Adas

[b][u]Basic Info[/b][/u] [b]Name:[/b] Luca Greywind [b]Nickname:[/b] None as of yet [b]Age:[/b] 17 [b]Casual/Battle Appearance:[/b] Iâ??m merging these two sections into one because Luca typically fights in his casual clothes â?? without requip magic he canâ??t summon armor, and typically fights in whatever he is wearing at the time. Luca has shaggy, dirty blonde hair that very nearly cover his brown eyes. He usually wears the same combination of clothes â?? his favorite brown hoodie and a pair of faded of jeans. [img]http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/2503/animehoodiemale.jpg[/img] [b][u]Magical Info[/b][/u] [b]Circle Colour:[/b] Bright Yellow [b]Type:[/b] Caster Magic [b]Magic:[/b] Luca wields an ancient form of magic known as Eclipse. Passed down to him by his father (and rarely known throughout the world), Eclipse allows Luca to absorb light and then give it physical form which he can use to strike with. There are several drawbacks to Eclipse â?? the absorption process is relatively exhausting, and thus can only be used typically once per fight, and is difficult to use during the night when there isnâ??t any natural light. That being said, he can absorb [b]any[/b] type of light â?? sunlight, light from a fire, light from a flashlight or light-bulb, etc. While absorbing light, Luca begins to physically glow. Depending on how much light he absorbs, the glow not only becomes stronger, but the area surrounding him can become darker as well â?? this is relatively uncommon though. [b]Spells:[/b] [indent][u]Basic Spells[/u] [b]Flash:[/b] The most basic of Eclipse Magic, Luca fires off a burst of bright light in order to disorient his enemies. This is usually used at close-range in order to momentarily blind an opponent before following up a punch or kick, or used to aid allies fighting at close-range [b]Pulse:[/b] Luca condenses his absorbed light into a ball of shimmer light, roughly the size of a beach ball. Touching the Pulse causes a small explosion. Luca uses this technique in two different ways â?? the first is used as a homing assault to keep the enemy on the move, and the second is to make the Pulse move about erratically, essentially creating a floating land-mine for his enemies to be chased into. [u]Moderate Spells[/u] [b]Light Beam:[/b] As the name suggests, Luca focuses the majority of his stored light into a massive projectile attack. As far as moderate spells go, this is his strongest direct attack. [b]Light Spread:[/b] The same overall concept as the Light Beam, but instead of firing one direct beam, he splits it into several, small arcing projectiles. While the Light Beam is his most powerful direct attack, the Light Spread is far more useful against fast moving enemies, being able to cover a much greater distance at high speeds [b]Multiple Pulses:[/b] As Luca becomes stronger and more proficient with his Eclipse Magic, he is able to create more than one Pulse. The true strength of the Pulses relies on his own intelligence however, and his ability to multi-task â?? creating up to ten Pulses, Luca designate different roles to each, using some to home in on enemies as projectiles and others to dance about the battlefield erratically. With so many minor attacks occurring at once, he is able to disorient foes, trap them in a maze of attacks and cause massive damage.[/indent] [B][u]Other Info[/u][/b] [b] Personality: [/b] Luca is a quiet individual, preferring his own inner thoughts then awkwardly making small talk with others. Shy above all else, Luca is introverted nearly to a fault, remaining rather socially awkward for the majority of his life. However, hidden behind his shy nature is an incredibly high IQ â?? in fact, Luca is nothing short of a genius. Lucaâ??s genius nature directly correlates with his magic abilities â?? his abilities to plan ahead and multi-task stem from his high IQ and aid him drastically in battle. As well, Luca is fiercely loyal, although he doesnâ??t really know this about himself yet. Living his life without any true friends, he has never had to experience feelings such as loyalty â?? that being said, it is in-grained into his nature, and will eventually show itself. [b]Background:[/b] After his mother died giving birth to him, Luca was raised by his father. Without any siblings, Luca spent most of his time alone as a child, be it alone in school, or alone at home waiting for his fatherâ??s return from work. Once a powerful mage, Lucaâ??s father, Peros, now lives a much quieter life in order to provide stability for Luca. It was his father who taught him how to use Eclipse Magic. Luca was mostly quiet in school, not associating with others simply because he didnâ??t know how to. However, despite making him lonely as a child, it also served to help his growth as a mage â?? with no one to spend time with (save for his father who taught him magic in the first place), Luca spent nearly all of his free time as a child and teenager practicing Eclipse Magic, becoming increasingly proffienct at a near alarming rate. One night, after returning home late from work, Peros gave earth-shattering instructions to Luca â?? he was to leave, immediately. Without being given a reason why, Luca was banished from his fatherâ??s home, told that the Pergrande guild of Excalibur would be there to take him in. [b]Flashback:[/b] [indent]The rain battered against the windows, an endless tirade brought forth from the black. A four-year-old Luca whimpered under his blankets and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to forget that it was night time and dark outside. As if in answer to the silent prayer, his door slowly creaked open, letting in much desired light and a friendly face â?? his father. He stepped into the room and turned on the light. [b]â?Whatâ??s wrong Luca?â?[/b] he asked, a touch of concern hidden in his question. Luca leapt out of bed and jumped on to his father, clinging for dear life as he began to cry. [b]â?I know, I know,â?[/b] he tried to comfort his son, [b]â?but itâ??s not so badâ?¦â?[/b] [b]â?Yes it â?? is!â?[/b] Luca yelled back between sobs. [b]I hate it!â?[/b] [b]â?There thereâ?¦â?[/b] Peros hugged his son tighter. [b]â?Thereâ??s nothing in here that can hurt you,â?[/b] he tried to convince his son, but his sobs only increased. [b]You knowâ?¦ maybe there is something I can teach you to help youâ?¦â?[/b] Suddenly, Lucaâ??s crying grew less forced. His ears perked up. [b]â?What do you meanâ?¦?â?[/b] he asked, drying his eyes with the back of his hand. His father smiled at him, set him down, and closed his eyes. Suddenly, a bright yellow magic circle appeared at his feet, and to Lucaâ??s wide-eyed astonishment, the light from the room began to dim. However, despite the light leaving, his father began to glow. Subtly at first, but more intensely as the room around him darkened, as though he had come to possess mastery over the light in the room itself. Luca, having already forgotten his fears from a moment, gaped at his father, astonished at what he was seeing. And then, as quickly as it had begun, it was over. With a sigh, Peros released the light he had stored, and the room returned back to normal. [b]â?WOW![/b] exclaimed Luca. [b]â?Can I learn how to do that too??[/b] Peros smiled sadly at his son. [b]â?Yes you canâ?¦ Iâ??ll start teaching you tomorrow, but only if you can be a big boy and sleep tonight with the light off, deal?[/b] Luca agreed, but failed to hold up his end of the bargain â?? his fear of the dark had vanished momentarily, and instead, it was excitement that now rendered him sleepless.[/indent]

Toshiro sighed, exasperated. Temaru stood there looking like an utter fool with his cat on his head. [i]Moron â?? if he doesnâ??t watch out for things like that, he wonâ??t pass tonight[/i] he thought to himself, unsure of why it bothered him so much. Settling on an explanation that he was still annoyed with Suki, he turned back to her. â??I think Iâ??m about done here,â? he told her. â??Iâ??m heading back to class before this turns into any more of a circus.â? â??You were done before you even started,â? she mocked, the barest hint of a smile on her face. Toshiro grunted, and began to walk away. â??Hey, wait!â? Temaru called, standing back up. â??Why head back now? The examinations arenâ??t until this afternoon â?? thereâ??s still plenty of time to practise!â? â??Then I suggest you use it,â? he called back over his shoulder. He wouldnâ??t be surprised if both he and Kagoya failed the exam later that day. Well, that wasnâ??t fair he admitted â?? Temaru was several steps higher than Kagoya, but even stillâ?¦. Kagoya called back an insult â?? [i]The beaten never know when to shut upâ?¦[/i] â?? but Toshiro paid it no mind and kept walking. He had lost interest in the sparring match, lost interest in Kagoyaâ??s weakness and lost interest in Temaruâ??s antics. The rain was finally falling, and he finally felt at ease. Well, somewhat. As he walked through the deserted, rain-soaked streets of Konoha, he thought back to his fight with Suki. His form had been perfect, his technique impeccable, yet she had countered his blows with ease. He had trained in his family compound night after night under the watchful eyes of his father and brothers, and had earned his right to call himself a shinobi in the eyes of the Yakanashi clan â?? even if he hadnâ??t officially earned his genin status yet. Things came easily to him â?? instead of spending time learning something new, he spent his time perfecting it. And yet, Suki hadnâ??t seen him as a threat what-so-ever. It was enough to make him yell in anger, something he never did. He stomped his foot in a puddle, spraying water every which direction. His original destination had been to get some ramen before the examination, but he had suddenly lost his appetite. He walked alone through the falling rain back towards the academy where he would await the examination.

