Mission name: Prepare Exam Arenas.
Mission rank: C.
Objective:
Location:
Reward: 300 Ryo +2 EP.
Mission Description: The exams test entrants' abilities to adapt to different environments as well as opponents simultaneously. Some of these environments are not endemic to Konoha; it's the job of various shinobi to create them according to the proctors' parameters. This is a regular task, as cheaters make repeated attempts to learn the layouts.
Mission Details: A fairly simple request fit for any ninja: terraform and modify the environment to fit the descriptions necessary. You'll be provided with sealing tags or other equipment as necessary to make more permanent changes such as water formations, constant winds, or persistent torches. Earth and even Wood users can begin shaping and growing as ordered. Only approximate changes need to be made for this mission to be completed - even those tasked with this aren't entirely privy to how things are meant to be.

This mission can also entail clearing and resetting the arenas between matches. Lingering hazards such as makabishi, needles, flash bombs, and even fūinjutsu may still be present, so stay on guard.

Exam entrants cannot take this mission! Pursuant to the terms of entry, proven foreknowledge of the exams' conditions can get you immediately disqualified!

The early part of his day had been spent training. Even on foreign soil he would need to keep up his physique and keep his bloodthirst in check. There weren’t many problems he had been having of late with his willingness to kill. The constant meditation help him soothe his thoughts and clear his mind of things that clouded his judgement. Even when he would go without a week or so of meditating, it didn’t seem to bother him. It was a good thing. That mean that Tomohiro was finding mind over matter which the old teachings of his clan constantly pushed for. The day was still young and he had plenty of energy to burn. Tomohiro wondered what he would do throughout the day. He didn’t want to push himself too hard. Part of the reason he was willing to come to Konoha was to get away from all mess happening in his village. No one wanted to be constantly have the weight of their clan and the village on their shoulders. It was good enough for him to change scenery. Mostly, that is.

Tomohiro stopped by one of the local tea shops close to the training fields and sat down for tea. He ordered off the menu as a young woman would provide him with hot tea. The shop was run by an elderly couple that seemed like they had been about thrice his age. They seemed to be nice people that just enjoyed brewing tea. The first sip of tea had him addicted. He couldn’t imagine something so wonderful coming out of Konoha. The tea had been so grand that he literally purchased three cups and consumed them all with thirty minutes. It was something that made his day since he first arrived. As he exited the shop, he heard a couple of Kiri genin talking about taking on missions that were being offered. It peaked his interest. Tomohiro wondered what the VIllage Hidden in the Leaves could offer him that would be worthy of his time.

Tomohiro received his mission from the clerks desk an hour later. He wasn’t required to take any of the missions, but he did it in the name of village relations. The mission was simple. They had to assist in the preparation of one of the many exam arenas. Tomohiro hadn’t really observed what a chuunin exam stage was to look like, but he figured that someone would guide him in the right direction. Tomohiro had been promoted by Hastur himself to chuunin. He was proud that Hastur recognized his prowess to join the ranks of middle shinobi. Now, it made him curious what the god of thunder had in mind for him. Though, he hoped nothing would end with him being a lapdog to the raikage. At one point in time, he was behind Hastur all the way. Though, the recent events that were stirring moved him to have a change of heart.

The chuunin exams weren’t really exciting to him. He could not emphasize enough how uncomfortable he was to be around Konoha shinobi for the first time in his life. The insides of his stomach churned even as he looked up at the giant leaf on the floor. Tomohiro didn’t even want to walk over it. He had no personal problems with the individuals themselves. It was the fact that a large multitude of them were leaf shinobi. He was kind of glad that shinobi from other villages kind of diluted them out a bit of the number of shinobi here. Tomohiro tried to promise himself that he would get over his clan’s feud, but it was difficult. Breaking his feelings about Konoha shinobi would probably take some meditating. If meditating could help clear his bloodlust, it probably could also help his dislike for certain things.

