[IC] On the Verge of War, new leaves spring.

[Kurisa]

Ｈｉｓａｋｉ　Ｍａｔｓｕｏ

ひさき 松尾

~Team 2~
@Tsukai @sassy1085 @Killbox

---

Hisaki waited till his Squad had all caught up with him and sure enough their curiosity had started to get the better of them, as expected...it was their first mission after all. He then began rubbing the back of his head with his right hand as he spoke "Well...it's certainly not a deadly mission that's for sure...depends...there's always a chance of dying on any mission, that's how it is as a Shinobi, so you should always take every mission with seriousness, no matter how silly it sounds. We've even had missions in the past which we were just assisting a family with doing their shopping...seems simple enough right? Well that was until we were ambushed by Shinobi from another village. Turns out the family was involved with some form of controversy in the country they were from and were being pursued by that country's Shinobi on orders to kill them. My point being...even if the missions sounds simple, it may not always be like that...Some people try make missions sound easier than they are in order to either save money or because they don't have the money to pay the costs for higher rank Shinobi."

Despite all that he said, He did feel somewhat bad it wasn't going to be something more exciting for them but there was nothing he could do about it, they needed this kind of mission at the start "This time the mission is...well...general farm work...pretty much whatever they ask you to do, so I hope you all have strong stomachs." Hisaki watched as Jōichirō got closer to Tsukai, however turned his back to the team and spoke "Well then...let's move...oh and Tsukai...watch out for Jōichirō, Seems we have a prankster on the team..." Hisaki then turned his head to the right to look over his shoulder, a serious look on his face as he then spoke with a serious tone "Seems that maybe Jōichirō die first...You're a Shinobi for real now, start acting like it...unless you want me to send you back to the Academy to learn again what it means to be a Shinobi..."

Hisaki knew how dangerous the world was out there, he wouldn't have morons endangering all their lives simply because they have petty issues with one another and he had no care for the Shinobi in questions heritage, he'd treat them all the same. He then looked forward and spoke in a slightly more upbeat tone this time "Well then let's move out!" Hisaki then began to move out to their destination.

---

[Saltwater Thief]

Shimura Kanzaki

---

@FourthKing@KillBox@Kurisa@AbigailTenshi

---

Kanzaki graciously accepted the cup of water from Kuroda and began to drink it. It took three total drinks, out of a habit from her sword training that she'd developed at some point, and then the cup was empty. Shikkaru seemed pleasant enough, thank goodness, but she would soon be discovering how well they worked together; their first mission was short at hand. And Kuroda was telling her to keep her sword at the ready.

"Cleaned, sharpened, and oiled every morning, Sensei," she replied as she started following him out the door. Standing there was another genin with pink hair, Yarin from what Kuroda said, and the Hokage quickly brought her into the group for the mission at hand. Well, better to introduce herself, she thought as she started walking beside the other girl.

"Hello, Yarin-chan, was it? I'm Kanzaki. Pleasure to meet you."

[Kurisa]

Ｋｅｉｚｏ　Ａｒａｔａ
敬三 あらた

@Killbox @FourthKing @Saltwater Thief @AbigailTenshi

---

Keizo listened to everything going on around him, it was a bit hard not to in such a small office, however his attention was caught when the Hokage mentioned his name, telling him that when they got back that they'd have a talk. Great...something he really needed. He could only guess it'd be about how he acts and that he'd need to come out of his shell and work with his new team. Keizo knew that the others probably would view him as a loner...that's exactly what he wanted but he knew at this stage he'd end up on a team and that the time would come when he'd have to actually work with people...at no point did he intend not to work with them, but he wouldn't have to like them...just work with them, that was all.

Keizo watched as the room got emptier as everyone started to leave, Keizo was pretty much the last one out the room and well they got as far as that...they had all stopped in the waiting room for a moment as the Hokage added one other to the team. He didn't bother to look at them and try dissect who they are and what they may be like, like most probably would. It was just another person...it was unfortunate that he now had even more people to work with...after all...Keizo didn't like crowds, crowds that probably noticed him.

[Tsukai]

Tsukai Uchiha

@KillBox@sassy1085@Kurisa

---

---

Once out on the roof he waited as each other young shinobi had all voiced themselves to their new sensei, He listened intently eyes keen on each person as they talked. He liked the way Matsuo made every mission sound deadly and serious. He liked serious. Tsukai was pleased with his first mission, Farm work was very physically intensive and he needed all the physical training he could get, maybe it would help him grow? As Matsuo came to a close he tagged on, talking directly to Tsukai, warning him of Joichiro's ill intentions.

