The Mission:

Almost two weeks have passed since his immediate reinstatement on the active roster took effect. Within that timeframe, he began cleaning up the messes left in the wake of those who was given the position prior to him being indisposed of for nearly two months. After meeting and seeing the work of said individuals, he came to the conclusion that quite a few of them didn’t know what they were doing.They were literally operating with little to any experience. and besides the few exceptions, was making a mockery of position(s). Those who showed some promise was offer positions in designated divisions while the others were relieved of all duties, and found themselves returning to what they once left. And with that he, Nanashi,  started fixing the mistakes, and putting things back in optimal working order.

“Here are the files you ask for, Commander,” A Kuma mask wearing Anbu stated, placing the two beige folders on the mahogany desk before body flickering out of the room. There wasn’t any reason to linger in the office waiting to be dismissed or given new orders by the Commander for the man was busy with other more important task, and if any new orders came in he would surely find them.

Not once did his attention waver from the papers on the desk - not even when the Anbu enter, delivering the files that were asked, and leaving as quietly as they came in. A few minutes passed before, with a well-practiced flourish, he signed off on Delta’s training regiment - though not before adding a few touches of his own to it. With that out of the way, he turned his attention to the pair of beige folders laying on the desk. Picking up the first one, he read the name on it before dividing further into the folder’s contents.

Karumo Sekuro. . .

A potential Anbu recruit that was brought to Nanashi’s attention by an Academy Teacher. A teacher who was once the previous Commander of the very division that Nanashi now leads. The silver haired male uncharismatically snorted at the irony of the situation; the Academy Teacher also played a hand in recruiting him into Anbu, although the situation was slightly different at the time, and the man was still Commander. Nanashi had no problem looking at potential worthy candidates who dream about joining such an elite and dark society that’s Anbu - especially when they were recommended by a former Commander.  And it’s that reason alone why he bother in getting someone to retrieve the file of Karumo Sekuro. He had to see for himself what made this individual special.

A few minutes passed by before the folder was closed - a sticky note with something written on it being placed on the front. The contents of the folder gave Nanashi an in-depth looked into who Karumo Sekuro was - everything from Sekuro’s age to a psyche evaluation was present within the folder. It told him everything that someone in his position would need to know about a potential recruit. And, needless to say, Nanashi was impressed . . . well also. The lack of haven’t killed yet was bothersome but would be address soon enough.

Kazako Harichimo

Kazako, the surname struck Nanashi with nostalgia as he thought back to his former student turned apprentice. It had been over a year since he has last heard from the teen, and he would be lying that he didn’t miss her. How could he not miss the student who stayed by his side, helping to nurse him back to health when his back was broken and eye cut to saunders by Uzumaki Trilby? How could he not miss the person who he could banter with on the same level as he does with his lover Tei? Yes, how could he not miss the one person who would have succeeded him as top medical nin in Iwagakure?

Pushing down the emotions for now, and making a mental note to visit the Kazako’s Household, Nanashi delve into the contents of Harichimo’s folder.

A recently turned Chuunin, Harichimo had all the makings of becoming a prominent medical nin within Iwagakure no Sato. Coming from the Kazako clan who specialized in the medical field, Nanashi assumed that they taught Harichimo some things before entering the academy and becoming a genin, these things would further be homed by his sensei, Akira, the Tsuchikage. Again the situation wasn’t lost on how to Kazako members was both the student of a Tsuchikage. The file itself gave the same information as Sekuro’s, along with the fact that neither of them has killed yet.

“That will be changing now.” Nanashi thought, summoning an Anbu member to take the folders back to the archives along with delivering a message to Karumo Sekuro and Kazako Harichimo respectively, regarding a mission they will be partaking in with Guanyin Nanashi and that they would meet up with the man a front of Iwa’s Northern Gates within ten minutes. After been giving their order the Anbu quickly, Body Flickered out of the room only to return a few minutes later to confirm that it has been done.

Dismissing the Anbu member, Nanashi gathered his things and made his way out of the Anbu’s Headquarter, making his way to the mission department, grabbing a mission and wait patiently at the gate for the two members to show.

---

910

It was a sunny day in Iwa but slightly cool, the mountain breeze pushing fresh crisp air towards the village. Sekuro had set up a hammock near his apartment in the Fantomusodo clan compound, and laid there reading a book and relaxing in the shade of the tree. It was an interesting story of a young ninja who rose up to revolutionize his village. Sekuro had delved about half way into it, it was quite worth the read and the main character seemed to bee very well put together, it was page turning and he could not wait to finish it on what he thought was his day off.

As he finished the next chapter an ANBU ninja appeared before him, You've been selected for a mission today, gather your things and report to the main gate to meet up with your squad. He sat there for a second and Sekuro turned to him after he tabbed the page in his book, What's the mission? he asked the ninja hoping he would give him a straight answer but Sekuro seriously doubted it. ANBU have to worry about so much intel that they become nearly useless when trying to figure out what you need to do. The ANBU hadn't moved, the glare of the sun prevented him from seeing if the ninja was actually looking at him or not. You'll find out soon enough, get your stuff ready and anything you think you might need and go to the gate. The squad leader can explain everything there. And be quick about it, it's not wise to keep him waiting. And with that the ninja flickered away from him back towards the village.

Sekuro jumped out of the hammock he had built but left it in the small clearing, it wasn't worth the hassle to fold up right now, and it is doubtful that anyone would steal something so simple here. He had to hurry to meet some unknown figure for an unknown mission that he wasn't mentally prepared for. He flickered up the 500 feet or so it was to his place and quickly gathered his things, throwing on his coat and grabbing his pouch, he threw his book in the pouch as well in case he got any time and tied it around his waste. If this mission was anything like the D rank missions he had been taking part in he wouldn't need much to get through it but Sekuro also went ahead and grabbed a couple of food pills from his pantry since he skipped lunch to relax. After he was prepared to go he locked his door and headed to the main gate to meet his squad.

