[IC] Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

[Gerontis]

The New Dawn

A time of choices, decisions and consequences.

One year and six months have passed. The time that passed after the Oppression of Shoji had came to dawn on the land. Though it was short, just a few months, the results of it are great. Some say even grave. Iwagakure was heavily damaged after the big flying benemoth Kenjou punished with cannonballs the village that had managed to liberate itself. Only then to be stopped by a combined effort of Konoha, Ame and Kumogakure forces.

The aftermath of the battle was that the combined forces managed to save more destruction from Shoji's triumph card. In the past one and a half year, the villages managed to restore their original system again. But the damage to Iwagakure placed the political dominance more on the other states. Now Konohagakure, Kumogakure and Kirigakure are the ones that have the most to say, though the Fire Union that is being led by the Hokage is the one with the biggest military power at the current time. Though both Kumogakure and Kirigakure are slowing taking their own actions to try to increase their own strength.

But what will come of it? Will it give rise to tensions? Tensions that will give rise to another Shinobi World War? Or will it balance the three out? There is also Sunagakure, that has likely recovered from it past war, the short and brutal war against the once Kumo and Konoha alliance. Many questions that require an answer. Answers that will likely come over time.

For now however the question that is the most important is :
Where are you in all of this? Will you be standing on the frontlines, trying to train and be ready to serve your village when it might all fall down? Or will you have your own plans? Take up the gear, raise your head, clench your fists and salute!

This is maybe your time and there is only way of finding it out.

So, time to rally. Ask your squad leaders (or me) where to muster, rally or meet with your team. Then simply follow what your sensei has in mind for you and let the fun begin!
Everybody, have a fun time and watch out for those sneaky ninjas.

[Lesli]

Aiko Cho-Hon

Sitting in the dangoe shop, Nina's Dangoes, the red haired woman calmly sipped of her strawberry flavoured tea. There were barely any people. And not really surprising. Today a new time would begin. Genins that would graduate from the Academy. Fun part was that she would get no fresh ones this year. No, she wouldn't. This year she would get Mamoru Senju and Koike Hon. Both were experienced genins who already had been in different teams. Both shared common things as well being different. But then again, it would be scary if they were both the same. Closing her green eyes to take a sip of her tea. Aftwards, Aiko placed the cup down and sighed.

She wondered what this time would bring. She was well aware that she wouldn't have it too easy with going on D ranked missions. Both of the two young boys were too good for that. Thinking of that, she hoped they both would like the mission they would do. Not too hard, but certainly still amusing for the woman to watch over. Besides, what would she be without toying around with genins? There was nothing more fun that. Other than maybe seeing them grow. Maybe. Taking another sip of her tea, she would wait for the two to arrive.

If her memory was correct, she had sent them both a message ahead of where they should meet. And the place wasn't that hard to find. At least, in her opinion. Emptying her cup. filled with strawberry tea, Aiko sighed again. ''Guess that I will need to think of a speech. But then again...'' She mumbled to herself, getting lost in her thoughts.

[Roran Hawkins]

Kensuke Nimatsu

The warm winter sun warmed his face as he stood on the moist grassfield that was named Trainingfield 13. It had been almost five years since he arrived here. Five long and painful years, but five years that were amongst the best of his short life. It was a strange feeling to the 20 years old jounin standing on the field filled with morning dew. The naive boy that had arrived here back then had grown into a fine man, if he could believe Zakito Hon, ex-Hokage and a sort of father figure for Kensuke. Despite the fact that he wasn't really much older than him, just 11 years, his character and wisdom had been inspirational for the young boy. In Konoha, initially as a hostage, he had found many things he didn't even know he missed. In that list was true friendship, companionship, but also the ability to accept things and the gift of insight. He had come to terms with his own identity and the world he lived in. That, along with some other factors, allowed him to find love. Yes, the shy boy that used to stutter at the mere sight of the other sex had grown into a charming individual. just thinking of it made him smile. Before he even noticed, the smile had grown into a grin as he thought of Kaori.

Only after a short period of staring in the cold Februari morning sky, he realized he was grinning and quickly adopted a more serious expression. He couldn't have his new students think he was a lunatic, now could he? He had read through both of his new student's files already, and he knew that the naive Hyuga boy Maruki was quite skilled for his age, while the introvert Inuzuka girl Shisen wasn't exactly stupid either. But what united both him and his students, he had stated with a wry smile, was that none of them had any parents left alive. They were all orphans. Well, Kensuke had never really been hurt by it, considering he never really knew his mother and that he didn't quite love his father, but it still had been hard. He already knew how hard it could be to lose someone you love, and if that person would be toyr parent on top of that... He knew that that would be a touchy subject, and felt compassion for them now he thought about the test he was going to let them pass.

It wasn't really required for new genin to pass a test from their jounin teacher, but it was a tradition. And as such he had prepared a test of his own making. Compared to some other's tests it was rather cruel and harsh, but he deemed it necessary for his students to posses the skills and abilities required for that test. If they would fail that test, he would seriously doubt their chances to survive as a shinobi. Which also was his main concern. He didn't like to put them through the test he had prepared, but he had seen people die one time too many because they didn't posses the required skills.

As a result, there he stood in the middle of training field 13 at around 7:00 on a cold morning, watching the birds pass from tree to tree on the edge of the trainingfield.

[Gowi]

Shizuka Nadra
| Shizuka Clan Household, Kumogakure |

“The next step is chunin, keep yourself focused on that.”

