[Yoshiko]

First Exam: Maze Six Miho's Mystical Maze A slide which once was a standing stage would eject it's chosen participant into a dark room. At first both the slide end trip and the room would be quite dark, it'd be almost to the point of sightless vision. A mere shimmer of the arena they'd once stand in beckoning light from above, but the slide continued to steepen it'd angle until it'd eventually seal the path it'd given shut. A moment would pass and Miho would be in a room of total darkness, a moment more than long enough to let fear and uncertainty settle. The room however as time grew disturbingly still would finally begin to light up, as torches upon the sides of the walls and before an estrange doorway would light up. The doorway appeared to be the only way out of the room, it however lead to another abyss of darkness. Could this of been the start to the maze? It had to be surely, but there was always room to doubt. Especially those lacking allegiance to that of Takigakure. If one didn't just sprint for the maze and hopefully escaping the creepy maze they'd entered, then they'd realize the room wasn't empty. A table would stick out first and foremost in the room, as it'd be mere feet from the place the contestant was ejected. This table seemed to be like a gaming table, as it'd have a square grid designed in it's center, as well as symbols drawn to each side of the grid. It was hard to make out anything from a glance, but that'd all be clear from that glance. In each corner of the room appeared to be pedestals, about chest high with a bust of someone's head. Each appeared a little different, but none were easy to make out from a distance or a glance. It'd appear the trim of the room, as well as the top trim to the doorway would all have images upon them, but nothing that stuck out with a glance.

[Senju Miho]

Maze Six

A descent into the unknown....Honestly if she had taken a moment, she would have marveled at it's rather gothic splendor and appeal. But there was hardly time for that. Upon finishing it's drop into her section of the maze, Miho would already be at work preparing for what awaited her. If there were dangers at every corner, she needed to be just as ready to fight as she was in figuring her way out. Time was of the essence, similar to her training with Kazuto. Though the difference being that she wouldn't be able to fight her way through it. A small detail, but nothing that she couldn't overcome....she had to... As the darkness would give way to dim light on either side of her, the teen would see the doorway, pausing briefly as she began to proceed forwards. That had to be the way to go yes? In mid-step, she would soon note the table as well as the symbols that adorned it. From there, she could also make out what looked to be a pedestals on each side of the area surrounding her. Each with a head upon their surface. "There's a clear sign...it won't just be as simple as walking through the door..." As she began to approach the table, she would look over the symbols on the grid, placing one hand upon her chin while soon seeing the images upon both the room and even the top surface of the doorway. "A switch system perhaps?" If that were the case, than perhaps finding the right one would lead to access to where she needed to go. All she needed was to find the pattern. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Yoshiko]

First Exam: Maze Six Miho's Mystical Maze Prepared to fight for even a moments thought, it'd be to no avail and instead force focus to none existent things. There'd been plenty of a chunnin exams and most started with everyone together, but this exam would leave the contestants all without another soul among them. At least that was the feeling the first room and doorway would impression, as darkness kept the mysteries ahead all the more prevalent. Whether it was fear or intrigue in the starting room Miho would choose to investigate. Noting the drawings on the table as well as those on the walls a pattern might of been hard to find. The table had four images at each side of the grid centered on the table. The grid itself was labeled alphabetically up and down, then numerically left to right. As closer examination showed them to be different the top image appearing to be a tiger face, the left side image a bird, the right side image a fish and the bottom image a snake. Depending on Miho's path around the table to explore the wall images she might notice it has a drawer for storage. Though focusing on the images on the wall and doorway she'd only see two images. One image was a monkey facing right, with it's tail curled up like a question mark and it's posture sitting as it eats a banana. The second image would be that of a coiled dragon facing left, it's mouth gaping baring fangs and breathing fire. There were in total twenty of these per ball, with the doorway having eight on top and then six to either side. However looking for a pattern Miho might note the lack of pattern anyways, if it'd be mentally it might be hard due to the numerous images. The wall to the left of where the contestant had been spat in would go left to right; Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey and Dragon. The doorway wall going left to right; Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon and Dragon. The wall to the right of the entrance from left to right going; Dragon, Dragon, Dragon, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Monkey Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon and Monkey. And finally the wall which Miho had arrive from would go; Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey and Monkey.

