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Naruto Saga » Kaminari no Kuni » Kumogakure » Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke]

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1Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke] Empty Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke] Sat Apr 27, 2019 7:43 pm

Aikiko

Aikiko


D-rank
Escort Duty:

Aikiko had orders for a mission, oddly enough her sensei had told her that he wouldn’t be accompanying her and she instead would be a fill in for another group that needed more Chunin due to the risk involved in the mission. It was all the same to her, she would perform her duty to the best of her ability regardless of the circumstances. Aikiko was eager to return to regular duty once more. The Uchiha teen had come far since leaving her home in the Stone Village. Hastur’s method while brutal had allowed her to make great progress in a short amount of time. Aikiko’s killer instinct had been sharpened along with her mastery of sword and genjutsu. Aikiko had even advanced her mastery with the ancient dojutsu of her clan, the Sharingan. The partially healed wound on her chest was not in danger of opening but it hurt. The tall Sasaki swordsman had surprised her with his first lightning fast thrust the second proved to be his downfall. His healing likely was far less complete than hers broken ribs healed slowly and painfully. The Uchiha heiress had left their duel with a respect for both his clan and his person. His swordsmanship far outmatched her own, had the battle been prolonged he’d have surely found another opening and possibly even killed her. Aikiko didn’t feel sorry for breaking his ribs, he tried to kill her and a few weeks of pain would be a valuable lesson to respect his betters.

Aikiko dressed in full battle gear including the very shuriken that felled Kyousuke and the blade that he had so easily swept aside to sink his steel into her chest.  Setting out before dawn to ensure she was the first to the gate, Aikiko walked at leisurely pace admiring the clear view of the stars afforded her mountain home. The mysteries of the cosmos also intrigued her, the eerie beauty of the lights blinking down on them a haunting and impossible question constantly nagging at her mind. Perhaps one day she’d investigate some of these deeper mysteries but for now it was her duty to wait for the team she would support for the day. Hopefully she wouldn’t be paired with deadweight or green fighters. The mission was listed at B rank so that would be unlikely, the turmoil in the Cloud left room for reasonable doubt. Arriving at the gate the raven haired girl knelt in a patch of grass meditating and waiting for the team leader to arrive. Aikiko imagined she floated on a cloud and with each breath she rose and fell. Only by perfectly balancing her breathing could she remain comfortably centered. These breathing exercises helped her center both her mind and her chakra allowing her to operate at full capacity and remain calm once battle began. One day she hoped to master her anger and turn into a focused weapon rather than a force that drove her blade. Meditation she felt, would be her path towards an enlightened mind. Leaving through the eastern gate, the sun would rise over Aikiko's back as the morning progressed the first cracks of the sunlight having shattered the night creating dawn.

542 words.

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
An escort duty. Where was the time... Mizuki remembered her own first B-rank mission as if it happened yesterday. Under the guidance of Katonrai Lin they were to escort a merchant to a small village too back then. It was somewhat nostalgic to realise that it was now her turn to guide the younger generation of shinobi on a similar level, the woman wondering what her former mentor would think of all this. It was equally pitiful that the roads had not grown safer over the course of years; one might consider it the way around since the Jashinists had only added to the trouble. Still, they all had a duty to perform today no matter what the state of the roads were and Mizuki would see that one being brought to a good end.

Eyeing the list of names of shinobi whom would fall under her care, the first name to show up was a familiar one by now - Kyousuke Sasaki. The heir of his clan, a genin she had met as he posed himself between a girl and a bunch of idiots. A promising student with skills in the blade and lightning. The second name - Senju...? What unreadable handwriting was this? - was not one she was familiar with but that would not stop the hermit from including her within the sage's protective approach to thing. And lastly, an old familiar name - Uchiha Aikiko.

Reading the name on the list made Mizuki blink. How long had it not been since the two of them had met in some café, enjoying breakfast together alongside what's-his-name-again? Ryo, right. It had been years. Mizuki had just started as the Herald of Hastur in those days, about nineteen years herself while Aikiko was a young kunoichi of... twelve, thirteen or so? An Iwa-nin, in fact. To read the name as being a Kumogakure Chuunin was not only a curious surprise as the hermit had not been aware of such a transfer, but also a pleasant one as it meant she'd be capable of meeting an old friend again.

Putting the list of names away, Mizuki then prepared herself for the mission at hand. Her sleeping dress labelled with 'love and coffee' would make room for a more royal looking white hanfu sporting long sleeves, under which she wore a navy blue dress decorated with lotus flowers and butterflies. Hidden in between the many layers of cloth would rest her personal armour, while her trusted katana was duty-bound to be perfectly positioned for iaijutsu. Finally combing her long, black hair and allowing it to cascade freely across the fabric of her dress, Mizuki stepped outside to greet the rising morning sun and flickered away.

Under a flurry of jacaranda blossoms, the jounin appeared as still as a mouse at the eastern gates. Waiting for the other members of the team to gather up. Blue-green eyes would scan the environment before resting upon the figure of a girl who seemed all too eager to move on with their duties.

"Aikiko?", Mizuki tried as she called out to get her attention. Though her memory of Aikiko wasn't the sharpest after all these years, this teenager resembled the old image sufficiently. That same raven-black hair, that same physical build and, if so Mizuki dared to say, that same exemplary attitude - the polite girl at the café now being the first to arrive.



