Hunting the mysterious group

Sitting in his office, the Tsuchikage looked over the team infront of him, eyeing over each one. A book was laid down in one hand, and a pile of papers on the other. Dark rings were under his eyes.

"Nobushige Toyotomi, Shirayuri Heirana, Mayumi Uchiha. All of you have rather interesting histories, I must admit. But that aside, we've got a problem, and you 3 are the best to solve it, reguardless of whatever your past says. I hear tell of a group of missing nin, and other unliked individuals of rather high calibur gathering together. So far, we've heard of them calling themselves, the Omoitsuku-za. It's one I don't like, so I'd like for it to not exist. It's made me lose alot of sleep. I'm afraid they might disrupt things as they are. The whole village system is new, and rather uneasy.

A little birdie tells me that a member is found in the Land of Waterfall, near the north end. Appearantly messing with the city there. I'd prefer her here... in chains...Alive."

He eyed Nobushige as he made that last clarification, before sighing, and slumping his head into his hands, trying to stay awake.

"The name's Kiyome Kanagata. She's a former Cloud Nin. You know how I feel about Cloud nin. Militarized country if there was one. If we capture her, there's alot of information I'd like. Of the spoils of war, information is the most valuable. I don't like to not be in the know. Either way. You three are to capture her, and get as much information out of her as you can. Make her sing."

Shaking his head, Kobuto made his way from behind his desk, still holding the book with his hand.

"Now, any questions? If so, that's too bad. That is as much information as I have. Miss Heirana is the team leader of this mission. Whatever your histories are, you are all ninja of the stone, and that's all that matters. Don't let us fall behind, and don't let this group go unchecked."

---

Listening intently as the Tsuchikage briefed them on what details he had in regards to their mark, the kunoichi stowed the information away, picking it apart as best she could as she let the man finish. It was an interesting feeling being in the man's presence, he was simultaneously emitting an air of weakness and an sense of power. It wasn't traditional power, she knew. No, Kobuto was something of a trickster, and every bit a strategist and tactician. In his own way he was a force to be reckoned with.

She admired him.

"Yes sir, we'll work with what we have. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to brief us," her tone was respectful, though serious. She glanced to her teammates, "I'll keep things together," she stated simply, turning her head back to the man, though not to see him. It was a gesture of respect more than anything else. It wasn't as if she could see anyways, and it wasn't because of the mask covering her eyes either.

Bowing her head to the man for a brief moment to show her respect, Shirayuri then turned around, her head aiming at her teammates a moment before she passed them and left the room. It was her way of saying follow. The two would be quite used to her curt nature by now, so they'd likely take no offense.

As she walked she rolled over what they knew. Their mark was a former shinobi of Kumogakure, and clearly had the surname of a rather prestigious clan from around that area. The Kanagata, masters of lightning and magnetism. They surely had one of the most versatile kekkei genkai in their country. She hadn't fought one of their kin before, it would prove...interesting, though likely more troublesome than anything else. "Nobushige," she said, getting the man's attention before she spoke, "Tracking, scouting the area. That's you. Strike from the shadows if possible, understood?" She turned her head towards him as if she were looking at him, it was a formality. She couldn't see him with her eyes. She knew he was there through his chakra and the mask that covered her eyes and ears. The device took utterly minuscule amounts of chakra from her, mostly to activate the chakra that was stored in it. This chakra was then converted into sound waves of varied frequency by seals and the object's mechanisms at which point they were released. She could release them in to a localized area, outwards in a sphere, or in a expanding cylinder around her.

It was more than just an asset, it was almost an advantage.

She waited for Nobushige to respond before turning her head slightly to appear as if she were regarding Mayumi. "Mayumi, once we've located her base of operations, I want you to give us as much intel as your sharingan will allow before we go into this, understood? We'll decide additional roles after that point." While most of what she said were delivered as statements or rhetorical questions, there was the unsaid option of adding to her plans, giving constructive criticism essentially. She was not so hard headed as to ignore good ideas or advice.

That would have been a fatal mistake on her part, and she did her best to avoid such missteps. It was her way. It had been for a long time and it would continue to be likely till the day she died. That was of course, if there was no reason to change.

Being one of the newer jounin in the village Mayumi hadn't been given the chance to lead a team of her own yet and was expecting this to be her first time in charge as a jounin when she had been told to go to the tsuchikage's office. Sadly this did not come to pass though. Instead she would be under Shirayuri, a woman whom Mayumi had grown to admire. It was so hard for her to imagine someone without sight to be so talented, especially when compared to the visual prowess of her bloodline. Some would say that she doesn't belong in the field, considering she was taken as a child, but Iwagakure is where she was raised, it was her home. She was raised by a family in the village, she was trained by the nin of Iwagakure. For all intents and purposes this was her home, and her true family.

The tsuchikage's briefing had been short and sweet as always and it was time for them to get this mission going. Shirayuri had given Nobushige and Mayumi their assignments, of course they were suited for their individual talents and abilities. As per the usual Mayumi just smirked and nodded before looking at the tsuchikage one last time and turning to leave along with Shirayuri. Once more she had a chance to prove herself, and that's exactly what she would do. Her ultimate goal of course had always been to become part of Iwagakure's Anbu, but as of yet that had not come to pass. She was of course still rising in rank and ability so it's only natural that it would take some time.

As for the mission itself the information had been a bit vague. They didn't seem to have as much intel as Mayumi had would have liked, but of course that was part of the way things worked in the world. On top of that it was probably for the best, after all her talents were in quick improvisation and strategies. Shirayuri of course knew this already, and would most likely take advantage of her abilities. For someone without sight though Shirayuri was definitely a talented kunoichi and an inspiration to the village. Of course Mayumi had also begun to make a name for herself as of late.

