Open New And Better

[Uchiha Asuka]

Even now she was still dealing with the situation that transpired. From disgruntled family members, repair bills and timetables. Things needed a change of pace. She thought she could've changed things for the better. Made the old ways go away for something new, better serving of the shinobi that gave the life's for the village. A change of pace, from war to peace, conflict to serenity. But apparently that was too much to ask from the all mighties since they decided to throw a maniac upon her gates. So now she needed a play from the old book. It would take time and precious resources but it had to be done.

Finishing off the rest of the paperwork she turned her chair around to look at the view of the village, from here she could see the slow re-construction of the gates. It was time to become something new, different, better.

With a sigh she looked upon one of the people that worked in the mansion, looking upon at him she simply said hanging him a bunch of letters. "Summon Takeshi, Daiji, Moyasu, Shushuke, Haniki, Rikku, Yuki and Shishiwakamaru." She said sternly.

"Right away Hokage-sama." The man speed off into the hallways to deliver the message.

Once they where reached, an individual would give each of them a letter.

Moyasu, Shushuke, Haniki, Rikku, Shishiwakamaru=

Letter=URGENT

Spoiler

Hope you're having a good and productive day,

Due to recent events somethings in the village have to change, after carefully looking through files of potential candidates for a special assignment you have been chosen and are requested to accept the summons and head immediately to my office inside the Hokage mansion for further details.

Yours truly,

Uchiha Asuka
5th Hokage of Konohagakure

Daiji=

Spoiler

Upon looking over the small number of files we have for fully fledged Shinobi yours in particular came into considering for a new assignment. Upon consideration you are required to come to my office inside the Hokage mansion for further details. Take into consideration that this will take time and patience so I do hope you are ready.

Regards,
Uchiha Asuka
5th Hokage of Konohagakure

Takeshi=

Spoiler

Dear Takeshi,

As I've come to this position I started with the thought of changing things for a better, building a new Leaf. Thinking the chair I'm sitting on as an easy job. Which it was for a small time. Moving things here and there, trying to make ourselves better with a different point of view. Doing them alone.

Unfortunately, due to recent events, it has made me reflect on what it truly means to be the lead in this place. The weight that it entails, the people searching for answers you do not have. Things need to change.

I hope you would honor me with your presence for a new assignment I have planned in which you are vital for it's success.

With love,
Asuka

 

[Mizushima Kita]

Notes were scattered across the floor, being organized into groups based on topic or chronology. With the messy way that Haniki went about note taking in her day to day, every once in a while she would need to compile her notes and either rebind them together or rewrite them in a fresh book. Upon hearing a knock at the door, she stood up and made her way to the front room, her eyes distracted as she continued to finish her current thought process.

Haniki opened the front door to her home and was surprised to find an unfamiliar man holding a letter. She expected it to be one of the cooks downstairs that her father had sent up with lunch, but this was definitely not the case.

Haniki accepted the letter and bid the man farewell as he turned to continue his task. Before opening it, the girl walked downstairs and into the restaurant kitchen to find her father. “Papa, I got… a letter?” She said with confusion in her small voice. Haniki stood beside her father, opening the letter within his view as well.

He smiled, “You’ve received a summons, Haniki.”

“What do I—?” She started to ask before she got to the part that explicitly said to report to the Hokage’s office. “The Hokage? Did I do something? Why would I be picked by the Hokage?” Haniki asked her father all of the questions that immediately flooded her mind.

“I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about, but you should get going.” He ushered her.

Haniki nodded and folded the letter back along its former creases. While her nerves didn’t fade, she took off for the Hokage’s office as she was instructed. When she arrived she asked for assistance in finding it, escorted by one of many that worked within the building.