577

410/420
-10 : Body Flicker Technique

Kyousuke




C-rank
Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke] Cropped-56293058_p0

It had been a few days since his more than memorable run in with a certain Uchiha and since that day the heir had been hard at work in training, nearly isolating himself in his family’s dojo. Though a few of his bones had certainly been injured severely, it was nothing that a few of Kumo’s finest doctors couldn’t handle. Nearly twenty four hours after their bout, he had already been medically cleared with the help of iryo ninjutsu. Though a certain wound remained open whose importance far outweighed any external injury he could ever suffer. The boy’s pride had been torn to shreds, the taste of defeat still fresh on his mind. He blamed his loss on his foolishness and his overconfidence. Claiming firstblood in their short bout made him arrogant, arrogance in turn made him predictable, and his predictability led to an embarrassingly swift defeat. He swore to himself that the next time they would meet would be a far different story from the first, this time he’d be ready for all the illusions she would certainly set on him. Though the Uchiha now definitely occupied free space within his mind, the way the boy felt for the girl was still largely unclear. As far as first impressions went, the Uchiha started terribly. Attempting to blindside a peacefully meditating boy and potentially kill him immediately put her on Kyousuke’s bad side, yet the words the two exchange afterwards made him reserve judgement towards her. The only thing he looked for now was an apology.

The faint ringing of an alarm snapped him from his meditation, destroying the concentration and focus he longed to achieve. Dawn had arrived and with it a new day. Cold sweat running down his body, the boy sent a wooden sword flying across the room, colliding with the small alarm clock and muting it for another five minutes. The night had denied him of sleep, unable to shake the thoughts of defeat. Unable to slumber, the boy instead found himself retreating to the one thing he knew better than anything. A single wooden sword lay atop his lap, its pair thrown by the heir to stave off the need to get up. For a few more minutes he stayed motionless wondering why it was that his meditation would always be interrupted, eventually though he resigned to his other responsibilities. Golden eyes awakening, the boy rose from his seated position. First he fixed the dojo, leaving no signs of his use, then heading straight for the showers. Clothes and equipment already prepared by himself at his personal locker, the Sasaki dressed himself up for the rest of the day. Like always, he wore a seemingly normal piece of formal clothing, a white long sleeved button up shirt with a black vest, black pants, and black leather gloves, though hidden inside his outfit’s fabric were chakra lined threads that served as armor. Finally he took his trusty twin katanas, attaching each to the sides of his hip.

Today he would embark on his first mission… or his first official one at least. He had been assigned to escort a travelling merchant that requested aid in returning to his provincial village. Though at first appearing to be nothing more than a dull job, rumors of high level bandits attacking lone travellers made the prospect of escorting more appealing.

Leaving the gates of Ganryu Manor, the heir flocked to the rooftops, choosing to travel from up above rather than take to the streets down below. By now, he had grown to remember each of Kumogakure’s districts, knowing the path that would lead him to his destination the quickest. Within minutes he would arrive to the outskirts of the eastern gates, believing himself to be the first to arrive to the scene. He dropped down to the soft grass, making little noise. The sun yet to fully arise, he looked to his serene surroundings, tempted to plop down and begin meditating. The sight of a familiar figure removed all thoughts of meditation. His eyes squinted, checking to see if the girl before him had been the exact same person in his suspicions. Wearing the exact same clothes as she had worn upon the day of their meeting, it didn’t take him long to realize that she was indeed Aikiko Uchiha.

He hadn’t intended nor expected to meet her so soon, yet upon seeing her have a go at meditation, he couldn’t help but interrupt just so she would know how he had felt. “It seems like we’re the firsts to arrive.” He’d say, walking over to the girl and offering a hand to help her get up. A familiar voice, however, turned his attention elsewhere. It was none other than his teacher, Raiu Mizuki. Immediately, he turned to her, bowing his head down. “Good morning Mizuki-san.”




821

Aikiko

Aikiko


D-rank
Aikiko's meditation was peaceful and lasted for several hours as the sun rose on to her back its warmth easily ignored in her trance-like state. The rays of sunshine illuminated the clear mountain air yet Aikiko remained stoic keeping her breathing steady and calm. The voice that broke her focus was surprisingly familiar. She couldn't put her finger on who it was until she opened her eyes and beheld Kyousuke. Instinctively she reached for her blade before the truth of his words processed in her mind and her hand removed to a more relaxed position. Aikiko rose slowly, never matching his towering height she looked up at him with her steel grey eyes. She hadn't noticed how handsome he was when they were satisfying their honor. Kyousuke's noble featured suited his impressive frame. Aikiko's face remained neutral not even blinking up to the moment he turned away to greet yet another familiar voice. The voice belonged to the woman who played a large part in her departure from the Stone Village. Raiu Mizuki was once titled, Herald of Hastur, but it seemed she was something of a begrudging ally. Aikiko had misjudged her but still held her in high regard. Aikiko couldn't risk Kyousuke spoiling their unfortunate meeting. The raven haired Uchiha thought quickly and decided on a course of action that could serve two purposes. It would both serve to get ahead of the introduction and give Kyousuke a harsh warning.

