Ten heard the voice of Sero in his ear, and it made him a little nervous. Was Tenshin known for not knowing her limits? Ten was worried if he had to put his neck on the line. He would do it, but would he hestiate? He kept a perfect face not letting his thoughts be shown, he didn't want to bring worry to his new teammates. Alas he wouldn't have time to worry about it since his team was already on the move out. He kept up with the gray woman. He remembered reading a file about people his rank, Sukari was her name right? He would wait most people don't like giving out their names.

Ten laughed at the secrets of Kiri thing, he knew Kiri had them. Yet they seemed to be pretty updated with all the clans around. He even remember reading about his clan and them talking about techniques that would be devastating if not kept in line. He nods at Sukari and gives a quick smile "Shhh its a secret, but I am part of the fable Zetsumei clan." He was making it very clear that he was joking. "Most of my family were medninja, and we have a skill called bloody eyes. So if you see my eyes go red don't panic." He looks back at his puppet and then back to her. Looking up and down here he was slightly checking her out, he was actually confused, she didn't seem to have a puppet. But who was he to question her, maybe she had it locked away in a seal scroll of some sort. He noticed the late comers and wonder if they would all be put on the defensive. They had a good amount of people now, making things hopefully go smoother. He looks back at Sukari "So where do you think they are going to put the new people? You don't want scouting parties to big and it would be logical to have more defense than offense in a situation like this."

In his mind he was already calculating everything that could happen, from best to worst.

Chakra:

Sero observes quietly for the time being as he had now temporarily given up control of this mission. Instead he reaches into one of the wagons and grabs a clip board. With pen in hand he begins jotting down notes. No doubt his report really. His grey eyes look to each person in turn before scribbling something on the paper. Tenshi and Shuiro seem to get some time spent under his gaze already.

Still he looks up as two others arrive barely in time to depart. Still Shuiro was presenting a plan and he listens to it. The formation was formidable and thought out even though it had a rather large opening. Luckily more reinforcements where arriving. He holds back a smile as Kei makes it. Late though. He holds back his smile and gives them both a disapproving look. And then one to Bonreu. Before he speaks quietly. adressing Kei, Myugan, And Bonreu. His strict gaze taking them in.

"Tardiness is the base to represent to your team if you are dependable or not. Whether or not you are actually dependable is yet to be seen by them. Keep in mind how your first impression to them is going to effect the way you rely on them and they on you. Myugan. Go catch up to the scouting party. Report to Tenshi. Kei. You are a decent support type. Report to Shuiro for orders."

He turns to the side and nods to Shuiro speaking as she asks about questions. His voice soft as if reminding her Of a couple things instead of reprimanding her.

"Keep in mind which cart goes where in relevence to what needs defended to what extent. Also it might be important for a support type to be in the center to assist either side. If I may suggest a medical or a range type. Ninjutsu medical or Genjutsu. Also the lives of the workers take priority. Unless perhaps you know how to construct buildings."

He smiles softly before jotting down a couple more notes. Indeed even as they left the gates he did not once look back. Too many things back there troubled him immensely. And Kiri needed him. He presses in on his ear piece and speaks over it.

"Red dragon leader. This is blue falcon group. You have incoming reinforcements. close range type fighter."

Slowing her pace to make sure the two puppet masters were following her she couldn't help but to reflect on Sero's "know when to retreat comment" a soft growl making it out of throat she knew that the comment would have her two new teammates on high alert with her if they we're intelligent, and they seemed to be. Stopping to explain and to set them up in a formation to best associate with their skills, turning to face them she quickly assessed them and listened to their quiet conversation and Ten's mention of his clan. "My wrist, was broken in a spar with a Zetsumei...member in a spar, that I didn't back away from fast enough." She said coldly trying not to let the intense anger she felt at the thought of Karoshi poison her words. Taking a breath she started to continue but was stopped by the words in her ear, a new taijustu user was joining them? That would change her plans a bit.

Looking at the puppet users again she noticed for the first time Sukari was lacking a puppet. Her indigo eyes darkened, she wasn't sure whether to ask or not, and then remembered she was to lead this if one of the people she was to protect was minus an important tool she needed to know. "Sukari do you need a puppet?" she asked softly, knowing this was probably an hurtful reminder of her the fire in Kiri, it could have burned for all she knew...

