Mission:

Unraveling the small scroll as she rest it against the hard, wooden floor, her fingertips of her right hand would trace along the words as she read through it a couple of times before rerolling it again to raise it to the flame of her candle, also set on the ground. Watching the flame flicker and coil up about the paper consuming it before dropping the burning embers into a bowel that sat beside the candle. After pinching out the candle's flame she would place her hands against her thighs she would rise from her kneeling position, her form bent forwards to graze her hands against the fabric of her skin-tight bodysuit to remove the residue of dust that clung to her, her steps about the room evident with all of the disturbed dust that had little chance to settle since her return to the small Okiya. Hiding out here instead of having tried to return to the orphanage seemed logical to her, for the time being, she had to be as inconspicuous as possible, invisible to the majority of the village and her previous home whilst still attending her hospital appointments without fail whilst taking on a few missions here and there. There was so much that she needed to find out before rejoining the village fully now that she was home. Things just didn’t add up, and until they did she would conduct her finding hidden in the last place any would come to look for her.  

She would step through the Okiya making her way to the basement level, her hands traveling along her form to recheck her weapons from the simple beaded senbon in her hair, her well-masked tesen that sat at her stomach and the base of her back, held within the drapes that shrouded about her form and the makeshift belt the held it in place, to Ripa tsume hidden betwixt the fold of her .  Slipping through the hidden passageway venturing deeper still than the basement of the Okiya she would stride through the tunnels, finally emerging just outside of the village before reentering it as though returning from the wilderness. She would track through the least populated area’s to get to the Baston adamantine. Was this not the most fitting place to start? where, in her mind, the series of unfortunate events that had befallen not only herself but her squad mates and Their Tsuchikage at the time, had started. A bittersweet start but where better than at the start? Her gloved thumb would press against the white chess piece gripped in her hand, grazing her thumb against it as though doing so would ignite her memories into life as she waited for the other assigned shinobi to arrive.  

The recognition of the area mapping out in her mind, yet the image of her younger self, passing by and heading away from the construction site would captivate her for a moment even after the image faded as it rounded the corner. Her right hand would shift to cup the side of her left, her fingers resting against the back of her hand as her thumb grazed against her gloved palm, the scarlet glove itself specially made with the pinky digit missing and a slight form of padding around the area for comfort of the wound the remained without the missing digit itself. The glove stretched up past her elbow, matching in line with her deep red bodysuit, the shrowd a dusted grey.  a similar sort of material to her left hands glove would shield the left side of her face, attach to the loops that hung from the left side of her braided fringe following the loops about to the half updo bun before clasping the material down to her body suit to ensure that it wouldn't blow up in the wind at random, covering completely the left side of her face ear and neck, the veil like material simply obscuring the part’s it covered from sight, though with how close to her eye it sat, her visibility through it was enough so that she would be able to see through yet losing the finer details the eye could have provided if it were not covered. Yet all in all this young adult had become a woman during her captivity and now stood at the height of five foot ten, the loose trails of snow-white hair brushing her rump with each movement of her head whilst the beaded section of hair that framed her face rest against her chest. Having now grew into her high cheekbones her features pointed, she could be considered pretty almost like a porcelain doll yet for those that took the time would notice the telltale signs of malnutrition in the pale and almost wax-like appearance of her skin, and the deepening shadow under her visible eye. The only visible scars of her face would sit deeply upon her upper and lower lip.  

---

Word count: 833.

He had chosen to wear his Sergeant uniform. It only had the one white stripe and a red, green and white stripe under it over his left breast but it was enough to indicate his rank. His uniform was pressed firmly with clean creases. Black in color with red shoulder pads and red stripes around his neck and wrists. A row of four copper buttons on each side of his shirt all buttoned up. His slacks were held up by a white belt with a copper seal with his clans symbol on it. Polished black boots and white gloves finished off the look. For some odd reason though he had a kunai in a white sheath on his left hip as if there for decorative purposes. Only the hilt sticking out. Of course he had three senbon up each sleeve but those were hidden. His headband was stitched into his left shoulder carefully marking him as an Iwa nin. In his uniform and with his posture he appeared to be very regal. Straight backed with a solid stride. As for under his coat sleeves however a scroll was wrapped around each arm. Each with a dozen senbon sealed within. To anyone looking at him he was woefully unprepared for a combat mission. Those who knew him though knew better.

