It had been quite a while since he had last heard any news involving the platoon that he was part of. He had taken up one of two vacant positions close to a year ago. In that time, he had taken to his task of teaching like a fish to water.
But the fact that there was an open position still standing within the platoon had admittedly nagged at Ryota for quite some time. Recently, he had come to expect that there wouldn't be anyone filling the position. So when he heard from his superior that they were slated to get a new, recently promoted Chunin to fill the vacancy, it had more than piqued his curiosity. It was why he was waiting at the opening to one of the many tunnels that led into the village. This one in particular opened up into a training area, where the jounin leader of the platoon had told him to wait and meet up.
Of course, while he was absolutely doing as he had been told, the excitement was obvious. He was hard pressed to sit still, peeking around the corner every few minutes to check if someone had started heading down this way.
"Hm. They should be showing up soon..wonder who I'll be working with.." He mumbled to himself, the black mask that he pulled over his face when out on official business resting beneath his chin for now. Of course, he was carrying his usual gear with him. Granted, that was little more than a sword and his hands, but it at least made him feel prepared. After all, this was a training grounds. It would look rather strange for someone like him to be here without any of his gear.
Of course, Ryota had a good feeling about this. Surely he wouldn't really need it, right?
While she hadn't been a Genin long enough to have much experience, she had still graduated with enough time under her belt where she felt as though she would have been placed within a platoon; or at least a small team. Today was that day, or so it seemed. It seemed rather rushed, like perhaps it wasn't the original intent of whatever today's meeting was about originally, but Yue received the missive to meet at one of the many connecting tunnel spots scattered throughout the adjoining compounds of Otogakure no Sato. This one in specific she knew to be a training ground.
Of course she would come prepared with the supplies necessary as if she were to be going out on a mission; bladed fans attached to her hips especially necessary considering her training. After all, she had to remained prepared to look like a professional and show her worth. She would only assume it wouldn't just be Genin gathering today, but likely the Chuunin team leaders and perhaps even their Jounin Captain. As she continued on her path, she couldn't help but fiddle with the ends of her long blonde hair.
I shouldn't be nervous but I am. Persevere through it. Remain strong. Stand out. Excel.
Yue exited one of the connecting tunnels to the training ground, passing by a hanging bouquet of flowers as she did. This brought a little smile to her face as she knew it was one of many she had taken the time to gather and hang around the village. She felt her stomach flutter with nerves as she spotted a boy that looked to be her age or at least somewhere around it. His face was familiar though she couldn't recall his name. Despite this, she steeled her gaze and let a smile stretch across her face as she raised her hand into a small wave as a greeting.
"I suppose you are a part of Platoon 1?" She started, eyeing the boy as she started to get closer. "Yue Fujii. I'm sure we've met at some point but I apologize; I don't seem to recall who you are. But it's a pleasure either way." The distance between the two was closed leisurely and when she had approached close enough, she outstretched her hand to offer to the boy in order to shake his own, if he offered back.
Kaede made her way through the winding tunnels towards the designated meeting spot. She’d been on the team for a couple of months but with personnel being shifted around they hadn’t really done much as a group, let alone held a team meeting. She’d been thrilled to hear her old friend Yusuke had been placed on her team. He was an accomplished shinobi. However, she was also a little nervous that she might mess up and make a fool of herself in front of her friend. [break][break]
The genin stuck her hands in her pockets, picked up the pace, and shook her head to clear such thoughts from her mind. They were all going to be spending a lot of time together so it was pretty inevitable that someday they would discover she was a dork. No use worrying about it now. [break][break]
She arrived at the end of the tunnel and looked around. There was the chunin she’d met once or twice before and what must have been a new genin. Oh! She thought. Wasn’t that the girl from the other day? [break][break]
Kaede walked up just in time to hear Yue’s introduction. She stepped forward with a nervous smile. “I’m Kaede Aburame… also Platoon 1.”
[attr="class","wonderFoot"]i've never seen anybody do the things you do before
Fresh into his genin status, Noriyuki had a point to prove. Sure, he was a little late with it but he hardly cared. He was a shinobi now, ready to protect and serve his nation. He wouldn't exactly call The Sound "his nation" openly but the place was the only home he'd known. Deep down he cared for the village with it's unique tunnel layout, but knowing there was once upon a time, a place called Konohagakure would have him treating Otogakure like he didn't belong there.
The Village of The Leaves was a fantasy in his head but he had heard his parent's and older shinobi talk enough about it to form a picture in his head. A mountain with faces in it, trees, nice weather. . . He longed for the day he could see the village himself. For now he was on his way to meet with his new platoon. Noriyuki spotted Yue's flowers before spotting the girl in the midst of two others as he stepped out of the tunnel.
Approaching the group, he noticed he looked like the oldest there. 'Remember, don't care Noriyuki.' he tired to console himself on his age. It was hard not to feel like he was behind in a way. He showed up nonetheless, ready for anything that was on the cards for the day. "Noriyuki Uchiha." he bowed before his platoon with the introduction.
"Tou Yamashita," A voice of proud nature spoke, with some tiny echo among the many convalescing in the cave they stood in: a cause of the entryway, or one of them in the the Sound village.
The new shake up and new platoon meant that they would be getting on together quite well in the future, and Tou was bearing a shit eating grin for the three that had invaded his space some time prior to their current meeting. "Isn't it just a glorious day, Ryota-sama?" that same face shone. His tall stature was dressed as apathetically bland as usual, in his hand held a small trinket: what was an anchor made of metal fumbling around the inside of his hand.
He hadn't the faintest idea of what their plan was today; he was a Genin. Well. Hopefully not for much longer. Tou hoped that his magnificence would shine soon enough, even if there were other more capable individuals here today than he. All the sooner to deliver swift justice but even Tou agreed with himself that there needed to be actual training for it. For that purpose, he was at the very least ready for their day.
So, if you are too tired to speak, sit next to me, because I, too, am fluent in silence.
Oda watched carefully, counting bodies as they trickled slowly out of the tunnel systems. His eyes furrowed, carefully assessing his new platoon. He searched them up and down to see their strengths and weaknesses. How did they carry themselves? Were they arrogant? Were they shy? Did they feel as though something like this would be a waste of their time?
The man knew it was his duty to get these Genin into shape. They needed teamwork and resolve, and the effort they put into it would not only determine their strength, but their worth as an asset to the Sound. It would also determine whether they would even survive the coming years.
Vivid images played in repetition in his head. His family’s shrine back in Himura often helped the souls of the lost depart. It was too often that he saw the faces of mothers and fathers hovering over the shrine. The faces they held were all too familiar. Empty and in limbo, begging whoever would listen: How could they die before me?
It was a solemn reminder of his duty. He would never put a parent in that position. These boys and girls before him were the future of the Hidden Sound. They would carry the weight of iron and blood whether they were prepared for it now or not. Many of these Genin wouldn’t make it. They would either be washed up within the year or dead within five. If he could just ensure they made it to their Chuunin years, perhaps their odds would be higher.
The trickling slowed, and he could only assume the other members of the platoon were either late or not coming at all. That was all he needed to know for now. Oda huffed, rubbing the back of his neck as he twirled his head around to stretch. It was time to make his own appearance.
He hopped down from the rocky crag he had been perched on just above the tunnel’s entrance. “There are only five of you,”
“You seem to have already introduced yourselves for the most part.” He eyed them slowly, taking in the unique features of their faces. “I am Denryū Oda. I’ll be the Jounin in charge of this platoon.” He paused, giving a slight bow as he introduced himself. “The world would have you believe that you are to listen to every single command I give you. They’re wrong. You’ll take in my advice, but if you want to truly improve you will also need to learn to think for yourselves.”
Oda gave no impression that he was here to hold hands and wipe tears. He had the presence of someone who meant business. Wasted time did no one any good. “With that being said, who knows what takes top priority during a mission?”
It took what felt like an oddly long time, but eventually Ryota would hear footsteps echoing down the tunnel, getting closer and closer by the second. He had taken to sitting on one of the large outcroppings of rock that made up the arch that marked the opening of this cave. So when he heard the steps get close enough, Ryota pushed himself off of the rock he had seated himself on. He had been expecting the first arrival to be the second Chunin.
Unfortunately, it seemed he would be disappointed. While there was a new arrival, it was someone he recognized. An old classmate from the academy. He hadn't known much about the recent promotions, but he hadn't heard news of anyone that had been in his class getting a promotion recently. Still, Ryota waved with a fair amount of enthusiasm as she got closer, a broad smile on his face. Of course, she asked the all important question: Was he part of platoon 1? Followed by an admission that she recognized him, but didn't remember his name.
"Yep, that I am! Don't worry though, it's not a big deal. It wasn't like we hung out in the academy or anything. Ryota Sadao, Chunin of Platoon 1, at your service."
He all but chirped to Yue as he gripped her outstretched hand, giving it a firm shake. However, it seemed Yue's arrival had hidden the arrival of another. As he heard someone else chime in, Ryota let go of Yue's hand, looking over her shoulder to see another girl. This one definitely looked younger. Aburame, though? That was certainly interesting to hear. She seemed nervous, though. So he was more careful with his approach, dialing the enthusiasm back a bit as he held his hand out to her.
"It's nice to meet you, Kaede. I'm sure you heard what I said to Yue, but my name's Ryota. I'm one of the Chunin for this platoon."
It was definitely an odd sight, watching someone who had been so energetic just a second ago dial back so effectively. However, it seemed that they wouldn't be done with introductions. While Ryota had been expecting another teenager to walk out of the tunnel, he would be given quite the surprise. A grown man walked out next, and even bowed formally. One he stood back up straight, Ryota cleared his throat a bit.
It felt awkward to be further up the chain of command than someone far older than him. Quite obviously so, in fact. Of course, that made two older individuals. He still hadn't seen the one lower ranked member of the platoon that he had met before. But that would have to be handled later. For now, he returned the bow..albeit rather awkwardly. It had been strange, going from shaking someone's hand to bowing.
"It's nice to meet you too, sir." He said, simply trying to show that there was respect for all of them, regardless of age or rank. However, when the final member spoke up out of nowhere, it had taken a sizable amount of restraint to not suddenly jump as he heard an all too familiar voice. Instead, Ryota laughed as he stood up straight.
"I should have known that you'd be hanging out here, Tou!" He called out, giving the taller man a wave as he finally showed himself.
"Yeah, today's been a pretty good day, so far. Now all that's left is our other Chunin, and the bo-" Just then, as if on cue, a figure dropped from above the cave. The way that he carried himself spoke volumes. Even before he introduced himself, he recognized that this man was the superior that he had received the letter from. He knew the man by name, but he had been left to his own devices for quite some time, as they hadn't yet managed to properly sort out the members of this year's new platoons. If he was being honest, he hadn't expected his Sensei to look quite the way he did.
Compared to the five people beneath him, Oda probably stuck out the most, appearance wise. Between his rather distinctively styled and colored hair, the scars, and the way he carried himself? He definitely seemed to be the odd man out. Of course, Ryota knew what to expect from him..for the most part.
All of the correspondence he had been given from this man had a bit of a hardline edge to it. He obviously meant business. And so far, his introduction had matched that. So when he told them that they were not actually beholden to his command, Ryota was thrown off a bit. What he followed it up with admittedly made sense, but he clearly hadn't had the full picture of this man. Well. Even if they were missing a member, this was already an interesting crowd.
After introductions were made, Oda threw them all a question. Rather than being the first to speak up, Ryota looked around, waiting for the other members of the platoon to speak up on their own, in turn. Once everyone else had given their answer, Ryota spoke up, having shoved his hands into the pockets of the jacket that he had been wearing.
"Going by the books, the answer would be that completing the objective of the mission itself is top priority. However, I like to think that completing the mission with as little loss of life as possible should be the real priority."
Yue couldn’t believe someone her age, someone she went to school with, was already a Chuunin. Well, she could believe it. It wasn’t as though she had been on any missions yet or had really done anything in her shinobi career. Partly it was the Hokage’s fault for not assigning a mission to her or getting her on a platoon sooner but it was also partly her own fault for not actually going to the Hokage tower herself and requesting work. If she had, maybe she would be the other Chuunin for this squad alongside Ryota.
“Well, it’s a pleasure to be working with you! Looks like we’ll have plenty of time to get to know one another as we work together.”
Immediately after her introduction, the rest of the motley crew trickled in. It was a mix of delight and dread. This was like a bad dream, well maybe not a bad dream, but something very deja vu like considering everyone here other than Ryota had had a recent interaction with one another. Nori had been her friend since childhood, so that was fine, and the young Kaede she had just met the other day around town. Yue could tell she was shy and introverted but seemed to really have a good head on her shoulders. The he came out as well, acting so smug with that smile and introduction.
Tou. Of all people and of all combinations to be put on a platoon together. It’s going to be like that day in the square every day going forward now I bet. Nori challenging Tou, Kaede playing peacekeeper, Tou spouting his nonsense, and then me with my sharp tongue. Ryota and the other lead shinobis are going to have their work cut out for them…
That’s when, as if on cue, their Jounin captain Oda came down from above to address them all. The other Chuunin for the platoon was still not here, but she supposed, as leader, Oda couldn’t and wouldn’t wait any longer. But she liked him regardless. Don’t follow his orders to a T? Take his advice but think on their own? The amount of self growth and teamwork that would inspire between them all would be profound! Even for someone like Tou. The other question was as obvious though as Ryota made it sound when he responded.
Top priority in a mission huh…?
“Well sir, I would have to agree with Ryota. Top priority would be to finish the mission successfully & with little to no casualty.” she started, nodding to Ryota as she spoke before seeming to mull over something else for a moment and then speaking again. ”At the same time though, I feel as though keeping each other safe as well overall would increase the chance of a successful mission completion.”
Tou was in his platoon? 'Just great' Noriyuki thought to himself while folding his arms across his chest and frowning in discontent. How ironically coincidental was it that the Aburame girl, he, Yue and Tou would all be assigned to one unit when some time back they had been butting heads. Noriyuki had zero issues with anyone except for Tou whom he disliked for egotistical reasons. He wouldn't admit that but some of his ill will could be seen in the shit stare he fired Yamashita's way.
The one and only face he did not recognize belonged to a boy who was up-beat one minute then mellow the next. Kaede was his name and he called him sir. . . Ew, he didn't look that old, did he? Noriyuki was about to open his mouth to correct him when their jounin-in-charge announced himself with an introduction and question.
Noriyuki remained quiet and maintained his folded arms on his chest. He didn't feel the need to answer, not when two answers were given and he agreed with them for the most part. He'd say getting the job done was most important, but according to Noriyuki casualties were nothing to care for unless they came from one's own camp. Still, choices like sacrificing a comrade for the sake of the mission objective remained the priority for a ninja.
It was what Noriyuki was taught by his father, but he was interested to hear what doctrine Oda would have them adopt. He would follow the man's instruction and listen to his teachings, but Noriyuki would also think for himself. As a matter of fact the sensei might find it hard having to tutor someone like him. . .
Kaede smiled at Ryota’s introduction. Her childhood friend was the other chunin on their platoon but it was good to see that this one seemed just as competent. As she looked around she saw a lot of familiar faces and she couldn’t believe her luck! All these people on the team were so cool… She wondered if there had been some mistake and she’d been given the wrong assignment or maybe she’d been sent there to balance them out. Either way, she was getting the good end of the deal. [break][break]
She was significantly shorter than the others and she used that to her advantage, slinking into the shadow behind Yue as their Jounin showed up and immediately asked a pretty significant question. She was worried she might say the wrong thing and ruin her first impression with Oda so she chose to remain silent and listen to what the others had to say instead.[break][break]
[attr="class","wonderFoot"]i've never seen anybody do the things you do before
"Tou Yamashita," A voice of proud nature spoke, with some tiny echo among the many convalescing in the cave they stood in: a cause of the entryway, or one of them in the the Sound village.
