Back At It

Having set out from Sunagakure, Guren finally arrived at the rendezvous point. It was an otherwise unremarkable setting, characterized by a weathered boulder adjacent to a series of cacti. However to a Sunagakure shinobi, this place would be relatively familiar. It served as the origin of numerous missions conducted in the borders of Wind Country; a place where shinobi would meet to organize and prepare themselves for the upcoming task. Akin to those missions, Guren and his team would be required to meet at this very same spot. 

Upon arrival, Guren would sit atop of the boulder and fold one leg upon the other so that his ankle lied on his knee. He propped his head up with his right arm which leaned on his resting knee, and patiently waited for his squad to arrive. He had not had time to review the profiles of his squadmates, but he did recall their names and general abilities. With such a team, this mission would prove to be a cakewalk so long as they laid low. Guren was an expert at this, and truthfully the role he was playing was a role he had lived not so long ago. To disguise himself as a missing ninja meant revisiting his past life. To do so, he outfitted himself with a hooded tunic, tattered clothes, and stored his Sunagakure headband away in his hidden satchel. Nevertheless, his fellow shinobi would be able to discern his identity by both his location, and the codename he was prescribed in the mission briefing: Chin.

As Guren waited, he took the opportunity to close his eyes and tilt his head up and towards the night sky. A cool breeze would glide past him and blow the tails of his tunic along with it. It was only a matter of time until his companions arrived.

Mission Details:

WC: 306

While waiting for his companions to arrive, one in particular would show up. This person did not appear familiar to the jounin, yet the fact that she was in this location would indicate her awareness of the situation. As she approached Guren, he would turn his head towards her direction. She inquired of his name, interesting. "Chin" he would let out while the wind whistled in unison. His eyes then flickered back and forth between the various parts of her outfit: makeup, a robe, and other subtle details that seemed very well put together. 

"And who might I have the pleasure of speaking with? Not many people pass by this particular spot." Guren would follow up with while raising a single brow. He was quite confident that this person before him was in fact one of his companions, yet one could never be too cautious. Upon receiving her name, if it aligned with the code name he was told his teammate would go by, Guren would leap down from the boulder onto his two feet. He approached the woman, offered a slightly jocular expression, and let out, "Nice get up. Seems like you took the disguise portion of this pretty seriously. I take it that you're well aware of our mission and the severity of it?"

The location the two were standing at would only be about a kilometer from the missing ninja meet up point. The intel the team would have received would indicate that it was a decent sized group of people who were planning their first steps towards challenging the great Sunagakure. But not on Guren's watch. His role in the mission today would be to infiltrate the tribe, learn of their plan, and cut it off at the root. Of course this would mean situating one's self into enemy territory, quite the vulnerable position. But Guren was not worried of the consequences, as he had all the confidence in the world. Plus the backup provided by his teammate would surely be more than enough. If all went according to plan, the duo would complete the mission before lunch time the next day. 

"Tell me, when we infiltrate the tribe's rank and pose as new recruits, how would you like to proceed? As a pair, or individually? And do you feel confident in your abilities to take the lead?" Guren offered. He was aware of the fact that Genin always needed opportunities to add feats to their resume, so if this was something his comrade wanted to do then he would simply support them.

WC: 427, Total = 733

Cleaning his butcher's knife after practicing some of the better torture skills on a wild boar he purchased from the market Sebastian prepared to set out as he suddenly realized he was running late. Before heading to the location where people were expecting him the young Berserker would take off his white gloves that were covered in blood and throw them away for cleaning later. The former mercenary had found a new love for torture and espionage, skills he made his own during his time as a sellsword. Perhaps it would be in that direction he could find what he wanted to do. 

Reading over the mission report Sebastian got a look of confusion as he went over the details. "The fuck? Dressing up? They should be happy I'm even wearing clothes". That being said the man put on a bird mask, the sleeves of his black hoodie pulled up and revealing the many tattoos on his arms. With the coordinates of the meeting point memorized the Tau made his way to said destination. After some time had passed Seb noticed two people in the distance, one sitting atop of a boulder before approaching the second person who appeared to be female. Not that the young Berserker cared all that much about gender, as long as they could fight.

