Lesli

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Yumi Hasewaga
Member of the Ghost ANBU.

A revelation,
The tests are done.

She shot up straight and looked with an almost panick look around. Yumi narrowed her eyes as she noticed she was in a sort of cell. No windows and dark grey walls. Only a door that stood out and the only possible way out of the somewhat claustrophobic room. Looking down, she noticed that she was dressed in a more or less ANBU formal clothing. She missed the tools and armor, but that wouldn't matter now. Raising her hands, she stared at them as she flexed them. How long had she been asleep or knocked out cold? And what did she remember? That question caused a cold shiver down her spine as she closed her eyes.

She had a younger sibling. The conversation with Meisa about what the Hokage had planned and actually, everything. But she grew anxious as what would one remember of what would be erased? Her hands moved slowly to the side of her head as she started to wonder about that. The thought was maddening as she couldn't think of an answer. What was erased and why? For what purpose and how did they decided what would need to erased and what not?

''I see you're awake. Good.''

The voice was sudden. Mentally cursing herself as her head glanced in the direction of the shadows, Yumi could barely see a silhouette. Though the soft friendly voice was one she could remember. ''What happened?'' Yumi asked, feeling quite scared. It was one of the rare moments where she was really scared. Where she didn't consider to fight for her life or even doing something remotely close as trying to fend for herself or give her life some meaning in the last moments.

''Nothing. Nothing with you at least.'' The voice said. The woman stayed in the shadows, clearly leaning against the wall. Though Yumi wasn't sure about it, her breathing became more relaxed. Nothing had happened with her? Wait, that meant one thing then. ''Did Kiyomi choose somebody else then?'' Yumi asked, in a rather careful manner.

The woman in the shadows giggled as well shaking her head, which was hard to see for Yumi. ''No, dear. The girl wasn't able to choose between you three. She believes now that your memory is partly wiped clean and Ryo's memory will be left intact.'' The answer caused Yumi to grow even more nervous. She was glad that she was spared from the somewhat cruel fate, but did that now mean that Ryo's memory would be wiped clean?

But the woman already seemed to suspect what Yumi thought. ''Ryo will also be left intact and nothing will change to him. Katsuko has been disposed off.'' The voice was a bit less friendly when she informed Yumi about Katsuko's fate. Personally, Yumi didn't care about him. He wasn't a person that was even close to her. So she wouldn't care about him on a personal level, yet she was a bit wondering why they had disposed of him. ''Must have been a rough decision to dispose of him then?''

It stayed silent for several moments and the woman sighed. ''Not at all. We had your memories and files checked. You and Ryo were fine. Katsuko however kept arguing and showing potential problems. As elite of the ANBU, the Hokage can't put trust in people who might revolt in the future. Something that several psychologist said after they individually scanned his file and his behavior and other information.''

For some reason that calmed Yumi down. She had never harbored an idea on how to oppose or get out of this tight position. Of course she wasn't sure about her life, but she had nothing else to life for. This was the way how she could keep the nation safe. Her sibling safe, so trying to oppose it would be the opposite of what she wanted. ''So it was all just to see how we would react and such? To test us?'' Yumi decided to ask, growing a bit more confident.

''Exactly. You can tell a lot on base on how a person goes around a day. For example, you prepared work and security for your little brother. Together with that you had no thought about to oppose the order or what so ever made it abundantly clear that you're no threat to the Ghost ANBU.'' The woman spoke again in a soft and friendly tone. A rather soothing in Yumi's opinion. ''Rest out. Soon, you will be sent on missions.''

Yumi nodded. She blinked once with her eyes, but the silhouette of the woman had disappeared. Slowly laying on her back, she stared at the ceiling. Raising her left hand, she stared at it. I'm still alive. And with that thought, Yumi fell asleep.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Rika Suzu

Fifth Mizukage,
Anger and bitterness.

