Spoiler:

Nozomi would be lying if she said she wasn't somewhat worried about the prospects of this mission. Of course it would be completed and everything, but this was her first S rank mission after all. Even though she wasn't alone, and had Gin of all people on it with her, she was still pretty worried, mainly because of her own skill level. It was only occasionally top notch for her level, but fluctuated quite a bit from about average to highly skilled. Considering her current nerve level, she wasn't sure she could operate at full capacity. If she could be at her top game, even so it wouldn't be easy for her. She would pretty much only be able to offer Gin some small backup, never take this person on alone. That would pretty much be suicide unless they could take him out sneakily.

Nozomi stood around on the side of the road, checking her gear out, going through a mental checklist of her items. Her headband was on her forehead as usual. She wore her usual outfit, although with the addition of the Flak Jacket that Gin had given her was worn over her usual top. It meant a lot to her, to be honest, as it had been a gift for her promotion to Chuunin. So too was the second Tanto that she wore, which was the perfect twin to her other Tanto. It was like they had been made for eachother, and both had found their way to Nozomi. So Flak Jacket and Tanto's, check. Opening her kunai holsters and pouches, Nozomi counted her tools. 11 Kunai, check. 10 Shuriken, check. 26 Senbon, check. 10 Metsubishi, check. 20 Mikibishi in the bag, check. Pulling out her Windmill Shuriken, Nozomi made sure to set up the Substitution jutsu in preparation, just in case she needed it. After all, she'd need every element of surprise she could use.

With all of her items in order, and the jutsu set up, Nozomi stood around outside the shop, waiting for Gin-sensei to show up. As she waited, she went through all the information that she had on the man they were to take out. He was a Jounin level opponent, who specialized in Genjutsu and Bukijutsu. Genjutsu would prove difficult for Nozomi to beat, but even Suteki hadn't really used it in their fight, and she was apparantly a specialist as well. Perhaps they were difficult to get off on some opponents. Either way, he also had Bukijutsu, which meant he was more skilled in weapons combat than Nozomi was. She had two Tantos, but that didn't mean she'd be able to fight him on par at his skill level. Especially considering the different in their physical skills. This guy could use Doton, which was weak to Raiton, but Nozomi didn't have very many raiton techniques, and even then they were weak. And her Suiton tech weren't much stronger.

Then Nozomi remembered. Petal clones! She could use two of them, and that would be enough for an edge on the guy. Smiling to herself, Nozomi was mentally patting herself on the back. In her fight against Suteki, the academy level clones had come in very handy. Although they wouldn't be nearly as effective, perhaps with enough academy clones, her petal clones, and the use of substitution jutsu, she could at least do something for Gin to help. Nozomi wasn't the best fighter all the time, but by mentally planning out what she could do, she managed to keep herself convinced that she was an asset.

WC: 608

-5 Chakra for Substitution preparation.
Chakra: 195/200

The small store was rather empty, but the presence of more than a handful of people made it seem like it wasn't. Right now, it was only Gin, a clerk and two boys that - from what the silver haired woman gathered - had just made it to Genin. Smart of them to shop there. In Gin's most humble opinion, it was one of the best stores in the village when it came to general items and weapons. Right now, the former Kazekage was stocking up on scrolls and explosive tags. It was a fairly routine thing when it came to preparing for an S rank mission.

The clerk eyed her curiously, his head cocked slightly to the side. His name was Matsuda and he knew her as a frequent customer. Every time she came up with a new design - be it as crazy as it may - the smith in the back was always willing to forge it. Gin believed he took as a challenge, one that he rarely got. "The usual, Kuroka-sama? the clerk asked when Gin dropped her items on the counter. It included several rations of food and energy pills just in case she would need them for the trip. Gin shook her head gently, a smile on her features. "Not exactly. I'm taking one of my students on a mission today. An S rank, her very first," Gin explained.

The man's eyes widened slightly, knowing that none of Gin's students were above the rank of Chuunin - save for her nephew, who had recently gotten promoted to Special Jounin. "Which one?" he asked as he scanned the items and drew up a total of how much it would be. "Nozomi" Gin answered simply, leaning over the counter and looking at the nice collection of swords that was attaches to the wall. They paled in comparison to Soul Cutter and to what her Kekkei Genkai could make, but the craftsmanship was still exceptional. While she did that, the clerk looked even more surprised, and even slightly pale.