He jumped from rooftop to rooftop and saw the gate in the distance, not really looking back he hurried at full sprint and approached the gate as quickly as possible, wanting time to get as much information as possible about his squad and the mission before they left he would make pretty good time getting to the gate. As he made his final jump he saw another ninja waiting by the gate. Sekuro jumped to the small clearing a couple feet away and looked up towards the ninja. He looked like a very strong shinobi and he was the only one around the gate so this must be his squad leader or one of the others whom might be in his squad. He walked towards the ninja and looked him over, and began to speak to him, Are you the one I am meeting for the mission? He would await his response and if this was there squad leader he would go on with his questions, I came as quickly as I could, I want to know about our mission and about the other people in this squad, whatever you are allowed to tell me.

The wind breeze blew strands of his hair and his purple eyes looked over this ninja, taking his measure and awaiting his response to what they would be doing, if this was even the right shinobi he was looking for in the first place. It was just Sekuro and this other ninja, which means others should be coming soon.

[712 words, 712 words total]

The sun rose high in the sky over the Kazako clan house spreading light over the courtyard where Harichimo was finishing his training of the day. He had spent his morning working on his speed combos which he was working to specialize. Nothing a couple speed drills on a training dummy wouldn't help deal with. With his recent promotion he was keen to kip himself in better shape whenever he would need to be called upon. When he finished his last drills he went to sit down by the pond in the middle of the courtyard to take a breather and regain some composure looking at the fish below obliviously making their rounds near the pond edge.

As he sat and looked to the sky closing his eyes he heard a muffled voice from behind him. "Harichimo Kazako, you are being called upon to help undertake a special mission." Harichimo immediately jumped to his feet in surprise to see a member of the ANBU standing where he had just been without even making a sound. But that was to be expected with someone of that skill level. The agent could of coarse be capable of so much more than Harichimo could comprehend. "May I ask what the mission would be? And why me? I am only a student of the Tsuchikage." He hoped to pry an information from the trap tight lock jaw that was an ANBU agent. "You will find out all the details you need to know when you meet the contact and other squad member at the village gates. And be quick about it and don't dilly dally gettign ready as there is some time sensitive details that may concern you. Bring only what you would find absolutely necessary. " And with that the ANBU member disappeared into thin air before Harichimo's eyes.

Harichimo took the person's words with haste and ran inside to his room. He threw on his jacket and made sure the inside pockets had his senbons and kunai ready at the draw. He grabbed another roll of his arm bandages out of the drawer that housed his supply and began to give his arms a tight covering. This might be his first task a full blooded chunin of the village so he would have to be ready to take on much stronger adversaries then the bull or boar from the outskirts of the nation. But with all of the experience from his sensei and the many months of training gave him a sense readiness to clear his mind of any negativity. He gave his wrapping a final inspection to make sure they were up to his satisfaction before throwing the rest of the roll back into the drawer. He made his was out of his room and with a little urgency in his step burst out the clan house door.

Harichimo kept a steady hurried pace all the way through the back streets trying to cut all sorts of time for the trip to the village gates. The thoughts of what the mission might be, who the contact was going to be, and who might have been recruited to this squad. He hadn't heard anything from Kurai in such a long time or from Yomi since their little sparring session. But maybe they might have finally come back to help. As he rounded a final corner he saw two men waiting at the gate. He made a final dash to close the gap to the two men. As he neared he began to take in features of the two. One obviously looked older and would have been an experienced shinobi.The other he could pick out as his new found ally Karumo. "Well well, funny meeting you here Karumo. What brings you here?" He asked as he came to a stop by the two and working to slowly catch his breath before turning to the older gentleman. "And might I presume you are the contact I was told to meet at the village gates?"

675/675

“Been awhile hasn’t it, Nanashi?”, questioned Itoh Rai, one of the two guards of the northern gates that’s job is to control, maintain, and verify all traffic entering and exiting the village through the gates on a daily basis. To the general public, the pair simply appear to be Chuunin in ranks with their public files proven this as well;  However, that’s not the case, their undisclosed files list their rank being Jounin, former Anbu, which is their actual rank. Surprising isn’t it? One would never think the two charismatic guards were once a part of the Black Ops - undertaking missions that horrors stories could be based on. It’s because of their experience that makes them such perfect candidates for the position. While it’s true every Chuunin eventually partake in guarding the gates - their time there isn’t that long with it being at most three to five hours with them only being in charged of checking the papers of those exiting and entering, not during the rest that comes with the position. For those who are permanently signed or request this duty, they are forced to learn the inner and outer workings of the complex security system that’s constantly up on all gates, along with being able to identify potential threats through facial feature, chakra signatures, and paperwork discrepancies. All something that a chuunin isn’t capable or trustworthy in during. Yes, guarding a gate is more than it seems.

“Yes, it has. This will be my first mission within two months. Seeing how the Tsuchikage got me reinstated, I decided to help him out by taking a genin and chuunin on a mission to get their first kills.”, though not as close to them as some others, having worked with them on more than one occasion, Nanashi indeed knew both of them to a decent degree and respected them both.

“So, that’s why you wearing that.”, Itoh Rai said, bringing attention to Nanashi’s attire. A variation of the typical Iwagakure shinobi uniform, the black shirt having both sleeves with the arm opening being slightly bigger than normal, matching capri pants reached to his ankles which was wrapped in black medical tape and extended further of the leg, a pair of black tabi boots and an onyx black flak jacket finish off the look. Nanashi’s also wore a black eye-patch over his left eye to cover the a gaping hole. His headband was tied tightly around for the forehead.  “Well, I know one thing, the kids will either exceed and live on or fail and die. You sure didn’t pick an easy mission for them.”, he stated having a look over the mission that Nanashi and company will be doing. The three of them converse with one another, catching up and gossiping about any noteworthy news both shinobi and non-shinobi related.

“I’m assuming the signatures heading this way would be the two who you are taking?”, commented Omori Soetsu, a highly recognized sensor, and the other gate guardian.

