[Uchiha Izusa]

fallen from the tree

---

Missions during daylight hours were things he would need to get used to.

It wasn't often that his talents were requested outside of the classroom these days, and for the most part he was fine with that. Not only did it help with his cover as an academy instructor of middling talent, but it left him with time.

Time he used to prepare for his 'real' work at night. Root was in disarray as of late, but he'd never lost sight of its overarching goal. He didn't like it, he didn't enjoy it, but he did as was bid. To serve his village as was required of him and to keep his complaints to himself. It wasn't the most healthy way of dealing with things... but it was his way.

Fortunately this assignment paired him with one of his favorite students of late, Uzumaki Ataru. It'd allow him an opportunity to see how he'd progressed since his promotion and check in with him. A simple job with a simple goal.

Hopefully it stayed that way. "Ataru-kun." Izusa would greet the boy at the gates of the village, hands folded out in front of him within the sleeves of his sage green haori. A smile graced his lips as he spotted the boy's hitai-ate displayed on his forehead, glinting in the sunlight. A tinge of pride welling up inside him despite his disinclination towards such things. "You're looking like a real shinobi now." He said, checking to make sure the genin came equipped for their mission. "All ready to head out?" Their journey wasn't a short one, but it wasn't too far either.

Now was their chance to check and make sure they were all set before departing from the village proper. It was best to prepare for the worst, and though he didn't expect much in the way of trouble, he always liked to stay ready.

---

[Uzumaki Ataru]

It was a bright and sunny day in Konoha, the only difference today was that he didn't need to get up bright and early for school but instead their first mission. Tempering his expectation against their sense of excitement at getting to depart the village on a bonafide task instead of just going to visit family in Uzushiogakure, he ate a hearty breakfast and worked out in the yard before departing double checking to make sure he possessed everything he needed within his pack and pouches. Hugging his Mom goodbye and bidding farewell to his siblings the boy would embark from home with a spring to their step and his freshly branded hitai-ate creasing their forehead with the emblazoned symbol of Konoha stenciled across its shining metallic surface.

He was looking forward to the venture, incredibly so but made sure to stay buttoned up like how Shine and his Mother told him to remain vigilant and professional in executing his duties as a Konoha nin. Waling to the gate he triple checked that everything was where it should be frog wallet, keys, ninja tools, etc all accounted for in his kit. A cheery smile filling his expression as he reached the rendezvous point at the gate of the village, seeing a familiar face brought a further beaming gaze to his already vibrant amber gold eyes. "Izusa Sensei, its good to see you!" He called out to the man with a sun song tenor, and calm inflection to their tone bidding a small wave as he finally approached them at the threshold for departure.

"All set." He says confidently, fingers grasping under the cusp of his headband - a wide smile forming upon hearing the man's kind words, but beyond that aura of grace and happiness the boy steeled himself for what was to come. While it would be an adventure, such wouldn't be without risk or danger posed especially when dispatched on official business. Anything could happen, and Ataru had prepared themselves thoroughly both under Shinde as well as a myriad of others who had a hand in 'raising' him. The man in question situated before them had a place in that process, and he respected the heck out of them for it.

[Uchiha Izusa]

an autumn leaf's new journey

---

Upon hearing the boy's words all he could do was smile warmly and nod. "It's good to see you too."

If he were the type, he might've reached out and ruffled his hair a bit but he thought better of it. After all, he was no longer a mere academy student but a genin of Konohagakure. Those sort of things were behind him now...

Didn't stop him from holding a hand out for a high-five though. "Glad to hear it." He said with a laugh. Once they were all double-checked and ready, Izusa turned and motioned towards the road with his head. "Come on. Let's get going." The Border Town was about a few hours' trek from the village if they walked, which he decided to do.

No sense in wearing themselves out before they even arrived after all. "How do you like being a genin so far?" The instructor asked as they made their way along the earthen path. "Is it everything you hoped it'd be?" A question.

This time, there was no test to be given. More a simple curiosity as they journeyed together. Until they arrived they would have some time to talk, and any briefings that he had to give the boy could wait until they were a bit closer to their destination. That way it would be fresh in their minds upon arrival. For the moment, ninja business could wait.

---

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Meeting his hand held up for a high five, their calloused roughly hewn palm hits against Izusa's as they stand around the towering gate. It was good to see the man again, though their time knowing one another at the Academy and during the graduation exam was short he looked forward to embarking out on a mission with the older Uchiha. "Alright, let's go." Deciding to be off, they would leave together on foot walking through the hulking threshold and follow down the track blazing a trail along the dirt road proper towards their destination. "I'm not really sure, I feel good that I passed but haven't been one for very long. So, can't really say yet..." He spoke honestly and forthrightly, reserving judgment about touching on what it was like to be a Genin until he had actual experience to speak of. "Looking forward to going out on a mission though, glad to be out of the village."

