By the Grace of a Miracle

The Missions:

Kaimera sat upon his knees to feel the salted wind around him. All but his face was covered in cloth or ceramic, and the chill air echoed around his hood and in his ears like an instrument - nature’s harmonic - its breath. It was strangely dead. The cold air did not feel alive, nor did anything in this place. It was not like the mainland regions, where the snow could hide the creatures who dwelled below in slumber. If he had dug, burrowed his way into the Earth, he’d find only bones here.

He opened his eyes. The tree looked more like a sculpture than something that had once been alive. Its bark was rough, as if the wind had been sand eroding away at the trunk. It was spindly, dark, with thin branches stretching outward like taloned fingers.

It had been days, now, since the last mission he was sent on. He hadn’t spoken much, focusing on his recovery. His eyes ached, but nothing like that had, and the tang of blood had washed itself from his mouth. He thought for a moment that he was sick - dying, but on consideration he remembered how fragile a state he was in. Kaimera had adapted well to the change in lifestyle - mentally. But physically, the already thin male had grown thinner. Stronger in some ways, weaker in others. His body was a vessel of great technique, but it was failing him - or perhaps he, it.

But the sensation of hunger never came, and so he never felt the need to sate it.

Kaimera held up his hand. The gust resisted him, tugging at his palm, and a flurry of snow swirled around him. He snatched at the air, caging his fingers into a loose grip. He moved his hand to his lap, opening his palm. It was not a snowflake, but a blossom - from a cherry tree.

The Yakedo’s eyes glanced upward, the tree before him unwavering from the wind that tore at them - a sakura - and, in his palm, its first and only blossom. He glanced down at his hand again. The wind called to the flower, lulling its petals from Kaimera’s hand. And so, it flew, dancing in the snow as it fluttered away from the scorch user.

Kaimera closed his eyes, letting the dim sunlight scan his lids - the delicate warmth offering tender embrace to the only skin exposed to the elements. His breathing echoed: quiet, rhythmic, but robotic. Methodical. Tedious. Like a machine, in and out he breathed, stilling his heart amidst the cool, greenery landscape. It was tranquil. Songbirds chimed in the distance, offering sweet melodies to the gentle wind pushing at his hair. It was the only sounds of life he’d heard in weeks.

Questions danced in his mind. Unquenchable, screaming. Days had passed, perhaps a week, now, and Remika was still resting, her wounds were much more severe than his. Asleep, and still unable to relieve any of the questions Kaimera had. What had a creature like that been doing in a place like that? What had transpired, and why were he and Remika the ones to mount a rescue in that place?

“Kaimera-san?” An older but soothing voice called out.

“Yes?” Kaimera responded as he stood from his knelt position as he met the gaze of a woman in her early 70’s standing before him. While age has set in, she still had a grace about her that resonated off.

“Come in, the stew is almost ready for ye; also, your teammates should be coming in today. I was hoping that you could look after them if they are injured,” she said with a smile curving her lips.

“Of course,” Kaimera said, offering a smile back to her. Thanks to Kaimera’s knowledge, if his time is not spent partaking in current missions, he gets to play doctor at the one of the smaller islands that he is located at. Not that he minds it at all, but perhaps in the future all the islands could have some sort of clinic on them. 

“How is the little lady?” the woman asked as she turned to head back inside with Kaimera following suit.

“Remika? She’s doing a lot better, just needs rest.” Kaimera answered before closing the slide door behind him.

“When you two first came here, I didn’t believe she would make it, but you work wonders.” She said as they walked into the common room.

“Not to lie…I thought so too.” Kaimera’s face grimaces over the flashback of Remika’s wounds.

“I figured as much, why don’t you have a seat and I’ll get the food prepared. Our guests should be arriving soon, so I’m sure they’ll be hungry.” She said with a bow and went off. Kaimera gave a bow back and found himself sitting at a small table with sitting pads around it. On the table sat a scroll labeled with his name on it. The inside contains information about missions he is to complete along with the one he was sent on with Remika. With her still recovering, his newly formed team is coming with Shiro leading the quests.

TWC: 857

Izu was exhausted. The trip was not that long, but she didnt have much rest since her alone mission that she did. 







