Yorinaka Village, nestled in the heart of the Land of Soups, presented a picturesque scene as the team and their escorted merchant, Hozuki Fakinshi, approached its boundaries. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, the village boasted a serene ambience that belied the bustling life within.
The village itself was a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and practical design. Wooden structures with sloping roofs stood in clusters, adorned with vibrant banners that fluttered in the gentle breeze. Streets weaved through the village like intricate webs, and lanterns dangled from awnings, casting a warm glow as the day began to wane.
As they ventured deeper into Yorinaka, the aroma of simmering soups wafted through the air, creating an olfactory tapestry that defined the culinary essence of the region. Small shops and stalls lined the streets, offering an array of ingredients that reflected the village's dedication to the culinary arts.
'I guess from the name of the country, I should expect good soups.' Renjiro mused.
Hozuki Fakinshi, the merchant they escorted, navigated the familiar terrain with ease, leading them through the heart of the village. The village's central square, adorned with a communal cooking area, stood as a testament to the culinary expertise that defined Yorinaka and the Land of Soups in general.
Upon reaching the heart of the village, Hozuki Fakinshi exchanged pleasantries with the local authorities, finalizing the completion of the mission. As the paperwork was concluded, Riku acknowledged the successful completion of their mission, a subtle nod passing between him and his Genins.
"Take this evening to rest and rejuvenate," Riku addressed his team, the corners of his eyes softening with understanding.
"You've earned it. Tomorrow, we'll head back to Konoha."
'Ahh yes, there he goes again.' Renjiro thought after hearing Riku.
If he could describe Riku in one word, it would be Enigma. This is because he was unpredictable. You never knew what to expect from him. One day was the good side, the next a calm side, and the other a sadistic side. The latter is shown mostly during their training. The former would actually make you forget he is a cold-blooded killer.
'Anyway, He allowed us to rest. Can't complain.'
The Genins were grateful for the respite. They dispersed into the heart of Yorinaka Village, each choosing their own way to unwind and absorb the unique atmosphere of the Land of Soups.
The village leadership had already prepared lodging for them so they did not have to worry about that and they chose sight-seeing. There was not much to see in the evening and after some time they both retired back to their rooms to rest. It was a long couple of days with the travelling and the fighting in between.
The dawn of a new day found Team 25, led by their Jounin sensei Riku, embarking on the journey back to Konoha from Yorinaka Village. The serene landscapes of the Land of Soups gradually transformed as they retraced their steps, leaving behind the picturesque charm of Yorinaka and headed back to the land of Fire.
The return journey was faster as compared to when they set out from Konoha. Without a civilian slowing them down, Riku was determined to make them reach the village as soon as possible.
Not due to some urgency, but because he just wanted to push them to their limits. Breaks for stopovers were few and far between, the emphasis shifting towards efficiency as they covered the distance with remarkable speed.
The genins adapted seamlessly to the brisk pace set by their sensei. They did not have any other option as Riku threatened to leave them behind. That was not the bigger issue because they believed in their strength to survive in the wilderness. The issue was that they would be branded as deserters which was not good for any of them.
The uneventful nature of their return journey stood in stark contrast to the challenges encountered during their mission to Yorinaka. Renjiro even got himself wishing for some action. Any action. But the minute he realized what he was wishing for, he drove those intrusive thoughts away.
Upon their return to Konoha, Team 25 wasted no time in heading directly to the mission centre within the Hokage Building. Riku promptly submitted a detailed report on the completion of their mission in Yorinaka Village.
The Genin of Team 25, standing as witnesses to the process, observed with keen interest as Riku engaged in the mission report protocol. The Jounin efficiently conveyed the details of their escort mission, detailing the challenges faced, adversaries encountered, and the successful delivery of the chakra metal to Yorinaka Village.
As the mission report concluded, Mahito, the village official overseeing mission evaluations and remuneration, couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the challenges that Team 25 faced during their first mission.
'To put inexperienced Genins in a such a situation is not good at all. It can't be helped, we live in difficult times. I just hope this does not scar them for life.'
Mahito thought as he processed their mission reward. The initial remuneration set at 10,000 Ryo underwent a significant adjustment, reflecting the increased complexity of the mission. The revised compensation was now standing at 70,000 Ryo.
Once the evaluation and remuneration adjustments were finalized, Mahito handed over the allocated funds to Riku, who, in turn, ensured the Genin received their fair share.
He took the lion's share of the reward as he had most of the heavy lifting by defeating the jounin, chunin and even some genins. His share was two-thirds of the whole amount and he left the remaining third for the genins to share equally.
''So much money!'' Aiko remarked after everyone got their share which was approximately 8,000 Ryo.
Renjiro could understand her. If he, who was getting a monthly allowance from the clan could live off the amount for months, then the money could help an orphaned civillian girl.
"You've done well. Take some time to rest and recover. We'll reconvene for further training soon," Riku said before flickering away when they were done with the mission centre.
As the Genin began to disperse, Riku took a moment before heading towards the Hokage's Intelligence Corps.
Returning home after the mission, Renjiro took a moment to check his system. The familiar surroundings of his dwelling provided a brief respite from the intensity of the mission's events. As he settled in, the subtle chime of notification sounds echoed prompting him to address the incoming messages and alerts.
[Ding!
Congratulations Host! You have Killed a Genin!]
[You have received exp]
[Ding!
Congratulations Host! You have Killed a Genin!]
[You have received exp]
[Ding!
Congratulations Host! You have Killed a Genin!]
[You have received exp]
[Ding!
Congratulations Host! You have Levelled up!]
[You have received 5 stat points increase in all stats]
[You have received 10 Unassigned Stat points]
[Ding!
Congratulations Host! You have Levelled up!]
[You have received 5 stat points increase in all stats]
[You have received 10 Unassigned Stat points]
The room filled with the soft glow of the interface as Renjiro navigated through the messages.
'So I also get exp from killing people huh? Figured. It's even more as it made me level up twice.'
The trail of notifications left a bittersweet feeling on Renjiro. On one hand, he had grown stronger than yesterday, which was a good thing, and on the other hand, it served to remind him that he had now become a murderer.
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