Multi-tasking

[Legacy]

Gene stirred from his sleep long before the sun had given rise and besieged shadow filled streets with its all encompassing glow. These days he seemed more inclined to early starts than sleeping in even when he didn't have to be, strongly believing that there was always something that needed while others were busy doing nothing. Out of habit he checked his room for signs of intrusion starting with the single window facing East where later on today, the sun would breach and invade the space with unrelenting light. Thorough in his examination, Gene checked the screen and seals keeping the screen in place then he checked the frames and locks on the window followed by the various traps rigged throughout. Neither the crystal like powder on the bottom of the frame or the dagger conveniently placed at an angle above the frame were misplaced. If they were, the powder would form the shape of a hand or foot or other bodily surface and the dagger would have snapped out of place with a noisy clang. Even though Gene knew that the dagger placement was irregular, it served as a deterrent to those who were not skilled enough to enter without clumsily touching the frame. It also had been placed in such a way that had someone actually been foolish enough to enter his home through the master bed room while he slept, that the Kunai would fall into Gene's hand at the ready to be used as an immediate first response. The powder on the other hand was more to identify a culprit than to actually deter anyone.

Granted most people entering in this way would only notice the very obvious dagger, few would think to avoid the powder substance and in their haste to either enter or retreat they'd leave a trail to be followed. It was one of those things that Gene learned from experience as most people generally did not think straight when confronted with an immediate problem. After checking the traps on his window he immediately checked the fuinjutsu around his bed that provided easy access to varying weapons from the Anbu armory -- mostly Shuriken. Kunai knives were valuable as a tool but easier to identify on a covert mission and those Kunai designed from Konoha or in the land of fire carried very specific models that anyone worth their salt as a hunter or tracker could identify on a glance. Shuriken on the other hand, were harder to track because of their size and function. It was more likely that a Shuriken used as a weapon would become lost or damaged after flight leading to a cold trail even if discovered later on down the line. At some point Gene would intentionally make this job of tracking him even more difficult through the use of poison and acidic chemicals but for now...he worked with what he had.

One by one he'd run through all the traps set and layered throughout his home and by the time he'd completely finished, the sun was beginning to rise. If his Grandfather could see him now, minus the absent of clothes he would most likely say that Gene had become a fine Shinobi. Perhaps too great of one, in fact. Although the time spent around the man was brief, Gene had picked up Onigumo's skeptic habits and often questioned anyone who's intentions didn't directly equate to aiding the prosperity of the village in some way, even the one's who he begrudgingly called 'friend' which now wasn't very many people. Masami he had spoke to and interacted with on a few occasions but that in and of itself did not immediately dismiss her of Gene's growing skepticism. Like Taiga, she too was a Jinchuuriki which meant that at any given moment she was prone to erratic behavior; something that he'd seen the result of now far too many times to count, far to many times to feel that Konoha would ever genuinely be free of danger. There was Tenzin who Gene had grown to respect for his proficiency in Elemental Ninjutsu and admire for his leadership qualities but one look at the two of them and anyone could see that both lived in completely different worlds, the same could also be said about Gene and his closest acquaintance, Fanho Awai.

Gene didn't know what Fanho had been up to these days and hadn't reached out to him since seeing him in the Hospital months ago. It wasn't that he never thought about checking up on his childhood friend but his life seemed to be getting crazier and crazier by the day -- Fanho didn't need to be involved in any of that. In truth Gene didn't know what he could say to Fanho after their last run in. A lot of things changed on the day Zakuro abandoned the village and there was a noticeable shift in view points that divided many of the higher ups; Fanho of course, taking the side of those who didn't think Zakuro a threat to village safety and Gene taking the latter. For the sake of appearing unified however, nothing else had been said about the subject since the 17th Hokage spoke his piece on it. The seeds of discord were being sown everywhere and the main military branch could not afford to look incompetent and disorganized to the public, especially not now that so many world altering events were happening all over the place.

Between grooming, bathing and eating Gene spent a max of forty-five minutes to the combined tasks. Bathing and grooming taking the most time of the three because the Jounin often ate light now-a-days over hearty meals as a professional courtesy. He'd just finished equipping the last of his personal specs when a knock at the front door stole his attention. Fastening his Ninjato to his back, Gene approached the door and then stopped shortly before reaching it. His ears perked up as the faint sound of loose fabric reached him and immediately he began channeling chakra into his mouth forming a senbon construct of spiritual energy. Stepping forward as if to reach for the door he spun quickly on a pivot and faced the intruder with unrelenting intensity. Just as he were about to spit the Senbon free of his mouth and move to quickly activate one of the Fuinjutsu on his wrist he stopped, sighed and then narrowed his eyes.

"Why knock on the door if you weren't going to use it?" Emerging from the faint shadow of a corner just beyond the living room, a cloaked masked figure stepped out. "I figured this would be a more effective way to get your attention. I was right. Replied the nameless Anbu operative. To the masked Shinobi's surprise, the cold steel of a Kunai pressed itself against his neck and he tensed then chuckled sheepishly under the mask. "I could have killed you," came Gene's voice from behind the masked man followed shortly after by a grey plume of smoke as the one who had been Gene previously dispersed. It was low but with his sharp ears Gene heart a stifled gasp of surprise slip from the masked man's lips. "...I see...but, you didn't. Why?" "Because I know who you are, idiot. Did you think you could slip into a Buntaicho's home and not be discovered? Or would you prefer I send your head back to the barracks as an 'accident' for startling me in my sleep?" Gene felt the man tense again and knew that his words struck home. "N-no sir! I come baring a message from the top - a new Commander is to be selected immediately following Onigumo's departure...you've been summoned." Gene's expression hardened, he didn't like the sound of what he'd heard and by the looks of things he hadn't been the only one to hear this news. If it had already got out that Yosuke was no longer the commander of the underworld organization then there would likely be a lot of controversy among the ambitious members to decide who was next in line and unlike standard Ninja affairs...Anbu were good at making things look accidental.

Hrmph...what should I do? No, that's a foolish question I just have to figure out what this is all about. Resigned to his decision, Gene removed the kunai from the nameless Anbu member's throat and noticed an immediate shift in the man's mood. Apparently, being held so close to death's door wasn't as welcoming an experience as he'd come to believe. Still, the man's open display of relief was punishable as it spoke volumes on how soft the organization was becoming. "Relay this message for me: Uoza will attend."

And with that, the messenger was gone. A few minutes later, so too was Gene. Dressed down in Anbu black and a grey flak vest with gun metal grey grieves and a porcelain white Anbu mask with the design for "fish" in blue scribed on its center. Securing the rest of his gear (hip and secondary pouch absent of Cloud of sparrows, the Mamorinuku badge and the range finger lens case as it was now equipped to his left eye) he made for the secret exit in his bathroom making sure to grab both his Tanto and Buntaicho's white cloak in his departure.

Uoza would not be seen again until arriving at the Underground Anbu headquarters in the central chamber where he would await those who had summoned him to duty.

---

An all encompassing blanket of Grey filled the sky and for a while, many were sure that the days festivities would be rained out. Between mumbles of thunder and occasional sprinkles of water the signs were almost too great to ignore and yet all throughout the village Shinobi ran rampant within the public eye and in the shadows. After all, it was their sworn duty to protect Konoha's many citizens from any and all threats imaginable regardless of how terrible the weather conditions may have been. It was with this thought in mind that Gene rounded a corner, strolled up a beaten path and found himself standing at the mouth of Mamorinuku's Western Garrison.

In all truth it was hardly a Garrison. Consisting of a gate-less wooden shack that had only been slightly larger than an average three story building and plenty of dirt field littered with menial things -- pull up bars, short obstacle courses and what Gene believed to be some sort of communication area...he wasn't quite sure. It'd been quite some time since he'd actually visited any known Mamorinuku location and even longer since the organizations founder, Shikari Nara, had been heard from. Granted he generally never received orders to aid the Task force Gene hadn't exactly been all that surprised to know that he'd been perhaps the most out of touch with the inner workings of the organization and that only by way of assignment was he even making an appearance before the org station today.