Taking a glare at Joichiro, "What are you scared of? Focus on the mission. There isn't a competition between the two of us. We only compete the other teams."

It felt kind of wrong double chastising Joichiro because Matsuo defiantly handled it, But he wanted to make sure Joichiro knew he was serious and focused on being the best squad in the village. Matsuo started moving out and Tsukai followed suit, leaving the words said behind and giving Joichiro the benefit of the doubt.

[AbigailTenshi]

Yarin Hayashi
^林ヤリン

@Killbox@FourthKing@Saltwater Thief@Kurisa

---

During time's inevitable passing, the nerves which has gotten Yarin into this predicament in the first place slowly began edging their way back into her core; causing her excitement to waver slightly. 'Deep breaths' she thought while committing said action, trying not to bog herself down with thoughts of regret for not arriving sooner.

She bit her bottom lip slightly while twirling a stray strand of hair around her left index finger before the sound of a turning doorknob forced her attention back into the room. Her smile found a way back across her lips, growing as the first face she saw in the doorway was that of the Hokage's. He chimed her name which prompted Yarin to give a short bow in respect as she listened. "My deepest apologies Hokage-sama... I had overslept due to being unable to get to sleep last night because I was too excited" Yarin's smile became sheepish as she ended her sentence with a chuckle while rubbing the back of her head. She felt may as well be honest about her mistake, despite it being a rather silly one to make.

Her eyes then refocused as the Hokage expressed that he wanted her to join him and the small group of Genin travelling behind. Before she was given the chance to see who she'd be accompanying, the Hokage presented a headband with such flare Yarin couldn't help but mentally acknowledge. She was gifted with her very first shinobi forehead protector engraved with a symbol of the village. "Thank you so much! And yes sir!" Accepting, she took a moment to trace a few delicate fingers over the engraving while the remaining Genin left the Hokage's office.

'This is so awesome!' With a toothy grin, Yarin immediately wrapped the headband around her forehead and tied it tightly, pulling her hair over the headband while sliding the band a little to the left in order to show off the symbol. It probably wasn't practical but that's how she wanted to wear it for the time being.

Walking alongside the group, Yarin's ear twitched at the sound of her name; to which she turned her head to the source. "Yes I'm Yarin, it's a pleasure to meet you too Kanzaki-chan" Yarin smiled sweetly at Kanzaki, quite happy that someone had decided to introduce themself to her so soon. Hopefully once they reach the mission destination, she'll have a chance to learn the name of the other two along for the ride. Yarin took a quick moment to gloss her eyes over the figure in front of her before taking a quick glance behind her, pulling her eyes back to Kanzaki afterwards. "I hope I didn't miss anything too important" she spoke, again her smile becoming sheepish.

[Infinite Cosmos]

Kuroda Tesshin

---

Let me just have some tea while they do this...

@Kurisa@Saltwater Thief@AbigailTenshi@FourthKing

---

"Ah, well, Shikkaru-Kun, thats a family secret my even my own son does not know." He let out a small chuckle. "If you stick around long enough you might just find out" He said in response to Shikkaru's question about the tea. He grows and cultivates his own tea, in fact, and mixes it with certain herb for their desirable tastes and effects. In fact, when he is not on a mission, he spends most of his time making tea and different herbal combinations.

"Thats good Kanzaki-Chan. If you ever have questions about proper sword maintenance, come and see me. You know, the katana was my favorite weapon when I used to use them." He let out another small chuckle. "I can see that you take pride and care in your sword, and I'm sure your master is proud."
"Keizo-Kun, keep up now. These guys are going to be your teammates for life now. The bond you create now will stay with you forever, or until one of you die that is." He smiled, a genuine but slightly sinister smile. "So, please stay with your group and work together during this trai- Uh- I mean mission. A very important mission indeed."

Still moving at a brisk pace, he has led his team out to the courtyard now. The valley and its surrounding area is in full view of himself and the team. The Hokage Rock, specifically, stood out as a testament of power and will of the village.

"Ah Yarin-Chan, you can relax. I can tell you're nervous. I'm not as malicious as I seem." He said in a goofy tone. "Even though you were late, and it seems to me you took time to take care of your Sakura colored hair, there would be no punishment this time. Though, your score on the mission may be docked depending on your performance." He said in a soft tone. In truth, he had no desire to reprimand the girl Though he still wanted her to know that regardless of the circumstances, when a mission is about to start, time is of the essence and being on time is as important as life or death.

