The Grind [M]

[♠Solo♠]

"I didn't think you would make this so easy." Kei responded, as he focused the energy inside of his body. He was getting a free swat at the man, and he figured he wouldn't waste the opportunity. Especially when it was a chance for him to use a technique he rarely got to use. The technique, for just a criminal, would be a bit much, but he was feeling cranky after all of his missions, and he was truly ready to just sit back and relax.

Suddenly, without even a warning, the ground underneath Kei's feet broke slightly, tearing the wood up from the floor to crash with the ground once more. Charging up his right hand, he cocked back, and with immense force would swing at Tedd, whom was expecting a strike to his face. However, what would actually happen is that Kei would send his strike directly into the gut of Tedd Jones, causing him to hurl over in pain. He didn't expect such a massive force to come from a small child. But it wasn't over.

"Dai Senpuu!"

As Tedd was hunched over Kei would jump and spin his body swiftly. He turned in a clockwise fashion, extending his right leg. He moved with such speed and force that the action would happen in just a second from his last. A powerful roundhouse was sent to Tedd's face, smashing his teeth on the right side, and busting up more, unrecognizable features, as he would be sent back, through the wall of the bar, and landing into another building outside. He would be done, for the most part.

"Tch. Loser." Kei responded as he began walking back for his staff. Tedd's men all took steps backwards, as they feared they were next. Kei would simply shrug his shoulders, as he left to get the local authorities to take Tedd it. It would shave some time off of his day, but after all of it was done, he was finished for the day. A hard day's work for a shinobi, only for it all to be done again tomorrow. It was impressive to see Kei work at such a pace. He was a truly talented Genin among Iwa, and he had hoped that his actions today would bring him closer to his dreams. He began heading back to his village, where he would check in, and receive his pay.

[EXIT]

[vegapunk]

57 EXP @ Zeig!

[♠Solo♠]

Enter! Kyousei, Kei!

Teachers Pet [2]
Rank: C
Ninja needed: 1-3
Mission info: Ichimo Baku has become pleased with your work and now wishes you to try assisting him with teaching the class of academy students. You may be asked to portray some sets of skills of yours in order to demonstrate in front of the class during time of instruction.
Special Info: Must have completed Teachers Pet [1]. May be repeated up to five times.

The day was new. Kei stretched and lifted his arms high above his head, yawning slightly. The air rushed through his nose like a current. It was a good, familiar smell sweeping over him. The village of stone, Iwagakure. His pace began toward the Academy, where his first assignment was to take place. With his body even more in shape than before, he felt he would win his bout today. A rematch to be held.

Baku requested aid once more. They had a score to settle. In the past Baku had requested Kei take him up on an offer, a spar, to show the children a good example of taijutsu. Needless to say the teacher, Baku, would completely embarrass Kei in evading every single attack Kei sent at him. Just the thought made the child's heart race. This time would be different. He hadn't taken up missions for almost a week. Disappearing into the mountains he was found training, learning a new art. Now without his spear he fought with his body as a weapon.

The thoughts drifted through his head as he arrived at the academy. The familiar tall pillars which marked the entranced remained where they last were viewed. Kei entered into the building, looking for Baku's class. He wondered if the students would be excited to see Baku and Kei fight again. He wondered if they would be excited for Kei being pummeled once more. No, things would be different this time around.

There it was, west of the restrooms, down the long hall. Baku's first year class. He taught the kids that came in to be shinobi. Kei's special case allowed him to simply advance to the year two students, where he would be able to graduate shortly after. He stopped in front of the wooden door with the small glass window. He was made so that vision was blurred between in. Kei couldn't see inside the classroom. Only the silouete of what he assumed to be Baku. He was in.

"At last. Here we go."

[♠Solo♠]

The classroom was under it's usual ritual for the day. Baku gave them assignments based off of what they learned the day after. Followed by a lecture, and perhaps a demonstration of sorts. The students seemed to love watching Baku and his entertaining demonstrations. Shuriken and kunai training was one of the best, as it would be the first real time training the students would get after learning the basics. Kei remembered his days, being entertained by his teacher doing magic like feats with shuriken and kunai.

