Naruto Rp: Clouds on the horizon...

The ninja world was abuzz, it was the time of chuunin exams. This year they were being hosted by Kumo high up in the stormy mountains of the lightning country. The only known entrance to Kumo is up a rough mountain path and through a large metal gate that is guarded at all times. The village itself is situated in a small valley surrounded by high walls which do their best to keep out the blistering winds. Kumo is often covered by dark clouds forever relieving themselves upon the citizens. Lightning and thunder are no rare sight and there is almost constantly a storm overhead. The villagers are friendly enough and most are welcoming of the chuunin exam as it brings the village great business. Ninjas from every village have been pouring through the gates for days now. Tomorrow is when the exam starts and everyone is on edge. Looking down on the city a man stands in the shadows of the mountains, staring down across the darkening village. His hood covered his face, a small snigger could be heard, before he melded into the shadows and disappeared...

Post you and your teams arrival to Kumo! Happy Rping!

Tsurugi sat without motion. His blade was stuck in the ground in front of him, he often sat this way when practasing chakra building exercises. He sat facing the valley watching the village sprawled out in front of him. He had had to climb for 3 hours to reach this spot but he didnt mind. This was the spot he had chosen. On some days the village would not even be visable through the storm clouds. He cast his mind back remembering a moment of great significance to him.

Sat in front of his father the day he became a Genin.

His father nodded with approval

"You have acheived much this last year my son. Keep on this path and soon you shall be worthy of carrying a clan blade."

Tsurugi had smiled slightly as he did so as he sat on the cliffside. He had quickly realized how far away from his goal he actually was. He had learned the hard way.

"Tsurug!i" yelled a voice from below.

Tsurugi looked over to see Mizo's face smiling up at him from the cliff face. Quickly moving from rock to rock with his agile movements he slowly closed the distance between the two.

"Um, Tsurugi...I'm stuck..." Mizo said with humility "Wait, wait, I got it!"

With that Mizo reached the top and stood right on the lip of the cliff.

"Atatatatatatataaaa!!!!" he blurted out as he stumbled for his balance almost tumbling off the side of the cliff.

Regaining his balance he slumped down next to Tsurugi and sighed.

"Phew! That could've been one hell of a fall." Mizo smiled looking at Tsurugi "I thought i'd find you up here. You're dad told me you liked to hang around up in the mountains. I can see why, damn, what a view!"

Mizo stared over the village for a moment before speaking again in a slightly more serious tone.

"Did you hear, there's over 50 genin teams here from all over the world. There's going to be some stiff competition..." Mizo said still looking out over the village.

Tsurugi didn't even look up. He didn't like people discovering his thinking spots. Not that he minded Mizo who he considered a teammate and a freind but their was something he had initially found akward about Mizo's freindly and open demeaner. In his clan respect was earned with strengh and honour alone.

"So many opponents, Mizo. THis will be a perfect time to show our strengh to the world."

He flashed Mizo one of his rare smiles and stood up. He grabbed his blade with one hand and tore it from the ground. SHifting its great weight he fastened it to the strap connected to his backpack and rested his hand on the blade.

The black, rolling cloud thundered as it made it's slow approach towards Kumo. A breeze rushed through the streets and seemed to crackle with anticipation, matching the tension that clung to the air as Genin from all across the land poured in.

The journey from the land of the earth was a long and arduous one, but now they had finally arrived. Senshi took a deep breath in and surveyed his surroundings, his eyes following the peaks that skirted the edge of the village.

At last, my chance to become a Chuunin has come. I won't fail this time, I've trained too hard, come too far to slip up now.

He gripped his staff tight and, no longer able to contain his excitement, let a smile creep across his face. He ruffled his hair and set off through the gates of Kumo, awaiting his time to prove himself.

Ren opened his eyes and began to stare at the ceiling. Rolling out of bed, he grabbed both his swords and began slicing the air around him as his swords performed a momentous and synchronized dance. He felt the ferocity building inside him and an unresistant urge to wield the blades in a real battle.

