Honor Among Thieves (A-Rank)

A Rank- Honor Among Thieves

Raikou page

Honor among thieves:

When Raikou came to Suna, he figured it is another place where his life would be at risk. It wasn't that he didn't trust the instructions he got from Augus, more advice than instructions, but he knew that most places he traveled to often had some sort of overbearing law presence, especially the villages. Still, it seemed many seemed to be a more 'open-minded' place than he thought. While there were areas he felt compelled to avoid-- the spire for instance, he saw other places that were more his kind of neighborhood. Bars, pubs, fighting dens, black markets. There were even parks when he needed to find some places in nature worth exploring and resting in. Still, he preferred the darker areas for him to reside in, as he was wanted and dangerous by all accounts. Even the red-light districts were more his speed but that was a discussion for another time.

This time, however, he was driven by another reason beyond just to train or pass the time. As much as he hated the concept of needing money to survive, he did need currency to keep on living in Suna. His hotel was a basic place but required rent all the same. He did hear word around the bar of people finding work with different odd jobs or more mercenary work. Such things were of interest to Raikou but he heard of something very interesting among other renowned bandits and bosses. A certain lord with a particular personality that was even infamous among other crime lords and bandits.

Hearing about it, a part of Raikou was curious and intended to follow up on it. It was better than just laying low and killing time, since he rather kill other things. He may just get his chance.

The rumor was the crime lord was called Dirty Dave-- an unoriginal name that Raikou almost wanted to spit at. His operations were among the darker side of town and would shake down random people to get things. From either robbing someone, or conning shinboi to do his dirty work via his network of thugs and rogue ninja. Raikou had no qualms about the people who worked under him. He just needed to get a better face to face with that one , learn more then act. If what he heard was there, then he would be someone that Raikou would really want to meet.

"Hey you!" a voice called out to Raikou. He turned att the mention of the guy, hearing his voice and already started to get annoyed. "This is our turf. You either are lost or just stupid. "

Raikou glanced at the guy with a deadly look. One that didn't tolerate such idiots or fools. He could break his neck easily. "I want an audience with your boss. Dirty Dave, right?" Raikou asked, getting right to the point. "Will you take me there?"

"Hah! Cocky, son of a bitch aren't you?" The thug bragged, causing his two friends behind him to laugh too. "You think we would take you to our boss that well. You gotta stir up some serious shit to get his atten--"

WACK!! CRACK!!

A swift back-handed strike of his fist met with the talking good, causing him to go flying and cracking into the nearby brick wall. The crack and bent of his neck made it clear that he was dead. The two others gawked in stupid fright to see their comrade go down like that, mixed expressions of anger and shock. Raikou turned to them with a dull expression. "I just killed your man. I trust your boss would take issue with this. Will you let me see him now?" he asked.

His logic was brutal but direct. No doubt any crime boss would take offense to one of their own getting killed like that. With that, the two remaining thugs had no issue to escort him to their boss was.

WC: 657

He could smell the resentment and fear of the two thugs who led him to their headquarters, located in one of the tiering buildings in the city. They directed him as he was ahead of them, for good reason-- so they could attack and defend themselves if Raikou did something violent. Well, more violent than before. Raikou knew the gist of what would happen. He probably get his head bit off-- figuratively-- for killing one of his goons, but it guaranteed him a meeting. While he had his motives and didn't look to become another thug, it guaranteed to get a face to face with Dirty Dave.

The group was soon at a crappy looking office space as he was let in, the two goons behind him and up close to keep an eye on him. All the while, Raikou kept relaxed and didn't move his hands, so that no one would think he was a threat at the time. The office space was dark, ain't by the windows, and a dim lamp on the desk. Two more guards were in the back of the room, as one guy sat at the desk, a rather round statured man with a balding head and a scar along his forehead. He must have been in a scuffle in his past to earn it, but still, he seemed to be a man with a mean demeanor. Though the pair of sunglasses he wore indoors at this time of night was a bit overkill and pointless.

"So, you are the moron who offed one of my boys," the boss said. "Do you know what you just did?"

Raikou merely blinked at the accusation. "I did. Personally, he was pathetic. If all your men of the same caliber, you probably needed a change of staff anyway." he said bluntly, not holding back his opinion.

"What did you just say?" the man said, standing up from his seat with an angry tone.