 

[Gotō Daiji]

"Mm?" was his only reaction upon opening the front facing fusama to his clan's main house and seeing a messenger standing before him holding a letter. He was half asleep a just a tad hungover from the night before. Rubbing his eyes he stared at the document handed his way. Official Hokage business or so it seemed. "Is... this a confession?" he asked, leaning up against the doorway and raising an eyebrow at the man who instantly shook his fist at the chunin. Words like 'insolent' and 'fool' were tossed around, something about how dare him and he should be grateful to receive any correspondence from the Lady Asuka at all, et cetera. He closed his eyes and brought a hand up, "Kidding, kidding." his halfhearted attempt to assuage the man seemed no use and in a huff he turned on his heel and stomped off somewhere. Made him wonder. Were all Kage assistants so high strung? Or maybe he just thought the Hokage was cute too.

Opening the letter his dark eyes scanned over its contents rather quickly. Almost immediately he furrowed his brow and a sweatdrop formed on his head. "New assignment?" he groaned and sighed all while shaking his head. "Great." If crabby was a person it'd be him right now. Didn't help that he was operating at less than one hundred percent when receiving this news. He had his hands full (by his definition at least...) with teaching at the academy and was more than content to just skate by. No he did not want 'to become Hokage one day believe it' and he loathed responsibility... but it seemed as if the village brass had bigger plans for him. Damn.

How in the world was he supposed to slack off now?

Slowly but surely he made his way to the Hokage Mansion dragging his feet every step of the way. Maybe if he was late enough he wouldn't have to do anything important? Yeah, that was a good plan. He was off duty today and took no extra time to dress up for the occasion. Just a simple oversized black shirt, comfortable dark grey pants and dark blue shinobi sandals. A pair of his trusty shades sat low on the bridge of his nose, revealing his unenthused expression to the world. Of course he never went anywhere without being prepared, but no equipment was immediately visible on his person. Eventually he arrived at his destination and took a deep breath before straightening his face out. He had his plan. Show up late. Flimsy excuse. Profit.

With some quick chakra control and maneuvering he would make one of his typical entrances. A poof of smoke would appear on one of the side windowsills to the Hokage's office and once it cleared he would be squatting there, eyes closed and waving a hand in apology (Shadow Dance). "Sorry I'm late... it's just that-" he paused upon opening his eyes and seeing that he was only one of three people present. No way. It couldn't be. He was early?! Not even two minutes into this thing and his big plan had already backfired. "Uh... nevermind." So much for being a strategist. He hung his head in defeat briefly before climbing down and making his way around to the front of the Hokage's desk and clearing his throat. "Answering your summons, Lady Fifth." a finger came up to adjust his sunglasses. It was hard enough to mask the tepidness in his voice, if she got a good look at his eyes it was over. Now all that was left to do was wait. He wondered who else would show? And what exactly this was all about.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Tsuchiyama Rikku]

Rikku groggily answered the door, rubbing the sleep away from his eyes with a pout on his lips. Another day with his parents away from the village and with there being no school to attend today, he was going to enjoy sleeping in way too late. Droopy eyes met with the messenger delivering his Hokage summons. After the man had left, Rikku openly groaned. He just wanted to be lazy today, but after reading the summons it seemed like that wouldn’t be the case.

Rikku reluctantly dressed himself and prepared to leave for the Hokage Mansion. He caught a glimpse of Haniki’s bright head of hair as she entered and scurried to catch up with her. Polite greetings were exchanged before she requested help finding the Hokage’s office and they walked together with their escort.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Spoiler: “Letter from Hokage”

Hope you're having a good and productive day,

Due to recent events somethings in the village have to change, after carefully looking through files of potential candidates for a special assignment you have been chosen and are requested to accept the summons and head immediately to my office inside the Hokage mansion for further details.

Yours truly,

Uchiha Asuka
5th Hokage of Konohagakure

Shusuke let out a sight. Apparently the Hokage didn’t find his sense of humor that funny, was she really going to summon him to the tower over a broken tea cup and that Hag insult? ”Pathetic…” He folded the letter back up and placed it into his pocket. He was probably going to be given an assignment to clean that tower where those messenger pigeons lived, forcing him to scrub the bird shit off of the walls or something stupid. He let out a yawn before stretching his arms.

