so Tezazu listened closely to him more than the others.

''Yeah, this is total bullshit I tell you! The village elder is on the verge of rebellion. These young ones pillage or ressources, and dont even take the time to hide well that by daylight they are ninja of the hidden leaf, our so called overlords protecting the land of Fire. Well if the ninja themselves want to pillage us instead of protect us from the pillagers, maybe the Daimyo himself and his samurai would be better placed to help us, and maybe its time to form a militia and give the boot to the ninjas... We should go talk to the Kumoro, he already started to gather funds to go independant from Konoha...'' Said the man talking. As the infiltrated Nokino heard that, she knew they would need to act fast, and discreetly to not set fire to this powder keg of a situation. Swiftly getting up, the pampered Tezazu, official diplomatic envoy to the village, empressed herslef to sit at the man's table, and added in a loud voice to the conversation.

''Forgive me to introduce myself so prehemptively dear sir, but your speech gave me a compulsion to interact. My name is Madam Tezazu, diplomatic envoy of his grace the Red Daimyo of the Land of Fire, our very own country. What you give me is troubling news, really! I am actually sent here for this very matter. So, please, tell me and my apprentice all that trouble the Hacho village, and then take me to the village elder Kumoro, if you please, for his hospitality is required to house the envoys of the Fire Royalty themselves. But first, i'm all ears good sir....'' Added Tezazu, listening to the man information with great attention. If her apprentice wanted to investigate others trace of informations or add something, Tezazu would follow, help and wait on him to do what he wanted, and after that, leave to go meet the village elder. 

Even if it was late night, his life was at risk, so they couldnt take the risk of leaving him unatended all night long.

Tezazu and Jya arrived in the town around dusk, the fading evening light painting the sky into a brilliant cascade of pinks and orange hues. After checking in to their hotel, they discussed their plans for the evening, which Tezazu explained would consist of going to a local bar and scoping the place out, hoping that some of the locals will speak more than perhaps they should with the addition of alcohol. Jya nodded his head in understanding, and then formed the hand seals Tiger, Horse, Ram, and the Clone seal to produce a Shadow Clone. The clone used the Transformation technique to become a random villager and, after making sure the coast was clear, leapt from the window of their second story room into the alleyway bellow. Jya turned toward Tezazu and explained.

”Always best to have back up watching over us, just in case we need it.” The undercover shinobi nodded in satisfaction, hoping that his sensei would approve as well. The two gathered their things and prepped the room for their stay, applying various traps, tripwires, and cues to alert them should someone enter their room uninvited. Once this was finished, they set off into the town to visit the local watering hole. The two walked in companionable silence, with Jya’s shadow clone tailing them at a reasonable distance so as not to draw attention to itself. Within the bar itself, Tezazu and Jya sat down at a table and Tezazu began ordering a good helping of food for them to enjoy. Jya ordered and dug in without question, as he had not eaten since they first set off this morning. As they enjoyed the food and drinks, a boisterous man struck up a conversation. He was clearly a few drinks in already, and his loud voice carried through the bar. Jya schooled his emotions to stop himself from snorting in derision; this man was basically announcing out loud that he and a group of conspirators were planning on betraying the Village Hidden in the Leaves and declaring independence. This would not be allowed to happen and was the reason for Tezazu and Jya’s presence in the village to begin with. Tezazu nodded toward him and then stood, moving towards the group of gentlemen. Jya gave a quick hand sign to the shadow clone, informing it they had made contact and to if applicable. Tezazu introduced herself and Jya to the men.

”Forgive me to introduce myself so prehemptively dear sir, but your speech gave me a compulsion to interact. My name is Madam Tezazu, diplomatic envoy of his grace the Red Daimyo of the Land of Fire, our very own country. What you give me is troubling news, really! I am actually sent here for this very matter. So, tell me and my apprentice all that trouble the Hacho village, and then take me to the village elder Kumoro, if you please, for his hospitality is required to house the envoys of the Fire Royalty themselves.” Jya nearly smirked as Tezazu spoke, she was really laying it on thick to get these guys to like them. Well, whatever worked, he guessed, as the men spoke loudly in the affirmative and were happy to share more details of the potential uprising. As they spoke, one of the men whispered to the first and then made his exit. Another quick sign to his Shadow clone and it got up shortly after and followed the man. The other two men stayed and spoke more about how wonderful the village leader was for daring to fight for his citizenry. Jya agreed with this sentiment, those who do not help their comrades are the worst kind of trash, but rebelling against the Village Hidden in the Leaves was not a healthy way to go about doing it. If there was one thing Aokidanza-sama hated, it was traitors. The group of two locals, Tezazu, and Jya left the bar well after sundown and went to go visit Kumoro, the leader of Hacho village. As they walked the streets, he received an influx of chakra and information, as his clone dispelled, and Jya learned the other man went to visit a warehouse near the edge of town that had been stockpiled with weaponry. Jya surreptitiously relayed this information via hand sign to Tezazu, ensuring no others saw the clandestine communication. With that done, Jya waited for the meeting with Kumoro to begin, content to follow Tezazu’s lead for the duration of this meeting.