Of course his uniform meant little to those unfamiliar with the Heishi clan and its individual ranks. It would instantly mark him as a chunnin of the village to those who knew what his uniform meant. Still he would walk along the path leading to the Bastion Adamantine. A fortress for the village that itself was apparently understaffed. Was so much going on in the world that they needed him to assist one of his betters in the simple defense of one of their fortresses? Of course, it was rumored that a single group of shinobi had managed to lay waste to an entire village. His right hand would lift to run through his dark hair. Slicking it back before it shifted to his face to stifle a yawn. Well the mission would serve to bring honor to his clan of course. Assuming he preformed well. He was an elite born though so he had little to no worries. Anyone who challenged him would surely find themselves drowned in confusion and pain. As was his talents. Still he wasn't of a mind to let his guard down against possible common born.

Of course he was sorely disappointed by the lack of guard to his approach. Eyes would settle on him but a glance at his shoulder where his headband rested would turn away doubts and questions too easily. One simply needed a metal bar with a symbol on it to drop the guard of the village. He would glance up to them as they continued their conversation. Shining silver eyes studying them a moment. With the lack of guard they had up he could be upon them within a moment dealing some critical wound even at his level. His guard was up more when he went to buy coffee in the morning than those guarding the old fortress. Complacent was the word that came to mind. Still he would find himself given pause within a moment. Something was different. He could feel a sense telling him to turn away. Something stronger than him was nearby. He didn't know how he knew it but the hair on his body would seem to stand on end. An instinct for those born for combat he supposed. Still it was enough for him to know that danger was near. Even if the fool guards took no notice of it.

His eyes would search idly until from the shadows they depicted a girl approaching. Her outfit left little to the imagination and yet covered the majority of her. Perhaps more than even his own did. If once considered the extension over half her face anyway. His silver eyes would study her a moment before deciding that she didn't intend him harm. She simply wasn't bothering to restrain her potency. Still he would begin to wonder what purpose there was of having him along. She radiated power and he could not compare. Still he figured if they requested him and this went well he would get all the same glory for not even half the effort. She looked different than she felt though. As if she had survived something horrific. Tight skin, dulled eye, scarred lips. One might have found her history mortifying he assumed. That kind of torment changed a person and made them far less human in his experience. Still he would step forward. Crossing his gloved right hand across the left side of his chest. Palm inwards as he would bow to her. She seemed to belong here as if this were her domain so he may as well hope she was on his side and not here to topple a fortress. All the same his words would be like silk on the ears. Almost hypnotizing to listen to.

"Greetings fair lady. I am Sergeant Heishi Kejido of the generals kin. It would be my pleasure to act as your support this evening. Would you like a summary of my talents so I might be better directed in the field?"

890

Though a part of her mind wandered, following her younger self, tracking along the steps of her memories as her younger self unknowingly headed towards hostility meant for the Tsuchikage, another part pondered the mission ahead, who had been lurking and what was their intent upon the village she had pledged her life to protect? Her right hands thumb would graze against her palm again only to tentatively graze over the stub of the missing digit, the small section of partially exposed bone beneath the padding, still easily felt yet the pain had been lessened when the doctor had cut away the sodden flesh and took the time to clip back the jagged bone that had been left exposed to the elements of her captivity before sewing it neatly to the best of his ability. Yet the more she used her hand the longer it would take to heal, this she knew but, how could she not use it, she hadn’t, after all, lost the use of the limb.  

It would, however, be the silken voice of a male that would captivate her attention, disconnecting her from her memory to return her full attention to back into the moment. Her piercing yellow orb’s gaze would cut to the owner of such a smooth tone. She would turn to face him, taking the moment as he spoke for her gaze to wander over his form, reaping each and every bit of detail from him that she could, from the silver of his eyes to the stripes over his left breast. Not only so smartly dressed but very well spoken and respectful. Her hands would ever so lightly graze her thigh’s until reaching just above her knees, her torso would descend as her legs remained straight, as she herself returned to courtesy and respect due, bowing low enough for the beaded section of hair to dangle a mere few inches from the ground. With her movements her would seek out information that could only be gained by sense alone, allowing her chakra to crawl from her, an ominous creeping sensation like an impending sickness would spread along with it for but a moment, until reaching him as it simply lapped against his own ethereal being, twisting to a simple warmth before cutting off entirely, as though she existed no more. Her movements held a style of grace one would usually see held by an elegant dancer within their performance. Speaking only as she rose from the bow, “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Sergent Heishi, Kejido.” A somewhat welcoming smile would draw the right corner of her lips upwards as she spoke, the action causing the indents of the scars to crease further. Her voice, however, could easily be considered to be flat when compared to the silk tone the male held, yet her heavy accent would be what would show they she did not in-fact originally hail for Iwagakure no Sato. Her right hand would cup over her left allowing her fingers to curl over the padded section of her glove as she continued without missing a beat, “Please call me Taeru. I am grateful for your assistance this evening. And yes, a summary of your skill set would be most helpful.”  

