For Love and Fortune!

Valentine Missions:

Yukinari felt uneasy. While he always yearned for life outside his family's compound, it was still foreign territory for him. All his life, only his home was the thing he known. After they let him enroll in the academy, he soon learned the layout of Sunagakure. And now, he is in an enterally different setting than that of the Sand Village. A letter from St. Valentine's Casino found itself in the grasp of the Genin, requesting his aid in helping the establishment. Without a second thought, he found himself in unique world that is money, gambling, and addiction.

Gold and silver chandeliers etched the ceiling like constellations that painted the night sky. Bright and joyous, is if they were the very structure to defend this realm from negative and dark emotions. Card tables were lined in rows in this main area. Individuals and serving wenches adorned bunny-themed outfits that made Yukinari feel some type of pity for. He would never be caught in something so atrocious. Groups of civilians sat at each of these tables, the types of these people would range from dirt poor to the wealthiest of individuals. Gambling could be quite the addiction; his best bet would not get suckered into it.

While journeying to this new place was something he wanted to enjoy and experience, he was there for a specific reason. He was reconned for a special type of mission, a sub-branch for the casino's security force. To blend in with the crowd but also keep an eye out for any strange behaviors that could go on. This could not be a more perfect mission type for Yukinari, no one would expect such a small boy to be part of this company's security team, let alone an undercover operation. Plus, his nobility clothing would indicate that he would be here for gambling. That must mean his team would be of individuals that would seem really fragile but also look like someone that would have money to spend. Taking a stance near the bar, he would wait for the remaining members of his squad.

"I will have the yuzushu," Yukinari requested to the stationary bartender behind the counter. Giving a quick nod, he quickly made his drink. The citrus liquor is one of his favorites. While he fancied more traditional homebrewed sprites, this mixed one is in the top. A soft smile, and generous tip, the Kamigawa took his drink. The liquid inside the glass was that of a faded yellow. Taking his straw, he swirled the ice cubes in a circular motion before taking a small sip. A warm sensation made its home into his abdomen as the sour flavor engulfed his tastebuds. Giving a subtle moan, he turned his gaze to onlook the crowd.

TWC: 460

Why were they even here, this wasn't the kind mission they'd ordinarily go on. Then again it was simple security detail she guessed, they digressed regardless, entering the Casino having been briefed by the security team, supposedly someone else was also here to do this mission and she'd be working with them, how interesting, they likely weren't from Konoha, her first experience with a ninja outside of her home town, she couldn't say she didn't feel this would be dangerous, though she didn't try to think too much on it, walking over to the bar she took a seat and ordered something simply, just some water, she wasn't much for alcohol, not yet at least, maybe when she got older she'd enjoy it more but for now all it does it get her to forget the past day and wake up with a hang over, understandably that wasn't exactly ideal for anyone.
WC:152

As Yukinari stood there, he remembers the night before. 


How the night was clear, quiet. The open skies made it possible to see the stars, nonetheless. Not that Yukinari had any thought about it, he was far too distracted with his own thoughts while his body acted on autopilot. With groceries in arms, he paced his way through the street.

Yukinari then turned into an alleyway he usually took to get back to his family's compound quicker. He wasn’t afraid of anything that could happen. He did, in fact, fear he may go too far if he were to be bothered by the pests that lingered in these alleys. Speaking of, Yukinari saw a ragged man standing on the opposite side of the alley and, when he turned, he found two more similar looking men blocking the other side.

“Now, where’s a child like you think yer going, huh?” One of the men exclaimed, revealing a small knife. Yukinari barely showed any concern, instead showing slight annoyance in his eyes.

As one of the men stepped close to him and was about to grab the Kamigawa, a figure leaped from atop the roof of one of the buildings forming the alleyway. The men all turned their attention to it, confused and startled. The figure then did what seemed to be a bowing motion as an even larger figure with glowing red eyes enlarged behind him, almost blocking off the entire alley. The men all let out frill shrieks of terror before running out of the alley.

