[Rally Point] Many Blades

[Ace Trainer]

It was late in the afternoon, which was only vaguely evident through the lush treetops that hung overhead Kozan. They were a fair distance off from their objective sites, so this would be the rally point Kozan would use for this mission. For now, he sat on a large grey bolder, his hands neatly folded in his lap, his eyes staring unwaiveringly into the forest around him. Kozan had been on ample missions so far in his career but the shift - not only from genin to jounin, but from dagger to sword - meant increasingly Kozan was being dispatched as a team leader rather than going on solitary missions that he excelled in. This was the nature of the shinobi lifestyle, and while Kozan deeply preferred being sent out on his own, he was happy to serve whatever purpose was asked of him by his village.

His last mission of this calibre had incidentally been one that involved many of the Seven Swordsmen, but this one was intentional. He would be the highest ranking swordsman to be on the mission most likely. He would not be surprised if Shinjiro or Nishiki elected to show up, but it was well known his eyes had been set on Tsukino, Hitachi and it was unlikely that 3rd ranked Sword would present himself on a mission where he'd have to put his back to Kozan. That was too high risk, after all Kozan was just as ruthless as the Overseer who had trained him and friendly fire was not off the table if it meant his own growth.

For now though, Kozan would operate on the expectation that this mission was not just a display of his value to Kirigakure and the Seven Swordsmen, but an opportunity for the various daggers that would be participating to prove themselves as well. He knew for certain Renji would arrive, as Kozan had personally informed Renji only a day prior that they would be going on this mission. He saw this as an opportunity for Renji to show his ability, not just to Kozan but to the other daggers as well. Kozan would not have a weak dagger, and he wanted to ensure the other daggers knew that Kozan would 'lap' them so to speak by training another dagger to rise through the ranks faster than they could. If there was an opportunity to further drive them into their shame, he would take it.

The mission they were on would not start until the dusk has settled, so for now Kozan would allow the various members of the legendary Seven Swordsmen to arrive and then he'd give the mission directions.

[Trusted Grader]

With all the wars going on, pushing back Heart and now Mondai being asked to come to Iwa's defense, Yuuto knew that it was better for him to go out and stretch his legs and work on becoming stronger rather than sitting at home and twiddling his thumbs in hopes that his friend comes back in one piece, or at least in not any more pieces. Yuuto rolled off the bed and walked to his window, he saw the bird standing on the windowsill, tapping ever so gently on the glass.

He opened it, removed the scroll and carefully read the mission statement. Kozan is leading this... and I was contacted? Or perhaps it was just sent to any Seven Swordsmen member, no matter, if someone called for his help then he would do the best that he could in assisting that person. Yuuto got dressed and immediately started heading toward the rendezvous, Yuuto wasn't the type to arrive late to the party, in fact, had he known a bit earlier then he would've been here waiting with Kozan.

No matter, the boy landed on one of the branches before he lept down next to Kozan, he was about 5 meters away from the beast, he still felt odd being around him but it wasn't as bad as it was the first time they had to duel in the battle royale. This... Thing... Whatever it is, I am glad he's on our side. Whatever that truly meant, considering that Kiri was always ready to backstab each other, which to him was crazy, especially when their enemy was right next to their doorstep.

"It's been a while." Yuuto smirked, he did his best not to think about Mondai and what Kozan did to him and instead just focused on the fact that he was a Sword and Yuuto was but a dagger, so there wasn't a lot he could do at the moment.

[King of Cats]

Waking up early in the morning was important to Renji. He wanted to be early for the mission with Kozan, and the newest Dagger took his responsibilities seriously. The Kaguya arose from bed, nude, and headed into the kitchen for a glass of orange juice. He couldn't eat anything in the morning, but he didn't need to. Renji's mystical body was enhanced by forbidden jutsu that allowed him to feed on spirits, and each spirit sustained his body for nearly a year. Some tasted better than others, in fact most tasted horrible, but nevertheless it didn't matter to him. He poured a glass of orange juice and then headed back into his bedroom to get dressed.

Renji put on his usual outfit, denim jeans and a white linen tunic. He put on all of his jewelry without looking into the mirror, and then he headed into his weapons closet to equip himself. Typically Renji didn't use equipment in battle. He would occasionally employ an exploding tag or flash bang, but that was generally it. Renji could form venomous bone weapons from his body thank to a Cursed Seal his mother put on him, he felt like that was enough, but after his most recent talk with Kozan, Renji was begining to feel differently.