---

WC: 750 | TWC: 1,815 | TMWC: 4,014/9,000

''A weapon's cache? Great Job Yukio.'' Tought Nokino while receiving the information about the hiddeout of arms and blades from the shadow clone of Yukio. This was a clever usage of the technique, appropriate for the mission, and she was proud of her student for doing so. As they followed the man into the night, walking slowly trough the village, Nokino talked to Yukio to entertain the two citizens of Hacho village, making them believe in the cover more. 

As she gave him lessons and diplomacy techniques to discuss with village leaders, clan leaders and noblemans, the two man walking beside them looked at them like complete weirdos, and quickly dislodged their eyes and attention from them, uninterested by the borring talks of envoys speaking the way of the court, something ridiculous and useless to folks of the country side. This was the goal of Nokino, as amidst this speech and talk with her student, she game him hints and codes, speaking through the diplomatic bullshit a secret speech, giving him valuable information. 

The message that she wanted him to understand was that firstly, she understood about the weapon cache, but also that they were being followed by 6 individuals, dressed in dark grey with cowls hiding their face. The danger was imminent, and they were going the same direction, probably off to assassinate the village leader, to spite the militia into an attack, blaming the village of the hidden leaves on the murder itself. 

As Tezazu and Jya pressed their walking to get faster to the manor of the local lord, so did the stalkers behind them, following with a menacing look on their face. They would have a few moments to talk to the lord before they would attack, and Nokino wanted to take every second of it. Finally they arrived to the estate of the leader. The wooden house was quite large and long, surrounded by walls of stone guarding and circling around a nice and zen garden, filled with cherry blossom trees, plants of exotic kinds, rocks and a little pond. The most pretty feature of the garden was the bonzai colection. Around 10 pots were placed on little tables of stones, with each of them containing a bonzai of a different kind, shape and form. Truly a magnificient art form. Nokino turned toward the two gentlemen that escorted them here and with a nice flick of the hand, dismissed both of them.

''Thanks a lot to you two good sirs, we shall enter alone if you please. You are both dismissed. Good evening.'' Said Tezazu, giving each a coin for their trouble, so they could drink it away and forget that the two diplomats where even there.

As they left, the two entered the place. It was a traditionnal japanese style manor, with wooden pannel walls, tatami mat floorings with windows made out of rice paper, and sliding doors. The building was made in a sturdy and traditional way, a distinctive sign of the countryside, sometimes more rustic, but nonetheless magnificient. It reminded nokino of her actual house, built in a similar fashion. They quickly and silently closed the door behind them, and Tezazu turned around toward her student, stopping him in his steady advance.

''Jya, you stay here now. Guard the door, those men following us arent here to knock gently and sell cookies, they're here to kill the village leader. Your mission right now is to prevent that from happening, but without allerting the village of it, 'aight? Oh and please, dispose of the bodies! We work clean, not sloppy.'' Said Nokino to her team member, trusting him with dealing with this part of the issue, and testing his combat abilities. 

As they splited and she made her way down the house, she arrived in the living room, where the elderly man was sitting, writing a large scroll with traditional ink and a long bamboo shaft brush. He was practicing the art of caligraphy, a traditional form of writing and chanelling chakra. The old man wore a long kimono of grey-blue color, and had his hair in a top bun. Nokino approached carefully, bowing as he turned to see who was there.

''Apologies my lord Kumoro. I present myself, Nokino Iburi. Im the sensei of team Mirai, of the hidden leaf. We are special envoys, sent covertly to aid you with the issue of security befalling your village, as well as discussing with you the terms of a new arrangement to keep you loyal to our lord Hokage Aokidanza. I ask that you don't reveal our true identity, of me and my student, as your life and the life of this whole village is curently at risk, 'aight? Now we have much to discuss, but it will have to wait, as assassins have been sent right now to terminate you. My student guards the door right now but could they enter someplace else?'' Said Nokino with her authoritarian voice, her hand on the handle of her katana ready to unsheath, revealing it from under her large oversize black Kimono, as it was tucked and hidden away.

As the old man was about to speak, a smoke bomb break into one of the window, the glass panel shatering, and smoke getting everywhere. Nokino quickly grabbed the old man, puting him behind her, effectively putting her in between the incoming agressors and the village leader. At the same time, she heard the same happening over Yukio's side, and she hoped he would be okay to defend against the 6 of them who where following. Clearly there was more, and while he dealth with the 6 stalkers, Nokino would have to deal with the others coming from behind the manor to attack.

