Leaf District

The tool of destruction had passed from his hand, now resting with the man recognized as Konohagakure’s rightful leader. Inoka, the one who now held the weight of authority over the Leaf District, accepted the gift with a measured nod of gratitude. Tenbo, however, wasn’t content to let the exchange end there. He saw this as an opportunity—a subtle opening to deepen the bond he was carefully cultivating. Turning his gaze back to the Hokage, he continued, his words woven with purpose.

“Lord Inoka,” he began, his tone respectful yet suggestive, “while I know you have many allies, I hope this gesture reinforces my commitment to our shared vision for the village and beyond. There’s much we could accomplish together, especially with the right tools in the right hands.”

Tenbo spread his hands open, palms up, a subtle eagerness threading through his voice. "Perhaps, Lord Inoka, this is a rare opportunity to uncover the roots of our suffering. Allow me to lead an investigation into the Shadow Realm. I have nurtured ties with the Amekage, and with his village recently under attack, there may be a chance to solidify our alliance under the Shinobi Alliance banner. A joint mission could demonstrate our unity and strength. What are your thoughts on this course?"
Location: Hokage Office
Posting Order: Tenbo - Inoka
Post Time Limit (PTL): 1 to 2 Days.
Skip Points: III
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Within the vast mental library he had meticulously cultivated, Tentai was able to bring order to what seemed like an endless collection of knowledge. But what on earth had he done to acquire so much information? Could it have been the years of intense study he underwent as a child, continuing into his adult life? Few truly understood the full extent of Tentai’s capabilities, and anyone who underestimated him would be making a grave mistake—especially if they faced him as an opponent. Even Ketsugo, a master in his own right, once admitted that defeating Tentai would be a monumental challenge, particularly if Tentai ever had the opportunity to lay hands on him. This remark was likely a subtle nod to Tentai’s expertise in Fuinjutsu.

"Mm..." Tentai mused quietly to himself, his mind whirring with calculations as the Shibuki was handed to the newly appointed Hokage. "This man is cunning," he thought, his expression betraying no hint of recognition or interest. It was as if he were deliberately acting aloof, purposely ignoring the significance of the sword being in the village. His reaction—or rather, the lack of one—spoke volumes about his ability to maintain composure and control, even when faced with something that others might have found alarming.

The moment the Uchiha brought up the topic of the Shadow Realm, it caught Tentai off guard—startling him more than he cared to admit. To think he said the name... before I did, he thought in disbelief. His presence gradually intensified as he moved closer to the Hokage and the Uchiha. "And here he is, taking the lead on this before I even have a chance to speak." Tentai stood with an air of calm, almost relaxed, despite the situation. "I came here with two things in mind," he began, his voice steady. "As you know, the child who came with me—I brought him here to enroll him as a Genin in the village, with the hope of strengthening the bond between Uzushiogakure and Konohagakure, just as it once was in the past." He gestured toward the child, who at that moment might have been speaking with others or perhaps lost in his own thoughts. "The second matter… I’m here to inform you of a discovery what might pertain to those shadow creatures in the Uzushio scrolls. These scrolls contain not only folklores and experiences but also the accounts of many ancestors who were forced to abandon their village for survival." Tentai’s voice grew somber as he referred to the tragic day Uzushiogakure fell.

"This would need to be conveyed in a... more private manner, if you may." Tentai said, his eyes subtly indicating the crowded nature of the room with the hope that they get the clue - wanting it to be just him and the two men before him.

With Tenbo handing over the 'blastsword,' Inoka’s emerald green eyes closely examined the weapon. He understood its potential in battle, the same power that had wreaked havoc in Amegakure. Now, as he considered returning it to Kirigakure to maintain diplomatic relations, he couldn’t help but ponder the future. What would happen after the Shadow Realm was defeated? Would Kirigakure stay loyal to the Shinobi Alliance, or could they turn against Konoha? Shaking these thoughts away, Inoka refocused on the present, keenly aware that mistrust within the Alliance could lead to its undoing.

