Kenji looked out his window. The misty air of the early morning was a soothing sensation. He stuck his head out his window, looking down one story at the troops already being mobilized once more. It was hard to capture rest like Kenji had just done in such perilous times, but he managed. Just yesterday, Kenji marched through the wilderness, encountering several Seven Bells mercs, all to get a letter to the Daimyo. A very important letter, a letter conveying an urgent message that Kiri was in dire need of the assistance of the Samurai. He had never been in a situation where so much responsibility was put on him, that made it all the more satisfying that he was able to come through.

 

As he moved away from the window, out of the corner of his eye a white bird flew in, and from its talons released a rolled up piece of paper. It dropped to the floor. Kenji’s eyes fell on the scroll. It was obviously a message, a mission most likely. The thing that bothered Kenji was though, he only received pidgeon messages when he was called upon as an ANBU op. Meaning this particular mission would be especially dangerous.



Kenji unrolled the scroll and read the contents carefully. His head fell as the message read a demoralizing series of events. The young daimyo he just alerted… was kidnapped soon after Kenji left. He couldn’t believe it. It was obvious why this was an ANBU preferred mission now. Kenji’s job was to now locate the daimyo and rescue him from the enemy. Kenji would need a team, or at least one more person in order to accomplish such a tall order. Something this delicate was likely even beyond him. Kenji quickly dressed in full ANBU uniform and left through a secret passageway that was built to accommodate ANBU operatives.



Kenji was now walking the streets to of Kirigakure, heading to the gates to embark on his mission. After speaking with his commander for a few moments to get some more intel on his assignment, he had nothing new for him, the rest of this job would be up to him. The first task would be to find out where the Daimyo was, and then infiltrate, and then of course get the daimyo out safely.

 

Hours later, Kenji was apprehended by two Seven Bells ninja. Kenji had fallen victim to a elementary booby trap. The jounin was now tied up in a chair in the woods, facing his death. Kenji’s eyes were cold as he looked at the two smiling mercenary holding his life in their hands. They called themselves interrogating him, but of course Kenji would give them no information. It was actually approaching the time where he would have to use the body elimination technique. It took them quite a while to pin him down in his current position. Kenji used pure bukitjutsu to combat the Seven Bells ninja. He fought valiantly moving at S rank speed (holding back) but just as he began warming up was when he fell victim to a trap behind a trap that was behind a trap. It would only be moments now before they would try to remove his mask. In order to protect his village he was faced with the obvious decision of sealing away the secrets his body held.



Kenji throughout his skirmish sensed another chakra source roaming around but didn’t interfere. Kenji had arrived to the conclusion that the person wasn’t neither on the side of the Seven Bells or the alliance. If the person was Seven Bells they would have seen their struggle and joined, if the person was with the alliance they would’ve aided Kenji. But the person did neither. It was clear that they were unsure of who to side with and wanted to choose their actions wisely, Kenji could appreciate that, he just hoped that that person would side with him. "I can't go out like this... if this mystery person chooses not to act, I have one more thing I can try in my current position that'll save me and allow me to meet up with some comrades to finish my task." 







WC Mission: 708/3500

Tsuyo had left the carriage a damn good distance away from the battle. After all such riches where bound to attract opportunists. Still he smiled as he moved with an efficient B rank speed like it was nothing. His presence hidden expertly as he moved through the tree branches. He moved over the heads of a couple of tough looking Jounin thugs earlier but hadn't roused their attention. He was being cautious and taking his time. After all if anyone spotted him he was in for some explaining. After all the way he was dressed made him a target. His dark Italian made suit with a black coat and vest. The black silk tie and the Silver button up shirt. His shined dress boots and his dark slacks Ironed to a ridge like they where brand new. The over coat was also dark but went down to his knee's. It was winter after all. The Fedora on his head however spoke to a little bit a mischief in his personality. All in all he looked far to wealthy to be a ninja. And with his brown contacts in no one would know he was a Hyuga to boot. That and the dagger tucked into his inner most breast pocket was his only real weapon. Still he held a fancy cane with a glass blue rose on the top. His lips split into a mischievous grin as he surveyed the area. It didn't take him long to figure out who was who. Still he kept himself quiet.