Turning to acknowledge the arrival of the taijustu user she beckoned him closer to her before sizing him up, he was a grown man not teenager like most genin, and he wasn't taking place as group leader so he wasn't above her but he could likely be a chunnin. "Name and rank?" she didn't want to intrude by asking but it was definitely something she would need to know to place him in a good spot for formation.

Receiving both the mild lecture and instructions, kaguza found his way to the scouting party. Looking at the three ninja, he could tell he was still older then the group, though it hardly granted him skill. With the chain of command in his mind, he assumed the female ninja who questioned him was Tenshi. "Kaguza of the Myugan clan, . . . Genin. I'm at your command." It felt strange, this would be his first mission in quite a few years. Kaguza only hoped his control training had been worth it. A sense of stress tugged at his stomach, he'd likely be physically stronger than the younger ones of this group. He took in a slow deep breath, he'd control it, even if that meant using it.

Sukari smirked at Ten. The joke might not be as amusing to a ninja from another village, but because Kiri had the largest amount of clans with secret techniques it was rather entertaining. When he mentioned medical ninjutsu again, she felt most of her suspicions about the mission drain out. Like she had thought before, having a medical ninja on the team would prove very useful. When he mentioned his doujutsu, she got curious. She'd heard mentions of a skill called the Bloody Eyes, but she'd never known what it did. She made a mental note to ask him about it later, assuming that he would be willing to give up his clan's secrets.

"Probably the defensive party. I believe we have enough scouts, and the cart is very important to the mission." She said, looking back at the newcomers. She was briefly distracted by Tenshi's question of if she needed a puppet, and she only flashed Tenshi a coy smile, before turning her attention back on the newcomer. "Well what do you know, we're actually getting a new member." She said to Ten, smirking slightly. This guy was older then the rest of them, but the same rank. That amused her greatly, for some sadistic reason.

Eyeing Kei starts to wonder how many more ninja will be joining them en route, hopefully any that did come would as friendly as the ones here. On second thought loyal to Kiri would be better than being as friendly as the current squad members. At least they would likely bolster the defence squad more sense the scouting squad had already set out and sending more ninja to them would likely be a pain once they had starting scouting in earnest.

With the wagon train finally ready to leave and the formation clear concerning him, he starts to enjoy the natural beauty of the land of fire. While in the land of fire it was unlikely any group would attack them, but when they entered their home he would have to pay less attention to nature and more to what wasn't nature to ensure that an ambush did not catch him unaware.

Shuiro had to re-think her strategy with this new member joining the squad so late. Tardiness like this shouldn't happen, especially at a moment like this. Oh well, she would be forgiving, this time. She just hoped that it wouldn't happen again. "New girl, I want you in the back with the Sero and Bon. If some sort of ambush happens it is more likely to happen at the back. Plus Bon could use some extra cover." She instructed this without much worry of any objection. As for the rest of the plans, she supposed she had to specify which cart went where. "The workers are obviously going to be in the middle along with their luggage. We want to keep them well hidden. We're going to put the food and water in the back while the rest of the supplies are in the front. If any one see's us, I just want them to think we're moving general materials and nothing of real importance." She looked at her small squad while saying this. "If there are no questions, then let us move out. Everyone make good use of your positions. I look forward to making this trip with you." She turned from the squad and gathered her materials. She honestly thought they should have left awhile ago, but with people coming late there was no helping it. She just hoped that they were ready for anything they were about to face.

Kei kept leaning against the caravan. So she would be assigned to defense? Well, she wouldn't really mind. Either one was the same to her. The only added bonus was that she was in the same group as Sero, who she knew she could rely on. They would be fine, without a doubt. But apparently he had stepped down, letting a redheaded girl lead the mission instead. In her opinion, this wasn;t the best time to test someone else's abilities. This was crucial. They had besically lost what they had left of Kirigakure. This wasn't something to be take dlightly. In other words, Kei was skeptical about Shuiro. Since she had arrived late, she knew little of what the girl could do. Hell, she hadn't ever seen her in her entire life. Taking orders from her made Kei uneasy, to say the least. But then again, she couldn't quite go against direct orders, lest she get herself in more trouble than she wanted to be. Team work would be essential for this mission, wouldn't it? In any case, Kei nodded at her orders. She wouldn't say anything, but she would glare at the girl to silently let her know that she didn't outright accept her judgement.

It was not a small part of Tsuneko that was worried that the absence of a Kage would cause the Kiri-nin to pull apart and fall into a disorganized hodge-podge of ninja, but Sero’s assertion of the importance of punctuality reassured her of the hope of completing the rebuild successfully. She tried to write off the tardiness as a miscommunication; after all, they had been scattered throughout a foreign village, and she prayed that this wasn’t how these ninja normally behaved. With two out of the four Genin here, not including herself, being late, it would not be a surprise if she ended up on a team with one of them, and she wasn’t sure if her patience would hold up to a repeat of today. The Kaguya was anxious to be on her way; this had taken too long already.

Tsuneko didn’t mind that the extra member would be placed in the back. She wasn’t sure how long the trip would take with the slow moving wagons, but she definitely didn’t want to spend it near the ill-tempered Kei. The civilian drivers rearranged themselves per Shuiro’s instruction, and Tsuneko took up her place on the front left corner, walking slightly before the horses that were pulling the carts so that her line of sight was not hampered by them. As they slowly moved through the village gates, she did not try to make conversation with the driver nearest her. It was more important to get them there safely than it was to keep them entertained on the journey. Her senses directed towards her surroundings, she couldn’t help but take in the natural beauty of the land they were traveling through. There were many differences between the Land of Fire and that of Water, and while she missed home, she also wondered what the other lands were like. Perhaps she’d get to visit them in the future, once Kirigakure was rebuilt… but there was no telling how long that would take. ‘The first step is to get these supplies home,’ she reminded herself, as they put Konohagakure behind them.

Ten nodded at the new member added to the scouting party. He remember reading about his file within the paperwork, this Myugan would be a good addition to the team; hopefully. This did not let Ten phase him at all, he kept his small smile on as he looked back at Sukari. He noticed the small coy smile she gave Tenshi. Maybe she had something up here sleeve, but what could it be? Ten shook it off, not even thinking about it anymore. One must trust his team if he wanted to survive on the field. At least that is what they teach you in the academy.

Alas they also teach about punctuality, but he had no time to doubt his teammates. They were finally going home. He had filled over three journals at Konoha, and he couldn't wait to tell his brother about his adventures. Sure he didn't make the Chunnin Exams, but there was always next time.

The smirk Sukari gave Ten made him made his small smile turn into a bigger one. "Yup one more addition to the team. My name is Tenshinsa Zetsumei, you may call me Ten." He tells the new comer with a slight bow of his head. "If you are injured come to me I'll see what I can do."

Sero smiles as they continue on the path set before them. The teams where set and now they where moving through the country side. He moves into his position but in passing he leans down and places what appears to be a kiss on Kei's forehead. For those that knew him a display of affection was very unlike him.

"I am however glad you made it."

He whispers amused by the grouchy look on her face. Before he would fall back a short way behind the caravan. Keeping it within almost reaching distance but still far enough to look around. The Genin Uzumaki was his responsibility then eh? good plan.

He travels in silence only speaking if spoken too and even then not eagerly. The workers didn't seem to eager to approach him. Something about him still spoke of death and destruction.

It had taken a full day just to reach the borders and they had briefly rejoined. Sero took the patrol that night as he didn't really ever sleep anyways. The camp was small and quickly packed up in the morning and they where off again. Now in Kiri country. They're travel had not gone unnoticed.

Tenshi- You come across a clearing with a lone man standing in what appears to be a camp site. 12 tents appear to be pitched but the camp seems deserted. By the way he holds him self the man is an excellent spear wielder and about Chunnin rank. In the tree line 2 Genin archers rest on some branches chatting back and forth while a grumpy Chunnin rank brawler naps directly below them a Giant Axe on his chest.

Shuiro- ahead 4 people stand in the road. All of them appear unarmed next to a broken wagon. However the air smells of the dead and around the wagon the grass is stained with blood. In the tree line around you 4 genin rank swordsmen wait. one on either side. The 4 ahead appear to be taijutsu users perhaps. 3 Chunnin and a Genin.

And go.

