Dumb & Dumber

There are two kinds of students in the world. Those who look forward to their first day of school, and those who couldn't care less considering it meant having to deal with other people. Ashborn considered himself to be part of the latter. Grey eyes would stare at the ceiling, the teenager realizing he had no more time left to procrastinate and delay getting out of bed. With a bit of luck today would be the last time he had to get up for school. Spending his time sitting at a desk learning about the do's and don'ts of the shinobi world wasn't exactly his cup of tea. However, all of that would change assuming he passed his exam and graduated from the Academy.

If he was completely honest, Ashborn had to admit he couldn't give a shit about putting on a headband and performing missions or tasks that would contribute to the village. But unfortunately for the boy born as a Yamaguchi he didn't have much say in the matter. His father left before his child even learned how to walk or spoke its first words. His mother often times getting sick, ending up bedridden for a couple of days. And so fate had decided different for him, the pressure of taking care of the family on his young shoulders, a heavy burden for him to bare. But he wouldn't complain, not when it came to his mother and those held close to his heart. 

Dressed in all black the Yamaguchi prepared himself for the exam, heading out and making his way to the Academy. Both his hands respectively tucked away in the side pockets of his pants, his eyes staring straight in front of him almost as if they were looking at infinity. It didn't take him all that long to arrive at his destination, the Academy located not that far from his home allowed Ashborn to get there in time with more than enough minutes to spare. "That's me" the student replied when his name was called before taking a seat and waiting til one of the proctors showed up. 

(WC: 353)

Nonchalant eyes, green in color, would glance at the many faces and eyes gawking at them. With each step it would seem like more pairs were noticed. Uōkingushi, a member of the Hiyu clan, perhaps the last remaining member of that clan, he couldn’t really recall, nor did he even care to. At this very moment, he was more so mildly annoyed by the small people gawking at him. Oh, yes, Uōkingushi was a 6’3 tall man. Very muscular and....knocking on the door of mid age - debatable.  He wore a tight fitted black short sleeve shirt with tan baggy training pants with a black belt and black martial artist slippers. Mid-length straight black hair that reached his ears and a noticeable scar on the right of his mouth at the corner of his lips. 

The man navigated his way through the small people as he made his way to a seat.... “Yo...” His response to his name being called before take his seat. Oh, yes, he was also an academy student of Hoshigakure. Those small people, they’re his classmates. Talk about standing out like a sore thumb. 

No one knows where the hell he even came from, or who the hell he even was aside from his name. The most that is known about him is his association to the Hiyu clan, mind you a clan that no one has heard of in some time. There were some rumors that rotated around the village about this guy, but most would consider them to be completely made up. Leave it to Uōkingushi to speak on it and he would merely entertain the ideas. He had a thing for rumors, they always held a sliver of the truth within them. 

Yawning, leaning back into his seat, he would produce an eerie smile that made his eyes seem shut as he looked forward. Today was the day of his Genin exam. What fun this would be, he would think to himself. 

[WC: 329]

Second Thought Shinobi

Natsuki drummed her polished fingernails impatiently on the wooden desk in front of her. The flames of the iron brazier, pinned on the wall of the classroom, where coals burned down to ashes, might have brought her comfort and warmth when this expedition began, but now the heat served only to get her a headache.  

It was not discomforting from the job. Natsuki had her fair share of it today, being seated in front of a desk for hours evaluating Academy Student’s practical skill(s). And let the ones who failed to pass know before he told them to get out and try again - preferably when they are ready. 

Her headache had a name, and that was Uokigushi Hiyu. The official Academy record suggested he was from a family of commoners that made a late start to his shinobi career. At first glance, nothing was alarming about it; many in the world made their name while being younger than six and ten yea; others struggled to hit Genin rank in their late twenties. But who was that thirty-year-old Academy student, anyways? And why was his folder classified behind Master knowledge? 