"Now, as we are outside, we can start the mission..."

Taking out a kunai that had a customer hand wrap, he motioned for the group to take a few steps away from him. "Now, give me some space... Alright, lets see here..." He looked around, imbuing the kunai with a bit of lightning chakra as he did. "Ok, got it." He saw the location he wanted, reared back and throw the kunai as hard and as far as he could. With his strength and the lightning chakra, the kunai took off flying, easily several hundreds of meters and drilled into a tall cliff side. The cliff side he picked was most likely the steepest one in the whole village. Physically scaling it would be quite impossible. Combined with the height of where the kunai had landed, circling around and reaching it from the top would be unwise as well.

"Now, your mission is to get me my kunai back. Matter of fact, the one to pull it out of the cliff can keep it. Work together, stay together, and come back together. There will be surprises for you along the way, so be ready. Now go. We haven't got all day." The ending of the sentence was said in the most serious tone he had shown since the kids have met him. He pulled out his flask, took a sip and waited for the kids to be off.

[sassy1085]

Mai Hyuuga

@Kurisa@Tsukai@KillBox

---

When Jōichirō finally made it to the roof, Matsuo finally announce today mission and that mission is....to do general farm work. Despite how serious Matsuo, farming is nothing to be serious about but nothingless, I guess it can help with our physical training we need but I think that is going be difficult cause not only we need to look out for deadly enemies but I have keep Jōichirō being a jerk to Tsukai.

After Matsuo began to move out to our destination, Tsukai chastising Joichiro and follow Matsuo soon after, leaving me with Joichiro once again, I feel like this is going to be a running gag. I look at Joichiro "I have no saying to this but Matuso Sensei is right you know, since we are technically Shinobi now we need to act like adults or whatever..." I say to Jōichirō, hopeing to start a friendly small conversation "...And who knows, we'll probably get some cool prizes after this mission, like money or candy. I bet it's candy, do you think it candy? I think you it's candy cause...uh...you know a lot of things cause you...are uh..the Hokage son..." After saying that there was a awkward silence between us. ".....Ok, I think we better catch up to the others" I say to Jōichirō and headed out to our destination.

[Infinite Cosmos]

Kuroda Jōichirō ( 黒田 城一郎 )

---

UGHHH fine.....

@Kurisa@Tsukai@sassy1085

---

Jōichirō rolled his eyes. It was clear that Matsuo was trying really hard to scare them. Seriously. They are fresh out of the academy. If they were at war and were sent into battle, they would likely be the first to die anyways. Why not have some fun while they can? In fact, with his father in his seat as the Hokage, he can't imagine too much harm or threat would dare enter the village...

In any case, Jōichirō was ready to let it go and revert his focus back onto the mission when Tsukai had to basically challenge him. Or at least thats what it sounded like. "I-..." Jōichirō started to speak, thinking up rebukes for Tsukai. "Nevermind." He said, deeming it not worth his time to even offer his rebuttal. Tsukai isn't exactly wrong. There isn't a competition between the two of them. Yet. But, there isn't a need for a competition with the other team anyways. They were all in the same village. In a wartime scenario, they would be fighting under the same banner, and hopefully for the same cause...

"We don't have to act like adults. We can act like ourselves. As long as the mission gets completed, everyone goes home happy..." He said to Mai. "And to be fair, I doubt there would be any major rewards for a mission like this. Probably just a meal the farmer would treat us to is all, unless Matsuo-San wants to sweeten the deal at all later..."

His face twitched slightly. Mai mentioned that he should know these things since he was the son of the Hokage. "Just because he is my father, does not mean he tells me everything... In fact, when he gets home from work, we don't even really talk..." He said, in a spiteful tone. "Whatever, lets just get this stupid farm work over with..."

---

---

Elsewhere still.

Tap Tap Tap. TapTapTap. Tap Tap Tap

[FourthKing]

Shikkaru Nara

---

---

Shikkaru took another sip of Tesshin-sensei's special blend of tea, savoring it. He feigned frustration when the Hokage revealed the tea was a product of some secret recipe that even his own son didn't know. SHikka made a promise to himself that some day he would figure out what the hell was in that tea!

"I'm holding you to that, Tesshin-sensei, this tea is too good for me to not know how to make it."

Trailing off, he looked over his shoulder as Kanzaki introduced herself to Yarin. Now that he thought about it, though Yarin was in his class at the academy, he had failed to talk to her. It was so odd realizing that he had seen so many kids but had actually gotten to know less of them than he thought. Shikkaru slowed his pace and fell in line with Yarin and Kanzaki.