By the appearance of things the bad guys didn't bother hiding who they where and stood guard outside and inside the Daimyo's mansion. Tsuyo stood on a tree overlooking it casually as he looked about. Four guards inside and Four outside and the two in the woods. Each armed with swords. He shook his head as he contemplated a more silent way in until his eyes fell onto a massive pipe leading out the back of the hill. A little too dirty for him. He was much to gallant to be that stealthy. No he was more of a distraction. He needed someone to do his messy work while he enjoyed entertaining the guards. So he needed someone who could be stealthy. Well for now he would try and figure out the patrol routes of the two he had passed before. Tracking them was simple. They had cut their way through the underbrush. But what he found was far more interesting. He let a coy smile continue to play on his lips as a fight occurred. It seemed pretty even but slow really. Almost like all three were waiting for something or another. He felt a chill run down his spine as he recognized what the two he was tracking happened to be fighting. An Anbu. It was like his wishes where answered. I mean how convenient that a stealth specialist happened to be right there. Still something or another happened while he was so excited and suddenly they had the poor guy tied to a very uncomfortable chair.

Still the scene looked bad and he was going to eventually murder these two men anyway and the Anbu happened to be a bonus. So as they focused on the Anbu he moved without making a sound to position himself standing in plain view behind them. Then he popped up a cigarette out of the pack into his mouth with one hand before putting it away. Bad guys always liked to monologue. Still he held up a finger to the Anbu to indicate one moment. then began to pat himself down before looking rather frustrated. He then tipped up his hat and spoke around the smoke in his lips to the people present.

"You gentleman got a light? I can't seem to find mine. So many pockets and all."

He smiled and just stood there as both of the men turned around and charged him. Not bothering with a defensive stance of any kind as they moved to his sides with weapons drawn. Though no one could see it he focused fifteen chakra into his armor and activated its ability. The men lunged forward to skewer him from both sides. He didn't move at all to defend himself. Instead the blades slammed into his sides at full speed. But neither peirced his coat. They just seemed to stop right there. Both men had a moment of shock before Tsuyo reached down and casually gripped their throats. He lifted them both up as they stared at him in horror. They had thrown everything into those strikes and he hadn't even budged. Nor had be bled. Hell there wasn't a mark on his coat.

"Now that was rude."

And with that he smashed their heads together with a loud cracking noise. Blood spilled out of their heads but just to be sure he squeezed until he felt their windpipes crush. But hey that was kind of survivable so he jerked his hands roughly and felt and heard the spined snap at the neck. Crushed skull with a broken neck and no windpipe? sounded effective enough to pronounce the two dead. Still he dropped them and hummed a song as he reached into one of their pockets to pull out a lighter and light his smoke which never left his mouth. He then nodded to the Anbu man.

"Well then. How about we get you out of that? Looks like a pretty shitty wooden chair of some poor quality."

He moved over while smoking the cigarette and pressed his hand with some force down on the back rest of the chair. It gave way to his hand and snapped all the way down to the seat like twigs. He then stepped away and let the man get his bearings. Taking the smoke out of his mouth and blowing out a small cloud. he watched the man as he recovered and just stood there to let the man speak. After all what if the man deemed him a threat? After all that would seriously suck. Like in a way his plans would be ruined. He hoped that didn't happen.

1030/3500

Chakra 335/350:

Kenji sat as the two Seven Bells ninja drew closer. They held in their wicked hands two decent cutting weapons, more than enough to get the job done. From under his mask he began to sweat, and then, right as he was about to enter sage mode, a sharply dressed man swooped down softly, the man’s long black coat fluttering a bit as he descended. He quickly let Kenji know he was there to help him, but he apparently needed to do something first. The captive didn’t look at him directly but he could see him take out a cigarette and begin patting himself down for a lighter. Kenji gulped as he was a bit flustered by the man choosing to have a smoke while he was so close to his death, but Kenji was no stranger to theatrics… so once again he could relate, but it didn’t feel as good being on the opposite end. The tension rose steadily, and Kenji began sending mental messages to the man, telling him to hurry up.



The man was dressed for a fine occasion; he resembled a business man of sorts, a sly one. He couldn’t believe this was the guy he was depending on. “Is he going to strike a deal with them, and demand 20% of my possessions?” The slick man finally got the two guys’ attention, asking them for a light. They charged him immediately. Kenji had no choice but to hope this was apart of his rescue plan.



The ANBU was more than disgusted with himself. Here he was, on a mission to save the daimyo, and he was the one needing saving. Yes, he had a fail safe plan, but to even be put in this position was embarrassing. The two guys drew their weapons and plunged them into the well dressed man’s. Kenji looked in awe as he didn’t even flinch, or make any defensive adjustments. A shudder went through his body as the blades were unable to break his clothing. A puzzled look splashed over Kenji’s face, but was obviously hidden by his mask.



The guy grabbed the two by their necks and raised them off the ground. The man possessed impressive strength. He disposed of the characters with nearly no effort. As their bodies fell to the ground, he looted their bodies for a light. Behind waves of smoke the man approached Kenji and freed him from the uncomfortable wooden chair. The Jounin rose to his feet, he dusted himself off, and looked at this new character. Many questions began running through his mind. But there was only one thing that mattered at this point. “Sir, I shall properly display my gratitude by not killing you, consider it an honor. You’re not with them obviously, and dressed like that you aren’t with us. Therefore, your only reason for saving me would be to serve some purpose of yours. Unfortunately, I am currently on a very important mission, and I’m sure whatever you need help with pales in comparison to what I’m doing right now.”



During the fight, Kenji’s longbow had been dropped. He went to retrieve his longbow that was near a tree. He had turned away from the man and was walking away. Being an ANBU didn’t guarantee you were better than everybody, but it would cause a shinobi to think twice before fighting you. A fight with an ANBU would be more trouble than it’s worth, and if his dress indicated anything about him, he was calculating, so he would fair on the side of least resistance and let Kenji leave in peace, he hoped. “Now to find out where the daimio is…” He was about ten meters away from the man when he stopped in his tracks…





WC: 1348/3500

　

Tsuyo smirked at the mans comments. He was to be honored by the man not killing him. Kids these days where such adorable creatures. The man was possibly bluffing to keep the discussion balanced. After all as it stood Tsuyo had the advantage by the looks of the two dead men. Still he shrugged the thought away. There was no real need to go so far as to harass the boy. Still to be told that his goals likely pale in comparison made him snort out a burst of one brief laugh."Ha!" Before he shook his head and continued to smoke while the man gathered his belongings. Likely considering the vicinity of where he had met the man to the daimyo's mansion would indicate that it was impossible for his mission to pale in comparison as it was likely the same mission. Or at least in the same ballpark. After all Anbu were typically known more as assassins then rescuers. They where after all the bane of his existence. If the boy only know everything then likely he would of attacked Tsuyo on sight. Still Tsuyo tucked his cane under his armpit and continued to smoke until his suspicions just happened to be partially confirmed. And with one simple sentence. “Now to find out where the daimio is…" After there was a pause. The poor thing hadn't had a chance to survey the area. Still Tsuyo began to walk in the direction of the manor calling out to the boy.

"To save the little man I assume? After all if you wanted him dead then you could just leave him in their care. This way then Masked man. And don't fret. Mr. Kajiya knows the way. No more guards for us to worry over until we get there."

He even sounded jovial. Like it mattered very little to him to have an armed head hunter at his back. Still he moved with out making a sound through the forest. As he moved he whistled a pleasant tune to 'Mr.Sandman'. The classical version. Mr. Sandman give me a dream. Make her the sweetest that I've ever seen. He actually held the tune within the whistle rather well as he tossed the smoke into a small puddle. It was nearing the butt of it and he hated tasting filter. Still he moved forward with a happy feeling to his casual pace. It was paced though to keep them away until sunset. Finally they came to a clearing and Tsuyo untucked his cane from under his arm and used it to point out things as he spoke. He had already scouted out the area after all.

"Outside on the ground there are four combatants and if you watch the windows I have counted four more within. However based on their patrols they seem unaware of that tunnel down there. It's messy but that's your way in. If you think you can handle it. I myself am off to throw a party in the front yard. Free the young man and do be a dear and assist me when you can?"

He smiled and turned before jumping backwards. Sailing through the air he tipped his hat. The sun setting catching him like a shadow descending towards the yard. He was going to land in plain view of the yard with some impact in the midst of four well trained men and he was smiling. Still they would notice him well before he landed. As he focused his chakra down towards his fists it became visible. Like a thin outline of red all around him. Something slithering and touching his fists. A low growl erupted that resounded through the night. Tsuyo had arrived. His Goliaths fists activated as he crashed into the front yard. The impact sending out a wave of concussive force that bent the grass away from him. Rising from his crouch he turned and looked around at the four Jounin. Mist like steam came from his mouth as he breathed out hot breath into the cold air. Something was strange about this man. All the Jounin ranked men as strong as they where hesitated as they viewed him. He felt like a monster but surely four of them could handle him. All he had was that cane and the could easily cut through that and him right?

