What does one do in the face of darkness?

Sero had turned to the training grounds once more in his time away from the village. The two clans he now ruled over lived in a sense of foreboding. The Hozuki less so since he seemed comfortable in their compound. He even did a great deal of the paperwork stacked up for both and got their affairs in order. However the Kaguya were a different story. Unlike the Hozuki who had simply abandoned his mother, the Kaguya had ordered his death at the hands of his father. Who despite his attempt had failed and lost his life in the process. They had let him be expecting him never to rise from his hospital bed. The injury sustained from his father had kept him there for two decades and little had changed. Even on the day of his escape they had expected little of him. Now he ruled over them and another prominent clan. Holding influence within the village to the point that killing him now would bring wrath upon their heads. Not that any of them actually believed they could end him. With signatures naming him the head of both clans none of them had any ground to stand against one of the princesses decisions.

For Sero though he could taste the fear in the air whenever he went to or left his office at the nightmare brigade. He had been given a handful of shinobi to help with his bidding. Yet he didn't seem to need them for much. Not at the moment anyway. He prefered to use his own hand and the will of those he chose. One he had recruited had turned on him though. Costing the Hyuga his life in the process. Another called the pit child had faded from sight. The winter Princess Sayuri was busy with work for the village and his final follower was in a deep sleep. His illusions sleeping with him. In the end all who had met Sero and agreed to join him were no longer directly by his side. He served Sayuri still but she stood above him. As that was the case he had a need to discover new power. To stand alone against all odds. Thus he had turned to the beast sealed within him by the mysterious stranger and the fools who followed him. A man he would one day kill for that insult against him.

It was early morning in the training grounds and the sun had just begun to rise. A heavy mist clung to the dimly lit forest. Yet here no animals stirred. No insects or birds chirped. It was unnaturally still. As if the woods held bated breath for what it held deep within it. The air hung cold and wet despite the rising sun still. A frost on the grass as even the stream seemed oddly silent. Deep within the woods sat Sero in all white robes with blue hair and striking blue eyes as he sat upon a flat boulder. His legs kneeling as he sat on his feet. His pale fingers with blackened nails intertwined in his lap with his thumbs touching as he focused inwardly. To anyone approaching it was clear he was the source of it all. Stepping within sight of him would send a chill down the spine. As if some great beast were stalking the new arrival just out of sight. Hungry and waiting patiently. As Sero focused on the Bijuu within him one by one three small green flames like candles without the stick would form around him. Casting a green glow over the mist covered area.

As was routine for Miaka Takoyami, she gathered up a few belongings and headed into the training grounds of Kirigakure. The forest was still damp from the morning dew and a light fog roiled around her knees as she walked through. The cold could put her immune system at risk this early in the morning, so the young woman had adorned herself in a long sleeved comfortable steel blue dress. It was loose and flowing around her legs, the wool resisting the chill and the wet of the morning and keeping her as safe as she could be. She could hear the morning song of swallows and robins, maybe, and a light hum of waking beetles and small bees. Miaka strode determinedly, as it was common knowledge that she was of delicate health but the pink haired female refused to let that define her. She had come to train, as she had every morning for the past few years. She needed to build up her strength and coordination at whatever cost. A long walk was a good start, as it presented the least physical risk.

She inhaled deeply and then stopped with a light groan, "Seriously? How could I forget that? For all my intelligence, I can be such a dolt." Her light self deprecation came from her lips without much energy. Upon her back, she carried a lightweight cotton and bamboo rucksack. Inside were three containers for water, two apples, and a tiny medical kit with basic gauze, needle and thread, and some common pills. She went for the kit, opening it and counting out three of the pills. Miaka swallowed them down with some water, and closed up her bag quietly thinking to herself. Three in the morning, three at night. Her magenta eyes flicked around the area and then she squinted at an area ahead, near the top of a little hill just inclined enough to block her complete vision with trees. "Is that a light?" She uttered softly, seeing a faint green glow. This was the training grounds: she felt no need to be concerned here in the heart of such a protected village. Whomever or whatever was causing the light was likely no real danger to her. Still, she didn't like to surprise people in the middle of techniques and it was the most physically safe option to investigate and introduce herself, just in case. She didn't need a stray arrow or lightning strike to come her way.

Miaka climbed the hill with effort. She practiced her regular breathing and after several minutes she made it up there, calling out before she could see who was there. "I'm approaching your location! Please abstain from shooting me! I am not an enemy of any sort and I will not harm or interrupt you further." It was a bit long winded and lacked a conversational ease. She found that her high intelligence could be a great weapon and a great crutch depending on the situation and introductions weren't much her strong suit. She lifted her open hands as she made it through the trees, spying a man who knelt in silence in white robes. Immediately, she felt guilty, although those emerald candlelights floating in the air caught her attention. She reminded herself to be cautious, as genjutsu training was as dangerous as the real thing and Miaka didn't really know what this man was doing up here. Despite being 24, she looked more like 20, perhaps even younger with her innocent stance and hands raised up.

A voice called out almost on the edge of his consciousness. Someone warning that they were approaching. Cold blue eyes would slowly open and his head would turn to his right to observe the young lady approaching from the treeline shortly after. The young lady appeared to be bundled for warmth but despite her warm clothing he could see she appeared rather frail. No emotion resided within those eyes but he noted she was a little over the ten meters away from him. She was wise to announce her presence here and yet...she had ignored all the signs of danger nature provided. The silence and stillness that nature took on when a predator was close. Humans often ignored these warnings. Thinking they could impose their will as they saw fit. However he would idly wonder if she was the same. She did not appear imposing. Perhaps it was simply a matter of circumstance. A mistaken path taken. Still cold blue eyes empty of emotion would take in her appearance and Sero would remain silent a moment. The three green flames flared before shifting and gliding as they shrank down to about the size of a finger tip. Slowly rotating about a meter above his head now yet still casting a green glow over the mist.

Sero would slowly seem to rise to his feet with no effort and a strange grace to him. The shadows around him danced within the light of the green flame like something alive. His own shadow cast behind him as something else entirely. A large black shadow with five tails slowly swaying back and forth. The bijuu within watching as he had been attempting to tame it further. The mist swirled in a slow circle around them on the ground like a blanket. White as snow. She may not recognize him immediately but he also did not know her. One pale hand with black nails would lift before him as he held his hand outstretched. His fingers slowly closing one by one as his index finger would be left to indicate for her to come closer. Regardless of what she did his hands would return to folding in front of him as he stood looking over her from the boulder he had been kneeling on. If she stepped forward the sensation to flee this place would wash over her. As if her instincts would scream she was in danger and yet Sero made no move towards her. Speaking to her directly while the shadows seemed to whisper. Barely audible in echo of his words.

"You stand now before Jaakuna Sero. Lord of the Kaguya and Hozuki and commander of the Nightmare Brigade. I would know your name little one. As well as why you have happened upon me in this forest. So deep within its shadows and so far from civilization. Most come to gain strength or to run from something of their past. Which choice have you made?"

The man in robes was quiet for an uncomfortable enough time that Miaka decided to continue stepping forward with her hands raised placatingly. She heard the crunch underfoot and stopped to look down, seeing a distinct layer of frost here. In the moment's pause the sound itself was frightening. She couldn't put her finger on why exactly it would be so. Miaka felt suddenly very vulnerable as she directed her eyes back to the man before her, the small green lights shrinking in size and moving to halo over his head. The hair on the nape of her neck stood on end and she hugged herself with her hands, feigning coldness to hide the abrupt sense of fear in her heart. He stood and stretched out a hand, wordless and graceful. There was something beautiful and hypnotic about the man but she didn't recognize him at all. She started to walk forward as he gestured her to do so, taking it as permission. Surely, whatever feeling would fade once she was close enough to really see his face and expression, once she could hear his voice. They would no longer be strangers in the woods but acquaintances on the path to a sure friendship. Or at least that's how even the most odd introductions in Miaka's life had seemed to go.

