[takeda sadako]

What had initially just been bland boredom with the first Taki-nin’s verbosity was quickly slanted into irritation. At another time, on another day, she might have made snide interjections during the second of Touwa’s speeches, given a snarky dressing-down of a child half her size with twice the ego—but Sadako had almost died twice in as many days, and her brush with mortality was not so easily shaken. Exhaustion weighed her down, tempered her anger. Even when she caught strays from the Kumo-nin—’a leader should at the very least know your name’—her eye twitched, her mouth flattened into a thin line, but she fell back into the security of keeping her mouth shut. Yuno threw a wrench into the works with a new proposal, which didn’t sound like the worst idea, but her irritation grew sullen when she realized that no one seemed especially impressed by her going to bat for Taro. Least of all Taro himself. ’I wouldn’t pick Sadako,’ he said in response to Yuno’s proposition, and then added insult to injury by being an absolute meathead. "Go fuck yourself,” she sniped as Taro stepped down from the podium to return to his seat. "You’re not gonna get any from her, you fuckin’ sleazebag. Nasty ass.” So much for loyalty. She stuck his neck out for this fuckin’ kid and this is how he repays her—soon as they got home she was gonna get Naoya to put hot sauce in his underwear— Marinating in her own gathering storm, her arms folded firmly across her chest and slouching further and further into her seat, Sadako was pulled from the pits of her own darkening mood by the sound of the only reasonable voice in the goddamn room. Ameko was no-nonsense, no-bullshit, much the same as the other Taki-nin who spoke after her… which made what she said next the funniest possible thing she could have. Kaoru’s response was an immediate and visceral denial. Sadako sat up straight in her chair, her sullen expression morphing into a grin, sharp and sharklike. "I agree with Ameko,” she said, gleeful at the prospect of committing to the bit. She didn’t care for anyone else in the room and no one was gonna vote for Taro—disloyal asshole—so why not? "He’s sensible and speaks well, he’ll make a great leader.” Privately, Sadako thought it was far more likely that she would vote for Ameko, if only by virtue of being one of two people who hadn’t annoyed the shit out of her thus far—but she kept that to herself for the time being.

---

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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The reactions from the others quickly shifted the dynamics in unexpected ways. Kaoru's blunt refusal and subsequent irritation brought a smirk to his face; it was clear the older Tokonatsu was not interested in leadership, which amused Touwa. As each genin spoke, the room’s energy fluctuated, tensions simmering beneath the surface.
[break][break]
He listened to Risi's flamboyant and somewhat manipulative speech with a mixture of amusement and disdain. The Cloud-nin's attempt to undermine others while subtly positioning himself as a competent leader was noted, but Touwa found his style too flashy and insincere for his taste.
[break][break]
Yuno’s unconventional proposal of reverse voting was intriguing, though Touwa doubted it would gain traction. It showed her adaptability and willingness to think outside the box, qualities he respected. However, her approach seemed too idealistic and impractical for the current situation.
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Taro’s speech was blunt and honest, a refreshing change from the more calculated responses. His self-awareness and straightforwardness earned a small nod of approval from Touwa. The Ame-nin's decision to endorse Yuno and his reasoning behind it displayed a level of strategic thinking, albeit rough around the edges.
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Ameko's response, however, was a calculated move that caught him off guard. Her direct challenge to his approach and subsequent endorsement of Kaoru, despite the latter’s vehement refusal, was a masterstroke of mischief. It injected chaos into the situation, and Touwa couldn't help but admire the audacity.
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Sadako’s follow-up, endorsing Kaoru as well, added to the hilarity of the situation. Touwa's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with amusement as the room’s dynamics continued to shift.
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As the room quieted, Touwa leaned back in his seat, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest. He observed the faces around him, noting the mix of emotions.
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Touwa decided to remain silent for now, his earlier speech having said enough. He knew that sometimes the best way to lead was to observe, to let others reveal their true selves and play their hands. He would bide his time.
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For now, he enjoyed the unfolding drama.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
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The Araikettei clan's hijutsu allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.
[break][break]
毒耐性 | Doku Taisei [lit. Poison Tolerance]
[break][break]
Touwa has a higher tolerance to biological toxins and poisons because he is a member of the Tokonatsu clan. Because of his resistance, Touwa can heal from wounds caused by biological poisons or toxins more quickly. Biological poisons or toxins require a dosage increase of one to become effective.
[break][break]
竑 | Kou [lit. Endless]
[break][break]
Touwa possesses significantly larger and more formidable chakra reserves compared to his peers. This advantage enables him to execute various jutsu without rapidly depleting his chakra, granting him a distinct advantage in combat situations and the capacity to maintain prolonged, intensive chakra utilization. Consequently, he can employ advanced techniques for extended durations surpassing the capabilities of most individuals within his rank.

