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Post by Pikachu on Jun 8, 2009 10:16:17 GMT -5
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Shikaniku and Inoko were waiting at the gate for their sensei and Mai to arrive to start the mission. They had heard it had something to do with the bandits that had been popping up recently, and weren't really looking forward to it. Bandits were known to be pretty violent, and they just didn't want to have to deal with it.
"So, wonder how long this will take." Shikaniku lazily said, leaning against the walls of the city and looking up at the sky.
"Hope not too long. We're supposed to work on planting some new flowers for the shop today. Though I don't think my parents would get upset if I was spending time on a mission." Inoko replied, arms folded across her chest as she joined Shikaniku against the wall.
"You two ready to get this mission started." A voice yelled. The two Genin jumped, and turned around to see Hojo standing on the wall of the village.
"Can't you just walk up to us and say hi like a normal person?!" Inoko yelled at her sensei. He just responded with a smile before jumping onto the ground.
"What would be the fun in that? You need to loosen up a little Inoko." He said
Shikaniku gained a little smile on his face at the comment. Apparently he wasn't the only one who thought the girls of the team were tightwads. However, a smack to the back of the head from Inoko quickly removed it.
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Post by Digital ♥ on Jun 8, 2009 10:40:10 GMT -5
Mai had woken up extra early that morning for her mission with her new team, but about half way through getting dressed she had fallen asleep. When she woke up and saw she only had a few minutes to get up and run to the gate she quickly started off without her sandals on. Mai hopped along trying to get her sandals on, and the gates were just coming into view. But she tripped over a rock and began to roll towards them. She quickly shot up off the ground with a big cheeky grin on her face.
"Good morning everyone! Are we ready to go? Good! Lets go and catch some bandits!" Mai began to walk forward with incredibly overly exaggerated steps.
(Sorry that its so short, but i have to get off and go to school >.> )
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Post by Pikachu on Jun 8, 2009 17:17:06 GMT -5
Inoko and Shikaniku just sighed when they saw Mai roll onto the scene. They were starting to get used to her behavior, mostly because Mai and Hojo had similar personalities. It was easy to get used to people with similar personalities. Still, her enthusiasm to chase after bandits was not something they shared with her.
"You understand that bandits aren't the nicest people around. They will try to kill you." Shikaniku said in response to her enthusiasm.
"Yeah, I doubt we should be so enthusiastic about having to infiltrate a group of blood-thirsty bandits." Inoko added. The next thing they knew, Hojo's hands were on their shoulders.
"Come on you two, cheer up a little. It's just some third rate bandits. They're nothing that a group of Konoha ninja can deal with."
He then followed right behind Mai, with Inoko and Shikaniku following gloomily behind.
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Post by Digital ♥ on Jun 8, 2009 18:10:05 GMT -5
Mai crossed her arms and turned around, but continued to walk in the strange manner only now she was walking backwards. It seemed like nobody else in Konoha (other than Hojo) was even remotely enthusiastic about anything anymore, it was quite the downer actually. Ever since Naruto died the year before nobody really seemed to be very happy anymore.
"Dont worry, nobody will get hurt while I`m around. I`ll never let my friends die, especially since I`m going to be the hokage soon." Mai informed them in a very proud (and loud) voice. She was in a very talkative mood that day, how lucky for them, "Besides like Hojo sensei said, we`re ninja of Konoha! I`ve faced much worse before. I`ve been pushed off a cliff, had to fight with the leader of the akatsuki himself, I`ve fought assassins before. A couple of bandits will be a piece of cake! All you have to do is have a little bit of faith, and we`ll go farther than any other generation."
Mai turned back around, but slowed down so her team mates could catch up with her. She put her hands behind her head and raised an eyebrow at them, wondering if either planned to say something positive.
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Post by Pikachu on Jun 8, 2009 18:27:57 GMT -5
"Now that's the spirit I'm looking for Mai," Hojo replied, bending down,"but don't worry about those two. Even if they don't show it, they are looking forward to it. They just like being pessimistic for the sake of it," he whispered with a bit of a smile.
Mai's words shamed Inoko a little bit. Unlike Shikaniku, she cared about social image, and with all of that stuff Mai put hers to shame. Her she was getting all worked up about some bandits, and Mai was being chased down by the guy who killed Naruto. It was embarrassing, to say the least.
"Sorry Mai," she said before looking at the dirt.
Shikaniku just shrugged. He didn't care much about Mai's exploits. It didn't mean squat to him. All he knew was that they were going to be facing some bandits, and that he could die. Keeping that in mind was allowed him to keep a level head with all these people around. And in battle, a level head was needed to survive.
"Just don't get overconfident. A little pessimism helps keep you planted in reality."
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Post by Digital ♥ on Jun 8, 2009 18:40:44 GMT -5
Mai knew that Shikaniku would fight back with something on the negative side. Was there not a moment were he could be optimistic? But he was right, staying in the total actuality of things was good too... only Mai liked to see the bright side. Mai kind of wondered if something really bad had happened to Shika to make him such a downer. She had all of the reasons in the world to be negative and cranky all of the time, but it was such a turn off and she wanted people to actually like her.
