[Hatake Shinde]

Shinde had found herself preparing herself for today, and it would be the first time she'd be taking this mission as a full fledged Chuunin of Konohagakure. Meaning she had a bit more freedom and leeway as to how this mission would be handled. And what more, she would be doing it today alongside her student and pupil Uzumaki Ataru. As they made their way out with the supplies in question, towed by a caravan pulled by horses, mules, and donkeys, it was a slow trek. However, Shinde had found herself prepared for the day in a way she wasn't quite expecting. At least, not in this manner anyhow.

"Today Ataru, we'll be going ahead of the caravan. Namely because I've heard that the bandits have been trying something new. A bit more dangerous and adventurous. They've apparently been hiding themselves in fox holes and make shift cellars as of recently, propped up on the sides of the road, waiting for passerbys. Robbing them for what they're worth, and leaving people for dead. Pretty smart, all things considered. Something that might be a challenge even for some Genin. Which is why I'm here." Shinde declares. For she was leaning towards specializing towards a bunker buster specialist. Siege and demolitions.

"...Do you think you're up for being my helper today?"

[Uzumaki Ataru]

He had received the letter given to him by a runner, telling him to go the the front gate of Konoha bright and early tomorrow having been assigned a mission. Bearing the mark of the Hatake clan he knew practically straight away that it was a summons from Shinde, backing his bag and leaving the house through unconventional means, flipping out of the window like an acrobat with a piece of toast still wedged within his mouth. Munching and crunching on the buttered bread as he blazed a trail through the tree canopies and over the rooftops of Konoha, scaring more than one person at such an early hour. Waving or apologizing as he went, until finally he arrived at his destination to view the familiar sight of the ashen kunoichi as well as a trade caravan seemingly still readying to depart along the main road.

Hopping onto the ground, after scaling down the side of the building with mounting dexterity. Landing onto the floor, he gave a merchant or two a bit of a scare smiling mischievously he would make his way over to his Sensei and senior on this mission. Standing solitary, upright, and at attention waiting to be addressed by the Chunin. Listening as she speaks, offering a breakdown on today's mission and the circumstances surrounding them being dispatched out. "That is pretty smart, do we know if they figured this out on their own or did someone teach them the strategy?" He mused on the details and sought further answers to his questions, idly wondering or suspecting that instead of just being a group of crafty or cunning bandits there might be more to it.

However, if these bandits really were preying on people with such serious ambush tactics then it made sense to dispatch them out to deal with it. Nodding his head in the affirmative as she states what she's been assigned while usually it would be on Genin to undertake such a task. "Of course, Shinde-san. I'm with you..."

[Hatake Shinde]

"Well Ataru-Kun? That's a really good question." Shinde had come to realize, raising a finger to her lip. "I suppose we'll be figuring that out today." She exclaims, and with it, when they made their way out ahead of the caravan, she'd proceed to raise her arms above her head, folding them behind her shoulder. "I'd imagine these bandits could be getting smarter, considering the amount of activity we've had on the roads as of recently. They won't be able to score any gains, or at least, nothing consistent if they don't adapt to change." She notes, as they make their way through. And with it? She'd proceed to shift her gaze out across the roads as they made their venture.

"I want you to stick to the trees, and try to surveilance the situation. Help lay out some ambush support. Stick along the western front with the high rise ground. If there's going to be any attack. I'd want the high ground instead of the lower ditches." Utilizing her knowledge of Doton, she'd found herself gradually moving forward, though as she did, she found herself looking primarily for disturbances in the environment and the ground. As Shinde continued her walk, she'd worn merchant's clothes, a cloak adorning her frame as she wore a big hiker's backpack, though nothing was really in it, she'd found herself looking to venture, as the bandits in recent times have gotten wiser.

More than a dozen or so had gathered in their petty bands, with axes, spears, and crossbows for the occasion. Having adorned themselves with green and brown, they've been camping along the lower woodlands, honing their skills and actually training themselves for the occasion. By now, bandits that have survived previous encounters with Shinobi or deterred had formed into better bands, and like today, they'd be posing a challenge for these budding ninja.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

"Hm..." Guess they didn't have much to go on, besides the reports of what these criminal were up to and the practices they were utilizing in these ambushes of there's. He frowned at the thought that they didn't know more but remained resolved nevertheless, he was up to the challenge and listened keenly as Shinde continues talking nodding his head in ascent that it could simply be them learning and adapting. Though they would soon find out, as they embarked together out of the gates of Konoha in advance of the trade caravan.

As they travel down the road in step with one another, he listens to the Hatake's plan. "Yes, Ma'am... I'll head out now." Putting on an ear piece, he flicks the receiver and tests the signal and clarity. "Radio check." Upon confirming that it works he immediately springs into action leaping within the tree line, traversing the forest while maintaining a clear line of surveillance of the road and Shinde in his sights. Moving to a position where he can offer ambush support, proceeding to stick along the western edge where the high ground remained a boon but making sure not to give away his position remaining concealed as well as keeping themselves away from sky lining.

Biding his time and remaining patient as they moved along, keeping up a degree of situational awareness.

[Hatake Shinde]

Whilst Ataru had stayed forem the upper vantage, Shinde had traveled along the ground at a leisurely pace, considering the enemies at hand and how innovative it was that criminals have been getting lately. The canopies and the shadows provided along the tree tops provided an excellent route of travel and traversal for the young ninja, and as Shinde made her way through, it was not long before Ataru would see shifting movements along the ground below. A cellar door opening along the ground, popping open and rustling leaves and shifted grass, as a few figures make their way out from it. Wielding crossbows, swords, spears, and axe. A half dozen or so along this particular entrance. "Move it along boys. We've got quotas to do." They so declare.

The Ironwood as well as rich timber resources were valuable. They could be stolen from Konoha and sold nearly anywhere else in the world for profit. Suna especially with their gold dust. Kumo. Iwa. All mountainous terrains that could utilize wood to burn in the coming winter as to stay warm. Ataru would observe them, and would find they were not poorly armed or armored. Adorned in leather armor with padding, but also some of them with mail shirts or scale mail. A few with wooden shields as they seemed to have been relatively well off for raiders. Though success bred success. As Ataru looked on, he could see there was another cellar door, just like this on the opposing end of the road, but as for how deep their structures went? Questionable.

Perhaps he could garner some more information?

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Using the upper vantage provided by the tree canopies, he traverses through the breadth of higher ground keeping concealed within the shade. Shadowing the shifting movements and meandering forms witnessed below them, crouching down low and observing the gaggle of men emerge from an underneath cellar. Memorizing the location, committing it to memory as well as identifying landmarks around them to locate it he also pulls a Kunai free marking the tree trunk with a few cuts before sinking the blade softly between the gaps of bark leaving it behind as a sign.

Lending a ear below as the group makes conversation, perhaps it was some matter of storeroom or armory perhaps an underground living space for them. No matter which, these people were trouble as evident by the vast array of weapons clung to them. These bandits were better equipped than most brigands, equipped with proper armor and soldierly weaponry. Spotting another nearby cellar door, he weighed their options and decided against going off on their own instead marking it similarly before tailing the group that freshly leaving the adjacent underground door.

[Hatake Shinde]

With her awaiting news, she'd found herself minding herself and her surroundings. For she understood that even a C-Rank could kill the unprepared and the reckless. Which was why in part she wanted to trust Ataru more with the workings. Mainly because he was still very young. So young in fact that most would consider his promotion to be a fluke as opposed to the work of a prodigal son. While he'd shown he had the skill and the general aptitude, what he needed now was feats. For deeds would endure, and it was through consistent success and dedication that he would reach the next stage of his development. And so long as he trained hard and kept at it, there was perhaps even chance that he would surpass her someday. Something she was very mindful of.

As Ataru hopped along the tree line, headed to the opposite cellar, he would find that there was a similar outing of bandits, a few of them taking cards and playing them through, and with it, as they slap red cards along the table, matching them with their similar symbols. One of them says, "Ah...I had a feeling that was going to happen." They say as they groan, running their hand along their face, slowly giving an exhausted huff. Before the cellar partially opens, and a voice calls out. "Get back to patrolling guys. Some of our scouts have said there's movement on the roads." To which there was a shift, a few bodies moving over and from a nearby crate lifting a tarp and taking out light crossbows.

"Well...You know what they say. Another day. Another Ryo."

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Ataru makes a few more guide marks in the upper trunks of trees ensuring they can't be seen from the forest floor, creating clear physical signs while also making a mental map of the various entrances to these underground hideouts or perhaps even caches dotting the area. For now his task was strictly to perform recon and bide their time, it looked as if this area was rife with bandit activity not only that but they were organized and seemed like they were apart of the same group as well. Maybe there was a tunnel network connecting them? After all, if they were receiving news from people down in the cellars then it likely spread throughout the area and perhaps were even connected together to a degree.

Observing the area for anymore signs of people or further activity as the group below shuffles out on patrol, proceeding to return back to his original task. Doubling back to the main road and trailing Shinde from the shadows staying deliberately hidden amongst the verdant greenery up in the tree canopies hanging overhead. Keeping their head on a swivel and maintaining a degree of situational awareness, not only keeping watch for bandits but also any wandering nin or rogue shinobi that might be stalking about. Keeping the undercover ashen haired Kunoichi in his direct line of sight, ready to spring into action as soon as she gives the signal or if anything were to happen.

[Hatake Shinde]

It was not long where Shinde would come into appearance along the road. Walking along the road with an empty wicker basket along her back. Well. Mostly. Other than a few green plants that seemed to poke up at the top. Only for soon, a small trio of goons to step out before her. A trudgeon. A kama scythe, as well as a sword in hand. The leader stepping out and aiming their blade ahead. "Stop right there little lady. What you got there?!" Shinde slowly looks upwards, taking a few steps back, as she seems to consider her options. "Some herbs and medicine. I'm looking to take them to the next village over." To which she hugs it closely to herself.

"Hand it over kid. Don't do anything stupid. We'll sell those herbs for you." Shinde seemed to show a sense of resentment, before then indignation as she slowly takes off the straps and hands the basket over. "Good girl." To which she'd proceed to look from side to side. Wondering if there really was such a small band of thieves. As the raiders open her wicker basket and look deeply into her wares, they shift the grass and plants only to look down to see a couple smoking slips of red paper with ink markings. "Sayanara." She exclaims, to which before they could even protest, there was a brilliant blast and a white light that filled their vision before the explosion rings out. Sending dust, debris, and black smoke rising into the air as dirt falls and rains before them.

"What the hell?!" One of the raiders call, hefting their crossbow. "It's a ninja! It's always the damn ninja! Hurry the hell up! Back into the cellar! Move! move!" They call out. Swiftly scampering to hide underground within their little hole, looking to hide until their ninja oppressors passed by. Though. If Ataru did his job well, and marked the locations? Soon. Very soon. Blood and slaughter would await them.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

He stands on a stout branch observing her movement down the dirt track with a steady eye and patient stance, hunched low stalking the raiders who left from the nearest cellar whilst keeping Shinde in view upon the nearby path. Held within striking distance he watches as a group of bandits reveal themselves and proceed to hold them up and mug her for the contents of their wicker basket. Prepared to strike yet knowing that his Sensei had things well in hand, he watches as the trio study their haul only to be enveloped by a sudden shock wave from a series of explosive tags planted inside erupting.

Ataru smacks his lips at the sight, unsurprised at the sudden yet visceral view of various men being blown to bits. He had come to expect it especially from the Hatake heiress, and so seeing the red cloud of mist and spattered viscera he simply looks to see where she might have gone as well as noting the men below reaction to the blast. Weaving a series of hand seals together he unleashes a surprise attack upon them, his fiery red hair nettling like a porcupine unleashing a barrage of hair needles honed razor sharp via chakra and sent raining down upon them like a storm meant to pierce their bodies but moreso targeting their legs seeking to disable and cripple them.

Hopping down onto the floor, he draws a series of Kunai between their digits threatening them with further harm and even death if they persist or try and attack him. "Surrender, lay down your arms." They would not get a second warning.

SPOILER: Click to show

 

NAME: Tategami Hari [Mane Needles]

RANK: D

CHAKRA USAGE: Low

CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu

ELEMENT: -

HANDSEALS: 3

DESCRIPTION:

By sending chakra through their hair, the user is able to launch up to 20 senbon-like projectiles from it. The projectiles are strands of hair, sharpened and made rigid by chakra.

[Hatake Shinde]

The assault that Ataru had initiated shortly after the bombing was not only unexpected, but a literal and metaphorical thorn in their side. For when he performed his short handseal sequence, his hair prickles and launches small red projectiles made manifest, the hairs digging and embedding into a number of bandits from behind and vantage. Either along their thighs or legs, a few embedding into the earth as cries of pain call forth. As a few of the bandits fall onto the ground, looking back and seeing what had befallen them. Needles. For the bandits had sought to invest more into chest and head protection. And he'd struck in the back where the armor was weak. Pain. Suffering.

Shinde heard the sound of the cries to the east, and with it, she pauses and narrows her eyes for but a moment. Before immediately dashing to the east. They were met with a boy. A boy who looked as if he ought to be at home with mommy and daddy. Yet the headband made it as clear as day who he was. What he was. Surrender he said. In his high pitched voice. The small band of bandits, a few had stumbled onto their legs despite the pain, and a few others rest along the floor. And a few others still rest below the cellars present. Yet. One of them would proceed to raise his hands up, seemingly about to drop their weapon. Only for them to turn to the others. "KILL THE KID!" And just like that?