Nodding at all the introductions she remembered that she hadn't introduced herself yet, but before she could she had to figure out the new formation. Myugan...the Myugan clan was a bunch of drunk taijustu fighters if she was remembering correctly. Yes that would work very well, she examined his eyes seeing that they were clear she decided on her new plan. "My name is Tenshi, Special Jounin and leader of this mission. Listen up I have an idea on the formation of how to do this, four shinobi walking together is pretty obvious, so I would like it if Sukari and Ten would go into the woods either side of Kaguza and I" she said the last part while taking her head band out and shaking out her white hair, adjusting her jackets and the straps that held her swords on her higher up she efficiently covering her swords from sight, though this would only work for someone without skilled eyes, continuing on she explained her reasoning. "Kaguza since I am the smaller and albeit weaker looking of us I will be the one to appear as a civilian, with this formation I hope to draw out the enemy and get them to misinterpret our situation. Any questions concerns or changes?" Tilting her head she waited for any kind of resistance before waving them all into position throwing her headband to Sukari "Keep it safe for me?"

For the next day they walked in this formation finding no enemy party until they finally and briefly met up with the other team at the border of kiri spending that night with Shuiro she had regretted to leave her the next day but knew her job.

A few hours into the next day they came across a set out camp, surveying it quietly she turned to Kaguza and tried to catch Ten and Suka's attention without catching the others, speaking into her ear piece for the others. [color=#66ffff] "Do not attack, search and survey, report back what you find then we'll decide about attacking."

Kaguza took note of his comrades names and scratched his head before hearing Tenshi's plan for the scouting party. He'd be play an escort to the smallest female of the group, while the other two hid in the woods. Picturing it in his head, it didn't turn out right. Clearing his head, the plan would work, though it made him the target of any aggression should things become violent. The thought itself didn't feel good. Unable to come up with a better idea he'd play the escort. "Nothing comes to mind. Just keep your eyes and ears open you two." Kaguza said the last bit to the puppeteers.

Setting out first thing in the morning, the group held their formation for most of the day till they reached the small camp. Glancing at Tenshi, him and the other two received their orders. He could see the man standing in the camp site, while the other three were around a tree. Twelve tents, three guards, and most likely the spear wielder was the leader. Though this may not be an ambush, it was likely that more men were residing within the tents.

Sukari watching Tenshi introduce herself, making another mental note of this new shinobi. Myugen clan, eh? That might come in useful, or it might be a hinderence. She'd have to watch this boy closely. When Tenshi gave the formation, she had to fight back laughter. Just because somebody was small and weak looking didn't nescessarily mean they were a civilian. One thing she'd learned was never to judge a book by its cover. But she was able to push past that brief moment and remain calm and serious. She caught Tenshi's headband and pocketed it, nodding, before heading into the forest. She jumped up into a tree and decided to take the high road from here on. It would help her keep an eye on things, and would also help her stay hidden.

The next day Sukari continued, not speaking or interacting with her teammates other then keeping an eye on them. When Tenshi finally gave her new orders, she manuvered around the trees until she could see the camp. There she crouched down, staying low and watching them. This entire thing gave her a bad feeling.

As time goes by, the scenery changes with change of lands, Bonreu's attentiveness increases with the group nearing their destination. When the downed wagon comes into view Bonreu read's himself for combat, but doesn't engage until ether they attack, or Shuiro gave orders, after all this "might" not be what it looks like. Just like Bonreu "might" become the Kage one day.

Walking sucks and with the stress put on her, it sucked even more. It was fun when Tenshi was around, but without her, again, it sucked. She wondered what she was up to as she walked. However, this didn't distract her from seeing the images in front of her as she approached some distant people.

She put her hand in the air, ordering not a halt of the carts, but a mass speed reduction so her party could prepare for a possible conflict. She didn't know if the people ahead were foes, but they didn't look friendly and that was enough. Also, what the hell is that smell? Must be coming from that broken wagon or something. Could be full of rotting flesh or something, hopefully fish. This didn't smell like that lovely smell though. It was indeed much harsher than fish. She turned to the girl to side. "No sudden moves, we don't know what these people want. Call for Sero, silently, to move towards the front with us." She said this silently so only the girl would hear her. The party up ahead was probably all there was to this group of people. With the way that they were positioned, she knew that was the case. She wanted Sero up front because she knew this would be a head to head fight from the way it looked. Her formation was perfect for that as well. She smiled silently to herself, wondering exactly how this would play out.