"Pssh, says you mister negative. I know about about the realities of death, I nearly died during the last chuunin exam. Everything a ninja does is a danger, but its a risk you have to take with a smile on your face." replied the Uchiha, "If you dont take a couple of risks then do you really have a life worth remembering? If you keep playing on the extra safe side you`ll be like a hermit forever. And when future generations go back to remember our own generation who do you think they`ll remember? The guy who didnt do anything and thought everything was stupid or a pain, or the guy that takes risks... and maybe didnt make the safest or smartest choices but died with honor?"
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Post by Pikachu on Jun 8, 2009 18:51:37 GMT -5
Shikaniku just rolled his eyes at Mai's little speel. Apparently she failed to realize not everyone wanted to live the life of glory. All he wanted was a simple life, possibly get married and have a kid, and then die. Even if Konoha forgot him, he wouldn't care. His family sure would, and that was all that mattered to him. Still, he couldn't let Mai get away with her headstrong rant.
"Don't know. Why don't you ask Shikamaru, the villages greatest strategist ever? He was like me when he was a kid."
Inoko had to laugh a little at the response. It was, in her mind, a major burn on Mai's view. Shikamaru was the prime example of a ninja who battled smart. Everyone knew how during the Chuunin Exam he quit, even when it looked like he had one. They also knew about his fight against the original Akatsuki's Hidan. Even when he played risky, he still had a plan. His existence was a massive blow to Mai's thoughts.
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Post by Digital ♥ on Jun 8, 2009 19:00:09 GMT -5
(Teehe I dont like Shikamaru xP )
Mai stopped suddenly and blinked a couple of times, then she scratched her head trying to figure out how she remembered that name. She remembered Yuuto mentioning his name in one of his stories when she was still training with him. But still she couldnt remember who he was. Shikamaru was spelled very similiar to Shikaniku, so maybe he was that one Nara guy that hung out with Naruto.
"Shika... maru.... Shikamaru... I think i`ve heard that name before. But still thats beside the point. What kid wants to be a boring brainiac when they can be an exciting hero? Sure we need a genius every once in awhile, but if we have a full generation of them then we`re doomed for sure. Not that having a brain is a bad thing, but still... I`m glad that I dont have a boring life, as a matter of fact I feel really bad for you."
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Post by Pikachu on Jun 8, 2009 19:11:47 GMT -5
((Well I do  )) "The boring brainiac was the only person other than Naruto or Sasuke to take down one of the original Akatsuki members. An immortal one to be exact. And in the process took one fifth of another one's powers. And he was a Chuunin before any of them either. In fact, he was the only one to become a Chuunin during his generations first Chuunin Exam." Shikanikue replied. "Wow, I've never seen you get so worked up before. In fact, I don't think I've every seen you get worked up period." Inoko replied, one of her hands on her hip as she looked at him confused. To see him get worked up was a rarity, and it scared her a bit. "I have to agree with her on that Shika. Guess we finally found your sore spot; insulting brainiacs." Hojo said with a laugh. It quickly ended though, and he got serious for a moment. "Still, even if it is a bit extreme, he has a point. A great ninja isn't just a brave hero. Such acts can get you killed. A great ninja has to know not only when it is time to keep fighting, but also when its time to retreat to fight another day. But enough that for now. We're here to take care of bandits, not go into a brain vs. brawn debate." |
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Post by Digital ♥ on Jun 8, 2009 19:20:00 GMT -5
Mai laughed, she was pretty good at making people angry and it seemed as if Shikaniku was no exception. She kept her arms crossed tightly against her chest as she grinned at her little victory, it was a victory only to her though. But she decided not to pursue it any longer, Hojo was right and they should keep on task.
"I`d rather die a brave fool than a coward. I`ll never back down from a fight, and I dont think anyone will ever get me to change my mind about that." Mai finally did say, but after that she didnt mention their little debate again, "So! Where are these bandits? Oh, and Mister Brainiac whats your plan for this terribly hard mission? You mentioned that its good to have a plan, so I`m curious to hear yours."
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Post by Pikachu on Jun 8, 2009 19:34:27 GMT -5
"Using your brain doesn't make you a coward." Shikaniku replied, but under his breath since Hojo sensei had said to just stop it.
"Anway, I'd personally like a moment to observe them before making any definite plans, but let me see," he closed his eyes, something he commonly did while thinking," If they're sending us out, then the bandits are most likely small in number and are most likely not ninja. They are going to be armed, and most likely expecting some sort of group of ninja to be coming. Therefore, a direct attack isn't a good idea. However,"
Shikaniku opened his eyes and looked over at Mai, giving a bit of a devilish grin. He had a plan alright, and it had just enough risk for Mai to enjoy.
