[Mission] Kinkaku Monastery

[Niro]

For over a hundred years, the Kinkaku Monastery has served as both a spiritual and cultural landmark. Its bells ring every morning and evening without fail, an ancient ritual said to keep the mountain spirits calm and bring harmony to the surrounding villages.

However, the bells have not rung for five days. Locals are deeply unsettled. Birds have abandoned the area. Livestock are acting erratic. Some villagers claim to hear a strange humming sound at night in the wind where the bells used to echo.

The monastery is known to be peaceful and secluded, populated by a handful of monks dedicated to balance and spiritual preservation. Something is clearly wrong. Investigate and solve the cause of the disruption.

Shinobi Dispatched:
Tei, Yoshinori - Team AKM
Hyuuga, Tsuki - Team AKM

Yoshinori unrolled the scroll as the messenger crow took off into the sky, its wings beating a quiet rhythm against the breeze. His eyes moved steadily over the mission details, half-hoping it would tie into their last assignment. Still, a part of him was relieved when it didn’t. After everything they’d seen, a less intense mission wasn’t unwelcome.

He packed quickly: a change of clothes, rations, and a few essentials. Out of habit more than sentiment, he added a pouch of tea leaves and a spare scarf—just in case. With everything secured, he headed for the village gate. Yoshinori took to the rooftops, moving at an easy pace. The familiar rhythm of travel helped him clear his head. When he reached the main gate, he landed atop the guardhouse with a soft thud.

“Oi! Off the roof!” came the predictable shouts from below. He laughed as he hopped down and offered a quick apology to the guards. They were used to him and others doing this after the years by now. He found a shaded spot under a tree just inside the gate and settled in. From one of his pockets, he pulled out a small bag of soft candies he'd picked up a few days ago. He tossed one into his mouth absentmindedly as he scanned the road.

His gaze drifted toward the path heading inside the village. He kept an eye out for Tsuki, her beauty always easy to spot. It would be good to see her again after a few quieter days. Missions were smoother when she was around, and he trusted her instincts as much as his own.

[Lunanana]

"Oh!" Tsuki exclaimed, reading through the mission scroll, handed by one of the Hyuuga. The older man wanted to say something to her but turned his eyes away and Tsuki blinked, he head tilting to the side slightly. What is it, Cho-san?" She asked, carefully, curious. "Be safe, Tsuki-sama." Was all he mentioned and Tsuki thanked him with a nod and a smile. She packed her bag as well, this time a little heavier, with warmer clothes. It seemed that they will need to camp once before ascending to the monastery, so she also slipped some books she gathered from the library as well.

Before she left, Tsuki gently took a small square package, it fitted into her palm, and it had a small violet ribbon tied around it. She stopped for a second, thinking, blushing, and then eith a firm nod, placing it in her backpack as well.

She walked at a faster pace, nodding and waving to the people she knew, in her timid fashion nonetheless. To be truthful, her heart was doing swings and rolls, fluttering in her chest. She will gift it to him! Now, to set a good mood! And as soon as she saw him, all of her confidence vanished, and she walked up to him with a blush, nodding her head. "Yoshinori-san." She greeted him incredibly formally, and chuckled at it herself. She was teasing him, of course. Her eyes softened and she offer him her palm, helping to lift him up from his sitting position.

And just like before, they walked foot to foot. "I'm excited... I missed snow. I really like it." Tsuki chimed, her face full of happiness as she was looking at the road ahead. "I was born on a very snowy day." She added as if it was context enough to explain the thing she liked. Maybe you didn't need to explain, sometimes you just liked something and that was enough.

[Niro]

Yoshinori smiled as Tsuki approached, though her use of “-san” tugged at his expression. For a moment, he almost believed the formality until her quiet giggle gave the joke away. A mock pout briefly crossed his face before he let out a laugh, the tension melting as they began walking together through the gates, heading out on their latest mission. The crisp air carried the promise of snow, the wind colder than it had been just days ago. With the distance they needed to travel, it was almost certain they'd be camping under a snowy sky tonight.

“I guess that explains why I’ve always liked winter,” Yoshinori said with a light grin after she mentioned being born on a snowy day. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen real snowfall. It'll be a nice change from the heat back home.” He adjusted the strap of his backpack, sliding it forward to rummage through one of the pockets. After a moment, he pulled out a soft fleece scarf: black, simple, and warm. He handed it to her without fanfare. “Here. Just in case it gets colder later.”

