Otogang [Mission]

Mission specs:

Whistling the tunes of his favorite song "I Need a Hero", Sebastian demonstrated his artistic skills, the Tau's body effortlessly moving on the beats of the music as he continued to portray his majestic dancing. Quite evidently, he was a killer in more than one way. The dance floor was his battlefield, the place where he would meet and destroy his opponents. A battle where the outcome had already been decided before the fight had even begun, or how the Berserker always would say: "Huh, am I sweating? No, it's rain. These fools could never make me sweat". Always the philosopher.

His majestic demonstration aside, Sebastian found himself waiting for someone else to arrive. Otogakure's growth was remarkable, the progress they made unseen. However, their success would be all the more reason to continue on the path they were on, the dangers of taking things easy always lurking in the dark. The former Master of the Sand wouldn't allow them to grow complacent. They had to keep moving forward, get stronger, increase their power in case the day came when they would have to defend themselves. The Tau wouldn't be around forever, even if he was close to attaining eternal life. 

That being said, the first step in that direction could be found in solving a little task he received earlier in the morning. It appeared that one of the local gangs had been growing unchecked for quite a while now, even to the point that they started to try and expand their influence inside of Otogakure. It didn't exactly come as a surprise that the higher ups wanted to get rid of the key figures. "Not in my village" the Berserker spoke, there was only room for one criminal in the Land of Sky and that spot would be reserved for Sebastian. 

Wearing his famous cloak, the Tau stood there full of confidence, repeating the task inside his head. In order to successfully complete the mission, they were required to carry out reconnaissance on the gang to update the village’s information on them and dispatch any leaders they might discover as removing those key figures would be enough to halt any further growth. "They are known to move in small four-man squads, as if that would stop me" Sebastian laughed. Nevertheless, he knew it was important to tread carefully considering some Genin would be accompanying him. Whatever the case, it would be a good test for those who had never seen battle.

(WC: 413)

Quinn's strength was becoming known within the streets of Otogakure and with the recent venture that Hanzo, Marabelle and themselves undertook would indicate their own capacity for combat situations so far. There was much to be concerned and worried about but there was still live combat to be concerned about and worried about. The morning proceedings included being informed that they were to be joining Sebastian on dealing with a local gang that had been starting to rise up in the region. With this being a more live situation than the small mission they undertook with Mubu and Hanzo prior to the other mission they thought of. Preparing for the day, Quinn made it clear to themselves and to others they were ready and on a mission when they left the forge that day. With mace at their hip, the Forgemaster set out to meet up with one of the Masters of the village of Otogakure.

Quinn's journey to the destination was riddled with thoughts about the growing world and the development of the village. Quinn was aware the need to keep growing and with their desire to help be present and available, any task that would require their strength would require them to be as strong as they possibly could be for themselves, their business, their friends, and their village. Being called upon by a higher up within the village was not out of the ordinary now at this point to their experience. As an older individual within the village who grew up in what became Otokagure, Quinn was a reservoir of knowledge and dedication to the surrounding area and community. Meeting most of the upper echelon of Otogakure, Sebastian was 1 of two left that Quinn had not met yet at this time. With awareness and meeting Kaito, Satoshi and Guren already, Quinn had yet to meet Sebastian and Noya. From going into the administration building a few times now, the Forgemaster made mental notes to keep track of what they could as to make sure they remained business relevant to Otogakure's needs and should any of them step into the Forge, they were prepared to drop their project to aid them in theirs.

Upon arrival of the designated location for the meeting place, Quinn took their stance roughly 3 meters from the Tau. "Hello there. Quinn Foster. Nice to meet you." They stated gesturing at themselves when they say their name. Without further introduction, Quinn felt that the best way to introduce themselves to Sebastian was to just be present, ready and prepared. They stood there waiting for whatever reaction may come their way from the man and awaiting alongside him for any others who were to turn up. Quinn did not take observation to who else was either assigned or signed up for the task but it appeared to them that this was going to be a hefty task to undergo for a mission. This being their first real A-Rank mission with a more standard cell set up, the Forgemaster did not want to take any further risks than what would likely to occur. With patience being a virtue, they anticipated it was unlikely for the other genin to be readily available for this mission when the timing would likely overlap with other responsibilities. "Bukijutsu and Taijutsu Specialist. Ready for front position." Quinn added after Sebastian's potential response to their introduction would occur. As a physically orientated combatant, Quinn was sure Sebastian saw their fight with Kaito but it not it was best to address one's strengths as plainly for best assessment of planning the team.

WC: 600, TWC: 600 | TMWC: 1,013 / 4,000

Oh no. Hopefully he wasn't running late.

That would be well...a travesty, really. It would be the first occurrence of such a thing as well. Punctuality was something that was hit over his head like a hammer during his youth. Now, this was enough to set the Puppeteer of Shades and Ghouls on edge; naturally. However, any interior feelings would not be displayed visibly. Just a passive face. Not necessarily calm, but firm and unwaivering. A silent confidence, if you will. There was a fast pace to his stride, each tap turning from a tip, softly and rhythmically gliding along the stone streets. Strapped in a cloth binding that would be tied to his back would be a puppet. The construct itself was avian in nature. Sparrow like, yet on a larger scale; the body alone covering a total area of 1 meter. It was the only one that would be brought with, seeing as it was the more subtle of the two options which the amethyst eyed lad was in possession of. Which was exactly what would be required for what exactly he was doing today. What exactly was that, you ask?

Well according to the missive in which he was hastily scanning over on his way towards the destination, it would appear as if it was some kind of intel gathering situation. It would seem, something about some local crime lord of the sorts, or a gang. Something of that particular design; that of the criminal underworld. One in which the Shinkou wasn't a huge fan of. During his days in Fang, the local gangs would be fighting over territory rather consistently. On top of the actual thieves who used the riots as an excuse to do what they do, it made for his time in the militia to be...well...interesting, to say the least. Hopefully, this would prove to be a fun challenge, but nothing of the sorts from those days. However, some things never change, and such was the way with his attire. A more casual and comfortable version of his typical military-like attire.

Arriving at the spot, and not a literal minute too soon or too late; there he would be. "Ronin Shinkou. Puppeteer by trade, with a knack for illusions." A simple statement, stated simply as it was, yet still very defined. Relaxed, yet articulated. Slightly closed-off, but not necessarily in a cold way. Regardless of how the words would be taken, he'd finally be there, standing 5 feet away from both Quinn and Sebastian.

WC: 420

With plenty of work to do within the village being accomplished by the vagabond Marabelle, there was more to be of assistance with that she wished to do. Paying back Sebastian for his kindness, she aimed to help out with a recent mission she was able to see him pick up for a couple of Otogakuran genin. With knowledge of a few of them already, Marabelle wished to meet more of the village's future as she did start to formulate what she wished to do once she felt comfortable enough to travel within the mainland. Until then she would be satisfied with just helping and aiding the village of Otogakure for the time being and possibly visit Sakuragakure once more before departing to the main land but there was still much to wait to hear from Otogakuran leadership to see if they were going to send a shinobi to make contact or not.

Today was not the day for those wandering thoughts as a local gang leader had started to gain traction within the region and it was time to help remedy their recent occupation within the Land of Sky. With consideration that Sebastian knew medical techniques, Marabelle was sure her presence was not going to be needed but there was a chance she could learn something from the man who was officially unofficially family within the world. For what it was worth to her, she could always have more family to care about and she made it a note for herself that once she established what she wanted to do that Otogakure would likely be one of the first villages she would reach out to, to see if they would be willing to help and/or participate. Upon arrival it appeared to her that she was the last one to show, seeing Sebastian and Quinn who they had meet alongside a new person she had not yet at this point.

Approaching with a smile and bow, "My name is Marabelle Blossom. It is nice to meet you." she said to Ronin, yet another individual who stood a full foot above her. As far as she could tell for once she was the youngest here and it appeared that way too. With consideration of the mission at hand she realized that she did hear briefly a small informative report about skill and capacity. Turning to Sebastian giving an approving thumbs up before including her own skillset to the mix, "Medical and Sensory orientated Vagabond. Permission to help and undertake missions given by Lord Kaito-sama with permission to be here granted by cousin Sebastian-san." With that she awaited to hear what the plan of approach was going to be as she prepared herself to adjust to accommodate for whatever they needed of her skills, with Sebastian aware of her general temperament already alongside Quinn who she had undertaken a mission with already with Hanzo earlier.

WC:484, TWC 484 | TMWC: 1,917 / 4,000

Admiring his greatness, as one should, Sebastian could feel the presence of someone else showing up. "Who are you, a fan?" the Tau asked as it was the first thing coming to mind. Once the newcomer had introduced themselves, everyone's favorite Berserker would close the distance between the two of them as he walked in circles around Quinn as if he was inspecting the goods. Doing so, he grabbed one of her arms before raising it, rubbing his chin with his free hand. "Hm, alright, you can be my next experiment" the Master of Sound vaguely referred to the Curse Mark created by the founders.

Not much longer after Quinn found her way to the meeting spot, a second individual arrived and joined the two of them standing not far from their own position. "Well Ronin, this isn't an illusion, I am indeed this good-looking" Sebastian voiced, slapping the Forgemaster on the shoulder as if he was waiting for the woman to agree. One physical combatant and another who appeared to be proficient at Genjutsu, the Tau could already imagine a handful of combinations their group could pull off. Nevertheless, for most of them this would be their first time experiencing actual combat, not quite the same as the spars they practiced at the Academy.

That being said, Sebastian noticed the fourth and final member of the group making her way over. "There she is, the star of the show if it wasn't for me". He allowed Blossom to introduce herself and share her skills she deemed useful with the others. "Lord lord, you can simply call him Kaito-Kage like I do" the Tau referred to the way his cousin called the one permitting her to undertake a couple of missions during her stay in Otogakure. Now that their group was finally complete, it was time to come up with a plan and way to best approach the situation at hand. "Quinn, front specialist, forgemaster, whatever. You take the lead and deal with anyone foolish enough to get up close". Even if the gang was rumored to be dangerous, the chances of them underestimating a couple of Genin would still be possible.

Wasting little to no time he then continued to explain the plan. "Ronin and cousin Bella, slightly behind Quinn and each taking a side. Our illusionist will mess with their senses while Blossom will notify us of their whereabouts and apply medical treatment should the need arise". And the protagonist of the story? He would be at the back keeping an eye on everything and come forward in case the three of them couldn't handle a group of thugs. But ideally the Tau wouldn't have to step up and simply enjoy the thrill of battle. "Alright, let's show them who the real criminals are" the Berserker misspoke, but too lazy to correct himself.  

(WC: 475, TWC: 888)

Quinn watched as Sebastian inspected them as if looking at a fine cut of meat at a butcher's shop that just come in that day. Quinn was one for odd interactions as it showed more of what someone's true character was all about. With that in mind, it was time to really review what was to happen. The introductions of the trio to Sebastian went flawless as the Tau commented on his rather dashing appearance. As one who kept themselves tidied and presentable at all times, Quinn happily agreed with the man providing a firm nod and a thumbs up. "Dashing." They added in a commentary post his statement in conjunction with the firm pat on the shoulder he provided. Once the gameplan was made for their group formation, it made sense to Quinn with their studies within the academy to have the mid-range specialists in the middle of the pack and themselves take point. This also allowed Sebastian to see the true capacity of the trio even though Marabelle was not of Otogakure. Handling a mission with the pink medic before, Quinn had no qualms against the woman whose assets made even Quinn's look average. Their stare lingered a bit this go around as this time they were making an approach forward while not being up against the target in question like when they took on the creatures with Hanzo.

Once the group was in formation with Quinn taking the vanguard position, they grabbed their battle bat and let it rest on their shoulder beginning their approach towards the designated location and target. It was a small outcrop of some farmland that the gang had taken refuge in and under the cover of rain, Quinn knew the group would likely be able to recover any intel they needed to get and handle any messes should something arise. With that thought finished in the Forgemaster's head, they picked up the speed to reach their objective as quickly and early as they could. Being swift and efficient was what Quinn cared about and hearing the words Sebastian had said about being his next experiment. It was likely something involving the village and as an upcoming star within the Genin Rank, Quinn was more than happy to oblige helping out and seeing what they could do for the man. Once they got closer to the target, Quinn's pace slowed to allow the others to readjust their formation behind them. In the rain, a few farm buildings could be seen with a lamp lit in both the farmhouse and the barn, and a few men posted near the doors of both locations. Seeing in the rain was not an exceptional forte of skill for the blacksmith as they remained approximately 50 meters away to begin observations. With concerns of them operating in four-man cells themselves, it was likely easy to assume the men outside had partners either right inside the buildings or were a group on their own. This led to a quick approximation of anywhere between 8-16 at minimum making the gang's composition at this location rather questionable at first glance. "8 to 16 individuals likely here. No sight of leaders." Quinn stated to the group back up a bit to make sure the other three could hear them.