"Speaking of introductions, we haven't really talked much either, Yarin. I'm Shikkaru, I'm looking forward to working with ya. Let's do our best today, eh?" He gave her his trademark grin before drinking more tea. As he was clipping his canteen back onto his belt the group left the building and entered the courtyard. Shikka paused, resting his hands on his hips and took a deep breath. For some reason, the view of Kohona never got old for him. It was always refreshing to look out and see what he was trying to protect. All of these people, going about their lives, they were who he was trying to protect. He loved his village, and for the first time in his life, he felt as if he was taking significant steps towards giving back to his community. Granted, he was doing it in an extreme way, one that could likely lead to his death, but hey, he was a shinobi, that's just part of the job description.

Shikkaru turned his focus back to the Hokage when he announced that it was time to start their mission. Shikka looked around, wondering what laid in store for the newly assembled group of genin. As he took a few steps back to give Tesshin-sensei some space he observed cautiously. What the hell did he have in store for them? Shikkaru soon found out what the Hokage's plan was when he pulled out a kunai and imbued his chakra into it. He watched curiously as the kunai crackled with electricity. His mouth fell open slightly as he watched his teacher wind up and fire off the kunai across the whole damn village. If Shikkaru didn't have great eyesight, he probably wouldn't have been able to guess that the kunai was lodged in the tallest cliffside in the village. He wondered what the point of that was, was Tesshin-sensei just showing off or what?

Shikka soon found out that their mission was this, retrieve the kunai together, and return as a group. He would have assumed that something like this would be too easy but he wasn't naive enough to not realize that there was probably a catch. Shikkaru perked up at the mention of "surprises," and filed that away for later, he'd have to stay alert.

Shikkaru shook himself off and bounced on the balls of his feet lightly, people that knew him well would know that he always did that when he was anticipating something. He looked around at the three other genin, "You guys ready? Let's get this done!" And with that, he broke out in a light jog, slow enough for the others to catch up easily. When they did, he would pick up the pace, careful to not outpace any of them too much. He took Tesshin's words seriously, they should definitely all stick together.

[Kurisa]

Ｈｉｓａｋｉ　Ｍａｔｓｕｏ

ひさき 松尾

~Team 2~
@Tsukai @sassy1085 @Killbox

---

Hisaki made his way along with his group towards the farm in mind, it was just a little outside the village, so thankfully not all that far. After a short journey the group would arrive at the farm where they'd be greeted by a man who appeared to be in his mid seventies "Ah! are you the group I requested to help around the farm?" Hisaki looked at the old man and gave him a smile as he nodded "We are indeed! So what can we help you with today?" The man looked at the group then pointed over towards some sheep who were running a little loose "I need these sheep herding into their shed. Our dogs currently ill at the moment and I'm far too old to be running around after sheep"

Hisaki nodded then turned to his team and spoke "Well..you guys best get to it...oh and don't lose any of the sheep, otherwise it'll be 5 laps around the village...for each sheep lost" Hisaki then smiled at his team, he hoped this would perhaps motivate them to not only be careful but actually work as a team in order to herd the sheep

---

[Saltwater Thief]

Shimura Kanzaki

---

@FourthKing@KillBox@Kurisa@AbigailTenshi

---

Yarin seemed like a nice girl, if a little shy. That was nice. Pity she would only be with them for this mission, but perhaps they'd meet again as journeymen shinobi. It was something to work toward if nothing else, Kanzaki decided as she returned Yarin's smile. Once they were outside, the shape and scope of this mission became clear- a test, it seemed. Well, this was nothing new to Kanzaki, her sword teacher liked to give her one of these every couple of years. In this case it was a matter of retrieving a kunai deeply embedded in the tallest cliff in the village. Judging by his words and the extremely recent formation of their team, this would be a test of cohesion and how well they could work together immediately to solve an issue.

Shikkaru was already heading off, keeping himself to a low pace so they could catch up shortly. Kanzaki could handle him taking the lead, she decided. Rather than follow immediately behind down the street, however, she quickly hopped up a stack of crates in a nearby alley and began running along the rooftops, keeping her eyes open for any signs of tricks or traps ahead. She offered Shikkaru a nod once she caught up with him, then turned her attention back to watching her own footing.

[Tsukai]

Tsukai Uchiha

@sassy1085@KillBox@Kurisa

---

---

Herding sheep? Tsukai wasn't exactly psyched but it was better than just about anything else he could have imagined farm work being.

"Alright, well a mission is still a mission, and I don't plan on putting a scuff on my record just yet."