As he waited for a partner that he was supposed to be assisting. He pulled out a canteen of water from his belt and took a sip. Tomohiro would wait by the clerk’s desk to see who was supposed to undertake this mission with him. He could have easily taken the mission alone, but he agreed to the conditions that were given him by the clerk. There was probably an influx of mission request that had been coming in. Regardless of which village the exams took place, he knew for certain that security would be tight. Missions could range from anything from bouncing at a hotspot in the area or helping with various activities across the village. Konoha seemed busier now than when the exams had been held at Kumo. He figured that in a time that threatened war, it would cause the security to be a major contributing factor. He could have swore that he saw Konoha’s ANBU watching him while he training earlier in the day. Tomohiro thought that he may have been seeing things. The fact that he knew that his eyes were quite capable of seeing many things, caused him to accept what he was more than likely being watched closely. It wouldn’t be any surprise to him. For what Hastur did at the Gokage Summit, it was well warranted.

874

Ritsu loved this place.

She had been to every known country. From the foggy foreshores of Kirigakure to the clouded craggy peaks of Kumo, to the reedy pale green seas of the lands of grass and tea. She had seen them all, gone back to at least half and there were a few she even missed. But not one of them... not a single one could compare with the village hidden in the leaves. There was just something about those ever changing trees with their hollows and deep roots and all the animals hiding within, just waiting for their time to come out and play. The colourful houses and the watchful cliff side, the quaint little food stalls and tea shops. There was so many amazing things here, so many interesting people had come through... and soon enough there will be even more of them. Because, for the first time in a while, the great and dangerous games, the chuunin exams, were to be held right here, in the village of Konoha. And she just happened to be there at the same time.

How exciting!

However, the exams were not why she had come here. Three days ago the Jugo female had made her way along the water's edge to the gates of Konoha. The plan was to stay here one night, then leave early the next morning and continue across country to Suna.  It was while she was looking for a place to stay when a young man, called out to her and approached, carrying with him a haphazardly put together pile of flyers. He handed her one, bowed his thanks and left briskly, to grab the attention of the next passerby.
Now, Ritsu wasn't usually the type to hold on to bits of paper, especially when it was practically forced in to her hand by a complete stranger, but this one caught her attention. In bold, rushed calligraphy, the papers read: 'Discounted Accommodation for Exam Volunteers'. This was perfect. The young shinobi liked it here, so she didn't mind staying an extra night, and wasn't one to turn down helping someone when they were asked so formally. So... she found the hotel listed on the other side of the crumpled parchment and booked herself a room for the next couple nights. She would sign up to do her duty the following morning.

Three days passed and Ritsu was considering staying for the full duration of the exam. The people that came through here were so fascinating. She stopped by one of the local tea stores that was run by some elderly couple. There were only a few others in the store with her. Another girl a little older than herself lost in a book, another male shinobi who seemed to really be enjoying what he was drinking, an adult couple deep in conversation. Ritsu was just enjoying watching the world through the window.
After that, Ritsu got a bite to eat.. a couple bites actually, before finally heading out to the mission office. See what task she was to be given today. If it would be a challenge or some menial task again. Who they would put her with if anyone at all. Will it be fun?

As it turns out the kunoichi would not be disappointed.
Upon arriving at the office she was directed to a notice on the mission board describing her task. She was to set up, clear out and alter the arena grounds ready for the next battle. This was to ensure that the area stayed as an unknown element to the next players even if they watched a battle in that particular arena previously. It also dissuaded preemptive scouting and illegal sabotage and other problems like that. Problems that, Ritsu Kasen was more than keen to help with. After all, she detested cheaters and was all for fairness with games. Especially games like this one.

So, with the task in mind and paper in hand the slight brunette stepped up to the clerk's desk and politely enquired about if she were to be working with anyone on this mission and which particular arena they will be working in today.
  "Miss Kasen was it?" the Clerk had said, reading over her glasses "You will be working with this gentlemen here in the grass arena.  All the equipment needed will be waiting and ready for you at the arena"
Risu thanked the woman, turned, adjusted the long red scarf about her neck and looked to the young male the clerk had gestured to. It took her a moment but she recognised him as one of the people from the tea store. The one that was looked to be enjoying his tea as much as she had been. This put her natural anxiety at ease a little, so she approached him half way with a wave and a friendly smile before stopping to introduce herself.

  "Hi there" she started by saying in a polite tone. "I'm Ritsu. I will be assisting you with the arena preparations. And you are?" A pause for his answer. Perhaps a bow, a brief handshake.
  "The clerk said that we were working with the grass arena. Do you know where that is? I'm not sure what they expect us to do there but I assume we will know when we get there?"

Part of her wanted to know where he was from and what brought him here. He didn't strike her as a ninja that came from the tree village. But for now, the slight female held her tongue and waited to hear his thoughts on the task at hand. Her curiosity could wait. For now.