She marched towards the door. Her eyes were mere than slits as she wouldn't care who was on her way. Her ANBU guard managed to keep up with her, but were still holding a healthy and somewhat safe distance from the small woman. It was more the evidently clear that the woman was upset. And those who had heard the scream knew that something grave was amiss. Rika had been calm, polite and quite friendly. Nothing strange as she wanted to give the idea she was the small miss friendly towards the other kages. But those despicable scum had done the unthinkable.

Just a hour ago, Rika had received the news from Kirigakure's condition. On what had transpired. And about the civil unrest. The news didn't stop there, but the ANBU that were set on the order to keep an eye on Mika and Haruhi had reported that the annoying bitch had moved underneath the radar. For almost a complete hour Rika had been in the state of murder. She couldn't almost care for her country, but she wanted to murder the other Kages and then hunt down Mika. Problem was that she was heavily outnumbered and thus outmatched. Though furious and bitter, she knew that it would be pure suicide. Even if she would manage to wound a Kage, then she would be probably be killed by an ANBU or another Kage. Or any other person that would jump in. Calming down, she had given orders. She and her escort would head out of Amegakure, back to Kirigakure. First she would have to secure her home and then figure out which of those despicable bastards of Kages had managed to commit the grave crime of invading Kirigakure and unleashing the Six Tails.Then perhaps returning the favor or worse? Justice would come, one way or another, Rika thought as she gritted her teeth.

Walking out of the building, she looked right and left. Some of the ANBU were needed to gather and rally some people, thus Rika had to wait. Something she normally didn't mind that much, but now? She needed every second to head back and correct things. People had to pay, bleed and suffer for the crimes that were done. While she crossed her arms and tapped with her right foot at the ground, Rika started to go through a list.

It could be the Raikage who had done this. That masked bastard was too shady for her liking. There was no way she could trust somebody who was too afraid to show his face. Perhaps he had send out agents to make the damage happen? But what if it was the Hokage? The Uchiha had acted so far calm and polite. Perhaps a bit too polite? He could well just try to make her think he was polite and not that low as to try to wreck damage at Kirigakure while the chuunin exams were in the Fire Union. She had to admit that the timing was perfect. Without her, nobody would be able to lead Kirigakure. Very clever indeed, she thought. Her eyes looked around. This village was part of the Union, perhaps she should burn it down if the culprit was indeed that Uchiha. That would perhaps be a good gesture that she wasn't to be mocked or be backstabbed in such a low manner.

''We are almost ready to go, Lady Mizukage.'' An ANBU told her, dropping on a knee behind her. ''Good. Make sure that we'll move as fast as possible. I have enough of this damped place.''

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

The formalities between genin,
Hayate and Kaya's match!

Excitement and rush,
Part I.

A collab between Chromehound and Lesli.

Summary :
The begin of the match between Hayate Hyuzu and Kaya Irozaki. A rather unusual start, at least for one of them.

Formalities

Walking through the entrance gates, into the arena, Hayate found himself staring out at a strange looking field. Two small plots of land were separated by a wide... river of sorts, and connected by a large wooden bridge. Approaching the bridge, it appeared like his opponent would enter from the opposite side of the river, meaning they would need to start their fight on the bridge, or on the water... Hayate wasn't overly fond of taking a risk by starting on the river, and so he stepped onto the first wooden planks, wondering what lay ahead...

Kaya had her hands behind her back as she entered the arena. She took a moment to glance around and felt the excitment and rush. This time even more than the previous round. With a growing smile she turned her head until she caught sight of her soon to be opponent. With a calm pace, she approached the bridge. With a quick look at the water, her mood even rose more. Water would be an advantage for her. The bad part was the wooden bridge. Wood was a bad conductor, unless it was damp. But as soon as she placed a foot on the bridge to approach her opponent, Kaya noticed it was lacquered. In short, the wood would not be a reasonable conductive material. ''Haaaai!'' Kaya said in a cheerful manner. She took a moment to take in her opponent and then smiled as she cocked her head to the left. ''You look adorable, what is your name?~''

Somewhat taken aback at his opponent's cheerful nature, Hayate paused, one eyebrow raising slightly. [i]I thought these exams were supposed to be a serious matter...? Oh well...[i] He thought to himself, offering his opponent a polite smile. "My name is Hayate. And yours?" He asked, keeping his tone polite.

