[Uchiha Umetaro]

After Kazui was taken, Umetaro's life had fallen into shambles. Not in the ways one might think: he and Kazui were never close, but failing to protect her even as she was trying protect him had wedged itself into Umetaro's skull, and showed little to no signs of dislodging. He had told Issei the truth of what happened, and Issei had apologized for what he said to Umetaro. He still wasn't sure how to feel about that. Apologies were rarely sincere, but sometimes it was the thought that counted. 

Of course, Umetaro wasn't one for thought when he could be proving things through action. He had thrown himself into work, into reading, into theory and training. Being in the village was a prison, reminding him of their leadership's crimes, and his own failings. 

So it was no surprise that he would be tasked with leaving the village to help on the border with Nohara no Kuni. It was a journey he had made before, many months ago in the previous season. It was much colder now, but he knew the roads, and he was heading to an old and decrypit building. Just his style. 

And then, of course, he was assigned a traveling partner. One UCHIHA ISSEI . The universe sure had a way of handling things, didn't it? 

They needed to get going soon. Where was he?

[1/15]

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

It seemed like the universe had a way of putting him in the path of the people who wish to know more about, even if the setting wasn't quite the he needed in order to do so. He wouldn't say that he and Umetaro bonded completely, but he could definitely say there was a better understanding between the two of them. The kind where he would no longer question the man and his ideals, especially now that all of his views were starting to come to light.

Issei did his best not to think about them, but since his last encounter with him it was hard to ignore what he said. Was the village truly against them? Did they fear their power so much that they would result to murdering one of their own people just to prove a point? It was scary to think about. If his mother had gotten the same intel he did from Umetaro, then it would explain her sudden shift in personality as of late.

Even his father who was always in high spirits were on the edge. Nevertheless, today he would try to place his focus in the mission he was assigned. Ironically he would be the lead in the mission with a person he got into an argument not to long before today. Talk about awkward. Hopefully he wouldn't have to deal with something as silly as a power struggle, he wasn't the type of person to care about those things.

Plus, if Umetaro had something of use that could benefit them both then he would have no problem letting them take point. Back when he was a high level Genin and Kazui was just a rookie, he allowed her to take point multiple times because of her experience. On one of those occasions it saved his life.

I wouldn't take him long to get to where he needed to meet up with Umetaro, but he still might have been a little more on time than he wanted to. Showing up early was usually his thing, but today was just one of those days that was different than the rest. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting long Umetaro."

[Uchiha Umetaro]

Ah, there he was. They still had a good amount of daylight left. It'd be a long journey to the border, and the closer they got to the border the less well Umetaro knew the roads. Who knew how late it would be when they got to their location, and the place was supposed to be quite beat up. A relatively safe journey for an easy job, but still had some risk involved. Umetaro wanted to minimize the risk as much as possible.

"Nah, you're good," he said. "Let's get going, though. It's going to be a while until we get to the border."

And so they set off. Umetaro knew the main road quite well, and didn't feel that he needed to consult the map at all. Once Konoha's gates had vanished behind them, Umetaro breathed a sigh of relief. There was nothing but trees and the road. How weird that their giant village vanished so easily into the forest. That must be where the name came from. 

"Alright, so we're on repair duty," Umetaro said, and spread his arms out to catch the wind. "Not the worst way to get a vacation away."

He should be more afraid, after what happened with Hotaru. But he wasn't. He felt more afraid in the city than outside of it. Funny how that works. 

[3/15]

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

A simple head nod was given before the two of them headed out to carry out their mission. Umetaro seemed to be quite confident about the mission, so he wondered if he knew where he was going much like he did after the number of escort missions he'd done in the past. For now though, Issei would remain quiet until an opportunity arose to talk, or they needed to discuss some plan of action related to the mission.

Once they got away from the villages line of site Issei begin to notice a slight chance in how Umetaro was moving. He couldn't tell if it was random, or related to something else entirely. Either way he chose to remain quiet, that is until Umetaro begin speaking again. Well, kind of. He noted that the mission they were on was a repair one, which was probably rhetorical, but the vacation part seemed to add a different spin on it.

