To Catch A Thief [Krethean]

[Nickito]

SPOILER: Click to show

CLEAN UP THE STREETS
RANK: C
DESCRIPTION: Although street crime is now a thing of the past within Kusagakure, due to its bustling market and trading streets, what's become more of a problem is not aggression; but theft. Pickpockets mask themselves by looking like any other citizens on the street, and don't make an effort to make themselves more obvious, instead preferring to be just another face in the crowd. With people becoming irritated at getting their things snatched - purses, bags - all kinds of things, shinobi have been deployed on to the streets to keep a close watch. Keep your eyes open and stay vigillent! If you've spotted one, don't dawdle - your job is to catch these people, even if it means running across the entire village to catch up to them! Whilst violence isn't called upon, you're suggested to use your shinobi skills to capture the thieves!
OBJECTIVE: Keep your eye out for any thieves on the streets of Kusagakure, apprehend them and send them to the local authority! Remember to give back the stolen items, too!
PAY: 200 EXP and 1,000 Ryo.

ENTER~

Kasumi Sansei found herself standing in one of the more deserted areas of Kusagakure that cool afternoon. Though the sun was still up and business was being done as usual, people were surely still committing devious crimes. It had once struck Kasumi that if you searched for someone where they were least likely to be found, you were more likely to run into them. It was what her parents had done, after all, and she was sure that it was true of many other types of people, particularly those who were avoiding someone. Kasumi, as well as her team leader, Ujiyasu, were searching for thieves. What better time to catch one then while the sun was still high in the sky, illuminating everything on the ground? Criminals weren't often known for their intelligence, so it seemed highly probable that the success of their mission would increase with the light to help them.

The job they had taken on, the mission, was to apprehend any and all thieves that they encountered, and to bring them to prison to serve time for their crimes and attempted crimes. A little side part of the mission was ensuring that people's items were returned to them as well. Though it seemed like it could be one of the more tedious missions that Kasumi would ever take on, it was something that had to be done for the betterment of Kusagakure, and it was something that she was going to have to get used to. The life of a ninja wasn't meant to be easy or smooth, and dealing with things that one didn't want to was just a part of growing up.

She had a plan in mind though, one that she hoped would make their job at least a little bit easier. It would involve the use of live bait -- one of the two shinobi, most likely -- to lure their targets in like fish in the open water. Once they were hooked, the other would swoop in to reel in the line and catch the prey. It would be simple if done right, and add a hint of simplicity to the mission, making both of their lives that much easier. She waited for Ujiyasu to arrive so that she could share her thoughts with him and see what he had to say on the matter. One thing was for sure, however. She wanted the mission to be over and done with. There was a dinner date that she was eager to get to.

[Krethean]

The crunch of dirt was the only indicator most would have that Ujiyasu was arriving at the area. It was a very pleasant day in the village, and it was one where people would be out and about... which would make them all prime targets for thieves. The breeze picked up a little which blew his unkempt hair around a bit as the rather built Chuunin walked casually toward where he was told the next mission would take place.

He spotted Kasumi there already and he couldn't help but smile. Wow... she got there first... that is a first right there.

"Hey... looks like you're pretty eager to get this done. Bit of a hurry huh?"

He couldn't help but smile as he made his way to her, and stretched a little when he got there. Today has been very eventful, and this was their last mission for the day. After he planned to train Kasumi as best he could for the Exams, he wanted her to succeed... and more importantly, he didn't want her to die in there.

[Nickito]

"Maybe I'm eager, maybe you're just late," she said playfully, the first time she had actually felt able to be herself around him in what felt like a long time, but was actually less than a day. The smile on her face was apparent, unlike the skip of her heart beat when she heard him begin to speak. It seemed that her feelings were starting to set themselves out, and her mind was beginning to ease itself. "I had an idea, so I thought it would be good to get here early and pick a spot a little out of the public eye," she explained, turning around to look at him, her eyes caught by his long blonde hair just as they had been earlier that day. She took a strand of her own hair into her hand without even realizing it, and began to twist and tug at it.