Their path wound through dense woods, across narrow crevasses, and over the frozen edges of shallow lakes. Eventually, the silhouette of the mountain range that housed the monastery came into view, its peaks dusted in white. Perched on the border between Fire Country and the neighboring land, it was remote enough that Yoshinori questioned how long the bells had truly been silent. Five days? For most travelers, just reaching this point could take that long.

He tilted his head, eyes flicking up to the fading light in the sky. The sun had begun its slow descent, casting the snow-dusted forest in cool tones of blue and gray.

“We should set up camp before it gets much darker,” Yoshinori said, his tone practical but thoughtful as he looked over at Tsuki. “The last thing we need is trying to pitch a tent half-blind in the snow.”

[Lunanana]

His clever reply didn't pass her ears so she just giggled, her cheeks still rosy. The next moment her eyes widened and she blinked at the scarf offered to her, taking it gently into her hands as if it could crumble, and placing it in her backpack, safely tucking it away. She didn't have the heart to tell him that she brought hers as well, however, she'll trade him once it does get colder.
. . .
She looked up to the sky as well, her eyes slowly drifting through the burning clouds as the sun slowly hid. It was a beautiful sight, and she nodded to Yoshinori's suggestion that they did need to set up camp. The pair fell into their comfortable silence again, as they took out the tent, neither of them mentioning that they packed just one, and started building it with practice. Yoshinori held the tent upward while Tsuki secured it on the cornerns, and with a quick flip, the tent was built. It was getting colder, and she took out his scarf and gently wrapped it around her neck. The tip of her nose was already slightly red but there was a smile on her lips, as she could smell his scent almost permanently now. Her head turned to Yoshinori, something in her hands as well.

"Thank you for the scarf, Yoshinori. I-... I also have something for you." She took a few steps towards him, holding something in her fist. She slowly extended it, and gently placed the small package in his palm. Tsuki turned away, blushing, and lef thim to stand there as she took out the gas cooker, and began making dinner. The small gift in his hand revealed to be a small kunai charm, in the shape of a firefly, carefully carved from wood using very small tools. It was not perfect, but it was crafted with care.

Tsuki was silent as she opened a small box with some pre-cut vegetables and meat, pouring the contents into the boiling water, and slowly, methodically stirring it with her chopsticks.

[Niro]

Yoshinori blinked at the sight of the single tent. It was smaller than he expected but with the snowfall picking up and Tsuki at his side, he wasn’t inclined to complain. Together, they made quick work of setting it up, the process smooth and efficient with her help. By the time the last stake was driven into the frozen earth, he gave a quiet nod of satisfaction. Getting it done before the cold truly set in was a relief, once their fingers numbed even small tasks could become miserable without a fire.

As he turned to scout for firewood, he paused when Tsuki held something out to him, a small charm, carefully crafted. He took it gently, surprised by the quiet gesture. The charm was simple but full of care, its handmade quality making it feel all the more meaningful. A smile tugged at his lips as he studied it. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I love it, I love you.”

He didn’t interrupt as she started preparing dinner, but after a moment, he drew his favorite kunai, the one he relied on when things turned close, and tied the charm to the ring at the hilt. It hung there effortlessly, like it belonged. His smile deepened as he stowed the blade and moved on to building their fire. He stepped just far enough into the woods to work in peace, a small hatchet in hand. Even with his unnatural strength, he took his time felling a thinner fir, careful not to disturb more of the woods than necessary. Once he had the logs cut and trimmed, he carried them back to camp and started to arrange them into a firepit. Kindling was packed with practiced ease, and with a flicker of Katon from his fingertips, a steady flame began to grow, crackling warmly against the soft hush of falling snow.

“That smells really good,” Yoshinori murmured, stepping close enough to catch the scent of dinner over her shoulder. His voice was low but appreciative. A wolf’s howl pierced the air: sharp, distant, and unexpected. He froze, brow furrowing as his eyes lifted toward the darkened treeline. “That’s odd… The wildlife out here usually keeps to itself. Whatever’s going on at the monastery…” His voice trailed off, troubled. “It might be pushing them farther out than usual.”

[Lunanana]

”I love you too.” She answered, smiling to the dinner pot, as he went to gather some firewood. She continued with their dinner, and once it was done, she placed it into two bowls, placing one on the log and the other holding in her hands, keeping it warm. As soon as Yoshinori returned, she gently offered him the bowl. ”Here you go, a simple stew. Soup? Stew? Dinner.” She thought for a moment and then let the bowl go, taking hers, that just a moment ago was on the log.

She blinked, looking through his shoulder, half expecting to see a wolf but only the howl was heard. ”You… Think it will come? The wolf?” Tsuki asked while blowing on a piece of potato. She didn’t seem scared, maybe a little unsettled but not scared. She chewed on the hot vegetable and then her eyes focused on her backpack where her books were, as she turned to Yoshinori again, speaking. ”I will take first watch, I have something I want to catch up on while I do.” It was a reason enough, and taking watch was a standard practice in her experience. They talked in front of the fire for some time about everything and nothing, sitting closely together, until it was time to do rounds. With her Byakuugan, she took a walk around the perimeter of their small camp, and once she made sure she didn’t see anything, she let Yoshinori know.

The sky was now wearing the robe of stars and it looked incredible. Tsuki sat by the entrance to the tent, and waiting a few moments and looking around, she gently and silently slid a book out of her backpack: “Elemental Jutsu. Katon.” With a soft exhale, she opened the book in the middle and continued reading it. Seeing Yoshinori so amazed by fire and telling her that something was missing didn’t sit right with her, and she wanted to help, at least somehow. So she took a deep dive into the topic, beginning with the basics and understanding the technique.

[Niro]

Yoshinori smiled warmly as Tsuki handed him the bowl of stew, offering a quiet "Thank you" before taking a sip. The heat from the meal worked alongside the fire to push away the cold that had crept into his bones, and he sighed in quiet contentment. Between bites, he kept his eyes on the firelight flickering across her features, listening to the wind rustling faintly through the trees. “If they’re just wolves, the fire should keep them away,” he said, voice steady but thoughtful. “Still, we’ll stay alert. Just in case.”

As they ate, the conversation drifted to lighter things like what they’d each been up to in the days they’d been apart. Yoshinori gave a lighthearted update on his training, flexing a bicep in mock pride. “Not bad, right?” he joked, the gesture clearly exaggerated for her amusement. When her quiet laugh came, it brought a sense of calm over him, and they soon slipped into a comfortable silence filled only by the crackle of the fire and the sounds of the wild.

When Tsuki volunteered for first watch, Yoshinori nodded in appreciation. “Thanks. I’ll take over later then.” His tone was matter-of-fact, but there was an unspoken layer of gratitude in it.

While she began her first patrol for the night ahead, he rose to gather firewood. He built up a small but solid pile of logs and kindling, along with a neatly packed kit of matches and emergency flint from his gear. Before retreating to the tent, Yoshinori paused beside her. “You’ve got everything you need?” he asked, then leaned in to brush a gentle kiss to her temple, a quiet gesture of care rather than dramatics. Inside the tent, he settled down quickly, sleep claiming him faster than expected. He drifted off with a soft exhale, unaware of the small line of drool that would later betray just how deep he'd slept.

Sometime during the night, the wolves’ distant howls began again, echoing, eerie, but they never seemed to come closer. Then, as the hours passed, the forest fell silent. Unnaturally silent. Even the usual creaks and murmurs of night faded, replaced by a low fog that crept in at the edges of their camp like something waiting. Yoshinori stirred just before his watch, blinking groggily as he rubbed his eyes and adjusted to the dim light. He sat up, already reaching for his gear. “Tsuki?” he called softly, voice low but clear as he secured his pouch and pulled aside the tent flap. “Everything alright?”

[Lunanana]

Tsuki was sitting by the now small fire, a warm kiss still lingering on her temple as she flipped another page, eyes drifting through lines of text and focusing on some illustrations. Finally, after another hour, she felt sleep knocking on her door, and it seemed like a good time to switch. Tsuki was about to stand up, and yet, something changed in the atmosphere. It was subtle, very subtle but even sleepy she caught the change around the camp. Blinking her eyes to scare away sleep, she slowly straightened her back, looking around once again, fingers with red knuckles sliding into her weapon pouch to take out a single kunai.

She blinked, activating her bloodline limit and yet, she didn’t see anything specific. There were specks it looked like of chakra creeping closer to them, and once she returned to her normal vision she saw it was a fog. Furrowing her brows, Tsuki looked back at the tent. If she stayed here, Yoshinori might be in danger while he was still asleep, so she took a few steps further, and saw how the fog was slowly stirring closer, wrapping around her shins. She quickly took a step back, and then another, watching the edge of the fog closely, noticing how it crept slowly towards her, only to slow down just a little near the fire. Oh…? Tsuki grasped the match box in her jackets pocket, lighting one up and placing it near the fog, watching how it retreated just a little bit from it. With a silent hiss, she threw the burnt out match away, noticing a little too late it was nearing her fingers, and lit up another one.

Matches won’t do but just to get a sense of it, she lit up the fire again near the tent, creating a safe space for Yoshinori and then, lighting one after the other, walked a little further, entering the nearby woods. There was nothing really there just the fog. She lit up another match and noticed a dead woodpecker, it’s tiny feet curled up. There were birds, squirrels, all to seem dead, and yet, when she held the match closer, the little ball of fur stirred, twitching and standing up again, running away to the fog, only to fall again. Tsuki searched for another match, and her eyes widened at the realization that there in fact was none left. She started running back to their camp, feeling how her muscles rebelled against her movements, and for a second it felt like the time she was in was slower than the time that was flowing around her. The fire was just there, a few steps away from her.

[Niro]

Yoshinori’s breath caught when Tsuki didn’t respond. Without a second thought, he tore open the tent flap, scanning the campsite in a rush of adrenaline. The tree line loomed just beyond, cloaked in dense, unsettling fog. His eyes flicked across the shadows until a faint flicker of light deep within the woods. Then another. And another. That had to be her.

He grabbed a log from the pile, thrusting it toward the fire, but the flame was slow to catch. “Come on,” he muttered under his breath, panic bubbling in his chest. In desperation, he channeled chakra into the wood and it ignited with a fierce crackle. He didn’t wait. Torch in hand, Yoshinori sprinted into the forest, chasing the dying flickers. But then, nothing. The lights vanished. His heart lurched. “Tsuki!” he called out, voice echoing into the silence. Fear drove his legs faster, his torchlight cutting through the dark until it finally found her.

There, standing pale and still in the haze. Relief surged through him as he reached out and pulled her into a firm, protective embrace, shielding her with the torch. She was freezing. Yoshinori didn’t hesitate. He guided her back to camp, settling her near the fire’s warmth. Only once he was sure she was safe did he listen, carefully, to everything she had to say about the creeping fog.

“We’ll need more fire,” he murmured, already moving. He quickly built two more fires around the tent’s perimeter, mindful not to bring the flames too close. The rest of their wood disappeared into the effort, but his torch still burned bright. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move from here,” he said gently, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before heading into the trees. His torch marked his progress as he retraced his steps to where he had cut down some trees earlier. Without hesitation, he hauled the trunks back, urgency pushing him through the cold.

When he returned, he spotted Tsuki sagging with fatigue beside the flames. “You’ve done enough tonight,” he said, voice softer now. “Get some rest, I’ll handle things from here.” He gave a small smile and gestured to the fire-lit ring surrounding them. He waited until she disappeared into the tent before settling in beside the fire, drawing out a sharpening stone and his gear. Quietly, he began to work, letting the rhythmic scrape of steel soothe his thoughts as the stars faded.

When the first rays of sunlight broke over the mountains, he paused. The lingering fog, eerie and persistent all night, finally began to retreat beneath the warmth of morning light. He narrowed his eyes against the glare, watching it burn away with a quiet sense of victory. Yoshinori reached into their supplies, beginning to prepare breakfast, though his hand lingered on his kunai for just a second longer. The distant howls began again, closer this time. Whatever had stalked them in the fog hadn't given up yet.

And now it was starving.

[Lunanana]

She blinked for what seemed like an eternity as she saw Yoshinori’s hand extend to her and grab her into an embrace, and only when the torchlight reflected on her the normal timeflow seemed to come back. She did feel cold now, and with a nod, she followed Yoshinori back to the camp, and told him everything she found out. Her fingers hurt, slowly getting warmer by the fire circle that was around her. ”Be careful.” She said, her tone equally protective and curious as she saw him off with her gaze.

She sat by the fire, trying to think but the freezing cold sucked all the energy out of her. She felt her eyelids grow heavy, they had almost half of the night left. Before long, Yoshinori returned, and she greeted him with a sleepy “welcome back”, soon to be directed to the tent. Sleep came easy, as she was curled into a ball, exhaling warm air into the sleeping bag until she finally passed out.

When she opened her eyes again, she heard the howls again, she slowly rose. She felt Yoshinori nearby, which meant whatever it was, it was not an immediate threat right now. Slowly opening the entrance of the tent, she stepped out, still rubbing her eyes, as she stretched a little. ”Good morning!” Tsuki chimed, and then narrowed her eyes, turning around to the woods. She didn’t have to tell him, turning back to him and meeting his eyes was enough to catch the mutual understanding that it was still there. Lurking, waiting. ”...Does it hide in the shadows? The dark?” She asked, sitting on the log next to Yoshinori gently taking the bowl from his hands, whisking the egg and chopped spring onion bits inside. They ate, discussing about the fog and last night but what was unsettling was the overwhelming presence. It was there, always, they both knew it, like a predator. And they were his meal.

The pair packed up fairly quickly and began their trek again but they were more careful this time, avoiding more dark patches. ”I-... I don’t like this. It’s there, constantly. Waiting.” She confessed, looking around her shoulder, and then back at the road before them.

[Niro]

“Morning,” Yoshinori called over his shoulder, still rummaging through his bag for the final touch to breakfast: coffee. It wasn’t the real thing, but the instant packets he’d packed would do the trick. As he started prepping it, Tsuki took the eggs and the rest of their supplies from him, moving with quiet efficiency. Before long, the two of them were sharing a warm meal in the midst of the snowy wilderness, the world beyond their fireside moment fading away, except for the presence still tracking them.

“…Yeah,” Yoshinori said quietly, breaking the stillness. “Whatever it is, it’s keeping its distance. For now.” He’d heard branches cracking in the forest, distant but deliberate. With the trees stripped bare and snow muffling everything else, any disturbance carried clearly. It hadn’t shown itself yet, but instincts told him that wouldn't last. Hunger could make any creature bold.

After breakfast, they broke camp together, folding their routine into practiced silence. The sunlight spilled brightly across the treetops, but in the shadows between them, the fog still slithered, watchful and quiet. Yoshinori gave a nod at Tsuki’s comment, offering a steadying knee to help her over a large fallen tree. “I don’t like it either. But right now, my only real plan is bait,” he said honestly, vaulting the log after her.

“And by bait… I mean transforming into each other. I head into the woods alone and draw it out. Hopefully, whatever it is takes the opportunity.” He said it casually, but his glance in her direction said more than the words. He knew it was risky. Knew what he was asking, even if he wasn't asking directly. “…Unless you’ve got a better idea?” he added, with a small, wry smile that softened the tension in his voice.

[Lunanana]

She stopped a little in her tracks, turning to him with a worried expression as he jumped over the log, looking at him. She was thinking and it was evident from her going through various emotions on her face, until she settled into a more neutral, focused one. ”...Do you have the scrolls?” She finally said, as they both fell in step with each other. She found his hand, her gentle squeeze reassuring, as she looked up at him. ”It has to happen soon.” We don’t have much time her eyes said, drifting behind him and then back to him.

They walked for a while longer, planning, half said out loud, half shared between the looks they gave each other. They were close but the best thing was all that was unspoken, it almost felt like magic. She shook her head, Yoshinori probably not even aware of her train of thought, and nodded to him when he suggested to stop here. They were in a somewhat of a clearing, a little further from the woods, hares scattering to different directions from their presence. She frowned slightly but soon forgot that and focused on the task at hand as they both looked at each other and with a poof, she was looking at herself. From above! ”You’re so… I’m? So short!” She almost wanted to ask him to turn around to see her hair from behind but decided against it, looking at her hands instead, as if adjusting to his body. She knew it, not super well, but did, but that was one thing. Actually wielding it was another, fortunately, she was just a decoy.

They still had some time, around fifteen minutes until the sun was just at the right position - enough for the presence to grow confident and for them to still have an advantage of the light. With that, she slowly sat down, holding her knees together and her hands on them. She blinked, and tried to adjust her seating position as how he would sit. ”...I’ve never had to transform, don’t laugh!” Tsuki (Yoshinori?) pouted and blushed.

[Niro]

“Yeah, we’ll do it after we find a good spot to stop,” Yoshinori replied, giving his backpack a small shake to show everything was ready. As they walked, Tsuki’s fingers slipped into his, and he returned the quiet squeeze with one of his own, wordless, but full of understanding. He knew their plan wasn’t perfect. There were risks. But deep in these unfamiliar woods, they were playing by someone, or something, else’s rules. Sometimes, a gamble was all they had. Still, he pushed the unease aside. For now, they let conversation fill the space between them again, comfortably slipping back into their rhythm, trading thoughts mid-sentence, finishing each other’s phrases, until it all dissolved into warm laughter echoing under the trees.

Eventually, they reached a grove where the sun still filtered softly through the branches above. A good place for the switch. With a silent nod, they cast the Transformation Jutsu and in a blink, Yoshinori found himself staring up at his own face.

"I'm? So short." "I'm so short." They said at the same time and "Tsuki" looked up at "Yoshinori" with her mouth hanging open in mock awe. "She" looked "him" over, one hand rising to "her" chin as she studied the details, then nodded with mock approval at how seamless the transformation had turned out. A spin of her borrowed body had her hair catching the light, and she laughed at how differently it moved, so light, so floaty. He couldn’t help but marvel a little too, at how much care and effort went into something that seemed so natural on her.

