Private Graduation Is Over, Missions Haven’t Started, and Yet Everything Changes—The First Meeting of Three New Shinobi and Their Sensei

It had been a few days since the meeting among the noble and lesser clans hosted by the current Kazekage of the village and the one that followed that was private between my old student and I. Both meetings had been productive and really brought to light the magnitude of what had happened since I had been injured - targeted - attempted to be kill in the Red Light District. I had missed a lot of changes in leadership over that time, people growing up and the village flourishing and struggling in different ways than what I was accustomed to. There was still much that I needed to catch up on within the village, but I had been given a letter from one of the ANBU in the village from the academy that two new students had graduated and they were looking for someone to mentor them.

It had been quite some time since I had mentored or taught anyone in this village as most of my students had grown up and succeeded more than I had or they had disappeared off the face of the world - no in-between unfortunately. But, an opportunity to guide the next generation of shinobi in our village was not one that I could easily pass up. This is what prompted me to sit outside of one of the well-known restaurants in the Gold Plaza of the Commerical District and snack on some chocolate cake at one of their tables. The two new genin had a simple task given to them that had been sent to their homes within the village in the form of a letter. A simple letter that read:

"You are being summoned for a meeting on XX at XX:XX. Make sure to be prompt to your meeting. I will be waiting for you and the other.

Signed,
Byakko Kyuji"

The letter was vague on the location and straight to the point. They would not realize it, but they were already being tested by me from receiving the letter. A good shinobi would be able to locate me without any issue with the information provided - let's see if these two could do the same. Anyone that knew me or had been under my direction before were aware that my methods for handling and doing things could be seen as unorthodox and unconventional at times, but productive and successful in the end. This was yet another one of those moments and all I could hope was they were success. Either way, I had cake and I hadn't been able to have any in quite some time so I would savor it while I waited.

It had been his mother who would first encounter the letter, her general experience as a shinobi herself understanding the gravity of such communications. Without reading the notice herself, she would bring it to Tsumugu just as he was entering the communal room. There would be no exchanging of words between the two as the piece of paper exchanged hands, his mother exiting the room after subtly giving him a kiss on the forehead. This day had been one he had been waiting on since his graduation not to long ago. It was only a matter of time before he would be requested and his future path as a shinobi of the village would begin to take shape. What excitement boiled within him did not show on his face, though as he scanned the notice an internal chill crept up along Tsumugu's spine.

His first reaction puts him in a sphere of alertness and caution, not excitement.

The summons was something normal, something understandable and that was not what elicited such a bodily response. No, it was who the letter was from. His youth did not shield him from growing up steeped in biased perceptions and seeing Byakko anything could only mean the person was connected to the Toroano Clan. This was just the tip of the iceberg as it wasn't just any Toroano, but Kyuji. The Renmei were trained from childhood to treat influence carefully. A summons from someone powerful outside the clan didn’t feel like an honor, it feels like a test. With the letter still in his grasp, both eyes would set their attention to a shifting movement in his peripheral vision. There in the doorway, his mother would be standing with his father whom she had fetched while Tsumugu was reading the summons. No words were exchanged as their facial features spoke more to him than any language could. Tsumugu's father approached though not empty handed, as he carried a large gourd which was simply placed before his son. Right, at the end of the day he was a Renmei and a proud one at that..

He doesn’t rush to leave.
He doesn’t refuse the order.
He prepares.

Before leaving, he checks his gourd seals and tightens his forehead protector. He adjusts the pendant at his neck. He reviews every rule drilled into him by the clan elders and his parents: Do not promise. Do not reveal. Do not bind the clan through your words. On the walk there, his mind is steady but sharp. He’s aware of his own age thirteen, a genin and that alone tells him something is off. A shinobi of that stature doesn’t summon a child without reason let alone send a summons without vital information such a time and place. Equally, in the back of his brain he wondered just who the other was. No street. No building. No time. Just the name of the shinobi who was famous, powerful, from a clan the Renmei did not trust and the expectation that he would appear. For a long moment, he stood before his house after exiting with the paper held between his fingers, feeling the weight of the message more than the gourd strapped on his back. It was deliberate, he realized concluding that this had to be a test before the meeting even began.

