A Spoonful of Whiskey.

[Estilo]

A Spoonful of Whiskey
Rank: B.
Details: If you grew up in Kumogakure no Sato, I'm sure you've heard rumors of the elusive "mountain-folk". They're a faction of backcountry, hillbilly non-ninja who live in secret in the mountains south of our beloved village. Since the Great Catastrophe, we haven't had much problems with them. They would keep to themselves, and we would leave them alone. But now reports are coming in of strange disappearances along our borders-- citizens of ours being taken captive, to be either ransomed, killed, robbed, or all of the above. To make matters worse, the "mountain-folk" have started brewing and selling an illegal (and deadly) liquor called "Rocket Whiskey". We've been asked to put a stop to them, rescue any captives, and ruin their whiskey operation once and for all. This is our time to shine, team. Don't let us down.
Restrictions: One-time use. Team Gunjin exclusive.
Reward: 75 EXP, 5000 RYO.

N P C Sozin Hallstrom

I waited for them at the southern gate, tapping the tune to a favorite song of mine, as I leaned against one of the stone pillars there. Today, I was garbed in a stone-grey long-sleeved shirt, a black Jounin's vest, black trousers, and a pair of customized, and padded, shinobi tabi. My satchels were filled with the equipment I would need for this mission-- which wasn't much, to be honest. After all, I would be leaving the brunt of the work to my squad, and only chime in when I had to. Regardless, I had felt the need to come to this endeavor looking as professional as I usually was when attending to actual Jounin-ranked missions.

It had been a couple of weeks since we had met in the Tatsuya Cafe and, sadly, it seemed we weren't going to be able to take the mission we had intended to take. With so much having happened since our last meeting-- including the death of our Raikage's-- the council had asked us to take the training of our squad members slowly. To minimize the risk of further death, and try not to go abroad while we waited for Kumogakure no Sato to reach its prime once more. And, frankly, I agreed. But I could tell that my team was still looking for a little action. So I had chosen an assignment that I felt met all of the requirements. 

Once the entire team was here, I could explain all of this to them. The letter I'd sent them all, after all, had been pretty vague on the subject. Turning my slate-grey eyes to the streets of Kumogakure no Sato, I wondered whether Denkou was doing alright. I had heard from a few peers of mine that the others were doing relatively fine, actively participating in missions of their own, but Denkou... no one I knew had any idea where the kid was, or what he was doing, or whether he was still around for that matter. Having sent a letter to his house as well, however, I supposed I would get an answer today. His absence would definitely be a drawback here. But I was sure it'd be nothing too serious.

My gloved hands clasped one another as I stretched my arms forward, issuing a brief yawn. I should have had some coffee before this. But, and rather peculiar for me, I had woken up in a rush this morning. I'd taken a shower, prepared my gear, and chosen my weaponry for the entirety of the my first hour of wakefulness that I had plum forgot to eat. And, when I realized that I needed to do so, it was too late. I had been forced to leave then, in order to ensure that I arrived here on time. Now that I was waiting, however, I regretted not being able to take my time earlier. Did the prospect of leading this team really have me so worked up and excited?

[Etherion]

With an audible tearing sound Kai severed a mouthful of rare meat from the slab which it was previously a part of, hungrily swallow it down. Since The experiments that his captors had put on him his appetite had grown vastly more grotesque then it once was. No surprise considering he now was CURSED and had reptile DNA that erased his ability to use his magnet style. His turn of events grated on his nerves but despite his curse Kai was still himself and wouldn't let it change him.

With his ziplock baggy of meat in hand he walked along the streets of kumoakure in his usual gear with his head held high. The recent death of Eiichiro had put a damper on Kai however his successor was weeded out too quickly to even be considered a kage. The thought made the back of his neck burn with his mark but he suppressed it.

"Hey" Ahead of him Kai saw Sozin and waved nonchalantly before tearing another piece of meat. He looked ready though something seemed off. However as he came to his side he heard the issue at hand, his stomach was growling. With a glance at his bag he finished his current piece of meat before holding out the baggy of medium cooked meat. "Eat up boss."

