Leaf District

[Jeriah]

Kokezaru’s words lingered in Gyoken’s mind, planting a quiet question he couldn’t ignore—was Kokezaru truly the best suited to lead their team? Gyoken wasn’t ready to make such a sudden judgment, especially considering he hadn’t seen the Sarugami clan member in battle since the Chūnin Exams a year ago. There was something oddly disarming about Kokezaru’s laid-back, carefree demeanor. It left Gyoken unsure whether his new teammate was simply dimwitted—or hiding a level of confidence born from real strength. Either way, Gyoken's curiosity stirred. He wanted to know just how powerful Kokezaru really was.

But those thoughts were overtaken by the sight of Jin. Having seen him with his own eyes, Gyoken felt a flood of emotions erupt. Tears streamed freely, and wiping them away proved pointless. It didn’t matter. He was simply relieved that this wasn’t some cruel Genjutsu or false hope. Jin was alive. Real. Standing before him. And even the temporary return to a three-man squad stirred something in Gyoken’s heart—a sense of purpose, of connection. He was ready to see this mission through to the end.

Before he could even track Jin’s movements, the older shinobi vanished, only to reappear behind him. Jin’s arm slowly wrapped around Gyoken’s head, pulling his face into his shoulder, the robe of his clan soft against his cheek. Gyoken didn’t resist. He embraced him back, breathing steadying as the tears began to dry. In the quiet of the moment, a thought passed through his mind: His speed… he’s gotten stronger too. A small smile crept across his face as he pulled away and returned to Kokezaru’s side, turning to face them both.

“I can’t really say if I’ve gotten strong enough,” Gyoken admitted, a soft laugh slipping from his lips. “If it weren’t for this mission, I’d challenge both of you to a spar.” His eyes gleamed now, a spark of energy returning to them. “I was advised by Sensei Yaju to keep moving forward. He said he’ll meet us along the way.” Then he looked to Kokezaru again, voice shifting slightly with curiosity. “Did you see that kid from Kumogakure? I believe Lord Inoka sent him to assist with the joint mission. This must be serious if we’re working with other villages.”

His thoughts were scattered—part excitement, part nostalgia, and part anticipation—but one thing was certain: Gyoken was ready. The mission had begun, and with these teammates at his side, he was determined to see it through.

Location: Konohagakure Village Gate
Main Posting Order: Jin → Gyoken → Kokezaru -> Yugo
Secondary Posting Order: Yaju (Optional)
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: lI​

 

[Yugo]

Yugō

The rush of uncertainty questioning if this was some test or an intentional attempt on Yugo's life had briefly brought the young Jugo to the brink of letting his instincts run rampant. the Burning sensation on his back and the harsh writhing poison in his lungs from a breath made it harder for the beast in his veins to be kept reigned in. However those words cut through the fog in Yugo's mind “I give up. Please forgive me!” A statement which makes Yugo realize this isnt the act of enemies but some 'accident?'. As he regains hold of the reigns of his mind just in time. The tattoo markings swirl like crashing waves or flickers of flame upon his skin the dark coloration even seeming to bleed into his right Sclera he locks eyes with the young Uchiha a brief spark of recognition and restrain warring with the monster that lurks in his bloodline. The arrival of another figure made Yugo retreat needing a moment to expel the poison in his lungs but his departure was marked with a brief utterance towards Gyoken "We will talk...Later..."

Time passed with Yugo alone in the forest his left hand striking his palm with a twisting motion towards his own lungs using his medical knowledge to compel his lungs to expel the harmful toxins trying to siphon off the nature energy filtering into his blood due to the provocation as his ire diminishes until at last he feels his mental state stabilizes to into full self control. It took considerable willpower something in his blood wanted to go all out against an Uchiha but such a beastly display would be an embarassment to his sensei's request. However with a glance at his left arm he sees lingering bits of the markings signs of the vicious nature inside him "Seems im not getting off so easy with some breathing exercises to remove you today...how Unpleasant" Most of his supplies were ruined by the explosion of the fire attack earlier provoking a scowl all save his attire and the strange Kunai from the Hokage. A soft sigh passes his lips as the young man trudges his way towards the village gates of Konohagakure.

