Missing People in Hoshi!!

Mission::

Joro rolled over, not wanting to get out of bed. But he knew he had to get going, so with a heavy sigh, he forced himself to sit up and stretch out his arms and legs. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the drowsiness that still clung to him.

As he stood up, he felt his muscles protest to the sudden movement, but he pushed through. He knew that he had a lot to do today, and he couldn't afford to waste any time. So he took a deep breath, straightened his back, and stepped forward, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. He quickly checked on Stout to make sure he was still sleeping, and he was.

Joro quickly hopped in the shower, got rinsed off, and cleaned himself. He got out and shaved quickly as he was ready to get going now. He brushed his teeth as he got dressed. And styled his hair a bit, and turned to see Stout was waking up. It seemed the Stoat preferred catching his food in the morning. So Joro has been sure to not set aside food for him, it only seemed to make him moody. As Joro drank his tea he sat down at a small table in his apartment scribbling a few things down, working through a few thoughts. He got a letter at the door, he had been assigned to an A-rank mission. He was to meet with four others within an hour. He quickly got dressed in some classic dress-style pants, and a green button-down shirt, with the top two buttons open. He threw on some bracelets to fidget with on his way over and during the mission. He noticed the rain and decided to throw on a trim jacket holding his muscular arms tight. He finished his tea, grabbed an apple, and washed it off. And headed out the door, Katana at the hip. Stout jumped to his side as they made their way down the stairs.

"You ready to go? Yeah? Okay," and woosh they were off to the University.

Joro grabbed a bench and sat comfortably with Stout waiting.

WC:359
MWTC: 359/4000

Morning rays penetrated the oblique windows, while the floating dust captured the golden highlights of sunlight reaching through the dew-filled air. In this luminescent room of ethereal light and soft, serene energy, Mizaki Hyuuga awoke. She slid out of bed in her studio apartment with a peaceful sense of grace. Into the bathroom, where she reveled in the depths of her peaceful mind, the source of the potent, dignified, restrained appeal with which she faced the day. The woman looked at herself in the mirror, and the beaming blue hair that snaked from her head to her shoulders and over her pastel blue blouse had barely a tangle within it, she must have slept peacefully the night before.

Her eyes were bright and bold, challenging her reflection with an intensity birthed of intelligence and fed upon calm certainty. Her assurance was woven beneath sturdy, brooding brows: a force to be aware of but entirely disarmingly approachable. A look that assures those who look upon her that she is a young woman who knows her power but still seeks her path, with pure skin white as polished bone. Soft, dew-refracted light highlighted the cheekbones sprouted beneath it and smooth jaw lines. Soft, pink lips, defining a beauty without makeup, looked up with eyes of soft, pure kindness and intrigue in the world around her.

She wrapped herself in a white kimono, barely held in place by the broad sash of the color of a clear day’s sky. It was tied in the back. It draped over her slender form, dancing with caresses upon her shape and occasionally with flaring when she darted in her accustomed rapid pace. Her occupation demanded freedom of movement, but black fabric wrapped around a human body was only functionally valuable for how it looked simultaneously. It was flexibly modest, but everything she wore showed her discipline and patience; each sash fold and sleeve crease was scrupulous. She looked at them in the mirror and arranged one of her rogue hair strands behind her ear. Her fingers were neat and delicate, her face in simple contemplation and satisfaction. The hints of power and unshakable serenity faintly pulled at her features. 

The sun gently caressed the village of Hoshigakure awake, and Mizaki Hyuuga stepped outside her modest flat and emerged into the livelier parts of the town. The air was clean and resolved with the smell of flowers and the rain from the night before, accompanied by the background hum of morning village life. The villagers did their business, and she walked through the gatherings with the elegance of a swan. Her steps were measured with grace, and they led her to a busy tea shop in the heart of the village. The exterior and interior were made of warm wood and soft stone, and the hanging signs were the only way of telling the entrance to any other part of the shop. 

She had meandered her way through the tea shop and sat at the first table she could find. She knew that she had been tasked with a rather exciting mission today, to accompany some folks for a mission that would be taking place at the academy, but yet she didn't feel the need to rush. She was reasonably sure she would still be the first to report for duty. As she finished her tea, she stood, activated her Byakugan and began progressing to the Academy. 

Gliding through the village, she found herself at the Academy, and just as she had thought, nobody else was there that was part of the mission. She would stand there and wait, using her Byakugan to scan the surrounding areas, ensuring she was not caught off guard. 

