Relics of the Past (Mission)

As the group prepared to embark, Natsuki gave a couple last remarks. Quite similar to Amikiri’s thoughts, the two seemed to be on a bit of a similar wavelength. The dark haired Hyuuga was correct in his guess that he recognized Natsuki. Toneri was the brother of Natsuki, meaning Natsuki was also the sister of Ayato. Amikiri would respond to her comment on her lineage with Ayato, saying, “It seems that I’m two for three with meeting this batch of siblings. I guess the only one left to meet is Ayato.” He let out a slight chuckle at the end, as being able to meet a Kage was a far more difficult task than meeting a Jounin.

Joro offered Amikiri a nice handshake and the dark haired Hyuuga appreciated the gesture. He was always a big fan of handshakes. Amikiri accepted the gesture, shaking Joro’s hand. In the moments before they headed out, there was a brief exchange between Joro and Natsuki. Well, it seemed a bit one sided for now. Amikiri was starting to focus on where they would go next, but it seemed that Joro was trying to charm Natsuki with his words. Joro did not seem to be a man of charisma, but from what Amikiri could make out, it was at least an attempt.

Amikiri would start walking, initially taking a position in the middle of the pack. It seemed Hebiishi knew his way around this area very well and would certainly guide them along just fine, so the Hyuuga would trail a bit behind him. Hebiishi would soon signal the group to stop as they came along an inconspicuous clearing. It seemed like Hebiishi had some sort of hunch about this area. Hebiishi and Joro quickly got to a bit of digging, before finding a trap of sorts that opened up into a long, deep, and dark staircase.

The two more junior shinobi backed off, indirectly signaling Natsuki and Amikiri to move ahead. Before heading down the staircase, the dark haired Hyuuga activated his Byakugan and put the helmet of Kavacha over his head, his body now being fully covered by armor. He quickly formed a set of hand seals, activating the technique Flowing Passage. It made his blade appear as if it were covered in a small layer of a thin blue flame. As he entered the staircase, it shone on to the walls in his nearby vicinity. As his chakra flowed through the blade, the flames moved, and the blue light against the walls moved as if he were underwater with the sun beaming down through the rippling waves.

Eventually the staircase leveled out and they were now in a hallway. Through his Byakugan, about 80 meters ahead, Amikiri noticed a branch in the hallway and a figure was standing near, looking ready to pounce at an unsuspecting visitor. This questionable figure did not seem to be the Nightingale, yet it would be best to approach this encounter with a precise touch.

Turning back to the rest of the group, Amikiri made a signal for them to stop, put a finger to his lip to indicate for them to be silent, and then he quickly made a couple handseals. He took a step in the direction of the wall, and seemingly impossible, his body slipped right into the wall. Using the Hiding Like a Mole technique, he moved through the earth and walls to slip out just a meter behind the mystery figure. The Hyuuga raised his Great Spear above his head and made a quick strike with the butt of the handle. As the mystery man’s legs buckled and he started to fall to the floor unconscious, Amikiri quickly caught the body, not letting it make any noise if it were to hit the ground. The man would likely be out cold for a long time, leaving the ample time to perform their mission. Making sure it was safe with his Byakugan, he then moved into the central hallway and signaled for the rest of the group to come forward and meet up with him.

WC: 683
TWC: 1886
TMWC: 5027/6000

Once Natsuki introduced herself, Joro extended a handshake, punctuating the gesture with a somewhat clichéd attempt at a memorable quote. Natsuki couldn't help but jest in response, making light of his quote and playfully accepting the handshake. "If I had a ryo for every time I heard a pick-up line, Joro, I would be more prosperous than a Daimyo." Despite her refined appearance, Joro might have expected a delicate touch, but to his surprise, Natsuki's grip proved as firm as any man's. Years of practice in weapons and martial arts had ensured the strength in her grasp.

Amikiri chuckled at the thought of meeting Natsuki and Toneri, leaving only Ayato among the siblings. In a playful mood, Natsuki said, "If you snag that tea date with Ayato, give me a heads-up. I'm in for Jounin adventures – less paperwork, more action!" Her smile was wide and bright, adding a touch of lightness to the mission ahead.

