Increased Patrols:

Anon quietly sat next to a stream, with his mask pulled down so that he could sip from the water he was collecting with his hands. The water was unusually clean for having been a natural water source, and the ninja decided it was best to take advantage of it while he had the chance. The road was clear, and he was about five meters from it, enjoying a relaxing drink while he waited on Supaku and the Hokage to join him. They were to do this mission together, and the last thing he wanted to do was run off on his own and possibly get into a mess that he would not be able to get out of himself. He didn't want to be a burden to his new leader, nor to his... Well what exactly where they? This thought caused him to stop in the middle of his drink and he realized they had never actually put a label on whatever they had. When Anon got the chance, he would need to ask Supaku about it.

The young ninja was dressed in his normal attire, snow white hair and black mask an offset of what he used to wear during his time in the hidden sand. He had his two short swords next to him, should he need them in any sort of confrontation. For the most part, he was ready for the mission, and was the first to arrive due to trying to get more intel before they approached where they would find their targets. Anon quietly recanted the details of the mission to himself, trying to figure out the best strategy he would need to employ so that he could prove himself before Doctor Rippa Chi, the hokage of the hidden leaf. He knew that such a man likely had seen many testaments of skill and strength, Anon only wanted to match or meet such expectations.

They were to travel here, to the rolling hills, and find a group of bandits that had been preying on caravans and travelers of late. They were assisting the village in this way, since the squads that normally patrolled the area had their hands full with otherwise more important matters. Anon quietly thought to himself on how best to utilize his skills and allow for Supaku to utilize hers. The thought of having her in active combat didn't sit well with him entirely, as he would rather keep her out of danger. This was the life of a shinobi, however, and she would simply have to be able to defend herself. That was if Anon ever allowed anyone to come close to her, not that he would. Anon wasn't worried at all about Rippa, as he was the Hokage and likely had the strength to take on ten bandit clans by himself. Still, the ninja waited and thought about their next move.

485|2,500

Rippa would casually walk down the street with a soft whistle as he went. His open toed shinobi sandals tapping on the cold dirt as he turned down another road to head to the meeting spot. He was hardly noticeable for the usual attire he was known for wearing. No long red coat or twin swords. Instead he was wearing dark shinobi pants with a long sleeved black shirt tucked into it. A chunnin flak jacket over that with a single scroll on his back. His headband had all of his hair tied back into a small ponytail with the headband holding it together. Leather gloves over each of his hands so he was covered from the bottom of his neck down. His face was still visible but he looked different with his loose white hair all tied up. He wasn't meant to be the enforcer in this mission. If nothing else he was just an observer and support role. Of course if things did go sideways he was the one who would put down the threat but he truly wanted to test these two. He needed to have faith in them if he was going to let them raise the next generation after them.

Of course he wasn't under the illusion they weren't still young themselves. Talented as they were each of them were fairly fresh to the battlefield. He wondered idly as he drew closer if they might be quick to this battle because he was there. Feeling confident strictly because of his presence. He would need to make it clear that this Anon was running the show. He would step in if they got in over their head but they needed to consider this mission as if he wasn't there. Just another chunnin support ninja that was off to the side only if needed. He was eager all the same though. That western swordsmanship had his interest and her soft palm style on top of that. In close combat they were highly formidable. He preferred a good sniping position but that was just him. What was more was that they knew each other prior. A personal relationship that he wasn't sure the depth of. How they worked together was likely going to reflect on that. Each of them trying to keep the other from getting hurt. If they couldn't get passed that and trust the other to fight for themselves when needed. Jumping into situations without considering anything but the safety of another was dangerous.

That said he would let them learn that for themselves. A good learning experience for anyone. His blue eyes however shifted over to the side of the road he was walking on when he noted Anon though. Somewhat up ahead. He would smile and alter his direction to approach him. Lifting his right hand to idly wave once as he approached with plenty of noise. He would stop next to him about a meter away as he looked down the creek. In the direction of the mission they were soon to undertake. Their third hadn't arrived yet but Rippa was smiling all the same. Not a weapon on his person and the scroll had the symbol of the medical division on it. His voice would carry as he looked back the way he came and then around them for hints of Supaku. Not spotting her yet.

"Morning Anon-san. Enjoy the peace while we can. This mission is far from a simple task and perhaps very dangerous for the two of you. With that said you will be in charge for this mission once Supaku gets here. I won't be doing anything you don't order me to do unless this goes entirely sideways."

630

Supaku walked along the bank of the stream that ran through the hills on her way to meet Anon and Rippa. She was enjoying the sound of the water as it flowed over rocks and rushed around small bends in the partially frozen creek bed. While she didn’t believe for a second that her ability to hear had somehow been amplified after she had lost her vision for a while, she often spent more time paying attention to it. Which probably amounted to the same difference. It might have been faster to take the well trod paths and roads, but not nearly as peaceful. And peace was something she felt she needed right now. Going on a mission inside the village was one thing; it held very little potential for danger. But out here in the wilderness it was another thing entirely. Anon would be with her of course, and she trusted him implicitly, but she was still anxious. Though as her father always said, ‘If you’re scared to do something Supaku, go do it. It means you’re ready and that fear will keep you sharp.’ Her mother didn’t agree with the sentiment, but she had never stopped Supaku from challenging herself.

She had dressed with, if it were possible, extra care that morning. Her last encounter with the Hokage had left an impression on her and she wanted to show that she was capable of taking lessons from all of her encounters. She wore a loose fitting pair of dark grey shinobi pants, paired with a three quarter sleeve length dark grey shirt. She had spent some time after dressing moving about, leaping and rolling to ensure that her movements were not impaired. She had spent some time deciding on footwear, as ideally she would have soft leather shoes or boots, but she wasn’t sure that the weather currently allowed for that. So begrudgingly she had worn her slightly sturdier grey leather boots, the thicker leather and sole made them heavier, but at least her feet would be better protected. She had tied her hair into a long braid and then coiled it around itself into a bun near the base of her neck, securing it with a dark scarf. She felt a bit odd not wearing her usual yellow one, however she wasn’t sure that a bright yellow anything was a good idea for a mission. No need to draw more attention to herself than necessary. And of course she proudly wore her Konoha headband tied across her forehead, and her prized only weapons on her thigh; her kunai and shuriken.

As she came up a subtle incline she noticed Anon nearby the stream up ahead, already talking to who she could only assume was the Hokage. However her assumption was based on knowledge and not on perception, since the man standing there looked for all the world like a typical Konoha Chuunin, and not the Hokage she had met prior. She wasn’t sure if either of them noticed her so far off, but she raised her hand anyway to wave at the men. She was thrilled to see Anon again, every time she saw him her heart felt as though it skipped a beat and she was left with the sensation of butterflies flapping around madly in her middle. Kicking up into a jog she would make her way towards them all thoughts of impending doom gone with the sight of her. . . Anon. The couple of minutes it took to cross the space between them gave her muscles the chance to warm up and by the time she reached the pair her face had a bright flush and her words were a bit breathless as she spoke. “I see I’m late, or you are both early. Good morning to both of you.” She would laugh a bit at her own jest and then would bow briefly to both of them reaching her hand out to Anon to coil her fingers through his. “So what are we doing today, training more people? I assume not, since I don’t see anyone else here.”

693

The first to arrive on the scene before they started their mission was the Hokage, which Anon noted, he looked to be dressed down toady and wore himself differently than the first meeting. He looked like just another chuunin from the village hidden in the leaves, one someone would barely notice if they didn't know he was the hokage. He had his hair tied up and a large scroll upon his back. Anon stood as he approached and bowed to him, returning the morning greeting. What the hokage said next was incredibly unexpected. He was to be nothing but a back up chuunin and medic for the day, while Anon would be the one leading on the mission.  At least, Anon guessed he would be a medic, given that he was a doctor, but perhaps he had his doctorate from something else? In any case, Anon didn't know how he felt about being able to give the Hokage orders on a mission that they were taking together, but it was good to hear that they wouldn't be on their own and Rippa would only step in if things went completely sideways. That was a bit of a load off of the chuunin level ninja's mind.

