Mission Debrief

Asher awoke with Tatsukiba pressing against his chest. He looked down to the sword and examined it. There was something different, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Gripping the sword by it's sheath he...

That was it. The sword had a sheath. The blade was bare the last time he saw it.

"Your a very strange sword," he said, "You know that?"

He felt something in his mind. He knew it was her giving him a innocent smile. He rolled his eyes and strapped Tatsukiba onto his back.

He left the hospital and headed to the Hokage. He still had to give him the mission report. With Zazu dead, it was up to him and he was dreading it. Asher knew he would have to tell them everything that happened.

He walked through the village, avoiding the gaze of all the people he passed. None of them uttered a word as he walked by. The even stopped their conversations to stare at him. He picked up the pace and started running towards his destination.

He stood outside the Hokage's office. He didn't want to do this, but he had to. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside and walked to the desk.

"Lord Hokage," he said bowing, "I have come to give the report on my latest mission."

Looking up, Asher spotted An old man, with long, spiky, white hair, standing next to the Hokage. He had a horned forehead protector, with a symbol on it. He wore a green short kimono with matching pants and mesh armour beneath it. He also wore wooden sandals, a red cloak and a large scroll was strapped to his back. He knew this man. Asher met him not long after arriving in the village. The man had been visiting the Hokage when Asher met him. His name is Jiraiya and he is one of the biggest perverts he had ever met.

"What's the perv doing here?"

Jiraiya exploded in anger, shouting, "WILL YOU STOP FUCKING CALLING ME THAT!"

He coughed and looked to the Hokage, shrugging.

"Thank you for coming," said the Hokage, "I know this will be difficult for you, but protocols must be followed."

Asher began to recount the events of the mission. He included his hunting with the wolf pack. When he was done, the Hokage clenched his fists in anger.

"I can't believe Taza would do such a thing," he growled, "Just to get a cheaper price."

Calming down, he said, "I'm sorry Asher. You lost a lot more than fellow ninjas. I know how you felt about Ms. Ozie."

"It's alright, my lord," he said. There was absolutely no emotion on his face, "What hurt me the most was the look of fear on Aria's face and the knowledge that I caused it. She was afraid of my anger. I can't lose control again."

"You can't bottle your anger up inside of you," says Jiraiya, "The next time you lose control, it will be a lot worse. That's why I'm gonna take you under my wing. We leave the village tomorrow so get ready."

"Before you leave," the Hokage speaks up, "I want you to do something."

"What?"

"I'm want you to go over to the kennels and help out Hana Inuzuka. Apparently, she's been losing control of the animals. Strangely enough, it started two days ago, before you returned. I believe you are the cause, the animals felt your turmoil even though you were in the Land of Earth."

Nodding, Asher leaves the office and heads to the kennels.