Chuunin Exam Part 1

Mission Link

Mission Details:

Senshi stood nervously in front of the Chuunin he had just reported to, the man had spent several minutes simply staring at him before finally signaling another Chuunin to come over. Without a word the Chuunin motioned for him to follow him, and Senshi was led on a winding path through the Mission building. They had taken several turns before Senshi realized that they were headed underground. Steadily but slowly they dropped in altitude until Senshi was certain they had to be several hundred meters under the earth. It caused his nervousness to ratchet upwards at an accelerated rate. What could this Exam possibly entail that it required such secrecy as to be hidden so far underground. He had been surprised when Reizo had shown up during his last exam, and though the battle had been difficult he had managed to pass.
 
His combat capabilities, especially in the taijutsu area, required a lot more refining before he was truly ready to be a good shinobi. But Senshi knew that since he had had passed it made more sense to begin the Chuunin Exams as soon as possible. At first he had thought that he would be able to take the Exam missions on his own schedule. The Summons he had received this morning had proven that idea to be quite false. He had woken up to a light tapping on his window this morning and a Carrier Pidgeon had dropped off a missive telling him to report to the Mission office to begin his first Chuunin Exam missions. The scroll had simply stated that the Chuunin Exams was a series of missions that were delivered to the examinees at a random basis. It had only been three days since he had passed his last preliminary mission to qualify.
 
He hadn’t been able to put in the hard training that he had for the last preliminary missions and he felt wholly unprepared. He had learned from the second preliminary mission that rushing into these things was a bad idea. That they would result in him failing, or at the least barely managing to pass them. Now to know that he would have to rely on the skills he had already built because he could never be certain when the next missions would begin. It was really bringing to light one of his uncle’s favorite sayings; the next missions begins now. A shinobi should always be prepared for any missions they are given, and Senshi was finally getting to learn that. Finally after several minutes of walking the Chuunin opened a door and gestured the young Genin inside. As he entered the door Senshi was surprised to see several seals written on the ground, a small place for someone to sit in the center was the only uncovered area in the whole room.
 
The room had no decorations to speak of, simply a five foot by five foot concrete room. No chair, no table, and no bed. Senshi wondered for a brief moment if he were going to be tortured but he didn’t have long for his thoughts to wander as the Chuunin produced a clip board and began to read off the page. “The First Chuunin Exam Mission consists of a Genjutsu that will judge your worth as a shinobi of Kumogakure. You are to take a seat, Indian style, in the center of the seals from which I will begin the Genjutsu. We, the proctors, will have full view of everything that occurs in the Genjutsu, if we find your desires for advancement or your loyalty to the village lacking you can and will fail this test and thusly will be required to restart the process from the beginning.” The man paused eyeing Senshi with a critical eye as he did so.
 
In the Chuunin’s eye Senshi could see doubt that he was ready for these exams, but to him he felt a sudden relief. He knew his loyalty to the village was absolute, the only thing he had questions about was simply why he wanted to advance so quickly. He felt he already knew the answer, but then one could never be a hundred percent sure. Before his mind could continue making scenarios the Chuunin began to speak again. “Due to the Fuuinjutsu seals enhancing the Genjutsu, it is unbreakable until you complete the requirements. As such we suggest you work fast or you’ll die of dehydration or starvation. When you are ready assume your spot and I will activate the Genjutsu.” Senshi nodded feeling his body straighten as he stepped forwards across the lines of seals, marveling at their complexity as he walked to the center.
 
Once he was in the center of the seals he removed Bastuodosodo from his back laying it beside him as he sat down. He was still too short to sit on the ground with the sword comfortably and he didn’t want to feel too uncomfortable while he was trying to navigate this Genjutsu. He crossed his legs before sitting gracefully next to his sword, his right hand resting on the hilt while his second hand rested lightly in his lap, near to his weapons pouch. The Chuunin was silent as he knelt down and Senshi felt the sudden pulse of chakra and the entire room seemed to light up. Senshi felt the world around him beginning to spin as he was dragged into the depths of his mind. The colors around him had begun to swirl, and it seemed like he would be forever enveloped in the steel gray of the concrete.
 
Several seconds of his vision swirling around, and feeling as though he had lost complete control of his body and suddenly the steel gray of the concrete began to warp into vividly bright colors. It started slowly with a light blue, and then began to increase as more colors joined until it was an utter cacophony of colors arrayed before his eyes. He felt extremely nautilus as his body was yanked and twisted with the colors, he felt as though he was over stretching his muscles as he was pulled further and further into the depths of his mind. With a sudden harsh, jarring halt Senshi felt his legs impact the ground and he collapsed retching as he did so. Fortunately he only managed to dry heave several times before he finally regained control of his stomach. Straightening up, Senshi looked around himself trying to blink out the tears from his blurry eyes.
 
He had always hated puking, it made him feel weak after all. As He looked around Senshi was surprised to see that either he was incredibly short or everything around him was incredibly large. Looking down he noted that he was wearing a dark red cotton t shirt and a pair of sturdy black pants. He recognized this outfit, it was what he had worn when he was younger. When he had trained with his uncle. His hands were exceedingly small compared to what he was used to, and Senshi came to the conclusion that he was manifesting as his six or seven year old self. He stepped forwards surprised that his sudden change in height wasn’t affecting him. It undoubtedly had to do with the fact that this was a Genjutsu and as such he wasn’t really this small.
 
As Senshi moved through the village he marveled at how clean and nice everything was. This was pre-Raikage-sama Kumogakure. When they had been less of a warring nation and more friendly to those around them. Senshi remembered this version of Kumogakure vaguely, the old Raikage had not been around much. Or at least he had not been seen much, and frankly he had been extremely derelict in his duty for not defending the village. Senshi felt a pang of hate towards the former Raikage, how could anyone fail in what they had sworn to do. Senshi stopped walking when he saw someone he had not been expecting, it was his Uncle. He had died when Raikage-sama had taken over and executed all the Jounin and above.
 
The man motioned towards Senshi and the boy moved towards him, responding to the unspoken command as he had always been taught. Once he was standing in front of his Uncle he saluted sharply, his right fist pounding into his chest with as much force as this little body could give off. “Uncle.” A single word was all Senshi said, knowing that his Uncle preferred as little speech as possible. The man looked his young nephew over with a critical eye, judging his stance, blank expression, and the way he was spoken. A sudden swing and a sharp stinging sensation engulfed the entirety of his right side. His Uncle’s hand withdrew from the strike as Senshi forced himself to stand even straighter. As thought a Kunai were currently taped to his back and he couldn’t slack at all.
 
He had forgotten just how stern his Uncle could be. “Follow, it’s time to swear your Oath.” Senshi gave a sharp nod and started to follow his uncle, falling into step a full two paces behind him and one pace to the right. As they walked the young Senshi continued to look around his eyes looking for any threats as his Uncle had started to teach him. He was not well adapted to it in this flashback of his life but he found that even at the young age this Genjutsu had reverted he to he found that it was still natural to adopt this position. Had his training really started so young that he didn’t even notice the way it affected his basic activities. Senshi shrugged the thought off as they arrived at the house, he hadn’t realized they’d been moving so fast. Yet it was a Genjutsu so maybe it had cut the travel time so as not to waste time.
 
They entered the house, Senshi holding the door respectfully for his Uncle, looking down as the man walked passed him. He shut the door quietly following the man to the backyard where he saw his father, mother, two older brothers, and his older sister already standing. They were dressed in their best clothing, though slightly outdated for the times it showcased how they were a working class family. Senshi followed his Uncle to stand between them all, the man wearing his usual Jounin attire. “We are here to affirm Kobayashi-Setsujinn Senshi to his Oath of service to the village. Will the witnesses state their names?” His Uncle’s voice was the typical deep monotone that Senshi himself was currently striving to emulate in his everyday life. He was not yet successful due to his age and not being able to make his voice go as deep.
 
His father stepped forwards and with a harsh look to his youngest son, who immediately felt himself trying to stand taller under his father’s unforgiving gaze, the man spoke. “I, Kobayashi Hirotomi, do bear witness to Kobayashi-Setsujinn Senshi, my fourth child and third son, swearing an Oath of service to the great nation of Kumogakure No Sato.” Senshi felt himself adopting a more serious posture as his father spoke, and when the man stepped forwards offering his weathered and calloused hand to his Uncle, Senshi watched in slight fascination as his Uncle slit his father’s palm shallowly. He recognized the knife his uncle was wielding as one of the more expensive, but largely ceremonial knives his father had forged for Oath Binding ceremonies such as this. Once his father’s hand was sliced he stepped forwards and wiped a portion of the blood across Senshi’s cheek before retaking his position.
 
Next was his mother, she stepped forwards with all the regal grace a lady in waiting had learned in their young years. “I Kobayashi, formerly Setsujinn, Gin do so swear my youngest son’s loyalty to the village of Kumogakure in the name of the Setsujinn family.” The process was repeated over again with his mother’s palm being slit and the blood being smeared lightly on his face before she too stepped back and his two elder brothers and sisters repeated the ceremony. He marveled at the way each of his family members would wince when the blade slide across their hands cutting into their flesh. He turned to his Uncle as the man started speaking, his tone formal and deeper then Senshi had ever heard. “I, Setsujinn Kirosu, last male of the Setsujinn line do so swear to raise this boy as a Setsujinn in the service of Kumogakure no Sato. Till his death he shall serve.”
 
Senshi stiffed and tensed every muscle in his body as his uncle slashed both of his palms and smeared the blood not only across his face over where his other family members had marked him but also on his hands and neck. “Kobayashi-Setsujinn Senshi do you so swear to serve the Village of Kumogakure until your death or the village leader, the Raikage, releases you from your oath?” Senshi felt his heart swell at the thought of having a purpose. He had always known that his parents intended for him to do this since he was born, but now that it was here he felt even more excited. Senshi was confused by the dual emotions of his younger self and this older him that was in the Genjutsu. He was still excited and proud by the prospect of making the oath and yet at the same time it was tempered by all that he had learned.
 
By the death of his Uncle and so many others, by Akihana-sama’s words and the actions of the other shinobi he had met. He knew that his country wasn’t perfect now. He could see the rot and corruption that inhabited it by the way those who were in the first sector lived. He knew life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. And he found that he was okay with this. He was okay with the fact that his country wasn’t everything he had thought it would be when he was younger. He knew now that he would get the power and influence to help them become better. He could help destroy the rot that had set into the village’s core. He could assist his Raikage and the other shinobi of the village in improving the lives of those who lived here. He could do his duty to his village and still be a good shinobi. It was with all these thoughts that Senshi spoke, the real him not the past that was reliving it through.
 
“I do so swear. Upon pain of death, torture, dismemberment, or exile my life is given to the village of Kumogakure until I no longer draw breath.” He bowed his head slightly as he recited the long dead oaths. His hand coming up and accepting the knife from his Uncle, he quickly and efficiently slit both of his palms charging a small amount of chakra into them he smeared it over the blade. As the Genjutsu version of himself did this Senshi allowed his mind to wander. That blade still held a special place of honor on his night stand. He looked at it every night before he went to bed, and woke up to its gleaming red blade every morning. It was the physical evidence of his oath and something he treasured more than almost anything else. He made a mental note to reaffirm his oaths when this was over. Now that he was a Genin he should redo the oath in order to show his proper fealty.
 
His thoughts were whisked away from him as suddenly the air around him began to swirl in a kaleidoscope of colors. Senshi once again felt the nausea building in his body as he felt like he was being sucked into a tornado and thrown around raucously. Whoever had created this Genjutsu was bound to be put into the Torture and Interrogation department. There was just no way they could have created something uncomfortable and not used it against Kumogakure’s enemies. As the world finally ended its tumultuous swirling Senshi looked around taking stock of his surroundings. This time he was in the woods of Kumogakure and before him stood one of his instructors he recalled from his earlier years at the academy. As he looked down at himself he was unsurprised to see that he had aged from the previous vision.
 
Looking at his hands he determined he had to be about eight or so years old. Looking around and see the lack of rot and destruction he surmised that it was before the current Raikage’s rule. The new Raikage had yet to really get around to forcing the people back to their daily duties of ensuring the village looked pristine. Where ease the former Raikage had clearly been more interested in presenting a good image of the village to the world. Senshi pushed these thoughts away as the instructor continued to explain the lesson. They were to kill an animal, as efficiently as possible to show that they were ready for the shinobi life style. Several of the children looked awkwardly and fearfully at the instructor but Senshi merely shrugged.
 
His Uncle had been having him kill animals to desensitize him to it ever since he had made his oath. With a lazy flick of his wrist he threw a Kunai watching as it slide through the rabbit’s neck and then embedded itself into the tree behind it. The instructor looked to him curiously before addressing him directly. “That was quiet efficient, do you think you would be so quick if it were a human? One how had hopes, dreams, even possibly children? Could you sacrifice their life as quickly as you took this rabbits?” Senshi looked at the rabbit watching as its life blood spilled on the ground. He took the question seriously, these weren’t the types of things you just rushed to answer. But even as the younger him considered the question the older, Genjutsu version, already knew the answer.
 
For he had already taken a man’s life and proved that he could and would do it. The man hadn’t even committed that bad of a crime, merely stealing fantastically rare art from the richer more corrupt merchants in the village. “I will take any life commanded of me in the service of this village Juso-Sensei.” The instructor nodded and before Senshi could comprehend anything else the world was spinning, merging its colors into one once again. He found that while this transition began he didn’t feel as nauseous as the others had made him feel. It was entirely possible that he was becoming used to the sensation. That was good, it meant that he would be able to better focus on what was going on around him and not be taken so much by surprised. As the world turned and spun around him the colors enveloping him until he was unsure where they began and he ended he wondered how long he had been in this Genjutsu.
 
It hadn’t felt like much time had passed, though he knew in reality his Oath ceremony had taken several hours. So had that lesson as a matter of fact, as several students had been very hesitant to kill an animal. He recalled how he had been partially shunned after that day, other students had avoided him and he had never really understood why. To this day he still didn’t though he thought it may have to do with what Akihana-sama had spoken to him about. He recalled she had been rather displeased over his killing that Art thief. As the world finished spinning and Senshi felt his feet connect to the ground he eyed an area he was quite familiar with. The prison yard execution grounds. As he looked around Senshi realized that he was about nine, this was when Mortarion, Lord Youka, Raikage-Sama had executed the few surviving Jounin’s.
 
The grounds were cluttered, dirty, just like the smoking village behind him. Senshi stood quietly with his family watching as person after person was brought forwards and summarily slaughtered for disloyalty. Finally the person he recalled the most was brought up to the bloody executioners stand. The executioner was a thing man, wielding an axe of epic proportions that Senshi was unsure of how he could wield so efficiently. As one man spoke, detailing who the prisoner was and what his crimes were Senshi noted how calmly the executioner ran the whet stone over his blade slowly sharpening it for its task to come. He caressed the axe almost lovingly as he sharpened it, and Senshi felt a spike of admiration at how adoringly he treated the blade.
 
That was a master Axe man if he had ever seen one. One who took pride in his work and didn’t waste time with unnecessary movements. He clearly loved his blade and kept it in the best condition that he could considering how much work it was clearly getting. Senshi turned his eyes from the executioner look at his Uncles familiar Hazel eyes. The man stared straight into Senshi, and he felt as though he was staring into his soul. Senshi didn’t fully understand what his Uncle had done that was so disloyal. He just knew that Raikage-sama had decreed it so. He was confused. He didn’t understand how someone who had raised him to be so loyal to everything that was Kumogakure no Sato could have betrayed those very ideals. He had brought shame upon the house of Setsujinn and subsequently upon the house of Kobayashi.
 
Senshi knew it would be up to him to redeem the honor that was lost with his Uncles actions. His eyes hardened as he stared into the eyes of the man he called family. He hoped his death was slow and painful. He could hear the whimpering cries of his mother and sister and ignored them. No tears deserved to be shed of the worthless husk of a traitor. As the spokesman finished speaking the executioner stepped up raising his blade. It was over in a quick downward slash of the man’s exceptionally well sharpened blade. Only suddenly Senshi found himself standing where the executioner had been. Instead of wielding an Axe he was holding Bastuodosodo in one had. The scene seemed to reverse itself and now Senshi looked out into the crowd seeing his younger self staring admiringly at him as he ran a whetstone down Bastuodosodo’s blade.
 
He was momentarily confused as he looked to his side to his Uncle staring at him with calm, unflinching eyes. The spokesman was repeating his words and Senshi realized that he would be the executioner. He would be the one bringing the blade down on his Uncle’s head and ending his traitorous life. Senshi’s face and eyes hardened as he straightened his body raising Bastuodosodo with one hand he reached up gripping it with his opposite hand. He had once admired that executioner for being so thorough and clean in his movements. As such he, Kobayashi Senshi, would deliver the same kind of swift punishment that he had once seen dealt. His mind cleared as he focused on the fact that this was required of him by his village. He had to prove that he was worthy of giving this place his loyalty and that he would do whatever required of him.
 
With a harsh grunt he brought the blade down with every ounce of strength his body possessed watching as his Uncles head split at the neck and bounced down the parapet. Senshi eyed the now spurting stump of a neck dispassionately as he reached out and kicked the body out of the way. A second victim was being brought forth and as they escorted her up he began to wipe his sword off before beginning the calming process of sharpening the blade for her next victim. If his village required it of him he would cut this six year old girls head off without a thought. It didn’t matter what her crimes were only that he do what was required of him. He wondered briefly what Akihana-sama would think. She would undoubtedly be disappointed in him, but for people to have visions like hers there needed to be people like him who would do the dirty work.
 
His vision began to spin again, but this time he was much less disoriented by the act. It certainly wasn’t bothering him nearly as much as it had initially. He didn’t even feel the surges of Nausea that he had been expecting. It was a distinct relief to the young Genin as he felt his feet settle on solid ground once again. He immediately began taking in his surroundings surprised to find that he was standing before a panel of Chuunin. Had he broken the Genjutsu? He was disabused of the notion quite quickly when he noticed the colors around the Chuunin swirling so that he couldn’t see their faces. Likely he was still deep within the confines of the Genjutsu, he had clearly not demonstrated everything that it wanted to know just yet.
 
With these thoughts solidifying in his mind Senshi began to eye each of the mysterious Chuunin in curiosity. What could have brought him to this imaginary place? What could these Chuunin have in store for him? His thoughts and the questions that lied within were cut off when the Chuunin in the center spoke. His voice was oddly pitched, and odd high, annoying, whiny quality to it. Senshi certainly hoped that there was no person with a voice like this in the real world. He didn’t know if he would be able to take orders from someone who sounded like they’d been gelded at the age of two. He certainly hoped when he went through puberty that his voice never sounded like that. He pushed his thoughts off to listen to what the man was saying, holding back the wince he wanted to let loose. Absolute emotional control was necessary as a shinobi and the countless hours of training with his father and Uncle would not be wasted.
 
“Name a rule every Chuunin should abide by.” Senshi paused his thought process wondering how to best answer this question. What should a Chuunin abide by above all else? There were many options but Senshi felt that the Genjutsu would only accept the one that he most lived by. “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. A basic philosophy that states that when one practices something slowly and methodically they will eventually become smooth and controlled which will lead to speed.” The Chuunin continued to eye Senshi after he had spoken, and he wondered if he were supposed to answer more in depth. Maybe the Chuunin was wanting him to explain his reasoning on why he believed this was a key tenant to being a Chuunin? Shrugging the thought off Senshi decided to go with the flow, so to speak.
 
“It is important to any Shinobi but especially to Chuunin because as history has shown us more often than not shinobi die at the rank of Chuunin. They die from various causes but the most often times ones are due to over confidence in ones abilities and a lack of leadership abilities. Chuunin are often handed team to take on missions, and understanding that taking the time to truly study your teammates or understand the mission rather than rushing will allow a Chuunin to bring his or her shinobi back from a mission intact. This will result in an increase in Shinobi productivity and funds for the village in the long run.” Taking a breath Senshi finally finished speaking, he couldn’t believe that he had spent so long speaking. The rare times he did that was when he was lecturing someone or doing an exam, like now.
 
The Chuunin all seemed to glance at each other, though it was hard to tell with the way the colors were swirling around their faces. Finally another one spoke, this one’s voice was equally high pitched and whiny but also contained an annoying nasal whistle with every word. “Why do you seek promotion Genin?” Senshi cocked his head to the side, genuinely confused as to the man’s words. Why did anyone seek promotion? It brought on more life or death fights, and would more than likely end up getting him listed in someone’s bingo book eventually. For a boy who wanted nothing more than to survive and serve his village in good faith it was an interesting question. Why did he want promotion? Was it the allure of power that Chuunin’s and above had?
 
For if he were promoted he would be allowed access too many higher level techniques, especially into the field of Fuuinjutsu where he was most interested in beginning to study. That couldn’t be all though. He had genuinely enjoyed his mission when he had taught at the academy. Not to mention the time had had trained the two new Genin Yuki Kaen and Chisana Kaseki. He had enjoyed showing them techniques and teaching them to be better shinobi for Kumogakure. He had to be honest with himself in that he did feel the draw to the potential things he could learn. However he desired them not for the power they possessed, but because he simply wanted to learn more and become better for his village. Finally the boy looked up eyeing the five Chuunin before him as he answered.
 
“I desire the Chuunin rank for several reasons, but the heart of all of those reasons is simply so that I mat serve my village better. I understand that by attaining this rank, even performing in these exams, is placing my life at greater risk to other villages. My goal is simply to serve my village in the best capacity that I can, attaining the rank of Chuunin is a step in this direction. It will allow me access to higher ranked techniques and I will be tasked with more missions in which I can assist Genin in learning what I know.” He stopped speaking, his head held high as he answered. He didn’t want to die, but he had sword an oath, a fact of which he had been reminded earlier. His oath was iron clad, while he may not want to die if it was required of him then he would spill the essence of his life blood on command.
 
Even if he had to draw it forth with his own hand. The Chuunin finished speaking amongst themselves, a third one raised a hand slightly before speaking. “Why would you make a good Chuunin?” Senshi felt his breath hitch. He didn’t know. There was no easy answer in his past or anything that he had done that he could see why he would make a good Chunnin. He had never even considered that such a question could be asked. His mind whirled as he thought over all of his missions, all of the things he had done. Sure he had a near impeccable mission record, the only flaw being that issue with the dead art thief. He had even completed more missions than either of his teammates, something he was downright astounded by.
 
But to be honest a good mission record was not something that a good Chuunin possessed or the sole reason that someone should be made a Chuunin. Sure having his mission record would be a boon but it was clearly not a requirement. What did he offer that would make them want him to become a Chuunin? Senshi could feel the silence weighing heavily on them all before he cleared his throat nervously. “I desire to specialize in Fuuinjutsu, doing so would allow me to create seals to better the village as a whole. Without access to the correct reading material I will be incapable of pursing this goal. I have also demonstrated my worth during my past missions and in taking the time to assist in the training of not only my team but two other Genin as well. Beyond this, I am a normal shinobi.”
 
His voice was halting as he was unsure how to truly answer the question, but what he had supplied was the best he could honestly come up with. He was young yes but he had built up a decent level of experience. He had no further time to dwell on the question as the world began to spin suddenly. He was beginning to get used to this color wheel that infested his vision and the feeling it drew within him. Truly whoever had pulled off this seal-Genjutsu was sick and twisted. He wondered what other people saw, if it was the same as what he was going through or if it effected them differently. Genjutsu was often simply based on the users mind, so if that were the case then why would his mind force him through these insane spinning color wheels every time he transitioned.
 
Senshi didn’t have long to consider this as he found himself standing in an empty clearing. He had a small patch of grass that he stood on while everything around him appeared to be dead and rotting. Suddenly long lines began to stretch out from him towards other patches of grass. He watched as in the first line a small image of his family rose, staring at him with the general indifference they had always had. The next patch held an image of his team, a relatively cocky grin from Reizo, and a slight smile from Max greeted him. He could even see Napa-Sempai clutched to Max’s back as he was wont to do. The third path led to an image of Akihana-sama, and the village as it had looked before Raikage-Same had taken over.
 
A fourth patch showed the wilderness, and an obviously foreign village. The fifth and final patch was an image of Raikage-Sama, standing there in his armor with no expression on his face. Senshi felt his heart squeeze in his chest at the indifference the man gazed down upon him with. A voice seemed to echo throughout the clearing, an odd ancient sounding thing. “You must choose your path. Be warned that you will have to kill whatever is in the path’s you do not choose.” The voice faded away and Senshi stared at the image of his family, his team, the ultimate utopia of his village, and the final odd village. He had sword his life into the service of his village, to the exception of all else. Did that mean that he could kill his family? His Team? Even Akihana-sama at the orders of his Lord Raikage?
 
Senshi stared at the options as beads of sweat rolled down his face. He stood no chance against the Raikage, but the fact remained he had sword an oath he couldn’t go back on that. He would do as he was ordered, as he had been trained to do. With dread filled steps he approached his family first, he could see the slight scowls on their face as he approached but he wiped that thought out as he drew his blade. Bringing it down in several fast slashes they were all dead at his feet. He did his best not to look into his mother’s cold, dead eyes as he stood above them covered in blood. He turned, his steps measured as he walked back down the path and then up to his team.
 
He eyed each one of them for several moments before striking, he only hesitated when it came to Max. The younger had seemed to understand him, they had even gotten along fairly well. Could he sacrifice that fleeting feeling for his Raikage? The answer was yes and his blade leapt down cleaving the blonde haired boy and his puppet in two. The blood splashed back covering the boy’s face and he felt a slight swell in tears as he turned back to the path. He approached Akihana-sama tears now flowing down his face as he paused in front of her. She looked at him with the same kind expression as when they had baked cookies. He recalled their conversation for several moments before closing his eyes to it all.
 
He had to do as he was ordered. He had sword it. His voice was soft as he spoke, “I am sorry.” Her eyes never seemed to waiver in their acceptance of his decision she even seemed as gentle as he brought his sword down. He was a murderer. That was the only thing he could call himself after these atrocious acts. It took a mere few seconds to burn down the utopia village and the strange one. He found himself standing in front of the Raikage, before he knelt. His sword sheathed on his back and his right fist over his left collar bone in a salute as he stared resolutely at the ground. His tears had dried, but the blood he had spilt still dripped off him. As he spoke his voice was hard as the steel his father worked with. “Your will is my command Raikage-sama.”
 

He had no chance to speak or move as suddenly he felt himself being violently thrown about. He wondered how his neck couldn’t possibly break with the tumultuous motion he was going through. Suddenly he felt cold concrete against his legs and an odd stiffness to his back. His hand was clenching Bastuodosodo in a death grip as he opened his eyes to see the seals on the floor glowing brightly before fading slowly to black. The Chuunin from the morning eyed the dark haired boy speculatively before speaking. “You will be notified of your results on this exam in a few days. You are dismissed Genin.” Senshi gave a polite nod as he pushed himself up. He felt curiously empty now, like the well that had begun to spring up had been drained of all its resources. As he walked from the room his only wonder was if he had passed.


TWC: 6361

Requesting: B Rank Mission Complete, 7 AP, 3000 Ryo, 10 Stat Points, and Permission to move to Chuunin Exam Part2

Immmmm sorrrrrry don't cry

A full week had passed before once again a carrier bird was dispatched to the windows of Kobayashi. The bird carried the results of the genin's chuunin exam, the bird tapped on the window before dropping a weighted piece of paper on the ledge and flying off. Once opened the note would read.....

"Kobayashi here in this letter are the results of your exam please read fully. We who reside over the selection process have come to a impasse on allowing you to pass and further your goals of achieving the rank of Chuunin. During your time with us we were shown things that caused some of us to become confident in your prowess. The other half of our committee finds your unwavering dedication border lining fanatic. The Raikage is simply a symbol of the village and while certain things are expected of our ninja, the amount of hesitation that was shown in cutting ties to anything that wasn't of the village worries us that you will not be your own guide yet be guided by ideals and motives. Half of us see this as a good thing as it shows your resolve to no end, the other half wonders if you grasp that a village will change ideals and you must be willing to change with them. We believe that following in the Raikage's ways is the only way possible however our other peers also raise a point that nations have been torn apart before by bad leadership and fanatical followers. The tally tolls at 6 no's and 8 yes's, you have passed this part of the exam but just barely. We will be watching your next steps with great focus, have a good day.

The proctor committee"

Senshi was sitting in his room studying a book on weapons techniques that he needed to learn before his next exam mission. His eyes were roaming the book with a voraciousness one rarely saw in anyone. He looked up as a tapping sound echoed from his window. Turning in his seat he noticed the carrier pidgeon and moved towards it quickly unlocking the fuuinjutsu lock seal he had on the window in a deft motion of his hands. He gathered the pidgeon gently into his hands before removing the small scroll it held and releasing it to return back to the coop, its missions complete. With a deep breath he opened the scroll wondering if it was a mission or possibly his exam results. As he opened it and read the first few words his heart clenched and his breathes became shallow. His face steadily became stonier as he read through the scroll. 

He was confused how he could make the changes that the Chuunin exam proctors clearly wanted. He had never known that his loyalty was such a bad thing, or that he cared so deeply about serving his village could be bad. He didn't fully understand how he was supposed to be loyal to his leader and yet not at the same time. Still he had passed, even if barely. He wondered what would have happened if even one more had said no, a tie. Would that be a pass or would he be somehow required to repeat the genjutsu. His heart hurt at the thought of repeating that horror and instead of contimplating it he pushed the thoughts away. Locking down his emotions he recalled the fact that they had been displeased by his hesitation. That at least he could fix and as he rolled the scroll up and moved back to his desk to continue studying his face and motions lacked all sign of emotions. He wouldn't hesitate again and he would ensure that he studied as heavily as possible so that he could perform better in the following missions. 

-------exit----

Approved