She swallowed hard, reflexively and took a step forward, and another. She never left her eyes from him in the silence that lingered as the snow-like mist shrouded the pair. She gave an involuntary shiver but her spine stayed rigid. Don't show weakness, don't show weakness. She repeated the mantra mentally, though there seemed still nothing inherently dangerous about the situation. I am in the training grounds. This is a safe place. Perhaps, this is a genjutsu, a prank, or a test.. Don't show weakness. When he finally spoke, it somehow felt more treacherous than the silence. She stopped beneath the boulder, her pink hair swaying around her. Anyone with a keen enough perception could see she was tense, but whether from cold or some sort of distrust, it might be hard to know. His words were declarative, almost as if there was a command within them despite his polite form. Her head told her it would be smart to say nothing, give away nothing. It said it would be smart to lie and attempt to depart from this place and go back to her bed. His name changed her mind: everyone knew the name of the Hozuki and Kaguya Lord and it would be ultimately foolish to run or lie without him deeming her a possible threat. Or worse, deeming her a nothing. Don't show weakness.

She might have been ill, and few Takoyami ventured far enough to spend significant time in Kirigakure near the other Hozuki, but Miaka was technically one of them. Miaka spoke clearly after a moment's hesitation, accompanying her greeting with a careful bow, "Good morning, Lord Sero. I'm Miaka Takoyami." She paused again, wondering how much he knew of the small sub family. The Takoyami were good for some small trade and resources, but it was no secret that they weren't much in the way of warriors. She wondered if he would doubt her when she named herself shinobi. "I am a jounin of Kirigakure and I simply came here to train a bit. I enjoy starting off with a long walk." It was in itself a truth, albeit not a complete one.

Her magenta eyes flashed briefly at the mention of running from her past. Was there nobody that was true for more than she? Miaka did her best to bury the details of her own past, and even more her health. She didn't care for the way people, especially other shinobi looked at her when they found out that she had some limits. That was a big reason that she was out here in the first place, to push her limits. She stood up from her bow and clasped her hands before her, "I apologize for bothering you, Commander. I am sure you are plenty busy." Her heart raced and she took a steadying breath, demanding it to be calm. Had she taken her medications earlier, perhaps her heart wouldn't be so disobedient now. Then again, this man was a leader and a killer. She supposed just being near such an imposing person would take some sort of toll.

She would approach as she was bidden and he would watch her. He never seemed to blink or waver his gaze. Mostly because he was a Hozuki. Or half of one. The need to blink was to rid the eye of any foreign bodies or to hydrate the eye and since he controlled his liquid body he had no need to blink. Still he could sense it coming off of her. That scent of fear floating in the air. He was used to it from those around him. Even how she held herself like she were cold. His eyes shifted to the frost covered ground as her steps crunched towards him. She held herself like she were cold to mask her fear but he could sense it now. Still he would make an effort to make her feel welcome in his presence. Both of his hands would shift to his sides as he would produce two more small green flames to join the three spinning in a slow circle above his head. The area would suddenly burst with warmth. The frost fading quickly as the mist was pushed back under the green glow and the cold of the morning would fade as if Sero were a bonfire providing heat.

She would introduce herself and he would tilt his head. Still not blinking before he would step forward. Gliding down like a wraith slowly to the ground in front of her. His bare feet touching the ground and burning away the grass immediately. Blackening the earth beneath his feet. He was however not using any real jutsu. Simple practices in control and allowing his katon chakra to keep him warm despite the chill around them. However in doing so he had turned himself into a super heated surface that burned away weak things before him. Still he would make no threatening moves to her and the mist pushed back quickly as if it shied away at his will. He would nod his head to her respectfully as she respected his wishes and introduced herself. He would speak once more. Though this close to her the sounds of voices echoing him would sound more like giggles in the shadows. As if something was amused by her presence. The five tails in his shadow would shift its tails lazily back and forth. His blue eyes looking her over before he would reply.

"Takoyami, Merchants mostly if memory serves. A small enough community that does not typically wish to be involved in the affairs of war. Yet here you are in the training grounds. A jounin no less. Perhaps you stray from your clans policies? Do you dread complacency as I do? Do not fret I find your people to be useful and while I do not share their views they have nothing to fear from me so long as no laws are forsaken. I grow curious though I admit. One of your clan not only joining the shinobi forces but rising to the rank of Jounin....If I may be so bold I am curious....what is it that drives you? What is it you hope to achieve here?"

Miaka's magenta eyes widened as he created more green fire. She willed her fear away and sternly admonished herself in thought: It's just a jutsu. Katon, of course, and something like copper to make it green. Don't show weakness. She felt the roil of fear like dozens of stinging flies swarming upon her skin, and yet Miaka compelled them to move to her sides. She preferred to seem at ease, at the least. Her mantra since joining the shinobi had started with the bullies of nearly every rank encouraging her to quit. Every time she ran out of breath and collapsed, each time she had dislocated a limb or broke a bone, there had always been someone around to snigger and smirk. Oh, they offered help to her well knowing she could hardly bear to ever refuse it... but Miaka felt their pity and knew she looked like a worthless shinobi in their eyes. So she started it then, telling herself to not show weakness. Predators could always sniff out weakness and Miaka had no desire to be exploited.

The pink haired woman offered him a tentative smile, out of politeness and respect for his position mostly. The warmth from his flames enveloped her like one of Nonna's old hugs and she quite felt the pang of loneliness as she stood before the leader. When he approached her, the frost melting beneath his step, Miaka realized that the green fire not only provided light but warmth. And seeing as the cold was no more a nuisance to him than bare feet on the forest floor, he must have enhanced it for her benefit. "Thank you, Commander," She acknowledged. The feeling of being stalked had not left her, but her confidence grew in that she assumed the leader would not harm her. His words partially comforted her even further, in that he knew of her family. She supposed she should not have expected less from the leader, even if the family was likely inconsequential to the Hozuki success.

At the same time, his words greatly concerned her. He was prying into her personally, seeking information that might have been easy to give for the ordinary shinobi. For a young woman who had left home and joined the military wasn't so unusual in itself and her goals might have been something more simple like honor, money or boredom. The leader must have known that she would have a different tale. Miaka gathered some of her hair in her left hand, stroking it with her right. Once more lying to the leader was unwise, and some might even say that she was lucky to have caught his attention for so long in the first place. "I see nothing wrong with complacency so long as its honest. From what I know, Kirigakure is in good condition and plenty may feel that way. I don't really have a stake in it one way or the other, Commander." She tightened her grip on her hair and forced herself to look up at his face. "To be frank and brief, I chose a new life." The word 'chose' was a loaded one, but she had to admit that it had been enough time since she was shunned from her family that she had become accustomed to compartmentalizing. It was as if her old life didn't exist, and her new one was plain.

The woman added, "I don't know what it will be filled with. Thusly, I suppose I am mainly driven by the desire to overcome my limits." She felt a little dull and stupid for saying so, but in her life right now she hadn't felt many true attachments. She filled her days with training and work, and her nights with friends or meditation. She certainly was busy enough but her heart and her loyalty was with no one; Miaka lacked a real ambition for herself.

"Hmm" was almost a soft growl that emerged from Seros lips. Echoing across the small clearing. He cared little of her background beyond her being a Hozuki. Her family line was known as merchants and yet she had strived for more. To the point where she had managed to reach the rank of jounin. Sero himself had not long been enlisted but he knew such a rank was one not given to the weak. Humble beginnings or not she was expected to have a certain level of power. He wondered idly what those conditions may be. She said she was driven by the desire to overcome her limits. He would pause a moment as his cold blue eyes seemed to see through her and into her innermost sanctum. As if he were a moment from reaching out and touching her soul. Of course in a way he was. But he would not delve into that just yet. He wanted to see if she could achieve what he expected of her. To surpass the limits of the weak and touch the world of the gods. He would shift to face her fully before speaking once more. No emotion in his voice or expression on his face.

