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File: Konohagakure.png (2.23 MB, 1920x1080)
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>This is a quest taking place in an alternate version of the Naruto world several years after the conclusion of the main story. It is a sequel to Leaf Ninja Quest, and you will be playing as the son of the main character of that quest. Your character is defined by your choices, so write-ins are always encouraged. And remember to have fun!
>You do not have to read the previous quest in order to participate in this one, but if you wish to do so, it can be found here: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Leaf%20Ninja%20Quest
>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ4acnwsESM

You wake up to the light creeping past your curtains and into your room, and you yawn reflexively. It's not particularly early or late compared to your usual wakeup time, but final exams do start today, and you might have been a bit too anxious to sleep as well as you could have. Three straight days of exams would psych anyone out, surely. It's a wonder you slept as well as you did.

As you get dressed and arrange your ninja tools, you notice another factor that may have contributed to your awakening. A nice smell is wafting up from the kitchen downstairs. Someone is cooking breakfast. You have your guess as to who it might be, as well as who it certainly isn't. Within a couple of minutes, you make your way downstairs to confirm your suspicions.

"Good morning, Brother!" A young girl calls from her spot behind the stove as soon as she catches sight of you. "I'm just making omelets for us real quick! I don't want you to be hungry on your exam day!"

This little girl is Sae, your younger sister. Her hair is brown and pinned up in two buns like dango on either side of her head. From what you can tell from old pictures, she's basically the spitting image of your mother when she was a kid. Though she has your father's eyes instead. She goes to the ninja academy just like you, but she's not as far along in the curriculum, naturally.

Despite being two years younger than you, she's already fairly adept at cooking. Must have inherited it from your father somehow, which is quite miraculous given how little time the two of them have managed to spend together. She's actually good enough that your parents trust her to herself, despite still needing to stand on a crate to properly man the stove. Not that they're in any position to stop her, with how often they're gone. The two of you usually eat dinner with your Uncle Keiji at his restaurant, but mornings are Sae's territory.

>A. You mean OUR territory. Pitch in with your own cooking skills

>B. Let her do her thing. Just be a good big brother and watch over her

>C. You wouldn't be caught dead doing the same hobby as your old man, just go over what you need to know for your exam

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6436609
>C. You wouldn't be caught dead doing the same hobby as your old man, just go over what you need to know for your exam

Hoooooooolllllleeeee ssshhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittt...welcome back.

Don't really have the time to participate, but it's always good to see old faces.
>>
Disclaimers:

I have not seen or read any of Boruto anime or manga at all, and don't intend to. I may lift things I want to use from it if I learn of them, but will use them in whatever manner I see fit

Some information revealed in the Minato oneshot is considered non-canon to this quest. It came out after I wrote everything, what are you gonna do?
>>
Holy shit, it's Laze. The Twitter announcement didn't lie. Welcome back! How have the years been treating you?

Disclaimer, it's been so long since I've read LNQ that I don't remember most of it. What do I remember is...

>>6436608
>she's basically the spitting image of your mother when she was a kid
...right. Ninshu shenaniganry... this is either Tenten or Kurotsuchi, right? But I recall Kuro winning so to speak... Did this end up as a two-wife scenario, or is Tenten by herself now?

>B. Let her do her thing. Just be a good big brother and watch over her
>>
>>6436631
>How have the years been treating you?
Could be worse. All my college was a waste of time, didn't get me a job. So I'm just a mailman, now. At least I have a job, so now I can start using my free time for the stuff I really care about

Don't worry too much about the specifics, you can just enjoy the ride as we go
>>
>>6436631
I'm this anon, posting from phone.

>>6436636
Sounds rough. For what it's wish though, I'm in the same boat, so it could definitely be worse.

As you may have noticed, /qst/ is a lot slower than it used to be, and is glacially slow compared to /tg/ in its heyday. Most QMs do one post a day, though more popular ones sometimes post multiple times a day if the board is moving.

I'd recommend getting the word out in the /qtg/ and Discord. I got here through Twitter, but a lot of the old guard aren't around anymore, after all.

And of course, get used to the new speed of the place sooner, rather than later. If this is going to be like that time Mini tried to get Boruto Quest started up, you can expect a slower board in general.

Welcome back, for sure.
>>
>>6436680
It is a bit rough to see. This first bit was planned out to have a whole bunch of choices for the sake of character building, which is quite an ask for a board in this state. I might have to dip into those places to see if there's any interest. Regardless, I plan to at least make a second post tonight before I go to bed
>>
>>6436609
>A. You mean OUR territory. Pitch in with your own cooking skills
I like to cook!
Welcome back, sorry the board's worse for wear, but that's the way of it on the internet - sites turn to dogshit or they get forgotten or sometimes both. This quest seems really cool!
>>
>>6436609
>B. Let her do her thing. Just be a good big brother and watch over her
wow a QM returning after a decade.

>>6436691
Posts are much longer so its possible to squeeze more questions into it.
>>
>>6436609
>A. You mean OUR territory. Pitch in with your own cooking skills
>>
>>6436609
>>B. Let her do her thing. Just be a good big brother and watch over her
Goddamn, it's been years.
>>6436631
>Ninshu shenaniganry... this is either Tenten or Kurotsuchi, right? But I recall Kuro winning so to speak... Did this end up as a two-wife scenario, or is Tenten by herself now?
I'm still mad about Tenten.
>>
File: Ninja Academy.jpg (33 KB, 640x480)
33 KB JPG
>>6436631
>>6436698
>>6436735

You've never been all that much for cooking yourself, but it's nice that Sae has her own hobby that she enjoys. Getting to eat a nice breakfast everyday is also a good bonus.

You watch as she finishes folding all the fixings she likes into her omelet, then does the same for you. She hasn't made any mistakes that made you worry about her for quite a while now, but it never hurts to keep an eye out for her. That's what big brothers are for, after all.

Once the food is ready, you both sit down and eat. You don't have time to take it easy, but neither do you have to rush to make it on schedule. Just enough time to enjoy your meal and the company of your sibling.

"Today is the written test, right?" Sae asks, making conversation over your meal. "What are they testing you on?"

"Let's see..." You take another bite as you recall your studies. "General ninja knowledge, Hand Seal functions, and Genjutsu theory."

"Theory?" Sae turns her head inquisitively. "They don't teach any genjutsu in the academy? Not even in your year?"

"Nope." You reply bluntly. "Apparently they never have."

"Lame." Your sister pouts.

After you finish eating, the two of you have just enough time to get to the academy without having to move any faster than a walk. You don't really see any of your classmates on the way there, so they've either set out earlier than you, or they're running late. Regardless, today is not a day that you've got time to goof around before class. Maybe that can come later.

As soon as you arrive and are in your seat, your teacher is passing out test papers. It's several sheets thick, and surely going to take the entire day's worth of class to complete.

"Remember to take your time and stay calm. In other words: Don't get testy with the test." Your teacher, Sai-sensei, makes one of his signature puns. Most of the kids just roll their eyes, though you do hear a chuckle from somewhere around here.

More importantly, you have a test to do right now. You think back on all the knowledge you've built up over these last few years at the Ninja Academy. It's all come down to this.

>This portion of the test will determine your Intelligence, Hand Seals, and Genjutsu stats. Please roll 3d100. Then, pick which of your rolls you would like to go towards which stat. The averages of the first three responses will be used and placed within a range that determines the final stat

Oh yeah, you can't forget to write your name at the top of the paper.

>_______ Karagowa
>>
Rolled 48, 73, 3 = 124 (3d100)

>>6436746
Yosuke
>>
Rolled 95, 71, 37 = 203 (3d100)

>>6436746
>Akio
>>
>>6436757
>Genjutsu 95
>Hand Seals 71
>Intelligence 31
>>
Rolled 37, 86, 19 = 142 (3d100)

>>6436746
I suck at names. So um...Onizuka?
>>
First reply to rolls gets to assign them to stats, doesn't have to be the same person. As long as it's just three different people doing the assigning
>>
Rolled 37, 17, 2 = 56 (3d100)

>>6436746

>Kosuke
>>
>>6436842
>2 = Hand Seals
>17 = Genjutsu
>37 = Intelligence

Perma genin time
>>
Rolled 40, 3, 90 = 133 (3d100)

>>6436746
Tadakatsu
>>
>>6436869
40 Hand Seals
3 Genjutsu
90 Intelligence
>>
>>6436842
>>6436844
lmao That's pretty fucked. Reply to a different roll and assign the stats.

>>6436781
Like this guys.
>>
>>6436781
>86 = Handseals
>32 = Intelligence
>19 = Genjutsu

>>6436871

If we're bound to be a failure, that's just striving to grind harder
... But also dumping Genjutsu is extremely fucking valid.
>>
Final stats are:

Intelligence 2.0
Hand Seals 2.0
Genjutsu 1.0

Note that these are based on ranges that I created with a hereditary basis, you weren't rolling for the stats raw

I'm going to get to work on the next post, name will have to be finalized after that one before we move on. Go ahead and throw your weight behind one of the suggestions so far
>>
Your knowledge of Genjutsu is a bit lacking, but that's not really your fault. They don't do a very good job of teaching about it in the Academy, and from what you've heard, your father was awful at it too. But you are at least hopefully better than he was.

Hand Seals, that's a topic you have down pretty well. Not just in making and cycling though them effectively, but in recognizing the specific means in which each one helps you mold chakra in a particular fashion. You're pretty confident about this segment.

General ninja knowledge is much the same situation. You consider yourself reasonably intelligent. You're no Shikadai, but you're on the upper half of your classmates, you would say. The questions on the test are tough, but nothing you can't handle. You weren't out of your depth at any point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phLR_UweMv0

After several hours of nothing but putting pen to paper, the test is finally over. You get out a bit earlier in the day than usual to account for not having a lunch break, and the rest of the day is yours. You stand up and stretch your limbs out, looking around for inspiration on how to fill your afternoon.

In the back of the classroom, you see the classic Ino-Shika-Cho trio. Shikadai and Inoza have already pulled out their game systems and started playing the moment class let out. Chocho has pulled out snacks for all of them, despite not doing any gaming herself. You usually see her trying to hang out with the girls more, but it looks like that's just not how things shook out today.

At the front of the class, two girls are sitting together going over some notes. The two Uchiha cousins, Karasuba and Kagari. Studying immediately after the conclusion of a test, quite admirable. No doubt this scared Chocho away. Kagari herself seems a little intimidated by her cousin, though that's probably just due to her skittish nature in general.

The last major group you see is a boy and two girls on their way out of the classroom, giving the impression that they're off to cause some mischief. The tall one, Rikimatsu, is the biggest kid in your class and a bit of a delinquent. Not as much of a delinquent as Punk Lee though, one of the girls with him. She's constantly in trouble, whether it's from drawing graffiti or just wearing her headphones to school. The last girl is Mimi Inuzuka. She's not as much of a troublemaker as the other two, just more of a tomboy. She probably just fell in with them because she fits better there than elsewhere.

As for what you want to do...

>A. Chill with the guys and play some video games! You brought your own console too

>B. Now is the time to stay diligent and review the material. You always got along better with the Uchiha cousins anyway

>C. You're a bit of a troublemaker yourself. Tag along with the group that's leaving and see what they plan to get up to

>D. You're not really interested in hanging out with any of these groups. Head out on your own somewhere else

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6436911
>>B. Now is the time to stay diligent and review the material. You always got along better with the Uchiha cousins anyway
So what name are we going with?
>>
>>6436911
>C. You're a bit of a troublemaker yourself. Tag along with the group that's leaving and see what they plan to get up to
he shouldn't just be a clone of his dad
>>
>>6436929
What's his dad like?
>>
>>6436911
>E. Write-in
Hang out with the girl with the biggest breasts.
>>
>>6436911
>D. You're not really interested in hanging out with any of these groups. Head out on your own somewhere else
>>
>>6436930
You know the personality Kabuto was pretending to have in the Chunin exams? Kind of like that but with the stubbornness of a main character
>>
>>6436911
>D. You're not really interested in hanging out with any of these groups. Head out on your own somewhere else
Sit by ourselves at the window overlooking outside. Kon our father was a great mediator and diplomatic guy I propose we go a slightly different route and go the spec ops loner route. We don't resent our dad but we're not him, he stayed a very public figure

We shall become the chuni shadow
>>
>>6436911
>C. You're a bit of a troublemaker yourself. Tag along with the group that's leaving and see what they plan to get up to

Can't believe I've been basically off /qst/ for years and one of the days I randomly check back in I see a former GOAT. I'll make sure I'm playing regular, good to have you back
>>
I have work today and most days, so I have decided that I will make my standard daily update time around twelve hours from now, after I've been home for a while and settled in for the evening.

In the meantime, anyone that wants to can still vote on the current question, but we also have the name vote to get to.

The options people have suggested are:

>A. Yosuke
>B. Akio
>C. Onizuka
>D. Kosuke
>E. Tadakatsu

Pick whichever you like the most or hate the least
>>
>>6437347
Already voted for it, but doubling down on
>Akio
>>
>>6437347
>E. Tadakatsu
TA
DA
KATSU

HHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAA

Re-voting for mine as well.
>>
>>6437347
I like the etymology of Tadakatsu or Akio the most, but I figure Tadakatsu will end up getting shortened anyway so I'll go with Akio.
>>
>>6437505
NM, this guy made me laugh so I'm switching to Tadakatsu. >>6437501
I'm sure the others will come up with something nice to shorten it to..
>>
>>6437512
Katsu Chicken
>>
>>6437514
That's what I was thinking, well Katsu Curry, nevermind I'll swap back to Akio and won't change my mind this time.
>>
>>6437516
>>6437512
Tada's TA DAH's?
>>
>>6437347
Akio
>>
Looks like we're going with Akio

We are tied on the current question, so as a tiebreaker, the first reply to this post choosing between
>C. You're a bit of a troublemaker yourself. Tag along with the group that's leaving and see what they plan to get up to
and
>D. You're not really interested in hanging out with any of these groups. Head out on your own somewhere else
Decides it
>>
>>6437638
>C. You're a bit of a troublemaker yourself. Tag along with the group that's leaving and see what they plan to get up to
Let's make some trouble
>>
>>6437640
probably fits with the spec ops style (if anons wanted that), since you need to cause trouble AND get away with it.
>>
>>6437640

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKiHkfnVkP0

There's no doubt that group is about to get up to something, and you wouldn't miss it for the world. You run up to them as they leave the Academy and join their group.

"Hey guys, aren't you forgetting somebody?" You ask as you pull up. "Don't tell me you were about to go do something without me."

"Of course not, we knew you'd tag along." Rikimatsu grins as the two of you exchange a high-five. "It's just so obvious that there's no need to call for you."

Despite his delinquency, Rikimatsu really gives off the aura of a leader. And not just because he's almost as tall as an adult already. No matter what he's doing, his confidence is second to none.

His long spiky white hair is tied into a ponytail to one side, and he wears a necklace made of a huge chain of beads kind of like a monk. Even just looking at him, it's obvious he'd command respect from the other kids.

"It didn't really matter to me if he came along or not." Punk Lee replies nonchalantly while blowing a bubble with her gum. "It would just mean more cred all for us without him."

Lee is a tough looking girl with pink hair wearing a green jumpsuit. She has bandages that are supposed to wrapped around her hands applied elsewhere as some kind of fashion statement, as well as her headphones around her neck. She's also always had some kind of weird purple diamond on her forehead.

She's more of a natural loner than the rest of your peers, but even she can't help but be friends with Rikimatsu. And that drags her in with the rest of you, naturally. Plus, while most of what comes out of her mouth is dismissive, you always got the feeling that she was grateful to have company, even if she would never say it.

"Glad you could join us, Akio!" Mimi greets you next with a smile. Her little dog Shiromaru yips his own greeting from his perch on her shoulder. "We're due to get up to something really fun today."

Mimi has been your friend since you were a toddler, pretty much. Your fathers were such close friends that they brought their kids along when they hung out all throughout your formative years. She's as extroverted as they come, and can slot herself into basically any group if the situation calls for it. But her natural inclination is for more physically active groups like this one.

Mimi's always gotten along just like she was one of the boys, and part of that is due to her scruffy appearance. Furry vest, painted face markings, fluffy hair that sticks up like animal ears. A wild sort of style, for sure.

"Oh yeah, what's this we're getting up to?" You ask. "Don't leave me hanging, here."

"We're gonna have to hang for a bit." Rikimatsu chuckles. "If we're gonna pull this off."

"We're gonna tag the Hokage monument." Lee explains, her tone slightly more energetic at the prospect of mischief. "No one's ever pulled this off before. We're gonna be legends."

"I get the Fifth, of course." Rikimatsu notes. "But the rest are all you guys."
>>
>>6437653
>A. Sounds sick, I'm in. Which faces am I doing?

>B. There's no way that's possible. We'd never get away with it. Let's aim lower

>C. Talk them down. We should have more respect for the Hokage

>D.Write-in
>>
>>6437654
>>D.Write-in
>"You can take the fifth if you can beat me to it first!"
Let's misbehave and make it a competition
>>
>>6437656
Supporting this
>>
>>6437654
>>6437656
+1 sure
>>
>>6437656
This
>>
>>6437656
Sure
>>
>>6437656

You could just go along with what Rikimatsu is saying. But where's the fun in that? Can't be letting him get too comfortable.

"You can take the Fifth... if you can beat me to it first!" You tell him before dashing off across the rooftops as fast as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9kw1vuCWPs

"Hey, wait a..." Rikimatsu starts to object, only to give up and start running after you. Lee and Mimi join in not far behind.

You've all been around the village plenty, so you already know where to pick up the stuff you're going to need. Ropes to repel with, stakes strong enough to hold you up, and of course tons of paint. As you stop to grab supplies, Rikimatsu catches up long enough to get a few words in.

"You asshole!" He curses you. "I know you don't care about tagging that face in particular, you're just doing this to piss me off!"

You grin as you take off with your stuff faster than Rikimatsu can. You've actually managed to get him angry, which is pretty rare. He usually stays cool no matter what you try. But this is a more personal matter, after all.

You get to the top of the Hokage Monument with all your stuff, right above the head of the Fifth Hokage. You drive your stake into the ground and tie your rope firmly around yourself, and you're ready to repel. As you grab your paint, Rikimatsu catches up to you.

"I'll paint over all your work if I have to!" He declares. "I'm not letting your contrarian ass get one over on me!"

Rikimatsu gets ready to repel, and the girls show up not long after to start as well. Mimi seems to be taking the two newer Hokage while Lee takes all of the first four for herself, which leaves you two boys to fight over only one stone face.

Sure enough, Rikimatsu keeps swinging over to you and painting over everything you try to do. He's put so much time into this, that he hasn't really been able to focus on whatever he wanted to do originally. But it is all pretty funny.

After a few minutes you take a quick break to look everything over. The faces of the seven men on this mountain are all pretty messed up. Mimi has painted little animals all over the Sixth and Seventh's faces, putting a particular focus on crows for the Sixth and Monkeys for the Seventh. Couldn't resist staying on-theme, you suppose. Lee went a different direction, applying her own style to all her faces. Stylized flower petals, kunai and shuriken, and of course her own name. This is the kind of stuff she always makes graffiti of, but this is her biggest canvas ever.

As for the Fifth, his face is really just a mess. random blobs of paint everywhere. Not exactly impressive, but it does make some kind of statement.

The girls swing closer to the two of you to admire everyone's work as well, when you hear a voice from nearby.

"What exactly are you brats doing to my face?"

There, standing on the wall, is the man whose face you just got done vandalizing. Jiraiya, the Fifth Hokage.
>>
>>6438102

He's quite an old man now, even older than the face he has depicted on the mountain. But he's no less intimidating. Both he and his hair are still huge, and one of his arms is pure pasty white for some reason, which is pretty creepy.

"Particularly you, Rikimatsu." the Fifth sighs. "I'd be more proud if you could become a bit more cultured and make trouble by peeping at women instead."

"Heh. I don't need you underestimating me, old man." Rikimatsu sneers. "Cause I do that too!"

Lee immediately swings over to backhand Rikimatsu in the face, after which he clutches his nose in pain and nearly lets go of the rope holding him up.

"Ow! What the hell are you thinking pulling that right now! You're gonna get me killed!" Rikimatsu complains.

Lee merely ignores her victim and starts to back away slowly from the former Hokage. Mimi had already started. It's obvious what's about to happen.

"Alright, you've all had enough fun." the Fifth states from his position standing sideways on the wall. "You're all coming with me."

>A. Make a break for it with the others, you're young and spry enough to avoid an old man

>B. Scatter and head off by yourself, escaping alone is the best bet

>C. The Fifth is going to focus on Rikimatsu for sure. Try and let him escape by distracting the old man. You'll probably get caught yourself, though

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6438108
>C. The Fifth is going to focus on Rikimatsu for sure. Try and let him escape by distracting the old man. You'll probably get caught yourself, though
Only fair
>>
>>6438108
Glad to see the return of a legend, too bad Princely works for the government now, it'd be cool to see him drop a thread one day again too

as for now
>C. The Fifth is going to focus on Rikimatsu for sure. Try and let him escape by distracting the old man. You'll probably get caught yourself, though

Can't lose with this option, if he gets away, he'll owe us one and if he doesn't then we weren't ducking the old man anyhow since we don't know his tricks quite as well as Rikimatsu does
>>
>>6438108
>C. The Fifth is going to focus on Rikimatsu for sure. Try and let him escape by distracting the old man. You'll probably get caught yourself, though
>>
File: Rikimatsu.jpg (193 KB, 1188x1600)
193 KB JPG
Oh yeah, I have a friend who I convinced many years ago to make concept sketches of a few characters for me. I might as well post one every now and then. This one is Rikimatsu
>>
>>6438108
>C. The Fifth is going to focus on Rikimatsu for sure. Try and let him escape by distracting the old man. You'll probably get caught yourself, though
like it or not we out our fathers' son
>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcdD5e4EWFk

You know for certain that if the Fifth makes sure to catch only one of you, it's gonna be Rikimatsu. And you've probably given the guy enough grief today. Despite everything, he is still your friend.

You make the decision to run cover for him as he flees. You'll probably get caught, but hey. He'll owe you one. You reach into your pouch for a smoke bomb and yell to the others.

"Everybody scatter!"

You throw down the smoke bomb and the others start to run off, Rikimatsu included. You don't follow though, you stand your ground. Or your wall, rather. There's no way something like this will give you more than a second against a former Hokage, so you need to be ready to double down on the distraction immediately.

Before the smoke even begins to clear, a hand reaches for you and grabs your arm. As much as you try to pull it off, it's no use. He's way stronger than you. You do have one trick up your sleeve, though. You place your free hand on the one grabbing you and begin focusing your chakra. Through experimentation, you've found that your chakra has an interesting behavior. You can make things vibrate with it, and using it on people causes an uncomfortable stinging. It might be just enough to give you an opening.

As the smoke clears, you see Jiraiya looking at what you're doing with an eyebrow raised. He doesn't seem to be hurting in the slightest, but his face does soon change to one of surprise when he makes sense of what you're doing.

"Hey kid wait, not that arm, that one is" He begins to say.

The hand grasping you is actually the pale white one, and it begins to turn slightly goopy as you pump more chakra into it. It's pretty gross, but its grip on you loosens slightly and you're able to slip out. You push off from the stone face and start to run up to escape, but before you reach the top your entire body is enveloped by something white and fluffy. It seems to be the Fifth's hair. You think you've seen Rikimatsu use this jutsu before.

"I'm gonna have to get that fixed, you know?" The former Hokage complains about your handiwork. "Honestly, I don't know how you ended up this way."

You're definitely caught now, so there's no point in fighting it. At the very least, it seems like the others are too far now to bother chasing. Jiraiya pulls you free from your tether and slings you over his shoulder with his hair, walking all the way down to the foot of the cliff to take you to who knows where.

"Also, I admire the bravery kid, very noble." He adds as he walks. "But you know he's just going to come back home for dinner, right? You have to be thinking out your sacrifices a bit more if you're gonna be a ninja, kid."

The former Hokage carries you all the way to the Hokage's office before plopping you down in front of the desk of the man himself. Sitting in the chair behind it is the Seventh Hokage, Konohamaru Sarutobi. He's glancing out the window at the Hokage Monument and even grinning a bit.
>>
>>6438554

"That's some pretty funny stuff." He chuckles lightly. "I like mine in particular. That was Kiba's girl, right?"

"You gonna stand there and appreciate it all afternoon, or are you gonna enforce some order around here?" Jiraiya interrupts the Hokage's joviality. "You're the Hokage now. You better not be letting them get away with stuff like this."

"What am I gonna do, give a stern talking to his parents?" I'm the one who sent them out on missions." The Seventh turns back around and shrugs. They've also got their Physical Exam tomorrow, so I don't want to tire them out cleaning that whole thing tonight. We need our good trainees to graduate, you know. Ninja numbers are going down."

"You've got to be kidding me." Jiraiya puts his head in the palm of his good hand. "Why'd Itachi go and retire so quickly? He'd be laying down the law here."

"It's fine. Akio's really a good kid. Right?" the Hokage turns to you with a smile. "You had your fun with this big prank, and you're satisfied, aren't you? You're gonna be a ninja in a few days, and you're going to take that seriously, am I right?"

>A. You may joke around, but you're serious about being a ninja. Promise that you won't let the Hokage down

>B. Of course you'll behave yourself, pinky swear. (Not. What a sucker.)

>C. What is this slap on the wrist crap? You better make me clean that monument

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6438555
>A. You may joke around, but you're serious about being a ninja. Promise that you won't let the Hokage down
>>
>>6438555
>A. You may joke around, but you're serious about being a ninja. Promise that you won't let the Hokage down
I'll surpass even my father one day. And I'm gonna rub it in his face! He thinks he's so cool...
>>
>>6438555

>A. You may joke around, but you're serious about being a ninja. Promise that you won't let the Hokage down
Give the deflated aaaw fine, hey at least I'm outside and not playing video games
>>
>>6438555
>C. What is this slap on the wrist crap? You better make me clean that monument
Funny choice
>>
>>6438557
>>6438584
>>6438656

Pranks are one thing, but you have no intention of compromising your future as a ninja. You would still like to surpass your father, even you know that will take a certain level of dedication. Plus, the Hokage is just a cool guy.

"I won't let you down, Lord Hokage." You promise. You even give a salute to prove your seriousness.

"That's what I like to hear!" Konohamaru leans over his desk to ruffle your hair a bit. "Now get on home, don't you have a little sister to look after?"

"I guess that's that." Sighs Jiraiya. "I'll still be giving a talking-to to Rikimatsu when he gets home, and I imagine Sakura will do the same with her daughter. Kiba... He's not going to do anything."

"He'll probably get a kick out of it. Hell, he'll praise her for it!" the Seventh laughs as you head out of the office.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZcBS2Ko_5w

It's getting to be evening time by now, and you're pretty hungry. You never ate lunch, after all. It's about time for you to head home and pick up Sae so you can go eat dinner at Uncle Keiji's place.

As you arrive back home, the door opens for you before you can do it yourself. Your little sister is in the doorway, looking particularly excited.

"Brother!" Her exclamation is both a shout and a whisper simultaneously. "Mom's home!"

You're led into the living room to find your mother laid out on the couch, out like a light. She must have returned to the village not too long ago, and fell asleep almost immediately. She's back sooner than anyone expected, so she must have really worked hard to finish her mission early. And worn herself out in the process.

It's not all too uncommon of a sight for you, though. She's a regular workaholic, this might as well be her natural state. You pick up her ANBU mask from the floor and set it on the counter so nobody steps on it.

It is a bit funny to think about, though. Tenten, the Untouchable Kunoichi, ANBU Field Commander, and in serious contention for strongest kunoichi to ever live, up there with Tsunade and every female Kage. It sure doesn't look like it from what you've seen. You honestly wish she'd take better care of herself.

"We should wake Mom up and go to dinner together!" Sae whisper-shouts to you. "Come on, she's been gone for over a week! We need more family time!"

That certainly is an option. But you wonder if it's the best idea.

>A. She needs her rest, leave her be and go to dinner

>B. She'll be okay to wake up for a couple more hours, you'll be fixing her sleep schedule

>C. Suggest eating at home tonight, maybe she'll wake up on her own

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6439123
Let's make her a welcome home meal together before she wakes up to surprise her. I'll be your sous chef.
>>
>>6439125
+1!
>>
>>6439123
>C. Suggest eating at home tonight, maybe she'll wake up on her own
>>
>>6439123
>D. Write-in
Hey, hey old lady. You're on the sofa go shower and come down for dinner after.
.
Order some food in for when she's done

(Cooking was our dads thing and I'd rather not be a clone)
>>
>>6439148
This one
>>
>>6439148
Tiebreaker vote.
>>
>>6439148

You aren't about to have dinner without your mother now that she's finally back again, but waking her up just to drag her out to eat isn't appealing either. So you'll wake her up to eat at home.

"Hey, Mom, get up." You shake your mother by her shoulder. "We're gonna have dinner, no more crashing on the couch. Go take a shower or something."

After a minute of vigorous jostling, Tenten finally opens her eyes. She puts a hand to her face and breathes deeply before sitting upright.

"Akio! Sae!" She groggily proclaims you and your sister's names while dragging the two of you in for a hug. "I missed you so much!"

"Enough Mom, we're gonna have dinner. Go take a shower already!" You demand as you pull free from the embrace. "You probably fell right on the sofa as soon as you got back from your mission, huh?"

"Ah, you got me..." Your mother makes a vaguely bashful gesture with her hand, still not quite awake yet. She yawns heavily, but manages to stand up and head upstairs. "I get it, I'll get ready so we can all have dinner, alright?"

As she disappears up to the second floor, you head over to the phone and make a call.

"You've reached the Jade Palace, the finest eatery in Konoha." A voice answers. "Would you like to place an order for delivery, or make a reservation?"

"Seijirou, it's me." You state plainly. "Let me talk to Uncle Keiji."

"Akio? Alright. I'll get him on." The man responds, before the line goes quiet for a bit.

"Hey kiddo, what's going on?" Your great uncle asks as he picks up the phone on his end. "Aren't you and your sister going to come by and eat?"

"Mom just got back and we want to eat at home today." You explain. "Can you send us some dinner for delivery?"

"Oh ho, of course, of course." Keiji laughs. "I can't be asking you to interrupt your family time, after all. You can bring your mom by another time. I'll send Seijirou out in a few minutes once I've whipped something up."

You thank Uncle Keiji and then end the call. After a few minutes of waiting, you send Sae upstairs to make sure your mother didn't fall asleep standing up in the shower. A bit later they both return downstairs, your mother clean and in a change of clothes. And just in time for the food to arrive.

You get the door and find your Uncle's hired help Seijirou there with your food. You thank him and take the bag, before heading back to the dining room table with it.

You lay everything out and see what you've got tonight. Uncle Keiji kept it pretty simple, sticking to fried rice and spicy chicken. Plus his signature gyoza, of course. You all dish up and enjoy the food for just a bit before engaging in conversation.

"I should have plenty of time off before I get another mission, so no more worries about that!" Your mother assures you. "I'll be here for your graduation ceremony Akio, and your father should be, too!"

"Yay! Dad's gonna be home!" Sae cheers.

You are a bit less enthusiastic.
>>
>>6439531

>A. It's about time he came back home already. Better late than never

>B. Who cares if that guy is here or not? Doesn't make a difference to me

>C. You sure he isn't going to be too busy attending someone else's?

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6439533
>B. Who cares if that guy is here or not? Doesn't make a difference to me
>>
>>6439533
>C. You sure he isn't going to be too busy attending someone else's?
>>
>>6439533
>A. It's about time he came back home already. Better late than never

we have a little sister, let's try not to rain on her parade just because we haven't seen dad in a minute
>>
>>6439533
>A. It's about time he came back home already. Better late than never
"Was dad always a mission junkie?"
>>
>>6439533
>C. You sure he isn't going to be too busy attending someone else's?
>>
>>6439533
>C. You sure he isn't going to be too busy attending someone else's?
Sorry Ten-Ten, you should've won. Then maybe the new MC wouldn't have a chip on his shoulder...
>>
>>6439533
>C. You sure he isn't going to be too busy attending someone else's?
wow kudos for having realistic consequences to the dumb throuple thing
>>
>>6439533
>B. Who cares if that guy is here or not? Doesn't make a difference to me
>>
>>6439553
>>6439634
>>6439660
>>6439721

Just hearing about your dad is irritating you. You know where he's been, and unlike Sae, you can't just ignore it and be happy anyway. You try not make an issue out of it too much, especially in front of your sister, but you couldn't stop yourself right now even if you wanted to.

"You sure he isn't going to be too busy attending someone else's?" You ask.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li05DqEnjx0

All it took was the implication, and the mood of the whole room turned sour. Sae's smile drops instantly, and your mother exposes a momentary expression of surprise before composing herself again. She never likes discussing this topic.

"Well the Stone Village had their Academy graduation last week, so that won't be a problem." Tenten explains with a pained expression.

"How convenient for him." You reply bluntly. "He didn't have to think to hard about it."

It's quiet at the table for a while. You're the only one who kept eating, both your mom and your sister stopped when you ruined the mood. You feel a bit bad about it, but you were never one to hold your tongue. Nothing to be done about it.

After a couple of minutes, Sae works up the nerve to breach the topic herself.

"Mom, is Dad's other family more important than us?" She asks, not a hint of the subtle antagonism of your previous question. Sae is as sincere as ever, and it makes the question hit all the harder.

"Sae, please believe me." Your mother pleads, grabbing her daughter's hands. "I promise that your father doesn't think that way. I know for sure."

"Does it even matter what he thinks?" You interject. "When he spends half his time abroad with a second family? His actions say enough."

"Akio, I know it's not fair to you kids, but..." Tenten starts, but you interrupt her.

"I don't want to hear it, Mom!" You assert yourself as you stand up from the table. You've had enough, of food and of family time, for one night. "I'd going to bed. I've got my Physical Exam tomorrow."

You leave your mother and sister at the dinner table and head to your room to sleep this bad mood off. You weren't lying about wanting to be rested either, so you put everything out of your mind and fall asleep as soon as you can.

In the morning, you keep to yourself and stick to some fruit and toast for breakfast. You'll probably be in more of a family mood again once you're exhausted from the tests.

Heading back to the Academy, you arrive to find everything set up in the yard outside. You'll all be tested on your Strength, Speed, and Stamina today.

>Roll 3d100, and in the same post, organize the three stats Strength, Speed, and Stamina in the order you would like your results to count for, from your highest roll to your lowest
>>
I have the day off tomorrow, so I think I will make two posts to make up for today's being a roll post. One in the morning, and one at the usual time in the evening

>>6439721
You kidding me? The players handed me the sequel MC's primary character conflict on a silver platter. How could I not take the succulent bait?

I honestly don't even know how someone could bother to be a writer yet not take advantage of stuff like this
>>
Rolled 74, 48, 93 = 215 (3d100)

>>6440032
>Highest: Speed
>Medium: Strength
>Lowest: Stamina
>>
>>6440035
>"I promise that your father doesn't think that way. I know for sure."
Well, considering what she's been through, she definitely knows that much. Kon truly does love her and Kurotsuchi too. But it does make me wonder... would it have been better for her to have never known, just accept the loss, and find someone else?

>>6440032
>Highest: Speed
>Medium: Stamina
>Lowest: Strength
Not sure if we'll be a ninjutsu specialist like dad, or if we'll go more into taijutsu, but speed is always nice.

Actually, does mom still own the weapon shop? Should we go into seals or weapon stuff? Going in a different direction with Impact Release from Kon's original 'blaster' focus might be decent.
>>
>>6440039
You forgot to roll

Also, her parents still own the weapon shop. They would have given it to her, but she's too busy to run it very much
>>
Rolled 62, 17, 77 = 156 (3d100)

Strength
Stamina
Speed
>>
File: 1010-muted.mp4 (1.38 MB, 720x590)
1.38 MB
1.38 MB MP4
Rolled 5, 31, 44 = 80 (3d100)

>>6440039
>>6440041
Oop, sorry about that. Take this vid of 10/10 in Ultimate Ninja as penance. Had to mute it though.

And gotcha. Truthfully, I didn't expect her to still be going on missions, but considering her skills, she probably can't afford to settle down as a chunin, huh?
>>
>>6440056
terrible, terrible rolls. We take the average, but still, damn.
>>
>47, 32, 71
That's fine, Kon had it too easy anyway, right?
>>6440032
Speed
Stamina
Strength
Even if he's a kind of delicate guy, if he doesn't get hit it shouldn't matter... right? Maybe he should have been called Katsu.
>>
Final stats are:
Strength 1.5
Speed 2.5
Stamina 1.5

2.0 was the lowest you could have gotten on Speed by the way, you were always going to inherit a decent amount

Writing up the next post now, which will be shorter, it's just so you guys have a choice to make
>>
The morning has you all testing your muscles' lifting power. You're honestly not too bad here, there are weaker kids in class than you, for sure. Of course, Rikimatsu and especially Lee far outclass you in this area. You can see them quietly and obediently taking the tests without any hint of fooling around. They probably got chewed out pretty hard yesterday.

Next up is speed. You run laps as fast as you can, as well as do a few tests of your dexterity. This is where you really make your money. You are on par with the fastest kids in the class, with the exception of one. Mimi still outpaces you, just as she's done your entire lives. There's no sign of her getting disciplined yesterday, so she's her usual cheerful self.

Lastly, in the afternoon, it's time for the stamina tests. For this one, you just have to do various exercises for as long as you can manage until your body can't possibly endure any more. You do alright here as well. Nothing to write home about, but about equal to most of the kids in class. The only exception is Rikimatsu, who manages to hold out far longer than any other of your classmates. He really is something else.

At the end of the day, everybody is exhausted. Class is let out, but few of you bother to leave immediately, as most would rather just sit around and catch their breath. The only ones that leave as soon as they can are Lee and Rikimatsu, and they don't look happy about it. They are probably still getting punished somehow.

You just sit for a few minutes to relax yourself, and watch what the other kids seem to be getting up to. Mimi has joined the Uchihas over in the from of the class, and from what you can hear, they plan on practicing their ninjutsu and taijutsu for the practical test tomorrow once they regain their stamina.

Ino-Shika-Cho has reformed again today, and they're talking about hitting the town and goofing off. Your usual crew isn't here today, but you could still have some fun with these guys probably.

Or of course, you could always strike out on your own. There's no shortage of things and people to stumble upon in the Hidden Leaf Village.

>A. You haven't quite been satisfied with your test performance so far. It's time to get some practice in with the Uchihas and Mimi

>B. Hanging out with Shikadai, Chocho, and Inoza sounds more fun. You need it after working so hard today

>C. No crew means you go alone today. Just head around the village to see what's up

>D. Forget any of this, just go straight home

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6440241
>A. You haven't quite been satisfied with your test performance so far. It's time to get some practice in with the Uchihas and Mimi
The fact that Akio wants to be a ninja at all is interesting. It tells me that despite resenting his father somewhat, this sort of thing is important to him.

Down for goofing off if that's the mood though.
>>
>>6440241
>A. You haven't quite been satisfied with your test performance so far. It's time to get some practice in with the Uchihas and Mimi
>>
>>6440241
>A. You haven't quite been satisfied with your test performance so far. It's time to get some practice in with the Uchihas and Mimi
>>
>>6440241
>B. Hanging out with Shikadai, Chocho, and Inoza sounds more fun. You need it after working so hard today
We trained all day, no need to force it. Diminishing returns and all
>>
>>6440241
>E. Write-in
Hang out with the girl with the biggest breasts.
>>
>>6440289
In our age group, that's probably Chocho.
>>
>>6440332
It is

Let me just give a quick ranking for the hell of it

Chocho
Kagari
Karasuba
Mimi
Lee

Do with this info what you will
>>
>>6440343
That means he's voting with me.
>>
>>6440255
>>6440259
>>6440261

You love your share of goofing off, but becoming a splendid ninja supersedes all of that. And your tests so far have only been adequate. Tomorrow is the practical exam, where you'll be tested on Ninjutsu and Taijutsu. Both of those things can be practiced even on the day before to still get some results. Just to make sure you can perform to your true potential, at least.

With that in mind, you head over to the girls and their little study group. Mimi notices you first, and waves you over.

"Hey Akio, you gonna practice with us?" She asks, before turning to the other girls. "Akio can join us, right?"

"Yeah, of course... We're all friends, so..." Kagari meekly responds, twiddling her fingers. "I mean, if Karasuba is okay with it..."

Kagari is your other childhood friend along with Mimi. Your fathers are all thick as thieves, so the three of you were practically raised together. She's like the polar opposite of Mimi, having trouble with even the most rudimentary socialization. She's very kind though, and tries to help people out in her own way. Her bangs are grown long and swept to one side to cover her left eye, most likely to mask the fact that her eyes are different colors. Also her dad does the same thing with his purple eye, so copying him might be part of it.

"I'm not going to turn away anyone that wants to improve themselves." Karasuba answers, looking up at you from her notes. "Some time away from those bad influences might actually see you made a proper ninja one day."

Karasuba is Kagari's cousin, and the daughter of the previous Hokage. She must have inherited all the clan's confidence in Kagari's place, since she never seems unsure of herself. Her long straight black hair reflects her character as a very by-the-books type. She doesn't approve of the kind of tomfoolery you and your friends get up to, but despite that she never fails to acknowledge anyone on their own merits.

"We were going to head out to the yard in a few minutes and practice the things we'll be doing tomorrow." She begins to get you up to speed. "For ninjutsu, they're going to be testing us on transformation, substitution, and basic clone jutsus. For taijutsu, we'll have to both spar in hand-to-hand combat, and exhibit our proficiency with kunai as well as shurikenjutsu."

"We'll probably have time to really hone ourselves in one area this afternoon." Mimi adds. "We can pair off if we want different things. What do you want to do, Akio?"

>A. I want to refine my use of the foundational ninjutsu. It'll make sure I get the most out of every jutsu I use in the future

>B. Hand-to-hand combat is where I want to focus. I plan on being a pro at taijutsu

>C. My mom has trained me like hell with weapons. I'm gonna prove myself with my kenjutsu and shurikenjutsu

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6440413
>C. My mom has trained me like hell with weapons. I'm gonna prove myself with my kenjutsu and shurikenjutsu
>>
>>6440413
>C. My mom has trained me like hell with weapons. I'm gonna prove myself with my kenjutsu and shurikenjutsu
Mama's boy
>>
>>6440413
>C. My mom has trained me like hell with weapons. I'm gonna prove myself with my kenjutsu and shurikenjutsu
impact sword...
>>
>>6440413
>C. My mom has trained me like hell with weapons. I'm gonna prove myself with my kenjutsu and shurikenjutsu
Yeah, it's gotta be - right?
>>6438128
Didn't even notice this for some reason. Yeah. That's Jiraya's.
>>
>>6440413
>C. My mom has trained me like hell with weapons. I'm gonna prove myself with my kenjutsu and shurikenjutsu
While Kon didn't take this path more favouring shields and ninjutsu we totally should. Pairing our chakra with weapons makes some crazy stuff, launching at hyper velocity with mad piercing, ninja wire becoming like resident evil laser grids, sealing trick to create directional conclusive stuff.

Momma's boy going full seal and weapons!
>>
>>6440413
>B. Hand-to-hand combat is where I want to focus. I plan on being a pro at taijutsu
Time to beat our dad's ass raw.
>>
>>6440736
Our dad is without a doubt one of the tankiest ninja there are; medical training, naturally tough, wears partial armour of chakra conducting metal and then straight up shields Bartholomew from one piece style.
>>
>>6440422
>>6440425
>>6440513
>>6440612
>>6440634

"My mom trained me like hell with weapons, so that's the area I want to be sure I do my best in." You explain your decision.

"That means you'll be with me." Karasuba replies. "Mimi and Kagari both want to practice their taijutsu, so that leaves us to pair up."

"You don't mind?" You ask. "Is this what you wanted to focus on?"

"It is." She assures you. "I have still yet to surpass my brother's shurikenjutsu, after all."

"Then it's settled! Come on Kagari, let's go!" Mimi shouts as she takes her friend by the hand and leads her out to the schoolyard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t7LkkC2uDk

You and Karasuba follow shortly, and start over at the target range. While Your childhood friends are going to be sparring the entire time, your time will be split between sparring with kunai and practicing with shuriken. So the two of you have decided to do the less strenuous task first.

"Your mother is famed for her weapons prowess, but the Uchiha clan's famous shurikenjutsu won't be surpassed so easily!" Karasuba boasts. She always gets more animated in times like this, when she gets to show off.

The young Uchiha starts with simply hitting bullseyes on all the targets, then moves on to more and more ambitious trick shots. Shots while jumping and spinning, shots from behind the target, those kinds of things. Her hardest shots weren't always perfect, but she did always hit the targets. You can tell she's still not satisfied yet, though.

You go next, and while you can't pull off anything quite as fancy as she can, you've very competent. You're just as accurate as her as long as you aren't trying to copy her crazy stunts.

After the both of you practice for a bit longer, it's time to move on to sparring with kunai. This is where the two of you will be in more direct comparison, and it's also where you're fairly confident that you have her beat.

"Don't think yourself the winner before we've even started." Karasuba tells you, guessing at your inner thoughts. "You should know better than to assume you'll best an Uchiha without a fight."

Karasuba takes up a stance with her kunai, and you do the same. You take a moment to consider how you want to approach this sparring match.

>A. Overwhelm her with speed, output a volume of attacks she can't match

>B. Play defensively, let her tire herself out and strike when opportune

>C. You're stronger than her, put in your strongest swings to break her guard

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6440876
>C. You're stronger than her, put in your strongest swings to break her guard
>>
>>6440876
>A. Overwhelm her with speed, output a volume of attacks she can't match
Dual wielding kunai in melee would be cool.
>>
File: need-for-speed.jpg (102 KB, 528x287)
102 KB JPG
>>6440876
>A. Overwhelm her with speed, output a volume of attacks she can't match
strong attacks don't matter if you can't land them
>>
>>6440876
>A. Overwhelm her with speed, output a volume of attacks she can't match

speed is kinda what we've got going for us for now, gonna have to work on strength one day if kenjutsu will end up in our repertoire
>>
>>6440876
>A. Overwhelm her with speed, output a volume of attacks she can't match
It's our specialty. Just need to control the tempo of the fight.
>>
>>6440876
>A. Overwhelm her with speed, output a volume of attacks she can't match
Hey, might as well focus on our one (minor) strength
>>
Guys, I just got off work, so today's post is gonna be late
>>
>>6440883
>>6440903
>>6440916
>>6441032
>>6441126

Kunai are too simple to really show off any technique, so it's just about fighting smart. And in your case, your greatest asset is your speed. You should be able to overwhelm her just by attacking more than she can react to.

You don't waste any time and start the sparring session by immediately lashing out with a flurry of kunai swings. Karasuba is forced on the backfoot right away, and desperately parries as many swings as she can while backing up for some breathing room. You don't let her have it though, as you continue to press closer and closer to her in order to keep her from making any distance.

Most ninja-in-training would consider conceding against you at this point, but given what you know of her, Karasuba would probably rather die. You've never seen her admit defeat your entire time in the academy, even when she's clearly lost, such as the time she nearly let herself get beaten into unconsciousness against Lee. You expect her pride to really get her in trouble one of these days.

You can feel your opponent about to break in the face of your unrelenting offense, so you get ready to call it a win. But then something changes. The parries that were so desperate a moment ago suddenly become precise and effortless. The huge volume of attacks that were too much for Karasuba to handle a moment ago are now met in equal force. But how?

You glance at your opponent's face and get your answer. Her eyes are red now, each one a sharingan with a single tomoe. That's apparently all it took to catch up to you. You're a bit irritated at that. After a couple of minutes with neither of you being able to gain the upper hand, the two of you break off. You both wordlessly agree to leave it there for the moment, and you each start panting heavily after such great exertion.

"I shouldn't have had to use that... Just to keep up in a simple spar..." Karasuba pouts between gasps. "I'm quite disappointed in myself..."

"Wow, Karasuba..." Kagari chimes in, her and Mimi having finished their practice a while ago to come over and watch you two. "I didn't know you had the sharingan already. How long have you had it? I was told that... You usually had to be in danger or under emotional stress... or something like that. To unlock it, that is..."

"Yeah, give us the details!" Mimi insists.

"It's been a mere few days, no more." Karasuba begins to reveal her secrets without much pressure. "My brother already had his sharingan when he graduated the Academy, and I would not abide by falling behind him in pace. Therefore, I simply asked my father to unlock my sharingan for me."

"Huh?" Mimi tilts her head in confusion. "How'd he do that?"

"It's quite simple, really. When you've got a proficiency at genjutsu like my father does." Karasuba explains like it's the most obvious thing in the world. "I asked to be placed in an illusion in which I was in mortal danger and emotional duress, and it happened as a matter of course."
>>
>>6441315

>A. You have to respect the dedication

>B. This girl is actually kind of crazy

>C. And Lord Itachi agreed to do it?

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6441316
>B. This girl is actually kind of crazy
We should ask her on a date
>>
>>6441316
>>6441317
+1 lol
>>
>>6441316
Seems like cheating. Shortcuts to strength don't usually pay off in the end.
>>
>>6441316
>>C. And Lord Itachi agreed to do it?
>>B. This girl is actually kind of crazy
This entire family's crazy, actually, but that's par for the course for the Uchiha Clan.

Remind me, what's up with the Uchiha Clan in this timeline again? I know Itachi lived (and didn't go through with the purge), and Sasuke didn't become as edgy...

Actually, who did Sauce marry? And Itachi? Sarada doesn't seem to exist because of it, and now we've got the Uchiha OCs.

It seems Sakura ended up with Lee in this weird timeline, and iirc, Ino ended up with Haku (when Kon brought him back)? Not sure who the rest are.
>>
>>6441317
This one. Gotta shoot while you're young, you know?
>>6441426
Itachi brainwashed the Uchiha in a genjutsu to make them more palatable to the village when he became Hokage, rather than killing them, which he revealed later, they were very sour on him but after his father died protecting the village from Nagato/Pain and Sasuke became the clan head he redoubled his efforts to bond with them, which I expect he succeeded in doing. He married Shizune (Tsunade's attendant). He has a son who's a major chunni as well. I thought Sasuke had married Sakura, but I guess I remembered it wrong. It must have been Hinata.
>>
>>6441316
Show her the calluses on our hands. That's how we got our skill.
>>6441317
This is so lame. You really think Akio will be the flirty type when he's got a complex about his dad having two wives? Waifufags begone.
>>
>>6441619
you think that Akio won't like women (or dating them) at all because his dad has two wives? that doesn't make sense

more likely he'll be over-the-top loyal/faithful to a single person that he chooses. so yeah, he's gonna have to make a choice at some point (but choosing no one is also a choice, just a lame one. "my dad has two wives so I'm not gonna have one myself")
>>
>>6441672
I just mean right now. He's still a kid. He would take dating much more seriously than this in my opinion. Not just trying to start a romance on impulse.
>>
>>6441317

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKCaqDZFJ7o

Beneath her top of the class marks and goody two shoes behavior, Karasuba is actually kind of crazy now that you think about it. You can't see anyone else in your class asking their dad to potentially traumatize them for a bit of training. There's got to be something wrong in her head somewhere. But then again, that does make her a bit interesting. She's considered the queen of the class for a reason. You feel like getting to know her better, yourself. What the hell? Why not?

"You really are something, Karasuba. How do you feel about going on a date sometime?" You shoot your shot.

"You and Rikimatsu truly are cut from the same cloth." Karasuba sighs and shakes her head. "He's asked me a hundred times, and the answer won't be any different for you: If you can somehow convince me that spending time dating you is a better use of it than furthering myself as a ninja, then I'll take you up on your offer. Until then, you can forget it."

"What! Even Akio, too?!" Mimi shouts in shock from beside you, her mouth agape. Kagari is next to her, shrinking into herself and looking downtrodden all of a sudden.

"How the heck are you so popular, Karasuba?!" Mimi demands to know, stomping her foot. "Literally every boy likes you! Maybe even Shikadai, and he doesn't like anything!"

"People at the confluence of effort and talent draw in the attention of others like a black hole." Karasuba answers with a train of thought you weren't expecting. "People admire hard workers, naturally, but it's the ones that succeed in those efforts that gain their own form of charisma. It's as if they want to be in proximity to such people in order to absorb some of that will to succeed."

"Uh, I don't know if that's really it. It sounds like you made that up just to talk yourself up." Mimi furrows her brow. "I think it's just cause you're pretty."

"That's only a secondary factor." Karasuba replies bluntly.

Well, that didn't work out. Oh well. Your dad's friend Kiba once told you your father was too chicken to ask your mom on a date, so you at least feel a bit better.

All of you are tired now, and you feel like your practice went pretty well, so you're satisfied. It's getting to be evening now, and you're going to be expected at home eventually. Though you don't necessarily have to eat dinner with your family.

>A. You're over last night, just go eat with your family at Uncle Keiji's

>B. You'd rather eat at home alone and avoid your mom and sister for a bit longer

>C. You've got friends, you can just ask to eat over at a friend's house. Saves you some awkwardness, and it's more fun anyway

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6441619
>>6441681
Sorry anon, I can't ignore the will of the readers. I tried to avoid too much cringeworthiness
>>
>>6441683
>C. You've got friends, you can just ask to eat over at a friend's house. Saves you some awkwardness, and it's more fun anyway
>>6441684
No worries, that's just my read of what makes sense for the character. I'm not the only one here and not objectively right. It is kind of contradictory but not too bad.
>>
>>6441683
>A. You're over last night, just go eat with your family at Uncle Keiji's
he's obviously mad at his dad but is he mad at his mom as well for accepting the situation? if not then he should probably apologize to his mom for taking out his frustrations on her.

>>6441681
yeah good point, I'll refrain from choosing date options flippantly (probably).

>>6441684
I think you wrote it well
>>
>>6441683
>A. You're over last night, just go eat with your family at Uncle Keiji's

>>6441475
Fascinating stuff, gotcha. It's been so long that I've forgotten about the brainwashing stuff.
>>
>>6441683
>>A. You're over last night, just go eat with your family at Uncle Keiji's
>>
I don't really feel like going on a date, being flirty / mischievous / playful is the same as "starting a relationship" or anything like that. I think for a kid like Akio it's fun with the opposite sex, rather than something serious. I was expecting to get told off, she had a pretty cold response.
>>6441683
>C. You've got friends, you can just ask to eat over at a friend's house. Saves you some awkwardness, and it's more fun anyway
See if there's any takers amongst our gathered allies. So who's a real ride or die (who will feed you) and who isn't...
>>
>>6441684
I was the anon that voted to ask her out (in case my ID changes) and this is actually the kind of response I was hoping for, QM. I do enjoy a decent romance plot but it's way too early. Still, I like to think Akio is the type to just go for it and to be interested in people that are kind of off. Her response was insane.
>>6441683
>A. You're over last night, just go eat with your family at Uncle Keiji's
>>
>>6441687
>>6441704
>>6441708

By now, you don't really feel like keeping things tense over your outburst last night. You're over it. You should just join your family for dinner like usual.

You say goodbye to everyone in the yard, then head off on your own. Your destination is pretty close to your house, just a couple of minutes' worth of a walk away.

The Jade Palace. Your great uncle's restaurant. Apparently your dad grew up here, but there's been renovations a few years ago to accommodate a higher volume of customers. It got renamed too, though you don't remember what it was called before.

You head inside to find it as busy as ever, with all of Uncle Keiji's employees hard at work cooking and serving. Seijirou is usually in charge of things on the floor, but you don't see him today. Must be his day off.

You head to a back corner of the restaurant where a table sits that has a permanent family reservation. Your uncle has made a point of any of you being able to come in at any time and sit here for a meal. Your mom and sister are already there, waiting for their food to come out. Joining them is an older lady you're somewhat familiar with.

"Sounds like you had a hell of a time out there, Tenten." the woman laughs, slapping your mom on the back. "Almost makes me want to come out of retirement again just to get some excitement!"

This woman is Tsume Inuzuka, Mimi's grandmother. She's also Uncle Keiji's... girlfriend? You suppose? They've been together as long as you've been alive, but apparently have no intention of ever marrying.

"Hey there Akio, about time you made it, kiddo." Tsume greets you with a sly grin. "You and Mimi did a hell of a number on that mountain the other day! Not to mention you got away with it without so much as a lashing. Back in my day, they would have torn me a new one for that. You better make sure these times don't make you soft, too. Become a proper ninja!"

As Tsume rants, Uncle Keiji comes out with everybody's food. There's also enough for you and him both, so he was prepared for anything. He joins you all at the table to eat, which is probably the privilege he most relishes as the owner of the shop. It's roast duck tonight, with some kind of fancy sauce to go with it.

Before everyone gets too occupied with eating you apologize to your mother. "Sorry about last night, Mom. I didn't mean to take it out on you."

"Ooh, that's okay." Your mother grabs you and hugs you with one arm. You let her have this one for a bit longer this time. "I know how hard this can be for you, I don't hold it against you. You can do a bit of yelling sometimes, I understand."

You decide to leave it at that for now and end the hug so you can get to eating. It's the usual lively family dinner, though it's still missing your father. Not that you mind all that much. In any case, these events usually come with conversation.
>>
>>6442126

>A. Ask mom about her work. She's been gone so much, there must be stories to tell, right?

>B. Ask what your little sister's been up to. You haven't heard much about what she's been doing lately

>C. Ask Tsume about the old days as a ninja. You know she's got stories for sure

>D. Ask Uncle Keiji about how life has been for him. He seems to be keeping busy all the time

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6442127
>B. Ask what your little sister's been up to. You haven't heard much about what she's been doing lately
>>
>>6442127
>C. Ask Tsume about the old days as a ninja. You know she's got stories for sure

>>6442142
considering it was just Akio and his sister at home for a while, asking her what she's been up to in front of some other adults would make us look kinda negligent.

And it looks like mom just finished telling some work stories (but maybe she has more...)
>>
>>6442149
Fair enough, but I'm more interested in the present than the past, and a character we may fight alongside rather than ones that will be mostly out of the spotlight this time around
>>
>>6442127
>A. Ask mom about her work. She's been gone so much, there must be stories to tell, right?
>>
>>6442142
I do want to know more about our sister, seeing as we know the other characters. So this, but in a more socially acceptable way.
>>
>>6442127
>E. Write-in
Think about Chocho's chochos.
>>
>>6442127
>B. Ask what your little sister's been up to. You haven't heard much about what she's been doing lately

>>6442413
I know what you are.
>>
>>6442127
>>6442149
yeah ok I can change my vote to
>B
but more along the lines of just putting the spotlight on her and getting her to talk (maybe I misinterpreted the whole not knowing what she's been doing lately)
>>
>>6442142

There's been plenty of talk about your recent escapades, but you haven't your sister be the topic of conversation recently. As far as you know, she just hangs out with her friends after school, but maybe she has more to tell.

"Enough about me for now." You start up the conversation along with your meal. "What about you, Sae? We've only been talking about me so far with the tests and everything. Shouldn't Mom, Uncle Keiji, and Aunty Tsume know what you've been up to, too?"

The rest of the table nods and takes interest in the topic, getting them out of your hair for the time being. And Sae is more than happy to oblige.

"I've been training with Hajime after school everyday!" She explains, smile beaming. "His dad is teaching him the Gentle Fist style, and they're showing me how to do it, too! They think I might be able to do something like it with Dad's Release. That'd be really cool!"

You thought as much. Hajime is Sae's best friend, and heir to the Hyuuga Clan. His dad is another one of your father's friends, though you don't know him as well as Sasuke and Kiba. If Sae's getting that kind of training this early on, she may very well become a force to be reckoned with.

"Ooh, that sounds like fun." Tenten encourages her daughter. "Just make sure you're behaving yourselves when you're at the Hyuuga compound, alright?"

"That's for sure. You definitely don't want any Hyuuga getting touchy!" Tsume lets out a boisterous laugh at her own joke.

The rest of the dinner conversation is mostly about school, both yours and Sae's. It's a much more relaxing affair than last night. You eventually all finish eating and say goodbye to your Uncle and Tsume before heading home.

You get to bed early, since tomorrow will be another exhausting day of testing. The last one, though.

In the morning, you eat a quick breakfast courtesy of your sister and then head out. You know exactly what you'll be tested on today, and you even trained for it. Ninjutsu and Taijutsu. The primary tools to a young ninja's success. You're to demonstrate your use of the foundational ninjutsu in the morning, and then the afternoon is for sparring and shurikenjutsu.

However, while your thoughts are mostly on the test, you also can't help but think of what you're going to be doing afterwards. You'll finally be done with the Academy, after all. That's worth a celebration. Maybe you could do something.

>Roll 2d100 and pick whether you want your higher roll to be for Ninjutsu or Taijutsu
>After everything is done, you'll also be getting a slight bonus in Taijutsu for your training yesterday

And

>A. Go home and spend quality time with your family

>B. Get some friends together and hang out

>C. Maybe your Uncle wouldn't mind you inviting some people over

>D. A celebration is too much trouble, you'd rather find somewhere to relax and appreciate your accomplishment alone

>E. Write-in
>>
Rolled 16, 69 = 85 (2d100)

>>6442639

>higher Ninjutsu
since Taijutsu gets a bonus

>B. Get some friends together and hang out
>>
Rolled 94, 70 = 164 (2d100)

>>6442639
Higher roll for Taijutsu

>B. Get some friends together and hang out
>>
Rolled 80, 2 = 82 (2d100)

>>6442639
Taijutsu high
>>
Rolled 78, 55 = 133 (2d100)

>D

Taijutsu
>>
Rolled 55, 81 = 136 (2d100)

>>6442639
Give me snake-eyes!!!
>Taijutsu

>B. Get some friends together and hang out
>>
So Ninjutsu comes out to 2.0, and Taijutsu to 2.5

Taijutsu also gets a 0.5 boost, so your official starting stats are:

Strength: 1.5
Speed: 2.5
Stamina: 1.5
Intelligence: 2.0
Hand Seals: 2.0
Genjutsu: 1.0
Ninjutsu: 2.0
Taijutsu 3.0

Starting to write the update now
>>
>>6442650
>>6442653
>>6442895

You manage to do just fine in the morning tests. Nothing too special, but you meet all the requirements without much trouble. Some kids do better than you, and some kids do worse. But you're alright with this outcome, because you know your strengths will come through in the afternoon.

And indeed they do, as you demonstrate your extremely high level of taijutsu expertise for an Academy student. The only one on par with your performance is Lee, and that's like her whole thing. Though the two of you do each excel more in one of hand-to-hand or weapons combat.

With all the tests done, you're feeling pretty satisfied with yourself. You could potentially have done better in some areas, but you already come off as a promising young ninja. No one else is particularly disappointed either, so the testing seemed to have gone over well all around.

As all of you are told to reconvene for the graduation ceremony tomorrow and let go for the afternoon, you decide that now is a perfect time to go and hang out with some of your friends. You head over to your usual crew, and hit them up.

Rikimatsu is all smiles at the prospect, but Lee merely shakes her head.

"Sorry, I can't. I'm still grounded from the tagging." She explains solemnly. "You know I'd normally just ignore my mom, but she dragged my dad in this time and I can't go against him."

"Damn, even my old man isn't harsh enough to keep me from hanging out after tests are over." Rikimatsu sighs in defeat, not even suggesting rebelling in this case. "See you later, then."

As Lee takes off, Mimi explains her own plans.

"Chocho is getting all the girls together- Uh, minus Lee I suppose, and we're all headed out on the town. She's been begging for it to happen since before testing started, so we're finally doing it. Sorry I can't join you guys. Looks like it's either the two of you on your own, or you can make it a guys thing and join Shikadai and Inoza. That could be fun. Anyway, later!"

You and Rikimatsu wave Mimi and the other girls good bye and then take a look towards the other boys in class. Shikadai and Inoza are talking about games again, but in particular the new arcade in town. They apparently went yesterday and had a blast, so they're doing an encore.

"That could be decent." Rikimatsu puts his hand to his chin. "It's not usually my thing, but it doesn't hurt to wind down with some simple fun now and again."

"Unless you really don't want to, then we have other options." He goes on. "We could just scope out the town, see what we can find. Or if you're feeling ballsy, you could even join me in one of my usual solo missions..."

Rikimatsu grins and laughs as he says that last bit.

