Time to Jingle some Bells

Oh what a lovely day for a mission. Musu was cheery, delighted, and all around a lot happier around the holidays. He didn't know why, but he knew the holidays always brought him joy, and tons of goodies from unknown sources.

This season was proving an eventful one at that. The Dome around sunagakure started to give off the festiveness of the season by giving off bit of snow, a signaling of the changing season, and the mood around the village was content. Kids were making snowmen, the parents all seemed happy, and everywhere around the village you can see signs of the coming winter solstice. Musu had even participated in some decorating around his apartment, hoping to maybe show it off to some of the many friends he had gained along the way this year, and was planning to do more as the event grew closer. Ah, Yes, Life was good.

Still, there was a bit of work to be done, and Musu would eagerly complete any task for the village needed. There were reports of robbers going on in houses that were far well off; wealthy families and their belongings were always a prime target for thievery, but these times were the most difficult to maintain control of, with the crime rate skyrocketing. Musu had volunteered to take some time away from the village gates and help hunt down these criminals, maybe even have a little bit of fun along the way.

Waiting at the rendezvous point, Musu would be eager to meet whom was joining him on this mission.

[262]

The mission grind continued, no matter how Asuka disliked it. This time had him more nervous than the D ranks that were easing him back into mission duties. After all, it was an A rank. The last time he’d been on a mission that high (higher, by the end) he’d had to kill a woman. He sincerely prayed that wouldn’t be the case today. The crime rate had skyrocketed with the holiday season, especially robberies, and it was the responsibility of the shinobi to endure their village caught all perpetrators. Even the genin were being roped into it, or the young man probably never would’ve been assigned to this mission.

Sighing, the young man made his way to the meetup point. He was still clad in white, but rather than the billowing kimono he usually wore, the outfit was far more like a uniform. Fitted to his slender body, it was half uniform, half suit, but made to move around in just fine. Even his hands were covered like this, simple leather gloves going up to nearly elbows and protecting his hands from simple scrapes and cuts. They wouldn’t stop a blade though, so he still had to be careful.

One of his teammates for the mission was already there, clearly more experienced than Asuka himself- and far more relaxed. Nodding to the man, the genin took up a position a short distance away, not quite willing to speak just yet. There would be plenty of time for communication once the full team had arrived. Instead, he chose to mentally go over what he knew, and what would be best for him to use in this mission. He knew he wasn’t the most heavy hitter out there, his few offensive techniques suited more to one on one combat, but he could, at the very least, keep himself safe. More likely he would be treating injuries with mystical palm, or serving as a distraction. After all, all this white was rather eye-catching against the backdrop of the village.

Either way, he’d do his best to avoid killing. He was no powerhouse, so if a fight really did break out he was unlikely to be the frontline. He’d leave that to his temporary teammates for this mission.

WC: 375

Kota could be called the king of tardy. The hunter was a lot of things but punctuality was not one of them. He was lucky his running speed was pretty fast. If he ran like a snail who knows if he would ever make it in time for any type of mission. It was a shame he did not have time to even get in a cute outfit. It was the season to look good and cozy up by a fire. Not that anyone would need it in Suna. This was why going to a different village was an experience he never wanted to pass up. He had fun at the beach. Who knew what he could get into at this point.

There were people at the meet up point already. Both of them being familiar faces to the archer. One could be called a friend of his in a sense. It was the Uzumaki that he had a growing fondness for. The other was Asuka. “Sorry I am late.” He smiled and greeted them. “As per usual” The last part was spoken softly, and quickly under his breath.

“If I was the last person we could start to head out. I am already packed.” That was even a sentence that he had said over fifty times in the last year. In a way Kota found it slightly humorous, the responses from others tended to be more on the varied side. “Well I am all set to go but what are the mission details again?” Kota had glanced at them; he just did not commit them to memory. A small refresher would not kill anyone.

WC:275

Mission Details:

The Jovial nature of the holidays continued to show in Musu's eyes as both of his teammates arrived.

Asuka arrived like a beacon, a snowy sleek like figure clad in pure white, flashy in nature, very cosmopolitian. Far more gaudy attire than the grey and brown robes the Sand Jounin wore to all of his missions. Musu could tell just off expression that this ninja was still a bit green. Green didn't mean weak but it meant naive; which could be both a good and bad thing depending on how they harnessed this power. Still Musu would nod back to his teammate as he approached.

"Greetings... I'm Musu, it's good to meet you today." Musu would bow towards them with a smile.

While on most days Musu might be unhappy to see the complete disrespect being late provides, today he was going to let it slide, because there was so much happiness and joy around him. He was happy to see that Kota was part of his mission crew since they knew each other from previous encounters. The hunter was in fact, a serious hunter, and they would be essential in tracking down the goons that decided to ruin the holiday spirit.

"Kota! It's been too long, happy to see you again." Musu would say, once again bowing with a grin.

With the pleasantries out of the way, Musu would look beyond towards the houses of the wealthy families. This mission would take stealth, patience, and a knack for the element of surprise. 

"Some hooligans are ruining the holiday spirit. Disrespectful. We have received Intel of where their next target will be, a house a few blocks away from here." Musu would say pointing towards the lane of wealthy homes, ushering Asuka and Kota to follow along.

"Usually, these buffoons will start robbing around midnight. The rumor has it that they present themselves a few days before as contractors working on a project nearby to make sure that their target will be ripe for the taking, this time, however, their MO has caught up to them, and it's our job to make sure they are caught." Musu would say, continuing to walk at a brisk pace through the street.

"They may be ninja, they haven't been caught before, and they could be dangerous. We won't know until we confront them." Musu would say, glancing towards Asuka as he said that. "So be on your guard." Musu would conclude in a serious tone.

"Let's teach them some manners. Any suggestions?" Musu would ask the team.

[424/686]

“Pops, do you know this man?” Kota was too busy smiling at Musu; he had forgotten that Delphi had tagged along by riding in his hood. The sudden intrusion of her question in his mind took him by surprise. “I do sweetie. This man is a friend of Papa. So is the pretty body for the matter.” Kota did not say anything else about Asuka. Delphi was a smart young bird and could figure it out based on the vibes Kota had given out from their connection. It was complicated.

The archer and bird listened to the missions with rapt attention. Kota was thinking about how difficult it may be for Asuka if they had to kill one of the intruders. Kota was not one to show mercy to the dangerous. Delphi was busy wondering if she could go exploring. She also was sending subtle hints to Kota that she would try to scout for some extra sunflower seeds later.

“No questions from me. I will ask my partner to do some scouting if she wants. The little one is eager to explore.” This time he was speaking to the group audibly. When Del heard the sentence she flew out of his cape. Her small legs landed on his color as she rooted herself. She gave a salute with her wing to Musu. She had learned it was a sign of respect, before flying off. “I inherited a bird recently. So Del is a new addition to my family.” Kota answered a question that was not even asked. He did it just in case to avoid further questioning on the matter.

Kota raised his guard and readied his bow. He could string and fire an arrow before most could react. He was ready to fight as long as his bow was present. “If we are waiting here to ambush them. We can try taking different points and setting up traps. I can scout from the roof.” Kota tossed out a suggestion while it was the time to do so.


WC: 339
TWC:614

Kota’s idea was a good one, but Asuka had a problem with it. “Nondestructive traps that wouldn’t be noticed by potential shinobi are hard to do. Unless you’re very skilled in those traps, I’d recommend not bothering. After all, the goal is to make sure the expensive items in the house aren’t stolen or destroyed. Rooftop surveillance may be the way to go, with each of us watching a side of the house. Maybe your familiar could watch the last side?”

With that said, the young medic would turn to Musu for his thoughts on the matter. Seeing that he seemed to be doubting Asuka in particular, the albino was quick to respond. “I’m a medic, sir. It’s my job to be the last one standing. This is not my first A ranked mission, either. Please do not worry about me too much, unless they’re S class shinobi. I will most likely be fine.” he said, hands primly folded in front of him. He wasn’t a frontliner, Chakra enhanced strength or not. It wasn’t his job to be the first blow, and it certainly wasn’t his job to storm the enemy. He had access to Fuinjutsu and deadly medical ninjutsu alike. He would truly be fine.

This mission, though… he hoped they could catch the robbers alive this time. He had access to paralysis and chakra draining seals now, which would doubtless be useful in a nonlethal takedown. He could do this, the only question was if his teammates would hold back on lethal force. Only time could really tell, he supposed. He wouldn’t know until they were actually in combat with the robbers.

WC: 274

The Jounin of the sands was pleased to see both Kota and Asuka be so eager to begin the hunt of these criminals, They both had the right mind for the job and seemed capable to handle themselves in a fight. Musu was most impressed with Kota's development, the young ninja was continuing to improve his skills and might even one day surpass Musu in power and ability. He was already a skilled hunter with several missions under his belt and it seemed as though he was only getting stronger. Musu thought about the first time the two ninja met in the village and how far they had come... good times. Musu let off a slight smile as thought about times past, only to snap back to reality while Asuka was speaking.

Asuka, on the other hand, was eager and somewhat green. True, they had been on some missions, but clearly they were still learning what it took be a shinobi and still had a lot to learn. Musu thought that their life was going to be a difficult one, seeing to heal and help rather than to harm. Still, Medics are a necessary part of any village core, and it was up to Musu now to lead the two of them to the best chance of success.

"Interesting Ideas! We must confirm that these robbers are in fact trying to rob the place, otherwise they could say they were just looking around or something, but also too we don't want to damage any of the belongings."

The group had arrived to the house, a nice two story building with several windows and a flat roof. Musu looked up towards the roof and then down to his gourd harnessed on his side. walking towards one of the windows that was on street level, Musu would notice the cheap lock protecting them, perhaps it was the same on all the windows. Musu would weave a few handseals : Dog > Ox > Dragon > Tiger and place his hand on the window. If they were watching the two ninja would see a string of seals disperse from Musu's hand in a circle formation on the window that would immediately disappear. Musu would then repeat the same process on all but one of the remaining steet level windows and the door itself.

"There, I have placed a low level lock seal on these windows, but there is one that remains open. If they are able to unlock any of the other windows, we will know they are shinobi, and not some ordinary thugs. I will head to the roof and sense them out."

Musu would then head over to Auska, weave the following handsigns :  Bird -> Monkey -> Serpent -> Rat -> and then place his hand on tier shoulder, repeating the same process for Kota, should they allow it.

"This seal will protect you should you be attacked. Simply concentrate your Chakra on your shoulder and a barrier will form. From here, I will provide support if you need it, but I'll leave it to you two to actually capture these thugs. Any questions?"

4 x Lock at C Rank - 80 AP
2 x Chakra Barrier Seal on Kota/Asuka at A Rank - 80 AP

523/1209

The archer was having a serious dilemma about how not to kill the would-be thieves. Then he remembered Asuka being here. He had not really paid the man much mind. Even when the guy was shooting down his ideas for traps. If memory serves correctly the young man was a medic. That would be great for the thieves. As long as Kota avoided directly killing them they could be patched up. That meant he did not have to hold back as much.

“You know what Asuka. I am glad to have you here.” Kota gave him a thumbs up of approval. Not because of what he said. He did not pay attention or care. The thumbs up was because of his presence alone. Medics could be so useful. It was the next portion of the plan that would throw the archer for a loop.

Kota tried to keep the confusion off his face. He respected Musu a great amount. It was the actions that were being accomplished that made him flabbergasted. Kota was the one who believed he should be the roof scout. His skills were made more for killing, hunting, and taking the enemy out. The archer had a better chance of doing all that in an open space. When it came to fighting inside a building with intent to keep alive, it was a lot harder for him to do. Kota took off his quiver while Musu was locking things. Out of the arrows he had most of them were Black and Phoenix feather. They were made for killing and leaving less bits of body available. His best bet was to use his regular ones and avoid the vitals.

“Thanks. I may not need the seal now but at least it should be useful at one point.” Sealing was one thing Kota was not good at. It would be a lie to say he could untie his way out of a paper bag. The guy did not understand what people could see in those fancy letterings. All Kota could do was admire the people like Musu.

Del. Be careful. If you get too cold you can warm up to Musu. He is the guy going on the roof now. You saw him earlier. Kota did not have a hard time relaying the message with a mental picture. Their connection was getting better and smoother with practice. The distance was not that far but for a recently hatched bird Del was doing well.

