Use What You Got [Mission] [Tamashi/Rakki]

Mission:

Tamashi had just received a special request from the Lord Mizukage to conduct a mission with a fellow partner. The young Senju found it rather odd, but did not question an order from the leader of the Village Hidden in the Mist. The sun was high overhead. This told the boy that it was around noon. Sighing softly to himself, he continued walking in the direction that would lead him to the pet center.

The village was rather quiet through his trek to the pet center. Because of that, he was able to ponder on the many thoughts that were knocking about in his head. The most recurring and particular thought that constantly crossed his mind was his origins. He knew that he was born of the Senju Clan, but from what he had gathered, Konohagakure was home of Senju members. He sighed with exasperation at his inability to figure out what was going on. Shrugging it off, he stopped as he realized that he had arrived at his destination. Entering the pet center, Tamashi glanced in all directions for where he was supposed to go. Going on instinct, he moved over to a play center type area where two pets were playing about. Tamashi knelt down and watched the two pets playing about, a small smile creeping on his face.

WC: 234

As Rakki flitted over the rooftops of the buildings of Kirigakure on his way to the specified location for a mission given to him directly from the Mizukage, he couldn't help but glance around at the subtle beauties of the Village Hidden in the Mist. Even now, a light mist hung in the air as the noon light brushed through it and cast funky shadows on the streets below with nary a building in the village safe from the sun's rays. His hand resting on the Nodachi he carried at his hip, Rakki ran his hands over the various pouches that he concealed weapons in that he had on his person. He had two on his waist underneath the white trench coat that he typically wore around, as well as one on his right thigh and two on his left.

Finding that he was near the location he had been told about, Rakki's mind wandered to whether or not he would be meeting a potential team member during this mission and if that was in general what it was all about. With a huff, Rakki cleared his mind of such thoughts, though the curious nature of this mission raised questions in his mind. Why not use ninjutsu? It was a perfectly acceptable form of combat, regardless on if everybody in the village used it. That was its purpose after all, correct? Either way, Rakki found his hand yet again resting on the pommel of his sword as it hung on his left hip under his trench coat.

Landing on a nearby rooftop, Rakki took a perched position as he tried to read the sign on the front of the building upside down. He thought it said pet shop, but he wasn't sure from his angle. Leaping down and rolling with the slight impact, Rakki found himself on one knee and reading the sign which did, in fact, read pet shop. Standing and brushing himself off, Rakki would calmly walk into the pet shop and take a quick peek at everything. To his left he saw various birds, some for carrying letters and messages while others still were for show only and to look at because of their brightly colored feathers, while some were clearly meant to be used for hunting or perhaps even real combat. In front of him he found the typical pets such as dogs and cats of differing breeds as well as smaller animals like rats, snakes, and some lizards. He noted that there was also only one other person in here besides the shop keeper and he had the appearance of a shinobi.

Taking that as his hint, Rakki would walk over to the boy who appeared to be a shinobi and would squat down next to him. He appeared to be watching a couple of strange looking animals play with each other inside of their small habitat provided by the pet shop. With a smile, Rakki would look at the boy and extend his hand in greeting. "Hello, my name is Kugo Rakki, genin of Kirigakure and the Demon of Love if you believe what my other friends say." After the boy's response, Rakki would stand and continue his smile at the boy of whom his name he would surely know at this point. "Are you here for a mission about not using Ninjutsu for a day while in the village? I got a strange request for such a mission from our very own Mizukage, though I'm not quite sure I truly understand the meaning behind why she wouldn't want us to use any ninjutsu. Do you have any insight, perhaps?" Rakki would ask, genuinely intrigued.

611/700 words.

The young Genin stared intently at the two critters playing about in the rather homey habitat.  As he watched them, he could not help but feel a sense of jealousy for the rather easy and stress-free life that the two were enduring.  They hopped about and danced with a sense of mischief and pleasure that could coat anyone with a pang of envy.  Sighing, Tamashi felt his guard becoming lower and lower.  No sooner had he realized this then a adolescent voice spoke up from behind him.  The ten year old slightly jumped at the sudden intrusion of his relaxed thoughts.  He scolded himself on the inside for allowing himself to get into such a state of relaxation.  