Kozan had mentioned to Renji that he needed a sword. A legendary weapon that would carry his name with fear across the land. Renji knew it would be a sword. Probably a katana, he was an Iado practioner after all. The KAguya wasn't sure just what the sword would do. IT needed to be enchanted with a mighty ability, a signature technique that would strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. Renji wasn't quite sure what that would be. He considered a sword that extended, much like his bones could. Renji dismissed that though, he felt like that was too basic. Then he considered linking his sword to a spirit he had consumed. That seemed to be the best option, a power in his hand. Renji wasn't convinced though. He hoped in the coming mission something would sway him towards a refined opinion on a sword.

Once he was ready for the day Renji headed out into the misty terrain of Kirigakure no Sato. He had traveled through the mist countless days before, but today the mist seemed extra thick. Renji wondered if that mist would be an impediment to the mission. As ninja of Kiri most people could easily see through the mist, but there was always bad weather to account for. Renji pushed on nearly blind and eventually made it to the forest where Kozan had designated the team would meet. Renji didn't know any of the people that were expected to join him and Kozan, but it didn't matter to him. Renji was adaptable to any circumstance and he could successfully fulfill any role that was assigned to him. The Kaguya worked hard to get where he was and he meant business today.

Walking up to the boulder where Kozan was sitting Renji noticed someone smirking at him. The Dagger wondered what kind of relationship the stranger had with Kozan to be so friendly with him. Renji couldn't imagine casually smirking at Kozan, especially right before a battle, but to each their own he figured and simply saluted Kozan.

[Kabu]

This was going to be her first major mission since she and the others had gone on that pirate genocide, not to mention her first mission since promotion, and Asuna couldn't be more excited. Gradually she had been growing stronger and she had picked up some new tricks that she was hoping to have a chance to show off. In any case she had quickly gotten dressed before grabbing both her sword and halberd and dashing out the door, setting off towards where the group was to be meeting.

Despite making haste she would find herself the third to arrive, fourth if one were to include the leader in the count. In any case upon arrival she slowed her approach, taking the time to look around at the others. There was Kozan as leader of course but there was also Yuuto, whom had missed out on their last mission, and someone else she didn't recognize, though she fully recognized him as a fellow Kaguya. Since this was a meeting among the swordsmen she could only assume that he was a new dagger but for whom she wasn't certain, nor did she particularly care. She was going to take a spot as a sword for herself and if she had to kill for it then so be it, she had ambitions to fulfill and she didn't want to step on her fellow Daggers but if she needed to then she would.

In any case she could think about that later. For now there was work to be done and so she turned her attention towards Kozan, waiting for the mission briefing.

[Kaitos10]

Nozomi would be continously training in her families compound practicing her suiton jutsu as well as trying to master kinesis. Conveniently it would be raining as she practiced, sadly while she was getting very close to her goal she still hadn’t been able to master it after all. As she continued to practice she was brought a message so she went inside to dry of her hands so she could look at it without risking ruining the message. Once that was done she would look at the message carefully, it seems she was requested for a mission. So she would get Everything she needed for the mission.

After that Nozomi would proceed to head out, on the way there she considered what new jutsu she could use to improve herself. As well as what sort of things she will be able to do on the mission, she would continue to proceed jogging on her way to the mission. Until she finally reaches the area everyone else was at, it would seem there were plenty of others who would be here by now so she just waited to see if there were anymore details that would be included now and weren’t included in the message

[Ace Trainer]

As Yuuto arrived, Kozan’s eyes would fall to him staring back at the special jounin and his smirk before simply giving a ”Mm.” in response, barely acknowledging his presence before his eyes moving back to the wooded forest around them, staring into it apathetically. When Renji arrived, however, Kozan’s eyes would shift to him much more affirmatively, staring at his dagger and giving an affirming nod. His eyes thinned, scanning back to Yuuto for a moment before returning to the apathetic stare into the void. The difference, though minor, was clear. Yuuto was afforded no respect or value in Kozan’s eyes, Renji was. The battle royale that Yuuto and Kozan had participated in however long ago felt like ages, and in spite of that Kozan had come rather far and Yuuto…barely at all. Yuuto’s opinion on Kozan had not shifted from that moment, and it was obvious Kozan’s opinion on Yuuto had not shifted either.

The arrival of Asuna did little to quell the tension in the air. Asuna had been at the royale as well, had played a vital role in how it went down but had done little to impress Kozan either. Just as Kozan had surpassed Yuuto by leagues, he had passed Asuna by leagues as well. Just because Asuna hadn’t walked away viewing Kozan as less than human, didn’t mean Kozan felt any differently about her. Quick to follow Asuna was Nozomi, taking her position. The daughter of his previous teacher and the current overseer, he eyed her for a moment, taking a sharp inhale before bringing himself to his feet.

”This should be everyone.”, he said with finality.