Aikiko rushed forward and hugged Kyousuke from behind. “It's good to see you again.” she said loudly enough to be easily heard before standing on the tips of her toes and whispering into his ear while she squeezed where her boots had dug into his ribs days before, “Tell her and this time I'll snap them” Releasing him from her firm embrace she faced Mizuki and gave her a low bow before dropping to her knees before her. “Mizuki-sama I have been assigned to bolster your strength against the bandit menace. Allow me the honor of promising you my sword and life in service of our village.” Aikiko would stay lowered her sword driven into the ground until Mizuki accepted her humble request only then would she rise and bow again giving thanks to her gracious captain. Aikiko was overjoyed for the chance to prove herself to a woman she idolized. There were few who Aikiko admired, and Mizuki was everything she hoped to be one day. Today would be a chance for her to prove that she deserved to be the raven haired Raiu's student over the foolish oaf standing to her right. Hopefully his sword skills worked just as well against grown men as it had against a teenage girl. Aikiko got the feeling that they would need to be able trust each other in the coming mission. Aikiko knew her own devotion to duty would not be shaken and hoped that the same could be said for Kyousuke. Would his honor hold true even when paired with a young lady with whom he had every right to a grudge? Aikiko prayed that it would, for quarrels among them could be their death.

538 words, running total is 1,080.

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
"Good morning, Kyousuke-kun.", Mizuki returned Kyousuke's greeting as he was being embraced by Aikiko who, after shouting a good morning as well, seemed to whisper something into his ear. Were they that close already? Thinking about it, they were about the same age and at an age where such curiosities tended to kick in. Mizuki would flash them a benign smile, upon which Aikiko stepped forward to bow and offer her sword and life?

"Your honour shall not be squandered, Aikiko-chan, though I do hope  there is no need to sacrifice your life for the cause. Too many lives were already lost in recent wars, so if I can help it I'll help the both of you to grow into fine shinobi. That being said, it warms my heart to see you among us today. It's been far too long since we had breakfast together. And I can't wait to see what potential a kunoichi such as yourself harbours."

Their interaction was soon interrupted by the creaking of cart wheels and the clopping of oxes pulling it forward. The cart was filled with crates and bags, the merchant's treasures he hoped to sell in the next village. An older man sat at the front of the cart, holding the reins as it moved forward at walking pace, briefly waving at the group of people. An old familiar face to Mizuki, who had escorted that very same man years ago at the side of her mentor. He didn't seem to recognise her, instead greeting them once he was in speaking distance, and seizing up the new generation of shinobi that would have to escort him.

"I'm not new to this request, so I'll leave it to your capable hands..."
"Good morning.", Mizuki bowed towards the merchant. "These are Uchiha Aikiko and Sasaki Kyousuke, who will keep watch over you. As for myself, my name is Raiu Mizuki. My hawk and I will make sure no surprise attacks will befall us."

He'd nod and urge his oxes to move on, trusting by sheer familiarity that his escort team would follow as needed. He had seen his fair share of shinobi teams. Good ones, bad ones. The worst he had suffered was a broken wheel or a box with a couple of forgotten shuriken stuck in them, so after the long years he had little to worry about other than his aching bones.

Mizuki would face the two assistant for that matter, quickly inspecting their gear and nod once she had confirmed they looked remotely ready. Her kind expression would grow more serious as the mission was about to start, letting the leader within herself speak rather than the young woman.

"Zhinu will be our eyes in the sky, and I'd like to entrust the safety of the man to you, Aikiko-chan. I believe that your rank and doujutsu alone should warrant sufficient opposition to keep their direct attacks occupied. Kyousuke-kun, you'll guard the merchandise to the best of your abilities. Do not forget that a life is more valuable than the goods, so I expect none of you to get overconfident. This is a B-rank mission, after all. Even with me at your side, you should consider your life in danger should we be attacked. Are there any questions?"



563
Tota: 1'140

Kyousuke




C-rank
Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke] Cropped-56293058_p0

Caught in his gesture of respect towards his admired teacher, the boy had mistakenly turned his back on the Uchiha girl, allowing her to easily take control of his upper body. At first he felt her arms wrap around his chest, an act that caused faint pink blush to appear on his cheeks, for a brief second he was taken back by her actions until suddenly those same arms began to constrict on him with the strength of a vicious snake. She pressed down on the ribs that had just recently healed, nearly injuring him again. Her whispering words, spoken as a demand, were all masked by the cheerful greeting and the seemingly friendly hug she had given the boy. Unwillingly, the heir complied, releasing a silent sound of pain audible only to him and the Uchiha, he was careful to keep a straight face lest he alert Mizuki that something was wrong. Once she let go of her threatening hug, he immediately breathed deeply, both of relief and of need. He shook his head in disbelief that someone would go through so much lengths just to keep their reputation intact. Right away the girl took to swear her allegiance to Mizuki. At one moment she was frighteningly eliminating the potential of his words tearing them apart, the next she was acting as if the most honorable knight only wishing to serve Mizuki. What a terrifying woman.