Shizuka Nadra sat in meditation within the walls of the Shizuka Clan home in Kumogakure, the hidden village in the clouds, as she reflected on her thoughts and the next goal that stood in her path. The thirteen-year old had achieved the rank of genin, as was expected of her as a shinobi and for her now laid only the next step on the ladder of a shinobi—chunin. Chunin wasn’t exactly a rank that she would achieve overnight and Nadra knew that as she knew that true progress only could be achieved through time and dedication—and as a genin, teamwork. As the girl’s eyes opened she removed herself from her meditative stance amongst her bedroom’s floor and changed to a standing position as she took a light breath. The news had come only minutes earlier—Nadra would be a member of Team 3 and the sensei of the team, Satoshi Jun was waiting for his genin’s arrival at a nearby ramen stand that Nadra knew well-enough, but she had never partaken in the food there. It was time to meet her teammates and her sensei—with that she would be closer to becoming a chunin for sure.

As she moved out of the household she took the time to bow respectfully to her mother before leaving the Shizuka Clan home with a sort of excitement in her bones as she got closer and closer to her destination. Excitement was something not often seen in the tan-skinned girl as she moved quickly through the streets of Kumogakure. This meaning her personality was that of an introvert and one who found themselves greatly reserved. This made it difficult for the Academy relations with her fellow students as she had a sort of social ineptitude or awkwardness which made Nadra have a silent and almost neutral look in her manners.

It would not take her long to arrive at the Ramen shop and find out what exactly this Team 3 was like…

[Gerontis]

Satoshi Jun,
Kumogakure Specialized Jounin | Leader of Team Jun-3

Sitting inside the Ramen shop, the young man had just finished his lunch. With a relieved sigh, he thought about what kind of day it was today. A day where he would be assigned new genins under his mentorship. He rubbed his chin with his right hand. Already dressed in the black garb of what a regular member of the Black Watch would wear, Satoshi was wondering about his students. Of course, like any reasonable sensei, he had read their profiles. And about each he had noticed something he liked and disliked. But today they wouldn't need to worry about that. Besides, he would need to see and experience with his own two eyes how they were. How they interacted and such. Small details like that, which could make a view of how they were.

Not that he saw it as his job to view them as some kind of children he would need to raise. No, he would be there for them. To listen to their problems, but to hold their hands? That would be something that wouldn't happen. Why? Even as genin, they would be considered as shinobi now. And while Satoshi wouldn't be too tough on them or likely even tough at all, he would demand some proper behaviour of them. While he was a relaxed and friendly kind of guy, he wouldn't have a problem with enforcing some discipline in a genin that would think that it was good to ignore orders. Ordering a drink, the young man wondered if his students would have received his message to come and meet him at the Ramen shop.

After all, he had his introduction for his team already planned.

[Shadowcatcher]

Haruhi Suzumori

I wonder what the rest of the world looks like...if it is as beautiful as I imagine it.

Haruhi often wondered about what it would be like to travel around the world, see and meet new people, try new foods and learn so many new things. Staying here in the Hidden Mist Village was not really a good way to expirence all that, but maybe she'd get the chance now. She was a
Genin after all. And this was just the begenning. Her time at the Academy was a long and difficult one, she had been tested in many ways and after it all, she finally found herself getting this chance of a lifetime. Now she was to be assigned to a Jounin who would show her the "real world." After all, the Academy was "book world" right? Nothing like the struggles of real life as a shinobi. It was the day after graduation, she had gotten a note from her soon-to-be-sensei earlier that read:
Meeting at the training field, number 4. A simple grassfield. Don't be late.
Let's do this.

So, after bidding her worried mother goodbye, she set off to training field number four. As she walked, her sandals made quiet taps on the ground. She patted her left leg to make sure her pouch that held her kunai and shuriken was in its place, lifted up her loose black jacket to pat the pouch on her bum that held her whip, making sure that was there too. She looked down at her tight black capris, making sure they were clean and presentable. Why didn't I have a look at myself in the mirror before I left? She wondered if she was even wearing the right clothes. Wearing all black, what if her sensei mistook her for some kind of depressed freak? She was told she looked like that at times....she did NOT want to carry that out of the Academy with her.

With a sigh she rubbed her arms, feeling colder than usual. As she reached the training field she looked around, no one was there yet. Haruhi slowly began to pace back and forth, bringing her finger to her lip like she does when she's lost in thought. She wanted to know what her sensei was going to be like. Was it a man or a woman? Was it a frail, womanly man or a overly buffed out manly woman? What kinds of things would he or she teach her? Was he or she nice, caring, understanding or cruel and decietful? What if they thought Haruhi was too fragile or too weak? What if they tested her and she messed up and had to go back to the academy? ........

Is my sensei even going to like me?

[Gerontis]

The Fifth Raikage,
Takeru's Decision.

Standing in front of the windows that provided view over the cloud, a man with short dark hair looked with a worried glance at the village. Though this was impossible to see with this masked donned on. His hands were folded at his back. As he kept watching at the Cloud, some thoughts drifted into the mind of the man. He was wondering about what he was going to order. Would it be the right decision? Was it the right time? All factors that would decide the chance of the success he had wanted. For what he had planned.

Turning slowly around, he saw three chuunin on one knee. Their heads were bowed in respect for him as they waited in silence for his orders. Orders that would hopefully benefit Kumogakure. To ensure it's future and prosperity. But Takeru wavered. It wasn't that he was insecure or had any doubts about the plans. But it were factors that were just bothering him. But what was needed to be done, should be done. And as soon as possible. Besides, he could count on some good ANBU that would surely aid him in his task. ''I want to have Nariko Jun to get the next order. I want him to travel to the Snow Country. I want to bring the message I offer the Snow country the same services we give to the Frost and Sky country. That together we can work on a much brighter future.'' One of the man rose up, made a deep bow and marched away. That was the first step. Now on the next.

