[Yoshiko]

Final Exam: Battle Royale A Battle Among Branches In the center mass of the tree's branching out top would be a rather large platform. It'd one point been the top of the tree, but the branches grew around it and enclosed it. As though it was a dome shaped room, but the walls were branches leaves and flowers. Everything grim in appearance and in a state of slumber due to the season, but it wouldn't stop the sight of this interior from being quite breathtaking. A true cut straight from nature. There was five stair wells around the platform, four of which coming up from lower sections. Each placed equal distance from each other, as though at opposite corner of the platform. The mostly wooden floor of this center piece was circular though, so it didn't technically have any corners. This wood was painted two different colors, but not split down the side or one simply outlining the other. Instead it was in an almost bullseye pattern, at least if looked up from a bird's eye view. A total of five rings, each about five meter's thick. At the center was a dot which shared the five meters as it's diameter, but unlike the rest of the platform it was metal. A necessary factor as dead center was a large golden cat with a paw up on one side and a clock dead center of it's belly. The clock wasn't an ordinary clock, it had one hand and five notches on it. As it was more setup for timing than anything else, it had a large metal chain attached to the top. As though that'd been how it was craned into position and around it were eight slots equal distant, these would perfectly fit the camera's given earlier to the shinobi. The fifth stairwell was in between two of the one which came up to this platform, it'd go even further up to a balcony. It'd look over the platform and attached to it as well as multiple surrounding branches would be cameras. A large number to catch every angle and allow for a little more dynamic viewership. Out from opposing staircase would come our four contestants, each team from earlier guided by the same individual. Upon reaching the platform they'd explain. The clone and creator looking to each other with a nod, confirming they'd be instructing the genin at the same time. "Welcome to the stage for your final round of this chunnin exam. Ahead of you is a statue with a timer on it, around it are slots to put your camera's. The round will begin upon placement and the hand on that clock will begin, as it hits the notches the stage will shrink and the round will get harder. To win you merely need to stay on the platform till the end of the exam, but regardless of winning you'll get points for participation. More points will be rewarded the less participants make it to the end and obviously the survivors will get the most points." "There's only a few rules to this exam; Firstly you cannot leave the wooden platform, until the end when you'll need to step onto the metal center. In other words the branches above us and any other make shift terrain cannot be used, it'll be counted as falling off, so don't test this as their won't be a warning only a defeat for you. Secondly this is a no holds bar free-for-all, you're allowed to treat this how you please, but your fellow contestants will be as well. So if you want to be 'peaceful' about this round, it's only you to blame when you're back stabbed. Furthermore to that sentiment, death is the same as falling off." "If you're afraid of dying, I'd strongly recommend falling. The branches going around this platform are thick and many, so you'll certainly be stopped before a life threatening fall. The final rule is that the center of the platform remains untouched, so be careful when considering a more centered fight. Your opponent might be baiting you into damaging the center and getting an early boot from the round. All that said, proceed to put down your cameras." The man would explain before his clone would vanish, the real him coming from the stair well closest to the fifth. He'd head up it to the balcony leaving the genin to begin the event. SPOILER: Click to show Any questions please ask, as for the posting order, it'll be first come first serve for this first round. This is the time period to ICly ask any questions, as well as to assess those you'd not met yet. End your post with placing the camera in a slot. Senju Miho Nōhime Ouritsu Kyokujitsu Asahi Omori Reiki

[Omori Reiki]

Battle Royale

A new platform, though it was nothing that big of a deal. Funnily enough, he could have sworn he saw the whole platform quite clearly. Every detail that his eyes could feast on could be seen quite clearly. This was great, though then that brought a small concern. It was highly probable that it could be taken advantage of if he didn't decide to patch that hole up with bubblegum. A free-for-all, everyone was bound to have some sort of counter on them. Those that enhance their strengths will fall to their weaknesses. There was no way of truly winning this on one's own, that was a theory that was locked into his mind. But how could one remedy it?

Semantics wasn't so much a factor, since the instructions were crystal clear. Camping in the center would be an optimal strategy, but it also is the most desirable area for everyone to live in. Should they adopt a Salem system? Camp out in the middle and any that break the peace would be targeted by the rest? If no one broke the peace, everyone would have to split their points evenly, that system would rely on the greed of one of them. Besides, how could he convince complete strangers to trust each other when he barely had enough faith in himself? Though that latter portion was getting better with the aid of two outside sources.

