[nue masahiko]

FEAR IS THE MIND-KILLER

Yuki Kazu. Sesshoku Hizou. Hoshino Kohaku. The latter two were the newest additions to his team, slid into place once the former members of team one had moved on with their lives and careers. A group of teenagers all roughly around the same age and experience, though Kazu would undoubtedly be promoted sooner rather than later—something Masahiko was trying not to dwell on overmuch. Hizou was slightly behind Kazu and slightly ahead of Kohaku, though both of the newcomers to the team were far more emotionally mature than Kazu had been when Hiko had first assumed leadership of their scraggly little band. They had both been recommended for the upcoming chuunin exams in Iwagakure, and the clock was ticking. Ninjutsu, taijutsu, bukijutsu. Not one of them a medic, not an ounce of interest in genjutsu between them. Was Lady Shuka specifically trying to challenge his weaknesses? If so, she was succeeding with accolades. Every other week Masahiko was soliciting advice from Isao on one weapon technique or another. This would be their first exercise as a team. A bit of a twist on the standard teambuilding exercise; Masahiko could only hope that it would work as he intended. He’d asked the three teenagers to meet him at the training yard. It was a bright day, the sun glinting off the fallen snow, with a clear, cold sky and crisp air that chapped the tip of his nose a faint pink. When they’d all arrived, Masahiko gathered up the length of his hair, twisting it up behind his head and securing it in place with a large clip. "Good morning,” he said, his mouth curving into the slightest of smiles. "Let’s get the formalities out of the way, yes? Yuki Kazu, Sesshoku Hizou, and Hoshino Kohaku: you are all shinobi of genin team one. Now you know each other, if you didn’t already. Lady Yuki will be assigning a mission to us in the coming weeks, and before that day comes, I want to ensure that you three are prepared to work together—and prepared for the upcoming chuunin exams. We have a lot of work to do, and not a lot of time to do it in.” The implication that at least part of these preparations didn’t apply to Kazu went unspoken—but Masahiko hoped, in his heart of hearts, that he wouldn’t have to explicitly ask for his best and brightest to step up and help his teammates. "I have a training exercise in mind for today,” he went on, "but before we get started: do you have any questions? Concerns?”

Yuki Kazu Sesshoku, Hizou Hoshino Kohaku -- 430

LAIKA OF THQ

[Yuki Kazu]

Being the most senior member of Genin team one, including their sensei, Kazu could feel the expectation of being the first to arrive to the training session. He had two new teammates. Their team was once again full. Kazu supposed he could give his new teammates pretty solid advice on the exams, since he'd been in the most recent one.

Kazu was the first to arrive, at least out of the Genin. This was the first time they'd had a full team in a while. Once everyone had arrived, Kazu got a better look at the two of them. a girl with blue hair, and a boy a boy with a mix of blonde and light blue hair. All of them had blue hair, did Lady Yuki do this on purpose?

Of course, the main purpose of this training was to make sure his teammates were prepared for the chuunin exams. That part wasn't really appliable to Kazu since he'd already passed, but he'd still help out the two teammates he had. At the mention of questions, Kazu perked up. "Why not let us do our own introductions sensei?" He smirked not waiting for an answer, simply standing up and introducing himself. "I'm Kazu Yuki as sensei said, I already passed the exams, so I think I'm mostly here to help you guys out? Correct me if I'm wrong sensei." It wouldn't have been obvious to the two Genin, but Masahiko would likely notice that the boy had gained a lot of confidence from the exams.

[Sesshoku, Hizou]

Hizou silently approached the area Masahiko-sensei asked him to attend. The genin's mind felt a little anxious, upon seeing his new team in the distance. The formalities of introductions were always a pain, especially when he had little information to go by. As he joined the group Hizou bowed deep to his sensei; showing his respect. It had become a ritual greeting since being put under the special jounin's command.

