Ryuunosuke was steeled in his resolve. It was a welcome change to the uninitiated of Amegakure, the hesitant who were unable to draw a blade, act with murderous intent. Anotsu neither looked back or spoke as they vanished into the crowd, the sound of rustling and gathering behind them a clear evidence that a disposal unit had already been dispatched. Anotsu glanced about as he took a slow, steady observance of the population. So many lived careless existences. To the Uchiha, he was part of the invisible force that allowed such a thing. [break][break] "Maintaining our humanity is important," Anotsu said to Ryu. The purpose of their travel was revealed as Anotsu stopped in the middle of the newly gathered crowds. He gave Ryu a reassuring nod, a tilt of his head silently commanding the Genin to observe his surroundings. "As Amegakure shinobi, there's nothing we won't do for those who need us. When you came out of the Academy, it was your declaration to this village that your flesh and blood would be second to its needs." It was the look of determination in the Nara's eyes that allowed Anotsu to continue - it was clear that he understood completely. [break][break] "Don't ever romanticize this life, Ryu," Anotsu began. "The only glory that we will ever know is the one that Amegakure will receive. Otherwise, we do what we must. I don't ever want my Genin, Mai's Genin, to dream so big that reality becomes an afterthought. Just as quickly as our stories begin, they can end." The Jounin refused to sell them a dream. As a child, it had been priority that his mind become a sponge that soaked only the greatest lessons. Above the surface, he was a calm and collected individual. But beneath that exterior lied a will that had been tempered through the fires of hardship, loss, betrayal. Mazoku, his father, had taught him much....by means that he intended to repay. [break][break] "If there's nothing else, I owe a visit to the KazeKage. You're free to go as you please. We won't meet for a while yet." Droplets of rain began to pitter patter against the street. The downpour would pick up soon. If Ryuunosuke had naught else to say, the Uchiha would create a single handseal that would see him vanish from whence he stood into the nothingness of Amegakure's streets. [break][break] [5:40PM]
Through the smoke, a wraith clad in pristine white dipped in and out of melee range with expert precision. Beneath a fist he ducked. Weaponry brushed his clothing, shrugged off with a kunai. A pivot allowed the Uchiha to spin, every agile movement seemingly more calculated than the last. Finally, a glint of metal sliced through the air - an outcry of pain and a spray of scarlet followed suit. The body twisted and contorted as its throat was opened, the jugular vein a host of red that painted the adjacent wall. Within those moments did hands clutch skin, attempting to close the deep wound....but to no avail. The Jounin wouldn't linger on it, vanishing once more into the last vestiges of smoke. "What the-!?" the confused aggressor cried out. Frantically he searched, the plume now expired. The witness to Ryu's triumph, wide eyes silently begged for understanding. [break][break] "H-Hey! HEY! Aren't you supposed to protect the people!? You can't kill us! T-take me in! I'll turn myself in!!" It was a declaration of surrender. A misstep, a trip over the lifeless body that the Uchiha had created moments ago. He fell forward, attempting to scramble to his feet. It was a set of three shuriken that sliced through the air, embedding themselves deep into the chest. Anotsu appeared from the darkness, materializing almost as if a shadow released. Desperation in his crawl, the last of their ilk turned over in the murky puddle beneath him. "You were resolved to your fate until the hand you were dealt wasn't effective," Anotsu began. It was a slow and methodical gait toward the form whose blood began to coalesce with the muddy water. [break][break] Anotsu stood over him. Both hands pushed deep into his pockets, half-lidded eyes regarded the wounded thief with little remorse. His eyes lofted to match Ryu's gaze. "We're shinobi," Anotsu began. "There will come a time when death knocks. When that time comes," Anotsu stated, stomping the shuriken deeper into the chest of the writhing figure below until it no longer moved, "What we do to protect this village will inevitably shape our futures. Remember that." There, in the darkness of the alley, it was evident that the Jounin had been speaking to Ryu in the entirety of their ministrations. [break][break] Anotsu approached the unconscious thief that had been dispatched with Ryu's Nara skill. Kneeling, he placed two fingers at his throat. "You were quick on your feet. Good. This one can spread the message to every rat in the nooks and crannies of the village. I doubt they'll be stealing from anyone from now on." The Jounin adjusted his attire, ensuring that his collar and obsidian locks were kempt. "If you ever take a life, Ryuunosuke Nara....let it serve a purpose." Anotsu ambled until he stood beside the Genin, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "Let's go. I have one more matter to take care of." [break][break] Back toward the hustle and bustle the Uchiha moved, though he stopped at the mouth of the darkened alley and turned to wait for Ryuunosuke. A small smile etched itself across his features. "The other Genin will be lucky to have you." [break][break] [2:25PM]
[attr="class","yuki-notes"] Protecting The People.