Arriving at the Hokage Tower he saw quite a few people arriving as well. Passing a few attendants he would ask for the occasional direction so he wouldn’t get lost before finally reaching the door to the office. As he entered the office he saw Daiji and a few other students. He rolled his eyes. ”Look, if you brought them in here as witnesses, I’ll just buy you another tea cup…” Shusuke felt defeated and trapped in this situation.

 

[Yotta Ryusui]

Oh. My. God.

Yuki, YUKI, was picked for a special mission? This was absolutely bonkers, I mean like really… Yuki? What did the Hokage need? Someone to sweep out the office? The young priestess would have to be something special if the Hokage needed her help. ”Okay mom, I am like so busy today, because like the Hokage has requested me, YEA ME, for a special mission. That’s because I’m an amazing ninja!” She covered her mouth and let out a devilish cackle before leaving the house.

It wasn’t long before she found herself entering the Hokage’s office where she saw Daiji first. ”YOU!” Yuki switched to a defensive stance and pulled her brook closer to her chest before switching her arms into a striking position. She fully intended on giving this big bully a bop after the last class, that was until she saw Asuka. Broom mid swing, she froze.

Almost comically she flipped her broom on the ground and began to pretend to sweep as she whistled a little tune as if saying “please dear god I hope you didn’t see that.”

 

[Shishiwakamaru]

Though the letter read special assignment, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow in trouble. He didn't recall doing anything in particular that would warrant a summoning from the Hokage. Perhaps they found out about that book he found with the forbidden techniques and have decided to banish him or something.

With great hesitation he would stand at the door to the Hokage's office and push the door open slowly. He could already hear voices inside, it sunded like there were more than a few. What could this be about?! "H-hello? Nara Shishiwakamaru reporting as requesting..." Once he was fully inside he saw multiple individuals that he knew. His head spun from the confusion, he was clueless as to what this was about. Seeing his classmates afforded him a moment of peace from the previous thoughts of being in trouble. If he wasn't the only student here than this probably wasn't about him in particular. "Oh, hey guys. Super weird that we're all here, right?" He directed that towards his classmates, it was truly odd to be summoned like this and almost his entire class being present too. Idle chit chat to possibly ease the tension in the room.


[OOC - Topic entered]

 

[Ōtakemaru]

”…”

Y’know, Take really felt empowered after his lessons with Nao-sensei. He hadn’t felt this confident in himself in a long time – I mean, he had gotten a hang of a rather mundane skill, but it was one that many Genin struggled with to begin with, and he finally appeared to be capable of using it with ease! It took hell to get here, though, but he was finally in full control over his ability to walk on water! It was a huge step, just like Nao-sensei said; there were no second chances in life, and the young swordsman made sure that his one chance of mastering this skill didn’t let go of his fingertips. Even a couple hours after his last lesson, Take took a walk over the ponds near his house on the way, just to normalize this uncanny but widespread skill. He was growing as a shinobi, and to be honest, that was all he wished to see; some actual growth. His mum would definitely be proud of him…

Despite being a little eager, he walked back into his house and closed the front door gently. “Mum… are you home?”

“Yes, what is it? I have a mission to go to, so be quick.”

“…” Already, Take could feel it building up in his throat – this dreadful pressure, as if he was warning himself that he’d regret telling her anything and, in a way, delay her from her present mission. It was probably a very important mission, so why should he keep her waiting just to tell her about something so mundane? So pointless? Wait, it wasn’t pointless at all! He spent several days mastering this skill, and she must’ve even noticed his absence lately! Just tell her, even if it won’t make her smile-

“I-“ Don’t let the pressure in your throat choke you, Take, just say it, “I learned how- h-how to walk on water…” Christ, did that come out pathetically…

“… U-Uh… sure, whatever,” his mother replied before passing by him on her way out, carrying the blade Shokuryū-ren with her, “I’ll be gone for the rest of the night. Tell your father to make dinner later,” she informed him, which was responded by the younger swordsman with a simple bow of his quiet, shadowed head. She sounded like she was in a hurry.

“Tell me when you’re assigned your first mission. Bye.”

And with that, she was gone. Take, now alone in the cozy house, slowly lowered his gaze down to the smooth, wooden floor, his assumed celebration for water-walking only attended by the dancing shadows of leaves and branches cast by the late daytime sun.

…

…

His intention was to obtain a mission directly from the office, but noticing the arrival of some faces he had seen from the Academy during one of his own lessons with Nao-sensei, he grew a little curious. Oh well, most were walking up the same way as he, but he… didn’t want to face them head-on. He wasn’t feeling like himself right now, and they were probably summoned for a very important reason that didn’t concern him in any way, shape or form. Therefore, he stood waiting right outside of the Hokage’s office door after the last guy with a ‘no man bun’ policy in his hairdew had entered, at a few intervals sneaking a peek into the room – the door wasn’t properly closed, and people could definitely tell that someone very, very timid with his presence was lurking right around the corner, his deep face trying its best to gather courage.

[Topic Entered]
[MFT]

 

[Moyasu]

The message was delivered to him at the Byoin as that was where Moyasu currently stayed as he finished out his recovery. It was well known though that he had been cleared for most physical work and had at some degree returned to training. He had even recently secured readmission into the academy, so with everything it was strange to him that he would be summoned. Unless it had something to do with why he had been put into a coma and the lost fragments of memories from his academy days prior to waking up. Still, Moyasu dressed in the usual hospital garments and bandages would make his way to the Hokage's office. There was what felt like a rock lodged in throat as the scale of this summons really started to weigh, afterall it was the Hokage that was personally summoning him. What more for an assignment....

Reaching the mansion, he'd stand there for a few moments to awe in it's structure though it wasn't the first time he'd saw it. It was just a building that gave that feeling cause of his youth and what it represented. Adjusting the bandages around his wrist, he would once again reread the message to make sure he wasn't hallucinating..."Special assignment". He was thrilled again for all of three seconds before something donned on his mind, causing all that excitement to sink to the bottom of his feet. He was a student, the bottom of the totem pole....without a doubt this special assignment was going to be some mundane task.

"I seriously hope this isnt going to turn into a gathering the trash mission....or a hunt down that cat ladies runaway minx again. I mean what much would the Hokage need from a student....me of all people"

Stuffing both hands into his pockets, he'd just enter the building. While he did encounter another boy in the hallway after getting general direction from a woman in the lobby, his initial reaction was the confirmation that whatever this assignment was, he wasn't going to be alone at least. Before entering he would pat Otakemaru on the shoulder. "Might wanna hurry up, think we're already late to the meeeting". He wouldn't wait for the other boy to follow before entering himself instantly meeting all the other's who were present....but only one made him stand still like a stone. When he looked towards the Hokage, swallowing hard...

"This is going to be interesting....or boring....please be boring"

[Topic Entered]

 

[Uchiha Takeshi]

Heading into the Hokage Mansion from his recent outing with the two notes still in his hand, he tilted his head towards the familiar people around greeting them as he walked through the office, he had been requested, and of course, he promised Asuka his support, no matter the cost. As he walked towards the halls, his hand brushed across the ANBU Sennin sign, now it was his wife's, but this was where his life had started. Twists and turns later and he found himself walking into the reception room to the Hokage office. Looking towards the door he noticed a child standing by it, a frown formed on his face as he looked at him peaking into the office.

"Well interesting to find someone peaking into matters like this, by you know what, why don't we just go and see what is going on in person, it should be fun and after all, we will actually be there for what is happening"

Before the reply even came he had allowed himself to swing the door open, walking into the boy at the door and forcing him into the room with himself. No way out was the best option as he turned to the door shutting it and locking it behind him for that little bit more security this time as it seemed students still had not learned to shut them fully after entering. Turning back around he glanced around the room, seemed like quite a large attendance for this office, but he knew it had a reason behind it after all.

Walking past them he took a glance at each person here, scanning them quickly and noting down key features and their look of them. Knowing not to judge a book by its cover, he moved around the Hokage desk and perched himself on the window ledge to the right of Asuka keeping himself out of the way. He placed his own summons on the table before Asuka, before putting the letter on the desk, the wax seal of the emblem showing up right as he glanced at her, wanting to get a reading if this actually means anything to her.

