New Recruits

Kota could not believe the amount of stuff he had to do and put up with since he arrived at the beach. He was a busy bee that was completing missions and quests left and right. He barely had time to fit in all the degeneracy and rest. There was only so much that he could do in his home village. Now that he was out of it he wanted to enjoy himself to the fullest. Completing all these good deeds was getting in the way of it. This time Kota was intent on enjoying the day. No more training anyone. Just a day to enjoy himself.

“Hey. Sexy guy in the black and gold shorts. I could use some help.” Kota ignored it. Clearly the voice was not speaking to him. “I know you hear me. You heard enough of my voice last night in my beach house.” Kota peeped his eyes to look at the man. It was the guy from last night. “Don’t ignore me. You will enjoy this. I need you to be a volunteer lifeguard. We have a shortage of them due to an incident last night. Only reason I can work today is thanks to you.” The man kept talking as if Kota was already agreeing. “Even if I can’t swim well thanks to my back hurting.”

This time Kota got himself up. The hunter considered himself a good judge of character when it came to people. From what he could remember the ability of this man to beg and get what he wanted was not to be underestimated. He was part of the reason he needed the shark fin soup last time.

“Yeah. Just tell me what it includes. I know you will be making this up to me later. Including that sunscreen thing.” The lifeguard just smiled at him. Kota was a type to remember good deeds done to him. It was apparently a fact that the lifeguard did not forget.

“The gist of it is to make sure people don’t die. You have good eyesight and situational awareness so it will be easy. Just change into one of our outfits.” Kota raised his eyebrows upon hearing that. At least he would get the chance to see some of the other eye candy around.

Getting to the designated changing room Kota could see a wide variety of sizes in Lifeguard wear. Kota found some trunks in his size, rinsed off, and put his own clothes away. It was easier for him to just place his beach clothes in his pocket space. He would change back into it later.

“Alright party people I have arrived~” Kota strutted into the room in his lifeguard gear and sandals. He honestly thought the uniform made him look even more attractive. It was a shame that his words fell on empty ears. He was the first to arrive. The archer was not happy that people missed out on seeing his sexy. It made him feel better when he remembered that he got to go outside in the uniform, at least then the people would have something to look forward to. Kota sat on the bench in the waiting area. He wanted to see what the other new lifeguard stand-ins looked like.

[WC: 544]

So much for a dry morning huh? Niento had originally spent his time out in the village walking around, his eyes searching for one of his troupe members who had decided to shirk off and not complete their tasks. The Kiri Jounin had a lot of patience for the matter, but apparently Shuko thought otherwise. Currently he was on the tail of his worker and just when he had thought he had them, he was wrong. Opening the door that Shuko had went through, Niento would find himself on a beach of sorts and from there. His regular attire which had consisted of a black button up shirt that sat under his Mist Walker Armor, his refined Katana, black pants and boots with his Kiri headband had been replaced with a sleeveless shirt and swimming shorts. His katana and headband remained though he tied the headband to his waist and walked about. This had to be a displacement or space-time technique though he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He knew how space-time had worked but this was an interesting way to use it. Either way he would begin to walk around on the beach for a moment just trying to see what had been going on. As he felt around his person he could feel his favorite cigarettes in his pocket and a sigh of relief escaped his lips as he popped one up and into his mouth before lighting it and taking a deep drag. Letting out a happy sigh as the smoke slowly left his lips, he would continue his search for a landmark to see where he had been. His walk took him far until a familiar chakra signature and soon a familiar face would fill his sight as he walked over to them. Standing to their right he would take in another drag as he looked forward and smile," If i did not know any better it looks as if you are slacking off of your duties sir," a slight chuckle would escape his lips as he tapped the end of his cigarette and moved to take another drag.

Apparently they would be doing some sort of lifeguard duty judging by the outfits on the table and the explanation that he was given, but seeing as he was in something close...he wasn't going to change but take the tools so he could be seen as a lifeguard. Waiting for the rest he would see someone else come in and raise a brow for a moment before shrugging and finishing his cigarette. Standing beside his Kage he would wait for the others and hopefully get this job on the road. What he didn't know however was what he did to get here and once he was done here someone was going to get in trouble. However, a small vacation might be nice considering all that had just transpired within his home and now in his troupe. Whatever had been the issue would be resolved, but why not enjoy the vacation while it lasted?

