Ishikawa Zaku said:
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I leaned against the light pole outside the headquarters with my arms across my chest as usual. The electricity was becoming more and more useful as the sun got lower and lower in the sky. My foot had grown impatient and began tapping against the cobble street on top of which I stood. It was the first of many missions I would be taking as a shinobi of Kumogakure. As this was the life I had chosen, I needed to start making a reputation for myself and this was where it all started. I wanted a flawless mission to show the leaders of the village that I meant business... that someone who was normal could get the job done. But something had me irked. How the hell was I supposed to do that if the man was late. He was already putting the mission in jeopardy by doing so.
Oh I had forgot to mention how I was dressed. Well actually, I wasn't looking quite like myself at all. I had taken on the form of a generic gate guard I had seen at the gates of Kumogakure. While at the same time, used a simple clone jutsu to create another copy of myself so that when this mission had finally gotten underway, the chance of attack would be lessened if bandits saw two shinobi accompany the midnight carriage. Other than that, I was dressed regularly and equipped normally. No reason to bring full combat gear unless I was going to face other shinobi, and this guy was well liked, so I didn't believe that another company would resort to hiring ninja to grab him.
Thankfully, as time went by, and my minds idle thoughts soon became a waking dream, my employer appeared at my side with a smile on his face. It seemed he was happy to be off, home to his family after whatever his company was doing down here. Lately things had been really bustling in the world: new technological advances and breakthroughs had really pushed the entire known world into an age of discovery. No doubt that this man had found one of those breakthroughs and was cashing in on it. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but we were still growing as a society and there were always people looking to cheat and steal their way to the top. That's why I was here to do what I had to do.
I returned his joyful grin with a small smile of my own and stood with my clone. "Are we ready to go sir?" I questioned. "Indeed we are my good man. The carriage will be around in a moment to pick us up." he replied in a jocular tone. Whatever had kept him from being on time must have made him immensely happy. "Good, the sooner we are off the sooner you can be home to the wife and kids. Would you like to know the plan I have in store for the trip?" I then inquired. If I were him I would be curious, but there were always surprises. "No no, I'd rather not know just what is going on. I trust you will keep me and my companion safe." he concluded, gesturing to the man who was actually steering the carriage. "Yes sir." I curtly replied and stood at the ready until he got in.
I took a few steps forward to greet the driver and let him know how things were going to work. "All right man, no matter what happens you don't stop unless the damn carriage catches fire all right? My companion and I will keep up with you no sweat. Keep a constant comfortable speed for your boss unless I give you orders otherwise. Sound good?" My fake voice commanded. He nodded with a smirk and whipped the reins. The carriage jolted forward, slowly at first, but it soon gained speed. I had my clone leap onto the carriage to sit on the back seat to watch the rear. I promptly took to the trees nearby and began my running accompaniment toward the roads that lead to Kumogakure no Sato...
[En Route to Kumo]
[Topic Entered/Left]
[S-Rank]
[30 Minute Run Time]