C Rank: Eternal Fable

[DonEmu]

Prologue

The storm raged on, it was wild and unrelenting. Violent cyclones of wind blew across the landscape carrying with it immense clouds of sand. The desert of the wind country was known to be home to such violent gale forces, but today was different; nothing this fierce happened in this season. Visibility was almost zero, the sand storm blocking the sight of any one caught in it. Within the sandy tempest a silhouette could be seen.

It was a tall man, dressed in a long black cloak that fell all the way to his feet. His hands and entire upper body where masked by his attire. He wore a pair of goggles to shield his eyes from the storm; his golden-brown hair blew against the aggressive gusts. A slight glimmer of metal could be seen shimmering under his chin; his ninja head-protector loosely secured around his neck, the symbol crossed out. He seemed unaffected by the weather, his eyes were looking downwards at the plethora of corpses scattered at his feet.

The stranger took a few steps to one of the bodies, the cadaver was gripping something firmly with one hand, and the other hand had been completely severed as well as his head. All the bodies around had been thoroughly sliced. Bending down, he picked up the package with one hand. A voice called to him…

Stranger Two : You sure like to take your time don’t you…

The voice was female, cool, calm and collected but her tone was clearly sarcastic. Her long hair was being tussled by the wind. She was also dressed in a long black coat covering her whole body, her attire included a cloak. She was grabbing onto the top of the hood as she walked towards her companion, attempting to shield her face from the blistering sands. She didn’t seem amused at all…

Stranger Two : Can you cut this damn wind out already.

The strange man just peered at her for a second, considering her wish. With the tiny package in his right hand he lifted his left pointing into the sky. For the first time his arm was completely visible. On his tanned skin, a few inches below his wrist was a seal, gold in color. It read ‘Fujin’. He formed a hand seal, the written seal on his body begun to glow and the winds slowly quelled until the storm raged no more.

Stranger One : Are you happy now? Always nagging…

His tone was almost playful and jovial but he couldn’t completely mask the hint of cynicism. The voice was low and hoarse, like someone with a deep base set voice attempting to whisper but not truly pulling it off. On his face a wry smile shone as he looked at his beautiful colleague. He stood up erect and head high, the head-protector which had been partially masked by his coat collar could be seen in its entirety, it was that of “Konoha”.

They were very faint, but they could both make it out, the sound of footsteps upon the sand. The man didn’t need to look very far to see where it was coming from. One of the shinobi had managed to flee or at the least thought he had. The dark cloaked shinobi just reached his free left hand into his coat pocket and came out with a kunai, with a slight but violent flicker the weapon went flying. The escapee had seen it coming and as the weapon drew near he ducked down, it flashed right above his head, flowing through his long hair and grazing his temple lightly.

Stranger One : Do you mind?

Stranger Two : Whatever, we have to leave now…

The kunai had missed and continued on hits course, the runaway had thought he was out of the clear. The female kunoichi then seemed to shift her weight and gaze into his direction. The projectile ceased in midair, its blade edge turning and facing backwards in the opposite direction and went flying back this time plunging deep into the heart. Now all that stood in their way was gone, their task was done.

Stranger Two : You are such a lazy ass, why didn’t you waste him from the get go?!

Stranger One : Cause you just look so sexy with your kill face on.

Stranger Two : Moron, he is waiting for the package, are you done with it?

Stranger One : Of course not, I just retrieved it, I still have some work to do…We should find a safe location so I can work.

The former konoha shinobi grasped the item in both hands and then closed his eyes. He began to mold his chakra causing the sand at his feet to begin to swirl around. He was focusing his power into the artifact, the article slowly begun to glow. It elongated and widened until it was now a sizable 3 and a half feet long scroll, 1 foot wide.

Stranger One : For Konoha to entrust this scroll so such weak trash to deliver to the sand, I wonder what Naruto must have been thinking.

Stranger Two : …

Stranger One : Fine, sheesh! Let’s go then…

There was an aggressive blast of wind, the sands shot into the air from the force of their jutsu. The two wanted Nin had gone; ‘flickering’ to whatever destination they had planned, carrying with them an important item, a scroll that belonged to Konoha, a scroll that was important enough for them to kill so many. As they left the area the natural winds begun to pick up again, now the corpses of their fallen adversary had been covered up by nature itself, buried by the wind, their story would be lost.

***

[DonEmu]

The Team

Kadaj had slept soundly the previous night. He had gone through some basic training and drills and had tired himself out almost completely. Having recently completed the academy, the genin had not the luxury of haven been on a mission. He slept in his single room flat, the apartment buildings designed to house those who had lost parents in the service of Konoha and didn’t have anyone else to turn to. His walls were littered with various seals and instruction manuals; his reading desk though was well organized with all his notebooks from school neatly stacked.

There was rapping at the door…

Kadaj : Who is it?

A white envelope was slipped under his doorway. The letter was addressed to him and had the official Konoha leaf seal printed on it as well as the “Uzumaki Whirl”; this was an official request from the Hokage’s office, a mission. Kadaj quickly tore through the envelope and scanned through the contents of the letter, he was to report to the main gate within the hour with his complete set of gear, dropping the piece of paper, he rushed towards his closet to get his towel so he could rush to the bathroom.

***

Nara Aramaki had just been promoted to the rank of chuunin recently but he had already led a number of mission, albeit all being D-ranks. He was a more active member of his clan though, almost the antithesis of the Nara stereotype of lazy bums. He was a hardworking individual and yet shared the intelligence of many of his clansmen though his skills with the clan specialty, shadows, weren’t exactly what someone would call stellar. He was in the clan headquarters, playing a game of shogi with some of the older men, it was customary to practice tactics when one had nothing to do all day, and the game could be fun in some circumstances.

The ninja had long black hair tied at the back as a pony-tail, his brown eyes shined with intelligence and curiosity. He was dressed in the traditional chuunin attire, his vest tightly shut and his head protector strapped firmly and proudly upon his forehead.

Nara Shikamaru: Oy! Brat, you got an official letter.

The new head of the clan, the well decorated Nara Shikamaru, genius strategist and one of the personal advisors stood at the entrance gripping an envelope and brandishing it around playfully. He was dressed in jounin clothing, a green vest with dark navy blue apparels. A lit cigarette was in one hand. Aramaki .

The chuunin run up to his senior and took the letter, reading it quickly and without a word he rushed into the main building to get his gear and make his way to the city entrance. His letter though was slightly heavier than the others that were sent out though…

***

Shin Rangiku and Orori Taki had slept over at Taki’s house. The two girls had known each other since they were little kids and had grown up together passing the academy at the same time. Even undergoing many of their team based missions together. The pair were playfully doing each others hair, with Rangiku choosing to go with a short cut, going slightly below her ear, her blonde hair was bright and bubbly, masking her determined and decisive demeanor. Taki’s was tied in a ponytail, she was the quiet one, but more focused on the job. Together they were a good unit and they were both poised for promotion to chuunin rank.

There was no knock, just a jingle as the bell rang.

Taki : I’ll get it!

She runs to the door, two letters had been slid underneath. The letter was addressed to the pair. Leaning down she grabbed both and tossed the envelope addressed to Rangiku to her friend and they both tore it open simultaneously.

Rangiku : We got work! Let’s get ready and hurry to the gates.

Taki : Duh! We better hurry so we won’t be late.

They rushed to the bedroom to get ready for the job at hand.

***

[DonEmu]

Meeting

Kadaj got there first out of the team. He arrived quickly and was seated just outside the Konoha gates on a large rock waiting whoever it was he was supposed to meet here. The letter hadn’t really expressed the details of the mission, only that he was to report here immediately. He was dressed in his mission attire, black trousers with a black long sleeved shirted with one white stripe lining the threading. A dark navy blue jacket on, his sword slung over his back, a kunai holster strapped to his right leg fully stocked.

The next to show up were the pair, Taki and Rangiku , they walked side by side towards the waiting Kadaj . Their attire was somewhat similar from afar though there was some basic difference between some of the accessories.

