"You are most welcome" He spoke as he handed Saori the flyer with a smile. The cloud shinobi remained ever listening to the Kunoichi's discussion, as his eyes darted back and forth in turn while one spoke after the other. He found himself nodding in agreement with some points more than others. So focused was he that he almost didn't here Sakuya.

"Hmmm.. oh sorry I didn't see you there, Sakuya. Care to throw in your opinion as well about our debate? Though at this point I think we should save it for the shop." he seemed mildly amused. "What say we table this till we get to the Scroll & Tea Emporium."

Shun offhandedly said 'sorry' to Sakuya, moved for more room though you could tell she was really absorbed into the discussion. "I didn't mean necessarily that I believe that killing shouldn't be a last resort, more of... What conditions do you think you would need to fill before you ended a life and not completely regret it? Because while killing or hurting on the job or just simple sparing I have no problem, though I doubt my ability to kill someone that I don't believe is a threat. It's one thing trying to make someone give up, and roughing them up a bit though just that but I honestly don't know if I could do permanent damage to anyone. I might just be too nice but have you ever thought about it before?"

Then after her long monologue she heard Cunom. "Oh." Then after a bit of silence. "Yeah, you're right. This'll go on forever. "

"Thank you very much..." Sakuya replied with a quick bow and was about to proceed when someone familiar asked her if she wanted to offer her thoughts about the opinions they exchanged with. She quickly lowered her head to avoid making eye contact, realizing that she may have been crying and had no way to wipe her tears without help.

"Ah? Cunom... I'm sorry, but I don't feel like it..." she managed a reply as she lowered her head a little more before hurrying on ahead of them. Once entering the halls, Sakuya ducked into a corner and slumped her back against the wall. She breathed a sigh of temporary relief, daring a peek over the corner before collecting herself. She then looked at both of her arms, still stuck in the casts applied by her parents. It will take a day or two before they can remove it, preferring to allow the injuries from her fight to heal on their own rather force the recovery with healing jutsu.

In reply to Harusame Sakuya (msg # 55):

The matches had been tough this year. In the history of Chunin exams, he hadn't seen this much bloodshed since before he was even born. As a proctor of these exams, he tried to intervene as much as possible, but to no avail. One particular individual sparked his interested: Kotatsu from the Land of Snow. Every match that supposedly "Genin," has been involved in, none of his opponents have survived except for the Konaha Genin, Nanami. He even disposed of his own team.

Grief washed over the all mighty powerful Jonin. He even lost some of his squad in these exams. The Land of Snow was suppose to be peaceful natured people, however their Genin squads are showing otherwise. He couldn't help but blame himself for his squad's failure. Two out of three were killed. Sakuya was his lone survivor. She had been sent to the infirmary, just like everybody else participating in the exams.

This was his break, having some time to spare while the next semi-final match was to be begin. He had made his way to the infirmary, wanting to help send his condolences to his only Genin apprentice. After checking in with the front desk, he was directed to a particular room where Sakuya had been but he room deemed empty.

After just poking his head out, he wondered the halls in hopes of finding her, in which he did after a five minute walk around the premesis. He had found her back at the stadium instead, by herself. She was slumped into a corner, a look of grief and a tear-stained face revealed her emotions strongly. Sima had approached her slowly, making his presence obvious in a respectful manner. "Sakuya," he said softly in that rugged deep voice of his.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:14, Mon 30 Jan 2017.

Sakuya tensed up a bit when she heard someone call her name, taking a deep breath when she recognized it as her sensei's. She slowly got up from the floor, using the wall to support herself with her back to finally stand up. She was hesitant to look up, with tears already streaming down her cheeks and her face probably stricken with grief of seeing her teammates lose their life in the chuunin exams' one-on-one matches.

"K-Katsumi... and Jhinsokyo..." Sakuya tried to speak up in between sobs, trying her best to not just cry out from the feelings pent up within her, "They promised... we'll see it through together... but... but..."

The young genin couldn't help it any longer as her tears started dripping on the floor. She couldn't even use her hands right now to cover her face, falling to her knees instead as her cries become more audible.

"I... I couldn't do anything..." Sakuya finally said as she continued to cry on the floor in front of her sensei.

Saori gave an easy nod at Izumi's explanation.  That fit well enough with Saori's line of thinking that she didn't feel compeled to add anything else, especially when Cunom suggested they table that discussion.  She also moved out of Sakuya's way to let the other girl pass.  "Fair enough.  Though if you'll pardon me, I'm going to go see how Hikawa-san is doing," Saroi offered.

The girl gave a polite incline of her head.  "It was good meeting all of you."  Then she turned and exited, heading towards the infirmary.

To: Chapter 2.8: Infirmary
This message was last edited by the player at 12:28, Mon 30 Jan 2017.

As Sakuya opted not to stick for conversation and pushed past the group, Izumi narrowed her eyes briefly.

Sighing softly, she wondered why Shun was so intently pressing this topic."It is inevitable one thinks about these things when they decide to walk the path of shinobi. Some of us have killed already, others not. I believe I said it already: if somebody refuses to give up or continues to hinder me until they are dead. Otherwise wanton killing is just a different show of weakness." Izumi gave a brief glance at Saori and then looked back to the group, making and apologetic gesture.

"Afraid I'm going to stop by the infirmary too but keep the seats free. We might join you later." Following close behind Saori, Izumi stopped quickly beside Cunom and spoke in low tone."You might want to extend your invitation to that girl who passed us earlier. She could need company." With those final words she exited the arena.

to Chapter 2.8: Infirmary ---->
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Tue 31 Jan 2017.

Shun waited until Sakuya left, then put her hands up to cover her eyes with the heels of her palms. "Oh my that was insensitive. How could I forget?" After this show of concern, she put her hands by her side. "Come on Cunom, she's one of our own. I've seen her around before. We have to help her out." Grabbing his arm, and following down the stairs to where she watched Sakuya left, pause at a turn to listen for anything and continuing to move.

Seeing her in front of a teacher, Shun paused. Somewhat wondering if it was okay to move forward. She didn't know them much, but the least she could do was offer her condolences.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Tue 31 Jan 2017.

He waved to Saori as she made her way to the infirmary. His focus went to Izumi and Shun as they concluded their heated debate."Take it easy Izumi and tell your friends about the shop as well."

With the conversations over he thought about the menu for that afternoon. Well, that's the end of that till we all get settled in the shop. I wonder if mom remembered to make the Daifuku rice cakes. The last batch of red bean paste was way to swee... his thoughts were interrupted by, Izumi speaking quickly to him in hushed tones in concern for his fellow cloud shinobi. Cunom gestured in appreciation.

Moments later his friend Shun later realized they were both being a little insensitive. As they stood down the hall from Sakuya and a teacher, Cunom murmured in his childhood friend's ear. "Shun I feel bad for her too. Didn't she lose her team in the exam. I was so preoccupied with the events that I didn't connect all the dots. We should give them a moment before we try anything" He said in a hushed tone as they clung to the shadows.

He remained emotionless to the situation but felt responsible, guilty, and empathized with her. Today they both lost people close to them. When she fell to her knees, sobbing loudly in the hallway, he kneeled down, scooping her up in his arms. He cradled her and held her close to him, her head laying on his shoulder as she cried.

"This is not your fault. None of this is your fault," he whispered, trying to reassure her. "This is my fault. I didn't train either of you strong enough. I didn't push you three pass your limits. I sent you all to your death," he admitted, letting out his own frustrating thoughts. "I failed you all, but I promise you I will not let that happen again, Sakuya. None of this is your fault," he finished, closing his eyes and just allowing her to cry in his arms.

Sima wasn't one to be known to have a soft side, however when dealing with female squad mates, they normally brought out the best of him for the greater good. They always showed him compassion and that it was okay to actually feel something instead of bottling it all up.

Shun backed up once she saw them crying together. "You're right. It would just be stupid of us to insert ourselves in this now." Then turning around, bringing her fist up to her face she leaned in, "But we can't forget this now. I have to apologize later." Poking her headband with her finger like that might actually do something. Though for Cunom this abnormal gesturing had been become the norm, if not comical.

The taller ninja walked back to the stairs, if not a little skip-like. She wanted to get away from such a private moment, it wasn't something she believed she had the right to see.

The young genin felt the warmth of her sensei's arms around her, giving her some comfort amidst what has happened today. Her tears were still flowing, but at least her breathing has somehow calmed down.

"I'll work harder from now on..." Sakuya managed a reply as she closed her eyes, resting her head on Fujii-sensei's shoulder. With all the stress of the day finally let out, exhaustion finally set in on her. As sleep finally crept on to her consciousness, Sakuya decided that she would put her efforts at training seriously to ensure something like this would not happen again. She would be doing this for the sake of her teammates that couldn't make it.

Sima would soon feel Sakuya relax against him, having fallen asleep on his shoulder.

