Seeing Eye to Eye [Req. Honnou]

[Kagami Miro]

Papers ruffled and shifted into piles of neatly made stacks. Manilla folders with dossiers of ANBU operatives lay scattered across her desk. At a glance the massive black and red marble desk looked disorganized but the Sennin knew just where everything was at. However scattered her thoughts may be she was always liable to pinpoint everything she needed. Like the file info on an operative named Hyuuga Honnou. “Ah there he is!” Calloused fingers gripped the folder and opened it.

Red hues traveled across the pages of notes that embodied her operative. The Sennin took notice of his herculean feats. One that stuck out was the bomb difusion at the academy while she and the Medical Sennin and Raikage were out southbound. ‘From the looks of his report combined with that report from the sentient microwave Rei, Honnou single handedly saved the village from turning into a crater.’ Mirō thought to herself. A smile appeared on her lips while a hand moved to a button on her desk.

“Send word to Operative: Hyuuga Honnou that I’d like to speak with him. Immediately.” In a second she had gotten a resounding confirmation back through her speaker. Mirō leaned back in her chair, those scarlet hues looked up at her high ceiling. ‘Hyuuga Honnou. I remember seeing bits of you when I was a trainee. And you’re still just an operative.’ She laughed, her fingers interlocked and moved onto her lap. Deep in thought, the message to rally Honnou had been sent to another operative to relay the message to him. Wherever he’d be.

[Topic Entered]​

 

[Honnou]

Despite his time in the ANBU and all the training, missions and duties he’d undergone in those… was it 3 years? Yeah, about 3 years since his promotion from the Chūnin Exams… so since then, he had been able to hone and harness his Taijutsu beyond just the complexity of the Gentle Fist. He hadn’t just been able to grow more and more adept into the Bold Step, but learning under the veils of the ANBU had granted him Jutsus and Techniques that shot his level of skill straight up at a speed he wasn’t able to reach before.

An example of the benefits from working with the mask on was shown in one of the cells available to the ANBU in their base. Hon had requested to be alone, before he sat down and focused his chakra. The silence of the cell gave him just the right atmosphere to undergo some mental training, for among the most noteworthy of traits among the ANBU was their mental fortitude. They performed tasks in the shadows, duties often grossed and scorned upon, securing the safety of their village without hesitation. Hon could not hesitate… but that required him to reflect upon his past struggles.

… He was there. The creature from which the black puddle emerged from had suddenly taken physical shape within his mindscape, and it charged right at the young Hyūga. It was just as large and volatile as he remembered it, but while it had size, he had speed. He was able to evade its stampede in time, drawing from his affinity for Lightning Release as well as his own physical reflexes. The battle had begun…

But it all took place in his mind. You see, the ANBU had their series of secret Jutsu only taught among their ranks – these Jutsu were classified, but for the sake of the reader, it shall be known that the Jutsu used here was ANBU-Hijutsu: Nōnai Shintō (ANBU-Secret Jutsu: Mental Infiltration). A Jutsu supposedly used to infiltrate the minds of other targets and make them ‘relive’ questionable alibis during interrogation, this one was used to infiltrate Hon’s own mind… to make him physically relive the violent attack a few years ago.

He commonly used this Jutsu to relive past battles. It set his skills in stone, harnessed his experience in fighting myriads of different enemies, and it also ensured that should he ever have to fight the same foe again, then he’d be far more than ready. But alas, he caught the call for his name – another Operative had entered the cell and conveyed the message; the Sennin wanted to speak with him.

It was about time he got to meet her personally. Hon looked shocked at first, causing the other Operative unease, but it was actually due to almost having been stomped to a smashed potato puddle by the dinosaur in his memory. “Ryōkai,” he responded, dismissing the other Operative as Hon rose up to his feet and flickered away. He knew where she was, and before reaching her room, he could see her.

It was traditional, yes, but Hon arrived as a blurry flicker before his full form was seen kneeling in front of the Sennin’s desk. He had decided to unmask himself, since it served no purpose in front of someone like her. He had heard about her from the other Operatives and through some soft investigation of his own, and he had a faint and faulty idea of just how unrelenting her power was… and while she wasn’t Kaji, he wouldn’t treat her any differently. She was his Sennin, and to that title came his absolute loyalty. Due to his position, it was expected, and in his eyes, the Sennin held just as much importance as Raikage-sama, and he hoped that the day wouldn’t come where he’d have to choose between the two. A-Anyway-

He would think of her as a close family member, a guardian and mentor of his to guide the Hyūga and the rest of the ANBU towards obtaining their objectives, and he would aid her with everything he was capable of. That much was clear, set in stone, and unbendable. Do not underestimate an ANBU’s devotion.

