The Amazing Race! [ P | M ]

[Kii!]

"Ehhhh?!" I stared down at the piece of paper in my hand, my face one of obvious surprise. I'd only just read the details of the mission--and I wasn't going to be in a race! For a moment I slumped my body forward, pouting a bit. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm regarding this mission plummeted almost instantaneously, and I moved forward at a slow pace. We were nearing the starting point of the race, deep within the mysterious trees of Hi no Kuni. So, for a moment, I stopped, gathering up my willpower in order to overcome my sudden depression. This was no time to be slacking off! After all, my mastery over the Medical Arts could very well come in handy on the mission! So, too, would I get to push myself, and I knew I'd come out a stronger--and better--person. So, just as fast as I had lost my enthusiasm, I was suddenly fired up once again.

"Alright!" I shouted, turning to my partner--who was hopefully nearby--"Let's do our best, Tensa, alright?" A lighthearted smile overtook my features in that moment, and I chuckled lightly. With my fist clenched and risen, I shook it just lightly, a show of my newfound determination. Quite frankly, I was looking forward to seeing what he could do! No matter what, though, I enjoyed having the company of a fellow shinobi. Even if this mission was easy enough for me to do alone, it was always better in the company of friends.

"There should be a river nearby, and a bridge . . ." I said, turning all around in order to investigate my surroundings. It was a bit hard to see through the trees, and I leaned forward as I looked without realizing it. Subconsciously, I stuck a single hand into my black pants and brought my free hand to my forehead, flat, like a visor, in order to aid my eyes in their search. "That's where the paper says we need to find our racer!" There was a light breeze, which caused my open, dark blue jacket to flail about a bit, but I payed it no heed. My eyes locked onto a river in the distance. "Ah, I think I see it!" I said, before abruptly taking off toward the water.

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: The Amazing Race
Rank: C
Reward: --
Description: A race held yearly in the Fire Country.Two contestants enter a race lasting a couple of hours, they journey to find a hidden sword with the winner receiving a grand sum of money. Many political figures bet on the contestants which generally results in them using dirty tactics to stop the opposing contestant from winning. You were hired by Kasuraku, Takeo to stop some of the hired assassins sent to kill him during the race. Do whatever it takes to protect him. Although, your lives aren't expected to be put in danger, Kasuraku's is.
Recommended Party: 3 (2 Minimum)
Status: Open

[♠Solo♠]

Their venture did not take a great deal of time. Tensa decided to remain silent once Kii came to his realization that it wasn't actually himself involved in the race. He lacked the verbal ability to cheer someone up, but it was hardly a disappointment worth looking deeply into. He recovered rather swiftly once they neared the outskirts of the village where they were directed to go. Kii had the paper with the details on it and would follow his lead.

"Let's." Tensa responded to the other young shinobi's motivational speech. The demon inside hid well. The Hyuuga couldn't wait to exercise his fighting ability he spent all those years training for. He sparred much with his fellow family, and other Genin, but a true sense of accomplishment was lacking from his victories. The fights meant nothing more than a show of sport. He craved more.

The group proceeded to find their land marks. The flowing river could be heard some distance away. The cool waters would have made the Konoha weather seem almost non existent. He knew that they weren't there to take a swim, however. After Kii pointed out the river the group would venture there, taking little to no time at all arriving. Their target stood at the edge of the river, looking rather impatient and nervous. Dark brown hair flowed wildly around his head. He was dressed in an all white jump suit. It was almost enough to bring a small chuckle about.

"Kasuraku, I take it?" he said, approaching the man along with his partner.

"It's about time you guys got here. The race is starting soon. You'll watch out for me, right?" His voice was a bit shaken up. Tensa assumed that he lacked faith in the choice he made for hire. He intended on showing him just what the Konoha shinobi were capable of.

"If you're ready," his voice called out to Kii, while his eyes still remained on Kasuraku.

[Kii!]

Kasuraku awaited us in the distance, near the river. The scene was as expected--which was good! We were running a bit late, and it was probably a bad idea to leave guiding us up to my wonderful navigational skills, but we arrived nonetheless! Although Kasuraku seemed a bit displeased with the time we arrived, I supposed I couldn't blame him much. After all, his life was in danger.

