[Team 3 IC] NMP Episode 1: The Sinful End

[Princess Tracy]

Inada, Manda, aaand Trion - AND AYA(meko)

It's a whirlwind of a morning. You're assigned to each other as team mates, or sensei in the case of Manda, faster than you can really hash out introductions. Senju Ayameko comes with you as your third member, assigned by lottery; while usually overflowing with energy, her chatter is quiet today. A fair amount of genin get sorted and tugged out of the room, and led over to receive their first mission at the Hokage's office. Opening the door, you see a face that's particularly familiar to Inada, or at least the parts of it that are visible, as Hatake Kakashi sits behind the desk that should probably rightfully be Naruto's, yet all the same sorts through a pile of scrolls in the mission room. "Yo, how is everyone?" he asks without initially looking up as an aide rushes over with a scroll containing a list of personnel. An old Hokage overcoat hangs around his body though he lacks the head dress to mark him as the current Hokage. "Just a second guys, trying to find something good. Ordinarily you'll pick up your missions from the Priority Desk out front, at least until you start getting B-rank and above missions, but I just always enjoyed the ceremony of the Hokage giving you your first - OH, Inada-chan," Kakashi leaps a little in his chair, looking up when he sees his daughter's name on the register. "Enjoying your first day, pumpkin? Ha ha, bet you thought you'd seen the last of me this morning. Oh, and Ayameko-chan. Weren't you in Eiko-chan's team?"

"Er... we had an irreconcilable difference of opinion," Aya says quickly with an odd mirth in her voice. "She didn't seem to like me much and um..."

"I see," Kakashi says thoughtfully as the young medic trails off. "Well I'm sure it gave someone a headache organising since Eiko isn't in the village right now. She's doing classified Jounin business, so don't bother contacting her. Yue and Keita just got placed with... Kotoba, I believe? Speaking of Jounin, how's the book going, Manda? Did you include that romantic subplot I suggested? I thought it would be sweet, you're still working on that, aren't you? The one with the tentacle monster who is also a schoolgirl? Did I hallucinate that?" Kakashi chuckles to himself, friendly to everyone as ever, more a Dad than a mere Hokage, the All-Dad, the Hidden Leaf Dad. "Hyuuuuuugaaaa... Trion! Sorry, drew a blank there, I'd seen about 4 Hyuugas today. Your clan's getting bigger again, huh?"

A clerk (http://www.jjthefourth.com/linked/boards/jh/my_collection_quick/Dana%20Scully.jpg) clears her throat as if reminding Kakashi there is business to be conducted. Kakashi sighs. "Nano-chan... Okay, okay. Who's ready for a C-rank mission? Escort a girl from her home to her future husband."

"This sounds familiar..." the Senju girl mutters.

[Cogsrow]

Trion would blink seeing Kakashi handling the mission assignment. As far as he was aware his idol had retired....not that he cared. He was here, with his idol, easily the coolest shinobi to ever live and immensely powerful. It took a moment of internal fanboy screaming before he had a good grasp on himself to bow. It would be an honor to accept the mission.

He wasn't....completely happy with his squad. That strange Jonin of theirs that he didn't really know nothing about, and that ball of hyperactive energy that was Ayameku. On the bright side, she was at least calm now, and not giving him a migraine. Then there was Inada, who he wasn't sure was either going to constantly overshadow him, or all the hype about her academy abilities not being up to snuff. He'd furrow his brow as he thinks about it, cause on that note, he realizes he hasn't really been tested either. Trion resolved that just meant he wouldn't let his training go to waste, no matter the mission or danger.

[moondoggy]

Manda stood silently, not having said anything on the way or even during the selection process. While Kakashi rambled on he stood and listened, his expression indiscernible behind the mask which had become his trademark. Once introductions were over he gave the clerk a curt nod; gratitude for keeping her superior in line. "An escort mission," he crackled. "A decent start. Who is the client?"

[Shimmer]

"Morning Dad. Is Hokage-sama pawning assignments off on you again today?" Inada inquired with a tilt of her head less then surprised to see her Father when she walks into the all too familiar office. Honestly it sort of explained him attempting to cook breakfast for them a lot better. However, at his startled leap and the way he called her pumpkin she couldn't help, but narrow her gaze. Her father NEVER called her pumpkin. Also her Father wasn't 'currently' Hokage and tended to avoid work like the plague.

"The day has been pretty good so far. I rather like my team. I think we're a good fit." Inada murmured waiting patiently for both her mission and for her Father to inquire about the book she'd picked up for him. Her Dad had never been terribly patient when it came to his Icha Icha. However, she doubted an imposter would have known about her errand.

However at Ayameko's comment about the mission she couldn't help, but arch a brow quietly wondering what they all were getting into. Still to get a mission outside the village so early on was rather exciting and an escort one usually meant camping and a few days out and about depending on how everything went.

[Princess Tracy]

Manda, Inada aaand Trion - AND AYA

Kakashi gives an awkward laugh at his masked daughter's assessment. "Not so much. Naruto's been a bit busy lately. Don't know if you've been reading the papers. But I figured I'd take some strain off the process of breaking in the new genin. I love all these kids like they were my own, so take care of your cute siblings, okay, Inada?" He chuckles and nods to Manda. "The Ishimaru. The long and short of it is the Mibu are arranging some weddings and want their fiancees from the tribes they're looking to merge with transported safely. They're primed to join the leaf. We transported the Fujiwara last week but for whatever reason the Ishimaru delayed until today. You were on that mission, weren't you, Ayameko?"