She would give pause enough for him to speak, listening carefully to him as she stepped within a couple of meters so that their voices could lower. Her gaze would remain with him, yet her sense remained alert. Only once he had finished speaking would she herself continue. “As for myself, I am at my best mid to close range within combat making use of genjutsu and weapons. I trust that you have been provided with the information as to why we are here...” She would pause only long enough for him to interject if he did not have the information he required. If he didn't speak, she would continue, “for now I would like us to remain together until we know what we are dealing with.” She would turn, slowly withdrawing her gaze from him as she began to walk, her pace moderate, yet the hint as a slight limp would be found if she bore weight to her left side for too long a step. “Splitting up could cause us more of a hindrance. Though, I would like to hear your view.”

---

Word count: 732.
Total word count: 1565.

Kejido would rise from his bowed position. Watching as she would offer a curtsy in return. While it was kind of cute there was no denying she held within her the grace and finesse of a dancer. Something he suspected would be an interesting addition in a fight. Usually blunt force was plenty for dealing with common rabble but a sense of grace came with certain types of power. He had no doubt she was both quick and deadly. A force of nature to be reckoned with. Little in her path would be capable of withstanding such fluid movements. His own style was a little more brash but it had its potential to be graceful as well in time. With more practice anyway. Still she would rise from her pose and speak in agreement with him. He would smile a little before nodding again. Either she hadn't been given a file on him or hadn't bothered to read it. Such a lack of organization. Surely she was in command here. Still it couldn't be helped. He would straighten himself up a little as he brushed out any slight wrinkles brought on by bowing. It was hardly noticeable but he did it out of habit. Still when he spoke it was like silk on the ears again. Mesmerizing.

"My talents are rather limited to hand to hand combat I fear but I am not without my tricks. I trick the eyes and distract from my intentions. When I have them see one thing," With that he would lift both of his hands. A puff of smoke would show that something had been unsealed from unseen scrolls. Small in nature though. In his right hand he twirled a senbon and winked." They are meant to miss the real danger" With that he would turn his upraised left hand. Revealing a second senbon hidden as it was clutched between the back of his middle and index fingers. Revealing that he had used the reveal of one weapon to hide the other. Then suddenly he would shift his hands and both senbon would slip up his sleeves with a slight of hand. "And then wonder where it went entirely." He would smile at his own demonstration thinking himself quite clever. Of course he had actual illusions but he had opted to conserve his chakra for the time being. After all they could very well be fighting shortly against an unknown enemy.

She would approach him soon after and lower her voice. Speaking of similar talents to his own. Still she would inquire if he knew their purpose for being present that day. He would nod shortly before she continued on. Opting to stick together until they knew more. Still as she turned she would present him with something he hadn't expected after witnessing her grace. A limp? How odd. Still it was a casual pace and he would fall in line. Walking with her as he eyes scanned the area. The enemy was likely already aware of them as even if she didn't Kejido certainly stood out. Hopefully as a hostage. Still as they walked she would speak again. Asking for his opinion. He would consider it a moment as he folded his hands behind his back while they walked. Speaking in a low tone as well. A rather sheepish reply at first but his study of tactics would do well for the time being. His clan was military based after all. "While keeping your forces together is a valid strategy its usually done with the assumption your opponent is either weaker than yourself or roughly the same level. At the same time I don't condone complete separation. I suggest strongly the weaker of the two of us hang back to observe while the stronger is engaged. Providing support from a flanking position to disrupt enemy intentions. A single minor wound in this situation could shift the battle. One senbon in an ankle could be enough to drive down an enemy. Roughly twenty meters should be good for distance. Enough to keep in sight but not enough to make the enemy wary"

1584

With her gaze remaining trained upon him whilst her other senses wandered about the space around them. She would watch him straightening out the creases of his clothing, such a small action leaving her to wonder if he were as meticulous in other aspects of his life such as his training. Yet again, such a silken voice, a pleasure upon the ears, she suspected that the male before her was used to getting that which he wanted simply by asking, for few would say no to such a voice, topped off by how formal and polite he came across. The corner of her lips would twitch upwards ever so slightly, barely even noticeable yet still there none the less, as she pondered if he were this way all the time. An odd trail of thought yet she hadn’t expected the male before her to be the individual that he presented, however, she hadn’t clue of what to expect the higher ups of the village would send along as an aid, having at first expected to take up this mission alone. A singular word she would use to describe him, now what was the word...  

Watching his display in sleight of hand, again something she hadn’t expected from the militaristic appearance of the male. Such would easily make up her mind upon wanting to see more of what he could do, though with the given wink the word would come to mind. Charming. The male simply radiated charm. What a lovely coupling of skills, prowess in sleight of hand, charm and verbal modesty. Though it was easy to see that the male was more an awareness of the way he came across to others than he would let on. Her warm smile would remain in place as she lightly inclined her head, “Quite the talent, and most defiantly dangerous in many situations.” Storing away the information to return to analyzing it at a later date, such she would make sure to remember, accompanying the rest of the detail she could prize from him.  

