Waves Expeditionary Force

Nao took a deep breath and adjusted his headband as he prepared to enter the administration building, leaving Amarok to wait outside as he entered and headed to the Hokage's office. Dressed in his all black gi with purple obi, a tanto within a sheath strapped to his back so that just the hilt of the blade could be seen over his right shoulder. Attached to his obi were small hip pouches that held most of his gear, a thigh holster on is right thigh that held a small amount of kunai. His short white hair combed and slicked back to look more kept, his headband adjusted to cover his forehead and the mark up on it.

He stepped into the Hokage's office, his eyes immediately scanning the room, a smile forming on his face as he saw Hibiki standing there. She always had a way of brightening the room, and as much as he wanted to simply run up to her and give her a hug, he would maintain a modicum of decorum for the professional setting that they were in. Moving to stand next to Hibiki, Nao would give her a small nod before returning his attention to Airi. Keeping his arms at his side, his fingers would reach out and lightly touch the back of Hibiki's hand. "Lady Hokage," Nao stated with a small head bow, his voice calm and measured. "Reporting for duty, as requested."

Of all the missions Nakaba had been on, this was the first where he was summoned first before hearing the mission's contents. He spent more than his normal amount of time getting ready. He looked at his puppets deciding between them which to bring. Going for the sleek form of a swordsman, a few quick pulls of cloth and it'd be wrapped tight. Nakaba wore a bright orange jumpsuit with a black, muscle t-shirt under it. At his sides he wore five average quality swords and a slightly nicer sixth. Out the door and a few flashes across the village later, Nakaba would make it to the Admin Building. He imagined a world where he appeared at the Hokages window and received orders, but that would be how an Anbu would receive their orders.

Nakaba would calmly and coolly step into the Hokage's office. He'd hold back, but he almost smiled warmly at Hibiki and Nao. As the two love bird tapped hands, he had to clear his head as his heart warmed. Nakaba would bow deeply. "Lady Hokage." Nakaba wouldn't address the Hokage again. He would wait for her to speak to avoid accidentally interrupting her.

As Nao took in the room and his companions, he felt a sense of pride and responsibility settle over him. Hibiki's presence beside him was a comforting reminder of their bond. Lady Hokage's lighthearted teasing about his appearance made him smile, but he quickly refocused on the mission as another arrived. When Nakaba entered and Airi began explaining the mission details, Nao noticed the weight of the moment. The mention of Chen, and Airi offering Nakaba to assist in dealing with him only adding to the weight of it all. Hibiki's heartfelt advice to Nakaba resonated deeply with him. Nao had always admired Hibiki's strength and wisdom, and hearing her speak so candidly about her own struggles and healing journey reminded him why he cherished her.

As Airi pinched the bridge of her nose and called off the mission due to the Chuunin Exams, Nao couldn't help but chuckle softly. These moments of human error, even from their esteemed leader, brought a sense of normalcy to their lives. He nodded at Hibiki's suggestion. "Training sounds like a great idea," Nao agreed, his voice steady and warm. "We can use this time to sharpen our skills and prepare for the Chuunin Exams. Plus, it's always good to spend some time together outside of missions." He turned to Nakaba, offering a supportive smile. "What do you say, Nakaba? Why don't we all head over to the grand training facility and put in a good workout before the Chuunin Exams."

Nao's fingers brushed lightly against Hibiki's once more as he moved towards the door of the office. The anticipation of the mission had given way to an opportunity for growth, and Nao intended to make the most of any time he could spend with Hibiki.

Exit thread

Swelling like a balloon and then, pop. The pressure from his emotions would push the smile out as he sat down for just a moment. The warm, sincere emotions in his heart were generating images of thrown rice, and shared dinners, and news papers/aprons, and bab- have a seat. Snapping him back to reality a bit, Nakaba obeyed the command without a second thought.. He'd take a seat opposite of Nao and beside of Hibiki. He'd not had an opportunity to get to know the genin deeper. He'd never prepared his ninja tool. He'd never shared another meal with him. He had a lot he wanted to know about the man whose Hyuuga lineage didn't reflect on his facade. He'd never seen that smile on his face before. The ninja who Nakaba assumed was dark and brooding seemed happier than he was.

Lady Hokage continued, introducing them to the mission parameters. Nakaba had trouble processing the rest. If someone was strong enough to level the entirety of Suna, they'd need a certain level of power to be stopped. Kage-level power. For a monster like him, who slaughtered so many innocent people, there will be no reparations. Just a painless, swift death. In this moment, though he didn't know it, the words that formed in Nakaba's mouth were a lie.

He start to open his mouth and hesitate, long enough for Hibiki to begin speaking. As she called his name he flinched a little. 'Nakaba', she must be serious. With a nod and a smile, Nakaba would process Hibiki's words. He agreed with them. He should agree with them. They will demand lives. The lie wrenched its way deeper.

"You're right. Of course. I don't want to be the one who kills him. I mean I don't want him to die. I don't want anyone else to have to die. I just want- You know for him to fess up. Let people have someone to be angry at, so we can start to heal. If he's assess as a threat, I'll do whatever it takes to promote the village's safety. I would like permission from you Lady Hokage, so I can act at Lady Kimiko's discretion, should the need arise. There it was. The lie. Was it because Hibiki was here. Was it because he was afraid. Did he want to seem in control of his emotions in front of Lady Hokage?

Whatever his reasons a lie was a lie. Nakaba did want the man dead. Laying cold on the table of a diner booth rotting with his unfinished regular order of coffee and pancakes. Nakaba would activate chakra suppression manually cycling his chakra. Pop. As the opportunity vanished, for a moment his teeth grit and his eyebrows started to clench. He'd lightly shake it off with a small motion of his head. That was not an acceptable reaction to Lady Hokage's statement. Get your shit together bud. Whatever that emotion was would fade as fast as it came.

"I'd like that. I think it'd be great to move my muscles a bit." He'd stand waiting for Hibiki and Nao while looking for a good window to say, "My apologies Lady Hokage. I appreciate your guidance and openness. Forgive me for stepping out of place, I would like to ask you for the chance to prioritize, speaking with him if I ever have the opportunity? Of course not at the cost of a mission, my comrades, or the village." If she made a decision on the matter in the moment, Nakaba would radically accept it.