The Vault of the Kazekage: The Doorway

Mission Name: The Vault of the Kazekage: The Doorway
Rank:S
Type:Recon
Character Requirements: Sunagakure Shinobi 
Mission Location:Desert, Wind Country
Word Count Requirements:6000
Challenges:-
Repeatable? Yes
NPC?No
Reward:6000

Task: The Sandstorms that plague the Land of Wind are enormous in their size and terrifying in their power. Entire villages can be swept away in a day due to the harsh winds and buffeting sands. Recently one of these large sandstorms enveloped the land, leaving the residents in a small village in  the heart of the Land of Wind to be locked in their homes for several days. After this storm passed however something grand was discovered. 

A few miles outside of this small village the shifting sands revealed a giant doorway that was emblazoned with symbols of the hidden sand village. Within the doorway people discovered a large cave system that appears to go on for miles beneath the sand. 

It was rumored that long ago the First Kazekage had built great vaults scattered throughout the Land of Wind. These vaults are believed to have ancient knowledge and treasures of a bygone era that would be valuable to any who get their hands on it. It is also widely believed that these vaults, if they are to really exist, are protected by traps to stop any trespassers. Since its appearance a few parties of explorers have already begun to search beyond the doorway for answers and none have returned.

While there is no clear evidence yet that this doorway is indeed linked to the fabled vaults of the first Kazekage, the disappearance of multiple search parties within these cave depths have birthed concern within Sunagakure. As elite members of the village you are tasked with entering through the doorway into the cave system, finding any information about the missing explorers, mapping out what parts of the cave system you do explore, and potentially finding the location of the vault within its chambers. 

If you do indeed find the entrance to a Vault of the Kazekage you have been ordered not to attempt to enter. A completed map of the cave system up to that point would be too valuable to lose.






[This Mission will require each member to complete 1200 Words] 

Awakened by a strong knock on his door Zaine was not off to a good start for his day and this was mainly because he thought it would be his day off- at this point it was beginning to become comical that every time he went to relax, a messenger bird or some sort of summons would find him. He technically had no true idea whether it was a mission or a friend stopping by but he was fairly sure it would be the former. Assuming that the summons would be left at his doorstep as they typically were he got up from bed and through on a long sleeve black shirt with his chuunin flak jacket over it- hed throw on some straight legged brown pants, his black sandals and toss his prized blade around his shoulder and strap it to his back. He would only be bringing along one weapons pouch today, placed on his lower back and would also be leaving his basic katana at home. "Im going to feel like such an idiot if this ends up not being a mission.." He thought as he secured his headband to his left arm tightly before walking to his front door and opening it to reveal a small scroll on his doorstep with the seal of the Kazekage- he would pick it up as he smirked having guessed correctly. The contents of the mission scroll read “Enclosed within the envelope are the instructions for this mission, we will now inform your other team members, and you are ordered to depart from the village gates in one hour! For the Kazekage!” "This actually seems like it could be pretty fun with the right group of people. Maybe I can have a bit of fun with this." His mind raced at the thought of what secret treasures could lie behind this "vault" and what mysteries would surround this mission as a whole- he could already picture two shinobi that most likely would be asked to join on this mission and they were two people that Zaine trusted with his well being in any given situation. He hoped to see them but also entertained the thought that having some wildcards could prove to be a rewarding experience- there would be no more time to waste as he closed his door behind him and took off for the village gates via rooftop.