"What about you, Izusa Sensei. Do you enjoy being a ninja, is it everything you'd like it to be?" He idly wondered if their Shinobi career was one he was satisfied with, he didn't think the life of an Academy Instructor was all that glamorous and to him it seemed a bit restrictive and boring perhaps. But he also couldn't help but wonder about his past and what lingered on the opposite side of the coin for the man. Curious about the types of work he did for the village and sort of missions he ventured out on. After all for a ninja and man of his caliber, he imagined this was a bit of a milk run...

[Uchiha Izusa]

on the rivulet

---

Seeing one so young be so grounded was always a heartening experience. They slapped hands, departed, and spoke.

The young Uzumaki hadn't let his promotion get to his head, and his answer to his question showed Izusa a measure of restraint that he appreciated. "Yeah, that makes sense." He said with a smile. "Give it some time to sink in."

Before long Ataru would have plenty of missions under his belt. Of course that also meant he would come face-to-face with the grim realities of their occupation too... but he had faith in the boy. "Anyone giving you a hard time about your age?" The instructor would ask, turning his dark gaze to the child. Curious to see how he reacted.

It was something he'd wanted to speak with Ataru about during his exam, but he didn't want to throw cold water on the whole thing at the end. "You're one of the youngest genin the village has had. At least in recent memory." Every so often that one-in-a-million talent was born and rose quickly through the ranks, but it had been quite a while since he'd seen something like that. Sagara, maybe, but he was all graduated by the time Izusa ever stepped foot there.

As the two walked, his former student asked a question of his own. Did he like being a ninja? "Hm..." The Uchiha hummed as they made their way along the path. "This is gonna sound a bit like a cop-out, but I like helping to make sure my home, family, and friends are safe." He said with a small chuckle. In truth? He didn't much enjoy what he did. Teaching, he liked... but in the end, that was only ever meant to be a cover for his other work. Work that took a steep toll on him and that he was forbidden to speak about. "It's... pretty much what I expected." Izusa continued before tilting his head and adopting a faux 'stern' expression. "But expecting something and experiencing it are two real different things." If it sounded like a warning, it was meant to. Many were raised on tales of brave shinobi...

...but the truth of the matter was less courageous and more grim. "Looks like we're coming up on the Border Town now." Izusa said with a nod towards the road. On the horizon the settlement sprawled into view. Now was as good a time as any to break down their duties. "Alright, Ataru-kun. We're on patrol duty today." Not exactly his favorite thing in the world... but an assignment was an assignment. "I... don't have any cuffs. But—" Reaching into his hip pouch, the instructor pulled out a small spool of Ninja Wire. He unraveled about half of it, swiped a kunai from his thigh holster, and cut it before handing the boy the bunched-up string. "This'll do fine." For their purposes at least.

Nearing the town with each step, he continued on. "Just stick close and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. If we're lucky, us just being here will keep things boring today." A shinobi presence no matter how small tended to have that effect. Izusa was no caped crusader and really would rather not beat up on impoverished street toughs.

But if there was no other option, he would do as he must. Placing his tools back in their rightful spots, he led them both into town. Head already on a swivel, watching for activity, and walking their beat as they were assigned to do.  

---

[Uzumaki Ataru]

The boy scratched idly along their face as the two walked and talked, he hadn't been a Genin for overly long so naturally he wasn't quite sure how things might go. As he spoke about giving it time, he nodded in agreement before stretching somewhat putting his arms back into the air and he swayed right to left gazing over their shoulders to get a quick view of the surroundings. Wanting to check and see if anyone was either observing or following them, he wasn't a sensory nin so situational awareness was a must for a dispatched duo of Shinobi or so he thought. Turning back forward after getting a good glimpse of their flanks and rear he turned back to normal as they continued conversing though ever vigilant.

"Not yet." He was sure that he would catch flak for it eventually, after all he was quite young to be a Genin. Seven by the time he graduated and here he was now, it felt a bit surreal but the boy was glad to finally be out and doing his part for the village. "Am I? I didn't know that, but it makes sense." The boy spoke in an calm even laced matter-of-fact manner, amber gold meeting charcoal black as they progressed in their dialogue. Listening as the Uchiha answered their own query though in a convoluted and purposefully esoteric fashion. Staring at his Sensei with eyes that conveyed that indeed, his response was quite the cop out but one that still resonated with the young Uzumaki.

After all, he did things for that same vein of reasoning so he could do his parents proud, serve the village, and most of all ensure those back home like his siblings and friends stayed safe. "Hmm..." The boy muses on their response, as well as how one's expectations could contrast versus the reality of actually experiencing it for oneself - it was time for Ataru to find out. As he delivers his warning the boy stiffens somewhat, though quickly returns to normalcy choosing to listen more intently now as they drew close to their destination. Taking the spool of wire he nods to the man as he tucks it away within one of their circular pouches, looking forward to the where the village lay just past the next bend. "Hai, Sensei." Izusa was the more senior Shinobi, so it was only natural to follow their orders and made complete sense to take after their lead. He didn't fully know how to conduct themselves and this was their first excursion out of Konoha, he could do with relying on their leadership and wealth of wisdom.

Keeping up a degree of situational awareness by having his head on a swivel as they enter into the bounds of the village proper, the context of his words gave the indication that their presence itself would serve as a strong deterrent but that did nothing towards lowering their guard or accomplishing the mission. This wasn't home, outside of it nowhere was absolutely safe and many things posed dangers even to ninja. Prepared for trouble should it arise, Ataru readied himself mentally for anything that might happen while also tempering his expectations and maintaining a lookout.

[Uchiha Izusa]

Golden auburn leaves

---

A slight chuckle was all he could manage as the boy looked at him after his answer. Ataru was a sharp kid, and his response was roundabout enough that he could likely read between the lines. Some things he had to keep to himself.

However much he might like to vent or confide in others, he was utterly forbidden to. And aside from that... he felt a certain amount of reluctance to give voice to any hesitancy about his duties. People had been marked for 'disappearance' by Root for much less than that. This he knew well... because he was the one who disappeared them.

On the subject of him being young for a genin, the instructor merely nodded. "I didn't make it through the academy until I was eleven..." Average length of enrollment, average scores— Izusa was far from a prodigy. Not like his older brother, Sagara. And just by virtue of his youth, Ataru's potential could be placed in that same upper echelon. It was a rare thing, and he was curious to see how far the boy would go. "So you got me beat." He said with a joking smirk.

The pair approached and entered the town, and as expected things appeared to be rather uneventful. People going about their days, the odd cat or dog scurrying along the streets, and a sense of calm for the most part. All things considered it was a good sign. The Port City had a fairly large criminal element due to the infamous and menacing Atsuzawa-rengokai, but he didn't know of any syndicate even approaching the kind of pull that mob had here in the Border Town. Surely there was the odd theft here or there as with any other population center, but nothing major.

No, from what he understood it was usually quiet here. Still it paid to be vigilant. And so he kept his dark eyes narrowed as he and Ataru made their way along the street. After some time a faint sound rang out, sounding almost like a struggle of some sort coming from an alleyway. "Ataru-kun." Izusa said, his smile fading as his attention honed in on the disturbance. "With me." Wasting no time he broke out into a sprint, rapidly approaching the alley's mouth.

What would they find? In a few seconds they would know for sure and he would get to see how the young Uzumaki reacted to whatever was occurring. A mugging, an assault, or two tomcats fighting over territory? Whatever the source of the noise, it was up to the both of them to assess the situation and act accordingly. 

---

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Pressing their hands together, Ataru would interlace his fingers together and stretch outward both as a mixed bag denoting a tad bit of nervousness as well as a mode of preparation in case anything did happen. "Am I really that abnormal?" He speaks in such a pure way, as if the notion had really never struck him. Though looking back on it, it made sense on why his family made such a big deal out of it. Though there was something to be said regarding his dealings with others how they had never really touched on his age, though it certainly came as a surprise to some. In his dealings most people were kind and even handed, though Ataru realized such wouldn't always be the case. He was a boy naturally at ease, comfortable in his own skin and though he strived for strength the many sobering realities of pursuing such a path had been made abundantly clear to the young boy.

However, he didn't hold the wealth of experience as other esteemed ninja he reminded himself. Snapping back from such wayward daydreams into the past he instead came to focus on the here and now; primarily what came into view ahead of them. "Maybe, but right now you're much better than me. One day I promise I'll catch up and we'll have a rematch. That's when I'll really have ya beat!" It was a promise, one cemented in the boy's will of fire weather knowingly or unknowingly the Uchicha Sensei had lit a match within the young boy, something to strive for and reach out towards. To catch up to the many instructors who had helped him through this his journey forth, to meet their expectations and surpass his own. For the clan, the village, and most of all his family.

Trailing in Izusa's wake, the boy kept a watchful eye as to their surrounding as they approach the interior. Switching gears entirely into one more honed and focused, seeing as the people went about their days. Everything appeared normal but the Uzumaki felt a tinge of suspicion brooked by nerves perhaps, not quite trusting things at a surface glance remaining primed and ready. Loping amongst the narrow street as they travel alongside one another, he made sure to hold ample distance in case they were attacked or an ambush came launched. Upon hearing a faint ring the boy craned his head, the spiky mane of red contrasting at their surroundings as he implicitly strained to hear more. In his gut it sounded like the song of steel, having no time to doubt or question it further as Izusa urged them forward, he nods and springs into action. "Hai."

Wasting not a second longer, he breaks out into a similar sprint alongside his Sensi towards the sight of the disturbance making for the head of the alley just ahead. Maintaining his speed just enough to be able to turn on a dime and stop or even jump up towards the low hanging slanted roofs flanking the upcoming causeway. His amber eyes stare forward, ready to take in the situation and act accordingly.