''Kaya Irozaki, cutie.'' She winked at him as she then frowned. ''Ha-ya-te.'' She mumbled it very slowly and frowned again. Then a playful smile erupted on her lips as she winked at him again. ''I think I'll stick with cutie. Have any problem with that?'' She asked, in quite a polite fashion. The referee was keeping his distance and Kaya had a good hunch why. The match would begin once both were ready, but in her opinion it was much more fun to 'talk' a bit with this Hayate person.

[i]Cutie?[i] Hayate thought, his eyes widening slightly. These opponents were getting stranger and stranger... Not sure what to say, Hayate reached up and scratched the back of his head, a little nervous. "Uh... I suppose if you must... Though I prefer Hayate..." He mumbled the last part, looking away towards the referee. [i]Save me.[i] He silently begged, hoping the referee would start the match before he got stuck in more awkward conversation that he wouldn't know how to deal with.

When Hayate said he prefered his own name, Kaya moved her arms in front of her chest. Folding them, she pouted. ''That is rather a shame. Why would you ruin my fun? Here I thought we could just develop a nice friendship instead of just seeing each other as enemies. Is that too much asked?'' Kaya asked, lowering her head a bit. Glancing up with her eyes, she battered her eyes, waiting for what Hayate would say.

His eyes pleading with the ref, to no avail, Hayate slowly turned back towards Kaya with a sigh. "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you at all. I just..." Sighing again, Hayate lowered his head to avoid looking at Kaya. "I... guess cutie is fine..."

Lowering her arms, Kaya then clapped as she giggled. ''Excellent! Excellent!'' She then lowered her hands as a smirk returned on her lips. ''So this is the start of something, isn't it? What do you say if we meet up after this match?'' Kaya suggested with a sweet tone as she leaned a bit forward. There was some distance between her and Hayate and it actually irked her. Taking a step towards him, her smirk turned into a playful smile.

Had the match started already, Hayate would have already had a kunai in his hand when Kaya stepped towards him. It felt... strange... But, the referee had yet to start the match, and so Hayate simply stood still. "Uh..." The attitude of Kaya was making Hayate feel slightly uncomfortable, but he didn't understand why. At first he wanted to simply start the match and be done with the talking, but... Kiyomi had told him that he needed more friends, and it seemed like this girl wanted to be friends... Sighing inwardly, Hayate looked up, attempting a polite smile. "I suppose we could, if... if you'd like?"

''I would love it, cutie.~'' Kaya answered him on the same sweet tone as before. For a few moments she simply stared at Hayate, before taking a step back again. ''I suppose we should start then? A shame, I would like to learn more about you, cutie.'' Taking another step back the playful smile stayed on Kaya's face as there was a glint growing in her eyes. She feeling the exictment and rush of the coming battle already. ''But that will have to wait now, won't it?~''

Seeing his opponent step backwards and begin to prepare herself, Hayate breathed a sigh of relief. The talking was over now, he could get back to what he was more familiar with. Had he been a little more comfortable with talking to people, Hayate may have used this time to try and find out more about Kaya's fighting style, and her chakra nature. As it was, however, Hayate was not that good at talking to new people in such a friendly manner.

Settling into a readied stance, Hayate felt a sense of calm come over him. The fight was about to start, and he knew what he needed to do.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

The Reformation of the Fire Union Army.
Introducing a new modern system.

A collab between Lesli and Gerontis.

---

Summary :
Zakito offers Meisa a new system in which will introduce a new and more modern system to the military force of the Fire Union in a whole. Also the introduction of the war academies which will be a mandatory for the specialized jounin, jounin and ANBU personal within the Fire Union. (Unless a test has been passed in which they have proven that they have mastered some fields of leadership and warfare understanding.)

See the thread for it.

