RPG Konoha Chronicles - The Torn Earth [M - V, L]

[Drizzt Do'urden]

The trio arrived back in Konoha as the sun was just begining to send off the last of its warming rays. As they entered the city Okaru glanced to his team, they had come into their selves this mission and though in the grand scheme of things the mission seemed trivial, a sense of accomplishment was hardly something to ignore.

"Okay guys, let's head to the palace and meet with the Lady Hokage. I'm sure she'll be impressed on the results of your first mission." The thought of praise from the lady filled all three of the young shinobi with sense of pride that showed on all their faces.

As they approached the palace, it was apparent there were several more guards then normal. Nearing the entrance two shinobi guarding the entrance stood in the teams way, "Sorry I can only allow your sensei to enter guys. Due to some activity, we've decided to up the security up here."

Okaru felt crushed, of course service to Konoha was one of the main reasons someone choose to become a ninja. Pride was just something that got you killed, but not getting to report their adventure directly broke Okaru's heart.

Turning, Ryokotsu frowned a bit before reaching into his pocket and pulling out some money. Handing it to Okaru he addressed the team, "Go have a nice dinner on me guys. I'll inform the lady of our success and our findings. We'll meet tomorrow early and get back into training."

Okaru let out a muddled sigh, how could he think about training when they actually went out on a REAL mission.

Nudging Matsuda Okaru winked at him to "play along", "Hey Matsuda, with how much Hotaru eats we'd better beat her there. That way we can actually eat something tonight." Without a word he turned and started bolting towards the nearest Ramen restaurant, Hotaru's frustrated growls could be heard...unfortunetly the growls were growing louder as she was gaining on him.

[Adas]

Matsuda sped after Okaru, fearing the wrath of the kunoichi that followed them. What’s worse was that he knew she was gaining on them steadily. [i]Damnit Okaru[/i] he panicked. [i]If – no, [b]when[/b] – she catches us, we’re dead![/i]

The day was sunny, and the run through the streets and along the rooftops was a nice change of pace, the warm breeze making it almost relaxing. In spite of himself, his own anxieties, and most importantly his fear of being caught by Hotaru, Matsuda couldn’t help but laugh – it felt so nice to be running through Konoha, a wonderful homecoming after running from enemy kunai and shurikiens.

Thinking of a shortcut that might let him get to the restaurant faster, Matsuda veered off his path, and was relieved to see Hotaru streak past him, dead-set on the fleeting image of Okaru. Matsuda chuckled again, and smiled at his teammates.

The streets of Konoha were busy, as always. The usual hustle and bustle of people about their business made easy, but never-the-less fun obstacles for Matsuda to dodge as he ran for the finish line. When he could, he leapt up the rooftops to continue his sprint away from others – just the way he liked it.

Approaching the restaurant, he spied the one and only thing he had hoped not to see on his return – Akoma and the beautiful Hatoma. Matsuda blushed in spite of himself at the sight of her, but as he had expected, the two walked hand-in-hand. Matsuda lamented that the rumors had been utterly true, that the two had become somewhat of an item ever since being put on the same team as each other. [i]I’m not letting them get to me today[/i] he thought to himself, a grim, determined, but all-together forced resolution accompanying it.

“Hey! Matsuda!” his best friend had finally seen him, and called to him, waving him over. Matsuda ran right past them.

“Sorry no time to talk – training!” he shouted as he passed them, and left them standing in the dust. [i]Serves them right[/i] he thought bitterly.

In order to not be seen entering the restaurant by Akoma and Hatoma, he ducked behind the building, and entered through one of the back entrances, and was sad to see both Hotaru and Okaru waiting for him at a table.

“What took you so long?” they asked in almost complete unison.