[Kyokujitsu Asahi]

{

}

Where there was life there seemed to always be strife, especially when it came to power. People worked so hard to gain it that they would do everything in their power to keep hold of it, even if it meant rebelling against the Daimyo. While normally not a job for the hidden village conventional methods had proven ineffective in ousting the man so an official request was put in for Suna to send aid, and send aid they would. Asashi couldn't say that he was particularly pleased with the mission since it was inter-country politics gone awry and he would have preferred the powers at be take a more non violent approach to things because otherwise it was going to get ugly for a lot of people who were probably just following orders.

Not that the young man cared for the noble but more so his guards and other attendees who were going to end up as collateral damage because of said nobles actions; and given that Zakku had been assigned to the mission as well there was definitely going to be collateral damage. More interestingly was that Ayukawa had been assigned to the mission as well and this would be their first time working together since he and Zakku had pulled her out of the sand and dragged her back to Suna. She had spent the last couple months recovering and hopefully not getting into more trouble but knowing the girl it was a pipe dream.

A low sigh would escape the Kyokujitsu as he awaited his mission partners at the village gates. Battle was part of every shinobi's life and that was something Asahi had come to accept a while ago but he just had a feeling that it could have been avoided in this situation and he hoped at the very least that they'd be able to keep the innocents out of harms way.

Saeko Ayukawa Zakku Burokon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Siege Breakers ""This can't be right" This felt more like a test if there ever was one. Looking over the details of the assignment, Ayukawa didn't want to say that she didn't understand, but she really didn't. It appeared that the noble faction was attempting to quell a rebellion with those who could only be considered civilians. While honestly, anything to do with the people was clearly something that should have had a less hostile response, it didn't seem that way with them sending shinobi as a result of it. It certainly wasn't sitting well with her, her frame looking over the scroll as she approached the gate, keeping her head low as she nearly tripped before approaching Asahi with a sheepish grin. The upside of this was that she was working with her big brother. Of course, under certain conditions, this meeting was the first time she'd seen him since her return after the incident with her clan. Though she wasn't any better off in their eyes, it looked as if the village was attempting to either keep her out of trouble, or just keep her busy in general. "Oops! Sorry Asahi-kun..." Rubbing the back of her neck, the girl would then hold a calm expression as she then showed the scroll to him with a blank expression. "This...has to be a mistake right? I mean...what exactly do they want us to do? Their people...our people...why would they need shinobi for handling something that involves a disagreement with nobility? Wouldn't they just need to sit down and talk about it? Or maybe just...I don't know...anything but use us?" It was a curious question, but despite her innocence, she understood well enough that their involvement meant fighting and that could likely lead to killing...of possibly just misunderstood people... Looking to the side, she'd then place the scroll back into her pouch, releasing a breath before shaking her head. "I don't like this...at all..." Rubbing at her sleeve, she'd feel the fabric sticking close to the metal arm that laid beneath it, creating a slight clanking noise as she briefly stopped upon realizing the sound was near ear gratting

    Tag:Zakku Burokon Kyokujitsu Asahi | Words: xxx | Notes:

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-S.A Used-

[Zakku Burokon]

// Zakku //

What good is skill
If you don't make it to the dance?
Despite circumstance
You've got a chance

Kyokujitsu Asahi Saeko Ayukawa

"You're kidding right?  You've got to be kidding."  Zakku didn't understand why he was being assigned to this.  Had he done something wrong?  He'd been locked away in his bastion so he hadn't done anything too bad.  Recently.  Politics.  It was a step above Religion in his book of annoyances.  Zakku never cared for it and often chose to avoid it.  Now it looked like it's come up for him.  With a low disapproving groan he'd accepted his scroll and gone to meet with his teammates.  This was going to be a long day.

"It does seem a bit much sending us in.  Though this is the lengths people go to in politics to protect themselves."  Zakku said placing his blunt between his lips as he approached the pair.  While normally up for a kill even he had his limits and found no pleasure in killing innocent or citizens of their lands.  Even he had standards.  "If things go awry we will be expected to kill but I don't think that's something we need to resort to.  We should look towards less than lethal ways of doing things."  He lit his blunt and took a long inhale.  

