Starting Anew.

Prodigious, they called me---one of the few geniuses of my generation—I heard. Exceptional for who I was, they praised.  Inward sighs escaping swathed lips as my mind recollected the thoughts and accounts of these false hopes. A boy born of normal blood, vacant any of the rare bloodlines that seemingly pooled the bulk of the Hidden Leaf’s shinobi forces; absent both a kekkei-genkai and elemental affinity from birth. I was extolled for being exceptional, barring the handicaps that titled my organic composition. At first they were humbling, understanding the depths of my training and share will of mind. In time, these humbling annotations became less about tribute and more about assurance. I saw these remarks as compensation for being ordinary. Maybe, just maybe, I was unique for being dissimilar. I was no genius, though I was a product of many who hailed from the clan, Koizumi; unchallenged work ethic.

So while others slept, I trained. Deep within the oak walls of the Konohgakure forestry, I sat, legs folded over another as my palms slept on my knees. Eyes sealed as my breaths became less normal and more controlled, I meditated. Searching for answers starting within; if I wanted to know what element would hopefully fuel my ninjutsu and fūinjutsu, I needed to find understanding. I needed to realize who I was, and what made me compatible with the force of nature. The first task was a simple one: the exertion of my chakra into a special parchment known as litmus paper—an expedient jewel among the technology accessible to shinobi. Under the influence of my energy, a certain response will soon ensue. That response was what I was searching for, for it held the secret to what was a secret to me.  What element I possessed.

The closure that would ensue would brighten my evening as my hand turned, a piece of this special litmus attached to my skin. I focused, pooling my circulatory system and allowing the spiritual essence to move freely through the pathways before it reached its destination, my up-turned palm. From there, a reasonable application of chakra control would easily allow my chakra to circumvent my skin and run into the parchment as my eyes remained closed to the world; allowing my other senses to maintain my security for the time being. one…two..three…  anticipation would become the bane of my imperturbability and before long my eyes opened, allowing twin rounds of onyx to capture the production of my exercise.  “it—it split in two.” my eyes hadn’t deceived me as I peered upon two separate sheets which were once one. The conclusion was simple for I had studied the ripostes of this test prior from interpretation and counsel. My element was Fūton!

Arms couldn’t have moved faster as I sighed in glee. Palms touched the air above me, my limbs remained outstretched as I basked in my victory. 4am couldn’t have been exhausted better than understanding my strengths any better. I would send another two hours experimenting with my newfound information. Duplicating the tests on several occasions to secure my answer and minor applications with aerial disruptions were tests I had executed for the time being. This was monumental in my career and while I needed to be somewhere in a few hours, I was too overjoyed to really sleep. Gathering my items, I forced my body in the direction of my apartment where I would eventually force my body into a period of stasis. Sleep, even or a few hours would do me justice for the meeting I had in the morning. Having just ascertained the title of Genin, I was promptly assigned to a squadron with familiar faces and a jōnin renowned for her strength in combat and strength of mind and wit. This would prove both informative and advantageous.

As the sun began its ascent, I found myself surprisingly well-rested, despite only enjoying four hours of sleep. Garbing myself after cleaning, I gathered my tools and pulled my face-mask just over my nose. A short walk and the trained sight-seeing of my home would entertain me until I arrived at the training grounds, before me, Uchiha Soratsu stood.

“It seems like forever since the Academy.” I made light conversation as my visage emerged from a series of trees and shrubbery. Sora had been one of the few I considered friends from my graduating class; he was an entity who was praised for his clan, and I, praised for what my clan lacked. We balanced one another and helped the progression of one another effortlessly. In truth, while I knew little to nothing about Kotetsu, I was glad I was at least teamed with one familiar face. Knowing he was Uchiha, I knew katon ran through this veins; maybe it was a godsend to discover I held a complimentary element.

footnote: Trained my initial element, Fūton!

Obtaining the rank of Genin had done little to increase my well-established ego, proving to be nothing more than a title to me. Unlike others, I did not care of it nor about it; mainly due to the power the said title could hold— absolutely nothing. No weight, no respect was gained by being such a low-level shinobi, and that reason alone had enabled a drive to take place within my inner thoughts. A drive that craved a greater title within the ninja system, one that would cause every living shinobi from Konohagakure to Otagakure to respect me.