''Let another ANBU, Kamiko Jun know that she is needed in the country of Wolf. I want to have a report of there are any activies that can or may undermine expansion as offering the country our protection and co-operation. That would be all. For now.'' The second Chuunin rose up, bowed and marched away. Only one order remained. But it wouldn't be directed to any ANBU.

''Would you be so kind to bring Waki to my Office. There is something I need to discuss with him. Please tell him that it are... urgent subjects he and I need to talk about.'' Takeru told the last chuunin, a woman. The woman bowed as she mumbled she would make it happen. When she left the Office, Takeru sighed. He turned again to the windows that provided view over the Cloud. Slowly his right hand went to his mask, trembling a bit. It wasn't fear that held the Fifth Raikage in it's clutches.

It was ambition.

[Agent57]

Kamiko Uchiha-Jun
Heading Off to the Wolf Country

Kamiko leaned against a bar on top of a roof overlooking the other buildings and she was just simply enjoying the view. She knew she was going to get missions soon, so she made sure to leave a letter for Satoshi, just saying the usual "I love you, take care of Alice, I'm going to head on a missions. Please make sure to at least get her a baby sitter while you go to work or ask Nariko when he is free if he can take care of her, though he will most likely be busy, in any event you know where the money is if you're low on food and stuff, PLEASE REMEMBER to pay the bills, see you soon, Love your wife" she stood with her flak jacket on over her mesh shirt and her black bandages protecting her mid section. She wore her black trench coat with rolled up sleeves and fingerless gloves. She sported black fitted pants and her packs at her back, she didn't bring her scythe along on the mission, just her tanto and her mask, she wore it to the side, grabbing her shoulder she touched her curse mark on her shoulder blade and sighed [color=red]"Guess im going to be busy for awhile...fun fun fun"[/color] she turned around and waited for the messenger to come find her. A couple of minutes later the chunnin appeared kneeling "Kamiko-San, Takeru-Sensai has given you a mission "she is needed in the country of Wolf. I want to have a report of there are any activities that can or may undermine expansion as offering the country our protection and co-operation. That would be all. For now'' those are his exact words" Kamiko gave a slight bow and the Chunnin jumped off leaving her to think for a moment.

She picked up her pack and slung it over her shoulder "I pray for safe passage and nothing happen to my family while I'm gone, and to me as well" she gave a small prayer before sliding her mask on and hood over her head. A thought went through Kamiko's mind but she shook it off and focused on the missions she received. She jumped off and made her way towards the gate. She stopped at the gate to check her supplies and money, as well as her basic supplies and assortments of writing utensils. She checked everything, gave a quick nod to the gate guards and stretched. Then she slipped the backpack on and quickly jumped off again ready to start her mission and get it over with so that she could return to her beautiful daughter and home.

[Little Alice]

Mika Hayashi,
Kigakure Jounin-sensei

While Haruhi Suzumori would enter the field, a pair of eyes would keep track of the girl. The first had arrived. The looks of the girl weren't that of a shinobi. It were those of a child. Mika's lips curled down. She wasn't sure if she should be displeased or uncaring. While the girl was slowly losing herself in thoughts, thinking about questions. Questions as for if her sensei would like her, the girl would get an answer. Sooner than she would like.

And more closer than she would have liked.

A kunai impaled the ground. ''You would be dead in a real mission. You let your guard down and for that reason, you brought a punishment on the whole team.'' A cold voice would tell Haruhi. The kunai near the feet of the kunai made it clear that the sensei she would have wasn't one to be very nice and comfy. More of the opposite. The woman looked from her spot at the genin as she continued. ''Next time I catch you not being wary or paying attention, I won't try to miss.'' Were the next words as the woman slowly emerged from the shadows. She had used her Hiding With Camouflage Technique and her mastery over Silent Killing to surprise her student. With a stern look, Mika looked at Haruhi. ''We'll wait now for the other two. Though your punishment will be a little bit less grave. After all.'' A smirk crept on the lips of the woman.

''Dead people can't possibly fear a punishment. Can they?''

With that said, Mika seemed to decide to wait on her other students. Placing her left hand on her hip, she seemed to have no further interest in Haruhi. But that was all feinted. While she didn't look at Haruhi, it was all just a little test. To see if the girl would react and talk. It would be at least something as Mika was suspecting the girl to be afraid to talk. If she wouldn't, Mika's punishment to the girl would be just worse as for the oters. Slowly Mika's right hand went to her tanto, but she wouldn't pull the weapon out of the sheath. It was like she was suspecting somebody to enter the training field. Or was it maybe just a strange habit of the cold woman?

[Shadowcatcher]

Haruhi looked at the kunai on the ground, her hands clasped tightly over her mouth to keep a scream from passing her lips. Her sensei was clearly not the type who would stick to a normal introduction. She made a mental note not to let her guard down around her. She did get a few of her questions answered though, and that was something. Her sensei was a woman, not overly buff but scarily tough. She was not really nice but this was just a first impression. Maybe if Haruhi got a chance to learn more, she might end up liking her.

She slowly knelt down and picked the kunai up from its place in the dirt and turned it over in her hands. This wepon could have been the one to end her life. This woman literally had her life in her hands in that moment. In a weird kind of way she felt kind of happy she chose not to end it. "Here you go sensei." She walked over to her and held out the kunai to return it to its owner. "I don't think you want me to say sorry so ill just say that I will do better next time." Everything in life was a learning expirence. Haruhi realized that this was just a test. She wasent sure what kind of test it was but she took it in and accepted that she had failed. Next time she would not.

"My name is Haruhi Suzumori. I would prefer you call me Haru but it doesnt really matter to me. ...What should I call you?"