Military Reformation

''In this way, the military will be split up in these divisions, which will be split up in these brigades, which form these battalions and so forth.'' Zakito calmly explained as he moved his finger over the paper. It was laid out on how a division was organized and more side information at the given rank. Leaning back in his seat, Zakito folded his hands together as he would await the feedback.

''This looks very good. I must say that I need some time to adjust to this kind of system, but can you explain again what it will improve over the current ranking system?'' Meisa asked. She was content, as she had been ever, with the work of her mentor and Jounin commander. Though she had some questions about the system and how it worked, she had faith that it would be good. However, she wanted to ask some questions to be sure that she understood it completely.

The question made Zakito nod before he started to give her the desired answer. ''The current system is simple and efficient to use. Useful for a peaceful period, but it is a hassle to organize it in divisions when a war erupts. During conflicts it is important that the standing army is being deployed and in action as fast as possible. Even better if it can act before the enemies can.'' Zakito told Meisa. He placed a finger on the paper, pointing at the top. The Major General. ''This position is responsible for a whole division. This means to lead the brigades, which are under the command of the Brigade General. It goes down to that and though it won't be looking much more efficient, it allows our troops to understand what their place is and thus being able to recognize faster what their role and order is. With a more efficient ranking system, we have an easier time to mobilize the troops. Thus being able to react faster than our rivals who rely on the traditional old system.''

The way how Zakito explained it made it look very attractive. Meisa frowned as she stared at the paper. Then she looked back at Zakito. His answer made it quite clear why there was so much thought and depth giving into the ranking, while the traditional system was simple compared to this. ''That sounds reasonable, but what about the people holding the positions? Why wouldn't the Hokage hold the position of major general? And why would the Amekage for example?'' Meisa asked. It could sound like she was pouting over that fact, but she suspected it had to do with that a leader wasn't always to be on the front lines. A leader would make the decisions behind it, leading the people in a place where the leader wouldn't be an easy prey for the violence of war and conflict.

''Any kage of a member state in the Union is in the hierarchy of the Union less important than the Hokage. But with this position, it will be both easier to keep an eye on them if they truly wish to work and for the Union. Next to that it will also give them the feeling that the Union do care about them and their village to place them in such a position, if they qualify. If not, then they are more or less given positions that will make it easy for us to keep them under control as even major generals fall underneath the command the Hokage and those who are chosen as advisers.'' Zakito explained. He wondered briefly if he had done the right thing. This system would be implanted right away and organized silently to be ready right after the exams would be over. He had given some thoughts on who would have each position, next to some research on what would be the best possible idea. After that, he had summoned several experienced jounins in order to make sure that most of the flaws were discussed and taken out.

Meisa smiled as she was glad with the answer. It would thus improve their military as improving their connection, which was growing every day with a bit due the system of the Fire Union, with the vassal states of the Fire Union. With recruits being drafted and drilled within the control of the Konohagakure shinobi and then a system like this would slowly create the Fire Union as one complete unified state. ''Sounds lovely.'' Meisa said. ''I take it that you have also prepared a list then of who will hold the lesser positions and such?''

Zakito nodded again as he would answer her. ''Yes, I have it prepared in a document. I might need to look it over to be sure that everything is correct worked out. Right now the system should be okay to be implanted into the Union's military force.'' Zakito told her. Then after a short pause, he started to speak again. ''I have also thought about the way to improve the leadership of those who are considered leading figures in the military. With a specialized academy, we could instruct specialized jounin, full fledged jounin and also ANBU in how warfare works. It might be better that they are prepared on it than them just to be thrown in the fray.''

Looking a bit surprised, Meisa thought about it. It sounded alright, to educate their shinobi better about warfare and leadership. It wasn't like it would be forever peace. Even if everybody would likely prefer a peaceful period above a bloody conflict one, it was always possible that there would be a spark, which would cause a conflict. ''And would this be for all in the Fire Union?'' Meisa asked.

''Yes.'' Zakito answered. ''With an academy in each country, we will be able to show that we care about the vassal states and want to help to improve their situation. That and they will be trained by our agents, which will thus improve our influence over their forces. With this we will get better educated people in the leading ranks as well a better bond with the other member states in the Union.''