Nanashi turned his attention to Karumo Sekuro, giving the genin a glance over, before nodding at their question”Yes, I am the one who specifically asked for you and one other to partake on this mission. I will address what this mission entails once the other member shows up.”, know sooner had he said those words did Kazako Harichimo appeared. Letting the two members greet each other, Nanashi looked over Harichimo and mentally nodded in approval; Akira did a great job in training him. “I commend you both on your punctuality. I’m Guanyin Nanashi, Jounin in rank, and current owner and head doctor of Iwa’s Hospital. Recently it was brought to my attention that either of you have done your first kills.  Being the former Tsuchikage, it’s surprising that Akira hadn’t dressed this issue sooner, especially in your case Harichimo, considering you are a part of his squad.”, he stated, giving them the reason behind this mission before continuing speaking “ Our mission is an easy one, we will be eliminating a gang located in the Wild West region consisting of roughly forty members consisting of academy drop-outs, genins, and a sole chuunin who seem to be their leader. Any questions will be answered on the route there. “, normally one wouldn’t detail the mission unless they are in a secure place or en route to the destination, but seeing how the gate guards knew the mission than it was of little consequence.

“Lets move.” and with those two simple words, the team left the comforts of the village and headed into the Wild West. And it will be here were Karumo Sekuro and Kazako Harichimo will have their mettle tested and truly become a shinobi worthy of wearing that headband. Yes, this mission will turn boys into men.

---

816(1726)

Sekuro stood for a second in the man's presence, a black Iwagakure uniform on and an eyepatch, he seemed familiar in some way but he knew now was not the time for a friendly chat, they were here for a mission. It seemed he had been talking to the gate guards, as a genin Sekuro felt left out of the group most of the time, since the higher rank ninja all knew each other or had stories to share, things to catch up on, being a genin he only knew his classmates and a few select teachers that came around or that he worked with. It was not but a moment later that a familiar face arrived, Harichimo Kazako, not too long ago their clans came together and these two had a bit of fun making a show of some bottles. Harichimo and he greeted him back, Hey Hari, I was selected for a mission and it seems you have too? It'll be good to have you here though, and I heard a rumor you recently got promoted too, we'll have to catch up at some point soon.

Sekuro adjusted his pouch he had tied around his waist, he was wearing almost all black, black pants, black sandals with black socks to match but some white tape around the socks to keep them tight. A white shirt but with his black long sleeve over-shirt and his Iwagakure headband tied around his forehead. At this point, Sekuro become a bit anxious, wondering what there mission was and why these two had been selected out of all of the ninja in the village.

It was shortly after their greeting that their squad leader began to speak and fill them in on their mission. His name was Guanyin Nanashi, and that made him think even more about how he might know him and it wasn't longer before he learned that he was the former Tsuchikage. How embarassing that Sekuro hadn't remembered such an important ninja in their village. He continued on about the details of their mission, it seemed Nanashi was more interested in getting both of them their first kill and baptizing them both into the shinobi world as soon as possible. They would be going to eliminate a gang hiding out in the wilderness area, with Harichimo and Nanashi it shouldn't be difficult at all but there being 40 of them meant that he would have to fight off several people at once, no problem since Sekuro specialized in long range ninjutsu attacks. With Nanashi's signal they moved out, he didn't really have any questions about the mission details but he did want to know more about what Nanashi was thinking. As they leapt from branch to branch to reach their target Sekuro had two questions for him, Captain Nanashi, why were we specifically chosen for this, was it just to earn our first kills in battle or is there something else I am missing? And what is our plan for attack, are we going to focus on any particular formation, or maybe stick to steal and strike from the shadows or are we going for an all out brawl here? There were any infinite number of ways they could go about this mission but those were just the ones to immediately pop into his head while they were traveling.

It seemed as if they would have a little time but it would not be long before they arrived to the Wild West at the speed they were moving at. Waiting for Nanashi to answer his questions, assuming he would give him a real answer, Sekuro decided now would be the best time to eat and ate one of the food pills he had brought with him while they were traveling, he didn't stop and that made it kinda difficult to eat the pill but it could've been worse. It was kinda bland but was nutritious and would give him a great boost of energy, he had two more that he would give to Nanashi or Harichimo if they wanted, luckily he blindly grabbed enough to cover everyone if they so chose, maybe it was weird to do that. They would be getting close soon and it was time for him to focus on the mission at hand, any slip up and he could risk the lives of these guys around him and also risk failing the mission, and to Sekuro this was his first chance to prove himself so failure is not an option.

[765 words, 1477 words total]

As Harichimo stood with the group he heard Karumo bring up the topic of his new rank. With a grin he nodded to his squad mate for the mission. "Yeah after our night of fun and showing off in the town square I found I was eligible to be ranked up to the net level of chunin so now I may be of even greater help to the village when the need arises." Then he brought his attention to the older man as he spoke. Guanyin, Nanashi. A jounin in the village that worked for the hospital of the village. It must definitely be a much more stream lined place to be than the clan house clinic. Having access to better equipment and resources but the clan house clinic can still do some things better. That aside he must have some really great knowledge of the medical field to be the head of it all there. Maybe it will be a good idea to make note of this man. Then when Nanashi would bring up his sensei's training and not having killed yet Harichimo could only simple chuckle and smile. "Well I may not have done any killing but my squad mate Yomi Yamade sure did a solid number to a genin boy during my first training exercise."


Then came the mission briefing, a task to eliminate a gang of forty low ranking ninja and their leader. Well they will have the sheer number advantage but we do have a jounin, a chunin, and Karumo who showed some prowess when I last saw him so it might be quite an exercise. Still the thought of killing sent a chill down his spine. He was always trained to help people from the start. The academy always made attempts to talk to students about the obvious dangers of the shinobi world but Harichimo had always thought being a medic wouldn't have to involve killing, only healing. Then his parents and the clan elders only ever game him small tasks around the clinic, nothing ever involving a life or death scenario. 