Their usual routine would be interrupted by the sound of the double doors sliding and blending to become one. Kei stood at the entrance, his hand still pushed up on the door. The students all looked at him with shocked expressions on their face, as though they were told a ghost story. They couldn't believe the transformation that had taken over Kei. He grew to look incredibly strong. His form filled out like that of a well seasoned man.

"Seems someone's been working out." The voice shot from the lone man at the front of the class. He held a book in one hand, with his other on the nose of his sun glasses, completely blocking his eyes. Kei knew that his gaze was on him however. He could only grin at Baku's comment.

"Yeah. Been waiting for a day like today. To show everyone a legend in the making." His words confident in his appearance as well. An aura almost seemed to have showered over him. He meant business today.

[♠Solo♠]

The kids all turned their eyes to Kei. His confident grin still stuck on his face. They followed him like a hawk as he scaled across the wooden floor to get to Baku. The teacher, standing taller than Kei, would flick his finger to his sun glasses to adjust them on his face. He gazed on Kei's frame like a scientist observing a new discovery. He slapped the small book in his hands closed.

"Where's your staff?" he said in a serious mono tone. He knew it was Kei's preferred weapon in combat. He was normally never seen roaming the village without it.

"I don't need weapons to defeat anyone. I am my own weapon." Kei responded, lifting his fist to Baku, clenching it tightly. The sound of his muscles squeezing together could be heard through out the room. The children all open their eyes in amazement. Some oohed and ahhed. "We have a demonstration for these guys, do we not?" Baku's eyes gazed on Kei as he slowly lowered his arm to place his book on the desk in front of him.

"Class. We'll be continuing our taijutsu lesson in the fields today. Everyone outside." Kei walked over to the front of the row of desks the students sat at, rounding them up like cattle.

"Come on, you guys know the deal. Two lines." Kei rustled up the cattle and farmed them toward the training area outside. It was like deja vue. Kei walked outside the doors to prove his strength to the students, to Baku, and mostly to himself. Though he was young he knew he was a powerful fighter. He just needed to show it. Here he stood today, now more confident than before. Baku took a little time to get outside, but he knew he was preparing and on his way.

[♠Solo♠]

The children are whispered and talked amongst themselves for the time they were outside waiting on their faithful teacher. Some of their voices could stretch to Kei's ears, whilst others escaped him in the crowd of voices. A mixture of emotions passed through him, some as violent as a ripping tidal wave and others joyful and happy. He had some fans among the children and some who thought he wasn't even worth the time.

"Ha! Ichimo-san would wipe the floor with that kid!" A snot nosed, heavy set child said. His fist were clenched together, for emphasis on how excited he was to see his favorite teacher beat on Kei.

"I dunno," a younger looking girl said. She wore a pink dress, with fishnet leggings on her legs. She probably came from a relatively successful shinobi family. "He does look a lot stronger than before. Maybe this time he'll actually beat him."

"No way. That Kei kid is dead. Ichimo-san NEVER loses to anyone." The boy sounded even more excited, stomping his feet to each statement. Kei's teeth grit together. He held his composure. He wanted to strangle the brat. His anger would fade with the wind, as the face of Ichimo Baku emerged from the darkness of the entrance to the school.

"Settle down, class." He spoke subtly. The sea of voices came to a swift and abrupt halt as he spoke. "It seems our friend here has been training for today. Planning on beating me this time?" Kei walked and stood next to Baku, facing the children.

"Just say the word."

[♠Solo♠]

The area grew silent as Kei made his statement. Everyone's eyes tuned in on one another. The wind picked up slightly, making a whistle in the air that was rather high pitched and unusual for Iwagakure. They never had any weather issues with wind or tornadoes. A breif chill even took over everyone's body. An interesting and almost set and precise mode and feeling for the tone of what was to come.

"OK then," Baku finally chirped up, breaking the silence over everyone. His fist was clenched and held to his mouth. He let out a small cough, taking his own germs, as opposed to letting them flail in the air. "You know the rules, Kei. However, in lue of your recent training, let's up it a bit. Land two clear shots on me anywhere, and you'll win this contest. The same will go for me as well. Whomever lands the two clean hits first wins. Deal?" Baku extended his fresh hand to Kei to shake.