A half dozen bolts were sent soaring toward the boy with twangs on string.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Be like water, that was something he had drilled into his head from his own Mother all the way to Granny Uzumaki back in Uzushiogakure to even Shinde Sensei while she was torturing training him day in and day out. Circling his feet into the dirt, taking an even springy stance brandishing a series of Kunai between his fingers menacingly... he hoped they would comply but was not surprised when they didn't. Adults never did take kids seriously, even when they told the truth they always thought they knew better... sometimes they did, but then again sometimes they didn't.

And so when the order came to fire upon and kill him, Ataru dodges and weaves between the flurry of arrows demonstrating graceful movement and a fluid sense of agility. Sending forth his Kunai with blinding fast speed, they are aimed with the intention of impacting into the clutched crossbows held onto by the injured bandits. Splitting the string or cracking apart the wood, seeking to destroy the weapons or render them useless with the exception of the man who gave the order. The Kunai aimed for him is levied towards his throat, a killing blow meant to emphasize and reinforce the fact that he wasn't joking. "Last chance, I won't ask again."

[Hatake Shinde]

In moments such as these, it becomes evidently clear, child or not, that Ataru was indeed a ninja, and a fairly skilled one at that. Considered perhaps prodigious considering his age and his untapped potential. Heralded from a line of Shinobi that was both long revered and lauded in tales and legends. However, the difference between the two of them, as far as Shinde was concerned, was that she'd normally never give the bandits the chance. For their paths chosen, whether out of hardship or struggle, they'd chosen the path. In those next moments, as she saw Ataru standing before the bandits. His blade drawn.

He looked as imposing as a boy his age could look. And with it, the bandits looked at varying states of malcontent and confusion. How it was that a child like him could stand there. So casually after having killed a man. The blade having sunk right into their throat, just around the esophagus. Their crossbows were broken, but they still held their blades. As they rest there, legs stinging, pain ringing through. They weighed their chances. Before slowly, one by one, their blades drop onto the floor, sheathed, and clattered, the fallen remains of the crossbows falling also. Wooden clutters. It was there that Shinde would proceed to look down upon Ataru, and with it, comes to notice the wooden cellar only as she approached.

"Ara. Ara. Tunnel rats now huh?...And a whole bunch of rats." She exclaims, looking upon the bandits, of which at the moment were laying on their sides, hair needles carefully being pulled out of their wounds. "And what do you want to do with this lot exactly? A-ta-ru?"

[Uzumaki Ataru]

"You guys have swords, crossbows, and armor. You could've been guarding these caravans for money instead of preying on them. If you had we never would have had to come out here and stop you; baka! Sooner or later, ninjas will always come and put a stop to you - its not worth it." He sighs after finishing that little tirade, dusting off some leaves that clung to his body as well as bits of dirt. Pulling out a long length of banded wire, twirling it like a lasso he uses it to tie each one of the remaining bandits upside down letting them hang suspended from the trees overhead.

"Tell us what's down there in the basements, how many there are, where the other cellars are located, and what the layout is and we'll consider letting you go... but only if your info is good." The fiery haired Uzumaki was clearly determined and resolved, brandishing a few more Kunai. It was apparent if they didn't want to share the same fate as the man who ordered them to kill him or fancied not having anymore holes in their bodies they should answer and fast.

[Hatake Shinde]

Ultimately. In a mix and jumble of words and spoken statements, they seemed to clamber and shout over one another, trying to answer with varying degrees of success. "Shut up! Shut up! You there!" She calls to one of them, proceeding to draw her sword and aiming it outward. "Come here." To which the bandit hesitantly does, and with it, she looks to another. "And you. Tell me. How many. Where. Or I'm going to. I don't know. I'll cut your friend's head off." To which the first bandit says, "Wait! Wait! Wait! That guy hates me! Don't ask him!" ...After what seemed like a comical and conceited amount of time trying to discern an answer? Shinde got the answer.

"I'm glad we were able to come to a consensus." Two. Two cellars. And with it, she came to groan, thinking about how she wanted to approach it. "Doton: Goremu no Jutsu!" It was in that moment that a gigantic stone warrior rises from the depths of the earth, towering over the cellar door and the subsequent room that lay beneath. Before it raises its fist and crashes its fist down straight above, hurling chunks and a handful of stone away to show the terrified people beneath it. Exposing them, but also their ill gotten gains. Or at least. A portion of them anyways. It towers, smiling on them for a few moments as a crossbow fires into its face only for it to bounce off. Shinde proceeds to look at Ataru, as she sits on one of its shoulders. Ataru likely on the right.

"Shall I let the warrior finish the rest?"