"I thought we could pull a sort of sting operation instead of waiting and watching for a thief to show up and try to rob an actual person. One of us can do a transformation, leave our pockets or a bag unguarded and maybe a little open, and the other could watch for a crook and spring on them when they try to steal. That way, we'll be more aware of the thief we're going after, and we won't have to worry about returning any stolen items," she said, glancing around at the buildings that surrounded them. They were just a few minutes from the village's marketplace, which would be a prime area to carry out the mission. Reports of theft and robbery originating were all too common, and the Atrium had to put this particular up very often.

"I mean, if you wanna do it the hard way and just wait around, we can do that too," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "Long as we can wrap it up quickly. I have a prior engagement that I don't want to be late for," she said nonchalantly, her outside cool as water, her insides boiling with nervousness and anxiety. She waited for him to tell her how he wanted to handle it, but she soon began to grow impatient at a mild rate. One way or the other, she wanted to finish up what they were doing, go to the Atrium to turn in their missions, receive credit and payment, and get on with the night. Though earlier in the day she had wanted nothing to do with Ujiyasu, as she grew accustomed to what she was feeling and to feeling that way around him, she was finding that she wanted nothing more than to spend her night with him.

[Krethean]

Hearing Kasumi's plan impressed Ujiyasu. It was a sound plan, and it certainly would make this task much easier. It was also the sort of thinking one needed if they wanted to become Chuunin. He smiled warmly at her and gave her a nod before he spoke.

"That sounds great actually. Only question is who should be the bait. Which of us would like ot have the other looking out for them more."

He winked a little playfully as he said that, and seeing her reaction to his presence, he knew she had to be running through her emotions like he was right now. It was funny, how he was to be her mentor and her being his student... but through the day, and perhaps even prior to this, she had grown quite a bit on him. In truth, he was really looking forward to dinner with her tonight.

"I mean... keeping those thieves off you, then sweeping you off your feet might be a bit of fun there... but that might be a bit to dramatic. There's also tonight to do that I guess..."

He grinned some more at her before brought them back to business, though he was certainly feeling a lot more upbeat.

"But yeah... I know we're both able to deal with thieves without an issue, and I'm very sure we can both handle being bait well enough. Suppose it's a matter of preference really."

As he said this, an idea popped into his head, and he immediately performed a string of handseals. Two clones made of ice formed on either side of Ujiyasu, who then spoke up again, as the clones gave a slight chill... but one Kasumi wouldn't feel as she was further from them.

"I figure we can also hold them someplace too, in case there's more than one. I'll have a clone make a prison of sorts to hold them till the police get here, or till we decide to drag them off to the station."

He avoided the painfully obvious pun of putting them on ice. He wasn't keen to make lame jokes like that.

[Nickito]

"I'm glad you think so," she said happily. Her fingers still wove through the strand of hair by her side, tugging gently through them as if they were a brush or a comb. His tone of voice and wink made her smirk, and her bottom lip slid between her front teeth, chewing softly on the tissue. "I'm not sure it'd be a good idea for you to be watching me," she finally said, releasing her lip into a small grin. "Wouldn't want the blood t rush from your head to... Somewhere else, and cloud your head." She enjoyed teasing him, especially since she was starting to feel like her normal self again. It had been hard for awhile, but she was finding that she gelled surprisingly well with him, and it made everything that much easier. "Plus, I'd enjoy this a lot more if I got to watch you and then maybe show off a little bit," she said, winking back. "And I don't just mean ninja skills."

She started to walk in the direction that Ujiyasu had come from, headed towards the marketplace where they would finally begin. As she passed him, she turned around and began backpedaling. "You can try to sweep up either way, Captain, doesn't mean you'll succeed," she played. "We should probably leave the fun for when we aren't on duty though. Wouldn't want you to get in trouble for being unprofessional with a student," she added with another wink. His clones surprised her somewhat, but then again, she had come to think of them as a staple of his strategy over the course of the day. He'd summoned one on their first mission, talked of using them on their second mission, and used them again on their third mission. All in all, it wasn't really that shocking.

"That's probably a good idea. I'm sure it'll be fine to leave them there once we catch them, no matter how many we end up getting. I'm sure the people in the marketplace will keep an eye on them until the authorities show up. They report thefts left and right, I don't think they'll be eager to let any of the thieves get away," she said, glancing over her shoulder as she continued to take small steps in reverse. "Plus, they probably won't be able to break the ice of someone as skilled as you clearly are." Her pun was obviously intentional, not only because of Ujiyasu's abilities, but because of their situation. It was nothing if not unusual, after all, and had required quite a bit of thawing.

She stopped for a moment and looked at Ujiyasu with a small smile, her arms resting lazily by her side. "So I'll watch you from one of the buildings and when someone bumps you, we'll both know; I'll see it, and you'll no doubt be able to feel it," she said. "From there, we'll take the scumbag down and show them what happens when you don't scout your mark well enough." she continued, chewing at her lip a bit once more. Strangely enough, she wanted him to agree terribly. She wanted to come off as more than he girl who he had been assigned to teach. She didn't want to be seen as just a student anymore. "Sound like a plan?

[Krethean]

Ujiyasu couldn't help but chuckle at her pun, then smiled back at her. He figured he'd let her take the reigns this time as a bit of practise.

"Well, I think we'll follow your plan. I like it... that and it'll be good practise for you. In fact... for this mission, I think you should take charge this time."

It was unusual, but it'd prepare her for the trials of being in charge of a team. Besides, this wasn't a terribly difficult mission. If it were a B rank, he would take charge without a second thought. Those missions were in a whole other league, and the one time he did them was all the proof he needed of that. Ujiyasu's arm was cut and his friend was in a coma for a while, and even now he's still not a hundred percent. Usio only had the energy and the capability to tend to his parent's farm most days, and hadn't done a single mission since his visit in the hospital.

Shinobi life was merciless.

Ujiyasu did some seals and with a large blast of smoke, his appearance changed to a somewhat leaner, shorter boy with short, brown hair. His outfit was less noticeable compared to his original clothing: where he simply wore a maroon shirt and black pants with some sandals on his feet. He looked quite unremarkable, and given his original appearance, it was quite a change.

"Alright, I think that'll do nicely. Now to attract some thieves."

His clones sat on the rooftops, overlooking the area, where one would be near Kasumi so she could keep in touch through the clone's mental link, while Ujiyasu himself wandered the marketplace going from stall to stall, browsing the wares. He was feeling quite relaxed as he had some small rocks in his pocket, to make it look like he was loaded.

It was a funny feeling having Kasumi watch over him this time, but the truth is, he didn't mind. He knew he could trust her to watch him, and he was keen for her to "show off". Besides, his clones would handle whatever was needed anyway... and if worst came to worst, Ujiyasu'd just have to break his facade.

[Nickito]

"Good, then the plan is set," she said proudly, placing her hands on her hips. She knew she was capable of doing things correctly and efficiently from her own experience, but so far, Ujiyasu hadn't seen her shine like she knew she could. That was something that she aimed to fix before the day was through. The kunoichi would prove herself to be strong, adept and capable to the Chuunin with the wild blonde hair. She thought of it as a dry run for what she would need to do during the Chuunin Exams. It was nice to be able to do it in such a comfortable situation, knowing she was safe and had all the backup that she needed.

Kasumi split off from Ujiyasu as they finalized their plan. She had to admit that when Ujiyasu transformed, she found herself almost disappointed. The kunoichi much preferred his normal appearance to the one that he had taken on. Even as she watched him from a top the buildings with one of his clones, she found herself wishing she had left the transformation part out of the plan. Though she knew it was a crucial part of being successful in their mission, she would have given anything to just watch the real Ujiyasu. Perhaps that was something that she would need to work on if she wanted to be a capable Chuunin of Kusagakure. She would need to learn to put her preferences and desires aside to give the mission its best chance of success.

Thankfully, it didn't seem that the two would need to wait very long. A shady looking character entered the area and seemed to spot "Ujiyasu" immediately. He started on what seemed like a direct path to him and his open, unprotected pockets and pouches where there would surely be plenty of valuable things to be stolen and sold. Kasumi watched and waited to see if he would take the bait, the slight chill of Ujiyasu's clone being blown onto her skin by a gentle breeze that swept over her. He was almost there, and if he did go for the pickpocket, they'd be able to wrap up quicker than she had initially anticipated.

