[P]Mission: Border Patrol

[-- Hoshigake, Ryuji]

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Border Patrol
Rank: C
IIC Length: 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: Similar to Gate Duty, however, different due to the fact this is much more difficult. During Border Patrol, it is only you[and your teammates if you have any] against the wilderness. The woods hold many thugs, and people wishing to do Shinobi harm. You must make sure to patrol the border, and keep it clean of scum. Patrol for two days, and then return for your reward.
Objective: Patrol the border for two days.
Reward: 3000 Ryo, 500 Ryo for each PC tango killed.

Ryuji stood on the road away from Kirigakure and took a deep breath, the damp, misty air filling his lungs. Heavy. That's how this air felt. He pulled his goggles down over his eyes and took off into the woods to the side of the road no longer following the track he had been on.

Ryuji held his spear in his right hand as he dashed through the wooded area. The tip wrapped in cloth to protect it from the elements whilst not in use. Frightening Eyesight already working its magic Ryuji could see perfectly even at this sort of pace and through the mist.

So far all seemed well, there was some sign of a camp maybe a couple days old that Ryuji simply ran past, a camp that was only a few hours old could look a couple of days old in this mist, it had a tendency to make everything crumble and rot faster. Such was life in Mizu No Kuni.

As he ran Ryuji contemplated how he would deal with any potential threats. There was always the simple option of quickly and efficiently murdering them in the woods, or he could have some fun and play around with them. Only time would tell.

[Image In the Falls]

The morning sun had began making its way through the thick mist in Mizu no Kuni, its rays being one of very few things that could pierce the water's eerie presence. Though troublesome, the mist held nothing noticeably hostile in its clouded reach, but their seemed to be one form sticking out next to one of the larger trees near the outlying trails. One only a few meters away from the campsite Ryuji had found.

A Teenager that held no sense of any kind as a shinobi leaned against the nearby tree, holding two cans of Spray paint. His hair was brown, buzzed off to nearly nothing, his eyes covered in dark sunglasses though they weren't necessary for this part of the country. The smug look on the kids face drew notice to the fact that the tree had graffiti on almost every inch of it. Not only that, but 7 more trees in the radius of the boy all dawned signs of vandalism.

Not noticing Ryuji at all, the boy continued to lean against his piece of art, without a care in the world.

[-- Hoshigake, Ryuji]

<sub>Ryuji stopped as lightly as was possible at the pace he was moving. Ryuji had caught a glimpse of an overly confident kid standing proudly with his 'artwork', in all fairness the kid was good. Now was time for a crucial decision, this kind of situation could be dealt with in a variety of ways.

Ryuji decided it would be best to prove a point. It was simple really, this way, the boy would know there is a proper outlet for all self-expression. Time to make himself known to this punk kid.

Ryuji strolled towards the teenager letting out a short, loud, sharp whistle. The boy would barely have time to luck in Ryuji's direction before he used his Shunshin to appear just before the boy. Ryuji then grasped towards the boy intending to lift him from the ground by the scruff of his of his coat. Starring the boy right in the eyes Ryuji grinned, his glasses knocked from his face after being lifted, a grin that could only be described as being full of malice.

Ryuji was an imposing person to be faced with, he was tall by most peoples standards. Being a member of the Hoshigake Clan he held a number distinguishing features, his grin was filled with razor-sharp teeth, his eyes could easily be described as cold and his skin held a grey tinge. Looking down at the teenager Ryuji spoke quickly and decisive.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?! You realize you are vandalizing public property?!" Ryuji said with a very patronizing tone. "People can and will pay good money for this kind of art you utter baboon! You just have to work for it, you could do this on someone's bedroom wall and get paid for your time, where as this way you are not getting paid and you are going to do time... Ryuji left a deliberately long pause. "If you don't get out of my sight right now. Before you do, remember, I will always remember a style. Pointing at the trees as he spoke. "If I see your work on public land or property again, I will find you, and I'll take your hands. Are we clear?</sub>[/color] With that question Ryuji would release the boy dropping him and stepping back, continuing to glare at the boy.[/sub]

[Image In the Falls]

As the boy was grabbed, his expression never changed, it still held the smirk of a person who didn't give a rat's ass about what the shinobi was saying. Though Ryuji should be placing some fear into the boy, none shown. It was then that anyone could hold suspicion.

