Chemist for a Day (Solo)

Mission Details:

Receiving her genin headband was an exciting development for Riku for a few reasons. Firstly, not needing to spend six hours a day in classes or dealing with her peers was nice. The blue haired genin could now train on her own, help out at home, and, most importantly, contribute to the family's income. Taji made enough money with her healing practice and selling medicinal products to keep them housed and fed, especially with Anzu's help, but aside from relative physical comfort, they couldn't afford much else.

They wore their clothes until they could no longer be scrubbed clean and stitched back together, ate mostly rice with vegetables they grew for themselves (except for when Satori brought the family food), and had little by the way of home decor or furniture. Now, Riku could save up for more ninja supplies and fund her own chemistry experiments. Removing even this burden from her family would be an improvement.

Thus, when the blue haired genin set off to find employment, it was with good cheer that she did so. Riku wasn't picky at all, any mission she was qualified for was acceptable to her. She needed ryo to start her own savings and contribute to her household. Getting her hands dirty was well worth the ends.

Fortunately, the tasks Riku was allowed to take on weren't terribly difficult. Today, Riku accepted a mission to assist a local chemist for the day. Mission scroll in hand, the blue haired teen went off in search of the chemist's shop. The location was easy to find because it was near the Market, so Riku arrived about five minutes early. She entered the shop, a bell hanging from the top corner of the door jingling to announce her arrival.

The chemist, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair stood behind the counter. His skin was lightly tanned despite the general lack of sun in Kiri, but his hair was blue--suggesting Hoshigake or Hozuki heritage--and spiky. He wore a thick, leather apron over a plain shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow.

"You must be Hanae-chan's replacement," the chemist said, looking Riku over.

"Yes, sir." Riku bowed politely before introducing herself. "I am genin Mizushima Riku, at your service."

"Kenji," the man grunted in return. "You understand what you're to do, right?"

Riku nodded.

"Not a chatterbox, good." Kenji nodded in approval. "Well, get to it, girl."

The blue haired teen made her way behind the counter and grabbed an apron from a hook, slipping it over her head and securing it so that it covered her deep red yukata. Riku rolled up her sleeves and used a few senbon to pin them that way.

Once Riku took her place behind the counter, Kenji shuffled off to his laboratory in the back. Now that she was in position, the genin took some time to examine her surroundings and familiarize herself with the various bottles, vials, and jars lining the shelves. A glass display case beneath the counter contained bundles of herbs and a few medical products.

"Girl!" Kenji shouted from the laboratory.

Riku rushed over and opened the door. "What should I bring?" she asked.

"Dogwood and ethanol," he called back.

The teen's eyebrows rose. What could he want with that combination of ingredients? Not wanting to waste time and give a bad impression, Riku hurried to collect the requested items and bring them to Kenji. With a short bow, she returned to the counter in time to meet her first customers.

"Welcome to our shop," Riku greeted them, trying to smile kindly. She used a close-lipped smile to hide her sharp teeth, not wanting to intimidate the customers.

The transaction was easy and they left within ten minutes with a bag full of the products they had wanted.

Riku smiled. Working felt good.

[Thread Exit]