It sounded quite amazing in Meisa's ears and she was pleased. She glanced at the paper and thought about it. She wouldn't need to ask about the costs. Introducing the new system would cost something, but not too much. They also could afford a lot with their growing profit. One that had grown a bit due Hisoka managing to get a discount on the trade import from the Cloud. She could use that money to invest and make the plan of the War Academies happen. ''Thank you, when will you begin?''

Zakito sighed as he slowly rose up from his seat. He made a short bow towards Meisa. ''I'll see it done now with the permission of the Hokage.'' Zakito told her as he would straighten his back. And in return Meisa would return a slight bow with her head back towards Zakito. ''You have the respect as the gratitude of the Hokage, Zakito-sama.''

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

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.

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.

’’Ready? ‘’ 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. ’’Your opponent is Reyna Azuma. ‘’ Aiko told him, glancing sideways at him.

’’Reyna Azuma.‘’ 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. ’’Which village is she part off?‘’ 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.

’’Kumogakure. She was the opponent of another genin I know.’ Aiko replied as she then decided it was time. ’’We should get going.‘’ 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. ’’So, got any plan for today’s match?‘’

Walking next to Aiko, Koike frowned as he looked up for a moment. ’’With no information about my opponent, no not really.‘’ 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.

’’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.‘’ 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. ’’Anything else I should know?’’ 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. ’’Not really. She seems like a decent fighter in my opinion.’’ Aiko told Koike. ’’What did you had in mind?’’

’’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.’’ 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. ’’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.’’ 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. ’’I have to agree with that. Though I am still surprised that it had went that easily.’’ 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. ’’Good luck, Koike.’’ 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.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

The Second Rounds of the Chuunin Exam!
The Semi-Finals!

Around five days later.

A crowd was being gathered. Everybody seemed to be curious on what would announced. There were already several bets going on, about who would make it through the semi finals. But then it became quiet as the announcer from the previous time cleared his throat. Everybody's attention was settled on the man who pulled out a small scroll and rolled it out.

''Good day everybody.'' The announcer began. ''Today we have gathered to witness the second round of this chuunin exam. Before we start, we wish every participant that is on board all the luck.'' The man continued on with the formalities, which annoyed and bored many a person. But eventually he came to the part where everybody was looking forward to. The part where it would be revealed what everybody wanted to know.

''On Field One, the match between Koike Hon and Reyna Azuma.
At Field Two, the match will be between Shikaroku Nara and Masami Hyuuga.
Field Three will house the match between Hayate Hyuzu against Kaya Irozaki.

After the announcement, the crowd started to gain some volume. The bets were starting again as it was known now who was fighting who. The arena's would again differ per field as Field One was composed of a lush grass field with several boulders spread over the field. While at Field Two the field was composed out of what seemed to be a simple village, much like the previous match between Hayate Hyuzu and Shiya Guujin. Only the buildings were now more built from wood.

The Third Field would be a field where a river would split it in half. There would be one wooden bridge where the opponents would start from and then from there would have to fight their match. Right now the crowd was heading on their way to see how the fights would go. Who would eventually make it through this second round of the Chuunin Exam.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Kimi Iomaski
Kirigakure ANBU and spymaster.

Counter-attack.

Pressing her back against the wall, Kimi had a good view on the beast. Not that it was something hard as it was quite visible, due its huge size. For a moment, Kimi thought about her plan. She had managed to group several ANBU and they would launch their counter attack soon. The problem was that they were kind of divided. The leadership of their current Mizukage showed that they were unprepared for any assault. Kimi had some thoughts about it, growing not angry on the beast. But on the current Lady Mizukage. She had seen the anger and disappointment in the eyes of the ANBU that had gathered with her.

But now wasn't the time to waste time and breath about such thoughts. Right now many civilians would be transported to safer grounds while more would be rallied in defense. The first counter attack would be with just a few ANBU groups and now, while she was this close to the rampaging beast, Kimi felt insecure. The beast was so powerful, what could a few groups of ANBU possibly do against it?