As they walked her hands would rest before her, resting against her stomach her right hand placed strategically over her left as it had been previously, as she guided their steps towards the construction works. Her gaze would sweep the area as they moved yet as he spoke her gaze would shift on occasion to him listening to him, for the aura of confidence he gave, the subtle vibes of self-consciousness at the beginning of his reply seeped through. Her breathing had slowed immensely as each lung full of air gave new information of scents, including the males. The change in her breathing so subtle most wouldn’t catch it, Yet as she spoke, in turn, her gaze would be trained ahead hard, even her voice seemed to trail, “Your military knowledge is a value in missions especially one such as this. Have the same confidence you had upon your little demonstration. For the situation we found ourselves in at the present moment, I agree with you, so we shall put your strategy into action. I trust that your finess with the senbon also shows within your aim.”  With that, she would offer a smile before allowing her features to relax as they continued to walk.

Given some time of their patrol, she had begun to veer closer to the wall to their left drawing them through the scaffolding, opting to pass through rather than go around, causing the need to duck and weave. Her hands would reach in aid of her fluid like movements to pass the obstacles in their way, her movements reminiscent of a snake before her shoulder brushed against the wall. Her left hand would graze the wall allowing her remaining fingers to fan out slightly, her right hand would shift to indicate for them to pause as she listened. The atmosphere having shifted would set a thick sensation within the air and with it, the sound of a muffled yet evidently heated conversation would become evident. Her form would raise from the wall ever so slightly as her gaze cut to him before giving a slight nod, indicating for him to be ready as she slowly shifted further along the wall drawing up close to the corner. Listening closer to confirm or refute any suspicions the voices gave.  

---

Word count:729.
Total word count:2294.

He would smile at he mention of his talent. Of course it was good when one was recognized for their ability. Surging higher above the rest of the common folk. It was perhaps why he wanted to be a monolith. To be famed for his superior ability. That was simply the truth after all. He was faster at running and quicker with his hands than anyone his rank in most cases. Given the time to train he would likely be on par speed wise with most above his rank too. Still he would keep his hands folded behind his back as they walked. Until she spoke in reply to his advise anyway. “Your military knowledge is a value in missions especially one such as this. Have the same confidence you had upon your little demonstration. For the situation we found ourselves in at the present moment, I agree with you, so we shall put your strategy into action. I trust that your finesse with the senbon also shows within your aim.”

He would raise a gloved hand to cover a chuckle as if concealing his mouth when he did so was only polite. A mark of the upper class. Still he would heed her words and he would nod before clearing his throat. It went without saying that any shinobi worth his salt could throw a simple projectile. Even as younglings in the academy that was common practice. The idea of a member of his clan that began training at a much younger age with a more thorough regiment being unable to simply throw a needle into an intended space was simply laughable. However once more he supposed she wouldn't know that. His clan wasn't prominent with the village as it was with the nations military. Many officers came from his clan but few outside the army cared much about such things. So his clan was as of yet forgettable for the village itself. That would change of course once he made monolith. Once he became famous with the name Heishi his clan would be called upon even more and their influence and wealth would be a grand thing. For now this experimental first mission for him was going to be filled with ease. Nothing negative to report if he followed his role and he would never be in real danger. Leave that to the other professional he was with. Woman or no.

Still they would pass through the scaffolding and he would be cautious to avoid stepping on anything or bumping anything. Repairs or no he found the structure sloppy. Still she would signal for him to be ready as she would slink around the corner. He would smile and step outside the scaffolding. Careful to avoid stepping into clear view as he looked to the construction. There was an open section up above. Of which he supposed would be a good position. Idly he would eye the scaffolding before moving. Slow and steady but silent movements allowed him to lift himself up to the second story. Peering over the edge he would see one man watching the argument below. Dressed in bandit colors and smelling of what he could only describe as rotten cabbage with a crossbow in his hand. One of the targets no doubt. There would be no civilians or contractors here. Only shinobi. Quiet as a mouse Kejido would haul himself up and step quietly across the room. His silent movements concealing him as he stepped up into position. His attack was swift as he cracked the man over the back of the neck. Stunning him before yanking him back out of view. His form hit the ground a little hard but not enough to do more than knock the air out of him. Finally he finished by turning the mans crossbow he was now lifting to the mans own eye before pulling the trigger. With that the man went limp. The element of surprise was always best. Still a look around confirmed the man was alone up there. A failed look out. With that done Kejido would slide back to the siding and staying low peer out over the rest. His silver eyes studying for the lady to make her move.