But before the thoughts could creep deeper into his subconscious Nanashi gave the word to move out. No matter what feelings he had inside of him, Harichimo still had to prove himself to this new high ranking person and can't let his shaken innards show through and cause his squad mate confidences to waver. As they ran Harichimo could see Karumo didn't have any trouble keeping up. He had certainly been busy training maybe he could reach chunin and rank up faster than he had. The village could use all the help it take as well as this mission. As they neared the outskirts of the territory Karumo asked for any more missions details that could be essential to a plan. He thought to himself Well for sure it is going to involve some up and close combat since he is a sword user with some ninjutsu. I'm going to have to be efficient with my techniques since I have no range except my dashes. But I do wonder what this Nanashi has up his sleeves besides his medical experience. As Karumo finished his question and Nanashi would give his answer Harichimo would have his own. "Now are you sure there is no other way that we are going to be able to deal with this gang that to fight and kill an army of academy students to reach their leader? " Harichimo would take any answer he could possibly get . This may have to be the first night before the clan elders deem him ready to have the life blood of another shinobi on his hands.


619/1294

The Wild West is a region located in the Northeastern part of Tsuchi no Kuni. Described by many as Rock’s country own desert. The incredibly large region, comprising of ⅕  of Tsuchi no Kuni’s landmass, is nothing a ‘mini’ Suna’s desert. The ground is notoriously unstable with sin holes forming without warning, revealing hidden caverns, endless pits, and forgotten traps. The winds constantly blow in the region, always shifting the rocky sand, burying or uncovering anything in its wake.

Living in the region is difficult, food and water are sacred, with the few oasis and streams flowing through the land being the reason for many conflicts between those who call this place home. Speaking of the natives, many of them are nomadic nature, hunters, following the prey that they hunt. This in itself is beneficial to them because their food source leads them to a water source - something that is needed for their survival. Not everyone living in the Wild West is nomadic. Some have settled down, forming a small civilization that's governed by an Elder. An Elder who send reports into the daimyo via messenger bird or a courier nin that happen to pass by the settlement.

They are not the only one who resides in this region. No, there is a reason why it’s called the Wild West, and it’s not because of the inhospitable climate and conditions. Bandits, slavers, rapist, missing-nin, and any other despicable etc. also call the place home. They make a living in doing what they do best - causing strife and discord for everyone. Many of these reports aren’t reported in, and the few that arrives at the place are inexplicable late to the point that the perpetrators had already left - leaving with what they had come for.

“It’s only thanks to a group of returning shinobi that we were able to find the location of this particular group,”, Nanashi mused to himself, the scenery around him blurring till it was nothing more than a maelstrom of brownish green colors, as he along with two others jumped from tree to tree. “How acute of you, Sekuro. Yes, asides from getting your first kills, there is something else going on at play. . . Well, at least it is in your case, Sekuro. “, nothing else was said in regards to that, instead he went on to answer Sekuro’s other question “ The camp is located in a wide open area with very little to any vantage points. There are trees but the align a small oasis right in the middle of the camp. So, using them isn’t an option. That only leaves up with one choice - striking them head on. Between the three of us the 20 academy students and genins will be easy pickings. Leave the Chuunin to me, I will personally take him out.”, he said, allowing the words to sink in as the scenery around them changed from trees to rocky terrain - signifying that they have entered The Wild West.

Nanashi had guessed the thought of having to kill would be an unpleasant one for the other medic in the group. Being trained as a medic, one doesn’t expect that one day they would eventually take a life. They are the givers of life, and the thought of snuffing one out is just wrong. These sentimental values aren’t shared by Nanashi. Having been raised by his mother, he was taught from an early age that the best killers in the world’s are medics; she, his mother, being a testament to that.. They are the only group of shinobi that specialize in the human body and its function. A simple poke here, tap there, can be lethal if done by a medic.

It’s that reason why, Nanashi had all the medics underneath him take his class at Diamond Height University that teaches them how to turn their knowledge on how to heal into something deadlier.

“No, there isn’t. We will be doing this region a favor by killing them all. They have terrorized and killed anyone who have crossed their path. All those lives wasted because this gang thinks they are can get away with it. And if we let them live, they will continue their acts of violence. Would you be able to live with yourself knowing that you could’ve stopped more innocence from dying if only you would’ve killed?”, he asked, stopping a half of a kilometer from the camp that could just be spotted ahead of them.

“This is it. Are you?”, he asked, waiting for their answer.

Were they truly ready to kill? Let’s find out. . .

---

782(2508)

The area they headed to was a small desert like region, some rocks from scattered to and fro from the erosion of the mountains of Tsuchi no Kuni. As they exited the forest it began suddenly turning into a rocky and sand ridden terrain, hoping instead of tree to tree from rock to rock now, they would soon have to slow down as to not alert anyone. Aside from a few small civilizations and villages the only people to inhabit this part of the country tended be criminals and those who can't afford to make a life for themselves elsewhere. Captain Nanashi, the former Tsuchikage, began to explain their mission to them, and answered Sekuro's question in a vague way. How acute of you, Sekuro. Yes, asides from getting your first kills, there is something else going on at play. . . Well, at least it is in your case, Sekuro. Nanashi spoke, it was vague enough for the ANBU captain and exactly what he expected but it almost seemed like he enjoyed saying the words. What else could be going on here with him, had Lord Akira put Nanashi up to something? It would be something to trouble him until they reached their destination, Sekuro loved riddles but hated secrets, which is why when he joins the ANBU he hopes to join the Oracles, the guardians of knowledge and the best tacticians in the village.

Nanashi then began to break down the mission highlighting that a head on attack was really the only way to go about it, saying there would be some trees around an oasis but no real tactical vantage points. Sekuro would have to help Harichimo in crowd control, taking on roughly 40 or so academy level ninja and some genin. It would be no big deal, Sekuro's jutsu and fighting style were perfect for keeping back the masses and if any broke through than Harichimo had the finishing power to destroy anyone who got too close. If only he had his sword he could show off his skills with a blade and take them all head on, maybe foolishly but it would be worth the challenge to test his clan's skill with a blade. He turned to Harichimo, Hey Hari, while captain Nanashi is taking on the chuunin I have a decent idea on crowd control, all my jutsu I have on hand are for more long range and splash damage stuff. I'm thinking if captain Nanashi can seperate himself and their leader we can focus our efforts on keeping them off of him. I'll use my jutsu to hold them back and you can use your taijutsu to finish off any stragglers that make it past us. I have a feeling they will rush to defend their leader when we arrive so to avoid him getting swamped we're gonna have to work crowd control. What do you think? He would wait a second to hear what they had to say, if Harichimo can handle it and Nanashi thinks it's a decent way of going about it then that would be his suggestion.