Toshiroâ??s clenched his fist, a white-knuckled grip over his own, barely restrained fury. He recognized each of her words, each of her actions a deliberate act in order to bait him into an attack â?? unfortunately, they were working. [i]Pretend you donâ??t know my name? Weâ??ll see how long this lasts you biâ??[/i] Toshiroâ??s thoughts were interrupted as Kagoya launched one last desperate assault. Toshiro played into it perfectly â?? he moved quickly to meet Kagoya but spun behind him and threw a punch at Suki. For the briefest of moments, a look of shock shot across her face and Toshiro knew his blow would connect. Suki regained her composure in an instant and narrowly dodged the blow. She hit the ground and struck out with her leg, catching Toshiro off-guard. [i]Dammit![/i] he cursed at himself, catching himself mid-fall with his hands, but Suki was already waiting for him. She drove her foot down towards his hands attempting to knock him over, but Toshiro threw himself up and dodged the blow. He launched himself at Suki and the two began to fight. Blows were parried and countered on both sides, neither landing a solid hit on the other. Toshiro knew that he wasnâ??t as strong at taijutsu as Suki was, but he followed the forms he had been taught both by their academy instructors and from the lessons he had received at home from his father and older brothers. His technique was perfect, yet he never managed to strike his opponent down. Suki danced around him, her body a weapon as she nimbly dodged his attacks. He had never seen forms such as hers before â?? everything seemed improvised, a reaction to his action as each stepped flowed into the next. She spent most of the fight dodging his attacks, but when she struck , she struck hard. The speed of her blows were simply unavoidable â?? Toshiro had to block each hit or fear being knocked over. Their fight soon garnered a small crowd. Those who had been training decided to come over and watch the fight, forming a small ring around the two combatants. This irritated Toshiro to no end, but he tried his hardest not to focus on them and to keep his attention split between Suki and the formation of a plan to bring her down. As they fought, a plan quickly began to form in his mind. A second feint to draw her attention away from his left hand, giving him a chance to finally land a hit. He waited patiently for her to strike, knowing that she would expect him to block as she had forced him to do the entire fight. However, this time he was ready. When the blow finally did come â?? a solid right hook aimed at his chest â?? Toshiro pivoted and spun out of the way. In one swift motion he went for a kunai from his belt, knowing that instinctually, her next move would be to disarm it. And, to his utter pleasure, it worked. Seeing the deadly blade, Suki leapt into the air and kicked his wrist, causing him to drop it. He took advantage of the moment and finally went in for the blow he had been planning all along with his other fist. Suki was ready for him though â?? as he closed in, she spun in the air and connected her other foot with his face, sending him flying back until he connected with the ground. Blood dripped out of his nose, but he leapt back to up and took an offensive stance. â??Iâ??m not done with you yet, dammit!â? he roared, his usual calm, his usual coolness a fleeting memory. Thunder roared once again across the sky, and finally the heavens broke â?? the rain finally began to pour. The few classmates who had made up their ground made to run for cover from the rain, as did those who had remained training the transformation technique while they fought. Soon, only a few left in the training field, but Toshiro paid them no mind. Soaked to the bone, hair matted against his face more from sweat then the falling rain, he glared at Suki, never once abandoning his stance.

Toshiro summoned his chakra forward, and, upon releasing it, thought of Kizuka-sensei. Smoke burst forth, and upon its clearing, there stood a perfect replication of Kizuka-sensei â?? his blonde hair, short, pug-like nose, the scar that ran down his cheek, the Konoha combat vest. A perfect transformation. Another burst of smoke, and Toshiro strode out confidently. [i]Childâ??s play[/i] he mused. He knew he had nothing to fear from tonightâ??s exam. The training field had been littered with his fellow classmates so he decided to practice on his own near a fountain a couple of blocks away from the Academy. The day was still cool, and unnaturally calm, but Toshiroâ??s thoughts were finally elsewhere. He thought of the others in his class, of those who were struggling to perfect their technique before the examination. He couldnâ??t understand why a technique as simple as the transformation technique required such intense practise. Either you were ready, or you werenâ??t, and no amount of cramming beforehand could save you if you werenâ??t. Toshiro simply couldnâ??t understand, and he hated not understanding. Annoyed, he began to trudge away from the fountain where he had planned on practising something a bit tougher and headed towards the training field. As he had left it, most of his fellow classmates were present, nearly all practising the transformation technique. Some were simply relaxing together, joking and laughing, discussing the prospect that by this time tomorrow they would be shinobi. Toshiro kept his distance from everyone, merely wishing to observe, wishing to find some clarity in their actions but finding none. He sighed, and was about to turn and leave when something caught his eye. Two of his classmates were fighting. He approached them quietly, not wanting to draw attention to himself. Suki, one of the strongest in their class â?? and to Toshiroâ??s chagrin, far superior to he himself â?? was sparring with Kagoya. Toshiro was suddenly interested. [i]Why would she fight him?[/i] he wondered. [i]More importantly, why would he fight [b]her[/b]?[/i]. The two continued to fight before him, Kagoya attempting to grab his female adversary while Suki effortlessly dodged time and time again. Her moves were brilliant, simple and yet complex at the same time. Kagoya feinted to her right, and struck her left side aimed straight at her wrists, but she pivoted on her right foot delivering a solid kick from her left. Kagoya flew through the air and hit the ground with a resounding thud. â??Iâ??m not done yet!â? Kagoya spat, still sprawled on the ground. He tried to pull himself up, but a kunai found its mark in the dirt directly above his face. â??Yes, Iâ??m afraid you are,â? Toshiro spoke softly. He turned his attention to Suki. She stood slightly shorter than he did, with short, jet-black hair. She was pretty â?? there was no denying that, but Toshiro knew not to underestimate an enemy based on physical appearance. She was strong, stronger than he, so he couldnâ??t let his guard down. No longer paying attention his fallen classmate, he glared at Suki, attempting â?? in vain â?? to stare her down. â??When youâ??re done warming up, fight me.â?

It's all about the storyline for me. A game can have amazing graphics or tight contols, but if the story doesn't really grip me then I won't really care enough to finish it. A lot of the older Final Fantasty games were like this for me - IV and VI especially. Even Final Fantasy X had a fantastic storyline. Anyone can make the argument that a turn-based RPG is a turn-based RPG and that's it, that they get boring after a while. But when you have a fantastic storyline unfolding before you and want to know what happens next, well, that's deffinitely what does it for me. Final Fantasy IV, VI and X, Mass Effect 2, Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto IV - games that I've all beaten, know how they're going to end each time, and yet I'll still go back and play them over and over because I find the storylines so well-written and simply enjoyable.

Hating being late for anything, Toshiro was one of the first to arrive at the Academy. Those he passed in the halls seemed as bleak as the weather. [i]Perhaps itâ??s because of the weather[/i] he mused, but knew that it wasnâ??t the case â?? the genin exams would be held at some point that day, and a sense of impending doom hung in the air. He shrugged his shirt down awkwardly. He wasnâ??t nervous about the weather. [i]Well, maybe a little bitâ?¦.[/i] Toshiro entered the classroom, and to his satisfaction, found that he had beaten nearly everyone there. He hated walking into crowded rooms, instead preferring to sit quietly and wait for everyone else to enter. Those in the classroom already â?? he spotted Suki, nose buried in her textbook â?? looked groggy still. [i]Thatâ??s what you get for staying up all night practicing[/i] he thought to himself with a certain amount of resentment. This test would be easy, and those that actually needed to spend time preparing didnâ??t deserve the forehead protector. Thunder ripped through the silence once more making Toshiro jump. Cursing his sudden anxiousness and hoping no one noticed, he slumped down in a seat near the back of the room, away from the prying eyes of his classmates. One by one the nervous students filed into the room, until finally Lamara-sensei entered. Toshiro was surprised to see her â?? he had been expecting their normal teacher, Kizuka-sensei, but here standing before them was a teacher who he had passed before in the halls of the academy, but never been taught by. A general murmur rose in the room until Lamara-sensei cleared her throat, and then all went silent. â??Iâ??m sure none of you expected me today,â? she began in a calm, clear voice. â??On the day of your genin exam, Iâ??m sure youâ??d much rather have final words from Kizuka-sensei â?? unfortunately, he has been sent on a mission outside of the village.â? Once again, a murmur began to rise in the room as nervous students tried to imagine what kind of mission their instructor had been sent on. As the mutters began to die down, Lamara-sensei continued. â??Kizuka-sensei told me express to you his feelings of confidence towards your tests â?? he is confident that you will all remember your training, and pass todayâ??s exam with flying colours. Now, as for the exam â?? due to Kizuka-sensei being away today, I have been instructed to tell you what tonightâ??s exam details, and to do then proceed to give you the rest of the day to practise for it.â? The murmurs rose once more, but this time holding an excited, anxious tone as the students wondered what they would be examined on. This time, Lamara-sensei was not so kind towards the interruption and cleared her throat loudly, silencing the room. â??Tonightâ??s examination will test your ability to transform your physical being â?? the transformation jutsu is a basic ninja technique, and one that all genin must be able to perform with perfection whenever required. Your passing or failing tonightâ??s exam will depend on your ability to perform the Transformation Jutsu!â? Toshiro smiled despite himself. [i]Thatâ??s it?[/i] he mused. [i]This isnâ??t going to be an issue at allâ?¦[/i] However, to his surprise, he heard several groans from his fellow classmates. â??Class dismissed!â?

[size="4"][center]Konoha Chronicles[/center][/size] [size="3"][i]The Shinobi's Path[/i][/size] Toshiro lay in bed, wide awake, staring into the nothingness of his dark room. Despite the lack of sunlight that should have begun to creep through his windows, he knew it was well time to be out of bed. Thunder broke the early morning silence â?? no rain fell from the sky, and no lightning to herald its coming, but a dark sky spoke of the day to come. Letting out a deep sigh, he slowly pushed the covers back, and got up. He glanced out the window as he got dressed, trying to decide whether or not heâ??d be warm enough in his usual garb â?? a dark blue shirt that ended at his elbows, which he, like always, didnâ??t bother to tuck into his dark gray pants. Feeling that heâ??d be fine, he carefully dressed himself, and slipped his feet into his sandals. Using a mirror hanging behind his door, he tied his hair into a messy ponytail, and, comfortable with his appearance, left his room quietly. Stepping out into the Yakanashi compound, Toshiro instantly wished heâ??d put on warmer clothes, but not wishing to return to his room, strode forward. The compound was fairly large â?? a series of three small buildings surrounding a garden marked the living quarters of the entire clan, with a pathway, flanked by two larger buildings, which lead to the main gate. Normally, he would stop in at both before heading to the academy â?? one was a training area for the clanâ??s shinobi, while the other, a recreational area, housed the kitchen and dining rooms. Today however he was neither hungry nor felt the urge to train â?? even if he did, his sleeping in no longer allowed enough time for either. Without saying a word to anyone, he crept out through the main gate and began walking towards the academy. Something bothered him that he couldnâ??t quite put his finger on. It wasnâ??t nervousness; he knew that much â?? despite the fact that the genin examinations would be held later that day, he knew he had nothing to worry about with those. Still, something bothered him, as it had earlier that morning as he lay awake, as it had the night before when he couldnâ??t sleep. The citizens of Konoha had begun their morning earlier then he had - the streets, despite the early hour of the day, were already bustling with activity. Kids not younger then he were running about playing games while store owners shouted their wares. Toshiro took it all in at once, but remained uninterested. It didn't matter to him, it wasn't his business. He simply carried on. All at once, he realized what was bothering him - it was the sky. It was the dampness in the air, it was the chill of the breeze, and the darkness of the sky. [i]Why isn't it raining yet?[/i] he wondered. Everything pointed towards rain, but the sky simply refused to crack. Toshiro liked the rain, loved being out when rain pour and lightning cracked across the sky - this was simply a tease. He sighed. With the academy finally coming into sight, he shrugged it off, and prepared himself for what he felt was going to be a long day.

