Hokage Castle Complex

[Hecatus]

Following suit with his team leader, the man reached into his pockets to retrieve the Iwa headband he had been handed earlier. Likewise placing it on Asato’s desk, he’d take a few steps back while allowing the conversation to continue. Listening to both ends of the conversation, Jack nodded quietly to himself while making mental notes on brief points he wanted to cover once his squad leader had finished speaking.

When the time had come, he’d speak up a bit apprehensively due to the potential lack of courtesy in his words regarding the dead. “Honestly… professionalism aside, the Tsuchikage was a miserable train wreck of a human being if we’re going to start speculating and talking about personality. I wouldn’t be surprised of Akuseru was right and she got ousted from her own damn village. That said, if she had reached out to Suna prior to that, perhaps they sheltered her simply to uphold a former agreement but weren’t willing to assist her in retaking the throne. Instead, maybe they pawned her off to Mizu?” He’d stop commenting on this point since his immediate train of thought following these sentiments was that perhaps the woman was PMSing and reason simply couldn’t be applied.

“We haven’t confirmed the validity of these locations yet but considering the circumstances under which they were obtained, there’s hardly any reason for them to be false.” Pausing for a moment as if forgetting something, the lad then stepped forward again after retrieving something from his pouch. “Oh yeah. And of course there was more on the body. Here’s a list of what we inventoried. Due to setting out fully equipped however, we were only able to bring back items of notable value.” The piece of paper Jack had handed Asato was a comprehensive list of everything found on the Tsuchikage’s body – save for the village scrolls of course. It wasn’t as though the Chuunin was outright lying. What he said was in fact true. Akuseru had gotten to the scrolls prior to him being able to inventory it properly and thus it wasn’t listed. For the most part, the items scrawled onto the paper were relatively basic weapons and equipment. The village locations, head bands, kage hat and a rough estimate of a sizeable sum of currency were also duly noted.

[Anmida]

As Aneun listened to his teammates report, and the following theories on why the Tsuchikage visited Kirigakure, he couldn't help but find a commonality between it all; they all assumed that the Tsuchikage was the one at fault. And they were entitled to such an opinion with her body lain dead only a few feet from him, and the strangeness of her actions. While not one to always play devil's advocate, he felt a random need to do so, perhaps due to the subject of conversation being a woman, albeit a very strange one.

"Not that I actually care, but what if her reasons aren't so dark as what has been assumed? Perhaps Iwa is in some sort of trouble and her only option was to seek outside help? The only reason I can think reasonable for a Kage to leave their village without guards is due to political reasons." An astute guess made from his own experiences with Kage, and just how unstable their reign could be; case in point being how Asato came into power. With first hand experience in seeing how easy certain governments could crumble, it did not strike him as odd that the Tsuchikage would leave her village without help if it was to prevent Iwa's downfall. "Perhaps a coup d'état took place. You're familiar with those right?" He said in a satirical manner.

With his brief remark, Aneun once again fell into silence as he contemplated further thoughts on the matter, at least until he heard mention of any possessions the Tsuchikage might have had on her. Being the only one with physical evidence of their looting, the following moments brought him much worry. As Akuseru and Jack presented some of the Tsuchikage's belongings, he knew he could not appear empty handed but worried about what he could present. Having already spent a good portion of the money he took, and unwilling to part with the items he took, he had but one thing to present to the Hokage, money -- again. Reaching into his pouch, he pulled out a stack of 100,000 ryo and placed it onto the table; the same amount of money meant to be Akuseru and Jack's share.

"Was just keeping it safe, ya kno." While he worried about the list Jack had given, Aneun knew he always had the small fact of Akuseru and Jack wasting an important document to their own greed in his back pocket. If he got dragged down, they would go down with him. But he hoped that having no history of stealing compared to Akuseru who had "conveniently" lost bags of money made him a bit more trustworthy despite his aloof nature.