"Ah; sorry we're not very early," I said, scratching the back of my head and laughing a bit. "But I'm ready!" Grinning, I looked out over the river and into what I could see of the horizon. Trees littered the area all around the river, so I figured our best bet would be to follow Kasuraku from the treetops as he ran. Although I hadn't quite thought about it before (as I was far too busy riding the emotional rollercoaster that this mission had put me through!), it infuriated me to think that someone would hire an assassin for material possessions. That these "political figures" would go so far for a bet absolutely sickened me--this was a person's life we were talking about, not some toy. Although thinking about it enraged me so, I wouldn't show it, and would soon come to focus on the mission rather than dwell in my fury.

"Just focus on winning your race, and I promise we won't let anything bad happen!" With a bit of a cheesy thumbs-up and a chuckle, I leaped up onto a tree and peered down at Kasuraku below. "We'll be with you!"

What kind of assassins would be sent? Although my anger toward the situation had me wanting to smash their faces in, I knew they were people, too. Just like everyone else--me, Kasuraku, Tensa, even the Hokage. We all shared a bond in that we are all the same, in many more ways than people realized, so I knew I wouldn't be able to bring myself to truly harm any of these assassins. However, I planned on seeing what kind of people they were for myself. Why would they take up a job like this? To me, it was totally shameful.

The moment Kasuraku took off and the race started, I began leaping from branch to branch. Since we were trained shinobi, we could keep up with Kasuraku easily, and out pace him if needed. So I moved ahead of Kasuraku, making sure to keep an eye on him and the path ahead. My senses were open, taking in all around me as best I could, and my fists were clenched. This, however, was less preparation and more an instinct--the only remnant of the anger--no, disappointment--that I felt.

[♠Solo♠]

Tensa allowed Kii to go forward and watch Kasuraku's front, for any oncoming assaults, or traps. The Hyuuga decided to stay a bit behind the runner. At the start of the race he had awakened his unique eyes. Anyone looking into the young man's face could see unnatural veins veering out of his head, around his eyes. The powerful chakra flow rushed through hims body and into the white orbs, allowing him super human vision. While his companion lacked the same eyes he did, he felt Kii was more than capable of catching on to anything amiss.

It was his first joint mission. He refused doing them with his fellow Hyuuga. They lacked any drive to be different. They just saw their worlds as full of nothing but two people. The dogs, which consisted of the Branch Family members, and the masters, those of the Main Family. They lived in such a dark and depressing world. The goofy grin and thumbs up Kii gave before the race lightened the emotion a little bit. It was refreshing to see. A subtle, yet vast change of pace for him.

The race taken well into the hour without much trouble, or even a hint of issue so far. The so called leaders of this world the shinobi knew were all probably holding their breath in anticipation, as the race continued to be neck and neck. The other racer looked like the kind that wouldn't mind a little foul play. He dressed in well fit clothing, as not to be weighed down by any air resistance. His face was covered by some kind of mask that only one would assume a shinobi would wear. He was a suspicious character, but Tensa refused to let the opponent take his attention away. Instead he allowed his Byakugan to view the vast around around him. Being able to see 50 meters ahead and behind Kasuraku was an incredible perk to have.

All seemed well, for the time being. However danger lurked. They were being tailed, and by a swift group of men. Tensa kept his eyes behind him, so they weren't following them from the start. Rather they were trained for this sort of thing. Assassin's with speed the likes of which these regular runners probably did not expect.

"Trouble." The words flew out of his mouth. Two were following them from behind. While Tensa would plot on dealing with the situation as they came closer, another set of men would find themselves 70 meters ahead of Kii and Kasuraku, awaiting him to spring a trap.

The shinobi were about to earn their pay.

[Kii!]

[[ Think we should take the next post and a half or two posts to do our own little fights, and finish up in six posts? We can just GM out our own fights responses, I think. However, it's whatever you want to doooo ]]

So many things were amazing about this race! First were the racers--they were normal people, who hadn't undergone the training we shinobi received. Yet they ran on for so long without tiring! Sure, we could keep up and even pass them up, but that was with specialized, intense training. These were people who had trained themselves through sheer determination, and I couldn't help but admire them for it. Not only that, but our surroundings! We were deep in the forests of Hi no Kuni, and I knew that it was a place where plant life grew well. After all, we were the Village Hidden Among Leaves, but I was still amazed. I'd be amazed if I took this route again, because I'd never get tired of it. The deep greens and browns, the birds and animals that scurried away whenever we came near. The deep blue, midday sky, the breeze, the sounds of the forest, the shine of the light on the flowing water of the river, all of it! It was something I appreciated immensely, and it shone on my still grinning face.