Luckily though, he had grown an understanding for her. Afterall, it didn’t take a dojutsu to see that she admired Mizuki fiercely to the point where she was willing to go through such lengths to maintain their good relationship. Simply remaining in his place, he would let the two catch up, trying not to listen in on their conversation to give the two some privacy. Afterwards though, when the cart arrived, Mizuki would cease all conversation and give her attention to the old man who had requested their service. Kyousuke would follow suit, though only after walking beside Aikiko so that they may share a brief moment of conversation while Mizuki’s ears were elsewhere. “I’ll agree to keep your secret silent, but only if you apologize for attacking me.” He whispered with a smug look on his face slightly leaning left to her ear, golden eyes forward to keep track of the merchant. While he would keep the details of their first meeting to himself regardless of an apology, he made sure to not back down when it came to her little games.

Upon being introduced to the man by Mizuki, the boy would briefly bow his head to the uninterested merchant. His expression now changing in light of the mission details. A nod from the man brought his oxes to march forwards down the road, Mizuki turned her eyes to the two and each give them their separate tasks to fulfill. He had been ordered to guard the merchandise and reminded that their lives were more important. Her words reminded him that this was indeed a B-rank mission, which meant there was no place for his overconfidence. “None, Mizuki-san.” His eyes would look both the Uchiha and Mizuki, “If you need me, I’ll be by the cart.” Eager to begin, he would leave Aikiko to ask other questions of the mission had she needed more details. Matching the slow pace of the cart, he positioned himself at the back, allowing for a view of both the left and the right side of the moving vehicle. His hands sat atop the hilts of his blade, ready to draw and pounce on a bandit at any moment.




609 | 1430

Aikiko

Aikiko


D-rank
Kyousuke's request for an apology sent Aikiko's mind swirling. While she was indeed in the wrong, to admit she was wrong would be a sign of weakness. In a rare loss for pride Aikiko resolved that she'd apologize before the mission was done. Aikiko laid before Mizuki laying her sword at her feet to make her symbolic pledge. Mizuki denying the vow of blood was more of a relief than insult. It was honor that bound her to beg for the right to die, but sense knew it was a mistake. The praise that came with the denial was surely a bonus as well. Before Aikiko could reply she heard the creak of wagon wheels behind her and rose from her knees and returned her blade to its place at the small of her back. The merchant having arrived made little notice of his protectors, accepting their introduction from the jounin with little more than a grunt and a nod. His oxen drove his cart down the road regardless of its escorts' progress. Mizuki had a different look about her once the mission began, her serious face lacked its prior kindness. Aikiko was reminded of her mother by this new, serious, manner about the Raiu woman. Aikiko felt a pang for home deep in her heart when she thought about her mother. She may have been a cold woman who showed little affection, but the few cherished memories of happy interactions were the ones that had stuck out in this moment. The past was always more beautiful in the mind.

Aikiko and Kyousuke had their assignments and their orders, Aikiko was to stay close to the merchant and keep him safe even if that meant forcing him to abandon the cart and retreating with him in tow. Mizuki had been sure to emphasize that she wanted no heroics on this mission. Aikiko wanted to prove herself but if that came at the cost of her honor, it would have to wait. Aikiko had no questions, bowing to mark her understanding and answering with a simple “Understood.” Kyousuke had responded similarly and said to expect him at his post behind the cart. Aikiko had made eye contact with when he looked at her, Aikiko opened her mouth to say sorry only to find the words caught in her throat when she remembered Mizuki was standing right there too. Aikiko turned to her captain, “Shall we meet for tea again after the mission to catch up, Mizuki-sama?” Upon receiving her answer she'd set off to the front of the cart where she'd climb aboard and sit next to her charge while he drove the cart. On her way there she'd pass Kyousuke and say “We'll talk later.” Hopefully her cryptic message filled his heart with dread, she wanted nothing more than to apologize but her desire for his pain was still there. Be it physical or psychological she'd torment him best she could.

Once seated by her charge she'd inform him that it was her duty to defend his person at any cost, wisely leaving out the part where she'd abandon his wares before their lives. The Uchiha teen activated her sharingan and scanned for potential threats. She had faith in the hawk's ability but not even a raptor's eyes could match her own, her dojutsu able to process information to her brain quicker than possible for a normal creature. Aikiko would stay faithful to her orders and elect to use her genjutsu rather than charging in with steel and wind to rend whatever foes they met to ribbons. While nothing jumped out to her just yet there was still far for them to go and merchants seldom hired shinobi from the great villages if they weren't expecting a fight.

642 words, running total is 1,722.

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
The prospect of having tea with the teenage Uchiha was a good one. Tea after this mission would be a good idea to let of the steam and mull through the experience their first B-rank would offer. Of course, Mizuki had accepted. They'd have a lot to talk about. Like what happened to Ryo, or why she had left Iwagakure. How she experienced Kumogakure, and how she felt after that B-rank mission. Mizuki was also curious about the sharingan, which she had never seen being put into action before. The doujutsu remained 'the stuff of legends', her information about the KKG limited to the general mysticism around it. There were most likely other topics they could talk about as well, Mizuki not knowing what went on in Aikiko's mind.

These pleasantries would have to wait until they finished escorting the cart, however. With Aikiko watching over the merchant and Kyousuke taking care of the goods, Mizuki walked besides the cart like a bodyguard. Piercing eyes would regularly look left and right to check for movement, while sharpened ears remained vigilant for unusual sounds. Zhinu, her grey hawk, quietly claimed the skies as her domain. The hawk's eyes watched the ground with minute detail, its predator's instinct and training ready to warn incoming movement with a single cry.

The cart rolled forward at its peaceful cadence across the old road. Mizuki remembered how years ago this road was barely worth going through as rubble and pits made it a hell. The sorry state of the road had eventually costed the merchant a cart wheel; the ideal moment for bandits to jump in and make their presence known. Would it be any different now? Most likely not. The rugged landscape of rocky outcrops and mountain slopes still tended to succumb to small avalanches, and the trees that dotted the landscape like verdant guardians were not safeguarded against the tyranny of the raging storms. Lightning, strong winds; the forces of nature had the tendency to prove the trees just why they were dangerous.

Eventually, the group passed under a part in the road where the canopy was thick enough to block most of the sun's light. Brooding shadows embraced them, dimming their vision slightly. An ideal spot for an ambush, as had been proven in the past. And when the grey hawk cried out, Mizuki smiled at the predictability of it all. She'd draw her two protegees to the attention with a, "Careful now.", and communicate with the hawk in the skies. It wouldn't take long before the cart was forced to a halt, as a fallen tree had blocked the road. No way forward, no desire to go back. To their left, tree-covered mountain slopes and to their right, the rising walls of the mountain now giving the advantage of higher ground to their ambushers. Two men would clamber on the fallen tree, grinning, to make their demands, while another brute cut off the path back as he tapped his heavy hammer in his hands with confidence. The other two stood on the mountain flank, drawing their bows - one ready to fire at the oxes, the other aiming at what he'd consider the weakest target in the group.

"Just hand over the goods and you can walk away with your lives intact."

The old merchant sighed, scratching the side of his back. Not again, he pleaded quietly to himself, furtively glancing at his guardian as he solemnly trusted them to handle this. Again. It was apparent that he had seen his fair share of ambushes by now, speaking up to answer.

"You lot just don't learn, do you? How many times more do I have to say I'm not handing over anything? Just go away. For your own sake."
"Ho ho ho. Hear that, guys?"

They'd nod, laugh, mock them. And consequentially, the group of brigands would charge them as a result. Arrows would leave their bows; one moving towards an ox, the other aimed at Kyousuke. Moving into action, Mizuki would snatch the arrow aimed at the ox out of the air, drop it and channel raiton chakra into a couple of senbon she'd take out of her sleeves. The first one would be thrown at Aikiko to grant her a surge in her dexterity, the other should find its way to Kyousuke to grant him a weak lightning barrier as a base protection. With that done, the hermit would invoke a puff of smoke before she jumped towards the archers, leaving two copies of herself behind whom would scatter to provide assistance with her protegees. Each clone's task would be one of supervision rather than actual combat, making sure their lives weren't threatened while they showed off their own capabilities to take down enemies. Only in dire situations would the Mizuki-clones intervene with deadly intent; though assistance in setting up killing blows for her protegees was not out of the question either if they so wished.



840
Total: 1980

OOC: sorry for the outdated jutsu. Revamps still in progress.

365/420:

Kyousuke




C-rank
Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke] Cropped-56293058_p0

Moving to guard the cart first, it wasn’t long before the others followed. Shortly after he had walked to his position, Aikiko passed by, making a brief stop to simply tell him that they would talk later. She left quickly, not allowing the heir to reply, though he made an attempt to gesture a nod regardless if she would see it or not. For a moment he wondered if she would finally apologize, but shook all such thoughts of anything but his duty to protect the merchandise until after the mission was complete. His eyes were calm, moving to watch the left and the right, guarding over everything from the ideal position he had taken behind the cart. Every now and then he took glances at his own flank, looking with the corners of his eyes. He had become increasingly wary of flying projectiles aimed at his back ever since the Uchiha had blindsided him with three shurikens. The cart moved onwards, steady in its pace despite the rocky roads ahead. For awhile the party would close in on their intended destination quietly. No signs of bandits showed themselves, and while that situation would have been ideal for the merchant and their mission, a part of the Sasaki wished for a fight to play out so that he could continue to prove himself worthy of the chunin rank.

Walking the mountain slopes, the party would eventually enter a canopy of thick forests, nearly blocking off all sunlight. Kyousuke’s eyes slowly adjusted to the now dim surroundings, taking a brief moment to blink repeatedly whilst he continued to watch over the cart. The bird that acted as an overhead scout for the group began to cry out. Mizuki’s words of warning acted as a sign that things were not to be as peaceful as they had been up until this point. He began to watch his step, making sure he would be ready to defend from surprise attacks towards the cart and himself at a moment’s notice. Shortly after, the cart would be held to a halt. Kyousuke took a peak to see what had caused the sudden stoppage, only to see the fallen trunk of a tree blocking the road forward. He felt a tingle on the back of his neck, instincts alerting him of the presence of another. Bandits had encircled them like hyenas, blocking off all paths and making their will known. The boy’s golden eyes looked to his surroundings, taking note of all opponents that posed a potential threat. A bow aimed at him, the boy aimed back, drawing Shusui and pointing its tip to the archer. Eyes locked on to the archer, he drew Kitetsu, pointing it towards the brute in his peripheral vision.

Silently, he stood at the ready, listening in on the words exchanged between the merchant and the bandits. Eventually, all talks would end, and the bandits began to charge at the party. A bow fired, the young swordsman flowed a bolt of lightning through Shusui, firing it towards the unfortunate archer. Lightning consumed the arrow, yet it wasn’t satisfied. It moved past the projectile, exploding upon contact with Kyousuke’s target. Suddenly he’d turn both swords and all his attention unto the charging man. Mizuki’s senbon struck, flowing an aura of raiton throughout his body. He smirked at the neanderthal, engulfing his two blades with his own aura of lightning and lowering his stance.

“Raiton: Shunpo.”

With his signature roar of thunder, he burst forth, stabbing his two blades deep between the man’s chest, aiming to pierce at his lungs. He succeeded, Shusui and Kitetsu both digging deep in the man’s chest. A stiff front kick to the chest dug his blades out, sending the man back a few feet. The brute bent down in one knee, dropping his hammer to clutch the whole on his body. “Surrender and I’ll show you mercy.” He offered, only getting a curse as a response. He shrugged, looking to the clone of Mizuki. To his surprise, the man rose back to his feet, picking up his weapon and making another charge for the boy. He smirked, tucking his left sword, Kitetsu, under his right arm whilst Shusui rested atop his right shoulder. “Come.” He commended, aiming to meet the man’s attack in full force.




731 | 2161

185/230:

10Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke] Empty Re: Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke] Thu May 02, 2019 11:54 pm

Aikiko

Aikiko


D-rank
Aikiko had time to think while she sat on the bumpy road, the driver and herself had come to a silent agreement that neither had any interest in each other beyond business. Aikiko appreciated the man's quiet, gruff, demeanor. There was long stretches of open road with good visibility that allowed Aikiko to reflect on how she'd approach the conversations ahead of her. Should she swallow her pride and apologize? Should she be honest with Mizuki about her allegiance? Aikiko had sworn to have some difficult talks but she still could back out of one by simply berating Kyousuke, attempting to call a bluff she was unsure was there. Aikiko doubted that he'd risk her wrath to simply make her lose face. In the wrong context it could lessen the trust that Mizuki had shown her. Mizuki's response to her pledge to life had honestly surprised her. She had thought that a woman who had been the Yellow God's diplomat would have been more devoted to him. All pledges of service to Hastur were harshly enforced and included swearing to lay down your life should he command it. The more Aikiko thought about it the stranger Hastur seemed in comparison to how the village was now. There were no life pledges in the Stone Village, and she could guess from those that she met from other villages that they weren't expected such devotion either. Aikiko wasn't sure if she could trust the new Raikage but she had definitely come to see some flaws in the slain god-kage.

“Perhaps this place was part of her destiny after all, if the powers of destiny exist would they not usher me on regardless of myself?” Aikiko often had such existential questions in her commonly held silent lonely days. Aikiko's fierce ambition and rigorous training hadn't earned her many friends in life. Many had attempted to befriend her but they all seemed to disappear after a while, she never really understood why they disappeared. She knew it was something she'd done but she couldn't tell what it was. Aikiko was ever oblivious to her cruelty and arrogance, and no one cared to stick around long enough to find out if there was more to her. Aikiko scrambled for Mizuki's affection and notice because it was the one thing in her life that she lacked. Even mean girls get lonely some times. Aikiko's lamentations would be turned to rage in the coming conflict. Mizuki had snapped Aikiko out of her downward spiral with her signal of danger. Sure enough Aikiko could soon see them hiding in the shadows of the canopy that loomed ahead, even with little light people stuck out like a sore thumb to her Sharingan. There were five of them, the way they talked reminded Aikiko of the mission her sharingan was awakened, they looked like rough characters who would sell their own grandmothers for the right price.

The merchant made a feeble attempt at diplomacy before the battle began. Unsurprisingly the robbers were not deterred with reason. The merchant's bravery and experience was undeniable, he seemed confident that his mercenaries would carry out their duty successfully. Seeing the archers Aikiko pulled out three shuriken ready to deflect the arrows that came within the scope of her orders. Mizuki dealt with the archers, while behind her Kyousuke had decided to be a show off. Aikiko saw him flash his way across the battlefield using the very same jutsu that had almost been her own end. The Sharingan had saved her life that day, as it had many times attempts on her life had become a dime a dozen at this point. In their world the strong ruled the weak, as it should be. The confusion generally came when people forgot who the strong were. Aikiko's gender, age, and small frame had earned her many an underestimation a weakness she was able to exploit with ease given her training. To Aikiko's surprise the man shook off the stabs to his chest rising again to face Kyousuke. Aikiko gestured for the clone of Mizuki that accompanied her to go help him. Aikiko didn't want to see him harmed, maybe if she attempted kindness he wouldn't disappear on her. The clone refused, reminding her that he had help as well and that she should probably pay attention to the two men flanking her, Aikiko nodded then turned to face one of the men while the clone guarded the merchant.  

Aikiko knew she'd have no hope in a fair fight with him, so she'd have to use genjutsu. Aikiko made a half bird hand seal and leaped down from the cart to face her prey. The man laughed, “I'm supposed to be scared of a teenage girl with glowing eyes?” moments later he was screaming in terror, motionless while his greatest fears came to life before him. Aikiko waltzed up to him and sliced him down while he screamed in terror unable to move until her chakra had run its course through his system. It never would while he yet lived. Aikiko turned around to see Mizuki's clone finishing off the other bandit who decided to try his mettle out against the clone of the wrong woman. Aikiko, now covered in her victim's blood returned to the side of the merchant, where she'd remain ever vigilant waiting for the next threat to come to her. Aikiko figured however that her teammates would easily deal with the remaining brigands and they'd be on their way.

