A quest worthy of tale-telling

[[Naka]]

-Enter-

Not far from the entrance to the caves that would eventually lead to the gates of Takigakure, I arrived at the meeting place. It was a simple grove of trees, partially shielded from the path nearby. The trees stretched up far overhead, great leafy boughs providing shade from the noontime sun. The leaves were just starting to change colors, and as the sunlight shone through it cast faintly red and yellow shadows upon the ground.

It seemed that I was the first to arrive, so I took a moment to take a quick inventory of my equipment. Firstly, my trusty sword Benihime rested securely at my left side, worn in the traditional fashion. I was currently wearing my ANBU Cat mask, complete with all of its attachments and tech. It had a wireless earpiece and a gas mask attached inside, as well as sniper goggles with zooming, thermal, night vision, and of course anti-flash lenses.

I also wore a utility belt with a number of items in its various pouches. To start, it held 15 pouches each of explosive, incendiary, flash, smoke, and goo. It also held two stun grenades and a scroll map of the known world. A standard utility knife was strapped along the back of the utility belt.

The sun was shining, and the birds were chirping. It was a good day to be alive. Now I just had to wait for the others to arrive.

Beginning Mission:

Name: Trouble on the High Seas
Rank: 'A'
IIC Length: 24 Hours
Difficulty: Medium / Difficult
Objective: Sort out the issues coming from the sea's tot he north of Waterfall
Description: Many a report has come in from the docks to the north of the land of ships not returning from their jobs. Be the ships fishing vessels, cargo ships, transport or just private leisure ships. It wasn't until the remnants of the first ship to go missing began washing up on the shore that the towns decided to fund a mission to see what was happening. Now a team of 2-3 people has been requested to travel to the northern shore, learn how to sail a boat if they don't already know and discover everything that is going on and preventing the ability to use the ocean above.
Reward: 40,000 Per person

[Jack]

Backpack? Check. Giant Monster killing sword and giant monster killing hammer? Check and double check. Travel smart vest? Check. Map? Got it. Goggles with X-ray and Thermal lenses? You know it! Headlamp and Compass? Never leave home without ‘em! Spike, Lightning, and Stun grenades are all here too, along with my soldier pills. Got my boots, my travel shorts, and my wits. Alright…looks like I’m ready to go. Guess I better not keep them waiting. Jack hefted the Backpack onto her shoulders, then slid her weapons into the appropriate compartments just behind the backpack for easy access in case of emergency. Dusting off her shorts with a quick pat, she jogged through the trees on her way to the meeting grounds.

Her blonde ponytails bobbed for a second as she came to a halt, jarring the brown leather backpack o her back, and causing her green travel vest to slap up against her due to the weight of the grenades in the pockets. It looked like he had beat her there! Damnit! Only thing she could really tell about him is that he was one of the Cat AnBu. Jet black hair, jet black clothes, jet black boots, and a katana that looked a little more than ordinary. She was a blacksmith, after all, and she had an eye for these things. He was a lot taller than she was too, which made her look more like the dwarf she was. Time to get to business though.

“Hey there. I’m Jack and it looks like I’m your partner. Rare to party up with an AnBu, but I guess this mission is pretty dangerous. Pleased to meet you.”

[~Cody]

Cody spotted an odd pair just outside the caves. A female with a great hammer over her back and a male commanding male in mostly black garb and a single sword upon his waist. Swords were common as he carried a pair of his own. But, a hammer! They sought monsters which Cody known in a specific region of Waterfall.

"Hey! Cody's the name." Shortly after he'd check his person. The short swords at his waist, the pistol crossbows, his main crossbow, his cloak; full of items including his lighters and cigarettes, bolt magazines and other tools.

[[Naka]]

It wasn't long before the two Genin who would be travelling with me would approach. First to arrive was a short female with a backpack and several weapons apparent. She introduced herself as Jack... a curious name for a female. I would simply nod in response to her greeting as the second member of our team jogged up to join us. His greeting was short and sweet, introducing himself as Cody.

It looked like both of these Genin were well equipped, but it would be useful to learn something about them before we began. I would move slightly and grunt, gathering their attention before reaching up and removing my ANBU mask. I would store the mask in its normal place, hanging on the back of my belt while revealing my young face. Longish black hair would fall down to frame my face, my black eyes glinting almost red in the noon light.

Looking up to regard the two additions, I would speak to them. "My name is Naka. As required for this mission, I may replace my mask at times. But I do not need to hide my identity from you. I would like to know a little about your capabilities so that I will understand how you can contribute as the mission goes on. This mission is classified as A ranked, and will likely be quite dangerous, and I need to make sure you will be up for the task."

I would fall silent, looking expectantly towards first one, and then the other.

[Jack]

[haha. Sorry, I'm on vacation and totally forgot about this. I'm on it now though. My bad.]

A guy who spends way too much time in the sun ran up as she was studying their leader, going by the name of Cody, and running just a bit late too. Probably fell asleep in the sun with that tan. No matter, the team was finally assembled and it seemed time for their mysterious AnBu leader to speak, but first he removed the mask, showing us his face. He was not much older than herself, with Cody being the youngest. Although, judging from their appearances, they were much more experienced in this than she was, considering she was a blacksmith first before being a shinobi. Too much time in the Forge. But she was tasked to answer a question now, to display her usefulness, and it was important to remember that she was also learned in hunting monsters. Perfect for this quest.