Tsukai took a hesitation glance at Matsuo, thinking he might give them some more direction or instruction as to how this will be done but nothing came. His body wanted to move but he knew he shouldn't run off without thinking or collaborating with the others, immediately he started forming a plan. Looking back to the herd, which was quite a ways away and spread out in a field Tsukai started attacking the mission plan from every angle he could think of. After a moment of quick analysis of team and situation he devised something that ought to work. Mai, he thought, could use her byakugan and find any far out stragglers and pull them into the main group. While Joichiro and himself could get the mass of sheep more concentrated and start moving them in the right direction. Joichiro, being the biggest would be put at the back of the herd and would get them all moving towards the shed while Tsukai managed the formation and kept any sheep from breaking off, finally Mai would collect the spares and join up with the main group assisting Tsukai and his task.

The plan sounded smooth in his head, it took him longer than he would have liked to strategize, but the team was waiting and he didn't want to waste any more time since no one else had said anything yet. Tsukai called Joichiro and Mai over and hashed out his plan.

-
-

"So, What do you think?"

[sassy1085]

Mai Hyuuga

@Kurisa@Tsukai@KillBox

---

When the farmer say that he need his sheep herding into their shed, I roll my eyes a little bit but I guess this the first mission that our team is going to get. After Matsuo tell us good luck without any direction or instruction, Tsukai came up with a plan, Since when he be came team leader? I thought but I listen to his plan anyway and my part of his plan is to use my byakugan and find any far out stranglers and pull them into the main group and finally collect the spares and join up with the main group assisting Tsukai and Joichiro.

After Tsukai was done strategize his plan, I have no idea what stranglers means but I guess it means people strangling sheep. "Nope, your plan is just fine, Tsukai." I say to him with a smirk "You boys start rounding up some sheep, while I find some sheep stranglers." I say as I activate my byakugan and find any stranglers.

[Kurisa]

Ｋｅｉｚｏ　Ａｒａｔａ
敬三 あらた

@Killbox @FourthKing @Saltwater Thief @AbigailTenshi

---

Keizo just followed behind the group as usual, trying to keep himself to himself and not really get too involved with everyone. However his attention was caught when the Hokage mentioned his name and told him that he needed to keep up with his teammates, Something he already knew but still. As they continued walking they found themselves in the courtyard, Keizo took a quick look around as the Hokage spoke, really only paying attention when the Hokage mentioned the mission starting which caught his attention again. Before he knew it the Hokage launched a Kunai flying into a mountain...So..the mission was basically fetch.

Although the Hokage did mention that there would be surprises along the way, so this wasn't going to be as straight forward as it seem. Keizo watched as Shikkaru and Kanzaki took off, Shikkaru seemingly taking the lead which was fine for him as it meant Keizo didn't have to get forced into that role. He then closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh, it wasn't the most interesting sounding of missions but it was a mission regardless, with that Keizo's eyes shot open, a more serious look in his eyes this time as he took off running, catching up to Shikkaru due to his more relaxed pace.

He then looked up to the rooftops to see Kanzaki seemingly scouting out for things...now this just made Keizo think about what his role in all this would be...perhaps it was to cover the rear of the group? After all...Keizo maybe did look the youngest or maybe even weakest so he may get targeted first if that was in the plan of surprises...this however would probably work more in his favour than anything. Still though, maybe this mission would help him figure out how he could work with these people, he had no choice in the matter but to work with them.

---

MY GOD! I FORGOT TO POST! MY BAD! I had a busy few days but can't believe I forgot to god damn post! Sorry!

[Infinite Cosmos]

Kuroda Jōichirō ( 黒田 城一郎 )

---

Sheep? Really?

@Kurisa@Tsukai@sassy1085

---

Jōichirō stayed quiet, listening to Tsukai's plan. It wasn't a bad plan. In terms of sight, it was obvious that Mai would have the best because of her Byakugan. Him rounding off the rear and Tsukai keeping the formation sounded right as well. "Might as well get to it then, the plan sounds fine to me..." he said, albeit somewhat reluctantly.

Jōichirō jumped to a nearby high point, trying to spot the biggest herd that was already gathered. "Alright, I'll start there, I'll drive them towards you, Tsukai. Keep them in line. Mai, I know you're supposed to pick out stragglers, but don't get too far from us, I feel like there might be some unforeseen events waiting for us..." he said as he jumped off the vantage point and moved swiftly but quietly towards the gathering of sheep to start rounding them into a tighter group and direct them back towards the main herd.