Aftermath of the Exams (Private. Chunin only)

[No fighting! Cyrus, Kin, Kimiko, Fox and me only]

Osaru walked towards the village gates. He was just released from the hospital a few days after his match. He and his opponent, the cursed Suna Kunoichi, match was called a draw. They both ran out of chakra, and were reduced to simple punches. The proctor came down from the stands and called it a draw. After the adrenaline rush ended, Osaru knew he passed out. He woke up in the hospital this morning, and figured that the same thing happened to the Suna Ninja. He was greeted with the news that he was awarded the rank of Chunin, along with four other shinobi. Those shinobi included the Nara he fought and Cyrus, the sound specialist, who mysteriously forfeited part-way into the match. Osaru never knew why, but was a little thankful since he advanced to the finals. He was a little irritated that he couldnt finish his fight, but he was sure there was a reason that that happened to him. Either way, he and the others were all promoted. He knew he should start training at some point, but he felt like seeing the Suna Kunoichi off, and possibly seeing some of the other contestants.

When he got there, he just waited there, leaning with his back against the one closed village door. He watched the clouds and the light blue sky, trying to pass the time. He thought that it was a beautiful day out, and training can wait til later anyways.

The new feel of his chunin jacket was a weird one, but he would surely get used to it eventually. Cyrus began walking up to the village gates, just to kill some time of a boring day. ‘I guess I’ll be starting some more serious missions soon, I guess I finally may get to do something worth my time, even those chuunin exams were a drag, I didn’t even get to kill anybody.’ Cyrus thought to himself.

Hands in his pockets, he began to reminisce over the memories that the chuunin exams did bring. He did get to inflict a lot of pain and that made him extremely happy. But still, he only wished the proctor didn’t get in the way, so he could kill that Shibito guy. His first round was pretty boring too, all his opponent did was dodge and dodge, that kid was such a loser, Cyrus couldn’t even remember his name.

But his last fight, with Osaru. That was the one that stuck in his head. A few more hits and Osaru would have been gone, possibly dead. But Cyrus forfeited, something in his head just didn’t want to continue, so he did what he must.

Cyrus now reached the village gates, looking up to the top, where numerous chuunin guards watched in and out the village, to ensure everything was running accordingly and everything was safe. Cyrus hoped he wouldn’t get stuck with such a stupid task. Though, the guards did do there jobs nicely, the village was rather safe from any real threats.

Cyrus staggered over to a shaded bench and took a seat, for there was nothing else to do as of yet.

The stadium swam into sight around Yuki, who stood at the very entrance. She felt nervous, something she wasn't used to experiencing. As she stood gathering herself and her wits, she felt another presence approaching. Another shinobi, another Genin even. Yukiko turned to see who the newcomer was and was surprised to see a rather familiar face. "Suki?" She inquired, wondering what her past opponent was doing here. Suki said nothing, but smiled in greeting. Glancing around, the Suna-kunoichi noticed two more Genin she had met during the exams. "Xylo." She nodded in acknowledgement of her second opponent, turning to the other person immediately after. "Kimiko!" She smiled as the only other kunoichi she had met made an appearance. As she gave Kimiko a brief but friendly hug, one last person appeared behind her. Yuki only got a quick glimpse of Osaru, who had extended a hand in acknowledgement, before the stadium and the shinobi vanished in a shimmer of light.

With a small yawn, the kunoichi slowly opened her eyes and blinked as she stared at the ceiling of her room. It had been a strange dream, for sure. Not least considering that three of the five shinobi she had seen were now Chuunin. She couldn't help thinking it was funny. Still, each and every one of them deserved the title, and Yukiko was merely glad to be among the newly promoted Chuunin. After a few more minutes of reminiscing, she hauled herself out of bed and woke herself up with a hot shower. Once dry, she packed her pouches and dressed herself in shinobi clothing, attaching the pouches straight afterwards. Her bag had been packed the previous night and as she neared the door, she picked the backpack up and shouldered it. With a glance behind at the now empty apartment, she left her rented accommodation for the last time, with vigor in her step.

Yukiko hoped she would be able to locate and say farewell to those she had met in Konoha before she had to leave. In four days time at most, the kunoichi was expected to arrive back in Sunagakure. Any later and search patrol would be dispatched. She had about half a day in hand, so seeking out her companions wouldn't put her in any time danger really. A thought struck her quite suddenly - what if the other shinobi had had the same idea? Surely that would lead them to...The village entrance. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she knew this was where they would meet up. It was an unspoken agreement, and Yuki would honor it. Ten minutes later, she had navigated her way through the cobbled streets of Konohagakure and woven her way to the great gates. She could see one young male shinobi relaxing on a bench and another one... Osaru. Whether the other shinobi had noticed him or not, she couldn't tell. She was sure the unknown man had partaken in the exams, she vaguely recognised his face. Perhaps I ought to initiate the meeting. She thought wearily, disliking having to start any social event by herself. Gathering her breath, she called out. "Osaru-kun!" She called to catch his attention more than anything, it was not in Yuki's nature to seem particularly overjoyed at anything. Hopefully, the other male shinobi would hear her call and realise that Osaru was there too.

