Leaf District

[LucianRedgrave]

Yaju sat like a king on his throne watching the figure at work. There was something about the fool hardy nature of children that brought a slight twinge of irritation to his mind. He wasn’t one to pull them from their folly as that was merely the nature of humanity. A trial by fire until either the body or the spirit breaks whatever came was the thing that measured the might of a man, let alone a shinobi. Yaju sat proud amidst his four legged throne and with that he observed the figure working the technique and yet he remained unimpressed not because it was experimental but merely because there was a lack of confidence. Yaju knew very well experimentation without confidence was nothing more than a pipe dream hoping for a miracle. He now sat with one hand propping up the heavy crown that was his head. His lips parted in response to Inori’s own rebuttal and it was akin to a father uplifting his child in hopes that they might accomplish the feat they set their eyes on.

“You sound so eager for someone hoping for a miracle, I’ll let you continue.”

Yaju said this and trailed his tongue over his teeth hidden by his lips. This was soon followed by a whistle and in doing so the same set of bestial eyes that had been watching the figure work sauntered from the shadows. This was none other than one of Yaju’s smaller hounds known as Seijaku, a malinois loyal to yaju in ways some could only hope to have manifested in a human. The hound sat on his haunches with his head tilted to the side providing a look of curiosity as he sat between Inori and Yaju both. The dogs back was turned to Inori as he worked and his eyes were locked with Yaju’s own. It was almost as if they were mimicking the same ways of communication of the Yamanaka, silent and effective beyond rapport. The dog approached amidst their silent conversation and Yaju seemed to speak to him in a tone only the dog could perceive. The dog seemed to understand amongst the operation of Inori it merely skulked from view and back into the shadows only accompanied by a near silent puff of smoke as it faded from view. Yaju sent Seijaku to retrieve the same kids he had been forcibly put in charge of. Okami Kitsune, Gyuken Uchiha, and Kokezaru Sarugami. It would take time but when Seijaku inevitably found them they would find his image was not that of a dog but rather Yaju himself standing tall over each of the boys and his lavender hues piercing as it looked upon them. The hound disguised as its master wouldn’t speak but instead would point them in the general direction of intelligence division.
Current Location: Konoha Intelligence Division Building
Posting Order: Inori - Yaju Aburame (Be advised this isn't a strict posting and can post as frequent as you like)
Posting Time Limit: 1 - 2 Days
Skip Points: 3

 

[Okami Kitsune]

It had been a week since the disaster that was his first official mission - and even worse, it had simultaneously been his first mission while in a leadership position. While he was by no means arrogant or prideful, the fact remained that if not for the timely intervention of that team of Sunagakure kunoichi and some others whose identities escaped him... He, if not his entire team, would have perished that day. All because he'd made the mistake of deciding to take the thunder rail train instead of going on foot, even though anyone with a brain and was aware of his lack of experience would know that there was no way he could have known or even suspected what would happen. For all anyone knew, going on foot would have had the same result - unfortunately, what was done was done. And if none of that was bad enough, his decision had somehow made the mission derail badly enough that one of his teammates had been taken back to his homeland.

And that lead to right now, one week after the fact. While he'd managed to get his clothes and vest replaced upon their return, the normally positive-looking and talkative young man couldn't help but look at the vest he wore with disgust - as if the thing was a blight that he wished nothing more than to be rid of. While he'd been promoted as a result of his performance in the Chunin Exams, the fact was that the exams had ultimately been a controlled setting where the only thing that would have happened if he'd failed would have been to remain a Genin. Compared to then... What happened a week ago proved that there was a stark contrast between being tested in a controlled, ultimately non-hostile environment and in the real world where even the slightest misstep could easily spell the end for yourself, your team, and potentially your client.

There would have been no coming back for any of them. For all intents and purposes, the attacker that had taken away the diplomat a week ago had him and his team dead to rights.

As such, it was only to be expected that as he slowly and silently made his way to Konoha's intelligence division building as instructed from his apartment in the residential district, Okami Kitsune said nothing, walked slowly, seemed to pay no attention to his surroundings, and had the telltale look of self-loathing clearly written on his face. All the while, wondering why he hadn't yet made any move to request being demoted back to Genin for his shortcomings... Something he resolved to finally do something about first chance he got.