Jin watched the Genin battling each other with an unreadable expression on his face whilst leaning against the observation railings. He watched the genin fight until some or both were carried away by the medical nin that were standing by, some of them might recover, some were already dead. Jin did not particularly approve of fighting to the death as part of the chunin exams but he understood how effective the method was, he just didn't like thinking about the wasted potential. As he watched the fights he noted the abilities of the genin and remembered a few of particular interest though he paid closer attention to the genin that he was possibly going to be assigned too. Providing they all survived the exam. So far he had been impressed with the hidden leaf genin and looked forward to training with them. After watching sigmund head to the infirmary he decided to follow and perhaps see what the genin were like outside of battle. Jin removed his arms off of the railing and stretched his arms and back with a wide yawn before adjusting his prayer beads and vanishing with a sudden and small cloud of leaves.

-------->To Infirmary

He remained quiet as she had continued to cry in his arms. Eventually she uttered something under her breath and then fell asleep in his arms. He looked at the time, knowing he had to get the next match going at this point in time.

He had carried Sakuya all the way to the infirmary and found her assigned room away from everybody. There seemed to be a bit of a commotion going on with several Mist genin and the remainder Konoha genin as well.

He paid no attention; He had other matters to attend to. He laid Sakuya on the medical bed, covering her up with blanket before he exited he room, leaving behind a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the room. She was exhausted; she needed to rest.

He made his way out of the infirmary and back to the stadium, getting ready for the next match.

He fled with Shun once they saw what was going on."At this point the only thing left to do is is go back and watch the last match." He murmured as they moved quickly and quietly in lock step. "Besides I'm curious to see the outcome and what new tricks or kekkei genkai the others might have. You never know when you might run into that particular one in the future. It's best to study it now, learn its counter and its limits from a safe distance. " He said once they were now at a safe distance.

Once back at the exams he took a very close seat that he might study the happenings first hand. Cunom made more than just a few mental notes."So if you were a gambler who would you put your coin on Shun?" He idly said gazing down at the fighters.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:09, Fri 03 Feb 2017.

Shun let out a huff. "Come on, it's doubtful we'd remember much. I know I'll only remember some details if any of about one or two people and by the next exams they'll improve or change so I don't think it'd be any use to get too into learning their style." Then she shrugged. "Plus, I barely remember anything of this sort. Though! Isn't the taijutsu girl in this injured? I mean it's obvious she's going to lose, or at least it's very likely."

Shun didn't look like she was trying too hard to notice anything, because sure she was still studying them, but she doubted she would be able to remember any of them in a month's time.

From the stadium:
Sima made his way to the center of the stadium, staring at the Kages one by one from down below. "Will the two contestants make their way to the stadium. The last semi-final match is about to begin," he announced, with a microphone in hand. His message could be heard from the infirmary as well.

Cunom arched  an  eyebrow at Shun with a knowing look as a slight grin washed over his face. "So you have been fooling me this whole time,and here I thought you girls were the smarter ones. At any rate it's good for my research. What I can"t remember I write. It's lucky I have a mind like a steal trap." A scroll was then in his hands. The yellow eyed shinobi held it up to show her the info he recorded with great detail. He continued to write as they spoke all the while his eyes never left the match.

Shun make something similar to a huff, though it sounded oddly like a bark, crossing her hands to show her somewhat false anger. "I'm not stupid! I'm just saying I'm not going to remember all of them! Or everything about them. I'm going to remember their personalities and fighting style if anything. Plus that would be cheating, I'd rather be caught by surprise and still be able to destroy them." Now it seems like she made her point, turning to eye the two that came into view. "Broken chromosome. Stupid taking notes that will definitely change."

Her pouting stopped as she saw the scroll, eyes going wide and leaning heavily on his shoulder to try to read it all as he wrote. "Dang, you're dedicated." Shun said, somewhat amazed, her previous little burst of emotion gone.

Nanami slings her bow over her shoulder. Her gaze watches her teammates leave. Watching Nori limp out caused Nanami to sigh to herself. She exits to the area outside of the infirmary. She didn't seem to be in much of a rush at the moment. Her mind was thinking back on their training. Even though her and Sigmund never really got along, he was always dependable though.Her thoughts drift to Nori. Nanami smiled as she recalled her friendship with Nori. Since the day they first met, they have been friends. Their first days training led to them gaining one another's trust. In her eyes the three of them had formed a strong bond, even if Sigmund planned to leave their team, even before they undertook a mission together "I wish he would stay on with us.." She says to herself.

The girl looks up to the gates that led to the Arena, a gust of wind tussles her hair. Nanami looks up as the crowd cheers "It must be about to start.."

Another gust of wind blows by her. This wind feels ominous to her. She enters the gate and makes her way to the front row, then makes her way to where her father would be, most likely near the hokage. Nanami finds the railing near the kage and finds a place to stand. She waves to her parents and then turns her attention to the fight that was abot to take place "Good luck Nori-chan, and Sigmund-Kun!"

A black cloud of darkness has traveled its way to the stands within the stadium. It migrated to the edge of the stands, before Kotatsu emerged from the dark cloud. He sat on the edge of rail, scanning the area below, examining the fight before him. He didn't pay much attention to the other genin in the stands, the losers, he referred them too. The ones who weren't strong enough to handle a death match. There was something different about him this time though than when the last time everyone saw him.

His eye color had changed to a blood red. the darkness lingered, whispering off of his body, especially his shoulders, hands, and legs. He wore complete black with a cloak, his eye patch still in tact. "Well, well...the two Konoha ninja. This should be interesting," he uttered, whether the other heard him or not, he simply did not care. All he cared about was who was going to win this match and who he would get to kill next in front of all the Kages, included his own Daimyo.

In amidst her cheering, she heard a voice that has stuck in her head. A voice she wished she had never heard. Its not fear, but disdain for a person who enjoys killing. Nanami turned her head to see Kotatsu sitting near her. She wasn't quite sure if she should even take note of him or not. But those words he just uttered annoyed her further. She knew just in that fight that something was off about his attacks.. The way they felt were not in line with any Kekkai or jutsu she had heard of.

Nanami glanced over him. Then she noticed the difference in his eyes, in the way he looked, and the darkness that seemed to dance around him. The girl sat there thinking for a moment. Then things started falling into place, well at least in her mind. If she was right, it would make sense as to why he wanted all matches to end in death, and why his jutsu felt wrong. She walks the few steps to be standing near him "You know, I am starting to understand your Kekkai some. The way your jutsu tugged at me, and numbed my arm a bit. Then I see the subtle changes in you. Killing is not only required as fuel for your Kekkai. Killing also increases its power, I am not sure if its permanent or a limited time increase. But its something like that.."

Nanami then walks back to where she had been standing previously.. She didn't care if he responded or not, as it would most likely be a taunt or saying he was going to kill whichever teammate fought him. Which Nanami dreaded more then any other outcome.

In reply to Hikawa Chisame (msg # 43):

---> from Chapter 2.8: Infirmary

"Hikawa-san, it hurts me how little you remember us from the academy but I guess it's been long time and you are just being yourself. As for who are fighting, it's the leaf genin you lost to and apparently the other competitor is his teammate." Izumi answered in calm tone to Chisame's barrage of questions, or at least those she thought were actually worth answering while she was navigating through the crowd. Finally she found her way to the railing where she had last time watched as well. The match had already started and the first shots were already being fired.

As expected both sides were just testing the other and no real effort was put into the attacks at this point. Izumi also noted both leaf genin were injured and frowned lightly. Even if they survived this confrontation unscathed whoever won the fight would be in terrible disadvantage against Kotatsu.

Speaking of which she caught a sight of the intimidating boy at the edge of the stands having a "chat" with the third member of the leaf squad. He looked the same yet somehow different. If possible, more ominous. Izumi tore her eyes off from the snow genin and focused on the ongoing match. If possible, she wanted as little to do with Kotatsu as possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Tue 07 Feb 2017.

---> from Chapter 2.8: Infirmary

Izumi had already answered the questions that Saori would have answered.  Though she smiled slightly at Chisame's series of questions.  "It is good to see that some things never change, Hikawa-san.  Though you did always enjoy our spars at the Academy," Saori added.

Though it did occur to her there was another question of Chisame's to answer.  "No, we are not fighting any further today," Saori added.  She expected that to be of some disappointment.  "But there are plenty of snacks for sale," she added.  "If you're going to watch a match, best do it with something to eat, right?"

The girl ultimately ended up near Izumi at the railing.  She looked out at the combatant, watching.  "Looks like we just missed the opening attacks."  The taijitsu user watched Nori's attack with interest, wincing a little.  "That leg injury is robbing her of her power.  Keeping her weight off it is going to tire her out more quickly than normal," the girl observed quietly to the other Mist ninjas.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Tue 07 Feb 2017.

He looked over to Shun "Well it seems these two have no trouble fighting each other despite the fact that they're from the same village, sounds like they have their priorities in order. I wonder how the shinobi of there village feel about possibly permintly losing one of there own, to one of there own. Let's hope it doesn't come to that." They all knew the risk but is one truly emotionally prepared for such a things, he  pondered to himself .