Partners in Crime?

Mission Name: Not So Safe
Rank: C
Mission Location: Any neutral village

Challenges: -
Task: Everybody needs money, and other people sometimes have more than you. Time to even the odds. Somewhere within a building of operations/house/etc. lies a safe of valuables belonging to a crime boss/socialite/etc. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to rob the safe and escape safely. No matter who the target or what the prize, there is a single objective to keep in mind: Do not get caught. Being discovered and failing to silence any who might discover you, as well as leaving behind a mess will result in mission failure.

Word Count Requirement: 2,000
Reward: 4,000 Ryo / 20 AP

Character Requirements: Missing Ninja
Character Exclusive: -

---

Mission Name: Band of Misfits
Rank: C
Mission Location: Any borders/neutral village

Challenges: -
Task: A rural little league team as not a chance of winning against the best team in the national match. Though they are a quirky band of misfits, none of them even know how to play ball. But their parents have bet a fortune on their victory. You have been hired as their coach, assure they win at all costs. Use whatever means you can conceive to get your team to victory, but do not be discovered.

Word Count Requirement: 2,000
Reward: 4,000 Ryo / 20 AP

Character Requirements: Missing Ninja
Character Exclusive: -

---

It was warm out now a days, almost on the edge of being to hot to be in the sun for long period of times but with the help of a cooling breeze from the ocean nearby Uta could enjoy this day to its fullest. Of course he was always looking for another job to work or something to do that didn’t involve just lazing around but he was more than able to simply sit back and relax under the shade of a tree and enjoy the moment, especially since in the life of a criminal you never knew when you might be arrested or killed by the goody two shoes of the world or the much stronger criminals.
 
Uta’s choice on lifestyle came with a great price but the rewards and freedom have been more than enough to take on the risk. Today would be no different because it was while he was searching for some inkling of a job or a snippet of a rumor of a job to do when he learned of someone looking for a person or persons of seedy disposition to help them with some work that needed to be done. It took some time but Uta was able to find out who the person was and where to go to get a claim on whatever job or jobs the person might have had.
 
It would seem that the person in question with all the questions was a local merchant who was right in the middle of the social ladder. Anyone trying to work these jobs needed to show up to the merchants back door, give the password to the guard there and meet with the client himself. Took which that is what Uta went about doing, he did wonder if anyone else had taken this person up on his offer though if his past had shown anything he doubted there would be anyone else there but you never know with these type of jobs.
 
WC: 332

The gulls cried out and the scent of the ocean wafted into his nose as he took his first steps in the distant lands known as the Key Country. The cool ocean breeze blew through his messy blonde hair and caressed his pale, alabaster skin. He gently walked over to the pier and placed a hand upon the wooden handrails as he looked out into the deep blue of the sea. A look of mystified wonder crossed his face. Seagulls flew overhead, squawking and the blow of water from a whale's blowhole was seen in the distance. Everything about the ocean seemed magical to him. He gazed at the ocean for a moment before the sound of the ship's bells brought him back to reality.

Turning his back, his eyes glancing from the towering coconut trees, down to the deep sands that slowly faded away the farther he was from shore; now met with moist yet firm grass that he could properly stand on. He didn’t have time to stare in wonder at the sights that bestowed upon him. Now that he was in such an unknown land, and so far away, he needed to begin working and building some relations. Fortunately, he heard a rumor on the journey here about a merchant needing hired hands. A good place to start, it seems. The destination was a place called ‘the Wonder Imperium’. Taking heed, he began to make way on the dirt road that seemed to lead to a small settlement from that knowledge that he had gained aboard the ship.

Ten minutes later, the town's outskirts became visible on the horizon. Five minutes after that, he arrived at an area full of multiple story structures built with brick blocks separated by wide dirt roads. Scaffolding made of thick wooden beams covered many of the building’s entrances, and although it wasn’t very crowded, their arrival had already caught the attention of several locals. Women carrying large straw baskets atop their heads and wearing colorful wrapped skirts, men standing at small kiosks on either side of the sandy road with multiple crates of goods nearby, or citizens who were simply going about their day all gave either puzzled or weary looks at the new face. 

At the other end of the block stood a tall wooden gate that was surrounded by an even taller wooden wall which was easily two to three stories high. If not for the imposing wall, one would be safe in assuming that it was just a normal setting. Still, something was irking Akaime. Wonder why there aren’t any children out here, it’s almost like it’s too calm given the circumstances. Akaime knew better than to let the semblance of calm lull them into a false sense of security, since “expect the unexpected” had become a mantra in his line of work.

Upon reaching the building that was labeled ‘the Wonder Imperium’, he quickly dipped to the back of the named ware-store where he was met with a guard, which was a woman. Studying their features and insecurities, he took mental notes on everything about her. Elegance and attractiveness radiated off this one like the northern star even if her demeanor gave off as a solid rock type. However, he couldn’t delve too deep into her looks as his staring could become unjust. Taking back to the rumors as they mentioned, they said something about a password needing to get in but it was more of an obscured sentence.

“Secrets held within the light of the Sun, may come to fruition in the afterglow of the moon,” his voice seemed off as he was unsure if this was even the right saying. However, her nod and opening the door behind her suggest that he was right. Giving a subtle bow, he progressed inward.

“Ah, new company.” And a man's voice could be heard as he entered the building. Taking in the sights around him, he noted the room was in complete lavishness. Decorative rugs were neatly presented in the room, as elegant armchairs and ottomans were graciously spaced to provide room. A man could be seen rummaging through a stack of books on the shelf behind the fine-wooden desk that took up space in the center of the room.

“Take a seat please,” he said, waving his arm, not even looking at Akaime.

“Just need a minute to find something,” he said as Akaime took his seat and waited for the man.

TWC: 745

The shuffling of feet and the opening of the door into the meeting room showed the entrance of another individual taking the merchant up on whatever this task was supposed to be. Uta studied the newly arrived “comrade” and of course didn’t recognize the person but you never knew who you could run into even all the way out here. There was something about this blonde haired, blued eyed guy Uta wasn’t sure what it was but it was almost like there was some connection between the two. It could have been that they were distant relatives or something or maybe it was just because they were as Uta was assuming both seedy individuals. Moving on from that strange feeling though only pushing it to the back of his mind more so he could bother the newly arrived person later on with questions. He was more interested about what the Merchant could possibly have for them, he was thinking that maybe it would have to deal with some Rival merchant or something along those lines.

These Business types always wanted someone to do the dirty work of sabotaging or taking out their business competition, which Uta didn’t mind doing it felt like he hadn’t indulged himself in his more violent tendencies in quite awhile not since he beat up that one guy who was sleeping with another guy’s wife. Uta was always getting pretty hungry he hadn’t been drinking any blood lately and it was starting to get to that point where if he didn’t do so in a timely fashion he would be stuck in an almost comatose state. It was one of the more annoying parts of his Clan’s Bloodline, they gain access to enhanced strength and speed but if they didn’t consume blood of any sort whether it be from beasts or humans they grew weak and ravenous.
 
The merchant returned to the pair looking them both over, one looking like an average person you could find walking the streets of this very town, the blonde haired young man could easily pass as a citizen and would be some great help for one of the tasks he had been planning to giving to the pair. Now the other guy was almost the most stereotypical looking person of someone that broke laws and bones with his blacked out and blood red eyes, his hands and neck covered in tattoos and his weird looking haircut. The Merchant was sure this one would be more than able to deal with the other task he needed completed.
 
Taking a deep breath and having sat down at his own desk ready to dole out the details he cleared his throat and started to speak, “Gentlemen, You are both here to hear about the details of the jobs I have need of some help with. I’m sure you both have the skills and ability to complete both perfectly and with satisfaction.” The man spoke making sure to give some flattery and confidence to the pair to get more on their good side, as he had learned that over the years stroking people’s egos were the best way to get them to be more responsive. “This particular job has two separate tasks that need to be completed with the upmost care and importance, The first task is that our town here has a team of baseball players filled with the children of those who have the most pull in this town. They will be playing against the league’s best team within a few days and to be honest have no chance without some much needed help of winning the match.” He sighed shaking his head as the loss of the team would cause the children to bitch and moan and that would transfer to the parents who would come at him for being the one in charge of the team.
 
“I need you gentlemen to make sure that they win their match in whatever way possible, train them, sabotage the other team, whatever you need to do without being caught doing so if you use less than savory means.” The Merchant didn’t really care about the lives of the other team but he would rather not see them killed or permanently maimed but at this point he didn’t care as long as there was no connection drawn back to him or these people.
 
“The other task is some more delicate work that involves theft, One of my competitors has amassed an immense wealth due to a recent trade deal that he stole out from underneath me. I want you to locate the safe he is keeping this money in and steal it, I don’t care if you keep it for yourself or destroy it as long as no one knows it was you or can be traced back to me you are more free to do whatever you want. The more silent and stealthy you can be in this task the better.” He finished explaining as he looked over the two men in front of him. The Merchant could only hope that the two of them could complete these tasks without issue, but there was a small build up of sweat at this point on the man’s brow as he was getting to the point of no return. As soon as these two agreed to the request he was stuck with whatever outcome came to be from this.
 
Uta smiled as he listened to both of the requests, he was more interested in the stealing the money job as he had done something similar not to long ago from another merchant that had thought to hide his stash in the woods by his property. Though the prospect of messing with some snobby kids in a baseball league sounded like fun too, regardless he didn’t mind which one of those tasks he undertook or maybe blondie would want to do them together? “Give me the details on this competitor, and I mean all of them and I’ll make sure that burdensome wealth of his disappears like smoke on the wind.” Uta said confidently looking at the blondie who in the room, “You think you can handle the kids or the other team? Or you want to do these tasks together?” He asked uncaring on which is chosen Uta was just ready to get things on the go, as he was going to want to properly recon the estate do all the work that went into making these things go smoothly.
 
WC: 1085
TWC: 1417

And along came a firefly.

Hovering through the winds. Guided on gilded wings, being solely led by fate-driven ambition. Hopeful. Determined. With only but a single goal in mind, would the thing be carried on through the zephyrous motions.

Swaying through Key Country, blissfully on the breeze, was Hotaru Koutaishi. No known living clan members or family members, but, this was just what was known. Hopefully, with what she had in plan, would she be able to gain more insight into the dealings of her mysterious clan. The kunoichi knew of an old book, said to be only usable by her other kin which share similarity in pureblood status. Supposedly, as the legends had it, this grimoire, so to speak contained several stories of the lore in regard to their ancestral heritage. Not only that, but the grimoire in and of itself was also said to be a reliable tool for those who could use paper release. Finding it's strengths only bolstered even more by the casting implement. So not only would it satisfy the ever-growing and insatiable craving for what was once considered to be lost, but it would also help her find and develop a plethora of new things based off of this. The scope of potential was practically limitless when it came to this, as there wasn't much known about it. So, that was the hope, at the very least.

But that was besides the fact.

There was still the issue of actually retrieving the book.

One of her...business contacts, a merchant, gave word about himself being in possession of a book which fit that overall description...not too long ago, at the very least. You see, the merchant got stuck in a bit of a predicament. One of the local crime lords, a man by the name of Yokoshima Shinso, had apparently seen to it that this particular item was stolen. Something about a past feud which had never been reached. Regardless, this wasn't the only thing that was taken. Along with it, the man with a wicked heart had also taken at least 15,000 Ryo, and other assorted miscellaneous fenced goods. Overall, the merchant wasn't too happy nor keen on exactly just letting these items go. However. The merchant was not dumb. To just go about stomping into somewhere to get his stuff back, or even by going himself, would only lead to danger.

This was where Hotaru came in. As a safe cracker, the Shikigami summoner had a penchant of getting into things that were meant to be off limits to those who would want to take it's contents. What was even luckier for her, the contact had claimed that he already knew of a potential person with interest in also taking on this job. Someone who could provide the necessary muscle to take out any of the guards potentially, or had the person been suited for subtlety, someone to keep as a lookout. All that was directed of the blonde haired Space-Time specialist, was for her to go to the location, and wait in a very specific spot until the other would show up. And upon arrival at the place, it was a rooftop to a small warehouse. Currently, the massive bay windows positioned up there were opened wide, giving a good vantage point downwards and into the building. Now, there was a reasoning as to why the positioning was very specific. The way the sun shone down upon the window, made it's beams glare to a spot on the second floor. Peering through the window where said glare would be caught, it would appear to be an office. And inside. A small vault.

So now. All there was to do. Was await,

WC: 619

His “partner” if Uta would give them a title seemed to be keen on dealing with the kids and whole sports thing so Uta didn’t have to worry about that being completed. He needed to focus on all the information that was given to him about this competitor that had all this free and ripe for the picking wealth sitting all by itself in some safe on their property.

Uta reviewed and memorized all the information that had been presented with, now he simply needed to verify it in person. To do that he needed to make his way across the town to the place in question, which he did easily after all no one was on the lookout for a potential theft and he wasn’t some known criminal walking the streets. Well at least not here in this backwood town.

So taking the time to peruse the area and slowly check the information that he was seeing with the information he had been given Uta was satisfied that it was up to date or for the most part was. He wouldn’t be able to recon the inside of the property till he was already inside as he didn’t currently have the time to spend on his typical multiple days or weeks of infiltration and reconnaissance that he normally put into a place before he stole from it.

Making sure he had the needed equipment for lockpicking and safe breaking Uta awaited for a gap in between the patrols and servants and made his way like a shadow across the property and with a quick jimmy of locking picking expertise Uta was inside the property. He simply listened and moved, taking in account for the noise of servants and the creaking of the house. Finally he was able to locate the attic it would give him ceiling access to where the safe was suppose to be kept. Most people focused on the direct route to the safe to protect and strengthen forgetting that some individuals didn’t allow walls and such to hinder them.

So with the information gathered, Uta found the safe room and was delighted to find out the ceiling hadn’t been reinforced against any intrusion like he figured, “All this money and these folks don’t try and perfectly defend it.” Uta thought to himself as he made his way into the room at first allowing dust to fall into the room incase of wild security systems. Nothing like being caught due to overconfidence and arrogance.

With a slow precision Uta moved about the area checking and testing his new workspace for any tricks and schemes to catch the unsuspecting individual but he was again pleased to see that this safe was simply undefended for the owner must of thought his guards and servants were enough to stop any threats.

With some time and effort Uta was able to break into the safe without much issue, relieve the wealthy individual of their funds and retreat back out the way he had come in. He simply took the time needed to leave the building and property. Overall it had gone smoothly and at this point he wasn’t worried about if someone tried to stop him this far out.

WC: 538

Growing bored of waiting for the other to return, Akaime decided to take a stroll through the town.


With the intake of fresh air, the cool breeze of the setting sun could be felt upon his skin. A faint voice could be heard over the air. However, not everyone could hear. Soft words and wishes of Jashin started to weave in Akaime’s determined thoughts. Phrases, commands, and demands regarding the eradication and sacrifices of humans, beasts, and even treasonous Jashionists interwoven into the blonde’s routine, walking past the busy streets of the village. However, Jashin's requests only fell on deaf ears. The visions he had when he was in the presence of the Jashin extremists, Jupiter, have begun to slow to a holt. Every so often, he could hear the deep husks from the god, but nothing that could influence him in any way. 

