The Jounin from the Hidden Rain had certainly expected a polite welcome. With things as they were, she'd need a fair share of bad luck not to bump into someone at least willing to make small talk before they were summoned to the battlefield. However, she had come unprepared for such a warm, easy-going and overall amusing treatment. The red haired woman's cheerfulness was contagious and sooner than later Mai found herself with a smile even wider than the least. Truly, Yousei couldn't have left a better first impression on the Aburame. [break][break] "Ah, right, the Hokage's name is also Mai, is it not? Then yes, a nickname would be for the best." She agreed. It had been long since someone had given her a nickname. Usually, she would be the one giving herself one, pushing people into calling her big sister and the like. However, even fun is an exercise of give and take: Things couldn't stay just like that. "If that's the case, then I shall henceforth name you Yoshi!" [break][break] After a few moments pondering it came the declaration. There might have been other nicknames better suited for her, but since the Aburame had already granted her the initiative in that brief nicknaming bout, it was only fair that she would get to selfishly choose the one she liked the most in return. [break][break] "Well, let's see... I guess I came all the way here on a whim?"She confessed, slightly embarrassed. "It stings a little bit to admit it, but the Land of Fire has significantly livelier landscapes than my home country. So I thought I'd break my usual routine with a little sightseeing. Turns out I hit the jackpot!" [break][break] When Yosei offered herself as a training partner, Mai's hand rose to her chin as she pondered the idea. Although her number one thing in her to do list was to take her newfound friend on a girls-only shopping raid, it was not the time nor the place to carry out such a task. In that sense, a spar was a rather tempting second choice. As a Kunoichi she was rather experienced in combat and wasn't that fond of violence, but precisely because she was that sort of person, she could see the value behind a friendly physical quarrel. [break][break] "Alright! I am already getting pumped up!" [break][break] Feeling the 'rhythm and the flow', the Aburame almost absentmindedly began doing some bounce steps. Of course, this had little to do with her actual fighting style and more to do with being more excited than usual. She used those to quickly create space between her and her would-be opponent, but didn't go farther than eight steps from where the fairy was standing. She would then make the seal of confrontation, symbol of traditional shinobi sparring. [break][break] "Bring it on, Yoshi!" [break][break]
"Don't be too hard on yourself." [break][break] Alongside her hand, she offers him one final piece of wisdom. It might be have been true that Kuma was one of a kind, an encounter of a lifetime, a strange looking warrior that defied the norm with his great stature and unrefined social behavior. However, it would be a lie to claim that she had not tended to the wounds of patients similar to him, in a way. That's why she kind of knew the bear would face this new side of him and the future that awaits him as some sort of challenge. He was innocent, stubborn and strong-willed like that. In all honesty, Mai doubted she could change that part of him, nor was sure she wanted to, but at the very least she had to give voice to their thoughts for his sake, hoping that, should that boulder become to heavy to carry, he'd at least have some advice on how to proceed. [break][break] "There is no need to wait that long. You can visit me anytime you like, as a better person, as a worse person or as someone who has not changed at all. This big sister will always be here to lend an ear to your troubles~" [break][break] She reassured him with a smile, as if she were confident that their paths would cross again, even within that vast landscape with different countries, sceneries and cultures. Should that be the case, no excuses would be allowed to get in the way of that meeting. She could tell the man was a perfectionist, no other kind of person practices the same exercise over an over, tearing apart their own flesh in hopes of a different outcome. It was in his nature, just as the tendency to practice loneliness. It was far too late to rid himself of those habits, most likely, but he should at the very least learn when to fight against them. [break][break] "Well, it's not like I'm letting you go empty-handed." The girl said, creating a brief pause to build up the mystery and potentially enjoy the confusion in the other's expression. "Here's a gift from me. Don't dare kill it, or I will hold a grudge." [break][break] From the union emerged a strange little creature. A bug! It slowly but steadily climbed through the bear's arm, making a first stop on his bare shoulder. He would need to fight the urge to swat it away, at least while he still remained under the watchful eye of his tiny savior. "Its lifespan lasts only a couple of days, but if you allow it to periodically feed on a tiny bit of your life energy, it will live much, much longer. And if you ever happen to be close-by, that little friend will guide you to me, you can bet on that." [break][break] A present as odd as they come. [break][break] "Goodbye, Kuma-kun. Please do your best out there~"
To Mai, visiting the Hidden Sound meant much more than a call to arms. The possibility to interact with people for a distant land and exchange accumulated knowledge, freedom to wander through areas otherwise forbidden to foreigners and the potential to find exotic bug specimen to breed, this trip offered a lot for the rookie and the veteran Aburame alike. The promise of being deployed to the front lines also helped one see limited time for what it was worth. And breath-taking sceneries like these... It would be foolish of her to miss the chance to visit them. Well, it was mostly a coincidence that she ended there, arriving at a certain glade beside a certain stream, as she was not a hundred percent familiar with the village's layout. Her intuition had guided her in a specific direction and, though she had started her walk with no fixed destination in mind, the clearing became said goal the moment she laid her eyes on it. [break][break] "Yoo-hoo~" [break][break] If the fairy guarding the spot would turn her attention towards the voice, she would soon find a girl no taller than her already approaching with a smile and a friendly demeanor. The Aburame slowly waved her hand in greeting, giving the impression that the encounter was less of a first meeting and more akin to a reunion between childhood friends. That, however, was not the reality of the situation. The fairy and the butterfly... They were nothing but complete strangers. [break][break] "... It's beautiful, is it not? It almost feels like a single glimpse at nature could wash away all those heavy thoughts. A place like this is truly worth fighting for~." [break][break] The Jounin from the Hidden Rain shared her thoughts, breaking eye contact to admire the very scene her words described. In spite of her carefree attitude, she was a full-fledged kunoichi, the symbol wrapped around her forehead the only evidence required to certify it. Given that they were standing in neutral territory, there was no danger in dropping one's guard a little. On the contrary, such behavior was required. To work as allies, even for a limited time, tension needed to be cast to the winds. Fortunately, the Aburame was an expert in such matters. [break][break] "I'm Mai. Mind if I join you~?" [break][break] Well... It was too late to say 'no'.
"..." [break][break] It couldn't have lasted more than a couple of seconds, but it was there, and both rookies were able to see it. Mai's expression, a symbol of warmth and tranquility, suddenly twisted into a grimace uncharacteristic for a talented ninja such as herself. Within her eyes there was an ocean of shock, urgency and fear, as if she had seen a ghost. It was so vivid, so clearly genuine that whatever hopes the Genin must have had of this being some sort of exercise quickly scattered into the winds. The experience would have been a lot less scary if the Jounin simply scolded them for their misbehavior. Instead, they were met with a silence so sharp it could cut them down instantly if they dared to do something as simple as taking a step forward. [break][break] "... Do not move." [break][break] With a deep breath, the Aburame discarded panic and entered a state of absolute focus. The woman they had met only a few moments prior, the charming and lovely big sister... Just where had she gone? When she raised her right arm, it almost felt as if she could grasp their hearts with her hand in spite of the undeniable distance that separated her from the other ninja. Tension would linger in the air, the sunlight already eclipsed by how overwhelming her presence had become in just a blink of an eye. Was she going to hurt them? No, it was not killing intent what leaked from her fragile figure. [break][break] "Secret Technique: Insect Luring Technique." [break][break] There was at least one butterfly on Jin's shoulder, which had chosen not to leave its perch even after the boy straightened up to introduce himself. In a matter of seconds, that same butterfly landed on Mai's index finger, attracted by the girl's sweet chakra. It was clear that at the very least up to that point, the Jounin was the only one who comprehended exactly how dangerous of a situation the two underclassmen had managed to get themselves into. [break][break] "Huu..." The platoon leader breathed out, somewhat relieved. It was far too soon for the rookies to relax, however, as she was now frowning. "This is a rare breed of parasitic destruction butterflies. Those seen in nature merely store and carry pollen within themselves, but an Aburame can raise them to become literal weapons. What I am trying to say is... Children, I don't want you to get anywhere near them without both my consent and supervision. You are lucky to be standing here in front of me and not on the