Rain,Rain,Go Away

It was day three of pouring rain here in Tsukigakure, the lower village districts were beginning to flood over as Takashi leaned up from the cherry wood bar. He quickly poured his sake down his throat and walked outside as he heard the evacuation alarm, "Huh, must be in a spot of trouble." Takashi could hear the rain as it tapped across his sandagosa, he figured there would be a meeting point for those assigned to evacuating the village and set out to find them. He enjoyed his time here in the village and decided he would help out in any way he could, but first he'd need to find someone in charge and get details of the evacuation plan. After walking through the village toward the lowlands district gate, Takashi saw as Oda seemed to be pacing around in an anxious manner as though he awaited something important. Takashi approached from behind Oda, speaking as he lit his kiseru pipe and took a puff from it, "Hey, Oda! I heard the alert for evacuation. Do you know anything about this?" He would simply wait and puff his pipe, finding an appropriate moment to state "Well, I'm not an official shinobi here. However, I came to assist." His sandagosa dripped just outside of his kiseru as he smoked and grinned at Oda, "So, fill me in. What are the details of the mission?" Takashi could feel the flowery teal kimono on his back begin to absorb more and more water, luckily his multiple layers were enough to keep himself mostly dry from the pouring rain.

Assuming that Oda would elaborate on the current situation, explaining he was waiting on a few others to form a team to evacuate the lower district. Takashi took another puff from his kiseru, blowing the smoke into the atmosphere as he spoke "So a team is gathering here? I hope they don't take too much longer, the lower district won't take much more water." He used his eyes to flick Oda's attention to the water crashing at the floodgates below. He knew if those broke down the buildings and anyone inside would be in serious danger.

(WC 361)

Rainy weather followed the somewhat cold winds that danced across the shores of Moon Country as autumn began settling in. Though this happened nearly every year, this season had been particularly rough. Parts of the village began flooding that previously was untouched by flood waters and though barriers had been put in place to prevent damage, those were quickly overwhelmed. Alongside Junko, Kiko had been assisting in evacuations and leading rescue teams in hopes of saving some of the civilians. Today, like the previous day, Kiko was tasked with helping a small group of Genin assist in an evacuation.

Before leaving the Kage Tower, she’d quickly get dressed and ready for the day. Knowing she’d be getting soaked, she opted for a few layers hoping it’d keep her dry. For the base layer, she wore a plain black crop top, along with matching black spandex pants. Over that, she decided to wear something a bit thicker. She’d slip on a finely made, black kimono with a dark red belt that tied in the back. It looked to be made from water-repellent cotton and some fur on the inside. Once dressed, she’d pull her carrot red hair into a high ponytail, though a few strands of hair and her bangs dangled in her face slightly. After strapping her katana to her waist, she’d make her way out of the Kage Tower.

Soon she’d find herself rushing through the streets towards the gates of the soon-to-be flooded district. Thankfully she knew the village well, so after taking a few shortcuts through back alleys, Kiko was easily able to find the meeting spot. As she approached, she made herself known, not wanting them to think she was trying to sneak up on them. Once roughly 10 meters away, Kiko would give the two of them a slight bow before speaking up in a melodic voice. As she spoke, her crimson eyes would scan their faces, watching them for any kind of movement.

”Is one of you Oda? If so, my name is Kiko and I believe we were grouped up together, along with another Tsukigakure kunoichi named Hasu.”

Looking between the two of them, it was easy to tell which was a Tsukigakure citizen based off of clothing alone, it also helped that Takeshi didn’t have a village headband. Looking at the unknown vagabond, Kiko raised her eyebrow slightly as she spoke up once more.

”And who might you be? Er.. doesn’t matter for now, would you like to make some money? We have room for one more and the extra hands will help significantly.”

As she awaited his response, Kiko looked around casually for Hasu. Once the girl was in sight, she’d beckon her over to the group with a wave and catch her up on the situation. Soon introductions would pass and it was time to get to business. Kiko, being the highest rank among them, took the lead in this situation and began explaining a game plan.

”Yesterday we were thankfully able to get most of the people out of the district, but some of them decided to be stubborn and stayed. Now that the evacuation is mandatory, we need to save anyone we come across and get them to high ground. The hospital is being used as a safe haven, so direct those you save to there. Any questions?’

Kiko would pause for a moment and give them a chance to ask anything they needed. Thankfully it was pretty simple, so if they had any questions they were easily answered.

