~The Beginning pt.3~

Moments later, after talking with his son, Sochiro and the young Zephon are walking up to the home of Marukai Hideki, leader of the Marukai Clan and Sochiro's brother.

"Don't worry son, Tsuka and I will complete this mission and be back as soon as possible. Until then, you'll be staying with your uncle."

Both of them reach the front door of the home.

"But father, how long will you be gone."

*Sighs* I don't know...But I'll try to get back here fast."

Sochiro knocks on the door, then looks down at his son.

"No matter what happens, I will always be proud of you son."

The door opens and a man with black hair, no more than a year or two older than Sochiro opens the door.

"Sochiro, What are you doing here this late?"

"Nii-san, I need you to do a favor for me. Can I come in?"

"Of course, come in."

The three Marukai's walk inside the home. Zephon looks around the main room while Sochiro and Hideki go into a side room and talk.

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Sochiro pulls a letter from his tool pouch and hands it to Hideki.

"Hmm....The Hokage's seal. What is it?"

*Nods* "A-ranked. Capture of the renegade Arakawa Ryosuke."

"Ryosuke went renegade?"

"About mid day earlier, he broke into Hokage-sama's home. Possible attempt at assassination of the Sandaime."

"Mid-day? Foolish attempt then."

"That is what I thought, until it was discovered that it was a decoy. The real Ryosuke broke into the forbidden scroll archive and took a few scrolls."

"What's being done about this?"

"Four ANBU units are being sent out after him. I'm to lead one."

"When are you to leave?"

"Tonight most likely, give us an element of surprise."

"Hmm..." *Looks towards the main room* "Zephon will being staying with me then?"

"If it's alright?"

"Of course it is. He is my nephew and you are my brother."

"Thank you brother. I will repay you for this."

*Waves hand dismissively* "No, just bring yourself and Tsuka back from the mission."

"Hai, nii-sama."

With the conversation over, Sochiro went to his son and told him good-bye. After some last minutes with his son, Sochiro left the Marukai village for Konoha to meet with his Anbu team.