>A. We should hang out with the other guys more. Let's join them at the arcade

>B. I don't want to spend time with those nerds. Let's just go around town with the two of us

>C. What exactly are these solo missions you've been getting up to?

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6442983
>>C. What exactly are these solo missions you've been getting up to?
@___@
>>
>>6442983
>B. I don't want to spend time with those nerds. Let's just go around town with the two of us
I'm curious to hear about our half sibling. That'll be a good rivalry. He or she is probably a prodigy.
>>
>>6442983
>C. What exactly are these solo missions you've been getting up to?
We ball.
>>
>>6442986
>>6443063

You can't exactly turn down an offer like that. Not when your ballsiness is called into question.

"What exactly are you talking about when you say 'solo missions'?" You ask. Though you have an inkling of what they might be.

"Heh. You know, Mimi told me you took a shot at Karasuba." Rikimatsu smirks, then puts his hand on your shoulder. "I always knew that you were a man of discerning taste like me, Akio. Which is why I'm going to make this a duo mission for the first time."

Rikimatsu starts walking off and you follow him, closely behind.

"We're going to head to the hot spring to check out some peak female form." Your friend explains. "While remaining undetected, naturally."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Nb_5QZYw1A

This is about what you had suspected. But it's too late to back out now. You'd never hear the end of it if you chickened out at this point. Though you still have reservations.

"Can't you just see this stuff on the internet nowadays?" You ask, though not from experience. You're just aware that it's a thing.

"That's no good, I'm telling ya! It's not the same experience." Rikimatsu insists. "You don't truly appreciate a hot babe unless you see her in motion with your own eyes. You'll understand what I mean once you've experienced it yourself."

It takes you a few minutes of walking, but eventually the two of you reach the open air hot spring on the edge of town. With the women's bath to the right.

"This is a good time. It's late afternoon, so young women will have just gotten off work." Rikimatsu sets the scene. "They're tired, they want to get a good hot soak in the hot springs, so they'll flock right here. Look around, you can see a few already, can't you?"

You take a glance at the people nearby. There are indeed a few young women headed inside at this time. Rikimatsu seems to know his stuff.

"Follow me, my friend." The tall boy waves his hand towards himself. "I'll give you the privilege of joining me in my perfect spot."

Trying to stay out of sight of the crowd, the two of you circle back to the side that the baths are on, then take position on a slightly raised ledge behind some crates that Rikimatsu may have placed here himself. There seems to be just enough of a gap in the fence to peek through without exposing oneself too much, though only one person could manage it at a time.

"I'll go first of course, and they give you a turn." RIkimatsu lays down in front of the gap in the fence and peeks through. "You're quite lucky that you don't have to do the legwork and can just get to the good stuff."

For a couple minutes, Rikimatsu just looks and chuckles to himself. He's apparently enjoying whatever it is that he's seeing. You're still a bit apprehensive about this whole business, but it's practically a done deal at this point. All you can do is just wait for your turn. However, something unexpected happens suddenly that throws everything into disarray.
>>
>>6443436

"AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH MY EEEEEEEEEYYYYEEEEEEES!" Rikimatsu screams as he recoils back from the fence and starts rolling back and forth on the ground. He's clenching his fingers to his eyes as if he's about to start clawing them out himself. He continues to scream loudly, and you can hear some stirring from the women beyond the fence.

>A. Just what could he have seen that caused this reaction? You can't resist the urge to know, look for yourself

>B. Check on Rikimatsu to see if he's okay, try to get him to calm down

>C. The mission is compromised, evacuate immediately before it's too late

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6443437
>B. Check on Rikimatsu to see if he's okay, try to get him to calm down
Fucking bozo
>>
>>6443437
Man down! Drag him to safety!
>>
File: Karasuba.jpg (230 KB, 1148x1600)
230 KB JPG
It's been a while since I posted the first one, so here's another

My friend's interpretation of Karasuba
>>
>>6438128
>>6443443
Both of these are great! It'd be cool to have one for Akio.
>>
>>6443443
Aw, she cute. She has a kind looking face, actually.
>>6443437
>D) Try and take a quick glance at what he saw, otherwise drag him to safety
>>
>>6443437
>A. Just what could he have seen that caused this reaction? You can't resist the urge to know, look for yourself
>>
>>6443437
>C. The mission is compromised, evacuate immediately before it's too late
he probably saw his mom or his sister
anyway lets get him away so his we don't get found out. no need for a reputation as a pervert. might even keep his special spot safe
>>
You and Rikimatsu have got to get out of there immediately, or you're in way more trouble than you were for the Hokage Mountain thing. You kneel down to grab your friend and keep him from rolling around, then try to calm him down.

"Rikimatsu, we have to leave right now." You insist. "They're about to find us."

You start dragging Rikimatsu away, and after a bit he starts to get to his feet to follow you. A mere few seconds after you get out of the hidden spot, you hear a load crashing sound that you would guess was the fence and crates getting busted apart. You don't turn to see what it was, as you and your friend just run as fast as you can to get away. Though you do hear someone yelling as go.

"Riiikiiimaaatsuuu!" The voice of an older woman booms in the distance behind you.

After running at top speed for a few minutes, the two of you decide you've gotten far enough and sit down for a break in an alleyway on the opposite site of town from the hot springs.

"Sorry about that." Rikimatsu apologizes. His eyes seem totally fine, so they weren't actually hurt or anything. "Regrettably, I saw my old lady. And it can't be unseen. She recognized my voice but didn't actually catch us, so I should be able to play dumb at home and be okay. My spot is a bust, though. Oh, well. Thanks for keeping your head on and getting us out of there. Looks like I owe you another one."

The two of you relax a bit longer, and then decide to part ways. You head home a bit earlier than the past few days, so it isn't quite dinner time yet. When you arrive however, you're greeted by someone you weren't exactly aching to see again.

"Hey there, Akio! I'm home!" The man waves at you as you enter the door. There's no mistaking the narrow eyes and wide smile. It's your father, Kon Karagowa. After a month apart from the family, he's back to stay for the next month here. As it's been for as long as you can remember.

Your sister is enjoying herself, riding on top of your father's shoulders and laughing. She'll probably be too big to do that much longer, so she's likely getting the most out of it while she can.

"Your mother's been filling me in." Kon goes on. "Good job on all your tests, but I also hear you've been getting into some trouble. Try not to cause more problems than you solve, alright? Maybe some training could get you more focused on your future as a Genin. I've got some things I could teach you."

The excessively fatherly act is no doubt trying to make up for lost time. Not that he has anybody to blame but himself. You're hesitant to make a scene here though, as your mom and sister just look quite happy to have him back.

>A. Be sarcastic. Ask if he enjoyed himself this past month

>B. Stay cordial, but turn down his proposition. You don't want to spend extra time with him if you don't have to

>C. No matter how you feel about him, he's strong. And likely the best person to teach you, given the kekkei genkai you inherited. Take him up on his offer

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6443859
>C. No matter how you feel about him, he's strong. And likely the best person to teach you, given the kekkei genkai you inherited. Take him up on his offer
Any opportunity to hit him in the face.
>>
>>6443859
>C. No matter how you feel about him, he's strong. And likely the best person to teach you, given the kekkei genkai you inherited. Take him up on his offer
>>
>D. Get training from Mom instead.
>>
>>6443860
>A. Be sarcastic. Ask if he enjoyed himself this past month
I think this is safe enough not to ruin Sis' mood and
>>6443904
This if possible
>>
>>6443437
>D. Gag him and drag him

we're compromised, get your men out of there
>>
>>6443859
>A. Be sarcastic. Ask if he enjoyed himself this past month
>>
>>6443859
Do both.

>>6443904
This and A.
>>
>>6443859
>>6443860
+1 kek
>>
>>6443860
>>6443877
>>6444324

As much as you'd love to give some sarcastic remark and turn him down, you're not stupid. You should take this chance while you have it. Plus, depending on how he'll be teaching you, you might even get a chance to hit him in the face. Can't pass that up.

"Alright. I'll take you up on that." You agree. "What were you planning to teach?"

Your dad's smile widens even more, which you nearly sneer at, but keep your composure. He sets your sister down and waves at her and your mother.

"We'll be back in a while, just go on ahead and have dinner without us, alright?" He tells them. "Let Uncle know I'll see him tomorrow, too."

Your dad heads out and motions you to follow him, which you do. The two of you walk for a few minutes until you reach a nice training spot on the edge of town, nearby the memorial stone. You've been here a few times to see it, your paternal grandparents' names are on the stone.

"How nostalgic. I haven't been to the training area here since I tested my Genin squad." Kon takes a deep breath and looks around, seeming to get lost in memories momentarily. "Who knows, your sensei may bring you here after tomorrow to test you, too!"

You can't say you're particularly interested in assisting your father's reminiscing.

"That's not what we're here for, right?" You ask impatiently. "What was it you were gonna teach me?"

"Eager, aren't we? Can't even indulge your dad a little bit? That's too bad." Your father shrugs and shakes his head. You didn't come out here with him to play around, and you don't really care if he's disappointed.

"Well let's cut to the chase, then." He goes on. "I've got a few things in mind, plus I'm open to some suggestions if you have anything in particular you've been thinking of. I'd like to give you a bit of a leg up compared to what I was working with back in the day. And since you've inherited Impact Release, there's a lot I can help you start working on now while it's early."

"You have a passing familiarity with seals from training with your mother, so I could teach you to make Impact Tags." He starts listing out options. "It took a while before I figured them out, but they should be even more helpful for a Genin just starting out. You also do a lot of weapons training, so I could help you start channeling Impact chakra into them as you fight. You could cut through near anything. Other than that, if you just want to use Impact as directly as possible, I could teach you a basic jutsu to project it. It would give you some long range offensive capability, rare for a Genin. That's what helped me stand out when I was one myself."

You consider your options.

>A. You're interested in seals, so Impact Tags seem like a good place to start

>B. You'd rather increase your weapon proficiency even more, so go for channeling

>C. Can't go wrong with long range attacks. Projecting Impact will put you on a new level

>D. You've got some ideas of your own (Write-in)
>>
>>6444374
>B. You'd rather increase your weapon proficiency even more, so go for channeling
>>
>>6444374
>B. You'd rather increase your weapon proficiency even more, so go for channeling
lol the players are just straight up disregarding the core character conflict for gains
>>
>>6444380
That doesn't necessarily have to be the case. Akio spending some time with his father should actually let us emphasize the conflict more than if he simply avoided him all the time and it rarely came up. I intend to write it coherently no matter what direction the players go
>>
>>6444380
I really actually want to physically hit him, honestly. I kind of want our conflict to escalate and almost be an inversion of Mark and Nolan from Invincible, at least a little. No genocidal plot or whatever, but I want Akio to beat the shit out of Kon to prove that he is a better ninja and didn't need his dumbfuck deadbeat dad around in order to make that happen. I want Akio to get some blood out of Kon in order to show what a fool he is for spending all that time with his other family when we're the real prodigy. And maybe he doesn't realize it but he wants to beat the shit out of his dad because he wants Kon to be proud of him.
>>
>>6444374
>B. You'd rather increase your weapon proficiency even more, so go for channeling

>>6444380
I like the "hit him in the face" write in. Also, spending time with our father highlights the conflict.

Ignoring dad or giving him the cold shoulder is a cowards approach. I want to dive into the conflict.
>>
>>6444374
>B. You'd rather increase your weapon proficiency even more, so go for channeling
I think we can disagree with dad and have some mixed feelings. But make dad bleed is cringe as fuck
>>
>>6444421
>But make dad bleed is cringe as fuck
It's extremely Naruto
>>
>>6444374
Yo, there was a three-way tie with a, c, and get mom to train. Why didn't you roll for it or wait for a tie-breaker? Extreme bullshit QM.
>>
>>6444389
>And maybe he doesn't realize it but he wants to beat the shit out of his dad because he wants Kon to be proud of him.
Huh? I figured he didn't even really see Kon as his father.
>>
>>6444489
You're right, that was my bad. Sorry about that. Didn't see the supporting posts. We'll have to pretend I rolled for it and I'll try and pay more attention in the future
>>
>>6444524
I don't think it's that black and white, personally.
>>
>>6444377
>>6444380
>>6444419
>>6444421

You already know what you're good at, and you want to focus on it even more.

"I want to know how to channel chakra into my weapons." You make your decision known. "I can push chakra into things to vibrate them a bit, but that's not going to cut it in battle."

"You're already figuring things out faster than I did. But brute forcing it can only get you so far." Your father begins another one of his lectures. You actually pay attention this time, though. "Instead of hoping for the best, you're better off molding your chakra with hand seals. I know you're pretty good at these, so it shouldn't take you too long to figure out. I've found that the Bird and Monkey seals in particular are good for molding Impact chakra. Here's a sequence I've used in the past when I was still learning."

He slowly moves through a dozen or so hand seals, letting you watch to get a feel for them. The actual molding is a personal process, so hand seals alone can only do so much, but you do feel like the haphazard vibrating chakra you've been able to produce so far comes much easier like this. Once you feel like you've made good progress in molding, you grab a kunai and try to channel your chakra into it.

"It's harder to make work with regular metal than with materials that conduct chakra better." Kon explains. "Weapons made of chakra conducting metal are still a bit out of your league right now, and it's probably for the best. You'll learn the fundamentals better without a crutch. Just remember that you'll need to keep up a constant stream of chakra channeled into that kunai if you want to fight with it, so it can eat up a lot of stamina."

You can already feel that to be the case, though it's really two compounded issues, one of the chakra consumption, and the other of holding the damn kunai steady as it vibrates like crazy. This isn't quite what you were going for, and it would be tough to make work properly in battle. It could at least tear off more flesh than a usual cut, you suppose.

"It's not something you'll be able to get down in one night. It'll take a lot of consistent practice. But, that's just how it is to be a ninja. Better to get used to it now." Your father looks on at your efforts, seemingly satisfied with the results for now. "We could pick this up again, keep working on it. Your missions for the first few weeks won't be anything too strenuous, so we'll have time to train more together. You up for it?"

You stop trying to channel chakra and put the kunai away. Your hand is aching and you're exhausted, so that seems to be your limit for tonight.

>A. There's nothing wrong with getting what you can out of training with him. Agree to come train again

>B. You got what you needed to get started. Turn him down, you have other people you're more interested in training with

>C. Why stop just because your body is tired? While you have him here, get him to teach you more so you can keep training on your own

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6444671
>C. Why stop just because your body is tired? While you have him here, get him to teach you more so you can keep training on your own
Of course he wants to use this as an excuse to spend more time together later. Couldn't have just come over last week. Let's pick up what we can now so we can refine it on our own without him over our shoulder.
>>
>>6444671
>B. You got what you needed to get started. Turn him down, you have other people you're more interested in training with
My half sibling. Did you teach them this too?
>>
>B. You got what you needed to get started. Turn him down, you have other people you're more interested in training with

Train with mom if able.
>>
>>6444671
>C. Why stop just because your body is tired? While you have him here, get him to teach you more so you can keep training on your own
If he tries to say we shouldn't overtrain and should continue later, tell him nevermind and we'll get mom to train us instead. If he says we must have really missed him, tell him no, we just want to train. You have to shut that line of thinking down quick with these types of people.
>>
>>6444821
>these types of people.
Holy kek thanks anon that got a sensible chuckle out of me
Literally exactly how a teenager thinks
>>
>>6444821
This, we're doing him a favour by training with him to make him feel better as well, anyway, so it's not really fair to force us to end when we're not ready to and besides we don't want to be a Trainiac Freak Ninja, so it's best to get the most out of the sessions we do have, right?
>>
>>6444821
based, seconding
>>
>>6444901
you're literally voting for the trainiac option
>>
>>6444671
>>6444821
+1
also haven't landed a satisfying hit yet, but probably not likely given the skill gap

>>6444946
we basically just train and hang with friends. and since hanging with friends isn't a good write in option...
>>
>>6444821

Train with this guy regularly? Not likely. You'd rather train by yourself. But while you are tired, you do want to get the most out of this session, considering you already came out here with him. If he still has things to teach you, you should try and get them out of him now.

"Who said we should stop with the lesson?" You ask. "Even if I'm tired, there's still stuff you can teach me. You've barely scratched the surface."

"Heh." Your father puts his hand to his chin, then lets out a slight chuckle.

"Huh? What's so funny?" You demand to know.

"Oh, you're just reminding me more and more of myself when I was your age." Kon goes back to dredging up his memories. "I couldn't get enough training back then, I really wanted to prove myself."

You restrain yourself from gagging. After a few moments of contemplation, your father acquiesces.

"How about this? I can tell you all that I've been able to figure out about the nature of Impact Release, how about that? If you understand it well, it should help you apply it better."

Since you wouldn't be able to practice any techniques anyway, you accept with a nod.

"So, the basics. Impact is an advanced chakra nature combining Wind and Lightning. Kon begins. "Most advanced natures reproduce a more obvious natural phenomenon, but Impact is a bit different. It's closer to Magnet, but especially to Explosion. The theory is that it is actually derived from Explosion, which seems to make sense both hereditarily and functionally."

You don't really know the specifics of those other chakra natures, so a lot of this is going over your head. You just hope he'll get to something relevant soon.

"What Impact actually does is manipulate pure kinetic energy. It likely does this due to the physical properties of Wind and Lightning chakra themselves." He goes on. "Other than the elemental applications, Wind is renowned for its cutting power, while Lightning for its piercing ability. Impact inherits both of these mechanical traits and combines them. So what I do when I channel Impact chakra into a weapon, for example, is to make the weapon project an extremely thin field of kinetic energy. It's the most effective blade you'll ever find. Right now, you're inexperienced. So the Impact chakra you're imbuing into your weapon is unfocused. It's projecting kinetic energy in every direction, causing the vibration. But with more focus, you can also do things like barriers, or piercing beams. Like this."

Your father makes a quick hand sign, then shoots a beam from his finger through a nearby tree. The hole is completely uniform.

"Not bad, right? Well, you'll come up with your own style, I'm sure. But those are the basics." Your father wraps up his little presentation. "I'd do more, but it's getting late, and we have to eat sometime. You want more, you're gonna have to take some time out to train with me again."

Your old man's smile is as wide as ever. It's almost a smirk. Like he's taunting you to spend time with him.
>>
>>6445049

Regardless of whether that will ever happen, it seems like this is as much as you get today. The theoretical part probably wasn't a total waste, at least. Knowing all that could be helpful in your own training.

The two of you return home, and eat the leftovers your mother and sister brought home. Afterwards, you head to sleep. You've got a graduation ceremony to go to tomorrow.

You wake up pretty early, and eat breakfast before heading to the Academy alone. The rest of your family will catch up later. You join the other graduates in the classroom, waiting for the ceremony itself to begin.

As you're sitting and relaxing with your friends, Mimi brings up a topic of conversation that is about to be extremely relevant.

"We're about to be Genin, huh..." She muses out loud. "Won't we be on squads of three? Hey, who do you guys want to end up on a squad with?"

"Oh, I know what I want." Rikimatsu grins and rubs his chin. "We happen to have a higher ratio of girls than usual in this class, which means this is the opportunity of a lifetime! To be in a squad flanked by cute girls! Ideally it would be the Uchiha cousins. Surrounded all the time by the beautiful Karasuba and Kagari... Of course, you two would also be acceptable. So don't feel too bad."

"Gross." Lee sticks out her tongue and gestures like she's about to throw up. "Me, I don't really care. As long as it's not on Kagari's team. She's no fun to be around at all."

"As for me, I'll take anybody!" Mimi responds to her own query with enthusiasm. "Though, it'd be pretty fun to be with you and Kagari again, Akio. Just like the good old days, right?"

Everyone turns their eyes to you. It's your turn to give a preference in teammates.

>Choose one of the following characters
>The character who receives the most votes will be guaranteed to be part of your team

>Mimi

>Kagari

>Karasuba

>Rikimatsu

>Lee
>>
>>6445052
>Kagari
>>
>>6445052
Can you give me a basic rundown on these characters? What would Akio know about their abilities and temperaments, and do we have any specific history with any of them that should be accounted for? I feel like Rikimatsu is the only one I have a decent feel for, and that only goes so far as personality.
>>
>>6445060
You're right, I should do that. Give me a few minutes
>>
>>6445052
>No Chocho
Gay

>Kagari
>>
>>6445060

>>6440343
ahem

>Mimi
She's not as much of a troublemaker as the other two, just more of a tomboy
Mimi has been your friend since you were a toddler, pretty much. Your fathers were such close friends that they brought their kids along when they hung out all throughout your formative years. She's as extroverted as they come
Mimi's always gotten along just like she was one of the boys, and part of that is due to her scruffy appearance. Furry vest, painted face markings, fluffy hair that sticks up like animal ears. A wild sort of style, for sure.
>Kagari
Kagari is your other childhood friend along with Mimi. Your fathers are all thick as thieves, so the three of you were practically raised together. She's like the polar opposite of Mimi, having trouble with even the most rudimentary socialization. She's very kind though, and tries to help people out in her own way. Her bangs are grown long and swept to one side to cover her left eye, most likely to mask the fact that her eyes are different colors.
>Karasuba
Karasuba is Kagari's cousin, and the daughter of the previous Hokage. She must have inherited all the clan's confidence in Kagari's place, since she never seems unsure of herself. Her long straight black hair reflects her character as a very by-the-books type. She doesn't approve of the kind of tomfoolery you and your friends get up to, but despite that she never fails to acknowledge anyone on their own merits.

>Rikimatsu
>>6438128
The tall one, Rikimatsu, is the biggest kid in your class and a bit of a delinquent. Not as much of a delinquent as Punk Lee though.
Despite his delinquency, Rikimatsu really gives off the aura of a leader. And not just because he's almost as tall as an adult already. No matter what he's doing, his confidence is second to none.
>Lee
Lee is a tough looking girl with pink hair wearing a green jumpsuit. She has bandages that are supposed to wrapped around her hands applied elsewhere as some kind of fashion statement, as well as her headphones around her neck. She's also always had some kind of weird purple diamond on her forehead.
She's more of a natural loner than the rest of your peers

--
but yeah we don't know what their fighting strengths are. just their personalities. If we knew their strengths/weaknesses compared to our own that might influence things
>>
>>6445052
Short descriptions for these five characters based on what Akio would know

>Mimi Inuzuka
Akio's childhood friend, is extremely sociable and generally just a fun person to be around. She's the daughter of Kiba, one of your dad's friends. She and her dog Shiromaru can fight together, and they make a pretty dangerous team. She's fast, strong, and her senses are superhuman.

>Kagari Uchiha
Akio's other childhood friend. She's extremely shy, but she's also very kind. She's the daughter of Sasuke, one of your dad's other friends, and the only ninja you're pretty sure might be even stronger than him. Her mother is a Hyuuga as well, which is why she has two different colored eyes. She uses the Hyuuga's gentle fist style taijutsu, and she's also good at both ninjutsu and genjutsu. Yes, despite her skittishness, she's good at basically everything and quite strong.

>Karasuba Uchiha
The most popular kunoichi in the Academy. Always cool, hardworking, and supremely confident. She's the daughter of Itachi Uchiha, the Sixth Hokage. As you'd expect, she's the best of your class when it comes to genjutsu. But she already has her sharingan, and she's not weak in any area really.

>Rikimatsu
Probably Akio's closest friend, given all the trouble they get up to. An incorrigible troublemaker and pervert both. Son of Jiraiya, the Fifth Hokage. He's strong and good at taijutsu, but also has a couple of jutsu he picked up from his parents with some random utility.

>Punk Lee
The most asocial member of Akio's class. She does like making trouble though, so she's friendly enough with the usual crew. Akio doesn't know a single thing about her parents, but one of them probably trained her into the absolute taijutsu monster she is. She's physically the strongest kid in the class by a longshot, though she's not very good at ninjutsu or genjutsu.

Oh yeah, there were also these lines too >>6445068
>>
>>6445068
>>6445079
Thanks guys, I figured we had some sense of their abilities that I would want to weigh in.
>>6445052
>Kagari
Torn between her and Lee but we need at least one childhood friend imo. I hope our third Genin bud will be kind of a weirdo/freak to round things out unconventionally. Like a Shino or Gaara.
>>
>>6445079
>Kagari
since she's an all rounder. might be able to help her with her confidence as a sub-plot
>>
>>6444946
I guess that's true, but I was doing it more from the POV of spiting Kon and making it so we can avoid the indignity of training with him in the future rather than for gains.

>>6445052
Haha, poor Mimi getting no support in the battle of the childhood friends. Well, I guess no-one else is, it's all Kagari. She seems to be either jealous in general of Karasuba or she may just like Akio seeing as she was so dejected when he shot his shot.
>Kagari
It probably comes across as a really nice sentiment for Akio to chose her ahead of her more popular, talented cousin as long as he focuses on her talent. Then again, it would probably be really crude to say he'd rather team up with Kagari as a childhood friend when Mimi is right there. Also, we can keep her safe from that lecher Rikimatsu! (it's okay when we do it).
>>
>Lee
>>
>>6445058
>>6445067
>>6445084
>>6445085
>>6445231

All of them mentioned Kagari in one way or another, and funny enough, you were thinking about her too.

"Actually, I was thinking it would be pretty nice to be on Kagari's team myself." You admit. "She's really talented, probably as much as Karasuba is, she just needs to work on her confidence."

"Is that right? Not any of us, huh? You're gonna make your friends feel bad." Rikimatsu asks, clearly sarcastic. "But I get it, she's a fixer-upper with a lot of potential. The appeal is obvious."

You and your friends talk a bit longer about potential team assignments until the designated time arrives. Eventually you all take your seats and sit straight as the families of all the graduating students are filed in to watch from the edges of the classroom. You see your parents and little sister of course, though you also get to see everyone else's parents. Some for the first time. For instance, two people arrive that couldn't be anyone but Lee's parents. One with pink hair dressed in red, and the other with a bowl cut and a green jumpsuit just like hers. You see who you assume to be Rikimatsu's mother alongside Jiraiya, a blonde woman that looks a lot younger than he does. You swear you've seen a picture of her somewhere or something. In a textbook, maybe? Lord Sixth is also here with his wife, who you haven't seen before. You've also only seen Itachi in stone face form before now. Kagari and Mimi's parents are here, and you've seen them plenty of times. The older generation of Ino-Shika-Cho are here with their spouses, too. You know that Karasuba and Mimi have older brothers, and Inoza an older sister, but they don't seem to be attending.

After all the families are in place, Sai Sensei comes in with the principal, Iruka Sensei holding a large box. He places it on the desk and opens it to reveal a number of Leaf Village Headbands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wknP5Mxmuzw

"I want to be the first to congratulate all of you young shinobi for successfully graduating from the Ninja Academy." the principal begins a speech. "You've taken the first step on a long and difficult road. But the fulfillment you get over the course of this lifelong journey will be worth every hardship, that I can assure you."

The principal rambles on for a bit longer before finally moving on to the main event. Handing out the headbands. All of the kids are called in order, leaving their desks and heading down to grab a headband and put it on signifying their promotion into an official Leaf Village Shinobi. You're one of the first to be called, so you head down and take your headband from Sai Sensei.

"Congratulations, Akio." He tells you. "I know you're definitely going to make a big impact as a ninja!"

Knowing him, he probably planned to have lines like this for everybody. You just smile and put the headband on, lining up with the other graduates.
>>
>>6445395

At the end, once every student has a headband, all the guests and the teachers give one last round of applause and congratulations.

With the ceremony complete, everyone begins to file out of the classroom to go their own ways. Most will probably be having some celebration with their families if you had to guess. You make it outside with your family and look around to see all your friends nearby. Kagari is getting a hug from her mom, while her dad has his hand on her head. Mimi's dad is throwing her into the air triumphantly. Lee's parents are trying to get her to stand with them for a picture instead of just leaving. Karasuba looks like she's trying to copy her dad at standing as nonchalantly as possible.

As for your parents, your dad thankfully gives you a bit of space, but you can't stop the incoming hug from your mom and sister. You just endure it for a while and let them have it.

"So we'll be heading to Uncle's place to celebrate, he'll have whipped up even more than usual." Your dad eventually interjects. "You know, when I was a kid, I'd invite my friends over at times like this. I'm sure some of the families here would be willing to oblige. How about it, Akio? Anyone you want to invite along for dinner?"

>A. It's too much trouble. You'd rather keep it to family only

>B. Mimi and Kagari's families are the only ones you're sure would join you. Invite them along

>C. Just go ahead and invite everybody. Why not?

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6445397
>>C. Just go ahead and invite everybody. Why not?
>>
>>6445397
>B. Mimi and Kagari's families are the only ones you're sure would join you. Invite them along
>>
>>6445397
>B. Mimi and Kagari's families are the only ones you're sure would join you. Invite them along
>>
>>6445397
>D. Write-in
Chocho, Mimi and Kagari's families.
>>
>>6445536
I'll lend this guy my vote.
>>
>>6445397
>B. Mimi and Kagari's families are the only ones you're sure would join you. Invite them along
>>
>>6445417
>>6445492
>>6445571
You...
YOU...
>>
I'm these anons >>6441426>>6436631 >>6436680, but my IP changed

>>6445582
Here's your (You), in the spirit of preserving anti-samefaggotry. Unless you mean the distinct lack of Chocho, in which case, good taste, but I shall oppose you for the sole reason that I don't want to put Uncle in the hospital from overwork just yet
>>
>>6445624
It's so disrespectful. You're having an event at a restaurant, but you don't invite the Akimichi. What a snub. What a snub.
>>
I have an errand that I have to run tonight around the time I usually post, so today's post will be a bit later than usual, by maybe an hour or so
>>
>>6445628
If you plan on inviting an Akimichi to your restaurant, you need to inform the staff at least 24 hours before then, so they can get their affairs in order (so they can write their will, mostly). If this was a party we were planning in advance, I'd take it, but inviting her now when she's not present in this group is rough.

I appreciate the hunt for Chocho and her chochos though, even if I must vote against it. Seems like something a kid would like. But we're like, 12, tops.
>>
>>6445417
>>6445492
>>6445571

It does sound better than eating with just your family. And maybe this way your dad won't try and get close to you again. Though you'd like to keep it to a sure thing. In that case, there's only two invitations to make.

"Let's ask Mimi and Kagari's families to come along." You say. "They'll probably want to join us."

"That's exactly what I was thinking! How about we each take one, eh?" Your dad grins and heads off towards Sasuke, leaving you to invite the Inuzukas.

You make your way to the father tossing his daughter in the air, standing beside a very concerned puppy. Shiromaru is whimpering a bit at having to watch the spectacle. As you arrive, Mimi's mom Tamaki notices you.

"Hello there, Akio." She greets you politely. "Congratulations on your graduation."

"Hey, it's Akio. Congrats, kid." Kiba sees you and sets Mimi down to speak with you. "What's up? Wait, don't tell me. You're having a get together at Keiji's, right? And we're invited?"

"Yeah, that's exactly it." You admit. This must have been a pretty common occurrence for him to know so immediately. "Do you want to join us?"

"Hell yeah we do, right Mimi?" Kiba looks to his daughter.

"Yeah!" Mimi pumps her fist into the air.

Tamaki seems to have no reason to object, so she goes with the flow and agrees to come as well.

Nearby, you see Chocho's dad leaning towards your group and drooling a bit

"Uhh... You think I could get in on-" He begins to ask, before he gets grabbed by the ear and tugged painfully by a woman you assume to be his wife. "Oww!"

"Choji, you know we have the three clans meeting up to celebrate!" She scolds her husband. "You're the Akimichi head! No chance you're getting out of this one!"

Choji shouts to you as he's dragged away by his wife. "Hey, tell your dad I'll be by soon one of these days, alright? Oww..."

With that settled, your new party heads to the Jade Palace where several tables are already reserved. Your Uncle brings out plenty of food, there's enough for anybody to have any dish they want.

Your dad immediately gravitates towards his two friends, and they chat away while they eat. Your mom and Kagari's mom do the same, you remember hearing that they were on the same Genin team too. Mimi's mom sits between her husband and her mother-in-law, not getting a whole lot of conversation in.

You and your childhood friends are mostly left alone in this situation, aside from the obligatory congratulations you're given. It seems this was mainly taken as an opportunity for the parents to catch up with each other.

"It's our graduation, but we're practically forgotten about." Mimi sighs. "At least everyone seems to be having fun."

"Our dads seem to have the most fun when they're together." Kagari notes. "Being on the same team must have made their friendship really strong."

Kagari suddenly looks a bit dejected.

"You guys... We'll still be friends if we're not on the same team, right?" She clutches the front of her shirt.
>>
>>6445737

"The others don't really like me that much... Even Karasuba only puts up with me because I'm her cousin." Kagari quietly starts disparaging herself. "I'd be really lonely... If we were on different teams and stopped spending time together."

You get the feeling that this isn't a concern she only just came up with due to the whole Genin squad thing. Mimi and especially you have been spending less time with her in the past couple of years since the two of you fell in with Rikimatsu and Lee. You're surprised that she even mustered the will to address it in a roundabout way like this.

"What? Where did this come from?" Mimi asks, sincerely. "Of course we'll still be friends, silly! We can still hang out, even if we're on different squads."

Mimi hops between friend groups so much that she probably doesn't even realize the issue. For someone like Kagari, who only has the two of you as friends, this is a lot bigger of a deal. Kagari recognizes this too, as she isn't exactly appeased by Mimi's insistence alone and turns to you.

>A. Quit worrying about these kinds of things when we don't even know the teams yet. You may be worrying for nothing

>B. We'll still be friends and hang out like we used to, I promise

>C. Kagari, you need to be able to make friends with your teammates, whoever they are

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6445738
>D. Write-in
Believe it!

Seriously, where the fuck is Naruto?
>>
>>6445739
>Seriously, where the fuck is Naruto?
Damn, that brings me back
>>
>>6445739
Oh shit, nevermind; I see asking Karasuba out on a date was actually put into the story. I'm out. Have fun with the quest.
>>
>>6445743
Thanks for hanging around this long, anon
>>
File: Yeah sorry.png (147 KB, 402x942)
147 KB PNG
>>6445744
No worries. I actually sped-run the previous quest and Naruto not ending up with Hinata, but with Karin is pretty fucked. Sasuke ending up with Hinata, but not Karin pisses me off a bit as well, but still better than the punishment game of Sakura. I'm happy for my boy Lee, but he could have done better and Sakura should have ended up like Tsunade, alone and childless. I thought this Chocho was a different version, but she's still the same fat Hershey chocolate kiss, so that was my fault.
>pic related
>>
>>6445751
AND FUCK KON

I hope you guys manage to put a kunai between his eyes. Him and his bitch Kurotsuchi family both.
>>
>>6445738
>C. Kagari, you need to be able to make friends with your teammates, whoever they are
>>
>>6445713
I just what with the options I think would be the most fun at the time, all the girls are OK as far as I'm concerned. I just voted with that guy because he really wanted Chocho time, guess he's going.

>>6445738
>D: Tell her we're not like ... a certain man who discards people close to them and we'll go to the Hokage's office and demand we get put on a team with Kagari.
>>
>>6445738
>B. We'll still be friends and hang out like we used to, I promise
And if someone is mean to you let me know. I'll call them out. Or even beat em up if I need to.
>>
>>6445739
>>6445743
>>6445751
>Leaving quest over waifu stuff that isn't even happening in this quest
shiggy diggy dabba doo
>>
>>6445738
>Write-in
>"Of course we are still going to be great friends and spend time together. But your squadmates are going to become your friends as well, very close ones, and they'll be lucky to have the chance. This isn't your world getting smaller, it's getting bigger."
>>
>>6445738
>B. We'll still be friends and hang out like we used to, I promise
>C. Kagari, you need to be able to make friends with your teammates, whoever they are
>>
>>6445738
>B. We'll still be friends and hang out like we used to, I promise
>C. Kagari, you need to be able to make friends with your teammates, whoever they are
We'll all be on one big team with Mimi and Kagari and the retired Hokage will be our mentor and we'll be a sage and... I have deja vu.
>>
>>6446062
Hey, this time you get two retired Hokage to choose from
>>
>>6446062
I doubt both our squadmates will be the kids of our dad's friends, I really am betting on the third wheel being a curveball.
>>
>>6446066
Sorry anon, I don't have the right number of kids made up for a curveball. I'm just going to roll for the last one
>>
Sorry, I got stuck with an errand again, give me another hour
>>
>>6445769
>>6445820
>>6445934
>>6446062

It's never good seeing your friend with these kinds of insecurities, and while you'd like to solve this with simple reassurance, there's more to this issue than you can resolve yourself. She's going to have to be able to get along with more people if she's going to be a ninja.

"Don't worry Kagari, we'll still be friends and hang out like we used to, I promise. Even if we're on different squads." You tell her. But you continue before she can get too comfortable with your answer. "Having said that, your teammates are going to have to be people you can rely on, no matter who they end up being. So you need to become friends with them, too. And hey, they'll be lucky to have a friend like you!"

Kagari still seems a bit nervous, but she looks to be considering your words seriously. She then nods to assure both you and herself.

"Okay. I understand. I'll try." She promises. "As long as I still have you guys, then I can do that."

Mimi goes in for a hug and more reassurance, and then you go back to your meal. Eventually you get too stuffed to go on, and start winding down. People are still hanging out and talking, though probably not for too much longer.

Mimi gets called over by her grandma to talk, and Shiromaru gets picked up and cuddled relentlessly.

Kagari goes over to where your and her mom are, as well as Sae. Your sister seems to be talking to them while making some sort of taijutsu moves, so it's probably related to her training.

Your dad and Kiba are still sitting where they were, next to Mimi's mom, talking away. So that's a place to avoid.

And Kagari's dad seems to have gotten up to talk to Uncle Keiji for some reason. Maybe just to thank him.

There's a few conversations to be had for you here, if you cared to. Or you could just wait the rest of the evening out alone.

>A. Mimi and her grandma seem to be having fun. Can never go wrong just playing around. And who doesn't like dogs?

>B. Kagari and her mom are helping your sister with her training, that's interesting. And maybe you can hear some things about your moms' past together

>C. You need to thank Uncle Keiji yourself, and maybe while you're there you can learn a bit about Sasuke. You have always wondered who's stronger

>D. You don't like it, but maybe it's worth interacting with your father again. Maybe the sake will make him say some things you couldn't get him to otherwise

>E. That's all too much trouble. Just relax by yourself until things fully wind down and you can go home
>>
>>6446173
>A. Mimi and her grandma seem to be having fun. Can never go wrong just playing around. And who doesn't like dogs?
>>
>>6446173
>B. Kagari and her mom are helping your sister with her training, that's interesting. And maybe you can hear some things about your moms' past together
Interested in all three parts of this.
>>
>>6446173
>B. Kagari and her mom are helping your sister with her training, that's interesting. And maybe you can hear some things about your moms' past together
>>
>>6446173
>B. Kagari and her mom are helping your sister with her training, that's interesting. And maybe you can hear some things about your moms' past together
Sure, why not?
>>
>>6446190
>>6446272
>>6446380

You follow Kagari over to where your sister is, and you see her giving Sae tips on her form. Her mom is also pitching in every once in a while.

"Even though you can't see chakra points, you shouldn't have the need to be as precise as us in order to restrict people's movements." Kagari's mom explains. "But I would still recommend learning the proper forms so that you can transfer chakra as effectively as possible with minimal contact."

"Hey Brother, watch this!" Sae exclaims, once she notices you watching.

She goes on to pull off some taijutsu moves like Kagari uses, with the finger poking and all that. She's doing pretty good at it honestly, by the time she's your age, her taijutsu will probably be fearsome.

"And you're sure it's okay to just teach this to her?" Your mom asks Hinata. "I haven't talked to Neji about this, but I thought clans liked to keep their techniques secret. Rather than teaching them to anyone that asks."

"If Neji doesn't have any reservations about it, there's no point in having any myself." Your friend's mother simply smiles and waves her hand. "However, I don't think he would do this for just any young ninja. I'm sure for him it's something that he's simply doing as a friend would."

"I guess I don't really care one way or the other, I just wanted to make sure you weren't letting a kid push you into something you shouldn't be doing." Tenten says, taking another drink. "You were always a bit of a pushover, you know?"

"I'll admit that, but try to think a little more highly of me." Hinata replies, slightly embarrassed. "I'm not going to get bossed around by children, Tenten."

"You two were on the same squad as Genin, right?" You take the opportunity to ask. "What was it like back then?"

"It was real pain, let me tell you." Your mom sighs. "Had to drag you and Shino by the ear to get you guys to do anything. Well, Shino could at least take initiative on his own sometimes. And our time together as Genin wasn't all that long to be fair, so my memory of it is a bit biased, maybe."

"Wasn't that long?" You ask a follow up question. "What do you mean by that?"

The two mothers look like they're contemplating whether to answer or not when Kagari steps in and does is for them.

"Back then, Dad accidentally convinced Mom to run away from the village." She says. "By the time she came back, there wasn't really a Genin team for her to be part of anymore."

"Accidentally? How does that work?" You wonder aloud.

"Kagari, can you please not bring that up? It's quite embarrassing to try and explain that now." Hinata has her hand in her face, you can see it's gone a bit red. She turns to you and tries to get more serious. "I made some mistakes in the past, just know that I've worked very hard to make up for them, alright?"

"You sure did. Even made Jonin recently, right?" Your mom tactfully redirects the subject of conversation. "Interested in some ANBU work? I could always use a hand."
>>
>>6446534

"Sorry, but I think I'll be a bit preoccupied for that." Hinata puts her hands together in apology.

You listen to them talk a bit longer as you watch your sister practice, but soon enough everything has wound down and people start leaving. You get one last round of congrats from everybody, then head home and get some shuteye.

In the morning, you head for the Academy for what may be the last time in a very long while. You're getting team and Sensei assignments today, and after that you've got no real reason to go back. Not that you're getting particularly sentimental about the place, it was just a thought that crossed your mind.

That seems to be where everyone's minds are at right now though, as while you all wait in the classroom, everyone is talking about the Academy days that are newly behind them.

"What a drag. I liked being able to sleep so much." You hear Shikadai complain from behind you. "None of that anymore, just real work. On missions."

"He's got a bit of point, you know." Rikimatsu chips in from beside you. "We're gonna miss these easygoing days of our youth. We've got it as easy as we ever will."

Rikimatsu actually looks pretty serious as he says this, not like he's joking at all. It's pretty weird.

"Yeah, we won't have the time to pull off any big pranks ever again." Lee sighs. "At least we went out with a bang. Everyone's gonna remember that tagging for generations."

"It's funny, everyone was always so impatient to become real ninjas, but now that we're here, we can't help but think of what we're going to be missing." Mimi laughs, but not particularly jovially this time. "It's even getting to me. Shouldn't we be excited?"

>A. You can see where everyone's coming from. There's nothing quite like having no responsibilities

>B. It's time for us to grow up, we've got bigger and better things to do

>C. Speak for yourselves, I intend to stay easygoing even as an elite ninja

>D. Write-in
>>
Rolled 2 (1d4)

For tomorrow
>>
>>6446537
>C. Speak for yourselves, I intend to stay easygoing even as an elite ninja
>>
>>6446537
>C. Speak for yourselves, I intend to stay easygoing even as an elite ninja
My vision of Akio is that he's driven by a desire to make his father feel like a fool for not caring about him with 100% of his attention, and my idea for his future is one where he realizes that, even if his father didn't have a second family, he still wouldn't have 100% of his attention, or time, or energy. I think he can retain resentments about the neglect and the weird, rigid structure that sabotages intimacy by making quality time seem measured and sterile. Maybe he will let go of that, maybe he'll always have a chip on his shoulder.
I think the pain is interesting though, and as I get older and see my dad less often, I realize how important it is not to take for granted the time we spend together. He is like my best friend, man, but there's a lot about me he doesn't know because I only have dinner with him a few times a month these days. He only sees HIS dad like three or four times a YEAR, since he moved for work. And he travelled a bunch for work when I was really small, but was at home more in high school and after. Those were good years. This is long-winded, but I think that Akio might find some peace by realizing both that what he wants is something he never would have had anyways, and that what he DOES have is still a precious thing, not worth wasting. That's an emotional arc that I'd find interesting to RP as we navigate the logical consequence of Kon's (previous players') actions the story.

I think outside of his complex around his father, Akio is pretty laid-back and goofy, though. His discipline is the product of one specific worm in his brain.
>>
>C. Speak for yourselves, I intend to stay easygoing even as an elite ninja

If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Except for training of course, but that's fine.
>>
Man, I forgot that Hinata was the one to get the curse mark in this quest. Maybe I should go and reread...
>>6446537
>C. Speak for yourselves, I intend to stay easygoing even as an elite ninja
>>
>>6446537
>C. Speak for yourselves, I intend to stay easygoing even as an elite ninja
Rikimatsu being such a downer, we need him for back-up in case we need an extra body for double dates, that bastard.

Also, mechanically speaking, he or Karasuba would be our best third man - right? Otherwise we're going to be really close range heavy, then against he's probably a bit of a bruiser as well.
>>
>>6446690
>Otherwise we're going to be really close range heavy
If we are closer to our mom than our dad, I expect we will lean more into the longer range tactic of summoning and using weapons at right? Though of course I hope we put a spin on it so we aren't just a clone of her (or our dad, using impact). If we become the long range swinger in the squad, I think it'd work out fine to have two close quarters ninjas with us to keep us from being intercepted.
>>
>>6446707
Weapons at a distance, right**
>>
>>6446707
It looks like we favour Taijutsu (and Kenjustu), I think the ACE move that makes Ten Ten ANBU and not a fodder Ninja in this verse is the Flying Raijin as well, which is the get in close / get around them and fuck them up Jutsu (although it can be used for other things). In Boruto Boruto uses his own gimped version to just teleport around places, which is still really useful.
Well, we can be versatile too, these are just Genin stats after all, but still. Thinking about it, I think those two would be the best in terms of character dynamics as well, after reflecting on it.
>>
>>6446690
Hoping for a male teammate personally. Quests in general and especially Naruto quests focus too much on waifus and not male friends
>>6446707
Totally agreed that there's no need for us to try to emulate either of our parents. Akio should do his own thing. Right now he seems to be a close quarters fighter but we really don't know yet. I'm hoping for some real action to find out soon.
>>
>>6446736
In the anime I recall Tenten basically just existing so her squad wasn't all close quarters brawlers, and she seemed to be kind of a jobber, anyways, not that I watched a ton. Throwing ten weapons wouldn't work, so then she'd throw fifty, then a hundred, then... A male character that people actually liked would seem a lot more impressive when he actually ended the fight! Kek!
>>
>>6446537
>C. Speak for yourselves, I intend to stay easygoing even as an elite ninja

>>6446752
Tenten is an armsmaster, the only one in the Leaf Village. She ended up suffering from everyone insisting on fisticuffs despite most of them not even specializing in taijutsu. Her kenjutsu tho is unmatched in the entire village. She just really got the short end of the stick...if she weren't ignored(like pretty much every female Naruto character) she would be an extremely frustrating opponent given how wildly adaptable she would be and the countless surprises she could unleash with her various weaponry and fuinjutsu.
>>
>>6446544
>>6446552
>>6446576
>>6446660
>>6446690
>>6446776

This kind of defeatist talk isn't your style at all. There's no way you're joining in on this pity party of theirs.

"You guys can throw in the towel if you want, but not me." You lean back in your chair with your hands behind your head. "Even once I become an elite ninja, I'll still be doing things my own way."

"I can respect the dedication, my friend. But that remains to be seen." Rikimatsu waves his finger in your direction. "They say my old man was the same as me when he was young, but you wouldn't know it from how much of a hardass he is now."

"Doesn't mean it isn't worth trying!" Mimi insists. "Let's not forget to hang out and get in some trouble every now and then, alright?"

You all chat a bit longer, before Sai Sensei finally arrives holding some papers. Almost certainly your team assignments. The whole room goes quiet as he walks in without him even having to say anything.

"Alright everyone, it's team time." Sai begins. "When I'm done reading them all out, someone from each team come down to grab your team sheet. Your new Squad Leader has written down where they want to meet, and you'll head there right after this."

You aren't particularly nervous or anything, but it's still tense as your teacher reads out the names of your classmates. Eventually, it gets to your turn.

"Team Eight will consist of Akio Karagowa, Kagari Uchiha, and Karasuba Uchiha."

You look aside towards Kagari, and she definitely seems pretty happy with this. Karasuba is as stoic as ever, but you assume she isn't too disappointed with this outcome. The same could not be said for your friend sitting beside you.

"You lucky bastard!" Rikimatsu throws his arm around your head and starts squeezing it. "That's literally what I said I wanted!"

"You three will be assigned Kiba Inuzuka as your Squad Leader." Sai goes on, ignoring the scene with you two. "After that, we have Team Nine: Rikimatsu, Punk Lee, and Mimi Inuzuka. You're going to be training under Hinata Uchiha."

"At least you get to keep hanging out with us." Lee snickers towards Rikimatsu. "Even though we're not your 'preference'."

"Hey, how come Kagari and I switched parents?" Mimi complains. "Shouldn't I train under my dad and she her mom? This doesn't make much sense."

"Maybe they're trying to avoid bias from the teachers." Rikimatsu suggests. "Well, too much bias anyway."

"Lastly, Team Ten will be Shikadai, Inoza, and Chocho." Sai rounds out the assignments. "You'll be training under Konohamaru Sarutobi."

"Huh?" Most kids in class let out the utterance at once.

"Can they do that? Get trained by the Hokage?" Some kid wonders from behind you.

"Hey, my grandpa trained a team while he was Hokage." the man in question chimes in as he enters the room. "Why can't I do the same? It's tradition for a Sarutobi to train the next heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, anyway. So it just works out."

You look back and see different levels of enthusiasm.
>>
>>6446876

Shikadai, like usual, has a look on his face like he's about to experience untold anguish. Chocho seems hesitantly receptive, and Inoza looks like he's hyped at the prospect.

"Alright, everyone get your papers and be off!" the Seventh shouts, waving his arm. "My team has dibs on the classroom."

Your classmates start to shuffle down towards the desk at the front to receive their instructions. You hang back just a little bit, catching your new teammates, the Uchiha cousins.

"Akio, we ended up on the same team after all!" Kagari says, smile beaming. A fairly rare sight.

"That's no reason to start slacking." Karasuba tries to head off her cousin's excitement. "I know you haven't been reaching your full potential. I won't have you falling into complacence on account of Akio's presence now that we're a squad. It's on all of us to push each other harder than ever."

Kagari tries to temper her enthusiasm after hearing that, wiping the smile from her face deliberately.

>A. Try to nip this behavior in the bud. "Can you stop putting Kagari down all the time? It's going to wear on all of us if you keep this up"

>B. Try to mediate. "Lighten up Karasuba, we'll do better as a team if we all get along"

>C. Play along with her, it's not like she's wrong. "Don't worry, we'll be pushing ourselves harder than ever"

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6446879
>B. Try to mediate. "Lighten up Karasuba, we'll do better as a team if we all get along"
>>
File: Kagari.jpg (212 KB, 1298x1600)
212 KB JPG
Since she's on the squad now, I'll go ahead and post my friend's rendition of Kagari as well
>>
>>6446879
>B. Try to mediate. "Lighten up Karasuba, we'll do better as a team if we all get along"

>>6446889
Not bad. The reverse mullet is a bit weird but she has top cute potential.
>>
>>6446879
>we got karasuba
This is worst case scenario. Asking her on a date earlier ruined this character for me. Definitely wish it had been a guy or literally any other character. I'm being dramatic but damn.
>B. Try to mediate. "Lighten up Karasuba, we'll do better as a team if we all get along"
Can't you let her smile for even a second? She has a nice smile and nobody ever gets to see it.
>>
>>6446879
>B. Try to mediate. "Lighten up Karasuba, we'll do better as a team if we all get along"
but i get the feeling that all getting along might mean "doing what Karasuba wants"

>>6446908
i know it was the player base (e.g. myself included) that chose asking her out (for me it was for the lolz). but characters that make dumb choices on occasion are more interesting. It gives QM more relationship dynamics to write about, at the least.
>>
>A. Try to nip this behavior in the bud. "Can you stop putting Kagari down all the time? It's going to wear on all of us if you keep this up"

Her being a no-fun prude is gonna get really annoying really quickly. I'm tired of her shit already.
>>
>>6446889
Awww
>>6446914
I genuinely don't get why it made people so upset. This is the best scenario for him anyway, he's already been knocked back by one girl and teasing his shy childhood friend like that is way too cruel.

>B. Try to mediate. "Lighten up Karasuba, we'll do better as a team if we all get along"
I feel like this team has a winning combination in terms of personality clash
>>
>>6446886
>>6446901
>>6446908
>>6446914
>>6447067

These aren't really the kinds of interactions you want to see from these two, certainly not now that you're on a squad and will be spending so much time with them. You'd also rather not be confrontational about it though, so maybe you can just get Karasuba to compromise with her attitude a bit.

"Lighten up Karasuba, we'll do better as a team if we all get along." You insist. "Kagari can be happy about this, it's not hurting anybody. We could use her smiling more often."

Kagari lets a slight smile creep back onto her face after hearing you speak up on her behalf, and Karasuba pulls back a bit.

"Fine, fine. I'll admit I may have jumped the gun." She sighs. "I'm not trying to be hostile or anything, I just want us all to succeed. But I'll try to keep any criticism in the future for when it's truly warranted. For what it's worth, I'm not dissatisfied with this team composition at all. I look forward to seeing what both of you can achieve when you put your all into it."

That seems to have defused things for now. Everyone seems happy with how things turned out, which is also pretty nice for you to hear.

After most of the other teams have gone, you take your squad's paper from Sai Sensei and check out the designated meeting place. It seems to be the Academy roof. Rikimatsu and his team take theirs right after you do, and start to head off their own way.

"Well, it's been fun, my man." Your friend puts his fist out and you bump it with your own. "See you around."

You also say goodbye to Mimi and Lee as they head off. After that, you and the cousins head up to the roof to find that your new Sensei is already there waiting for you. Not that you have anything to be surprised about. You've only met this guy a thousand times already.

"Hey there kids!" Kiba waves at the three of you as you head out to meet him near the railing. "I got a pretty good team here, don't I? And you should count yourselves lucky, too. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Introductions!"

There's not a lot of point in introductions for your group, but if you had to guess, he's probably just following someone's example.

"You may know me already, but my name is Kiba Inuzuka. I'm the head of the Inuzuka Clan, and the Dog Sage of the Three Sages of the Leaf." Your new Sensei boasts proudly. "What was next... Right, it was likes and dislikes, then dreams for the future. Okay, so I like animals, dogs in particular, but cats are good too. I dislike ninja that talk a big game without being able to back it up. But that won't be any of you guys, right? As for future dreams... I might be too old to be framing it like that. At this point I just want to bring up some good kids, alright? By that I mean both my own and you guys as students."

It wasn't particularly focused, but it conveyed enough about the man himself. However, you and Kagari definitely already knew everything he said. Maybe it helped Karasuba a bit.
>>
>>6447252

"Alright, that's it from me." Kiba concludes before handing it over to the three of you. "I want to hear from you three now. Yes, that means you Akio, and you Kagari. Just give an introduction like I don't already know everything about you."

It's a bit annoying that he keeps acknowledging how seemingly pointless this exercise is. But Kiba ultimately seems to mean well, as he usually does, so you decide to play along. maybe putting an introduction into words will help you see your priorities more clearly.

> Make a write-in of introducing yourself. I'll see what people and I like from the results, and whip something together
>>
>>6447260
I'm Akio. I like getting into trouble with Rikimatsu, eating at the Jade Palace, and spending time with all my other friends. I dislike people whose actions don't line up with their words. My short term goal is to get stronger than my half sibling. My long term goal is to develop my own kenjutsu/taijutsu style and use it to surpass my dad.
>>
>>6447260
likes: good food and messing around with friends
dislikes: <some sort of subtle dig or reference to Dad, maybe the "lacking integrity" vibe that the other anon said>
goal: be better than our dad, while not mimicking his style (but probably not mentioning that we want to be better than him in other ways too, like in family life)

not looking to be too overt with the dad issues though, since that isn't appropriate for this conversation. but surely that influences Akio's likes and dislikes and goals.
>>
>>6447260
I wouldn't mention anything about Kon or his family at all, instead say we want to surpass our Mother as a Weaponmaster Ninja ...and become Hokage - maybe...!? as Ten Ten is a famous konouchi here too (one of the best). He could also say he wants to do his Mother and little Sister proud (specifically excluding *that man*)

Otherwise, having fun, hanging out with friends, a little bit of mischief in service of the village (to make things less dreary), dropping some free advertising for the Jade Palace sound OK to me. I think someone mentioned Akio also liking unusual people, which we could say and inadvertently offend our team.

Dislikes: People who squint too much and are two-faced and disloyal. The lack of work-life balance in the village.

I would like him to also say he likes going on dates (in a classy way, not in a pervy way like Rikmatsu) but isn't allowed to have a girlfriend (per Ten Ten) but I don't think the thread would go for it.
>>
>>6447391
It'd be funny if he said he dislikes people that squint too much but he also inherited that from his dad and is in denial about it
>>
An introduction. How can you convey everything important about you as succinctly as possible? Well, not everything. There are certain things you'd rather not include, don't want to embroil a bunch of people in your family business, for instance. But you have a pretty good idea of what you'd want to say. So good that you decide to go first.

"I'm Akio Karagowa." You start, not waiting to see if anyone else was going to. "I like getting into trouble with my friends to liven things up around here. But also sometimes just hanging out. I like eating at the famous restaurant, the Jade Palace. And... I guess I like people that are a little strange."

Kagari's face changes at that last line to one of piqued curiosity. She's trying to figure out what you mean by that. Karasuba has pretty much the same change in expression, and she's likely wondering the same thing.

"I dislike people whose actions and words don't line up." You go on. "Who are two-faced, and disloyal. Who lack integrity."

You've considering another comment about squinting, but you see your Sensei's face telling you to move it along, so you do so.

"As for my dreams, I want to become a strong ninja of course. I've got people I intend to surpass. First of all, my... sister(姉)." It almost stings to have to bring this up, but you continue. "And my father eventually. I also want to make my Mom proud by surpassing her as a Weaponmaster ninja. That'd be cool."

"Sis... Ah, okay." Kiba takes a second to think, then quickly moves on. "Well, it's an admirable goal for a young ninja! If anyone can help you surpass Kon, it's me. So you better be ready to train your butt off, kid."

Karasuba decides to go next.

"I am Karasuba Uchiha. I like people that take things seriously, and have certain convictions that they will never give up on. People with strength of character, you could say. On the other hand, I'm not too fond of people that don't know what they believe in. Those that act on nothing but whims. As for my dreams, I intend to honor my father and become Hokage like him one day. Measuring up to Father may be a mere dream, but I will do everything I can."

You've only heard Karasuba talk about the Sixth a few times, but given what she's said and how she acted at the ceremony, she's probably extremely attached to him. It's a pretty funny contrast to her demeanor.

"Another one aiming high, huh?" Kiba lets out a whistle. "Well, I'm one of the few people on your dad's level, so I'll do what I can for you."

Lastly is Kagari. Everyone waits a couple of minutes for her to start talking.

"I'm... Kagari Uchiha." Your friend takes a deep breath before continuing. "I like baking sweets. That's not really helpful, though... Uh, also people that... are nice to me? Sorry. Dislikes. I dislike... being put on the spot. People that put me on the spot? B-but not you, Kiba Sensei, I don't mean you!"

Kagari is having a rough time of it.

"Dreams... I don't know if I have any. Sorry."
>>
>>6447612

"I guess I just want to not let people down. That's good enough for me." She finishes out her intro.

You can hear Karasuba sigh from the other side of Kagari. "I know you're apologizing for introducing yourself as the kind of person I said I disliked. You don't need to, please. I don't dislike you, despite what I said."

Kagari doesn't seem to be convinced, and is still looking apologetic.

"No one you want to surpass, huh? Too bad, you could have shot the highest and gone for Sasuke!" Kiba laughs. "But that's okay. We'll just have to work on your confidence instead."

"Alright, now that we're all introduced to each other, I'll field any questions you guys might have." Your new Sensei speaks more authoritatively than before. "Right after this we're heading right into an initiation exercise of sorts, so be ready to stretch your legs."

>A. Ask Kiba about any specific plans he has as far as training goes

>B. Ask about how missions are going to go now that you're a squad

>C. Ask about his qualifications. You've only heard him say he's strong

>D. Ask something else (Write-in)

>E. No questions, let's just get on with the exercise already Sensei
>>
>>6447613
>>B. Ask about how missions are going to go now that you're a squad
>>
>>6447613
>E. No questions, let's just get on with the exercise already Sensei
>>
>>6447612
>Kagari's face changes at that last line to one of piqued curiosity. She's trying to figure out what you mean by that. Karasuba has pretty much the same change in expression, and she's likely wondering the same thing.
Hahaha
>I am not too fond of people (...) that act on nothing but whims
Uh oh

>>6447613
>E. No questions, let's just get on with the exercise already Sensei
I'm good. It's the first day, as well, so the day we're most pumped.
>>
File: Bells.jpg (13 KB, 360x270)
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>>6447664
>>6447760

You've had enough talking. You're a ninja now, and you need some action. Even if it's just training.

"No questions, let's move things along already!" You stand up and wave your arm emphatically. "We have all the time in the world to talk later. Let's do that exercise while we're still excited, Sensei!"

Kagari and Karasuba don't seem too opposed to your suggestion. Well, Kagari would probably go along with whatever you suggested, but Karasuba seems like she agrees.

"There's no better teacher than experience." Your stoic teammate voices her support. "I also wish to delay things no longer."

"Eager, aren't ya?" Kiba puts on a grin as he also stands up straight from leaning on the railing. "No skin off my nose, I like to get right into the action myself. So here's what we're gonna do. You're gonna follow me to the training ground out by the memorial stone. You all know the one, right? That's where our exercise is gonna be. Once we're there, I'll explain how this is gonna go."

Without another word, Kiba jumps off the roof to another building, making his way to his destination. The three of you follow along, trying to keep up with him. In just a few minutes, your team catches up to find your Sensei waiting by the logs at the training area. He pulls a couple of bells from his coat pocket and holds them out.

"This is a bit of a tradition used to measure your current level of skill." He explains. "I'll attach these bells to my belt, and you have to work together to take them from me. Usually the thing is that we're supposed to tell you that only those who manage to get a bell can pass. So one would definitely fail. But I don't want to bother with a ruse like that. It didn't really work on us, so I doubt it will work on you, either."

"Just know this." Your Sensei's face gets uncharacteristically serious. "If you truly can't get these bells from me, then your ambitions are impossible and you should give up."

"Anyway, I'm not gonna start right away." Kiba relaxes and lays down on the ground. "My team had a bit of prep time back in the day, so I'll be fair and give you guys an hour to strategize or whatever."

With a yawn, your teacher closes his eyes and looks to be trying to catch a nap. Which leaves you and the Uchiha cousins to plan amongst yourselves.

>A. Figure out the formation you three can fight in to apply the most pressure

>B. Plan out an ambush to take the bells by surprise

>C. Ask the others what they have in mind

>D. Why wait? The bells are right there...

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6447933
>C. Ask the others what they have in mind
>>
>>6447933
>Ask the others what they have in mind
>>
>>6447933
>A. Figure out the formation you three can fight in to apply the most pressure
>>
>>6447933
>A. Figure out the formation you three can fight in to apply the most pressure
I don't know what the girls can do, we can try rushing him I suppose but he's from a more Taijutsu orientated clan and a Jounin
>>
>>6447960
>>6447982
>>6448096
>>6448104

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWcf9YU-FdY

Before anything else, the three of you walk a very long way away from your dozing sensei. You know from Mimi that his hearing should be excellent, and you don't want him knowing everything you're planning.

Once you assume you're out of earshot, you start things off.

"I don't know exactly how you two like to fight, but we should figure out how we can work together to put the most pressure on him." Though you realize that the others may have some strategic input as well. "Although, if either of you have any ideas in particular, I'd like to hear them. Maybe there's a way to do this that I'm not seeing."

"Indeed. While we might have a chance of overwhelming him, we have a better option." Karasuba chimes in, looking slightly annoyed that it seemed like you weren't going to ask her what to do. "My genjutsu is quite good, it can sure as our win condition here. Sensei will be able to break out of it, naturally, but it only needs to give us a few seconds during which to take the bells."

Kagari looks like she wants to add onto the topic. You nod to her, signaling to her to speak her mind.