-Flashback-







It was a bright and sunny day. After the usual practicing of her techniques and reading, Izu went for a walk in the village. Walks were usualy boring, but this one was different; as she passed the bank of Kirigakure, she noticed a broken window, and saw a few robbers leave and go to the narrow alleys of the old districts of Kiri. Those were Izu' huntingrounds, and the autorities werent alerted yet. It was a perfect opportunity to hone her skills as a ninja. 







The fight was quick, but exhausting, and she really didnt have the time it took her. She was lacking experience more than she wanted to admit herself.







She killed 3 robbers, and the fourth and last one surendered. They asked for mercy, so she gave them a quick mercy death with her senbons right between their eyes.







Izu returned the money to the bank, with a thing in mind. She acted kindly, putting over herself a mascarade as to get closer to the bank personnel with her good and heroic behavior. She even helped to get the money back into the vault. It was perfect. She used that moment to look around and walk slowly, feigning much more exhaustion than what she really felt. Izu was looking for specific things : any informations or weapons or anything really linked to the legendary seven swordsman of the Mist. Or any informations or evidence that could help tip the balance of power and give Kirigakure back to their rightfull owners. Unfortunately, she would have to come back. She did saw an armory of some sorts but it was behind close doors. It picked her interest. She would have to design a plan to not get caught, as failing is not an option, and she could come to be expelled of kiri and branded a missing nin if she attempted and failed. It would have to wait. "Ambitions are always successfull to the patient one" said Izu to herself.







-Present-



 The voyage was almost done. The day was already old, and on that remote island off the northern coast of Water country, the weather was much more cold. Snow was falling unto the beach and wooden docks, a testimony of the region remoteness, harshness and ruralness. Izu liked all of this. Without a much modern presence, she felt more at home, in a sense, as if she had traveled time to a previous era, a previous Kirigakure. After that much agitated of a day, she needed rest; hopefully, while meeting the rest of the team she could wait and rest at the rendez-vous point and gather strength and energy for the rest of the schedule. 







Izu, clinging to her closed coat to resist the cold with the hood onto her head, braved the small blizzard and walked trough it, braving the elements to get to the meeting before sundown. After all, she was verry late. They were suppose to arrive in the day, but she arrived only in the evening.







Finaly, a structure ahead could be seen. On the outside, it looked like a traditionnal Onsen, an inn with inside a warm source of water creating large collumns of steam exiting the rooftops of the place. 







"Finally" said Izu to herself. She liked the place and rustic rural side of it, and the cold didnt bother her, but she needed rest.







As she arrived to the door, she could hear the sweet voice of Kaimera already inside and talking, along with the voice of an old lady. This felt warm to her heart. She pushed the door and entered the place.



The wind howling behind her, a few snowflakes followed in her trail, cool air and wind sound following. She closed as soon the door, leaving her in the warm and cozy ambiance of a wooden room, lit by candles and a firepit, with a bubbling stew smelling like seafood, mizo and vegetables on the top of it. Kaimera was already kneeling on the kitchen mat, at the table waiting for us to arrive and eat together.



Izu smiled. She rapidly removed her coat, revealing once again her muscular but slim figure, with her fishnet top. This time, she had a crop top, more akin to a sport bra on top of the black fishnet. The white cloth was not that white anymore, akin to an old tank top worn since a long time ago. It was clean, but worn out, a sign of Izu not having a big wardrobe. This time tho, it was on purpose. She, for the first time in public, removed her coat, as if she felt home and confortable. On her arms we could see tattoos almost always hidden, representing asian dragons twirling around her arms. She also had a bellybutton piercing, funnily enough in the shape pf a little kunai, shaped as if cartoon-like, hanging by a fine thread like chain. 



For the first time also, she put her hair in a bun. Unsuprisingly, the bun was messy, with hairs poking out, as if done more in a rush to get hair out of the way than with fashion sense. 



Without saying a word, she rushed to the mat beside Kaimera, and crashed on the table, both her elbows onto it, holding her head. She grabed the tea in front and drank it fast, her eyes rolling in satisfaction as she finally could get to rest.

