A Blunt Introduction

[Masami Saito]

Down once more into the labyrinth of his mind. Within it, he saw terrifying visions seemingly designed to dissuade him from carrying out this course of action. Visions of blood, of fire, of violence. Walking to a nearby, calm pool of water, Masami stared at his own face reflected in the pool of water that served as a foil to his own desperation and madness. And upon the reflection that these waves provided, Masami saw reflected in his own face the features of all those he had harmed…of all those he had killed in the past. Hundreds…perhaps thousands of men and women alike lie dormant within his expression, all accusing him of the ultimate sin, as he turned from the pool and sat once more nearby, merely waiting. While all of this raged within that sharp, poised mind of his, his countenance remained completely dull and flat, as though he were bored or, perhaps more accurately, as though he were dead.

Smirking at these thoughts ever so slightly, he had to credit himself with this idea. After all, in a way, Masami did consider himself dead. He died each and every time he took a life, although at the time he did not realize it. Whether the victim were a rival shinobi, a comrade who had gone too far, or the closest person to his own heart, Masami carried the weight of their corpse upon his shoulders. It humbled the man, and perhaps accounted for the slight hunch that forced his once strong and broad shoulders into submission, as his body seemed to keep to itself much like he himself preferred a life of solitude and reflection. He sighed, once more looking to the door through which the future of this village would come. While some may consider the title of Jounin, and of sensei, to be an honor, Masami simply did not see it this way. He forced himself to teach, and forced himself to serve, in the memory of those long passed. Perhaps in this way he could atone for all of those sins…all of those people…though he doubted it.

After all, he had proven to be as much of a failure in regards to being a teacher as he was in regards to being a person. His last group of Genin had met a fate similar to those who currently haunted Masami. Their souls rested within his own spirit, making him restless, while he bore the weight of their death, hopefully one day carrying them into the afterlife. That is, if there even was such a thing as an afterlife. If once looked at all the evidence, it appeared that this may be all there is to any life. Perhaps all men and women simply burn out, and their remains rot long after their memory perishes. Were that the case, Masami had not ushered all of those people to the salvation of the next world, but instead robbed them of what life they had left. Merely pondering the idea sent a shiver down the man’s spine, and he could hardly contain his worry as he clasped his hands together in an attempt to shield them from the cold reality of what his life had been to this point.

The fact of the matter was, if there was an afterlife, Masami himself would be destined to go to hell, or whatever other punishment awaited the sinners of this plateau of existence. He didn’t really mind this fact, however. After all, if one were to look at the situation objectively, they would see that Masami deserved such a fate for all that he’d done. He was not a good man…nor was he a role model for other shinobi. In truth, he should have been barred from teaching young Genin long ago, but the Kazekage seemed to favor him for his skill and the prestige he possessed. All of this honor was won in the name of serving the Hidden Sand Village, and repenting for his own sins. However, those around the village forced upon him some sort of faulty heroism, and painted a valiant picture of his deeds, when he was the furthest thing from a hero, let alone a decent man. Those Genin who came into this expecting to be taught by the incredible “Mirage of the Sand” were going to be sorely disappointed, for he had nothing to show them but the most base survival skills, and the way a shinobi should operate in accordance to standard procedure. He would not allow himself to get close to another group of these children…he had learned all too well from the last experience that this only led him further into the chasm of self-loathing.

So as he sat, awaiting the three that he had been assigned, he looked over their profiles from their time at the academy. Two of them were strong Ninjutsu and Taijutsu users, while the third displayed seemingly equal expertise in all three areas of shinobi combat. This was a rather balanced team, and one that he could teach without any problems. Masami most certainly hoped that the three of them would be open to learning and mastering that which he taught them, for he was not going to slow the progress of all for the sake of one. That was not how Masami operated, and that is why he was known to be the most demanding Jounin master by any who looked at the newly initiated Genin. Still, they could not argue with the results, as Masami’s students were often prime examples of what a shinobi should strive to be, even if they maintained a few of their own faults along the way. Yet Masami still claimed that he had not yet found a group that pleased him enough to recommend for ascension to Chuunin, and thus he had yet to participate in the exams himself. While he held his students to a high standard, he would not show them any mercy, or allow any of them to slip through the cracks. He had been hurt too much by the mistakes of his students in the past, and he would not allow that to happen again.

