Kirigakure Academy: Genin Exam

Mission Name: Genin Exam
Rank: D
Mission Location: Any Village

Challenges: --
Task: It's that time of year! After studying, you feel prepared to join your village's ranks as a genin, but first, you must pass an exam. Make sure you put your best foot forward- and remember to polish up those Transformations and Clones!

Optionally, this exam may be proctored by another village member with the IC rank of chunin equivalent or higher. In that case, they may adjust the exam as necessary, strictly for CD purposes. A proctor is any rank higher than genin. Usually done by village shinobi, but if they have express permissions for the Kage, a village shinobi from another village may perform these exams.

It should be noted that this mission:
-cannot be used towards any rank-up besides the one mentioned in "Reward."
-cannot be invaded
-cannot be done in multi-mission threads

Word Count Requirement: 1,000
Reward: 1,000 Ryo / 5 AP & promotion to Genin/D Power Rank / 1x Ninja Headband of your respective village

Character Requirements: At least one character must be an E-ranked village ninja. The examinee must have 100+ stats.
Character Exclusive: --

Ryusame entered the lecture hall. It was his first time in that part of the Academy. Must reserve this for special occasions. That, or I wasn't ever considered a candidate for whatever class they hold in here. By some miracle he was the first student there, so he for once he wasn't relegated to the worst seat in the house. He chose a spot in the back row where he had a good view of the entire room, near a large window that looked out into the mist.

For once his nerves weren't a complete mess. Maybe it was his experience out on the sandbar, maybe it was just pure exhaustion, but in that exact moment he wasn't terribly troubled by his prospects. The general requirements of the exam had been easy enough to ascertain with a little bit of prodding here and there, and he was confident in his ability to pass the written portion. Had he not been so tired perhaps he would have been more concerned with his ability to perform in the practical portion, since the last few classes had proven that his handseals were still pretty clumsy, but he ignored that now. I've practiced as much as I reasonably can, and if the instructor was right about anything it was that time is not my friend. I need to keep moving forward if I'm going to become a ninja of the Hidden Mist.

Letting out a breath he let his gaze wander over to the window. He watched the courtyard outside without really seeing it, but this time he at least made sure to check his surroundings every now and again. If anyone approached with any real attempt at stealth it would be enough to get passed him unnoticed, but for the moment he paying enough attention to notice the students that made no effort to hide enter the room and take their seats.

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Word Count: 319 Words

Kai entered the academy lecture hall a little early but noted that many of the students had already arrived and so he took any seat that was remaining. His entrance was conspicuous with his brightly embroidered pink haori displaying his clan symbol prominently which matched his pink hair. He waited as the remaining student filed in and the instructor entered at the front of the class, outlining the requirements and expectations for the exam as well as giving a speech on the path they were taking and responsibility to the village as a whole etc. Kai had heard similar if not identical speeches multiple times during his long tenure at the academy and they had lost their glamour and awe after the fourth time he failed the exam. He hoped he had improved enough and could create a passable representation of another person for the purposes of the transformation technique but had silently resigned himself to another potential failure and another period of training and lessons.

Kai had learned not to focus on the failure so much as the opportunity to improve, each time he attempted the exam he grew closer to passing so it was simply a matter of attempts. Since his last attempt however he had learned to sense a person chakra and he hoped that this additional sensory ability would assist with his transformation technique and figured that if he could grasp a persons chakra signature then in theory he could simply copy all of the basic details and trust that the rest would be completed with this additional information. He had spent months of intense training top reach this point again and was uncertain what more preparation could be done if he was honest with himself. Over the years he had tried all kinds of things to try and pass but had always come up a  little short, one or two key details always incorrect or at least not good enough to pass the exam.

He watched as various students were called to the front and demonstrated the techniques, first the clone technique followed by the transformation technique. Some passed and some failed as was the wat Kai’s name was called and he rose from his seat and approached the front of the class with a wide smile frozen on his face as though it was stuck there. When prompted he performed the clone technique, and succeeded without to much trouble, simply forming an exact copy of himself was no particularly difficult feat and he could trust in the technique to function as it should.

Next he was asked to perform a transformation technique and Kai took a steadying breath, hoping that he would not fail but expecting it nonetheless. He performed the seals and activated the technique, focusing on the instructors chakra signature with his chakra sensory skill as he did so. A puff of white smoke issued forth and Kai remained standing, waiting to be told he had failed again. He was surprised then when he was congratulated and informed he had passed. Kai moved back to his seat somewhat stiffly and even bumped into the desk in front of as he struggled to contain and hide his feeling of elation and joy, pushing it down and attempting to maintain control. The effort top control his emotions affected how he processed the information from his other senses. He returned to his seat and calmed himself, reasserting control once more and seemingly taking his success in stride despite bumping into the desk earlier.

He waited for the class to end, not watching the other students of course but certainly perceiving what was happening. He felt elation at his success and was interested to see how many succeeded or failed the examination. He was not able to accurately judge the success or failure of the exams itself until the instructor passed down their judgment, but it was an interesting experience to sit and listen to the successful students and feel good for them. As much as Kai tried not to dwell on the success of others he could not deny a small bitterness each time he failed as students less than half his age passed and it certainly didn’t help that he knew how much he had bled and sweat to improve even the smallest amount because of his lack of vision.

Kai always pushed such thoughts aside quickly and the feeling did not linger but he would be lying if he said he did not feel their sting each time he had failed and heard another young student pass or when he heard on of the students he had started at the academy had moved onto become a chunin and in some cases even jonin. As with many things the sting faded quickly and left no permanent mark, but it was still felt at the moment. For once he could sit and listen and feel no stings or bitterness and simply enjoy the moment of success. He collected a headband from the desk once the exam had conclude and placed it in his pocket as he left the academy.

He wondered to one of the nearby florists he frequented and purchased a yellow rose and a yellow carnation and headed back into the village. He walked slowly towards the locations where memorials and graves were kept and maintained. They were simple affairs, small stone slabs inlaid on the ground. Kai knew precisely where he was going and spotted a few other passing by or paying their respects to the fallen dead. The section he was headed towards was set aside for ninja who had died in service to the village. Even if no body was recovered there would be a grave and so it was with Hana. There had been some remains but they were few and unrecognisable. It was one of the few times Kai was glad to have lost his vision the smell of scorched flesh lingered for a while. He stopped at Hana’s grave and placed the flowers down before giving a bow and taking his leave. He had no need to say any words out loud. If there was an afterlife he could simply tell them all then.

He left the graves and returned to his home, placing the headband on the shelf before gathering his sewing materials and a large section of tough yet comfortable fabric that Hana had purchased when he first joined the academy as a boy. She told him it matched the colour of his hair and she had sewn on a small version of his clan symbol on the inside at the back. Kai sat down and carefully unstitched the forehead protector before resewing it onto the pink cloth he had kept hold of. When he had completed his work he looped it around his belt, hanging at his hip just as the Missing nin from his memories wore it. He smiled despite himself. He had now taken his first real step and was a ninja at last.

[Exit]

WC:1172

Claiming mission rewards:
- 1000 Ryo
- +5 AP
- Promotion to Genin / D rank
- Kirigakure ninja Headband

Claiming Stats:
+ 11 Speed

Claiming WC:
1172 towards One Handed Seals [Incomplete] 1340/2000 - 1172/1172

The alarm went off in the early morning as it always did, causing the Mist Shinobi to groan and slap it across the room, today would have been a great day to rest, but duty called.

Jirajin was a ambitious academy student now, a completionist of a number of basic E-Rank academy lessons and helpful tasks around the village, he was already a master of the Mist Servant Technique and had begun his journey into a number of fantastic Water based Jutsu. This next step was to undertake his Genin exam, alongside fellow students he had started to form bonds with. It was a crucial step to becoming a skilled Ninja and to unlock new abilities far stronger than his current retinue. He had dreams of saving his village and becoming a man of great reputation, he was late to the party but at least he was there.

This would likely be the last time he comes to the Academy as a student, on his way in his hands press against the buildings walls and he pays his respects, it has served him well and he was now ready for it to become part of his past. Students of various ages came and went, flooding and retreating each of the rooms on this busy day. The examination room is eerily quiet, his eyes focus on the table he is meant to be sat at. He seems Kai, nods and takes a seat.

The exam begins with a paper based test, designed to evaluate any candidates in understanding of the Ninja world, basic techniques and theoretical knowledge they would need to succeed in there chosen career. Jiraijin has revised and studied, both with the blade and with Jutsu. With a deep breath he takes a moment to evaluate the lessons he has learnt before he opens the first page of the exam. The questions flood his mind, but he stops at each one and identifies problems or resolutions that he knows how to answer. Divide and conquer, even whilst studying. Questions about hand seals all the way to strategic battle scenarios fill the page, some are theory where he will be marked on his ideas, truly no right answer.

”I don’t understand…” one question challenges his knowledge, detailing specifics about advanced chakra control. Jiraijin however stays calm and focused, he breaks down the question and recalls his own training with his water release techniques, soon he is able to formulate a precise answer that ticks off the boxes. A deep breath of air allows him to calm, easy.

”Well done class - come submit your reports, next we move to the practical element. You will come through one by one to the front of class, perform the two required techniques detailed on the last page of your exam. Goodluck.” the Sensei nodded his head, gesturing towards students in no particular order. Jiraijin waited for his turn, each of those performed the techniques relatively easily, making him conscious of his own abilities. He gulped and almost jumped when his name was called. Ahhhh shit.

He stood the front his eyes coming up to meet the Sensei. His hand shook slightly, but with a swallow he was able to steel his resolve. A glint in his eye forced him to think, to concentrate and push through his worry. With a face as serious as one who was going to battle he rose his hand and performed effortlessly the clone technique, to his right, another version of him appeared. The clone appeared confident, like a perfectly carved canvas. ”Damn I’m hot” he laughed to himself, several students groaned at his arrogance, though some also chuckled alongside him. A healthy balance.

Next was the transformation Technique. Jiraijin had to think about who to turn into, who did he know the best that the Sensei would also know, could he turn into Kai or Ichikai - probably not with the detail that he should, then there was the Sensei, but then when others had done it the Sensei looked annoyed, he performed the hand seals and with a short delay he transformed into the woman who had performed the attacks on the lessons, the teacher raised an eyebrow and quickly shook his hand dismissively. ”Yes yes, good job let’s stop this now.” the Sensei looked concerned, but was happy with the result.

”Congratulations Jiraijin. You have successfully passed the Genin exam. I present to you your headband.” the Sensei bowed his head, and without much care in the world dismissed Jiraijin. He wasn’t sure why he was expecting something bigger, this was simple but effective.

With this the exam had come to a close, leaving a weird taste in his mouth. Jiraijin found it difficult to set goals and now, without a clear path he felt that for once he was free to choose his own path, but he would have to find guidance. He would follow the teachings of the blade and learn the secrets of his clan for one, but there were many more to follow.

The doors shut behind him, marking a close to the chapter of his life that he was so worried about failing. He could return home to his family, showing his new headband which was wrapped around the arm of his cloak. But he was tired, not only had the lessons of the last few days tested his physical skills, but also his mental too. He was never good at putting pen to paper and having to test his skills in this manner was extremely daunting, infact the only thing he wasn’t looking forward to were the reports he would have to write as his missions increased with intensity.

Instead he would celebrate by grabbing a drink, a fancy meal and perhaps going back to the training facility to work up a sweat, he only hoped that he would find others to train with. ”What a day… I guess this is it though - I’m a Ninja. Watch out Kirigakure, the world is my oyster!”

[end]

WC: 1006
Speed; 52 + 10 = 62
+ 1000 Ryo
+ 5 AP
+ Promotion to D Rank - Genin
+ Kirigakure Headband

Chakra Sensory 1006/2000

Ryusame watched as the other students filed in. He thought he recognized a face here or there, but he couldn't put names to them. As the instructor called out the roll he noted that just about every major clan in the village had a representative present. A ball of foolish jealousy bubbled up inside him as he thought of those great clans, the backbones of the village. One day I'll surpass all of them, he thought to himself.

The written portion of the test was surprisingly easy for him. Although his studies had been short they had been intense, and somewhere along the way he had picked up much more than he realized. With each answer his confidence grew until he found himself hardly reading the problems at all. He started writing so fast that a cramp formed in his hand, forcing him to stop and massage the blood back into it. When he did he stole a glace around the room. Most of the other students seemed to be barely a third of the way through the exam, but he did notice a couple that were at least as far along as he was. One looked like he might even be a question ahead. Filled with a sudden rush of competitive spirit he turned back to the test and tore through the final page.

When it came time for the practical exam his hand was still badly cramping. He sat the in back of the room, trying every trick he knew to relieve his ailment, and hoped desperately that he would be one of the last to go. Fortunately for him this turned out to be the case, and he was given the opportunity to asses his classmates. It was interesting to see the wide range of reactions, from confidence to teary eyed uncertainty, swaggering to shuffling. Some were talented and didn't know it. Others seemed oblivious to their shortcomings. Either way the vast majority seemed to pass. That's probably by design, he thought. The Academy seems to be very careful about who gets to be a ninja.

"Ryusame Namito," the instructor finally called out. Wishing that he had just a little more time to massage his hand Ryusame stood and went to the front. His heart started hammering wildly in his chest, a sudden rush of nerves and excitement that sprang up now that it was actually time to prove himself. He forced himself to take a steadying breath as he took his position at the front of the room.

First was the Clone jutsu. Ryusame fumbled on the handseals a bit, but managed to recover at the last second. A single copy of himself, perhaps looking a little shabbier than he intended, appeared in a burst of smoke beside him. The instructor jotted down a note. "Very good," he said in a bored tone. "And now the Transformation Jutsu." Ryusame let himself relax. He couldn't say that he was any better at the Transformation Jutsu than the Clone Jutsu, but if the first had been acceptable he had every reason to think that the second would be as well.

Channeling his chakra through a second set of more steady handseals Ryusame took on the appearance of the boy he had met in his first class. He managed to adjust his height almost perfectly, but the face ended up a little flatter and masklike. On a passing glance it might work but it definitely wouldn't hold up to any kind of close scrutiny. The instructor made another note in his book. "Congratulations Ryusame Namito. You are officially a ninja of the Hidden Mist."

Ryusame ignored the disinterested tone and the fact that he had clearly sounded more excited with several of the other students. The giddy rush of success couldn't be stemmed by such petty things. "Thank you, sensei." Ryusame bowed a little lower than he normally would, hiding the grin on his face. Spinning on one heel he headed to the back of the room to watch the two remaining students complete there practical tests. Already his mind was buzzing with plans for the future. First, I need some puppets.

[Exit]
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Word Count: 693 Words

Jutsu Used:
Clone Technique: 5 AP
Transformation Technique: 5 AP

Remaining AP: 620/630

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Thread Total Word Count: 1,012 [319 + 693]

CLAIMS
Mission Word Count: 1,000/1,000
Rewards: 1,000 Ryo, +5 AP, Promotion to Genin, Increase to D Power Rank, 1x Kirigakure Ninja Headband

Improvements:
Vigor +5: 500/500
Chakra +5 500/500

Total Improvement Cost: 1,000 Words