However, I had to stay focused. Despite the beauty and mystery of my surroundings, I was on a job, and one that demanded my attention. How long had we been running? I was a terrible judge of time--maybe an hour? That seemed right; either way, my gifted young partner caught wind of our first bunch of trouble.

"Handy eyes you have there," I said, looking back and grinning. Then I noticed Kasuraku falter for a moment, and I shouted down at him. "Oi, don't worry! I got this!" I said, and brought my fist up, clenching it. In that moment, a pale-blue light, fire-like in nature, engulfed my fist, and I readied myself for the coming conflict. After a bit more running, I could hear the sounds of our pursuers, but also noticed the silhouettes of a group of men up ahead. Looking back sternly to Tensa, I nodded.

"I'll leave them to you." With that, I increased my pace and disappeared into the trees, eventually leaping off of my tree branch and landing in a skid before the group of assassins.

"So you're the assassins," I said, walking slowly toward them as I rose my hand in front of my face. Spreading my fingers, the flame-like light still surrounded my hand, and I pulled down on the fingerless glove that encased it, ensuring its snugness. "Before we start, let me ask you this--why do you do this?" My ashen gaze flashed across the group, narrow and hard. "If you tell me money is worth the life of another person--" I stopped, raising my foot just barely before encasing it in a similar light. Then, I slammed it down into the ground, releasing the chakra on impact and causing the ground around it to crumble. The cracks in the ground spider webbed outwards, spreading and caving in on itself from the pressure. "I absolutely can't accept that."

[♠Solo♠]

"Roger." Tensa nodded off to his companion as they parted ways. Kii taking care of the frontal issue. That left the two in the back. The Hyuuga slowed his speed slightly, as to fall further behind Kasuraku and Kii. His foot tapped elegantly off the bark of the strong, brown trees. Eventually he would descend upon the soft dirt path below him, cutting the two assassins off as they approached. Their advance would halt as the unknown appearance of a shinobi blocked their path.

"So," the words almost devilishly escaped his lips. Tensa rose to a full stand, putting his gaze upon the two assassins. They dressed themselves like regular shinobi, in black garbs, covered from head to toe in black, only showing their eyes as proof that they were human and not some other humanoid life form hiding. "I must ask you to turn away and abort your mission now. Otherwise," as he spoke he began taking the traditional Hyuuga stance. Though only a mere ten meters away he could easily close the gap in a drop of the hat. "I'll be forced to stop you."

A small pause had taken course. The two assassins looked at each other and back to Tensa. Snickers emerged from their mouths, as they reached back and pulled weapons from their holsters. One held a sickle with a chain attached to it's end. It swung swiftly like a whirlwind in the assassin's hand. The other drew a katana about three feet long.

"It's gonna be that way, is it?"

Without warning one of the assailants swiftly launched the sickle toward Tensa preparing to lop his head off. A skillful evasion allowed the blade to fly past his neck. A swift black warrior used the thrown blade as a distraction to get close to Tensa. He was swift. Even more swift than the Hyuuga had given him credit for. The 10 meter gap was closed in just an instant. A steel blade came swinging down from above, preparing to cut the young shinobi in half.

Sleight of hand. A dark black clashed with the light steel. Sparks flew from the razor sharp edges coming within contact with one another. Another chuckle emerged from the assailant's mouth, as he swiftly pulled his blade away, and retreated from Tensa. He wanted to avoid the death that was to come. The blade from the chained sickle would return back to it's master, but not without attempting to take something with it, as it would be swinging back at Tensa's flank. Unfortunately for them, Tensa's eyes allowed him to see more than just what was in front of him. A slight hop and spin allowed him to evade the oncoming blade. It flew under him, returning back to the now oncoming assailant. He landed swiftly, regaining his balance and coming to a hunched stand to see the two killers coming at him with their weapons in hand.

[Kii!]

For a moment, all was still. Even the air around us fell into an unmoving tranquility, in which the breeze fell short and even time seemed to flow slower. The two men before me, dressed almost completely in black, only stared at me unfazed. Their visage was a representation of their hearts, in my mind. Completely drowned in a thick obsidian, with only their eyes to guide them. They were missing something important--eyes alone cannot guide you. A heart is necessary. My show of force hadn't been to intimidate them, it was more of a spontaneous act birthed from anger. Unfortunately for them, their silence carried their answer to me louder than any scream would have. At this realization, my mouth turned down, frowning at the unfortunate--but expected--turn of events.

