Pushing Daisies (p. Mizu)

Spoiler:

At the bottom of The Desert Rose was a long modern bar that was at the opposite end of the lobby from where the front desk was. The bar was strategically placed so that guests could enjoy themselves without drawing the attention of those who were coming and going. Fu was sitting at the end of the bar- away from the other patrons. She was wearing a dark blue kimono fashioned with white finishing’s that provided an elegant contrast with her tan skin and orange eyes. Propped up against the high bar seat was her katana, The Blue August, which was within arms reach in case she needed it. Both of her elbows were on the bar counter as she held a small clay saki cup with both hands- taking a sip and draining the glass of its contents entirely. The taste did not provoke any type of facial expression, but instead warmed her body as it traveled down her throat. For only 17 years old- Fu was an accomplished Saki drinker and could easily take down a bottle on her own.
 
“Why does he get to have all the fun?” She pouted to herself as she stared at her cup momentarily- then her eyes shifting to the bartender who was now swapping her cup for a bill. Fu reached inside her kimono towards where her shinobi weapon pouches would normally be only to find that she had forgotten to bring any money with her. A rather grim look crossed Fu’s face as her hands grabbed at nothing. Fu was in an extremely awkward predicament- one she had never been in before. She was not used to having to pay for things since Wan had been covering all her expenses recently. Even worse, the bartended did not leave while Fu searched- him now realizing what was going on. “I-I think I may have forgotten my money in my room…” Fu would say, clearly embarrassed. Luckily for Fu, she was cute which came with some rather convenient benefits. The Bartender would simply smile while proceeding to polish a glass, “Don’t worry about it kid, you’re not the first and won’t be the last.” He would say while turning and walking away to tend to paying customers.
 
Great. Now Fu was alone and broke. She had spent most of her money before leaving on their journey and now that Wan was gone, she couldn’t even afford another drink. “This totally sucks… damnit Wan hurry up and come back already!” She thought to herself- hoping for someone to save her from this 5-star prison.

[wc: 431]

Mizuki had been out walking the streets of Sunagakure that day, putting faces to names she had heard had been causing trouble and those who had claimed to need help - the streets always seemed to settle when she was walking through them. She had recently gone through a physical change, having become loathsome of the way she hid her scars under the kimono that had come to feel like a cloth prison. Now she was dressed in a way that reflected her confidence while also aiding her in ease of movement - leather boots that came up to  mid thigh but was cut out at the knee so as not to restrict the movement, under the straps that held the boots in place were strips of white cloth that covered some of the scars The Wraith had left her body covered in, moving up were dark green shorts and a couple belts that crossed over her rib cage to hold projectiles at the ready; finally her chest was wrapped in the same white cloth that encircled her thighs, a half jacket covered her arms and shoulders. Finishing the outfit was the wide brimmed straw hat topped with crow feathers - it was as far from her kimono as she could get and it felt right.

With more of her skin exposed she was able to enjoy the slight breeze as it slipped over her body and past her with more ease… had she really not noticed how much air caught in the billowy fabric of that kimono? As she was contemplating that mundane fact she turned a corner and the glow from the sign of The Desert Rose Inn caught her attention and her interest was redirected to the two newcomers she had let into the village a few days prior - Perhaps now was a good time to check in on them, perhaps get that story she was promised. She made her way to the building, pushing the doors open with ease as the blast of cooled air smacked her in the face, she began walking to the reception desk, her mouth had opened to ask the woman standing there which room she would find the two in when she heard the familiar voice of Fu. Her voice easy to hear with her extra hearing capabilities, turning her head to the sound she smiled wryly - sitting further from anyone else at the sleek bar was Fu, long powder blue hair making her stand out among the neutral tones of the decor around her. 

Without explanation she changed course and walked over to the woman - catching the tail end of the conversation she was having with the bartender. Taking out a couple ryo from her pocket she made her presence known by reaching past the girls left side and placing the money on the counter before leaning lightly on the chair next to her, her hard gaze fixed on her face… contemplating something for a moment before acting on the decision. “Follow me Fu, we are going on a field trip.”, Mizuki did not give the sulking girl a choice in the matter, pushing herself off the chair and making her way toward the door again. She simply called back once in case she wasn’t being followed, “Unless you had more interesting endeavors to pursue today.”, with those words she would push the doors open again and continue walking at an easy, steady pace.

Perhaps it wasn’t exactly the story teller she was looking for but everyone had something valuable to say… and without supervision who knows what the girl would say.

WC 599 [x2 wc for event 1198]

The savior she was looking for had arrived and her timing could not be more perfect. “Mizuki-San!” Fu would say in an excited manner- one which was probably too comfortable for two people who were just strangers a few days ago. Mizuki leaned across the table and rectified Fu’s debt making Fu feel a lot better about the situation- she was no freeloader.

 

The conversation did not continue at that location for Mizu informed Fu that they would be going on a field trip before walking away. “A field trip?” Fu thought to herself, contemplating whether she would follow her. “Wan did tell me to wait here, but I don’t think he’ll mind.” Her thought process continued, as Fu jumped up out of her seat and grabbed her Katana. This was the perfect chance for Fu to get to explore the village.

 

“Hey wait up!” Fu would say now doing a fast walk towards Mizu and while slinging her katana across her back. Now that Fu was by her side, she would continue to travel, being slightly behind her so that she could follow her direction since she had no idea where they were going. “Thanks for saving me back there, you didn’t have to do that.” Fu would say. Wide-eyed, Fu would scan the outside just as she did before- taking in the surroundings and the people that passed by. Fu found it a bit strange that Mizu would seek her out, but maybe their crossing paths was just a coincidence, and this was a moment for them to learn more about each other. Fu was sure that she was interested to find out more about why Wan and her were there- or maybe she was just doing her duties of keeping an eye on them during their stay- either way Fu was just glad to be anywhere but The Desert Rose.

 

“So Mizuki-San, where are we going?” Fu would inquire- a rather logical question considering she still had no idea where they were going.


wc: 336
twc: 767

The young woman's call did not fall on deaf ears, but it did fall on ears that were unwilling to slow their pace as she walked to the gates - no need to either as the girl picked up her speed and easily caught up to her. She noted the glint off the katana she had slung across her back and smiled as the full idea formed in her mind of how exactly Fu was going to help her today. Her wide brimmed hat kept the suns glare out of her eyes so when she turned her face to look up at the girl most of her face would still be covered in shadow if not completely hidden from view. “No I didn’t have to do it, but it is not wise to hold debts in Sunagakure, not all are as kind as I am you know. Though kindness does not mean free… so you are accompanying me on a short expedition to collect some things of value. This will suffice for the favor I just paid you… and no need to mention to Wan your lack of funds. Don’t want him to think you are incapable of taking care of yourself, do we?” 

As she spoke her pace hadn’t faltered - the shops turned into homes that turned into the sparse path that led to the Cleft which still stood open as it was still early enough in the day. Han was on guard duty today and as she made her way through the gates opening she flashed a peace sign and lifted the brim of her hat just enough to make eye contact with the older man- he nodded in response and leaned back against the wall he had begun to push off of. “There is a grove a couple hundred meters from here that I found on my own restless exploring and it has the most potent patches of Hemlock I’ve come across, but as you don’t want to touch the flowers with your bare hands or crush the petals too much, it makes for a time consuming and strenuous process.” Her eyes flashed over to the sword again, “I have a hope that your swordsmanship combined with your extra pockets can assist with the process." 

There was the ridge she had lead Sebastian and Guren up not to long ago, the now worn path in the sun baked dirt and rocks more apparent to her. “It’s just up this ridge, come on.”


WC 413 [x2 wc for event 826]

Sunagakure truly was different from Konoha. Fu had never really thought that there could be villages that would allow missing ninja willingly. This village was truly an oasis for any person looking to get away from their problems- or potentially find them. Mizu also brought up another valid point; to not mention her lack of funds to Wan so she would not be perceived as incapable of taking care of herself. This totally caught Fu off guard. “Oh I’m sure he doesn’t mind! He would have said something if he did.” Fu would say in a half confident manner while also not offering up much information on how much he had, not that she knew but it seemed endless.

 

Fu’s eyes flickered between the different sceneries. Mizu was truly giving Fu a tour of the village- their surroundings changing from shops, to houses, and to finally just a path that led the two to a Cleft which stood open. As the two passed through the gate, Mizu would signal to the guard on duty allowing the two to pass through without any issue. Fu could tell that Mizu was not just some low-ranking shinobi. Fu’s instincts told her this woman was dangerous, but she was still considered to be not an experienced fighter, so she lacked true ability to determine their opponents power level… (over 9000)

 

Mizu informed her of a grove up ahead that contained some of the most potent patches of Hemlock she had ever come across. Fu was familiar with Hemlock from one of the books her florist mother had. She remembered the flower being a beautiful purple flower, but despite it’s beauty, it was deadly.

 

The two would travel up the ridge towards the location where the Hemlock grew, traveling the beaten path. It appeared that others had traveled to this exact location to get their hands on their own supply of Hemlock- which was a very versatile tool in the right hands. Mizu was relying on Fu’s swordsmanship to secure them the supply of Hemlock they desired. “That won’t be an issue, how much do we need to secure?” Fu would ask as the neared their objective.

wc: 362
twc: 1,129x2 = 2,258 bonus wc

Mizuki and Fu had finally reached the top of the ridge- learning the truth of what was at the top. Amid the harsh desert landscape was a beautiful grove that appeared to defy reality. “Woah it’s beautiful!” Fu would say while in awe of the poisonous crop. The white crop was is bushels and appeared to be thriving.