His eyes locked onto Renji, letting a pulse of killer intent radiate through the area. Renji would be slowly getting used to this, as Kozan had been intentional about exuding this intent around Renji regularly to determine how long it would take him to inoculate himself to the effects. Just as much however, it was a reminder to the other three that Kozan was as dangerous as ever, and he did not hesitate to kill.

”A week ago, a genin team was dispatched on a standard escort mission. The solicitor for the mission dramatically understated the value of the two individuals being escorted, and reports indicate a group of mercenaries attacked the team, killed the jounin attending the genin squad, and took them hostage.”, he reached into a pocket and pulled out a scroll, tossing it forward to Renji. ”They are expecting a buyer to arrive in an hour. The five hostages are all being sold off, though it’s expected the buyer will kill two of the genin. The third is a Jouchaku and will likely be retained given their inherent…value.”

He continued to look at Renji as he spoke. ”They buyer is not arriving. They’ve been taken care of already by a sister squadron. We’re to infiltrate. Renji will be with me, the three of you will be together. Nozomi and Asuna will be the forward prong, you’ll press directly in and attack the mercenaries. While you’re occupying them, Renji and I will press from the side and attack. It should be quick. Yuuto, you’ll be tasked with the hostages. You need to make sure no harm comes to them, and get them out.”.

For the first time, he broke his stare on Renji and his eyes jumped to Asuna and Nozomi before turning, stopping the killer intent radiating from him and looking down the hill behind him to the shack they’d be assaulting. ”Questions?”, he said flatly. His tone almost indicating he didn’t actually care to hear any.

[Trusted Grader]

Yuuto's eyes didn't leave Kozan's even when Renji, Asuna and Nozomi arrived, he didn't care about the others for there was only one thing in front of him that had truly put fear in his heart, he realized that moment back in the battle royal that he wasn't afraid of dying, he was afraid of failing to protect those around him and Kozan was definitely a being that would without second thought kill everyone around you to weaken your morale, Kozan was dangerous and Yuuto was slowly working to fix his own flaws, he couldn't be caught lacking in front of this being anymore, and if he expected that his Dagger would be someone he should fear then Kozan should know better by now.

Once he activated fear Yuuto would feel the intensity cling to his heart, Nozomi, Asuna and even Renji now preoccupied his mind, what could they do to stop this monster, his fight or flight mode was going overdrive but he knew better than to act, making a move would be certain death for the entire party, so it was best to listen and fight through the fear. Yuuto had nothing to say and just nodded when his name was called again, he was to save the hostages and that was the only important part.

No one is getting sold, or killed on my watch. The Karagata promised himself, he knew that it wouldn't be easy but he had to make sure that he always focused on saving everyone, especially now that he was feeling intense fear, he knew not to question it now and just agreed to not fail, A single death = Failure. He couldn't believe his own thoughts but the fear was influencing him badly, he needed to become stronger to avoid this effect! Time was of the essence now that he had gotten himself a dagger.

[Kabu]

Asuna was well aware that she had been long since surpassed and yet while in the past that may have brought her a sense of dread, now she couldn't help but smile. It was just another challenge to overcome on her climb to the top, just as this mission was. Everyone here was an obstacle if they got in her way, even her juniors. In any case this kind of task was perfect her, despite her best efforts she had never been particularly good at... subtlety as it were. A mission like this that required her to just let loose and kill everything in her way worked much more to her strengths.

"No questions here, I'm ready to go anytime." she spoke, her gaze turning towards Nozomi. She knew that the girl had gotten much stronger since they had fought and she had missed out on seeing that growth during their last mission together. She was looking forward to seeing what Nozomi had grown to be truly capable of.

[Mre-face]

War was once again brewing this time their allt were to be attacked as a declaration of war was issues by Konoha, And Mondai had been requested there as reinfocement. As a member of the seven it was not only expected that he would accept and do his mission bur too excell aswell.

A nice paycheck in terms of ryo would be granted upon accepting and even more if they crushed the Konoha ninja but the money wasn't important as the paycheck in terms of respect would be greater.

He has been beaten, mutiliated and completely humiliated. The day of his defeat Mondai was sure that he would die and gave up at the moment. Only to wake up with two limbs missing and an even more of his pride missing. What little there was left was the only thing that kept him living at the moment.

Mondai had been notified of a mission from Kozan of all people. It was like salt upon wounds to accept but ultimately he had to. Not only to stretchs his remaining limbs but this was necessary to make sure he was truly combat ready. All he had done currently was sparring and rehab to learn how his new prosthetics worked and to get his body and mind used to it.

Obviously it was far removed from being on the battlefield so this mission could be seen as a warm up of sorts. Quite literally knocking of some of the rust of Chiane's repurposed prosthetic.


Arriving later than usual, Mondai would be visibly upset, crossing his arms and standing by himself. As he had to take orders from the creature that had defeated and maimed him.

