Exploding Bath Houses... OH MY!!

Mission Details:

It was a rather ordinary morning—or at least that's how Emilia would describe it. Like most days, she woke and took a moment to stretch out her arms, gradually loosening up her entire body. To Emi, this simple act might well have been the best feeling in the world, and honestly, who could argue with that? After completing her morning stretches, her slender legs swung over the side of the bed, the bottoms of her feet firmly planting themselves on the floor to lift her upright. Within just a few minutes, she managed to accomplish several tasks—starting with a refreshing shower, followed by dressing in her usual attire.

Today, however, she planned to add something new to her ensemble, a piece she had recently picked up from a local shop. Her golden eyes lingered on this novel item for a few seconds, appreciating its uniqueness before she began to slide her right arm into it. As she dressed, Emi thought about the day ahead. The anticipation of what sort of mission she might receive today was palpable. This feeling stemmed largely from the considerable amount of work and effort she had put in over the last year, during which she had grown exponentially and learned a variety of new techniques. Now more than ever, she felt prepared and eager to take on whatever challenges might come her way.

”You better be worth the Ryo I paid to get you”

These thoughts reverberated in her mind as she slipped her left arm into the robe. Despite its bagginess, the hem stopped short of reaching her feet, which was perfectly acceptable for her needs. As she adjusted the robe, she glanced around to ensure that all her equipment was in order and up to date. Once satisfied, she planned to leave for the missions building—it was time to return to work after several days off. The break had left her feeling unusually restless, and she was eager for the excitement and necessity of a new mission. With a swift turn of her feet, she spun one-hundred and eighty degrees and skipped out the front door. The young genin made sure to lock it securely behind her, protecting the many valuable items inside her home from potential theft. This mission was not just a return to routine but a welcome escape from the creeping boredom of her days off.

As she arrived at the mission building in Hoshigakure, she immediately sensed an unusual level of activity. The building was abuzz, likely stirred by recent news that had swept through the village. Curiosity piqued, she let her gaze wander as she made her way to the mission assignment area, secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of something out of the ordinary or at least intriguing. However, no extraordinary events caught her attention as she hoped.

Her steps eventually brought her to a modestly sized doorway, standing about two point two five meters tall and roughly half as wide. Above it, a simple sign labeled "Missions" marked her destination. With a subtle movement, her small hand emerged from beneath her cloak, dragging the door open. She stepped inside and gently let the door close behind her, sealing herself into the space where new assignments—and potentially new adventures—awaited.

”Welcome Emilia, I believe we have an assignment that is going to be a different sort of test for you. It’s time for you to branch just a little bit out on your own. Come grab the scroll and immediately head to the destination. This is a time sensitive matter… as you’ll read.”

The Chuunin who handed Emilia the scroll maintained a stern and stoic expression, his demeanor belying the somewhat positive tone of his words. Emilia, still a Genin, sensed an unsettling undertone in his last few remarks, sparking a hint of concern. With no hesitation, she unrolled the scroll and began to read, determined not to let her emotions overwhelm her. Only a slight twitch of her left eye betrayed her inner turmoil.

After absorbing the contents of the mission, she quickly rolled the scroll back up and assured the mission board of her swift completion. Confident yet thoughtful, Emilia turned back towards the entrance, her movements fluid and brisk. She darted out of the door, blending speed with grace, eager to confront whatever challenges the mission might hold.


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WC: 723

While the morning had begun as usual for Emilia, the mission she received marked a sharp departure from her routine. It was not just the solo nature of the task that was unusual—previously, she had mostly had a partner for such missions—but the high stakes involved. She was now responsible for numerous lives during a critically time-sensitive operation, a burden she had not shouldered alone before.

With each step, Emilia's stride lengthened, her pace quickening as she headed towards the designated area marked on the scroll. The location was not far, just outside the bustling city square, a spot known for its heavy foot traffic and busy atmosphere. The dense population would pose a significant challenge, complicating her task of locating and neutralizing all the paper bombs.

As she approached her destination, Emilia made a calculated move to gain a better perspective on the situation. She leapt onto a nearby rooftop and from this elevated vantage point, she could survey the area more effectively, strategizing her next moves to efficiently handle the looming threat below. This rooftop not only offered a clearer view but also a momentary respite to gather her thoughts and prepare for the critical tasks ahead.

”Hmmm, Looking down below, it doesn’t really seem like I’m going to be able to get anywhere near the entrance without being seen - and if they see a shinobi coming in, someone is bound to ask questions. I’ve got to find a way to essentially infiltrate but also be quick about locating the paper bombs.”

As the moments passed, a coherent plan crystallized in Emilia's mind, giving her the perfect opportunity to test some new techniques she had recently developed. Her latest foray into sensory abilities would be crucial today. She had mastered a particular jutsu that rendered her invisible to the naked eye, though she still needed to maintain silence as any noise could betray her presence. This stealth capability was only the second phase of her strategy; the initial step involved locating all the paper bombs, a task that required her to be within proximity to effectively use her sensory skills to detect them.