By his calculations, assuming the point pots were to consider only four of them, three of them had to survive if they wanted an even split of points and if they were content with their current position. Reiki wasn't. Two of them would have to survive if they want to make a gain, so it would be optimal to be one of those two. A free-for-all, but he couldn't recall anyone being in such a dire state that they needed to be the sole survivor of this exam. Two was the lucky number if his guesswork was anything to go off of. But there were four, and every single one wanted an advancement. Let's continue stating the obvious.

Though he would love to claim he knew the two that he didn't partner up with, he didn't venture far enough into Sunagakure to meet one of them, and he never went to Konogakure at all. Not a single familiar name, not a reference, not anything. What was he supposed to make of this? If there was one that he had a chance to look towards, it would be his direct counter, the Ouritsu of Iwagakure, his previous partner. His speed could quickly put the guy to sleep, the same way that guy's genjutsu could make him fall off the platform. It was simply a question of who struck first. But did they have to combat each other? There was no one else to turn to.

All Reiki knew was that he had no questions, it was crystal clear to him. So he would be the first to approach, no one being present at that time, so he had nothing to say unless he wanted to look like he was under an influence. A slot was presented, so he would clip the camera from his shoulder down onto the stand. Now for the rest to do the same.

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[Kyokujitsu Asahi]

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Walking up the stairs to the final stage Asahi could only wonder what would be awaiting him in what was to be the final part of the exams. Would he have to fight against the girl who had just been his teammate moments before? Who else, if any, had made it through the race? What abilities did they have hiding up their sleeves? It was hard not to overthink things considering they were coming down to the wire and passing the Chunin exams likely hinged on performing well here.

Upon reaching the top the boy would be greeted by the sight of three others, one he familiar with and two that looked vaguely familiar from introductions at the start of the day. The platform he was standing on looked similar to that of the ring of a tree and it wouldn't be a stretch to believe this was the top of the tree that they had just raced up in pairs. The proctor would begin speaking and give the rundown of what this third exam was going to consist of: a battle royale. So there was going to be a fight, and of course the powers at be decided to leave it for the climax when the participants would have to dig deep after nearly exhausting themselves both physically and mentally.

Keeping track of one opponent was a task in itself, but dealing with three would be next to impossible. In addition he'd have to worry about the falling platforms and making sure to keep himself up top for as long as possible. Perhaps being a bit passive would suit him well, but with extra points coming for participation it was almost a dare for them to get into the fray. There was definitely a lot to consider and not much time before things got started so whatever he did the young Suna genin would have to figure it out quickly.

Unstrapping the camera from his shoulder, Asahi would place it into one of the open slots before returning to his original spot. He had trained for this. He was ready for this, all that remained was to execute.

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Senju Miho]

Weight of words

The ascension to the top was much like the first day she had arrived in the land of Snakes. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach fluttering and wishing to be released from her mouth. But, she remained as calm as anyone could be, hearing the muffled sounds of the crowd still watching from all around them. It was a challenge to keep her demeanor, but she imagined that down there somewhere was Kazuto watching her, rooting for her to go on. The arrival to the surface platform was enough to cause the noises to grow louder and more audible, leading to the girl looking over to the side before noting the reappearance of the two other participants from the very state. As everyone was starting to take their places, the proctor of the previous tests began to explain the conditions for the final part of their exams. It was a free for all event. One in which would test everyone's ability to remain on a platform, in no-holds-bar conditions. With her gaze shifting to her previous partner, she would then frown as she then took note of the other two as they were probably all thinking a similar thought. If they did nothing, there was a good chance that they all could get out of this passing. Of course, there was still much mistrust in all of them. While she didn't think the Sunagakure nin would attempt any action unless provoked, but what of the other two? That then begged the question...what if she decided to strike first? There were plenty of ways in which to do it, and it was a competition as well. She even already had an idea in mind, especially when it came to the issue of balance. Still, that was a lot to concentrate on at once. With everyone making their way to the place in which to put their cameras, Miho would soon begin to follow suit, her eyes closing briefly before opening just in time to place the device in an open slot, then making her way back so that they could begin to end this. Now was the time to show exactly what kind of shinobi they were going to be, and perhaps that was very much a part of this test as was their ability to do what they had to in order to succeed. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Nōhime Ouritsu]

i think you're slipping

i bring you pain, the kind you can't suffer quietly

Step after step after step, it honestly felt like an eternity for the boy; a heavy one. He was tired from the previous exam and the momentary bit of respite that the proctor allowed them didn't do much to alleviate such exhaustion. But this was the third and final part of these chunin exams and he hoped --prayed even-- that this would finally be the opportunity he so desperately desired in the form of a fight.

