The Robbers' last mistake (Max, Kay, Saya)

Mission
Hato had no plans for the evening, it was really relaxing. She sat at her table in her apartment sipping tea. Nothing but herself and her thoughts. That was all interrupted when a file slipped under the door. It was a mission file. She placed down her tea and looked at the file contents. Her and three others were given a C rank mission to stop a grave robber. My first mission is a C rank? Odd. With that, Hato put on her ninja gear and headed out the door with the file. 

Hato would wait by the exit of of Kumo that lead to the mountains, the place where the mission was supposed to take place. She had no idea who was on her team but she wondered what their skills were as ninja's kumo. 

WC:136

Max was assigned a team of people to lead on a mission to deal with some grave robbers it would seem. It had been a while since he had been to that old crypt, the last time being with his first team of Reizo, Senshi, and Itami. Itami… Max hadn’t thought about his old sensei in a while, nor had he seen the man around. Max would simply wonder what had become of the man. Hopefully he was just so busy that he hadn’t the time.
 
Max would note the names on the mission details regarding his team. It seemed as though he was assigned a very green team, though he was familiar with all of their names. At least it would seem as though Saya was also assigned to the mission, which meant that there would be at least one other person that Max both knew had experience and also had worked well with before.
 
He would gather up his stuff, donning his Chuunin Flak Jacket and gathering his tools. His puppets were all stored away in his Storage Displacement for easy traveling, and so he would lock up and make his way towards the gates where he was to meet up with the team.
 
Max would see two of his companions as he approached, not focusing on hiding his chakra or sneaking up on them to see what they were up to in prep for the mission ahead of them. No, that wasn’t really his style. The boy would wave, his metallic arm catching the sun just right to shine and make it very clear that he was heading to the gates to meet them.
 
“Hi, folks. It is nice to see you both again. I’ll be the Chuunin squad leader for this mission, so as long as you don’t do anything too hasty and poorly planned you should be fine. Knowing the capabilities of your team is key, so I suggest you learn what everyone is capable of as your life may rest in their hands.” Max would say this all with a stern, but friendly tone. He was of course smiling, happy to help the village and aid in the training of the newer genin.
 
“I’m capable of a lot of things, including puppetry and field medicine. That isn’t a free voucher to put yourself in harm’s way though. If you die, even I cannot help you.”
 
“For now,” Napa would say, his whispers telepathically speaking in the ears of Max.

WC: 415

Thick fog obscured her vision a couple of yards out as she made her way through the village proper. She, Max, Kay, and an unknown ninja she had yet to meet had been called out for a mission just a little ways out of their village. A nearby temple had woken up one morning to see that some of their graves have been desecrated. Saya found herself humming in thought at the disrespect shown to those that had passed away.

As a medical personnel and a kunoichi she had always been around the dying and the dead. She walked the tightrope between saving and taking lives. It desensitized her, the girl was aware. But her moral compass was never questioned, and she never wavered in her beliefs. While she had never gone grave diving herself, digging out the bodies of late ones wasn’t as bad as it seemed to her. Perhaps it was the “science-y” part of her that she found the benefits of researching the rotting corpses. However, in the case of their mission, the crypts were riffled through in search of some kind of boon rather than for the knowledge of the human body. That rankled her.

Saya passed through the second wall of the village with ease, not once giving any of the passing villagers a glance or her attention. In no time at all she arrived at the Kumo exit, where they would pass through the gates and head on over to the temple to investigate the scene and possibly find the culprits. As she neared the trio Saya came in the midst of Max’s greeting and words of wisdom. She passed the group a small small and a nod in greeting, waiting until her teammate finished speaking.

”Max is right. If you can avoid injury, do it.” Saya entered the conversation, eyes landing on the unfamiliar face. A obviously older shinobi with her developed body and facial features. She didn’t have any of the traits that would leave others to mistake her for a young teenager. That, and the blonde woman held herself more maturely than girls her age. ”I’m Saya. I specialize in the medical arts.”

WORD COUNT: 365

Hato was soon met by her teammates for this mission. Max, the leader, was the only one her had met before in the past. The other two introduced themselves, the first was Kay. She was short but it was normal for her age. Her hair was blonde, like Hato's and bright blue eyes, those were the most noticeable thing about her. Personailty wise, she made a good first impression, that's always a good sign. The next was Saya, like Kay, she wasn't very tall either. She had very nice hair though, a deep amethyst. Other wise, her first impression wasn't as formal as Kay's but it was something. Saya added her own abilities, saying that she was also a medical type. This made Hato snicker. "Well, we don't need to worry about injury that much if three of us are medical ninjas." That was her way of telling the group her abilities. It could be four if Kay was also a medical ninja. That would be hilarious. 

"I'm Hato Sano." She informed her team so they could keep that in their memories the next time they could meet or work together. "Should we get this show on the road?" She asked the group. If they agreed to do so and they were all set, then Hato would start to head to the mountainous terrain with her new team. She didn't hate the mountains but it did suck that she wasn't able to wear her nice heels out there. Instead she when her combat boots. I mean, she still looked attractive in them but her heels made her feel powerful.   

WC: 269 

TWC: 405

Work’s a bitch, sorry


Alas, Kay had no form of chakra sensory at the moment and had no idea that her chuunin leader, who was younger than her, was approaching. However, she recognized who he was from their short time together in the village, although she could not for the life of her remember how that encounter entirely played out, almost like it was still going on or something to that effect. If she was told of his ranking, it had completely slipped her mind until now. She felt the same feeling with Saya, who she recognized as being the acting leader of the first mission that Tohsaka had ever been on.

“So, everyone besides me is a medical nin, huh?” Kay chimed in after Hato’s observation, scratching the back of her head with a slightly awkward chuckle. “I feel kinda left out.” She said this mostly in jest, although there was a bit of her that felt as though she might want to take up the medical arts someday. First and foremost was ninjutsu and basic chakra control, as Komori had suggested, and she then wanted to pursue the art of the blade, due to her position as a student in Hakai’s academy.

Hato Sano. Seemed easy enough a name to remember, due to its short length and similar positioning of the vowels. Assuming based on Hato’s age, Kay guessed that she was probably the least experienced out of the bunch, so despite however true that may be, she would mostly be a follower on this mission. “Right behind ya’,” she would call out, turning to look at Max and Saya to see if they were close behind. Although Max was the leader of this mission, it seemed as though the unfamiliar face did not mind taking charge.

WC: 540

Max would take note of what each of them revealed and make sure he understood where all of their strengths would be. There were several shinobi on this mission that had medical training of some sort, likely intentional as to allow the more experienced medical shinobi guide and mentor the less experienced. There were a lot of things that Max could teach, and Saya being a truly dedicated medical shinobi could probably teach even more than he could, despite his slightly elevated rank of Chuunin.
 
Max would note that the young girl Kay was not capable of mending wounds, and despite her bountiful chakra he knew from his prior experience with her that she had only a limited range of techniques and jutsu at her disposal. Has she learned anything new since their last encounter? And what about Hato? She seemed to be eager to get this show on the road. Max would hope that meant she was confident in her abilities. There would likely be combat during this mission with adversaries that sought their deaths.
 
“I am ready as well. I’ll take up the rear so that I can keep my eyes on all of you while sensing for chakra. It should help prevent us from being flanked. Saya, knowing your capabilities I feel like you should probably take the lead.” Max would say as he summoned two of his Rotten Corpse puppets. He couldn’t bring out Stein, else he may accidentally kill one of the genin. He did realize just how potent Stein was until his training with Komori. Max could bring out his skeletal puppet, but he wanted to use these puppets since they haven’t seen much use. Using the telepathy seal, Max would inform Saya why he wanted her in front. “These two aren’t as experienced as we are, and the two of them being in the middle will keep them safer. I need people I can count on in key positions, and I know that I can count on you.”
 
Hato seemed to be taking charge. A very leader like quality that she has at such an early stage in her shinobi career. If that instinct is directed and grown upon she could very well lead others someday. Heck, she was much more leader like than Max had been when he was only a genin.
 
Max would follow along behind them, heading towards the mountains where the tombs were. “Know that there will likely be opposition. How you dispatch them is up to you. Using lethal force is a surefire way to keep them down, but I do not demand you do so. Some people are uncomfortable with taking lives. While it is something that a shinobi should familiarize themselves with I will not force you to do something you are uncomfortable doing. Just know that allowing an enemy to escape can be detrimental to the security of the village and our success in this mission.” The boy would make sure that everything was clear to the team. This was a true mission, and they should understand what they are getting in to.

WC: 518

The older lady’s comment made her snicker, but it was true nonetheless. Three out of the four members of their little team had experiences with the medical arts. Saya doubted that they’d be careless in their mission despite the amount of support they had. She knew herself to be cautious; Max moreso. Especially since he would be taking point in the mission.

Kay, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be sure of herself when it came to the dynamics of the team. Saya simply offered her a smile and patted her shoulder lightly, ”Don’t count that out yet. Maybe we’ll make you a medical ninja out of you by the time this all over.” It was somewhat of a joke and a way to ease Kay’s nerves, but the genin was partially serious about her statement. Kumogakure needed a few more medical specialists in her army.

Noting that everyone was ready and eager to get their journey on its way, Saya tugged on her weapon pouches before nodding her own affirmation that they could continue. Everything seemed to be tightly secured on her person so she followed soon after. ”Got it, Max.” Saya sprinted forward, bypassing both blonde girls and situating herself between two to three yards of the group.

As they trekked and navigated their way to the nearby temple, a warm smile spread across her lips. Max had entrusted her with a very important position and the team’s safety. It was a nice feeling - to be depended on. Thanks, Max. Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you or our team. Saya replied back.

