Intervillage Examination

[Sand Council]

Intervillage Exam​

Soons Haven, a mercantile community located on the shore of Wind Country. An economic hub, site of trade of commerce that links Wind Country to the rest of the world. While this locale has hosted a many dignitaries in the past, never before has Soons Haven been expected to open their gates quite so wide. By the decree of the the Wind Country Daimyō Ishii Shirō the gates of this great walled in city have been opened wide and will welcome an unprecedented number of shinobi to the same place at the same time. The reason: an invitation sent by courier to every shinobi village known and some rumored challenging each community to demonstrate their skill, valor and intellect when pitted against shinobis from the rest of the world.

Some might wonder why the exam was being held in such a place, while not without its wealth the village itself was founded upon a socioeconomic gradient that would be obvious to even the casual observer. The large, heavy and thick walls of the village once offered protection from the diamond maelstrom that had plagued most of the country for nearly thirty years. The periphery of the village, being the part that most would first come upon once they traversed the gates was a vision of utter poverty and destitution. The poorest have taken up residence on the fringe of the village, many beggars, others vendors attempting to sell their shoddy wares so that they could make a meager living. Still, beyond this outer ring the buildings would seem to grow taller and more beautiful. Dilapidated and ill-kept structures partially blocked the view of larger, more or less pristine estates, some would seem to pierce the very heavens. So why here? Why in a place of such poverty? Why would this be the best place to represent Wind Country? Simply put: it wasn't.

Still, for those who entered through these gates they would be met with smiling or in many cases desperate faces hidden behind a partially toothed grin. Some would sell wares, others request favors and still others would simply ask for a loan or offer the traveler their services for a 'nominal fee'. Some might wonder if they were in the right place. That they were, banners overhead welcomed the representatives from lands far away, some wished them luck and others simply cheered them on - all written in bold colorful letters. It would not take long for a traveler to spy or be directed (for a nominal fee) to the sign-in booth. The booth would be smallish and made of wood from likely a foreign land. More expensive than its surroundings it would seem almost wasteful. Yet standing behind the table would be a pair of bikini-clad girls, they would be polite but utterly disinterested in any advances made. If someone was too aggressive, they would find themselves expelled by their britches from the village by a pair of samurais. They could certainly return and resume this process again, but in a battle of pure force the samurais would appear to have the situation well in-hand. As for where these samurais came from, perhaps Fire Country or perhaps not (undisclosed because no permissions were requested or granted so they are just hired samurais from 'somewhere' unless specific permissions are granted in which case sure FIRE) but regardless of their origins they were proficient at their job as babysitters.

Still, bikini babes, sun and a lot of beach, perhaps this would not be quite so bad after all. Tere was even a large body of water, it really did not count as a place one would want to swim with the smell of fish that wafted in from the harbor. But still...

For those who could keep their hands to themselves, the girl would give you a polite smile and welcome you to the inter-village examination. If you were polite and handsome one might even slip you their phone number for a later time with the clipboard that hosted a very basic form. The questionnaire did not seem particularly difficult, it seemed to ask only the most basic of information but it also appeared to support a sense of ethnocentrism that seemed to defy the spirit of an inter-village game.
[legend="[b]The Questionnaire[/b]"]Name:
Village Represented:
Present Shinobi Rank:
Exam Requested:
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others:[/legend]

One of the girls would then ask you to extend your hand and she would place what would be a rubber stamp on your hand, but there would be a painful sensation that accompanied her motion. She would have placed a seal but most would recognize what the seal was -- a relocation seal and a temporary one at that. Yours would differ slightly from someone who requested a different exam but those who requested the same as you would don the same seal on their left hand. In a case where someone lacked a left hand, certainly they would seek an area adjacent. The girl would also give you a simple pamphlet that described the premise of the exam you were to participate in. There would be five exams listed:
[legend="[b]The Pamphlet[/b]"]

1. Genin Examination: Survival in the desert. In this exam, the testers would be sent into the desert and expected to survive long enough to find their way back to Soons Haven. Due to the risks of dangerous wildlife and the lack of resources available out there, we encourage Genin hopefuls to bring supplies with them. While this is not required it is encouraged.
   
2. Chuunin Exam: Participants will be divided into small teams and each will be given a scroll. Every scroll has a riddle in it that will tell the team where a second scroll can be found. The goal is to have 2 scrolls and to return to Soons Haven with them both. This can be done one of two ways: by solving the riddle or by taking it from the other team.
   
3. Jounin Exam: Demonstrate your most powerful combination and compare it to other shinobi from other communities. You will be given 10-seconds to prep before you unleash your full fury onto a single target dummy. The damages rendered will be compared to that of your peers, so bring your A Game.
   
4. ANBU: We have some prisoners that need to be dealt with. We will give you a question, it will be your job to get your target to answer. Do your best.
   
5. Medic: We have some prisoners being interrogated by AiTs (hopefully full ANBU) and it is your job to triage the situation and keep them alive. Do your best.

<i></i>[/legend]

Strange that a relocation seal would be needed for all of these. Still, one would be on the hand of all participants for whatever the reason. The fact of the matter is, less the seal on their hand everything else they have encountered and learned is a lie. With no efforts made to even ensure that you are who you are, perhaps you are a liar also. Best of luck and give our fondest regards.

OC: Sign in here. Yes, you can lie. Yes, you can be kicked out and you can return (have fun with that). Yes, something terrible is going to happen, just not yet. Good luck!

 

[Aburabuta Yutaka]

((First to arrive then? So be it.))

The quartet of shinobi from the enigmatic Otogakure arrived in Soon's Haven that day unannounced and without fanfare. It was by design that no spectacle was made of their arrival; Kageoni preferred it that way. If he'd wanted it would not have taken much but a word in the ear of the Daimyo to make the day's celebration about the upcoming marriage instead of the Intervillage Examination that was looming on the horizon but Kageoni had long since learned that knowing when to keep one's ego in check was a powerful weapon if leverage properly. His shinobi village was not one that was recognized as a "true" village by the others -- at least not yet. There would be time enough to revel in the surprised reactions as the brass of the supposedly greater villages looked on at the utter defeat of their aspirants at all levels. Knowing that there would be an examination for each level Kageoni had brought with him one of each aptitude to participate; one Student, one Genin and one Chuunin.

Those three followed at a distance behind their master taking in the sights and smells of the city. Personal freedom was something of a luxury among the Sound shinobi and this was as much a reward for their excellence as shinobi as it was another test for their growth. The tall blonde with mechanical arms strode in the middle of the three, the bulky plates of his forearms crossed against his chest as he stared straight ahead. Unlike the other two he had no interest in the city around them and was focused entirely on the mission in front of them. There would be enemies for him to overcome and he had every intention of bringing glory to his master and his order. The smallest of the, the young girl with blue hair, tittered back and forth from right to left of the trio as she excitedly drank in the experience of the city. This was her first excursion outside of their home city and ultimately her first taste of the outside world outside of books and literature.

The third of them was a mixture of his two compatriots. Every so often a pretty girl or a particularly tasty treat would catch his eye but otherwise he seemed like he was barely awake in between long and wide yawns. The city clearly did not impress him but given that he was the oldest of the trio it was easy to understand why. The world at large simply did not impress him the way that it did his younger subordinate. Still, unlike the taller young man with them, he did not seem at all focused on the coming trial of skill and strength which he would be faced with.

Not that Kageoni had any reason to doubt any of them. They were the best candidates for the task at hand that each respective master of the Sound Village had to send. He could have simply brought with him a cadre of Jounin level shinobi and lied their way into the exam but to do that would be to lose the meaning of his purpose in coming. Kageoni wished to truly test his people's creation's against those of the rest of the world.

But most of all against those of Sunagakure.

The very thought of that brought a warm and wide smile to Kageoni's graceful features as they walked, his wispy black robes trailing behind him. The fabric of his attire was light in weight but still it would be easy to wonder exactly how the man avoided overheating in the overbearing light of the sun. It had been many years since he'd been in the Wind Country but he still remembered the sun most of all and long since prepared countermeasures for it. His long black hair drawn into a partial bind, his attire and hair contrasted his ghostly white skin and the bright crimson red of his eyes in equal parts. As they arrived at the registration booth, Kageoni directed his subordinates to each take a slate and fill them out with a single gesture. No words were necessary; they understood what he wanted from them.
[col3]

Name: Mina Murata
Village Represented: Sound Village
Present Shinobi Rank: Academy Student
Exam Requested: Genin Exam
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Talent

|

Name: Okitsugu Hiraoka
Village Represented: Sound Village
Present Shinobi Rank: Genin
Exam Requested: Chuunin Exam
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Vision

|

Name: Takayuki Isayama
Village Represented: Sound Village
Present Shinobi Rank: Chuunin
Exam Requested: Jounin Exam
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Conviction

[/col3]
It seemed as if Takayuki struggled the longest with his "Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior?" question but eventually he arrived at an answer. By then the other two had already handed in their slates and received their stamp. A particularly cute girl with long blonde hair and deep blue eyes came over to take his slate from him and did so giving him a moment to break from the boredom riddle expression he'd had so far only for long enough to give her a flirting wink before she took his hand in hers and prepared to stamp it only for him to stop her. On the back of his left hand there was already a mark; a pattern of brutally scarred flesh where he'd clearly been branded by something extraordinarily hot in the past. The pattern was rough but clear enough; a shield-like pattern with a rounded bottom and a series of lines through the center of it which extended to the bottom of the shield but crisscrossed near the top of it.

"If you don't mind, I'll take my stamp on the other hand." He said, his statement a mixture of a request and a demand as he raised his right hand.