Next to arrive was Supaku and she said good morning as well, her greeting being returned quickly in kind.  Anon held her hand and smiled softly, shaking his head at her question. "I'm afraid not. As the Hokage just told me this, I'll have to tell you now. I'll be leading us in our mission, today we'll be patrolling the rolling hills on the lookout for a bandit group that has been attacking caravans and wandering traders. I know it's a bit more than what you probably expected you'd be doing, but Lord Hokage Rippa will be standing by in case anything bad happens. As long as you stay behind me, I'm sure we'll be fine. But with all of us here, I feel it's time for us to get a move on yea?" Anon gently let go of Supaku's hand, pulling his hands up to the mask he had hanging down from his face. He then pulled the mask up to cover the lower part of his face, up to the bridge of his nose and nodded to the two of them. He quickly went back to where he'd been sitting, grabbing his dual short swords, putting them in the loops on the back of his belt. One being on the left, would be the longer of the two, and one on the right, the shorter, in an 'x' shaped fashion.

With his two swords on his back in a crossed form, the ninja waved for the two to follow him. [b]"From what I know of the mission, and other information I've been gathering since I got here much earlier, the bandits are camped up the road a ways off to the side. They have a set up where they can see the roads at all times and pop out on unwary travelers. My thought is to get up the road a bit, and circle around through the back of the hills and any sort of foliage, then catch them by surprise. They're supposed to be camped half a mile or so from the road. But as I said.. they have a set up to watch for travelers and..I'm not sure. Sorry if I keep repeating myself, I'm just a bit nervous to lead on my first mission.  Especially with the Hokage and you, Supaku. I'm going to do my best though!" He clenched his fists and continued to the road, walking up towards the mission area. When they would get a ways down the road, not far from the part the bandits were reported to attack from, he turned off of the road to begin circling around.

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Rippa would watch as Supaku would arrive to join them. Seemingly without much care as to the dangers of the day. If anything she appeared more relaxed than they did. His attention would be drawn to her as sky blue eyes would study her for a moment. Taking in the aspects of her gear. Only basic grey clothing for the most part. No armor or weapons beyond the basic equipment given to genin at graduation. He wondered momentarily if he should be worried. Even he was coming with a large amount of equipment he had as a genin. Medical as it was he was prepared. However he did know she was a hyuga. Without weapons or other gear she likely had an edge in close range combat. He would nod to her greeting before turning back to listen to Anon. His explanation of the days activities were rather spot on though he wondered if she had known about the mission before hand and the danger it held if she would have prepped differently. After all a B rank mission was where the games ended and the real danger began. They could very well die on this mission. Not with him there but he would be careful not to get too cocky.

Still Anon would release her hand and turn to collect his own gear. His mask rising as his tone changed to be more professional. However one thing stood out from his explanation to her that bothered Rippa. Her specialty was close combat. Yet the leader of the mission had opted to place her behind him. Stating she was to remain there. Rippa would frown but say nothing. The leader of the party was severely limiting one of them by halfing their capabilities which could compromise the party based on personal feelings for her. However despite his frown he would keep it to himself. This was an examination and not a teaching experience. The next mission would be for that. When Supaku wasn't in the line of fire. However Rippa was just another support nin for this mission. If he began undermining the leader with doubts now it could only prove to further the compromised mission into the hole. As it stood they could still function effectively enough. He wondered though, with Rippa as a support and her stuck to the background, did Anon Brier intend to take on the entire bandit group itself?

Still they would start to move and Anon would begin to bring up all the scouting he had done on his own. Dangerous but it seemed to have been to their benefit. Besides they likely would normally have sent out their best scout ahead anyway. The only reason it was more dangerous was because Anon had been on his own during the scouting. With no one knowing where he was he could have been captured or killed with out any back up coming. Rippa would watch the mans back with blue eyes as he considered and weighed him. He wondered idly if this was his first command mission. So far he appeared to have the mind set of a man on a solo track. Moving on his own without concerning himself with his own safety. Rippa would certainly be keeping an eye out but for now he remained quiet and fell in line as he had promised he would. At the very least Anon had a plan in place for increasing their chances. Certainly better than just rushing directly in from the front. Rippa would watch them both taking up the rear as no formation had been suggested. The pace was slow for him but he didn't mind. He still would consider them each in silence. How nervous were each of them? Would she be afraid? Overconfident? Would he? How nervous were they and what would they come up with to break the tension?

