Starring:
Date: December 9, 2015
Summary:
A construction contracter has offered help building the roads for the Tea races, however that low price comes with an unseen charge. The contracter was amidst an assassination scheme, and the price for his work came at the cost of saving his life.
"Building Roads for the Future"
Nagi Island
It was six o'clock in the evening, on the island of Nagi. This was a supposedly a short business trip to the islands of the Land of Tea. Along a small port city that acts as a trade gateway for the prosporous land, a rather special sort of trade negotiation was about to begin. Shuuren needed roads, and this individual was willing to provide the manpower at an insanely cheap price. The contractor was a rather old experienced businessman, but being experienced and old meant that he had a lot of enemies. In fact, he offered this low price of business as something to spur the Daimyo's interest so that the Daimyo would come to negotiate on his terms. The reason? Indirectly, by coming, the Daimyo was offering him protection. Protection from who? Well, that's the secret isn't it? Shuuren knew that this was the case.
In the port of Nagi-Island, the vessel carrying the three individuals; Shuuren, Ryuusei, and Mika, has finally entered port. The evening air, filled with the activity and prosperity tea has built up over the Daimyo's reign are a clear sign of good times. The business transaction would be held on the edge of down, which gives Shuuren the time to deploy his bodyguards.
Coming to the place where the roads are to be built when one knows one needs protection is generally considered a bit foolhardy. Shuuren is aware of the man's predicament, but he's also quite sure the man was probably just drawing him here because the presence of both of them would draw their enemies out for the Daimyo to put an end to them. Still, it's not a bad plan, one Shuuren would endorse himself if given the opportunity, though he'd have used a decoy rather than the old man himself for bait. Gotta admire the old man's spirit, though, risking it himself. One would expect nothing less of one acquainted in business with the Nagamura, those who dared trek the world with offers of trade and brotherhood while standing up to foes like the yakuza who would rather oppress through offering 'protection' for payment when the protection is basically from themselves.
As they arrive at Nagi Island, the Daimyo would look to each of his bodyguards for this trip and nod before exiting the ship to start to head to the the place where the meeting is to be held. Ryuusei and Mika would each have already been told to move into the shadows and wait until a sign of attack or his own signal is given to act.
Well, Mika is a bit different then most ninja. She's not a hide in the shadow cat. She's a hop up on the roof of a building and watch cat! She gets up on a roof, and starts watching everything as she lowers her body closer to the rooftop so that she's not obviously on the rooftop as her body starts to shift and change into its more cattish form already. She growls lightly, as she prepares herself….Tailflick!
Ryuusei wasn't a sneaker type. She disliked leaving the Daimyo's side, but it was a direct order. The girl herself made sure to try and blend in with the crowd, which wasn't hard. She was just as intelligent as most of the other peopl walking the streets. Which is to say rather lacking. Hopefully, when all is siad and done, she'll have learned under Shuuren enough that she will at least be a cut above the people. For now, she stays far behind Shuuren until the crowd starts to thin… Then she has no idea what she will do to blend in.
The meeting took place in an area that was far less densely populated after all, a more wooded area where it would be most likely that an attack would happen. There, Shuuren would find an old man who could barely walk without a cane. Someone who couldn't defend themself and didn't bother to. Upon recognizing the Daimyo from a description of him and his attire, the old construction guru would start the conversation off in a friendly tone. "Ah, so you're the one who wants a path forged throughout the islands for the old race? I can remember when we still had those…" Before his house was destroyed by… those events. "So, lets get to business. I can honestly assure you that this might just be the last deal I make… The previous terms were agreeable I hope? I can go lower, of course." Go lower? Why would anyone go lower? He already wasn't profiting. Clearly, an explanation was needed.
"Would you like to take a walk?" He asked. "The streets or woods, whatever pleases you." Whatever keeps the Daimyo around longer… It might be high time to have questions asked.