Hey everyone, just wanted to say thank you to everyone who signed up for this - I've decided to go with White and Isabelle-Black for the RP. Thanks again to everyone who signed up for this! Sign-ups are now [b]closed[/b]

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[center][u][b]Konoha Chronicles: The Shinobi's Path[/b][/u][/center] [i]"The next generation will always surpass the previous one and take their place"[/i] - Hatake Kakashi With the dying of the day's light, a shadow begins to spread over Konoha. Despite a time of relative peace, many begin to sense the looming threat in the distance. The world stands still, silent for the time, yet strained somehow. The five great ninja villages all remain hidden behind their walls - although all feel the tensions rising, none allow their borders to be unguarded. Fearing the worst in each other, the five villages have ceased nearly all communication with each other, and prepare themselves for a possible threat. However, not all feel the ever approaching danger in the air. Normal citizens go about their daily lives, and spurred on by words of safety from the Fifth Hokage Tusande, the young shinobi continue to train to become stronger. Genin continue to take small tasks around the town, preparing themselves for the up -and-coming Chunin exam, while those who have already attained the rank of Chunin train both themselves, honing their combat prowess, and training the students at the ninja academy. Nearing the end of their final semester, one such group of students are fervently preparing to take the necessary graduation exam and become Genins. This, is their story... [center]~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~[/center] Okay, so as you can no doubt tell, the description for this RP is being kept relatively vague. There will be an over-arching plot to this story, but as of right now, that is not important. The RP will work as such: I will accept two others into the RP, each a student graduating from the academy, and will eventually form a three-man team with as we all become Genins. There will be a Jonin character provided as well, but this will remain as a character that we can all RP freely with simply for plot progression and character development. As I stated before, there will be an overarching plot-line, but it will be subtle to begin with, mostly hints at what's happening as we progress through our own story. The RP, after things take off and the three man team is formed, will follow a mission structure. I will begin with a mission for our team to undertake, and when it is completed, the next mission will be decided upon by one of the other authors, then upon completion a new mission will be initiated by the third author - so on and so forth. These missions will serve as a chance for character development and progression until the real plot kicks in. The timeline for this RP is slightly complicated - it takes place in the Naruto universe approximately at the point in the series where Shippuuden begins. That being said, you can imagine our RP as one, enormous filler arch - characters from the Naruto universe exist within the story for continuity purposes (i.e. Tsunade as Hokage) but no one from Naruto cannon will really be in our RP. That means no Akatsuki threat, no cannon characters showing up to save the day - all of the characters in this RP will be created by us. As a side-note, Iâ??d prefer it if everyone who signs up is caught up with the anime, just to ensure that everyone knows and understands how the ninja-world works. If youâ??re not caught up but want to post a sign-up anyways, please send me a message telling me how far into the series you are. Character sign-ups will be done as follows: [b]Name:[/b] Just for continuty's sake, please name your character starting with their clan name, followed by their given name [b]Physical Description:[/b] This will include all necessary info - name, height, appearance, (all characters should be about 12 since we're in the academy) etc. If you want to include a picture as well that's fine, so long as it goes with the write-up [b]Strengths and Abilities:[/b] Please don't go too overboard on this, as all characters are still in the academy at this point. This will be more of a where your character's strengths lie, and some of the abilities they will eventually get. [b]Bio:[/b] No more than a hundred words or so, but feel free to write as much as you want. [b]Name:[/b] Yakanashi Toshiro [b]Physical Description:[/b] Toshiro is of average height for his age, although a bit on the small side. He has long black, messy hair that he often wears in an untidy ponytail. Toshiro wears the standard shinobi combat-mail (although this wonâ??t be worn until he becomes a Genin) underneath a dark blue shirt (the mail goes to his wrists, but the shirt ends at his elbows) and dark grey pants extending down to his ankles. He wears the standard blue sandals most Konoha shinobi are seen wearing, and when he eventually attains the Konoha forehead protector, he ties it around his left arm. He has dark blue eyes. [b]Strengths and Abilities:[/b] Toshiro is a fairly capable and competent student at the academy, placing approximately 5th overall in his class â?? heâ??s not the strongest member, but not the weakest by far. He relies heavily on water-based ninjutsu and basic taijutsu while in combat, but his greatest strength lies in his ability to stay calm under pressure and come up with effective strategies while fighting. [b]Bio:[/b] Toshiro is fairly calm and collected. He prefers to analyze situations before taking action, hating hasty and risky attacks. Toshiro was born and raised in Konoha and has only ever left the village a handful of times. Trained at a young age by his parents and two older brothers, Toshiro found that many basic ninja skills came fairly easily to him, unfortunately instilling a sense of impatience regarding more difficult to master techniques. The Yakanashi clan is fairly well-known throughout Konoha as a clan of shinobi who use water-based jutsus. However, their true strength in battle is through the use of a special water-based genjutsu that assaults their enemyâ??s mind, making them believe they are underwater and causing them to drown. Toshiro, one of the only Yakanashi clan members to be born without an innate ability in genjutsu, often has feelings of inadequacy for being unable to learn this technique, and although none ever say it out-right, is often seen as a bit of a failure by the majority of his clan.

Matsuda sped after Okaru, fearing the wrath of the kunoichi that followed them. What’s worse was that he knew she was gaining on them steadily. [i]Damnit Okaru[/i] he panicked. [i]If – no, [b]when[/b] – she catches us, we’re dead![/i] The day was sunny, and the run through the streets and along the rooftops was a nice change of pace, the warm breeze making it almost relaxing. In spite of himself, his own anxieties, and most importantly his fear of being caught by Hotaru, Matsuda couldn’t help but laugh – it felt so nice to be running through Konoha, a wonderful homecoming after running from enemy kunai and shurikiens. Thinking of a shortcut that might let him get to the restaurant faster, Matsuda veered off his path, and was relieved to see Hotaru streak past him, dead-set on the fleeting image of Okaru. Matsuda chuckled again, and smiled at his teammates. The streets of Konoha were busy, as always. The usual hustle and bustle of people about their business made easy, but never-the-less fun obstacles for Matsuda to dodge as he ran for the finish line. When he could, he leapt up the rooftops to continue his sprint away from others – just the way he liked it. Approaching the restaurant, he spied the one and only thing he had hoped not to see on his return – Akoma and the beautiful Hatoma. Matsuda blushed in spite of himself at the sight of her, but as he had expected, the two walked hand-in-hand. Matsuda lamented that the rumors had been utterly true, that the two had become somewhat of an item ever since being put on the same team as each other. [i]I’m not letting them get to me today[/i] he thought to himself, a grim, determined, but all-together forced resolution accompanying it. “Hey! Matsuda!” his best friend had finally seen him, and called to him, waving him over. Matsuda ran right past them. “Sorry no time to talk – training!” he shouted as he passed them, and left them standing in the dust. [i]Serves them right[/i] he thought bitterly. In order to not be seen entering the restaurant by Akoma and Hatoma, he ducked behind the building, and entered through one of the back entrances, and was sad to see both Hotaru and Okaru waiting for him at a table. “What took you so long?” they asked in almost complete unison.

Matsuda was stunned, to say the least. He hadn?t known what to say to Okaru when his story was finished, had to react even. He couldn?t meet his eyes, partly due to his own shyness, partly because he wasn?t sure if Okaru was crying ? he wouldn?t like to be seen crying, Matsuda decided. His story concluded, Okaru had slipped back out from under the tarp, and had fallen asleep next to a tree. Matsuda was half tempted to join him, but was afraid of the cold he knew he would catch. Even still, he stepped out into the rain. It was pouring, a straight-downpour with little wind, lightning illuminating the sky in quick, violent bursts. Matsuda sighed, already soaked. The rain came down, and Matsuda took it in. He brushed his slick, wet hair back, and stared up at the sky, the rain drenching his face immediately. [i]I never knew his name.[/i] He sighed again, and, sure that no one could see his face, began to cry silently. It only lasted a moment, but he felt refreshed in a sense, letting it all out. Beginning to sneeze, he realized foolishly that he had spent too long out in the elements, and quickly returned under the tarp. Drying himself off with a towel from his belongings, he thought back to the men he had killed today. The bandit he had slain from behind to save Hotaru, and the ninja who had tried to kill all three of them. [i]I didn?t know their names? but that doesn?t matter[/i]. He climbed back into his sleeping bag. [i]Names don?t matter ? dead is dead, and I can?t change that.[/i] Finally feeling at ease, he fell asleep. [center]~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~[/center] In the morning, the Rykotsu-sensei ordered his three genin to clean up the camp. They set out before first light along the wet path, still slippery from last night?s storm. The walk back to Konoha was uneventful to say the least ? the four shinobi walked in a line, while the genins made small talk about the day beforehand. Ryokotsu sighed. [i]This was far too difficult for a first mission[/i] he thought to himself, regretfully. Despite being nearly amazed at how well his team preformed, he was frustrated with the mission itself. [i]There shouldn?t have been any ninjas among the enemy[/i]. The mission had been full of eye-openers for him. The first of which was the strength of his students. Okaru had held his own against an enemy ninja for quite some time before he intervened. Hotaru had dispatched numerous bandits on her own, facing multiple at a time. Matsuda, on his own, had killed an enemy ninja, despite the fact that he was weaker then the shinobi Ryokotsu himself had fought. They were growing, and far faster then he had expected. The second was the amount of supplies he had found while he was out on his own. The camp they had originally found didn?t contain as many supplies as he had been lead to believe, but upon inspection, he had found numerous other camps, with enough stolen supplies to build their own town ? they had found far greater then what they had been lead to believe. Third, and most troubling, was the appearance of the enemy shinobi. The intel on the mission suggested that they would have to fight bandits, and [b]only[/b] bandits. It was in his nature to always assume that the enemy?s numbers would be greater then expected, but two rogues ninjas was pushing it. He sighed once again. Konoha?s enemies were growing bolder. OOC: Ok, this is basicly the end of the mission ? we?re just going to go back to Konoha, hand in the map, and then we?re done. The next mission is all yours Drizt, so take it away :animesmil

