Into the Gates (Private)

Fri Dec 27, 2019 1:31 pm

Mission Details:

In the aftermath of a night out drinking with his new team, Kaito had decided to tick one last item off his checklist before taking off with them throughout the world. He was now inspired with a sense of comradery he hadn't felt in a long time, and felt connected to his teammates via the bond they had created out in the mountain following his speech. However, one of them stood out to Kaito. He had shown up late, had no clan to hold on to as a claim to fame, and his mannerisms told the tale of a Land of Iron swordsman. Truly, a man with whom Kaito shared a lot of commonalities.

He had sent a letter to the ninja with coordinates to meet in the mountains to the west of the Kumogakure, location at which Kaito now awaited. The letter revealed very little, but warned: prepare for opposition.

At his belt, the two bladed weapons he had yet to bloody, an error on his part he was sure to correct soon. The beige and white flak vest of the Kumogakure hugged him closely, as closely as his headband, or the knot on the top back of his head. His eyes absorbed the shafts of sunlight that pierced the trees embrace of the skies, painting them in hues of honey and almond, as they peered into the distance, making out the faintest blur of the gates of the temple. "Must pass the Gates", he thought.

His ears were tense as he tried to pick up any movement around him, especially of his invitee.

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WC: 256

Sat Dec 28, 2019 10:33 am

Hikaru would smile as he strolled along the path to his location , he had just polished all his kunai and was feeling exceptionally good about himself. One thing that was made apparent was the fact that a soldiers will was reflected in their weaponry and like a good samurai he maintained its upkeep. Dull weapons hurt far more and in Hikaru’s mind killing someone with a dull weapon was the greatest disrespect one could offer , no one deserved to die in pain enemy or not. Then again the boy had never taken a life so the whole concept was really just theoretical in a sense , but who knows that might change tonight.

When he arrived at the meeting place he would nod at Kaito with a smile on his face , “i hope you weren’t waiting to long sir , i had to perform maintance on my weaponry we both know a sharp blade quickens the work” he would say in a low tone just so they could here as he didnt want to alert those that could possibly be nere by.

‘So what are we doing here exactly sir?”

WC:188

Sat Dec 28, 2019 3:33 pm

In the distance, if one focused, one would be able to see motion; nothing too precise due how far they were, but nonetheless, it was indication that someone or something was up and about. Likewise, his ears, tense from concentration, pricked as they picked up nearby sound; it was none other than the young Ironlander, whom he had invited to partake in this mission with the redhead. It wasn’t difficult to hear him; whether he liked it or not, the armor he wore wasn’t made for assassination or stealth, but rather for meeting the enemy in hundred men abreast combat. However, the affinity Kaito felt for the swordsman was reinforced by his comment regarding sharp weaponry quickening the job. A cook at heart, Kaito was entirely aware of how one’s instruments should be kept sharp. More than anything, a dull knife was the most dangerous object to utilize in a kitchen, for the extra effort one had to put into the work meant that one could easily slip and cut oneself with a severe cut. But the boy wasn’t wrong either; why struggle to kill an opponent when a sharp blade can do it faster for you?

“You arrived just in time. Tell me, lordling,” he quipped in jest; maybe it was a bit cruel, however, the boy did bear incredibly fashionable clothing, and Kaito was unsure if he was envious on top of being impressed, as he continued the sentence, but also as he got up from his crouching position and motioned with an hand to the boy to follow, “you are about to engage in combat inside of a temple. Do you prefer to yield a knife, a sword, or an halberd? And why?”

As he moved, as quietly as possible, in between the trees and stepping carefully on the undergrowth, fell tree branches and leaves, his eyes perused the distance for signs of motion. For now, he waited for the boy to provide an answer to his riddle.

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WC: 331
TWC: 587

Sat Dec 28, 2019 10:08 pm

“Do you prefer to yield a knife, a sword, or a halberd? And why?” the young samurai would take a moment to analyze the question playing out the scenario’s over and over. “This question is extremely conditional as it has to due with a topographical advantage and disadvantage hmmm..” he would pause for a moment cupping his chin with his right hand covering his chin and lower lip. “ A halberd is indeed a powerful weapon due to all the force that goes into swinging them it can also be used as a spear…” he would give kaito a look of disappointment before continuing “....but if the halls are even an inch to short or you get pulled into a cramped space your pretty much done for” he would finish.

“Personally I'd prefer the katana due to it’s versatility one side for slashing and cutting while the other side is used for parrying , although the same problem arises once more..” he would then pick up a stick and hold it out as if it were a katana “...if the space is too small you can't get the proper power in your swing you can always accommodate but you’d most likely be sacrificing a third of the attacks true lethality..” he would say as he tossed the stick to the side. “That leaves only the knife if you wish to fight at your peak performance..” he would tilt his head to the side slightly as he continued the moonlight catching on his pale skin causing his smile to become shadowed and somewhat eerie.

“.....your best bet is a knife and hopefully it glides through men like butter , or else your gonna be there awhile and the longer one takes to pull off an execution the more openings his friends have to pounce” the pale samurai would then give a curious look to kaito.

“I’ve sharpened my kunai to the best of my ability , hopefully this will help with dealing with our adversaries?” he would ask hoping to get at least a little praise for his analysis.

WC:344

Sun Dec 29, 2019 1:29 pm

As they walked, Kaito heard the logic of the youth. It was as sound as Kaito could’ve asked for. “You are correct, young master”, he would say as they approached, but lowering his voice. He would draw his wakizashi from the belt, still in its scabbard, a wonderful weapon weapon without guard, little over half meter dark waxed wood, and handed it over to the genin. “Here, take my wakizashi. It should do well in enclosed spaces, at least better than a kunai would.” As they approached, he raised his hand and waved it downwards twice to indicate them to scuttle. “Alright, here’s the deal. Someone has been stealing good steel from the tombs of this temple. Our job is to apprehend the thieves and bring them back for questioning, so this blade I handed you is for self defense only, no killing.”

From the vantage point they were in, the temple was now visible. It was an adapted cave system that dug into the side of the mountain, with a beautiful porticus on the staircase that lead into the gates that would allow access into the cave system. There was someone by the gate, looking anxiously, likely a lookout for someone who was on the inside doing the evil deed. Kaito nodded. “Alright; it’s about 50 meters from here to the gate. I’d see you handle this one, young lord. Remember: no murder.”

Kaito was gambling a lot with this, however, he was very well capable of flickering on top of the two should the situation require it. The risk would be minimal.

__________________________________________________
WC: 264
TWC: 851

Wed Jan 01, 2020 2:20 pm

Hikaru would give kaito a nod as he took the blade in hand having a closer look at the blade it was extremely similar to a katana , The snowy haired samurai would smile as he admired the blades craftsmanship. A katana was used for mid to close range combat as it’s lenth was made for wide open spaces but this blade he held now was meant for close combat in closed quarters , one thing's for certain after this he was gonna ask Kaito could he keep the blade for himself. Kaito was aware that his armor no matter how stealthily the boy move would make noise , but that noise had a range and with the other sounds of the woodland creatures he should be aloud some cover as he traversed the area.

Hikaru would crouch as he ducked further into the tree-lined his white clothing was dead give away , which gave him reason to go further into the shadows. Hikaru would decide to take not of his surroundings as he traversed the terrain keeping crouched and low to the ground. The smells of the moist earth filled his nose while the deafening choir if cicadas filled his ears along with the occasional frog or toad croak. Once he was within a good enough range to not be spotted right out he would be able to get a better look at the situation at hand , a lone man stood watch his gaze shifting ever so often among the tree line.

Hikaru could tell the man was worried as one should be when raiding the tombs of fallen heroes but this was beyond fidgety , Hikaru would take notice of the multiple hunks of rock that lay scattered about the entrance. “It’s a fifty ,fifty chance he’s either cautious or a coward , I could probably lure him out into the tree line but i might also scare him back into the cave and dealing with a bunch of cronies isn’t optimal as im not allowed to kill them right out” he would mumble to himself biting the tip of his thumb as he did so.

Hikaru would inch closer positioning himself to the man's right side taking cover behind a tree to hide himself , Hikaru would pick up a pebble and toss it at a nearby boulder causing it to ricochet off into some foliage making a loud rattling noise. If the man came to investigate that would put the you samurai in the pristene postion to sneek up behind him and slam the sheathed blade over the mans skull , if that didnt knock him out hikaru would simply keep beating him over the head till he stopped moving.

He was unsure why kaito wanted this scum alive but he wouldnt kill the man out of respect for kaito , no more no less.