When she asked Ayato about it, he seemed to be barely aware of who that person was. The Hogokage suggested she bring Toneri with her on the Genin Exam for security. Even made a mission about it with a payslip to motivate the middle child of the Hoshi Hyuuga. 

Toneri was fair, with a clean shaved face and thick straight hair so pale it seemed more gold than white. His tunic bore the Hyuuga colors in reverse, a golden fireball on a red field. The blade, Brightroar, was sheathed on her brother’s left hip. His hands were on the pommel, a golden lion’s head, with ruby eyes that shone like two red stars. Natsuki had suggested he wore his armor today. The fabled Grey Lion crafted my Mercurio Stamatis of the Land of Birds, but Toneri refused and ended the matter there.

“Grey Lion is too fine the armor to besmirch with the blood of the world’s oldest academy student. Should that nobody try anything, I’ll bury my blade in his ass.”

The two participants finally made their appearance. Natsuki did not need to see that the grey-eyed kid dressed all in black that looked like a comic book villain was Ashborn Yamaguchi. And the six-foot-four paradox was the Hiyu man at arms.

"Welcome, you two. To pass this exam, you must execute the Clone and Transformation techniques. Also, analyze the theory behind them and how a shinobi can use them in a combative or espionage situation. You should be capable of at least this much. " Natsuki said firmly to the duo in front of her, hoping they would perform better than the sorriest lot of ninja she had seen before them in this same class. 

And by extension, Toneri, who was sitting with his back against the wall, would not need his blade today if the Second Thought Shinobi proved to be as menacing as he looked.

WC: 493

With the appearance of yet another strange looking individual waiting to take his Genin Exam it seemed the proctors were finally ready to begin the evaluation, grading the skills of those wanting to graduate from the Academy. In Ashborn's case it wasn't exactly a matter of wanting to but rather a need to pass the test as the young Yamaguchi had to make a career out of it if he wanted to make sure his mother's health wouldn't deteriorate any more than it already had. A silent, soft sigh escaped the student's mouth as he got up, looking to the person next to him who'd also be taking the exam. 

Entering the room Ashborn immediately noticed there were two proctors, perhaps one for each of the participating students or at least the ones remaining entering in pairs. Polished fingernails of a kunoichi were drumming on a desk, the second proctor, a man, would be sitting with his back against the wall almost as if his sole purpose for being there was to keep an eye on anyone who'd dare make a move on the rather pleasant appearance in front of the students. "Must be nice, having someone to look out for you" he spoke under his breath, referring to his own situation where only his mother was left. 

Ashborn listened as the female proctor gave the two students instructions about the test, informing them about what they needed to do in order to pass. "Hm, sounds easy enough" the Yamaguchi thought to himself considering all that was required were the Clone and Transformation technique, two of the more basic jutsu taught to them at the Academy. Assuming his fellow student allowed him to go first Ashborn would take a step forward, standing almost perfectly in front of the wooden desk where the polished fingernails were still drumming into. 

Trying not to look too indifferent Ashborn formed the Ram hand seal before an identical replica of himself appeared next to him. The boy looked at the result of his own performance, quite happy with the way it turned out. "As for how useful this technique is, if I'm completely honest its only use exists in distracting the opponent. It'll work on most average shinobi but skilled ones will be able to see through it pretty easily". The Yamaguchi explained various occassions of when and where it could be used, giving multiple examples to showcase his knowledge about the technique. However, as he already said, it was a rather basic jutsu so one had to be careful when to use it.

For the second technique he needed to perform Ashborn executed the seal of the Dog, transforming into a feminine-looking young man with a mixture of black and white hair. He remembered seeing that person walking around the village a couple of times, often thinking how strange he looked and wondering just who that individual was. "I believe this one is best suited to infiltrate behind enemy lines, concealing your true identity or impersonating someone else. Of course it can also be used for less dangerous missions if you don't want people to find out who you are". Ashborn then deactivated his jutsu to take on his regular appearance again. "All in all both can be useful as long as you pick the right circumstances to use them". Once finished he would give the proctors a small bow before returning to his original position, giving the stage to his fellow participant to display his skills.

(WC: 583, TWC: 936)

With all parties present, it was now time for the fun to begin. Uōkingushi couldn’t help but to find this to be an nostalgic rerun. How many times has he done this? How many times has he passed by the skin of his teeth, not from lack of barely understanding and grasping the concept, but due to not wishing to draw too much attention. These exams for graduation never really interest him, commonplace showing of skills that even an ignorant kitten could do in its worse day. He found his thoughts in a haze at the unwillingness of villages incapability to mix things up a bit. It’s always clone technique this, transformation technique that. It was like watching a classic black and white film that no one grows tired of. What’s more, these new aged group of shinobi actually struggled with something so basics. Laughable, truly laughable that was. But he would have to digress, his image depended on him doing just that to remaining Inconspicuous. 

He and another made their way to stand tall before the proctors, or rather proctor and a faker. The smiled that he wore held steady as he took note of the high nose expression that was being given by the one know as... “What was this one’s name again...ah, yes, little Toneri.” He would think to himself, his voiced echoed with so much space, despite so much company. Delicious. Ashborn, his fellow student displayed more than excellent use of the techniques that was required of him. Uōkingushi noted that he had many scenarios and spot on examples as to when and where to use them. The child was pretty impressive, has been since he laid his eyes on him. It was a pity, so much potential going unrecognized. Or rather, would have been if not for an illness befallen his dear mother. An odd sense of pride brushed over him, as if he had some play in that matter....

Uōkingushi acknowledged the form that his peer took. “Kharjo Yamaguchi? Excellent choice. I don’t recall ever seeing those two together. Perhaps, young Ashborn stole a glimpse of him passing through the village.” He would think. Uōkingushi had a certain liking to Kharjo, his personality felt like home to him. What’s more, he had a face that was particularly interesting. 

The drumming of the nails took hold of the focus of the man. It would appear to be his turn. Stepping forward, Uōkingushi would stand before the desk, his eyes falling on the beauty of Natsuki. Another pretender, but she was far more passable than the likes of her child of a brother. If memory serves him correctly, she and another boy, or should he say Knight are quite fond of each other. Uōkingushi makes it his point to steer clear of that one, that boy has perceiving eyes that would be problematic should their paths ever were to cross. He could only hope that day never comes. 

The same tasks were appointed to him. But before he could begin, he glanced over at the ignorance spewing from young Toneri. He held the eyes of a man aiming to prove something to himself. His gawking was beginning to annoy Uōkingushi. “You can armor yourself in arrogance all you want, but you will do good to put on that fancy grey armor of yours as well.” He spoke directly to the pretender. With that being said, his hands formed the seals of transformation perfectly, too perfectly, as he took on the appearance of the boy himself, only this time clad in that very fancy armor he made mention of seconds before. Uōkingushi eerily gazed at the one he was imitating. “This is what a guard looks like, you will do well in remembering this for next time, faker...” He snarled. Then a smile broke the tension that was spewing from him. His eyes fell to Natsuki, from there he would explain the benefits of this form, while making some sarcastic remarks that would look quite silly and embarrassing coming from the mouth of Toneri, real or fake. 

Undoing the technique and returning to his former self, he would then form the seals for the clone technique. Another technique that was done more than well on his behalf. A somewhat transparent image of himself would appear, not immediately noticeable, but with a keen eye and close observation one could see it, as most clone techs of this level are. With an eerie smile and a point to the illusion. “The Clone technique. My fellow student pretty much touched the basis of its use overall. However, one technique as simple as this one can be extremely dangerous when coupled with a few other minor technique. Say for instance, if one was to place a seal of entrapment under the illusion while throwing their voice to lure in the opponent. Something so simple and delicate can easily shift into something vile and deadly.” He would give them more examples as he dismissed the illusionary technique. 

Once he was done he would give them both a polite bow, but when it came to Toneri, he would wink before moving back to stand next to Ashborn. 