Neither of the other two Sound shinobi said anything to their compatriot's resistance to the idea of putting the stamp down upon the back of that hand. They too each had a brand like his but theirs were each patterned differently and more importantly on the back of their right hands rather than their left. Mina's left hand instinctively went to touch the back of her right hand as if recalling a memory from her past as she watched Takayuki request an exception for the stamp. Okitsugu's expression betrayed even less than what he said about the scene as he looked on with disinterest. Even Kageoni said nothing as he watched; he was not their father. He was not here to fight their battles for them. If the event organizers insisted and Takayuki made the unwise decision of starting a commotion over what was ultimately a trifle then he would consider stepping in but otherwise there was no reason for him to get involved with the situation yet. Instead, he continued to observe the crowd around them waiting to catch a glimpse of what the other villages might bring to the show.

 

[Junan]

THIS HEAT!!

Where did it come from? He could barely walk five meters without feeling another bead of sweat trickle down his body somewhere, yet at the same time his shirt remained miraculously dry, such was the air that it seemed to steal any moisture it came in contact with. He was of course quite massive, as he was everywhere, physically fit, certainly, he trained daily, he had to, but he was from Cloud and this temperature was beyond anything he had experienced before.

I thought this was Wind country. Dear Shinbatsu, what could cause a place to be like this. Surely a place named "Fire Country" would be hotter, but I have been there and it was not.

His eye glanced skyward as he thought this, directed towards his lord and master before falling upon the people who gathered to "welcome" the visitors.

He had of course dressed down to simply his shirt, pants, boots and swords. Scrolls lined the belt with everything else he might need for the journey, and of course, he was here before any of the other Cloud shinobi.

It was how he liked it.

If someone wanted to attack his people, they would have to meet him first. Only the strongest would get past, and they would be weakened in their crossing, of that he was sure, even in his aged state.

The doors opened for him and people smiled at him, he looked at them and they cowered away, he didn't dislike them of course, but he was simply bothered by the temperature and smell. Then something... bizarre happened. His eye spotted something, his face contorted as he knew that this was absurd, not now... not... falling to his knees his hands planted in the dirt his face went pale and what would have seemed an almost infallible force one moment was vomiting the next.

Shit... shit... shit... sh... the last word cut off by another powerful compulsion to vomit.

It had been a long time since he had crossed paths with one of them, and it was unfair to them that this was his reaction simply upon sight, but it wasn't concious, he didn't hate them, he simply couldn't think of them at all without being rendered powerless. Some people came to his aid, but his eye glanced at them and he growled menacingly.

Stay away.

He knew their type and in his state it would be hard to pick which had done it, who would steal what, probably multiple in this group.

Then a voice spoke, one which he hadn't heard in a few years. Could things get worse?

Why now Akira, I don't think I've seen you like this before. Akira grimaced, surely the man hadn't seen his weakness... but it was this man... so he probably had noticed it.

The crunch of his footsteps moved to before Akira.

Mmmm, I like this look, kneeling in the dirt before me. The man said.

If I remember rightly, it was the other way around when we met in combat. Still, he was recovering. Decades had gone by without this... damn it all to hell, and right before him.

Pulling himself back he wiped his mouth on his sleeve, he rose first to one, then both feet. Colour slowly returned to his face. Focus on the road Akira. They wont be everywhere... he took a breath and looked at the man before him.

Isaki Kushin stood there, tiny in comparison to Akira's bulk and stature, but so much power, so much raw power, there was no smile on the mans face despite the taunting nature of his voice, no, Kushin didn't taunt for fun, the words were intended to insult and provoke.

Well then. I'll be around. He said, turning and walking into the crowd.

Akira stood there and watched him leave, Isaki Kushin was here. That was never a good sign.

[topic entered and left with NPC, PC remains]

 

[Sand Council]

The Cute Girls​

Some men seemed to possess an aura about them, one of danger and fear. It had nothing to go with a glowering face or a dangerous, reckless act but rather their presence in and of itself. So when the pallid man approached with a trio of younglings at his side, they seemed bizarre yes but not fierce yet there was a hint of intuition that seemed to strike a pair of the young women as they took a step back from the rest of the group. The others appeared oblivious to whatever it was that those two had sensed and with a cheerful voice and happy demeanor, both of which they were being paid handsomely to offer to all those who walked up to the booth, greeted them. What they said in particular was not important, a comment about the weather being particularly mild on this lovely day or that they were pleased to see the first participants have now arrived early for the examination.

The forms were filled out without incident and one of the girls spied from where they came from. The redhead's brow furrowed slightly when she saw that they had traveled from Otogakure. "Are you...?" She cut herself off, yes he was. She just knew it although she had never seen him before. The ever-elusive and isolationalistic Otokage and soon to be son in law to the Daimyō was standing before them. The union between himself and Sango would create a strong bond between Wind Country and the shinobis of Tea Country, making him not only an important guest but also one that was out of place. His arrival should have been met with some sort of fanfare or announcement and yet here he was arriving like a common shinobi at the booth. She found it embarrassing, this nonchalant greeting that never would have been deemed acceptable by the ruling family. Trepidation came over her, not for intimidation of the new arrivals but rather the consequence of a complaint might bring upon her or her family. "...the Otokage?" Her face turned a strange combination of pale and flushed as her normal tan was replaced with what could best described as a white sheet that then turned tomato red. Assuming he affirmed her suspicion she would bow as low as the booth could have afforded her as would the other girls in a sloppy following immediately thereafter once they realized the oversight. "I am so sorry!" The insightful young woman would proclaim as she sought forgiveness "I-I will call a sentinel so that you can have an audience r-right away!"

Regardless of their answer, with a buzzing nervousness the girls would finish processing the shinobi testers. One for each exam and all three of them quite adorable, one of the girls found the bored one on the end especially cute and would try to slip him her phone number. There was something about men being 'too cool' to be somewhere that appealed to her so the blonde was going to make the first move. The youngest girl with purple-blue hair and the teen with prosthetic limbs accepted their seals without incident but when it came to the 'dreamy' one on the end he refused. The blonde frowned, placing it on the other hand was a request that she would not be able to fulfill without incident. "It might not work right if I use the other," she protested as she held out the stamp. Unless. "What exam are you attending?" She would ask if he continued to protest or refused to offer his proper hand. If he answered or if she spied the sheet, she would comment "Oh, Jounin. Nevermind. May I see your other hand then?" She would not recognize the archaic marking on the hand he refused to allow to be covered by the seal, none of these girls would. That Order died out a long time ago. At the very least Jounins did not require a relocation seal in the same way that the others did.

This was of course only the start of what would likely be a very long next few weeks for the girls, the shinobis who visited and of course the citizens that would be caught in the middle of the impending events. There was one thing that one could be quite certain of, shinobis were not good at blending in with their surroundings. Their size, their expression, their presence and in many cases their malformations and scars separated them from the literal pack. So when a one Saito Akira strode into Soons Haven he too would be immediately noticed and in a few cases recognized. While being the Raikage of such a distant village came with the benefit of being unmolested by the denizens of this village, to believe that his face would not be on a tabloid or three was simply ludicrous. Information travels faster than people, although most of what they had heard or seen would be untrue [please make up your own hilarious false/true rumor]. Some of these girls were avid readers of said tabloids and for that reason some were perhaps exceedingly happy to see the 'famed' Raikage. One of them jumped and waved and a second blew him a kiss. "Hai, welcome Mister Raikage!" One of the girls would shout as she shoved a camera into the second girl's hand as ran in front of the visiting Kage and gave the camerawomen a cheesy grin after a flash she would scurry back behind the booth.

He seemed sour for the most part, the poorest of the poor... the earliest of the beggars and shopkeeps would of course not know him, if they did his adventure through that portion of the village might have been more arduous. Would they have attacked? Heavens no. A civilian against a Raikage, never. Would he be pickpocket or given offers he 'should not refuse' -- yes, most certainly. Hopefully the Raikage would be able to keep his identity under wraps at least in sight of the unwashed masses. In front of the washed - not nearly the same problem.

OC: I did not expect anyone to hang here. I had nothing to go to you Saito so eh... you are famous? And Mister Kageoni, all processed!

 

[Junan]

He had finally arrived at the registration desk, of course not to register himself, but rather he wanted to see which Cloud shinobi would be taking part, as well as getting a good look at the other competitors.

What he hadn't expected was for the greeting he received.

One of the bikini clad woman behind the desk spotted him and jumped, waving at him. His one eye narrowed, perhaps she had mistaken him for... nope, she knew who he was, her voice called out noting his title. Looking around a few more people seemed to be looking in his direction, poking their friends, pointing, he could hear "oh look, it's the Raikage".

Certainly he wasn't surprised that people could recognize him, he was fairly recognizable and he was a village leader. What got to him was in the way that he was recognized and the reaction to his being there.

He found himself with a diminutive, scantily clad, woman with her arm around him smiling while he looked at the camera and frowned. Not out of annoyance, but purely out of confusion, also it was kinda his automatic facial response when he didn't know what was going on. Before he could react however she was back with the group behind the table, giggling and whispering in the way only girls could.

His eye caught sight of the Otokage. Akira had done his homework on the leaders of the other villages, but that didn't mean that he would automatically recognize them all... Still, the description matched, Akira felt that the best thing to do would be to introduce himself.

Bowing his head as he approached he spoke Akira Saito of the Saito clan, Raikage of Kumogakure, Daimyo of the Thunder Mountains. Both of his titles, he felt it was more fitting for this occasion. Yet as he bowed his head he noticed a newspaper on the ground, most of the title of one of the visible columns was almost revealed, but not quite and he could read "... ikage, Fifty Year old virgin?"

Wait... What?!?

He picked up the paper and opened it up. The article written in full read as such:

[col3]|

Shinobi Spotlight: The Raikage, Gay or Virgin?