He would make decent time, getting to the gate about 8 minutes earlier than the time stated in the scroll and as he closed in he would see three familiar figures, one of which he had guessed would be waiting at the gate well before anyone arrived- Musu, Mizuki and the newly welcomed Souji all stood at the gate and appeared ready to set out. He had to admit that he felt a bit embarrassed to show up later than this many people and thought that he might even be making a bad example for Souji but would land 4 meters in front of them all the same as he spoke. "So I guess it takes a handful of shinobi to run a mission like this huh? Sunagakure must really be caught up on missions and staffing if they can afford to send all of us on this." He would look specifically at Mizuki as he said the latter portion of his statement due to her being tied into the upper ranking affairs of the village in some part. He was happy to see her again but this was becoming more and more natural to him and he was surprised at the fact that he was very excited to see Souji as well- the young boy had a sour attitude in general towards Zaine but he had grown on him. He would look at Musu and smile as he walked closer and patted him on the shoulder "And hows the budding comedian doing today?" He would smile ear to ear hoping he would get a joke or two out of the red haired jounin who had proven himself to be quite the joker when they had tea previously. 

He was quite satisfied with the team that had been chosen for this mission and looked forward to having a good time with everyone and hell, maybe they would actually find something worth a damn on this mission- there was however something.. no someone missing from the mix and if his hunch from earlier was correct, that person would be showing up late. He was ofcourse speaking of the boisterous and jovial Sarutobi that he had been close to his entire life- surely Raleth wouldnt be missing out on such a fun opportunity? He rationalized that he wouldnt know for sure until the agreed upon time had arrived and hopefully brought the ashen haired Jounin with it. Removing his hand from Musu's shoulder he would return his view to Mizuki in slight confusion- he was unsure if this was truly a mission to bring a child on and questioned whether he knew too little of the boys abilities or if perhaps she was confident that no matter what she could protect him. Only time would tell on all of these fronts, but one thing was for sure, Zaine was over the moon at the possibilities.

[WC=883]

Once lavender in color orbs were now swallowed by pearls. The essence of them exudes with chakra as they penetrated the surround walls of room belonging to their owner. Searching, scanning and locating - Mizuki was found. Relief washed over the boy as he continued to lay within his bed with his eyes permitting him that three-hundred-sixty degrees view. The boy watched as she sat in the comfort of her solitude in the garden, peaceful and without worry. Something to his thought, she deserved and then some. He felt bad for prying, but he did not like the idea of her being alone for too long or was it the opposite? Was it that he did not like the idea of himself be left alone?

Considering deactivating his eyes to permit her privacy, he would noticed that she, herself, was examining something. 'What is that? A note perhaps?' he would think. Daring not to exert his eyes further to read the content of the paper he maintained them on her. Simultaneously observing everything around her and himself within and around the home. The boy would take note that Mizuki stood from her seat within the garden as she finished what was left within her cup. Her motioning stride made it clear that she was entering the home. Those X-ray vision eyes of his followed her wherever she went... wait.. was she? 'Oh crap! I'm screwed!' he would yell in thought, his eyes resting and reverting back to lavender as he closed them to pretend as if he was asleep the entire time.

The door to his room opened and she stepped in. His heart beat remained calm as she approached with care, brushing the hair back from his face to speak in a low and sweet tone to him. It was as if she knew he was awoke the entire time as he never once mentioned 'wake up' in her sentence. He smiles lightly, like a child that just been caught in the act. Shifting himself to erect his body as she motioned to the door giving him twenty minutes to ready himself. "Yes ma'am, I'll be out in fifteen." He responded as his feet connected with the floor surface. He yawns and stretch as he removed any lingering stiffness from his body. Turning to find his white shorts with black trimmings, putting them on and walking over to the chair of his desk to collect his shirt. Turning to look at himself within the tall mirror in his room to look upon the scars and wounds left on his body by his parents. His eyes wavered a few seconds only for him to snatch that emotion and toss it aside. His shirt was now on and he began to wrap up his legs from ankle to mid thigh. The boy would take note of his bed hair. Blinking while tilting his head to the right... three rough and wild shakes of the head would morph the hair into its usual messy state. "There you are, you handsome devil." He smiles.

