The Lost Shipment (A-Rank Mission)

Mission:

Kiryu’s heart was beating abnormally fast as he reread the notice he had received. He had been waiting to receive a mission for a while now, but this… Surely this was a mistake. Generally, Genin were assigned E-rank missions on their own, or D or sometimes even C rank missions with a squad. He had, of course, assumed that he would be assigned a couple of E-rank missions to break him in before being placed in a squad. Apparently, however, that would not be the case.

The mission had been classified as an A-rank mission, something that Jounin would be assigned to accomplish. For a squad of Genin, especially a squad that he had never even met the other members, to be assigned an A-rank mission was unheard of. Still, he knew that with the favor of the gods anything was possible.

According to the notice, there had been a raid on a weapons shipment extremely close to the village gates. The Undead Nightmare, a gang of missing-nin, had been growing bolder lately but this was an action that that the Hogokage simply couldn’t let stand. Their job would be to recover the equipment that had been stolen before it could be used against the village. It was possible that they would run into resistance, but the notice prioritized stealth in order to avoid combat as much as possible. After all, a squad of Genin might not be able to handle going up against an entire gang of missing-nin that had managed to successfully attack a convoy.

As he made his way to the gates, he realized that he was apparently the first one here. Surely the others wouldn’t be too far behind, but it gave him the opportunity to say a quick prayer for the sake of their mission and double check his gear. It was all basic equipment, and his knowledge of jutsu was pretty basic too. He just hoped it would be enough to help carry them through the mission.

[WC: 333]

Takeshi had been tossing and turning all night, so much that he was covered in sweat upon his waking. He quickly looked around, ensuring that there was no one else in his room. His paranoia had been coming back with a vengeance lately, and he had no clue as to why. He rubbed the scars that covered the top of his head, then he finally got out of his bed. When he stood on the cold hardwood floor that covered the entirety of his house, he cursed at how cold it felt in his room that morning. He finally mustered up the energy to begin walking, his right leg hurting like hell. He limped into the shower, praying that some hot water would be enough to allow his muscles to relax enough for the day. The water stung his skin upon impact, but he didn’t care, he could finally feel the spasms in his lower back begin to loosen, allowing his entire leg to feel relief. Takeshi got out of the shower and he put on him combat gear. Upon entering his weapon pouch, he inspected every single blade that entered, wanting to make sure that he was going to be able to rely on his equipment to get him through whatever situation he may find himself in. When he confirmed that he had his entire outfit inspected, repaired, and ready for combat, he went into the kitchen to make his daily breakfast.

He made his usual Tamago Kake Gohan and went to the dining room table. He leaned back in his chair and began thinking about his path for the day. He thought of visiting the Birds, but he wasn’t entirely sure if his body was up for that level of training, at least not right now. He then thought about a mission, he had been on a couple high level missions recently, but he still wanted to go on more, figured there was no such thing as too much money when one was as poor as Taichi. He finished his breakfast and cleaned the dishes. He grabbed his backpack and he walked towards his front door. He threw on his combat boots and threw his backpack over his shoulder. When he opened his front door, he glanced at the sign next to his front door. “Prove her wrong.” He reminded himself as he did every day he left his house. He walked outside and shut the door behind him.

As he walked through the village, he noticed that there was a murmur going on as he walked by the Hogokage’s estate, especially next to the mission boards. Being his curious self, and due to the fact he was heading there anyway, he walked over to the mission boards and asked the whisperers what the commotion was about. Some of the ninjas that surrounded the mission boards talked about a shipment that had been raided just outside the village gates. Being surprised at the boldness, or stupidity, of the ones who would rob a caravan right next to the village. Takeshi knew that this was what he was meant to do today. He grabbed one of the notices off of the board and he began walking toward the village gates, wondering if he would meet anyone up there that had decided to take on the same mission. Maybe they could go about taking this shipment back together?

When he closed in on the village gates, he saw one individual standing next to the gates, looking ready to go, but also looking like a fresh Genin. While he wasn’t sure that this one was waiting to go on a mission or was just admiring the beauty of the village, he waved at the individual and asked him directly.

“Hello. Are you here waiting for your squad leader? Or just sight seeing?” Takeshi hadn’t met this individual before, so he was excited to meet what looked to be a fresh ninja. Someone that Kuniko and maybe Sakuragi would enjoy accompanying on missions and training sessions. But he, as usual, was overthinking everything. He didn’t know the boy’s name and he was already planning his life for him. Takeshi stood in front of the boy with his hands on the straps of his backpack, waiting patiently for an answer.

WC: 717

Kuniko sat cross-legged on the lip of the battlements of the old moss covered castle the main branch Hyuuga were using as their compound. The morning haze hung over Hoshigakure as the genin meditated. His mentor, Tsubaki, was to thank for his transformation into a more capable medical ninja. His master, Ayato, was to thank for his return to the village beneath the stars. His teammates, Takeshi and Sakuragi… they were wild ones. Kuniko tilted his head down and smiled at the thought of his boys. “When will we go on a mission again…?” 

Suddenly, Kuniko’s eyes opened wide as he recalled the scroll he received just before dawn in his chamber. He whispered to himself, “damn it…” and stood up to stretch. The Hyuuga had only now remembered he was supposed to meet a new member of his team this morning for an important mission. After finishing his stretch, Kuniko straightened himself up and walked down the castle walls before heading to the village gates at a brisk but measured pace. 

Kuniko had his long, straight black hair hanging loosely in the morning breeze and his bangs covered the curse mark planted on his forehead. His muted purple hakama and black gloves were freshly pressed and steamed that morning. There was a polished sheen on the Star Village headband he wore on his arm. 

As he approached the gates to the village, the young man noticed that there were two shinobi already waiting there. They seemed to be in conversation. After briefly considering waiting before approaching, Kuniko decided he was late enough already and proceeded towards them. 

As soon as he recognized one of them, Kuniko smiled and said in his usual calm demeanor, “Takeshi, are you going to be on this mission with us? It has been too long. This is actually perfect. I was hoping to meet you today. We have a new member to Summer Team.” As Kuniko said this he turned to look towards the other shinobi standing there. The Hyuuga bowed slightly to the newcomer and said “good morning, I am Kuniko Hyuuga, the leader of Summer Team. Are you the new member I had requested? It is a pleasure to meet you.”


WC: 369

Kiryu hadn’t been standing at the gates for long when another shinobi walked up to him. He hadn’t met the newcomer before, but he could tell from his eyes that he was a member of the Hyuuga clan. Despite his general mistrust of various shinobi clans, he viewed the Hyuuga clan as both noble and powerful. Because of that, he was willing to give him the benefit of taking his question at face value.

”Hello,” he responded with a slight bow. ”Yes, I’m waiting for my squad leader. I was assigned my first mission today and apparently I’ve been placed with a new squad.” He smiled nervously as he rubbed the back of his head. ”Honestly, I’m more than a little nervous. It’s supposed to be an A-ranked mission and I’m a pretty fresh Genin.”

Before he could get into too much detail, maybe for the best, another shinobi walked up. Another Hyuuga? Kiryu thought to himself as he glanced at the newcomer. Apparently he and the first newcomer knew each other pretty well, as he called him by name: Takeshi. At the mention of a new member of Summer Team, Kiryu’s eyes widened. That was the squad he was supposed to be assigned to. Which meant…

Kiryu quickly returned the slight bow, slightly deeper as a sign of respect to his new squad leader. ”Good morning, sir. Yes, my name is Kiryu Hikari and I’ve been assigned to your squad for this mission.” As he rose, Kiryu took a second look at Kuniko and Takeshi. They both looked older than him, but only slightly. Still, that meant they had probably gone on at least a few missions already, which put them further along than he was. And they were both from the Hyuuga clan…

”It’s an honor to be working with the two of you,” he said after a few moments. ”I’m not sure how much you know about me,” he began with a slight hint of embarrassment, ”but I just recently graduated from the Academy. This is my first mission.” He wasn’t sure if they would still want him on this mission if they knew that, but he figured it was better to get that out of the way now rather than later. ”That being said, I will do what I can to ensure its success to the utmost of my ability.”