Also Captain Nanashi, if you want, I can create a distraction if you'd like, it may give us an opportunity to move in quickly and strike with less risk to ourselves. I can prepare a clone who will run in and distract them while I launch air bullets at them, if anyone is hit they will be all but immobilized and the bullets that miss will kick up sand further impairing others. If we do it right they will scatter trying to figure out where it's coming from and you can move in on their leader, from their me and Harichimo can start working on crowd control. Aiming to kind of show off his battle knowledge and tactical prowess he hoped the two squad mates would like his idea and roll with it. He thought it would be a good plan, creating chaos, plenty of distractions, and a good chance to strike. From there on, it would be up to each individual member to hold his own but he would do everything he could to help give his squad the best chance possible.

Should they decide to allow him to make his distraction, he would prepare a fire clone to serve as a distraction, he would send it to the north side of the oasis camp out and then have him approach from the north drawing their attention, while the real Sekuro and squad would move in from the south and Sekuro would prepare the bird sign and prepare six air bullets to be shot around their campsite while they are distracted. The chaos of a distraction and several rapid succession attacks should give them a great chance to attack and finish off these criminals fairly quickly.

[813 words, 2,290 words total]

Jutsu prepared granted they follow that plan:

[OOC: Feel free to have Sekuro use his attacks in your post(s) if you want to start getting this thing going, there will be six air bullets total fired in rapid succession.]

The forest was quickly thinning out as they started to reach the outer territories and into the Wild West. The group being careful to stay as low profile as possible in the open spaces and not draw attention to themselves. Harichimo kept the words of the leader Nanashi in his brain as they jumbled and tossed themselves around in his thoughts. So they weren't all crazy when the academy instructors told us about having to possess the nerves to follow orders and be willing to take the life of another. Killings ordered by the higher ups of the village. A necessary task in order to create a longer lasting peace for the region. That is my goal isn't it? But then why should I feel in the wrong if it is something that must be done in order to stop further acts of violence and keep people of the land safe? I have no recollection of any other Kazako having to carry a burden like this. Maybe besides sensei Akira. He has gone through all of this before and he has turned out normal for the most part. And he is even the Tsuchikage of all things now. Hopefully I can come to tally this up as necessary later on but for now I must keep focused. Nanashi and Karumo are relying on me to do my part, and I can't appear weak and have Akira chew my ear off. I'm going to show I can hang with the best. People are relying on us to come through and remove this threat before other people get hurt and Nanashi would be right, I couldn't bear the thought of hundreds more on their hands to the measly twenty or so on mine. So Harichimo swallowed down the bad thoughts and put a much more determined look to his face as they continued the trek. 

They soon reached a point and came to a halt. In the distance about a quarter mile a faint glow from a series of campfires could be seen. Nanashi would point these fires out the camp of the bandit group and begin laying out the details for the mission. So here we go then. No turning back. Sooner or later this was going to happen. Maybe it is better for it to be now before I never have the opportunity to actually take down a real target. As he thought to himself he heard Karumo speak and snap him out of his thoughts and onto their own little plan. "Yeah I'm up for that. Keeping them away from Nanashi and the leader shouldn't prove to difficult." With that Harichimo looked to his arm wraps and gave them one more series of tugs and ties to make sure they were ready for what was about to happen. "I should be able to stand and mow a few down with deadly strikes if you want to keep the mayhem going with your Katon and Fuuton techniques. Being a student of the Tsuchikage has brought me some benefits in the shape of techniques straight from his play book. If you can keep up your offense then I can keep try to pick off what I can in the process" Harichimo gave his ally a quick smirk and a nod to show he was ready to charge head on with them into the fight. The two of them could prove a deadly pair in combat if they could keep their wits about them and their surroundings. Last thing any one needed is to be hit by friendly fire or attacks.

Karumo and Nanashi would begin to formulate a plan as Harichimo kept his eyes locked to the camp. He would think to himself on what parts he was going to need for the mission. Now how can I most effectively get through this all and not drain myself? For sure I'm using the reflection clone. Another me wouldn't hurt in a battle. I can try to keep guard up and not get stabbed if the situation get hairy. Maybe for now if Karumo can make the dust last long enough a few stealth kills with senbons can pick off stragglers. If need be rage would be a bit of overkill but make them think twice about stepping in range. Harichimo would take a deep breath and look towards the night sky that would soon be stained with the screams and blood of terrible people. "Well Karumo when ever you are ready I have my plan of action ready and it shouldn't be to difficult for Nanashi to find and eliminate the leader."

With a final nod Karumo began his plan of launching air bullets into the camp. Creating a big cloud of dust that engulfed the camp. When the time was right Harichimo took a few strands of his hair and focused chakra into them. And with a puff of smoke Harichimo took off with a reflection clone of himself racing head strong into the camp. As soon as he reached towards a tent he drew a senbon from his coat pocket and activated his Iron Body-Guard technique to dawn a veil of purple chakra around himself. He could hear a couple of the young bandits scrambling around to find weapons or raise alarms as the attack began.

He noticed one trying to run for a bell tower to get a better vantage point. That was going to be the first target. He had the reflection clone stay back as he ran for the bandit. He was able to reach them in little effort before covering the mouth of the bandit and stabbing then with a senbon through the jugular. The bandit stuggled as they bled out when Harichimo heard another come screaming at him. Then the reflection clone would strike with a senbon through the back of the bandit's head. When he felt the bandit stop to stuggle he took out his senbon and let the body drop in a mess of blood on the ground. He could feel a little sick but there wasn't much time to reconsile when the whole camp would soon be out of this cloak of dust.

