Mission Possible (Seiichi/Eliwood/Maku)

The group's walk was filled with good tunes and good vibes. Even the usually chilly Seiichi seemed to be enjoying himself. Maku gave the pair a taste of his past and wove it together into an enthralling story. Eliwood was surprised the young restaurateur had such a colorful history. He was definitely not just a humble chef as the monk once thought.

Their journey was put on hold while Maku entered an inn to book rooms for them to spend the night. Eliwood wondered why they were stopping with so much daylight left, but he quickly found out why. "Loosening their joints" turned out to be incredibly intensive training. The lithe monk struggled with the rock squats, but excelled in tree hanging and lizard chasing. He often spent nights high up in the trees and it was not uncommon for him to wake up hanging by only the rope he'd tied off with the night before. He enjoyed the act of chasing the lizards. They were quick and agile. Able to swiftly slip between rocks and cracks in the ground. It was like an extreme game of tag and Eliwood would not be beaten.

The next activity was one Eliwood did not find enjoyable. Maku began to toss large sharp shuriken as though it were a children's toy.

"We are meant to catch that in flight?" He'd ask exasperated.

Every time he went to catch the shuriken he would shy away in fear of losing a limb. He did not think it could be done until Seiichi managed to catch it safely. Him and Maku began passing it back and forth, making it look easy. Eliwood wished for nothing more than to stop this activity but the other two seemed insistent that he at least manage one catch. He needed to muster up all of the courage he had in him not to chicken out but after several failed attempts, he managed a solid catch. He had half expected to lose his hand but when he felt the hefty chunk of metal stop spinning he knew he'd done it.

"Haha! Marvelous! What a rush. I thought I had lost at least some finger's for sure!" He'd exclaim, visibly shaking but proud of himself. He hoped this would be the end of the day's training but it had apparently only been the warm up.

Maku demonstrated a compressed ball of chakra that released as an impressive beam of energy. Water was sprayed quite high into the air from the force or the blast. He then informed his two exhausted workers that only by copying what he had just done would they be allowed to sleep inside. Learning the hand signs was easy but the act of building up and compressing the chakra was not so easy. Luckily the cero he attempted to form was similar in technique to his Air Pistol jutsu, only on a larger scale. A couple hours, dozens of failed attempts, and an extremely sore palm later and he was left holding a black ball. Just keeping it together was a strain, but when he released it be could see the fruits of his efforts. Water rained down on him, cooling his head a little.

He wiped his face with his scarf and turned to Maku who had long since finished his meal, "Well I am surely impressed. Such a simple technique and yet it wields a large amount of destructive power." He would flash a big cheesy grin and a thumbs up before passing out on the grass from exhaustion.

(TWC 1327)
(TMWC 3604)

Overall, the boys didn’t do to bad. At least, physically they looked exhausted, and they weren’t totally hopeless in chakra control. The technique was one of his most basics, one that he really barely remembered he had.....almost like it had been an after thought and free.........interesting.

He let the lads rest out back, while he went inside the inn. Gathering up a meal, of course cooking it himself....he’d return outside and lay it all out for them. It was a simple rice, infused with pineapples, and sliced chicken breast. He provided both of them with healing bowls of it for their hard work, and laid out a map.

“So, our mission is to intercept a caravan. They have some stuff I very much want, and I very much don’t think they need it. Stealing from thieves is hardly stealing, it’s just a redistribution.” Maku would say with a laugh. He may not murder old ladies out of the blue anymore, but there was still a large gap between his and say Akihana’s morality index. With the map he’d explain where the caravan was going, direction, and anticipated time. They should arrive at a good ambush point around supper time tomorrow.

“So boys, I’m going to let you take the lead. I want to hear your plan, and that’s how we are going to do it. I’ll jump in if I think we are gonna fail, but until that moment....it’s on you. So what do you think?” He’d ask leaning back against a tree, eating his own bowl. He’d also brought out a bottle of hot sauce that he poured liberally on his own.

He’d let the two discuss. The map had topography, so they’d be able to discuss the landscape, and strategy. It also had the presumed defenses and people on board the caravan, though mostly it seemed like a merchant operation, rather than military. He’d allow the two to rest while they discussed.

He’d follow up by one more bit of training before he allowed them to go to bed. The Cero had been one thing, the spirit gun was another lesson. Not so much in a formation but an expulsion of chakra. Once they had produced the two properly, he’d concede to their training being over for the night, it was getting exceedingly late anyway.

TMWC - 3991
TWC - 2223

Seiichi would stand up strait and look over at Eliwood, sweat was running down his face. He pulled up the black robe and patted his head, though it was soaked too it didn't seem to help. "Tough stuff." He said. Standing up he looked off back to the pond. It was nice, he could even hear the night birds chirping and hooting. It was a nice change from all of the panting that seemed to engulf him during training, not to mention the pain of the cero as he attempted to create it.

