[IC] NARUTO: Road to Ninja [ARC 3] Buy it now and get a second punt free!

[Angel Eyes]

-

[Crimmy]

"Sometimes on missions, Osumari-kun," said Haruka quietly as he approached, a sombre expression present upon his face, "a shinobi will find themselves having to make a difficult judgement that may seem juxtaposed against their own worldview."

He kowtowed to the old man respectfully before taking his own seat next to his genin companion, crossing his legs. The assumptions that the village had been a death trap or that rogue puppeteers had been involved were ash thanks to the revelations. All the mystery had been ripped away, leaving the sad, simple truth: an uncontrolled bloodline limit, wielded by a lonely, death-seeking man. It was slightly amusing in a way; they had came expecting something ordinary, only to find themselves believing that there were further forces at work, and in the end it had all been simple from the beginning, albeit beyond their expectations.

"Konohagakure would have sent somebody even if you had told us the truth, ojisan," continued the green-haired chunin politely, redirecting his attention to the old man before him. The strange bloodline would have caught the attention of every military organisation on the continent had the extent of its powers been known, and his village would have been no different; it was a threat (or possible source of benefit) that would have been nipped in the bud quickly. "There was no need for such deceptions."

All of that, however, was in the past. A man sat before them, awaiting his own death with a peaceful gaze. Dotorame was hesitant, unwilling to partake in an act that seemed so utterly wrong. Haruka admired the younger ninja for still being able to subscribe to such morals; it had been long since the nineteen year-old could escape the suffering that would always walk hand in hand with his duties. The life of a shinobi had always been a harsh one, eroding constantly at his mind and ethics.

There was a reason why shinobi was written with the same character as endure.

He reached out with a gentle hand and placed it upon his companion's shoulder. When he spoke, it was with a far gentler tone: "Osumari-kun, the ojisan has been responsible for the deaths of many, and may possibly continue to be so if alive."

It pained him sometimes, having to speak so callously about another man's life.

"He desires death. Will you provide it to him?"

[AlteredTundra]

Rin Reikan, Little Ice Minx

---

"You should have still waited. What if you were to ge--" Rin was cut off. She would hear an older-sounding male voice speak up. When he would show his face, it was that of an old man with long hair and sad eyes. He said to come down, and that’s what Doto and Rin did and took a seat at the table that the old man was sitting at as well. The man began to speak about how he has this cursed Kekkei Genkai and how, in a nutshell, it causes people around him to die. It didn’t take Rin all that long to deduce that all of the rotting corpses were actually the villagers of Rijin and that somehow, this old man’s bloodline trait caused them to become reanimated in a way.

While the man continued talking and Doto would respond accordingly, he would request that they kill him, citing the reason of how his cursed kekkei genkai works. Doto, of course, was dead-set against this. That was the first time Rin saw Doto not act all excited or obliviously chipper. Safe to say it actually put an interested look on her face. Then, just as Rin was about to say something, Haruka took a seat at the table and explained to Doto that sometimes missions call for such decisions. Haruka also would state that the old man didn’t need to deceive the village and that Konoha would have sent people if they had known about it. All the while, Rin was just there sitting, not saying anything, not moving. It seemed finally Rin was shutting the fuck up.

Well, that was until she had time to think and now she was ready to speak. "This guy is the one who asked for our help, right? Essentially, he is the one who will give us our pay. So, if he wants us to kill him or at least help him kill himself, then as contracted shinobi, we should do it." Rin said coldly.

[Partisan]

Zeno Hakarasu and his council

14:06, Hokage's office, August 24, meeting called for by the Hokage

---

With all the Hokage's council members gathered in one place, Zeno clenched his fists and breathes heavily, sitting down on his chair. "First of all, I am relieved that the village is safe from the Jashin but don't worry, we will get to that topic later. Right now what's more important is to thwart this man." Zeno pressed his remote control and flashed the picture of the man in the projector. The projector was shining on the wall. "This man is a masterless samurai, a ronin. He attacked me few hours ago after I finally noticed him, after being negligent of him tailing me for the past two months." He paused and drank from his glass of wine.

"This man infiltrated a samurai castle, feigning to be a student and stole four scrolls. He sold the first three scrolls to three Yakuza families. Currently, he's headed to Kirigakure to settle a deal for the last scroll." Zeno knew this all due to the ANBU specialists informing him of the incident during the shinobi alliance meeting and his shadow clone intercepted the ronin's movements that's headed to Kirigakure. "That is all, Commander Fujitora, I need you to make four teams for each designated location and scroll. Ayame, a mother must stay close to her daughter, Sentou is to be in your team. That is all." Afterwards he walk towards to Fujitora and whispered, "This book, whatever you do don't open it. Guard it with your life, I'll see you later in the outskirts of the village with Ayame and Tsukiko."

Taking the time to process everything, Fujitora surely regretted not taking a puff from his favorite formula before arriving. After all his break wasn't entirely finished. They had the creepy cultists running about and now affairs with a hermit kingdom of technologically archaic Samurai on their tail as well. Sighing as he looked at the presentation, his exasperation reaching the peak of its potential when he realized he'd have to make teams and maybe even guide one. As if the pain in the ass paperwork wasn't enough. He took Zeno's book of course, minding very little of it in the heat of the moment considering what extra workload he'd get.

"Yeah, thanks. I'll get right on it."

Passing by the Hokage, Fujitora approached his sister, appearing as solemn as ever, the book still on his hand. She could feel the grudge he was holding against her for the stunt she pulled at the restaurant. He stealthly formed a grin in an angle that only she could see and the rest of the council would have to do with his cheek.

"So... Guess you're keeping that weird Uchiha kid. You sure you want to go out in this expedition?"

He asked her, curious as to what would be running in her mind after all these cryptic sayings and her lack of reaction toward Zeno's desire for her to actually go out on this more than likely dangerous mission. Ayame could only look at Fujitora with an annoyed expression, his smug and annoying sucking the lifeblood out of her yet again.

“It's part of a contract I made long ago with her father. She's my ward, I can't help it, even if she's an Uchiha. And no, I don't want to go out. But I have to, orders are orders. And if the ronin are involved, I want to know more. Besides.. I need to prepare for him. Surely you understand.”

Fujitora nodded slowly, slightly giggling as if Ayame had made a bad, naughty joke. He ended up shaking his head slightly at her choice of wording. But she had little enthousiasm for leading a team, let alone a team with Sentou in it. There'd be too much to pay attention to, especially with kids running around. Chunin were capable shinobi, but not every chunin was as capable as the next. And while Sentou was a sweet kid, she wasn't serious. And it seemed like in this case the matter wasn't only a mission, it was also political.

Her eyes wandered to Zeno and she couldn't help but wonder what the man had been doing all this time. She knew of the fact that the man was at a meeting, but it seemed farfetched that he would be capable of doing both the meeting, managing the village with a shadow clone, and go after a ronin.

Her eyes had grown more weary and cold, something she couldn't quite explain herself, feeling tired of this all, the entire situation. Nothing ever seemed to change. Never the less she'd comply with the man's orders. Leading a team.. how troublesome. She hoped she could atleast get some normal chunin in her team. Ones that can follow orders and not act brazenly like others. “Hokage-sama, do we have a name for this ronin?” she asked, directing the attention back to the Hokage. Sure, the hokage could send her out into the field, which wasn't exactly her job to begin with. But he wouldn't get away with this so easily. “Do we have a kill or capture order? Are the scrolls expendable or should we safeguard them? What are the known characteristics of the Yakuza families? Are we acting under jurisdiction of Konoha, or is this a secret op? Why are we sending chunin, and not trained jonin? Why not the ANBU? Why is Konoha dealing with this and not Kirigakure, or the samurai themselves? This isn't our task.”

Zeno replied, "I don't know his name but more importantly, we need him alive and the Yakuza families well, let's just say they aren't friendly. This is a secret operative mission given by the Chancellor of Shinobi Alliance herself. The rest of the villages are doing their part too but for Konoha, it is the crucial situation." He answered her questions.

While Ayame was having her little chat with the Hokage, which Fujitora would shamlessly eavesdrop, he'd be writing various names on a notepad. There was quite the wide selection of people to choose from to form these teams, but he'd stick to three chuunin with one Jonin. Rearraging the order of certain names, he'd turn to Ayame who had received her answer.

"Aya, any preferences? I've marked the Uchiha girl under you." He'd ask, getting one team out of the way would ease the creation of the remaining brackets and allow for a faster process. “Doushita, Fujitora? Don't bother me with your job. Just make sure I can do my mission..” she said with a smile at the man, waiting for him to finish the bracketing so she could go home and plan the operation.

---

• Team Ronin Takedown, Ayame Choko
  
  Sentou Uchiha
  Daiki Naito
  Haruka Ueno
• Team Scroll Recovery #1, Tsukiko Umene
  
  Aoi Don Maquia
  Nobunaga Inuzuka
  Yamato Minamoru
• Team Scroll Recovery #2, Hideyoshi Sawada
  
  Takeshi Hanami
  Fubuki Hotsuin
  Naomi Hyuuga
• Team Scroll Recovery #3, Fujitora Choko
  
  Paneru Yagyu
  Shin Maru
  Jaakuna Sawada
• Team Samurai Investigation, Megumi Tanpopo
  
  Rin Reikan
  Dotomare Osumari
  Giichi Uzumaki

---

As soon as Fujitora was done, and handed over Ayame's bracket, she would take it with both hands and make a little bow. “Arigato, nii-san.” Ayame would then turn around, bow slightly for the hokage before she'd leave the building. There was no time to be wasted and they'd be leaving soon, as soon as all the other teams were ready. As head of the ronin interception squad, she'd likely be in command of the entire operation, although obviously the other jonin had as much invoice as she did. Never the less, she'd need to plan a strategy.

As she got home she would sit at her desk, where she usually made poison, and grabbed a pencil and paper. With rapid pencil brushes she started writing down possible strategies to use versus a ronin which would be in accordance with her teams strengths and weaknesses. Always think 200 steps ahead, Ayame-chan. “Hai, sensei...” she uttered to herself as she wrote furiously.

[Savato]

Aoi Don Maquia

---

Tactically positioned to react if there would be an attack, Aoi was well placed to witness the whole scene, almost as if she was watching a movie through her television, the window serving as a screen separating reality from fiction. But it was all too real for it to be that easy, the window was slightly opened and the gust of wind blowing the droplets right through that small opening had made some parts of his speech hard to hear. But Aoi understood quick enough that the man was displaying no non-verbal actions that reflected a form of menace, and his words dictated a need for euthanasia by one of the shinobi sent here. Pulling the widow up completely, Aoi jumped in to regain her fellow Shinobi.

With Haruka's and Rin's word that followed Doto's lack of enthusiasm toward the old man's request, Aoi saw opportunity for the little gemstone Genin she was polishing during this mission. As her teacher did before her, she'd find unique occasions to prepare the young ambitious to the cruel world of the shinobi. Although Aoi had never had the need to kill a comrade, she was often implanted the idea that it may happen since treason was all too common in "eras of peace" unfortunately. So in her mind, killing off even a defenseless individual without any means to defend out of necessity was the bare minimum she could teach them about life.

"I like your initiative, Rin~"

She'd respond to her statement and willingness to actually carry out the old man's desire. Initiative, something Aoi held dearly both in her general morals and in her fighting style. Just as she grabbed the first opportunity to be a team leader, she'd grab any other to avoid losing any chances at life. This made her gain notoriety, generally positive when it came to entertainment. So it made her happy to see Rin taking the reins a bit and holding onto the basis of their duties.

"Doto, Rin. One of you, kill 'em. We'll handle the repercussions... So yes we'll carry out your wish mister, for the safety of the people in this country and the safety of the village~"

Aoi ordered her Genin subordinates with a solemn tone before acting like her usual, playful self. She at least made death appear a little more lighthearted than it normally would be. But at least she was respecting the man's requests, plus it wasn't entirely unjustified. However the idea of her conferring this task to the kids may appear off to the vague morals of the shinobi around here. They were all killers here, or at least the Chuunin were. They didn't have the right to judge her choice of how to murder the man as long as it didn't involve some sadistic pleasure. Things were going to be done right under her command, after all results would only make her more popular.

"I'm sorry, Mister."

But with the little empathy and respect she had for the man, she bowed her head before tossing a kunai to both Rin and Doto. Was it going to be their first kill or was it all too common for them? Aoi could only guess Rin was the type to be desensitized already given her behavior, Doto however seemed to cower more to the idea. She wasn't going to pressure both of them at once, especially since one seemed more open to it. But eventually, Doto would have to face reality.

[Partisan]

Dotorame Osumari, “Doto-doto”

Old Friend

---

Nanda.. how can they be saying this.. even Haruka-sama.. he wants to kill the man too? The old man simply laughed at Rin. “Hohohohoho! You think there is a reward? I told you I lied.. if you want to kill me for that, it's all the same.” It was clear the man didn't care what he died for as long as he did. He looked at Dotorame and Rin each, hopeful but sad. Tired. “Nanda..?” His voice suddenly sounded deep and saddened, like a boy that had just heard his father had died. “Haruka-sama.. you too?” he asked. One of the people he had least expected to agree to this.

