~*Event*~ Welcome Home!

[Zetsumei]

With a smile he would say, "How rude of me, I'm Toujitakumi, Hisoka." Rubbing the back of his head now he would be about to speak when a somewhat familiar voice would call out his name. Turning he would see a familiar figure he could not quite place. With a smile he would say, "And who might you be?"

Without waiting for an answer he would turn back to Pandoru just in time to see a man hug the woman from behind.Standing there eyes agape he would regain his composure as quickly as he could. Upon regaining his composure he would hear that this new comer was to enter the tournament as well. "So you'll be entering the tournament too," offering out his left hand, the on with the handmouth, for a friendly shake he woudl say, "I hope I get to meet you in the ring for a good match."

Once the friendly shake was done he would offer the two each soem dumplings with the offered words, "Hungry?" Looking over himself he would realize how poorly he was dressed. His coat stained with clay on the cuffs, clay staining his shirt, and his left pant leg was soggy from the splash of water. Sighing he would say, "Well, I seem to be quite a mess..." compared to the newest arrival he looked possitively shabby and poor, a sacrifice he made for his art.

[pandoru]

{-2375 from Masa}

”Hello Hisoka-kun,”

Though it had taken another being to voice the name, it was all she needed to snap all of her thoughts back into place. The fact that Hisoka himself continued with the introduction only helped. “Ah, Hisoka! That‘s where I know you, I’ve seen you about the compound.” She smiled then, though she had to admit, she felt a bit silly and careless, and thus, she gave a small, apologetic bow. How could she have let the name of a fellow clansmen slip by so easily? ’Maybe I’m getting old…’ She straightened upon hearing this person address her as well. Now she really did feel old. Thinking…. Thinking…. Her brows lifted then, finally placing the face, name, and when she’d seen him. It had been years ago, perhaps even before she was in the academy, but she did infact remember this individual, and her hands clasped together. “Oh, John! Nice to see you again. Glad you‘re well.”

“Incoming.”

“Hn?” She didn’t even have the time to look fully over her shoulder. By the time the bright aquamarine optics had even started to move, a pair of strong arms had firmly locked about her waist, and her feet no longer touched the ground. Gasping sharply, she grasped for something to stabilize her, which happened to be the very arms that kept her airborne. The thing that caused her pulse to become all the more nervous though was that she wasn’t quite sure who had even grabbed her. The redhead was becoming a bit more accustomed to being touched, sure, but when she didn’t see who was doing it, it still freaked her out a bit.

”Sorry I‘m late Panda…”

That was all she needed to hear. She let out a sigh of relief, allowing her body to relax. Though, she wasn’t fully at ease until she was on the ground once again. She’d considered asking him where exactly he’d been, put if the answer he gave her willingly was as vague as it was, Pandoru figured it was information he didn’t quite want to reveal. Which, was fine of course. “You didn‘t get your fill at exams?” she teased. Then again, Raikou wouldn’t be present in these ones, and she didn’t get to see Shiro battle that time around, what with being caught up in her own against Riou. Ah, and it seemed Hisoka would be participating as well. This would definitely be quite the show. “Good luck to you both then,” When the other Sankuchi pointed out his choice of attire, Pandoru shook her head, smiling the slightest bit. “There isn‘t a dress code… besides. I don‘t see any problem with wearing your work on your clothing.” In her opinion, it was the sign of a true artist when almost every garment on owned was stained with ink, clay, or something along those lines.

This was all wonderful and a great way to pass the time until she was needed, but she couldn’t help but wonder… where were her Chuunin returnees?

[ryuuzaki]

The young man would yawn as he made his way through Iwa streets. While the festivities were quite exciting, he was still kinda of exhuasted from the past morning at his cousins house. That was probably the second time he had ever felt that he would lose his life. With a small chuckle he would note that there seemed to be quite the gathering of Genin all waiting to see the main event. 'Wonder whats going on over there..' thought Ryuu as he walked towards a bunch of people gathered around a table. Once he got close, he could see what kind of game was being played over here. This was exactly his type of game too, one of chance. He never passed up the opportunity to lose some money, even on bets he knew he would never win. With a wicked grin he would sit down. He didn't have enough Ryo to lose this time around, however other opportunities could arise, he would make sure to be nearby.

"Looks like you have quite the crowd.." he would say to the person running the show. With a yawn he would lean back and lazily watch the money change hands, his eyes following the Ryo as if they were attached to it.

[Masakuni]

“At the exams?” Shiro smirked, looking at the young Toujitakumi. Where was this confidence coming from? Was it that the moment he called for it, the sword would be in his hands? He smirked wider, listening to her tease him. “Oh no. Not quite.” He scratched the back of his head, chuckling. “This time, I’m going to win. You better believe it.” He smiled. His eyes burned with a determination, born of only two things: love, and pride.

“Besides, you won the exams. If I’m going to be protecting you, doesn’t that mean I need to be at least as strong as you?” with a chuckle he turned to face the other shinobi, who had been identified as Hisoka. “Ah, nice to meet you. I look forward to a good fight then.” He shook the Toujitakumi’s hand, idly noting the handmouth, just like Pandoru’s. It didn’t surprise him or phase him in the least bit.

“S’always good to meet another member of Panda’s family, too.” He said, smiling. He stopped for a moment, his thoughts leaping back. Instantly, a blush formed on his face again.. “Oi, Pan… that reminds me… umm… “ He bit his lower lip, frowning. By god, he must look like he was about to ask her out… Wouldn’t be a bad idea… His kikaichu commented. He shook the thought from his head, however tempting it was.. “One of the ANBU escorts… Told me that…” He looked from side to side, almost as if embarrassed.

“Well, if I’m going to be your protector she told me that the ANBU aregonnabemovingmeintoyourhouse…” He blurted out, blushing red… “Um… Is that really okay?” He bit his lower lip again frowning… Maybe it would have been easier if he had just asked her out! I got an idea… His kikaichu said, chuckling. What? Shiro said, untrusting of his insects. Ask her out if you win the tournament. We know she digs you, and there’s no way should could refuse then! His eyes widened for a moment. What? I couldn’t… I… maybe…

Don’t fight it, man. Kikaichu Power.

[Zetsumei]

'Exams, so this person is likely a Chuunin, and the Kage's guardian as well... I'll have to rethink my strategy if I'm going to be going up against him,' Hisoka would think. With a thoughtful expressionhe would absently reach into his clay pouch and modify the figures, attaching one of them to the another.

Pulling his hand out, empty, he would hear the words the man was speaking. His mouth half-open he would shut it hastily, thinking the newcomer was going to ask the Kage on a date. His eyebrow would cock in confusion as the blurted mess spewed from the man's mouth. Unable to stop himself a noise of confusion would emit from his throat.

[Aaron: The Bee Master]

Entering a swirl of merriment and excitement that only a festival could have, Aaron saw people every way he turned. Interested in the tournament signup Aaron sighed with disappointment that it was already full. Well he would ask to be put on a waiting list should someone drop out. Scanning the tournament list he wasn't familiar with any of the ninja. He needed to get out more. For that matter he had never seen the Kage.

Headed to the betting area he hoped he would run into her at some point. She was the Kage after all. Yet his mind would soon turn to gambling as his eyes settled on Double or Nothing. Hurrying over he double checked the rules, unable to decide how much to bet. As Aaron thought it over the die master kept prodding him over and over until suddenly Aaron laid down 1500 Ryo on Odd.An impulse decision and a sizable sum of his money he only then realized what he had done. Unable to recall the bet he prayed he won, waiting to see what the die would say.

[Masakuni]

"Well, lad, let's see what ya get!" With a shake of the dice, the vendor of the game smiled, letting them free under the cup. With a faint wink at Aaron, he lifted the cup, peering at the contents. He winced, sliding away Aaron's Ryo.

"Tsk. Better luck next time, buddy... Even. (56)" The vendor said, shrugging apologetically and returning his smile to his face. "Care for another round? Win back your losses?"

[pandoru]

“Crowd?” the man running the game looked up at Ryuuzaki before flashing him a grin. “Yeah, it comes and goes. But I don‘t complain.” He chuckled, finishing placing the Ryo in a separate container. Glancing at the Toujitakumi another time, he’d shake the cup a bit, causing the die inside to rattle. “Interested in a game?”

Slender brows lifted in response, a bit surprised by how Shiro had chosen to answer her question. It definitely wasn’t a bad answer of course. In fact, it was kind of nice to see her friend feeling so... Confident. And to think, he’d been a depressed wreck after his match, laying on her bed in her hotel room, voicing how he felt he’d let everyone down. Yes, she definitely preferred this over that tragic display. Now, if only she could develop such traits herself. Whether or not it was something the redhead needed to build on or not, Pandoru was still perfectly capable of smiling. “You‘ve got a point.”

The smile was wiped from her face, shock overpowering the once happy expression. Who… had told him that? For a moment, her eyes looked towards the masked figure beside her. The Dragon, however, simply shrugged; feigned innocence she was sure. She was reminded of her house back at the compound, the smoking walls, the broken door… nervously, she smiled once again. “.. If I live that long… how about… we discuss it when my house is in one piece again?” She’d finished her suggestion just in time it seemed, for a voice soon split through the air. An unmasked ANBU by the looks of it, for he wore the uniform, and the tattoo was very obvious upon his left arm. Immediately, the ANBU beside the youthful Kage spoke out.

“Hey! He owes me money!”

He grinned widely, sweeping the messy blonde hair out of his face. “Ladies and gentleman, we shall now do the raffle you‘ve all been waiting for. What you’re all hoping to win is this!” With that, he held a small, glass container into the air. Inside the vial were three small, red spherical objects; pills, to be precise. Soldier Pills to go even further. “If you‘d be so kind, please look at the tickets you picked up on your way in!” When he was sure he had everyone’s attention, the ANBU’s gloved hand dove into a glass bowl, and after a bit of shuffling, he pulled out a piece of parchment, reading the number it held aloud. “Number six! You‘re our lucky Winner! So, wherever you might be, come up and fetch these when you get a chance.” There were many tickets, but only one winner. However, if Hasu happened to look at his ticket, he would discover that the number six was printed upon it very clearly in ebony ink.

Without giving it another thought, Pandoru shrugged, crumpling up the ticket in hand. ’Oh well…’

“And now if you‘d all be so kind, please lead yourselves over to the arena for our tournament, as well as the announcing of your villages new Chuunin!”

“That‘s our cue to go.” The ANBU gave her a light tap on the shoulder, to which the kunoichi nodded. Bowing, she excused herself and her escorts from the small crowd she had gathered, and headed towards the much larger arena.

’So... Many... People…’ Her eyes were wide, glancing around the area and at all the individuals that had taken seats upon the grand area. It was circular, as most arena’s were. There was plenty of space to run and move about in the encircled area, around seventy meters. The ground was compact earth, save for a single, solid metal disc that was about twenty meters in diameter, the emblem of Iwagakure engraved upon it. Whatever ridiculously strong material it was made of, not bomb nor sword nor technique could pierce it. The walls encircling it rose three meters off the ground, enough to hopefully keep the front row seats out of harms way. Two chairs sat on either side of the larger seat, obviously intended for herself. Front row seats - good for a view, but she figured it was to allow her easier access to the center for the sake of speaking. Ah, it looked so cozy… but as if he could read her thoughts, the ANBU’s hand settled upon her shoulder, redirecting her while shoving a mic into the nearest palm.

“You can get cozy after you speak.” She groaned, and behind that porcelain mask, the Dragon grinned, following her down the short staircase, but stopping there, allowing the Kage to make the rest of the walk to the middle of the arena alone.

And it was there that she froze. Both hands had grasped the device so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. Her knees shook beneath the robes, and her mouth had all but run dry. This was a huge moment; something that could totally make or break the view people had of her. If she cracked under this kind of pressure, what did that say about her abilities to lead a village. ’Not helping…’ she scolded herself, her limbs and digits trembling even harder now. ’Calm down Pandoru….’ She took a few shuddery breaths, trying to steady her hammering pulse. Though there was the ever-present chit chat of the few that simply couldn’t be silent for a moment, the silence was ridiculous, and did nothing to help her nerves. They were listening to everything she said, or rather, didn‘t say. People weren’t going to be pleased if all she did was stand there. She needed to act.

’… How would Tensai do it…?’ That probably wasn’t the best person to choose as an example, but the monk certainly had charisma, and definitely knew how to entertain a crowd. Swallowing to wet her dry mouth, she inhaled, posture straightening and wetting the bone-dry mouth. “… Good evening Iwagakure!” At that moment, she was thanking every God she could list that the microphone hadn’t cracked. “As I‘m sure you all know, we‘re here this evening to welcome home our brave shinobi that have traveled to the Chuunin exams. They fought hard, and they fought well, and once again our village has finished on top!” She paused, allowing the inevitable cheering to overpower all other sounds present. After they had settled, she continued. “Wherever they happen to be sitting right now, if… they‘re even here at all… I am very proud of each and every one of you. But before we get into that portion, we have one more treat for you.” She took a deep breath. “It‘s time to start our tournament! Aburame Shiro and Toujitakumi Hisoka to the ring! ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLLLLEEEEEE!”

At that point, her fist had been thrown into the air, body frozen in place once again. ’… What the hell am I doing…!?’ Very nearly dropping the mic, the puppeteer hurried out of the center, eager to get back to her seat. However, her ANBU escort caught her halfway, draping his arm over her shoulder and taking the mic from her grasp. “Did we mention that there will be a kiss to the winner!?”