Yukinari watched as the beast behind the figure shrank to a small, almost comical looking creature. Yukinari let out a sigh as the figure stepped into view to reveal himself. “Gensai.” He announced, “I could’ve handled that…” Gensai bowed again, “My apologies, Yukinari, you seemed in danger.” Yukinari walked towards him. “Were you following me?” Questioned Yukinari. Gensai stood silent for a moment, then answered “Yes”. Yukinari stood in front of him for a moment, then handed the taller male his groceries. “Well, if you want to be my guardian angel so badly, at least make yourself useful”. Gensai took the groceries without question. Yukinari looked beside Gensai to Kohan, who has been silently sitting, watching. “I’ll say this: That was an impressive performance,” Yukinari praised the small individual. “Thank you-. “Gensai spoke before being cut off, “I was talking to Kohan.” Stated Yukinari. Gensai looked down for a moment before looking back up, “Shall we get going?” Gensai asked.

The two walked together during the surprisingly quiet night, Yukinari avoided looking at Gensai and preoccupied himself by staring at the buildings on the other side of the street. Zakari, however, took careful glances at him each minute, as though checking on Yukinari. Yukinari sighed for a moment before turning to finally look at Gensai. “I need to know…” he stated, catching Gensai's attention. “What is it?” Gensai asked.

Yukinari stayed silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. “Why did you still look after me?” Yukinari asked, “After everything I did, I lied and used you. So why did you always give me another chance?”. His brother stayed silent for a moment as well.

Finally, he answered, “It’s complicated...mom might know- “. Yukinari cut him off, exclaiming, “I don’t want to hear it from mom, I want to hear it from you.” Gensai stayed silent. He stopped walking suddenly, forcing Yukinari to halt.

Gensai looked up to meet Yukinari gaze and answered, “I hate to remember it, but I can remember that there was a time I hated you.” Gensai voice, for the first time since he remembered Yukinari's name, had pure emotion in his voice. “It’s vague, but I can remember it...but then there’s a feeling after that, a feeling of confusion, then of comfort... I... I think it could be that I could be remembering all the time when I felt betrayed, then you always came back to me, as though to help me.” A tear began to roll from his eye. “I have committed unforgivable acts, that I know as much as anyone else… But even still, I want to protect you”.

Yukinari stands stunned for a moment, still processing all he’s heard, then continuing walking again. The two finally made it in front of the compound, Yukinari took his groceries from Gensai. “Thank you for carrying these for me”, “Of course, it’s a pleasure” replied Gensai. Yukinari walked up to the front door before stopping then looking back to Gensai. “Why don't you come in, I'm sure mom and dad would love to see." Yukinari threw a soft smile to his elder brother.

"As much as I wish I could, but I still need the time to face them." Was all that Gensai said.

Yukinari quietly went into the compound and Gensai began to turn to leave. But before Zakari could finish his motion, the reopening of the massive double-door catches his attention. As he turns in response to the noise, Yukinari surprises him with an unexpected, but warm hug. Gensai is almost motionless, but attempts to lift his arms to hug back, but as he does so, Yukinari slowly pulls away. “Thank you,” Yukinari said comfortingly to Gensai. 



Yukinari wished that his brother would've stayed but he understood why he didn't. Gensai was an intensively troubled figure with a dark past with subtle memory loss. He did terrible things to people, even his own family members, to Yukinari. When he was younger, Gensai always had a grudge against Yukinari. At first, he didn't know why but it must've been as their parent's showed favoritism towards Yukinari which he didn't like. That also riled Gensai up even more, so he would purposely go out of his way to harm Yuki. Even though he was very small and Gensai stood about 6'2", that never stopped him. In the end, Yukinari forgave him.

Taking another sip from his drink, an individual caught his attention from the right. A woman with long, unruly black hair. Piercing black eyes, and an attire that could be easily fought in battle. She must be the one he was meant to work with. Walking subtly over, he hears her order a water and almost found himself snickering. A massive bar and you order a water, maybe he should take note and be semi-coherent for the job. But weren't they supposed to be fitting in? He figured by drinking with low alcohol content, he should be fine.

