Thaddeus was about thirty-five minutes ahead of schedule as he neared the Umikage's office building. Well, technically he was far behind his usual schedule but he didn't want to force his partner to get up at the crack of dawn. Ren'ai Uchiha, an active Genin of Shippuugakure but one he hadn't had the pleasure of meeting yet, was picked to work with him on this particular mission. They were to dispatch a small pirate crew that had been recently spotted near a small island with a fishing village about a half hours time from Shiippugakure. The crew was far from big time, but they were threatening enough to require the two of them. So far they had been sticking to attacking small merchant and supply vessels that were traveling to, from, or near the fishing village, and it was only a matter of time before they attacked the village directly. Upon reaching the Umikage's building Thaddeus checked the entrance lobby for his partner then went back to stand just outside the entrance. Even if it was highly unlikely for her to be there a the time he wanted to make sure she didn't get there before him.

The reason he arrived so much earlier than their scheduled time was to see how punctual his partner was, which could give him a glimpse to how the mission ahead was going to go. If she was anything like most Uchiha it should be easy enough to spot her, their tendency to have black hair and red eyes was usually a dead give away. Not that other people didn't have those traits, he himself had black hair as well, but odds were in favor of them being an Uchiha. Thaddeus himself should be easy enough for her to pick out as well. White button down long sleeve shirt; tan khaki pants; brown leather dress shoes; and an ergonomic brown leather suspender/harness combination, which also served as a more efficent utility belt. Nope, he certainly didn't stand out from the rest of the shinobi entering and exiting the building. Not to mention he was standing right next to the entrance, it was practically impossible for them to miss each other.

Ren wasn't a super punctual person, she preferred to arrive when she arrived, not before or not after when she was needed. She was an Uchiha and preferred to give them the best kind of outlook as possible, she would arrive a few minutes early to the scheduled time to meet up with this Thaddeus guy. She wasn't sure what type of person was he was, but she had probably seen him before through the village without taking any particular note of him.

The Umikage's office was right up ahead, she could see it from here; several people were standing around or walking in and out of it. Only one person caught her attention and it was a Chuunin leaning right against the door, most likely Thaddeus. He wore interesting enough clothes... a lot more compared to her. She looked down at her clothes, she was wearing a somewhat revealing outfit with much cleavage sporting her early development. She had been "blessed" by the gods apparently, was the gossip of the older women who felt inferior to Ren. She always used these womanly charms to her advantage, whether in combat or being flirtatious.

She kept a small hand held fan o her at all times, usually hidden in her cleavage for easy access, she checked to make sure it wasn't sticking up or anything. She approached Thaddeus was a wave of her hands and a cheerful smile, Oh! You must be the Chuunin I'm helping on this mission. I'm Ren'ai Uchiha.

In the time Thaddeus spent waiting there were a few candidates that fit his preconceived idea of Ren'ai, but only one ended up approaching him with a wave and a smile. "Oh! You must be the Chuunin I'm helping on this mission. I'm Ren'ai Uchiha." Black hair, check. Red eyes, check. Around his age, check. The only thing he didn't expect was her choice of rather revealing apparel. Not that it was a bad thing, with her body a revealing outfit would make it easy to throw an enemy off guard, so there was no real reason to disapprove of her clothing. She was a few minutes early too, which spoke good of her character. "That I am, nice to meet you Ms. Uchiha. My name's Thaddeus Roth." Thaddeus said politely, smiling back as he extended his right hand to offer a hand shake. He wondered if Ren'ai held any disdain for his family name like some of her elders, or if she heard of them at all. Roth was a very prominent name in the world of sailors, and there was a lot of business with sailors in Shippuugakure.

They were one of the wealthiest and more active families in the city, but despite most of them being proficient in some sort of combat they almost never provided shinobi for the country's military. This lead to a constant friction with some of the noble shinobi families, such as the Hozuki and the Uchiha. "Before we get the kage's seal of approval I'd like to get to know you a little better." Thaddeus spoke in the same polite tone as before, regardless of any unlikely negative reaction from the young Uchiha. "Since we'll be fighting alongside each other I'd like to hear about some of your combat capabilities and experiences, as long as you're comfortable with that. Feel free to ask me anything as well. I want you to think of me as your teammate, not your superior." The mission they were seeking approval for required killing other human beings. He needed to be sure that this Genin was up to the task and wouldn't have any sort of moral crisis about killing another human being, even if those humans were heartless pirates. As her superior Thaddeus was already responsible for her safety on this mission, he didn't want to be responsible for leading her to her death as well.

She shook his hand with a firm grip, showing she very much saw herself as his equal; in gender more than anything else, because he was a higher ranked shinobi after all. Thaddeus Roth, not a name she had heard of, but she did know the Roth family; not personally, rather from mixed feelings from the villagers. She wasn't too concerned about any of those affairs, rather she judged each individual based on their own words and actions... actions more than words though. Likewise, it is nice to meet you Thaddeus Roth. Is there a nickname or something I may call you by? Most of my friends call me Ren, you may if you like.

It seemed Thaddeus had some interest in her before they went on the mission, normally she was the one making acquaintances and getting to know her allies battle strength. This time it was him, a reliable guy at least. Well, I favor Genjutsu, but I am also very good with Fuuton & Katon Ninjutsu. I especially enjoy mixing them together for effective combos. How about yourself?

"Likewise, it is nice to meet you Thaddeus Roth. Is there a nickname or something I may call you by? Most of my friends call me Ren, you may if you like." Her firm hand shake spoke well of her, at least in Thaddeus's mind. She didn't seem intimidated or anxious about working with a higher ranking shinobi she just met, a good trait in any Genin. "Ren it is then..." Thaddeus flashed another friendly smile.  "... You can call me Thad or Thaddy, whatever you like." "Well, I favor Genjutsu, but I am also very good with Fuuton & Katon Ninjutsu. I especially enjoy mixing them together for effective combos. How about yourself?" Genjutsu? Katon Ninjutsu? Ren'ai was practically the perfect representation of the Uchiha traits, and as far as he could tell without any of the nasty stereotypes. It was refreshing to meet an Uchiha that represented the true clan, and not the power driven war mongering bloodline people usually think of when they hear the name Uchiha. He knew that Uchihas were just like anyone else, but with their fame and prowess people tend to let a few rotten apples spoil the bunch.

"I'm impressed, elemental combos take quite some skill to pull off. As for me, I'm a genjutsu specialist as well. I'm quite proficient with both blades and daggers as well, but you could have probably guessed that..." Thaddeus laughed a little as he looked down at the tools on his harness. There were three kunai on his waist, two on his right hip and one on his left, as well as combat knife holstered higher up left of his abdomen. If that didn't say knife specialist he didn't know what did, sadly his rapier still lacked the necessary restoration to be combat ready. ... I also know a bit of medical ninjutsu should either of us get injured." Hopefully it didn't come to that, well, anything serious at least. A few cuts and bruises were to be expected on this mission, after all they were taking on a crew of pirates, he just didn't want to have to preform emergency surgery on the shifting deck of a ship. Sure he had steady enough hands, but his medical knowledge could only help so much. They would be too isolated to get the necessary aid should something go wrong. "How about experiences? Have you ever fought pirates before?" She may have told him what her capabilities were, but he still didn't know if she had ever faced down or killed another human.

Thad it was, it had a nice little ring to it and a personal feel; like they were becoming trusted allies... well, they should regardless anyways, they both served the same great village. It was an interesting thing to know that he did genjutsu as well, not something she would have guessed with his apparent blade skills. She didn't mean to stereotype him- far bit it... she knew all too well about stereotypes, but he was a Roth and carried lots of sharp tools. The hardest thing about elemental combinations is getting them to mesh together into a collaborated form. It's better to just use jutsu you know will work well together, such as a combustible oxygen-based compound, used with an ignition from another jutsu attack. The latter jutsu provides a solid cover for your previous jutsu and distracts your foe from realizing the true intention of your collaborated jutsu until it's too late.

She wasn't trying to be a know-it-all or show superior intellect, rather- she was trying to explain to him the mindset of enabling yourself to pull it off. Instead of thinking of how hard or impossible it was. You are the third shinobi I've met recently who at least dabbled in Ijutsu, I am fairly certain the future of our village is very bright. She thought over his last question for a moment. I have no real experience with pirates, so I will be relying on your judgment and experience. They can't be too different from a shinobi though, probably more nasty words and cut throat attitudes though.

"The hardest thing about elemental combinations is getting them to mesh together into a collaborated form. It's better to just use jutsu you know will work well together, such as a combustible oxygen-based compound, used with an ignition from another jutsu attack. The latter jutsu provides a solid cover for your previous jutsu and distracts your foe from realizing the true intention of your collaborated jutsu until it's too late." Thaddeus had to hand it to Ren'ai, she certainly knew what she was talking about. He didn't often meet other shinobi that understood the more scientific and strategic aspects of their techniques, let alone genin. That was a trait of someone who had the potential to truly master their respective arts. "Well said. There aren't many of us that understand the mechanics of stoichiometry and combustion." Thaddeus said in a complimentary and impressed tone, showing that he both understood everything she said and approved of her methods.

"You are the third shinobi I've met recently who at least dabbled in Ijutsu, I am fairly certain the future of our village is very bright." Thaddeus smiled faintly at that comment. There were indeed quite a few medical shinobi in this village, but all Shippuugakure needed for a bright future was dedicated citizens like themselves. "I have no real experience with pirates, so I will be relying on your judgment and experience. They can't be too different from a shinobi though, probably more nasty words and cut throat attitudes though." An honest answer if ever there was one, at least she had some experience fighting against shinobi, although he didn't know if that was simply through friendly spars or actual contact with a hostile ninja. She was right about the nasty words and cut throat attitudes though, at least for the majority of the them. "Fair enough, as long as you're prepared do deal a killing blow when the time comes." Thaddeus spoke in a serious but friendly tone, pausing for a moment to observe her reaction before moving on.