[Estilo]

N P C Sozin Hallstrom

Just as the hunger grew strong enough to throw my stomach into a tantrum, I would spot the first of our squad far down the street. Eating, as it would appear. At the sight of his jet-black hair, and sharp eyes, I immediately knew it was Kai-- our resident "iron sand" user. Although, now I wasn't quite sure. At the cafe, he had sported a set of iron wings, that of which he was lacking at the moment. And I'd been under the impression that he carried a pair wherever he went. Then again... I'd heard rumors. I wasn't entirely sure which of these rumors were real, and which of them were fake, but they definitely caught my interest. Kai was a part of my team, after all, and a fairly integral part of it, too.  

"Good morning." I smiled as he approached, returning his small wave with one of my own. "It's a pleasure seeing you again, Kai." I pushed myself off the stone pillar I was leaning on, crossing my arms as I saw him finish off the piece of meat he'd been devouring. My stomach growled with envy. Apparently, he'd managed to hear it, too. What came from it was a kind offering on his part, one that I could not find myself passing up. "That's rather kind of you, Kai. Thanks." I answered, taking the baggy with a single hand. These strips of meat inside, cooked just the way I liked them, released a pleasant aroma once I opened the ziplocked baggy, spreading my small smile into a wide, ear-to-ear Cheshire Cat grin.

I leaned back on the stone pillar as I commenced eating, diving in to devour my meal, while attempting to avoid staining my clothes with the tips of my greasy fingers. Shifting my narrowed gray gaze towards my student, I'd casually ask, "So how are things? I trust you've been doing well." I continued to snack as he answered, turning my eyes back to the sprawled city streets before us. Behind us, the wilderness beyond the southern gate awaited, its wildlife chirping, and barking, and squawking in a chaotic chorus of sound. Somewhere deep in that wilderness, I was certain the "mountain-folk" awaited, lurking in the woods, waiting for us.

[Yuki-chan]

[Enter]

The female jogged towards the meeting place with her equipment in check. She had brought her sword with her as well as the communication device her senpai had given her all those years ago. 'I wonder what kind of problem that the mountain people have...or else they wouldn't have done such things' thought Yukiko.
She had heard a bit of those elusive 'mountain people' while growing up but yet have to meet one. Hopefully, the first encounter would not give a TOO bad impression.

But the mission status sadly implied that this would not be the case. Her eyes saw her teacher plus one of her teammates further up the street. The young woman smiled as she approached the duo, despite her teammate looking a bit intimidating.
"Hello you two. How are you doing?" inquired the Chuunin as she looked at both of them.

Her mission outfit consisted of her usual Chuunin uniform. A black sweater made out of a cotton and wool mix plus a pair of trousers made out of a similar material. Her cool beige flak jacket was added on the top as well in order to carry her weapons.
'I wonder how we're going to work together...I hope it goes well' thought the female. She had never worked together with so many people, let alone so many guys on a mission.

'Sozin-senpai seems to have a good bit of experience. Not sure about Kai-san but he seems capable. But my youngest teammate...I'm not too sure about him' pondered the young woman.
She was the second in command of this group because of her Chuunin position. This was an important role, so the brunette tried to take it as serious as possible.

[Etherion]

The reaction of his elder brought a grin to Kai's face however it was quickly dashed by his curiosity towards his well being. He took his place leaning against the wall aside Sozin rubbing the back of his neck where his mark now lay. He would then hold out his arm palm up as a black snake appeared from arm hole of his shirt wrapping out and around Kai's arm before resting it's head in his palm. "I've gained some new abilities since last we met."

His snake quirked slightly looking down a street drawing Kai's attention to their female team mate Yuki. The black serpent licked the air as Kai waved at her lightly as she asked how they were which grated on him again making his mark glow dull red on the back of his neck. "Cursed and you?"