Eyes shifting to the clock upon his desk he would noticed that it was almost fourteen minutes in of the twenty given. "Shit! Gotta go." He would say lowly, as to not be heard. He would grap his weapon pouch and secure it to his lower back. Opening his door and stepping barefoot out of his room. Finding his Mizuki waiting for him at the front door the boy sort of blushed as he locked eyes with her. Hurrying to the door to put on his shoes and out as she was not one for being tardy. This made him feel warm inside, the entire experience from 'waking up' to leaving the house with her was more than he could ever ask for. He didn't worry about being snatched up and dragged to a murky room to be chained and beaten. It was like he was truly living the life that he deserved. 

Indeed the time that they have shared together, Souji and Mizuki's bond have strengthen a great deal. Only to be solidified by the layers of protection that they had for each other. In his time with staying with her, growing under her teachings he revealed more of his capabilities to her. As did she to him. Learning more about her and who she was as a person only made him see her as someone dear to him and that he wanted to make proud just as much protect.

Upon coming up on the gate tower, Mizuki spoke to Han, someone that Souji would come to know because of his dealings with Mizuki. Their exchange was often nice for him to observe, though Souji only ever took so much of it from time to time. One being now, as he noticed the lazy middle finger that was given to Mizuki, the boy rushed over to the window and slapped the man's hand and delivered a strong middle finger of his own with an annoyed and unapproved expression. "Watch yourself Sloth!" His middle finger swirled around taunting the man. It was clear that the two had some sort of odd relationship with being unpleasant towards each other, this was made apparent when Han slid back in his chair and put up two lazy middle fingers and stuck out his tongue. Souji, eyes now wide from the shock removed his hand from the window. "Baaaka!" he says mockingly with that same middle finger being used to pull down on the flesh just under his right eye, also sticking out his tongue.

This went on for some time, even after Mizuki didn't get the information that she wanted. In the midst of their back and forth the boy heard her address someone, it was Musu. He stopped taunting Han and turned his attention over to the Jounin. Simultaneously striding over to Mizuki's side as she exchanged words with him. Souji does not know of this one, but something about him was vaguely familiar to him. Apparently the two knew each other and last seen or spoke at a dinner? Souji's brows would rise a bit as he would turn his eyes to Mizuki for a moment. 'She had dinner with this guy? Gross, eughk!" Clueless to the depths of her meaning of that statement. He would take note that they were heading north east...'So it was a mission report that she was reading...' He thought, thinking back to when he was observing her in the garden.

Suddenly he was taken by a moment of surprise to see Zaine manifesting before them. The Hyuuga boy, did not show it much on his face, but he was a bit surprised by that appearance. It only informed him that his guard was too lax and needed to be raised, especially considering that they are heading out kn a mission. Collecting himself with a few short breathes he would return the look that Zaine gave him, pointing his right index finger at him releasing a stern look... "You're late! What were you doing, goofing around, Zaine? You're almost as hopeless as Han is!" He exclaims, while sneaking a devilish glare back at Han who was now dumbfounded. This pleased Souji and so he won this round. 

Turning his attention back to Zaine he would give him a single nod of approval of his presence. Souji and Zaine have a complicated relationship, but one that Souji respected, not ever willing to speak on it with him, he only assumed it was known between the two. After all, he and Mizuki shared something special, and Souji was approving of it, whatever it was, he was too young to understand, or just didn't want to think about it....ninety-three percent towards the latter.

The boy would place his hand back into his pocket as he decided to give everyone their moment to exchange words and pleasantries without him eavesdropping. Looking off to the distance of the sky. Losing himself in thought of the possibilities of this mission.

[WC: 1,347]

Raleth's Stats:

Lunar roses close their silver petals as golden rays break over the horizon, oasis embers open their fiery hands to the warmth of the sun. Water trickles from bamboo pipes, into the pots of fruiting plants, life is nourished with the coming morning. As flowers and fruit greet a new day, Raleth Sarutobi mediates in his back porch garden. He wears white, cotton canvas pants and ties them together with a simple cloth belt, he's shirtless as he kneels down with his eyes closed and has his hands in a unique seal. His thumbs are placed together, his palms face upward and his right hand is over his left. He splays his fingers open, calling to the shape of a blooming flower.