Rangiku was dressed in all black, long leggings lined her toned legs, skin tight long sleeved top and a mini-skirt, gray in color atop the leggings, a little cut to the side for easier movement. Strapped to her back was a long wooden tube-like object with many holes of varying size upon it. Her head protector was strapped to her left arm, her azure eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

Rangiku : Hello…

Kadaj : Hi.

Taki was dressed a little more alluring yet there was a fearfulness about her that was undeniable. A strange silk like material, cyan in color, was laced around her body. A black tank top held her breasts firm. With long chandelier earrings and a lace bandana upon her head. She was wearing a slightly baggier pair of trousers, almost sagging though, the fit obviously loose, with her underwear, also black showing. She had two short kodachi strapped to her large belt. Her crimson eyes burnt with intelligence and focus.

Taki : Yo!

Kadaj : Hello…I’m Hoshi Kadaj.

Taki : Orori Taki

Rangiku : Shin Rangiku

Kadaj : Aren’t there usually four Nin in a team?

Rangiku : Well we wait for the forth I guess.

Taki : Are you the team leader though?

Kadaj : Hell no!

Aramaki : I am!

Their team leader Aramaki was last to arrive. For the team leader he was late. He was dressed in basic chuunin gear and carrying a large back-pack of supplies, making him the most heavily equipped member of the team. He seemed to have a look somewhat of shock mainly at the youth of his team. He did know the two female members though; they were part of his year group. As for the young genin gentleman, this was a first meeting but he had read their files on the way here.

Aramaki : I was informed you don’t know the finer details of the mission yet so this is the report I was sent, pass it around.

He handed it to Kadaj first…


Mission Name: Eternal Fable
Rank: C
Pay-out: $200
Starring:
-Nara Aramaki (NPC – Chuunin Team Leader),
-Hoshi Kadaj,
-Orori Taki (NPC)
-And Shin Rangiku (NPC)

Synopsis: A priceless artifact belonging to ‘Konoha’ has been stolen on route to the sand. The item is believed to have been stolen by bandits who are well versed with the topography and weather conditions. They aren’t exceptionally skilled fighters but in a desert storm they are the only ones known to be capable of unhindered combat. The mission is to sneak into their base near the ‘Western Oasis’ and retrieve the item at all costs. In a normal confrontation, they shouldn’t be a problem in combat.


As team Konoha is almost underway, others are also moving…

***

[DonEmu]

Somewhere in the Deserts of the Wind Country

Stranger Two : So this is the place?

Stranger One : Yeah, cozy looking isn’t it. Took as a hell of a long time to find it though.

Stranger Two : It would have been quicker if you hadn’t insisted on searching through the sandstorm instead of clearing it up…

Stranger One : Yeah but if it’s hard for me who should have known where it was, it would be harder for pursuers.

Stranger Two : Well at least make it a little more visible.

Stranger One : Hmmph… (Whisper: nag)…

The dark cloaked man raises his left hand into the air, his index finger pointing directly upwards, swirling in unison with the strong cycles of the sandstorm. With his arm fully erect he slowly twirled, the gusts of wind seemed to entwine around his finger like a winding thread. The raging gale forced begun to subside slowly, almost calmed by his presence. He seemed to be lulling the storm to sleep and now everything was quiet.

Around them there was no storm, no blowing winds and no flying sand. The area affected by his power wasn’t extremely immense, he didn’t affect the whole desert, but the immediate area was calm. To be more accurate they were in what seemed like the eye of a tornado, a static tornado spinning endlessly at one spot. Finally the large edifice before them was clearly visible. The Castle Hidden in Sand , once a Sunagakure mini-base, it was now home to notorious desert bandits.

The two planned to hide out here until they were done working on the scroll. The bandits owed them a debt; they were actually on a duo mission. The reclamation of the debt was secondary to the work on the scroll.

The tall stranger, the one who quelled the wind begun to walk forwards, towards the large clay castle, the architecture reminiscent of a sand hill.

Stranger Two : Stop…

Stranger One : What?