”WHAT!?” The hue of her face shifted between six or seven different shades of crimson, eyes widening and body shaking harder than it already was. “Y-y-y-you can‘t declare that!”

“Fight hard participants!” The ANBU simply laughed, leading the flustered individual from the arena and back to her seat. “Just relax and enjoy,” he muttered, sitting her down. No reply came from the kage. Instead, she much preferred to bury her face in her hands.

---

Quick battle review: IIC of one day. You each get one introductory post, and then combat will begin. There are five turns of combat (introductory is not included), and then the ANBU will call you off. Thus, think quickly, and act smart. Winners will be based both on over all use of techniques and damage, both given and taken.

Go go go! :P

[Masakuni]

“well, well.” Shiro said, stepping up to one side of the arena, slowly making his way towards the center of the arena. He stood on the very edge of the metallic disk, twenty meters away from Toujitakumi Hisoka, his foe. He smiled, nodding to Hisoka. He looked from side to side, before stepping to the middle of the disk, offering his hand to Hisoka in a message of comradely good-will. “Fight hard, Hisoka. I know I will.” He bowed slightly, serious eyes staring at his foe. After the pleasantries were exchanged, Shiro moved back to his position, twenty meters away, at the edge of the disk.

“Iwagakure!” he said simply, throwing his hands up and yelling as loud as he could. He had no microphone, but a bit of manipulation from his inherent sound chakra made him just loud enough for all to hear. “Back from the Chuunin Exams, here to show you exactly how an Iwa Shinobi does it!” He let the cheers call and reside, before smirking. “The right way, as you all know. So. Let’s have some good clean fighting, give a good show, and prove exactly why Iwagakure is the strongest hidden village out there!” With that, he smirked, turning to face Hisoka and assuming a ready position, from twenty meters away.

“Let’s do this!” He yelled over the cheers of the crowd.

~
(Gimme your introduction and then it’s on!)

[Zetsumei]

Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes for a moment, calming his body and mind, followed by quickly reaching into a pouch and feeding a chunk of clay into his handmouth (1 slot). He would step into the ring, looking at the far side for his opponent, thinking on what to do. 'I don't want to kill him so I Grenades wont be used at a Fatal distance... Or maybe even at all for that matter... My best shot is to force him to currender.' Strategy after strategy rushed through his mind, yet only the one he had originally came up seemed to have the best chance of success.

Biting his lower lip he remembered soemthign about when Shiro had first appeared, the Chuunin had seemed to be in two places at once, and the one that had not hugged the Tsuchikage had faded from sight. He had heard of a technique similar to that, Suigozu he thought it was called. Knowledge of that put him even more on his guard, he would have to watch every way at once.

As Pandoru and her ANBU escourt took their places outside of the area Hisoka would enter the arena and walk three meters in. Reaching into another of the pouches he would pull out two figures a Falcon and what seemed to be a Spear wielding Seraph, the bombs he had prepared earlier. One in each hand they would grow to a size of around 6 inches, they were armed. Noticing the crowd for the first time he would smile and wave to everyone, his eyes never leavign the otherside of the ring, where his opponent would be standing.

(Okay... My screwed senses are tingling.)

[Masakuni]

Shiro smirked, noting the bombs being pulled out from his pouch. To an untrained opponent, those weapons could prove to be deadly. However, Shiro was no stranger to the Toujitakumi bloodline. He’d watched Pandoru fight for quite a while, and he knew a number of the specialized bombs and their effects. He wondered if this foe was as advanced as Pandoru in his techcniques… Best to keep a distance…

His hand dipped into his vest, pulling out a single smoke grenade and tossing it down, causing an explosion of smoke to obscure the young Chuunin. Without wasting any time, hand seals came together, one technique after another. Kikaichu swarmed from his body, twisting into the form of a clone of himself within the cloud of smoke in a single moment. His next technique created a wave of sound, bouncing off of Hisoka and letting Shiro know his exact location, even blinded inside the cloud. His hands went into his pouch, grabbing hold of his shuriken.

Shiro would launch the shuriken from within the cloud, four of them, spinning towards Hisoka at speed. Hopefully, he would dodge to the side; right into the path of the Bug Clone. The Mushi Bunshin would race at his foe, coming out of the cloud and swinging its katana out at the foe. Given that Hisoka had no knowledge of Shiro’s Aburame techniques, and even then the clone had been created in the smoke with no warning, there would be know way to tell that the clone wasn’t the real Shiro. Shiro closed his eyes within the cloud, listening closely with his sound techniques… No way in hell would he let himself be surprised…

"Sonar"
Rank: "D" "C"
Skill: Ninjutsu, supplemenatry
Effect: The user can locate the general location of enemies.
Special: Bird, Boar, Ox
Drawback: Some objects might interfere with the sonar. Low rank provides a 2-D reading (explained below). Must be learned multiple times
Description: The user performs the need handseals. From there, the user emits 3, very low pitched sound waves(via voice or weapon). The sound travels very quickly in a 360 degree radius. The low pitched sound bounces off various objects with the area and returns to the user to interpret. With this done, the user can pin point enemy movement and location in fractions of a second. The draw back to this that the sound wave only travels in a flat line until a C-rank is attained.
The user begins with 10 meters distance, increasing 20 Meters every time learned. After 50 meters, Training is moved to a C-Rank, which then allows the user to emit the sound wave in all three dimensions. Every time learned in C-ranked increase the distance to 25 meters, With a maximum of 150 meters.
Limit: Must have sound release.

Mushi Bunshin no Jutsu (1)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates a clone made out of bugs.
Special: Rat, Dragon, Ram, Horse, Monkey, Dog
Drawback: Will dissipate after one solid hit.
Description: The user performs the handseals, creating a clone of bugs. This clone will dissipate after one solid hit. When the user first learns this jutsu, they are capable of only creating one Mushi Bunshin. However, with B ranked training, they may increase that number by one. This training may be performed a maximum of 9 times, allowing for a maximum ten bug clones.
Limit: Kikaichu no Jutsu-

[Zetsumei]

As the smoke enveloped the figure Hisoka would send the Seraph rapidly flying 2 meters into the air and 8 meters away from the cloud, the Falcon remaining on his shoulder. As it lifted into the air the shuriken would be launched at him from within the smoke. Dodging with a quick Shunshin to the left [1/3] the Seraph would launch the spear.

No sooner than the spear had left it's hand heading for the spot he presumed Shiro to be in the smoke than the Seraph would explode in a burst of wind, caused by the Katsu handseal, propelling the spear faster than before. Should the spear hit the Chuunin it would splatter slightly and cling to the man's robes. As the smoke was cleared he would see Shiro emerge from it and attack at him with the Katana. With no time to mold the bomb he launched the explosive from his handmouth and head for the Chuunin. As it would make contact he would form the Katsu seal causing the concussion grenade to explode, killing with a Grenade was not his intention.

As the clone would burst into a group of odd beetles which would be propelled back by the gust of wind, the Sankuchi's eyes would widen in shock. Looking over where the smoke had cleared he would see Shiro there and quickly ordered the Falcon to fly towards the man. As the Falcon would reach a rough 5 meter distance he would rapidly shut his eyes and form the Katsu seal in one motion, causing the Falcon to burst in a flash of blinding light. Should his foe not have reacted quickly enough he would be blinded and disoriented, along with the insects. As Hisoka would open his eyes he would look for the mark of the spear, and should it be seen on or close to the Chuunin he owuld utter the words, "Surrender or the grenade detonates and you die."

“Concussion Bomb” x2
Rank: D-rank
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Powerful wind released from a clay bomb
Special: Refer to “Katsu”.
Consumes 1 slot, for one mouth.
(Maximum size: small sized creature)
(Maximum amounts: 2 creatures for one slot used)
Drawback: Time and preparation. Does not harm
Description: After molding and infusing a piece of clay, the user may form any creature they wish from the clay (spiders, birds, etc. Small size). This clay creation moves about, fulfilling the users desires. Upon command, this clay creature burst violently, but in a non-lethal fashion. From the burst of the clay creature, a powerful wind is released instead of an explosion. This wind covers a radius of 10 meters, and can knock down any unsafely secured items, sway trees about and kick up little debris. When contact is made with an enemy, the burst may knock them off balance, or feel like the equivalent of a hard punch (if used correctly). Anything beyond 10 meters will just feel the strong wind
Limit: Must know "Katsu", Kuchisaki Seichuu (Mouth Control) at least once, D-ranked "Touji Hyu-zu" (Clay Infusion) and D-ranked "Touji Itonami "(Clay Life)

“Flash Bang”
Rank: D-ranked
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates a clay bomb that can blind its enemies.
Special: Refer to “Katsu”
Consumes 1 slot for one mouth.
(Maximum size: small sized creature)
(Maximum amount: 1 creature for one slot used)
Drawback: Time and preparation. Non-lethal
Description: After molding and infusing a piece of clay, the user may form any creature they wish from the clay (spiders, birds, etc. Small size). This clay creation moves about, fulfilling the users desires. Upon command, this clay creature will explode, leaving a blinding light in its wake. This flash of light is similar to any normal “Light bombs” but somewhat weaker. The flash only covers a 5-meter radius, and blinds its enemies for less then 3 seconds, and slightly dazed afterwards for 2 seconds. The explosion does not harm enemies what so ever.
Limit: Must know "Katsu", Kuchisaki Seichuu (Mouth Control) at least once, D-ranked "Touji Hyu-zu" (Clay Infusion) and D-ranked "Touji Itonami "(Clay Life)

[rousenberugu]

Ross walked through the crowded streets. he never seen this before, then an idea hit him like a tone of bricks. he ran home and told his brother Guburi and his cousin to come perform in the streets. his family agreed with the idea the whole Kuesuta family, uncles, aunt,s cousins everyone was in on the idea. everyone took there drums, flute and other instruments. everyone dressed with the Kuesuta family crest on everything they brought flags with it, there drums had it everything. they all started to bang on the drums and play there instruments, as they walked up the crowded streets of Iwakugure.

They grabbed the attention of most people, mainly the elders of the village for they were the ones that remembers the once infamous Kuesuta. they stopped in a wide area and started to dance a style of Capoeira. Guburi Ross' brother started to dance in the middle, swinging his legs and doing flips. Ross was impressed with his brother, thinking that being an Anbu would stop his brother from having fun. Ross jumped in and started swing his legs like his brother.

Ross family started to invite random people to dance with them. most people were shy but little by little people joined the fun. Ross mother gave a feathered crown to all those that joined the fun of dancing.

[uchihalash]

Hmm, well, I had made it back to my own country and my own village. Now that I was rested a little bit, gone home and visited my grandmother and talked over the whole fact that I had killed a nin of my own village. Although it had been in the Exams, where deaths were expected and commonplace, I still felt bad that I had been the cause of that boy's death- that kid who had been so much older than me, but I had apparently been so much stronger. It was absolutely terrible. Taking a deep breath, I continued to paces until I finally arrived at the fair grounds. Apparently there was a tournament going on.

Shrugging, I'd walk over to the tournament area, watching the two combatants. My hair, which had now been changed from the beautiful blonde and dyed into a dazzling pink, was also cut shorter. On my hip was the wakizashi that I had recovered from the fighting grounds of Suno Maki. I still hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Pandoru, the Tsuchikage, which was obviously somewhat strange, but at the same time, there's little that I could do. She was very busy. From the rumors around town, she was seeing some Chuunin from our country. I'm sure that a long term relationship stacked onto her position as Kage was difficult on her. I felt sorry for her.

The melancholy that I just now discovered struck me for the first time. Had I really been so mopey lately? I had... I suppose that being exposed to your first death, especially when you're the cause of it, sobers you up a bit, even if you're still just a kid... My heart ached. I almost just wanted to leave this whole area, but I knew I needed to wait. This was supposed to be where Pandoru would be telling everyone who made the Chuunin Rank. I, of course, as a murderer of my own kin, would probably not be on the list, but I would still be thankful that Stone had grown stronger and competed well...

[Elgar]

{.Enter.}

"Ahhh, It's good to be home!" Kurenai would walk down the busy streets and head towards the tournament ring. Walking around she would begin to ask people were the Kage was. She would turn around and see two ninja sparing in the arena. Kurenai was still thinking about the exams and how she had came in first. "Damn! I need to find her." Flicking her fingers she would have a bug fly around and scout out for her. Looking around she would find a seat next to a few ANBU. Sitting down Kurenai would rub her eyes and yawn a bit. The voice in her head would begin to speak. "Hey kid. You should challenge the winner of the tournament for fun. Hey! Are you listening to me?" Kurenai would roll her eyes. "Would you shut up!" Two of the ANBU guards would look down at her. She would cover her face with her hands and shake her head. She would stand up and stretch and look around at all of the people. Damn, there are tons of people here. I wonder where I should go? Hmm, maybe someone will find me." Kurenai would walk across the street and grab some food. "Hmmmm, what do I want? Let me get a bowl of raman.'" Ready her food Kurenai would walk up to the back of the arena near an few more ANBU. "May I be able to speak with the Kage? I am Kurenai Akumu. The winner of the Chuunin exams." Kurenai would smile and await the decision.

[lash]

Click, click, click. Even in the dirt roads of the event area, the sounds of my legendary heels could be heard echoing off the tents, sending kittens scurrying off and frightening small children. I believe that, in all honesty, I was the most feared shinobi within the entirety of Iwagakure no Sato. As I walked, I heard the sound of a child beginning to cry, the small creature frightened by the intensity of the movement, the hard clack of heels striking dirt and still making a ruckus. Click, click, click. The sound of doom was approaching.

Dressed formally, I would stand, in my heels, of course, at five feet and ten inches. Instead of the usual dark or beautiful crimson that I was often garbed in, the official white Robe of the Head of the Dragon ANBU within Iwagakure no Sato would be thrown upon me. I even wore the official mask of ANBU, the dragon attached to my skull as if it were my own face. Indeed, it would be a terrifying visage to gaze upon, the white robe, the red painted fingernails, the white mask shaped as a dragon's face with its' vertical red lines moving across. I had to find out where Pandoru was...

As I moved through the crowd, suddenly there wasn't one. It would seem that the appearance of the ANBU Captain had caused a rift within the crowd, opened a chasm for which I could walk. Finally, I found her at the tournament. With a quick movement, I'd end up appearing about three feet from her and the empty seat next to her. Click, click, click. The heels would make their noise as I moved to the seat and took it. Laughing to myself, the area suddenly felt empty, as if everybody had vanished. Oh, they had...

[Aaron: The Bee Master]

(Arg. Never been lucky with dice. Unless you plan on letting me keep my betting money, no one deducted the 1500 Ryo from my bet as far as I can tell.)

Rigged, the game was rigged. Aaron just knew it, but who would believe him? He had no proof. A 1500 Ryo bet lost in a flash. Cursed dice, next time he would make sure he won.

Pondering what he would do with his reduced spending money Aaron continued walking around the fair seeing a vendor selling secondary weapons. He had Tremor Stones in stock. Eager to buy some Aaron realized he lacked room. After searching desparately for a carrier he realized he'd have to leave and hurry back. He did not want to miss the arena fight already beginning. Aaron blew past people as he hurried toward Iwa's Item shop

[Exit]

[Aaron: The Bee Master]

(Ok, betting money now deducted. I have too strong of a conscience. lol)

Aaron arrived back at the festival in high spirits. He had made a trip to the item shop and back in record time and was only a little out of breath. Nodding to some of the nin around him, he hurried to the Secondary Item seller, eager to buy new weaponry. He would ask for:

2 Light Bombs (2 for 500) - 1 Per Slot
10 Tremor Stones (2 for 500) - 2 Per Slot
1 Kaen no Gikami (Flame of a God) (1 for 500) - 1 per 3 slots
30 Feet of Wire (30 feet for 1,000) - 15 Ft. per slot
1 Exploding Pouch (1 for 500) - 1 Per slot
Total: 5,000 / 2 = 2,500 Ryo I think

If the money and items all checked out Aaron would immediately store them in his pouches and head towards the tournament, which from the sounds of things was getting underway.

Aaron would survey the scene and take the best seat open to him. The fight had begun and Aaron looked forward to a good show. As much fun as watching the fight would be, he would make sure to record as many of the different styles and techniques he could to ensure a quick defeat of an opponent who used them. Moving his gaze from the fighters to the reserved box, he was surprised to see how cute the Kage looked and so young. She was obviously older than him but still it did not seem possible that someone so young looking could be in charge of the entire village. And if the Kage was cute and timid looking, her companion was fierce in her Dragon ANBU gear. Yet Aaron did not find the outfit scary. Given a chance he would love to spar against her. Defeating an ANBU captain would surely show how powerful he was.

Aaron turned his sight back on to the fight and settled in, wondering if he would see the competitors he watched at the Chuunin Exams.

[Itsuki v2]

((Um, Panda...

Jun 19, 2008 17:33:47 GMT -7 Itsuki v2 said:

John walked through the town, vaguely interested in all the revelry. This party was certainly something. A loud billboard in the middle of the area proclaimed that he could enter a fighting tournament. Shrugging, he quickly put his name down. Turning around, he looked around, hoping to do some gambling or buy some weapons.

It's understandable if you didn't notice (since I didn't bold it), but I was first to sign up...))


Smiling at Panda, John took a seat next to her, leaning back in his chair slightly. After hearing the announcement, he simply opened his ticket, closed it again, and placed it back in his pocket. "Eh." With a bemused look, he watched as Pandoru got up to speak, clearly nervous as he remembered. During one of his visits, he had heard about how 'that shy girl, Pandoru. You remember her, right?' had become a Puppeteer. Although he was unable to meet with her at the time, having set out the next day, he was immensely pleased. Why? Because, like him, somebody was willing to break free of what the family considered 'art.'

John's eyebrows arched in mild disbelief as a loud voice overshadowed Panda's own. A loud shout came out, "ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLLLLEEEEEE!"' John looked around for a moment to see where the noise had come from. He couldn't see anybody else around... then he saw Panda's embarrassed expression. Although it was quite out of character for him, he had the inclination to burst out laughing. She was certainly an interesting girl. Then there was that ANBU. Who in the world was he? He certainly didn't follow the mannerisms of an ANBU, and his movements seemed... less lithe than a member of the squad. Suddenly, said ANBU's voice came on over the speakers: "Did we mention that there will be a kiss to the winner?"

Oh my... John was interested to see how Panda would handle this development. After all, one of the contestants she was clearly very familiar with, and two were members of her family. John raised an eyebrow as Panda returned, still crimson with surprise. Turning back to the ring, he carefully watched the fight. The Toujitakumi boy was doing well. Exceptionally well, since he was facing a Chuunin. If John found himself up against this boy in the finals, it would probably result in a loss. After a long period of jutsu training today, he would have to rely on his Smoke Bombs and sword. Unless... John quickly bowed to Panda and excused himself. Rushing out of the festival grounds, he headed towards the Iwa Item shop.

[Brief EXIT]

[pandoru]

{Oh CRAP >.< I‘m so sorry! Totally my fault for not reading carefully. Umm.. Will discuss with other participants via PM. Maybe I can fix this x.x}

“Why did I say that…?” she mumbled to herself, her face still very firmly hidden within her palms. Perhaps she’d drifted a bit too far into the ’Tensai’ mentality. It had settled her nerves for the time being, sure, but what if the village thought her to be some kind of lunatic now? Though granted, the redhead was a bit more eccentric than people were first led to believe. Her head lifted the slightest bit, and her eyes shifted in their sockets, the vibrant orbs of cyan suddenly staring hard at the Dragon by her side. “Why did you say that?”

“Motivation!” He chirped, as if tagging up someone’s personal space as a tournament reward was something he did on a regular basis. And he knew? He may have. “Think about it… You‘re young, you‘re damn cute, and you‘re in a high position of power. If getting a little peck from someone like you doesn‘t motivate them to go all-out, I dunno what will.” She paused. Though she supposed his reasoning made sense, she still wasn’t sure if she approved or not. However, depending on the winner… it might not be that bad. A bit of pink dusted her cheeks as she recalled the event that morning, unconsciously touching a finger to her lips. “There‘s.. a loophole as well.”

Blinking, Pandoru arched a brow, focusing on the masked shinobi once again. “What do you mean?” She received no answer. Instead, the ANBU crossed his arms. Over the sound of a cheering crowd, it was difficult to tell, but sound alone was not the only was to tell that the Dragon was laughing. The shake of his shoulders was another.

“Just watch.” And watch she did, giving a small sigh. Her eyes shifted once again however as a body beside her moved. She gave a small wave to John as he dismissed himself, watching the retreating figure for a moment before putting her eyes back on the arena.

---

“Stocking up eh?” The vender asked, packaging everything up for Aaron in a nice little bag before handing the weapons over. “Thank you very much for your business, and have a great evening!” {-2500 Ryo}

---

“Ah, a Chuunin returnee! We‘ve been waiting for the lot of you to arrive. The Kage‘s right down there,” the particular ANBU that had been addressed point down a few levels to a redheaded kunoichi. Beside her, a dragon-division ANBU sat, and on the other side, an empty seat; one that was likely meant to be used by her second escort, whom at this point, was paired up in the arena. “But don‘t worry about all of the formalities now. That‘ll all be dealt with after the tournament finishes. For now, just relax and enjoy yourself. Oh, and,” for a moment, he pulled the Cougar mask way, revealing sparkling blue eyes and a wide smile. “Congratulations!”

---

The earlier mentioned vacant seat didn’t remain that way for long. The clicking of heels and the site of a white rob in her peripheral vision was all Pandoru’s senses needed to detect to determine exactly who had taken the seat beside her. “Evening Onee-sama.”

“Yo, Taichou!” the other dragon lifted his hand, giving a cheerful wave. As informal as he may have been, the redhead found herself growing oddly attached to this character. If nothing else, he kept on amusing her. She gave a small smile to Lash before her eyes were on the field once again. It was hard to tell what exactly was occurring due to the obscuring smoke, but with the trained eye of an artist, she could pick up slight details. They darted about, left and right, trying to intake everything at once. Shiro was extremely analytical, she knew, and she had faith that he wouldn’t be taken out so quickly. However, Hisoka was doing exceptionally well himself. It was still very much anyone’s match.