1045/ 2349

Jutsu in use:

There is a saying suggesting that there is honor among thieves; those cut from the same cloth, in the same profession, would try to undermine the interiority of their fellow brother and sisters. Miyahira Kyushichi scoffed at the ridiculous notion, there isn’t any honor among them, and those who say otherwise usually die first or don’t make it anywhere in the world. Bandits, thieves, missing-nin, anyone who thrives on the suffering of others, making their living through misery and misfortune, don’t have time to be honorable, noble, they have to be cut-throat; it’s the only way to make a living. The world is a dog eat dog place, with those who knew this being able to survive and make a name for themselves.

“And with those who couldn’t comprehend this becoming nothing more than servants, believing they will get a cut of the pie, slaves, unknowingly being used by the strong and influential.”, he mused to himself, watching with little to no interest in the men scurrying about, bring in crates from their most recent raid. They diligently worked, some were amiably talking about the raid success, some having grins permanently stitched on theirs as they bragged about their more pleasurable conquests, and others talking about their share of the loot . The occupants’ spirits were high, and why not? They successfully raided a nearby village without alerting or running into any Iwa shinobi. The fear of Kami above had been placed in the village elder with the promise of returning to finish the job if anyone dared to alert the Hidden Village of Stone about the raid.

Kyushichi didn’t care about none of what the others were talking about, the bored expression on his highly scarred face being evident of this. Forest green eyes watched the proceedings with hawk-like focus, counting and memorizing every crate and the contents within with scary accuracy, making sure nothing got stolen. Comprised of academy dropouts, hotheaded genins believing the world owed them something, the group wasn’t exactly the most trustworthy. There have already been a few times he had to teach them a lesson in not stealing from the gang, their missing index finger distinguishing them out of the masses - a permanent reminder to all who thinks about stealing.

“This group is pathetic,” if it wasn’t for the higher-ups wanting him to lead this group on raids, Kyushichi would’ve have turned down without much thought. He didn’t have the time, nor patience to deal with inexperienced bandits. However, the higher-ups ordered him to, one simply doesn’t refuse the higher-ups without forfeiting their life, and he wasn’t about that life. So, instead of having his schlong buried deep in a woman or women, depends on his needs at the time, he was instead here . . . doing raids. Of course, he could have pluck one from the village but none was to his liking, they were all older and he like his a little younger, it made things more enjoyable for him. Now though, been doing these raids for two months, he was beginning to regret not plucking a girl for his personal use, a seed dumpsters nothing more or less, ‘cause his annoyance with this group was higher and higher as the days go by.

“I wonder had he made it back to the command center yet?”, Kyushichi mused, thinking about one of the officers who came by to check up on the success of the raids. Kyushichi didn’t know much about the man, only his strength dwarfed his a considerable margin. The fact that there was another officer stronger than him pissed Kyushichi off greatly it - - - -

Boom!

The ground shook, dust effectively creating a smokescreen as six objects impacted in the camp. Just like that, chaos and confuse happened, academy students and genins were frantically scurrying about, trying to save the precious cargo, with a few worrying about what had caused the impacts.  

Eyes sharpen, Kyushichi spoke with a commanding voice “Get your shit together. Forget the cargo for now, and instead split up in groups and find out what cause this ruckus.”, he himself preparing for what is to come - maybe his annoyances will be satisfied by killing whoever caused this mess.


Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai. better known by the acronym ANBU, is a group of specialized shinobi hand-picked by the Kage due to their special capabilities or unique skills. In the days of old, not many dared to willing join this brother and sisterhood, preferring something less gruesome, and something seen in a positive light instead of a negative one. Yes, not many dared to join the Dark Side, with those who did committing atrocious acts all in the name of their leader, all in the name of the village. Back then, horror stories are based on the acts of these unsung warriors.

And how far it has fallen. . .

Now though, Anbu no longer had the notion of infamous, everyone wanted to join the corps, no longer fearing the acts that they would undoubtedly due in the name of their Kage - their village. This lack of fear is warranted, nations were not in a state of war nor cautious about the fellow neighbor, no missing-nin or bandit or smaller villages doing anything outrageous either out of fear or laziness. Yes, Anbu has changed over the years with many civilians and shinobi alike not fearing the corps.

“A well thought out plan, Karumo Sekuro, apparently the reports about your planning skills aren’t a lie,” Nanashi complimented, having not placed much trust in the reports about the Genin’s planning skill. In order to see Karumo’s planning skills, Nanashi purposely didn’t create a plan of attack, instead allowing Karumo or Harichimo to come up with a plan of action. He wanted to see how good they were “I approve of your plan. However, I advise you both to keep a fair distance away from me. The Jutsu I’m using isn’t something you want to come in contact with.”, referring to a certain signature technique of his that earned him a moniker.


Bloodletting, a pair of black, silver tipped, two-foot long senbons slid out of his sleeves and grasps in each hand. The abnormal size of the senbons would cause many to pause and wonder why they were so large. The answer being a simple one, Nanashi didn’t use senbons in the standard way, throwing them, instead he used in a way similar to short spears, stabbing and causing blunt force damage when the time calls for it. However, if a time comes when they needed to be thrown, he could do it with relative ease. He doubts they would be thrown today or even used much - seeing how his Jutsu will be doing most of the work.

Exhaling a breath, Nanashi’s whole aura changed to something keen to death, no, that isn’t the right analogy, the aura around him felt sickly, a disease wanting to affect anyone and everyone. This aura being tightly coiled around him would be mildly felt by the occupants as Nanashi took off towards the camp - disappearing in the dust cloud.

Chakra built up within his body, it’s charge effortless being converted from positive to negative before being expel outward. A long string of gray miasma coiled caressed each part of Nanashi’s body with a lover’s touch. It kissed any exposed skin with the ferocity; like a lover would due to their significant other who had been gone way far too long. By the time Nanashi’s made it to the camp, the chakra had finally engulfed him and finally begin to sing in happiness.

Someone, one of the bandits, foolishly got too close to Nanashi, and being disarmed without trouble. Grey-ish chakra lashed out at the intruder, coiling around the squirming man who was being held by his throat, skin quickly black then it started to sag before finally falling off in black globs of gore. Before he could utter a world, he was dead, leaving on a skeleton behind.