WC: 600

The White haired Oni would be easy to spot as she made her way to the district gate that Oda was waiting under. Dressed in a damp black garb that clung to her lithe body, Hana was poorly dressed for the storm that was threatening to flood the village. However she moved through the wind and rain with ease, seemingly unbothered by the long strands of hair that cling to her back. The woman’s long black horns were easy to spot even with the slightly obscuring weather.

To her right walked the short and miserable Hasumi. The younger kunoichi didn’t have any suitable clothes either, and was quickly moving toward their destination in a soaked red t shirt and long grey pants. Her raven hair was thankfully pulled back, with the ponytail stuck against her neck as the girl’s blue eyes sadly scanned the area in front of them. Originally her headband had been proudly displayed on her forehead, but in the downpour it had been displaced and now hung around her neck, the metal plate with Tsukigakure’s symbol resting on her collarbone.  

As the pair arrived at the scene where the team was meeting, Hasu recognized Kiko but not the others. Hana on the other hand looked at Kiko with a confused look, trying to figure out why Lady Junko had dyed her hair red.

Hasu gave a pathetic little wave as she shivered, trying her best to give a smile, “Hasumi and Hana, reporting for duty. What’s the plan?” She did her best to sound enthusiastic and upbeat, but her teeth were chattering somewhat from the cold and it was evident in her voice.

The two kunoichi stood closer to Kiko than the other two as the red haired kunoichi started to explain the situation, it seemed that most people had been evacuated but they had to secure some of the more stubborn occupants. Hasu wasn’t entirely sure how she’d want to go about that, hating to be forceful but knowing the people had to leave, while Hana looked puzzled as she heard the information because she would have just dragged the people out of their home if they’d told her they were going to do something so stupid.

Hana spoke up as soon as Kiko finished, hoping to get things going. The horned woman smirked and exclaimed “Well I’ll start grabbing the people closest to the river, if it ends up flooding over I’ll be fine. Hasu, you should probably try and help reinforce the floodgates if you can, just watch out I don’t think you could handle the current if things get bad.”

Once she was finished speaking Hana quickly made her way toward the most dangerous area, confidently sprinting at 75 speed. As she ran past the two Terumi’s she flashed them both a cocky smirk, the Oni enjoyed showing off her physical prowess and felt like this mission would be a perfect chance to showcase it.

Hasumi looked between the rest of the group as her bodyguard abandoned her, wanting to try and stay close to them if she could manage it.

WC:518

Oda unfolded a map as he explained the details of his assignment to Takashi, he of course continued to puff from his pipe as he studied the map and took note of the homes closest to the barricades. He wondered as there were no direct indicators, just how many would have chosen to stay in this dangerous area. In his experience there was always one or two older citizens who never wanted to leave their homes, Takashi could understand as he never wished to leave his father before he had passed away. Takashi nodded at Oda as he said to stick around for whoever would head the operation, suddenly a woman appeared with rather vibrant orange hair. She bowed ever so slightly and spoke with a melodious tone, she was addressing Oda at first asking for clarification on identities. Takashi would first reach up with his right hand barely grasping the edge of his sandagosa, tipping in a respectful manner to the woman in response to her bow, followed by turning his head towards Oda when she asked for him. Just a moment after their interaction she seemed to turn attention to Takashi as the outsider who had appeared for an internal affair, was about to respond when Oda threw his arm over him interrupting any response he could have thrown together. Takashi was slightly taken off guard by this movement but accepted it nonetheless, it seemed Oda decided to jump at an opportunity to vouch for his friend and clansmen. However, it would seem his normal behavior would rein in quickly and be restored by a different more mannered Oda than Takashi had met before.

Of course after Oda seemed to snap back to himself, Takashi would choose to speak on his own behalf. "My lady, I am Takashi. I simply wish to help. I have the best of intentions, I heard the evacuation alarm and simply knew it was all hands on deck." He would throw a gentle smile her way in hopes she would see the sincerity of his words. There were two more approaching when Kiko beckoned them over, the girls seemed soaked and one even appeared to be nearly freezing. Kiko would carry-on to speak about most people listening the day before and escaping this disaster, however, many stayed behind and they would need to be ushered out before these floodgates gave way and washed away the citizens. It wasn't long and one of the two girls took off to start evacuating the lower district, Takashi was impressed at the speed. He began to wonder if all Tsukigakure shinobi had the determination he has witnessed since he came to their village, Oda was the first to show him this determination as he excelled since the first day they met.

