Are We There Yet? [Entering Country]

[Tatsuo]

They finally arrived at the inn, the whole group was seeming tired from their travelling. He wasn't sure how they'd want to watch Baba but he was certain a comfy inn wasn't their idea of top security. Tatsuo wanted to sleep in a real bed however so he dragged Saito along. After a quick check in they made it to the room a little before midnight and Tatsuo told Saito "Get some sleep, we're going to leave early tomorrow." he said as he threw a blanket over himself and dozed off.

[1 Hour Runtime]

 

[Keigo Oen]

It would seem that he would figure himself to be trudging along for days... It was good tat he didnt accept food. He wasnt worthy of anything, nor the mercy of anyone... not even her. He would take himself quietly, feeling the thoughts beginning to creep in again, mostly because he was beginning to lose himself. He wanted nothing more than to sit down and beg for his life. However, he wasnt worthy of forgiveness. Maybe in time he would regain his stripes. Maybe in time he would find himself back in the land, back home... away from the doctors and the pin pricks. Baba wanted nothing, needed nothing, but would have to force himself to earn every bit of respect he so wanted... one day he would return. One day he would go back to Kumo and apologize to the blue haired woman, He'd taken her kindness and ripped it to shreds... Maybe she would forgive him... Maybe not, but he would continue to trudge along chained with a mounted horseman at his six, and some more men to his three and nine...

 

[Uchiha Takeshi]

The Sennin was out in the outer villages zones, scouting the area with all the issues that had passed by with him he knew full well that they needed to be alert. He had taken two of his own ANBU out past the gates and into the zones to see what was going on. The three of them were talking for a while it seemed that they had a lot of catching up to do. With the missing Hokage they wanted to make sure that any issues were stopped before they even got to the gates and today would be the Sennin’s lucky day it would seem.

“Guys, I have got a convoy moving into the area, we will intercept. Youkai you cover the left, stop them that way. Tiger you are going right. I will go in the middle move quickly.”

Takeshi instantly pounced down as he landed on the ground in front of the group he drew himself to his full height. His new gear allowing the blade to move with his torso. The mask turned to face them the eyes shining threw the slits that gave him view of the travellers. Takeshi paused for a few seconds before he stepped forward. It seemed that the ANBU had arrived and things would be getting interesting. Takeshi instantly caught sight of the chained man.

“Stop there, who are you, what is your purpose inside the country. I will await for your answers”

He didn’t identify himself and would not do so until his questions had been answered. It was time that he took responsibility for the branch, and he wanted to make sure that he knew who this chained man was before they would be able to go anywhere. It was clear that their was an explanation behind this.

[Stopped]

 

[Haku Yuki]

The female watched was Takeshi made a diversion on his normal route, instead of making his way through the village zones as was normal he sides tracked heading towards the Outer Village areas. Yuki knew that something wasn’t right, she had known Takeshi long enough to know that this wasn’t normal. Pulling up the white hood of her robe she covered her head, her face was obscured by her Noh mask that was painted on the white porcelain, the false smile and the portrayal of an otherwise beautiful female was disturbing to look at, it was like looking to the face of a doll.

Takeshi walked towards the convoy of travellers, she broke off from him walking towards the left flank making her that no-one was going to make a break for it. She readied herself in case things went south. Yuki hoped that this wouldn’t turn into a fist fight. She stopped, listening to Takeshi as he addressed them.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Yukio had been given instruction and those were quite clear, taking a position on the right flank to ensure non-would attempt to flee the area if they were to be found guilty in the eyes of the ANBU branch. It was going to be an interesting turn of events. Taking a few strides to his given postion he wore the black hood the branch had given him the plain white mask lay upon his face.

As such he had no obvious features on his person though had come to hope they would simply respond quietly and answer, follow and understand whatever Takeshi would request of them. That would simply be the easiest way out of his situation at least for the ones they had met out here.

He didn’t know either of them but that didn’t matter to him, to say the least a job was a job and he would see it through to the end

[Topic Entered]

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Shuusei Touma​

Like the ANBU they were, the Leaf shinobi approached quickly and silently doing little to alert the convoy to their approach. However, the Kumogakure team had been waiting for the possibility of something like this happening. Everything had been going too smoothly, after all. As Takeshi landed, the Kumogakure ANBU were already drawing their blades. There was no telling who was ambushing them, but these were not the actions of a friendly reception. Touma directed his horse closer to the two younger boys as he observed the masked trio as Takeshi ordered the group to stop and explain themselves. The ANBU of Kumogakure were ready to defend themselves, but Touma held a hand up to keep them at bay.

