[Senju Kazuto]

There was a patience to be had when a shinobi was assigned to ANBU. It was hard to expect that anyone could just pick up the mantle and just do the craft expected of them carry out the duties flawlessly. A time of acclimation was always necessary. A time to allow the new candidates to prove themselves, polish skills that were deemed to be rusty and learn those that would be necessary on the field whenever they would have to operate on the field whether with allies or by themselves. And also to understand if they were meant to be this at all. "I hope suit fits you well." Kazuto said, as he entered the locker room, looking at a single occupant that was going through the motions of securing the newly minted suit and getting accustomed to how it felt on himself rather than the standard gear that anyone would've been more familiar with. "Usually they aren't generous with the first fit." He said with the joke, remembering the first time that he was given a suit for himself before he had one developed to suit his skills, and one that would fit him correctly. "If you're ready, then we can begin the training." He said to the young Yamanaka, sure that he would be ready to take upon the mantle and start learning under his wing. "We're going to do some infiltration training, we'll use non-lethal equipment, but it'll still hurt if you get hit." He told the boy as he lead him away. "I'll supervise it directly, mind you, there will be mistakes, but we do this so when the real missions come, then, you'll be ready." He explaining, hoping that Itsuki would understand the purpose behind his decisions.

-tag- @tag -words- 302 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yamanaka Itsuki]

ANBU Operative Kame

The ANBU uniform had been a little tricky in terms of his size, Itsuki being one of the smallest operatives that they had, but they had eventually found something that had fit him. Thankfully he'd spent time in his Chuunin vest before being properly inducted into ANBU, which meant the feeling of the body armour wasn't quite as odd as it could be, though the difference in style did mean that an adjustment period would be needed. It was also soon enough into his Chuunin career that the lack of vest pouches wasn't something he needed to adjust to, he'd be able to develop the muscle memory separately for each uniform.

Staring at the red marked mask in his hand he couldn't help but wonder just who assigned the animal designations, because they had to have been giving themselves a chuckle when the gave him 'turtle' of all things. Ah well, the beak-like snout was kinda neat, and at least the colours weren't bad.

He looked up as the captain stepped into the room, nodding slightly as he put the mask on and settled it comfortably on his face, "there are not many uniforms in my size," he confirmed as he stretched out a little to let everything settle properly. "Should I wear the cloak?" he asked, gesturing to the black cloth that was generally worn in village and used to hide distinguishing features.

There weren't any other questions at this point, the young Yamanaka wasn't inclined to question instructions given when he was involved with the Black Ops organisation. It didn't seem wise.

Word Count: 264
Training 1/8
Tags: Senju Kazuto

[Senju Kazuto]

"Might as well." Kazuto said with a nod. Going down on a knee as he inspected the boy's gear. His hand going over straps and pouches, trying to make sure that were secure and that even with the disparity of the size of the uniform and his height, the attire would remain affixed to his frame. Nodding to himself in approval he would raise to his feet. "We'll order you a personalized suit." The Senju said quietly as he would make sure the length of the trousers were tucked inside the boots. "This will do for now." He said and raised to his full height, towering over the young Yamanaka as he started to lead him away. "Today's training we will go through some tactics used in ANBU." He said, as they began to leave the locker room, their path becoming narrower as they were moving into the training yard. "Your training was useful, the days of the academy taught you the value of fighting five shinobi, we will teach you to fight five hundred. It gave an idea of infiltration, but with training and patience you will be able to become unseen." He said, echoing the words that his Captain had told him. "But, we will begin with some theory." The Senju said as they would leave passageways, revealing a room that seemed to be a mimic of a wilderness area. "Before missions we review the available data on the area, the people, the customs. These are necessary skills as much as the jutsu you may have." He said, crossing his arms before his chest, eyes scanning the area as memory told him of the traps that had been left there since the construction of the training yard. "And we seek opportunity." He said.