"A man's challenge. I like it." Kei picked up, grabbing and gripping Baku's hand as he shook it. He was impressed. As strong as he had made himself recently become, Baku held a grip almost equal to Kei's own. It was no wonder he was such a powerful taijutsu fighter. His own body was able to perform at levels Kei would like to reach. Maybe.

"Let's begin then. Take your place." The two would take and stand five meters from each other, looking each other down. Baku's air didn't shift at all. He was still feeling confident as any teacher would in the face of a Genin. A certain arrogance flying over head. Kei clenched his fist hard. He planned to break that. With the moment in his mind he aimed to achieve it.

"Let's rock!"

[♠Solo♠]

"Hiyaah!" Suddenly Kei's body, almost as thought he wasn't moving it, but some force lifting him from the ground, and propelled him forward, he broke into an attack. He extended his right leg, aiming it toward Baku's face. The sudden attack was fast and it appeared to have been a good decision, as Baku had little time to react. He thought the battle was half over. However Baku's face would distort itself and fade as Kei's foot, then eventually his whole body passed through it.

"Shunshin, huh?" Kei said, as he turned his head over his shoulder. His eye on Baku, whom had placed himself another five meters away from Kei, still smiling. He even went as far as to taunt the young Genin, waving to him and grinning sheepishly.

"Gotta do better than that." He perked up. He wanted to be inside Kei's head and he knew how to get there, how to truly get there if he so chose to be. However all he would require for now is the small taunt. Kei let out another yell as he approached and cocked his arm back. As he neared striking distance from Baku the teacher would throw both his arms up to block Kei's attack.

The shock would show on Baku's face, as Kei's attack hurt several times more than it did before. The Genin's new figure was not strictly for show, as he made sure not to even be touched with another strike. Kei would follow up his right straight with a left hook at Baku's face. The teacher would duck, and fly backwards away from Kei, once again swiftly distancing himself.

"It seems you still have much to learn, Kei." Baku would try his lecture once more. However he would be interupted by Kei suddenly appearing behind him and attempting to send a ax handle down upon him. Baku, however, would send the swiftest two strike's to Kei's body he had ever seen. He felt Baku's palms slapped his chest twice, and literally pause him in his attack. All in one, fast, fluid motion.

"Maybe next time, Kei."

[KEITH]

42 EXP

[♠Solo♠]

Weapons Management
Rank: C
Ninja needed: 1-3
Mission info: Recently a batch of Iwagakure’s weapons (kunai, shuriken, etc) have been looted by a rogue non-ninja. The tsuchikage has ordered someone to find this man in order to arrest him. He is said to be very dangerous considering the amount of weapons he stole.
Special Info: May be completed up to five times.

Kei, Mr. Baku, and his school of young, aspiring shinobi would return to the classroom, where they would have a review of the short battle that incurred. Baku explained how Kei's new body and training has caused him to lose some speed. It wasn't very uplifting or motivation that his training had caused him harm, regardless of how small the issue was. However the exchange for raw, menecing power would seem all the more fair, as even Baku admitted he was frightened to take a blow.

Everything was wrapped up and Kei left to head back to the tower. His next mission required he find the rouge ninja whom was stealing weapons from Iwagakure. The information placed a name and face. Miyamoto, Nagashi. Miyamoto was once a Chuunin shinobi in the village of Stone. However he recently went missing and began his life as a rouge ninja. Supposedly, he appears within the village during transactions of weaponry, ambushing and looting the trade as it goes down.

The client, Mr. Sven asked for some shinobi to assist him in his issue. His shop was located further to the south east of the shopping district of Iwagakure. Kei would meet him there. Picking up his feet he began swiftly running for the store. He decided it would have been faster to take to the building tops. They would be able to hold him and his amazing weight, for the structures of Iwagakure are not just for show. They give the village a name such as the Village of Stone for a reason. The ceilings of the business and restaurants Kei treaded on wouldn't even rumble.

He hopped from building top to building top, excited to get the missions started. It was still early in the day. He was hoping to finish and grab something to eat before starting a next set of missions. Coming close to his destination he decided to jump off the side of a building, falling a full ten meters toward the ground. A swift crouched allowed him a comfortable landing. He looked at the store. A self defense store it looked like. Kei stepped inside.

[♠Solo♠]

Knockknock. Knock knock. Kei's hands would bang into the door of the store. It had a tiny window in the center of it, raised slightly higher than being directly in the middle. Kei slide his hands into his pockets, as he waited for some sort of response. He looked all around the store for a few seconds before knocking again. Two, three, four more bangs on the door. Yet nothing. Kei lifted his eyebrow, feeling a slight anger grow inside.

"Is he not even here?" he wondered. However his curiosity would be killed off by the sound of falling objects from the inside of the store. "Huh?" Kei moved close, putting his ear to the door. The sound of rustling could be heard from the inside. "Hey!" Kei shouted, moving his hand toward his mouth to shell in the sound directly to the door. "Mr. Sven!? You in there?" Still no human response. Just the sound of rustling boxes moving from place to place. It sounded crowded on the inside.

"Whatever." Kei said, as he took a couple steps back from the door staring at it. Without warning he brought his foot up to smash the door in. It broke in half as it attempted to fling open, but would only fall to the ground from Kei's force. The inside was pilled with boxes upon boxes. Underneath it all a man's foot could be seen. Kei's eyes instantly noticed the strange setting. Then, from almost nowhere, a head popped through the top of the boxes. And it was angry.

"YOU BROKE MY DOOR!!!!?" Kei jumped in shock, as he looked at the damage he caused, then back to the head with a pile of boxes for a body.

"Oh...uh...," Kei scratched the back of his head as he chuckled and turned back to the face. "I'll pay for that. I take it you're Mr. Sven?"

"YOU DAMN RIGHT! I'm the famous arms dealer, Mr. Sven. I sell weaponry from all across the land, for your own self defense. HAHA!" The old man seemed rather ill in the head. Kei folded his arms wondering how strange this merchant was. The two would get situated and acquainted as others normally did. After a small time they began their talk about the mission.

[♠Solo♠]

"So, this guy keeps ambushing you then?" Kei asked of Sven, as they all traveled toward the large shipment that was to be moved. The haul would be made through a cattle pulling a large cart. The two approached and examined their means of transportation. With the shipment crates and Mr. Sven himself, there was already hardly any room for another person. And to matter things worse Kei weighed infinitely more than his appearance gave way.

"I'll walk." Kei said, raising his hand as he started forward, moving toward the village gates. Sven cracked his whip he carried and with a loud moo the beast would begin it's slow pace speed toward the gates.

"I usually never make it to Bukongai City. I'm always ambushed by three individuals. Their faces are covered in masks. I have no idea whoa they are." The excitement could be heard in Sven's voice. He definitely had hoped his shinobi companion could assist him in dealing with the operation. As time passed the two would eventually make it to the gate.

"I'll keep you safe. If they attack again I'll be sure to protect your stuff!" Kei went on with a proud tone about how he planned his attack and what he would do. He spent some time bragging to Mr. Sven about his ability, but the old seller wasn't convinced. Kei's age truly showed on him.

[♠Solo♠]

The two started their adventure after exiting from the large Iwagakure gates. Kei said his usual pieces to the guards whom ended up on gate duty every time it seemed Kei is leaving for a mission. The two took the western path that would eventually lead them to Bukongai city. The day was still relatively fair. The dust like air would randomly kick up to bash into any traveling faces that may come past it.

The journey would be silent, for the most part, Kei keeping his sense astute, and his mind on the job. The two eventually made their way to a path surrounded by large trees and the like. It was fairly silent. Too silent for Kei's liking. The hairs on the back of his neck began to stand as he entered. His senses would pick up the unnatural air that surrounded them, unlike that of Sven, whom claimed to be a rather good fighter in his day. He didn't appear to be old in any regards. Perhaps in his thirties or forties.

"Stay on the look out." Kei spoke up, as his eyes surveyed the area. Normally the sound of wildlife is abundant and screaming at the ears of the people who passed by. However this particular setting was as quiet and still as a painting. It would worry the Iwa shinobi heavily.