He would take a seat by a tree and catch his breath. When Maku presented him with a bowl of food he tried not to scarf it down all in one gulp. He would force the first few bites into his mouth but once he looks up to see how fast the others were eating he quickly slowed. He didn't wanna be rude.

It was no time and Maku presented the plan. Robbing robbers. It was great, but Maku was in charge if his boss needed him to take things from robbers he would take things from robbers. But how to do it without getting killed. They were sure to have some kind of guards watching, who knows maybe even skilled ninja.

Taking a bowl in hand he leaned over the map and examined it. The caravan was traveling through a thickly forested area. There wasn't many hills in their rout, but Maku pointed out the only position in which they could be ambushed. It was a bridge crossing a large river. A choke point.

"Do we know who the supplies are going to be delivered to? We could impersonate them and try to take the equipment that way... no.. that wont work." Seiichi took a bite. "blow the bridge. They would be stranded on the other side. It would surprise them, take them off guard.. Hmm. That would be risky though." He bit into his meal again. It was almost gone. "What do you think Eliwood?" He would ask. "If we get closer we could possible make out their exact numbers and come up with a plan on the fly." For a while they sat there looking at the map. Coming up with ideas how to best approach the mission."

After dinner Maku showed them yet another technique. This one was similar to the Cero when it came to focusing and controlling chakra, but this time it was to be formed on the tip of his pointer finger. He could fell the pain of heat searing him the first time. Chakra that was condensed to that magnitude was dangerous to say the least. It took about an hour for him to get a hang of it. He practiced for a while, trying not to hurt himself or Eliwood. Maku was out of danger back by the tree. Seiichi continued to practice for another hour. Perfecting the technique the best he could.

TWC: 1895
TMWC: 4118

Eliwood woke from his exhaustion nap to the smell of food. Maku's cooking was superb and he recognized the scent easily. Rice with fruit and meat mixed in. The monk was used to eating rice, but this dish utilized unique flavors he had not tried combined before. A perfect dish to restore his pep after such harsh training during the day.

Utensils clanked and crickets chirped as they ate and talked. It did not take long for the boss to produce a map and begin discussing plans. Finally they had a clear idea of what this job entailed. Eliwood was not fond of thievery, but if it were stealing from criminals who was it really harming? The items did not belong to who they would be taking from in the first place. The innocent boy wrapped his brain around the deed and with a little mental gymnastics he had come to terms with the job.

The likely point of encountering their mark would be at a small bridge the caravan would have to cross along their way. They would be quite vulnerable while crossing.

"Showing up at a place besides their intended meeting point would certainly arouse suspicion." He'd say between forkfulls, "What about waiting for them to begin crossing, and then cornering them from both sides?"

He himself wasnt very threatening, but if the caravan was put in a tight spot they might have the advantage. "Who knows, maybe we could ask that grumpy she-bear for some help." He laughed.

With his meal finished and his stomach full Eliwood was beginning to feel energetic again. Possibly sensing this, Maku jumped them right back into training. This time a more focused ball of chakra than the Cero he had taught them previously. This particular technique was so similar to Eliwood's Air Pistol that it was almost trivial for him to learn. He had already learned the change in chakra form required. This just involved leaving the wind aspect out of the equation. Without the wind Eliwood felt as though he was limiting himself, but any versatility would be helpful if he was going to be going on jobs like this.

Seiichi seemed to have a harder time than the gleeful monk, which was to be expected in this case, and Eliwood wanted to do something nice for his friend. He sat a little ways back behind Seiichi and began channeling chakra into a tune he had created himself. Invigorating energy would be carried on the notes and make the listener's movements feel lighter. It wasn't much, but he wanted to help in any way he could.

When they had both demonstrated to Maku their progress he gave them the go ahead to sleep. It was a long and grueling day, but Eliwood could feel the progress he had made in such a short time. Maku's regiment may be intense, but it was clearly effective. The young monk would sleep quite soundly in his well earned bed. That was for sure.

(TWC 1827)
(TMWC 4618)

The rest of the night would pass through quite uneventfully, and even into the next day not much happened. Again, Maku would discuss how he had come to be where he was. This time moving past his time as the Yukigakuri leader, the team he trained to chunin and several of the other missions he had completed. He’d end with discussing everything before the village destructions, instead ending on the Iwagakure expansion alliance. Once that certainly did not exist and had not for some time, leaving some mystery as to what all had happened.