After lifting himself from the bow, Hizou turned to Kazu and Kohaku. Once he faced in their direction and made prolonged eye contact, the genin again bowed. While it wasn't as low as the one he preformed for Masahiko-sensei, Hizou held the bow for several seconds longer. As he finished, Hizou grasped his glasses to ensure they wouldn't fall from the bridge of his nose. Happily securing his golden frames, Hizou then removed the black gloves from his hands and a stepped closer to his peers. When they were in reaching distance, Hizou lifted his arms and placed each of hands on their shoulders. "It's a pleasure to meet you finally; Kazu-kun, Kokaku-kun." Hizou spoke softly with a warm smile on his face.

With his hands firmly on his team-mates shoulders, Hizou closed his eyes and focused for a moment; hoping to gain some insight and knowledge from the clothing they wore.

---

Notes:

-222-

[Hoshino Kohaku]

[attr="class","rlover"]

[attr="class","rloverFlowers"]

I won't give up 'cause there will be a day...

I'll be worth it

[attr="class","rloverTag"]Teens at Large

[attr="class","rloverImg"]

[attr="class","rloverText"]

❛❛

It was time to meet her new team and begin her adventures as a newly promoted genin! Honestly? Kohaku was a bit nervous about the whole ordeal, but after her orientation with Lady Shuka, she felt a bit more at ease. After all, nothing could beat the nerves of meeting the head of the village so meeting just a sensei wasn't as scary to the young girl. Still, she wanted to prove that she was a capable kunoichi so she made sure to arrive at the location as early as she could.

Sadly she wasn't the first to arrive like she wanted to and was almost the last to arrive. Guess she wasn't as punctual as she wanted to be. Just like in the academy she fell behind even when she tried to be ahead go figure. She wouldn't let it get to her though because if she did that meant it would just be a distraction for any training or endeavor the group would go through resulting in them not working well together. She would not be slowed down by her thoughts if she could help herself.

Kohaku would listen to her sensei's instructions and speech with full attention. Her spine would be straight and aligned with her arms to her sides almost like a soldier waiting for instructions from a commander. After their sensei would finish speaking Kazu would begin to speak and Kohaku would relax her stance a bit more. She would take the time he would to introduce himself to slightly fidget with her clothing specifically the skirt she was wearing. She felt a tad overdressed for the occasion and her body suit underneath certainly felt more classical for a ninja to wear she wondered if her outfit choice was a bit much. At least despite the skin that showed from the outfit, she wasn't cold due to the insulation provided with the fabric of her clothing so there was that.

Kohaku expected Hizou to go next, but when he didn't she decided to take the mantle up next and say, "I'm Hoshino Kohaku and while I'm still new to being a shinobi I do hope to be of a valuable asset to the team. I tend to favor close combat or relying on the use of weapons for my preferred fighting patterns. While I can't guarantee the usefulness of this in conjunction with either of your abilities I do hope to strive to help each of reach whatever goals we have as a team." This mouthful of words was a slight tell of her nerves showing, but she did her best to hide her emotions on her face keeping her normal poker face showing while giving a slight bow to her two teammates respectfully.

ZYTL

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[nue masahiko]

FEAR IS THE MIND-KILLER

The three of them made an interesting tableau: Kohaku was a little smaller than the two boys, but together they presented a gradient of vibrant blue hair that was turn a few heads if they ever went anywhere in public together. He briefly mused turning the training session into an exercise in Henge Kaminoke no Jutsu; but then, he thought, that wouldn’t build much in the way of teamwork. Kazu volunteered the group to do their own introductions, so Masahiko gestured for the teens to proceed, and felt a faint swell of pride when Kazu said he thought he was here to help the others—spoken with such confidence, he seemed like a wholly different person from when he had first been placed onto team one. His eyebrow raised at Hizou’s removal of his gloves, but he opted to say nothing; surely, at some point, the boy’s clear predilection for snooping would come back to bite him, but that would happen organically. It was, ultimately, not his business. Kohaku was clearly nervous and doing her best to conceal it, though ultimately her introduction was the clearest of the bunch, and Masahiko offered her a nod of encouragement as she spoke. "If either Hizou or Kazu had chosen to share any information about their specialities,” Masahiko said primly, "then you would be aware that your area of study is a critical component to the team composition, Kohaku. Kazu is a ninjutsu specialist with an affinity for taijutsu, and is flexible in his field deployment; while Hizou is an aspiring sensor with a talent for gathering information.” He glanced briefly at Hizou’s hands on his teammates’ shoulders. "I myself am a combat medic, and my preferred field of study is genjutsu,” he concluded. "Your work in close combat is an invaluable asset to this team. With that in mind: Kazu, can you use your ice sculpting to craft three trinkets for me? Palm-sized is fine, it doesn’t matter what they are. You and your teammates are each going to take one, and work together to keep them safe.” Masahiko paused for effect, and looked between the three teens. "From me.”

Yuki Kazu Sesshoku, Hizou Hoshino Kohaku -- 357

LAIKA OF THQ

[Yuki Kazu]

Upon meeting his two new teammates, Hizou placed his arm on both Kazu and Kohaku's shoulders. Kazu didn't let him do that for long before waving his hand off. This was the jacket from his fight with Shigure, it was a reminder of the shortcomings he had to make up for. He wasn't just gonna let some guy he'd just met hold it for long, even if they were teammates. Kohaku followed Kazu's example and introduced herself, she was understandably nervous, but she was still pretty clear and concise with getting her introduction across. His sensei proceeded to let Kohaku know just how much of a valuable member the girl was to the team. 

Kazu agreed with the statement, "He knows what he's talking about. I have an affinity for Taijutsu, but I don't particularly like going up close either. You have the tools to do that, at least more than me." At his sensei's next statement, Kazu felt a tinge of excitement. Using his ice to sculpt whatever he wanted? A chance to show his creativity? What an opportunity! That being said, if they were to protect the items from Masahiko, they should probably have a realistic aspect to them. Items that they could potentially have to protect from an enemy. "I've got it! Stand back a second sensei!" He would say with a much bigger grin than his sensei was used to, he was excited.

Without needing a handseal for the technique, Kazu would use the Hyōton: Sapporo no Jutsu[Ice Releases: Sculpture Jutsu] to make three separate objects. The first object was a simple book with a pen included. The second, A compass in the shape of a flower. The third, his item, was a small scroll with engravings on it. "Alright so, if we're going full on in the exercise I figured why not go further." He would explain, grabbing the book and handing it to Hizou, careful to keep him away from the jacket. "This book is to record the events of our "mission" to report the details later." He then grabbed the flower compass, handing it to Kohaku, "A compass so we don't lose our sense of direction. I also just like that flower so uh, yea." Finally, he reached down to grab his item, the scroll. "This ones kinda obvious but we have to "deliver" a scroll or keep it out of enemy hands." He would finish his explanation. "That all work for you, sensei? And how long do we have to last?"

[Sesshoku, Hizou]

Hizou gave Kazu a quick grin as they threw his hand away from the white jacket they wore. The Sesshoku didn't even need to use his kekkai genkai's unique ability to know it meant a lot to the boy. However within that moment, he had the opportunity to reveal some of it's history and any strong emotional feelings imbued within its fabric. Kohaku didn't seem to mind Hizou's touch, giving him enough opportunity to do the same with her clothing. Once happy with the amount of information he attained, Hizou removed his hand from the female team-mate.

He listened carefully to his sensei as they filled in Kohaku on the team's speciality; quite glad he didn't reveal the secrets behind the Sesshoku's abilities. As they continued on and asked Kazu to make three ice objects, Hizou thought what his and teams possible strategies could entail to keep them away from their sensei.

Hizou carefully took the book shaped piece of ice from Kazu, and gazed at its intricate details. Kazu it appeared, was quite the artist. "You've definitely got a nack for this." Hizou said as he continued to examine the piece.

"When do we get started?" He asked as he turned to Masahiko.

---

Notes:

-204-

[Hoshino Kohaku]

[attr="class","rlover"]

[attr="class","rloverFlowers"]

I won't give up 'cause there will be a day...

I'll be worth it

[attr="class","rloverTag"]Teens at Large

[attr="class","rloverImg"]

[attr="class","rloverText"]

❛❛

The first to respond after her rather informative and maybe a bit rushed introduction was their sensei who did his best to console Kohaku about her spot on the squad. Her taijutsu was going to be very useful for the team as they favored sensory and long-ranged ninjutsu guess that meant she would need to train her body more so she could be more of a front-line fighter type instead of her current glass cannon type of build. Kohaku would smile a bit though after her sensei explain her teammate's specialties as it did make her feel better and a bit more relaxed.