''Quick sir, beneath the table!'' Yelled Nokino to Kumoro, to urge him to get to safety.

As she drew her blade, it glowed with a faint orange hue, warm and fizing with smoke as it synchronized to the chakra signature of its user. The Iburi revelled in the smoke, seeing trough it and being part of it. The first attacker was the most unlucky, as she dashed towards him with incredible speed while they climbed the window. As soon as the first intruder set his first feet onto the floor, the blade of Nokino made contact with him, slashing his arm off, and sending a red flashbang like effect creating sparks and even more smoke into the large cloud. The second man wasnt more fortunate, as the swing of the Iburi kunoichi continued to split his gut open, creating the firework reddish blast into his gut, killing him instantly with smoke getting out of his mouth and nose, as his inside was filled with thick smoke from the blast. From outside, it looked like a symphony of fireworks, a large smoke cloud, thick with grey, filled with sporadic small flashes of red light and sparks, creating more and more smoke, and acompagnied by firecrackers sounds. This was the style of Red Flash, Nokino's ancestral katana, an Iburi heritage from her father, and his father before that.

As the cloud dissipated, 5 bodies were strung up on the floor, dismembered and blown appart, smelling of burnt sulfur, and as if a thousand matches had burned. But it wasnt the end. As Nokino turned around, a masked shinobi held the elder with a kunai at his throat, along side 3 others. As Nokino looked at them shocked, she saw that they were close to the stairs leading up. Theses fuckers must have passed from upstairs while Yukio and her fighted the agressors at ground floor. 

''Its over bitch. Give it up and drop your katana or I kill him right now, I swear it on Viper!'' said the thug to Nokino.

As she slowly dropped her katana to the floor, Nokino used a technique that permits her to move gear from everywhere on herself, and so she used this special technique to move one of her flash paper underneath her foot sole. 

''Here, catch it.'' Replied Nokino, sliding with the same foot the katana toward the agressors, along with the flash paper onto it. In an instant, as the man saw the paper a split second too late, the whole room went all white, bright like the sun itself, and blinded everyone inside of it, except Nokino who covered her eyes as she sent it away. As soon as the flash had exploded in an overbright sparkling ball of white light, Nokino removed her hand from her eyes, and dashed toward the agressors, sending her kunais flying, each of them sticking into one of the thugs face, right in between their eyes, killing them instantly, their limp bodies falling onto the floor. As she dashed to get back her katana before the ending of the flash, she took it and in a single motion, got back up and slashed the head of the one taking the old man into hostage, and followed with a second slash to cut of the arm holding the blade at the neck of Kumoro. Both slashed emited red flash fireworks effect, alongside smoke in the area, leaving the house almost all filled with lingering smoke strains and a match odor, and filled with dead ripped appart bodies. With a swift move of her head and a sheating of her smoldering blade, Nokino turned toward the leader.

''You're safe now my lord. Now, lets discuss in private with my team member too. Please, go upstairs with him, I'll join you soon.'' Said the Iburi Sensei.

As she waited for them to go upstairs, Nokino turned towards the bodies of the agressors. They were all dressed the same, with dark grey cloacks and cowls, and mask too to hide their face. She carefully looted them all to see if one of them had something of interest to the investigation, and she found what she had feared: all of them, underneath their cowls and masks, had headbands, dark blue, with the classic metal plaque, and the symbol of the hidden leaf. These were Konoha defectors, the young genins spreading trouble in the region, who now were showing themselves as a fully fledged rebel group of marauders, hell bent on destroying Konoha and everything it stands for. With a swift motion, Nokino removed their cowls to reveal their headbands, and to each of them, struck their plaque with her blade once, creating a large gash across the konoha symbol, signifying that they were defectors, and no longer shinobi of the hidden leaves. She collected the headbands as proof of the defection, and to prevent them from being seen, not wanting to set fire to the powder keg by confirming that the menace was, indeed Konoha's very own ninja who defected. 

with a large sigh of despair, Nokino sheathed her blade again, and went upstair to join the elder and her team member.