“Thank you again, Tenbo. This sword symbolizes a future where we can work together. I’m committed to protecting our village and upholding the Shinobi Alliance’s treaties," Inoka said, his voice resolute yet tempered with the realities of leadership. "However, we must also navigate the subtleties of these agreements carefully,” he added with a strategic smirk, hinting at the necessity of operating in the shadows. “It’s a solid plan, Tenbo, but I'll accompany you to Amegakure. I need to meet their leader personally,” Inoka stated, his smile unwavering as he considered the implications of a direct alliance between Tenbo and Amegakure rather than one that included Konoha. His train of thought was briefly interrupted by Tentai, which had gone unnoticed until that moment.

“Ah, Tentai, I hadn’t realized you were here. Lord Suzaku has approved Uzumaki Sentaro’s continuation of studies here, and I see no issue with it either,” Inoka remarked, acknowledging Tentai before signaling to Ayame. With a nod, Ayame understood immediately, promptly ushering everyone else out and securing the office door. Now alone with just Tenbo and Tentai, Inoka reclined in his chair, the room’s atmosphere thick with anticipation. He shifted his gaze between Tenbo and Tentai, his expression blending scrutiny and openness. “I’m all ears,” he said, inviting them to discuss their thoughts in the newfound privacy.


Location: Konohagakure - Leaf District
Posting Order: Tentai > Inoka > Tenbo
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II​

Standing a mere 10 feet from his new sensei, Yaju, and just 5 feet from Kokezaru, Gyoken felt like a cornered animal. His sensei's dogs circled around, sniffing at him and his teammate, acclimating themselves with their new scents. Yaju's stern discussion of Gyoken's recent mission failure seemed to echo around him, intensifying his feeling of inadequacy. Each word weighed heavily, reminding him of his shortcomings.

“Nice to meet you, Kokezaru. I'm Uchiha Gyoken. We should get going—I have a feeling Sensei won’t be too patient if we dawdle,” Gyoken remarked, trying to muster a semblance of composure.

In an instant, he was enveloped in a cloud of smoke, his form vanishing from sight as he hastened towards the 44th training ground. As he dashed past the Hyuuga compound, short on breath and heavy with anticipation, he spotted a young Hyuuga genin immersed in training. “You...must...be...Hayate. Master Yaju has summoned us. Let’s not be late; I’d rather not find out his limits today,” Gyoken gasped out the words as he continued his sprint toward the training ground, urgency propelling every step.


Leaving Location: Konoha Intelligence Division Building - Courtyard
Entering Location: 44th training ground [Forest of Death]
Posting Order: Yaju Inuzuka -> Gyoken Uchiha -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Hayate Hyuuga
Posting Time Limit: 1 - 2 Days (24 hours to 48 hours)
Skip Points III​

Out front of the Konohagakure Intelligence Division Building the group of boys that would be the new Team Yaju would arrive. Kokezaru with his loyal companion Ryuzaru would approach the building where they'd come face to face with the towering man who had called them there. "So, this is Yaju sensei. He's definitely strong, the scent of his chakra is overpowering," Thought Kokezaru knowing full well that Ryuzaru had the same thought as well. It was rather similar to the pressure he felt when he first met Tentai, but unlike that encounter where he was meeting an mysterious being with an overpowering presence, Yaju had instead called them there which removed the normal sense of caution that would have been present for Kokezaru.

With this being their first proper meeting Kokezaru wanted to make a good introduction, but he was to late as the young Uchiha by the name of Gyoken had spoken up first and what followed was a confusing interaction for Kokezaru as Yaju would reply to Gyoken who had mentioned a mission of which Kokezaru was none the wiser too. In the end though when the older shinobi replied he seemed to address the whole group which was the confusing part for the you monkey boy as he hadn't been assigned any missions since his return from Monkey Island as he had only shortly returned after the previous Chunin Exams.

With this confusion in place firmly in his mind Kokezaru had wanted to ask Yaju what he was talking about, but the man had already dispersed have given them simple instructions to meet him at the 44th Training Ground. Having no other choice really the young shinboi would prepare to head off when he was approached by Gyoken his new teammate who introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you as well, I think Tentai sensei mentioned you at once. Oh, by the way what was that whole mission thing it felt directed at all of us but I haven't been on a single mission since i got back from my secluded training?" asked Kokezaru after returning the greeting he had received from Gyoken hoping for some insight into what Yaju had been talking about as they would begin to make their way to the training ground, not wanting to make their new sensei wait to long.

