The Next Step

Mission:

Kirigo walked along through the village enjoying the quiet that came with early morning outings. He always left home early to avoid the crowds of people moving around the village. He wasn't a very big people person and preferred to avoid most of them when possible. He was hoping when he got to the academy his teacher would already be in the classroom waiting for their class to begin so that he could ask him about taking his exam early. He didn't really wanna deal with the prying eyes of his classmates while he was trying to perform. He didn't need the added pressure. The thick mist that clung low to the streets at night was beginning to lift as the sun rose, slowly warming the cool morning air. He hoped it did not get too hot, he'd dressed for a cool day ,with his long sleeved black shirt and dark green cargo pants, and didnt wanna be drenched in sweat before he  got to class. There were a few people already beginning to stir. Kirigo could hear the sounds of families talking through their open windows and saw a few people sitting out on their porches enjoying the morning. It made him think back to the conversation he and his father had that morning, though, there's was probably a little more serious than what most people were discussing this early. Thinking back to the conversation made Kirigo pick up his pace. He wanted to hurry and try to get his exam done so he could go ahead and work on figuring out more about what was going on with him.

Kirigo arrived at the academy early, as usual. The few students dotted around the courtyard already barely paid him any attention as he walked past them and upo the steps to the school. He stopped at the table in the front hallway to sign himself in on the clipboard that waited there then proceeded down the hallway to his classroom. When he walked in the classroom Kirigo found his teacher sitting in his swivel chair behind his desk. He had his feet kicked up and his head was slumped backwards over the headrest, a small line a drool running down his cheek. Kirigo groaned and walked over to the desk, he’d definitely be glad to be done with their slacker of a teacher.

“Mr. Taidana,” Kirigo spoke his name firmly as he approached his desk. The man didn’t answer except the snore slightly. “Mr. Taidana,” He said again, more loudly and forcefully, slamming his open palm on the top of his teacher's desk. Inu Taidana, his teacher, startled and tipped out of his chair at the sudden noise. Kirigo leaned over his desk, giving him a look of disappointment as Inu lay there trying to figure out what happened. “I was wondering if I could take my Genin Exam today? Before everyone gets here? I'm not eager to perform in front of the entire class.”

“Ya, sure, whatever you want Kirigo. Couldn't you at least let me finish napping if youre gonna come to class early every day? I do have other responsibilities besides just dealing with you kids all day. I don't have tons of time for rest.” Inu placed a hand over his mouth and yawned as he talked , as if to emphasize his situation.

“Well,” Kirigo said enthusiastically, “if I pass today you’ll never have to worry about me waking you up again.”

“Well I guess you’re right about that. Fine, let's proceed then.” Inu picked his overturned chair back over and sat down reclining with his feet on his desk again. He waved a hand at Kirigo before continuing. “Kirigo Hanade, as your teacher I see you fit to proceed with your Genin Exam at this time. I've watched your progress closely and believe you have learned all you can from the academy and should continue to pursue your future in the shinobi world. If you are ready you may go ahead and show me your transformation technique.” He said the words as if he were reading from a sheet of paper he had in front of him, monotonously.

“Right,” Kirigo took a deep breath, nervous all of a sudden. He closed his eyes to help him focus for a moment before opening them and making the handseal for the transformation technique: Dog. There was a puff of smoke and an exact copy of Mr. Taidana appeared where Kirigo had been standing just a moment before Kirigo had gotten every detail right down to the drool dried up on his cheek. Mr Taidana looked at him, noticing the drool on his doppelganger's cheek and wiping his own self consciously.

“Very good, Kirigo. You've done a great job working on your transformations, now, let's see your clones.”

“Yes sir.” The fake Taidana replied before reverting back to Kirigo. He smiled and formed the handseal for the clone technique: Ram. His confidence was rising with his teacher's praise and he had no doubt now that he would pass. As he made the handseal a clone appeared on either side of him. They were wearing the same long sleeved black shirt and dark green cargo pants as Kirigo, perfect copies. The three of them looked at each other checking for any inconsistencies before nodding to each other in assurance that they were good.

“Again, great job Kirigo. I can tell you've been working hard.” As Mr. Taidana spoke, he lowered his feet from his desk and sat back forward in his chair. He reached down and opened a drawer on his desk before pulling out a headband with the Hidden Mist insignia on it and holding it out to Kirigo. When Kirigo took the headband from him he sat a small golden pin on the table and motioned for Kirigo to take it. “You definitely deserve to have this. You have grown a lot in the little time I've known you. You're gonna do great things. I’ll even throw in this honor student pin to show that you went above and beyond by showing up early everyday. Even when I asked you not too. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go get a coffee” He smiled at Kirigo and shook his hand before walking out of the classroom.

Kirigo smiled as his teacher left the classroom. He took his headband and tied it securely around his forehead, then took the pin, shoving it deep in his pocket where he wouldn't lose it on the way home. It was finally time for his journey to truly begin.

[EXIT]

Claims: