The chuunin and two genin stood before Syaoran, the bannin that had taken command while the others focused on choosing a new Raikage. He had just finished explaining their mission to them, and turned away to his next appointment in his overwhelmed schedule. Hotaru was to be captain, while Ume and Takihime were expected to do most of the talking, thanks to the Ote's doujutsu.
The first part of their mission, however, was getting there. They had three options: Through the mountains, over the hills or around both on the slightly flatter plains. The first path was direct, but harsh, while the second was slightly less direct, and the third totally circling far off to the west before coming back in to the capital of Yamanoshita province. After they selected their path, they could get going.
Let the games begin
Ah, another morning. . . This meant that she had to get up. . And pretend once again. . Especially now that she was going on a mission with other ninjas. She sighed in front of her mirror. Damn you, Hayate, for making me help people. . She wasn't sure why she blamed him but she just liked to vent. And that guy could take a punch or two, she had already seen him. In fact, that's the reason why she was here, she sighed once again as she prepared to dress herself. Today she was going to wear her special uniform. But chose to put the her yellow jacket in her back pack filled with food and other gears. She was going on a long mission so. . She needed to prepare.
She was on duty and was going to watch from afar. Or that's how she liked to play it, always on the safe side, always on the outside. She had agreed to take the mission if she was allowed to tail and investigate. She was there to see if there was any shady going on so they could lower the prices. But she asked to join in one condition. That she was to remain invisible. . The way i like it. . Heh. . Bada bing bada boom!. . . God I'm lonely. . The spy chuckled. She was being stupid, but enough was enough. She put on her black cat mask and black robe and headed out to the genins meeting ground. She had over heard where they where going to meet and was now going to tail them. Not to keep them safe? No.
There's only one thing important She was here for the mission, the genin didn't mean anything to her, they where just a source of guide, until they had served their purposes. Harsh, but a spy's way. Was it wrong, the chuuning shrugged. Hotaru sat on a branch, deep inside a forest checking over, waiting. . Patiently, she knew that it was better if she came there before and made less noise. She sighed as she pulled her back pack towards her, she wanted to see if she truly had brought enough or if she would have to hunt, trade, or kill for it. . Another sigh was released. Everything seemed boring.
"Predictable. . Maybe i should just join them. . And OOOH! Hotaru snapped her finger as she got a brilliant Idea "Pretend to be someone else, eeehm . . How about, a dude name Hozok? Nah that's corny. . Sounds dumb and fake? . . Oh . . How about another girl? Sakuran? Naaah. . Oh! Amaya! Nah that sounds like a bitch. . . .Yo . . Oh . . .Yoho? Hah! Got it! She sat there quietly, or should we say. . He? Yoho sat in a tree spying on his soon to be frenemies. Introduce himself when he pleases.
"This is going to be sweet!"
jutsuShow
-:-Act Like it; Theater Actor
C-Rank Taijutsu
Prerequisite: 6 wit, 6 taijutsu
This is a basic spy technique that lets Yoho control her body to the point where she can act as a totally different person, using her wit to come up with a different personality. The user seems very convincing, to perform this the user requires some extended information about the area and needs to write down some simple mental notes. At this level she can't impersonate.
-:-Speak Like it; Voice Acting
C-Rank Taijutsu
Prerequisite: 6 Wit, 6 Taijutsu
A basic spy technique that lets Yoho alter her voice, whether she adds a different accent or changes the pitch of her tone. She can pull of male and female voices, although male voices will leave her throat soar. At this level she can't impersonate.
Takihime anxiously waited in her room, watching the hands on the clock tick slowly. She had been up for a few hours already, long before she really needed too, all too eager to start the mission she had been assigned. All of her hard work and training was only to help her better accomplish her mission, and after doing what she felt was unnecessary grunt work, she was beyond excited that she had been handed her first C-ranked mission. She had only met her squad in the very short brief that they had, and try as she might, she couldn't remember their faces. No matter. Soon enough they'd all be well acquainted. She grabbed her bag and left her house.
She arrived at the agreed rendezvous point and sat comfortably against a tree, waiting for the others to arrive. I wonder if I'm early, she thought to herself, looking up at the sun to try and guess what time it was. I'm sure I am. I'll just wait for a bit and wait for the others..