[QT]

Shiro Nagakura
Amegakure: Training Field E

"Every night has been the same after Ryoku took charge. The peaceful sound of rain dripping outside everyone's homes day in, day out. It was like a never ending twilight zone. But I ain't complaining, I like the rain, always have. It helps me sleep quite well actually, it's like a lullaby, just louder and more frequent. Anyhow, I'm Shiro Nagakura, soon to be the strongest genin in the ninja world, this is my story:"

As the rain continued, it seemed as if the sun would never breach the clouds. It was pretty cold that day, just like Shiro liked it. The young ninja had just barely escaped the grasp of the Academy. His scores in the academic portion, written exam, weren't as good as those of the practical portion. He was more of a hands on kind of guy, wanting to always be on the move rather than sitting on a desk, listening to lectures or actually giving them. He wanted to become a great shinobi and be able to work with the Hokage some day. He didn't want to be Hokage because he saw it as too much work and would eventually be too lazy to do it, sending all of Amegakure down with his enthusiasm towards labor. All he could think of at the moment was reaching that training field.................training field.......ummm...........A?......B?........ughhh.......E! Yeah, that was it. Training Field E. Maybe he should have paid more attention to the notice, oh well. Anyhow, back to the story. Shiro left the small cabin he was staying at. A nice old landlord allowed him safe haven for aid with as*hole tenants. Since he was old, he couldn't really do anything against advantage seekers. Anyway, now Shiro headed to the field. The rain blasted at him like small canon bullets. It aided to purify his skin, washing away all the disdained oils that occupied it. He couldn't afford an umbrella since he really had no money. He washed his clothing daily at a nearby river to prevent them from reeking. So this day, he felt good because he actually looked it. He was determined to show his new Sensei - name forgotten - why he graduated top of his class. He knew the journey to being a Chuunin would not come easy, but he was willing - aside from being lazy - to work hard and achieve greatness. There was no way he would allow other students to meet his rank. Being on top was the motive, only those on top get what they want. This attitude came from the defiance he presented towards his father. Though Shiro is presently poor and struggling to make a living, leaving the cook life behind had been his greatest accomplishment, or at least that's the way he sees it.

As the ninja finally made it to the training field, he made sure he was in the right place. He looked over to the sign labeled 'E' and nodded. "Let's get this training started" he whispered to himself. The rain, obviously, continued to pour uncontrollably. The people of the Rain Village had already gotten used to it, but since Shiro initially came from Konoha, his eyes would flicker at every drop that hit his eyelid. Eventually he would get used to it, but right now, he was at a handicap against the lovely torrent. But as of now, there were more important matter at hand other than his hindrance. He would now start his training as part of Team 11. His teammates would later become competition, maybe even rivals. He would go on missions alongside them, work with his enemy to complete certain objectives. He would lose people that are close to him as time passed, maybe lose his own life, but he was ready. Thousands of scenarios ran through his head as he prepared for the worse. But even if he had to deal with these complications, he was looking forward to being the best. "Ugh.....actually, I don't feel like it. Not right now."

[Psyren]

Ryu Heisui
Location: His home somewhere in the heart of Kirigakure

The air was dense with the sound of silence. Standing, in the center of the small house, was Ryu practicing his stances. With his father's sword in hand, Ryu was moving fluidly from stance to stance. This was the least he could do as he awaited the message to rally with his new team and meet his new sensei. He couldn't help but allow his mind to wander to who he was possibly going to be paired with, and he also wondered if he would leave good impressions on them. Ryu understood that he had an uncanny ability to accidentally insult a person while he was conversing with them, and he was slightly worried that he would become a black sheep among his teammates. Ryu closed his eyes and shook his head. Now wasn't the time to worry about such possibilities. He had to keep his emotions in check and keep a calm mind. Without much delay, Ryu returned to his practice.

Soon enough, Ryu's mind began to wander onto the upcoming meeting again. This time he was wondering who is sensei was. He had heard many rumors about how different each sensei greets their new team, and he was nervous. He had heard that some Genin teams are subject to one more test and are sent back to the academy if they fail. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Ryu has heard that some sensei's have the first meeting be a way of introducing the new team dynamic. Whatever the outcome, he had to be ready. Ryu was soon finished with his sequence of stances and then took a break. He sheathed Swift, his father's sword, and began to make his way into the kitchen. He saw his mother, who was reading a book, at the kitchen table. Ryu couldn't make out the book's title, but noticed that his mother was too enthralled with whatever she was reading to notice that he had entered the room. He gave a smile towards his mother and started for the front door. He knew that the message was going to come sometime today, and he figured that he would wait for the message in front of his house.

[Little Alice]

Mika Hayashi,
Kigakure Jounin-sensei

The eyes of Mika slowly were laid upon her student. She had talked, but not in a way that Mika could do the punishment she had ready for the team mates of Haruhi. With her left hand, she took the kunai and with a quick and fluid movement, stored the weapon back in the kunai holster. That done, she kept looking at the young girl in front of her. ''Sensei. And I hope you'll do your best. Else there will be little chance of a 'next time'.'' Were the blunt and somewhat cold words of Mika. She looked around, but till so far no sign yet of the other team mates. They weren't near the field yet or else the woman would've heard them. ''You're needed to hide. Just like what I did, I want you to ambush the next student that will come. No hesistant or your punishment will be worse. On how you ambush or sneak upon them is your own choice.'' Mika ordered the girl. With that she paid attention to her surroundings again.

Hopefully both the other two would come soon as would Haruhi do her light punishment in a good fashion. Mika wasn't having fun in punishing genins. Actually, she didn't want to care or already gave something about Haruhi. To her, the little girl was just another of the many. Just a girl that wished to be a kunoichi for the Mist. And that wasn't like doing the laundry. It was a job and if you wouldn't perform it correctly, you would end up dead.