The genin had put his ingenuity, cleverness, and problem solving skills to use in the first two parts of the exam and a few wooden blocks aside he hadn't really gotten a chance to flex the ole' jutsu muscles. Ouritsu silently chided whoever was in charge for making him waste such precious chakra on a bunch of inanimate objects when it could have been used for putting on a better show, but alas that was probably their intention all along to make whoever was left truly dig deep. That was cool and all but it was still annoying as hell. As they neared the top of the stairs his eyes would be greeted by the sight of an enclosed space with a central station that had a.. cat?

Reiki and himself aside, there were only two other participants in the room with them. Had the exams really been that difficult that only four people made it to the end? Well that was something to be proud of but there was still more work to be done! Ouritsu wondered for a few moments who he'd be matched up against. Would it be his former teammate? Perhaps the girl or maybe the kid with the glasses? Well, whoever it was they were in for a world of hurt.

Alas, as the proctor began to speak it was revealed that this was going to be a free for all. Well that certainly complicated things. Having to keep his eyes peeled for the movements of three people in addition to falling platforms was going to be a pain but if there was any specialty that shined in a situation such as this it'd be genjutsu. Granted, the Nohime hadn't really practiced much with hitting multiple targets all that much but if he could get the jump on one and get them out of the picture then it'd be easier to focus on the others.

As the man would end his spiel Ouritsu would make his way to the center area to deposit his camera --glad to be rid of the damned thing-- before settling on a starting position. Loosing jutsu left and right wasn't going to get him very far, nor could he do that if he really wanted to, but if the right opportunity presented itself then he'd be sure to take it.

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PYXIS ★

[Yoshiko]

With each contestant silently accepting the terms of this round, there'd be little left for the four but to start. The man on his balcony would see a display light up, a light for each camera placed. Upon seeing all four light up, he'd press a button on his console. Suddenly the cat's eyes would light up and it's paw would crash down on the center stage. A loud bang signifying the rounds start. The clocks arm now moving around the circle.

Posting order goes; Reiki, Miho, Asahi and then Ouritsu.

Sorry about lack of template posted from phone.

[Omori Reiki]

Battle Royale

It began with a bang, a harsh slam of the palm against the center. There was one thing left for him to do, and his eyes swiftly took aim towards the Iwagakure shinobi. If there was any time to be making suggestions for the sake of not risking himself being placed up against three others, this was that time.

"Hey." Reiki called out to his former teammate, taking a leap of faith with this as he let his arms loosen, the tanto lacking a firm grip. In fact, it didn't take long for the weapon to be dropped down to the ground. With his foot pressed against the surface of the weapon, he would give it a swift slide over towards Ouritsu at a moderate pace. Careful to choose his timing wisely, he would not move an inch until the weapon stopped near the Iwagakure's ankle, in which Reiki would then take a walking pace towards him. Not a threatening slide in the slightest, predictable speed for the normal eye and it wouldn't even get to Ouritsu. Seems like no intention of harm came from that slide.

There was someone waiting for the Iwagakure shinobi. Playing favorites perhaps, but he refused to be the cause of upsetting that someone considering their help. If he found help within the Iwagakure ninja, there was a chance for the both of them to survive long enough.

Reiki's eyes were alert and his body swift, he wondered if either of the other two would attempt to intervene with the walking. A kunai to be launched, a punch to be thrown, there were so many ways that this could turn into utter chaos, and he needed to brace for the worst... But hope for the best...

Assuming Reiki successfully managed to reach Ouritsu, he would come up with a simple suggestion. "Alone against three others, neither of us stand a chance. If we stick to the alliance in the previous test, the chances of us surviving as well as the number of chips we can negotiate with increase heavily." A negotiation of his own, now sticking to the nature of his clan. Survival. If he didn't get with Ouritsu and the other two did assist each other, the Kumogakure and Iwagakure shinobi are easy pickings. "Are you in?"

This did leave him in a moral dilemma. What if the other two were peaceful and decided to hope for all of them to survive? In theory, this could perhaps be the easiest task for them. A bored audience watching them, but it was a jaded one that witnessed four potential murders. Was that not enough to sate their bloodlust? As for how points are determined, he couldn't help but shake the feeling that there was something more, something they were not being told. If they pass this test, they... Passed. In a way, all of them were passing right now. Why were they going to risk losing for the sake of a few points that might not even be guaranteed?

Hm... This was the easiest test, yet the absolute hardest, for faith and greed were key factors.

SPOILER: Click to show

Enhanced Eyesight
The user's eyesight is heavily enhanced, even without the use of the Tennogan. The smallest details could be observed as if it were in front of the user should the distance between them not exceed 30 meters. Peripheral vision also seems as clear as if it were the main sight of focus.

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[Senju Miho]

Final Exams

With a heavy slam, the cat's paw would fall down upon the center of the platform, creating vibrations across the surface as everyone began to take their positions. Sudden movements would likely be ill-advised. At least in a rapid motion. Still, as the Kumo nin seemed to be trying to gain an alliance with his former companion, it was soon left to Miho to decide upon a similar course of action. Having an ally at least for the majority of the fight would be a greater aid than hinderance. Though, what remained in question was if she could trust him to not stab her in the back? He could have done so many times over during their ascent. Team-work or not, he may have been able to easily succeed without her. Perhaps it would be a mistake to think anything different, but Miho knew how much time was essential. So what would she do? Allowing her gaze to shift, she'd stare over towards the Suna ninja, hoping that she'd notice her expression. There was a silence in her gesture, but her head would nod at him, as if indicating a similar motive of operation. It was only by the hope that she may be able to get the message to him, an understanding that she was on his side in this. If this was to be a battle, then it was one of the allies and common goals. SPOILER: Click to show

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[Kyokujitsu Asahi]

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A strike of the paw and the final exam had officially begun, eyes shifting between the other three competitors to see who would make a move first. The dark haired boy would move first, dropping his short sword and kicking it over to the purple haired one. It looked to be some sort of peace sign so that they could have a conversation; were they thinking about working together? Well that was an interesting tactic. They had worked together during the race so it wasn't a stretch to assume that knowing the other's strengths and weaknesses would be both a boon and a problem for the other. However, being able to get the upper hand against a single opponent would make their chances of getting to the end of the fight better, and that was the end goal, right?

Well, whatever the outcome Asahi would be ready to act. He had a couple different options for dealing with multiple opponents though his dwindling chakra reserves didn't leave a ton of room for theatrics. Whilst shifting his gaze from one to the other the boy noticed that his former teammate was staring daggers at him. If she had been looking for her first target then it was far too obvious, but if attacking was the name of the game she could have done that at any point in the last few moments instead of telegraphing her intent. Though.. could it be that she wanted to team up as well? Two versus two would make for a more evened battle, though it was impossible to tell who was an opportunist and wouldn't waste the chance to take out a couple people in one fell swoop. After all, these alliances were both temporary and temperamental, there was no guarantee they'd continue on at the first sign of strife. This was not what he had planned on thinking about during this part of the exam.

Alas, this was something he needed to do on his own. He had relied on Arashi during missions, relied on Miho during the tree race and had struggled getting through the maze of his own accord. There was little he could be proud of and was sure that the proctors felt similarly. Asahi needed a good showing here to pass, and running back for help wasn't going to improve his odds. The genin would slowly shake his head at the girl from Konoha, denying her request. Perhaps he'd come to regret it, but at least it was a decision he made on his own.

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Nōhime Ouritsu]

i think you're slipping

i bring you pain, the kind you can't suffer quietly

Tired and a bit hungry but the excitement from finally being able to flex his skills against other people was keeping him going. Who would be bold enough to strike first? The girl, perhaps? Or maybe the quiet kid with the glasses? Those types were always up to something. Regardless, Ouritsu would be ready to move on a moments notice. Unlike a battle from the beginning the genin wouldn't be starting with his normal compliment of chakra so he'd have to be smart about when and where to use his jutsu.

The sound of metal hitting floor would shift the boys gaze, it was Reiki. He had dropped the tanto and was staring dead at him. Was he making the first move? No, this was different. A peace offering? A swift kick to the blade sent it over to him, well at least for a few moments he wouldn't have to worry about it. A somewhat puzzled look crossed the Iwa-nin's face as mere seconds ago he was preparing for an all out battle but was now about to talk strategy with his former teammate. Did everyone miss the battle royale part of the instructions or did they just not care? Regardless, the other two hadn't started attacking so there was at least a moment or two to talk.

