A Tour Through Nature [Travel] & [ANBU Mission]

[Claws of the Tundra]

Hoarfrost Imp

Name: Lets go on a Trip (Part 1)
Rank: B
IIRC: None
Difficulty: Moderate
Objective: Safely travel with and protect the Yukikage as she ventures out to Sand Country to partake in a meeting with the Kazekage.
Description: The Yukikage is in need of a bodyguard to watch over her as she travels nearly all the way across the world over to Sand Country for a last minute meeting she was invited to. Whom is summoned will be tasked with keeping her company, as well as playing AnBu for a day in being her sentinel. She is to be kept safe in case things get hairy between her and the Kazekage more so than anything weird that could happen on the way there.
Reward: 50,000 Ryo, x1 CM/ANBU Mission Credit to go into either Owl and/or Bear Division.

---

A last minute trip that could be worth a whole lot if the cards are planted right. Lady Kahimi did not plan on having to make a business trip today, but she also didn't want to sit in the castle wasting away time that could be spent doing something interesting. She honestly didn't want to rush anything even if perhaps the Kazekage had set things up to be at a specific time and place. Things were going to be going smoothly, Kahimi wanted to make sure of that even if for some reason this all blows up in her face.

For the most part, Kahimi was excited to be going to Sand Country, she all the excuses in the world to be making such a long, and tedious trip. A trip that she really, didn't want to go down in flames since its so personal for her. The Yukikage doesn't generally enjoy getting formal, but for this she got cleaned up, and dressed quite nicely. Her preparations were probably going to be adjusted accordingly over time the more she thinks about it. For now however she'd dawn her usual attire consisting of kunoichi styled shinobi gear.

A crop top with thick black straps, and some black leggings consisted most of her outfit. Fresh wrapping fabric was applied to both her arms and legs merely for purposes she can't remember, but it served enough use to her desires. Despite the dark azure jacket tied into a skirt around her round hips, she'd also have a butt pack, neatly supplied with ninja tools and plenty of tags she had plans for. Her leg holster holding some spare kunai knifes in case she needed them, but for the most part this was covered up slightly by her long white kage robe that she wore loosely as it hung of her shoulders, and just hung around her both un sealed by the sash she tends to wear along with it.

Kahimi's long silver hair would be tied into two long and somewhat big ponytails which would produce quite a different look for the normally wild and care free style's Inuzuka. However with the current state of her mindset she felt insecure about having her super long hair free flowing like she normally has it. With all that said however, the Yukikage was set up to go. She wore her kage hat proudly on top of her head, as she stood by the gates waiting for her preselected bodyguard to show up. The two Anbu of different divisions casually standing next to her waiting as well.

One of Bear, the other of Cat. Neither of them captains, and both of them were males equip with the standard gear, although they both were carrying the extra bags Kahimi wished to bring along. Her chosen partner was to be the third member of this team, and the odd one out as the AnBu had their own tasks set up for this trip, and would only be asked to go so far along with them.

[Hoarfrost Imp]

Fresh from shopping Juniper wasn't quite as rough looking this go around. Boots of Striding, a Hyuuga cloak, displacement cloak, her thieve's gloves strapped on as well as her usual blue dress worse for wear. She DID however buy a new vest and to it was stitched her battle cloak. Too many cloaks, Juni. Too many cloaks.

It felt heavy to walk in boots- being so used to going barefoot but she had to learn. She'd spent her allowance on it and couldn't get it back no matter how much she threatened the shop trainees when the boss wasn't around. Little fucks...

She did carry 1 slots worth of Senbon and 1 slots worth of small marbles though and that was good enough for her for the time being. Coming out of the gate she approached the caravan timidly. Going outside of Snow? She hadn't done that since.. since joining. Now she was going to cross half the known world to meet another Kage in another village. Just a few years ago she would have never even known VILLAGES were a thing run by singular elected officials. How odd and strange.

Passing the two AnBU and staring hard at their masks Juniper stood next to Kahimi in her black get up and robes but fought the urge to take her hand. Juniper was the protector this time. The AnBU weren't necessary. The cold had suppressed her sense of smell and thus dampened her mutation but part of her was curious what the new world was going to smell and taste like.

