Make it out alive

Mission Info:

Time for another mission, but this time it was a little different than just pacifying ghosts and tending to shrines. There was an actual kidnapping that had happened, and he was in a team responsible for tracking down what happened to the kidnapped merchant. Standing at the meeting point outside of the trashed house, Kanata kept one hand on the tanto strapped to his side. It was more a nervous fidget than any true belief they’d be doing much fighting today, but that wasn’t really the whole point of this.

There would more than likely be actual work to be done besides simply tracking the merchant, though the approach depended heavily on whoever his partner for this mission was. Sighing, Kanata decided he was officially out of his depth. He most definitely wasn’t experienced enough to do much here, so he’d likely be deferring to the other shinobi assigned to this mission. Not that he minded listening to someone else, but he wished he had enough experience to actually do these things for himself. Oh well, this would be a good chance to get some of that experience. And building up ryo wasn’t a bad thing! Yeah, he’d be just fine. Now, just to wait for his teammate.

He wondered what this teammate would be like? Sure, it was a temporary mission team, but he hoped to get along with whoever it was. He was going to be friendly no matter what, but it was always better when they reciprocated that friendliness. Making friends was always fun. But, he needed to focus. His temporary teammate should be here soon, and then they’d be able to begin the actual mission they’d been called on. He could only pray it would go smoothly.

WC: 291

”Let’s see here… check… check… check. Looks Like I’m ready.” Emilia’s slender finger had been guided and pointed towards each check list item as the young genin ran through each of them in her head. She was preparing for a new mission… this one a little more dangerous than the others she had recently been on. Slightly surprised that the upgrade was so drastic – but she had all the confidence in the world. Based on information she had been given, it sounded like there would be another person with her – so she wouldn’t have to do it alone. ”I wonder if there will be someone else… and I wonder who they are? Do I know them? Should be interesting to say the least.” She darted out of her house as she locked the door behind her – heading towards the designated meeting point.

This particular mission was all about finding a well off merchant who was well-known in Hoshigakure. Apparently their house had been report that it was in shambles and several items were taken. The ultimate goal… find the merchant and discover why they were kidnapped, and also bring them home safely.

This was honestly a mission that would test Emilia’s abilities and really see just how far she had come with her training. She had been working a lot on her craft and added some new things that really could be beneficial on this mission. Her special eye being one of them. Though this is something she remained cautious of and really didn’t want to show it to just anyone and everyone. Anyways – she stayed on course and made sure that she was not late to the rendezvous point.

----

While it certainly took long than a hop, skip, and a leap to get to where she needed to be – that’s about how long it felt to her. Emilia got a little lost in thoughts, mostly due to her anxiousness about starting this mission. Her legs carried her to what appears like the merchants house. It was he only one around that seemed to be torn down – slim chance that it wasn’t the correct house. After taking time to look around and see if she could spot any one – Emilia noticed a blue haired boy that was a little taller than she was. His clothes were… interesting, which is the best way Emilia could describe them.

”Looks like you’re my partner on this mission… It’s nice to meet you – my name is Emilia… but friends and family call me Emi.” Her golden eyes engaged his… odd color ones. Emi was sort of confused on what color they were. She extended her hand though and let out a nice smile. She was big on introductions – you could usually tell a lot from how someone introduced themselves. Are they more reserved? Are they serious? Lighthearted? Maybe they’re just as bubbly and upfront as she is.

Once the introductions are done, Emi would turn and look at the house they were suppose to inspect. A starting point might be difficult with the house in this much turmoil. They’d just have to start looking to see if they could find anything that would lead to the potential whereabouts of the merchant. Not that she was trying to leave her new partner in the dust – but it was sort of an ADHD moment where her mind went from one thing to another in a blink of a second. It also provided some guidance to the other shinobi.

---

”I’m not real sure what we should be looking for here. The house has been absolutely trashed.” Her head turned towards him, immediately spotting something a little suspicious. It looked like a pedestal… where something once had sat, but not anymore. Was it stolen? She wasn’t sure what else would turn up, but it seemed clear that they were destined to run into a spot that would likely give them tons of opportunity.

It just so happened that Emilia’s thoughts were correct. Not long after she pointed to the empty pedestal… her eyes spotted a tiny pool of blood near the back door. She would immediately point this out.

”I’d certainly say there was a struggle here.. I bet we can find a trail that guides us a bit here. What do you think?”

WC:

Natsuki watched as Emilia approached, her golden eyes shining with determination and curiosity. The girl's bubbly introduction and warm smile gave Natsuki pause. She was more used to the reserved and disciplined demeanor of her fellow Nova Corps members, but Emi's energy was infectious. Natsuki nodded in response to the introduction.

"I'm Natsuki. Nice to meet you, Emi," she replied, her voice calm and measured.

As Emi turned her attention to the dilapidated house, Natsuki scanned their surroundings. The place looked like it had weathered both time and turmoil. Her eyes flickered to the blue-haired boy Emi had mentioned. He was an interesting character, standing out even in a scene of disorder.

Before Natsuki could say anything, Emi shifted gears, expressing uncertainty about where to begin. The house was in shambles, making any clues elusive. Emi's attention flitted around like a butterfly, and Natsuki couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement. However, her amusement gave way to concern when Emi pointed out the empty pedestal and a small pool of blood near the back door.

"I'd certainly say there was a struggle here... I bet we can find a trail that guides us a bit here. What do you think?" Emi asked.

Natsuki observed the scene, her eyes narrowing as she noticed the pool of blood. This situation could escalate quickly, and she couldn't dismiss the possibility of danger.

"Emi, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but this mission might be more hazardous than initially thought. I've dealt with situations like this before. Let me take the lead. We should also dismiss the genin who was supposed to accompany us. It's too risky for them," Natsuki said, her tone serious and authoritative.

She motioned for the other genin to leave, and once they were alone, Natsuki focused on the task at hand. "We need to be cautious. The blood might lead us to something, but we have to proceed with care. Stay close, and follow my lead."

[WC: 326]

”OH… It’s.. it’s nice to meet you as well, Natsuki.” A tiny quiver seemed to echo at the beginning of her response. A sign of nervousness from the young kunoichi, perhaps?

Emilia was slightly starstruck upon realizing Natsuki, a member of the Nova Corps, would be joining their mission. Initially, she hadn’t noticed Natsuki until she introduced herself, sparking a need in Emilia to approach the situation with greater seriousness. The presence of a Nova Corps member made sense, as Hoshigakure likely wanted to prevent the potential tragedy of two genin facing a higher-ranked mission alone. Almost immediately, Natsuki made her presence felt, quickly establishing herself as the leader and the one to take point in their adventure. This added an unexpected layer of intensity and responsibility to what Emilia had anticipated would be a straightforward mission.

”Emi, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but this mission might be more hazardous than initially thought. I've dealt with situations like this before. Let me take the lead. We should also dismiss the genin who was supposed to accompany us. It's too risky for them.”

Emilia hadn't fully grasped the stark difference in power between herself and the other genin until Natsuki, recognizing this gap, swiftly devised a suitable strategy for the mission's success. As the situation unfolded, Emilia saw it as a golden opportunity to align herself with someone influential. Her realization prompted a subtle shift in her demeanor. Attentively, she listened to Natsuki's plans, nodding in agreement and absorbing every word. This encounter not only highlighted Natsuki's capability but also allowed Emilia to subtly recalibrate her approach, blending respect with a keen interest in forging a valuable connection.

”I understand Natsuki, and I appreciate your guidance here. I will certainly follow your lead moving forward.”

Instinctively, Emilia began to subtly adjust her position to signal her alignment with Natsuki's plan, placing herself strategically as Natsuki took the lead. Emilia had already contributed by noting anomalies such as the blood pool and the item missing from the pedestal. Now, it was Natsuki’s turn to demonstrate her abilities, aiming to quickly locate the missing merchant and ensure a safe return. As Emilia positioned herself between the four and five o’clock positions relative to Natsuki, a gust of wind caught her red cape, making it flutter dramatically alongside her hair, both responding gracefully to the wind’s call. This gesture not only marked her readiness to support Natsuki but also emphasized the dynamic nature of their urgent quest.

”Do you think it would be best to check inside the home, Natsuki, or should we continue to check the surrounding area first?”