I know that my readers will wonder, why is a man as powerful, as aged, as handsome (in his own rugged way) as the Raikage either a virgin or gay? So let me answer you now, but I will need to give you, my devoted reader, some background.

The current Raikage in his youth was the only shinobi to train under the former Raikage Shinbatsu. Shinbatsu is worshipped as a god in Cloud, and thusly Akira is believed to be his apostle, a great hero of unimaginable power, among his followers. Every aspect of his life is written about, there are songs sung of his exploits, there are prayers said in his name.

So we can then draw the conclusion that either the Raikage is gay, or he is a virgin.

You see there is nothing in the stories about him (trust me, I had my half-dozen attendants doing research on him before writing this) having a family, having a partner, having any kind of relationship with anyone which could be seen as romantic or even simply intimate.

Except for one.

Of course his own heralds aren’t going to write about the love between a man and his master, but the way that both Akira and Shinbatsu are written about is like they were carved from stone. Immortal figures whose bodies alone will keep them immortalised in the minds of men, and the hearts of women. Take this direct exert from one of the books of Shinbatsu, written about the pair standing face to face.

Pride, respect, honour, love. These things were never said, never shown, but both understood their mutuality. Eyes of silver versus eyes of blood, the famous clans of dojutsu producing their most perfect forms. A god who walked with men, a man who walked with gods. Identical, and yet opposite. Sculpted from marble and obsidian, their bodies not temples rather bastions, unassailable fortresses of black and white, alone powerful, combined insurmountable.

Doesn’t that just send shivers down your spines girls, and make you men ache in wonder at what power you have yet to witness?

But then surely, if they were so masculine, so beautiful, so powerful, they would have been courted by many women? Yet neither was ever mentioned with a woman in any of their stories.

Now this leads me to the obvious unspoken question. Was the love spoken about between these two men physical? And I don’t mean in the boring shinobi duelling way, but in the intimate, hot, sexual way?

Well, there’s nothing to suggest otherwise, but there’s nothing to suggest it to be so either? Perhaps ladies and gentlemen, we can try and find out over the course of the upcoming exams.

He will be sure to be around. Find him and send me a picture of you with him, or of you with him and give me your take.

|[/col3]

Lord Shinbatsu… what have they done…

 

[Aburabuta Yutaka]

One of the girls began to fall over herself in shock that the Otokage had made his arrival so quietly and to that he offered a gentle smile across his comely countenance giving the young girl who was addressing him a view of his perfectly aligned pearlescent teeth. Despite the black clothing, there was nothing outwardly menacing about Kageoni save for perhaps the piercing redness of his eyes that was surely the sign of something unnatural about his sight. Unlike so many other shinobi of his rank and stature the air around Kageoni did not bend or change in temperature nor did any of the elements in his presence react one way or another to him. To many he would likely seem like nothing more than a man with a strange foreign sense of fashion. If there was perhaps anything unnatural about him at all it was the smoothness of his facial features. Rounded and graceful, he seemed to possess the perfect blend of both masculine and feminine elements as if someone had gone down a list at the time he'd been born and checked off the things which would make him the most attractive to others.

"That will not be necessary. I will see Daimyo Ishii when I am finished here. Please, finish attending to the other arrivals." There was a sing-songy aspect to the way Kageoni spoke, an undercurrent of a tune that could not be particularly placed but was familiar none the less. Like a comforting smell from a childhood or the sound of a trusted friend, there was an aspect to Kageoni's words that held an unmistakable nostalgic thrust for those that could hear him that would make them likely liken him to someone else in their memory which was trustworthy. For those with the aptitude for such things, they would absolutely sense that there was something about his speech pattern or perhaps the words he spoke that were... enhanced. Even if his words failed to evoke something in their hearts, there was something striking about the way the Otokage spoke none the less.

"Hey, thanks." Remarked Takayuki as he grinned sharkishly at the girl who'd passed him her number and tossed her a wink as he pocketed the piece of paper. His was not the trustworthy expression that his master had possessed; this was the rakish grin of a young man who had played this game with young women far too many times to be taking it seriously. Perhaps the young blonde would take that as the warning sign that it was to stay away from such a playboy or perhaps she, like so many others before her, would find that quality all the more alluring like a moth drawn towards a flame.

Seeing that all three of his subordinates had obtained their stamps and were properly registered, a single gesture from the Otokage brought all three of his shinobi to heel facing him.

"You may take to the city for the duration of the exam. Do take care that you are not tardy for my wedding. កុំសម្លាប់នរណាម្នាក់។." The last thing Kageoni said was in a strange language not unlike that of Wind Country's Runic Terran. Still, though there were some similarities the language was distinguishably different.

"បាទ, មេសម្ពោធ។." "បាទ, មេសម្ពោធ។." "បាទ, មេសម្ពោធ។."​

Each of the three shinobi gave their response in the same strange language that the Otokage had given them their last order which meant there was some significance behind not just what he had said but how he'd said it. Those words had not simply been a statement, they had been an order. And those that disobeyed the orders of the Otokage were rarely given an opportunity to do so for a second time. Then with a wave, Kageoni released his charges from his attention giving them the signal that they were allowed to head off into the city and make themselves occupied until the exams. Otogakure was a place of independence and self-reliance and as such Kageoni expected that his shinobi be capable enough to find out when and where they were needed. If they could not then they were not worthy of the titles that they sought to win nor were they worthy to represent his institution in competing for them.

Each of them disappeared in turn, heading off into the crowds for their own aims and after seeing them off it was time for Kageoni to take his leave as well; he had things to attend to with his future Father-in-Law, after all.

[Kageoni, Mina, Okitsugu and Takayuki are Leaving Topic Unless Stopped.]​

 

[Sand Council]

The Cute Girls​

She was not terrified of the groomsman, but she was fearful of Daimyo Ishii's reprisal. He was not known to be a kind man, but the depths of his vile nature were truly unknown. Her fear was a bit more socially and socially driven, she did not want to lose her job. It was an easy job that made good money. Displeasing the Daimyo was like telling off you immediate supervisor after showing up a half-hour late. There was an immediate weight taken off her mind that could be seen in her carriage as she stood more erect after the gentle-spoken leader of Sound salved her worries. "Thank you," the ginger breathed.

Warning - what warning? The worst boys are the best boys but it was not that she was looking for a bad boy per say but like most girls her age she was looking for a confident one. There was something perhaps biologically programmed into the girl like so many others that caused her heart to flutter when he gave her that parlous grin that would have caused an older, more experienced woman to run the other way. After he took her number the blonde turned to her far haired friend and cupped the fellow bikini clad greeter's hands between her own and let out a happy squeal. They jabbered as the Otokage and his flock parted, there was talk of a double date if they could both find someone followed by gossiping about the amazing things they hoped to see this coming week.

---

Raikage Saito Akira, the Virgin King of Thunder Mountain or Gay Lover of a Godly man. Either was sensational for a man of such advanced age, shinobis were not known for their families and many died young. Relationships were often just as passionate and short as their lives, not out of love but rather to fill a need like one would eat a meal or go for a walk to stretch their legs. The girl who took the picture handed the camera off to her friends and stated with an excited voice. "Now do me," she announced excitedly as she skipped over to the likely slack-jawed Kage and gave the camerawoman a big grin that took up most of her face. She stood on tip-toe and give a little hop not once but twice. She was significantly shorter than the foreign leader or most others for that matter. The first was to ensure most of her body was in the picture next to the veritable giant in comparison. The second was to kiss him on the cheek, or try. It was a distance for her to hop with her little twig-like legs and surely the aged Raikage still had enough spring in his step to evade her attack.

"Thankies!" The young girl with pale purple tresses would announce as she tried to slip a number in Saito's pocket. The number was not hers, something she failed to elaborate, rather it was her brothers number. Good men were hard to find, and maybe they would find good men in each other. "Pretty please," she smiled as she scurried off back begin the stand. She, like the other girls were having the time of their lives. As for Saito, hopefully he was looking for a man who liked to stay in and order take out for quiet evenings at home and long walks on the beach...

 

[Tsuyoshi Takeo]

A Journey Begins​

Spring was in full bloom in Kumogakure. It was a perfect day! It was pleasantly warm with the occasional gently wafting breeze. Only a few small, puffy white clouds dotted a cerulean sky. Most people were spending their time outside enjoying the weather, knowing full well that it would be gone soon enough and replaced with the harsh winds and driving snows of winter. It would be a great day for a relaxing nap under a shady tree.

Takeo shifted his mind back to the matter at hand. He couldn’t afford to be daydreaming right now, not when one mistake could mean the difference between life and death. He was not outside on this gorgeous day. Instead, he was in a musty classroom at the Academy. The desks had been neatly stacked on the peripheries of the room, leaving the center of the floor open for a most necessary chore.

Laid out on the floor in front of him was all the gear the CIF (Central Issue Facility) had issued him for his journey to Wind Country. There was so much of it! Everything you could possibly need and then some! A folding entrenching tool, medical kit, canteens, knee and elbow pads (why would I even need those?), gas mask and chemical suit, pup tent, three-piece sleeping bag system, and the list went on and on! With this much crap to take with him, he should be prepared for anything! Or, so you’d think.

He had just finished going over everything with the chuunin who ran the CIF, with the chuunin reading the items off of a list, and Takeo physically laying hands on each item as it was read and confirming it was there before signing the voucher. The armorer had also stopped by, bringing him a pair of antiquated weapons:

Spoiler

Takeo had argued with the man about how much he didn’t need either of those weapons, but he said he was acting on orders and forced him to sign for them anyway. What the hell was Takeo supposed to do with a pistolbolter and a knife anyway? Granted, the knife would be a fairly useful tool; but he didn’t know any shooting or bladed taijutsu, just the basics they taught you at the Academy! Oh well, he had them now, so he might as well get over it.

