Spoiler:

Zu was in a nightmare when the sounds of screaming pierced his ears waking him from one nightmare and threw him into another. With his mind adjusting to waking, he was still unsure if he was dreaming or not. That was until a body fell from the rooftops feet away from him. The vibration on the ground from the fall startled Zu a little as he turned to see. Gargling on blood and gasping for air, a Sunagakure shinobi died feet away from him. By this point, his heart was racing and so many questions filled his head but it was not the time nor place for that. Zu's instincts were telling him to run, and run far. His skills were not up for a full fledged attack on a village. It was his hope to use this place as a safe spot to be at and now that hope was crushed. Standing up, he knew he had to make his way out. With each step, he could see the fighting, hear the screaming, and smell the flesh burning. These memories would be etched into his mind for the rest of his life. This feeling of helplessness would also not be forgotten. As the horrific actions were taking place, total chaos insued truly. People were fighting to escape while others were using this moment to pillage for their own greed. Zu always wondered why such materialistic possessions meant more than their own lives. Zu kept pressing forward though, each step seeming to increase in pace. His small corner he slept at was near the border, and the run would not be far. All the people who helped him, trained him, and guided him at Sunagakure seemed lost to him. Only one tear was shed at that thought.

Zu was nearing the border when his ear heard small screams of terror in the building next to him. While running, Zu turned his head to see what it was and could see four small children trapped in a house made of sand. While it seemed the fire wouldn't collapse the building, fire was all around and would surely make the inside like an oven. Zu was further away from the chaos than before, and his heart felt for the kids. It was as if he had no control of his body, as it moved to help the kids. With a commanding shout he ran towards the door, "Get away from the door! Move! Move!"

With all his might, he rammed his shoulder into the door, knocking it down. The parents, were not here, it was just these four kids all crying and terrified. Zu smiled removing his hoodie from his head and spoke again, "Come with me now, your parents sent me to get you to a nearby outpost. You two, get on my back." The kids reluctantly accepted his lie, two of the smaller kids got on his back when he knelt down, hanging on with all their might. Zu then picked up the other two kids, one in each arm. He ran quickly out the building and running towards the nearest outpost he could remember. If anything, he could get them safe. Even if their parents are dead, at least they are alive. Yes... that is how he rationalized his cowardice earlier. Zu was not prepared for this. His movement was slower, but he felt like it was a decent of enough pace to get them to safety.

When the outpost was in sight, Zu's pace started to slow down. The feeling of weariness began to take a toll. His arms were heavy from carrying and his legs were beat from the run. His eyes scanned it for signs of violence and saw nothing. Just other people worried and scared staring into the direction of the village. Zu set the kids down and asked if they could run the rest of the way because he had to go back to help more people. They shook their heads, it seems the run calmed them down. They took off towards the outpost as Zu made way back to the village. At least, that is what he wanted them to believe. Once out of sight, Zu took off away from it all. Away from the violence and bloodshed. Where he would go, Zu did not yet know. He was so reliant and Sunagakure, but let it down when the village needed him the most. With heavy heart he rested. Laying on the cool sand, Zu had to take in all his options. Ultimately, Zu chose to leave the village because how could he look anyone in the eyes when he abandoned them. Sure, he saved four kids, but he could have done more and knew it. Sadly, his flight or fight instinct kicked in, except flight was the stronger feeling and fly away he will.

821/750 mission complete. Exit thread. Throw away the 71 WC.