Patrolling is thirsty work

Mission Descriptions:

It was going to be another cold day outside for Anastasia Akari; the Akari Genin had received a mission report last night that she was assigned to patrol duty for the day, and there were a few areas on the route. She would have to make sure to bundle up properly again so as to remain in top form for the patrol, in case something happened on her watch. She prepped warmer clothes to go under her normal clothes and armour before going downstairs to eat a warm breakfast. Absorbing some extra heat was never a bad idea before going out into the cold.

Once she’d finished eating, Anastasia made her way back upstairs to finish getting changed and grabbed the rest of her equipment on her way out of her family’s home. She wore Brightblinder at her hip, and was wearing her traditional armour and cape. The meeting point for the first mission would be the main HQ of the village which was located in the Unseen University. The walk was marginally more pleasant than her last excursion outside, only for the wind to pick up, causing the cold to bite even deeper. Her cape flapped behind her dramatically, causing her to roll her eyes. She squared her shoulders and soldiered on, slowly making her way to the Unseen University.

The roads were basically deserted, likely due to the weather. Anastasia couldn’t blame them; she’d rather be inside if she could help it. As she approached the Unseen University, she could tell that the building itself was the opposite of the streets; the nerve center of the village would never sleep and a constant stream of people coming and going was a testament to how much work actually got done, even on harsh days like this. The guards at the gate knew that Anastasia would be coming for a mission so they waived her through without hassle. There was a designated meeting area for the missions she had been assigned, so she would wait there for the rest of her team to show up so that they could get the mission started.

WC: 353

As Joro awoke to the soothing sounds of the few remaining birds in Hoshigakure, their melodic tunes accompanied by the gentle rustling of leaves, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the ones that had migrated south. Despite their absence, the morning symphony still echoed through the village, invigorating him for the day ahead. Embracing the chilly air, Joro ventured outside in his comfortable sweats, savoring the refreshing sensation on his cheeks. The cold added a rosy hue to his complexion, accentuating the natural blush and freckles that adorned his cheeks and nose. In the winter, this unique feature almost resembled a mask against his otherwise fair skin. With each breath in and out, Joro immersed himself in the morning meditation, allowing the sounds of the birds and the brisk air to channel through him. The sense of joy served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nature and his own spirit.

After completing his daily meditation, Joro began to pour some tea into the old pot that had been passed down in his family. His mother had given it to him, and though he hadn't thought of her in some time due to the pain it brought, today he allowed himself to feel it as an exercise, nothing more—or so he thought. While making his tea, he prepared to leave for his patrol duties for the day, having received the mission report the previous night. It was time to get going. Joro finished up some stretching to limber up for the day, then donned workout pants, a thick t-shirt, a thick long sleeve, and a simple cloak. After dressing, he grabbed his katana and the tea, ready for his journey.

The meeting point for the mission would be the main HQ of the village, located in the Unseen University. His walk there was rather pleasant; he heard the beautiful melodic sounds of the birds in the overhead trees and saw a couple of his neighbors along the way. As he drew nearer to the meeting place, the streets grew quieter with fewer people out. Past the guards waiting for him, he walked into the Unseen University, only for it to be bustling. Joro wouldn't blame the civilians; he would rather be in the warmth than the cold outside. Upon entering the meeting place, he saw a taller woman with bright golden hair and eyes as blue as sapphires. Her hair was braided but still reached down to her hips. Speaking of hips, her figure was subtly athletic, carrying a lean build with subtle curves. Joro walked into the room, and as they were the only two present, they were still waiting for the others. Joro introduced himself, offering out a hand for a firm handshake with the woman, and said, "Hi, I'm Joro Shokku. I believe that we have patrol duty today, if I'm not mistaken. I hope we can get this patrol done sooner rather than later considering the weather." With that remark and the hopeful reciprocation of the handshake, they would be waiting for the others to arrive.

WC:514
TWC:514
MTWC:867/8,000

Meanwhile, elsewhere at the edges of the bustling City Square in Hoshigakure-no-Sato...


Jurei finds herself among the sparse sea of village folk who are going about their daily lives, with her trustworthy raccoon dog perched on both shoulders. Given the chilly atmosphere in recent weeks, she reckoned she could stop by a clothes shop to fetch herself a coat the stymie the bone-chilling winds. She ventures into a nearby store and browses around for a while until she spots an appealing piece of clothing. The item in question is a long black trench coat with a hoodie and a pair of gloves that match its color perfectly. She picks it up and inspects it closely before putting it on herself. Pleased with herself, she then beckons her furry companion to cuddle up on her shoulders and wears the trench coat again.

"Doesn't chaff on your fur, does it?" Jurei asks as she strokes the raccoon dog's head gently.

"Feels as right as rain, may as well being a second blanket," The Bake-danuki remarks. "Flattered as I am for you to consider, you may get some strange looks, though, if you tuck me underneath all this. Have folks thinkin' you're a hunchback from some backwater hamlet or somethin'."

"I'll take my chances with that," Jurei replies with a chuckle. "Besides, it's cold outside, and I'm not about to let you freeze out there."

"'Ey, suit yourself, then," The raccoon dog shrugs nonchalantly as he snuggles up against Jurei's neck. "Ah, here. Take these while you're at it." He discards his straw hat and blue cape to his owner, to which she warps the two into a space-time storage space, blinking inward out of existence. Jurei then pays for the trench coat, a pair of woolen gloves, and a beige woolen scarf at the counter before heading out of the store with her companion still perched on her shoulders. She strolls along the streets of Hoshigakure-no-sato until she reaches the Unseen University where she will be meeting up with her two other teammates, Anastasia Akari and Joro Shokku.

Jurei vaguely recalls meeting with the former at the Dojo Yard a month ago or so while she was training with Ninjiro. She was also the same person who taught her how to manifest and utilize the fire element with enough familiarity to at least learn to light a candle with just her fingertips. Not a major achievement, but certainly nothing to scoff at for a first-day attempt. She's since expanded her repertoire and hopes to expand it even further before she reconciles with the idea of sparring with any of the available shinobi on duty. It wouldn't do her any good to sit on her laurels and count numbers on a spreadsheet if she can't handle herself in a combat situation. The latter, however, is a new name. One she isn't familiar with, but she's certain they'll be good colleagues nonetheless.

She soon arrives at the Unseen University where her compatriots would be stationed. Thankfully, there's little to no fuss with the guards present, recognizing her almost immediately and letting her through to enter the facility. And to her surprise, it's packed full of faculty and ninja alike. She half-expected the atmosphere from the inside to be quieter, but who knows what brought so many of them here today? Nevertheless, Jurei navigates through the crowd until she spots two individuals who seem to be waiting for someone. Jurei approaches the two and greets them with a smile and a polite curtsey.

"Hello, you two must be Akari Anastasia and Shokku Joro," Jurei remarks. "I'm Ryoinsatsu Jurei, pleased to meet you," She then gestures to the Tanuki hunch over her shoulders before reaching a hand to ruffle the top of his head. He yips in kind. "This is my buddy, Ninjiro. He's my familiar. He can be a bit of a troublemaker sometimes, but I promise he means well. In any case, I've already been briefed on today's set of tasks and have everything I need on my person. So, if there's anything left for us to do before we set off, then by all means. If not, I'm ready whenever you all are."


WC: 700
TWC: 700/2,000
TMWC: 1,567/6,000

Fists clash against a metal punching bag within the rather small housing that Toran had received from his parents. They had offered it as a gift of condolence for how he felt about himself. The slow rise of the sun in the morning illuminated the young boy covered in sweat. It wouldn’t be long until he was sent on another mission. His hands were wrapped in bandages to cover the scraps and bruises from his hands. With one final strike to the dented metal pole. He finally felt the sting of pain along his knuckles. Toran flexed his arm slowly, wincing every time his hand would open fully. That certainly wouldn’t be a good impression on others. The small bits of blood seeping through the bandages meant he’d have to replace them very soon. A sigh escaped the young Uchiha’s lips before he began to set up for the day. First starting with cleaning himself. A simple shower would do, and after he was done, wearing some decent clothing at least. A simple red shirt covered up with a white uniform-like shirt that went down to his waist. His arms covered up to his wrists. His black hair was slightly disheveled even after drying off from the shower. But at least he felt better, his knuckles would recover quickly. Grabbing a pair of black fingerless gloves, Toran would check his mail. The cold bite of the air hit his skin for a moment while his arm reached for the mailbox. The metal was cold when he flicked it open, yet he’d stay out in the cold for a few moments longer, his hands quickly checking the mail until he had found what he was looking for. A small scroll with details on what his supposed mission assignments would be, which were primarily patrol-based missions. However, the scroll did not specify who he would be going with on the mission, only that it would be a team effort.

“At least it’s better than nothing,” Toran thought to himself before walking back into his house, sorting his mail from what was most and least important on the small dark wooden desk that was to his right. He’d stride over towards where his blade was, placed against the wall since it was bonded to his chakra, meaning no one but himself could properly wield such a blade. Toran instantly holstered the blade on his left hip for easy access before quickly rushing back out the front door. The cold air bit his skin once again, yet this time he felt joyful to supposedly have the excuse to not be stuck inside of his home. The unseen university was always a good place for planning, especially since it would be warm during this time of year.

The sprawling center was bustling with people, primarily crowding around one another for warmth while their houses were heating up. Toran looked out of place, barely covered up besides his jacket and pants. Black shoes kept his feet loose while most were currently wearing boots. At least there wasn’t much in the way of snow again within the village hidden within the stars. Yet his path was met with the small hums of music, people chanting and praying near the center square. Still hoping that those who were favorable to the shinobi would listen. Religion was a mass divide within this village, yet he wouldn’t dare comment on it. Instead making his way towards the Unseen University. Unaware that there would be others also patrolling the city at large.

Toran arrived just a bit after Jurei Ryoinsatsu had. The guards let him in due primarily because of his father's own work inside of the university. He’d found the place to be bustling with what seemed to be even more people than the town square. From shinobi to aristocrats, scholars, and merchants, even some of the common folk who simply wished to read or stay warm all were within the walls of this here university. Yet when Toran had arrived at the supposed meeting place. He had found 3 others standing there, with Ryoinsatsu introducing herself. Toran felt slightly awkward that he would be the last one to seemingly arrive. Walking over towards them with a small wave.

“It’s nice to meet you three, I guess were all going out on a patrol right? Toran Uchiha. A pleasure to meet each of your acquaintances.”

WC:735
TWC:735