Muffled thunder rolled in the sky and for a moment, Gene considered his objective for what it was - a fleeting responsibility at best. He inhaled deep, stripped his right hand from pocket and then exhaled. "Alright, I should get started." His voice was low, nonchalant and somehow...irritable. It was no secret that Gene particularly disdained grunt work and that he would much rather be out in the field going after high profile targets or better, his Sensei; but times were different now and as much as he detested this particular assignment, it needed to be done and done right. Otherwise top would have sent for someone else. Despite his attitude Gene made it a point to carry out his orders to their utmost final detail ensuring that no room for error or blame could fall down on his shoulders when all was said and done. It was one of those things that to this day, many of his peers knew and hated him for which -- he didn't actually care much for.

When he'd arrived in front of the building the first thing Gene did was announce himself to the lonely guard sitting idly at a desk, clearly bored out of her mind but alert all the same. "Good evening, I'm here to put on a demonstration for the Juin candidates." At first, the woman simply nodded but upon realizing who she'd been dealing with immediately perked up. "O-oh! Of course! Yes, they're all in side could you wait here please?" Gene nodded and folded his arms over his chest. He hadn't remarked upon the woman's inattentiveness but his stare alone was reprimanding. Saying nothing, the woman got up and headed for the building only to return moments later with two dozen other bodies who Gene assumed were all Juin candidates for either Katameru or Sekoutai. Whichever branch they'd set their sights on hadn't mattered to Gene however, he was there to teach them about the importance and application of Basic defensive Ninjutsu. Nothing less, nothing more.

[Mre-face]

The Genin walked through the door and then through the hall after a long wait for the Shinobi to train them. They then got summoned in by the guard and meet the Shinobi. The genin varied from older to younger from tall to small. As they saw their Shinobi that was going to train them their eyes lit up in excitement despite the dull day. The Shinobi would then take over as the guard resigned to her duty. Now the Genin waited for the Shinobi's command.

[Legacy]

Gene studied each face of the gathered small crowd, took in every detail to gather a basic impression of all of them. What he discovered was that of all the candidates, few actually looked the part -- at least, by his standards. If he'd been tasked with ensuring that the garrison assumed proper dress then each and every last one of them would have been sent back where they came to suit up properly, they were all too eager and not nearly as prepared for what he had in store for them. Or so he thought.

"Good afternoon," said Gene pleasantly. His tone never once betraying the thoughts of disdain gripping his mind like vice grips to a bolt for any of the young Juin recruits to notice. "My name is Gene Mitsurugi and I'd like to start by saying it is a great pleasure to meet all of you. Since you're here, it means that you've started down quite the spectacular journey in that you will one day become Konoha's elite task force responsible for protecting its citizens from all sorts of crazy threats! Truly, it is an honor to be here today as your Sensei." He smiled brightly, putting on quite the convincing performance as he'd been trained to do so effortlessly. In fact, to those watching him his intent was conveyed so genuine and so thorough that the distinction between task and hobby seemed almost like a blur. For a special Jounin with a work load that seemed only to grow, Gene didn't seem to mind dealing with kids and young listeners all that much. Perhaps that could have been attributed to the fact that at eighteen, he was still fairly young himself.


"Now generally, this would be the point where you guys would be spoon fed a lecture but that's not really how I do things. So one at a time from this side over here," he pointed in the direction of the last person to the right of the gathered crowd. "Could you all introduce yourselves and tell me a little bit about why you want to join Mamorinuku and what it was that set you down the path of Shinobi?"

[Mre-face]

After Gene pleasantly said good afternoon so would all the Genin in response. After Mitsurugi was done introducing themselves and what they would train for, The Genin would greet Sensei-Gene in unison. They would then all begin introducing themselves, Some stood out more then others, there was a set of identical twins whose hair contrasted ave for their hair. One had red hair and was named Edo and the other had green hair and was named Midori both wanted glory and had a strong yet friendly rivalry. There was another Genin he was older then most and a bit stout his name was Kirin and his desire to protect his village and his family. There was a sadness in his eyes hinting of some tragic past. There was another one a girl she was quite tall and strong for her age and was named Niko she loved shinobi and thus wanted to become one. The rest weren't that special some, idolized shinobi, some wanted glory, some wanted to protect the village or their families.

[Legacy]

Listening to each response and name, Gene committed them to memory as he had done with the group before. While he hated menial task work something about connecting with the youth made him feel...good. Some of the reasons he had heard genuinely caught his attention provoking some mental notes while others gained a intent filled nod all the same. Now, with the introductions out of the way he could begin working on the task that had been set before him.

"Great. You all have your own ideals and reasons for wanting to help your village and for that, you all are one step closer to becoming fine ninja. Now, today.." he gestured with his right hand, pointing it skyward. "I'll be teaching you all the importance of Defensive Ninjutsu and Fuinjutsu art forms. First, could one of you step up and explain what Ninjutsu is for the rest of the group?" He paused, smiled and then said "I'll give a special reward to anyone able to thoroughly explain what Ninjutsu is."

[Mre-face]

After Gene requested a explanation Niko was almost instant in explaining, "Chakra is the combination of spiritual and physical energy in the body combining as one body to create effects otherwise not possible." She smiled with her back standing straight and proud over her explanation, the others seemed to lightly nod in agreement while they looked to her in curiosity and excitement for her reward.

[Legacy]

"That's correct, you hit the nail on the head exactly!" Even though he knew the answer to the question and expected at least one person to provide some kind of an explanation close enough to his question, Gene thought it wonderful that someone could provide a response in such a short and to the point manner of speaking.Perhaps he thought, this assignment won't be such a downer after all. When he had realized that all in attendance were staring at him as if they were waiting for something Gene began to feel uncomfortable. Not since this morning did he feel the heat of such prying eyes and...much like that time, he loathed the attention. "Ahem...Right. Now the effects as our young friend here so diligently put it, are actually broken down into three sub groups. Taijutsu or the physical skill, Genjutsu or illusion arts, and Ninjutsu. Today I'll be demonstrating the last and perhaps most widely used form of the three, Ninjutsu."

 After concluding his sentence Gene broke from the modified parade rest stance and stepped backward away from the gathered group until at least twelve feet stood between himself and the rest of them. Once he was set, Gene parted both of his legs until they were about a shoulder's length apart and bent slightly at the knees. Now he was fully prepared for the next step although...his company may not have liked what he planned to do. "I'm going to show you all a technique by the name of Ninpou: Barrier entrapment jutsu. As the name suggests, it works by creating a sturdy wall between yourself and the target effectively keeping them trapped inside. This technique is great for capturing one or multiple targets at a time and can be a great defensive style technique if used in the proper setting. Moreoever, the user of this technique also has the option to put distance between themselves or their comrades from an aggressor which could very well be the difference between saving a life and losing it." The last part of what Gene had to say came out much harsher than he intended but he never attempted to apologize for it. In the Shinobi world, there was always a possibility that things could go wrong and he wanted to make sure that each and every last person who'd been observing him now had been painstakingly aware of that fact.

 With his explanations out of the way Gene inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, calming his mind before committing to his next task. His hands ascended swiftly toward his chest and when they'd collided at the sternum, each finger began to tut briskly and seamlessly; flowing smooth as if to be the human embodiment of an ocean through hand seals, each serving a specific role in the grand scheme of his vivid imagination and to educate the spectating crowd of observers. While typically he would have finished weaving through each corresponding seal of this particular technique in record pace Gene opted to take a slower pace and instead, weaved each sign at less than a third of his actual speed. When he had finished, he'd cast the conceptualized chakra out in front of him and surrounded the group of Juin recruits with it. To their surprise, a glowing construct of translucent blue chakra would spring up around them, blocking them in from all sides.

What would they do now?

SpoilerShow

Barrier Entrapment

B-ranked Ninpou

After performing the correct hand seals the user forms a 10m3 barrier around a target up to 20m away from their position. The barrier forms at a speed of 15, has a strength of 20, and lasts 7 posts before fading away.