The four men inched forward trying to look for a weakness and Tsuyo began to chuckle. Before throwing his head back in laughter. It was almost unholy how he seemed to laugh at their presence. Once again he activated his armor and then he activated his movement jutsu. Once more there was a loud growl and a red outline this time more defined as almost a snake or dragon. It touched his feet and his feet burst forth violently with chakra. And then he moved at impossible speed of X rank. Now he was behind of the Jounin. A whisper in his ear.

"too slow sheep. It's time to party!"

And with that he brought the cane around and the cane shattered as it connected with the mans left temple but it was hard enough to send the man into a side ways spin. But Tsuyo loved efficiency. Why chance a survivor. Always double tap. So he brought his knee up and with resounding force it slammed into the mans chest and shot him up before Tsuyo spun and with Goliath's fist activated smashed a fist into the mans gut. Sending him flying back and slamming into the mansion crushing his bones and a portion of the wall. Oh yes. Now they where aware he was there. Three swords tried to stab him in the back at once and all three stopped at the coat. He turned to look at them with a grin into their horrified eyes.

"Wait your turn Sheep. The autumn wolf will come for each of you in time. Have patience."

He smiled as they all backed away quickly. None of them sure what kind of monster had entered into their lives. Aside from their master they had never felt so hopeless before a simple man.

2057/3500

Chakra 270/350:

The man's words dug into Kenji's being. He... was.. on the same mission. Well, he did want some help. THe ANBU turned around and listened to Kajiya. He knew the way, he had scouted the area, this must have been Kenji's lucky day. All the hard work was already done. He followed Kajiya at a deliberate pace. They wouldn't have to combat any more guards on their way, but what was awaiting them at the manor was different. Kenji looked down, as the man spoke. Alerting him of the four guards that he would take care of and the other four inside. Apparently the only way in was through a dirty water pipe, that was just large enough to fit him. Kenji groaned at the sight of the task. Kajiya asked the ANBU to assist him when he was done, and then flew off to the front yard to distract the guards who were already aware of his Kajiya's entrance.

Kenji adjusted his mask. He was ready, even though he was a fresh new ANBU op, he was still confident that he was competent. He slid down undetected as all the guards were preoccupied with Kajiya. His eyes scanned the grand building, he side stepped along the side of the building, steering clear of the windows, and then in a burst of speed he entered the water way. His boots protected him from the sloshing wet surface of the water pipe. It smelled of horrible, even with his mask on the stench was still overpowering. He continued on though, as the mission was too important to be deterred by a stench. Creeping forward into the pipe, remaining as quiet as possible, Kenji saw that the pipe forked, leading in two separate directions. Kenji could make no distinction between the two, so he took the right one.

Rats scurried along, at first Kenji just ignored though, but as he got closer to the end of the pipe they became more aggressive and started attacking him. Kenji simply sped forward at SS rank speed outrunning the rodents. He ran along while using the supernatural walking he limited the sound greatly. He was now at the end of the water pipe, it curled up leading to a latch. He heard chatter, "Haha! I can't believe we got the daimyo, Seven Bells is really a genius. Those pitiful shinobi don't stand a chance against us now! "

"It looks like I guessed right."

Kenji entered sage mode for an instant to determine how many people were above. He exited after determining that only two guards were up top. He busted through the latch and cut the men down before they had time to realize what was upon them. "Speed kills." Kenji turned and saw the dungeon. The giant bars reached 10 meters high. Several thinner bars ran horizontally leaving few openings. Kenji through one of the cracks could see the Daimyo. He exhaled, he turned back to the bodies, he patted them down for the key.

The key unlocked the gate, it opened slowly. There, on the ground with his legs crossed was the 12 year daimyo. "It's me again, here to save you sir." Kenji walked forward reluctantly as he reaked of damp rat water. His clothes were damp as well. It was extremely uncomfortable and made it furious, but on the bright side, he had likely saved the daimyo and possibly the village. At the very least this would once again increase their chances against the enemy. "Follow me sir."

