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[h2][color=red] D A I K I[/color][/h2][/center]
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[b]T[/b]he assembly had barely started when he noticed several faces appearing. A gentle chuunin, one new to him had seemingly hushed the cries of child. He smiled to himself, acknowledging the act in silence before returning his attention to the Kage. His had just started feeling his mind drifting when he heard a familiar voice directed towards him. It couldn't be though … the aggression in the word “baka” was lacking tremendously. 

[b]W[/b]hen he looked to the side nonchalantly, he caught Yamato in his sights. His brow raised slightly, surprise and partial distaste touching him. Normally, he would have stepped up but the feeling in the air between them had changed over the years, it was hostility that tainted the area around them anymore, now there was a mutual respect that layered over it. And that was enough for Daiki to put forth his own effort in mending their past. 

[color=red][b] “N[/b]ot sure myself. Guess we'll find out soon.”[/color] Feeling, if only a little, awkward. 

[b]A[/b]s the Hokage's speech reached its apex, Daiki felt a storm of emotions develop. Inside his gut, where he hid his excitement, was hope for his ambitions. Trepidation for the unknown future. And a surprising amount of exhilaration. His large hands reached for the material at the bottom of his pockets and gripped it tightly as the names were called. When he finally heard his, he simply closed his eyes and let out a long breath. When he opened them again, the Hokage was bent with illness. 

[color=red][i]When did this happen? I closed my eyes for only a second![/i][/color] Daiki pulled his arms out his pockets while a medic attempted to approached Zeno. Just then, he caught the slight flutters of a black cloak high above them. Yamato's words came soon afterwards. 

[color=red] [b] “Y[/b]ea, I see. The kids come first,”[/color] he told Yamato calmly, though his heart pounded in his chest. The kids behind him coward as the body hit the ground with a fleshly thud. In the chaos of the crowd, Daiki found himself nudging and pushing aside stampeding villagers. He turned back to his charges. [color=red] [b] “S[/b]tay with me. Don't move unless ordered.”[/color] Yamato seemed to have a plan, so he was willing to wait as long as the crowd didn't get any rowdier. 

[b]F[/b]or a long moment, Yamato spoke to Aoi and the others, leaving Daiki with the kids. They tugged on him, asking if they'd be okay, if the Hokage was okay. He could only tense his jaw and remain silent. He wouldn't lie to future shinobi about the situation, so instead he'd let them come to their own conclusions. When Yamato returned and they had led the students to a restaurant, Daiki felt his shoulders lighten. Not in the literal sense. 

[color=red][b] “H[/b]eh, funny that you're saying that. I was just thinking about what a whinny pussy you were being. Cats should really stay the quiet type,”[/color] he said with a challenging grin, referring to the Minamoru's ancient tiger symbol, though Yamato often called himself a god.  [color=red][b] “L[/b]et's hurry and join the others.”[/color] Daiki dashed back towards the assembly, leaving Yamato to catch up.