Quest 7:Test your might
I can sense an evil presence lurking in the bowels, a writhing mass of hatred drawing me in, I try to swim away from it,but draws me into the undertow. The closer I get the more desperate I am to get away I can't breathe anymore, my lungs, my lungs are filled with water. I'm drowning! I'm drowning! "go..." I hear a faint voice, it sounds familiar. "Go... ho" It gets louder as I struggle in futility "Go Home!"
I awake in a cold sweat, heart pounding violently, lungs hyperventilating hands shaking feverishly. My eyes, sweep the room in a frantic pace, it's still dark, I turn on the lamp next to the nightstand, revealing my messy abode, I pause and try to collect myself. After a few calming I get up from the bed and move to the sink. Cautiously stepping, to avoid tripping over my own mess, I move across the room near the door open the cabinet overhead and grab a cup and I pour myself some water. Odd considering I just had a nightmare about drowning but it wasn't the drowning that bothered as much as the voice. I thought I was done with that phase of my life. Here I am in a new world and my failure in the army still haunts me.
Heh I say 'in the army' but I mean basic training, I didn't make it. I was a screw-up, my constant failures got me kicked out. There's really only a two reason's people join up. one reason is because you're a patriot, you mother or father signed up, or maybe it goes deeper like a tradition and you wanted to carry it on. The other reason is not knowing what you want to do you with your life, and all the perks you get out of it make your life seem a little easier. Well I'm a bit of column a and b in that regard, my mother served in the Navy, father in the Corps, brother in the Air force, and I had a useless degree, getting me nowhere. I thought it would be easy just endure it, like usually did, balancing school and work as it turns out, endurance isn't enough. I was done for soon as exited the bus, every day was a living hell for me. I couldn't keep up rest of my squad began to hate me, in the end, the pressure got to me and well like I said I got kicked out.
I guzzle down the water like a man in the hottest part of the Sahara and gaze over at the digital clock. The red numbers showing Four fifty-six, The Cafeteria won't be open for at least two hours, and I don't want to go back to sleep, not after that nightmare. I set down the cup and go to the closet a few feet south of me. After nearly stubbing my toe I change into my gear and grab the box of light bulbs. I leave making sure to lock the door behind not because I'm afraid of robbers(well kinda) that just as a habit I kept from the real world. I jump to the rooftops, not really caring who I wake up in the process and begin leaping to the outer gate. I run over the edge and jump to a building behind the dorms being sure to land softly as I don't want to smash the light bulbs. The vast purple gate that lays further ahead of me is open, with a grin on my face I swiftly hop between the buildings. The cool damp air rushes over my skin and through my dreads, with half moon smiling above, and a light mist covers the ground. My spirits feel more lifted and liberated that almost forgot about the nightmare.
I land near the gates entrance surprising the two chunin guards there.
"Who goes there?" A young woman asks.
"Tokegeroh Ren checking out to train," I answer with a small grin on my face.
"a bit early isn't?" the male chunin asks.
"Just trying to clear my head is all," I say while signing out he nods I move for the training grounds.
I mildly jog through the forest, heading my usual spot training ground 8, I use it several times before and while I could just use my teams designated area, this place was much closer. I see the chain link fence with kanji for eight written on the sign placed on it and move in. The immense pine trees that normally cover the area give way to an opening a large green field. I walk to the middle and check the bulbs, yes they all look fine. I set the box down while pulling a light bulb out.
It's been awhile since I trained my affinities since I became genin, I worked on mastering more justu, but since the recent increase in B-ranks we receive, I have little to no choice but up my skill as well as ask for higher rank justu. Genin are only allowed c rank techniques and we can learn as many as we like, however, C rank techniques leave a lot to be desired. They're mostly defensive or suppression techniques most of which aren't lethal. B rank and higher tend to do more damage, naturally the more lethal or deceptive the higher the rank. So even though I'm against killing, I need stronger justu to survive here.
