A day in the life of a bard on the borders

Mission Link

"What is it about the morning that seems to lift my spirits?" Ren said to himself as the day began. He rubbed his eyes as he looked around the room he had slept in through the night. Watching the light shimmering through the dust gathered within the room created a striking visual that seemed to captivate him, much like bright colors would delight a small child. He didn't mind that the world always seemed new to him; most people didn't see the world in the same way he did, but he felt that was because so many had lost their inner child.

He stood up from the mat he had laid on, stretching his long arms and pushing his fingers through his long chestnut hair, and rubbed his eyes as he let out a loud yawn. "Good morning, world!" He yelled as he walked towards his toiletries. He gathered his belongings, a simple wooden comb, and a small tin of soap and approached the inn's bathing room. The inn was cozy and traditional, with rustic wooden beams and paper sliding doors.

As Ren entered the bathing room, he was greeted by the warm steam rising from a large wooden tub filled with hot water. The room was dimly lit by soft lanterns hanging from the ceiling, casting a tranquil and inviting ambiance. The scent of sandalwood and cedarwood filled the air, creating a soothing atmosphere.

Ren set his toiletries on a nearby wooden bench and began to undress, folding his clothes neatly. He carefully placed them aside, revealing the intricate tattoos that adorned his lean and graceful body, each telling a different story of his travels and encounters with various cultures.

Ren's tattoos were a mesmerizing tapestry of art and memories that told the tale of his travels and the diverse cultures he had encountered. On his arms, intricate patterns of swirling vines and blossoming flowers represented the beauty of nature he had witnessed in far-off lands. Across his chest, bold symbols and runes, each with its unique significance, spoke of the wisdom he had gained from wise sages and scholars. His back bore a majestic dragon, a symbol of strength and resilience he had acquired in the eastern regions. These tattoos weren't just decorative; they were a reflection of Ren's life, etched onto his skin like chapters in a book, constantly reminding him of the world's vastness and the stories yet to be discovered.

With a contented sigh, he stepped into the hot water, feeling the warmth envelop his tired muscles. The sensation was like a comforting embrace, easing lingering fatigue from his journey. Ren closed his eyes and leaned back, allowing the steam and the gentle sounds of the trickling water to wash over him.

As he lathered the soap on his hands, he began to wash away the dust and dirt from his skin, taking his time to savor the moment of relaxation. The soothing ambiance of the bathing room and connection with the natural world around him reminded him why he loved his wandering lifestyle. He didn't rush trough this process instead, Ren lost himself in the serenity of the moment, grateful for the simple pleasures of life and the new experiences that each day brought him.

He would stay in the water until he could feel its warmth begin to give way to the gradual coolness of the morning air. The steam rose around him like ethereal wisps, and Ren closed his eyes, allowing his mind to wander as he relished this peaceful moment of solitude.

The memories of the village he had stumbled upon yesterday came flooding back. It was a small, secluded village nestled deep within the mountains, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The villagers had been kind and welcoming, their eyes filled with curiosity and warmth as they welcomed him. They had offered him food, a place to sleep, and a hot bath, which he now enjoyed.

As Ren continued to soak in the tub, he thought about the stories the villagers had shared around the communal fire last night. Tales of ancient legends, spirits that guarded the mountains, and the mystical energy that flowed through the land. It was a place untouched by the chaos of the shinobi world, and Ren appreciated the simplicity and serenity of it all.

With a satisfied sigh, Ren emerged from the bath, his skin tingling with the lingering warmth. He dried himself off with a clean towel and put on a simple robe provided by the inn. Ready for the day ahead, he left the bathing room and approached the inn's common area, eager to explore more of the village and perhaps share his melodies with the locals.

Ren entered his private room again with a graceful glide across the hall. The room was adorned with traditional Japanese decor, featuring sliding shoji screens and low wooden tables. His belongings were neatly arranged on a woven straw mat, and the soft morning light filtered through the paper screens, casting a gentle glow on everything.

Ren began to dress himself in his wanderer's attire, a loose-fitting kimono made of earthy green fabric adorned with subtle patterns reminiscent of nature's beauty. He carefully tied the obi sash around his waist, adjusting it to his comfort. His attire was comfortable for his travels and reflected his appreciation for the world's simplicity and elegance.

Ren's mind wandered as he dressed, contemplating the melodies he might share with the villagers today and the stories he would collect along the way. He knew that each encounter, each note he played, and every conversation he had would add another chapter to the ever-expanding tapestry of his journey.

Once he was dressed and ready, Ren returned to the inn's common area, where the scent of breakfast greeted him. It was time to start a new day of exploration, music, and connection in this secluded mountain village. A glorious breakfast was being served, a rather simplistic dish, but it was one of Ren's favorite ways to begin a morning. It was a large pile of steamed white rice, with several fried eggs, still slightly runny, atop the mound.

A glorious breakfast was being served, a rather simplistic dish, but it was one of Ren's favorite ways to begin a morning. It was a large pile of steamed white rice, with several fried eggs, still slightly runny, atop the mound. The aroma of the eggs and the steam rising from the rice mingled in the air, creating a delectable fragrance that made Ren's mouth water.

He joined the villagers at a communal dining table, their faces beaming with hospitality as they welcomed him again. Ren exchanged warm smiles and nods with those around him as he sat. This village's sense of community was palpable, resonating deeply with him.

Ren dug into the breakfast before him with wooden chopsticks, savoring each bite. Mixing the creamy yolks with the fluffy rice was simple yet satisfying. He relished the flavors and the conversations that flowed around him. Villagers shared their stories, tales of their daily lives, and curiosity about the world beyond the mountains.

Ren couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the fate that had brought him to this hidden gem of a village. It was moments like these, shared with kind-hearted strangers over a humble meal, reminded him of the beauty of human connections and the richness of life's simple pleasures.

One of the villagers spoke to Ren about the local butcher in town needing help delivering his hides to a trapper living deep within the forest beside the village. The trek was a bit too hard for the older butcher, so he wanted someone to deliver them. Ren, of course, lit up at the idea of helping the village that provided him with such comfort, so he quickly answered the call.

One of the villagers spoke to Ren about the local butcher in town needing help delivering his hides to a trapper living deep within the forest beside the village. The trek was a bit too hard for the older butcher, so he wanted someone to deliver them. Ren, of course, lit up at the idea of helping the village that provided him with such comfort, so he quickly answered the call.

Finishing his meal with gratitude, Ren thanked the villagers for their hospitality and went to the local butcher's shop. The shop was a quaint wooden building with a sign bearing the butcher's name, Kaito. Ren entered to find Kaito busily preparing cuts of meat behind the counter. The aroma of freshly butchered beef filled the air.

Ren greeted the butcher with a warm smile, "Good morning, sir. My name is Ren, and I am here to deliver your hides." Kaito, a stout and weathered man with a kind demeanor, looked up from his work and nodded appreciatively. "You are, are you? You don't seem the type to be wanting to carry all of these hides deep into the forest. How do you plan on carrying these by yourself?" He motioned to the stack of hides nearly half that of Ren's body.

Ren smiled and nodded, "Oh, I have my ways, sir. Don't worry; I'll have these hides delivered promptly." Ren said with a slight bow forward. "Well, if you insist. The trapper, Hiroshi, lives quite a way into the forest, and the path can be treacherous. Your willingness to help is much appreciated."

Ren and Kaito discussed the delivery details, including the route and the supplies Ren might need for the journey. Kaito provided Ren with a small pouch of dried fruits, nuts, and a water flask to sustain him on the trip. With a firm handshake and a heartfelt "thank you," Ren set off to fulfill his new task, ready to venture into the forest. Ren did have a body that many would doubt was strong, but he was deceptively capable of handling himself.

Ren did have a body that many would doubt was strong, but he was deceptively capable of handling himself. Years of traveling had not only honed his musical talents but also toughened his physique through the physical demands of his wandering lifestyle. He moved with grace and agility, and his keen senses were always attuned to the world around him.

As he ventured into the woods, Ren followed a winding path that led him deeper into the forest. The thick canopy of trees above cast dappled shadows on the ground, and the sound of birdsong filled the air. It was a world of serenity and tranquility, a stark contrast to the bustling villages and towns he often frequented.

The path grew narrower, and Ren's journey took him across a small wooden bridge that spanned a crystal-clear stream. He marveled at the untouched beauty of nature, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, and the soft murmur of the stream. His steps were steady and sure, guided by an innate sense of direction.

After a while, Ren spotted a small wooden cabin nestled among the trees, a sign that he was nearing Hiroshi, the trapper's dwelling. He approached cautiously, his friendly demeanor and warm smile ready to greet the trapper, who lived quite different from his own.

Ren continued his approach to the small wooden cabin, the calm and tranquility of the forest still surrounding him. However, as he drew nearer, he began to feel a subtle disturbance in the natural energy around him. His senses detected the presence of another chakra that seemed far too strong and honed to belong to Hiroshi, a simple trapper.

Instinctively, Ren's guard went up. He slowed, his footsteps becoming almost invisible as he scanned the surroundings. The forest had turned eerily silent, with the usual sounds of birds and rustling leaves falling silent. It was a clear sign that something was amiss.

Ren's heart raced, but his years of travel had taught him to stay calm under pressure. He found cover behind a large tree, his senses entirely focused on pinpointing the source of the approaching chakra. Then, he heard a faint rustling in the underbrush and knew he was about to be ambushed.

Ren readied himself, his hand on the hilt of a concealed blade he carried for such situations. He remained silent, his senses sharpened, and his eyes scanned the woods for movement. Whoever intended to ambush him would soon learn that beneath his gentle exterior was a wanderer who had encountered his fair share of challenges and surprises.

Recognizing the need for caution, he swiftly dropped the hides he was carrying and began to weave a series of hand seals with practiced precision. As he completed the final seal, a surge of chakra enveloped him, causing his form to vanish from the naked eye and the most skilled shinobi's perception.

Now concealed by his masterful sensory techniques, Ren stood perfectly still, his senses attuned to the forest's every sound and movement. He knew whoever was approaching might have underestimated him, assuming he was an easy target. But he was determined to prove them wrong.

Ren patiently waited in the stillness of the forest, his heart beating in harmony with the natural rhythms of the woods. He was ready to react swiftly and decisively should his unseen assailant reveal themselves. The element of surprise was his ally now, and he was determined to use it to his advantage. It wasn't long before he could hear the footsteps of another, the owner of the chakra that he had sensed.

It wasn't long before Ren could hear the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching, confirming that the owner of the chakra he had sensed was drawing near. Ren's heart beat steadily as the footsteps grew closer, his senses sharpened by a new technique he had been learning.

Then, with a sudden, graceful landing, a rogue shinobi touched down on the forest floor in front of Ren. The newcomer wore dark clothing that blended seamlessly with the forest's shadows. His posture exuded confidence and a hint of arrogance.

The rogue shinobi had a lean build, and his sharp eyes darted rapidly, searching for any sign of whoever might have dropped the pelts. His dark hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and a mask obscured the lower half of his face, leaving only his calculating eyes visible.

Ren remained hidden as the rogue shinobi continued to scan the area, his presence shrouded by the rogue's eyes. He watched the intruder closely, ready to assess and react accordingly. It was a delicate dance of wits and skill, and Ren was determined to protect himself and the village's pelts.

Ren began to weave several more hand seals slowly and elegantly as the rogue started picking up the pelts before him. Upon completing the final seal, he revealed only his head and uttered a quick sound, causing the rogue to look directly at him. This is precisely what Ren was hoping for. Upon the rogue looking at Ren's head, his final seal was complete, and suddenly, the rogue was trapped under his genjutsu.

The rogue saw a whole group of shinobi land on the ground around the rogue, causing him to panic, but before he was able to leap away and try to run through the trees, he witnessed Ren plunge a sword deep into his chest cavity. He would feel his blood seep down into his clothes, and he would fall to the floor. But in reality, Ren would walk up to the rogue and expel a horrid gas from his mouth directly into the rogue's position. The feeling of the sword being impaled into his chest was his lungs bursting from the poisonous gas, and when he fell to the floor, it would be when he would wake up from the genjutsu.

The rogue would be choking on the gas, feeling even his very own chakra being ravaged by the horrid fumes, crippling him and rendering him unable to be able to move from his position. The rogue would writhe in agony as he couldn't move; Ren looked down at him with sorrow. "You will not be allowed to hurt anyone ever again." The rogue's eyes looked panicked as the realization came in that he was going to die from this encounter; tears began to fall from his face, slightly blackened from the poison. He seemed to try to speak, but he couldn't make the words exit in any form of distinguishable rhetoric.

It was then that Ren began to look over the man's body moments before he would die from this poison. He saw no marks on his body, no sign that he was a rogue in the first place. "Oh my God!" He crouched next to the man, placed a palm on his chest, and funneled in as much chakra as possible, praying that he could keep the man alive. "I'm so sorry! I just assumed that you were," but it was too late. The man's body went limp as his final breath wheezed from his lips.

"No, no, please!" Ren continued to funnel his chakra into the man, to no avail. His heart began to pound, and tears welled in his eyes, preventing him from being able to see clearly. He had murdered this man without even understanding what he was. He began to search his pockets, hoping that he would find something incriminating on his body, hoping to find something to place him as someone who needed to be killed, but he found nothing of the sort. His hands clenched into fists as he pounded into the ground beside the innocent man. "Damn you, Ren! Why didn't you think!?" He yelled to himself, quietly enough to where no one would hear.

He knew he needed to deal with this man's body, but he wasn't sure how. He rolled it into the depths of the forest. But it was then that he remembered something. He reached into his pack, and he found a scroll. He recalled that this scroll was designed explicitly for storing corpses. He unraveled it, wove a few seals with his hands, and placed his palm on the storage scroll and the corpse. With a blink of an eye, the corpse was gone, and the scroll was filled.

He brushed himself off and did what he could to bring his composure back to where he was before this dreaded encounter. Ren then continued on his original path, heading towards the trapper's hut with the hides in tow. Despite the unexpected encounter, he was determined to fulfill his promise to the village and complete the delivery. The forest, once again serene and filled with the beauty of nature, seemed to welcome him back on his journey, and Ren's genuine warmth remained intact, ready to share melodies and forge connections anew.

Pain, regret, and anger swirled within Ren as he continued on the final stretch toward the trapper's hut, the weight of his actions bearing down on him like an anchor. The words of self-reproach echoed in his mind, a haunting reminder of the consequences of his actions.

"Ren, what the hell?! You just killed someone's son, possibly someone's father!" His inner voice accused him. The burden of taking another life weighed heavily in his chest, and the guilt gnawed at his conscience.

As he approached the trapper's hut, the forest's beauty seemed to offer no solace for the turmoil within him. Ren knew that his actions had consequences, and he couldn't escape the fact that he had taken a life, even if it had been within the confines of an illusion.

Arriving at the trapper's hut, he found Hiroshi the trapper waiting, a friendly smile on his weathered face. Ren put on a brave front, handing over the hides and sharing a few stories and melodies with the elderly trapper. At that moment, he hoped that the connection he forged with Hiroshi and the village would help him find redemption for his choices in the forest that day.

The trapper opened the door to see Ren walking up his pathway and greeted him with a warm smile. "Ahhh, the pelts from the village!" he exclaimed, taking the bundle from Ren's hands.

Ren nodded, his response subdued, unable to muster his usual enthusiasm. The trapper noticed Ren's somber demeanor but said nothing, instructing him where to place the pelts inside the hut.

"Place them over there," the trapper said, pointing to a corner of the small, dimly lit cabin. "I'll take a look at them in a moment. I appreciate your help."

Ren complied, silently moving the pelts to the designated spot, his heart heavy with the weight of his recent actions. The trapper watched him quietly, understanding that something troubled his guest but choosing to respect his privacy.

As Ren finished arranging the pelts, he emerged from the hut to find the trapper waiting outside. The older man's friendly demeanor remained unchanged, but he could see the devastation in Ren's eyes. Still, neither of them spoke about it.

The mood between them remained heavy, and the trapper's understanding gaze silently acknowledged Ren's inner turmoil. In that moment, Ren found solace in the trapper's unspoken compassion, even as he grappled with the consequences of his actions.

The trapper's words cut through Ren's heavy heart like a ray of understanding. "Let me tell you, young man. Whatever has happened to you, whatever you have done, it can always be worse. You can live in the middle of nowhere with nothing but the random traveler and wildlife to keep you company!" He erupted into a hearty, loud laugh.

Ren couldn't help but offer a faint smile, appreciating the trapper's attempt to lighten the somber mood. "You're right," he replied quietly, his voice tinged with gratitude. "Thank you for your wisdom."

The trapper then turned his attention to the pelts, asking Ren, "Look. You can get your grumpy attitude on over here and help me tan these pelts; it may help or not. Either way, if you do, you can take some leather home with you; how does that sound?"

"I think that would be good; it would be good to help in any way I can, sir." Together, the two men set to work, submerging the hides in a tanning solution made from an awful-smelling vat of a semi-viscous liquid, carefully scraping away excess flesh and hair, and working the leather until it became soft and supple.

As they labored, the trapper shared stories of his travels and experiences living in isolation. Ren listened attentively, finding solace in working together and connecting with another soul who had faced life's challenges.

Ren felt a sense of healing and redemption during their shared efforts, knowing he was actively contributing to the village's well-being and forging a bond with a kind-hearted trapper who had shown him understanding and kindness.

The minutes had turned to hours, and the hours counted into many as Ren and Isamu worked tirelessly on tanning the hides. The sun had long dipped below the horizon, and the night enveloped the forest around them. Their shared efforts had been marked by a quiet understanding and camaraderie, even as they toiled silently.

As the last pelt was scraped clean of excess flesh, Isamu straightened his tired back and grinned at Ren. "Well! It seems you kept your end, so how about you take some of the leather with you? I don't need this much, nor does the village; you've earned it."

Ren nodded with gratitude, his weariness tempered by a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, Isamu."

The old man corrected him gently, "Call me Isamu, and it was a pleasure to work alongside you, traveler."

Ren returned the nod, respect shining in his eyes. "Ren," he said with a humble bow.

Satisfied with their shared endeavor, Isamu returned to his cabin, waving goodbye to Ren. Ren reciprocated the gesture and watched the trapper's silhouette disappear into the forest's darkness. With a sense of closure and a newfound friend, Ren turned his steps toward the village.

As he returned through the woods, the moonlight filtered through the trees, casting ethereal shadows on his path. The day's events weighed heavily on his heart, but he carried with him the leather, the lessons learned from his encounter with the rogue shinobi, and the wisdom shared by Isamu.

Arriving back at the village, Ren sought out the village elder to deliver the news of the completed task. The elder listened intently, his eyes showing appreciation for Ren's dedication and resourcefulness. The village would benefit from the leather, and Ren had upheld his promise.

With the task accomplished, Ren felt a slight sense of closure and fulfillment, a small step toward redemption for the events in the forest. The villagers expressed their gratitude, and the mood in the village seemed brighter than when he had left.

As Ren settled in for the travel through the night, he couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. He had faced darkness and turmoil within himself but had emerged with newfound wisdom and a sense of kinship with Isamu. The road of the wandering minstrel was filled with challenges and surprises, but Ren was determined to continue sharing his melodies, forging connections, and seeking the harmony that had always been his guiding light. Even though he had made a miserable decision today, he had to think of a way to make this right.

But Ren knew that there was no way to make it right. What he had done weighed heavily on his soul, an indelible stain on his conscience. There was no excuse, no pardon for the fact that he had taken another human life. A mere traveler who had crossed his path in the same forest had fallen victim to his actions.

The realization left Ren in a state of profound self-doubt. He questioned whether he could trust himself with the immense power he had dedicated himself to obtaining over the years, and the countless hours he had spent honing his skills, pushing himself to learn more about ways to protect people, now seemed futile and meaningless. He had become the very threat he had sought to defend against.

As Ren continued his trek back to the village, the weight of his actions bore down on him like a relentless storm. The path through the moonlit forest felt colder and lonelier than ever before. The darkness seemed to seep into his very being, mirroring the darkness within his heart.

Each step he took echoed the haunting memories of the day's events. He couldn't escape the truth of what he had become, and the knowledge that he had ended a life haunted him at every turn. The gentle rustling of leaves in the night breeze whispered accusations, and the shadows of the trees seemed to dance in judgment.

Ren's journey back to the village was no longer a simple return but a solemn pilgrimage, a search for redemption that may forever elude him. As he approached the town, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was now an outsider, forever marked by the darkness that had enveloped him that fateful day.

[EXIT]


Mission Claims:
Completion of a B rank crafting supply mission
+6000 Ryo (mission) + 4000 Ryo (Power rank) = 10,000 Ryo
+30 AP
+1 Leather

Current Bonus AP = 430

WC Claims:
+90 AP
+2500 towards towards Chakra Enhanced Strength (A rank) (Complete)
+2029 towards Eye Mind Reading (2029/2500)