"A jounin you said? It is my understanding that is not something so easily achieved. A choice you made long ago leading you to the path you are on now...How many times you must have surpassed those limits you spoke of....." Sero would pause a moment as he considered his own fragile beginnings. The escape from the hospital and the stagnation of everything there. How absolutely frail he had been. His eyes drifted into a stare at nothing at the memory a moment before they seemed to almost snap back and look her in the eye. "I expect as a jounin your power should be impressive. But we each have our talents of course. As a Hozuki I assume you have access to the suiton element. Humor me and do as I do a moment if you please. I wish to compare our talents."

With that Sero would turn slowly to look to the boulder he had been settled on. The green fires above his head flared before bursting into individual longer and more violent green flames. As if responding to his use of chakra. The grass would flatten around him from the pressure he exuded as he gathered suiton chakra into his gut. Forming hand seals in rapid succession  Tiger > Rat > Horse > Snake > Dragon  before clapping his hands together. From his lips a black water stream would erupt forth and the high pressure of it tearing a chasm through the boulder before tearing off into the forest for a hundred meters tearing apart everything in its path. Tree's and all manner of things decimated as a new trench was left in its wake. Once it was finished Sero would rise up once more and settle calmly. His hands folding in front of himself before turning his cold dead gaze on her. Waiting to see her do the same.

Jutsu used :

His thoughtful hmm sound came out like a reverberation, a growl, and Miaka almost tensed back up like a bow string. Don't show weakness, stay calm. For an uneasy moment, he stared at her with his icy blue orbs and the woman squirmed under his intensity. She had been doing a fair job of looking normal and unafraid but the shadows, the foreboding feeling making her heart do double time, and his pressing presence was wearing her down. She had no doubt that he was stronger than she had even imagined the lord could be. His question of her rank seemed more rhetorical than serious, but Miaka nodded her pink haired head in a slow rhythm to confirm it anyway. When he spoke of her surpassing her limits, it gave her real mental pause.

She still felt weak, she continued to require days off, and routinely she fell ill for no real reason at all. Her focus was always on her faults and her limits, maybe because that is what so many others focused on. For one of the first times in her adult life, Miaka noted to herself with pride that she was a jounin. She wanted to be more, or do more, but the desire to fill the emptiness in her life didn't actually correlate to her own abilities or limits. She was surprised it took this happenstance and somewhat frightening meeting in the forest to realize that for herself. She felt as if a weight lifted off her shoulders and Miaka stood a little straighter, a little more relaxed even, more akin to a bow perhaps after the arrow was finally released to its target. The pink haired jounin had done it: she had surpassed many of her limits and she would continue to do so now.

The lord's private pause seemed to synchronize with Miaka's own and he regained the attention of her magenta eyes when he continued speaking. "Yes," She beamed, "I do have suiton, and many other talents." The jounin watched him turn about to face the boulder he had been seated on. Miaka stepped slightly to the side to better observe him just as the green flames flared about his head. Their violet color meant a change in the chakra, or perhaps an add of metal salts in the air, or an increase of temperature even. Miaka paid attention as he made the seals in order: Tiger > Rat > Horse > Snake > Dragon  then clapping his hands. He said he wanted to compare talents, and while she was certain she might impress him for a person of the Takoyami, the pink haired woman was less sure she was even worth comparing to. True, she had realized her own worth and skills just now, but that didn't change the fact that he led two clans.

The boulder split apart, the trees bowed, bent, and broke, as the force of his water jutsu went through the forest. The Water Severing Wave was more monumental and profound than the scroll she had once seen it depicted in. She knew books and scrolls weren't everything, but they usually did a fair job of showing techniques. In this case, maybe it was more the user than the technique itself in considering its power, though Miaka had not yet dared attempt this technique on her own. "Do as you do," Miaka uttered softly, gazing into the wake of destruction left. She rarely learned from other people, using mostly texts and her own practice but in this case she doubted that Sero would let her just walk away from his request of an attempt. She didn't want to fail but if she didn't try, Miaka knew she would regret it. She nodded several times, "All right. I've got it."

She stood beside him and made careful aim in her mind beside his own torrent-path. She didn't want to cause more damage than necessary but if she didn't damage anything it might be hard to evaluate her performance. Her lithe hands moved from her hair, where they had become tangled in thought, to string through the identical seals Tiger > Rat > Horse > Snake > Dragon. Based on the way he spat out the water, she knew she would have to gather her chakra inside her belly. She focused her energy and pursed her lips, slapping her hands together to complete the move. When she opened her mouth a pale blue stream of water poured outward, like someone who had harnessed the power and amount of water from a downpour rainstorm into a single blast. It sliced alongside Sero's own path, stretching just as far as his but in a thinner passage through the forest. It found half of the boulder he had sliced and broke it into a quarter before breaking the bowed trees on the right side of his trail. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, not realizing that she had bent over to brace her own legs and body for the force of the technique. Miaka straightened and glanced up, "Commander?" She asked, curious of his appraisal.

Jutsu Trained with 250 WC Required:

Sero would fold his hands in front of himself. Flat with left over right as he would step back to observe her. The young woman hoping to accomplish much from simple beginnings. However Sero did not care for the status one was born with. He cared for their will. The ability to rise when everything is crashing down. It was only those who knew the need to get stronger that truly strived for it. He did not mind the complacent but he had never wished to be one of them. This test was to see if she had risen above her means. He did not notice when she stood a little taller. He did not see his words as things she may not have already realized. Instead he simply waited a moment for her to prepare. Allowing her to hype herself up as it were. He had no interest in rushing her as he had come out here to train control himself. He could feel the Bijuu within him sneer. For a moment a part of him was within his mind once more. A dark place with pillars and green flames hanging on them. Nothing stirred but the floor around the one stone Sero stood on. The floor itself was a bubbling liquid from Kokuōs boil release.

Kokuō was trapped within a dark cage in the center of the pool and chained down within it. A seal on each bar to contain them. Still Kokuō would chuckle before he spoke with what little movement the chains allowed. "You think you can conquer me and still play leader to your people? Here I thought you more beast than man. Closer to the bijuu than mankind. Here my voice and know you can not do both. If you grow distracted from me I will break free and return to my solitude." There was a moment of silence. Kokuō hated being held there. Captured by this monster bathed in so much blood. It had spent time trying to corrode away at the seals but to no avail. Still it would wait and watch a moment before Sero's cold gaze would shift upon it. Once more it felt that fear when they had first met. When Sero had subjugated it originally. That gaze that held no humanity. No remorse or hint of a soul. Sero did not speak in return but the message was clear. He would not fail. He would not allow it.

No outward sign was given aside from a tightening in Sero's hands that the interaction had happened. His eyes watched as she performed the hand signs and and clapped. Forcing out a thinner light blue stream which cut through the rock in front of her and made a slightly thinner trench next to his own. Sero would wait for the jutsu to complete before stepping forward. Her question to him was just his title but he understood her need for validation. His pale hand would reach out to touch the stone where she had marked it before speaking in an emotionless tone.

"Sometimes a sword is needed but the use of a razors edge is without question. You have done well. But there is one more task I would like to set. We have disturbed the forest and left a mark. In return we should restore some balance to nature. Do again as I do and if you succeed I will have a proposal for you."

