The edges of her lips curled up into a heartfelt smile towards the Yuganori girl, the Clan well known and versed in making beautiful wardrobe. A small wish of hers was to own something fabricated from their most elegant fibers one day. The Theatre always made her want to wear traditional attire - but it wasn't exactly the best to wear during battle. The students settled in, clearly all had exchanged a few words before she arrived. Sitting across from them, she had placed her hands in her lap, Miyako waited patiently for all of her students to grab a plate, and feed themselves before she began eating herself. Watching their movements, how they interacted with each other, body language towards each other. After nothing this Miyako moved her attention to actually notice their features - noticing the way each dressed, how they carried their weapons, etc. These qualities didn't exactly linger in her mind though, it was their dispositions that she was fully interested in. It would be as Metsumi began speaking that Miyako would notice the Yuganori Kunoichi offering her tea - holding her cup delicately with two hands, she would accept the offer. Nodding her head in a grateful
thank you, and returning her ocular attention to Metsumi.
"Uhm...hm. I suppose I would like to get to know more about other cultures and their history, maybe? Since as a Kunoichi I might have to infiltrate them, disguising myself and posing as a local! Maybe I should take up a common trade as a hobby I can develop into cover later. Maybe dancing or singing or playing an instrument - like in your clan's shows, Sensei!"Metsumi appeared to possess a variety of interests - one even being in her the Kazami Clans theatrics. Metsumi held a determined demeanor about herself, one that Miyako was pleased about. It was always great to see the youth hold such joy and wonder about their future - hopefully that light wouldn't dull in the future. Miyako nodded, and exuded a warm smile towards the young kunoichi -
"Well, perhaps one day in the future I can walk you through the Theatre. You can maybe find something you're interested in, many of the Clansmen would be overjoyed to teach any of my students, thank you". Her eyes lingered on Metsumi, watching as she grabbed herself some pork. Her attention turning to the ever so dainty Akane as he began to speak up.
"Hey sensei, how old are you? You look a little young. And while that’s not a bad thing, I need someone who’s fully capable of pushing me so I can char my father down to crisp and bone in a few years".
Her gaze paused upon the child, well in reality he was only a few years younger than her. Miyako sipped from her tea cup, and placed it down gently onto the table
"...as I'm supposed to..". It sat in her mind heavily and she wondered what that meant, but after a few seconds - she perked up and realized she was taking too long to answer the question placed upon her.
"I'm 19 years old - actually, my whole team became Jonin right around the same time. I'm sure you, or your clean leaders may have some doubts - but the Village would not give me the title of Tokubetsu Jonin, if they did not see fit...". She responded, and continued after another quick sip of tea.
"I believe it is your teachers who can set you in the right path, but you who should push yourself to the goal that you ultimately desire, I'm only but a stepping stone and I will reinforce any of your decisions. Unless of course you decide to go against the village, then I will 'burn you down to crisp and bone'". Smiling again, this one was different from the hospitable one's she had produced before.
Of course, the Jonin was serious upon making this remark. She would defend her village against anyone, even if it were one of her own students. Amegakure gave her Clan refuge during a hectic time. This Village would always be her home, and she would always protect it - especially the Lady Yogensha. Who Miyako found to be a stoic, and respectable Kage. Akane seemed more interest in making sure
he would be the one to get what he wanted. Unless she was hearing this wrong, and pondering to much over the few words he gave of himself - Miyako would note this in her mind. Making sure to keep an eye on how his teamwork skills would be in the future, but on the upside it appeared Akane would be a very hardworking individual. Which would mean plenty of training and Miyako would not detest to. Miyako's eyes stayed on Akane's face for a moment, advancing next to Takashi - who began speaking promptly after Miyako gained Takashi's attention.
" I'm not sure how much I can really tell you about myself, sensei, when it's going to be easier to just show you as we get to know each other! I don't think you can really simplify a person down to a collection of hobbies and desires and expect to know them, you know?"
