"I appreciate the enthusiasm Reaver, but this is not about finding "fun" as the main priority. It is simply clearing a mess, working on team synergy and helping to get a foot in the door with those at Taki to better relations and combat injustice against them.." Azumi explained as Reaver seemed eager though she was quick to remind him that finding and hoping for strong guys to fight had not been the be all end all with this mission.
"It should be short and sweet. Just eliminate a group of low life bandits, take their stolen possessions and move on. Clean swift....
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"Okabe, we need to talk. This cannot go on...."
Okabe Hokichi, former Chunin of Konoha and father of two had returned with other members of the "hunters" among the caravan returned from a recent raid along with his wife Chiziwa. "Hunters" had been the more flattering term for what they did, though public perception in Taki labeled them with less flattering but more accurate terms.
Bandits, raiders, thieves, criminals. Okabe had heard them all, and it stung his pride that this was what his life had devolved into. But unfortunate circumstances, a bad injury on a mission and a certain "resettlement" program all but forced several low income individuals within the Land of Fire out to fend for themselves. Okabe would recover from the injury, to some degree, and would teach his wife the ways of the ninja as they would join up with others who faced similar circumstances and formed a collective caravan.
Okabe meant to do honest work. He truly did, as he wanted to set a positive example for his two young boys. Kuroda & Watari, but it was hard to find good honest work as one technically without a nation to call their own. Then he came calling, a certain big wig with connections to the feudal lord who desired something. Taki was a small village, not really a blimp much to the radar of a superpower beyond the occasional trade exchange but what this guy had known was Taki had some treasures and items of great value that he desired and would be of benefit to the Land of Fire. But they couldn't be overt with such a desire, as an action might entice a response form Taki's neighbors Iwa which was the last thing on anyone's mind.
So, Okabe's caravan was an end around. They provide this big wig with their service and transport of goods, and in turn he'd assure them payment and someday fresh land to settle in back within the villages of the Land of Fire.
Sure some, like rogue ninja Scrappa, reveled in this lifestyle and being able to make raids and spread personal infamy. But he and his personal allies within the caravan had been a minority; most simply did what they did cause there was no opportunity elsewhere. And as evident by his wife and her worried look, some had been more outspoken proponents. Okabe let out a sigh, but before he could respond...
"Hey dad hey dad! I've got something I want to show you!"
"Wha...no this was my idea!"
"Nah uh!"
"Uh huh!"
"Nah uh!"
"Nah..."
"B-boys boys its alright it's alright. What do you have to show?" Okabe asked as both Kuroda & Watari pulled out what appeared to be an origami of a bird; one that both Okabe and Chiziwa took to heart as the bird was symbolic of what they and most within the caravan desired. Freedom from this life on the run, and a return to the way things used to be. And in spite of these moral struggles, Okabe remained optimistic and urged Chiziwa to press on as he had been certain he saw a light at the end of the tunnel through all this.
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"...and without exception. Any other questions?"
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Sakura had been about to answer Raiku's question, but before she had a chance Taiyo stumbled out of his tent and had a hand to the chest as he appeared to be in obvious pain. The alarm sounded even before Taiyo made mention of his "relief for chest implosion" as she dashed over to the fire nin and worked to try to get him on his back.
"Alright, hold still and be weary....this might sting." Sakura said, as her hands began to glow green as she worked to try to remove his shirt enough to get access to his bare chest as she began an attempt to treat this wound. Which as Sakura got insight into it was more sever than she expected.
Kami....what did you do you do?
Did this idiot try to set his lungs on fire or something? What the hell!?
We'll ask why later, right now we need to make sure he doesn't drop dead.
Right, because if anyone is gonna kill this moron it will be us!
Let's not get into that...
Sakura focused in as she worked to try and repair the damaged and inflamed tissue of Taiyo's chest to counter the damage dealt by his FBS attempt.