Matsuda paid little attention to his comrades as they leapt through the trees, trailing Sensei. There was no need ? words were unimportant. Hotaru and Okaru were talking up ahead, but he paid them no mind, focused intently on the branches before him. After using most of his chakra to increase his speed, he was running low and was afraid of missing a step and falling. The blade, wiped clean from the ninja?s blood, was bound to his back, protected by the sheath ? he tried not to think about it. Flashes kept appearing before him, the man?s face, the look in his eyes when he knew he was going to die, the spasms that took him before life left. His right hand shook violently, and try as he might, he couldn?t control it. The three genin broke out of the trees and into a clearing, where Sensei was waiting. Bundles of lumber littered the ground ? the supplies had finally been located. ?This is it?? Hotaru asked, incredulously. ?I had expected more.? ?They had that many men, and two shinobi two guard? [i]this[/i]?? Okaru scoffed. ?Hmm?? Ryokotsu-sensei mused, deep in thought. ?Set up a perimeter ? nothing comes in, and nothing leaves.? ?Yes, Sensei? all three genins said at once, and departed, each taking a different section of the camp. Ryokotsu-sensei, armed with a single kunai, made his way back into the forest. Matsuda, in position and watching the southern border, finally lost the strength to stand, and fell hard onto his bottom. Rubbing it tenderly, he looked back, and was relieved to see that no one saw him fall. He eased up, pulled the sword free of its sheath, and set to watching the trees. Dark clouds began to appear overhead soon, and the rumble of thunder could be heard from off in the distance. ?Well that?s inconvenient?? Matsuda muttered. He turned his gaze back to the forest, but nothing had changed. He could hear the rustling of leaves as the animals that inhabited the forest made their way. A pair of birds were chirping off in the distance, and Matsuda sighed ? his hand was still shaking. Ryokotsu-sensei reappeared with the coming of the rain. Everyone gathered in the middle of the camp, and waited for Ryokotsu?s report. Matsuda hid his shaking hand behind him, shifting his body slightly, and prayed that no one noticed. ?It?s as I suspected,? he began, as though confirming suspicions had made vocal prior to his departure. ?There are several camps spread out in the forest, each no further then a mile from the last. There?s no way we?ll be able to bring back the supplies by ourselves. However, I managed to neutralize the guards at each camp, and mapped the location of each. Our mission is over, we are to return to Konoha, give the map to the Lady Hokage ? she can then send out teams to extract the supplies.? Matsuda was dumfounded. [i]That?s it?[/i] he thought to himself. [i]All of the fighting? all of the killing? and we?re going back empty handed?[/i] It bothered him to no end, despite knowing that it really made no difference ? the supplies were found, and soon to be recovered, so the mission was a success. ?With the rain coming,? Ryokotsu-sensei continued, already beginning to get wet, ?I think it best that we make camp here for the night ? with no hostile threat, the map can be delivered in the morning. Get some rest,? he ordered, then left, leaving the three genin staring after him, getting wetter by the second. Matsuda flashed his two comrades a quick, albeit shy smile, made a hasty goodnight, and departed too. He set up his sleeping bag under the tarp Ryokotsu-sensei had provded, climbed in, and pretended to fall fast asleep. Since he had killed the man, he had finally come to realize that if he hadn?t he would have been the one lying in a pool of blood. He knew that he had done what he had to do, nothing more, nothing less. But, even knowing that, under the heavy sleep bag, his hand continued to tremble, depriving him of any sleep he had hoped to the get during the night.

?Me and Hotaru fought some too! Isn't this an awesome mission?" Matsuda hoped he had done well masking the fear in his voice, and heaved a sigh of relief when Okaru laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. [i]I will be stronger? I will be stronger?[/i] he kept telling himself. The first step to becoming stronger was to have everyone else think you were ? how could he improve if his teammates thought him weak? Although he didn?t find Okaru?s joke particularly funny, he smiled warmly, and focused on being one of the team. He was shy, he was scared, and sometimes, felt downright uncomfortable with his new allies, but he had to get over it, and that was that. He smiled, half at the joke, and half at knowing they were all making true progress. Suddenly, Ryokotsu-sensei tightened the grip around his kunai. ?Okaru, Hotaru up front. Matsuda right flank?, and with that, he leapt into the forest. Not knowing whether or not he had enough time to draw his katana, he settled on a kunai which he drew while leaping into position. He heard a whistling sound, and had just enough time to throw his kunai at an incoming projectile, defelcting the surely lethal attack. In one fluid motion, he completed the throw, then let his arm drop, grabbing a pair of shurikein from his back pocket and hurled them into the trees ahead. Each was deflected by an unseen enemies kunai, the small steel weapons beginning to litter the ground. ?Cover!? he shouted, and at once, Okaru and Hotaru leapt in front of him, kunai raised, ready to deflect any incoming projectiles. Now with a moment to breath, he drew his katana quickly, waiting for the next hail of enemy attacks to be warded off. With the reassuring [i]clang[/i] of steel meeting steel, he leapt over his two defenders and into the woods. There standing before him was his enemy. He was older them Matsuda by a few years, no headband to distinguish his village of origin. He smiled confidently at Matsuda, who was aware of his hand trembling against the hilt of his katana. He was taller then Matsuda, with tanned skin and dark brown eyes. He had long brown hair tucked into a messy ponytail like Matsuda?s, and held a short blade in his hand, ready for blood. ?So, you decided to come alone, did you?? he chuckled. ?Well, your funeral?? [i]Calm?[/i] Matsuda inhaled, and exhaled. [i]Calm?[/i] Matsuda tightened his grip on the hilt. [i]Now![/i] He rushed forward, meeting his opponent dead on, his katana clashing against the rogue ninja?s short blade. He danced through the sword forms he had been taught, exchanging blows with his assailant, driving him back. His enemy leapt back into the trees, rising higher and higher along the thick branches, but Matsuda stayed with him every step of the way. [i]My taijutsu is poor[/i] he lamented, [i]and my genjutsu is poorer, but this is what I?ve trained for.[/i] The training over the past three months had paid off ? Matsuda?s agility was superior to his enemy. ?I?m faster then you!? he yelled, appearing behind his enemy. The next blow struck home. With a wild slash, he managed to cut into the ninja?s arm. With a howl, he lost his balance, and screamed as he fell off the branch, falling towards his grave, his scarlet blood streaking out of the gash on his arm. At the last moment, he saved himself by grabbing onto a stray branch and throwing himself onto another, but Matsuda was there with him every step of the way. ?I said I?m faster then you!? he hacked and slashed through his enemy?s defense, until finally from sheer exhaustion, he dropped his short blade. Matsuda spun, and unleashed the killing blow, stabbing the ninja through the chest. He sputtered, coughed up blood, and disappeared into a field of smoke. ?Shadow clone?!? Matsuda panicked, and felt the kunai press against the back of his neck. ?You may be faster, but I?m smarted?? his opponent sneered. ?Is that so??? Matsuda replied casually, and disappeared, the smoke of his own shadow clone dissipating into the forest. The rogue ninja?s jaw dropped, and uttered a single, agonizing grunt as Matsuda?s katana drove home. A foot of steel extending out of his chest, which Matsuda pulled free, watching his enemy crumple to the ground. His body shook, he began to spasm, and then he was still, disturbed only by the blood pouring out of wound in his chest and mouth. Matsuda dropped his katana, his right hand shaking so badly that he could no longer carry it. His thoughts drifted back to the first man he had killed, to defend Hotaru? the man?s face was burned into his memory. He looked at the ninja?s corpse, the man who?s life he had taken. ?I didn?t even know your name?? he lamented softly. ?I didn?t even know your name??