Aya nods, grimacing. "Yes, sir..." Once again lacking her usual fervour, perhaps out of respect for the Hokage, or something else. It seems she has more to say on the matter, but not here in the Hokage's office.

Kakashi thrusts a mission scroll forward to anyone who will take it.

Primary Objective: Transport Ishimaru Setsuna safely from the Ishimaru compound to the Mibu compound in time for her wedding, [three days from now]

[Included are details of meeting spots and times, and of radio frequencies used by the Ishimaru by which one might arrange a meeting, along with other rote facts about the mission]
You know the Ishimaru are a decent clan of mercenary ninjas known for a bloodline style of fighting which hardens their bodies like rock or the hie of an earth dragon, to fight.

[Shimmer]

"Dad how would you even know if we're cute? Over half of us are wearing masks." Inada teased, but her eyes were warm with mirth. At the mention of their mission however, she composes herself listening to the details given with rapt attention as well as noting Aya's grimace at the discussion of her teams previous encounter with them. When the scroll is offered Inada steps forward to take it with a well practiced bow.

"Thank you for putting your trust in us Hokage-sama. We will see this mission completed to the fullest extent of our abilities and do all we can to return unto you and Konoha safely." Inada murmured as she straightened, her usually lax manner briefly exchanged for the polished confidence of a true shinobi of leaf. It wasn't like she didn't have plenty of practice at this old song and dance for her Father's time as Hokage.

The appearance was ruined however, when she drew a small plastic sealed and wrapped book from her pouch and tossed it to her old man. "Try not to overwork yourself Tousan. I'll see you when we get back." Inada called out with a wave as she moved to amble out with the rest of her team.

Once outside she'd pass the scrolls over to Manda with a respectful nod before turning to Aya. "So the Ishimaru huh? I hear their bloodline style of fighting hardens their bodies like rocks. Bet that would be interesting in a fight. What are they like?" She inquired with a curious tilt of her head before pausing bringing her gloved fingertips to tap lightly against her masked lips as she realized something.

"Ah...though I suppose we should probably do that whole introduce ourselves, likes, dislikes, and dreams and stuff." Inada adds with a good-natured shrug.

[moondoggy]

"Before that I want a full debriefing on your previous mission, Ayameko." he stated calmly, the red eyes of his mask trained on her.

[Cogsrow]

Well Trion had himself far more under control now. It really was sorta shameful his idol looked at pornography in public...even getting his daughter to fetch it. Not to mention openly discussing it with....his...jonin sensei, oh dear. Right Trion, just handle it. Its what the hokages say, overcome your differences, form a working unit, and fight together.

Though that thought lead to him pondering the mission. Escort....they were good at that, the Byakugan were great for spotting ambushes, and their speed will let them grab her and run if they have to. He was pondering this as he almost runs into Inada as they walk out. He was even about to say his hopes and dreams, after all, he had thought about them constantly throughout the academy, though he'd close his mouth quickly at the Jonin questioning their comrade. He was good at shutting up quickly, a Hyuuga second branch acquired talent.

[Princess Tracy]

Team Three: "Manda, Inada aaand Trion - AND AYA"

Kakashi nods, seeming to smile by the crinkle below his one visible eye. "Very good. I dub thee Team Three of Konoha's 100th Year Graduates. Go have fun with that," Kakashi says. "And you're all cute, all my cute kids, deal with it - even if you're ugly it's a different type of cute," he laughs. The clerk clears her voice again, moving him right along. "Yes, alright, alright. I have more kids to look over so if you feel equipped, go find a nice spot to swap introductions the head out, okay? Feel free to requisition any equipment you like from Nano-chan or Taro-kun at the desk out front. Radios and stuff can be useful."

Once you're out of the former Hokage's makeshift office, Aya nods at her new sensei's request for information. "Well okay... I never met the Ishimaru, but I did spend some time escorting the Fujiwara bride to the Mibu. She was... quiet. We didn't have any trouble from the outside, just some arguments ourselves - at the time things had been arranged just before the mission being given out so we didn't face any ambushes or the sort. I spent the night at their compound and got some feel for the politics going on. The Ishimaru and the Fujiwara and anyone else cutting these deals, they hope to use these political arranged marriages to become one with the Mibu. The Mibu in turn are in negotiations to join the village, so these people will ultimately be our allies. But more than that, I was with Katsumi-chan on her way to the Mibu and... she was stoic, but I could tell she was scared, because..." She bites her lip, looking away. "My former sensei said I was foolish to even bring it up but it's disgusting. They're not just political marriages we're dealing with, it's bloodline brides. The practice of raising a woman without training her as a ninja or bloodline user, keeping her power dormant and latent yet still within her genes. All so that... so that her breeding within another clan can bring them access to that bloodline."

The normally glowing beaming girl turns green as she lays all this out matter-of-factually, a shift in her tone seeming to explain the dour mood she'd slumped into. "It's disgusting. Katsumi-chan would have been the heir if she'd unlocked her bloodline but instead she's sold off into slavery under the guise of marriage and politics. Is that really how we want to build up the village?" Her voice becomes fiery once more as she stomps her foot, before blushing red with embarassment and flinching away from Manda in particular, anticipating being called foolish for a hang up with a direct order.