[Arcine The Gambler]

Floor 1- Behest Board

Arcine walked into the complex, holding a fresh bag in his hand as he approached the 
administration desks. Leaning over the counter some he gave the secretary his name and credentials,
reporting in that he had completed his mission. 
"The Bandits have been taken care of along the main road."

When asked to give proof of completion, he held open
the bag. Still containing the head of the head bandit, the secretary stared into the bag
just to have the head stare back.
"Send the pay forwards when it's done."

He silently filled out the paperwork required as he waited for a response,
or for any other needed work.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Mission:Engage - Bandits}Rank: B
Description: A group of bandits have been said to be threatening our caravans on the main road outside of the Forest of Death. Your job is simple, you must go defeat the bandits - utterly. That is, every bandit must be dealt with in the only manner befitting them, death. You must bring back some sort of proof you have defeated these bandits.
Restrictions: No limitation
Rewards: 75 EXP, 5000 RYO

[x]Mission Thread[x]

[Comatose]

My index finger drummed across the side of my brow in thought as I listened to their answers. It truly was an enigma, why this had all happened. It was clear that the Tsuchikage's actions must have been - at the very least, her own. It was her choice to go up against Oyaji and it was that choice that brought about her quick demise. Whatever the case had been it had brought me to this point, unsure of how to proceed. As a leader I had to be wary, for my action or inaction could be our villages demise at any moment.

"I'm fairly certain at least a portion of each one of your synopsis are correct here. Though I am not entirely sure whether or not the Tsuchikage's actions were entirely her own and without ulterior motive we have no choice but to take it as such considering our current manpower predicament. We'll just have to be wary of impending threats or movement."

My mouth twisted into a devilish smirk as my helper signed another paper, my arm motioning as it passed from one side of the desk to the next certifying it's completion - another requisition of sorts.

"You've all done well again, I suppose I'll have to stop assuming you guys will drop dead easily, huh? That being said I see a great use in those analytical skills of your's Aneun. So I've decided to promote you to ANBU status. Of course, being that you two also were helping and had a sound analysis this offer is extended to you as well assuming you want it - the difference being that I demand it of Aneun."

More small paper helpers arrived from the corner of my desk to take inventory and store what had been provided by the three ninja, notably marking the locations for transfer to the official vault. Unknown to the trio the moment they had stepped into my domain I had already gotten wind of anything on their person which dealt with paper - including paper notes or rather ryo. They were hiding more than they had let on, but I'd let it slide only for how brash it was to keep it from me. Besides, the more they thought they could get away with the more things would come crashing down upon them when they made the wrong decision in regards to notions such as those.

"Looks like you guys got quite the haul here. . even in the personal sense. Completing these missions will net you a lot of ryo." I spoke offhand, prodding at their defenses.

[Axcel]

Akuseru remained quiet as Jack and Aneun gave Asato their thoughts on the matter. Regardless of the Tsuchikage's situation, Akuseru couldn't help but feel disappointed at how it all played out. He was even a bit sad for her. Though he did not know her personally, they had survived an unworldly encounter together and yet she had fallen at the hands of Kirigakure's substitute Kage. While no action was to be taken, Akuseru hoped to one day find the answers to their questions.

With the subject coming to a close, the Hokage had moved Aneun into the ranks of ANBU. As much as he avoided giving the Uchiha any credit, the position would suit him well. His Sharingan would certainly continue to evolve as he fulfilled his ANBU duties. Jack and Akuseru benefited from their teammate's promotion as well. As long as Aneun wore a mask, the two of them wouldn't have to strain their eyes at the sight of his hideous face. Akuseru's cool and calm demeanor faltered for a moment as he struggled to stifle his laughter. Having his hands full between lending Konoha his medical skills and following his own ambitions, Akuseru would remain quiet as the offer to become ANBU presented itself.