As he walked past the Chuunin in disguise there appeared to be a light bump and a short brush, with the fault lying on the mysterious man. He was skilled, and Kasumi had almost missed his hand sliding into the rock filled pockets, searching for anything he could take to pawn later. The look on his face after his hands were pulled out less carefully than how he'd slid them in gave it away, and clearly indicated that he was the one the duo were looking for. He took off at a breakneck pace, surely knowing that he had just fallen for one of the simplest ploys in the book, but Kasumi wasn't about to let him get away, and she wasn't about to let Ujiyasu get to him first. A single kunai flew out, the throw having moved so fast that it would have been hard to see from such a distance, even if the culprit had been looking at her. It embedded itself into a chunk of wood just inches from his face, bringing him to an immediate halt.

She ran across several rooftops and descended rather gracefully, landing just behind the criminal as he attempted to turn around and get away. She grinned and shook her head at him, clicking her tongue in disapproval. "Even though it was my plan, I'm actually a little surprised that took the lure," she said as she pulled her kunai out of the wood. "Just give up and I won't need to rough you up too much. It'll be better for the both of us, trust me," she said to him. Unfortunately, as he began to take off once more, it seemed he wasn't interested in her advice. Seeing as Ujiyasu hadn't gotten a chance just yet, she figured he'd be there to stop him and she could just watch and admire for a bit.

[Krethean]

The crook didn't get too far as no sooner did he try to bolt again, a pillar of ice burst from the ground in front of him, followed by more on either side, until eventually the pillars encircled the thief. Screams of confusion could be heard from within, before the top of the circle froze over, sealing the man inside.

Ujiyasu caught up to them as his clone finished the Ice Prison Jutsu and smirked at the handiwork of Kasumi's plan.

"Pretty gullible thief there... way too obvious... great work there Kasumi. Definitely more than just a pretty face... among others."

He chuckled as he slowly eased a pillar down through his clone manipulating the prison, and entered, his transformed body reverting to normal in a puff of smoke.

"Oh shit, you were just waiting for me to rob you?! Dammit... no wonder I was sprung so fast."

"Yes, and you didn't rob anything of value anyway... unless you're an avid fan of rocks and stones."

The criminal gave a resigned sigh and threw his hands up in the air. He was clearly shivering from the sheer cold of his prison.

"Well you both got me... what now?"

"Pretty sure you know what. You go to the station, where the police judge you on your crimes, and Kasumi and myself go out for dinner after a string of missions well done. After that... well I'm pretty sure that's irrelevant to you, since you'll be in a cell similar to this one... only there's a window, a door, made of stone and it might not be as cold."

Ujiyasu tied up the man's hands before the clone relinquished the ice prison altogether, then vanished along with the other Ice Clone.

"Make a break for it now, and I'll paralyse you until we get to the station."

With that, he winked at Kasumi and gave her a very proud smile, before he playfully gave her a once-over. He was sure she'd catch that, and his smile became very playful as he roughly pushed the man along the pathway in the direction of the station, making sure he didn't try to break out.

[Nickito]

"Awww, you think I'm pretty," she cooed. As he let his transformation fall, she grinned and crossed her arms over her chest. "Nice to have the real you back, I missed looking at you," she teased, though it was 100% true. "And here I thought only an intelligent thief would attempt a theft during the day. Guess things aren't always what you think they'll be." As she said the last sentence, she wondered if that would prove to be true for the date that Ujiyasu had invited her on for that night. Would it go somewhere she could never imagine it going? Was it possible that they wouldn't mix well in a situation like? For the sake of her sanity, she hoped it wouldn't end up like that. She was actually starting to feel ok again.

"If it's not irrelevant to you, I can always swing by the prison and give you a play by play," she said sarcastically, staring at the man they had worked together to catch. "Honestly, why don't you just get a real job? I'm sure there's something you're better at than stealing, because you clearly aren't very adept at it," Kasumi said with a shrug. After she had had her say, she stood back and watched as Ujiyasu bounds the man's arms and listened as he threatened him. "Always mentioning that Fuuinjutsu, aren't you Ujiyasu? Must be really proud of it," she said in jest. "If he tries to run for it, I'll just burn him a little bit. He won't be able to run with burns on his legs." The indirect threat seemed to catch the man's attention, with two threats in such a short time, Kasumi doubted that he'd try to run.

As Ujiyasu checked her out, Kasumi feigned ignorance and started to walk away, meaning to be in front of the man while Ujiyasu took the back. "See something you like, team leader?" she asked without even glancing to look behind her, toying with him just a little bit. The station wasn't too far, and they would be there soon. Taking advantage of the opportunity though, she began to exaggerate her stride, putting emphasis on her thighs and her hips. Doing that all the way to the station, she imagined she'd get some kind of a rise out of Ujiyasu. At least, she hoped that she would.

As they came to the station, she stopped at the door and pulled the door open, motioning for the thief and Ujiyasu to continue inside. "After you," she said, waiting for them to walk through. As she held the door open, she fished around in her satchel, looking for her fourth and final mission slip in order to have it ready when she got inside. Better she look like a fool in front of a thief she would never see again and Ujiyasu, who already knew her rather than in front of a bunch of police officers that she would likely work with gain in the future.

[Krethean]

It was clear Kasumi picked up on his deliberate once-over, especially given her movements and her response. He laughed merrily as he guided the prisoner toward the station. The crowds were moderate, but they began to thin out the closer they got to their destination.

"Well I am proud of my Fuuinjutsu. It's not an easy branch to get into let alone learn... and it is very useful."

This was completely true, as he learned Sealing Techniques as a way to help with the various missions he would take, as well as anything that would require his expertise. Heck he was even thinking about employing those skills with his crafting, and for carrying things too with the Summoning Jutsu.

"And you should know the answer there. Or would you like me to tell you that later?"

His smile seemed fixed as they reached the police station, where Ujiyasu fished for his mission slip and kept it in hand, before he gave Kasumi a nod for holding the door open.

"Why thank you! I guess you just wanna ogle me huh?"

He stuck his tongue out playfully as he went inside, where he went to the reception area. The black haired and neatly groomed officer sat behind the desk, scribbling something on some paper, when he looked up and saw Ujiyasu, Kasumi and the thief.

"Can I... help you there?"

"Hey! Just caught this guy picking some pockets after we found this here mission on the board. Figured we'd help out in cleaning the streets of criminals like this one."

"Oh? Well that's great news! Just hand me your slips and we'll get this man locked up."

Ujiyasu gave the man his slip and watched the clerk scribble on the paper, before handing it back. Another officer arrived to take the man away. The clerk scribbled some notes on Kasumi's slip too before he nodded at both Kusa nin.

"Thank you, that's one less criminal to deal with, and the citizens have one less to worry about."

With that, Ujiyasu turned to Kasumi and stretched luxuriously, as if to deliberately provoke a response from her.

"Well today was pretty eventful, and fun... no small part to you. See you at the Atrium!"

He winked playfully as he turned to leave the station, feeling quite fulfilled today... in more ways than one. Best of all, the night would be even better... he was sure of it.

[/Exit]

[Nickito]

"Maybe you should just show me," she said, her face firm as cement for all of three seconds until giving way to a toothy grin. "But yea, ogling will do... For now," she said mischievously, following Ujiyasu into the station as he pushed the thief once again. As he spoke to the officer, she slid her slip onto the desk as the culprit they had caught was escorted away. As he turned back to look at the ninja, Kasumi gave him a mocking wave, to which he didn't have time to respond before being shoved into a separate room. As the officer thanked them, Kasumi returned her attention to the desk and retrieved her mission slip, nodding to the officer in gratitude for the signature.

"Careful," she said to Ujiyasu, leaning in close as she had on their first mission. "I just might cop a feel in another spot," she said darkly, winking at him before pulling away. "I enjoyed it too. It's nice to get so much done," she said, beginning to walk out of the station, holding the door after she left as if there were someone behind her. "See you there!" she called as he walked away. She took a different route to the Atrium, hoping she would beat him there.

EXIT~

[The Dude]

k: 40
@n: 47