A New Shinobi Era
Training Exercises & Jonin Supper
The plain gray t-shirt stuck to her back, her body caked in sweat. Her breathing had grown ragged from the day's trials. Worst of all, every fiber of her being ached in utter exhaustion.
"To be a kunoichi worthy of mention you'll have to do better than your last attack!" A woman decked in a green flax jacket and black sweats stood her ground in the clearing ahead. Long black hair draped her shoulders, and a kunai twirled in her left hand. "Come on, Saori! I've seen children execute better attacks!"
Sensei Riba sure does like to taunt. Time I show her what I'm made of.
Saori knelt behind a tree, one of many surrounding the training ground. Such had been her hiding place while she recovered from her last assault. One that had failed, miserably. So much so, that Sensei Riba had nearly knocked her out cold. Saori was lucky to still be participating in the exercise.
"Okay," she whispers to herself, "Here goes nothing." Seizing her light blonde hair, she forces it back into a bun atop her head. She removes a pair kunai from the pouch on her hip and forms a series of hand signs. Tiger. Dog. Monkey. Instantly, a chain attaches to the kunai and piles in the grass near her feet. "I hope this works."
Poking her head beyond the tree trunk, she spots Sensei Riba turn her back. Preparing to strike, she stops when a man poofs in front of her Sensei. Green jacket, brown hair and beard… That's Roku Takoma. What's he doing here?
"Good afternoon, Riba," Roku greets, the smoke evaporating from his arrival.
Riba flinches and takes a step back. "Roku?! What are you doing here?"
"Extending an invitation to supper," he says, flashing a grin. "Why so touchy? Am I interrupting something?"
"Yes… I'm in the middle of a…" she never gets to finish the sentence before Saori makes her move.
A kunai flies past Riba's head, nearly hitting Roku in the process. Startled, the male shinobi leaps away while Riba turns to face their assailant. This time, another kunai flies forth, a chain rattling after it.
"Not this trick again, Saori! You'll have to do better," Riba shouts, dodging the second kunai with ease. It pierces the dirt nearby, the chain snapping tight.
Saori reveals herself from behind the tree, sprinting into the clearing with chain in hand. Sprinting as fast as she can, she circles her instructor while Roku watches from a safe distance. After Riba is bound twice by the cold metal, Saori places the chain in her mouth and performs a single hand sign. Bright blue electricity races down the length of the chain, hurling at the helpless Riba.
Just before the lightning strikes its captured target, a log appears in the target's place. Instead of Riba, the log is zapped into splinters.
Saori's eyes widen in alarm, a whooshing noise coming from behind.
"Like I said, you'll have to do better than that," Riba says, launching a kick directly into Saori's back. She's shocked when the young girl disappears. Instead, a log is sent flying across the clearing.
What? When did she learn how to use the substitution jutsu?
Stunned, Riba is oblivious to the real Saori leaping at her from the trees with kunai in hand. By the time the woman realizes her peril, Saori is upon her. The kunai flashes past Riba's face before she can avoid it.
When the dust settles from the encounter, Riba delicately examines her hair. She turns to her pupil smiling. "Clever girl."
Proudly, Saori holds up a strand of black hair. "Rule number one of being a ninja, Sensei. Never let your guard down."
"Taking advantage of a distraction," Riba replies, closing her eyes. "Well done, Saori. Using the situation to your advantage is one of many things that make a good ninja. That's the kind of awareness we lesser clans need to do in order to achieve victory in battle." Her eyes open when she smiles at her student again.
Saori returns the smile with one of her own. "You said so yourself. We're underdogs. We have to do whatever it takes to win."
"Exactly, and don't you forget it," Riba replies, just as Roku approaches.
"Damn, didn't know I jumped into a training exercise," he chuckles. He nods at Saori, "Nice work, kiddo."
"Kiddo," Saori asks, "who even says that?"
"Don't mind him, Saori. He's an odd one." Riba sighs and looks up at the sky. "The sun is going to set in a few hours. Why don't you go home and get some rest. We've been at this two hours since the others left."
Saori lowers her hand to examine the strand of hair in her hand. "Right. Thanks again for giving me the extra lesson."
Riba smirks, "Don't worry about it. Now like I said, go get some rest. We start training again tomorrow morning, right when the sun rises. Is that understood?"
Saori nods, a newfound fire burning in her chocolate eyes. "Yes, Ma'am." She begins to walk away, stopping by Roku. "Thanks for the help."
Roku massages his beard as he replies, "Yeah, don't mention it. Just being me, you know?"
"Disruptive and annoying as usual," Riba agrees, nodding her head. "Now let my student go rest up. We've got training to do tomorrow."
Saori spares her teacher one last glance, then nods and jogs off. The Jonin ninja watch her disappear into the forest. When they're certain she has left, Roku turns to face the stern woman.
"Way to help her out, Roku," she snaps. "That exercise was important in preparing her for the Chunin Exams." Riba folds her arms, eyes searing holes into him. "So what's this invitation about? You're married and I have no intention of being a home wrecker."
Roku blushes and laughs off the woman's sharp tone. She's always so uptight. Besides I love my wife and daughter. I would never!
"No, no… it's nothing like that," he says, flailing an arm in her direction. "But it's funny that you mention the Chunin Exams." His expression transitions back into one of seriousness. "You see, I'm here to inform you that I'm in charge of the Chunin Exams this year. The invitation to supper, is also a meeting to discuss your team's progress. I need to know if they're going to be ready for the Exams."
Riba scoffs. "Of course they're going to be ready. You think I train them without purpose?"
"No, of course not." Roku spins on his heel and slips his hands into his pockets. "If that's the case, meet me and the other instructors at Setsu's diner." He continues walking away from her, knowing full well that'll she demand the time in a hostile tone.
"Wait you moron, what time?"
Yep, hostile all right.
"At sunset," he calls back, "See you there!"
Riba stares as the man casually walks away. She unfolds her arms and smirks. For such an annoying guy… He sure is the perfect man for the job.
Roku was the first to arrive at Setsu's diner that evening. He requested a table on the second floor, overlooking the Leaf village. His request was granted and a table for five is what he received. Admiring the stone faces of past Hokage in the sunset's beauty, his eyes came to rest on the current Hokage's face. The eighth Hokage, Beretsu Takoma. Overcome by various thoughts while staring at his uncle's monument, he didn't anticipate Hinabru's arrival.
"Good evening, Roku." The ninja of equivalent rank sat down on his left. "Admiring the sunset? Or daydreaming about your wife like usual?"
Roku grins, dropping his gaze to the empty plates upon the table. "My wife is gorgeous, that's for sure." He looks at his guest just as the sun dips behind the Hokages' monument, painting the sky a blood red. The humid glow dances across his comrade's face, lighting his pale eyes. "How have you been, Hinabru? I assume everything is well with the Hyuga clan?"
Hinabru dips his head gracefully, black hair dripping far past his shoulders to brush the table. "Of course. What of you, how is your family?"
"They're well. My daughter turns three tomorrow, you know."
"I'm certain the whole village is already aware," Hinabru jokes, his eyes moving beyond Roku. "Evening, Riba."
"Evening," she says, sitting down on the far right side of the table. She rests an arm on the restaurant's red railing. "I assume Saika and Gekko are running late?"
"You could say that," Roku says with a shrug.
Hinabru grabs the steaming teapot from the table's center and pours himself a cup. He takes a sip from the cup and sets it on the table. "Knowing those two, we'll hear them coming from miles away." A loud, enthusiastic voice echoes from the stairwell. "Hm, speak of the devil," Hinabru says, before taking another sip of tea.
Another jonin appears at the top of the staircase, his green flax jacket open to reveal a fishnet shirt covering his torso. Strutting forward he flashes them a ridiculous grin, his emerald eyes sparkling. When he reaches the table, he jabs a hand into the air.
"Greetings, comrades! So what's on the menu tonight, I'm running low on charm and could use a good meal!"
Riba and Hinabru resist the urge to bury their faces into the table.
Roku on the other hand, smiles warmly at the leader of team 7. "Welcome to the party, Saika. Now we're just waiting on Gekko," Roku informs him.
"Splendid, I'm starved!" Saika moves to sit next to Riba.
"Don't even think about it," she snaps, throwing an arm across the chair. A vein twitches in her forehead, "I can't bear sitting next to you and your ridiculous notions for an entire meal."
"Alrighty then! Hinabru, it's your lucky day!" Before the Hyuga ninja can even begin to protest, the boisterous ninja is seated next to him. Saika throws an arm around the Hyuga and laughs heartily. "Since we were assigned to our teams, I hardly get to see any of you guys anymore!"
Roku rests his elbows on the table and clasps his hands together. "Indeed. We've been quite busy as of late."
Hinabru removes Saika's arm from his shoulders with an expression of mild irritation. "It would seem you've missed us some."
"Of course I have! Remember the good old days, when we used to parade around on missions together and bring glory to the Leaf! Ah, those were the days! Remember the time…"
Riba cut him off there.
"Stop right there before you launch into a story about the past, Saika. We're here to discuss the Chunin Exams." Riba turns away from the chivalrous man to stare out across the massive village. "We're not here to reminisce."
"Perhaps next time," Roku suggests. A fit of coughing behind him signals Yokomaru Gekko's arrival. "Ah, our last arrival."
"Sorry to keep you all waiting," Gekko says, sinking into the last available seat.
The irony about that apology, was that Yokomaru Gekko was notorious for being late. It could almost be considered his trademark. Just like Saika's inability to keep quiet about himself or his stories.
"All right. We're all here, Roku," Riba announces, folding her arms. "Let's get to business."
Saika shoots an arm high into the air, waving it frantically. "Sure thing, sweetheart! As soon as we get some food on the table!"
A collective sigh erupts from the table as a waiter rushes over. "Ah, Saika, our favorite customer. It's been awhile! What can I get for you all tonight?"
Her grandmother's shriek could shatter glass. "Oh Saori, look at you! You're all beat up and filthy!" Saori is almost slapped in the face by the elder's gray ponytail as she begins to fuss. "Honestly, when are you going to give up this ninja life?"
"Grandmother! I've already told you, I'm not giving up on it," Saori retorts, pushing the frail hands away.
Her grandmother's shoulders droop, a frown spilling across her face. "You're not cut out to be a ninja, Saori. We're no great clan, just look at the rest of our family. We're not ninja and we're perfectly happy with our lives."
Liar.
Saori shimmies past her grandmother in the narrow hallway. "I've come too far to quit now. The Chunin Exams are only a month away."
Persistent as ever, her grandmother follows like a lost puppy. She stops to let out an exasperated sigh when Saori starts ascending the stairs. "You know he's living vicariously through you. Right?"
Saori freezes on the staircase, her shoulders shaking. Squeezing the wooden railing, she bites her lip. When she nearly draws blood, she spins around to face her grandmother's words.
"I'm not doing it for him," Saori says. "I'm doing it for me. To bring honor to our family."
Her grandmother's weary eyes close as she slowly shakes her head. "I suppose you always were ambitious." She turns her back on Saori and retreats down the hallway for the kitchen. Her safe place. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Just please, shower up first."
"Yes, Grandmother," she sighs, before continuing up the stairs.
Once inside her tiny bedroom, she plops down on the bed to remove her sandals. That's when she realizes her feet are disgusting, caked in dirt and grass. Perhaps more revolting, her shirt is drenched in sweat. Pursing her lips, she yanks her shirt off and throws it to the floor. Next, she tosses her tool pouch to the dresser nearby. That's when she spots the numerous bruises on her arms. Inspecting them carefully, she eventually smiles.
All in a good day's work.
"So it's settled then," Roku says, setting his chopsticks aside. "All four Genin squads are ready for the Chunin Exams. Correct?"
The instructors nod in unison. Each had praised their students' progress. None of them had any doubts or concerns. All of them were that confident in their teachings thus far. Whether or not such was a good sign, Roku had no idea.
"Good. I'm glad to hear it." Roku turns to his left, "Hinabru, when does your team set out for its mission?"
Hinabru finishes his tea with proper etiquette before answering. "We depart tomorrow at noon."
"I see. Just do me a favor and make sure you're back in the Hidden Leaf a week before the Exams begin." Roku's gaze shifts to the starry night outside. Brilliant crystals gleaming in endless waves of ink. "Registration ends three days before the Exams' initiation, and I don't want to be held responsible for not telling you that."
Hinabru presses his hands together and bows. "Understood, and thank you."
"If only the Exams started tomorrow," Saika boasts, slamming his empty plate down on the table. "My squad is raring and ready to go! All the might and beauty of the Hidden Leaf led and trained by yours truly! They're the most formidable Genin I've ever seen!"
"Isn't it a bit early to be cocky," Riba asks, putting an elbow on the table and pushing a hand into her cheek. "After all, some of our students could fail to pass phase one of the exam."
A drop of perspiration leaks down Saika's brow. That's what happened to him as a Genin. He had failed the Exam's written portion in his first attempt. The enormous disappointment had set him back a year from becoming a Chunin. To this very moment, he could recall his anguish.
"You're right… I do suppose that could happen," Saika admits, running a hand through his spiky black hair. "But no worries, they're a smart bunch too! Not as clever as I was at their age, but smart nonetheless!"
Riba rolls her eyes. "You were a fool back then."
"An incredibly handsome fool that has grown even more handsome!" Saika points at her and grins like a madman. "Right you are, Riba!"
Roku stands suddenly, drawing their attention. "Well, if we're all finished here… I'm going to split before the tab comes around." Everyone stares at him in silence. Seconds later, a cloud of smoke is all that remains of Saika.
"That lousy oaf," Riba growls.
"Guess he didn't want to pay the tab," Gekko says, pointing out the obvious.
Roku slaps a hand on Gekko's shoulder. "So that means you've volunteered? Excellent! Thank you very much for the meal, Yokomaru. Next one is on me, all right?"
"What? I didn't…"
Hinabru interrupts him, "Yes, thank you, Yokomaru. I hope to see you all again very soon. Farewell." The Hyuga slips from his seat and walks gracefully away. His head is bobbing down the steps before Gekko can even hope to call him back.
"What they said Yokomaru, thanks." A cloud of smoke erupts from where Riba had been sitting. Now only two remained.
Gekko's dreary gaze finds Roku's. "Way to set me up. I guess I can pay for the meal… "
"That's the spirit," Roku says, taking his head away from his comrade's shoulder. "Now about that favor…"
Gekko smirks, "And I thought you were supposed to be a good negotiator."
A/N: Simple chapter, but it introduces more characters and provides some character development. Our first reader-created character (Saori) also makes her debut. Sorry about any typos. Feel free to point them out if you spot them.
I'm accepting ten more Genin reader-created characters! (see first chapter for details on that).
Lastly, thanks for reading! Until next time!