[moondoggy]

"A foolish display, Senju." Manda says as if reading her mind. Before she can retort, however, he holds up a finger. "There is use in such foolishness. Blind loyalty too often leads to ruin." He continues walking, reading over the mission scroll. "The Mibu continue to grow." he says quietly. "Will they be as a flower amongst the Leaf, or a smothering weed..?" They walk in solemn silence for a few more minutes before he closes the document, passing it back to Inada. "You may go ahead with your talk of dreams, Hatake. We'll not arrive at my destination for awhile yet."

[Shimmer]

Listening to Ayameko Inada stood silent only turning to walk with her team when the time came as she considered the girls words. Gone was the lackadaisical young woman as she ambled with her hands tucked into her vest pockets in thought only reaching out to take the mission scrolls from her Sensei when it was offered.

"We should requisition some rations from the front desk. If we're on guard duty we're not going to want to be leaving our client to hunt game." Inada offered thinking on the mission ahead of them. "Honestly what the Ishimaru, Fujiwara, and Mibu clans are doing is quite foolish and shows their lack of understanding for the social and cultural history of Konohagakure. The Ishimaru and Fujiwara clans would be far wiser to approach to join Konoha on their own as the village populace is far more accepting of smaller clans. They would be welcomed more readily and viewed with less suspicion allowing for them to integrate faster. However, by riding on the coattails of the Mibu which is already a large clan that holds ideals in stark contrast to Konoha they will be looked upon with suspicion and wariness for a number of generations until their loyalty to the village can be ascertained without a doubt. They would have been far wiser to arrange marriages with inter-village clans as that would give Konoha a feeling of security and control. All in all I'd say the Mibu will have their work cut out for them." Inada murmured, her tone clipped and practical as she examined the problem with a sort of detached curiousness. Finally she shrugged and crinkled her eyes in a masked smile at her teammates.

"Moving onto more pleasant subjects I suppose we should do the whole team bonding thing." Inada quipped pulling out yet another book from her pouch and snapping it open. Thankfully this one was not porn, but appeared to be some sort of fantasy novel that would look incredibly familiar to Manda namely because he wrote it.

"My name is Hatake Rin Inada, but I prefer to go by Inada. I like books, tea, the sound of storms, my goggles, and stir fry. I dislike terrible smells, showing skin, coffee, and high pitched noises." She listed off as she turned the page perfectly willing to take the dive of being the first person to speak on such things given her teammates.

"My goals for the future are to become a strong capable Kunoichi of Konoha and to make those whom disregarded me acknowledge their mistakes in doing so. My dreams are to protect my precious people, perfect the Flying Thunder God technique, open my own business...and I don't know maybe become Hokage or something." She spoke with a shrug.

[Cogsrow]

Trion would listen to all of this, and turns it over in his mind. "They're powerful, they'll be allowed in, because saying no to them could cause an incident." He'd take a small breath, rolling the thought over in his mind. "Though what's happening isn't right. Not allowing someone to choose their own destiny." He'd have a small tone of knowing what that feels like. Resisting the urge to rub at the mark underneath his headband.

As Inada finishes, he'd ponder that a moment. They....weren't really that different, well maybe not the part about opening a business. He'd take a breath My name is Trion Kerai Hyuuga. Trion is fine, I like books.....cleaning...looking at the sky and stars. I dislike crowds. My umm...goals are to prove that I'm strong to my clan...and to be a valuable shinobi to the village. I...don't really have anyone to protect personally....except the clan of course. Though my dream...." He'd pause a moment, and speaks with a bit more emotion and feeling in his voice "My dream, is to become head of the Anbu."he'd say it with determination, and resolve, that seemed almost lacking in his normal mannerisms

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

Some of Aya's awkwardness melts away as Trion echoes her disgust with the choosing of destinies of a young woman, as opposed to Inada's stoic breakdown of the bad logistics of the bloodline bride method. As she looks you all over though, she blinks in confusion as only seeing you all for the first time. "Uhh what's with the masks, anyway? Should I be wearing a mask?" She shrugs it off. "I'm Senju Ayameko. I like a lot of stuff. Reading and collecting stuffed animals, and making friends. My dream is, um..." She trails off scratching her cheek and trying to find a diplomatic way to state her thoughts. "To bring an end to this current system of eternal conflict of feudalism. I dislike needless violence and disrespect. Blood type O negative. I moonlight as an intern doctor, I know medical ninjutsu and genjutsu. My favourite food is all of it, though mostly ramen and cake. I'm bad at baking, but sometimes the other girls help me make things... Anyway, lets get to it."

Add 1 handheld radio and 1 weeks worth of rations to your inventory. The radios are expected to be returned by the end of the mission.

When you decide to head out

Following your mission scroll, you're able to deploy straight to the Ishimaru compound, some 20 miles away to the West, in the general direction of the earth country. They seem better primed to be annexed by the hidden Stone than by the leaf. You're able to catch a glimpse of the other teams including team two on your way out of the village gate as it seems they've got a mission of their own to attend outside the village walls. They eventually veer off North however no matter how much you linger about for small talk. Landhopping (costs 1 chakra per hour, safe for up to 4 hours a day) you're able to travel 9 miles an hour and can arrive at the Ishimaru within 3 hours easily... or thereabouts, rather. Your mission scroll doesn't specify the exact coordinates of their compound for security reasons, just the general area in which you might be able to meet. It seems you'll need to take the initiative to arrange a meeting yourselves so you can retrieve the bride. The coordinates put you in a small mountain range overlooking dry flats.