2293

Slinking around the corner, she would press off on her right foot from the ground, giving her a swift bounce of near weightlessness for her left foot upon its contact with the ground, in the very moment of a muffled thud from above. Yet through lack of care or the consumption of their senses within an argument, the two would continue uninterrupted, that is, until Taeru’s form slipped into their view, yet the quick sight of her was too late on their part. Within her bound towards the two her right hand would slip between the folds of fabric that draped about her form to withdraw Ripa tsume from its sheath as her left withdrew her kuni, allowing the two to spin about her index fingers as she landed just behind the first. With her landing her form would dip downwards at a diagonal angle driving the kuni into the joint of the males hip, lodging it in place to hinder his movements only for her right hand baring Ripa tsume to pass by the back of his knees, severing the tendons in a single swift movement forcing him to drop to his knees before dipping towards his more uninjured side naturally so in order to not aggravate the kuni stuck within him threatening his hip joint.  

Her movement would continue, unwavering as she twisted past the males crumpling form remaining for that moment within her couch before launching upwards to slip Ripa tsume  into the waist of the remaining opponents before slightly shifting the angle of her weapon, taking advantage of its curve to hook under the immediate three ribs before allowing its tip to pierce through the flesh again like a hook. Her left foot would graze across the ground taking out the feet of her opponent, ready for the shift in weight using the leverage of her lowered position to springboard the other over her own form, ensuring a harsh connection with the ground head and shoulder first to disrupt the weaving hand signs of the individual as she tugged harshly on Ripa tsume, the sound of the individuals right cracking in the process would vibrate within the air like a sickening call of pain made audible. Yet her fluid movement had not ended there, with the momentum of her opponent heading towards the ground her body would flow in the opposite direction, like friction, yet with another simple tug and twist of her blade, loosening it from the ribs they had damaged to keep the pressure in place, allowing the movement of the other falling against her own to slice open the opponents midriff wide open as she returned to a standing position, following her movement through would send an ominous splatter of fresh crimson liquid up along the wall of the building beside them.  

As though giving a subtle pause within her horrific dance, no longer than a millisecond her gaze would flicker up to the window, for her it was simply to check that the thud hadn’t been her mission partner before continuing. However, the simple sight of her by the trained eye would see that colour had, for the moment returned to the little visible sections of her flesh, as though alive once again as she carried out her orders, yet the life in her eyes had disappeared as though one could not remain as the other rose to the forefront.  

The first of her opponents would shift, attempting to draw his torso upright as he tugged the kuni from the fleshy section of his hip, his form shaking as he released it allowing it to drop to the ground. Setting her sights back on the male she would take a small sidestep giving a subtle bounce to her movement as she landed on her right foot her left would rise with a controlled force catching the male just below his jawline sending him in a heap upon the ground the sound of a definite snap easily heard. Her form would straighten once again before stepping to the remaining opponent. She would crouch down over them, shielding her movements from view for a moment before rising, blood dripping from the curvature of Ripa tsume and the body at her feet lifeless. Turning she would look up to the window once again to give a light nod before stepping back against the wall to listen. Would the noise of the commotion and the lack of arguing draw forth the rest of their comrades?  

---

Word count: 751.
Total word count: 3045.

Kejido would step to the edge of the wall where the opening was. Leaning back against it so he could slip just his head around the edge. His silver eyes watching as she moved in. Waiting for the need for support. However these enemies didn't look like they were even a challenge. She was dealing some serious wounds to them in a matter of seconds without a missed step. Each move dealing with both of them in turn and completely countering them. He would almost wince from the pain the two likely felt in their final moments. He supposed the way he ended the one up top was a mercy. He would still watch on with a sense of awe. Those movements were quick and precise. Countering any move that came within her spectrum like it was simple. However their movements felt flawed. Even though he was hardly better they were a couple of levels below him. Still he doubted he would be much of a match for her at his best. Not for now anyway. It caused a slight pang of jealousy within him. Why was she better than him? Was he not born to be the best? He would click his tongue against his teeth lightly. Like she even needed his help...

Still his silver eyes would shift to the side as from the shadows a man in dark robes and a ponytail stepped forward. Obviously having watched the display. However he seemed to have risen up from the shadow nearby itself rather than the surroundings. In his hand was a sheathed Chinese broadsword. Red feathers stemming from the hilt. He would nod his head to her but not immediately step into attacking her. Still a single crumbling rock was Kejido's only warning that the confident individual wasn't alone. Instinctively he launched himself to the left as a rock spike shot passed him. Cutting his right side in a thin mark that bled slightly where it was meant to impale him. Still it spun him as he turned to face a grinning bald man in furs. Tossing a single rock about the size of Kejido's head up and down like a ball. He would tilt his head a moment before speaking. "You had to go and kill our pawns kiddo. Fraid the cost of that is your head." The man would smirk before a piece of the rock formed into a needle point. Launching out like the first one. Making the rock a little smaller.