“So then, neither of you have seen Okaru since we split up?” Ryokotsu-sensei asked, his usual, monotone, borderline sarcastic voice sounding just as uncaring as always. “That’s right” Hotaru replied. “Like I said, me and Matsuda made for the trees... we thought Okaru would be behind us.” Matuda remained silent. Hotaru had done an excellent job at recount exactly what happened – his opinion wasn’t necessary. All at once, Ryokotsu’s head whipped around. “Wait here,” he hissed, and ran off through the trees. Matsuda gaped. “Where the hell is he going?” he asked Hotaru. She answered his question with a flat look. “It has to be Okaru,” she sighed. “Well, I guess we better get going?” “Going? Going where?” Matsuda asked. “Sensei told us to wait here.” “If it was something that was strong enough to worry him like that, he might need backup.” Hotaru said as she packed her kunai pouch once again. Matsuda stared at the ground. [i]If whatever it was was enough to make sensei run off like that… should we really be heading straight towards it…?[/i] Matsuda wiped the blood off his katana with the help of leaves on the forest floor. He looked up then, into Hotaru’s eyes, and nodded. “Let’s go.” [center]~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~[/center] The leaves blurred as Ryokotsu leapt from branch to branch. He could sense an abundance of chakra, somewhere due west of his position. [i]Too strong for Okaru… he’s tough, but that’s not him[/i]. He picked up his pace considerably. All at once, he broke through the trees into a clearing – there, standing before Okaru, was another shinobi. With one look, he understood his opponent completely. A renegade shinobi, older than himself but less powerful, most likely at chuunin level. Arrogant. A limp in his left hand. Right eye nearly useless, left eye in working condition. “Okaru, down!” Ryokotsu shouted. The shout surprised his student, but he complied quickly, narrowly dodging a fire-based jutsu that was about to hit him from behind. The fireball sailed carelessly into the forest before exploding, and then dissipating with a lack of chakra to keep it burning. Ryokotsu landed in front of Okaru, blocking his enemy’s view of his student. “My name is Ryokotsu of Konoha – I make it a practice to tell my name to those I intend to kill.” The man in front of him smiled. “Tamura Ochida.” His smile was death, his face twisted in a sick thirst for blood. “I’ll ask you one question before I end your life – was it your group who stole building supplies from Konoha?” he asked, his voice serious. He had learned from the best how to mask his voice. “Yes… yes it was…” Ochida answered, softly licking the kunai in his left hand. Ryokotsu prepared himself, mentally taking note of the surroundings, of the weapons he had left, and of course memorizing what he had noticed about his enemy prior to their conversation. He knelt down to Okaru’s level, and whispered into his student’s ear. “I’m going to begin the attack – the moment you see an opening on his right side, you take it. Understood?” Okaru nodded. Rykotsu leapt back, and in one fluid motion produced a set of shuriken from their pouch on his combat vest. He threw them at Ochida, but began to run at him the moment he hit the ground, making straight for his left side. Ochida deflected the projectiles with his kunai, but it was too late – at a dead run, Ryokotsu formed the seals for his jutsu. “Earth Style – Ground Spear Jutsu” the very earth underneath his enemy trembled for a moment, then the ground shot up, sharp points heading directly for Ochida. His enemy leapt out of the way, narrowly avoiding the near fatal attack. Ryokotsu smiled – Okaru had chosen the perfect moment to attack. “Wind Bullet Jutsu!” the wind bullet was fired perfectly, straight at Ochida’s blind spot. The attack was perfect, the strategy was flawless, but even when he told Okaru what to do, he knew it would fail – he was counting on it to fail. Ochida formed his hand seals quickly, and fire spurted from his hands, destroying the wind bullet. “Did you really thing I’d be that easy? Did you really –“ he was cut off by a kunai pressed against his throat – Ryokotsu stood behind him, holding his right arm behind his opponent’s right arm behind his back. “One leg was placed further ahead then the other – I could tell you were arrogant. I knew that an attack from a child would be blocked with your full force to try and intimidate him. You held a kunai in your left hand, licking it to try and instill fear in us as well. The kunai in your left hand was in open display to hide the one in your right from our display – your left hand is wounded. The way you looked at my student and nearly missed my entry, coupled with the scar near your right eye indicates that you can’t see very well from it, meaning that you would pay extra attention to an attack coming from the right side – your blind spot.” Ochida sputtered, his mouth hanging open, terrified. “The very way you stood told me exactly how you would die. Your stance told me everything I needed to know. But it’s too late now – you’re going to die.” He let off a sickening scream as the kunai slit his throat, and he crumpled to the ground. [i]Flawless…[/i] Ryokotsu mused. “Are you alright, Okaru?’ he asked, his attention now fixed on his student.

"Come on," she stated, coldly, "the others might need our help." Matsuda was sure his mouth was wide open, his jaw permanently dropped, but he couldn?t help it ? he knew Hotaru was good? but that good? [i]She?s improved so much in such a little time[/i] he marveled, his feelings a mix of pride for his teammate, discouragement at his own lack of progress, and joy to be alive. But above all else, he was still fairly frightened, the cool-headed strategist that sometimes took him over during combat now replace by his usual demeanor. He finished packing up the rest of his things, and nodded hurriedly to Hotaru. The two set off through the forest. ?How did you do that?? he asked, hoping the question didn?t sound too stupid. ?Do what?? she replied curtly. [i]Great? she?s mad at me?[/i] Matsuda sighed. It was probably for walking them into such a stupid trap ? he would apologize later, once he found the words. Hotaru stopped, and turned her head. ?You think I?m mad at you, don?t you.? Matsuda stumbled. [i]How did she?[/i] ?I?m sorry we were captured, it was my?? ?Save it,? Hotaru cut him off. Matsuda nearly shied away from her. ?It?s not your fault that they caught us ? we both fell for it. But after we were caught, you just stood there ? you didn?t fight back!? Matsuda couldn?t meet her eyes ? she was right. He had been outsmarted by the enemy, but gave up before the fight was over. He tried to sputter something back, but she was already walking away. ?Hey, wait!? Matsuda called to her, and started to chase after her. That?s when he heard it. A rustling in the bushes. A man leapt out ? one of the bandits Hotaru had dispatched of, Matsuda noted ? with knife in hand, and made straight for Hotaru. Matsuda?s eyes widened. [i]I don?t have time to pull out a kunai[/i] he fretted. His grip tightened around his katana. The man raised his knife, growling before his kill causing Hotaru to turn around with a yelp. The knife came quickly, but Matsuda was faster. A shower of blood marked the end of his life, the blade of Matsuda?s katana entering his lower back, and protruding close to his neck. He sputtered, blood dripping out his mouth, and crumpled to the ground, pulling the katana free with his fall. Blood dripped off the blade, and Matsuda stared, horrified, at his now crimson sword. His hand was shaking furiously, and try as he might to stop it, he couldn?t. He slouched, and nearly collapsed, but was caught at the last moment by someone from behind. ?It?s good to see you two are alright,? Ryokotsu-sensei said in his usual, non-caring voice. ?Seems I taught you well after all?? ?Ryokotsu-sensei!? Hotaru shouted, happily. ?You?re all right!? ?Of course I am? he replied, as though what he had said was the most obvious thing in existence. ?Now, tell me what happened.? Hotaru began recalling everything that had happened, Matsuda stayed silent. His eyes moved from the katana he had dropped on the ground, to the body of the slain bandit, his sightless eyes staring at the sky. His hand wouldn?t stop shaking.

[i]How could I miss something so bloody obvious?![/i] the thought resonated in his mind, embarrassing him, and angering him. He still couldn’t understand why Okaru had been teasing him, or more importantly why he believed him. What really bothered him was that he had cared so much about something so apparently trivial, that he had lost focus on his surroundings. In a sense, he had already let his team down. “How –“ but that was all he had a chance to say. He felt something strike him in the back of the head, and he crumpled to the ground, the hissing of the kunai he narrowly avoided made his eyes bulge. Hotaru yelped and leapt back, dodging a pair of fatal shurikien. Okaru hollered and began running towards the tree line. Matsuda struggled to get up, and was once again saved from the enemies’ deadly kunai – in a flash, Ryokotsu-sensei was standing before him, holding the kunai that had been about to strike the boy. In another flash, he was gone, among the trees. Matsuda leapt to his feet, his hand already exiting the pouch that contained his weapons – the kunai in his hand would be far better at deflecting enemy projectiles then his katana was. Matsuda took a moment to survey his surroundings. They were on a dirt path running through a forest. A considerable amount of trees on either side made for perfect cover for an ambush, and the path the perfect ambush spot. He could here shouts of combat from the trees, and with only Hotaru in sight, he was sure Ryokotsu-sensei and Okaru were taking care of their attackers. The kunai and shurikien assault had ended, but arrows continued to fire from the trees. Matsuda smiled – finally, something he was good at. He made for Hotaru, dodging arrows and crossbow bolts all the way – having spent the past three months working on his agility with Ryokotsu-sensei gave him the edge he longed for in this situation. He made it over to Hotaru, and placed his back against hers, deflecting an arrow just in time. “Move for the trees now – GO!” he shouted above the din. Seeing that he was alright, she nodded and leapt for the trees, Matsuda right behind her. They moved through the brush together, moving as quickly as they could, until finally they stopped behind the cover of a large tree. The two panted, trying to catch their breath in the shade and relative safety of the tree. Hotaru turned to Matsuda, sweat dripping off her face. “How many –“ “I don’t know.” “Did you where –“ “No.” He tried his hardest not to sound like a jerk, but he was lost in thought. When he was satisfied that he was correct, he straightened and leaned against the tree. “Judging by the types of projectiles used, I would say we’re up against several bandits, and one, maybe two shinobi. Either way, we should be relatively safe – if we run into any of them, we can take care of each other. “ “Yeah, I guess, but about Okaru? And Ryokotsu-sensei?” she asked, her usually strong demeanor broken by the sound of hidden fear. Matsuda was doing the best to suppress his own. “We just have to trust that they’re both ok…” Matsuda trailed off, his ears perking up. He heard voices off in the distance. “Shhh…” he silenced Hotaru, and inched closer towards the sound of the voices. Two gruff voices were arguing, the sound of the foliage trampled underneath nearly disguised by their tones. “I’m telling you, they went this way!” “No way, they would have stuck together back there – nobody came this way!” “I saw them, they both ran this way!” “And I’m telling you they didn’t!” The voices were getting louder. [i]I don’t want to do this… I don’t want to do this…[/i] he thought desperately, but was already unsheathing his katana. He nodded at Hotaru, but she already had a kunai in hand. The voices were getting louder still. “At least tell me you brought the rope.” “What?! I thought you were going to bring it!” “You didn’t bring any rope?! When Kaguro hears that you didn’t bring rope for the new slaves, he’ll have your head.” [i]Something’s not right…[/i] Matsuda began to worry. [i]Why are they giving their position away? No one is that stupid… NO![/i] But the realization of the diversion was far too late. He felt a firm hand grab his wrist and twist it behind his back, the pointy tip of a kunai tickling the back of his neck. He could see Hotaru out of the corner of his eye, in the same position. [i]Damnit! How did I fall for something so obvious![/i] Two bandits crashed out of the brush ahead and began laughing. “I can’t believe that worked!” Matsuda’s face was red – he didn’t know whether it was from fury, or sheer embarrassment. His mistake had not only resulted in his own capture, but Hotaru’s indeed. He had felt before that he let his team down, but now he knew that he had.