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[risi]

♔

The idea of splitting themselves up and voting for a leader that way is certainly an interesting idea, but he can already tell from some of the looks he's getting from the others that his words are not having an appreciable positive effect on trying to get himself the leadership position. He sighs and leans back in his chair, feeling more bored now than anything. It seems some of them are opposed to the idea of splitting themselves, which of course means that it's not going to work quite as this Yuno girl was hoping it would. Unless everyone agreed, the idea of doing this voting plan wasn't going to work, no matter how compelling the idea was. He wonders if the other group of Chuunin Exam hopefuls was having any better luck with their voting process.

Regardless, it seems Touwa wasn't actually trying so hard; it seemed he knew to stop digging once you reach a deep enough hole, although now that he wasn't saying anything, it was somewhat cementing the idea that he wouldn't be one of the two leaders. Now, though, with so many people actually expressing vocal interest in voting for Kaoru, the voting was going to be a bit more difficult... if everyone was voting for Kaoru, who would be their second leader? Finally, he decides to speak up, though he doesn't get up to the podium this time, since he's not trying to put forward an actual suggestion.

"Let's not forget that we're going to need two leaders. Kaoru can't do the work of two leaders, so some of us are going to have to vote for our second pick."

He couldn't help but to let a naughty little smirk cross his face because he heard that Takigakure ninja's insistence that he not be made one of the leaders, and he'd just practically treated Kaoru's appointment to one of the leadership positions.

"I think we all know Touwa isn't a great choice for leader. Sadako doesn't really care if she's leader. Yuno has some good ideas, but I don't know that she's got the necessary strategy... Sorry doll.~ Taro doesn't want it. I think we all want Ameko to be able to knock some heads off necks, but if she's leader, she's gonna end up staying back... And we all know Kaoru is going to get the leadership position now, but who's getting second?"

Of course, he left out one of the options; there was no need to try and fluff himself up any further. It would only be seen as similar to Touwa, and his ego was more than big enough for all of them. He had changed his mind on Touwa at this point, and was leaning more towards Kaoru, especially because he seemed adamant to not wanting it, which was funny, but also because he was actually had the most humility. He had to hope that his insight would be enough to make at least some of them consider voting for him; he really didn't have much hope for his status as one for the leaders at this point.

coded by pinn @ thq

tags if you want

[Sō Yuno]

Yuno was a bit peeved her medical ninja status once again seemed to be against her. Surely every village had a head medic, as well as the teams with medical leaders had the highest survival rate. Granted the Sō knew she wasn't of a jounin medic skills, there'd be no way she'd perform as well as them. However she'd mentally be fighting for the role of medic and not herself.

Though her eyes would widen in shock as despite saying he'd not pick a medic, Taro would go out and say he'd vote for her. What an odd twist, but the oddness would be explained in such an even odder manner. "Oh you mustn't flatter me, you'll make this white dragon red~" She'd retort to his claim of her being pretty hot, her voice clearly a bit excited to be praised. Though she'd attempt to be humble in her words, her response merely a reply and not loud enough to claim attention.

Ameko's words would continue this strange tension that the room seemed to have subtly adopted. Her aim near the end taking a glancing shot at Yuno's own proposed suggestion, but she'd already spoken on if people didn't like the idea. It required no apology, as it was in part an expectation. So in the moment when Ameko shot a grin towards Yuno, an almost confused looking smile was returned. Though the smile would rather quickly fade as the Suna genin claimed they'd vote for Kaoru. Worry struck over the Konoha shinobi, it's feeling intensified as Sadako joined in on this vote.

Touwa wouldn't rise for another rebuttal, but instead the discussion skipped over them to Risi. They'd bring up that two leaders were to be picked, but would seemingly chime into the vote of Kaoru. This didn't seem to be pleasing the quieter Tokonatsu, but it'd be the second time someone apologized to Yuno and tried to simultaneously put her down. She didn't like it, but it'd fuel the words she formulated next.

"Even split into separate teams, we might all still need to work together. A level of trust between us might be necessary, I know personally I have no reason to trust any of you over another of you. So to a degree I need to trust you're all being honest, which means I trust Kaoru's request to not be chosen. Thus I must ask Ameko and Sadako please reconsider your vote for him, if he refuses to lead or be led in the time of need, we might all fail this exam." Sincerity was the tone and it was real with her sense of worry, as she'd feel the room had somewhat devolved into chaos.

"I trust we're all great shinobi capable of what's needed, so there's no need to apologize to me. As I trust your words aren't against me, but are instead for us as a whole." Yuno would attempt to assure both Risi and Ameko. "That stated. In the name of picking the best leaders, as to avoid any inner team conflicts. Is there anyone presently in here anyone feels they'd refuse to work under?" Other than Taro's response of gambling others personal lives seemed to also stay private. Yuno unable to pick off skills was now hoping maybe she could form some sort of process of elimination. Granted she'd personally already excluded Kaoru as a possible vote on her ballad.

SPOILER: Click to show

Words. -- Tags. Warai Ameko risi Tokonatsu Touwa takeda sadako Nakahara Ichī Tokonatsu Kaoru Gima Taro Notes. Yuno that's how it' goes.

Template by Kuroya of THQ & GS.

[Gima Taro]

Taro sort of felt like this conversation was going in circles. Of course, different people were going to take different aspects of his conversation in different ways, but rationally speaking, their minds should have been made up after the first round. He already had his picks in mind- Even outside of his nonsensical looks based choice.

"Don't take it personally Sadako." He waved his hand. "I'm enough idiot for one team. Two would just be a suicide charge." He shot her a grin. It really was just that- Nothing personal. He just felt that, well, the two of them on the same team would be a really bad idea for whomever their third would be.

Still, people made their arguments, and again, the Dragon Girl seemed to be, for the most part, the more rational of the lot. The various flavors of contention had no real bearing.

"In the better interest of not failing us all in this exam by picking the literal one person who outright refuses to lead I stick with Dragon-girl here. Failing that, our Suna-Friend." He picked the two people he'd gather for his team as the two people he'd want leading.

"Both seem competent enough. Say, how much longer do we have to sit around here talking about this?" He'd already made up his mind several minutes ago. Listening to these people talk was giving him a slight headache. Maybe this was a good chance to meditate...?

[Warai Ameko]

