Mission With Sensei [NK, Invite]

Spoiler:

It was another day, and Zenkichi had to head off early. After doing the necessities such as showering, dressing up, and eating his meal, Zenkichi then headed off immediately to the designated place. Zenkichi had never seen the area, but he recognizes the roads through, or at least the view of the streets from the roof he usually uses. As Zenkichi jumped from roof to roof, counting each house number, he finally found the designated place; a mansion.

The purpose Zenkichi is to meet here is because of a mission he is going to be doing with his sensei, Rei Uchiha. As he walked up to the gates, Zenkichi pulled out the letter he received from the boy's parents. The scroll from the boy's parents reflects their wealth. The scroll was made out of jade, with well designed engravements. The paper used was one of high-quality; papyrus which is a luxury item in Kirigakure. As he unrolls the letter, he started reading the letter in his mind. [color=yellow]"To whom it may concern, I, Takeshi Suzuhara, the proprietor of the shipping, transportation, and merchant company, would like to place a request to Kirigakure's finest shinobis. I would like a couple of shinobi to escort my son back to our mansion. The address of his current home and the final destination is written at the bottom. Be sure to escort him back, even if it is against his will. He is the next successor of the family, and I would like him back unharmed."

After reading this, Zenkichi rolled the scroll back and placed in his bag. He decided to wait for his sensei before entering, in case some incident or oppositions are met.


WC : 282 words

Early, it was early during the day. The sun had just barely peaked over the forest mountains on the East side of Kirigakure. The warm sunlight sparkled in the streets from touching the blanket of mist that rolled through the streets of the village. While few people were up, excluding the shinobi of the village who were always out and about. Only a few people were actually around the streets at this time of morning, Rei preferred this time of day- just light enough to see and not many people to interact with. Truthfully he hated most forms of interaction with others, yet he forced himself to be normal and accept the daily parts of life. A bit colder today than I thought it would be. he said to himself as he breathed a yawn and could see his on breathe. The warm rays of sunlight would soon raise the temperatures to average levels. These were daily things about Kirigakure that were common to the villagers, the temperatures and the mist that pervaded their village at random times.

Rei's purpose for being out today was a mission. He walked through the streets to meet at the designated place, once again he had been chosen for an escort mission of a certain highly important individual. The spoiled prince. Twice before had Rei escorted the young prince who was only a couple of years younger than Rei's age. Even between Rei and his students, for the most part, there was not even a ten year difference between sensei and student. Rei had climbed to the rank of Jounin quickly after his regrettable loss of his sister and girlfriend. Yin and Rin had been the only two things he loved and they were taken from him by a greedy man. Rei had promised them that he would become a great shinobi upon their dying breathes and he wouldn't let his own sadness and self-pity stop his from keeping that promise to them. This crossed his mind like it did everyday and motivated him to work harder. He picked up his pace and made it to the inn he knew the prince would be at. Predictable. I'm here to escort the prince. The guards, recognized him right away and handed him the prince's luggage. Expected. Twice now he had met these guards and taken the luggage for the prince- four large suitcases full of fine clothing and souvenirs.

Being much stronger now, Rei hardly grunted as he juggled the luggage cases and lead the prince to the meeting spot where he was to meet one of his new students, Zenkichi. Zen was an odd boy, Rei had only known him a bit, but as his sensei, Rei was privy to details about the boy's past. Rei didn't intend to use that information, but it helped him to understand and deal with the boy. Apparently he was some kind of follower of a weird religion. Rei wasn't religious himself, in fact, he was hardly even considered human anymore. He ignored most of what the prince said as they traveled to the meeting place, mostly just complaints from the prince about it being too early or chilly. Finally, they would arrive at the meeting place and Rei would see his student waiting for him. He handed two luggage cases to the boy, they would carry them outside the gate a bit before a wagon with two horses were to meet them to travel at the prince's luxury. Goodmorning Zen, I hope you're ready for today's mission. he said, but what he really wanted to say was "Are you ready for a long day of hearing this guy complain?" Zen would learn soon enough. Rei just hoped the young Genin would remember to be respectful to their client.

As he waited, Zenkichi soon started reading a book instead. His bible, to be specific. Soon, he caught sight of his sensei with a couple bags. Keeping his book in his cloak, he soon grabbed two bags from his sensei. Oblivious to Rei's implication, Zenkichi just smiled as he carried the two bags. "Yea, I guess so. I've trained some strong moves just for today's mission."

Behind Rei was the prince, dressed in the most peculiar clothing for Kirigakure's weather. Even in such a humid and wet place like Kirigakure, the prince was dressed in a royal looking garment that stretched from his shoulder to his heels. It seemed that the prince is wearing a couple of layers of clothing below the garment. Stretching his hand out, Zenkichi asked the prince, "Hello there, I'm Zenkichi. I'll be escorting you back to your father's house." The prince stared at his hand for a while, before turning his expression to one of disgust, saying, "Wait... Is that a plebeian, extending his dirty, common hands to me, the prince who is leagues above him? What's gonna happen next; rats are gonna join us in the carriage?" Listening to this, Zenkichi kept his hand back to his side. He now understood the true meaning of his sensei when he asked whether he was "ready". [i]"Okay, Zenkichi. Suppress all hatred, and ignore his comments. He's the client, and you already expected him to be snobby right? So yea, just calm down... Breathe in... Breath out."[i] thought Zenkichi as he tries to calm himself down. "Oh look, is that serf enjoying the air? The only thing he can afford. Hahaha!"