Adjusting to the new height and frame took a moment, but they shared the learning curve with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Tsuki’s mannerisms came through in small, unexpected ways, and Yoshinori felt a new appreciation for her grace, and her strength, beneath it all.

"Tsuki" turned around to "Yoshinori" as "he" sat with wide grin that was uncharacteristic for how she would normally present herself. "Never transformed huh? So you're definitely going to do what everyone does their first time transforming and peek? Naughty~" "Tsuki" teased, a teasing yet sultry tone lacing "her" voice at the end as her eyes looked him up and down. "But I don't blame you for not being able to resist."

[Lunanana]

“He” blinked a few times, watching the hair move and mentally nodding. That shampoo was doing a good job in making her hair reflect light. When “Tsuki” started looking him over, “he” felt crimson strike across “his” face. ”...Are you admiring yourself?” “Yoshinori” looked away, fidgeting with his fingers a little, grasping the index finger. “His” eyes went back to look at… Well, herself, and she noted how different she actually looked when her body was carried by another mind. Even without jutsu, he felt like he could lift a tree and toss it away like it was nothing. It was the sheer sense of stamina.

Suddenly, it seemed like “his” face turned blue and “he” jumped from the log, taking a few steps back, waving his hands, palms facing her direction. ”P-Peek?!” I’m gonna faint. “He” placed a hand on his chest, looking away, blushing like crazy. Then, a more horrifying realization dawned, and “he” gasped, almost tripping but catching it in time. Long legs! Straightening “his” back, “Yoshinori” placed his hands on his face. ”You… You a-absolutel… A-... Absolutely CANNOT peek!” The beast in the forest be damned - “his” senses were overflowing!

Finally, after a moment of panic, and a few long breaths in and out, “he” looked at “her” again. ” I need to cut my hair, don’t I?” “He” asked with a frown and came back to sit on the log, patting “his” body a few times, locating the weapon pouch and taking out a kunai, clearing the snow with a single swipe on his foot and drawing a small circle, indicating “Yoshinori’s” location, and then a few arrows portraying “Tsuki’s” intended way of approaching the “beast”. ”If this gamble works, you can regroup with me on the edge of the forest and that’s when I jump in.” “He” said, gently holding the kunai in both of his hands now. “He” blinked. It fit perfectly in one. Neat .

[Niro]

“I won’t, I won’t,” Tsuki promised in a sing-song tone, her voice bubbling with laughter. “But it’s okay if you do.” Her mischievous wink was quickly followed by him tripping over a log, which sent her into full-blown laughter. Her bell-like peals of laughter continuing until Tsuki’s stomach ached and tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. “Okay, okay, I really won’t,” she managed to say between giggles, holding her sides as they slowly calmed down.

“I like it long,” she added, gently running her fingers through the silky strands of his borrowed hair, “but honestly, I think you’d look cute in any hairstyle.” She twirled a lock absentmindedly as they crouched over a rough diagram drawn into the dirt. Arrows, escape paths, and plan markers filled the space between them until Tsuki gave a final nod. “Don’t miss me too much, okay?” she teased, her voice light but her gaze lingering for a beat longer than playful words would suggest. Then, with the sun just right in the sky, they separated.

She gently made her way into the dark shade of the forest and a shiver came over her body as the forest swallowed her in shade almost instantly, the temperature dipping with a sudden chill that made her breath catch. Her eyes swept the underbrush, careful and alert, until she found a cluster of dark, overripe berries. They were soft, misshapen, and mostly inediblebut perfect for her cover.

She began to pluck them one by one, letting her fingers work calmly even as her heart tapped against her ribs like a warning drum. And then she felt it, the heavy tremor of footsteps on the earth, too large to be anything natural. When she turned, she froze. It wasn’t just a wolf. It was wrong. Larger than any she’d ever seen, its body ragged with deep wounds that hadn’t healed, and its breath foaming at the edges of its lips. Bloodshot eyes locked onto hers with feral hunger. It moved more like a predator unraveling at the seams than a beast of the wild.

Instinct screamed run and so she did. Tsuki darted through the forest, keeping just ahead of the creature. She let it think it had a chance without ever giving it one. Once, its gnarled paw swiped too close, forcing her to sprint at full speed to avoid being caught. Her pulse thundered in her ears as the branches slapped at her arms and legs, the grove nearing. Then, light. She burst through the underbrush, gasping into the warmth of the sun, just as the monstrous wolf tore through after her.

[Lunanana]

“Yoshinori” followed her with his gaze as she slowly disappeared behind the bushes and the trees. It was silent for some time, and he was waiting patiently for any sound or indicator, and as it didn’t come, he slowly lifted himself up from the log, taking a few steps closer to the woods, waiting, kunai still in hand if something happened. His eyes were darting between the different trees, bushes, and yet, nothing.

