09:36 AM
Saturday
The air was thick inside the Kumogakurean region that the people called ‘Cronopolis’. It smelled of an awkward combination of shit, mud, and slightly burnt food. So thick was the scent in some areas that its invisible fog would inflict a slight burning sensation in your eyes and nose for every breath. There were dark clouds above, close enough that you could touch them if you climbed to the peak. It was humid, so much that it seemed as if everyone was sweating as the mist wet their clothes with cold droplets of condensed water.
“You must be Shizu Kai!”
A man stood by himself sporting a wide smile two-quarters by the entrance of the cronopolis. Just a few feet from him was a small food stand, ‘Ochida Ramen’ read the sign. The recently cooked and spiced ramen served to mask the persistent odor of the slums, though by taking a deep breath one could still flavor the delicacy that was the Cronopolis. His name was Kato Eiji, a chuunin, ranked up not so long ago. In fact, this was his first mission as chuunin. He was young, and it showed in every part of his being. His clothes were a bit too big for his figure, a black-pocketed vest, grey pants, and a black under-shirt. He had white hair like an old man, and it was evident that this did not come naturally, rather a sickly product of sleepless nights and hard work. “We’ve got no time to waste, so let me explain.” – he said, opening his red, sleepy eyes wide and with a tone of excitement in his voice.
“The mission is simple. Errr… or ‘should’ be simple.” – he paused for a moment, scouting for reactions on his trainee. “We are to investigate the murder of a whole family, right here in cronopolis.”
“It’s a little crazy, you see…” – he looked at the distance, in the direction they were about to set out. “What we know at the moment is that it’s a bloody scene. Seems the guy was angry at them or something… perhaps someone owed money to the wrong people. Things like this are usual in Cronopolis… there’s a few organizations you’ve got to watch out for.”
So soon as he explained the mission, his expression would instantly change to that of a concerned man. It was obvious he was not used to the sort of stuff they would experience, and although he was trying to hide it with excitement and a futile attempt of leadership, he was still worried on the inside. “Before we set out, let me make this clear.” – he took a deep breath. “I do not know what secrets the crime scene may hide, but nothing of what we see or think of it should ever leave our confidence, apart from those in charge. Do you understand?”
Eiji took a couple of steps forward towards the kid. He was still a kid, and yet, he was being forced to grow up and become a shinobi despite the young age. He pitied him. Eiji himself hoped to do something else with his life. “Alright. Lets head out. Detectives on the move!”