"Vacation? Like, the fun kind?"

Issei questioned hoping that Umetaro would elaborate more on what he was saying. Issei's idea of a vacation meant something totally different. These days that meant he was going to Sunagakure to spend time with Ayukawa. When he was with her he felt happy and at peace, he couldn't imagine why going out on a mission like this would feel similar for Umetaro.

[Uchiha Umetaro]

"Is it not?" Umetaro said, and kept his arms stretched out. He leaned a little bit back to better get a view of the winter sky. The air was cold this time of year, but Hi no Kuni wasn't the coldest place on the planet. All things considered, they kind of lucked out with their weather. No wonder the Senju and Uchiha had fought over this place.

"I'd like to think we're going to get to see a real haunting, but I'm pretty sure this building is just old," he said, dejected. "They said something in the brief about rats, which is way less exciting. We'll just have to smoke them out."

Ugh. Shinobi life wasn't nearly as glamourous as people made it out to be. It was just like any other job, but you had way less freedom in what you were able to do. If you got a mission, you couldn't really say "no" to it, you just had to do it, or you didn't get paid. Somebody would take the mission if you didn't, and Umetaro wasn't exactly the highest priority for work. 

"Once we're there I'll have to check the structure," he said. "I'm sure the place is still sound but I don't really have the expertise to replace windows, and the supplies they want us to use aren't really... good for that."

[5/15]

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

"Hmmm.. I don't know, I guess not for me."

Isei responded as he continued to watch Umetaro run in front of him. When he mentioned the possibility of the house they were going to being haunted, he wondered if that might be the reason why he imagined this to be like a Vacation, even if deep down he knew that might not even be the case. Umetaro was definitely the type to be interested in stuff like them, but as far as himself, Issei definitely wasn't a fan of it.

He couldn't even handle being inside of a cave without the thought of having to worry about something attacking him, even if it were just bugs. "Yeah, the rat part was pretty creepy.. I don't like them.." Issei responded with a fake shiver after thinking about the one he saw on his mission with Kazui.

Nevertheless, it seemed like Umetaro had this whole mission figured out. He was impressed to see how well he was navigating their travel as well as assessing the situation they were about to get themselves into. He never doubted his intelligence, but this was the first time he got to see him excel in such a manner.

"Yeah, I agree, but I'm sure we'll be able to make use of what we have somehow."

[Uchiha Umetaro]

The rest of the journey wasn't too eventful, and for that Umetaro was grateful. According to the standard requirements, he'd be allowed to apply for Chuunin Exams once he completed three missions. This was technically the highest ranked mission he had ever been assigned, but that was only because it took place outside of the village. They tended to make things more expensive due to the travel time. It was nice for the higher potential payout and the time away from the village, but he would have liked to go without a minder. 

Issei didn't seem to see anything the way Umetaro did. Maybe he was more affected by fear that Umetaro was. It did make a measure of sense: he wasn't there when Hotaru said he would be back. There was no way that Hotaru would ambush the two of them out of nowhere. He used a lot to take Kazui. Umetaro knew in his bones that Hotaru wouldn't be inclined to prey on Hi no Kuni for some time. Issei didn't have that luxury. He only knew what Umetaro told him, and whatever thirdhand accounts tricked down through the branches and the leaves. 

It was sometimes hard to tell the difference between Hi no Kuni and Nohara no Kuni, but they were definitely close. 

"So... where is it? We should be close..."

[7/15]

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

Most of the mission so far had been done in silence. It was to be expected, its not like the two of them were suddenly going to be on the best of terms, but he was sure a lot of their silence had to do with the fact that they weren't really the talkative type either. He didn't have anything he could say to Umetaro that he felt would actually be stimulating to the mission at hand.

Ironically, he found it was easier to go on missions with Kazui despite her quiet personality. Maybe it was because their friendship had more time on it. Maybe in the near future he'd be able to hold more conversation with the clan Black Sheep. If he had anything to say about it, he would make sure that going forward that he wasn't looked at in such a manner. Especially now that he attained their clans signature power.

Its not like the Sharingan was a common ability amongst the clan despite how famed it was. It wasn't some power you could just obtain through training, it was a power that came from your feels and conviction, and that meant giving someone or something a part of yourself. Many people in the clan were incapable of such a feat. Nonetheless, after a long day of fast traveling it seemed like they were almost there.

"Hey Umetaro... Are you going to be participating in the exams coming up. I heard another one is around the corner."

[Uchiha Umetaro]

Ah, there it was! It was hidden behind the trees. Umetaro struck out ahead, picking up the pace. They had a job to do, as petty and simple as it was. The faster they got it done, the more time they'd reasonably have to hang out around the edge of Nohara no Kuni. Issei might not like the impromptu vacation, but Umetaro was more than willing to seize the opportunity given to him. 

And then Issei said something that stopped him dead in his tracks. Issei couldn't have known, could he? That didn't seem Issei's style. Issei wouldn't just ask to tease an answer out. He didn't have the depth for that. Everything about him was on the surface: he didn't like to hide behind social graces. To be fair, neither did Umetaro, but Umetaro was always, always asking questions. 

"Well... yeah," Umetaro said. "I'm already on the list. I took this mission since you get... well... higher priority once you've done at least three missions."

He resumed walking towards the building. Yeesh, this thing was ugly. In a sort of rustic way, though. A witch could make her home in this abandoned building. Umetaro pushed the door open lightly, and it made a loud creaking noise. 

"All's well that starts well?" He asked, visibly grimacing.

[9/15]

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

Issei didn't expect the Uchiha to stop so suddenly, but he most certainly did. Issei followed suite while waiting to see what Umetaro was going to say. He knew that Umetaro wasn't one to believe in the Shinobi system, so he wondered if he might have upset him by asking that question. Fortunately, everything seemed to be fine based on his answer. In fact, he said that he'd already signed up.

Apparently this mission was going to place him on a higher priority list to get started, so at least department he was glad that he was getting the chance to help him out. Even if the help was sort of unintentional. "Sounds good. I'm glad to hear that you are participating, and I look forward to seeing how you do whenever you go."

He didn't know what Umetaro would think of him coming around, but he kind of wanted to know if his experience there would be anything like his. Plus, he was an Uchiha. There was always this invisible, and sometimes visible target on their back because of how well known they were. During the last exams Yuuta reveal there were people whispering about taking his eyes and Kazui's.

Much like his teacher, he would never allow such a thing to happen. Nevertheless, they had arrived to their destination, and just as Umetaro imagined, the place was a mess. "I'm not sure this place even started well." The Uchiha responded while mimicking himself vomiting's.

Issei didn't even want to walk in the building, but they already signed up for it so he didn't have much a of a choice. He wasn't about to fail a C rank missions as a Chuunin. "Well, I guess we better start looking for these rats they were talking about."

[Uchiha Umetaro]

He wasn't surprised that Issei responded positively. He was like Kazui: they wanted to work in the system, even if it did not care about them. They were looking for some kind of support, some kind of structure that they must be lacking in themselves. Umetaro was always more self directed. Becoming Chuunin was a means to an end, not a goal in and of itself. If he didn't need to be Chuunin in order to travel, he wouldn't bother.

"If we were in happier circumstances, perhaps we could leave rice cakes out for them and pray to them for wisdom..." Umetaro mused, not realizing that he was talking out loud. "But alas, I must apologize for the harm I must commit, creatures of the forest..." 

Umetaro held out Hotaru's old gunbai. This one was Tengubi: the black fan of flames. It could unleash hellfire when used properly, but Umetaro didn't need that much of a sear. He needed very little in order to achieve the effect he wanted, and he was pretty sure he could manage that. 

The gunbai grew warmer under Umetaro's touch, and then erupted into a arc of flame mere inches from the end of the weapon, lighting up the entire place. The sound of many animal paws scurrying around made Umetaro grimace. 

"Here we go."

[11/15]

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

"Yikes.. And waste our good food on them? No thanks."

Issei wasn't the biggest fan of rodents, especially when they were capable of biting them and giving them the kind of disease that could put you on your ass. Fortunately Ninjutsu was a thing, because without it there was no telling if civilian medicine would be enough to heal any issues brought forth by them.

When Umetaro apologized, Issei tilted his head in confusion as he wondered what he was about to do. When the Genin held thje weapon out he begin to sniff, it wasn't hard to noticed that the Gunbai was beginning to heat up. If there was anyone who understood fire, it was the two people in the building.

Is he thinking about setting this entire place on fire?

Issei questioned wanting to ask him, but he wouldn't dare ask him a silly question as doing so would have this mission end in failure. Nonetheless, after a few seconds a fire lit up at the end of the weapon. Almost immediately the rat begin to start scattering. "Yooooo!"

Issei screeched loudly jumping up and down on his toes as he tried to figure out what they were going to do. "Ooh, I got an idea." The Uchiha stated before forming three handseals. The aforementioned action would lead to the Uchiha revealing his Sharingan before firing off Chidori Senbon at all the Rats that revealed themselves in the light.

Issei would kill as many of them as he could, if they had run out as a result of the light then you could expect them to be killed by his needles. If Umetaro decided to step in and help he wouldn't get in his way, otherwise he would take the liberty of clearing them out himself.

SPOILER: Click to show

SA ACTIVE:

• E.P.T. | SOLE REFLEXES | HANSHA 反射 - Fighting up close in combat with Issei will prove difficult to opponents seeing as his ability to see others movements almost before they even fully develop puts them at a disadvantage. This ability isn't however, made to be an excuse for god modding, instead, it is used as a measure to separate himself from those who have not devoted a prioritized amount of time into that area of training.
  
• SHARINGAN | 1 TOMOE KG - Through birthright and blood Issei has access to the Uchihas legendary power, the Sharingan. With it, Issei can do a number of things starting with his enhanced perception of movement. While its abilities are not on par with the second and third tomoe eyes its visual prowess is still strong enough to just barely slow the movements of others, and when used in conjunction with his reflex ability it makes it harder for others to get to him, hit him, or even just get closer to him in general without Issei spotting them. The Sharingans most popular skill stems from its ability to see Chakra in physical form. With it Issei can not only distinguish what is being used based on its color, but its visual prowess allows him to see through Genjutsu making it easier for him to Kai out of it. SN: Kai is still limited to what the chart says.
  
• SUPERIOR CHAKRA | RESERVES - with this he is able to perform use a larger repertoire of jutsu without the consequences of running out of chakra like most are accustomed to, and thus isn't limited to the amount of jutsu he can use at once. Also this ability grants him the power to user higher ranking jutsu with little to no consequences given the fact that he has a greater amount of chakra than most.
  
• ENHANCED AGILITY | E.P.T - Through rigorous training and effort Issei has taken his close combat maneuverability to an entirely different level. This time with his forward, backward, and lateral movements. Agility for short. Because of his training Issei is now capable of moving his body without the consequences of his muscles inability to handle his own body weight and speed. With this, he can move around almost as if the laws of physics don't apply using his near perfect movement precision. The Uchiha not even needing slightest bit of momentum to move his own body. When this ability is used in conjunction with his enhanced reflexes and Sharingan ability those who are around the same level will more than likely have a hard time hitting him as his ability to escape without the drawback of collapsing will make it even harder to land a hit on him.

POUCH ITEMS

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JUTSU

• NAME: Chidori Senbon [One Thousand Birds Needles]
  RANK: A
  CHAKRA USAGE: Low to High
  CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
  ELEMENT: Raiton
  HANDSEALS: Dragon → Horse → Bird
  TRIGGER: N/A
  PREREQUISITES: Chidori
  DESCRIPTION:
  This is one of many variations of the Chidori that uses shape transformation. In comparison to the standard Chidori, it further specialises in speed, by being transformed into countless sharp senbon, which are all aimed and fired at the enemy. Said Senbon can travel in a straight line from where they are formed up to 20 meters in any direction, but may not change trajectory. The user may throw the senbon up to 40 meters, but at this range their power is lessened. By increasing the amount of chakra used, the number of senbon also increases proportionally. When used in tandem with the Dojutsu, it becomes far more effective and deadly, as it allows the user to precisely shoot for the target's vital points. Said needles are strong enough to pierce most materials, including high ranking weaponry. Even able to leave large pinholes in solid rock the depth of about half an average senbon. Should the needles come in contact with their target they will pierce straight through the body, but not before delivering a strong enough shock to forcefully contract the affected muscles in the area they hit forcing any held item to be dropped and any action canceled, while also rendering the affected limb unresponsive for a single round(doubling the range loses this stun effect).
  
  Depending on how many needles are formed the cost of the jutsu can vary from a few dozen at medium cost of chakra to a few hundred costing a high amount of chakra. As such the user must judge how many they should create before they actually perform the jutsu.

[Uchiha Umetaro]

Reflexively, Umetaro's own eyes began to swirl. He couldn't see what Issei was doing without turning around, so he kept walking forward, his eyes now comfortably seeing the flow of chakra around him. Lightning, huh. That was a new one to be able to see with your eyes a second time. Unlocking the first stage of Indra's Eyes was disorienting, it was definitely more like seeing the whole world for the first time all over again. 

He grimaced as he continue to walk forward, using the flames from Hotaru's gunbai in order to light his path, and scatter more of the rats. He hoped this action wouldn't negatively impact his next life. Who wanted to reincarnate as a rat? Umetaro would much rather reincarnate as a snake, or even better, a spider. Both of those were much more crafty animals than rats. But rats had their secrets as well, and Umetaro was here trying to uncover them. 

He swept the gunbai vaguely back and forth, and continued further into the building. How long had it been since anyone had used this place? Why were they so adamant on salvaging it, when it had laid fallow for so long? It seemed a little foolish. 

[13/15]

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

It seem like the more they traveled around the house, the more rats that came up. Each and everyone of their death made Issei cringe as most of them squeaked into their death. He wished for most, if not all of them to be silent, but he understood that the body had its own way of going out separately from the mind. It would take that long to eliminate them thanks to the light coming from Umetaro's Gunbai.

The only problem left to figure out now was how they were going to get the rats out of the building. Well, technically they could just pick them up from off the ground, but that wouldn't be the most sanitary thing to do. "Eh.. I wonder if they have any brooms inside this place." Issei imagined the answer might be no given how bent out of shape this place was, but post like this one always had closets for cleaning supplies.

"I'm going to look for a cleaning closet."

Issei stated to the Uchiha as he begin to look for doors in odd locations. When he finally came across one, inside of it was an old mop and bucket, a few scrubbing brushes, and an old broom. "Yikes... I guess this will have to do.." After reluctantly grabbing the broom he begin to start sweeping the place of any leftover trash and all of the rats that had been killed as a result of his needles.

"I can't believe they let this place get like this...."

[Uchiha Umetaro]

"Seriously," Umetaro agreed, and continued his journey into the building. 

This was absolutely way worse than ghosts. Even walking corpses would be a relief compared to this. This was just the side effects of neglect. Seriously what was so important about this building that they wanted to dedicate an entire mission to it? Clearly nobody had been here for some time. There couldn't be anything critical in here. 

Issei went to go look for a broom, and Umetaro kept threatening rats as he went, scorching whatever he managed to sweep by with his gunbai. Between Issei's lightning and Umetaro's fire, the place was beginning to really smell of seared flesh, and it was nowhere near as pleasant as a barbeque. 

But, eventually they managed to clear the place out. It took the better part of the afternoon, and between Issei's precise lightning and Umetaro's threatening fire, the place turned from a chittering nest to an eerily silent ruin. Umetaro wasn't sure if it was better or worse like that, if he was being honest. Humanity truly was one of the most fractious of all of the earth's creatures. 

In the end, Umetaro created something akin to a funeral pyre for the rats, using the gunabi to incinerate the corpses. Was it pretty? No. Did it grant him a measure of peace? Also no, but it seemed like the right thing to do. 

[15/15: Mission Complete]