Persuasion is a Virtue [Mission]

It was early afternoon by the time the redhead arrived at the point. The mission is to persuade some groups of bandits to leave this particular road to Land of Frost alone. Some might question as to why she’s alone, but if they’re the common brigands who can only fight against those with little combat experience then Leora figured that she could handle them. At quite a couple dozen meter of distance from her is the blockade of old wagons that seem be fortified with bags of flour stacked on top of each other to form a version of a sand wall. Each wagon held one wheel that was sideways on the ground. Signs of rope is spotted around certain parts of the wagon such as the axle and mid section of the carts. Yet it seems to only pull apart inward like it is some sort of makeshift gate.

Standing in front of this blockade is a big man with broad shoulders and garbed mostly in leather armor save for the metal breastplate. Strapped across his back via baldric is what appears to be a double edged broad axe. Two others are standing behind him, but they’re lightly armored with basic leather vest and pauldrons. Both were equipped with short bow and a quiver of arrows. Strapped on their belts is what appears to be a tanto sheathed in their scabbards. There were at least three more ranged bandits behind the carts as they had their bows out and an arrow notched to the string. Leora estimated they were standing on something, like barrels and/or crates to gain the height advantage. So far Leora counts a total of six, and though most are lightly equipped they weren’t dumb.

So Leora walks up to them, up until she reaches 5 meters from the big man with the axe. He raised a brow at her as the other two shifted their eye towards each other. The three draws their string as they aim their arrows directly at Leora’s position. Yet none of them fire a single one, and so Leora took that as just a reminder that if she tried anything she’d be expecting that. “Lemme guess, ye want us to move so ye can trade yer riches to the other lands while us poor lads suffer from poverty?”

With a blink of her amber eyes, Leora followed up with her own question. “Is that why you’re blocking this road?”

“Nay dat’s not the reason. We just charge anyone who trespasses through our territory. If ye want to get through that’ll be five thousand ryo per person.” The big guy answered as his rough tone always give off that he’s being aggressive. But years of being around her family taught Leora that is just how they normally are and usually keep that tone to shake the opposing negotiator down if possible. If all else fails some form of bait or blackmail as their backbone.

“I’m going to have to tell you that is not acceptable. You are to leave these roads within the hour and not to impede or impersonate authority over these roads. Failure to do so will result in grim circumstances for both you and the rest of your people. Do i make myself sound clear?” Leora spoke with authority in her voice that carries a certain weight that makes the expressions shift to worry. While the big guy remained unfazed as he glares down at the redhead genin. Whom glares back maintaining eye contact with her amber eyes that shows the burning passion and strength behind her expression. Lowering his chin, the big guy grunted before speaking once again.

“What is your name little girl?” Leora immediately responded as her demeanor remains unwavering. “Leora Shinsei.” The mention of Shinsei sparked a reaction from the large man as he looked surprised. “Shinsei… Well then we’ll have more to deal with than just some punks. Alright ye men heard the lady. Pack yer bags and lets go.” Of course the now astonished bandits started to retort with complaints. With a quick reminder that there are other things to do than to pester whoever travels through the roads. Even then the leader pointed out that they are not making enough at a stable rate to sustain themselves. So being attacked from both Kumogakure’s forces and the Shinsei family is ill-advised.

Leora remained at the vicinity with her arms crossed as she watched the men disassemble the blockade into smaller parts and gather their belongings. The broad-shouldered man waved at the Genin in farewell as she waved back as they left from the roads towards the small patch of mountain peaks. It wasn’t until they left out of her sight that Leora finally departed from the location. As her next destination is back towards the Kumogakure to deliver the good news. It was quick and hopefully effective that Leora wouldn’t have to come back here to do the same thing.

[Exit -> Kumogakure]