"That's, uh, great!" Akuseru hesitated when the Hokage suggested they had made personal gain on the mission. He had watched the scrolls of a hidden village disappear as he selfishly took its secrets for himself, but the Hokage couldn't have known about that. Right? He was probably talking about Ryo! Yeah, Jack had mentioned they had to sell off a few things because it wasn't realistic to carry it all with them. The Genin should be in the clear if that was the case! A sigh of relief escaped through his blank expression.

"Aha, well you know. . . It isn't the money that motivates us!" Akuseru said sheepishly as his imagination drifted to the sheer amount of sundaes he would be able to purchase with this insane amount of Ryo. His blank expression had all but been replaced by dollar signs at this point.

[Axcel]

Arcine The Gambler: Mission complete confirmed. Rewards have been given out.

[Hecatus]

Upon hearing Asato’s offer, Jack let his shoulders sag significantly while letting out a controlled sigh. It was an odd feeling really. On one hand, the man felt rather frustrated at his lack of career progression despite having served as a Chuunin for a fairly long time. If one were to compare his resume to a majority of the villagers, very few had actually been sent on such a high number dangerous missions. Even fewer had returned. That said, this depressed and rather enduring shinobi lacked enough self-confidence and resolve to simply confront the man on this topic out right. One did not simply ask a man such as the Hokage for a raise.

Even with all of this in mind however, the mixed feelings contained a bit of positivity as well. Upon hearing the offer’s extension to the lad (and not just Anuen), he’d feel a small bit of comfort (however insignificant it was). In order to be reassigned to the ANBU division, applicants had to be of Chuunin rank or higher. This alone was an implied confirmation that perhaps his overbearing leader had remembered the fact that Jack wasn’t a lowly genin? He had his doubts for quite some time now. Who wouldn’t after being assigned to a team of genins with a junior ranking as squad leader? The way conversation flowed between the two also implied such due to the poor treatment and lack of recognition ever given to the shinobi. It was a depressing thought Jack frequently avoided in order to prevent utter destruction of galleon containers of ice-cream in a single sitting due to stress eating. His rate of consumption was even more alarming after factoring in the use of his extra hands to assist him in the process.

A bit hesitant as to whether or not he should accept the offer, he’d finally nod in agreement before adding in a few words of his own. “What the hell… why not? Picking daisies off the side of the road never paid very well anyway.” (Lol, irony.) Allowing his decision to soak in for a few moments, he’d stare blankly while questioning his life choices. It was quite clear that Asato had forced Anuen to join due to the increased danger involved. Who wouldn’t try to get that oddball killed? That said, though their ruthless leader had stopped assuming that they’d drop dead at any given moment, it didn’t mean he’d stop trying to get them killed. These underlying thoughts caused a bit of concern for the Chuunin. Nevertheless, he had already made his decision and could only steel his resolve for what was to come.

Failing to pick up on Asato’s probing, Jack returned to reality and nodded rather innocently. Though unsure on what the man was getting at, he’d stick to the plan Team Akuseru had previously agreed upon. Avoiding an outright lie, he’d instead divert the conversation down a different path while maintaining discussion parallel to the initial topic. “Agreed. I feel like we’ve all developed quite a bit personally from this expedition. Not only did we get to travel a fair bit, but we’ve also gained invaluable understanding with regards to reconnaissance while getting a brief glimpse at inter-village relationships. It was a rather worldly experience.” Staring blankly at the floor, it was quite clear that Jack had become self-absorbed in his own reflections of the mission. Perhaps he truly did believe there was more to gain than material things from this adventure.

[Anmida]

"ANBU? Shit!" He thought to himself as Asato forced the position upon the Uchiha. While a promotion was something to be joyful about, Aneun did not find joy in it. Being promoted to Chuunin had already provided him with a level of freedom suitable for his needs, but the position of ANBU - though of higher rank - was an unnecessary step. Everyone know the duties tasked of ANBU, and they had no say in their actions compared to the Chuunin who could on some level be unable to take a mission. But then again when a mission is given by the Hokage there isn't much one could do to deny his order. Bound by invisible chains again, he couldn't help but groan internally, but would show no signs of it physically.

