[Mission] Down with the Sickness

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 7:28 pm

Her jet black hair and piercing emerald eyes surveyed the crowd around her. She had requested for shinobi assistance on this venture; she remembered what had happened last time she had traveled to the slums. It was that same set of circumstances that motivated this very donation. Now she stood near the front of the Hokage's office, almost ready to embark on her sojourn of generosity and sacrifice.

She smiled, giggling to herself. Life has a weird way of working out sometimes, don't it?

Her eyes scanned her surroundings; the offices had promised her shinobi protector would arrive soon.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 7:35 pm

Arashi walks through the crowd, unable to believe his luck. Not only did he get to escort another person through the village, but this time it was a Geisha. This meant it could be the same woman as before. He only hoped it wouldn't end up as before. Turning, he spotted the his client, and was happy to see he was right. Rather than walk up to her from the front, he decided to play a bit of a joke on the woman for treating him like a child. Moving quickly, he got behind her and stood there with his arms crossed. "Fancy seeing you again" He remarked with a smirk on his face.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:18 pm

The young woman froze for a second, startled by the voice that came out from behind her. When she realized that she recognized the voice, she turned, smiling widely at the sheer happenstance of this second meeting. "It's been quite some time, Ara-kun," she greeted him, bowing deeply in respect to the genin. "How have you been since we last met?"

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:25 pm

Arashi shrugs a little and looks around. "Things have been kind of quiet lately, so I've been bored. Not much to do around here if you ask me." He starts kicking at some stones on the ground while looking around at the crowd, keeping his eyes open for any of the old faces from before. "Those boys have kept pretty quiet too, now that I think about it. What about yourself, Miss Ka-stu-mi?" He draws out each part of her name, trying to taunt her into losing her composure.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:40 pm

She simply giggled at his attempt. Geisha were trained for years in the arts of patience, grace, and poise; it would take more than the words of a genin to upset her. "Well, though I still have my duties as a geisha, I've been trying to use my own resources to help the slums we passed through during my last trip. That's why I requested a shinobi: I needed a guardian for both me and the donations that I'm carrying... though I will admit, finding it was you who was assigned to this task was most comforting."

She pointed to the west wall of the village. "We're going to be traveling all along the western fringes of the village, meeting up with community officials and distributing the donations," she explained as she made her way down the main road south of the offices.

With a small pause, she turned back and smiled. "I'm counting on you, Ara-kun."

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:43 pm

Arashi scratches his head and sighs. "Your generosity is gonna get you in a lot of trouble one day. I just hope someone's there to help you" Following her, he starts planning the best path to their destination.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:52 pm

Katsumi grinned almost devilishly at the young genin. "Well, Ara-kun... if today's any example, then it looks like I can count on you to catch me, too, now can't I," she jested as they took a turn towards the south-western portion of the wall.

Though they were currently on a main road, there were plenty of paths that the two could take; the plethora of smaller roads and back alleys would make sure of that. However, that also meant there were plenty of paths where thugs might be hiding.

Time to decide, boy. How will you go about heading towards the western wall?

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:00 pm

Looking around, Arashi thinks for a bit. The longer path would have more opportunities for ambushes, but who would chose the long way. The short paths would be faster, but anyone with a plan would set up an ambush on that way. The smart answer would be the path between the two, but that was also the obvious path. "Ok, Katsumi? Looks like we need to decide. I'm going to say take the long path, just because it's such a beautiful day out. What do you think?" He smiles to show her that he has no fear of any of the paths.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 7:35 pm

Taking a look up at the blue skies above them, she smiled and nodded in agreement. "I see. The long way it is then, Ara-kun."

Like before, the day was bright and sunny with a nice breeze to boot. And as before, slowly but surely, the more properly maintained streets gave way to ratty and worn ghettos and back streets. After a bit of walking, Arashi would notice a large gathering of people up ahead. Once they got closer, he'd find that it was the people of this community, and the homely looking "mayor" had come to greet the geisha.

"Katsumi-sama, we are most grateful for your arrival... and I apologize for our disgraceful appearances," the old man greeted her bowing deeply. The others behind her followed suit. "For those with little means, proper attire is hard to come by."

Katsumi bowed in turn. "Please, I should be awarded no such honor. You and the people here deserve better," she assured the old man. "I'm simply doing what I can to help."