Time seemed to slow as Emilia solidified her approach. Though invisible, her hands were busy forming a series of precise hand seals. Upon completion, anyone watching would have seen her body fade into nothingness, as if melting away into the air. The mission was now in full swing, and the stakes were high. While she was cloaked from sight, Emilia remained acutely aware of the potential dangers surrounding the bath house. It was plausible that someone was lurking nearby, perhaps the very individual responsible for setting the explosives. She suspected they might be waiting for the right moment to trigger the bombs.

Now, the main objective was to infiltrate the building undetected. Emilia spotted an ideal entry point: a window down an alleyway next to the bath house that everyone seemed to be avoiding. The reason for their avoidance was unclear, but it worked in her favor, allowing her to approach without drawing attention. This quiet, deserted alley provided not just a route for entry but also a moment for Emilia to gather her thoughts and plan her next moves carefully, knowing that any mistake could have dire consequences.

From up above, it didn’t seem like the opening was that high off the ground, upon closer inspection though, she had to utilize the surface walking technique to get inside. ”Damn, why does everything have to feel so tall all of the time?” An attempt at humor to try and divy up the amount of seriousness that had been happening for the last little bit – though it was likely an extremely terrible time for that.

Emilia's slender body squeezed through the designated entry point she had marked earlier, and she immediately noticed that the bathhouse was mostly vacant. A handful of patrons, scattered here and there, were quietly enjoying their relaxation, seemingly oblivious to any potential danger. This sparse occupancy presented an opportune moment for Emilia to execute her mission and locate the paper bombs. Slipping her right hand inside her cloak, she skillfully performed the seal of confrontation. Within moments, her jutsu activated, allowing her to sense all forms of chakra within a 10-meter radius around her.

The range of her sensory abilities didn't quite cover the entire bathhouse, indicating she would need to perform this technique multiple times as she moved through the building. However, this initial sweep was already fruitful—she pinpointed three paper bombs in the vicinity. Alarmingly, one of these was situated in the very room she had just entered. The realization heightened her senses, and she prepared herself for the meticulous task ahead. She would need to approach each bomb with caution, ensuring that she didn't trigger any.

Emilia glanced upward from her position and, as expected, spotted an explosive tag adhered to the wall. Her sensory jutsu hadn't picked up any unusual chakra signatures from it, reinforcing her suspicion that someone was planning to detonate it during a busier period in the bathhouse. This, strangely enough, worked to her advantage. The quieter environment meant she had ample time to methodically disarm each of the explosive tags placed around the premises without immediate threat.

With a focused demeanor, Emilia performed a series of precise hand seals. Her movements were swift yet controlled, culminating in the gentle touch of her hand against the paper bomb. She felt the chakra within the tag neutralize, the dangerous energies dissipating under her skilled intervention. Her fingers, careful and deliberate, peeled the now harmless tag from the wall, ensuring it was completely removed so that it would attract no attention from unsuspecting bathhouse patrons. This successful disarmament was just the beginning, and she prepared to proceed with the same calm precision to locate and neutralize the remaining bombs. With each step, Emilia remained vigilant, her senses finely tuned to any sign of danger as she moved deeper into the bathhouse, ready to neutralize the next threat.

It was on to the next one, located just across the hall from her current position. Emilia carefully opened the door and peeked around, ensuring that the area was clear of any bystanders. Her feet shuffled silently across the hall; she gently slid open another door and surveyed the room. There, next to a beam that appeared to support this section of the building, she found the next explosive tag. The beam itself did not look as sturdy as it should be, a concerning observation similar to one she had made in the previous room. This detail was definitely something she would need to include in her report.

She performed the fuin breaking technique once more and cautiously touched the explosive tag, neutralizing it effectively. The third tag she had sensed was located at the far end of the bathhouse, yet still on the same side. With two down, she prepared to address the final one that she could sense on this side, her movements precise and methodical as she continued her mission.

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WC: 1173
TWC: 1896

”I think I understand where the last 2 paper bombs are placed now. From my best and most calculated guess, they were attacking the structure of the building - looking to bring it all down. Whoever has been demanding payment, is essentially looking to put this place out of business for the foreseeable future.”

Emilia's thoughts were sharp and resolute, her understanding of the saboteur's intentions becoming clear as she effortlessly removed the third explosive tag. At this point, her mission was clear: continue with unwavering determination to locate and remove each remaining explosive tag in the bathhouse. As her thoughts solidified, she maneuvered past the few patrons present, utilizing the hiding in camouflage technique she had recently conquered and been utilizing this entire time. This new skill proved invaluable for evasion and stealth, allowing her to blend seamlessly into her surroundings.

Her hand gently slid open the door to a small room, her eyes quickly scanning the area. She spotted another paper bomb, predictably positioned near a beam that looked suspiciously frail—a recurring theme that added an extra layer of urgency to her task. With practiced ease, she placed her fingertips on the explosive, watching intently as the fuin— the seal on it—dispelled under her touch. Her actions were not just about disarming dangers but also about preserving the structural integrity of the place, hinting at a deeper threat that went beyond simple sabotage.

As Emilia progressed through the bathhouse, her thoughts, reactions, and movements became increasingly sharp and swift. Barely moments after disabling the fourth paper bomb, she was already positioned next to the fifth. However, before proceeding with this one, she paused to thoroughly assess the surrounding area to ensure there would be no unexpected challenges. Utilizing her sensory abilities once more, she scanned for any distinctive or worrying chakra signatures nearby.

Her search was fruitful but brought a surprising revelation: while she confirmed the location of a sixth bomb, which she had already suspected, a seventh bomb was also detected. This new discovery was particularly startling because it was located near the entrance—a place she hadn’t necessarily passed but certainly should have been able to reach the first time she used her sensory skill. This oversight underscored the complexity of the threat and the cunning of whoever placed the bombs. With this new information, Emilia knew she needed to stay even more vigilant and methodical to ensure she addressed all potential dangers in the bathhouse.

”Odd… I need to finish this in a hurry.”

Emilia rushed across the bathhouse towards the location of the sixth bomb, her previous oversight causing a surge of frantic energy that clouded her thoughts. This state of mind was dangerous; she knew that panicking could lead to grave errors or even catastrophic mishaps. Recognizing the peril of her heightened emotions, the kunoichi made a conscious decision to regain her composure.

At that critical moment, she halted her hurried actions and took a deep, steadying breath. It was crucial to calm herself and clear her mind. The stakes were high, and any further mistakes could jeopardize not only the mission but also the lives of the unsuspecting patrons inside the bathhouse. With renewed focus, Emilia centered herself, allowing her training to guide her actions as she prepared to approach the next bomb with the precision and caution necessary to safely neutralize the threat. This moment of pause was essential, grounding her as she continued her delicate task under pressure.

Emilia's nimble fingers reached up, touching the paper bomb gently yet with unwavering confidence. As she did so, the rush of her heavy breathing subsided, and her frantic thoughts stilled. Her focus now sharpened entirely on the task at hand—disarming the seventh and final explosive. The weight of responsibility lay heavy on her shoulders, knowing that today she could potentially be saving over fifty lives, both those currently inside the bathhouse and those who planned to visit later that day.

Having neutralized the sixth bomb, Emilia exited the room and allowed her golden eyes to carefully survey the area, ensuring she wouldn't inadvertently cross paths with any patrons or staff on her way to the entrance. Planting a bomb at such a busy, strategic location required not only skill but audacity, making this last bomb potentially the most perilous of all to disarm.

Like a mouse, Emilia's feet whispered across the wooden floors, swiftly carrying her toward the entrance. Timing was critical; she waited for the perfect moment when the front desk worker momentarily stepped away, likely heading to the bathroom—a fortunate turn of events, as any delay could potentially complicate her mission. With the area momentarily clear, Emilia seized the opportunity to discreetly approach the final bomb, poised to apply her expertise to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

With practiced ease, she slipped her hand from her cloak after forming the necessary hand seals. Her fingers then gently but firmly pressed against the tag. The chakra infused within the paper bomb dissipated under her skilled touch. With just moments to spare, Emilia carefully peeled the tag from its place and swiftly headed out the way she had entered, ensuring that every trace of her intervention was as silent and invisible as her arrival. Her mission accomplished, she left the bathhouse with the quiet satisfaction of knowing she had secured the safety of many lives today.

”Holy hell - that was nerve wracking”

Emilia returned to the mission headquarters with her posture relaxed yet alert, a clear sign of a successful operation. Upon entering the debriefing room, she was greeted by the mission coordinator, whose expression conveyed a mixture of anticipation and relief.
"Mission accomplished, sir," Emilia began, her voice steady and confident. "All explosive tags have been successfully neutralized without incident." She handed over the small bundle of deactivated paper bombs, each meticulously wrapped in a piece of cloth to ensure safety and confidentiality.

After the debriefing, Emilia stepped out of the mission headquarters, her body feeling the weight of the day’s efforts. As she made her way through the quiet streets of Hoshigakure, the tension from the mission gradually began to subside. The sun was beaming, casting a warm glow that bathed the village in a peaceful light, contrasting sharply with the earlier adrenaline-fueled moments.

Emilia took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the cool air, allowing the tranquility of her surroundings to seep into her. The familiar path home was comforting, with each step helping her transition from the role of a vigilant kunoichi back to her more mundane self. As she approached her home, the sight of the small, welcoming structure brought a subtle smile to her face. It was a simple place, but it was hers, a sanctuary from the demands of her profession.

She unlocked the door and stepped inside, immediately feeling the shift from the public persona of a ninja to the private solitude of her personal life. She slipped off her shoes at the entrance and walked through to the kitchen. There, she prepared a cup of tea, the ritualistic motions familiar and grounding. Holding the warm cup, she moved to her favorite spot by the window, where she could look out over the village.

Sitting there, Emilia allowed herself a moment of reflection. The mission had been intense, a real test of her abilities and her nerve. Yet, here in the quiet of her home, she could feel the day’s stresses melting away. The peaceful view from her window reminded her why she fought so hard: to protect this tranquility, this way of life for herself and her fellow villagers.

Tonight, she would rest, recover, and prepare for whatever challenges tomorrow might bring. But for now, she savored the quiet victory of another mission completed, another danger thwarted, and the simple pleasure of being home.

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