He began methodically packing his rucksack with the plethora of gear he had been issued, conserving as much space as possible and leaving what he felt to be his most essential equipment off to one side so he could pack it in his much smaller, much easier to sleuth around with, assault pack. He immediately noticed the difference in the color of the gear he had been issued as opposed to the stuff he would normally get. All this stuff was in a brown-kaki-tan camouflage, when he usually got various shades of greens and greys. Was there really so few flora in Sand that he would be better off trying to blend in with the dirt?

Once everything was packed up, Takeo pulled the pistolbolter from its holster and inspected it. It was an old single-action revolver that had seen better days. The blueing was almost completely gone from holster wear, and the wooden grips were scratched and nicked up pretty bad. Pulling the hammer back to half-cock, Takeo swung open the cylinder door, and checked if the bolter was clear. Then, with a sigh of resignation, He opened the box of ammunition he had been given and loaded it. It was only a .22 calibre! They may as well have handed him a BB pistol! Well, it might prove useful for hunting small game on the road. Besides, it looked like a large calibre bolter, so it should be intimidating enough to dissuade anyone from doing anything stupid.

Once the weapon was loaded, he filled the little loops on the belt with ammo and tucked the rest of the rounds away in his assault pack in case he needed to get to them in a hurry later. Then he buckled the belt snugly around his waist, grabbed his gear, and carried it outside to the horses waiting on him in the courtyard.

Yes, that’s right… horses. They had issued him not one, not two, but three of the beasts! One to ride, one to carry his gear, and one to rotate between the two jobs. With each horse being able to take turns resting, he’d be able to travel nearly twice the distance in the same amount of time without putting too much strain on the animals. The man at the stables had looked at him all kinds of funny when he asked what the horses names were. Evidently, they were in the practice of simply serializing them with a small tattoo on the insides of their ears instead of naming them all.

Loading the rucksack onto the pack horse with the ungodly amount of feed and extra water he was going to need to keep the three big, warm-blooded arabs going from here to Sand, he checked one more time to make sure he had everything he needed. There was a moment of unashamed panic when he couldn’t find the book full of travellers checks he had been issued, but he was relieved to find it tucked in one of his saddlebags.

A glimpse of his reflection out of the corner of his eye made him sigh in disgust at the get-up he was wearing:

Spoiler

Great Scott! He looked like something straight out of a spaghetti western flick! “Wear these clothes” they said, “They’re perfect for the desert” they said. For Saito’s sake, he looked like a freaking Clint Eastwood wannabe! It was too late now… Might as well suck it up and get this show on the road.

Tsuyoshi Takeo mounted his nameless horse and, leading the other two by the reigns, rode off to the land of Wind.

A Horse with No Name​

The descent from the Village to the lowlands of Lightning country went quickly and without incident, as did crossing the fertile farmland of the valley. Once he crossed over into Wind Country, everything began to change. The trees shrank to bushes, then to sparse grasses before disappearing entirely. The dark, fertile soil made way to sand, and the coolness of the mountains, now long gone, were a distant memory. All-in-all, Takeo had seen enough of the desert to form an opinion about its climate.

FUCK. THIS. PLACE.

The sun beat down on the solitary traveller like a smiths hammer; which was fitting, since it was as hot as a forge. The sun and the heat sucked all the moisture out of the air until every breath was like inhaling a mouthful of sand. Speaking of which, Takeo pulled out a canteen, splashed some of the warm, tepid water in his mouth, swished, and spit before guzzling down several mouthfuls. The attempt to get the sand out of his mouth was futile, just as was any attempt to get the sand out of the crevasses in his face. And his hair. And his ears. And his eyes. And every god-rotting where else!

This country was not called the Land of Wind for nothing. Without any trees or hills to break it, the wind ran rampant across the vast, open expenses. Gust up to 30 miles per hour were constantly whipping through the air, kicking up sand and sending it flying every which way. Dust storms were a regular occurrence, and Takeo was glad he had been issued goggles.

Yep. This whole portion of the world could go… well… you get the idea.

Damn this heat! The clothes he was wearing weren’t heavy, but they offered plenty of cover from the sun. His face, hands, and the back of his neck, however, had turned bright red, regardless of the amount of sunscreen he used. The sun could be deadly here, and Takeo had had to stop at every single oasis village so the horses could get water and rest.

Unfortunately, the villages were small and poor. If they even had an inn, it was generally small, crowded, and filthy. Not to mention that none of them had a bathhouse. While his aroma was a pungent mix of sweat, horse, and sand, a plus side would be that he had saved tons of money by staying in such low-budget establishments.

After days of mindlessly bearing all the punishment the desert could throw at him, the smell of saltwater reached his nostrils. It was enough to make he and the horses perk up their collective heads. They picked up the pace, eager to finish the first leg of their journey and take a nice, long soak. They finally crested the last, massive sand dune, and spotted the port city of Soon’s Heaven. Joy and jubilation filled Takeo’s chest as he nudged the horses forward towards the impending safe haven.

Or so he thought. Upon arriving at the gates of the city and entering, Takeo encountered an all too familiar scene. The portion of the town he entered was destitute, much the same way as the Cronopolis back home. Having grown up on the streets himself, Takeo understood their plight; and, though he pitied them, he knew there was no way he could help in the short time he was to stay there.

Following the garish signs, he cautiously made his way to the sign-in booth, his hand never far from his pistolbolter. Upon arrival, Takeo dismounted his exhausted steed and swaggered up to the both, his spurs going jingle jangle jingle. He hadn’t expected the booth to be run by a gaggle of scantily clad young ladies. As much as he would like to flirt a little with them, he quite frankly couldn’t care less about them as members of the opposite sex. He was tired, he was hungry, and he was in dire need of a shave, a bath, and a soft bed. Besides, in his current hygienic state, no girl would want to get too close.

He took the questionnaire and began filing it out. He had to pause a moment before filing out the section pertaining to why Kumo shinobi were the best, and decided to write down nine simple words by which all Kumo shinobi lived:

Spoiler

Name: Tsuyoshi Takeo
Village Represented: Kumogakure
Present Shinobi Rank: Student
Exam Requested: Genin
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others:
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage

Once he received his stamp-like seal, Takeo asked for directions to the nearest four-star hotel. Anything more would be outside of his approved budget, anything less would be unacceptable. Besides, after such an arduous journey, the horses would be sure to appreciate such a hotels’ stables.

[Topic entered and left unless stopped.]

 

[Nara Raian]

Shin eyed his surrounding for a moment before he slowly releases the wind surrounding his body, allow himself once again to be brushed by this country weather. It was a change of pace from the cold weather of Kumogakure, the heat would take some getting used to, especially considering he had mostly known on mountainous areas covered with snow. Thankful he had learned a few wind ninjutsu before arriving in the area, allowing him to remain relatively cool in the heat, especially considering the white mask he had to keep on his face and the body armor that came with it.

Look around the place, the brief looked at the signs of poverty and the banners welcome foreigners clashing with one another. With bikini clad women? This cause him to pause for a minute, not because he was stunned by their looks, but by the oddity of the situation. Use only what you need to be welcoming I suppose. He thought silently as he continued walking up to the banners and approached one of the woman. She gave a brief smile, one that was put off with the foul smelling fish from the waters near him. He remain respectful, and was given a small form to fill out. Looking at the questions, he quickly made sure to enter his code-name, not seeing any reason to participate in any other forms of exams. He was currently on a specific path, and one that would allow him to meet others within the community of ANBU. Perhaps he could learn a few techniques in stealth and assassination from them.

Spoiler

Name: Kyōfuno
Village Represented: Kumogakure
Present Shinobi Rank:AiT
Exam Requested: ANBU
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Our tenacity to survive.

Handing back the form, he felt his muscle tense slightly as the pain from the stamp fade from his hand, causing him to look at the thing before nodding at the woman, and walking off. He should see if he could scope oout the competiton while in was here.

[TLUS]
[MFT]
[WC:315]

 

[Oshiro Saki]

Sunagakure was such a strange place, but at the very least, it was big. Seemingly bigger than Kumogakure, that is. Structures were erected seemingly everywhere, for miles past what he thought the city's limits should have been. maybe that was just because he was so used to the close confines of everything in the mountains, though. Who was he to say?

Saki found his way to what Avaron had called the "Soon's" on their trip here. Soon's Haven turnd out to be a large, smooth place with people of all origins. Plenty of beggars and poor folk, but there were other curious people as well. Specifically, a booth of borderline nude females. THat was where he was supposed to sign up, right?

Saki ignored that which was going on around him and waited patiently through the line until he was at the front. The girl he looked at gave a polite smile, which Saki returned, and took a pen from the desk to fill out the questionair off to the side.
[legend="Filled-out Questionaire"]Name: Oshiro Saki
Village Represented: Kumogakure no Sato
Present Shinobi Rank: Chuunin
Exam Requested: Jounin
Why Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: We have access to a variety of plant specimens that no other village does, many of which can prove quintessential to fights, assassinations, and other shinobi activities. Training in a higher altitude adapts out bodies to be even stronger with access to air with more oxygen in it, or be at ease fighting in air with a low amount of oxygen in it.[/legend]

It was a much shorter questionaire than he had expectd, but he didn't complain about the brevity. He smiled as he turned it back in to the hosts of the desk, recieving a painful stamp on his hand and a pamphlet in return. With that, he turned to leave. He would need to start training immediately.