With that, the woman took out a small parcel. It looked simple enough; it was simply a bundle of burlap tied together with twine. The old man stepped forward to take the package from her...

An arrow flying in from the right shoots between the two, snagging the parcel and pinning it to a tree to the far left of the group. The villagers quickly fled to seek cover from this unseen assailant. Katsumi still stayed by Arashi's side, feeling safer in his presence.

There seemed to be no sign of an attacker. Where could he be?

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 7:56 pm

Arashi quickly draws his knife, holding it in a defensive position in front of him while keeping an eye out. He makes his way in a circle around Katsumi, looking over everything in front of him to spot any disturbances that would betray the location of the attacker.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:24 pm

For a moment, the only noises that could be heard was the blowing of the wind and the whimpering of a small frightened child who hid behind a rain barrel. Then, from the tree to the left, there came a light rustling. If Arashi turned to look, he'd find a gritty looking hand trying to pull the arrow and the parcel from the trunk, presumably before making off with its prize in the twisting backroads and alleys of Konohagakure's slums.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:29 pm

Turning at the sound, Arashi charges at top speed, slashing the arm trying to pull the arrow off, hard enough to injure, but not to sever the arm, then uses the trunk of the tree as a kicking post to push himself backwards. "Show yourself! Now!" He yells as he lands.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 9:12 pm

A pained shout erupted from the tree as a would-be bandit fell to the ground, clutching his bleeding arm. The parcel remained pinned to the tree, undamaged. After a few moments of waiting, a group of hungry looking but sturdy men came and hauled the bandit off, bandaging his wound before dragging him off towards the Hokage's office.

Still very much dedicated to her cause, Katsumi pulled the arrow and parcel out from the tree trunk and gave it back to the slum elder. "Please accept this gift, good sir," she pleaded, bowing deeply to show her sincere apologies for attracting trouble. "I pray that it helps you and your community."

The elder opened the parcel, and his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when he saw the contents. Looking back up at the young woman, tears began to form in his eyes. "Bless your heart, kind angel," he thanked her, bowing even more deeply than before.

It wasn't long before the other members of the community saw what was in it as well. And for the sake of comedic satire and paying a tribute to Monty Python, it went as follows:

The townsfolk of the first community received the funds. And there was much rejoicing (yay).

Long story short, these people got their money and Katsumi began spurring Arashi further north along the wall. The next community was fifteen minutes down this path and the slums were slowly getting worse in condition.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 9:15 pm

Arashi allowed himself to be moved forward by Katsumi, sheathing his dagger. However, he kept close to her and glared at anyone who tried to get too close. After a few moments, he spoke while still keeping a sharp lookout. "You realize that he was only the first one, right?"

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 6:51 pm

Solemnly, Katsumi nodded. "I know, Ara-kun... but we have to do this. These people need as much help as they can get. We can't give up now, not just after we've only begun."

As they continued down the wall, there'd be a few more shifty looks shot towards the geisha by passerbys. Arashi was now faced with yet another decision to make. Would he take the open road and risk exposure to more bandits, or would he try the alleyways in pursuit of safety? He wouldn't have much time either; a thief could strike at any moment.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 8:52 am

Arashi almost chooses to stick to the alleyways for the remainder of the trip, but then remember's what Katsumi did on the last trip. Smiling, he looks at her. "Wanna take the main road? I'm sure we'll see more trees like those one's before"

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Sat Sep 18, 2010 6:50 pm

For all of her dedication and devotion to her cause, Katsumi still had the attention span of a mentally challenged rodent. "Really?! Oh, I'd love to see those trees again. They were so beautiful the last time I was here."

Apparently, Arashi had made a good choice; they hadn't been attacked or accosted. Also, the very same trees were planted in the new enclave of slum homes. The town and elders awaited the shinobi outside of the community. Now, how would this exchange go?

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:51 am

Arashi placed his forefinger on the hilt of his knife, glancing around at all the faces in front of them. He also checked the walls and side passages for any likely places for ambushes or hidden dangers. "Remember to stay calm, no matter what happens," he murmurs to Katsumi.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:02 pm

Katsumi nodded, though she said nothing. As they approached, the elders walked up and welcomed the geisha warmly. The customary pleasantries were exchanged before she reached into her satchel to bring out the next package.

Not moments after the elders began reaching for the package did a large but speedy dog jump from the shadows and snatch the parsel away in his jaws. Not missing a beat, it made a mad dash back from where they had traveled and headed towards a cramped back street.

It'd be hard to navigate those back roads, even for Arashi, if the dog managed to get there in time.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:20 pm

Charging forward, Arashi performs several handseals then takes a deep breath as he runs. Aiming carefully, he fires his jutsu at the dog, still running after it and drawing his dagger, planning to run in front of the animal if it dodges the attack.

SpoilerShow

*Fuuton • Eagan [Wind Element • Air Gun]
D-rank Ninjutsu
Fuuton • Eagan is a ninjutsu utilizing the Wind Element. After forming the needed handseals, the user will breathe in air deeply. Once the needed air is taken in, the user can blow it out in the form of a football-sized bullet. If you are hit with it, it can cause a ton of small cuts all over the place of impact. The farther this is shot, the weaker it will become, eventually becoming damage-less at 15 yards away.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 3:25 am

The air bullet struck the dog spot on its hind quarters, sending it rolling head over foot, the satchel dropping neatly on the ground before the dog skidded to a stop on its back. Scrambling to get to its feet, the dog yelped as it ran off, retreating to lick its wounds.

One thing Arashi would catch before the dog ran out of view would be the glint of metal around the dogs neck. It distinctly looked like a tag and collar...

A gentle hand rest itself upon his shoulder. "What would I do without you, Ara-kun?" she asked herself aloud, sighing lightly as she watched the dog run off.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:32 pm

Arashi glares down the path the dog ran as he returns his dagger to it's sheath. Then, he smiles as he looks up at Katsumi. "Not much, probably" He jokes lightheartedly. Bending down, he picks up the parcel and sets it in her hands. "I believe you have something to do?"

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Sat Sep 25, 2010 2:30 pm

She nodded daintily as they made their way back to the community and handed off the parcel.

Two down, one to go.

The conditions began to get even worse as they traveled further along the wall. These slums seemed to be the largest of them on this side of the village, and the crowd that awaited them ahead seemed to be massive. There was a long stretch between them though. Arashi would need to keep his eyes open to prevent any last minute heists.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Sat Sep 25, 2010 4:10 pm

Arashi holds out an arm to stop Katsumi. "Wait. This is too easy of an area to get attacked in. Lets wait for their leader to come to us, rather than go to them." He then looks around, making sure that noone is nearby, and places a hand on his dagger.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Mon Sep 27, 2010 7:35 pm

Katsumi was confused for a moment, but she deferred to Arashi's judgement; with a wave of the hand, she beckoned the community elders and their greeting party forward. Though they also were confused at first, they complied with her request. Slowly but surely the group made their way towards the geisha...

Three arrows punched the ground in between the two groups. "Leave the money on the ground and walk away," a gruff voice from above called, "or the woman dies."

To the right there were several tall buildings. How would Arashi find the perpetrators?

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Fri Oct 01, 2010 4:35 pm

Arashi looks around for a moment, trying to plan out his next move. Seeing noone, he decides to try something...rash. Slapping his hands together quickly, he smiles and shouts, "Find me then" and slams his fists on the ground. A cloud of dust covers him and Katsumi, and he grabs her by the arm, pulling her close enough to whisper "Stay down" before dashing out towards the closest spot where he saw an arrow fly out.

SpoilerShow

Fuuton:Hokori Kumo (Dust Cloud)
D Rank Ninjutsu
After a short series of hand-signs, a strong downward gust kicks up dust and dirt in a 1.5 meter radius from the user, blocking him from sight for a short time in order to help with running. Lasts one post, unless blown away.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Mon Oct 04, 2010 7:13 pm

As Arashi sprayed the cloud down, covering most of the group, the archers began worriedly calling to each other, hoping at least one of them had a clear vantage point. He might even detect the slightest amount of panic in their shrill cries. The spot he dashed towards would open up to reveal an archer on the first floor. His back was still to the genin...

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Mon Oct 04, 2010 7:13 pm

As Arashi sprayed the cloud down, covering most of the group, the archers began worriedly calling to each other, hoping at least one of them had a clear vantage point. He might even detect the slightest amount of panic in their shrill cries. The spot he dashed towards would open up to reveal an archer on the first floor. His back was still to the genin...

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Mon Oct 04, 2010 7:30 pm

Drawing his dagger, Arashi slips up behind the man puts the blade against his throat, then whispers, "Be good, or my arm may slip," then shouts, "I've got one of your men. Come out or he dies. Touch the woman and you all die. Don't come out, and I'll hunt you all down to the last man."

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:56 am

Though there was no audible response, Arashi could swear he heard hushed whispering from above where he was. If he turned to look, he would find that he was actually in an abandoned tavern of sorts that had musty wooden tables scattered about.

The tavern had two floors...

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Fri Oct 08, 2010 8:54 pm

Smiling, Arashi looked at his captive. "Well, mind telling me who's upstairs, or should I ask a little more... persuasively?" As he spoke the last word, he prodded the man's jugular with the tip of his dagger.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Sat Oct 09, 2010 5:27 pm

Intimidation check rolling....

Nat 20. Hot diggity dawg.

The man practically fell apart under the point of Arashi's dagger. "My teammates," he whispered.

From up above, a harsh whisper came forth. "Hey, Boku! Do you see him?" the voice called out, ignorant of his position.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Tue Oct 12, 2010 3:47 pm

Arashi smiles, then swings the dagger's hilt at the back of the man's head, aiming to knock him out cold as he says, "Thanks for the info"

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Tue Oct 12, 2010 5:13 pm

Oh, the hilt connects. He hits the floor hard.

But the others hear it.

The swish of steel can be heard as a rope is severed from above. A bottle from above smashes into the ground off to Arashi's left. Though it misses the genin, a small droplet hits a mouse close to the bottle. As it scurries away for cover, Arashi would see what appeared to be smoke rising up from its scorched side.

Crude acid bombs. And what's more, if he looked up, the genin would see several more bottles of the stuff strewn along the ceiling.

"Come out with your hands up! We've got you caught!" the same voice from before shouted over the balcony.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Tue Oct 12, 2010 5:37 pm

Chuckling, Arashi slaps together his hands in a few seals, then takes in a deep breath, looking above him at the spot the voice came from. He then blasts the breath out, aiming for the floor under where he suspects the man is.

SpoilerShow

*Fuuton • Eagan [Wind Element • Air Gun]
D-rank Ninjutsu
Fuuton • Eagan is a ninjutsu utilizing the Wind Element. After forming the needed handseals, the user will breathe in air deeply. Once the needed air is taken in, the user can blow it out in the form of a football-sized bullet. If you are hit with it, it can cause a ton of small cuts all over the place of impact. The farther this is shot, the weaker it will become, eventually becoming damage-less at 15 yards away.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Tue Oct 12, 2010 5:47 pm

The only thing holding up the rotted balcony above him were rusted rivets between each of the boards, so when that air bullet hit the bottom of the over hang, the rest of it fell faster than a flimsy Jenga tower.

With a few desperate yelps, the archers from above fell to the floor below, each smacking their heads on the rotted wood and ground as dust and smoke billowed out the windows. They were completely incapacitated, their flimsy bows not surviving the fall.

"Ara-kun!" Katsumi called out, obvious concern ladening her voice.

Tarnock · Post by **Tarnock** » Tue Oct 12, 2010 5:56 pm

Arashi coughs, standing up after being thrown backwards from the collapse. "Well," he mutters, "that went well." He then grabs the three men and hauls them out of the house one at a time, brushing dust off of his shoulders when he finishes. Smiling at Katsumi, he chucks one of the men at her feet. "You know, hanging out with you could be considered training. I'll have to talk to the Hokage about making you a Sensei in the school." He then sits and starts pressing on some small cuts he got from the wood.

Yasashikaze Seiken · Post by **Yasashikaze Seiken** » Sun Oct 17, 2010 6:14 am

The geisha smiled, relieved her protector was safe. "Oh, Ara-kun," she sighed before kissing the genin upon the brow, embracing him in a hug.

The rest of the funds were distributed, and there was much joy. Arashi would see the slums slowly transforming into more stable communities as the weeks pass by, and it was all due to his efforts.

[Passed, though if you want to do an epilogue for the mission, I'm down.]