The white-ash-haired shinobi inhales through his nose, forcing his chakra to circulate like the blood in his veins. He exhales out of his mouth, pulsing his energy to the beat of his heart. He loses himself in the tempo of his breath, he blots out everything but the sound of plant life flourishing around him. He feels how they draw their energy from the sun and digests its light in their bodies, he hears their exhalations. His breathing follows their rhythm, his present existence calms, serenity takes over his mind. The tempo of his life steadies, he feels as if a singular breath could last him an entire day. And, in this calm state, the aged Sarutobi breathes in and quickens his heart. 

Morning dew steams off lush and green leaves, water ripples and sprays, petals and plant sway away, an intense pressure emanates from white-ash-haired shinobi. For a moment, sweat beads off his body, rushing blood tints his skin red, the immense jounin's bulk and mass doubled in size. He exhales, releasing his concentration. Water calms, plants return to their natural place, dawn breaks over Sunagakure: greeting the opening eyes of Raleth Sarutobi. A smile spreads over his scarred face, it is always beautiful to start the day with the sunrise. He gets up and welcomes the rising sphere, stretching his body and preparing his mind for the day. 

A sudden rapping on his door grabs his attention.

I wonder who that could be.

Not expecting any guests, Raleth leaves his back porch, grabbing the simple white robe to cover his exposed form, and goes to his front door. He opens it and is surprised to find two Sungakure jounin. Not expecting an official visit, Raleth's posture straightens up, his relaxed expression and demeanor quickly replaced with a serious presence. One jounin hands him a letter sealed with the symbol of Sungakure, his expression is unreadable. The other seems standoffish, as if he is annoyed that such a mission would be handed to an individual like Raleth.
"A mission from Lord Kazekage, your other members have already been informed. You have one hour to be at the village gates," says the one with an unreadable expression.
"We expect you to perform well, Cliff-Splitter. There is to be no 'mishaps.'" says the standoffish one. 

A twinge of shame hangs over the aged Sarutobi, the thorny-presence of the standoffish jounin is understandable, he must know of Raleth's destruction of the grove. Not surprising, as by now the entire village had heard of it. Though, as the standoffish jounin referred to the white-ash-haired shinobi with the moniker "Cliff-Splitter", it seemed that word of Raleth's restoration of the grove had also spread around the village. The thought comforts the immense jounin, he hopes the name will stick. He grabs the letter and nods in thanks to the jounin's as they body flicker away. He breaks the wax seal and scans the letter. Excitement erupts inside Raleth Sarutobi as he reads, he wastes no time in getting ready.

Oh, this is gonna be fun.

The time of departure is soon to arrive, if any were to check the time they would note it would be 2 minutes until the group would have to leave. At this exact time, Raleth Sarutobi could be seen walking to the group of the front gate. His hair is pulled back into royal pony tail, his beard is groomed and combed, his eyes are kind and his expression is benevolent. The immense, 6'2 jounin wraps his mass in a black-trimmed, white kimono that hands off his shoulders, in which he's layered his dune-colored flak-jacked under. He wears black pants and ninja sandals and wears his Sunagakure headband around his neck, and carries a large pack of aromatic snacks. As he comes close, most can smell the tell-tale aroma of citrus, berry, ginger, and leaf. A wide smile spread over his scarred face, he is more than pleased at the people that have been assigned to his mission. Han the gate-guard spots the Sarutobi first, and raises his hand in welcome. Seeing this, Raleth reaches into his pack and grabs a cold thermos, and flings it over to hand. Though the distance between them is impressive, Raleth accomplishes feat with the ease of one lifting a finger. Han's catches the thermos, and drinks it quickly: the haggard and dead look he had before is replaced with one that is more alert, the tea has woken him up. The white-ash haired Shinobi walks up to the group, and greets everyone with warmth and familiarity.