Nonetheless, those thoughts weren't going to carry me from my home to the training grounds; which, had awaited me in a few hours. Today was the day I meet the rest of my squad, both individuals already shinobi I've met before within the acadaemy; Uchiha, Soratsu and Koizumi, Ryūza. Ryūza, was a basic shinobi that made due with his unfortunate placing within life. He was not born with any grand Kekkai Genkai, nor did he possess any Dojutsu of the sort. It was those minor things that allowed him to become one of the hardest working shinobi within the village, and that alone caused many— myself included.

Soratsu on the other hand was a like a cancer, one that I would do anything to cut out; but no matter how hard one would try; the male seemed to grow right back. Like most from his supposedly noble clan; Soratsu claimed himself to be a genius, one that somehow had enough talent to even be promoted to Genin. In my opinion, I believed that his parents paid off one of the instructors to do such; but, that was none of my business. I had to learn, adapt to my situation at hand; make the best of it as I could, while I remained on the same squad as the likes of him. Personally teaching myself to remain level-headed, whilst walking towards the grounds.

Eyes of maroon already depicting the two from afar, both seeming to be within their own worlds at the time. “Really? I think it hasn't been long enough. Soratsu,” I stated unpleasantly, my orbs not even taking the time to even look at the male. My tone was cold, and I didn't have a care to try to conceal such. In fact, Soratsu himself should have known this was coming; he did have the fable Sharingan that could foresee everything; oh wait. No he didn't; slipped my mind.

My mind wandered onto other things as I waited patiently by the wooden pillars. I couldn't help but think of my parents, and what they would be like if they were still alive to this day. Living alone at such a young age wasn't the best of things, but what I missed more was having someone out there in my corner, pushing me to achieve the things I couldn't quite grasp on my own. In my defense, I did have a couple of those people in my life right now. Ryuza was one of them, and thankfully he had the similar idea to come out here to train.

It was perfect, actually - I needed a sparring partner. "Yeah, but a good forever. I don't want to look back to those days when we got the future just ahead of us in the distance, y'know?" I said, having turned my head towards the origin of the voice. There he was, quite literally emerging from the shadows of the nearby trees and shrubbery like a legitimate ninja. He always had a look of seriousness on his face, and I respected that; it was all business now, there was no time to joke around.

But speaking of jokes, I heard the annoying buzzing sound that resembled Kotesu voice, but did not bother to look in his direction. The coldness of his statement was noted, but not surprising. We both shared a similar hate towards each other, and even though I had no idea he'd show up here like Koizumi, not even a fraction of my attention and interest was wasted on him. Why... just why did they have to pair use together on the same team?

"Aye, Ryu." I called out, plucking at the inside of my ear with my pinky finger all lackadaisical-like. "You hear all that buzzing? It sounds like an annoying bee that no one wants around. Maybe if we ignore it, it'll go away on its own." Still without look or acknowledging Kotesu's presence, I moved towards Ryuza. "Did you manage to find us a mission to do without our sensei?"

When Kotetsu arrived, I knew the air would draw either heat or stalled salt as Soratsu reacted with a familiar insensitivity that I remembered from the Academy. “Bees are bothersome, but they sting.” somewhat emblematic, my words most likely would fall under deaf ears to the oblivious, but surely the two I was paired with would catch on instantly. While we all formed a trio unit, I was a foundation point; those two would fuel the needed elements that would drive us to success; I was just a means for stability when tensions elevated higher than putative. If they knew it or not, they were rivals; it was what hatred at such a age usually turned into. Hopefully in time, this contempt would be a mutual respect.

While one hand sat in the opening of my pants, the other was angled before me. Within my palm, a series of papers—neatly piled—were handed out. “Several, actually.” I added in response to the Uchiha’s inquiry of missions. We were assigned a team, and we had a squadron leader—this influence was absent at the moment. So instead of being stagnant, I took it upon myself to infiltrate the administrative bodies of this village and gather a series of assignments that required completion.  It was this worth ethic that erroneous the thought of fortitude with prodigious nurture. I preferred the former, though I accepted the latter as well; I did what it took to get tasks done.

“We just have to decide what we want to do. I think we can do a handful today.” We were shinobi, albeit low-ranking, but our current talents and experience were useable in the hands of the village. I knew Soratsu to be compliant when it came to progression and I’m sure Kotetsu didn’t want to be a genin forever so I was confident the duo would accept my offer to spend our day earning ryo and repute.