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This was the dark and damp of Amegakure's population. Shinobi or not, malevolence and disrespect were the tools of men who sought freedom from the watchful eye of ninja and their ways. The crowd had thinned considerably, leaving little resistance to Anotsu as he ambled toward their intended destination. He could hear the click of the Nara's feet behind him. With no pause in his own stride, Anotsu didn't bother to cast his gaze backward - Ryu was prepared. The tall, iron buildings delivered them into the mouth of the dark corridor. What once was sky was now a family of titans, structures that towered over them as if silent guardians. "Our thief has allies," Anotsu muttered. [break][break] Through the maw of the alleyway they moved, the Jounin's eyes darting to and fro - not out of fear, but simply out of observation. Seconds passed before the end of the street yielded the givers of their invitation. Three figures, spread apart, watched them with murderous intent. The very air about them thick with tension, Anotsu's arm stretched out just enough to halt the Genin behind him's advance. "They're not here to offer us a deal," the Uchiha began. Broken armor and tattered cloth adorned their figures, disheveled shadows poised to advance at a moment's notice. But they would have been remiss to ignore the Jounin that stood before them. [break][break] "You got a problem with a little charity?" one of the voices asked, deep and thick with anger. "We could have ambushed the little bastard. Instead, we considered it a reward for letting him live." Anotsu's gaze fell half-lidded. "Vermin should stay within the sewers we allow them to," the Uchiha replied. Glints of metal - they wielded daggers. Anotsu's free hand fished into his pouch, a smoke pellet hidden betwixt the pads of his fingertips. "We never engage without a plan," he muttered to Ryu. "There's just enough light for you to act. I'll lead. Follow up." [break][break] "Vermin!? You nearly killed one of ours!! The price just went from a wallet to everything you've got on you." Chuckles echoed from before them as the shadowed forms began to spread out in an attempt to surround them. "Your typical thugs. I'll report this to the Kage Tower. For now....we don't have much of a choice. We deal with them now or risk the vendors getting threatened later." [break][break] Ryu would find the pellet thrust diagonally, its impact with the ground creating an explosion of smoke that spread out to engulf the proximity betwixt them. Into the fray Anotsu vanished. The sound of blade upon blade echoed through the alleyway, grunts and groans of pain and effort continuing for seconds. One of the assailants staggered through the veil of gray, coughing and hacking. Disoriented and bent over, Ryu was in place to act as the sounds of battle continued behind the plume of smoke. [break][break] The time to act was now. This would be a defining moment. [break][break] [11:23AM]
There was a momentary pause in judgement. A flicker of inner conflict, the realization that he had been directly involved in playing judge, jury, and nearly executioner to Ryuunosuke's misfortune. Despite this, Anotsu's visage remained unchanged. A brief pause as he finished the last of his noodles, lowering his utensil and securing the large bowl by its bottom with outspread digits. Silence prevailed as Anotsu drank the last few mouthfuls of broth. Warmth spread throughout his chest, that pleasing contrast to the streets of Amegakure and the showers of rain therein. A satisfied breath of approval was exhaled with pleasure. Was he going to lie to Ryuunosuke? [break][break] They were shinobi. Like a newborn child being ripped from its mother's arms, innocence was never theirs to have, to raise. At first impression, Anotsu's honesty would be a catalyst to the Genin's inability to trust him. Alternatively, the Jounin's methods could have a trickle effect, promoting the doling out of violence for every injustice. A long gaze at Ryuunosuke as Anotsu came to terms with the possibility of both outcomes. Finally, lips parted to speak. [break][break]
"He's being seen to by the Medical shinobi. I dealt with him. Whether he'll see tomorrow or not is another matter entirely." There it was, a confession given without contestation to its truth. "We are shinobi. We're protectors, the first and last to the battlefield when Amegakure is threatened." Anotsu's voice took on a deeper tone. "...And we never let the enemy get the drop on us."
