[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

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Luciain
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Wed Apr 18, 2018 10:06 am

[Plotboard] Fishing Trip! There was something calming, almost relaxing about the sea, the soft sound of the waves lapping up against the shore and the striking blue of the water stretching out to the horizon. The mist swirled up off the sea like pale ghostly fingers stretching up towards the sky, grasping an as yet unseen treasure, enfolding it in its grasp. It was, Chiaki was sure, the kind of scene that you couldn’t find anywhere else apart from the Water country, at least that’s what she thought with her wealth of experience her trip to...well ok so she’d never been outside the water country but still, she was sure you couldn’t find a scene like this anywhere else. It was the kind of scene that would have drawn her in, sent her traipsing across the waterfront, staring at the sea on any other day, only today wasn’t an ordinary day.

It had started yesterday, a seemingly innocuous message, she’d been chosen for a mission escorting a merchant home. It was a seemingly basic mission apart from two very important factors. He lived outside the village, she actually got to go outside, if not exploring then at the very least she got to go outside, to see more than the same buildings every day. She loved Kirigakure but after staring at the walls and the gates for years she was ready to see what was out there. The second, and maybe more important, reason was she was the only genin going. There was no sign of her rival, something which he hated. She knew she wouldn’t be going alone, there would have to be a Jounin or a Chuunin accompanying her but for that brief moment, it was freedom.

She had barely been able to sleep all night, she’d cleaned her outfit and double and triple checked her weapons before she’d even tried to get to sleep, not that that had lasted. She’d been up with the sun, narrowly avoiding the lazy Kunai her mother had thrown in her direction for waking them as she literally bounced off the walls of the house as she made breakfast. But here she was, outside the merchant’s hostel, settled on a balustrade. One leg dangling down in front of her as she munched on a piece of toast waiting for people to show up. She knew she was early and there was an entire day’s trip ahead of them, but waiting was just so hard.

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The Legend Excalibur
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Wed Apr 18, 2018 6:53 pm

Rai would be lying if he said he wasn't just the least bit nervous. Sure, it was just a simple escort mission for a fisherman, and it was true the route they were to to take was considered safe by even civilian standards. But this was the first mission he would actually be in charge of. Other times he'd be on a team with a Jounin in charge, or a more senior Chuunin. This time, though, he'd been given the chance to prove his abilities as a effective leader. It was both an exciting and nerve-bending prospect.

He'd spent the night before going over the mission missive. Everything complied with what he'd been told personally when he was selected for it. He found his thoughts lingering though on his teammate. Aisu Chiaki. Was it by coincidence that not only had he been paired with one of the noble families clansman, but also one of the ones who were connected to his contracted family, the Hirohito. This was a precarious situation to say the least. If all went well, he might gain some marks from the family. If it, in some way or form, went south, way.... way... south, it could spell the end for his career as a shinobi. He pushed the thoughts from his head. Negativity only breeds failure. And he wasn't going to fail the village.

Rai had woken up just a little before dawn, getting in his daily morning exercise routine, before getting dressed and checking his gear. He approached a shrine holding pictures of both his parents, and their forehead protectors. "I'm heading out.", he said with a bow, before doing just that. It would ways to the Merchant Province, where the merchant currently stayed at, from his home. Upon coming to the gate for the area, he presented his missive, and gained entry. By the time he could see the hostel on the in the distance, the sun was beginning it's climb. He noticed a girl already outside. That was a bit surprising, he was usually the first one up for a mission.

He slowly approached the building his hands resting in his pockets, and called out to her. "Yo!" He raised a hand from his pocket in greeting, and came towards the railing. "Aisu Chiaki, right? I'm Hiraki Rai. We'll be conducting this mission together.", he said in a somewhat casual manner, though he did offer a small bow to her as he spoke.
KirigakureOho TetsuJounin A-Rank Missing Ninja
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Thu Apr 19, 2018 7:58 am

There were a few basic rules to being a ninja, following your nindo, being the strongest and best there were all important facets to this most important of career paths. Looking after your tools, never trusting anyone, there were all things that had been drilled into them at the military academy, but there was one lesson that trumped all of those. Above all things, a ninja was calm and collected, always aware of their surroundings and never taken by surprise. A ninja certainly didn’t get so lost in watching the sea and munching away on her toast that she would almost miss the sound of someone approaching. It had only been the soft sound of a footstep crunching on the pathway behind her that had alerted her to someone’s presence behind her.