Osaru was staring into nowhere, lost in his thoughts again, until something- no someone, disturbed him. He turned his head in surprise when he heard his name being called. He looked up and around in the thin crowd, and saw the caller: none other then the newly-famous Yukiko Amaya herself! He stood up and walked over to her, nodding his head towards Cyrus, whom he found sitting on one of the Chunin benches. He fixed his vest while walking, noticing that the jacket got crooked while he was leaning against the wall. He hoped the Sand Kunoichi wouldnt take it the wrong way. He continued walking over until he got to wear she was standing.

'Ello Yuki.' he said casually, hoping the nickname wouldnt offend her. He considered this Kunoichi an equal, like most everyone else, but a respected equal. For someone to match his skill and aptitude in a fair fight is no easy feat. Part of Osaru even yearned for a rematch, but he still would prefer to fight Cyrus more out of Pride. He never got to finish their match, and Osaru felt bad, and still does, about going to the end of the exams. Nonetheless, he knew you couldnt have your cake and eat it too. He just knew he would have to be content with the way things went and get over it.

'So when are you leaving town?' he asked, nonchalantly. He wanted to get to knwo the newly-promted Chunin more, and hopefully fight her again later on. HE jsut kenw deep down inside that their journey- Yukiko, Cyrus and the other newly-pormoted Chunin- had just begun, adn their duties and adventures would only get better and ahrder from here on out...

Footsteps approached Cyrus’ location which followed by a girl’s voice, calling out a familiar name, Osaru. Nothing could be helped from the instincts that ran through Cyrus’ body. He couldn’t fight it, he had to look for Osaru since his name was mentioned, it must have meant he was close. Since Cyrus had unfinished business, his mind was clearer now, no walking away this time.

Cyrus turned towards the gate’s catching eye’s with that cocky loud mouthed brat. Osaru nodded at Cyrus, showing a sign of acknowledgement. A sinister smile spread across Cyrus’ face. Delighted to see Osaru, but not in a friendly sort of way.

The voice that called that cocky shinobi’s name belonged to another familiar face, the Kunoichi from the sand village, Yukiko Amaya. One of the only shinobi that had partaken in the chuunin exams that Cyrus would call a worthy opponent. The girl looked tough, Cyrus liked tough.

Unfortunately, due to his withdrawal, the blue eyed bad boy didn’t get to meet this wonderful kunoichi face to face. Now was a chance, but Cyrus didn’t like talking, only when he was bad mouthing an opponent.

Hands in pockets, Cyrus stood up and began strolling carelessly to the gathering of the two shinobi, as the distance between them grew thin, Cyrus recognised the jacket that Osaru was wearing, a chuunin vest just like Cyrus had. It seemed that he managed to claw his way through to the next rank too, Cyrus never should of withdrew, then there wouldn’t be such a waste of a good ninja spot, just an extra tombstone in the graveyard.

Why Cyrus felt so strongly about finished off what he had started, he didn’t know. But he felt obliged to clean up his mess, after all the great Leaf Village was supposed to be the best in the world, how could they withhold such a reputation with such shinobi as Osaru sneaking up the ranks. It was pathetic.

His footsteps came to a halt, as Cyrus was now only a metre away from the two fellow chuunin. “Still alive I see….” Cyrus said in an emotionless tone, talking to his former opponent Osaru.

Cyrus then turned to the kunoichi, not bothering to extend a hand, for Cyrus’ hand’s weren’t the shaking type, more destructive.

“I don’t believe we have officially met, I’m Cyrus, you are Yukiko Amaya of the sand village, I see your now chuunin, most likely from your exceptional shinobi skills, which I have yet to see much of, after all, I didn’t both waiting around to watch the grand final, considering nobody would be dying, seems I was correct, now that your both still here and healthy. Question is, who won?” Cyrus spoke firmly and carelessly, he had no worries of offending anybody or causing an awkward moment, nothing to fear.

A few moments after she called, Osaru stirred from his relaxed position and, brushing himself down and straightening his jacket out, he made his way over the the Suna-nin. He addressed her by the shortened version of her name - not that she minded. They were not strangers any longer, so it would be pointless to expect total formality. Managing a small smile in response, she briefly but firmly shook Osaru's hand. "I've just left my apartm - " She stopped when she noticed the other shinobi approaching the pair. Upon closer inspection, he had ash-black, mid-long hair and bright blue eyes. Yuki was sure she recognized him from the exams, though she couldn't bring a name to mind.

It seemed that the newcomer did not think much of Osaru, treating him with - at best - indifference. Instead of greeting the other Konoha-nin more thoroughly, the new boy turned to face Yukiko and spoke with more gentility. Cyrus...the name sounded familiar - he had definitely been in the exams. By the jacket he wore - identical to the newly-promoted Osaru's jacket - she could tell that he too, was a Chuunin. "I am indeed." She replied to Cyrus' first question before listening to the rest of what he to say. "We were both a little reckless with regard to chakra and injury. The fight ended a draw." Yuki couldn't help concealing a little tinge of regret in her words, her competitve nature driving her to attain complete victory.