Dead and nothing else

[Little Alice]

Kiyomi Sato-Hon
Jounin-sensei of Team 2 | Hokage Apprentice

The young jounin sat on top of a large rock. The sounds of the small river behind were heard as the birds also came alive, singing each their own song. Kiyomi was dressed in her kunoichi attire. A flak jacket, her reinforced mesh armour shoulder pad on her right shoulder. The reinforced mesh armour shin and fore-arm bracers. On her back, a big bandaged sword was strapped to it with a special sheath. It was silent, for now. Waiting for her students, Kiyomi wasn't really in need of an introduction. Already knowing and having trained both Leo and Hayate before, she had already taken the freedom to pick up a suitable mission for the team. A team fitting for genins. Cause face it : Going on a S ranked mission with some genins wouldn't be that great.

The young girl, that was also the Hokage Apprentice, did wondered how they would react to the mission. She was aware that Hayate and Leo were both well trained genins. She had done that herself after all. So no need to worry about that. While she waited, Kiyomi glanced at the little basket she had brought with her. It was filled with some sweet bread and what not. A 'welcome' to her newly formed team. Hopefully they would like it. At least the taste of the things in the basket. Kiyomi giggled when she would think about the 'after taste'. They would likely remember that the rest of their lives.

''Hhmmm, maybe...'' Kiyomi mumbled, thinking about something. Losing herself in her own thoughts, the bandaged great sword on her back would warn her if somebody would enter on the perimeter of the field. Thinking about how some of her friends were doing, Kiyomi was tempted to check on the nearby field. Knowing Kensuke would also have new genins made her wonder how he would handle them. Likely how he had trained her in kendo/swordsmanship. It would be fun to see how he would train others now. She also began to think about a past mission, one she had finished just two days ago.

Kiyomi

Two days ago,
Kiyomi on a mission to capture a missing nin by the name of Talon, a missing nin and father of a failed shinobi.


''Take take my heart-''

''WHAT KIND OF SICK PERSON ARE YOU?''

Two days ago.

Landing on the tree branch, the green eyes scanned the area. Several sounds behind her made her aware that her squad was able to keep up with her. The black cloaks were ruffled by their movements and the soft breeze, as they came to a halt. With several nin backing her up, Kiyomi had taken the mission to go after a missing nin who had caused some trouble. Nothing too serious, but the fact the man claimed he could take down a Kage made Kiyomi wonder. If the man would prove he could back up his words, then she would have a challenge at hand. If not, than it meant that it would be nothing than wasting time. Being in the Hotspring Country, a vassal of the Fire Union, Kiyomi knew she had to protect the people first. The man was the secondary objective in this mission and she was highly aware of that. ''Mister Usagi, can you still keep track of him?'' Kiyomi asked as she looked at her left. From underneath her hood she saw her personal rabbit summoning. Standing on his hind legs, while holding a carrot, the dressed rabbit nodded. ''With ease.'' He replied before munching back on his carrot. Looking back front, Kiyomi wondered. Ever since they had managed to get some tracks, it seemed the man did little to hide himself. Was he that foolish and arrogant? Even foes in the past had been more careful, but this one was either very ignorant or just not aware of anything. That would be a first, she thought with a scoff. A very naive fool that claimed he was as powerful as a Kage. ''Listen up. We shall split in two. Me and Mister Usagi will try to follow the tracks a bit more. I want you to form duo's and make sure the nearby village is safe from any harm.''

With nodding and replying ''Aye'' or ''Yes lady.'', the squad of chuunin went to perform their task. Kiyomi sighed as she rose up from her crouched stance. ''Mister Usagi. Can you notice if it's a trap or anything?'' She asked him in a tone, that made clear she was doubting it. The rabbit shrugged. ''I think he is stupid. Even the bone user was harder to track.'' The rabbit fixed his jacket and headband before glancing in Kiyomi's direction. ''Maybe this is a waste of time and we should inform the Hokage of it. I think that sending a group of seven nin is a bit too much. This seems to be a mere bandit with a loud mouth.'' The rabbit said, in an annoyed voice. Kiyomi smiled. She had to agree with that. So far this seemed to be a simple C ranked mission, beneath her level. But she had told Hisoka that she would see this mission done. After all, it could improve the people of the Hotspring that the Leaf would protect them and take their complainants seriously.

''We already told Lord Hokage-sama that we would see this through. Think a failure wouldn't suit well with my current record... Mister Usagi.'' Kiyomi told him back. The rabbit nodded as he sniffed the air. ''He is coming this way? Jeez, he is really a-

''You really think you can sneak upon me, while not being able to notice me?'' A voice said. Kiyomi narrowed her eyes as she turned around. Too late. A flash of an edged weapon slashed through her flak jacket and mesh armour. Mister Usagi cursed as he quickly leaped towards another branch as Kiyomi fell off the branch, before poofing away. The one that had attacked her stood on the branch, with his arm being transformed into an axe. Mister Usagi frowned. ''Kiyomi-sama?'' He asked, before a sound next to him sounded.

