Sero had yet to return home. Instead he had taken refuge for the night at an outpost along the border. Joining the other Shinobi there they gave him a cot and plenty of space. After all he had just taken down eight full grown men without letting them touch him once. While some supposed it was just the surprise of it all others just accepted that a Chunnin was expected to handle such things at that level effortlessly. Still even if he was some what elite he was tired. He could see his movements slowing which likely meant that he needed rest. He couldn't feel if he was truly tired but sluggish movements requiring more effort to move were typically an indicator he needed his rest. It was just before nightfall when he arrived and by the time the last of the sun was down his weapons lined a desk and he was slumbering within the cot set out for him. Yet even as he slept one grey eye seemed to remain open. Occasionally blinking instinctively to keep his eyes from getting too dry. That grey eye seemed to watch everyone who came and went. Even as he slept his cold gaze took them in as they came within his range and eerily followed them as if a judgmental reflex was suspecting them of some form of subterfuge or theft. Yet he didn't truly suspect they would stoop to such a thing, Even so Sero suspected everyone of terrible things and thus was rarely surprised when something bad did happen. For twelve hours he slept that way getting back what must of been three days without sleep or rest as his body had been worn out beyond belief. Had he continued on he would of probably found himself too slow in a fight.

Still as the sun rose and peeked in his window both his eyes seemed to snap open. Rising from his cot he stretched out letting his joints and back pop before cracking his neck. He had barely gotten up and relieved himself in the bathroom before his ears twitched to the sounds of construction. He had noted some damage to the outpost upon arrival but it wasn't his expertise on the condition of buildings that made him useful. His own home was barely more then a wreck on an island. So he had no judgement on the condition of the building to speak of. Instead he merely tied his weapons back on, His Katana and Wakizashi on his left hip within their grey bamboo sheaths. His eight C rank Kunai lined a sash from his right hip to his left shoulder while his windmill shuriken folded into the small of his back in another sheath. Final goodbyes went over his right shoulder into its own sheath loaded with two Kunai. Lastly his Kiri headband tied tight to his neck to cover his wind pipe. He was about set to travel again when there was a knock on the door.

Turning to see who had felt the need to knock on a barracks door he saw a man in a Jounin vest. He looked Stern but well mannered at least. For a moment he just looked Sero up and down. It was then that he spoke up. His voice gruff as gravel but clear enough all the same. "Osada Sero, Chunnin on the verge of a promotion rumor has it. Well thing is I can't have you leavin here just yet. See there have been some fanatics running about lately with their heads filled with religious mumbo jumbo and they keep attacking farms and outposts. Somethin about claiming the land for the sea god. Intel says this is the next target based on a pattern. I wouldn't usually bother bringing in an outsider usually but intel also says one of their leaders is gonna be there. Now I need every man here to defend the walls. You on the other hand will be heading your tiny ass out there to find that leader and take him down. He should be coming from the south east. Move out and get into position chunnin." And without even waiting to see how Sero responded the man turned as Sero saluted him. Sero was always one for following orders after all.

724

Without waiting for further orders Sero moved out as silent as could be to the south east. He wanted to get behind enemy lines if he could before they arrived. It wouldn't do for him to have distractions when fighting a capable opponent with his level of skill. If anything fanatics fought aggressively for their beliefs however misled they were. However Sero understood his orders. Cutting up a snake from the tail up didn't do anyone a lot of good. Especially if that tail had a tendency to regrow given enough time. He was being aimed at the head. As such he intended to kill without hesitation. His target was running a little late but that was fine with him. Sero had plenty of time to move behind a hill and slip quietly into the shadow. Like a puddle he slipped into it until all traces of him were gone. Now the area just felt dark, ominous to anyone who came to close. It was some time that he waited in the shadows before he heard boots approaching. Grey eyes watched as a squad of about fourteen men tore down the road at a full sprint armed randomly through out them. Still Sero waited

Soon enough he spotted his target walking along quietly from a distance behind his men. He was a well armed man coated in silks and his eyes seemed rather calm for a fanatic. If anything he suspected the man was a tactician like him. Either way the man was close enough now to sense Sero. Quietly Sero watched as the man uneasily scanned the area around him. It was enough that they were alone Sero supposed. Still Sero quietly stepped out of the shadows and eyed the man before him. For a moment they looked to each other before they began to circle one another. It was only a matter of who was faster. It seemed unspoken between them this was a battle between warriors, specialists of their own weapons. Suddenly the Blue turban leader drew his lance and charged full speed intending to spear at Sero with the length of his weapon. However Sero saw the range the man intended would not benefit him. Quickly changing his stance Sero shifted to the right and halfway drew out his Katana. He slammed the lance with it using the sheath as a hand hold to counter the pure weight of the lance. Even then it was heavy but it was enough. Even as the man went to pull his lance back Sero moved forward with it. In an instant he pulled the Katana the rest of the way out and with a mighty heave threw the lance upwards. With his left hand now free he reached down in the same moment and drew out his wakizashi. With a quick draw style he sliced the mans neck without more then a couple of seconds of conflict between them. With a Spin and a pivot around the man he brought both his wakizashi and Katana straight down in an X on the mans back cutting deep and severing the spine. With that done he turned around and let the man bleed out there and left to go report his success. The enemy was expecting their leader to back them up any second now. With him gone they would fall quickly.

Exit thread
1287/1200
Mission complete with 20% WC reduction from christmas spirit gift.