Turning to face the newcomer, Tamashi extended his hand to accept the gracious greeting from the teenage looking male.  Listening to his seemingly rehearsed introduction, Tamashi's face held an emotionless persona.  It was his attempt to hide what he was thinking and feeling.  "Kugo Rakki," he began in an earnest way to communicate with the person who obviously was now his new teammate, "it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.  My name is Tamashi Senju.  You may possibly know of me as The Soulless Dragon or The Red-Eyed Demon," he stated with a monotone voice however his voice still showed the pre-adolescence of his age.  As he looked at the teenager, his blood-red eyes flashed to show how uncommon and unusual they were.  

"To answer your questions, I am indeed here about the mission that our Lord Mizukage has graciously bestowed on us.  I have been pondering why he choose the two of us for such a mission, or why this mission is of much importance, but we have no choice but to follow the decision that our leader has made.  I don't know the main details of the mission, but what I do know is that we are suppose to choose one of these here pets and basically go about our day but use no Ninjutsu.  Apparently if we successfully complete the mission then we get a bonus Ryo on top of the Ryo already being given for the mission," Tamashi finished, rapping up the short summary of the mission details.  He turned his attention back to the pets, his gaze constantly focusing on the white and blue Auk.  

The creature seemed playful, but it had a shy side that the young boy found calming and safe.  It was different to what he was used to in his life as a ninja.  There looked to be no danger and the beauty that it radiated was mesmerizing.  Not letting his gaze leave the tranquil creature, Tamashi spoke softly toward Rakki, "I think I know which pet I plan to choose.  I do look forward to seeing how well we work together as partners.  It would be a change from the solo life, do you not agree?" Tamashi asked, turning to look at Rakki as he asked the last question.

WC: 234 + 522 = 756

Tamashi Senju, hm? Rakki thought to himself. His eyes were red, an unusual sight to be sure, but Rakki had seen stranger. as he answered Rakki's question, it just added more questions to Rakki's thought process. Shrugging them off, Rakki would look down at the pets as Tamashi would offer to select one of them. According to the way he spoke, it seemed as if the two of them were to be partners on the same squad. Rakki was slightly older than the boy, at least by a few years, but age meant nothing in this world of shinobi and conflict. The eight year old down the road could have enough power inside of her to flood an entire forest if she chose, one could never be too sure.

Looking down at the playful animals inside of their habitat, Rakki would stifle a yawn and sigh. "Well, choose which one you want. I suppose extra money is nice, though I'm not sure if it would be necessary for us to undertake the mission. Either way, if we're to raise these animals as our own then I hope they can prove useful. The life of a shinobi isn't exactly the place for an animal that can't fight, after all." Rakki would say as he examined the one Tamashi wasn't eyeing as much. It appeared to be a turtle like creature and was good friends with the one Tamashi wanted. Reading the sign, he gathered that the name of the turtle was Genbu as well as the basic information of the two's history together. From the reading, separating them would be cruel if it was for longer than a few days. With a chuckle, Rakki would look at the prepubescent boy and motion for the cage.

"Well, go ahead and pick the one you want and I'll snag the other guy. We should probably tell the owner what's going on though." With that, Rakki would pull out the slip of paper he had been given that informed him of the mission. After Tamashi took his pet, Rakki would take the other and move up to the shop owner and hand him the paper before turning to meet Tamashi outside of the store. Regarding what to do the rest of the day, Rakki would leave that open to the young Senju as he wasn't quite sure himself as to what to do with this new pet he had.

406+611= 1017/700 words.

The young boy raised a curious eyebrow at the remark of his partner. He wondered why the guy was okay with Tamashi getting the first pick. Usually, Tamashi would have had some type of suspicion since he normally did not trust people. However, he found no reason to have any such inklings. For once, the boy was at peace. He assumed it was because watching the two pets playing around happily and with little care for what is happening in the outside world allowed him to know that not everything in this world revolved around violence. Smiling to himself, Tamashi decides to read the information given about the white and blue pet.