Down on one knee, his right fist planted firmly on the ground, and his left metallic hand hugging his left knee in greeting, he spoke up first: “Sennin-sama.”

… And that was it. His code prevented him from speaking further, not before she had spoken too. She wanted to talk with him, and thus she were to start the conversation. It might’ve been eerily obedient of him, but due to the training he received, he couldn’t help but take on this air-tight persona when working with the ANBU… much unlike his more relaxed ‘Hyūga Honnou, call me Hon’ state. Was it schizophrenia? Maybe, maybe not, but he was merely following presumed orders. Don’t blame him.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Kagami Miro]

Just as fast as she sent the word over, Honnou appeared within her office in a show of smoke and mirrors. The shadows disappeared leaving the two of them in total silence. Mirō adjusted her posture to rest her arm on the arm rest, laying her knuckles against her cheek. Fiery red hues stared at the up-and-comer Honnou like a hawk targeting prey. Ever since her ascension her famous sharingan remained active at all times. Liable to peer into ones eyes to have their mind weave a fancy tale of their lives and truths. That was only one pro out of a plethora of others that the Uchiha had over the Hyuuga.

Descendants of highly sought after eyes their clans knew no true peace of mind. However, Hyuuga had many more nights of deep sleep than the Uchiha ever had. A smile appeared across soft pink lips. Her mind fanned away the clear idea of clan superiority between them. Thus returned to the matter at hand. Those within her rank were her kin and each loss of life would never be forgotten. Marked forever on her heart she treated each member with respect like they have given to her.

It was clear that Honnou held the same respect for her even though it was their first time meeting. “Ah, Hyuuga Honnou. Hero of Kumogakure.” Her voice had grown more femenine over the years tuning to a fine angelic chime. “The whole village would rejoice and sing songs about your heroism for decades, maybe millennia!” Mirō sat up, “Yet there’s no praise within the ANBU. No heroes or heroines, only a duty and undying loyalty to Kumo.” There was a long pause between her statements.

“That said, I cannot dismiss your crowning achievements. You, Hyuuga Honnou, are a valuable asset to ANBU Black Ops and Kumogakure itself. With that I want to elevate your status into ANBU Captain.” Red hues remained fixated on the kneeling ninja, staring at his muscle with unwarranted intensity. “I can see you producing exceptional results by leading other operatives into the fray and keeping Kumogakure’s name high into the heavens.” Some may think her saying was a stretch. Mirō never lied to her subordinates. The question lingered in the atmosphere of the room. Will he take the mantle of responsibility?​

 

[Honnou]

… A hero…

It was true. Hon’s actions at the Academy on that frightening day, and the encounter with the orb deep down at the basement… if not for his step in, the entire Academy would’ve been reduced to atoms. And via later reports, the erasure would’ve included the rest of his beloved village as well, which resulted in him having ended up saving much more than he anticipated. He saved all their lives, and thus she referred to him as Kumogakure’s Hero.

But in the end, it was to be expected of any ANBU member in his shoes on that day. He fulfilled his duty and came out alive, a flawless job completed. And right after he came back from that brain-aneurysm of a slumber he had succumbed to while searching for the substance…

Still, while he did a great job, no one knew of it… at least, no one outside of the Sennin, both the Uchiha in front of him and the Sennin of the Main Branch who was at the Academy at the same time, as well as the leading figure above both – Kitsune-sama, the Eleventh Raikage. He doubted that any of the Genin were able to figure out what the black blur that threw them out from the fires was, so they were out of the equation. If people had known, however, then yes – quite a party would’ve been in store for the young Hyūga, and he might’ve enjoyed it quite a bit.

But there was no time to regret one’s chance at fame. It was a duty, and he was more than willing to slap another bomb to nothing if the time came again.

But his inner desire for recognition was met with a sudden promotion by the ANBU Sennin herself. While still looking down to the floor – which really didn’t prevent his all-seeing, crystal-blue eyes from seeing her face – those very same eyes widened in a mild surprise. She put a lot of trust and support in him with those words, and it felt like it was his time to become a leading figure – one with responsibility over the newer Operatives, a leading figure and inspiration in their eyes as he used to find inspiration in others when he was smaller.

She must’ve thought this through... so there was no point in being awfully modest. “I... I shall do my best. Watch over me...” he replied with a nod, accepting the promotion granted and keeping his mild surprise short and simple – instead of promising her this and that and those many things that he’d definitely accomplish under the title of Captain, he merely challenged her blood-red Uchiha eyes to watch him from this point on and witness his actions... just like she had done up until now, which had led to this event.

ANBU Captain... if being a regular ANBU Operative was anything to go by, then this position held the most skilled and merituous members that the branch had ever witnessed. Although, if looking at it from another perspective... that would technically correspond to a Jounin-rank, right?

“I am a little eager to undergo my next task... but I must ask. Was my report of help?” He was referring to the vision of those clad in gold and silver, the alien humanoids from the mirages back at the Academy. He only saw them for a brief time, but their impossible compositions were ingrained into his head like a bad dream. And with what the Sennin had been through alongside Kitsune at that time, maybe they witnessed something of that caliber as well...

What were those creatures? Were they behind the terrors that had ravaged their land lately?

 

[Kagami Miro]

Soft lips curled into a smile at the fact that Honnou accepted her offer. “I’m sure you will not disappoint me. Now rise.” Her captains were oft the elite who commanded the lower ranks and went on dangerous missions. However, some were also masterful stategiests, impeccable spies and deadlier than radiation poisoning. Hell, there were even ANBU operatives who were stronger than her yet only Mirō held the favor of the Raikage. Appointed at an early age when the old ANBU Sennin had abandoned their post to strive for their own personal gains, Mirō moved up quickly to get where she was today. The animosity towards her lingered throughout the Sileo. As daunting as it was, it only forced her to become a perfectionist, working hard to exceed expectations of those who thought ill of her.

A finely trimmed brow rose while Honnou mentioned his report on the war effort. The mention of the two beings stood out but his achievements at the academy had been far more important than whatever he thought he saw. ‘Thought he saw?’ Her contract whispered into her mind. Mirō ignored that alluring whisper, “It was detailed, however I have another task suited for you to test your mind rather than brawn.”

Mirō reached over to a file cabinet on her desk. Finger tips walked through the tabs in alphabetical order. She stopped twice, pulling out two dossiers and placing them evenly on the table. She spun the folders around to have them face Hon directly. “The aftermath of war still lingers within Kumogakure. The Tenouza had not been eradicated entirely.” Mirō reached over to open one folder, spanning its contents of multiple spots in Marsh and Bear country. “One task is to gather more information and eventually wipe them out. However, there are refugees hidden within our walls.” Scarlet hues stared at her operative. “We know this because of him.”

The other folder opened up to reveal a document with pictures of an unkempt looking operative. If Hon took notice the kid would be within ANBU. “This is my pupil, Tsukinowa Shinjo. If you can recall the ANBU Codex, persons must maintain their mental health to remain within ANBU. Lately he was seen leaving an abandoned complex that had a mutilated corpse inside and a multitude of supplies that were stolen from us to be shipped to somewhere.” Mirō leaned back in her chair, her arms folded underneath her chest. “We don’t suspect him of hoarding weaponry for the Tenouza. His style of killing is too gruesome and ever since he left the mental ward he hasn’t been right. I’ll need you to keep an eye on him.” Those red hues never left those special Hyuuga eyes. “Solid evidence of his mental state needs to be declared. If my pupil has gone awol…” She left out a heavy sigh and shrugged. “We’ll decide whether or not to deal with him ourselves.” She leaned forward, placing her elbows on the marble desk. “To recap, find the link between that weapon cache and Bear n’ Marsh country while finding out whether or not Shinjo is linked to it or not.” Her instructions were clear. Just like the Raikage she wasn’t one to repeat herself. Mirō believed in Hon’s strength however she hadn’t seen results in his espionage skills. ​

 

[Honnou]

Huh… intriguing, to say the least. She had another task for him, one that challenged his mind in contrast to his strength. And as he expected, it was still tied to the events of recent times and the dealings with the Tenouza. If there were still embers of opposing forces within Kumogakure’s walls, then who would be better at spotting them than the all-seeing eyes of the Hyūga? In that regard, he might’ve had the upper hand in surveillance compared to the Sennin in front of him.

Refugees… it was a strange thing to hear, because he hadn’t gotten the idea that Tenouza would seek refuge here of all places. It was brought to their ears via her pupil, a name Hon made sure to memorize – Tsukinowa Shinjo. By her words, he… had mental issues. It had been reported that his executions were excessive, transgressive and almost perversive. Hearing that the complex he was lately spotted in had stored stolen supplies from their Corps was a surprise as well – it made Hon aware of the danger that this Shinjo guy possessed. Obviously, his first instinct was that Shinjo had to be stopped, but the Sennin spoke in for him and revealed her take; it was unlikely that this Shinjo guy was stealing weapons and smuggling them to the Tenouza, in her judgement.

The mission was clear; keep an eye on Shinjo, and report his mental state with solid proof. Since Shinjo and the stolen weapons could still have a chance to be tied with the Tenouza, Hon was to affirm that – specifically if the weapon cache was tied to the Bear n’ Marsh country or not. And whether Shinjo, in his mental state, was part of that…

“Understood.”

He’d have to make use of the Snapshot jutsu. And he had to plan out his encounter with Shinjo… but in order to do so, he’d have to figure out where this guy often went. Luckily, he did have a face on this ANBU Operative as provided by the Sennin – a face that he didn’t recall, though. Had he been too self-focused within the walls of the Sileo to even glance at other Operatives? Had Shinjo escaped his sight?

“I will see whether or not his mental state compromises his status." were the last words from the Hyūga before silence overtook him. The Sennin was free to provide additional information to him or dismiss him, thus beginning his mission immediately. While he was plenty aware of the branches of this mission, he had a feeling that the Sennin was especially worried about her pupil, thus he simply wanted to reassure her that he'd see to it.

This ought to be interesting, though. Hopefully, Shinjo wasn't (in) trouble.

 

[Kagami Miro]

Mirō sat up right in her chair with her fingers intertwined in front of her. Those pink lips of hers curled into a smile. Not at her operatives confirmation of their assignment but at his loyalty to the branch. Nothing made her crease up more than obedience from her able-bodied subordinates. That said, it would be a noticeable stain on her branch if one of her agents had gone off the deep end. Perhaps the genin exam given to Shinjo may have been too extreme. A faint giggle echoed in her head. Impossible, the world outside Kumogakure was unrelenting and evil. A taste of unholy matrimony is all an aspiring operative needs to understand how the world works. With the hell she had been through it was an entry level bar to jump over to get oneself accommodated within the ANBU. A shame that Shinjo could be defective. If that were the case that annoying old hag in Main Branch would never let her live that down. ‘Since when did it become a competition to see who leads their branches better?’ Mirō pondered. Her ANBU accomplished monumental feats in life or death situations while the mutts in Main did guard duty at the gates. Her scars throbbed on her body. ‘And such a piss poor job that I, the ANBU Sennin, had to intervene when someone escaped and nearly died for it.’ Mirō sucked her teeth, her mind jumped back on track.

Whether or not Tsukinowa Shinjo had become mentally unstable based on rumor, the main goal for the mission all fell onto Hyuuga Honnou. Were his mental abilities enough to decipher if Shinjo were clearly unstable? Mirō herself had a heavy hunch but another test of captain level prowess never hurt. Hon’s strength and Byakugan were fit to stop the Tenouza bomb from destroying the village she held dear to her heart. Yet she wasn’t there for the ordeal. Just how far will his intelligence and recon get him.

With a deep inhale her hands parted way so that one could gently motion Hon away. “You are dismissed, Hyuuga Honnou. I entrust you with this and remember…” Those red orbs widened, an overbearing glower struck into Hon's own special hues. “I’m always watching.” At the end of her sentence the door to her office opened in a queue. Outside the doorway were two other ANBU operatives on guard. They waited patiently for Hon to exit before they shut the door to leave their Sennin with her privacy.

[Topic left once Hon leaves.]​

 

[Honnou]

… Hon simply nodded quickly and made his way out of the Sennin’s office. Yet, the gravity of the mission could be felt weighing his shoulders down a little – it was those eyes. Those blood-red eyes of the Uchiha always made his heart shiver a little, but he managed to keep his composure as he left. Was it… a sense of competition that made him feel that way? Maybe he genuinely wanted to see it for himself… if the Byakugan could ever hope to challenge the Sharingan in combat.

No… it would be a waste of time. Never mettle with the Uchiha. Their Visual Prowess surpassed his. Stuff like that had been a variable throughout his time as a ninja, something that he was told and knew about from a young age.

Regardless, those feelings changed nothing. The mission remained the same, and he would see it to the end…

-------

Back in his cell, he already began patrolling Kumo to track down the individual known as Shinjo. Someone with mental issues wouldn’t enjoy facing someone with the mask on, so it was discarded for now. If Hon wanted a thorough read on the kid’s mental profile, then he had to be somewhat more casual on his approach. If he played his cards right, then perhaps he could make Shinjo realize his dilemma and seek help to return back to the Sennin.

He wasn’t going to let his underclassman throw his life away. Even if they hadn’t met, those who operated under the mask of the ANBU were ultimately… comrades.

[Topic Left]