As he approached the pair the Tau squinted his eyes, recognizing the first individual as one of his friends. "Who the hell is Chin, G?" the man voiced after joining them. Giving the person dressed in a robe a slap on the back as a means of introduction he then walked closer to Guren. "My codename? Oh, Ogre. No wait, that's my nickname". A big grin appeared on the former rogue's face, interested to see what the day would evolve into.

(WC: 300)

“My name is Haruka.” was his response, a soft voice to match his softer than normal appearance. His disguise seemed to be suitable enough, judging by his companion’s reaction, though he was prevented from properly responding to “Chin” by the third member of their mission team arriving. He let out a barely-audible sigh at hearing the newest person speak, before returning his attention to the first of his two mission partners. “I have never been on an infiltration mission,” he informed the other, pale eyes avoiding their third member, ”I would prefer my first infiltration mission to be under competent leadership.” he added, allowing his voice to slip into it’s natural register rather than the higher voice he’d been using moments ago.

Folding his hands into his sleeves, he appeared as a picture-perfect lady, anybody who didn’t know his true identity would be hard-pressed to find out that it was in fact not a woman under those layers of snowy white robes. He had taken his disguise seriously, unwilling to have himself as a reason why the mission might fail. No, he would not allow himself to be anything less than perfect for the mission’s sake. Luckily, he’d been training hard for missions like these. With luck, their goal wouldn’t take much to accomplish.

“Well, shall we be off?” He asked, returning to the feminine voice to ensure he didn’t slip when they actually arrived at their destination.

WC: 238

"Seb, what the fuck!" would be the first things out of Guren's mouth upon his friend immediately revealing Guren's identity. In an instant, Guren would realize that he too compromised Seb's identity with his impulsive outburst. He couldn't help but laugh at the series of events, but still knew to stress the important of discretion. "While our codenames may not be important in this location, being some distance away from this tribe, we still need to make sure that we follow protocol. From this point, I am Chin until we finish this mission. Ogre is a more than suitable alias, and Haruka as well." Guren would affirm with a light tone. The interaction between Seb and Guren should provide insight to Asuka that no matter the severity of the mission, it was important to take time and have fun. After all, their jobs were round the clock. It would be monotonous and mentally taxing if they couldn't share laughs when the situation allowed it.

"Yes," Guren responded to Asuka's suggestion. "Let's set out. Our destination is the nearby camp, just north of here. Keep your chakra suppressed or at a minimum as we near the tribe. We don't want to come off as supremely threatening. Our goal here isn't to stand out, but blend in so much that we can covertly thwart and sabotage plans."

With that, Guren leaped down from the boulder and began a brisk walk through the night of the desert. It was a relatively calm night for the weather, allowing for easy passage to the camp. And as the trio neared it, a large fire could be made off in the distance with plumes of smoke stemming from it. "Alright, we're almost there. Remember our codenames, intentions, and our story. We're three missing ninja seeking notoriety, fame, and ryo by any means. We heard of this tribe at a local pub, and wanted to check it out for ourselves." Guren recited as they were no more than 100 meters from the camp.

Closing in on the distance, a rough and rugged figure would call out to them in an angst ridden tone. "Hey, what are you doing over here? This is Triad Territory!"

"We come seeking refuge and retribution," Guren would call out as the trio continued in their stride. "I am Chin. This is Ogre, and Haruka. We've heard of the Triads and your ambitions, and found we have some aligned interests. I suppose you wouldn't be looking for recruits?"

"Hmm. Chin you say? I go by Troll...I feel as if I've seen you around somewhere before Ogre. Where are you from?"

Guren would refrain from speaking, allowing Seb to ascertain his covert identity as a missing ninja. While the eyes of Troll were focused on Seb, Guren would take the opportunity to glance at the camp behind Troll. There was a massive bonfire, surrounded by numerous tents of various sizes, caravans, and some farm life. It seemed the tribe had been established here for quite some time, meaning they were competent at survival and likely had a well organized system. It would take mere moments for Guren's eyes to fall upon the large cabin at the rear of camp, 50 meters from their current position. This was likely where the "boss" of the tribe resided. It would be important for the three to convince grunts such as Troll of their convictions and intent to aid the tribe. Potentially then, they would be allowed access to speak with the boss. But for now, Seb would need to work that silver tongue of his to respond to Troll. 