[moondoggy]

Manda fiddles with the side of his mask, tuning to the proper frequency. *Leaf calling Stone. We have arrived onsite and await objective, over.*

Waiting for their answer he stares off into the distance. "I suppose it's only fair I say a little about myself. My name is Kaidaka Manda. I'm the first person in my family to show any aptitude in becoming a shinobi in at least sixty years. My dream is the perfection of my craft," he says with grim determination. "Genjutsu can alter reality itself with enough skill. One day I will have that power."

"Becoming a best-selling author is a close second," he adds, a bit brighter.

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

After a minute there's a crackle on the radio. "Confirm identification, over." After you exchange passwords from the mission scrolls, it crackles out, then shortly thereafter in again. "Roger, Leaf. This is the Ishimaru representative. The package is in-bound with three guards. They'll rendezvous in 20 minutes."

"Are you good to immediately deploy to the Mibu compound without further assistance?"

Aya goes back to staring awkwardly at her feet. "I still hate this... escorting these women to their prison among the Mibu. It doesn't seem like the sort of thing a leaf shinobi should be party to." She looks to her team mates for support - or validation.

[Shimmer]

Inada paused and tucked the book 'Sun Down' back into her pouch as she lifted her head scenting the air lightly, but couldn't detect anything beyond her own teammates. Though she wondered what sort of shampoo Trio was using as he smelled lightly of one of her favorite scents sandalwood. However, it probably wouldn't be wise to start sniffing her teammates hair and freak him out. He struck her as being the rather rigid sort and she didn't think it a good idea to start breaking him in to her special brand of chaos until *after* the mission.

"You shouldn't talk so bluntly about the mission Ayameko-san. What if enemy-nin are listening? You very well may have just given away our mission." Inada cautioned trying to keep her tone gentle as she knew the other older girl tended to be rather sensitive.

"We are genin. It's not our place to question such things, but that doesn't mean we can't work and train hard so that we might change it in the future." She added digging into the wrapped cloth that hung from her hip to pull out a bento and pass it over to Ayameko.

"Here. I picked these up for us before we left the village. Might as well savor real food before we have to start preparing to live off rations for a bit." She explained pulling out a second bento to hand off to Trion and a third that was passed to their Sensei before pulling out her own.

"We should probably take turns eating through so none of us risk being caught unaware." Inada suggested eyeing her team. She knew that her own weapons were rather easy to deploy as it was rare she ever removed her battlewire gloves, but she wasn't sure if the others were as mobile.

[Cogsrow]

Trion would take the bento with a nod "Thank you Inada." He'd say with a smile behind his mask. He'd slip it into his pack, he was actually rather thankful for it. He had forgotten to pack a lunch at all. Though the small gift hadn't stopped his trained gaze looking through the trees and the forest. He didn't aprticularly like being out in the open like this.

Well its like the 6th and 7th have said. Progress an change come from each generation learning from the previous and growing. He'd chuckle "If we want to make a world we like more. We need to work on it."

[moondoggy]

*Affirmative, Stone. Awaiting your arrival. Leaf over and out.*

Looking at the bento, Manda passes it back to Inada. "Not interested, Hatake. If anyone wants more they can have it." He scans the countryside, awaiting the incoming escort. "Senju, our job is to make sure nothing happens to our objective. Nowhere does it say you have to like it." Not seeing anything on the horizon, he squats down with a sigh. "Nowhere does it say you have to remain silent, either. If you have issues, talk to the woman and see what she has to say about this."

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

Aya puffs up her cheeks to pout when told not to talk so bluntly. "But earnestness is all I have!" She sighs, taking a bento and digging in voraciously. "We ain't got long, gotta eat fast," she decrees with a nod to herself. "They aren't members of the Stone village, I think. The Ishimaru, and the Fujiwara, if I understood right, are their own independent clans outside of ninja villages. With their "political" marriage they're looking to join the Mibu, who are in talks to join the Leaf. So if all goes smoothly, the Leaf gets three powerful new clans and is back on top, and the only people screwed over... well, we'll be escorting one of them," she says, apparently not quite over it, but holding her peace for now while she waits on "the package".

After about 15 minutes, Trion sees an approaching party first. Three men in no particular uniform beyond sleeveless jackets worn over iron mesh vest, they leave their arms plainly visible, as you see their bodies ripple with muscle. The large dudes form a triangle around their ward as they make their way up a hill towards you, at their centre a girl with sleek black hair (https://zamboangagamer.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/tumblr_lf7abcdng31qd61suo1_500.jpg) in an ornate kimono. One in the front nods as he comes up to your group and you see all three of them are masked for whatever reason - leaving only Aya and the girl as the solitary non-masked people present. The girl avoids eye contact with anyone. "You the guys from the Leaf, yeah? This here is Ishimaru Yuki. Her husband's waiting for her at the Mibu compound. Go straight there and kill anyone that gets in your way, yeah?" the apparent leader remarks.