In truth the range of this attack was massive enough to fill the trenches five times over with a thin layer of water but he wished fill the trenches entirely. However this one only required one hand seal. Sero would form the ram seal and take a deep breath. Once he let it out a huge stream of water much less condensed would rush forth with the water spray from it causing it to seem like it was raining over the forest. His aim was true however as it finished his trench was filled and slightly over flowing with water. Almost like a small river now. The forests life restored. With that done he would fold his hands once more and step to the side to wait again.

Jutsu used :

Miaka Takoyami waited with baited breath for his response. He had stayed tight-lipped, forcing her to be patient and wait while he bent to touch a cut stone. Miaka deliberated a moment before he spoke: no matter her approach, her stance, her vocabulary or her tone, the commander didn't seem to react. Other than the aura of fear still lingering around them, she read nothing from his face or his eyes. Just how cold was he, how calculating? Or perhaps he hid away his emotions from those he didn't know. That would also make sense given his high ranking and the necessity for secrecy. Miaka wasn't sure how she was being graded but he didn't seem displeased with her display or her discussed motivations. There was an odd comfort in his outward sense of apathy: something she wouldn't get with just any person, a break from the judgement. She was about to ride her train of thought down a dark hole, curious if he might have been straight forward or sly when the commander spoke.

"I will," Miaka acquiesced with candor, "I would also prefer to repair the forest in your model." Her magenta eyes swept over the two slashes in the ground and back over to he blue eyed male. He only used one hand sign this time before spewing out a blast of churning water, spraying the area and raining over the trees nearby. As the particles cleared, his jutsu complete, Miaka could see the waves still reflecting back and forth over the new river, threatening to spill over and in some places it stirred enough that she thought it may fill up her smaller trench as well. That would have defeated the point of his little test however. The woman realized that she was expected to do her own and there was some freedom there, as if there was no point in attempting only in doing. Miaka thought the commander might not have much use for a jounin who tried hard but accomplished nothing. She would show him that he was correct and she had the power to push and overcome her limits ever further.

Miaka made the seal of the ram with her fingers, half of them overlapping the others and her index fingers pressed to alignment. She took a deep breath, repeating the commander's action and let out her own tide of water. It started at one end and then worked like an invisible current suctioning the water to the farthest end first. She filled the little trench about three quarters of the way until the waves started to spill outward and then Miaka stopped. She let gravity draw the water back and fill the remaining and closest end of the stretch, rocking the water forward and back until it began to dissipate its energy. The little tributary was so close to his larger river that Miaka wondered if she ought to have made an attempt to connect them for nature's sake. Like last time, Miaka looked up to the tall man and asked, "A proposal, Commander?"

Jutsu Trained with 250 WC required:

Sero would watch in silence without ever seeming to show any response with his facial features or eyes. Never blinking and never smiling. Some would assume he looked displeased and others uninterested. Most found being so close to him unnerving due to his aura. Yet she was performing well under the circumstances. She was quick to pick up yet another suiton ninjutsu and he would watch as it filled her trench. The two rivers side by side with a small land bridge between them. The training grounds were not often home to small animals. But they did venture through and some fresh water for them was the only a gesture but one he wished for. He felt more for animals than man. They only sought to live and survive. Knowing nothing of cruelty on their own and never seeking to take more than they needed. He appreciated that from nature. Humans on the other hand treated each other with malice more than anything else. He was created in his mind for the sole purpose of ending that behavior. Still she would inquire of him about the proposal he mentioned and he would turn his head to look at her in silence a moment longer. The five tails of his shadow swishing back and forth until he spoke once more.

"You appear to be fully capable of defending yourself. Two jutsu mastered quickly and each of them very effective in combat. I have recently  been made the head of two clans and a division. However my talents lay entirely in delivering justice where it is needed. You have broken away from your clans typical behaviors but I imagine that a business sense is something you are intimately familiar with. I need an assistant to help with all of the business side of everything. Running the Hozuki and the Kaguya as well as a military faction. If you can bear to attend my presence so well you are uniquely positioned for such a position. So I offer you this once as I do not ask for anything twice. Join me and the nightmare brigade. Bring our work to our foes and help me keep the gears turning. It is a lot to ask I know but I would not have done so if I thought you incapable."

He would turn fully to her waiting for a response. Those cold blue eyes watching her as the green flames would slowly circle around him. Through the entire conversation and two high ranking jutsu Sero had managed to maintain them. Keeping his work on control going. Control above all else. Still he knew he was asking a lot of her. Yet this was an oppurtunity for him. To see if a Hozuki....even a sub branch of them...would be capable of following him and helping him.

The truth was that she had been excommunicated from her family when she was 16, about eight years ago now. She had high intelligence, an aptitude for the family business, but that family business was running a clinic. She learned medical details and questions to ask in order to help diagnose physical and mental ailments. The business side of things was something Miaka hadn't spent as much time or interest with. Still, she wasn't going to go into unnecessary detail for the commander who clearly didn't abide side stories. She might not know much about business or paper work, but the jounin was a fast learner and doubted that something of this nature would be a real challenge to her. Miaka inclined her head slightly as he spoke, acknowledging his honest self appraisal with a near stranger with approval. Her small hands found themselves twisting about her long hair as she considered his proposal. Miaka had expected to be asked to run an errand, perhaps even a mission, but a place on his intimate staff came as a surprise. Did she even want this job?

On the other hand, what reason did she have to say no? She might learn a lot and in the position she would certainly garner further respect from her colleagues. The position would give her a purpose and maybe fill the void of the boredom she had been dealing with lately. Her magenta eyes found his cold azure ones and she smiled. Even with the confirmation that his presence would give her the chills, there was nothing that could overturn the power of his faith in her ability. "Of course, Commander. Whatever you need." Facing off with his swirling and creepy shadow, the aura of becoming prey, it was overall nothing compared to what she dealt with regularly by her own self deprecation. At least in this case, she knew it wasn't a universal truth and some sort of technique the commander possessed. Managing the fear while doing a perfect job for Lord Sero would strengthen her mentally as well. Somehow in the span of half a minute, Miaka had gone from uneasy and disinterested to enthusiastic and hopeful about this mysterious position. "When do I start?"

Sero would watch her quietly a moment as she seemed to absorb his words. He had need of her and that was all that really mattered. He had grown concerned over all the paperwork and while he could read and write, without a formal education he was struggling. Even if she had chosen a different path her insight into business from her ancestors would be highly valuable here. If she could handle the majority of lesser matters for the clans continued existence or rather two clans he could focus more on the nightmare brigade. With all the backing of two of the nations most prominent clans behind the brigade there was little that could challenge it. Answering directly to Sayuri as they carved their way through whatever enemy they were assigned. His interests were not in politics but he would play his role. A seeker of justice to those whos souls were forfeit. No one doubted he was dangerous that met him and even criminals conspired to end him. Now that he was in a position where he was protected though he would be much harder to dispose of. She would agree and simply inquire as to when they would start. For a moment the shadow behind him almost seemed to smile.

"For the paperwork portion of the two clans you may set your own schedule. You will be provided your own office at the nightmare brigades barracks on the Hozuki clan compound. For all but the most important decisions you will be granted authority under me. So long as the work is done no complaints will be heard from me as to when or how. However I would like you to attend a mission with me tomorrow. If you value your loved ones I would wear a disguise. I myself have none so I do not disguise myself. Come prepared to kill at sunrise. Just outside the Hozuki compound. Dismissed."

With that Sero would turn and seem to fade away as he glided along. The heat of his presence fading as mist picked up and hid him. Soon the light of the green flames would fade as his presence did. As if the world were normal again simply because he was gone. Insects and birds began to chirp as life returned in his absence. Leaving one to wonder if the being who did not consider himself human really wasn't.

.................................................................................