"Now then..." Thaddeus turned to the entrance of the Umikage's office building, sliding the nearest half of the double sliding door open and motioning to Ren'ai in a 'ladies first' fashion. "... shall we pay a visit to the Kage?" Thaddeus would close the door behind them after Ren'ai went through, walking alongside her rather than in front of her as they made their way through the building and to the Kage's office, where he'd stop and turn to Ren'ai just before the Kage's door. "Anything else before we get things underway?" If Ren'ai had any further questions Thaddeus would do his best to answer, but if not he would proceed to knock on the Umikage's door and repeat his 'ladies first' motion.

It seemed he did understand the fundamental properties she was talking about, she wasn't very surprised; rather pleased that he wasn't an unintellectual person with a closed mind. He had wanted to know if she was capable of dealing a killing blow when the time came, she didn't even twitch her eye or look away from him when she answered. I've already put hesitation passed me, if I'm supposed to do something in a mission, I will do it.

She was still a Genin after all and hadn't ever killed anyone, directly at least. She had killed boars and the likes, but never a real person- hen again, these pirates deserved it. Thaddeus opened the door for her in a gentleman like fashion and allowed her to enter first before he followed and walked beside her. Luckily he was a gentleman but also knew how to treat a girl as an equal, an interesting fellow indeed. She had been in these hallways several times for missions, but never with someone in a joint operation. Thaddeus paused right before the Umikage's office and double-checked with her to make sure she was up to date on their mission and ready before they talked to the Umikage. She nodded her head, she was eager to get this mission started... but she wasn't reckless or rash.

She would walk into the Umikage's office after Thaddeus had opened the door, she would walk up the Saizo's desk and a polite bow to the Umikage. Goodmorning Saizo-sama, we're here for our mission

"I've already put hesitation passed me, if I'm supposed to do something in a mission, I will do it." A respectable answer, fitting of a shinobi ready to do anything to accomplish her mission, but she still had much to learn. Hell, there was always much to learn. Only time will tell if Ren'ai's resolve would hold firm when facing down impossible odds or devastating loss. If fate was kind to her maybe she would never have to, but many things can go wrong in the course of a life time. One can only hope for the power to carry on should something happen, whether that came from the strength of one's own will or from those one surrounds themselves with, but now wasn't the time to think of philosophy. It was easy to get lost when thinking of what could be. With Ren'ai ready to get the mission underway Thaddeus opened the Kage's door for her and followed her through, sliding it shut afterwords.

Thaddeus bowed where he stood near the door before approaching the Kage's desk rather than vice versa as Ren'ai did. Not that it was protocol to do so, he just wanted to let Ren'ai take the lead and see how she did. "Good-morning Saizo-sama, we're here for our mission." Polite and direct, the way she carried herself reminded him of his own mannerisms, another refreshing trait to see in a genin. Far more professional then some of the other shinobi he has met around the city. "I have our mission scroll here, Sir." Thaddeus spoke in a polite and direct fashion, same as Ren'ai had just done, as he pulled a small scroll from a pouch on his waist; handing it to the Kage as he reached his desk.

Mission Scroll:

ooc: apologize for putting up this ugly OOC post my friends. I haven't been able to reach either one of you via skype so I just wanted to ask if I could join this mission before it gets approved by Saizo! If that's cool with you cats, I"ll make a nice little post here and then all three of us can do the dang thing. Let me know if that is cool with you guys.

Tekishi wrote:

ooc: apologize for putting up this ugly OOC post my friends. I haven't been able to reach either one of you via skype so I just wanted to ask if I could join this mission before it gets approved by Saizo! If that's cool with you cats, I"ll make a nice little post here and then all three of us can do the dang thing. Let me know if that is cool with you guys.

OOC:(That is fine Tekishi. I'll post later today, so you can go ahead & post. Thaddeus can reply if he likes)

Well would you look at that. So many young people in one spot. Oh how all weak they were. He was teasing of course. He was sure they would grow up to be capable ninja, maybe even more capable than him. How he hoped that could happen. It would make them such a scary village indeed. It was sure refreshing to see them working together. He didn't even have to force them to do it. They were doing it of their own free will. It was just so great to see. He could have smiled. He didn't, but he could have. He hoped they wouldn't blunder this all up, though. He would hate to clean up their dead bodies up. Would be even worse if the pirates captured them and then mutilated their dead bodies. He could definitely see the young girl taken advantage of. The other two/one, well, who knows what would happen.

But if they did succeed. All the dead pirates. All the spilt blood. Saizo licked his lips at the very though. He loved the sight of dead pirates. The only good pirate was a dead one, after all. He only wished he could be there to witness it all. Too bad he had other things he needed to do. Otherwise he may have gone and murdered them all himself. They needed experience, too. "You're approved. Just try not to die." he was glad they had manners, too.. He liked the new guys. They were going to fit in well.

[Approved]