Matsuda rounded the last bend, and was finally face to face with the gates of Konoha. The impressive, towering entrance seemed to reach towards the heavens, but it wasn’t what caught his eye today – there, beside the gates, stood his team. Ryokotsu-sensei was leaning casually (or, as casually as he could ever be) against the wall, while an excited Hotaru waved at him, a smile and a nod from Okaru. Matsuda waved back, and jogged the final stretch over to them. [i]Damn, last one here… hope I’m not late![/i] “Hey, sorry if you guys had to wait for me at all…” Matsuda said slowly, but was greeted by a smile from Hotaru. “Not at all – we just arrived ourselves.” Matsuda quickly eyed her up and down. She appeared exhausted, a rough night of sleep perhaps, and traces of dirt on her clothes. However, despite her physical appearance, she appeared excited, if not a little nervous, but above all confident. Okaru was just… Okaru. Matsuda began asking them if they were ready, when Ryokotsu-sensei began the final debriefing. “Today we set out to complete a C rank mission” his voice was surprisingly serious, a departure from the normal monotone trait he seemed to have perfected. “As lady Tsunade briefed us yesterday, our mission is simple – to locate the stolen supplies, and reacquire them. If we are met with resistance, they are to be taken by force – taking back those supplies is our objective, and we will not fail.” All three of his genin students nodded in confirmation. “Good: check your supplies – when you’re ready, we’re off.” Aside from his normal black shirt and long blue pants, Matsuda had donned a shinobi utility belt, pouches lining his waist. He stuck his hands in each gingerly, fingering the kunai and shuriken in each, as well as the wires and explosive tags for traps, and basic first aid supplies he hoped he would have no use for. His sheath was secured tightly on his back, the hilt of his katana poking out from behind his shoulder like always. When they were all prepared, Ryokotsu-sensei nodded, took a long, lasting look at the village, and then turned his back and proceeded down the path. The three genins had to hurry to catch up to him, but soon after the four shinobi were walking away, leaving the village behind. Despite it being no later than half past six, the morning’s heat promised a brutally hot day ahead. Dew still made its mark on the lush grass that flanked the road, and the birds continued to chirp, hunting for their breakfast. Matsuda, with hands in pockets, walked silently while Hotaru and Okaru made small talk. Every once in a while, he would intervene with a question pertaining to the conversation, but for the most part, stayed out. After walking for what seemed like hours, Matsuda finally spoke up. “Ryokotsu-sensei… where exactly are we going?” he hoped he didn’t sound like the fool he knew he was. Ryokotsu-sensei never broke his stride. “The supplies that were stolen were commissioned from Tanzaku village – we’ll be heading there first. Hopefully we’ll come across something along the way… if not, we’ll begin our investigation once we reach the town. “Makes sense...” Okaru said thoughtfully. “If the supplies were stolen while en route to Konoha, then there’s a good chance we’ll find something on the way.” “Precisely” Ryokotsu-sensei spoke bluntly. “We still have a long way to go before we break for lunch, so keep moving.” Matsuda shrugged the pack that weighed his back down, filled with food and his sleeping bag. He silently prayed that lunch came sooner rather then later, as the day’s heat was already beginning to get to him. [center]~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~[/center] Ryokotsu made sure to stay ahead of the three genins, his actions having a dual purpose. The first was to physically guide his students, to force them to want to keep up, despite how hot the day was. He secretly wished that he was working alone, or at least with other shinobi his level, and could leap through the trees, but that would come in time. The second was to show that he was in charge, in command, and above all else, the strongest shinobi in the group. Like always, his eyes darted from the left of the path, to straight ahead, to the right of the path, never taking more then a moment to scan between the trees before his eyes bolted again. Silently, he prayed that his genins hadn’t noticed yet. His three students behind him were speaking of the mission ahead… well, two of them at least. Matsuda seemed to be hanging back, offering one worded answers to questions not always directed at him. [i]He tries not to speak because he doesn’t feel comfortable around them yet, but talks enough to try and be a part of the team, to show them his wanting to become comfortable with them… this has to end, soon[/i] Ryokotsu sighed – the shinobi’s lifestyle was one not intended for shyness, which Matsuda seemed to have in spades. “Ryokotsu-sensei – not that I’m complaining, but how much further to Tanzaku village?” Hotaru piped up. She really wasn’t complaining, only trying to make conversation. “As long as it takes,” he answered. “Keep moving.” Ryokotsu’s eyes continued to search through the trees, his eyes lingering off the path for a moment longer then had let them originally. He was sure now. They were being followed. OOC: Hey guys, as you can see, posted this really late. Probably a lot of spelling/grammer mistakes, so sorry for the parts where you need to try and figure out what I'm saying :D

After enjoying his desert, Matsuda bid farewell to Hotaru, thanked her for everything, and parted ways with his teammate. They had been inside the ramen shop for a lot longer then Matsuda had realized ? it had grown dark outside, the city lights helping the moon illuminate his path home. He walked slowly, deep in thought, about both what had happened over the course of the night, and what he knew would come tomorrow. [i]Am I ready?[/i] he asked himself, knowing there was no answer, that there wouldn?t be until the following day. He though back on all Hotaru had said, all she had done for him. She had seemed so awkward, so out of place, so very? un-Hotaru. And yet there she had been, attempting ? and succeeding ? to comfort him, to ease his troubled mind. She said all the things he didn?t want to hear, all the things that hurt, that she didn?t think he was going to make it out of the academy, never had the self confidence to succeed at anything, and most importantly, that she had seen right through him, had seen the sense of needing to belong, to prove himself. It hurt him to the core, but he knew it was exactly what he needed to hear. He smiled. [i] But now... you've really grown?[/i] Her words kept echoing through his mind, and the smile only deepened. Approaching the Yotoro complex, he leapt over the gate, and landed gracefully on the outer wall. He let himself down carefully, and walked casually towards the front door, where he took off his shoes, slid the door open, and entered. Smells of fried rice drifted from the kitchen, but still being stuffed after the delicious ramen dinner, he simply passed by and continued towards his room. In the central courtyard, there stood Regara, taking a momentary brake from his rigorous training. Matsuda stood there, eyeing his older brother, taking note of the broken wooden dummies that littered the once scenic courtyard. Biting his lip, he approached his brother carefully, but before he had a chance to ask if he was busy, Regara spoke. ?What do you want Matsuda?? Sounding slightly annoyed, he turned and faced his younger brother, face bruised and scratched, sweat dripping off his chin. Matsuda flinched. ?It?s ? it?s not important, older brother..? he bowed, and tried to turn away, but a firm hand caught his shoulder. ?What do you need Matsuda?? he said, an attempted, but weary smile cracked his serious face. ?It?s uh? it?s about tomorrow?? Matsuda sighed. ?Tomorrow is my first mission, as a gennin.? Regara eyed him, disbelieving. ?No, no, no? Matsuda back-peddled. ?My first [b]real[/b] mission.? The two sat down on the grass, and Matsuda told him everything. When he was finished, Regara took a moment before he said anything. ?And you?re afraid?? he asked, casually. ?No no.. well yes.. sorta?? Matsuda replied, embarrassed. ?What are you afraid of? Fighting? Dying?? ?Killing?.? The two were silent for a long time. Finally, Regara let out a long sigh. ?Have I ever told you about my first kill?? Matsuda shook his head, and Regara continued. ?We were on a mediocre mission, sent to take care of some bandits that had been terrorizing a local town ? to subdue them, but most of all, to make the village safe. When we arrived, the village had already been burned ? we were too late. Some of the survivors had been taken by the bandits as hostages, so we took it upon ourselves to rescue them. When we arrived, it was decided that, since I had the least amount of combat experience, would guard our rear flank while my two teammates and sensei infiltrated the enemy camp and rescued the prisoners.? ?I was to remained at the tree-line, with a good vantage point of both the road and enemy encampment. A few minutes after my teammates began the raid, I heard voices from down the road. A small group of bandits were coming back with a fresh group of prisoners? women? children? bound, and beaten as they attempted to walk amidst the jeers of their prisoners. I lost my temper, and was among them before I could stop myself. My katana out, I made short work of them, my blade taking limbs, my shuriken taking throats, my steel taking lives. Within seconds, they were all dead?? Matsuda was horrified ? it was one thing to hear about taking lives for the betterment of Konoha, but it was another entirely to hear of his older brother, someone he had played with as a child, massacring his enemies. ?What are you trying to ?? ?Shut up and listen? Regara interrupted. ?What I?m trying to say is this ? you won?t be ready to take a life until that life is before you. You will have to find your reason to kill, a reason that justifies the action of killing itself, and you won?t find it until the moment before your blade takes its first life. Now, get out of here, I have to get back to my training.? Matsuda hurried away to his room, not wanting to interrupt his brother?s training any longer. He lay in bed, fingering the hilt of his sword, his memories drifting between the dinner with Hotaru and Okaru, and of the story his brother had told him. Finally, before sleep, his mind focused one last thing ? of Hotaru squeezing his hand and telling him, ?we're a team, we'll get through it together.? [i]We will?[/i] he thought, no longer afraid. [i]We will?[/i] [OOC: Unless anyone has anything to add to the night before we move on, I think it?s safe to say that the next post can begin with the mission. Whoever posts next can feel free to begin the mission.]