Sunagakure was loud during this time of day, with merchants calling out, shinobi moving between missions or other responsibilities, everyday citizenry going about their day to day lives. Tsumugu let the noise wash over him as he thought. A shinobi of that status wouldn’t meet somewhere private, not with a thirteen-year-old genin from the Renmei and not in a secluded place a child of his ranking wouldn't even know about. It also wouldn’t be anywhere that could be traced back to the clan’s water routes or storage vaults as that was an obvious healthy scratch off the list of possible locations. He didn’t ask anyone for help. Instead, he started walking, as what purpose would he have of rushing without vital information or a definitive means to acquire it.

As he walked a thought occurred to him, that if they were meeting then it would mean at the very least, it would be someone waiting in a stagnant location. Process of elimination running options through his head, Tsumugu would shift his weight mid-stride as a sudden channeling of chakra into his feet would aid in sending him airborne. His movements were fluid, using the edges of available rooftops in the district as platforms to further propel himself around while his eyes scanned for any possible clue. This would go one for several minutes before something caught his attention, a somewhat older shinobi who was perched atop a nearby roof. Information...That's it. In approaching the shinobi and greeting the man with general respect, he'd ask the man a simple question, "What does Byakko Kyuji look like?". Luckily the shinobi had some vague description to give though it wasn't much information either when pitted agains the shear number of people in the village that could have those characteristics; blonde, short, green eyed. With general thanks, Tsumugu would carry on before finding himself on a stationary perch amongst the bustle of the commercial district. It was here that he would take time to scan and overwatch, playing a game of essentially where's waldo. The main trait though that was of the most importance was the description that Kyuji had feline ears.

It would be this specific trait that would allow him to find his needle in a haystack, or at least for the time being he assumed he found her. A woman, alone and eating in the near distance loosely matched what he was looking for though the question was how exactly would he confirm this. He would stand there in the open, his position being easily spotted by anyone who bothered scanning nearby roofs as it was not like he was trying to hide or be concealed. For now he simply would wait, staring solely at the woman and watching her....what was he banking on exactly?

The other, as if another approached the woman then he could very well surmise that this was where he was supposed to be.

[Topic Entered]
[WC: 1055]

As I put the last piece of my cake in my mouth, there had been no change from when I started my slice a little while ago. Neither of the recent graduates had made an appearance yet, but surely they were in the proximity of my location at the very least. Truly, I didn't think it would take them this long to locate me as I was not exactly hiding among the crowd or attempting to trick them at all especially since I had characteristics that were not common among most people in the country aside from other members of my clan and the overall Toraono Clan.

Nevertheless, I would wave down the waiter and ask him if he could raise the umbrella at my table and bring me another slice of cake and two more menus while I waited. He wouldn't take long to accommodate me and once he left, I went back to eating my cake while I waited. It had been so long since I had a delicacy like this and was able to be out of my home since the incident. While the details of that night were still hazy at best, at least it didn't cause my taste buds to weaken nor prevent me from eventually exploring my country again. But it certainly had been awhile as I could not recall how long I had been isolated in the Byakko Clan to make a full recovery per Lady Yanshi's orders - all I really knew was I was roughed up badly in the Red Light District and would need to return there when I had my full strength back and knew what was going on in the village in the coming days. With the current threats presented to us per the meeting I had with the other clan leaders and Chikamatsu Shin afterwards, any personal avenging would need to wait.

Besides, right now, this cake was really good and I hoped I would meet these new Genin soon. But if they took a little longer, I could enjoy possibly another piece of cake!

---

MFT: 348 Words

As I continued to eat my cake, I would smirk as it would seem that I was going to meet these new graduates soon. Out of the corner of one of my eyes, I had seen something in the distance disappearing that had been stationary for some time, but I kept eating as it could possibly be one of them but also someone that merely wanted to get some training in while doing errands - I was not one to judge what people did in their spare time aside of work or assignments. Before too long, a little boy would approach me asking for my autograph which was adorable but my eyes sensed something was off with him as I took the piece of paper and pen that he presented to me to autograph his paper; it was rare I would sign anything aside from official paperwork.

However before I did, another figure would appear that seemed to be slightly older and asked the younger one for my name. I smiled at both of them with my green vixen eyes piercing into each one of them and chuckled. It seemed I had found my two new Genin according to the paperwork I received from the village about the graduates. I would write something on the paper for the younger one and hand it back to him looking right at him. If he choose to read it, it would say "That was an adequate performance of the Transformation Jutsu that you are taught in the Academy. However, I know who you are so you can undo it when you are ready to present your actual self."

I would then point at the two menus on the table across from me and simply say: "You two can have a seat and order anything you want off the menu. But first, introduce yourselves to me and tell me why you are both here. I am curious why you are both approaching me while I am trying to enjoy some moist, delicious chocolate cake from one of the best places in Sunagakure. I haven't had any in such a long time and they do not make this at home." After the last words left my mouth, I went back to eating my cake and waving down the waiter for another slice. Yes, I like sweets and I was hungry for more cake - don't judge me.

As I sat there and took a bite of my cake, I would listen to both of them introduce themselves to me and nod after they finished. I knew who they both were already from reports written and verbally given to me before I scheduled this meeting with them both - that included knowing that they already had history with one another from their academy days. Interesting and a challenge - this is how the village wanted me to get back to my old form prior to the World Martial Arts Tournament and my incident in the Red Light District quickly. They would hear a little chuckle from me as I took another bite of my cake as I analyzed them silently as they sat there - I would see their glances, or maybe glares is a better word, between the two of them to each other and their body language already said more than any words that they could say to me.

When the waiter brought back the ones water, I would speak to them both with a slightly smile on my face: "When I said you could order anything off the menu, I meant that I would be paying for your food and beverages. I might be the descendant of Lord Byakko, married to Lady Byakko Yanshi and carried our village and country's name on my back in the World Martial Arts Tournament, but I am not cheap and know how to host my guests. Please have something to eat and get yourself to drink more than water." As I finished, I would flag down the waiter again and ask him for a beverage as my cake was absolutely god-like but I was getting quite thirsty and needed something to quench my thirst - a simple response and he was off to get my drink.

I would then turn back to the two boys and would appear to be piercing into their very souls with my green vixen-like eyes as I continued - the demeanor shifting from a happy, bubbly one to a more serious tone. "Renmei Tsumugu and Yamashiro Ryuni, I am Lady Byakko Kyuji if my introduction did not do justice or you had doubts. The easiest way to tell me from a fake is I have these ears further up on my head than a normal shinobi's. My eyes look like a kitsune's over the natural Byakko Clan member's eyes or someone outside of the clan. My fingernails look like a feline's claws as I have the blood of Byakko in me. I also have blonde hair over the rest of the Byakko Clan's being white or many of the village having dark hair like you both do."

A quick pause as the waiter returned with my drink and I would take a sip as I continued looking at them before I continued. "Why do I tell you this information? Because one of you chose to hide back and watch me from a distance until you saw the other swoop in with an average use of the Transformation technique. You both were correct that I am the one that summoned you, but you need to be more careful when you are approaching a scene as I could have been someone pretending to be me to harm the village or cause chaos. That is lesson number one for both of you." I would then get up from my spot and take a few steps around the table to both of them and flick them both on their foreheads - one because I was on the shorter side in the world and two to get the point across to them both that I was not going to coddle them like some of the instructors in the academy likely did.

After I returned to my seat, I would continue again: "You both were summoned by me because you were assigned to me as my Genin and I as your sensei. I already know that you two have a history from your academy time so I will give you three options here now. First, you can leave this summon now and tell the village that you want to be put with another sensei and squad. Second, you can keep your history with one another and try to work together for the betterment of the village and your clans. Third, you two could kiss one another here and make amends with one another and start a beautiful friendship with one another." I would then chuckle momentarily at my last comment before returning my gaze to both of them again: "Personally, I hope you both would want to help your village and clans. Be forewarned if you take that option, I can be strict and hard to deal with at times as you are the next generation of the village and I need to ensure you are ready to take on that responsibility. You will tested by me as your ally and your enemy as I see fit in a controlled setting."