Hebishi, providing the team with crucial information, explained his discovery in the woods and the potential whereabouts of the Nightingale.  As the group made their way, Hebiishi led them to an inconspicuous clearing, revealing a trap that opened into a dark staircase. Junior team members hung back, signaling for Natsuki and Amikiri to proceed.

As Amikiri, ever vigilant, activated his Byakugan and draped himself in a distinctive armor, his blade aglow with a delicate blue flame, Natsuki observed keenly. The dance of the blue flame, known as the Flowing Passage of the Gentle Blade technique, was a sight familiar to those acquainted with their clan's abilities.

Progressing through the secret tunnel, the staircase gracefully transformed into a hallway. Amikiri's discerning eyes, heightened by the Byakugan, locked onto a figure ahead, poised for an ambush. Natsuki, finely attuned to her colleague's silent cues, noted the command for silence. She watched Amikiri execute the Hiding Like a Mole technique with quiet intensity, seamlessly melding into the wall. The swift, soundless maneuver thwarted the mystery man, ensuring a noiseless resolution. Natsuki couldn't help but admire the efficiency and precision displayed by her fellow shinobi.

With the path cleared, Amikiri signaled for the rest to move forward, the team now poised to face the challenges ahead. Natsuki grinned playfully, appreciating the efficiency and skill displayed by her fellow shinobi. "Not bad, Amikiri. Seems like we're in good hands for this mission," she remarked, her tone laced with a playful edge as they ventured further into the unknown.

At the end of the room, a masked figure awaited their arrival. The clapping echo reverberated through the air, triggering Natsuki's defensive instincts. Bracing herself for a potential genjutsu, she prepared to invoke her Perfect Body Technique. However, a woman's voice filled the space instead of intricate illusions, accompanied by laughter.

"Seems like I've been caught," she admitted, producing a trinket from her sleeves. She skillfully played with it between her fingers, meeting their gaze with a mysterious demeanor. The masked woman's eyes fixed on Natsuki. "I assume this is what you're here for."

"Nightingale," Natsuki recognized, a frown creasing her forehead. "Laws aren't a buffet; you can't just pick and choose. It's time for you to revisit them."

"And Natsuki Hyuuga, with your group of friends," she addressed them with a knowing smile. Her eyes fell on the three Genin. "Did Astral Point enroll you right out of the womb? I swear you folk get younger every year."

[WC: 568]
[TWC: 1,190]
[TMWC: 5595]

As they advanced deeper into the enemy base Hebiishi enjoyed seeing the techniques of his allies. Amikiri lit up his blade with a thin blue flame that illuminated their surroundings. At first, Hebiishi was nervous this would alert their enemies of their presence, but the man then activated some kind of dojutsu and then melded in with the wall. As they advanced further he saw the genin's handiwork, a man knocked out without a hint of noise to mark their presence. He gave Amikiri a nod of respect at that. He could learn from the man's experience if he wasn't so worried about a knife in the back.

But then a slow clap beckoned them forward, a woman stood opposite them at the end of the room. As the echoes of her claps died she let out a peal of laughter, "Seems like I've been caught, I assume this is what you're here  for."

As she spoke she produced a small jade trinket from her sleeves. Before Hebiishi knew it he was on his knees crying soundlessly. Tears streamed down his face and he didn't know why. It took a few moments for him to distinguish it, a subtle but fierce pressure in the room that seemed almost alive. Beg, beg, beg, beg for mercy. Cry, cry, cry. All you can do is let out your tears... An endless chant of similar thoughts paraded through his head endlessly. He wanted to fight it, but he didn't know how. Finally, he let out a scream that seemed to cover the inner voice and found that he could focus. As he stood up again, all the while screaming, he braced himself for combat as he tried to piece together what had happened while he was immobilized.

WC: 294
TWC: 1,488
MTWC:  5,889/6,000

As Natsuki gripped Joro's hand with a strength that surpassed his expectations, rivaling his own, she deftly deflected his initial attempt at flirting with a jest, stating, "If I had a ryo for every time I heard a pick-up line, Joro, I would be more prosperous than a Daimyo."