-Present-

The Kumogakure genin Yugo once again stands within the shadow of the large gates of Konoha a slow stride to his steps no worse for ware save for the destruction of the supplies he had arranged for his journey but such was hardly to concerning for the wilderness could provide for a shinobi like him. Mid step just before the proper doorway of the village he spots figures an amassed party and the notable individual he was meant to meet with before the incident in the forest of death. "It seems we have a chance to speak at last Gyoken Uchiha" The tone was subdued coming from the young Jugo clan member but there was a faint hint of the edge left over from the sudden nature of the attack against him in the forest. "I take it this time you wont be trying to set me on fire as our departure has been...delayed" Yugo takes a deep breath his eyes briefly closing a hint of mental effort trying to subdue the few markings still on his skin his tattos very slightly visibly shrinking but are still present. "Yet I do admit if that was just your opening gambit then your Kage's faith in your talents are understandable"

​

Location: Konohagakure Village Gate
Main Posting Order: Jin → Gyoken → Kokezaru -> Yugo
Secondary Posting Order: Yaju (Optional)
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: lI

 

[Baldhead]

Sitting atop the village gate, Takashi watched silently, eyes narrowed as he observed Lord Tenbo and the stranger below. With his honed skill in lip-reading, it was as though Tenbo stood directly before him. The distance did little to conceal the words, and as the conversation unfolded, Takashi’s brow rose slightly. When he caught Tenbo openly voicing his distrust toward the stranger, Takashi made his decision. In a blur, he descended, landing soundlessly behind the mysterious shinobi known only as Inori.

“I’ve been given the name Inori,” the man said, without turning. “But truly, I am legion. My presence far exceeds this mere body. I am no-one at the same time I am everywhere.”

Takashi stepped forward, hearing the
words as he approached. His voice cut cleanly through the air like a sharpened kunai. “As ordered by Lord Hokage, we are to infiltrate the Grass District, we've been informed that the presence of the enemies exist. This mission will be completed with or without you. But do know there are consequences for denying a direct order. You Uchiha seem to have a pattern of denying direct orders from the Hokage.. It's time now. Let's get going. The others can catch up"

Inori turned away, prepared to move out. But Takashi’s hand reached forward, gripping Inori’s shoulder, not forcefully, but firm enough to halt him.

“With or without you, huh?” Takashi repeated, gaze steady. “That may be true. But without Tenbo or me, your odds of success drop drastically.”

If Inori stopped to listen, Takashi would go on, voice now lower, more direct. “Before going on a mission, you learn about your team, their strengths, weaknesses. Tenbo and I have fought side by side. We know each other and we adapt quickly to each other. You, on the other hand, we know your clan, sure. We’ve heard stories. But we don’t know you. No intel, no patterns, no field record. And you expect us to trust you with our lives?”

He narrowed his eyes. “That’s not how this works. Let’s drop the child play and get the mission done.” Takashi stepped past Inori, voice trailing as he moved ahead. “If you wish to shroud yourself in mystery and treat allies like assets, perhaps the ANBU is more up your alley. But as for us, we’re going to the Grass District, as ordered, to investigate the Shadow Realm activity reported there. With or without you.”

Location: Konohagakure Gate
Posting Order: Inoka/Inori -> Tenbo Uchiha -> Takashi Hyuuga -> Sumiko (Optional)
Post Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days.
Skip Points: lll

​

 

[Reigetsu]

Soma analyzed the man before her, as his gaze focused on Hachiro and herself as she told him why they are here, she noticed how her friend looked unbothered and reacts with a scoff that made her do a double-take as he gave Shijo a half-lazy grin, staring down the jonin while she looks around and take in the beauty of the many Uchiha folk thriving in Konoha, such a unique clan of people but what she wanna know is the eyes. Those glowing red Shijo were displayed earlier. When she finished explaining the mission, Hachiro left, which made her look at him with an 'are you serious' look as he headed back to the entrance where they came from and asked, "Are we leaving or what?", like excuse me? This boy must have been used to this kind of behavior or tension. Soma clears her throat and looks around again before hearing Shijo's compliment to Hachiro for standing his ground, saying arrogance can resemble courage when dressed right, like what?! This man is clearly giving her partner a compliment and an insult in one package.

Feeling unsure and uncomfortable, as he continues speaking to him, then to them both as he addresses that he doesn't glare to not intimidate but to weigh and if they feel his pressure from his eyes again, know that their soul is being judged and not their spine, hm? Interesting take. Watching this dark skinned jonin shift slightly and witness this bastard merging with the shadow of the compound, disappearing out of sight, made Soma look at where he was with more curiosity, more determined to learn more of this man, but she hears him again even though he isn't physically there, telling them he'll meet them at the gate in the next five minutes which prompted Soma to turn to Hachiro and leap high in the air, landing on top of the compound roof, giving the Uchiha folk a respectful nod then takes off towards the gate by leaping on building to building while waiting for Hachiro to follow along while she took a detour to purchase some medical tools and shinobi equipment for the mission and buying a lollipop before heading to the Gate to meet Shijo.