WC: 1817

TWC: 4015

Jya listened intently as Tezazu-sensei imparted wisdom to him. The inner workings of the Fire Daimyo’s courts, the movements and political games of the nobles within it, how to play the Great Game, all was discussed between them. Yukio, of course, was having a much different conversation with his sensei. ’So, we’re being followed. A shame I don’t have a shadow clone out still.’ Yukio prepared to deal with the attack. Luckily, since he had ample time before they would more than likely strike, he could prepare an ambush that would, hopefully, take care of all six of the would-be assassins without difficulty. Nokino and Yukio arrived at the village elders’ home, stalked the whole way. Once Nokino pointed out the tail, it was easy for Yukio to catch glimpses of them as they traveled. These were not elite shinobi, but were more than likely career Genin, those who were never placed onto the accelerated sensei track due to lacking talent. Not to be underestimated, of course, as even a child could kill a man with a kunai to the right spot, but Yukio did not think they would pose too great a challenge, especially with time to prepare. After thanking their escorts, Nokino and Yukio entered into the home of the elder. They passed through the gate of a large stone wall surrounding the estate, within which was a beautiful courtyard area, complete with a Zen garden and bonsai arrangements. Were Yukio not about to try his damndest to kill six men, he would have loved to sit and enjoy the space. Unfortunately, the courtyard area was a little too exposed to plan his ambush and Nokino ushered him into the building.

”Jya, you stay here now. Guard the door, those men following us arent here to knock gently and sell cookies, they're here to kill the village leader. Your mission right now is to prevent that from happening, but without allerting the village of it, 'aight? Oh and please, dispose of the bodies! We work clean, not sloppy.” Nokino addressed Yukio before she left deeper into the house, presumably toward where the elder was located. Yukio bowed in confirmation before he quickly began making preparations. He estimated about five minutes before the attack was launched and needed to set the stage appropriately. Looking around the interior of the home, which was decorated in a lovely formal fashion, he spotted plenty of wooden surfaces he could use for his techniques. Deciding on a course of action, Yukio began forming hand seals as rapidly as he could. He first recast Shadow Clone, creating two copies of himself. This split his chakra quite a bit, but it would be useful to have two additional angles of attack. His first shadow clone took a seat on the comfortable arm chair near the end of the large receiving room, his role as a distraction required nothing more from him. Yukio and the second clone utilized their Surface Walking techniques to scale the walls and crouch onto the ceiling. Most people failed to look up, especially when entering into a building. Then, Yukio closed his eyes and concentrated, seeking to activate a technique that was held in secret and passed down through the clan when and if a Senju became ready for it. A light blue aura surrounded Yukio as he activated Tobirama’s Fury, a technique created by the Nidaime Hokage himself, one that would amplify and empower the user for a brief period of time. The glowing Senju then cast another sequence of jutsu – the Ninjutsu Amplifier, which would improve the potency of the next jutsu he activated, and the technique that was fast becoming one of his favorites, the Foo Dog Heads. Eight wooden pillars rose from the wooden floors, spaced throughout the room and arranged so they appeared as nothing more than artful decoration. That finished, all three Yukio’s in the room settled in for a short wait.

And a short wait it was indeed, as a crash from a room further down the hall towards where Nokino had left to indicated the attack was to begin. The Genin, for all their faults, came in exactly as Yukio had expected, since he had taken the same tactics courses at the Academy in Konoha that they had. Two from the front door, two from a window on the left, and two from a window on the right. They entered quickly and fanned out through the room, eyes set on the shadow clone of Yukio and, as he had predicted, never once looking up at the ceiling. The Yukio shadow clone rose in alarm and shock.

”What is the meaning of this! How dare you enter into Lord K…” His speech was cut off as one of the masked invaders gestured to another, who drew a tanto and rushed the clone to kill him as the others started taking their first steps into the room. This was when everything erupted into chaos.

Eight Foo Dog head constructs leapt to life, their heads expanding on long and thick flexible wooden posts towards the assailants. Empowered as they were by both Tobirama’s Fury and the Ninjutsu Amplifier, these struck the enemy shinobi with as much power as Yukio could put behind them. It was an abject slaughter. Three of the six were struck down immediately as their torso’s were crushed to pulp by the bites of the Foo Dog constructs. One was bitten and then entangled by the construct, before he too was crushed by the jaws of the temple dogs. The one that rushed the shadow clone who served as a distraction was bitten by two of the dogs, who proceeded to pull him apart in a brutal display of strength, and the last enemy, who happened to be slightly slower than his compatriots and watched in horror as they were torn asunder, turned to leap back out of the window he had entered through when a series of long branches wrapped around him and completely immobilized him, preventing him from doing anything at all. The shadow clone that had used the Smothering Binding Technique descended from the ceiling to the ground and knocked out the bound enemy shinobi without difficulty. All in all, the entire fight took less than five seconds.

”Proper planning really makes things look quite simple, doesn’t it?” Yukio asked of no one in particular. He could still hear the sounds of fighting from the other area of the house. He motioned for the first shadow clone to head that way and assist Nokino if she needed it, otherwise he would report to her and then dispel. ”Well, let’s get this mess cleaned up.” Yukio sighed as he grabbed the leg of one of the dead men and started to drag him outside. With his other shadow clone somewhat occupied, Yukio used the Foo Dog heads to move the remains outside and then buried them into the earth with an application of Earth natured chakra. Then, utilizing some water chakra and cleaning supplies in the kitchen, began the process of cleaning up the disturbing amount of blood left behind in the entry room. He finished just in time, as his clone dispelled and informed him that Nokino-sensei was successful in her combat and wished for him to escort the village elder upstairs. Yukio dispelled his final clone and hoisted the unconscious shinobi over his shoulder like a sack of root vegetables and made his way to her.