[Kyokujitsu Asahi]

{

}

"No worries, Ayukawa. Good to see you're back in the swing of things." The chunin greeted noting the spaced out expression on the girls face. It was safe to say that none of them were particularly thrilled with the mission, or more specifically what it may have entailed in terms of people getting caught in the crossfire, and it was genuinely surprising to see even Zakku voicing concern about what they were getting into. Alas, the life of a shinobi often times came with doing the dirty work and sometimes you just had to grin and bear it. "It's a tricky situation for sure, and I would assume that any attempts at a peaceful transition of power failed many times over which led to where we are now. I know it isn't fun to think about but the mission is the mission so best to get it over with." Asahi would reply to the two trying his best to keep things as matter of fact as possible. It did none of them any good to all be griping about the situation, and even if they were to refuse to complete the mission Suna would just send another team in their place.

"Looks like the noble's estate is just south of Akuram so we'll head due north from here and should get there in about half a days time. Let's get to it then." The chunin added before beginning to make his way through the earthen walls that surrounded Suna. Zakku's point about finding a less than lethal method to deal with things had merit but depending on how entrenched the noble's forces were and how feverish those loyal to him acted it was going to be tough to get through this without some kind of bloodshed. Still, it wasn't too much to ask to at least try and take a softer approach. "That might be tough for any fighters under the noble's command, but we can try to keep any non combatants out of harms way best we can. Do not jeopardize yourself for that though."

The goal of the mission was to remove the noble from power and that's what they would do, but if they were able to save some innocent people in the process then all the better. However, once the estate was breeched it would be near impossible to prevent the Daimyo's forces from drawing their weapons on any and everyone they saw inside and the last thing Asahi wanted was for any of them to get the unrealistic notion in their heads that they would be able to save everyone.

Saeko Ayukawa Zakku Burokon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Siege Breakers ""Yup! Im good as new!" Physically, the girl was back to normal, though mentally was a completely different situation entirely. But being a shinobi, meant that you had to keep such things separate. Of course, the state of this mission didn't help matters in the least. Though at least Zakku seemed to be of the same mindset as her, prompting her to nod as she looked toward him with a calm expression. Asahi seemed to be thinking the same, but unlikely the rest, he was capable of reasoning that this was indeed the mission and while tricky as it was, it needed to be done as it was possible that any attempts at resolution had failed. That was the theory. Closing her eyes, Ayu would draw her hood over her head as she shook her head. While her feelings on the matter hadn't changed, in their departure Asahi would state that while it may not go well with those under the command of the nobles, it could be possible for them to simply subdue people in a non-lethal way. That was, as long as it did not put any of them in danger. It wasn't much, but it at least gave a small bit of hope to the possibility that they would not have to kill anyone. "Hai!" With a grin on her face, she'd consider the distance to the estate and then look over to Zakku and hope that maybe that would sit well with him as well. She knew how determined he was when it came to certain things as well, but also the nature of him as well. It was scary how easily it looked as if he'd slip sometimes into a murderous rage. But, maybe this would be different. Especially with the stakes involved. As she began to look over her arm to check if the gears were still intact, she imagined that she'd need to be just as careful as well with such a weapon attached to her physically.

    Tag:Zakku Burokon Kyokujitsu Asahi | Words: xxx | Notes:

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

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-S.A Used-

[Zakku Burokon]

// Zakku //

What good is skill
If you don't make it to the dance?
Despite circumstance
You've got a chance

Kyokujitsu Asahi Saeko Ayukawa

Zakku nodded.  "Hai."  He replied copying Ayukawas affirmation and exhaled his smoke.  This was the second noble or lord he'd had to deal with in less than a year.  The first one was quite the challenge.  He hired a group called the pajama group or something to help protect him but it did little to stop him and Miyo from getting what was owed along with thinning the groups number.  