“Let’s see.” I paused, onyx pools halting my statement as I collected the guise of the missions I had acquired. “We can help collect lumber for the village, interview higher ranking shinobi and draft short bios for them, find a mission cat or help the academy in educating the new students. What do you guys want to do first?” Yes, first. If I had to work alone or even just with one, I planned to complete these four missions before the sun set.

A slight smirk etched its way across my facade due to Ryu's statement, which had in fact made a lot of sense. If I was deemed as a bee in the eyes of Sora; then I would be known as the most deadliest bee to man— one that couldn't be swatted away easily by mortals. Nonetheless, we were in need of a mission that could enabled this trio in experiencing the perks of being a Genin. Listening to the numerous missions at hand, each one sounding more dull than the next; had caused me to grow restless. Missions were meant to be challenging, not childish or chore-like in any shape or form.

It was the lack of substance within the said missions that caused me to dig within my pouch, nimble digits taking hold of a scroll that I had picked up just a day before this meeting. My smirk from earlier now becoming a smile as I revealed the scroll to them, “How about we do this one?” My tone rather lax as I revealed the contents of the mission to the two. “It's a rather simple mission, we spar with one another and get paid for doing it,” throwing the scroll over for them to see. Hopefully, the two would be willing to accept the mission without a shred of doubt.

Surely, but slowly— I began to walk towards the center of the field; my back turned to the two as I did such. “To make things interesting. How about, you two go against me? Or is it still a disadvantage? Maybe we should call sensei to help you two out.” A chuckle escaping my thin lips, my frame stopping itself five meters from them. Spinning on my heels with the least bit of effort, I would be facing them again— my demeanor colder than ever; whilst digits ready themselves for anything. Knowing Sora, he would take the bait that I had humbly thrown at him; Ryu on the other hand was a mystery.

---

Name: Fight Me
Rank: C
Type: PC
Mission given by: -
Rewards: 200
Participants: Anyone
Daily: Repeatable
Description: Spar with an opponent of the same rank as you and get to know them.

An inward sigh formed as I sensed the discontentment in my teammate’s hearts upon hearing the mission options. I expected as much from Kotetsu from years of analyzing his personality in the academy. Even from a young age, his complex about himself was godly—literally. He was unparalleled, and beyond skillful when it came to his neighboring shinobi. If were simply pawns as the shinobi world dictated, Kotetsu considered himself the king—no—that was too rudimentary. He was the man behind the game, moving the pieces in his favor, at his own discretion. My sigh wasn’t directed at a boy who wanted to be the man. It’s full brunt was tossed at the Uchiha, however.

He, like myself, knew the value of hard work beneath the microscopic eyes of criticism. I was expected to be strong because I lacked any inborn talent that would set me apart. Sora was projected to be powerful simply because of the surname he donned. Our risks and futures were equal, and at times I could even consider the pressures placed upon him more overwhelming than my own. There needed to be a foundation for everything, no matter how small. If helping the village internally meant bringing the morale of our people up, personal feelings towards excitement aside, he should have jumped at the chance to gross coinage. At the end of the day, however, I couldn’t help but to agree with the two of them; I didn’t find these jobs I had exceptionally exciting. They were, nonetheless, necessary. All Genin did this in their youthful years.

It was then that the ‘bee’ took it upon himself to produce a fifth option, one Sora instantaneously showed his interest for. At least the two could agree on something. “Bees are formidable in colonies. One is easily dispensable.” I sighed once again, a smile forming beneath the dark blue cloth that concealed my features. As I prophesied earlier, the Genin saw himself hills and mountains above his competition, and it became so evident so when he challenged the both Sora and I. Normally, I would decline instantly and went with the more logical choices; the ones that better served conserving energy for the rest of the day. Nonetheless, this Bee needed to realize he was a lowly solder, and not the monarch of his hive.

“I guess it can’t be helped.” My words moved in tandem with my body as I took to Sora’s instant side (left), a single meter separating us as five spanned the gap from Kotetsu. “You were bound to catch the fade one day.” I added, not hinting towards jokes or anything comical; my words were sharper than a kunai—all of them—meant to dewing the buzzing ego.