[Topic entered and left unless stopped]

 

[Kiri]

The weather in this place was in great contrast to Kumogakure, and already Nanashi was feeling a bit uncomfortable. He looked around for a moment, trying to see if there was anyone about whom he recognized. This inter-village exam was talked about much back at home that he didn’t think he’d be able to make it. Luckily for him, persistence and hard work paid off. Still, he wished he knew someone from the village– Scrap that thought! He caught sight of a familiar figure in what seemed to be a rather gaudy tunic. Was it Takeo? He’ll have to confirm later. For now, he had to patiently wait in line before he could reach the desk where he was to answer the questionnaire.

As he finally made it up front and was greeted by the girl, Nanashi smiled back in return and then looked down at the form that was handed to him. He read it carefully before he took the pen and started to write on it. He would have to chase away any uncertainties now that he was actually signing in his details. Felt like his signing his fate onto something sacred. In any case, these were the contents:

Spoiler

Name: Yoru Nanashi
Village Represented: Kumogakure
Present Shinobi Rank: Student
Exam Requested: AiT
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Unexpected.

He hoped that even a short answer such as that would be enough. After all, if he really would have to think about his own experience of his peers and teachers, the only word that would come to mind was such. In any case, he handed the form back and left the desk area. And it was on his way out that he caught a glimpse of the Raikage himself. Amazing. Strangely enough, he had never gotten the chance to meet the Raikage before in Kumogakure, probably because he had other things to be busy about, but he had always heard about him and even seen a few photos.

He carefully approached the man, like a moth guided by the light with no specific reason whatsoever, until he stopped when he caught sight of what the man was reading. A similar pamphlet was on the ground so he picked it up and then read over the title before he felt a sense of dread. “Shinobi Spotlight…. Raikage, Gar or Virgin…..” He quickly rolled the said pamphlet and hid it behind me. “I didn’t see anything!” He declared with a pale face as he stood in front of the Raikage.

[Topic entered]
[Edited: Changed Genin to AiT... coz I didn't know I had to be specific... sorry. Cabal, please don't eat me. ;-;]

 

[Miroku Akkuma]

Akkuma walked through the massive Gates taking not of the outlying designs of this district, stopping every so often to engage in small talk with the poverty stricken locals. Passing out a few gems to those that looked like they might not make it without the charity. After awhile he finally found his way to the booth and line that was obviously for the sign up. It seemed Saki's information had been right, this brought a shark-like grin to the beings face. Approaching the line the other participants would feel the demons aura wash over them, that sense of malice and despair emanated from the devilish being. Waiting in the line the massive being towered over all those around him, he could feel the eyes of everyone he passed staring at him. After all it wasn't often many people got to see a being such as himself, no doubt many of them never had before. Keeping that in mind he didn't feel any disdain for those who openly watched him.

After a few minutes the 7'4ft tall Dark Sage finally made it to the front of the booth, he was behemoth compared to the women at the booth. That crimson orb and its diamond-like counterpart glowed with a warmth as he took the questionnaire. Quickly filling it out Akkuma would hand back the form and receive the necessary stamp. He noticed the weird look they gave him upon reading his village and that deadly glare dared them to tell him it was no longer one. Just because his Homeland had become a frozen tundra infested with eldritch monsters didn't mean he or his clan had given up hope on them. Weighing in at a massive 184kgs of pure muscle, he would give a small bow to the women. Two massive horns protruding from his forehead, his claw-like hands reached into his pocket to withdraw his pipe. Moving away so the next participant could sign up, packing his pipe with the herbal mixture while doing so. With a snap of his fingers the contents would ignite and he began to puff away on it observing those present. That muscular tail flicked behind him as its spear-like tip, looked deadly as the light shone of its scales.

The demons cloak billowed in the wind behind him, his Ancient Toraono armour with shined in the sun. The sigils of the both Toraono & Miroku were branded into the armour, strapped to the demons back was a massive scythe. Hanging from his hip were various scrolls and even a pair of ancient deadly looking gauntlets. Exhaling slowly the smoke swirled around him, giving his appearance an even more mysterious look to it. He wondered what villages currently had participants here, for there seemed to be quite a few interesting individuals. Akkuma noticed a pamphlet blowing through the wind and plucked it from the breeze. Briefly reading over its contents before giving a chuckle "I wonder how the Raikage feels about that.." his voice was deadly and seemed to cut through the wind as he expressed his thoughts out loud. Even among such a large gathering of unique individuals, he seemed to be getting quite a bit of attention.

A small child approached him cautiously and pulled on the beings cloak, turning his head to look down at the child he would smile warmly. The kid gulped before stuttering out his question, he wanted to know where the man had gotten his costume from. Akkuma bellowed out a laugh "This isn't a costume little one..." with those words the kids eyes widened with fear, the sage didn't expect what would happen and as such was quite taken a back by it.

"DEMON! There's a DEMON!" screamed the child before running away from the massive being.

With a sigh Akkuma reached up and scratched his head, it seemed even more eyes were looking at him now. He could hear whispering, some people were openly pointing at him. 'Well it seems the locals here aren't much for etiquette.' he thought to himself taking another puff of his pipe. Reaching into his pocket he retrieve a small canteen filled with his favourite liquor, Kirigakurian moonshine. For it was one of the few things that kept him calm and he couldn't risk losing his temper in such a condensed populace.

MFT
Filled-Out Questionnaire:

Spoiler

Name: Miroku Akkuma
Village Represented: Mist~
Present Shinobi Rank: Mercenary
Exam Requested: Jounin Exam
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Our Tenacity & Ruthlessness.

[Staying in Topic, Lets have some fun.]

 

[Hashigaki Kurokawa]

Kurokawa arrived at the warm desert area she was told would hold the sign in for the exams. She asked around and was directed to a booth full of female employees. She went up there and handed them an entry note with her information and desire to participate written on it.

Spoiler

Name: Hashigaki Kurokawa
Village Represented: Stone
Present Shinobi Rank: Genin
Exam Requested: Chuunin
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: We aren't but we are by far the friendliest and most trusting

She was not much for words, especially with a dry mouth and this sandy dry and warm climate did not do anything to help that. She bowed to the ones handled her request and took her leave without further ado. With her pale skin she saw no reason to remain in the sun for too long at a time.

[Topic entered and left]

 

[Sand Council]

@ Takeo: Love your vocab. I am sad that Akujin is running the Genin Exam portion, you will have to save your other event slot for me for when something goes terribly wrong if it does not go wrong in the exam itself.
[col]On the first part of the journey
The traveler was looking at all the life
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
There was mountains and trees and what the cold brings
The first thing he met was a bird that flew
And the sky with no clouds, only blue
Then heat became hot and the ground became dry
But the winds would sigh

He has now been in the desert on a horse a numbered name
It did not feel good to be out of rain
In the desert you cannot remember your shame
'Cause here they will only give you pain
La, la

After two days in the desert sun
Even cloaked his skin turned red
After three days in the desert fun
He was looking at a dried river bed
And the story it told of a river that flowed
Made me sad to think it was dead

Walking though a desert on a horse with a numbered name
This only hope that the journey would bring him acclaim
In the desert you will only recall what you overcame
'Cause now it is time to play the confidence game
La, la

After nine days he let the horse run free
'Cause the desert had turned to sea
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
there was houses and roads and what civilization brings
The ocean is a desert with it's life underground
And a perfect disguise above
Under the cities lies a heart made of pain
But the humans here will have nothing to gain

You see he made it through the desert on a horse with no name
But he was going to miss the rain
In the desert nobody knows his name
But there will be plenty to give him pain
La, la|

The girls could smell him before they saw him. They seemed to huddle together as he approached, one of them left the paper on the table for him to liberate as they quietly whispered and giggled among themselves. He would hear them complain about how smelly he was but beyond that there was no actual interaction until he handed in his form. The wild-wild west had one more cowboy it would seem.

[legend="[b]The Paper[/b]"]Name: Tsuyoshi Takeo
Village Represented: Kumogakure
Present Shinobi Rank: Student
Exam Requested: Genin
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others:
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage[/spoiler][/legend]

One of the girls would step forward after a brief game of Janken between the three of them, the looser being the brunette she shuffled over to the other-side of the table where she gingerly took the paper from the foreign cowboy and pinched it between her fingers and kept it at arms length as she placed it on the top of the pile. She spied the exam Genin and pulled out the appropriate stamp. "Your hand sir," she would announce (assuming compliance) she would place a glowing stamp onto his hand and then wave him off.[/col]

---

OC: @ Kurogane Shin - Welcome.

The air would be hot and dusty and it veiled the azure sky. The journey would be arduous but nothing a man of his worldly experience could not handle. Gusts of wind would some off of him like an aura of displacement, the sand kicked up in clouds like dust-devils in his wake the his young man. The sun would be hot and relentless, some would even claim blinding during the journey where you would think or rather hope that you saw a township, an oasis, the shade of a tree but none of these visions were real and would only deter the young man from his journey. Eventually the scent of salt and fish would assault his nares, more powerful than the visions he might have had. He would see an endless salty body of water before him and a great yet also terrible city. The poverty and the stench of destitution would be familiar to those who knew the ways of the world where the strong and the powerful had it all and the rest fought for scraps.

There would be a brief, polite interaction between the ANBU hopeful and the ladies. They liked how he looked, it might have been the foreign and exotic features of the young man or the fact that he did not seem to be interested in them. All the same he would hear them whisper while he wrote about the fact that they thought he was 'cute', the word butt might have also been mentioned as well making the term mildly more acceptable. One of the girls would start writing down the number of her compatriot but they would start laughing and fighting, the number of the girl that small cerulean-haired woman had jotted down was snatched by the tall brunette and she popped the scrap into her mouth. "Stop Kara!"