They’d make it to the rendezvous point, an hour ahead of when the caravan would arrive. He’d given the two boys a chance to sleep on a plan, and time to discuss during their walk. The point of contention was before them, they had a slight valley to look down on, however with large effort individuals could make it up the sides, even if the caravan couldn’t. A couple hundred meters ahead it opened up, leading to lots of areas to escape. There was a small bridge that led into the valley, a gentle rushing river beneath.

“Gonna leave it up to you guys to get started. If I have to I’ll jump in, but it’s time to see what you got”. With that Maku would leave the two of them and sit next to a tree, a perfect vantage point looking down on the valley. They’d have time to discuss and prepare, and just as it appeared Maku was falling asleep to take a nap, the caravan could be spotted on the horizon.

It was show time for the lads.

TMWC - 4893
TWC - 2510

He slept like a rock. His body was so tired it practically dragged him to bed. But, at least it was a bed. He had spent a lot of time recently sleeping on the stone floor of a cave, so it was a nice change of pace to be staying at the inn, especially on Maku's dime. Death knew that he couldn't afford a payment for all three to stay at a nice place like this. Soft pillows, warm blankets, and no bugs. He was so thankful that there was no bugs. He hated the creepy crawly things, if they were near him he didn't mind, it was the skin to insect body contact that he couldn't stand.

The next morning he was well rested and ready to go. Not to mention he knew two more new jutsu. Stealing from people and pleasing the boss, that would just be an added cherry on top of a nice vacation. It seemed that way to him. Nice places to sleep. Good hard work to keep his mind steady. Food by the best chef around what more was there to ask for?

As they approached their destination Seiichi continued to talk to Eliwood, "Yeah, we could summon a couple. Maybe one to block off each side, make sure no one escapes. Hell, we could join them and just tell them to give us what they have. With large bears on our side, who would refuse?" Seiichi would finish while looking over the small ledge. He could see the landscape full of trees, a steady flowing river, and a bridge. It was unfortunate he couldn't bask in the view, it reminded him of Yumegakure, he wasn't sure if the basking was going to be in hatred or past child hood moments..

They made it there an hour or so earlier than they planned. Seiichi was going to use it to their advantage. He bit his thumb and preformed hand seals. Placing his hand on the ground a delicate roll of symbols extended in a star formation and two large plumes of smoke erupted nearby. This was only the second time he used his summons, he had a feeling it was going to be interesting to say the least.

A loud roar burst into the daytime sky as they emerged from the thick white clouds. They were of equal size and weight, though one was darker than the other and had a red rope tied around its neck. They were about five feet tall while on all fours, if they stood up they would be about eight feet tall. Their bodies where six feet long from muzzle to the base of their tails. The darker one had a large scar that ran down its back, this was the one with the red rope around its neck.

The light brown one called out, "Finally being called for something useful..... I hope." It looked back at Seiichi. The bears would have known who summoned them.

"Hmm. Lets just hope this one is stronger than the last.." The darker one said, looking at the men with a sideways glance. It was almost as if he had eaten his last summoned, or at least that was the thought that passed through Seiichi's mind. He almost welcomed it.

"I need you to help us. Each of you need to cover a side of that bridge. We are going to take a caravan." Seiichi said with confidence pointing at the bridge in the distance. "What are your names?" He would ask.

The lighter one answered for them both, "My name is Seiiami, this is my brother, Sami." His large head gestured to the side. "Why don't you take Sami with you Seiichi?" The large creature spoke. It would know his brothers temped, and looking at Eliwood, he wasn't sure if the small Monk could take him if need be.

"Will do", Seiichi nodded, ".. Lets get going." He would say. If he was left uninterrupted they would start walking off to the mouth of the bridge.

TWC: 2542
TMWC: 5567

Eliwood awoke in a bed under a warm, if not slightly scratchy, blanket. He was used to sleeping in trees or under bridges. It was nice to have walls around him from time to time. It reminded him of his former home. He made sure to wake up earlier than his companions so he could sneak off for his morning meditation.

He crept out the door of his room and slipped out of the inn. The pond that they trained at the day before would do nicely for a spot. It was tranquil and being near water was always handy for afterwards. He located a log that looked like it would float and hoisted it into the water. Luckily for him it did not sink. The chunk of wood was actually quite boisterous. Eliwood nudged it out from the shore and stepped on top of his new makeshift raft. He would float out a few meters and when he'd come to a stop the monk would take a seat and close his eyes. With each deep inhale the air inside his lungs would grow hotter and hotter, until it felt as though he were breathing in fire itself. He could not explain the phenomena. He was incapable of using fire chakra and yet he could feel flames inside himself. To him it was his symbol of affirmation that the Flame was watching him. The monks at the temple thought he was cursed, a nuiecense unloved by the flame. But Eliwood felt differently. He felt that he was given the wind to compliment the flame.