With a sigh, I stepped forward and fell into a natural fighting stance. My fists raised and at eye level, I steadied my breathing and fell into an offbeat rhythm. My beat swayed and switched, changed and moved; I couldn't become predictable--but all I had to do was land one hit on each. Then, it'd be over.

With a fury consuming me, I dashed forward to close the distance. Each assassin jumped backwards, putting even more distance between us. They both launched kunai at me, and I fell to the floor, sliding beneath them gracefully before pushing myself off of the ground and back into a steady dash. Despite their ninja-like attire and weaponry, I found that I could locate no headbands which designated their village. Also, thus far, it appeared they were not able to mold chakra; perhaps they were nothing more than people desperate for money? Sure, they were physically fit and would provide a challenging fight, but I was confident that I would come out on top. That wasn't what bothered me--just who was I fighting? Were these normal people, unknowing of the shinobi world? Could I dissuade them without hurting them much? Still, they kept a stoic facade at display of chakra-enhanced strength, so that told me they had some knowledge of our world.

Lost in thought, I found I wasn't paying as much attention to the fight as I should have. Another kunai made a path for me, and I barely moved out of the way. It's razor edge slid past the flesh of my forearm, leaving a wide cut and a trail of crimson. Grimacing, not at the pain, but at my carelessness, I simply activated my Shousen Jutsu. A green light encased the wound, and within moments, the scarlet mark was erased completely. Now, it was time to focus--one assassin pulled out two knives, holding them backwards, while the other brought out six more kunai.

A flurry of steel made to take me from the front--the daggers twisting in complex paths. My dance matched the assassin's tempo, dodging to the side, down, over. From the corner of my eye, I noticed the second assassin launch two kunai. Instinctively, I flipped to the left, touching my left hand to the ground and supporting my body on it. In this maneuver, I dodged both kunai and knives, and found myself in a perfect position. Pale-blue chakra encased my right leg, and I twisted, spinning on my hand, my kick smashing into the assassin's chest and sending him at least ten meters back.

Then, I found myself on my feet as the knife-wielding man arced his back in pain, wreathing on the ground. That was it--he was out of the fight. So I was able to turn my full attention to the last man.

[♠Solo♠]

He would prove himself, here and now. The attackers made their move and proved that they were more than just regular men, fighting without any skill or technique. They knew exactly what they were doing as the young Genin would soon learn. The katana came down from a vertical position, aiming to eliminate the Hyuuga in a swift blow. A trained body gave way to a skillful sidestepping dodge. The blade whisked past Tensa's face and landed upon the ground, slicing into the dirt. The sound of the blade slashing through the air could be heard as it came down. A second blade came swinging horizontally at Tensa's left. Another deadly blow needing evasion. The Hyuuga ducked, bending his knees completely as to lower his body and allow the sickle blade to flow over his head. The blade was released from the assassin's hand as h e swung. It found itself being planted into one of the many trees. As the purple haired fighter rose back to another stand he would find the sword wielding assailant preparing to once again bring the blade down upon his target's head. With kunai still gripped tightly within his palms he brought it up to defend himself from the blade.

The two fighters showcased their true skill here, as their plan was close to execution. With Tensa distracted with defending himself from the katana, the two locked in a deadlock with blades, the sickle was retracted, aimed once more at Tensa's neck. The Byakugan once again allowed for an amazing visual show of skill, as he watched as the sickle was coming. He knew if he attempted to avoid it once more he wouldn't have time to deal with the assassin's katana. This was their plan all along. He couldn't help but admire their ability, even with his life threatened. Had it been any other shinobi they faced they would be walking away with a sense of victory, knowing they claimed yet another life.

As the deadly steel neared Tensa's neck, it looked like it would be over right there. However the assassin holding the katana wouldn't notice the kunai sliding away from the blade, and why would he? It was held in the same position as before thanks to the Hyuuga's amazing ability. He swiftly went into a spin that would emit chakra from his body. As his spin increased in speed the chakra would turn into a dome that would grow bigger and bigger, until eventually it was at it's full five meters. The force of the technique pushed the two assailants away from Tensa, sending them back some several odd meters. Unexpectedly blown off of their feet they would stare on with shocked expression that only they knew they had thanks to their masks.