Back to work...
[legend="[b]The Form[/b]"]Name: Kyōfuno
Village Represented:</U><i></i> Kumogakure
Present Shinobi Rank:<i></i> AiT
Exam Requested:<i></i> ANBU
<U>Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Our tenacity to survive.[/legend]

The brunette approached and smiled, she looked like she wanted to say something but she failed to and wordlessly stamped the AiT's hand.

---

OC: @ Nanashi: sorry bro, you walked into it.

IC:

After a long, sweaty journey Nanashi would feel cooled by the the gentle breeze of the sea. The harbor boasted a fleet of ships, all non-military and many adorned with large white sails and flags designating their port of origin. A great wall would seperate this village and this port from the arid landscape the young Genin-hopeful had traveled. This journey would have likely been nothing like any journey before for the young man, the lack of water and the abundance of heat were diametrically opposed to what the young man had likely experiended in his homeland. Still, Kumogakure is not without its treachery, merely they endured a different kind. Wind Country was a land that lacked. That was what made it dangerous here, these desert offered little respite and were unforgiving to the under-prepared. Thankfully the Kumo student was prepared and he survived this journey through shifting golden dunes and biting winds.

Basic pleasantries would be exchanged between the auburn young man and a blonde and he would fill out his form.
[legend="[b]The Form[/b]"]Name: Yoru Nanashi
Village Represented: Kumogakure
Present Shinobi Rank: Student
Exam Requested: Genin
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Unexpected.[/legend]

He would for the most part remain unnoticed after he was given a stamp on his hand. The stamp would serve as a teleportation seal in his coming exam and it possessed a strange purple color. The girl would explain this to Nanashi if he asked. Attention would be drawn to the student when he, like so many others, began to approach the Raikage. Pictures, mostly selfies with the Raikage 'photobombing' them or being left to stand awkwardly next to them would likely grace next week's tabloids. That was until a juicer story came about.

There seemed to be a sense of familiarity between them, in he he approached and failed to bow or take a selfie. One observant girl, that same blonde would mention. You're from Cloud... you know eachother?" Eyes would shift from the Raikage to the unfortunate student. "Are you friends?" One would ask. "Lovers?" A second would ask. Conclusions made radically off of almost no data, yes that is the mob mind mentality. "Omigawd, are you the Raikage's young lover?" Some scantly clad women would move in on the possibly embarrassed or terrified teen, their arms extended as they pressed closed and they took selfies with him pressed in between. As soon as they got what they wanted from them, they would part ways but it would not be long before others did the same or asked him rather personal questions... most of which inappropriate to even type on this site due to site rating.

---

@ Akkuma - I am not shocked, welcome Misty.

Akkuma was a rather popular demon among the local townsfolk, his charitable contribution would allow them to live a few more months in this perpetual suffering for famine or disease ultimately took their lives. Still it was a chance to survive a little bit longer. Still, the looming figure was ominous and intimidating indeed. His long, foreboding shadow cast over a great area as he ambled this merchant community. A foreigner, still the demonic sage had likely heard a great deal about this mercantile community. A true Plutocracy, the village is run by the wealthiest: the Merchant Lords of Soons Haven. Each a tycoon in their own way, be it in fine linens, gems, or even fish; each merchant lord has control over a portion of the economy and together they determine the law of this village. They answer to only one man, much like every other village in the country less the last sovereign colony, Sunagakure. The power that these lords wielded was immense but divided among several people, much like a large council except there was no king. The people in this community, all less the final 1% suffered indeed. The wealthy often became richer while the poor seemed to scrape and struggle to survive. Still, as with any capitalist ideal many preferred this society to one more suggestive of equality because everyone had a 'chance', albeit a smaller one to those who lacked the resources to get a start because each of them dreamed of also being one of the wealthy housed in the city center. But before one gets all high and mighty about this fact, it is no different in a shinobi village such as Sunagakure. Even there we have the haves and the have nots and it is even more contingent on birthright because those born with the power to manipulate chakra were always more successful and given the best jobs and the greatest opportunities while the others got their remains.

Still, no matter how much wealth the monster would hand out to the civilians he would never be considered comely. His dagger-like teeth and inhuman eyes, those monstrous claws and the height of a giant would send most scurrying. There would be a wide breadth between the Toraono and the denizens of this village. Fellow shinobis would not be as wary but there would be the continual sideways glance or restless shift in stance as none forgot he was there. A dreadful aura seemed to roll off of the dark stranger as he patiently waited in line for his turn. The girls were well aware of his impending arrival and they were fighting over who would have to deal with him. You. no you. YOU. NO Eventually one of the girls lost the debate, assuredly someone had some dirt on her or perhaps she lost a game of Janken that went unseen but in either case she hesitantly approached the demon. She was eye level with his navel, not quite five feet in height herself the blue-haired girl with an unsteady hand extended a slip of paper upward in Akkuma's direction.
[legend="[b]The Form[/b]"]Name: Miroku Akkuma
Village Represented: Mist~
Present Shinobi Rank: Mercenary
Exam Requested: Jounin Exam
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Our Tenacity & Ruthlessness.[/legend]

The girl accepted the form and muttered a "T-thank you sir," as she read the slid. Her eyes widened when she read his country of origin. She opened her mouth to say something, but the dire glare he shot at her caused only a squeak to escape her throat. He extended his hand to receive the stamp he saw so many others receive. Something she forgot to ask or mention, her hand shook so violently it almost missed but the seal off-center did in fact land on his hand and that was all that it needed to do. There was a strange otherworldly glow that the DS might recognize even more than the average looker. Yes, it was a teleportation seal, but there was something evil also attached to it. Also, there was the question of why. Why would he need to be displaced?

Still, the eyes that were not on the Raikage were on him , one because you could not miss him and two because of the commotion surrounding the demon as he casually meandered away.

---

OC: @ Hashigaki Kurokawa -- Hashigaki is my favorite BL, ever since I joined NC so many years ago. I hope you find the same spirit in it I have.

Wind Country is a strange country, someone none would understand more than one with an extrasensory perception. The vivid colors of the world were perhaps lost to the young Hashigaki, a travesty truly but in its place the world itself full full of sound and song. Her words had power and life itself hummed, there was a drumbeat that was the unified sound of every heart in the world - a sound only she could hear. It would be hard for her to describe the word as she 'saw' it just like it would be impossible to describe the color blue to someone who has never seen the sky. Still, there seemed to be a different hum here in the desert. Her steps would reverberate off the sands and the stone. The wind would whistle as it passed her by and she could hear the sound of tiny granules of sand scrape over her clothes and over the gritty earth. Still, the wind seemed to sing and cry. The lands were mourning, strangely enough it was a lament that only she would be able to hear. It was like the lonesome wail of a childless mother, of a motherless child, a lonesome widow, a fearful babe.

Eerie. She could hear her own heartbeat as well as that of others as she approached the city of Soons Haven. It would be a thunderous roar in comparison to the peace and calm that was the noise of the living but it would overshadow the queer cries of the desert, a desert where everything seemed to be alive. The girl would wait in line and communicate with the scantly clad reception. She would earn a stamp on her hand and unlike the others she would not linger and be on her way.
[legend="[b]The Paper[/b]"]Name: Hashigaki Kurokawa
Village Represented: Stone
Present Shinobi Rank: Genin (Banner may be wrong)
Exam Requested: Chuunin
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: We aren't but we are by far the friendliest and most trusting[/legend]

 

[Okada Kaji]

“Another one.”
The voice of one misplaced youth made a simple order from the shady cover of a large orange tent, where an ingenious vendor ran a shaved ice operation. It was a modest setup where a single craftsman was putting his talents with the ice release to a clever and profitable use. Jomei was seated at the counter with other nameless strangers who came and went, and four hours now, ordered scoops of berry blast and watermelon whammy shaved ice and kept them coming back to back. To show his gratitude for the service, Jomei set a single, heavy gold piece onto the counter for the ice-shaver’s troubles. It was worth more than an honest day’s pay to say the least, enough to keep the ice-man cranking. The paper cups and plastic spoons from his previous orders were stacked like glasses in a bar. While the heat was searing most of the other nomadic ninja, Jomei absorbed the local flavors from a convenient, perspective. And it was here he remained, enjoying the coolness of the ice tent, occasionally turning to obsess over the registration booth, which was in clear view across the thoroughfare, until the ice-shaver confused him for another local teen. Between the shaver’s juice blending and ice-natured chakra burst, the aging ice-man watched his customer eye the girls modeling for the touristing ninja. “The best move ya’ can make is to go right up there and talk to ‘em, son” the vendor offered genuine encouragement, and received a confused look from Jomei as he ate another spoonful of watermelon whammy. Feeling the goodness of his own wisdom, the ice shaver was insistent “never underestimate the power of an honest smile and eye contact.” With a smirk, Jomei entertained the vendor’s efforts to aid him, and from there a conversation occurred.

“Oh, was I that obvious?” Jomei asked as he turned away from spying on the arrival of more ninja; more possible competition, and other notable people passing by, whom he might never see again. “I just…” he hesitated, “I just don’t know if I can handle some of those girls out there.” he admitted. For years Jomei was a disciple of the stone, and he had underwent all of their tutelage-- all of the training, learning, and hardwork, to land in this monumental, dusty haven, and face a challenge for his family and village’s reputation. “I can’t afford to go out there and screw it up.” Not one to neglect his mission, Jomei tapped his spoon against the empty cup to give the shaver an indicator. He wouldn’t stray from their chat, and remained engaged despite a slight case of brain freeze from the cold treat. “Yanno?” he added as he received another cup of Berry Blast, and took the first scoop of delight off the top. “Ah...” went the ice shaver as he gathered more understanding, but this only led to his soft laughter. “Don’t be intimidated, little dude. Those girls are paid professionals. They get hit on by scum bag ninja all day long... Look at them, now look inward… Now look back at them. You’re a nice lookin’ kid. I’m sure the worst thing they’ll possibly say to you is no. I mean, it looks like one of those ninja just lost his lunch in the street just now. Tch’... call it a good omen. I swear, these foreigners are going to trash everything before the wedding even starts.”

