[Ono Kenji]

FOR DAWN TO COME

Far to the Northwest of Takigakure, there had been some trouble brewing near the border. Known locally simply as "Outpost 132," the location was mostly home to military personnel who served to defend the nations borders, as well as home to their families, and number of locals. The Yamakira clan took particular interest in the location, claiming it to be their main hub of operations outside of the clan's compound inside the shinobi village.

More and more recently, however, there had been a growing number of reports coming in from the outpost that had begun to raise some red flags. Villagers raising protest, theft, street violence, all leading to what could potentially amount to village riots and uproar. More interestingly, however, were the reports coming in of a band known as "The Sons of Dragons," who had apparently taken it upon themselves to deal with these growing concerns.

Kenji, despite all of his local intel throughout the region, had never heard of this organization until these reports started coming in. It was quite curious to him that these seemingly unknown allies had been doing what the could to not only make a name for themselves through these events, but that he and his little birdies still had a surprising lack on information about their members or their true intentions. Kenji had to know more. It was his duty to his Lord and his nation to make those who called Bonchi no Kuni their home feel safe, secure, and protected, and while it could likely be said that the Sons of the Dragon had been doing just that, the mystery surrounding this group was not something Kenji was comfortable with.

So, with this new information, Kenji worked with the Lord Ryu to draft a mission and field assessment for their shinobi teams to gather more information surrounding the group. For now, they would simply head to the military outpost and figure out what they could, but Kenji himself would not consider the mission a success if he could not work to uncover the major missing pieces. Who lead these men, and what were they after.

Of course, Hotarubi had come to mind for this mission, being of the Yamakira clan, but Kenji would not feel the need to explicitly work with him directly. He'd draft the order for him to go, but Kenji would take two others with him as part of their own field assessment. Two of Kuni's teammates, one Oborozuki Sei and one Wabisuke Kei. Kenji did not know much about the teams individual success aside from what he had of their histories in his records. And as he already knew of Kuni's own trials and tribulations, it felt fitting to see what her team could do without her direction.

So, Kenji would head to the outpost a day early. He'd set the trio up with a secure location to act as their meeting point, a safe house a few miles outside of the outpost. That way, he could prepare whatever he felt was needed after making his own local reconnaissance. After doing so, the next morning Kenji would wait patiently for the two Chunin to arrive, simply biding his time by observing the outpost from afar.

^{THERE MUST BE THOSE WILLING TO PIERCE THE DARKNESS}

---

^{sei , Wabisuke Kei
Mission: Justice is a Funny Word | 1/20}

Temp By: Akira

[Wabisuke Kei]

Red Cobra

Kei and Sei had both gotten direct orders for missions at an outpost near the country's border. According to each one, they were specifically requested by someone named Kenji, a man unknown to him. He wondered what about them made them both requested as they had 2 very different skill sets and it wasnt a mission requesting the whole team from his understanding. It could, however, be possible both were necessary for their different skills for different reasons. Kei made sure to grab his vest, put his headband on his arm, and grab his poisons, ready to head out as soon as Sei was ready to go. While waiting, he read over the mission report. The village outbursts caused concern, but them having a band of vigilantes was what caught his attention. He never heard of this "Sons of Dragons" group, but that didn't surprise him with how far away they were from the village. Once Sei was ready, they walked out the door to head towards the outpost. "So, what do you think we're being called out for exactly? The riots or the vigilante group?" He knew the outpost issues would cause problems for the village but also knew they didn't take too kindly for random groups popping up and taking care of things for themselves like that. "And who do you think this Kenji is that requested us specifically?" He knew she probably didn't know as well, but still wanted her thoughts on the matter, plus it gave them conversation for the journey there.

Kei -- 256

LAIKA OF THQ

[sei]

Death's Kiss

The sun had not yet begun to rise as Sei stood looking in the mirror. Her thoughts clouded as she struggled to put on her metaphorical mask. It was quiet in the small room as she watched Kei get ready in the reflection of the mirror. Reaching down she picked up the wooden oni mask on the table. She made sure her headband was tied around her neck covering the golden serpent necklace Kei had given her years ago. "I'm honestly not sure, I'd think the vigilantes are a bigger issue. They could cause the people of the faux village to take sides and that would be the real issue." She placed the mask on her face tying it securely to her face. She turned looking at Kei as her mind put on the mental mask to prepare for the mission at hand. She walked up to him placing a hand on his cheek savoring the moment before shaking her head to his second question. "I don't know, I've never met him before and I can't think of the name off the top of my head at the moment." They had been requested specifically for something. She wondered as they left the village if she had been called for her specific set of skills. Did they need her to take out the leader of this group as she had so many bandits and tyrants before. She tried not to physically shiver at the idea, ever since she and Kei had become official her "special" missions had begun to take a toll on her mind. "In all honesty my love it doesn't matter why they chose us. We were called and shall complete this mission in the name of Takigakure." Her voice was cold and sure, the mask of the assassin was fully in place now. It did not take long before the pair reached the outpost that was marked on their map. Sei slowed before stopping a few meters from the tree line. It did not look like anyone was here yet but that did not mean anything for a Taki shinobi. After a brief time she decided if he was here or not they needed to make camp inside. Quickly and quietly she made her way to the door looking back to see if Kei was hidden before opening the door.