Just as he was about to relax his muscles a little, he heard running, twigs snapping, and he readied his stance. It was Tsuki’s stance, and he was getting ready to re-transform, giving “Tsuki” enough time to dispel her jutsu as well. Everything should go well - but still, he gulped, dreading the encounter. If they time this right, they might get whatever that was quickly. His eyes widened, seeing Tsuki jump into the bushes and the horrifying creature following just behind. As she disappeared, the worg locked onto Yoshinori, and he raised his arms protectively in front of his face, feeling how he was falling down duo to the unexpected impact. As he fell, a puff of smoke surrounded them both, and Tsuki fell down, her byakuugan active as the fang of the worg pierced her upper arm. With a grunt, she raised her knee, kicking the worg off of her and standing up quickly, her hands ready and teeth clenched.

”Get him!”

[Niro]

Tsuki landed lightly, the thud of bodies behind her followed by a bloom of smoke that curled around her. As it cleared, the true form of Yoshinori emerged from the haze. He spun just in time to see the beast’s fang slash across Tsuki’s outer bicep, blood beading and dripping into the snow like crimson petals. A sharp exhale escaped his lips, but before worry could settle, Tsuki struck back with force. Her blow sent the creature hurtling away, and Yoshinori couldn’t help the tight mix of concern and admiration swelling in his chest. She sprang to her feet without hesitation, fire in her eyes, and in that moment, he was reminded of their first sparring session. The Hyuuga elders had dismissed her, blinded by tradition and arrogance. But he had seen her. He had always seen her.

His pride flickered into resolve as her voice cut through the moment, steady and commanding. He moved without hesitation, grateful for the clarity she brought him. Yoshinori surged forward, his kunai ready, as the worg stumbled from Tsuki’s strike. It landed hard, rolled, then snapped upright with a snarl, eyes burning with fury. It lunged, intercepting his blade between jagged teeth, and tore it away. A claw lashed out, fast and brutal. Pain seared across Yoshinori’s chest as the beast’s talons raked through fabric and flesh alike, drawing three sharp lines of blood that splattered hot against the snow.

He staggered but didn’t fall and his fist clenched, body moving on instinct and determination. He slammed it into the creature’s snarling face, a resounding crack echoing through the trees as the beast flew backward, crashing into a trunk with a pitiful yelp. It landed hard but wasn’t done. The worg shook itself violently, now bloodied and broken-fanged, its breath steaming as it growled low and feral. It eyed them both, a flicker of cunning in its gaze, then snapped its jaws and bolted once more, this time straight for Yoshinori’s injured side.

[Lunanana]

She was determined, her eyes locked onto the worg, however, her doujutsu was of little use this time - the fog that surrounded the worg thickened, tiny spects of chakra requiring too much time to make sense of where to hit, given the strength and speed of their opponent. As soon as she saw Yoshinori loose his kunai, her eyes widened, blood spattering across the snowy space around him. She was stunned but only for a second, as Tsuki’s head dipped down just a little, looking at the worg from behind her bangs, her eyes narrowed.

It launched at Yoshinori again but Tsuki was faster. Holding her injured arm, she kicked the worg to the side, making it slide just a little of track, as she began landing hits and kicks from the sides of the beast, trying to get away from his mouth. She hit on the right, on the left, moving around like a purple blurred dot, when she found an opening and stabbed her two kunais straight to its eyes with a loud grunt. The worg hit her with his head, sending her sliding away, panting, her whole face covered in blood from the encounter. The sun was setting, they didn’t have much time.

Paper bombs? Overwhelming kunais? Ninja wire? Think, think… She internally discussed with herself, watching the worg again, as it turned its head back to Yoshinori, sniffing and circling him slowly. She grabbed a nearby rock, throwing it, only for the worg to dismiss it, nearing him again. Her hand was getting worse but the adrenaline she had in her system masked it pretty well. Until, it hit her - He’s following the scent…

[Niro]

Yoshinori hissed as sharp claws raked across his side, pain blooming in their wake. Warm blood trickled down his ribs, pooling near his waist, not life-threatening but enough to leave a mark he’d carry with him. He steadied his breath, locking eyes with the beast as it crept closer, and reached for another kunai. Just as his fingers brushed the hilt, a sudden blur of movement caught him off guard.

Tsuki.