Shiro understood that he had made plans to meet with his newly formed tree during the morning. However he had been sent away the day before on what seemed to be a rather small mission at first. Help a few merchants make their way back home inside of Yukigakure. He was considered trusted enough to fulfill the mission that he was assigned. His arms crossed, his coat flowing in the cold, snapping winds of the mountains. The couple was expecting a child, his eye had caught the small outline of a figure within the woman's belly. Allowing him to see that a child was beginning to form inside of her. Making a child was a sign of love… At least that’s what he could tell. The husband always made sure to keep a close eye on her, holding her whenever they had to rest while Shiro helped them make the almost day-long journey manageable. Their horses were strong, even for the bitter cold that the three had to face while climbing up the barren mountaintops. The terrarium wasn’t great for hooves, filled with small rocks and rising slopes that carried him and the couple upwards.

However his Byakugan was always active, and the moment that they had made their way up the mountain. He knew that they were being followed. The mission would grow from a measly C-Rank mission into a possible B-Rank or A-Rank mission fast. He’d make sure to keep a close eye, always inspecting the cabin. He knew how bandits would be like, always wanting to grab some extra coin no matter what it took.

However he had not expected the blood bath that had followed… Perhaps it was when he saw, out of the corner of his vision, that a Kunai with an explosive tag had been thrown at the couple. Or that the husband was willing to fight with him that caused Shiro to make sure that they made it unharmed. What he did know was that he was not going to be making it to that meeting on time. His sword had been covered in blood by the end of it. His Gentle Blade cleaving through their bodies like butter. As the couple had made it safely into Yukigakure a few hours afterwards. Shiro quickly gives his thanks and explains the blood on his body with it not being his own. That bandits had gone in to attack the poor couple who was trying to make it into the land of snow to trade their spices and herbs. The chilling winds he had gotten used to once before when he came here. When Akayabashi and him had taken on a clone of an Otsutsuki. His rushing back towards his home village, trying to escape the bitter cold and rough mountainous terrain would leave him coming where they were planning on meeting up during the evening at around 6:12 PM. His hair completely disheveled, with small bits of red dying his usually stark white hair.

He could see his genin was already there. Getting some rest inside of an old woman's home that thankfully she did not hate him. ZHis lips formed a warm smile before he opened the door to walk in. His Byakugan had already seen Izu trying some of the tea on the small table that they all were sitting in. The smell of the tea was… amazing. It reminded him of home, of the home life he wished he still had. He had arrived just after Jay it seemed, just hearing his sarcastic remark about how their sensei was late.

“You're late as well, we all were supposed to come here in the morning. The only person on time was actually Kaimera.”

The old lady already had heard his entrance, rushing to greet the leader of the team with a small bow as well. Shiro reciprocates the gesture before awkwardly asking her a different question. His left hand reached up to scratch the back of his head. Ruffling his snow white hair that had a few specs of red inside of it as a result of coming back from the mission and not getting any real chance to wash up.

“Do you have a place to wash up by any chance?” His tone was awkward, not wanting to push too much just in case it was private. However the women graciously gave him the ability to wash up. Allowing him to also notice most of the other buildings. His byakugan still active while he also saw that someone else that was not a part of the team was resting. It must have been someone that went on a mission with one of his genin… He had hoped that she would make a quick recovery. Arriving inside of the room with a black shirt and jeans, his two eyes looking mostly the same color of blue this time around.

“Kaimera, Jay, Izu, how did your mission go? I see that one of you had a partner accompany you on one of them?” He questioned his genin. Sitting down right with them with a much more relaxed posture. The floor was comfortable, as the old lady would bring him a cup of tea that he could enjoy as well… Which was something he also noticed that was similar to his supposed sister. The small sip of the hot tea allowed his nerves to finally calm down… All the while hoping that his team was successful in what they had set out to accomplish before coming here.

WC:924

Silence was both a good and bad thing as far as Kaimera grew to learn. It meant that, as far as his hearing went at least, there weren't any of those things, those creatures anywhere near him. Their unorganized and undirected shuffling usually gave them away.

But the silence also meant that he could hear every little creak of the floorboards underneath him. It meant that he could hear the fluttering of moths as they bounced against the windows outside- desperate for the light on the inside. And how Kaimera wished he would've known that light didn't always mean safety. The subtle rolling of the roaring winds in the distance caused his skin to pull tight as the sound echoed down empty hallways, mimicking footsteps behind him, always making him look over his shoulder.