Nobushige left the Tsuchikage's room, in much the same manner he'd entered. His eyes darted around, barely paying attention.. The only real reaction he'd had to the talk was looking disappointed at the 'alive' portion of the Tsuchikage's orders.

"A new mission... that'll kill the boredom."

He looked at Mayumi, and then Shirayuri for the first time as he exited. As Shirayuri talked, Nobushige stared intently at her mask, where her eyes were suppose to be as she gave orders.

"Can do, that's what they pay me the big bucks for. I just hope this mission is worth my time. Taking targets alive makes it so much harder. At least our targets a former Cloud nin, that makes this fun. Can't wait to catch this one."

Nobushige fit that category himself, former cloud nin who was adopted into the Stone. There was nothing he hated more than Cloud ninja however.

"So... The Tsuchikage said he didn't want this Kiyome dead. I wonder why a homeless bunch of ninjas even catch his attention. Not like they've done anything. Already read his secret files, not much has happened. The other villages are still looking for power, and we're hunting a bunch of other villages problems?"

He finally looked away from the mask, and tossed a kunai up in the air, and caught it reflexively.

"By the way, Uchiha, if we're doing introduction, I'm Nobushige, I kill people, don't like fighting though. Fighting gets you scars. I also been told I look like a lot of people. About covers it."

The second part was confusing as covered in bandages as he was, Nobushige didn't look like anybody.

---

Nodding at Nobushige's responses, a smile very briefly touching her lips at his complaint, Shirayuri continued on. While she wasn't looking forwards to the travel, as it wasn't as if she could enjoy the scenery, she was looking forwards to testing herself against a formidable opponent.

It was going to be an interesting mission, in its own way. Nonetheless, she'd make sure to stay on top of her game, and keep track of her teammates.

The trio would exit the Tsuchikage's abode, entering the village, heading off to gather any needed supplies before departing from Iwagakure and heading east towards Takigakure. The trip would take roughly 5 hours, running. They'd take it a bit easy though, resting every hour and a half, eating, before continuing on. By the time they arrived it would be midday, the sun already high overhead.

With Shirayuri coming to a stop and motioning for the other two to do the same, the team found themselves near the edge of a cliff. To their left was one of the many rock plain rivers, and before them, roaring as the water tumbled off a cliff, was a waterfall. Just beyond that was Takigakure, The Village hidden in the Waterfall. An apt name, she thought. The settlement was small and had very few in the way of shinobi so they'd hardly need to deal with many people. It was a matter of informing the village leader that they had come in regards to ending the tyranny of the nearby Kanagata.

She glanced to Nobushige, her tone serious when she spoke, "Go, find her base. Survey its surroundings, but by the sage do not make your presence known. We want to take them by surprise. Mayumi and I will head into town, survey the lay of the land and notify the village's leader as to why we're here. Best not to startle or upset the locals. We're only recently getting into a state of peace, everyone's still on edge." She turned towards Mayumi and nodded her head, gesturing for the Uchiha to follow, before she promptly stepped over the side of the cliff, using the tree climbing technique, to latch onto the side and run down it. She could've jumped, but she didn't want to risk timing the maneuver incorrectly.

When she reached the bottom she would simply begin to walk towards the village, her gait casual and relaxed: non-threatening.

She didn't want to disturb the peace, at least not until absolutely necessary--if at all.

Things were always a delicate balance, she thought.

---

---

Her third teammate had actually attempted to make a humorous comment before they had left the Tsuchikage's office, but sadly for the man Mayumi was not one to care about people she hardly knew. To vaguely acknowledge his existence Mayumi had simple turned her head towards the man and tilted her head up a bit and not even giving a full verbal response "Mhmm..." It's not like she means to come off as a rude person, she just finds no reason to truly acknoweledge the man. The only credibility he seemed to have was the fact that the Tsuchikage put him on this team.

Along the way, on the lovely five hour trip or so, Mayumi had taken in the scenery. THe lush trees, the beautiful skies, the birds, the animals, all of it. It was quite breathtaking to say the least. They only had to take a few breaks here and there so that they wouldn't be too tired once they got to their destination and Mayumi had made sure she had a wonderful snack for the trip. She had brought along some sweet rolls to enjoy when they rested, but as for a drink she was quite content with water, seeing as it was her favorite thing to drink. Then they had made it.

The village hidden in the waterfall lay beneath them in the valley. Shirayuri gave her orders and so it would be. Mayumi jumped down rock by rock not bothering to use her chakra at such a time. It was mre fun to jump rock my rock anyway. And so the pair headed to speak with the village leader, a simple task, and depending on who it was she could always use her sharingans genjutsu to convince them to sanction the teams visit, depending on who it was though.

Nobushige rolled his eyes as his teammate showed less interest than he had.

"Tch. Oh well. Got plenty of other people I can talk to."

As they continued through the journey, Nobushige eyes darted about as they went. He was taking in everything, yet not interested in any of it. It was an awkward trip, not much different than his normal solo missions.

"And they say the Tsuchikage is sane..."

He muttered to himself as they neared the Hidden Waterfall Village.

Shirayuri then gave him his orders. Nobushige hands quickly and enthusiastically started weaving handsigns as soon as he heard his orders.

Clone Techniques: Earth Release: Drops of Amenonuhoko

After several dozen handsigns, earth started to gather around 6 points, before forming clones. This was Nobushige's specialties, clones that left bodies, clones that bleed. They wouldn't last long, a day at most, and doctors would be able to tell the difference easily before their fake flesh and real flesh, but for everyone else, it tended to be good enough. All the clones had the same face, presumably what Nobushige looked like under his bandages, but each was dressed differently. 2 like farmers, 1 like a homeless alchoholic, one like a hunter, and the last 2 like merchants.

"Just don't be disappointed if I do all the work."

Nobushige and his small group of clones scattered with a frightening enthusiasm.

---

Heading into town with Mayumi alongside her, Shirayuri was sending off periodic vibrations, in order to locate the individual who got the most foot traffic. Someone who had the most wealthy looking residence. Eventually she found what she was seeking, and made a beeline for the building.

With her outlandish looking mask and the symbol of Iwagakure on it, she was garnering some attention from the locals. They appeared to be noticing Mayumi as well. Some of the villagers weren't noticing the duo because they were shinobi though...some of them were just leering. She ignored the latter of the two, but smiled at the others, her expression relaxed and friendly.

Reaching a house near the middle of the village, one which was slightly larger than the others--possessing two stories and a wider frame in addition to a backyard, which lacked a garden--Shirayuri knocked on the door three times, then waited, wearing the same smile. After a few moments the door opened to reveal a small blonde haired child no older than nine. She aimed her head down at the girl, lowering her self so she was crouching, her hands on her knees so she was at eye level with the little girl. "Are your parents home, dear?" She asked with a measure of sweetness, despite knowing they were already--one of the benefits of some vibrations traveling through surfaces, and sound entering through nooks and crannies.

The girl took a step back from Shirayuri, but nodded, before she saw the symbol on the woman's mask at which point her eyes lit up with surprise and awe. Shirayuri giggle slightly as the girl tried to talk, but only a small squeal of delight was all that came out. "We'll wait, you can go get them," she said, doing her best to urge the girl on, they were here on business, even if she would have greatly enjoyed entertaining the child.

The girl nodded enthusiastically then ran off into the house, calling for her father. Only a minute later the man came into sight, his brown hair and beard well groomed, with slight tinges of gray where age was showing through. The man was short, she noticed, but he was well built, which she found odd due to his position. "Thank you," she said to the girl, who beamed in response before backing up to give them some space. Shirayuri rose to her full height and looked in the man's direction before she spoke, "Greetings sir, I gather you're the chief of this village."

The man nodded, smiling slightly, "Yes and who might you two be if I may inquire? I don't recall sending for aide from Iwagakure," the man crossed his arms as he said it--his expression not matching his annoyed body language in the least. Shirayuri would have winced if she wasn't used to dealing with this sort of thing, "Our venerable Tsuchikage caught word of what's been going on here, the woman who's so near his borders and harassing good folk such as yourselves." Her smile never faltered, though it did soften, her eyes telling a more serious tale. "He sent us as a preemptive measure. To capture the woman and relieve your capable shinobi of the burden so everyone can return to their lives, and this new found peace." The man raised an eyebrow, shifting his weight slightly. Near the end he began tapping his foot quietly against the dirt. "We didn't ask for the venerable kage's assistance," he said, as if stating it again would make them flee. Why was he so agitated? Perhaps needing assistance was a hit to his pride?

"I'm sorry sir, we're just following orders. I didn't mean to imply that your people couldn't handle this themselves. We're just here to lend a helping hand and take back the offender once she's defeated. For intel, she's not the only individual to attack a settlement in the last few months it seems." Had she not been wearing her mask, the man might have seen her brow crease in worry. What he would see is her lips settle into something closer to a frown.

After a long, tense, silence, the man let his arms fall to his sides and nodded, sighing, his eyes hard. "Very well, I'll have my men lead you to her base, but I'm warning you, overstep your bounds and it won't be pretty. Oh, and any metal you've got on you...I'd abandon it, they'll never hit her." Shirayuri glanced at Mayumi, then back at the man, her expression now clearly a frown. "Very well, I take it your men can brief us in regards to what they've gathered about her abilities?"

The man shook his head, having already turned away. He glanced back at them, "She only came out once, most of the survivors have brain damage...or are in terminal condition. Got a healer with you by any chance?" She shook her head, "Pity," he said in response, then closed the door behind him. Shirayuri was left with an ominous feeling and a lingering disappointment. She wished people could be more reasonable.

Taking in a deep breath and then letting it out, she turned away from the chief's house and began walking. They were soon joined by a small contingent of shinobi, roughly eight of them in leather armor, most wielding wooden weapons, if any at all. She decided she'd keep her yari in their seals unless she saw an opportune moment.

Hopefully Nobushige would meet them on the way there, granted...with the additional shinobi it was likely that they'd lose the element of surprise. Unfortunate.

They'd just arrived and things really weren't going to well.

---

Elsewhere

As Nobushige's group of clones neared their target's rather conspicuous base of operations, several groups of individuals would begin to come into view. There were nine or ten groups, each with three people in them. As he got closer he'd note the metal protrusions and odd indents in flesh. He'd also note what was floating behind them roughly 20 meters in the air: A small island of stone, a jet black dome barely visible over the lip. Metal rods could be seen in both the surroundings, only an inch or two sticking from the ground. Corresponding metal rods were arranged all over the floating base, most sticking out of the bottom of edges of it. Every so often electricity arced between poles. There was a feeling of static in the air.

With the approach of Nobushige's clones, each in their own garb, the groups began to turn, noticing the intruders. Some of them yelled for them to scram, while others began to point and laugh. There were a few who just watched, remaining dead silent--not many of them, only 4 in total. Those four appeared to have less obvious, or drastic physical augmentations than the others, but they were also surrounded by what appeared to be an aura of static. The others had it too, but it was hardly as prominent. Some didn't have it at all, though electricity would sometimes spark off of them and strike the ground.

It was an odd thing indeed. Then again, Nobushige had likely seen some strange things in his time.

Very strange things. Perhaps it would prove interesting for him.

Perhaps.

---

Walking around the village was a bit dull. The villagers were more content just standing back and starring at the pair from Iwagakure rather than offer assistance to their search. It was rather annoying but luckily Mayumi and Shirayuri managed to find their destination. It was a rather nice house actually, considering where they were. Not nearly as impressive as some of the houses they had back in Iwagakure, but decent enough. As for arriving at the house a little girl decided to answer the door, but seriously? What important person has their daughter who's probably barely seven or so answer the door? Clearly this place was too relaxed, and not very militarized. Shirayuri offering the man kind words about their own troops was an absolute joke to the young Mayumi.