''No worries.'' Landing next to Usagi, Kiyomi looked with a calm look. She wasn't stupid as she had suspected a trap. Besides, she most of the time made a shadow clone do the scout work. Looking at the weird arm, Kiyomi wasn't sure what that was. It seemed to be something in a similar fashion as Yumi's Crystal Blade. It only lacked the beauty and grace of the Crystal Release Technique. ''I will offer this-''

''Hahahaha, offer me what? Redemption? I will kill you little girl and take your heart. After all, I love taking hearts of little girls.'' The man grinned as his black short hair almost blocked his eyes, when he leaned a bit forward. Kiyomi felt a cold shiver. A brief one. Not fazed by it, she sighed as she nodded. ''Mister Usagi, I'll handle it from here. This is below our league to attack together.'' This caused the man to look confused before laughing out loud, pointing at her and calling her names. The rabbit summoning nodded as he waved her goodbye. ''Don't forget, we need to bring him back to the Hokage. Don't over do it, Kiyomi-sama!''

Nodding back, Kiyomi's left hand went to her neck. Picking the black cloth, she stretched it and made it cover the lower part of her face. ''By the orders of the Yondaime Hokage, you will be arrested and drag-''

''I'll take your heart! And if you have any sisters, theirs as well! Hahahahahha!'' The man's words made Kiyomi feel disgusted. She could feel him raising some Killing Intent, trying to scare her. It was rather pitiful. Really pitiful. Even Aimi could do likely already better than this! As she had chosen to not bring Samehada on this mission, seeing it wasn't a B ranked or higher, her right hand went slowly to the white hilt of her katana. The man laughed again. ''Think a sword can pierce my flesh?! I'm on the par of the Kages! No living man can beat me in combat!'' Not reacting on his words, Kiyomi narrowed her eyes. This man was even below using or calling aid from Matatabi. He was also either likely being napping as he would likely be annoyed by the sheer amount of arrogance of this man.

Suddenly the man leaped towards her, raising his right and altered arm up for a strike. He even roared a battle cry. Dropping in a light fighting stance, with her right hand at the hilt of her silver katana, Silver Lighting, Kiyomi waited. The man landed and striked, the sound of wood breaking as he delivered his attack. He laughed as he felt he had made contact. ''Got you now!'' He shouted, joy filling his voice. But suddenly he felt something against the right temple of his head. Flying through the air, the man smacked against another tree before falling towards the ground. Grunting as he looked up, he noticed Kiyomi. Not even her sword drawn. With an ice cold look, she said nothing. ''How did-''

''There are a few who can outmatch my natural speed. You're not one of them. And you never will.'' Kiyomi told him on a cold tone. Her right hand dropped to her side as she scoffed. ''Well? That was all?''

Angered by her attitude and words, the man quickly got on his feet as he snorted. ''Let's see how you will handle this then!'' He shouted, his arms both altering. The skin turned darker and became weird, just like before. At both arms, he formed what seemed to be blades.

What a freak... Hisoka-sama will be maybe pleased if I just. Kiyomi thought before the man suddenly launched himself in the air at high speed. A bit surprised by the sudden speed, Kiyomi leaned backwards as one of the bladed forearms passed her face. She could see herself in the reflection of the edged weapon before making a back flip. Landing on her feet, she noticed he had landed on a branch. His back had something strange. From out of his shirt, appendages were seen that had some smoke. It reminded her of Tsubasa's Steam techniques. ''It will be glorious... You and I will be forever united..'' The man turned around and had a big grin on his face.

With her eyes half open, Kiyomi looked back with a rather disturbed expression. [Forever together? What kind of sick freak is he? Deciding she didn't want to find out what he would mean with that, Kiyomi decided to prepare herself as he turned around and laughed. Some blue visible chakra was seen at his back as he was charging to launch himself towards her again. Weaving handseals at her fast speed, Kiyomi held the last handseal, which was Monkey. An invisible barrier of the Silent Shocking technique was formed around her, in an radius of 5 meter. As the man approached her, readying his arms for another strike, Kiyomi looked with an calm look back. His speed would be too great to be stopped with the technique, but she wasn't planning on to stop him. Something else would.

As he entered the field, his eyes widened before he grunted. The invisible eletric field around Kiyomi was hurting. Struggling to remain in control, Kiyomi saw her chance. As he neared her, she released the handseal and simply jumped over him. Her right hand was first placed at his right shoulder, before she maneuvered over him with an elegant move. Landing on her feet, she heard a hard thud. Slowly looking over her right shoulder, she saw him smashing into the big tree. To think this person was claiming he was strong as a Kage. Just pitiful. Turning around, Kiyomi scoffed as she folded her arms. Hisoka-sama would have finished this jerk without using his Sharingan. Probably Hideki could have done this without his eyes. Kiyomi thought. Though the man seemed to be in pain, he got up to his feet and turned around.

Blood flowed out from a wound of his forehead. The crimson colored liquid ran over his skin, towards his cheeks. Releasing a roar, he charged at Kiyomi. The latter pulled out a kunai as she backed a bit backwards. Dodging and merely deflecting the strikes from the appendages, that were formed into blades. With her reflexes and speed, she had little problem of keeping up with him. But as she was slowly being driven backwards, she noticed that it wouldn't be long or she would fall off the branch. It seemed that the man had noticed this as he laughed, slashing his right arm towards Kiyomi. ''Nonody beats Talon, the mighty con-'' He stopped as he tried to remain in balance. The Kiyomi in front of him had been an after image as she had evaded the last attack and used the Secret Sword : Moon Shadow Technique to fool him.

Standing behind him, she simply kicked him from the branch. ''Really... Pitiful.'' She mumbled as the man fell towards the ground. He made a somersault, managing to land safely on the ground. Looking up, he glared at Kiyomi.