Unfazed by the deflection, the determined Shokku quickly responded, realizing Natsuki's focus on business. He decided to tie his reply to the mission at hand, gazing into her entrancing violet eyes as he said, "Maybe I'll weave a jutsu of words that will have you smiling more than during a successful mission. Let's save the surprises for after we've conquered whatever challenges lie ahead."

With this response, Joro aimed to capture Natsuki's attention, understanding that winning her over might not happen in a day, but he was nothing if not disciplined. Joro waited and watched, captivated by the firm handshake and the gaze of her violet eyes.

Now back to the mission at hand, Joro was last to go down the stairs making sure to stand sideways going down the stairs so that way he could see threats on both sides of him. Just in case his teammates needed help or he had to take care of anything behind him. As they were making their way down the steps he saw that Amikiri was leading was leading the way and his sword was glowing blue. As he made his way down the steps he used some jutsu that allowed him to enter the wall and he ended up behind a man that was at the bottom of the steps. He quickly took care of the man efficiently and silently. Wow that was impressive!! I could learn a lot from this Amikiri. Joro gave Amikiri a thumbs up showing his enthusiasm towards the skill of his teammate. As Joro continued down the stairs he saw a woman the Nightingale perhaps?

He couldn't quite make out the first thing she said because he was checking to make sure they didn't have a tale but by the time he turned back. Hebiishi had fallen down Joro rushed to his sides he knew the kid wasn't looking too good but he chalked it up to nerves considering this was his first higher-ranked mission. Joro quickly turned to look at Amikiri and Natsuki signaling that he would take care of Hebiishi and that they needed to focus on the situation at hand. After looking over his friend, Hebiishi sprang to life again his eyes opened and he began to scream. Joro held onto his friend's shoulders lowering his voice so as not to scare the poor kid telling him, " Hey, hey it's me Joro. Your okay, your okay. But hey we are on the mission remember? You good to go? If not it's okay but we kind of got a situation here. So I need to know.". Joro looked into his friend's eyes he saw confusion and fear it seemed something was definitely bothering him, but during this time he had stood up looking ready to go. He knew he would have to keep an eye on his friend though so nothing would happen to him.

As he redirected his attention to the situation he noticed Natsuki and the Nightingale were having a conversation. Catching the last of the Nightingale's remark Joro heard, "Did Astral Point enroll you right out of the womb? I swear you folk get younger every year.". Really lady! Your trying to test my nerves by insulting my friends and me. Well, you got another thing coming.... Remember breathe man stay calm.. "Prowess, not age, determines one's worth in the shinobi world. I suggest you focus on honing your skills rather than questioning our origins.". With that retort, Joro made his way down the steps along with his teammates. Drawing his Katana out ready to slash threw his opponent he eagerly awaited the smell of battle.
WC:655
TWC:2000
MTWC:6544 Mission WC Complete

As they reached the end of the hallway, the hallway widened to form a room. While it was certainly wider than the hallway they just stood in, this room was still relatively cramped. As Natsuki and the Nightingale engaged in a few remarks, Amikiri quickly started thinking. He didn’t want to go full brute force with his approach. After all, breaking that sword would lead to them failing this mission. Quickly thinking through his arsenal of weaponry, Amikiri’s first thought was either Willow Cannon or Dominion. Dominion would likely paralyze the Nightingale and despite being damaging, the weapon didn’t look too frail that it wouldn’t be able to sustain the relatively minor damage the technique dealt. However, the risk was still there. While Willow Cannon wouldn't outright paralyze her, it would likely cause her to drop the blade. The obvious risk of that was the blade shattering upon making contact with the ground. And of course, the risk of both of these was not hitting his teammates. He still had a touch of time left with his Hiding Like a Mole technique to maneuver into a position that wouldn’t harm his teammates, but ending up in a wall wasn’t his goal. Even with his Breath Seal to sustain him while trapped, it would be way too close of a call and Amikiri would prefer to come up with another plan first. As Hebiishi crumpled to the ground in what seemed to be shock or great emotional turmoil, Amikiri almost turned to help him. However, Joro jumped to the task before Amikiri could.

