[center][b][i]Aiko and Koike,
A talk before the match.

A collab between Lesli and Gerontis,

Summary :
Koike and Aiko talk some prior before Koike’s match where Koike has prepared his gear and Aiko tells him some information about his opponent.[/center][/b][/i]

[hider=A talk before the match.]
Koike checked his gear. Everything was laid out on the table. The few shuriken and kunai were laced with some substance. On the shuriken there was some dark green substance, a liquid form of the poison that Koike had used against Ezuri. And there was some other liquid substance on the kunai, a more grey one. After he was sure that each weapon was properly prepared, Koike stored them away in a small specialized section in both his normal as kunai pouch.

[b]’’Ready? ‘’[/b] Aiko asked as she was leaning against the wall. Her eyes looked outside and just stared at the horizon. The woman had sent out a shadow clone to hear who Koike’s opponent was, but she wanted to stay and try to offer some help. Not that she could do much. [b]’’Your opponent is Reyna Azuma. ‘’[/b] Aiko told him, glancing sideways at him.

[b]’’Reyna Azuma.‘’[/b] Koike whispered slowly as he stored his weapons away. He thought about the name as he had done some research the past few days. But he couldn’t remember anything about this Reyna. [b]’’Which village is she part off?‘’[/b] Koike asked as he turned around. He shoved his hands down in his pockets as he also stared out of the window. The question was asked as he wasn't sure if Aiko had any information about this Reyna person.

[b]’’Kumogakure. She was the opponent of another genin I know.’[/b] Aiko replied as she then decided it was time. [b]’’We should get going.‘’[/b] It was odd. If she had knew that everything had went on like this, that Koike would eventually reach the second round of the chuunin exam. Then again, perhaps she was maybe a bit too struck with the past? Flashing a warm smile, she beckoned him to follow her. [b]’’So, got any plan for today’s match?‘’[/b]

Walking next to Aiko, Koike frowned as he looked up for a moment. [b]’’With no information about my opponent, no not really.‘’[/b] He told her. And it didn’t really matter. He could always go for the more general and broad approach and try to lure his opponent into a trap. Even a Hyuuga had easily walked into one. Though he considered that as a gamble, he wouldn't complain about it. It had made him pass towards the second round without much of a sweat.

[b]’’From what I saw is that she uses swords and lightning release. You got an advantage over with that. Problem is however that she has a summoning, an armadillo. He can use earth release to move around like a mole.‘’[/b] Aiko started as they would walk out of the hotel. Though it could be a bit unfair, she didn’t had any problem with it. She was a kunoichi and fighting fair wasn’t something she would do. Neither did she do it to give Koike more chance to pass the fight. It was just normal in her opinion that she provided her student with some information. As if they would in the field keep information from each other about any potential enemy that they had observed or encountered before.

Lightning and kenjutsu? That made him think that he had held indeed an advantage over his future opponent. He had already a plan in mind of what he could do, but he would need to be sure about the speed and reflexes of his opponent. [b]’’Anything else I should know?’’[/b] He asked her, briefly wondering what Aiko could tell him. The more information he had at his disposal, the better.

Aiko thought about the match, but it had been several days ago. That and she hadn’t been able to figure all of the tricks and moves from Kuni’s opponent. The match had even ended earlier than she had anticipated cause Kuni had gave up. [b]’’Not really. She seems like a decent fighter in my opinion.’’[/b] Aiko told Koike. [b]’’What did you had in mind?’’[/b]

[b]’’Not sure yet. I need to see her speed and reflexes for myself. But seems that I will have an upper hand when it comes down to kenjutsu. At least when combined with nature release as my wind release would in theory neutralize and stabilize hers.’’[/b] Koike thought further about it. He had already two tactics in mind if her lightning release style would generate flickers or sparks of lightning. Then he could use that against his opponent. [b]’’I am already tempted to start with the same trick as before, but I rather not risk the fact that my opponent has heard about that.’’[/b] Koike almost pouted after saying that, but he managed to remain looking calm.

Smiling, Aiko nodded slowly. She was briefly wondering already on how the match would go. But she had faith in her student that he would do his best. [b]’’I have to agree with that. Though I am still surprised that it had went that easily.’’[/b] Personally, she had expected more from a student of Kensuke. But she reminded herself that this was his very first genin team. Thus she couldn’t claim that it was that big of a surprise. [b]’’Good luck, Koike.’’[/b] Aiko gently ruffled through his hair and smiled once more as they were nearing the arena. [b]’’I am proud of you.’’[/b With that having said, she would head away towards the tribune. Perhaps Katsu and Yukara were already there? She had decided to use a shadow clone to watch over Kei and Akimoto at the hotel.

For a moment, Koike halted and glanced at the back of his sensei. Clenching his hands into fists, he felt that slight rush. Turning his head to glance at the entrance of the arena, he took a few steps. The rush had vanished and he wasn’t sure what it had been. Putting it out of his mind, Koike focused his mind on one goal. One objective.
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