Honestly if Shirayuri would have just stood aside there would have been no need for these worthless politics with the use of Mayumi's sharingan, but if Shirayuri really wanted to deal with the old man then so be it. Clearly she succeeded, though the man was hardly useful other than offering them a loss of stealth. Perhaps it would be wise to kill off the Waterfall nin when no one would notice and before they got to the target, though this option wasn't a real option. While Mayumi highly respected Shirayuri, she did find her to be a bit soft, and that included this mission so far, though when it came time to deal with the true enemy Mayumi knew that Shirayuri wouldn't have any problems at all.

---

Nobushige approached the compounds with two clones, one a drunk, one merchant. The real one hang back in the trees, looking for a chance to sneak in.

The merchant grabbed the drunk.

"Come on sir, I think this is the wrong place. Turn around now!"

The drunk grabbed a bottle and swung it haphazardously, stumbling along.

"I know this is the place. You guys sold me a bad cart! It was hear I swear! YOU DAMN SWINE. The wheel broke-hiccup- and my horse broke her leg."

Merchant pulled back the drunk.

"Sorry guys, this has to be weird, I picked up this drunk on my way out of Takigakure! I'll just bring him with me, and everything'll be fine. Sorry again!"

The drunk started crying.

"My horse! Arab! Why did you have to go! Why!!?"

The drunk threw his bottle to the ground, it shattered, before staggering towards the guards.

"Which 'one 'of ya was it!?"

The merchant threw his hands up panicking at the situation.

One of the guards walked up to them. He had a number of rods between the silent 4 and the ones pointing and laughing.

"The hell? Scram you damn drunk."

Kicking him over, he looked at his merchant friend.

"You don't take him, we will. And we're not too nice. Of course she's alot less nice than we are."

With the approach of the merchant and his drunk friend, the men and women gradually became more tense, some shifting their weight or fidgeting with a sort of nervous excitement, or just excitement in general. Behind them the black dome, known as the Raikō Engai, or Lightning Dome, floated--lightning and electricity sparking from it every so often. There was no sign of movement aside from the discharges of electricity.

The four individuals suddenly raised a hand to their ears before glancing at one another and starting for one another. They were gathering together into their own little group, while some of the others taunted, insulted, and threatened the merchant and the drunk.

There were a few others, roughly 8 of them, who seemed amused, or displeased, by the antics of their allies. Nonetheless, these and the 4 individuals didn't act. However, there was nonetheless great tension in the air.

---

The drunk became riled up, and rose up swearing at the guards before the merchant jumped behind him restraining him.

"Enough, you bloody drunk. Don't get yourself, and me killed!"

The drunk wrestled him before coming to a realization.

"Wait.... where we at? This ain't home..."

The merchant sighed heavily, loosening his grip.

"Sobering up finally?"

"Yeah, what 'bout it? who are you?"

"I'm.... you know what, never mind. Come with me and I"ll take you home." He turned to the guards. "Sorry! Sorry! I got this now."

Slowly the two Nobushiges left, without having done anything. Leaving a great scene of why they were even there.

The guard who had kicked the drunk spat at the ground, and made his way back to his post.

"Damn drunk."

_____________

The two clones of Nobushige made there way towards the Hidden Waterfall Village, looking for Heirana or Uchiha. They split up in their search.

On the way back, the drunk playing Nobushige noticed a crowd of about 10 ninja. They looked ridiculous with the wooden weapon. He noted not to count on this village if needed. He approached the group, holding his hand up as he walked.

"I'm with the Hidden Stone. Looking for Shirayuri Heirana and Mayumi Uchiha... Ah, there they are."

He joined by the side of them.

"Since when did you two join a pride parade? I'm back with a report. Infiltrated the base, the real body is still there. Other 4 are still around the woods, and last one's still looking for you two. Do you have any orders you'd like me to give the real one? I can disperse and give him them.

As for the base, it's rather freaky looking filled with black rods, and lots of electricity. It's floating 20 meters in the air. Oh, and she's got lots of friends, I ran into a good dozen of them. I'd hate doing this mission alone. Their boss wasn't out in the open."

Nobushige hadn't recieved the order about metal weapons, and the Nobushige started playing with a metal kunai again, tossing it up and catching it out the air repeatedly.

He addressed Mayumi.

"By the way, Uchiha, looks like you've got your work cut out for you. I have no idea what any of these rods are, or what has chakra, and what doesn't, or if there's any hidden path up to the main base."

---

Sighing heavily as they walked, Mayumi thought about what she might want to eat when they finished up with this place. Seriously though. How could a place located in such a nice area be so rag tag and pathetic? They didn't even have a realistic military force, and she prayed to the sage that those weapons were only because of the current situation or else it was even worse than she had originally feared for these people. Then it appeared. There overly theatrical, as it would seem, teammate. To this Mayumi almost prayed that the enemy would see through this and be prepared. In all fairness though this was the first encounter she'd had with her teammate's unique way of doing things, and before this instant had only rumors to go off of.

Admittedly Mayumi just straight forward hated her new teammate, she wasn't sure why either. Perhaps he just came off as fake? Or maybe he was just too non serious? Mayumi couldn't figure it out, but she did know she strongly disliked the man for some reason. In any event she was stuck with him for now and would just have to endure. "Apparently, according to these fine shinobi, we shouldn't use any form of metal weaponry..." She nodded at the wonderful companions she and Shirayuri had picked up. "Also Nobushige...I find it insulting that you believe this would be a challenge for me...If it was going too difficult I wouldn't have been assigned to this team..." Of course this was a bit of venting at the man, mostly because she almost felt looked down on for her age or something, but deep down she knew the man probably meant no offense. Again there was just something about him that she just couldn't stand about Nobushige.