“Doushita.. how can you do this? Aoi-sama.. do you truly believe this?” He'd wait a moment before her answer, gripping his chokuto tightly in upcoming anger as he looked her in the eyes. “Why would you allow such a thing..” he said, the anger showing in his voice clearly now but not yet at a yelling degree of anger. He was gripping his chokuto so hard now that his arm began visibly shaking while his other hand contorted into a fist. “And Rin-chan, you agree so easily.. like a pushover..”

“Haruka-sama.. you know the shinobi code better than anyone!” he said, yelling at Haruka-sama with eyes that spelled visible anger in them too, now. “HOW CAN YOU WILLINGLY AGREE TO SUCH A THING, NANDAYO?” His teeth were clenched and showing, as he pointed at Haruka with his chokuto. At this point he had gotten up, and was shaking on his feet. “WE DO NOT KILL INNOCENTS! IF WE DO WE ARE WORSE THAN SCUM! SO WHEN I ASK YOU TO KILL ME, DO YOU SAY YES LIKE SOME LOWLIFE?”

“WHY DO YOU PLAY FOR GOD WHEN YOU ARE JUST SOME SHINOBI, WITH NO CLUE ABOUT LIFE? HEH? ANSWER ME, BAKA!”
He moved his fist up and down again, and stomped on the ground at the same time as if trying to make a point. His words weren't particularily directed at anyone in particular, more as a general question for the entire room, but he was looking at Aoi all the same as she was the one that fashioned herself leader of this team. “We never! kill comrades, no matter the situation! And we never abandon those who need help, that is my shinobi way! And it should be yours too!” he yelled before he had enough of the situation and stormed down the stairs, and headed outside, walking to the center of the road and sitting down there by himself, in the rain.

[Crimmy]

"I'll go after him."

Balancing one's own morals with the necessities of their vocation. That was the fine line that he had to walk upon every single day. To juggle his sense of mercy, of justice, with the greater good of the village. At times, he wondered what it would have been like had he not been a ninja, to avoid becoming a man who could kill so easily. The life was taxing on the soul. Some people chose to dull the pain, others to relish in it. He was of the former, trying to disconnect himself from the knowledge that everyone he killed had their own dreams, their own little habits, their own ideals ... all the little things that made people human.

It was easier that way.

Some people glorified ninja for their jobs. It could be exciting, Haruka admitted, but for all the heroics that they could perform, there was always suffering involved; always a disconnect to what should be good and proper.

"Aoi," said the green-haired chunin in a quiet tone, emphasising the fact that he had finally utilised her given name. "Don't do anything. Don't let anyone do anything. I will return shortly."

He stood up to gaze into the Maquia's eyes, his own bright blue ones shining with resignation and a sense of pleading. He knew that if he left to go after Dotorame, then the old man would likely die while he was gone. It was how his fellow chunin was; always in motion, always unhesitatingly in action. But ... that wasn't something they could really risk right now. The old man was essentially at their mercy, harmless while they were present, trapped. For all that he sympathised with the man's plight, his death was the only means necessary to ensuring security. But that could wait a little longer.

Right now, what was important was Dotorame's emotional health.

Maybe it was simply a flare-up of anger, but the disparity between the young genin's ideals and what had just occurred ... that was something that could bring about more than just simple anger.

People forgot that how emotionally fragile they could be, at times.

"Please don't act, any of you," he reiterated, voice firm. "Not yet. We can wait a little longer. Just a little longer."

Haruka hoped they would listen. He needed to help Dotorame come to terms with it. For the young genin to come back to a dead body ... what effects would it have? He didn't know.

Quietly, the green-haired chunin exited the teahouse, making it out into the rain. The pitter-patter of water drops against his clothing was uncomfortable, but he could manage. It was just rain. The dark clouds crackled above him.

There was Dotorame. Sitting there.

Haruka stepped over, footsteps the only source of disturbance against the pitter-patter.

In silence, he sat down next to the younger ninja.

He waited.

[AlteredTundra]

Rin Reikan, Little Ice Minx

---

What was it that Doto was finding hard to accept: The fact that there would be times that call for such drastic actions -- something that even Rin understood. Or was it the fact that Doto was still oblivious to how the darker side of the Shinobi world operates? Even as he would start going on a rage fit, Rin stood there staring at him, hearing all of his words, and trying to understand why he was reacting so harshly against it?

When Doto got to his breaking point, he stormed off, but not before Aoi tossed both of them a Kunai. Rin caught hers like a boss, she then looked on as Haruka would go to comfort Doto, but he would shortly plead with Aoi and Rin not to do anything or act upon anything. Rin just stood there until she came to a gaze with the old man. She saw the pathetic look in his eyes. She saw that he was a sad, old man. That’s what everyone else probably saw, but to her, she could only think of what he was saying about his Kekkei Genkai and how the villagers died cause it sensed a dead body. That pissed her off more than anything.

“Aoi-sensei..” Rin said, her voice trailing off into a low tune. “I’m going to do it. This man deserves it. He killed all of these people.” Her voice was different. It was filled with some kind of despair. Maybe it was some kind of sadness or grief for the villagers or maybe it was the kind of despair that was fueled by anger towards the actions the old man had done.

---

Sentou Uchiha, Chidori Wizard

---

When Paneru asked what the mission was for, Sentou recalled the paper. “We got to help a robbed caravan. You’re there for medical support while Shin and I try to stop any more of the goods from being taken.” Sentou said both in her mind and to Paneru as she too was trying to recall it. “Yeah, that sounds right.” As Sentou told Paneru, she looked ahead and estimated that what she saw just a good dozen meters ahead sounded exactly like what the general location description of where they were needed was. Sentou instantly took off, gesturing Shin and Paneru to follow her lead. Whatever was waiting for them they sure as hell would try to do their damnest to succeed.

[Renny]

Daiki Naito

On the opposite side of Aoi, Daiki listened intently to the man's request. It was a sad one and a reason worth dying for. To end the possible devastation of countless others was enough. Silently, he climbed through the window and took a few steps towards the man; stopping only when three feet laid between them.

Doto was the only person that seemed merciful. The rest were apprehensively ready to end this man. Rin especially. She's a cold one. She must be hurting inside.

It had to be difficult for a fresh ninja to consider the idea of killing an innocent. This situation, one tied with moral wrongs and rights, a grey area that was indistinguishable from outright murder, was even worse. While he had never been quite like Doto, a kind soul without a stain, he had always wondered what it was like to actually spare a life. To not be the monster that left his comrades to die.

With a soft sigh, Daiki sat down and spoke out, eyes heavy, but voice firm and stoic. “No,” was his reply to Rin's statement. “We're going to wait for Haruka and Doto to return. This is a team mission, Rin. Stand down. Besides ... you're too inexperienced to deal this kind of death. No ... I will be the one to kill him if its agreed upon."