He hesitated for a moment while he placed Gin's items in a small bag. "Isn't she the one you commissioned the tanto and the flack jacket for?" he asked, slight disapproval and shyness in his tone. Gin, on the other hand, spoke confidently. "Yep, that same one," Gin said. She couldn't hide a kind of sense of pride from the way she spoke. "Wouldn't it be better to take the other one? The boy?" he asked, hoping that he might make Gin reconsider.

The former Kazekage shook her head, smile unfaltering. "No, she's ready. All she needs is a chance to prove how strong she is and that's what I plan to give her," she said as she placed her new items in the pouch at her waist and waved at the clerk. Now all she had to do was reach their designated meeting point. She ran towards the place, jumping quickly from one rooftop to the next with considerable grace. She spotted Nozomi from the corner of her eye and stopped dead in her tracks, hopping off of the rooftop and landing only a couple of feet away from the girl.

Gin was happy to see that she was armed with both of the gifts that her teacher had given her a few days before. She wore the flack jacket and both of her tanto. "Nervous? Gin asked, knowing the answer to that question already. It was easy to tell from Nozomi's expression and the way she stood that she was at least a little bit queasy. Gin placed a hand on her shoulder and looked "I wouldn't have brought you with me if I didn't think you were ready for this. I need you at your best, alright?" she said as she smiled. Now it was time to go over some sort of strategy. This was an assassination, after all. They couldn't charge in and cause a mess or else the whole operation would be considered a failure.

"Now, I want you to act as a scout. Watch the target carefully and when it's time to attack, we do it somewhere secluded. Casualties are unacceptable here. You'll act as support and if I order you to retreat, you do it. Got it?" While she spoke, she handed Nozomi a small communicator - the type that she could slip in her ear and speak comfortably, so that they could keep in touch if they got separated. She put hers on before she gave Nozomi the signal for them to head out.

Gin expected Nozomi to follow her closely as they left the village. The man they were looking for was hiding in a city that was about a day and a half away from Kirigakure itself. "We - mostly you - follow him for a couple of days when we get there. Learn his routine and determine when he's most vulnerable and how we can lure him somewhere secluded. This man is dangerous, so if you think you're about to get caught, you retreat, got it?" she instructed. There was no room in her voice for doubt.

Once night fell, they would set up camp and rest until dawn. And if everything went Gin's way, she would get the answers that she needed.

[899/3000]

After what seemed like forever of Nozomi waiting for Gin to arrive (It was more her nerves that made time seem rather slow to her, not that it actually took a long time), Gin finally showed up. Her first question obviously showed that Nozomi's own nervousness showed through. Not trusting her voice, Nozomi simply nodded her head. From there, Gin placed her hand on Nozomi's shoulder and offered some words of support. Nozomi looked up at Gin and locked eyes. "You really think I'm ready for this Sensei? Of course I'm worried about it. We're going after someone who's jounin level. I know, you're not really concerned about it, but I'm hardly a match for that. But regardless, the mission needs completed. As a Kunoichi, it is my job to put my life on the line to complete each and every mission I'm assigned to. So I'm glad you have faith in me, and I'll do everything I can to show you it isn't misplaced." she said.

The next order of business after moving on from the conversation was to go over the strategy. Gin started speaking, handing Nozomi a small communicator, like the one that Sero had given her for their mission. Placing it on while Gin was speaking, Nozomi listened to her intently. She could almost breathe a sigh of relief as she was given the role of the scout. That meant that for the most part, she'd be hanging back. Sure, that also meant that she'd be closer, but in a crowd, she could easily tail someone. Besides that, if she was ordered to retreat, that meant that she could be safe. Nozomi smiled slightly and nodded again. She'd follow Gin's orders. Not out of self preservation, but because everyone in a squad had their place. Gin right now was the senior, and that meant she knew what she was doing.

And then they were on their way out. Gin had a little bit more to say, mainly just to tell her that she'd have to learn his routine and figure out when to get him. Nozomi knew there was room for error, but the more information they had, the better it would be. And then came another order. If she thought she was spotted, she was to retreat right away. Nozomi smiled and nodded. "Don't worry sensei, I actually have a plan for that." she said and nodded. "If someone thinks they are being followed, they usually only look for someone who is familiar, no? Well, I don't have to be one person following him. I can be three. And then I can safely fight him with two others as well as me." she shrugged. It would work in theory, she'd have to see if it could in practice.

--

They'd been travelling for a while. Most of the journey there was over, but it was soon going to be too dark out to continue on their way. And so, time to set up camp was upon them. Nozomi was obviously very shy, so she didn't say much, but she kept stealing glances over to Gin, admiration in her eyes. "Sensei, you really didn't have to get me anything. I didn't win the exams. I ranked as a Semi finalist. I was about to quit my fight before Kaekio attacked me. Sero may have walked out, but that's because he was bored with it and couldn't fight without killing Kusono. I couldn't even bring myself to fight Kaekio. My dad disowned me from my clan for the dishonor. You've only been my sensei for a few months, so it's not like you've really gotten attached or care too much about me. Why'd you complete my tanto set and get me a Flak Jacket then?" she asked. Her insecurities showed through a little bit.

WC: 667

Gin settled herself down nicely. There were two sleeping bags spread out around a small fire that she herself had taken care of to ignite. She sighed happily and settled herself next to her student, sitting on the ground with her legs stretched out and her hands on the ground, supporting the weight of her back. It was a lovely night, with a clear sky and small lights dotting its surface. The moon was half way full, providing just the right amount of light that they needed along with the small fire. A large one would have a attracted too much attention, after all. This was likely the last time that they would have to actually rest before they had to face their mission in all of its glory. The former Kazekage was excited in her own way. That, and there were answers that she needed from this man, that she was willing to get no matter what. That would come later, however.

Nozomi's strategy to avoid being noticed was good. As her teacher, Gin fully trusted in her abilities. She would come through without a doubt, even if she didn't know it herself. Gin listened carefully to Nozomi. So her father had disowned her after the exams. Gin had been there during her fight with Kaekio, silently watching from the stands. She stayed in silence for a moment, the light smile on her face unfaltering. "I never told you how I lost my arm, did I?" she said, stretching her arm of metal in front of her and clenching it into a fist. "I was married once upon a time. I loved him more than anything in the world, you know? He made me happier than I had ever been in a long long time," Gin began. She was almost certain that she had never told this story out loud to anyone, not even Sanosuke or Ayakashi.

The former Kazekage assumed that some people knew the story, rumors spread after all. But those versions were faulted, with people filling in the blanks with their own ideas of what had happened. "I was stronger than he was, much stronger. Hell, I was Kazekage, I kind of had to be. After we went on a mission together, he decided  that Sunagakure was no longer his home. He found out things that the previous Kage had done, fueling the slave trade. As a former slave, he didn't take kindly to that. He went on a berserk rage. We fought and I was winning. I had a chance to kill him, to end it, but I hesitated. He sliced my arm right off without an ounce of remorse and left me to die. He didn't know it then and neither did I, but I was pregnant at the time," Gin said. There was a sort of wistful undertone to her voice, as if she were recalling the memory right then and there. She turned to look at Nozomi now. "So you see, we all make mistakes - more so when it comes to the people we love. We each pay for them in our own way, but that doesn't mean we have to freeze where we are. There's nothing left but to learn and move forward. The tanto and the flack jacket I gave you are just a reminder of that," she concluded.

[1464/3000]

The site had been set up nicely. Gin sat down rather relaxed, of course. Nozomi did have to admit that she never really seemed all that tense. Any time she'd encountered Gin before, it had always been relaxedly, even while they were attacking her. That had been a rather fun day, Nozomi thought. Anyhow, she would follow her sensei's example, and take a seat as well, although she sat with her knees pulled up to her chest, and her arms wrapped around them. Instead of looking around, she simply looked at Gin, and took in her full form. It wasn't often she got to simply observe her sensei, as it wasn't like they really hung out away from missions or training sessions. Indeed, it seemed that something in her head was stirring. As Nozomi finished talking and asked her question, that's when it was Gin's turn. Nozomi was actually expecting some sort of admonishment or something else, but instead she was being told... a story? This caught the younger girl's interests, and all of her attention went to her sensei.

At first, Nozomi wasn't really sure where the story was going. In all honesty, it had seemed like Gin had completely changed topics and avoided answering Nozomi's question, as she immediately started her response talking about her fake arm. Although since she was slightly more interested in the story than she was in her own question being answered, Nozomi simply shook her head in response, to not interrupt Gin. No, she hadn't heard the story of how Gin had gotten her fake arm. Although hearing her tell it, it was pretty sad. She'd been married before, and he of course made her happy. Love had an off habit of entering someone's life and meaning more than anything else. Much like with Nozomi and Kaekio, they certainly hadn't been expecting to go into the Chuunin Exams and fraternize with the enemy, or rather the enemy at the time. Now they weren't enemies anymore, but they were hardly allies. Kaekio never even responded to Nozomi's letters. Still though, that didn't change that Nozomi wrote them.

Anyhow, Nozomi's attention went back to Gin and her story. It was one that was rather sad. Someone shouldn't ever have to fight the one they loved. She'd lost her arm because she had to fight the person that she loved, and couldn't kill him. Nozomi guessed she could relate to that enough. She'd lost her fight because she hadn't been willing to attack Kaekio until she herself had already been attacked. Sure, she'd made the token effort, but her actual attacks hadn't come until it was far too late. Her feelings had gotten in the way, and because of that, she'd lost everything. For a few moments after Gin was finished speaking, Nozomi was completely silent. Then she sighed softly, and pulled out one of the tanto to examine it. The blade was beautiful. It was such a beautiful weapon of death, one to be used to strike down an opponent. One that would see much use. But what Nozomi could not see it being, was a tool used against anyone she cared about. "I... I get that people have to fight. I get that. But.. I don't think you should ever have to fight someone you care about. You wouldn't have had to lose your arm if you didn't have to fight him. The end goal should always be peace. Even after having fought Kaekio, ESPECIALLY after having to fight Kaekio, I don't think I have it in me to ever raise up arms against her again. Will I have to fight people? Sure. Will I have to kill again? Absolutely, and perhaps that will come in the next day or so. But will I have the nerve to raise up arms against a loved one? I don't think I could do that. I don't have very much Sensei. I have you, I have Ashley, I have Sero to a degree, I have Kaekio, and Kishin, my little brother. There isn't much I care about. One day I'll take my clan back, and I'll have to fight my father, I'm certain of it, but what if I have to fight Kishin? Some things aren't worth fighting for. I'd give it up to not fight him. The people of this village are my fellows in arm, but not what I can count a friend or a family. The fact that I count Sero as one of my best friends should tell you something about that. I was thinking actually... Chisaki was the lady who healed me from my fight with Kaekio. Eventually I want to make my way to Konoha. To train and learn Medical Jutsu under her. Eventually, not now, but eventually. As a medical Ninja, I can help my fellow shinobi and kunoichi, but then I'll be less inclined to have to fight someone I care about. And if someone I care about gets hurt, I can do my best to undo that pain." she said. And then, like that, she resheathed the blade. "But I swear to you. Gin-sensei, you're my sensei. And I care a lot about you. For you, I'd do whatever you ask. You've shown me enough loyalty, that now I owe you my own. Whatever may happen, I'll be yours as long as you may need me, as long as I don't have to raise arms against someone I care for."

WC: 956

Gin's eyes were fixed on the stars above. They were really a beautiful sight to see this far away from the village and its bright lights and loud noises. It was... peaceful. That wasn't necessarily Gin's favorite thing. Peace was static and promoted stagnation, in her view. Nevertheless, it was sometimes both necessary and enjoyable. It was all a matter of balance, really, of what was needed at the time and to what degree. In peace, there was always silence and clarity as well as harmony. The soft wind caressed the former Kazekage's skin gently, leading her to close her eyes and breathe deeply for a short moment.

Nozomi still seemed unsure and uncertain. All the same, she still found a way to be determined. She wanted to learn medical ninjutsu, to protect people, to become  shield instead of a blade. The world needed more people like her. It made Gin smile. "A medic, huh?" she began. It was no secret that Gin felt uncomfortable around medics - hell, she had been kicked out of Kirigakure's hospital a couple of times and often ran away from medical care. That didn't mean, however, that she didn't respect the trade. In fact, she respected it enough to know that it should be feared and never underestimated. It was just that she would never understand it. She was much more of a fighter, someone specialized in destruction and anything that could be called flashy. Supportive roles weren't for Gin Kuroka nor would they ever be.

She finally opened her eyes and looked at Nozomi. "This world is full of decisions and different paths to take. No one knows what the consequences are or where they'll lead. But it's up to you to choose whether taking back your clan is worth the risk of fighting your brother. Who knows what's best in the end?" Gin spoke. There was confidence in her voice, unwavering certainty. After a moment, she continued. "Once you choose, however, you can't back down. Live with your choices, learn from them and never look back. Regrets don't suit such a pretty girl after all," she said and winked at Nozomi with a mischievous smile on her face.

The former Kazekage stood up and brushed the dirt from her clothes. She went over to the sleeping bag that she had set up for herself and threw the covers over her body. "Now get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow," she said, and with that, went to sleep. Later in the night, she would wake up and find herself staring at the night from a branch above until the sun reappeared on the horizon.

[1922/3000]

Nozomi did have to admit it. They were going to have a long day tomorrow, or at least she was going to. Tracking down this spy wasn't going to prove to be any easy task, certainly. Besides that, it wasn't exactly the best thing that it required her to be doing a lot of the recon, but she supposed it would be better than her doing nothing the entire time. Regardless, when Gin told her to get some sleep, Nozomi wasn't going to be challenging those orders. Sleep was a must have. She'd need all the rest that she could get for the coming days.

-

So the next few days had passed. Nozomi had taken every precaution while tailing the man, learning his schedule, his routine. She'd utilized the transformation jutsu whenever possible, so that she was never the same person looking at him, and had even utilized her clones in order to mimic some other people. Using such a methodical approach, it was unlikely that she'd been noticed while tailing him, as she didn't make it obvious that she was doing so. So, of course, after she'd established a schedule, she could safely say it was time. After a few days of surveillance, now was the time.

Her clones, petal clones were both under a transformation jutsu, so as to appear to be normal people in the crowd. Nozomi had taken extra precautions on that regard. She was the one that would distract attention from the target, if she was noticed in the first place. To be honest, she wasn't really keeping much of an eye on him. She'd been using the clones to do so, and that worked just fine for her. It allowed her to pretend to just be doing normal rounds, and a slight patrol, rather than someone tailing somebody else.

Usually, around this time of day, the streets cleared out a little bit. People either were in bars or at work, so traffic on the streets were down to a minimum. Which left only a few stragglers around. Eventually, even those died down. The streets were now clear for the most part, and all that remained was Nozomi, doing her "rounds" on patrol duty, two "citizens" talking as they moved down the road, seemingly as if to leave the area, while locked in their own conversation, but actually making their way to the target, and the target himself. Gin was nowhere to be seen, but Nozomi knew she'd be somewhere in the vicinity, doing whatever it was she needed to do.

Nozomi's hand rested on her tanto hilts, as they usually did, but a shinobi was always in danger when in uniform, so of course that would be viewed as a natural reaction. One had to be quick to react to any moment of danger. In her mind, Nozomi could have easily disguised herself as a civilian as well, but if the target noticed her, then her clones might get close unnoticed, as long as she was the one who was diverting suspicion, assuming she was even noticed in the first place.

Her clones purposes were different than usual. They were to get in close, not to score any hits themselves, although it wouldn't be bad if they were able to take him down without being dissapated, but instead, they were meant to get in close any get hit. As there was no indication that they were clones, nor did any outsider possess knowledge of the Himitsu clan techniques, there was no reason for any suspicion of danger by attacking these clones. They were heavy placebo effects, and dangerous as well. Perhaps a well timed sneak attack could catch the traitor off guard. Gin would be proud.

For now, though, Nozomi simply had to wait for Gin to give her signal. She was wearing the communication device as instructed, so on command she would be able to act. It would be easy. Pause, recognition, and startled alarm as she seemed to recognize the man as for who he was, hesitant advancement to approach, easily played on her youth as inexperience. Guard on edge, the man would probably realize she wasn't a match for him, and might be wary as one would against a shinobi, but because of that recognition of her inexperience, would underestimate her. Not noticing as her clones continued walking, unarmed, and no obvious threat unless he had some sensory that allowed him to realize they were clones. Flanked, it would be simple to grab him. If he fought hard enough to destroy one, it would explode, and the other would be caught, and he'd be hit from both sides by the explosions. That was the plan as it was, and hopefully was foolproof, but that wasn't always the case.

2 Petal Clones made -20 Chakra. = 175/3
Chakra: 59/200
Transformation Technique -5 Each clone
Clone 1: 53/58
Clone 2: 53/58

WC: 800
TWC: 3031

Thread closed due to inactivity
Trained:
Lightning Release: Four Pillar Bind 1500/1500
Raiton Petal flurry 1500/1500
WC: 3000/3000
Remaining: 31