Tensa's spin would come to a hard, swift stop. Leaves and dust swirled at the Hyuuga's person as he now stared at his two attackers with confident eyes.

"Now it's my turn."

[Kii!]

For a moment, it seemed as if my final opponent hesitated. I gave him a moment to compose himself--why? It didn't matter. He was a person, like me; I wasn't going to kill him, but I would put him through pain. There were consequences for actions such as these, and although it was out of my hands, I wished that I could punish those who hired him, as well. They were probably worse than him, after all. As I let him regain his composure, I straightened my posture and shifted my weight, standing comfortably and carelessly. For now, I knew I was safe. So, too, was I sure that Tensa was holding up as well, and therefore had no fear of attack from behind. My only worry lay in our client; he was still running, and alone at that, though I highly doubted that there were more forces than these.

Either way, my opponent finally decided to fight me. His willpower restored, I immediately charged forward, expecting the projectiles that did, indeed, come. Swaying left and right, I allowed the blades to pass me and stick into the ground where I had been. Judging by how many kunai were left, and how he seemed to be saving them, and not pulling any more out, he was running out of throwing weapons. Two more came, and twice more I dodged their steel. Finally, I closed in on him, and he attempted a swipe with his final kunai. Ducking low, I rose with an uppercut, aiming to take him by his chin with my chakra-infused fist. Even if I hit him, I wouldn't release the full power of my strike. If I did, he would die. It was that simple, because I knew my own strengths and my own limitations; in this situation, this man was far too weak, at least by shinobi standards.

My uppercut was barely dodged, however, and he flipped back twice before unleashing the final blade. My right leg left the ground, in a swift path to intercept the kunai on its flat side--and it did just that, sending it flying into the air. As it came down, I caught it and threw it to the side, before raising my fists again. At first, I was surprised; as I rushed in to finish the fight, he didn't run. Instead, he stayed, and threw an open-palmed strike toward my face. What surprised me even more was the emergence of a blade from beneath his palm, out of his sleeve, and I leaned back with a desperation. The blade barely missed, and I was in a less than favorable position. However, thinking quickly, I fell back even further, placing my hands on the ground, and flipped over in a back handspring. My feet, infused with chakra, flew in an arcing path upwards, taking the man by the stomach and sending him at least ten meters into the air before plummeting back down to earth.

Although both assassins were incapacitated, and I lacked the true anger to kill them, I couldn't help but make my way over to one's limp body. Taking him by the collar, I lifted him until his feet couldn't touch the ground, and stared him directly in the eyes.

"Unlike you," I said, my face one of absolute disgust. It reflected my emotions well. Though I didn't like to admit it, I figured that I'd be doing the world a favor by smashing this man's head into the ground. Unfortunately, I wouldn't do something so animalistic. "I won't kill someone unless I have no other choice." With that, I threw him across the clearing and onto his partner. "It's pathetic."

Then, I was gone, making my way back through the trees and to our client. A smile returned to my face, genuinely, as I saw him safe and sound, still trying his best and working his hardest. Now, where's Tensa . . . I thought, looking about the trees as I kept up with Kasuraku.

[♠Solo♠]

Tensa's body slowly rose from it's crouched position, almost aiming for a full stand. However one foot was slightly more weight upon, as his dominant limb would prepare a nimble and incredible movement. With a single flicker of his body, the once visible Hyuuga shinobi would be no more than dust in the wind. The dirt from the path at which he stood rose up slightly, and the leaves circled around his feet fluttered about madly. The two assassin's eyes opened wide as they witnessed what could have very well be called a magic trick. The classic disappearing act. Unfortunately for them, Tensa was no mere magician. The arts he knew were much more deadly.

Appearing right behind the assassin wielding the sickle, two powerful palm thrusts were sent driving into the man's back. Chakra bursts emerged wildly from his front. His companion would see nothing more than a now airborne human, flying only inches above the ground where he stood. The cause of his flight, however, would be gone. More dust flew from behind the man, and before he could even hit the ground from being struck, the man wielding the katana would find a young man crouched low below his person. Tensa put all of his might into a single palm thrust. His hand rested flat upon the assassin's abdomen. For a brief second he could feel the muscle through the man's light clothing. His speed wasn't from some magical source. He obviously worked for the form he had.