Right now, it just felt like the storm was residing on his shoulders, always watching, always listening. Rolling beads of cold sweat down the back of his neck. His heart was still going hard inside of his chest as Kaimera paced the tight corridor once more, the third time in the past half-hour.

Filling the tight corridor with a putrid smell that he tried not to breathe in. It was still quiet. It would seem he had cleared at least one wing of this cursed mansion...for now anyway. Just for now. Swallowing hard, Kaimera took the next corner with calculated sharpness, leading with his kunai and following through with his eyes and body. Nothing but antique furniture and scratched out paintings on the wall caught his attention. As much as he wanted to lock himself into a room and hunker down for a few hours, praying maybe that some form of back-up would arrive, Kaimera knew he had to be better than that. He had to be stronger than that. He had to keep moving; he had to keep fighting for a way out of here.

Breathing out slowly, Kaimera finished yet another walk of the eastern stairwell and felt some bit of comfort in knowing that it was secured. In knowing that it was safe for the time being, that it was a place he could retreat to if needed be. As he had several times already. Shaking off his nerves, he reached for the formerly locked emblem door on his left and knocked twice before he pushed it open; he was already used to the heavy scent of sawdust and musk that lingered in the attic stairwell, he didn't so much as choke on it this time.

"Hello?" a quiet voice called out in question. Kaimera was alerted to this voice, it was refreshing and also disturbing to hear. Closing on the source, he was met with two individuals that were seated on the floor. Two genin’s that seemingly disappeared. Kaimera would go on to learn their names, the small female was Remika, and the male was Anji. Remika was a young medic ninja sent out to help as backup for the others team that were sent; apparently, both of them also got trapped in here from the bustling storm.

Remika had moved from a kneeling position to a sitting one, which was no doubt more comfortable on her knees and hips given how long she had been rooted here. Her back was against the wall, allowing her to keep her legs stretched out in front of her, which also allowed her to support her injured teammate. Anji, looking pale and feverish, had his head resting in Remika's lap. There was no raspy breathing or painful heaving, so the minor elevation was maybe helping the man breathe a little easier; maybe it was pooling the liquid out of his chest and lungs. He was poisoned by something that both of them were unaware of.

The young medic looked relieved to see him and offered a tired smile at his return.

Kaimera had to give the girl props for holding her own for so long and for keeping herself together despite the terrible situation they were in. They both have been here for a few hours before the arrival of Kaimera. From the moment Kaimera had walked in on her trying to tend to Anji, who had been freshly bit and was convulsing from the poison coursing through his blood, she had been and still was in control. Remika had insisted on not leaving Anji alone and had been quick to instruct Kaimera on where to go and what to look for in the medical cabinet in the western corridor. And Kaimera had hauled ass through the desolate, cult-ish mansion in order to create a serum and get back to Anji in time.

Kaimera stepped around the two scouts before he moved to kneel down in front of them. From what he could see, Anji was looking much better than he was before. His skin was still flushed red and feverish though, and there were still visible beads of sweat rolling down his brow. His injured arm had been loosely wrapped up, although the bandage was already showing signs of blood spotting through it; Anji had the arm protectively pulled over his chest, his hand just barely curled into a loose fist.

The swelling was down though. He was breathing, he wasn't convulsing. He was still alive. The sight of the man like this was painful though. There was no smiling, no laughing. Only labored breathing and the occasional cough that sparked blood across his cracked lips.


Anji died long after they moved to a room as they were ambushed by the creatures. The duo of Kaimera and Remika found out how a man was creating/tormenting people from small towns across the land of water and turning them into mindless creatures; but weren’t enough and only managed to escape with some wounds, some more serious than others. However, unfortunate the situation was, they were lucky to still be breathing. Kaimera cannot say that for those that have perished.

‘May those who have passed find peace in the beyond, and those that are left in the wake will find the strength to carry on,’ Kaimera thought to himself about all of the people he has journeyed with and that have met their end.

Soon his thoughts would be disrupted by the sound of a familiar voice. Turning his vision towards the source, he was met with the stare of gold-like orbs. Although his face seemed optimistic, Jay’s voice seemed bright unlike his personality. Exhaustion or, perhaps, dread? Whatever the case may be, the gaze casted between the two could be felt with intensity…well, on Jay’s part that is. However, he didn’t even notice that Izu was sitting beside him. Was he so deep in thought he didn’t become aware of her presence. Just to go what deep thinking will do to you.