way to the Hidden Rain's hospital." [break][break] There were several arguments the genin could make to help their case or rather to push the blame on their instructor. Teenagers making mistakes was not something out of the ordinary, after all. Nothing of this would have happened if she had simply taken the box with her or had never brought it to the meeting in the first place. Sadly, it was easier to think than to say. A verbal fight with a superior could easily spell out the end of one's career. [break][break] "What am I going to do with you? You disobeyed a warning, put yourself and others in danger and, most importantly, tried to keep the truth away from me. Ichigo, your ideals are noble, but you are unfit to be a part of my platoon." [break][break] Mai did not lecture Jin directly, but it was clear from her glare that he wasn't in a much better position that his companion. The relationship with their sensei had started off with a wrong foot, and now it was unclear if there was a way to make amends. With their dreams on the line and a number of dangerous butterflies on the loose, what would their response to this cruel turn of events?
"Mhm~ I'm glad you understand." [break][break] Mai Aburame was short, fragile and overly considerate. If she had chosen to become a psychologist instead of a full-fledged ninja, perhaps she would have found even more success in said career. Her words were carefully selected in order to better emphasize with the patient, yet they were also very sincere. She was neither acting, nor telling the man what he wanted to hear, no, she was simply exchanging opinions and ideas within a comfortable and peaceful domain, gently pushing him forward so he could realize his own potential. She wasn't a saint nor some sort of deity, she was just another person there willing to lend a hand. To Kuma, this encounter might as well have been a miracle. To her, it was just another day at work. She was like this with everyone she could. A magnet that would lure others with her kindness and song. However, if anything, [break][break] Little did most people know that she truly behaved like a star, guiding others towards their goals, entrusting faith to them, yet remaining ever-distant. Though the traveler might not have taken heed of it, though their bodies were still very close to one another and though they could speak like this in private, the gap between them was as large as that of Heaven and Earth. And it would remain that way, should nothing be done to change it. She too knew what it was to push others away, for she was used to it, albeit in a way too subtle for many to notice. [break][break] "Hmmm... Pay attention, Kuma-kun. From now on, I'm going to need you to be even braver. You see, I'm going to accelerate your body's natural healing ability, so your muscle and flesh will move faster than it should. That is to say, what I'll do won't be pleasant." The medic explained gently but without minimizing the importance of the matter. "I am sure pain won't pose a problem for you, but it is vital that you remain still until I'm done. I need to be both careful and accurate or I might instead hurt you." [break][break] Less than a minute later, the Aburame would form a series of hand-seals and then place her hands close to the injury, chakra enveloping her palms and sliding carefully into the wound and its surrounding area. When this sort of treatment was applied on herself, Mai would feel slight pain, an inconvenience incapable of overwhelming her mental fortitude, yet one difficult to shrug off at the same time. The difference between self-treatment and caring for a patience was that, in the latter, her chakra was being applied to a foreign body. To the man, it would be an alien sensation and discomfort would be guaranteed, but only he would be able to put the experience into words. [break][break] "I can't promise to stay the same, Kuma-kun. It wouldn't be right nor fair." Taking advantage of this brief window of time where only she would be allowed to speak, Mai Aburame responded to his plea of utopian stagnation. "But when the time comes for us to chance, let's make it so it is for the better. Let's strive to become better versions of our current selves." [break][break]
"Hoh~ That's a toughie." [break][break] Mai hummed a casual 'hmmm', pretending to be looking hard for an answer that had already come to her naturally. The pause in between was merely a method to tease her new acquaintance, a clear sign that she was pleased to see him muster the courage to open up to others, if only a little bit. What little he had spoken in the past few minutes had already told her more about him than what her eyes could see, a small peek at the psychology contained within his beastly shell. [break][break] "I guess I'd first try to learn whether it is truly out of my reach or not. Sometimes that fear you mention is acting as tallest wall between us and the things we want to do and we just can't see it, Kuma-kun." She explained matter of factly, not taking her eyes from the injury she was treating. "That's why it's important to ask someone who can see things from a different angle. The final say always rests upon our shoulders, so it shouldn't hurt to talk it out with someone else. Who knows? It might help us reconsider what we are doing, or give us that push we need to continue." [break][break] The meaning of the word 'ninja' changed with each individual that invoked its name. Some claimed a ninja was one to discard their personality in order to become the obedient, infallible tool of a lord... Others didn't hesitate to use it for more selfish purposes, like the pursuit and recollection of power. Regardless, what mattered was that the world 'Ninja' was a mutating expression that would change with the time and the people that lived in it. Being a ninja didn't necessarily mean that she was exempt from being afraid. That's why Mai included herself in his predicament by using 'us' instead of 'you'. [break][break] "If I find it to truly be outside my reach... Well, I suppose I'd still fight for it! I'm stubborn like that." She confessed, slightly embarrassed. "My parents were against the idea of me becoming a Kunoichi, so they did their best to keep me from walking in that direction. Somehow, I found my way here. Now I take care of bears for a living~." [break][break]
"Ah, I guess it can't be helped..." [break][break] The Jounin lamented, letting out a visible sigh. While the chances were faint, she had hoped for things to resolve in a manner similar to what Daichi had described, with less violence and more dialogue. Unfortunately, as the scenario was presented, there was little the animal could do but preemptively strike. Be it to defend its territory, to attempt an escape or simply to inflict as much harm as possible before being overwhelmed, it was the most sensible option left for it if it was to hold on to its ego. Negotiation would not take place, not with the tangible killing intent that could be felt in waves, even from a considerable distance. [break][break] "... Summoning?!" [break][break] Needless to say, the Kunoichi never expected to put up such resistance. Immediately turning the tables with a single move, not only had the beast acted first, but also it had eliminated the numerical disadvantage stacked against it. Moreover, the scope of the technique was unreal unlike anything the Aburame had seen thus far. It would come as no surprise if an offense of such grand scale could easily overthrow a small army. Given how dangerous the situation had become in the blink of an eye, she couldn't fault anyone for ordering an immediate retreat. [break][break] Intimidating as it might have been, as far as the Hidden Rain was concerned, it lacked the necessary strength to shake the will of their Shinobi. Team Anotsu immediately began working on a counter-measure, no, even before Mai could take note of it, some of them had already begun acting. To an onlooker, it might have seemed like the beast managed to snatch the initiative from the military groups. However, they were not ordinary soldiers. They were ninja. To outsmart one would only be wishful thinking on its part. Coordination wasn't absent and lead by both the Platoon Commander and its assigned Chunnin, they were able to put up a remarkable opposition. [break][break] Ah, how to put it, for the briefest moment, the girl had to pause what she was doing to be marveled at what their combined effort was bringing forth. A feeling of pride ignited, its purifying flames moved to rid her mind of all anxiety and fear. Ok, if everyone was working hard in order to give their best, then she would not be the one to fall behind. About done with what she had started a couple of minutes ago, the purple haired Kunoichi extended his arms as if trying to reach the other edge of the quarry. [break][break]
[break][break] "Alright~ Let's work together with everyone~!" [break][break] Rising at her order after a small delay were a large number of Kikaichu bugs, not nearly enough to effectively fend off a stampede, but enough to erect a wall if their mistress asked that of them. This time, however, she would ask a little more of them. Willing to push them to their utmost limit, the Jounin frowned at the resulting strain placed on her body, all the while never discarding her smile, which had twisted into a smirk. Right there and then, she would use the secret techniques of the Aburame Clan to ensure that such beautiful teamwork would not go to waste! [break][break] "Hijutsu: Kiseichū Shōgekiha Hakai!" (秘伝術:寄生虫衝撃波破壊 Hidden Art: Parasite Shock Wave Destruction) [break][break] Following after Anotsu's explosives and Aiko's arrow, a swarm of insects would descend, flying close to the wall at high-speeds in a formation that prioritized width over height. Going for the legs would be one way of using the animals' momentum against them but, in this case, the idea was also to sweep the fallen rhinos all the way down, a final push to ensure that the domino effect wouldn't be stopped by a particularly sturdy member of the horde. [break][break] Afterwards, if possible, she would join the rest of the platoon.
[attr="class","boxo-notes"]Let's do some trash-talking while we're here.
"Well... Let's just say I am here doing a little bit of intercultural exchange.~" [break][break] Between the two, Mai displayed much less difficulty when it came to opening up and sharing her thoughts. Her responses felt authentic, pure, and at times also like an absolute truth. Even when each word was strategically handpicked in order to preserve the safety of both speakers, not once did it feel like an act or a farce. Most likely the young Kunoichi'd had her fair share of human interaction in the past. A shining beacon amongst the storm that was the life of the majority of Shinobi. [break][break] "You see, not only is it hard for us medics to get real experience outside the battlefield, it also happens that most countries are adamant in keeping their technique recipes and methods to themselves. So, while some secrets are not to be shared, certain joint operations grant medical ninja from different villages the opportunity to share their expertise with others. It's sort of a cold war in a way but, ultimately, both sides end up winning. It's like... You see something you are familiar with, but it's done differently, in a way that you have never seen before. Then you ask yourself 'Ok, what can I add to it to make it better or to make it my own?' and proceed from there." [break][break] Somehow, even thought it might not have seemed possible a minute ago, her smile got even warmer and so did her words. [break][break] "In that sense, I should be the one thanking you, Kuma-kun. For reaching this settlement alive and braving through the pain and inconveniences that this treatment involves. For letting me be myself, while also trying to be better than I was a week ago." [break][break] Done with the cleaning, the girl would momentarily break away in order to retrieve the tools required for the next step. She intended to suture the wound using a needle and a thread, something which would accelerate both natural and artificial recovery. Naturally, as she needed to be even more careful and delicate than she had been thus far, she'd also lean closer to the body of the extraordinarily tall man. [break][break] "Have you ever felt that way, too?" She asked, slightly curious."The thrill of learning that there is still room to improve, the desire to pit what you've learned against what someone else has cultivated?"
[attr="class","boxo-notes"]My guinea pig can't be this tall.
"I see. I understand." [break][break] In spite of the brief hints of pity concealed within her expression, the words of the medic carried no bitterness or desire to change the mind of the patient. She did not know much about him, nor intended to pry into his private life. The scars scattered across his body, however, were all the evidence required to make a wild guess. His life was marked by conflict, struggle and a constant reminder of the limits its body should not push. Even so, he insisted on walking down a path covered in thorns. There was no use in trying to convince an individual with such resolution. The only thing she could do was helping him get back on his feet. [break][break] "You can call me Mai." She answered almost immediately, not bothered by the idea of making small talk. "I am a ninja from the Land of Wind." [break][break] Normally, you'd expect a Shinobi to be more reserved. In this case though, it was pointless to keep the truth to herself. The man who dressed like a bear had walked straight into a ninja settlement and her headband was exposed. She would also eventually need to switch to mystical techniques at some point throughout the treatment. One could only assume that someone with her expertise must have already seen through the foreigner as well. If he was not a ninja himself, then he was at least familiar with the way they fought. His injury was by no means compatible with the edge of an ordinary weapon. He might as well have been an enemy, like the rest of the people there might at some point have suspected. [break][break] ... But so what? [break][break] Within the confines of that tent there were no ninjas nor wanderers, no allies nor enemies, just a medic and her patient. If the traveler wanted to turn his fists against them after properly recovering from his wounds, she would, without hesitation, be able to respond in kind. But, until then, there was no place for negative within this safe haven. [break][break] "What about you, hmm~?" The Kunoichi asked as she gently cleaned the blood around the wound with a water-soaked, soft sponge."Do you have a name of your own...?"
[attr="class","boxo-notes"]Sheets will get wet (?)
"In dodgeball, two teams pitted against one another attempt to hit each other using a ball. If a thrown ball touches you anywhere, you are out. But if you manage to catch the ball with your hands, you are spared! It is all about seizing control of the field and creating opportunities." Nodding in response to the Hyuuga's reasoning, the Jounin proceeded to properly explain the base rules so someone like Daichi wouldn't feel out of the loop. "When a team member is hit, they must leave the field but can continue playing providing outside assistance. It's only when all players in a team have been hit once that the game truly ends." [break][break] The game was as simple as it was intense, guaranteed fun for the times to come. Ninja training could get dull from time to time, so that sort of exercise would help keep their mind fresh and energetic, while bolstering their team power. In order to even have a chance of success, they would have to become more than the sum of their parts. With a high ranking ninja on the other side of the field, anything else would simply fall short. But that was what made it all the more exciting. To see how far one had progressed... To get a feel of how far one stood from the goal... Most people wanted a chance to prove themselves, and that was it. [break][break] "And it's just as you suspect, Aiko. I'll be adding a special rule as well and that is: 'the use of ninja gear and ninja techniques is permitted'." [break][break] In other words, they'd need to be on their toes, for this practice would involve more than coordination, reflexes and communication. It would put all of their ninja skills to the test. The objective was to hit the Aburame once using a ball as a weapon. In order to do that, they'd have to put everything in their arsenal to good use. Offense, defense, balance... Just how would the underclassmen adapt to this predicament? [break][break] The ball itself was not made of insects or, at the very least, didn't look like it was. But Mai had kept one concealed up until now, so that was definitely suspicious. In fact, at some point during the explanation, bugs had begun to gather around her. If they had been using her body as their nest, their exit had been so discrete that the pair would only notice a significant time later. [break][break] "Usually, both teams have the same amount of players..." Tossing the ball high into the air, she waves a quick string of handseals, commanding the swarm to move at her command. When the ball finally descends, it isn't her hand the one to catch it. "... Fixed." [break][break] Before Mai now stood a second Mai... A replica, no, a decoy. This was not a clone, but rather the swarm of insects merely borrowing her appearance. Far from confessing that a handicap might be a good way to even things out, what seemed like a hard challenge already moves one step closer to hell?! [break][break] "Ready?" [break][break] Once everything is set, the game begins with the ball being thrown straight towards Daichi's solar plexus. A telegraphed throw, dodging or catching it shouldn't be too difficult. But it would only get harder from then onwards.
[attr="class","boxo-notes"]Get ready for your training arc! We're learning bankai in three days
Lured by an entrancing aroma, and driven an ever-present hunger befitting the Akimichi clan, the genin gathered all the courage needed in an instant and exposed the contents of the mysterious box. You could see this action from every possible angle and conclude that, no matter what they'd find, giving in to curiosity was a reckless and foolish action. For starters, it was common for Shinobi to be asked to take scrolls or other items from point A to point B without knowing exactly what they were carrying. If this was anything close to a work interview, wouldn't Ichigo's reaction lead to an immediate fail? Then, What if its contents were actually dangerous, like the note claimed? With nobody in sight, could the pair actually handle that scenario on their own? Finally, if the box held within what one would expect given its sweet scent... What was the rookie going to do? Steal her superior's dessert?! [break][break] Regardless, it was too late to go back. Ichigo's action could not be undone. She had chosen to take a perhaps unnecessary risk and now had to face the consequences. [break][break] The inside of the box was surprisingly dark, as if it had been especially crafted to keep the light away. Even in daylight, a first glance wouldn't allow the Akimichi to tell what lie within. What she would notice almost immediately, however, would be movement. What she was dealing with was definitely not pastry, unless someone had discovered a technique to bring such caprice to life. [break][break] In spite of her renown, the truth was that they knew very little about their assigned platoon leader. With that said, there was one key clue hidden in plain sight that could turn out to be very relevant in this situation. She was an Aburame and the Aburame are known for... [break][break] Forcing bugs to do their bidding-! [break][break] At that moment, in spite of whatever the grass haired girl attempted to do, be it attempting to close the box or letting go of it in sheer panic, something would escape its prison. It was sudden, ephemeral, but perhaps not as gross as one would have expected. On the contrary, the ascent of a flock of butterflies could not be anything but beautiful and charged with symbolism. To them, it must have looked like a magic trick. [break][break] Before they knew it, the insects were already gone. Fluttering their wings towards freedom, they left the teenagers to wonder exactly why they smelled so good. [break][break] "Ah, my deepest apologies~" As if timed by the devil itself, it would only be a few moments later that their jounin instructor would finally arrive. "You see, I came here early, but had an emergency to attend to so I had to be away for a bit. Way to leave a bad impression in the eyes of your underclassmen, huh...?" [break][break] Her laments were quickly replaced with a beaming smile, hinting that was ready to turn the page and start anew. This was the beginning of their journey together as a team, so she had to give it her all! [break][break] "Anyways, I'm Mai from the Aburame Clan. You can call me sensei, big sis or simply address me by my first name! I hope we can get along. I am itching to hear a little bit about yourselves..." [break][break] It would seem that she had yet to notice the absence of the butterflies. Perhaps her mind was somewhere else today? But she was at Jounin level, so she would find out what had transpired sooner or later. Sooner, if the duo didn't make an honest effort to hide the fact!
[attr="class","boxo-notes"]Oh dear, what have you done...
It was when the giant spoke for the first time, bestowing humanity upon its beastly husk, that Aburame Mai could finally admit to herself that her gamble had paid off. Driven by the powerful intuition that had been engraved into her as a woman and supported by years of experience within a war-ridden landscape, she had jumped straight into a situation whose future could not be easily foretold. One might had said that her words, both meaningful and genuine, had led them all towards a brighter outcome than the one common sense had originally professed. But such claim was wrong. Or rather, incomplete. And that was because such thing would never had been possible without the wounded traveler's consent. By accepting the 'helping hand' that had reached out for him... He, too, had became a part of this satisfactory conclusion. [break][break] Pleased, the Jounin walked back into the tent, expecting the man to follow after her. Unfortunately, this meant that her guidance did not truly translate into a chance for the foreigner to finally close his eyes and rest after a long, arduous journey. To reach that utopia, he would have to endure a little bit more. Such was the cruel reality forced upon him. Given his current state, the medical ninja feared that, if she dared to grant him a moment of respite, a small window of time where his input wouldn't be needed in the slightest, the bear-like stranger would enter shock and make treatment increasingly more difficult. [break][break] "..." [break][break] Minutes later, the woman allowed a heavy sigh to escape her lips, fully acknowledging the severity of the wound. She had asked her patient to sit near the edge of one of the few metal beds laid out across the interior of the tent and had quietly assisted him in removing, one way or another the cloths that covered his upper body. He was way too big, so she had to get on top of the bed to properly take care of him. The bleeding relatively under control, the next step was to clean the wound. With a soap and a bucket of water at the ready, the process would soon begin. [break][break] "Big sister won't ask what happened, but..." The Kunoichi wasn't using mystical arts... At least, not yet. Her methods seemed to be more traditional and old-fashioned."Promise you'll take better care of yourself in the future."
[attr="class","boxo-notes"]She's too short to be anything but a little sister, though...
It was around this time of the year that platoon formations would be rearranged to account for the graduation of new students and the promotions earned by officers on the field. Within the Hidden Rain proper, there were around five platoon leaders which stood out as powerful favorites, sought eagerly by their underclassmen for a number of different reasons. There was Anotsu Uchiha, for example, a tall and handsome man who was said to be as mighty with his words as he was with ninja tools and techniques. Mysterious and, above all, wise, he had an air around him that easily conquered the hearts of others, making them feel safe under his wings. There was also Mai Aburame, a much shorter Jounin with an outstanding resume in spite of her young age. Rumored to be as kind and strict as one's own mother, and as reliable and meddlesome as one's ideal big sister, there were few in the village with reason and courage to affirm that they held a grudge against her. [break][break] That day, she was in a particularly good mood. So much so that she had been early to rise from bed -earlier than usual-, humming a cheerful tone all throughout the morning as she prepared for the day ahead. One could tell meeting new platoon members was something Mai really looked forward to with all her heart, so much that her smile might have been responsible of casting away the bad weather that commonly surrounded the village. That's right, very few clouds in the sky that day. In any case, these were just the final steps. The truth is, she might or might not have simulated this scenario hundreds of times within the confines of her mind, resembling a teenager in love planning an utopian date. Naturally, she had read the dossiers of those involved in search of hints that could give her an edge but, as it was to be expected, what little info was on them was hardly important to her case. The best way to get to know them would be in person. [break][break] The chosen method? A double interview, that is, two underclassmen talking to their new senior at once, sharing their goals, their way of the ninja and their likes and dislikes. It was rare and chaotic, with a chance of backfire, but it was exciting nonetheless. While that had been the initial premise that was communicated to the two Genin who would be a part of the team from that day onwards, what they found was far from what was promised. [break][break] Mai Aburame wasn't there. Instead, a box the size of a soccer ball had been placed on the spot she would otherwise occupy. There were a few notes attached to it with sticky paper, the most notorious of which read: 'Dangerous! Do not open!'. Strangely, the package appeared to be as harmless as it comes... It was warm and even smelled good. Some desert, perhaps pastry...[break][break]
[attr="class","boxo-notes"]Let's put you to the test!
"Oh, there is no need to be so formal." Slightly embarrassed herself, the Jounin allowed herself a chuckle. In her haste to be a part of their daily activity, she might have startled the pair but, with every second that passed by, she regretted it less. You see, her underclassmen had each reacted in an unique way and, as it would turn out, she found both of them to be endearing. Responding with a bow of her own, the Aburame didn't miss the opportunity to coat it with a pinch of her playful personality. "Senpai would be happy to be addressed by her first name, at least once in a while~." [break][break] They say a Shinobi must see underneath the underneath. Often times, it would be difficult to grasp whether Mai was being serious and testing them or just pulling their leg in a friendly attempt to break the ice. Who knew? It was not like the two of them could see beyond the facade of a natural prodigy with the experience they had accumulated under their belts thus far. Regardless, her words were particularly accurate. Surely being on a first name basis wouldn't help Daichi's shyness one bit, while the Hyuuga were never well-known for quickly abandoning etiquette, much less when interacting with a superior officer. [break][break] "Those are good skills to improve on. But don't overdo it, okay? Hand injuries can be particularly nasty to deal with." [break][break] Getting hurt from simple bukijutsu practice? How many repetitions would one need to reach those extremes? Just what sort of training was this woman used to? In any case, her words carried no ill intent. She genuinely did not want to see them get hurt, even though she, as a professional medic, could easily mend their wounds. Perhaps she, in the past, had seen someone suffer from pushing themselves in the way she described. [break][break] "How about a teamwork lesson to round out today's session? I've seen what you both can do individually, but I am curious as to what you are capable of as a unit." The Jounin drew an eager smile. What exactly did she have in mind? "There is a game that I am sure you'll love!" [break][break] A pause meant to allow the suspense to build up and then... [break][break] Ever heard of dodgeball?"
[attr="class","boxo-notes"]Get ready for your training arc! We're learning bankai in three days