WC = 602. Total = 1335

Unknown to the rest of the team, Guren had created a blood clone prior to departing the rendezvous point. The clone would separate from the trio, and look to approach the Triad camp by himself. He would take a point of secrecy and maintain a vantage point where he would survey the camp while maintaining the chakra suppression technique. There were significant number of mercenaries here. None appeared to be wearing any type of uniform attire. Thus, the clone would seek assistance from the real Guren to see if he could get a closer view of the mercenaries. When Guren and the team would approach and introduce themselves to Troll, Guren's eyes would quickly scan over the man. Nothing too discernible at first glance, yet upon taking a deeper look Guren noted that there was an etched logo of three upside down T's on Troll's shoulder. Seeing this, Guren presumed it could be considered as a mark of the Triads. Possibly a way used to identify members. With a quick mental transfer of this knowledge, the clone would use this to infiltrate the camp. He would perform the handseals required of the transformation technique, and take on the look of a typical mercenary with the appropriate Triad branding on his shoulder. Shortly after, the clone would perform the seals required for the Hiding Like a Mole technique, and travel within the discretion of the earth towards the camp. As he traveled, the clone utilized the sensory from the technique to detect where the vibration of footsteps were occurring within the camp. The clone would refrain from moving, but would monitor the movements of the mercenaries. Based on his visual scouting report, the clone would be some meters away from the main camp. 

Through the confines of the earth, the clone could hear a quick dialogue occur between who he presumed was the head boss and one of his grunts. In summary, the grunt was informing the head boss of Guren, Seb, and Asuka's entry of the camp borders. He told the leader that the three were looking to join the organization. In response, the leader stated that he would allow them to join the faction if they could retrieve and present information on Sunagakure's defenses. Of course the three wouldn't but Guren would need to devise a plan. In the meanwhile, Guren's clone would sense the departure of the tribe's leader and his grunt from the main camp. Judging from the directions of the vibration, they were heading to the camp entrance to meet with Guren, Seb, and Asuka. Thus, the clone would seize the opportunity and remove himself from the confinement of the earth and spawn in front of the main camp. No one was nearby, so no one would see or notice this happening. Additionally the chakra suppression of the clone would prevent typical sensory from detecting his presence. With that, he would enter the main camp. Upon entry, he would see documents of plans detailing the future attack on Suna's outposts and potentially a future invasion on the village. The clone would retrieve a scroll from its item pouch, and copy as much information down as it could. Once gathering an ample amount of information on the Tribe's tasks, the clone would depart unnoticed from the main tent, and dispel itself into a pile of nothingness.

When this was complete, all of the knowledge learned from the clone would be imparted into Guren. While this was happening, Seb should have been speaking with Troll. Shortly after this conversation, the Tribe's leader would join the meeting. "So I see you met Troll...Interesting. My scouts have already told me of your intention to join...I'll keep this short and simple as I am a busy man. Unless you can provide some intel on Sunagakure and its defenses right now, then we have nothing to talk about. I suggest you all return when you can do so. Consider our relationship as neutral, meaning you can return to this place without receiving any hostility. But it better be with that information..." the Tribe Leader would say. Guren would nod in response, understanding that there was no point in trying to convince him otherwise. But in reality, the mission had already been completed. With the scroll from Guren's clone, they would have the intel they needed on the Tribe. 

"Well, you heard the man... On with ya!" Troll would exclaim.

"We will be back soon. " Guren promised, with a nod of affirmation. "Ogre, Haruka. Let's take our leave and set up a location where we can monitor the sand village."

With that, Guren would turn in his place and set out from the camp. He would hope that Seb and Asuka would follow his lead, even if he had not revealed the information to them. While departing from the camp, Guren would refrain from speaking as he was unsure if the team was being followed or not. Once they were a good distance from the camp, Guren would utilize basic chakra sensory to detect if they were being followed or stalked. They weren't. "Thank you both for complying. While we spoke with Troll, one of my clones had infiltrated their camp and gathered some relevant intel on the Triad Tribe's plans. I'll detail this once we are back at the village, but for now we have a relationship of familiarity with their Tribe. This will be crucial when attempting to build trust with them in the future so that we can crush them once and for all. For now, let's take an alternate route to get back to Sunagakure as quick as possible." Guren would finish. He wouldn't wait for his team to respond, and instead would just lead the group back to Sunagakure at his quickest pace. They would take an indirect route so that their return to the village was difficult to be tracked, and thus wouldn't compromise any potential relationship with the Triads. Once they would return to the village, Guren would hand over the contents of the scroll to the T&I department. Together, they would devise a plan on how to thwart the plans of the tribe. 

-Exit-

WC = 1029. TWC = 2364

Claims: 9000 Ryo / 45 AP Converted to 2250 Ryo / 500 Ryo from Jounin Mission Completion

25% Max Stat Discount
1875 words to - Ninjutsu Amplifier A Rank (1875/1875), replacing Chakra Scalpel Lancet
489 words towards Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave (489/1125)

Looks good, approved

It appeared the stranger couldn't really appreciate the Tau's arrival, Sebastian's sense of humor obviously not for everyone. Perhaps his odd way of joking was also the reason as to why his list of friends would be rather limited, not even totalling more than five and able to be counted on one hand. Such was the life of the former mercenary, a lone wolf if you may. Not that it bothered him, by now Seb was used to being avoided, ignored or feared. He couldn't really blame them, one look and you'd realize why people tried their best staying out of the Berserker's way.

After a bit of going back and forth between Ogre and Chin, as those were apparently the names they would be going by, the third member of their group suggested to be on their way. "Sure thing Haruka". He might be an idiot but at least he was able to remember a name or two. Guren, who'd be acting as team leader, informed the other two of their destination, a camp not far from their current position and when traveling north they'd soon arrive there without any issue. "Sounds like a plan G, I mean Chin". By then his friend had explained how their goal wasn't to stand out but rather blend in.

Following behind, Sebastian casually walked with the rest of them towards the camp. As the trio neared it, a large fire could be made off in the distance with plumes of smoke stemming from it. Guren would remind them about their task, how they were supposed to infiltrate, remember their codenames, intentions and stories. They were three missing ninja seeking notoriety, fame, and ryo by any means. They heard of the tribe at a local pub and wanted to check it out for themselves. By then the group of Sunagakure was only 100m away from the camp.

The Tau noticed one of the rogue individuals had started to approach them, claiming the place to be Triad Territory as well as ask what they were doing there the moment he joined them at their position. Chin, or G as everyone in Suna knew him, took the word, explaining their ambitions and wondering if the Triad weren't looking for any recruits by chance. The young Berserker tried his best to keep himself from bursting into laughter upon hearing the man's name. However, for some reason Troll seemed to know Sebastian from somewhere, time for him to put on his best acting.

Looking at the stranger he'd finally reply. "Everywhere and nowhere. Used to spend my time as a mercenary, known as The Butcher of Bird Country". It appeared Seb's words had quite the effect on Troll, the man visibly impressed as he heard the Tau's alias, claiming to have heard rumors about him and his adventures. The Berserker had to admit, he made quite the name for himself during his years as a swellsword. Oh well, as long as it kept the Triad rogue focused on him and not on Guren who began taking action of his own.

Time passed when the leader of the tribe finally showed up, ordering the three of them to return with information on Sunagakure if they wanted to be considered as future members of the Triad. "Interesting". For now they continued to keep up their act, telling the rogues they'd be back soon with the required intel. Ogre, Chin and Haruka then made their way to a supposed location where they'd monitor the Sand village, maintaining their cover of rogues looking to join the Triad. As they did, Guren explained what all took place while Sebastian kept Troll busy.

Guren would thank the two Genin for their assistance, leading them back to Sunagakure through an indirect route in case anyone decided to follow the Suna group. Once they arrived at the village, the team leader would hand over the contents of the scroll to the T&I department in order to come up with a plan on how to deal with the Triad Tribe. Considering strategy wasn't exactly his cup of tea Seb decided to take his leave, letting Guren know where to find him in case he was needed.

(Exit)

(TWC: 1000)
Claims:
- 1000 towards Lava element (826 previously trained here)
- 20 AP
- Mission rewards (9000 + 100 Genin bonus ryo, 45 AP)

Approved @ Ichi