I begin focusing my chakra into the bulb, concentrating it, I feel the energy move in my body, I vibrate it. The key purpose of the exercise is to light the light bulb for two minutes, so far I manage seventy-five seconds so today I'm going for broke. The light bulb glows dimly and suddenly flashes bright, it shatters into pieces,
"Dammit," I pull another, I'm clearly out of practice.
Lighting it up isn't the hard part, the hard part is keeping the energy cycled enough to last for two minutes. Too little and the bulb will go out too much and you get the picture. Oscillation is the key to mastering lightning affinity, making the electricity stay constant. It took me the better part of about two months to figure this out.
Lightning thus far is my hardest affinity I ever learned, I could have stopped at two but I feel that having three affinities compensated for the Levi being a lazy asshole. While the other jinchurriki were testing there unique elements I trained my natural affinity water. I started training when this body was six years old and had finished at eight the second part of the training was hell! Wind release was next since practically every member and myself in the lotus knows the training. Hell, most the clan has wind release as secondary and have even created their own justu.
I still haven't done the whole 'split a waterfall in half' trick, namely because can never find any waterfalls but that changes today dammit. Lightning I took up because it complemented the other two elements perfectly, I started at in the middle of age ten but as you can see not much success thus far.
Concentrating on the light bulb it starts to flicker and dim, I vibrate the chakra harder making shine to its apex, but it doesn't break, cool I'm a minute in at least but soon as think it's time to lay off the bulb burns out making it useless this could take awhile.
I pull out another bulb when I do I count the number of tries I have left, ten. I think back to about six months after the paragon incident so far it feels like the toughest mission I've done. The other joint b-ranks were pretty normal, guard this, break into that, help settle a debt. Some were tough, like figuring out who was sending death threats to Senator Gouro. Those mercenaries were not playing that's for sure. Well, hopefully, I can put paragon behind me hoping that Richard and those involved got their just desserts. Even so it still haunts me to know that people from our world are willing to bring down the clan and village it's kinda disturbing. All peace and order we worked so hard to maintain, and they try to ruin, the scarier part is what if it's justified? My imagination tends to run rampant with these kinds of hypothetical questions because I like to think that everyone has a reason for their actions regardless of how crazy it seems. It could instinctual or well crafted, delusional or completely lucid nonetheless there is a reason.
Another bulb pops at sixty-nine seconds, I'm getting somewhere. Then there's the council of Elders those old bags of secrets, not that I don't understand, compartmentalization, is a key factor when you control information like we do, to keep secrets from getting out some factions are best left in the dark unless it's something vital that they need. Apparently Paragon had existed for longer than I thought, the blackguard had been nipping at their heels for years but with no such luck.
Seventy-eight seconds new record! Where was I? Ah, yes it turns the reason for all of this is because of Richard, after faking his death he used secrets, secrets that the elders and blackguards knew and he used it to keep and hide exiles away. The battle in Nippon is the only time where large amounts of exiles went missing. The elders are naturally afraid that Richard might have undone the seals suppressing their chakra, which would bring more calamity.
Sixty-two fuck! Of course, when the mission ended the elders were overjoyed to hear the news, and offered us payment in turn of these actions, I naturally asked for stronger justu in lieu of this, Kali took the money. Ninety-four, alright I think I'm getting the ebb and flow of it now, however, the one thing I still don't get is why me? Why not Team 23,13 or 16, Charles is the strongest of us, so why not use him? Vince and Erik are equally good choices either way.
Whoo hoo! One hundred thirteen, nearly there! Even stranger is Levi, I had more nightmares in this week than I'd care to count, stranger still is they only happen after I've killed someone, a rather odd correlation but it's the only coincidence I've got thus far. Even weirder is I feel stronger when I leave a battle rather than going into it. Oh, come on! I was almost grrr one eighteen! Of course, earlier this month I tell Mei all about this, and of course, I get the fuckin treadmill again. What my results reveal surprise me, three hundred sixty-four units near Kali's own four hundred twenty-two. Such a jump in reserves normal requires a lot of super intense training or a lot of years just being a shinobi, so this was unprecedented. Mei however just shrugs it off as 'Levi's preparing to wake up' I hope so I've been waiting on my reibi to awaken for years while the other jinchurriki only waited for weeks.