“Yeah. You know what, I think you’re right” Jomei admitted as he noticed the ninja losing his continence in the street. From this distance away he could hardly make out the face of Lord Saito the Raikage; and perhaps it was for good reason. Jomei added a kind “Thanks for the pep talk” with a warmth and appreciation in his voice, and arose to his feet. In an inspired sort of exit, Jomei made his departure from the cool shade of the tent and seemingly vanished into the sight-piercing brightness that contrasted heavily outside. “Knock em dead, tiger” shouted the ice-shaver as Jomei left the quaint tent behind.

Indeed, just like every other account you’ve read thus far, Jomei found the sweltering heat to be a challenge and distraction in itself; one that would require a bit more innovation on his part if he hoped to see his way through whatever kind of gauntlet the proctors had in store during the Jounin Trial. And as Jomei proceeded with his slow march towards the registration booth, the looming pressure of the challenge ahead slowly began to outweigh the feeling of the sun burning the nape of his neck. By the time he reached the desk, he could hardly notice the sweat seeping through every pore of his skin where the armor wasn’t hugging too tightly. While Jomei didn’t embrace his manner of dress with the same bravado of many other ninja prepared for battle, he was still a ninja armed to the teeth with the clothing packing more protection than they seem, and sleek designs that hid the many tools of his trade beneath a long, mossy-green cloak. He was a modest one, and rarely revealed himself to prying public eyes. Even now, Jomei peeled back the hood of his cloak, or rather the wind snatched it backwards as he approached the ladies, and his face was revealed along with wavy hair rushing in the breeze. “I think you all have the right idea” Jomei said curiously while perusing that divisive registration documents, which sought to prod the idea of a rivalry between the competitors. “I should ditch my uniform for a pair of trunks, and hang out here for a few days instead… It’s not like I’ll be missing much.” He wasn’t affected by the provoking question, and gave what he knew to be a correct answer, given it was an exam and all. Once he provided his registration card, Jomei offered the women his hand to be stamped, and observed them kindly as his registration was handled. In the fleeting moments he tried to glance at the roster in progress, sweeping it in hopes of reading a familiar name, but the results were lackluster.

Questionaire Responses
Name: Matsui Jomei
Village Represented: Stone
Present Shinobi Rank: Chuunin (Stone SRD)
Exam Requested: Jounin
Why Are Shinobi from Your Village Superior to Others: Even the most indomitable ninja have a weakness.
The Stoneborn begin training to pick apart stronger foes from the time they learn how to walk.


- Jomei has Entered this Thread
- This is now a Spiderninja Thread
- MFT

 

[Junan]

The piece of paper in his hand he simply let the girls take their turns with their photos. It was amazing the angle that the article had taken, and Akira was mostly in shock. He didn't smile, but he looked down the camera lens fairly without expression. Not anger, not annoyance, just, perhaps a little confusion.

But thankfully it seemed that his own shinobi were going to get him out of it which gave him time to breath. Several Cloud shinobi were coming down the path now, signing up and thus keeping the gaggle of woman occupied for a while.

His mind shifting from the article to his shinobi signing up he smiled. He watched each of them, recognising them all, it had been an arduous task but it had been something Akira had decided he needed to put effort into personally, and that was learning all the shinobi at the lower ranks by image. Though he'd struggle remembering their names, he figured that this way it would help him identify those who might need his aid should something happen.

One of them turned towards him and approached, then suddenly something blew in front of him. Akira's smile faded, his mind returning to the pamphlet in his hand, the boys attention taken away for a moment as he picked up the article, his voice spoke the headline softly. His eyes rushing up to meet Akira's to exclaim he hadn't seen anything, blood fleeing his features.

Before Akira could say anything, his mouth open to do so, the gaggle of women behind the desk erupted. One after the other conclusions were being drawn. Akira reached out and placed his hand on the boys shoulder, speaking to him quietly he said Don't worry about it.

Unfortunately as he did so he heard the final conclusion being drawn "Omigawd, are you the Raikage's young lover?"

Akira raised his eye to them, and now there was a frown on his face.

Listen here. His voice was booming, there was real anger found in it.

Say whatever you wish about me, but you leave my shinobi out of it. This is simply a young shinobi who has come to enter the exams and who approached his Raikage as a safe person in a strange place. His single eye took each of them in, one after the other.

I played along. I took photos with each of you. Now leave the others alone.

Of course this probably would only antagonise the situation. But Akira was out of options, other than leave of course, but anything he did now could be construed in the wrong way.

Another shinobi had waltzed up to the stand now, his size was massive, rivalling his own, but he had horns of a demon. A race Akira had never trusted, his own participation in the demon wars and the destruction they had caused in Cloud during his youth demanding his distrust. Akira's attention watching the man as a child approached him, tugging on his cloak. The child said something, from the angle Akira couldn't read the boys lips, but he could work out that it was a question by the answer he received, the words reaching his ears. The child screamed confirming for all around what Akira already knew.

Akira watched him with a careful eye, his reaction to the child and now others around him. Would he act with violence... it seemed not, he instead pulled out a canteen and took a drink. Still. Akira watched him.

Behind him had approached another familiar figure. This time from his very recent trip to Stone. The young Hashigaki girl he had met.

Good luck Kurokawa he said at a normal volume. He knew she would hear him.

 

[Osuteno]

Chigokai Osuteno was on vacation. The twelve year old had been raised to the position of Mednin not long ago and because in Cloud a medical shinobi's rank was based on how extensive one's medical knowledge was, he held no interest in participating in the exams here himself. He was here to spectate. Having been the one who accepted the invitation for this event on behalf of the village, Osu had the most time to prepare. He had been to Soon's Haven once before on foot and that trip to Wind Country had been extremely miserable due to the unfamiliar heat and oppressive sun.

This time he traveled by ship, and due to drawing from his personal funds and clan ties, a rather comfortable one at that. He had his own private cabin and the ship had been made in mind to transport middling nobles and wealthy merchants. For Osuteno his face for this journey wasn't that of a shinobi but that of a member of one of the most powerful aristocratic families in Lightning Country. His clan head had actually been the one who suggested attending in such a fashion (since she couldn't be bothered) and even suggested he find himself a fiancée so she could work out some trade agreements with Wind. That ridiculous notion aside, Osuteno properly wore the marks of Lightning nobility on all of his clothing and made an effort to be friendly with other upper class families who had managed to learn of and make quick preparations for attending this intervillage exam. It had been a while since he had dealt with this sort so it was good practice to make sure all his etiquette was in order. More than once though he had come close to becoming upset when he was mistaken for a girl though.

It took a couple weeks but during the voyage Osu managed to alter his steps, tone, manners, expressions, and general way of carrying himself to fit what the nobles considered ideal... Though through Osu's eternal blunders the ideal he met was for a Lady of Lightning. Osu also hadn't consider the fact no one was expecting such aptitude in a twelve year old, but the problems that arose from that are stories for a different time in a different place.

As the ship docked in Soon's Haven Osu checked that his possessions were all gathered properly by the staff, made sure his contacts hid his solid blood eyes properly (even after all these weeks the things were horribly uncomfortable), and made a final spin in a mirror to make sure he looked the part of a young aristocrat. One day he would realize that all his friends, family and maids had raised and fooled him into wearing women's clothing in the effort to create the perfect trap, but today was still not that day.

Spoiler

Osu's first task as he stepped onto the dock was to find lodging befitting of the position he represented, but he decided to follow the recommendation of a merchant who had previously stayed in a rather upscale establishment. Despite the odd way the merchant kept trying to talk up his sons whenever Osu was around, they were on friendly enough terms and Osu respected his knowledge of the area. Since he was now free to explore, Osu left his possessions with the merchant's servants and went to gather information out of habit more than anything. Osu carried only a couple 'decorative' scrolls, a crimson parasol he had pulled from thin air, and a small pair of binoculars. After being forced to pay for information on where the exam signup station was, Osu found a safely distant rooftop cafe to observe the desk from. While probably looking all the world like a foreign princess whose curiosity lead her to escape her retainers and go adventuring in a strange land, Osu observed the competitors through his binoculars and was very surprised to see his kage standing at the desk.

Osu saw a few Cloud shinobi in the mix, though he mostly identified them on their manner of dress. He did see a couple he recognized but so far there were very few people in this city who would be able to identify him as a shinobi. Hopefully even if they did spot him they would be observant enough to see he wore the marks of Lightning Aristocracy and nothing that identified him as being related to Kumogakure itself.

And so Osu decided to observe the desk for a bit longer. He did still need to look into where he needed to go as a spectator, but he was also curious if anyone else he knew personally would be participating.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Kasamatsu Yukari]

The heat was overpowering as Amaya started into one of her last waterskins. Wiping sweat from her brow, she smiled as she approached the gates of the city. Well, looks like I finally made it. She had gotten word of the invitation to this intervillage exam while she'd been out grabbing a bite to eat after training. She overheard one of the Genin speaking about it. The gates opened, and Amaya stepped through, taking in a deep breath before immediately covering her mouth. The smell hit her like a rock in a pond. My word, what in the hell is that smell?! Her thoughts went answered as she began to regain her composure, looking around. The place looks poverty stricken, and yet there seems to be a lot of worth that went into this place.

