Listless (Mission)

[Kildred]

Usio walked into the home, feeling worried about his situation. He had no idea he was taking a lot of missions. Perhaps it only seemed that way because no one else was taking as many as he? Whatever the case, it weighed on his mind. A low chuckle drew his attention to his left, where an elderly man gazed upon him. He seemed to see through his predicament, giving subtle reassurances, as though he had done so for many others during his years. Handing him a list and some money, the old man made it a point to mention that he needed the items in fairly quickly. Usio nodded, scanning the list once and pocketing it. He walked outside and went over the village in his head.

The items listed were all specialty items. With Kusagakure still building up, no one store held all of them. He'd have to visit one store for every item on this list, and as quickly as possible. Taking off down the street, he hurried over to the nearest shop and checked it's goods. It happened to be the seamstress, and she was putting out the very item he needed. Skidding to a stop outside of the entrance, he immediately waved her down to sell the item to him. She blinked a few times before nodding happily and moving to bag it for him. After paying the appropriate fee, he dashed out and made his way to the next closest shop.

This one was a few streets over, and was easily accessible by jumping up and over the buildings. He had a good basis of strength from being a farmer, but he never would have been able to do this prior to becoming a ninja. Jumping down and heading into the shop, he browsed the selection of ceramics that were on display. The list specified a certain set that he had to purchase, and he needed to get it just right. Finding it near the sales counter, it held a steeper price than he originally expected. It was a heated few minutes between him and the sales-keep as he battled with words and tried to get a bargain. Managing to knock off seven percent, which was better than nothing, he bagged the tableware and left for his next location.

[Kildred]

Usio was still only a scant few streets away from the home, so he doubled back and summoned a coffin of earth. Running around with the ceramics was far too dangerous, and he doubted he'd have money left over to buy anything similar to that set. After placing the items carefully inside and sealing it underground, he ran off and made his way to the next store. Jumping on top of available street-side items, he moved to the rooftops and set off for the candle-maker. As he sailed through the city, he mind moved to his more immediate concerns. The family store wasn't doing well, as always, but remained standing. His completion of missions and subsequent payments helping out in some small part, he was sure.

To have the Assistant complement him on his workload, nice though it may have been, worried him to no end. Was there no hope for his business? Was the farm doomed to fail? He had tried to ignore the signs for a while, but one event came back to haunt him to no end. After this mission, he would accept another one and confront him about what had happened. The details, as always, were sketchy, but he felt he had a right to at least talk to the man. Coming up on the store, he dropped to the ground and landed into a roll, entering the store with a flourish. He grabbed the listed size he needed and immediately set off after paying.

The longer he thought about it, the angrier he was. He would have a few choice words, though they'd probably have no effect. Gritting his teeth, he put the candles into his shirt pocket and performed a few hand signs. Disappearing into the ground, he jetted off to the next store, which was clear across town. Anger fueled his speed, moving him through the earth at a quickened pace. Only one item left, and the faster he finished this, the faster he could go and take care of the man that caused him so much grief. What would Father think? Mother? If they knew that he was the reason they didn't get so many customers?

[Kildred]

Usio broke out of the ground, surprising a few bystanders. Calmly walking into the shop, he eyed what he came for. It sat on the shelf, untouched by anyone for the past week due to special order form the elderly man. Explaining his orders and showing the list, he obtained the framework and placed it into one of his pockets. Hurrying out, he rushed back into the ground and darted towards the home. It would still take him a few minutes, but he should be able to reach him in time. With all the items he had bought today, he had a good idea what the old man had planned. It was nice to think about, considering all the anger he still had in him because of a certain someone.

Dragging himself out of the ground, he took a deep breath while bringing up the earthen coffin. Grabbing the two bags, he marched inside and presented them to the man. If he was pleased, he didn't show much of it. A simple smile and a curt nod while accepting the packages was all he gave, as well as the signature for his mission slip. The man moved into the back room, setting up the free table with the handwoven tablecloth and ceramic tableware. He filled the bowls with a stew he had obviously been cooking all day. After setting the candles and lighting them, he took the framework and placed inside a picture. It showed the man, much younger, with a woman. His wife, he assumed. It confused Usio momentarily when the man nodded to the empty chair and started eating. Of course, given the age of the man in question, it didn't take long to realize.

Giving a bow and leaving, Usio made his way back to the Atrium. His moment of anger temporarily subsided as he thought about the man. He hoped to find someone to love well into his golden years as well, though his new profession made that somewhat of an uncertainty. Still, one could hope. His moment of contemplation ended as his next task came to light in his mind. He really had no idea about how he was going to confront him, but at least he had a catalyst. Something he could use to break the ice. As he walked up the stairs, his voiced growled his displeasure at the man plaguing his family's well-being. "Uncle Roji..."

-Thread end

[KEITH]

+40.