A displeased sigh came about as I sense the conflict within the air, Ryu's statement causing me to do so once more. “It only takes one bee sting to fuck you up though,” a devilish grin clearly appearing upon my facade before the two. The blindest person in the world didn't need to see that I clearly was over confident, for it was evident for all to witness. I didn't have a care in the world to hide it, nor did I want to— simply because; it's who I was. People that spent enough time trying to conceal their true self, lacked the needed amount of confidence to be who they were. I never had this issue, but not the same could be said for others, who constantly lived in the shadow of their family's name.

The Uchiha Clan being known for such ways within their families; my clan being the same way within their own right. Crouching down, digits picking up roughly seven decent sized rocks, I would begin to speak. “Funny, the way it sounded just now. It was as if, you really thought you could beat me.” Eyes looking up to the two as I came back to my full height, one rock in each hand while the others resided in my pouch. “Well, let the games begin.” Without the least bit of hesitation, both rocks within my hand would be launched towards the duo. One aimed for the face of Ryu, and the same for Sora.

Fighting was my domain, my hive that I helped colonize over the many years that I lived. Becoming a Genin wasn't a joke to me, nor was it an excuse to finally play ninja— this was my lifestyle. When I had exited the womb belonging to my caregiver, warrior's blood was what coursed through my veins and aided me to live a healthy life. People that were weak and feeble couldn't do such, nor would they be able to survive in this world filled with bloodshed and corruption.

“I’m allergic to bullshit, not bee stings.” A fake sneeze escaped my nostrils as I played the role, hinting towards my comical interpretation of Kotesu’s arrogance. While meant for theatrics, it was also extremely transitory for when I finished my action, I took in everything the opposing Shinobi had done. His crouch, the movement of his arms and finally, the responses his digits took to stirring the soil. A series of rocks were picked and pocketed, leaving, one respectively in each hand while the others sat in his pouch. When Sora gave his opinion of Kotesu’s assumed intentions, I nodded internally; from our range alone, those rocks were indicators of distractions of projectile tools. Regardless, they would better serve someone more expressed in the physical arts.

This difference in skill would be realized when the confident nemesis decided to relieve his hands of the rocks, sending them flying towards our faces. He was a skilled shinobi, but when it came to Taijutsu, I was by far the superior, or so our exams in the academy designated. So when the rock was within comfortable range, I didn’t bother dodging. Instead, a right-opened palm would intercept the incoming object, mitigating its impact in a tight, reactive grip as I held the stone in my grasp. Meanwhile and simultaneously, I noticed the Uchiha not only dodge his own, but in one swift movement, advance upon Kotesu. Our distance made it increasingly difficult to react accordingly, and I would bank on this. As for now, I waited, baiting time and when I felt it most opportune, I would attack. For now, I wanted to see how far this rivalry between the two could go.

I took several mental notes of the object in hand and the one that whizzed past me with momentary, though calculating glances. I didn’t enjoy being caught off guard and would take all precautions to ensure that wouldn’t happen. For now, my eyes feasted upon the ensuing battle before me were the truth would unfold. My hand clenching the rock harder in hand, I prepared for anything I favored.

One thing I strongly believed in, especially within the midst of combat was consistency. Letting up on your opponent enabled them time to think, calculate, and muster up enough time to make an appropriate response. A response that could cost the very battle itself, and surely I did not want such a thing to occur to me— especially, not in front of Soratsu. The moment my substitute kunai had left my grasp and beamed towards my said target's; I hastily took action. Responses from Sora and Ryu alike both proving to be in my favor, especially Ryu's response; but, my burning hatred for the Uchiha had only caused me to focus on him. This did not mean that I had completely ignored my other teammate; but, he wasn't the main dish for my five course meal.

Back to the matter at hand, which I was already addressing without a shred of doubt. When Sora had ready himself to simply take a sidestep, my body had already begun to move towards him. The use of Shunshin being used to jolt myself forward with the utmost swiftness; most likely catching Sora at the end of his sidestep or the beginning of his attempt to lung forward. Either-or was fine with me, because a fist was awaiting to meet his facade with sheer power behind it. Without a doubt, if he got struck by the blow, he would surely be pushed back; enabling me enough time to respond to Ryu if needed. My left hand already being occupied once more during my speed-like movement.