This time though Kejido was ready for it. He would step from side to side and suddenly a windmill shuriken would poof into his hands. He couldn't fully evade at this range but he could deflect the majority of the force and danger to the side. Still he was being pushed to the hole even as the rock got smaller and smaller. He was being pushed. Still as the last of the rock launched Kejido would spin as if to throw the windmill shuriken at the man. Only to be met with a grin from the man as his arm would reach out and touch the wall behind him. Covering his arm in stone. However Kejido spun a little more than needed and threw the weapon out the opening. The windmill flying out of sight and down below. The man with the stone arm would blink before sighing and suddenly stepping forward. A large stone hand catching Kejido by his center mass and smashing him up against the wall. "What was that kid? Too tired to hit me back? Worthless." Kejido would cough from the impact before grinning in return. His silver eyes looking into the mans brown.

"What was that? Mister, I am just buying time. I might barely be on par with you, but she is another story."

His attack had never been meant for him. Instead the large weapon would fly out and down. Coming at the swordsman from behind where ever he was and the blades smashing into the back of his right knee. Debilitating him entirely. Or at least enough for Taeru to have a full opening on him. An easy target to deal with for a close range fight. He was counting on her to finish him quickly and come to his aid. He was just the support after all. Still if she didn't come up to deal with this opponent he might be in trouble. However if she did suddenly appear his hands would lock onto the mans wrist before his right foot would kick out. A senbon connected to the bottom of his foot to stab into the mans ankle. Either to help him break free or to hold the man in place and cause an opening. Depending on if she came or not.

3098

Her piercing gaze would settle on the male that seemed to form from the shadows themselves allowing her right brow to arch in the process. She would take a couple of steps away from the wall to draw then center within the ally way. Taking in each and every bit of detail from the male before her, from his unexpectedly sheathed broadsword to his height and build and yet, he too seemed to do the same of her. As though he hadn't watched her remove members of his group from the equation. She would ever so lightly incline her head in return as the male did, taking her ready stance. She would lick her wrist causing the excess blood along Ripa tsume to splatter along the ground beside her feet. Her free hand would shift to rest against Amai at her stomach; one of the two tessen she carried with her yet easily mistaken for simple fans, as she began to twirl Ripa tsume. As the male began to unsheath his sword, her left foot would shift as though to take a small step forward’s.  

Yet her movements would come to a sudden halt just as the pressure had begun being applied to her foot as a sound from above stole her attention. Her gaze would quickly flicker to the window where her mission companion had been yet from this angle little more than shifting shadows could be seen yet it was more than enough to know that something was wrong. With her actions giving her opponent an opportunity, It would only be the flickering shine from a blade too close that would signal the attack from the corner of her vision giving her but milliseconds to react. It would seem however that her reaction time still bested the males as she twisted her body side face away from his attack, however odd sections of her clothes would be sliced in the process of their movements, but her reaction time would not seem to phase the male as he continued with his movements, swinging the sword with skill, as though his intentions were to wedge it deep into her throat. Though the male before her could have held valuable information, she didn't have time to toy with him as she had the two before, her concern rested with her comrade.

Her form would dip into a ‘grand-plie’ before tilting her form forwards at a forty-five-degree angle shifting solely to the balls of her feet, as the males blade clashed against the wall, his movements continuing to scrape it along. Taeru, however, would thrust upwards, slashing in a diagonal motion, using their opposing movements as she had with the other yet this time using the tip of her blade with its curvature facing away. Slicing the flesh and clothes of the male open from his iliopsoas muscle right the way across his abdomen, tarnishing the right transverse abdominous, the right bottom and left two middle rectus abdominous, right the way up past the serratus anterior muscles until coming to the Infraspinatus collection of muscles. Reaching this point in the two individuals movements, along with the angle of the males dominant arm as he slashed with his weapon, she would twist her blade whilst giving a slight inclination upwards with the hilt so that she could use the inner curvature of her blade to rend through each section of the infraspinatus muscles, as she passed him by. The swing of his movement would collapse as his arm did. Now unable to rise or maneuver the arm as blood spilled down his side she would continue with her own movement past him. Yet as he attempted to continue his movements in an attempt to use the sheath with his other hand she would take a bounding step back and away as a large windmill shuriken embedded harshly into the males right knee forcing him to the ground, falling against the wall opposite to the building that held her comrade.  

Without a second thought she would step with her left foot onto the shuriken before stepping onto the males back with her right, she would crouch low on her right foot to slip Ripa tsume into the male's throat severing the internal carotid artery to kill him before twisting and wrenching the shuriken from the male's leg before using the male as a springboard up to the window. With Ripa tsume in her right hand and the shuriken in her left, the only signal of her arrival would be the light tap of the shuriken against the window cill as she crouched against it, right on time it would seem. Her head would dip a touch to one side as she took in the scene before her, barely a millisecond before springing into action. The sensation that she brought with her would twist from a killing intent to that of a torturous one like flicking the switch of a light, the male would suffer for laying a hand against her comrade.

Her form would rock forwards before pushing from the window cill, launching her leith form at the male, using the opportunity given to her by Kejido, to swipe upwards and across with Ripa tsume severing the males infraspinatus muscle structure as she thrust the shuriken into the males outer thigh embedding the weapon into the iliotibial tract so that it would be within reach for Kejido as the male's arm became limp in his hold. Yet the male would struggle against the hold of Kejido she would continue drawing her form upright once again only to draw her left leg up  allowing her torso to tilt as she drove her knee into the males ribs with a sickening force just as her arms rose to drive Ripa tsume into his opposite shoulder join using both hands, her movement ensuring that he would struggle to even twitch his other arm whilst keeping him in the same space as she kneed him. The clear intent to simply wound him evident with her movements as the opportunity to kill him had been there from the moment Kejido’s hands clutched at the males wrists. With a look of disgust she would leave Ripa tsume in place, embedded within the male for a moment as she stepped around to the other side before gripping the weapon once again, this time however as she took a hold of the weapon a wave of her chakra would plummet from the contact causing the creeping sensation of a sickness to fill the room indiscriminately, whilst an olive green crackle flitted about the visible section of her weapon, like a queue she would twist it not only to pop the ball from the socket, dislocating it, yet the impact of such movement itself would activate her jutsu sending a shockwave in its wake damaging the flesh and breaking the bones of the joint before removing the blade. With that, she would crouch to sever the achilles tendon.  

Her chakra would seem to dissipate as quickly as it ignited as she stood the male would crumple to one side. Her left hand would rise to her chest, pressing to the area where her clothes were torn only to find that the males attack had in fact snipped through the flesh rather deeply for her mistake it could have been far worse. She would quickly step to Kejido, past the wounded male on the ground making sure to step on his hand as she passed him. Her form would lower into a bow reminiscent of the first she had given him upon their meeting, “I apologise for not getting here sooner...” her torso would rise against to set her piercing yellow orb on his own silver ones, “you are wounded?” She would step closer, the worry in her voice oddly sincere after causing so much damage, a true form of care for her fellow member of Iwagakure would shine through with ease, softening her gaze some.

---

330/350:

Word count: 1338.
Total word count: 4383.

Kejido would grip the mans arm as he turned to see what he was talking about. He of concern for his own well being had considered Kejido already beaten. Of course it was too late for him. The woman flying into the opening and coming at him from behind was already upon him. A wraith of the mountain spirits descended upon him. Her form was fluid and graceful and yet there was a hint of chaos and the room was flooded with menace. Of course she was enraged. The vultures had stepped into her kingdom and assaulted her people. Each act another nail in their coffin. The question of course was why risk so much? What goal did this lot have in mind to take on someone like her? At best they were on the same level as Kejido. A fight with him could go either way but none of them stood a chance against her without some strategy. Still his attention turned and he shifted to attempt to take on the oncoming girl. Only to not only find his wrist captured but suddenly senbon would slide from between each of Kejido's fingers in a circle around his wrist. Six senbon evenly spaced out on his wrist and completely nullifying the use of his hand all in one shift. With that her attack landed multiple critical wounds. Kejido had only managed to remove the use of one of the mans hands but she disabled him completely. There was some concern even for the morality of it.

Still Kejido wasn't one to dwindle around concepts and theory of politics. He would slow the mans fall with a grip on his arm before letting him fall the rest of the way as his eyes rolled back from the pain. A soft thud was the end of that battle. Kejido would let out a breath before straightening himself up a little. Adjusting his collar as he left a blood stain on it without thinking much of it and then running a blood soaked gloved hand through his hair. Slicking it back as he grinned. He was the victor here. There was no doubt that he had achieved victory in his first B rank mission. Sure he was the support but he was still standing. Most of the others were just corpses on the ground and this one may as well have been the same as those. He would let his silver eyes glance up to her and then back the way she had come. She was quick. He had only taken down the one but she had done most of the work. He was curious on how well this may have gone if he was the main force here. Another chunnin acting as support. Would he still have been standing on top? Of course he would have. He was a prodigy and this lot were just scum. Still adrenaline was pumping through him. So this was real life or death combat? He was exhilarated.

She would apologize for being late and inquire on if he was injured. He would raise his left eyebrow before glancing down at himself. A few scratches here and there where he couldn't fully evade that doton attack. He would sigh a moment before speaking himself. "Well damn. This uniform is ruined. Cheeky bastard." The man would stir and whine hopelessly as he couldn't seem to move. He would look up as if to plead with them only for Kejido to step across the distance around her and casually bring his boot across the mans temple in a soccer kick before waltzing himself over to the opening and glancing down. He would whistle a bit before looking back to her. "Nothing some basic first aid wouldn't solve. A good bottle of champagne for a good mission. Besides you had your hands full below. That said, I have something coming up I could use some assistance with in the near future. I'll be in contact my dear." With that he would wink. Even with his outfit damaged and bloodied and his hair slicked back with blood he seemed to still radiate charm. All the same he would idly salute with one hand and step back through the opening in the wall. Falling away from sight entirely.

He would make a pass over the area taking the long way back home to scout for remaining hostiles before finding himself satisfied. Just another squad thinking that Iwa had grown weak. Of course they would find themselves harshly corrected. Even gutted in the ditch. This was the price paid for arrogance though. He would wince only a few minutes into his return home though. The adrenaline was wearing off and those cuts stung to the open air. He would slow it down just enough not to cause too much discomfort as he glanced back the way he had come. So that was one of the more potent members of the village. A potent ally and one afraid of losing allies. Well perhaps she could be useful. Even manipulated as needed for the time being. Still he would need to show some caution. If that wrath of hers turned on him...well needless to say he wasn't prepared for it yet. Regardless he would finally make it home. Stripping down to tend to the cuts on his arms, sides and legs. He frowned before setting about the business of healing himself up with minimal scars.

4016
exit thread
2500/2500 B rank mission complete
1500/1500 extra mission wc 375 ryo

Her piercing yellow gaze would wash over Kejido missing little in their scrutinizing sweep of his form, watching him smear the blood through his hair enough to slick it back to the smudge of his collar following the marks of his own battle against the whimpering brute at their feet. And yet her gaze would follow him as he strode past to boot the grounded male for the noises of pain that he made, drawing back her sense of sound at the dull thud. Kejido’s words only registering then, her brow would crease, his life could have ended in this small room of no significance and it was his clothes that he spoke of first, and cursing to boot. A contrast to the controlled man that she met at the beginning of their mission. Taking a soft step away from the two men as though too delicate for the brutality of the moment, her hands would return to her stomach placing her right hand atop her left before biting down lightly on her pale chapped bottom lip only to chew at it for a moment, mulling him over.  

Though in thought her gaze would follow him to the window as he continued to speak. As he looked back at her, her singular orb would return to hold the gaze of his silver orbs, giving a nod in acknowledgment at his words. Once he had dropped from sight her stolid set would return to her features allowing for the sweetness that had been to drip from her, leaving behind her natural state. She would step to the window allowing her left hand to shift to lightly grip the window frame, watching him leave until out of reach of her senses. He would be in touch? Hn. He had things coming up...? What plans had risen to his thoughts during their mission that would have him contact her?

Inhaling her form would turn as she released the window before stepping over to the male on the ground. She would crouch to draw her face level with his, watching him for a moment before sighing as consciousness began to rouse him again. Removing a couple of the drapings from around her upper form she would shift, leaning over the male first to gag and blindfold him, necessary precautions, before binding the wound of the male’s wrist and ankle, although she was somewhat heavy-handed, the makeshift bandages would do for now, they simply needed to hold out for the time being. She couldn’t have him loose too much blood, now could she?  Leaving the man to come around to a version of darkness and movement striding along-side his pain. Leaning she would position both herself and the male to drape him over her right shoulder to keep the extra weight from her left side as much as possible before exiting the way that Kejido has entered and killed the first, stepping down along the scaffolding until allowing her feet the touch the ground, electing a muffled whimper and groan from the male. “Shhh shhh shhh," Her hand would rise to pat at the males thigh, keeping a tight enough grip on him so that he would remain in place. "It's alright, we have so much to talk about, hn, actually you have so much to tell.” She would again step through the mess she had created, yet a sense of urgency gripping her movements as she retrieved her kuni and, with the man over her shoulder she would slip her way around, making sure to be careful on any onlookers or guards as she headed back to her place of hiding, her time being limited, how long would it be before the mission partner reported back and the clean-up crew would be sent out. After all, she couldn’t extract such truths from the man, in that room, no. Yet she needed answers.

---

Word count: 656.
Total word count: 5039


Mission: 2500/2500
Extra mission (500ryo): 2000/2000.
Remaining word count: 539.