[Senju Miho]

Maze Six

Perhaps it was too much to ask for a pattern to appear before her, the teen's hand clasped beneath her face before she released a deep sigh. This wasn't going to be as easy as finding a switch, as the indicated symbols seemed to differ from one another. So far, she could depict the four sides having that of tiger, a snake, a fish and a bird. No real consistency there. Though in truth, the images on the walls were no better, but seemed lessened in their number of animals. This time, it was simply that of a monkey and a dragon. There was hardly anything to go on, even the grid seemed to leave her at a bit of a loss, aside from what looked to be a small drawer on the side of it. Staring back at each side of the walls, the indicated display of these creatures would go in different shapes on either side. That was when it came to her, a snap from her fingers as she considered a single possibility. "Their directions....the path through the maze or at least one of the many paths...but which one is the right one to follow?" It would be easy to get frustrated her, but she managed to take a deep breath, allowing a slow wind to slip through her lips. As her gaze shifted back to the table, she questioned if perhaps the grid itself was a map? Perhaps an overlaying view of the entire area? If so, then maybe what laid within the drawer could be of use. Reaching down towards it, the teen would attempt to open it, hoping for perhaps a clue to lay within. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Yoshiko]

First Exam: Maze Six Miho's Mystical Maze Miho had more than a mindful to consider, but overwhelmed she'd not lay on the details too long. Instead she'd try to look back to the resources at hand for a better answer. A drawer upon the table held mystery, so with it was the possibility of answers. Unable to risk missing the clue Miho opens the drawer last, but does so with only a little caution. It'd be paid off as it appeared the drawer was not trapped and also containing a multitude of potential clues. There'd be five objects within the drawer; A fortune cookie which appeared to be relatively fresh and mint for consumption, a deck of cards which looked like they'd been open a multitude of times and three bags of various pieces to fit the grid. One bag full of checkers made in a circular shape and another bag filled with triangular shaped pieces. The final bag would hold player pieces to a board game, the ones designated to represent oneself. Though there'd be a multitude of these; four shaped like people and four shaped like pigs. Putting these upon the table and possibly looking further into the grid design, it'd become apparent there was four oddities in the grid. Each side would have a single grid block missing a spot point outwards that side. These would be placed at the T on the left side, the bottom it'd be open at 16, to the right it'd be open at L and at the top it'd be open at 10. The Grid was twenty-three by twenty three and dead center of the table.

[Senju Miho]

Maze Six

Her investigation seemed to bear fruits... Perhaps a variety of them, but none the less a better means of figuring out just how to proceed. Though even she began to feel as though her patience was being tested. With so much to work with now, she honestly was trying to learn just which was the best. Though in truth, seeing the fortune cookie to give her a moment of pause. What a curious thing to leave in a drawer. Though so far, it seemed as if she could guess accurately that everything in this room had a purpose to it. Still, this did beg to question where everything was to fit. As she looked over the objects before her, she took up the bag that held the player pieces, examining them briefly before soon looking down at the grid yet again. If this was indeed to be a map, and perhaps the images on the walls to be direction, these pieces may very well hold a deeper meaning in where they fit on the board. As she began to try and figure it out, starting with the deck of cards. Looking over them, she began to examine them, taking a moment to breath a sigh of contempt. Honestly, if this was a game of speed, she imagined she was very well losing right now. In doing so, she soon reached out for the cookie, deciding that perhaps if she were to try and weigh through all this, she may as well eat something. With a light snap, she'd break into the confection, taking the time to look at it's message as it was just something that came of habit. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Yoshiko]

First Exam: Maze Six Miho's Mystical Maze Further examining the player pieces, Miho wouldn't really find too much special on them. They'd be similar in form, but different in coloring. A means to tell them apart and fabricate the perfect little game set. The game at hand was a maze though and the board very well could of been the grid. The cards might of also correlated, Miho would look through them to find. Within the deck would be the cards in their natural order and not shuffled, but atop of the cards like many good deck was a rule card. A means to explain to anyone the simple games one could attempt with the deck. It'd however not be the rules of any game of cards, instead it'd be quite clear this card was added. It's rules would read as follows: You're being timed as a measure of skill, but you're also limited on time. You're beginning at the snake of this maze. You're in one of four rooms attached to the maze. You're the controller of the light, but little else. You're not alone, BEWARE. You're provided everything you need. You're limited to one escape route. You're allowed to cause harm to living objects. This list of rules didn't really tell the tale of what to do, but it would make it clear this wasn't a safe exam. There were both things to beware as well as the potential need to cause harm to another living creature and somehow time was limited. A mention to a start was made, it'd even seem to correspond to the grid upon the table. At least the image at the bottom side of it. Whether it was the tempting shell or the potential fortune, it would be the center of the kunoichi's interest. Despite her clear hunger she'd reserve herself until after her fortune. The message inside would behold this tidbit; "Your entrance way is also your best guide." This information wasn't really the most useful, but maybe the Konoha shinobi had a way to apply it. She'd figured the monkey and dragon's could be a guide or a code, so maybe it was singling out the wall to use as a guide? If so it'd be pointing to the wall she slide in from, but maybe it could of been referring to the wall to enter the maze. That or maybe the top trim to the doorway itself. Miho had theories to work upon with her focuses, but she was in away leaving herself blind to other details. Had she everything she needed to proceed into the maze or did she need to consider looking over more of what the room had to offer? This was a race of sorts to see who can get through the maze first. Waiting too long to enter could end up poorly.

[Senju Miho]

Maze Six

The fortune gave very little for Miho to work with. Of course, neither did the pieces as she looked upon them and believed them to be unless in the overall aspect of the maze. Still, she didn't want to think that anything here was without a reason. In truth, it was likely that this grid could still be of use. Over looking the overall aspect of it once more, she would soon release a breath before taking a few steps towards the doorway. Her worst fears were starting to get the better of her, especially in the fact that she may very well be behind in navigating through this with her trying to be through. Though at least the cards had given her a bit of a window into the world that she was to enter. If she was to start with the Snake, she imagined it would have to do with the grid, looking over it as she began to try and match it up with that of what she saw along the walls. Though the fortune, little it may have given, did allow her a moment of pause. You're entrance is your best guide... In all her time here, she had yet to look to see if the entry way wall had anything to give. As such, she decided to look towards it, hoping that if the solution was there, she might very well have the clue that she needed to proceed. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Yoshiko]

First Exam: Maze Six Miho's Mystical Maze Miho moving to the entry wall would find what earlier examination gave. The slide had sealed up any possible exit through the way she came, it'd essentially melded into the wall and gave just as little leeway when pushed. Similar to the walls at either side it had a lacking pattern line of twenty images at the walls trim closest to the floor. The images still going from left to right; Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey and Monkey. Discerning the slide as a trapdoor it could be considered less an entrance and more a pitfall. The only remaining entrance would be to that of the maze, if one were to solely over think the entrance wall. Though maybe those twenty images were still directions intended. If proceeding to the wall for entry of the maze the pattern presented was; Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Dragon and Dragon. A divide of the symbols as six were at the walls floor eight at the doorways top and six at the other side of the doorway. Still adding up to be twenty. The number twenty presently correlated with nothing. However their were eight rules on the card and eight images over the doorway; Dragon, Dragon, Monkey, Monkey, Monkey, Dragon, Dragon and Monkey. Each coiled dragon facing left, it's mouth gaping baring fangs and breathing fire. And each monkey facing right, with it's tail curled up like a question mark and it's posture sitting as it eats a banana. So maybe these were most important? It all could of been a distraction or diversion to scare those out of simply rushing the maze. Maybe it was less contrived than the room at hand. Only Miho could decide what stuck with her.

[Senju Miho]

Maze Six

Nothing felt accomplished from her further examination of the room or even the now vanished entry from which she came. Though to be fair, it was was that simple to get out of the maze, perhaps someone would have already done so. Not that she'd know if she remained in this one room. So far, all she had learned were the rules of the maze and no more. Though there was also the fact that there were more rooms to examine. Perhaps it was time to use what she had learned and further her venture. But what of the fact that she wasn't alone? Eyes shifting slightly, the teen would turn back towards the one way that was available to her, releasing a breath before finally taking the steps to get out and finally begin. As she passed the grid, she'd take one more glance towards it, memorizing it's details as she ensured that she had taken everything she had gained from the table along with her. Once this was done, she would march out, looking on as she took the first clue to heart. She was to begin at the Snake...So perhaps one of the walls would give some insight as she went further in. An image was all she needed now...that or a marker. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Yoshiko]

First Exam: Maze Six Miho's Mystical Maze Miho decided there wasn't any clear answer to her starting room. Similarly to most she'd determine the only potential exit would be into the maze. It was in fact a very good train of though, as the first exam was openly stated to be a maze. Though it wasn't totally clear by the black abyss in the door way there even was a maze, but that'd be an illusion of lighting. The darkness creating the mystery of hidden threats and ceaseless hallways. Entering the maze though there would be light, a torch to either side of Miho each across from the other. They'd light the first part of the maze, it'd be clear these torches would specifically light up one 'step', tile or grid of the maze. A line at the boarder of the room, as well as another at the edge of the torches light. Passing the first set of torches another would light up revealing the same equal distant line from the new torches light. However with the lighting of the second set of hall torches, the room torches would soon dim and fade. Turning the starting room into a new abyss of black. Proceeding forward seven of these defined tiles Miho would hit a fork in the road. It'd be a dead end going straight, but an opening to go either left or right. Which would the konoha kunoichi take? Oh and if she's looking for clues on the walls there's none. The torches and division of the floor were the only things worth noting other than the path. The walls were blank stone and so was each giant floor tile.

[Senju Miho]

Maze Six

So began Miho's march into the maze, eyes focused as she trained on keeping a watchful gaze on her surroundings. Each step would take her into the light, but the darkness would cover any trek she might make in going back. Though keeping her nerves, she'd soon find herself at the fork in the road, causing a sigh as she looked from one path to the next. In trying to see if perhaps the walls would give her a hint, they did not. She was at an impasse. Just what was the right move here? There were no clues that she could remember to be her guide and she could not note a snake anywhere. Unless it meant in their movement and less of their image... If so, then that was even less of a clue as their movements were based on a number of things. Perhaps it was simply a game of chance and reacting only on a gut instinct? Miho would find herself placing two fingers over her eyes, knowing that her attempt to rush in like usual could easily end in failure. But then, her entire reason for being her had been on a risk. As she look on and took into account everything that she saw, she would soon resign herself to taking the path to the left, her body rushing in as she began to continue forwards. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Yoshiko]

First Exam: Maze Six Miho's Mystical Maze Miho finding the split at the road would be left with two decisions, but apparently nothing in the room prior had hinted her towards the right direction. Instead of trying to take an image, clue or prop as guidance from the room. Instead Miho like surely many others choose to blindly go with luck. It was a fifty/fifty shot she was right, it wasn't like the wrong decision could lead to a life ending event. Oh wait, but it could. Though it was necessary of a ninja to be brave. Choosing to go left Miho would find herself travelling a tile farther than her first dive into the maze. Upon reaching this direction there'd be another collision with a wall. Again it'd define a split in the given path and again the kunoichi would have to pick between left or right. The fact she'd been given more decisions was either a sign of going the right way or show of a complex maze. How would the girl react to this simple decision? Proceed on left, change things up and go right or return back to try the old other route?

[Senju Miho]

Maze Six

A game of chance was still relying on luck... Miho was starting to question if there was any point to the information and objects she had gathered in the first room? Still, there was only one way to find out. That was to proceed forwards. Her path to the left would eventually take her yet to another fork. A good sign, as at least it wasn't a wall. Still, it would lead to yet another choice in which she knew would have some value in the end. Getting through this maze would take some sense of tact, something that she had not displayed fully as of yet. Caution had been her option, but in taking one risk, they were asking that she make another. Perhaps consistency would be the better course here. Simply continuing on to the left and making her way to the next available course. With her leaning slightly to the right, as if hoping to get a view into it's depths, the girl's eyes would glimmer emerald green, yet soon return to looking on to the left. It had served her so far, but what if it was simply taking her around in a circle? There was no real way of knowing, but she would continue to follow the feeling in her gut. That which was urging her to keep to the left as she moved further in. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Yoshiko]

First Exam: Maze Six Miho's Mystical Maze Miho's pause would show thought, but little of it had to do with any clue given earlier. Though maybe subconsciously they had been, as she'd once again choose left. She'd find herself not travelling very far before once again hitting another fork in the road. Again it'd be a wall with a left or right direction. Unless jutsu or maze altering systems were in place, then another left would leave little room to travel. However a maze had many twists and turns, so it could easily bend around later. With only a torch lighting the spot she stood and two lighting the spot she'd been, there was really know way of seeing anything deep into the maze. Once again Miho had to choose left, right or turn back to the direction she came.