I knew little of these two abilities within combat; not a single thought within my mind could bring up a fact about their shinobi skill. The only thing that I did know, or though I knew was that Sora had not possessed the Sharingan at the moment and thank God he did not. The use of the Dojutsu alone would have proved a greater threat to the likes of I, which would have rather complicated things for myself. If Sora had somehow found a way to counter-attack, which would be truly interesting; I would have something up my sleeve for him. For now, time would be the only thing on my side at the moment.

Chakra Pool: 115 / 120
Jutsu Used: ⁰¹shunshin

There were an ocean of things one could say about me: I’m more serious than most when it comes to training and progression, I joke when its adequate, and I love the taste of ramen and chicken, among other things. However, no one could ever dismiss my painstakingly evident attention to detail. Where most looked for answers, I peered elsewhere. When the obvious became too palpable, I sought out alternatives. When the eyes were so easily deceived, I turned to my other senses. It was these measures that gave the impression of indifference and superiority in the eyes of others. I saw it as these qualities were what made me the tactician I considered myself to be at such a young age.

It was this same tactical mind that didn’t force my body and mind into a state of gratuitous panic as Kotesu ceased to remain stationary. An area of expertise I excelled in involved strict discipline of the physical arts. A capacity that came with being very adept in Taijutsu was something so basic, yet undeniably instrumental. The ability to read an opponent’s movements, in the capacities in comparisons of skill and talent to the best of one’s ability; this was more evident when opponents varied greatly in ability—like today. Without a clear, tolerant distraction and the absence of shadows to shrewd, discerning the Shunshin was child’s play. The fact our bee of a comrade moved linear and into the direction I spent time analyzing due to an apparent disruption made it more uncomplicated.

From minute observations, it was clear that I wasn’t a priority in this assault. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t be a defining factor for this victory, nonetheless. Upon emerging and moving directly into straightforward punch, I reacted near instinctively. To those weren’t on my same echelon in terms of speed, I became not tangible, but a blur. A single meter separated my Uchiha comrade and I, which meant it, was this same distance which divided my form and Kotesu’s. While I knew little of his talents in Taijutsu, from observing and reacting as I did, I could tell we were on two completely different plinths. This could have very well been a feint, meant to disorient my judgment, but I would take the bluff and raise him tenfold.

My action would be swift-moving and precise as I remerged to Kotesu’s blind spot, which coincidentally surfaced with Sora’s sidestep. Nearly the entirety of my opponent’s back and right side was exposed and ready for manipulation as a straight leg (right) reached out with enough power to send tree from its trunk. This would be efficacious for the Uchiha kept Kotesu in his momentum by not only taking the punch, but aiming to latch onto the boy’s arm within the same fluid gesture. My timing was impeccable as I attempted to rock his right side (ribs and portion of his back) without an obstruction. Miscalculating was something I found only conceited individuals did, and with his left arm being virtually islanded, I saw no true plausible countermeasure. I wouldn’t make his mistake, as I left ample room to readjust and maneuver to fit a new scenario if requisite.

While I never aimed to maim a companion, I lesson needed to be taught today. If my blow connected, I would translate the bulk of my strength through my kick and into a vulnerable location on Kotesu’s body. The product of this transaction being the complete collapse of the boy’s production and hopefully, his self-confidence and leaving him opens for a successive blow if required. We had a medical staff for a reason in Konohagakure.

dat fade:

Interesting really how the human mind can still work in the most direst of situations. The mind itself seeming to be the powerful weapon by man, which was something many possessed. With that being said, I couldn't help by applaud the two's interesting action as one held onto me and the other attacked; a truly perfect blow. Ryuza's kick had landed where he wanted it to be; and assuming Soratsu wasn't coming for the trip— I would be sent flying. My rib crushed by the blow as I rolled, and slid across the earthy terrain.

After the short trip that my body had taken, which was quite painful at that. The use of my clan heritage would take place to heal the broken bones caused by the sole kick made by Ryuza. My frame become that of the undead if one would truly witness it. Nonetheless, it after the healing action; I was sure to rise from my fallen state. Eyes of maroon looking to the two and then to the sky. “Well that was interesting,” and with that I exit the scene. Clearly, this mission was done without an issue.

Chakra Pool: 65 / 120
Jutsu Used: ⁰¹shunshin, ⁰²abyssal corpse technique

Mission Log: