It was the earlier part of the week, the sun was bright and warm and the wind was fresh. Sumer was just starting and the weather was great; nothing could seem to go wrong, at least for Semasu Rankujo. She was in a cheerful mood, a fresh batch of donuts were held tightly in her arms... but not too tight. Donuts were an art, a tasty art nonetheless; true they were still tasty when smashed, but Semasu preferred them as "perfect" These were a special batch from a neighboring village, a special treat which she hadn't enjoyed in a couple weeks now. More than the nice weather, the donuts were the major cause for Semasu's celebrating spirit, the weather was just a pleasant bonus.

Today would be a busy day for the Rankujo clan girl, she had accepted another difficult mission; there was a nukenin in their village that needed to be eliminated. These were the usual types of missions she chose, they fit her better. She never chose the delicate and tactful missions, those weren't just her area of expertise- the was more than likely to break several things in the process. Elimination of ninjas within the village and around it suited her better, she could cut loose and not worry about damaging the object of her mission. Eliminations were supposedly the harder missions, not just from the mental and morale aspect of killing, but also the fact that the ninjas who were targeted for elimination usually had some amount of skill.

Semasu had no issue with killing the ninjas that were targeted by her village; she had never fought against anyone she had known, not that she actually knew many people. She only grew close to a few people, and none of those were likely to be targeted by their village anytime soon. Mostly she gave her targets quick and painless deaths anyways, explosions tend to get the better of somebody before they can realize what is happening to their bodies. Nintaijutsu was effective in that manner, few suspected that someone using a taijutsu style fighting could possess the imbued explosive power of the rare bakuton element.

Semasu stopped short of her usual spot, the donut shop. This was where she always met her informant within the village; she was feeling generous today and approached the shop. The chef saw her coming and smiled heartedly at her arrival, her appearance at the shop meant a booming income for the day. She sat down at the tables near the counter and turned her attention to a menu with the donut shops newest combinations and daily value deals. She made a few mental choices and then thought them over for several minutes before finally deciding on what she wanted to request. She walked over to the waiting chef and ordered fifty pounds of long blueberry donuts with blackberry jam inside along with light chocolate shreds on top of them.

Just ordering them made Semasu's mouth water, sure she had some special donuts already... but these donuts were too good to pass up! She had some time before Nempo arrived; surely she had arrived much earlier than he would have anticipated. Their game of arriving and being unseen was one commonly experienced throughout this shop on a daily basis. She glanced around casually and noted all the customers in the shop; the fresh and delicious smell of her own donuts cooking in the back had drawn in more customers- Nempo was nowhere to be seen yet.

She smiled to herself, she had beaten Nempo here and he hadn't arrived unnoticed yet- she was beginning to understand this information broker's habits. Her thoughts were interrupted by the movements of the shop's chef, he was hauling a large brown bag under his arm and looked as if he were trying to not look like it was causing him much effort. The truth of the effort was revealed though; when he approached Semasu's table, she looked expectantly at him as he set the bag down. The small table shuddered under the weght of the bag and he let out a slight sigh of relief.

Your donuts, Semasu. I can't imagine why you decided to order so many this time: going on a trip or something?

Semasu didn't think it was weird to order this much donuts- far from it. The truth of the matter was that she had been eating them so fast that she ran out of her abundant stock. An error she was remedying now. She would visit the shop again tomorrow and order another fifty pounds of assorted donuts; she didn't want to run him out of business all in one day. She simply shrugged at his response and grabbed the brown bag with one hand and scooted it across the table to rest closer to her protective arms; she moved it with little effort. Most men would be wary after seeing such a feat!

Dear chef, the truth of the matter is that she likely forgot to order more donuts recently because she was enjoying them so much: now she is restocking her supply. I'd wager she'll be in here tomorrow to do the same thing.

The chef's face paled slightly and he excused himself, he had to prepare for more such large orders. Semasu turned to regard Nempo, who had appeared directly behind the chef and in her blind spot- he was fast, and cunning. Very cunning indeed to know about her habits with donuts and to know correctly when she normally restocked her donuts. She would have to be careful of this man, he was too smart for his own good and used every opportunity to place himself in the advantage with the upper hand. The reason he always knew when to be there was simple, Semasu would take missions the day before and would send a note to Nempo through a little boy who lived in the village. The note was written in a language that only the two of them understood, a language they had created to communicate. Typically they would meet the next day after the note was received and would come to the donut shop, sometimes the not had other days set on it though.