This was an entirely different scenario.  It might have been a bit cathartic to get some blood on his hands but he didn't like the idea of doing it to someone innocent.  Especially from their own lands.  Truth be told he was afraid of what would come if he ever did.  Would he go down a darker path and no longer see friend or for or would it scar him?  He wasn't willing to find out.  "As long as we keep an eye on Ayukawa we should be fine.  She's been getting more in trouble than I have.  That's a bit troubling."  He let out with a chuckle and made sure his pack was secure.  The new box of nails inside poked him every few steps it seemed so he had to keep finding new places for the box.  Eventually he'd just shoved the box between his books and it'd stayed for the time being.

[Kyokujitsu Asahi]

{

}

Hearing that Ayukawa was back in top shape was pleasant news considering the last time Asahi had saw her. He hadn't heard much in the way of what the village was doing about the incident and had hoped that Zakku had heeded his advice about letting Takato-san take care of things. Not that the chunin didn't want to exact some kind of revenge himself for what the Saeko did to one of their own but he knew that charging in without a plan was only going to cause a much bigger mess. Of course, being physically healthy was completely different than one's mental state and Asahi could only imagine the thoughts and feelings swirling around Ayukawa's head about everything, but they'd have to save that conversation for another day.

Thankfully the boy's words were able to get through to his mission partners and while it wasn't a promise Asahi would try his best to avoid getting innocents caught in the crossfire. He had no idea how many servants, assistants and the like were still in the estate and he wouldn't put himself or the other two in unnecessary danger for these unknown variables. A bit crass of a mindset to have but it was preferable for the three of them to make it home in one piece than those who had aligned themselves with the besieged noble.

The chunin nearly stopped in his tracks when Zakku commented on how Ayukawa had been getting in more trouble than him lately. Zakku had been an absolute demon from the day they met and it was hard to believe that anyone besides maybe Arashi was more of a troublemaker in the village. Asahi knew it was going to be a task keeping track of the two of them as soon as he saw their names on the mission docket but he assumed that having some kind of help reigning in Zakku would make it easier. Alas, hearing that Ayukawa was now the devious one did not bode well. "Take my eyes off you for one second and you steal the crown from Zakku? Where's Rin-san when you need him?"

Saeko Ayukawa Zakku Burokon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Siege Breakers ""Yea Hah ha...wait? Hey!" Pouting slightly upon realizing the expense she was paying for Zakku's comment, the girl would frown before placing her hands in her pockets as she looked to the side. "I'm not a troublemaker...much..." In saying it out loud, it was as if she were trying to convince herself. Though there was some truth in their statements. Honestly, if Rin had been here they would likely would not be having this conversation. Which seemed to only make her sad that he wasn't here. Looking down for a moment, she'd then smirk as she allowed herself to become a bit more chipper as if to try and help with their attempts at changing the mood. After all, it seemed like the best way for any of them to handle this situation right? "Though if I did...would that be so bad? Asahi-kun seems to like trouble makers heh heh..." Clearly pointing out his current relationship with the biggest one of them all, she'd grin as she snickered under her breath, holding her hand to her face as she teased her adopted sibling as they continued their journey. Of course, this being such a long trip, the girl would begin to dip down as she picked up a stone, tossing it in her hand as she began to look around. "Since we're dealing with nobles as our employers, does that mean we'll be working with their guards as well?" It seemed like a reasonable thing to consider. If they were to be under the gaze of the elite, it was likely that they were to be the gaze of their top protection as well. Which, even further proved just how daunting this task must be if they were unable to handle this themselves. "Noble guards are supposed to be the best right?"

    Tag:Zakku Burokon Kyokujitsu Asahi | Words: xxx | Notes:

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

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-S.A Used-

[Zakku Burokon]

// Zakku //

What good is skill
If you don't make it to the dance?
Despite circumstance
You've got a chance

Kyokujitsu Asahi Saeko Ayukawa

Tranquility

Zakku laughed at Ayukawas response to the teasing.  Her returning it back to Asahi made Zakku 'Oooooo.'  As he took another hit from his blunt.  This was the types of things he loved to start.  Friendly ribbing between everyone that made everyone smile and forget their troubles.  Forever how short that was.