Location: The Uchiha Compound
Posting Order: Soma Chinoike→ Inoka Yamanaka → Hachiro → Shijo
Post Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days.
Skip Points: lll​

 

[Jeriah]

With his office finally empty, Inoka was left alone with his thoughts. The silence was welcome, but heavy. As countless shinobi had been dispatched to distant lands to investigate the threat of the Shadow Realm, he remained stationed in Konohagakure. His mission was critical—defend both the Leaf District and the village itself—but the stillness gnawed at him. Doubts crept in. He questioned whether his current strength was enough against an enemy as formidable and elusive as the Shadow Realm. The once-revered trio of Ino-Shika-Chō was now fractured, or at the very least, uncertain in relevance. For nearly a decade, Inoka had ascended the ranks without the aid of the Nara’s shadows or the Akimichi’s sheer force. That isolation forced him to grow in unexpected ways—to become cunning, subtle, and versatile in how he applied his clan’s hidden techniques. Against enemies who could not be paralyzed or flattened, he relied on something more elusive: his mind.

It was that independence that earned him the title Inoka the Mindweaver—a name spoken with both admiration and fear. By age fifteen, he was an ANBU captain. At seventeen, head of the Intelligence Division. By twenty-one, he led the Interrogation Unit. And now, at twenty-six, he had inherited the mantle of Hokage. Yet in that very moment, seated at the Hokage’s desk beneath the etched gaze of his predecessors, he had never felt more unsure of himself.

He could fight—he knew that. He had gone up against shinobi before. But this? The Shadow Realm was different. Its power was unrecognizable. He thought back to the destruction of Amegakure, reduced to ruin in a matter of hours. To the reports of a figure who had defeated the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist without so much as breaking stride. Even the kidnapping of the Tsuchikage—a man whose strength was said to rival Lord Suzaku—had left Inoka shaken.

His eyes drifted up to the portraits above the desk—Hokage Uzumaki Ketsugo and Lord Yohi Suzaku. Giants. Legends. As he studied them, a soft knock broke the silence, though not his focus.

"Come in," Inoka said evenly, his voice calm and clear. He already knew who it was—Uzumaki Ayame.

As she entered, the sunlight pouring through the window caught her just right, casting a soft halo around her as she unknowingly stood beneath the portrait of her own kin, Ketsugo. Inoka's eyes widened. Something sparked in him—a sudden clarity. A quiet smile spread across his face as the idea took form.

Ayame approached his desk, setting down a stack of papers, but Inoka gently pushed them aside. He wanted to look her in the eyes. What he was about to ask wasn’t political. It was personal.

"Ayame," he began, "what made Ketsugo so special within the Uzumaki Clan?" Ayame paused, slightly taken aback by the question. Her brow furrowed as she searched her thoughts, her voice trailing as she responded. "Well… I remember Papa calling him Zenchōshi. It means the Harbinger of Death."

Inoka's eyes narrowed slightly at the title. He said nothing, letting her continue.

"It was rumored he could use the chakra of the Death God," she said. "But you know how old folks are, always exaggerating—turning men into myths. Not that Lord Ketsugo wasn’t insanely powerful. He definitely was.”

Her words hit him harder than she knew. It wasn’t just Ayame’s father who said this—Inoka’s own father had said the same.

“Zenchōshi…” Inoka whispered, eyes now lost in the space between memories and reality.

“One truly becomes stronger when they embody the essence of spirit-based techniques. Once you master it… you too can become the Zenchōshi, like Lord Ketsugo.” His father’s voice echoed from a distant memory, one Inoka hadn’t recalled in years.

Suddenly, he stood from his chair with intention, and the motion caught Ayame off guard.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked, slightly amused but also genuinely confused. "You’ve got paperwork to review."

Inoka was already halfway to the door when he responded, his voice firmer now, revived by new purpose. "I haven’t had the time. I must use this time… to train." And with that, his body was consumed by a swirl of smoke—vanishing from the Hokage’s office in an instant, already en route to one of his hidden training grounds. The fire within him had been reignited.

