Shadow Guards [Covert, IO]

Mission specs:

Stat page:

With the recent victory of Onabi Hyuuga in the latest Chuunin Exams the clan renowned for their famous Byakugan had more than enough reason to host an event, even more so considering the final battle was one between two people who both wielded the lilac eye they were known for. Among the hundreds of invitees would be Goto Senju, the silver haired deputy responsible for hosting the tournament. "How thoughtful of them" the teenage boy spoke under his breath, only for himself to hear. Sitting in the Hokage Chambers, handling all the village affairs during Ishimaru's absence, he'd be reading the letter containing the invitation.

Even though the party should be one full of joy and laughter there were people who'd been concerned that criminals may seize the opportunity to infiltrate the grounds and cause problems, and that's where Goto came in. "Ah, I see. Looks like I won't be needing my best suit" the young Senju voiced. It appeared he was asked to attend the event dressed as a regular citizen while keeping tabs on any persons of interest and if needed, stop anything negative from happening. The silver haired deputy grabbed pen and paper, writing something down before handing the message over to one of the Chuunin standing guard.

While doing so, Goto briefly explained they had to look for a shinobi, preferably a Genin who could play the part of a young visitee during the event. "It would be great if they won't stand out too much". Whoever opened the letter would be able to read the message which explained the details of the mission, together with the location where they'd be meeting up with Goto. "It'll be noon soon. Now go, tell them they have til seven to get ready". And with that he would finish his paperwork, knowing preparations were in order.

(WC: 307)

Them Fresh Genin Stats:

The pale youth would glance down at the paper handed to him. The mission assigned to him caught him off guard a bit. It would seem as though the noble Hyuuga clan were having some sort of celebration. It must have been because of their recent showings in the Chuunin Exams that Zunair spoke of and was a finalist in. Both finalists being of Hyuuga lineage had to be the cause for celebration, the proud and noble clan showcasing their status to the whole village. That of course was not what surprised young Shin, but the fact that he had been assigned to team up with Goto Senju who was not only a talented shinobi but also the Deputy Hokage. Shin had a great deal of time left to get ready, the courier reaching him only shortly after being sent out and it not even being one yet. Shin didn't really have anything truly fancy to wear. Heck, he barely had anything other than what he was wearing at this very moment. Still, the dossier made it clear that he should do nothing to stand out. Of course his ghostly pale skin and bright attire tended to cause him to stick out in more natural settings, but in a party with various people from the village (not to mention countless of the Hyuuga clan themselves) he figured that he wouldn't stick out too much. Or if he did he could simply play it off. He had recently met with Zunair Hyuuga and attempted to build a friendship. This could be the perfect cover as to why he was here should the need arise to provide an excuse. To help solidify this rouse, he would spend some of this time getting a gift for Zunair. It was nothing fancy or expensive, but Shin figured that his pal would like the present. It was a bowl of ramen, prepared for transportation right before the pair's expected time to meet up. It was truly a shame that Shin hadn't known his past, for the arts of being a shinobi and all that entailed came almost as second nature to him and he had no idea why.

Shin would make his way to the rendezvous point, the smells of the beef ramen causing his stomach to growl defiantly. He had unfortunately spent his food money getting the ramen for his cover. Of course, if one of the most famous and wealthy clans in Konohagakure were throwing a celebratory event, there was definitely going to be food provided. He would arrive there a bit early, finding himself there slightly before Goto. He started to question if he was at the right place and begin to panic, his overthinking starting to get the better of him. A mission with the Deputy Hokage was too important to mess up!

wc: 472
twc: 472/1000

Looking at the clock hanging in his office Goto would notice it was about time to leave, at least if he didn't want to make it too late to the party. "Alright, this should do it" he voiced out loud while checking himself out in the mirror. His outfit consisted of a simple black shirt, pants, shoes and sweater all in the same color. And as a final touch just a little bit of hairspray all over his silver locks. "If it's casual they want, casual is what they'll get". Completely dressed as a regular citizen would be, the young Senju would depart, closing the door of his office behind him as he started heading out.

With a couple of minutes to spare Goto arrived at the agreed location described in the message he sent out to one lucky shinobi who could accompany him during the event. On the lookout for whoever would be the one joining the party, the silver haired spotted a young individual, almost as if that person was waiting for someone else. The boy had a pale complexion, was quite small and looked young enough to be still in the Academy. "He could use a couple of hourse in the sun" the deputy spoke under his breath, only for those closest to him to hear.

Certain that the youngster would be the one keeping him company Goto walked over and doing so would hear the sudden growl. "Hungry, are we?". With a friendly smile the Senju extended his hand and assuming the child accepted he'd pull him closer, whispering the following words. "If you know who I am and why we're here simply respond by saying how much you're looking forward to the evening". If there were truly any dangers lurking somewhere in the dark then it wouldn't hurt taking as much precautions as possible.

(WC: 309, TWC: 616)

Shin would watch as a man approached, his first thoughts wondering just who it was heading in his direction. Once a bit closer the youth recognized Goto, the man's laid back and casual attire making him quite difficult to recognize unless you might have been very well acquainted with the man. The deputy would offer a smile and a hand, to which the young Genin would immediately accept without hesitation. He would feel the slight tug of the man, pulling the pair closer together for hushed words regarding their mission. 

"I must say that this event should be a great deal of fun. I am greatly looking forward to it." He would say in code back to his senior. Shin wasn't entirely sure who would be foolish enough to attack or cause trouble at an event held by the Hyuuga clan, but he would take this mission seriously all the same. The pale youth would offer the faintest nod of his head with a look that suggested he understood. 

Shin would make his way towards the compound, Goto within view despite there being a crowd. Shin didn't wish to appear too close, for he didn't want to arouse any suspicion. He wanted it to seem like he was just here for the party and to meet up with his new friend, nothing more. To act as though there was no mission, only fun times to be had. 

Once inside, the sheer number of people in this place was astonishing. Shin would walk towards the food table, making certain to position his path to intersect that of Goto. "With so many people here I sure am going to have to keep my eye out to see if I can spot my friend." He would say aloud, his true meaning being that he was going to keep lookout for any of these supposed wrongdoers. It wasn't yelled, or even spoken particularly loudly. It was just loud enough for the Deputy to hear, Shin not making any glances towards the man to suggest the words were for him and making it seem as though the words were merely the boy speaking to himself. 

Shin would make a pit stop at the food table, grabbing a small handful of some sort of toasted nuts covered in some sort of sugary glaze. He'd make a face, caught off guard by the unexpected sweetness, though he didn't seem to mind them as he took another handful to munch as he walked around. 

If Goto made it clear to Shin that they needed to speak, the boy would make every effort to do so. He would take any and all directives that his Deputy Hokage would offer, compliant to the fullest. 

wc:454
twc:926

Good, it appeared the young Genin knew how to play along. "Yes, let's head in shall we?". With a smile on his face Goto then made his way past the doors as he set foot into the establishment the Hyuuga clan rented out for the event. As he entered the building the first thing the silver haired noticed would be that the place was completely packed, the entire dining hall filled with people from all over the village. Scanning the room there were a couple he recognized, mostly members of the high society paying their respects to those wielding the power of the Byakugan.

If he were to be completely honest then Goto had to admit he'd find events like this more a facade than anything, perhaps even leaning close towards politics. At the end of the day it would all be about connections, knowing the people in the right places. The Senju, although young, knew that at some point in his shinobi career he would have to do the same. Eventually, the silver haired would get caught up with the exact thing he sometimes despised. However, if that was what it would take to bring Konohagakure back to where it belonged then it was a price Goto'd be willing to pay. 

(WC: 212, TWC: 828)

So far Shin would see no signs of any troublemakers. He didn't imagine his own visual capabilities would compare to those of the Hyuuga attending this event, though most seemed to be socializing and networking more than keeping alert for dangers. This was their time to relax, and they were more than willing to pay for security forces to avoid having to assign their own to guard duties. That willingness to just pay was likely why this mission was assigned in the first place. Breaking into and causing trouble in a compound such as this had to be suicide, right? 

Shin's very own side mission had been unsuccessful so far as well, for it was incredibly difficult to spot Zunair among all of these people. Could it be that he wasn't here? Considering the supposed reason for this party Shin would find that difficult to believe, but perhaps due to placing second his family was pushing him to train harder rather than celebrate. Shin would set the sealed bowl of ramen on the table set aside for gifts for the Hyuuga youths that had managed to dominate the exams. The table was fairly full, various packages of sizes ranging from small and letter like to massive boxes that he couldn't even begin to ponder what they were filled with. 

The party would slowly but surely die down as time went on. Shin kept to himself, munching away on free food while maneuvering from end to end of the event. Not a soul would do anything even remotely sketchy, let alone criminal. Well, politics aside of course. Once it seemed clear that nothing was going to happen, he would approach near Goto, keeping his eyes on the silver haired man while waiting for a signal that he could address him. A nod, a wink, anything that he could read. If such a signal was provided, Shin would approach.

"As suspected, nobody is foolish enough to cause trouble with the Hyuuga family. Between their shinobi strengths and political weight one would have to have a death wish." He would offer plainly, popping a handful of the sweetened nuts into his mouth, having grown quite fond of them in the short time he was at this gathering. "Should we call it, or wait until all have left?"


wc:384
twc:1310/1000 [mission wc complete]

The evening passed without any trouble, so far not a single sign of possible troublemakers. "False alarm" or perhaps they simply wanted to be on the safe side and make sure trouble wouldn't find its way to the event hosted and organized by the Hyuuga clan. "Less work for us" the silver haired voiced, taking a sip from his glass of orange juice. Because the Senju came into the position of deputy at such a young age, people would tend to forget he was still a minor with his seventeen years of age. Old enough to kill, but not to drink.

When the talks about politics were finished Goto looked around until he could spot the young Genin he brought with him and who successfully accompanied the silver haired on their mission. With two fingers he would signal Shin, letting the boy know it was safe to come join him. "Yes, so it would seem" the Senju said in response to the pale child's remark. "It appears people are still aware of the kind of power the Hyuuga hold, even if they aren't as present in our village as they once used to be". Perhaps the result of the recent Chuunin Exams had shown that those wielding the Byakugan were still able to rise to the occassion when necessary.

While enjoying some of the snacks they offered at the event the young shinobi suddenly inquired how the rest of the night would proceed. "I think we can call it a day" Goto responded, noticing most of the people had already taken their leave. "Let's just go say our goodbyes to the Hyuuga elders and then I'll have someone take you home, it's already pretty late after all". Goto then offered both his greetings and respect to the ones currently leading the clan, hoping to gain their support for the things to come. Once the last bit of politics was over and done with the deputy would make his way outside.

Assuming Shin followed behind and was now standing close to him outside of the building Goto had one of the Chuunin come over, asking them to take the child home. "You did well today, I hope it wasn't too boring but that's how these kind of events usually go". He'd quickly sign the mission report before giving it to the young boy. "Don't forget to pick up your reward. If you want you can accompany me another time as well". Offering both the piece of paper as well as a friendly smile the silver haired Senju then took his leave, saying his goodbyes before heading home himself.

(Exit)

(TWC: 1265)
Claims:
- 1265 towards Sage's Knowledge (previously trained here)
- 24 AP
- Mission rewards (6000 ryo, 30 AP)

approved

Shin would listen as his elder spoke, the two seeming to agree on the fact that the Hyuuga clan were still far more powerful than they might seem with their numbers dwindling. The pale youth would make a mental note, not realizing that the clan had been in decline. Perhaps they aren't repopulating enough... or worse yet, perhaps any efforts they made to keep the clan bloodline "pure" meant that they could only very selectively pair off, otherwise there would be complications no doubt. It was all rather curious, but Shin wouldn't dwell on such thoughts for too long, lest they overtake him.

Goto would suggest they give their farewells to the hosting clan elders, to which Shin really couldn't argue. The Hyuuga clan made great efforts to put together this event, and provided food and drink for all that came to celebrate. The least that they could do was thank the clansmen. When they approached, Shin would offer a short, but polite bow to them, "Thank you for allowing us to celebrate the achievements of your kin." It wasn't much, but hopefully it would suffice. The youth would grab another handful of the sweets and follow his leader out of the compound. 

"I wouldn't call it boring. This was a good sign. If anyone were to have tried anything it would have suggested that they thought the Hyuuga clan weak. Nobody stepping up to cause trouble means that in the eyes of the people they still hold the image of strength." Shin would shift his glance over to the approaching Chuunin, watching carefully as they were given their orders to return Shin home. Before leaving, Shin would offer a deep bow, "It was a privilege to work with you and I would be honored to accompany you once more, my lord." Shin would then rise and follow the Chuunin back to his room at the inn, mission paperwork in hand. Such could be filled in the morning. For now, it was time to sleep. 

---Exit---

wc: 335
twc:1645

Claims:
- 16 stats (all into vigor)
- 1645/2500 wc towards Wind Release: Wind Wind Rejuvenation 
- Mission rewards (6000 ryo, 30 AP)

Sorry for that mighty long wait for this approval Shin, but exit claims approved for Shin!