“Good evening, Izu…and Jay. Jay? Why are you in the corner, come sit. Enjoy the tea, the food that was so graciously provided for us. We’re going to be needed at full capacity; especially you, to get through what is ahead of us.” Kaimera said with a warm smile, waving his hand at Jay to bring him over to the table. Did Jay and Kaimera have a rough start? Of course. Does Kaimera hold any ill-will towards the ice user? Of course not. They might've had…have different upbringings, lifestyles and ideals, but that doesn’t mean the redhead feels any tempestuous thoughts towards the blonde. Underneath, Kaimera is loyal to Jay. He is his brother-in-arms so to speak. Perhaps, more so, a blossoming friendship in the future.

It wasn’t even mere seconds after Kaimera asked Jay to sit with them, the sudden arrival of their sensei came to be. Shiro announced that all of them were late besides him which made Kaimera realize that he was right. They were supposed to head out around high noon, but now the sun is beginning to drift into the west. This mission will most likely be taken in the cover of darkness now. Turning his gaze towards his sensei, he seemed normal but with the red flakes that almost looked like chipped paint in his hair told another story.

As the teacher asked for a change of clothes and a washroom, he was hurried off. Turning his gaze back to his team members, “the tea is quite exquisite, don’t you think?” He asked both of them before taking another drink from his cup. The elderly woman soon entered the room carrying a tray of different types of food such as: kamameshi, yakitori, ramen, and sukiyaki. The room swirled in delicious aroma that made Kaimera’s mouth water. 

As she sat the food down, Kaimera exclaimed, “oh my, this looks absolutely wonderful Tsubaki-sama. Thank you for your generosity.” He showed sincere gratitude as he clasped his hands together.

“You’re too kind, Kaimera-kun. But please, you all enjoy. Your sensei will be with you shortly and I’ll be back.” Tsubaki said as she bowed and turned to leave.

“Arigotou,” Kaimera said as he bowed to the older woman. With her gone, Kaimera waited no time to fill the confines of his plate. With her gone, Kaimera began to eat. He hasn’t eaten anything all day, but once the smell of food hit his nostrils, he felt like a ravaged beast that had been starved. However, his hunger never overtook him, and he ate properly like he usually did in front of his family. Thus, then walked his sensei who simply slumped himself at the table but not before asking about their missions.

“Act like you don’t know. My mission was suicide right from the start. Remika and I barely made it out of that infestation just by on whims and luck. That man had those documents that I was looking for, but…I shouldn’t have been the only one sent to that place.” A hint of sadness rose in his voice as he pictured the bodies of the previous genin that laid littered in that compound.

“Unfortunately, Remika and I were able to secure all but one scroll before that man escaped. He has been experimenting on prisoners and turning them into rapid creatures thanks to that scroll. And now here we are, going after that man to get that scroll. But not only that, he has hired a team of mercenaries to guard him and his research. I wonder what creatures he has concocted this time.” Kaimera finished as he looked into his plate of food.

TWC: 2,608

Izu noticed immediately when their sensei got inside, aware and on her guard even if she was relaxed and enjoying the meal, she was always on her guard when outside of her house, an habbit she developped while living in the slums of kirigakure. As Kaimera seemed deep in his toughts, and Jay seemed uninterested with any human interaction, her gaze shifted to her (maybe?) assumed brother. He was weary of his travels, his hair and outfit unkempt and not like usual, as he was a guy of usual cleanliness, and now was dirty, with what even appeared to be blood still in his hair. Izu kinda liked that. In her mind, it showed that even if he looked like a little posh guy dressed like a popular kid, he was not affraid to get his hands in the gutter and get dirty down there with the poor and miserable people. People like her. She couldnt help but remembered her questions to him, and how he didnt give the name of his father when they talked in their first time seeing each other. He told her he was a hyuuga and that shiro himself was a year older than her, but nothing more. She still wanted to know, as the question burned deep into her mind.