"They are bandits, which means they can't resist a chance to make some money. And you're a Uchiha, and as Sasuke's daughter you'd be worth some good money. Therefore, I suggest we set up an ambush. You walk 'alone' on the path while we stay on the sides. Eventually you'll stop for rest in a field of flowers," he looked over at Inoko, who got the message," and expose yourself. When the bandits arrive, Inoko will activate the explosive flowers, and in the confusion I'll capture the leader while you and Hojo take care of the rest. Exciting enough for you Mai?"
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Post by Digital ♥ on Jun 8, 2009 20:02:41 GMT -5
"Ehh... Not really... but I guess it`ll do." Mai groaned, she didnt want to have to be the pawn in his little plan. She wanted to be the one in the action, not the bait. After replying she continued to frown at the plan, it just sounded so boring. But the sooner they could go home the better, and maybe next time they`d have a better mission to go on.
As long as she got to kick some butt, anything was fine with her. Mai finally uncrossed her arms and placed her hands in her pockets, wondering what the up comming chuunin exams would be like.
"Alrighty then, all we have to do now is find the bandits, I`ll lure them to the field and then bam!"
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Post by Pikachu on Jun 8, 2009 20:14:47 GMT -5
Shikaniku gave her a lazy glare. She was going to be right in the middle of the brawl, and she still didn't enjoy it? Mai was harder to please than Inoko, and that was saying something.
"Right then, I guess that's the plan, unless Hojo disagrees?" He said, refering to their sensei. He didn't really enjoy it as it placed Mai in danger, but since he would be nearby, he could interfere if something went wrong.
"Fine with me, but if something goes wrong I'm getting Mai out as soon as possible, alright."
"Understood."
With that Hojo wished Mai good luck, and headed off into the trees. Shikaniku gave one last look at Mai before following his sensei. Inoko held back for a moment.
"I know Shikaniku can seem a bit pessimistic and annoying, but that's just a trait all Nara clan members share. Just give it some time, and you'll see he's not all that bad. Even I got used to him eventually." She said with a bit of a wink before eventually joining Hojo and the others in the woods. Mai was on her own now.
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"So then Jing, gotta plan for our next target." One of the bandits asked. He was a rather large man, wearing a rather worn out leather armor and some pants. On his back was a pair of swords. The man he was referring to was younger, wearing an orange jacket with a black armor underneath. On his arm was a kunai launcher that also contained a special surprise; a device that could be used to launch out small blast of chakra at the opponent.
"Well, scouts are reporting a Uchiha girl out in the woods alone. Her ransom would be of great value." A scrawny looking man said. Like the other bandit, he was wearing a leather armor and pants. He wasn't armed, however, with a sword. Instead, he had a small sickle attached to a chain.
"A Uchiha? Well, I'm sure some other village would be willing to pay a high price for a girl like that. Especially if shes a cute one." A younger boy said. His face was covered up with a mask that was decorated with black and orange swirls. Unlike the others, he was wearing all black, with the exception of some plates on the arms and legs as well as some orange borders.
Jin listened to his minions, and eventually ordered his men to track the girl for a while before making a move.
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Post by Digital ♥ on Jun 8, 2009 20:33:50 GMT -5
Mai nodded her head when everybody spoke to her, she didnt want Hojo to rescue her if something came up. A couple of bandits were something that she knew she could handle, and Mai was sure that if she had to she could have beaten each and every one of the bandits. Her overconfidence was practically oozing from her. Once her teammates hid, Mai headed off for the field of flowers.
She skipped slowly, taking time to take in everything. But everything soon became too boring to bare, so Mai sped up her pace. Finally when she reached the field of flowers she ran through them, then once she had her fill of that the Uchiha flopped herself down and smashed the flowers by moving her arms back and forth. The strong urge to burn all of them (because of the forced flower training) began to rage through her, but they were needed for their plan.
But Mai felt as if she was forgetting something, wasnt she supposed to mention that she was related to Sasuke? She grinned at the thought that she was worth a ton of money, it made her feel dangerous.
"Sasuke?" Mai sat up and looked around, "Dad where did you go? Crap... I bet he went back to Konoha..."
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Post by Pikachu on Jun 8, 2009 21:41:56 GMT -5
"Don't worry, Douke-san is here to save the day." A voice proclaimed. Suddenly, a person in a mask that was black and orange with swirls appeared before Mai. No one else came, as they decided to wait in the woods to see what was happening. Something seemed strange here, and if Sasuke was around they didn't want to make him angry.
"Is something the matter Uchiha? Douke-san wants to help. He's a good boy and everything." He said, somehow beaming a smile even with the mask on. His job was to lull the girl into a false sense of security through his behaviour.
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"What in the world is this guy's problem?" Shikaniku asked as he witnessed the kid. This was not something that he had expected. Still, if they waited just a little longer, hopefully the rest of the bandits would appear. He kept an eye out, as well as Hojo. Inoko, meanwhile, was concentrating on the flowers. She was ready to go as soon as Hojo gave the word.
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))