 

Fu watched Mizu retrieve her black leather gloves and put them on. “create opportunities, huh.” Fu thought to herself. This village was truly unique. A place where it was survival of the fitness. A haven for criminals and those alike; a strange place indeed. Mizu suggested that Fu utilize her sword to separate the Hemlock from their stems so it could be harvested and monopolized, though she was unsure of who the crop was for- all she knew is that if she completed the task she would in return receive some for her own keeping. Either way, Fu was just happy to be doing anything at this point and she accepted whatever reward for her efforts as a bonus.

 

“Okay I think I can do that. Let do it!” The two now stood at the first patch of the white and poisonous flower. Fu placed her hand on the blades purple hilt and she proceeded to unsheathe the blade in a smooth, singular motion- one that was expected of someone who were proficient in the art of swordsmanship. Instead of taking a swing at the base of the flower patch, she held the sword out straight. The height of the plant was not very tall so her next action would require getting a little lower to the ground. Fu would take a knee while still holding the glade out in front of her. Fu tilted her head to the side to see around the tip of the blade and to gauge her angle and path alignment. Fu’s sword produces a condensed ray of chakra that mimiced the weapon’s edge in shape while increasing in range. The blade would extend, casting a light color. The blade, at an impressive speed. The blade extended and retracted at an extreme speed and with great precision, separating the buds of the flowers from their stems. This method was extremely efficient yet practical. Of course, the technique was not something that Fu could continuously cast so she would rotate between casting her blade and swinging it at the stems. Her swings would be with great precision, leaving the Hemlock buds perfectly harvested for Mizuki to gather.

 

It did not take long to finish what they started- the two had finished harvesting the entire crop of Hemlock. “Well, that just about does it, Mizuki-San!” Fu would say while flicking her blade to the side and then sheathing it once more. In such fashion Fu had a great idea, was there a way she could infuse such a poison with her blade to produce a lethal cut? She would have to find out. Fu would delicately assist Mizuki in anyway she could if she needed help, but once they were done, she hoped to return to the hotel before Wan started to wonder where she had gone. “Hey Mizuki-San, now that we are done, I think we should get going. I want to return before Wan begins to wonder where I went. We should do this again sometime!” Fu would say, smiling to her. Fu did not necessarily mean she wanted to help her harvest poisonous flowers, but to hang out. It was nice being around another shinobi who was a girl and Fu felt as though she could learn a lot from her. Fu traveled back to the village with her and helped her offload the crop if needed as well as would stick around to help her with anything else if needed, but if not she would return back to The Desert Rose. As they departed, Fu would give her goodbyes and if a reward for help was offered, Fu would certainly accept it.


Wc: 667
Total Bonus WC: 1,129 x2 = 2,258
TWC: 2,925

[Potential Exit]

3k Ryo = 7,600 New Total
29 Stats = 282 New Total
7 Mission AP = 35 New Total
434 WC towards finish learning chakra scalpel (2066 prev. trained)
2491 remaining WC towards A-Rank Parry (2491/2500)

The charge of power as Fu charged the blade was intoxicating to feel - the short surge of almost warmth as it built combined with the precise swings made the work that would have taken hours take mere minutes. The smirk was evident on her lips now, and as pleased as she was with the girl she didn’t come across cocky. She was nodding now at the girl, her work had made the chore bearable and she was grateful to have her evening open up again. With a new appraising look at the harvested landscape she would pull a bag from her weapons pouch and crack her neck, before taking off in a blurring amount of speed and collected the flowers in bundles before coming to an uneasy stop next to the girl again. The bag was spilling out with the flowers and as she spoke she would tied the top closed as she stuffed them down. “That's a good point Fu, last thing I want is for him to worry I stole you.” she would wink at the girl, making clear she was joking as she then swung the back on her back and peeled off the gloves carefully - leaving them inside out and stuffing them in her pocket. 


“I think a drink is in order, don’t you?”, she would begin their short journey back to the village with Fu following her. Once at the bar again she would neatly take a sizable bundle from the back while wearing the gloves and neatly package it for safe travel before giving it to Fu. May this be an odd lesson to the girl - regardless of beauty, treat everything as if it can and will kill you.


 EXIT

WC 285 
TWC 2789

Claims: 
54 AP
1 word to Paralysis Seal V7 1500/1500
13 words to Five Elements Seal V7 1500/1500
1 word to Paralysis Seal V7 1500/1500
267 words to Rainbow Fort Seal 1500/1500
1 word to Dark River Breaking Seal 1000/1000
1 word to Ninjutsu Amplifier 4000/4000
250 words to Genjutsu Release 250/250
2255 towards A rank version Chakra Chains [can claim when Uzumaki DNA is transplanted] 2255/2750

Approved for both of you.