Nempo sat down after the chef hurried away, a slight smile was played on his lips as he regarded the chef and his worrisome adventure on the next day. He sat at the table with Semasu, but directly across from her; he regarded the large brown bag- it smelled wonderful enough to make someone barf rainbows. Composure was one of his best qualities though and he held himself resolute against the onslaught of the donut's overwhelming god-like powers.

So the target today; I bet you're wanting to know all about him.

The way Nempo said the obvious statement bothered Semasu somewhat; what game was he playing at now? There was no reason for him to asked, she had already sent the note beforehand and this was their expected rendezvous point with no ulterior motives.

It was time to use one of the best gifts bestowed upon her since birth- one of the most formidable techniques she had know. A woman's charm. She sighed an exasperated sigh as she looked up at Nempo, one of her hands was on the table edge and she began to tap the hard wood repeatedly with her fingers. The tapping sound was somewhat louder than normal, her strength was above average and she wanted that to be apparent. The look she was giving him told him that she wasn't in the mood for games today; the aura or vibe she gave off was enough to suffocate a lesser man. Womanly charm was more than just making a man like you: it could be the opposite as well, to impose a great stature on a man and make him feel uncomfortable.

To his credit, he held his composure very well; though his eyes did dart to and fro a bit while he tried to avoid her gaze. Finally he slapped his hand against his leg and gave a slight chuckle.

You are surprisingly difficult to negotiate with for someone so young. I fear you have learned too much from negotiating with me

He was trying to ease the tension and Semasu relented. She stopped tapping her fingers and smiled casually as she leaned forwards and rested her chin in her hands on the table. Nempo shifted in his seat to be more comfortable before he continued to explain in detail of her next target.

The next "man" isn't a man at all, but a woman. She is the nukenin in this area that coordinates crimes and illegal shipments; her identity is well hidden. I had a little difficulty getting the information you wanted, this village is wise to request her...disposal. She is cocky though, thinking no one knows her true identity, she isn't even protecting herself adequately.

Cocky might be good, but it was never good to assume- likely she was either very skilled or just too confident in her own identity. Semasu was always the wiser and took the guess that she was very skilled: underestimating your foe almost always meant your demise. Nempo pushed a small photo sketch across the table. The woman was tall with green eyes and forest green hair: she was a real beauty, no wonder no one would expect her to be a criminal organizer.

I don't have a ledger or anything for you to follow, only tips from homeless people round the village that a girl of her description will he at a party later tonight. The party will be held at the shop district near the main gate.

That was all the information she needed, she reached down and retrieved a small bag and tossed it to him. He opened the bag and his face beamed with delight; instead of buying him donuts, she had made some herself. These donuts were miniature and of assorted flavor and colors.

Thanks again for your business.

Nempo didn't even bother to reply, he just nodded silently as he popped a couple donuts in his mouth and was no longer aware of where he was. Bliss wouldn't be too strong of a word to describe what Nempo was tasting- Semasu prided herself on her ability to make tasty treats. She grabbed her large bag of donuts and hefted it on her shoulder; she walked a short distance to her own small house and deposited the donuts in a storage vault. After another quick meal, she headed out when it began to get darker around the village. She had a party to attend.

Just as the lights in the village began to come on, Semasu was walking down one of the streets with several people milling about. Music and laughter could be heard a short distance away; undoubtedly it was the party where her target was attending. She looked down at her clothes, it was obvious she was a ninja... something likely that should be concealed until the right moment. She didn't want her prey becoming guarded and maybe escape. A couple quick handseals and she could easily remedy this trivial factor in her plans.

She looked around and found a good concealed spot beside a low rising building, she stepped underneath and and disappeared into a poof of smoke: out stepped a short blonde with a shapely figure and dazzling green eye. She wore a dress of the same color as her eyes and it sparkled brilliantely in the fire lights around the village. Around the corner she went and blended in with the bunches of people headed towards a very large and tall building. All of the lights were on in the building and figures could be seen at many windows.

She didn't rescognize her target right away, there were so many people in the front room that it took Semasu a good moment to realize her target wasn't in this room. She headed upwards along the stairs where few people stood an talking while drinking sake; she went from door to door and inspected the contents. Nothing out of the ordinary, except in a couple rooms where she accidently walked in on couples or even groups who were partaking in the "real" essence of partying. Everytime, Semasu blushed deeply and didnt even both to apologize, for fear of ruining their "moods"

Stupid people, at least lock the doors.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a hand on her shoulder, she tensed up but relaxed when she turned her head to see a drunk looking older man. Still, his hand was uncomfortable and she disliked most males anyways.