[break][break] A frigid air blanketed the immediate environment. The layers had been peeled back to reveal a serious Anotsu, his iris like the sharpest blade's edge as his pools of luminescent purple met Ryu's contact. "Don't let your negligence get you killed. Or worse, your Platoon mates." It was a truth that couldn't be accompanied with padding, with sugar. The Jounin's words may have been serrated daggers to Ryuunosuke's mood. Better this than Anotsu's own leniency and a dead Genin to bury. [break][break] "You're welcome," he said, the cold air about him suddenly replaced with the casual disposition he was so known for. Before he could continue, however, a pair of eyes caught his attention from the alleyway. The ill will within them more than evident, there was no possibility that he could avoid the confrontation to be. "It's been said that snakes can be dangerous," Anotsu began as he stood. A hand fell upon Ryuunosuke's shoulder to clutch it. "We should cut the head off to make sure it's dead. We have company." A slow gait lead Anotsu toward his intended destination. "Come." [break][break] [10:07AM]
Beautiful and informed? A soft huff of a chuckle escaped from betwixt full lips, a shake of the head of incredulous proportion. It was evident that Utsunomiya Suguha was no ordinary patron. Anotsu dwelled somewhere between amused and impressed. The former, he surmised, would be the better approach. Coaxed to action, the Jounin stood to full height and allowed his chin to dip south as his eyes slid to a close - a respectful nod. "You've got the right of it. Uchiha Anotsu, one of the Jounin of Amegakure." He was familiar with such a regal air. Refreshing though it was, the matter of a pilfered bottle remained. Naturally arched eyebrows lofted just slightly as his head raised once more. [break][break] "A pleasure to meet you, Utsunomiya Suguha. My assessment?" Anotsu began, fishing into his pocket for an amount of Ryo. "You wanted a little excitement in your life, a contrast to your usual day to day. The carriage and clothing," Anotsu stated as he gave her a once over, "tell me that you have no need to steal. It's strange, then, that the bottle you purchased didn't come with the usual bag given to every customer." His words were accompanied with a grin, its intent to disarm any air of tension. She was neither a subordinate of his Platoon or bound by the rule of shinobi. There was little productivity in reprimand. [break][break] "Here." He held up the retrieved currency. "Let's tip the vendor for a job well done. It's the least we could do, mm?" Anotsu ask-told Suguha. "Afterward, we can see about that taste test." There was no pause in his ministrations, no loss of a beat in the ebb and flow of his intentions. The Uchiha ambled past Suguha, the end of his coat swaying gently alongside obsidian locks. There was a curiosity that clutched at his tongue. Were her ears real? [break][break] Perhaps a question better left asked when a more comfortable space existed for the pair. [break][break] [9:39AM]
Ryuunosuke was different from his peers. Alive with words as much as ministration, it would be nowhere near as difficult to come to know his Genin. Anotsu thought back to Koma the Quiet, to Daichi the Protagonist, to Aiko the Researcher. A soft shake of his head, a huff that could have been perceived as the faintest of chuckles. Hands reached out to grip the large bowl filled with the delicious combination of broth, ramen, egg, and all other manner of addition. It took no time for Ryu to find a seat. [break][break] The Uchiha followed suit, sitting carefully and placing it before him. He repeated the action, the audible snap of the chopsticks followed by a dipped head. The heat greeted Anotsu as the ramen was lifted to his mouth, pushing the contents forward and savoring the test as he sat up once again. In silence he'd eat, at least until the beast within his stomach's hunger had been sated. "I see," was all that Ryuunosuke would receive in exchange for his feigned knowledge. [break][break] "Have you met with the others in your Platoon?" Anotsu asked, slowing down long enough to fit syllables and vowels into their exchange. The patrons along the street began to thin, granting the pair room to discuss matters without increased volume. The Uchiha's hitai ate dangled, swayed here and there. "If you've any questions for me, as well, I'm open to answering....provided they're able to be discussed out in the open." Ever watchful were the Jounin's eyes. Even in those fleeting moments of an encounter earlier, maintaining a certain alertness was key to reducing the element of surprise. As shinobi, there was nothing more key. [break][break] Anotsu was both an enigma and a familiarity somehow. Rarely surprised, hardly moved by the ministrations or words from those who desired to move him. He was a calm before the storm, the only indication that he possessed the means to kill the corpse that was effectively left behind and hidden after the fact. He lifted his chopsticks and nodded to the chef with a grin, the expression returned before he lowered his form and continued to bask in the glory of the wasabi shoyu. The ryo had been exchanged in one swift motion - at least, Anotsu figured, Ryu had benefited from the incident. [break][break] Of course, he would be sure to reprimand him later for being caught off guard so easily. [break][break] [5:02PM]
Anotsu paused as they continued to amble the stalls. Very rare was the occurrence, but Ryuunosuke had coaxed a raised, single eyebrow from the Jounin. "You haven't been briefed, yet." The Uchiha was in a moment of deep thought as he stopped at a ramen stall. The very aroma was intoxicating, the senses overwhelmed with the potential of broth and ramen. To coalesce with particular meats and eggs was the journey to ecstasy. As almond-shaped orbs began to read over a conveniently placed menu, he took an occasional glance toward Ryuunosuke. "To answer the most important question first," Anotsu trailed off with an index finger raised. That same finger snapped forward to the ramen. "Anything with ramen and meat in it is always the go-to for me." [break][break] One would have surmised that the Uchiha would have handled business first. The growl produced seconds after his statement, however, signified that there was far greater matters at hand. "I know who you are, as well. Ryuunosuke Nara. You've been assigned to my Platoon. Consequently, that's how I was able to intercept the wanderer who pilfered your wallet. Lucky for me," Anotsu said with the corner of his lips turning upward into a grin. "I've have had to cover your meal." An order of wasabi shoyu ramen was placed. "You have good taste, sir!" the vendor exclaimed as he went to work. Sweat and a dirty apron were signs of effort. As steam and flame occupied the stall, Anotsu gave Ryu his undivided attention once more. [break][break] "You weren't informed that you'd be in my Platoon? If not, I'll have to have a conversation with personnel from the Academy. I don't like sneaking up on my Genin....at least, not when it's not part of a training exercise." His voice was deep, yet not thunderous. It was a low boom, vibrating the ears like gentle, rolling thunder across plains. "But before we get into any of that, why don't you order?" A dip of his chin in understanding. The Uchiha stepped to the side, arms lofting to cross one over the other at the Jounin's chest. "It doesn't have to be ramen, either. So long as I get to brief you on the up and coming, the whole of Amegakure is our office if need be." [break][break] That calm and collected air about Anotsu seemed to radiate from him in waves. Every movement, every ministration seemed casual and with a certain rhythm, a certain stride. Passersby greeted him with a nod, doing the same for the young Genin as he waited for his meal to be prepared. [break][break] [4:18PM]
Through the sound of metal and patron did an outcry of pain erupt through the air. Droplets of blood trickling the street from above. If one were to look closely, they would spy what looked to be two figures at the edge of a rooftop - one of them was dangling with feet kicking. An ominous figure, cloaked in pristine white, clutched the throat of Ryu's assailant. A squeeze from the powerful appendage that held him suspended in midair forced choking, though the captor's luminescent purple orbs were calm, collected. "This is the second time today. There will not be a third," Anotsu murmured. Fear coalesced with confusion, the Jounin's speed affording him an easy interception. Feet planted, Anotsu glanced south until almond-shaped orbs fell upon Ryuunosuke. [break][break] The Uchiha's free hand slid from its pocket and searched his quarry's pockets, pulling the wallet free and using the pad of his thumb to open it. Upon inspection and verifying its owner, a turn and thrust sent his captive flying into a nearby wall. A sickening thud rendered him unconscious, form sliding down into a slump. Anotsu stepped forward and fell from the edge of the rooftop, landing with both feet soundlessly onto the grounds below. Obsidian locks bounced softly as he approached the Genin, holding up the wallet and waving it back and forth slightly. "If there's one thing I won't let get ruined for my Genin, it's lunch." [break][break] A toss of his wallet, the object flying in a lob before landing in Ryu's hands should he have caught it. A deep whiff of the air, a step past the Genin as eyes scanned the lunch choices. If the street hadn't been bustling with activity, Anotsu would have been sure that the audible sound of his stomach's growling could have been heard. To that end, the Jounin glanced over his shoulder. "Shall we?" he asked, eyebrows rising to a small degree. [break][break] Toward the shops he ambled, the sound of groaning slightly present as the clad-in-white Uchiha vanished into the crowds. As an Amegakure native, he was more than acclimated to such hustle and bustle. "Uchiha Anotsu, by the way." Anotsu called back with a slight wave, tall enough to be seen through the crowd as he mulled over meal choices. [break][break] [3:36PM]
With the desire to protect his Platoon growing from a flame into an inferno, Uchiha Anotsu has found strength through the passion of emotion. Though only the initial stage of his Clan's prowess, the Sharingan's appearance has awakened a newfound power that offers Anotsu an increased perception to that around him. The first tomoe has manifest, marking the beginnings of its greatest potential within the eyes of an Uchiha bound by duty.
The Matriarch was more than certain of herself. With every syllable, her bravado seemed to grow in layer. While more inclined to speak only to Hikari, there was little in the way of avoidance that Anotsu could deliver without the threat of the Usagi's reprimand. To that end, the Uchiha's eyes wandered as if keeping a watchful look while lips parted to reply. "Business, you say?" he replied. If he were fortunate, Hikari would intercept any conversation prompted before his "guardian" could speak. "I suspect that you've quite the network if transport of this importance requires a detail." The entirety of any silence had been spent pondering Hikari's relationship with his kin, or perhaps the lack thereof. There was a world that separated them. Though transport and protection were his primary objective, Anotsu's secondary was ensuring that the small boy found confidence in his place. [break][break] Amegakure was host to constant downpours. The Jounin nodded in response to Hikari's question, fingers lofting to brush absentmindedly along the hitai ate draped at his neck. "Amegakure is home to constant showers," he began. "There are days where we're spared from what some would call an inconvenience. But for the most part, the village is as you say." This much, Anotsu surmised, he could share about their village without the implication of treason. Undoubtedly, this wasn't new information. Still, there had to be a certain reservation. There was an innocence in Hikari that spoke no trouble. But they were shinobi, and that fact alone required a practiced caution. [break][break] Anotsu continued to keep watch over the twists and turns of the countryside. "Novels? Your family writes?" Literature had been a pastime of the Jounin's when he was younger. History, geography, they were all curriculum that he had studied outside of the rigors of physical training. An interest began to pique beneath the surface of his calm. "I suppose that it doesn't come as a surprise that your family's hand touches more than the import and export of fabrics and clothing." [break][break] Perhaps there was more to the young Genin than the veteran Jounin initially thought. A glance backward, and Anotsu silently hoped that the same wasn't going to be said of the Matriarch. Their escort continued, Anotsu expressing no particular concern about distant howls and snarls slowly increasing in volume. [break][break] [11:20AM]
Through corridor and hallway they moved, Anotsu's stealth affording him a presence among shadows.
Truly, it was a magnificent compound. Though their cell had been damp and dirty, the walls and tapestries that awaited them outside were divine. The Uchiha Clan's symbol was displayed down every hallway, hardwood floor and statues of various armors and patrons a welcome treat to those within. Shinobi and mercenary alike roamed each floor, no doubt Mazoku's personal detail. With patience, the Jounin was able to calculate their routes and avoid the danger of unnecessary skirmish. Before long, the pair had made their way to a set of double doors that hosted the Uchiha Clan's symbol. Bronze in color, it was undoubtedly the first of that which barred their way. Anotsu stood with key in hand, inspecting it as the elder rest upon the floor nearby.
"What lies beyond these doors?" Anotsu asked, glancing toward the decrepit figure whose labored breaths filled the air.
"I have heard whispers," the old man started. "Uchiha Mazoku is a man of great respect for his clan. He spares no expense, no detail if it will glorify the blood that courses your veins." A slight furrow of the eyebrows as Anotsu inserted the key into the lock. "Beyond these doors, there will no doubt be a test of mental and martial prowess. Tread carefully." Anotsu nodded, a hand lofting to push the heavy door open.
A pause.
"What is your name?" the Jounin asked. A weary chuckle in reply. "You would ask now?" the elder inquired. There was difficulty in discerning his features, the dirt and unkempt hair doing well to conceal his visage. Tattered clothing swayed as he stood, almost as if he was incapable of remaining still. "I would. You've helped me thus far. The least I can do aside from a promise is knowing the name of the man that risks his life to see me free." A pause as Anotsu's eyes met a pair of obsidian ones, weary and yet astonished. "....I am Eiji." Anotsu nodded, his attention once more undivided as he pushed through the double doors.
Darkness awaited them.
"What....is this?" Anotsu questioned. Perpetual darkness cascaded them as the doors shut, the entirety of the space around them seemingly naught but void. There were none to answer him. Appendages reached out to search for Eiji. Every sense, it seemed, had been compromised. Anotsu's breathing grew increasingly audible, the very concept of gravity vanishing into nothingness. The Jounin blinked multiple times, and yet there was no difference in his eyesight.