Even without the Byakugan active, Trion sees a fifth figure however, proceeding more vertically on the slopes above the three men and the girl. A grey haired person (http://41.media.tumblr.com/16d882fe844c2c87b0998d74231903dd/tumblr_mfmrh7yIqX1r7oclbo1_500.png) with grey eyes and an improbably grey expression, ever neutral and silent, who it seems no one else has seen. When the Hyuuga sees her however, they don't move to attack or run away, simply look right at you, making firm eye contact, and presses her finger to her lips. "Quiet" they gesture nonthreateningly as they stalk up to you, as if they're on your side.

[Cogsrow]

Trion would notice the woman, he'd try not to show any outward signs that he had, just....keeping any eye on her. She had no legitimate markings of a village, but she also was currently staying hidden. Were a few reasons this could be he supposed, and would tell his team....when he could, for now he kept quiet and smiled behind his mask, bowing low like he had been trained all his life. It's a pleasure to meet you Miss, we will be sure to keep you safe.

A knot was growing in his stomach, if her home clan had hired this woman, then she likely was trustworthy, but that meant that the clan didn't trust the leaf. However alternatively, if she's a free agent then the reason she's here could be several different nefarious things.

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

The girl looks to Trion for a moment then look away, nodding in your group's general direction, pursing her lips rather than speaking, apparently bound in ceremony or perhaps just shy. The lead musclehead nods towards the Konoha-nin and asks to see your mission scroll for confirmation. That done, he steps aside and gestures for the girl to steop forward, where she envelops herself between Trion, Aya and Inada. "Right then. We'll leave it in your hands. They said you're good to operate by yourselves, just get going." He turns and starts to leave.

"Um.. hello, Yuki. How are you today?" Aya asks, getting no response but a breathy whisper as the girl shies away again.

Whether you get moving immediately or not, once the Ishimaru men are out of sight, suddenly the person Trion's been watching from the corner of his eye leaps from the slope above and the earth quakes ever so slightly as they out themselves. A gray-haired oddity stands before you, face straight and blank as they nod to Yuki, from about 20 feet away.

"N-Narukami...!" Yuki suddenly cries out in shock as you hear a very reserved and upper class voice of practiced femininity. "You weren't supposed to be here today..." The grey girl says nothing in explanation or defence. If you lot move to attack her, Yuki says somewhere between a shout and a whisper "Wait, wait, they're my guard not a threat!"

[moondoggy]

Manda puts himself between Yuki and the interloper "Narukami". "State your business here, grey one." he says coolly. "No sudden movements either. I'll not hesitate to strike if you give reason."

[Princess Tracy]

"Wait, wait, everyone calm down before we're heard, okay?" Yuki pleads with Manda. "Narukami is my personal guard. They probably just want to see me safely transported. Also... they don't really talk."

True to Yuki's description, Narukami 'speaks' mostly through gestures and body language. They take a step back and bow their head, both in respect and to confirm Yuki's words. A sword is slung over their back and they look each of you over one by one, nodding in turn.

"What are you doing here...how did you find out it was today?" Yuki asks, stepping as close as Manda allows. Narukami's eyes lid a little, seeming sorrowful, almost like a puppy not comprehending why its master would leave for work. "Please... is it okay if Narukami-san comes along?"

[moondoggy]

Manda's body language indicates a pensive frown plastered on his face. "...unorthodox but I'll allow it. An extra hand is useful so long as it functions properly. You will function properly, won't you Narukami?" he asks in a slightly menacing tone.

[Princess Tracy]

Narukami nods, eyes wide and not particularly lending meaning to their response as they give a short curtsy with their coat tails. "She will," Yuki confirms. "So... lead the way, please. Narukami's good at -" before she can finish that, her guardian makes their first intonation since arriving, a throaty grunt, signalling Yuki to zip it. "... lots of things."

The girl has been explaine dto you as lacking any ninja ability, and its about 20 miles to the Mibu compound. You might have to split the distance and take a rest for the evening... unless Manda intends to carry her, since most the rest of the team are spindly speedster or medic types with no regard at all for balanced upper body exercise.

Narukami shrugs and prepares to follow behind without a word. Aya blushes at the absurdity of it all.

Make a perception check as you travel.

[moondoggy]

Not really in a rush. Manda prefers going at his own pace.
Perception check: [roll0]

Manda leads the formation directly in front of Yuki, flanked on either side by Inada and Aya with Trion and Narukami following side-by-side behind. A convoy of trained eyes and ears protecting their delicate centerpiece. "So, Yuki, what do you know of the Mibu clan?" Manda asks.

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

"The Mibu... I only know what I'm told. That they are an ancient clan which is a composite of many bloodlines, some even said to be derived from the Sage of Six Paths. They are plenty in number, a small village in their own right, with the Red Eyes bloodline as its leadership. The current clan heir, Mibu Chiraruzu, is to be my husband. I... am to bring to them the bloodline of stone flesh." Her primary information seems to concern a very tool-using perspective one might expect of someone whose primary role in the Mibu is to add to their collection of bloodlines. "With me among their numbers, the Ishimaru and Mibu can build trust and become one, and your village will prosper with us too. I believe the Mibu are said to be 200 in number, or 300 once this merger is complete. My husband should be about my age... I think. I... am not his only bride to be." It seems once she gets talking, she's happy to share.

Manda gets the best look at Narukami during all this; while her expression remains blank and unreadable, her fists tighten greatly, straining her gloves.