Luckily for Chiaki, the toast that still filled her mouth gave her the perfect opportunity to collect herself and recover her poise as the triangle disappeared into her mouth. Taking a deep breath the girl hopped lightly off the balustrade she had been perched on. Pale hands reached down, brushing the scattering of crumbs off her white tunic as she returned the bow, catching herself from dipping too far lower than his small bow, the perfect response of a junior greeting their senior for the first time. “Hikari Rai right?” The Genin had done her research when she’d received the first notice of the mission. A quick trip to the archives had revealed the basic information on the boy, sixteen years old, a Chuunin bonded to house Hirohito. She saw someone’s fingers in that, the manipulation of assignments to throw them together wasn’t something she’d put past her grandparents or the other clan elders, let alone the house itself. The biggest problem…she had no idea who was being judged, if it was her, or if she was meant to report back on him. Still, in the face of the unknown and insecurity, she could always fall back ok the lesson’s she’d been taught, treat the situation with the formality expected of her clan. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’ll be in your care for this mission.” Well ok…that wasn’t exactly the cool tone she’d been hoping for but it was still respectful and formal enough the teen berated herself as she straightened.

“Have you been out that way before? I looked up the maps and it seems pretty straightforward but on a piece of paper that doesn’t really mean anything.” Chiaki couldn’t disguise the hint of excitement that touched on her voice at the thought of the adventure that stretched out infront of them, the possibilities. Even if they didn’t actually end up doing anything, it was still a chance to get away from the village walls and experience something of the world out there, a little taste of what it was like to live as a ninja.

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:27 am

He lowered his hand, when she didn't immediately respond to his greeting. Well, this was kind of awkward. She looked a bit distant, as if she were lost in her thoughts. Well, he had a solution to that problem. Looking at the ground, he approached a mid-sized twig, and stepped on it. If this wasn't enough to alert her, he would begin to have doubts about her abilities, for better or worse. To his relief though, she apparently had heard him, and hopped down to greet him. “Hikari Rai right? It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’ll be in your care for this mission.”

"Same. I'll try to keep us all alive.", he said, in a joking and light tone. He'd read Chiaki's skill sheet. Her ninjutsu was good for a Genin, rivaling most Chuunin. She was average in Taijutsu, almost no training or experience in Genjutsu, not that they'd need that skill. Average speed, strength, and chakra reserves. Though her chakra control almost rivaled his. Overall, she was well rounded, not really lacking in any of the needed skills, for her level. That was good. "Mmm, maybe one or two times. The route is mostly clear of banditry. Why, were you hoping for a fight?", he asked, hearing the tone of her voice.
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IwagakureAkari Vale • Genin
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Fri Apr 20, 2018 5:05 am

"No! Not a fight, well not exactly..." This was so not how she wanted her first encounter with her supervisor, or with any superior for that matter. She'd always dreamt of being smart and cooly professional, impressing them with her abilities and attitude. She hadn't ever in her wildest nightmares thought one might come across her lost in a daydream while eating a piece of toast. for a moment her mask slipped, a hint if anxiety dancing across her face before she managed to school her features again. 'Come on, snap out of it, you can do better than that,' the girl let a small, rueful smile pulling up the corner of her lips. "I mean, no-one really wants to get into a fight but it'll be the first time I get to actually leave the village. Or I mean, the first time I get to go out when I'm not with family on a trip," she corrected herself. "That's not really the same thing."

Brushing the last of the crumbs from her tunic the girl let her eyes settle on Rai for a moment as she inclined her head at him, "Besides, a chance to stretch my legs and get out of the village? Everyone needs to head out at some time if you don't want to end up getting cabin fever." It wasn't like she'd say no to a little adventure, but showing she could successfully complete this mission would mean better ones in the future, hopefully, more than Kokatsu Fushinkou. Beating out her rival in any way was certainly something Chiaki could get behind.