It took a moment of rifling through his pockets for money before Hotaru’s words registered in his head. [i]… Her treat?[/i] He looked up, slightly abashed. “Well, uh… if you don’t mind I guess… that sounds nice.” He tried his best to sound confident, to not sound like a nervous wreck, but he was sure he had slipped up somewhere. “I suppose…” Okaru answered, noncommittally, with a slight tinge of caution in his voice.” Hotaru smiled at the two of them. “Well, let’s go then!” As the three walked down the bustling streets of Konoha, Hotaru and Okaru made casual small talk, mostly discussing the mission ahead, of what they would need to bring, and of the dangers they faced. Matsuda didn’t say a word, instead absorbing the conversation, listening carefully to everything that was said. He felt more comfortable this way, just listening to his teammates speak. He was… happy, he realized with a smile. “Matsuda… isn’t that your friend Akoma?” Hotaru turned back and asked him. Matsuda looked up from watching his feet, and found to his surprise that Akoma was in fact just down the road. Flanked by his teammates Kagoya and Hatoma, he gave Matsuda grin and a wave, to which Matsuda waved back. [i]Akoma! I haven’t seen him since…[/i] Matsuda’s thoughts were cut off as the three gennins before them turned down a back alley and were quickly out of sight. [i]Oh…[/i] Matsuda sighed, dejectedly. He gripped the hilt of the katana sheathed on his back. [i]Some day Akoma… some day you’ll see how strong I am…[/i] “Well that was weird,” Hotaru muttered. “I thought he would have come over and said hello.” “He’s not the same as he used to be,” Matsuda spoke for the first time in ages. “I guess we’ve grown apart since becoming gennin…” “C’mon, we’re almost there” Hotaru said with a smile. Okaru continued to stare at the alley where they had gone, and with a little [i]tsk[/i], continued with them towards the ramen shop. It was a small corner store, just off the main road that ran through Konoha. Although it was only able to hold a limited number of people at a time, the portions were large and at a very cheap price – perfect the hungry gennins who usually flocked to it. Matsuda dug into his bowl, unaware of just how hungry he had been. He was nearly halfway through when he spoke again. “So, tomorrow… do you think we’ll run into any ninja?” he asked, trying his absolute hardest not to sound timid. “I’d say there’s a high chance of that…” Okaru replied, fingering his kunai absent mindedly. “Eventually we will,” Hotaru cut in. “Either enemy ninja, or at least just bandits, but it won’t be anything we can’t handle… the Academy taught us well”. “I suppose” Matsuda trailed off. What if they had to fight? He wasn’t scared about his abilities in combat – against bandits, he was sure he wouldn’t have a problem as far as skill was concerned. But what if he had to kill, to take life… would he be able to? Matsuda continued eating his bowl, but the pork and noodles suddenly had no taste, the conversation between Okaru and Hotaru suddenly not so comforting anymore. Tomorrow would bring change, and he silently prayed that he was ready for them. [OOC: Ok guys, sorry about the delay - been busy seeing my girlfriend over her week off from university. From this point on, I will be checking the site regularly, and making sure to post as soon as I can. Let's get this story going :)]

Ryokotsu frowned as he leapt away from the tree branch he had been occupying. The Okiori boy had defended himself, and he was grateful that it was only against the one attacked – he didn’t want to have to intervene, but he knew that he wouldn’t stand by and let the two boys kill each other. [i]If he doesn’t know already, he’ll learn soon enough…[/i] Sadly, it was only a matter of time until Okaru found out about their long, sordid history with the Otaka clan, but that was an issue for another day. Matsuda had made him home alright, and after speaking to Junichi – his father – he was bound to receive the praise he deserved. Ryokotsu smiled. [i]That kid really surprised me[/i] he reflected. [i]Maybe he won’t hold the other two down after all[/i]. Hotaru seemed to be having trouble with her family, her brother especially, but seemed alright none the less – nothing that needed his presence be known for. Overall, it was a quiet night, and he was glad for it. His momentum began to slow as he neared his destination until all of a sudden, he was still. The complex he occupied was shared by many jounins, a couple of which nodded to him in the lobby as he passed by, to whom he nodded back. [i]An interesting test indeed…[/i] he thought to himself, still running over the results of the exorcise from earlier that day. Matsuda had been only half-right – the test was not only to teach the lesson of teamwork above objectives, but for the instructor to gauge his pupils. Okaru was physically strong, and with excellent chakra control, forming jutsus that were far beyond his level. Hotaru, while not nearly as physically strong as Okaru, had also perfected jutsus too advanced for gennins – he had never before seen a gennin able to execute such a potent genjutsu. Then there was Matsuda – physically weaker then either of his teammates, relying too much on his katana, average jutsu capabilities – despite a high chakra level – but a sharp wit. [i]An interesting day indeed…[/i] Ryokotsu mused, already forming training schedules and exercises for his students. [center]~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~[/center] “Please, Ryokotsu-sensei, just a moment…” Matsuda begged, hoping against hope for a moment’s rest. “When you’re in the field, staring down a ninja who’s prepared to kill you, will you ask him for a break?” Ryokotsu asked, his face rock-hard. “Well, no, but—“ “Then continue” Ryokotsu interrupted. With a sigh, Matsuda raised his practice sword, and lunged forward. The wooden replica flowing freely in his hands as he preformed different sword stances and attacks, dancing the forms against wooden dummies scattered across training ground fourteen. The sun beat down on team eight as they practiced once again under the watchful eyes of Ryokotsu-sensei. Matsuda continued to train with his sword against lifeless enemies, envying Okaru who stood back, mustering up all of his chakra to once again run up a tree. Hotaru was doing laps around the training ground, leaping from tree to tree. It had been three months since the three graduated from the academy and formed team eight. Since then, they had undergone several high priority missions – from finding lost pets, to raking leaves, they did it all. Once even, they were asked to help spread manure in a local’s farm, a mission they could all agree one was the worst, despite Ryokotsu-sensei’s obvious strain at holding back laughter. They had followed a strict schedule over the past several months. Instead of performing countless missions without a moments rest, Ryokotsu-sensei decided to only take a new mission every few days, giving them rigorous training exercises for several hours each day between missions. Despite their obvious exhaustion, their skills and abilities were already getting better, and in the short time they had been training, rumors had begun to reach their eager ears of harder missions to come. “Alright, pack it in” Ryokotsu-sensei called out, and at once, three weary gennins crawled their way over to him. Matsuda was exhausted, barely wanting to move, but sadly knowing that this day was only half over. A half hour rest for lunch would be just enough time to get their strength back. Matsuda plunked down in front of Rykotsu-sensei, and began pulling food out of his bag, but was stopped by a blank stare from his master. “The fact that you were the first to sit means that you’re the most tired in this team, and thus, the weakest. Perhaps we should find harder ways to train you to catch you up to Hotaru and Okaru?” Matsuda leapt up to his feet, his face going red. “Good” Ryokotsu continued. “We’re heading out.” “Where are we going?” Hotaru asked, packing up her things. “To see the fifth.” Ryokotsu-sensei replied dully. “But we just completed a mission yesterday” Hotaru interjected. “Remember? We had to save that woman’s cat…” she trailed off, and Matsuda was thankful that she did – the scratches that cat had left still stung today. “I’ve decided that you’re all ready for something a bit more… serious.” Ryokotsu revealed, his monotone voice devoid of any excitement. “It’s about time…” Okaru muttered under his breath, and for once Matsuda agreed with him completely. Despite being nervous of the challenges ahead, he was growing bored with the basic displays of manual labor that was forced upon them. And for that matter, anything to get them away from the daily training routines was a blessing in disguise. The group made casual small talk, predicting what the mission would entail. Matsuda was nervous and didn’t join in on the conversation, but the jokes made about kidnapped princesses who needed rescuing, and evil ninjas bent on taking over the world made him smile. Ryokotsu-sensei, like always, remained unconcerned, and seemingly uncaring. Once again, they found themselves in the Fifth Hokage’s study. The full windows behind her desk illuminating the room, silhouetting Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage. Before she began, she looked at Ryokotsu-sensei, and at his nod, started the briefing. “As I’m sure you’re all aware of, current construction projects are underway to expand Konoha. One week ago, a shipment of lumber and supplies that we commissioned from Tanzaku village was sent to us – the shipment never arrived. Although this may be the work of local bandits, we’re not ready to rule out enemy shinobi activity, which is why Ryokotsu-sensei will be accompanying you. Your task is simple – recover the missing shipment of supplies and see to it that it arrives safely in Konoha.”