In just a mere two or three second the two assassins would be dropped to the ground, now suffering from internal injuries. Blood gushed from their mouths, staining the mask covering their faces, soaking into the dark cloths, making them all the more dark and soiled. He had no intentions of killing them. The mission was simply to ensure Kasuraku's safety, and thus it was ensured. At least from this end. He wondered the condition of his partner. Had he ran into any issues himself? The Byakugan's fifty meter range wouldn't find the runners, nor Kii. They had covered quite a bit of ground.

"I'd better catch up." Tensa placed his eyes upon the bodies one more time. They had been thawrted and probably wouldn't be moving anywhere for the time being. The palm thrusts were more than just random attacks. His strikes sent chakra forcefully bursting through their lungs and upper intestine. Movement would be unadvised. Leaving the men to recover, however they would, the Hyuuga turned his body and began rushing toward the direction of the racers.

The race had ended, and Kasuraku appeared to be the victor. The small crowd that had gathered around the finish line cheered and screamed, as they apparently had bet on Kasuraku to win. Some faces in the crowd were less than excited. One of the daiyamo congratulated Kasuraku, and informed him that his reward would be payed out before he left Fire Country. A few short minutes would pass. The crowd began to clear after they shook the hand of the winning racer and celebrated. Tensa would emerge from the large, green lush forest, running toward the crowd near the opening near the Konoha gate.

"He made it. That's good." His swift run would turn into a steady trot until he came near Kasuraku. Kii would have arrived well before he himself did. They both looked good. Meant nothing went horribly wrong. He now stood with Kii and Kasuraku, saying nothing. He felt nothing needed to be said. The two were in well health, as was himself.

All according to plan.

[Kii!]

[[ Bleh, bad post, I'm like, out of it or something. x.x; ]]

I assumed since I'd been defending our front, and since the racers continued on forward, that I simply arrived first because I was much closer. Although I'd be lying if I said I didn't worry, I also had a confidence in Tensa that I couldn't explain. So, in the end, I figured everything would be alright. Kasuraku was barely ahead, and I continued to follow along within the trees as he ran. Eventually, the sound of crashing water quietly filled my ears, until it was blasting and I realized we were nearing a waterfall! The smell of water and wet dirt filled the air, and, though simple, it made me happy. I watched, blinking, as Kasuraku dove through the waterfall, and promptly followed. Within, I found him holding the sword--the end of the race! Kasuraku looked quite happy, and I assumed the end would have to be made official or something like that, and slunk back out of the hidden cave.

Eventually, Tensa showed up, and I was simply reclining on a grassy hill near the pool in which the waterfall fell into. I was completely soaked, and I'd removed my jacket to dry. The simple, black t-shirt I wore beneath it was sticking to my skin, and my pants felt heavy, but I grinned, as usual. This place was amazing!

Honestly, I paid little heed to the crowd nearby. They were the winners and losers of bets, and the scum who tried to take Kasuraku's life. So, with that in mind, I had distanced myself from them as best as I could, while still keeping Kasuraku in view. When I caught notice of Tensa, though, I sprung from my leisurely position and bound toward him with perhaps too much energy.

"You seem safe!" I said, looking him over. Though I didn't realize it, I was probably being too invasive--I walked all around him, looking him over from a plethora of angles and positions. "You're not hurt, are you?" My stare was blank and blinking, though curious; if he were wounded, then I could treat it immediately! However, it didn't seem he was, and he certainly didn't seem to be in pain, either.

Eventually, we'd make our way back to Konoha; with our mission completed and a success, we could report to the Hokage's Tower.

[ e x i t ]

[♠Solo♠]

OOC: Happens to the best of us.

IC: Tensa watched as Kii had circled him, looking for any sign of damage on his body. His remained as still as stone as his companion looked him over. It wasn't really something weird or out of character for some people. Especially people who have been dealing with assassins.

"It was nothing," he commenting, a bit saddened at the lack of fighting ability the assassins possessed. Though they were skilled in their own manner, they couldn't have stood up to the ability of a shinobi. He had fooled himself into believing otherwise. The Hyuuga knew that there would be a time when his true skill was tested and he calmly awaited the moment, when he could see where he stood on the line. Only with true strength could he change one's mind. An even more incredible strength he vowed to gain, to change the views of the Hyuuga family.

The group said their goodbyes and headed toward the Hokage office.

[EXIT]

[Axcel]

Kii: +58

Zieg: +54