"Are you sure this is the only path to Bukongai City?" Kei chirped up, breaking the ever lasting silence.

"Wah?" Sven responded, appearing to have had been in something of a slumber. "Oh, oh yeah. Fastest way. Can't waist time." He continued on, as he shrugged and started to slowly close his eyes. He would be endowed in lovely sleep, had it not been for the strange happening, the beginning of the set up.

[♠Solo♠]

A loud crunching sound emerged from almost nowhere. It startled both Kei and Sven. Suddenly the wagon found itself tilted onto it's left side, almost forcing Sven's items and equipment to fall from is position in the back of the carriage. Kei's feet stopped in their tracks as his eyes turned to the source of the sound. The wheel of the carriage suddenly just broke off. It rolled for a second before coming to an inevitable fall.

"What just happened?" Sven asked. Kei grit his teeth as his senses flared like a rocket. He turned his eyes behind him to find an odd looking bush on the side of the road. It was rather large and green. But something was off about it. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but something was strange.

"Help!" Sven's voice carried from across the way. Kei turned his eyes back forward to find a cloaked figured holding him at blade point, a kunai extended towards his throat.

"Keep your mouth shut and everything will be ok." The man said, as a second intruder appeared from almost nowhere behind him. He was dressed the same as the first assailant in all black.

"Clones huh?" Kei said, as his leg lifted to take off at the two. However a flash stopped him in his tracks. A large blur of nothingness materializing into a human body would just emerge out of thin air in front of Kei, armed to the teeth. Before Kei could gather rational thought he had to rely on his reflexes to avoid the blade that was now aiming to take his neck off. The mysterious figure attempting to end the life of the boy. Kei, however, would bend his body backward, to keep the blade from reaching his neck. Bringing himself back, however, would be more than just a safety maneuver. He sprung himself forward with enough force to send a powerful headbutt to the masked villain, which would erupt into smoke as he was struck.

"A ninja, I see. Greetings, brother." The masked villain would speak out. "Unfortunately, I can't let you keep me from my cargo."

[♠Solo♠]

Without waiting for another word, however, Kei would rush forward, using his shinobi techniques to close the small gap between him and Sven. Appearing in between the two in an instant, Kei would use the time to disarm one of the men. Kicking at his arm from a lower position, Kei sent the man's sword flying into the air. Followed by a rising headbutt to the masked man's chin, only to send him into a world of smoke as well. That left one.

"Very good. But...," Right before Kei could see him he had armed himself to the teeth. Metophoricall and literally. A katana was caught inside of the man's mouth. He held it with his teeth. Two more swords were held within his hands, and two more in even more weird places. Caught between one of his legs and one of his arms, he held two more katanas, making a total of five being held at once. "Now I have to eliminate you. HA!"

The bladed fighter sprung himself at Kei, curling into something of a ball and spinning, making himself into a deadly spiked ball. Kei jumped to the side, catching himself from falling onto himself by throwing his hand down to the ground, only to lift him back to his feet, all in one motion. However before he could brace himself the ball of death continued to attempt to strike the Iwa shinobi, flying back and forth, one by one, speeding past him. As his speed increased so did Kei's wounds. Scratches and cuts all over his body could be visible after the man had his way. Or so it seemed.

Kei grinned as he caught onto the robber's location and watched him fly at him like a bullet. The red haired ninja simply took in a deep breath and crouched slightly, pulling his right arm back. He clenched his hand into a fist. Just as the man came within striking range Kei sent out a swift, and powerful attack at just the right spot as to where he kept himself from being cut by the blades. Not only did he stop the villain but sent him flying backwards, through a tree and crashing into another one, bringing him to a terrifying stop.

"Is it over?" Sven asked as he came from hiding underneath the carriage.

"Yup. No need to worry old man. Let's get this stuff where it needs to go."

The two would load up the materials onto the back of the cattle, as the carriage no longer would be of service to them. Their walk would be long, but it would be safe, as the thief was taken care of. Upon arriving into the city they would rest for a bit before parting ways. Kei returned to Iwagakure, where he would turn in his missions.

[Exit]