Yar Har, Fiddlely-de (IO)

mission:

This mission was going to be very interesting for Ban. She had received instructions on her next mission the day before. It was a B rank mission that would have the selected shinobi guarding a ship full of trades to Konokagure through the Grand Sea. According to the report, pirates have been making their presents known through the Grand Sea by raiding ships and killing the crew. It was a gruesome mission but Ban was more prepared for this mission. 

The report said to meet at the docks with the crew of the ship and the comrades that would join on the expedition. Once Ban got to the dock, she noticed the crew loading up the ship they would be sailing on. It was a fairly large ship for trading, about a 50-meter surface area on the deck. "Ah, you're early." One of the crew's mates said, stopping their original tasks to confront Ban. "Yeah, I figured I would check the ship out before we got sailing on it," Ban said in a relaxed tone. The crewmate, who was an older experienced sailor, nodded in understanding. "I'll tell you about the ship once the rest of your team gets here." His voice was raspy and tired like he had been shouting orders all morning. 


WC: 214

"Oh boy this has the potential to be a very interesting mission, no boring E-Rank missions today" Kato thought to himself as he prepared himself for the day. When returning the completed mission scroll for the previous day he had been pulled to one side and given a scroll containing this mission from one of the village Chuunin. They'd told him his Byakugan would be vital to the mission and he'd been chosen especially because of this. Being told such a thing put additional spring in Kato's step as he made his way down to the docks. The mission scroll stated that ships containing goods bound for the village hidden in the leaves had been going missing with reports of jutsu-wielding pirate raiding the boats. Very interesting indeed. Kato was wearing his usual ninja gear and carried a katana on his left hip as he walked.

Kato made it to the docks and found the cargo ship. He presented the mission scroll to the captain who welcomed him "Another early arrival! it's good to see how punctual this latest crop of Genin are." Kato noticed the other shinobi that the captain was referring too, a tall woman who had a well conditioned frame. They were similar heights and from the looks of it they both held similar amounts of muscle on their frames. With a relaxed and friendly expression on his face Kato addressed the other shinobi "Nice to meet you, my name is Kato Hyuuga. It seems as though we've been placed on the same team for this mission"

[260]
Kato Hyuuga

Kasumi sat on a support post which helped hold the pier.  The wooden pole sunk into the murky depths and disappeared out of sight.  Her feet dangled just above the water, occasionally lapping up and hitting her exposed toes.  The water was chillier now than as the seasons changed into fall.  She hardly noticed; however, her thoughts were still fixed upon the events which took place weeks ago.

It still feels like yesterday, the young kunoichi thought to herself as she hiked yp one of her feet.  And the pain still feels sooner still...

She massaged her muscle just left of her scapula – a temporary relief, yet a welcome one all the same.  The ANBU who preformed the procedure warned her that it'd be painful, but it had to be done.  It was the only way the Lord Kage was ever going to accept her into Kiri's ranks, even if the formula to the seal was changed.  She would have been a danger to herself and to all of those around her.  In truth, Kasumi was glad to be rid of the raw energy that was placed within her against her knowledge.  For once in her life Kasumi was finally able to live the life she wanted live; regardless of the new knowledge known to her, Kasumi would follow in her father's footsteps – the way of the ninja.

Kasumi continued to dwell inside her mind for a time until she heard the soft creaking of the pier's floorboards which got louder the longer she focused on the sound.  Someone was headed in her direction.  It seemed her quiet time would be cut short.  She spun around on her post, to see who it was, and stood up.  It was a Chuunin who had seemed to have a somber expression on his face.  He was the same Chuunin who escorted her to the Kage's office.  

”I see the Kage has finally allowed you to become a full-fledged ninja of the Mist.  Congratulations,” he exclaimed.  ”It seems that you are finally cleared to go on missions.  I was told to give you this...”

”Oh, hey, I remember you.  Er, thanks,” she replied awkwardly as a mission scroll was thrust into her hands.

Kasumi broke the wax seal and unrolled the scroll.  Her eyes darted across the page as she read its contents, but before she could ask any questions, the Chuunin disappeared in a blurry flash.