Hey gurl, whatsh yur name, huh? You shure are pretty~"

If he hadn't been drunk, his compliment might have been registered properly; however, she wasn't looking like her "Real" self and the slobbering drunk had only worsened his situation by making an advance on her right after complimenting her. Instinctively she twirled about and head bashed the man in the face and watched casually as he stumbled backwards, toppled over a drunk person passed out of the floor, and went down hard with his own sake spilling all over him. He was out cold, so there was no commotion and no real damage done to any civillians in the city she was serving. Even if he couldn't hear her, she felt it was necassary to tell the fool something.

Sorry old man, you're not my type.

A delicate arm wrapped around her shoulders and Semasu felt some soft breasts press against her back- instantly Semasu blushed and her legs quivered a bit; she tried to supress her feelings and bodily reaction. A soft sweet voice answered her previous retort with a playful response.

Maybe you just need a more feminne touch, most men don't understand.

Her words were true enough, but Semasu knew right away who the woman was: her target. She turned around and verified it with her eyes. She smiled playfully at the woman and shifted her legs to get a more solid standing, the woman had breathed on her neck when speaking to her from behind- this woman knew her way around the female's silent body language.

I prefer the ouch of an experienced woman over a brutish man's failed attempts at romance.

The woman winked playfully as if telling Semasu that she understood perfectly. The woman introduced herself as Emma and wrapped her arms around Semasu's left arm and led her back down stairs and away from the commotion of the party: to a more private place. They entered a garden mostly darkened with only a couple lights, Emma stopped tugging her until they were directly under one of the candle lights and turned to face Semasu. She was very close to Smeasu's face and she could feel her breathe, Semasu wasn't against a little romance, but she couldn't let her emotions get involved with her mission.

Is this more to your liking? No one will bother us here.

Semasu smiled at Emma and nodded briefly before embracing Emma in a gentle kiss; she felt Emma's body tremble slightly with excitement and the kiss became more passionate. Emma wrapped her arms around Semasu and pressed tightly against her body, their breats becoming compressed against one another and one of her hands beginning to reach lower and lower. That was as far as they went though, her grip on Semasu suddenly tightened and her other hand grabbed firmly on Semasu's butt.

Semasu pulled away slightly to look into Emma's eyes as she pulled the kunai out of the woman's upper back. A look of mixed terror and confusion crossed the woman's face and her eyes seemed to pleade with Semasu, asking Why? Semasu had stabbed the woman in the heart from behind and through her back; she kissed Emma on the lips gently and lowered the woman to the ground in a gentle embrace.

The village marked you as a threat and wanted you eliminated. It was my mission to assassinate you: had this been any other night, I would have gladly embraced you with honesty and passion.

Semasu released the physical appearance decption and returned herself to her original form. Her dark black long hair with short highlighted red tips, her eyes dazzled as she gazed at the dying woman; mostly with indifference, but with a hint of remorse. Emma brought her feeble hand up and brushed Semasu's cheek gently, leaving a print of blood on her face.

You are much more beautiful when you are yourself, Semasu.

Emma smiled kindly at Semasu and kissed her gently on the lips as her hand lost its strength and fell to the ground, her body lifeless. Semasu held her for a few moments and then stood up and placed Emma's hands across her chest and closed her eyes. Her face seemed peaceful despite the situation of her death.

Two anbu appeared suddenly in front of Semasu and nodded to her through their masks. They were very dark clothing with most of their bodies concealed by the heavy garments, she noted that one was a female by her bossom; though the other seemed to be a male. It was difficult to ell in the darkness, especially with their masks and heavy clothing.

A job well done Semasu Rankujo, this woman was an exceptional escape artist and has evaded us for far too long. Who would have thouht a woman's charm could be her undoing.

It was an ironic twist of life, Semasu had played the woman's heart to get close to her and then did the deed. She felt little remorse, but it was more than she was used to. She nodded to the anbu ninja and they lifted her body up and disappeared as quickly as they had come. Semasu let herself out through the garden's gate and disappeared into the darkness of night. She wiped the blood from her face and headed back to her little home; loneliness was her only companion that night.

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Word count- 3016 words

jutsu:

Chakra remainder- 240

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Name: Eliminate The Threat
Difficulty: A
Location: Tsukigakure no Sato
Reward: 45,000 Ryo
Experience: 150 Experience
Objective: Track down and eliminate the Nukenin.
Description: Our intelligence division has pinpointed another rogue ninja in the village. They need you to track him down and eliminate him before he becomes a threat.