Though her nerves would reappear just as quickly when their sensei said they would be protecting objects from them. Already going straight into a possible combat scenario and against a Genjutsu user at that? This was gonna be tough and Kohaku had to take a quick gulp to swallow a knot that appeared in her throat for a second there. Like before thought this sensation would go away once again, but this time by Kazu's ice sculpting abilities. She had known of the Yuki clan's existence in the village, but seeing their abilities up close was so fascinating. How cool would it be if she could do something like that? Kohaku almost cursed her rather basic upbringing for not being as special as Kazu, but that was pushed to the side when Kazu handed her the object she would be protecting.

It was a compass in the shape of a flower and she blushed for a quick second before regaining her composure and saying, "A little early to be flirting with a teammate aren't you?" She would give a small chuckle after her comment before turning her attention to her sensei. She then entered her focused mode and knew that if this was a legit mission she needed to take this seriously and while she probably should have waited for their sensei to say something she was quick to react. Taking a smoke bomb out from her pouch she chucked it between the three genin and their sensei. Grabbing onto Hizou and Kazu she would tug on their clothing to signal to get moving if they followed her or not was up to them, but she would make her way to some coverage and watch both her teammate's movements and their senseis.

ZYTL

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[nue masahiko]

FEAR IS THE MIND-KILLER

Kazu went above and beyond, fully embracing the idea of this exercise as a "mission”: each of the three genin received an item that would be critical to the success of a venture. A record, navigational tools, and the mission objective. Brilliant. A brief back-and-forth between Kohaku and Kazu; Masahiko schooled his features, remaining as placidly impassive as ever in an effort to rein in his amusement. He had, for a moment, a flashback to his own years as a genin, though he solidly pushed away the thought of who exactly he had made such token efforts for. Embarrassing. Hizou asked, When do we get started? Masahiko replied, "Now.” A smoke bomb went off. Kohaku’s doing—clearly the smartest of the group. She knew that Masahiko would waste no time. He closed his eyes so that the smoke wouldn’t irritate his eyes, and hopped a few steps backwards to get clear of its area of effect. The teens had fled, and their first course of action would be to avoid detection. The most important aspect of a stealth operation was remaining calm, which meant that Masahiko’s job was to sow discord and panic—make them unsure of where he was, or if he had found them. "If you’re going to succeed,” he called, projecting his voice as he ventured forth, "you’re going to have to find me.” It was a stretch to force his chakra to cover a wide enough area that it would reach all three teens, but his aptitude and the swiftness with which he used the technique should ensure its success—unless any of the three had decided to body flicker away. Should it land, then each of the genin would hear his voice echoed—first directly in their ears, then from a dozen yards away, constant and maddening.

Yuki Kazu Sesshoku, Hizou Hoshino Kohaku -- 298

LAIKA OF THQ

[Yuki Kazu]

Kazu gave Hizou quite the death glare in response to his grin. While Kazu might not know what the boy was trying to do, it was clear he was trying to do something. Kazu had learned from the exams not to make things too easy for others. Kohaku had no problem with the boy touching her, but Kazu wasn't nearly that naive. He could see Kohaku relax significantly more after their sensei's explanation of what her role in the team would be. "I'm also good at Taijutsu too, so you won't be alone on that front either." He smiled. It would be nice to have someone else to rely on when things got too close for comfort.

Once Kazu finished his ice sculpting, he gained complements from one of his teammates, and a sarcastic remark from the other. Pointing his head towards Hizou, Kazu smirked "It's not too hard but yea, I'm pretty good at it for sure." As far as Kohaku's joke of him flirting, the boy couldn't help but laugh, "It's just a design I've seen, don't think too much on it." If the girl knew Kazu well, she'd have known that he wasn't the type to flirt. He was pretty sure he caught a glimpse of something in their sensei's eye too. Was that pride? 

At Hizou's question, Kazu smirked. The answer was obvious. You wouldn't get time to hide in a real mission. The exercise had already begun. Kohaku was quick to react too, maybe she wasn't as naive as he had thought earlier. Kazu would quickly turn in the opposite direction and run for the trees. They weren't the best cover, but they were better than nothing. He'd go at a pace where both Hizou and Kohaku could keep up, whether they were faster or not. Once they were at a steady pace with each other, Kazu would start the strategy process. "First things first, we need to know each other's capabilities and what items we have. As you saw earlier, I can create and control ice and snow. As for my inventory, I have four kunai, two explosive tags, three smoke bombs, and three shuriken. Another thing, Masahiko mostly uses-" He was interrupted by a voice in his head, as well as all around them. "Genjutsu." It was true, they'd have to find him eventually. First, they needed to be aware of each other's tactics, equipment, and abilities though.

[Sesshoku, Hizou]

Hizou was too preoccupied by his conversation with Masahiko, that when Kohaku threw a smoke bomb at the ground he was immediately taken aback. The surprised boy coughed as the cloud of smoke grew larger, tickling his lungs with the fine particles. As it envelop the three teens, Hizou felt a subtle tug on his jacket, signaling it was time to disperse. With quick thinking he concentrated a small amount of fuuton chakra to the soles of his feet, allowing him to hover along the ground in a blur. While his initial direction was random, he soon shadowed Kohaku with Kazu not far behind.

Once arriving behind some cover, he deactivated his technique and settled down on his knees. His gaze fell on his two team-mates with an inquisitive look, unsure of what their strategy should entail.  As Kazu quietly spoke, Hizou drew the tanto concealed under his jacket at his lower back. His grip on the handle tighten as his sensei's voice echo across the field they retreated from. "I-i don't have much.. the basics really... shuriken, kunai.. explosive tags and flash bombs..." He paused for a moment, waiting for Kohaku. 

"I've been training my sensory.. but to be fair i'm a beginner. I don't think it'll help." He added.

---

Notes: Wind Release: Wind Walk used.

-211-

[Hoshino Kohaku]

[attr="class","rlover"]

[attr="class","rloverFlowers"]

I won't give up 'cause there will be a day...

I'll be worth it

[attr="class","rloverTag"]Teens at Large

[attr="class","rloverImg"]

[attr="class","rloverText"]

❛❛

Kazu and Hizou followed along as they went hiding in the trees which was a good thing they were regrouping and going to come up with a strategy. She was happy with this as it meant her attempt to give them time was successful, but for how long she didn't know. So they needed to plan now and Kazu was quick to try and explain their specialities and what they had on them with Hizou soon afterwards. "I mostly only have the basics too, but I do have this," Kohaku would say as she pulled out her Chain Wind Staff, "It's not much, but it can pack a punch if it hits." In Kohaku's mind, this meant Kazu was probably the most useful of the three of them in this battle scenario.

She wouldn't get much time to think up a strategy anyway though because their sensei would soon activate a genjutsu. His voice felt like it was all around them which was so weird and gave Kohaku a sense of panic as it meant they might be in danger. Clutching her flower compass close to her heart she could feel the ice on his chest and it sort of calmed her down slightly. "We need to either escape or immobilize him since his victory is catching our special items," Kohaku would comment trying to think of a way they could do this. "The only thing I can think of is we shouldn't split up otherwise he can pick us off one by one." Kohaku wasn't sure what to do, but she hoped at the very least this could help them come up with a tactic.

ZYTL

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[nue masahiko]

FEAR IS THE MIND-KILLER

Once he felt the genjutsu take hold, Masahiko set off in pursuit of the three genin: two sets of footprints were clearly imprinted into the snow, though he noted with some curiosity that there was no trace of a third set. One of the trio had used some other method of escape, he assumed, though he wasn’t sure which. Hizou, possibly, who was less physically inclined than his teammates, and who might need the additional boon of ninjutsu to keep up. Masahiko drew five senbon, holding them delicately between his knuckles, and dipped the tip of each into a vial of pain poison that he kept in a pouch at his hip. When he reached the treeline, he hopped up into the boughs, quietly and carefully making his way overhead until he caught up with the strategy meeting. With a quick flick of the wrist Masahiko sent two of the senbon flying towards Kazu, the other two towards Hizou; then he formed a single handseal and flash-stepped to a new position to conceal himself, waiting to see the aftermath of his attempts to sow chaos within the group. The poison was an irritant at best, no risk of being fatal, but the flare of searing pain it incited could send the trio into a panic… unless they were collected enough to keep their cool. All the while he kept his concentration focused on the genjutsu—it was a strain on his control, trying to force it across all three of the genin at once, and he found with some small curiosity that his chakra was draining faster than anticipated.

Yuki Kazu Sesshoku, Hizou Hoshino Kohaku -- 268

LAIKA OF THQ

[Yuki Kazu]

It was good that Hizou followed behind the two of them, if one of them was captured it'd be extremely disadvantageous. He made a mental note to protect him if the situation got bad. It wasn't that he was weak per say, his strengths were just not physical.

As they hid in the trees and Hizou explained what he had, Kazu reassured the boy, "Sometimes all you need is the basics, trust me it'll help." The boy said before moving onto the sensory point. "Sensory is good, you can let us know if you do sense him, if not it just means he's not planning on making this easy. At which point, I don't think it'd matter how skilled you were in sensory." The boy would affirm, his tone made it clear he was attentive, but strategizing as best as he could. 

As Kohaku explained her capabilities as well as her suggestions, "I agree we shouldn't split up, but we shouldn't stick entirely together either. One of us should stick with Hizou for sure, since you and me are definitely more physically adept than him. Not to mention if he's our tracker, we'll want him to be protected." Kazu tried not to sound condescending, after all a tracker was generally one of the most important roles in a squad. He then went back to the point of Kohaku's unique weapon. "If I can give you an opening, which I might be able to. And if you're sure nothing will go wrong, take the opportunity. Make sure to protect the object though." The boy would explain as Masahiko threw the senbon at them. 

He had started to feel like Masahiko had been taking too much time to get here, but it seemed that wasn't the case. He caught a brief look at him throwing the senbon before he had flash stepped away, since they were sitting in a circle. "Move!" He'd exclaim to his teammates as he made his way deeper into the forest. He would wait on the two to catch up before continuing to strategize. "Hizou our plan of action for the time being is to try to wear him down as much as possible. Use any opening you see but try to keep your distance. Kohaku, me and you are more close fighters, but I can try to subdue him at a decent range for you to hit him with that weapon. I'll do my best to give you an opening. Our plan hinges on me being able to subdue him though, which will require both of you to distract him." He'd finish, still trying to further strategize. "Be adaptable too. In a battle, strategies change with the flow of the fight. Prepare yourself as best you can."

[Sesshoku, Hizou]

Hizou acutely listened to Kazu, who quickly took up the role of group leader. The blonde haired boy was a little relieved he could step back into the support role he was so inclined towards. Nodding in response, Hizou thought nothing of the need to verbally respond and instead did as the young Yuki instructed. Closing his eyes and attempting to blot out all other senses, the genin focused solely on extruding his mind's eye outward. However it was difficult with their team leader's genjutsu still echoing in their ears, a constant noise almost infuriating. Even so Hizou focused at the task.

At first a cloud-like haze of greys and whites populated his extraordinary perception, nothing of note and especially not a chakra signature. Continuing to concentrate, the clouds begun to part and reveal two blobs of blue in his immediate vicinity. He carefully noted each of their positions; instantly coming to the conclusion it was Kaku and Kohaku. Determined to find their sensei, Hizou expanded his concentration over a larger area; letting more of the fog dissipate. However he couldn't; the Nue, superior in skill was nowhere to be found. Not until Masahiko approached.

The boy would open his eyes at Kaku's sudden order to move, taking no time he sudden jumped away from the group and narrowly dodged the two senbon. If it weren't for his amateurish attempt at sensory, there's no doubt he would have been taken by surprised. Hizou twisted his body to face where he'd seen their sensei approach from, only to see the blur of blonde disappear again. He looked back at his team-mates, carefully listening to Kaku's strategy before adjusting his glasses. "Sounds good."

---

Notes: n/a

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