​

 

[Davon]

Words would not sway him; warnings of disobeying a direct order did not deter his resolve on this matter. There was nothing else Tenbō would have said—he had given an ultimatum, and it wasn’t followed. Inori of the Yamanaka, whose identity Tenbō doubted was genuine, proceeded to walk without the companionship of the enigma. At least, that was his apparent intention—until he was interrupted by the Lord of the Hyūga. Tenbō had no intention of abandoning his mission. After all, he had proven time and time again his ability to complete every assignment. With Takashi by his side, they would fare better together—as a unit that trusted one another, unlike with a Yamanaka.

“So the genius Hokage decides to make a bone-headed decision like this?” Tenbō thought. How could one attempt to sow unity from a seed of distrust? This was a move—but a poor one. He needed to learn Shōji from a Nara.

Takashi eased the tension between them, but Tenbō had no intention of playing coy for long. Without the jurisdiction of the village or its outskirts, Tenbō merely anticipated the right time to probe this Inori. If it led to violence, then Tenbō, Takashi, Root, the Uchiha, and the Hyūga would be prepared for the consequences. He had recently lost his brother, his tolerance for arrogance waned. He walked forwards, his attention attuned to the environment as a shinobi on a mission should.

Soon afterward, his eyes landed on a woman of Uzumaki descent—he could tell from her appearance. She bore a striking resemblance to the former Hokage, Ketsugo of the Uzumaki. Tenbō was familiar with the previous Hokage and knew some details about his lineage, including a vague recollection of ties to the Shinobi Union. Perhaps this woman was the one originally intended for the mission. Without uttering a word or giving a directive, he knew Takashi’s instincts would align with his own. Their coordination was unspoken. Together, they moved toward the woman. As for Inori—he was a Yamanaka whom Tenbō presently held no respect for.

As he approached the Uzumaki, his expression remained neutral. He gave a slight nod before speaking, inquiring about her identity while offering his own. “I could be wrong, but are you from the Grass District? The name’s Tenbō.”

Location: Konohagakure Gate
Posting Order: Inoka/Inori -> Tenbo Uchiha -> Takashi Hyuuga -> Sumiko (Optional)
Post Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days.
Skip Points: lll

 

[Komatoo]

A blade amongst the Leaves

At the gates of the hidden leaf, three figures approach. Two of which are cladded in snow white armor, faces covered by the helm of their attire. At the forefront of their torso is the crest of the Mitsumi family. The third of the trio is covered in a coat, bearing the same crest on the back. The hood covered the face of the figure, casting a shadow upon the top of his face. His own body closed off covered by the coat all the same, however, the pommel and handle of his weapon pokes through, visible to on-lookers. The two armored men also had their weapons holstered at their side, katana made only suitable to those from the Land of Iron.

Their path as it may seem, entering the Village hidden in the Leaves. Konoha, home to the Hokage, Uchiha Clan, and the Hyuuga. The cloaked man stopped, remembering the battle that transpired between himself, a comrade and the two respective members of both clans… a hand rose to remove his hood revealing emerald colored orbs, long dark locks of hair that touched his mocha colored skin and shoulders. The General of the Samurai, stands at the front.

For some reason I couldn't help but smile, the life of still breathing true, standing on its own. He never expected to be back in the Land of Fire so soon, but since his long absence, he hoped that his face had not been so easily forgotten. He started his trek through the dirt roads, his men following close. Eyes begin to notice the trio and whispers and gossip begin to rise amongst those who reside. It wouldn’t be too long before someone of importance or any Shinobi would come to see what business he had in the leaf.

For now, General Mitsumi came to enjoy the sights of this village. To partake in its delicacies before things got a bit too serious.
​

 

[Frea]

​

"Mom, I'm coming in."

A young woman stood at the door to her mother's room holding a tray of miso soup for her dying mother. The black-haired female opened the door as quietly as she could, trying not to make loud noises that could distress Kana. She shifted to the woman's bedside and placed the tray of food next to the sick woman's futon. She sighed softly and gently shook Kana to wake her up for food. Kana stirred and opened her eyes to see her daughter kneeling beside her futon with a tray of food beside her. She grumbled in annoyance before having a violent coughing fit causing blood to splatter over herself. Which caused Kageko to wipe the blood off with a white linen cloth nearby.

Of course, Kana slapped her daughter's hand away from her, giving a piercing glance towards her in her weakend hush tone, kana scolded her daughter.

"I told you. Stop looking after me, or else you'll get sick as well."

However, Kageko sighed and shook her head, and she responded.