Takihime reached into her bag and pulled out a bright red apple, taking a bite out of it as she leaned back against the tree and waited for her compatriots to arrive.
Nice to meet you
Hotaru watched as one of the genin had arrived, she rubbed her chin and thought about introducing herself but figured that it was probably better if she leaned back and waited for the other genin to arrive. She wasn't in a hurry. Hotaru leaned back and closed her eyes for a bit, she rested. Or rather she started to get comfortable with her new role as a lazy kid, she figured that would be the best way for her to blend in with this new person.
A lazy, yet fun guy, someone that can help her out and watnot. . Hotaru shrugged, she looked back at the meeting place and saw that she was still alone. Maybe the other one is super late? Or maybe she has bailed on the mission. . The chuunin took out her yellow jacked and replaced changed clothes. She knew that the cloak would make her seem more. .
Elite some how, she wanted to look like a regular genin scrub and opted with the laid back jacket. She pulled out her forehead plate and tied it around her neck, letting it hang loosely, Hotaru had no mirror but knew she looked more like a boy than ever before. She shrugged once again before leaping down to ground level next to Takihime.
"Whoppa! Whoa. . Shit! I thought i was super late and was going to have to chase you guys. . . . Are you alone?. . . " Yoho took a look around before finally realizing that she truly was.
Yoho leaned forward and presented his hand to Takihime, he wanted to shake her hand and introduce himself. " Neigaigoto, Yoho. Just call me Yoho!" He would say with a bright smile.
Takihime popped up as another ninja came walking into the scene.
"Yeah, I'm alone". she said, looking around to confirm what she already knew.
Takihime returned the boy's handshake, introducing herself immediately after him. "Ote Takihime.", she said whilst giving him a quick once over with her eyes. She definitely didn't remember him from the original briefing, which made her question her memory of the situation. This was very unbecoming of a chunin-select, knowing that once she made chunin she'd be in charge of knowing her squad and being able to lead them to success. How could she do that if she couldn't even remember their faces?
"I guess we're waiting for our chunin lead. She must be running late." she said, looking down the path as if expecting somebody else to arrive. She was eager to get the mission started, and wasn't to keen on the idea of having to wait around anymore.
Yoho stroked his chin as he took a look around, "So, this is why Sayoran added me to the mission at the last minute huh. . . " He was certain that the other member wasn't coming and since he was Hotaru, she couldn't arrive as she was already there. How. . Do i tell her to continue with the mission?
Yoho shrugged before looking at Takihime once again, looking her up and down before smiling. His eyes where droopy and looked like he recently woke up, but that was far from the truth. "So. . . If our leader doesn't arrive, i think we should go ahead and just complete the mission on our own. . What do you say?"
Takihime looked at the boy, his emotional aura not exactly matching her words or actions. Takihime was a bit confused herself, but thought it best to wait a bit before making any sort of judgment calls. After all, maybe the kid was just as confused as she was. "Uhhh... sure. Why don't you lead the way?"
Takihime gave him another once over, trying her best not to look as puzzled as she really was. There was something besides the aura that struck her as odd. He seemed slightly familiar in a way, and the kunoichi was trying her best to trigger the memory. Between that and the waiting for their chunin leader, this mission was starting to look like a cursed operation. She really hoped it wouldn't be.
Yoho crossed his arms as he leaned back against the very large tree, of which he was positioned under. Closing his eyes, ignoring whatever the girl had to say, he didn't know her and she didn't know him, he got a bit frustrated after a couple of minutes and decided that since the chuunin was taking her time, he would take over and lead the mission. Hell, he was qualified, a strong genin like him.
"Well! Screw waiting, let's go!", he uncrossed his arms as he started walking. Hotaru already knew which path she was going to take but knew that she had to improvise it as Yoho. This undercover job was set for a strong Genin, not a full blown Chuunin, or at least she was going to mask her strength for now.