"Black Raven, had this for you on it, not sure what it is but figured I would deliver it as I was passing across the gates and saved you the hassle, I am sure you understand why I have been at the gates lately"

Going back to his little seat behind her, it seemed that everyone was here, or anyone late now was gone from the cut in his eyes as he glanced at each of them the warm welcoming smile that he had on most days as he looked figured he would speak up first.

"Bar the one that hung around outside, I presume you all called us here for a reason?"

[Topic Entered]
[Letter from Nobu handed to Asuka]

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

As they started to come in Asuka gave a nod to each of them. "Good to see you Hanki. Welcome."

A poof of smoke would suddenly appear in the office, which made Asuka sigh. Thank the lords the windows were open. "Daiji, what have I told you about poofing up closed up spaces!" She let out a exhasuted sigh pinching the bridge of her nose.

Although she definitely was not expecting such a strong response to Daijis appearance from another student, although she did chuckle at her reaction. "If you wanna slap him. Go for it. He probably deserved it anyway." She smiled


Starting to Shushuke. Giving him a giggle. "Water under the bridge brat." Asuka smiled pointing to her right, where a large cabinet sat full of different types of cups, from common to elegant to outright freaky. "Got plenty."

Asuka gave a smile to Takeshi as he walked past, next to her, like he said he always would. Was always nice seeing the old man again. Looking back at those who have gathered Asuka took a deep breath before looking forward. "Welcome to you all." She spoke with a warm smile. "Thank you for adhering to my summons." Turning her head slightly to Otakemaru she continued "And badly eavesdropping." With a wave of her hand there was a small poof of smoke as a hot kettle and cups for everyone suddenly appeared on her desk. Taking one cup and pouring herself some tea she sat back down. "Tea is for everyone, straight from a special friend at the valley. Quite exquisite stuff." She smiled taking a sip from her tea.

"Now. Not going to beat around the bush. You may all now what happened recently. The village was attacked by what appeared to be a Sunagakure Shinobi. W... I failed to keep the standards of the village forces the way they should." She gave a sigh taking another sip from her tea. "Now we are low on forces and can barely keep the village security in check, let alone the country. The changes I made when I came into this seat are clearly not working and the village needs to change, I need to change. Quality over quantity." Looking up at the group with a firm look Asuka took a couple of moments. "I've been reading the selection we have of students and shinobi alike. Their accomplishments, assessments from teachers and comrades alike, from that I've designated eight candidates for a special assignment. Those eight are all you."

Taking her cup in her hands she took a long sip, looking back at Takeshi and giving him a warm smile. Speaking softly. "I hope you keep the same training standards as you did for me." Looking back at the students and Gennin she took a deep breath. "Y'all have been selected simply due to the possible dormant potential you posses. Potential that needs to be unlocked as soon as possible to keep the village safe. A squad that will go rigorous training to speed up the learning process. Have you all be powerhouses. All of that done under the tutelage of this guy." She said pointing to Takeshi "Head of the Uchiha Clan, formally ANBU Sennin and Lord Fourth. Let it be clear, if you want to back out... back out now because once you agree there is no turning back. It will be difficult, exhausting; your stamina, chakra, smarts, stamina, will be tested and you will be at your limit. My hope is that you break it sooner rather than later. Takeshi here isn't going to go easy, and let me tell you by experience... the man is brutal BUT the results speak for themselves." Thankfully that part of her life was over. "This will all be by his standards, his methods. He has full autonomy for this program. Those of you that surpass his expectations will be placed in the Hokage Guard. Those of you that don't will at least become stronger than most in the shinobi force and will be given a choice of branch. If you accept and commit till the end I will guarantee you will not recognize yourselves from today."

Looking at Daiji Asuka gave a sigh. "Daiji, by the same metric, you are to be tested by Takeshis standards. If you succeed then you will lead the Hokage Guard and help Takeshi on the training of the younglings. If you fail then I leave it to Takeshi if he decides to train you or find someone else."

Asuka took a few moments to let it sink in. "Things need to change, quality over quantity. We can't e caught off guard as it happened before and I can not do it alone. Which is why I'm requesting this of you. Like I said before, no judgment, if you want to back out. Back out now and you will resume with your studies normally. Nothing said here will be made public aside from the Sennin so there will be no scrutiny for denying this request. But I do need any and all potential to flourish and help protect this fire country and Konohagakure." Leaning back on her seat Asuka looked up at Takeshi "Anything you want to add?"

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Shusule's eyebrows raised as he began to listen to the Hokage speak. He was summoned here to begin elite training. His eyes looked over the rest of the students. These were the other candidates? His pupilless eyes shifted back to the Hokage and his face shifted to a sort of "really? this is your picks?" Letting out a sigh he would continue to listen. Keeping his hand to his side, Shusuke would connect his index finger and his thumb to make a circular formation before extending his three other fingers in a perfectly straight manner. Yamanaka Style: Third Eye Blind... Shusuke would send out a potential connection to Daiji-Sensei through the use of his limited telepathic abilities.

"Is this guy as impressive as she is making him out to be?" The thoughts would be clear if the connection was made, almost as clear as verbal speech, and if this jutsu went through Daiji would be able to respond back mentally through this connection as well. His eyes would shift to the other Uchiha in the room. Why were there so many of them in the places of power? A sigh slipped from his lips as he responded to the Hokage, looking the advisor up and down.

"So on top of our regular class work and independent training, you want us to work with him as well?" His eyes shot back to Asuka where he would raise a finger, ending the hand seal being used to maintain a connection with Daiji-Sensei, to tap the side of his head. He raised an eyebrow at his leader, a look he has given her before when she thought she could use Genjutsu and he wouldn't recognize it. Sure the Uchiha were flashy with their fire techniques, but would this old man be able to help him master the techniques he was studying? He was curious if he could actually push Shusuke beyond what his deadbeat parents could teach him.

Shifting his eyes back over to the man, the boy's mind wandered. Perhaps this man could teach Shusuke something outside of his genetic affinity for Genjutsu, perhaps he has seen enough swordsplay with those fancy sharingan eyes he has to be able to teach him new sword techniques. Yet here he stood; still curious if someone with the title of "Advisor" was still capable of putting in the work. He sounded like he had retired and was just one of those lap dog elders that told the kids how they would have done it back in their day.

Spoiler: Yamanaka Style: Third Eye Blind

CRPJ's Effect: This allows the user to connect mentally with anyone within a close proximity, approximately half a kilometer. The recipient of this connection can feel Yamanka's extended use of Audial Genjutsu and the two may communicate telepathically by the use of hearing each other speak despite not being near one another, but the connection is easy to sever and requires no more effort than it does to blink to break the said connection. As the connected individuals move further away the delay in the message increases and the volume in which the message is heard is diminished until the limits are met and the connection is automatically severed.

 

[Shishiwakamaru]

The meeting had officially started as Lady Asuka greeted everyone, presenting tea in the process. Clueless as to the severity this meeting's tone would be, Shishiwakamaru would be the first to accept Asuka's offer of tea. Taking a small sip of the hot liquid his face would suddenly scrunch up in distaste. Truthfully he had not tried many teas aside from the generic ones you get at the store. Perhaps he just wasn't civilized enough for this fancy type. Setting the cup aside he would listen on towards Asuka.

At the mentioning of the incident at the gates Shishiwakamaru could easily be seen becoming perturbed. Tears began to well up in the corners of his eyes as he recalled the very night he was told, and how every waking moment of his life since then has been a struggle. Had it not been for his unknown benefactor that helped him gain entrance into the Konaha Academy he might never have survived the ordeal. At least now he had some clear answers. Whoever it was they had come from Sunagakure, a place he suddenly grew a huge amount of hatred for. His soul burned for vengeance for his father's death.

So when Asuka announced that they would be given the opportunity to join a special task force who's sole purpose was to train and better themselves to better combat such things, Shishiwakamaru would not hesitate to answer the call. But just as he was about to step forward Shusuke had already begun his usual routine of nagging about the situation. Walking up next to Shusuke he would give a playful bop to the back of his head. "Oh ok, I get it. You're not up for the task. That's alright, because I will. Guess you can't be top dog forever ~" Shishi knew what buttons to push, even after the short amount of time they had spent getting to know one another through all their various interactions. He wouldn't sit idly by and let this Nara kid best him, would he?

Turning to Asuka he would place a hand over his heart and proclaim his participation. "I will answer your call, Lady Asuka. No matter the difficulties that lay ahead , or how hard Lord Forth may push us. I can't back down now, I can't keep shying away from responsibilities. I vow to protect this village with my life." Turning to the other students he had come to call friends he would try to rally them to this noble cause. "Who's with me?!" Perhaps a little too melodramatic, but if Shishiwakamaru was seen to have potential, surely every single one of the others here did so equally, if not more.

 

[Gotō Daiji]

Shaded eyes watched as more and more people started to show up. This was turning into quite the little get together. Several students of his graced their presence, bringing a slight smirk to the groggy chūnin's face. It always amused to him to see the children interact with each other. Creating bonds, developing their skills as shinobi... perhaps it reminded him of his own younger days. Gentler times when compared to the violence that had been occurring lately.

A few of the younger ninja and ninja-to-be he didn't recognize. A girl with noticeably blue hair, a youth carrying a katana on his waist, and a boy with a complexion similar to his. No doubt all up and comers in their own right. It was at this time that a familiar girl wearing a large hat shouted at him and brandished her broom, leaving him standing with a 'plain' looking face at this outburst. "Hm?" was all he uttered but before any thwacks could be given out Yuki remembered where she was and tried to play it off by totally believably sweeping the ground. Asuka scolded him for making ninjafied entrances in closed spaces, something he always did. Then she said that he probably deserved whatever whomping the student had in store for him. Daiji simply brought up a finger to scratch the side of his head in concern. "Maybe I went a little too far..." Understatement of the century. Though hands-on training as he designated it was still the best way to learn in his experience.

Soon after the former Hokage joined the gathering, whom the chūnin had only met once before. Still someone who was a bit of an enigma to him and one he had yet to make a judgement on. More intel required. Now that everyone was present the current Hokage began her spiel. Placing his hands in his pockets the Gotō certainly looked as if he couldn't be bothered, but like always he was listening intently. Always watching behind his rounded sunglasses. Noting things down mentally as he learned them. The attacks on the village had left Konoha in a vulnerable state. Shinobi were valuable assets and with so many of their number newly curbed the deterrence factor they provided had taken a hit. It was up to all of them to step up to plate and take on more responsibility. Something Daiji himself dreaded almost more than anything. He was no careerist. And rather enjoyed his free time. Though he was quite the capable ninja he was modest when it came to topic of his own skills. Partly because he didn't like braggarts, but also because-- and this was something he believed wholeheartedly-- a ninja should never reveal all of their tricks. Reputation could be a powerful thing but he would take the element of surprise over renown any day of the week. It was how he was raised and trained. It was how he had survived thus far.

But it appeared he could not remain a mid-rank ninja forever. Asuka mentioned that he would be tested to hopefully lead the Hokage Guard. How gaudy. "This feels like something out of a manga." he quipped to himself, wrinkling his nose slightly. But he supposed that meant he would be spending more time with the village higher-ups. Oh his family was gonna get a kick out of this. Walking over to the Hokage's desk he casually poured himself a cup and lifted it to his mouth, offering only a, "Up to the task." and a nod before taking a sip. It was quite good. No sake, but it would do. It was then something interesting happened. Shusuke's voice echoed inside of his head asking about the Fourth Hokage. His shaded eyes glanced to the boy but his lips did not move. A Yamanaka 'hiden' technique maybe? Peculiar. "Not sure." was his initial response. Thought-to-speech was something he was entirely unfamiliar with. But he hoped his response would reach the boy. "One thing I do know-- not just anyone makes Hokage. Whatever else he is, he's capable." History had made that abundantly clear. He looked at Takeshi, who was to test him soon. One way or another he'd find out. "Never underestimate anyone, Shusuke-shōnen." His gaze shifted back towards the group and settled on the Nara boy as he chided Shusuke and proclaimed his intentions to protect the village. Quite the young hero in the making. It was nice to see him coming into his own. Daiji was glad to see his assessment about the boy's growth was beginning to pan out. Silently the chūnin continued to sip his tea and watch the others.

 

[Moyasu]

He would absorb the information given and everyone's reaction up till this point, keeping generally to himself as a sort of somber mood would fall over his being. Moyasu would grip both palms together for a moment before grabbing onto his pockets and stuffing his palms into them. He thought about it, hard too, but this type of assignment wasn't what he had thought in mind giving his circumstances, furthermore the fact that he was far from ready to handle such a grueling task. Not to be confused, he wasn't afraid of what the Hokage was asking, it was simply the opposite. He wasn't fully bought into his own body being able to hold up but he knew someone who could...

Moyasu would raise his hand slightly, speaking after everyone before him got his turn to simply state, "I am not one for this assignment Hokage, my body is still broken but with something this important even though my voice holds no merit...might I suggest taking my brother instead...."

His brother was someone Moyasu knew needed a push to do something more, having been a genin without purpose. He knew his brother at least would be a better fit, far better than he.

 

[Uchiha Takeshi]

Takeshi listened to the group speaking back and forth as he leaned against the window ledge, he glanced down outside watching people walking around, taking in the sun and the smiles on their lips. Drawing his focus back into the room he looked at each of them gauging them and their reaction before speaking himself, after all, they had never seen him and he had never seen them so it was going to go this way the first time. As he looked toward Asuka though it was just the back of the chair he paused before deciding to interrupt.

"This is coming from your Kage, lets's be straight up and out the gates, you got picked out for being the future, being a person of interest that could develop into something more than what you considered possible. The basic answer here is where and when, I presume that at least all of you are willing to see what this gives you and what future you are able to have from this?"

His voice trailed off as he considered the options for each of them before leaning back slightly, moving his weight from one leg to another he decided to be blunt about it, after all, it had never stopped him from before. Students never changed, quick with words but never thinking two steps ahead sometimes.

"Leave now or stay each of you make that call, those that stay I will start training straight away, those that leave this door will be shut forever once you walked out of it, think carefully and choose which option you are taking."

 

[Shishiwakamaru]

As the scene continued to unfold before him, Shi couldn't help but become distracted by this strange feeling in the back of his mind. Something foreboding, silently roaring to life, the young boy helpless to do anything but watch in horror. It started out small, a slight tick in his right hand. Quickly turning into what felt like he was vibrating in place his vision blurred as he tried to get some depth perception into his life. But to no avail, his arms seemed to triple before his eyes, but what felt like a singular experience was actually witnessed by all those around him. It was truly as if his body was attempting to un-fuse from itself and split apart. Grimacing in pain Shi clutched his head and screamed before everything faded to black around him, leaving him in utter darkness, the silence essentially deafening...

[OOC - Leaving topic to start a medical thread in the hospital, this is going to be for my Kin app in the future]

 

[Gotō Daiji]

A staticky noise coming from his hip pouch caught his attention and the young man withdrew a tangled mess of a headset and held it to his ear. A situation at the academy required his attention. Something about damage to school property and mention of his wages? Oh brother.

Excusing himself from the room the young man would scramble out of the window he entered from, heading towards the village's school. Hopefully Asuka or Soku didn't hear about this. Sure he had more of 'hands-on' teaching method but it was good for the kids! A little jarring maybe... but in this harsh world of theirs he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't prepare the next generation for what was to come. Anything else he missed in this meeting he could be brought up to speed on in the future.

The disheveled chūnin clambered across the rooftops towards the academy. At least he was early to this meeting for once... might give him some sort of a cushion for bailing midway through.

[OOC: Still down for a team arc! Just lmk when]
[Topic Left Due to Inactivity]

 

[Ōtakemaru]

[Topic Left due to Inactivity - am due]