Chapter: First Blades Drawn
[Scene 1 – Kirigakure Briefing Room, Early Morning]
The room smelled faintly of damp parchment and steel. Mist clung to the windowpanes, dimming the pale morning sun.
Riku stood beside Shiroku in tense silence. Across from them, Ringo Ameyuri leaned against the wall, arms crossed, chewing on a peppermint stick. Her eyes, though half-lidded, missed nothing.
Then Mei entered. Her presence was magnetic—calm, yet edged like a drawn kunai.
"You three are officially Team Twelve," Mei announced. "Your first mission will not be D-rank. You're past that."
She unfurled a scroll on the table. A map of the northern coastline, just outside Mist territory.
"Intel suggests a small smuggling ring has taken root in the drowned ruins of the Daichi temple. We suspect they're moving chakra-forged weapons. Your task is simple: locate, confirm, and clear them out."
Shiroku smirked. "So we're executioners."
Mei raised an eyebrow. "You're Mist shinobi. If they resist, remove them. If not… bring one back for questioning."
Riku's eyes narrowed. He glanced toward Ringo, who remained silent. No sarcasm. No jokes. Just waiting.
"Ameyuri will act as team lead. Do not disappoint her—or me."
[Scene 2 – Forest Path to Daichi Temple Ruins]
Mist thickened as they neared the ruins. Riku kept to the rear, eyes scanning ahead, feeling Kōten nestled on his shoulder beneath his collar. He whispered softly:
"Scan ahead, mid-range arc. Look for warm bodies."
The scout beetle chirped once, then took off silently, disappearing into the haze.
Shiroku stepped lightly but confidently. His movements were precise, trained. But he hadn't spoken since they left the village.
"You're too quiet, Hozuki," Ringo finally muttered, her voice dry.
"I'm focused."
"Good," she said. "Keep it that way. Because the ruins are ahead—and you'll get your first taste of real blood."
[Scene 3 – Daichi Temple Outer Courtyard]
Kōten returned with a high-pitched buzz. Three pulses.
"Three targets in the west chamber," Riku confirmed.
Ringo grinned. "Then here's how we do it: Shiroku flanks from the rear using mist channeling. Riku, you create a barrier at the front to trap them. I go in loud once they're boxed in."
Shiroku frowned. "You trust him to trap them?"
"I trust failure means you'll both die if he doesn't," she snapped back.
That was enough.
They moved.
[Scene 4 – Engagement]
The smugglers weren't ordinary civilians. One was a rogue Mist genin. Another wielded a jagged chakra-forged blade. The third—a scout with sensory skills.
As Shiroku moved like liquid shadow behind them, Riku formed the hand signs swiftly.
"Crystal Style: Prism Confinement!"
A crystalline dome slammed into place, cutting off escape. The smugglers turned—too late.
Ringo came in like thunder, her kicks smashing one into the wall. Shiroku struck from the rear, water blade driving into a second target's spine.
The last rogue spun to flee—only to meet Riku's blade.
It hovered for a second, trembling.
This time, he didn't hesitate.
A single slash. Blood misted the crystal floor.
[Scene 5 – Aftermath]
The smuggler Riku cut wasn't dead—but bleeding badly.
"Leave him alive," Ringo said, checking the bodies. "We'll drag him back."
Shiroku wiped his blade clean with a silent, clinical ease. He didn't gloat. He didn't smile.
"You didn't hesitate this time," he said to Riku.
"No," Riku replied, voice quiet. "There wasn't time for it."
Ringo nodded. "You're green. But you're not dead. That's a win in Mist terms."
[Scene 6 – Report to Mei]
Back in the village, Mei read their report without comment. Only when the room cleared did she say:
"You executed well. Better than some of the chūnin I've commanded."
She looked at Riku.
"You're learning where to place your mercy. That's rarer than raw strength."
Then to Shiroku.
"And you're learning not to let pride cloud your judgment. Keep it up."
Finally, to Ringo.
"Good work leading them. I expect you'll push them even harder next time."
Ringo just smirked. "Oh, I will."
End of Chapter
Team Twelve Mission 001: Complete
Mission Rank: C+
Outcome: Partial capture, confirmed intelligence, zero casualties
Notable Growth:
Riku: Controlled use of deadly force
Shiroku: Coordination in a squad dynamic
Ringo: First successful command post-recovery
END