Mission Debrief:

It had been a few weeks since his supply run across Konoha. He had the chance to meet a few more of the locals he hadn’t come across beforehand and found good time to train. He was still a long way from being able to perform powerful jutsu, having yet to create a technique out of his wood release element but that day would soon come to him. As when it did, he would make it his own much like his mother had.
Though dwelling too much into the future was something he thought of quite often, he knew he would be needing to get out of the habit soon. As he made his way to Konoha’s administration’s building looking for a proper mission that would test his abilities as a growing ninja. Going past the doors and into the many offices within the building’s confines to which he would find himself being handed a two ‘man’ mission.

“Escort a ninja huh?”  he read through the debriefing, silently nodding along taking in the information required. Seems there could’ve been a likelihood of getting attacked, though two genin wouldn’t find that too much of a problem.

“Yuuto” was the young ninja leader’s name. Fitting to his reputation it seemed he had a name that meant a person who helps other. Popular amongst the surround small villages, the young man seemed to be well equipped in the use of swords. However knowing his limitations along with his modesty, Yuuto didn’t seem to hesitate in asking other’s for assistance. Within’ reason of course.

Making his way outside he took a final look at the document, realizing he hadn’t seen who his partner would be. “Xiang Hyuga”… although their meeting had been brief, there was no chance he would’ve forgotten that young woman’s alluring gaze. A little struck at the thought of them meeting up once again he blushed but keeping to his professional character he did his best to nod it off. He couldn’t stay distracted, especially when being hired to protect another in her company, although the thoughts still lingered ever so slightly.

“Never mind that…” he thought to himself, letting out a flustered sigh. He had been told that she would be arriving soon and he was responsible for her the debriefing. Perhaps running out on an errand or recently coming back from a mission, the Administration Offices seemed to understand her reasoning’s were sound.

The boy stood there, papers in hand standing by the gates to the administration’s office. Within’ clear eyesight of each other would they run into each other on their way in or out. From there it was a clear shot to where they would be meeting the young leader who had hired them, saying that he would be waiting for them by Konoha’s gates. Seemed he was sparing no time and was looking to be leaving immediately.

497

Thinking back on it, it was considerably stupid that Xiang never really trained with anyone else until that fateful meeting with Sachi. It might have made so many activities much funner, easier, and above all else, she would have had friends. That goes along with missions as well, another factor of a ninja's life that worked much smoother with more than one person. Her whole life when the Academy began was all by herself whenever the time provided for it, and the four years after that continued this trend. Maybe that's why she wasn't a true master at her craft, that she wasn't strong enough to beat most foes, not even challenge other Chunin. Yet one trait still backed up everything she ever did, and that was tenacity.

That being said, when Xiang signed up for this mission to escort a famous leader named Yuuto, it was to no surprise that she was excited to see the Genin that brought her out of her self created shell. While it was not out of a want to be away from others, sparring with him made her realize how self centered she was until that point, despite attempts to not seem that way. After that day, she sought out many missions with different people she never even knew, in order to broaden her horizons and hopefully get training partners. Being able to team up with her savior and the catalyst for her Byakugan was surely going to be an enjoyable experience, danger not withstanding.

She ended up running late, however, as she ended up oversleeping in bed after a harsh night of training her eyes. Ever since she got them, it had become an integral part of her training, to make certain that it was at the very best it could be at her level of power, and that nothing would escape her light blue orbs of might. It still cost something however, that being both straining her eyeballs and exhausting a lot of her chakra through continued use. It would be fixed with more training, though. Now, overtraining her body was not exactly the best of things to do as a growing Shinobi, but everyone makes mistakes. Xiang was sure Sachi would understand and they'd simply move on when they got there. So, dressed in her usual white and black coat dress attire, she skipped her way along the streets towards the Administrator Building, baring a wide, sunny smile, the morning light shining off of her shiny silver hair, and her light blue eyes meeting with Sachi's person once close enough. Instead of a formal greeting, she instead threw herself into him with her arms readied for a hug, wanting to show appreciation for what he had done for her. A bit too close, seeing as their faces would only be inches away from each other at that moment, but she didn't seem to care at that moment.

"It's wonderful to see you again, best friend!"

...Also she considers him her best friend. Even though they met once. Go figure.