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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Fri Apr 20, 2018 5:56 am

It was a minor thing, less than an instance, but he had saw it. She was nervous, at least a little bit. Though he had to admit that she did do a well enough job upholding the Aisu's trademark demeanor. "Well, I guess that's a good enough reason. But I'm warning you now that after your first few missions, all of Water Country starts looking the same.", he said jokingly. "I'll see if our fisherman is ready." He walked towards the door of the hostel, and knocked on it. "Wha-? Who is it?! I'm sold out!" An old, gravelly voice came from inside. "I'm Hiraki Rai, and with me is my teammate Aisu Chiaki. We're the protective detail you requested from the village." He spoke in a respectful and formal tone, almost a complete 180 from how he was speaking mere moments earlier. "Eh? You all are earlier than I expected! Good, good! Early bird gets the word, heheh..." the old man laughed to himself inside. "Let me just grab a few things.... need this? Nope. This... eh, leave it. Hmm... Oh! I definitely can't leave this behind!" The shifting of furniture and objects would be heard for the next 10 minutes outside he building before the old man emerged. He was short, and hunched forward, coming up to perhaps Chiaki's neck. He wore a simple light blue and white robe, with swirl designs on the sleeves and base. His face was covered by a hood, while his jaw was blanketed by a long, light gray beard. At his side was a large bag, which'd he'd apparently dragged towards the door.

"Grab that would you for me, Sir Shinobi? My old bones just can't manage much anymore." he asked. "Of course, sir." Rai bent down and picked up the bag, and threw it over his back with relative ease. "Good. I've got a small cart waiting for me outside the gates." The old man said, as he began walking down the road. Rai looked at Chiaki and nodded, signaling the beginning of their mission.
KirigakureOho TetsuJounin A-Rank Missing Ninja
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Sat Apr 21, 2018 3:09 am

As the fisherman, their client, strode out of the hostel dumping the large bag on Rai it was all Chiaki could do to stop the amusement from actually showing on her face. Instead, she managed to bob her head in greeting at the old man as she fell in behind the two others. The party was still in the village so she knew that they were relatively safe now, or at least should be. However, it never hurt to fall into good practices and she knew that Rai was a much more proficient Taijutsu user than she was, for now. By hanging behind him as they made their way out of the village she knew that she could best provide him support in case of an ambush. And if there wasn’t an ambush? Well, then it was still a win for her, a nice relaxing trip while she could enjoy the sun and breeze slowly starting to break through the morning mist that swirled around them.

The silence couldn’t last forever, and her eyes fell on the bag slung over Rei’s back, a curious look dancing across her eyes. Biting her lip the girl’s eyes danced off to the side, checking their surroundings as they made their way out of the village, always thought she found her gaze pulled back to the bag time after time, no matter how she tried to glance away it was like a magnet pulling her back. It was rude to just open it though, but intelligence gathering was important for anyone, they had to know what they were dealing with after all. “It’s kinda unusual to request an escort back home like this isn’t it?” The teen kept her voice light, not trying to disguise the curiosity in her voice, but trying not to emphasis it either. “You must really want to protect whatever it is you managed to pick up in the village to pay for us to defend you.”

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Sat Apr 21, 2018 2:43 pm

Rai shot her a discouraging look. It was poor manners to question a client without probable cause. He'd already paid the fee for the mission, and as long as it stayed within the parameters of a D-Rank assignment, there would be nothing more to it. The old man, though, let out a grunt, as he sat on his cart, which was pulled by a mule. "Hmph. Trade is an important thing in my home. The trinkets and things I get when I come to sell in the Mist are often times more valuable than the coin I bring. That, and the fish sometimes attracts a bear or two." He said, flatly. It was true, though. The last part, at least. Bears were often known to wander the forests and trails, and fish was their main food source. So a lonely old man carrying a sack of the stuff was a pretty choice target. And from the smell, Rai could tell he had quite a bit.

They would travel for an hour or two more in silence, before broke the quiet. "So Chiaki, tell about your rival. Are they strong?"
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Sun Apr 22, 2018 5:59 am

The chunin's glare was enough to quiet the girl, for now, her curiosity dampened down by the reprimand as her fist clenched and unclenched at her sides. Yeah, it might have been a little rude, but wasn't it better to know what they were getting into first? Except...maybe next time she should use another way to obtain the information she wanted, not just asking for it upfront. A soft sigh escaped the girl's lips as she fell into place at the back of the formation, eyes idly dancing from side to side looking for shapes in the mist that hung between the trees flanking the road.