Mayumi then turned to Shirayuri she would've given her a look to show how she felt but refrained seeing as it would have been pointless, so instead just smiled for the sake of everyone around her. "Well Shiyuri...Looks like our fully capable teammate could use a little back up. Shall we ditch the entourage and get there faster to support him?" Honestly she was also sick of these waterfall tools and wanted to get to the real task at hand instead of trying to be all friendly. They no longer required their assistance anymore after all.

Counting their troops, the four elites who had gathered together glanced back and forth between one another, exchanging signals rather than words. It wasn't sign language, but it wasn't vocally or physically expressed communication either. It was unlikely that anyone else would be able to even detect it was occurring as all of their communication was being willingly transmitted via electrical or magnetic signals, modulations, and frequencies. They began sending signals to the other groups, but none of them physically responded, instead shifting or patrolling as normal. One individual didn't receive the signals, but his fellows gestured for him to follow them on a patrol.

That was before some particularly powerful frequencies hit them and they faltered. They glanced up at the Raikō Engai, then joined hands, a field of magnetism surrounding the group, including the infiltrating Nobushige clone. The two individuals, and Nobushige, would lift from the ground and then practically slingshot towards the floating rock mounted black dome. The movement would be slightly disorienting for a moment and then they all got their bearings and landed. The duo, likely accompanied by Nobushige, began walking straight towards the dome.

None of them seemed aware of the intruder in their midst.

---

---

Walking within the small contingent and lost in her analysis of their resources and enemy, Shirayuri realized something they could use. She kept it to herself till Nobushige arrived, issuing a response from Mayumi, who seemed more than a little annoyed. Before things could get further off topic and the team's cohesion decrease, she spoke, "Good, you're here Nobushige. Thank you for the intel," she glanced at the man who seemed to be the leader of this contingent of shinobi, "Could you find Nobushige's other clone and get your squad metal weaponry?" The man frowned at her, raising an eyebrow, taking a step forwards as he opened his mouth to protest. Shirayuri cut him off, "Members of the Kanagata clan can't manipulate objects with chakra channeling through them without direct physical contact and increased effort. Your intel is not at fault, and neither are your men. No offense, but your village is small, you don't have the kind of information gathering capabilities we do. Plus...I've dealt with them before, learned a few tricks."

The man clamped his mouth shut, gritting his teeth, before relenting and rattling orders off to his men. They dispersed, heading for the village at a run while a group of three headed off to find Nobushige's other clone. Good, now we can focus, she thought before turning to her team. First she addressed Mayumi, "Drop the attitude," she said bluntly, her mouth a solid line, "We're not dealing with a normal shinobi. We're dealing with a rogue of one of the most prominent clans from Kumogakure. They tend to hunt down and kill their rogues. She's still alive, and she's not in hiding. This is a dangerous woman. Underestimate her and she'll kill you."

With that she turned to Nobushige, "I need you to start taking this seriously. Drop the game mentality. This is a mission and as much as I wish we could kick back and just enjoy the ride, well, this ride's rusty and if we lower our guard it'll go right off a cliff with us trapped inside. No excuses." She then took in a deep breath, letting it out after holding it for a few seconds. All the tension drained from her.

"Game plan. We need to get rid of her field advantage. If possible I want you two to deal with her soldiers. Don't think I'm misusing your talents either, trust me, they're not going to be pushovers. I'm going to work on removing those rods you mentioned Nobushige. They are almost certainly going to give her a field advantage otherwise. If we're lucky we do all that before she notices that we're disabling her safeguards and getting rid of her advantages, forces, and fallback plans. If we're lucky. If we aren't lucky, we'll get half way through doing two things and she'll show up and incinerate all of us with personalized lightning bolts. If we're really unlucky, she'll have a sadistic side and torture us for all we're worth, and then some before finally killing us or turning us into experiments that she can manipulate for her own ends. Hopefully it doesn't come to that." She aimed her head in the direction that Nobushige's clone had come from and then she took off. The mission had begun.

The drunk clone stopped grabbing the kunai out the air, putting it away, and the nonchalant attitude faded.

"I don't like fighting, but I always do get the job done. Granted, I would have preferred to take this Kiyome Kanagata hostage, slowly back out with a nice sharp piece of glass at her throat, and call it a day. But the mad Kage wants me to play nice with others, and you are incharge. I don't mess up at what I do, I always finish my orders! Kill people, that's where my skills are at their best! Uchiha, find what I said insulting, prove me wrong! Show me what you can do! I'll be in the base!"

With that, and before Shirayuri could reprimand him, he did a handsign, and dispersed his clone. However, 'disperse' would be closer to 'kill', as the clone suddenly seemed to have a heart attack, and toppled off, leaving over a body that was falling apart a little too fast.

---

The real Nobushige was a bit surprised at the guards taking him so willingly, though it was well hidden. He was wearing a mask, and wouldn't break it as long as he was in disguise. He played when it was freetime, but Nobushige took the job itself very seriously.

Still, something was wrong, very wrong. They had a communication he didn't know, or had very strict orders discussed beforehand. And him not knowing it was just fine? Sure, maybe he was a 'new recruit', or maybe the organization just sucked, but the incident sent off warning bells.He almost wished he had that sharingan girl, so that he could figure out what was going on. Then he got his clone's memories from it dispersing.

Scratch wanting that sharingan girl. I can't fall behind, now can I? Still, being fried by lightning, while kinky, isn't on my list of to do. Let's see. Two guards, backs turned to me. Can do. Metal weaponry's a no. That pride parade might not be the best ninja, but I figure they didn't just make that up. Man, this is a bitch. Most of my combat is throwing shuriken. Time to rely on my O-mikuji-Kyo to deal with this (Fortune Lot- Curse). Only got 10, I have to make this count. I'll wait til I have a better position.

Nobushige resisted the urge to sigh, and just followed stoic behind the guards, making no indication anything was out the normal. He knew something was. He had the feeling he knew where they were going though. Life was going to get interesting.

He was waiting for some cover to use some more clones to take his place. He thought wherever he was going was dangerous.

---

Frowning in protest, again not that Shirayuri would see, Mayumi grudgingly nodded. She knew that her attitude was a little sour towards everything right now and had known that Shirayuri's protest would be coming, and for once it didn't bother her only because she had acknowledged it before hand. It was time to get serious though, the mission was finally going to begin. With the Nobushige clone's rather pitiful exit it was time for them to go. Shirayuri headed off, and Mayumi followed.

As they journeyed the short distance Mayumi had one thing to say to Shirayuri. "Shiyuri, I won't let you down..." She said as she sped ahead of Shirayuri. It was her job to take on the men after all. As such upon arriving Mayumi had activated her Sharingan and began to analyze the entire field. There were twentie-eight enemies spread about, each with varying chakra levels. The structure itself was mildly impressive in size and appearance, with a loose chakra field ranging between it and the ground where rods seemed to be. Then to top it off were the sparks of electricity here and there. This definitely promised to be interesting, but her job were the enemies on the ground. 'Let's begin then...Katon...Gōka Mekkyaku' Mayumi performed the single hand seal and then everything would truly began as the expansive and destructive flames began to spew.

Walking ahead of Nobushige the two continued to communicate in silence. They had been informed as to whom they were dealing with in vague terms and had been instructed to bring the man in. While not required to utilize handseals and while they weren't members of the Kanagata clan, the shinobi were nonetheless capable of some of the clan's jutsu. This was largely due to the physical augmentations that their leader had applied to them. At times their bodies ached, but it was never too terrible, and the benefits outweighed the discomfort.

Turning a corner and walking past several outcropping on their path within the dome, they intentionally allowed the man chances to slip away. What Nobushige didn't know, though, was that it wouldn't matter.

---

Suddenly detecting heat signatures, and soon after, bio-electricity, the shinobi mobilized. However, they weren't fast enough as flames washed over eighteen of their men, engulfing them. Dust, smoke, and dirt were brought up by their enemy's maneuver, causing something of a smoke screen.

Taking advantage of the lowered visibility, and knowing the woman could detect them due to her uncanny aim, the others struck forth. The four elites each hovered high into the air and gazed down at the scene, analyzing how best to deal with the one, no, two individuals attempting a strike operation against their mistresses observatory.

Meanwhile, while the four elites fed sensory information back to their comrades via their communication technique, the other six shinobi strode forth, running towards the tree line. Three of them summoned several black rods and launched them forwards, the rods lengthening into 3 meter long poles before they struck the ground, piercing into it. Immediately the magnetic field expanded.

Two of the other three shinobi attempted to circumvent the Uchiha, heading for Shirayuri and sending of barrages of lightning from their location 6 meters to Mayumi's right. The remaining shinobi wreathed herself in lightning, drew a black rod and refined it, turning it into a thin almost ovular construct with sharp points on two ends. The black object was 2.5 meters from point to point and two feet across at its widest. Small spikes formed on the outer surface and static electricity gathered and then erupted forth around the construct. The air around it rapidly began heating up as it floated in alignment with the woman's left forearm. All the while she hadn't weaved any handseals, and neither had any of the others.

The flames had caught on the ground where they had struck, but weren't spreading due to the sparse vegetation. There was still enough smoke and fire that you couldn't see any corpses.

---

---

Nodding at Mayumi's words, Shirayuri summoned both her weapons to her, each yari appearing in its respective hand. Taking in a deep breath she began sending off much stronger vibrations of chakra, slightly disrupting the path of any electricity within two meters of her person.

Channeling chakra into one of her yari in an intentional manner, rather than a passive one, she let herself slide, bracing her body, and cocking her arm back in one smooth motion, before launching the weapon into the air like a javelin.

It flew forth and pierced the ground two meters in front of Mayumi and the moment it did so 12 spires of earth shot up from the ground at her right, blocking all of the lightning bolts rather neatly. The electricity was thus grounded, sent straight into the ground where it was diffused. Shirayuri's chakra poured out of the yari and into the ground, creating a well of itself, which moved into a circle and extended small tendrils to connect to Mayumi. As such it was bound to her, allowing Mayumi to move, and the circle of chakra in the ground to follow her movements to stay in position.

The kunoichi then shifted her attention, having already pushed off into a run once more. She headed for the nearest rod, one of the ones that had newly been erected. It was 6 meters from her, but she'd cover that ground rather quickly. They had to disable them, whatever they did. When she got the chance she'd ask Mayumi, but for the moment they both needed to focus.

Land of the Rising Sun, Kyokujitsugakure - Formerly the Land of Fire

---

Despite her status, Ayameko, Shodai Sankage, was out in the wheat fields with her people, far outside the walls of 'her' city. The warm sun beat down on her, and despite her age, she moved as quickly as those over half her age. Ayameko's broad strokes with the scythe she had chosen were clinical - to be expected of someone who had spent all of her life in the medical field. The cuts were clean, uniform, and disturbingly prefect. The village's children assisted by pulling the cut wheat together and binding it before it would be moved to be turned into whatever the village needed.

It was quite ironic that the young girl from the Land of Rivers was now leading an entire nation, working in a field in a land that was not her birthplace. It had been an issue with some of the Elders at first, before they were ousted by the people when Ayameko called for elections. The people were more than eager to have their say on who spoke for them. Before they had been appointed by the person selected to lead the village, ironically selected by the council itself. The insular nation of the system had been all to easy for her to dismantle with simple words.

It was due to Ayameko that their territory had grown. The Land of Rivers, once her home, had joined the Land of Fire, Land of Tea, and Land of Iron to create an entirely new nation. She had been discussing with the other smaller nations around about joining with them to form an even stronger nation. The talks were going well, most realizing the potential prosperity many of these smaller lands could be a significant part. Ayameko stressed the ability for each of them to bring something unique to the table and a system that allowed them to maintain much of their autonomy on many matters.

The midday sun signaled it was time for her to be done for the day. There was still more wheat to harvest, but Ayameko's duties were more than just harvesting wheat. She would expect the typical admonishment from Shiō.

---

Back in the village, Ayameko quickly changed into clean clothes and headed into her office and, as expected, Shiō was waiting for her with a look that told her that she was not happy the Sankage had spent the entire morning harvesting crops.

"Ayameko," Shiō began, "We've discussed this at length. You are leading a nation and you cannot be out in the fields harvesting crops. You have other demands on your time."

Ayameko dismissed the complaint with a wave, "I would be more concerned if you were less competent. We both know that the village doesn't require my constant supervision."

Shiō sighed in response, shaking her head, "At any rate, we should begin preparations for you to head out to the Land of Waterfalls for continued negotiations. Given the progress we've made with our own internal affairs, I believe we have a much more convincing case."

Ayameko nodded in agreement. The village leader of the Land of Waterfalls had been one of her more challenging negotiations. Ayameko could tell he was impressed, but concerned about losing their identity as a people despite Ayameko's assurance that would not be the case. She also knew that part of it was the game, and another part was a show for his people to show that he could 'resist' the pressures of the larger nation. He was a reasonable man and Ayameko was confident, with time, he would join their nation.

---

Smirking at her work knowing she'd caused some casualties Mayumi threw a few kunai into the surrounding trees. These kunai had paper bombs set on proximity fuses to kill off more of her victims as they approached her. After she had finished this Shirayuri's blade landed near her and rock spires sprung from the earth granting Mayumi more time to do stuff, but at this time all it did was give her breathing room. As such Mayumi used her Sharingan to obswerve the chakra flames she'd created as Shirayuri's chakra ring formed around her, a familiar sight indeed. As she observed the flames of her own creation though, she couldn't help but notice the beauty in their dance.

Admittedly though Mayumi had become slightly curious about the rods, but she also noticed the expanse of the chakra field when the new rods were introduced. No wonder Shirayuri had made it her personal mission to get rid of them. Mayumi then turned and began to leave the target zone to draw them into the trap, and away from their home base to separate them and make sure to keep them out of Shirayuri's way. Of course she could see the ones that had gone above where she striked with her surprise attack, but she would come back to deal with them as soon as she dealt with the rabble that decided they thought they could deal with her.

---

Ten years since it happened

Amid the high winds and rapidly falling snow laying drops of white upon a burnt and decayed village-like settlement that contrasts the white with dark brown and coal black, two figures stand on the top of a foothill staring at it. One, hair as black as the midnight sky and another, hair as violet as an amethyst. The latter looked on with an empty despair. The wind shifted directions from against the two figures to behind them. The amethyst-colored hair flew over the man’s eyes. A simple hand stroke made his hair go back behind his ears, but it didn’t do much in the long run as the wind blew it back to where it was, so the man just did nothing. He simply looked on.

”It’s the same as it was last year -- empty, hollow, and a constant reminder of that night. Tanko said, his voice emotionless and distant.

Seisui looked out upon the ruined village, a small crease in his brow, his lips turned down slightly. Tanko was right, it really was an unpleasant reminder. That day had been the day when many of the people he cared for had simply been wiped from the world. He closed his eyes, but the smell of burnt and rotting wood became stronger, so he opened them again, turning them to the sky instead of the ruin before them. "We honor their memory, by coming," he said, his voice sounding calmer than he felt.

He turned away, "Perhaps one day you and your offspring might rebuild...if you choose to take that path." He gave the younger man a sidelong glance, guaging his reaction, before his eyes turned back to the sky, his mouth closed, the only sound the passing of the wind through their surroundings. It was too bad that such a beautiful day was the anniversary to the Kokaganken Masacre.

It was truly a sad thing, even to one such as he and especially to his nephew.

"Maybe, Tanko said, his head drifting away from the sight of his former home. He couldn't bare to look at what had become of it any longer. Tanko turned away completely, his body moving in the opposite direction of the burnt village, but he stopped about one foot behind Seisui I will return here after I find those responsible and make them pay," Tanko said as he simply started off in a calm-like walk. It was anything but that.

Seisui did not turn his head as Tanko spoke, and then turned and began his retreat from the place. He could read his nephew, he knew the boy well, like family even though they weren't actually related by blood. His eyes grazed over the ruined settlement and he shook his head, sighing lightly before he too turned from it, following his fellow swordsman, and in some ways, pupil. He noticed the tension in the boy's stride, even though he tried to give off a relaxed, or at least calm, air. Seisui knew what true calm was, he lived it, it was the very core to who he was, what he was. The Mayonaka clan had practiced the Shizukana-ryuu-ji no(_{静かな-龍-字の} 'Style of the Tranquil Path') for decades, no generations. They knew serenity, peace, and tranquility better than most ever would. For this reason it was effortless for him to pick up on Tanko's emotions by his body language. It was second nature.

"Revenge will not bring them back," Seisui said, his voice clear even with the swift breeze blowing through the tall grass, ruffling their hair and clothes, "...but you deserve the closure," he finished. There was a deep understanding in Seisui, and while Tanko may not have entirely understood his uncle, he would know it was genuine. If the boy lashed out, Seisui could handle it, it still happened even after all of their travels. He still felt the need to remind him that revenge was something for the living, rather than a homage to the dead.

He caught up to Tanko, walking alongside him for a long while before he spoke again, breaking the peace that was so unfitting to this sad, forgotten place. "Where now, Tanko?" He looked to the boy. He had long ago decided to let him lead, even if he might have been able to better do so. It was a learning experience for the boy. Perhaps it would help him feel in control of his life, or at least as if he were doing something. At least, he could hope it did. It might have only been a distraction, or it might have been Seisui's way of allowing Tanko to grieve. Regardless, it was needed...or that was what he thought at least.

Tankoishi didn’t respond immediately. He kept his silence for a single minute. His eyes were solely focused on the solemn road that was paved white with snow, but in his eyes, every single road that he and his Uncle Seisui traveled on were all paved with blood of the Kokaganken. It didn’t matter if the roads were soaked with rain from the sky or if they were green from the grass — in his eyes, Tanko only saw the blood of his brethren.
“I’ve been hearing whispers around about those responsible,” Tanko said, breaking the silence between him and his uncle, “these whispers supposedly place them in the Land of Wind. Supposedly, in Sunagakure,” Tanko informed Seisui.

"I see," Seisui replied, "That is a long journey from here, especially on foot. It will take quite some time." Despite his words he made no complaint or mention that their efforts would be fruitless if they arrived and the trail had gone cold, or worse, had never existed at all.

”I do not care.” Tanko retorted, “I’d go to the far reaches of the globe if it meant finding those who slaughtered my clan.”

Seisui did not respond, merely walking alongside his nephew. He hoped that one day Tanko would be freed of this, or perhaps that he himself could help the boy open his eyes again. He knew his nephew, since the massacre, had developed a sort of tunnel vision. In his world it was him, the enemy, and the path to them. There was nothing else, Tanko had no one aside from him, but Seisui wasn't sure how long he could continue to accompany the boy. He wasn't sure if it would be better for Tanko's enemy to appear before them and be ended, or for Tanko to never find him and have to work through the trauma and grief on his own.

Probably the latter. Aterall, revenge did not truly bring closure. "Very well," Seisui finally said, a minute having passed, "We will go to Sunagakure, but it would be best if we went to a nearby town and bought some mounts. It would be faster on horseback, and easier on us. If nothing else it will save our energy for the true encounter." He put his hand on Tanko's shoulder, whether the boy liked it or not. He gripped it so he couldn't simply shrug him off. One day, Seisui hoped he could broaden Tankoishi's tunnel vision so he could see the world again. So that he could see that there was hope, even if his past was drowned in blood. So he could see that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

Most of all he hoped that attempting to do so was not a false light at the end of the tunnel....
Not saying anything, Tankoishi simply gave his uncle a nod. The journey to Sunagakure was indeed a long one. Just going to Suna from even the beginning of the desert was a long one, so for two samurai to go from The Land of Iron to the Land of Wind was quite the journey. Most wouldn’t even make it out of the snowy lands of the Land of Iron or even past the grueling desert. They’d either have to be accustomed to the cold or hot lands of the snow and desert respectively or they’d have to be extremely stubborn and determined. Tanko fell into the latter category. His rage was enough to fuel any determination limit that was required of the mind.

As they marched on forward at a silent walk, Tanko and Seisui would eventually pace five-hundred times which would bring them to a decently-sized settlement. It looked very similar to that of the Kokaganken Ruins except it wasn’t burnt down. There were people walking about. There were probably about only ten people who were out and about. The rest either asleep as the sun’s position in the sky hinted towards late-evening or that there were fewer people than Tanko had guessed. The purple-haired samurai walked with his raven-haired companion, looking around for where the stables were. Eventually, they found it near the edges of the village. It was a small setup as there was a small area where the horses were kept and beside it a shed-like house. However, they weren’t the only ones there.
”Hand them over old man! Both of them!”

There were three individuals, though only one of them spoke. They all were close in appearance and build. They stood around six feet tall, a muscular tone was shown through their clothing. Their clothes were simply miner outfits. All of them had the same color hair of black and eyes yellow as the sun. Each of them smelled of coal and fire, most likely miners of sorts. And they each had a single katana-like weapon in their hands. They were harassing the staples owner, most likely wanting the horses.

“I can’t. These are my only two horses. If I don’t sell them, my kids won’t eat this week....” The stables owner said, explaining his situation to the thugs that were harassing him.

”I don’t think you understand,” One of the other two thugs stepped forward, “We aren’t asking. We’re demanding.” He said, raising up his sword, poising to strike.

Tanko gritted his teeth. If there was one thing he hated above everything else it was a bully. He viewed them as poor excuses for human beings. Just as quickly as it had unfolded before him, Tanko had rushed in, his katana unsheathed and blocking the thug’s strike. Shocked, the thug tried to push Tanko’s sword down or away from him, but he was clearly outclassed. Tanko’s skill reached further beyond anything what this simpleton’s abilities were.

A light frown on his features as they approached the scene, Seisui watched it unfold, but even before his nephew drew his blade, he had already slipped his own sheath from the sash at his waist Gripping the sheath just beneath where it met the hilt at which point the man strode forth. He was silent and his frown faded, becoming an expression of incredible calm. Tanko rushed forwards before Seisui had reached the thugs. He didn't flinch or make any sudden movements even as the second thug raised a club and slashed it through the air at the old man's head. The thug blinked and his club was suddenly in tatters, cut so cleanly and so many times that only its handle remained. Seisui hadn't closed the distance.

The thug's eyes widened as he stared at his hand, backing away even while his eyes fell on Seisui, darting between the swordsman and the man engaging his comrade.

Seisui smiled.

In that moment the thug recognized him and called out to his friend, "Let's get out of here man! That guy's the Tranquil Lotus. The other one's his nephew." At that the thug whose blade was quickly being pushed towards him, jumped back and away, causing Tanko's weapon to slide across his chest leaving a shallow gash. They both ran.

Seisui tied his weapon back into his sash, glancing to Tanko, then the man. "We'll buy them, how much?" He hadn't even faltered, switching between situations with no pause whatsoever. It was all natural for him, almost as if combat and normal interaction were the same in his mind.

In a sense they were.