“I am a Blacksmith first and foremost, so I won’t lie when I say I haven’t much field experience with Shinobi missions. However, I am also a Monster Hunter, trained for this type of task. However, I’m more utility that versatility. I’ll be mainly support for this mission, I believe.”

She turned toward Cody, “I’m Jack, by the way. Pleased to meet you, Cody.”

[~Cody]

"Nice to meet'cha."

Cody stood over both the ANBU and Jack, who had introduced herself. The ANBU, Naka steered the group into a discussion of their abilities. Jack described herself as a "Monster Hunter".

"I'm a long range attacker that can hold his own at close range. I've hunted animals before. I'll say, in my brief service, nothing can surprise me. I hear we're after somethin' wreckin' ships out in the North Sea. Don't know too much about scaly things, but I can shoot it."

[[Naka]]

First the girl, Jack, spoke.

“I am a Blacksmith first and foremost, so I won’t lie when I say I haven’t much field experience with Shinobi missions. However, I am also a Monster Hunter, trained for this type of task. However, I’m more utility that versatility. I’ll be mainly support for this mission, I believe.”

I nodded, satisfied with her answer for the moment, even though it lacked any amount of detailed information. She also greeted the most recent arrival, who responded to me next.

"I'm a long range attacker that can hold his own at close range. I've hunted animals before. I'll say, in my brief service, nothing can surprise me. I hear we're after somethin' wreckin' ships out in the North Sea. Don't know too much about scaly things, but I can shoot it."

I rose my eyebrows a bit at one of his statements. "I have been ANBU for years, and have seen some things that would make your blood curl and your beard grow. So I'm not so sure that nothing can surprise you. In any case, neither of you gave me enough details to really know if you are capable of not dying on this mission. But I am willing to give you a chance for now, and maybe you can prove yourselves to me as we travel. By the way, what makes you think that sea monsters are responsible for the ships disappearing? The reports we have gotten make no mention of the cause. In fact, given certain recent events, I am more inclined to believe that pirates will be involved."

[~Cody]

"I know about monsters," Cody touched the brim of his hat. "Badgers that eat grown men, and whatnot. In that sea I'm sure there's beasties that play with ships. Like I said wouldn't surprise me if it were sea monsters or pirates."

If we're going, mind if I smoke? Nasty habit, but It's how I pay tribute to my father." Cody found himself asking that a lot. At least, he was polite about it.

[Jack]

”Monsters…or…Pirates? Could it be anything else? Maybe Shinobi?” Jack tapped her chin a few times, looking sidelong into the clouds overhead, although they were partially hidden by a few of the boughs. “Well, I guess it doesn’t really matter, right? We have a job to do and we should get to it before something else happens. Once we know what we’re up against, we can properly come up with a plan, but pondering here will do nothing.” She brushed a bit of dust from her travel skirt and then crossed her arms, watching the two males as they contested, wondering when they would get to it and take care of whatever was attacking the people. Hopefully it would not be too long.

[[Naka]]

"I know about monsters- Badgers that eat grown men, and whatnot. In that sea I'm sure there's beasties that play with ships. Like I said wouldn't surprise me if it were sea monsters or pirates."

If we're going, mind if I smoke? Nasty habit, but It's how I pay tribute to my father."

"I don't care..." my voice trailed off as I eyed the ruddy female of our group, curious if she might object. Apparently not. My gaze went back to Cody. "I am not sure what we will find. But it is good that you are prepared."

”Monsters…or…Pirates? Could it be anything else? Maybe Shinobi?”

I nodded slowly, agreeing that she had a point. You never knew when another village may be involved.

“Well, I guess it doesn’t really matter, right? We have a job to do and we should get to it before something else happens. Once we know what we’re up against, we can properly come up with a plan, but pondering here will do nothing.”

"Ok then. Cody, do you know the way? I would like you to take point as we travel. Since Jack is more support she will be in the middle, and I will take the vanguard position. However, once we encounter opposition, I will move forward to take point, and you two support me. Flank me on the side and behind, forming a triangle formation. Don't worry, you will get your share of the action.

I would look from one to the other, waiting for confirmation before continuing.

"Alright then. Lets move out!"

OOC: Lets try and continue to maintain the original posting order, as Naka->Jack->Cody.
Cody on your next post please include some travelling RP so that we can actually make some progress.

[Jack]

Jack nodded her agreement toward Naka, as he was the leader, and his plan of movement was a sound one. Along with his positioning of the team as well. Since he was AnBu, it was only natural that he would have some kind of tactical knowledge, an area where Jack was lacking herself. Even though she was support, if it was a long campaign of monsters, pirates, or shinobi, she would find herself in the fray as well. NO time to think about that however, plus the combat experience would be very welcome. Making sure both her Fullblade and Great Hammer were situated properly, she got in position and would start moving when the team was ready. Her mind was focused on the task ahead so as not to let the team down.