"Musu Uzumaki, I'm glad to see you're well. No longer wanting to be peaceful I see? Good! I'm glad our banners will fly today. Oh, and don't worry. I've brought green-tea with honey! In fact, I've brought enough snacks and refreshment for everyone"

Raleth scoops up both Zaine and Mizuki in his arms, lifting them up and hugging them tightly.

"It's good to see your both doing well! Zaine, have you kept up with endurance training? You feel a little light. You too, Miss Ohta, you could both stand eating more, at least!"

A hearty laughs bursts from the Sarutobi, one that could wake up the surrounding villagers. He places both of his good friends down, and spots an unfamiliar face. A lavender eyed boy with messy hair, who seems to be lost in his own thoughts. He has an intense presence, much more intense than one should have at his age. The immense jounin walks up to the young blood, and extends his hand to him.

"I don't believe we've met before. My name is Raleth Sarutobi, and I've brought fruit and tea. Care to try some?"
 
To the youngblood, Raleth would appear like a kind, if old, man the true strength of the Sarutobi hidden under his own billowing kimono. Before he can get an answer, Raleth goes to his pack and brings out five clay cups. He pours black tea into each one, its bitter yet savory profile can be tasted on the wind. He hands each cup to his comrade.

"May we return home, unharmed. May we come back, conquerors."


In time with everyone else, Raleth drinks his tea. If any were sluggish, they would feel more awake now. Afterwards, Raleth takes his place in the back of the group, and awaits further instructions.

[[1183]]

Mizuki's Stats:

Her hand was clamped on his face the moment the shock wore off - here was Souji, her young new family member who acted as sweet as syrup with her at their home showing downright disrespect to someone of higher ranking than him. Her face had turned to stone as she dragged his face back from the window, his hand waving in the air as she easily steered him away from Han and cutting the exchange short, while she removed her hand from his face as they neared the forming group, she kept her hand on his shoulder as they all spoke and got ready for their excursion. Internally she was burning with embarrassment but the mischievous side of her still wanted to laugh at his overzealous, albeit rude, outburst at Han. 

The sun seemed to shine a touch warmer as the form of Zaine appeared in her earshot, the strong calming heartbeat coming into sync with hers as too spoke to the group at large, though the playful accusation of wasted resources was directed at her. “Caught up? Hardly, the more bodies the better for what we are about to do - and you know damn well Souji can’t be left alone right now…” Her tone would trail off as she heard the underlying protective nature seeping out, completely being erased with a fresh wave of maternal parenting as she flicked him directly in the center of the forehead - not enough to hurt him but enough to convey herself properly. “Mind, yourself. We aren’t at home right now.” His behavior was much less regulated in their home but these weren’t just strangers from the streets and as he was under her guide his actions fell on her as well. The conversation between Musu and Zaine would cause her to raise an eyebrow in interest but speak nothing of her thoughts aloud, these were observations best made for her Book of Mirrors, and she intended to use this time to add what she could.

 If this grouping wasn’t already interesting enough the large manifestation himself joined in, scooping both her and Zaine with ease - his involved greeting still new to her as she wasn’t used to being touched. As she was set down she would give a breathy laugh and stretch out her arms, “I prefer to be lithe in frame, keeps me nimble.” His laugh boomed in all their ears and she couldn’t help but give a half smile at the man as he finally came to realize the small form of Souji standing by her, she gave his shoulder a warning squeeze to let him know to temper his behavior, but do nothing else. She take the cup with a nod and drink it back before returning it to Raleth, being an example of proper behavior to the young Hyuuga at her side. As they finally began their journey she would look down at Souji, pushing his hair back gently as she spoke - “Do not leave a 5 meter range from me are we understood? You can walk with anyone you wish but do not leave that range.” Stern in tone, she meant it - there was no way in hell his heartbeat would leave her range of hearing willingly. 

