☆ team yokumaru: solong halcyon days pt.2

[KEITH]

“A new Genin joining my team, eh? I guess Akira-sama wants us to start cracking down on teamwork. I've heard he had been grinding his team to the bone with missions. Hopefully, I can build a team that will even rival them. That'd surely be something. . . . Wouldn't it?” These were the thoughts that had played through my head repeatedly, after I had received a letter from the Mizukage himself this morning about the new Genin joining up with me and Rael.

Hopefully, he would be a really good aspect to the team and a good personality that would create a great team dynamic. More importantly than that, I wondered how he and Rael would get along. He might feel inadequate if I depended more upon my Genin pupil than he himself, but if that were to happen, it couldn't be helped. I had been closer to Rael and completed more missions with him so I knew what he was capable of and comfortable with his skill.

But this new kid, he would have to be tested, for sure. I waited by the training fields some ways away from the Kirigakure Shinobi Academy; naturally, I would expect Rael to be here first, but then again, maybe the new guy would have arrived first. It would show how dedicated he was if he got there before him or at the same time. All I could do was wait, it was only noon, kids were out about this time running around having fun.

I wouldn't be too upset if they were even a bit late.

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[kagirinai]

[STYLE=margin: 15px 80px 15px 80px; text-align: justify;font-family: arial;font-size: 10px;]My time permitted alone had been fleeting, to say the least; less than a week following my graduation from the ninja academy, I'd be, with no heedance regarding my own wants, assigned a shinobi cell. My forced gait would pace toward the compulsory meeting, a grave, contemplative expression easily discernable from my countenance at first glance. Clearly, I held no qualms with the Kiri-nin I'd been partnered with, we'd never met, and yet I felt a sense of worry. In most cases, I was sure Genin would've been happy, even eager, to be appointed a squad; my outlook, however, had never corresponded with what was deemed common.

Instead of enthusiasm, I'd experience apprehension; the majority of my Genin years, and possibly beyond, would be spent accompanied by the ninja I'd convene with in only a moments time. While content in my own ability, I held concern in theres; I had no intention of carrying anyone along, or playing student to a sensei with less prowess than my own. Whether my unease was warranted had yet to be seen, though converging on the training grounds just beyond the familiar academy building, I was certain that there wasn't much time left before I'd find out.

The day had already been commenced by most, it being noon, and the training area would have been occupied accordingly. The vaguely active fields would provide cover as I'd eye from beyond the crowd, my ophidian oculars prying on the man who'd be taking me in as his Genin. The other Genin had yet to show, which was a shame, I'd have to arrive first. My observation of the Jōnin would last for only a few seconds longer before I'd move to make my presence known.

"here we go.."

I'd appear from behind the man, traversing the final ten meters in the stealthy, underhand manner that was my own.

"fūma, yokumaru.." I would articulate unenthusiastically, stopping a few meters to the left of him; no doubt, had he not seen it before, my pale, snake-like appearence would catch him off guard, especially the eyes, which I'd eye him indignantly with.
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[Lang]

Brunch-on-the-run consisted of his usual soy milk as Rael kept a leisurely pace while making his way on over to the Shinobi Academy, blinking the last vestiges of sleep from his eyes. The tumultuous events from last week's mission kept him awake the past few evenings until the wee dawn hours, though for a different reason many might have guessed. Rael initially dove into the medical field as a joke, saying he would uncover a new method of ensuring Yokumaru-senpai's drunken tendencies never resurfaced. However, the more he learned about the profession, the more interested he became. In the span of a week, the Genin managed to absorb an alarming amount of content from various texts and reports, though the tradeoff was an immediate plunge in all of his other techniques, even forgetting a great number of them. Rael vowed that once he had more time to perfect the healing arts, he would dedicate the rest of his focus on bringing his previous skills back up to snuff.

A team meeting was nothing particularly exciting in itself; he already 'met' his Jounin-senpai no, it's 'sensei' now multiple times. However, today marked a special occasion for the originally two-man cell of 'Team Yokumaru'. Yes, he said 'originally', because of their newest addition; a recent graduate from the Academy, much like Rael was when he first met his older partner. Perhaps that was why their designated meeting site was at the early shinobi-learning institution.

The figure he'd been trailing behind about twenty meters away for the last few minutes was, coincidentally, following the same route as him. Perhaps a student like Kō and the others. He fully expected the boy, if it was indeed a male, to veer off once they reached the Academy, and go find his own friends or instructor amidst the children and supervising adults. However, imagine his surprise when the slightly taller individual kept on going, heading in the direction as his preordained meeting location. Could he be...? His mild suspicions were confirmed when the boy briefly paused, allowing him to get even closer, and Rael saw his senpai sensei's familiar form facing away from them, obviously waiting for his team to show up. They were well-ahead on schedule, so Rael was not particularly bothered if they kept him waiting for a minute or two.

He was, however, nonplussed at the sight of this unnamed boy apparently trying to sneak up on his sensei. 'Sneak', because the person actually spoke aloud while within ten meters of Yokumaru, even if it sounded like a private mutter. The way he crept up from behind and spoke the Jounin's name prompted Rael to raise an eyebrow, but he otherwise made no other gesture while approaching the pair, Yokumaru no doubt easily spotting him if he turned around to address the other individual.

"Good afternoon, sensei."

[KEITH]

I would have been looking off into the sky, thinking about how the day would go, than be able to notice anything that was around me, why my mind wondered so much, was new to me. It had seemed that I have been changing as of lately, and becoming a bit more carefree, that was unlike me to do such a thing. Perhaps it was because I hadn't worn the mask in a long time, the influence that would come over me from wearing it wasn't exactly there. I wondered if any of the older shinobi be able to tell that I had softened up a bit, just now realizing this, I felt that I wouldn't be able to call myself a true shinobi.

I don't know what was wrong with me, or why I even thought like this. But then, a familiar voice would have called out to me, it felt like I had taken a great dive from the sky to the earth, and the real world had come back into prospective. I would turn toward my left and around, and my eyes would set upon the two boys who had been behind me and originally to my left. Rael and my new student, Kagirinai. As my violet hues would gather them up within my sight, a gentle smile would come across my face, and this would be the beginning of a new story unfolding before me, I couldn't help but wonder what the ending will be like, but if I worried too much about that, I would miss the journey.

“Hey fellas, good-afternoon. We all know why we are here today, so let's just get right to things. We'll introduce ourselves to you, Kagirinai, and then you can introduce yourself to us. As you should already know, I am Fūma Yokumaru, the Gashira-Shinobi of Kirigakure, right hand man of the Mizukage-sama. It is a pleasure to have you added onto our team.”

Even though I thought it was soft of me, I continued with my soft nature, and I tried to sound as cheerful and pleasant as possible, even if Kagirinai hadn't liked that in a person. It was my job to make sure that we all felt comfortable together and got along well, so coming off as a really nice guy was the best thing I could do, in my mind. First impression is a lasting impression.

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[Lang]

Immediately after speaking aloud from behind his new teammate, Rael stopped himself from drawing any closer, lest he accidentally trigger the other Genin's instinctive reflexes. From this closer range, he was able to estimate that the boy stood nearly a head taller than himself, a fact Rael privately mourned. However, it was third party's facial attributes that really caught his attention. Eerily reminiscent of a serpent, the young medic-in-training vaguely connected their newest companion's features with those belonging to a certain bloodline, but couldn't come up with a name on the spot. He was brought out of his musings once his turn came for introductions.

"Good to have you with us, Kagirinai," he said, dropping the 'san' honorific to show he already considered them fairly close. "My name is Hiraiyomi Rael, a fairly recent graduate of the Academy, and the team's medic. Any time you get injured and the hospital isn't an option, come to me, and I'll patch you right up," he finished with the barest hint of a smile, really just one corner of his mouth lifting upwards. He made no mention of his previous experience in infiltration or assassination; those days were seemingly behind him.

As soon as he finished speaking, Rael noticed a change to his speech patterns. The white-haired Genin always saw himself as being rather formal, keeping a polite distance between his colleagues and acquaintances. Since when had he become so easy-mannered? A month ago, his introduction would have consisted of name, rank, and specialty. He couldn't exactly tell yet if the changes were for the better, though it felt strange thinking he would need time to get used to 'himself'.

[kagirinai]

[STYLE=margin: 15px 80px 15px 80px; text-align: justify;font-family: arial;font-size: 10px;]I was received well; mentally dissecting the benign welcoming offered by Yokumaru, there was naught for me to sense outside of friendliness, his kind, embraceful tone slightly catching me off guard. I, in fact, hadn't known of the prestige he held within our village, my note detailing little more than a location, date, and time. My interest would be piqued at the idea of him being the Mizukage's right-hand man.

It was no mere coincidence, I'd reason. A mere glimpse into my academy record would illustrate the sinister temperament I embodied, providing description on various acts of violence, particularly morose comments, and even detailed accounts of my deeds from several different informants that I'd done a bad job in keeping quiet. In view of this, I felt it safe to presume that, perhaps, the ostensibly powerful, yet kind-hearted shinobi had been assigned to me with the purpose of keeping my capacity in check, as well to retain a watch over my doings, should I ever decide to direct my ill-will toward the village itself. It was clever, I'd admit, too scolding myself for having underestimated the wit and foresight of the Hidden Mist's higher-ups.

Analogous to my conjecture, the squat boy behind me had done his best to keep a safe distance; again, polite, and thoughtful, the gesture succeeded by an equally amiable introduction. While too early to entirely pass judgement, from what I could currently perceive, it'd seem as if their behavior both offset and contradicted my own, and with his words, it would be my turn for an introduction.

My disposition would be kept appropriately composed, considering the civil Jōnin's proclamation as the village's second in command, losing the indignant look for one of inexpression. I was satisfied, having came to the prior conclusion that I'd comply to the team should they show power, which the Genin had as well.. iryō were rare; beyond this, I'd now even acknowledge the fact that, if he'd told the truth, and was in fact who he said he was, I wouldn't have stood a chance as his enemy regardless. While somewhat egotistical, I was, in no way, dim-witted; I respected power.

Consequently, my colorless visage would move to meet his, noticing the similiarity in the purple hue of our eyes, albeit mine being a darker shade, and subsequently shifting faintly to behold the nearby Genin. My cunning, sharpened while within the academy, would come into play here; my new, concealed intentions being to artfully entice, possibly placing myself in a better position to glean knowledge from him. Finishing pursuance of the correct wording before I'd begin, my own introduction took place following a few seconds' silence. The lengthy utternance would stream from my prehensile tongue in an eloquent manner, voiced alluringly.

"A pleasure to meet you both. I am.. honored, that you'd see it fitting for me to join you," I'd slyly vow, turning toward Rael, "and your pupil, Yokumaru-sama.. Now, my name; Akkihebi, Kagirinai, as I can see you both know. I've only just eclipsed the ninja academy, like you.. and abilites.. I am both human... and snake."
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[KEITH]

After listening to Rael introduce himself to Kagirinai, I would notice that it seemed a bit different than how he had normally acted. Then I would recall how we had met in the academy, and we hadn't even formally introduced ourselves to each other. I had made me feel a bit weird, just now realizing this fact, I wondered if Rael had noticed it to, and how weird it must feel. After he had spoken, eyes would set upon Kagirinai, it was his turn for him to introduce himself. My eyes would set upon his as he had gotten closer, noticing his serpent likes eyes, which had been of the same color as mine.

Though, they were far darker in color than my own. He had spoken in a unique way; it must've been also snake-like, just as his eyes were. Then, he would tell us his full name, and give reason as to why he possessed such features, that were snake-like. He had been from that clan that could manipulate snakes and use snake related jutsu, but I couldn't put my finger on the name of the clan, it had slipped my mind. Rael should have known for sure, he had been the brains of our group after all; based upon our last mission. So, now that introductions were out of the way, it was time for us to move on with things, though I wanted to get to know more about Kagirinai, and Rael.

Me and him had never spent any one on one time out side of a mission, and I wasn't sure of his stance on me, if he approved of me as his sensei or not. But, with the mission I had taken up for us today, we surely would all get to know each other quite well. “Now with us all formally introduced, it is time to get on with the game plan for today. Since I knew that just meeting up would be a bit dull, I had decided to pick us up a B-rank mission. This B-rank mission will be your first official mission ever, Kagirinai-san; I hope you will be up for the challenge.

Rael-san and I had just completed one a week ago, we can talk about it upon the way to the warehouse we had to go to for today's mission.” I would make advancements toward Kagirinai, and did a hand gesture, motioning for Rael to get closer as well, taking a scroll out of one of my backside pouches, and unraveling it to them to reveal the content.

SPOILER: Click to show

Name; Trap City
Rank; B
Description; We have good news and bad news. Good news is we finally found a warehouse we can build that new gymnastics training center for our young ninja’s to train. The bad news is it was owned by a nutjob convinced the world would end and he’d need a trapped out fortress. That’s where you come in. We need you to get in to the warehouse somehow, de-activate the many traps and move all the shit in it, out of it.
Reward; 300 experience, 5,000 ryo
Mission status; Interminable

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[Lang]

Whether it was done on purpose or not, Rael observed how their newest member had a tendency to pause longer than usual before speaking. He knew many people that liked to think their words through, but the other boy made it seem as though he was literally tasting each syllable. Though, upon revealing that he did belong to the clan of snake users, the Genin shrugged it off as coincidence. Maybe it was a habit shared by everyone with the Hebi bloodline. Still, he couldn't help but feel a bit perturbed by the other boy's eyes; there was just something about what they hid...

"Are you certain about this, sensei? We were rather fortunate with last week's mission, especially with how weak the guards turned out to be," he frowned at the scroll's details, some of his old expression showing through. "Is there any chance someone else might still be holed up in there? Simply avoiding some preset traps seems a bit bland for it to be labeled a B-rank?" Working their way around non-living mechanisms was one thing. Having to deal with a potential nutjob, or even several at the same time would undoubtedly be more challenging.

There was another issue he needed to address, though he did so as they moved along. "Also, sensei...I'm not sure how much my current abilities would benefit the group on this mission. I'm afraid with all my time spent learning medicine my other skills have deteriorated tremendously. Infiltration is no longer my forte by any means."

Despite his view on the situation, one thing Rael never brought up was the fact they were bringing a new graduate along for something normally handled by seasoned Chuunin at minimum. For one, it would have been hypocritical of him, since he wasn't much different at the time of the prostitution bust. Secondly, despite never seeing his new teammate in action, Rael was confident in his individual abilities. It was just a matter of meshing their skills together effectively that might bring up difficulties further down the road. But hey, that was what training and missions were for.

[kagirinai]

[STYLE=margin: 15px 80px 15px 80px; text-align: justify;font-family: arial;font-size: 10px;]I'd calm slightly at the fulfillment of our introductions, regarding the Jōnin's words amid pondering my own situation. I'd see no problem in departing from the nostalgic, monotonous grounds on which we stood, and with a B-rank mission, my first, taking its place, I'd even feel appetence. Yokumaru nearing, I'd turn my gaze toward the other Genin, considering the opinion he gave before inspecting the text myself.

We would be dealing with an apocalyptaphobe, who'd decided that, should the world actually end, he'd be more than prepared. Coincidentally, I'd imagine that my serpentine facilities would be of great aid in the task, coexisting perfectly with gathering intel, infiltration, etc., considering my mind's capability to meld with them, seeing through their eyes and any other sense they'd employ. Hence the reason my own judgment on the assignment would differ from his.

"We don't know the complexity, or danger of the traps... they could easily account for its rank," I'd remind him inexpressively, "my snakes will.. handle, any group of ordinary civilian.. and you're a medic, correct? You'll help the mission enough in healing us, should we fail in disarming any of these traps the task calls for."

Ending the lecture, my tone had remained impassive through its entirety; the words thusly seen as more of an explanation, as opposed to a scolding counter, though I held no objection in doing that either, should the need arise. Moving from the area in the course of my words, I'd trail Yokumaru's left side, following him as, assumedly, our trio would be headed for the warehouse in commencement of the mission. Recalling his previous few sentences as we'd advance, my more inquisitive trait would show, my head turning in the two's direction as I'd direct them a query.

"What was it.. the b-rank mission you went on?"

My fluent words always held a purpose, and these would too; certain, camouflaged information would be discerned from their responses, I had no doubt.
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[KEITH]

I listened out to the complaints of Rael, and I will admit, I had been a bit disheartened by it. Shinobi face odds that would be far greater than they think they are able to handle every single day. One would just have to develop heart, a heart to give it your all, no matter what the odds had stacked up against you. I figured it would be better to say this then think it, but before I could, Kagirinai would intercept with his own response to Rael's doubts and worries.

There was always one way or another your skills could help someone out, though it might not be apparent at the time. Rael focused upon medics, so that was his field, he didn't have to worry about being on the front-line, he was our support, that me and Kagirinai would depend on a lot if we had gotten injured. Rael played a very important role to the team. Besides, if Rael was needed to do something, I am sure that he possessed the cunning ability to use his skills properly in the needed situation.

Which could be used offensively or defensively, if he had known how. If he didn't, that's why I was here. “No need to worry, Rael-san. We are a team, and we make up for whatever flaws each other have. Besides, with your new skills, and Kagirinai-san's skills I have yet to see, it'll be a blast to watch things go down. At least for me.” I would say with a chuckle as my advancement toward where the warehouse had been, not too far away from Kirigakure in another village.

Kagirinai would move to the left of me, meaning that, obviously, Rael would take my right. With both of them following me, we would dash from the village, through the gates, into the outside lands of the village. With Kagirinai's question posed to us, I couldn't help but reflect back upon the mission with a smile, and I figured I would tell a little lie. Something that will get Kagirinai think that Rael was a slacker or something. “Well, about a week ago, Rael-san and I were on a mission to end the prostitution-ing in Kirigakure. On the mission, Rael-san had become drunk after having a few drinks undercover. . . The slacker!” I said with a laugh.

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[Lang]

Neither of them seemed to pick up the fact his reluctance stemmed from a feeling of inadequacy, rather than trepidation about the mission itself. Rael was expected to fill a supporting role now, and while he'd do everything in his power to ensure his duties were carried out, it was tough knowing he wouldn't be in the thick of things anymore. Unless it came to pulling them out of course; hopefully with all limbs attached. The ensuing 'pep-talk' of sorts wasn't really needed, but still, he was glad to hear the snaker-user being so confident.

"I'd tell you to be careful then, but you already know that, heh. Like sensei mentioned, I'm also really looking forward to seeing what you can do."

They'd been traveling for some time now, advancing in an arrow-shaped formation that placed Yokumaru at its point, the two Genin flanking his sides with Rael taking the right. The serpentine youth's sudden inquiry towards their previous B-rank mission came as a bit of a surprise, though maybe it shouldn't have been all that strange. No doubt he wanted to know how they overcame certain challenges, thus leading to a greater insight into their thinking patterns. Since he'd obviously been the one in charge, the young iryou-nin decided to let their team leader do the explaining.

What a mistake that was.

"Well, I know there was only one person sober the entire time, and I don't think it was the Jounin I found passed out with a naked stripper on top. Don't listen to him, Kagirinai, he's just sore because he couldn't keep going and left her hanging," he chortled in return, though letting the man keep some of his dignity by keeping the next phrase Must've been a bad lay, to himself. Hiding a laugh as Yokumaru no doubt privately stewed, he continued on.

"Things got a little hectic at some parts, but there wasn't really all that much fighting until the very end; it was mostly a waiting game, looking for the right opportunities to speak with key figures. Like I said earlier, they weren't much more than low-level goons."

[kagirinai]

[STYLE=margin: 15px 80px 15px 80px; text-align: justify;font-family: arial;font-size: 10px;]Our individual gaits treading adjacently, I'd subtly monitor the accord the two shared, viewing Yokumaru's teasing words, and Rael's own mocking response with a faint, mischievous grin. Their familiarity was evident in their liberty toward one another, their back and forth antics as well telling me something... the information I'd been searching for, the likes of which I'd keep to myself, for now.

"Exciting," I'd answer the duo, my illusory visage conveying intrigue.

For certain, they not only possessed experience together, but as well in the general day-to-day of a shinobi. It struck envy in my being, arousing a desire to excel, not only in the manner they did, but beyond it. It would be visible in the actions I'd take sequential to our arrival at the warehouse; not on my expression, or the way I was carrying myself currently. Persisting in stride, I'd occasionally shift my eyes to observe my Genin counterpart, having only just noticed how young he actually looked. Even more of a child than myself, I'd assume, due to our difference in height; however, in maturity, it was evident that, while my own was impressive, his stretched further.

Again, envy would beset my conscious, this time evident in the hastened pace I'd momentarily garner, as well my subsequent question.

"your age, rael-san?"

My inflection would be hardly readable as anything outside of a mere, quaint inquiry, though within I held my own, more invidious motives. Following an answer from him, I'd be sure to give my own, afterward ending the subject in favor of current affairs.

Looking ahead, I'd behold the lengthy distance we'd already traversed, the conversation carrying us unexpectedly far. Pondering the presumably challenging task we were moving toward, a part of me would hope that similarly fond memories could be forged from it, opposed to those of tragedy, or even boredom. Time would tell all; for now, my actions would remain identical to my comrade's. There wasn't much distance left to cover before we'd arrive, and I'd await orders once we did.

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[KEITH]

[Moved to Mizu no Kuni.]

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[KEITH]

We would have moved swiftly through the land of Mizu no Kuni, as we all would have upheld our conversations, small talk, at best. The fable I would have told Kagirinai would surely find its way back to me, as quickly as possible, as if it had searched for my posterior and bit right into it, hard. It would seem that Rael wasn't as serious as he would have seemed when I first met him, being able to joke around like this. It was nice to see a change in his being, I wondered if it was because of me, though.

I wouldn't be able to tell now, since I hadn't known that much about him, though, as time went on, we all would begin to know each other better, as we learned more about each other. I couldn't help but laugh in response to Rael's statement, and I felt like I had known what he wanted to end it with, though he hadn't dared to say it, for his life could have ended there, in the cold mist. Or perhaps not, I knew how to own up to what I had done. It was more so to see Kagirinai's response to it, but I hadn't been pleased with his single word response. He had obviously had other things upon his mind, but it wasn't that important to me at the moment, I had to get us to where we needed to me.

Navigating through the mist, we would finally find ourselves leaving out of the mist which had kept Kirigakure hidden, and before us would lay a large town. Behind the town had been a large waterfall, and near it, at the end of the town, is where the warehouse would have been positioned. As we would make our way through the village, the people there would bow to us, and smile; they knew who we were and what we were here for. Out of one of the shack like houses, and elderly man would approach me, and walk beside me, my eyes averted to him, with a gently gaze.

I would notice that his right eye had been taken from him, as he would have walked upon the left side of me with Kagirinai, beginning to speak now as we all would have kept going toward our destination. “Ah, so you guys are here to bring down that nutjob, Soken, eh? It's about time that you Kirigakure shinobi decided to pick up on the job. He is planning on trying to save the village as well, but planting bombs around the village in case of raiders in the coming days of the 'end of the world.' You guys have to stop him quickly, we beg you.” I listened, like my students most likely would have, and I turned my gaze from him back toward the warehouse we would have been coming up on, and it was the biggest one I had ever seen.

“You must be Soken's brother, Roken. I am sorry that I hadn't attended to this matter at an earlier time; I have been a real busy guy in the past few months. But, rest assure we will take care of this matter as quickly as possible. . . . I assume that the door is booby-trapped.” I had spoken as I turned toward Roken to face him.

He would nod, before his response. “Yes, most likely. Soken most favorite types of traps are explosives, so, I would advise you all to be careful, getting in and once inside.” He said, worried about the shinobi who were there to do their job. It was nice that he had worried about our safety, but he hadn't needed to do such a thing. We were shinobi, and we would risk our lives all the time, this wasn't anything new. But, I would take the honor of getting rid of the first trap.

I had drawn a kunai from the holster upon my left thigh, tagging it with an explosive note I received from my back pouch. I launched the kunai toward the door handle, and it hit hard, before I would form a seal, causing the explosive note to detonate, creating a large explosion, which would increase in size as the door opened. If anyone would have tried to open the door by any normal means, that would have been the end of them. Now that the first obstacle was removed it was time to advance. From the right side of my waist, had hung my fox mask, I figured that now would be the appropriate time to wear it, so I wouldn't have to deal with screwing up, then being forced to wear it.

As I would have slipped it on, I felt something inside me awaken. “Rael, Kagirinai, I shouldn't have to tell you this, but so you know, I expect nothing but excellence from the both of you. Once we get inside, we will split up. Don't bother trying to take on Soken, even if he confronts you. Your first objection is to get rid of all of the traps within your path, and create a way to remove all of the items inside out. If Soken reveals himself, I will be there to crash him. Let's move.”

I was more serious than I usually am; it was as if the cheerful side of me had gone somewhere far away. I hadn't even used an honorific anymore, that’s how you know shit just got real.

---

All items, weaponry, and gear on profile in use.

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[Lang]

Through the lighthearted banter, with Rael paying just a tad more attention now in case Yokumaru turned vindictive and threw a shuriken or something at him, he couldn't help but notice how disinterested the Kagehebi seemed in their small exchange. He reminded the Genin of himself up until very recently, and while that wasn't particularly worrisome, Rael hoped he too would eventually feel more at ease around his new team. They didn't have much trouble breaking the ice earlier, now all they needed to do was nudge the pieces out of the way. Kagirinai's sudden curiosity in his age threw him for a loop at first, but maybe the snake-user was just puzzled how someone with his appearance managed to sneak into what was essentially a gentlemen's club, doubling as a whorehouse.

"Nine," he responded, in turn asking for the other Genin's age as well. It was a pleasant surprise to find them similar in years, but also because he knew Kagirinai wasn't in the same graduating class as him; perhaps he was part of the following batch? Anyways, there would be time plenty enough later on for them to socialize further, if the Hebi scion felt so inclined.

---

The mist lifted as they exited from the natural phenomenon obscuring their village from prying eyes, entering one that seemed almost equally large but nowhere near as wealthy. The nearby waterfall close to their destination was visually impressive, and as they passed through town, Rael returned their bowing and smiles with a few of his own. He didn't recognize the one-eyed elderly man that approached their group, but seeing how Yokumaru remained at ease, the pale Genin didn't react either as he joined them, revealing himself to be their contact.

The short exchange was mentally jotted down and recorded, as they drew up to the warehouse damn it's huge and Yokumaru started their mission off with a bang, literally. Not too surprising; who wouldn't booby-trap the front entrance? His complacent attitude was checked however, as their team leader finally slipped on the mask Rael had observed numerous times, but never seen him wear. It was more than enough incentive for him to bring back a little of his old persona, recognizing the seriousness of the situation. Plus, he needed to leave a good impression with Kaginirai; it wouldn't do to have him think his teammate didn't know how to roll with the punches.

"Understood, sensei. Both of you, if you have any means of quickly communicating with other personnel, leave one with me. Should either of you require medical aid, I will immediately seek you out to provide assistance."

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All equipment in profile present.