Turning his body once more to the door, Masami sighed heavily, and allowed his expression to return once more to its neutral state. He would start things off strong here…and he hoped these children were ready for it. For he was going to use all of his sorrow, and all of his guilt to drive himself to teach these children all he knew. And if they failed, they would merely be crushed under the weight of his demands…

[Admin]

What a beautiful day. Shouten had his head up in the clouds, blissfully distant from all of the troubles of the world around him. He was having a very fascinating daydream about himself. In this new world fabricated by Shouten's head, he was a dark vigilante. He did missions on his own time and answered to no Kage. This crusader was having a very interesting fight with a circus performer when Shouten snapped out of his daze.

Normally he would've still been daydreaming, however he had been daydreaming in motion. Usually this was a dangerous activity, but Shouten had had plenty of previous practice. He stopped himself before walking headfirst into the man who stood before him. Judging by the jacket, this man had to be his sensei. Usually students didn't meet their Jounin officially until he or she introduced himself, but Shouten was lucky. His sensei was Masami, the Mirage of the Sand. Shouten wasn't particularly interested in genjutsu in the slightest, but the name sounded cool. Shouten of all people knew how realistic some illusions could be. This man had the potential to be the strongest man on the planet.

The strongest man on the planet. What would such a man look like? Would he have gigantic muscles or perhaps he would have none. Is the Kazekage the strongest man on the planet? Shouten's brain was going through its saved files at rapid speed, but it hadn't realized that Shouten was standing wordlessly in front of his sensei. This was going to be an awkward situation and there was no way of getting out of it at this point.

"Hello sensei, I am Shouten Li, your new student."

Shouten eyed his new surroundings. He wasn't a particularly perceptive boy. A quick sweep told him that neither of his other two team mates were present. Maybe that was for the better. Perhaps since Shouten had showed up first his leader would favor him. This particular show of favor could lead to him teaching Shouten a new jutsu. That new jutsu could be a fire style technique. That fire style technique could be the very jutsu that Shouten would use on that man. That man, what a vague term. Though he was expecting a quick reply, Shouten's mind wandered from his sensei. No matter how he tried to focus, his mind was going to get bored of the current situation. He was spirited away, his thoughts wandering back to his past.

"Shouten, I wrote this note for you in the event I died while out on a mission. Though you didn't gain it properly, the sword of our clan is yours to claim when you see fit. I am trusting you to protect your mother. Good bye."

Shouten's mom was safe, but he hadn't fulfilled the other part of his father's last words to him. That sword lay undisturbed in a quiet room in Shouten's house. He would only take that blade on the day he took the life of the most important man in his life. Shouten shook his head. He was beginning to depress himself. Back to the situation at hand, Shouten decided to stay out of his own head for a while. It wouldn't be the easiest thing, but this meeting would be all for naught if he wasn't paying any attention to it. However, no matter how hard Shouten tried he was a dreamer and would always be.

Shouten began to self analyze his abilities. He was a Ninjutsu, Taijutsu mix. A hopefully perfect blend of mental and physical prowess even if he tended to lean towards ninjutsu. His fire style techniques were unparalleled or at least that's what he would like to believe. His hand to hand talent was also a force to be reckoned with. He would never say he was the best, but he could certainly hold his own. Beyond his hand to hand skills, Shouten was very powerful when wielding a certain blade of his. Shouten's genjutsu was terrible, he couldn't summon, and things like walking on water were still out of his grasp. Aw hell, back in his own head.

"I'm done for the day."

[walkerm]

A brown and yellow figure darted around a corner and sprinted down the hall of the academy, the soles of her boots thudding dully on the hard surface of the earthen floor. The air inside the academy was crisp and cool in contrast to the arid land outside the halls, but even then, that wasn't saying much. She was slightly sweaty where cloth touched her skin, but she barely told head of that as she scanned each and every door, looking for the plaque that proclaimed it was, indeed, the door that guarded the entrance to where her team would meet.