Rai's disfavour could only keep her down for so long though, and after a few hours, she couldn't restrain herself anymore. A flask slipped between the two men, waving in front of them as Chiaki offered them a quick smile, her eyes peering into the woods. "Drink? We've been walking for a while, and we're gonna be walking all day to get to the village. Probably best to take a break now and then and stay hydrated right?" Besides, if there was the slightest chance of bears nosing around then she'd rather everyone be fresh and energised to be able to take them on, and even without the bag, it must be harder for an old man to walk all day without breaks...though if her grandfather heard that he would probably be less than happy. She'd still insist he at least kept hydrated though.

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Sun Apr 22, 2018 5:56 pm

"Hmph. I like your thinking, girly. It's just about time for a lunch break anyway." The man directed his mule to steer into a clearing off the path, where the trees still provided some shade. He then hoped off his cart, and directed Rai to set down his gear, which he did, with no hidden enthusiasm. A thought had just now occurred to him. Why had he needed to carry the massive sack for all this time, when the old man had space on his cart? The trek through the village he understood, but after that....?

While the old man began digging through his, Rai found a place to rest and sit against a tree trunk. Performing several hand signs, he raised his hands into the air, causing a noticeably ripple in it. In a few moments, he received a static image of the surrounding area. Nothing overtly dangerous was nearby. A couple of snakes in a nearby marsh, some frogs, toads... mostly the natural fauna. Satisfied, he went into his own mission gear sack, and pulled out a map, reviewing it. They'd been walking for at least four hours. The trip itself would be nearly a day's journey, meaning they either would have to stay in the village till the next day, or camp or the return trip. He'd prefer a nice bed after such a long walk... but it wasn't proper to impose on clients.

As he continued to mull over the mission details, the old man casually munched away on rice balls with seaweed for lunch.
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Mon Apr 23, 2018 7:57 am

Well, lunch break hadn't been what she'd actually been thinking about when she first spoke up but any break at all was a welcome break from the monotony of trekking through the forest and the swamps. Still, this wasn't exactly what she'd imagined when she thought about her first mission outside the village. Ok, so there was perhaps a little-overblown imagination in there, but who didn't think of fighting Shinobi and being a hero at the first opportunity they got? Still, it could have been worse, at least they hadn't been attacked by any bears just yet. The teen glanced around uncertainly at the woods before inching closer to the cart, she just wanted to be closer to the client in case she had to protect him, that was totally it.

Still, she stared around at the slightly soggy ground before cautiously settling down on a nearby rock. Slipping as she tried to stand up and ending up planting face first in the mud wouldn't really be a great impression for anyone. She was pretty sure she wouldn't be that clumsy, but thinking about things beforehand and testing them out that was never a bad idea. Reaching back into her own supplies she pulled out a lunchbox, unfolding it carefully as she pulled out one of her own onigiri, nibbling at it as she glanced around before she grimaced...it was salmon. Normally she'd love the fish but today...she shot Rai a quick glare before turning back to her meal. Better not to leave a trace to attract any predator's to her lunch, it was hers after all...but she was getting chicken for the way home. Still...the silence couldn't last safely, it just wasn't in her to sit comfortably in the quiet, "Does anyone want some of my omelette? I always make too much."

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Mon Apr 23, 2018 6:10 pm

"I'm not hungry at the moment, thank you though." He'd eaten a decent meal in the morning in preparation for the mission. Some meats and eggs for protein, and a biscuit or two for carbs, washed down with water. Even though it was around noon, he still wasn't hungry yet. And if he became so later on, he had some dried jerky rations to nibble on, at least until they reached the village, and could maybe get a meal. He looked at Chiaki's meal. It wasn't especially wise to bring such a relatively big meal on mission. Even if it was a D-Rank. He'd mention it to her later though. He'd caught the glare she'd directed towards him. Was she made he ended her questioning earlier?

"Sure, why not, girly. And here, y'can have some of my rice balls in return." The old man gingerly held out two of his own rice balls towards Chiaki. Rai observed Chiaki with interest. It was one of the habits he developed during missions, to take in information on his surroundings, at all times. She seemed a bit unsettled. A bit nervous. No, anxious. Like she was in the middle of an interview with a Clan Elder, or someone of similar status. Why was that?
KirigakureOho TetsuJounin A-Rank Missing Ninja
IwagakureAkari Vale • Genin
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KonohagakureNara Shikado • Chuunin

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Mon Apr 23, 2018 10:41 pm

The girl traded away the rest of her omelette, taking one on the riceballs offered with a grateful grin. As she nibbled on the snack she quickly bound up her own box, stowing it away in her pack before standing and stretching, shaking of the lethargic feeling that came after stopping walking for the break. A small snack might always be best for a trip, leaving you with energy but not feeling too full, but there was something about a meal that always seemed to pull people together. A kind of bonding experience, which at least it seemed to be working with the old man. Having your client feel positive towards you meant that he would be more likely to listen to you, would say better things about the village. Chiaki could almost hear the voice of her grandmother lecturing, telling her how to act around others but there was something more, something else that she had never mentioned. It was the right thing to do, the friendly thing at least. It was something her family never seemed to hold as important, but being friendly was an important thing...right?

The girl shook her head, feeling her hair flowing across her back like a wave as she let out a breath, resisting the urge to reach up and slap her face. It was...probably something best not worried about right now, the middle of a mission was hardly the time for a deep philosophical musing. The girl idly smoothed down her tunic, padding across the clearing to Rai, standing just off to his side, staring into the woods as her blue eyes peered intently at them, as if she could see into the dark mist filled landscape with the sheer force of her will. "How much longer do you think it'll take us to get him home?" She kept her voice quiet, just loud enough for him to hear as she reached down to adjust her weapon's pouch, making sure it sat comfortably for easy movement and access.

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Tue Apr 24, 2018 7:45 am

"We should get there by nightfall. So... about another 8 or so hours." He folded up his map and put it back inside his pouch. Standing from his spot on the tree, he dusted himself off, doing the same wit his hands. "Are you ready to keep going, sir? The old man nodded with grunt, and put away his own food, wiping the crumbs onto the ground, before directing his mule to begin walking again. After which, Chiaki and Rai would follow. The day was now in full swing, with the mist concealing as far as 5 meters ahead of them. The air was cool and moist, with water droplets appearing on the surface of their clothing and gear.

The sounds of marshland and swamp fauna filled the air, the croaks of frogs, the chirp of birds, the buzzing of mosquitoes and dragonflies, and the soft growl of covered predators. Rai actually enjoyed the atmosphere, if he was being honest. He liked being outside the village, and moving about Water Country. For whatever reason, it gave him a sense of calm, one he couldn't find when he was within the confines of Kiri.
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IwagakureAkari Vale • Genin
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KonohagakureNara Shikado • Chuunin

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Wed Apr 25, 2018 5:25 am

Another 8 hours? Well, it could be worse, the company wasn't too bad and she was out of the village...she was out of the village! Chiaki had to fight to maintain the cool look on her face as she felt a bubbling of excitement inside. There was no disguising the little spring in her step, the bounce in her movements as they fell in behind the cart. The girl's eyes still continued to dart back and forward to the sides of the road, ostentatiously checking for any traps or surprises that might be waiting for them. In truth, there was more than a little part of her that was thrilled at the freedom of being outside the confines of the village.

Well, it wasn't just the confines of the village, it was being away from the ever watchful and judging eye, of her family, or the village. As much as she loved Kirigakure, there was always a pressure to perform, to be the best and show no weakness. That was something that was less evident out here though, although, she glanced at Rai, perhaps not entirely free. She wasn't about to start turning cartwheels or breaking out into song, but out here in the woods, it was as if she could breathe a little freer. "Pretty, out here it's a lot prettier than I thought walking through it."

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Thu Apr 26, 2018 11:19 am

"If you like forests, sure. But I don't think you'd say the same if you could see the swamp land that rested within them. Mosquitoes as big as your hand and the smell of spoiled eggs..." Rai visibly shivered. The marshlands of Water Country were not a pleasant place to be, due in part to the number of things that lurked within them, as well as the environment itself. You were just as liable to get stuck in a sinkhole as you were to be attacked by a alligator or venomous lizard. He hated them actually.

Several hours later, daylight began to wane. The old man had fallen asleep in his cart a while ago, leaving Rai to make sure his mule stayed on track and kept up pace. "We should be coming up on the village in a litt- He suddenly cut himself off, and held out his hand, signaling Chiaki to stop walking. Catching the mule by the reins, he stopped the animal in its tracks. The dim sounds of the swamps filled the air, as Rai remained silent. He'd seen the shadows shift ahead of them... he was sure of it. "Hrmm... Look like we've been caught, boys." A voice said from within the tree line. Three figures would emerge onto the road, two from the right, and one from the left. They wore simple tunics and pants, with cloaks draped over their shoulders. In their hands were visible weapons; the two to the left held woodcutter axes, while the one on the right had an actual sword... from what Rai could see, it was poorly kept, chips visible in the blade. Bandits.