"But..Mom, you are too sick...to look after yourself..please eat at least or drink the water beside the soup"

Once again, the mother looked at her in discontentment and proceeded to slowly eat the soup. Once again she scolded her daughter but this time in much gentler tone.

"I told you. I'd be fine also.. I've heard you got some training to do, I rather you go out and get stronger than look after me. Now go."

Kageko's lips turned into a frown of sadness and she nodded respecting her Mom's wishes, there she walked out of her mom's room closing the door behind her and all she could hear was coughing fits which made a few tears threaten to come out. She walked over towards the front door placed on her shoes and walked out of the door, as she did a wave of heavy guilt hit her.

Kageko pushed on and instantly ran to the Kage's office jumping on rough tops to avoid any meeting people traffic, and she got to the main building, she avoided going through the regular and proper way as Inoka was her current teacher alongside her other clan member Hyosui. Instead she went and jumped up to the Hokage's window and saw Inoka was leaving, only to see the Uzumaki girl left there dumbfounded and annoyed.

Kageko sneaked into the Kage's office without the Uzumaki knowing and hid underneath Inoka's desk awaiting his long-holding return, there Kageko drifted off to sleep as she waited.
​

 

[Mellow]

While Hachiro heard everything that was said to him by Shijo, he simply gave a smile in response as he knew exactly what was meant by it. After which once Shijo announced his departure and where he'd be waiting for them at the gate; His attention turned to the one known as Soma as she left, following the same pattern they used to get to their location ro begin with. With his hands in his pockets, the young shinobi already had everything he needed for any surprise missions in terms of his tools. He began walking out of the Uchiha compound, looking back every now and then whenever someone piqued his interest rather it be in looks alone or the style they chose to wear. Some which he noticed were close to his style, based on the style and look of third clan alone; Hachiro figured they were a group of individuals he could consider being around. Eventually, he reached and stood just a few paces beyond the compound’s main threshold with his head tilted slightly toward the horizon. His hands were still buried in his jacket pockets, but with one sudden movement his right hand slid free, rising up and forming the tiger hand seal.​

Hachiro: Alright then, see you two there.​

In that moment, a faint surge pulsed through his body then he vanished for an instant followed by the telltale whirl of displaced air, a few leaves scattered from the edge of the compound’s tiled awning, swept upward in the vacuum left behind by his departure. The place where Hachiro once stood was now empty as he made his way to the village gates.

Location: The Uchiha Compound
Posting Order: Soma Chinoike → Hachiro → Shijo
Post Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days.
Skip Points: lll​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

As the outsider in the current situation Kokezaru simply stood there comfortably his hands resting on the back of his head listening as the boys spoke. Kokezaru would listen intently as they spoke reminiscing about the past and discussing improvements they ad made all before Gyoken would make a statement that included the carefree Kokezaru. Gyoken would make it clear to all that he was interested in how strong Kokezaru was and how strong Jin had become, and how he would have liked to spar with them if they weren't preparing to go on a joint mission with some shinobi from the Cloud District.

"Yeah a spoar might be pretty fun. The Monkeys back home are a little to agressive to spar. This one time Rokumimi the cousin of my buddy Ryu over here ripped my arm out of my socket in a friendly spar. Luckily Uncle Sarutora healed it up for me," said Kokezaru as he casually brought up an incident where his arm was almost torn off by a monkey. At the same time Ryuzaru wouyld transform back into a monkey in a puff of smoke before landing on all fours beside Kokezaru. "Hey Koke how many times do i need to tell you. Roku wasn't playing he was trying hurt you. He's not all there in the head. Oh and hi I'm Ryuzaru but most people call me Ryu," said Ryuzaru in his usual straight-faced and emotionless way. "C'mon Ryu Roku's a good guy."

All the while as they spoke the Cloud Shinobi that had previously been mentioned by Gyoken arrived and made his presence known as he attempted to spark up a conversation between himself and Gyoken. "So this is the Cloud guy, I gotta say theirs something weird about him but I can't seem to put my finger on it," Thought Kokezaru as he pondered what the two would speak of before reach behind his back and revealing a peach and a banana. Kokezaru not the type to wait would quickly bite into his peach before handing the banana off to Ryuzaru as the two watched on while enjoying there fruit.

Location: Konohagakure 44th Training Ground [Forest of Death] -> Konohagakure Village Gate
Main Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo -> Takashi -> Yaju
Secondary Posting Order: Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: lI
​