The journey passed with no issue and within half the day the group was outside of the doorway , the valley that housed it was interspersed with pillars of long since carved Kanji - the area was large enough that anyone seeing it would feel its impressiveness, but even that would be thrown into sharp relief as the doors opened and the darkness seemed to fade into endlessness. Just inside the doorway was an entryway which housed two canvas tents large enough to bed a group of 6 or 8 if the group was comfortable with one another. The chill coming from the depths came seeping out around their ankles as they all stood for a few moments in awe. She would note sconces on the walls that lined the path into the darkness, and with the sun now at their backs, that darkness would soon encroach on them too - moving over to the closest sconce she would form the Tiger seal and release a thin stream of fire from her mouth; lighting the area momentarily and permanently the torch that sat there, taking it she would spread the fire to the other torches that she could reach and disperse them out to Zaine, Musu and Raleth. With more light in the area the path ahead took a clear fork, with the wall directly in front of the housing a black sand filled hourglass. “If we light where we go then we won’t get lost, no one goes alone anywhere but we will need to split up or this will take us forever. Souji you stay with me and we will take the right side. You three can split up however you want but to ensure we won’t get completely lost from one another-” she would look at Musu with a hesitating look before reaching out her arm and indicating her wrist, “Put a mark seal on me, and let me be clear Musu, this is removed the second we are done in the tunnels. I’m not much of a fan of being marked so this is a one time deal.” 

Reaching in her side pocket she would take out two large sheets of folded parchment and hand one to Musu, “Track your progress on the left and I’ll track the progress on the right. If you run into any trouble, we might not be able to get there in time so be careful won’t you?” She would allow questions, ideas and splitting techniques before nodding at the group. “I expect you all here in 5 hours time, if you aren’t back, I’m coming after you. If I’m not back… leave.” This was in no way a martyr death but if something down there killed her she wouldn’t want them risking their lives simply to join her.

WC 1004

He couldnt help but to give a hearty chuckle at the young Hyuuga as he scolded him for his untimely appearance- although he might have been speaking a bit out of turn for his age, he was correct in all sense that Zaine should have arrived a bit earlier. He would note the flick to his head by Mizuki along with a bit of a lecture on his behavior- it was becoming more clear now than at her home that she had melded into the role of "Mama Owl" quite comfortably, so much so that anyone meeting them for the first time would believe without a doubt she was his birth mother. The greeting he received from Musu was rather formal but the joke following was funny enough to get a burst of laughter from Zaine as it was just what he was looking for from the scarlet haired shinobi. He would be very happy upon seeing his old friend Raleth and while excited to have him along for the ride was less excited at being picked up along with Mizuki with such force. "Take it easy Ral, we have to make it through the mission alive. Too much force and youll put hole in one of us and I happen to be perfectly happy with my current set." He would say hoping to get a laugh out of the larger Sarutobi. 


Finally it was time for the group to set out towards the vault door and they would make it there with little issue and with great timing- the architecture lying before them was incredible to say the least and he would be filled with excitement at the prospect of being able to enter such a structure with his comrades. As they reached the doors and they opened, all that would lie beyond was darkness- the expanse leading to what they might find seemed to be endless to the naked eye but this would soon be remedied by the lighting of torches thanks to Mizuki. Everyone received a torch as she explained the plan of how the vault would be combed and explored- he had no issue with the majority of her plan but there was one troubling detail that he would speak out against once she finished her explanation. He would drop his torch to the floor and stomp on it, ensuring that the flame was completely out before drawing the blade that had been tightly secured and sheathed to his back- he would smile as he gripped its hilt tightly and spoke to Mizuki directly "Wonderful plan really. Except.." Before continuing his sword would ignite in a bright flame that covered the steel of the weapon on all sides extending 1 foot out from it. The flame of his blade would illuminate the area that they were standing in totality. "This sword is proof that I cant obey that last part. Were all going to be leaving this vault, together"  The hilt of the blade would have a rhythmic heartbeat that was synced up with his own and the bounding sound would be faint enough to elude the ears of anyone without advanced auditory abilities- but for anyone with augmented hearing, the sound would be audible for 80 meters. He would place the ignited blade over his shoulder, the flames having no effect on him as he turned to the left and made a handsign with his free hand- a puff of smoke would erupt next to him revealing an identical shadow clone  as he spoke again "If you guys are taking the right ill take the left with Musu if hes up for that. My clone is going to head wherever Ral chooses to go and if anything bad goes down, itll dispel so that I can rush over to his position. We can call it an insurance policy." He said this as a plan for safety but in truth he didnt want to miss out on the possibilities this vault had in store at each turn. He would allow Raleth and Musu to decide when they would head down each respective path and at what pace as he and his clone followed close behind with blades lit up to illuminate the path. 

Equipment/Jutsu Used & Calcs:

[WC=707]

Souji's Stats:

His hands waved aimlessly as his face was concatenate with the hands of his guardian, whom was so much more to him than that. A singular lilac eye peer through the spread of her fingers as he haphazardly glanced about to comprehend what was actually happening. Though Mizuki may have been surprised by his actions, the boy was left intertwined in greater consternation than she. Once his face was released of her cold, yet soothing touch he was left abashed, but his embarrassment paled in comparison to her's, that much he understood. A pair of lilac eyes shifted to the ground, noting that what he did was wrong of him. The abrupt placing of her hand linked with his shoulder, thus his eyes dart to meet with her's. A flinty expression was all that he got in return. To his perception she did not take his actions too lightly. Those eyes of his fell once more on sand.  

To make matters worse of his overzealous nature, he once again spoke out of turn upon seeing Zaine. Consequently he was rewarded with an unforeseen pluck of his forehead. In that moment he felt flustered as his face increase in red, mostly in his cheeks and around his nose. His eyes would bounce from every person in current standing to see if they witness his punishment. Zaine, without a doubt saw it take place. This increased his shame. Her words would reach him. She spoke to him in a tone that he felt obligated to comply to. As his right hand rub his recently tapped forehead he gave her a single nod. "...Y-Yes ma'am." His hand would fall from his head to sink into his pocket. He would take note to the exchange between the two, Musu and Zaine, thus made him wonder what exactly were they talking about. It would seem even Mizuki was a bit at shock by their words for her eyebrow was raised as well, from what he could see.  

Yet a real test of Souji's obedience was set. A large man with silver hair and even larger muscles manifested upon them. He would take the two, Mizuki and Zaine into his arms and lift them off of their feet. Initial response would provoke the boy to act without thinking, but the words and recent display of parenting encouraged him to challenge that impulse. Utilizing the sum of his will to keep his composure he analyzed the situation. Clearly that sort of embrace was not with the grounds of Mizuki's comfort. Her expressions betrayed that much to him, even if it was subtle and most likely difficult for anyone else to see. However, Zaine seemed to be somewhat familiar with the embrace - 'Odd...' reflections within his head.  

As their feet were once again united with the sand the man known as, Raleth, was now looking at him, Souji. A clutch at his shoulder - a warning from Mizuki - '...Is she warning me to behave, or is she warning me to be weary of him? Either way, I've learn my lesson... he may be of monstrous build, but he is nowhere near as terrifying as mother-eh... did just!?' Thinking was abruptly snip as Raleth introduced himself. So, he is a Sarutobi... not much of them is known to him, but he finds it quite odd how all members of certain clans that belong in Konoha have all congregated here...in Sunagakure - Uchiha, Uzumaki and Sarutobi...even himself, Hyuuga. It was ironic. The extention of his hand would hover before his lavender eyes... but out if respect for Mizuki, whom he is now in a confused mix of seeing her as his mother, would extend his hand to shake his.  