Was meeting, rather. Without her. Not that it was her fault that she'd misread the details of the meeting and spent half an hour waiting for the members of her team to show up. The letters were so tricky; they'd warp here, shift there, and she'd end up reading something completely different than it actually was. All the same, she'd gotten it into her head that the meeting was at one time or another and in a different location. Boy, was it a shocker to look at the notice just to double check and attempt to quell the insecurities that she might have felt and wind up making a mad dash for the prospect of meeting her new team.

It be said, that under each and every circumstance in all creation, Mizuki hated being late. She herself hated to be made to wait, and it was a certain sort of honor that brought her to strive if possible to avoid making others wait. It happened, of course, but she followed the adage whenever she could; treat others as you wish to be treated. She didn't always follow that, naturally, but she sure did try. As of now, it was all she could hope for that she wasn't too terribly late, and that they hadn't just moved on and left her behind. If they did, though, she could hardly blame them. After all, were the tables turned and the positions reversed, she herself would have gone from impatient to pissed off in the space of a few minutes and would have just gone ahead with whatever plans she had in place. Even so, if they were gone, she wasn't going to be very pleased...

224, 226, 228, 220... the numbers kept flying by. Wait, two-two-twenty! Something about that count made her skid to a halt and take a second look. Right, tricky numbers. It was room 230, the room she was supposed to have been in. The door was closed, and as she took the few steps to the great wooden barrier, a sudden twist of apprehension took hold of her, and she was besieged by questions that fed on the small tendrils of doubt within. Were they still there? Had they left her behind. Would they shun her for being so disrespectful?

As the saying went, there was really only one way to find out; she'd have to go in and see for herself.

[Daisuke Hizuhiro]

Daisuke sped down the halls, seemingly ricocheting off of the walls. "Shit, shit, shit..." The doors flew past him like birds yielding an airplane, one after the other. The numbers were a blur to him, he knew which room he had to be in, he'd been there before. Somehow, though, that didn't seem to stop him from taking the corner far too quickly, and finding himself colliding with another genin who he had never met before. The impact knocked the two into the door, sending it flying open, the two landing on the floor of the entrance with a crash, looking up at the other genin in their team, and who he assumed was their sensei. "Uh... hi."

[Masami Saito]

Well, if anything good could be said of the three he had just met, it would be that they at least managed to make it to the meeting. He took time to eye each of them, sizing them up so to speak. He had received information from the academy regarding their skills and their weaknesses, so Masami had an idea of where he was going to go with their first meeting. He sighed slightly, as he took time to examine each of the Genin a tad more thoroughly before he began, paying special attention to their facial features, as those were most telling of a new student’s attitude.

The first boy who had entered, Masami believed he had introduced himself as Shouten Li, had an air of both confidence and negligence about him. The boy’s face displayed his trust in his own skill, and his willingness to learn…yet at the same time, he seemed to lose focus even while doing something so simple as conversing with his soon to be teacher. Focus was an essential part of a shinobi’s life. One false move, one factor not taken into account, one simple error in judgement, and your entire team could be in jeopardy. Masami had made such mistakes in the past, and he didn’t want this child to end up like he was…regretting his very life as a shinobi simply because perhaps if he hadn’t stepped in, the lives he had ruined would be fine. He made a mental note to point out Shouten’s lack of concentration to him, and decided that he would move on to his next student.

Two of the three Genin had come toppling into the room like a bat out of hell, with all the poise and grace of a wild beast. Sighing slightly once more, he ignored this incident and carried on. He was sure the piercing gaze of his eyes might be somewhat intimidating for one who didn’t know him personally…and that was fine. If there was one quality Masami would love to instill into these students, it was fear of their teacher. Children learn best when they believe it is for their own benefit, after all. The only girl in the group should be Mizuki Shiga. Allegedly, she was a very well-rounded and excitable child with a knack for having trouble with her written assignments. While it was Masami’s understanding that females were often the weakest link in a group of Genin, he would most certainly give this girl a chance to learn under him. He wondered why she had toppled in with the last boy for a moment, before deciding that the most likely reason was that she was in his way and momentum forced him to run directly into her. He surmised this simply because Mizuki had been in front of his final student, and therefore would have had to pull the boy into the room to achieve the same effect…which frankly, was not a plausible idea. The girl’s expression, after the surprise of the collision had worn off, seemed to be one of excitement and enthusiasm. While it is always better to be interested in what you would learn, Masami certainly hoped the girl understood what she had gotten herself into. Living the life of a shinobi was not a hobby, not a passing fancy, and not an occupation. One must adapt every facet of their life to suit their needs in regards to their chosen path. Masami therefore made a mental note that he would judge Mizuki’s understanding of the hardships of shinobi life, and continued to his final apprentice.