[~Cody]

Cody would take the lead as ordered by Naka. Far off, the sounds of gulls guided him. He dashed in a northerly direction from Takigakure's caves.

Cody kept his eyes forward on more than a swivel, tracking the path ahead and tree limbs above. If there were a threat, he had his allies close behind him, hopefully, aware as well.

[KoKoKo]

The trio made their way through and across the beautiful land of waterfalls, the weather was fine, blue skies with a dotting of white clouds at the main land. The path they took was one commonly travelled by people so it was clearly marked, about two meters to the right of the path a stream no more than a meter across was flowing down towards a river about two kilometres ahead. The river ahead would take the trio over towards the coast of the land allowing them a straight path to the ocean and a harbour where the issues were known to be occurring.

By the side of the path in the stream a few splishes and splashes could be heard as an otter would play in the water and curiously stop eyeing up the trio before diving back under the water. The otter's fur was a sleek muddy brown on top while underneath it had a creamy white tinge. Swimming ahead of the trio the Otter got out of the water standing about 10 meters ahead and would make eye contact with the leader of the trio but once they would get close enough the otter turned and dove back into the stream swimming on ahead again repeating the process over and over until the trio eventually would reach the river ahead.

[[Naka]]

We progressed quickly once Cody set the pace. Before long we began to hear the faint call of seagulls in the distance. Excellent weather for travelling, sunny with clear skies. The path ran alongside a flowing stream, the babbling water seeming to keep pace with our little group. I scanned ahead, making sure that Cody was not too far forward, and that Jack was doing well. They both seemed to be fine, so I turned back to regard the stream.

A little furry creature of some kind was playing in the water, seeming to always keep ahead of us. Dashing in and out of the stream, and dancing along the banks. Curious things, animals. Off in the distance I spied the great river that would lead us to the ocean. Cody was leading us well. It would be only a short time now before we would reach the river.

[Jack]

Jack wasn’t the fasted thing on two legs, that was for sure, and it was a bit tough for her to keep up. Not because they were too fast, but because her legs were a little out of shape, since she worked the forge most of the time. Very strong upper body though. It did seem that they were closing in on their destination, but some otter kept hopping in and out of the water, which was actually a little unusual for otters, if she remembered right; although her otter knowledge was rather limited. Since Naka was not acting out, then for now it would be fine. Maybe the otters in this region were just weird?

[~Cody]

"Hmm..."

Cody spotted a odd thing, an otter keeping ahead of the group in he stream beside them. Ahead, the stream fed into a great river.

Though details about aquatic mammals, such as an otter, eluded Cody at this time, he found it's curiousity weird. It seemed his comrades were aware but would not act. He pulled on his cigarette and sighed out a gentle puff of smoke.

"River ahead, guys!"

In preparation, Cody coated his feet in chakraand continued at a dash towards the river.

[KoKoKo]

Cody began to dash towards the river and the otter quickly dove into the stream swimming along side until he too arrived at the river. Once the trio arrived at the river they had a few options. One, walk on the path by the river, two walk down the river to the harbour and out towards the ocean or three head upstream where the sounds of explosions, large shocks of water and various other noises and sights could be seen... none of which looked safe or welcoming.

While the three would make up their mind the otter quickly left the water and scuttled over towards the trio trying to hide inbetween them... what was with the otter.

[[Naka]]

Seeing the river up ahead of us, Cody began sprinting forward, stopping at the edge. As we caught up to him, I began to hear a large number of noises coming from upstream, opposite from the direction we were supposed to travel. My initial instinct was that it was not our problem, that our mission lay elsewhere. However, we could not abandon the possibility that this incident was related to what we were to investigate, nor could we allow such a commotion to proceed in our beloved land of Takigakure unchecked.

With a brief glance at Cody and Jack to make sure that they were also aware of the explosions and other sounds of fighting, I would quickly don my ANBU mask and rush toward the noises at my fastest speed, calling over my shoulder as I went.

"Just as we planned, form a triangle and support me!

As I turned back to face forward, I realized that the otter who had been playing in the stream before was now following us, staying as close as possible to Cody. Strange behavior indeed....

Running forward, I would activate the zooming lens on my goggles, trying to see as far ahead as possible so that I could formulate a strategy for what awaited us.

Observation (Master) Active

Zooming Vision (S) active, 16x magnification (I think)

[Jack]

Looked like the time for uneventful travel had come to an end, as there was a cacophony amount of explosions just upstream, which just happened to be in the opposite direction of the mission. Of course, as they all stopped at the edge of the river, the otter joining the ranks apparently, Jack watched as their leader donned his mask, preparing to head toward the noise and then rushing off to it. He did manage to call out to them and let them know that they were to assume the formation, so Jack took up her position as she followed, freeing her Fullblade and holding it with a single hand as she sprinted behind in formation. There were lives that needed to be saved it sounded like.

[~Cody]

Cody came to a stop as explosion rang out in the distance. Naka donned his mask and took the lead, heading towards the explosions. Cody readied his rifle crossbow and took off after Naka, keeping his eyes open as they headed towards the disturbance ahead.