[Mre-face]

The group stood and listened to Gene's explanation of what type of Chakra manipulation skill they would be training. The group stood curious of what technique would be displayed. They took in Gene's word with seriousness as his hard stare made them realize how serious he and what he was talking about truly was. As the Juin recruits waited for the ninjutsu to appear in front of them to their surprise they all got trapped inside as they all stood shocked from the sudden entrapment. Kirin would try to punch the barrier, skipping to be amazed but would not even dent the mighty barrier. The rest would all try to do the same but would be meet with the same reaction not even a dent. The two twins were one upping themselves shouting over each other "Watch as I break us out of this jutsu EDO!!!" He would be replied with a swift come back from Edo. "YOU!? Break out of this! HA! You can barely break an old branch!" The defense was immense how would they get out of this one? Considering their attacks were showing no signs of breaking the jutsu.

[Legacy]

For a while Gene simply watched while the students did their best and failed to break free of the barrier he had created. Only when he was sure that his point had been made regarding the strong capability of Defensive ninjutsu did he dispel the technique and resume his lecture. "As you can see barrier techniques can be both incredibly quick to cast and powerful. Having said that, now it is your turn to attempt capturing me in a barrier style ninjutsu. All of you, start weaving the hand signs that I just showed you now." Many of the students were eager to listen after his demonstration and the humor had not been lost on Gene either. Looks like that woke 'em up, Gene thought to himself while allowing his lips to tug into a closed mouth smile.

These kids have a bright future ahead of them.

[Mre-face]

The genin stopped as they listened to Gene-sensei, the great barrier dispelled as they all turned to Gene trying to replicate the handseals they saw earlier. Niko weaved the handseals with ease of course with a few attempts here and ther ebut other then that it was easy for her. Which would probably not be such a surprise considering her reason for being here and her precise explanation of what chakra was. Edo and Midori were trying to one up each other not actually focusing properly in order to perform the jutsu. Kirin was having a lot of trouble he just couldn't get the seals right or even fast for that matter he appeared to have two left hands. A barrier from Niko appereared around Gene. The other Juin still weaved seals until they also cast barriers. Edo and Midori was still going att it until they both successed at the same time and then proceeded to argue over who did it first. But still Kirirn was struggling still. All the other Juin was waiting for apporval at this point now it's up to the sensei to judge their prowess.

[Legacy]

It...took them a while, but after some trial and error all of the students managed to pull off the task provided to them. What's more, they'd actually managed to accomplish the technique much quicker than Gene when he'd first learned barrier ninjutsu, a fact that both filled him with hope for the future and startled him. At the rate each of them were progressing it was safe to say that the sky was literally the limit. "Well done, all of you! I don't think I am alone in saying that your progress has surprised all of your instructors." A glance around to the other Chunin and Jounin stil shocked that the young Juin had actually pulled off the technique was all that Gene needed to see for confirmation. "Each and every last one of you has a bright future ahead of you but....Edo, Midori, you two are truly something else." Gene chuckled, "remember it was Niko who pulled off an upset this time around."

And with that, he placed a hand on the barrier and forced his way through each one until all of them had been broken through. "As you can still see, however, you all have a long way to go. Don't ever get complacent." His tone had gone back to that ominous and eerie iceberg of a voice that indicated he was serious. Pleased with their performance thus far, Gene was not taken with them. After all, a Shinobi's job was never truly done. "I'd say that concludes today's lesson, yeah?" A smile was followed by a wave and then suddenly...Poof.

[Mre-face]

After they all performed their attempt at a barrier jutsu, the genin grew happy on how they performed. Edo and Midori laughed at the comment from their instructor. Niko grew prideful after getting their sensei's props. They watched as Gene dispelled they listen to his serious tone until they all said their goodbyes until their master disappeared.,turns out this was just a shadow clone. Which collectively blew the minds of the genin not expecting or noticing the shadow clone at all. They all were wowed until they eventually snaååed out of their shock and went home. The genin walked away happily as they had successfully trained another jutsu.