"What kind of chuunin takes on a mission and then doesn't show up?" He continued as he chose the path that would lead them around the the mountain and the hill. Surely we can find some sort of caravan. . 30 days huh. . And i have to drag her with me. . Damn it. . She wasn't happy, but she wasn't going to show it. "I mean 20 minutes, fine. . 40 minutes. . Come on! 1 hour!? Get the hell out of here with that! He went on and on.
Takihime crossed her arms, simply following the other ninja to the mountain path. She listened to the boy ramble, but she remained quiet. She was in kind of a sour mood, and was just eager to keep on the path and accomplish the mission. Just her and the boy, she couldn't help but wonder if there chuunin lead had arrived late, and whether or not they would face any sort of repercussions when they got back.
While they chose the safest, least hilly path, it was also the longest. They were about half way to their destination and it was night when they saw a wagon with its wheel busted off on the side of the road. A woman tried her hardest to keep her three children under control, tears dangerously close to bursting from her eyes. The pair could help her or continue on, but both choices would have their consequences.
Hotaru, Yoho stopped not far from the broken down caravan but didn't say anything. If it was up to her she would just ignore them and continue on her marry way, but she wanted to know what her Genin companion had to say in this matter. "I made the first decision, so this one is up to you" Yoho crossed his arms as he leaned towards the closest tree, for now they wouldn't be able to see the ninjas but they could clearly see them.
Takihime stopped with her fellow ninja and eyed the family from afar. Now, it was Takihime's turn to make a tactical decision. It was dangerous to get sidetracked on missions, especially as they escalated in rank. She contemplated simply bypassing the woman, but couldn't help but think that she'd be upset about it for the rest of her mission. This was the easy part, she thought, so a little side quest to keep her senses sharp as well as put her mind at ease would do her a world of good.
"She looks like she needs help. Let's go."
Still, her and her fellow ninja were outside the safe haven of the village walls, so Takihime would approach cautiously, creeping behind the wagon while remaining as silent as possible, nearing the woman at a distance just within her empathic range, so she could could get an accurate reading on the woman to see if her emotions were genuine.
If they were, Takihime would leave her hiding spot and offer her help. If she felt she posed a threat, Takihime would flee the area, doing her best to remain unnoticed.
The woman turned toward the pair as she saw them approach, and waved both arms to try and attract their attention. "Please, please help us." the relief so strong in her voice that it almost formed a physical force. Children settled down to watch the pair approach, and soon one pointed to the forehead protector on Takihime's head and exclaimed "A Ninja!" in amazement. "Oh! Please, please help us. Our cart has broken down and we are already a day late to meet my husband. Our attendants abandoned us with all of our possessions, please do something." The woman continued, falling to her knees as she pleaded with the pair. Tears were falling freely down her cheeks, but they were tears of hope now, no longer distress.
Yoho looked at both of the females before turning to his comrade, he shrugged as to say "I don't care" because Hotaru truly didn't care whether she helped them or not. All she cared about was the mission but she had promised to make sure that the "genin" well. . one of them came back alive.
As the tears started to flow Yoho felt a bit empathic, although this was only the character she had created. The real Hotaru wouldn't care about them but since she had to continue her role the ninja proceeded to use all her cunnings to fix the cart as soon as possible.
"The next decision is mine, and the next time something needs fixing. . Well you know the rest" Yoho was a strange individual, or rather Hotaru's perception of a teen boy. Always ready to be the hero even though they don't want to.
Takihime nodded slightly, acknowledging her fellow shinobis words. Takihime grabbed the broken down wheel, fiddling with it in hops of getting it back to it's normal state. She wasn't very mechanically inclined, but she would do her best to try and fix the woman's cart, at the very least so it would be able to get to the next town. A screw her, a bet nail there... and Takihime thought it looked like it was ready for service. She had to sound confident though.
"Ma'am, I think your tire is good." She said with a soft smile, hoping that it would be enough to get her on her way.
While Takihime had indeed done a good enough job for the small family to be on their way, it was now very close to nightfall. The woman looked pleadingly at the pair as she asked them to protect them through the night. The kids were playing in the background, jumping and frolicking through the twilight.
