Matsu would smile, feeling proud of his newly instated rank. He had been given the rank of chuunin after showing his capability in several missions and showing his worth to the village. It was a proud moment for him, being able to prove to the world that he was more than just a kid who graduated the academy. He was moving up in the world, slowly but surely and it was something that he probably find time to celebrate, or at least, he would. Matsu was different though, he hadn't really made any friends with which he would actually enjoy to celebrate the occasion with. He had mostly kept to himself for quite a few years. With him being prevent from joining an actual squad after becoming a genin, he was pretty much isolated from other people and there were few people around his age that were of his rank. 

Matsu had only managed to meet a single girl at that, which was pathetic for him. He always enjoyed meeting people, particularly women and today was his lucky day. His door was knocked on just as night was falling. Stumbling from his chair in the Kitchen, Matsu would walk to the door, opening it and greeting the Jounin which stood outside. 

Matsumura Hashikawa. You've been selected to fly solo for the very first time on a B-Ranked mission. It's in celebration of your new rank. Matsu would bow, taking the envelop in the Jounin's hands and rubbing it with his thumb. 

Thank you, sir. I won't fail the leaf. Said Matsu with a proud tone. Seconds later, the Jounin had left, just as quickly as he had shown up. Matsu stood in the door way, opening up the envelop and reading the mission within. This one was different, he hadn't be told to kill anyone or steal back anything. Matsu's mission this time was to just find some shinobi and figure out what they were up to. In fact, from the wording, it looked as if the village actually wanted the two shinobi found alive. This was good too, as they were equal rank to him. It would be no easy task to fight them both at the same time, considering Matsu was taking this mission alone.

However, he had to assume that he was personally capable of handling the fight, otherwise the village would have assigned more shinobi to work with him. Scratching his head, Matsu would walk back into his own house, grabbing his white cloak. Something troubled him about this mission. He could assume that if he alarmed the two shinobi, they'd dart off. The girl also seemed to be a good planner and the boy seemed to be a tough combatant. It'd be unwise to fight them or even give them the idea that Matsu was going to forcibly bring them back. He could assume that the girl was the brain and the boy was the brawn. Regardless, he'd leave his house, closing the door behind him and locking it. 

Pausing for a few seconds, Matsu would fold the mission back up, sliding it into his sleeve to be concealed as he often did with items he wanted hidden. Walking calmly through the dark streets, Matsu would make a course to the gates. According to the mission, the two suspects were supposedly taking refuge in a village that was neighboring the main village of the hidden leaf. So it didn't take a genius to guess where Matsu was going to be headed. 

Upon reaching the gates, Matsu would nod his head to a familiar Chuunin face who was guarding the gates. The chuunin would nod back in response, displaying clearance for Matsu to leave the main village. Pressing his palms together patiently, he'd walk at his typical slow pace, making no effort to rush. It mattered not whether he got there sooner or later. If the shinobi were innocent, then they wouldn't be leaving soon and if they weren't then running full speed into a fight wasn't the best idea. He needed to plan this very, very carefully.

Traveling through the forestry of the country, he'd make sure to stay on the beaten paths. Even though it was fairly safe out in regards to muggers or robbers, it was still night time and he was at risk of feral beasts and more than anything, just getting lost in the woods. In his younger years he had spent very little time traveling the area outside of the actual village, making the locations beyond the gates somewhat whimsical and magical. They were mysterious to him because he knew nearly nothing about them. He knew not what sorts of animals showed up there nor what type of plants.

It only took a short while before Matsu came upon the village. It was night time so there were actually very few locations that the pair could be. There were two he could think of off the top of his head, the Bar and the Inn. Taking his chances with the bar, he'd find it by simply following the dirt roads towards brighter light and louder sounds. He could assume that the bar, at this time of night, was crowded with drunkards looking for something to do at this time. From his intel, Matsu could assume that at least the male would be here. The girl was younger than Matsu himself sitting at only 16 years of age. The male was closer to 22, so he was actually legal to drink. 

If the two were separated then it'd prove that they were either unworried about trying to escape... Or stupid. Regardless, it'd make more sense when he finally found the couple. Coming upon the bar, Matsu would walk through the flaps, holding his arm up to block them from hitting his face. He'd sit on a stool, clasping his hands together in front of his face. He made sure not to draw attention to himself as he sat at the counter. He motioned to a waitress to come closer, whispering in her ear.

There's people I'm looking for in this village. Is there anyone that matches this description? He'd show the woman his envelope, once again, making sure not to attract any attention. He didn't want to spook the couple, causing them to run off. He doubted that he'd be able to catch them alone. Especially if they darted different ways. 

The waitress was kind, giving any information she had. Fortunately, she also mentioned that the two were no in the bar currently, making his search significantly easier. With that, Matsu simply reconcealed his envelope, standing and leaving the bar as quickly as he had shown up. 

On his way out, he managed to bump into a young girl, knocking her down. Oh... I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention. Matsu said as he bent down, looking the girl in the face. He froze for a split second before taking her hand and helping her up gently. Looking her in the eyes, he'd smile, adding a bit of charm, Matsumura Hashikawa at your service... He'd pause before speaking again, making sure the girl was fully aware. Excuse me miss, but I'd love to know your name. You're quite beautiful and you seem so familiar... The girl would blush slightly, covering her lips with her other hand. She'd speak in a soft, hushed tone, as if she didn't want others to hear.

I'm Shizuka Fushayami. It's wonderful to meet you... Matsumura was it? The girl would smile cutely and Matsu would return the favor, his eyes denoting the genuine nature of it. This was indeed the girl he was looking for. Matsu would put his pointer finger on the bottom of the girl's chin, breaking the touch barrier and moving a little closer to her, as if he was about to kiss her. He'd then take a step back, leaving her hanging as if she was expecting the kiss.

Haha... You've only just met me. Don't expect anything without a drink my dear. He'd smile. If he weren't trying to get information about his girl, he'd definitely contemplate a relationship with her. She was definitely cute enough. Come drink with me and relax, its a nice night. It'll be my treat. Matsu, still holding the girl's hand would walk into the bar, leading her before she'd even gotten the chance to answer. In a way, Matsu was hypnotizing her.

Moving to a booth, Matsu would help the girl sit and would take the seat across from her. His goal was simple, he'd gather information, figure out where they're actually staying, and if things turned up strange, he'd get out. The girl was smarter so he assumed that she held the master plan. The male only seemed to be the muscle of the operation. If they seemed to be deserting, Matsu would call in ANBU to hunt them before they could even escape this village. Motioning for a waitress to come over, Matsu would order an extra large bottle of Sake for the table. 

Oh no no... I couldn't. That's far too expensive for you to be paying for all alone. The girl said as the waitress walked away. Shizuka seemed kind enough, it didn't seem like she was planning anything dirty. Regardless, Matsu would know when he got her drunk. Then all the slippery secrets would slide right on out. Moments later, the waitress would return with the large bottle, placing it on the table with a thud followed with two cups, one for each of them.

Nonsense! Drink and be merry. This is my treat! Pouring the girl a drink, he'd place it before her and pretend to pour himself some, making sure that each time he attempted, the actual act was blocked by the sight of the table. The girl was clearly a drinking version, taking only 1 drink to get her nearly blitzed off her ass. After about 3, the two were dancing to absolutely no music and after that, things started getting weird. 

To say the least, she got very "loose." Just as Matsu had planned, she became very trusting and very friendly. Needless to say, Matsu got all of the information he needed out of her and there was nothing unusual about it. His task at this point was to escort her and her partner back to the Konohagakure. After a couple more drinks, that'd be no problem as she'd need medical assistance. Before reaching that point though, she had passed out.

Luckily, the girl had spilled the beans about where she lived and who she was traveling with. Upon finding their room in the Inn, Matsu would explain an elaborate lie to her companion: that she had gotten drunk on her own with no supervision blacked out, and that Matsu had protected her from the drunkards in the bar. He also told him that she would need medical attention and that he was going to escort them back to the village immediately.

The man complied, not actually questioning the few flaws that were in the logic. The two were returned to the village before morning and Matsu was able to get a good nights rest. 

1923 / 1500 (Mission Complete)