My first mission is a B-ranked mission? Kasumi wondered in disbelief.

Surely Kiri's staff who distributed the tasks had made and error, but after she looked at the scroll more closely, Kasumi found the evidence she needed.  Her name was clearly written on one of the lines.  This scroll was meant for her.  

It looks like I'll be apart of a Genin squad.  It was bound to happen sooner or later.  I suppose now is as good a time as any to make myself know.  Yeah, this is for the best.  Hopefully I'll be able to make some friends.  After all, I'll probably end up working with them again in the future.  The we find out our strengths and weaknesses, the more we'll mesh together.

Kasumi continued to read the scroll from start to finish before tucking it away.  Luckily for her, the meeting place was near by.  With purpose, Kasumi headed off of the pier and towards the docks which was just a few blocks away.

Kasumi made a left and saw that the docks bustled with activity.  The salty smell carried in the breeze as sea gulls called to one other overhead, and in the distance, a wooden ship lay moored at the wharf.  Sailors and tradesmen alike were busy hauling goods and supplies to vessel.  It wasn't the most beautiful thing to look at, nor did it look to be a particularly fast ship; it was a trading vessel after all as its cargo hold was its main attribute.  As the young Kunoichi got closer, she noticed that most, if not all of the squad had already assembled.  They seemed to be standing next to the captain or perhaps the first mate.

As Kasumi walked up to the group, the others were able to size up their newest addition.  She was another Hyuuga.  That much was plain as day.  Her hair was black like the night's sky, a feature even Kasumi was still getting used to - a side effect of the fuinjutsu which was placed upon her.  Now released, her natural color shown for the first time in ages.  Her hair was long, too.  She had it done up in a high ponytail, and even still, it still managed to hang below her waist; she also had two wisps of hair that fell to her shoulders on each side.  She was taller than most girls her age, though the other kunoichi in the party was taller still.  At age sixteen, she was finally blossoming into a young woman and much less the twig that she once was.  But the most incriminating feature that pegged her as a Hyuuga was her pearly white eyes.  She stared with intrest at everyone as she came to a halt standing before everyone.

”Ah, I'm the forth addition to the squad, I see.  Well, allow my to introduce myself.  My name is Hyuuga Kasumi,” the Hyuuga said with a bow.  ”I look forward in working with you all on this mission.  Hopefully this mission will go smoothly and we can become friends.”

Upon integrating back into kirigakure, Kasumi did not see a reason to change her attire.  It was a relief to be back into clothing that was familiar to her once more.  She work a blue padded vest and camo pants.  Around her neck she wore a camo scarf and matching wrist warmers.  One could make the argument that it was too much camo, but they would have to be reminded that she was a ninja of the Mist.  Grey stripes and camo was kind of their thing.  The most peculiar item on her person was something she carried over her shoulders.  It was a large thing, and could not be missed.  It was like a backpack, but instead of pockets and zippers it was wrapped in bandages like a mummy and remained a mystery.

Ah good, I'm not the only girl on our team.  Hopefully we'll get along, she thought as she noticed the other female.  Kasumi smiled.

”You have very pretty eyes.”

Hey that kid looks like a shark! Kasumi thought as she noticed the Hoshigaki boy; he seemed younger than rest of the group, but his eyes were filled with determination.

”I've got a good feeling about you.  I think you're going to excel on this mission.  Its going to be an honor working with you.”

Kasumi's head finally turned to the red haired kid, So I'm not alone.  This is good.

”Oh, hello, brother.  Its nice to see a fellow clan member.  Those pirates had better think twice before setting their hops on this ship.”

She paused and addressed everyone once more, ”So does anyone know how many of us were dispatched on this mission?”

(WC = 1173)

Ban wasn't the only genin that arrived early. Kato Hyuuga, Gonk Hoshigaki, and Kasumi Hyuuga all arrive within a matter of time. The senior captain was very impressed with the group of genin's work ethic. Ban rotated her shoulders to face her teammates. Ban was impressed to see two members of the Hyuuga clan in one mission. She had never personally seen their power in action but the legends of members ring across the land. Gonk, being a Hoshigaki, had very unique physiology like a shark. Their clan's name also went around frequently around the village but Ban had never seen it personally. 

"My name is Ban Hozuki." Ban talked in a calm, low voice to her teammates. She looked at Kato Hyuuga. Kato was an older teenager, having very mature characteristics. He and Ban were about the same height with long red hair; a very unusual look for the Hyuuga clan. Then she glanced at Gonk. Gonk was a much younger boy but tall for his age. He wielded a katana, much like Ban's. She hoped he knew how to use the deadly weapon. Lastly, Ban looked at the only other girl on this mission. She was taller than Gonk but smaller than Kato and Ban. She also had crimson hair, another unique look for the Hyuuga. Perhaps not as unique as Ban was lead to believe. 

It seemed that Ban wasn't the only one analyzing. Kasumi smiled and complimented Ban's eyes. She normally got complimented for her eyes, but it caught her off guard when the Hyuuga said it. "Oh, Thank you." She replies in her normal tone but turned away to hide her blush. 

The boat had finished loading up its cargo. The captain would slowly walk up the ramp that leads to the boat's deck. "Let's go. We are leaving." Ban would head up the ramp behind the old man. The crew was still bustling around the deck, making sure the boat was ready to leave the dock. Ban would take a deep breath in, absorbing the air of the boat. She loved the smell of the creeky wood mixed with the salt sea. If she wasn't super busy with her shinobi tasks, Ban would probably become a sailor. 

After confirmation that all the tasks were done, the crew would call out that they were leaving harbor as they pulled in the ropes that kept them on the dock. The old man was at the wheel, steering the large cargo boat into the open water. The genin was on their own to figure out what they needed to do. Ban would turn to the rest of the group. "Okay. We are all genin, so we don't have a superior officer. I say we anoint one for this mission so that we can communicate efficiently." She would wait to hear what the rest of the group thought of her idea. 

WC: 483
TWC: 697

Kato was pleased to see that the rest of the squad assigned to this mission had arrived shortly after he did. Amongst the two shinobi that arrived was a familiar face, the kid he'd met on the beach, Gonk was his name he recalled. Gonk had a face that you couldn't forget, being part of the Hoshikage clan and all. "Hello Gonk, it's nice to see you again. I look forward to working with you on this mission" Kato spoke with a smile and a warmth in his eyes. 

The last member of the team was a kunoichi with long black hair tied in a high ponytail, similar to Kato's but much longer. She had the same pearlescent eyes that he had, it was clear she was another Hyuuga. "You've got that right sister, we'll see anything they try to throw at us just as soon as they've thrown it" Kato let out a small laugh and a smile after he spoke, he had not met that many Hyuugas in who were part of the village and he wanted to make a good first impression.

As the team of Genin began to converse on the deck of the ship the sailors busily worked around them and the ship set off, beginning its journey towards the Leaf village with its cargo in tow. Kato feels the tall woman with the lavender eyes speaks with wisdom "That sounds like a good plan to me. Does anyone want to volunteer themselves? I am not especially experienced but my observation skills are rather keen and I am swift. Is there one among us who feels they have the experience and skills to lead?" Kato watches the rest of his team and listens diligently to their responses.

[292]
[TWC = 552]

The straps from her bandaged parcel were digging into her shoulders which agitated Kasumi's healing shoulder.  She massaged it once more as she listened to everyone's greetings.  It had been weeks since the procedure took place, and while it was healing nicely, the pain still lingered.  Constant pressure seemed to aggravate it most.  She would need a better method of transport for her “tool”.  

Perhaps I shall buy some sealing scrolls when I have enough money, she thought to herself as she listened to her teammates.

Before much time passed, the captain began to shout at his crew telling them to finish stowing the goods.  It seemed that he wished to be under way soon.  One couldn't blame him as the passage was rumored to be swarming with pirates, and ones who knew how to mold their chakra and preform jutsu.  Perhaps if the wooden vessel were to get an early start, the ship would be able to slip through their patrols undetected.  Reguardless, Kasumi was very pleased to be headed out to the open ocean - her heart raced with excitement.  She was about to sail in blue waters once more, and this time, the memories she made, would not betray her.  Kasumi followed her squad up the gangplank and gathered with them on the deck.  She watched as the five man crew preformed their duties.  Normally a ship of this size would need several more hands to bring her about, but thanks to its masterfully rigged design, the sails could be unfurled with little effort.  With such a small crew, the ship could keep the number of rooms needed to house them to a low, and maximize its cargo space.  Kasumi turned to see Ban, the other kunoichi, who seemed to be enjoying a moment.  

”Sailing is one of the best things, isn't it?  Even though we our destination is already set, it feels like we could travel anywhere,” Kasumi said as she looked across the bow of the ship with a smile.

A moment passed and suddenly it occurred to Ban that the group did not have a senior officer to lead the squad of Genin.  Usually a team of a smaller group of Genin were placed under the leadership of a more experienced Jonin.  Kasumi stood in silence when both Kato and Gonk added their inputs.

Our leader should be the oldest, or the one with the most completed missions to their name.  It should probably be Kato even though he seems reluctant.  Kato's eyes would certainly allow him to see danger coming before most others and would give him enough time to formulate a plan.  Ban on the other hand, you seem to have a sound head on your shoulders.  It takes wisdom to realize our need of a leader.  I also have the same eyes that Kato has, but this is my first mission.  Perhaps Ban should assume the role...

But when it was the shark boy's turn to speak, Kasumi was taken aback at what he said.  He was clearly the youngest out of the group and also the shortest, two qualities he would have to overcome, but the boy had spirit.  He wanted to be the leader.  Kasumi paused for a moment and then closed her eyes.

”My fighting style is best used when stationed from the back lines, which leads itself well to a leadership role.  But I must confess, this is my first mission.  And as such, I don't think its wise for me to take on the part,” Kasumi said at last; she then took a few steps over towards the purple haired kid. ”Actually I intrigued.  I knew there was a reason I had good feelings about you.  I think Gonk should have his day to shine.”

Kasumi shot the boy a sly look and gently elbowed Gonk in the arm.

(WC = 636)

Everyone seemed to be unsure about who was going to be in charge. Since they were all shiny and new, it was hard to decide based on experience. Ban was the oldest one there but this was only her second mission, she was hoping that the others would've been more experienced than her. Neither Kato nor Kasumi said that they want to lead. This was Kasumi's first mission after all. Gonk Hoshigaki said that if no one else wanted to, that he could lead. His confidence was lacking, making Ban doubt that he would be fit. Before she could take leadership herself, Kasumi sided with Gonk. She seemed enthusiastic about her choice. "Alright then. Gonk, what should we do? My abilities are mostly weapon-based, so I can be a front liner or support." She would inform calmly. She was kinda glad that she wouldn't be pulling the weight of this mission, allowing for someone else to take the reigns. 

WC: 159
TWC: 856

Kato watched diligently as the team of Genin discussed the point of leadership. In his initial statement to the group Kato had said that he was not that experienced but as he listened and watched it appeared to him that he was probably one of the more experienced members of the team. Out of the four shinobi Gonk was the only one to fully volunteer himself, he clearly had guts. This impressed Kato, it wasn't everyday a boy of Gonk's age would be tasked to complete a mission as potentially dangerous as this, let alone offer to lead it. It was clear the initiative that Gonk showed also impressed the other two shinobi as they both supported his claim whilst stating their own skillset.

Kato wasn't one to try and steal anyone's spotlight even if he thought he was the most logical choice for leader so he smiled as he spoke to Gonk "Looks like the leadership is yours for this one Gonk, how do you think we should arrange ourselves? I suggest me and Kasumi position ourselves on opposite ends of the ship. That was we can have maximal coverage with both of our Byakugans." Kato didn't mind being a subordinate but that wasn't gonna stop him sharing what tactical wisdom he could gleam of the team and the task they were set. He knew Gonk was one of the Hoshikagi clan so would be in his element over the open water, this brought Kato confidence in his decision to defer the leadership to Gonk although he was still prepared to take emergency leadership if the situation should arise.

[270]
[TWC = 822]