Private A Lesson in Leaving Witnesses 1 - "Permission to Hunt" [PVT Keiji]

[Minamoto Daisuke]

Clad in a dark robe that cascaded in wrinkles and folds down his reasonably short body, Minamoto Daisuke - grandson of the first and last Mizukages, silently drifted through the ANBU headquarters. Each step he took left his figure almost as level as humanly possible, giving the illusion that the operative may not even be touching the ground. In reality, he was, but his movements were the result of countless hours in a merciless training regime which Daisuke had formulated for himself. The cold stone floor beneath him was also a welcome facilitator of his silence, the surface remained clean of debris - a duty that Daisuke took upon himself from time to time. A smooth path ensured accurate steps.

Ambient light drifted out from small windows on the wall of offices that the ANBU passed, each one punctuating the almost clinical lighting that the corridor itself held. The various folds of Daisuke’s robe cast rippling shadows over his already obscured form as he strode onwards. A small boon to his camouflage one might say, but the teen wasn’t planning to hide today.

It took him several minutes but soon enough the ANBU had arrived at his intended destination, the office of the ANBU sennin. Without hesitation he knocked, knowing that his appearance was impeccable as usual. Under his hood and over the boy’s face sat a flat mask, reminiscent of the lost Kirigakure, punctuated by blue markings and a small engraving of the symbol of the hidden leaf in the centre of the forehead.

If the agent, his codename Makara, were to be allowed entry he would quietly step inside before offering a bow. His outward respect was something that had carried Daisuke through his years as a shinobi, he wasn’t about to let that image drop despite the often blunt interactions of the ANBU amongst one another.

“My lord. I have a request.”

[Topic entered]
[Requesting Keiji]

 

[Keiji]

"Enter!" A childlike girly voice called out from close behind the door. As Daisuke opened the door he'd notice a small framed girl, not looking older than twelve years old, holding a stack of paper almost as high as her and walking with it to the lone office table in the center of the room.
The medium sized room was sparse, no adornments or beautifying objects stood within, the walls were covered in square wooden beams with a few inches inbetween them, the ceiling like so had wooden beeams all in order to nullify any echo, making it harder to listen in from the outside. A single light from a small window above and a single lamp on the table illuminated the room, creating a dark and gloomy environment almost like a prison cell, all that was lacking was a ball and chain on the hard stone floor. On one side of the table single a piece of paper was illuminated with a hooded head leaning over it and reading carefully.

The head had a white mask over it, and with a hood covering the hair underneath. As he looked up to see who entered, his white raven mask looked upon Daisuke with it's hollow eyes assessing his whole being, like a hunter scanning its prey for any weaknesses.

Then as the mask looked down again he leaned back and pulled a drawer, taking out another paper, looking at it for a second, and then putting it back in.
Looking up again with his black hollow holes where his eyes would be towards Daisuke. Through the mask came a warm voice with calm, care and familiarty, almost like a father talking to his child "Ma-Kara, yeah? What's on your mind?" Just as he finished speaking the little girl lifted the stacks of paper she'd been carrying and placing it on the opposite side of the office table with a loud thump. The girl turned briefly to Daisuke revealing her white AiT Kitsune mask with massive red curly hair behind it, almost like she'd been struggling to hide the hair so instead just opted to let it free behind her head. She then backed herself into a corner of the room standing still and awaiting her next order or assignment almost like an automaton going back to it's charging station.

[entered]

 

[Minamoto Daisuke]

The door was nothing of immediate note, Daisuke thought to himself as the voice of a young girl pierced his melancholic observations. This was certainly not Keiji bidding him entry. However, if there were to be someone inside the office of the chief ANBU then they must have been there for a reason. The boy raised his arm, feeling the weight of his cloak shift up until the point his hand came to rest on the cold door handle. In a single motion he twisted and pushed, opening the door only a few seconds after being bid entry. After stepping inside and asking his question, the boy waited to be asked to speak further - an invitation which soon came.

While his mask remained centred towards Keiji, Daisuke’s eyes took a moment to assess the room as well as the unexpected occupant. A relatively young ANBU in training, he assumed after catching a glimpse of her mask as it struggled to hide wild red hair. Judging by her frame and tone of voice she was likely younger than he was when he joined the branch, which to him implied noticeable talent that shouldn’t be underestimated. The Minamoto boy would be sure to be vigilant of her progress. Soon, however, he returned the gaze of his irises towards the ANBU Sennin.

The boy stood there, unwavering as he was regarded and analysed - a mental exercise that he returned in that same moment. Keiji’s voice was an observable juxtaposition from both his mask and the searching observation that Daisuke was greeted with - it seemed to hold genuine interest and a sense of calm warmth which the boy didn’t possess himself. As a matter of fact, Daisuke’s tone was respectful while his words were blunt and calculated. “Sir. I have fully recovered from the injuries I sustained at the hand of the intruder that Lady Soku and I confronted.” He paused for a moment, his gaze not wavering from his superior. There was no observable emotion in the boy’s voice as he continued to address the Sennin. “The figure masqueraded as a shinobi from Sunagakure, I observed that it appeared to be a disguise of flesh. The only culprit was a small female with porcelain skin whom I believe to be a kinjutsu user - a puppet.”