Stranger Two : We have some company…

Stranger One : Yeah, I know, I can see’em remember. You want em or should I do it?

Stranger Two : I will be faster this time around.

With that last word she pointed both hands towards the earth, in front of her compatriot. Then clenching her out stretched hands into a fist, instantaneously loud, unnerving screams echoed into the air and disappeared within the raging whirlwinds. Then as she lifts her hand higher, three bodies emerge from the sand, spikes of metal ripping through their flesh. Their corpses were being levitated in mid-air now.

Stranger One : I am going in to find Bukha. You walk through the front door. These wusses won’t be able to hurt you anyway and once I talk to that prick his goons will cool off…Plus, Konoha should be coming soon…

Stranger Two : Konoha?

And then he disappeared almost instantaneously…

Stranger Two : That moron’s ‘flicker’ seems to be getting faster.

Without another word, she starts to make her way towards the door.

***

[DonEmu]

Welcome to the Wind

They had left Konoha in what was a merchant’s transport convoy. They were expected to move without it being known that Konoha Nin had been dispatched. Their attire was masked by desert cloaks that had been supplied with at their first checkpoint in the fire country. The Konoha team would be crossing the border soon enough, the journey so far had been uneventful.

Aramaki : We are going to rendezvous with a contact in the next town. He is supposed to have some information for us concerning our little mission.

Kadaj : Who is it?

Aramaki : Chef Lolo the pervert.

Kadaj : Chef Lolo the what?

Rangiku : He is some perverted Chef the runs a little eatery. Asshole can’t stop hitting on girls. Why the hell is he always our informant?

Aramaki : Well rumor has it he always searches for info the moment he hears you girls are on a mission.

Kadaj : He doesn’t seem too reliable to me…

Taki : Whatever, he gets the job done.

Aramaki : We should be in town in no time. Keep a low profile. Taki and Kadaj , you two go to the restaurant and talk to that prick.

Taki : Whatever…

The Super Duper Restaurant for Hot Chicks!

The large neon sign loomed over the two genin. Kadaj stood mouth agape at the flamboyant display. It was obvious that this was quite an eccentric place. Taki on the other hand didn’t seem fazed at all. She must have been here many times on previous missions. The building itself was plain enough if you could call a Wild West themed structure plain. The entrance was two tiny swivel doors much like those seen in western movies, the cowboy movies. The place seemed more like a bar than a restaurant and loud shouts could be heard escaping from the inside.

Taki : You should duck…

Kadaj : Huh…

Just then out of the doorway a large figure came flying outwards. The youthful genin ducked down immediately, Kadaj the slower of the two, the large body slightly grazing his head as it went flying. It was a man being tossed out of the establishment. His body was reeking of alcohol. He stumbled to his feet and with one parting flip of his middle finger he went lumbering off. Not noticing the two kids he almost crushed. Looking up at the entrance, they saw the back of an even larger heavy set man with what looked like a gigantic ladle walking back inside.

Aramaki and Rangiku had elected to go to the inn while Taki and Kadaj went on for the information. It was an opportunity for their new team member to meet the Chef. The two stepped through the archway.

The place was teeming with activity. Loud boisterous voices could be heard yelling, singing, arguing and all just having a good time, one way or the other. At the bar a voluptuous barmaid dished out an assortment of alcohol, the place was bursting with excitement.

Loud Voice : Who the bloody hell are you brat? No kids allowed!

The voice was deep and threatening, a large shadow begun to be cast on the back of Kadaj . He felt an impending threat. Taki on the other hand was merely snickering; a mischievous grin was plastered across her face.

Taki : Hey pervert Lolo, this dude is my boyfriend.

Instantly a large oddly shaped metallic object came smashing down towards the male Konoha ninja. He had seen the glint of metal reflected in the bar mirror and had move swiftly, sidestepping out of the way as the huge tool smashed crashing into the ground. It was the man he had seen tossing someone out of the building. He was dressed in black trousers with a large white apron which looked stained with various oils and soups. In one hand was a large weapon that could only be described as a spoon on steroids; easily five feet in length. The individual now obviously the Chef Lolo was an immense figure, standing at a jaw dropping 6’7’’.

Kadaj (thoughts) : Lemme guess, he is the type of guy who hates people hanging with girls he knows.

***

[DonEmu]

Rumble in the Jun…Bar!

Lolo seemed quite enraged. He wasn’t thinking logically at all. The term ‘moron’ was an adequate description for the heavy set man. Brandishing his huge ladle like a mace; he came swinging violently at the young Konoha genin.

Kadaj : This is quite troublesome, just calm the hell down.

Chef Lolo : Wife stealer…

The spiked metallic dipper came crashing down savagely. The Chef was surprisingly agile for his size, easily transitioning from swing to dash as he lunged at Kadaj . The genin had to use all his effort to evade the attacks. This was no ordinary opponent, he moved like a veteran combatant. Then suddenly the youth realized, Chef Lolo was out of his sights…

Kadaj (thoughts) : Where is he? I only have on choice then…

”Like a crimson veil washing over him, a glitter run across his eyes, no longer was he seeing what we all saw. Now he saw beyond us, beyond imagination.

To rely on his heat vision in this situation wasn’t what he had planned but with its larger area of vision he would more easily spot the hidden location of his make-shift adversary. Ending this encounter quickly was the course of action. The team needed the information that the Chef supposedly had, they had to return to report back quickly to Aramaki and Rangiku .

He searched out his surroundings. It had just now come clear to him that the entire establishment was watching their little encounter. He could even see Taki sitting at the bar enjoying a drink and the little show.

Kadaj (thoughts) : Bitch!

Then Kadaj saw it, the hazy reflection of a darting body flanking around him to get behind him, his blind spot. Thankfully for him intelligence was natural, if he couldn’t see it; it meant it was right behind him anyway which was good enough. He felt the imposing presence loom over him. The shadow of the large weapon came over the genin.

Chef Lolo : It over punk!

Kadaj had seen it coming and without fail had sidestepped away from this attack as well, pivoting and turning to face the foe. He gripped the hilt of his blade firmly ready to draw and mount his first attack. It didn’t seem like his opponent would listen to reason so ending the fight was first priority.

Chef Lolo begun to cock his head back and draw in a breath, his stomach enlarged as the air surged inwards. He was going to use a jutsu. The moisture in the air begun to drop rapidly, the plethora of liquor bottles in the building begun to burst at their fluid contents got drawn into the mouth of the large opponent.

Taki : That is enough…

She had moved faster than anything Kadaj had ever experienced. One moment she was at the bar and the next she had a kodachi placed at the neck of the Chef. Its sharp edge glittered in the well lit room; no doubt it would easily be able to sever his head.

Taki : Using that technique, you would kill everyone in this room Lolo. Don’t be so reckless…

Chef Lolo : You started it woman!

Taki: I thought you would be smart enough to not pick a fight with a kid, so apologize and lets get down to business. I was kidding about the boyfriend remark idiot.

Kadaj (thoughts) : This is the first time she has talked so much.

Chef Lolo : Humph…Sorry…dumbass

Kadaj : No hard feelings you senile old prick…

Taki (thoughts) : I am surrounded by morons.


***

[DonEmu]

The Information

Taki : Let’s go somewhere quiet, we need to talk.

It had just occurred to Kadaj that he had been fighting in front of the entire restaurant. Looking around and seeing the amused faces of the people drinking and dining, he had no idea what they were thinking until they all started to applaud.

Random Diner: Wow! What a great show.

Random Diner 2: Yeah, that was really great acting…

Chef Lolo : The people who eat here are morons and drunks. Let’s go to the wine cellar.

Taki redrew her kodachi from his neck and slid it back into her belt. Then the two Konoha ninja followed as the large Chef led the way to the cellar with the throng of cheers and jeers behind them. They entered the cool dark cellar, the walls were lined with barrels of alcohol, obviously wine, hence the name. In the center of the room was lined another two rows of wine. Kadaj couldn’t see the end to the room. Lolo pulled out some stools from under a counter and slid it to the two shinobi to sit on.

Chef Lolo : Well?

Taki : Humphh…Something was stolen from the sand, and we are after it.

Chef Lolo : I already know that much, I was just asking what my compensation would be…

Kadaj : Senile and cheap, just like I imagined…

Chef Lolo : What did you say!!

Taki : Its cool kid, I will handle it…

She moved her right hand slowly upwards and rubbed on her right breast, slowly… Kadaj had almost forgotten how provocatively dressed she was. He had been hanging out with her so much that he was used to her skimpy outfit but now his senses had come back to him. Lolo seemed captivated, his pervert senses working in overdrive, his eyes ablaze with moronic lust.

Taki : Kadaj close your eyes please…

Kadaj : Okay…

Lolo was drooling, this was a dream come true for the seasoned pervert, finally having a glimpse at Taki ’s goodies. His eyes were poised, he was ready and then…

BAM!

The fist smashed into his jaw sending the fat git flying across and smashing into an adjacent row of wind barrels which cracked leaking their fluid contents onto his temple, seeping down and soaking his clothes. Kadaj opened his eyes…

Taki : You didn’t really think I would flash this cretin.

Kadaj : I had hoped you wouldn’t, but I could never be sure. Not like I have known you forever.

Taki : Whatever…

She walked up to the fallen Lolo ; an amused smile was on the lecher’s face. Taki stood over him, a smile was on her face also, but somewhat more sinister…
Taki : You gonna talk or what?

Aramaki : You better do what she says…

The voice had come from the doorway, and there they stood; Aramaki and Rangiku . Fully dressed with amused smiles on their faces, they stepped into the cellar.

Rangiku : The two of you were taking some time so we decided to come and check on you. The people upstairs said you have come down here.

Aramaki : Both upstairs and here is trashed, looks like we missed the fun…

Rangiku (thoughts) : Looks like Kadaj also managed to stay unhurt.

Kadaj though was still seated on his stool…

Kadaj : Can we just get on with it?

***

[DonEmu]

Wandering through the Sandy Wonderland

They were all cloaked and masking their faces from the blistering winds as they made their way through the desert. The four Konoha shinobi were on the way to completing their mission. They had been informed of the supposed location of their missing item by the somewhat reliable Lolo.

Aramaki: Are you okay kid?

Kadaj : Yeah, somewhat…but can we really trust that dudes info?

Taki : He is the most reliable half-wit we know.

Rangiku : Not like we have any other leads. So we gotta go with this.


A day prior to their journey, still in the wine cellar


Chef Lolo : The bandits that have got your goods are can be found in the deserts. Head north out of town and keep heading north. When you get hit by the storm stick together and try and move as straight as possible. Once the storm stops just start heading north again. Does it right and the storm will keep shifting you in the right direction until you hit their base.

Aramaki : Are you sure?

Chef Lolo : Of course, though I have to warn you. Though what you are looking for is most probably there, I doubt bandits could have stolen it. Especially from shinobi. They aren’t that reckless to take on sand-nin.


Back in the desert


Kadaj : Nothing much we can do but follow the instructions…

The crew just kept plying on against the wind currents, as the storm subsided they found their bearings north and moved again. Soon they would be upon their target and they had no idea what they would find. All that was certain was that things were soon to come to a climax.

***

[DonEmu]

The Impending Predicament

Somewhere in the deserts of the wind country stood a large structure of sand and clay. It greatly resembled a giant ant-hill; this was the abode of the bandits. In the tallest tower, in the highest room, the thieves worked.

Stranger Two : The reports say they left town and are headed this way…

Stranger One : What’s their ETA?

Stranger Two : They will be here within the hour.

Stranger One : Then I better step it up then…

The room was large and oval, almost completely empty but for one large throne and a circular table. Sprawled over the table was a large scroll, the strange man hooded man in his dark robe loomed over the parchment. Deciphering its secrets…

Stranger Two : How hard is that shit to translate anyway?!