Kaoru reacted with indignation and Ameko’s smile widened, revealing a series of white teeth. The giggle that escaped from her maw was manic and mirthful. She had hoped to stab at his kinsman, but his reaction was just as joyous. "And he’s humble too!” Ameko added between bouts of laughter, "I would follow this man into the abyss!” Even better, Sadako, she figured that was the name of the muscular girl, the one who had been pointed out as the hot one, agreed. That only set Ameko’s laughter to a higher pitch. And so it continued, Ameko cackling under her breath at her own joke, and subsequently becoming distracted from the conversation at hand. But it continued without her, and whereas she had been content to inject chaos in pursuit of her own hedonistic goals, the others in the room still seemed to have some sort of plan to elect a leader. Or at least a second leader. Truthfully, Ameko had forgotten about that aspect in pursuit of the bit. Ameko’s chuckles ended as Risi spoke, and she narrowed her eyes as he removed names from the potential list, including her own. She didn’t quite know how to react to that. Similarly, the dragon girl continued to show herself to ever be the peacemaker. She took Ameko’s words in good stead and pivoted back to the diplomatic course she’d elected to take. Her approach was utterly logical, find out who people did not wish to work with, find out who would be a good leader, discuss and come to a consensus prior to the vote. It was probably the best course of action, but Ameko didn’t quite know what to do. Her mind was utterly focused on the chaos of the situation. How her own name kept coming up as one of the potential leaders was beyond her, but she wasn’t complaining. It seemed she was impressing both the rain shinobi, hot one and declarer of hotness. "Dragon girl seems to have a bunch of plans,” Ameko said once she sobered up a bit, "That’s one of the names you didn’t wipe out, Risi, ay? But she seems to have the sorta tactical mind for a leader.” She shrugged. "‘Scept the not voting for Kaoru thing, he continues to impress me beyond measure.”

Sō Yuno Tokonatsu Kaoru risi Gima Taro Tokonatsu Touwa takeda sadako

[Tokonatsu Kaoru]

Tokonatsu Kaoru

While he continued to drum on the hilt of his sword, Kaoru considered the mess the conversation had turned into, internally satisfied that he had managed to stir things up more than it might have otherwise been. It gave him a rather excellent chance to see the way the others acted and reacted, how they thought and what their priorities were. He hadn't lied, he didn't want to lead a group, and he was curious what the odd person out would be doing, but he also wanted to throw pebbles in the pond so to speak. 

"It's pretty clear the cute Shiroryu-chan should be a leader," he commented as he gestured to Yuno languidly, hopefully throwing a bit more fuel on the fire while he sprawled further in his chair, free hand idly tapping out a drum beat on the underside of the seat. He said it sardonically, but she seemed to be one of the few people putting forward any plans. 

While some might think he should have been supportive of his younger clanmate here, really he wanted to give Touwa a chance to work his skills out himself. If that meant things not going smoothly, then so be it.

Really, the fact that there were proctors in here was probably the only reason the group hadn't started brawling, which was a shame, could have been fun. Still, if people didn't start pulling their heads outta their own asses there wasn't going to be much team cohesion. Which could be good or bad for him, depending on how things panned out. 

Ah well, shikata ga nai.

Word Count: 267
Tags: takeda sadako , Tokonatsu Touwa , risi , Sō Yuno , Gima Taro , Warai Ameko

[takeda sadako]

Touwa stayed quiet for this round of discussion—thank god—and Risi reminded everyone that they did, in fact, need to vote for two leaders. He left himself out of his list of potentials for the position, a subtle strategy that went right over Sadako’s head. She’d been so wrapped up in picking one person that she’d honestly forgotten the need to pick a second, though she wasn’t about to admit that out loud. Yuno tried to talk her and Ameko out of voting for Kaoru, to which Sadako just rolled her eyes. "I’ve reconsidered,” she said dryly. "While I was reconsidering, his platform has become stronger than ever. I’ll vote for him twice.” One of the proctors interjected to remind everyone that you could not vote for someone twice, to which Sadako just sniped, "then I’ll vote for him three times.” Her question of whether or not anyone would outright refuse to work under someone only garnered a shake of Sadako’s head. Even if one of the more irritating people in the bunch got voted in as leader, Sadako wasn’t quite stupid enough to be outright insubordinate in whatever came next. Probably. Depending on how irritating the person in question was. Taro earned no further reply from Sadako beyond her rolling her eyes even harder, crossing one leg over the other and twisting in her seat to angle herself away from him. Kaoru and Ameko—once she was done cackling like a madman—both came out in support of Yuno. She might have dismissed Kaoru’s opinion out of hand, since he was apparently just as sleazy as Taro, but Ameko voicing the same opinion gave it more weight. Yuno wasn’t coming across as terribly persuasive, but this was also a room full of stubborn, arrogant morons, and at least she was trying to produce solutions in the midst of madness. "I’m honor-bound to follow the directive of my chosen leader, who has won my loyalty,” Sadako said, dry as desert, one fist thumped across her chest in mock-salute. "My second vote will go to Yuno.” With her mind made up, there wasn’t much left for her to do. She could try to pitch herself as a potential team member, but with Taro tossing her to the wolves every chance he fuckin’ got, it seemed unlikely that anyone would want her on their team, and she was far too proud to beg. Sadako went to the ballot box, waving off the one proctor who sternly reminded her that she couldn’t vote twice for the same person. It took a few minutes to finish the first paper, her brow furrowed as it seemed like she was focusing intently on something; when she got to the second, she glanced up to ask Yuno, "what characters do you use for your name?” and wrote it as directed. With her vote cast, she wasn’t able to participate in the discussion anymore—a net positive for her—so she reclaimed her seat and watched the remainder of the proceedings in silence. [votes cast in discord DM; exit thread.]

---

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa listened to the ongoing discussion with growing amusement and frustration. It was clear that the dynamics in the room were a hot mess, and he found the entire situation rather entertaining, even if it was a bit tiresome. He had no illusions about his standing; he knew that his earlier attempts to position himself had not gained much traction. However, he wasn't done yet.
[break][break]
Kumogakure's representative's condescending remarks and his dismissive attitude towards everyone else grated on Touwa’s nerves. It was one thing to try to manipulate the situation subtly, but his flamboyant and transparent attempts at self-promotion were too much.
[break][break]
Touwa leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly as he addressed him directly. "Kumo-san, it's fascinating how you manage to dismiss nearly everyone here while subtly positioning yourself as the only viable leader. Your arrogance is almost admirable, but it's misplaced. We’re all genin here, no one is above anyone else, especially not someone who hasn't even stated his name to us yet."
[break][break]
He glanced around the room, his gaze sweeping over the other participants. He found their attitudes and approaches equally frustrating. The idea that he or Kaoru should take cues from someone from Kumogakure, Sunagaure, or even Konohagakure was laughable to him.
[break][break]
With that, Touwa stood up and walked over to the ballot box, took the provided papers, and wrote down his two votes. After a moment of contemplation, he folded the papers neatly and placed them into the box.
[break][break]
"Let’s see how this plays out," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe by some miracle, we’ll end up with leaders who can guide us through this without turning it into a complete disaster."
[break][break]
-E X I T -
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
[break][break]
The Araikettei clan's hijutsu allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.
[break][break]
毒耐性 | Doku Taisei [lit. Poison Tolerance]
[break][break]
Touwa has a higher tolerance to biological toxins and poisons because he is a member of the Tokonatsu clan. Because of his resistance, Touwa can heal from wounds caused by biological poisons or toxins more quickly. Biological poisons or toxins require a dosage increase of one to become effective.
[break][break]
竑 | Kou [lit. Endless]
[break][break]
Touwa possesses significantly larger and more formidable chakra reserves compared to his peers. This advantage enables him to execute various jutsu without rapidly depleting his chakra, granting him a distinct advantage in combat situations and the capacity to maintain prolonged, intensive chakra utilization. Consequently, he can employ advanced techniques for extended durations surpassing the capabilities of most individuals within his rank.

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[risi]

♔

Risi waves off the insinuations by many others that Yuno was being insulted by him, showing a rare frown on his pretty face at everyone suddenly taking his words out of context.

"Someone being an effective healer doesn't mean they wouldn't be effective at leading. But their greatest asset is in the medical field, which requires far more training than that needed to be a leader. Putting Yuno in a leadership position means she's split between trying to lead us and trying to make sure none of us are hurt significantly, because then she'd have to fix us up again, instead. A leader should keep in mind that in rare instances, sacrifices have to be made; a person who has been medically trained is morally opposed to sacrifices, not to mention needing to stop leading so she can heal us."

The logic seemed painfully obvious to Risi, but it seems he's watching them all pick Yuno anyway, and he sighs with annoyance. His eyes flash to Touwa, and now he has a bit of a rueful smirk on his lips as the other shinobi refuses to acknowledge him by name, and instead makes a dig at his lack of an introduction.

"Really, Touwa, an introduction was not necessary; names were made public before we started these Exams. I'm offended that you put so much stock into the names of your own clan and don't know our names unless we introduce ourselves directly to you."

His apparent attempt to sway peoples' votes seems to have had the opposite effect, and so he shrugs and gets up from his seat as well.

"Well, since everyone is adamant on their choices, it's pointless to talk further. Brick walls move not an inch."

He writes on a pair of papers with a rather ostentatious flourish, though he reveals no names as he slips them into the box on the table, then turns and walks out as well, carrying his scythe with him.

coded by pinn @ thq

tags if you want

[Sō Yuno]

It seemed as almost half the room had voted, as well as the other half announcing their 'clear choices', it'd be only Yuno who didn't know who to vote. Her last questions seemed to keep being relatively left unanswered, but who was she to press them any further. They didn't exactly seem to agree with her view point on this being non-combat related. Nor seemed to interested in speaking on the nature of comradery.

She'd more or less have to go through her own methodology. There were those who'd thrown themselves at the position with as much vigor and inspirational words as possible. As well as those who'd seem to show that the interest was in itself a down side. The words and spoken verdicts of others though had as much value as many other things stated. Determining the meaning of this little challenge would of been beneficial. She'd alas be left with only half a room to consider that meaning now.

As she herself stated trust was likely a key ingredient to this working. So, she'd trust that everyone who spoke did so with a virtuous intent. There words weren't lies to confuse her, so she'd glance around for anyone else's last bids or words. Take a bit of a deep sigh and head over to the ballot box. Write her votes and place it in. "I hope we can all be friends by the end of this and really enjoy the after party." Yuno didn't really know better words to close, but she was hopeful the prospect of fun to come would loosen some of the tension felt earlier.

-Exit-

SPOILER: Click to show

Words. -- Tags. Warai Ameko risi Tokonatsu Touwa takeda sadako Nakahara Ichī Tokonatsu Kaoru Gima Taro Notes. Yuno that's how it' goes.

Template by Kuroya of THQ & GS.

[Gima Taro]

Taro watched as everyone left, one after the other, a soft squint coming from his face as he tried to rationalize why everyone decided to jump ship so soon. Really? Had negotiations gone so wrong so quickly? And everyone was passive aggressively at each others throats as well. Unnnfortunate.

But, it was what it was.

"Everyone's leaving, huh? Well, I haven't cast my vote yet. I'm still thinking. Guess that means you all have to suck it up and sit around while Ameko and I discuss it, huh?" He shot a shark toothed grin at the rest of them as the room had been cleared to himself and one girl- Which made discussion much easier.

"Realistically, who do you think among them was the best leader? You know, with less voices shouting in my ear, it's suddenly way easier for me to think about who could actually lead. Maybe the quiet calm was what I really needed to think clearly." He tapped his head. Adaptable as ever, truly- In this case, adapting to less people around seemed to be very easy. A lot easier than trying to get his voice heard in a group, at least.

"I still think the Dragon Girl was alright. Yeah, she's a medic, but if she can't juggle doing that and leadership, I guess she'd make a pretty bad Chuunin, huh?" He hummed.

"Then again, should we really vote for anyone who already made their choice on a leader? Feels like if you don't have the patience to sit around and talk it out, maybe you'd overall be a poor choice for a leader." Okay, now he was actually deep thinking about the situation some. Where was this Taro at the start?


...Probably being annoyed at the entire situation in the first place, come to think of it.

[Warai Ameko]

Ameko wasn’t quite sure when the situation in the room had changed, but the tense atmosphere had reached a boil and more than half of the participants had evidently grown sick of the beating around the bush. Many declared that they had decided and went to vote, the hot one, the scion of the allegedly great house, the bastard crow, and the dragon, each taking the opportunity to vote. They had spoken final words, but Ameko had focused on her own internal thoughts thoughts. Ameko presumed it was due to either frustration or a desire to see the process finished sooner rather than later. She could empathise, of course. Sitting in a room and debating was hardly her idea of fun. But they weren’t truly debating, the conversation had devolved and she was thoroughly enjoying itt. Hot rain nin backing her declaration to follow her commitment to the bit caused Ameko to provide Sadako with a thumbs up and a wink. Of course, the passive aggressive jibes between the Tokonatsu and Risi did not require more of a reaction than a pair of rolled eyes from Ameko. She had the pair of them picked, soft lads who enjoyed little more than proper society and its barbs. At least, that was what she had figured. She didn’t have much desire to join in their banter, it was too subtle for her tastes. Her focus instead was turned toward the leaf kunoichi, the sole peacemaker among their rowdy crowd. It seemed almost inevitable that she would hold one of the leader positions, being one of the few who had bothered to try to broke agreement between the disparate genin of very, very disparate villages. Yet, as they voted, the male rain shinobi did not, instead he turned his attention to Ameko. The bullshit was cut, and for the first time, Ameko felt like she didn’t need to play any sort of game. "Dragon was fine but people pleasing,” She yawned, uncaring if the remainder of the assembled genin could hear her too loud voice, "But I know fuck all about medics or diplomacy or whatever.” Ameko waved a hand to the side. "I’unno, you know? People want it too much, that’s a no. People don’t want it, also a no… Don’t spose you have any clue?” Ameko huffed and sunk into her seat, "Maybe mister lesser scion was right, going for leader is a fool’s errand… Still voting for ya, bro.” She shot a wink at Kaoru.

Sō Yuno Tokonatsu Kaoru risi Gima Taro Tokonatsu Touwa takeda sadako

[Tokonatsu Kaoru]

Tokonatsu Kaoru

Kaoru continued to remain silent as the others talked, not really inclined to say anything in particular as he watched and listened to the others. Whether they were his competition or not in this round was difficult to say, but for now he'd gotten a decent read on each of them and honestly, they were more entertaining without his input at this point.

With a large portion of the room already throwing in their votes, it left the Ame boy and the Suna girl along with himself as the only ones who had yet to cast.

"Of course going for leader is a fool's errand. We don't know for what task, what rules, or anything like that," he snorted in response to Ameko's statement just to stir the pot really, seemingly unconcerned at being called a lesser scion. Sure, the ones who voted couldn't have their minds changed but he could certainly rile them up a bit more. He did idly wonder if Touwa would realise what he was doing, or if he was going to have to explain himself later to avoid getting the grumpy glaring.

"Besides, leaders have to deal with all the boring stuff too, paperwork and the like, rather than get to the fun stuff of fighting. That said, you say you're voting for me but that people who don't want the role shouldn't get it, bit of mixed signals there Sandy Cheeks. Perhaps we should just vote based on who'd be most entertaining at that point"

Word Count: 251
Tags: takeda sadako , Tokonatsu Touwa , risi , Sō Yuno , Gima Taro , Warai Ameko

[Gima Taro]

Something had deeply struck him from what Kaoru said. And it wasn't just the odd reference to someone named 'Sandy Cheeks' either. Who was that? What was that? Did Ameko have sandy cheeks? Taro glanced over at them, before shrugging as he sat back a bit and listened to the arguments.

No, it was the paperwork. Right, a leader had to do paperwork. That completely cooked him out of this as he put his hands up in defeat. He was, in truth, terrible at writing. It was one of his worst aspects. So the idea of being forced to do it?

It didn't sit well with the Amegakure shinobi, as he slowly stood up, having decided on his picks.

"Well. I think I know who I'll pick. Whatever happens... If we do end up with someone- Any of us- As leader... Lets follow them. No point in fighting over a decision we all made together." He moved over and scribbled on some papers before handing them off to the proctor... Before simply standing there. Time to see what was picked.