Talon then roared as the skin on his right side of the his face turned darker, to the grey skin of his arms. Not impressed as the Killing Intent rose a bit, Kiyomi still didn't think of him as a threat. Some genins at the Konohagakure Guardians could pose more of a threat than this ignorant bastard. He already showed he had some strength and speed, but he kept assuming he was above her. Likely above anybody else, as she remembered his claim. Talon launched himself again towards her, trying to keep chase her as she dashed away. Leaping from branch to branch, she managed to keep evading his attacks. Though he was now faster than her, as she didn't use any chakra enhancing dash or such, she managed to keep evading him with her agility. After some time, she landed on the ground. Quickly making a roll, she evaded a slash as Talon soared over her. With much less grace, he had skidded on the ground before turning around. The right eye of Talon had gained a yellow iris as the rest was black. ''I will take that heart!'' He yelled as he charged again at her. Feeling rather bored, Kiyomi sighed as she lowered her head. The moment that the right hand of Talon was about to come down, Kiyomi's left hand grabbed the wrist. Talon gasped for air as suddenly a huge wave of Killing Intent came on him, like a big wave of a tsunami.

''I hate to repeat myself, but you keep making me say that word. Pitiful.'' She told him, looking slowly up. Both her eyes were still green colored. Using Matatabi's chakra would be a pure disgrace for the Tailed Beast, in Kiyomi's opinion. Black lines were seen spread over the ground. ''H-How?!'' Talon asked in a nervous tone. The man tried to struggle to get himself free, but his body didn't moved an inch. He was restricted by the barrier technique. Kiyomi scoffed. ''I need to say sorry actually. I called you pitiful, but the technique that restricts you is rather pitiful when I compare it to the one that taught me this one. He could do it without needing to touch you. Then again, I already had planted this jutsu on you.'' Kiyomi told him. This confused Talon, but he remembered then. She had evaded an attack, maneuvering over him while patting his shoulder. ''Do you-''

''Well, look at that. The stupid has some brains. Yes, you already lost back then.'' Kiyomi replied with a cold tone.

Though the technique easily could keep him place, as even his senjutsu wouldn't save him. If she would notice he could break free, the Bijuu chakra of Matatabi could empower the barrier. It wasn't nowhere to Hisoka's level as she had to place the technique on somebody and couldn't move away, she could still move her arms. Opening her right hand, lightning started to gather. The menacing sound of the violent force of nature started to grow in sound as it did in power. With a calm and rather cold look, she formed a fist as she didn't removed her gaze from him. ''Wha-''

''You said you wanted my heart? Well, let's see if you can endure this first.~''

With a fast move, the fist slammed against his right cheek. The impact wasn't that great, as she didn't use any enhanced strength that the Nibi's chakra could provide, but due her training and mastery over the Lightning Nature Chakra, the punch was enough to knock him cold. Unable to keep up his head, Kiyomi sighed as the barrier was removed. He fell backwards, not making any more sound. Looking at him with a rather disgusted look, Kiyomi sighed before fixing the bandanna she carried on her head. ''I am happy that nobody was around to see I had to use more than two techniques to take you down. Just....pitiful.''

[Red Fox]

For the Dango´s ... euhm ... to meet Aiko Cho-Hon!

Mamoru got up early this morning - he was supposed to meet his new team after all! Aiko-sama was his Sensei during the time skip as well, so she was not really a new face, but Mamoru looked forward to see her once again. As for the rest of his team, he was in the dark about them, but none the less, he looked forward to meet them. With the events of the Hon Estate long behind them, they were now prepared to grow once again. Mamoru used the time that passed to maximize his growth - he had many pleasant memories from those months. Either it was training with Aiko-sama or solo training, it never ceased to drive him forward and advance even more. The Chuunin exams slowly approached and Mamoru wanted to do his best, to make himself, Aiko-sama and everybody he held dear proud. Thus, he got up from his bed and started to prepare himself. A routine morning exercise followed by other necessary things and in an hour, Mamoru was ready to head out.

The last thing he picked up was his sword. He was always keeping it next to the one thing he was fond of from the Hon Estate siege - the traditional shinobi armor. He was slowly repairing the armor, as it suffered quite a lot of punishment during the fights, but it saved his life on more than one occasion. He touched the neck part of the armor - where he engraved the Senju clan symbol. Placing his sword on its strap on his back and picking up his scarf, he headed towards the dango shop where he was supposed to meet Aiko-sama and the rest of his team. His excitement made his steps much faster than they obviously were and within a few minutes, he was already at the dango shop, and he immediately spotted Aiko-sama. Approaching her, a wide smile appeared on his lips - he was just glad to see her. Sitting down next to her, he greeted his Sensei.

" Aiko-sama! I am so glad you could remain my sensei ... I am super excited for our team to start training and doing missions and meet each other and ... excuse me, I am just ... excited."

[Red Fox]

" They should arrive any minute now, Hirudora ... what do you think. Will the next generation truly replace us faster than we replaced the previous generation?"

Hirudora took some time to reply, cleanly thinking about an answer. Hiroshi always respected the wisdom and thus the opinions of his long time companion, especially in recent times - times of change." That is difficult to say, Hiroshi. The potential of each new generation is increased by the knowledge accumulated by the previous generation, that is passed down. Just as the knowledge has been passed onto you. Hiroshi smiled at the reply and nodded. They were sitting atop the Hokage Monument, a place he picked for the first meeting with his new team. Masami Hyuuga remained in Team Six, so she was the only member he already knew - and fought with. As for her other two teammates, he could only wait to meet them and learn about them." And as knowledge has been passed to me, I will pass my knowledge on. I just ... I am afraid that the next generation will have to pay for the mistakes we made ... for the convictions we betrayed. Can we make it up to them, Hirudora?"

