Private [Exam] Over The Top

[Akira Kazan]

It hadn't been long since Kazan obtained the rank of Main Branch Sennin, and with her suggestion to begin shoring off the village's defense, he found himself reading files about current students. In truth, he was hoping to find a few members of the younger generation with potential. There were quite a few who showed promise, but rather than picking favorites and taking risks, he looked through countless files to find students who were ready to take the next step. Among them, a young man named Sato Daigo. As Kazan sat in the head masters office, he sent a letter through a courier ninja summoning Sato Daigo before him to participate in a private exam in the head masters office.

At the moment, Kazan would be sitting behind a temporary desk; clad in his usual armor like attire, with his red cape slightly lifted as to not sit upon it. The Desk before him would be covered in vanilla folders, each containing the files of students who were ready for an exam. Sato Daigo was just one of them, but for some reason he alone had caught Kazan's eye above the others. There would be two chairs sat infront of the desk, opposite of him. In the corner, a book shelve full of numerous books detailing the history of the academy and past students labeled by year. The windows curtains were pulled shut, and the room was dimly lit; all for the sake of comfort and mystique. "Hmmmm" Kazan thought, as he slowly began to collect and organize the files.

Today, Kazan would be administering his first exam; one unlike any other he had thought of before. He would question the boys his aspirations and career goals, and then test problem solving skills in a unique way. Once Daigo got the news, he'd find the school seemingly empty; minus janitorial staff cleaning the classrooms and tending to the grounds. There'd be no one to direct him; not even a secretary. It would be up to the boy to simply knock and enter the room.

Letter to Daigo:

Daigo, please report to the head masters office at the Academy. I, Akira Kazan, will be awaiting you. As the new Main Branch sennin, I am eager to meet you and administer an exam that could result in your promotion to the Rank of Genin. Come prepared as if you were about to attend your first official mission. I will be here all day, so no rush.

[Wc: 400+] [Marked For Training]

 

[Sato Daigo]

Daigo nearly forgot about the letter that Aiko gave him this morning. It was a letter from the main branch sennin requesting his presence to start his exam to genin. Of course, Daigo was excited to not only get the opportunity to become a genin but to be proctored by the main branch sennin, himself.

However, Daigo can be forgetful at times even vacuous at times when he was focused on other things. These other things was his passion for the esoteric and historical arts. His small body was buried behind a stack of heavy books like a soldier behind an impenetrable fortress. He was sitting alone in the library at Aurora Eruditio with only the sound of occasional chatter as patrons walked by. During one of his lectures, a symbol of a bird was drawn on the chalkboard that he vaguely remembers. He would have sworn that the symbol was that he had had seen in one of his father's notebooks. He had to find out what the symbol meant and what was trying to find.

And so, this is why the young Daigo was stuck at the library instead of going to his exam. Fortunately, he had realized his mistake when he turned enough pages in his father's notebook to see the summoning letter square in center on the page. His tan skin turned a shade of white as his memory his him hard like a sudden tornado storm.

"I got to go...." He mumbled to himself as he grabbed his father's notebook. He didn't have time to put the books away but he was generally forgiven for this. Daigo was a frequently patron so the staff were very accommodating of him, not to mention his father's work had made many contributions to this library. His family practically owned most of the library.

He jetted out of the library and headed toward the Kazan's office. He was moving so fast he didn't really take the time to knock at the door before bustling in. His face drenched in sweat gripping one hand on his glasses and the other holding his father's notebook.

"My apologies Kazan-sama." He said as he venerated himself before the grand sennin. "I nearly forgot the exam. I was too much into my studies again." He said with a terse chuckle trying to alleviate his awkwardness.

[Mark for Training]

 

[Akira Kazan]

Although Daigo was going to make him wait, Kazan had plenty of files and reading to do. He had always been on the front lines, but now paper work was quickly becoming his greatest adversary. Hours would seemingly pass, until Daigo would bust through his office doors in a hurry. Immediately alerted to this, Kazan would just stare at the boy with a stern look upon his face. "Oh Geez...." He thought, as his stern expression quickly turned to a smile. Leaning back in his chair, Kazan would would fold his arms across his chest. "Don't worry about it, kid. Just have a seat." He'd tell Daigo before turning to the side and kicking his feet, still adorned in his armored boots, onto the edge of the table.

Immediately after doing that, Kazan would begin having a little chat with the student. "So, Sato Dago huh? I'm Akira Kazan, the new Main Branch Sennin. This is my first time doing this, so your exam's gonna be a little different than some of the stories you've probably heard about before. How about we start with you telling me why you want to become a Shinobi? Also, i'm curious about what branch you might want to ride out your career in, and your goals in doing so." Kazan said, more so instructing the kid explain himself and his goals to him. There was only so much one could learn about someone else from some files, and right now Kazan imagined this kid as more of an intellectual type. Though, that thought only came from Daigo telling him he almost forgot about his exam because of his studies.