[Cogsrow]

At least he's your age. Trion comments as he glances at the treetops, constantly keeping his gaze outward. When it comes to clan politics, that's sometimes the most you can hope for. The entire thing didn't sit well with him though, its not like arranged marriages were strange to the Hyuuga's, at least in the past they have been more progressive recently. Though he had to wonder why he was thinking about this now, the whole situation made his mark ache, and he'd absentmindedly rub at it under his forehead protector.

Though, I don't know how the Mibu clan operates. I know they're....unique among clans.

He'd glance at Inada, wondering if the same distaste they all seemed to have for the situation was readable on her face.

[Shimmer]

Inada had thus far remained fairly stoic and quiet for the duration of their charge and her guards arrival. Instead of speaking the young woman had chosen to eye their surroundings as they moved tucking her own bento away uneaten, as the only subtle sign of distaste. The food would keep till later anyway.

In the meantime the young Hatake observed their charge, listening carefully and all the more grateful for her mask and natural skill at schooling her face. "If they are to join the Leaf it is unlikely such a thing as this will ever happen again. To draw in so many bloodlines at once would be viewed with undo suspicion by the Village Elders. That, if nothing else, may assure that these marriages cease." She murmured, her voice a bit gentler then before.

"That and with the Mibu joining Konohagakure that will make them and you Narukami-hime a citizen of the village. Which means they will be required to treat you kindly as both the Sixth and Seventh Hokage do not look upon the mistreatment of women well." Inada explains hoping to give the girl and her guard some sense of security in the face of the unknown.

[moondoggy]

"Such a vast and powerful clan joining with the Leaf is sure to draw suspicion from the other Kage as well."

Behind his mask Manda's expression turns dour at the thought. "The Mibu have remained neutral for a very long time, having taken no part in helping found our Konoha in its earliest days or any of the other villages. They've played mercenary to all kinds, their number ever increasing as they consume lesser clans. Powerful bloodlines are mere trophies to them, and the people they bring in will either prove themselves useful or..." Trailing off into an ominous silence, he merely stares ahead into the setting sun.

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

Yuki suddenly itters as you address her bodyguard as 'hime' while Narukami simply blushes ever so slightly, until the lighthearted tittering turns into a snort of an ugly laugh and Yuki disgracefully clasps her hand over her mouth. "Ahem... A member of the village. That might be nice, but... I'm no ninja. As a bloodline bride I was brought up with no ninja ability. Would your village really accept me? It hardly seems that... my thoughts on anything matter, if I'm not a shinobi."

"There are a lot of civilians in Konoha too, you know," Aya points out. Yuki mumbles, still having her reservations that Aya's mere positivity can't brush away.

After a few hours, Yuki visibly starts to sway as her body tires. Narukami instinctually backs up and slings her arm over her shoulder to support her weight, but doesn't seem bulky enough to carry her the rest of the way to the Mibu compound in a timely fashion across the many miles left to go. Narukami is visibly angry at something, perhaps the state Yuki now finds herself in of being exhausted in a death march straight to her own arranged marriage. "Now seems like a good place to stop..." Aya points out, more out of obligation than anything else as her boundless energy just kept coming and coming, some Jounin-worthy staying power as she never seemed the slightest bit out of breath, a freak of good health.

You're able to find what looks like an inn after another half a mile of walking. It's not on the map provided, but then that just means it isn't a designated stop point probably. Apparently they intended Yuki to walk there herself or be carried for the 30 miles to the compound with no ninja ability. Nonetheless, you see the lights on in a grand old-age looking house (http://www.mukaitaki.com/images/genkan/20080506genkan8535.jpg) which, despite looking spick and span, has an old delapidated sign out front in worn down kanji which suggests but doesn't confirm it as "something snake something (inn?)". All the same they appear to be open for business and the lights are on out front as you cross the little quaint bridge. "Um... I don't have any money..." Yuki admits bashfully. "Just the clothes on my back..." Narukami just stares at you lot, waiting to see what you'll do.

When you all go up to the desk inside, you find a girl with a ponytail napping with her head in her hand, who soon snaps out of it at your presence and rings you up for some rooms. "How can I help y'all?"

[Shimmer]

"My apologies I'm not terribly good with names, but you both are pretty enough to be himes." Inada murmurs flushing bright enough that a touch of her embarrassed color can be seen even over the edge of her mask.

"However Aya is right. Civilians have just as much as say in Konoha as Shinobi do if not more so since it's thanks to their efforts the village is fed and maintained. In fact I would say your civilian status is a boon in this case as any mention of abusive behavior towards you on the Mibu's part will be taken very seriously and dealt with incredibly harshly. As it stands when word of the conditions of your journey to their compound reach the village elder's ears they'll be under a good deal of scrutiny." She spoke moving to verbally back the ever chipper Aya up before falling silent once more as they continued their travel.

When Yuki's exhaustion becomes clear she merely nods and lets out a skeptical hum as she eyes the inn. However, anything is better then camping and it would prove far easier to protect their charge from a room then the forest. When the young woman mentions her predicament however, Inada visibly blanches.

"T-They what!" Inada roared whatever careful restraint she had held in regards to her behavior on the mission shattering like glass.