-------------
Words: 953

Tomohiro looked up to the kunoichi that stood before him. The young lady looked to be about his age. She had quite an attractive smile as he slightly blushed when she began speaking to him. He thought that he needed to pull himself together as he would take a quick breath before he respond to the young woman. She introduced herself as Ritsu. It was an interesting name. A name much more interesting than Tomohiro. The young Nakir would perform a bow as a greeting to his new associate. Tomohiro would then introduce himself respectfully as he would normally.

“Hello, I’m Nakir Tomohiro of Kumogakure. Nice to meet you, Ritsu. I’m aware of its location. I tried to study as many maps as possible to easily find my way through the village. I’ll try my best to lead you to the correct location,” he stated with little emotion in his voice.

Moving away from the desk, he would hoped that she would follow behind him. Tomohiro was quite interested in who the young lady was, but would try and be respectful as possible. He did have his guard up as he didn’t know of who she was or her intentions. Though at the same time, she didn’t know his intentions either. Tomohiro’s curiosity would get the better of him. He wanted to break the ice between the two of them, but he wasn’t quite the one for small talk. Tomohiro was generally a straightforward individual. He didn’t like beating around the bush with conversations. Though, he wanted to pass the time as they walked. Walking all the way to the arena in silence would probably have been awkward for the both of them. He didn’t want to be that guy to be distant and untrusting especially after announcing he was from Kumo. There were quite a few people here that given him dirty looks when he wore his headband. It was to the point where he just kept his headband on his waist out of sight under his poncho or trench coat. Though today he decided to wear his poncho due to it being cool enough while allowing his body to breath from his body suit.

“So, where do you hail from? That’s if you don’t mind me asking,” he inquired.

Tomohiro tried to formulate a series of question that he ask to break the time. There was a lot he was curious about. He would be open to share what he could about himself. Tomohiro didn’t want to be intrusive and not also give out information. Some people did get offended asking about their background. Tomohiro didn’t want to make this any more awkward than he already felt. They were to work together and he wasn’t sure for how long or what exactly the would be doing. Just his luck, they would be planting grass, or spreading fertilizer. The walk wouldn’t be too bad in general he was probably just overthinking things. He was focused, but one could easily lose focus when doing things out of the ordinary. Outside of him overthinking, he was quite calm overall. It was mostly due to the tea he had. Tomohiro made a note that he would definitely have to return their again.

555/1429

"Where do I come from? Well... I am not actually sure. My family and i have been traveling for as long as I can remember.  Although, the first place I can remember being is water country. So... I guess you could say I come from there"

But then again, at that age she wasn't even sure that it was the water country. For all she knew, they could have originated from the other side of the world.
Aoritsu's family was what some would call 'River People'. They would spend most of their time roaming the worlds waterways on their barge like boats, camping on shorelines, fishing and finding treasures, always keeping to themselves. The only time she and her many, many many brothers, sisters, cousins and adopted family friends ever traveled in land was to get to a different river or to collect supplies. Either way, they never stayed in the one place for longer than a week. On top of that, they were a diverse bunch of people. While her immediate family were dominated by King fishers and those closely related to that species; there were others that would not fit in the avian category. Finally, with her father not really being open to talk about... well, pretty much anything at all there was just no possible way of knowing. Hell, Ritsu wasn't even sure that her family knew where they all originated from. It was the first time she had ever really thought about it and never thought to ask. Maybe someday....


"What about yourself? Where are you from? What brought you to Konoha? Are you here for the chuunin exams or is there some other reason?"

Unlike the majority of her family. He seemed.... nice. Though he spoke without the usual altering pitches of emotion he was polite, respectful and to the point. And though he walked like a disciplined shinobi all confident and head strong, he was happy enough to make small talk as they both headed towards the arena. So yes, nice was the word she would associate with this tough, and little bit stoic looking Tomohiro person.
With Ritsu however, what you saw was what you get. She was small for her age, with long woody brown hair and amber eyes. Her attire consisted of a simple, usually muted colour jumper and matching skirt with shorts underneath. Clothing that only seemed to accentuate the bright red colour she wore wrapped twice about her neck. She looked like that girl in class that was pretty enough to be liked by the popular people, but was friendly enough towards everyone that she didn't fit in to their group. That was who she was.... at least on the surface anyway. Who she was trying to be right now.