[Current WC: 517/1500]

The boy immediately folded away his papers, packing them back into his tool bag once he spotted the silver locked Hyuga. He let out the biggest smile as to mirror hers. Surprised out how delighted the girl was to see him considering they hadn’t talked much after their first meetings. Though an attitude much expected from him, the boy joyfully waved back as she approached him. Initially going in for a handshake, to his delight, she invited herself to a hug. Quickly accepting the invite, however quite bashful, his face couldn’t help but blush as her body pressed against his. His heart innocently raced as he hadn’t been this close to a women before and he wasn’t sure how to respond to her insinuation of friendship. Though being a Senju of strong will and unquestionable endurance, he tried his best to not stutter his word but to no avail over this undiscovered affection.

“I-It’s nice to see you Xiang!” The boy had a talent for remembering names but hers stuck out the most. Their first encounter was through a spar, how could he possibly forget a fight with a Hyuga?

Being so close to his body, she was so comfortably warm. Her hair draped off to his face that gave off such a sweet smell, one he couldn’t pin point but was so familiar to him it felt homey. His face tingled at the sensations brought to him by their closeness though he urged not to bury his head in the comfort of her warmth as it seemed a bit unprecedented. Quite welcoming she was in this hug, he hugged her back and squeezed her tightly. He hadn’t felt such a kind embrace since the passing of his mother, he couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. I needed that, he thought to himself.

Though the timidity was brief the boy shook it off and immediately got back to his professional demeanor. Though difficult to hide his childish feelings as his face still had the redness of that of a cherry. He gathered his words and straightened his posture, further continuing in a more stern voice as to acknowledge the seriousness of their mission.

“Are you ready for our missions Xiang?” he replied confidently “Looks like we’ll be needing to head over to the gates first. It’d be a short walk from here so it shouldn’t take long”

The boy motioned to her, heading down the steps as he made his way down the administrations entrance and onto their way to meet the young man they’d be escorting. However young, it seemed they’d be among skilled company, he was looking forward to see what his Hyuga partner would be capable of now that she had unlocked her Byakugan.

474/971

What joy it brought her own little Genin heart that Sachi had returned her affections! She just couldn't help but be a bit attached to him, since he was the reason she unlocked her Byakugan. Her affections were completely platonic, but it didn't stop how much gratitude she had for him, and what she would do for him in return for it. That being said, she was at a loss for what exactly she could do to repay him. The only idea she could come up with was be a good friend, and that's what she planned on doing until he came up with something. With a soft sigh, she dragged him a bit closer in their hug, stroking over his hair lightly, experimenting with how soft it might be.

"It's very nice to see you as well, Sachi...I'm surprised we got paired up together for this, but it's not unpleasant at all. Thank you for training my eyes, by the way."

As they broke their embrace, she simply smiled back at his bashful form, not really taking into consideration what his blushing might mean. For all she knew, it was just because he was so happy to see her again that his face was like this. She knew her own happiness came from simply enjoying his company, and, again, that he was such a boon to her arsenal. Many thoughts crossed her mind then, of a future they had together, getting stronger and stronger, fighting people even the Kage would have trouble with. Her with her majestic, legendary blade, and him with his marvelous Wood Jutsu. Not to mention her eyes, and the ideas she had with them now that she could use the powers of her clan. This was her fantasy, and she was willing to take it and make it into reality.

Regardless of all of that, eventually they were going to have to actually do their mission. As much as she would love to just hang out with him, or train some more, they had priorities right now, an important one at that.

"You bet I'm ready. If anyone attacks us along the way, with you by my side, we'll kick the ever living snot out of them! The question is, are you ready?"

With that playful jab at his pride, she followed him quite readily, excited to meet the one they would escort. There were many things that could happen during the trip, but in the end, she suspected it would turn out alright. They'd lead him through the forest, fight anything that stood in their way, drop them off, then be back home in time for supper. The worst case scenario in their position would be that some random bandit mooks would appear and try to throw down with them. This was unlikely however; at least, unlikely to do anything significant. She could take out a whole group by herself, so how would that stop two others on her side? And when they came back, their supper was one that she was ready and willing to pay and provide for. Any excuse to keep him around for more of the day was good enough for her.

[Current WC: 542 + 517 = 1059]

Still blushing the boy replied to the girl very eagerly “Well I’m always happy to help. You just let me know when you’re up for a rematch” the boy jested. Though he wasn’t too confident in his ability to win against her taijutsu, he always enjoyed the friendly spars and banter amongst friends

“Don’t worry, so long as we have each other’s back, no one can defeat us!” he playfully punched the air as to further show his eagerness in their unity. ”Of course I am! Let’s head out then”

The boy gathered himself and began walking down the steps of the administrations building making their way to the gates of Konoha. Every now and then he would take a brief look at her making sure she was okay and ready for the journey. It was simply a habit of his when around good company, he genuinely cared about the people of his village, more so to those he has let into his welcoming circle. The two made their way through the crowds of Konoha passing by the rustling neighborhoods and markets. Had it been any other day the Senju would’ve happily invited the Hyuga to a day in Konoha for a sparring match or a walk.