"Let me get this straight they rip you from your home, expect you, A CIVILIAN, to cover enough ground in a day that would give a shinobi trouble, and all while wearing that get-up and they COULDN'T BE BOTHERED TO SEND YOU WITH THE PROPER GEAR, ANY MONEY, OR EXTRA CLOTHES!" Inada snarled practically seething at this point as the static sparks of her chakra danced over her armor, her eyes blazing with the familiar Hatake fury.

"That is it! The village is so hearing about this! Forget the money you're getting a room and food and to hell with it all it's going to go on the village tab as Mission expense! I've done enough of my lazy ass Father's paperwork to know how this works!" Inada yelled jabbing a finger at Yuki's direction, her tone leaving no room for argument before she spun on the startled Inn-worker.

"Rooms! Food! Konoha Tab!" She managed to grouch out in her fury over the sound of her grinding her teeth in anger behind her mask. The static sparks of her chakra had yet to fade.

[moondoggy]

Manda hands the lady his KonohaGold Card, a handy tool for the shinobi on the go. "We'll need three adjacent rooms plus whatever services the young lady requires." He looks over his weary group and and gives a little sigh. "Whatever the others want as well I guess. It's been a long day of traveling. I'll cover the charges personally."

Turning to his team he gives them a thumbs up. "Go nuts, kids."

[Cogsrow]

Trion would of listened to their continued chats as they movied, rather suprised they sent her out with so little. It was a very peculiar situation. On the bright side at least their sensei was paying, he was flat broke and frankly the idea of a free meal and bed sounded great.

Trion would bow "Thank you Manda Sensei" he'd then glance at Yuki and Narukami. He'd speak softly "Inada, there are probably good reasons for what they did." He'd step closer and speaks in a soft whisper to her.

It dawns on me, perhaps there are those within the clan who do not wish to see this wedding occur. Maybe she is traveling so light, because this trip was very suddenly executed. That may be why they wanted us to cover such a distance so fast. I think this means we should keep an extra sharp eye out tonight and tomorrow.

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

"Hell yeah!" Aya says, pumping a fist in the air and bringing it down to slam against Inada's in a well telegraphed high five if she cooperates.

Yuki squeals and cowers back at the Hatake's sudden outburst, more out of reflex than anything as, also on instinct Narukami swivels around to her side at the slightest sight of her fear. Even with you on her side, a raised voice brings up painful reflexes. "H-huh? I don't know, they just said... that I'm your responsibility now. I-I'm sorry to impress upon you..." She smiles weakly as you reassure her once more your intentions to support her as part of your village. "I hope... I really do hope the Mibu join the hidden leaf so all of that can come true."

The girl at the desk raises her eyebrow at talk of tabs and Manda placing his card down on the table. "Um... hang on, let me get the manager," she says, slipping away to go to the back room shortly. Narukami walks up to the desk and taps it hard with her fingers before she goes, luring her back. "Yes?" Wordless as ever, Narukami pulls out a small sack and opens it so the girl working the counter can see its contents, who promptly gasps. Reaching in, she pulls out six golden coins of an old make an places them on the table, a little square cut out of the centre of each with a regal pattern you've scarcely seen before on its face.

"Narukami-san, is that the clan's...?" Yuki says, looking shocked, but stifles herself.

"Mmm... I see. Three rooms then?" the girl asks, to which Narukami nods, tying the sash around her bag of coins once more and fastening it to her belt. "Right this way!"

You're led up a flight of stairs past a side corridor whose windows overlooks the river flowing outside, up to the third floor. Yuki stumbles a little but her bodyguard happily supports her up the creaky old stairs. You don't see any other guests and it seems like a slow night of business at least. You're brought to three adjacent empty rooms that seems each elegantly decorated with two beds apiece. "How's that for convenience? Agreeable, yes?"

Narukami grips Yuki a little closer, indicating apparently a will to look over her in the same room - she points towards the middle room, apparently saying you should each pair off in one of the rooms beside it to best ensure security while she acts as last line of defence. The logical configuration assuming same-gender rooms seems to be Manda and Trion in the first or third room, Narukami in the second with Yuki and Aya and Inada in the remaining room. Of course, you're free to suggest otherwise or ignore Narukami's suggestion altogether.

[moondoggy]

"They wouldn't take my card..." Manda says a little disappointedly.

As the sleeping arrangements are set up Manda nods. "That was my intention, Narukami. Glad we're on the same page. Speaking of-" He motions Ayameko over. "Hey, mind keeping an eye on Yuki with the team? I'd like to speak with Narukami for a moment about guard rotations and tomorrow's trek."

Ushering the stoic bodyguard into the central room Manda pulls out a small notebook and a pencil. "Alright Narukami, I want to know your angle. Loyalty is one thing but sneaking into our party just to risk your life helping deliver Yuki into a political marriage with the Mibu, which will likely mean you'll never see her again, is another." He looks her dead in the face, knowing his comments hit home. "Earlier you seemed awfully perturbed about this arrangement. Especially when she was talking about her future husband. I've no love for the Mibu either but unless you can evade their hunters, not to mention whatever your own clan sends, you had better have a plan that's more than just running away."

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

Narukami looks at Yuki for a moment, who nods and says "It's okay," before leaving her side. Stepping forward, she joins Manda in the next room while Yuki remains outside with Aya and the other genin.

Manda

Narukami's eyes flash with anger as you point out the simple facts of her presence here, escorting Yuki to her marriage, but silently sighs when offered the paper and pen, forcing some calm to return as quickly as it had passed. There's another quiet sigh as she seems to consider her answer.

[My duty is to protect Yuki, no matter what. Are you offering to help me with that?]

She's straight faced as she stares back at you, waiting for your answer, avoiding asking your questions directly before you first explain your angle. After a moment she adds, in more clunky handwriting [The Ishimaru and Mibu don't matter one bit compared to Yuki, but they must be appeased if she is to survive. Unless...] She looks at you expectantly, seemingly awaiting an offer.

[moondoggy]

"I don't normally do this but... the specifics of this mission don't sit well with me at all. The Mibu -- their methods are far too extreme. And that's coming from someone who writes horror novels. I don't see the alliance with them as beneficial for the Leaf. As such I'm willing to help you break this contract."

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

Yuki stands around more awkwardly without Narukami around. "Um..."

"Hey do you think we can get Yuki-chan some pyjamas or a change of clothes?" Aya questions, scratching her head. "Mmm... all I have with me is a change of clothes for myself, you look about my size if you wanna wear that to bed, Yuki-chan."

"Oh... th-thank you..."

"Guess you'll be with me, Inada, if you're... comfortable with that." She folds her arms. "Do you guys take off your masks to sleep?"

Manda

A serious look is locked onto the Jounin as he offers to outright break the rules of his contract. Narukami nods, writing again, yet more clumsily as she doesn't look as she writes. [Can you offer her safe haven in Konoha? I can buy enough time through misdirection for you to smuggle her back there. If she has asylum and can live safely, freely and comfortably, then I can easily lay my life on the line to ensure that.]

[Cogsrow]

Trion rubs the back of his head "Well, my cousin got me a sleeping mask. Was mostly a gag gift though." He'd say it rubbing the back of his head. "So yeah, I sleep with my mask off." He'd glance at Yuki and then at Inada and Aya. "Though, is it a good idea leaving her alone without one of you two in the room? We are charged with protecting her after all."

[moondoggy]

"I'm sure our Hokage would not appreciate the conditions our charge is being subjected to. He's a pretty decent guy, if a little too idealistic. That works out in your favor. He's always cared about protecting people. If we can get Yuki to Konoha we will take care of her there. You'd be welcomed too, Narukami. The both of you could live in peace with our clan. Keep that in mind in case you're planning on the whole 'noble sacrifice' cliche." he says in a tone reeking of knowing smirks. "That angle is played out. I've got a plan of my own."

He draws a little stick figure representing Yuki. "All we've gotta do is..." He waves his hand over the image, subtly altering it with his illusory abilities. What was once a crudely-drawn cheerful girl becomes a grisly red heap. "...kill her. Easy. With no one to present to the Mibu, they'll anull the contract. Sure my rep might take a hit but it won't hurt my book sales."

"Oh, and I don't mean to actually kill her. We fake it."

[Princess Tracy]

The Crystal Nins

"Hm..." Aya shrugs. "Whatever Manda-sensei says is the best arrangement, really. My guess is he's asking Narukami-san about their abilities and duties now to know if Yuki-chan is best left with her. Two people to a room seems like a decent arrangement to me tactically, but I'm not really trained in tactics."

Manda

Narukami's eyes go wide for a moment before seeming to catch your meaning shortly before you explain you would only be faking a death, and the upset in their posture relaxes. [Hm. Sounds like a slick operation. I can take Yuki's place for the process of dying. It's just a matter of having a witness to the death, preferably the Mibu themselves. So. What will your ward 'die' of?]

[moondoggy]

"We'll stage an attack. It shouldn't be too difficult. We convince the Mibu that we're being stalked and ask for assistance. Once an envoy shows up I'll play the part of the attacker after appearing to be incapacitated. You break away from the group trying to escape and I'll kill you. Once that's done and everyone leaves we'll take the both of you to the Leaf with no one the wiser."

Staring towards the door, Manda nods to Narukami. "I'll go over the plan with my squad. You keep an eye on Yuki in the meantime. The briefing shouldn't take long. Afterwards we all get some sleep and prepare for the next leg of the journey in the morning.

Any objections?"

[Cogsrow]

Trion would rub his nose and ponders the plan as their sensei says it. "This...would cause a lot of political fallout, and could even end the Konoha and Mibu merging. The Mibu arn't so powerful that they can threaten Konoha, but....it could still end badly." He'd pace around running it over in his mind. "That's if we get found out, it's not impossible we pull this off with no one knowing, I just don't like the idea of returning to my clan a failure." The fact he was pretty torn on the issue was apparent in his voice as he talked. "On the other hand, this..... isn't right.

[Princess Tracy]

Aya sits forward for the explanation of the plan such as it is, which Narukami doesn't object to. As the Jounin explains things to his apprentices, Narukami keeps Yuki out of earshot in their shared room. "I mean, I am totally down with this," she says, smiling happily. "C'mon, you got a Hatake here. Wasn't it the Sixth Hokage that said "those who betray orders are scum, but those who abandon friends are the worst of scum"? You have to use your own judgement and morality a little, this is the Hidden LEAF not the MIST. Do we really wanna sign up with some evil tricky clan like the Mibu anyway?"

"Anyway, I can think of a couple of things I can do to help. I'm a medical ninja so I could be the one to declare death. I also know a technique to feign death myself, but my disguise skills might not be able to fool a big ol' proper ninja party."

gonna see if Shimmer posts