-tag- Yamanaka Itsuki -words- 305 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yamanaka Itsuki]

ANBU Operative Kame

Itsuki froze as the Captain started going over his gear, staring with wide eyes for long moments as Kazuto double checked the fit and set of all his equipment. Reflexively slamming his mask to his face to hide the sudden flush that spread up his pale skin and the wide eyed expression that he couldn't hide. Never before had he been the subject of such a... dare he say it... paternal energy. Shigure-sensei had been one part older-brother figure one part guilty crush, and Toshizou-sama was simply a harsh taskmaster, this however was a wholly different feeling and the Yamanaka didn't like the way it made his stomach twist.

Hastily throwing on his cloak as instructed once Kazuto was done and turning to walk away, Kame followed after his commander with swift but unhurried steps. For ever step the ANBU Captain made Kame had to take three, but he still somehow kept pace with the much larger male without any sign of strain, instead seemingly with the ease of long practice.

Reaching the training room, he was silent as Kazuto talked, not remotely interested in contradicting what he had been told. Itsuki had known from a very young age the importance of knowledge, and had gone out of his way to get as much as he could. The more he knew, the more powerful he was, and the more powerful he was... the less chance that someone he cared about would vanish. As a Yamanaka and as one of the most powerful sensors in the Shinobi nations... Itsuki was well situated to know things.

"Understood. What are my orders?"

Word Count: 269
Training 2/8
Tags: Senju Kazuto

[Senju Kazuto]

He went to look back at the boy as he followed his steps. He thought for a second that there had been a moment in which he had looked startled but he decided not to mention it at the moment. He would have time to debrief him later and ask about such hesitation. As the had the overview of the wilderness area he would lead him to a table, taking a rolled up map from his pouch and slowly unfurling it on the table, leaning into the table, spreading his hand at it. "Our mission today is infiltration. We have believe that a group of bandits have set up a camp here." Kazuto said as he pressed his finger in a location that seemed to be middle of a clearing. "Your insertion area is here." He said, moving to another spot on the map, a location that seemed to be filled with bushes. He slid the map towards the young Yamanaka. "We have reasonably information that the area is filled with traps and there is a chance for small enemy patrols. Expect genin-level shinobi at the very least." He added, explaining the situation about the faux training mission that he would need to take into account. The Senju would then turn into additional equipment, flares, kunai with blunted edges, smoke bombs and the likes. "Once you locate their encampment you will use on the flares, twist and turn and you will signal for the attack and retreat your mission will be considered successful." He said before he straitened up again. It was a basic mission set up, but one that had been run by many new recruits and often doing so alone. But he had expectations on the promise of what Itsuki could be. "Any questions before we begin?" He said, crossing his hands before his chest.

-tag- Yamanaka Itsuki -words- 317 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yamanaka Itsuki]

ANBU Operative Kame

Examining the map carefully, the younger ANBU considered his options, his hand almost lifted to tug at his hair, but with the rather distinctive style hidden in his hood it would be a bad idea to do so, instead, he tapped a finger thoughtfully against his chin as he took in the features that were being displayed on the map.

"Am I restricted in my equipment or jutsu?" he asked after a few moments of thought, turning to look at the Captain. Sure, he wasn't going to break out something like his gunbai which could be easily traced back to him, but it was important to know what he was going to be able to use to complete this particular mission. He was even trying his best to ignore his chakra senses, despite the truly prodigious range he was able to reach even without thinking about it. After all, he wasn't told he could, and he didn't want to circumvent the purpose of this training.

"In the field, what would be expected of me if I were captured in this sort of situation? Or even just spotted? While I am acting as a scout in this scenario, would I be disobeying orders should I join the assault if needed?" he asked as the thoughts came to him, turning his attention back to the map. ANBU operated differently from the regular forces, and so he had to consider what different SOPs they might have. 