"REN!" came a call from underneath him.

Ren holstered his swords immediately. Taking a running leap, he flew through his open window and landed expertly beside his father.

"How reckless of you Ren, you should take more care in approaching your target! Aha!" Ren's father unsheathed his blade and sliced towards Ren.

He passively blocked and rolled underneath the attack. "I will pass the Chuunin exam, failure is not an option!". He swung both his blades and lunged forward.

I will pass the Chuunin exam... The thoughts echoed through his mind. Besides, he had other ideas should he fail.

Not all of us are as eager to show our strength... Mizo thought in the back of his mind without a flinch of his facial expression.

"Damn right! We'll show the world what a Kumo nin can do." Mizo said with the best impression of an honest person he could "Oh! Damn I knew there was a reason I came up here, there's a letter that arrived for you, I think we all got a copy, here"

Mizo passed over a formal letter that read:

All genin are to report with their teams in the village square at 1200 hours on the 12th for the first part of the chuunin exam. Good luck!

"I'll have to meet you and the guys there...I have a few um...errands to run before then, see you soon Tsurugi!" With that Mizo descended the mountain in the quickest possible fashion.

Back on level ground Mizo became a lot more sullen. He walked the streets of Kumo lost in his thoughts, occasionally waving to shop keepers he had acquainted, but never really leaving his head. Then he arrived at the Kurayami temple. Stopping at the gate he nodded to the guardsmen and one of them detached from their post and opened the gate and proceeded to follow Mizo inside the compound. Their were dozen of Kurayami in plain unremarkable robes tending to the land and performing other menial tasks. Then they stopped upon the sight of one in particular, Mizo's father.

"Father, it's me, Mizo."

"Mizo, my boy, what brings you here?"

"I...I...I just wanted to see you before I entered the chuunin exam. There's a chance I might...not make it back."

"Impossible."

"What do you mean?"

"You aren't going to die. Me and your mother both gave up our lives for you, you have both our life forces running through your veins. You have three times the will of any Shinobi, Mizo. Now go."

"But I-"

"Don't you dare think about saying goodbye. You are my son! Kurayami Mizo, you will pass this exam and you will show the world we Kurayami are not the demons they think we are!" His anger seemed to build.

Mizo stood in amazement when the guardsmen put a hand on his shoulder and indicated it was time to leave. Mizo walked next to the guard as his father went back to his sowing of seeds as if nothing had happened.

Three times the will...three times the guilt...

Tsurgi dropped the last 10 or so feet from the cliff he had climbed and felt his feet sink into the wet mud as the weight of his sword pushed him down. Carefull to spare at least his sword from the muddy water splashing everywhere he stumbled back onto the path and began along the long road back into Kumo. Even now he could see the steady trickle of unfamiliar ninja's entering the village, so many potential enemys so close to home made him feel deeply uneasy.

Leaving the compound, gaining nothing from his father's words but more anxiety about the coming test of his resolve, he walked back towards the main village. Along the way he spotted Tsurugi doing the same. Mizo took in a deep sigh, preparing himself for socialising.

"Tsurugi!" Jogging slightly up to his team mates side and slowing to a walk "I guess it's time we met the others in the village square, they'll be starting the exam soon..."

Mizo noticed the look of determination on Tsurugi's face and sighed.

His need to prove himself better not be detrimental to our chances...this team work stuff is hard...

"You ready for this Tsurugi-kun?" Adding the suffix to seem genuine, disguising his attempt to keep his team mate focused.

"I've trained hard for this and perfected my techniques. Iv grown much since our last sparring match Mizo. You should worry more about yourself."

They walked throuh the familiar gates into the village which were rapidly becoming congested with the many ninja visiting from other countries. A registration was taking place in the center and weapons were being taken way and examined by advanced sensory ninja.

Tsurugi's hand shot to his blade hilt.

"I wish we didn't have to waste so much time with these tedious things.

I am worrying about myself... Mizo thought silently.

The rest of the walk was quiet. They were both engrossed in studying the foreign shinobi gathering in their home village. They were all potential enemies and better the devil you know, than the devil you don't. Mizo handed over his tool bag, which had various kunai and other equipment, it wasn't as big a deal for him as it was for Tsurugi. After all Mizo had never been one to rely on external weapons, he was a weapon himself.

________________________________________________________

Ren was heading towards the village centre planning to meet his team there. His thoughts were focused on passing the chuunin exam to further his secretive goals. Suddenly his legs were caught, something had coiled around his ankles.

"Vines! Saren-sensei!"

Before Ren's feet sprouted fresh stems bursting up from the ground. Slowly they grew and three magnificent buds began to form, growing larger and larger all the time. When they had become just taller than Ren they started to peel back and open into beautiful deep red flowers. In the middle of each stood a member of his team. Saren stood in the centre with his characteristic smile. He pointed at Ren.

"Gotcha!"

"You only got me because I knew it was you!" Ren smiled.

Ren strolled over to Saren and bumped fists.

"Bro-Fist!"

"Yeah man!" replied Saren.

Ren turned to his team mate Jin, a peaceful being. Water practically dripped from his face. His water skin jutsu provided a cleansing field of water to surround his body. Giving him all the cooling he desired.

"How are you Jin my watery fellow?"

"Pleasant". Jin was dressed rather finely, his clothes being woven from the Inkuku tree which help absorb water.

Ren held out his hand to greet the incoming high five, raining down from the sky like a friendship bullet. The 4th and final member of Team 9.

Ren and Panpan Yun had long since perfected their High five technique and so pulled it of with a display fitting elite ninja. A shock-wave swept from the point of contact disturbing the leaves of a nearby tree.

Panpan Yun spoke few words but flashed an encouraging thumbs up towards his comrades.

" Tamiko Kimi Hime, we have to leave for the Chuunin exam now! you know your brother wont tolerate lateness especially with such an important event as this. You must not embarrass your brother and the village." said Jento

but Kimi was taking her time on purpose, not because she wanted to embarrass her brother or the village but because she didn't want to dissapoint them all and she didnt want her team-mates to think she was weak - least of all Tsurugi ... she began to hastily make her way to the chuunin exam

she finally got there in time to register and saw Tsurugi and Mizo having their weapons inspected she ran over to greet them

Senshi approached the registration booth and handed over his rock staff to the shinobi holding out his hand. He showed his registration and identification papers to the man in front of him as his staff was carried off to the side. After a mark was made on a scroll his papers were handed back and he was told to wait to one side for his weapon.

And wait he did, for some time, he kept glancing nervously as the sensory ninja inspecting his staff. The ninja called over his colleague and they both examined it, then another man was beckoned forth and they all turned it over in their hands in turn.

"What are they doing? Everybody else had their items handed straight back..."

Senshi turned and looked at his Sensei questioningly, he too was looking in the direction of the ninjas handling the staff. Tsuyo cleared his throat, the minutest of gestures, he barely even moved but as one the sensory ninjas turned to look at him and suddenly a look of recognition swept over their faces. The two colleagues suddenly found some other job that desperately needed carrying out and walked away quite swiftly. The man who had taken Senshi's staff hurried back over and handed it back.

"Yes, well, there doesn't seem to be any problem there, sorry for the delay..."

Tsurugi took back his blade and swung it over his back into the sheaf. With the weight of his prized weapon once again bearing down on him he finally felt relaxed. Tsurugi scanned the crowd of shinobi around him. As always he wished he had a jutsu he could use to scan the power of those around him. He had learnt long ago that in the world of Ninja appearences meant very little.

Tsurugi nodded in greeting towards Tamiko but still looked around for another.

"Where is Matsuru sensei? He should have arrived already.

Mizo shrugged "No idea, mabye he got lost on the way here."

Even as Mizo spoke all three immidiatly doubted this. Matsuru had never simply gotten lost.

"You wait here for the rest of the team, when they're finished go and find where we're staying and unpack. I'm going to find somewhere to get a drink..."

"Uh... Are you sure that's such a good idea Sensei? I mean we are representing our village..." His voice trailed off as Senshi realised that Tsuyo was staring right at him.

"Do as you are told, I am going for a drink, I will be back later on tonight."

Tsuyo watched Senshi walk away and sit under the shade of a tree, sulking.

His impressive size and stature made navigating the ocean of villagers and visiting Shinobi quite easy and he reached the bar in no time at all. As he ducked through the doorway he swiftly scanned the room and nodded to a nervous looking man in the corner. He ordered sake and sat down with the man.

"Uso, my old friend," Tsuyo began with something that came close to a smile on his face, "how have you been?"

After taking a precursory glance at the other patrons sat around them Uso finally replied,
"I am well, Uragiri had hoped to come but, I'm afraid, he's been roped into helping with the visiting Genin."

Lowering his voice so much that Uso had to lean over the table Tsuyo barely obscured the anger in his voice,

"Well that's not good is it, considering he was the one of use to me, not you... I need to meet with Uragiri as soon as possible. We need to finish our business before the second round of the exam, just in case Senshi fails again, questions will be raised if I stay too long in the village after my pupil has failed."

"Agreed, the best time to retrieve the item you're looking for will be during the first Round of the Chuunin Exams. You can meet with Uragiri tonight, however has told me everything in order to pass it on to you. We can have you in and out of there in a 5 minute window, during that time period you are guaranteed not to be seen. I hope this is enough time for you to complete your mission?"

"Of course, that should be more than enough time, now what say we have a drink or two?" Announced Tsuyo as he sat back and became much more relaxed, raising his cup to his lips and draining the alcohol from inside.

Kimi handed over her kuni knives to the staff she watched them show signs of surprise that they were the only weapons she was going to use. However she had always been taught to never depend on her weapons.
After a few short moments she was handed them back. As she turned away from the booth she felt almost normal for once being amongst her peers without Jento a step behind to protect her. This was a chance for her to prove herself and show that she didnt need anyone to protect her. At the same time the nearer she got to entering the more she felt the pressure bearing down on her.
She looked at her team mates and felt sure that they'd surpass her, mid thought Tsurugi nodded towards her.

In the midst of the travelling genin teams blended two men whose agendas would change the future of the shinobi world forever. One of them was flipping a coin methodically between his fingers, his plain black cloak whipping in the wind. The other was stoic and looked more like a monk than a shinobi. For all intents and purposes they were merchants, taking advantage of the large customer base that had gathered in Kumo for the chuunin exams. The coin ninja spoke from the corner of his mouth to his partner;

"We're going to make a lot of money here, eh, Mayakashi-san?"

"Enough for what we need, Supai."

___________________________________________________________

"Senshi, I am here." spoke Ryouchi from behind the tree his team mate was leant against.

Senshi span around and readied his Gansetsukon in his hands.

"How do you do that, Ryouchi!? Sneaking up on me when I'm turned away!" Senshi asked.

"I do it in plain sight, you simply don't notice."

"If you don't tell me about all your techniques then how are we going to perfect working as a team?!"

"It's not a justu, it's just the way I am, Senshi-san."

"Great, one day I'm going to solve one of your riddles and then let's see you creep up on me. Anyway, where's the missing member of our team?"

"Around here somewhere..."

"How can you lose a person?"

"Behind you."

"Hey Kimi, no Jento-senpai today? suddenly the surrounding area became icy cold, everyone shivered except Mizo, Kimi and Rugi "Well looks like Matsuru-sama is here."

Through the crowd a small gap started to appear as a proud looking man walked towards Team 7. His wooden stick firmly in his hand. The crowd dispersed because of Matsuru's icy wind technique. It basically froze the air particles in a controlled area around the user. Sensing the ice particles in the air Matsuru can create an image of the scene without the use of his eyes, which of course, he couldn't use. His team was used to the extra cold he brought because they had spent so much time with him. Everyone else on the other hand felt the full effect, especially the Suna ninja.

"Hey, what's with this cold justu, are you trying to weaken us before the exam!?" yelled a scantly clad suna ninja.

"Part of being a Shinobi means you stop and think before you commit to anything, you prepare yourself for the tasks ahead so you are never stumped. You knew where this chuunin exam was taking place and you knew Kumo-sato is located in the peaks. You also know that the higher you get, the colder it becomes and yet you came dressed for desert conditions. If you can't function anywhere but your sandbox you should quit being a shinobi right now." said the old man.

The suna girl stood shocked. Slowly tears began to build up in her eyes, but no one moved to comfort her, afraid of Matsuru-sama's wrath. The silence was broken as the Suna girl's sensei came running along.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?!" yelled a stern and angry looking sand jounin.

"How dare you speak to Matsuru-sama like that!"

"Matsuru?! The pupil of the freezing wind?! I'm sorry Fuguu Matsuru-sama!"

"It's not me you should be apologising too, apologise to your student for your lack of proper instruction."

The suna nin swallowed his throat and nodded.

Mizo sighed, he was used to Matsuru so his wrath was no longer something he feared. Well not as much as everyone else.

"Matsuru-sama, over here."

"For the last time Mizo you do not need to tell me where you are."

"Just trying to be helpful sensei."

____________________________________________________

"Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Team 9 is in union! Kumo's number 1 odd ball shinobi cell!!" Saren yelled with great enthusiasm striking a peace pose.

The rest of the team peaced him back, except Jin who smiled and then went back to his neutral expression in an instant. Saren regained his composure and took on an entirely formal stance.

"Ok! Team 9 were scheduled to sign in for the Chuunin exams in the Kumo village square at 10am! It's now 9:40, that's 20 minutes to scout the talent here and check our weapons in. Team 9, TALENT SEEEEEEEEARCH!!!"

The team shot off towards the crowd of ninja.

Tsurugi bowed in respect towards his sensei, a man he respected deeply. Matsuru had survived the loss of his eyes at an early age and grown into one of the most renowned and skilled shinobi Kumo has ever produced. He stands as an inspiration to his students and the people of Kumo.

Matsura-"Now then my students. Who will help a blind old man find his seat?"

Mizo-"You missed our registration Sensei. What kept you?"

Matsura-"My deepest apologies Mizo, There was important business I had to attend to before i came to see you. Do not worry, to make up for being late i will ensure all three of you pass this chunin exam. Does this sound reasonable?

Mizo nodded and the team now more relaxed began to catch up on recent news and discuss training.

Ren slipped off as the team split up into the crowd. This would be the perfect chance to begin etching away the master blueprint of his ultimate scheme. He dashed towards a nearby alley, pulling up his hood as he left the busy street. Ren crouched down and unsheathed Yami, he stared at the smooth blade and attempted an evil laugh.

"Muhaaa!"

Hmm. Not quite there yet.

Drip drop, water began to drip from his forehead and drop to the floor. Jin came pouring over.

"What are you doing down here you shady man." asked Jin.

"A wise man once said; 'The world is a thing of utter inordinate complexity and richness and strangeness that is absolutely awesome'."

"I intend to be absolutely awesome at all times. Evil laughing is awesome, so I thought i'd have a little practice." stated Ren.

Curses, he's aware of my secret plans. This will not do, hopefully that Douglas Adams quote cast some confusion into his mind.

"Ok then Ren....let's go check in our weapons." replied Jin

As they cascaded back into the crowd, Pan Pan Yun came flying over yelling something repeatedly.

Mizo listened intently to his master's words. He was not the type to believe another's advice as gospel, but he knew Matsuru's experience was of great benefit to him. After all Matsuru had overcome blindness, if anything he saw more than anyone with 20x20 vision, and overcoming handicaps was something Mizo needed to learn. His own handicap was not only a danger to him, but to his fellow shinobi. Although he couldn't tell why, he felt an incredible guilt welling up in his guts whenever he imagined himself hurting his comrades when under the sway of the famous Kurayami rage. The only lead he could come up with to control his anger was a phrase he thought of constantly; 'I mustn't be my father'. Pulling himself back into the conversation he caught his sensei's eye.

"Kimi, Tsurugi excuse me and Mizo for a moment. I trust you to understand." he spoke the last line with the knowledge that Kimi and Tsurugi knew exactly what he was about to speak to Mizo about.

Kimi and Rugi walked towards the gathering crowds of fully signed up genins waiting for announcements, leaving Mizo and Matsuru to talk. Mizo looked up to his sensei feeling that familiar sense of guilt in his stomach.

"You know what I'm going to say, don't you, Mizo?"

"Hai, sensei..." Mizo spoke submissively bowing his head.

"Raise your head, but do not forget that guilt you have locked in your heart. What happened that day was bound to happen, Mizo. Kimi, Tsurugi and I understand why. You have nothing to be ashamed of, after all you may have save our lives."

"I endangered your lives...because I could not control myself."

"We have spoke of this, Mizo. The compassion you feel for Tsurugi and Kimi is your greatest weapon against your hate."

At the word compassion Mizo was taken aghast. Did he really feel...compassion? Matsuru put a hand on Mizo's shoulder and then walked calmly away to join Kimi and Rugi.

"You are not your father, Mizo."

Then who am I?

The two merchant ninja approached the vast marketplace and began to visit the most popular kiosks. The ploy was the same. Mayakashi, the smaller of the two would begin to discuss how well certain items were selling in order to distract the merchant. Meanwhile Supai would covertly attach a seal to the merchants money boxes. The seal turned the money inside into fakes, presumably made and sealed elsewhere by Supai, while the real coins appeared in a vault in a secret location only known to Supai. After attaching seals to the majority of the merchants money boxes the two began to leave. The two believed they had evaded notice by the heavy security around Kumo. However they were being watched by a particularly astute Kumo nin who confronted them as they tried to leave by one of the lesser known paths.

"Stop, what was your purpose here in Kumo?!"

"Did you see the seals?"

"What seals?"

"Good. Supai, take care of him."

Satisfied the Kumo nin didn't know enough detail about their activities to threaten their plan, Supai stepped before Mayakashi with a smile on his face. He placed his left arm before him and pulled down the sleeve. There were strange tattoos covering it, they looked oddly official, like a form. Bringing his right hand to the strange markings the Kumo nin noticed one of Supai's fingers had a metal talon attached. Before the nin knew it Supai had carved what looked like instructions into his arm and push his right palm out flat to face the unassuming shinobi.

"You were only worth 5000 Ryo, pretty damn cheap." Supai laughed.

Suddenly the kumo nin let out a gasp of pain. His eyes were wide and staring widely at Supai. The ninja slowly fell forwards revealing the cause of his death. Dozens of various projectiles were lodged into his back, each hitting a vital area of the body. Blood began to spill from his now lifeless corpse.

"You couldn't of made more of a mess."

"It'll still taste the same."

Mayakashi appeared to glare at Supai from under his hood. His face completely concealed.

"You know the routine. I'll be quick."

Supai turned and jumped off to get a better vantage point. He began to scan the area, making sure Mayakashi's meal wasn't interrupted. After 10 minutes Mayakashi appeared by Supai's side.

"It's done. Let's get back to Issai."

Pan Pan Yun who had been watching the conversation carefully untill now, finally decided to slink over to his suspicious comrades. The secret plots of Ren concerned him deeply, but that would have to wait till another time. The chunin exam registation had started already. Yun cleared this throat loudly catching the attention of the others, then folded his arms indicating towards the direction Saren had just left. Jin was the first to speak.

"I think he has a point. Saren Sensei did tell us to go do some talent searching and seeing as this is the Chunin exams mabye we shoulen't goof of as much as usual."

These scandalous remarks brought looks off resentment. Goofing off was a valued past time in team 9 and even Saren was known to appricate long afternoons napping whilst other teams busied themselves with D and C ranked missions.