Adorned with streetlights and horses galloping loud enough for passersby to step aside as the large carriages that followed the steeds' suit, it’s safe to say that the avenues and alleyways of the village were bustling with conversations and social interactions. Much like a puppet show where each and every human individual danced in their futile and fickle behaviors, their mortality running a cruel yet fragile course where the idea of their days being numbered only caused such foolish individuals to overcome their limits and capacities with such unrealism and wishful thinking. It was the same for the Chinoike, on the contrary, it further fueled his lust for risk and excitement. A smile slowly crept up the pinkish lips of the blood seer, all the while tilting his head to the side.  

Finding himself on the outskirts of this village, he could hear the faint sounds of talking individuals who either were heading towards the town's bar or going home for the night. Which neither he paid no mind too. This town, while small in size, seemed fairly extravagant. Akaime wondered what kind of trade they did here to seem so well off. Nevertheless, he moved on into the lower part of the town.

Elegant cobblestone made up the main roads, which made it easy for transportation, either on foot or by wagon. The only light that was offered was the one of the sun that was now hidden behind the far-off mountain ranges, and the few lights that were still active in homes and stores alike. Now, he figured some sort of police force should be patrolling the areas but for now, he hasn't seen anything that resembled such a thing. Maybe they were disguising themselves as regular citizens. 

Positioning himself in the alleyway beside the main bar, she decided to take a break, resting his back against the stone wall that made up the tavern inside. He could hear the loud music being played. Joyous laughter and conversations. Every so often, he would pick up bits and pieces of drama from the townsfolk. Apparently, Mizuki has been having an affair on her husband with his brother. Such an adulteress, now Mizuki and the brother, has been shunned and exiled from the town. Oh, how he doesn't miss the squabbles from his past life.

However, during his eavesdropping, he wasn't aware of the shifting presence that lingered further into the alleyway until the sound of a sword unsheathing itself with a shink noise. A small smile curdled to his lips, it seems to be that he was the target for something. Turning his eyes, he was met with a young boy. Fourteen-fifteen, even if that. Akaime could see the fear rise off of him as he read his eyes. He knew what he was. He had dark hair with the same dark eyes. Wearing some sort of uniform. He was holding out his sword, pointing it at Akaime. But the way he was trembling, it seemed he could drop it at any second.

"Should you really be pointing that at a tourist?" Akaime snickered. He could tell that this child was one of the ones from before. Did his genjutsu not work?

"You're no t-tourist, you're a monster! No one else remembers. But you killed them!" The boy screamed and lunged at him, swinging his sword as if he had no training done. Quickly side stepping his slow swing, before tapping his shoulder.

"W-what was that?" He questioned, panic starting to set into him.

"Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough," the Chinoike answered the boy. 

*Swing*

*Missed*

"You really are too slow, how do you expect to kill me, even if your body isn't going to start failing you?" Akaime chuckled.

"What d-do you mean?" The boy questioned again, until he realized what Akaime meant, his arm couldn't move, it was almost like it was paralyzed. Fear and dread overtook his entire eyes as she could see tears begin to swell up. And in one swift movement, the arm exploded. Blood and bone painting everything in a 5m radius. A shriek could be heard.

TWC: 2,837

It wouldn't be too long until a certain shady looking individual would be seen by Hotaru making their way into the room with the vault. Much of the details regarding how they looked couldn't be gleaned from their dark clothes, and the way the wistfully waltzed through the shadows; but one thing was very clear. This much, the Koutaishi knew, said individual was extremely pale. Ghastly white, almost as much so as the parchment in which she used for the majority of her techniques. And, although on the surface, this may not come across as much to your ordinary individual, Hotaru Koutaishi was a far cry from being, an ordinary individual. To her, this info was all that was needed to assure herself that this was the other one who was also sent by the merchant in order to retrieve the stolen goods. While any potential qualms or queries on the issue were indeed quelled because of this aforementioned pre-determined fact, there was however, another wrench thrown into the thick of things.

For you see, while the lad had been starting to pick the lock to the vault- which, wasn't a part of the original plan, but that would be discussed later; must not have taken note of the hourly guard change. They were due to do so, now, unfortunately. Gazing in the other room from way up on high, Hotaru would peer over as three rogues would all start to chat up a bit in the main room. Luckily enough, they hadn't taken a gander into the office where the vault was at. Even though the original plan had been foiled, she knew if she didn't act now and fast, they wouldn't even be getting out with the goods anyways. The need to adapt. Change on the fly. Improv. All skills required for this trade, particularly for when these sorts of situations had popped up. And, well, the Shikigami Summoner considered herself to be in possession of those very things, tacked onto the literal need for this to not go south. So...

She'd fall down through the open window.

Her body spiraling towards the ground, the landing point being smack dab in the center of the three men.

But before she would hit the ground; her body would erupt into a swarm of paper. Violently whirling and twirling all around in a small maelstrom to obscure their sight. Making sure to take careful consideration into not being careful with the showmanship. While discretion was needed with the task, making sure that no one knew who did it was more important. Hotaru, in this amorphous, moving mass, would give thousands of tiny papercuts to the unlucky guards who were switching shifts...to their eyes. They were now left with the unfortunate fact of being rendered blind. An alarm would almost certainly be called from this, but it would still give the necessary time for her to sense Uta walking out of the room. Once this would occur, she'd silently flutter over to the man now on the landing next to door into that office. Making herself whole again, the lass would extend a silent hand. Had he taken it, she'd grab on tight and fly them both out of there, back through the open bay window using her Herald of the Shikigami technique. But, had he not grabbed onto it outright, an eyeroll would be given, as she'd then proceed to simply latch onto his arm before just doing it herself.

All before reinforcements could actually arrive on the scene of the crime.

WC: 592

Uta had thought he had made a clean escape till a woman seemingly made of paper appeared holding a hand out for him to grab which he didn’t because who would just grab a random woman’s hand in his situation? This is like Criminal 101 right here, if a woman appears out of no where with their hand out reached most likely you are about to be pulled into a trap. With his refusal to grab her hand the woman gave an eyeroll and made the decision for Uta, grabbing onto him and pulling him into the air as they seemingly flew away from the mansion. If it wasn’t for the positive of being taken out of the area away from any potential guards Uta would have attacked the woman mid-flight.

Once they landed Uta would take back his arm out of her grasp making some distance between the two of them not enough to be rude but enough in the end. “I assume you are here about the job, though you weren’t there when the merchant gave the details. I will have to discuss that with him at another time.” Uta said non-threateningly to the woman, after all it wasn’t her fault that the merchant kept information from him. He would gladly make a return to that man’s home and make sure he never made that mistake ever again. “We should be done with this half of the task while my partner has taken care of the other.” Uta looked at the woman she was…Bright to say the least, white hair, a yellowish and white clothing. The opposite of what Uta wore himself.

“I’m leaving now, you can come with or go about your day if you wish.” Uta mentioned as he departed the area going to the meet up place. Once they arrived and had gotten confirmation of the completion of the missions then he would leave the area with his rewards and such. He didn’t really care where the others went or if they got paid as long as they didn’t try to harm him.

[EXIT]

WC: 348
TWC: 2303

Claims: 
+8000 Ryo, +40 AP

Using Max stat discount for below:
+2250 WC towards Clan Pureblood: 0/2250 > 2250/2250
Discarding the remainder of WC

EXIT
TWC: 2,837

Claiming:
+8,000 RYO
+40 AP
+28 AP (Being Maxed Stat)
1,500/1,500 to Genjutsu Denrei – Genjutsu Messenger
1,000/1,000 to Healing Hands
250/250 to Drip