His first order of business was clear. He'd reserved his strength for a time, the elder only meters away speaking incoherently here and there. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, Anotsu's lips parted. "I'll need your help to leave this place." His tone was one of confidence, the elder's chains rattling as he wheezed a short laughter. "And how can a decrepit old man like myself help you, young one? Am I to be your sacrifice?" A shake of the head as Anotsu slid to the edge of his bed. "No, old man. In return for your assistance, I'll give you the repayment of seeing the outside world again. I can do nothing about your age or your health," the Jounin began. "But I can offer you a glimpse of the sky before your time comes." The words lingered in the air for moments, the Jounin's "companion" sighing in response. "....A masterpiece to be seen..." he muttered.
As if on cue, a clutch of the chest and a wild convulsing sent Anotsu's newfound ally backward and onto the bed. The groans of pain echoed throughout the chamber, that tug upon humanity sending the guards toward the cell. "Damnit! Get him out of there before he soils the sheets again!" Anotsu played his part, standing to his feet and placing his hands skyward. Steps backward as he created distance betwixt himself and his elder, he watched on as a single guard entered. "Back up! If you make a move, there are two kunai coming for your brain on the other side of this cell!" No more than a nod. Spittle flew from the dried, cracked lips of Anotsu's captured companion, his form twisted and contorting to impressive degree.
One. Two. Three. Four.
Purple orbs slid from one guardsman to the next. A single handseal, and it was thought that had begun to turn into action. Anotsu vanished from his position, the untraceable speed delivering him a short distance to the outside. Though disoriented, digits clutched onto fabric where he could. It took but a motion to slam his captor into the heavy bars, the instant unconscious state forcing Anotsu to relinquish his hold. "What the-!?" his sole target exclaimed in confusion. Before he could reply, however, a broken piece of wood pierced epidermis and drove itself deep into his throat to produce a gurgling sound. A spray of scarlet delivered after the piece was yanked from its place. The old man shoved the lifeless corpse backward, shuffling to his feet and breathing heavily as he swiped at his beard and mouth.
"....You have my thanks." Anotsu busily searched their belongings. Minutes yielded them an amount of ryo, the Uchiha's full inventory, and two bottles of water. Quickly, the pair downed the contents and tossed the empty plastic aside. "Keep your promise, young one. That is all I ask.." the elderly figure said with a raspy reply. A nod from Anotsu. The Jounin fashioned his belongings, retrieving a key of unknown origin from a black box that rest upon the wooden table. The Uchiha Symbol etched upon its bronze, he placed it deep within his pockets and turned toward the exit.
Anotsu hadn't misunderstood anything. [break][break] How easy it was to claw his way through what was now the last vestiges of Setsuna's mask. The tapestry of patience and a composed character that he had so easily cleaved in twain with the threat of recompense. Anotsu's expression did naught to change as he listened, what once was a test now transitioning into the very results he desired. There was a calm and collected air about Anotsu that was almost eerie in nature, those same eyes now regarding the Kaguya with little more than comprehension. It was when disobedient animals dared to bear their teeth at their masters that a reminder of chain and command became necessary. Anotsu was more than happy to comply. [break][break] "I understand clearly," Anotsu began. The very air about him grew thick with tension, an aura so thick with ferocity that one would think it akin to the calm before the storm. A sudden step, almost imperceptible, the Uchiha no more than an inch in front of the Chuunin's person. Half-lidded orbs, somehow as piercing as when opened fully, bore down upon Setsuna with authoritative intent. "You're a shinobi. Your facade betrays you at the words of a commanding officer. How, then, do you expect me to trust you with a task of this magnitude? If the transparency in a conversation is enough to unravel you, then my point has clearly been made." [break][break] Anotsu's very countenance remained unchanged, unaltered in the face of Setsuna's words. Completely relaxed, every muscle spoke of rest. The Uchiha was no more tense than moments ago. To err on the side of caution was the greatest response. The Jounin was a viper, poised but somehow still. It was the most lethal of combinations. And it was this very lesson that he aimed to teach Setsuna, void of arrogance or a trivial pissing contest. Just as he had taught Koma, Daichi, Aiko.....he would treat the Kaguya no different in the lane necessary. [break][break] "The element of surprise is lost the moment your eyes and teeth betray you." [break][break] [9:39PM]
There was little to celebrate. The Jounin were successful in their combined effort to circumvent the peril that had awaited Mai. Anotsu, however, would not find his ministrations ceased until he was certain of their quarry's defeat. Silently - meticulously - the Uchiha watched for the descent of the rhinoceros. Simultaneously, the surge of chakra used to release him from the clutches of Genjutsu had evaporated. Taxed, he was left with the hefty cost of chakra forcing caution. To that end, Anotsu was in full motion to meet the injured rhino even before impact. A leap forth from the precipice beneath him - quickly he descended, cognizant of his surroundings and straying from the trajectory of the remaining of their ilk. "Mai. Assist the others," Anotsu began as he glanced out and into the distance with a watchful eye to his Genin. [break][break] His concern for his Platoon would only fuel the necessity of his actions. Koma. Daichi. Aiko. Hoshiko. Mai. Beneath the surface of a calm demeanor was a protective beast, its inward fury manifest as grit teeth prevailed. Anotsu's calculated landing - a short interval after the rhino's impact - saw him free from the peripheral vision of the rhinoceros as it stirred to gather its bearings. The Jounin, however, would birth other plans. Anotsu drew upon his Taijutsu's prowess, an appendage lofted with kunai in hand. An exhalation accompanying his attack, the instrument within both hands clutches would be driven deep into the impacted skull of the dazed beast before him. Eyebrows furrowed as the Uchiha left no momentum spared, no strength not unleashed. [break][break] Still, Anotsu acted. These animals, ferocious and staggering in power, were capable of more than the fundamentals of Genjutsu and elemental ability. To that end, Anotsu exercised awareness and leapt backward. Should his initial coalescence of Taijutsu and careful placement fail to claim the life of the rhinoceros, the exploding tag wrapped around the kunai's hilt would serve as hopeful insurance. There was a flame of resolve in Anotsu's pools of violet. The Jounin beat a swift retreat, leaping backward to safety as a handseal detonated the scrap of paper. [break][break] The reservation of chakra had become critical. Beads of sweat trickled down Anotsu's cheeks, vanishing with a quick swipe of the back of his hand. The smoke and debris were sure to cover the immediate surroundings of the rhinoceros, forcing the Uchiha to remain watchful should evasive maneuvers be required. Voluminous breaths of exhaustion escaped his lungs as Anotsu otherwise silently looked on, hoping that there was one less threat to his Platoon and the innocents in Iwa. What he didn't have in Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, the combination of his strength and Shurikenjutsu had to carry him. [break][break] War or not, there was still innocent blood here. Selfishness be damned - the Amegakure Jounin wanted to protect those he could. Anotsu would not rest until their objective was complete. [break][break] [12:20PM]
The hustle and bustle of Amegakure was always a welcome symphony through the day. It spoke of import, export, the constant rotation of technology's cogs. Steam and smoke alike rose toward the heavens like welcome signs, a plethora of aromas inviting its inhabitants to eat and socialize amidst towers of iron that jut forth from the earth like serrated blades. Clouds loomed like watchful guardians, slowly crossing the endless sky that lay separated by a beautiful skyline. The almost perpetual rain was missing today, granting Uchiha Anotsu an even greater vantage point than usual. [break][break] A set of luminescent purple hues gazed out and over the blanket of body and building alike. Half-lidded, almond-shaped eyes regarded the scene with little more than the usual vigilance, eyebrows furrowed just slightly in the occasional focus to the edifices below. Anotsu stood at the edge of one of the highest perches in the sector, the pristine white of his garb dancing behind him when nature sought to exhale. Toned arms, covered by the long sleeves of his coat, rest idly at his sides. He watched the small spectacle unfold beneath him. Surely, the Jounin's intervention would have prevented the woman from pilfering her quarry and making off with the spoils of deception. As with all things, however, there was a certain leeway in each circumstance. [break][break] A single handseal allowed Anotsu to vanish from his position, an untraceable speed seeing him south and into the alley in which she attempted to make her escape. With no weapons drawn, the Uchiha manifest directly across from the long-eared stranger's means of transportation. Casually, the Jounin leaned back against the wall of one of the alley's large buildings. A piercing gaze slid from the ground until meeting her visage, his head tilted just slightly. [break][break] "Let me guess: You were going to taste test and bring it back for a review?" [break][break] [11:05AM]