Recognizing the old man from his description and condition, Shuuren approaches him and offers a nod in greeting. "Yes. I'm the new ruler of the land. I'm hoping to not only restore Tea Country to its former glory but make it greater than it's ever been." He nods to the mention of getting to business, showing a bit of sympathy as the old man mentions this likely being the last deal he'll ever make. "The terms are more than agreeable. I think you're going a bit lower than necessary, to be honest, but I understand trying to show some generosity and loyalty to your land in your last days." At the mention of taking a walk, he says, "We can if you like. First, though, I'd like to do you a favor… As you may already know, I'm a Medical Ninja, one of the foremost in the world. While I can't un-age you, I can do something to make the time you have left more pleasant. Since you are being so generous in your bids on building the roads, I won't charge you at all, but you will be able to move around much more comfortably and without the cane. The activity might even give you some extra time since you'll be a bit healthier."
The old man would laugh at Shuuren's generous reply. "I know much about you. Former Jounin of Kumogakure. It's why I offered you this deal." He would chuckle. "Any minute now, my rival company will attack me. The reason for this is because I cut you a deal so low they wouldn't even be considered. They hired people to kill me, most likely. Yet, they truly wouldn't be your calibur. They will attack me, and you will protect me. I will live, and my rival company will likely go out of business being unable to afford the cost of assassins and not getting a contract from you. This will make my company the sole company to do any business in the Land of Tea. Of course… I'll be dead soon whether they kill me or not. Then, as both our companies crumble to the ground, they will become soil for a new generation of entrepeneurs to rise from the ashes and take advantage of the booming economy. Once again, it will be many small youths striking out and taking chances in hopes of becoming wealthy… Just like I was when I was young… Just like I was." In this man's last throes, he wished to break a monopoly up, or any chance of one. It was honorable, but at the same time he was using Shuuren. "This will be my last contract, and I've cut the price low enough so that it's taking it out of my own funds. Consider it… A donation so that the young may flourish, hope, and dream to race in Tea. Just like the old days…" Just like the old days…
It did seem, however, that there were individuals very close by… Though, it might be more difficult than the old man thought… The old man would take out a contract. "Sign this, and my folks are yours. Your offer of easing the burdens of age is kind, but… I would only enjoy it for a few more months… I feel god calling for me."
COMBAT: Shuuren focuses 6710 stamina to turn it into 10000 usable chakra!
RPCOMBAT: Shuuren defends against with a SENSORY-DIAGNOSTIC…77
As he listens to the old man speak of why he's doing what he's doing, Shuuren would his use Sensory Diagnostic jutsu to start picking out the presence of anyone else in the area… Four including the old man. Two males. One female… Still, he doesn't make it known to them just that second that he knows where they are. Instead, he nodsin agreement with the old man, saying, "Always a pleasure to help someone with a similar vision to the Nagamura legacy. It's a vision I'm rebuilding in the world, starting with Tea Country. We'll show that, whether it's the Crawler, the Silence, the yakuza, or any other thing that decides to rear its unsightly head, not only will we stand up and fight back, but we'll still continue to make the world flourish in their wake." Finally he turns directly in the direction of the three appraoching. "Well, if you think you're going to kill us, you're not going to do it from behind that tree," he says as he lifts a hand and gestures to them to come, a gesture which details to Ryuusei that their orders are to move to either flank of the old man and protect him, but not to kill their assailants. Perhaps he's not sure if they have an allegiance further than simply making a little extra coin and hopes to turn them to his own cause in their defeat. Still, the key thing right now is to protect the old man from harm.
COMBAT: Mika focuses 5960 stamina to turn it into 7000 usable chakra!
RP: Mika transforms into FIERCE-BEAST-CAT-II.
RPCOMBAT: Mika defends against with a FELINE-AWARENESS…25
Mika just stays crouched up on the rooftop. She hasn't gotten any orders, so for now, she watches. Such a good kitten. And semilazy as she gives a small yawn from up there. Let the others fight. She'll consider a Mikanap while she's up here….