Location: Konohagakure Intelligence Division Building -> 44th training ground [Forest of Death]
Posting Order: Yaju Inuzuka -> Gyoken Uchiha -> Kokezaru Sarugami
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II​

Baiyo held excited in her eyes and a blaze igniting as she also took the same stance, sliding her right leg forward and left leg angled back, and facing her palms outwards, forming the Gentle Fist. She didn’t initially activate byakugan after standing there a few seconds watching him while listening to her cousin, she replies.​

Before she could finish, she sees a boy dashing by and addressing her cousin and says something about a Master Yaju? Boy looks to be in a hurry so it could be someone he’s going to meet maybe? Hmm will dwell on that later. From what she noticed in the boy's features were clear but how he’s moving makes it hard to discern what he really looks like but the most interesting part of him was his cat like shaped hair that seem to stick up like one too, a interesting person she must investigate later.

Once Baiyo finished her observation of the person who went by, she turns to her cousin with her body tensing up with her muscles slightly bulging from how she’s preparing for a assault and which she did, gracefully swerves from side to side inching closer to him, once on his left she goes for a light swift strike at him to test the waters. If he were to counter she would proceed to step around and avoid any counter he ready to throw before going for another strikes but each one began to increase and increase by the minute, wanting him to get a bit serious and wreck some stuff up out on the field but she must remember to have control and temperance over her excitement.

Location: Hyuga Estate
Posting Order: Baiyo - Hayate
Post Time Limit (PTL): 1 to 2 Days.
Skip Points: III​

Hayate stood firm in the Hyuga’s iconic Gentle Fist stance, his focus sharp and ready as his Byakugan faintly activated, veins near his temples becoming prominent. His left foot was slightly forward, knees bent, and his palms were outstretched, prepared to strike with precision. A subtle yet confident smirk crossed his face, a mix of determination and anticipation for the sparring session with Baiyō. Just as he shifted his weight, ready to launch forward and initiate the training, a voice rang out from behind him, halting him mid-motion. The slow, deliberate cadence caught his attention immediately. Hayate froze, his stance steady as his sharp eyes flickered toward the source of the voice. Standing at the edge of the training grounds was a boy with brown with the top taking on the appearance of ears, dressed in a Uchiha style outfit. Though Hayate had never met him in person, the descriptions were unmistakable—this was Gyoken Uchiha.

Once he mentioned someone known as Yaju, Hayate straightened from his fighting stance but kept his eyes locked on Gyoken, curiosity replacing his earlier focus. The name "Yaju" was familiar but he couldn't put a face to the name, and the fact that someone like Gyoken seemed uneasy about the prospect of upsetting this person piqued Hayate’s interest. He’d thought he’d be training under his brother Takashi, but this sudden summons was unexpected as he thought to himself.
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However, Gyoken had already taken off which caused Hayate to turn back to Baiyō, his tone now a bit softer as he spoke to her.
​

With that, Hayate turned back toward Gyoken and jogged to join him. As they began moving, Gyoken led the way with an easy but purposeful stride. Another boy, taller and seemingly a friend of Gyoken’s, fell into step beside them. Hayate picked up his pace until he was sprinting to match Gyoken’s lead. The questions swirling in his mind grew louder with every step, his curiosity mingling with a faint sense of unease as he glanced between Gyoken and Kokozeru.​

Location: Hyuga Estate -> 44th training ground [Forest of Death]
Posting Order: Yaju Inuzuka -> Gyoken Uchiha -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Hayate Hyuga
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II​

Yaju stood at the gates of the training ground his hounds sitting on either side of his person and as the boys came to arrive themselves beginning their own line of questioning; Yaju’s eyes shifted to Gyoken and than to the newest amongst the bunch. His gaze was just as stern as before and yet he didn’t move to scald the children that stood before them but rather explain the circumstances they were coming to face. He already had a hard time conducting himself accordingly when it came to dealing with children let alone bringing them under his tutelage in particular. His patience was thin to say the least, meaning that Kokezaru and Hayate were both confused on what was being referred to. Yaju supposed this was merely the plight of the young to be so clueless yet so easily cultivated. He no sooner parted his lips to speak to the trio.