Exit

946 words, total word count is 2,718.

2500/2500 B rank mission.

Taking jutsu reward to train and pay for Kanashibari (B rank Genjutsu).
Saving remaining 218 words.

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
With the blood of the Uchiha in her veins, Aikiko revealed why exactly the sharingan was such a powerful bloodline. With a mere gaze, she robbed one man of his courage. Screams of terrors filled the air as the sage-clone observed her actions, blinking against the invisible assault she had unleashed with a single bird-seal.

"Sharingan genjutsu. What dangerous potential."

The clone would not be allowed more insight on Aikiko's techniques as the second bandit had opted to pick her as his opponent. He'd promptly find his death. With one strike, the blade cleaved through armour and flesh alike; Seiun claiming his life as soon as it had been unsheathed. Blood splattered off the katana with one sweep before the blade was put back to rest.



Kyousuke's first attempt against his opponent was a bold move; the application of raiton's destruction at its most basic level. A move she had used herself before, but that had proven inefficient the better trained her opponents had been. In this case, while bandits were not as disciplined, their resilience provided there where their training lacked - the benefit of a criminal lifestyle.

Kyousuke was taken aback. As if he had believed a single strike would suffice to take down any opponent he clashed with. The same underestimation he had shown when they first met, making Mizuki wonder if that was an inherent flaw of the heir's personality or merely lack of experience in proper judgement. Only time would tell, the clone continuing to watch how he'd deal with his opponent until he was either in grave danger or requested help.

"Do not confuse caution for lack of bravery, Kyousuke-kun. Remain vigilant."



Landing on the slope where the archers stood, bows swiftly got replaced by swords. The two believed themselves to hold the advantage over the hermit and instantly stepped in to attack her only to find her dance around and under the guidance of flashing steel. She could not retaliate just yet, lacking the advantage of range the two bandits held with their weapon, instead opting to aggravate them as they failed to hit her in turn. As the dance continued, irritation seeped into their mind and slowly turned former confidence into newfound rage. And with it, the first of mistakes slipped in as rage loosened their control over their weapon mastery.

What had first looked like a well-trained synchronicity between the two was losing its tangibility. The bandits grew out of rhythm with each other, giving Mizuki the respite and openings she required for counter attacks. The first one would lunge forward as his ally recovered from his own swing, upon which Mizuki twisted her body out of harm's way and placed her hand against the cold blade. As he moved forward, she faintly pushed the blade away and let her hand glide over its steel until she could grasp his wrist. Using his own momentum against him, she'd give a curt yank to pull him out of balance, then force his arm to straighten and break it with a swift follow-up of her free arm which connected brutally with his elbow. He dropped his weapon as he howled out in pain.

His ally, having recovered his own momentum, could only watch how the woman crushed her opposition with such swiftness he could hardly believe what he saw. But it would not deter him from trying to rescue his friend. He'd raise his blade high to cleave the woman in two, knowing she could not jump to the side with the mountain slope and his ally blocking those ways. He'd be met with resistance as as a swift half-snake, half-tiger were formed and blue lightning violently leapt across the short distance between the two. The raiton chakra coursed across his blade and body, Mizuki's eyes watching how he persisted in his will; his desire to strike her down in vengeance for his ally denying her jutsu the victory of kneeling down in defeat.

As the last spark of her raiton jutsu vanished, the former advantage the two men believed to have held over the woman had completely been crushed. One broken man and one burned man felt their pride and hope melt away as snow under the sun. They would be relieved of their fear and hope, the purple shine of Seiun flashing as it beheaded one man and right after pieced the heart of the other. Executing them on the spot. Wiping the blood off her katana, Mizuki sheathed her weapon and jumped back down to meet up with the others.



777
Total: 2'757


345/420
- 20 : Disintegrate

☯ B rank - Disintegrate:

Kyousuke




C-rank
Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke] Cropped-56293058_p0

The wise of the words of his mentor would ring true as a reminder in his ears, yet her guidance would not be enough to quell his arrogance. Kyousuke allowed the seven foot tall man to charge at him with full force, forsaking the use of any long ranged jutsu that would have ended the fight immediately. No, that was too easy. He wanted a challenge, within him lay a desire to prove to the bandit that it was foolish to go against a swordsman from the Sasaki clan. Close quarter combat was his domain, and the young swordsman was set to prove that fact. He rushed in, meeting the bandit midway through his charge. With the wooden hammer held solely in his right hand, the mountain of a man swung his weapon to crush the boy’s left ribs into powder. He moved Kitetsu to parry the attack, whilst simultaneously aiming to cut diagonally from shoulder blade to hip with Shusui. Two heavens as one, just as he had always done before, yet the strength difference proved to be an impossible barrier to overcome. The strength of the bandit proved to be far superior than his own, and with only one hand to defend, Shusui failed completely in its task. Cutting from shoulder to chest, Kitetsu was unable to finish the man’s life then and there. The hammer struck his body, battering him like dead meat, a bone crunching sound echoing throughout the surrounding area. The boy was sent flying in the air, crashing to the ground with a loud thud. For a moment he would remain still, everything silent. The bandit moved his eyes to the next target, looking to Mizuki’s clone, weapon at the ready. Just as it looked like he had been defeated, Kyousuke would rise from the ground, picking up the twin blades that would end the giant’s life.

He was groggy, slow to get up, and clearly injured. The light armor he wore did little to stave off the blow from the man’s hammer. Certainly he would need some medical attention… luckily he had two medical shinobi with him. His eyes, however, were locked on to his opponent, not so much as glancing at his two allies to ask for any help. He had a job to finish. Now they were even, he had sent the giant to the ground, and so too had the giant done him in. The heir spat red liquid to the ground, flaring his nostrils like a bull ready to charge at a target. Pride would not allow him to back out and use a long range jutsu. No. He would need to prove himself superior in his speciality. Strength was at his opponent’s corner, yet his first blow had proven speed to be in his. Blades lowered to the ground, he pointed the left katana to his opponent before lower himself in his stance, arms crossed prepared for a scissoring cut. Now the confidence appeared to be at the ape’s side, a smug look underestimating the boy’s capabilities. Sparks of lightning forming around his legs, the bandit prepared chakra, lifting his hammer up and slowly covering it with a shell of rocks, anticipating the same dash that Kyousuke had earlier used. Pounding the weapon to the earth, a fissure formed on the ground, earth exploding as it teared towards the young swordsman. At the last moment the lightning surrounding his legs dissipated, absent for a moment before finally returning in full force, now wrapped throughout his entire body, violent bolts crackling in the air.

“Raiton: Shunzukin!”

Once more Kyousuke mustered his chakra, propelling himself straight into the devastation that targeted him in a reckless maneuver that would remind the Uchiha of their first meeting. He charged towards the jutsu in its entirety, a wave of dust covering everything as the wave of doton exploded in his face, striking him directly. All would be hidden from Mizuki and Aikiko’s naked eyes, the result of the battle shrouded in mystery. With the aid of his new jutsu, the young swordsman persevered through the blow that would have taken his life, dashing past the jutsu unharmed and landing in front of the bandit in the blink of an eye. Still caught with his hammer down, the man was unprepared, thinking his jutsu would end the fight. Two heavens as one, Shusui and Kitetsu moved in unison, cutting straight through the man’s hand with the aid of raiton. Before the man could realize what had happened or feel the blades cut like butter, the boy would continue his onslaught. First he worked to tear the ligaments that connected both arms to shoulders, splitting tendons with a single downward strike. Limbs dropped down, leaving the foe completely defenseless. It was too late to surrender. A torrent of swords glided across the canvas that was what remained of the giant. Each stroke of his twin blades splattered paints of red everywhere. Eventually the dust settled, revealing the lone standing figure showered with the blood of his fallen foe. The giant’s head rolled past Mizuki’s clone, stopping to show the final expression of fear written on his face.

The boy panted in exhaustion. Adrenaline leaving his body, he felt the pain of his injury course throughout his body with each heartbeat. He stumbled backwards, taking two steps before he fell to his knees, supported by his bloodied weapons. He took deep breaths, gathering himself before rising back on two feet. He cleaned the steels of the twins, shaking off the blood and returning them to their scabbards. Looking to those that surrounded him, he silently walked back to his post, clutching his left rib with his right hand. Though it was done in brutal fashion, the results of his training showed itself clearly. He was more of a shinobi than he was when he had last seen the Uchiha. His eyes searched for her, tilting his head upwards upon the sight of her. Surely she had seen him overcome the obstacle that she had presented in their fight. After he'd look to his mentor, Mizuki. He expected a stern lecture in light of his actions. Pride had overcome him once more, and though this time he managed to come away smiling with victory, he knew that one day his pride would lead to his downfall.

-Exit-







1072 | 3233

150/230:

Using thread as social:

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
The boy would have none of it, still aiming to fight off the bandit by himself. The clone let him, partially knowing that defeat was often the best lesson towards temperance - as she had once come to learn herself. Kyousuke found himself thrown back a second time, leaving him dazed from the fall and seeing how the bandit now looked forward to defeating her. He stepped in, full bravura as he had already 'won' against the first opponent, swung his hammer and would swing it hard through a puff of smoke. The clone had undone her own existence, simply having timed it to leave an opening in his defences.

That opening was put to good use by Kyousuke, who relied on his raiton technique to burst in again. A cloud of dust was thrown up as the real Mizuki landed to replace her clone, the trained senses unfazed by a mere mundane dust cloud, and picked up the fervent onslaught Kyousuke delivered upon the man. She'd raise her eyebrows lightly, not sure if she'd to feel sorry for the bandit or worry if her student had lost control over himself.

When the dust eventually lifted, a wounded and exhausted Kyousuke emerged victorious. Adrenaline left him, made him stumble over as heroics became mortality again. He'd stand and move to the cart under Mizuki's gaze, and once he had settled down to rest she'd move away the hand resting on his ribs so she could assess and heal his wounds. All the while, she lectured him, indeed. Then, once she had assured herself he and Aikiko had suffered no tremendous damage, the cart moved on to its final destination once more.



[EXIT]

285
Total: 3'042
-3000 hoarded like a treasure

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Naruto Saga » Kaminari no Kuni » Kumogakure » Escorts [Mission | Mizuki and Kyousuke]

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