A breath escaped Raikou as he wanted to roll his eyes. This man was hardly intimidating, even with four of his goons in the room. Though this much he knew. The two in the back were a caliber above the ones who brought him there. Likely, rogue shinobi who were hired to be his bodyguards.  

"Let me get this straight. YOu kill one of my men, insult them, and presume you are of better class just so you can fill their ranks?" Dave shouted, slowly approaching Raikou-- despite the fact that Raikou was almost 1/3rd taller than him. He glared at Raikou and Raikou did the same, unblinking and not showing any tells. After a moment, when one would think that Dave would have lost his temper and told him to go to hell-- he suddenly bursted out in laughter. "AHAHAHA!! I love it! Now that is the attitude of a real businessman, I'd say. You got balls, and in this business, you gotta be willing to go for the kill."

Raikou didn't react or reply, but merely raise his brow to sense the tension go down a bit. The man laughed, amused by Raikou's action. As he calmed down. "Tell you what, young man. Do a small errand for me, and I will take you on as an employee. If you are as good as you say, this will be a small matter. "

"And what exactly do you want?" Raikou asked.

WC: 569

The man laughed to himself as he paced a bit, his glasses revealing his yellow eyes. "I think you are more than enough to get it for me. In a nearby building on the other sector of the district, there is another crime boss by the name of Shinji. I would like you to go to him, fight past his men and take a scroll in his possession. It contains information I need on future trades and other secrets. He keeps it on his person at all times. I want you to get it for me, by whatever means necessary." he explained, all the while Raikou watched as he spoke and move. "THink that is something you are able to do? " "Of course. I am no mere brute. I am capable of being a shinobi." Raikou replied simply. "Good, good!" Dave said as he made his way back to his seat and sat back down with a fall and a creak. "My men will give you the necessary details of the building. Deliver me the scroll. If there are idiots who get in your way, be sure to silence them. Do that I will make you a member of my group, and all the rewards that follow. Sound good?" Raikou gave a nod and a smirk on his face. "I'm so glad we understand one another. I'll get it for you before you know it." he said. "I look forward to hearing what you are capable of. Don't disappoint me," he said, smirking a bit to reveal a few gold teeth. " I'd hate for you to claim your more than you say after you took my man's life. If you cannot do this, you weren't worth much and I don't tolerate the weak." "I understand," Raikou said and turned to leave so he could start his mission. As he left, he could feel the maddening grin on Dirty Dave's face. Things were gonna work out just as he heard, he thought. *** The details of the building were pretty straight forward. The men supplied him with all he needed to infiltrate the building, minus any martial support. They probably hoped to see him killed for killing their colleague, or at least to see him mess up. But this wasn't Raikou's first infiltration into an enemy base. He stole from ninja even as a kid as a means to survive, so breaking into a building like this wouldn't be a problem. From what he was told, the man keeps the scroll on the third floor, kept either on his person or the office itself. It was identified as a red scroll with a black lace tying it together and seal. The trick was to get in. If he went in through the front or back, he would encounter a lot of fighting resistance. He wanted to. He knew he could crush through all opposition and take whatever he wanted. However, if he did, his target and the scroll he probably carried so deeply would get away. He would likely escape. To his dismay but understanding, he had to be stealthy and sneak in with little resistance. WC: 525

The best point of entry was from above, and that meant scaling the building. With it night, he could scale over it without issue. He didn't have to worry too much as he easily jumped half way up and grabbed hold onto the wall. He recalled how to climb over surfaces using Chakra. In the past, he didn't know how and took him a long time to learn how to manipulate chakra on his limbs to hold on to surfaces like that. In t he end, he valued his physical prowess over his chakra alone. Either way, he was making his way up the wall and easy access to the windows and roof. With luck, he could reach the key office, or find the target.

Keeping to the shadow of the night and building, no one saw or heard his scaling the wall and he made it up to the roof. From there, he had a better position to find entryways into the building, and a roof access entrance he could use. It was one of those times he allowed his senses to expand. To stop , calm his inner turmoil and listen to the things around him. He could sense things now, sensing movement and the sound of living things around him. As far as the building was concern, only one person was in the room he suspected the scroll was in. One floor below, directly under him. Looking to the entry point, he soon found a small window-- just enough for him to squeeze through and no one there. He could drop down from the roof and enter the office itself.

