From the Sidelines

Kenchi Midorigawa stood amidst the bustling crowd gathered in the grand courtyard of the Unseen University. His emerald-green hair and eyes stood out amidst the sea of onlookers, his youthful features betraying excitement and anticipation. As the ceremony for the promotion of the Wolf Squad commenced, Kenchi's gaze was fixed on the trio of ninjas being presented before the esteemed Kage, Ayato Hyuuga, the Seventh Hogokage.

Among those being promoted, Kenchi observed Youta Shinkou, a seasoned ninja with striking white hair that contrasted sharply against his dark attire. Youta's battlefield experience was evident in how he carried himself despite being only a few years older than Kenchi.  Next to Youta stood Typhon Sepsus, a member of the Canopic clan, renowned as the enigmatic "plague doctors" of the ninja world. With a reputation for their expertise in unconventional techniques and mastery over poisons, Typhon's presence added a sense of intrigue to the group. Finally, there was Ryuumi Hiyu, hailing from a lineage known for its dedication to honing physical abilities. Ryuumi stood as a testament to her people's traditions. Her disciplined demeanor and unwavering resolve spoke volumes of the training she had undergone.

"Maybe one day, I'll be up there too, earning my stripes with the Wolf Squad." " Kenchi murmured, a determined glint in his emerald eyes. "Pinned on my shoulder by the mighty Ayato himself." Despite his unassuming appearance, Ayato commanded respect and admiration from all who beheld him. His jet-black hair framed his face with piercing lavender eyes, exuding an aura of quiet authority. Dressed in the traditional black and white robes of the Kage, he stood as a symbol of power and wisdom.

As Kenchi observed his fellow comrades-in-arms, a fire ignited within him. He promised himself that he would catch up soon and ascend to the rank of Chuunin. His attire was simple, his gear essential—he had no prestigious bloodline to boast of, nor did he wield any advanced elemental techniques. He was as ordinary as they came, but he was determined to defy expectations.

Once the ceremony concluded, Kenchi wasted no time setting his plans into motion. He would start by taking on a few low-rank missions, honing his skills, and proving his worth. But he knew that to make a name for himself genuinely, he needed something more - an opportunity to shine on a grand stage.

Reflecting on the recent conflicts that had shaped the ninja world, Kenchi couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for missing out on the action. Hoshi's victories in the Fifth Ninja War, the Hoshimura Rebellion, and the liberation of Kirigakure had catapulted many ninjas to fame and glory. But Kenichi had been just a boy in Tsukiakari at the time, far from the frontlines.

However, amidst his musings, a glimmer of hope emerged. Rumors of an upcoming tournament began to circulate among the ninja community. Kenchi's heart leaped with excitement. Perhaps this was the chance he had been waiting for - an opportunity to prove himself on the battlefield of honor. 

With his heart pounding and determination coursing through his veins, Kenchi stood amidst the crowd, envisioning his future painted in vibrant hues of ambition and possibility.

---

WC: 533
Note: This is an observation post from the "Small Pack of Wolves" topic, documenting the ongoing events. Kenchi is situated within the crowd surrounding the campus.`

Joro woke up this fine morning with a mix of emotions. He looked to see Stout resting above him in his hammock. He rolled over out of bed, checking his watch, seven o'clock, a little later than usual. But that's okay, Joro didn't need to be anywhere pressing till later in the day. He walked over to his small kitchen and started heating some water. He got out a mug and some honey. As he waited for the tea to heat up, he did a few things around the apartment. He went outside to see what was happening on this breezy morning in Hoshigakure. He had been invited along with his fellow ninjas to a ceremony for a couple of Genin making Chunin. He knew one of them, Youta Shinkou he called himself. They had done a mission or two together as well as they had spent some time in a tea shop a while ago. He turned to see Stout had hopped down from his hammock to Joro's bed.

He looked at him with a smirk, "Hey buddy, how are you doing this morning? Sleep alright?"

The stoat turned and looked at him with soft eyes as Joro sat down beside him. He nuzzled his face on Joro's arm as they sat together with the morning air filtering in and out of the apartment. It seemed to Joro that Stout was doing well. He worried about him switching homes and all. He didn't know how he would adjust, especially considering Joro lived in such a small apartment. But he seemed to be doing just fine. He did make an escape tunnel for him, which he used quite often. He still thought about his meeting with Mikey. He wondered many things about him, he mostly wondered if he would ever see Mikey again. Joro poured his tea, sipping on it as he enjoyed the morning with Stout. When he was done with his tea, he told Stout to explore, Joro would call him when they were to leave for the ceremony. He quickly hopped in the shower and got ready, he shaved and did a couple of other things to look presentable. Especially as the Hogokage would be there as well as the Nova. Joro hoped one day he could reach that level of power and respect. Not just for his reasons, but also to help protect this wonderful land he called home. He was all ready to go, as he headed out, he looked up into the trees to see Stout hurrying around.

"Hey man, let's go we're gonna be late if we don't hurry," he said with a smile.

As Stout scampered down the tree, he jumped onto Joro's shoulder.

"Hold on, we'll be there in a second," he said to the Stoat.

He weaved a few hand signs and tapped his forehead and woosh. They were off and were just at the right spot for the ceremony. As he appeared he almost ran into a woman passing by.

"Oh shoot, so sorry, you alright?"

"Yes, fine don't worry about it,"

"You sure?"

"Yes"

"Okay, you have a good day!"

He made sure Stout was still on his shoulders, as he sat down to watch the ceremony. Beside him was a green-haired individual,

"Interesting," Joro thought, wondering who he was.

"Hi, I'm Joro, lovely morning right?" he said extending his hand and offering a shake if he wished to.

WC:571

Zatoichi overheard Ayato discussing some ceremony that morning. When he left his room for breakfast, he spotted Ayato clad in his distinguished Kage robes.

"Hmmm?" Zatoichi pondered to himself, intrigued. As Ayato prepared to depart with two of his Nova Corps, he glanced at Zatoichi, his expression soft yet firm, reminiscent of a parent's warning. With just one word, "behave," Ayato conveyed authority and expectation. Recognizing Ayato as the man who took him in when he was three, Zatoichi respected his command.

"Yes, sir," Zatoichi affirmed, meeting Ayato's gaze. With that, Ayato and the Nova Corps exited the house, leaving Zatoichi to hastily grab a piece of toast before darting to the attic to prepare.

Joining the crowd as they headed to the ceremony, Zatoichi soon spotted a familiar face: Joro. "Sup Jo?" he greeted, settling beside his newfound friend. Despite Joro being older, Zatoichi found him pretty cool.

"So, what's happening?" Zatoichi inquired, curious about Ayato's ceremonious attire.

212

Kenchi couldn't help but smile as he observed the commotion nearby. A young shinobi, quick on his feet, darted through the crowd, catching Kenchi's attention. The newcomer's movements were swift, almost reckless, and it wasn't long before he collided with an elderly woman nearby. Kenchi pretended not to notice the mishap until the boy introduced himself as Joro.

"Joro," Kenchi replied with a nod, his tone friendly yet curious. "I am Midorigawa Kenchi." He couldn't help but notice the boy's agility and decided to strike up a conversation. "You seem to move with such swiftness. Have you been practicing the Body Flicker technique often?"

As Kenchi glanced around, he noticed another Hoshigakure ninja joining the group. However, unlike Joro, this newcomer was much younger—a mere boy of around nine years old. Curious about the unfolding events, the boy approached Joro, seeking an explanation. Sensing the boy's confusion, Kenchi decided to step in and provide some context.

"Ah, young one," Kenchi began, addressing the boy with a friendly smile. "You see, these three shinobi here," he gestured towards the group, "they recently achieved a remarkable feat. They defeated the last remnants of the Jaws of Grimma, a notorious group of renegades who once controlled the Land of Haven."

Leaning conspiratorially, Kenchi continued, "The place they liberated, known as Wolf's Den, holds quite a bit of history. It used to be a castle belonging to one of the extinct clans that rebelled against the Old Daimyo. Of course, none of us were around back then," he chuckled.

"Anyway," Kenchi resumed, "after serving as an outpost and later a prison, Wolf's Den fell into ruin and was claimed by the Jaws. But our heroes here," he nodded towards Youta, Typhon, and Ryuumi, "they managed to reclaim it. And today, under the watchful eyes of the Kage and with the nomination of their master, Sebastian Loghain, they were all promoted to Chuunin."

Kenchi's eyes twinkled with pride as he recounted their achievements. "So you see, young one," he concluded, "today is a day of celebration for them and our village. Remember it if you want to become part of it."

The announcement of the Nova Corps Tournament's return filled Kenchi's heart with excitement, stirring memories of legendary battles and heroic deeds from years past. The prospect of the tournament not only reignited the spirit of competition but also symbolized a new chapter for Hoshigakure—a chance for fresh talent to prove their worth and uphold the village's honor. Joining in the villagers' chant, he drew his own folded Fuma Shuriken and pointed it towards the sky.

As Ayato uttered the words, the response came to him instantly. "Through war or cunning" echoed the first verse of Hoshigakure's motto, adopted officially a decade prior, coinciding with the village's founding. Yet, it felt older, a phrase resonating with the samurai who had long governed these lands since the Sage of Six Paths.

"Through War or Cunning, We Light the Way!"

Kenchi had suspected that a Nova Tournament was on the horizon; whispers had been circulating among the locals for some time. But having it confirmed by Ayato himself was another matter entirely. As the village leader announced the tournament's return, Kenchi couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at having been privy to the knowledge beforehand. It was a small victory, perhaps, but it made him feel more connected to the pulse of the village, more in tune with its rhythms and secrets.

"Exciting times ahead, huh?" he remarked, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "The tournament's return will surely bring out fierce competition. Are you both planning on entering?"  He glanced between them, curious about their intentions. " You can't miss a good old underdog story," Kenchi remarked with a grin, his eyes sparkling excitedly. He glanced at Joro before turning to the white-haired boy. "Or miss the opportunity to become the world's youngest Nova. I'm quite certain that the record remains unbroken. While tales of a 5-year-old Hokage are the stuff of yesteryear's jests, the same can't be said for Nova." He chuckled at the thought, imagining the young prodigy's potential rise to fame.

---

WC: 690
TWC: 1,233

Joro headed over to sit down and as he introduced himself the green-haired man next to him saying a friendly tone that his name was Kenchi Midorigawa. Well, that is certainly a mouthful, but also an interesting name he thought to himself.

"Nice to meet you, Kenchi," extending a hand to his new acquaintance.

"Ah, you have a good eye. I do know the body flicker technique. The Jutsu I was using presently was a teleportation technique which I can also use quite quickly," smiling back at the young man, happy to share his exploits and skills.

Turning towards Z, Joro noted the young boy's clever play on words regarding his name. "Jo, huh? Well, I guess that makes you Z. Anyways how are you doing?"

Joro was presently watching on as Ayato Hyuuga discussed the bravery that the three of them showed in their liberation of the Wolf's Den intrigued Joro. He hoped to one day also partake in important missions and to be honored by the presence of their Kage. Joro also listened to Kenchi's explanation of it all as it seemed he had more information on the subject of the ceremony than he did.

As the ceremony proceeded Ayato, the present Hogokage announced the news of the Nova Corps Tournament. Joro was extremely excited by this news as this presented even more opportunities for growth through battle and comradery.

"We Light the Way!" Joro yelled, along with the crowd of Shinobi. Proud to be one from Hoshigakure. One filled with such rich traditions and now the emergence of another Nova Corps Tournament.


As the Hogokage wrapped up the ceremony Kenchi began to speak to Joro again. Seeming to share the excitement that Joro had for the tournament.

"Exciting times indeed. I do plan to enter, and hopefully win," he said, eager but still unsure of his abilities to back up his eagerness.

"Agreed, even if I am an underdog currently, there's nothing wrong with tossing my name in the hat so to speak. I do believe I can serve this village more fully than just as a mere Genin. I believe my destiny lies in much more glory than that."

"Either way my new and old friend. Stout and I best be off. You know how it is, always work to be done and people to see. I wish you both the best and to see you soon!" he said, walking off with a smile and a

With that Joro and Stout headed out, away from the Unseen University. They first went to the market to grab a few things and some food for that night's dinner and then they headed home from there. Excited by the recent developments in the village and hopefully in his own life!

[Exit]
WC:461
TWC:1032
Claims:
+200 to Foo Dog Heads 2062/2062 Max Stat Discount
Previous WC from Here.
+832 to Strength of a Hundred [Skill] 832/3750 Max Stat Discount

A ceremony for the Chuunin? Nice! No wonder He dressed so nicely in his ceremony robes! Of course, Nova Corp is always around the house guarding it; he never questioned that, but two of them were with him today, escorting him. Maybe, just maybe, if Zatoichi puts his mind to it, he could be up there someday! A kid can dream, right?

“Later, Jo!” Zatoichi said as Joro left. And this other guy decided he was leaving, too. Eh, maybe he better leave before Ayato gets wind that Zatoichi left. Yeah, he's supposed to be cleaning the stables and bathrooms after the stunt he pulled.
(Exit)

319 words total
+3 to vigor
(( I will claim jutsus after Genin rank))