As they arrived to the gates they saw the figure that could be no other than the young man they were made to escort. He had stuck out amongst the crowd as he was surrounded by a few chunin talking and prepping him for the journey. The only individual without a flak jacket as he bore a rather aged brown tunic along with a red tattered cape and a withered but finely tuned katana on his hip. He was very much a more grizzled and experienced individual, sporting the ‘grizzled wanderer’ look in conjunction with a messy top not and a less than clean face.

The young man turned to the two approaching Genin and he called out to them “A Senju and a Hyuga huh? I’ve sure been getting some special treatment around here haven’t I?” he chuckled, some earnesty in his voice though showing off much of his good natured attitude “Pleased to meet you two” he greeted them respectively.
The young leader bore a kind smile and a compelling gaze as he observed the two from top to bottom, analyzing them as if to further his positive assumption of Konoha’s power. Nodding at them as he motioned them to exit the village with him. Being sure to tread lightly as the invitation of an ambush was definitely a concern.

“So! Uhhh.” Yuuto commenced “Any of you ever been outside the gates before?” the young leader seemed quite willing to converse. Had he been alone it was assumed that he would be able to fend for himself however this short pact was shown as a way to further the relationship between the two villages “The Land of Fire truly is a beautiful place. Wouldn’t want to live to anywhere else to be honest with you”

539/1510

Sachi's reply brought even more warmth to the young Hyuga girl, though their trip from there onward would be a bit of a more serious manner. She'd hold him to his promise of a rematch, though, and would be very intent on following up out of nowhere just to be cheeky. With his enthusiasm high in the clouds, she couldn't help but play along, though, throwing her fist in the air along with him and marching like a soldier. "It'd be even more of an overkill if the guy we're escorting is strong too! Just imagine that!" Sachi's occasional looks at her were not unnoticed, though she didn't really think too much of it, giving him a glance back with an adorable smile and her baby blue eyes shining in the sun with her silvery white hair, curled along her body. Then they finally made it to the gates, where their mission objective was waiting for them to take him to their village.

Xiang's first impression of the person they were to lead was of a good one; he looked seasoned in his ventures as a ninja within his own right, with that grizzled look and a beard to go along with it, as well as a katana by his hip. Another sword user like herself always made her happy, though she had to admit to herself that those were overdone. It made her appreciate the weapon she wielded, having more style and uniqueness that most Shinobi would have to be weary of in battle. The other feature of this man that did strike her as odd was his top hat, though. She had never seen anything like it, and would be sure to comment about it after he told his piece.

"Well, special treatment kinda runs in our own families too, but to be frank, we can't just give you Genin that have no idea what they're doing either! You seem pretty strong yourself, but we promise to protect you with all our might when push comes to shove!"

The young woman then would begin traveling with the two, looking around the place as she did so, taking in the beautiful forests that completely enveloped the Land of Fire. It was indeed a pristine place to have lived in for so long, and it always made her feel safe whenever under the shade of their massive trees. She couldn't even begin to imagine how the other nations felt without such a protective force to obscure them from their enemies. It seemed their tag along felt similarly too when he asked whether or not they had been out here before. Nice ice breaker questions, this guy had.

"Well, no, I haven't been anywhere else...though I do want to see the other nations one day. It'd be a nice change of pace. I don't think I'd live anywhere else but here, despite that, however! Heh."

[Current WC: 500 + 1059 = 1559/1500]

The group of three carried on a conversation quite well, as the young man told them stories of how he became the so called legend of their village. He went on about his many ventures throughout the surrounding lands.

“I remember trekking through this same forest a few months ago. I had a run in with these missing nin. I troublesome bunch. They had been stealing from a local supply run. Y’know, the usual petty thievery. Though they were a wild bunch for sure. Basically I was walking along the trail much like today striking up a conversation with one of the locals from my village when these three troublemakers had the audacity to rob a supply cart right in front of me! Man… they were slick tho. Luckily I had my wits about me and got to them before they had a chance of hurting anyone. Honestly, I regret letting them loose. They didn’t seem like the trusting bunch”

The two would let the young ninja continue one with his various stories. Each one just as justifiable as the last, and although he may have been skilled with his sword he never seemed to want to cause too much harm to the people he has stopped. Protecting the local villagers was his duty however he also seemed to cherish the livelihood of others as he too had been in a position of such poverty. Believing that everyone should at least be given a second chance in hope of people holding to the possibility of redemption.

