A Promotion Long Awaited

Takeda made his way from the classroom into one of the private chambers where his evaluation would begin. It should've been easy to hide through the mask that adorned his face, though Takeda's excitement clearly shined through the thin facade he was attempting to display. He'd studied hard to ensure that he'd passed all his necessary classes, and he finally came out on top. All those grueling months of catching up to children half his age paid off. Now he stood tall, ready to be a shinobi in his own right. While his capabilities weren't anything impressive by this point, he was confident that he would be capable of pulling through and wowing his superiors enough to graduate to a full Genin.

Takeda pulled back a Shoji sliding door to the room where he was to be tested, stepping through with an eager and confident stride. Whoever his instructor was, they would see a figure cloaked in black jacket and pants, equipped with black gloves and shoes. An abnormally and unhealthily pale face peered from out of the black mass of hair on his head, barely visible through a gas mask that covered his mouth. Though perhaps the man's most unsettling characteristic aside from his distinct lack of fashion sense was his sickly yellow eyes, which peered and darted around the room as he attempted to analyze the situation at hand.

"Hello? Is this where I'm supposed to go to take my exam?"

Word Count - 243

The room had been prepared rather simply. A seven-meter by seven-meter space that had very little inside of it. Polished, wooden floors were adorned with a single square rug that was meant to mark the space the student was to sit or stand in. Opposed to the rug was another square rug cut in blue cloth. Opening the door, Takeda would be presented with the view of a window on the opposite side of the room from the door, peering out into the area just behind the academy. In the distance, a younger class was currently doing exercises some distance from the building. In the midst of the room, standing on the blue rug, was Yuuma Fujiwara. Dressed in typical robes, the light blue flak vest of the Chuunin was visible on his torso under one part of his robe. A headband of the Hoshigakure shinobi could be seen hanging from his belt as he stood with a pleasant expression on his face. An expression that didn't falter, even at the sight of the sickly form of the child. If anything, the mannerisms in which Takeda entered the room pressed that smile a little further. The most offsetting thing about the Chuunin was nothing about the Chuunin at all, and instead could be attributed to the large, grumpy-looking owl that sat perched on part of a bookshelf that sat behind the instructor.

If Takeda seemed lost, Yuuma would direct him to the rug that was directly opposed from him with a few meters of space between them. Yuuma had spent the majority of the day doing something he had looked forward to for a long time; assisting in the instructing of others. He even had the pleasure of meeting a student he had known since before his time in the academy. A pleasant reunion that ended in successful graduation. Truth be told, all students he had proctored for this day had passed. He was certain this student would be no different. "Good morning, I am Yuuma Fujiwara." Yuuma would say once Takeda stood across from him. "You have been preparing for this for some time, no doubt. So you know what is expected of you. Before we begin, however, I'd like to ask you a question or two."

Yuuma would give the student a brief moment to respond, even if the response was a simple nod of the head. "Firstly, tell me your name, and what this means to you? Being a shinobi, that is. And secondly, should you pass your exam today, what will you go on to do?" Yuuma had honed in on Takeda when the questions began. Although his expression remained pleasant, there was a certain focus to his gaze that said he was listening to Takeda's words very closely. The sort of gaze that attempted to cut to the truth of the matter, one that would convey the necessity for an earnest response. 

WC- 486

Takeda walked as calmly as possible over the wooden floors, his shoes clacking against the polished wooden planks below as he found his way to the mat set out for him at the center of the room. Takeda stood tall on the mat before the chuunin sitting opposite to him. Takeda could feel the adrenaline surging through his body like a tide. Every nerve felt electrified, his muscles primed and ready to jump for joy at any moment. Though he had to be calm and collected. He'd learned that discipline was a defining characteristic of the shinobi lifestyle early on in his studies, so acting like a fool in this situation would likely cost him his spot as a Genin. Plus, he hadn't attained the spot yet.

Takeda looked closely at his proctor. Aside from the owl behind him, he seemed a friendly enough figure to be testing under. Though appearances weren't everything Takeda supposed. Espionage and disguise was one of the skills shinobi were educated about after all. Yet despite that, Takeda couldn't help but feel as though his guard loosened slightly around this figure. This was the future after all, what he could be if he trained hard enough to master his techniques and the art of the shinobi. The power and prestige that came with the position were tempting, but the desire to be part of a higher cause, to do good and help the people trumped those temptations by a significant margin. This was just the first step on that journey.

His proctor introduced himself, to which Takeda gave a respectful bow and spoke as calmly as he could under the situation in question.

"Good morning sir. My name is Takeda Takeshi."

Takeda stood up straight, and paused for a moment to debate what this position meant to him. While it was a simple question, one that many students might not put a lot of thought into, Takeda took it seriously. To him, this was more than a test of his worth as a Genin. To him, he had to define himself, to justify why he'd fought so hard to become a shinobi, to figure out why he'd struggled for so long on a dream he should've given up long ago. On a surface level it was obvious to him, being the most prospective career for someone of his stature. Though Takeda wasn't so heartless as to believe that was the only reason. What was it specifically that drove him? What was it that took him to this path in life?

"I... don't know. Which I know sounds like a fake or poorly thought out answer, but I just don't. I was born into the Canopic Clan. A clan that possesses... medical conditions that make it difficult to integrate with society. I couldn't go to school, normal or Academy. I didn't have a lot of friends because of my clan and my isolation."

Takeda's eyes brimmed slightly with tears and his head turned downward to look at the blue mat his proctor stood upon, though his voice remained steady and strong, showing no signs of wavering.

"Heh. I couldn't hold down a job with a formal employer either. Nobody wants to hire a walking biohazard. When I hit 18 I took up a job as a doctor for people who couldn't afford one of the medical ninjutsu specialists. It wasn't much, but it was enough to get by."

Takeda wiped the tears away with the back of his black gloved hand, bringing his eyes back up to meet his proctor with determination and intensity.

"But I've always had the dream that I could do more as a shinobi. They're guardians of the peace and the village. They stand up for those who can't help themselves. When a burden is too much to bare, shinobi are supposed to be the ones who stand up to injustice, to be the ones who stand as a shoulder to lean on, to be the ones who hold a light up for those who're lost in the dark. They're protectors and heroes. And once I become a shinobi, I want to be an example. To be a role model to those in a situation like mine, who felt isolated or alone, or helpless and defeated. I want to see my fellow man prosper, and if the way that I accomplish it is by bearing the heaviest burdens to bare, so be it."

Takeda stood there quietly after that, waiting for his instructor to address him once again before continuing with the test. His eyes seemed to be searching the member of the Canopic, watching, waiting for lord knows what. Takeda only hoped that he had provided the correct answer...

Word Count - 788

Total Word Count - 1031

Throughout the explanation offered by the student, Yuuma maintained that attentive manner that said he was absorbing everything offered to him. Takeda Takeshi. Of the Canoic Clan. A clan that Yuuma had only heard the very basics of thanks to his own focus in the medical arts. It's impossible not to have at least run across the clan's name once or twice- particularly when it comes to the fields surrounding diseases. The trials the boy must have faced were vastly different from his own, and yet Yuuma couldn't help but find some familiar in that despair that accompanies the overwhelming feeling of having no direction or leverage. To have at one time contemplated surrendering your fate to the whims of others, and making that decision to remain firmly in the grasp of the reigns. That is precisely what Takeda had done. He had not allowed himself to be dragged by the weighted chains that were his condition. And now he stood proudly before a proctor to prove he was prepared to become a shinobi.

For just a moment, Yuuma was swept backward through time and plopped down in a chair in the auditorium of the academy. He watched the red coat-clad Valen walk to the podium, and proceed to blind the class. Impressing upon them the fear her could manifest by will alone. It disturbed Yuuma now to think back to how he had taken a liking to Valen, and what Valen would eventually go on to become. Now, Yuuma could only see the event as a wasted opportunity. What could have been a defining moment had instead turned into a wicked scar. This experience happened in the space of a thought- taking only as long as it took Takeda to reach up and wipe away at his eye before it had passed.

As the boy continued, Yuuma could feel his expression warm some. He never was very good at concealing how he was feeling with his face. An honest reflection, perhaps. Allowing others to read him as he so often reads them. It seemed little escaped the attention of the Chuunin, who offered a simple nod of his head when Takeda had concluded his response. His tone remained the same even as the smile on his face had broadened. "Very well. Before we continue on to the next step, I would first like to say that you have the spirit of a shinobi. Despite whatever results may come of the following part of the test, I would like to impress upon you that you are indeed a ninja. That being said, there is the matter of the actual test."

Yuuma would pause long enough to adjust his stance, gesturing out to the boy with an open palm. "You know what you must do. Display your skill for me." It had been his hope that some stirring words might settle the confidence Yuuma could sense in the boy. Even in their brief interaction, Yuuma could feel an earnest spirit. A sincerity to his desires. All he needed was a hand on his shoulder and a confident nod and this kid could reach the stars.

WC - 521
TWC - 1,007

Takeda gave another bow to his instructor before readying another deep breath. He'd learned quite a bit as a young shinobi, though he knew that there were a couple of things that they were looking for. The big two were the clone and transformation jutsu, which the Canopic had down pat. Though he imagined that showing a little more than just his basic skills likely wouldn't hurt his changes.

The man slowly clasped his hands together and began to weave slowly, starting off with a basic clone technique. Four identical copies of the man spread out around the room, taking off after creations and performing several cartwheels around the room, basic acrobatics to show that the illusions could function properly. Takeda himself began channeling chakra to the soles of his feet as he leaped into the air, flipping halfway so his feet landed on the ceiling. The chakra acted as an adhesive, sticking the member of the Canopic to the surface in defiance of gravity. Yet he continued his display, as he weaved through a small number of seals, first revealing a small fist spit technique which misted a portion of the room, and then unveiling the transformation technique, turning the boy into a near perfect copy of the Hogokage himself. Although in perfect honesty, the nose was a bit crooked on his face.

The clones stopped their cartwheeling and fell to one knee as the gestured to the copy of the Hogokage adorning the ceiling, shaking their hands and yelling "Tadaah!" as they did so. Takeda waited expectantly for a moment, waiting to see what his instructor had to say before daring to let himself fall to the ground.

Word Count - 280

Total Word Count - 1311

The student was quick to begin with what he knew he was being examined for. The simpler techniques of the ninja arts, though more importantly, were the foundation of what would eventually take the form of excellent displays. Even the most devastating or impressive of techniques all starter her, with the very basic display of chakra control. Naturally, the student was able to aptly perform their jutsu which Yuuma would only respond to by maintaining the smile he had on his face. Once again, his expression brightened some as he witnessed the enthusiasm with which Takeda conducted himself.

When the display finished, Yuuma would offer a simple, polite clap of his hands, his eyes slowly closing for just a moment before reopening. "Wonderfully done," Yuuma would begin. Turning around to the shelf Archimedes had been perched on and takes up one of the newly made Hoshigakure headbands. Turning back to face him, he would take a couple of steps forward but instead of holding out the headband immediately, Yuuma would instead begin to speak. As he spoke, the gentle and welcoming tone he began with would eventually fall away. Each word that came after the next beginning to sound like it was spoken as though written in stone. A serious nature fell about the Chuunin. "Takeda Takeshi. You have undergone the exam today with the intention of counting yourself among the shinobi of Hoshigakure. In doing so, you have recognized that this place- this village, is your home. A home that you will swear to defend to your dying breath. To uphold the honor and integrity of. To see those who would also call this place home as your sworn brothers and sisters. Today, your family expands to encompass those you will come to serve and those that you will come to protect. And in return for this, you will be recognized by the village of Hoshigakure as one of its protectors. One who will work hard, and someday come to represent the village to the world, be that on the battlefield or in diplomatic chambers. This, Takeda Takeshi, is the path you have chosen to walk."

When he broke in his speech for just a moment, Takeda could see his expression shift. His eyes and tone going from something serious back to what he had formally been resting at. The smile returned and he would hold the necklace out. Even as he did so, he would begin to speak again. "You have said you wish to become an example. You want to mold yourself into something you believe others should follow. An admirable desire. If I can leave you with one bit of advice, it would be to remind yourself that you can accept the help of those around you. They will elevate you, and you may find yourself in the position where it is your responsibility, as that example, to accept their elevation. Be mindful of those who would reach to you a helping hand, and recognize in them the very aspect you wish to embody."

It was a heavy sentiment, but not one that Yuuma wasn't intimately familiar with. Because he had been exactly where this young boy had been before. The headband was released, allowing the student to take it. Yuuma would quietly listen to any words Takeshi wanted to offer if any at all. Even a spirited response would result in a nod of the head and a silent dismissing of the student as Yuuma grew introspective, awaiting the next student to come in and undertake their test. In the time before the next student entered, Archimedes would sound his voice across the enclosed space. "You found a great deal of favor in that student. Not that the attention is undeserved- he seems to have the potential to advance to what I would consider the pupil stage."

A soft hum would issue from Yuuma, who continued to watch the wall opposite of him. "Perhaps. I recognize a lot of my own struggles in him. Not exactly the same, but similar enough to reminds me why I'm doing what I'm doing. For that reminder, I owed him at least the same motivation that might have helped me were I in his shoes." It was a fine circle of logic that Yuuma could weave for himself. In truth, there was a part of him that might have called it a "gut instinct" though Yuuma didn't feel that needed to play a part.

"I see. Just be careful who you begin to favor. There could come a point in time where you are assigned a group of your own prospects. Developing habits that concern favoring a similar experience might close you off to an experience that might differ." Archimedes didn't hold the tone of accusation. This was almost an approach of a discussion on the merits of the matter. 

Yuuma would tilt his head back some as the response provoked a new idea. "A group of students...or perhaps a team."

[Exit.]

WC- 827
TWC- 1,834

Claims:
Granting rank of Genin to Takeda Takeshi. Including A Shinobi Headband.

Yuuma:

Archimedes:

Is approved! Grats on the rank up!

An imperceptible grin slipped across the Canopic's face under the mask, though it likely wasn't visible to his sensei. The Canopic dropped from the ceiling and righted himself in midair, dismissing the clones and landing almost perfectly on the mat below himself. As his proctor began his speech, Takeda stood still as stone. He was aware of the formalities, of the need to remain firmly in place. Excited though he may be, he was still entering into a military organization. Discipline would be a necessary skill if he wished to succeed and rise through the ranks.

Takeda listened solemnly through the speech his proctor gave, graciously accepting the headband with a bow. The man held it aloft in his hands for a moment, examining the sheen that sat atop it. Finally, after so many years, he was here. He had done it. He had graduated from the Academy, he had beaten the odds, and now he stood as a fully fledged shinobi. If only his parents could see him now. Takeda reached up and began wrapping the headband around his forehead. He would have to change the location later most likely, but for now it stood as a badge of honor.

"Thank you sir."

With that, Takeda left. Grinning like a fool as he began to make his way towards his apartment, ready to celebrate a victory dinner as he awaited his very first assignment.

Word Count - 253

Total Word Count - 1564

Exit Claims:

Approved. Grats on the Rank up!