As he assumed, Reiki was offering to join forces against the other two, and while that did make sense considering having another set of eyes to deal with yet unknown abilities would make things easier. However, considering just how much chakra Ouritsu had expended during the race up the tree there was no guarantee that the same wouldn't happen this time around, and even assuming they were able to eliminate the other two, what would stop him from going after a much more exhausted Ouritsu? There wasn't, of course, and that was the risk he'd be taking.

"A team up, eh? Would definitely be useful but I really want to see this through on my own... even if it's three versus one." He'd reply, spurning the request but not of hate, just pride. "But if we make it to the final two we'll talk again, alright?"

notes go here • tagged/open • word count

PYXIS ★

[Yoshiko]

Tension grew between the four contestants, as the match began nothing else seemed to start. Those watching on would be stuck building anticipation, as no one moved quickly or considered changing position.

Reiki and Miho would open themselves up by acting on a hope for comradery. Each reaching out to last rounds teammate for help. A solid plan, but one seemingly in vein. Asahi turning the offer down with a gesture and Ouritsu choosing to trade words. A hint of a possible future alliance hinted if Reiki and Ouritsu were last two.

The hesitation would leave the man above to stroke his chin pondering on what would be next. A smile blooming on the prospect they genuinely believed it could be as easy as not acting. However the clocks arm would hit the first marker. A sound of locks opening and arms beneath the stage moving would trigger a change in the field.

The outer most ring suddenly losing its support would break apart into many individual boards of wood and crash into the branches below.

New posting order; Miho, Asahi, Reiki then Ouritsu.

[Senju Miho]

Final exams

While the offer had been made, it appeared that Asahi was going to finish this test on his own. Perhaps a reckless move on his part, it was one that she understood as in the end, these alliances were temporary for all of them. There was no telling just what the future would hold for any of them at the end of all this. Or even years beyond this moment. They would either find each other on the same or opposite side of a battle field, and such attatchments were dangerous to maintain. No matter how good-natured someone could be, in war and conflict, such things were pushed to the side when it was detrimental to the safety of one's homeland. As a student of medicine, she understood that difference...even if she didn't completely agree with it. After all, she was being taught to heal, not harm. But when has that ever stopped anyone from doing what had to be done? In an acknowledgment of this, her would flash him a small smile, soon letting it fade as she nodded her head just as a show that there were no hard feelings. With the platform's outer rim breaking around them, the youth would move swiftly forward, stopping short as to keep the platform balanced and from the sudden movement. So far, no one had made any act of hostility, but that didn't mean that it wasn't in consideration as of yet. Even she was considering possible moves in which to possibly shift things into her favor. The previous one from earlier came to mind, but she questioned just if she'd be able to sustain her own balance? The timing was critical, so was positioning...For now, she'd wait till the space between the group was brought closer. But she'd as well be ready to act sooner if provoked. After all..she had come here to succeed, and she would not go out without so much as an attempt...not when she was so close... SPOILER: Click to show -SA- Samurai Legacy The Adachi clan was a prominent group of samurai that were established within Tetsu no Kuni(The Land of Iron), before the group transferred a select few to the Hidden Leaf Village as to their alliance to Konohagakure. These traits have been ingrained into the girl very soul as she carries their blood within her. As such, along with the training she received from her father and those in the clan, Miho has developed enhanced reflexes. This allows her to react much more quickly in combat, better enabling her to avoid dangerous situations and defend herself almost instantaneously than normal.

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[Kyokujitsu Asahi]

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Miho seemed to hold no ill will towards the boy's decision, at least she wasn't showing it. Perhaps the choice would come back to haunt the boy in due time --especially if the other two participants decided to team up-- but that was a risk Asahi was willing to take. The odds of a fight were never guaranteed to be in one's favor and always relying on someone to back him up was a recipe for disaster. He needed to do this alone not only to prove to the powers at be, but also himself, that he had the skills and confidence to take care of himself.

Eyes shifting towards the other two contestants it seemed that they were going to go about things solo as well, at least for now. The Suna genin wondered what prevented those two from seeing this last exam through together, but that'd be a question for later. In some ways the two not teaming up was a bit more of a problem as having to keep an eye out for extra people who weren't in his direct line of sight was going to be a pain in the ass. So be it. Battle lines had been drawn and now it was time to make some moves though no one was quick to actually do any fighting just yet. Well, that was an option for the four of them since the object of this test was simply to make it to the end and that technically only required being at the center piece when all was said and done. Would they all be so lucky? Probably not, especially when the rings started to collapse and the space between them dwindled and people got antsy.