Wabisuke Kei Ono Kenji -- 392

LAIKA OF THQ

[Ono Kenji]

FOR DAWN TO COME

While Kenji waited, he would take the time to meditate and practice on his control of Aura. It was a strange, rare talent, one that he had only just recently discovered he was capable of using, that allowed him to sense his surroundings in a similar vain to the Kagura Mind's Eye. Of course, his expertise on the matter still left much to be desired, nor was this aura sense quite as developed or versitile. But, simply put, this sense would allow him to exert his spirit onto his surroundings, applying pressure to all those it could touch while likewise alerting Kenji if anything was within his aura's reach.

Thankfully, while it was a fairly draining effort to maintain and concentrate on, it was not something Kenji seemed to have any troubles putting his focus into. So, with his aura extended, Kenji would soon feel the chuunin arrive outside of the outpost, and pull his aura back to him. For a moment, it would have been possible for them to "feel" his aura, what he would only assume to be that of pressure weighing down on them, like a billet of iron pulled from a forge. But, given his lack of refinement, he was still uncertain if those his aura touched could feel anything at all.

With a deep breath, Kenji opened his eyes, his face clear of any emotion as he stood and went to the door.

"No need for the theatrics." The red-haired shinobi said as he opened the door, his voice low and calm as he stepped out. "I trust the two of you are already to begin, then?"

As Kenji spoke, his eyes narrowed, shifting from one face to the next as his chin slightly tiled upwards. It was common posture for him, and the weight of his burning crimson gaze hung heavy on the air between them.

"As this mission will serve as a dual purpose assessment test for the two of you, I would like you to lead the way. As far as I'm concerned, I gladly provide council, should you need it, or aid in combat if I deem it necessary to intervine. I do, however, hope it goes without saying that should you need me to that effect... Well. Let's just hope it doesn't come to that."

The Hancho's voice was heavy on the air, graveled, like claws raking over hot coals. He would pause for a moment, taking a step in the direction of Outpost 132, before looking back to the two Chunin, bringing his hand forward as he gestured for them to lead the way.

^{THERE MUST BE THOSE WILLING TO PIERCE THE DARKNESS}

---

^{sei , Wabisuke Kei
Mission: Justice is a Funny Word | 4/20}

Temp By: Akira

[Wabisuke Kei]

Red Cobra

Kei watched Sei walk up to the door only for it to be opened from someone inside before she had a chance to walk up to it. He realized quickly that the other man seemed to notice where he was, and came out of hiding, dropping down next to Sei. He heard Kenji mention it being a sort of test and wondered what happened to spark that towards him and Sei. He could feel the air of complete seriousness around Kenji and figured he probably wasn't one for questioning or small talk during travels. "I assumed we were called out for the vigilante problem, and not the riots, am I right?" He looked to Sei as he spoke, even though they both knew the question was directed at Kenji. During travel, he made sure his poisons were easily accessible for when they got there, as it should be a pretty quick trip, and made sure his headband was secure in place. "And is there anything we know about this "Sons of Dragon" group or are we going in blind?" The rest of the trip, he stayed fairly silent, only giving occasional glances over to Sei. It didn't take long to reach the outskirts of the outpost, and Kei came to a stop to see if he could notice anything going on before they entered.

Kei -- 224

LAIKA OF THQ

[sei]

Death's Kiss

Sei jumped back as the door before her opened and a red haired man stood before them. If she did not already know better she would have thought Kei and this man were siblings. She lowered her hands unmolding the chakra she had begun to form ready to release a cloud of acidic mist. His question was simple as he seemed to look down upon them. It bothered her none as she was used to playing the weak pathetic woman looked down upon by the men she would soon watch the life drain from. The dynamic changed as Ono Kenji outlined his plan for them. At the start she figured this would be a straight forward mission with Kei and herself following orders and getting the job done. Now it seemed this man was more than willing to let them take the lead and assess their actions. Maybe this was some sort of test they needed to pass to move further up the ranks of Takigakure. He took a step before motioning for them to take the lead towards the outpost, he really was going to take a back seat here. As Kei moved off she made sure to be just a few steps behind him her eyes scanning the shadows on the canopy. "If we can stem the vigilante problem it could quell the riots." Her answer was short and to the point, her voice slightly muffled by the ceramic half mask covering her lower face. He asked about the Sons of the Dragon and she listened for any response from their "proctor". The short trip was uneventful and quiet as they made their way to the fake Takigakure. She motioned for them to stop at the edge of the treeline noticing a handful of men standing guard outside the village gate. They looked to be strong arming a merchant trying to gain entry into the village. Two of the men riffled through the back of the mans carts tossing goods and wares on the ground. "It seems they have no issue with trying to hide their true nature. We should go through another area so we do not draw attention to ourselves." Her eye never left the men, the vile pigs acted like they owned the fake Taki. That was something she could not let go of, Takigakure even a faux one in her mind was what she grew up sacrificing her innocence to protect. Under her mask she grinned savoring the patience it would take before they could fully crack down on these scum.

Wabisuke Kei Ono Kenji --

LAIKA OF THQ