Wow, it all happened so fast. Seriously. He was now a chuunin, at the mere age of 12. Honestly, he still felt fresh out of the Academy. His performance had really impressed the Konoha administration, which was starting to run low on ranking shinobi, so they - naturally - promoted him. What also left a big impression on them, for better or worse, were his constant complaints about wanting his own katana. Every time he'd finish a mission, he'd always tell the administration how his wages were going towards a really good katana. Tired of hearing that every time a mission was complete and understanding his interest in having his own blade, they sent him to see a very strong Konoha shinobi who was now retired and living in the Dense Forest, only known as 'the Blacksmith' to most, who was supposed to help Kashizudoto forge his own, unique blade that he would use in combat. He was very excited for this and departed for the mission enthusiastically.

He had on his normal green jacket with a white undershirt, nothing very special really. On his forehead was his Konoha hitae-ate, which was more of a symbol of village pride than any kind of armor meant to shield him. He had average shinobi pants on with a holster on the left to hold one kunai and three shuriken in case he needed them, as the Dense Forest was a dangerous place with wild animals, bandits, and missing-nin scattered all over. Of course, this dangerous element of the forest was what kept the village hidden from threats after all. He'd been here before with a boy named Takashi on a quest to find some citrus fruits in a place called Kodachi Town. They ended up fighting a few missing-nin. Well, in reality, it was more like Kashizudoto ended up beating them all to a pulp with his blind friend watching.

WC: 322

Leaping from tree to tree in the Dense Forest, Kashizudoto was feeling rather nimble and energetic, but lonely nevertheless. This was until now. He heard two distinct, sharp noises which immediately put him on alert. A foot touching the ground was all that he needed to sense the exact location of the individual below him.

He backflipped from the branch to see two people around his age, perhaps a little older, with mutilated Konoha hitae-ate. Obviously these were missing-nin, but what was their skill level? Kashizudoto really didn't want to fight any highly skilled ninja, especially without a katana, but it seemed that they wanted to pick a fight with him. Indeed they did, apparent when they charged straight for him with no delay. Oh well, time to show them why he was chuunin.

WC: 459

The two were charging. Time to use a new technique he'd learned. Katon no Bunshin! Fire extended out from Kashizudoto's body and formed a corporeal version of himself that could execute Katon ninjutsu. He'd let his clone deal with the missing-nin on the right while he would take care of the real one on the left. First thing was first, unleash a fireball at them to see their skills.

3...2...1... Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu! Katon collected in the throats of both Kashizudoto and his clone until they unleashed it in two great fireballs, each aiming for one of the missing-nin. On impact, both would cause major first-degree burns and minor second-degree burns. It seemed the ninja on the right simply braced for impact and took the burn, being pushed back considerably from the blast. The one on the left, however, completely neutralized Kashizudoto's technique by spewing out a jet of water. This was a Suiton user? As a Sarutobi, he REALLY hated those.

Kashizudoto Chakra:

Kashizudoto's Katon Clone 1 Chakra:

WC: 632

Alright, these missing-nin would be finished. The original Kashizudoto charged at the Suiton user with a kunai in hand, determined to strike at the more irritating enemy with greater force. Meanwhile, his clone would deal wth the Raiton user - who would be relatively easy to defeat with Katon ninjutsu.

He stabbed at the Suiton user with his kunai knife, which was dodged, so Kashizudoto struck again - entering a vile dance of fox chasing goose. His clone summoned six small fireballs and sent them flying at the Raiton user, who had no time to brace for impact before flying back. He was incapacitated for now, with plenty of burns.

Suddenly, the kunai knife sliced straight through the Suiton user's stomach from the upper right to lower left, sending him vaulting back. It was finished then: neither of them were dead, but they were now disabled. They would be given another chance to repent. He leaped back into the trees and continued on his path to see the Blacksmith. His clone looked upon the two missing-nin one more time before dispelling itself.

Kashizudoto Chakra:

Kashizudoto's Katon Clone 1 Chakra (Dispelled):

WC: 815

He spotted the abode up ahead. Really, it was a queer little place with a small cabin and then a field in the back, presumably for sword training. This must've been it. He knocked on the wooden door. In a matter of seconds, it creaked open. The man behind it was tall and middle-aged. His hair was put into a ponytail, and he was wearing a red robe which was probably the preferred attire of most swordsmen due to increased mobility along with light protection. Was this guy really retired? He still seemed rather strong and at his peak. Perhaps this guy did something really spectacular in his spare time?

"Master Piandao," said Kashizudoto, "Or as most call you, the Blacksmith. I would like to apprentice under you to create my own sword.

"Hmmm..." said the swordsmaster, "You look a little young for this art. Say what, let me test you first in a duel to see if you're worth my time, understood?

He gulped, staring at the impressive blade that was within a bamboo sheath located on the Blacksmith's left side, saying, "Alright, I understand."

WC: 1020

[Exit]

C-rank Mission: 1000/1000