She slammed her foot into the creature’s ribs, sending it stumbling with surprising force. He started to step forward, ready to back her up but she was already a whirlwind of motion, a violet streak too fast for even him to follow. Her strikes came rapid and relentless, a dance of precision and fury, and Yoshinori could only watch in awe. Then two kunai glinted in her hands, and she drove them down with a cry into the beast’s eyes. It howled, thrashing in agony, and with one violent shake, managed to knock her back. Yoshinori’s breath caught in his chest as he saw her blood-spattered form, panic flaring, until he recognized the color wasn’t hers. Relief flooded him, sharp and sudden.

The blinded beast turned toward him, drawn to the scent of his blood like a predator to a beacon. Yoshinori edged toward Tsuki’s position, trying to divert it, but even as she hurled a stone that cracked against its skull, it kept its focus locked on him. With a guttural snarl, it lunged. Yoshinori didn’t flinch. Chakra sparked faintly along his kunai, flickering like a promise. He surged forward, meeting the creature mid-leap, the chakra flaring into a brilliant arc of flame. With both hands, he drove the weapon upward into the beast’s chest, the force of his strike echoing with a primal roar.

Fire erupted through the creature’s back, illuminating the grove in a burst of orange light. The beast collapsed, heavy and unmoving, its body falling across Yoshinori and momentarily hiding him from view beneath its lifeless weight.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki only heard a cry, and saw a blink of light and fire, the aftermath of the encounter curling up towards the sky in black smoke. She felt a gasp die in the back of her throat. "Yoshinori!!!" Tsuki cried out, hurrying towards him, leaving a trail of small blood droplets behind her. Mustering the last energy she had, she pushed the boar away, panting and grunting, revealing him, hurt and breathing heavily. "Yoshinori..." She said breathelessly, holding his cheeks with her hands, her face full of worry. Only when she saw him stirring, she breathed out, a tired smile on her face, as she placed her foregead om his chest, catching her breath.

The beast layed just next to them, dead and defeated, and she gently let her body relax, placing her head on his chest and holding him close. "We did it... It's done... " Tsuki smiled again and winced, then slowly picked herself up, her legs folded under her, as she inspected his wounds, her Byakuugan active to see any blockage. It needed cleaning up, bandages... But not here. They needed to find a place with walls.

She slowly stood, offering her hand to him. " Let's go... I'll help you. Like before. Like always..."

[Niro]

Yoshinori felt as if the weight of a house had collapsed on top of him when the beast finally fell still, its final breath rattling in its chest. Darkness pressed behind his eyes, and all he could smell was the sickly stench of the creature's body. He barely registered the weight lifting off him until Tsuki rolled the beast away, her hands already on him, gently cradling his face. "I'm okay, promise," he managed with a soft laugh, though it turned into a sharp wince as the torn skin at his side stretched and wept fresh blood. Still, he brought a hand up and lightly patted her head, fingers threading into her hair in a quiet gesture of comfort as much for her as for himself.

With her hand in his, Yoshinori pulled himself upright, staggering slightly but refusing to fall again. He sheathed his kunai with a shaky breath, casting one last glance at the now lifeless beast to make sure it wouldn't rise again. “Always,” he whispered, more to her than the wind, before gently tightening his hold on her hand. They resumed their path toward the monastery, the golden threads of the fading sun spilling through the trees behind them. Though he was injured and every step throbbed with pain, they couldn’t afford to slow down. He nodded toward the treeline, and together they broke into a run; branches slicing past, snow kicking up around their feet.

The forest gradually began to thin, and then, through a break in the trees, they saw it. Rising from the mountainside like a slumbering giant cloaked in white, the monastery emerged through the snow and stone. Its domes and graceful eaves were dusted with snow, age and time etched deeply into the stone walls. A wide staircase, half-swallowed by snow, led up to a grand archway carved with old, weatherworn runes. Icicles hung like crystal blades from the overhang, catching the last glimmers of twilight.

Despite the cold and the solitude, a strange warmth radiated from the place. Torches still flickered in their sconces, and braziers glowed faintly in the snowy hush. Yoshinori paused, catching his breath and looking up at the temple that stood like a sentinel of forgotten time. Then he turned to Tsuki, his expression soft despite the blood on his clothes. “Let’s get inside. We’ll find somewhere safe to rest and get patched up.”

Yoshinori and Tsuki were assigned to investigate a remote monastery that had unexpectedly fallen silent. En route to their destination, they encountered and engaged a hostile worg-like creature. The battle was fierce but brief, resulting in the creature’s defeat; however, Yoshinori sustained a light slash across his chest, and Tsuki received a shallow cut on her arm. Despite these minor injuries, they pressed on and successfully located the monastery. They established a temporary shelter, preparing for further investigation.