"Am ready."

[Claws of the Tundra]

In simple fashion the hand picked companion for this mission arrived on set. She seemed to have some unique items accompanying her as well, which the Yukikage took note of. The cuteness was still as present as ever considering the abundance of cloaks the little one had on all at once. The bliss of being young, and free to express one's self as much as they could possibly get away with...

Seeing Juniper so unsettled all of a sudden made the Yukikage smile. Its been so long since Juniper has gone anywhere that was outside the borders of this snow covered landscape. Even if its into different villages, or a big bustling city sometimes its just all the same these days. She understands that deep rooted feeling of losing confidence after gaining so much of it beforehand. She knew where Juniper was coming from.

When the horned child started at the masked men, they stared back. Silently. Their expression and identities hidden completely as the eyes of their masks were not their own. Their uniforms being identical it is as if they were one of the same, but clearly once finding the differences it is obvious that they are still separated from each other. They would not bother Juniper however. They had no reason to, and the two of them didn't agree on judging her so openly as some of the other villagers did. Lady Kahimi secretly selected them for that reason along, way beyond their purpose in temporarily aiding in this mission.

This is why noticing that Juniper, didn't make any moves to try holding her caretaker's hand caught her attention vividly. She was impressed...Juniper was learning and deciding on her own...gaining a different sense of individuality than she may be used to. Thus once verbally announced Lady Kahimi simply nodded, and with a gesture she'd motion for one of the AnBu to give a short summary of what the plans were in draconic.

"Right. Juniper the kage wants me to tell you that a boat has been arranged at the Western dock yard of the country Juniper. Your trip with her will start there, as you make your way through the main land.

Once we cross the sea and arrive at our first stop, you'll have full escort duties. We two are going on our own mission once we get to Lightning Country. Now then lets get going. Lead the way, here is a map with coordinates marked on it." he's say before handing Juniper the world map with each stop labelled and circled with dotted lines connecting each one.

---

The Map:

First Trip - Sea

SPOILER: Click to show

Snow to Lighting

Second trip - Sea or Land

SPOILER: Click to show

Land Options:

SPOILER: Click to show

Lightning to Frost, Frost to Hot Springs, Hot Springs to Fire.

-or-

Sea Options:

SPOILER: Click to show

Lightning to Sound or Lighting to Hot Springs

Third Trip - Land

SPOILER: Click to show

Hot Springs/Sound to Fire, Through Fire to River.

Final Trip - Land

SPOILER: Click to show

River to Sand Country, Meet the Kazekage.

[Hoarfrost Imp]

It was a comprehensive summary all around but once she figured all the things that she needed to figure it was a pretty obvious answer to get there as fast as possible. Period. With a short nod she took the map and navigational tools to then begin the trip while standing off to the side of the caravan. All in all? Quick and simple but where were worries that played in the back of Juniper's mind that saddled her with the unsettling responsibility and planning of how to protect the most important in her world.

Very effectively, was the answer. To the absolute best of her ability. "To Lightening." Lightening to Sound, Hot Springs and so forth. She was going to make sure all was executed meticulously. Despite her stationing in Yuki Juniper was at home possibly even more in the water and wouldn't mind an opportunity to use this to her advantage.

"Further prep during travel." She waved her hand to pull everyone towards the transport. Time was wasting. She was curious to see if this other 'Kage' was even remotely comparable to even the the most standard that Yuki had to put out.

[Claws of the Tundra]

Once it looked like Juniper was ready to go, the other three came along following close behind the Chuunin. Some may question why the Yukikage was bringing Juniper out of all the available Chuunin or even Jounin within the village, and the first answer to that is simple:

She really just wanted to treat her to an trip outside the village for once. That was the first reason that pops into her head; it goes without say and as far as capability goes? Lady Kahimi would be willing to argue that Juniper is surely capable enough of handling a mission such as this one. She holds that Chuunin title for a reason, and even if there are other candidates she didn't trust them as much as she can trust Juniper.

There is a very small selection of people the Yukikage actually trusts to accompany her, let alone with her life. These AnBu? They are trained to do this; so she'll let them do their job accordingly, but she hardly actually expects much from them. It is in their best interest to succeed anyway, so to be tough on them is a hassle on both ends. Weak links within the AnBu Divisions is are a burden to the cause, which are either straightened out or removed. Nothing more...nothing less.

This shadow of seriousness has been cast over Lady Kahimi for some time now, which is another reason why she brought Juniper along. Her presence makes the Inuzuka...happier. A small little smile curled upon her full smooth lips as she heard the cute way Juniper pronounced Lightning. She wouldn't say anything about it, even though teasing the little one is a warm part of their few interactions together. The AnBu were silent like always anyway, so the silence was going to be shared in that regard. The two masked men simply walked on either side of the Yukikage, during their travels after the four of them passed the through the gates of the village.

Once the reacted the transport at the Western Dockyard, Lady Kahimi would settle herself down in an available seat in the decently sized cockpit of the boat. This boat given its size was big enough to fit a platoon. Military issue equip with a harpoon, escape gear, and some supplies prepared for the trip ahead. The Inuzuka didn't like the sea all that much so she admittedly she prepared a bigger and better boat so because didn't want to have to deal with a whole lot on the first boat ride of this long journey.

[Looking to move from Snow Country to Lightning Country via Sea, Geographical Compass and World Map marked with directions in use.]

[Flower]

Moved to Land of Thunder!

[Hoarfrost Imp]

There were a few matters at hand. Turning in her seat to face Kahimi, Juniper wove through a set of seal and with a third hand struck her palm against Kahimi's shoulder. Then again. And Again (Locate Water. Greater Status. Shed Rain curses applied) and then two more times for good measure. They didn't mean much of anything but it's not like Kahimi could be any of the wiser. Juniper just felt like punching her in the arm and passing it off as something for her own good.

Little shit she was.

It was hard not to grin but she managed; Snickering when she tried to explain what he'd done by hand signs. "You? Find water; But no get wet. I gift you." She sniffed to hide the smile that was creeping up on her face. "Connected now. I 'link' us. Bond." Lacing those many little tiny fingers together like a braided rope she made a bridge and nodded with a huff.

The boat bumped across the sea as se pieced her side of the mission together. "Questions?"

[Claws of the Tundra]

For the majority of the trip the Yukikage remained silent, and relaxed in the chair she laid on. For the most part she even took the time to take a short rest to sleep off the boring parts of the boat ride. The waters around Snow Country don't exactly have anything worth seeing as compared to some other countries. Once you get used to battling the cold, you also get used to looking at the same old stuff trying to ignore it in the first place. Still the love for this giant glacier of a land is always there.

Besides what would be long silent boat trips without- *pap*

"Hm?" the Yukikage pondered while living to her hat upwards for a moment. As Lady Kahimi turned her sight towards the culprit whom touched her, the corner of her eyes now filled with those orbs that look like they could stare through the sun if they wanted to. *pap*...*pap* *pap*

The small palms of Juniper's many hands seemed to be content on making contact with the right arm of the Yukikage. Did her bea arm look at the little one funny or something? Was this a challenge on her position. Did Juniper wish to be the big spoon around here now? Lady Kahimi couldn't help, but watch the blue skinned girl curiously when she did this undeniably cute thing. These attacks could count as treason if Kahimi wanted them too. She could mockingly put the little devil in jail for waking her out of her slumber.

The Yukikage's playful smirk and gaze now locked onto Juniper as she explained herself. It was obvious the child was having some harmless fun, and for that the Yukikage will only get her back lightly later. For now however, Kahimi would give her a gift as a thank you. Taking the moment to sit up, and adjust herself so she was now facing the girl she'd lean forward. Staring her in the eyes with a neutral look.

This would go on for a few seconds before she'd reach into her kimono robes, and pull out a thin black rectangular box with her right hand. With this box in her grasp she'd open it up and dip her left thumb onto some red paint pads. With this red paint on her thumb, she'd slowly reach over to Juniper's face and make a three curved claw marks going upward which would be identical to her own, on Juni's left cheek. After doing so she'd point to the three clawed birthmarks on her own face.

"I 'link' us by family ritual. We are family now. My birthmark is now yours." she'd tell Juniper this via handsigns as in return more so as another little surprise. After that she'd kiss Juniper on the forehead hoping she accepts the gift. By then the boat arrived in Lightning Country, and the oversea trip would stop at the docks. The ninja running the ship at this moment would take the time to refuel, so when Juniper asked the question the only people to speak up would be the Anbu.

"Our trip with you stops here. We will be separating from this point to do our mission."

"Right, you decide where you will lead Lady Kahimi for your mission Juniper. You have one possible boat ride left available to you, before its all land from here so its your choice. Goodluck on your mission." the other one would say in draconic. After that the two of them scattered off. The boat would wait for Juniper's word on the matter in case Juniper wished to go by sea to the next neighboring countries. Otherwise their long walk begins here.

[Hoarfrost Imp]

Freshly painted and with a much less stressed atmosphere to things, Juniper departed the boat and bode their allies good tiding and well wishes. "Be safe. The road is always treacherous when it is most peaceful." Waving to the two guards Juniper gathered up the collective gear and headed towards the due direction of Hot Springs from Lightning. A half days trek at most but they'd get to see the land and maybe eat Ice Cream. MAYBE! She had a plan in mind for the whole trip to and back.

Holding up her water skin as they departed she offered it to Kahimi without looking. "Keep fluids. Sand is hot." So was Hot Springs. Handing it off she put the packs on her back and headed out.

[Claws of the Tundra]

After the parting words were given, the group of Yuki ninja, and helpful affiliates quickly dwindled down into a duo. The Yukikage, and her special little helper whom right now was taking on a serious mission. One that can also lead into further progression of the country. Completing this will debunk a lot of what ignorant people like Lana try to say about Juniper. Those the secretary has brainwashed with her influence will learn, this will be their only chance to redeem themselves. The only chance before Lady Kahimi enacts her future plans to correct a lot of the villages wrong doings across the board.

But first...this trip at hand must be taken care of...

With Juniper carrying the packed items and gear herself, Lady Kahimi would resume her roll as the VIP. Her with some other thoughts running through her mind the trip would be a short one as time flew by for a second, only to be brought back to her surroundings as the blur of a random object came into her view from below.

Looking down curiously she'd notice the little blue hand holding the water skin close to her. Smiling at the thought, Lady Kahimi would simply gently press her hand against the water skin and take it from her, however she would not drink from it. Instead she'd secure it within her robe. From this point on Lady Kahimi would follow Juniper unless asked to do otherwise.

Their adventure would take them through the mountainous ranges of Lightning Country until they would have to hitch another boat ride to Hot Springs in order to skip over the country ahead of them. This one would not be of Yuki origin so the Yukikage would pay the toll to get aboard. The boat would be large cruise ship with plenty of tourists also heading to Hot Springs. Thus it would be a little more relaxing than the previous boat. Though beware little Juniper...the comfort can even more be dangerous than the edge of suspense.

[Moving from Lightning to Hot Spring by sea.]

[Christoff]

Moved to Hot Springs

[Hoarfrost Imp]

Making effective time as per the usual she trudged onward without so much as a second though- having to pause at times when she felt she might be getting ahead of herself and leaving the previous cargo behind. It was just part of how she moved, taking several quick strides, her nose close to the ground checking for hostile scents. Hot Springs was definitely different but as they moved it was kind of obvious they were getting close. The trees were starting to grow in thick.

"Why meeting?" She piped up after some time, an hour or so into the trip toward Fire, twiddling her fingers and keeping an eye on the weather.It seemed odd that NOW they wanted to meet after all this time. Juniper wasn't privy to most information though. She had a duty and she performed it quick and efficient.

[Claws of the Tundra]

Lady Kahimi is happy to see the young Chuunin taking her assignment and tasks seriously. She didn't question if the young girl would do so, but its still nice to actually see it with her own eyes. As their travels continued the Yukikage plotted a little more on how she wanted to go about this meeting with a kage whom had reigns over an insanely large body of land.

Quite frankly Lady Kahimi was excited to finally be reaching a top of the list dream of hers finally. After so many years of being cooped up, she could stretch out way farther than she has ever expected to be able to go. Its the first reason why she was harvesting and saving her energy for the first actually step they take on Sand Country's soil. Cause once that happens she knows that things will be taking a wild turn.

When inquired about the meeting by Juniper, Lady Kahimi would silently recollect her thoughts for a moment. She didn't really want to make the explanation a big deal, because it wasn't that much different than any other somewhat formal meet up that she has had. The weight of its significance personally however? That is where the true reasonings behind being intrigued are. Still Kahimi wasn't going to hide the truth from Juniper. So she'd speak up calmly, and speak clearly as well.

"Its more of a personal matter for me to tell you the truth. Outside of that I was invited, and the Kazekage seems interested in discussing things, so I figured it would be worth going all this way for multiple reasons besides my own. Bringing you along was a choice I made without hesitation.

Listen; I want you to help me keep an extra careful ear out for when this all goes down. Its best we learn of any information we may need to hold on to okay?" she'd state hoping Juniper caught it. Only to want to soften the seriousness a little with some more light hearted banter.

"Oh, but don't forget this is also a vacation too. So lets try to enjoy ourselves while we are out here as well yeah? I don't want to rush home just as much as you don't wanna see Lana's face every time you come to the castle~" she'd say with a playful tone of voice.

Hot Springs was a nice country, and it sure did bring a desire to relax and wind down quite easily. Lady Kahimi would make a not to take Juniper to a steam room on their way back. For now, they'd have to travel through one of the few hotzones Yuki has in terms of enemies.

The Land of Fire...

[Moving to the Land of Fire from Hot Springs by Land]

[Flower]

(link)

As the Snow ninja entered their hot zone, they'd find that the weather suddenly began to take an unusual turn. Suddenly a vicious thunder storm would brew up in the area as they were making it toward the Land of Fire. Booms and flashes filled the sky every few minutes, and they were drenched, but there didn't seem to be any other ill effects associated with the weather.

[Moved to Land of Fire.]

[Hoarfrost Imp]

Turns out Juniper had been very perceptive to bless the Kage with a rain shedding Jutsu. It's do them no good to turn up smelling like wet dogs. Juniper could pull the look off but a dignified woman like Kahimi needed to look pristine and unflappable.

"Vacation, yes." She harped with an over-exaggerate nod. "Bodies, minimal. Fun, HIGH!" Speaking with her hands was something that she'd come accustomed to. That was around when the sky opened up and drenched them to hell and back, Juniper squinting up into the rain as it fell and fell. Must rain often to feed all of these trees the water intake they needed to get so massive.

"Shop in Kaze no Kuni village." They didn't need a map nor to really know the location of the village if they were destined to make allies with Suna. "And I be all. Eyes. Ears. Nose." She touched the various parts of face to emphasize. "I will be shadow." Her shadow. A thing in the dark.

These were just some of the things she felt and thought as they went through the thickening forest towards a land that was going to give way to nothing but sand and sun. Juniper had never seen a desert before.

[Claws of the Tundra]

The traveling thus far were smooth. Although in hindsight that could be for many varying reasons. One thing Lady Kahimi is sure of is that she was enjoying the time spent regardless. She watched keenly as Juniper signed her response to her, still speaking in that dangerously cute broken common of hers even when doing so.

Once the thundering rain storm came around, Lady Kahimi had to give credit where credit is due. "Guess that will be bonus points then." she chimed in jokingly as soon as the rain the water drops came falling down, and she noticed how she indeed wasn't getting drenched by the water. If they didn't have the ability to ignore this rain, then the two of them would need to scramble for shelter, but thanks to Juniper their trip wouldn't be hindered in such ways as nature may have planned.

When her escort quipped with her speaking gestures again, Lady Kahimi would response in full as always. "Yes, we will stop there and collect some things, mainly a lot of orders will be sent back home." she'd reply back. Afterwards their trip would shift into another long one as the land of fire was decently sized. Although they wouldn't need to go through much to reach the last destination in their way of the final one.

The Land of Rivers.

{Moving from Land of Fire to Land of Rivers by Ground]

[Flower]

Moved to Land of Rivers!

[Hoarfrost Imp]

Juniper hit the ground running.

IN her mind he was truly home here in the wild. The murky waters. Thicker trees. Sparse wildlife or at least supposedly sparse. As long as Himi was keeping up Juniper was powering through the nature walk. Meeting another leader sounded important but on the off hand she thought too that they requested for THEM to come all the way there to Suna. This long, exhausting, convoluted quest across half the known world practically. The pace was hes to set but whatever that pace was was a lot of responsibility.

Whatever had needed to be said probably had already been. Escorting and guard. One in the same. River much much, much more interesting that Fire. Then again she was thinking about the trip back. All this trouble. Hardly fair. "Long trip." Freudian slip. She was going to complain it was a long trip through all these potentially dangerous territories with people whom they may not even be allied with at this point.Juniper wasn't aware of the things that happened in Mist but if she had? Total 180.

The world was going to come crawling to Snow on their knees eventually and they'd get the smug satisfaction of telling them no. No. No. Then watch them crawl away. Snow had seen it's days of weakness but no more.

[Claws of the Tundra]

The Yukikage followed as closely behind Juniper as she could manage. Which given the little squirts record is decently well. Juniper was definitely fast, but luckily Lady Kahimi knew how to move her body in a way that get her going at terrific rate herself. These burst moments of high speed travel were always fun for her anyway.

Though even Lady Kahimi had to admit that this trip was going to be a hassle to deal with once again. The long venture had some many different terrain types, and nations to keep track over there is no telling how bad it all truly can get at any given time. The only real thing Lady Kahimi could do was keep hope, and keep following the bundle of energy she brought along with her.

Unfortunately the two of them wouldn't be able to get through this first trip completely free. The Land of Rivers was an open landscape, with numerous paths which if not watched carefully, could easily put someone in circles. However Juniper was a great navigator, and Kahimi wasn't a fool. Though the two of them wouldn't have nature problems like they almost did with the rain storm:

---

Random Encounter

"The Dividend"

The scenery here in the Land of Rivers was a mixture of grassy terrain, and mountainous hill ranges. Acres and acres of grass, dirt, thin tree lines surrounded them on parallel sides. Up ahead would be a medium length bridge, whom would start to lead them out of the Land of Rivers. Over here would be one of the largest river/lake bodies within the country, which was several feet down below the bridge accompanied by a steep embankment of rocky terrain.

Visual:

SPOILER: Click to show

As the female duo from Snow approached the old stone made bridge their first actual issue would arrive. (1) Once Juniper got at least 50 meters away from the bridge, two huge explosions would erupt up head which shock the surrounding area only mildly. The explosions themselves didn't threaten neither of the Yukikage or Juniper, but this would definitely make an uproar within the water these explosions seem to have came from. The water below the bridge would, erupt upward in a violent manner, shooting up plenty of water would made a makeshift smokescreen that engulfed half of the bridge blocking normal view of the other side.

Visual:

SPOILER: Click to show

(2) The sound of the water mixed with the muffled explosions could temporarily impair hearing only slightly from the sure amount of soundwaves moving around all at once. (3) This seemed to be exactly what was necessary as a quick and sudden, but very distinct whistling sound from the left, would emit only a four seconds after the explosions went off.

This whistling would be as if something was flying out of the nearby forest line on the left side. Where was it going? That can't be for certain, but it was happening nonetheless. (4) Along with this, the sounds of faint rustling could possibly be hear from the right side as well.

[Hoarfrost Imp]

The moment the explosion went off Juniper was in motion.

Her personal little Y'la spirit fed and made Kahimi Taboo. No one was touching her or passing within her personal threatening space without surviving a 29 save or being stunned, blinded and deafened. Concealed beneath her cloak she made seals and pushed the Kage in the chest. Invisible. No sound. No scent. Chakra signature. A Ghost tot he outside world. She didn't need to run or do much but anyone who walked within her vicinity were could to find themselves floored if they weren't careful.

As for Juniper? Gone. A puddle of water dribbled out of her hand and she was gone, teleporting into the rising geyser of water and using it's rainfall to conceal herself (325 stealth) and ride the falling waves back towards the destroyed bride, using her vantage of height and the cover of the foaming body of water to conceal herself she scoped the area for the potential of a target. OR targets.

Chances are it was a robbery, kidnapping or extortion. Mae she could do the sam ewith their lives.