“Where is the other one with the tail? Okami, right..?” Yaju pondered and merely shook his head, pushing the thought to the back of his head. It was the nature of the beast, after all some shinobi often couldn’t handle the stress of being a failure even if it was only a one time deal. His thoughts about the young boy trailed off as he soon continued on. “It doesn’t matter. Kokezaru and Hayate, while you weren’t a part of Gyoken’s most recent mission, it's important that you understand the importance of teamwork and cohesion of skill alike. I won’t let the three of you tarnish my name let alone your own under my tutelage so from today forward I suggest you prepare for the worse and stand at your best.” Yaju spread his arms wide and than clapped just to ensure the boys were paying proper attention and if they weren’t they would likely be startled. Today you’ll first establish which of you will be leading the lot of you when I’m not around to hold your leash like the ill trained puppies you are.”

Jujin sat behind Yaju and the collective of hounds that often accompanied them sat in a semi circle around their master. Some let out a passive yawn and others a breathy sigh knowing that what Yajuw was referring to was the same thing they had all gone through when he adopted them. Sitting on their haunches they soon turn their heads to their master and subsequently Jujin the biggest of the lot, who himself had to accomplish the same back than. The massive beast let out a huff of his own before turning his seemingly bored gaze to the children at hand as if to say ”Go on what’re you waiting for?”







Leaving Location: Konoha Intelligence Division Building - Courtyard
Entering Location: 44th training ground [Forest of Death]
Posting Order: Yaju Inuzuka -> Gyoken Uchiha -> Sarugami -> Hayate
Posting Time Limit: 1 - 2 Days (24 hours to 48 hours)
Skip Points III

Gyoken's mind was a whirlwind of trepidation as he contemplated training under Inuzuka Yaju. The storied legend of Konoha, Yaju's reputation for rigorous training was enough to make even the most seasoned shinobi uneasy. Every glance at the imposing figure of Yaju, flanked by his equally formidable hounds, renewed Gyoken's fears of yet another visit to the hospital, courtesy of the rigorous training regimens. As he walked, the weight of Yaju's recent critique of his mission performance seemed to physically press upon him, making his steps heavy with the burden of expectation. Shaking his head in an attempt to dispel the gathering clouds of anxiety, Gyoken focused on Hayate, who had caught up with him and Kokezaru. "You know, Master Yaju didn't mention anything about a mission. This feels more like training, but I've got a feeling it won't be any ordinary session," he said, his voice tinged with a nervous gulp that betrayed his inner turmoil.

Upon reaching their destination, the sight of Yaju waiting at the gate with his two loyal hounds did little to ease his nerves. The reminder of his mission's failure stung anew as Yaju mentioned it, causing Gyoken to shrink inwardly. Yet, it also reignited a spark of determination; the understanding that teamwork was crucial to overcoming the challenges ahead. When Yaju tasked them with deciding a team leader, Gyoken instinctively stepped back. Despite his recent failure, he possessed the most experience among them—a fact that only deepened his reluctance to assume leadership. He remained silent, offering Kokezaru and Hayate a tentative smile, his eyes flicking between them as he awaited their decision.

With Yaju's command to proceed into the 44th training ground, a shiver of apprehension ran down Gyoken's spine. There was an ominous air about the place that set him on edge. With a cautious pace, he stepped into the training area, each movement calculated and wary of the unknown challenges that lay ahead.


Leaving Location: Konoha Intelligence Division Building - Courtyard
Entering Location: 44th training ground [Forest of Death]
Posting Order: Yaju Inuzuka -> Gyoken Uchiha -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Hayate Hyuuga
Posting Time Limit: 1 - 2 Days (24 hours to 48 hours)
Skip Points III​