The office was large and lavish. He was till on the upper part of the floor as he observed the tapestries, the bookshelves and other things that the man had collected. It was hard to imagine this guy with a refined taste was also a criminal thug. Luckily, he was there, but he had to find the scroll. Cautious, he looked around and didn't sense any hidden people or traps. Letting go from the wall, he dropped to the floor with a minor bump. He began to search the desk, the bookshelves, only using light touches to pry things open but the scroll was not there. If it wasn't inside the office, it would be on the person. He hated the idea to go searching for him, but if he could be patient, the target would come to him.

Taking a moment, he found a hiding spot, behind where the door would open and waited. The target was indeed powerful, but he had a plan. The entire 'mission' he took wasn't simply about getting some damn scroll. It was for something else entirely, and he had to take action for it.

He waited, keeping calm and allowing his senses to open, till he heard footsteps come towards the door. He got ready, feeling the twinge of electricity jolt through his body. If this man was a dangerous ninja himself, this would be challenging, but he made sure to make things quick. The door began to open and the man entered, oblivious to what would happen.

WC: 528

The other crime boss entered the room casually. He was different from 'dirty dave'. He was a slender, older man, roughly late 30s or mid 40s. He was with dark hair with hints of grey and dressed in eastern robes with long sleeves. He had no other guards with him. Even as he sensed for them, they were far away from the door. This made Raikou realize just how notorious and strong this man was. A part of his judgment told him not to act, but he had to. His eyes narrowed at the man's back, but he got a bad feeling about t his person. A part of his instincts told him to be more cautious. Not just his urge to fight, but his animal instincts told him to not do it.

He paused. He was going to charge and grabbed him around the neck in a headlock to get what he needed. But he paused.

"How long are you going to stand there, 'boy'," the man spoke.

Raikou's eyes widened at that. He KNEW he was here. He didn't say anything but neither did the man turn around.

"Are you waiting for an invitation to attack? By all means, come at me. Or are you afraid of an old man like me, hm? " he asked.

Raikou felt angry with that, his bloodlust starting to boil-- but part of him KNEW not to strike. Something about him was unclear, even menacing. This person was clearly a skilled fighter, just by looking at him. He gritted his teeth, hating this hesitation.

"You're not stupid. Most would be to break into my office, but I suspect you have another matter to discuss," he said. He turned a slightly worn face with a light skar on the right side of his face. He had a smile, despite the challenge. "But if you still wish to fight, by all means, don't hold back. In fact..."

The movement was almost instantaneous as Raikou felt the presence behind him. Almost instantly, the man was behind. From his robes, he drew a sword, showing he was skilled with the blades! Raikou's eyes widened as he sensed him there. "Allow me to get to the point."

The blow would have struck right into his skull, and burst through the head with ease--- or how it should have been. With a sudden rush of inhuman speed, Raikou dodged the sword, it right short of his nose as the sword slashed through some of his wild black hair. Now with the fight clear, Raikou acted as he now moved in-- using the fast speed he got to reach his target. He delivered a strike to the arm with the sword, causing the grip on the weapon to weaken just enough. The flaw for swordsmen was once you were behind the blade, it was difficult for them to reach them to strike back. Once he was in, he reached the arm and grabbed it. With one last twist, Raikou had grabbed hold of the man and locked the arm-- and threw him into a headlock.

Raikou's grip was solid as iron and the man no longer resisted. If anything, he allowed the lock, and that made Raikou worried if he should kill him right then and there. Still, he paused.

"Heh, you have good instincts." The crime boss said, "I'm impressed. So what did you come for, boy?"

Raikou glared as him, he knew he had the scroll and had to take it. Still...

WC: 584

The result of the attack in the boss' room ended differently than what anyone could anticipate. Raikou was able to burst out of the room and through the window in the hall, well before any enemy troops could notice. He had the scroll in hand as he flew through the air, and soon took off into the shadows of the night. Things went according to his plan and to the best of his ability. The scroll was indeed the target, not to engage the enemy too badly. While he loved to fight and cause some chaos, he knew better. The scroll and mission was the priority. Once he was a few blocks away, he found cover in one of the alleys and took a moment to catch his breath. The rush was more exhilarating than he anticipated, but nothing he couldn't handle. His grip was strong on the small scroll, almost eclipsed by his large hands. He knew what was done, and what he had to do. Once he recovered and hung low for the moment. He returned to the residence of Dirty Dave. Once he got to his men, they would escort him back to his office, where he would deliver the scroll.

He returned at a leisurely pace and rejoined Dirty Dave's crew, who were not too happy to see him since he did kill their friend. Still, bands like this didn't care much for their own allies. That was the nature of criminal gangs. Once he got back to them, he has escorted up the stairs and back to Dirty Dave's office. The walk up the stairs felt longer to him due to the tension he felt. Not just from him but also from the men who escorted him. Things were going to change and Raikou didn't trust it. Still, he kept it quiet, even as his blood was boiling now from the restraint he had now. It would soon be time to act, and he was more than ready...

He soon was brought into the office as Dirty Dave and his other henchmen were there waiting. "Welcome back! Good work. The boys watching told me of the ruckus you caused. I take it you got the scroll?" he said from his seat.

Without a word, Raikou reached behind him in the animal hide he had wrapped around his waist. From it, he produced the scroll he wanted. He soon tossed it up into the air for the man to catch, which was then caught by the subordinate next to him. The man handed it to Dirty Dave, who looked at the cover before he placed it on his desk. "Well done! It seemed you weren't without talent after all."

Raikou didn't react to that but decided it was time to get to the point. "Can I assume that I have proven my worth and welcomed among your group?" he asked.

Dirty Dave leaned forward, his arms resting upon the desk as he knitted his hands together in thought. "Yes, about that..."

The click of the door being locked behind him was unmistakable as he saw the two who escorted him block the rear. The two guards beside Dave were looking ready to do something to. Raikou's brow furrowed as he realized the situation coming.

"You're skill and strength is great. There is no doubt about it," Dave said his tone light but laced with sarcasm. "Sadly, I need to make an example of anyone who crosses my crew. You had a good idea, to replace him, but also, can't have you be associated to stealing this scroll either. I'm sorry but you understand. It's nothing personal." he said.

WC: 615

With Dirty Dave's words, his goons got ready to move on. He heard the sound of kunai and swords being drawn, and the sneers on their faces was unmistakable. Raikou didn't move as he could tell where each of the four enemies stood around him. All the while, he glared at Dirty Dave. "So the rumors are true about you. You really do love to stab your cohorts in the back. " Raikou commented to him.

"If I left you live after you wacked one of my men, I'd look back. You understand," he said, lying through his grinning gold teeth.

"Heh, oh I understand... no honor amongst thieves is how its said," Raikou said, a chuckle escaping his chest as he closed his eyes.

It was in that instant the four men charged, starting with the two from behind to stab him in the back. He didn't even flinch as he felt them approached, less than a foot away and he responded.

A mere swing of his arm was all it took as it cracked right into their jaws and a step away avoided the kunai they used. The impact alone caused them to go flying, and the bodies of the two thugs went crashing into the nearby wall, just like the very first thug he killed was. The strike was strong and felt like being hit by a boulder that was swung from a catapult. Both of them struck the wall, their limbs a mess over one another as he struck. With that way clear, he could sense the incoming attack from behind. These two were stranger, and couldn't be stopped by mere taijutsu as they were skilled swordsmen.

However, Raikou grinned as his bloodlust boiled. With his back turned, and out of sight, he used it to weave two simple hand seals before---

Whoosh! Once again he was gone in a sudden shift of weight. One would consider it body-flicker, but in fact it was a high-speed dodge used by working his muscles. For a guy so large, he was unusually fast. With his hand seals done and now on the ceiling, he moved in for the final blow on the first swordsman. Lightning suddenly cloaked his fist as he jumped down from the ceiling, slamming it right into the man's head with a vicious punch! The blow was so strong it drove the man's head and torso into the wood of the floor, likely killing him from the double-sided impact!

WIth the final target to his side, Raikou knelt down low-- and with a violent sweep, delivered a powerful kick upward, right when he was about to bring down his sword. The blow sent him airborne and smack right into the ceiling. The head twisted att the impact and he came back to the ground in a crumpled mess. The entire encounter last for about 15 seconds total, leaving the once clean office a battered mess-- and all that was left was Dirty Dave, now in absolute shock as he now jumped up from his desk, getting back and away from Raikou.

"Wha-wha-wha... ?" he gasped, now frightened.

WC: 521

The tables turned as Raikou had slaughtered all of Dirty Dave's henchmen with ease. He slowly approached the boss of the gang, intended to finish the job. "It seems the rumors were true about you. You really are a back-stabbing asshole among even your own criminals. " Raikou growled as he approached. It was then that Dave jumped to get away, desperate enough for the plump man to try and run for the windcow-- but Raikou grabbed him by the shirt and then the neck. He lifted him up keeping a firm grip on him. As Dave looked into his eyes, he saw how his irises were almost gone, but a blind rage in his eyes. "Truth is, tonight was particularly difficult for me. Not for all the hoops, you made me jump through like some trained lion! No, the real challenge was to not beat all you morons outright and break em. Because one thing ticks me off over all other things. It's hypocritical assholes like you who would stab his own kind in the back!"

Earlier that night...

Back when Raikou had the enemy boss in his headlock, both of them unsettling calm as they were both strong and capable. IT was then that Raikou spoke quietly to the man, Shinji. The boss was calm as he heard Raikou. "I believe you are one of the bosses who had dealings with Dirty Dave. Quite frankly, I am working with him and he is a piece of filth. I plan to deal with him, but I need to get close to him and confirm the information. For that, he requires the scroll in your possession. " Raikou explained.

Shinji relaxed, even in the man's grip. "I see. So enemy of my enemy situation, it seems?" he said. "And why should I entrust it to you? "

"Once I confirm he is the backstabbing traitor you and your colleagues claim he is, I will return the scroll to you unopened. I am hoping you allow me a measure of trust to do this. Either that, or I will be a dead man anyway, so I hope you take this trust I am putting t o ask for your cooperation." Raikou explained, despite the growl of fury in his voice.

The bearded, older crime boss smirked. "You are a special kind of crazy... I like it." He said as he reached into his kimono inner pocket and produced the scroll. "Very well. Be sure you do return this. However... be sure to also bring me that bastard's head if you can. Do so and I will reward you well."

The threat didn't rattle Raikou as he reached over and took the scroll with gratitude.

***

Dirty Dave stammered as he felt the pressure on his neck. "Y-you... you planned this all along?!" he gasped.

"I needed to confirm the rumors before I took action, but I sorely wish I could have just killed you all earlier. It would have saved me time tonight. " Raikou said, a wicked grin on his face. "You and your goons barely hold a candle to me. I have pilaged, stole, murdered, raped, and destroyed many before I came to you. But even with all that, I honor the deals I make and have honor among thieves. So I have no qualms killing you."

"Wait-wait please!" he gasped, "I'm sorry! Do you want money? Do you want drugs? I can get you anything! Anything you want--- please don't--- "

Raikou tightened his grip on his windpipe-- but was doing so much. "Oh, shut up. But let me tell you a little secret. The reason tonight was such a pain was that I had to hold back killing. I got a beast inside me that loves to kill, to destroy. But a friend of mine has taught me ways to use that rage into more... useful skills.  " All the while he was talking, he wasn't merely squeezing him but funneling his chakra into him-- or rather his 'energy' that made him go wild.  While he did, parts of Dirty Dave's body were starting to go numb... but when he looked down, he could see what was happening.

His hand had begun to turn to stone!  His eyes widened with terror.

"I find it fun to see how my own energy interacts with others. Now I know. I can get used to this. " Raikou growled with wicked glee. "A worthy end for a piece of stone like you."

"No... nooo... I---" Dave gasped as his face began to turn to stone, till finally, his entire body had become solid rock! Everything from his grotesque body to his clothing was now a solid stone. It seemed that infusing nature energy into a non-nature energy user, or non-sage as it were, caused this to happen.

A laugh came from Raikou as he held the statue of the former Dirty Dave in his left hand. The weight of the statue felt like nothing to him as he felt humored by the situation. "A fitting end... but still," he said as he tightened his right fist and drew it back.

CRACK!! BOOM!! Holding up the statute, he drove his fist into a wicked punch into the center of the statue, causing it to explode and shatter to pieces. Bits of stone scattered across the office, adding a mess to the office already destroyed by the fight, and stone dust into the air. Besides the few limbs and parts still there, the stone head of Dirty Dave remained-- a petrified look of horror on his face.

Raikou grinned as he picked up the head, intended to give it to Shinji.

WC: 945
TWC: 4944

Raikou returned back to the building where he had snuck into earlier that night. Dawn would soon approach as he entered the building. This time, he entered the front entrance, where the members of Shinji's group had spotted him. While they were cold, quiet, and not yet super welcoming in appearance, they allowed him in and escorted him up to the stairwell that led to their boss's office. All the while he held a sack he got from Dirty Dave's headquarters, carrying something heavy. He didn't exchange any words with the guards that led him up, but he could sense they held no resentment or malice towards him. They soon reached the door and the guard allowed him inside, and closed the door behind Raikou, allowing them privacy.

Raikou soon looked to find the older man with his same robes as he greeted him. He was as calm and welcoming as ever towards Raikou, even smiling at him. "Welcome back, young man. " he said as he faced him, his sleeves hidden inside the other as he greeted the larger man. "I hope you came here to honor your request. "

A breath escaped Raikou as he reached behind him slowly, not to cause any misunderstanding of drawing a weapon or kunai. Shinji didn't respond either, as he soon saw Raikou produce the scroll he took a couple of hours ago. Without a word, Raikou tossed it into the air, and Shinji removed a hand and caught it right before it passed him. The scroll was never opened, thanks to the seal on it being present. Shinji looked at it with satisfaction. "Well done. You are truly a man of your word."

"I also got something else for you," Raikou commented as he lifted up the sack he carried. He soon dumped the contents to allow a single object to tumble out. It came and rolled a distance ahead towards the older crime boss-- revealing it to be the petrified head of Dirty Dave with the same shocked expression on his face.

Shinji blinked as he looked at the head, now seeing it as a stone head. "Is this... real?" he asked, a bit dumbfounded.

Raikou didn't miss a beat. "Indeed. It is a tacky piece of art, I know... but I assure you its the real deal. You're welcome to look at his office to tell if it is him or not, but not much of him but rubble." he explained.

Shinji paused as he looked at the head, then slowly-- he broke into laughter. It seemed he found the concept hilarious. Raikou waited patiently, worried if he wasn't believed that he brought him the man's head. Finally, after steadying himself on his desk, the crime boss turned to Raikou. "Ahaha... Forgive me, friend. I had not expected the proof of your deed to be shown in the form of a statue. But this is too realistic for me to doubt. I mean, did you do this?"

Raikou didn't say anything but shrugged modestly.

Amused, the crime lord picked up the rock-head and placed it on a shelf nearby on the wall. "Heh, I cannot tell whether or not your joking or you are that kind of disturbed individual. Not that I am arguing. In our profession, we have to have a bit of both to survive. I am greately pleased, young man. " He said as he approached Raikou. From his kimono robes, he soon produced a series of Ryo for Raikou. "Payment, and a little extra for such a paperweight. haha!"

Raikou accepted the payment and took the money. "Thank you," he replied.

"If i may be so bold, why don't you join my organization?" He offered, "You might find a good amount of benefits being under my employment. We have many opportunities for rogues like yourself, including avenues to follow your passions. Renown, jutsu, riches, women... whatever meets your fancy. " Raikou listened to him, and while it was positive, it was a bit too similar to the situation he was in years ago where one man tried to make money of him, right down to his own body to sell like property.

"I have no interest to sell myself to you. I don't plan to stay in Suna for ever." he said firmly.

"Oh, you misunderstand. Unlike that bastard of a worm you dug up, I honor my men in my employee. You are free to leave whenever you want. I have no interest to restrict your freedom, but we all would work well together. What do you say?" Shinji extended a hand to shake, to accept the deal.

Raikou looked at the hand. Though he had bad flashbacks of the last crime boss he worked with, he felt differently about this older man. He seemed by far the more honorable of them. "Very well. A temporary work then. Perhaps I may change my mind if all goes well. " Raikou said, shaking the man's smaller hand by his sheer size alone.

"Well said, friend. I promise you won't regret this. " the crime boss said. With a handshake, Raikou entered the professional world of a rogue ninja.

END.

WC: 848
TWC:5804

Rewards: 4000 Ryo, 10 AP
Stats: +20 Strength, +10 Speed, +8 Chakra
Jutsu Learned: 8 Inner Gates (Jutsu) (2500 WC first gate + 3304/7K WC for all gates )

Approved