Fuck yeah! Alright, I look at the light bulb in my hand and feel my chakra pulse in and in a constant rhythm I let the light finally fade and put in the box with other with three. I go through hand signs for Livewire as the bolts shoots off into the sky I feel the difference it feels stronger and chakra does feel as much of drain anymore . The next step requires a lightning rod, and god knows I don't know where to get one so now I have to move to another location one with a cliff.
Luckily I know this place pretty well I exit the training ground eight and head for thirty-six, I rush into the trees daylight slowly threatening to steal away my precious moon and stars. I arrive at there after a few minutes I see the cliff ahead of me. This training ground is one of the few that the academy uses for chakra control exercises. I remember that day well, I must've busted my ass a hundred times trying to reach the top. Now I can do easily without even thinking about it.
Okay now for wind release, since I can find a waterfall I'll just make one here. I walk up the cliffside my chakra aligning to rock's surface walking like this feels pretty bizarre but I guess I could the change in gravity pushing down on my chest instead of my head. I reach the top and use the boar, dog and ram seals.
water style: waterfall basin
Immediately my energy pour into the ground below and the water bursts from the cliff covering it entirely, water reaches the ground make a small stream. I can't believe I didn't think to use this justu I always thought it was kinda useless. I leave the cliff and head down, now I need a way to actually get to the center.
Wind style: great breakthrough
The strong gusts of wind knock down weak looking tree it'll have to do. After using some water clones to help with the lifting I rig the tree to stay in place in front of the waterfall it took some I as I already see dawn approaching. Awesome when I'm finished here I can go eat finally, my stomach growls in agreement.
I stand on my impromptu footing, and place my hands on the waterfall I trying to thin my chakra as much as possible, an ant size part of the waterfall parts, well I can see that'll be just as difficult as the water affinity training. I pour more chakra on, thinning, grinding it up, the portion grows about an inch argh come on!
An hour later, my clothes are completely soaked, but I manage to the part the waterfall at least to my shoulder length when the water begins to stop, my reserves are finally dwindling leaving me rather tired, and my hunger is unbearable. I leave my log there, hoping nobody moves it. The sun is up and water on the ground makes a long muddy puddle, I find my box of bulbs, and I see Akiko?
What is she doing here?!
My sensei is looking with a cheeky grin on her face, no doubt due to the fact I'm surprised to see her here.
"Wind release, I didn't know you working on your second affinity already," she says as she walks over.
"u-um yeah, I was just finishing up, I'm gonna go change clothes and eat now," I don't want her to see me like this I look like a wet dog!
"well mind if I join you,"
"eh?" That sorry excuse for speech was all I can say at the moment. She giggles lightly at my idiocy. "well did you want to go with the whole team? I can hold on eating off until they wake up," My stomach growls angrily at the remark.
Akiko giggles "I think you need to eat now, Toke-kun training on an empty stomach is a reckless thing to do. Don't worry about your clothes I sure they'll get dried in time."
Breakfast with Akiko alone, a date? No, you idiot why would she date someone half her age she probably wants to talk or something.
We leave the training grounds walking side by side in silence, the sun rises official starting a new day we enter the gates and sign ourselves back in.
Deciding to break the nauseating silence , I speak up.
"so where are we going,"
"A little shop in the Kanjuro district, they make pretty good food there."
We come to the shop she mention a small stand aligned with, stools, it reminds a bit of Ichiraku actually.
"Oi Akiko-san good to see you again," the man behind the counter says.
"You too Bastu-kun, I'm treating my student," Akiko replies as she sits down.
"yosh, I'm always happy when you bring in potential customers, what will you have kid?" he asks the man is scrawny looking and quite old.
I inwardly scowled at him calling me a kid, "I'll just have steamed rice with miso soup."
"That's so plain Toke-kun, I'll have broiled fish and Tsukemono with miso on the side,"
She is right that is sort of bland " add tamagoyaki, to my order " Akiko grins and Bastu nods and goes to prepare the meal.
"So any missions prepared for today sensei," I ask.
She shakes her head "No not today you guys have the day off. Say Toke-kun how would you feel about getting promoted becoming a chunin."
Now that's an odd question "Isn't a bit early? it hasn't even been a year since we left the academy,"
"I don't feel that way you guys are pretty strong together, and with all the missions you've I say your plenty experienced."
"when you say like that I guess I have no real objections, I guess reason your asking is because the exams are coming up."
She nods in response and Bastu arrives with our meals.
"I've already talked with Itsuki, she pretty much had the same way more or less, like you guys think it's too early, even so you still get plenty experience out of it. I talk to Ryuzaki as well, chances are he'll be on board."
Just as I was eating the a thought occurred. "Sensei, aren't you bending the rules too much here."
She stares at me shocked "W-what do mean Toke-kun?"
"We all are supposed to take the test of our own volition if one member backs out none of us get in. You're convincing us now before you've nominated us, to ensure we take the exams, that's what I mean.
She laughs uproariously, "You got me, but how did you know about genin are supposed to be in the dark about it."
"I overheard a clan member talking about it." I lie calmly sipping my soup.
"Your wrong about one thing, though."
"hmm," this omelet is delicious.
"I've already nominated you."
I nearly spit out food, hearing that causing her to laugh again I clean my lips with a nearby napkin.
"The hell do mean already nominated?! You could get suspended for that kinda crap sensei!"
She continues laughing "it's fine so long as you keep your mouth shut." I feel a gloomy aura washing over me as she grins.
!?
"Just kidding, but seriously keep your voice down," the aura disappears I sigh at her recklessness .
When she get like this I honestly wonder how she managed to become a jonin.
We finish our meal and leave the stand, my body feels slightly recharged.
"So when and where is this test of ours?" I ask.
"Tomorrow, that why I gave you guys the day off today,Here's where you need to be." She hands me a slip of paper that I stuff in my pocket.
That's a relief, I can probably get more training in before the day is through.
"So that means you're taking the exam Toke-kun?"
"I don't really have a choice, If I say no I gonna bitched at by Ryuzaki, for not allowing him to participate, I don't about Itsuki goals and don't want to disappoint her. This is a dirty thing to do sensei.
Akiko giggles and ruffles her hand through my dreads, the unexpected contact sends pleasurable shivers up and down my spine.
"Whatever, you can't back out now I'm gonna talk to Ryuzaki. She waves off, oh shit I forgot something.
"Wait! I need your signature for b-rank justu," I say handing her a small slip and a pen she looks at me with a cocked an eyebrow."Hey, you owe me, at least, this much."
"Yeah yeah," she signs the parchment and body flickers away.
"Awesome," I say jerking the signed paper in the air. Now to head over to the justu archives, which is good ways from where I am.
As walk I ponder about the test, this was a sort of deadly exam so of course I'm nervous. The good thing that comes out of this is I only have to worry about is the star village. The other villages have their own individual chunin exams, apparently the whole 'everybody goes to one village for the chunin exams' thing doesn't pan out until later. The only people I should be worried about are my fellow jinchurriki, Kali, and Charles especially, Erik and Vince are still a threat, but not as much as those two. Hmm Ryuzaki could be a problem in the finals seeing as he knows how I fight come to think Itsuki could be just much of a problem.
I see the building just ahead, a small tan complex. When I enter I see a familiar face that's greeted me in the building so often.
"Yo Tokegeroh, you've been coming here more often reminds me of your days in the academy." the man greets me.