Stranger One : If you can do better, why don’t you go ahead and try…

Stranger Two (whisper) : Asshole…

She was walking back and forth, impatient; she was still in the mood for blood. The fringes of her cloak were stained with blood, blood from their earlier infiltration. The bandits fell like flies at her feat, until their attacks relented and they gave in to the pair. Now her pompous partner was decoding the contents of the scroll, searching for…


Welcome…Konoha… Ninja


Kadaj : Maybe I am just hallucinating but I think we have finally made it.

The Konoha four looked forward through the storm, before their sights; through the thick storm they could see the silhouette of high rising towers. It seemed they had finally made it. They movement was useless after all. For a brief second each and every one of them at some point had doubted that perverts information. They didn’t halt their movement though; they plied forward with even more tenacity. The storm only seemed to grow stronger as they moved closer.

Breaking through the storm was sudden, in one step it all seemed to subside. Looking behind them they saw the spiral swirling around them, it was like being in the eye of a tornado and at the center was this large building.

Aramaki : Hmm…So we are here.

Taki & Rangiku : Now what?

Kadaj : Nice to know we have a purpose…


Inside…


Stranger Two : They are here…

Stranger One : Let the bandits hold’em off, I still need sometime.

***

[DonEmu]

Intrusion!

Aramaki : We are making our way in…

The four ninja dashed through the sand towards the entrance. They were sure that this wasn’t going to be easy but they had to make their way inside to get back what was lost. They made it to the entrance to the large sand castle. Aramaki and Taki stood at one side of the door while Kadaj and Rangiku stood opposite to them at the other side. Their backs were to the wall with the heads facing the entrance.

Taki : Entering?

Rangiku : Button-hook entry?

Aramaki : No, would be better if someone took point and we covered…

Taki : …

Kadaj : Whatever you say…

Taki was taking point, she entered first, swiftly with kodachi drawn out ready for battle, she was followed by Rangiku , then Kadaj , then Aramaki but what they saw inside took them all aback.

Littered across the castle grounds were the bodies of the slaughtered bandits…

Upstairs…

Stranger Two : I think you have forgotten, but we killed most of the bandits…

Stranger One : …Fuck…

Stranger Two : Should I go then?

Stranger One : No, he isn’t dead though…


Downstairs…

Aramaki : They have been killed…

Kadaj : Safe to say we aren’t just dealing with bandits…

The scene was like that seen only in works of fiction, the bodies seemed to have two patterns, and there were two clearly separate styles at work. Some of the bodies were indeed neater than others, their vitals points clearly struck but no other sign of conflict. Others though we quite different, shredded limbs and ripped skin, blood sprayed everywhere like it was the work of a beast.

Rangiku : So vicious!

Then footsteps could be heard approaching, the four had wandered into the center of the hall now, having walked examining the scene of the massacre, they all looked up to see a man approaching. He was walking down the stair at them, his eyes were fiery red and a killing intent could be felt permeating from him, a chill spread across the room. One thing was clear though he uniform resembled the clothes of those scattered across the floor, though with some slight alterations. He must be the bandit leader…

Man: I am Marki and you are all dead…

***

[DonEmu]

Death by degrees


Without for thought or planning Taki went into offensive action. She dashed forwards towards the stationary bandit, drawing out her two kodachi and twirling them between her palms as she bolted forwards. Shunshin, she flickered behind her opponent, swinging the blade she was gripping firmly with her right hand across her body as she slashed at the back of her opponent. Marki’s reaction was that of calm grace, with his right hand he drew out his weapon, a slender scimitar, slightly curved blade with what looked like a jewel encrusted hilt, the blade shimmered under the incandescent lighting.

Marki (thoughts) : Fucking brats sending this little tramp first.

The opponent shifted his weight as her twirled himself around to meet the attack, he studied the blade and his weapon blocked off Taki’s kodachi. Her movements were not halted though and with her second hand she plunged her other weapon towards his gut. Marki swept his blade across his body, he was now completely turned and facing the young konoha genin. His sword parried her blow. Shooting right leg violently from the ground, she launched a wild kick towards her mid section.