"...You don't have to tell me the other reason though if you don't want to" Ritsu said quickly after a short pause. Realizing too late that she might have said too much.
"Hey Is that it over there?"


Hindsight, she could have probably found it herself by walking down the road. The arena was huge.  Much larger than what she thought it would be. (Granted, some of the last exam's trials were on the back of a ginormous tortoise.) Still, gathered from what people were saying: The arena that they were going to was covered in grass. Seven foot tall grass. What they failed to mention was that the size of the arena of grass was around the size of a football field.
So, with her sharp eyes drifting from him to the open topped dome structure at the end of the pathway, the jugo followed in relative quiet as she listened for his answer and waited to see what exactly they needed to do within this arena. 

----
Words: 636
Total:1589

Tomohiro listened the the young woman’s responses as he mulled over them. He wondered what it felt not to know where you originated. Without the Nakir clan to guide him, he may have been lost to himself. He had many ups and down throughout his life, but not like most shinobi. Tomohiro had a clan to guide him through rough times and build him up to who he was today. There was slight pity for her. He wanted to see if he could help her in anyway possible, but it wasn’t his place. The best he would do would be to see her through the mission. Tomohiro figured that he could offer his assistance, with any she needed while he was there, but would that be overstepping his boundaries. He wouldn’t show it on his face. Tomohiro’s heart was in the right place. Though he didn’t show it, he hated to see others suffer. That was unless they were bandits. He could care less for them.

She actually changed topics as they were getting close to the arena. The arena was quite sizeable. There were a lot of decorations that were placed outside of the entrance. He wouldn’t ask any more questions. Tomohiro didn’t want to probe too much. There wasn’t much he really needed to know. The woman seemed to have a good heart. She was kind and seemed to have a sense of innocence to her. Normally, he didn’t care for meeting new people. Though, she seemed like an interesting individual. Tomohiro wasn’t sure what drew him to other people. A few of the individuals he met were different from what he was used to. Maybe it was just the universe guiding him to a greater purpose. It could have also just been coincidence.

Tomohiro would walk past the large entrance into the arena. As they would enter, there would be a number of different shinobi working on different projects. He wasn’t sure what task they would be presented. It looked like there was a lot to be done. Regardless of what task they would be given, he was willing to do whatever he could in his power. His curiosity peaked as he noticed a surrounding by pit full of oil that surrounded the outskirts of the glass arena. He could even smell it. It seemed like some lower rank shinobi were trying to light it, but we're having trouble. A few shinobi were running up to a leaf shinobi wearing a green vest. Tomohiro figured that was the guy they needed to talk to. He would walk up to him before asking him what they needed help with.

“Hello, my associate and I are to help with the arena preparations. Is there anything we need help with?”

“What? Oh, hello. I was looking for more volunteers. We do we have a couple of issues. The first is that we need to put barrier seals around the arena. There’s eight of them in total. The next issue is that we aren’t able to light the oil. It was what was requested by the higher ups, but it won’t light. We’re thinking it may be defective. It supposed to keep burning, but we can’t get it to light.”

“We’ll do both? Um..I think,” he sort of said unsure as he looked back to Ritsu for some type of affirmation, “Yeah, sure.”

“Good luck to you. The seals have specific placements around the arena. They’re marked by the columns,” the man responded as he hand Tomohiro a stack of seals.

“You wouldn’t mind holding on to this? I want to investigate the oil. From what it smells like, it’s salamander oil. It takes higher rank jutsu to light.” he said as he would attempt to hand Ritsu the barrier seals.

The main stage of the arena was a bit different than he expected. They really intended to light a fire around grass? It was suspect, but he figured that the grass must have been synthetic or enhanced somehow. He knew of the oil because his clan occasionally used the oil for their rituals. It was pretty good stuff. Lasted even longer if you applied oil based techniques with it. The amount of oil would burn easier, but the techniques that he saw weren’t going to work on it. He knew that he had the ability to light it. Though, he wasn’t sure how effective it was going to be. Tomohiro walked over to the pit and stuck his his pointer and middle finger into it. It was definitely salamander oil. Unlike toad oil, it wouldn’t easily, but it sure did increase burn damages.

“I can light it, but I’m not sure how well my jutsu will. If you know any katon or heat based jutsu, it can help,” he said with a small grin.

830/2259