The reply did not take too long. I see him. Should I offer him some birdseed when done? Delphi was having a hard time not believing that not everyone liked birdseed. She could be a diva but the offer was how she showed affection. No. You do not have to. Keep it as a snack. He would appreciate the sentiment when I tell him. Kota could feel her nod in reply.

“We should get away from the windows. Cut off the lights and wait to hit them.” Kota had his bow in his left hand. Using his right he threw up a dog handseal and turned into a clock near the wall. A decent looking structure that did not look out of place. He waited for the thieves to show up or for Del to give him a single. Soon as it happened people were gonna loose kneecaps.



WC: 562
TWC:1,176

Asuka really didn’t want to be the main force for capturing their targets, but he had to begrudgingly agree that it made sense. With his seals and his medical Ninjutsu, he was best suited for close range out of all of them, most likely. He just had to avoid using chakra enhanced strength, or he’d be guaranteed to cause property damage. His chakra absorption jutsu, maybe? He didn’t think using seals on the spot would be so easy, or he’d go for a paralysis seal. To his surprise, Musu placed seals on both of them, ones Asuka himself was already familiar with. “I have some skill in Fuinjutsu myself, I’m aware of what the seal does.” was his simple reply, though he didn’t reject it.

Sighing, he turned to head into the building, looking for a good place to hide his distinctive appearance. Luckily, quite a lot of the things inside the house seemed to be white, affording him some degree of camouflage. “Lights off for sure, but pick a place where you can actually see the window. We want to know when they come in.” he pronounced, hiding himself behind a huge white piano that was in the middle of the room. It didn’t appear to be for anything more than decoration, but with how bulky it was it would hide him well. From there, the young man turned towards the window to watch. If anything dared to step through, the young albino would be ready to lunge with chakra absorption at the ready. He didn’t make any handsigns, yet, but his hands were positioned closely enough to quickly weave them.

He wouldn’t be caught off guard, not easily. Maybe he wasn’t as strong as his companions, but if he could take their opponents down without killing them, he would do so. All he needed to do now was wait for something to happen.

WC: 315
TWC: 964

The Uzumaki would watch the confused expression that formed on Kota's face. As the hunter, Musu was sure that kota was accustomed to having the highground, something that the Uzumaki didn't really think about. When it came to battle strategy, this was a chance for the Uzumaki to learn as well, perhaps the main reason why he wanted to take point on this particular mission. Perhaps a slight twinge in his face but unwilling to change his mind now, he was going to be the lookout for this mission, and he could think of ways to do better next time. 

"Good to know, Asuka. We are going to do great, and good luck!" Musu would say in response to the gaudy genin. A ninja that was proficient with both fuuinjutsu and medical ninjutsu was a rarity, the Uzumaki would have to keep an eye on their development...

A little while would pass, the moon now reaching its peak above the hidden sand. Del would be with him keeping Musu company. The Uzumaki was very intrigued by the animal, he had never had a pet before, and this one seemed to be more intelligent. Somewhere throughout the night, Del would approach Musu, placing a seed on the sitting Uzumaki's lap. 

"Thank you...friend." Musu would say. The Uzumaki took the seed in his hands, inspected it, and ate it in front of Del. When Musu was a child he would sometimes go on hunts with his father. When food was scarce, they would pack various seed in their packs to keep going, so Musu was not a stranger to this type of food. The Uzumaki would give Del another smile and then continue on his duty.  

It wouldn't be long after this that the time of action had come. The Uzumaki could clearly hear the footsteps of two men approaching the doors of the house, casually talking as they attempted to open the various doors and windows. It was as though they didn't even think somebody would be staked out here. Clearly showing their lack of skill. 

"Ahh, I know I saw a broken lock here somewhere." One would say. 

"The Boss expects a big payday here, we can't screw this up, This is the SILVER TUNA. Have you checked this window?" The other would comment. 

"What do you think I'm doing, I'm the brains of this operation! You clearly don't get it, there's an art to it, just take it easy." The first one would bark back. 

"I'm just saying Lon, this window looks pretty busted. I'm going to try it." 

"Don't you dare, Don, I'm the one with the Magic touch, here, You'll trigger the alarm or something." 

"Oh yeah? How about this." Don would conclude, and a moment later an audible CLICK and SLIDE would rattle the house. 

"EURKEA!" He would exclaim.

1872

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: