The Mist encroaches

Naoki and the two Genin with him would come into view of the village gates. From the few villages he has seen this one reminded the Uchiha man of the Islands the most. Granted the climate was more temperate than the tropic islands he grew up in, but the sunny and lush environment still seemed almost nostalgic.

He would stop at the gates expecting someone to meet them. If they had sentries worth their salt, they would have picked up a chakra signature of his caliber from a mile away. If there was nobody there to meet them or nobody who dared to stop him, he would basically just waltz right into the village cause why not.

Hayate followed, a step behind and a few to the left.  Better to let the deputy Mizukage lead the way, then have some random genin in front.  If they were detecting by chakra signature, they might not even expect the group to have a third person in it, but he was definitely there, in plain view.  His right hand rested casually on the sheath of his sword about a quarter of the way from the top, more resting than in a combat position, and he kept his left hand far away from the hilt to his right, just so there were no misunderstandings.

He took the opportunity to gaze around, taking in the sights.  Hayate was glad he left the sweatshirt at home - while he was often cool in the mist, here the sun beat down and made him perfectly warm with just the compression shirt and armor.

He would take his cues from the older Kiri nin.

Dad might have been right...

Asami lagged behind her village-mates and, yes, her dad had been right, she should have packed lighter. Naturally, the heavy pack had not been an issue on the boat, but after the trio hit the walking portion of the trip it became a bit more of a nuisance. She consistently walked a few meters back from the two males and was much too proud to ask for help shouldering her burdens. Plus, she didn't much like the idea of showing weakness in front of the deputy kage. It simply wasn't done, so she soldiered on without complaint albeit at a considerably slower pace than her companions.

Huffing onto the scene a good thirty seconds after the other two, she let out a deep breath and, much like a spent pack mule, came to a grinding halt about a meter to the right of the deputy kage. Sweat dripped from her brow, but the triumphant smile on her face told of a traveler happy to have arrived at their destination. She had long ago eschewed her sweatshirt in favor of the white tank top that she had worn underneath it. The land of Fire lived up to its name, it was scorching and the headband that hung limply from her neck sat splattered with sweat that had dripped from her chin. For a genin so used to living within Kirigakure's storm circle it was strange to not have to wade through waist high banks of mist.

So far Konohagakure was different, but a good different. 

Putting her hands on her hips the young girl let out another breath. It would seem they now needed to play the waiting game. Much like Hayate, she intended to allow Naoki to do the talking. Then again, the man—from what she could tell—was not much of a talker.

TWC: 308

Higuto sat atop his perch of the village gates as he had his insects flying above as he usually did. He had become excited mainly due to the Chuunin Exams taking place today as he was hoping the visitors he was told to be expectant of would hurry so that they could get underway. He was overjoyed to see three people coming up to the gates as he was able to tell from a distance that they fit the description he received from the Hokage. Forming the clone seal a shadow clone would form in the air and land on the ground before the three before stepping up to them, hands in his jacket pockets, as he would look to Naoki in particular. He'd smile before giving a kind bow.

"Welcome to Konoha, guests from Kirigakure. Please feel free to enjoy your free time in our shops or restaurants if you so wish until the Exams take place.

Upon finishing the clone would look at both of the Genin that accompanied Naoki as Higuto couldn't help but size them up as he knew they would be possible competition for him. He stood aside as he left the path into the village open and clear.

(Allowing entrance into the village)

Shinoskay had heard there was a number of Kirigakure shinobi on their way, he had mixed feelings about this but decided that he would be there to see them arrive.

He was surprised to see Naoki, very surprised.

Creating a clone and having it hands-in-pockets walk up to a party of shinobi was some way to greet guests from another nation. Needless to say Naoki's sharingan which was made indistinguishable from regular eyes scanned the boy every step of the way. There seemed to be a small crowd gathering to look at the Kirigakurians, though Naoki did not recognize anyone there, nor should he have.

Nodding to the boy that greeted them he would thank and then turn to face the two in his charge. "Stretch out your right hand, both of you." he would say, in somewhat commanding tone. Should they obey, he would swiftly tap both of their hands. As his finger moved away a tiny mark seal would linger but a second before adjusting to its host and blending in, becoming invisible. "I will now be able to find you when I need to. Feel free to go enjoy yourselves in Konoha, I'll let you know when our lodging is taken care of." With that he would turn back to the boy that greeted them and ask "Please take me to lady Risako."

[Exit into the village]

Naturally, Asami obeyed and received the strange mark from the deputy kage. After all, what choice did she have? Nodding that she understood the older man she then proceeded into the village. Next stop the arena.

No rest for the weary.


[This post is my best work to date. Exit into Konoha.]

The two gate guards that approached the group seemed carefree and informal.  What a strange place.

He was about to think more on it, but he was commanded by his ranking village shinobi, so obeyed while curious what he would possibly do.  He recognized the mark seal at once as it was placed - he had learned it himself, from his mother.  With a nod, he accepted Naokai's statement.

As they were loosed from responsibility, Hayate would ask the closest konoha ninja for directions to the arena.  He'd rather see where he was to fight immediately, and then he could mull it over while taking care of anything else.  Asami took off immediately, but he was sure she'd be fine - despite their constant banter, he truely did ahve faith in her abilities.

[exit into Konoha.]

[exit]

Approved