☆ team son yoku & the sister

[KEITH]

I would yawn; loud and proudly. My arms had stretched out into the heavens, as I would look down upon the village from upon my apartment's rooftop. It was a new day, and I hadn't gotten up to so anything since the last mission three days ago with my team. Today, that team would expand even further into something greater, despite how the first mission had gone.

It was successful, but my recklessness had caused my two students to fall into the grasp of danger, and it could have possibly claimed the life of Kagirinai. Luckily, my first and senior student, Rael had been there to save Kagirinai from a terrible demise upon his first mission, and that he would be willing to return back for the meet up today. The life of a shinobi was always dangerous, and death could come at any turn, hopefully Kagirinai was more aware of this now than ever. Just because Rael had been there to save him this time, it didn't mean that he would always be there.

He had to be more careful with the way he had handled things. I thought of doing a training exercise with the team, but since a new member was joining today, I wasn't sure of it. I didn't know what they could do, so I had to push it back a bit to a later time. I figured that training with them would help out in the long run, with them amped and prepared for the next upcoming team mission.

I would look at the watch upon my right wrist, seeing that it was now twelve; time for the meet up with the new member of the team today to start. I was excited, especially because of my new look; I had cut my hair shorter than it had naturally been and worn some casual clothing. In a burst of speed, I would flicker away from my rooftop; I could be seen dashing toward the center of the village, where it hadn't been so busy today, seemingly. I wasn't surrounded by many, and I had been a rather large man, so pin-pointing me out shouldn't have been too hard of a job for any of them.

I had stood next to a juice vendor, and decided to buy myself one while I waited. “I wonder who'll be first today.” I said as I had drunk my well blended grape and cranberry juice.

---

Tagged:

• Rael
  
• Kagirinai
  
• Shizue
  

NOTE: No posting order for the first round.

[/justify][/font]

[Lang]

Bidding his parents farewell as always, the door locked behind Rael with a slight click as he set out towards Kirigakure's central district, where he would rendezvous with the rest of the team. A mere three days after their ordeal with Sōken and his warehouse rigged with traps, Team Yokumaru would be gathered together once again, and this time, with yet another new addition to the group. Just two weeks in, and already the original two-man cell had doubled its member base. Working alongside Kagirinai during their recent 'B' rank mission gave him a new appreciation for the skills of others; he was expecting to be just as impressed with their fourth member.

Following their last mission's closure, Rael had spent a significant amount of time reassessing his position in the team, one that might see more adjusting further down the road, especially with a new factor coming into play. Previous insecurities now gone, a newfound confidence stirred in the white-haired medic, amplified by his burgeoning skill in the field of Souin jutsu. Should push come to shove, he too was now capable of entering the front lines, no longer restricted to being shielded by his comrades. Granted, he would likely fare no better than Kagirinai did, should another situation arise with multiple explosive notes setting off in his face, but at least now he was better equipped to prevent such from occurring in the first place.

Double-checking all of his gear along the way, this time carrying the familiar weight of his tantō which he'd failed to bring in the past, Rael entered main hub, scanning left and right for the familiar, six-foot-plus form of his sensei amidst the small crowd. Fortunately, a combination of fewer people than usual at this early hour, along with Yokumaru's large frame, made the Jounin relatively easy to pinpoint next to an inconspicuous juice stand. It was upon drawing closer, however, that he made note of the man's changed appearance. For the better too, he might add.

"Morning, Yokumaru-sensei. The new look suits you; very nice."

[--Shizue--]

It had been such a long time since she had been called a 'team' with anyone. But the prospect of it was quite nice. She didn't know much of her two team mates, however, from what she knew of the man that was to be their Jounin sensei, he was a friend of the Mizukage and also the apparent Head Jounin of the village. That in itself was exciting enough to know she would be working with a man of such caliber. That meant that under his guidance and her own strict training she too could become great.

She prepared herself as she normally did in the morning before checking to make sure she had all of her tools and smaller weapons on her person within the pouches at the top of her fishnet stockings. Grabbing her dagger she would then sheath it inside of her girder, making sure it was secure before moving on to her sword. Briefly admiring it, she smiled, and fasten the sheath to her waist then glance into the mirror for appraisal.

All was good.

That taken care of she left her small apartment in order to head to the meeting place that her sensei had designated. It was a quaint little juice vendor that she knew well. As she walked her thoughts ran rampant on what her team mates would be like. She knew she was the only female, and that didn't bother her. Would they be like Chae? Like Akuharu? Would they get along, become close, and truly function as a team? So many bothersome questions that she needed to silence her mind from asking.

After all, they would all be answered in due time once she arrived at the vendors.

That in itself didn't take too long either. Nearing the vendor a rather tall man, a little older than her from what she could tell, was standing there sipping on one of the famous mixed fruit drunks the vendor offered. By him was a small child. Shizue looked passed them, briefly, but no one else was around. Yokumaru was obvious, that much she knew already. However the young child was her team mate? Shizue didn't know whether to be insulted or perhaps flattered that she was entrusted with a child.

Regardless, she made her way over to the two of them, her stilettos clicking on the pavement below as she neared. A soft smile pulled at her lips until she reached them in which she would bow respectively. "Hello. It's nice to meet the two of you. I'm Oki, Shizue. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Reaching out she would ruffle the top of the boy's hair before looking to Yokumaru with a smile and holding her hand out as if to shake it. Whenever the fourth member of their team showed up she would just introduce herself once more and hopefully shake his hand.

Unless it was another child...then she really just wouldn't know what to do...

[kagirinai]

[STYLE=margin: 15px 80px 15px 80px; text-align: justify;font-family: arial;font-size: 10px;] Indistinguishable from the triad of mornings prior, I woke from a sleep beleaguered by evocative, unsettling nightmares, the horrors distended with humiliation and disrepute; a derivation of my near run-in with death, I had no doubt. Despite the days elapsed, I dwell troubled by the past event. My time following the B-rank mission thusly spent alone, bar the eternal company of my serpentine kin, locked in my minim apartment as I did nothing but reflect on the ill-fated occurrence.

It existed as an attack on my formerly unmitigated demeanor; I had never been overwhelmed in such a way before, and to have been healed, even saved, by a peer.. The entire ordeal was traumatizing; I'd never felt so low, even moreso in the wake of this ominous morning. While afforded a few days free, orders were that I'd be forced to meet with them again, this time welcoming a new member in a meeting identical to my own. Had I been in a better mood, I may have half-heartedly wished her a better fate than myself, but currently couldn't bring myself to it.

Instead, I'd arise broodful; anxious of assembling with the only two shinobi to have ever seen me at my weakest. With any less direction, I may have simply refused, instead requesting a separate squad, though a certain, newly-surfaced cause wouldn't let me. The newfound purpose, brought to me as more of an urge than anything else, would be to rectify my actions, image, and reputation by proving myself to the two. I had fallen victim to an unforeseen adversary; it had taught me a plethora of lessons, too instilling in me an obligation to make sure it never happened again. My resolve was undying; I would mend my position amongst them. I felt that only then, once my standing was repaired, could my old, artfully sly self be brought back.

First, however, would be the task of priming; preparing for the inevitable meeting. A hurried shower, garbing, gathering of tools, and the decision against breakfast routed me out from my secreted domicile. I paced my poised, albeit grim gait toward the heart of Kirigakure, following the listed, winding directions that would deliver me out from my barren fragment of the village and into its most bustling region.

Meandering through surprisingly sparse crowds of civilian and shinobi, I eventually reached the sect of occupied land wherein we were scheduled to meet, now doing my part in searching for Yokumaru, a man discernible among any crowd due to his abnormal height. A moment of searching and I found him, a trio after prying more deeply, all settled near a juice vendor; I was late, or if not, the last to arrive, and heightened my pace accordingly, eventually visible from a distant fifteen meters.

I observed them more closely in my approach, noting a fair difference in the Jōnin's appearence, in addition viewing the familiar deportment of Rael, and unfamiliar, more mature bearing of our new coequal. I was intrigued to see what she could offer, not showing it however, as I'd converge on them vacant of visible emotion. Taking in their own raiments, I myself would be presented in garbs undoubtedly alien to the lot, a set I'd found following the research of my ophidian lineage, garments of oto ♪. Their primary composition being that of an elegant, flowing top, its front open slightly, tight-fitting, black bottoms, and a middling, purple rope sash belt.

Toying with the chokuto positioned along my waste, I'd eye the group inelegantly, replacing words with the flicker of a concise smile and bowing of my head.
[/style]

[KEITH]

The mixture of grape and cranberry juice had always tasted amazing to me, exciting my taste buds as always. I felt like today would be a great day, since my drink had been so cold and delicious. I had thought that I should start off all of my days with a beverage like this, but then again, that costs money. I hadn't done enough work to accommodate me on my habit that I wanted to pick up. Despite my dream being short lived, I still had the drink for now, and I savored every last sip of it.

Turning my attention from my heavenly juice, I would look out to see if anyone had been here yet; not to my surprise, Rael would be the first one there. I had really admired his dedication to his work, always on time and ready to do whatever is needed of him. Surely this had meant that Rael was on the path to becoming a splendid shinobi. As our eyes would lock, he would greet me, and with a nod of my head, after removing myself from my drink.

With his greeting, he had complimented my new appearance, and he had been the first one today to do so, it uplifted my spirit, despite my short-lived dream being crushed not too long before. “Ossu, Rael. Thanks, I thought it was time for a change in my looks.” I would say to him with a light smile, though shortly after he would have arrived, another would soon approach the duo. It would have been the newest member of the team, despite him being surprised by the appearance of the girl, he didn't show any outward feelings, as his thoughts had been preoccupied with how Kagirinai would be arriving after the teams newbie.

He should have been here first, but I had decided to let it, I would deal with his tardiness another time. My new student, who had turned out to be a female had greeted herself to me and Rael, and extended her hand out to me for a shake. She had seemed nice, first impressions were everything, and since she was being so nice, I would also act the same in return. “Hey there, Shizue. Nice to meet you, I'm Fūma Yokumaru, as you may already know. It'll be my pleasure having you become a part of our team.”

I said as I extended my own hand out to meet hers, grasping it gently and shaking with, while giving her a pleasant smile. Finally, our team would be complete with the appearance of Kagirinai, though he hadn't given a reason as to why he had been late. He only bowed, but it had been enough for now, like I thought previously, I would deal with his tardiness at a later time. It was a good feeling to see a full and complete team before my eyes, it had been my very first one, and I was excited.

Going as far as to even seemingly forgive Kagirinai. “Welcome Kagirinai, our new teammate is here with us today, make sure to greet her properly.” The undertone of my voice had been alike me when I had worn my fox mask, cold and deep, but at the same time, my playful expression had cleared it all up. Only Rael and Kagirinai would be able to detect this subtleness in my speech, due to having seen me in action with my mask and knowing how I made a change when I wore it.

“So, how are you guys feeling today?” I had returned to my normal self.

[/justify][/font]

[Lang]

A time for a change of looks, hm? Rael sincerely hoped his sensei wasn't moping after being dumped by a lady friend, and using that as an excuse to get away from his old image. Doing his best not to crack a tiny smile at the thought, he was about to say something else when a new sound broke through the surrounding din of voices, clacking loudly against the pavement as it approached their position. Both of the males turned to survey this new arrival, and Rael slightly cocked his head to the side, wondering if they were who he believed them to be. The attire was...strange, but more importantly -

She doesn't trip on those? Amazing.

Her greeting was short, but polite and straight to the point; he liked that. However, just as he was about to return the pleasantry, the much older woman came close to committing a terrible taboo. Jerking his head away and out of reach from her offending limb, he resisted the urge to scowl at this "Oki Shizue", finally forgiving her as he introduced himself in turn. "Hiraiyomi Rael. Looking forward to working with you." A bit less expressive than when he first met Kagirinai, but the other Genin hadn't tried to intrude on his personal bubble less than five seconds into their initial meeting.

Speak of the devil.

As their last group member silently made it into the scene, Rael returned his inaudible greeting with a short wave, noting the other boy's change in attire, as well as the chokuto he was sure was absent during their last mission. Kagirinai seemed a bit too subdued, even more melancholic than before; the iryou-nin would have a chat with him sometime later. For now, he was content to let Yokumaru finish speaking, even if it seemed more like he was berating the Hebi scion. In the end though, even Shizue's transgression, Kagirinai's somber mood, and their sensei's edged tone couldn't prevent the smallest smirk from creeping up a corner of his mouth.

"Fantastic. I'm itching to see how far we can take things from here on out."

[--Shizue--]

No more than she had introduced herself, the fourth member of their squad decided to join them as well. Shizue couldn't help but be a little discouraged however. Like the boy before her, her other team mate, too, was a small child. Perhaps this was her punishment for quitting for such a long time in order to refine her skills. She did it all for Kirigakure no Sato though. This wasn't exactly something she considered to be reward.

Regardless, she smiled at the new comer who's garb wasn't like that of any place she had seen before. Surely it wasn't Kiri material, that was for sure. And the other boy, Rael, who had pulled away from her when she tried to ruffle his hair seemed like a brat. This Kagirinai also seemed a little back watered. The only person who seemed talented, or at least of some use, was their team captain. Yokumaru was a saint to be given two children like this and be okay with it.

However, deep down, knowing that she couldn't run or change this outcome, she felt as though they were now her responsibility. Like, for some reason, despite the three of them being under Yokumaru's watch, the two of them were even more so under her's. Sighing, she sidestepped away from the two children and closer towards Yokumaru who would then address them and ask how they were feeling.

"Fine. I'd like to see the extent of what my new team mates are capable of. Also, perhaps see what my new sensei is capable of as well. After all, I have been...away...from the shinobi world a while." She smiled curtly after her words while then resting a hand on the hilt of her blade, fingers tapping along it almost lovingly. "Not to mention the three of you already have a bond that I couldn't even compare with---not yet anyways. That needs to change."

Now circling around her team, heels ever clicking along the pavement, her cerulean eyes took in her sensei, though knowing he was a Jounin of the Mist was enough to know how talented he was, then. Then they fell on the silent boy Kagirinai who almost seemed serpent like in appearance; how odd. Finally they fell on Rael who seemed to be a bit of a temperamental, but cute for a cute his age.

"Shall we perhaps go and train? Hm, sensei?" Her eyes fell back onto Yokumaru now, curt smile still in place.

[kagirinai]

[STYLE=margin: 15px 80px 15px 80px; text-align: justify;font-family: arial;font-size: 10px;]Had his welcome not been so grave, I may have neglected greeting this woman altogether; nonetheless, I painstakingly knew my skill wasn't enough to cross his yet, though I would eye him in distaste, the look clandestine enough to be mistaken for his imagination should he not be paying particularly close attention. My abyssal fissures sequentially passed in her near direction, the emotionless, albeit personally disagreeable glance synchronous with a mellifluent voicing of words.

"akkihebi, kagirinai..." I articulated, the sound effortless and flowing, my following expression appearing of genuine interest, "tell me yours, i believe i missed it before."

Subsequent to our unwritten exchange, my gaze, slightly vexing, moved to meet Rael's. I cared not if he looked back, I only wanted to see his reaction to the Kunoichi joining us; she seemed older than I had first guessed from afar, her full figure signifying adulthood. I detected a vaguely irritated expression, eventually obscured by eager comments; it was amusing, I studied him peripherally for seconds longer, my gaze then averting back to our Sensei, wondering how he viewed her. It was impossible to tell, his ever-present lighthearted self concealing his true emotion. Or, imaginably, he hid nothing, and honestly found delight in every stranger he met.

I myself had never been quick to judge, neither in a positive or negative light; before forming an opinion, and moreover displaying one, I required time. For now, I was neutral, though her sigh and step away from Rael and I did nothing to aid a more optimistic view. Her subsequent words were interesting, however, retracting my conscious from its prior pondering and toward a state of curiosity.

The vague, teasing mention of an absence from the life we three knew could reason for the still-assumed gap in our age, and intriguing even so. The response I gave to Yokumaru's final question was a mere shrug, half wanting to provoke him, and otherwise not caring for such pleasantries, instead desiring to move on.