With the objective in mind, the approach seemed simple enough to Quinn, "We can burn them out. Like roaches and bugs. Cause a fire. It's raining. Should get them out in the open." They commented waiting to hear if there were any objections. "Barn first. Farmhouse inhabitants should come out." Quinn added in. Should no objections arise, the mission was simple they needed to be careful about being outnumbered but if they blitzed the place and caused more issues than it was worth, taking out any of the leaders with Ronin's capacity for puppetry and genjutsu it should be simple between Quinn's speed and strength to take them out. Seeing Marabelle's own capacity, the kunochi were highly capable themselves and they carried a blade now alongside their medic equipment. Recognizing the change and shift in her power, Quinn gave an affirming nod to the group as the plan for them began to form. "I'll grab attention. Should follow up from a distance. Targets are the leaders. Others are not a concern." The Forgemaster reiterated before looking at Sebastian who took up the rear. Giving an affirming nod to the leader, it was time to make good the plan. Leading the group around some distance towards the back of the barn about 30 meters away from it. Quinn began by breathing in deep, activating their flame breathing style as no amount of rain would quell the fires that burned within the Forgemaster's core for the disdain of those who sought to rob Otogakure would face their wraith and their bat. A light flicker of flame-enriched chakra covering them had their clothes begin to dry and the water around them to lightly evaporate.

Shortly after the chakra encased the bat, fire formed around it as Quinn rushed the back of the barn unleashing a ring of fire into the barn itself and back 15 meters from them causing a plume of fire, smoke, and vapor to begin to rise in the area, announcing the presence as Quinn went wild within the barn. With the plan for the two to take advantage of the commotion, Quinn knew they needed to act quickly as in short succession once inside they spotted approximately 6 individuals, none of which looked like a leader in the facility. It was their storage after all as the 6 spooked by the sudden appearance of the Forgemaster, panicked and raised the alarms as some of their stolen goods were beginning to catch flame inside the building with Quinn encased and walking through them. "Surrender!" Quinn shouted at the top of their lungs instilling fear into the men inside as the two posted outside opened the doors wide open allowing Quinn sight within the farmhouse as two differently clad individuals began their descent from the second floor of the farmhouse. Surrounded now, Quinn took the offensive further as the fire around their bat crackled and surged before the men could react to their presence, Quinn brought the bat down with both hands expunging them outwards in a 10-meter diameter circle within the barn, cascading the flames to the edges of the building, it's integrity weakening by the moment. A few of the mean closest to Quinn who had suffered the explosive entrance they made were now engulfed in flames, running out into the ran and fleeing into the farmland as their leaders began their approach towards the barn's entrance, their focus solely on the Forgemaster who looked like a demon bathed in flames as their red eyes pierced outwards as they slowly walked forward approaching the now wide open barn entrance with a smirk knowing that their team would be able to capitalize quickly on the two leaders. With Ronin and Marabelle being midrange combatants, they should be able to each take care of one or possibly both given their focus on the blacksmith who bathed in their own flames under the crying sky.

WC: 1,200, TWC: 1,800 | TMWC: 3,592 / 4,000

[Skipping Ronin per discord discussion.]

With Quinn's flamboyant appearance and arrival through the barn, the whole complex was in disarray. Their travel to the small farmland that operated as the safehouse for the gang they were attacking was astounding that such a small place could serve as a base of operations. It was something to be considerate of with her plans for the future. The plan of Quinn being a distraction was a crazy plan to consider as they routed to the side of the barn for Quinn's plan. Being on the front line but pulling focus elsewhere seemed like a good plan to start, it was just a matter of how. The barn being in the way was the first obstacle to face and get over for the team but it appears Quinn had other plans. A massive show of force ricocheted the momentum that the gang had of being safe within their complex. Marabelle watched in awe as the blacksmith proceeded to wreck shop on the goons drawing so much commotion that she forgot to move forward. It appeared to hear that Ronin was also aghast to such action and brutal force and was delayed in acting as well. Swift to catch up it was a simple task for them as the commotion likely brought out the targets that needed to be taken care of. Forming handseals to get her chakra scalpel going for the senbon version of the technique.

Once within range of the group that had begun to gather opposite the barn, in front of the farmhouse, there were two individuals who looked like the ones the team was sent to take care of. Quickly her arms armed forward as she began to wrap around the side of the barn on the right, she unleashed a hail of chakra scalpel senbons at the group, causing more mayhem as she released her scalpel and drew her blade. Once she was within 10 meters of the one gang leader on her side of the assault she breathed in and unleashed a torrent of water aimed directly at his neck, the form growing in size to be 3 meters long, a meter in depth as it arced towards him. Within that distance, his vision locked on her, she activated the Demonic Illusion she picked up, flowers gardening between them, locking him in place for the blade of water to decapitate the man in his tracks. More confusion and concerns started to arise within their ranks as she formed the Ram seal flickering backward towards the forest, stopping shy of the forest line before disappearing into the woods behind the barn. In and out quickly, she knew the task was finished on her part as she recognized a multitude of issues now with Quinn in the thick of it. With consideration of the rest of the team finishing their part, Quinn would likely come back out from the entrance with a light soak presumably on their body before the squad gathered back and headed to Otogakure. The mission done, Marabelle sought to pay Sebastion back for his aid, giving some of her reward.

[Exit]

WC: 518, TWC: 1,002 | TMWC: 4,110 / 4,000

Claims:

Mission Rewards:

WC Claims:

Total Gains:

+ 5,950 Ryo to Marabelle
+ 5,000 Ryo to Sebastian
+ 21 AP to Bonus AP Pool
+ 40 AP to Strength of a Hundred AP Pool

Marabelle Blossom wrote:[Skipping Ronin per discord discussion.]



[Exit]

WC: 518, TWC: 1,002 | TMWC: 4,110 / 4,000

Claims:

Mission Rewards:

WC Claims:

Total Gains:

+ 5,950 Ryo to Marabelle
+ 5,000 Ryo to Sebastian
+ 21 AP to Bonus AP Pool
+ 40 AP to Strength of a Hundred AP Pool

Approved

With everyone now here, and introductions out of the way, the violinist of shadows with the trio of others would make their merry way over to the farmhouse. While the actual journey to get there was all rather in order; nice and neat, just how Ronin liked it, the actual destination was a far cry of such. It appeared to be decrepit and abandoned to the depths of time, reclaimed by nature in it's gloriously redeeming wrath. Gnarled vines crept up and clang onto the walls of the main barn as if it meant the life of them. Creeping in through broken windows, shattered through whatever means; whether natural such as a branch which slaps against it during a roaring tempest, or maybe through loudly rambunctious teens throwing rocks to hear them clang on the inside. Whatever the case, the place, looked point blank, abandoned. But still, before they could approach too much, the Shinkou puppet master would unfurl his sparrow from his back, the chakra threads being attached to it. It would, rather silently and stealthily fly into one of the nearby trees, being tucked away within it's looming branches; perched and awaiting to let out it's softly billowing bells. However, it was only a matter of seconds after that would Quinn take off like a bullet from a gun, deciding to go all gung ho on the group of rakish gangsters that were awaiting merely feet from the inner threshold of the building.

But, while somewhat amazed at the showmanship, Ronin still wouldn't stand there and gawk like a hawk for too long. Kneeling opposite to where Marabelle was standing before also running in with her chakra scalpel-senbon things ablaze, the shinobi would take a different approach. A more silent one. He'd form a series of handseals, very ceremoniously and ritualistic in cadence and nature, tapping his left palm to the center of his forehead when done. His Meigan would flash awake, and immediately take note of the formation of chakra that was happening within the kunoichi, Marabelle. He'd time his move to go off as soon as hers would; and it would be the same one. "Yuumei, grant me strength." He'd mumble, and with an upward swipe of his hand, a flower field would appear right on the righthand side of Mara's own demonic illusion. The flick would also be used to trigger the chakra threads attached to his fingers, activating his puppet's mechanism to further immobilize another mobster. In the midst of this all, a dark third eye had appeared where his palm was touching before. A technique to enhance his capabilities. Knowing that Mara and Quinn currently couldn't see him, the 27 year old would only give Seb the warning of "Don't look at me...I'm a monster..." And his chakra would flare dark blue, like a cloak shrouding him on all sides, without any use of handseals. Two more unfortunate ruffians who gazed upon this would then be rendered blind and paralyzed from it's horrendous and eldritch sight of terror. That made a total of 5. And now, Ronin was practically a sitting duck.

But, there would be no worry. The others would be there to do any clean up which the Shinkou couldn't achieve. He had done his part in leaving the enemy addled with illusions at the very least, so he'd simply watch as the others would carry things forward. Being unable to move until all of those he had paralyzed were dropped.

WC: 582
TWC: 1002