[WC: 864]
[Total WC: 1,193]

Day One at the Academy
Patrol: Training
Information Booth
Knowledge Vs. Wisdom
Poster Problem
File Organization
Follow The Money

The contestants answered demands for the exam affirmatively - giving an air of good composition while doing so. Natsu was taken aback by the kid's steely expression and apparent lack of nervousness, but she did not let it show. Being nervous is not necessarily a bad thing. You were understanding your weakness. In turn, you can learn from them and improve by rehearsing what you are supposed to do many a time before actually doing it. 

“Yes, very good.” 

The kid did a well enough demonstration of the first technique; the clone looked just like the original, short, pale-skinned with silvery-white hair. Ashborn looked almost like an older man, despite his years.

Still, when the boy had executed the following technique, Natsuki felt the urge to smack him in the head with something - preferably the iron brazier on the wall - and that for his good. Ash might have tried to come across as an arrogant I know it all kid, but clearly, he was as green as the leaves of the oak tree outside the window. 

“Where...where did you see this man?” 

She said, her voice filled with concern. The hairstyle was strange and unsettling, a spiky mane of black that reached down the back. Long strands of white hair framing either side of the face, with the right strand, in particular, being adorned by five maroon beads. The eyes brick red despite the lack of any dojutsu in his person and void of emotion. Both in the illusion as they had in life. Seeing both Kharjo Yamaguchi and Uokingushi Hiyu in the same room was a recipe for disaster. Even if the former was just a fake. 

“So the emo edgelord had transformed into an even bigger emo edgelord.” Said Toneri, who today did not share Natsuki’s easy mannerisms. “Stay away from that one if you want what's good for you. Kharjo is not the type of shinobi that an Academy Student should be around. Hence why my sweet sister is so upset. See...”

Toneri would then tell them why Kharjo was considered half a demon after a feat that otherwise would have made him a hero in this village. During Valen’s coup, Kharjo claimed to share their stupid ideals and defect with them to Suna. When their guard grew lax on the way down there, he killed them before they could pledge their allegiance to that turn cloak. The mercenary brought the heads of the three traitors to Hoshi and left their bodies in the desert for crows.

Natsuki worked many shifts in the hospital following Valen’s coup, helping stitch back together shinobi injured during the battle. Her skills in Iryojutsu ever since she was a child made her super necessary during that hour. It was then she had seen the real, deep-voiced man that looked as if he had come from the moon but had the precision and steady hand to stitch a wound in his leg. How highly resilient Kharjo was to pain and how much less of a fuss than an average person he made about the situation he had found himself after battling Valen’s group of traitors.

“Regardless, now it is your turn next...Uokingushi.” The platinum-haired kunoichi said to the Hiyu. Natsuki did not need to see that the man appeared oddly familiar with the procedure, his attempt to hide it was pretty poor. Natsuki had expected a rinse and repeat; however, the Hiyu took the opposite route and started with the transformation technique over the clone. And his transformation was a person currently in this room. A face Natsu had been familiar all her life, that of her brother.

“I do look like my father,” Toneri said, amusingly scratching his chin. He did not let it show if he was mad at the transformation or the insult attached. Perhaps he had expected the old over-the-top transformation to a woman that a few of the students tried from time to time in an attempt to be funny. Instead, it was his armor he was wearing, Grey Lion, the plate copied right down to every detail. After he was done with the clone technique and successfully dispelled, the Hiyu moved back to the younger Academy student. However, not before belittling the golden Hyuuga once final time.

“Congratulations, you both pass.” Natsuki reached for the top drawer to her right and from within two brand new Hoshigakure forehead protectors. She aimed to stand and walk the full 5 meters between the chair and the student's position. Before-

“Sweet sister, “ Toneri interrupted, “Please allow me the honor of handing the headband to these students. I’m quite impressed with their performance.” The boy said with a smile that cut deep to like the edge of a kunai. A step and then another, and he was right in front of the Hiyu. The metal headband with the symbol of Hoshigakure at the end of an extended hand.

“There you go.” And then the air exploded to the sound of a vacuum burst. The projectile aimed to blast Uoki with enough force to break his jaw, sending him flying back and crashing against the brick wall. Sheets of papers would take flight, and blood would steam in the morning air, painting the floor in red.

“Armor yourself in arrogance all you want,” Toneri said, his eyes shining with anger that burned like the cold. “But you’ll do well to armor yourself in plate armor as well, dipshit.”

WC: 915
TWC: 1408

Before being able to return to his original position Ashborn could suddenly hear the concern in the female proctor's voice upon witnessing the man he transformed into moments ago. "Ehm, does that matter?". For better or worse it seemed the transformation got quite the reaction out of the kunoichi, almost as if she was aware of the person whose appearance he took on during the test. The young Yamaguchi, or emo edgelord as he was now apparently called, was rather surprised when the second proctor joined their conversation. "So he speaks after all" Ash would say under his breath, a small chuckle escaping for as far as he knew how to smile. Regardless, Toneri's story received his attention, listening closely as the knight in shining armor described the events taking place, ones that would give birth to the so called demon going by the name of Kharjo Yamaguchi.

And there it was, a second familiar name. Valen Akari, traitor of the Golden Eye as some would call him. However, that ashen haired man wasn't someone Ashborn concerned himself with, for all he cared that person never existed. "I've seen him a couple of times around the village. Our eyes met each time, almost as if his gaze was locked on me". Perhaps this Kharjo individual could help explore his abilities, aid Ash in discovering the secrets of his clan. But for now he decided to remain quiet about those thoughts, even more so given the reaction of brother and sister earlier when his name was mentioned. Now back to where he stood at the beginning of the exam the student would simply watch while his companion took the stage.

For a second Ash would raise a brow as the platinum haired kunoichi spoke the man's name. "What kind of name is that? He looks like he doesn't even know how to spell it". Not realizing how funny his comment sounded the Yamaguchi watched, wondering what kind of performance would be delivered. Minutes passed, nothing out of the ordinary happened besides Uōkingushi testing Toneri's patience as he transformed and took on the latter's appearance. "A troublemaker, interesting. Maybe that one will be of use someday" Ashborn thought to himself, not yet knowing just what he had in store for the man. Once that little display was finished and out of the way he heard the relieving words coming from Natsuki's mouth, a pass. "Mother will be proud". An underwhelming reaction to some meant a great deal to the Yamaguchi whose only reason for even attempting this whole shinobi type of thing was to take care of his ill mother. To the extent of living a lifestyle most certainly not suited for him.

Although he had preferred receiving his headband from the kunoichi it seemed her brother wanted to do the honors. Ashborn would look as the knight stepped forward, coming to a stop when almost no distance was between him and Uōkingushi. Perhaps it was a showcase of who the baddest bitch in the room was, sorry Natsuki but Ash was too much of a gentleman to even consider her as one. What followed then was an exploding vacuum burst, one that would send the Hiyu flying a couple of meters before crashing into the wall. "Is this also part of the exam?". Witnessing the sheets of papers floating around endlessly Ashborn simply replied stoic as he was. "So, what about my headband?". The now fully fledged Genin couldn't wait to show the results to his mother.

(WC: 586, TWC: 1522)

Uōkingushi couldn’t help but notice the fair skinned woman’s reaction to the transformation choice of his fellow studentAshborn. From the concerned, almost terrified look on her face. Her voice drowning in the discomfort of the choice...it was adorable. Then again, Kharjo Yamaguchi always had that effect on people. But not in the way most would probably think, because you see, when you see Kharjo Yamaguchi it means that he wants you to see him. There is no stealing a glance, no coincidences, or chance passing. Everything was a game, and he was the game master. 