As Matsuda walked home with Hotaru, he couldn’t help but smile. Not only had sensei praised him after humiliating him so badly earlier that very day, but Okaru had too. Okaru, who was without a doubt one of the strongest in their class, had actually praised him. He would have beamed, but was afraid Hotaru would think him too cocky. The two made small talk as they walked through the streets of Konoha, and Matsuda hoped that she enjoyed his company as much as he did hers – even if he did still feel shy around her. Eventually, the time came when their paths split. After bidding each other a quick farewell, Matsuda turned to head down one of the backstreets, a shortcut to his home, but stopped after a few steps. He turned back towards Hotaru. “Hotaru!” he called out to her. She turned back, looking surprised. “Yes?” Matsuda didn’t reply right away. He stared at the ground, unsure of what to say. Then, with a sigh, he looked at her, looked her in the eyes. “… I may be weak, but I’m not a coward.” Hotaru looked taken aback for a moment, then smiled and nodded at him. He nodded back, then turned and left. Matsuda rushed home with the setting sun, hoping he hadn’t missed dinner yet. A few shops were still open, but he paid them little mind as he leapt from rooftop to rooftop. Eventually, he spotted his home, the Yotoro clan’s mansion. He landed neatly in front of the entrance, and passed through the gate silently. [i]Maybe they won’t notice I’m late…[/i] he hoped against hope – his father despised tardiness. He took off his shoes just outside the entrance, slid the door open, and passed through. “Where have you been?” Matsuda jumped, his heart racing. His father stood before him, his face unreadable, carved from stone even. “I’m sorry, father” Matsuda apologized with a bow. “I was training with my new team and sensei –“ “I heard,” his father cut him off, his eyes boring into Matsuda’s skull. “I also heard that your sensei is Ryokotsu… I never liked the man, but he’s a good shinobi – did he train you hard, boy?” “Yes, father” Matsuda replied, trying desperately not to sound meek. “He tested us using a pair of bells.” “I heard that too….” Matsuda flinched under the scorn of his father’s voice, preaparing for the eruption, for the comparison’s between him and his brother Regara. “… I also heard that you passed.” Matsuda’s head shot up, utter shock clear on his face. His father beamed at him. “I heard that you were the one who understood the true purpose of the test.” Matsuda didn’t care how his father had learned – in fact, the thought never even entered his mind. He smiled back at his father, unable to suppress the smile from earlier any longer. “Yes father, I did.” His father took a step closer to him, and knelt down on his knees so that they were eye-level. He placed a hand on Matsuda’s shoulder, his smile never faltering. “I’m very proud of you, Matsuda.” He spoke. “You have learned the first rule of being a ninja – nothing is more important then your comrades. Nothing. Not the success of the mission, or even your own life. Your comrades are what matters above all else.” Matsuda took it all in, and nodded when he understood. “Good boy” his father concluded, his gruff voice returning. “Now get in the kitchen – there’s a bowl of rice and some pork waiting for you in there.”

"Are you just going to stand there and make us do all the work?" the anger in her voice nearly scared Matsuda as much as the thought of fighting Ryokotsu-sensei did. Even still he remained calm – or at least hoped he did. “Shut up and get down” he whispered furiously. [i]If she ruins my plan…[/i] Hotaru stood there, arms crossed, staring daggers at her teammate. Matsuda looked down at the ground, refusing to meet her stare. “Just sit down… please.” With a sigh, Hotaru reluctantly sat down beside him. She seemed on the verge of yelling at him again, but he cut her off. “This test is far too complicated – there are too many outcomes, too many strategies, and all of them lead to one eventual goal.” He paused for a moment to add emphasis to his next words. “We can’t win.” “Well you can’t win if you don’t try!” Hotaru spat back at him, but Matsuda quickly intervened. “That’s not what I meant!” he back peddled, his cheeks going red. “Just think about it… in the years we were at the academy, do you remember anyone ever having to return because they failed to beat a jounin? That could potentially mean one of two things – either this test isn’t widely used, or there’s an alternative route to success.” He gave her a moment to think over what he had said, and turned and watched the training ground. Okaru had leapt forward once again, fighting furiously along with one of his wind clones but to no avail. “Look at him…” Matsuda whispered, feeling self conscious once again. “He’s so much stronger then me, and yet failing so miserably. I’ve been watching both of you from here… you’re both so much stronger then I am.” “Do you think hiding here is going to help you become stronger?” She whispered back. She still seemed angry, but the edge in her voice was gone at least. “Not exactly…” Matsuda replied, truthfully. “Hiding here isn’t going to help me become stronger – that’s why I haven’t been hiding.” She stared at him, her face shrouded in disbelief. “I already told you that we can’t win this – the test is impossible. If he’s not testing us to see how well we get the bells, then he’s testing us on something else. He’s watching to see how well we work together Hotaru.” Hotaru’s eyes widened. “But there’s only two bells? What if you’re wrong?” she asked. “If my plan succeeds, but I’m wrong, then you and Okaru can have the bells, and I’ll go back to the academy – fair?” Matsuda crossed his fingers. Hotaru stared at him questioningly. “Your plan?” “I told you I wasn’t hiding here.” He told her with a roguish smile.

A soft breeze made the heat of the day vanish for a fleeting moment, but left as quickly as it came. The sun was reaching its zenith as Matsuda stood with his team at training ground four and for the hundredth time that day, he fingered the headband protector tied tightly around his right arm. So far, the day had been full of surprises – not ending up on a team with Akoma, the [i]interesting[/i] teaching method Ryokotsu instated, and even Okaru’s compliment had all come as both welcome and unwelcome shocks. [i]"If sensei had been around to see that right hook you slammed into my nose, he wouldn't talk that way about you. Hell my nose is still killing me."[/i] He had only laughed half-heartedly at Okaru’s joke, but deep down, he knew how much the compliment helped him. It didn’t matter that the punch really [i]hadn’t[/i] been that good, the fact that Okaru was complimenting him meant the world to him. Well, maybe not the world, but it certainly helped. “Before we begin, I want you to know that I chose you three specifically” Ryokotsu began, staring them down. Despite a few wooden posts in the ground, the training field consisted of a long field of flattened grass, surrounded by dense woods, cut by a simple dirt path leading back to Konoha. “With that being said, I hope you’re prepared for your first test as part of team eight – hopefully, you’ll be bright enough to pass.” [i]What a let-down[/i] Matsuda thought with a sigh. Somehow, he had been expecting more, but was sadly quickly learning what kind of person Ryokotsu-sensei was. Despite his average and simple image, he seemed incredible at reading being able to read people, to cut right to their core, sizing them up in mere moments and saying exactly what needed to be said. His permanently bored and plain face often spouted words devoid of emotion, substituting it instead for a serious, border-line insulting tone. Matsuda cringed – this wasn’t the kind of person he would get along with. “This test has been passed down and used by several jounin senseis,” he continued. “Few gennin ever pass, but that’s neither here nor there – you will take the test, and either pass or fail.” “What’s the test?” Hotaru piped up. Matsuda looked at her for a moment, and realized that she was feeling nearly as annoyed as he was beginning to get – more so, possibly. Okaru stood beside her, watching Ryokotsu-sensei with eyes that mirrored his. “Patience is a virtue Hotaru – all things come with time. You will learn to be patient, or else you may find yourself in a puddle of your own blood someday, wishing you had…” Ryokotsu-sensei trailed off. Hotaru’s face went bright red, but whether it was with anger or embarrassment, Matsuda couldn’t tell. Popping open one of the clips on his combat vest, he produced a pair of silver bells from the pouch. “The test is simple – try to get one of the bells.” Silence met him, which after a moment was broken by Okaru. “…That’s it?” “Yup” Ryokotsu-sensei replied lazily. “But there’s a catch – there’s three of you, and only two bells. Two of you will pass, and one will fail. It’s simple as that.” Matsuda gulped nervously – it was obvious [i]who[/i] would fail, but he was too nervous to ask what the punishment for failure was. “You may begin whenever your ready…” [b]A/N: Sorry about the delay, I should be able to post regularly again – virus has been mostly taken care of, but sometimes can’t get onto internet browser. I realize the test is kind of… well… predictable, but please just go with it – I have plans for Ryokotsu.[/b]

"What's the matter with you?" Hotaru asked, her tone only slightly indifferent, but the look in her eyes became playful. "Is it that horrible being on a team with me?" Horrible? That wasn?t the right word to describe it. There was nothing wrong with Hotaru ? with her usual quiet, serious, and determined nature, Matsuda knew he wouldn?t have a problem with her. Okaru made things slightly more difficult, but all things considered, it could have turned out much worse. Horrible was far from the right word to describe his present situation. But still?. He looked at her seriously for the first time, weighing her in his mind. Her tone may have implied a noncommittal nature, indifference ripe with every word, but there was something in her eyes? something beyond the jovial playfulness that would be expected between the new team-mates. Matsuda couldn?t quite pinpoint it ? he gave up trying to decide between concern and frustration. There was too much he wanted to say to her. He wanted to tell her that he wasn?t upset with the team he had been placed with. He wanted to tell her that problem didn?t lie with her, but with others ? how was he supposed to push himself harder without Akoma? who was he supposed to prove himself to without Hatoma?? He wanted to tell her that he had heard a pair of chuunin talking about her, about the compliment she received from Tsunade, and how amazing it truly was. But like always, only silence escaped from his opened mouth as he choked on his own words. He eyed the floor, a strong blush already forming. He wouldn?t look at her, he wouldn?t show her his weakness ? and on that note, he definitely wouldn?t look at Okaru. ?Ahem?? The sound of a throat being cleared nearly beside them made them both jump and whirl around. A man stood before them, most likely in his early thirties if his short black hair told the truth. He was a full head taller then Okaru, and half as much again over Hotaru and Matsuda, with the standard green combat vest marking him as a jounin (or at least a chuunin) worn over navy-blue pants and a long-sleeve shit of the same colour ? the standard wear for most jounins. His eyes seemed rather drab, a boring shade of brown ? his entire appearance seemed very? average if not boring. It wasn?t until he spoke with a deep voice that Matsuda began to formulate his opinions of him. ?The fact that you whirled around means not only that you need to be trained in better use of your senses, but also that I?m interrupting an important conversation. Coupled with the fact that you?re blushing, I?m assuming you either asked the girl out ? and were refused ? or were simply told off by her for something ? obviously something embarrassing, like acting childish or moping. The other boy sitting in the corner who saw me didn?t say a word which means he most likely doesn?t care, which means that I?ll probably like him the most ? I don?t like drama. Not only that but the slouched way that he sits indicates that he?s the strongest of the group, with the girl carrying herself that way a close second ? the way you stare at the ground gives you away as dead-last. My name is Imane Ryokotsu, but you will call me Ryokotsu-Sensei, or simply sensei. Get used to not being able to hide anything from me ? when it comes to reading people, I?ve only ever been wrong twice in my life. And while your at it, close your mouth ? you look like an idiot.? Unaware of when his jaw dropped, Matsuda closed his mouth as he was told to. [A/N: Virus on my computer is now running rampant - this will be my last post until I send my computer into the shop. Will try to post from a library computer soon, but in the mean time, continue on without me :(]