Makara’s memory flashed to the last moments of consciousness that were still available from the conflict. The only evidence of his frustration at his failure being a quick blink that was almost unobservable through the eye slits of his mask. He drew a breath and continued. “I would like to formally request permission to depart for Sunagakure in order to gather intelligence on this individual and their motives.” Daisuke paused once more, looking to read any subtle body language that his superior may exhibit. “I will not engage the target unless it is necessitated for the safe return of my report to Konoha.”

The young ANBU silenced thereafter. Both arms dangled at his sides once more while he waited for the response from the ANBU Sennin. His spoken words had matched the atmosphere of the room that those present found themselves in, and with any luck his intention to investigate the threat to the village would be affirmed.

[MFT]
[WC: 540]

 

[Keiji]

Listening unmoving and unwavering, not betraying any emotions or thoughts, with the hollowed eyes of the mask he examined the boy's stance and his mannerisms as he spoke. Then as he finished and his report and subsequent request he looked down at the table again, like he was thinking over his answer. His eyes darted across the table, looking for a particular note he had left on it. Noticing it, he reads it and within a few seconds lifts up his head again. "I'm afraid your request as stated is denied..." He left the words sit in the air for a few seconds to let the emotions of those words be felt.

"... However.." He finally added. Keiji always enjoyed the theatrics, and here was another situation he could play the role of a parent or supporting stern bossy character in their storyline. "I have information here that Uchiha Takeshi, the current serving Kage is preparing a trip to Sunagakure and will be on the lookout for escorts, the more the merrier, and it gives you perfect cover to enter the village and conduct your search. With Takeshi-san around and other friends, you will also have potential backup if things go sour."

He paused again, and finally added "With the stipulation that you are to travel with Takeshi-san and the rest of his entourage, I will grant you your request. Is that acceptable to you?"

Without noticing, Hitomi, the little girl pulled out a piece of paper and unfolded it, walking softly and placing it in front of Keiji and putting a pen next to it, Looking down for a brief second he took the pen and started filling it out briefly, and with the final dot he looked back up and awaited a response.

Depending on the answer given he'd either crumble up the paper (denied)
Or write another line and finally ending with a loud thump as he placed the final punctuation (Accept)

 

[Minamoto Daisuke]

Daisuke patiently listened, waiting for his superior to take in his request and consider the proposal. Under his mask, the boy's breaths were slow and steady, the coolness of the air contrasting with the warmth trapped within the porcelain covering his face. His focused gaze followed Keiji's hand movements over the desk, searching for any clues or information that might offer insights as to how his superior was to respond. However, in those fleeting moments, there was nothing for the observant Minamoto boy to glean.

As Keiji's hollow eyes met Daisuke's, the young ANBU maintained his unwavering composure. He had presented his case with precision and clarity, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. Or so he thought...

The denial of his initial request hung in the air, but Daisuke knew there was more to come. He remained attentive, awaiting the ANBU Sennin's next words. Then, with what seemed to be a calculated pause, Keiji's voice became present in the room once more, carrying a mixture of disappointment and intrigue. The mention of Uchiha Takeshi, the current Kage, planning a trip to Sunagakure caught Daisuke's full attention. A flicker of curiosity passed through his eyes, but he swiftly masked it behind his stoic facade. As the ANBU Sennin elaborated on the opportunity that awaited Daisuke, the boy's mind began to formulate a new plan. The prospect of travelling with Takeshi and potentially having backup in the form of the Kage (and whatever entourage he may have) was an advantageous proposition to hold. It would allow him to conduct his investigation while fulfilling his duty as an escort. The pieces were falling into place - making it more likely that his mission would be a success.

Daisuke nodded, his voice respectful and resolute. "I appreciate your consideration, sir. I accept the stipulation.” He paused. “I will join Lord Forth and assist him on his journey, all while diligently gathering intelligence on the individual in question. Konoha's safety is my priority."

His gaze briefly shifted to Hitomi, who had quietly approached the desk and placed a paper in front of Keiji. Silence settled in the room once again, enveloping the space in an aura of ever-so-subtle anticipation. Daisuke's mind began to shift in focus, beginning to plan for the forthcoming tasks he would need to complete in preparation. Even so, he was still present in the room. His form remained still, waiting on any further instructions that might be passed his way.

[MFT]
[WC: 401]

 

[Keiji]

As he heard Daisuke's acceptance he gave a curt nod and with a stamp, a small slash of his pen, he finished the paperwork in front of him and rolled it up.
Handing the scroll to Daisuke he commented "Here Makara, proceed to the Kage's office in his opening hours, and deliver this scroll to him, it's basically just to inform him of my decision to have you added to his entourage and to serve at his leisure until the arrival to Sunagakure, while there you'll be on your own. If possible you can join him on his way back, but you are not required to be there. Basically, it's to make sure there's an empty seat ready with your name on it for the journey there and back."

Presumably Daisuke would take the scroll and as his hands emptied he'd settle them on the table. in front of him, trying to ascertain the next document to look over. His eyes settling on the stack of paper Hitomi had slumped on his desk, looking at it with a slight sigh. Then looking back up to Daisuke.
"Right, you're dismissed. Go and make way to the Kage. Best of luck on your jouney, I'll be waiting on your report when you return." Then lifting one hand, with a nonchalant flick of his wrist he dismissed him.

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