[Uchiha Izusa]

Fade from the usual green

---

Hearing the boy's question, the instructor opened his mouth to respond but no words came. 'Abnormal' sounded a little... negative. But it was the case. "I'd say... 'unique'." He finally said to the boy with a smile.

Whatever word they wanted to use, it wasn't something that happened every day. "The sort of potential you have is rare. Once-in-a-generation, maybe." Prodigies were uncommon for a reason. Some people were simply born with latent talent... and all the signs pointed to that being the case here. "Just... don't let it get to your head, huh?" He said.

Flashing the young Uzumaki a grin and this time actually reaching out to ruffle his red hair playfully. Ataru didn't seem the type to brag and boast which was a good thing. A little humility went a long way. And at least in his clan...

...some were desperate need of it. The boy's next words prompted a small laugh from the instructor as they continued to walk. "Don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances to take a shot at me." He said, his eyes narrowing just a touch as he gave the child a knowing smirk. "Just remember, I'll be training the whole time too. So no slacking off." Funny.

At least in regards to his cover, he was a bit of a slacker himself when it came to paperwork. But his teacher's instinct knew that giving the boy a goal to strive for would only motivate him further. If Ataru could one day best him? Then maybe this teaching thing was his true calling. Wishful thinking, maybe... but deep down, he hoped it was true.

Once they had entered town and the disturbance caught their attention, the duo darted off. Ataru responding aptly and trailing close behind. Rounding the corner of the alleyway two large oafs came into view, dressed in grimy leathers and menacing a small old lady. "Muggers?" He thought as he came to a sliding halt. "How cliché..."

Stereotypes aside, they still had a job to do. "You two!" He called out to them, raising his usual kindly-sounding voice to get their attention. Both men turned and froze as they caught sight of he and Ataru's hitai-ate. "Step away from the lady." First they looked to each other, then to Izusa, and finally towards the boy at his side. Then they burst out laughing. "Yer kiddin' right?!" One asked between chortles. "Izzit bring yer kid to work day or somethin'?"

Unfortunately for them, he was in no joking mood. So he merely glared at them as he lowered his center of gravity slightly. "Look, ninja. This 'ere is our town now. An' if you wanna walk these streets, you gotta pay a toll." Izusa barely reacted to this tidbit of information. "...I didn't ask." Once more the two men looked to each other before turning back to him. "Well we're tellin'! You want us to back off? Fine." A large hand moved to grasp the woman and push her aside as the two of them turned their full focus on both he and Ataru. "She don't have any ryō, anyway..."

In an instant, a dagger and a small club were produced from their belts. "So we'll just knock you over instead!" Izusa's gaze narrowed as he drew one hand in to his side and let his other hang loosely in front of him. "Keep calm and remember your training..." He said to Ataru, eyes locked on the approaching goons. "I'll take the one with the knife."

---

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Unique, huh... that was one way to view it. Staring down at the flat of his hand as if he could gaze into the lay lines that adorn their palm like the marks of a map and read the future. Idly wondering what made him so different from all the other kids his age, balling their hand into a fist he felt a certain driving warmth as he pressed it against his breast. "Potential..." Annunciating the word in a hushed tone before nodding their head succinctly at his next string of words warning against pride, Ataru no matter his crazy nature when it came to training knew that despite his skill the boy was still quite far down on the totem pole and still had much to learn.

Determined to achieve it all and more, such was his sense of focus as the two rounded the corner only to be confronted with the origin of the perceived disturbance. Spotting two rather rough looking fellows harassing an old women, the boys eyes narrow as he stares them down letting Izusa Sensei take charge of the dialogue delivering a warning as he weighed his options and readied to strike whether in response to their actions or in taking the initiative remained to be seen. The rebuttal from the two was clear cut solidifying the fact a fight was neigh, evident by them drawing their weapons and facing the them down.

Taking a calm steady breath, assuaging his nerves it came reinforced by the Uchiha's reassurance as they dolled out targets between one another. "Hai, Sensei." As the show down progresses Ataru calmly laces a line of wire in the rounded hole at the pommel end of his Kunai, as the fight breaks out the boy brandishes their knife before swinging it out like a Bola. As it wraps about their legs like a lasso might hog tie an goat, the boy leaps into the air lading along the tiled roof and in the act of doing so tethers the line over a stout beam and lashes the opposing end around a weighty log of which he unceremoniously kicks down into the street below. Watching as the impromptu rope goes taught, like a fish being pulled from the water the Uzumaki would witness the Mugger fly into the sky suspended there like a cut of meat on display and likely floundering.

[Uchiha Izusa]

The fall breeze arrives

---

Two mooks who weren't able to utilize chakra could most likely be handled by Ataru alone. Genin were junior ninja but they were still trained enough to be more than a match for the average purse-snatcher who targeted old ladies. 

