Indra's Solo Missions

Mission Info:

Alright kid, where are you off to? Indra asked himself from the bench he was sitting on as he watched a boy, probably not much younger than he, walk right past the academy entrance that various students were filing into. Interestingly, the kid didn't look nervous, in fact he didn't look anything at all. If you weren't paying attention you'd think he was just walking on the street and not totally ditching class. As the boy turned the corner up ahead, Indra got up from the bench and followed at a distance. This went on for several blocks, with Indra trailing him and watching the boy walk with purpose, clearly very aware of where he was going and his final destination. The mother had expressed concern when the academy had contacted her about multiple absences that her son had sworn were simply a clerical error on the school's behalf. After another absence report came in, she had sent a small-time request to the shinobi mission board and Indra, having nothing better to do, had signed up.

The boy made his way into a rougher part of the village now, this area was still being rebuilt and various ruffians and vagrants had laid claim to it while the shinobi forces made their way inward with the rebuilding effort. By this point, Indra had taken to the rooftops of the buildings to get a better view of this kid and keep track of him, it was also becoming more difficult to hide within crowds as they thinned further from the village center. The kid stopped, looked around and then dropped to his hands and knees to crawl through a small hole in an abandoned building. Indra raised an eyebrow, curious to say the least. He waited several minutes to let the kid go deeper into the building hopefully, before dropping down and testing some of the fallen chunks of wall that had created the crawlspace. He grabbed one of the top ones and, increasing his strength, picked it up as quietly as possible before dropping it gingerly on the ground beside him. Hunched over, Indra made his way in, activating his Raidengan so he could map out the area for anyone hiding in the gloom and darkness.

Interestingly, it wasn't as dark as he expected, with a hodgepodge of old lanterns and torches lining the walls of the dusty building. Further in, he could hear the whisperings of voices and so, made his way in that direction only to find the kid, Rai something or other, one bended knee in front of three older men. Never a good look, but the one in the middle was muttering something about being indoctrinated into the gang. That was enough for Indra and he cleared his throat, Alright Rai, time to go home. The three men looked up and the middle one yelled, Who the hell are you? Rai turned and looked from his crouched position, his face filled with confusion and uncertainty.
For today, I'm this one's babysitter and he's going home to his mother...or back to the academy, whichever.
I don't even know this guy, get the hell out of here man. Rai said, anger replacing his confusion.
Indra sighed as the two figures on either side of the leader stepped forward, pulling old rusty knives from their belts. Their lunges were slow and sloppy and it took only a few sidesteps and blows to the temple before they crumpled like tin cans at his feet.

Come on kid, I have things to do. Indra said, getting annoyed. He hadn't planned on this taking up his entire day. I'll drag you back to your house if I have to. Indra then blurred forward, sucker-punching the leader in his stomach. He could hear the whistling of air escape the man's lungs as he too crumpled to the floor. Then, done with this whole thing, Indra grabbed Rai by the collar and dragged him through the building kicking and screaming. It wasn't pretty, but it was a mission completed.

Words: 668/500

Gonna tack on future solo missions in Kohai to here so I don't crowd the boards.

Mission Info:

Indra looked at the mission scroll as he walked through the residential district towards the old woman's backyard. There was no description to the mission, just the title. He supposed it was pretty straightforward, but still, maybe a rough time estimate or size of the garden would've been nice. Arriving at the marked location, he rolled the scroll up and noticed a small front lawn with several weeds growing in it. Oh, this isn't bad at all. Maybe an hour tops if I have to do it by hand. Indra said with a smile as he approached the door. It was, after all, only a D-rank mission so he really shouldn't have been worried. With a rap of knuckles on wood, Indra took a step back from the front door so as not to scare the old woman. Some shuffling inside and about two minutes later a bent over old woman opened the door.
Good morning ma'am, my name is In-
Ah yes, hello dearie. Finally they sent someone over for my lawn. The woman reached behind the door for something out of Indra's sight and then proffered a large, sharpened machete.
Whoa! Indra said, jumping back with surprise as she offered the blade to him point first. He gingerly side stepped it and quickly snatched it from the woman's grasp by the handle.
Ma'am you shouldn't be waving those around like that.
Oh please, don't tell me how to use my gardening equipment young man. I was gardening when you were still in your father's sack.
Indra swallowed awkwardly, well...that was an awkward but fair statement.
Take care of the small stuff out front and then meet me around back for the real job.
The real job? Indra asked but almost immediately regretted it.
Suppose I can just show you now and you can start wherever you want. She beckoned him into the house and led him to the back door where he encountered, all jokes aside, a small jungle.