Clenching her hands into fists, she narrowed her eyes and tried to regulate her breathing. Giving into such weak thoughts would lead to weak actions! And that would all lead to her death. An explosion was heard, followed by others. Kimi peeked around the corner as smoke was raised and the beast was being attacked from a distance. Grabbing three kunai, with explosive tags attached to them, she took a moment to gather her courage. Here goes nothing.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Saki Yamanaka

On a break.

Saki thought about it. Both her team members had lost their match. What were they going to do now? Stick around the exams and just watch other matches? Saki had just some lunch and she was pondering on visiting one of her team members, but she liked the peace she was having now. Nobody that wanted her to do something or talk about anything she wouldn't like. It gave her time to think about the future. Not that she had anything big planned. No, but the future also meant training with her current team, Frankly, she was feeling a bit bad for the thoughts but she wasn't expecting much.

One of the team members had been too reckless and lost a match that had went very easy for his opponent. She had thought that the Hyuuga were a formidable kind of foe, but from the last match she had just seen one getting whipped without much of a sweat. Why had Kensuke allowed his student to fight while they weren't ready? Perhaps it was a lesson, but then Saki couldn't personally agree with it. Walking down the street, trying to not get too soaked by the rain, she thought about it. What would she have done?

That was a silly question, she thought to herself. She wouldn't allow her students to participate until they were fully ready for it. The exams weren't a place to learn something if one wasn't ready for it. That made her think to her chuunin match. Was she then ready for it? Her guts kept telling she wasn't ready. But somehow she had made it, even though her legs were trembling that bad that it was a miracle that she could still keep walking. Deciding that the thoughts were a bit heavy, Saki's right hand went to her pouch. Grabbing her wallet, she checked the content. Coming to a halt, she quickly counted the money she had on person. It wasn't that much, like if she had won the lottery or something, but it was good enough for now. Now she knew what she was going to do. Something that already made her smile.

She was going to shop as nobody needed her for now.
Time for more Saki alone time!

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Gamer geek said
Gero I'd honestly let Cuco stay in the RP (if my opinion mattered)I can understand not wanting to post something in the OOC that just says something like "I'm still here" or "I'll post whenever the people Im waiting on have" cause (at least to me) it sounds a little spammy. Additionally if you want an "easy solution" in the IC then the easiest would probably be letting Cuco stay. I'm not the most active either (which I fully admit) which may honestly match Cuco's active style as well. Personally it doesn't make me feel as bad taking longer to post if most (at least in my team) have the same mentality. Do as you will I guess but it seems like you let me slide with it so it seems only fair to give Cuco a chance. (Although I don't know about the duration of AFK so I can't speak for that)Anyway, to lighten the mood...HERES A SMILEY!

I for one can understand you. But as GM and hearing that she has been warned before, I also say no. We are currently looking at it in the GM chat, but I do have to say that it would be highly unfair for some other people who have been in the same kind of situation and were even kicked without being asked for the GM's opinion. Though what may seem fair to you Gamer, it isn't for others and staying fair and overal neutral is what a GM must be.

At any rate, I actually hope that everybody is doing well with their essays, tests and work. :)
Am so curious for the second round of the Chuunin exam.

Oh before I forget. Alternathan, you kind of never posted in the collab I remember. That and we can't post past training collabs when your genin is participating in the Exam. Therefore, we can't continue it. Perhaps we could write a future collab, but that is if you wish to prepare one. I am all game for it.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Aiko Cho-Hon,
Konohagakure Jounin sensei of Team 8,

Taking a rest.

Aiko looked nervous. Her hands were clam as she locked the door. Taking a step back, she looked still with a nervous look at the door. Testing it out, she closed her eyes. It was locked. The door was locked. The windows were locked. Slowly, Aiko turned around. Both Kei and Akimoto were on the second bed in the room. Together they had fallen asleep. Probably tired out by the events of the day. Glad that the two were asleep, Aiko realized she could take a rest as well. Koike had passed his match and Katsu had managed to gain a draw. Both had done their best and she was still proud of what they had accomplished. Realizing that it wasn't over, Aiko looked at the bed.