"We told the old man... he wouldn't be returning to the village safely if he didn't pay us." The one on the right, seemingly the leader, said. Not simple bandits.... thugs? And what did he mean? Did the client know about something about them? "Uh... boss. They got them headbands. They're ninja. Maybe this isn-" One of the other two started, before being cutoff. "Quiet! They're just brats! Cut them down, then kill the old man!" The other two seemed hesitant, but obeyed their leader; one charged towards Chiaki, swing their axe at her, while the other lunged at Rai, slashing down at him.
Road Thugs
Ninjutsu: 1
Taijutsu: 5
Genjutsu: 1
Stamina: 3
Control: 1
Strength: 5
Speed: 4
Instinct: 2
KirigakureOho TetsuJounin A-Rank Missing Ninja
IwagakureAkari Vale • Genin
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KonohagakureNara Shikado • Chuunin

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Fri Apr 27, 2018 2:23 pm

'Just brats'?! For a long moment, Chiaki didn't know if she should laugh or be insulted by the thug's angry exclamation. The young girl just stared at the bandit in shock, he honestly thought that Kirigakure, the best ninja village in the land, would even think of sending out ninjas who were unready for a fight? Anyone who even came close to meeting those criteria would quickly find themselves outcast and ostracised, and that was a position that Chiaki didn't intend to find herself in, for the good of her clan and family if nothing else, the dishonour that would come on them if she was caught...

The girl's train of thought was interrupted as the thug swinging his axe closed on her far faster than she thought he could. The genin threw herself backwards as he swung at her, the blade of his axe whistling through the air mere inches from her face. She could feel the whistling of the air blowing on her skin as she arched backwards, turning a cartwheel as she flexed her shoulders, pushing herself backwards as she evaded his follow up strike. The girl's fingers danced in front of her chest, the seals manipulating her chakra. SHe could feel the shape of it in her chest, a ball of energy climbing up her chest as she opened her mouth, a ball of condensed air, shimmering as it blasted out of her mouth. The ball made a whistling sound as it shot through the aircolliding with the bandit's chest, knocking him back, head over heals as she slid to a stop, aqua eyes darting over towards Rai.
jutsu usedShow
*Fuuton • Wind Bullet
D-Ranked Fuuton Jutsu
After performing the required hand seals, the user expels a basket ball sized ball of wind from their mouth. This ball of wind travels up to 20m at 5 speed, and explodes with the strength of a single explosive tag on contact with solid matter or at the end of its range.

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Sun Apr 29, 2018 5:07 pm

The Wind Bullet would smack into the bandit, and explode, causing his ax to go flying out of his hand, and his body to fly several meters away. The front of his clothes were ripped and shredded, while large scratch marks could be seen on his skin. He didn't move, save the occasional twitching. When Chiaki glanced at Rai, she'd find him in much of the same situation. Brats. In his mind, he laughed. On his missions outside the village, he often found that poorer peasants often thought that the abilities of shinobi were exaggerated. Controlling water? Unheard of. Jumping several feet into the air? Impossible. And bandits were the worse. They always underestimated, especially if they were young. But even Genin were stronger than the average bandit, which, from merely looking at them, these thugs were barely that.

He managed to sidestep the thug's slash, causing him to stumble forward after the weight of the ax's blade. This gave Rai the opportunity to draw his own weapon, a twelve inch bladed katana, which he promptly unsheathed, and slashed across the back of the man, drawing a spray of blood, and the surprised yell of pain of the man, who collapsed with a thud. With the two thugs handled, Rai would turn his attention back to the leader, only to find that he was gone. He must've ran after Chiaki killed the first with her jutsu. Figures.

