[Imagawa Takumi]

It was standard for shinobi to be given missions with their assigned teams, but it also wasn't uncommon for those teams to be broken up as needed, impromptu squads formed to quickly accomplish needed tasks when various individuals were busy with other things.

It was this exact situation that Imagawa Takumi found himself in, waiting at the entrance of Yukigakure with the sun not quite over the horizon yet, but still giving off a dim light to the snow-covered village. Today's mission? Delivering an emergency shipment of medical supplies to the military fortress to the south, Hyōzan Keep. The train tracks that typically accomplished this task were iced over from the particularly cold weather, which Takumi felt a small amount of smugness over. The Imagawa had long detested the idea of the rail system in Yuki no Kuni, and this was proof that it couldn't always be relied upon.

He carried a bag of the more delicate supplies on his back as he waited for the other two members of the spontaneous team to arrive, watching for their arrival with a muted, annoyed expression on his face. He'd much rather do this mission on his own, but logistically there was just no way for him to carry all of the supplies on his own.

((Masahiro Kaiya , Yuki Kazu . Mission Details))

[Masahiro Kaiya]

With Life There Is Always Another Chance

In The Light There Is Always Darkness

Simple missions with simple objectives were just as important as the most flashy of mission. Supplies to the keep were essential and while the railway wasn’t working, it was up for shinobi to do so. The whole of her clan made for betterment and helping, the young Masahiro wouldn’t have hesitated in the slightest to oblige those who had assigned her to help. Alongside two others that she at least had the vaguest of knowledge of, one of a more similar rank to her than the other.

Supplies were given out in packs, the one boy already having his strapped on and prepped to go. It had the armored blonde doing much the same, donning a pack and hefting it onto rather narrow shoulders. Kaiya wasn’t the strongest looking thing, and for good reason.. Her lithe frame promoted skillful and lighter movements rather than oppressive strong ones, though a pack was taken all the same. She wasn’t weak and fragile afterall.

"Takumi-san, I’m pleased to work with you. Let us be successful and safe.”

A greeting given along with good wishes, the muted girl quiet in her words, the soft bell-like tone of her voice sounding and making her seem all to gentle, yet an expression that was practically dull and neutral rather than anything sweet like the rest of her might portray.

Masahiro Kaiya

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yuki Kazu]

Naturally with how lazy Kazu was, he was the last to show up for the mission he was assigned. He didn't know either of the two individuals he would be working with on this job very well, though he had at least met Masahiro, Kaiya. The mission was a simple supply run caused by the tracks that normally did the task icing over. Kazu still wasn't really good at socializing with others, especially people he didn't know, but in this case that didn't seem like too much of a problem. Talking would only distract them from the task after all. 

Upon Kazu's late arrival, he saw the blonde woman he had met before as well as a black-haired man, both had a pack of supplies on their back. "That looks heavy." The boy complained to himself before walking over to grab the last pack of supplies. Upon grabbing the supplies, his comment of it looking heavy seemed to be proven correct. Still, he managed to carry it on his back. 

As much as he didn't care to greet the others, they at least needed to have introductions, so Kazu introduced himself, "My name's Kazu Yuki." He kept it short and simple, as per usual. With the supplies on his back, Kazu was ready to get this over with.

[Imagawa Takumi]

Thankfully, Takumi didn't have to wait too long for the next member of the impromptu team to arrive, a blonde girl wearing bits and pieces of armor on a form that betrayed the strength she displayed upon hefting up her pack. He didn't know this person beyond her name, but he grunted a greeting in return, appreciating that she seemed to at least be more of a soft-spoken person: always a welcome trait when compared to his teammate and rival Taro.

Takumi was far less pleased to see the third and final member of their team, particularly because of how late he arrived compared to Kaiya. The sun was now fully just above the horizon, a harsh reminder that they were burning through precious hours of what would be at least a few days of trekking through inclement conditions if not longer. This person, Takumi wasn't too familiar with, though he knew he was a genin. He repeated the same grunt that he gave to Kaiya, though just to keep things somewhat formal he gave his own name before wordlessly beginning to lead the way south.

"Imagawa Takumi."

The black coat-clad figure turned away from the two as he marched through the high snow, setting a medium pace for the first few hours of their journey. After some time he turned back to assess the group, gauging their appearance to see if it was time for a brief rest.

[Masahiro Kaiya]

With Life There Is Always Another Chance

In The Light There Is Always Darkness

Vaguely familiar with both boys it would seem, yet not so much that she would have called either of them even remotely close… From past reports and training she knew the Yuki boy to be more on the lethargic end. Kaiya hadn’t heard his comments towards the packs, but easily enough heard that introduction. A nod of her head, simple and soft, with the pack upon her own back prepped and secured, she’d speak as well.

