Merchant Rumors

Mission Specs:

It had been sometime in the early afternoon when Ibari had left his mess of an apartment to get ready for a night mission that he was sort of eager to be apart of. Dressed in his usual black hanfu with his trademark purple haori flowing over it, he made his way into the marketplace of Suna to get a few provisions since this seemed like the type of mission that would literally be a 'look and report' type of deal instead of any real combat so he brought snacks and an abundance of water as a precaution. Looking up into the sky he had wondered who would be accompanying the young jounin on this most auspicious of missions, but whoever it would be the mission would be an in and out. Shortly after picking out everything he would begin to carefully pack his bag and begin to head on out, his pace being pretty neutral since he didn't want to be slow...and yet he didn't want to be too fast.

As he moved toward the gates, he would stop and show his identification to the guards. They would have known who he was already, but since it was protocol and he wasn't about to get in trouble for it, he followed through with it before dashing out of the gates and toward the borders. He didn't think much on the mission details since they were pretty simple. Observe the mysterious caravan and check to see if the rumors were true. Now the only thing that came to his mind was ' what if these rumors are true...then what?'. The question of course was simply rhetorical since he doubted normal merchants would waste their time with this, but one must always be sure of a decision before it is made. After what seemed like an hour of running he stopped near what was supposed to be the mission meeting point. Pulling out one of the small bottles of water that he had, he would slowly sip from it as he waited for the others to come.

345

The sounds of casual steps patted through the village towards the gates, or rather the clefts. The sound of life budding as the villagers interact amongst themselves and the shops set up, preparing for business per usual. Lilac eyes scanned over the many people in their passing. Messy black hair sway from each step, multiple piercings glimmer from the light of the sun. Loose fitting black shirt with a unique design trailing its right. White shorts with black trimmings. Wrapped legs and shinobi boots, topped with a black choker around the neck.  

Souji, hands within the depths of his pockets sighs. The boy was once again sent out to help another shinobi of sunsgakure, Mizuki's request. 'I swear... Mizuki-san must really enjoy making me step outside of my comfort zone.' Words crossed his mind, feint smile manifesting on his frame. Within the same breath that very smile grew into a smirk as he sat eyes upon the guard tower. Only one person would be there...Hans. Souji enjoyed teasing Hans, just as much as he enjoyed the old man's rebuttals.  

Increasing his pace towards the window of the enclosed office, Hans would see a blur come into vision as Souji was pressing his face against the glass with his tongue out...smudging the window with saliva. "Thaaaa! The fuck are you doing, kid!? Cut that shit out!" His tone grumpy as always, his reaction precisely. This pleased the boy as he ceased his disgusting act with a innocent giggle. "Hey, old man. Did you miss me?" Sliding the window open from the outside, reaching in to grab the paper towels located to the left of Hans. But how hands were slapped by the old man forcing him to retract. Furrowed brows aimed at the geezer. "As much as I miss being taunted by a little gremlin, so no! And don't just touch my shit! I'll clean it up, ya little shit. Mizuki already gave me the heads up on your passing through here. Another big mission, eh? You're doing pretty well for yourself nowadays. Being a Genin and all. Mizuki must be really putting in effort with you. Oh, yeah, someone already went on ahead to the location. They left about a few minutes ago. If ya hurry you should be able to catch up with em."

The boy rubbing his slapped hand, that furrow looks dissolved into one of curious. So she was a few steps ahead of him, of course she was. It wouldn't be like Mizuki not to be. The boy looked off in the direction of the meeting point and sighed as he would once again have to traverse this insufferable heat. He wanted to just turn around and go back home. But instead he would make her proud and endure. "Thanks, geezer. I'll see you around." Immediately be was off.  

His sprinting was without a wasted step. His muscles worked well within his flesh to move him from point A to point B. Wondering whom his partner would be, many names crossed his mind...Musu, Zaine or maybe even that other old man, Raleth was it? He would find out as he arrived. Two minutes after the Jounin arrived at the location Souji would be decreasing his pace from a sprint to a lax walk.  

Upon arriving lilac eyes would fall on a man adorn in black and purple attire. He drank from a bottle of what appeared to be water....smart, Souji did not bring any for himself. Just as he was talkative moments again, he was not within the presence of this man. The boy would step within his view so that he may acknowledge him. His expression was that of annoyance as he would look off into the distance. Standing two meters from the man's right. "You must be the guy that Hans mentioned earlier... Let's be done with this mission, I have better things to do." Lavender eyes glance at the man.

[WC: 663]

It seems that he didn't need to wait long for someone to finally show up. He could pick up their chakra as they came closer and closer. Reaching into his bag as the figure finally approached them, they would be met with a bottle of water thrown at them before he even responded," If you had better things to do you wouldn't be doing this mission now would you? If you're so eager to get this over with let-," as if on cue another signature came within his radar and a small smile came upon his face. This one was also unknown to him and as they came into view he would listen to their introduction and hold a hand up to him," No need to bow...Musu....you're another one of the Jounin in the village aren't you? We're the same rank so no need for the formalities....but points on the manners," it was an obvious jab at the other ninja as he finished up his water and stuck it into his pouch. He'd wait for anyone to speak or get anything out before speaking quickly," Once we get to the town a little ways north, we'll head to where these 'mysterious' caravans have been seen and document anything out of the ordinary. No matter how small it may be, if it stands out to you document it, but be discreet. Without further ado let's be off," and with that he took off toward the town in the north. Ibari would go at a pace that the other two could keep up with, not knowing how fast they could truly go it would be bad if he lost them in the heat of the moment. When the trio finally arrived, Ibari would put on his hood and use the transformation technique to alter his facial features to blend in a little more. His eyes would become slightly more slanted with markings just under his eyes and on his face as well. He would then turn back to his comrades, hoping they would do the same and then their mission would begin.

350

The sound of the bottle being caught by the boy as he first inspected it then looking over to the man that threw it spiked. It was as if his mind was read upon seeing the boy. Or it could have just been his hospitality exuding from him. Either way, it was appreciated, the heat was beating at his crown and back causing him to sweat profusely. He nods, simultaneously twisting the cap and drinking from the bottle. The refreshing beverage revived him, inside and out. The taste was pure and unlike any other, water was truly a favorable drink of his. The bottle being halfway emptied, or halfway full depending on ones perspective was concealed within his pouch located at his lower back.  

The man would begin to speak, responding to Souji's words. He made a point, from his own perspective, however that did not apply to Souji, his idea of better is watching Mizuki's back, side and front. So long as she was standing, running or walking within range of his eyes she will be safe. No, the boy was not foolish enough to believe that she was incapable without his presence, she was before him and will remain without him, he merely believe in all honesty, subconsciously that the fate of the shinobi world would remain in tact should Mizuki, the last hope of his light was to be safe.   

"Speak for yourself... You're reality and that of my own are two different things." His tone was more of a chilled and stoic one. No expression graced his face as he gave the man a stern expression. He blinked once, shaking his head, realizing that he was drifting into a former stand-offish behavior, one that would more than likely bring shame to Mizuki. "Eh, sorry..." Was all there was room to say, their exchange was cut short as another approached. Turned to face the direction of the newcomer, Souji's eyes momentarily widen, before relaxing. It was Musu, the Uzumaki he went on that B rank mission with a while back. The boy learned a few things from observing and listening to him. On top of that, he have grown to develop himself a bit more. 'He... he still looks so pasty...' He would think, clearly Musu's appearance gave the boy a gloomy impression the very first time they met, and nothing seem to have changed. On top which, Souji knew that there was more to this man than what meets the eyes. He houses a massive amount of chakra, last noted by the boy when scanning the room with him and the old geezer.  

Returning Musu's bow with a nod and a slight wave of his right hand before returning it to his pocket. He listened to what the other man said, apparently he was of the same rank, Jounin... what was annoying to the boy was that he assumed because of his rank he was entitled to his respect. Rolling his eyes, the Hyuuga would fix his lips to rebuttal, instantly the image of Mizuki manifested with his head. To insult a jounin would be to insult her... Souji would hold his tongue and simply looked to the ground, irritation filled his face, even with a lax expression. ''Points on the manners.' You can suck it!' He would scream within his head. Time could not come swifter to end this mission.  

"Musu... I'd like to ask about your discovery on that item we found a while ago, later though." Referring to the tattered scroll that he said he would bring to the sealing corp to learn its secrets. Souji was curious of its content.  