The old woman scratched her cloud of hair and sighed, Truth be told, not sure what happened. Just got away from me I s'pose dearie. Oh well, that's what you're here for, right? She chuckled and for a moment Indra thought he heard a rueful, vindictive tone in that chuckle, Oh well, least you're young. When you're done see me for some ice cold lemonade, to than ye for yer work. She shut the back door behind Indra, sealing him outside with the jungle and a single machete. Indra was positively gobsmacked by the sheer amount of foliage overgrown in this small plot of land. Then, he remembered the old lightning clone technique and smiled with delight. Several minutes later he had about five clones working the yard with their tantos, one had even taken him up on his offer of the machete. He knocked on the backdoor while the clones busied themselves with work and the old woman answered.
I heard you made some lemonade? Indra asked with a grin. My friends out here have this all covered, shouldn't be long now.

Words: 503/500

Mission Info:

So, I just want to make sure I have this straight. Indra said as he looked up at the towering tree in the young girl's backyard. He's done this before?
Ever Wednesday. The little girl beside him said, also staring up at the tree and, amusingly Indra noticed, matching his stance.
Every We- Indra cut himself off, shaking his head and the simply asked, Whyy? The little girl shook her head and shrugged, Dunno, maybe he thinks he's a bird.
Thinks he's a- he's never jumped has he?
Nah, juss stays up there all day. Meows sometimes.
Then he probably doesn't think he's a bird.
Nope, probably not I guess.
Does he ever come down on his own?
Ha, that's funny mister. The girl said with a childish laugh, then realized Indra had been serious with his question. Oh uh, no never. Well, cept one time I saw him fall out of the tree. That was pretty funny, once we knew he was okay anyhow.
Indra sighed heavily, somehow these D-rank missions were becoming more exhausting than the C-rank or B-rank when he was actually fighting other human beings. If they had taught him anything, it was that the citizens of Kohaigakure were simply strange and their problems were not only numerous but outlandish as well.
'Sides, don't you think if he just wandered on down every day I wouldn't be posting this mission every week?
YOU POST THIS EVERY WEEK?! Indra asked incredulously.
Yeah, weren't you listenin mister? Butterscotch does this every Wednesday.
But why? Indra asked, realizing it came out as a bit of a whine.
Well mister, if we knew that, we wouldn't be in this predicament would we? The girl asked rhetorically, giving Indra a look like he was the strange one, or at least certainly questioning his intelligence.

He walked up to the tree and tested his weight on some of the low hanging branches, pulling himself onto one he waited gingerly, listening for any creeks or feeling for a sudden give that would indicate the branch snapping. You're not going up there, are ya mister? The girl asked and Indra paused mid-stretch for the next branch.
Um, yeah I am. I have to get him down don't I?
Butterscotch don't like company.
Comp- He began to ask but stopped.
It's why I think he might think he's a bird. Not very social, ya know? Anywho, the last one of you shinobi people who tried to climb up there and get him got clawed something fierce. Nearly took the kid's eye out, I saw the whole thing from down here. He fell out of the tree too, right onto his back, had to go to the hospital for a few days. It was hilarious. The girl said, doubled over laughing in memory of the supposed event, then realized how it came off and gathered herself back under control, adding, You know, once we knew he was okay again.
Like the cat? Indra asked.
Yeah, zactly like that. The girl said.
Indra dropped down from the branch and walked out back from under the tree, surveying it again. Then he noticed the empty lot behind the tree and an idea struck him. Hey kid, do your adults care about this tree, like if it just wasn't here anymore, would they be mad? Indra asked, drawing his sword from its sheath.
Hey bigger kid, no they don't. My mom hates it actually, blocks her view she says. I don't know of what, it's just a dusty old lot back there but, The girl said, shrugging.
Indra smiled, channeling lightning chakra into his blade to activate his Lightning Release: Super Vibrato Blade and then slashed at the trunk of the tree before throwing his shoulder into it to control the fall and push it away from the house and into the lot. The tree landed with the sounds of...well a tree landing and for a moment it was eerily quiet.
If you killed Butterscotch, I can't pay you. The girl said and Indra suddenly grew concerned that he had gone about this a little too quickly. However, a rustle in the branches, a quick meow and then two seconds later a ball of fur darted from the tree and back towards the house. Indra sighed in relief and sheathed his sword before collecting the envelope of Xel that the parents had left for the kid to give him.

Words: 715/500

Approved: Mother's concern, Weed my garden, and foliage : 3Free D-ranks and 1500 xel

Mission:

You the only one? The mustached driver asked as Indra approached. The two gate guards turned to see who he was talking to. Indra nodded, Aye, they said it shouldn’t be much of a problem. I’m just a precaution. The driver laughed, a throaty chortle that seemed even more dismissive than his words, Bah, they have no idea. These people are hungry and I’m the third cart this week. They’re well passed desparate and are starting to get crafty, organized. The driver spit at the ground, barely missing one of the guard’s feet. We’re in for a hell of a ride, mark my words. The guard who had nearly been spat on regarded Indra with a raised eyebrow. The two shared a knowing look, but said nothing more. Well gents, if we’re all done here I’d like to get on my way. My hardy protection seems to be waiting for me. The guards handed back his papers, a writ signed by the Kage himself, explaining the crops were coming in from the cactus fields south of the village and were under village protection. This food would be stored and then dolled out to the waiting lines of hungry refugees. The entire process had been a nightmare, nearly an utter failure since its inception, but unfortunately, it was the best they could manage for now.

The driver gave a flick of his wrist and snapped the old mule into motion. Indra stepped out of the way when the mule showed no intention of slowing. He jumped onto the back as the carriage passed and clambered up to the top. Swinging his legs over so they were beside the driver’s head, Indra took up a scouting position that allowed him to see not only in front of them, but every side of the wagon. What? You young shinobi too good to sit next to a lowly driver?
Indra brought his hand to his forehead, shading his eyes as he surveyed the surrounding buildings, No, it’s nothing like that. This is just a better vantage point. The man made some sort of sound, a cross between a chuckle and a dismissive grunt, but said no more.
I’m Indra by the way. Indra offered. It wasn’t a long trip, but common courtesy dictated that they at least know one another’s names. For several minutes the driver said nothing in response and Indra wasn’t sure he had even heard him. As the young boy backed away into his own thoughts, surveying the area as they rode, he was surprised by a sudden grunt and, Delvin.
Indra nodded, it was a start, albeit a weak one at best. Have you been doing this long? Indra asked, just trying to pass the time.
Driving my crops into the village to sell? Nearly 40 years. Driving my crops into the village to throw in some storehouse and be dolled out to these vagrants all for a quarter of the compensation from the village that I could get for selling them privately? About two weeks.
Indra didn’t entirely follow the man’s train of thought, but it was interesting the way he spoke about his contract with the village. If you’re not happy with the village’s deal, then why did you take it? He asked curiously.
Didn’t have much of a choice I figure. People this hungry? This sort of an emergency? The village provides protection when you become a contracted farmer, better protection than I could probably buy even selling my crops private. If you think it’s bad within these walls, you should see it just a few miles down the road near my farm. Swarms of vagrants and bandits rolling about the hills just looking for a whiff of something to snag. The man spit again, May Datara take them all.

Indra nodded in acknowledgment, not that Delvin could see, and the pair fell into a comfortable silence. The rickety wooden wheels of the wagon rolled on through the stone streets. People passed by with little notice or care for what Indra rode atop and he felt at ease the deeper into the village they got. Turning off the main thoroughfare and heading into the more industrial side of the village however brought about a change in the air. Indra tensed as the streets seemed to empty more and the hum of people busying themselves about their day quieted to a dull buzz behind him. Instinctively, he placed a hand on the hilt of his sword. Delvin turned a corner, now only a few blocks from their destination and was immediately stopped by a pair of village guards. Caution barriers had been erected in the middle of the street and the guard held out an open-faced hand to Delvin, who begrudgingly slowed the wagon. Don’t like this, boy. Delvin grunted as the wagon rolled to a stop and one of the guards approached.
Road’s closed this way, turn around.
What’s the problem? Got a writ from the Kage himself to let us through.
Road’s closed, doesn’t matter what the piece of paper says unless this little paper is going to somehow fill the sinkhole that opened up two blocks down. Now like I said, back it up and take 4th Street down and around.
Delvin grunted in annoyance. Back it up? You daft? Think this thing just throws itself in reverse and I’m on my way?

Indra stood atop the roof of the wagon now and looked about the street. Silent. He activated his Raidengan and found the electrical charge of two others along the street. They appeared to be sitting down…slumped against a wall. Without a word, Indra dropped from the wagon and started walking towards the alley where he had seen the outlined figures.
Oy, where you going? The back guard asked, reaching out and grabbing Indra by the shoulder.
Who’s around that alley? Friends of yours or actual Kohaigakure guards? Indra felt the man’s grip loosen in surprise, so he made his move. Twisting out of the hold, Indra drove his elbow into the big man’s gut, doubling him over with a wheeze of breath.
Oy! The first guard said again and Indra shouted at Delvin, They’re not Kohai guards! This is a trap.
The guard reached to his belt and pulled out his club, readying it for Indra. Indra frowned, hoping he wouldn’t have to kill the man. However, his concern was averted when a thick, sun-weathered forearm wrapped around the man’s windpipe and squeezed. The not-guard struggled, arms flailing and club falling to the wayside as he tried to reach back and tear himself free of Delvin’s grip. Careful! Thirty seconds for unconsciousness, two minutes for death. Indra called to the old man, watching to make sure he could handle it. When the not-guard stopped struggling and went slack in Delvin’s arms, the old farmer gently dropped him to the ground and dusted his hands.
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was impressed.
Bah, been dealing with bullies and thugs since before you were even in your dad’s balls.
...charming. Indra said, turning to remove the barriers in the street. Delvin rolled through and the two continued on their way to the storage depot.

Well, this is where I leave you. Indra said as the storage depot guards took over and escorted Delvin’s wagon to the back.
Aye. Delvin said, passing by Indra as he leaped from the wagon.
Oh, boy! Next delivery I make, have them send you to the gate again. He said, then coaxed his mule back into motion. Indra smiled and shook his head, walking back to the mission office.

Words: 1250/1000

Mission Info:

A graveyard was no one's idea of a fun place to be. A hastily dug, mass graveyard? That was a different level of horror. Indra could smell the bodies from half a dozen blocks away as he made his way to the mission location. Grave digging wasn't high on anyone's priority list, but he knew from his father that it was dangerously important to prevent the spread of disease throughout the village. The real problem they were facing though, beyond the lack of gravediggers, was the lack of cool storage for the bodies. Kohaigakure wasn't exactly known for their vast reserves of ice. Deserts had a funny way of interacting with ice and cold after all. The workers did their best to cover the bodies, keep them covered from the elements and away from scavengers, but that only caused them to hear faster and thus smell worse.

As he entered the grounds and wrapped some cloth bandages around his mouth and nose, Indra was simply happy that he wasn't assigned to actually move the bodies into the graves. He only had to dig, not that it would be easy.
Oi, you the one they sent to help us dig? An older gentleman asked. He sat atop a turned-over crate, a cigarette hanging from his fingers while he stared at Indra with exhaustion in his eye. The man's face was tanned like leather from the sun, though he wore a large hat to keep the worst of it away. His hands were cracked where they had blistered, healed, and blistered again over years of what Indra could only assume to be ditch digging. Calluses now took over any inch of what had used to be soft tissue and Indra knew from days spent shadowing his father in the clinic that the man's wrists and fingers suffered terribly from arthritis.
Yeah, that's me. Indra said threw the cloth covering his mouth. He jogged over to the man who nodded to the shed behind him, Shovels are in there, we're working on a ditch about two hundred feet that direction. He pointed vaguely to the west with his cigarette and Indra nodded, entering the shed to retrieve the sturdiest shovel he could find.
Thanks. Indra said as he passed the older man and headed for the dig site. The man simply regarded him with sad eyes and Indra wondered for a moment if they were sad for the man himself, the bodies that lay in the sun, or Indra.

The work itself was hard and if Indra allowed himself a moment to consider it, disturbingly morbid. Two other younger men were working in the mass grave when Indra arrived. They nodded a welcome to him, but said little else. This was not a job you made small talk during. Still, he didn't mind the repetition once he found a rhythm and he allowed his thoughts to wander. He navigated various issues, making sure to avoid certain thoughts in his recent past. Anything having to do with his mother and the rotting carcasses that had once been people were two main standouts that he didn't allow to creep into his mind. Instead, he thought of his future, what he would become in the village and the shinobi world at large. By the time the sun had begun to set, Indra still didn't have an answer to those questions. He rose from the mass grave, now complete, and began brushing off the dirt and sand that caked his skin like an outer shell. He returned his borrowed shovel to the shed, grunted a goodbye to the workers still milling about, and headed to the mission office for his payment.

Words: 609/500

Mission Info:

Having just come off of grave digging duty a few days prior, Indra wasn't sure which he would dread more. Sure with grave digging, you're working from sun up to sun down in sweltering heat, performing backbreaking work while surrounded by bloated, rotting corpses. But babysitting? BABYSITTING. Now, that was truly terrifying. Indra rounded the corner of the daycare hallway, the room he would be supervising for the day was about three doors down and already he could hear the commotion. It wasn't the sounds of children playing or even happily yelling, no, these were feral and bestial in nature. If someone had said he had made a wrong turn and was actually in the zoo, he wouldn't have thought twice. Indra glanced down at the mission briefing in his hand one more time. Twelve kids. Twelve hellions running amok with no real plans in place for them, but it was one day. He just had to survive one day. He had survived worse than this, far worse, far more dangerous...right?

Now outside the door, he took a long, deep breath before twisting the handle and stepping into pure, unadulterated chaos. A woman who Indra assumed looked immaculate this morning in a blazer and freshly done hair stood with two children hanging from either arm. Her mascara looked a bit runny, as if she had shed a few tears recently.
Oh thank goodness, you're here. She shook the monsters from her arms while Indra stole a quick glance at the clock. The daycare had opened at 8:00 AM. It was currently 8:25 AM. This woman looked like this after less than half an hour. Indra swallowed audibly as she half-ran, half-stumbled out the door. She offered a brief, Good luck. and Indra noticed one of her heels had broken off.

The door closed, and Indra was alone with the hellions. The room went eerily silent. Twenty-four beady little eyes turned towards him and they stared with an almost predatorial gaze. Silently, they began to look at one another, communicating silently before one stepped towards Indra.
Um...hi guys. Do you want to fingerpaint?
The boy said nothing at first before slowly, mechanically raising one hand with his index finger extended. He took one last look around the room, making eye contact with each of his peers before taking in a deep breath and yelling, GET HIM!
Wha- I, hey, no! Indra yelled, but they were upon him.

Several hours later, Indra trudged through the streets of Kohaigakure. His left eye was black and blue, his nose had dried blood in the corner and his clothes were torn in random places from tiny little hands. His hair was a mess and he feared to find out whether it stood up on one side from sweat or a child's snot. He knew instinctively it was snot, but chose to ignore such an intrusive thought for now. Wandering into the mission building, he passed other returning Shinobi who had spent their day or even week hunting down bandits and dangerous wildlife. Not a soul looked as rough as he did. He slapped the mission briefing down on the payment table and looked the secretary dead in the eye.
Never. Again.

Words: 528/500

Food Escort - 1000 xel and a C rank

Grave Digging - 500 xel and a D rank

Daycare - 500 xel and a D rank