"And Masahiro Kaiya. Let us finish quickly and safely.”

The soft tone of words smoothly cooed out, the little blonde sure to give those words of good hope and cheer towards her temporary teammates, but they should soon be off.. It wasn’t a difficult task, just time intensive and careful. Takumi already having turned to start the way, the girl easily fell in behind him. Her leadership skills were adequate, but all too easily she’d take a support role and favor it if able. The soft spoken young girl not one that typically looked set up for leading and one that Kaiya really didn’t mind another having. Quiet and silence allowed to resume among them for as long as the boys might like, for she herself didn’t wish to cause discomfort if they preferred that quiet…

And mostly quiet it would be. Unless Kazu so decided he’d want to speak up and chat with her, they would have remained true to their task. Hours of trudging through snow and ice, chills in the air and steps continuous as they marched downwards. The train really was a convenience… But still this wasn’t so much hard as it was long. Takumi turning to see them had her tilting her head slightly, curious and questioning in her own silent way. Though deducing perhaps asking for rest, a glance shot Kazu’s way that had her mentally hesitating. He’d appreciate it, right? Though she hated to call that out herself… perhaps he’d like to push through so he could rest all at once at home….

Masahiro Kaiya

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yuki Kazu]

After he secured his pack on his back, he took note of the two individuals that would be joining him. The one that had introduced himself as Takumi seemed pretty quiet, barely speaking at all. Kaiya on the other hand, seemed fairly strong despite her appearance. Kazu at least knew of Kaiya, but he had no interaction with Takumi. Kazu could tell just looking at them that they were both Chuunin. At least they both seemed to want to finish this mission as quickly as possible. 

He gave a simple nod to both of their introductions before following behind them, being at the back of their formation. The snow was higher than the boy was used to. However, he was from the Yuki clan, so the cold didn't bother him that much. 

They had marched at a medium pace for a while, until Takumi shot a glance their way. Kaiya did the same, looking to him to decide something. Kazu's best guess was that they were trying to determine if they needed a break yet. "I'm good to keep going as long as you guys are." He'd say, actually using his words unlike the other two. He wasn't too tired yet, even if the pack was weighing down on his back. While he may have wanted to rest, he couldn't really relax on a mission. It was best to keep going for a bit longer, that way he'd be able to rest back home sooner! 

[Imagawa Takumi]

Looking back at the rest of the group, it seemed that the group was overall fine with continuing to forge on ahead, with Kaiya deferring her decision to the youngest of the group, Kazu. The Yuki genin was more vocal with his preference, and with a shrug Takumi continued with his pace for another few hours.

As the sun finally reached its highest point in the sky Takumi knew that putting off a break any longer would only be detrimental to the mission. His survival senses went on full alert as he passively searched for an appropriate resting site. His marching pace slowed as he focused on this task, taking in several deep breaths, deliberately and slowly scanning his surroundings before settling on a location. The Imagawa returned to his faster pace as he pointed to a treeline a hundred meters or so away.

"We'll break over there for lunch."

He spoke it calmly and confidently, not really checking with the group this time because he was going to do it regardless. When he eventually did get to the spot Takumi carefully set down his pack of medical supplies and got to work clearing a small circle in the snow.

"Rations, or a hot meal? For the hot meal we'll need a fire. We also need water, there's a small meltwater stream close by."

Takumi didn't seem to be outright doling out tasks that needed to be completed for their break, but it was relatively clear what his intention was. He waited to see what the others could contribute before taking whatever task(s) that remained, unless they wanted a hot meal, which meant it would be time to hunt.

[Masahiro Kaiya]

With Life There Is Always Another Chance

In The Light There Is Always Darkness

So on they went. Silence to circle them again after Kazu expressed going on, the three trudging through snow with packs upon their back. It was a simple going, careful to not break things but also keep their eyes out for trouble or danger. Takumi was the one to break pattern first, even if slightly. A little more glancing around and Kaiya watching him a bit more. Curious on if he noticed someone but remaining silent just in case he was attempting to locate danger.


A needless concern, for a break was called out. Lunch not far off and Kaiya giving a nod and when she realized he hadn’t turned back, would have spoken in that ever soft voice.

"Got it.”

Confirmation, all was fine, so they’d do just that. A hundred meters off was nothing compared to the distance already traveled and as they’d settle down, strip packs, and prepare to regain some strength the Iwagawa would chirp up again.

"I can get the water. That way?"