The scenery didn’t change much when they exited the gates of Kumogakure. Past the rot monster and the rot forest, Saya led the team through the thicket of trees going Northeast and towards their destination. With their speed and stamina they arrived at the temple within a short amount of time. Surrounding the quartet was a vast amount of tombstones. A majority of them were quite plain - rounded at the top of a rectangular slab of rock - while a few went from mildly decorative to extremely extravagant.

”Oye! You the group thas’ supposed to be looking at me tombs?”

WORD COUNT: 370
TOTAL WORD COUNT: 365 + 370 = 735

Everyone seemed to respond positively to her little joke and observation. Hato thought it was clever but she wouldn't let the knowledge let her get cocky. She wasn't a fool and she was never cocky at a target, enemy or just a citizen. It was to make her she wouldn't get surprised. Plus she had some what trust in her team, they all became ninja for a reason, and if they were to die on the mission, she would have no regrets on thoughts. At least she would think so. 

Kay was the only non medical ninja, saying that she felt a bit left out. It was meant as a joke Hato hoped cause doubt in one self would lead to failure to full potential. That meant failure of the mission. Hato was not about to let herself fail her first mission. Saya made another joke of it. To keep the spirt alive, Hato smirked at the joke. 

Next Max, laid out some ground stuff. He said things like that he wasn't going to make anyone one of them kill, but it would help with the mission being successful and stay successful. Hato had no problems killing, of course. Her history would show it well if she let it. But for the sake of the image she was trying to project, she would try not to if need be. The chunin also gave suggestions to were the team should be located. Saya in the front, Max in the back. That would leave the two blondes in the middle. From the order, Saya, Hato, Kay and Max, they headed up the mountain.

They passed some areas known in Kumo, but didn't stop. They finally arrived at the burial sight. A man greets them with a very annoying accent. Ugh, so very unattractive. Hato thought to herself but never showed on her face. "Yup, we've come at your request." Hato said in a cheery voice. 

WC:323
TWC: 728

Stein is dumb and it is a good thing he was not brought here. That is all.

”Don’t count that out yet. Maybe we’ll make you a medical ninja out of you by the time this all over.” Kay smiled at the encouraging words and the pat that she received from the girl who was around her own age. “Hey, one of these days,” Tohsaka retorted as she lightly bumped the girl beside her with her elbow, “I just need to make sure I don’t fall behind my studies at the academy. They’re pretty weapons heavy and all, so I don’t know when I’ll end up getting time for it.” She was stretched pretty thin as is, and with some of the planned events that were going to happen, she might be more pressed for time than ever before.

After their small exchange, it seemed as though everyone else was coming along after all. “I am ready as well. I’ll take up the rear so that I can keep my eyes on all of you while sensing for chakra. It should help prevent us from being flanked. Saya, knowing your capabilities I feel like you should probably take the lead.” Kay had no qualms with this, although she hated this feeling of weakness. She just simply was not strong enough to lead a mission on her own. Heck, she did not even have a single offensive technique, and her current strength left much to be desired. She looked at her own fist and clenched it as she walked. One day, the girl thought to herself.

“Know that there will likely be opposition. How you dispatch them is up to you. Using lethal force is a surefire way to keep them down, but I do not demand you do so. Some people are uncomfortable with taking lives. While it is something that a shinobi should familiarize themselves with I will not force you to do something you are uncomfortable doing. Just know that allowing an enemy to escape can be detrimental to the security of the village and our success in this mission.” Kay rolled these words over in her head as the band walked towards this temple. She had never had to take a life before. The notion had never even crossed her mind, even as she was abused at the hands of someone who was supposed to love and cherish her. Would this part of her have to change? Would she need to change as a person in order to fit into this shinobi world better? If so, it might just feel as though she were a cog in the great mechanic of the world, doing her part as needed with no resistance. Kay thought back to the Kumogakure Black Games where Komori had given her her freedom and won her admiration. He refused to use lethal force, even though his opponent was trying her hardest to kill him.

She shook her head, her moral dilemma being shaken out for the time being. This was a mission, and the very notion of lethal force was a possibility. That meant that she needed to focus instead of becoming lost in her own thoughts again. Of course, this was when she noticed Saya being ahead of herself and Hato. She subtly cast her gaze to the side to observe how the other blonde girl chose to respond to this, but she did not seem to mind despite her prior actions.

Not that the Senju had much time to think about it, as the putrid stench of death, that the nice people had grown accustomed to in small doses on Max, reeked outside of the village walls. This was really about the first time that Kay had had to deal with these, as she lived outside of the village her entire life, up until being brought in as a prisoner before finally gaining her freedom. Up until now, however, she had pretty much all she needed within the village walls, living in blissful ignorance of this scourge against life that resided outside. Perhaps someday, somebody would be able to set Kumogakure straight, instead of the residing kage who she had never seen, or even heard of. Since Kay had the least experience in the area, to her own knowledge, she would resign herself to observation and learning, watching how the others interacted with the man who had besought their services as shinobi, all the while casting her gaze around the temple and looking about with her wide and ever curious eyes.

WC: 1317