The idea of Sero being affectionate was rather foreign to Kei. She was taken aback when he kissed her forehead and whispered in her ear. He was usually so callous and unemotional. He rarely showed her any form of affection, especially if they were in public. Even so, Kei couldn't really complain. She was happy, in fact. She smiled softly and looked at him as he let go of her. They had to set off now, go back to Kiri and rebuild what was left of it. And of couse, they would have to clear the territory of any enemies that had tried to ocupy it. Well, at least that would prove to be entertaining. Yet she was stuck watchign over the caravan nad under the leadership of someone who was possibly as experienced as a Genin, bot to mention a member of the Suiren clan. Kei glared at Shuiro, standing behind her as they began to walk towards their home.

The scenery began to change. Soon they would come across the waters that would finally lead them to the Land of Water. Kei was getting slightly giddy, though she didn't show it. She had to keep herself in check. This wasn't simply travelling, it was a mission. As Shuiro whispered to her, Kei nodded. She couldn't quite say that she liked the girl, nor could she say that she had any sort of respect for her, but she wasn't about to jeopardize the entire operation because of her personal feelings. Still, this was what she had been reduced to? A messenger girl? Kei scowled, but slowly moved towards the back of the formation anyways. She moved slowly and carefully. "Shuiro wants you to head to the front," Kei whispered to him.

Tsuneko passed the day without consequence; it was a nice day and the few people that they passed on the road went on their way with just a nod in greeting. When they met up with the scouting party for the night, she gratefully rested under Sero’s careful watch. The idea of being able to sleep on the road without having to try to stay up the whole night to keep guard for herself was a luxury after her solo trip to Konoha. She was surprised that Sero decided to take the whole watch by himself, but she trusted that the more experienced shinobi knew best.

The next day, the weather became cooler and some moisture could be felt in the air as they came in proximity to the coast. As the defensive party came in view of the four people in the road, it was immediately clear that something was wrong. Their wagon was clearly broken and a breeze brought the smell of death to shinobi. ’What happened here?’ she wondered, immediately suspicious. She didn’t see any bodies around, but the smell told another story. Were they transporting a fallen comrade home to Konoha in that wagon? Or had they already fallen upon another group of travelers before them? Speaking of another group, why hadn’t the scouting party reported this? Either it was because the travelers were of little concern, or maybe it was that they had set up this ruse after the scouts had passed by.

She looked to Shuiro for instructions and noted Kei’s presence beside her. Hadn’t the Chuunin ordered Kei to the back with Sero and Bonreu? Did she think she was too good to follow orders like the rest of them? Even Sero, ranked higher than everyone here, had placed himself under the Suiren’s command and had remained at the back of the wagon train, as directed. Despite her irritation, she didn’t let herself speculate on what Shuiro had apparently said to the girl, as Kei headed towards the back again; they were nearing the strangers, and it wouldn’t be wise to allow her feelings about her team to distract her from what was going on.

Tenshinsa was getting a little impatient on getting home. He has been waiting for this for a while and now they were so close. They were in Kiri and home was just off in the distance. The fact they did not come across anyone was starting to bug him. Alas he spoke to soon he noticed something in the trees ahead of him. Two archers, they seemed weak and probably could be handle with ease, but he was told not to attack. "Red Dragon leader, contact with what looks like 4 ruffians. They have 12 camps, Kami only knows where they are. Two archers in the tree line unaware of our presence, and spear men and an axe men. Awaiting orders" he whispers in the mic.

He did not have a good feeling about this and felt this was a trap waiting to happen. Quietly unwrapping Toki he was getting ready for combat, no one was going to take him off guard. Especially someone that isn't a ninja. His gut kept telling him to attack but he was ignoring it for now.

'Crap' he thinks 'What if most of them are actually out and about, that means they would be out numbered on the defense'. He shakes his head 'No they will be fine they have Sero and Bonreu there. Also by the records they had more high ranking people there.' He was starting to feel a sweat drop go down the back of his neck. He never had to kill anyone before, he saw plenty of people die, but he was never the cause of it.

Scouting party. Maintain posting order.

http://www.narutosaga.com/t2973-scouting-party-thread#17609

Defensive party. the same.

http://www.narutosaga.com/t2975-defensive-party#17616