"Eh."  Zakku let out at Ayukawa's question.  "Sometimes people that say they're really great aren't.  You can lie about your achievements when you're not forced to write reports every mission."  Waving dismissively Zakku had no love lost for hired help.  Finding them a waste of time and effort unless they'd actually put in the time and effort to keep their skills and abilities.  "The last noble I had to meet hired some mercenaries as back up.  They were a challenge but Me and Miyo worked together and got the mission done."  Taking another drag he stayed down wind of his teammates keeping the smell from getting to them.

"I'm bettin this noble will have done the same depending of if they really trust their own guards."  Zakku exhaled again and put his arms behind his head.  "Either way it's not gonna be a cake walk that's for sure."

[Kyokujitsu Asahi]

{

}

Asahi's eyes widened at the mention of a certain someone, and though Ayukawa may or may not have been correct in her assessment the young Kyokujitsu wasn't the one the group was focused on right now. "H-Hey don't try and change the subject!" He'd reply while waving his hand to fan the attention away from him. There had never been an easy way to describe his attraction to Arashi or why even after all the near death experiences she put him through why he always came back, but he did like being around the woman and enjoyed the time they spent together even if it was mostly in peril.

Ayukawa's question about the forces of the nobles was a good one and a reality that they were going to have to face sooner rather than later. Asahi would have preferred that just the three of them take care of things as more people was just clutter, especially if they weren't shinobi, and they were already taking a risk trying to keep civilians out of harms way so having to look out for the noble's forces as well was only going to make things more difficult in the long run. This was turning into more of a logistics nightmare than anything concerning battle.

"I'd be surprised if someone this well off, or was well off at least, didn't throw some money at hired hands who were better than his normal assortment of guards; even more reason to not take unnecessary risks since we won't just be breaking the ranks of some mediocre guards. But I'm sure we'll get the full rundown when we meet up with the Daimyo's forces once we arrive." Asahi would reply while running through some tactics in his head. With the three of them it wouldn't necessarily take a whole lot to break the ranks but that was when the chaos would start up so he wanted to find a way to cut down on the ensuing confusion. He had one idea but doubted that the Daimyo's forces would go along with it but wouldn't know for sure until he presented it to them.

Zakku Burokon Saeko Ayukawa

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Siege Breakers As the girl grinned widely as her teasing seemed to have managed to get to her brother a bit, she'd felt somewhat remained of much more fonder days. Still, they were both a lot older now and she wasn't completely new to living within a shinobi village. That meant that it was easier for her to note social cues and clearly there was something about her clan cousin that attracted him to her. But it wasn't as though he'd admit it right here in the open. Yet this was aside from the point. Though it seemed that her concerns were a bit more valid than even she would have liked, especially as Zakku gave an example of supposed professionals that proved to be far easier to take out than they likely should have been. It seemed to point towards a level of dishonesty that she couldn't help but find disgusting. Of course, considering the line of work and the abundance of people willing to become hireable agents to a Country leader, maybe it was something that was required of them. To overestimate themselves. "Well that doesn't seem very noble..." Raising her brow, the teen would hold a frown on her face before looking toward Asahi as he commented on this being the very reason why they should be cautious. If not due to that alone, but due to the likelihood that they may have hired far more competent individuals to handle their problem aside from them. This would only make things more challenging as they would have to ensure both these people didn't cross the line and ensure that the civilians were unharmed. Yet, would that not also be part of breaking rank as it were? This was where her moral foundations were constantly being compromised, and time was proving more and more that perhaps she wasn't exactly as willing to follow orders without reason as she had once been. Though, maybe it was best not to tell Zakku and Asahi that. After all, they weren't even there yet to meet with the Damiyo's forces. For all she knew, the man was even less comfortable with the idea of attacking his people than they were. "Okay Asahi-Kun! Zakku-kun! I promise I'll be good!" Nodding her head quickly, she'd look toward Zakku before smiling at him as well in making this her vow.

    Tag:Zakku Burokon Kyokujitsu Asahi | Words: xxx | Notes:

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

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-S.A Used-

[Zakku Burokon]

// Zakku //

What good is skill
If you don't make it to the dance?
Despite circumstance
You've got a chance

Kyokujitsu Asahi Saeko Ayukawa

 Asahi was right.  They'd get the full rundown when they got there.  He really didn't know what to expect and that didn't sit well but he couldn't do much about it.  Zakku smiled back at Ayukawa.  "I know you will Ayu-chan.  Still gonna keep an eye on you though."  Doing the i'm watching you hand movements the blue haired teen chuckled and continued smoking as the group walked. He trusted both of his teammates more than he trusted himself.  No this time was different he was in more control.  He had that dark passenger under control.