He entered into the chamber both Nokino and the elder Kumoro were into the sight of a vicious, if one-sided, battle. Nodding in appreciation, Yukio greeted both his sensei and the village elder before he unceremoniously dropped the enemy shinobi.

”Nokino-sensei,” Yukio bowed to his sensei in respect, ”the enemy shinobi have been dispatched and disposed of. If it weren’t for the disrepair of the glass windows, you would never know something happened. I took this one” Yukio kicked the leg of the unconscious shinobi, ”alive, in the hopes that he may be able to provide some useful intelligence for us.” Nokino responded and asked that he take the elder upstairs and continue guarding him while she finished up her work there. Yukio bowed once more and motioned for the Elder to follow up, and both exited the room and headed upstairs.

---

WC: 1,389 | TWC: 3,204 | TMWC: 7,220/9,000

As the fighting ended, Nokino turned her head toward Yukio who just entered the room where the massacre had taken place. Body part were everywhere on the floor, with blood spread like jam on toast on the wooden planks of the floor. As the leader got up, Nokino sheathed her blade, and saw her student, covered in the blood of his enemies. His fight against half of the invader seemed to have resolved rather well, as he had no visible wounds or cuts on his body. As he dropped an inconscious ennemy ninja at the foot of his Sensei, the iburi woman looked at him with pride, happy that he was good enough for this mission. He was the right choice after all, and she shouldn't have hesitated regarding his abilities.

”Nokino-sensei,” Yukio bowed to his sensei in respect, ”the enemy shinobi have been dispatched and disposed of. If it weren’t for the disrepair of the glass windows, you would never know something happened. I took this one” Yukio kicked the leg of the unconscious shinobi, ”alive, in the hopes that he may be able to provide some useful intelligence for us.” added the young man.

''Well done Yukio-kun. Please go upstairs and protect the village leader. Ask him questions regarding the situation, and make sure he is loyal to Konohagakure and our lord Hokage. I trust you with this. I'll get things out of this one.'' replied Nokino.

As he went upstairs, Nokino tried to wake up the unconscious ninja. At first, she tied him to a collumn inside the house, his hands behind his back, to be sure that when he waked up he wouldnt try and run away or attack his captors. With her first move to shake him up not working, Yukio having been too effective to knock him out, the Iburi tall kunoichi had an idea. She took her lit cigarette she had in her mouth, and stamped it in the eye of the unsuspecting and unconsious assailant, sizzling his skin and eye, leaking blood and ash all together. The man woke up screaming in pain, and she stoped a few second after. 

''Welcome back to the world of the living. It seems your attack failed. The hidden leaf always got the back of their citizens. You of all criminals should be aware of that.'' Said Nokino, showing to the man his very own Konoha headband, the one she removed from his head and slashed across with her blade, branding him and the other dead shinobis as criminals and ex-konoha.

''Now, I want you to tell me where is the head of this rebellion. Of your group of marauders. And what is your goal? Tell me and I will give you a swift death. Lie or deny me the answers im after, and I will make you suffer an eternity of damnation, that you can be sure.'' added Nokino.

'' ... Arrghh..... A-Aa- Alright, i'll tell you, but please, j-j-just k-k-kill me....'' Said the genin rebel while crying blood from his wounded eyes.

''We are a part of the Viper's fang. A group dedicated to the return of a Uchiha Hokage, not the Senju bastard that is rulling now. One of our leader is here, and we are selling weapons to the village to fuel the rebellion. He is in a warehouse, an ancient deserted outpost with the weapons as we speak... ju-just end m-m-my lif----'' said the wounded young man, before being cut short at the end of his sentence by the tall girl Sensei throwing a kunai into his other eye, piercing his head and killing him instantly. As she retrieved the kunai and walked upstairs to join her student and the village leader, she performed a quick bow, asking for forgiveness for fighting and spilling blood into the very home of the man.

''My lord, Yukio, we need to move. For your own safety and the safety of the village, I ask that you follow us so that we can protect you at all time throughout the mission and the elimination of the rebel group inside of the village. I trust you talked with Yukio?'' asked the blonde woman.

As she made sure her student did what was asked and completed that part of the mission, she wanted to speak to him one on one first, making sure the objective was clear. 