"Well, that's a welcome promotion." A lie of course, but one he would not share. He didn't want his life to end.

Hearing his fellow teammate Jack agree to the position of ANBU, he felt a sense of worry build up within. With two ANBU on a team, they would likely be thrown into even more dangerous missions. Having already faced a godlike being and then thrown into the midst of a war at the mere rank of Genin, he wondered what sort of hell awaited them with their newfound promotions. And on the thought of promotions, a sudden curiosity hit him as Jack spoke. From the teams formation Jack was already a Chuunin, and just promoted to ANBU while Aneun himself was of Genin rank at the start, and now of ANBU as well, but their team leader still remained a Genin. Did the Kage really find Akuseru still not worthy of a promotion to Chuunin? A sad reality that made no sense to him, but he couldn't help but laugh inside.

Laughing internally at the strange fact, the sudden mention of money made Aneun tense up just a bit. While had handed in quite a sum of money, it was not the entirety of his looting, and he worried if Asato already knew. A part of him felt the Hokage knew more than he was letting on, but with no action taken against him, Aneun simply let the thought slide. Bringing up any of his suspect actions would no purpose except to remove his head from his body.

"If this mission has taught me anything, it's that I do not want Jack handling my body when I die. Being shoved into a pinata sounds miserable." A slight chuckle escaped his lips after he spoke. And for good reason. Their manner of transporting the dead body was strange, and he still wondered why they couldn't have placed her within a coffin; it was not as if death was all that strange of an event in the Shinobi world.

[Comatose]

The insufferable antics of these three never ceased to amaze me. Two more pieces of paper were signed and transferred from the left of my desk to the right, noting the immediately promotion of Jack and Anuen who had so graciously accepted my offer. As I had internally suspected, Akuseru did not accept it - the boy was too focused on what felt right to him he didn't see gain in what he could achieve with the promotion. I wouldn't push it however and he was free to do what he liked so long as he continued to produce results.

"Oh, right - Jack, you are a Chuunin correct?" My hand turned the page of a book, searching for something as I thumbed through it, stopping once I found what I was looking for. I pointed to the picture of Jack and his records.

"At some point someone edited these records to reflect you being Genin, because they were sure a Chuunin wouldn't run around being ordered by what was a Genin. I'll have to fix it."

Despite the seriousness of the missions they were given the air of whimsy they brought to Konoha was probably a needed adjustment, something to balance out a society of nothing but death and destruction. Though I could barely admit it, it was growing on me. I had almost begun to hope they had would actually come back from this all.

"Well, with the paperwork all filled out everything is accounted for. You'll be paid accordingly. Though, one of you will have to move. . .that. .thing over to the medical facility in the basement for proper storage. I don't care which one of you it is. Dismissed."

With a flick of my wrist the process by which they had gone through upon their coming to the front of my office reverted. The floor dragged them back toward the door, before popping up to return to being a wall, and unraveling to become my 'assistant'. She waved.

[Axcel]

That was it. Akuseru had been doing all he could to stifle any emotion in the face of Asato, but he couldn't take it anymore. The Hokage having mentioned Jack being listed as a Genin in the records due to being a member of Akuseru's squad broke the boy's will and threw him into a fit of laughter. He stayed strong at first, managing to cover his face with his hand as he turned to Aneun, but his efforts were pointless.

"Aha-ha. . AHAHAHAHH!" Akuseru was forced to kneel while instinctively gripping his stomach. His efforts to stop laughing and calm down were futile--his laughter was more infectious than anything. It took some time, but he would finally regain his composure and returned to being silent. Though he appeared to been able to pull it together, Akuseru was just one small joke to setting off like a bomb of cries and laughs again.

"Ahem. . . Team Akuseru will be leaving now." Turning on his heel, Akuseru grabbed the pinata that carried the Tsuchikage and began dragging it out. He would leave it with the appropriate personal before leaving the tower so that they can store the body in the basement as the Hokage had requested.