So here was the boy that had caused the scene just a moment ago. The last of the three was named Daisuke Hizuhiro. While one clumsy mistake did not necessarily worry Masami completely, the man hoped that this would be an isolated incident. Perhaps the boy had been late to the meeting, worried that he would miss out, and been rushing when the accident happened. Nodding his head, he decided that he would run with this theory unless Daisuke proved this to be a further problem. The boy’s expression…well, it was harder to read than the other two. For the most part, Masami sensed the embarrassment the boy felt over what had happened, and his apprehension over what might happen now that he’d stumbled into the room. Saito had to suppress a smirk as he broke eye contact with the boy, who had looked directly back at him, albeit not so unflinchingly as his sensei. All of these children had their quirks, and their own problems to work out…but it wasn’t as if this was a rare occurrence. All children develop their own personality, and with it comes their own set of traits. Masami would have liked to have a student that was already knowledgeable and seemingly simple to train, but things very rarely worked out that way. Besides which, from what he’d gathered, the only true prodigy in this group of Genin was the Kazekage’s boy. Frankly, he had no desire to associate himself or his teachings with the world of politics, and from what he’d heard, the boy was incredibly difficult to get along with.

Ending his quick observation, Masami looked back at each of the Genin before taking a deep breath, drawing air back to his diaphragm to speak. The children were obviously apprehensive…and he wasn’t about to coddle them on their first day. ”As the three of you may well know, my name is Masami Saito. You may know me by the ridiculous nickname they gave me throughout the village. I am here to be your teacher, your mentor, and your role model. Follow what instructions I give you very carefully, because I am here to lead you to success and a bright future.”

Ending the first small chunk of his exposition, Masami weighed their expressions once more. It must be nerve-wracking, the first day. Masami could hardly remember his, but the three of them all had apprehensive looks on, as though his formal tone intimidated them. He supposed they were only children after all, and he had been told his gaze tended to weigh down on whomever it fixated upon, although he didn’t realize it. He decided to possibly lighten the atmosphere by allowing the children themselves to talk for a few moments, before he got started with his first lesson.

”I have been informed of what skills and traits each of you has exemplified during your time at the academy. Not only have I received a small report, but I have also conversed with your instructor about each of you. I believe it would be for the best if the three of you spoke about yourselves. Explain to us your skills, your weaknesses, and anything else you believe might be for the benefit of our team. We’ll start with Shouten, and end with Daisuke.”

[Admin]

Shouten took a few steps away from the pile of ninja that was Daisuke and Mizuki. He looked hard at them, trying to concentrate and analyze their personality. Obviously he didn't have a lot to work with, but a first impression does wonders. In the back of his mind he could hear his sensei rambling. Only bits and pieces were being truly absorbed.

I am here to be your teacher, your mentor, and your role model.

There was no reason not to believe him on the first two points, but the third stuck in Shouten's mind. He wasn't the type of kid to look up to just anyone. Considering his short attention span, it would take somebody extraordinary to make a lasting impression on him. It would take a true master of the arts. Shouten's mind began furiously working on an image for such a ninja. He would have to give off an air of power and yet complete control. Perhaps even a dreamer like Shouten himself.

Explain to us your skills, your weaknesses, and anything else you believe might be for the benefit of our team. We’ll start with Shouten, and end with Daisuke.

It took a few precious moments before Shouten realized he was being addressed. He went over the sentence a few more times to assure himself that he understood what he was being asked to do. A simple introduction that would surely be crucial to future missions and group.

"To reintroduce myself, I am Shouten Li and it's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm fairly balanced in Ninjutsu as well as Taijutsu leaning more towards Ninjutsu. My nature manipulation is fire and I specialize in fire style jutsu. I'm proficient with a sword, but I don't carry one for my own reasons. I guess that was a pointless mention. Granted if we're ever fighting a guy and he drops his sword that'd be useful. What are the chances of that though, right? My weaknesses.....I don't have any! Well, at least the world and this team would be a lot better if I didn't. I guess if I had no weaknesses I'd be the Kazekage, right? My real weaknesses are probably a lack of focus. I have something close to zero talent in Genjutsu. I guess if a guy hits me with some genjutsu I'd be totally boned. That's pretty much it, I guess. Oh! I'm also pretty good at infiltration jobs. Obviously I've never practiced in a real situation, but I like to think I'm good. So.....yeah."

Shouten's mind began racing once more. Had he done an accurate job? Did he forget any important details? Perhaps he had untapped talent and he needed to bring it out. Was that something worth mentioning. No matter how he felt, it was Mizuki's turn.

[walkerm]

Her mode of entrance had not been one that she would have chosen under any given circumstance, and as she lay sprawled on the floor with the weight of another person on her, she felt what could only be described as part raging fury, part horrific mortification, and part excitement. Hastily, she rolled away from the other genin and scrambled back onto her own two feet. Granted, she'd just fallen through the door and onto the floor right in front of her new team leader and teammate, but hey, at least she'd gotten through the door! Still... there was a part of her in the back of her head that was writhing in despair; her brother Minoru had once told her that a person had only one chance to make a first impression on someone, and that that very first impression would stay with that someone and cloud their view of you for the rest of your life. She'd just crashed through the doorway with all the grace of a rock, and she'd already been late to the group meeting, to boot. Her only saving grace in this entire situation was that she'd managed to keep her mouth shut. Hi, indeed.

Immediately, she noticed what could only have been her new sensei, scrutinizing her. Masami Saito. The Mirage of the Desert. A real live legend, right there in front of her. Somehow, though, he wasn't what she expected a hero would look like, and so, even as Saito-senpai scrutinized her, the red-head genin in turn gave him the one-over. He was tall, taller even than her father and her brothers, and he simply towered over herself and the other genin. He wore a traditional flak jacket, a dull brown shield on a black scape. Two scabbards clung to his frame, and the girl had little doubt that the jounin did in fact know how to use the swords sheathed within them. Her doubt did, however, come to frame as she gave him the first cursory glance; his frame was weedy, slender in such a way that not even the bulky flak jacket could hide the slight build.

Despite this, he was obviously powerful, a fact that she was reminded of by the shift of muscle underneath the dark material that made up the long sleeves that covered his arms; he wouldn't be the Mirage of the Desert if he wasn't strong, and above all, skilled. Still, she had built up in her mind the image of a strong hero, broad and muscular, a bronzed warrior of the desert. This less than shining ninja was, well, less than shining, and a little disappointing, all things considered. Mizuki was, however, still prepared to learn whatever she could from the man... that was what she was here for, right?

Her enthusiasm for what she was sure would be a great learning experience was considerable dampened when she finished her fell swoop and brought her attention to his face... the expression on it reminded her of Junichi-oniisama, in the days before he'd run off and gone rogue. He'd been distant, closed-off, wrapped in his own world... cold. Cold and dead. And then he'd run off and left them all behind to go rogue... and then he'd been exterminated. The connection brought chills to her skin, and she shivered slightly. She could only hope that he'd be nothing like Junichi was. Which was a cold-hearted bastard that ended up betraying his friends and family. He wouldn't be, though, would he?

It was while Mizuki was caught in her memory of the past that the man who had triggered the remembrance began to speak, and she was almost fascinated by the tight lines that formed as his entire face moved, stiffly, to force out the words. "As the three of you may well know, my name is Masami Saito," the jounin's first words were, and immediately, the young kunoichi snapped to attention and listened to what he had to say. And in the doing so, she learned the name of the two genin who were now officially her teammates. Shouten, and Daisuke, respectively... but which one was which?

It was the genin off to the side, the one that had already been in here when she'd made her impromtu entrance, that spoke first, identifying himself as Shouten. "To reintroduce myself, I am Shouten Li and it's a pleasure to meet you all." Mizuki had only been remotely aware of his presence, having instead been occupied first by the other genin - Daisuke, she presumed - and then their mutual sensei. His voice captured her attention, and she slid her gaze to scrutinize him, her vision sharpening as she focused on Shouten Li. Her first impression? He was a bit out there, not exactly grounded into this world. Slightly wimpy, with a torpid cast to him. Despite that, the boy though highly of himself, something that caused Mizuki to frown slightly and wonder where this all came from; most likely from the dreams inside his head, if her first impression of him was anything to go by. All the same, after Shouten introduced himself, Mizuki made note to find out what was what, as far as that guy was concerned. And then she realized that it was her turn to introduce herself.

Suddenly self-concious, she reach a hand up to grab a tendril of hair. She tugged on it slightly and then launched into her own introduction. "My name is, uhm, Mizuki Shiga," she began, unsure of herself, but when nobody pointed at her and screamed, 'freak!' she forged right on ahead. "So far, I've tested to be equally proficient in the areas of Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu. I've chosen to focus on Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, and I expect that I'm no better nor no worse than any other genin. Well, maybe a little better," she allowed herself. Her hand had fallen back to her side as she spoke, but she suddenly felt insecure again, and raised a hand to run her fingers through the hair from the back of her nape. Nervous as she was, the girl decided to follow in behind Shouten. "My nature manipulation is wind, and I specialize in wind style jutsu, I guess. I don't think I really have any weaknesses," and I don't really have any strengths, either, "at least, none as far as jutsu go. I can be a bit difficult from time to time, though... Well... It's nice to meet you, and I hope that we can make this work."

She tugged on her hair a final time, and inclined her head slightly, stiffly. She was done. If they wanted to know any more, they'd have to beat it out of her, or in Saito-senpai's case, she hastily amended, demand it out of her. Until then, however, she was going to keep things as close to the chest as she could.

She sighed silently, a small exhalation of breath, and then sharply turned her head to look at the boy that had sent her flying through the doorway in the first place. Daisuke, she thought as the vestiges of her irritation toward him filtered out onto her face in the form of a glare.

[Daisuke Hizuhiro]

Daisuke hadn't quite been in this sort of situation before, but he was going to make the best of it anyway. He removed himself from the ground, and stood up as his other male teammate began to speak. Shouten Li, huh...? He seems a little full of himself... Daisuke thought to himself, with a bit of an apprehensive look on his face. Granted... I didn't make the most graceful first impression either... As the boy spoke, Daisuke found himself scrutinizing his new sensei. He seemed very distant, almost uncaring. Perhaps it was just that he had been jaded by the life of a ninja, Daisuke had seen people like that before. If that was the case, he was probably going to find his new sensei very depressing.

It was then that he heard his female teammate pipe up, and speak about herself. Apparently went by Mizuki Shiga, she seemed very nervous to be the center of attention, fiddling with her hair, and speaking somewhat hesitantly. He had half a mind to tell her off later for standing in the middle of the doorway like that, and even though that probably wouldn't happen, Daisuke was entertained by the notion. The next thing he knew, he found himself to be the target of the eyes in the room, and so he cleared his throat, before continuing on.

"I'm Daisuke Hizuhiro, I'm the first ninja in my family, and I've wanted to be a ninja since I was very small. My nature manipulation is Lightning, though I'm rather unpracticed in it. I graduated near the top of our genin class, though my work ethic can be flawed at times. And though it may sound somewhat obnoxious, it's better for you guys to know my strengths and weaknesses now, so I'll tell you all that I'm rather smart, and a decent strategist. However, that's a skill I'm still honing as well, so I can't claim too much on that plane. As far as Ninjutsu goes, I'm not bad. I'm useless at Genjutsu, I never really found the use in it, and for Taijutsu, I can hold my own in a fight. If you wanna know any more about me, you'll have to buy me some lunch first! Hahaha..." A nervous laugh escaped his lips as he attempted to lighten the mood in the room, this really wasn't going how he planned...

[Masami Saito]

Listening intently to the explanations of the Genin as they described their own talents and faults to him, Masami noted that they did not seem to think incredible highly of themselves, yet they did indeed have a sense of self-worth. A good combination, to be sure, and Masami thought back to what he had found out about each of them via his own gathering of intelligence. Shouten Li, the first boy, was skilled when it came to things involving Ninjutsu, and could hold his own in the art of Taijutsu, yet couldn’t muster up the talent to succeed in Genjutsu as well. Masami couldn’t say he was surprised…after all; Genjutsu seemed to be the least prevalent of the shinobi arts, at least when it came to specialization. He had always taken pride in his skill with illusory techniques, and he supposed he would need to pass them down to someone during his lifetime…otherwise; there was truly no point in him teaching a group of Genin whom may eventually surpass him in Ninjutsu or Taijutsu. The one who he may pass down his skills with Genjutsu to was standing next to Shouten, and he moved his thoughts to her next. Mizuki Shiga, allegedly a young woman with a good head on her shoulders. Always willing to learn, her talent seemed to spread throughout the three arts, not focusing in one area. While this lead to a proficiency in Genjutsu, it also meant she would not be as talented in the other two areas as Genin like Shouten, who specialized in said arts. He may just get along with this girl, though as she talked, he felt more and more as if she could use a bit more confidence. A shinobi must be self-assured above all, and not doubt themselves and their resolve. Otherwise, one begins relying on others…which hardly seems prudent in any scenario. Finally he arrived at the boy who had caused the stir up before the meeting had even started, Daisuke Hizuhiro. The boy, or so he’d heard, had the talent to be a very proficient shinobi, yet came with all the clumsiness of a blind buffoon. He’d witnessed this firsthand when the boy had collided with Mizuki, yet he hoped it would not be a big issue once more. Beyond that, his abilities were similar to Shouten’s, in that Ninjutsu and Taijutsu were areas of expertise, yet Genjutsu was a problem. Sighing, he once more opened his mouth, speaking to the three of them collectively.

”Now that we’ve gotten introductions out of the way, I’d like you all to remember the skills of those around you. I do not request you do this for the sake of any teamwork, or to help one another, but because it will help you in what is your first lesson as students under me…and what may be your last.” He supposed this line would pique their interest, and although he had no desire to say anything for the sole purpose of grabbing attention, young children occasionally needed a shock to keep them on course for greatness. This lesson was to be their shock, and Masami had no intentions of going easy on them. ”Your first lesson will be to display what you have learned in the academy thus far. It will combine everything you have learned, whether it be usage of jutsu, accuracy with ranged weaponry, or brute force.” Looking around the room they were in, Masami sighed. There were few good, discreet areas near the Hidden Sand Village they could use for such a lesson, but he knew of one such area, and he would once more allow himself to be haunted by the past, if only for the sake of training these young shinobi well.

”Unfortunately, this current room does not suit the needs of this lesson. I asked you to meet me here because the desert is a harsh, unforgiving place as I’m sure the three of you know. We will be traveling together to a training ground I have used since I first became a Chuunin, and thus, we will be required to go on what might be a rather tiring trek for the three of you. But I warn you, any who falter will be left behind without a second thought, and I certainly hope you are able to find your way back here if this happens.”

Masami supposed this was a rather brutal thing for a Jounin leader to be saying to his assigned students, but he simply did not care for the weak or the faint-hearted. If any of the three weren’t willing to put their lives on the line to become shinobi, he was not going to instruct them. Besides which, he simply did not have the time to cater to every fault one of them might possess. He wanted to get this lesson done as quickly as possible, and assess their strength himself before making the decision as to whether any of them deserved to be Genin of the Hidden Sand Village. Picking up a small pouch he had tucked away in a corner of the room, Masami shouldered the pack and walked to the doorway, standing in the frame looking back at what might be his first team of Genin since that dark day in his past. Glaring back at them, his eyes cold and unfeeling, with a glare that almost looked like one of hatred for them and what they represented, Masami’s words rang out, clear and concise, a declaration he’d planned to make from the beginning.

”A shinobi has faith in himself, knows his path, and follows it like the swift movement of an arrow. If any of you doubt yourselves or your skills, I would simply give up on becoming a true shinobi. However, if you wish to test your strength and long for the fleeting glory that victory brings, follow me. Be aware that you are not Genin yet. You will not have truly graduated until you pass this test which I am about to administer…and be aware, it will be difficult.” His gaze on them seemed to soften for a brief moment, as he said a few final words. ”But with willpower and determination…you may just prove yourself worthy. Come.”

And with that, he turned and walked out the door, trusting each of the potential Genin to make their own choice as to whether they would follow. He had a feeling they would not pass up an opportunity they had worked so long and hard for, but he felt obligated to give them a choice in the matter. Walking on without looking back, Masami walked at a moderate pace, allowing them time to catch up if they desired.

*Exit RP*

[Admin]

A test? I guess I never gave time to think about the possibility of me failing. What if I have to go back to the academy for years again? What if I stay there until I'm an old man? What if I'm old enough to have a kid? What if he kills me before I ever make Genin? I could die as the biggest loser in the Hidden Sand Village!

Shouten's world was spinning. He was spiraling and soon he'd faint. The world was coming to an end. How could this be happening. Since when could Jounin fail a graduated student? Perhaps Shouten could use his status to get by this test. He stood pondering this for a few brief seconds.

No.

Shouten would avoid that like the plague. Never would he use any kind of help from his clan to get him anywhere. If he lingered in that shadow he'd come out without a face of his own. A mere shadow of his clan, one of the other sheep.

If Masami-sensei wanted to test them, he could do as he pleased. The only option true to himself would be simple acceptance.

"Hai, Masami-sensei. I will endure any test you have to offer."

[walkerm]

To be frank, Mizuki was perfectly prepared to hate Daisuke for the rest of their existence. What manner of buffoon just crashed into other people like that, she had wondered crankily. As he spoke, however, the scowl smoothed out into a neutral stare. She focused on him, listening to the words he said, the way in which he presented himself, and found herself inclined to like him, despite her intentions. There was something about the way he spoke and worded things that piqued her interest.

She was still mad at him, of course, but it probably wouldn't last; Mizuki had never been one to hold grudges, and, though she would always remember her first impression of Daisuke, she was open to further interactions. You couldn't tell exactly who a person is just by only knowing them for a few minutes - that really didn't constitute as 'knowing,' in her mind; you had to have had experiences with them. You couldn't just make a single judgement and live your life by that, you had to judge, and judge, and continue judging, always. As it was, she found herself a little impressed that Daisuke was the first in his family to become a ninja. She was also a little resentful, for he'd graduated high in the ranks, and she'd been fairly low. It was really a miracle that she'd graduated at all, and she had the feeling that this was going to come back to haunt her.

She had a moment of panic, however, when Masami told the three genin that they'd have to remember the skills of the others. She'd barely been paying attention! She struggled to think back to what Daisuke had just said, and to what Shouten before them both had told the room. What recollections she did have were rather fuzzy, and it was probably just as well, because the jounin leader wasn't done speaking; he went on to state that they may not succeed as genin while under his wing. Those words pushed all thoughts out of the girl's head. She'd only just become a genin! Would she have to go back to the academy?

Underneath her tan, Mizuki went pale, and she listened to her sensei with a sort of mute fear and sense of growing apprehension. She took in his every word; it was probably life or death, given the tone of his voice.

”But with willpower and determination…you may just prove yourself worthy. Come.” By the time Masami had reached the conclusion of his speech, Mizuki was entirely rapt, and at those last words, Mizuki felt a chill flush over her skin; it had nothing to do with the temperature, which was sky high, but rather with the sudden feeling of dread. More tests. More tests that she would probably fail. She wondered if she was worthy...

The man walked out, leaving a slack-jawed Mizuki to stare after him disbelievingly. She almost forgot that she wasn't alone until one of the boys called after their sensei, proclaiming that he'd do anything that was put forth before him. She turned her gaze back to Shouten and looked at him appraisingly, almost with a look of disbelief. And she then she was suddenly ashamed. She'd started to panic so quickly! That was not very ninja-like, she insisted to herself, and right then and there, she decided that that would never happen again. She was a ninja, now, and she was going to behave like one even if it killed her!

[Admin]

THREAD END