''Good job on the fight and the diplomatic relations Yukio. Now. Ive received informations with the interogation of the ninja you got me. The info you had about the warehouse and cache of weapons is accurate. Theyre planing a coup there, and their leader in present. We seem to have taken out the majority of the genins that defected, but the leader of a shinobi dark organisation vying for the return of a previous Uchiha Hokage can't be as easy. It is why I need you to spy on the meeting while me and the village leader will stand on stand by. Once you give us a signal, and gathered enough information on the terrorist group as a whole, we take on the local leader. This will give us an edge in the long term eradication of the Viper's Fang, 'aight? Consider this a test Yukio, i'll be watching your performance. Now lets go before the sun gets up.'' Said the sensei to her senju student.

As they made their way sneaking into the village, wearing again their covert costumes of large black kimonos to hide their true identities, and hid their headbands away, the trio arrived around the warehouse. There was no outside guard, the majority of the ennemies having been taken out back at the leader's residence.

With a swift move of the hand, the crouched nokino gave a hand signal to Yukio, signing to him to approach the warehouse more and heave drop on the discussion. They could hear the leader talk from far away, but not enough to understand, hence why Yukio needed to spy more.

After a while, giving enough time for him to do his spying business however he saw fit, Nokino weaved the handsigns to create a shadow clone, leaving it with the village leader Kumoro. As soon as the signal was raised, Nokino dashed toward the warehouse, entering after her student did to confront the leader of the local defector genins. As she saw her, Nokino could tell that this woman was not a genin. She was a defector Chuunin! This would prove a formidable opponent, but after all, they were more, Yukio and Nokino teaming up, so they had this, she knew it. 

Nokino would follow Yukio's approach, letting him take the lead of the attack of this stronger than usual foe. She would complement his attacks with a few smoke and fire jutsu, teaming with his wood release techniques to bring down the opponend, and if need be, use her katana should she try to attack up close Yukio or go for the village leader, who all the while was still protected by the shadow clone of nokino. The clone would not leave his side a single minute, keeping its sword out and its eyes gazing around in the night, prepared to attack and lunge at any opponent that could get out in the middle of the night shroud.

The woman was a tall one, weaving water releases jutsu around and fighting with a spear too. She wore no armor, but had a long robe in kimono style, with a cowl hidding her head and face, and long red hair braids getting out of it on each of her shoulders. She was menacing, but Nokino was confident in Yukio's abilities.

After a while of fighting, they finally won and the woman died under all the damage sustained from their jointed assault. The mission was a success. Yukio had successfully secured informations on the group Viper's Fang motives and movement, they had silenced and quelled the rebellion of the village population and defectors genins, and they had brought back the loyalty and honor of Kumoro, the leader of Hacho Village.

''Good job Yukio. Well done on that fight! Now, lets wait at Kumoro house until the sun gets up, and we'll be on hour way.'' Said the sensei to her student, a smile on her face as she was proud of his performance. 

As they get back to the house stealthily to not been seen, they also get back into their personna, hidding their true identity. They pass the night at Kumoro house, and as they get ready to leave, Kumoro thank them to the service.

''I want to thank you both a lot on the behalf of Hacho village. The village was ready to get his independance from Konohagakure, because the village didnt seem to help us. Now we understand that the shinobi were defectors, not loyal to the hidden leaf, and you fixed that, showing both that we could count on you, and that we were protected in your stead. You are welcome to Hacho village anytime.'' said Kumoro to the Konoha duo, a smile on his face as he waved goodbye to the Sensei and student, still passing themselves as Diplomatic envoys from the land of Fire as they walked away from the place, returning to Konoha. 

As they walked back toward their own village, Tezazu and Jya slowly sheded their personna, reverting back to their true self, Nokino Iburi And Yukio Senju. Nokino, true to herself and missing it probably, lit herself a cigarette again, now able to be herself anew and to smoke at her leisure. Turning toward Yukio, Nokino had a smile holding her cigarette. In her mind, she was happy with Yukio as a team member. He learnt fast, and was quite efficient as a ninja too. Senju were of course very powerfull with their wood releases, but he had the resolve and motivation to be someone of true importance, of great power. Even if he would surely someday surpass herself in his abilities and strength, and maybe even in shinobi ranks, Nokino would always be proud, and remember him training under her tutelage and guidance. This was what made her trully feel happy. Knowing that she would form and train the future generation, and that maybe one of her students would prove to be a legend of the ninja world, all thanks to her pushing them to take on the world themselves, and embrace their true potential.