Flicking some ashes off his blunt he looked up towards the sky taking another long drag.  Today was already looking to be one big long drag and the three of them were in for the long haul.  The trip seemed to be longer than it actually was.  Might have been because Zakku had already read his books before.  He hadn't purchased anything new to read since he'd taken up refuge in the Bhad Bastion and began his growing operation.  Probably about time to change that and check out any book places this place had or just wait to get back to the village.  That's if he could wait that long.

[Kyokujitsu Asahi]

{

}

With the promise of best behavior locked in the trio could now solely focus on getting to their destination and disposing of the noble. The remainder of the trip was wildly uneventful with little more than sand, sun, and wind to keep them company but over one final dune they would be able to lay eyes on a medium sized stronghold surrounded by the Daimyo's forces. It was a sizable stone structure with walls at least ten feet high and a couple of towers on the interior that were just the right size to house a besieged noble. The metallic gate at the front had been drawn shut with no signs of opening anytime soon. There had to be a few dozen of them yet none had been able to breach the stone walls where the noble and his men were holding up. "Guess this is it. Let's find whose in charge." Asahi would speak to the other two before sliding down the dune towards the stronghold.

A scout towards the rear would notice the shinobi's arrival before turning his attention back to the front lines. "Taichou! Shinobi incoming!" Heads would turn and attention shifted as the Daimyo's forces looked to see who was approaching. Some were elated to see that the village had sent aid, others confused at only seeing three people, and young ones at that. An older woman would step forward through her soldiers to meet the three Suna-nin when they finally arrived. "Ah, so you are who Suna sent then?" She'd ask. "Yes ma'am. My name is Asahi and with me are Zakku and Ayukawa." The chunin would reply. For a moment he wanted to give surnames but wasn't sure how referring, or not referring, to Ayukawa as a Saeko would go over. "Very well. My name is Inohana but Captain works just fine. I assume you've got something to deal with these stone walls so my men can finally break this siege and get rid of this noble?" The woman would ask in a matter of fact tone. She wasn't mean, per say, but the stress of a stalemate was obvious in her voice and she was ready to be done with all of this.

"About that, actually. We were wondering if you'd be able to tell us who all is in the stronghold with the noble? Guards for sure, but any servants and other non combatants?" The Kyokujitsu would ask. A brow raised in response as the captain tried to figure out what angle the boy was getting at. "Not sure why it matters, anyone under command of the noble is to be disposed of, but when he fled his estate and commandeered this place he did bring some staff with him. Maybe a dozen or so? The info is iffy at best and as you can see we're more preoccupied with his actual forces than who pours his drinks." Inohana would reply. "Now can you bring down these walls or not?" She'd inquire hoping to get a move on.

It would have been so easy to just bust a hole in the walls and storm the place but Asahi had given his word that they would at least try and save the non combatants, but asking the Daimyo's forces to hold off so they could try and keep the noble's servants out of harms way seemed ridiculous at this point. Alas, even if he wanted to go with the straight forward option Zakku and Ayukawa would just do their own thing and the last thing Asahi wanted was the group to be split. "Would it be ok if we took care care of things from the inside. We know the noble needs to be taken care of but the non combatants need not be caught in the crossfire and asking you and your men to avoid them while fighting would be putting you all at risk, so if you can just give us some time we will take care of things."

"You've gotta be kidding me, right? You really want to break an entire siege with just the three of you? While trying to save some servants to boot? Please tell me you're joking." The captain would would look between the three of them for a response, any kind of chink in their resolve. She and her men had been out here for what seemed like an eternity and when there finally seemed like a resolution some young punks were telling her to hold off? Tch, the nerve.