Mika was about to take a nap when Shuuren gives the signal. She hops off the roof, and moves close to Shuuren. He would notice that her tail is flickering behind her a little bit, while the hood to her robe is covering her face and arms. There's a light purring noise until she remembers that the signal is not to kill…She makes a warning growl at the men, as her orange eyes glow under the hood……
Ryuusei draws her blade as she appears from the alley, running quickly to bring herself in front of the old man. "Hai, Shuuren." Is all she would logically need to say as she held her sword defensively in front of her. Now it was time to go, though without proper ranged abilities, she wasn't quite able to retaliate from this position. She would play a defensive role…
The ninja, appear from behind the tree. Looks like they are from Takigakure, which means the other builder wasn't able to get ninja from Kirigakure. This must have costed a lot. "We've come for the owner of Nagi Contracting! We will be taking their head. If you don't mind… Everyone! Move out!" One of the males, who had slitted eyes, would make his hand in a fire-based seal. A few moments later, he would send out a rather large fireball towards Ryuusei, as the other two distract Mika and Shuuren with senbon!
[NPC System]: Takigakure Watanabe roll(s) Great Fireball Technique vs Ryuusei from 25 to 40 and get(s) a 26. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Ninja roll(s) Senbon Needle vs Mika from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 40. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Ninja roll(s) Senbon Needle vs Mika from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 23. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Ninja roll(s) Senbon Needle vs Mika from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 40. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Ninja roll(s) Senbon Needle vs Shuuren from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 37. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Ninja roll(s) Senbon Needle vs Shuuren from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 25. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Ninja roll(s) Senbon Needle vs Shuuren from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 24. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
RP: Shuuren transforms into ENHANCED-COMBAT-MEDIC-PILL-II.
COMBAT: Shuuren attacks target 1 with INTERRUPT with a roll of: 79
COMBAT: Shuuren attacks target 1 with BODY-FLICKER-II with a roll of: 59
RPCOMBAT: Shuuren defends against with a BODY-FLICKER-II…52
RPCOMBAT: Shuuren defends against with a BODY-FLICKER-II…85
RPCOMBAT: Shuuren defends against with a BODY-FLICKER-II…73
COMBAT: Shuuren attacks target 1 with BODY-FLICKER-II with a roll of: 76
COMBAT: Shuuren attacks target 1 with PRESSURE-POINTS-TECHNIQUE with a roll of: 52
When the old man said Shuuren is out of the league of the assassins hired, he wasn't kidding. The Daimyo only smirks and says, "I'm afraid that's not going to happen, but I give you until you wake up from the slumber I'm about to put you under to figure that out." As the Watanabe starts to send out the fireball, he'd suddenly find Shuuren directly behind him sending a kick at the back of his legs and then over him sending a roundhouse directly down at his forehead with intent to rattle him hard if not knock him unconscious. The senbon firing at him wouldn't do much good either, as he is gone just the instantly they would seem to be about to hit them, appearing behind the man and striking with precise palm strikes at a couple of his pressure points, between his shoulder blade and his lower back to disable him from participating in the battle for the moment.
RPCOMBAT: Mika defends against with a NATURAL-INSTINCT-II…62
RPCOMBAT: Mika defends against with a NATURAL-INSTINCT-II…44
RPCOMBAT: Mika defends against with a NATURAL-INSTINCT-II…65
Mika is already moving, before the needles were thrown. Her animal instincts are in full mode, as she just charges through the needles. She even drops to all fours, looking to go after the woman. There's still enough of her left to know that she's not sopposed to kill them, so she goes into a pounce looking to tackle the woman, and once down, PAWsmacks the woman a few times to try to knock her out. THe Cat still isn't out of her robe though, so its hard to know just what she is…
COMBAT: Mika attacks target 1 with FELINE-AGILITY-MOVE with a roll of: 45
COMBAT: Mika attacks target 1 with FELINE-AGILITY-MOVE with a roll of: 35
[NPC System]: Watanabe Male roll(s) Block vs Body Flicker II from 15 to 30 and get(s) a 19. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Male roll(s) Dodge vs Pressure Points from 15 to 30 and get(s) a 30. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Female roll(s) Dodge vs Feline Agility Move from 15 to 30 and get(s) a 22. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
[NPC System]: Takigakure Female roll(s) Dodge vs Feline Agility Move from 15 to 30 and get(s) a 17. - Rolled by: Ryuusei
Regardless the old man is certainly satisfied with the performance of the individuals he knew would protect him. "… So it happened without much effort then…" The old man wouldn't have been able to protect himself, and in the end this appeared to be the end of the fight. "I'm still pleased to present you with the contract. I hope my deception was not a deal breaker." The old man asks."
"As I'm sure you expected," Shuuren says with a glance over his shoulder at the old man as he reaches into his coat and grabs reel of rope and a kunai. Stepping over to Ryuusei, he hands both to her and says, "You two tie them up while I conclude business." He then turns back to the old man, chuckling and saying, "It was an obvious ploy to me, but one I'm certain your rivals would've discovered had you put it in the letters. I simply came prepared." With that he grabs the contract and glances it over to be sure there's nothing iffy about it. "I'm afraid I can't do it for this price… It's too low. Your workers need to eat, and so do you and your family. Your generosity is appreciated, but we can move forward and have your men join my own contractors if they wish, and I'll take care of the men employed by your rivals that I'll be visiting for their treachery as well. Your efforts will help see a shining future come to light yet."
Mika is still in her cattish mode. Its easy to tell as she's sitting on top of her prey, grooming her hand, and then rubbing her catlike ear. The woman is purring a bit as she glares at Ryuusei. Her prey! Tie up the man, but the woman is Mika's. Small catlike fangs seem to come out from the hood as Mika has openned her mouth. "Captured Prey is dead prey.", she purrs, pawsmacking a few more times, toying with the genin…It happens from time to time, where the animalistic tendicies become more then Mika can control…
Ryuusei would take the rope, approaching the boys that were either groaning and couldn't move or knocked out. She would drag them together, and tie them up in… a bow. Like Shuuren taught her. Of course, that makes her wonder strange things about the boys for a moment. "It looks like… I didn't really get to do much defending…" Ryuusei would speak aloud, even if no one was listening. "… Next time I'll prove my worth…"
Seems like Mika had the female to herself, and whether or not she was going to keep them or not remains to be seen. Shuuren could always use another Kunoichi. The man wasn't quite sure if Shuuren was being generous, or if there was an alterior motive. "You can have them after this contract is over. I'm not a poor man." The paper had no loopholes… It seemed that there was a third reason he put the price so low, however. The contract did specifically state that a sign would be erected that clearly stated that his company was the one who made the roads around Nagi island. Clearly, he didn't want his name to die out easily. He wanted everyone who ran the race to know who worked it. "Price unchanged. The workers get full compensation. My family? I never had any children, and… My wife has passed. Take this from me, lord Daimyo, make sure you leave children before you pass. They are a joy I never had."
Mika growls at little bit, and then looks at Shuuren. "Mine?", she asks, growling at Ryuusei a little bit as she lazily starts to lay down a little bit on top of her prey. At least the woman has that robe covering her up, so Ryuusei hasn't seen what Mika looks like just yet…
"Mika, cut that out and let Ryuusei tie her up with the others before I knock you out to be tied up with them," Shuuren says as he looks back over his shoulder at her sternly. If she doesn't listen, she will find out that he's quite serious. That said he looks back to the old man and nods. "Very well. We'll leave it the same and your terms shall be honored." At the mention of leaving grandchildren, he winces slightly and says, "Well, as I'm sure you aware, Princess Taka fell in the final battle of that war, but I have too much to do to die in the next millenia, so I'm sure I'll find a way to leave a legacy somehow."
Mika mutters a little bit as she gets off the woman, but keeps low to the ground. She's so much like a cat right now. The back of the robe comes up a little bit, and her tail flickers out. It swishes form side to side, as if annoyed a little bit…
Ryuusei would approach, and unless she was claimed by the cat too and taken down, she would drag the female off to tie with the others… What was that? A tail? Wierd… "I… I'll take care of this then…" Ryuusei would say as she tied up the last of the shinobi
The man had clearly lost his faculties. It became apparent when he didn't recall Princess Taka falling in battle. "W-what? I… I never heard this… … Oh dear…" And so the contract had been accepted.