The little guys name was Hakuja and he was an Auk. Reading up on the personality of Hakuja, Tamashi found that he was rather spot on with the reading he had of his personality. The pet was loyalty and loved adventure as well. He was really liking the little guy. Tamashi stuck his hand into the playpen and beckoned Hakuja over to him. After moments of Hakuja sniffing Tamashi's hand, the little guy finally got used to his scent and presence. Hakuja, feeling more comfortable with the young boy, allowed Tamashi to pick him up so that he could be held. Holding the little creature in his arms, Tamashi fell in behind Rakki who had already taken up the other creature.

The two partners walked over to the shop owner where Tamashi took out his slip of paper given to him by the Mizukage. He passed it on to the shop owner who took it curiously. Reading over the short message, the older man nodded in understanding and Tamashi made his way to the shop's door to leave. In the back of his mind, he was pondering just what they should do with their new companions. He just did not know. Hakuja was perched on his right shoulder, slightly hidden from view unless you were behind Tamashi. "I honestly do not know what we should do now that we have the pets. I mean, we could always train without using Ninjutsu, but I do not see how that is suppose to incorporate the pets," he spoke to Rakki with uncertainty.

WC: 756 + 394 = 1150/700

Tamashi expressed doubt as to what he would like to do the rest of the day, much akin to the way Rakki was currently feeling. As the turtle thing resting in his left hand yawned, Rakki would smile a bit and shrug.

"Yes, we could train without ninjutsu. As to incorporating the pets... perhaps the best way to incorporate them to start would be to let them watch and see what it's all about." Rakki would say as he stroked the turtle's head softly. Hard to think the Mizukage believed these things would become useful in some way other than playing with each other, but he wouldn't doubt the decision. After all, he was a genin so what did he know?

"Tell me Tamashi, do you have any skills outside of ninjutsu by any chance? I myself am skilled in Bukijutsu, namely the Kenjutsu side of it." Rakki would say as he patted the hilt hanging on his hip and under his trench coat. "If you don't wanna fight me with my sword, I guess we could spar with kunai instead to sharpen our individual skills." Rakki offered, though he wasn't sure if the boy would accept his offer. Unless he too was skilled in Bukijutsu, then it would become a one side fight rather quickly and Rakki didn't like that, but sparring was sparring.

225+1017=1242 words/ 700

The little Auk squirmed its way up so that it was resting peacefully on Tamshi's spiky white and red hair. This action caused it to flatten and hang down all around his hair. "Well thanks Hakuja for messing up a rather uneasy job," the unpleased Senju stated. However he found that he could not really be mad at the pet's actions because he found it rather cute and pleasant. He was glad that the little guy was getting so accustomed with him. The attachment was good for the both of them. They were both helping each other come out of their shell despite being oblivious that they were doing so.

His ears perking up at Rakki's comment about being skilled in Bukijutsu, Tamashi turned a pleased face toward his newfound comrade. "Well, that suits me rather finely. I myself am skilled in Bukijutsu just like you. As far as my specialty, just like you I too specialize in Kenjutsu. Unfortunately I left my blade back at my home since I did not expect to need it," he said rather solemnly. Now that he thought about it, leaving his sword was a rookie mistake, something he knew better than to make. "I can scurry back to grab it quickly if that is okay with you?"

WC: 1150 + 226 = 1376/700

The Senju was letting his pet rest upon his head, flattening the Senju's hair down almost completely which seemed to illicit a negative response from Tamashi. Amused, Rakki looked at his own pet who was trying to scribble up his arm but couldn't find a hold on his trench coat. Lifting the little guy up and resting him on the shoulder, it scratched at his neck a bit for some reason causing Rakki to chuckle from the sudden tickle.

The Senju then replied in the affirmative that he did, in fact, use Bukijutsu. That brought a bit of relief to him, as it gave him someone to consistently spar with now instead of just using a dummy. However, Tamashi commented that he had forgotten his sword as well. This amused Rakki more than it angered him, though Tamashi seemed to be a bit downtrodden from the mistake.

"Well, you can go get it if you want..." Rakki would start saying as he reached into one of the pouches on his left thigh. Grabbing a kunai with it, Rakki would flip it out and towards Tamashi where it would likely land in front of him with the handle facing him unless he made an attempt to catch it. It was unlikely he would be injured from such a light toss as well. "...or we could practice getting up close and personal." Rakki would then say, drawing another kunai out and swapping it to his right hand. Twirling it a bit to show off, Rakki would then snap his fist closed around the handle wielding it back hand and would crouch down a bit and turn sideways to create a smaller target. The kunai would be in front of his face, his arm bent at a heavy angle and elevated to reach his head. His left hand would be held straight out with his index and middle fingers extended and put together while the rest of his hand was clenched. His left hand would also be palm outwards to Tamashi, signifying he had taken a more defensive stance with his movements and posture.

351+1242=1593 words/ 700

The young Genin turned his face in slight annoyance at Rakki's chuckling.  His cheeks reddened, but his lowered hair hid this fact from the day of light.  Watching the sweet procession that Rakki made in lifting his pet and placing him on his shoulder and also tickling him slightly, quickly calmed the any negative emotions and embarrassment that Tamashi was feeling.  

The boy thought about going to get his sword.  Being able to practice his swordsmanship against another actual swordsman sounded very appealing.  However, he saw it unfair that his new partner should have to wait so that he could correct his mistake.  Shrugging off the notion of getting his sword, the new proposal offered by Rakki held some excitement and appeal to Tamashi.  He had not really given much thought to practicing his up close and personal skills.  The young boy snatched the easily tossed kunai showing he had some skill and was not just bluffing.  "I find your alternative to be much appealing," he stated, twirling the kunai about his index finger and smirking all the same.  "Shall we move to a much more practical area to practice?"

WC: 1376 + 190 = 1466

"Shall we move to a-" is all the further Rakki would attempt to let Tamashi get in his last statement before he would lunge forwards with his off hand in front of him. Lunging from a defensive stance wasn't always the best choice, but it could really catch your adversary off guard if you pulled it off well. Rakki's pet would cling to the collar of his trench coat by biting it, as he didn't have any actual claws or anything to grasp with though he did have a strong jaw.

Wishing to smack Tamashi's kunai wielding hand away from his body to further the distance from his body with his own off hand whilst simultaneously bringing his backhand wielded kunai up to Tamashi's throat would be Rakki's ideal quick victory in the first round. He wouldn't press the edge against his flesh for fear of injuring his new found ally, but it is what many people in a spar would do to call a "hit" as it would be in combat. In truth, just a blow that was pulled at the last second to let you know you goofed.

Should the initial encounter succeed, Rakki would grin and speak to Tamashi. "You will not always have the advantage of choice in battle." After this short statement, he would back away and prepare himself again in the same stance as before in anticipation for round two. Should the encounter fail, Rakki would make his best attempt to parry or block Tamashi's counter to his surprise assault. He would then back away, taking the same stance and would say the same thing to Tamashi with the same grin.

277+1593= 1870/700

The sudden forward lunge caught the young Genin off guard. He did not expect to suddenly be thrown into the splurge of sparring. The boy was able to keep up with Rakki's movements, but unable to react due to the sudden surprise of being attacked. His kunai hand was thrown off, opening his body for attack. This was where he felt the cool steel of Rakki's kunai against his throat. Tamashi was wary of the kunai at his throat. He was worried to swallow because he felt he would cut himself. On the inside, he chastised himself for being so unprepared and easily surprised by his newfound partner.

When Rakki pulled his kunai from Tamashi's neck, the young boy instinctively placed his hand over his neck where the kunai had rested, rubbing it slightly. "You know," the boy started, his nerves calming down and his mood changing from an innocent persona to a battle-hardened one, "I think I choose a great partner." He dropped into a half defensive, half offensive stance, his kunai held out in front of him in a reverse grip with his index finger placed in the hole. His body was slightly turned to where his right side was facing Rakki and thus giving him less to aim for. His legs were bent at the knees and well balanced giving him a strong guard. "I will not be caught off guard again," he stated, his voice set in a steely determination.

His pet, Hakuja had been startled by the sudden attack, gripping tightly to Tamashi's forward by wrapping its wing like arms around it. Now, it was relaxed, seeming to sense the determination radiating from Tamashi. It held strong as it knew it would be jostled about by the movements of Tamashi.

Gathering power in his back leg by tensing up his muscles, he used it to lunge toward Rakki in a sudden dash. Using his kunai hand, he would make a tight downward slash aimed at his kunai hand with the intention of forcing his hand down. Tamashi would follow up with a punch aimed at the center of Rakki's chest.