Of course, they wouldn't leave without having their mission completions be confirmed. Akuseru would stop at Floor 1 and turn in his list of completed missions. Once he received his pay, Akuseru would take his leave from the tower and call it a day.

—Exit!

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}1x Sunagakure headband! S-rank mission
2x Village Locations (Suna, Iwa)! S-rank mission
Investigate the Kiri Confrontation! A-rank mission

[Hecatus]

“….” Upon hearing Asato’s words, the dark haired demolitionist’s face twisted wryly with a strong mix of anger, frustration and restrained outrage. To have him suffer such an embarrassment for so long due to clerical error was nothing short of unacceptable. His mixing emotions had long accumulated to the point where he would’ve simply bombed the facility on the spot upon hearing this were it not for the immediate presence of his supervisor and the time constraints on preparing an explosive sufficient enough to level the establishment. With these two factors in mind, he’d instead grit his teeth rather angrily while clenching a single fist out of disgust for this mistake.

Taking two intentionally deep and slow breaths, he’d quickly regain his composure. After all, though Asato seemed fairly tolerant of their antics, were he to deem Jack an actual threat his existence would be short in this world. Instead, the Chuunin vented his pent up fury on his junior. A single punch would be sent decisively at Akuseru’s gut, forcing him to kneel upon connection if the lad wasn’t already doing so from his fit of laughter.

Giving his team leader sufficient time to regain control of himself, the shinobi then followed Akuseru down stairs in order to receive credit for their expedition. Arriving at the first floor, he’d accept payment before going his own separate way.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{Spoiler}1x Iwagakure headband! S-rank mission
2x Village Locations (Suna, Iwa)! S-rank mission
Investigate the Kiri Confrontation! A-rank mission

Net Exp Gained: 850 exp
Net Ryo Gained: 70,000 ryo

/exit

[Anmida]

As the one who was the most aloof about the situation, Aneun found much enjoyment in the fact that Jack had been listed as a Genin within official records. And was surprised to find that Akuseru was the one to burst into a fit of laughter at the fact. He, however, also failed to notice that it was not just his teammate who fell to laughter as he himself was laughing at his teammate without even realizing it. His realization only being made apparent when Akuseru had ceased laughing and yet the sound of laughter did not fade. Once aware of his actions, he would immediately contain himself and follow his comrades actions.

As the room dragged them outside as it did drag them in earlier, Aneun couldn't help but think just how strange this place was. He wondered why the Hokage had to go through such theatrics and not simply let them use a door. Was the act of getting a proper door installed too difficult? And didn't it require a large amount of concentration and chakra to maintain this charade? It seemed a waste to Aneun but would not comment on the matter. It had finally become apparent to him that no one in Konoha was of a right mind except maybe Jack, but how right minded could a guy with hand mouths really be?

As per the orders given, Aneun made his way to the lower floors alongside his allies before handing in the missions he'd completed. Collecting his reward, he left the complex with many random thoughts flooding his mind. And a bit annoyed for not having snagged one of the headbands earlier.

/Exit.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}2x Village Locations (Suna, Iwa)! S-rank mission
Investigate the Kiri Confrontation! A-rank mission

+600 Exp
+50,000 Ryo
-100,000 Ryo given to Treasury.

OOC: Do not forget September Contest and Double exp for Team Akuseru members.

[chikyuou]

Chi filtered into the building, smiling a bit as he handed the required paperwork to the man. "Mission accomplished!"

SPOILER: Click to show

Courier - Paperwork "D" Rank"

[Axcel]

Ryo and EXP given to Chi.

[☆ F ☆]

I'm just grading Yuri, Axcel and Adero's mission based rewards. Their RP portion will be done later when I get back from work, unless someone want's to cover that.

Axcel: 850 EXP & 70,000 Ryo
Adero 850 EXP & 70,000 Ryo
Yuri: 600 EXP & 50,000 Ryo [though 100,000k was transferred]