It was all empty. All just for her to lay and rest on. To close her eyes and fall asleep. Walking towards the bed, Aiko felt the soft sheets. Not caring that she was laying on the sheets and not underneath them, Aiko closed her eyes. A smile started to grow on the thin lips of the woman, who was about to enjoy her well earned rest. Then her eyes shot open.

Akimoto stood at the edge of the bed. His head was just barely in view as he stared at his mother. A bit confused, she wanted to ask him what was wrong. ''Mommy, I want a story.'' The boy softly asked. Blinking a few times, Aiko wanted to tell him no. That he should get to bed so that she could get her rest. Instead, Aiko sighed and smiled. ''Shh. Come.'' Laying on her side, she watched how Akimoto get on the bed. Beaming, he laid next to his mother as he looked at her, his eyes filled with anticipation of what kind of story he would get to hear from her. ''What about a story of a brave hero?'' Aiko asked on a soft tone. Kei was still asleep and luckily, Akimoto seemed to understand the hint. The question was a bit silly, in the boy's opinion. Who didn't love to hear about the adventures of a brave hero?

Thinking for a moment, Aiko had a story for him. ''Long, long ago. In a land far away, there was a young man. One that had a very big heart and courage, never seen before.'' Aiko started. Though she would bend it a bit, it was actually more a myth from the Cho clan. But it would come in handy to tell Akimoto about it in a version he would certainly love. ''Did he had white hair? And a sword? And.. and .. a twin sister?'' Akimoto asked on a hushed, but eager tone.

The questions made Aiko smile as she gently ruffled a bit through the boy's hair. ''Yes, he had white hair. And even two swords that he could wield like one never had seen before. And though he hailed from a loving and caring family, the hero had no name.'' This caused Akimoto to open his mouth as his eyes widen. A nameless hero! ''Our nameless hero traveled a long time on his own. Sometimes he would make a friend or two and spend time with them. But forever the road was calling to him, for there were unknown places that he wished to see. Knowledge long lost that he wanted to recover. But most of all, he was seeking for what was very important. Worth more than all the money in the world. More valuable than a whole continent or the riches of the most powerful rulers.''

The boy was totally fixed on the tale that his mother was telling him. He could see himself, on top of a horse. Seeking for what was so important. Already Akimoto was trying to think what it could be. A third sword? A secret that would tell him how to be smarter than Kei. Or perhaps the best name! That would be great for a nameless hero. ''On one day, the hero rode on top of his steed towards a more mountainous region. He had heard of a very wise queen. The rumour was going that she had an answer to every question and though the hero doubted if that was true, he decided to try to see and gain an audience with this queen. The problem was that she only lived in a beautiful castle high up in the mountains. A place hard to reach for those who weren't known with the paths that would lead to her castle or who didn't had wings to fly with.'' Aiko continued. She thought more about the myth and figured she couldn't really change most part of it. Maybe make it less grim than it actually was.

''It took the hero quite some time, but he eventually managed to reach the castle of the queen in the mountains. And he saw that it was a wonderful place. It was built like it was part of the mountain itself. Strong, yet having a certain majestic grace to it. And thus the nameless hero ventured into the castle and..'' Aiko paused. She noticed that Akimoto had fallen asleep. With a smile on his lips as he clenched his hands into fists. Noticing something, Aiko sighed as she nodded. Silently, Kei would pull and climb on the bed on the other side. ''Mommy?''

''Yes, sweety?'' Aiko asked as she would lay on her back. With one arm, she reached towards Akimoto and the other towards Kei. Laying close to her mother, Kei closed her eyes. After a moment she asked her question. ''Mommy, may I and Akimoto go on an adventure one day?'' The question surprised Aiko a bit, but she smiled and had to even held a laugh back.

''As long as you stay together, Kei.''