His next words were much lower. "Is there no other way for this man? can his kekkai genkai be sealed?”

A coldness rested in his heavy-lids.

---

Giichi Uzumaki

---

Charging head on, Giichi leapt through the hole Yamato made. He was lucky to have such a fast Chunin attending the mission with him. Even if the two of their families weren't close, he couldn't imagine himself seeing Yamato in any other light than admirable. He was quick, destructive, and brutally honest. One could tell how he was feeling by just observing his movements.

He landed with a thud and attempted to charge forwards, but was pull and hindered. Looking down he saw the vine sticking out from the grass and with a few useless tugs knew he was caught. “Shit!” he barked, twisting the tanto in his hand and preparing to cut himself loose.

Just as he got ready to do so, he heard Rei blazing by. The gentle roar of her flames drew his attention just in time to watch her smash her fist into the man's face. Giichi was stuck for a moment, honestly surprised by how powerful the Minamoru's technique was. It made him want to become that much stronger.

Giichi clawed at the ground as he sprinted towards the delirious ninja. He had watched this ninja toy around wit his comrades. Well now the tables were turned! With a spin, his foot crashed into the man's hasty guard. Giichi was quick to follow through. He guessed that the man would expect another physical blow, but inside of his hands—hidden from view by his side—was a swirling mass that whistled in his palm and towards the guarding ninja. The remaining bits of his energy drained but he just had to land this finisher.

“RASENGAN!”

[AlteredTundra]

Rin Reikan, Little Ice Minx

---

For a moment there, Rin was going to do it. She was going to take that kunai, walk over to that man's circumference, and stab it in his heart. Just for a moment there, Rin was going to end this man's life just as he requested. She was going to watch the blood ooze out of his heart and watch him gasp for his final breaths. Rin was going to watch him coldly and then take the kunai knife that Aoi-sensei had tossed her and give it back while it was still stained with the blood of a mass-murderer. Rin was going to do all of that, but Daiki's words stopped her. No, that's inaccurate. They brought her back. For just a moment, Rin was as cold as the ice she controls. She had a cold look that was reminiscent that of the shinobi of the Blood Mist Village. Perhaps it was the hereditary trait that her clan shared with Kiri. Or maybe there was something else within Rin. Regardless, Daiki stopped her.

"T-thank you, Daiki-sensei.." Rin's voice was low. It was empty. Rin walked by Aoi, handing her the Kunai Knife she had threw to her and proceeded to walk out, joining Doto and Haruka. She seemed to not have been able to go through with it after all.

[Savato]

Aoi Don Maquia

---

Doto's reaction didn't move Aoi too much, she was all too used to being sensitive. It reminded her of her life as a Genin as well, actually. Being from a very different world from most of them, where everyone lived in a community and barely any harmed was made between each member of the troupe. The concept of killing was practically fictional to her when she joined Konoha. Babied by unconditional love from her foster home, it hit her hard when she was put in a similar position as the two Genin before her. She didn't like it, it made her cry quite a bit. It was a spy who had a little too much information on the location of a secret base she wasn't even aware of. Her teammates didn't fare well to the idea either, but their sensei insisted that they'd get their hands dirty. The kid was hurt, but very much alive and conscious. He tried to look tough, almost as if he was trying to give off a lack of fear, but anyone could tell he was terrified.

She raised her hand.

She took the initiative of having first blood. The concept of taking a life slowly sunk in her mind as another chore she'd have to practice and getting used to, to the point of being desensitized by it. It succeeded as she joined the ranks of Chuunin, killing was normal when justified. She'd never forget the burst of fear that boy expressed as she approached the Kunai to his throat. She was a bit clumsy at that time and her hands were shaking out of nervousness. But it was done fairly quickly, the clean cut quickly leaking the life right out of his eyes. She didn't feel too good afterward, but with the praise of her Sensei and a little morality speech to explain how her action was the right one, she felt remedied from this negative feeling. She gained attention and praise from killing someone. Hence, her lack of worry in these kinds of situations. She associated this feeling to what she craved most: Fame and praise.

Haruka's expression touched her slightly, as if she felt obliged to consider her teammate's feelings in this scenario. There was no real danger and they could overpower the man whenever. She was going to let Rin do it, but not right now. However Daiki had his valiant heart going and stopped Rin before Aoi could give her the Sensei's head shake. Cocking an eyebrow, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Daiki, acting like a hero again, in a time like this? This went against Aoi's desire to act through altruism, to consider everyone's needs or at least try your best to offer as much to others while getting what she wants herself. Rin needed this experience more than he did. In the future, she'd try her best to prepare Doto better. When he suggested alternative routes that could lead to more casualties, she'd mercilessly stomp the redhead's foot with brute force, enough to turn his big toe blue for a week. This would interrupt his little moment of 'selflessness' and turn the attention to the leader.

"God, shut up Daiki! My orders are final! Rin will conduct this execution~... Wait what?!"

She'd say with an empowered tone, almost screaming without giving off an angry impression. However she did actively try to hurt him as disobeying her command in order to put himself in value over a Genin was simply annoying to her. She still liked him though, as a friend, with that questionable heroism always so charming for a lady. She'd however not be so controlled when Rin actually chickened out too. Gritting her teeth in slight disbelief, she didn't expect her Chuunin to be to reluctant to performing typical Shinobi actions.

"Pfff, way to go Daiki! Now what will they learn?! They'll learn we do everything and Aoi can't teach them nothing! Ugh! You're such a pickle sometimes."

She'd rage at Daiki, the need to crush his foot even more became very tempting. They still had to prepare their execution and insure that he wouldn't come back as his very own puppet. They were still five on one, so he couldn't do too much, especially with only weak corpses at his disposal. She looked at the old man for a brief moment as they waited, he didn't look like that kid she handled back then. He seemed really empty, fearless. He wanted to die.

She sighed, now simply awaited for Haruka to get the kiddies back so she could maybe salvage this.

[Renny]

Daiki Naito

He was never that good at speaking to people, though lately, he'd been finding the right words for the right situation. A small smirk played on his lips before twisting into a gritted snarl of pain. He clasped the foot of his extended leg before snapping his wide—golden—eyes onto Aoi. They screamed many curses that his pain wouldn't allow out his mouth.

Groaning, Daiki stood up, raising to his full height. “The hell … i-is your problem, Aoooi?” He confronted her instinctively, so was the way of the Naito.

The question was answer by Aoi's own views. His pain began to fade over time and Daiki's face dulled into disbelief. A soft tsk left him as he rubbed his still throbbing foot, his eyes peering into Aoi's with a calm that rivaled her own ire. “You know just as I do that they don't need to do this … This situation is special. He's not a enemy.” He looked to the man's back. “The cards he was dealt was rigged, that's all he's truly guilty of. If they kill this man … he'd burden them for a very long time. We're use to it, me especially. One more innocent makes no difference on my shoulders.”

“... But can you imagine what that weight would be like on Doto or Rin? It wouldn't be good.” he assured her.

[j8cob]

Shin Maru, Topaz

After Paneru caught up and the trio finally left the village, Shin sped up slightly so that he could take point on their run. "It's a straightforward mission," he spoke, just loud enough so that Sentou and Paneru could hear him as they ran. "Shouldn't be any problems, but important nonetheless." He looked back over his shoulders at his two partners. Sentou still went without a shirt, which was always nice. Paneru was also feminine, though notably without breasts for he was still male. One of two. Not bad, I suppose. Would've preferred Fubuki or Aoi though, Shin began musing in his head as he returned his gaze forward.

They didn't have to travel long before Shin heard noises ahead, like someone shouting. From what the information they were given, it was vague how far out the convoy had gone before being attacked. But this was in the direction. His expression grew stern and he raised his voice. "Something's going on up ahead," he spoke before bringing his hands together. Four consecutive handseals later, he held his arms out to his sides. Crystal formed along his forearms, spreading out and forming the shape of bladed tonfas. The orange crystal weapons appeared sharp and gleamed with the smallest amount of sunlight. "Prepare to fight."

Shin jumped onto a tree branch, using it to springboard himself ahead faster. He landed in a grassy clearing, kicking up dirt as he skidded to a halt. While he was already in a stance with the two blades crossed in front of each other, Shin quickly assessed the situation and stood upright. Up ahead was Yamato and two genin, one was his sister, fighting three people he didn't recognize. Furthermore: the mystery trio were getting demolished by Yamato and co. Shin simply stood still for a moment, staring at the fight, unsure what to do. Should he help? They clearly didn't need it. "Uh..." escaped him as he brought his hands back to his sides. "Did we go the right way...?"

[Akashi Mayhiro]

Takeshi Ruzuzaki

Hidden Leaf Shopping District

"Gah...i wish i would have at least finished to Sake, but noooo~ They had to start something with me, For your information Slurping Ramen is the best way of showing how damn go it is, thank you VERY much!" A fuming Takeshi grumbled as he held his bag close to his side, the passersby had avoided the aura he was producing as he headed hidder into the district, He was planning to head on home and start cooking, but due to the fight that unfortunately happened. He had to make sure they weren't trying to come after him. Looking around the district he hummed a small tune, hoping to rid the anger out of him.

"Hpmh....." The green haired Shinobi continued on his way.

'Looks like that fight as got you all riled up, hasn't it?'

"You're goddamn right is has, i swear to the Sage of Six paths that it's really pissed me of, big time." Stated the ninja as he avoided a couple of teens that had no care of others, bulldozing other while on their way to wherever. Giving them a glare he continued walked the long way to his apartment. "Really....i can be a handful, but kids these days do not give to shits, well i pretty sure they're have sex at their age!"

'Shame, because you haven't Mr.Virgin.'

"Shut up." Takeshi hit himself lightly, trying to talk to yourself in public could and will get you into trouble in many ways. His eye soon trailed to one place: The Arcade, a hangover for just about anyone, where you can challenge your friends or other to a variety of games. Takeshi smiled to himself "Fuck it, let play some games!" regardless of the food he had, The green haired Ninja Ventured in.

.............................

Crimmy and J8's Arcade Mayhem

Takeshi giggled to himself as he saw a full house inside the building, kids and Adults of all ages playing games and boy: Where there a lot of games to play! "Alright then, let see what he can do here." Finding to first available arcade to play he set himself up and played. It was those type of a first person simulation shoot that require you to kill the enemies before you die, if you succeeded, you would advance to the next level. Needless to say Takeshi did well but fell short, shrugging his shoulder he venture to the next arcade.

"Shouldn't you be training or something, instead of playing stupid video games?'

'We can start Tomorrow, right now it's relaxing time!' He replied with a smile before seeing a crowd near a tall machine. Giving into his curiosity he had a look and thanks to his tallness he was able to see just what was going on.


A blonde woman with Purple eyes had her arms crossed as a more taller man than her was ready to punch a black bag that was connected to the machine. Takeshi squinted his eyes as he read the title "Dragon...punch..." Not sure of himself he watched the action unfold.

With a focus looked that could set anyone on fire the man hit the black bag with brutal force, the thing rocking to and fro but not falling of the hinges it was connected to Numerous beeping noises as everyone watched the big LED screen finalizing the numbers of his hit.

9803

Fallen to his knees the man groveled in front of the blonde women as the crowed roared.

"He couldn't do it, the Taijutsu Queen wins again, no one can beat her score!" one of them screamed as they fan-girl over her. "Yang is unbeatable!"

"Yang!?" Takeshi eyes widened as he looked at her..sure enough, apart from the aviators she had on her head, the attire he saw her wear in his dreams was identical "She wasn't kidding!"

Yang Xiao Long soaked up the love she was getting, raising her arms up as they cheered her again, the smug look on her face told her that she was loving every second of it. The LED screen had shown the top scores of this particular machine.

TOP SCORERS:

YANG: 12,345
MICH: 10,567
ASS: 9,786
J8: 9,000
CRIM: 8,989

"Thank you, thank you!" Yang spoke over the cheers as they calm down "Everyone, go back to whatever you're doing tonight and keep safe!" They acted like soldiers as they scattered in different directions. Yang smiled as she had a little talk with the man that tried to beat her high score. Takeshi smiled as he also turned around.

'You're not going to try?'

"Why?"

'Because you could easily top her score with a shot, you know that as a fact. You may be the weakness when it comes to Elemental-jutsu fighting, but i know for damn sure that your Taijutsu is your main forte!' the voice inside his head spoke 'Give them a moment before the two leave, then try it out.'

"ALright, only because we need to work on the Limit Break!" Takeshi replied.

"Limit break? I thought it was the zone."

"Change my mind, Limit Breaker is more badass." Nodding to himself Takeshi waited for Yang and the other guy to leave. While they hadn't left the arcade, they were too busy to see what was about to happen at Dragon Punch. Takeshi smirked as he set down his bag of Ingredients and looked at the punching bag. Inserting his coins the Machine whirred into life as he assessed. "I got this." Takeshi crouched low and he held out his left open palm with his finger curled up.

"That isn't a punch...' the voice told him again.

"I know...but the force comes from a good explosive force, a punch may suffice, but a hard palm and a special way of using it...can really do wonders" Exhaling out as channeled his energy into his left arm and swished the energy back and forth, picture as it gained more momentum, like a bottle of soft drink when it's half empty. Clearing out all noise out of his mind he cocked his left arm back and moved forwards.

At hit the Punching Bag with massive amount of energy.


The Bag hit the back of the board numerous times as the LED Screen tallied up his score. Takeshi watched with intent as it took his sweet time tallying his score and then:

It showed:

TAKE: 13,000- New High score!

Takeshi smiled as he raised his arm in the air in Victory, what he wasn't expecting as he turned around was a crowd that had returned as they watched with shock and surprise. "Uhhh....."

They erupted into cheers.

"Did you see that, he took down Yang's score! Impossible!"

"Who is he!?"

Takeshi felt embarrassed as he quickly grabbed his stuff and moved out of the way , despite them wanting to ask questions. Avoiding them he kept his head down as he headed out of the Building and quickly headed back towards his apartment.

"Hey!" That was his plan.

He froze as he turned around to face the voice. Yang Xiao Long...was behind him, her purple eye staring into his yellow eye. The look of Concern and disbelief in her eye slowly turn into a more softer face.

"Tak...ey?"

[Angel Eyes]

-

[Partisan]

Yamato Minamoru, “Young Master”

Senpai gone love it

---

As his fist connected with the man again he noticed from the corner of his eyes that there were some new arrivals messing around with the trucks. A quick glance uncovered their identities. Shin.. Sentou.. Paneru.. No doubt here to run from battle again, that one. He gritted his teeth as he focussed on the fight again. He threw another fire punch at the man's gut, who hauled over as he got hit. But Yamato could feel that he was exhausted without any more room for playing around. Yaoku's revenge was.. too much at his current level. He shouldn't have used it.. “Ksu..” he muttered as he deactivated his Fists of the Tiger, which wasn't an exhausting jutsu on his own at all, but it would slowly drain the chakra he had left after Yaoku's Revenge.

But just because he didn't have fire on his fists anymore didn't mean that Yamato was useless - he wouldn't be “Young Master” or the prodigy of his class otherwise. He pulled his fist back and sent it flying from above, to below, smashing the man on the back of the head with his fist. A crunch was heard as Yamato slightly cracked the skull, but it was obviously not fatal. Without missing a beat, Yamato raised his left knee into the air and delivered a devastating kick into the side of the man's body, which sent him flying. He crashed and ended up against a tree, bleeding from the top of his head now, visible as his rice hat had fallen off.

Yamato wouldn't give up the assault however as he jumped after the man and, while mid-air, raised his fist back in preparation to attack. He'd attempt to land with his feet on both sides of the fallen man and punch him again, but as he landed he noticed the man was sinking into the ground again. Coward.

Rei was busy fighting the other man, the one that neither Yamato or Giichi had had the chance to engage. Her fists of the tiger were less powerful than Yamato's, and hadn't taken the shape of a tiger due to a lack of control over the exact chakra. They manifested in simple fire around her fists. What was apparent however was that her fighting style was more elegant and less reckless, sliding her feet across the ground without any resistance.

As her opponent threw a punch she ducked right underneath, sliding her feet to the right to accomodate and essentially dive right under the attack. It seemed like these opponents were severely incapacitated when they couldn't use ninjutsu. This was a blessing for Giichi and Rei, as their training probably accomodated for this type of fighting more than for the ninjutsu duels that others were accomodated for. Shit.. another punch was flung her way from the left this time, and she slid her left foot back, leaning back with her body to dodge the attack. As she pushed her body back up straight, she prepared a strike. Her fist pushed forwards, rustling in the wind from the flames, gentle but powerful. “Hyaaa!” she yelped as her fist crashed into the mans face, obviously not as powerfal as Yamato could punch, but with remarkably more grace. She couldn't help but notice other chunin that were standing partly around the fight, and one at the trucks that were overturned. If she recalled correctly that was Paneru, a medical nin. She hadn't ever heard Yamato talk of that girl Paneru, but as far as she know she was a somewhat gifted medical nin. Shin and Sentou were the ones that Rei knew a bit better, as they were somewhat known in the academy. “Rei! Focus, no distractions!” she said to herself under her breath as she slid back again dodging a punch.

Her left foot moved back and then to the right, causing Rei to spin around. Doing that she ducked under a kick that had come towards her, before she had to raise her hands in a crossguard to catch the foot that was stopped in mid air and then raised and dropped towards her head. She could feel the pressure of the kick on her hands.. when did the grass shinobi get so fast? “Chaaa!” she yelped again as she pushed the foot upwards and then turned on her feet while still crouched, extending a foot towards the man and kicking his legs away from under him. The man fell easily but didn't seem to be hurt, rather, he immediately sunk into the ground. It.. looked like the fight was over? “Nanda?” Rei panted as she looked at Yamato, whose opponent had also vanished. Looking at Giichi she noticed that, likewise, his opponent took a rasengan, slid back on his feet several meters and then stopped, falling backwards on his place. As soon as his back connected with the grass, he vanished.

Taking the moment of peace Yamato would ready a set of four shuriken, one between each set of fingers, and jumped back towards Giichi, readying himself for whatever was coming. Rei would take the hint and follow suit, jumping so she'd stand next to Giichi and behind Yamato. “.. where are they.. Yamato?” Yamato wouldn't answer her specifically, but peered at the area ahead of him. Their hiding in the grass jutsu was.. annoying. “I can't tell. But they should fight us like men, after they initiated the attack.” On queue the tree shinobi rose from the grass approximately fifty meters ahead of the group. Yamato gave a short glance at Shin, Paneru and Sentou. “Don't interfere.” he said to them, as it was obvious that they could handle the remaining group. It seemed like evening the odds by killing one grass shinobi was a good idea. It made the fight considerably easier, as they didn't have to attempt to defend eachother.

But before Yamato could even begin an attack the three shinobi started forming seals rapidly. The speed was not overly fast, but the grass style was unknown to anyone that was here at the moment, so discerning the jutsu would be hard. As they were done all three of them slapped their hands into the ground before them. As soon as they had done that, one of them stood up again and formed the tiger seal. “Grass Style: No Escape... Grass Style: Ceremonial Tomb...” they said in the same monotonous boring voice they'd been using all along. Without warning the dead body of the shinobi started shaking before whipvines shot up from besides him, and covered him in it. As soon as that was done the man would be pulled into the ground. It seemed like they didn't want to leave any traces of them being here.

Yamato's eyes shot side to side. That jutsu had to have been the Ceremonial Tomb, judging from the cheesy name, so what was 'No Escape?' His answer came swiftly as the ground trembled underneath them. Yamato clenched his teeth and readied himself. Suddenly the ground was penetrated by thousands of giant grass needles, that were varying in height from 10 meters high to 25 meters high. The group would be dead if it weren't for the fact that Yamato had acted swiftly and turned around, dropped his shuriken and dashed towards Rei and Giichi, tossing his shoulder's into both of their stomaches and then grabbed them. It'd likely hurt a bit as he basically tackled them, but it was required to take them. Swiftly he would jump into a tree, and upon realizing that he wasn't safe there either due to the length and size of the needles, he jumped away again pushing himself off on one of the needles, and landed near Shin and Sentou. He would drop the two genin there and turn around, flicking his wrists immediatly to start his Fists of the Tiger jutsu using the last of his chakra.

But it was proven to be unnessecary as the three shinobi dissapeared, delivering a Parthian shot as they vanished into the ground. “Hahahaha... 'Bravery' sends her regards...”. It seemed like they didn't care about their dead comrade that much. After about five seconds the needles slowly started sliding back into the grounds, leaving small craters where they had started from, after which Yamato deactivated his Fists of the Tiger. Yamato would turn back and face Giichi and Rei, not even taking the time to acknowledge Shin or Sentou, nor Paneru, who was looking at a truck apparently. “Giichi..” he said, calmly, but his eyes were fiery and aggressive as always. Giichi was now likely panting heavily and would probably enjoy the calmth of a post-battle rest. “I forbid you to use the Rasengan in my presence again unless I tell you to. It's lethal for a boy like you. You're not Naruto, so don't act like it. Being brave is one thing, being dumb is another. It's too exhausting for you to use currently, without risking your death.”

Rei was also panting slightly, deactivating her fists of the Tiger version as she slowly stood up again. “Nii-san.. arigato.” she said, bowing her head to Yamato. Yamato didn't answer and turned around to face the field they'd been fighting on. He'd take a moment before speaking up, staring into the sunset. “Giichi.. Rei.. Good job.” Hopefully the two would appreciate that Yamato would atleast acknowledge them, other than the others that were currently standing around. Sentou was pretty much the only one that Yamato hadn't had any bad situations with, but she was an Uchiha. She was cursed, more so than other clans with kekkei genkai. Because the Uchiha were a clan filled with hatred and revenge. They weren't worthy of living in Konoha, but Yamato couldn't really do anything about it. And Sentou didn't seem like she was vengeful, yet.. with the Uchiha, that was only a matter of time.

Surveying the field, Yamato was attempting to find any clues as to who these people, or this Bravery was, or even why these men were here. But it seemed like they were here only to look at the trucks.. maybe to defend it against the Yakuza that were no doubt attacking it? Yamato would then turn around to face Shin, Sentou and Paneru. He'd stick one hand into his flak vest, and slightly lean back puffing out his chest and raising his chin. “Nanda..? What are you looking at.. just get your report, heal those people and go home.. there's shinobi out there doing real work, you know, so you can't afford standing around gawking at people.. idiots.” He'd throw Paneru a dirty look, his eyes contorted with hatred and anger, his brows furrowed and his lips saying 'I'll kill you'. But none of that was spoken. It would have to be simply understood by Paneru, Yamato and anyone willing to look.

Soon after Yamato would depart to Konoha with his team. They'd need to do some paperwork and this seemed like a good chance to introduce Rei and Giichi to that side of shinobi work too. As they were walking, Rei would be very quiet, until she'd suddenly open her mouth. “Yamato, when is Katsui visiting us again?” There was a slight annoyance in her voice, a grumble as if it were. “Nanda.. that's not your concern. She'll visit this year, when she's 16. I'll marry her to forge an alliance between her clan and the Minamoru. She's quite powerful.” That was all he'd say - this wasn't a question of love or feelings, it was a formal contract that was meant to bind the two clans together. Like the days of old - the days Yamato and his clan longed for.

---

Dotorame Osumari, “Doto-doto”

Early Summers Rain.

---

Dotorame was sitting in the rain, a glazed over look in his eyes. He noticed Haruka-sama was sitting outside, besides him too, at this point. They sat there for about five minutes, in the cold rain. But Dotorame didn't mind.. he loved the rain, after all. “Why..” he'd slowly say before he continued, repeating himself but adding something. “Why do you agree, Haruka-sama..” His voice appeared deeper, saddened in the least and visibly shook. “By agreeing to killing an old defenseless man, you're scum.. you're lower than scum. You're trash..” Dotorame looked down onto the mud that was beneath him. There wasn't much to say that he hadn't already said. “All of you are trash. You have no shinobi-way. We need to help this man.”

[Crimmy]

Could they, though? Could they leave the man at the whims of Konohagakure's R&D department to search for a cure that may not have existed? Could they risk the danger of the man's presence reanimating the dead of the village? Could they allow the old man's bloodline to continue existing, to be utilised as a weapon for those with their own dark desires? Could they?

In a perfect world, maybe they could have. Maybe they wouldn't have needed to kill a man who had suffered for so many decades. Maybe they wouldn't have allowed such guilt to stain their hearts. But it wasn't a perfect world. Haruka knew enough that such a world was near-impossible to strive for, but he longed for it all the same.

"How do you want to help him?" the green-haired chunin asked quietly, turning to look at his companion. "How can you help somebody who utterly desires death?"

Death was final. The deeds, dreams and beliefs of a person were snuffed out in an instant as their soul left the Impure World for the Pure one that lay beyond life's horizon. It was never easy to subject someone to it.

Haruka understood why Dotorame was hurting. He knew what it had felt like once, to experience the pain and guilt that washed over him after his first kill. The kill that stuck with him. The one that continued to lie there in the background.

"What would you do, Osumari-kun?" he continued. "What could you do?"

Dotorame sought to save the old man. The old man sought salvation through death.

Preserving life was important. It was a reason why Haruka had joined the shinobi forces; to protect the people of his village.

Saving the man preserved his life. Killing him preserved the lives of potential others in the future.

Was the latter a choice Dotorame could truly face?

[Akashi Mayhiro]

Takeshi Ruzuzaki

Dearly Beloved

---

"Takeshi Hanami, is that you?" Yang's voice was quivering "Hey, please...say something will you?" The green haired ninja just looked at her silently, still in complete shock. The blonde haired girl took a step towards him, her hand reaching out to touch his face. His instant reaction was to take a step back. "It's...It's really you-" Before she could saying thing more, He bolted from her. Crashing into others with little regard. With Yang calling out to him Takeshi ignored her as as jumped on other people's roof and made his way towards the CBD of Konoha. His chest was getting tight as we gasped for air.

'Takeshi?'

"She....i remember her now!" He cried as he saw the taller building where his apartment is."She tried to be my friend...and i blew her off...just like now!" He skidded to a halt, nearly falling off he looked at the afternoon sky and gritting his teeth in anger "Why! Why did i tuck my tail and run!?

"Because...after all this....you're still a scaredy cat!" Takeshi felt a strong arm draped his shoulders as the smell of sweat and something else he didn't want to go to in depth hit his nose, Yang had followed him..but why? "You really are Takeshi, it's been awhile, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, been too long Yang." Takeshi smiled at her, she looked at him funny before getting into his personal space.

"There's something odd about you, your hair isn't spiky and the clothes you're wearing...looks good on you." A sudden breeze of cold wind from being in a high place make Yang shiver "Yikes, I didn't know it was that cold here!"

"We're nearing winter Yang." Takeshi paused for a second "I'm going to make dinner, you wanna-" Yang smiled as he took his head and led the "But you don't know the way!"

"It's one of these building right?" Yang chuckled over the wind "Come on and feed me!"

...........Many hours later.............

Takeshi's Apartment

Heaven

"Whoa, Take you're loaded to have a place like this!" Yang stared at the buildings that his apartment looked down on "I think that's my Apartment down there!" She turned at the to the sound of the Ninja cooking for the both of them "So you're going to spill the beans on how you got this place?!"

"Long story short, Parents and sister left his house for me to look after: Mum and Dad are travelling and sister is somewhere half across the world" He lie, he just couldn't tell her about his dad being a Jashin and his remaining family leaving because of him, turning down the heat Takeshi used his chopsticks to stir the curry he was preparing. "What about you, i haven't seen you...since 7 years ago."

"Well....Since that...i been practicing my Taijutsu at some really awesome place, i just graduated and now for the past 3 years: I've been a Baroness at the Purgatory Battalion" She laughed "I tell you, if you think getting past me is hard, wait till you see the other five Baroness you have to face off, i don't even hold a candle to them!" Sitting down near the kitchen seat where he was cooking Yang placed her chin on her hands "You should come visit and test how strong you are!"

"Hahah....i don't think i would get very far..." Takeshi have a nervous laugh.

"I would think differently." he stopped stirring, he could felt her looking at him, Swallowing the lump in his throat "We used to train together, remember?"

"Yeah..i remember."

"Then you haven't neglected you Taijutsu right?!" she was getting a little too serious for his liking. Takeshi turned around calmmed her down.

"Relax, i have been training, but for now: i don't think-"

"Let me train you!" Yang slammed her hands down on the table "I can help you become strong so you can take on the Battalion!"

"I-...thank for the offer- but-"

"Come on!" Yang pleaded "If your fighting style is anything like mine, that you can get better!"

'Takeshi...accept her offer.'

'What?'

"Just accept, she really wants you to help you.' the voice inside his head said. Sighing, Takeshi nodded and smiled "I would take you up on the offer Yang" He extended his hand to here, to switch the Blonde girl smiled and took his hand.

"You won't regret it!" She beamed at him, Which made him blush.

"Just one question: Why?" Yang eye widened as that question. The green haired ninja could see that she was getting flustered at such a simple question, right on cue the timer went off, Takeshi tasted the curry and smiled "Right! It's done!" he turned around as saw Yang with a red face. "Worry about it later, let's eat."

The feeling of relaxation washed over her as he sighed and nodded, fiddling with her golden hair she followed Takeshi to the table where they would eat and talk till midnight came.

---

"Yang, go home." Takeshi pointed at the lump on his bed.

"No." Yang responded as she peed from the sheets "Let me sleep here, pretty please?"

"Don't you have a home?"

"Not as cool as this place...let me live here!" She asked excitedly "I'll do anything you say!"

"No dice." Takeshi deadpanned

"Please?" the man sighed again, he remember why he had chose to ignore her.

She annoyed the Shit out of him. But that was Hanami, Ruzuzaki...would Try to tolerate.

"Whoops! I farted in your bed! You gotta let me stay here now!"

Try to tolerate.

[Partisan]

Dotorame Osumari, “Doto-doto”

Early Summers Rain.

---

Dotorame looked at Haruka and simply sighed before looking down again. A few moments more passed before he got up and walked back inside, waiting downstairs. It was apparent that he had decided to not interfere anymore, but he'd probably still not enjoy it very much. “Just do it then.” he'd say to Haruka in case he'd follow him back inside.

“You guys are taking too long..” the old man said slowly rising to his feet. He'd take a kunai that was laying on the table and hold it in his hand, throwing it up and down. “Just say it was self defense. It was self defense.. yeah?” he'd say before suddenly throwing the kunai at Aoi. He was sure this'd get them to attack back.

[Savato]

Aoi Don Maquia

---

The wounded warrior act played by Daiki was getting on Aoi nerves, who was he to claim he had a bigger burden than the others to carry? She was mostly annoyed by the fact that her Genin were under the illusion that being a Shinobi was the easy way to go if they were too lazy to find a civilian job and wouldn't go through with this all too common practice. Daiki poke of them as if they were supposed to be babied at their level, this wasn't the primary academy anymore, this was the real deal. The Sixth Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, has been killing many at the age of thirteen yet they're still unable to accept the reality of this world? For a foreigner like Aoi, this made no sense.

"Tch, stop acting like they're babies, Daiki. They're shinobi no less than you are. Don't be an emo~"

She'd give off a more serious act this time, but she'd always end with a touch of glee and playfulness. The old man, remaining in the background to witness this roller coaster of emotions, had finally stepped in to manifest his presence. He was starting to feel like Aoi, this was being dragged on for way too long and the endless bickering didn't help his desperate situation. She turned her head to face him, and acknowledge his upcoming action. He was going to make this easier for all of them, which she wouldn't be entirely against, but still her initial plan was ruined. Readying the kunai she had caught back from Rin, she awaited for the man to justify her counter and execution.

With the kunai thrown, she deflected it with the kunai. The throw was sloppy, making it evident that the old geezer wasn't a shinobi to begin with, which made the job a lot more easier. In retaliation, Aoi hurled the kunai she held right at his heart, giving him a quick death as he'd fall over on his chair and have his life fly away from her gaping mouth. With his last breath, he formed a small smile a he was finally liberated from this life of endless torment. Aoi didn't express much, she felt like she had taken down a typical foe that threatened her life a well as her friends'. She'd sigh before looking up at Daiki.

"Guess you should burn the body, and the house. I'll get the others to move away."

She'd claim rather coldly. Aoi would walk past the redhead with only that order to obey. As she exited the teahouse, she gestured the group to move back. That movement alone made it clear to the rest that the deed was done and there was nothing else to see here. Now, they'd wait for Daiki to finish up so they could call it a day.