With the fight done, he looked towards Chiaki. She looked fine, no worse for ware, which was good. He then turned towards the cart, approaching it with his sword still in hand. The old man in it was awake, what with all the commotion, and looked a bit uneasy. "That man mentioned knowing you. Something about payment. If you knew there'd be a chance you were attacked, the Mist would've at least classed this a C-Rank, and not a D-Rank. Along with the fees. You lied to us." His face looked cold and distant, completely different from the formal and friendly demeanor's he'd shown before.
KirigakureOho TetsuJounin A-Rank Missing Ninja
IwagakureAkari Vale • Genin
IwagakureWu Sun • Chuunin
KonohagakureNara Shikado • Chuunin

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Luciain
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Tue May 01, 2018 12:41 pm

The world around her seemed to slow, sound and sensation pulling away from Chiaki as her light blue eyes settled down on the man she'd fought. He lay sprawled out on the ground, his head and limbs splayed out, neck twisted around at an unnatural angle as his sightless eyes stared off into mist covered forest. She had done that, she'd been the one to extinguish his life. It had all happened so fast, the axe had swung at her and she had just reacted without thinking. Her hands had moved by themselves, the effects of a lifetime of training coming to the fore as she had reacted to throw her opponent away. It was the first time the girl had been put in a situation where she was forced to defend herself to the point of death. She felt the breath flowing out of her, unable to tear her gaze away from the still corpse of someone's father, someone's son.

The moment seemed to hang, last for an eternity in that space between heartbeats, in that space where time had no hold, that seemed to last forever. Then as quickly as it began the moment had passed as Rai started talking, questioning the old man who had hired them. Chiaki's breath flowed back into her chest as she dragged her gaze away from the dead body, her footsteps tapping on the ground as she took up position behind Rai, one hand resting on her weapons pouch. "You know, when we turn in our report Kirigakure won't be too happy to find out that you withheld information like that. All for the sake of a little saving..." Her voice trailed off as she stared at his cart and pack before letting her gaze over to the village behind him, her voice turning flat and emotionless. "Why'd you hide that the thugs there were after you?"

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Thu May 10, 2018 12:14 pm

The old man simply looked between the two Chuunin,not saying anything. His facial expression told of his worry and nervousness. Obviously he feared the consequences that would come from this incident, and any following his words. But finally, he sighed. "I... didn't. Well, t'be honest I didn't believe'em. They're in a small time gang in my village. They try to strong arm the merchants, get a cut of their profits. They'd harassed me before, but nothin' came of it."

Rai glared at the man while he listened. Situations like these weren't exactly unheard of. Usually the village in question would hire a team of Chuunin or even a Jounin to take care of the gang. The price though for such a assignment normally was within the range of upper C-Rank to lower B-Rank. Not exactly money everyone has on hand. The old man looked visibly shaken. His plea of ignorance may have been sincere, all things considered. A few moments of silence passed, before he spoke.

"Well continue towards your village immediately. No telling where the leader went, whether to get reinforcements or to simply escape, but we don't want to wait and find out. I'd say we have another 2 hours to our journey, so let's move now, while we still have a little light." He gestured for the mule to begin moving, leaving the bandits' bodies where they fell.
KirigakureOho TetsuJounin A-Rank Missing Ninja
IwagakureAkari Vale • Genin
IwagakureWu Sun • Chuunin
KonohagakureNara Shikado • Chuunin

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Luciain
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Sun May 13, 2018 1:46 pm

Chiaki glanced back over her shoulder at the bandit’s bodies as they lay crumpled on the ground like a set of discarded clothes. That was the result of her actions, her choice had stolen the life of the man as easily as you pluck a flower. The young genin dragged her gaze away from the bodies, forcing her blue eyes onto the back of the cart, staring at the old man’s back. Something about his story didn’t add up, there was no way the man hadn’t known what would happen on his way back. Increasing her pace the young woman drew up next to Rai, her voice dropping low, soft enough that the man on the cart couldn’t hear them.

“They said that they’d told him that he’d have to pay, he’s lying isn’t he. The bandits had warned him what was going to happen, that he had to pay them. That’s why he tricked the village into sending us with him isn’t it?” Her white teeth worried at her lower lip as her fingers danced down towards the weapon’s pouch on her leg and up again. “What do we do?” The girl had never come across any situation like this and found herself unsure of what they should do. “Get him home and then what?” It was times like this that she was more than willing to take her guidance from the older ninja.

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The Legend Excalibur
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Mon May 14, 2018 7:13 am

Rai glanced at Chiaki as she walked up next to him, before returning his sight to the road ahead of them, as he listened to her concerns. "It's possible. It wouldn't be the first time a client has intentionally withheld information on a mission in order to get a cheaper price. Though, what he said is also equally believable. He shrugged. We finish the assignment, get him to his village. Take the rest of the night to rest, before returning to Kiri in the morning. Then we hand in our report. The Council will decide whether to blacklist him or not." His tone was weary and tired. In truth, the fight early had worn on the energy he had saved from the day. He hadn't done much, but the constant vigilance he now maintained in the case the leader of the thugs returned, in force, chipped away at his mental reserve. He'd be thankful when they made it to the village.

Which they eventually did, a couple of hours later. It was a relatively minor settlement, consisting of a dozen or so huts, oriented along the coast of the lake they had been built near. A market composed of two or three shops surrounding a area of semi-permanent stalls existed parallel to the huts, while a larger, sturdier building, constructed out of what looked to be solid wood and mortar, lay at the end of the road, no doubt be it's equivalent of a council building. The group of three passed through a gate of sorts, more closely described as two outpost towers, manned by two guards each, with relative ease, the guards noting the symbols of Kirigakure on the two shinobi.

Rai halted the old man's cart, stifling a yawn, as he looked towards him. Alright, sir, here you are. As it stands, our mission is complete as far as your safety is concerned." Before the old man could say a word, Rai walked away from him, gesturing for Chiaki to follow. When she caught up, he'd speak quiet and low. "We'll get lodging at the guard's lodge. Get maybe seven hours of rest, then head out by daybreak."
KirigakureOho TetsuJounin A-Rank Missing Ninja
IwagakureAkari Vale • Genin
IwagakureWu Sun • Chuunin
KonohagakureNara Shikado • Chuunin

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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by Luciain » Wed May 16, 2018 11:46 pm

The rest of the trip ha passed in a relative silence as the three companions edged along the road, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Even the normally ebullient Chiaki found herself walking silently besides Rai as she worked through her own thoughts. She felt sorry for the old man, and yet at the same time he had lied to the village, and that was something that just didn’t sit well with her. Yet at the same time the chuunin was right, it wasn’t, yet, their responsibility for sorting out this mess. That was something best left to their superiors, it was her job to complete the mission to the best of her ability. Anything else would be less than her family, less than her village deserved. If she didn’t give it her all, then the old man wasn’t at fault she would be. With that ideal echoing in her mind the girl squared her shoulders blue eyes peering around into the darkness of the forest and swamps watching for the return of the bandit leader.

Luckily, or unluckily, the rest of the journey was relatively uneventful, not a sight or sound of any trouble as they pulled into the village. The small village was far from a thriving metropolis like Kirigakure, but the presence of the shops and it’s location showed that was not a failing village either, just one of many villages scattered throughout the land, perhaps more picturesque than many. Perhaps that had been what had attracted the bandits in the first place. The girl bowed her head to the old merchant as he dropped off his cart, “Thank you for hiring us, have a good night.” Spinning on her heel she followed Rai, eyes peering around the village. If the bandit had run anywhere it was either back here, or to a nearby camp and it couldn’t hurt to be a little careful. “You think it’s a good idea to keep a watch? Or would we be ok with the guards watching us?”

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The Legend Excalibur
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[Plotboard] We're off to see the wizard

Post by The Legend Excalibur » Mon May 21, 2018 4:14 pm

"We'll be fine. Those men chose to attack us on the road for a reason. They must not have a lot of pull inside of the village." It'd be foolish of them to try and sneak into and attack the guard's lodge, even if they could. And if he was wrong, and they did have some kind of leverage, even among them, he didn't doubt he would at least be able to sense some kind of ambush. They weren't shinobi, after all.

He entered the lodging along with Chiaki, approaching the sergeant on call and showing his credentials, as well as his request. No less than five minutes later the two of them were being led to a empty room, containing two bunk beds on either sides of the wall. Two of them would remain vacant, as the room had been reserved for the two.

"You did good today, Chiaki. Get some rest. Rai grinned and offered a appreciative nod, before taking the bottom bunk on the right side, settling into it in a position laying facing the wall. He fell asleep easily, some calling it one of his "special" skills.

Come dawn, the two would depart again for Kirigakure.
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End Part 1
KirigakureOho TetsuJounin A-Rank Missing Ninja
IwagakureAkari Vale • Genin
IwagakureWu Sun • Chuunin
KonohagakureNara Shikado • Chuunin

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