Mission Title: Catch that cat!
Difficulty: D
Location: -set-
Reward: 20,000 ryo
Objective: It seems that a little noble girl, by the name of Kimi, has lost her oh-so-sweet Mister snugglywugglycuddlypoofy-kins. The long haired cat has been spotted across the village, sighted by multiple people. Her parents have posted a nice reward for bringing the cat back.

~

Shinoe shifted awkwardly in front of the graceful mansion, her neck was starting to get a crink in it trying to stretch to look at the sloping traditional style roof. Kami these people were rich. She had seen someone pin on the mission board just this morning that a noble girl by the name of Kimi needed assistance and the kunoichi was quick to snatch it up. She needed the ryo. She was saving up to buy some new gloves that would give her an edge. And this was a sure way to help do it. Inhaling in preparation she pulled the rope next to the front door and the bell it was connected to let off a gentle deep gong. Stepping back she made sure to stand up straight and look official just before a butler opened the door. "Who might you be?" He asked of her, giving the girl a once over with a curious look. Trying not to get annoyed at his tone, Shinoe stated clearly, "I'm a ninja for Tsukigakure. I heard that a girl, Kimi, needed help? Uh, I'm Shinoe." She added. The butler nodded in understanding now but said, "Wait here just one moment." Frowning, Shinoe still nodded, feeling a bit deflated as he closed the door. Had someone already came by? Or they just changed their minds? Damn fickle nobles. But in less than two minutes she heard the sound of light feet running towards the door and she almost expected to get attacked when the door flew open. But it was a little girl. "You're a ninja? You have to save Mister snugglywugglycuddlypoofy-kins!" Shinoe had already recoiled away from the door, her expression tense, but when she heard that name, she felt her left eye twitch. 'What kind of stupid name is that?? No, no, keep calm. You need the money.' Inhaling slowly the brunette finally replied, "Yes, I heard a uh, Kimi needed, uh, help? Who is this Mister.....?" She couldn't even bring herself to try and say that name, but the little girl filled in for her, "Mister snugglywugglycuddlypoofy-kins. He's my cat! And I'm sure he must be so scared and missing his mama. That's me, Kimi." The little girl informed her with pouting lips. That was when two adults came walking up behind her, followed by the butler she had spoken with. The couple looked very well dressed and a bit worn judging from their expression. The father stepped forward while the mother simply took Kimi's hand and hung back. "We'd very much appreciate it if you could find our daughter's pet. Here's a picture of him." The man held out the photo and Shinoe took it, giving it a good once over before pocketing it. She might need it to identify said kitty later. That was when Kimi piped up, "Please save him miss ninja lady." Shinoe shifted awkwardly but nodded. "I'll do my best." With a small wave she left with a large sigh as soon as she was out of sight from the mansion. "Damn crazy rich people..." She grumbled before starting further into the village. Maybe some of the locals had seen the cat.

The kunoichi went around showing the picture to random passerby and vendors and several of them had seen the cat but none of them had a clear idea of where it might be. Then a grubby looking kid she asked said that he had just seen him in the alley next to the butchers. Lighting up with excitement, Shinoe sprinted in the direction and when she came in view of the shop, she slowed, letting her catch her breath. The cat was right there, licking up some fat that the butcher had cast off. Should she call it's name? That stupid idiotic froo froo name... Maybe she should just surprise it? Tip toe-ing nearer, she grimaced before calling out softly, "Here kitty kitty kitty..." The cat stopped licking it's snack and raised it's head to look towards the brunette. Smiling at the good sign, Shinoe continued, "Thatta girl, now be a good kitty an c'mere." She gestured with a wave. Immediately the cat raised it's hackles letting out a hiss before bolting down the alley. "No no no no, stupid f***ing cat!" Shinoe exclaimed as she jumped to her feet to dash after the fickle feline. For a while she was keeping up with it, that was to say, she kept it within sight though she was no where near able to get within reaching distance. It lead her through back alleys, stores, homes, backyards, and even over a few roofs. Once on a roof though she caught up to it and it got it's paw stuck between two tiles and she actually had her hands on it. Only to have those hands be practically torn to shreds, making her drop the damn cat and letting it get away again. Finally she ran it up an acorn tree a little ways from the village. "Get down here you stupid fluffy...argh!" Shinoe stomped her foot in frustration as she gazed up at the cat, who seemed to be content on the branch it was sitting. But that didn't seem to be enough as it pawed at a lighter nearby branch, causing dozens of acorns to fall onto her head. "I am going to strangle you when I get up there you froo froo b@st@rd!" She swore, beginning to climb up the tree. At first the cat didn't seem to care but as it saw the human getting closer, it began to back out further on the branch, until it was bowing under the weight. Once the kunoichi reached the branch the cat was on she was panting and pissed. "Now get over here Mr. snuggly..poofy.....whatever the hell your name is." The cat could only meow piteously, unable to move for fear of falling. Shinoe blinked at the change in tone and demeanor in the animal and sighed. "Went and got yourself stuck...great." She inched along the branch, pausing every now and then when her movement caused the branch to shake and disturb the feline. Finally she was almost within reach of the cat and she tried to encourage it. "C'mon, I'm right here kitty. It's all right. Just...a little...closer..." The cat trembled and let out a mewl, trying to step towards Shinoe but it took a mistep and it's paws slipped from the branch. Shinoe let out a yelp and dove for the cat and managed to get a fist full of the skin at the nape of the cat's neck, thankfully saving him from plunging to the ground. Letting out a huge sigh, the ninja cradled the shivering feline to her chest and soothed it before making her way down and back to the cat's home. "Mr. Snugglywugglycuddlypoofy-kins! Oh thank goodness, I missed you soo much!" Kimi ran forward to collect her pet into her arms and the cat seemed to be more or less glad to be back in familiar territory. Then Kimi frowned as she pet the feline. "Something's wrong..." Shinoe's heart sped up. Did the cat get hurt or something? She didn't get paid if something happened to it. Did it happen as she caught it when it fell? Oh kami, no this could not be happening. The brunette was pale and sweating, not that anybody noticed, too busy focusing on Kimi and the damn cat. Then the little girl sniffed and said, "You smell Mr. Snugglywugglycuddlypoofy-kins! I'll have to give you an extra special bubble bath." The mother pet her daughter's head as the father came forward smiling at Shinoe's relieved face. "Thank you, you did a great job. We'll be sure to remember this. And of course." He held out a sum of money. "Here is your reward. 20,000 ryo as agreed." The kunoichi beamed and gladly accepted the money before quickly leaving. Maybe cats weren't too bad she thought as she counted her money.

1378/600 words.