He watched as Oda offered his jacket, Takashi would continue to smile at the comradery between them. He himself had thought to offer this extra kimono he obtained from a woman at the tavern. He continued to have it draped over his shoulders, however, Oda was faster with his offering and Takashi would not indulge in a fight of who is kinder. Takashi took a puff from his kiseru exhaling slowly as not to have smoke get in anyone's face, looking through the smoke he couldn't help but wonder about all these shinobi however, his eyes seemed to wander back to this red headed mistress and her ability to run the show so quickly. He began to wonder just who she was to the village, but this could be determined later as he focused back on the mission. Takashi understood the assignment and was about to turn and head out when he heard Oda, he had a valid question to determine what the best course of action should be. Takashi spoke up "The barricades are creaking, priority dictates getting the lower levels first. Don't you agree?" He would look to Kiko as though to say 'give me the word and I'll begin there' as smoke rolled from his lips.

(WC 673)

Thankfully it seemed as if her assumption was correct, and one of the men waiting near the gate was in fact, Oda. As she extended the option for employment to the man standing with him, Oda interjected and immediately vouched for him. Though this was unnecessary, she found him to be a bit… comical. She knew those within the walls, regardless of faction affiliation, were usually somewhat loyal to the village. Many vagabonds and missing ninja called this place their home, even though they hadn’t formally set down roots here. Her gaze shifted to the man as he introduced himself as Takashi. With her face remaining neutral, she’d simply offer him a nod of approval as she heard footsteps approaching them.

Kiko couldn’t help but sigh slightly as she watched the two girls approach, both poorly dressed for the occasion but she would keep any comments to herself. Quickly she’d begin to explain the situation, and without really much direction the young woman with horns decided to go off on her own. Though Kiko didn’t know Hana, she knew her sister, so if she was anything like Nariko, there was no need to worry about her. After watching her trail off, her attention moved back to the group as they inquired about their next moves.

”You will move as a group down each street, but the buildings will be cleared solo to ensure we do this quickly. With my dojutsu, I can detect people through walls, so I will push ahead to scout the area. For those with people inside, I’ll mark them with caution tape so you know which to look through. Once the building is clear, remove the tape and move on to the next one. After you’re finished, you may return to the Kage Tower to collect your payment. We’ll start with the buildings closest to the river and direct those we rescue back here so they can safely get to the hospital. Please be careful as you move through the buildings, some may be damaged by the flooding and unstable. Your priority is your safety, if you perish, that's one less helping hand we have so don’t do anything reckless. Any questions?”

Should they have any questions, she would of course answer them, though once they were ready, she would depart. Pooling chakra at her feet, Kiko activated the surface walking technique, ensuring she wouldn’t get pulled under by any odd currents. She gave the group one last glance over before giving them a nod and sprinting at 150 speed into the district. Thankfully it didn’t take her long to reach the lower end and she quickly got to work marking any buildings with people in them. Occasionally when she came across a building in a bad state, she’d stop and evacuate some civilians herself, hoping this would prevent the others in her group from perishing.

Though they seemed to be competent, Kiko didn’t want their potential deaths on her hands, and due to her speed, she was easily able to get most people out of harm's way. Some time passed, and eventually, each home that hosted civilians had been marked. Knowing there was still work for her to do, Kiko returned to the flooded streets and aided her companions in rescuing the remaining people. Before long, they had completely cleared the district and saved a large number of civilians from a watery fate. The group now stood at the entrance once more, in various states of exhaustion, and each drenched from head to toe.

Kiko’s face remained neutral as she spoke up, addressing the group. She sounded exhausted, but her posture and body language told a different story.

”You all did well, on behalf of the village and Junko, I thank you all for the assistance. Oda, Hasu, should you guys need shelter from the storm, the Kage Tower is open to you as a genin in the village so please stop by if you need it. Takeshi, should you need shelter, you’ll find safety at the hospital. I wish I could extend the same offer to you, but it’s policy, I’m sure you understand. I need to move on to the next district, so please get to wherever you’re going safely.”

After she finished speaking Kiko would offer the group a slight bow before quickly saying goodbye and rushing off towards another nearby district. Her night was only just beginning, and she needed to move quickly if she wanted to save as many people as possible. As she moved through the waterlogged streets, she couldn’t help but worry about how her dear creator was faring in this downpour. Though she attempted to move those thoughts from her mind, it was difficult for her to shake away her anxieties.

(EXIT)

WC: 800
Total WC: 1500
1903/2000 Heavenly Body Previous Training here

Mission Rewards doubled from the beloved presence
12,000 Ryo / 60 AP
+ 3k from Tokubetsu Jounin
Total Reward: 15,000 Ryo / 60 AP