As this happened, Amikiri decided to make a split second decision. As a wise man once told him, “Fuck it, we ball.” The blue flame on his blade extinguished as he focused his chakra elsewhere and sheathed the weapon. The Hyuuga rushed forward, tossing two Universal Projectiles with two smoke bombs attached to them. They landed on both sides of the Nightingale. The dark haired Hyuuga’s eyes glowed a bright blue as he activated Hyuuga’s Valor causing a rush of vigorous energy and speed to flow through him. Lastly, he would quickly activate Tenketsu Burst, causing himself to be enveloped in a dark purple shroud of chakra protecting him from outside attacks. As he drew within a few meters, the smoke bombs would fill the far side of the room. His Byakugan allowed him to navigate through the smoke but it seemed that the Nightingale possessed no such ability.

Earlier, the dark haired Hyuuga had made an assumption. The task to hunt down the Nightingale was a c-rank mission. With the experience level of the two other genin assigned to the team, the Nightingale was clearly not treated as an E-ticket threat. The difficulty of this combat would be securing the blade without breaking it, not in the Nightingale herself.

As he continued sprinting towards her, Amikiri would clap his two hands together, quickly weaving two handseals. Ox and Horse. Two handseals which, by now, Amikiri had formed numerous times. As he rushed through the smoke, the palm of his hand glanced across the side of the blade. A small dark mark, no more than three centimeters across, would appear on the blade. This mark signified the technique Armory Seal. As soon as this happened, he formed the Ram handseal to activate Body Flicker, moving him backwards towards the rest of his group at blinding speeds.

One might question why Amikiri chose to place the seal instead of simply grabbing the blade. For starters, that would lead to a contest of strength, which the Hyuuga did not excel at. Secondly, while Amikiri’s current approach might leave the Nightingale confused, she certainly wouldn’t be nearly as aggressive with pursuing Amikiri’s exit as if he had physically taken it from her.

Once he returned amongst the group, the Hyuuga would whisper to Natsuki, quietly so not even the rest of the group could hear, “I’ve marked the blade with a fuinjutsu. I’m going to get Hebiishi out of here. When I’ve gone down the hallway a bit, I’ll summon the blade to me. Since containment is not my area of expertise, I’d appreciate it if you captured her. Or, do whatever you deem appropriate.” The Hyuuga didn’t realize this until much later, but he was speaking out of line a bit. Despite being two ranks lower, Amikiri had taken a very dominant role in the actions of this mission. Well, as Amikiri thought, especially with Hebiishi’s actions causing the tight cohesion of the group to unravel a bit, it seemed completion of the mission had become much more of a priority to Amikiri than rank structures and hierarchy.

The Hyuuga firmly put his hand on the blond boy’s shoulder, whispering to him, “Come on, let's get out of here. Natsuki and Joro will handle the rest.” Making a light tugging motion on Hebiishi’s shoulder, Amikiri signaled to the boy to follow him. It wouldn’t be enough to physically move Hebiishi, but Amikiri hoped it would be enough to have Hebiishi realize that their role in the mission was winding down and that they should leave the room.

Regardless of if Hebiishi followed him or not, the Hyuuga would rapidly move about twenty five meters down the hallway, before forming the Dog and Monkey handseals to summon the blade to him. He continued to move forward, firmly holding the blade in his hand. Eventually, he would exit the underground area, emerging on the surface. He would quickly form a couple of handseals and would use Fuinjutsu Breaking to destroy the seal on the surface of the blade. Best to protect the blade from any fuinjutsu “hacking” abilities that this Nightingale figure might have. Amikiri would stay alert, but relax a little, assured that Natsuki and Joro could deal with the Nightingale as they saw fit.

WC: 974
TWC: 2859
TMWC: 7518/6000

With an amused smile, Natsuki observed Amikiri's agile maneuvers, appreciating the strategic mind at work. Universal Projectiles and smoke bombs were cleverly employed to outsmart the Nightingale, showcasing Amikiri's cunning approach.

Amid Amikiri's swirling smoke, Nightingale winced. Their blades clashed in a swift dance of steel, only for Amikiri to retreat, leaving echoes of their confrontation lingering in the air. Whispering his plan as he withdrew, Amikiri stated, 'I've marked the blade. After guiding Hebiishi away, I'll summon it. Capture her or act as you deem fit.' Natsuki agreed with a wry look at Joro, readying for the Nightingale's capture and adding her playful touch to the unfolding scenario.

After the intense battle, Nightingale astutely observed Amikiri's approach, noting, 'He relies more on instinct than the fluff taught in the modern ninja academy, right?' Natsuki nodded, recognizing the truth in Nightingale's assessment. Amikiri's unorthodox tactics spoke volumes about his adaptability and instinctive prowess. 

Amidst the unfolding scenario, Natsuki injected her touch of wit. With a wry smile, she playfully addressed Nightingale, 'Surrendering could save you a lot of trouble. It's not every day you get a chance to avoid a headache, or maybe, in your case, a ninja-induced migraine.

In a fluid motion, the room quivered, shadows seeming to come alive, revealing concealed mechanisms. 'The whole room is rigged to collapse,' Nightingale declared with a sly grin. The shadows shifted, emphasizing imminent danger.

'Rigging the room won't save you from facing the consequences of your actions,' Natsuki retorted, her voice unwavering.

'No, but this will.' With a cunning smile, Nightingale gently placed the jade sword trinket on the floor. Confidently, Nightingale presented them with a choice. 'You can either go after me or try to secure your precious jade sword. Choose wisely,' she taunted, her voice mixed with challenge and amusement. "Now, unless you want to be found with half your face squashed by a rock, I suggest you make haste,' Nightingale declared, her tone carrying a cold warning that heightened the urgency.

"See you around, cowboy," Nightingale said to Joro with a wink before she made to form hand seals that would have her vanish in a puff of smoke, leaving lingering frustration.  However, before anyone could react, Natsuki seized the opportunity, a surge of determination in her eyes. With a mighty leap, she closed the distance instantly, delivering a devastating punch that sent Nightingale hurtling into the wall.

"Assuming I came here for the trinket was your mistake, but assumptions can be deadly in this game." The impact echoed through the room, and silence hung in the air momentarily as Nightingale slumped to the ground. Natsuki, standing tall, had ended the cat-and-mouse game with an emphatic exclamation point.

Natsuki turned to Joro. "We're done here," she declared, the entire underground room shaking. Rocks tumbled around Nightingale's unconscious form. They didn't need to kill her, but saving her wasn't their obligation either, as cliché as that notion was. If this marked the end of Nightingale, only time would reveal the truth. Many ninjas worldwide had claimed to witness such conclusions, only for the elusive thief to resurface elsewhere.

In the quiet aftermath, Natsuki cradled the jade sword trinket, its cool surface a tangible reminder of recent struggles. A genuine smile played on her lips as she turned to her comrades—Hebiishi, Amikiri, and Joro. Beyond their roles as shinobi, they were friends bound by the shared challenges of protecting their village. In the evening, they gathered, watching fireworks bloom in the night sky. Silhouetted against the bursts of color, they shared a moment of camaraderie. The echoes of victory reverberated in their hearts, a reminder that together, they had faced shadows and emerged victorious.

---

A gathering of hooded figures unfolded in the heart of a shadowed forest beneath the moon's soft glow. The air was heavy with grief as a woman's voice broke through the stillness, carrying the weight of sad news.

"We've lost one of our own," she whispered, her words touched by sorrow. "In Haven, to the hands of Hoshigakure Ninja."

The hooded figures engaged in a quiet conversation, their hushed tones speculating on the circumstances of their sister's demise. "Was it Ayato Hyuuga and his Nova Corps, or perhaps the Vulture and his Talons claiming Kiri in their name?" pondered one figure, seeking clarity amid the shadows.

"I'd wager it was that Vagabond from the back-alley country everyone's been talking about," chimed in another, their voice gruff and filled with uncertainty.

Amid conflicting theories, a new perspective emerged. "No, I hear it was a group of Genin, fresh from the Astral Point Academy. Led by a Jounin with ties to the Kage."

The forest seemed to hold its breath as the hooded figures absorbed the news. The loss of their sister cast a poignant shadow over the assembly. 

"Our sister's loss will not be in vain. As one Nightingale fades, countless others rise. While Hoshigakure may have won this battle, the war for the shadows has just begun."