Taking notice of the other man placing his hood on, he would also note that he used the transformation jutsu to alter his facial appearance, this was vivid as he turned to face them. His eyes made it clear that he was in hope that they were follow on his lead. Something about this man made Souji remember Mizuki...but he wasn't sure what. It wasn't the connection, but it was his opposing will. Could they know each other, better yet, are they of the same title? Glancing over to Musu, Souji would sigh. Suppose he would just get it over with and comply, he would bring his hands from the depths of his pockets and clasp them together. His fingers formed a seal of the canine - the dog - thus instead of choosing to alter just his face, Souji decided to alter his entire appearance, clothing and all. The subtle bang of smoke submerged the boy. As the wind shift, so did the smoke to reveal a somewhat pale gentleman standing at six feet. Silver hair that reaches to his shoulders and a face full of hair. He sports glasses as well as a subtle red scar from his left eye to his hairline. The man don all black with a handkerchief for a tie. A black vest, though tattered. He sports a long black trenchcoat with a high collar. His pants are black as well as his shoes which are closed toed. This man's face resembles that of someone of stern nature and his furrowed brows gave it promise. The boy was now a man of his mid fifties.  

Despite that he stood with perfect posture and a build that was slim and toned. However it was a great fit for the disguise. "This will have to suffice." The tone of the man was deep, while also compelling. It gave his presence all the more flavor. From behind the lens of his glasses his eyes would bounce from Ibari to Musu, now seeing them at a different height level. "Moving forward, I would prefer for you to address me as Vicious. I think it would be wise if we all had a code name to prevent betrayal of of our true selves and home." His tone would carry over to them, his coat tails swaying into he wind's breeze. 'Vicious?! I should have chose a different name...sounds too blood thirsty...' He thought. The man, Vicious would then stride to stand on the right of Inari. Though he was curious to learn of their code names should they find the idea appealing in the likelihood of a compromise. 

Souji Disguised as Vicious:

[WC: 1,052]
[Total WC: 1,397]

A code name? The male looked over toward the one proposing the idea, it wasn't a bad idea in the slightest but that was something that he didn't really think about all too often. A furrow of his brow quickly followed a small sigh as he thought on it for a bit and then decided on something simple, yet effective. Looking toward Souji he would simply shrug before giving out his code name under his breath so only the two could hear," Koh will suffice then. Alright if we have all of the names down let the mission commence," Ibari himself would begin to walk off into the area letting the darkness of his hood enshroud his face giving him a rather mysterious appearance. As he walked he performed a few hand seals within the darkness of his cloak before closing his eyes completely. Within his mind's eye he could fully map out the area picking up and all chakra signatures both small and large. Opening his eyes he would continue to gauge the area as he looked around slowly. With the little info they did have, he knew it would be a little difficult to find what he was looking for by just chakra alone. He knew he had also been looking for anything suspicious as well. His head would look beside him on the left and right to see what the other two were looking at, if anything had caught there attention as well.

On his radar he began to pick up a few chakra signatures on the way, honing in on them to be more precise before making a move. Of the group, he could clearly discern where they were so he moved in silence and without giving himself away. As he came toward the location he could visibly see them now, not a caravan or cart in sight which made him give a small sigh of relief. Given their clothing it wasn't strange but rather standard for a shinobi in this area. He could see that they were from Suna, presumably here to unwind or even visit family. Looking back to the other two he would give them a signal to let them know things were fine on this end, but then something else came up. A few groups, maybe two or three from what he could sense, were not far from their location and given how close they were grouped this seemed...either odd or normal. Ibari gave it some thought and looked around at the heights of the buildings around them. Instead of taking to the streets, maybe a birds eye view would help better. Moving back to the group he would let them know in advance what he was about to do," I've picked up a couple of grouped together chakra signatures to the right of us...given the distance I think its twenty meters from us. I'm going to take to the rooftops, i'd like the both of you to stay on the ground and be hidden so we can see if this is what we are here for," with that being said he quickly retreated to the darkness of the alley, and from there he would climb to the nearest rooftop and off he went.

WC: 522

The words of the Uzumaki certainly reached the hearing of the Hyuuga. Immediately he understood that his resurrecting resurrecting of the other mission was out of taste and subsided further thoughts of it. His attention was not placed on the mission at had. As we the others of this three man cell. Ibari, or rather Koh, began to lead as he took a moment to himself. Souji, who was going by the name Vicious noted the man in the hood as he ruffled beneath his cloak. 'Is he doing hand seals?' His thoughts asked, quite fuzzy on the reasoning... that was until he noticed the man being still as if becoming one with all that was around him. It did not take long before the boy, well man, deduced that he was of some sort of sensor maybe, but even still that theory was shallow. Further proof would be needed.

With a slight sigh, the man would close his eyes. Remembering back to when Musu gave him vital information about his eyes and the attention that they may bring. However, though that advice was heard and retained, they were needed for this mission. Buldging around his temples and eyes would manifest on the man's face. Such enormous use of chakra would without a doubt grasp the attention of those that can see it, though sensing would appear more like a subtle spike coming from his location. Vanishing just as soon as it came. Opening his eyes, behind the lenses of his glasses silver eyes were now glazed over with pearls. One hundred meters within a three hundred-sixty degree radius became accessible to him. Nothing at this point will escape his visual. His hands deep within his pockets as the wind subtly tugs at his hair and clothing. Chakra, big and small, faces outside and behind closed doors were made vivid. Without even looking in the direction of his peers he could see them as if he was staring right at them.  

His next words were for Musu, should he give a code name it would be used, if not then his original. "I will provide recon from this sole position. As well as cover and backup. Feel free to move as you wish, but stay within one hundred meters of this very spot. Any further and I will have to strain to find you. Worry not of how I will signal you, I have my ways." That deep tone was still new to him, but he sort of liked it. It would seem that Koh had discovered something of interest, simultaneously as the Hyuuga spotted it. Taking note of his movements in that direction - Vicious inspect the the individuals that Koh was rushing over to. From his perspective there was nothing out of the ordinary for him. Possibly coming to the same conclusion as the mission leader, he would notice that Koh signaled to them it was nothing to worry about. Vicious would give a slight nod before proceeding to scan the faces of every person in this area.  

Suddenly his scanning fell on a few groups of people. They seem to be in a bit of a rush. What's more their body language betrayed a sense of anxiousness. This struck the man as odd, and it would seem that Koh noticed this as well. 'It makes sense now... He's a sensory shinobi just like Musu. Was that what he was doing under his cloak? Are there techniques for Sensors?' He thought. Should Musu still be near him, he would project his voice so that he may hear him. "Something is amidst. And I think Koh realized it too. About twenty-two meters to our two o'clock." The disguised anbu would return to them with haste. His words would prove that Souji and he were on the same page, surely Musu would have picked this up as well, assuming his sensory skills were of equal measure. His mention of the distance was not off, by the time he returned to them they have covered two meters to be exactly twenty meters from them. "You're not wrong, they seem anxious, one of them is holding something, even I cannot make it out clearly... looks to be so form of documents or something along those lines. I'll remain here, no one should bother an old man in his lonesome. I'll provide Musu with support." Pearl eyes looking in the direction of the group. A stern expression in his face. Noting as Koh made his way through an alley to climb to the rooftops. He would wonder what Musu was going to do. Curious to see how he approach missions that did not deal with text. 

[WC: 786]
[Total WC: 2,183]

He was glad that the two were cooperative with the plan and even had their own little intricate little twists to ensure that they weren't going to get caught. He had to admit that at first he was a little skeptical of this team-up but these two had been holding their own pretty well. As he took to the rooftops he activated his three tomoe sharingan to get a better perception of the world in combination with the Mind's Eye as well. When he reached his final destination he crouched behind the small smoke stack that had been on the roof and looked downward toward the group and its caravan. What Vicious had mentioned was confirmed as he looked at the documents that were held in one of the suspects hands. His eyes focused on the documents for a moment to see if he could make out what had been on them, but unfortunately because of the distance all he could make out was a vague outline. The characters however that had been standing by the caravan had fit the description of what had been put in the mission details. It wasn't often that fiction became truth for Ibari, but this had been one of those times were he was inclined to believe it. "If this is indeed the mysterious group that had been sighted what exactly is their goal...Even if most of us don't frequent here, people know when something is off...and this is off. What's in the caravan though?," he silently mused to himself as he focused his sights into the darkness of the caravan.

Even in the darkness he could make out a few hidden figures, and with the absolute of his sensory technique he could also pick up a few extras that were sitting in there. What they were doing had been a mystery to the man, but documents plus hooded figures combined with mysterious caravans with people doing something....this didn't add up. He had honestly seen all that he had needed to and with a stealthy exit he began to make his way back and down toward the others. Once he had made it to an area in which both Vicious and Okami could see him, he'd make a motion for the two to join them once they had what they needed. Moving toward the gate where they came in he would look to them both," Seems like the story fits the bill...the group is definitely suspicious but for now we simply recon....when we get back put in a report with what you had seen. You two surprised me...keep it up and you'll go far," and with that he would begin to make his way back to Suna. As he left he would disspell his disguise, no longer needing it.

WC: 465
TWC: 1,682

Claiming: Putting 428 words into Assimilating Aura (Previous total 2,072) completing it
Putting 1,254 into Ganesha (using a 2nd 50% coupon from August event) making total 1,254/2500
4000 Ryo, 20 AP, Borderlands Surveillance Scroll x 1
16 AP