The stirring of his companions rousing from their sleep signalled the end of the days meditation. They had a job to do and Eliwood intended to be ready. Maku's training made him feel like he could take on the world. Luckily Seiichi wanted to head out early so that they could set up before the caravan arrived.

The plan would be to surround their mark after they begin crossing the bridge. With the aid of summonings they would bolster their numbers and try to take the belongings with shear intimidation. Should that fail, Eliwood shuddered to think he may have to get violent. If it came to it, he would defend himself and Seiichi, but he would hope this could be solved with nobody getting hurt. It was wishful thinking but he was a dreamer after all.

After arriving on scene Seiichi summoned two tough looking bears. Eliwood was glad to see that the She-bear from before was not among the pair. She was not very friendly and honestly scared the young monk a little. These two seemed much more agreeable and appeared capable of doing the job. One went with Seiichi and Eliwood was left with a large and scary bear, who looked to be sizing the lad up.

"The names Eliwood. Pleasure to be working with you," he'd say waving to Seiiami. The bear did not look too pleased to be stuck with Eliwood but he was dense enough to not notice. Instead he wore a genuine smile when he said, "Alright then, we should head off as well."

From there both pairs would split off to opposing sides of the bridge, leaving Maku to do as he pleased. He said he would sit back and only help if needed.

(TWC 2383)
(TMWC 6123)

Seiichi hid in the wooded area with his bear companion till the caravan began it's trek over the bridge. The loud creaking of the wheels and hollers of the four men that accompanied it showed they were not trying to hide from anyone. The didn't seem to have any cares in the world. That was, until Seiichi and his friend blocked their path. With a loud roar the whole thing was quieted and at a dead halt.

"Who are you?" One of the grizzly fellows said sitting atop the wagon. By the looks of his clothes and manner in speech it was clear he did not own the cargo. His clothes were made of cotton and he wore boots of leather. On his hand was a ring and he had a decorated belt around his waist. He was a thief. Seiichi made this call in a glance, the hodgepodge of clothes gave him away. "And what you doin' with that bear?" He asked in a toothless snarl.

The creature let another roar echo through the trees as it took a few steps closer. The horses didn't take kindly to such a thing and beckoned to the rear. It took a moment for the odd man atop them to calm them. "We were sent by death...." Seiichi couldn't help but pray. He wanted blood... it had been too long. "But." He grimaced. "It seems he's having a good day. All he asks for is the cargo and for you to step back....... I can guarantee that no one will get hurt if you listen." He hesitated in saying it.

Seiichi had a feeling that Eliwood wouldn't want to be part of a blood bath as much he himself desired it. The mission was the cargo, not the people. So, he tried to be diplomatic about it all. The group of men ran about the caravan, some grabbed a sword, others spears. They hollered about as they moved and looked to the front to see what had happened. Seiichi seemed to get their attention. He hoped they would attack.

But before he knew it they were giving up their arms and laying down their swords. The wealthy man in the back commanded it once Eliwood showed himself. There was no chance of escape. He probably saw three options: 1. Try to run and die. 2. Fight and die. 3. Give up everything and live. For a person of Marcu's nature, it was simple, 'live'. He could always make the money back again, and non of it if he was in a shallow grave.

Maku took the lead as Seiichi and Eliwood rummaged through their loot. The boxes he opened where all full of "Silverware. Bowls. Plates." he would answer his boss. He looked over his shoulder to Eliwood, "What about you, find anything interesting?" He would ask.

TWC: 3017
TMWC: 1034

The plan went as well as could be expected. They had succeeded in scaring the merchants, but it was Maku who really completed the mission. His very presence bringing the crooked caravan head to a submissive halt. With bears in tow the group was simply given the cart and even the horsepower.

As Maku drove the cart he asked about the haul. Seiichi and Eliwood were rummaging through the boxes and bags to find that out. Seiichi seemed to have found the silverware stash, but Eliwood stumbled upon something much more interesting.

"Well uh.... it appears I have found dynamite. Quite a lot of it by the looks." He'd say holding up a long red stick of explosives. "Think there could be use for this?" He asked up towards Maku.

Apparently the job was not complete. They were on their way to what the boss called 'the real mission.' If highway robbery was just the prep for the actual job, Eliwood shuddered to think what was in store for him next. Though he didnt really mind taking from criminals, the thought of thuggery in general was a foreign concept to the young monk. He was raised to show respect to even the most surly of strangers.

But after spending time out past the walls of the monastery all Eliwood had seen was people doing anything and everything to get what they wanted; And they were happy to do so. It was a dog eat dog world and he had to live in it. There was no going back to the temple. He wasnt wanted there. Being with friends though made him forget about it. He would be happy as long as he had happy faces around him.

(TWC 2670)
(TMWC 1321)