As the clock would hit its first signal the outer ring would begin to unlock and crumble beneath them. Asahi would begin to make his way more towards the center as soon as he felt the rumbling. Those on the outside would be easier targets as their methods of evading attacks would be lowered so aggressiveness was definitely possible now. Asahi had a couple ideas, mostly deterrents, but they pretty much all required more chakra than he was willing to expend right now, so for now he'd just be on alert.

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Omori Reiki]

Battle Royale

Secrets, secrets. Or so there seemed to be, what with those in the corner of his eye making such subtle movements, but what could his eyes not read? The lady's eyes shifted to the side, big deal. But the nod of the head of the one with glasses that followed soon after placing two and two together, though that was not information to be made known outside of his own skull. A shame to have to use his eyes so exclusively, but that was the situation being set up by the Iwagakure shinobi.

With a mere shrug, he would stomp his heel against the flat end of the tanto, flipping it into the air before catching it back into his palm yet again, walking past Ouritsu rather than capitalizing. "A shame. But there's someone I know waiting for you, so let the thought linger in case two is a number that gets overwhelming." A passing comment as he continued to pace away, an implication that Reiki possessed favoritism for those he knew. But the instant a knife aimed to seep through his spine, lightning no longer would become exclusive and biased. Now he was going to have to survive this solo, a two on one on one.

Reiki needed to claim territory. A risk he wanted to slash out was the stage shrinking on him, and he had the ability to defend whatever space he stood in. There was the one from Sunagakure stepping closer to the center, though Reiki had too little an idea about whether the boy intended to reach the center. So he would do just step towards the center, using his speed to his advantage to dart from the side of the platform to the center as close as he could get without messing with the cat. His eyes would be facing towards those within sight, arms raised and ready to play King of the Hill if someone wanted to threaten his space. As long as he could keep the center of the platform, falling off of it would not be a known risk. Call it selfish, but his clan prides off survival, this was what was needed to survive.

SPOILER: Click to show

Enhanced Eyesight
The user's eyesight is heavily enhanced, even without the use of the Tennogan. The smallest details could be observed as if it were in front of the user should the distance between them not exceed 30 meters. Peripheral vision also seems as clear as if it were the main sight of focus.

Quickdraw
The user is far more aware of their surroundings, reflexes being enhanced a mighty amount. On top of this, their body is designed to be more swift and prepare to carry out quick tasks that the normal body may not be able to do in time. As the user learns more about physical combat, their movement speed and attack speed will be even more advanced. Though the difference is barely noticeable at the start, the gap between the user and an average ninja will grow tremendously.

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[Nōhime Ouritsu]

i think you're slipping

i bring you pain, the kind you can't suffer quietly

Reiki wasn't pleased with the decision for probably more than one reason, and Ouritsu hadn't completely ruled out teaming up with the Kumogakure shinobi; with their abilities it'd be easy to get the jump on one of the other two participants and at the very least not come in dead last which was the goal. Winning, of course, would have been nice but being overzealous could have cost him some very necessary points.

The Iwa-nin's eyes shifted from Reiki who was making his way elsewhere to the other two who looked to be communicating themselves, albeit nonverbally which made things a little difficult to read; just a bunch of head nodding and eye shifting, though some would say that was a better method than literally holding a full blown conversation. Ouritsu wasn't sure if they had decided to to team up themselves or go about things solo but all would be revealed soon enough.

A slight rumble followed by the clicking and clacking of the floor beneath them. The outer ring was beginning to break apart and fall to the earth below; their arena shrinking by the second. Reiki had been smart enough to bee-line it for the center, a strategy that would keep him from having to worry about the falling rings but holding on to that territory would come with its own problems. The others would make their moves as well to avoid being the first to fall to the branches below, and the Nohime would soon have to do similar; though everyone slowly shuffling about was going to bore the kid to tears here in a bit. They needed some excitement, a catalyst to get things crackin' and it looked to be his burden to carry. But how would he go about such a thing? Flashy? Subtle? There were options but he'd wait things out for just a bit longer to see if one of these other three would do what needed to be done.

The Nohime would make his stand a ring before the metal center in a spot facing the other three contestants, ready to react at a moments notice or start some fireworks of his own should the need arise.

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PYXIS ★