Running Us Ragged

“See Typhon, I told you there was no need to worry. I had it in the bag and only took a little extra out of the building next door. But I am sure it’s fine. Did not even go through the wall.” He would chuckle a little bit. Youta was super excited to eat and to make things even better he did not have to pay. Which was always a bonus. He was starving after using all of that energy to destroy the old decrepit building. Then Sebastian would agree to pay so Youta would answer. “Thanks for paying Sebastian making all that money now.” He would laugh and be like “Ya I see two restaurants.”

We would all walk over to the area to find the restaurants and see two chefs outside yelling at each other. And Youta would turn to Typhon “Ok they are looking for unbiased and hungry people. Go offer our services. I am absolutely starving and could eat maybe a whole elephant. I do not want elephant though make sure they do not serve anything weird. You can go and make some rules for an eating competition then Sebastian can pay to feed some other people.” He would turn and wink at Sebestian. Then continue talking to Typhon “You know, improve shinobi and civilian relations.” He would start laughing then kind of push Typhon towards the two chefs. If he turns around Youta will shoot him two thumbs up. Then some finger guns with a wink and mouth “You got this”

He would go to shinrei and ask “so 1 out of ten how much does Typhon hate me right now? Have you ever been to this restaurant? Either or you?” He would look at Sebastian. When Typhon returns from talking to the chefs Youta would ask “So what is the plan buddy?”

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TWC 3013

With a tag along in the group and rumbling stomachs the shinobi crew would head out with Sebastian leading the way. They all came to an open market area which is common in major villages. The smell of good food was in the air and Ty could even detect it through his mask. That usually meant there was something especially delicious around. What was surprising was two chefs having a full on shouting match in the street.


The pair were drastically different, one short with a large belly and the other a young and energetic looking man with bright hair. It was an inherently funny looking situation. They were arguing about which one made better food. Ty couldn't help but find it silly. Preference for food is a subjective thing and everyone has a different sense of taste.


Ty would scratch his head and chuckle, "They sure are serious about their cooking huh?" He would begin looking around for somewhere else to eat when Yamato would clap his hand on Typhon's shoulder and tell him to obtain some free food from the two chefs.


The young canopic would look incredulously at his squad leader. Youta chiming in with some encouragement convinced him that there was no talking his way out of it and so he spun around on his heel and said, "I'll give it a shot." as he walked towards the chefs. 


Ty thought about what to say as he got closer to the shouting match. As he approached he got an idea that might work and cleared his throat trying to get their attention. His noise worked and the two went from yelling at each other to simultaneously shouting "WHAT?" at the young man.


Ty hopped back a bit from the suddenness of it but quickly composed himself. "Uhh well me and my friends were walking by and couldn't help but hear you arguing. I had an idea that could help you both." Ty would turn and gesture towards the group of shinobi standing by and say, "how about you both put up a dish and we'll judge which tastes better? We get to eat and you get your answer of who's better. Win win right?"


He figured it was a longshot but it was worth giving a shot. To Ty's surprise the two chefs agreed! They went into their respective restaurants and got to work quickly preparing a dish for the group to judge. The large man with the silver spoon came back with a large tray holding a big rack of beef ribs that steamed and sizzled with a satisfying smell. The meat appeared to be covered in some kind of barbecue sauce and it sat on pretty looking local palm frond. Typhon had to admit it was an impressive showing for some free food.


A few moments later the young chef with the fiery hair came pushing a small beaten up cart out of his place and came to a halt in front of the group. There was a large copper pot with its lid still on sitting atop the cart. The young chef removed the lid with a flourish and even went as far as to say "Tadaaah" as he presented a pot full of spicy soba noodles. It was a simple dish, easy and quick to make and not something Ty would typically bet his reputation on. It was a bold move and he had a hard time imagining choosing the soba over the beautiful rack of ribs. But he'd keep an open mind. Appearance doesn't matter much when it comes to food.


The large chefs cousin would set out a table for the group to sit at. It was an odd setting being in the middle of a market street, but Ty wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. He just wanted to eat something at this point. It had been a long day so far and he couldn't wait to dig in. Each chef prepared a plate for each individual and handed them out. In a short amount of time they went from standing on the side of the road to being seated at an outdoor pop up restaurant..


Disregarding the weirdness of it all Ty would dig in starting with the meat. He removed his gloves and let his mask down enough for him to let him eat. He'd turn his head away while eating so he wouldn't breathe towards the others. The taste was pretty great, the meat was cooked through and almost fell apart in his mouth. The sauce was a little sweet with just a hint of spiciness. All in all the dish was incredibly solid. Ty couldn't help but eat quite a bit of what he was served before realizing he hadn't tasted the Soba yet. 


He had gotten carried away but quickly wiped off his face and took a big sip of water to clear his palette. He didn't want to be influenced by the last dish. Even though he loved the ribs he wanted to give this plucky young chef a chance. Taking up his chopsticks Ty would grab a large helping of the Soba and slurp them up. He was stunned for a moment. The flavor was incredible. He hadn't had any soba like this before. It simply didn't compare to the typical stuff you'd find fried up in any old noodle shop. This was in a class of its own. Ty locked eyes with the red headed chef and the kid flashed a knowing smile.


Typhon began to devour his bowl of noodles and even surprised himself when he asked for seconds. The ribs were solid, really good even, but these noodles were divine. It was a clear win for the young chef in Ty's mind.


"Copper skillet wins for me, hands down." He would say between breaths as he proceeded to finish his second bowl. 

(WC 986)
(TWC 3140)

It seemed like a unanimous decision to have Typhon go and smooth talk the two chefs into some free food. That just meant that he would save a few ryo on the meal, so nobody would hear any complaints from him. Youta mentioned that the wolf should use the money he would have paid on them to feed someone else, to which the wolf would nod and scan the area for anyone that might look like they could use the free meal. While Typhon was bargaining for the free meal, Loghain would walk over to an older man that looked to be down on his luck. "Why don't you have a meal? You need not worry about paying. I will cover your bill." This might be seen as odd to some, but the offer here stems back to the wolf's upbringing. One should always aim to spread kindness and goodwill to your fellow man, especially when you find yourself blessed with good fortune. The man thanked Sebastian up and down and followed to the restaurants. 

Once he returned, Typhon seemed to convince them and a table was set for the group to eat at. The elderly man was sat as well, Loghain mentioning to them that his meal would be paid for. In an effort to try and gain an early advantage, the Silver Spoon chef offer the additional meal for free. Not wanting to be one upped, the Copper Skillet chef also offered a free meal. Tears would well in the corners of the mans eyes. The wolf would pat him on the back and nod with a smile.

The scents of the cooking meals were strong to the delicate nose of the hound. He couldn't determine exactly what the dishes were going to be since various meals were being made in each of the restaurants for their normal guests as well. When the two chefs finally brought out two meals, one would immediately cause the wolf to begin salivating. Barbeque beef ribs was the dish prepared by the Silver Spoon chef and it was already in the lead in this competition despite the fact that the wolf hadn't even begun to eat anything. The other dish was soba noodles, something the wolf hadn't been entirely familiar with. It was going to take a LOT for some noodles to come out ahead of the meat to Loghain. A wolf eats meat.

Despite usually being more reserved, the wolf dug in to the meal without any hesitations. He'd take a bite of the beef ribs, the meat moist and delicious. It slid off of the bone with practically no effort, and the seasonings were ingrained into the meat and accented the slather of barbeque sauce perfectly. The wolf would clean the bones, leaving nothing left at all as he licked any sauce remaining from his lips. He figured that there was no way that noodles could compare to that meal, but he had a responsibility to at least eat the other dish to give it a fair chance in the competition. 

Following Typhons lead, he would wash down the first dish with a glass of water to try and clear the palette. Then taking his utensils, he would take a mouthful of the Soba dish. It was a lot better than expected, the dish being fairly good and being devoured at a quick rate. When asked for his input, he would have to go with his gut. "My vote is for the Silver Spoon. The noodles were great. Probably one of the best noodle dishes I've ever eaten.... but its hard to compete with such wonderfully prepared meat. Would you be so kind as to allow me another plate?" The wolf would ask and the gleeful chef would happily oblige, bringing the wolf his second helping of ribs. He would once again dig in.


wc:644
twc:4703

Looking at Youta, Yamato chuckled to himself before actually seeing Typhon walk off to go and delegate the issues going on at the restaurants. “Well…looks like you know how to talk with him as well. I will have to take notes next time so that I can be sure to talk to the lad as he should be spoken to.” He looked to his companions before they all collectively walked up to the little gathering as the owners of the restaurants decided upon a cooking competition to put an old feud to rest. Yamato bowed his head slightly in respect and thanks for the meal before he took a seat along with the others. The chef of the Silver spoon, a rather…plump fellow…someone that probably knew the delicacies of food brought out a large tray of cooked meats and a dish was prepared for each guest and Yamato just examined the meat as it was cut and plated for them. Eventually he was able to put a fork and knife to plate, cutting a piece of pork belly and taking note of how easily it was cut, the fragrance of the spices and ability of cooking such a dish on a short notice. He finished after clearing his plate just as the chef from the copper pot made a soba dish that was rather fragrant as well, catching the noses of the others with him. Yamato glanced away to look at his fellows as he noticed subtle hints at what was being tasted and the delivery of everything.

Soon a bowl was placed in front of each guest as Yamato smiled and took his chopsticks and began to eat the noodles in a traditional manner. The taste was mild, and actually…honestly felt lacking in how it was flavored. The noodles were done perfectly and the choice of veggies and protein were nice, but the cuts felt…dry. After he finished he thanked both chefs before choosing to vote for the Silver Spoon. Yamato was at heart a red meat guy and he enjoyed being able to hunt and get his own source of food…it was how he survived for a while out in the wilds of Amegakure ruins. This essentially was further fueling a need for him…a spark that he had thought…abandoned. He waited for the others to finish and vote so they could move on.

WC:400
TWC:3,463

He would turn to Shinrei “You know sometimes he just needs a little push.  Especially when it comes to groups of people and let’s face it, right now I am letting my stomach do most of the talking.  I am hungry.” Youta who was just hungry and did not really care where it came from or how much it cost he just wanted some food. Typhon would walk back and say that they were making us meals. And Youta would get very excited saying “ I knew you could do it, buddy. This is great. Free food too man am I proud of you Typhon, I could almost cry but I am too hungry.” Youta would run to the table making sure to greet the chefs and bow thanking them for the food.  He would then sprint to the table.  And sit down signaling to the others to hurry up and get over there.  

The older gentleman came out with a platter full of ribs.  They were succulent and cooked almost to perfection. He would look over an see Sebastian and Yamato absolutely loving the ribs.  But to Youta who thought they were delicious did not think they were special. They tasted like most other restaurant bbq and they were not the best in the city.  

The man from the bronze spoon walked up with noodles.  Which Youta was a little disappointed by but when he tasted them.  The heavens seemed to open up. The noodles cooked to perfection.  The egg was perfectly soft boiled and seasoned.  The pork belly was some of the best that Youta had ever had.  The veggies and broth were seasoned perfectly and expertly. After finishing both of the dishes he would say “I have to go with the Bronze spoon or copper spoon, that guy with the noodles they were heavenly.”  After the votes were cast Youta would look at Sebastian “What is left to do for the day?”
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The team all put in their votes as they happily ate the two meals and the end result was a tie. It was clearly not what either chef wanted to hear. They were already beginning to shout at each other again. Both chef's pride not allowing them to give up until they won. Luckily Loghain had invited along another person, an old man who was very thankful to be eating. It was a good deed feeding the hungry and it also gave them an opportunity to get out of this mess. Ty would quietly get up and walk over to the man. Whispering to him so as not to be heard he would suggest that the man find a couple friends and convince the chefs to redo the competition. If it worked then the man could get another free meal and maybe pass the kindness along to some other hungry people.

"I'm sorry to have to eat and leave but we do have to get back to our mission. Thanks for the meal and we leave the judging in very capable hands." Ty would say proudly clapping his hands on the old man's shoulders. "His palette is better than mine anyways." He would chuckle as the group gathered and stepped away from the area.

Ty would turn to the others and ask, "So where to next? Must be almost done for the day right?"

(WC 234)
(TWC 3374)

Much to the wolf's surprise, the contest was a tie! He wondered how the two others could pick a noodle dish over such deliciously prepared ribs, but their vote was cast and split right down the middle. Typhon was of course quick to think up a solution, requesting they continue on their tasks, but leaving the judging in the capable hands of the hungry old man. Offering Typhon a nod and a slight grin, the wolf would be pleased with how his comrade decided it best to break the tie. 

When asked what they had left, the wolf would shake his head. "Nothing left really. All we have to do is finish the patrol on our way back to the shinobi headquarters and turn in our paperwork." 

It was a great deal of missions that they were assigned, but the group managed to knock them out one by one and get to better know one another in the meanwhile. Plus, they helped spread good will among the people, aiming to show them that they truly were here to help those of this land. 

Finishing up the patrol, Loghain would turn in his paperwork with the others and say his goodbyes to the team. He had high hopes of working with each of them in the near future. 

--- exit, unless interrupted ---

wc: 217
twc: 4920

Claims:
1875/1875 wc towards Death Point Striking (25% max stat discount)
1875/1875 wc towards Internal Severance (25% max stat discount)
1125/1125 wc towards Bloodletting Technique (25% max stat discount)

All mission rewards:
42,000 ryo (28,000 ryo x invasion prosperity boost)
AP is capped so no point in tallying that

Approved for Sebastian and Youta

Ty was glad to see that his solution to the chef issue was taken and the group was able to leave knowing a few hungry people would get good meals. It felt a little underhanded, but that is really the essence of shinobi work. Tricking those chefs could lead to a greater good. 

He wondered if the actions the group had taken throughout the day would make any difference in the public opinion in shinobi? They had done a lot of things that would seem mundane, but without them the village wouldn't be as safe. He was sure some people knew that the ninjas had good intentions. It would take more than a day of grunt work to change the whole village's opinion.

"Well I'm glad to finally be done for the day. It wasn't too bad for an impromptu day of work." Ty would laugh to the others as they walked back to hand in their paperwork. He hadn't expected to come along for all those missions, but he was happy to help out his friends in need.

(Exit)
(WC 179)
(TWC 3553)

Mission Rewards: 42000 ryo (after village boon) + 120 mission AP

Claiming:

2000 words to learn Pestilent Frenzy (fighting style)

1500 words towards learning Carrion Crush (A)