A Routine Report [Kazu]

It had been two days since Hisashi had returned from the Land of Fire, his appetite for vengeance finally sated. The hunt had proven to be one of the most difficult of career but quite possibly the most satisfying. In one fell swoop he had taken out a longtime Missing-Nin and also the man who had killed his father. Hisashi couldn't decide which of the two weighed more heavily but it had been a long time since he had experienced a true sense of accomplishment. He had thought he had tossed away whatever pride and dignity he had once possessed in the name of serving Kirigakure; it seemed he had been mistaken on that front. It could be said that there were no longer any inhibitions to his duty with this particular chip out of the way. Granted, his impromptu chase had very much been within the realm of his mandated duties.

The Kirigakure Tokubetsu Jounin had needed a few days of rest considering the exhausted state the battle had put him in. He had exacerbated his injuries by returning to the village immediately instead of recovering in the Land of Fire. Hisashi had been forced to put up with those two Konoha shinobi which had pushed his patience to the limit. The Hunting Dog of Kirigakure was not a name one earned due to their people skills. Hisashi supposed he should be grateful considering the presence of the two Jounin had assured that he made it out of the battle alive. The whole situation had thrown Hisashi's weaknesses into sharp relief. There was still much he had to work on if he truly wished to be chosen for the coveted ANBU rank. The Kiri-nin had other duties to handle before he could retreat into isolated self-training.

As one might guess, Hisashi was expected to report the outcome of his missions. Usually he did this to a higher-ranking shinobi but this case was slightly different; he would need to make his explanation directly to the Mizukage. Hisashi's previous interactions with Kirigakure's leader had been limited to say the least. It had therefore been difficult for the shinobi to form any solid opinion about the Mizukage. He had heard some less than flattering rumors about the village leader but Hisashi had paid them no heed. If anything, Hisashi could sympathize with the other man in that regard. The Tokubetsu Jounin was entirely indifferent to the politics and power struggles within the village. He would simply do his duty as a Kirigakure shinobi.

This day would mark the first time that Hisashi had ever visited the Mizukage's residence. It did not surprise him in the least to find the building under heavy guard. Kages, by virtue of their profession, were generally more than capable of defending themselves from any assassination attempt. That being said, it didn't mean that people wouldn't try and therefore having a deterrent was generally a wise course of action. The guards eyed Hisashi for a few moments, a hint of distaste in their features. Hisashi was not well-liked among his peers who generally saw him as nothing more than a rabid beast. Who knew when he might bite the hand that fed him. The Kiri-nin had more or less embraced his reputation as he saw no point in trying to dispute the rumors.

A few minutes later he found himself at the door of the Mizukage's office; he knocked twice before entering.

"Mizukage-sama, I have recently returned from the Land of Fire and have come to make my report," stated Hisashi as he fell to one knee, head bowed. Hisashi rarely showed deference to anyone but there were a few exceptions, the man before him being one of them.

Kurayami