The general layout of Yukigakure was known to her, but the idea that the stream was in the vicinity had her at least guessing. Once confirmation was given she’d gather things to prepare that fetching, meaning to leave the talks of food for the males. Though… if nothing had been spoken or no decision met she’d find a slight waver in her voice in fear of straining one or the other with her input.

"The task isn’t long, rations to rest and get moving seems best rather than waste energy.”


But only if they hadn’t decided anything… Kaiya didn’t hold any strong opinions on this subject at least.

Masahiro Kaiya

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yuki Kazu]

They continued their journey for a couple more hours, not needing to take a break until it was almost lunch time. They walked in silence, no one saying a word. It seemed like both of them were the silent type, which Kazu was fine with. He tended to match how other people acted anyways. 

Once it hit lunch time, Takumi seemed to be scanning the surroundings, eventually pointing out where they would break. It was a good thing too; the pack was starting to feel like it weighed more with every step. Kaiya acknowledged Takumi's statement, so Kazu felt he should do the same, "Okay." Was all he really felt the need to say.

Once they got to the spot, Takumi stated what all they needed for their break. With Kaiya volunteering to get water, that left Takumi and Kazu to decide what they would do for food. "I ate this morning before we left so I'm definitely fine with just rations. We shouldn't waste energy if we don't need to. That being said if you or Kaiya need a hot meal, I'm fine with that too." So basically, Kazu didn't really have much of an opinion on which type of meal they should do.

[Imagawa Takumi]

As a group, the trio came to the decision to rely on cold rations for now, to which Takumi was indifferent.

"Rations are fine. Yes, water that way. A few dozen meters."

The Imagawa was more than happy to let someone else handle the water, instead focusing his efforts on continuing to clear a small area for them to sit and rest. He pushed and moved snow until there was a bare, circular patch before carefully placing his cumbersome belongings in the center. Takumi took a seat at the edge of the circle, unpacking some rations to eat, but waiting patiently until Kaiya returned with some water. It wasn't as though he personally cared about the social aspect of a meal, but the spirits of the land demanded that one ate with others whenever it was possible.

Unless someone else made conversation, the meal would be a silent affair, Takumi going out of his way to eat his share of rations as silently as possible. It was only when it seemed that they were almost done that he would speak up.

"If possible, we will continue on without rest until nightfall. Keep an eye out for any prey along the way. For dinner we will indulge in a hot meal. The trip is a few days at minimum, and we must regain our strength in some way if we're to survive."

[Masahiro Kaiya]

With Life There Is Always Another Chance

In The Light There Is Always Darkness

A simple affair, though not altogether a bonding one. The two males and female had stopped to fulfil some need for food and water, but even then not much talking occurred. They assigned jobs, they decided what to do, and all things went along as if three mechanical instruments were carrying out a job.

Perhaps that’s simply what they were… but as Kaiya went off towards the direction of water and left the other two alone, she’d take her time in getting that small assignment. Crystal clear waterways from springs and whatever snow might have melted along that pathway, sure to bring life to whatever it coursed towards. A faint smile to the lips of the little blonde, glad for moments such as these even if they were as simple as fetching water.

To be done all too quickly though, gathering that water and heading back towards the men so they might replenish water and food before heading off again. Rations it seemed to be, not digging in yet, but if the Imagawa showed any such decision, it wasn’t that they had found prey and were cooking it over a fire.

"Simple and forward for today.”

A quiet comment, but almost as if checking things were fine. Water and rations for the three of them, her own pack set along side Takumi’s, and Kaiya to settle down amidst the cleared circle. It wasn’t some warm and ornate meal, but it was fine enough, they had plenty of distance to cover still.

The words the male spoke would have a slender frown come to her features, displeased and uncomfortable while looking back down to her rations… Kaiya was not of the type who wanted anything to do with killing. Not a vegetarian at heart, but she certainly didn’t want a hand played directly in the death of something…

So nothing was said. The girl finding herself a little less at ease with the idea put forward on what the future may hold. And after a few minutes, if Kazu hadn’t raised his own voice in any conversation, Kaiya wouldn’t have been able to keep that discomfort to herself. The quiet voice of the girl once more fluttered through the air, softspoken and almost neutral in tone. But present enough to hear…

"Rations are more than enough to sustain a squad for days. Rest, hydration, and nutrition should get us there speedily.”

Masahiro Kaiya

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Hoshino Kohaku]

[attr="class","rlover"]

[attr="class","rloverFlowers"]

I won't give up 'cause there will be a day...

I'll be worth it

[attr="class","rloverTag"]Special Delivery

[attr="class","rloverImg"]

[attr="class","rloverText"]

❛❛

She couldn't believe she got assigned to something so important! Well ok, she wasn't originally, but to be helping her teammate out on a mission he was a part of still sounded important enough to the young kunoichi. Sure she would be replacing two different shinobi for the task, but at least he wouldn't be alone and from what she had heard about the mission it shouldn't be too difficult. At least she hoped it wouldn't be as delivering supplies didn't seem like it would be a challenging ordeal.

The main issue right now was catching up to the original team of shinobi who were assigned to this mission to deliver the message. This meant Kohaku would need to book it, which wasn't too difficult since she was a bit on the faster side than most shinobi, so she would use quite a bit of her energy almost immediately to catch up to those who had a bit more time on the road than she did. At the very least she didn't have the supplies with her weighing her down as they did so she would only be weighed down by her gear and rations.

After a bit of time though she would catch up to the three shinobi and panting slightly, she would say, "Orders from Lady Shuka! You two are needed back at the village immediately!" Kohaku would then point to Takumi and Kaiya before adding, "I will be taking your places and helping Kazu finish the mission." Using this time to catch her breath she would take the pack from Kaiya and then hold Takumi's before they headed back to the village. Turning to Kazu she would ask, "So how do we go about sharing the load of three packs between the two of us?"

ZYTL

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[Yuki Kazu]

As weird as it was for his teammates to be replaced on this mission, he was a bit thankful. They ate a bit before leaving in order to replenish their energy before heading back. Once they finally did, Kazu let out a deep sigh. "Are all Chuunin so quiet? I've been bored for hours! Thanks for saving me, Kohaku." He'd say as he started eating his meal. He then offered Kohaku an extra they'd made, "Here, I'm sure you're tired from catching up with us." As for her question though, he had an idea of how to carry all three packs. He'd wait til after they finished their meal though, no use stressing about it yet.

He was happy to have one of his actual team members on this mission now, though they could've used one more person. At least they'd completed most of the journey now. "Alright, now for how we'll carry three packs." He would say as he started using his Hyoton to make a simple wheelbarrow that could carry all three packs. "We can either trade moving the wheelbarrow for the remainder, or one of us carries one pack and the other takes that. Up to you." Whichever one she agreed to, Kazu would go along with. They didn't have much longer, so he'd start walking towards their destination, almost in sight.

[Hoshino Kohaku]

[attr="class","rlover"]

[attr="class","rloverFlowers"]

I won't give up 'cause there will be a day...

I'll be worth it

[attr="class","rloverTag"]Special Delivery

[attr="class","rloverImg"]

[attr="class","rloverText"]

❛❛

Honestly, Kohaku was a bit surprised by Kazu's turn of speech when the two she replaced left. Was it that bad with them? Was her company that appreciated? "Did I save you? It was just an order from Lady Shuka," Kohaku would mutter a bit embarrassingly. She would sheepishly take the extra food they had not realizing how hungry she had gotten trying to catch up to them. "Thanks," she would say with a smile digging into the food she would be taking from them.

Once they were done eating it was time to figure out how they would deal with the packs they would be delivering and it seemed like Kazu had an idea almost immediately. The two options he suggested certainly had their merit and honestly were both fair options, but Kohaku still felt bad that she was coming into this mission on the tail end of it. So putting two packs into the wheelbarrow she would try and grab Kazu's pack saying, "Let me take them all and you can relax for the rest of the mission." She felt it was only fair for him to not be as stressed about the mission and she didn't feel like she felt responsible for the shrinking of the mission. "It's the least I could do for both showing up so late and for taking the extra food from your original group."

ZYTL

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[Yuki Kazu]

At Kohaku's question of whether she'd really saved him, Kazu gave a nod. "You absolutely did, the silence was dehumanizing! It doesn't matter if you were trying to save me, or Lady Yuki sent you. Those are minor details, what matters is I'm saved!" Kazu wasn't usually one to be dramatic, but he hadn't said a word for hours! He felt he was able to be at least a little dramatic now. She accepted the extra food that had been made as well, "Eat up!" He'd say, giving her some time to eat after her long journey catching up. 

As they finished the meal, Kohaku went with the option of all three bags in the wheelbarrow, but she didn't wanna trade who carried what for the remainder. She wanted to carry all of them the rest of the way. "There might be some intellect in what you say. The closer we get to our destination the more likely combat is, after all. One of us being unhindered is smart." He would say, allowing Kohaku to place his bag in the wheelbarrow. The weight lifting off his back felt nice after so long of holding it. "I'll take the lead for the rest of the route, just try your best to keep pace and if you need me to slow down let me know. Got it?" He'd ask before starting the remainder of their journey. It wouldn't take long until their destination was in site: Hyozan Keep.