The Replacements! [ M ]

[Kii!]

Alright, I thought, scanning my surroundings for the team I was supposed to meet. Although this mission seemed a bit . . . unorthodox, I couldn't help but feel excited. I'd never been on a soccer team before, but at the very least I knew the rules. Since I'd actually read the details of the mission this time, I was prepared, and already used Henge no Jutsu in order to take on the appearance of the team captain. In the distance, I noticed the team, and wave happily as I ran to them.

"Wow! You really look exactly like him!" Said one of the team members, who I shook hands with.

"Yeah, we can pull this off!"

"Thanks, I'll try my best!" I said with a laugh, rubbing the back of my neck and smiling. There was a bit of uncertainty in my ability to perform as well as their captain, and I knew my own habit of activating Chakura no Iko subconsciously, so I had to repress it. If I used it accidentally, my cover would be blown instantaneously.

"The game will be starting soon, follow us," said the one who'd apparently taken charge in the captain's absence. With a nod, I followed until we were standing before the field that was our destination. Given a few moments before the game started, I bent down, stretching this way and that, bouncing up and down. Most of all, I needed to make sure I didn't kick the ball harder than a normal civilian could.

SPOILER: Click to show

The Replacements
Rank: D
Life Cycle: Once per PC!
Description: A local countryside soccer team has lost one of its most favored players, the captain of the team, and thus the most skilled one. As they enter an elite tournament, they realize that without their start, they will fail. Desperate for help, the team's owner has come to the Hokage begging for his services.
Objectives: Travel with the owner to the big game, transform into the team leader, and play the whole game. Keep in mind that if you are touched if but once, your cover is blown and the team will be penalized extremely, thus resulting in your failure!
Rewards: 20 EXP / 500 Ryo

[Kii!]

"Go, go, go!" I heard the cries of my team behind me. My position was in front, as the forward should be, and the ball had been taken by the opposing team. Setting my sights on the ball, I dashed toward it as fast as I could, noting that my team was behind me as I did. They were ready to support me, should I be successful in my steal. However, the ball fled from my grasp as it was passed to another teammate, far to my left. Scowling, I attempted to dash toward it, but it was already sent down field to my goal. Luckily, my defenders intercepted it and passed it back and forth as they traveled up the field.

My place was near the center of the field, ready to take the ball when necessary, but allowing my team to work their stuff. After all, this was their game, I was only a stand-in. When I saw the enemy team close in on the ball, I made my way toward it as fast as I could (without seeming suspicious). However, it was too late--I could only watch as they stole the ball and drove it down the field before a strong kick gave them their first point.

Shit, I thought, wondering if my inexperience was to blame. Perhaps I was concentrating on too many things--not being touched, not running too fast, not kicking too hard, not playing like a total dumbass. With a sigh and a deep breath, I prepared myself for the rest of the game. Lost in my thought, I hadn't noticed the opposing players racing toward me with the ball. However, with a new determination, I was able to successfully force them to pass, which my teammate intercepted.

Then, it was our turn. We drove the ball down their field, passing back and forth and dodging in and out of their defenses. In that last moment, I found myself before the goal with the ball at my feet. Taking the opportunity, I kicked it directly for the goal.

I missed.

[Kii!]

"Ehhhhhhhhh?!" I stood, mouth agape, at my absolutely terrible shot. My inexperience was showing. A bit embarrassed, I scratched at the back of my head and gave a weak, awkward laugh as the ball was setup. A bit irritated with myself, I prepared to intercept the kick and score a goal to prove I could do it. So, as the ball was launched into the playing field, I ran toward it with more speed than I had before. Although I wasn't running near my full speed, it was more than I felt comfortable with--it had happened mostly subconsciously, though I didn't seem to get any worried stares. To increase any suspicion about my origins, I accidentally used a low level of Chakura no Iko as I kicked the ball. The chakra itself wasn't visible over my pants, but the ball certainly was sent flying much faster than before. Taken off guard, the goalie was unable to intercept my now accurate shot, and I scored a goal!

Worried I'd blew my cover, but satisfied I'd scored, I turned and threw a thumbs up and a goofy grin, acting natural. The game went on and I wasn't suspected at all, or at least, it didn't seem that way. Holding myself back was more challenging than I'd expected, but in the end, we came out the winners. I was quite surprised out how skilled these players were, however, and was happy I was able to take this mission on as I did.

Still disguised as the Team Captain, I was approached by the team after the game.

"After that first mess up, I was really worried,"

"Yeah, but that first goal you scored was amazing! Was that really without any neat ninja tricks?"

"Ah; I might have accidentally used a little too much strength that time . . ." I said, trailing off and chuckling. "Sorry!" My hands were brought up before me, waving in apology.

"Nah, it's alright, we couldn't have won without you!"

With a grin, I nodded and left them with goodbyes. Once behind the cover of a building, I released my Henge no Jutsu and made my way back to the Hokage Tower.

[ e x i t ]

[Axcel]

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