Don't Let Me Drown

While You Read:

Mission - Natural Disaster

Over the last few days the village of Yugakure had been elevated to emergency status due to an impending storm. Initially the expectation was for light showers and gusts of wind, but as clouds rolled in more and the intensity of the adjacent bodies of water began to intensify, villagers began to panic. Thus a response team was assembled of whatever shinobi, civilians, and abled body men and women to assist the villagers of Yugakure. There had been three teams created: one for evacuation, one for bracing, and one to deal with a rather conniving threat. With word of the incoming storm, a host of bandits camped outside of Yugakure decided to heckle, harass, and attack any and all who tried to flee the village. In their eyes, anyone caught and killed in the storm would make Yugakure that much vulnerable for ransacking and pillaging. Thus the final team was comprised of shinobi, tasked with thwarting the plans of said bandits. And Sakaiza found himself assigned to this team.

As he stood within the town hall, centered in the village, he tried to pay attention to the clamor of team three discussing the plan of attack. Although he couldn't help but become distracted by the sounds of the violent storm outside. Through the windows of the room, Kai could easily discern that the sky had began to darken all too quickly. He could make out the formation of black clouds slowly swirling in the sky, almost as if ink had been creeping throughout the heavens. With each roar of wind the building seemed to shake, howling like a train and bulging the glass of the windows in the process. Even the air was electric, so much so that anyone with an affinity for Raiton would undoubtedly detect its nature quickly accumulating outside. 

"Seems as if it's here..." the Wretched would say to himself, as his lemur Momo perched upon his shoulder with his hair raised. The armor clad, masked swordsman would fold his arms as the townsfolk continued to debate. It had grown weary on him, to the point that he simply excused himself from the meeting. During times like this it was important to act, rather than talk. With a general understanding of his assignment, Sakaiza would depart from the town hall and make his way towards the village's gates. Now as he stood at the edge of the village, his eyes cut through the torrential downpour of rain and focused in on a small group of bandits off in the distance. They seemed to be congregating in a circle, likely around a group of villagers, looking to exploit them in whatever way they could.

With a sigh, Sakaiza would grab ahold of his crystal singing blade that had been sheathed on his hip. His other weapons were too equipped to his body, but something this minor didn't seem to warrant the need of their magnitude. He'd approach the band, and once within 10 meters of them and still undetected, he'd simply unsheathe his blade. Subsequently a wave of chakra would rush from the blade disturbing the gusts and rain surrounding the group. Though harmless to the bandits and civilians, it instantly alarmed them all. The bandits upon seeing a capable individual would turn heel and run, recognizing that this target was too big for them to pick on. Without a word, Momo would take flight after them, trailing behind to learn where they were heading. At the same time, Sakaiza would sheathe his blade and come to the side of the two battered and bruised villagers who were soaked and weary. 

"Escaping the storm at this point is futile. Go back to the village, and bunker down in the town hall," he'd calmly instruct the pair. They'd refrain from speaking, but instead just leap to their feet and sprint back to the village. The masked man would turn in place, watching them sprint back to the village. What was interesting though was a lone figure walking towards him, opposite of the couple heading to the village. Who could this person be? Likely another on team 3? In any case he would find out soon enough, and perhaps soon after Momo would return with some intel on the bandit camp's whereabouts. 

WC = 712

+1 Yuumei Stack

Before Rio had made his escapades on the Dreadnought, he knew that he needed to make some money before he began traveling again. He had heard that the local village or gathering or what have you. Had been home to mostly Missing Ninja and Vagabonds. All seemed to live in harmony, at least from what he could see. It brought joy to Rio's eyes, but sadly, the joy did not last as he soon heard of a storm fast approaching in the coming days. At first, it seemed to be only small showers, but with each report, the storm got bigger and bigger. The storm seemed to grow to a size that would threaten the very existence of this populace he had come across. He could feel the beating of the winds on the sides of the town hall. Peering out of one of the windows, he could see trees being knocked down and dragged across the ground. Toppling over buildings and landing back on top of them as some collapsed down from the infrastructure.

Rio eventually made his way into the town hall, surrounded by the villagers and travelers. He was walking around as all of the able-bodied participants, men, and women, all gathering up in arms to protect their beloved village. As the days passed, they all finally seemed to gather protected in the town hall till they had word that bandits had come to poach the land due to the severe conditions of the storm. Rio found himself amongst other Shinobi in the third team to help ward off the bandits that were convening within the area of the village. As the final night drew near, the winds grew stronger, the rain blew harder, and it became dark in the town hall. The only light was the flickering of some overhead flames as the power had gone out.

The third group stayed ready in case they heard anything, ready to react to whatever the bandits had planned. Rio could still hear the pounding of the rain on top of the town hall roof. It hit home for Rio as he had grown up on the sea, traveling from place to place, ship to ship. He had endured many storms, but none like the one they were currently in. The group had headed out but not before a certain man headed out first. The man seemed sick of the talking the townsfolk seemed to be constantly doing. Rio could sympathize with it, he held still for a moment before following the man outside. He followed the man through the village. Rio covered himself in a cloak, covering most of his body except for his face and feet. He could both see and feel the rain thundering down on him. As he neared the gates following the man from behind by a good amount of space. They both made their way out of the gates and were soon faced with a small group of bandits in the distance. Rio noticed the man grab ahold of a blade that he had sheathed on his hip. Rio wondered what he planned to do with it, the man gave off an aura of power, beyond his own. He deemed it better not to watch and provide backup if it was needed. Rio noticed how once he had unsheathed his blade he could see a rush of chakra form disturbing the rain and wind around him. After, the rain continued to thrash down on Rio, as he missed one of his footings and almost toppled over. From there he continued on making sure he had sure footing when he moved forward. As the bandits seemed to realize they were outmatched they began to turn and run. Rio could see what appeared to be a flying lemur, would shoot up and start flying after the bandits. As the man turned looking down at the two beaten and bruised villagers. Rio found it was a good time to make his introductions to the man he had been following. He walked up to him, stopping when he was about 10 meters from the man. The man had been talking with the villagers when Rio had walked up to him. He pulled off the hood of his cloak. Showing his face, with his blue eyes and blonde curly hair.

"Hey, nice job dealing with those bandits," he said, nodding to the man. Wondering what the man's next plan was. "My name is Rio, we were both assigned to the third group. Figured I would tag along and learn a thing or two, and even help you out with dealing with these bandits."

He would stand, smirking a little as they stood in the awe-inspiring storm. Rio couldn't help but be a little excited.

He soon saw the Flying Lemur was returning and he took it in. How majestic it looked as it flew back. Especially in the strength of this storm. Rio was impressed with the strength it showed by even being able to move.

"What's the name of your flying lemur here? He's quite the extraordinary creature," Rio said, looking at the flying lemur in curiosity. Wondering where he could find such a creature. He turned towards the man once more, "Does he know where the rest of those bandits went off to?" he said, ready to move as soon as knew where he needed to go.

Rio would stand there patiently, waiting to see where the man wanted to go. Making sure his footing was planted properly to keep from being overtaken by the wind.

WC: 930

+1 Nature Stack

With his blade sheathed, Sakaiza would firmly rest the palm of his left hand upon it as he'd approach the now unhooded newcomer. Smiling subtly underneath his mask, the Wretched found it quite ironic that someone whose appearance was so bright and warming to be amidst a storm such as this. And his manners seemed to be proper too. It was unlikely that this man was a native of Yugakure, as they all seemed to carry themselves in a noticeably rude manner due to their quality of life. And so Kai would approach the man, somewhat parting the ran as he did so. And when he'd near close enough, he'd raise his right arm with a closed fist towards the blondie and offer him a fist bump. 

"I go by Kai, and yes that seems to be the case. These ruffians are preying on the fleeing townsfolk, so I'd appreciate whatever help I can get in tracking them down and thwarting their plans. Nice to meet you Rio," he'd conclude as he'd slightly turn his head towards his rear in anticipation of Momo returning. The winged lemur would descentand perch itself onto the Wretched's clad shoulder before conveying a telepathic message to his comrade. 

"Their camp is not far up the road, about 100 meters north along the main road and then 50 meters west along an unpaved pathway. It's about four of them, seemingly competent enough..." the lemur would say, whilst his nose would fidget and wings would twitch with anticipation of each downward rain drop. 

"Thank you Momo," Sakaiza would say aloud while retracting his extended arm and raising it to scratch Momo's head. "He's a lemur from my home country, and quite the stalker," Sakaiza laughed out. "So Rio, Momo says the bandits are about 110 meters north west of us. It's a group of four. They don't appear too...worthy, evident by how they scurried off...I'm thinking we can go and scare them off as a group of two, and maybe they'll just...fuck off, I suppose?"

Sakaiza's tone was stern, but simultaneously inviting enough for his words to come off as true. "I think we avoid taking the main road, and instead just creep through the wooded area for the element of surprise...So what do you say, shall we go?" 

Whether Rio chose to join him or not, Sakaiza would then make his way off towards the direction Momo indicated. Although the rain wasn't letting up, at this point Sakaiza had gotten used to it. And the wind was not enough to topple him over due to his sturdy frame and armor which weighed him down. His flexibility, uncompromised, clearly shown as he was able to crouch down and subtly maneuver through the thickets of forestry and muddy ground. Throughout all of the movement, the Hyogakage ensured that he avoided attracting any noise to their location; avoiding things such as twigs, shrubs, and more. Once the pair would arrived within 20 meters of the camp, he'd pause. Through the eye pinholes of his mask, Sakaiza would activate his Meigan and survey the area. True, it had only been four individuals. And though to Momo they seemed competent, to Sakaiza they were only small blips of chakra sources. Undoubtedly, this man Rio who he now traveled with, likely had a larger chakra pool than them. Combined perhaps.

Turning to Rio in place, Sakaiza would tilt his head slightly while maintaining his crouched posture. "Try not to judge me too much if this goes wrong," he'd say in a somewhat lighthearted tone. And in that same moment, Kai would silently unsheathe his Crystal Singing Blade from his hip with his right hand. He'd then place his left hand upon its handle so that he maintained a dual grip on it. This was to ensure maximum precision in his upcoming move. He did not want to cause any level of harm to these bandits, but just wanted them discourage them from their attempts of harassing the villagers. In a swift motion, he'd lift the blade parallel to his face and point it in the direction of the bandits. Its tip was positioned such that it was perfectly bisecting the void space between the four bandits. So when he'd funnel chakra from himself and into his blade, a brilliant sphere of crimson energy would erupt from the tip and rapidly project a thin beam from it. The beam would go on to travel precisely 30 meters in front of him so that it would ever so narrowly situate itself right in between the four bandits. In the process it cut through everything standing in its way: trees, boulders, their tents, and even extinguished their camp fire's flame. The speed that this occurred at was rather alarming, and so when the bandits would surprisingly be faced with this glowing sword of chakra threatening them, they'd tuck tails and run as fast as they could even further from their location. From what Sakaiza could tell by their relative speed, they were high tailing it far from Yugakure.

Upon seeing confirmation of this, he'd dispel his radiating chakra so that it all returned to the blade and subsequently to his body. Then he would stand, sheathing his blade once more and turning to Rio. "Well...I think that's it. Those guys don't seem to want a fight, rather than a way to make quick coin. But during a storm like this and exploiting the helpless? Despicable. In any case, I think we should return to the townhall and inform them that we've completed the assignment. What say you?"

Assuming that Rio agreed, Sakaiza would begin the return to Yugakure. He would engage Rio in any small talk he offered until they made their way back to the townhall. He'd take the time to ask Rio some simple questions, "So where are you from? I take it the Hot Springs is not your true home. Nor is it mine. I come from a land far, far up North..." 

Though the storm was still violent at this point, it wasn't enough to impair either man's hearing of each other during their walk. Although it did slightly obscure the visibility of it. Nevertheless the return back to the village was easy enough. When they'd arrive and enter the building, the bulk of Team 3 was nowhere to be found except for the mission coordinator and an assistant.

"Hey listen, the bandit threat is no more. Villagers should be safe to evacuate now." Sakaiza would brief the coordinator. Their response was simple, "Excellent," they'd begin, "Go tell Teams 1 and 2 to proceed to the next stage. We should have plenty of time to get these people safe." Now turning back to Kai and Rio, the coordinator would continue. "Thank you both tremendously, as a token of gratitude here are the mission payments. It's not much, but it's what we have."

"It's enough for us," Sakaiza would say as he grabbed ahold of his ryo payment. "Rio, it has been good working with you. I hope to see you around here more before I take my leave from Yugakure. But if not, then maybe elsewhere in the world."


With that Sakaiza and Momo would take their leave from the townhall. Setting towards the village's entrance once more, debating on if now was the best time to travel back to Hyogagakure or not. Perhaps it would be better to extend their stay in the inn, and wait for the storm to settle. The duo would then set their way from the village's gates back to the inn, trekking through the rain and winds. Upon arrival most of the hotel seemed quiet and somewhat vacant. The windows were boarded, but the innkeeper sat calmly inside with a warm fire going. Sakaiza would sit adjacent to them in an empty chair to warm up by the fire.

+1 Yuumei Stack; 2 Total
-Exit-

WC = 1313. TWC = 2025

WC Claims: 
- 287 WC towards Pure Darkness (2250/2250); Rest Learned here
- 1500 WC to memorize Rio's chakra signature
- 750 WC towards Revelation of Evil Intentions (750/750, C Rank)
- 750 WC towards Darkling Blade (750/750, C Rank)

Mission Claims
- 1x B Rank Mission Rewards -> 6000 Ryo + 30 AP
- Converting 30 AP to Ryo -> 30 * 50 = 1500 Ryo
- Kage Pay for 1 mission -> 15,000 Ryo
- Total Ryo Claim = 22,500
- New Ryo Total = 127,970

Sakaiza wrote:
-Exit-

WC = 1313. TWC = 2025

WC Claims: 
- 287 WC towards Pure Darkness (2250/2250); Rest Learned here
- 1500 WC to memorize Rio's chakra signature
- 750 WC towards Revelation of Evil Intentions (750/750, C Rank)
- 750 WC towards Darkling Blade (750/750, C Rank)

Mission Claims
- 1x B Rank Mission Rewards -> 6000 Ryo + 30 AP
- Converting 30 AP to Ryo -> 30 * 50 = 1500 Ryo
- Kage Pay for 1 mission -> 15,000 Ryo
- Total Ryo Claim = 22,500
- New Ryo Total = 127,970

Approved!