This response was a delightful one, she agreed with the young girl and nodded as she spoke. Takashi seemed to be malleable and this would be interesting for Miyako, as the young Kunoichi would probably flow with what suited her best and hone in on those skills. Which is essentially what Miyako did herself, until she gave herself the challenge - and succeeded at understanding the basics of Scorch Release. But again, this was also still a path she was on and probably wouldn't detour from for the rest of her life. Takashi then surprised her with a gift, Miyako's hands rose to her lips covering them - her eyes wide with surprise.
"Oh my, thank you Takashi!" Miyako beamed, her hands grasping the package and laying it in front of her on the table. Removing the lid, it would reveal a black kimono similar to hers - upon removing it out of the box she would instantly notice the texture was different in some way. Miyako couldn't place her finger on how it felt different, but it would be. Takashi then stated she infused it with futon, Miyakos eyes would snap back to the Kunoichi.
"Yuganori Clan...such skilled individuals. I believe you will follow in your sisters footsteps amazingly....and I might just wear this off the stage as well" She chirped happily. Miyako carefully place it back into the box, and stood up from the table. Carrying it to an empty spot on the bookshelf, her hand traced over the gift and to a small book that laid beside the open spot. Her tendrils grasping it and placing the book in her bag behind her. Miyako then turned back to the trio that were still eating, or possibly finished.
"Well, we have some time before the mission. As I stated we will take this time to see how you all work together - see where your teamwork is at. Communication is very important, and I have no problem in halting your missions if I see a lack of it. Without the cell working in accordance with each other, a member could get hurt, or worse...die," Her eyes slowly locked with each students face - of course her mind flashing back to that of her original teammate and his death.
"But I'm confident you three will be able to work together fluidly, so....let's head out to the Academy Training field. Hopefully you all didn't fill yourselves up too much". Gesturing to the door, the Genin would exit first - and Miyako would follow suite, closing the door behind them. She would then take the lead, and flow in front of the youngsters as she led them out down the hallway, down a staircase, and now they were coming out the side of the entrance. Her hands stayed laced in front of her at all times, she carried an elegance about her - one that some saw as too proper for this day and age. But it was the theatre that made her this way, cradled her from her birth to be so dramatic in the way she exposed herself. Upon actually exiting the front doors of the Kazami Theatre, Miyako would open the door allowing the students to exit first again. Her attention would turn to a messenger bird that was sitting, and waiting - for her it appeared. As the sight of her caused it to launch forward and flutter in front of the slim black haired Kunoichi. Raising one hand up, the bird landed and she quickly unstrapped a frail note from the bird. Upon completing its mission, it promptly flew off into the sky to return back to headquarters.
Her fingers unfolded the note out of muscle memory it seemed, so many missions had passed by that these small notes from higher ups were nothing more than stale news for her. Sometimes it was good, sometimes bad, but it never caused her anymore excitement these days. Reading the note quickly, she let out a small sigh - her right hand would bend back with the note in her palm. For only a second it would remain there, the next it would be engulfed in flames and reduced to ash that blew away in the wind. Her charcoal eyes moved to the students -
"It appears we are being summoned far earlier than expected. Your first lesson I suppose - expect anything. I'm going to assume you all have your necessary equipment....as it would be foolish to travel without it..." She trailed off as her hands reached down and adjusted the sash around her stomach - loosening the Kimono ever so slightly for her legs to have more room.
"Lets go, we don't have much time to meet them".Swiftly, she would run and jump to the Kazami Clan wall, bounding across the town until they hit the exit and would eventually leave Amegakure as a distant memory, for now. The team would travel at an alarming rate to rendevouz with the traveling merchants in time. As they traveled to the Ridge out West, Miyako would unveil that the traders felt a sense of urgency after hearing rumors of bandits being seen around the area. Instead of waiting around for them to nestle into the ridge and wait - the Team wanted to move quickly.