WC: 1466 + 374 = 1840

Rakki's pet had scurried inside of his trench coat, finding a safe pocket inside for which to hide for the time being. Even as Tamashi said he thought he had made a good choice in his choice of a partner, Rakki's mind was racing with possibilities of attack. Most of the ones he thought of would include either a feint or an attempt on his off hand, but Tamashi's approach took him off guard.

As he lunged for Rakki's kunai wielding hand, which was closer to his face by quite a wide margin than his off hand was, Rakki's off hand would snap down on the side of Tamashi's head on instinct and likely a bit harder than he would mean to do in a spar and push him off balance. He figured this would succeed largely because Rakki had over one foot of height on him as well as eighty pounds or so, as well as a longer reach and thus Tamashi's lunge would carry him well within the range to get his head pushed aside.

Whatever attempt to follow up his lunge would accompany Tamashi's initial attack would likely be nullified, unless he counted on Rakki's counter to Tamashi's own attack in which case Rakki would be highly impressed and likely at Tamashi's mercy for the most part. Either way, Following the shove to Tamashi's head Rakki would immediately sweep his forward leg backwards and to the side to try and knock Tamashi off his feet in his unbalanced state. Should this succeed, the momentum would counter the momentum generated from the push and would have Tamashi falling more or less on the small of his back where Rakki would force his kunai wielding hand to the ground with his knee and press his own kunai against Tamashi's throat yet again, signaling another victory. Afterwards, Rakki would stand and offer a hand to Tamashi to assist in him getting up, a sign of courtesy to a good adversary.

He would then speak to Tamashi. "Gotta be careful against bigger opponents man, it sucks to say it but they're usually stronger than you and pack one helluva punch if you take one to the chin." He would chuckle after this and await whether Tamashi wished for round three or whether he wished to call the up close and personal quits for now.

However, should all the above be for null and Tamashi was planning a counter to his initial lunge, the following would happen. In the event that Tamashi tries anything with his kunai wielding hand, Rakki would make his best attempt to block the blow with his own kunai whilst also pushing Tamashi away with his off hand to get a bit of distance between them. Should Tamashi try to carry on with his punch, Rakki will let it connect though it will likely be far weaker than if Tamashi had been stable and would grab his arm with his own off hand. After grabbing Tamashi's arm, he would then swing to the side and spin Tamashi in his unbalanced state to the ground, where he would plant his knee in his back and the same dialogue will occur. Anything else Tamashi would try to do would likely not work, and as such Rakki will parry the blow(s) as they come and create some distance but with new dialogue.

"Well well, got a bit of fire in you don't ya?" would be the response along with a sideways smirk at Tamashi. Rakki would then flip the kunai around into a forwards facing position, like he was wielding a wazakashi or a dagger and would resume the same defensive positioning that he had been using the entire spar.

619+1870=2489 words/700

(okay, well, I'm calling a hit since it's been like two weeks now.)

Rakki's blows connected hard and without falter, slamming Tamashi into the dirt like a ragdoll. Laughing, Rakki would help the boy up and pat him on the shoulder. "Nice job man, maybe next time." he would say with a grin. After that, he would pat the pet on his shoulder and give Tamashi a thumbs up to signify his satisfaction. Taking back his kunai, Rakki would put both back into the pocket he retrieved them from and would head for home.


[exit]

(Sorry Rakki. I had some IRL things to take care of so was busy. I understand and look forward to RPing with ya again.)

Tamashi was able to perceive each movement and react accordingly; however, he did not have the strength to fight back against a bigger, stronger opponent. He quickly found himself outmatched against the older boy. Knocked down again, Tamashi accepted the hand from Rakki and got back up. Hakuja had securely fastened himself to Tamashi's head, so the little guy had been safe from harm. His pride was hurt at how badly he had been beaten, but the training was helpful all the same. Taking what he learned, Tamashi would use it to get stronger.

"No worries Rakki. Since we are partners now, I will ensure that I will get stronger so this never happens again. Just be ready for next time we face off," he said, in an attempt to assure his own self that this situation would not repeat itself. Watching the elder boy go off with his pet, Tamashi turned and solemnly walked back to his own home with his new found friend riding his head.

WC: 1840 + 177 = 2017/700

[Exit]