SPOILER: Click to show

Zakku Burokon Saeko Ayukawa

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Saeko Ayukawa]

Siege Breakers While Ayukawa was sure to remember her manners as she bowed respectfully toward the captain, the events before them was indeed nothing more than a siege upon the nobleman's land. Of course, considering the opposition, it was clear why they might require such defenses and why it was taking so long for the Damiyo's forces to break through. It was enormous. Much like that of a castle rather than a homestead, of course maybe that was indeed what fortune and reputation could afford people. It certainly wasn't the first time she'd seen such a vast landscape, but she imagined that not many could live in such luxury. She certainly couldn't. Though as she smiled and waved at the captain, the man would begin to explain much of the situation, but was quick to try and get them to create an opening for them to advance through. But Asahi seemed to keep his demeanor of calm, asking for information, things that were clearly needed for such an advance, which seemed to somewhat temper the woman's in a sense. Or at least, it did for the moment. While keeping her hands within her pockets, the teen would sniff the air and listen in as the details were made somewhat available. It appeared that the lord didn't own this area and had taken it over rather. But apparently, he also had perhaps taken some staff with him as well, along with their usual guard. If she could pick up on the man's scent, she might be able to help in locating him. But that would be a challenge with this being an area that had little of him in it. Staff might be easier. But that came with whom they encountered. Of course, it appeared that the female captain couldn't care less about those people, as it was ordered that everyone with the lord be disposed of. Despite Asahi's attempt to plead their plan of at least attempting to handle things on their own from within, it looked like the captain was more annoyed by the idea rather than accepting of it, looking the group over as the girl's purple eyes narrowed at the assumption that clearly such effort to preserve life was a joke. If anything, it would at least keep her own people alive and leave the risk all on them. That seemed like a better trade-off. Ayukawa was ready to speak, but she simply crossed her arms as just looked to the side. She had made a promise, so she was going to keep to it, though it was clear that the woman's candor had put a sour expression on her face, leading to doing her best to try and avoid eye contact. "It's not impossible..." Her tone was soft, but even realizing that the words left her lips showed that there was indeed some ill thinking going through the girl's head. But, she wouldn't let herself jump off the rails yet. The possibility of twelve indviduals being within, innocent bystanders, along with the guard and the noble themselves. It was indeed quite the feat to accomplish. But as Shinobi, was it not their duty to take on such odds?

    Tag:Zakku Burokon Kyokujitsu Asahi | Words: xxx | Notes:

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Lion's Sleep
Hunter instincts and experience on the hunt have granted Ayukawa insight into the minds of the prey she encounters. Animalistic encounters have allowed her to track and be capable of following those that she intends to target, at times giving her brief, but small insight into their intentions. While not fully developed, they have improved over her continued use and natural development, allowing her instincts to be heighten to a point where she isn't caught off-guard when activated or in an intense moment that requires a reaction. It also allows for her to at times get inside of the heads of her target, mostly due to their movements and their patterns once discovered. It is a skill that is constantly growing, though has yet to reach it's full potential.

[Zakku Burokon]

// Zakku //

What good is skill
If you don't make it to the dance?
Despite circumstance
You've got a chance

Kyokujitsu Asahi Saeko Ayukawa

 Zakku arched an eyebrow.  "Definitely compensating for something."  He said to himself mostly staring at the manor.  Why did people with money feel so inclined to spend it on such large and overly priced places like this.  It seemed like a waste to the blue haired chunin.  

Nodding as he was introduced to the captain he kept his arms crossed.  Looking between Asahi and the Captain as they spoke Zakku let out an annoyed click of his tongue.  They seemed to have a more eager bloodlust than Zakku did.  Why was he starting to feel a bit upset at that?  Of course they didn't care about the Servants.  They just wanted to slaughter everyone inside and move on.  Zakku doubted it could be that easy.  Not everything can be brute forced.

"He doesn't do the jokes.  That's my field.  Sometimes Ayukawa here, but more often than not that's me."  Zakku finished his smoke and flicked the remains away from him.  Exhaling he shrugged.  "We can do a lot more than your group clunking around in the narrow hallways and tight corners."  He didn't know what to expect inside the manor but he knew that they'd move a lot better and more freely than her group of soldiers.  Keeping the innocents out of the fight would also be a lot more easier but that wasn't going to be the selling point he'd try.