But despite his talent, the boy was still green and so the instructor didn't want to leave anything to chance. So both of them focused up, the young Uzumaki heeding his words and jumping almost immediately into action. Ataru made adept use of the Ninja Wire he'd given him and Izusa watched as one of the men was rather easily subdued.

Feet yanked out from underneath him as he was pulled upwards and dangled about like some human kusudama swaying in the breeze. "Oi!" The man shouted as his club clattered to the ground below and he struggled to draw a small knife from his boot. "Just wait 'til I get down from 'ere you little—" Any further words stopped short as he strained to sit-up and began sawing away at the wire. It was strong material but wouldn't last if he kept up.

Apparently this turn of events angered the remaining one who wasted no time charging at Izusa with his thin blade brandished. The instructor stood his ground, his eyes narrowing as his foe approached and thrust at him. It was a good thing he'd been honing his reflexes as of late because the man's movements were faster than he expected. As the tip of the blade drew near to his face Izusa side-stepped the strike at the last second and dropped low. One of his legs lashing out to sweep the assailant's feet out from under him with use of his Gachō. The man tripped and fell.

Knife clanging along the ground as Izusa quickly stood and planted a foot in the middle of his back to keep him pinned to the ground. "Alright, enough of all that..." As expected they hadn't been too much trouble... but before either of them could breathe easy a thud sounded out behind him. The instructor craned his neck to see the other mugger had successfully sawed his way through the wire and was now rolling on the ground attempting to stand. "Ataru-kun!" He said, keeping his foot in place on the knife-wielding robber. Sure he could just turn to stop him...

Though he knew there was no need. The young Uzumaki was proving himself just fine and he felt as if he could rely on him to take care of the man. So instead he simply stood and waited, keeping his opponent facedown but ready to take action if he needed. Izusa had no doubts, fully counting on Ataru to jump into action  again to stop the man.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:
NAME: Gachō [Goose]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: N/A
DESCRIPTION:
Usually the third part of the Magamo > Kamo combo, the user drops low and delivers a powerful sweep to the legs of the opponent, forcing them to fall backwards due to the momentum still present from the Kamo kick, allowing the practitioner to follow up with a fourth and final move.

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

JISEISHIN - ENHANCED CHAKRA CONTROL

"Self control." Possessing only average chakra reserves, Izusa learned early on to keep his energy expenditure minimal. Using only the required amount of chakra and nothing more to perform his jutsu. This allows him to not only ration out his chakra more efficiently, but to remain active in battle for longer periods of time without tiring. Restraint is vital to any ninja.

SHARINGAN - KKG

Wielder of his clan's legendary dōjutsu, the Sharingan gives Izusa incredible sensory awareness. Color springs to life in vivid hues and his clarity is enhanced, making even chakra visible to his red eyes. Still incomplete since its awakening, it requires further improvement. As his one tomoe spins, his eyes allow him to perceive his opponent to an enhanced degree and follow their movements with more ease. Understanding firsthand the great cost that comes with furthering one's Sharingan, Izusa is in no rush to develop it soon. Instead utilizing it only when necessary and treating his Kekkei Genkai like any other skill. Notably, his dominant right eye has a tendency to activate first on its own when his emotions rise.

ONKOCHISHIN - INTELLIGENCE

"Review past, know future." An avid reader for as long as he can remember, Izusa is ever thoughtful. Scrolls on poetry, life, war, tactics, human nature— all providing him keen insight into others. Making him an experienced tactician. Applying this to his shinobi training, his sharp mind allows him to read situations and opponents expertly. Concocting masterful plans even in the midst of combat to compensate for his own shortcomings and capitalize on weaknesses in their defenses.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Ataru looked on with eagle eyed awareness, seeking to analyze the situation as things unfolded and act accordingly. No matter the level, this was the real deal and the Uzumaki was determined to remain measured in his handling of this. Assigned his target by their instructor and team leader he chose to remain vigilant while also focusing down on the bandit in particular he was ordered to engage. The trap had gone off without a hitch, with the man suspended within the air though it wasn't a certainty that it would hold him for very long. Pulling forth a blunted Kunai he tosses it with expert precision striking along the surface of the relinquished club sending it scattering some feet away, a significant distance enough to no longer be in proximity and ensure the robber as well as his compatriot would remain unarmed even if they regained their footing.

As he shouts and threatens the boy Ataru prepares something else his back arching upright and bending backward at an angle as he kneads chakra within a handful of moments causing his cheeks to swell with water containing the pressure inside of his mouth, as the man finally manages to wrest and wiggle free cutting themselves out and tumble out onto the floor he enacts the next step in his plan. Seeking to finish things, having staged it well as a series of suiton shots the size of bottlecaps erupt from his mouth at blinding speed. Striking the very same impromptu pulley mechanism releasing the log that acted as a counter weight in springing him up and keeping previously suspended upside down came falling crashing down atop of his head with a loud thunk. He was certainly seeing stars, weaving a series of hand seals quite rapidly the Uzumaki would disappear replaced with the very same log that had struck the bandit seconds before.

