Huh, where to begin?

Patrol Intern:

Night had settled over Hoshigakure, the cooling air of wintertime beginning to wave off a bit more of that heat from the days from the craggy lands of Heaven. The temperature in these lands liked to dip quickly and suddenly as the months crept past summer though there was still a pleasant couple of weeks leading into it where the nights would be pleasantly cool and the days were not quite as hot as usual. In these times, the oasis of Hoshigakure became one of the more lovely places to take work at night- particularly work that took one outdoors and beneath the namesake of the village. Stars glittered above in the clear sky as Yuuma found steady foot trails down the outer parapets of the Ninja Headquarters. One of the many connecting walkways between the upper levels of the compound was his current station though he was due to be moving along shortly down to the lower levels and doing his routine sweep to make sure nothing was amiss. Another ninja would be there as well, kept on the first floor as a constant watch. Their synchronized timing would allow them both to keep an eye on one another and make sure nothing had happened to either of them in the patrol. It was an extra measure above what was needed thanks to the already central and nearly fortified position of the HQ, but it was a good habit to get into when it came to other patrols.

Taking a moment to pause at the railing to the walkway, Yuuma would gaze out over the vast city of twinkling light laid before him. A sight he had seen many times before though one that continued to offer him great comfort, even as his mind wandered to the absence of his former companion. Archimedes had not been with Yuuma every step of the way, but the faith that the owl had placed in the boy was a weight he could continue to feel even now. Like the weight of the taloned claw resting on his shoulder to the familiar gate he'd have to take in order to compensate for the extra weight. Everything felt a little lighter without the constant reminder of the Mentor's words. Although the voice of the owl was still fresh in his mind, Yuuma could already feel the twinge of loss from his dear companion. His motivation had to become his own. No longer could he rely on the prodding talon that was Archimedes to make sure he was doing what he should be doing. Yuuma would have to prod himself into getting done what needed doing. And tonight, that meant patrol.

Filling himself with a small sense of resolve, Yuuma would turn and continue down to the end of the walkway where a door leading back into the main building was accessed with his key and entered, making sure to shut it securely behind him. The hallway was long, leading off to the other side of the building, though Yuuma would quickly turn to make his way down a set of stairs that were present in the hall not far from the door. Upon hitting the first landing, Yuuma would become aware of another set of steps making their way upwards in the direction opposite of him. Turning the corner of the landing, a young, red-haired Genin that Yuuma had seen in the halls earlier would spot Yuuma and lift a hand in greeting, offering the Chuunin a smile. "Hey, Yuuma!" The boy said as the two passed.

"Ah, hey." Yuuma returned in kind, offering a smile as the two passed. Although he hadn't been expecting an interaction- let alone someone that knew his name- Yuuma was becoming accustomed to his face being a little more recognized. It had certainly caught him off guard the first time or two, fumbling over a response as he had likely been halfway through a thought when he was greeted and needed to disengage from the tangle before being able to reply. Luckily, his responses were coming with a little more fluidity despite being simple in form. Yuuma glanced up behind him as the boy passed, continuing down the step as Yuuma thought to himself. "Still strange being greeted by people whose name I do not know. Is this what having recognition feels like? Feels...strange." It had been some time since Yuuma had returned to the village, yet still, he wore that scar. That same scar that many people seemed to have come to look past. His mind bubbled over the merits and responsibilities of his new position as he hit the ground floor of the Headquarters.

Pushing through a door that lead into the main hall, dim lights kept the building just lit enough to be navigated though not so much to stand out as though there was any business being conducted. Yuuma's mind returned back to his rank and what that might mean for him. "This means I might be asked to lead a team. I must admit, the prospect is exciting; an opportunity to work hand in hand with some of the up-and-coming ninjas in the village." His thought slowly faltered as he recalled back to the recent unsuccessful attempt to apprehend a thief. Another ninja of Hoshi- a girl by the name of Emi Ren- had lost her lift to the wanton fire of a thief that snagged a prize from the church. A loss of life he didn't prevent. The memory of the ill-known kunoichi had rested heavily on Yuuma's mind in the past days. He had replayed the situation over and over in his mind. A hand reached up to touch where the fire had burned his chest. Despite the medical jutsu he had applied, there still remained a slight mark on his skin where the hunter had left him wounded. A painful and obvious reminder of the failures that day. 

Pulling himself up once more, Yuuma turned a corner in the hall and would spot the woman he was meant to meet and change places with. Her head turned once he entered the hall and the two acknowledged each other with a nod. As he neared, he would offer her a pleasant smile and a gesture that she could continue. Silently, she returned the smile and turned to continue on down the hall in his place. Now standing at attention, Yuuma would fold his hands in front of himself and gather his thoughts once more. His mind continued to wander back to the thought of a team, and what it might be like to lead one. One thing was for sure; if he was placed in charge of another life, he would do everything in his power to make sure they were not prematurely snuffed out once again.

WC - 1,132

[Exit. Mission Completed]

Claims:
- 2,250 Ryo (+250 Chuunin bonus)
- 10AP
- 856 WC towards A-rank Paragon Vest  [1,875/1,875] Previous progress here.
- 276 WC toward Fuin Spec. [2,568/3,000] Previous progress here and here.

Approved