WC:470
TWC:1002

Fri Jan 03, 2020 10:49 am

A samurai’s armor was not a good stealth implement, its links and plates touches reverberating loud enough for the trained ear. However, amidst a vibrant woods, it passed under the radar of the guard at the gate of the temple. The youth picked up a pebble, and bounced it off a wall, which then went on to rattle leaf and branch alike. The guard took a couple steps to investigate the noise… and was magnificently whacked on the upside of the head by the sheathed wakizashi. Kaito almost cried though: the wooden sheathe could sustain the trauma, but it was still traumatizing for someone else to do it in Kaito’s stead. He would likely deliver such a blow without a second thought about the wooden sheathe.

He got himself to his feet, and a skip, hop and a jump later he made it next to the young samurai. He observed the blow; it appeared to have cracked the skull of the man, as the man’s scalp appeared wet and red. Kaito slid two fingers in the fat rolls of the grunt’s neck, and soon after, he felt a pulse. He nodded to the samurai, and twisted his head towards the inside of the temple, a dark tunnel that led into the tunnel system now used as a temple and tomb for a religious sect originating in the Land of Iron.

In life, the monks would worship the art of war with katana in hand, and their worship revolves around forging blades and practicing with them, achieving enlightenment when they’re able to forge their own personalized blade. If other monks find the blade to be unique and revealing of the monk’s personality, they’re invited into the ranks of the archmonks, who then tutor new generations of worshippers. In death, detailed renditions of the monk’s likeness are carved out of wood, and the weapons presented to the world by the wooden warrior monks. These beautiful renditions of steeled art had however been stolen and replaced with standard issue katanas, reason why the monks had issued the help of Kumogakure.

And now, as Kaito stretched himself to his full height, he could hear a scuttling sound coming in from the tunnels. He focused on the sound. One set of footsteps. It appeared scrambled, as if steps were being taken twice on one side here and there. Likely the second thug going in and having his arms full, trying to balance a healthy loot. Kaito faced the interior of the tunnel system, and crouched, one hand touching the ground with fingertips, eyes focused on the tunnel.

As the sound grew louder, eventually it gave way to a man, holding several katanas laid across his arms, multitudes of scabbards and handles beautifully and intricately designed. Kaito fed his muscles chakra, and powered up, he flickered out of sight away from the tunnel’s entrance, only to show up in a gust of wind next to the thief. The thief’s face contorted in fear as his brain tried to explain what was happening, but too late: Kaito delivered a blow to the thief’s neck, interrupting the blood flow for long enough that consciousness left the thief’s mind for a moment, and his limp body descended into the floor. As he fell, Kaito’s arms circled their way around the katanas, so they wouldn’t face gravity alongside the thug, and were carefully held against his body.

Kaito left the katanas on the floor, for it was not his place to return them. Instead, he grabbed the thug’s shirt off his body and covered the weapons. A quick sweep of the tunnel system yielded no more thugs, nor sound. These appeared to be the entire squad. He dragged the thug outside, holding the sleeping thud on his shoulder. As he approached the entrance, he gestured to Hikuri. “Well, that should be it. We should make our way back. That was a good blow to the guy’s head. Good job, Hikuri. Are you able to carry that one, or should I do the honors?”

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WC: 673
TWC: 1524

Fri Jan 03, 2020 3:05 pm

Hikaru would shoot kaito a witty smirk that reeked of confidence , “no need to worry about me i may be a twig but i'm not all bone either” he would state as he walked over to the unconscious man he had previously downed. Looking at hikaru one would assume such a stick of a boy held no muscle but in truth the boy had trained his body riguriously , underneath that armor and clothes rested rock hard lean muscle. The white clad samurai would crouch down tightening his core and clenching his butt cheeks as got hold of the obesse guard , “1..” his whole body seemed to tense up momentarily “2….” he would then begin lifting the man up and over his dainty shoulder before sighing “and 3..” he would say a little shaky at first but he would soon acclimate and have a steady grasp on the man.

Hikaru would walk over to kaito smile still on his face “so are we dropping them off at prison or are we going to interrogate them?” both options seemed plausible , but let us not forget these men were thieves and had probably sold many stolen national treasures to kumogakure. Hikaru wanted to beat a list of names out of them a go on a recovery mission but it was unlikely that such a thing would be permitted , under these circumstances at least. Hikaru would shake his head lightly before a question resurfaced in his mind “so I have a question..” he would say moving in closer with his quarry preparing to follow kaito.

“Without a hokage , and no chunin exam happening soon how am i gonna rank up? Probably a questing you wish not to be bothered with but im curious about the quickest way to jonin” he would inquire with bright eyes. “My goal is to become the best swordsman this village has ever seen” he would say with a little kick in his step , well as much kick as person carrying a fat body.

WC:334

TWC:1336

Sun Jan 05, 2020 4:17 pm

Kaito observed as the wiry lad picked up the fat man in weight and hauled him over his shoulder. It was an impressive display of strength for one as skinny as him, but not that impressive in the wider world of ninja. Ninjas were known for feats of speed, strength and endurance that the common man and woman would find ludicrous if not witnessed with one’s own eyes. To see a wiry man lifting a stocky lad would’ve widened a commoner’s eyes, but not Kaito’s. Not since he witnessed a wiry man splitting open a tailed beast’s skull.

His question was pertinent, and in line with the mission’s details. “We will just drop them off and allow our interrogation teams to look into these gentlemen’s brains. Our job was just to capture them, but we need to know where they have been moving the steel through. We may be looking into more work depending where they were dumping the steel.” The lad appeared to be hungry for something, was it blood or was it power? Kaito would need more time to figure out which one would appease the lordling’s appetite.

Nonetheless, he would like to see the young man’s journey. Kaito himself felt as though the two of them were closer in power ranking than himself and Kutari Uchiha, the new Raikage. The two men moved through the woods with a good level of noise in their step due to the cargo they bore, but now they didn’t have to worry about being stealthy. Kaito’s ears were still perked up for anything amiss, his eyes moving to see if the motions were natural or humane.

The lad’s question was one he was afraid it would be asked, but he didn’t expect it would come so fast, nor in this scenery. He sighed deeply. “Quickest way to become a jounin was to kneel in front of the Lord Raikage when he conquered the village last month. The next fasted way would be to be promoted; you’ll have chunnin exams when there are any chunnin candidates. If you do anything that earns such a promotion outside of official terms, you’ll be informed by the appropriate people. But only the Raikage can do that, so you’ll have to wait for his return before any of that takes place.” He decided to ignore the comment about the Kage’s absence. All things considered, he had no clue where he was with this situation, so the best was to focus on growing strong and creating powerful alliances with the available ninja so they could be prepared for what might come next.

He did laugh as the lad mentioned wanting to become the best swordsman of the Kumogakure. “Well, make that the two of us. Tell you what: I’ll be your rival. We’ll grow together until we’re able to crown either one of us the strongest swordsman in the Kumogakure. Deal?”

___________________________________
WC: 484
TWC: 2008
/exit
Claiming 2000 Ryo from mission, +500 from Jounin salary
+3AP
1200 words buying 3 Speed at mission rate, 800 words buying 4 Speed at regular rate
126 towards A-Rank Seven Heavens Breathing Method
1882 words towards Yojimbo: Dancing Blade Risk

Mon Jan 06, 2020 11:24 pm

Hikaru would stay silent for a moment as kaito spoke , “Quickest way to become a jounin was to kneel in front of the Lord Raikage when he conquered the village last month. The next fastest way would be to be promoted; you’ll have chunin exams when there are any chunin candidates. If you do anything that earns such a promotion outside of official terms, you’ll be informed by the appropriate people. But only the Raikage can do that, so you’ll have to wait for his return before any of that takes place.” hikaru’s smile would fade as he heard those words , there was no honor in such promotions if they were just handed out.

“A king is dethroned , and the invader is named lord in his place…..these circumstances would cause a powerful unrest within the general poppulous…..” the emotion would seemingly drain from hikaru’s face as he entered a deeper thought pattern “.....but by promoting previous political individuals you have given the people an illusion or false state of power keeping them docile and with his sudden disappearance the nation of kumo has further been lulled into a state of security” he would finish as he was trying to unravel the machinations that lay beyond his view. What was the end game here? Was there a higher up pulling the strings from the shadows and if so who were they and how powerful could they be.

“My goals do not stop meerly at our home , once i’ve ranked up and am aloud to travel i plan to go to every village and spar with each kage to prove my worth once i have bested each kage including our own i want to retire...but as things are right now my fathers health takes priority above all else” he would sigh out , it was clear that his father was the center piece holding the boys world together.

/exit
WC:317
TWC:1653
WC Left:153
-CLAIMING-
+3 stats
+3AP
2000 ryo from mission+250 Ryo (Genin Wage)=2250 ryo
Wind Release Slash[C Rank][1,000 WC]
Wind Release: Jump[D Rank] [500 WC]

Into the Gates (Private)

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