A symptom of this longing was the impulsive, hidden elate I felt after a question of training was communicated. Action resonated perfectly, my own appetite directed more toward a match or some form of versus combat, though anything would suffice. In view of prior shortcomings, I held an ambition to demonstrate my full prowess to Yokumaru, Rael, and even our newest teammate, as well curious of their own ability. We'd await his answer in the passing moments, I myself hoping for one of approval.
[/style]

[KEITH]

After my question had been posed toward everyone, I would watch them with a gentle gaze as I consumed the remainder of my delicious juice. My eyes would avert toward that of Rael, as he would have been the first to respond to my question. It seemed that he was feeling really good, going as far as feeling fantastic and all. My gaze would then go toward Kagirinai, though not before glancing over Shizue, deciding to let her go last instead.

The only thing he would do is advance forward toward the group, giving his name to Shizue and in turn, asking for her own. Shizue would have already had her response ready; quickly firing out her response to how she had been feeling, taking my attention away from Kagirinai. When she had finished speaking, I couldn't do anything but smile and nod my head. It seemed that Shizue had been somewhat more mature than my two younger shinobi, and it had made her seem as if she was more dedicated to the life of a shinobi than the other two.

She said she had been away from the limelight of the shinobi world for a while, and I guessed she wanted to return and make a big mark. I was impressed, and utterly happy that such a shinobi had existed within Kirigakure. Surely I would try my best to help her turn into a fine shinobi, just like I had originally planned to do with Rael and Kagirinai. I tossed my juice container into a nearby trash can, and before I had known it, Shizue who had just stood in front of me, were circling us like a shark, and then posing another suggestion to me as our eyes would look.

I wondered what had been hidden behind that smile of hers, though I am sure that in combat I would find out. I have never had a training lesson with Rael nor Kagirinai, so this would be one of those rare chances that one could never let down. With a big, goofy smile, I replied to her suggestion she made. “That does sound like a lot of fun, don't you guys agree?” I had said to the boys of the team as I averted my sight to them, still smiling.

“Nothing is more important than teamwork. So, for you guys to really get comfortable with each other and learn more about each other, we will have a handicap sparring match. The three of you against little ol' me.” With my suggestion up in the air, I wondered how the trio would respond. And, just who would really be handicapped in this match up.

[Lang]

It was not hard to interpret Shizue's skepticism regarding her new team; namely, his and Kagirinai's presences. Despite being cast in a somewhat negative light, he could understand her sentiments on the matter. Imagine how other people would see the trio of Genin as they walked together, a giant female with two young boys in tow, like a young aunt. Don't laugh, she might kill you. Unfortunately, understanding her plight didn't signify he held any sympathy for the kunoichi. His previous words were meant to be taken seriously; just as they needed demonstrate their capabilities, Shizue also had to show just what she could bring to the table. If she wanted to forge bonds similar to what the three already shared, she was going to have to work for them.

As such, none of them appeared too surprised when their newest member suggested they go train as a group. Then again, Yokumaru seemed cheery as always (aside from when masked), while Kagirinai looked like...Kagirinai. Not much to say there. For his part, Rael approved of the idea. The question was, how were they going to go about it? He doubted their squad leader had another 'B' rank mission lined up for them like last time. Two Genin working together without prior knowledge of the other's skills could be worked around, but three? The last thing they needed was someone accidentally jumping into the line of fire from their own comrade.

Clearly, we have very different definitions of the word 'fun'.

However, listening to Yokumaru continue on, Rael found the prospect of a sparring match between Jounin-sensei and students piqued his interest. Aside from the taijutsu class demonstration nearly a month ago, he never had the opportunity to face off against the older, more experienced shinobi. Granted, there were still going to be rules in effect, but that was to be expected. Hopefully the three of them would be able to function enough as a cohesive group, and provide the Head Ninja with a suitable challenge.

"What handicaps do you have in mind."

[--Shizue--]

Shizue would smile and nod her head to the third member of her team. Indeed he had missed her introduction. "Oki, Shizue. It's nice to meet you." Unlike her previous mistake with trying to ruffle Rael's hair, she didn't try and do it with Kagirinai. Last thing she needed was for both of her team mates to be absolutely annoyed with her on the first day. How would they be able to prove anything to their sensei if that was the case.

How would she prove anything to him if that was the case.

Though with introductions behind them and Shizue's own suggestion actually taken up on by Yokumaru it seemed that their bonding would be happening sooner than she expected. After all, shinobi best bonded in the thrill of the fight hiding amongst the shadows awaiting for their blades to drip blood. Of course, as a kunoichi she had a bit more of a upfront approach that only her feminine assets allowed her in combat. Unfortunately those couldn't be used here.

"A sparring match between the three of us and you? Hm. Not bad." She would look to Rael in slight disbelief. "The handicap could look like its on him seeing as how its the three of us versus him, but really three Genin versus a skilled Head Jounin of Kirigakure? That in itself is OUR handicap." She would smile though, something she found herself doing a lot of around them. Perhaps it was because they were kids and she didn't feel comfortable getting overly serious. Or perhaps it was their sensei's overly charismatic demeanor.

Regardless it was quite contagious.

"Well, why don't we take this away from town and into the land surrounding the village. Nothing better to train in than actual terrain. None of those 'training grounds' areas. That only breeds simple, narrow minded fighters." She would look to Yokumaru as if to ask for permission to continue forward before moving away from the group to take a few steps towards the east where the nearest city line was. The ever clicking of her heels present, that is until she stopped.

"Sensei, why don't you let Rael, Kagirinai, and I go in first. We'll need a quick debriefing on each others strong points."

[kagirinai]

[STYLE=margin: 15px 80px 15px 80px; text-align: justify;font-family: arial;font-size: 10px;]A state of rumination displaced Yokumaru's friendly announcement, the mist-cloaked atmosphere cooling pale features and an active mind in my speculation. I wondered, considering the Jōnin standing before me, which party the handicap supported; or perhaps, as Shizue began to express, the disadvantage lie in the fact that it was a three on one match, with, ironically, our trio being the side at odds.

"we.. are the handicapped."

It was an assumption, of course; chiefly attributable to our Sensei's title as the Hidden Mist's Shinobi-Gashira, a Jounin that cooperated experience with skill in a manner paramount even to Kirigakure's highest tier of ninja. In theory, he was the most adept, accomplished shinobi our village had to offer, bar the Mizukage, and no amount of Genin could stand a chance against him. There were many unknowns, however, each capable of playing a role in our outcome. At the fore existed the fact that neither I nor Rael had seen the Kunoichi fight before, or even eachother, truthfully, and I personally knew nothing of Yokumaru's abilities outside of his affinity for Suiton, a characteristic shared amongst many Kiri shinobi, and as displayed on our latest mission, where its flooding domain had engulfed an entire floor and bloodied me.

I suspected Rael could inform us on where exactly Yokumaru's talents lie, the iryō himself perpetuating a history with the ivory-haired ninja predating my own union, and even further the nearby female's. Whatever it was, if any of us were capable of pinpointing a weakness in it, or at the very least strategizing to find one, it'd be me. I prided myself in that, not blindly, however. There existed a deluge of reason to reinforce my lofty confidence, even after the disparaging toll it had taken post-accident, and individual reason such as prior experience, the guidance of my hebi heredity, and even my morals, or, more specifically, lack thereof.

Likewise, there was much the other two could offer; I was sure of it in Rael, atleast. It was a conception I inquired in cogitation toward the end of our newest member's dialogue. Shizue's attempt to take the initiative sat well with me, her visible effort made even better in that I agreed with the majority of what she spoke on. I moved to follow her eastward pacing, certain the Jōnin wouldn't mind her assertion, glancing back once more for Rael to join us, should he have not already, and otherwise advancing parallel to Shizue. She and Rael would get the chance to speak first; I was extremely curious in their full skillsets, and aptitude for strategy. It would be a sight.

"well, rael-san? and could you also speak on what you know of yokumaru's abilities..

..i'm assuming you know more than either of us."

[/style]

[KEITH]

x4 EXP when graded.

[/justify][/font]

[Trigga]

Circa- 120
Lang- 120
Shizue- 120
Kagirinai- 120

All perfect scores, and bonus is factored in. Good job, guys!