This time, Hirudora took longer to reply." Yes, you can, Hiroshi. All of you ... by moving forward. Learning from your mistakes and keeping your convictions. Just like you had in the last year." In response, Hiroshi bowed down to his companion."I respect your opinion and your wisdom, Hirudora." The tiger bowed in response as well and the duo continued to sit atop the monument in silence. Hiroshi left a note to all members of his team a week ago with instruction to meet him today atop the Hokage Monument for the first meeting of their team. Masami already confirmed her attendance and knowing her, she will arrive the first. So he continued to watch over the village and enjoying the soft breeze atop the Monument as he always did. He waited patiently for his team to arrive, and was already preparing for the first day with them. He brought everything he wanted - a seal containing a large amount of sealed water, four wooden planks and a rather long rope. It looked strange, but Hiroshi hoped to teach his team an important lesson.

[Shadowcatcher]

Haruhi Suzumori~First Member of Kirigakure Team 14~

Haruhi acted first, moving quickly to a space in a tree that overlooked the entrance to the fourth training field. She stayed high on alert in case her sensei was watching her again and waited for whichever unlucky teammate of hers was to come next. "Why does sensei have me ambushing a fellow teammate? I don't really understand what lesson can be learned from this." She thought to herself. Her intentions were clear then. She would follow orders and just scare the hell out of the next person that came...it seemed like a good idea but how would she go about doing it? She could use her long range attack and shock them, or should she get up close and attack from behind while they spoke with their teacher. Either way, she felt stuck in a place she didn't want to be. Sandwiched between her stubbornness of not wanting to follow her sensei's orders and wanting to learn more of what it was really like to be a shinobi.

She stood there in the cover of the trees, having made up her mind on exactly what to do. Right now she wouldn't think of consequences, she wouldn't think of the what if's. She would just do what she needed to, and learn from whatever unfolded because of it. She reached behind her to the pouch that held her whip securely on her person and took it out. She linked the handle's strap around her thin wrist and clutched it tightly, the cool metal feel calmed her as she crouched and waited for her time to reveal herself. She felt herself becoming excited as if she was waiting for some kind of enemy to come out of hiding and leave themselves wide open. She smiled, knowing it was going to fun seeing how her teammate would react. She would have to move fast, well she was really fast, but to ensure she actually did her job, she had to move as fast and as quiet as she could.

[Mr Nim]

Chou Minori

So this was it. Her first official day at a team. Such a waste of time, putting her in a team, Chou thought as she slowly ate her breakfast. She hoped her sensei won't be someone who will try and bind with her constantly, and she also wondered if she can make it clear on the first day she is not looking to have any friends. Finishing her cereal, she cleaned the plate and placed it to dry before grabbing her two scrolls, making sure each of them is properly filled with the right tools, and then headed out while placing the medium scroll hanging from her waist while the smaller one she placed in her pouch.

On her way to the trainingfield, she sighed. Already she had an odd feeling, Everyone in Kirigakure had something off about them, so her sensei most likely had one as well. Trying to figure out what could be the sensei's quirk, she walked on her own, slow pace toward the trainingfield. After about 15 more minutes she arrived at the entrance of the trainingfield she was supposed to meet her sensei and team, and decided to be somewhat more careful. Activating her Kekkei Genkai, she watched her eye sight on her left eye go completely black. She also grabbed a hold of her small scroll from her pouch, hiding it under her bandages on her arm and keeping her arms close to her body. Chou then took the first couple of steps into the trainingfield, scanning the area around her with her Right eye, trying to find anyone inside the training field that might be someone from her team.

[Shadowcatcher]

Haruhi Suzumori ~Training Field 4~

Haruhi watched and waited, hidden in more than one place. Upon hearing the footsteps of someone approaching, she created a shadow clone and sent it to a bush across the field entrance. Now with her waiting in the tree she saw the girl approach. She was really pretty but something seemed weird about her. Haruhi noticed she moved her arm really fast before returning it to its place at her side. Now she was looking around as if someone was watching her, waiting to attack.

She wasent technically wrong.

The clone Haruhi made dashed out of its hiding spot to the left of the girl. The Haruhi clone ran at her full speed, making little to no sound as she sprinted across the field. Haruhi hoped the girl would at least be distracted by her clone and she tightened her grip on her whip and jumped down from her tree. She moved fast, running up behind her and jumping on her back just as her clone slid down and grabbed at her legs like a child grabbing their mother's. She wrapped the whip around the girls neck firmly, but loose enough so she could breathe easily.

"Hello, my name is Haruhi...Wait. I should probably say something more menacing than that." She sighed and waited for the girl to respond, quietly hoping she didnt kill her right then and there. Haruhi, afterall wasent really trying to seem like a threat. Being up close and personal like this, unguarded, well...she was hoping her sensei was close by to help if things got ugly.

[Mr Nim]

Chou Minori

And she was right. After stepping into the entrance of the trainingfield a girl attacked her with a clone, and the clone moved from Chou's blind area, so she was slightly amused at the clone grabbed her legs and she managed to wrap her whip around her neck, not too tight so she could still breath. Bad mistake, one which she should never do with an enemy. Letting out a small sigh as the girl introduced herself, she let the scroll slip from beneath the bandages and then she tossed it from one hand to the other, making a small smoke cloud appear and cover her hands, up to her neck.

Soon enough the whip that was around Chou's neck was wrapped around a Bo staff, and Chou's left eye returned to normal while the clone vanished. She knew it would take a bit before she could use her Kekkei Genkai again, but she didn't care. One member's chakra was gained, and now she would be able to trace Haruhi using her Kekkei Genkai. Very useful trick on her behalf, but before she would allow Haruhi to properly react, she unwrapped the whip from around the Bo staff, used it as leverage to jump up to a fairly high branch on a tree before looking around. Surely someone told her teammate to do what she did, because her teammate, from a first glance, appeared to be nicer than to pull off such a trick.