The Hiyu recalled his first encounter with the monster. A smile cracked across his frame as the two locked eyes. Tension filled the room, bloodlust twisted and ensnared the air. While on the surface, the two held a nonchalant expression as if they couldn't care less about the other. Uōkingushi  could feel with each breath that his life was in some real danger. He knew that Kharjo experienced the same. Such an adrenaline rush made him bulge with pure ecstasy at that time. The black skyscrapers all around them and across the midnight sky. It felt like a hundred years ago now, but perhaps it was. If there was anyone that Uōkingushi enjoyed having around, it was Kharjo Yamaguchi. 

The faker decided to speak. It couldn’t be helped but to take notice of that pompous attitude of his holding a degree of respect for Kharjo by the way he spoke, even if it was in a smug manner. Uōkingushi was keen on someone pretending to have a steel will, and Toneri was definitely fitting the bill. “I don’t know, something about this guy screams excitement to me.” He added, his smile remained as eerie as it had been since he was there. His eyes were nearly closed shut because of this. The stories the faker gave about Kharjo were partly correct. The Hiyu chuckled as he knew that it was not nearly as fucked up as the tales he knew of the demon. “If only they knew.” He would think.  

Once the story was over, congratulations were in order. Young Ashborn and Uōki had passed their “Genin” exam. The feeling of repetitiveness trickled over him, but it had to be done. Immensely impressed by the progress he has witnessed from Ashborn over the years of his schooling. He had no doubt that this one was going to ascend to the rank of Genin. His attention shifted towards the two proctors. He could smell it in the air, disciplinary actions were coming. Taking one side step away from Ashborn, subtly enough to prevent detection as the two fakers were eyeing each other. And far enough to keep the lad out from unnecessary harm. 

The Knightly faker approached the man with a smile on his face. Uōkingushi held a smile of his own. “I suppose I’ll have to take this one on the chin.” He thought to himself. He knew what was coming next. He practically begged for it from the very beginning. He always found it so amusing how easy it was to toy with others. It showed him just what he needed to know about them. Words were leaving the mouth of Toneri, but Uōkingushi couldn’t care less about what they were. He was counting down to the moment where...

In an instance, a flash of pressure would send the Hiyu across the room into a wall. The sound of scattering loose papers within the room fluttering. Blood streams trailed from beginning to end. Debris from the cratered wall obscured him from their sights. His jaw hung loosely as he slid down to his ass on the floor, his back against the wall. Blood was gushing from his mouth. Silence filled the room for a mere moment. “Kyeh heh heh heh heh” An eerie laugh pierced through the silence and debris. When it cleared, they would see Uōkingushi  still sitting there looking quite dazed from the blow and his jaw swaying. “You know, I believe whatever doesn’t kill you simply makes you...” He began to stand on his two feet. His left hand is cupping his broken jaw. His eyes focused on the faker as he steps forward and takes another. Until he was standing directly before him. A swift, yet brutal push of his hand to force in his jaw joints. The collective popping and crushing of his face would indicate that his bones were moving in an odd manner. Sounds quite painful. With a final pop,his jaw was as good as new. His hand lowered to his side. “Stranger.” He coughs as blood escaped his mouth speckingonto the faker. Uōkingushi noticed this and as he reached into his mouth, tugged and pulled the very headband that was ironically shoved down his throat. “Hehe. I think I like you, faker.” He said as he dangled the forehead protector between them that dripped with his blood, holding that blood curling eerie smile of his.

[WC: 829]
[Total WC: 2,022]

Amidst dust and blood, the figure of the man that had been slammed against the wall began to take shape. And then the air exploded the laughter—sick maniacal laughter. 

“The Joker arises,”  Toneri observed with a smirk. But that was smirk cut short when the man took a step forward, and in alarm of retaliation, the Hyuuga activated his clan's Kekkei Genkai, chakra pulsing along the veins and nerves of his face. They bulged up in a manner almost grotesque, reaching up from the top of the spinal column and across his cheeks. Then they were up to his temples and into his eyes. The pupil became distinct, the outline etched into the iris via a flexing vein, giving the swordsman of noble birth an aggressive and hostile appearance.

The Byakugan's long-range vision would have little use here. Instead, Toneri exhaled, and a single additional nerve flexed under each eye - his vision narrowed to a normal range, focusing on the relic monstrous body, tracking every flash of his nervous system to predict the second thought shinobi’s movements.

Toneri suspected a fight and reached for his sword. “Hehe. I think I like you, faker.” But the Hiyu had already moved on. As he pulled out a bloody dented piece of metal that a moment ago was a brand Hoshi Headband. It had fused with his body when he used that odd bloodline to reconstruct his face. That put the Golden Hyuuga even more in awe.

“Well, that makes one of us,” Toneri responded and let go of the crucifix handle of Brightroar. Uokingushi’s identification records might be either classified, deleted, or marked deceased upon his recruitment in Hoshi. But that would also explain why Natsuki couldn’t seem to find any identification records in her investigation; they may either no longer exist or be behind a high-security clearance. 

Ashborn Yamaguchi’s expression remained steely thorough the chaotic exchange, save to address the elephant in the room. Where was his headband? Natsuki rose, revealing the red tights that covered the whole length of her legs. The heels of her black boots echoed in the classroom. Rays of sunlight entered through the window panes, making her hair look more gold than silver.

“Here it is,” Natsuki said to Ashborn with a smile, wide and bright. She gently placed the headband on a student’s desk and took two steps back. In case the boy was resultant of taking it from her, in fear that she would act like brother and attach a vacuum palm to it.

“Since everyone got all excited, perhaps your little adventure to Genin can progress even further today.  How about we get some missions out of the way?”

WC: 445
TWC: 1853

Eyes on the prize he noticed the headband that would soon be his being placed on the desk between him and the female proctor. A sense of achievement came over Ashborn as the boy took a couple of steps towards the kunoichi and claim what was his. Offering a smile in return the young Yamaguchi gladly accepted the symbol of Hoshigakure. "Thank you miss". Not knowing where to place it just yet he simply decided to wear it around his left forearm for now, almost like an accessory to his already unique choice of attire. While both the knight in shining armor and whatever Uōkingushi was supposed to be were working on their bromance Ash would grab a chair and join Natsuki at the desk. 

Admiring the piece of cloth and metal around his arm the now Genin wondered about his next step. World domination? Getting a girlfriend, maybe a dog? Perhaps those were things most people needed to consider themselves happy, but Ashborn wasn't like most people. The dreams and goals he chased weren't as meaningless as the ones he briefly thought about earlier. No, what he concerned himself with were things much higher than that. While his mind was occupied Ash noticed he picked up one of the kunoichi's habits as his fingers were drumming on the desk, unconsciously mimicking her actions. Perhaps his observations on how to act natural in front of others caused him to imitate Natsuki.

The Yamaguchi adjusted his posture, the two other men still trying to decide whether or not they became best friends. "It's interesting how us humans can act around others, is it not? Well, as far as you can call that one human" Ash would say while looking in Uōkingushi's direction. The female proctor probably didn't expect him to engage in small talk nor to try his hand at what appeared to be an attempt of a joke. Social skills, not quite his cup of tea. A couple of minutes had passed when the sudden suggestion of completing a couple of missions surprised him. Not that such a proposal was out of the ordinary now that they officially became Genin of Hoshigakure, however the timing could be considered quite odd.

Ashborn, getting up from his chair and standing tall, agreed to the idea of experiencing the sensation of completing missions as a full fledged shinobi in the Land of Haven. "I suppose the two of you have time to accompany us, seeing we were the last students to take the test". Or perhaps there was another reason as to why the siblings decided to tag along. Maybe they simply wanted to keep an eye on both Ash and the Joker over there. The first because of his possible connection to Kharjo Yamaguchi and the latter because that one might as well came straight out of a horror movie. 

(WC: 478, TWC: 2000)