[Wc: 275] [Marked]

 

[Sato Daigo]

The whole experience was just as new to Kazan as it was for Daigo, except there was more riding on Daigo then Kazan. Kazan gave a calming smile as he leaned back soaking in the atmosphere as he began to address Daigo. He asked the young man what was his reason for wanting to be come a shinobi. It was a very simply and good question. Many students have entered the academy for all various reasons. Daigo had only two reasons.

His small body walked toward the large chair in front of him. He was only a little over five feet so as he plopped down on the chair he looked like one of those small children on the swings at the park with their legs dangling about like two lazy dangling caterpillars on a leaf daring gravity to kick them off.

He paused for a moment to formulate his words.

"I am hoping to find my parents who have been lost to me for many years but more importantly I want to continue their work with discovering esoteric artifacts crafted or used by shinobi. My father was an architect and my dream is be like him. As a shinobi I will be able to discover ancient artifacts that will help and protect Kumogakure." He replied.

[Marked for Training]

 

[Akira Kazan]

As the young Shinobi would be before him sat down, Kazan noticed how small he actually was. An opinion was beginning to form, though appearances were deceiving; hopefully this was the case. While waiting for the boy to finish his explanation as to why he wanted to become a Shinobi, Kazan sat quietly and listened. "To find his parents, and to hunt artifacts." Kazan would tell himself, as he pondered how something like that could be of use to the village's new problem. His first concern was 'shoring up the defenses of cloud' by finding highly capable individuals that could defend it. Though, the Main branch was much more than just an infantry unit. Skilled Shinobi could be used in hundreds of different ways, and he was more than open to the idea. "So, you wouldn't consider yourself a combat specialist then?" He'd ask, as he lowered his feet off the edge of the desk.

Sitting forward in his seat, he'd scoot his chair closer to the table before leaning over it and placing his arms down on the desk top. "To find your parents is admirable, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made. Do you think you could abandon that cause, if a life or death situation arises? At the end of the day, we're shinobi and missions for the sake of the village are part of our duties. It's how we keep the place afloat, for the most part anyway." He'd tell Daigo, as he tried to divulge deeper into the kids mindset.

Cursing the kids spirit, or pushing him to far, wasn't what Kazan wanted to do. These questions were more so Kazan could understand why type of Shinobi the kid before him would grow into, and how to better use him for the sake of the village as a whole. A combat specialist was what he was looking for, but an educated individual capable of making tough decisions was always just as valuable.

[Wc: 300+] [Marked]
[OOC: Sorry for the wait, it's been a tough work week.]

 

[Sato Daigo]

Kazan sat quietly to listen to the boy's response. It was obvious that the boy was not eager to go into the combat field as he asked if Daigo wouldn't consider himself a combat specialist. Most people joined the shinobi corp like any other military organization but there were always a few that became shinobi for other reasons. Daigo knew Kumogakure history of the great shinobi and kunochi that shaped Kumogakure's future with more than just the fist, especially his father. Daigo was disappointed but not surprised that Kazan didn't mentioned his father Suzuki, who was part of Kumogakure just not part of the ranks of shinobi.

His father was never part of the military in the slightest but his archaeological discoveries made a impacts in Kumogakure advancement in military technology.

Kazan leaned forward and he got closer to his Daigo. He praised Daigo's desire to find his parents but he was more concern with whether or not he would efface his desires for the greater duty to Kumogakure.

In what situations would Daigo be required to abandon his passions for the arts. Would he be asked to complete tasks that would be considered distractions for Daigo?

Daigo pushed up his glasses and took a breath. "I know the answer you are looking for is yes...that I would be willing, Kazan-sama." I can't say yes for certain but I am certain that my desires to push to be Lightning Country's technology forward . Its not just that I am looking for my parents but the discoveries they had left behind could be dangerous if found by our enemies...sir"

[Marked for Training]
[OOC: No problem. I am busy too

 

[Akira Kazan]

To some, it might be obvious that Kazan was either trying to hit a nerve, or at the very least treading on a very specific line for one reason or another. But, the truth was that Kazan needed to understand this young kid in front of him. The younger generation would one day rule the village, and he needed to have some sort of understanding on what awaited the village down the road. As he listened to Daigo, a smirk crossed his face as he thought about the boys reply. Removing his arms from the desk, he leaned back in the chair and folded his arms, before briefly closing his eyes.

At this moment, a brief silence would fall between the two of them, as Kazan opened his eyes and glanced towards a bookshelf, to the left of them, in the room. Cloud wasn't the military state that it once was, and technology was already so advance it would be inconceivable to him had he not already witnessed it with his own eyes. "Tech, huh? We already have robots.... How much further does this kid want to go?" He'd ask himself, as the two sat in silence.

Technology wasn't something that Kazan was quite fond of; something that should be apparent based of his knight like armor and the way in which he carries himself. Still, deep down Kazan knew he had to embrace it for the betterment of the village. After all, that's why he left his home in the country side to better serve the village as a Sennin. Oh, how he missed his home; the smell of fresh bread above the hearth, the warmth of a fire on a cold night, and the small field of wheat he'd harvest once a year. "I can accept that, though we already have flying vehicles and devices that allow wireless communication through radio waves created by Chakra." He'd say, before pausing once again. He had to get his point through, even if to challenge this kids thought process.

"And that's just two common forms of technology we currently possess." He'd say with a sigh, before continuing. "Listen, I've only traveled a little in time, but no place I've been to is as advanced as our village. That being said, if you're family's technology is dangerous, it will eventually be destroyed if we or our enemies find it. But that aside, how would you push our technology forward?" He'd say before delivering a question.

[Wc: 413] [Marked for Training]

 

[Sato Daigo]

Daigo could tell Kazan's countenance that he was mostly amused by his response. He leaned back from his chair as he closed his eyes. There was a brief moment of silence. All that could be heard was the creaking of the Kazan's office chair.

Maybe the word technology might not have been the right words Daigo should have used. Kazan broke the silence with an air of ambivalence in his voice as he addressed Daigo. It was true that Kumgakure or rather Lightning Country as a whole was more advanced that most countries out there. Although, Daigo was thinking a bit more deeper.

It was not merely the technology but the hidden scientific pursuits that came with it. Chakra has always been profoundly viewed as tool used by humans but there was more to it. There were aspects of chakra that could only be wielded the wildest of animals and strangest aspects wielded by the inanimate.

Daigo cuffed his chin as if rubbing an invisible beard. "I might have misspoken when I said technology." Daigo began. "It might be better to show you an example"

He lifted the notebook that he cradled underneath his arm and placed it front and center for Kazan to see. He quickly flipped the pages before he stopped at page. There was sketch of what appeared to be an owl with swirly gray eyes. Kazan might be able to determine that those were the infamous rinnengan, but what were they doing on an owl.



"It is said this owl posses a powerful doujutsu that is normally seen on humans and far more powerful. However, it is basically a cryptic at this point. No one has been able to provide hard evidence of its existence. However, every support report surrounding the creature has been consistent."

"I think there is value in understanding these creatures and using their abilities. At least my father did. Instead of chasing contracts and summoning scrolls, we can use harness the power of nature."

Daigo knew that Kazan wouldn't take anything he said seriously but he needed to know that these creatures were out there. It was hard that his family were never taken seriously when it came to their esoteric escapades. Selling mundane scrolls and the occasional excavation of burial tombs were the only few things that kept them from losing their position in Kumogakure. Daigo could only hope that he would be able convince Kazan.

[Marked for Training]

 

[Akira Kazan]

From technology to something else, Kazan followed closely as Daigo slid a notebook across the table for him to look at. Unfolding his arms, and leaning forward once again he glanced down at what the child had placed in front of him. As Daigo presented a drawing, Kazan smiled as he saw an owl, with a set of legendary eyes only every spoken about in stories passed down through generations. Kazan had heard of the Rinnegan, and even met someone who knew about the power they'd grant firsthand. Turning his attention back to what Daigo was saying, a thought popped into his mind. "First Tech, now creatures with legendary powers... I think I know where he'd prove useful to me..." He told himself, before looking directly at Daigo.

"Hmmmm...." He's sigh, as he considered telling Daigo more about himself. Kazan, after all, was a decedent of the Uchiha clan within the village even though he had lost access to his Sharingan. "That Owl possess a rather unique set of eyes that disappeared decades ago." He'd mention, before pausing and thinking about what he'd say next. "But, rather I believe it actually is what it looks like doesn't matter. If you believe that something like that exist naturally, then I encourage you to find it." He told Daigo. By now, Kazan was convinced that this kids ideals and ambitions couldn't be swayed.

A quality that Kazan admired, in actuality. This world was a crazy place after all; chances are, this owl was a contract beast or an experiment from a time passed if it even existed. "Tell me, what do you know about the Monster Hunter Division within the Main branch?" He'd ask Daigo, wondering if something like this would be suitable for him. Within this division, his main responsibilities would be missions hunting animals, creatures, and beasts considered myths. If he wasn't the type willing to fight another person with his life on the line, hunting and trapping monsters was definitely an option. "And would you be interested in joining it? Maybe you'll come across that owl one day." He told the kid.

[wc: 300+] [Marked]
[OOC: .:Kaibutsu(Monster) Hunters:. <-- Click to read on Monster hunter division]

 

[Sato Daigo]

Kazan made a cursory glance at the eldritch owl staring at him. He knew exactly that those eyes were none other than the Rinnengan. He inquired if Daigo would be interesting in joining the Monster Hunter Division within the Main branch. Perhaps the sight of the strange abomination brought the idea out to mind.

Daigo knew a little about the monster hunters. The division didn't exist during his father time but I think it would be a good starting point for him. It was not just cryptics and eldritch creatures that Daigo sought after but he was also wanted to pursue the esoteric artifacts and the gnostic knowledge of the past.

Beggars could not be choosing as most people would say.

"I have heard of the division before. I would not mind exploring the division if given the opportunity." Daigo responded.

[Apologies for the late reply. Had a busy work week. ]