Aramaki : Kadaj…move…

Kadaj : Right…

Kadaj went rushing forwards with katana drawn, he wasn’t as fast as his team mate, he didn’t have shunshin after all but he did what he had to do, running at max speed at the back of the adversary. Marki’s kick connected with Taki as Kadaj made hit, he slashed wildly from left to right, the bandit was wily though. He inched at the last minute further to his left, letting the genin’s blade miss what would have been a vital strike. The blade grazed his skin as he squirmed out. Taki was sent sliding backwards from the hit, her ribs were hurting, possibly cracked a few.

Upstairs

Stranger One : All done…we can leave the scroll now…

Stranger Two : Finally, took you long enough. Now what happens downstairs means nothing. Let’s go…

The two thieves stood, leaving the much coveted scroll lying on the ground, they had got what they wanted, without another word she disappeared in a billow of dust and sand, leaving the vicinity. The fight downstairs was of no concern to them, they had achieved their mission.

Downstairs

Marki had now turned his attention to Kadaj , Taki’s distraction had almost worked, if only he was a little faster, he would have gotten the hit on the bandit. Now all he could do was parry, block and leap out of the way of the onslaught but the bandit king. His skill with a blade miles above Kadaj’s untested steal. The two were at it, and the genin was on the losing end of things. He stumbled back as he could no longer take the pure pressure of Marki’s slashes. With his back to the floor, the young genin was waiting for his death. Then he heard it…

Slowly a sound drifted through the air, the sound of soft playing flutes. Marki’s eyes begun to go hazy as the sweet sounds drifted through the air. Kadaj’s image wavered in his eyes and begun to fade away, his body was numbing slowly as the sound seemed to echo in his head. The numbness spread, so did a sickly feeling of vertigo. He knew what it was, it was genjutsu…

Rangiku stood firmly to one side, her long cylindrical staff's like weapon with holes littering its surface was an instrument, a tool for her power and talent, she was a genjutsu type and her music carried her strength. The migraines then started, his head felt like it was on the brink of exploding. His eye sight was wavering but the images of reality around him couldn’t be completely drowned out, searching out and taking aim, he threw his weapon at the standing Rangiku, she broke her hold moving out of the way of the flying projectile, the genjutsu subsided…

Marki: Is that the best you punks can do?!

He was out of breath and sweating profusely…

Aramaki : Sorry to burst your bubble, but all that was just for this.

That was when Marki noticed that he could no longer move; his body felt like it was being grappled by at unknown thread. The Nara had extended his shadow and ensnared his prey.

Kadaj : Took you long enough…

Marki: What?!

Aramaki : Looks like the one dying today is you…

Behind Marki a shadow fell upon his back; the cold steel of the kodachi was upon his neck. Luckily for him the cut was quick and clean, his throat was slit with practiced skill. Taki didn’t even flinch as she garrotted her opponent. He slumped to the floor, breathing his last breath as he choked on his own blood.

They quickly made their way confidently upstairs. It seemed like the leader was the last person alive in the building, walking into the upper most floor and entering a room at the very back, they saw lying in the center, before a great seat, on the central table the scroll they were looking for. It was large; the size was quite unprecedented they didn’t know that just a few minutes prior the real thieves had scoured its contents looking for one thing in particular. To them they had completed their mission which was retrieving the stolen item. They had no idea what was in store for konoha, what was to come for them all…

Aramaki : Taki grab it and let’s go, we are done here…

Kadaj : There is something strange about this scene…

***

Mission Complete

[i_feel_tiredsleepy]

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9/10

Pay: 260
XP: 7 (I think I'm not sure how this works yet lol)

This was a hard decision, the mission was well written except for a few instances of awkward sentence structure and dialogue that were easily overlooked. The characters were interesting and creative. Most of all, I was not bored reading the story which is a primary indicator of quality in my opinion.

Now the hard part, why a 9? Well apart from the few minor mistakes, I felt that for a story to receive a ten it has to have a wow factor, something amazing and original that I wouldn’t see coming. Moreover, the cliffhanger, although it does make me want to read your next mission, left me a little dissatisfied.