The next day Sero would be waiting just outside the clan compound as mist slowly would flow along the ground. Almost like a layer of water shifting along. Flowing around his ankles. Sero was wearing what appeared to be white pants with no shoes glowing up into a high v neck black shirt and a white long coat over it. His blue hair in stark contrast to it while his ice cold blue eyes would seem to stare into the treeline. Hands folded behind his back as he stood very still. Like a statue awaiting something. No weapon adorned his person but there was no doubt he was prepared. Heat filled the air around them as if it were noon. Yet the mist did not fade away from him this time. He was preparing to kill. As he must. But today would be testing the will of his newest subordinate. Her ability to take lives. It was an important moment for her indeed.

The mission:

Setting her own schedule, having her own office, and especially gaining authority under the Commander was an intense joy for Miaka Takoyami. She had never been taken so seriously in her life. It was probably the best thing which had ever happened to her. She knew if Kaleo had still been alive, that he would have been proud of her as much as she was. But of course, Kaleo had died long ago now and of his own volition. A rise in pain, enhanced by her anger with him and her own family and worsened further by her loneliness, lifted through her body. Her spine straightened and she shook her head fiercely, slapping her own cheek hard. Don't show weakness. This was her chance, and a chance in a lifetime. Already some of the other jounin looked at her with respect and wariness and she relished it, ignoring the little voice that said it was impossible for them to have found out about her position so quickly and their looks had been their all along. For once in her sickly traumatic life, Miaka felt powerful.

The pink haired woman clamored out of her bed, a plain comfortless mattress with a single blanket and pillow. There was a clutter of medical supplies on the nightstand and even a cane nearby resting against the wall for her hardest and sickest days. She crossed the room with spring in her step, as if she had been fully healed and didn't need any of those things any more. Miaka washed up and dressed in a practical shinobi garment: a high waisted black skirt divided into 8 sections with thigh high slits to enable highest motility, a stiff white yukata meant to be light weight for her activities but more professional than a blouse for shinobi work, and finally ankle high white boots with extra supports and inserts. Some might have mocked her look, but she had designed the skirt herself and had sewn the white yukata up with pockets on the inside of her sleeves to hold a variety of needed items on a mission. Her tied obi was long and white and decorated with purple and gold overlapping circles; this too gave her places to store items in hidden packs. She was just finishing up tying all of her long rivulets of hair into a single braid when she had a sudden realization.

The commander had told her to be prepared to kill. This was no ordinary mission of arresting the bad guys, dissuading thieves in the market, or even the occasional physical labor. Of course, Miaka had killed on missions before but they were in times where a civil arrest or surrender were not made possible by the offender. She had set out with the firmness that was needed in hard times and she had been able to make the hard choices, but Miaka hadn't ever set out with the full intention to simply kill. Miaka took a few meditative breaths and ignored the fact telling herself in the mirror, "They must have deserved it. The Commander is someone I can trust and he is my leader and an executive in the clan." It was easy enough to figure out her stance from her small bathroom but it might have changed in the actual context and events of the mission. She made a face at herself in the mirror, eye half closed and her tongue hanging out. Then she laughed loudly, "Okay time to get serious."

Miaka thought about it and looked around her studio apartment for something she could use as a disguise. She hadn't any loved ones who were around but she didn't want to put herself in needless danger either. It would just be easier for everyone if she attempted to hide her identity. She pulled out a scarf and wrapped it around her neck, sliding it up over her mouth and nose. The happy cotton candy fabric didn't really suit the mood or attire and she groaned softly. Miaka jerked it off and found a pair of amber shaded sunglasses that she used for going to the beach. While she had to admit that she looked good in them, it made no sense as a real disguise. She had one other option and she went searching under her bed next. Miaka hurried to pull out the mask she had won at a festival stall a few years ago: a white faceless mask with demonic eyes for her to see through. Purple lines swirled around the rest of the mask in disarray until lining into eight tentacles. The tentacles wrapped around her head to keep the mask on. She wasn't sure it was a good disguise but it was better than nothing.

Miaka Takoyami was full prepared for the mission with her necessary gear, including a bag of bottled water, and disguise and arrived before the commander. She gave a small bow and greeted him, "Morning, Commander. I hope this is appropriate attire."

Sero would glance to the woman a moment as she approached them. Her attire was noted but as far as disguises went...well she wouldn't be easily recognized. However Sero had no one. He had no family and his queen was more protected than anyone else in the country. Others had tried to come for him before but he left no bodies to be found. Beyond that he was not the typical human. He considered himself a monster and it was widely believed he was. The mist shifted along as it raised like tendrils to wrap up his leg a moment. As if the mist itself clung to him as one may a lover. He would wait for her to approach a moment before she would address him first. She appeared to have prepared herself mentally. He could see determination in her eyes. She was eager to serve and eager to please. Perhaps he had chosen her because she had something to prove. She would do her duty even if she hesitated at first. To Sero she was the ideal experiment. Could someone of normal morals do the work the brigade did? Or would he only attract natural born killers? Sayuri had been doe eyed too at first...but she was different.

"Your gear is sufficient. No one should easily recognize you. Come along....I have transportation to get us there."

With that the mist would part from the treeline as a black carriage drawn by two black horses would seem to emerge. Green flames on lanterns on all four corners hung down and the driver was also in disguise. All black robes with a hood over a plague doctors white mask. The carriage would pull up and it was clear the horses were blindfolded to keep them from panicking around Sero. The driver would bow his head once the all black carriage pulled to a stop. Like a thing from a haunted story. Sero would step up and open the carriage door before settling onto a cushioned seat. Waiting for her to join him before the driver would begin to drive the carriage. Only once they were on their way would Sero speak up once more. Cold blue eyes watching. Never blinking as he seemed to always be searching her eyes whenever they made eye contact. As if he was simply waiting for betrayal. Waiting for another human to turn on him.

"Our mission today is to eliminate a terrorist cell. Their location has been provided to us. An abandoned manor about two miles from here. The reports say there are at least eight of them and their abilities are unknown. However it is clear that if left unchecked these known terrorists will take innocent lives. How would you proceed?"

The 24 year old couldn't help but stare when the mist fastened upon his legs. She could use her chakra to manipulate water around her and of course as a Takoyami, essentially a Hozuki in her own right, Miaka could manipulate her own body into a fluid form. But water never held a separate personality, an opinion, or even a preference. Water was just water, mist was just mist. The way mist moved around him was plainly unnatural. She considered yesterday's meeting and how the shadows moved around him, seeming to breath and swirl with their own mind. It was of course impossible as he was a Hozuki and not of the Nara clan. Still the natural phenomena around him seemed to be anything but. Miaka wanted to ask him about it but something of his persona told her she ought to keep such personal questions to herself. He approved of her outfit and she was glad she had taken the extra time to find the old festival mask: the octopus theme to the mask reminded her of where she came from but today her mind was going to stay focused on the task at hand. She could be petty and mourn her losses again after the mission was completed. "Right behind you, Commander," She said following him to his transportation.

She laughed out loud when she saw the carriage. The poor jounin guffawed and bent over holding her stomach with one hand. She straightened and took a calming breath and then burst into giggles again. A black carriage with black horses, a disguised driver in a plague mask and the green flames was a picture straight out of a fantasy horror novel. Was this some sort of joke? Had she been transported to some gray misted alternative dimension with vampires and demons? She half expected to see a man in traditional and exotic garments appear as Lord Sero opened the carriage door. She felt slightly embarrassed but her professional demeanor eased a bit and Miaka felt brave enough to try to commune with the commander on a more personal level. "Are you the haunted lord of Demonreach Island, Commander?" Miaka asked lifting her mask to show her grinning face. She referenced a common shared youth's-tale from around the area, "Are we off to battle pirate ghosts?" She smiled a bit despite the unsettling feeling Sero still emitted. At least she knew it came from him, and her joke made the presence feel a bit lighter.

Miaka clamored into the carriage to sit across from him on a plush cushion. The way his eyes narrowed upon her made her squirm slightly but she listened to him, wondering if her jokes had fallen on deaf ears. As he described this terrorist cell, the woman's visage became more serious. Missions were something that were important and she would not fail him or any of the others depending on her. Still, as he mentioned the abandoned manor she let slip a small amused smirk before covering it back up with a hand. Everything about this mission so far seemed like a folk tale. Her lips pressed tightly together as she refocused on the job. Eight people of unknown capabilities who planned to endanger others. Her first thought was to ensure that no innocents would be harmed and to wait until nightfall to seal the doors of the manor before setting it aflame. She grimaced to herself; that sort of violence was effective and kept her out of danger's way but there was always a chance that if those inside were able to survive there would be a fight eight on two. Or if Lord Sero thought her stupid, perhaps eight on one. If she tried to survey the area first, she might be able to use stealth to eliminate them in smaller and manageable numbers. Miaka personally liked the fire idea most considering fire was largely unstoppable, induced panic and in Kirigakure was a force plenty of shinobi were wary of.

She lifted her magenta eyes thoughtfully to the man across from her and said in a stoney voice, "For my idea, I would suggest we survey the area during the day and attack in the middle of the night. Were I leading this mission, I would suggest sealing the manor off after confirming the safety of any bystanders in secret. Then I would set the place afire," Miaka's eyes gleamed at the idea. "Either the terrorists will die in their sleep, or they will attempt to flee in a panic. If they leave the building, we could eliminate them before they can figure out where we are or how to defend themselves." Once the terrorists were outside of the manor, they would see themselves as safe. She doubted they would expect to race out the door of a burning building and into the blades of shinobi. "What was your plan, Commander?"

Sero would listen quietly. Never shifting or giving any hint of approval or even a frown to show otherwise. Instead he simply watched her as the carriage took them where they were going. She seemed amused by something though for the life of him Sero was not sure what. They were on a mission and he dedicated all his thoughts to what was coming. Instead he would wait for her to settle and consider a plan of action. He was testing her clearly but there were no discussed parameters. She seemed lost in thought for a moment before she would begin with her plan. She wished to survey the area first. An important first step that with luck would give them numbers, capabilities perhaps even. Beyond that it allowed them to plan an attack accordingly instead of just going in blind. Preventing the harm of hostages or bystanders. The plan to move at nightfall was also a good move. Though he would have suggested just at dusk to reduce visibility or dawn when they were most exhausted. Still he wouldn't move or even blink. Setting the mansion on fire hmm? A nice enough move. Spread fear and death and eliminate anyone who attempted to escape. A brutal but effective plan. When she inquired of his plan he would finally speak in return.

"I have no plan. We will follow yours instead today. For this mission you are team lead. I am simply at your disposal. A tool to be used and insurance if anything were to go wrong. So we will move forward with observation and adjust the plan accordingly. I will provide the fire once you issue the command."

With that he did not seem concerned or eager to correct her in any way. Instead he would sit back and finally avert his gaze out the window. Only pausing once the carriage pulled to a stop. Only a quarter mile outside of the manor in question. With that Sero would climb out and expect her to follow. Once they were both outside of the carriage the driver would snap the reigns and the carriage would hurry along. Fading from view into the mist. With that Sero would nod in the direction of the manor in question. Following her lead as she went if she moved. The mist clinging to him as if he may fade from her view at any given moment. No one from too far out would likely see him.

Once they crested the hill the manor would be clearly visible. Three stories tall with the windows boarded up and plant growth almost consuming the building. Already his blue eyes shifted to search the property. There were two men preparing to light a smoke out by the front door with swords on their hips. One up in the empty bell tower with a crossbow. There was one man having a drink by the back door and a single man patrolling on either side of the building with spears. They were armed and coordinated though not very alert. Still he would place his hand on a tree he stood next to. The bark peeling away from his touch as if it were like acid. Bubbling ever so slightly. He would hold there and wait for a command from her. Or prepared to wait until nightfall. He himself didn't have sensory so it would be up to her to decide for certain how to proceed.

Miaka was a little taken aback when Sero didn't even try to hide a smile. No smile appeared! No laughter, not even a chuckle slipped out. She didn't even hear a tiny grumble in his throat as if he were trying to hold back a single amused snort. She wet her lips and straightened up more seriously before giving him her plan idea. She was somewhat disappointed because she had thought herself pretty funny. The trick to making friends as being open and light-hearted. Miaka was hoping to form a bond with the commander, the same way that she did with others. She always gave people a chance first before they inevitably betrayed and mocked her. Her face was a bit stiff and then she realized that this wasn't Lord Sero turning her away, this was him staying professional on a mission. She could always try humor again later. The woman crossed her hands in her lap so she wouldn't be tempted to toy with her hair.

The commander was testing her then, apparently, there was no other reason for choosing someone of lower rank to lead the mission with him there. Miaka Takoyami was fine with being tested, given that was how she had grown and been given each promotion so far. Miaka knew this would end one of two ways: her injured and the lord's disapproval, or her succeeding and earning praise and recognition. It was possible that she would face the former, but she was driven for the praise of her new boss to the point of being unwilling to consider a failure a possibility. "Very well," accepted Miaka with a nod. Quietly, she got out of the carriage, watching it in her periphery until it faded away. It still gave her the ghost story vibes but she didn't have time for more jokes this time. The commander nodded at her and she took it as encouragement to lead on forward.

Miaka pulled out a container of water, drinking half of it without shame; as a Hozuki there was no one more than the lord himself who would understand why she did. She started up the hill, noting the groupings of trees. It was clear that an old gravel path was made to lead to the manor but it was partially grown over with weeds. Decorative overgrown bushes and trees that were clearly meant to be cut into exquisite topiaries now looked strange with the uneven accumulation of leaves and branches. Still other trees adorned the property, speckling at random with deep knee high grass showcasing that nature was obviously encroaching over the manor's decrepit compound. It would be pretty easy for her to crouch and use the trees for cover, but it was possible there were hidden traps or alarms as well.

Near the top of the hill, she paused beside a set of three dense looking pines, decorations that had grown wild without the taming of a gardener's tools. She looked through the branches and spied the three story manor, taking account of the men she saw there, 6... or was it 8.. Next, Miaka faced the commander. "I'll take the left side, you can take the right." She blinked and waved a hand, "Of course, if that is okay with you Commander." She felt more than odd giving orders to him in this situation. She cleared her throat, thinking, of course she was supposed to give orders. He gave her the title of leader. Don't show weakness! "Just spend some time observing them. I want to know their routines, abilities if possible. I know the windows are boarded up, but if we spend a few hours surveying we should catch a guard change- if there is one. We can meet back here at noon to discuss and refuel a bit." She took a deep inhale and waited to see if Lord Sero had anything to say or do in response. Miaka gave him a bow and then slipped down into a crouch, racing through the tall grass to the next patch of trees, heading for the left side of the manor. The first thing was to be sure Lord Sero's guard count was correct and perhaps in boredom they would luck out and catch them using chakra if they were talented enough or toying with weapons even.

Sero would hardly move. His eyes watching her a moment before shifting to the previously abandoned manor below. She was content on observing for now and discovering troop movements. It wasn't his typical approach but it was wise. At least this close if the enemy did go on the move they could react so taking the time to observe them as much as possible would only be beneficial so long as they themselves were not spotted. The moment they were forced to engage would be the end to any stealthy approach options. Still she would order him where to go and what to do and he would simply nod to acknowledge her. Once she was off Sero would watch her until she was almost to the tall grass before moving himself. His body fading into water before he sunk down like a black puddle of liquid. His clothes and human form switched a moment before reforming into a much smaller and more stealthy creature. A black cat with blue eyes. Even if he was spotted he wouldn't appear to be human like this. It was his preferred form when attempting to come across as non threatening. Just another stray cat.

Almost idly Sero would move to his assigned position as he would watch them. They were content with keeping a lookout in most general directions and not so spread out that one group couldn't back up another. However there were large gaps in their security. Sero would watch from his side as he sat down as the cat for a time. Observing the lack of patrols and the groups not really moving much. When he saw a big enough gap he would approach the building itself and climb up the side of a wall to a window sill. Looking through the boarded up windows a moment before spotting no one. He had orders to observe from his side but he had the ability to do more. So he did. Once he was sure no one was watching he would shift into liquid form and go up the drain pipe to the top floor. Finding a hole in the roof he would shift through the gap into the rafters and back to a black cat. Walking along the rafter as he had a look inside. Quiet as a cat and staying at least ten meters away from anyone. If they had a sensor on their team he wasn't running it right now. They always panicked when they sensed him.

He noted two more discussing some attack plans at a table in the center. By the sounds of their discussion they wanted to sabotage one of the gates. Cause a distraction and smuggle explosives over the wall during the commotion. The Administration building was their target. The explosives the had stored in one of the back rooms he picked up from their discussion. That would be useful during the attack. Still the time was running out for the rendezvous so he would shift back into water and go back through the hole and drain pipe. Taking on his cat form as he escaped back to the original starting point. Once there he would wait for her before shifting back from a cat into his previous form. Appearing to be human again before he spoke in a cold tone.

"They are confirmed terrorists. I personally overheard their plans. They have explosives stored in the back of the manor so any fire will result in those setting off. Which suits our needs fine. Before I left the smell of food cooking was heavy on the air. Soon they will gather for a meal. We can attack then or continue to wait for nightfall. However there is no assurance that their guard will drop any further or they won't make a move before then. They have everything the need for their plan already."

Miaka maneuvered as silently as she could through the grass. She took up multiple positions, observing without making a movement or sound. The pink haired woman could see through the mask, albeit with effort: the guards seemed completely nonchalant on the left side of the manor. Maybe they had been staking out the place for days and after so long with nothing to be truly attentive for, the guards had let down their guard. Miaka smiled to herself, enjoying her punny joke. She found one standing with arms crossed, holding a spear tucked into his arms, but when she watched for longer he was clearly taking a nap against the side of the building. Several other guards stood together, too close to be able to watch the left side and the rear of the building with ultimate effectiveness, participating in a horrific spitting competition of some sort. The ones near the front of the building were certainly more active and attentive and she decided her best chance to look inside would be to focus on the holes in the surveillance.

Twice the jounin had slipped to the edge of the building and squinted through the boards. She saw only darkness, empty rooms or otherwise rooms without motion. There were shadowed edges and corners, like crates or boxes, but they just as easily could have been full shelving units. She closed her eyes and focused on her ears, honing them to catch each sound. First she heard the insects in the grasses, buzzing and humming and chirping. Then she heard the gargling throaty sound of the guards and their disgusting competition. She listened even closer and could hear the sound of light snores or breathing, either that of someone sleeping inside the manor or maybe the guard on the outside. She waited for nearly ten minutes, listening until finally she could hear the murmured voices inside. Miaka couldn't catch much besides the words "explosives" and "gates". She released a soft sigh as she brought herself back into the present area around her as she crept in the tall grasses by the building. If she had carried any doubts about this mission Sero had taken her on, they were gone now. These people were definitely planning to harm innocents and Miaka had no significant way to stop them without risking those lives. No way besides death, a permanent solution.

Miaka wasn't sure how much time had passed and frowned to herself, thinking she ought to have brought a watch if she weren't going to pay attention to the height of the sun. The jounin swiftly made her way into the treeline and looped around the hill out of sight before making her way to the meeting point with Sero. He was there first, standing placidly and she inclined her head towards him. "I think you make an excellent point. I heard about the explosives too and I think I know where they are. A large enough explosion, as it seems they have indicated having the power for, would be a fitting end for these traitors. If other guards are in the building or near it, they will definitely have to face the force and the fire of such an explosion. I cannot picture any of them surviving." Miaka fell quiet for a moment, leaning to peer through the branches at the manor. "A clean end so long as we can get a protective distance."

The woman tapped her chin on the mask and grumbled to herself. There was a chance that while the Commander would be fine, she might be injured. They had no real way of knowing the range of this explosive force and it wasn't as if she could fly. Then again if she were to use her hydrification technique she could avoid most of the injuries, provided she wasn't in range of the intense heat or flames that would surely follow. Suddenly her magenta eyes would light up, "I can use that new jutsu to build myself a trench for cover. I assume you have ways to keep yourself safe? How should we go about this?" They didn't have much time to make decisions and although he had put her in charge, Miaka would have been foolish to not use him as a resource for his experience and opinions in this situation.

Sero would listen to her as she tactically considered her options. His eyes watching the building as he contemplated her thoughts. Never showing a hint of concern or rather any emotion for that matter. Instead his cold blue gaze took in the manor. There was something inhuman there. A sheer monstrosity as he contemplated the end to these would be terrorists. Judging the distance to them. It was about sixty meters away. Far enough from where they were that an explosion contained by the buildings wouldn't reach them. If anything did it would be debris. She mentioned a safe distance and it was clear she intended to kill them in the explosion. She mentioned making a trench for cover and asked if he had ways of keeping himself safe. His cold gaze would shift to her a moment. Studying her as the shadows seemed to grow around them. Almost as if it were on the edge of her hearing it would sound like someone was laughing raucously but it was impossible to tell from what direction. As if the shadows themselves were laughing at the question. He would speak up once more as he took in her consideration. His voice cold like the mist around them as he consumed more of it.

"We are Hozuki. If you do not have the ability to manipulate your body yet dig your trench. However we are far enough that no heat will reach us. Debris will pass right through my body harmlessly if it comes this way. We have established there are no hostages. All targets on the premises are hostile. All are within range. We have decided on a course of action for their elimination. Prepare your defense now. I will proceed."

Sero would give her sixty seconds to prepare as he turned to the manor once more. Waiting in silence. Once the sixty seconds ended Sero would begin to gather chakra within himself. The air around them growing hot as green tendrils of flames began to coil around him. In silence as the area seemed to grow ever quieter Sero would form hand signs. Ram → Horse → Snake → Dragon → Rat → Ox → Tiger. As he finished it would seem like all sound was muffled. The green tendrils took form into brilliant green flame as a massive green dragon came to being coiled around Sero. Its shape made entirely of controlled flames that burned so hot the tree next to him caught on fire and the grass beneath him burned away. The shadows seemed to dance under the green glow. The terrorists saw it but it was too late.

"Consume them."

A command that seemed to echo like a dozen voices speaking in unison. The dragon would slither forward quickly. Not the fastest but at C rank speed. Men would turn and try to run for cover but it was too late. They just weren't fast enough to clear the radius. The dragon would slam into the house and push through. Incinerating the building as it went until it reached the explosives. As soon as it did an explosion would rock the area. Flattening the grass as Sero stood his ground. The fire dragon shifting straight up before coiling its hundred meter long body around the immediate buildings and burning away the bodies. Roaring in victory over the green flames as it perched on the destroyed manor. Finally fading away as Sero let out a breath as if satisfied. His cold gaze turning back to her. For a moment his eyes...the entirety of them including the whites were pitch black except for the glowing blue irises. The black would fade away as he observed her once more.

"Are you well?"

Jutsu used:

As the commander gave her a moment to prepare herself, she stood dubiously and confused beside him. Of course, solid matter would pass through her body, as long as she was prepared for it at the least. And how could heat not be a concern when lighting up a flare, a match, or an explosive tag would still put her in range of such a violent explosion. She felt he had condescended to her and her stomach roiled in a passionate fit of annoyance. Miaka hated the expectation of failure or the idea that she was lesser than other nin. She didn't do anything except for cross her arms and rest her glowering eyes briefly upon the commander. In moments, everything was suddenly made clear.

Miaka had forgotten about his fire abilities, in which case she had no need to personally combust the stored explosives in the back of the house. The pink haired jounin completely assumed she would have to navigate back over to where she had done most of her investigating earlier and light a fuse up to start her plan in motion. Her arms fell away and her jaw hung agape as the commander worked with fire. She wanted defend herself but whether he saw her as physically incompetent or mentally so, she would rather he assumed she was physically impaired. She closed her mouth and chose not to correct the commander by revealing her mistaken assumptions.

The massive emerald dragon obeyed Sero's order and consumed the manor in flames. She winced a little at the brief moments of panic and pain displayed by the men just before the dragon roared and settled itself on the wreckage. The force of the explosions whipped her long hair flat against her scalp and she shut her eyes and blocked her face with her hands to try to help the pressure as the mask tensed upon her skin. The jounin shifted her face to the side and the force pulled her mask off, shattering it into a tree behind her. When it was over, Miaka tried helplessly to untangle and fix her hair while peering up at the commander. The voices of his technique had unnerved her and his eyes appeared alien to her while her own magenta hues took it all in. "I didn't need that mask anyway, but I sure would like a brush," She chuckled awkwardly and frowned at the destroyed building. With a sigh, the jounin changed her mind and confessed, "I forgot you could use fire. I will do better to remember your skills next time. Besides my ego, I am just fine."

Sero would listen to her as she spoke. He seemed attentive even if he appeared to be unreadable. Cold eyes observing and calculating. Rumors had it he wasn't even human and it was easy to agree with them. She mentioned she had forgotten his capabilities and she was in fit condition. No harm had come to either of them. They were a significant distance from the wreckage and thus were never in any real danger. She mentioned her ego and he would simply nod before his attention seemed to be drawn to something. His eyes would shift as the mist would swirl around him. From the flames a single figure was emerging. A man by the silhouette provided by the green flames. He had managed to survive it seemed. Either by sheer luck or skill. It was unclear. However as he stumbled closer it was clear he was missing an arm. Burned away by the explosion so he wasn't bleeding. Still he was half dead by the look of him. Yet some bit of madness appeared to be keeping him going. A katana in his remaining hand with burns along the entire left side of his body where the arm was gone.

Sero would look down at him with animosity that flooded the area. How dare he survive his penance. To stand defiant against them. Sero would hold out his hand as a long Kaguya bone with a sharp tip would emerge from his palm. Just a single bone javelin by the look of it. Nearly as tall as he was. He would let out a growl before he gave himself pause. His attention would turn back to the girl next to him. She should not be denied at least one kill. Nor would any survivors be tolerated. Not once judgement had been passed. Sero would turn and hold out the bone weapon a moment as his eyes stared into her own. As if entering her soul and spreading his darkness. He would speak and whispers would almost echo his words. Sounding distant and barely audible.

"There can be no survivors. Take this weapon and go dispatch him. He is heavily wounded and barely able to move by the look of him. Likely in a state of shock. If you can not kill him I will not interfere. This is your task alone. Failure will not be an option within the halls of the nightmare brigade."

Failure would not be an option within the Nightmare Brigade. It sounded harsh at first but did not every shinobi take their missions that seriously? She thought of the academy students and genin running around after missing pets or delivering food from the stalls of the market. Those weren't really life or death situations but by the time one became a chuunin, those missions were assigned much more rarely. Maybe it was just her, but she hadn't been given a simple delivery mission in months now. Other missions were so obviously critical: escorting folk safely, checking Kirigakure's borders, clearing out bandits in camps such as the one she was at with Sero. Failure had never been an option for Miaka and she wasn't surprised to see that requirement imposed.

The pink haired woman extended her arm and took the bone weapon: she knew how to use some weapons and a bone sword was just like a sharp staff right? The Kaguya before her might have been noticing but she couldn't help but allow herself a single shiver. She really wasn't a fan of the way his clan could move and manipulate their bones around: as a person with strong medical background, Miaka found it just so unnatural. His cold eyes and spooky whispers made her set her jaw, not helping her instincts. "No problem, Commander."

Miaka didn't need any seals to enact the silent killing technique and the smoke billowing out of the toasted manor was perfect cover to hide her movements further. She made her path away from the trees, through the tall grass, and then hidden by smoke she made her approach. A heavily wounded man who by every right should not have been able to move, scarcely able to see or hear either in his state, staggered around. Miaka made her way behind the one armed survivor and decided to end the man in one hit. She considered the bone blade and carefully tucked it beneath her left arm instead so that she could make use of her silent killing with silent handseals. In the dark acrid smoke, her fingers weaved Tiger > Ox > Tiger > Rat. The man's back was facing her and he was about 10m away now. She raised her finger and pointed it carefully at the back of his neck, where his spine and brain connected, and fired out a single water bullet. The highly focused blast of water was like power hose and had enough force to snap the vertebrae and end him.

Jutsus Used:

To be honest as soon as she entered the smoke and used silent killing Sero lost all track of her. A part of him kept the hydrification technique up and at the ready. He didn't fully trust most people...especially not those who shared his bloodlines. She had faded from view and he was not about to let his guard down even for her. He could see the name stumbling about in shock but that wasn't his concern. Instead for the time being he could feel that Bijuu within him chuckling. For a moment without his consent he was pulled into his own mind. Hanging from a cage in the ceiling was a fox sitting on its haunches. Although a fox was being generous. It wasn't exactly one creature. The cage was larger than it by three fold so it appeared to be comfortable enough for the time being. It was snickering at him as it spoke. The red liquid covered floor rippling at its words.

"Even with me here...being used for my power you are so afraid. Fear of your enemies..fear of your allies...fear of your queen. All you know is fear. You attempt to spread terror so others know the same sensation as you don't you? The truth is you are a coward. You think yourself something other than human? Laughable. I should crush you right now and take your body as my own. At least than it would have some use."

With that the creature would stir and launch forward. Slamming against the suspended cage to give it a swing. Its arm outstretched to try and rend Sero apart where he stood. Lurching towards him as its eyes narrowed at its successful sudden attack. However Sero would simply glance up and tilt his head. Suddenly the cage would shrink to barely the size of the creature. Crunching him down into a ball as he grunted in surprise and rage. Struggling against his binds as he swayed harmlessly from the ceiling. It would snarl in rebelion before suddenly it realized it was face to face with its captor. Its host. Staring into those cold eyes so close he could touch him....if he could move. Sero would reach out...grabbing it by the scruff of the neck and pulling it close as suddenly it was the size of your common dog.

"Careful Kokuō. When you try and touch my soul you should do so with reverence. Do not be so foolish in the future or you will understand terror indeed."

Sero would release the scruff and suddenly he was standing on the hill again. His hand outstretched in front of himself still. It had rebelled but failed. He could feel that connection now though. Feel its potent power just at the end of his fingers. Still his eyes would snap forward as the mans head snapped back harshly before he fell. The bone weapon never used. His blue eyes would settle on the water trickling off the back of his neck. A mercy killing. Still he would fold his hands into his sleeves and take a breath. The bone weapon crumbling as he released his chakra connection to it. If she would return to the hill he would glance to her before speaking.

"With that the mission is complete. Go back and file a report. Request payment for the mission from the administration. Have them send out a team to investigate the remains. Let us know if these corpses have any affiliates we are already aware of. You are dismissed."