“There’s the village!” Yuuto pointed out. Nested within’ the confines of the large forests was a sweet little village nested within’ the shrubbery. Practically hidden beneath the thick woods reminiscent of a Konoha in the making. There was potential in its growth as seen through Yuuto and it was understandable as to why the village seemed so forward in protecting him with such prominent clan members.

As the two began making their way into the village, it was impossible for the three to not feel the lingering animosity growing at the suspiciously quiet village. Yuuto knew something was wrong and he communicated it well to his two partners, slowly turning to them as he scanned his surroundsings. Holding onto the hilt of his sword, ready to draw his weapon he spoke in a hushed voice to the two young ninja “This…. Isn’t right. It’s far too quiet and I know that my people would’ve been waiting to welcome us. Hyuga. Senju. Be at your guard. We have unwelcome visitors”

The two grouped up into a triangular formation as they reached the village’s center. Both the Sachi and Yuuto jolted their heads about, frantic in their pursuit to find any hint of the enemies. Confident that their Hyuga friend would be quick to realize any sort of aggressive chakra signatures and immediately acting upon her queue as she activated her eyes to spot them. Yuto quickly drawing his sword and the young Senju weaving hand signs “Water Clone Technique!”

The boy’s strategy was simple. Win through sheer numbers. Water rising beside and taking the the form of two clones just next to him, both wielding a Kunai. Three men emerged and as luck would have it, it was the very men Yuuto had described to have shown mercy to. The men were out for revenge and they were not happy he had gotten in the way of their plans. Holding a grudge and finding the chance to attack the village whilst they were away.

“You each take one! We seem to have the advantage. Stay close to each other and there’s no doubt we’d lose.” Yuuto quickly called out to the two, taking the habitual leadership role in rallying his allies. Helping them find whatever courage was needed to fight back. The action was about to ensue and Yuuto quickly dashed at the genin coming at while the other two dashed at the Hyuga and Senju, respectively.

Sachihiro knowing he may be having a bit of trouble but so long as he had his two clones on him, he would be able to overpower the stronger genin before him. In the heat of the moment he too decided to shout words of encouragement as he shouted over to his Byakugan’d partner “You got this Xiang! Go Yuuta!” before taking a punch to the nose, receiving a proper wailing before the Genin was soon mismatched with his two others.

772/2282

As they traveled along the grounds of the almost too serene forest, Xiang listened intently to the leader's stories, seeking both entertainment and wisdom to get them both through the trip and life. To be honest, she was a little antsy, both feeling this was too easy but also wishing there was a little more action. After all, if they did all get into a fight, surely her Senju ally and even their objective himself would be more than capable of handling themselves in an all out brawl. She'd take a few out here and there, so would her friends, then moments later they'd all be laughing it off as they walked away from the knocked out bodies, to complete their mission and send everyone back home. It had only hit around sunset before they nearly made it to the gates, wide open and ready for them to be received. Yet, something seemed...off. Just like the hunch she had this whole entire time. What could it possibly be? Well...no one was there to greet them. Not a single one. You'd think they'd want to welcome back their cherished leader, right?

Anxiety causing sweat to drip down her brow, she slowly started to back up, back to back with her comrades in a triangle. However, she knew deep down that whatever hid could not hide from her eyes. While keen on their own merit, she activated the Byakugan, those same clusters of nerves traversing down her face appearing and cloaking the field slightly, and abnormal tenketsu and chakra pathways showing up to her in three directions with her two hundred seventy-five degree vision. If it weren't for the fact they already knew this mission had been too easy, she would have said so here. But now was not the time, for they needed to protect their comrade, even if he could handle himself. Once the hidden were found, she shouted to her allies, while pointing at where they all were, "Found them! Let's get this going!"

As the leader ganked the opposition down with his Water Clones, and her Senju friend went on to take his beating like usual due to being a very determined endurance bag, she herself before going to take on her own two opponents. Drawing her rapier, she completely blitzed the poor fools with her superior speed, her beautiful, deadly eyes, and better tuned reaction time and tactics, coming at them with the MAR, her precious rapier, a rapid flurry of stabs, lunges and back ups coming at them, pricking at their vitals such as the neck and eyes, redirecting them with her thin blade and simply nicking them over and over again, unable to be really caught by their inexperienced ways. If she kept this up herself, then they'd probably be dead, though whether or not she slayed them was going to be up to her own teammate's actions. She didn't really like to kill without reason, after all, and she was certain her allies were the same way.