1280

Supaku grew more and more worried as Anon explained what they would be doing on their mission that day. Combat was not something she was keen to get involved in, and she would try her best to put on a calm and confident face despite her concern. She was glad that she had remembered to bring her kunai, even though weaponry wasn’t her specialization, it still made her feel a bit better to have something she could easily use at range. She was somewhat relieved that both Anon and Rippa were present, and she didn’t doubt their skills at all, but the last time she’d been in combat she’d had more people than this with her and it had still been a failure. But thinking negatively never actually solved any problems as far as she was concerned so she merely nodded her acquiescence and walked along beside Anon after he gathered his things.

The tension present in the wandering troupe was palpable and while she wasn’t exactly known for small talk or social niceties she couldn’t help feeling like someone should say something. What they were about to do was stressful enough without the added pressure of a too silent trek through the hills. It also crossed her mind that the Hokage had not said a word yet. Was there a problem she was not privy to? That’s stupid Supaku, if there were genuinely a problem I think he would say so. The only other time you met Rippa he was very forthright, he doesn’t seem like the cold shoulder type. Supaku would glance back towards the Hokage with an inquisitive look on her face and a tentative smile on her lips. She was glad that she was not responsible for taking point on this mission, since her last one had gone so poorly. She wondered what the actual plan of attack was once they were closer, staying behind Anon didn’t seem like the best use of her talents seeing as she had to be able to punch a person to do any type of damage. Then again maybe there could be some benefit to her staying back a bit, more like back up she supposed. And the Hokage, he was what? Going to stand back and help if they fell? She knew he was a medical ninja, but she hoped desperately that his skills would be unnecessary.

Not able to withstand the silent march any longer, Supaku would sigh quietly before plastering a smile on her face and speaking. “So what’s our plan then Anon? You’re the mission leader so I’ll do whatever you like. Though I should tell you, I don’t have anything I can use at range. We Hyuga normally just punch away our problems.” She would laugh cheerfully at her own joke. It was true that the Hyuga did that, in more ways than one. Her clan was known for being hard headed and stubborn; the types to view every obstacle as one that could be combated and beat down - even the social ones.

521/1214

Anon stopped in his walking, signalling for the others to do so. They'd come far enough that they would soon be upon the camp the bandits had just off the beaten path. They would soon hear the sounds of bandits laughing and him-hawing. It was during their stop that Anon listened to what Supaku said, turning his gaze to meet her own. She was laughing at the joke she made and Anon smiled beneath his mask and gave a light chuckle. "Well my dear, the plan I have in mind will see you using your talents well enough. We're getting close to the bandit camp, close enough that one can actually hear what we're going to be up against.  My plan is really to try and use the element of surprise against the bandits and go in with a bit of shock and awe.  I need a moment to prepare my weapons, but I feel if we take down the leader of these bandits, we'll have a much easier time with the rest of them. You know what they say, lop off the head of the snake and the body will flop out of control. Or something to that effect."

Anon quietly took cover behind a hill after moving forward a bit more. He drew his blades, sticking the longer of the short swords into the ground while he held the shorter one in a normal grip, running his fingers along the blade. As he did this, wind chakra would come from his fingertips, leaking into the weapon he held, amassing around the blade itself. He would continue doing this, nodding the other two over to take cover in much the same way he would. There would be a patrol coming in a few moments, so he would need to be ready as much as he could. With a look over his shoulder behind the hill he would notice  a single bandit sauntering his way over towards where the three would be hidden. "I need a bit more time, can one of you take him out quietly?" He whispered just loud enough for his companions to hear while he continued the methodical rubbing of his blade with fuuton chakra. This would pay off should he have the opportunity to finish it before a fight actually broke out.

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Rippa would remain quietly behind the group. Unlike his normal talkative self he was busy. His sharp blue eyes were scanning the forest around them. Troops movements had been monitored but the information was at least five minutes old. Something could have changed since then and since they were moving at a good pace he doubted the other two were keeping their eyes that open. Sure of where the enemy was. Even the Hokage needed to be aware of his surroundings. A single arrow could be enough to end the less than vigilant. Still he wasn't entirely at a loss for observing the others talking. First was Supaku. She sounded nervous and he supposed his silence wasn't helping. He offered her a smile at her joke even as she laughed. It was good to keep up spirits in a mission for moral. At the same time though they were getting close enough that silence might be more warranted. Still Anon didn't seem to think so as he replied to her with a chuckle at her joke. Laying out a bare bones plan for her for the moment. Rippa would listen while checking out to their rear briefly and back to around them.

It was a good plan. In a moment they would strike with shock and awe and aim for the head bandit before cleaning up the rest of the weaker units in the confusion. It was plain but effective. Taking off the head of the snake had a tendency to kill the body. There were issues with it though. His plan only really covered what he intended to do. He wasn't giving any orders to either of his squad members or direction. He may as well have been on a solo mission. Perhaps his earlier assessment was correct and Anon really did intend to do it all alone. Still it wasn't his position at the moment to question the leaders orders. His tactics left both of them without a specified role. Leading was about giving everyone a well defined task. Still if he was trying to impress Rippa with his own power or trying to save Supaku from any harm, either tactic was not the intention of this mission. Rippa mentally was preparing himself to step in should any part of this falter. For instance. If the head bandit managed to counter Anon there needed to be someone ready to save him. Rippa of course hoped for the best for Anon but was unsure of his experience in squad combat. He was a wanderer after all.

Still they would drop low as they approached. Anon drawing his weapons and preparing. Rippa would lay his back flat against the barrier between them and the camp. His sharp ears picking up the sounds within and the soft foot falls of one patrolling off to the side. Or going out to take a piss. Still he appeared to be on a path for them. Anon had noticed to and asked one of them to take the man down. Again Rippa frowned as that left it open to who would go. Obviously Rippa was the better choice but he was just observing until he needed to step in. Instead Rippa would make eye contact with Supaku and nod to her. He would raise his hands to symbolize striking his palm before touching his throat. Suggesting to her to strike the target in the throat for a silent take down. She was capable of it given her clan and the element of surprise. But their whole plan rested on her being successful. Rippa would wait and watch to see what happened.

1892

Supaku crouched down behind the hill with Anon and Rippa. Her heart was pounding furiously, so much so she was concerned that it might be audible. She watched as Anon infused his weapon with chakra and since she was not entirely sure what he was doing, and had the ability to see it if she so chose, she closed her eyes and focused on radiating fuuton chakra out from herself. She was fascinated by the way the yellow light channeled from Anon into the sword into some sort of seal, which was quickly becoming brighter as the jutsu took hold. She found it was a slightly different experience activating and using her Dark Sight jutsu when she was not blind. At any time she liked she could simply open her eyes and regain her normal vision, while still maintaining her jutsu. When she had used it before that had not been the case and so she had been using it as a necessity for vision. Opening her eyes again as Anon spoke was slightly disorienting, but she managed to catch Rippa’s nod to her before deciding her eyes were better left closed.

With a nod of her own back to both Rippa and Anon she would steal quietly away from the group, eyes still firmly shut. The white light that bounced off of everything helped her navigate towards the individual that Anon had pointed out. She could ‘see’ the man that Anon was referring to in short order, and was relieved that he did not emit any chakra of his own. Well at least I’ll probably get the chance to just punch him and go, rather than get lit on fire or something. That’s a relief. As she would creep up on the man she was more than a little disgusted to realize that he was not patrolling. He had separated himself from the group in order to ‘relieve’ himself. And if there was ever a moment to catch someone unawares, this would be it. Using the bandit’s current distraction due to his bodily functions as her opening she would move quickly through the small trees and brush towards him, readying her right hand to strike swiftly at the man’s throat as Rippa had suggested. She knew she would only have the one shot at it and she wasn’t convinced that a single strike would be enough to overpower the man, so she also mentally prepared herself for a follow up strike.

When she was within striking distance she would lash out with her right hand straight at the front of the man’s throat, and bringing her left hand up to the back of his neck. He was more than a little surprised and a quiet gagging sound was all that came from him as he tried to cry out. With her left hand already in position she would pull him down to the ground, using his own momentum to facilitate his fall and would leap on the chest of the larger man while jamming her right knee into the soft and now bruised flesh of his throat. It was not graceful or elegant, but proved to be effective as she ground the hard bone of her knee into the bandit’s windpipe, putting all of her weight behind the assault. It took only a few seconds to subdue him, the element of surprise being hers, however she did not manage to get away cleanly. As the bandits air supply was cut off he panicked and began flailing at her in an effort to stop her attack. She felt three solid punches, one to her left thigh, and two to the left side of her lower back. In a lot of ways she was glad to have activated her jutsu, it meant that although she could ‘see’ what was going on, she didn’t have a clear view of the likely panic and anger in the man’s face. Certain subtleties of expression were lost in the fuuton chakra she was exuding.  

Once he had stopped struggling she waited a second more before grabbing what she could off the man and binding him with it. She wasn’t certain if he was just unconscious or worse, but she didn’t want to take any chances, so she tied his hands with his belt and would lace his shoes together. As the initial adrenaline of her attack wore off the pain from the man’s desperate attacks began to take the forefront of her attention. Limping as she did so she would pull the partially disrobed bandit back towards Rippa and Anon, hoping that no one noticed her doing so, and counting on the two of them to ensure that she had made the single bandit nonthreatening.

803/2017

Chakra 115/130:

Anon looked over to notice the Hokage giving Supaku a curt nod and making a signal with his fist and palm. It would appear that Supaku was the one designated to take the approaching bandit out. The Mitarashi cursed himself for not being specific in his intentions or what he needed, shaking his head. Still, it would seem that Supaku was well equipped to deal with the lone bandit, striking him quickly and quietly, dragging him down to the ground using his own momentum. She came down upon his windpipe with a viscious knee, trying to cut off his supply of  oxygen. While it was a good idea, she didn't strike as true as she most likely hoped, the man flailing and striking at her as she attempted to subdue him. After a few moments it was done and he fell silent and still, Supaku binding him with his own clothing and dragging him off near Rippa and Anon's hiding spots, out of view of any who might look their way. She seemed to be limping somewhat, and Anon once more cursed his poor planning in such a situation.

Still, his jutsu had finished preparing and his smaller small sword was enveloped in fuuton chakra, causing a pulling sensation around the blade. With that done, Anon picked up his second small sword, the larger one, concentrating raiton chakra through the weapon to allow it to come alight with sparks. He was finally ready and prepared and nodded to both Supaku and Rippa in turn before he spoke. "Alright I apologize for taking so long. I'm ready to continue the mission now. Thank you for taking out the first bandit Supaku, we're almost done I promise. This next part of the plan will be tricky, but if we work together we can end it quickly. I want you to follow close behind me Supaku, when I say 'Now', you'll strike the leader. By then I should have his defense open. While I want you to take up the rear, Lord Rippa. You will ensure we do not suffer attacks from behind, while also providing support to us and ensuring we get to our target. It will mostly be a mad dash straight to the leader. Nothing complicated. Given that these are common bandits, it will be the last thing they expect.  After you strike the leader, Supaku, I will use his surprise and broken guard to strike true and put an end to this. Everyone good?"

The ninja looked between the two of them, having spoken only loud enough for them to hear. His plan was trivial and concise, but would see them completing their mission quickly and easily. With their word of ready, he would stand and move around the rock he was crouched behind, running straight for where the first bandit had come from. He would hope the others would be close behind him, as he wasn't running at his full speed to ensure that Supaku could keep up. As long as the plan was followed, this was going to be simple. Anon saw the bandit leader before the leader saw him and he raised his small short sword in preparation for attack. The bandit leader turned to see him, raising his own warhammer. "To arms lads! We have guests!" He would barely get this out of his lips as Anon swung his sword, catching the man off guard with the quick pulling of the vacuum of fuuton chakra. The leader would of course resist the pull and pull back, but Anon's second sword would come through with a lightning infused strike, slicing at the right and left arms holding the weapon. There would be blood coming from the appendages,  weakening the grip the man had on the weapon. Anon would leap to the leader's left and yell out at Supaku, who was hopefully right behind him. "Now!" He wouldn't wait too long for her to strike, slicing both of his swords at the leg of the bandit, slicing the back of his knee open, but catching an elbow to the chest, knocking the wind from him.

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