It was sad, in a way. The thieves were just trying to provide for themselves; but this was Nene's village, and he wasn't going to idly sit by and let someone sully it. Besides, the townsfolk were generally kind enough to pass around some bread or the like if you asked kindly enough- he had seen it in action. Stealing wasn't the way to go. He repeated that thought to them as he scared them off from a merchant cart, grabbing back what they had currently taken and tossing it back to the merchant in question. Technically, regarding the mission details, he was done then, but...

Mostly, he was raring for a fight. It had been too long since he got to actually let loose, too many non-combat missions in a row; it was driving him crazy. He needed to get back into his groove, needed to feel the asphalt on his fists. His face was flushed and his breath was coming out in pants of excitement. It was a two birds with one stone kind of deal and boy was he ready to throw that stone.

The mission file was slipped into his pocket, tugging on the collar of his shirt and grinning a bit; found 'em. There were three nondescript kids- with a fourth matching the picture of the only notable one, a 'Kisai'. He was going to be the most dangerous, at the very least, so Nene figured it would be best to take him out first. He wasn't going to kill any of them, of course, nor was he going to injure them enough to cause permanent damage. However... that didn't mean he couldn't have his fun. They were crowded in the pipe, right where he, and likely the rest of Kumo, figured they would be. The Support Level's pipelines were good training areas, yes, but they were also a good hideout for any lowlifes. He briefly noted a worn down bag of old foodstuffs sitting in the middle of them, and he made a careful note not to bother it. Hey, he wasn't tasked with returning any items; just making sure the brats wouldn't take anything again.

A kunai was drawn from his item pouch, quickly, and then thrown; aiming for Kisai's legs, just enough to catch him and make sure he couldn't run away. Nene's aim and precision weren't very good, but as a medical ninja he roughly knew where the vital tendons were located and simply made sure to aim away from their general area. It was a sound enough idea... before it missed, clattering to the bottom of the metal floor and causing all four kids to simultaneously turn around and stare directly at him. Kisai was gone in a second, backing away from the group with a rather scared look and working on concealing himself into the surroundings. "... There goes that." Nene mumbled, his heartbeat thumping loudly. He'd have to deal with Kisai later; for the moment, the rest of the group was advancing on him, brandishing knives and kunai of their own.

"... Weapons drawn? How rude. I'm defenseless, myself." He purred to the ragtag group, jumping to the side to dodge a stabbing attack from Thief 1. He was of course ignoring the large stock of weaponry concealed in his pouch, but nevertheless. They weren't strong nor imposing and once again Nene felt bad, but realized there wasn't much room for sympathy here, in the end. They were criminals, even if minor ones, and he was a shinobi of his village.

The scene wasn't quiet, the ninja yelling out obscenities and grunting as Nene played with them. He was having too much fun, minor cuts and scrapes dotting both of his arms and his cheek. No special attacks or jutsu were invoked, the red head simply using his trained taijutsu prowess to fight back at a casual pace.

It was when a knife nicked his ear and all three were surrounding him that he gave up on the game; sighing loudly and arching his back. "... That one actually kind of hurt. Fine, fine, you want to do this? Let's do this."

With a kick and a laugh he made an opening, dodging out from between them and gaining some distance; hands and fingers a flurry of handseals. "It's been fun, but I'd really like to get to your stealthy little friend, so I'm going to clear the way for now. Tokkan no Jutsu." The subsequent zap caused his hair to stand up on end, biting down on his lip and flushing red; if they couldn't hear his heartbeat before they'd be able to now, the rapid beat echoing through the chamber. He'd never get enough of this adrenaline high- lips curled upwards and his teeth flashing through the dank gloom of the pipe.

The thieves noticed a change in the other Genin and began to back away, two looking troubled and the third looking annoyed; angry, even. They obviously didn't have time to run, Nene's direction reversed as he ran straight at the them; feet barely making noise as he sprinted, almost a fevered blur. Chakra poured into his fists and his eyes narrowed, gaining on Thief 1- the one who started the assault. "Cherry Blossom... Impact!" He hollered, holding his fist back just a little as it connected; sending the ninja flying back and against a wall of the pipe with a clang, leaving them to fall to the ground unconscious. He didn't want to break any of them, which meant he did have to hold back, after all. Just a little bit, though. The shockwave from his hit had sent the other two spiraling away, one still sitting on the floor and looking dazed as the other slowly got up and rubbed their head. "Sorry, it's nothing personal... but in the end, it kind of is."

He was gone again, crossing the area and jumping; landing with a kick directly into the standing one's, Thief 2's, stomach. He heard a gasp of pain and another clang, signaling that opponent's defeat as he dropped and roll off their body. Thankfully he wasn't strong enough to focus his strength into his feet just yet, or that might have killed the kid. He whirled around and righted himself, eyes bright, mischevious and staring directly at Thief 3. They shook their heads a few times, backing away on their hands and knees; and honestly, Nene wasn't going to pursue. He wasn't evil, he was just enjoying his little justice- and there was no way these kids would try this again after this beat-down.

He watched them disappear down the pipe, making a few handsigns and applying the only healing jutsu he knew; the ball of chakra soon covering his hand gliding over the cuts on his body. He was going to keep the bleeding ear as it was; it could be his first combat scar, something to distinguish him from the faceless masses of shinobi. It was rare for a well trained medic nin to retain permanent injuries, anyways, so he couldn't help but stroke his pride a little and wish to feel special.

After that taken care of he let the chakra disperse, calmed and a bit sluggish as the epinephine left his system. He tried not to reply on the state too much, but when in fast paced combat he through morals away and gladly let himself fall to the addiction. It just made him feel so... excited. Regardless, he dragged himself along, checking over the two injured thieves before dragging them back into their positions around a dead fire and food scraps. They weren't too hurt and would likely awake soon enough, meaning he had to make himself scarce so as to collect on his reward. But first...

"... Alright, come out. Or I could start punching everywhere until you show yourself. Your call." He called out, hands clasping behind his back and stretching out with a pop and a groan. The fourth member of the group, Kisai, stepped out of the shadows; a knife in his shaking hand. "We... we were just hu-
"- I know. I'm done here. Look, man, this isn't worth it; I mean, if you ever really get that hungry, come to the Tsuguren clan house. I'd be happy to supply you with food. God knows Mom buys enough of it to feed a small country." His hand was held up as he cut off the male, lips in a straight, apathetic line. "However, if you guys steal again, I'll be back. And I'll stop you. Again. And again. Honestly, I don't even understand the point of this; missions pay a good deal of money and you could easily become a ninja again, but- Ah, forget it, not my problem. Here." He tossed a few hundred ryos at Kisai's feet, shrugging and turning around to leave. If they kid attacked, he'd take him out; but he hoped that wouldn't be necessary.

If anything, this was all just a detour. He might as well go and collect his reward for saving the merchant. It turned out hurting Kisai wasn't necessary, after all. He heard a mumbled, shy 'thank you' as he left, and paid it no mind; merely raising a hand in reply as he walked.

How bothersome; but damn, was that fun.


(( Final wordcount: 1556 ))