WC: 617
TWC: 617

Sephy was barely awake when the maids tapped on her door to deliver a letter. Maybe a mission with her team, or a request to meet someone or a simple letter from someone saying hi….the possibilities were endless! She was dressed in her favorite pajamas, all white with black skulls and crossbones on them. She took the letter politely thanking the maid for bringing it to her.
A mission…but not with her team…with other people? Now the name that stood out the most was a fellow clan member, Mizaki. She had heard mention of the name because they were in the same clan but she had never met her. But she got the whole point of this, Team Fuku had been only really around each other, and in order for them to continue being able to work as a team, they had to work with others as well! No problem she could do this, she had been doing well getting out lately and Ayato and Toneri had actually complimented the whole team on getting out and expanding their horizons since arriving in Hoshi!
Sephora had also changed her style upon request of her cousins, after all they had a point, black leather was difficult to fight in! Though she has grown accustomed to it, if you are changing one thing, change everything. Fresh starts are just that, you wipe the slate clean and start over.
Today she wore some black leggings with a cute pink mid thigh short skirt over them and a black and pink strappy tank top to match. On Sephora's back, showing as plain as day, was her other tattoo she had for about 3 years now, Dante had the same one on his back as well. Both were proud of the fact they were hybrids. Two red circles symbolizing Kaguya, one on each shoulder blade and in between the two circles on her spine, was the Hyuuga clan symbol!
On Sephora's arms were two elbow length black gloves with holes in them and the holes were supported by metal around the edges, these were her bone claw gloves that helped support her bone claws when she used them. Her White waist length thick hair was pulled up in a ponytail on top of her head and a small thin black ribbon choker was adorning her neck. She doesn't wear makeup or nail polish, though she has a nice complexion and her nails were quite beautiful because she does keep up maintenance on them.
Stepping out the door she headed to the area to meet up with the others. She spotted one of them ahead her sitting on a bench, she knew very well who this was! She saw a creature sitting with him and it peaked her interest.
“What is that?” She asked as she carefully reached out to touch it with a finger. She waited on the okay from Joro to touch his pet! “So I see we are working together on a mission today?” Seph casually said and asked the man whom she found out is her cousin through her mother!
WC: 518

Youta would be working in his fathers forge when a young academy student would come into the shop looking for him.  He would bow and hand Youta a letter about a mission.  He would open it and see that there are missing women getting kidnapped in one of the districts of Hoshigakure.  He would read and try to find out more details about what is going on.  So apparently someone is targeting young women 18-25.  It seems to be more of the poorer district near the temples by the university.   So Youta would then head to get a quick shower and then would grab his stuff and would start to head towards the university,  

He would then see Joro, Sephora and Mizaki and would walk up to the group.   “Hey Everyone how are all of you doing today?  It is nice to you all again. Joro it is always cool to see you,  Sephy nice to see you again.  You are Mizaki right we did some low ranking missions earlier right?”. He would turn to them and then his tone would change and Youta would get more serious and say “So we are here to investigate a number of missing women.  So no offense to you ladies but until we know what we are up against I would prefer you two stay close and do not do any individual investigations.  But we should start with the latest victim who went to university.  So if one of you ladies would interview the roommate or close friends.  The other 2 of us will go to the crime scene and see the police and the city guards.  They may have some evidence that may help. Thats what I think anyways anyone else have any ideas?”

Wc254

Joro sat on the worn bench, idly twirling the wood bracelets around his wrist. The early morning sun cast a warm glow on him, casting long shadows across the grass. He watched the children playing near the street, their laughter carrying through the air.

The rhythmic clinking of the bracelets soothed him, allowing him to not become overly anxious. As he sat there, lost in thought, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. The gentle breeze ruffled his hair, and he closed his eyes, letting the sounds of nature envelop him. The bracelets, each with its own story and significance, were a tangible link to his past, grounding him in the present moment.

With a contented sigh, Joro leaned back, savoring the simple pleasure of being still, surrounded by the beauty of the world. Looking down at Stout he couldn't believe the beauty in the air on this wonderful day. At the same time, he was worried because he had an A-rank mission today, he had noticed Mizaki was in the area to which he nodded towards her.

"Hello, Mizaki! How have you been? Beautiful morning, right?" he said with a cheeky grin, playing with his bracelets still waiting for the rest of the teammates.

Joro's gaze shifted upward, and he noticed a pretty bird perched on a branch above them. Its feathers shimmered in the sunlight, and its melodic song filled the air. Mesmerized by the bird's beauty, Joro felt a sense of wonder wash over him. The bird seemed to be a symbol of freedom and grace, soaring effortlessly through the sky. Joro couldn't help but smile as he watched the bird, feeling a kinship with its carefree spirit. For a moment, he forgot about the impending mission and simply enjoyed the peaceful scene unfolding before him. The sight of the bird brought a sense of tranquility, reminding him to embrace the present moment and find joy in the simple things. As the bird took flight, Joro felt a surge of optimism, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. He knew he was ready for the mission now. Joro had been stressed recently and the bird with its carefree spirit and the freedom it possessed through flight gave Joro a refreshing reminder of who he was. He was also a carefree spirit and a being that survived on freedom. He hoped with the recent announcement of the Nova Tournament. He would have built up the ability to defeat whoever he may face and garner even more freedom as a shinobi.

Mizaki was wearing a white kimono wrapped in a broad sky-blue sash. A little more formal than Joro but he enjoyed practicality over extravagant clothing.

He waited a little while longer till he noticed that Sephora was headed their way. She was wearing some black leggings with a pink skirt over it, and a tank top that was black and pink as well. Joro noticed the tattoo on her back today, he hadn't noticed it before but it was a very interesting design it carried the symbol of both of her clans with it.

"Hey! Sephy how are you doing? It's wonderful to see you! And oh, this is Stout the Stoat. Funny I know," he said letting out a small chuckle. "Yeah, you can pet him. He's pretty friendly," smiling and nodding at the girl. "Yes, we are! A-rank too, that's a pretty big deal. Ayato must be looking favorably upon us."

They both sat chatting and looking around for their fourth member a Youta Shinkou. The recent Chunin isn't usually late, but occasionally is the last to show up.

Joro absentmindedly reached down and gently stroked Stout's soft fur as the stoat curled up on the ground, seemingly undisturbed by the activity around him. Stout let out a tiny sigh of contentment, his small form rising and falling with each breath as he slept peacefully. Joro couldn't help but smile at the sight, finding comfort in the simple act of petting his furry friend. The rhythmic motion of his hand running through Stout's fur calmed his nerves, and he felt a sense of tranquility wash over him.

As he watched the stoat sleep, Joro marveled at the creature's ability to find peace amid uncertainty. Stout's presence was a source of comfort, a reminder to Joro to find joy in the present moment, even amidst the anticipation of the upcoming mission. With each gentle stroke, Joro felt the tension melting away, replaced by a deep sense of connection with the world around him. He found solace in the rhythmic rise and fall of Stout's breathing, a reminder of the beauty and simplicity of life.

As he continued to pet the stoat, Joro's thoughts drifted away from the mission, allowing himself to fully immerse in the peaceful moment shared with his loyal companion. Stout would awake soon after and would look up at Joro as he continued to pet him gently making his way through his fur.

"Wakey, Wakey, Stout," chuckling a little at the silly words. "How did you sleep, buddy? We are about to get going I think. You ready?"

Youta would soon approach the group looking determined to get the mission going.

"Youta! Always great to see you as well," Joro said, with a joyful smile. Waiting a moment to let Youta finish his more serious talk about the mission. Joro would use a calm voice to address this, making sure to keep a more lighthearted approach to the situation.

"I think that sounds like a good plan. Keep them both safe, while also fulfilling our assignment. Not that you can't handle yourselves at all, but just a way of making sure we all keep track of each other. Keep all of us safe. Interviewing them sounds like a good idea, and they may be more willing to talk to you both," looking over at Sephy and Mizaki. "Why don't I take Sephy and interview a few and you take Mizaki so we can cover the same ground as well as meet up for the details afterward?"

As they set out to investigate the slums near the temples, an air of determination and focus enveloped the team. The urgency of the mission was evident, and Joro knew that time was of the essence in locating and rescuing the missing woman. All 6 of them needed to be brought home safe and sound as soon as possible. Joro and the rest knew this, they only worried they were too late.

Upon arriving at the vicinity of the temples, the team split up, combing through the area to gather any possible leads or clues. Joro, Sephora, Mizaki, and Youta meticulously scoured the surroundings, engaging with the local community and gathering information from the residents. Mizaki and Sephora gathered key information from the roommates of the women. Youta and Joro went off to the crime scene not too far off to speak with the local authorities.

As Joro and his teammates delved deeper into their investigation, the team encountered challenges and roadblocks. The lack of a clear connection among the missing women made it difficult to ascertain a pattern or a potential suspect. However, they remained undeterred in their mission, driven by the determination to bring the missing women back to safety.

Amidst the grueling search, a breakthrough emerged as they stumbled upon a witness who provided a crucial lead. The witness, a local merchant, recounted seeing suspicious activities near the temples during the late hours of the night. Her name was Lea, and she had seen two larger men take down the woman.  Armed with this vital new information, the team honed in on the temples, suspecting that the perpetrators might be exploiting the secluded environment for their criminal activities.

As they stealthily approached the temples under the cloak of darkness, the team’s senses were heightened, ready to face any potential threats. Their training and expertise were put to the test as they cautiously navigated through the temple grounds, their senses attuned to any signs of danger. Joro and Sephy went in one way, while Mizaki and Youta went around the other way. Sticking to the plan of the two groups Joro suggested earlier.

Their perseverance bore fruit as they uncovered a hidden chamber within the temple complex when they met in the middle with one door left, finding where the missing women were being held captive. The sight of the women, their faces etched with fear and desperation, fueled the team with a renewed sense of purpose. Without hesitation, they swiftly moved to secure the area and free the captives, ensuring their safety and well-being. As they had secured that the captives were fine and healthy.

A group of four large men popped out from the other side of the room. Joro took one of the men and the others took one of their own. Joro quickly drew his sword and teleported behind the men slashing at his hamstring and bringing him to his knees. Holding the sword to the man's throat, "Stay right there." Joro said, with a resolute calm voice. This man was down, if the others needed any help at all he would be sure to help them. For now, it seemed they had taken care of the others.

As the team guided the rescued women to safety, a palpable sense of relief washed over them. The ordeal had come to an end, and the missing women were finally reunited with their families. Joro felt a surge of pride and fulfillment, knowing that their unwavering determination had led to the successful rescue of the captives.

They reported their findings to the authorities ensuring that justice would be served to the detained criminals they had captured. The community, once plagued by fear and uncertainty, could now find solace in the safe return of the missing women and the swift resolution of the crisis.

The mission had been a testament to the unwavering resolve and unity of the team. Through their combined efforts and steadfast determination, they successfully brought an end to the harrowing ordeal that had gripped the community.

As they reflected on the mission, Joro, and the team were filled with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. The successful rescue of the missing women reinforced their commitment to serving as guardians of peace and safety within their community as shinobi. Joro would stick with the group chatting over the mission hopeful they could get the group back together at some point. He would wonder where they would all go in their lives, in their careers as shinobi. He was still a young shinobi, even if he didn't feel like it sometimes. But all was well in Hoshigakure for now.

The mission had not only brought the missing women back to safety but had also left an enduring impact on the team. It served as a powerful testament to the difference they could make when united in purpose and resolve, reaffirming their dedication to their duty as shinobi. With that duty taken care of for the day Joro elected to head home. He said to his friends and fellow shinobi. With Stout in tow, he decided it was time to make the walk home as the sun was setting.

The sun hung low in the sky, painting it with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. The clouds embraced the sun, casting long shadows over the landscape. The horizon glowed with a warm, golden light, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the silhouettes of trees and buildings. As the sun dipped lower, the colors intensified, creating a mesmerizing display that seemed to set the whole world ablaze. The air was filled with a sense of tranquility as the day made way for the night. It was a stunning sight, one that filled Joro's heart with a sense of awe and wonder.

As Joro entered the home with Stout right behind him, he pondered the thought of maybe living somewhere else. Maybe it was time to get a new place, still following the minimalist aesthetic, but bigger so Stout and him have more room. Plus more space for a kitchen and library would be nice. He checked to see how much Ryo he had saved up and it was more than enough to buy a larger house.

Joro's preparations for bed were a comforting and familiar routine. He began by dimming the lights in his room, creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. After making sure Stout had settled comfortably in his sleeping nook, Joro proceeded to tidy up his living space, clearing away any lingering clutter from the day. As he moved through the room, he took a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of his surroundings, finding peace in the familiarity of his home.

Joro then made his way to the bathroom. The warm water felt refreshing against his skin, as he rinsed his body from the dirt and grime of the day. Joro changed into his comfortable pajama pants, no shirt because it allowed him to stay cool. After showering and brushing his teeth, he always looked forward to slipping into bed at the end of the day.

Joro finally turned off the last of the lights, leaving only a soft glow from the bedside lamp. Settling into bed, he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, allowing himself to fully relax and let go of any remaining worries. With a contented sigh, Joro drifted off into a peaceful and restful slumber, ready to face whatever the next day might bring.

[Exit]
WC:2262
TWC:2621
MTWC: Exceeded
Claims: To be made.

Claims:
8,000 Ryo
40 AP for 735 as the new total of Bonus AP.
TWC:2621
25% Max Stat Discount
500 to Shokku Royal Cowl S-Rank 500/1125(Already have A Rank)
750 to (94) Space Time Amplifier A-Rank 750/750 (Already have B rank)
750 to Imitation Supernova A-Rank 750/750 (Already have B rank)
621/750 to Demonic Illusion: Flower Garden [V7.2] C-Rank

Joro Shokku wrote:Claims:
8,000 Ryo
40 AP for 735 as the new total of Bonus AP.
TWC:2621
25% Max Stat Discount
500 to Shokku Royal Cowl S-Rank 500/1125(Already have A Rank)
750 to (94) Space Time Amplifier A-Rank 750/750 (Already have B rank)
750 to Imitation Supernova A-Rank 750/750 (Already have B rank)
621/750 to Demonic Illusion: Flower Garden [V7.2] C-Rank

Approved