"I think... we can do even better than that." Kagari speaks softly, but assuredly. "My taijutsu can disable anyone if it hits properly, no matter how strong they are. If we use your genjutsu to give me an opening, then we can get the bells for sure."

Kagari prepares to wince like she's expecting to be scolded or something, but it never comes.

"That's a very good idea, Kagari." Karasuba simply replies with a smile. "An additional layer of deception, and a more exploitable opening. It's such a good idea, that I won't entertain anything else. All strategy from this point will be building off of this as our goal."

It's a good thing you can't really fault the idea, because you're sure it would be impossible to talk her out of it now. At least Kagari looks pleased with herself.

"I still think applying maximum pressure is the best way to get in position for that plan to work." You go back to your initial topic. "You'll get a better shot at him when he's distracted from all our attacks."

"Fair enough. We'll use your plan to reach our win condition." Karasuba agrees. "Kagari's taijutsu is always a threat, so even before we execute the plan, she can keep him on his toes. In the meantime, I can use my shurikenjutsu to harry him as well. The two of us can also use Fire Release, so that should work as a surprise. If we can get him to slip up just once and look into my eyes, we'll have our chance."

"As for you..." Karasuba looks to you. "Since you aren't critical to the disabling part of the plan, then you should probably do the brunt of the harrying. I assume you're up to it, Akio?"

"No problem." You assure her confidently. "I've got just the thing."

You pull out a scroll. Your mom did at least teach you the basic storage seal a long time ago. In here is your bread and butter.
>>
>>6448248

>A. Hundreds of kunai and shuriken. Overwhelm him with more attacks than he can handle. Your mom likes this one

>B. A trusty katana. Nothing like a good sword to keep your enemy on edge

>C. A staff. Your mom trained you pretty good in bojutsu, and it's better for a training situation anyway

>D. Some variation of blade/chain/hook weapon. Max out the utility

>E. Some type of polearm. Like a staff, but better. Cause it's got a pointy bit

>F. Some other thing (Write-in)

>Get as detailed as you like for any of these options, this starting weapon is a freebie
>>
>>6448248
>F. Some other thing (Write-in)
>A meteor hammer
My pitch for the meteor hammer is that we could do some really interesting stuff with it, not just impact stuff, but other jutsus as well. It has good range - possibly a stupid amount if we lean into Naruto ninja antics and do stuff to lengthen the chain - but in close quarters it's still effective. Also, importantly, it feels original and unique to us. Maybe even a double meteor hammer?
https://youtu.be/yh1TqiGl-pc?is=kNgS3XcQr7_hAhGc
>>
>>6448249
>C. A staff. Your mom trained you pretty good in bojutsu, and it's better for a training situation anyway
This could be good with impact strikes. People wouldn't expect a staff strike to be so dangerous.
>>
>>6448255
I'll back the meteor hammer. Requires both a lot strength, agility, and expertise.
>>
>C. A staff. Your mom trained you pretty good in bojutsu, and it's better for a training situation anyway
>>
While taking a shower before bed I thought of something important.

Where is Akamaru?
>>
>>6448255
Sure, this is kinda hokey (in a good way). In real life, Kunai were used like this as well so it's thematic. You can tie people up with it as well for non-lethals and I assume using a sharp variant (Kunai) would be basically the same as a blunt variant if we needed to.
>>
>>6448255
Kinda gimmicky. Not sure how it would fare in actual CQC. It also seems a little similar to Kon's weapon of choice.
>>
>>6448559
Staff feels pretty boring/bland for what QM said is our bread and butter weapon, and really limited in both utility and lethality.
>>
>>6448255

You aren't one to settle for a mere ordinary weapon, or perhaps it's more that your fondness for strange things also extends to your weapon selection. Because when your mom let you pick one to get special training in, this is what you picked.

With a puff of smoke, the contents of the scroll are released. None of your classmates have seen you use this thing, so Kagari and Karasuba are rightfully caught off guard.

"This is the meteor hammer!" You announce proudly, showing off your weapon. It's basically a chain with a big spiked ball on either end. Like a double-sided flail with a particularly long chain. Your mom had used spiked balls as weapons in her barrages before, and all kinds of chain-based weapons, but she had rarely used one of these before you asked about it.

"It seems quite unwieldy." Karasuba raises an eyebrow. "Even if you have the skill to use it, isn't it going to be a trial of its own to avoid hitting Kagari as you both press the attack?"

"It'll... be fine!" Kagari stammers, looking slightly nervous despite trying not to. "I believe in Akio! He trains hard even when we don't know about it."

You smile and shoot her a thumbs up to show your appreciation for her vote of confidence. Picking up your weapon, you swing it around for a bit to get the feel for it again. It's been almost a week since you trained with it last, you put it away for the duration of testing. But in just a couple of minutes, you're swinging it around without a problem. It's not as fast as you could be with other weapons, and some moves are a bit telegraphed, but it's powerful and versatile. It should do just fine in this situation, where your objective is to keep your sensei's attention on you.

"Then I suppose we're almost ready. Let's do a bit of a rehearsal before we head back to start the test." Karasuba suggests. "We need to get the feel for attacking one target together."

The last part of your gifted prep time is spent practicing not hitting the girls while still giving them room to attack. Karasuba did have a point, and it is quite taxing on you to make it all flow properly between the other two's moves, but you feel like you have a pretty good sense of it by the end. Though, it'll be much harder when facing an opponent, of that you're sure.

When time is almost up, the three of you walk all the way back over to where your teacher is laying down. His ears twitch at your approaching footsteps, and he sits up in time to see you arrive.

"You three all ready?" Kiba asks, standing up and stretching.

All of you nod and take up fighting stances.

"Then I guess it's time to get this show on the road!" Your Sensei shouts and immediately dashes straight for you.
>>
>>6448702

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIaKTeJH4J8

You swing your meteor to try and intercept, but the Jonin is already beyond the range of the spiked ball. You try and backpedal while pulling the chain to hit him from behind, but Kiba grabs the chain in midair and yanks on it as he runs past to send it behind your back.

It looks like he's about to try and wrap you up with your own chain, but he doesn't get the chance. He's forced to jump back to dodge some shuriken from Karasuba, and again to avoid a strike from Kagari who was waiting for him.

"Alright, you guys got me out of there well enough." Kiba gives some praise. "Let's see, who should I humble next..."

Given how easily he dealt with you, it's obvious that the only way any of you can accomplish anything here is as part of a multi-pronged attack. If there's ever a point at which he can keep attention on only one of you, that one is getting dismantled immediately.

Your sensei seems to have come to a decision, and he makes a dash for Karasuba. Her eyes turn red immediately, wasting no time activating her sharingan. Kiba is clawing at her while pushing her back, forcing her to deflect his bare hands with her kunai. Kagari runs after him, and you get ready to do the same.

But having been handled so easily, you try to think a bit harder about a tactic to use.

>A. Use low sweeping attacks, try to keep him from using those fast legs

>B. Try to get wrapped around one of his arms as he's attacking, it'll be easier to deal with him if he's impaired

>C. Find an opening and use the strongest overhead swing you can manage. Force him to put his attention on blocking

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6448703
Kick one of the balls at him with an impact chakra enhanced kick. Right at his midsection.
>>
>>6448715
Genius +1
>>
>>6448715
Backing.
>>
>>6448703
>A. Use low sweeping attacks, try to keep him from using those fast legs
I don't think restraining him is going to work-- he's probably several tiers of strength above us. A powerful attack can probably be countered easily, too.
>>
>>6448715
This seems to be looking like the winning option, so I'm responding early to let you know what this entails

This is a move that's a bit above your level right now. You might remember that the feet are the hardest part of the body to focus chakra in, which is why the tree walking training happened. Akio has only just learned yesterday how to mold Impact chakra to any significant degree. Doing both of these at once, in battle, isn't impossible. But it's very difficult at your current level

I'm going to require a d100 roll for this action, with a DC of 80. Best of 3

Alternatively, you could still back out if you don't like the odds
>>
>>6448989
Hmmm yeah I don't think we have hops like that...
>>6448703
>>6448716
Change my vote to:
>A. Use low sweeping attacks, try to keep him from using those fast legs
I bet our strongest overhead attack could be flicked away by Kiba, and I am afraid to even TRY to get a wrap on him. But we can be a nuisance with sweeps.
>>
>>6448703
>A. Use low sweeping attacks
>>
>>6448846
>>6448990
>>6449033

The reason Sensei was able to completely shut you down was because he can move so much faster than you. The obvious answer is to try and mitigate that advantage of his.

As Kiba leans out of the way of Kagari's palm strikes, his attack on Karasuba lightens up. She's got a bit of room to breathe now, and you've got room to go on the offensive. You swing one end of your chain close to the ground, aiming for the shins. The way you're positioned, the three of you have formed a triangle around your teacher. This lets you avoid hitting each other, while all getting to attack at once.

As you expect, your Sensei dodges your swings mostly by jumping with the correct timing, but even for a Jonin that requires a chunk of attention. Karasuba has pulled back in this time and is back on her shuriken tactic, forcing even more precise jumps to avoid getting cut up. You keep the momentum going on both ends of your hammer to constantly sweep the legs. It's a bit of a predictable rhythm, but it has to be dodged regardless. This gives Kagari plenty of room to keep trying to disable with her Gentle Fist.

"I see where this is going. Kagari's your ace in the hole here, huh?" Kiba voices his interpretation of your strategy, pretty confident he's figured it out. "But I can't make it too easy for you by staying in this box of yours."

With a massive leap, your teacher clears all of your attacks and heads to land some distance away. But Karasuba isn't willing to give up all the pressure you've accumulated.

"Kagari!" She shouts, before making some hand signs. Kagari makes the same ones, so it must be an extremely obvious jutsu to use for Kagari to know with just a word. After a few signs, they both take a deep breath.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

The two of them breathe huge balls of fire out towards Kiba at the same time, threatening to completely envelop him.

"Uh oh." Is all he says, before touching the ground and making a few signs of his own. "Earth Release: Mud Wall!"

A huge earthen wall rises from the ground to block the flames, adorned with the heads of dogs. For decoration, you suppose. While the attack would have been sure to cause some damage, it unfortunately gets blocked completely. Karasuba in particular is irritated.

In a few seconds, Kiba lowers the wall back into the earth, and takes stock of all of you again.

"You're all doing pretty good..." He says, while stretching his shoulder. "I'm even working up a sweat! So then, last up to get some focus is..."

With that, your Sensei dives for Kagari. She panics a bit, and tries desperately to deflect his attacks while retreating. Both you and Karasuba make to follow, ready to pile on more attacks, but you need to do something more or it will just end up like last time. You still need to figure out how to pull off your plan.
>>
>>6449043

>A. Try to get a second attack off on him while he's in the air from your swing

>B. Try to alter your rhythm so you can wrap one of his legs when he lands from jumping

>C. Shorten the arc of your attack by getting right up on him, if you get close you can keep him still long enough for Karasuba to catch him

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6449046
>C. Shorten the arc of your attack by getting right up on him, if you get close you can keep him still long enough for Karasuba to catch him
I don't think he will expect this
>>
>>6449046
>C. Shorten the arc of your attack by getting right up on him, if you get close you can keep him still long enough for Karasuba to catch him
>>
>>6449046
>C. Shorten the arc of your attack by getting right up on him, if you get close you can keep him still long enough for Karasuba to catch him
>>
>>6449046
>A. Try to get a second attack off on him while he's in the air from your swing
I don't know if we'll be quick enough to catch him
>>
I only just got off work, so post will be very late tonight
>>
>>6449047
>>6449119
>>6449139

There's few different tricks you can pull that might catch him off guard. But you need one that is sure to work. You don't know if you'll get any more chances. So it's time to really put your skin in the game.

As you close in on your teacher, you swing an attack low like before, only for it to get dodged. But this time, you don't keep up the same type of attack over and over. You close in, holding back more of the chain so that your next attack comes faster, with a smaller arc. Since Kiba is trying to focus on Kagari right now, he's taken by surprise when you run right up to him and swing your hammers at such a close range.

"Woah there!" He manages to dodge them for now, but his attack has paused. "The bravery is impressive, but I hope you realize what happens next."

As he slips a couple more of your attacks, Kiba winds up a big punch and socks you right in the gut. Even though you know that wasn't nearly as strong as he could have punched you, it still hurt like crazy. You're even launched back a ways through the air, though luckily you don't get hurt again hitting the ground.

Karasuba has appeared right behind you to catch you and stop your fall. Quite nice of her to do, and even your Sensei thinks so, looking your way and smiling with approval.

However, that may have just been part of the plan. A moment after Kiba looked in your direction, he completely failed to dodge an attack from Kagari, who struck his arm. Your teacher looks confused for a moment, then realizes his arm is disabled. You almost start to wonder to yourself how he managed to get himself caught, but the obvious answer comes to you.

Karasuba used this chance to get him to make eye contact and use a genjutsu that would let Kagari get her attack off. Karasuba pats you on the shoulder and heads off to put more pressure on and try and grab the bells. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

You head after her and continue your attacks, varying your swings more now. With only one arm to use, Kiba is actually struggling a bit now to avoid everything. Eventually, while doing everything he can to avoid your and Kagari's attacks, Karasuba slips through his guard and grabs the bells. He grabs her head with his good hand as he realizes she's there, but she has already yanked the bells off his belt.

"Looks like we win, Sensei." She says smugly, her skull still snugly in his palm. "That should be enough for you to acknowledge our abilities."


"Alright, you got me." your teacher admits, letting Karasuba go. "Good job, guys. All of you combined are already a force to be reckoned with, almost made me want to escalate! But that's not really what this is about."

Kiba stands still for a moment and seems to change somehow. You think you see some kind of marks spreading across his skin briefly. In a moment, he's gained movement in his arm again, which is impressive. You remember getting hit by that move and you couldn't move for hours.
>>
>>6449347

Kiba returns to relative normality within a few seconds, stretching out the arm that should have still been paralyzed like it was nothing.

"Anyway, I'm craving a nap again, how about you guys?" Your Sensei asks, before laying right back down on the grass like he did before. "You go ahead and take a break too, you deserve it!"

Despite pushing through for that last bit, you are still reeling from that punch earlier, so you don't mind it. You also take a seat on the grass, as do the others. Kagari looks happy to have passed, but Karasuba still seems a bit irritated about something or the other.

"So now that we did that, how about now?" Your teacher poses a question. "Any questions worth asking? I'm a font of valuable information, I'll have you know.

>A. Ask him just how strong he really is. How easy did you go on us?

>B. It's never too soon to get back to training. Ask if he has anything lined up for you in the coming days

>C. Only one question worth asking at this point. When's our first mission, and what are we doing?

>D. Who needs to know anything, you won. Just take a nap

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6449349
>D. Who needs to know anything, you won. Just take a nap
>>
>>6449349
>A. Ask him just how strong he really is. How easy did you go on us?
>>
>>6449349
>C. Only one question worth asking at this point. When's our first mission, and what are we doing?
>>
>>6449349
>C. Only one question worth asking at this point. When's our first mission, and what are we doing?
>>
>>6449418
>>6449459

There's only one thing you care about asking.

"When are we going on our first mission? What kind of mission is it gonna be?" You get straight to the point.

"Alright, alright. I get it. I was just trying to fall into the teacher role, ya know?" Kiba sighs. "We're gonna do D rank missions for a few days to used to things, and in the meantime I'll be keeping an eye out for a good C rank for us to take. I know how it is, I was the one complaining about lame missions myself back in the day. So I want you guys to be able to get your feet wet as soon as possible. Get out of the village, see some actual combat. Who knows, maybe we'll find one that escalates like the first C rank we went on! We nearly died back then! Hahaha!"

You can't help but get a bit interested when you see your sensei fondly recalling memories of lethal danger. But in any case, you'll have a little while before you go on a 'real' mission. You already know that D ranks are basically glorified chores.

"Fair enough. We'll trust your judgement, Kiba Sensei." Karasuba replies, quite respectfully. "Just knowing that you intend to allow us to push ourselves will make enduring the monotonous busywork far easier."

"Aren't you two a bit too excited for danger?" Kagari asks, hesitantly. "Besides, the times are pretty peaceful now. How can we be sure we can find a mission with combat in it?"

"That's why I need some time, I gotta sniff it out. I got a sense for these things." Kiba insists. "All the more reason to kick up your training in the meantime. So you can be ready for anything that comes at you."

The four of you relax for a while longer, chatting casually about various things. After a while it approaches late afternoon, and you all collectively decide to head home. You're to meet up tomorrow morning at the mission office.

You'll have a decent amount of free time until that lauded C rank mission finally comes along. Time in which you can train, either alone or with other people. You should also be able to fit in at least a bit of plain old hanging out if you wanted, though.

>A. Try to get your new teacher to teach you some stuff. He wanted to fill the role, after all

>B. Train alongside your new teammates. You can get stronger together, as well as strengthen your bonds

>C. Get some training in while hanging out with your friends on Team 9. You can have fun and train at the same time

>D. Get your mom to train you some more. You'll need more weapon skill if you go up against anyone even close to Sensei's level again

>D. Try to wring more training out of your father without indulging him too much

>E. Just train alone, no need to bother with anybody else

>F. Write-in
>>
>>6449556
>A. Try to get your new teacher to teach you some stuff. He wanted to fill the role, after all
>>
>D. Get your mom to train you some more. You'll need more weapon skill if you go up against anyone even close to Sensei's level again
>>
>>6449556
>>D. Get your mom to train you some more. You'll need more weapon skill if you go up against anyone even close to Sensei's level again
I wanna learn a trick
>>
>>6449556
>B. Train alongside your new teammates. You can get stronger together, as well as strengthen your bonds
we can always do personal training some other time, but right now we need to learn to coordinate
>>
>>6449556
>B. Train alongside your new teammates. You can get stronger together, as well as strengthen your bonds
I think Kiba just wants to nap
>>
It's between B and D, first one to to reply calls it
>>
>>6449837
D
>>
>>6449839

The next morning, you all head to the mission office to get your first mission. Landscaping. Some businesses hire your team to cut away the plants encroaching on their plaza from the forest. It's quite boring stuff, as are the missions you go on for several days after that. Kagari seems fairly content with things, especially on the day that your mission was to corral a bunch of loose cats. But Karasuba you could easily tell just from looking at her that she was barely holding together her dissatisfaction. She never outright complained, that would be unthinkable after she already acknowledged her understanding of the circumstances. But you can tell she really wanted to.

As for you, you did some complaining, but not all that much. The environment's just not really good for it. Karasuba tries to maintain stoicism, Kagari just rolls with things, and your Sensei just laughs and agrees with you while making you do it anyway. It's a lot different than hanging out with your friends used to be.

You do have plenty of free time in the evenings though, and you decide to fall back on your old mainstay. There's one person that has always been ready to teach you, whenever the opportunity arises.

"Coming to me for more training, huh? Your father's gonna be jealous of me, you know? But that might be on purpose, huh?" Tenten smirks. You aren't quite as amused at the musing, and she moves on. "Alright, I get it. Enough about that. What should I teach you now that you're a Genin? There's a couple of things I'm thinking, and I think we've got time for them."

The first thing your mother teaches you is a variation of the storage seal that you can draw on your own skin, or on clothing. No need to pull out a scroll if you don't want to. And you can even put the same seal in multiple spots and choose which one you want to pull it out of on the fly. You might be able to use this in battle to catch people off guard with a sudden weapon summon.

Secondly, your mother decides to bequeath you with one of her own original techniques.

"I can up with this technique when I was a Genin, myself." She explains. "In retrospect, it definitely feels like it, since it's not all that impressive. But it has some utility, and can serve as a base for future techniques if you want."

The move in question is called Rising Twin Dragons. She gives you two large scrolls that she filled with her own weapons back in the day, to keep. Almost any weapon you can imagine is in here, though they are primarily meant to be thrown. The initial phase of the attack is just a constant barrage of various thrown weapons. Which would probably be pretty effective by itself if you could channel Impact chakra well enough into them. But the second phase is where it gets tougher, both for the victim and the performer. Part of the technique is to attach strings between your fingers and every weapon you throw as you throw it.
>>
>>6449857

It's really hard to get down, you haven't exactly specialized on stringwork. But you do manage to pull it off after a few days of practice. With this new string skill, you've opened up a lot of avenues of attack, even beyond this one in particular. It just depends on how creative you can get with it.

And of course, beyond all that, you continue to spar with your mom using various weapons, but with a focus on your meteor hammer. She's stepped up her effort compared to how you remember, so it really pushes you more than ever in honing your skills. Obviously she still isn't facing you at her full ability, but you can feel yourself getting closer.

After about a week of this, the three of you find yourselves with your Sensei in the mission office one morning as usual.

"Here, this one! This is what I was looking for!" Kiba waves an open scroll around excitedly. "We're taking this mission as a squad, alright?"

The mission desk is manned by Lord Jiraiya, who is looking less than amused.

"I'm getting deja vu here. You're just trying to get yourself into another Land of Waves situation, aren't you?" He accuses your teacher of something, though you lack the context to understand exactly what. "We're still trying to push this guy into paying for a B rank, he can afford it and the potential danger could easily be there."

"Forget all that Lord Jiraiya, just let us have this one, come on!" your sensei starts begging. "The Land of Hot Springs should be pretty safe no matter what, even if we happen to come across some hostile ninja by chance, they'll be no problem! You know I can take care of things."

"Alright, only on the condition that we also get a cut of the earnings." The Fifth relents. "It is a treasure hunt we're talking about, here."

"Yes! I can make that happen, no problem!" Kiba pumps his fist in the air. "We've got a live one kids, let's move out!"

The three of you follow along after your teacher, headed towards the village gates. Though none of you quite know exactly what's going on.

>A. We're leaving the village? The Land of Hot Springs sounds like a good time

>B. Did you say a treasure hunt? What are we looking for?

>C. Who's our client? The Fifth said he could easily pay for a B rank, but he's still cheaping out

>D. Could we really run into enemy ninja on this mission? Are we gonna fight for real?

>E. Write-in
>>
>B. Did you say a treasure hunt? What are we looking for?
>>
>>6449859
>E. Write-in
"Land of Waves...?"

I feel like all the other questions we already know the answer to [leaving the village, potential for danger] or we know we'll find out on the way [what are we looking for, and for who]. But a story about some long past controversy that the Fifth is just casually throwing in the face of one of our best friend's dad... how have we not heard this already?
>>
>>6449903
Sure, lets hear how Kiba tells this story.

Can imagine the death stare Tenten was getting over her little joke haha
>>
>>6449903
+1 lore tiem
>>
>>6449903
>>6449994
>>6449996

Everything about your current situation is due to reveal itself in time. But something you have to bring up now if you want to know further is whatever your sensei and the Fifth were talking about back there. It sounds like it must have been a big deal, and if it relates to the current situation, you want to know.

"Land of Waves? What did Lord Jiraiya mean by that, Kiba Sensei?" You ask. You know of the place obviously, and you think you've heard it mentioned by someone before now, but you can't quite recall the significance. "How does it relate to this mission?"

"Ah, that. It was the first C rank mission my team went on when we were Genin. I'm sure your dad's mentioned it before, it's when we met Haku, Inoza's dad." Now that he mentions it, it was your father that brought up the place before. But it was just for that fact alone, nothing that would make you relate that time and now. Luckily your teacher is more forthcoming on the details.

"It was technically recorded as a C rank, since that's what was paid for." Kiba goes on. "But the client was underselling it, he was being targeted by a rich guy who hired ninjas to take him out. We ended up taking on a Jonin missing ninja from the Mist and Haku, who was his protégé at the time. It was far above our skill level, but we rose to the challenge and got way stronger from it."

"I have to apologize, Sensei." Karasuba interjects suddenly. "I had misjudged you. Your attitude seemed to be flippant, but you truly understand what it takes to push someone to their full potential. It's the kind of decision Father would make, and I don't give out that praise lightly, I assure you."

Karasuba is smiling like she's being supremely gracious, but Kiba just seems upset that she had thought lowly of him.

"So you wanted to get a mission that's too much for us to handle... on purpose?" Kagari is suddenly quite hesitant. "Aren't you just hoping we get strong enough to overcome any danger? What if we can't?"

"Kagari, relax. Trust me." Kiba addresses her seriously, without his usual joking tone. "It's true that me, your dad, and Akio's dad would have all died back then if not for Kakashi Sensei. But the thing is... I'm even stronger than he was. You three have nothing to worry about. There isn't a thing on this earth I can't protect you from."

Kagari seems to let herself be reassured by this, and the four of you all arrive at the village gate. Waiting for you there are a finely dressed middle aged man, and a big old white hound. You know the latter personally, you've seen him all the time growing up.

"Akamaru, what are you doing here?" Kiba asks the dog, who responds with a couple of yelps and a whine. "You know I'd love to take you, but can you handle it? You should be relaxing in your old age, I don't want you getting hurt on my behalf."

Akamaru barks and starts whining again.

"One last time, huh? You sure know what to say, don't you? Alright, come on." Your teacher relents.
>>
>>6450154

The older man, who looks like he's slightly bewildered by the 'conversation' that just took place, then speaks up.

"Are you the team that took on my request? How strong are you?" He asks immediately. "I think I would have preferred two adult ninja over one and three children. And a dog."

"Don't you worry about that, pal. You're getting more than your money's worth right here, I assure you." Kiba insists, still patting Akamaru on the head. "How about an introduction, huh? I read your request, but these kids haven't. And I'd like to hear your live rendition of it, anyway."

"Very well, then." The man clears his throat. "My name is Nijirou Yamatsudaira. My father was a noble of some means in the Land of Hot Springs, and he has recently passed. Without a proper will, unfortunately. You see, I am the second son, and my elder brother has laid claim to our father's entire inheritance. This is despite the fact that everyone who knew him knew that he favored me."

"Is this intended to be a fratricidal assassination mission?" Karasuba wonders aloud.

"No, no, nothing like that. I don't want to resolve this issue with violence." Nijirou assures you. "My father was luckily a bit of an eccentric. Aside from his main residence, which he kept modest, everything else he owned was hidden away in a secret location. You mission is to find and secure the inheritance."

>A. Ask if he has any idea where this hiding place is. How wide of an area are you going to be forced to search?

>B. He must be hurting for money if he tried to get this through a C rank. Won't his brother have hired even stronger ninja?

>C. What kind of treasures does an eccentric old noble keep? Anything good? The village wants a cut, you know

>D. That all sounds good to me, let's get a move on

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6450156
>B. He must be hurting for money if he tried to get this through a C rank. Won't his brother have hired even stronger ninja?
What are we gonna be dealing with I wonder..
>>
>>6450156
>A. Ask if he has any idea where this hiding place is. How wide of an area are you going to be forced to search?
Akamaru 100% dying here
>>
>>6450156
>A. Ask if he has any idea where this hiding place is. How wide of an area are you going to be forced to search?
>>
>>6450238
>>6450261

It's a simple enough premise. But how much work is it actually going to involve? You decide to press the man for further details.

"Do you at least know roughly where this hiding place is?" You ask. "We aren't gonna have to search the whole Land of Hot Springs, right?"

"I will confess that it is quite a large area. Three mountains' worth of it, as well as the surrounding wilderness." The client responds, sounding at least a bit apologetic. "But I have faith that some clues as to the location of the inheritance will be revealed quite soon after we begin looking."

So the guy knows almost nothing. It could be worse, though. While three mountains is a huge area, at least it's confined to some obvious landmarks.

"This will no doubt be a race against whoever your brother hires to find the treasure on his behalf." Karasuba addresses Nijirou again. "And I doubt he will share your aversion to violence if he's already laid claim to the whole inheritance. We are likely to see combat between shinobi."

"Let's cross that bridge when we come to it." Kiba waves off all the team's concerns for now. "We've got a long way to go to get where we need to be. You dad's lands are in the northern region of the country, right?"

"Quite right. Though there's no need to tire yourselves. I have set aside funds for us all to travel by train." Nijirou reveals. "While the hidden villages make you arrive on foot, the station is not all that far away. Come, join me. And reserve your strength."

Your group leaves the village gates, and after about half an hour of walking, you arrive at a bustling little stop that serves as the Hidden Leaf Train Station. You've never ridden on a train before, so you can't help but be at least a little bit excited. Kagari has forgotten her nervousness for the time being and become exited as well, while Karasuba is remaining stoic.

"It shall take us two days to arrive, so we may rest one night at an inn near the border. You can sample our lands' famous springs, perhaps." Your Client insists, before heading off to try and convince the staff to let him buy a person's ticket for a dog.

You buy a couple of snacks to eat on the train while you wait, as well as just join Kagari to look around and marvel at things. When the time comes to board, you all do so and take your places on the end of the last passenger car. You've got basically half the car all to yourselves, so Nijirou must have spent a bit. You guess it's cheaper than upgrading the mission rank.

Now that the train is moving with you on it, you've got nothing but time.

>A. Join Kagari in marveling at the sights

>B. Grill Nijirou for as many details as you can get out of him

>C. Go talk with Kiba Sensei and pet old Akamaru while you're at it

>D. Take a page out of Karasuba's book and stay in quiet contemplation

>E. Write-in
>>
>C. Go talk with Kiba Sensei and pet old Akamaru while you're at it

Good boy.
>>
>>6450450
>C. Go talk with Kiba Sensei and pet old Akamaru while you're at it
>>
>>6450450
>A. Join Kagari in marvelling at the sights
I feel like Akio is kinda excitable enough for this.
>>
>>6450450
>A. Join Kagari in marveling at the sights
>>
>>6450450
>C. Go talk with Kiba Sensei and pet old Akamaru while you're at it
Must...pet...doggo.
>>
>>6450450
>A. Join Kagari in marveling at the sights
>>
A or C, first reply gets it
>>
>>6450786
Uh not sure if it counts but A?
>>
>>6450788

It's the first time you've been out of the village, let alone riding on a train. So you can't exactly help it if you want to enjoy it for all it's worth. You take the seat next to Kagari and watch as the landscape rushes by.

The area around the village is heavily forested, so naturally the main thing you see is a lot of trees. But as you get further from the village, the trees thin out and give way to fields and even towns. As soon as a collection of buildings appears in the distance, it's just a couple of minutes before it's disappeared behind you. You're going quite fast, and while trained ninja like you could hit this speed briefly, to keep it up for the entire duration of a journey would be impossible. It's pretty amazing that the technology exists to level the playing field as far as travel time goes. If you had to walk on foot, the client would slow you down a ton, surely.

Kagari is looking intently out the window, and you can even see the telltale sign of her using her byakugan, the veins on her head. While you can catch glimpses of people going about their lives whenever you pass them, you're sure Kagari is getting much greater detail.

"Oh no, that man just fell from a tree..." She says, proving you right immediately. You saw an orchard with some people in it, but that was it. "I hope he's okay."

You decide to play a little game with Kagari, where you point stuff out and see how much detail she can make out about it. It's truly impressive how much she can see. She's able to count the number of people working in a rice field, read what any sign you pass says no matter how small, and even tell you what you're about to pass by before you even get the chance to see it. Kagari seems to find it pretty fun, as she eventually gets to the point of smiling and laughing at all the silly things she can see people doing. You pat yourself on the back for coming up with the idea.

"We'll be making a brief stop at Akagawa Station." A voice comes over the intercom. "Passengers bound for the Valley of the End and the Land of Sound, please transfer trains here."

A couple of minutes later, the train comes to a halt as a few people get off and on. Looking at all the passengers, you wonder what exactly it is that everyone is doing. Are they going on vacation? Does their job require them to travel by train? You honestly have no idea, you're too stuck thinking like a ninja. And anyone you know that isn't a ninja still has some kind of job in the village supporting ninja in some way. You've been sitting in silence for a bit, so you decide to voice your thoughts.

"Isn't it weird to think about how none of these people are ninja?" You ask to Kagari. "The whole Leaf Village revolves around ninja, and now we're surrounded by people that probably don't even think about them much."

"Is that what's weird? Or are we the weird ones?" She asks back at you.
>>
>>6450807

"Most people never get in a situation dangerous enough to need a ninja's help." She goes on. See seems to be in the mood to talk. "Or if they do, it's because they're at risk from other ninja. Someone could go their whole life without meeting one of us, if they lived off the beaten path. If you aren't a ninja yourself, it might be better if you don't. Take our mission, for example. The brothers are only hiring ninja because if only one hired ninja, that one would win for sure. But this isn't something that a regular person could never do."

"So are you saying shinobi are only a dangerous liability?" You engage with the thought. "That it would be better if ninja didn't exist?"

"Well... I don't necessarily mean that..." Kagari starts pausing again, having seemingly used up her highest confidence. "Just that it seems like that for most people... the ones that aren't ninja, I mean. They would probably think like that..."

"The girl has a point, lad." Nijirou interjects from nearby. "The Land of Hot Springs retired their ninja village and gave up all of their shinobi and their prowess for the sake of peace and prosperity. That was over twenty years ago now. And after the last great war, it seems the rest of the world is starting to catch up with us. Shinobi won't be necessary in the future, we will all value peace too much."

You hadn't been taking it too seriously when Kagari was talking about it, it was just conversation. But now that you hear it from an adult with a firm opinion, it feels like you have to say something. You are a ninja after all, he's talking about you.

>A. Isn't that hypocritical of you to say while hiring ninja? People will keep doing the same thing no matter what

>B. Ninja are too valuable to be gotten rid of completely. They don't just fight, ninjutsu can do all kinds of incredible things

>C. People will keep becoming ninja if only because ninja are so powerful. People want to be strong, whether to protect others or to do as they please

>D. Maybe you're right. A world that doesn't need ninja doesn't sound so bad. We're not in that world, though

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6450808
>E. Maybe you're right. A world that doesn't need ninja doesn't sound so bad. We're not in that world, though, and it's hypocritical of you to say while hiring ninja.
Even in a "peaceful" world, somebody somewhere needs to keep that peace and defend against those who wish to break it.
Who those dogs of war are, and who hold their leashes are both questions that need answers long before a "world without ninja" should even be considered.
>>
>>6450816
More questions to consider.
>Who can and can't be a ninja?
>Who controls the flow of current ninja knowledge?
>Who is entitled to help from ninja?
>Who is deserving of death by ninja?
>Who decides the above two? Why?
>If the world decides to unilaterally divest from ninja, what happens to all the ninja currently living?
>Is the world prepared or even capable of such divestment?
>What do ninja themselves have to say about all of the above?
>Is the world prepared for the ninja community's answer to that question?

The fact is, Ninja are.
And outside of some serious fundamental changes to how the world works, they always will be.
To simply ignore Ninja does not make Ninja go away, or prevent the creation of new Ninja.
Idealistic pacifism protects you from Ninja as well as it defends you from someone with a big stick and foul intentions. Without a system protecting you from bad actors and worse case situations, you might just get your head bashed in and there might be nothing you can do about it. Ninja, for better or worse, are just men with particularly potent sticks.
The key is finding a fair and equitable system that helps and protects everyone, including the ninja.
Maybe that system isn't what we have now. But it isn't "retiring" all Ninja and then hoping for the best either, that's for sure.
>>
>>6450816
Seconded.
>>
>>6450816
Backing.
>>
>>6450816
Ayup. And besides, if there were no Ninja, someone vile would eventually figure it out and then all the Chakralets would be doomed.
>>
>>6450808
Take a look at your hands. They can always be made into fists. As long as that's true people will fight for what they want. That's true for Shinobi and non-Shinobi alike. And if it's not with chakra then it would eventually be with other weapons instead. That's just how humans are. That's why we need to have good reasons to fight and a framework to control the fighters.
>>
>>6450808
>D. Maybe you're right. A world that doesn't need ninja doesn't sound so bad.
>>
>>6450816

Even if the thought is nice, you know it's just that. Wishful thinking. It doesn't help that the guy saying this currently hiring ninja himself.

"That doesn't sound so bad, you know. If ninja weren't needed in this world. But they are." You insist. "Even if every village gave up their ninja like that, people would still fight. And aren't you being a hypocrite? You're hiring ninja right now!"

"I had no choice, my brother will obviously do the same!" Your client tries to defend himself.

"That's the point, pal. That's why ninja won't disappear." Your sensei joins the conversation. "As long as the potential for people to be ninja exists, people are going to pursue that path. Your country has enjoyed prosperity due to the goodwill of the surrounding nations. With no ninja to protect you, you could easily be invaded. The only reason you weren't, even before the post-war peacetime, was because you weren't seen as a threat. It was better to just let you be as your little tourist trap and trade with you for stuff than to invade and give the other nations a pretext. But from the day the village was disbanded, the people of the Land of Hot Springs have relied on foreign ninja. Either us, the Cloud, the Mist, or the Sound most recently. You need ninja just as much as anyone else, you just have no choice but to outsource now."

"Hmph. Try and voice some optimism, and this is what you get." Nijirou grumbles. "You sound like my father, he was always talking about how wonderful and amazing ninja are. I never could understand what he was on about. He argued to the very end against ending the hidden village, he wanted a town full of killers for hire. We've been a lot happier since the disbanding, I'll have you know. Just because we're burdened by the existence of ninja in other nations doesn't mean you wouldn't be happier too."

"But I'm content to disagree on this topic. I have no illusions about changing the minds of a bunch of ninja themselves." Nijirou stands up and heads out the door on the back of the train car. "I'll be stepping outside for some air for a few minutes."

The train departs as he does so, and you're back on track to your destination.

"We're due for a country full of foolish idealism, it seems." Karasuba speaks up for the first time since you've been on the train. "Peace can only be enforced by those with the strength to keep it. Thus it is the duty of the good to be stronger than the evil."

"Most civilians never get to see what shinobi are truly capable of." Kiba tells you. "They don't have a proper frame of reference, so they say stuff like that. I wouldn't really worry about it."

You decide to not let it get to you. It is just one person's opinion, after all. And even if enough people shared it in the Land of Hot Springs to effect change, it's an anomaly in its own right. The other hidden villages aren't going anywhere.

After several more hours by train, you cross the border and reach the Land of Hot Springs itself.
>>
>>6451141

You still have a ways to go, but that leg of the journey will have to be tomorrow. It's getting late, so you all get off at a station for a little town called Yatamori. Nijirou puts you all up at an inn for the night, and insists that everyone tries the hot springs that give the country its name. After eating dinner, you all decide to do so. After all, none of you would bother coming to the Land of Hot Springs and not go in the hot springs.

Kagari and Karasuba head over to the girls' side, while you, the client, your sensei, and the old dog get in the spring on the men's side. The inn is pretty vacant, and none of the other few guests are here at the moment, so you have the place to yourselves.

"Oh yes, this is wonderful." Nijirou boasts, soaking in the water. "Rejuvenating, invigorating, what a wonderful thing to be known for, this country!"

"You got any skin in the game, or are you just being patriotic?" Kiba asks, as he scrubs Akamaru. "How do you make your money?"

"I own a business selling various hygiene products. Soaps, shampoos, lotions and such." Nijirou explains. "You've probably seen my Yama Spring brand in stores in the Leaf, our reach is quite wide. All that to say that yes, I am quite invested in this famous resource of ours. We're known for helping people live better lives, and I'm proud of that."

The conversation from earlier today still hasn't left your mind. You're not angry or anything, not everybody's going to see eye to eye. But there might still be something worth talking about.

>A. Try to get more info about the subject of the mission. You said your father was an advocate for this land's ninja, right?

>B. Ask about your potential adversary. Is his brother like him, or does he hold very different ideas?

>C. Convince him that ninja can improve people's lives too. There's healing jutsu, right off the top of your head

>D. Try to get Kiba Sensei talking. Maybe there's more you can glean from a conversation between adults

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6451142
>A. Try to get more info about the subject of the mission. You said your father was an advocate for this land's ninja, right?
>>
>>6451142
>A. Try to get more info about the subject of the mission. You said your father was an advocate for this land's ninja, right?
yeah maybe the father's preferences towards ninja influenced where he stashed things. Perhaps only able to reveal it using ninja techniques (which would be funny if he _wanted_ his two sons to have to rely on foreign ninja to find it, since they don't have skills themselves)
>>
>>6451152
>>6451156

He brought up his father before. Unlike your client, he seems to have liked ninja. Maybe that could be a crucial clue to completing your mission.

"When you brought up your father before, you said that he was an advocate for the ninja of this land, didn't you?" You ask. "Maybe that will come into play somehow. Like he hid everything in a way that only ninja should be able to find, or something."

"I wouldn't put it past him." Nijirou sighs as he sinks deeper into the spring. "That's part of why I decided to hire you, I also had that feeling. He was personal friends with many ninja, and they would surely do him a favor if he asked. Keeping an eye out for signs of ninja having been out there before may lead you in the right direction."

"Friends with Hot Spring ninja, huh?" Kiba thinks something over. "Couldn't you have just found some of them to ask about this? If they're the ones who helped him hide it."

"The 'ninja' in the village today are merely for show. The village is a resort, and the ninja just themed security guards." Your client goes on. "None of them are the ones that would have had any interaction with my father. Those ones have all but vanished. Perhaps they moved to other pastures, who can say? But I didn't even know where to begin looking for them. Despite being his friends, they were quite discreet. He was even acquainted with one of those 'Akatsuki' members, though as far as I'm aware he was not fond of that one. Even more violent than the usual ninja, I was told."

"No way, you mean Hidan? Hahaha!" Your sensei sits up straight at hearing that and starts laughing up a storm. "That's funny, I think we've still got his head sealed away somewhere."

Nijirou is visibly disturbed by this revelation, but he lets the subject pass.

"In any case, I could only count on hiring foreign ninja." He begins to wrap up his answer to your query. "I will provide you with what information I can if you require it of me, but I will primarily be relying on you four and your ninja proclivities to lead us in the right direction."

"Woof." Akamaru barks. Nijirou just looks at the dog for a moment before revising his statement.

"Five of you? Is that what you want me to say?"

Akamaru yips affirmatively, and you and Kiba share a good laugh. You all spend a nice and long relaxing soak in the spring before heading back to your room to sleep.

In the morning, you all eat a quick breakfast before getting back on the train. You won't be taking all day to travel this time, you'll be getting off around noon and walking to the three mountains which will be relatively nearby.

The novelty of the train has worn off just a little bit, but it's still cool to see everything rush by so fast. You get a lot less time to enjoy it though, because soon enough you're disembarking and hoofing it the rest of the way.

You can see three mountains in the distance, so they must be the ones in question.
>>
>>6451382

After a couple of hours of walking, you can see a manor come into view at the end of the road you're currently on. It's situated at the foot of one of the mountains, and even though Nijirou said it was 'modest', you still feel like it's pretty nice looking.

"That's my father's residence." Nijirou confirms once he sees it in the distance. "We could try and stay there as our base of operations for this search, but my brother will no doubt be trying to do the same... I'm not quite sure how good of a sport he would be about all this. We could play it safe and find a place to camp in the woods, or we can make our case. He might respond to posing this as a competition, perhaps..."

"It would also give us a chance to size up our adversaries." Karasuba adds. "Even if we get kicked out, the intel could be worth the try."

"Are we sure it's not dangerous to go there?" Kagari asks, very slightly panicing. "There are enemy ninja there, right? Won't we have to fight immediately?"

"With things as peaceful as they are nowdays, ninja don't fight at the drop of a hat." Your teacher dismisses the concern. "Nobody wants to be the one to cause an international incident with the major villages all allied now."

It seems that both options are just as valid. Either stay hidden and camp in the woods for the element of surpise, or go meet with the other brother to hopefully set some terms of engagement.

>A. Ideally, we could get this whole thing resolved without them ever knowing we were here. Let's just camp out

>B. I'd like to know who we're dealing with, and to make sure nobody is trying to kill each other out there. Let's head to the manor

>C. Split up. Some go meet up at the manor, while the rest get a head start out in the woods (Who?)

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6451383
>A. Ideally, we could get this whole thing resolved without them ever knowing we were here. Let's just camp out
>>
>>6451383
>B. I'd like to know who we're dealing with, and to make sure nobody is trying to kill each other out there. Let's head to the manor
>>
>B. I'd like to know who we're dealing with, and to make sure nobody is trying to kill each other out there. Let's head to the manor
>>
>>6451437
>>6451470

"I'd rather head to the manor." You voice your opinion. "We should see who the older brother hired, maybe they'll be reasonable about this. It would be a lot better for us if we weren't worried about getting killed out there."

"Looks like we're mostly in agreement. Nijirou?" Kiba leaves the final determination to the client.

"I understand. We'll probably have to do some negotiating, as I am the one in the disadvantageous position here." He sulks a bit as he comes to his conclusion. "But we are brothers, and I doubt either of us wants anyone dead over this matter. I can believe in him at least that much."

With your path decided, you all finish walking it over the next few minutes until you arrive at the entrance to the manor. There don't seem to be any staff or anything, so if the brother and his hires are inside, they are probably alone.

Nijirou opens the door, and a few of the lights are on. From the foyer through a hallway and into another room is all lit up.

"Brother, I've come to speak with you!" Your client announces himself. "We have likely had similar approaches to this situation, and I would rather we come to terms than to blows."

It's silent for a few moments, but a voice does respond.

"Very well, Nijirou. Proceed to the main hall."

With that, you all follow your client further into the building. After just a couple of turns in the hallway, you all come to a very large room that's mostly devoid of furniture save for a lot of cushions strewn across the floor, surrounding a central fire pit dug into the ground. There are five people sitting about the room. Two adults, and three kids like yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d57-85_Sfeg

"I'm surprised you had the guts to confront me, little brother." Says an older man, dressed even finer than Nijirou. "But not as surprised as I am to see you resort to hiring ninja so easily. All your talk seems empty now."

"Hey, wait a minute..." The other adult in the room squints his eyes getting a good look at your group. He's a dark skinned man with light blond hair, and he has something in his mouth. You think it might be a lollipop. He's carrying two thin swords, one on each hip.

"Leaf ninja... Kiba! Akamaru!" He walks over to your sensei and bumps fists with him before petting the dog. "I haven't seen you guys in years. What are the odds we run into each other out here?"

"Good to see you, Omoi." Your teacher replies, before turning to you three. "I was part of a diplomatic mission to the Hidden Cloud way back in the day, met Omoi when I was there."

"Wonderful. So we're all friends here. And I assume you think that means we're going to be talked into giving away the inheritance?" Nijirou's brother scowls. "I am Ichida Yamatsudaira, the first born and rightful heir to our father's fortune. You would just squander it anyway, I have no interest in sharing it so you can make more variations of soap."
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>>6451772

"If I may..." Kiba steps between the two brothers. "We adults should step into another room with a table to sit at and hammer some things out. We can be mature about this, you've both dealt in business, right? Think of it like that."

"You owe me at least that much, Brother." Nijirou insists. "A reasonable discussion about how were're going to approach this matter now that we are here, with our hired help."

Ichida looks over your team and considers some things before conceding. "Alright, if it's a negotiation you want, then I'll oblige. But remember that I hold the cards here."

The four adults and Akamaru start to head to a different room, and Kiba leaves you with a bit of direction.

"I think those kids are probably Omoi's Genin. You should go over there, be friendly." He suggests. "Who knows, it may come in handy."

After they leave, you get a good look at the three kids left in here with your team. They're all darker skinned with blond hair, which seems to be pretty common in the Cloud Village from what you understand. They seem to be around the same age as you, but might be a bit older.

The first one sticks out for his bandanna and sunglasses. He's got some kind of weird blue mark on his face, too. He gets up of his own accord and walks straight to you with his hand outstretched, which you reflexively go to meet.

"Nice to meet you my brother, hoping we get along good, you feel me?" Instead of just bumping it or shaking your hand, he does some weird series of motions that you try to follow to some degree of success. "The name's Eito Nii, remember that. You too, ladies."

The other two don't approach you quite as friendily, but they do introduce themselves in order. The one girl of the group is sitting on a cushion, but you can tell she's the tallest of any of the kids here. Her long blond hair is in a ponytail, and she looks quite muscular for a girl. Definitely a taijutsu type.

"My name is A. Should be easy for you to remember." She glares at the three of you. "Don't go thinking we're friends or anything. We've been hired on enemy sides. We will have no choice but to fight sooner or later."

The last kid is a boy with short scruffy blond hair leaning against the wall. He's been pointing something at everyone else this whole time, and you realize that it's a video camera. He's filming everything.

"Don't mind me, just getting a decent shot." He says, mostly waving you off before realizing that he should introduce himself. "Oh, right, I'm Terui. Don't worry, I know how to make people look good. It's the lighting, mainly."

So it seems you've got a bunch of characters to deal with. They seem alright, but the girl did have a point. They may be your opponents in battle soon enough. However, it's only right to go about introducing yourselves in exchange. The question is how to handle yourself after that.
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>>6451773

>A. Try to become friends with them all, you're a friendly guy, you can pull it off

>B. Eito seems chill. If you can become friends with any of them, it's him. You should hang out and chat

>C. Rather than get friendly, you should talk to A. She seems strong, and you'll want to get a read on her for if you have to fight her later

>D. Terui seems a bit odd, fussing about with that video camera. You can't help but wonder what's up with him

>E. You'd rather just keep to yourself after introductions. Don't want to give anything away to these guys

>F. Write-in
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>>6451774
>>B. Eito seems chill. If you can become friends with any of them, it's him. You should hang out and chat
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>>6451774
>C. Rather than get friendly, you should talk to A. She seems strong, and you'll want to get a read on her for if you have to fight her later
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>>6451774
>B. Eito seems chill. If you can become friends with any of them, it's him. You should hang out and chat
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>>6451774
>D. Terui seems a bit odd, fussing about with that video camera. You can't help but wonder what's up with him
We like weirdos remember?
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>>6451776
>>6451997

You'd rather keep things simple. Eito seems the friendliest, so why not reciprocate? Though your team has to do your introductions first.

"I am Karasuba Uchiha." Karasuba goes first. "I don't mind staying cordial with you all, even despite the fact that we'll be fighting each other in the near future."

Eito just grins at that, but A furrows her brow. Something about the way Karasuba said that just pissed her off, apparently.

"My name is Kagari Uchiha. Nice to meet you." Kagari goes next, keeping her bit short.

"Wow, two Uchihas on one team? That's crazy." Eito remarks.

"We're, uh... We're cousins." Kagari gives a further bit of detail on impulse.

"Yo, for real? Me and A are cousins, too!" Eito steps back to put his arm around A's shoulder to demonstrate their closeness, but A shoves him and he falls over. He just laughs it off, though.

Now it's your turn.

"The name's Akio Karagowa." You tell them. "Here's hoping we can get along. Never met ninja from another village before."

"Yeah, me neither." Eito replies. You take a seat next to him, ready to just chat casually.

Kagari joins you, though you're not sure how much talking she'll do. Karasuba on the other hand sits across from A. You figure those two are the type to get into some kind of mental power struggle or something. Better to leave them to it. Terui keeps to himself and just stands aside filming all of you like it's nothing. Still very odd.

"My pops has got friends from other villages, but I never met 'em." Eito goes on. "What's up with that? Is it too confusing for a kid, or what? Giving we supposed to be living in peace time now, I'da thought it would make sense to have your kids meet all these friends you got from other lands, but it didn't happen. Just don't make no sense."

"I... Think that's the case with our dads, too..." Kagari tries to stay engaged in the conversation from the outset this time. "Maybe not my dad as much... But definitely Karasuba and Akio's dads for sure..."

On that last line, when she got to your name, Kagari looks like she realizes something. She trails off and then looks at you, before ceasing to say anything more. You can guess what she thought of, given the topic at hand, and she's the kind of person who will do anything not to step on someone else's toes. You've barely mentioned it to her in all these years, there's no way she would ever even risk bringing it up herself.

"You don't say... Your sensei did know ours from back in the day, so I can see it. Your parents went on some missions or whatever." Eito doesn't even acknowledge Kagari suddenly going quiet. "As much as I'd like this to be like one of those, we ain't on no diplomatic get-together. We gonna compete, that's fo' sho. I ain't backing down, even against my own friends."

"As long as we don't end up killing each other, alright?" You respond in a joking tone. You're pretty sure out of any of them, this guy isn't going to try anything too dangerous on you.
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>>6452132

"So tell me a bit about yourself, my friend. I'll do a little info exchange with you, it's a good deal, you dig?" Eito proposes. "Learn about your friend and your enemy at the same time. Two birds with one stone, y'know what I'm saying? Just what you feel comfortable sharing, naturally. But whatever you do put on the table, I'll match it. Swear on my life, I won't do a brother dirty like that."

So the offer is out there. An equal exchange of information, or so he says. But he's going to be the one making the determination of what's equal or not, so you can't be sure. You consider your options.

>A. No compromising information that could affect the mission. Just tell him personal stuff and keep this a chat between friends

>B. Tell him about your own capabilities. That should get you everything Eito can do, which should make dealing with him later a bit easier without any surprises

>C. Give an overview of your whole team. You want as much information about all of them as you can, and you figure your team will be able to use the info better than their team will

>D. Write-in
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>>6452134
>>B. Tell him about your own capabilities. That should get you everything Eito can do, which should make dealing with him later a bit easier without any surprises
Kagari and Karasuba are both rather unusual, we'll let them be surprises. We already clocked their taijutsu meat popsicle, but I am not really sure about the other two. Seems like the best play.
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>>6452134
>A. No compromising information that could affect the mission. Just tell him personal stuff and keep this a chat between friends
the dude with the video is up to something
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>>6452134
>A. No compromising information that could affect the mission. Just tell him personal stuff and keep this a chat between friends
Yeah. There's got to be some Ninja opsec we have to adhere to, right?
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>>6452168
>>6452331

Friendly or not, there's no way you're giving away all your secrets that easily. There's no guarantee that the information you get in return would even be worth it. No, this will just be a chat between friends.

"About me, huh? Well, my hobby is pulling pranks with my friends. As long as it doesn't interfere with my ninja training, of course. I've also got a little sister, and my uncle runs a restaurant that we go to all the time." You lay out exactly how this is going to go. You've got plenty of personal details to mention, but when it comes to your abilities, you're not giving an inch.

"I see how it is, that's fair, that's fair. Playing our cards close to the chest." Eito nods. "I can respect that. Just means we'll both get to be surprised later. Anyway, now it's my turn. Me, I like music. My pops is a rapper, but unfortunately I didn't inherit his lyrical prowess. Not a lot of people come to see him when he puts on a show, but that's alright. I kind of like it being exclusive. Plus he has more time to train with me, too. Otherwise I'd only be training with my mom."

Eito visibly shudders at the thought. "I'd never survive that. She don't mess around."

The two of you go on to engage in more small talk, with Kagari occasionally pitching in. After what was probably about half an hour, the adults return to the room.

"Alright, everybody. We've come to an agreement, so I'm gonna explain how this is all gonna go down." Kiba takes it upon himself to get you all up to speed. "The brothers have agreed to a fair competition over the inheritance. Whoever's team of hired ninja finds and secures the objective takes it all. But there are a few ground rules."

"First off, there's absolutely no killing allowed." Omoi takes the baton. "I mean, just imagine it. You're fighting some Genin from another nation, and you accidentally kill one. So then the other village wants retribution, so they send an assassin, but then that assassin gets assassinated, and the counter-assassin gets assassinated too, and then more villages take sides trying to get political leverage, and soon enough we're fighting in the Fifth Great Shinobi War! No way, not gonna happen. We can fight each other while we're out there searching in order to incapacitate the other team, keep them from searching. But no killing. If you think you hurt your adversary too badly to leave them out in the woods safely, you better carry them back here yourself. So just don't do it in the first place, alright?"

"That no killing rule obviously extends to our clients." Kiba adds. "It'd be easy to off one of the brothers and then the inheritance only has one place to go. But that's not what we're here for, so I'm not having any of it."

The brothers share a glance during this bit. They were probably the ones to push to emphasize this point, if you had to guess.
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>>6452464

"As for how this will actually play out..." Your teacher continues. "Each team will perform their own search independently, in whatever manner they want. They can all stick together, split up, tail the other team, whatever they want. They can camp out in the woods, or they can come here to sleep on a futon every night. But one thing we're not doing is working together. Only one team can win this, winner takes all. However, there is one caveat to that. The losing team of ninja still gets their mission paid for, from the winner. Since we're getting paid either way, we've got no incentive for foul play, alright?"

"Part of searching independently means staggering our start times." Omoi jumps back in. "This is where Ichida gets to have an advantage. My team gets to head out first, and the Leaf team waits one hour before heading out themselves. That way we lower the chance of collaborating, we'll already be doing our own thing."

"That should about cover everything." Ichida cuts in impatiently. "We've wasted enough time discussing terms. You should get started while it's still early afternoon."

"I suppose you're right..." Omoi looks at the clock on the wall. "A, Terui, Eito. Get ready to leave. We're going on the hour, so you've got ten minutes."

"Yes sir!" They all respond obediently. Eito gives you another weird handshake for the road and leaves with the rest of his squad. Ichida follows them, which just leaves you with your team and your client in the main hall for the next hour and change.

"So kids, since we've got all this time, why don't we strategize?" Your sensei asks, clearly eager to get you guys thinking about things yourselves. "How do we want to play this?"

There's certainly no shortage of options.

>A. Stick together and search thoroughly. Plus that means if you catch one of the other team alone, they're down a man on the spot

>B. Spread out individually. It's the most risky move, but you're searching four times as fast. We can all handle ourselves alright

>C. Split into two teams. One with the students, and one with the sensei. That should be a fair middle ground

>D. We should find the other team as fast as possible and tail them. Then figure out how best to take advantage of their own strategy

>E. Write-in

>Feel free to go further in depth with any of the strategies offered here, such as describing what each team would be trying to do if you split up, the kinds of places you want to prioritize searching, etc.
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>>6452465
Maybe we should use the hour to search the house and learn more about their dad. Something could point us in the right direction.
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>>6452465
>C. Split into two teams. One with the students, and one with the sensei. That should be a fair middle ground
anyone have any good jutsus for sending messages? like making a clone and sending them as a runner between teams?
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>>6452484
yo, good idea +1
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>>6452465
>C. Split into two teams. One with the students, and one with the sensei. That should be a fair middle ground
>>6452484
+1 to this too
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>>6452484
+1 to this as well, there's not much else we can do with nothing to go off.
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>>6452484
>>6452490
>>6452492
>>6452494
>>6452645

You've got one idea, but otherwise you'd rather wait for more info to go off of. Good news is, there's a way to do that while you're waiting.

"How about we split into two teams? One with the three of us, and then Sensei and Akamaru on a team." You put out your teaming suggestion first. "That will let us cover twice as much ground while not becoming too vulnerable."

"That sounds perfectly fine to me." Karasuba agrees immediately. "I would even think the three of us could hold off that Jonin long enough to escape, should we run into him. So you've nothing to worry about, Sensei."

"You better be careful you don't overestimate yourself, kid." Kiba scoffs. "I'm sure it'll be fine since Omoi would take it easy on you guys, but don't go thinking like that in real life and death scenario, alright? Anyway, I don't have any objections. But I'm still gonna try and keep an eye out for you guys, I can get away with it cause I've got Akamaru here with me. Kagari, you alright with this plan?"

"Yes, that's fine." She gives a curt reply, only slightly nervous. She probably knows that trying to argue to stay with Sensei would be a waste of time, so she's taking what she can get.

"But besides that, we should use this time to do some research!" You move the topic along to your other idea. "Since we're stuck in the manor for an hour, let's investigate about the old man and see if we can find any clues."

"The Cloud team had already been here for a few hours by the time we arrived." Nijirou jumps into the conversation from where he's seated a ways away. "It's a fine idea, just remember that it may only be laying catchup, rather than getting an advantage. There's no telling what they were able to find out."

Honestly, that just made you even more sure that you wanted to inspect the place. You all wait a couple of minutes for the hour to pass and the Cloud team to leave, and then you start searching the place. Your client leaves to go talk to his brother, hoping that he won't get in your way while you're looking around.

The whole house is pretty lightly furnished, and few things are around that would give any info away. In most rooms, that is. Eventually, you all make your way to the same place, the Yamatsudaira father's personal bedroom. If there's any information to be gleaned in this whole place, it's in here.

Inside, you see a shelf and counter that take up an entire wall of the room. There are many pictures of what must be the old man himself with a lot of different ninja who must have been his friends. You analyze the photos for any discernable landmarks, just in case. There's a good chance some of them were taken on this very land. The old man probably wasn't hiking out to other random places in the wilderness, surely. You manage to pick out three potential locations that you think might be around here.
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>>6452764

One is a riverbed in a valley that's probably between a couple of the mountains here. There's a distinct 'beach' made out of large stones, so you should know it when you see it.

Second looks like a cave somewhere around here. The picture is of them taking shelter from the rain inside, but you can see the tops of trees below the mouth of the cave, so it must be up one of the mountains a decent bit.

And third is a picture of the old man and his friends in a hot spring. The only reason you think this is here is because the hot spring seems to have been constructed by them at the time the photo was taken. They probably found a good location and made it on the spot. There's not a lot of indication where it might be, but there can't be that many places where you can make a hot spring out there, right?

You check the drawers for clues as well, but nothing sticks out that might immediately help you. Just clothes mostly, and some letters from over the years between him and his sons, as well as fellow nobles. Strangely enough, none of the documents you can find pertain to ninja at all. Strange for a man so connected to them that he has a shelf full of pictures with them. Either he hid them away, or the Cloud team took them. That's your guess.

When the hour is almost up, your team leaves the old man's room and heads for the foyer.

"I wish you all good luck." Nijirou sees you off. "Do your best, but also, don't get yourselves hurt on my behalf. I'd rather lose the inheritance than live with a guilty conscience."

"We'll be fine, don't you worry about that. Let's go team!" Your sensei directs you and you head off into the woods behind the manor.

"Alright, we're splitting ways here." Kiba and Akamaru start to peel off. "I'm gonna start by getting a good sense of the whole place, so I'll hone in on some choice areas later. See you!"

Akamaru also barks his own farewell as the two of them take off.

"You had some places in mind, right?" Karasuba asks, having taken note of your focus before. "Which one should we try to find first?"

>A. Head to low ground, we'll find a river and trace along it to see if we can find that riverbed

>B. Up the mountain, let's be on the lookout for caves that could hide what we're looking for

>C. Any idea where we can find a natural hot spring?

>D. We'll stumble upon one of them sooner or later, let's just search thoroughly as we go around the place

>E. Write-in
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>>6452767
>C. Any idea where we can find a natural hot spring?
IDK, I'm feeling this one the most. I figure it'd be more impressive to hide the treasure beneath a hotspring somehow than in a cave or under rocks on a beach. Besides, I think it's more like they'd know where the hotsprings where (that they built) so they could return their to hide the treasure rather than a random cave or random beach
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>>6452767
>C. Any idea where we can find a natural hot spring?
>>
Rolled 6 (1d6)

Worked late again today, give me a bit to get something written up
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>>6452767
>C. Any idea where we can find a natural hot spring?
Then if that is below the mountain; the river. But if it is in the mountain, then the cave (to avoid criss crossing)
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>>6452832
>>6452877

That hot spring photo was the one that stood out most in your mind. It's the kind of place they'd return to many times, so you're sure there's something there.

"Do you guys know how to find a natural hot spring?" You ask. "We should look for the one in the picture we saw."

"Sorry, I don't really know..." Kagari apologizes. "But I can keep a lookout for it with my byakugan."

"I'm not too familiar with the specifics myself, but I think the easiest thing to do is avoid low lying areas." Karasuba suggests. "Hot springs wouldn't be able to form in basins or anywhere that gets constant water runoff. So we should start in more elevated places."

That makes sense to you, so you go along with it. Starting of course with the closest mountain to the manor. You all hike quite a ways up before focusing your search. The three of you then comb the mountainside for several hours, but don't find anything particularly interesting. You're lucky that Kagari is here and she can search a lot more efficiently than you, or this would take even longer.

You decide to call this mountain a bust and move on to the second one. You've still got a bit of time before night falls, and while you won't have time to cover the whole mountain like you did this one, it's still worth doing.

As you arrive on the second mountain and begin scaling it, you see what seems to be fog building up in the surrounding air.

"What's with this fog?" You ask. "It's not all that humid, it should have burned off a lot earlier in the day."

"Then it likely isn't fog. It may be steam." Karasuba puts forth a possibility that bodes well for you. "If steam builds up on this mountain enough for us to notice it, then there's sure to be plenty of natural springs in the area. This is likely the place to look."

As the three of you continue your search, you do eventually find some natural springs, though they aren't the particular ones you're looking for. These ones haven't had any work done on them, they're basically just puddles of hot water bubbling out of the ground. Still, it's a good sign. But before you can get optimistic, you're interrupted by a visitor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw_1FxuTBLU

"You kids had the same idea about the hot springs, huh?" A voice inquires as a figure emerges from the tree line behind you. It's Omoi, the Jonin of the Cloud team. Just your luck. "Sorry to have to say it, but whatever clues are around here are going to my team first."

Omoi pulls out his swords, two blades each with two short branching prongs jutting out of them along their length to either side. In an instant, the blades crackle with electricity.

"I'm just gonna zap you enough to keep you from moving for a while, alright? Don't get yourselves hurt doing something crazy." Omoi insists, a strange juxtaposition of threatening and begging. "I know just how badly this can turn out, I do a lot of thinking about that kind of thing. Let's make this nice and easy."
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>>6453087

Your investigation is suddenly in jeopardy, and your teammates tense up. Kagari out of nervousness, and Karasuba seems to be waiting to see how the two of you react before she makes a move. She's probably ready to try and hold him off alone if she has to.

>A. You know she can hold her own for long enough to let you get away. You two can come back for her in a bit and you won't lose too much time in your search that way

>B. Insist that you should do the holding off instead. You can't let a girl get hurt on your behalf, you'll take the beating. Then they can come back for you

>C. All of you should beat a fighting retreat. He'll eventually give up and turn back to avoid abandoning his investigation, and you'll all be okay

>D. This is no time for cowardice. He'll be going easy on you, this is your only shot for the three of you to team up and take him down

>E. Write-in
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>>6453088
>D. This is no time for cowardice. He'll be going easy on you, this is your only shot for the three of you to team up and take him down
If he's a Jounin, I don't think even with a distraction we can run away from him. Even if we can, we're looking for the same places (Hotsprings) so we'll just end up running into him again, except we'll have a weaker team. If we are right, and the hotsprings at the right place, we're basically surrendering the treasure which is a loss. This isn't a do or die situation so I think it's fine to be risky.
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>>6453088
D
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>>6453088
>D. This is no time for cowardice. He'll be going easy on you, this is your only shot for the three of you to team up and take him down
Get his ass
>>
Sorry guys, I'm going to have to finally miss a post today. I was out at a gathering with my coworkers and only just got back, plus I still have to go to work in the morning so I need my sleep. I'll try to keep this from happening too much, since I want to stay consistent
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>>6453272
>>6453354
>>6453356

You could try and run. You could even have one person stay behind and try and slow him down. But there's no guarantee that would even work. And beyond that, you can't afford to do it. If the treasure happens to be at that hot spring right around the corner, you'd be handing it over to your opponent without a fight. And there's no way you're doing that. Maybe you wouldn't be so gung-ho about this if it truly was a life and death scenario, but that doesn't matter. It isn't, which means you have no reservations about putting it all on the line right here.

"We're not backing down." You state with all the confidence you can muster, knowing that you'll need to in order to bring Kagari in on this. "We're going to be getting that treasure, and you're the one who's going to be knocked out."

You open the storage seal that houses your meteor hammer and take it in your hands, getting ready for battle. Karasuba wastes no time following your lead and draws a kunai.

"Well said. Given the circumstances, it would be shameful to shoot for anything less." She boasts. "Kagari, we'll need your help for this."

"Okay..." The girl responds meekly, but gets into her Gentle Fist stance. "If it's with you two, then..."

"Tch. Alright, have it your way." Omoi clicks his tongue in disapproval. "I warned you, don't forget."

In an instant, the Jonin has closed the distance between him and your team. You were expecting it after having to fight your sensei though, so you were already making an attack on the area in front of you. Omoi ducks your attack and goes to slash you with the electrified swords, but he's forced to stop his swing and use the blade to deflect a barrage of shuriken from Karasuba.

Kagari surprises you with her next move, she dives right into the fray and tries to disable Omoi immediately by hitting his chakra points, but her attack doesn't quite reach him. He's too fast to be caught that easily, and he weaves between the palm strikes like it's nothing to him.

He's about to get a counterattack off, and Kagari would take a whole lot of damage if he hit her, even if he's trying not to slice her. And you can't have that. You swing one of your hammers from the other way and try to wind the chain around the swords to keep them from reaching your teammate. It does work, and it gives her a precious few seconds to jump away. However, the electrical current is stronger than you expected. The metal in your weapon isn't even particularly conductive, but it's still enough to sting your hands while the chain is in contact with the swords. You can't let it go on too long or it'll hamper your ability to fight, so you slacken the chain and let it fall from its place wrapped around the swords.

Before Omoi can follow up and attack you, he's forced to jump back again due to more weapons thrown by Karasuba. You all take a second to catch a breath and assess your situation again.
>>
>>6453765

He's stronger than all of you together by far, but you aren't making it easy for him. Since he can't just kill you, he's forced to commit to lighter attacks, and those you can reasonably deal with. At least, so far. Even if this situation keeps up, you'll still be in a stalemate. You'll have to figure something out to get the upper hand before you tire out and he's able to catch you. Since you know for sure that you'll all tire out before he does.

>A. Try to replicate your strategy from the bell test. If it worked on Kiba Sensei, it'll work on him

>B. Try out your new move to overwhelm him with projectile attacks. Somewhere in that barrage should be an opening your teammates can exploit

>C. It's time to try out channeling Impact in a real fight. Hopefully it has some kind of property that can make your attacks harder to deal with

>D. Write-in
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>>6453766
>A. Try to replicate your strategy from the bell test. If it worked on Kiba Sensei, it'll work on him
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>>6453766
>B. Try out your new move to overwhelm him with projectile attacks. Somewhere in that barrage should be an opening your teammates can exploit
Kagari landing a good hit is our win condition.
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>>6453766
>B. Try out your new move to overwhelm him with projectile attacks. Somewhere in that barrage should be an opening your teammates can exploit
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>>6453766
>B. Try out your new move to overwhelm him with projectile attacks. Somewhere in that barrage should be an opening your teammates can exploit
Lets go!
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>>6453857
>>6453877
>>6453899

Against a Jonin, your only option is to pull out all the stops from the very beginning. You learned a new technique in preparation for this kind of situation, and you better use it. Hopefully that will give you the opening your team needs.

You back up and put your hope in the others to cover you for the few seconds you'll need to pull this off. They step forward immediately and start attacking to keep Omoi from advancing too quickly, while you pull out two large scrolls from your storage space. You start to unwind them, them let gravity do the rest as you pull them up with you when you jump high into the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8U32FySELg

"Rising Twin Dragons!"

You start spinning between the unfurled scrolls, unsealing and grabbing weapons as fast as you can, throwing them in succession at your target. Swords and knives of all varieties, spears, hammers, dozens of different shapes of shuriken, and more. There's no consistency to the types of weapons you throw, and that's kind of the point. Forces the target to vary their reactions even more.

Your teammates jump back as you begin, staying just close enough to threaten an attack if they get an opening. But of course, it wouldn't be that easy. Omoi weaves between your thrown weapons, using his swords to deflect them where convenient. This probably would have reduced most Genin to pincushions, but that's not what you're dealing with. Even your teammates don't dive in, they don't see an opening despite the dodging and blocking he's doing. But maybe you can change that.

Once you've thrown everything, you begin to fall. But the move isn't over yet. You pick your hands back up and pull on the strings attached to every single weapon you just threw. They're currently surrounding your target, so if you close them in on the center, there should be little he can do to counter it. He sees what you're doing, and tries to avoid the attack by jumping upward, but you make sure to adjust and pull the strings up too. It may only catch his legs, but that would be plenty.

However, he holds his swords down to block most of the damage. The blades of your weapons are either blocked or don't quite reach anything substantial. At most, he may have a few cuts up and down the length of his legs, but likely nothing serious.

The most important thing though, is that your strings have wrapped around both his legs and the swords he held down to protect them. His movement is restricted. He'll surely be able to cut through them once he gets a chance to adjust and get some leverage, but this is exactly what you needed. An opening.

Karasuba throws a handful of shuriken at Omoi's upper body, and forces him to twist and bend in the air to avoid them, leaving him in an awkward position. It's then that Kagari steps in to make the decisive blow. Omoi can recognize it too, because now he gets desperate. He takes his hands off his swords to flash through some hand signs quickly.
>>
>>6454063

"Lightning Release: Thunderbolt!"

Suddenly, arcs of lightning extend in every direction, hitting you and your teammates. The shock is quite painful, and you aren't able to break your fall, which makes hitting the ground hurt you even more. The girls drop to their knees and cry in pain, though you see Karasuba fight to get back up basically immediately.

For Omoi's part, doing all of that while he was falling, twisting, and half wrapped up meant he didn't have time to break his own fall either, and you can see him land on his face. He takes a second to compose himself, then grabs his swords again and cuts himself free of your threads.

"Damn, you kids are fresh out of the academy, right?" Omoi asks while rubbing his scuffed face. "Kiba's got some good kids here... Making me zap you with ninjutsu instead of a little prod with Kiba, I'm being more dangerous than I'd like..."

"Huh. Kiba and Kiba." Omoi takes a second to look thoughtful as he stares at his swords. "That's funny, I didn't realize that before now. The etymology for each is obvious, it's just an entertaining coincidence."

You manage to stand back up while Omoi is talking to himself about who knows what, and the cousins have done the same. You're all trembling to different degrees though, and now that he has no reservations about straight up shocking you with ninjutsu things are looking quite bleak. You don't know if any of you even have an answer to that at all. Omoi starts to bring his hands back together to cast probably the same jutsu again, but before you can lose hope, you hear giant footsteps from the forest beside you.

From the trees emerges a giant two headed dog, snarling and running at your opponent.

"Wolf Fang over Fang!" The beast yells as it begins to spin rapidly, closing directly in on Omoi.

The Cloud ninja is forced to abandon his jutsu, grab both his swords and brace himself, putting all his strength into blocking the attack. The spinning beast meets the swords and pushes Omoi far back into the trees and out of sight, leaving your team alone next to the bubbling puddles of hot water. You can still hear a bit of clashing in the distance, but you all seem to be safe for now.

The three of you breathe a collective sigh of relief and take a few moments to catch your breath. Even everything you had wasn't enough to take on a Jonin. You had to get bailed out. Which is understandable, but still disappointing. But you've got more important things to worry about. Your bodies still ache from the electric shocks, but you merely take a couple of minutes to rest before resuming your search for the constructed natural springs. After not too long of searching, you think you find them.

They look remarkably like the ones in the photo, but more than that, they look used. There are a few wooden stools set about for people to sit on, as well as wooden buckets. One of them is still damp inside, it was used quite recently. But by who?
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>>6454065

"Kagari, use your byakugan. See if there is anything hidden here." Karasuba directs. "If we're lucky, it's the treasure itself."

Kagari obliges and searches the surroundings for a bit. After a couple minutes, she indicates a spot in the earth, and the three of you dig out a box. You open it, and are disappointed.

It's an icebox. Full of ice, beer, and fruit flavored milk. Buried in the ground to keep it cold, it's just here to hold some refreshment for the hot spring goers.

Kagari keeps looking, but there's nothing else here. It seems that this location wasn't the hiding place of the inheritance. Still, maybe it wasn't a complete waste. You did learn something.

The brothers only just arrived, and they wouldn't be hiking all the way out here. Your opponents in this search also just arrived, and they wouldn't be wasting time taking a dip in the hot springs, you're pretty sure. But that bucket must have been used in the past few hours. Which can only mean one thing.

Somebody else is out here.

You can see the sun starting to set. It'll be dark within the hour. Now you'll have to figure out what to do with your night.

>A. All of you are tired and hurt. Head back to the manor and get a good night's rest on a real futon

>B. Set up camp here, waste no time getting back to the search in the morning

>C. No resting, keep looking into the night. Maybe there's something we'll only notice then?

>D. Write-in
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>>6454066
>C. No resting, keep looking into the night. Maybe there's something we'll only notice then?
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>>6454066
>B. Set up camp here, waste no time getting back to the search in the morning
I didn't consider there could be other treasure hunters. Actually, he was friends with Ninja so there might even be other Ninja hunting for it for personal reasons. I wonder if dear old Dad is actually still alive and this is some trick?
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>>6454066
>B. Set up camp here, waste no time getting back to the search in the morning
>>
>>6454194
>>6454364

It would be better not to try and do any searching in the dark. Not to mention you're still aching from that lightning. You need some shuteye.

"We should probably set up camp and get some rest for the night." You suggest. "Then wake up early and get back to it."

The girls both agree, and you find a decent place with flat ground and tree cover nearby. Since you're here already, you take turns going in the hot spring briefly once each, if for nothing else than to soothe your muscles a little bit. You all also eat some rations you packed along with you, as tasteless as they are. You've got enough for two more days if you need it, then you'd be down to hunting. But hopefully you won't even need both the day's worth before this is all over.

"We'll take shifts keeping watch. Three hours apiece." Karasuba decides on behalf of everyone. "That gets us all a good six hours of sleep, and we'll be fine to go on tomorrow. I'll keep first watch, then wake up Kagari for her shift. Akio, you can go last."

You don't really have a problem with that plan, even though you weren't consulted about it. Kagari naturally accepts it as well, and the two of you lay out your bedrolls and try to get to sleep as fast as possible. It's still early spring, and you're farther north than the Leaf, so it's slightly chilly at night. But nothing you can't endure for a few nights. You manage to fall asleep within a few minutes anyway, so that just shows how tired you truly were.

After a sufficiently restful sleep given the situation you're in, you're shaken lightly by the shoulder to wake you.

"Akio... It's time for your shift." You hear a very faint voice. "It's your turn to keep watch, so... wake up please."

You shake yourself awake and sit up, seeing Kagari leaning over you and sheepishly grasping your shoulder. Once you're clearly awake, she withdraws quickly with a bashful expression on her face.

"No problems so far?" You ask, making sure to get alert as fast as you can.

"Karasuba said she thinks someone came by and noticed we were here, but they left quickly. She didn't even get a chance to see them. Nothing else happened for her shift." Kagari explains. "I kept an eye out for anyone, but no one ever came."

You thank her and tell her to get some rest, then take up your position. It's quite dull to keep watch in the early hours of the morning, but you suppose it's better than having to react to a sudden emergency. You keep your eyes and ears peeled for any sign of visitors, but like Kagari, you come up with nothing. If Karasuba really did notice someone, they clearly decided to leave you alone.

Morning does eventually come, and as the sun begins to rise, so too do your teammates. You pack up your things, and get ready to get right back into searching for that treasure. Though now you need to decide on a new lead to follow.
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>>6454450

>A. The river from the picture may hold some other clue that will lead you in the right direction

>B. A cave is a good place to hide treasure, right? Might as well look for the one from the photo

>C. There's somebody else out here that you don't know about. Look around for signs of them, they might be the key

>D. Hunt down Kiba Sensei and share information. That might help you all put things together

>E. Try to find any of the Genin from the other team and see if you can figure out what info they've been working on. And knock them out of the search for a bit while you're at it

>F. Write-in
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>>6454452
>C. There's somebody else out here that you don't know about. Look around for signs of them, they might be the key
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>>6454452
>C. There's somebody else out here that you don't know about. Look around for signs of them, they might be the key
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>>6454452
>C. There's somebody else out here that you don't know about. Look around for signs of them, they might be the key

>You shake yourself awake and sit up, seeing Kagari leaning over you and sheepishly grasping your shoulder. Once you're clearly awake, she withdraws quickly with a bashful expression on her face.
Aww
>>
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>>6440343
>>6454660
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>>6454455
>>6454459
>>6454660

You could just go back to looking for one of the places in the photos, but you've got new information now. Slightly more compelling information, at that.

"You guys saw that someone used the springs before us, right?" You ask your teammates, and they nod to confirm your suspicions. "It's not the other team, and it's not the clients. Someone else is out here."

"If I were to make a guess, I'd say the father's ninja friends are our culprits." Karasuba puts forth her hypothesis. "It would take a ninja to have noticed us last night and left before they could be seen, but I can't imagine any of the other team doing nothing. It's possible that these ninja are in fact tasked with something in regards to the inheritance. We can't know for sure, but I think it's likely."

All three of you agree on your course of action, and you head off. Since it was use of the springs that tipped you off, you start searching from the area around the springs outward. Kagari is doing most of the heavy lifting with her byakugan, but you and Karasuba each put in your fair share. It's several hours before you find anything, but you do eventually find something. It's a trap set to catch deer. A simple rope trap, nothing fancy. But it's something.

"It's actually a bit strange that this is all we've found..." Karasuba muses to herself. "In fact, I think we might actually be going about this the wrong way."

Karasuba looks up to the sky. You and Kagari do the same. Ever since you climbed this mountain in search of the hot springs, there's been a faint cloud of steam in the air. At first you just rationalized it as the hot springs being near, but this steam layer is present on the whole mountain, even places far from any springs. You think you might know what Karasuba is getting at.

"Are you saying they're hiding with genjutsu?" You ask, pretty sure that's where this is going.

"Exactly. This steam is likely part of it." Karasuba assures you. "It wouldn't be so perpetual if it wasn't on purpose. I suspect that it has an effect subtle enough on our senses that we don't really notice, but it can keep us from checking in the right direction. Give me a few minutes, I want to check something."

Karasuba steps aside and brings Kagari with her, and the tow of them spend quite a while looking each other over with their dojutsu. They're probably looking at chakra flow or something like that, you're pretty sure that's a thing they can do. After a while, Karasuba puts her fingers up and does what you think is a genjutsu release. You haven't learned how to do it yet, but you know of it. She looks Kagari over again, then does the release on her behalf and does one final lookover. She looks pretty satisfied after that, then returns to you and does the release for you, too.

"I have no doubt we were under a genjutsu. We should be free of it now." Karasuba insists, as she withdraws her fingers from poking you.
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>>6454820

"But I don't know the exact mechanism, so we could fall under it again. I'll be keeping an eye on our chakra with my sharingan and performing the release again if necessary."

With that settled, you three all resume your search. Sure enough, you manage to notice an area of the mountain that you hadn't seen before, despite circling the thing twice. And more than that, there's smoke rising from between the trees. Someone has a fire going.

The three of you keep your distance for now, and you let Kagari scope things out from afar.

"It's not just a camp." She tells you. "It's three whole buildings, houses probably. I think... they're actually living out here. I can see seven ninja in the area, but there might be some that aren't here right now."

"I wouldn't suspect that we're dealing with more than ten at most." Karasuba makes a guess. "The question is whether they're hostile. Are they here to fight off people looking for the inheritance, or do they serve another purpose? Maybe we can negotiate."

Karasuba seems to think that these ninja might be here as part of some test the client's father set up. It would be quite a risk to act on that assumption, though.

>A. Let's just head in and show ourselves. They're probably up for talking, right? And if not, we can handle ourselves

>B. Now is the time for stealth. Sneak into the houses and look for clues undetected

>C. Try to catch one that leaves on their own for an interrogation

>D. You might need Sensei's help for this one

>E. Write-in
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>>6454823
>D. You might need Sensei's help for this one
We found a really good clue, best to re-group. There is a bit to catch up on and to be honest, dealing with 7+ legit ninja is above our pay grade.
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>>6454823
>B. Now is the time for stealth. Sneak into the houses and look for clues undetected
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>>6454823
>B. Now is the time for stealth. Sneak into the houses and look for clues undetected
I feel like going to get Kiba is probably the best option, but I feel like Akio would want to prove himself on his first mission as well
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>>6454869
>>6455058

Perhaps it would be prudent to go back now and find your sensei before going onward. Bring him along with you, and ensure your success. But something tells you that you aren't satisfied with that idea. The goal could be sitting right in front of you at this very moment, and you would be walking away from it. You decide to instead believe in your skills and those of your teammates. It's time for some infiltration.

"I think we should opt for stealth here." You suggest. "We don't know what they might do if we just talk to them, so let's try and find out what we can without making ourselves known."

"Are you sure? What if we get attacked?" Kagari asks nervously. You know she'd definitely prefer to wait and bring Kiba Sensei along.

"I'll agree to Akio's idea. Perhaps we can learn what their purpose is here." Karasuba weighs in and puts a majority behind your plan. "Kagari, you can stay behind if you want. You'd serve well as a lookout, you could make sure we don't get caught unawares. If we are confronted by a single ninja for example, then we will probably be able to handle ourselves, but it's the whole group descending upon us that we need to be wary of."

"I... see. Okay, I think I can do that for you." Kagari lets herself be convinced to play her own role in your plan, and things seem to be set.

Your lookout tells you which house currently has no one in it, and you and Karasuba head out as quietly as you can. On the approach, you can see the center of the clearing the houses are in has a big fire pit that a few ninja are sitting around and seemingly chatting at. Behind the houses you can see some small fields growing vegetables of some kind. It really looks like they made a miniature village out here.

You keep low and covered by the vegetation for as long as you can, drawing quite close to the house. There's an open window on a side facing away from the center of the clearing, so that's your obvious ticket inside. When the two of you reach it, you do a quick check to make sure no one made their way inside, then you slip in.

On the inside, you see quite a modest place. The whole thing actually looks quite like the main hall of the manor, though much more rudimentary of course. There's the same type of fire pit, three cushions on the floor, a counter for preparing food on, three futons folded up in a small closet, and a few pictures hung up on the walls. Some of them are the exact same as those you saw in the manor, so you can be absolutely sure that these ninja are the personal friends of your client's father.

The last thing of note is a dresser that is mostly full of clothes, but the bottom drawer is full of ninja tools. Including a fancy looking kunai with a hot spring symbol of sorts on it. It might be the symbol of the former Hidden Village of this land.

There really isn't a whole lot to be found in this house at least, but there are two more you could check.
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>>6455136

The two of you find a spot behind some barrels between the house you were in and the next one, and you decide to do some eavesdropping while you're here. Maybe you'll pick up some good info.

You also try and get a look at the ninja in question. Most of them are pretty old, maybe not as old as the Fifth, but close. There are two younger ones, but they're still full adults so it isn't saying too much. It's also mostly men, though there are two old women that you can see. The conversations they are having seem to mainly have to do with their daily lives. Hunting, farming, basic stuff. Though eventually a new person arrives at the scene and changes the subject to something more interesting. You don't even have time to clock that this is now eight ninja present here.

"One of the teams found the entrance to the treasure room." The newly arrived ninja says, as the others perk up with interest. "They don't have a way to get in, but we should keep an eye out."

"Which one, Ichida's?" Another ninja asks, this one an old lady. "It might be better if he's the one to find it. Nijirou never liked us and our ninja ways."

"He'll sell everything he can just the same, neither brother is like Lord Yamatsudaira." One of the younger ninja insists. "No matter what happens, the Village Hidden in the Hot Spring finally meets its end with this."

"Perhaps it's for the best." The oldest looking man begins to speak. "We've spent too many years out here pretending, avoiding reality. Living off the generousity of a good friend while we clung to the past. It was always going to end someday."

All the ninja look rather solemn. You have a bit of an idea of what's going on here now, though not enough to know how they would react to you. You eventually manage to get enough movement opportunities to slip into the next house, but you find more of the same as the last one. A slightly different arrangement, a different assortment of pictures, and that same fancy kunai with the symbol. You and Karasuba both get the feeling that the final house would be the same story.

Suddenly, you hear a thunk on the wall of the house you're in. A thrown kunai. This is the signal that Kagari had planned to give you when multiple ninja were headed inside the house you were currently in. Which means it's time to get out of here. Unless you've decided not to.

>A. They seem pretty settled on someone finding the treasure, so just be upfront with them and try talking

>B. You'd rather not risk anything, just get out and resume your search elsewhere. Try and find that entrance they talked about

>C. You're sure there's a clue here, and you're not leaving without it

>D. Now you can meet back up with Sensei, you've got more than enough info to exchange

>E. Write-in
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>>6455137
>D. Now you can meet back up with Sensei, you've got more than enough info to exchange
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>>6455137
>C. You're sure there's a clue here, and you're not leaving without it
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>>6455137
>A. They seem pretty settled on someone finding the treasure, so just be upfront with them and try talking
>>
First reply with A C or D calls it
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>>6455418
>D
>>6455152
Me
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>>6455433

Without wasting any time, the two of you slip back outside undetected. You grab the kunai from the side of the house on your way out, so hopefully no one will ever know you were here.

You meet back up with Kagari, then put some distance between you and the miniature village. Just to be safe. You relay what you found out to your third teammate, then suggest a next course of action.

"We should meet back up with Kiba Sensei now." You insist. "We've got a lot to tell him, and he may have info for us, too. Either way, it'll be good to have all our strength in one place if we're going to be confronting anyone."

"Yes! Let's do that!" Kagari replies, finally excited to agree to someone's plan.

"That's fine with me. I've got the radio, so I'll try and get a hold of him so we can find where to meet up." Karasuba agrees to the idea, and pulls out a small radio that your team brought along in case you needed to get in touch with your teacher in an emergency. It doesn't seem very ninja-like to you for some reason, but apparently it's not all too uncommon.

"Sensei, it's Karasuba. Can you hear me?" She speaks over the radio once she's got it set up. "Come in Sensei, we need to meet up. We have valuable information that we need to convey."

After a few tries, Karasuba gets a reply, and she leads you to where Kiba is presumably directing her. After a few minutes of travel, your teacher and Akamaru emerge from the brush coming the other way.

"Hey there kids, good to see you doing well." He smiles and waves. Akamaru barks his own greeting, though it feels a bit low energy. "Glad I was keeping an eye out for you yesterday, Omoi would have been bad news for you."

"And we do appreciate it Sensei, but we have more pressing matters." Karasuba interrupts him. "There's a group of Hot Spring ninja just living out here, and they know about the search for the inheritance."

Karasuba goes on to explain everything you guys saw and heard in the settlement, with you occasionally pitching in and giving your take.

"What about you, Sensei?" Kagari asks, once the two of you have finished. "Have you been alright? Did you discover anything?"

"Well, I wish I could say everything's been perfect." Kiba lets his smile drop and looks down at his canine companion. "Akamaru can't move like he used to. We fought Omoi to a standstill, but he got away pretty easy once Akamaru was tired out. His legs can't handle the speed and power of our attacks anymore, so he's hurting himself trying. I've had to take it a bit easy for the last while."

Akamaru whimpers a little bit. You can tell he's ashamed of holding his partner back, but Kiba just puts his smile back on and pets his buddy.
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>>6455456

"I've been putting my feelers out there though, I've got a good sense of where everybody is." Your teacher tries to shift to optimism. "That's why I'm not too surprised at the little makeshift village, I could tell there were at least a few other people out here. Omoi has met back up with his team as well, they're all in one place. From what you told me those ninja said, I imagine that spot is where the entrance to the treasure room is. If I had to guess."

At this point, you've basically got two options. Either you head to face off with the other team and fight over the treasure now, or you head back to the tiny village and confront the ninja there about what to do. Though there are still a couple of ways you could go about each.

>A. There's no time to fool around, we need to go take out the Cloud team now before they find a way inside and get the treasure

>B. Perhaps we can stay stealthy and find a way to get into the treasure room without alerting the other team

>C. Let's just go back and ask the Hot Spring ninja what we should do, they'll probably tell us

>D. Don't take any chances that we might get fooled. Go back into the village swinging and demand answers with weapons in hand. More reliable that way

>E. Write-in
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>>6455457
>C. Let's just go back and ask the Hot Spring ninja what we should do, they'll probably tell us
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>>6455457
>B. Perhaps we can stay stealthy and find a way to get into the treasure room without alerting the other team
>>
>B. Perhaps we can stay stealthy and find a way to get into the treasure room without alerting the other team
It would be a great feat, right from under their noses. I don't see the Ninja being forthcoming.
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>>6455508
>C. Let's just go back and ask the Hot Spring ninja what we should do, they'll probably tell us
maybe negotiate with them if all they want is to chill in their own village that no one knows about.
>>
A tie at the last minute, huh

First reply picks between B and C
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>>6455778
C
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>>6455803

For your part, you think there's negotiation to be had with those ninja you were eavesdropping on before. They didn't seem unreasonable at all, maybe they'll even just tell you how to get into the treasure room if you ask.

"We should just go ask the Hot Spring ninja about it." You suggest. "There's no danger if Sensei's with us, so there's no reason not to try talking. Maybe they really do just want nothing more than to stay out here and be left alone."

"I concur. From what they said, there's a secret to getting into the treasure room." Karasuba supports your idea. "The Cloud team should be stuck, so we have plenty of time to find the answer ourselves."

"Sounds like a plan." Your teacher does a little stretching, then runs off at the head of the group in the direction of the settlement.

You all get pretty close to where you remember it, though the steam is back, so you don't know if you got put under genjutsu again. This time however, it doesn't matter. Because after sitting still briefly, Kiba and Akamaru lead you guys right to the spot, like it wasn't even hidden. Your group walks up to the space between the three houses, and makes yourselves known.

"Hey there!" Your sensei greets the ninja, acting friendly. "I'm Kiba Inuzuka, of the Hidden Leaf. Nijirou hired me and my squad. From what I understand, you all already know quite a bit about what's going on, so I'd like to skip most of the formalities. We're up against the clock, you understand."

"Yes, yes, of course." The oldest man gives a slight bow and responds. "My name is Yusui. I'm something of an informal leader of this little village of ours. Lord Yamatsudaira allowed us to set up out here on his land after the village was turned into a resort town. We've been here, cultivating our ninja skills and protecting the last secrets of Hidden Hot Spring ninjutsu. Since there is no one else that will."

"One of the brothers has to get the inheritance, it's unavoidable." Karasuba chimes in. "If you help us be the ones to do it, we'll talk to Nijirou on your behalf. That sounds fair, right?"

"It's not quite that simple, young lady. But I appreciate the thought." Yusui chuckles. "Here, take this."

The old man tosses her one of the ornate kunai you saw in the houses when you were here earlier.

"That is one of the two keys to opening the door of the treasure room." The old man explains. "The other is something far more obvious, so we will let you figure it out for yourselves."

You look at all of the Hot Spring ninja gathered here. They look solemn, but determined. It seems they're ready for this to end, one way or the other.

Kiba Sensei turns suddenly, as if sensing something.

"Omoi broke off from the others, he's heading roughly in our direction. Not straight for us, though." Your teacher tells you, with confidence you have no choice but to believe. "He might have figured something out."

The other team doesn't have one of these kunai, so you still have a chance to win this.
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>>6455819

>A. All of you should go jump Omoi and see what he knows

>B. The Genin are defenseless right now, go to the treasure room entrance and stake your claim

>C. Split up again, let the Jonin handle the Jonin. You are confident in your team's ability to take on some other Genin

>D. Stay hidden and watch what they do, they still shouldn't be able to get inside, but if it looks like they can, you can always jump out and stop them

>E. Write-in
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>>6455821
>B. The Genin are defenseless right now, go to the treasure room entrance and stake your claim
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>>6455821
>B. The Genin are defenseless right now, go to the treasure room entrance and stake your claim
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>>6455821
>D. Stay hidden and watch what they do, they still shouldn't be able to get inside, but if it looks like they can, you can always jump out and stop them
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>>6455821
>B. The Genin are defenseless right now, go to the treasure room entrance and stake your claim
We ball
>>
I got my ass handed to me at work, only just got out. Post today will be very late
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>>6455868
>>6455872
>>6455906

You probably won't get an opportunity like this again. Now is the time to strike.

"Without their Jonin with them, we should be able to take them on easily!" You insist. "We should head straight for them right now and take care of them before he comes back!"

"You know you're asking me to join you in beating up a bunch of kids, right?" Kiba stifles a laugh. "That's pretty mean of you. But hey, we are in this to win, after all."

The girls also agree to the idea, and your squad follows your teacher and his dog as they head off to the third and furthest mountain from the manor.

"They seemed to be inside the mountain, so I'm thinking they're in a cave." Kiba tells you as you approach.

You all climb pretty high up the mountain, and you can see the sea of trees below you. Eventually you can see a fairly large cave entrance on the far side after circling around, and you all begin to approach it. You're trying to take them by surprise and end this quickly, after all. But it seems they were more prepared than you expected.

Before your team can step into the cave, you feel a faint sensation creep along your skin that makes your hair stand on end.

"It's a trap! Everybody get down! Jump clear of the cave entrance!" Your sensei shouts, and you try to follow the instruction along with your teammates.

A second later, a huge bolt of lightning cleaves the sky and strikes the ground right in front of the cave entrance. You and your team barely managed to jump clear of it, you can still feel a bit of a shock despite dodging it. Your ears are ringing from the thunder, and your eyes hurt from the flash of lightning. You know that you can't afford to spend too long recovering though, as this is the perfect time for your enemy to strike. Your teammates all fight to get up immediately, and Karasuba even starts to head into the cave again, but you're all stopped.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9gdV7WsXPA

"Ink Splatter Jutsu!" You hear a voice from slightly in the cave, which you believe to be from Eito. It's followed by a huge glob of black material being expelled out of the mouth of the cave and directly towards you, covering your bodies and threatening to get in your eyes. It's become hard to move and hard to see.

"Storm Release: Strobe Light!" A second voice comes in, this one harder to recognize. But it's male, so by process of elimination, it must be Terui. This attack seems to consist of chaotically flashing orbs of light that move around and try to stay in your field of vision. Between them and the ink, you basically can't see anything.

You try to reorient yourself and stay prepared for an attack, but fortunately, you aren't the immediate target. Unfortunately, that target is Karasuba, who was closest to the cave's entrance. You can barely see it happening, but you do see two figures slam into her with their arms from either side.
>>
>>6456103

"Double Lariat!" They both say at once. You can hear something breaking, and Karasuba groans in pain before dropping to her knees.

"We went easy on you that time." A girl's voice says, surely A. "But that should still keep you out of this. Don't be fighting with any broken ribs."

They don't waste any time, and all start running immediately before Kiba and Akamaru can attack. Your sensei and his dog manage to recover from the sensory assault, though you can tell they probably took even more damage from it than you did. You and Kagari recover soon after, then you look to see Karasuba's hands glowing as she presses them to her chest. You're pretty sure that's healing jutsu. You're kind of floored that she knows how to use it already, you guys just graduated the academy. You don't know just how effective it'll be, but she might not be totally out of this fight yet.

That trick they pulled will only work once. They no longer have either the element of surprise nor favorable terrain. You could give chase now, and try to take them out before they get the chance to meet up with their teacher. Or alternatively, they've just given you free reign of the treasure room entrance. If you can get in before they even return, then it's your win.

>A. Chase the Genin down, better safe than sorry. You should be able to take them out, then let Kiba Sensei handle Omoi once he arrives

>B. No reason to fight any pointless battles. Hurry and get the treasure now and end this thing before they have a chance to snatch it out from under you

>C. Write-in
>>
>>6456105
>B. No reason to fight any pointless battles. Hurry and get the treasure now and end this thing before they have a chance to snatch it out from under you
>>
>>6456105
>B. No reason to fight any pointless battles. Hurry and get the treasure now and end this thing before they have a chance to snatch it out from under you
IDK if this is the best idea of or not, we might get in and suddenly they'll be right behind us.
>>
>>6456136
>>6456208

All three of you converge on Karasuba and check on her more closely. Kagari is particularly worried, which is understandable. But Karasuba manages to stand up on her own despite her injuries, and seems ready to move while healing herself. There really seems to be no stopping this girl, ever. But for you, this is yet another reason not to go looking for a fight at the moment.

"Let's hurry and get the treasure before they get back!" You tell the others. "We won't even have to fight if we claim it first."

"That's if we can." Kiba shakes his head as he looks at Karasuba treating her wound. He decides to pick her up and carry her for a while, which she looks like she's going to protest at first, but she gives in when it becomes easier for her to focus on healing. "We don't know what we have to do to get in. But it's worth trying. Let's check it out."

Your group heads into the cave, and after a bit of walking, you see that the far end is covered in an elaborate seal of some kind. And while you can't tell exactly what it does, you do have enough sealing knowledge to recognize at least one characteristic of it. It's got the same pattern as seals used for traps. If you do something to set it off, something will happen as a result. You don't know what, but given your current environment, you'd guess a cave-in probably.

Towards the center of the wall, there's a small recess at about waist height. For an adult. For you it's more like chest height. It's not very wide, but the seal on the wall coalesces here, so it's definitely the way to undo it and get into the room. You take note of the recess' peculiar shape. It's like a semi-cylinder carved into the wall, but the lip on the bottom juts out to make a circular shaped ledge. The ledge itself is concave, so it's like there's a bowl carved into the rock here. At the bottom of this basin, there's a diamond shaped hole. It's quite an obvious shape, and you know what its purpose is.

Karasuba recognizes it too, as occupied as she is. "Akio, grab the kunai from my pouch." She tells you. Sensei is busy holding her straight to help her heal better, and she's doing the healing, of course, so she had to ask either you or Kagari. Why you and not Kagari? You're not totally sure. Maybe she just think's you're more of an action taking kind of person.

Anyway, you reach into Karasuba's ninja tool pouch and sift through a few things until you pull out the ornate kunai with the now defunct hidden village's symbol on it. You turn right back around and stab in into the appropriately shaped hole in the recess, then wait for something to happen. But nothing does. Not too surprising, but you had to try.

"We're still missing something. But what?" Kiba muses out loud. "I'd feel better about this if we had a bit more time to analyze the puzzle, the others have been here since yesterday evening, so they probably have some more insight. We might end up having to fight them for it, after all."
>>
>>6456384

Kagari sighs disappointedly at hearing that, she was really hoping you could end this all right now. Karasuba is still healing away at herself, knowing her she intends to be in fighting shape by the time the other team returns

You guys would be the ones with the chance to ambush this time, so it wouldn't be nearly as bad as what you just went through. Still, you can't help but look back at the seal and wish you could figure it out.

>A. Their sensei probably left to get what they need for the puzzle. Let's set up and wait for them to fight for it once and for all

>B. Try and solve this puzzle yourself (Requires a correct write-in)

>C. Write-in
>>
>>6456385
>C. Write-in
It looks like a bowl, that has a drain in it.
The kunai is the plug to the drain, so now it is time to fill it up with a liquid.
Does someone have water chakra? Or a canteen of water? Otherwise someone might have to go to the hot springs and get a bucket of water. Blood is probably a hardcore alternative.
>>
>>6456413
>B. Try and solve this puzzle yourself
not sure why I coped the >C option
>>
>>6456385
The bucket from the hot spring. Do we need to use it to transfer hot spring water and put it in here?
>>
>>6456385
>B
Can we pour Chakra into the Kunai? Use of Chakra proves you're a Ninja, right?
>>6456413
I think it being a repository for Chakra makes sense, it may have to be specifically water, yes. If that doesn't work then we should ( A ) prepare for an ambush.
>>
>>6456414
>>6456426
>>6456616

What you can surmise for now is that this is clearly supposed to be a bowl. So logically that would lead you to believe that you need to fill it with a liquid. You take out your canteen and dump it into the basin, watching it fill up now that the kunai has plugged the hole. Kagari sees you doing this and follows suit, and between the both of you the bowl gets pretty much completely filled. However, nothing happens.

"It would have been nice if it were that easy." Kiba sighs. "But I think if we have to fill that with something, there's another thing that makes more sense for where we are."

"Yeah... We need hot spring water, don't we?" You voice your suspicion. "Which means we have to leave this place and go get it."

"Omoi is..." Your sensei stays still for a moment again, and you wait for him. He clearly knows what he's doing when it comes to sensing. "He's met up with his team and they're headed here. I think from his line of travel he went to were we ran into him yesterday. He's probably got some hot spring water on him right now. We've each got half of the puzzle. There's no way around it now, this only ends with us fighting. Winner takes both halves of the key, and that's the game."

Suddenly, your teacher's face drops a significant degree of confidence.

"Or they could also have a kunai and they can open it themselves..." Kiba trails off. "The village is close enough to swing by, and I wasn't tracking him the whole time... Probably not, right? But it's possible..."

Kagari tries to steel herself now that she knows there's no getting out of it. Karasuba is still healing, but she actually looks like she's in less pain now. So she will probably be able to fight, though you're worried about her. As for you, you don't plan on backing down after having come this far.

You pull the kunai out of the rock and let the water drain out, then stash it away. "Then let's do it, Sensei! Let's get them back for that ambush from before!"

"They'll be here in a few minutes, so I don't think there's time to set up a trap seal like they did, but we can take some advantageous positions." Your teacher thinks things over. "We should be prepared to pair off for individual fights. They might all be carrying some hot spring water and try to slip one member past us. Can you guys handle it?"

Karasuba finally finishes healing herself, then jumps down from your sensei's arms. "Without a doubt. I won't let that wound I took go unanswered."

"I don't want to let you guys down..." Kagari says hesitantly. "So I'll fight too."

You just shoot your teacher a thumbs up, you already made yourself clear.

"Alright, let's get into position, team!" Kiba pumps his fist in the air as he directs you all to move.

He and Akamaru are heading outside the furthest. They need to be able to catch Omoi first, since he's the biggest threat. They'll stop him before he even has a chance to attack any of you.
>>
>>6456820

Meanwhile, you three Genin post up right beyond the mouth of the cave. You intend to give them a taste of their own medicine and launch some attacks from here as they approach.

Within just a few minutes, you hear a huge crashing sound from the forest just below you, as well as see plenty of lightning fly around. It seems Sensei has begun his own battle. The three of you stay alert, and prepare to attack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scWSTDsj3IM

The moment the three opposing Genin come into view, you all act. Kagari and Karasuba do the same hand signs, and go for their doubled up jutsu.

"Fire Release! Great Fireball Jutsu!"

As they both spew flames, you throw a few kunai that you've been channeling Impact chakra into. If any of them even graze one of your opponents, then they'll be getting a very nasty cut.

"Water Release: Water Wall!" Terui acts quickly and spits out a decent amount of water, trying to block the fire. It's not enough to completely negate it, but it dulls the worst of the damage.

Then you hear some clanging, as if a few of your kunai were successfully deflected. But not all of them. "Agh!" You hear from A. It seems you got her somewhere.

When the three Cloud Genin emerge after the attack is done, they look pretty roughed up. Singed hair, scorched clothes, and A has a nasty gash across her left shoulder. But none of them look ready to give up. They all waste no time, and split up. A runs along the right side of the cave, Terui on the left, and Eito heads straight down the middle. It looks like you'll each have to fight your own fight.

>A. Karasuba will want to fight A, but you should take it instead. She's a bad matchup

>B. Terui seems to have a special release like you do. He's probably a ninjutsu specialist. You think you can take him on

>C. You and Eito deserve a fair faceoff. Then you can laugh about it as friends when it's over

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6456822
>B. Terui seems to have a special release like you do. He's probably a ninjutsu specialist. You think you can take him on
I want to choose >A but I think her pride means Karasuba has to do it
>>
>>6456822
>A. Karasuba will want to fight A, but you should take it instead. She's a bad matchup
We already wounded her
>>
Alright, you know the drill. First reply

>A. Fight A

>B. Fight Terui
>>
>>6457209
>B
>>
>>6457211

You feel like you'd be a good match against A, with her taijutsu focus. But you can't bring yourself to take Karasuba's opponent from her. If she doesn't get a proper fight, you know she'd just be seething.

Out of the remaining two, you decide to go for Terui. That jutsu he used earlier during their ambush wasn't one of the five basic elemental releases. Like you, he must have a kekkei genkai. And if he's used that opportunity to specialize in ninjutsu, then it could be a tough fight for any of you. You might just have the best shot against him.

Which leaves Eito for Kagari. You still don't know much about what he can do, basically only that ink jutsu. But his demeanor at least is probably the best one for Kagari to face. She shouldn't be too scared to fight, since she knows he's a pretty nice guy. At least, that's what you're hoping.

You dash to the left and cut off Terui, and see Karasuba doing the same to A on the other side. Kagari notices you both move, and takes up a fighting stance. From here, you'll just have to trust the others. You've got your own battle to attend to.

Terui isn't currently holding his camera, it's probably tucked away in his bag. You caught a glimpse of him using it when they ran away earlier, so he must be anticipating trouble to have not brought it out at all. He throws a couple of shuriken your way to make you dodge and tries to feint to get past you, but you don't give him the room. You immediately pull out your meteor hammer and swing it to deny him any way by you. The cave is a fairly confined space, so he has to be careful to not get hit, and he certainly can't sneak by you like this.

He jumps back to avoid getting hit, then stops for a moment. It seems that only now is he certain that the only way out of this is to beat you in a fight.

The ceiling of the cave is too low for you to use the Rising Twin Dragons, so that's right out. But with less room for him to dodge, your other attacks should find an easier time hitting home. That said, you don't know what all he could have in his bag of tricks. You've seen him use that flashing light jutsu and a water wall, so you can stay on guard for them. But when he pulls out a move you've never seen before, pretty much all you can do is rely on your instincts.

>A. Don't give him any room to breathe, keep taking swings at him in this confined space until he slips up and gets hit

>B. Don't show all your cards right away. Let him give you an opening after trying something fancy, then punish him with your most powerful hit

>C. Keep him guessing by swapping weapons at a decent pace. Eventually he'll trip up from having to readjust his moves

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6457223
>A. Don't give him any room to breathe, keep taking swings at him in this confined space until he slips up and gets hit
>>
>>6457223
>C. Keep him guessing by swapping weapons at a decent pace. Eventually he'll trip up from having to readjust his moves
>>
>>6457223
>A. Don't give him any room to breathe, keep taking swings at him in this confined space until he slips up and gets hit
not gonna lie, akios skills at this point don't leave a lot of room for creativity
>>
>>6457223
>A. Don't give him any room to breathe, keep taking swings at him in this confined space until he slips up and gets hit
Might as well get best use out of our weapon
>>
>>6457260
>>6457331
>>6457417

If your guess is right and this guy is specialized in ninjutsu, that would make him a very dangerous type for a Genin. Your dad was talking about how hard he was to deal with back in the day, if Terui takes the same approach then you have a clear best option for how to deal with him.

You dive back in while swinging your hammers in shorter arcs now, giving him less room to dodge. You also mix up your tempo so he can't get too comfortable. If he sees a rhythm that he can exploit, then he's going to launch some kind of ninjutsu at you and that will be much worse for you to have to contend with. As it is, you're keeping him busy.

"Man, if I knew I was just going to be dodging instead of attacking, I'd have kept my camera out!" He tells you, between weaving through your attacks. "This is some pretty neat stuff, I gotta say. Don't see a weapon like this often, I hope I get another opportunity to get some footage."

This guy is pretty agile. Even with all his focus on dodging, you'd expect a Genin to have slipped up by now. It's clear that he's trying to outlast you. You're the one swinging around the heavy weapon, so once you start to slow down, that's when he'll retaliate. Maybe you can exploit that.

A few swings later, you start to slow your tempo way down, simulating yourself getting tired. He'll probably use this chance to pull something, but you need to mix things up yourself, and it's better than having to deal with a trick of his once you're actually tired for real. You watch him carefully as you but longer and longer between each swing, ready to start back up again after dodging whatever it is he comes up with.

Soon enough, you get your chance. Terui slips to the side and makes some hand signs. "Storm Release: Laser Arrow!"

A beam of what looks like solid light bursts from Terui's finger and flies forward at astonishing speed. You immediately drop as low as you can while jumping to the side, then kick off towards him again so you can continue your assault at max speed to catch him off guard. Your hammer is about to make contact with his leg, but you feel an intense searing pain on the side of your arm and glance aside to see that the laser beam didn't fly straight. It curved to follow your movement. It wasn't able to catch up to you completely, but it made a glancing blow. You falter just a bit, and Terui is able to start to make an escape attempt.

He doesn't get all the way clear though, as the chain of your hammer wraps around his foot and you drag him to the ground. You've got him in a compromised position now, but he could use another attack like that first one and you aren't too keen on that idea. Your arm still stings like it was on fire.

>A. Pummel him while he's tied up, don't give him the chance to fight back

>B. Use the chain as your weapon, drag him around and knock him into the cave wall

>C. You've been expending yourself a lot already, try to end this fast with one decisive blow

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6457608
>B. Use the chain as your weapon, drag him around and knock him into the cave wall
>>
>>6457608
>D. Write-in
Strip him
and/or
>B. Use the chain as your weapon, drag him around and knock him into the cave wall
>>
>>6457608
>A. Pummel him while he's tied up, don't give him the chance to fight back
I don't know, I don't want him to have a chance to form a seal while he's being swung around
>>
>>6457608
>B. Use the chain as your weapon, drag him around and knock him into the cave wall
>>
>>6457624
>>6457640
>>6457747

You finally have a chance to do some real damage, you're not going to let it slip. Before he can try and get himself loose, you use all the strength you can muster to fling Terui into the wall of the cave. He barely has time to put his arms up to try and protect himself, and he slams into the rock face before tumbling back to the ground.

You're about to take a breather after having exerted yourself so hard, but you see Terui's hands move to make another hand sign, so you fling him again. He does get another laser off, and this one is even more accurate than the last, since you don't have as much energy to dodge. It clips the side of your torso, and you feel like you just got punched by a lightning bolt. But you were already flinging him by that point, so he hits the wall again, this time with less of a guard up. The adrenaline is telling you that the second you let up, this fight is over for you, so you don't even consider taking a break. You drag Terui across the ground and go for a third wall slam, then start to make for a fourth. But you stop. Your opponent has put both of his hands straight up in the air.

"I give! I'm not cut out for this kind of fighting, sorry. The other two will gladly fight until they lose consciousness, but not me." Terui lays on his back and doesn't make any suspicious moves. You're pretty sure this is on the level. He doesn't even move his raised hands to plug his badly bleeding nose.

After stopping to check his sincerity, your own wounds and exhaustion start to catch up with you. You were severely overtaxing your muscles with this strategy, and now all of a sudden you can't even raise your weapon again. The damn thing is too heavy. You just leave it while you try and catch your breath, distracted as you are by the massive stinging pain in your arm and your flank. You decide to take Terui at his word, so you seal your meteor hammer back into your storage space and free his leg. He still lays there for while not doing anything, probably because he's even more tired and hurt than you.

"I've got a canteen filled with the hot spring water in my bag." You've probably thought to use it too by now, right?" He asks, after lowering his arms and resting for a minute. "You might be the only one in shape to open it, how did the other fights go?"

You glance to the far side of the cave for the first time since you started fighting to see all four combatants laid out on the floor. All of them might be passed out as far as you can tell, save for Eito. He's wiggling his head and upper body around but seems immobilized otherwise. So those other two fights could probably be called draws.

You step over to Terui and he hands you his bag as he sits up. You take the canteen and can feel just how hot the water inside is. For his part, Terui reaches in and takes his video camera back out from the bag and starts filming again.
>>
>>6458023

"Hey man, is it okay if I ask you a favor?" He takes a moment to compose himself, including wiping his bloody nose. "I know you won and all, but I still really want to see the treasure. And even more than that, I want to get some footage of you seeing it too. That's the kind of stuff you can't catch every day. Can I come into the treasure room with you?"

You're still catching your breath at this point yourself, so you take a minute to think about it.

>A. Sure, why not? You put up a good fight, and you'd want to see it if you were in his shoes too

>B. No way, you're gonna pull some trick. Our win isn't complete until one of us lays exclusive claim on the treasure

>C. Why stop there? Once Kiba Sensei comes back victorious, as he certainly will, the whole lot of us can go in together and see what the Leaf team won

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6458024
Break out of the genjutsu.
>B. No way, you're gonna pull some trick. Our win isn't complete until one of us lays exclusive claim on the treasure
>>
>>6458092
Yeah, try to break out of Genjutsu and if we're OK

>C. Why stop there? Once Kiba Sensei comes back victorious, as he certainly will, the whole lot of us can go in together and see what the Leaf team won
>>
>My fights suck so much now that everyone thinks they're genjutsu
I'm absolutely washed. It's still early guys, give me a chance, I just need a bit more to work with

Anyway, tiebreaker again. B or C, first reply
>>
>>6458377
B

It was really just how tired Akio seems. And general paranoia. The fight was great.
>>
>>6458379

You still don't quite trust this guy. Just because he's saying that it's your win doesn't mean it's a fact just yet. You can't take the chance that they might steal it out from under you. In fact, you've got to be sure this is real before anything else. You don't know when it could have happened, but he could have put you under a genjutsu! You copy what you saw Karasuba do earlier and try to focus to disrupt your chakra and break any genjutsu you might be under.

After a few moments of nothing happening, Terui speaks up.

"Uhh... what are you doing? Is that a no?"

You seem to be in reality just fine, so you turn your attention to him again.

"Not happening." You refuse him. "Our win isn't complete until we take the treasure ourselves, you could try and pull some trick."

"Oh... okay." Is all Terui replies with as he slumps back against the cave wall, his hand holding the camera falling to his lap. He appears quite disheartened.

You make your way over to the seal on the far wall, then pull out the ornamental kunai again. You stick it back into the hole, then empty the canteen full of hot spring water into the stone bowl, filling it most of the way up. The seal doesn't release just yet, so there's only one thing left to do. You hold the grip of the kunai and begin channeling chakra to activate the seal. After a couple of seconds you can hear some grinding noises in the wall, so you keep going. Eventually the seal on the wall in front of you begins to recede, and with it the stone of the wall itself. You're left standing at the bowl like it's a free standing water fountain as a pathway opens up behind it.

You don't waste any time, since you don't know if there's a time limit or something, and you run down the hallway. The treasure room isn't visible from here, so you can't stop until you get some confirmation. After a bit of running, you go down a few stairs and reach an opening leading to a huge room. Undoubtedly the room you've been looking for.

As soon as you walk inside, you're awestruck, but not quite in the way you expected. You were thinking you'd come across gold and jewels and such, but that isn't what you find. It's more melancholy than triumph.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoQGl7tyRYc

The room you emerge into is set up more like a museum than anything, with rows and rows of different things all lined up and on display based on their relation to each other. Right in the front where you enter are some statues dressed up in Hot Spring ninja gear, and as they go further back, the gear gets older and older. You're pretty sure several of these sets are old Warring States era armor, you can't think of anything else they'd be.

There are rows and rows of weapons and ninja tools, and while most of them are pretty basic, some really old ones are interesting shapes or have decorative patterns on them.
>>
>>6458404

Probably the most striking thing is all the artwork you can see. There are plenty of photographs of the Village Hidden in the Hot Spring, as well as of its ninja, but they give way to paintings and tapestries depicting events and people from farther in the past than you would know. Some of them seem to show historical events that took place in this land long before the founding of the village. There are scrolls near these tapestries too, maybe historical records from that time.

All in all, it's not really much of a treasure room. Well, unless you're talking to someone that was interested in ninja history, perhaps. There's still plenty of it to look around at, but you think you know what the basic idea was here.

>A. There's got to be some gold or jewels or something here, search high and low for it

>B. Perhaps it's worth just appreciating this find for what it is. History is pretty cool, you suppose

>C. Maybe among this old ninja stuff, there's something worth taking

>D. It feels kind of hollow being in here by yourself. Might as well go get the others. This probably counts as our win, anyway

>E. Write-in
>>
>>6458406
>A. There's got to be some gold or jewels or something here, search high and low for it
>>
>>6458377
I wouldn't have thought about it until the other guy brought it up, to be fair.
>>6458406
>B. Perhaps it's worth just appreciating this find for what it is. History is pretty cool, you suppose
Maybe their dad meant for them to find this and cause them to have a change of heart, but they just hired Ninja instead (whoops)
>>
>>6458406
>D. It feels kind of hollow being in here by yourself. Might as well go get the others. This probably counts as our win, anyway
>>
>>6458406
D
>>
>>6458516
>>6458551

The longer you stay in here by yourself, the more out of place you feel for sneaking in here alone. This room isn't really a hidden trove of treasure, everything is on display. It's set up specifically to be seen, despite the difficulty in reaching here.

You arriving here is probably enough to count as your team winning, and you can't really think of anything that could be done by the other team to contest that. They're not gonna be able to take all the stuff in this room, that's for sure. With that being the case, you might as well invite everyone else down here to see it.

You head back up the stairs and down the hallway, checking on the other Genin. Terui is still slumped against the wall looking down. Eito has movement back in his shoulders and hips, but not the rest of his arms or legs, so his flailing looks even more absurd. A and Kagari still seem to be out, but Karasuba has propped herself up against the wall and healing herself again.

"Hey everybody, I found the treasure!" You announce. "You should all probably come see it, too."

Terui jumps up, unable to contain his excitement, while you head over to check on Kagari. You roll her over so she's laying on her back, then you try and shake her awake kind of like she did for you this morning. Eventually she opens her eyes, and she's a bit disoriented, but she seems okay. Once she's alert enough to notice you grasping her shoulder, she turns red and recedes from you, insisting that she's okay. You repeat your line from before for her, since she wasn't able to hear it before.

"Okay. If that's what you want, then I'll trust you. I'll get Eito moving again." Kagari goes to unblock her opponent's movement while you head over to your other teammate.

"I'm quite impressed, Akio." Karasuba praises you as you approach. "Where the two of us fought to draws, you came out on top and decided this whole operation. I could just chalk it up to our matchups, but I won't. In the end, your willpower won us this contest and that's that. It seems I have some catching up to do in that area. In any case, congratulations on your victory. I'll release A from my genjutsu and we'll be right behind you."

Before heading back down, you also give Kiba Sensei a call over the radio letting him know you got to the treasure room first.

"Alright! I knew you guys could do it!" He pants into the transceiver, clearly wearing himself out in his fight. "I'll talk to Omoi and get this all settled, then we'll meet you there, alright?"

After that, you wait another minute or two for all the Genin to be on their feet. Eito still looks wobbly, but everyone else is more or less alright. Aside from the beating most of you have taken. You lead the other five down the hallway and stairs, with Terui excitedly catching every second on film. As you emerge into the treasure room, you recognize the mix of awe and confusion on most of the faces here.
>>
>>6458839

Once the shock wears off, the others spread out across the room to look more closely at the things on display. Kagari looks up in awe at the tapestries, Karasuba is trying to read some of the historical records, A is checking out the ancient armor, Eito is looking over the ninja tools and weapons, while Terui seems to be combing the whole place to get as much footage as he can. He starts heading to the back of the room, which you still haven't been to yet. You decide to go as well and check it out.

As you pass by the center of the whole room, you see a small stand with a single framed picture on it. This one isn't like the others, it's not of notable ninja or locations related to them. Though it has a ninja in it. A very old ninja wearing the Hot Spring headband is having tea with another old man, this one a civilian. At first you thought it might be the deceased father of your client, but another man in the picture is clearly a younger version of the old man you saw pictures of back at the manor. That younger man is seated at the table as well, though he's too occupied to be drinking any tea. He's holding a baby boy in his arms, while a slightly older son sits beside him. This seems to be a perfectly innocuous family photo. The old man is probably your client's grandpa if you had to guess. He must have been friends with ninja as well.

You move on, then see Terui as you approach the back wall. He seems to have found a couple of boxes that look pretty important.

"You're gonna want to see these, man." Terui already seems to have been digging through them. In fact, we should probably tell our sensei about these."

One of the boxes is gold colored, and Terui has opened the lid to reveal a pile of gold coins. So it seems there was some monetary value to be found down here, after all. Your team will definitely be taking a cut of that, you expect.

The other box is black, and has a red cloud on it. Terui has pulled out three scrolls from it and started looking them over.

"I think this stuff might be a little above our pay grade." Terui admits. "It looks like forbidden jutsu."

You check one of the scrolls. It says 'Earth Grudge Fear'. It seems to detail a jutsu that requires human sacrifice of some kind to function. Very disturbing stuff. Another scroll says 'Jashin Ritual'. You can't imagine that one is any more pleasant. Terui puts back the one he was looking at, and you do the same with the others. He's right, this is probably stuff for the Jonin to handle.

Within a few minutes, the both of them (and Akamaru) arrive and descend into the treasure room. They also take a few moments to be astounded by the scene, then you go ahead and approach them to talk.

"Damn, what a collection." Omoi whistles at the sight of it all. "I don't know if even the Cloud has anything quite like this for our own history. We might have been outdone by this old man."
>>
>>6458840

>A. Make sure to set the record straight. Ask if there's no questions about the Leaf Team winning this competition

>B. Alert the Jonin about the potentially dangerous scrolls of forbidden jutsu in the back

>C. Suggest bringing the brothers here. Maybe their father wanted them to see this

>D. Write-in
>>
>>6458841
>B. Alert the Jonin about the potentially dangerous scrolls of forbidden jutsu in the back
The good stuff is in the back
>>
>>6458841
>C. Suggest bringing the brothers here. Maybe their father wanted them to see this
I feel like a b and c should all happen as a wrap up for the mission desu
>>
>>6458841
>C. Suggest bringing the brothers here. Maybe their father wanted them to see this
This is the most important for me.
>>6458938
Yeah, this makes sense, but if it's not possible I prioritize C in my vote.
>>
I've always been fine with combined options, you guys can do that no problem. If there's ever anything contradictory, I just say so
>>
>>6458938
>>6458941

There's a lot of stuff you want to bring up, but first thing's first.

"Kiba Sensei, it's our win, right?" You ask, seeking to clarify things for everyone. "There is a small box of gold coins over there if we need that to prove it."

"Relax Akio, we talked about this on the way here." Kiba gestures towards Omoi. "You got in here first, so that settled it. And even if you didn't, I was winning in our fight anyway, we had this in the bag."

"I can admit when I'm outmatched. It might have gone on quite a while, but Kiba and Akamaru together would have outlasted me." Omoi shrugs. "At least in a straightforward and non-lethal fight like we were doing, I was sure to lose."

"Also, next to the gold coin box, there was another one you'll want to see." You move on to the next topic. "We think it's probably some scrolls of forbidden jutsu. You'll know what to do with those better than we do."

You lead the two Jonin to the back of the room, and they immediately take interest in the box as soon as they see it. The pattern must be distinctive somehow.

"Damn, how did the old man get his mitts on these?" Your teacher says, looking through the three scrolls. "This one is Kakuzu's technique! I still have the scar from when he held me in front of Kon's attack. I should probably pass this on to Fuu, I think I remember this being the Waterfall's jutsu. This other one belongs to the Stone I think, so I can send that along. Which just leaves the last one, which has no home in particular. Jashin Ritual. This is that outrageous technique Hidan used that I heard about. We'll take custody of this scroll back in the Leaf and lock it up, don't want anyone getting to it."

"Those seem a bit out of place here, I wonder why the old man had them." Omoi wonders aloud. "Was he trying to use the power of forbidden jutsu to reestablish a proper hidden village? No, probably not... Maybe he just happened to get the chance to acquire them and took it."

"Anyway, thanks for letting us know about these. We'll get it taken care of." Kiba expresses his gratitude to you as he stows away the three scrolls.

With those out of the way, you have one final thought you want to bring up. Perhaps the most important one.

"Sensei, I think we should bring the brothers here." You suggest. "Their father might have wanted them to see all of this. I don't think we can really be satisfied with this mission if we don't."

"Hmm... You have a point." Kiba puts his hand to his chin and thinks. "We don't know what kind of conclusions they'll draw from it, but I think it's worth it. We'll have to drag them all the way out here though, which will take a while."

Everyone agrees to do it regardless, and you all travel back to the manor. It's evening by the time you get back, so it's decided that you'll head back out in the morning after resting. You're all pretty tired and beat up, after all.
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>>6459166

While the Jonin are talking to your clients about the results of the missions and trying to convince them to hike way out into the mountains, you kids all have your evening free. You're no longer in competition with one another, so you can take it easy.

>A. Talk to your teammates about how you all did. They deserve some praise

>B. Hang out with Eito again, he's cool

>C. Brag about your victory to A

>D. Terui deserves some respect, go acknowledge that he put up a good fight

>E. You're too tired for any of that, just rest on your own and go to sleep

>F. Write-in
>>
>>6459167
>D. Terui deserves some respect, go acknowledge that he put up a good fight
i just want to ask what's up with the video recorder.
>>
>>6459167
>A. Talk to your teammates about how you all did. They deserve some praise
And
>D. Terui deserves some respect, go acknowledge that he put up a good fight
>>
>>6459167
>A. Talk to your teammates about how you all did. They deserve some praise
>D. Terui deserves some respect, go acknowledge that he put up a good fight

Maybe apologize for not letting him in the first time he asked as well-- had to make sure.
>>
>>6459167
>B. Hang out with Eito again, he's cool
>>
>>6459167
>A. Talk to your teammates about how you all did. They deserve some praise
See if Terui has any cool footage of us trashing him to show them



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