[Estilo]

N P C Sozin Hallstrom

I witnessed, in awe, what appeared to be a snake-like tattoo moving right up Kai's bare arm. I was not in complete disbelief of what I was watching. I'd seen crazier things before, that much was for certain. But this was... new. Intriguing, to say the least. And I definitely cared to know more about it. Just as I was preparing to inquire, however, I would turn my gaze upwards, towards the street before us. My second-in-command had arrived, the talented Yukiko Fuyumori. Putting aside the topic of Kai's "new power" for a later conversation, I greeted the young woman with a deft nod, then promptly raised a brow at Kai's comment.

Surely, being cursed had something to do with that new power.

I smiled, as I shifted my eyes away from the tattoo on his arm, and back to the blue-eyed belle once more. "We're doing just fine." I answered cheerily. "It is nice to make your acquaintance once more, Miss Fuyumori." Saving the rest of my meat for later, I'd zip the baggy shut, stuffing it into a satchel on my lower back. "Well, it appears we're waiting for Hiroshi and Denkou, now." I spoke, pulling out a handkerchief from a pocket on my black vest. "I've heard Hiroshi's doing well, but have any of you seen Denkou around? Nobody I know has heard from him in a while." I would wipe my hands clean of the meat grease as they answered.

I didn't want to worry them, not at all. As that would, most likely, preoccupy their thoughts for a while. But I did want them to be aware that Denkou was, most likely, not going to be joining us on this particular venture. I doubted that would dissuade them into abandoning our mission, however. A three-man team, with me leading them, was more than enough to take down some backcountry shanty town in the mountains. Or, at least, I hoped so. The thing was, Kumogakure no Sato didn't have much intel on these "mountain-folk". They told me to expect nothing more than a bunch of drunks and would-be wrestlers. But I could tell that they hadn't been sure. For all I knew, this was, in actuality, an S-rank. 

[Yuki-chan]

"Cursed. And you?" replied the male with a somewhat gruff voice. Her face had a semi-shocked expression when she heard his reply.
Ice blue optics scanned Kai to see if there were any changes to his appearance that could confirm his 'cursed' condition. She then spotted a black snake that was wrapped around his arm...it made her a little sick for some reason.

"We're doing just fine. It is nice to make your acquaintance once more, Miss Fuyumori." replied the older guy with a sincere smile at his face. "Good to hear that senpai - or sensei" replied Yukiko.
She was not sure what to call him since she was not a Genin like her teammates. But senpai should be foolproof in a situation like this.

"I've heard Hiroshi's doing well, but have any of you seen Denkou around? Nobody I know has heard from him in a while" informed Sozin as he dried something off his hands with a small rag.
"No...I haven't seen him in quite a while actually. I hope he's not dead or something" told the young woman with a thoguhtful expression at her face.

She had not seen any of her teammates that much during the last four months. The last time she had talked with them was during that mission last fall when they had saved that woman in the forest. It was good to see the guy again and to hear that at least one of her teammates was doing well though.
'I just hope that our last teammate have not died on a mission or something. But should not Sozin-senpai get a message about that since he's the team leader and all?' pondered the Chuunin.

[Etherion]

The snake hissed quietly slipping from Kai's arm to the ground beneath as Kai manipulated its movements with the twitch of his fingers. The light would diffract of its black scales as it moved through the shallow dirt as Kai directed it to follow the path of an infinity symbol. Sozin seemed impressed while Yuki seemed put off to it, Kai wasn't entirely surprised considering most girls saw snakes as slimy disgusting creatures, he however disagreed, they survived. With a light motion of his hand in a come-hither fashion the snake moved from its path coiling up around his leg while twisting like a drill to erase the dirt from its body and leaving it on his pants. As it reached his torso Kai opened his mouth wide revealing all four of his canines had become thin, long and needle-like. The snake then slid down his throat returning into its masters body. Once within, Kai's long forked tongue slid across his lips most surprisingly was that his curse had nothing to do with this new ability it was the DNA transplant he was forced to endure.