I would then lean back in my chair and sip on my drink some more as I waited to see what they would do. I know if I was their age and someone spoke like this to me, I would have thought they were insane or I needed to be cautious around them. The times were different though and sometimes you had to be a little crazy to get your point across. Right? Right.

Nearby the little restaurant, Rika was approaching. A tad bit late, earlier she had received a note. Vague, non-descript, telling her to meet a Byakko Kyuji. Rika had heard of the name, well, read about them from old newspaper articles, and reports. She just graduated, so she assumed the meeting was about that. Great, a squad, something else to slow me down. She thought to herself, huffing out a heavy breath. Looking out for others and team bonding were just other forms of weakness. However, she couldn't ignore orders or a team assignment, no matter how much she wanted to be a lone wolf. I guess it could be fun if our sensei is as strong as I believe she is. She wondered toherself, Kyuji won the tournament she read about, that was forever ago. She admired Kyuji from what she had read about her. She could put up with being in a squad for now; she knew once she got older and reached higher ranks, she could fly solo. Maybe, that's what she hoped. It was much easier to look after herself than have to babysit others. Maybe my team will be strong and an actual challenge, she thought. A challenge would be nice. Someone who could beat her in a spar, help her get stronger. It was hard to get stronger when your opponents were easy. Rika was trying to see the positive side, look at the bright side. But the cons seemed to even it out pretty well.

As Rika was passing through, she immediately noticed the woman who stuck out like a sore thumb, Cat ears, blonde, looked like a shinobi, and two other brats near her. "Well, that wasn't hard," She mumbled to herself. She shifted her steps and grinned widely as she started to walk toward Kyuji. As she approached, she managed to hear the introductions: Ryuni and Tsumugu, both from clans. She remembered seeing them in the academy, though she never actually met them until now.

"Renmei Tsumugu and Yamashiro Ryuni, I am Lady Byakko Kyuji if my introduction did not do justice or you had doubts. The easiest way to tell me from a fake is I have these ears further up on my head than a normal shinobi's. My eyes look like a kitsune's over the natural Byakko Clan member's eyes or someone outside of the clan. My fingernails look like a feline's claws as I have the blood of Byakko in me. I also have blonde hair over the rest of the Byakko Clan's being white or many of the village having dark hair like you both do."

Click to expand...

Rika stood out of the way as Kyuji spoke, waiting for her to finish. Once she was done, she stepped up to the table and leaned her hip against the edge, facing Kyuji and crossing her arms. Her lips had a wide grin on them.
"Lady Byakko, Its nice to put a face to the name, sorry I am late, though you didn't put a time. I'm Sabaku Rika," Rika introduced herself, and nodded her head, before she glanced over her shoulder at Tsumugu and Ryuni. She smirked, then grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the table, resting her elbows on it. "I'll have a slice of cake too, if you're buying," she stated, waving a hand, then resting her chin in the palm of her other hand. She respected Kyuji, though manners weren't her strong suit. Growing up in the foundling sector, she didn't exactly have parents to scold her; most of the elders there did the bare minimum of taking care of her. Though she didn't care too much, she figured it didn't matter as long as she got the job done.
Rika was wearing an earth-toned sleeveless tunic with a black undershirt and holes in the shoulders. A black cowl rested on her shoulders, and a red, wide sash was tight around her waist. Her hair - slightly messy, but tied up high in a ponytail, her bangs ruffled from the walk over here. She was a little taller than the average girl her age, standing at 4'8". She exuded confidence, one could mistake it as arrogance, with how she casually grinned, and her posture screamed carefree.

[Topic Entered - edited, I forgot the character description.]
[MFT]

His eyebrow would raise slightly, eyes trained on Ryuni as he struggled not to judge the boy's reaction to simple hydration. Exhaled slightly with unease at just hearing the boy's name but upon Lady Kyuji's insistence Tsumugu wouldn’t react with excitement or refusal, he’d react with quiet confusion first, then careful respect. When his sensei offers, “…I’m fine,” he says but not with a dismissive tone. He isn’t hungry and his body doesn’t need fuel yet. The Renmei upbringing taught him not to take resources he doesn’t require be it food, water, money as all of it registers in his mind as supplies, not comforts. His fingers curl against the strap of his gourd as he mentally weighed the offer and reaffirmed his home rearing. Feeling the strap of his gourd, he would with a emotionless tone make a simple offer, an offer which came about only because of how destitute his other was appearing. "Ryuni can get extra instead, since I am not in such..", found his gaze falling for a moment with a split enjoyment before his next words, "Need".

That was when footsteps stopped beside him, his attention yet again diverted towards the new arrival. She reminded him of Ryuni somewhat, energetic and straight forward, as she had approached and became seated in what felt like one smooth motion. She had even introduced herself at that same moment, the name unfamiliar to him and given their apparent age he assumed she was in a different class. When it came to her name, it did not give him an immediate thought to her character like how hearing Toraono and select others surnames. "Renmei Tsumugu", introducing himself to the girl. This softened his thoughts immediately, a calm expression washing over his face like tides upon a beach.

His sensei's voice broke the stillness of his mind, her offer one that took little to think over within his mind. Regardless of his self-admitted impression of Ryuni, there was no chance someone of his upbringing would allow that to be a reason for leaving duty unfulfilled. Old competition between them had been the true nature of Tsumugu's discomfort of seeing someone tied to a rival clan standing beside him again. His shoulders tightened briefly, the way they always did when his emotions threatened to rise. This swell slammed into a mental barrier like a reef, as it suddenly cemented to him...they weren't two, they were three. "Option two", he spoke with a serious tone unlike prior, "I don’t have to like him immediately,” he said. “But I won’t let our history interfere with team safety.”

That's right, he wouldn't tarnish his clan's reputation just because he was not able to keep a personal dislike from affecting his duty to the village.

[MFT]
[WC: 465]

My time in this village has been a long one. I had fought numerous threats to this village from a sandworm to a human-carnasaur hybrid to the filth in the Red Light District. One would think these annoyances would be near the top of the list, but listening to teenage boys bickering like they were married or brothers was starting to get near the top as they threw insults back and forth at one another. They would not be able to see this on my face as I continued to eat my cake as they gave me their responses, but it was getting to the point that they were going to be escorted to an open area away from everyone and I was going to discipline them like they should have been taught by their respective clans years ago. Luckily for them, the cake was too damn good to pass up right now and their teammate was able to make the meeting - Sabaku Rika whom I had good things about including people discussing a promotion to Chunnin quickly. I wasn't sure if Rika would be joining us as she was more advanced than these two knuckleheads but it seemed my letter was noticed and she was entertaining a meeting at the very least.

It was actually impressive - all three of them had managed to find me in their own ways with little to no guidance on my part and they were now seated and ready to get down to business. The ones that wanted to be treated to some yummy foods or drinks had made their orders and now we could begin the real fun. I would finish the piece of cake on my fork before looking over all three of them and ask them but a simple question: "Why did you want to become shinobi? Was it due to your upbringings? Was it because that is what everyone else did? Was it because you think shinobi are cool? There are no wrong answers here."

I would then look at the boys as I was sure they were giving glances at one another again as they hadn't stopped since they were together before looking at Rika. I would pick up my fork and ask another question before going back to my cake of deliciousness: "I am sure you have heard many things about me. If you have any burning questions to ask, let's get them out of the way so we can focus on your futures over my past achievements." I knew my name was well-known in the village for numerous reasons and they likely had questions or wanted clarification between the actualities and what was wove into the lore behind me. Then again, they might not care about history which wasn't ultimately bad but they should have a surface level knowledge of it at least to not make themselves look foolish or repeat it.

Rika looked between Ryuni and Tsumugu, and smirked. She knew this would be interesting. Rika then looked at Kyuji and tilted her head. Why did she want to become a Shinobi? Well, a Kunoichi in her case. The boys, she recognized the clans. Water and fire, ironic. She didn't care for clan drama; she never needed to worry about upholding a family name, since her last name was just given to her after her parents gave her to the foundling sector. Basically abandonment, but she brushed that thought off. 'These two probably are just fulfilling clan duty or some crap... Guess I'm lucky, or not, it's easier to get recognized with a clan,' Rika thought. If she were in a clan, she'd want to be in the best clan, the one at the top. She unfortunately wasn't born into one. She didn't want to marry into a clan either. That was years off, something she didn't even want to think about. She couldn't see herself getting close to anyone.

She looked at the waiter as her cake was delivered, and picked up the fork to take a bite of the sweet treat. "Why did I want to become a Shinobi... Or I guess it's called Kunoichi for girls... Well, I want to be the Kage's strongest asset. I didn't get much of a choice when I was tossed into the academy; however, I stayed. I know I was the best of my class, and I know I am strong now, and I intend to use my strength to ensure the village's future," Rika replied, waving her fork slightly, as if gesturing to some invisible force. Straightforward and honest. She didn't want to go into detail, since her goals were simple. She fought tooth and nail to get to where she was now. Blood, sweat, and tears: most got Genin because of clan backing and decent test scores. Those without clans had to work thrice as hard to get noticed.

Rika looked at Ryuni, then at Tsumugu. Water and fire. She had heard of their clans; she didn't care that they were from a lesser clan compared to the Byakko; they were peasants, and she, well, technically, she was less than that. She was ready for whatever slights or insults came her way, though she'd put up with a lot of bull crap before. Kyuji, being their sensei, would make things easy in the social climate. Rika glanced at Kyuji and took another bite of her cake. 'If I can beat her in a fight... Maybe one day. I bet that'd get me noticed,' Rika wondered. She wasn't sure how strong Kyuji was. She assumed she was strong.

"I have heard a lot about you, Lady Kyuji. But mostly just about the tournament. Is there anything you want us to know about you? Have you had mentees before? If so, are they still alive and strong?" Rika questioned and tilted her head. She leaned forward on the table, her green eyes glistening with curiosity. Her cake was now half eaten. Rika stabbed her fork into it to take another large forkful into her mouth. She got some frosting on her cheek and wiped it off with her hand, then wiped her hand off on her pants. Completely ignoring the napkins on the table as if it were just a bad habit. The cake was good; she could probably eat more. It was even better since Kyuji was the one paying, meaning she could overeat. Rika didn't really know how to spend her money; she got enough to buy what she needed, but she often wasted it. She wasn't rich, but she didn't see herself as dirt poor either. Though her wallet at this moment was completely empty.

[MFT]

Enjoying my cake and listening to each one of them as they individually spoke, I could see the personalities of each one of them coming out in their responses to my question. Any questions directed to me about myself would be on hold until they each finished their separate responses and this cake was too good to be interrupted in enjoying. They all spoke with true heart in their voices and each response showed a different perspective to my question - each one of them was correct in their own ways as there was no true right or wrong answer to my question as each had a different upbringing from being in a formerly lesser clan to being raised in an orphanage to use the kindest word possible. None of them had the opportunity to live in one of the highly regarded clans or had a background with any well-known shinobi as far as I knew, but we would change that and were already by having this meeting together.

I smiled after each one of them spoke and gave a nod to acknowledge them - I also did hear any whispers as I was gifted with great hearing and seeing due to taking the Oath of Byakko, but I would not bring it up to the others. When they all were finished expressing themselves and taking a breather to order more food, sip down some drinks or sit in silence, I would take another gulp of my cake - this had to be like half of a cake already but it was too damn good. When I finished this slice, I would smile again at each of them and begin: "Thank you for each one of your responses and your honesty to my question. You do not know how many people will answer that question to try to impress me or tell me what they think I want to hear. The best thing to do is be honest with me if you want to stay on my good side and do not cause harm to our village or country. Many of us have worked long and hard to see our village grow and flourish like it has."

Another cut of the slice of cake into my mouth to allow them a moment to think about my words before the fork went down and I spoke some more: "Rika, I did have many students taught by me before and some of them went on to be apprentices under me. Many of them burned out and I have not heard from them in quite some time. What I mean by this is they seemed to wash away over time, but I am sure they are all out there still living their lives but likely settled down or retired from being shinobi. Every person in the village plays a vital role even if they are not a shinobi as we need need different mindsets and skill sets to thrive as a village and country." A brief pause as I refocused myself and continued: "Not every single one of them had that fate though. One of them also went on to become someone that you all likely know about - Chikamatsu Shin, the Kazekage. Yes, I proctored your Kazekage's graduation exam and he worked under me in the medical branch for quite some time."

Again, I would give them a few moments to digest what was presented to them as I took a bite of my cake before I would entertain the next Genin's question to me: "Yes, I won the World Martial Arts Tournament and my final opponent was the Medical Sennin of Kumogakure, Tsuyoshi Junko. That tournament was a lot of fun and I was able to fight many different styles of combat and people from foreign lands. I wish it never would have ended as I was ready for more. But, who knows, you three could be the representatives for our country this time around. That would be a proud sensei moment if you all did that! But as for your question, Ryuni, I did not choose you three as you were assigned to me after you graduated. That is not to say that I am not honored to be your sensei and guide you all to be successful shinobi of our village and country. But, I did not pick any names - completely random."

I would stop here and look at the three of them one by one starting with Rika first and finishing with Tsumugu. Three young kids that were my responsibility and a normal squad formation - not focused on my skills as a medical shinobi or my private work as an Oracle. I hoped that they would be ready to work hard, play hard, and see things that would likely change their lives for hopefully the better. One could only hope though that they would not encounter something like Barynx until they were older and more experienced - that would be a death sentence for all of them and myself.

Rika looked at Tsumugu as he answered Kyuji's question. Responsibility. Though she found his way of speaking weird, forced, or rehearsed. Maybe, maybe she didn't like clan talk. Protecting the water supply, in her opinion, shouldn't be one clan's responsibility; it should be more. Rika glanced away and chewed the inside of her cheek. She wouldn't comment yet.

Rika then looked at Ryuni as he spoke. She chewed on another bite of cake as he spoke. It sounded more passionate and louder. When he shouted his declaration of becoming Kage, Rika's lips curled up into a grin. She leaned her elbow on the table and set her chin in the palm of her hand. "Oh yeah? You know, the Kazekage title seems even more tempting now. I might even try," Rika said in a teasing tone. Though she couldn't see herself as a leader. But it would be a challenge for someone like her. No clan backing. Anything like that was years off, but it was fun to tease.

Rika looked at Kyuji as she replied. It didn't sound like a whole lot. Unfortunate. Then she mentioned that one of her pupils was the Kazekage, and she perked up. "Oh!" Rika exclaimed and grinned widely. That was enough; one made it to the top. Rika leaned back in her chair as Kyuji continued and answered Ryuni. Rika assumed they were assigned and not picked. She didn't believe she would be picked, though that was something she wouldn't admit out loud. As Kyuji spoke about the tournament, Rika listened eagerly. Beating the medical senin of Kumo, Tsuyoshi Junko, she never heard of him, but that sounded impressive. "Amazing," Rika said, then she relaxed her posture more. She hummed. The medical branch seemed to be where the strongest Ninja go through. Healing. She didn't care to heal others; she didn't like the idea of being a support. But seeing as there were so many strong ninja and strong mednin, it seemed like the strongest branch. Rika would tilt her head as she thought about it.

Rika's plate was empty now, so she picked up her glass of water to drink from it. Finishing off her water, she stood and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand again. "Well, that was delicious, thank you, Lady Kyuji," Rika said as she stepped to the side. "I'm going to take my leave now. I have some things to take care of. Returning borrowed books and picking up some small missions to pay... Bills," Rika added, she didn't want to get into the details, but felt like she needed to explain to her Sensei. Social gatherings weren't exactly Rika's cup of tea either. So she'd be the first to leave.

Rika would wait for any response before she waved and turned on her heel to start walking away. Her long black hair swung with each step.

[Topic left, unless stopped]