[color=00a651][i]"Um........ y-y-yes, I a-a-actua-a-aly would like some."[/i][/color]

With a smile the Jonin extended two of the candy pieces to his new subordinate, smiling all the while. This done, the elder ninja turned to gaze back towards the wall clock. Quickly doing some rough calculations regarding the time he came to a simple conclusion. [color=662d91]"Well, it looks like our other squad mate won't be joining us today."[/color] The tone he used was matter-of-fact, neither cross nor unduly interested. For his part Mao was sure the young genin had a valid excuse for meeting such an important obligation, Mao was also sure he'd hear that aforementioned excuse in due time. 

Having said these things the Jonin rose from his seat, four legs of the chair smacking back down onto the tiled floor with a loud 'Crack!' that was sure to draw the full attention of his two apprentices. [color=662d91]"Now since we've got the pleasantries over with why don't we start out with a little test so I can get a measure on your abilities?"[/color] Mao was quick to move from the classroom, full expecting his genin to follow. As he passed Taibushi the Jonin extended a hand, fingers digging against the boy's hair as the elder male gave it an affectionate ruffle.

[center]--------------------------------Time Passes--------------------------------[/center]

With their initial introductions completed Mao moved his squad out from the academy to the forested training area that bordered the edge of the village. Each of the new instructors had been granted a section for the next step in traditional ninja training: the bell test. For his part Mao had already visited his section of the training grounds before-hand and engaged in a little unfair activity. Due to his machinations the entire area save for the clearing where the group now stood was covered in an incalculable number of traps, pitfalls, and annoyances. 

The clearing where the group finally came to rest was an open area surrounded on three sides by thick trees which expanded out into the vast endless forest that protected Konohagakure. In the center of this open area a few tables and sparse trees remained, as well as one of a number of memorials in remembrance of fallen Konoha shinobi. 

[color=662d91]"Alright let's see here, how is this supposed to go again. . ."[/color] Mao halted in the center of the area, right hand swiveling around towards his back pocket to produce a single arrow with two tiny bells attached to the end. Flipping the item over idly in his hand the metallic instruments rang out softly into the forested expanse which surrounded them. [color=662d91]". . . right. Usually this is done in groups of three, but since only two of you are here,"[/color] Reaching up with his free hand Mao removed one of the bells, slipping it back into his pocket; [color=662d91]"we'll just take this one away. Your other classmate can compete against the loser."[/color]

Motioning again towards the arrow Mao continued his explanation with the single remaining bell. [color=662d91]"This is called the Bell test, its supposed to measure your ninja abilities and weed out those genin who aren't ready for practical missions. Failure in this test will mean being sent back to the academy."[/color] Although Mao's voice and expression hadn't changed since the classroom this shocking revelation at last brought some level of serious stoicism to them. [color=662d91]"Genin are to attempt to take the bell from their instructor. Those who have a bell at the end of the allotted time period will pass, all others will fail."[/color]

With a simple jerk of his fingers the remaining bell was dislodged from its place on the arrow and re-attached to the inside edge of Mao's utility vest. The vest itself was not as heavy or expansive as a typical flak jacket meaning that the Jonin would likely be carrying significantly fewer tools that normal. In addition the only armament the two genin could see was Mao's unstrung bow which was propped up against a nearby tree. [color=662d91]"Now, I want you both to come at me with everything you have. Attack me with the intent to kill!"[/color] These words seemed immediately at odds with the laidback nature of Mao's personality, unfortunately this was simply the way things were. Shifting his body weight lower the Jonin took on a semi-rigid stance, alert but still mostly relaxed, and waited for his students to approach.