Leaving Location: [Leaf District - Residential Area, Okami Kitsune's Apartment]
Entering Location: [Leaf District, Konohagakure Intelligence Division Building]
Posting Order: Inori -> Yaju Inuzuka -> Okami Kitsune -> [Name Here]
Posting Time Limit: 1 - 2 Days (24 hours to 48 hours)
Skip Points III

 

[Jeriah]

Amidst the bustling activity in the Hokage's office, where shinobi eagerly awaited their new team assignments from Hokage Inoka, Gyoken's mind was a tumult of emotions. The recent mission's failure still haunted him, a stinging reminder of his perceived inadequacies and the urgent need to grow stronger. He felt a surge of relief mixed with trepidation as he learned that he would be under the guidance of Yaju Inuzuka, renowned for his prowess in taijutsu and sensory skills.

Gyoken's reaction was abruptly interrupted as he attempted to navigate through the crowd, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of redemption and improvement. In his haste and distraction, he collided head-on with an unexpected obstacle. The impact sent him tumbling backwards, a sharp thud resounding through the silent room as he hit the floor.

"Hey, why don't you watch where you're goi—" Gyoken began, irritation lacing his tone, only to cut off abruptly as he opened his eyes to see who had been his unintended barrier. Lying on the floor and looking up, he found himself staring into the calm, authoritative eyes of Yaju Inuzuka himself. Realizing his faux pas, Gyoken's expression shifted from one of annoyance to chagrin.

"Sensei Yaju...forgive me," he stammered, quickly scrambling to his feet and bowing deeply in respect. His transition from reclining on the floor to standing was swift, a physical reflection of his eagerness to make amends and move forward.

"So I'll be under your tutelage, huh? Well, sensei, I need you to help me get stronger, and fast," Gyoken declared, his voice carrying a blend of desperation and determination. The gravity of his words written all over his face. Gyoken was ready to follow and learn from Inuzuka Yaju.

Leaving Location: [Leaf District - Hokage Office]
Entering Location: [Leaf District, Konohagakure Intelligence Division Building]
Posting Order: Yaju Inuzuka -> Okami Kitsune -> Gyoken Uchiha -> Sarugami
Posting Time Limit: 1 - 2 Days (24 hours to 48 hours)
Skip Points III​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

Kokezaru had been deep in thought following his training, he let the ideas flow as different possible combinations of jutsu popped into his head. With his new found knowledge in Fuinjutsu a new realm of possibilities was opened up to him and was looking forward to seeing what he could do with this knowledge. "If I can use seals to turn my fastballs into time bombs, I wonder if i can potentially create a Curveball that will follow those I throw them at?" Thought Kokezaru to himself all the while swinging his baseball bat in a way reminiscent of how Indian Wrestlers train with their Gada, it was an exercise he picked up on Monkey Island as a way to strengthen your back, chest, core, shoulders, forearms, and grip.

As Kokezaru was lost in his own head and focused entirely on his new ideas and motion of his swings he would not take notice of the figure approching. Normally he'd have smelled the figure due to the strong smell that they had but right now he was dead to the world. In the end though he would find himself saved as while he wasn't paying attention to his surroundings Ryuzaru was. With the figure getting closer Ryu would snap the boy back by flicking him in the forehead as the monkey's arm popped out of the body of the silver and gold Bat.

"Ouch, Ryu what the hell was that for?" The monkey would exclaim as the monkey arm would point behind him indicating that he should turn around as whatever was important right now was behind him. With this sudden realization that something was behind him Kokezaru would spin around rather suddenly only to be met face to face with a towering figure that smelled like wet dog. "Oh, you must be Yaju sensei. Wait your pointing that way. I'm assuming cause your pointing to the smarty pants building that I'm to meet you there."

"Congratulations Koke you grasped the obvious. Now lets head off before you forget and I have to drag you there and embarrass you in front of your new sensei," said Ryuzaru as the baseball bat would disappear in a puff of smoke only yo be replaced by a golden eyed monkey. Following this before Kokezaru could even reply Ryuzaru would begin to walk off on all fours.

"Oi, Ryu don't leave me behind you dick. You always take shots at me I thought we were boys," said Kokezaru as the boy and his monkey companion made their way to the desired destination bickering the whole way.

Location: Konohagakure (Third Training Ground) -> Konohagakure Intelligence Division Building
Posting Order: Yaju Inuzuka -> Okami Kitsune -> Gyoken Uchiha -> Kokezaru Sarugami
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II
​

 

[Mellow]

The warm light of the afternoon filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows across the Hyuga estate as Hayate found Baiyō standing by the edge of the secluded training ground. His small frame seemed almost still against the soft, shifting breeze, his hands tucked into his pockets as he regarded her with a piercing, disappointed gaze. His eyes held a mixture of intensity and curiosity as he waited, scrutinizing her with an unspoken question that hung heavily in the air. Hayate’s eyes softened for a moment, though his intense glare didn’t fully fade. He took a slow, deliberate breath, releasing it before he responded to what she had to say.
​

"The elders and Inoka-sama? They’re not upset. They’re too focused on today’s announcement to notice much else. As for Lord Takashi, I don’t know if he’s upset or not. He didn’t say. But when it come to me, you shouldn't have missed Inoka Sensei's promotion to Hokage."​

His intense stare remained as he searched her face, looking for any explanation. Despite the lingering disappointment, there was an underlying sense of concern in his gaze, a desire to understand her absence that he couldn’t ignore.
​

"However, Takashi did send me to find you. He said I should train with you today, if you're up for it we can fight right here, right now."​

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

 

[Reigetsu]

Baiyo sat there, waiting for her cousin’s response, while imagining what Inoka Yamanaka must have looked like in the Hokage robe and hat, and how he must’ve felt during his inauguration—standing before both those who doubted him and those who found inspiration in him. These questions continued to swirl in her mind until Hayate’s voice brought her back to the present.

Listening to his update about the elders and Inoka, none of whom seemed upset, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt when he mentioned Takashi. She knew the older Hyuga was likely disappointed about her absence during Inoka’s promotion, and Hayate’s frustration with her missing important meetings was apparent. From past experience, she knew well how oversleeping could lead to her being dragged out of her room for missions, a memory she kept close to avoid making the same mistake. But today, she hadn’t considered the significance of this particular day—what’s done is done.​

I understand cousin, I'm sorry for missing such an important day but I will make up for it by baking Hokage Inoka something sweet for him, a Gato Shokora.​

Looks up and sees his intense stare lingering on her, noticing the look of concern on his face she turns around and coughs, taking the initiative to start stretching her arms but perks up when he mentioned Takashi again, explaining why Hayate is here and held concern for her made the Hyuga girl blush in embarrassment but gotten excited when he mentioned training, the very thing she been wanting to do with him and Takashi but this will do, having just Hayate is enough.​

"Yes! Yes! Lets train, I've been using the dummy for practice but skipped on lifting weights cause Takashi and you wasn't here"​

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

 

[Davon]

He stood in the the office, a shadow among many flickering lights, weighing his next move. His mind balanced precariously between choices—one path bent toward his own ambitions, another toward the interests of the Uchiha, and yet another, perhaps, in service to the village he secretly vowed to topple. But aiding the village could prove useful; the long game relied on that delicate illusion, on obscuring his true intent behind carefully crafted alliances.

Perhaps, he considered, he could thread the needle, advancing both the clan’s needs and the village’s cause just enough, drawing the Hokage's trust nearer to him like a subtle lure. Every step, every choice, however outwardly beneficial, served his own concealed aims. For now, before slipping away into the shadows, Tenbo would nurture this growing rapport with the Hokage—a relationship he intended to make both his shield and his weapon.

"Lord Inoka, I bring a gift that may aid you in your new role as Hokage. Now that you're tasked with managing both civil and diplomatic ties with other villages, I thought this might prove valuable. This tool originates from the Mist district, likely part of Kirigakure’s renowned collection. I've heard rumors of its significance, though I lack the full details. Perhaps offering it to them could strengthen our rapport and support our efforts to maintain the shinobi alliance." Tenbo inquired while observing the man whose to lead this village.
Location: Hokage Office
Posting Order: Tenbo - Ionia
Post Time Limit (PTL): 1 to 2 Days.
Skip Points: III​

 

[LucianRedgrave]

The hound had done its duty collecting the Yaju’s newest pups or at least that's how the hound perceived them. In the eyes of the hound wearing the guide of its master these young men were nothing more than pups waiting to be taught the way of nature itself, survival of the fittest. It pointed them all in the same direction inevitably resulting in its image going up in a cloud of smoke after drawing them all to the same location. Inevitably reality would set in for the children in question they were going to meet the man responsible for their soon to be hard earned tutelage. Yaju in turn would be waiting for the trio outside the building, his piercing lavender gaze beset upon the group only to be accompanied by the cascade of colored eyes possessed by the hounds he felt most at home with. His arms were crossed about his hulking chest and with that it bellowed with each breath. His presence alone was heavy even as those who worked under him in his new found position found it difficult to simply move as if he weren’t there better. Yaju’s form exuded the essence of a predator and even as they all approached they would find themselves feeling as though they were staring into the jowls of the very beast Yaju commanded. As they arrived his eyes flitted between the trio, his apparent interest in his prospects fleeting at best and yet as they approached the collective nostrils of his four legged troupe flare taking in a whiff of what would inevitably be their new companions. Yaju of course gave a curt nod to Gyoken’s question before continuing like a disappointed parent.

“From what I understand your mission was less than successful” He remarked his eyes stopping on Okami. The hounds that once sat behind Yaju now pacing around the collective, sniffing the ground effectively getting comfortable amidst the chatter. It would become apparent to the trio they were always working even while Yaju greeted his new students. His eyes flitted to Gyoken and then to Kokezaru. He soon began to speak again, his tone stern and commanding in its own right.

“It doesn’t matter who’s at fault or even who you’d like to point fingers at. You failed collectively and as far as I'm concerned you’ll all have to earn the right to truly be under my tutelage.” His lavender eyes now aglow with chakra as they took in the trio one last time. He was sure the children would come to understand what was to come but Yaju couldn’t afford to have even his two legged pups die from a poor sense of self. Yaju flashed his blackened canine’s and spoke one last time giving the trio their first order as their sensei. ”You will all meet me at the forty fourth training ground and we’ll begin fixing your disarray, dismissed.” Yaju’s own image would go up in cloud of smoke and no sooner the hounds that surrounded the children dispersed just as quickly as their masters.



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

 

[Jeriah]

Inoka reclined in his new office, the weight of his responsibilities as Hokage pressing on his mind. As the room slowly filled with a select few individuals, his attention was particularly drawn to Uchiha Tenbo. Inoka maintained a cordial facade, his smile bright yet concealing his usual wariness towards his rival. He braced himself for the usual barbs or challenges that typically colored their interactions.

To his surprise, Tenbo approached with a demeanor that suggested something different this time. "Lord Inoka," Tenbo began, his voice carrying a rare note of formality, "I bring a gift that may aid you in your new role as Hokage. Now that you're tasked with managing both civil and diplomatic ties with other villages, I thought this might prove valuable. This tool originates from the Mist district, likely part of Kirigakure’s renowned collection. I've heard rumors of its significance, though I lack the full details. Perhaps offering it to them could strengthen our rapport and support our efforts to maintain the shinobi alliance."

The unexpected gesture caught Inoka off guard, prompting him to rise from his seat, his hands pressing against the desk as he looked at Tenbo with renewed interest. The hostility that usually lingered between them seemed to dissipate, at least momentarily. "Tenbo... thank you!" Inoka exclaimed, his smile now reflecting genuine gratitude. This unexpected overture from Tenbo felt revolutionary, potentially bridging the gap between them and reinforcing Konohagakure’s position within the shinobi alliance.

While Inoka was thrilled by the potential diplomatic leverage the gift offered, a part of him remained guarded. Tenbo’s actions, although helpful, stirred a blend of hope and suspicion within him. Yet, for the moment, he chose to view it as a gesture of truce, a step towards strengthening their collective future.

Location: Hokage Office
Posting Order: Tenbo - Inoka
Post Time Limit (PTL): 1 to 2 Days.
Skip Points: III
​

 

[Mellow]

Hayate's expression softened slightly as he listened to his cousin’s apology, though a hint of skepticism lingered in his eyes. His hands remained tucked in his pockets as he raised an eyebrow. A faint smile touched Hayate’s lips, though he shook his head slightly, unimpressed by the idea she mentioned.
​

A Gato Shokora? That might be nice, but I’m not sure sweets are going to make up for missing something this big. So don't expect a piece of cake to make up for it.​

But as he looked at her, he could see a flicker of determination in her gaze. Despite her absence earlier, he could tell she genuinely regretted it. His frustration began to ease, and his mind shifted to the other reason Takashi had sent him here. When he mentioned training, Baiyō’s eyes lit up, and her immediate response came with a spark of enthusiasm.
​

You should’ve done more than just beat up an oversized stuffed doll, Baiyō. Even a basic clone jutsu would’ve been better practice. You can’t rely on just that one method if you’re serious about improving. Even if it was just something to do until one of us showed up.​

As he spoke, Hayate slowly slid his hands out of his pockets, stepping back into a wide stance. His body seemed to align naturally, his left leg forward and his right leg angled slightly back, while his palms faced outward in the classic Hyuga Gentle Fist stance.
​

All right. Let’s see if that ‘practice’ with the dummy paid off any.​

He took a deep breath, channeling the subtle but unmistakable intensity of the Byakugan into his eyes.

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