Almost immediately, a tender voice rang down towards Ryuji from high in the tree branches.

"I'm glad you like my artwork mister... but it does come off... see?"

It was if by miracle the paint on the trees, as well as the teenage boy himself began melting away, oozing from the bark and down into the ground, each form now taking its original shape of a small rock. It was a genjutsu of some sort.

Jumping down from an unknown height, a little girl, no older than 8 landed with grace to the ground below.Her hair was that of golden blonde, shoulder length. Her Eyes an Icey blue. The dress she wore was that of elegance, but it was ruined by the countless rips and stains covering it. "I GOT YOU MISTER!" The little girl would giggle uncontrollably towards Ryuji, pointing her right index finger at his stomach.


Genjutsu used:

Magen: Kokoni Arazu no Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique)

[-- Hoshigake, Ryuji]

<sub>Ryuji took a step back as all before him changed melted away. He had been tricked, the whole thing had been... a trap? No, not from a child this young. Surely it had to be a prank of some sort.

If nothing was going to give it away the what the young girl had to say for her herself certainly would. Ryuji shook his head in frustration, he had rushed in head strong and made presumptions and this was the price, complete embarrassment.

"Fair Enough, girl. You got me. I must ask. What on earth are you doing out here all alone?" Ryuji cocked his head slightly, giving off an inquisitive demeanor. Where they were was not a safe place including not for a girl of her age.

Ryuji suddenly felt slightly uncomfortable, was this girl as much an illusion as the first? He hoped not, the thought of someone playing with his mind like that made him shiver. He had never been able to deal with Genjutsu, no Hoshigaki really could, it was not something they ever learnt.</sub>

[Image In the Falls]

As Ryuji spoke, The girl would raise up on her toes, elevating herself a little taller, then began looking around at the moistened ground below. it was like she was lost in some fantasy while the shinobi spoke to her, definitely only paying him half the attention he wanted. Just like a small kid to do. Once he finished it was only then did she respond to him, looking up at him with sheepish eyes, those that held no inkling of ever being afraid.

"Well... I've always lived out here, for what I remember. I don't belong anywhere. What's your name Mister? Mine's Marie!"

After she had spoke, she looked off behind her at a distance, like she was waiting for something to happen, but then quickly turned back around to the Hoshigaki and gave him a warm smile.

Could this little girl really be trusted?

[-- Hoshigake, Ryuji]

<sub>Ryuji felt a shift in the mood when the little girl looked off into the distance, this could quite easily be put down to a child's attention span. On the other hand, Ryuji had felt uneasy ever since the moment the young girl had revealed the genjutsu she had used upon him. This was not something Ryuji was comfortable with, this tension.

He peered down at the young girl, then slowly lowered himself into a sitting position laying Irasunappu, his spear, across his lap. He was now at the same eye-level, unknowingly to anyone around without an understanding of Tensora Sky he would not appear in anyway to be threatening or even battle-ready.

"So.. Tell me more. Do you have any friends? Where do you sleep? Do you hunt your own food?</sub>[/b] Ryuji asked, continuing the conversation, hiding any sign of unease. He kept a close eye on the young girl, watching her for anymore signs of suspicion. Whilst training his other senses on his surroundings, documenting every detail. If something was to happen Ryuji would be prepared to crush some skulls.

SPOILER: Click to show

Techs used:

Hear the East Wind (Alternative Stance) (“The Sitting Bear”)

[/sub]

[Image In the Falls]

It was long after Ryuji had sat down that the girl stepped a foot closer to him. The odd movement in her step reeked of anxiousness, but her smile never faded. Taking a seat in front of him, the young girl began doodling in the porous earth beneath her, a picture of the Sun and a small house began to form as she drew, further movement from the girl now shown it as a work of art, she was talented in showing detail. One any genjutsu specialist knew as their most important skill.

"You meanie... you never gave me your name."

Her pouted lips would move as the rest of her head did, brought up to face the shinobi, as if she was mad at him. But just like any other child, her lack of attention gave way for forgiveness, and she answered his questions with ease.

"I have many friends actually... they're right here with us." She moved her hand around the small area near the both of them, as if she was showing him her friends who seemed imaginary. "And no Mister... no home, just a lot of moving, never in one spot for long... Gets really lonely."

Without hesitation the girl jumped from her spot, stepping in her beautiful picture as she did. "Hey mister! Do you want to play a game with me?"

This could be Bad.

[-- Hoshigake, Ryuji]

<sub>The girl continued to make Ryuji feel unsettled. She was drawing with her finger in the dirt, but to a level of detail he would expect to see in a painting. This trait the girl had was very impressive, he had to admit, but Ryuji really did not like people playing with his mind.

The nail in the coffin, was when the girl asked him to join her in the painting. Maintaining composure despite all this Ryuji spoke "...You girl, can call me Rampage. Sadly, I shall not be accepting you invitation. You're quite talented aren't you, for such a young girl? How did you learn Genjutsu?"

Ryuji continued to focus himself on trying to ensure his safety, keeping track of any change in his surroundings. His frightening eyesight focusing on subtle, yet tell tale signs in the girls face. He still felt like there was something about to happen.</sub>

[Image In the Falls]

Almost no sign of fear came from the girl, as if she was in her own world. Carelessly moving towards the tree, her back completely turned to face the Hoshigaki, like she wasn't on guard at all. If this wasn't enough, She began to bathe herself in a small puddle at the base of the tree's massive trunk.

"I don't know mister, my Daddy taught me most things, but i learn good by myself... Daddy said I'm special..."

While saying this, the girl looked towards the tree, yet unfocused her eyes, as if she was in the middle of some sort of daydream, or flashback. It was eerily disturbing, especially how she had been acting.

"Daddy will be coming soon, you'll be able to meet him. He's really good at what he does too! You'll like him."

[-- Hoshigake, Ryuji]

<sub>Ryuji was feeling less and less comfortable every interaction he had with this kid. The girl explained how she had learnt her abilities, Ryuji realized this is why the young girl had been so awkward, watching around. Her father was due to return.

"Your father? Sounds like a talented man. What's he like?"</sub>[/color] Ryuji said, revealing no hint of his unease. "Where did your father go?"[/color] Ryuji secretly hoped the girl would reveal enough information for Ryuji to prepare at least a little more.[/sub]

[Image In the Falls]

OOC: Sorry for the delay, trouble at the homestead ^^ My apologizes.


As Ryuji spoke, the girl continued to look around at the area, though the distance was rough; the mist had settled into the area rather thick at this point in time. The mist seeped closer and closer, to where only a good 20 meters were completely visible, and 50 meters until nothing at all was visible. It was rather disturbing. Clearly not an opportune area to be in.

At Ryuji's last sentence however, Marie's eyes widened with a sort of happiness that children get, and overwhelming stare of joy that they get when someone familiar had shown themselves. Her glimmer of happiness was caught short in an instance, a horrid look plastered itself on her face, as if she was being scolded.

"Daddy no! Not this man!"

Her scream echoed in the mist, giving the Hoshigaki plenty of time to avoid the newest problem in his life. Suddenly, four Kunai would rush through the tranquil mist, making a straight line towards the Shinobi's lower back, as well as one shooting straight down from the misty skyline from above, heading to his right shoulder.

Ryuji would have to think on his feet, for it seemed the girl's father had placed her in the line of fire as well, because if he dodged, the girl would become impaled. What was the Mist Shinobi going to do?