Trecking up the rigid cliffs that shrouded the presence of his home village 'hidden in the mountains,' Kazu would make his way across the earthly terrain for the sake of a new mission with it's objective literally being to 'search and destroy' a pack of wolves. Seemed simple enough to Kazu that was for sure, but it had seemed Lilith had yet again butted in and decided the mission was a two man job therefore sending Zwei Mitsurugi with him. The crimson eyed chuunin would concentrate his chakra to his feet allowing his body to walk vertically up the stone cliffs before reaching the precipice. His legs would kick backward allowing himself to somersault into the air allowing his feet to land atop the mountain. Vision was obscured across the top of the mountains with the thick clouds being pulled by the strong winds.

His eyes would close as his breathing pattern began to deepen, his body would struggle with the lack of oxygen, but it seemed the wolves had chosen to live nearby discomforting intruders from the mere altitude. His lungs would fill with air whilst his eyes danced searching for clues before fixating on a vague paw print embedded on the hard earth below him. "Yo dipshit." A small grin would develop across the side of Kazu's mouth. "I found a track heading east, i think we should follow it." He was sure the track would lead to their home, it was their first and only clue so far and finding more evidence was going to be hard through the passing clouds obscuring vision.

268/1000.

A contemplative mind plagued the young male as he trailed behind his colleague. High winds swept along the area from time to time, tossing those reckless threads of auburn to the side. Despite their death defying antics they seemed poised and relatively unfazed by climate as they ambled alongside the cliff. Once they were up top Zwei reached forward, taking grasp of the cliff and merely catapulted himself on top -- a blood aura dispersed as his feet left the earth momentarily. Zwei's gaze trailed over Kazu and he merely watched him as he moved on. For the most part the two had grown up together and had a huge influence on how one another had matured and went about their lives. They trained with one another, laughed with one another, and at times they even fought each other. This entire mission seemed relatively odd to Zwei; with the way Lilith described the mission, there was no reason that the both of them would have to partake on it. He was confident that either Kazu or himself could disperse a crowd of wolves. It had nothing to do with the wolves, he certainly doubted that was the case -- recently his partner in crime had advanced in ranks, and since then they did not spend as much time as they normally would. Of course Zwei congratulated and was certainly pleased with the progress his team mate made, but he couldn't help but to be disappointed in himself.

A thin layer of carbon dioxide flowed through Zwei's parched lips; the temperature was significantly lower in this altitudes and it didn't help that the air was shallow as well. Despite the mission in hand Zwei merely looked ahead and in the most part oblivious to any signs of the incoming danger. A ton of condescending thoughts filled his head about his abilities, or rather his lack of -- his reckless thoughts shattered as the words begun to pour from Kazu's mouth. A smirk graced his lips, complimented with a hint of sarcasm shrouding his profile. "Good job -- following tracks who would've thought?" He replied in a condescending tone: "But seriously thread carefully, something odd about this mission -- you'd think a village would be able to handle a few wolves on their own." Zwei moved forward, taking the lead on their little search and made his way through the dark woods. The only light available came from the moon and stars that filled the night's sky.

418 / 1000

A vein would throb at the side of Kazu's temple, his crimson eyes would glare back at Zwei after his shrude remarks before lingering behind him taking a fine observation for clues Zwei might have missed. Kazu would aim his attention to the forest in front of them, it was hard enough seeing using just the moonlight, but getting that taken away in a dark forest in a high altitude sounded like a bad idea. The wolves were smart in choosing their home, it provided shelter and deemed difficult for those stupid enough to come searching.

Keeping poised and alert watching Zwei's back, Kazu knew they were about to walk into their targets territory so vigilance was dire to execute the mission. His arms would relax to ready for engagement as his peripheral's would pick up flickering shadows. "They're here. Be in your toes Skarn." Kazu would whisper to his partner as his eye's panned diligently across the dark landscape as his right hand lingered across the top of his tool pouch hanging off his hip.

A growl would echo across the forest, followed by a choir, making it impossible to pinpoint the source of the sound. With his knees bent and his arms in position Kazu would come to a halt. "I'll stall em' if you could go further and find their home. Do what you want with the cubs but disposing of them would be easy." Kazu would smirk as he'd been itching for action for a while. His blood would boil as he readied for the savage onslaught. "You know when to go."

The howls of the wolves that erupted across the forest would suddenly stop, it was silent across the forest. Kazu's crimson glare which flash back and forth searching for the intended targets. Come on show yourselves. Dumn Dogs. Scratching would be heard from above them, without a moments notice Kazu neck would shift back giving vision to 5 wolves leaping off tree's with their sharp long claws gripping onto the soft bark. A grin would slide across Kazu's mouth, it was finally happening.

359(627/1000)

Zwei couldn't help but to release a soft chuckle as Kazu advised him to take the weaker targets. This is why they meshed well with one another; they would constantly push the other to become stronger, to outdo the other in field. This was indeed the first time they engaged in an actual mission where their safety wasn't guaranteed. They have fought each other several times growing up and now they would finally have a chance to show off their skills, and the notion of not having to hold back caused goose bumps to shroud his entire body. "We'll make them separate -- I'll advance about four hundred meters. Don't linger!" He uttered as he advanced forward -- Despite Zwei's jokes and taunts - he had no doubt that Kazu would decimate his enemy, and probably before he was able to get to the meeting zone. Zwei shifted his attention over to Kazu, giving him a slight nod as he pushed forward. The sounds of the leaves and branches rustling got louder as he pressed forward. His movement was designed to break the packs apart -- he wasn't exactly sure how many wolves there were, but from a bit of investigation prior to the mission at most; wolves would hunt in packs of six or seven. Three each certainly shouldn't be a problem for the duo.

As he ran forward he caught a glimpse of a wolf lunging towards him; it's jaws were ajar, fangs bared and ready to clasp down on Zwei's flesh. Zwei would react quick and with the utmost grace, leaping over the beast with his hands clasped above his head - in a quick motion he slammed his clasp fist over the beast's head while flipping forward. Once he landed he slid across some loose foliage from fallen leaves and such. At this point he was only about 40 meters away from his comrade, still within sight. The wolf was barely affected by the blow and was able to regain his composure before even landing. IT shifted a quick glare at Zwei before heading into the direction of Kazu. 'The hell..?' He thought to himself as he watched the beast run off -- before he could comprehend why the beast didn't retaliate he was immediately brought to reality due to the sounds of the wolves that had managed to surround him. He immediately looked up, taking notice of the yellow hued lenses staring down on him -- beside it on another tree branch was another. Just as he thought there wasn't anymore the sounds would emit from behind him and in the trees. All he could see was a set of eyes piercing through the night's sky. There were at least a group of seven, but that couldn't be? Wolves at most would travel in packs of 6 or 7 max, but before he had taken off they were coming from all angles. How many were there exactly and how were they able to surround him like this? Was it a trap?

Needless to say, time for thinking wasn't of the essence, he was simply have to react to the task before him -- besides books weren't always right. He placed an idle hand on the hilt of his sword, allowing his foot to slide a bit and knees were at a slight bend. Lowering his head slightly, he exhaled deeply awaiting the wolves make their first move. They had optimal advantage as far as terrain went, so instead of taking the battle to them, he would simply wait -- and of course instead of allowing his eyes to deceive him, he merely waited to feel them out..

( You own your wolves, meet up with me next post! I'll be done with mine ! )

628( 1046/1000 )

The two would alter from Kazu's suggestion as a new plan of action developed to dispose of the rabid canine infestation. The wolves would descend from the thick gum tree's that filled the forest and initiate their savage onslaught. Their razor sharp claws would unsheathe from their retracted state as their arms stretch wide for a guillotine finish. Their black fur would waver through the wind as their golden iris's would stay locked on to the hooded chuunin, with only two meters in range their jaws would flick open revealing two dozen blood stained fangs. A snigger was heard from Kazu as his crouched body kicked of the ground jumping away from the falling trajectory of the wolves keeping roughly 5 meters apart. His hands began to dance together whilst he kneaded his chakra to his lungs before expelling three lava globs from his lips aiming for three separate wolves (one glob per wolf).

But these wolves were smart and profound with tactical capabilities, the first glob would aim for the closest wolf as it hurled straight into it's face sending it flying backward receiving burns widespread across it's head/face. But his luck would run out from here on. The second glob would aim for a wolf higher in the air, but it's body would spin letting its claws dig in to a nearby tree before bending it's legs and kicking off in a new direction, dodging the lava glob completely. The third lava glob would glide through the air making its way toward a wolf in mid-air. Another wolf present on the ground would leap off the ground kicking the wolf about to be hit by the lava glob away from the trajectory of the jutsu. Kazu's eyes would widen in disbelief as he had already underestimated the wolves. But his eyes would then squint whilst he smirked in approval of his opponents 'worthiness.' A small plan had arisen through his abyss of thoughts.