Are you fu- damn it. . . Hotaru already knew what the answer had to be, she knew that if she didn't stay with the family Hayate would have her head. So as Yoho, the young ninja crossed his arms and leaned back, waiting for his team mate to answer them. "What comes first, the mission or just casually helping strangers? Tick tock" Hotaru knew that if she wanted to she could rush ahead and complete the mission, but for now she knew that she had to listen. Damn it!
Takihime could see the frustration on her partners face, and knew that he wasn't without reason. She herself knew that they needed to get on with the mission. Sure, this wasn't a time of war and they probably could stay and guard the family, but at the end of the day, they were shinobi. Shinobi on a mission, one that had already been delayed in order for them to help the family.
"We're making our way down the road. The best way for us to protect you is to make sure the path ahead is clear." Takihime said respectfully, knowing that she was telling a sort of half-truth. Takihime bowed respectfully, and beckoned to her teammate so that they could be on their way.
The woman looked at them regretfully, just saying "Okay, I understand." before walking slowly back to the cart. She knew the ninja were busy, and had been hoping that they could guard them properly, but it seemed impossible. So, now, the pair was faced with another decision. Would they stop at the small town of Yokomachi for the night, or push on through the darkness toward their destination?
Takihime continued down the path, watching the sun slowly set over the horizon. Her excitement was beginning to die down, but she would fight through it. All part of being a ninja. she was telling herself. All these little things would be simple lessons in patience in her genin mentees when she finally became a chunin.
Looking at the map, she could see that there was a potential rest stop coming up. If it were up to Takihime, they would fight through the exhaustion and make their way to their destination. "There's a rest stop coming up"[ she said to her fellow genin. "I mad the last decision. This one is yours."
Now she's getting it, but the thing about it now is that we have already meddled, now they know that we are here and it would only show bad face for Kumo if something happen to them, damn you Hayate, Yoho sighed before uncrossing his arms. "Stay back and protect this family, I'll go up ahead and try to find someone or something that will help us out during this. . Unpleasant situation. . " Yoho leaned in to whisper in Takihime's ear. "Remember, we shouldn't make Kumo look bad in front of civilians, plus it's my decision so. . " This was both to punish Taki and for Hotaru to run up ahead and check if there where any enemies up ahead, she didn't really want to risk her genins safety. If she agreed then Yoho would use his high speed to rush up ahead and save time.
Takihime was about to argue, but decided that fair was fair. He sure was authoritative for a genin.
She agreed quietly agreed and made her way back to her post, where she hoped that the lady and her children were still waiting. In a way, Takihime was happy that they had agreed to stay and keep watch over the civilians. She knew that, when the mission was complete, she would've felt some sort of regret had she not stayed.
As Takihime made her way back, she would greet the lady and her children if they were still there, and would diligently assume her role as a guard.
Takihime walked back to the cart with the woman and her softly sleeping children, as a dutiful warrior would. The woman looked up from her beloved offspring as she approached, and an expression of overwhelming joy beamed from her face. "Oh thank you. Thank you so much." was all she said, as tears ran down her cheeks. She was so relieved that her family would definitely be safe through the night.
Hotaru, on the other hand, was very unlucky. Because she was rushing ahead, she didn't notice she was running over a fine layer of caltrops until it was too late. They were small enough that they didn't make it through her shoes until she was already 5 meters in, and now surrounded on all sides by the small metal spikes which were now very firmly planted in her feet. It seemed somebody didn't want anyone travelling down this road.
Hotaru was quick to jump up to a branch, wasting to time on the ground anymore I wonder who placed these? Could this be the work of a ninja? Shit. . . Hopefully the genin will have the experience to deal with whatever situation arrives at her location From here on out her part of the mission seemed to start, so with a quick change of clothes the chuunin was ready to roll. She changed to her "official" kumo black ops outfit and continued jumping from branch to branch, eying the road and preparing to deal with any situation at hand. She would continue her journey forwards using stealth, that way she wouldn't make too much noise and hopefully she could get the drop on whom ever had caused this.
JutsuShow
-:-Stealth; Black Wolf
C-Rank Taijutsu
Yoho has learned what she can step on, and how much noise it would make, using this to her advantage the spy can nearly sprint without making noise at (-3 Speed).
Takihime waited patiently by the caravan, remaining vigilant and very aware of her surroundings. Part of her hoped for a little bit of action, but the other part of her hoped that everything would keep on going smoothly until her partner returned. Whatever the situation, she was a shinobi of the Cloud, and would conquer any challenge set before her.
[OOC: Sorry guys, I've been having trouble getting computer access. Bear with me 'kay?]
Hotaru slowly found that she was approaching a small hamlet, and the caltrops stopped some hundred meters from the first building. Any further information would require investigation.
Takihime on the other hand, had quite an uneventful time, as nothing seemed to actually be approaching the woman and her sleeping children. At the moment.
How convenient. . Nope, nothing strange going on around here. . , Hotaru stopped one tree before the forest edge. Stealthing using the shade, she was crouching to make it even harder for anyone to spot her. Now I could skip all of this or just continue along the way and finish this mission on my own. But then the genin could run into whatever has set up the caltrops. But why should I care, the mission always comes first Just as she was about to move the chuunin started to second guess her selfish choice and opted to jump down and stealth her way up to the closest building. Checking her surroundings along the way.
Hope, there's no one here. . I don't feel like killing today. . , Hotaru sighed as she continued to inspect the area. First she would check inside one of the windows before checking the closet corner. Hopefully there wouldn't be anyone there and the use for violent would be at minimum. She knew that in order to ease her future sleep she would have to clear the caltrop field, now that they had promised the family to help them. Stupid, we could probably have reached the first checkpoint by now. . Damn!, Hotaru was ready for whatever and her taijutsu skills allowed her to manage to take down whatever, or at least so far.
JutsuShow
-Spies Intuition; Presence
D-Rank Taijutsu
Prerequisite: 5 Wit
The user performs a quick check in her surroundings every once awhile, this allows her to pick up if anyone is stalking her by recognizing faces/clothing.
-:-Stealth; Black Wolf
C-Rank Taijutsu
Yoho has learned what she can step on, and how much noise it would make, using this to her advantage the spy can nearly sprint without making noise at (-3 Speed).
Sorry for the no-responses guys, I was on the ship and all this stuff. Anyway, I'm just going to bump this because there's not much for me to do unless something else happens.
As Hotaru lifted herself to peer in the window, she found herself face to face with a man in a red bandanna. Her discovery's eyes widened and he yelled in surprise as he fell backwards off his chair onto the floorboards. "What is it?" could be heard coming from the upper floor of this two story stone building. Someone began to walk slowly down the stairs.
Hotaru was in shock, Frick! There was someone there! Think fast, think fast!, she rounded the corner before stealthly rushing up the wall, she needed to relocate and the roof would be the only suitable place for her now, this time she avoided windows. If someone was going to surprise her again it would ultimately lead to their death, her heart was pounding and her hidden blade was ready to shank anyone who came too close that looked hostile. Hotaru shook her head as she crouched by the edge of the roof and awaited whom ever was on the inside. Let's see if you dare to come out
"I-it was a person! They walked up the wall!" the man shouted to his compatriot coming down the stairs. The second man made an irritated sound and turned to climb the stairs again, reaching the roof just as Hotaru climbed over the edge. "Who are you and what do you want? We have orders not to let anyone through here." He demanded of her.
Hotaru could see that the man wore a leather jerkin, but no other forms of protective armour. There were no discernible sigils or crests that would make him a man belonging to one of the country's lords or gentry, and the sword at his hip was clearly battered and often-used.
Hotaru sighed before closing her eyes, she was tired of playing games, so she jumped down and grabbed the man looking out the window with her legs. She wrapped them around his neck before flipping over causing them to land on his back, if all would go as planned then the man would probably lose the ability to walk ever again, she would quickly rise and push herself towards the wall as the man would most likely scream in pain. She pulled out her sword and prepared to surprise attack his friend.
If all went according to plan then she would wait until he rounded the corner before jabbing her sword into his leg. She would then quickly knee the man in the face which had a high probability of knocking the man out if done correctly. Hotaru didn't believe in killing people and saw these people as information sources instead of puppets of which ninjas just disposed of. She knew all to well about the ptsd ninjas where suffering from taking too many lives as if it was nothing.
The man peering out the window made a startled sound as Hotaru came falling from two stories up. The man stopped screaming as soon as she fell atop his face, causing a sickening crack to come from his neck. By the time Hotaru twisted his head around, there was nothing left of the vertebrae in his neck but mush. The body slumped to the floor, head flopped at a disturbing angle, while Hotaru dashed to wait by the stairs.
The second man walked down the stairs quietly and stopped at the opening, peering around the edge. He saw Hotaru and moved back out of sight, taking a few steps up the staircase and feeling all the more secure with a stone wall between them.
Fuck! This wasn't meant to happen. . Damn it!, as Hotaru dashed towards the stairs she noticed that the next guy peered around the corner before she jumped then pushed of against the nearest wall in order to get around the corner in style and also not be close enough for him to attack her once she rounded the corner. As she would nearly fly of the wall and hoping that he would be visible as she threw one kunai with a flash tag, she hoped to blind the bastard before she would turn around in hopes to not blind herself in the process.
Hotaru was dumb enough to not watch where she flew as she crashed into the nearest wall, fortunately for her it didn't cause any serious damage, so when she picked herself of the floor she would make sure to dash up to the (hopefully) blinded man and grapple him. She would hold her kunai towards his neck. "Start talking or share the same fate as your buddy!", Hotaru used her fake voice but inside she was feeling a bit guilty for taking a mans life. She knew that this wasn't the time for remorse as she could be next if she didn't act accordingly.
Hotaru's addled and rushed mind was obviously the reason she had made suck a rookie mistake. Upon turning the corner 'in style', she had detonated a flash tag without checking her surroundings first. The stairwell walls were made entirely of stone and created a very close environment, so even though the girl looked away the light from her tag still managed to blind her as it enveloped the entire staircase. The remaining thug swore as he stumbled backwards up the stairs, tripping often as he went. The blinding was clearly the reason Hotaru bashed straight into the wall after tripping on a step of her own.
While Hotaru held a kunai to what she though was the man's neck, it was actually on his left calf muscle while she sat on his thighs. Both blinded, it was a terrible situation to be in. The man thrashed in a panic, and Hotaru struggled to hold her grip. It seemed she would either have to focus on holding the man on the stairs and drop the blade, or use it now.
Motherfu-, Hotaru shook her head but once she felt that something had connected with her kunai she knew that she at least did something right. Tripping did nothing to help her confidence and his scream did in fact scare her as she couldn't see. But instead of yanking it out she screamed. "START TALKING OR I'M RIPPING WHATEVER I'M CONNECTED TOO!", she was scared shit-less but knew that his screams would've attracted anyone's attention anyway and being an improvisor that she was, the young adolescent couldn't come up with a better plan.
The guard shouted "Die in hell!" and stabbed at the girl on his leg with his sword. Because of his unfortunate blinding, he wouldn't deal a terribly important wound if the blade connected, but a sword cut would still hurt like a bitch. The sword came down with 6 speed, and would strike with 6 strength.
Hotaru grit her teeth before pulling backwards, which would not only rip the guards leg but cut his kneecap. Fortunately she would dodge in merry time and could feel a small gash created where her chest armor began. I have to be more careful!, if Hotaru was able to see now then she would prepare the next part of her attack, if not then she would crouch down and listen intently in order to be sure that she wasn't surrounded, or if the guard was able to see and was now able to attack. This had not gone anywhere near as planned, Crap!.
Hotaru pulled back, but it seemed it did no more than anger the guard. It was the cut to his kneecap that actually did any damage, causing him to cry out in pain. Hotaru hopped away down the stairs, and the bright spots on her eyes were slowly dying down, allowing both her and the guard to see once more.
The guard tried to stand up, but it seemed like he couldn't put much pressure on his cut leg, so he leaned heavily on the wall. "Get away from me you cursed bitch!"
"If you want to live then I would suggest that you start talking, because that itty bitty sword won't stop me!", Hotaru was pissed, she brought forth her hidden sword in her left hand and prepared for whatever this asshole guard could muster. She was going to give him a couple of seconds to redeem himself before she would attack him with all of her might.