Like clock work, his hand would be filled with a cup. The boy blinked a few times before looking over to the others, but most importantly Mizuki. She dranked from her's and returned it. The scent was familiar to him, black tea? He was fond of that flavor. Drinking his he would release a slight smile before it was vanquished and the cup was returned. His eyes narrowed at the man before shifting over to Mizuki. "Hyuuga Souji... thanks for the beverage...keep your fruit." Was his response to the man, Raleth. There goes that cold exterior of the boy, one that many learned to deal with.  

Their excursion would begin as they made way. But not before he was given instructions by Mizu. He chuckled lowly. "Understood. However, I had no intentions of leaving a meter of your side." His eyes would flicker to her. "Just make sure that you are aware that if we are separated I will forgo all of them to return at your side... I will always find you with these eyes." His tone was low and inaudible to the normal ears, but somehow he knew that she would hear him. He was serious, more than usual. Perhaps this was his way of expression to her that she is of equal importance to him as he is to her.  

Upon arriving to their destination his eyes would fall on something long sense abandoned, or so it seemed. Foundations being held up by towering pillars and a large door that could only be the entrance they are looking for. He stood to her right and with his hands in his pockets he kept his focus and ears open to further instructions. As the door opened their eyes were met with obscurity. To his surprise Mizuki used a jutsu that revealed an element to him. 'Katon? So that's one of the elements she posses.' He speculated in his head. She would then hand torches out to each member, except for him. Perhaps because he does not need it because he was to stay at her side, or perhaps because his eyes could pierce through the darkness. Following was her words that displayed her experience, she spoke clearly and calmly. The plan was solid and was of clear understanding. Oddly her request to the Uzumaki was what took the boy back a step. She was willing asking to be marked? Better yet, tracked. Strangely he face betrayed her confidence - 'Mizuki-san does not trust Musu?' He would wonder in quiet.  

Though her request came with stern instruction that... for a lack of a better word came with some strong implications. This made the boy smile on the inside, she was truly ruthless.  

His eyes widen for a moment as she spoke once more about if the worst was to happen. It was funny, he did not think of that as a possibility at all during this journey. He found their pairing to be something of a solid intention. However it would seem that Zaine was also nothing seeing that as an option. As his blade brighten and his words admit to his reluctance to that final order. Souji was impressed and found that to be ideal thinking. He didn't really know the other's,  but they all seem to have some importance to Mizuki so he wouldn't want to see her broke if they all were not able to return together. It was then that Zaine placed the emblazoned blade over his shoulder. 'What the hell? How is that not effecting him? Must be of his own chakra...or perhaps, something more convoluted.' He thought. A clone was created from the seal that the Uchiha made. It was instructed to aide Raleth wherever he chosed to go, an insurance policy.  

All said and done, the boy would look towards the fork as the darkness was both fleeting and ominous. Perhaps he was out if turn for what he was about to do, but he would accept the consequences later. If everyone was expecting to have some form of tracking, despite not knowing what Zaine did other than create a cool torch with his sword, Souji too would join in and provide the ultimate tracking. With his back turned to them all he would close his eyes. Veins around his temples and eyes would bulge as the chakra within his eyes would flicker in enormous release. In the shade of black, white and in between he could see beyond the darkness up to one hundred meters in a three-hundred-sixty degrees radius. Opening his eyes his lilac orbs were glazed over. Turning to face them the would speak. "Should any of your methods fail, I will keep track of you. Simultaneously I will watch everyone's rear and front. However I can only see up to one hundred meters in a radius of three-hundred-sixty degrees. That goes for above and below. I report what I see to Mizuki-san so that she will be up to speed. I cannot focus on your findings and you all at the same time, finer details require greater strain that will limit me. It is not much, but it's what I have to offer." Those pearl eyes would drift to Mizuki's lavender eyes. "I-I'm sorry if I'm overstepping..." Sincerely this was the best he could do to assist in this situation. He would wait for further words to be shared. 

Techniques Used:

[WC: 1,536
Total WC: 2,883]