"You all have permission to die now." Already in motion in hope of keeping away from the wolves Kazu would again conduct a string of hand signs whilst his chakra danced across his mouth and throat. His crimson gaze would watch the remaining four wolves approach before exhaling a gaseous substance from his lips creating a cloud of flammable gas in front of him. The wolves would run straight into the cloud but the jutsu played well in the chuunin's favour. The gas gas contained a noxious odour which was near potent to the average human, but to wolves and their advanced smelling ability the smell began to drive them through insanity causing them to shake their heads uncontrollably whilst dragging their bodies across the ground leaving them immobile through the cloud. The grin already present on Kazu's lips would widen as his crimson gaze glared at the wolves in front of him. The predators had become the prey.

499(1126/1000)

Chakra & Jutsu Used:

Zwei could hear the conflict from a distance and due from the yelps of pain from the wolves, Zwei would assume that his companion was able to ward off the beast. Needless to say idle thoughts about his companions well beings would probably be appreciated, but under the circumstances it would probably be best if he worried about his own hind. He was surrounded by the wolves and had a poor tactical advantage. One of the beasts from Zwei's left flank gave away it's position first; the moment the beast was about to pounce, it's claws extended and scraped against the bark. Those magnificent emerald hued lenses shifted to the left, catching a brief glimpse of the beast, making an attempt at his life. It was merely in his peripheral vision, but certainly enough for him to guess the beast's trajectory. In a quick motion; Zwei pressed off his left foot and rolled on the heel of his right foot, pivoting his entire body so he could face the beast. In the same motion he begun unsheathing his blade, filling it up with a dense amount of Chakra. The wooden sword illuminated slightly, acting as if it was a flash light and for a brief moment the wolves could be seen clearly.

Just as Zwei was about to complete his turn the beast was about two feet off the ground -- claws extended and mouth fully ajar, exposing those jagged and bloody teeth. Once his pivot( 270 Degrees ) was complete he unsheathed his sword and motioned it with a quick strike across the side of the beasts skull. There was an audible cracking sound that echoed across the moonlit glade. His weight and overall balance shifted towards as his hips completed the rotation; his right arm was fully extended out to the side to complete the turn. While Zwei had attacked the first wolf -- another one had begun it's charge, by the time he Zwei had noticed it, the beast was approaching fast from the front. Zwei immediately motioned his left hand to the hilt of his sword, right along the bottom of it. The beast lunged forward about two meters infront of him and it's jaws were aiming headed towards Zwei's chest. He now took his right foot and retreated and motioned the sword over his head just before slamming the wooden blade between the wolves golden irises. Zwei folloewd through, slamming the beast' body to the floor so it's corpse wouldn't collide into him. However due to his positioning and the way the wolves were attacking; two more wolves had begun to approach him from his right and left side. He was in poor position to fully evade it, so once they lept towards the one at his right, swinging his wooden blade towards the animal's paws, shattering them upon the touch of the blade. The beast that had intially came to his left landed on the beast -- it's claws dug into the throat of the beast, using it as a launching pad as it lunged towards Zwei. The beast killed it's companion in the effort, but managed to catch Zwei off guard.

Zwei managed to rotate his body to face the beast, and fend off the wolf by holding the wooden sword out in front of him -- the wooden sword was parallel to the earth. The Wolf managed to throw Zwei back, but Zwei used the beast' momentum against him. The moment Zwei's back pressed against the earth he brought his knee up against against the beast's belly and rolling backwards until he was ontop of the creature. The wolf struggled beneath him momentarily, swinging it's paws violently at Zwei. While holding to both sides of the sword he jerked the sword back, shattering the wolf's jaws wide open. The wolf's motion immediately stopped, it's nerves made the beast react ever so slightly but life was gone. At this point there were two wolves left -- they merely circled Zwei awaiting a flaw in his stance. I twas almost as if they had watched him closely, waiting for him to show any weakness that he might've had. It was odd -- it was as if they figured out Zwei's abilities, and almost like they knew that fighting him in close corners would lead to certain death. There was a loud howl about 800 meters away from his current position. The wolves' ears erected as the sound traveled through the expanse of the forest. They didn't as much as look into Zwei's direction before speeding off into the direction the howl originated from. Even though he was facing two wolves -- he could hear the rustling within the forest where obviously other wolves were hiding and plotting.

The mere thought left chills across Zwei's body; there were so many -- the sound of the sprinting wolves resembled a stampede of some kind. What exactly were Kazu and Zwei up against? "Kazu! They're fleeing -- should we follow?
" He exclaimed- he wasn't exactly sure how close Kazu was, but he sure he wasn't too far behind especially since he was done with his wolves a lot sooner. There was a hint of hesitation in his tone -- even he wasn't sure it would be wise to proceed any further.