''Hey kiddo, I know I told you more than once that you made a great job, and I mean it every time. At first, I tought you would be a bit of a burden, but you've proven me wrong. Keep going at it Yukio, embrace your potential. Im damn proud of you son. here. You deserve it now. You're not a boy no more, you're ready to be a man. Its kids like you that make me proud to be a teacher in the hidden leaf.'' Said the Iburi sensei, her eyes shining with stars of happiness and proudness, as she gave the lit cigarette full of aromatic dried medicinal herbs, to her student, as a gift and a proof of passing the test of being a certified badass. As she waited for his answer, she felt as if she was his big sister, both being proud of him and often teasing him, but mainly protecting him, and seeing him grow into a man. Nokino wasnt the one to be the most emotionnal and sensitive, but this situation made her eyes watery with pride and motivation. She always knew she had what it took to be a teacher, a sensei and a trainer, but this confirmed it. The progress of this student and her proudness of it, it was all so beautifull to her. Ambition incarnated, skill and talent into such a young man! She felt great, greater than she ever felt before. As of now, this was one of the highlight moment of her kunoichi of the hidden leaf career, the results of her efforts as a sensei and a teacher at the academy. 

[EXIT]

WC: 2019
TWC: 6034

using 1x Strawberry Cake to double 4000 wc. New total WC: 10034

Claims: 

from mission wrote:3x B mission completed. +24000 ryo, +120 AP 

learning at 25%:
-Body of Smoke to S rank (clan exclusive slotless) 1875WC
-Chakra Infusion Skill 1500WC
-Rasenshuriken (Village Exclusive Slotless tech) 3750 WC

10034-7125=2909 WC left

2612 WC going toward the rest of Horde Summoning Skill (here)

297 remaining WC going toward Feint (297/375)

Approved

Yukio bowed at the waist and departed up the stairs, motioning for the elder to head up first. The two travelled in silence, the aura of death permeating the building made light conversation untenable.  After a brief moment, the elder led him into a smaller study, which looked much more lived and worked in. The elder motioned for Yukio to sit on a small armchair, and he himself sank into another chair with a lack of grace and decorum that was most definitely out of place for the village leader. A sigh escaped the man’s lips and he rose into a more proper sitting position.

”Please forgive me, but today and the last several weeks have been very trying. I pray we can resolve this tonight, I do not wish to anger or…involve the Lord Hokage.” He looked into Yukio’s eyes, and the young Senju could see the truth in the Village Elder’s words. He sounded tired, like a man who wished nothing more than to close his eyes and rest.

”Why didn’t you send for help? A message to Konoha would have had us here much sooner, rather than waiting until the uptick in banditry was noticed.” A hoarse scream echoed from the lower level causing the elder to flinch, his face growing even more pale than it already was.

”We tried to, but those shinobi killed anyone we sent out, and since our village was only made up of civilians we didn’t stand a chance. We lost three men before we gave up and accepted our fate. That was when they moved into the village properly, around two weeks ago. The citizenry was outraged, thinking that Konohagakure had abandoned us and that legitimate shinobi were raiding our town. I did my best to keep them calm and levelheaded, but things were progressing to a boiling point. If we can end this tonight, I will make an announcement in the morning detailing your help and reassuring the people of our loyalty to Konoha.” The elder stood from his chair and bowed low at the waist, clearly fearful of what Yukio and Nokino would say. Yukio stood and crossed to the elder, raising the man out of his bow.

”Fear not, Konoha is loyal to those who remain loyal to her, and I have seen your desire to help your people. Nokino-sensei and I will wipe these vermin from your village, you have my word.” As he finished speaking, a thud sounded from below. It could have been any sound, but it held the finality of a body hitting the floor. Soon after, Nokino entered into the room and debriefed them both on what she had found out. The Viper’s Fang, a terrorist organization that sought to reinstate an Uchiha on the throne, in honor of Viper Uchiha.  The two shinobi formulated a quick plan of action and left toward the warehouse while night was still with them. The village elder, still under threat of assassination, was brought with them, as there wasn’t anywhere safer than next to them. As they approached the building, Nokino created a shadow clone to stay with the elder while she and Yukio neared the building. At Nokino’s signal, Yukio crept towards the warehouse in order to listen in to the conversation. It sounded like a rousing speech, perhaps the leader was addressing the entirety of the gang? That would make things simpler.

The large warehouse was an older building, made of faded wood for nearly the whole building, except for the thin sheet metal roof, used to just keep the weather out, rather than for any kind of structural support. No chance Yukio could walk on it without alerting everyone within. He stood next to an exterior window and surreptitiously peaked inside. Within the warehouse was a large open area, the floor was bare compacted earth, as one would expect of a warehouse. There was a series of bunks along the far back corner wall, apparently where the gang members would sleep, along with a makeshift cooking area and some restrooms. Along the opposite wall were large crates, some opened and revealing weapons and equipment. This was a serious operation, not some slapdash attempt to raid a few merchant caravans. There was a crowd of about eight men, young but well equipped, listening to the speech coming from the clear leader. This was a woman who carried herself well, as though used to commanding others. Her Konoha headband was slashed through, indicating her status as a missing ninja, and the flak jacket she wore meant she was possibly a Chuunin as well. Yukio would need to exercise caution during this fight. He listened in to the speech she was giving her men.