"Hold," Touma ordered them calmly. The ANBU sheathed their blades to await further orders, though they remained on their guard. Given that the leader was demanding answers, they didn't exactly come across as bandits looking for money or allies of Baba looking to free him. The man spoke with authority and each of them wore masks similar to those of the Kumogakure ANBU present, though distinct in their own ways. They had moved with the speed and coordination of well trained shinobi and by now the group was well within the borders of Fire Country. The natural assumption was that the travelling party had encountered a group of ANBU from Konoha, but, of course, one could never be too careful.

"We are shinobi of Kumogakure here by orders of the Raikage. I would know who it is I am speaking with before I decide if I'll say anything more. Would I be correct in guessing that you are shinobi of Konoha?" Touma asked. If they were indeed shinobi of Konoha, there was no need for this tension, but that much needed to be confirmed still. The guards closed ranks around Baba, wearily watching their Konoha counterparts through their own masks as all awaited Takeshi's answer.

[Entering Country]

 

[Samsara Saito]

Leaf ANBU... SO COOL!!!! Saito almost hummed to himself as the showdown between the two forces continued with its undeniable tension. Tucked between Touma-san and Tatsuo-sensei, and with the Cloud ANBU escort prepared to defend as necessary if things went wrong, the young academy student felt little danger. Though combat could possibly erupt if Touma-san somehow blew the diplomatic portion of their passage across the border, the man seemed quite in control with matters well in hand. Which made all of this -- the fair degree of danger, the strangeness of the encounter, the unpredictability of the circumstances -- exactly what Saito wanted his life to be. Just wait until I get trained! I can't wait!

Boisterous though the boy may otherwise be, he did in fact know his place in this sort of situation: to basically stay as quiet and otherwise agreeable as possible. All of their documentation was in order, so there was no need for undue anxiety. Instead of using his time to worry for his life, the boy chose to closely observe all parts of the nighttime interrogatory exchange with a barely veiled fascination. It was like one of his favorite books had come to life! The masks between the Cloud ANBU and the Leaf ANBU were so similar, and yet so different... and even the subtle differences in their style of movement spoke of training rooted in different regions, from different blends of teachings. The boy's eyes skated between each of the three Leaf ANBU, and especially bouncing back and forth between the two speakers. What happened next between the two parties would depend on them, and the young academy student would be sure to remember it all.

[Entering Country]

 

[Tatsuo]

[Sorta redoing my post because I didn't expect to be stopped]

Tatsuo had noticed Yuki and Takeshi before they had even shown themselves, however Yukio somehow slipped unnoticed so when the third ANBU approached he became apprehensive. He had no idea exactly how many there were, or if they were even real Leaf ANBU. It had been quite a while since he had been in Leaf and since he was he wasn't really at the age to be running around with ANBU black ops. Touma took the lead in the situation, much to Tatsuo's relief. He placed a hand on Saito's shoulder and glanced between the three.

In order to ease some of the tension, he placed a thumb up to his headband which he was proudly sporting the symbol of the Leaf. "I'm a Chuunin of Konoha, I would like to ask what you're doing here. Apparently.." he said pointing over to Baba, "This guy is a Missing from Leaf, our friends in Cloud were given a message to return him to Leaf for proper punishment. I mean no offense, but this doesn't look like Konoha to me. It's been a while but we must have done some serious downgrading if this is the grand Village Hidden in the Leaves." he said taking a glance around at the small town around him, most of the shops closed for the day and the street dead quiet other than the conversation between the two parties.

 

[Keigo Oen]

Stopping and staying completely quiet, Baba would keep his head down. All these familiar chakras, he didnt like them at all but he would comply as he was told, if he was told to speak he would manage that little bit. However, this would definitely seem to be the ideals that kept his thoughts completely crisp. He knew that he was in no position to speak up for himself nor did he really want to. So, with a moment of lapsed judgements and such he would peak up to the people who'd gathered around them. All of them being the ANBU Crops of Konoha. They were on high alert now? Maybe more so now that he'd left the village... Maybe there was an attack since he left. Maybe the breech in security went deeper, more political. It wasnt Baba's thought to claim, but it was an arising thought with how quickly they'd jumped in.

"I am Baba Gagoze... Missing Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf... I've come home to pay for my debts and take my punishments...", was all he would mutter lowering his head so that the chains rattled a bit clanking with the tug he gave as he allowed his body to lean forward in a deep bow. And he'd leave it there.

 

[Uchiha Takeshi]

Takeshi allowed himself to look around at everyone who was speaking, it was clear that they had managed to get themselves into a situation was considered to have everyone on edge. Takeshi allowed himself to rest at ease it was clear that the members before them where from cloud. Minus the annoying kid but that was what it was. Takeshi looked towards the ANBU that seemed to take control of the group of them. Pondering the situation, he allowed himself to wave at the ANBU that was speaking. Deciding to address each issue as they came.

“Of course, manners escaped me I do apologize. I am ANBU Sennin, code named Reaper. The one with the white hood is my Captain Youkai and the one on the right is another ANBU Tiger. We were just out checking the outside village and came across your group. Obviously, we had to make the spot check to make sure everything was going ok.”

Takeshi allowed himself to stand for a few seconds before listening to what was being said. Pondering for a few minutes Takeshi listened to the words of the Chuunin though he wasn’t really paying much attention to the words that he was speaking. As he paused for a few seconds he let his eyes fall onto the eyes of the Chuunin.

“You can go to leaf then, I am not here to stop you, I am more interested in the fact that Baba Gagoze just walked back into the country. Leave if you must but I would request that……sorry what was your name?”

Takeshi realised that information should be passed between two people and he never managed to pick up on the ANBU that had turned up. Though he figured that the man was probably holding back on him in that split second. He allowed his eyes to fall onto his own two ANBU in that split second as he pondered on how to reply to the situation that was in front of him.

“If you want feel free to send the Chuunin and the…other one ahead. I want to have a speak with Baba I want to know a few things. But if you would prefer to go to the gates and drop him off first we can, or if you would like to just return home I won’t stop you either. Your choice on what we do next honestly. But I have one requests when it comes to this man”

Takeshi looked at the problem that had been causing him so many issues, though it seemed that he was after redemption. Interesting from someone like him to come back in such a way, though of course it was clear that he still was a missing but broken at that it would seem. He allowed himself to feel a small bit of pity for the man that had finally come home.

“Can we at least lose the chains? I think there is enough of us around here to stop him from running, your call though but it is not like he is going to be running anywhere”

Takeshi waited to see what replies he would get from his questions, as well as the answers that he had given.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Yukio did not speak, it was not his place to do such things in these circumstances but he did not back down from the opposition he faced. This however did not mean he made any aggressive moves either he simply stood stationary with Takeshi doing most of the negotiation it was simply his duty as a member of the branch to stand by his Sennin when asked to only nodding his head when Takeshi introduced him in greeting to those present.

He was unsure who these newcomers were considering those they had come for he had never seen wandering around the village before meaning they had most likely been gone for some time, given the current situation and having little to do in these circumstances he allowed his thoughts to wander in that moment theorising what the response would be to the sudden appearance of the ANBU branch in the area. Though all things considered this should have been expected considering all that had been going on in the village in recent months.

There would be a lot to catch up on depending on where those returning to leaf ended up as he observed the movements of all those present slight twitches of his fingers responding to sudden or slight movements in his direction.

 

[Haku Yuki]

The Haku didn’t speak as she joined Takeshi at his side, she bowed silently when she was introduced to the other that where present. her eyes looked over the group, while wasn’t expecting any trouble she was an ANBU just like the group in front of her, she knew that description was the name of the game that they played. Things could change in a heartbeat. Her eyes scanned the group that had gathered, from what little information that she managed to extract from Akumi, that and unless he was making a very unusual fashion statement, that the chained man was Baba. She split off from Takeshi and circled the man in chains and the group that had him surrounded.

“Akumi has returned home, I am sure that you would be wanting to know how she is going, after all, she did go missing for you,” Yuki seeped venom into her wards wanting to get a response from the male. Once she had finished talking she returned to Takeshi and waited by his side, waiting to see if they were going to hand him over or if they needed a little gentle persuasion was going to be needed. “Takeshi has a point, there are enough trained ANBU around for him not to need those chains. He isn’t going to try run anywhere, are you Baba?”

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Shuusei Touma​

Despite how Touma had planned to handle this encounter, the control had quickly been removed from him as the Leaf Chuunin spoke up. Before Touma could stop him, he was already casually explaining who they all were and what their purpose was in the country. The prisoner, as well, introduced himself which seemed to peak the interest of the shinobi who had stopped them. Fortunately, it seemed Touma's assumption was correct as the leader of the opposite group introduced himself as the ANBU Sennin of Konoha. With their identities confirmed as Konoha shinobi, allies of Kumogakure, Touma gave the signal for his ANBU to relax and spurred his horse forward to approach Takeshi so they could speak without shouting across the road at each other.

"I am Shuusei Touma. I'm leading this prisoner transport and also escorting these two to Konoha as well as bringing a message from the Raikage for the Hokage," Touma explained. Everything was out in the open now. There was no reason to be coy about their purpose for traveling to Konoha. The ANBU Sennin gave a few options, seemingly leaving the choices up to Touma. He asked that the chains be removed from Baba and suggested that perhaps the two who were not involved in the prisoner transport go ahead without them.

"Apologies, but I can't let the boy go without me," Touma said, looking back at Tatsuo and Saito. It would be easy to allow them to head off on their own, but part of Touma's orders were to ensure that Saito was safely escorted to Konoha. He could not ensure that if they separated. He was certain they were eager to be on their way, but it was what it was. With some luck, they wouldn't be stalled here for much longer regardless.

"If it's alright with you, I'd prefer to keep the chains. They're not hurting him. While I am certain he would not get very far were he to run, I would rather that he not have the option so that I can be sure he is delivered to Konoha's gates unharmed as is my charge. That said, I would like to continue our trip there so that we can fulfill our orders and turn him over at said gates. Of course, I would welcome the company of your group to ensure that goes smoothly and act as guides, but regardless I'd like to be on our way," Touma responded to the request. He was not trying to be antagonistic with the Leaf ANBU, but he had very specific instructions and changing things was inviting something to go wrong. Once Baba had been delivered to Konoha, Touma's involvement with him would be finished.

 

[Samsara Saito]

As Tatsuo-sensei explained everything despite Touma-san's attempt at carefully controlling the information given, and then Baba spoke for himself as well, Saito found himself grinning at Touma's facial expression. It probably didn't change from whatever it usually was -- "ANBU always wear at least one mask," as the saying goes -- but the frustration commonly experienced after watching a careful plan of execution go to waste had to be there! Alas, Touma-san's training was too good and no emotion showed through the cracks. Gotta admit though, we just saved a lot of time skipping ahead!

Saito couldn't help but feel relief that Touma-san would not allow Baba to be unchained -- and a certain small suspicion that the Leaf ANBU would really wish him freed before their arrival to Konoha. Maybe the boy couldn't escape... but why invite risk to the mission? If the places were reversed and Leaf ANBU brought a Cloud missing nin to the Land of Lightning, would they unchain their prisoner on the way at the request of individuals saying they were Cloud? And then they suggested a reduction in our immediate fighting force along with their request to unchain the prisoner... hmm.

Saito returned Touma-san's glance in his direction with direct eyecontact and a barely perceptible nod of his head. The group's leader also seemed to think that our splitting off to travel separately was a bad idea. The boy wasn't sure how he could help if things suddenly went south -- but between Tatsuo-sensei and Touma-san, the boy felt confident they would order him to do what was best. Remaining quiet and still, Saito continues his focus on present events, watching everything carefully, doing his best to notice anything important -- to notice EVERYTHING important.

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo had no intention of moving anywhere, he finally was assured that these fellows were ANBU of the Hidden Leaf. He furrowed his brows as he was ignored by the most senior ANBU, they tended to be quite stuck up folk. However his eyes was mostly on Saito, just in case things went south he was prepared to protect him. If they just wanted to talk there seemed to be no reason to come with such a show of force. He had no intention of leaving and when Touma reminded him of his duty to protect Saito he nodded. There was no point in speaking, the ANBU had no intention of listening to anything he had to say anyways.

 

[Uchiha Takeshi]

Takeshi looked back to the ANBU that spoke in that second, it seemed that the reputation of the ANBU of Cloud was one well earned by them, as he looked to the two of his own that had come with him Takeshi allowed himself to think in that few seconds before deciding to reply. He allowed himself to pause before he turned his attention to the ANBU.

“You do your job well, myself and my ANBU will escort you to the gates, please expect the attention of the Hokage, she wanted to be informed on the return of Baba to the gates.”

Takeshi turned as he started to walk, it was clear that he would be escorting them to the gates as was his mission. He had a job and just wanted to complete that as he walked away he allowed himself to look back at the ANBU from Cloud and nodded his faced masks in that split second towards the man that seemed to oversee the protection.

“We will escort you directly to the gates, there will be no stops. From what I have heard ANBU from Cloud are used to being dedicated to their job, I am sure we can make it to the gates in good time. I appreciate the help from Cloud in this matter. I am sure the Hokage will as well”

Takeshi allowed himself to start to walk towards the gates once more, though something pulled at the back of his mind in that split second as he pondered what to say and what to do. He allowed himself to sigh slightly before turning around to the two that had come along with them.

“If you want to stay and rest at the inn there is one close by, however, I request that Baba and the Cloud ANBU come with me to the gates. The Hokage will be waiting and I am sure you don't need a reminder how important this mission is to the Hokage. ”

Takeshi waited to see what Ark and his friend would do, though his mission dictated now that he escorted Baba and the Cloud ANBU directly to the gates.

[OOC: Escorting the Cloud ANBU and BABA to the gates. This topic: https://www.ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?f=752&t=54897]
[Topic Left]
[Ark and Saito can stay in the OV the night if they wish]

 

[Keigo Oen]

Baba said nothing, but he would begin to feel her... She was close. She was here and she wasnt alone. The Goddess walked this plane like a woman with the moral code of Zeus. She was above all, she was the end of most. However, her presence since the last time Baba'd seen her, her presence was weaker... but now he could feel her all around him. As well as the Hokage Umashi... He seemingly had is chakra spread over a vast area. It was odd, but Yet Baba would not say a thing, waiting for his judgement and allowing those voices to take form as tears that fell from his face.

[Topic Left towards Gate]

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Things had gotten a bit complicated, but the important thing was that they were going to get moving again. Apparently, they were to expect the Hokage to receive Baba. This was ideal, as Touma had a message to relay as well regarding the boy Saito. With the ANBU guides, their journey would likely be quicker than ever. The one point of contention was the suggestion that Saito and Tatsuo might simply stay behind. As Touma had said, one of his orders was to bring Saito to Konoha and request that he be allowed to stay with Tatsuo. If the request was denied, he was to bring Saito back with him to Kumogakure. It would be simply too complicated if they were to separate, so the boys would have to come along with them.

"We are ready to finish this trip, so whatever is required to deliver the prisoner is fine. As I said before, I'm not able to separate from the boy as his escort. It would be against protocol, so they'll have to come with us," Touma said looking from Takeshi back to the boys who would likely be a little daunted by the marathon journey they'd need to make back. He gave an apologetic look before looking to the ANBU whom would know the gameplan already by listening to the two leaders talk. They were fully prepared to finish the rest of the journey, whatever was required as Touma had said.

"At any rate, let us be off..."

[Topic Left once Saito/Tatsuo/Baba are gone.]

 

[Samsara Saito]

Saito has no qualms with continuing on toward the village despite the late hour, nor does he appear to have any; he looks quite alert and full of energy, prepared to continue onward to the gate. The child does his best to not look suspiciously at Takeshi, instead focusing his eyes on either the road ahead, on Touma and where that man focused his attention, or on Tatsuo as the party continues onward. If there is no need to be completely quiet, Saito would start talking to Tatsuo again after the tension between the two parties wears off, asking him any number of questions about the cities they had passed, the type of food in Konoha, how the students there were, what the library was like... The child clearly burned with a desire to continue his adventure -- his education on life and what it means to be a shinobi -- in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and to be on their way meant the world to him.

[Topic left -- onto the Gate]

 

[Shirai Sadao]

It seemed everything had gone by smoothly at least, it was the best possible outcome given the Circumstances with all parties being happy to proceed the Hyuuga let out a sigh of relief that this situation would not be escalated beyond this point. Turning on his heals he followed his Sennin and the party they now had with them. Safe to say he didn't take his eyes of them for all things had ended peacefully it didn't stop him from being on edge such situations calling for most of his attention.

Returning to the gates he took the opportunity to get a good look at the one they had come out to retrieve, he seemed like any other person but then again didn't everyone at first glance. All this didn't matter however he would know what he needed to know anything else would just be excess information at this point at that was something Yukio was content with as they returned home.

[Topic left returning to the gates]