Zenkichi now understood why such a simple mission was able to be ranked at the rank B. Ignoring the comment from the prince, Zenkichi rushed forward to his sensei and walked with him to the wagon.

WC: 282 + 315 = 597

Rei kept quiet as the prince showed his truly rotten nature, the Jounin wanted to see if Zenkichi was capable of holding his temper. A part of being a shinobi was knowing your place in the world: while maybe more useful and of a better moral standing, the fact that this prince was born into an illustrious family with wealth and repute, meant he was worth more value than the shinobi of the village in Kirigakure. So long as his family remained in power and wealth however. Rei was fortunate he had a student who could control his outbursts, if Akio had been the one to butt heads with the prince, things would have been different. Good thing. I would have hated to have to deal with a complaint from him and his family... Rei said to himself and glanced at his student who helped him carry the luggage. An interesting fellow indeed.

Outside the gates of the village they went until they found a small farm. A team of two horses and a wagon had already been prepared. The prince climbed in grateful that he didn't have to walk any further, Rei proceeded to put the luggage in the wagon and then motioned for Zenkici to as well. You may ride in the wagon with the prince if you like, it's half a day's journey and I don't expect to find much if any trouble. he said to his student as he began to walk alongside the wagon.

As they approached thr wagon , Zenkichi sighed for relief, as the prince would FINALLY stop groaning. Even after just a 3 minutes walk, the prince was already groadning repeatedly, complaining about how the weather was hot, and about how it hurt his feet, and also about how the sun is ruining his skin. When Zenkichi offered to carry him, the prince replied with repugnant, saying, "Sure, if you have a saddle. What? You expect me to bestow you, a commoner, the blessing of having my royal bottom on your body? What, is today you birthday?"

Zenkichi truly understood that the missions ranking do count. "Remember to get every detail of a mission first next time before signing a death pact." Zenkichi just ignored the prince with a smile and continued walking.

As the prince hopped in the wagon in glee, Rei and Zenkichi unloaded the luggages in the trunk. After that, Rei offered to let Zenkichi "enjoy" half a day in the wagon. "Oh no, it's okay. I rather walk than lose my sanity with this kid's complains. Plus, it's only half a day. And it wouldn't be right if only I stay in the wagon with him. " He then started walking along with his master, with his eyes open in case of any ambushes from bandits or thieves. The route they are taking are afterall a common area for these renegades to lurk around.

Wc : 597+238=835

Rei found it amusing that Zenkichi would rather walk half a day than spend the time in luxury, even if he had to sit near the prince. This was going tobe a long trip. Rei almost wished that a group of bandits or something would attack just to liven things up. Nothing happened or so it seemed, for the greater portion of the half day, the two shinobi, sensei and student walked in silence. They enjoyed the silence and simplicity of the mission: Rei loved to travel and see things, but his heart was always within Kirigakure. Unlike them who were quiet and alert, the prince had fallen asleep in the wagon and was snoring. He had stretched out to completely cover the length of the wagon and used his luggage as a pillow. Disregard to the two shinobi protecting him who might get tired and need to sit down for a moment. As the prince slept, Rei talked openly but not very loud to his student. By now Im sure you realize this isn't a dangerous or difficult B Rank mission. This prince visits the village often to buy things and brag with his political power and riches. Whenever he needs to go home, the village rushes to send him away before anything bad happens to him.


He told his student, though he was certain that the young Genin had already figured as much out. Rei would have laughed, but he didn't have the ability- he had lost merriment and joy at the loss of his loved sister and his girlfriend. All that was left within the zombie shinobi was indifference. Still, Rei found it weird how he, a zombie shinobi had been paired with a Jashinist. Some old fables said that Jashinists had the potential to be immortal: in his own manner, Rei was also immortal. So tell me Zen, as a Jishanist.. I hear that it's possible to be immortal, or so some fables go. If I understand the religion correctly, Jashin the god of the religion has the power to bestow immortality on select believers.

As they set off on their journey, Zenkichi began admiring the beauty of nature. For one, he never ventured too far from his village for the sole reson that it requires the Mizukage's permission, and requesting for permission would be too much of a hassle. Plus, Zenkichi is too busy with his missions and trainings to enjoy the beauy of nature. Now that he could witness it first hand, it reminded him of Yui. He promised her that he would enjoy the beauties of this earth in her place, and that's why he wants to get stronger. To protect those he loved.

Their journey was quiet, but it didn't affect Zenkichi much. Zenkichi was absorbed with the many wonders of nature, such as squirrels, beautiful flowers and vegetation, and even the feeling of fresh air in the wilderness. The aroma of a buffet of flowers was soothing to the nose. The sounds of wild animals and rustling of the leaves in the wind created such a Mozartique sound. Suddenly, this tranquility was interrupted by the loud snoring of the prince. As he looked back, he could see the Prince lying down, occupying the whole carrage on his own. Suddenly, Rei spoke up and explained the situation of the prince. Smiling and grinning to himself, he replied, saying, "Well yea, I kinda figured. Pretty sure he's a good and easy source of ryo for shinobi, considering how much of a burden he is. No wonder such a simple safe trip is equivalent to a B rank."

Rei continued the conversation by asking more about Jashinism. This got him thinking. True, Lord Jashin enjoys destruction and calamity. Being a hero of justice is not going against his religion in anyway. He's still bringing calamity and destruction around, but only upon evildoers. It's a win-win situation. Lord Jashin is pleased, and so is Zenkichi. Zenkichi prayed to Jashin for strength to deliver calamity to his opponents. Due to all his days praying and urging for strength, Jashin must've seen something in him, and bestowed upon him the power of Immortality. For this, Zenkichi remained true to his God.

Looking at Rei, he then replied, "Well yea, I'm a Jashinist... We worship Lord Jashin. Jashin's will is to deliver destruction and calamity to this world. It is our goal, as believers, to make his will a reality. Of course, I'm doing this by delivering destruction upon evildoers and my enemies. Sometimes, however, Jashin would catch sight of someone worthy and bestow upon them the power of immortality. This person would be given the power to finally deliver Jashin's will without any obstacles, or so the myths and legends go. The last known immortal was the Prophet Ishiki, who managed to topple an ancient kingdom on his own, before disappearing from the face of the earth. Legends say that he's still roaming the earth. Hahaha!"

Zenkichi, although he trusts his sensei, did not want to reveal the fact that he has obtained the blessing of immortality. He wants to keep this a secret as long as possible. It wouldn't be nice to be with someone who is not only a cult worshipper, but also immortal, right?


WC: 835+533 = 1,368 words

Rei knew it, Zenkichi was a smart boy- capable of seeing into the politics of the village: even though this prince was slime and one of the worst kinds of scumbag, he served a purpose to the village and was required to be treated with respect and safety. As they continued to walk Rei had asked Zenkichi about his religion. he didn't really expect much of a response, uncertain if Jashinists were a secretive cult or not. He listened intently and pondered with his heart on the matter while his eyes and mind were alert for any signs of danger. Although Zenkichi as a Jashinist was a Genin working for Kirigakure, a religious zealot in his own sense of justice could one day become a potential threat to Kirigakure if his loyalties were won over by the ideas of the god Jashin. If the boy were to do so and obtain the immortality said to exist somehow through the religion, then Zenkichi would indeed be a formidable opponent. Rei was the type of person to destroy opposition and potential threats. As they walked side by side, he glanced at the boy to weight the worth of ending his life now. He was still young and could be influenced, Rei just hoped that being his sensei would instill the very passion for Kirigakure into the boy's heart.

From what Rei knew, the boy Zenkichi had suffered much. Rei couldn't blame him if the boy somehow held resentment to the village, but Rei wouldn't give up on one of his students even if he did prove a potential threat in the future. If things turned out that way, he would purge away the boy's sins with his all consuming black flames. Hopefully it doesn't come to that. he said as he turned his gaze back to the road.

The rest of the trip was uneventful and the prince had woken up only an hour before they were to arrive at the palace. Just like the two times before, the servants had rushed out of the house and pampered the prince. They babied him and treated him like a young child, Rei could see why the boy had grown into a young man with such immaturity. He was treated like a child and given everything he wanted. Let's get out of here Zenkichi, these people make me sick. he said as they fed the horses and watered them, let them rest for a couple of hours at a barn and then rode the wagon back to Kirigakure with no issues.

On the way back to the village, Rei would ride mostly in silence, he wasn't a very good social person but he had become a sensei to four incredibly gifted Genin. He always forced himself to go out of his way for his village, but that didn't make things easy. He wasn't the sharing kind although he understood the needs of his students: sharing information about himself was a big nono in his book. Even though he preferred to keep to himself, many in the village knew of hith- in both regards to his accomplishments and his tragic past. Eventually he knew his students would learn about him, but for now he just wanted to focus all of their attention into becoming stronger and adopting the love for Kirigakure he held in his heart. Good job on the mission Zenkichi, you being able to hold your tongue made this mission very easy and likely a success. I'll let the Council know this mission is complete. You go back to the orphanage and rest up.  He told the boy as he took the horses back out the gate of Kirigakure and returned them to the kind farmer who let them use the wagon and horses to transport their precious "cargo" he thanked the farmer and then returned to the village and his own quiet peaceful home.

After answering Rei's question, the conversation soon died off and it continued onwards until they arrived the place. Upon reaching the palace, servants rushed out and started pampering him. After that, Zenkichi and Rei left, as the scene of the prince getting pampered is a gross and sick scene that Zenkichi coud not endure He was happy that Rei felt the same about this.

The way home was silent, and the trick of the mission was not the threat of bandits, but more of the emotional battle within yourself.


WC : 89 + 1,368 = 1,457 words

DONE