Appearing just beside the man in his blind spot within a hair's breath of time, he proceeds to jump within the air swinging themselves about in a primed fluid manner. His form taking on the sign of proper technique as it progresses their speed combined with the inertia born from his graceful yet powerful movements. Leading directly in the Uzumaki employing a strong roundhouse kick that likely sends him flying into the dirt and clearly down for the count. "Daijoubu, Izusa Sensei!" Once he confirmed the man was completely neutralized he looked to the Uchiha and gave them a thumbs up, by the looks it they had resolved the situation within a rather quick time frame. Levying out a shaky breath, he rubbed along the bottom of his chin as the feeling of adrenaline pumped throughout his body. The boy remained wound tight and kept up a degree of situational awareness unsure if things were well and truly over. Not quite trusting enough to let his guard down and believe things to be over until it was confirmed. 

There was a dangerous glint to his eye that the Uchiha and likely no one else had ever seen before, his fight or flight response was screaming in his mind and the toll of the bells clearly still resounded and set not only the boy on edge but kept his blood ablaze. Playing through the sensations that afflicted him he did his best to calm his mind as well as regain control of their breathing, it was somewhat ragged yet slowly but surely returning back to an evenly regimented tempo. 

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Suiton: Teppōdama [Water Release: Gunshot]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: High
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Suiton
HANDSEALS: 0
DESCRIPTION:
The user kneads chakra, and converts it into water, and then spits it out in the form of condensed balls. The high-speed water ball attack possesses just as much power to kill as an actual gunshot. While this is a water release technique, it can still be employed someplace where no water is available, which is a great advantage. It is also possible to increase the power of destruction of the spheres themselves by building up the chakra inside of them. The number of bullets is determined while kneading chakra. By taking advantage of gravity, the bullets can brutally increase in power.


NAME: Kawarimi no Jutsu [Body Replacement Technique]
RANK: E
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: None
HANDSEALS: 5
DESCRIPTION:
After performing the necessary hand seals (one post prior to the technique's use) and locating a nearby object within a 10 meter radius (typically a log or something of similar size to their body.), the user switches places with the said object just before an attack lands, creating an optical illusion. During the small interval where they have left their opponent surprised, they may take the time to attack or flee.

[Uchiha Izusa]

Bringing with it colored leaves

---

Dark eyes watched the events unfold, seeming to relax just a bit as the young Uzumaki quickly responded to the evolving situation. A series of small water bullets, the crashing of the pulley onto the man's head, and a swift kick.

A combination that sent the rogue falling to the pavement and stopped his movements cold. If he hadn't regretted his choice of actions that day so far, he definitely would once he woke up. All things considered Ataru had proven himself capable. Izusa spared a glance at the other man he was still holding underfoot. Just in time to see him reach...

...for a boot knife of his own. "Don't—" It was too late. The man pulled the small dagger and slashed, forcing the instructor to backpedal quickly to avoid being cut. It didn't even snag on his yukata like some of Tokaku's slashes had. All of that reflex training seemed to be coming in handy. "Why don't people ever learn?" He muttered, watching as the mugger scrambled for his other knife and stood to his feet, dual-wielding and all. Izusa merely sighed and shook his head as the assailant readied himself and charged at him once more. Several glints of steel shone out.

Blades slicing through the air as the instructor ducked then retreated further. Keeping his frontside to his foe at all times as he took a few swift steps backwards. Before the man could press the attack further Izusa pursed his lips and whistled abruptly, the high-pitched and slightly off-key sound piercing the air but more importantly activating Kousou, a deceptive Genjutsu. As quickly as the man moved to attack he stumbled and struggled to catch himself.

The man's legs wobbling as he was clearly and quickly disoriented. Seizing the sudden opportunity Izusa stepped in once more, one of his feet moving to strike the man's wirst and disarm a single knife. Then his palm lashed outward, knocking the other dagger free before the same foot snapped forwards into his stomach, his Goisagi knocking the air from his lungs and sending him tilting backwards to the ground with a loud thud. "You should have stayed down..."

Facing off against two shinobi meant they were either incredibly brave or stupid. And just then his money was on the latter. Izusa wasted no time in retrieving his own Ninja Wire to detain his suspect, making sure to tie his hands behind his back tightly and then helping him to prop himself up against one of the alley walls. "You two... are gonna be... sorry." The man said, still struggling to catching his breath. Izusa allowed a small frown to cross his face before turning to his former student and nodding at him. "Nice work, Ataru-kun. Very smooth." As expected of him.

No freezing up, no hesitating, just quick and efficient movements. Though there was a hint of... something in the boy's eye that he'd never seen before. Adrenaline maybe? Real combat was far different than training. For now, he'd allow the boy space to breathe as Izusa moved to use the rest of his wire to tie up the other assailant. Then on to assist the elderly woman whom they'd targeted. "Are you okay, ma'am?" He asked, helping her to regain her bearings. 

In short enough order she had thanked them both and gone on her way. A successful deterrence... but there was still something bothering him. Normally a couple of brigands would've turned tail and run at the first sight of a shinobi, let alone two. This was too bold. "Hm..." The instructor's mind pondered the situation as he bent down and dragged the other culprit next to his partner. Propping him against the wall too before wandering over to the young Uzumaki and looking him over. "Take a few deep breaths." Izusa said. "It's probably just the adrenaline. It'll pass soon."

---

SPOILER: Click to show

OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:
NAME: Kousou [Fighting Confused]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: To Use: Very Low | To Maintain: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Genjutsu
ELEMENT: -
HANDSEALS: 0
TRIGGER: Auditory
DESCRIPTION:
After a shrill whistle, the user will cast a Genjutsu over their opponent. After they hear the whistle, it will seem as if the world around them begins to spin. Everything turning upside down, making them almost unable to move without falling over. Leaving the opponent extremely disorientated.

NAME: Goisagi [Black-Crowned Heron]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: N/A
DESCRIPTION:
The strongest of the Sagi techniques, the user strikes the opponent in the stomach with a downward snap kick, forcing them either to fall onto their back or into a sitting position, with master practitioners causing a small crater around the area affected.


SPECIAL ABILITIES:

JISEISHIN - ENHANCED CHAKRA CONTROL

"Self control." Possessing only average chakra reserves, Izusa learned early on to keep his energy expenditure minimal. Using only the required amount of chakra and nothing more to perform his jutsu. This allows him to not only ration out his chakra more efficiently, but to remain active in battle for longer periods of time without tiring. Restraint is vital to any ninja.

SHARINGAN - KKG

Wielder of his clan's legendary dōjutsu, the Sharingan gives Izusa incredible sensory awareness. Color springs to life in vivid hues and his clarity is enhanced, making even chakra visible to his red eyes. Still incomplete since its awakening, it requires further improvement. As his one tomoe spins, his eyes allow him to perceive his opponent to an enhanced degree and follow their movements with more ease. Understanding firsthand the great cost that comes with furthering one's Sharingan, Izusa is in no rush to develop it soon. Instead utilizing it only when necessary and treating his Kekkei Genkai like any other skill. Notably, his dominant right eye has a tendency to activate first on its own when his emotions rise.

ONKOCHISHIN - INTELLIGENCE

"Review past, know future." An avid reader for as long as he can remember, Izusa is ever thoughtful. Scrolls on poetry, life, war, tactics, human nature— all providing him keen insight into others. Making him an experienced tactician. Applying this to his shinobi training, his sharp mind allows him to read situations and opponents expertly. Concocting masterful plans even in the midst of combat to compensate for his own shortcomings and capitalize on weaknesses in their defenses.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

As the man fell flat, laid out cold Ataru seized the moment even before the dust settled though taking precautions through minute observations and analytical examination before making his approach that they were dead unconscious. Walking the handful of steps over and materializing the lasso of wire given unto him by Izusa at the beginning of their mission together he would proceed to hog tie the assailant ensuring this time he wouldn't wiggle free or be able to escape such a binding also without causing undue pain or lasting damage. Checking him for any other weapons and such, finding a billy club and kunai knife he tosses them away well out of reach of both assailants especially as they come subdued. Tossing them into the collection basket of a nearby stall alongside his coin pouch as the boy reigned them in, after all for causing such a troublesome ruckus those who had to suffer at their hands deserved a reward for being threatened and having to put up with it.

Looking to his Sensei as things seemed to unravel on his end, Ataru's first instinct was to leap in and help but he consciously reminded themselves that his aid would likely only interfere and might worsen things. So he held themselves back having full confidence in the Uchiha's capability to subdue such a person. Though ready to jump in should the need arise or some other person try to involve themselves, for now he steadied themselves on guarding the foe in question he had secured. Watching and learning as they danced around, easily evading the cuts from their blade with expert fluidity and incredible reflexes. He had to give it to the man, even his sleepy life as an Academy Instructor hadn't dulled his abilities whatsoever.

As the blade swings back and forth in a frenzy it didn't even catch up to his after image certainly cementing the divide in his mind on the separation in abilities between shinboi and normal civilians though reminding himself never to underestimate or think of an opponent as lesser. The Hatake, Uchiha, and Hyuuga's words echoed inside his mind simultaneously as well as the voice of the man himself who found themselves on the opposing end of this encounter. Eyes widening and subsequently sharpening with interest as he saw the man's genjutsu come into play seemingly disorientating their opponent as the finisher finally came in a single decisive moments. As he's sent down on his ass and knocked clean out, the thought of that sure seeming like it hurt rattled around inside the Uzumaki's brain.