Sozin mentioned that Hiroshi was doing well however he hadn't heard from Denkou. Kai shook his head in denial of seeing or hearing from him since the last time they had met up, the potential three-man mission didn't bother Kai so much as the nagging feeling inside of worry for his comrade. However the chuunin said that she didn't know either and hoped he wasn't dead, a pang hit Kai's stomach at the thought. “Not one much for morale are ya?”

Kai found it far better not to mention someones potential death because it would weigh on the team's minds, if one member voices that conclusion while others are thinking about it creates more tension than just to let them think what they will. With a faint shake of his head his right hand came to brush the back of his neck and over his curse mark again, the action had become something like a twitch for him since he had unlocked his second stage but no one in the village knew about the mark, at least not yet.

With a stretch and sigh of nonchalance Kai decided to move on to a different point of curiosity while they waited. Their abilities, mainly for the reason that Kai's own abilities had drastically changed and it would be nubile to think it wasn't possible for others. So he asked with a large toothy grin. “Soooo anybody have any new tricks up their sleeves since last we met up? I do but I wanna go last.”

[Estilo]

N P C Sozin Hallstrom

Kai's display of... snake-eating, clearly proved that his changes during the past few weeks were more than just skin deep. He'd controlled the reptile with such ease, that I had a good idea as to what those eggheads in the research and development division had implanted him with. But, upon hearing Yukiko's response to my inquiry, I put the topic aside yet again. My slate grey eyes had remained narrow upon seeing that unusual display, and they shifted away towards the street once I saw the last of the snake disappear.

Hitoshi still wasn't here, and I was beginning to wonder whether he'd ever come. Yukiko's mention of death hardly perturbed me... but it was a possibility. For both of our young Genin. But we would wait a little longer. The "mountain-folk" weren't going anywhere, after all. So, upon listening to Kai's latest curiosities, I'd perk up. "I'm afraid I'm still boring old Sozin." I smiled genially. "My skills on the harmonica have improved, however." I added proudly. Perhaps, sometime during this mission, I'd show them. "How about you, Yukiko? Any new talents?"

I shifted my seemingly sleepy gaze towards the young woman, the Nidaime's closest apprentice. My ear was always close to the ground, here in Kumogakure no Sato. And I'd heard some very interesting things about the man, who was still believed to be dead by many. Rumors of his ghost had surfaced just a little while ago, wandering the territory known as Taki no Kuni. Furthermore, reports of him had come in from Ta no Kuni, the Land of Rice. But they were all just unconfirmed rumors, leaked through unreliable and spotty civilian accounts. 

[tenshi]

Late--as usual.

For some reason or another Tenshi was never really part of the social clique, and accordingly never knew what was going on. His mind whirled about as he mentally scrambled to gather his thoughts. Just recently HQ let him know about the assignment at hand and of course he was way behind schedule, only delayed by the fact that he did not even have his typical gear with him. In a rush Tenshi grabbed his normal apparel. A loose fitting fishnet tank top covered his upper torso, and over that a long purple cloak draped across his shoulders and over his back. His knee length pants were of corresponding color with his cloak, as were his closed toed tabi. This was the traditional garb he adorned on average, not exceptionally elaborate nor stale instead somewhere in between. After grabbing all of his essential's Tenshi began his dash down the street.

His shaggy brown hair tumbled wildly as he broke into a focused sprint, yet his face remained expressionless. His arms pumped at his sides accompanying each powerful step that propelled him further and faster with each stride. It wasn't necessarily an awkward run, more so awkward to see such a calm and collected individual frantically scurrying through the city. Nonetheless, Tenshi pressed onward as he passed block after block. It had probably been at least eight minutes of solid sprinting before he had seen the huddled group he was arranged to meet off in the distance. The determination in has gait faded as he drew near, replaced instead by his usual somber atmosphere. His clenched hands loosened and fell limp into his pant's pockets and all signs of the anxiety that had accompanied the boy had now subsided.

In a muffled breathless tone Tenshi called out to the group as he drew within fifteen meters of them.

"Sorry if I kept you waiting."

[Yuki-chan]

"Not one much for morale are ya?" inquired the male after her comment about the possibly dead Genins. "Well...it's not completely impossible. I just want to be realistic" replied the female with a small frown at her face. She then noticed the snake Kai had brought with him twisted around his leg until reaching his torso. The guy then opened up his mouth, revealing four teeth that looked similar to a predator's.

"Eeeeugh" muttered Yukiko when she saw him eat the snake. She could feel the hairs on her neck raise slightly as he licked his lips with a forked tongue. 'Has he merged his DNA with the snake or something!?' thought the young woman with a slightly disgusted face.
"Soooo anybody have any new tricks up their sleeves since last we met up? I do but I wanna go last." stated the Genin with a curious look at his face.


"I'm afraid I'm still boring old Sozin. My skills on the harmonica have improved, however. How about you, Yukiko? Any new talents?" inquired the older man as he looked at her. She bit her lip a little when she remembered what had happened during the last five-six months.

"I'm afraid I lost my hyouton ability completely. Our ability could harm our bodies and my family had to get injections. On the positive side, I've learned some raiton as well as suiton jutsus since our last meeting" informed the Chuunin with a sad smile.
She then saw someone approach them...it was a brunette who appeared to be at the same age as her brothers. "Sorry if I kept you waiting" muttered the guy while he tried to regain his breath.

[Etherion]

Sozin watched him intently as Yuki cringed at his display, the reactions were somewhat expected from a vet and a girl. Boring old Sozin, right and Kai was a civilian. Yukiko then made it apparent that she had lost her ability to use Hyouton, that news was a surprise, he wasn't aware that an advanced release could harm its wielder. She however had learned water and lightning techniques since then.

“Hmm well I've been given a DNA transplant from the medical corps, as you might have guessed I'm now a Kage-Hebi. Though the transplant canceled my ability to use Magnet Style techniques Ive picked up a little bit of Raiton, Ju Kenshi, and Puppetry. I've also got another ability but that one will be a surprise.” He said with a grin as he lifted his hands behind him to rest behind his head.

His attention was then caught by the newcomer, a slob in short pants a fishnet shirt and a tattered violet cloak. Kai stood from his place on the wall taking a few steps forward regarding the boy, with a light sigh Kai released his mark letting it seep across the back of his neck in a burning scale-like pattern peeking out from under his black hair only visible to Sozin and Yuki from his position. “Can we help you?”

OOC: Curse Mark Stage 1 activated

[Estilo]

NPC Sozin Hallstrom

---

It was unfortunate to hear about such a loss concerning Yukiko's lineage, and I could clearly see how it had affected her. The ability to manipulate ice was a rare, and precious, talent. And, after all my years spent as a shinobi of Yukigakure no Sato, I knew exactly how precious it was to the clans that harnessed it. To have such a gift taken away, after generations of practicing it within a family, must have distraught her entire clan. I could imagine how it would feel if someone took away my ability to manipulate shadows, or carve a sculpture. "I'm sorry to hear that." I remarked. "But, at the very least, you've broadened your horizons to other talents."

I gave her a single reassuring nod, then abruptly turned my attention to a figure coming from afar. My students didn't notice him yet, but they would soon. In the meantime, I'd listen to what Kai had to tell us. Sure enough, he'd informed us that he'd been implanted with Kage-Hebi genes, a clan infamous for its affinity with snakes. Like Yukiko, he'd lost a Kekkei Touta that he had once been defined for, his stellar ability to control iron sand. But I doubted he was all too distressed about it. In fact, if I had to wager, I'd say that he had come out of these "procedures" with more than he had bargained for. Good things, I was sure.

"Interesting." I remarked.

I meant to go on-- to pry, if you will-- but, by then, they'd both noticed the newcomer approaching. This young man, exhausted from the running, apologized for keeping us waiting. And the first to respond was Kai, stepping forward as he issued an inquiry. But I noticed the mark expanding on the back of his neck and, needless to say, I was just a tad worried for the outcome. So I stepped forward before the newcomer could answer, patting Kai on the shoulder. "Ah. You must be the young man HQ sent over!" I spoke, issuing a sleepy, untroubled, smile.

More than anything, my interruption was meant to prevent any sort of misunderstanding that could lead to a violent, or otherwise verbal, conflict. "I'm Sozin Hallstrom, the Jounin in charge of this team. Please, introduce yourself to us." I beamed.

[tenshi]

Tenshi was immediately met with a muddled array of greetings, which was only met with a puzzled expression as his left eye brow lifted upwards. Although he outwardly displayed a confused look, his mind was already unraveling the true intentions of what had transpired. After all the first ten seconds of meeting someone were typically the most important. It was simply within his nature to dissect every word and action, even if they were painfully obvious. In the instance of the boy, it was a classic case of insecurity. The signs were obvious. He deliberately took it upon himself to be the first to answer in an especially snide manner; a simple desperate ruse at establishing dominance through the use of intimidation. Such tactics, in most cases, had been dropped at the door step of the academy. However, some individuals still clung to childish tactics. In the shinobi world, words didn’t set apart the men from the boys, it was simple action. Tenshi himself had taken very little time to understand this unspoken law of the land.

The Jounin himself seemed genuinely sincere and admirable. His main focus was keeping order and establishing peace throughout the squad.He had taken it upon himself to prioritize the condition of the team as opposed to establishing his place as head of the team. The simple act of placing his hand upon the boy’s shoulder as well as civilly greeting Tenshi had indicated just this. The man was someone he would have felt secure and comfortable with as the man would apparently be accompanying the group on their mission. The boy on the other hand, was someone Tenshi would have to keep his eye on, even if he was more than likely predictable as he would naturally only act in his own interests.

Even the young lady in the background hadn't gone unnoticed as Tenshi spared a glance in her direction to ascertain some understanding of her as well. Her attire was appropriate yet modest, at least in comparison to the majority of the youthful girls of the village. Her attire and silent diplomacy signaled that she was more than likely moderately timid, yet she held the characteristics of a morally strong individual. Even though Tenshi had wished to know more about this lady in question, the curt younger male would probably rashly interrupt. Still playing ignorant, Tenshi placed his attention upon the head of the group as he prepared to reply to his inquiry.

“I am Tenshi, nice to meet you Sozin. And yes, I apologize again for being late but in my defense I wasn't given much time to prepare. You know how information seems to always get lost in transition, especially at HQ.”

His response was to the point but intended to establish a friendly greeting with lighthearted humor accompanied by a slightly crooked grin. Yet, it was only directed at Sozin as the other male had already made his position obvious and the female had yet to announce herself.

[Yuki-chan]

"Hmm well I've been given a DNA transplant from the medical corps, as you might have guessed I'm now a kage-hebi. Though the transplant canceled my ability to use magnet style techniques I've picked up a little bit of raiton, ju kenshi and puppetry. I've also got another ability but that one will be a surprise" stated the male with a grin.
"I'm sorry to hear that. But, at the very least, you've broadened your horizons to other talents." stated the man.

"Thank you senpai" muttered the female with a small smile at her face. A part of her cringed a little when she heard that Kai was a kage-hebi now; did not hebi meant snake? At least that could explain why he had just eaten one. She glanced at the guy that had just arrived at the scene.
Yukiko saw that he was not wearing a uniform, but perhaps he was using his own outfit instead like Sozin did. Or maybe he was a Genin who just had not risen in the ranks yet.

"I am Tenshi, nice to meet you Sozin. And yes, I apologize again for being late but in my defense I wasn't given much time to prepare. You know how information seems to always get lost in transition, especially at HQ" informed Tenshi.
'Maybe I should introduce myself as well...he's going to be at our mission after all. Plus I'm the one who's second highest in rank here' decided the young woman while she looked at the young man.

"My name is Yukiko. I'm the Chuunin at this team and I'm happy to meet you Tenshi-san" informed the Chuunin. She then gave him a polite bow while her lips had formed into a small smile.
She wondered what sort of abilities this guy had; he could not be THAT bad if he had made it onto their team. Especially since this was a "B"-ranked mission...it was not common that Genins would be on missions ranked that high.