[Current WC: 516 + 1559 = 2075/1500]

As his partner easily cut down the two opponents, he couldn’t help but admire her efficiency. He helped her becoming what she was, to some those white eyes would have any opponent grimace and gasp for mercy. Though for the Senju, he saw it as a marvelous feat. Beautiful even and wanting to help her more in her endeavors. Feeling a strange loyalty to her as she elegantly evaded the opposition and cut them down without flinching. He wasn’t scared of her, though he knew he should be.

All of this ran through his head as he quickly came to, picking himself up as his two clones proceeded to wail on his single opponent. There was no chance the attacker was going to get away and was soon pummeled to a pulp on the floor. Though he provided some struggle in his battle, both Sachi’s clones were defeated, however finding a final opening and returning a sucker punch to his nose. Knocking the man out cold and leaving the Senju above the body, proud at his achievement.

On the opposite was Yuuto, the young Katana’d leader. Having spared no expense in the advantageous insight the Hyuga had given them he quickly and efficiently cut down the men before him. Barely drawing his sword and in one fell swoop defeating them as they got on their knees grasping onto their sliced opened necks. Desperate to keep whatever blood was quickly gushing out of their bodies inside, to no avail and eventually fainting and dying. The young leader definitely showed promise in his future, and was proud to have found even the slightest chance to showcase his skills, though brief. As their enemies went down, some to stabs, other to slices and one to pummels, the three shinobi stood in place. The only one a bloodied mess being the Senju, as the beating was quite heavy, leaving his nose slightly busted and his mouth dripping blood.

“Nice.” Yuuta commended his company’s expertise “You two were more than capable. Konoha was either showing off or just really wanted to keep me safe” he jested, making his way to the surrounding houses. Knocking on each one, greeting the folks inside and making sure they were doing okay. As the villagers emerged, somewhat shaken but relieved at the site of the defeated criminals they cheered out at their leader and the Konoha nin.

“Thank y’all. I’ll see to it the administration’s informed of my safety. I hope to see you two in the future! Until next time!” he waved the two off as the Senju and Hyuga gave their condolences and made their way back to their village. Finding good conversation on their way, the Senju praising his partner on her efficiency in the use of her rapier.

471/2753


TWC: 2753

Payment: 600 Ryo (300 for mission + 300 for wc)

Discarded 2753 - 1500 - 1200 = 53wc

With the last of the men down, her own disabled by precise stabs, others slayed by deep cuts and gashes, and lastly the rest beaten to a pulp, Xiang was finally able to clean the bit of blood off her slender blade with a handkerchief before sheathing it, then sighing in relief, able to relax after the battle. While they were nearly outnumbered in that ambush, her all seeing eyes and the quick reflexes of her teammates, combined with much more power, was enough to hold them off and defeat their foes. That being said, it was not the hardest fight she had ever been in. In fact, it was rather mediocre in comparison to some of the brawls she had been in lately. That being said, it was no less important, as they successfully completed their mission at this point. Their katana wielding friend was now safe, and could return to his village without a single scratch, ensuring that there'd be no bad blood between them and Konoha any time soon. In response to his comments, however, Xiang humbly replied, "I'd like to think we just wanted you protected, though to be perfectly honest, I also wouldn't blame us for just wanting to show off too. Maybe both?"

Seeing that the villagers were content with their leader's safety, she herself was ready to depart. She eventually turned to face her Senju friend, who took a bit of damage, but not much compared to their enemy. If only she knew medical jutsu, she could have fixed it up right then, but alas there was no way for her to do so. The best she could do now was simply put a hand on his shoulder and plant a kiss on the wound itself with her soft lips. "There, that should help you feel better. Now, lets get home, shall we? I'm starving."

So they returned to their rightful homes, at around dusk, with its lovely violet and oranges surrounding the sunset light and the scent of smokey meats filling the air as they made their way to a nearby food service station. Xiang paid for it and let the Senju take as much as he wanted, and they most likely had a really good time. Food just so happens to bring people together that way, so you know. That night the young, happy Hyuga would go home with a full belly, and a wonderful burst of combat experience to back her up. She wondered what her next trip with her friend Sachi would be like...

[EXIT]

[Final WC: 430 + 2075 = 2505]

[FAILING MISSION TO TRAIN]

WC Usage: