[ Republic of Water, Kirigakure | Capital of the Republic ]
[ Team Nishi | A collab between @Nim , @Jessie Targaryen , @Celestial Scorpio and @Oetje ]
[ Team Nishi is tasked with guarding an unit of soldiers, to get some supplies and bring it back to the city. A mission that seems without any sort of danger. However, the situation around Kirigakure has caused some tension to grow and make even the most simple mission suffer a likely attack from the Terror of Jiaowei-District. ]
Nishi watched as the soldiers readied the waggon. It wasn't going to be anything special. But recent events have spooked a lot of people. Important people, Nishi mused to herself as she kept watching the soldiers.
The mission itself was relatively simple. The objective was to make sure that the payment would reach the respective farmers. Then? It was simply escorting the supplies back to Kirigakure.
All and all, it wasn't complicated or promised much chance for dangers. This would be an assignment that could be carried out with a small unit of soldiers and perhaps even a team of genin. Nishi did understand that recent events had pressured for more security - regardless what assignment or its rank.
Throwing a look at her right, Nishi wondered how long she would have to wait for her team. Truth be told, she hadn't paid much heed to the genin and chuunin. A bit of respite was required after what had occured on the previous mission. Even as Nishi saw the previous mission as nothing truly impressive or special; such scenarios were most common during open conflicts - a matter exciting and dreadful perhaps to the inexperienced lot that were Nishi's pupils.
Perhaps they needed more missions like these, Nishi pondered as she focused her gaze back on the soldiers.
While it felt like a relatively short break to spend with her mom, Hikari was grateful at the thought of having another mission. It meant another chance to try and make up for what had occurred in the previous mission. This time, at least, it seemed they were not going to head out on a ship, but rather by land, seeing where the meeting place was located. After bidding yet another goodbye to her mom, Hikari left and made her way to the designated spot.
Arriving, Hikari saw there was a waggon being prepared. While she wondered about it, she went and approached Nishi, who was standing nearby. She bowed towards Nishi
"Hello Hirashima-sensei." Hikari said, before rising and then looking around some more. The fact there were soldiers that were attending to the waggon and not civilians made her wonder if they would be working alongside those soldiers, but she decided to wait and hear the briefing from Nishi before asking any questions she had in mind.
The short break from missions to be back at home had been anything but relaxing to the Yuki. Her father had seemed to arrange an endless amount of visitors coming and going for various business dealings, and so of course his family had to help play host. It was truly exhausting. Coupled in with the fact she had to deal with 'her betrothed' once during the break, she was more than happy to have an excuse to be out of there. Still, it was bittersweet as going on a mission only served to remind Yukimi of exactly what had happened on the previous mission.
Arriving not long after her teammate, Yukimi looked for a brief moment at the wagon being prepared and the soldiers gathered around it. For a moment, she wondered what was so special in the wagon that required such a guard. Though at the same time, she figured that it likely wasn't any of her business unless she was told exactly what they were escorting. Quietly making her way towards the two, Yukimi bowed politely towards Nishi then Hikari.
"Greetings, Hirashima-Sensei" She said, then turned and gave another polite bow of her head towards Hikari.
"Hello, Torimoto-san." She said towards both, before falling silent to wait along with them for the rest of their team. Afterall, this team hadn't really been much for small talk thus far, a trait which the Yuki could appreciate.
The short time home gave Claire a breather, even if brief. She spent her time with her mother, not going over much aside from being on a ship and traveling. The genin was just happy to have made it back, especially knowing all that hadn't made it home. When she heard they would set out once more on another mission the girl began her trek to the meeting spot. Upon arrival she saw her team waiting for her. Luckily Claire wasn't late, not early but still on time. Bowing to her team she smiled.
"Good morning sensei, Yukimi, Hikari." Her eye's shifted to the wagon curiously but she didn't ask about it. Claire knew it wouldn't be wise and even if she did ask, an answer most likely wouldn't be given.
Watching her pupils arrive and provide a greeting, Nishi simply returned the greetings with a mere nod of her head. Now that they were all together, Nishi threw one more look at the soldiers. It seemed that they had time for a small briefing, Nishi mused to herself.
"The current mission is assigned to us because of the recent events that have troubled Kirigakure during our absence," Nishi began, her tone calm and neutral,
"we are to simply move with the soldiers. Get the supplies and then make sure that the supplies reach Kirigakure back. The brass honestly doesn't consider this a high vital mission or one with much risk. But apparently, there have been various interferences with other tasks, such as simple patrols. So if you don't want to wind up with a bolt in your throat, I suggest to stay vigilant."
Hearing one of the soldiers whistle hard as they managed to get the waggon be attached to a pair of horses, Nishi raised her right hand.
"We move out now. Do not engage, use ninjutsu or think of any action other than to defend yourself, unless I order so. The usual drill," the jounin stated as she lowered her hand - gesturing the team to start moving behind the waggon.
Despite the almost natural distrust that soldiers had towards shinobi, there was barely any frown or remark made towards Nishi's team by the present lot. The respective soldiers seemed okay with ignoring the presence of the kunoichi, just talking about some trivial matters.
Offering a nod towards both Yukimi and Claire as they arrived, Hikari turned her full attention to Nishi when the jounin began her short briefing. So this was meant to be a simple escort mission, from what it sounded. It also answered her unspoken question about working with the soldiers. Once Nishi was marked it was time to move and gave her final instructions, Hikari started following Nishi [color=##52BE80]"Understood Sensei."[/color] She said.
The instructions were straightforward and fairly simple, don't act unless ordered and stay vigilant. Giving a nod of acknowledgement, the Chuunin opted to stay quiet and chew over her own thoughts as they started to follow along behind the wagon. The Yuki mostly wondered how much interference had been encountered during tasks like this for a detachment of soldiers and a shinobi team to be assigned to something such as this. It was enough that it made her wary and caused the Chuunin to aptly pay that much more attention to their surroundings. Keeping a careful eye on likely ambush spots for suspicious behavior.
Despite the task being simple, Claire wasn't so sure it would stay that way. When had things ever gone smoothly and straightforward? Once the briefing was finished and the soldiers began to escort the wagon, the genin followed. Taking up behind the others she watched silently, her hands fidgeting together. If an ambush were to happen she'd have to be on her feet and act fast. Naturally she did grow curious about what would come. Claire also wondered about her team and what was going through their minds. It seemed times were getting more and more chaotic around Kirigakure, she hadn't heard much from the others aside from meeting for this mission. Picking up her pace the genin made sure she was close at all times with the group.
For many hours, nothing occurred that could be described as worrisome. The soldiers continued to guard the waggon while Nishi's team followed suit. There was the occasional pause to let one's feet rest briefly before the pace was being picked up again. When it appeared to be lunch time, the two groups had a respectable distance between them as they 'enjoyed' their rations.
Continuing towards their goal, the group passed several large farm houses where the soldiers did the talking. The local farmers seemed to be a bit wary but were clearly expecting the small company. The aid of farm hands aided the process of loading supplies onto the waggon. A process that was repeated several times before it started to become dark.
Traveling back to Kirigakure was a rough eight hours on foot but would take longer with the dark of the night. Not to mention that the waggon was filled up and most were exhausted already. Leading to the sane decision of requesting to spend the night in a barn.
The large barn had enough space for the soldiers and Nish's team to keep their distance and place the waggon in a safe spot. The fact they were inside meant no need for a fire to keep the night's cold away.
With some hay thrown on the ground Nishi placed her sleeping bag over it.
"Tomorrow, we are going to travel back. It is going to take a bit longer but stay watchful," the jounin said as she proceeded to sit down on her sleeping bag,
"if not for being ready for trouble, to avoid nagging officers when we get back."
The jounin had some doubts but there was something that didn't sit right with her. A doubt that she didn't want to discuss with the genin or chuunin - due to their inexperience. And preferring to not sow to any anxiety.
"Eat your ration and then get some rest. I will take the first watch."
The Chuunin almost found herself
wishing there would be trouble during the mission. Not because of some ninja-sense for danger, but simply because it was so… boring. Just about the most exciting moment of the day has been a bird rocketing out of a nearby tree, and catching attention from the noise it made. But otherwise? It was straightforward and calm. Farmers expected them, farm hands helped load the wagon, and they moved on. A dreadfully monotonous repetition, yet one that Yukimi knew was familiar to these people.
After a long day of escorting the wagon, the group was finally able to rest for the night. Although a barn was… most certainly not the privileged girl's first choice of lodging, she didn't make any complaints. A sleeping bag on hay was absolutely the kind of bedding she had been raised to believe was beneath herself, though she didn't exactly have much of a choice here. Not to mention, as she was learning by seeing plenty of the farms outside the village, some people genuinely might have to live that way. The Yuki couldn't imagine having like this. As she heard Nishi's words about ensuring to stay watchful, the Yuki nodded before speaking up.
"I'll handle the second watch." She said, already knowing she wouldn't be getting much sleep overnight anyways. With a soft sigh, she began eating her rations while absent-mindedly teasing a little ice crystal around above the palm of her free hand, using it to force her mind to be clear and hopefully lull herself to some semblance of sleep on the rather uncomfy bedding.
The way to the farmers was quiet. Hikari couldn't help but think that was for the best. The less trouble there was, the faster they could finish and the faster the people who needed these supplies would receive them. It may have been a bit dull, but she knew it was anything but dull for those who were waiting, relying on the arrival of these supplies safely.
After they arrived at the farms, Hikari watched as the exchange was made and then the people who worked to put the supplies onto the wagon. It was clear they were used to this type of manual work, and she briefly wondered if they were content with it, or if perhaps they wanted something more. Many were raised to do one thing, and leaving it behind was a hard task. She still had some small thoughts, at times, if perhaps she should've just followed her grandfather's direction for her, of a housewife and nothing more.
After they were allowed to sleep in a barn, Nishi went and spoke to them, explaining how things will be. The instructions were straightforward. No funny business and to keep focused on the task at hand. After Hirashima-sensei said she'll take first watch and Yukimi said she'll take second, Hikari nodded [color=##52BE80]"I'll take the third watch."[/color] She said. Laying down, she hoped things would improve. If not for herself, then for those who were in the quarantined area. And those who had families inside but were separated from their loved ones. And then perhaps, her mom would have it easier too.
Upon reaching the barn, Claire was still wide awake. Listening to Nishi she nodded and waited to see who wanted what shift.
"I'll take the last watch then." Standing with her back to the wall she waited a moment before eating some rations and getting ready to sleep. Glancing to Yukimi she saw the chuunin fiddling with a crystal.
"Can't sleep?" The genin took a seat next to the other and laid out her sleeping bag.
"Wouldn't say it's ideal but it beats the cold ground. Wonder if something will happen tonight?" Looking around the barn, Claire laid on her back and looked at the ceiling. Her fingers fidgeting together from the lack of tiredness. Shifting her gaze to Hikari she was curious if the girl had fallen asleep or if she was having trouble sleeping as well.
The tranquility wouldn't be disturbed. Time slowly ebbed by as the nearby soldiers enjoyed rations of their own. The soft sound of dices rolling over the ground was mixed with their mumbling and chuckling. Yet, an brutal end would come to the peaceful atmosphere.
One of the soldiers slowly fell forwards, gurgling as his hands shot towards his throat. Another just slumped down, his back to Nishi's team but the motion of the soldier betrayed something sinister.
The last remaining two soldiers gasped and attempted to shout something. But it was drowned in a gasp of agony and pain before they slumped to the ground.
In what was a mere moment, the accompanying soldiers were laying on the ground. In the dim light of their small fire, a few objects reflected the light and betrayed the soldiers' reason of death; crystal shards lodged in exposed areas, allowing blood to drip and flow onto the ground.
Nishi shot up from her position, her right hand pulling out a kunai. Eyeing the soldiers, she was caught by surprise. Unsure of what was transpiring, she narrowed her eyes as she stayed vigilant. There was only one way out and it was past her team, to the door.
Realizing that the murder was still around, Nishi remained silent. Whatever was lurking was waiting for a chance to get out and past them.
"Hikari, close the door." Nishi instructed, her gaze still searching for what could betray their hidden enemy. If anything, Nishi was attempting to detect any sound that their foe was trying to position themselves closer - likely to then strike without hesitation.
Hearing Nishi stand caused her to quickly stand up, her hand on the handle of her tanto. She wasn't aware of what occurred, but if something had caused the jounin to be alerted, then it was certainly a cause for worry. After a moment of silence, Hikari heard the instruction given to her, and began walking towards the door, moving as quietly as possible. She wanted to try and still remain alert for any potential sounds from around them.
Reaching the door, Hikari pulled it, shutting it in front of her with a thumping sound. It wasn't the loudest thump, but it felt loud enough for the genin to become wary that it could easily alert others. She started to draw out her tanto slowly, trying not to make any sound with it.
Seconds before she was about to fall asleep Claire heard the others moving around. Sitting up she glanced towards the soldiers to see them in odd positions. Getting to her feet quickly she heard Nishi order Hikari to shut the door. Watching her teammate move to the door she readied her sickle, eye's watching intensely for any movement that wasn't the team. Not making a sound she heard the thump of the door closing, yet Claire felt the threat was still around and likely waiting for an opportunity. With the only way in and out closed she looked along the walls, hoping they were stronger than they looked.
Yukimi quickly found out that she wouldn't be taking her second watch before they had an interruption. Quite the change from the boring pace of the day, as she heard her teammates moving and the order to shut the door. That order alone caused the girl to immediately on alert, as she carefully drew a kunai, ensuring to keep quiet as she scanned the darkness. She also had a hand resting on her canister's lid, ready to open it for emergency use if needed. While she hadn't seen what had put the team on alert, she knew that it was better to try to be prepared. As such, she continued to scan their surroundings, looking for even the slightest disturbance.
Silence started to plague the barn. Nothing seemed to indicate that the unknown enemy was fond to make the first move or escape its current hideout. As time painfully continued to drip past, it nearly seemed as if the enemy had already escaped.
Then it all happened at a rapid pace.
From the mere ground, razor sharp thorns of crystal erupted - about to impale anyone who didn't attempt to move away from the approaching onslaught.
Nishi's eyes widened as she quickly backed away - evading the sudden eruption of crystal thorns. Pulling a kunai, the jounin was barely in time to deflect a growing thorn from impaling her right arm.
Watching the thorns, she tried to discover anything that could lead to the creation of the crystal thorns. Not able to detect the source, the jounin narrowed her eyes and tightened her grip on the kunai's handle.
Hikari felt as though time was coming to a halt as she waited for something to happen. But before she knew it, crystals started coming out of the ground and headed towards them. Fully drawing out her tanto, she blocked a pair of the incoming crystals as she backed away, until she managed to get on top of a hay bale. It was far from being the most ideal or secure spot, but she kept her eyes peeled for anything that may happen.
Even with the silence, Claire didn't let her guard down. It seemed this would be the waiting game. Once the ground began to erupt crystals she quickly moved. A second later and her leg would have been impaled, the crystal just cutting the surface of her calf. The cut quickly leaving a thin line of red that started to trail down her leg. Taking an explosive tagged kunai in her hand, the genin kept it at the ready in case they needed to have a quick exit through a wall.
As the silence was suddenly broken by the eruption of crystals from the ground, Yukimi's shot wide, she deftly danced out of the way of the growing crystals. Able to avoid the incoming attack well enough.
Two can play at that game. She thought to herself, though she did not respond in a flashy manner such as their attacker had done. Instead, she place a hand on the canister of her chakra infused water, ready to open it in a moment's notice, but also appearing as if she were just trying to steady it. Hopefully, she would be prepared for the moment it might come useful. Her other hand stayed locked tightly around the handle of her kunai, and her gaze vigilant of the surroundings, hoping to find even a hint of their assailant. Particularly looking along the path which the erupted crystals carved to see if their opponent lay in wait there.
Once more, it became silent. There wasn't any clear sign of what would follow the sudden attack of crystal thorns. Then a soft hissing followed, only followed by a bang that heralded smoke overflooding the room.
The thick smoke prevented much sight of what happened, only Nishi and her team would likely witness the sound of wood cracking and moaning underneath some unknown pressure.
Outside, a masked figure rolled out of the gap created. Rising up to their feet, the masked individual would briefly perform some hand signs before placing a hand on the ground. Rapidly, from the earth, another figure seemed to spawn - identical to the masked figure that had escaped the barn.
Detecting the hissing, Nishi already turned towards the door as she realised what was happening. Opening the door, she threw a look over her shoulder. The smoke quickly enveloped the interior that they were in before.
"Get out, now," Nishi ordered as she was fully aware that her pupils stood no chance to fight without any form of sight.
Once outside, she spotted the figure of before. Wasting no time, the jounin brought her hands together to weave a sequence of handsigns.
Only to crouch and place both palms against the ground.
Suddenly, the ground started to tremble before large blocks of the land began to break loose. The process would cause most of the area to sport large mass of dirt and earth beginning to levitate.
"Hiraki," Nishi began as she felt a twing of pain rushing through her system,
"I need you to reach one of those rocks at the top. We need to send a clear signal that we are dealing with something."
Raising herself, Nishi looked up as their foes were now standing on a levitating piece of rock.
"Claire, Yukimi. Make sure that you try to prevent any harm done to the nearby farmhouse. Our secondary objective is now to keep the people nearby safe."