Followed by agreeing with the sentiment born by Izusa's words, it was good to gauge an opponent's strength and fight accordingly. But you should also know when to fight and run though not that it would've likely helped, perhaps he just wanted to go down swinging or thought to test the mettle of Shinobi without truly realizing the level of difference between the two. Having caught his breath and steadied out their nerves, he maintained a calm regimented pattern of rhythmic breathing as the adrenaline pumping within him slowly winds down. Ebbing away back to alert normalcy, as he is addressed the boy smiles giving a thankful look before gesturing to the man with a thumbs up. "You too, Sensei. Well done!" Succinct and to the point, he was still getting it together.

A quick and efficient resolution, or so the boy's surface thoughts spoke to as he takes stock of things given space to mentally resolve and chew on the fat of all that happened. Helping to situate the two tied up people as they are dragged and left situated beside one another, following Izusa's advice as the words come spoken in the wake of comforting the old woman and securing the bandits. Ataru counts to four and inhales before counting to four and exhaling, the deep breath exercise deescalates the wild look in his eye back to those usual starry sunny portals of stark amber. "So, what now? Is there a jail or police force we consult and hand these two over at?!" He didn't really who or if they should inform anyone to come take receipt these two and imprison them properly or continue on with the patrol with others already coming given the fight they'd just had in the public market.

[Uchiha Izusa]

A new season starts

---

Both Konoha-nin had managed to wrap things up promptly enough and all without bloodshed. A good thing, too. If he'd been on duty as his other persona he wouldn't have thought twice of cutting them down and being done with it.

Except now Ataru was with him... and though the boy would have to face the bloody reality of their line of work at one point or another, the instructor would rather spare him from that for as long as possible. A faint smile crossed his face at the young Uzumaki's praise. "Not as rusty as I thought I was." He said before turning his gaze to the brigands.

Thinking on the man's words about 'being sorry' as he listened as the genin's question. "Exactly right." Izusa replied, his left forearm moving to rest atop the hilt of his katana at his hip. "We'll turn them over to the shinobi contingent stationed here as soon as we can track them down." On their way in he hadn't noticed any ninja on patrol, but being the Border Town there were certainly some of their number here. Maybe just busy dealing with other incidents.

Still... something was eating at him. Aside from the rogue's words and the brazenness of their attack, he felt deeply uneasy. Almost as if someone was watching them. "Hey." Izusa said, gently nudging the still-conscious man's boot with his sandal. "You and your friend look like the sorry ones here, so... what were you alluding to?" Under normal circumstances he might've just chalked it up to trash talk. But the longer he thought about it the more none of it added up. A simple mugging wasn't worth tussling with two shinobi. And that feeling of them being watched...

...only seemed to get worse the longer they stood there. "The...Half-Smiling...Man." Izusa frowned at this response, crouching down so he could better look at the man who was still struggling to catch his breath. "Who? Explain." A shake of his head followed as the rogue's eyes moved to meet Izusa's. Wide with fear and glistening with moisture.

The instructor glanced to Ataru, a small look of concern on his face. "This is... his town. And now... we can't... pay tribute." Some sort of crime boss? If so he must've been a recent up-and-comer... because Izusa had never heard of this person. "So... we're both... as good as—" A sudden glint caught in the corner of his eye cued him into danger but it was already too late. Before even he could move a bolt from concealment sliced through the air and struck the sitting man in his chest, burying itself in his heart. "Ataru! Grab cover!" Izusa drew his wakizashi and rose to face the direction the attack had come from, just in time to deflect another projectile... except another was hidden in its shadow. "The Kage Shuriken no Jutsu?" He had caught it too late. The second, concealed missile continued on its path to strike the unconscious man in his neck. Both of their culprits dead in what amounted to the blink of an eye.

Izusa's gaze snapped to their bodies, confirming the weapons to be arrows then to trace the projectiles' path. Spotting a lone figure on a distant rooftop holding what looked to be a longbow. A young man from the looks of it with long blue hair tied in a ponytail. "An archer?" He thought, his feet already moving as he instinctually started to give chase.

Except a moment later a cloud of smoke erupted where the figure stood... and when it cleared he was gone. "..." Izusa remained quiet and stopped in his tracks as he remembered where he was, who he was with, and the parameters of their mission. "Damn it." It was frustrating but this was beyond their duties for the time being. "...bounding after a marksman like that is a good way to get us both shot." He muttered, turning to the young Uzumaki. "Let's go find those shinobi and make our report. They'll handle the bodies and investigate." Izusa said as he re-sheathed his blade.

And that's exactly what they would do once they saw the older woman on her way who was quite understandbly shaken up from the course of events. As the duo walked through the streets, his hand never wandered far from his daishō and his eyes scanned the rooftops diligently. It seemed there was a new player in town calling shots...

...and he had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time either of them had a run-in with him.

---