Pestilence of Iwagakre no Sato. That’s the moniker Nanashi held within the Elemental Nation. The moniker didn’t stem from his abilities as a medic, but rather his unique ability to afflict a disease, a condition, on the opponent that spread until it’s completely healed. This disease could be anything, but Nanashi is mainly known for one thing. . .

Necrosis, a condition that commits homicide on cells of all living things, turning them into useless matter with no chance of being returned back to normal; Nanashi is only the third person in history to turn this condition into a jutsu, allowing him to spread it effortly on the battle field. And just like those before him, his version also spreads on contact.

Bloodletting slice through the air, piercing all the way through a bandit’s neck, all but an inch of handle remaining lodged, and forcefully being yanked out by Nanashi, blood spurting from the wound as the bandit toppled over. His cooling body also getting the tell-tale signs of necrosis on it.

Ducking under a wild sword swing, Nanashi thrust the black senbon through the fleshy part of the bandit’s mouth, the man flailing like a fish on a hook, ultimately being kicked away knocking over others who were charging in his direction, senbon having been removed prior to being kick. He too was affected by the chakra around Nanashi.

These scenes replayed over, over, and over again as Nanashi systematically made his way through the camp - affecting and killing anyone who gets to close. Amidst the chaos, painful groans of people dying, skin blacken from the necrosis, could be held as well as many of them pleading for someone, something to end their suffering.

However, no one would come, the academy students and genins who chose this life would all die a painful death, alone, with their only comfort being others who were also dying.

There is a misconception, predominantly with those in the academy and genins, that rank of the user means nothing in the shinobi world. That a Kage can be killed by a genin, if he/she isn’t careful enough. That the rank of an opponent is simply that - a rank. This, however, is not true because order to gain the rank one must show enough skill and power for it. A genin would never be able to kill Kage, hell not even a Chuunin, due to them both having more power, more skill, more experience than a genin ever would.

Some of the veterans would say in order to gain your rank, one must be able to kill at least five people of their previous rank, for you should be that much stronger than them. Of course, this number increase the higher one goes up in rank, with a kage should be able to kill five jounins, ten special jounins, twenty chuunins, thirty genins, and eighty genins, without much trouble; this being the bare minimum.

The power gap between rank is the reason why, Kyushichi never registered his death, Nanashi having appeared behind him and drive one of the senbon into his skull, like a pick axe. Yes, he realized none of this. . .

Paying little mind to the cooling body, the grey miasma no longer around his body, Nanashi ransacked the main tent, sealing all documents into a scroll, they will be thoroughly looked through at a later time. Regrouping with with Karumo and Harichimo on the outskirts of the camp, Nanashi channel chakra into his throat, releasing a large fireball that took the shape of a Chinese Dragon. The fiery beast roared as it scorched the bandit camp, burning to ash everything it came in contact with - nothing but a smothering, charred area would be left, and by that time Nanashi, Karumo, and Harichimo would be headed home.

“You did well. . .”

---

Techniques Used:

WC: 2010
Total WC: 4518
Mission Required: 1500
Unused WC: 3018

---

Jutsu Training(-10% due to Quick Learner)
Atrophy Style - Scourge's Shawl ->A-rank ->  1800/1800 


Ninja Style - Return to Sender -> C-rank -> 900/900


Remaining WC: 543

Sekuro thanked Nanashi for his praise, it wasn't often the former Tsuchikage compliments your planning skills, no matter how on the spot they may be or how much better they could have been made. Harichimo had prepared his plan of action, and Nanashi had warned the two to stay back, because of his jutsu, something Sekuro would want to see with his own eyes most likely. A deep breath inhaled, they had finalized everything and were ready to move in, Nanashi's demeanor changed, as if he were being taken over by death itself, and Harichimo pulled some hair off his head, Sekuro drew chakra into his mouth and pinpointed six locations in the camp. As Captain Nanashi headed out, Sekuro's fire clone would approach the edge of the camp finally and he released his Air bullets, hitting in front of the entrance to two of their tent-setups, aiming to kick up dust in the hut and outside of it too. The third and fourth bullets were aimed at two groups of people, probably 5 or 6 in each just shooting the bull and wasting time, the fifth bullet hitting their cart of loot from their latest raid and the sixth and final bullet landing in the center, kicking up more dirt and debris around the camp.

The bullets served their purpose well, kicking up a distraction and at the same time, sending the lackeys about in a frenzy, Harichimo had taken off for the camp and Nanashi was probably on the verge of entering it as well. Sekuro's fire clone had already been dispelled by one of the bandits as Sekuro also ran towards the camp, kunai in hand ready to begin taking on the bandits. He hit the edge of the camp, looking for where to begin, he knew his goal was crowd control and keeping the bandits away from Captain Nanashi, not that he needed protection from such weak enemies but regardless. He watched Harichimo catch up to guard trying to alert everyone, and he headed down towards Captain Nanashi's location to start clearing enemies from the center of the village. After moving no more than 100 feet he saw a genin run towards Captain Nanashi, an aura surrounding him, and as the genin closed in, it was like Nanashi was able to cloak himself with Death. The genin basically melted away before his eyes, what a hideous death, that jutsu was something else and worth staying away from as the captain said. He turned around to three genin running at him with swords, about 10 meters away and closing in.

They charged him, all in a line and each stepping the same, like they were preparing a combination attack, Sekuro straightened out, like a stick and forming the tiger seal, he released his Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu at them, who had closed in to about five meters and lifted their swords to strike him down, he burnt them to a crisp, getting all of them within the fireball, deliviring major burns and maintaining it for a moment, the one in the middle dropped nearly instantly and the other two were quickly dispatched by kicks to the head. What idiots, charging head on in a group like that. He headed off to further clear out the village, throwing his shuriken into a few students and attacking another with his kunai. It was then that two more bandits with swords showed up, starring him down as if it was about to lead to a climactic fight. There was a short pause as one of them grinned and spoke, You have the same eyes as our Sensei, but yours are weak and not developed like his. This won't be a problem at all. They both charged him, giving him no time to think on their words, and started to slash at him, both very prolific with their swords but not so much with battle instincts. He jumped out of the way of both of their attacks, throwing his kunai into the neck of one, and getting behind the other.

He grabbed him and put him in a full nelson headlock for a moment and began to question him, Tell me about this Sensei of yours, everything or so help me I will end your life. Now talk! Sekuro had no time for his games, a small battle going on, he new his squadmates could handle themselves but he wasn't going to waste any time here. He shook the bandit some to talk, and at that instance he threw him over his shoulders, and the bandit drew a knife. Sekuro's back hit the ground and he saw the bandit going in to stab him, Sekuro prepared the tiger seal again and as the bandit looked down to pierce him with his knife, a flame bullet ran across his head, torching it and killing him instantly. He fell to the ground, dead nearly intantly, and no information to go on who this sensei with the same Dojutsu might be, Sekuro didn't know of anyone leaving the clan in quite some time, this would only be the beginning of the bother for Sekuro.

He got up, looking at the dead bodies and picking up the bandits sword he dropped, he went to finish off the remaining bandits who were sticking around. Using his skills with a sword he spent most of his time training with, he cut down several enemies over the course of the fight, seeing others begin to run off from where Nanashi was, it seemed they had cleared the camp. Sekuro let his hand fall limp and the sword he borrowed fall from his hands to the ground with a clink. he checked each tent gathering what he could, trying to find any information he could and passing off whatever was relavent to the captain. But nothing on this Sensei of theirs, he would keep an ear out should more bandits be found later on, it would become a personal mission of his to discover the truth.

He rendezvoused with his squad outside the camp, and Nanashi torched it with a quiet incredible jutsu, leaving nothing but ash and burning the bodies left by them burnt to a crisp. They started their journey home, Sekuro would reflect a lot on that bandits sentence, as the clan leader he found it unacceptable that his people could be in some way involved in this organization, he had also gained his first kill in battle. Something he would also remember for quite some time, but killing these people, who were guilty of so much wouldn't prove to bother him in the end, atleast no more than any other shinobi. You did well... Captain Nanashi said as they started their trip home, Sekuro smirked at the comment, sure a few bandits probably escaped but the mission was done. Thanks, next time lets make sure we get 'em all though. And the trio headed back to the village, the site of burnt tents, crates, and trees behind them.

[1184 words, 3474 words total]
[3474-1500 words for mission=1974 words for training]
[Mission Complete]
[Thread Finished]

Harichimo and his reflection clone kept moving through the dust cloud. Two of the bandits dead from his hand and maybe more in order to keep them away from Nanashi and the real target chunin leader. The sick feeling within him would keep recurring but he would keep his head together as he tried to stay alert as the cloud provided cover for him and any of the bandits. He gripped his senbon harder feeling the warm blood from the first bandit wash into his palm. To remember the feeling of another life force being drained down the length of a needle wasn't something he was used to feeling. If Akira sensei was able to take a life and make it out unchanged then I will be just fine. I should have really listened to the instructors a medic ninja is just as deadly as he is helpful in the heat of battle. And I am only more deadly with the training of the Tsuchikage. Knowing exactly where to strike in order to cripple or kill any opponent. Knowing how to influence the human body and it's interactions within. The being trained in taijutsu in order to capitalize on the weak points and holes in other techniques. A mixture for one deadly tool and I will have to accept that. 

As he came to an open area the cloud began to disperse and visibility would soon restored. Harichimo and his clone both stepped into the middle of the clearing when a rain to kunai came flying. Harichimo was able to duck in time but the clone had taken to much damage and disappeared leaving him alone with two of the bandits. Harichimo gave the two a little smirk with his guard technique still leaving him in an arua of purple chakra. "Well this still isn't to fair on your end is it?" Harichimo slid his senbon into a fold in his arm bandages and put his fist up in a fighting stance. Then the two bandits charged with both of them striking high. "Not much of a team effort huh?" Harichimo was able to duck and grab the bandits by the back if their clothes and drag them down to the ground. Harichimo let them get back up as they began to exchange punches. With superior speed Harichimo was able to block with ease before he unleashed a chop to the neck of the first one sending them gasping for air and falling back. And then delivering a spinning kick to the back of the others head. Harichimo took out his senbon and with a pin point strike to the back of the neck ended the second bandit. He walked over to the first one still gasping for air. Finishing them with the same precision strike in the side of the neck making for two more quick dispatches.

Harichimo was then close enough to see Nanashi at work. A simple stroke of his senbon sent it through the chunin's mouth like a fish hook as they slowly decayed away to black and nothingness. Harichimo watched in awe as a genin came running and didn't even get close before suffering a much worse fate without even being touched and decaying away just like their leader. How is someone able to control a sheer state life? Necrosis,  a very vicious part of nature, a disease wished upon no one. And this man is able to bend it to his will. How in the world would that be even possible to achieve? It's almost as if his whole chakra nature is the disease and he must have some area of effect technique that he didn't want us to get in range of. He is surely a pure example of how deadly a medical ninja can be. With very little effort he took out a target of my level that would have been a problem for me and Karumo alone.

He then looked over to Karumo who was dealing with two opponents of his own with intensity. Dodging both of their strikes while taking one out with a kunai to the neck. All of a sudden the other bandit got the upper hand but Karumo was smart and fast enough to use his jutsu to turn the situation back around. Melting the face of the bandit and allowing himself to get back up. Harichimo gave Karumo the thumb's up and let his guard technique fade to conserve his chaka as the purple veil disappeared.

He then followed Karumo's lead as they went through the last of the tents to make sure no stragglers were left behind. Satisfied they were out of the woods of danger Harichimo took his senbon and gave it a shake to drip some of the new blood from it before wiping it on his arm bandages and putting it back into the inner pockets of his coat. Then he would meet Karumo and Nanashi at the meeting point where they would only exchange a praise of a job well done before heading back home to the village and sleep off the day's events. Not knowing what the next day would bring be it nightmares or bliss.

Missions Complete and Exiting Thread


863/3225
Mission 1500/1500
Remaining WC: 1725


575/575 Reaction time C-rank -C1
575/575 Perception C-rank -C1
575/575 Endurance C-rank -C1

Reamaining WC 0