Word Count: 243
Training 3/8
Tags: Senju Kazuto

[Senju Kazuto]

"You may use whatever technique you deem necessary so long you're not detected." Kazuto replied. He gave a trust that the boy would use his good judgment during this training assignment and that he would be discreet about it. He was aware of the gifts and talents that Itsuki could wield, he for one wanted to see how best they could be use and implement them so in the future. In that way, he hoped, he could guide the young Yamanaka's talents the best he could and nurture them to their full potential. As Itsuki made a question about the mission, trying to consider all the possible permutations of what could happen if he was ever detected by the enemy or faced capture and question about joining the attack gave me some pause for thought. "If we speak in real life, you mission would change to retreat and evade capture. You possess knowledge, secrets, a clever enemy may learn much of your body even after your death." He explained, his features hardening but at the same time pleased of this line of questioning. "Out there, should capture be imminent and no escape is in sight, it is your obligation to dispose of yourself." He said grimly. It was a truth that all ANBU had accepted upon their induction, but after he spoke he placed his hand on Itsuki's shoulder and gave him a warm smile. "But, that is why we train, to avoid those scenarios." He told his pupil. "The more you exertion and sweat you do out here in the training yard, the less you will bleed in the battlefield." He conceded, keeping his hand on his shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "As for joining the attack, you can join should you see an exploitable opportunity in sight. I appreciate following rules and regulations, but I also appreciate creativity and initiative." The Captain added.

-tag- Yamanaka Itsuki -words- 325 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yamanaka Itsuki]

ANBU Operative Kame

With permission given, Itsuki allowed himself to settle back into the feeling of his sensory capabilities, the sensation somewhat like the sudden unclogging of a blocked nostril for all the relief it brought him. Mentally cataloguing whatever it was that he could feel out there, the young ANBU operative didn't really react to what Kazuto told him. Self destruction in the face of capture was something to be expected when one joined ANBU, and you were a fool if you didn't consider it as a likely requirement.

Perhaps Kazuto would be surprised by his nonchalance towards that concept, the older man might even think that Itsuki didn't quite understand what was being instructed of him, but the reality was that the young Yamanaka had been made aware of the less palatable aspects of shinobi life from a very young age, and such things were normal in his mind.

He did nod in response to the revelation that there was flexibility in mission parameters, though it did give him a level of concern on whether his judgement would prove sound in such cases. It would be hard to make such a call without experience he supposed, but that was also what these sorts of activities were meant to help with.

"I think I am ready to begin," he stated with one last look at the map, a shadow of a plan snaking through his thoughts.

Word Count: 234
Training 4/8
Tags: Senju Kazuto

[Senju Kazuto]

"Good." The Senju nodded and accompanied the young trainee to the beginning area, leaving a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, if you find the mission untenable, you can abort the training." He suggested, training were meant for that after all, the more he would sweat here would mean he would bleed less in the battlefield. And these was a chance to do mistakes until said mistakes could be ironed out and improved upon until he had a semblance of perfection with his skills. "No heroics, don't try to impress me, just do as I ask, Itsuki." Perhaps it was a bit of contradictory statement for the mission, after all he had told the boy that he had operational freedom during the mission and whilst that was true, he would like his new trainee to complete this training assignment without having one of his ribs broken, or a fracture of limb. He knew that Itsuki could take it, after all if he knew Toshizo well, he was certain that he had trained the boy well, albeit in ways he wouldn't approve. This training was also meant for the reason to wash away whatever that training regime had etched into his mind. "We will do, ninety minutes of training." He said. looking at his watch and setting a timer. "In the future we will be shortening the time limit of this training, as well as mixing up scenarios for different operations." The Senju explained until they were in front of a heavy steel door. "I will be watching you, and you may communicate with me through the radio." He advised, trying to go through all the possible details that he could think off, before releasing him into this scenario. He would retrieve his hand from the boy's shoulder. "Good luck, Itsuki. Remember, no heroics. Not now." He advised as he left him, moving out of sight as the door awaited a distant command to open.