Ikkaku, the archivist, he a young man pretty short in stature, with a dark complexion and black hair his eyes are light blue. He's wearing the typical chunin getup complete with the gray vest that remains unzipped
"hey Ikkaku, I just here for more B ranks," I hand him the slip.
"Huh says that this one is for seven,why so many?"
" Chunin exams," Truth be told it was because the recent increase B-rank missions and paragon.
"Ah that explains it," he opens a small cell like door covered in sealing tags, we walk down a small corridor.
Then he opens the door down the hall and reveals a grand circular room filled with box-like openings with scrolls tucked inside them, a small plank with a pink sign with letters C and D on the top. Ah, this brings back memories, I use come in here every day pouring over these things the welcoming smell of parchments hits my nose it's good to be back. We walk into another tagged cell door Ikkaku grabs his key and opens it and I follow behind. The new room is larger than the first and more oval-like with shelves spanning out to the wall and a blue plank that reads A and B rank.
"B- rank is to the le-"
"I know I know," I say chuckling.
"Just following orders man," I nod to him in understanding I walk ahead leaving him at his post over-watching the area.
First is the water section, as my strongest affinity the majority of my justus is coming form here. The shelves are aligned with blue scrolls signifying their purpose.I walk to left past the first to standing shelves moving into the third one. I pull a few scrolls out, unroll them, and begin reading the contents.
I arrive at Ikkaku, with all the scrolls tucked in my arms he nods and opens the door, we go all the way back to first room near the entrance, I place the scrolls on the table he quickly unfurls all of them with speed and precision.
"So got more lightning, this time, got any better at it?" Ikkaku asks moving through hand seals.
"Yeah finally got through the first part of the training," I say as I watch him pull up a blank scroll and unrolls as much as the table would allow him.
"Y'know you'll need a lightning rod for the next part."
"yeah any idea on where to find one?" The kanji peels off the scrolls making a ghostly image in the air, the script floats onto the blank one making the jutsu appear one by one the other scrolls .
" A blacksmith could probably help with that you only need copper and aluminum, oh don't try to do the training in the middle of a storm just trust me this." I nod to him as he finishes re-rolling all the scrolls, " alright I'll put these away, you have a good one Tokegeroh."
"You too Ikkaku," I say taking the new scroll from him.
I have so much time left, but my chakra is still pretty low I can't really test out these new justu just yet. I guess I'll nap somewhere or something, hopefully that nightmare doesn't come back. I find a local park bench it's usually a good spot, I'll crash here then. I put the scroll in the jacket pocket and let my fatigue take me...
"Excuse me, um."
"Rin, he sleeping let's not bother him, we'll find somebody else."
"Screw that I'm hungry, wake up bastard,"
"Oi, oi Obito, cut that out!"
My peaceful slumber is stirred by a cacophony of unfamiliar voices... And a sharp pain in my shin What the fuck!
"Cut it out asshole!" I groan out as my eyes open and my blurry vision reveals four figures but I see slivers of silvers as well they might be shinobi.
"What do ya want I was napping dammit!?"
"I'm sorry but do you were the Rukon district is? We have trouble trying to find it," the voice sounded feminine.
She sounds like a tourist strange seeing as we never get any.
I rub the sleep from my eyes as I prepare to answer her and... Oh shit, holy shit, it's Minato the fourth Hokage the yellow flash, and Kakashi of sharingan oh wait he doesn't have that yet. It's friggin Obito Uchiha the one asshole who causes the most of the bad shit to happen in this story I wonder what would if kill him, no, no the clan would surely execute me.
"Are you okay," Minato voice snaps from my fangasm I must look like a dumbass right now
"Y-Yeah perfect fine, Rukon district is that away near the village center."
"We've been told that like a hundred times, this village is freaking confusing," Obito says is ire evident.
"Forget it, we'll ask someone else," Kakashi walks off , my god he really was another Sasuke hands in his pocket and everything.
"Sorry for being in a daze you looked familiar to me is all I'll take you there it's not far."I pointed to Minato he gives me an appreciative smile.
I get up and to lead them to the Rukon district, part of me loving the fact that around so many relevant characters, hanging out with the soon to be third favorite Hokage, (first being Tobirama I have my reasons dammit!) But the other part is scared shit-less at the reason they might be here.
"Wow, your village is impressive, by the way, I forgot to ask your name?" Minato asks gazing at the buildings
"U-um Tokegeroh, Tokegeroh Ren, and thank you for compliment everyone here w-works pretty hard. Oh here we are,"
"I can see that I'm Minato Namikaze by the way nice to meet you,"
"My name is Rin Nohara,"
"Obito Uchiha is my name and you better remember it,-"
"Ignore him he's an idiot,"
"What did you say Kakashi you bastard?!"
" You're an idiot,"
"Why you?!"
"Enough you two," Minato finally interrupts the boys squabble.
"I swear it's like this every time, you probably don't have to deal with anything like this Tokegeroh-kun."
As I was about to answer her question I see Ryuzaki ahead of us, I smile thinking of all the times we had arguments like this. "You'd be surprised then, Oi Ryuzaki."
He looks at me and walks over. "What are you doing Tokegeroh?"
"Taking these guys to the Rukon district, meet Minato, Obito Rin, and Kakashi guys this is my teammate Ryuzaki Uzumaki.
"Hello to you all, Tokegeroh, did Akiko-sensei, talk with you?" He asks me I nod.
"Yes earlier, we had breakfast together."
"And what did you say? are you- ,"
"We'll talk later, I have to make sure these guys where they need to go bye," I hurriedly interrupting him I gesture to Minato team to continue following.
"Oi don't be rude, you ass!"
"Sorry, sorry but just stay right there and I'll answer your question later."
I hear him mumbling something as we walk past him.
"That was pretty rude of you. He looks like he wanted to ask you something,"
"It's nothing too important, besides I said return so get you guys to Rukon , by the way, it just ahead.
The Rukon district is usual to use by business traders and feudal, all hotels and most of restaurants and shops are located in this area. "Well here you are the Rukon district if you need to get something to eat I suggest, Kensei's eatery is just around the block from here."
"Thank you Tokegeroh, I believe your teammate is waiting," Minato says as he tries.
"Yeah the Uzumaki clan are filled with hot-heads,I best not keep him waiting." Minato chuckles at my remark "Not to pry but why are leaf ninja here?" Kakashi looks at me suspiciously, chill out bro it's just a question.
"For the Chunin exams," Obito eagerly answers.
"Hmm, I thought everyone held their own exams?"
"It's certainly an odd change, from what I've been told your Hoshikage suggested this he thought it would improve relationships with the other villages, it's not just us the cloud mist, grass, and waterfall shinobi are participating too." Minato's information left me confused why would the Star of all things do this.
"well I won't keep you guys, good luck in exams,"I say before turning heel and run back to Ryuzaki.
"Hey there you are your jerk, why were those leaf ninja here?" Ryuzaki asks his question holding a small amount of disdain.
"The chunin exams there our competition along with several others foreign nations,"
"Seriously man, I thought it was gonna be pretty easy, now I'm not so sure. Whatever I wanted to ask if you're going to enter."
"Depends how dead set are you to go to this exam?"
"Why the hell does that matter? The competition might be tougher but I'm still going to enter. "
"Then I have no choice," Ryuzaki look at me his face more scrunched up in confusion more than ever. "you'll see what I mean, I gotta get some training in before tomorrow, later."
Alright, that at least four out of seven, I better turn in for the night, Dammit Akiko what the hell have you gotten us into?
Akiko POV
"Achoo! Ugh, gross," I feel the mucus leaving my nose eww.
"Here's a tissue," Tsugiri says handing me the hanky.
"thanks," I wipe nose and toss in a trash bin.
"So you think the students are ready, this new program honestly leaves me nervous, to have this many foreign shinobi in our village,"
"I know what you mean, especially with the cloud and mist here, our relationship with them has never been good. To answer your question yeah I think there ready."
"I think mine are too though I have a feeling Yusuke-kun might have to carry the team."
Tsugiri and I sit at the Tanuki's den a local pub that some shinobi frequent. The scent in the area smell of sake and food and the dim lighting made the place feel actually kinda cozy. I think back to last night's with the Hoshikage it's playing back in my mind.
"As I'm sure you are all aware the chunin selection exams are coming up in two days, those of who nominating candidates please listen to what I have to say. The chunin exams this year is going to be different, The village hidden in the Stars will be playing host to other hidden villages who will be sending their genin to participate as well." Lord Sora words caused a stir of sorts amongst the chunin and jonin and why wouldn't the idea sounded farfetched.
He casually waved his hand around trying calm everyone. "I know it's strange I believe it should ease tensions between the other nations. I proposed this idea at last year's summit it would also give us a chance to gain new clients. Each exam would be hosted by another great shinobi village Since I proposed the idea we are going to host the very first one, the leaf, cloud mist, grass and waterfall villages will be coming here our village. Let us remain civil play good hosts, but be on your guard many see this as opportunity to invade or gain our secrets so keep your eyes peeled. Now who's nominating their genin."
No one really wanted to do that, the atmosphere had gotten so serious I'm sure they good see the benefit, but to them, the bad outweighed the good.
I feeling brave I stepped forward." I nominate team 17, Tokegeroh Ren Ryuzaki Uzumaki, Itsuki Kato for the Chunin Selection exams."
I heard a few shocked gasps from the chunin, most of the jonin kept the bearing, but I could still see a few scowls in the corner of my eye.
I intended to sign them up regardless they are good team, and if they passed that means I'm right, I won't let more competition discourage me.
"Are you serious? Their not even a year in Akiko," Makina hissed.
I look at him retaining my bearing, "I know that I intended to enter regardless of tonight's announcement, a few foreigners ain't gonna scare me off,"I said speaking my mind.
"In that case, I nominate Team 23, Takashi Ren, Mashiro Kouga, and Midori Kagiri," Yukio spoke up causing much to Makina's disappointment.
"Um I guess my team's going in too I nominate team 13 Yusuke Ren, Honoka Maki, and Mao Kimura. Tsugiri says.
"Add my brat's into mix I nominate team 14 Kallen Ren, Tora Uzumaki and Ken Inoue." That annoying bastard, I suppose it helps.
A few more jonin bring in their nominations before Makina decides to protest.
"What the hell is this? you're sending these kids to their deaths," Man he's annoying, you shouldn't even consider them kids anymore.
"wrong their not kids, most these teams have managed to perform B-rank even getting recommendations from clients for some of them they've killed seen death as well as put their lives on the line, they're soldiers now. Makina even your team has proved to do well in these b-rank missions I surprised you honestly object." I bark out the hall is filled with silence awaiting Makina answer.
"Have you all forgotten the second great war already, the mist and clouds assault on our own soil for taking in Uzumaki. Now we're just letting walk right through what kind shit is -"
"Makina! I understand your concern, but if we don't send genin into these what does that make us look like? If these villages are entrusting us with safety of their future, what kind of message are we sending if we have none of our shinobi compete? Weakness at worst, hypocrisy at best, we lose all trust that our allies put into us,and potentially alliances we could gain."
"with all due respect Hoshikage I won't be nominating my team, I don't trust any of these shinobi villages." With that, the raven-haired jonin left along with a few others.
The small cup of the sake before me, I hope that I'm right in doing this, for villages sake and team. I take a long sip the warmness of the alcohol unwinds me, I say silent toast. "You guys give it your all tomorrow, cause you'll probably die if you don't."
Proficiency gained
Lightning affinity lv.2
New justu learned
Water style:Lotus light rupture
Water style: Mouth of the serpent
Wind style: Divine down wind
Lightning Style: thunderbolt