”…the others have failed! Our scout reported the slaughter that took place at the village elder’s home; it appears Konoha has finally decided to investigate and has sent some shinobi here to destroy us. Do not worry! They are more than likely just a team of Genin, we can certainly take them without issue! Once that is done, we will consolidate our hold over this village and then branch out to the surrounding villages, gaining control and recruiting more followers. We will depose of the tyrant Aokidanza and rid ourselves of the Senju filth that pollute our nation! Long live Viper Uchiha!” Yukio had heard enough and gave the signal for Nokino-sensei to get into position. Once she was there, he ran through a few quick handseals, activating his Ninjutsu Amplifier once again. Once that was completed, he ran through another series of handseals, this time employing a new jutsu he had yet to test in the field, the Swamp of the Underworld. The swamp began forming in the open space that existed between the gathered followers and the leader of the group, rapidly expanding outward towards all of them. The leader noticed immediately and leapt away, but the group of young men were slow in noticing the expanding jutsu and were engulfed by the mire, unable to escape the sucking mud. As this was taking place, Nokino burst into the building, quickly identified that the other enemies were helpless and could be dealt with later, and rushed towards the traitorous Chuunin. The enemy combatant and Nokino began to clash and while the Chuunin was strong, Nokino stayed out of reach due to her higher speed. While the two fought, Yukio quietly entered into the building, seeking a way to help turn the tide for Nokino-sensei. The two shinobi separated a good distance and he took his opportunity to strike. Expending a good deal of chakra and forming two independent snake handseals, Yukio activated two separate jutsu, one immediately after the other. In the center of the warehouse, between the now separated fighters, a large tree quickly formed out of the ground, with many other trees filling the warehouse as well. As they formed, large pink flower buds formed and without warning burst open, filling the air with pollen.  The traitor tried to flee but had nowhere to go as the entire building filled with the pollen and she found herself paralyzed upon breathing it in. Seeing his technique take hold, Yukio approached Nokino.

”We can finish this at our leisure now, sensei, she is paralyzed by the pollen. I will take care of the others if you’d like to do the honors.” He bowed to her and turned to eliminate the enemy fighters stuck within the swamp. He heard the sharp swing of a sword, followed by the light thump of a head hitting the floor and knew that the enemy leader was no more.

”Good job Yukio. Well done on that fight! Now, let’s wait at Kumoro house until the sun gets up, and we'll be on hour way.” Yukio nodded in agreement with his sensei and followed her out of the warehouse and back toward the home of the village elder, who joined the two from outside once the fight had concluded.  Once the trio returned to his home, he addressed both of them, bowing in respect and gratitude to the two shinobi.

”I want to thank you both a lot on the behalf of Hacho village. The village was ready to get his independence from Konohagakure, because the village didn’t seem to help us. Now we understand that the shinobi were defectors, not loyal to the hidden leaf, and you fixed that, showing both that we could count on you, and that we were protected in your stead. You are welcome to Hacho village anytime.” The two shinobi thanked the village elder for his time and hospitality and once they had rested, awoke the next morning and departed, heading back toward Konohagakure no Sato.  As they walked in companionable silence, Nokino spoke to Yukio.

”Hey kiddo, I know I told you more than once that you made a great job, and I mean it every time. At first, I thought you would be a bit of a burden, but you've proven me wrong. Keep going at it Yukio, embrace your potential. I’m damn proud of you son. here. You deserve it now. You're not a boy no more, you're ready to be a man. Its kids like you that make me proud to be a teacher in the hidden leaf.” Nokino’s eyes shone with pride as she handed him one of her own aromatic cigarettes. Yukio took it gingerly, understanding the symbol for what it meant.

”Thank you, sensei, for your kind words. I will always strive to be the best that I can be.” He spoke, thinking of the future and what it would hold for the two of them. ”I appreciate your helping teach and guide me.  Your wisdom and strength have been immensely helpful.”  The two walked down the road, enjoying the growth and closeness this mission had brought them.

[EXIT]

---

WC: 1,645 | TWC: 4,849

Mission Rewards:
+24,000 Ryo, +120 AP

--750WC to Wood Release: Great Forest Technique
--750WC to Wood Release: Wood Armor
--750WC to Butterfly Effect
--1,500WC to Nature Chakra Efficiency
--1,099WC to Chakra Sensory

Senju Yukio wrote:

[EXIT]

---

WC: 1,645 | TWC: 4,849

Mission Rewards:
+24,000 Ryo, +120 AP

--750WC to Wood Release: Great Forest Technique
--750WC to Wood Release: Wood Armor
--750WC to Butterfly Effect
--1,500WC to Nature Chakra Efficiency
--1,099WC to Chakra Sensory

Approved