In the distance, the soft fireworks explosions painted the night sky, juxtaposing the clandestine gathering with fleeting light moments.

---

WC: 820
TWC: 2010
TMWC: 8338/6000

Claims:

This one is on me, folks - using A Grade Firework for all 4 of the topic participants.

Bringing my total WC to 3015 (2010+ 1005 from 50% firework bonus)

With a 50% Living Clone Discount:

2,500 to Master One Blow Body for Power
500 to Learn Copper Guard

As Hebiishi stood up screaming he realized the battle was already over. Joro was nearby with a look of concern and Amikiri placed a hand on his shoulder, “Come on, let's get out of here. Natsuki and Joro will handle the rest.”

Confused Hebiishi could do nothing but follow the dark haired genin. A lot must have happened while he was out of commission but still... He looked over his shoulder to see the Nightingale still there with the relic in her hand. He shook his head, deciding that trust in his comrade was what was needed in the moment. Even if trust didn't come easily to him. He followed the sword wielding Hyuga out and left the base with him.

It was as they left he heard the sound of the base collapsing behind him but it seemed like everyone made it out okay. As he was debriefed on what happened while he was out Hebiishi was left with conflicting feelings. On one hand, he was grateful the mission was pulled off without casualties but on the other... He wished he had been able to make a better showing of himself. He felt like he'd been nothing but dead weight. Also, he found it odd that he was the only one affected by the relic in question. Did this show some sort of weakness within himself? Some inherent flaw that he wasn't aware of? These thoughts would haunt him long after their return journey to safety back within the village. Only time would tell how deeply this would affect him.

Exit:

WC: 261
TWC: 1,749
MTWC Exceeded

WC with firework: 2,623 (874 added from firework)

1,275 Chakra Infusion (the rest learned here)
1,348/2,750 Orochi Style: Seeping Vemon

Stats:
+10 Vigor
+16 Chakra

Mission Completion:
+12,000 ryo
+60 bonus AP (New total 220 bonus AP)

As the Nightingale made her sly comments about Amikiri's tactics, Natsuki's readiness to face her, and the impending danger of the rigged room, Joro remained silent, observing the unfolding situation with a calm demeanor. He knew that now was not the time for words, but for action.

With a determined glint in his eyes, Joro sprang into action as Natsuki delivered her decisive blow, seizing the opportunity to recover the jade sword trinket before it could be lost amidst the chaos. With a swift motion, he snatched the artifact from the ground, his movements fueled by a sense of urgency and purpose.

"Got it," Joro called out to Natsuki, holding the jade sword trinket aloft as he rejoined the group. "Let's get out of here before this place collapses."

Natsuki turned to Joro. "We're done here,"

Together, they made their way back to the surface, navigating the treacherous terrain with ease and precision. The adrenaline of their successful mission still coursed through their veins, a tangible reminder of their triumph over adversity.

As they emerged from the underground chamber, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, Joro couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over him. Their victory was not just a testament to their individual skills, but to the strength of their bond as a team.

With his companions surrounding him, Joro felt a surge of gratitude for the camaraderie they shared. As they headed back to the village, their footsteps echoed in the stillness of the night, a harmonious rhythm that spoke of unity and solidarity.

And as they reached the safety of the village gates, Joro knew that they had faced their challenges head-on and emerged victorious. With the jade sword trinket safely in their possession and their bond stronger than ever, they were ready to face whatever the future held, united in purpose and determination.

As they entered the village, the vibrant bursts of fireworks painted the night sky with dazzling colors, a celebration of their triumph and the enduring spirit of their camaraderie. Amidst the joyful festivities, Joro couldn't help but smile, knowing that their victory was not just a momentary triumph but a testament to the strength of their bonds and the resilience of their resolve.

WC: 374
TWC:2,374
MTWC: Exceeded
WC with Firework:(2,374+1187)=3561
[Exit]

Claiming:
+19 Vigor
+16 Strength
Chakra Infusion +381 for 2000/2000 additional WC from here.
Muragan+1671 2000/2000 additional WC from here.
+1509 to First Form: Thunderclap and Flash] 1509/2000

Mission Completion:
+12,000 ryo
+60 bonus AP (New Total: 100)