After finally regaining her composure, she stood up, shook off the initial shock, and took off to find the sign-in table. She just stared as she walked by people of all ages, some of which looked a lot like unskilled thieves or tired old laborers. Most of which stared at her with what she felt was the intent to attack but it seemed as if they somehow knew better knowing there was the exam happening here. As she approached the table, she noticed a rather large person. Or was it a creature? She hadn't seen anything like it before so she decided to approach cautiously until she heard the child scream. Demon, huh? I guess the exams just got much more interesting. Reaching the table, she smiled at the bikini-clad women, and grabbed the clipboard they had extended.

Spoiler

Name: Izumi Amaya
Village Represented: Cloud
Present Shinobi Rank: Chuunin
Exam Requested: Jounin Exam
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Dedication to the village.

She filled it out with the information she figured she had to give. Though the last question was a little confusing for her. As much as she loved Cloud, she never felt like the village was absolutely superior so she couldn't very well explain her answer. As she handed the clipboard back, she kept her hand extended to receive the stamp. What an odd sensation. This isn't what stamps are generally like, are they? She rubbed her hand as she moved out of the way, her eyes wandering to the apparent demon.

Excuse me, she said as she slowly approached him. Is it true what the child said? Are you a demon? She stood there, hoping he acknowledged her question. She'd never met a demon before so she was excited, yet afraid. How does she approach one? What will he do?

[Topic entered]

 

[Sunaku Shikai]

He was back. Shikai had not been in Sand since before his enrolment into the Stone academy. He ha to make sure to go visit his fathers grave whilst here. But for not a much more pressing matter. He had the chance to make his father proud on home soil. He took in a deep breath. the dry air and constant warmth was a blast from the past. Nowadays he lived a much colder place. One thing he didn't miss was the sand getting in everywhere.

"Might as well save, emptying my shoes of sand for later."

Shikai had only been in the outer village once, when he and his mother were leaving for Stone, so that part was still somewhat new to him. He walked around sightseeing for a while. Shikai kept his mask on because he did not want to be recognized here. He also bade sure to keep a mental recording of the place. He wanted to show it to his mother along with some part of his fight seen from point of view. She would probably be in the stands cheering but just in case she stayed home, he did not want her to miss it.

"Next!"

He heard a soft but firm female voice somewhere behind him. He turned and followed the sound of it and soon came to the sign up booth for the exam. he requested a form and filled it out while looking around at the other people there who might have known him in the past. He didn't spot any though. He also didn't pay much attention to the girls in bikinis. He failed to see how that would draw in more people since their were taking participants rather than just spectators. Then again he had never been much for overexposing women anyway. They were eye-candy and nothing more. All done with the form he submitted it.

Spoiler

Name: Sunaku Shikai
Village Represented: Stone
Present Shinobi Rank: ANBU In Training
Exam Requested: ANBU
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: The unyielding bond between comrades. In Stone we don't discriminate, we build upon differences to make them work to our advantage.

Afterwards he went around looking at the different spectacles before leaving the area, to go find somewhere to empty his shoes and get some refreshments.

[MFT]
[WC: 386]

 

[Sand Council]

OC: @ Jomei: Welcome. Love your ability to write dialogue. I apologize for the brevity.

IC:

Jomei had nothing to worry about, the girls were fascinated by all of the foreign, rugged young men that had made their way to Soons Haven over the past few days. Many of them were in worse shape than he was, considering the fact that the journey had taken its toll on them and they failed to find a bathhouse before they found the registration table. The girls were polite, the giggled and gossiped between patrons. Some were cute, some were smelly, some looked like they had a big sword and not the kind that they would use in an arena. When it was Jomei's turn, a cute red-head processed his request. She smiled when he mentioned that they had the right idea accompanied by the fact that he thought he might get a pair of trunks. "Totally, you'd look great," she affirmed with pink cheeks. The young man, likely as dense as most would likely not notice the subtle pass that statement was intended to be. She was not quite as forward as some of her friends so he would not find a phone number stuffed down his pants at the end of this interaction.

Your hand she requested as she lifted the rubber stamp to place a seal on his hand. With a smile she added, I hope you enjoy your stay. The beaches are a really good place to get some sun. Attempt number two although as soon as she said it she rebuked herself internally. That was a dumb thing to say get more sun as if there was not enough sun out here already! She could be a total idiot sometimes. There was a mildly embarrassed look on her face as she excused herself to the back of the bevy of bikini clad beauties.
[legend="[b]The Slip[/b]"]Name: Matsui Jomei
Village Represented: Stone
Present Shinobi Rank: Chuunin (Stone SRD)
Exam Requested: Jounin
Why Are Shinobi from Your Village Superior to Others: Even the most indomitable ninja have a weakness.
The Stoneborn begin training to pick apart stronger foes from the time they learn how to walk.[/legend]

One of the other girls stepped forward and placed the registration slip into its proper pile, she looked a bit older by maybe a year or two and less intimidated or awestruck by these events or the 'cute boys' that had made their way to their table over the past few days. In a low voice before Jomei departed she mentioned simply, "she thinks your cute, don't make her sad."</COLOR><i></i> Yes, it was a threat but she was no shinobi so there was nothing more that she could do than to tell him to 'not be a dick.'

Bah, boys...

---

Akira

The Virgin King of Thunder Mountain was not what one would consider a weak-appearing man. In fact his presence was dam intimidating despite the fact that he was middle-aged. He aged well, more like wine than fruit. He had passively tolerated the intrusiveness of the crowd as they invaded his personal space and asked questions most would not ask even a close friend. His face would grace several tabloids over the next few weeks, he would likely be left to wonder if any would reach as far as his homeland. Avarice and need were strong motivators, the possibility of a scoop and the compensation that would come with it was enough reason for most to throw decorum and dignity aside in Soons Haven. It was considered an extravagance to concern oneself decency and grace came second to getting a hot meal on the table or a roof over their heads. Still when the Raikage rebuked the crowd, a hush fall over the curious and the bold. His stern expression and his proud stance, a hushed whisper would come over some of the spectators even a light clap of hands after moments of stunned silent restraint. What a lovely display of manly affection.
[col]It's True?|

It just might.​

​

[/col]

<COLOR color="#4040BF">Would not have taken him as the type.​

[col3]||What type is that?[/col3]

I think it is just lovely.

The voices in the crowd were numerous, rumors would pass more easily than the truth especially if the truth was uninteresting. However, in a way that was the point. The crowd was being manipulated, the entire farce that was this exam was nothing more than a misdirection that would lead shinobis to their end. A vast amount of information had been compiled on the major players in the various hidden village, while the more isolated and secretive leaders of this reclusive world might not be well known there were common facets that all men of authority have and that is a sense of PRIDE. It was a sin that all men shared but some seemed to have a greater burden than others. The writer of the article knew that what was said was completely false, however the crowd did not and even if they did get an inkling it would not make for interesting conversation.

In the end one needs to take account of the victim above all else. Libel in tabloids and his shinobis suffering from rumormongering and slander such a short time after arrival in this community was not without reason but the actions of these citizens was not being controlled in a literal sense. People were predictable in all of the things they did. In fact, the Soverign had very specific plans for this Raikage. (A Sovereign is looking for you, thread coming soon.)

---

OC: @ Osuteno: We meet again, alas there are no princesses here for you. However, there is a very lovely son of the Diamyo that you might be interested in. Sorry that this is so short but there is nothing for me to write for you.

IC:

A lovely young woman arrived in Soons Haven, she looked more like the a Merchant Lord or in his case lady than a shinobi. It was obvious (s)he was foreign from his/her choice of garb. The traditional and fine multi-layered garments from Lightning Country emblazoned proudly with the symbols of Kaminari no Kuni. He was quite lovely and poised, without coming to the registration table to participate in the exam the girls would not be able to share fashion advice or talk about the cute boys they wanted to check out after their shift was over.

---

OC: @ Izumi Amaya: Welcome. =) Just processing your entry, have fun with Akkuma.

A young woman would arrive at the counter and the girls would greet her pleasantly. "I am so glad that we have a few girls showing up, I was afraid it was going to be nothing but testosterone here for the next week," she young bikini clad woman confided as she passed over a slip of paper to the Kumo kunoichi. As she filled out her form, the young woman who was processing her registration would mention that the oasis was a good place to cool off and that she should avoid the bazaar at night. Just some decent woman-to-woman advice before she would ominously add that it would be a good idea to avoid most of the men from Sora as well, Sora being the capital of Wind country the foreigner would likely not understand the significance of her statement but it mattered little and there was nothing more she would have said even if asked. There were far too many ears here and she would not risk them overhearing.
[legend="[b]The Form[/b]"]Name: Izumi Amaya
Village Represented: Cloud
Present Shinobi Rank: Chuunin
Exam Requested: Jounin Exam
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: Dedication to the village.[/legend]

After the slip was filed away with the rest she stamped the Chuunin's hand. The stamp would feel warm and possess an unearthly glow.

What an odd sensation. This isn't what stamps are generally like, are they?

"They tell me it is a teleport stamp, but I would not worry too much about it in your case. The exam is taking place at the shore of the Oasis," the girl explained. She was being honest, at least she was stating with complete honesty what she knew. There was more to it, not in that it did something that was unstated but in the fact that the stamp was placed at all. "I hope you have a good stay."

Next...

---

OC: @ Sunaku Shikai: Welcome sandyman

IC:

Next!

A young man shuffled forward and wordlessly forward and filled out the necessary form. There was no interaction less the basic instructions the young smiling woman gave the Iwa-nin. Fill this out. Give me your hand. Thank you. Enjoy your stay.
[legend="[b]Form[/b]"]Name: Sunaku Shikai
Village Represented: Stone
Present Shinobi Rank: ANBU In Training
Exam Requested: ANBU
Why Are Shinobis from Your Village Superior to Others: The unyielding bond between comrades. In Stone we don't discriminate, we build upon differences to make them work to our advantage.[/legend]