The sensei broke her toughts by asking them how their missions went, to wich Izu replied:''well, I dont know if we can call that a mission ? i just chassed some poor fools who tried to rob Kirigakure bank of a few riches. The poor guys didnt stand a chance.''  smiled and said Izu with a monotone and bored tone, as if this mission was only a indrance and practice to her. After all, she was known for being cold and calm, an always cool and relax presence, even tho she acted differently when meeting all the others. Of course, such occasion needed a different approach, but to Izu it was all just stategic, not an actual natural mood of being more social or welcoming, but a calculated move. She had emotions of course, she cared for her team mates, but acting all rilled up, with jokes and enthusiasm was not her usual and natural self. 

Kaimera then asked Izu if the tea was to her taste, with wich she replied only by shaking her head in an affirmative motion, while still drinking the deliciously hot and conforting tea.

As Kaimera spoke and explained his mission with the young lady getting hurt, she couldnt help herself but to feel hanger that the current management of Kirigakure tought it would be a good idea to send Kaimera and those fools alone with such a risky mission. The stupidity was beyond belief, and she immediately went in her head to ill-intentionned people, thinking that the Hoshigakure highers up who pulled the strings in Kiri probably didnt care at all for the lives of the ninja of the mist risking their lives to suicidal missions with not enough skilled shinobi.

Speaking of Kaimera, as she listened to him, Izu noticed how exhausted he felt, and felt sorry and compassion for him. Sadly, it didnt show. Her face was cold and emotionless, even tho inside she cared. As he spoked about monsters and their despicable creator, she knew they would probably need to catch him up and finish the mission, so basically track him down and kill him to get the forbbiden jutsu scroll he stole.

''Dont worry Kaimera, once we rested enough, we will track this bastard and i'll kill him myself for what he did. That I can garantee you.''  said in a serious tone Izu, even clenching her teeth a bit, with a lower voice, meaning trully how her intention were intense and deep. 

Jay replied as if he was bored with the mission, not concerned that a young girl was hurted, a boy killed, and his team mate injured and exhausted too, barely surviving to the event. Izu tought that was quite immature and careless from Jay, and voice her opinion;

''Jay, this mission was given and entrusted to the ninja of the hidden mist. As a team we should act as one, so if you think such things are a bother, either you leave and not compromise the mission again or you shut up.''  said and sighed away the hyuuga girl in a serious and lazy, but calm, slow and loud tone. This time it was easy to think. Negative attitude and comments never helped the missions or team, ever.

''So, what is the next step?''  said calmly Izu while taking another sip of tea.

Shiro heard the three explanations for where each of them were while he was off on his own mission. He couldn’t help but notice the fact that Jay did not seem involved at all with the plights of his fellow teammates, his monotone expression did make sense, he was similar to Izu in that way. The same cold and calm demeanor in his voice while he spoke towards them. Like he was talking inside of a conference room. There was nothing that Shiro could really read off of the young boy. Jay Yuki was someone that he could not read even if he wanted to. Izu’s own explanation about how she stopped some bank robbers on her way here would make sense given how low of a ranking a mission like that would be. Yet Shiro’s biggest reaction was the implication that someone else had not made it back, that a Genin had died due to a miscommunication regarding the mission. His fingers balling up into fists, nails digging into his palms that a mismanagement issue had caused them to lose another shinobi. His hands hid underneath the table in order not to show off. Slowly, his left hand would open back up. Sliding back out from underneath the table to grab a hold of the cup of tea. He took another sip of his tea to try and calm himself. While Izu pronounced her resolve to help kill the bastard who had gotten away with the scroll. Shiro nodded his head in agreement with his supposed sister.

“That’s the most enthusiasm I’ve heard out of you yet Izu, now if only the same could be said for my fellow kinsmen inside of the room.”

His eyes shifted toward Jay for a moment, wanting to address that the young man seemed to have no care that a Genin had just died. However he couldn’t really fault the young man, Jay seemed bored out of his mind about everything it seemed. His tone, from his own thoughts on the matter, to the fact that he seemingly came late when trying to get something to eat before coming along for the ride. There was just nothing that Shiro could really grasp on from the young man, yet Izu’s own words on the matter would only make the situation worse. He didn’t want another fight to happen, especially inside of an old woman's home. His tone shifted immediately towards Izu as she had finished mouthing off towards Jay about leaving the team. He could not have these three separate so easily. His eyes went cold, staring deep into Izu’s soul for a moment, then shifting back to Jay for another.

“I will not have you two bicker about this. A genin has died, another was in critical condition, and Kaimera failed to take all the scrolls from this madman. I need all three of you on board for this. If we wanna take this guy out, we have to work as a team. Understand?”

His tone almost mimicked Izu’s cold tone with his own. His words like spears of ice, trying to rain down hell on his own sister especially for trying to start an argument with Jay. Shiro would not have them bicker around like children, they were shinobi. They all had to work together fully if they even had a chance of gaining back the village.

“Now, we know that the man is hiding, and a reconnaissance group of shinobi has potentially gone missing. We have to search for them, that bandit camp might be dangerous for you three… However this time, I’ll be accompanying you. None of you will die on my watch. I promise you that.”

His eyes staring at all three of them. His tone full of steadfast resolve to see to it that this crooked scientist be dealt with. He was the strongest person on the team for right now, however they needed the experience if they hoped to gain some form of combat training. A bandit camp would be the perfect opportunity, especially with his Medical jutsu on standby. His sword was still with him, laying beside him this whole time. The Hyuga gave one last look at his team. Wanting them to know that he had their backs in this.

“Let’s kick some ass.”

WC:719
TWC:1643

Of course, Jay kept up his nonchalant attitude. Seemingly not having a care in the world - matter of fact, it seemed he was more so bored with being here. Kaimera could only roll his eyes at the tall blond as he vaguely expressed his disdain for being there with just a single word: bother. Kaimera didn’t have time to throw a quick reply because Izu came to his aid and put Jay in his place. He threw the only female member of the group a thankful smile as she went back to sipping her tea.

Shiro-sensei led up the remainder of the conversation by stating that they shouldn’t be arguing, then following that up by the series of unfortunate events that transpired. Once he said Kaimera failed, a hint of sadness washed over his face. He tried his best, but it wasn’t good enough. Now here he is, once again, placed on the same series of missions. He shouldn’t even be here. He was borderline useless in any scenario, but nevertheless he was here. But, on the flip side, he has his team this time. Two byakugan users will be a major plus, especially since they need to locate this group. The only clues that they got is that they were last seen near the forest's border.

“Yes, we should get going.” Kaimera said.

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Kaimera found himself deep into the thick forest that is known as Koajiro-no-Mori. The screeching howls indicated that he was likely surrounded by those wicked beasts. While one of those was more than enough for Kaimera to handle, he couldn't handle a whole pack of those demonic hounds. Three fell to his jutsu before he found himself gravely outnumbered. Death would be imminent if he faced all of them on his lonesome, so he fled in a hastily manner deeper into the forest.

Through his senses, he could tell the pack was catching up to him. How many were there? He couldn't really tell at the moment, but it sounded like about seven, or eight at most. Still too many for him to deal with on his lonesome. He doesn't even know how he got separated from the squad. Most likely the initial attack from the pack of hounds is what split him apart. Now he was probably going to lose his life if he didn't find somewhere safe to recuperate himself.

As he legs tirelessly moved themselves forward, something caught his eye from the distance which was that of a massive building that could be seen under the light of the moon. A safe haven perhaps. A better chance there than sticking it out in the forest. Kaimera quickened his pace and changed his trajectory to that of the building.

It didn't take long before he arrived at his soon-to-be sanctuary. A massive manor: well, more like a small castle stood in front of him. Stonework made up its base foundation as white, wooden walls made up its exterior. A few candles could be seen lit from where he was positioned which indicated to him that the place was currently occupied. If he could wait here until daybreak, maybe he can send word for backup and maybe find the remnants of his team.

"Shiro...Izu…Jay, I hope you're all okay..." He whispered to himself as he pushed open the heavy stone doors and secluded himself inside. 

For a few moments, Kaimera could hear the howls and the scratching at the doors of the demon dogs trying to make their way in. However, as time passed, they could tell they would not be able to make it through the sturdy doors and soon ceased their actions, eventually leaving. At that time, Kaimera studied the area that he was in. The main hall was lit up by many andons and gave sight to the glorious staircase that led up to the second floor. Doors lined up on the walls and from what he could tell, five on the top floor and six on the bottom. The very aura of this place gives it an eerie, mystical feeling and the sound, or the lack of, indicated that no one was here. Yet, who lit the lamps?

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