But it wasn't only Kozan that annoyed him but also the rest of the daggers. Who all likely saw him as weak as they were hungry to vi for the seventh's spot.

But there was one daggers that he was angriper at then most. Yuuto... In his eyes he thought that Yuuto had turned him "soft" because of his refusal to kill. But the reality was that Mondai had actually become weak because of his depressed state. His survior's guilt preventing him from breaking past his mental blockade which caused a physical blockage. Any scrap of ego he had left was vindictive protecting him from seeing the truth for what it was.

A simple nod would be Mondai's confirmation that he had understood the mission. Grabbing his greatsword from the ground before making his way.


"soft" instead of admiting that he let his surviors guilt get a hold of him and becoming weak that way. Likely his pride protecting him from the truth.

[King of Cats]

Thanks to his training with enduring the noxious aura of Kozan, listening to him was probably easier for Renji than it was for others. When Mondai strolled up Renji made a mental note of where he was, just in case the Sword decided to attack Kozan. Renji wondered what Mondai thought of working under the one who had defeated him. Renji didn't know much about Mondai, but the way ninja's worked in Kirigakure meant one had to be ready for anything. As he stood there listening to Kozan Renji ossified the bones of his kneecap, preparing to craft a sword if anyone got out of line. The Kaguya soaked in what Kozan said with a familiar edge at his side.

With understanding of the mission Renji nodded and continued to face Kozan. His attention was divided but he seemed to be focused on his mentor. Renji was more than ready for the mission. He worked hard to get where he was and he wanted to prove that Kozan's trust in him was well guided. Renji was sure of himself, he knew he would perform well on this task and with no trepidation he prepared for te next act of the mission.

[Kaitos10]

Would notice how strong Kozan had gotten after all this time but was determined to get stronger and avoid falling far behind. She steeled her resolve as she felt his killing intent flooding over her body as she listened carefully to everything he said. When he finally asked for questions she would say in a curious manner “I did have a few questions about this mission if you wouldn’t mind, for the sake of saving time I will list them back to back. First wouldn’t it be better for Yuuto to work with me instead of asuna? He’s more resistant to my poison which would make it easier to kill the targets if we didn’t have to worry about friendly fire? Finally is it correct to assume any other info we may need for the mission will be provided later or shown to us somehow such as the mission timing?”

While Nozomi would be ready to go whenever Kozan wanted to after she arrived, she wanted as much information as she could get on the mission which is why she asked those questions. After she got the answers to those questions assuming she didn’t need more information afterward. Most likely depending on the response to the last question, she would depending on the response either head to the mission site to prepare or stay here and try and obtain more info so could perform the mission more skillfully.

[Ace Trainer]

The arrival of Mondai elicited no response from Kozan, who did nothing to even acknowledge that the Seventh sword had arrived in their midst. Mondai was worth nothing to Kozan now. His presence on the mission would not change his plans in any meaningful way. They each had a directive, Mondai would simply be added to the assault team. After all, this team had killed a jounin, surely Mondai as a Swordsman of the Seven Mist would be able to handle it, right? It had seemed the tone Kozan had used to erase the notion of anyone actually asking question had be caught by everyone present except for Nozomi. Admittedly she was effectively a toddler in many ways...granted so was Kozan.

Killer intent would radiate off of Kozan once more, this time the fury enveloped in it more clearly directed at Nozomi. His back still to her, he extended an arm, his truth seeker slinking off his body and growing into a long sword in his hand. "When Kirigakure dispatches shinobi on a mission, their job is to follow the directives given to them by the assigned leader. This is no order that is illegal, no task off limits, no demand that should be unmet. Within the structure of mission hierarchy, the assigned leader is a dictator who is provided guidance by the village on what is needed from the mission and is expected to utilize the assets provided for them in whatever way possible to meet the requirements for success. Consequently, at no point should any team member question the motives or intent of the assigned leader. Doing so is tantamount to treason against the village.", Kozan's voice remained flat as it had been all along, reciting these words as if he was reading them directly out of a book. This was, as the various shinobi there would likely realize at one point or another, part of the more extended guides and trainings they had received in the academy and elsewhere. Without directly saying it, Kozan's message to Nozomi (and as a matter of fact to everyone else) was clear; there would be no questioning his orders or failure to comply here.

"We are departing now.", he instructed. This seemed to be in response to Nozomi's question about timing. They were operating as one unit, they would act on Kozan's orders and at no other point. How could it be that these daggers weren't even prepared to operate cohesively on a mission. Was this really the same class he'd come from?

With that, Kozan would jump upwards into the trees and move forward, intentionally adjusting his speed to move slow enough that the team he was leading could follow. They would press forward on the meeting point and then when they arrived, Kozan was dispatch them.