[WC: 394]
[TWC: 727]

The fellow bystander at the village gates was waiting for his squad leader. Takeshi didn't know that many squads in the village, he thought his was the only one. So he was excited to meet the squad leader to this new squad in Hoshi. The Genin then stated to Takeshi that his first mission was an A rank mission, and that he was a little nervous. "Your first mission, and it's an A rank? Wow. I hope the other members of your squad have just a little more experience. No offense, but an A rank to start out is quite the feat. But don't worry, friend. I am sure you are going to prove yourself to more than just useful." Takeshi smiled at the young Genin, laughing at the idea that their levels of not only skill, but experience could be so different when they were both Genin at that moment. 




Takeshi looked to his side when he saw his old friend Kuniko arrive on the scene. "Kuniko my friend. Come look at this Genin, just about to start his journey into becoming strong shinobi like us!" Just as he finished speaking, Kuniko had addressed Kiryu and spoke of him being a new member in their squad. Sakuragi had proved to be quite busy of late, so he wasn't too surprised that another member would be added to their team to help fill the gap that was left by Sakuragi. But to fill the gap with a newcomer and place them on such a high ranking mission, the higher ups must have had huge confidence in Kuniko and himself. 




Kiryu then addressed the both of Kuniko and Takeshi. When he was finished, Takeshi was interested in just what this newcomer could do on such a high ranking mission at such an inexperienced state. While he may have been interested in this concept. It mattered little to Takeshi, as long as he, Kuniko, and the Great Birds were around, there was little their team could accomplish together. Takeshi then looked to Kiryu and spoke words of encouragement, "Don't you worry, friend. With us as your teammates, there is little we can't do. The best way to learn is to be thrown to the wolves, and being that this is an A ranked mission, that seems to be exactly what is happening to you. But with my birds and myself around, we will keep you safe. Knowledge and experience will come soon enough, so today will just a rather large step towards that experience."


Takeshi then looked to Kuniko to explain the finer details of their mission and for the new Team Summer to hit the road!

WC: 445

Kuniko took in his new companion while he introduced himself. He had Spikey white hair and an acceptable level of dress. Kuniko’s own elegant clothing often stood out among other shinobi these days. Kuniko could only sigh internally as he saw that this Kiryu was much taller than him. But he only let kindness show on his face. He had a responsibility to this fresh genin to be the best instructor he could be. 

It seemed that Takeshi was already using a wolf analogy. His sense of acceptable conversation was always interesting. Kuniko turned to look up at his new team member and said calmly, “Kiryu. A strong name. My first mission was an A-Rank as well. It’s almost like a tradition when you graduate from the academy at this point. Do not worry, Takeshi’s boasting is actually quite modest considering his capabilities. And as a medical specialist I will be able to help you in the event of an injury.”

Kuniko then turned to address both of his team members. As he did the differences in their height became more apparent to him. “Our mission is to investigate the scene of a robbery, and then locate and retrieve stolen weapons from a band of brigands. They call themselves the Undead Nightmare. Such an uninspired and disgusting name. Regardless, they are a dangerous group and we must avoid fighting them at all costs.” The team leader took a moment to brush his long hair over his shoulders and collect his thoughts. He then started up again in a gentle tone as he usually had. “We will track down and retrieve the stolen weapon shipment without being spotted. We will not engage the bandits. If they spot us we retreat as a group. Kiryu, you will be following us and observing. Takeshi, you will use your Byakugan and your birds to look for clues as to where to bandits have gone. I will be keeping an eye on our surroundings to make sure no one sneaks up on us.”

Once everyone was in agreement, Kuniko would lead the way to a clearing on a road a few miles south of the city gates. It was in a lightly forested area where the air was cool and the sky was clear. There were still remains of the battle that was fought here earlier. Kuniko actived his Byakugan to give himself 360 degree vision through the trees and searched for any sign of bandits while Takeshi got to work. 

WC: 417
TWC: 786

After listening to the responses from both of his new teammates, Kiryu had to admit he actually felt a little bit more at ease. Takeshi seemed very confident in both of them and seemed almost excited for Kiryu to be going on such a high ranked mission so early in his career as a shinobi. Kuniko seemed slightly less excited and took on more of a mentor attitude, which was to be expected considering he was the squad’s leader. Kiryu was actually astonished to learn that he had been placed on an A-rank mission for his first mission as well.
 
With his nerves somewhat calmed, he listened closely as Kuniko explained the mission details and a basic plan to begin. As expected, his role was merely to observe and act as backup, at least for the beginning stages of the mission. That was fine by him, as it would give him the opportunity to see how more experienced shinobi operated. Of course, the fact that they were both members of the Hyuuga clan meant that they probably had plenty of tricks up their sleeves that he would never be able to perform. That was okay with him, though. He may not have a special clan like them but he knew he had the gods on his side, and that was all that he really needed.
 
As the made their way to the location of the raid, Kiryu remained in the rear and kept his eyes and ears tuned in to any irregularities that might indicate the presence of the members of the Undead Nightmare. Thankfully, they arrived at the clearing with no trouble and Takeshi and Kuniko immediately got to work. The little that he knew about the Byakugan let Kiryu remain confident that Kuniko would notice anyone trying to sneak up on them, so he felt justified in examining the scene himself.
 
There were certainly signs of a battle here; kunai, shuriken, and scorch marks littered the clearing as well as a few destroyed carts. Whoever these Undead Nightmare guys were, they were clearly well equipped. He was glad that their mission included the stipulation of avoiding getting caught up in an engagement with them. Upon closer examination, he noticed that the majority of the weapons were embedded in the ground and trees on the eastern side of the road. That meant that the enemy had probably ambushed from the west.
 
”Takeshi,” Kiryu whispered as he approached his fellow Genin. ”I don’t mean to interrupt your own intelligence gathering, but I just wanted to point out that it looks like they might have come from the west of here. The biggest concentration weaponry is on the eastern side, which means it was thrown from the west. That concentration also makes sense for an ambush, as they would have wanted to do as much damage as possible from the very beginning. It might be a good idea to focus your investigation towards the west.”
 
He realized as soon as he had finished that he’d probably talked too much and said stuff that Takeshi had probably already picked up on. He was excited, though, and had gotten caught up in his own deductions. Hopefully they were at least of some use so he didn’t feel completely useless on this mission.

[WC: 549]
[TWC: 1,276]

Takeshi and the newly formed Team Summer began moving down the path towards the site of the raid. Just before they left the village gates, he pulled out his summoning scroll. He flung it open as he bit his thumb and slid it across the face of the scroll. He placed both of his palms onto the scroll. As he did that, two birds flew over the teams heads. Takeshi then yelled out to them, "Hermes! Nike!" As he greeted them, both birds let out soft chirps, neither bird was very big. Takeshi then asked them to scour the area for any signs of combat within a 200 meter radius in the direction of the raid. Both birds chirped and headed off to close the perimeter. 

Team Summer left the village gates and began walking down the path. Takeshi and the team closed in on the area of the raid when Takeshi had seen a large concentration of weapons on the Eastern side of the path, just then, Hermes flew back overhead and landed on Takeshi's shoulder and began chirping into his ear. Takeshi nodded and thanked him for his assistance. Hermes nodded and flew back off of his shoulder to continue to gather intel. Just before he could tell the team what Hermes had told him, and his own observation of the weapons on the Eastern side of the path, Kiryu sprouted up and told the team his own observations and deductions of the area.

After listening to Kiryu tell the team his finds, Takeshi was more than pleased with the contribution that he had produced. Takeshi nodded toward Kiryu and responded, "Excellent deduction, Kiryu. That is exactly correct on all counts. There are also slight remnants of a camp over the ridge there, which is likely where the bandits stayed as they waited for the shipment to leave. According to Hermes it's an extremely small camp, probably to not raise too much suspicion from the village guards. That is at least one area we can check for some extra clues as to where they went off with the shipment. Kiryu, keep looking around, you show great potential in being a scout for any squad. What do you see Kuniko?"

Takeshi continued scanning the area with his Byakugan, waiting for his birds to return to him and for Kuniko's response. 

WC: 390

After the team had arrived at the scene of the ambush they began to fan out and investigate the area. There were still smatterings of blood along the road. The survivors had managed to drag themselves back to the village but were forced to leave their broken and burnt wagons behind. All that remained of their cargo was taken by bandits and their horses presumably ran off or were stolen. Kuniko thought on the matter; if the bandits were smart then they wouldn't have taken the horses since it would make them easier to track. The only way to be sure would be to check the area for tracks. 

Kuniko faced away from the scene, towards the trees around it. With his Byakugan active, he could see the other two members of his team searching the area for clues. Kiryu made an astute observation to which Takeshi complimented him on. The team leader gave a nod of approval from the side of the road while searching the surroundings. Kuniko spoke to Kiryu with a measured tone while still observing the area, "look to see where the horses ran off to. If the bandits took them it will be that much easier to track them. If they ran off in separate directions then we may have to rely on Takeshi to find them."

While still keeping watch, Kuniko noticed with his Byakugan that someone was approaching. Not to let the others be surprised, Kuniko said loud enough for Kiryu and Takeshi to hear, "eyes up, boys." 


WC: 255
TWC: 1041

News of a gang full of dangerous missing ninja roaming near the village had caught on to the locals, making them fear the worst. Tsubaki had heard about this gang through her tea shop. Many of them worry that they could become as powerful as the Grim Jaw. She figured that the mission board would most likely take control of the situation and send their best trackers out there to take them on. She hoped that she wouldn't be on that mission as she hadn't developed her sensory skills yet. 

As the news spread, she began to get more curious about who was on the mission. On her way home, Tsubaki entered the mission control centre. She requested to see the file. Luckily, the receptionist was an old fling of hers so she was able to get the information she needed. "Unfortunately, we had to place three tracking genin to find them," The receptionist explained. "What?!" Tsubaki thought she had misheard when she heard correctly, "You sent three GENIN after a group of missing ninja?!" His lack of response was the only thing she needed to get the hell over there and put an end to this nonsense. She took the file and swiftly exited. 

She investigated the village gates to see if Kuniko, Takeshi and Kiryu were there. Her anxiety spiked when she saw her student on the list of names. Tsubaki wasn't prepared to lose her pupil to a bunch of messy Missing ninja. She noticed that their tracks lead out, towards one of the popular trading routes. It was also known for its ambushes. She quickly travelled to the route. 

As Tsu searched the area, she noticed two large birds started to circle the area. At first, it seemed like nothing. But then she remembered Takeshi using bird summons on their S rank mission. Tsubaki figured that following where they launched would lead them to her. Along with this fact, she used her chakra sensory to find traces of charka.

Finally, Tsu caught up to the group of boys. "Eyes up, boys," she heard Kuniko call from a distance. He would realize very soon who it was. "What the hell are you boys doing out here!" She was very upset at the actions. As she walked up to them, she noticed the ambush site and the trail of blood. "What a mess," Tsu sigh disappointedly. "Did you guys cause this or was this before you showed up?" Regardless, she would state, "This is not a mission for 3 genins, you'll be killed if you get attacked from these missing ninja" 


WC: 433