Kenji and the daimyo dropped back down into the water pipe. But this time instead of trudging through, once they reached the fork, Kenji entered sage mode. Due to his uniform the transformation was mostly unoticeable. He released a massive burst of wind chakra from his katana. He grabbed the hand of the daimyo and propelled them to the exit in less than one second. They exploded out of the water pipe, sliding acorss the grass. After a deep breath he hurried to his feet and helped the daimyo up. They were off again. Kenji returned with the daimyo back to the position he and Kajiya were before. Kenji looked down and saw him engaged in battle. He came in time to witness the spectacular defensive capabilities of his suit once more. As three swords clashed with his coat only to the nullified completely.

Kenji drew his long bow as he opted to assist the mystery man that had saved his life and directed him to the daimyo's location. As he notched the arrow and drew it back, he spoke a sentence to the daimyo, "You have that overdressed man to think for your safety as well young daimyo." With that the arrow spat from his bow at 70 m/s piercing one of the guards' skull, just as that arrow collided another was fired, digging into the chest of the other. At this point, the sight of two fallen comrades would leave the third more than vulnerable to the obviously skilled surprise helper. He would let him finish the job. "Who is this guy? And why is he so fashionable?" Kenji shook his head as he was starting to lose focus. He was now inspired to buy a suit and tie, and fight with more style than his crappy village outfit and ANBU garb had to offer. He pouted behind his mask.

Kajiya finished the last guy. Kenji was unsure of what to do now. Why had this guy helped? Would they just part now. Kenji's end of the bargain was done, he suceeded in his task. But Kenji's curiosity was not yet quenched. He looked down at Kajiya and waited to see if he would rejoin him and the daimyo. Kenji didn't want to jump all the way down there with the daimyo. Kajiya knew their position, so it was up to him. Kenji wanted more information, but he was likely not to get it. He could take it by force, but he still had his integrity. He couldn't be so rude as to acost the man that had saved his and the daimyo's life. Of course not, if Kenji gathered no more information on the interesting gentleman, that would have to do and he would accept it.

It appeared that all the guards had been dealt with, but he was still alert and ready for anything.



Chakra: 260/320


WC: 2427/3500

Tsuyo moved back and forth in the song and dance that was a battle. He had grown used to the life and death struggle between two warriors. But here he was more then that. He was surrounded by trained men each a soldier in his own regard and highly specialized. But they could not match him. He was on a level far higher then these swords could touch. One would lunge forward to stab at Tsuyo's chest as he watched it he would calmly side step and place his hand on the back of the mans neck and throw him forward using the momentum of his lunge to send him sprawling. Another would slash for his left leg to which he would raise it like a simple step over the swing and bring his foot down on the mans wrist before flicking him in the nose hard enough to break it. The other two went to slash at either sides of his head from behind simultaneously. He simply ducked and let the blades sail over his hat before turning and slamming a palm into each of their stomach's and twisting his wrists to send them spinning back wards. He was toying with them like they where mere children. The whole time a smile on his face. He knew full well that the longer the fight went on the more likely he was actually to suffer a wound. But it was all so slow. It was like they where inching along after him. But that was fine. After all he was just holding their attention until he was maybe signaled in some way the daimyo had been rescued. After all being here for the fun of it was only part of the reason. Kirigakure needed help and he was going to ensure their survival if he had to do it alone.

Still the men stumbled to their feet nursing their bruises and bruised ego's. They had once been so sure of themselves. But now doubt filled their eyes. He wondered how they had managed to take down the Daimyo's guard so efficiently. Surely Kiri's samurai where more famed then this weak rabble. If only Tsuyo knew of the two monstrous puppeteers that where no longer here. But blissful ignorance made him feel immortal. So he gave the three men a chance to surround him again. Let them believe there was something they where capable of. After all why tear down a mans spirits entirely before they died? Still now they just circled him as if unsure how to proceed. It took only a moment though before suddenly he heard a soft whistle noise. It seemed to be getting louder which to him meant it was getting closer. And then with the whistle just ever so faint he identified it. The sound of something passing rapidly through the air. An arrow. Unsure if it was meant for him he prepared to spin entering into a stance with his hands held out either direction from in front and behind him. He would be prepared to enter into a spin. He hated archery. If you didn't know where the archer was then dodging the projectiles was always difficult. Still instead the whistle descended and he spotted the arrow. It was obvious the trajectory was not meant for him a moment before it slammed into one of the men surrounding him. Splitting his skull. The archer was obviously skilled. Before that first body had finished hitting the ground another of the three flew back with an arrow embedded in his chest. Well that was certainly as good a signal as any.

The third man seemed to be terrified now. He had more then one way of dying going through his head. Would he be broken by this man or would he take an arrow and fall like the other two? Still Tsuyo knew that it meant the party was over. But the ANBU had worked impossibly fast. He needed to find out how efficiently the boy had done his job. The answer came to him rather abruptly though as two of the windows above busted open. The glass descending to the ground as cold eyed where directed to the two shadows in the window. Ah so the fun was not yet over. Tsuyo smiled coldly as he felt his energy pulsing through him. He wanted to feel this naturally. The visual chakra on his body seemed to go out in an instant as he released all the jutsu. He stepped forward and suddenly there was dozens of Kunai flying down at him from the windows and the man on the ground. Reaching out Tsuyo calmly snatched the first two Kunai out of the air and began to serpentine through the rapid projectiles. Deflecting any Kunai with the Kunai in his hand with a subtle gesture. His steps taking him ever closer to the man on the ground. Nothing they could do seemed to match his speed. And then he was right in front of the man on the ground. The distance crossed in an instant. The spot he had been standing in had a burst of dust in his absence. He looked down at the man as the man opened his mouth. A scream echoed out as the sun finished setting over the mansion and darkness descended. Truth be told Tsuyo had been waiting for that moment to make a very dramatic kill. Plunging both Kunai into the mans heart.

Still the Kunai continued to rain down now that the men in the windows where scared. They seemed to be using the daimyo's arsenal in a panic. But now Tsuyo had a meat shield. He ducked behind the body as the arsenal slammed into the dead flesh. Letting the body slouch over his shoulders Tsuyo bent at the knee's. Before launching into the air. High he rose as he spun with the body yanking the two Kunai out of the pincushion of a man he had killed as he planted his feet on the body and launched himself forward as if a surface to jump from mid air. The force of it sent the body crashing down into the ground leaving a small indent around where the body smashed down. Tsuyo went with equal speed straight through the window. Two screams echoed into the night as he disappeared inside. The first one died down in an instant. The other one screamed something about demons and then was silent as well. Panning back to the view from Tsuyo as he crashed through the open window the man screamed as A kunai pierced under his chin up into his brain. The other had screamed as well but he had found his tongue. "What Kind of Demon are you?!" Tsuyo rose from his crouch over the dead one and looking over to the last survivor. Bowing his head with his hat in his left hand and crossed over his heart. He spoke with a curved smile of the cruelest of looks.

"What Kind of Demon you say? Why I am the Autumn wolf. The demon come to collect the winters souls."

He smiled as he moved forward The Jounin, A seasoned warrior trembled before him and his lips moved in an attempt to breath. But his scream held no noise as he could no longer breath. Tsuyo already had a hand around his throat before the man could react. Desperately the man blew the highest level of kai he could. This had to be a genjutsu. There was no way this was happening. No mere man could be so terrifying. But his eyes grew in horror as he gasped for air. Nothing changed. It was real and he was dying. His eyes rolled back as he began to black out. He actually urinated himself before he died. The terror was enough to make an experienced warrior lose control of his bladder. Dropping the body to the side Tsuyo moved down the hall. And descended into the dungeon. There he found two dead mean and the rest of the Daimyo's warriors. A lot of them still alive. Silly ANBU. What good did the Daimyo do if not for his army? Still he couldn't blame the poor ANBU. He was likely following orders to the letter.

Still Tsuyo exited the front door with the Daimyo's men in tow. Most of them armed properly now. He had been informed they had been taken in an attack when they where still preparing to arm everyone. Still he guided them to the meeting point and spotted the young Daimyo and the Anbu waiting. He nodded to the Anbu and bowed to the Daimyo before speaking.

"Your glory even in capture astounds me young master. My name is Mr. Kajiya. An entrepreneur. Remember the name the blue rose when you think back on this moment if you please. In the meantime I would not be here if Kiri did not desperately need your help. Since they sent help to you. I hope you can return the favor and end this invasion in your own territory. Your mansion is cleared and the enemy thinks you captured. Your influence in the future battles will be the turning point."

3500+/3500 mission complete.

Kenji basically sat back and relaxed as the man known as Mr. Kajiya served the enemies. The ANBU had encountered Seven Bells’ men many times, and the best strategy was always to get the job done fast, not give them any momentum, and it seemed his… temporary associate felt a similar way. The two men were all business and had held up both ends of their bargain. Kenji couldn’t have asked for more. The kid daimio was now in the custody of his allies and away from the clutches of the sadistic Seven Bells for the time being.

The impression left on him by Kajiya was still lingering. He had discarded the enemy flawlessly, Kenji was convinced that he could have dowsed them all by himself, along with saving the daimyo and his men. It then came to Kenji that the only reason he was brought along was so that he could go through the stinky dirty and damp water pipes. He released a silent grumble from behind his mask. The shinobi managed to suppress his immatureness and remained professional.

Then, Kajiya and the daimyo’s men came into view. Kenji and the Daimyo were not waiting long. Most of the men that were led by Kajiya were armed heavily. A grin surfaced behind his porcelain mask, as he knew this would be a pivotal moment in the war, and would most likely catapult Kiri in the lead. As they finished their march forward, Kajiya bowed to the daimyo and spoke briefly and respectfully to the daimyo.

Of course, the most important thing about the series of events were that the daimyo and his followers were retrieved. But Kenji could not quite dismiss his earlier foolishness and rudeness towards the gentleman who shared his same goal along. Kenji placed his hand on the daimyo’s shoulder letting him know he’d be right back. Kenji walked forward a few meters to face Kajiya. He bowed slightly, “I would like to properly show my gratitude… I know your reasons for helping me were not for any concern for my well being, but I’m still glad you came to the conclusion to assist me, and more happy that you assisted the allied shin obi force.” Kenji reached his hand out to Mr. Kajiya. Kenji then turned around. “I’ll see you around. I must transport the daimyo to a more secure location. Take care of yourself.”
Kenji was proud of himself, deep down he felt it was unnecessary but at the same time he was compelled to say something. Once again, Kenji was very fortunate to run across the professionally dressed shinobi, as without his assistance, Kenji would have to do all the heavy lifting, and that would have been troublesome.

The daimyo and his men were now under the direction of Kenji as he led them into friendly territory. They arrived to a place set aside just for the daimyo if he ever needed to be moved to kiri. Behind the city of Kirigakure, that due to the unity and determination of the alliance was still standing, they approached a tower, which held another important dignitary at an earlier date, but had already been transported to another village. So the tower was the daimyo’s now. Shortly after Kenji situated the daimyo, higher officials came to replace him to express their honor and bring the young honorable daimyo up to speed. This was now a strategy party, discussing just how the daimyo would work with the shinobi alliance with his samurai force.

Kenji’s job was done. Another ANBU related war mission was under his belt. He knew becoming an ANBU meant a lot of responsibility but could he had picked a worst time. No more than two weeks after being promoted to ANBU did he find himself drawn to Kirigakure with opportunity to play a critical role in the war… among other things. Honestly, he was starting to worry about Kumogakure, had they gone soft, he expected to have been confronted by now, he was prepared. Would he comply, likely not. Kenji was satisfied that he wasn’t doing anything wrong. Kenji of course understood that wasn’t the point. The point was he left without permission, giving them the impression of anything. But they would soon see that he was giving his all to protect this village, and find his acts noble and just.

Initially Kenji thought the fall of Kirigakure could endanger the safety of the neighboring shinobi villages. But as he has witnessed the actions of Seven Bells and his troops, it is becoming more clear that this some sort of personal vendetta. However, once someone of such immense strength gains Kirigakure, what would stop him from expanding even if his original plans involved nothing of the sort? It would matter no more. Kenji was an accomplished and well to do ninja himself, and he continue to aid Kirigakure any way he could… but still keeping self preservation in mind. If push cam to shove, he would opt to fight another day if the odds stacked too heavily against him.

Back at his apartment, after traveling through the ANBU secret passageway and dumping his garb in a bag, once in his room he threw it in his closet. The shinobi, other than his skirmish early on, didn’t even break a sweat. He switched to his basic kumo gear, sitting on the edge of his bed and cleared his head, awaiting the next assignment. As he waited though, he would grab a book that he had laying on the blanket. He scooted back to the wall and opened the novel, “Aching”, a romance novel. This would Kenji’s fourth time reading the book. He dubbed it a classic. The riveting story had helped Kenji through many tough times. Either by giving him a different perspective or by simply taking his mind off of something that currently took up too much of his time, and anytime Kenji was submersed in something he would lose his ability to think clearly, so to optimize his performance he needed to step back and reflect. And “Aching” always helped him with that.

The quiet storm of battle blazed. Only an hour passed before Kenji was satisfied with his “me” time. He exited his quarters and set out to assist in any way he could. Be it back up on one of the battlefields or something more menial.



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