This was one of the few times that Miyako felt a sense of urgency herself, she now had three lives to look after instead of just her own. She wasn't with a team of skilled ninja who knew how to protect themselves and each other, she was working with well....children. Tree limb to tree limb the cell bounded forward to their first mission, Miyako was sure the three behind her were fueled with anxiety and excitement at the thought of this. She gave no apology at the sudden onslaught of the missions begining, it would be something that they would have to get used to. Being a shinobi meant nothing came timely or easily for this breed of beings. They always had to be ready for the worse outcome. Though, sometimes some things did have a happier ending than some would guess.
It would be within the hour that the team would meet up with the Traders, Miyako doing all the talking with the man that contracted them.
"Thank you for trusting us to get you across the ridge safely, I'm very proud of these Genin and am sure of their abilities. I am Miyako - behind me are Takashi, Metsumi, and Akane," Her hand would move to each individual as she revealed their name.
"Please, if you have any questions, or feel as though perhaps you have seen something. Feel no worry in calling out any of our names, though again, I am certain and confident in their abilities as well as mine". She gave a small bow, to which the man named
Atsushi would give a grunt staring at the children, before turning around and facing his own fleet. They would be guiding two carriages drawn by mules, each possessing one driver - he being the second one. So only two people they had to look after, and ensure their safety to their end goal - but their lives were just as important as what was contained in the carts. Though Miyako could care less to ask, she was instructed and would do her job without further questions.
Turning on her heel, and folding her arms into her sleeves - she peered down at the students.
"I am going to assume that from the theatre you all have no questions...since none were asked. This is a pretty simple mission. Yes, bandits have been spotted - but it is possible for us to slip by. I would like for Metsumi to be more towards the front of the caravans, Akane you will be on the right, Takashi the left side. I will walk behind to survey the area and take any attacks from the rear. I will also have a solid view of everything in case we have an attack from the front of either side that you three may miss. Please, do not feel discouraged. Remember, I am here..." Another warm smile was produced from her usual rigid demeanor. She then perked up, her eyes opening wide.
"Oh no! I almost forgot!" Miyako exclaimed reaching into her bag and gifting three Omamari's, all carrying the same 'Luck' Totem inside of them. Holding the three in her hands towards the students,
"Please! Take one, and tie it around your bag". Miyako cooed to the team. What came off as a small sentiment, was actually the start of them seeing first hand how superstitious she could be. She reached behind her on her bag and showed the two tattered ones that she carried,
"These have been with me ever since the Academy..." - and as she trailed off into thought, Atsushi would signal for them to begin to move forward through the cloudy and rocky path towards their goal.
The first hour of the trip would yield nothing, the seemingly easy escort through the hazy ridge would put them ahead of schedule. The Team would have to help the traders pull the cart wheels out of holes in the road occasionally - as others stood by watching the treelines and mountains around them for any signs of movement. But so far, nothing. The sun was setting, and this set Miyako's stomach to churn a bit. As she did not like traveling after dark, again this would lead into her superstitious ways. Though, she refrained from piping up after the man told them they would be arriving soon - she would just pay for somewhere for the Team to stay instead of traveling through the night and possibly getting lost.
It would be a shriek from Miyako that would set the team onto high alert
"Renga no Jutsu!" , her hands would clasp together and a wall of earth protruded from the ground behind the caravans. A small explosion could be heard on the other side,
"Quickly, you three continue moving along....I will catch up shortly Miyako demanded of her Team. Swiftly jumping to the top of the 10 ft tall wall she had crafted and leaping down on the other side to face the enemy. Though, the young girl should have known better than to leave her team to move forward on their own...this could be a set up after all.....
Miyako would be dealing with her own battle, that ended quiet quickly unbeknownst to the team, as the Genin would deal with their own. The carts would move in a quicker motion as they all would with them, the Genin at this point having to make sure the Carts weren't getting stuck or bothered by any obstacles along the way. A clearing would open up ahead and Atsushi would proclaim that
"Its just over that hill!, he pointed ahead to what seemed to be another mile stretch. But it was closer than expected, maybe a sigh of relief - but the battle was just beginning. The team would move forward, ensuring the carts of any relief needed - the thick haze around them and setting sun would create a scene maybe something similar to that of a horror movie.
As they continued forward with no sign of Miyako or enemies - in the mist before them
a girl would unveil herself. She looked sweet enough, but something about her randomly being in this treacherous ridge alone should send the Genin into high alert.
"Have you seen my brother? He might actually be looking for you guys....You all are so young....This is going to be easier than we thought!" She exclaimed, a wicked grin spreading across her face. Reaching into her bag, she produced two handfuls of Kunai - some with tags, some without. Throwing them towards the carts and Team it would be up to them to hopefully deflect the Kunai leaving no damage behind on the convoys. During this explosion, she would jump back into the mist, and flicker to Takashi's side
"BOO!" She exclaimed and disappeared again, a shuriken flying forward at Takashi at an alarming rate would be noticed by her once the girl flickered away again. It would meet its fate with a kunai disabling its path towards Takashi and both would fall to the ground a mere few feet away from her. Miyako appearing again, her face held no warm or welcoming smile - surveying the area again. The female had now disappeared out of sight. They were using the fog around them for cover. Though Miyako felt uneasy about the situation, she refused to let her face show the slightest bit of worry she had.
A figure walked forward on Akane's side this time - the presumed brother the girl was talking about. The bottom of his staff smacked the ground a few times, before he wrapped an arm around it and leaned against it for support -
"I'm not fond of taking the lives of children....but you have what I want". His tone held no remorse, no excitement, just dread and boredom - and slightly muffled from the mask he wore. He then swiftly flung the staff around a few times, rolling it down his arms and in the air in a performance style. If this hadn't been a fight - Miyako would probably applaud him for his fluid movements. But she had no compliments to give to those wanting to hurt her students.
The female appeared opposite to her brother - both of their demeanors were confident enough to take the Cell down, just the two of them. She was now armed with a katana and taking in her appearance you would notice she was riddled with Kunai, shuriken, and other miscellaneous weapons. One could maybe pull that she was strictly a bukijutsu user, probably close range. As of for the brother, it appeared for now - he was the same. But this would quickly change
"Look...I can make this real easy...you give us the stuff...we kill you quickly....or you do the complete opposite and still meet your fates. Either way, one will be quick - the other I'll make you watch their deaths..." Quickly, he performed handsigns jumping back - releasing small fireballs towards the caravans and team - Miyako would combat these quickly with a large gust of air. Some of the fireballs diminishing, others falling short into the ground and smoldering away. His face hidden by the mask he wore would show no change in his emotion, but body demeanor showed his hand gripping his staff tightly. Immediately he would lurch forward to Miyako and the two would become intertwined in a close ranged battle via her metal fans and his staff.
The team was now left with the female, who watched her brother and Miyako fight on the otherside of the caravans. The two moving at an alarming rate - both combating fire against air and coming dangerously close to scathing the other. Miyako not once being slowed down by her Kimono as most would think. Miyako's goal was to keep him away from the children and hopefully take him down alone. For now it seemed the three might be able to ward off the female until Miyako was finished. If anyone from the team wasn't paying attention to the sister - this was her chance, and she took it. If a first move was made against her the female attacker dodged it effectively and continued to launch shuriken tagged and untagged in a frail ruse.
"Lets see if you runts can really play..." Flickering towards Akane, his gut would be met with a her knee - only enough to really knock the air out of him and bring him to his knees momentarily. Clearly, she could've knocked him out in one swift move, but she was toying with them. She would then look to Metsumi -
"C'mon, lets see if you can use that" Her Katana extended and pointed to his Tanto, her devious smile had never left her face. Only becoming more toothier as she played with them like cat and mouse. Looking over her shoulder she would call out to Takashi
"You can try too scarf girl, two against one is nothing for me!"The three were now left to figure out a way to combat the girl, keep her from the carts - and hopefully keep them mobile towards the end goal....