---

WC: 457

---

Natsuki observed Emilia’s nervousness with a gentle smile, understanding the young kunoichi’s initial starstruck reaction. She knew the importance of making her new teammate feel comfortable and confident, especially with the heightened stakes of their mission.

”It’s great to meet you too, Emilia,” Natsuki responded warmly, her voice steady and reassuring. “Well done noticing those anomalies earlier. That’s exactly what we need on this mission.”

Natsuki’s words were meant to build Emilia’s confidence. She appreciated the young kunoichi’s respect and readiness to follow her lead. Taking a moment to assess their surroundings, Natsuki turned her gaze to the house.

“Given the situation, it’s crucial we remain cautious. Let’s start by checking inside the home. There might be clues or signs of struggle that can give us a better understanding of what happened. After that, we can widen our search to the surrounding area.”

Natsuki led the way toward the house with a nod to Emilia, her senses alert and focused. The gravity of their mission was apparent in her measured steps and vigilant demeanor. As they approached the door, she gestured for Emilia to stay close but remain slightly behind her, ensuring she could respond quickly to immediate threats.

“Stay close, but keep your guard up,” Natsuki advised softly. “We don’t know what we might find in there.”

Natsuki carefully opened the door, her eyes scanning the interior for any signs of movement or disturbance. The room was eerily silent, save for the creaking of the floorboards underfoot. She motioned for Emilia to follow her inside.

“Let’s split up but stay within sight of each other,” Natsuki suggested. “I’ll check the back rooms, and you take a look around here in the front. If you find anything suspicious, call out immediately.”

Natsuki moved with practiced precision, reflecting her experience and competence. She was determined to set a strong example for Emilia, not just as a leader but as a mentor. This mission was about finding the missing merchant, guiding the next generation of kunoichi, and instilling the necessary values and skills to succeed.

Natsuki remembered her days as a young and eager genin, constantly chasing the shadow of an older brother who had set a path of greatness before him. She had always strived to live up to his legacy, pushing herself to reach new heights.

As they began their search, Natsuki couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in Emilia’s willingness to step up and adapt. She knew that with the proper guidance, Emilia had the potential to become an exceptional ninja. At this moment, their fates intertwined; Natsuki felt the weight of her responsibility as a member of Hoshi's upper echelon and as a role model for those who looked up to her.

"Remember, Emilia," Natsuki said softly as she moved deeper into the house. "We’re in this together. We'll uncover the truth and bring the merchant home safely. Your instincts are sharp. Trust them, and stay vigilant."

[WC:496]

Natsuki provided a quick but very calm response to Emilia’s question. Though the response was what Emilia expected, it still gave her a sense of safety—maybe that was the appropriate word. It seemed as though whatever came out of Natsuki’s mouth was effortless yet strong. Emi wasn’t afraid to admit that she hoped to be in that same position one day, a position that echoed strength without needing to be loud or boisterous to show it. It would be evident in each and every action, every step she took, and every word she spoke. Her golden eyes marveled at Natsuki as she followed suit.

“Given the situation, it’s crucial we remain cautious. Let’s start by checking inside the home. There might be clues or signs of struggle that can give us a better understanding of what happened. After that, we can widen our search to the surrounding area.”

”Understood”

That was the single word that Emilia responded to Natsuki with as the two kunoichi headed toward the house. As they approached the door, Natsuki reminded Emilia to keep her guard up and to stay close. In situations like this, you never really know what you might encounter, and Natsuki was absolutely correct in her caution. The front door opened gently, creaking slightly, and Natsuki stepped in first, her eyes scanning the room briefly. She moved with a fluid grace, every motion deliberate and controlled. Only after ensuring that the immediate area was clear did she motion for Emilia to follow.

“Let’s split up but stay within sight of each other,” Natsuki suggested. “I’ll check the back rooms, and you take a look around here in the front. If you find anything suspicious, call out immediately.”

As Natsuki wandered off to the other rooms, Emilia’s heart pounded in her chest as she stepped inside, her senses heightened. She took in every detail of the dimly lit room, aware that danger could lurk in the shadows. The air was thick with tension, and Emilia could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Natsuki’s presence was a reassuring anchor, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the potential chaos that could erupt at any moment.

The jounin didn’t want any surprises as they entered the dwelling, so staying cautious was a good idea. Every step they took was measured, every sound analyzed. Emilia admired Natsuki’s composure, hoping that one day she could exude the same level of confidence and strength. The young kunoichi wanted to share the same unique qualities - no better time than to start learning them right now.

"Remember, Emilia," Natsuki said softly as she moved deeper into the house. "We’re in this together. We'll uncover the truth and bring the merchant home safely. Your instincts are sharp. Trust them, and stay vigilant."

Emilia’s eye’s widened - gently though. It was the first time that she had genuinely heard praise from someone that could be classified as a superior or a mentor potentially, and it felt really nice. The words that Natsuki had spoken to her had inspired confidence and allowed her to believe that she was fully part of this adventure with Natsuki, not just learning and watching her back.

The young kunoichi’s golden eyes glanced from one end of the room to the other, noticing how in shambles it was. Natsuki had mentioned they should split up with Emilia checking this part of the house, but she really didn’t know where to begin. ”This place is such a mess, I really am having a diffi…” The girl's thoughts took a pause as she noticed something interesting. Everything had been rummaged through and thrown out except for one area.

Emilia gracefully moved over to the small table in the room, no damage to it, there was however, a tiny bit of blood on the floor.

”Natsuki - I think I have found something slightly interesting.” Emilia letting her golden eyes stare at the small table as she pointed towards it and the small blood splatter. ”What are your thoughts on this?”

---

Natsuki turned toward Emilia's voice, moving through the disarrayed house with practiced ease. Her sharp eyes focused on the spot Emilia had indicated. As she approached, she noted the small table's untouched state amidst the chaos and the conspicuous bloodstain on the floor.

"Great find, Emilia," Natsuki said, crouching to look closer. "The fact that this table hasn't been disturbed means it might hold some importance—or it's been intentionally left alone."

She scrutinized the table, running her fingers along its edges, searching for any hidden compartments or signs of recent activity. "The bloodstain suggests a struggle or injury, possibly linked to our merchant’s disappearance," Natsuki continued, straightening up to meet Emilia’s gaze. "This table could be hiding a clue or something crucial."

As Natsuki ran her fingers along the edge of the table, she felt a slight give under her touch. Pressing firmly, she found a hidden seam that opened a concealed compartment. Inside was a small, neatly wrapped package and a folded piece of parchment.

Natsuki carefully retrieved the items, unfolding the parchment first. It contained numbers and symbols and a coded ledger listing transactions and names. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the page, recognizing the cryptic signs of an illicit trade.

"This confirms my suspicions," Natsuki murmured, glancing at Emilia. "Our merchant was involved in some unsavory dealings. These symbols and numbers are linked to a black market operation."

She unwrapped the package to reveal small vials filled with a shimmering, unknown substance. "This product is notorious in the underground market," she explained, holding up one of the vials. "It's a rare hallucinogenic extract, highly sought after by the criminal elements in Eventide District. And I know exactly which gang peddles this."

WC: 280

Natsuki seemed to think this was a really good find by Emilia, though that was evident after she explicitly said so to the young genin. The graceful yet strong lady approached the table that Emi had pointed out and eyed it for just a bit. The young kunoichi watched as Natsuki allowed her fingers to gently slide underneath the edges, potentially looking for a concealed compartment. Emilia looked on with an eager intent, wanting to know what could possibly be special about this table. It was odd that it had been the only thing in the room that wasn’t touched. It was as if the merchant had done everything to make this table look as plain and as simple as could be so that it wouldn’t be messed with.

”The merchant did a good job hiding whatever it was I am guessing.”

Natsuki spoke a few words to Emilia as those thoughts sifted through her mind. She was saying essentially what Emilia was thinking - Emi would nod her head in agreement to the admirable woman’s words. Watching her as she bent back down and allowed her fingers to comb the underside of the table once more… finally - finally finding a spot that gave way to her touch. As the compartment opened, Emilia could faintly see a small parchment that had been neatly wrapped and folded - as if it had signaled some sort of importance. Emilia’s golden eyes pierced through, intently watching as Natsuki carefully unfolded the piece of parchment.

"This confirms my suspicions," Natsuki murmured, glancing at Emilia. "Our merchant was involved in some unsavory dealings. These symbols and numbers are linked to a black market operation."

Emilia watched as she unwrapped more of the package to reveal small vials filled with a shimmering, unknown substance. "This product is notorious in the underground market," she explained, holding up one of the vials. "It's a rare hallucinogenic extract, highly sought after by the criminal elements in Eventide District. And I know exactly which gang peddles this."

To be completely honest, Emilia wasn’t familiar with the Eventide district at all and didn’t have much knowledge regarding the black market operations and how they did their dealings. What she did know is that this seemed to be a big deal and that this merchant was likely taken because of this information that they held. The gang was obviously nervous about having this information out in the open and it could or would likely cause serious blowback on them if anyone found out. Now that the two kunoichi had likely found the reason for being taken and Natsuki having the knowledge of which gang deals with this particular hallucinogenic… things were likely to get very interesting.

”This seems to be the likely reason as to why the merchant was taken. Making a presumption that the gang did not want this out in the open, I’d imagine they’re the ones behind taking the merchant. What do you think is the logical next step here, Natsuki? I’m not too familiar with the black market operations or the Eventide district.”

The young kunoichi would await further instruction from her superior - though inside, Emilia was excited that something of this caliber was happening and she was a part of it. She could barely contain her excitement for what was to come next.

---

Natsuki Hyuuga stood in the dimly lit warehouse. Her pale eyes narrowed as she examined the hidden compartment beneath the rotting floorboards. The stale air reeked of damp wood and decay, mingling with the faint, sickly-sweet scent of the hallucinogenic extract they had just uncovered. The discovery sent a chill down her spine. This wasn’t just any missing merchant case—it was a thread leading straight into the dark heart of the Eventide District.

Emi, her partner on this mission, stood beside her, peering into the stash with a mix of curiosity and unease. She asked questions, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Natsuki took a slow breath, trying to steady her thoughts. "That place is a breeding ground for criminal activity. It’s to the west of Hoshi, once a vibrant part of our village, but the Grimma Wars left it in ruins two decades ago. And when it finally started to rebuild, some other disaster struck—one that turned it into the den of criminals it is today."

She paused, her thoughts drifting to the Dark Master of the Archives, a shadowy figure who had once been a criminal element within Hoshi. Though she had no concrete evidence, Natsuki couldn’t shake the feeling that this disaster had his fingerprints all over it. The Dark Master had slipped through their fingers before—too many times, she thought bitterly.

"And the people who live there now are doing their best to survive in a place like that."Natsuki glanced at her, the weight of history heavy in her eyes. "Haru and Taro Tokishima, veterans of the Hoshimura Rebellion, led the resettlement. They were former Hoshi shinobi, both hardened by war. Haru... he saved my brother’s life during the rebellion, took a spear meant for Ayato that shattered his knee. Since then, Ayato has felt an obligation to help him. He even took part in the reconstruction of Eventide, clearing out the criminals and trying to restore some semblance of order."

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "But there’s always more to clean up. The district may be resettled, but it’s far from safe. We’re dealing with that now and should report this to..."

Natsuki bit her lip, her mind working through the options. Protocol dictated that they should hand this over to Ayato and let the Nova Corps take it from here. It was the safest route, keeping them within the bounds of their duty. But then, another part of her—something deeper, more instinctual—whispered a different course of action.

They could go off the grid. Finish the job themselves. Natsuki was no stranger to taking matters into her own hands, and she knew Emi was capable enough to follow her lead. But doing so would mean stepping into the shadows, operating outside the law, and possibly putting themselves at odds with her brother’s wishes.

She closed her eyes for a moment, considering the implications. The thought of leaving this in someone else’s hands—risking that the Nova Corps might not act quickly or decisively enough—gnawed at her. And there was the matter of pride, of proving that she could handle this without leaning on her brother’s authority.

Finally, Natsuki opened her eyes, and her decision was made. She looked at Emi, who waited patiently, trusting her to make the call.

"We can finish this ourselves," Natsuki said, her voice firm. "We’re too close to walk away now. We can’t let this slip through the cracks. Not when it’s right in front of us. Are you with me?"

[WC: 583]