"A water? Figured someone from Uchiha clan would like the finer wines." Yukinari said as he saw the Uchiha crest that was placed at the center of her back.

"I'm going to indicate you aren't here for the extracurriculer activities that the casino has to offer," Yukinari softly said as he leaned himself onto the bar for support.

"Sorry, that I haven't even introduced myself yet. I'm Yukinari Kamigawa, one half of the two-man team that was stationed here, I'm going to assume you are the other." Obviously, this was the girl as the note he received indicate who he would be working with by giving clear descriptors on who it was and there definitely wasn't any other Uchiha clans member around.

"My, my, my. What do we have here?" A deep voice that could almost vibrate the walls if yelled loud enough disrupted his thoughts. Turning to the source, he was met with behemoth of a man. Easily 6'6". Dark skin tone, with short brown hair. Massive and muscular. While the man wasn't ugly, Yukinari wasn't having it, but all he could feel was a lump in his throat.

"Erm," was all that Yukinari could mutter.

"How cute, both of you are shy. However, it's always the quiet ones who are the freakiest, how about we go back to my room all three of us can have some fun." the man continued on, trying to touch both the Kamigawa and Uchiha on their shoulders.

"How about you give us your room number and when we finish our drinks, we'll meet you there, sound good?" Yukinari suggested.

"Sounds good, room 434. Now don't take too long," he said with a wink and took off towards the back rooms.

"What a creep." Yukinari rolled his eyes, and he turned his focus back to the Uchiha.

"So, besides the obvious, have you seen anyone of suspicious behavior since you've been here?" he asked.

TWC: 1,864

Xena's eyes stayed fixated on the counter, this place was loud, it was a casino of course it'd be loud but regardless she didn't expect to be approached, least not so soon, her eyes quickly darting to whoever had approached her only to find... a kid, no they couldn't be a kid, they were just short, which was certainly surprising, what might they be doing here she wondered as her drink was set next to her, he began to talk and thus she began to list, he simply spoke her her clan, yet again perhaps she should ditch this damn cloak. "You assume too much then, who wants to get drunk when there's work to do." She should know, her mother was never one for alcohol, even a simple dish of easy going liquor could get her to the point she had trouble walking. Xena wasn't about to find out if she had the same tolerance, she's never seen her father drink either so maybe her family literally just couldn't tolerate alcohol for all she knew.

Next he noted what her purpose being here was, it likely wasn't something extracurricular, considering she wasn't in the academy anymore that was a obvious nada, turning a bit too look at him, a leg crossed over the other, this guy talked a lot didn't he, though she could probably learn a bit about foreign villages from him considering he's definitely not from the leaf. Though for now she noticed he was leaning on the bar, perhaps he was tired, they should likely take a nap before they have to get fully too work, but for now she wouldn't comment simply moving onto his next statement.

He moved on to the mission she was undergoing, she was told her team mate would be short but, this was simply a surprise. "I suppose so, didn't think I'd be working with ninja of other villages so soon." She'd mumble, not at all seeming upset, more excited at the premise of understanding foreign village affairs. "Pleasure to work with you." She'd state before their lovely conversation was interrupted, some weirdo was trying to get them to go to his room or something she hardly paid attention to him, she had half the mind to cast a genjutsu on him to get him to buzz off, but no, none of hers were really good for that kind of thing.

However it did appear that her compatriot had it covered rather easily fooling the man into buzzing off to which Xena snickered. "You're quick, i had half the mind to torch that guy." She'd comment, though she never really would torch a man in broad daylight much less in a casino, even more so much less considering she'd be a murderer most likely. Regardless as the creep walked off she continued to conversate with her new team mate, who had asked had she seen anything suspicious, she gave a small shrug. "Besides people trying to get past security nah not really, I suspect it'll be some time before anything does happen."

----Flash Back----
Xena had only recently began to enter the casino, her eyes tired and sunken in as she walked up to the doors, only to find security and two hooligans were in the middle of having a screaming match, it was a surprise to be sure, Xena had figured that this casino was supposed to be luxury and didn't have time for people like this, though given the situation maybe something happened, though it was hard to tell, as the they continued yelling though they certainly broke her train of thought as she watched the yelling turn into physical altercation should she intervene she wasn't entirely sure though given that the  single guard didn't have too much to fight back with she'd give a soft sigh, the sound of birds chirping erupting loudly, Xena had hoped that that would get the two idiotic likely drunks to back off the security guard, though as they turned to face her and spot her hand having became condensed in lightning chakra the only thing the drunks did was begin throwing crap at her, though the first thing was the most dangerous, one of the guys had a large knife on him, why was it always knifes she wondered.

Though as she quickly moved to the side her gaze moving from the knife back to the two, they had began to run at her, guess peace isn't a option here, as her feet both made contact with the ground her hand moved in a motion swinging her hand like a sword, this motion was direct despite the two being a decent bit away, the true intent of this motion was simple, as seemingly hundreds of tiny electrical spikes erupted from her hand during the swing, those spikes were fast, and ruthless in nature, piercing into the two men dropping them rather quickly, though they weren't dead, merely paralyzed from the neck down, Xena was no murderer after all, though this was one of the first time's she had used the chidori senbons paralyzation style. It was incredibly effectively against unarmored opponents it would appear.

As the sound of roaring birds would stop her hand would no longer be cloaked in lightning chakra as the cloaked individual walked over to the guard looking them over, they were fine if not a bit shook, as far as Xena could tell they didn't even know Ninjutsu, she wondered why they even worked here, maybe the door guard was simply there just to get peoples registration, offering a hand up Xena would simply tell him she was there on contract from the Casino itself, he'd nod still completely shaken before letting her in, and she thanked him entering the casino with a tired sigh.
---End Flashback---

WC:1024 TWC:1176

"While most of these people, if not all, would be against a human bonfire. I, personally, would go with it. Individuals like that make my hair on body stand up." Yukinari said in response to torching the man. He was absolutely disgusted. Yes, he was like everyone else. A little attention gave him the small boast of confidence, especially, in the appearance category. But interactions like that, he was not fond of and apparently, so was Xena.

"Anyway, why don't we work the snack stands and see if we catch anything suspicious around that area. If not, we could move on down to the card tables and listen in on to the conversations that go on. Sound good?" Yukinari asked, wanting to make sure she is included in their plan of operations. However, by the looks of her, he didn't think that she would mind the Kamigawa to take charge.

Leaving his beverage at the bar, he walked towards the stands that had an assortment of goods. There were four stands in total, each one having an array of different sweets. One was filled with your typical flavored hard candies, like green apple, watermelon, and cherry. They also served gummies with the exact same flavors. The next stand offered chocolates and the many different styles that it came in. The other two more exotic type candies, some he has seen, some he hasn't. Yukinari decided to stick with the hard candies, as he knows more about them since he does of a small, sweet tooth for things like that.

A few moments went on and Yukinari gave away mostly cherry-flavored gummies and hard candies with little to no grape type sweets. It wasn't too bad doing this except from the undressing of eyes that the a few of the newcomers did to him did give him a boost of confidence. However, he acted as if he was shy about the constant gazes and compliments to garner more sales. It was similar to how his life back home was. Sometimes, it could get annoying. People only really know him on surface level and think he has it easy growing up with a noble family in Sunagakure, when it wasn't easy at all. 

Through his thoughts, he almost missed overhearing the conversation that was happening in front of him. Apparently, creeps have infiltrated this place are leaving random, unsolicited notes to individuals. He figured a place this size would bound to have people like that, thus why he was hired. If Xena went to work the stands with him, he would ask her, "So, did you hear what they were saying about the creeps?" If she had, he would ask how she would want to handle the situation. If not, he would reiterate the story that he heard, while asking how she would want to handle the situation. If she doesn't know how to, Yukinari would suggest they mingle through the crowd. Their exotic features should at least attract some attention to themselves to find the culprits.

"So, what do you think?"

TWC: 2,374