-tag- Yamanaka Itsuki -words- 333 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yamanaka Itsuki]

ANBU Operative Kame

With the instruction to begin given, Itsuki flipped through a series of handseals before placing his hand on the ground, a puff of smoke revealing a small collection of magpies all gathered together staring up at him.

"Ooh, ooh, we got called"

"We got called!"

"Watcha want?"

Itsuki shooks his head slightly in amusement at the Itazura as they chirped out their questions with the sort of haughtiness one might expect from a flock of corvids. "Just a little bit of mischief, and some scouting mixed in. We're looking for a camp of fake bandits, there's some people patrolling and some traps too so we gotta be careful. This isn't life or death but you could get hurt. It's important not to get caught, and even though I can probably find them myself, I want you lot to spread out and make sure you can tag anyone of interest, kay?" he instructed, staring from one magpie to the next.

"Can we bomb them?"

"Can we steal their stuff?"

"You better have snacks after this!"

"Snacks, snacks, snacks!"

"No bombing, no stealing, yes snacks, but only after it's all done," the Yamanaka responded, teal eyes sliding from one bird to the next. Once he was sure that the point was made, he flicked through a few more seals for True Henge and in a puff of smoke was a magpie himself, larger and more majestic than the Itazura he had summoned, though only a magpie summoner would be able to tell the difference.

Flicking his tail in a non-verbal order to scattered, Itsuki watched the magpies scatter into the terrain before taking to the air himself and heading towards the area that he could sense was a best chance of being the encampment that he was instructed to find, while his summons went to go find any patrols or hidden things worth finding.

Word Count: 312
Training 5/8
Tags: Senju Kazuto

[Senju Kazuto]

Kazuto retreated back to the observation room, monitors flicked as they changed through the different cameras, going from angle to angle as he and those observes within ANBU awaited to see what Itsuki would do. Silence beyond the cogitation of machines and the sound of operators punching keys interrupted the silence. They turned to look at Kazuto, awaiting for his command to begin the exercise. With a nod from the Senju the exercise would begin, the sound of keys being struck and the clicking of machines was heard and the exercise began. On the training field, byzantine mechanisms activating as traps were now in full effect. Nothing that would be life threatening, automatons in the shape men taking their place in the bandit camp, awaiting for the young boy to make a blunder or mistake, all following a preset programs in order to act accordingly to the would be enemy. 'Patrols' would begin to move on from hidden spots, eye receptors looking for anything out of place, anything that would speak of an enemy force attacking to even a single scout trying to make the most of the information they would be able to gather. "Itsuki." Kazuto's voice would be heard in his communication gear. "Mission is a go. Proceed carefully." The Senju gave his command.

-tag- Yamanaka Itsuki -words- 226 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yamanaka Itsuki]

ANBU Operative Kame

Unfortunately it seemed things would not be so easy for him, instead of a clear chakra sense of people set up pretending to be bandits Itsuki could only feel whispers of chakra throughout the artificial forest. There was something out there, that much was clear, but nothing he could properly pinpoint, which meant that he was going to have to do this the old fashioned way.

Instead of casually flying above the treetops Itsuki would need to move slower, more carefully, and with the movements of the trees so as to not stand out. He had spent time with the magpies, and knew how to move like one, which meant careful hops and glides between branches. It slowed him down significantly, but he was much easier to hide as a magpie than his (admittedly petite) human form. In such a way, the young Yamanaka would begin to scour the area, looking for any sign of the base as ordered.

The members of the Itazura on the other hand were much less cautious, the young magpies having spread out at Itsuki's orders, yet they weren't being nearly as stealthy as they could be. Not to mention they weren't owls, and their orders were to not get caught, nothing about being stealthy. That meant it wouldn't be too long before one of the young birds was noticed by a patrol as they went through the underbrush. Of course, the magpie would likely see them first, but felt unconcerned with being spotted.

Word Count: 249
Training 6/9
Tags:Senju Kazuto