An Unlikely Favor [Mission]

Spoiler:

Howl stepped past the threshold of the village gates and began to make his way down the path towards the inns that Giichi had recommended to him. As he strolled along, Howl opened his passport once more and peered down at the poorly taken photograph of himself. There was a glare in the photo just above his head that casted a shadow on Howl’s face. Despite the shadow casted on his face from the glare, his bold blue eyes persisted. Howl stared loftily at the photo for a few moments longer and then closed the passport and stored it in his shirt for safe keeping.
 
The further Howl ventured into the village, the more the village came alive. The single dirt path that leads into the village soon split into many and the peaceful forest scenery transformed into that a busy town. Howl had to quicken his pace a few times to avoid laborers carrying large pieces of wood or other bulky things, while he traversed the villages streets. Along the path were various farm animals spread about, co-existing peacefully with the village’s human inhabitants. Howl had spotted a black cat, a scruffy dog, a pair of small piglets and at least a dozen varying colored chickens. There were also small children about weaving in and out of the crowd, shrieking with laughter and enjoying the day. Howl traveled in pace with the other village goers until he reached a building that had a hanging sign which blocked out the sun from where he was currently standing. Howl felt a shoulder brush by him as he stood in place staring at the sign. Not wanting to remain in way, Howl quickly swept into the Inn and out of sight from the busy street.
 
Howl entered the Inn and there was an immediate change in atmosphere. It was much cooler inside the Inn than it was outside and the room was much quieter in comparison to the busy street. There were no other patrons inside the Inn besides a single hostess who was standing behind a desk that was centered on the back wall. Howl enjoyed the ambiance of the Inn’s lobby and was convinced that this is where he would stay for now.
 
“Welcome.” The hostess said as Howl neared the receptionist’s desk. “A room for one please.” Howl said. The receptionist requested identification and Howl retrieved the passport that he had stored within his white blouse and handed it to her. She opened Howl’s passport and jotted something down then handed it back to him. Afterwards, she explained to Howl the different rooms that they had to pay and their price structure. Howl chose to go with the most basic accommodation as he did not plan on spending much time in his room whilst he was here. “And how long will you be staying for Mr. Jenkins?” The receptionist asked Howl, who paused momentarily before answering. Howl informed her that he was unsure how long the duration of his stay would be but assured her that he had the funds to continue to pay for his stay. After about a minute more of conversation, the receptionist slid a small key across the desk towards Howl and informed him that his room was located down the hall and on the left.
 
The carpet of the lobby was a faded green which paired well with the walls which Howl assumed to be made of teak wood. Howl followed the green carpet down a narrow hallway lined with doors and once he got to the end, he took a left. “Room 109” his key read, as Howl neared the end of a short hallway, coming to the final door at the end on the left. Howl read the numbers beside the door, “Room 109”. Howl slide the small key into the doors handle and the door opened easily. The room was small, about 300 square feet. There was a twin sized bed on the opposite end of the room. Near the entrance was a small cooking station that consisted of a compact sink and stove. On the opposite side of the room was one of two doors which lead into a small bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower large enough for one person. The door next to the bathroom, was a small closet. Howl removed his red, black diamond checkered coat and laid it on the bed. Howl moved about in the room for a few moments longer, and then exited his room without bringing his coat.
 
The room door automatically clicked locked behind him as he exited. Howl made his way back through the narrow corridor of the Inn, through the lobby, and back into the sunlight of the busy street. Howl looked left, right, then left again, trying to gauge which way he should go. Howl decided to venture to the right, into untraveled territory. The further Howl traveled into the village, the denser the living quarters and shops became. As he walked, Howl’s head swiveled, taking in all the names of the places that passed. He traveled until he came to what appeared to be the start of a commotion. There was an older man who was squat in stature and wearing some rather extravagant and expensive looking clothing. He was exchanging words with two people, a man and a woman, who were wearing matching uniforms. With nothing to do and a keen interest for drama, Howl slowed his pace as he came closer to the conversation so that he could listen.
 
“What do you mean there isn’t a fuinjutsu specialist on duty! I am a noble, I can’t afford for my home to not be protected while I am traveling. This is unacceptable!”
 
His words were becoming shouts and the next thing Howl knew, he was now standing directly in the midst of the conversation. Howl’s curiosity had now gotten the best of him and he had injected himself in a situation that had nothing to do with him. The squat man had ceased shouting and now he, along with the pair he was just shouting at, were now staring at him. Quickly, Howl began to speak to defuse the tension, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear you could use some assistance? I happen to be a Fuinjutsu practitioner.” Howl said, trying to sound confident. The pair in matching uniforms staired at Howl with surprised expressions on their faces and the squat man was now eyeing Howl ferociously.

WC: 1082

It was with a slight grown that Asahi Yagami, half the komekageship, sat up at his desk.  Rubbing the heavy sleep from his eyes, he reached for a beverage of questionable origins.  Taking a sip and making a face, he quickly found himself back among the world of the awake and attentive.  With a brief shake, he began to pour back over the applications and power work that was located on his desk.  Each folder had an attached portrait style photo as well as detailed notes of family, skills, and abilities.  Each person represented by a folder was a newcomer or someone within the village applying to take over different positions in the militia, or any other number of village growth positions.  Recently they’d seen a boon in foot traffic in trade, requests for missions were starting to pour in, and new buildings seemed to be going up every other day.  In truth it was almost hard to recognize what had been such a quite little place not too long ago.  Even still, selecting people for the militia positions was not his normal job, and not one he was enjoying.  Yasahiro however was out of the village working against the Zukumiki supposedly, so someone had to do it.

They were down several positions still.  He’d been tasked with hiring a gate guard captain, a sensory specialist, other than himself, and a medic.  The gate guard captain was the only position he’d been able to settle on.  The much more tolerable, all be it much more gloomy, teacher of Giichi himself.  At least he’d be happy to have such an old friend to work with Asahi thought.  The sensor and the medic however he was no closer to selecting anyone out of the pile of applicants, some of whom didn’t even live in the village.  They were outside applicants either free from village ties or mercenaries seeking a more solid place to live.  Throwing his hands up in frustration, he vacated the chair and stood next to the window staring out.  Just as he did a bright white shape caught his eye.  His horse Princess IvyBluemoon was meandering through the streets.  He’d though Giichi was supposed to be taking her out for some exercise, but maybe they had finished early.  Fingers rapping on the wood of the windowsill he opted to give up on his task for now.  A solid thirty three percent was a good days work right?

With this thought, he quickly ducked out of the office and castle as a whole.  Meeting up with Princess before taking up a seat in her bareback.  The horse didn’t seem to mind, their connection strong.  She may bite and kick anyone else, but Asahi found her brilliant and for some reason she’d taken an equal liking to him.  Their ride through the town was not one of much excitement, instead just happy to enjoy the fresh air.  Asahi for his part had forgotten the ghastly komekage hat back in the office.  Today he wore a tight fitting white kimono with pink cherry blossoms styled along the base of the hakuma pants, and skme moving down the sleeves.  His hair was tied up in a fancy top not, wooden clogs on his feet, his newly forged sword bouncing against his hip with the strides of the horse beneath him.  Soon enough as they moved through the residential district a commotion could be heard up ahead.  For a brief moment he considered simply turning around and ignoring it, but no he had a duty and he was trying to fulfill it.  If anything just to spite Yasahiro and show the man he could when he put his mind to it.  

Catching the tail end of the conversation, he brought a hand up to his forehead giving himself a loud enough thwack to attract the attention of all involved.  He’d heard about the request for a fuinjutsu specialist, and that the sharp dressed man was volunteering.  However what was one Asahi’s mind was the missive beneath all those folders on his desk.  A new merchant had set up a home within their walls and was requesting added protection to it.  He’d meant to find a sealer, a difficult task with Yamato out, but with everything going on he’d simply forgotten.  “Hello Kunisagi, still as biting as ever.”  He’d say, a smile across his face as he looked down on the shirt merchant from horse back.  Before the man could retort with what was undoubtedly a nasty comeback Asahi cut him off, “I was just on my way to fulfill your request with my new friend here!”  He’d say gesturing towards Howl.  This did enough to confuse the man into silence, and without delay he motioned for the man to follow him.  Asahi slid form the castle so they could walk in tandem.  Giving a wave behind him, “give us an hour or so and then you can come by!”

He’d wait till they were out of earshot.  “Sorry you got dragged into that…..what’s your name, I don’t think we’ve met.”  He’d say realizing he didn’t know the man.  In some places security was tight enough this may have been concerning, but for the village of Tanbogakure newcomers were as common as residents.  As the man would hopefully give his name, Asahi’s sprite seemed to reach out, searching the man.  His own senses picking up not only on what was said, but the aura of the man and maybe something deeper.  In return Howl would receive a brief flash of a memory that wasn’t his, two men Thenone in front of him, and a dark haired man he did not know playing a game of Go in a broken down swamp shack laughing and drinking sake.  

Once that brief oddity was gone Asahi would continue now addressing the man by the name he was given.  “Appreciate it if you could help me out with all this….we don’t have many fuinjutsu people around here.  I can pay you for a good job.”  He’d say still smiling, his hands absentmindedly brushing through the white mares mane.  Soon enough they’d arrive at the house.  

TWC - 1026

(Utilizing Ninshu, if you don’t mind giving a brief description of Howl’s chakra.  Like color how it feels etc, and a sentence from his backstory.  Thanks)

Howl had been exchanging dubious looks with the squat man when the sounds of approaching horseshoes stomping against the dirt path and a loud thwack garnered his attention. It was not just Howl, but the entire disgruntled group was now looking up at a male atop of a white horse who was wearing a tight-fitting white kimono with pink cherry blossoms styled at the base of his pants and continuing down his sleeve. Howl glossed over the man’s attire, taking note of the wooden clogs on his feet, the sword that was fastened to his hip, and the fancy top knot that his hair was tied into. This person appeared to be a samurai of sorts- or at least looked the part, Howl thought. Howl had never met a samurai before, but he assumed this is what they would look like. Howl glanced over to the squat man and matching duo that the squat man had been scolding just moments before. The duo’s posture was much more proper than they had been before the man on the horse had arrived, but the squat man was still tense, but appeared to be doing his best to hold his tongue.
 
The samurai addressed the squat man as “Kunisagi” and made a light comment about his temper, suggesting to Howl that this was Kunisagi’s normal disposition. He then explained to Kunisagi that he was on his way to fulfill his request now with the help of his new friend. By friend, the samurai was referring to Howl who was now feeling relieved now that he had been saved from this undesirable situation. Kunisagi stood in silence, he took a good look at the samurai, then at Howl, then back to the samurai. “Very well.” Kunisagi said, now turning on the matching duo. “Take notes lads, at least someone around here knows how to get things done.” The merchant snorted and then went on his way.
 
Howl was now being lead away from the scene, walking in tandem with the samurai on the white horse through the busy street. As they walked, the Samurai asked Howl his name. “Howl Jenkins” Howl said, in stride while looking up at the man on the horse. “I’ve just arrived in the village today and then found myself in the middle of an argument, very unlucky. Thank you for saving me.” Howl said in a sincere manner, moving slightly closer to the horse as they walked to avoid bumping into someone traveling the opposite way. As their eyes met, a strange phenomenon occurred. It felt as though, in the brief moment that their eyes had locked, the man on the horse had invaded his consciousness and a memory that wasn’t his own raced through his mind before fleeting. Unbeknownst to Howl, he had also shared a glimpse of himself with the samurai who was now feeling intense emotions of sadness, guilt, and a dull pain in his chest. A scene would occur, and the samurai now would be looking down on a man with black hair laying motionless on a floor within a gray and barren landscape which was Ita’s dimension of Kamui. The scene would then begin to swirl and become obscure beyond recognition before refocusing immediately to another scene. This time, it was a man with flaxen blond hair laying peacefully amongst tall grass and an array of colorful flowers. The feelings of sadness and guilt were now replaced by serenity and curiosity.
 
Just as quickly as the phenomenon had occurred, it had ended, and Howl changed his footing swiftly to avoid walking into a wheelbarrow that had been left unattended in the middle of their path. Howl cleared his throat and walked normally as he pondered what had just happened, not trying to give away to the samurai that he was aware that something strange had just occurred. “I apologize, but I didn’t get your name?” Howl said, now curiously eyeing the horse that he was riding on. This horse was undoubtedly the same horse that he had encountered earlier today at the gate house where Giichi had granted him his passport.
 
The samurai then requested Howl’s assistance with following through on his offer to restore the merchants protective fuinjutsu seals. “Really, it is my pleasure.” Howl said coolly. “It’s one’s duty to use and pass on their knowledge, plus I’ve been wanting to use some of the new fuinjutsu I’ve learned, just wait until you see.” Howl’s newfound ability to utilize fuinjutsu had left the man hungry to learn more. In the brief time that he had been in his new body, he had amassed a rather extensive arsenal of defensive, offensive, and utility fuinjutsu that he was itching to use for any given reason. Now that Howl thought about it, it really wasn’t a coincidence that he had gotten himself into this situation and then he came to the conclusion that it was truly, divine intervention.
 
It wasn’t long before they arrived at Kunisagi’s place. “If you don’t mind, I’ll begin.” Howl said coolly once more, interlocking his fingers and cracking them as if he were about to do something extraordinary. He approached the entrance and investigated it thoroughly. Howl leaned close to the door so that his right eye was only inches from the surface. Howl did this several times and then stood back two feet from the doorway and stood up straight. He now held his right-hand outwards with his index and middle finger extended which were now beginning to glow. Howl tapped the doorway with two fingers and a large seal appeared. The symbol glowed madly for a moment and then a loud crackling sound pierced the air. Cracks now appeared all over the seal and then it broke apart into a million tiny pieces before disappearing completely. “Very shotty work.” Howl murmured underneath his breath as his eyes fixated vigorously on the doorway, contemplating what mastery of fuinjutsu Howl would perform on the doorway first. Howl now stood up straight once more, held his right hand up once more, and pressed his index finger which was now glowing blue with chakra, against the doorway once more. Upon contact, a seal would form, approximately 6 inches in diameter, and burn itself into the doorway in a flash of blue light before fading away from sight. As soon as the seal disappeared, there was a locking sound around the doorway and a gust of air expelled from all of the previously unsealed gaps in the entrance, causing Howl’s, the samurai’s, and the horses hair to briefly fly in the opposite direction. Upon completing the seal, Howl attempted to penetrate the entrance a few times and once satisfied, would then turn around and walk back over to Asahi and Princess IvyBluemoon. “Should be in order.” Howl said to the samurai, confident in his work.

Fuin Breaking
Fuin Lock

WC: 1142
TWC: 2224

What a strange name, was Asahi’s initial reaction.  Howl Jenkins, newly arrived this very day.  A bit unfortunate to meander into an argument so quickly after coming to a new place.  “Well that man is a bit rough around the….well every part of him.”  He’d laugh lightly, “sorry about all that.”  He’d wave off the thanks for the rescue.  “Don’t mention it, if you can help me here you are the one doing me a favor.  I’m pretty good at calligraphy,  you know, but this ninja stuff….well k barely have a head for it.”  He’d say, sliding off the horse so he could walk in stride with the man, realizing his rudeness.  He’d release the reigns in Ivy who continued without seeming to notice.  It would be obvious he had not really been steering her and was mostly for show.  

Locking eyes with the man the now almost familiar feeling of seeing into one’s soul would occur.  He couldn’t pinpoint when it had started, but it had occurred enough by now he rarely let it ruin his stride.  The brief glimpses into other peoples spirits, the feeling of their ghost as it still rested within a mortal coil.  It was often times as intense as it was dull.  Never knowing what would happen, but rarely being able to help himself from doing it.  Despite his control of his own spirit this was one area his meditation had yet to teach him discipline.  The visage of guilt, maybe a wounded or dead man, turbulence, then life and peace.  He gave a little shake before reaching out to steady Howl form rushing into a wheelbarrow.  

Asahi knew well about the darkness that lay in mens hearts, and darker still in their souls.  His cousin suffered from a similar affliction,  he’d long ago given up judgements of others.  Instead working to help when he can, and leave judgment for the kami that exist beyond his powers.  He’d protect himself and those he was charged to protect, but second chances were well within his wheelhouse.  

The man didn’t show much of a sign anything had occurred.  The near collision could easily be written off as part of the mundane, regardless Asahi had no desire to push the matter.  A man’s past was his business, only to be shared when he deemed it.  “Asahi Yagami. He’d say smiling, reaching out a hand to shake his.  “Trust me, the pleasure is mine as is the gratitude.”  Once again waving away Howl’s words.  He noted the pride and hunger within the man.  The same attributes that Yasahiro held when he looked at the blade.  Perhaps it was this parallel of the past, and that look of passion…..Asahi already could feel a soft spot for the man.  Another project to work on.

As they finished talking they’d arrive at the house.  Howl waisting no time in wanting to get started.  With a flourish of his arm and a dramatic bow, he’d let the man do his thing.  

He’d watch, not the work that was done, but rather the man that did it.  He noted the firmness in his gaze, the signs of professional pride, and the hunger for a continued challenge.  The way he formed seals, and inspected the work.  Yes, it was Yasahiro all over again.  Cut from the same cloth with the same snags spread through out.  Shaking his head he’d chuckle to himself, reaching up and scratching Ivy Bluemoon beneath her chin, causing a tail flick.  Blue eyes continued to watch until a large gust of wind sent the mane of the mare, and his own hair for a ride.  Adjusting his own as Howl moved back he heard in his voice the pride.  

“Looks alright, let’s take a look though.  That old baboon will be in my office quicker than a snake from a hoe if anything isn’t right.”  He’d walk passed the man, drawing his sword in a fluid practiced motion.  Giving it a swish and flourish, he’d adeptly jab the weapon forward for the key hole.  A flash of sparks and a force kept the blade from penetrating or coming any closer.  However, due to the properties of his blade it was likely that Howl would feel a slight drain to his stamina.  

Satisfied, he returned his blade to its sheath.  Walking back.  “Very nicely done!”  He’d say clapping the man on the back.  “You said you’re new in town, well if you aren’t too busy getting settled in come with me.  Visitors often can be assigned jobs when applicable so we get something out of their stay, and I’d say you did your duty well.  Let’s go to the castle, get you some money for the job, and then my dear…..some sake on me, what do you say.”  He’d clap his hands together rubbing them quickly.  “O hush you.”  He’d add at the horse who seemed to roll her eyes, an impressive feat for a mare.  “Forgot to mention, I’m the Komekage, so I can get us the cheapest drinks if the highest quality, just like I like my women aye?”  If allowed he’d gesture and have Howl follow him to an even more interesting adventure.  Hopefully the man could hold his sake.  Asahi was a fine swordsmen, but a better sake drinker.  


Exit


TWC - 1908

Claims - Ivy blue moon
+ 19 speed to Ivy Bluemoon 
+ 30ap
+ 1179wc towards Swamp     (Prev training. Prev training)
+729 towards Great moving earth core

Claims - Asahi
+9k for mission and +15k for kage
Memorizing Howl’s chakra signature

“We wouldn’t want that. Go for it.” Howl would say, now watching the Asahi peculiarly as he approached the door Howl had just sealed. Asahi passed Howl and once in front of the fuinjutsu sealed entrance, he would brandish his sword in one fluid motion and attempt to penetrate the door’s keyhole to no avail. There was a flash of sparks indicating that the seal was either working or breaking. Ultimately, Howl’s spell had successfully guarded Kunisagi’s front entrance to Asahi’s satisfaction, but Howl couldn’t help but feel slightly weak afterwards. Howl dismissed the feeling just as he had earlier, understanding that this was not the first oddity that had occurred since they had met the Komekage.

Asahi would congratulate Howl on a job well done and clap his back in the same spot as Giichi had several times earlier, causing Howl to wince in pain. Asahi then invited Howl to go back with him to the castle that was perched atop the mountain side and get him some money for completing the task. He also offered Howl a drink. “I’ve got nothing else to do.” Howl said truthfully. Howl barely knew who he was never mind what he planned to do next. Despite how litter he understood of his current circumstances, Howl was beginning to enjoy the freedom that accompanied it. His short life before had always been so calculated and riddled with complications that he never got the time to just enjoy being alive and how it felt to act without purpose. Howl processed the idea of the request and as he did, he could of swore he saw the white horse roll it’s eyes at her masters disregard for noble manners. “Well, what are we waiting for?” Howl said exuberantly. As the two headed towards their next adventure, Howl would make a joke, “Does that mean I get to ride your horse?” He laughed.

WC: 317
TWC: 2541

[Exit/Mission Complete]

18K Ryo (Beloved Presences) 22450 new ryo total.
30 Mission AP. 50 new mission AP total

25 stats towards Chakra. New Chakra stat 50

2K WC towards changing Weaponry Spec to Sensory spec
472 WC towards Nature Chakra Proficiency 1528 WC trained previously Here 2k/2k

Approved