508 WC

Another day of problems and chaos that would ultimately tumble down the ladder of responsibility until landing squarely on the shoulders of someone that cared to do something about it. That is what Roy was expecting as he finished donning his blue military garb and stepped out of his door into what should have been the streets of Konoha. Instead the young firebrand was met with the squawks of seagulls and sounds of crashing waves unto the shores of a beautiful beach. "What in the dimensional hell is this about?" His typical attire that he had just finished dressing in meticulously had been replaced by swimming trunks and a beach hoodie. The outfit was entirely unacceptable and Roy was deliberate in removing the lightweight top and depositing it onto the nearest unoccupied chair.

Being transported to another location is one thing but to be completely redressed at the whim of someone else is crossing a line I didn't think existed. Someone will need to answer for this.

Continuing down the beach a ways Roy was becoming more and more convinced that this was not in fact a silly prank being played on him but instead the phenomenon was something else altogether. Roy wandered into a nearby building in search of someone that could provide answers on how he got here or at the very least where or what here was. Inside he ambushed as if he had not actually been the one coming here for answers but that the opposite was in fact true. 

"Great, you are here just in time! As you can see all of the other substitute lifeguards are already changed and ready which just leaves you!" He was being pushed into a changing room that held a variety of sizes of shorts that were identical in appearance to those of the asshole that ambushed him. "Please get changed quickly and then we will go over the details for today." An exasperated sigh found its way out of Roy's mouth with intent. He could waste his breath and time in protest but it was apparent that the beach was shorthanded enough that they were accepting literally the next person to walk through the door. Roy determined that he was likely a better choice for random lifeguard than the next person so he resigned himself to the situation and changed his trunks out with a pair of the red shorts that would indicate the others that he was there to save them.

Maybe I can find out something about this place while I'm out there at least.

Stepping out of the changing room Roy took a look at the others present and nodded in rhythm as he noted each of the people present. His eyes passed over Kota, party person with too much energy... then to Gonk, shark boy... and finally Niento. shark boy's keeper... Wait a minute! His eyes darted back to Gonk in a bit of staunch amazement. Shark boy!? That's not something you see everyday. Roy was pulled out of his brief stupor by the incessant man that had greeted him at the door.

"This is perfect. Look at all of you! Now that everyone is ready my colleague will go over the protocols and expectations!" The annoying man left immediately after as the lady that now commanded everyone's attention began to give them their instructions.

---

WC: 561

Kota was experiencing a rare moment in his life. The archer was not the center of attention in the group and it was okay. That was because there was an actual shark in lifeguard attire. Kota looked at the other people in the room with an incredulous look. His face was screaming with the expression ‘you all are seeing this right?’ Just to make sure the heat at the beach was not frying his brain. After the shock settled Kota was filled with curiosity. The archer scooted closer to the shark man as a lady came in to give them their assignment.

Listening to what was expected Kota was inhaling deeply into his nose. He wanted to see how much like a fish the man smelled like. If he was more shark did it mean he would taste great with spices? Kota was happy about meeting this shark person. Even if it made him nervous. He just had shark meat the other day. Could he smell the blood of his family on him? Kota stopped his sniffing and backed away slowly just in case. It would be better if he did not bring attention to himself. The shark looked like he came with a bodyguard, that or was already called dibs on by a sushi chef.

“Alright you crazy cats and fish question mark. Sorry, never met a person that looks like a shark, or is a shark. Like I heard about you in the bloodline book but I have never met one of you before.”  Kota would speak to the Gonk man while keeping the drool out of his mouth. It would leave a bad impression of the archer looking like an idiot. “Anyway. I am off to monitor my station. See you all in a bit, unless something happens.”

Kota was a bit emotionally tired from trying to shove his foot all in his mouth. It was embarrassing to say the least. When he learned the names it did not make him less curious. He figured the shark dude was called Gonk. It made the one next to him either Nintendo or Roy. Kota did not question how the lady knew his name. His partner from the previous night was on duty. It would be weirder for him if she was unaware. He jogged to his station. The man refused to move at full speed. He wanted to give the beach goers enough time to check him out. That and take his own sweet time to check out the hot beach bros.

“Help, we need help! Please help!” Kota could hear the scream of a small girl. She was pointing at a little boy on a surfboard. The waves were taking him out further and further from the beach. Kota did not think as he started running at his full speed. He did not swim. The ninja did not feel like slowing himself down like that. He simply ran on top of the water. He bent down and grabbed the boy and the surfboard.

“I got it. Go hang out with your parents. It is dangerous out here to be alone.” Kota gave a stern warning with a warm smile. He could be mean but never really to children. When he dropped them off Kota felt a vague premonition of danger. He was unsure of what it was but he could feel a storm of sorts coming.


[WC: 569]
[TWC: 1113]

A wry chuckle would escape his lips as he patted Gonk on the back playfully before looking forward," Don't worry I won't say anything if you won't. Beside. Everyone needs a vacation every once and a while...and given what you are going through at the moment? Its going to be needed," he wouldn't elude to anything, but Gonk would know what he meant. His coal colored eyes would settle on Kota as he spoke to Gonk, and luckily this was a pretty lax place. It was...odd seeing someone swoon over his Kage like that which only made Niento chuckle inwardly. Once the younger male walked off, Niento would slowly draw his gaze to Gonk before chuckling," Looks like someone has taken an interest in your "unique" physiology my friend. Should you let them down gently now..or is he more to your tastes," another playful jab as he patted Gonk on the back again and started to head out to his station. He wasn't in any rush and more specifically he just wanted to take his time on getting there. Eyes could be felt on the Jounin's body mostly because he carried such a muscular yet lean physique and looked like what some people would call "DILF" material although these claims would be denied by him at any point. Either way he smoothly walked over to his station and with one smooth motion would pull himself up onto his chair and leaned back.

Grabbing another one of his cigarettes he would pop it into his mouth and let out an easygoing sigh as he looked out into the water, one of the more experienced lifeguards looking him over before they spoke," You look like you are in shape...So if you see anyone drowning and doubt you can get to them before us, just give a hollar and we will take care of it," to which the relaxed Jounin would chuckle and shrug," I can assure you before you make it out of that chair i can be the in the water and saving them. But if I need help I will let you know," and if on cue he would light the cigarette and commence his watch. From atop of his seat he could see many families playing and splashing in the water which honestly made him miss the children he had once had....but those somber memories were but a fleeting past. Shaking them from his head he would scan the waters starting from the shores and working his way out. Along his line of sight he could see what looked as if it had been drowning, but knowing it could be someone playing he waited in silence for a moment. Seconds went by as he saw the head bob under the water and from there he knew. Standing up he launched himself from the chair at his fastest speed, his hands touching the sand first before he took off in a sprint and dove into the water. Being from the Islands of Kiri and a boat operator,swimming was something he had been very adept in. Because of this he was quick to maneuver through the water and to the sinking child that had clung onto him once they had felt Niento cradling them. Coming up to the surface he would begin to wade to the shoreline where he would place the child down and pat them on the back in order to get the water from their system. As they coughed it up he would shake his head and throw the ruined cigarette into his pocket," Glad you are still among the living but do try to do your best in the future to make sure you are safe alright?," the kid of course would nod before sobbing and going to look for its parents. A small sigh escaped his lips as he thought of his two and shook his head,"I sound like a sentimental old man..."

659 WC
TWC: 1,167

Any questions?” Roy scoffed. What did he not have questions about at this point. "Normally we’d have two guards per chair," How could this possibly be the case and yet they need to recruit 4 apparent strangers to help fill in? Was there an entire squad of lifeguards that met an unfortunate fate at the teeth of man-eating sharks the day before? Roy glanced over at the shark boy again. No way, definitely just the strangest coincidence ever I am sure. Admittedly, Roy was as much a fan of putting off his works as the next person, but this little outfit of 'beach custodians' was bordering on malicious dereliction of duty.

While there appeared to be no actual questions verbalized among the group there was an outburst from the one Roy had previously identified as the 'party person'. He was currently obsessing over the shark in the group and generally making a point to express his lack of self-control to everyone. He did say something of value though regarding bloodlines. Roy had assumed as much that it was the case but the confirmation made him more confident in both his own surmising about Gonk and also that Kota wasn't likely to be quite the fool he was portraying himself to be.

Roy headed outside with the group, making note of the familiarity between Gonk and Niento before heading off in the direction of his assigned station. The stations were spaced wide enough apart that all four of the group were isolated from each other with the closest people to help being the proper lifeguards. Of course that would make sense except for the fact that this place was getting more and more suspicious by the moment. As if his strange arrival here and subsequent enlistment in lifeguard duties wasn't enough, the woman that gave the instructions had addressed him by name at the end. He hadn't spoken his name to a single person since arriving and he didn't recall having ever met the woman in his life. The cherry to top it off was the way she ended her statement earlier.

"This way you’ll all be sandwiched by trained guards who can watch over you.” 

A freudian slip perhaps? Of course, perhaps she had just meant watch over them in case they needed assistance, but they circumstances on the day were mysterious enough that Roy would be sure to save his energy during this eight hour shift of theirs lest something terrible happen just as he had exhausted himself.

The walk to his chair had been uneventful if not scenic, the one thing going for this place was the amount of bouncy and attractive women. If circumstances permitted he might be able to indulge in some not so idle conversation, but such a hope was surely just a pipe dream today. Roy hopped up to his seat and adjusted the umbrella overhead to block the sun from beating on him and draining his energy through the day. It wasn't long before Roy was bored and making eyes at the pairs of women wandering up and down the beach. Almost always in pairs it seemed; rarely a trio and almost never a bevy. He was still keeping watch of the water line in his periphery and there had been no incident yet thankfully.

His scouting was soon interrupted by a family that had stopped to ask him some question or another about the beach that Roy had no idea about. A strategy soon developed in which Roy would direct any would-be inquirers over towards the 'real' lifeguards further down the beach. Then finally the dreaded moment arrived where someone actually appeared to be in danger out in the water. Roy grabbed the flags he had been given just as they person resurfaced to the water. False alarm I guess. Wait... Damnit! The person sank back down after a bit of flailing about.

Roy tossed the flags aside deciding that any delay in an effort to get a professional on the job could just result in someone drowning. A short brisk run over the water brought him to the panicking man at which point Roy lifted him easily out of the water and returned him to the safety of the beach. The issue had been a cramp suffered while trying to impress a lady friend by swimming out to the underwater dune a ways away from the safety of shallow waters. While the sand was visible in the water it was apparently too far down to stand on and the ensuing panic resulted in a cramp and near drowning.

Roy derided the man somewhat for his foolish behavior before heading back to his post, soaking in the applause and warm thanks from the crowd that had formed as he found his way back. How long has it been now I wonder...

---

WC: 809
TWC: 1370

The golden archer was experiencing a bit of shock. He was trying to figure out how the shark boy was able to figure out he was a shinobi as well. The archer did not have on his headband or any of his gear. Never mind the fact that Kota had just surface walked a moment ago, not to mention that he speed after training was faster than a regular person by leaps and bounds. It would not be hard for anyone with half a brain to put together. It just went to show how at times he was not aware of his own actions.

“Yep. I will be happy to come along. I enjoy a good beatdown as much as the next guy.” Kota did not feel like fighting but killing a group of dangerous pirates was less stressful than watching kids. Not to mention if the sharkboy accidently died Kota would collect the body, granted he would avenge him, run a few tests and if he was too human, return it back to the village in which he came. Kota figured the man was a shinobi based on how quickly he figured out he himself was. The only thing he could not figure out was how strong the one called Gonk was.

As they ran towards the ship Kota could feel anger wash over him. One of the pirate kidnappers was Fred. The lifeguard or Pirate had spent ample time with him last night. How dare the man make him sign up for a job to use him. The archer was no one’s cover. If he had his weapons on him he would have already been drawing his bow back to blast them out of the water. Well… That and the fact that there were some unfortunate hostages.

“Uhn. I think that idea could work. I can finish getting ready to fight on the way or on the boat. If the first job is to secure the hostages I should be able to sneak on and do that. I can sneak but I am not good at sneaking with other people. Once on I will at least need you all to come up with a distraction and maybe an exit strategy. I can just find and secure their lives.”

Kota gave it out as a suggestion. Securing the hostages could be considered a dangerous part of the mission. The archer was up for it. Hunting was in his blood. He could not nab the shark that was barking orders. Hunting down the passengers and securing their safety would be easier. That and he did not want the others to see what he was capable of in battle.

“Time to kick pirate faces in.” Kota spoke loudly with a hint of excitement. The next round of statements being under his breath. “I am coming for you Fred. How dare you use me as your scapegoat after rubbing that much butter on my body. Thought I was gonna smell like hot butter biscuits for days.”

When the people started to sail, Kota started making the necessary hand seals. He finished off with the horse and began to blend in with his surroundings. To the people present they should be able to barely make him out. If they watched him cast it they could still tell where he was. “I am going to be as silent as I can from now on. We dock, or whatever nautical term for pull up, and I will get to moving.” Kota started with more hand seals. This time he used his summoned space to grab his ninja tools. He neglected his bow and arrows. He did not want to go all out for people he did not know. That and the bow would clash with his outfit too much. Sure being a lifeguard was a front, it did not mean the outfit made him look any less sexy, after the fight he planned on wearing it longer.



[WC: 662]
[TWC: 1775]

---

Techniques:
— Hiding with Camouflage