There was a moment's pause before the kunoichi realised that she had not yet answered Osaru's earlier question about her return to Kaze no Kuni, and Sunagakure no Sato. "I left my rented apartment for the last time this morning. I am expected in Sunagakure in four days' time, though it is a three day journey. I plan on leaving at latest, this evening." She looked from one Konoha-nin to the other. "And what are your plans, now that you are both Chuunin?" She asked, to neither boy in particular.

Osaru didnt even glance up at Cyrus after he made those remarks. He only clsoed his eyse for a second, and in a truely sincere voice said: 'Nice to see you join us Cyrus. And yes I am.' He was about to answer Cyrus's question about the final match, but the sand Kunoichi beat him there. 'It was unfortunate that a true victor did not come through, but a great fight nonetheless' he added to the Kunoichi's answer. He was shamed that the fight ended in a draw, but he was glad that he was able to participate in that fight. At least it was a good show for the spectators he though to himself. He seemed kinda depressed as of the moment. He didnt know why. Nostalgia maybe he thought. He just realized that he was a Chunin, and life was only gonna get harder from here on out. He felt that he was missing something. He didnt care much about other people, since most he met treated him with disrespect or earned some other reason to get Osaru's contempt. He was more then riendly when around people he liked and treated him nicely, but hes always been socially akward. He didnt want to offend anyone or give someone the wrong idea, so he acts weird around others. He knew know, though, that he didnt ahve to worry abut training or friends. He was now a Chunin. He was allowed to hang and with older people-- for he prefered older friends since they tend to be more mature and more easy-going-- and not only that, but he could leave the village anytime and do more missions. He was now considered a full-fledged Konoha Ninja, so he responsibilties went up almsot ten-fold. He was part of the Konoha working force, so he had to do that manual albor and boring patrol and gate-guard duties. He was considered part of the military, so he had ot be on the front-lines defending the village if some force ws foolish enough to attack Konoha. He was also a tracker and reconaissance ninja, so he would be assigned missions for tracking down and killing rogue ninjas. He was, above all, a Konoha Shinobi, and he was a part and embodiment of the vilalge itself. He represented the village when visiting other countries; he aided the allies of Konoha at all costs; and he took the Konohagakure name with him wherever he went, whatever happened to him. He knew that he could nto slack off anymore, or act like a little kid. He was considered and adult and shinobi by, not onyl Konoha standards, but the standards of the rest of the world as well. He knew what he had to do, and he knew how to do it...

He was interupted in his thoughts, when he heard another voice. This one was feminine, and sweet in tone. He looked to his side where he saw the person taht the voice came from. He recognized the girl as the only other Kunoichi to be promoted. He didnt know her personally, but knew her to be a good fighter from what he saw between her and Yukiko. He watched quietly as she handed Yukiko a gift: a pair of blue vials. He raised an eyebrow in surprise when she gave Cyrus and him each one too. 'Thank you' he said sheepishly, not understanding why she would do such a thing to a stranger, but being glad for it anyway. 'Not to be rude or anything, but what exactly is it?' he asked a few moments later, while inspecting the vial. He knew not what it was, but was sure it would be of some aid. He then looked around the vial and saw the girl, this time for real. Before had been jsut a glance, but now was something mroe then that. His face turned slightly red, as he looked at her, confused, thankful, and glad to meet someone kind. It was a change of scenery for Osaur who was used ot dealing with arrogant Uchihas and the damned Cyrus...

Cyrus wasn't very impressed when Yukiko and Osaru answered his question about the Grand Final of the Chuunin Exams. The two wasted chakra and energy and ended it in a tie, what a disappointment for all the spectators who would of been waiting to see either the Sand or Leaf village defeat there opponent and get the reward of global victory. But they both let there countries down. Cyrus felt ashamed of himself also, if he had just beaten Osaru into the ground instead of withdrawing he could of continued on and made quick work of Yukiko, for recklessness didn't get past Cyrus' wind and sound attacks and it sounded like the kunoichi made plenty of mistakes.

Cyrus began thinking to himself about his fight with Osaru, the boy was screaming at Cyrus, promising a cold revenge for his old friend Shibito, but that revenge never came. Cyrus' natural behavior began getting the better of him, he clenched his fist as he looked and to ground, he wanted to leap of Osaru right now and destroy him, finish what he started. But Cyrus couldn't help but feel remorse, this boy Osaru, eventually had the same goal as Cyrus, to ensure the safety of Konoha and put his life on the line to achieve it.

As he gathered himself into the present again he heard a sweet little voice approaching from the left, he turned his head and caught eyes with a young girl calling Yukiko's name. A familiar face? He looked at her headband, she was from Konoha, her name was lurking in the back of Cyrus' mind, but wouldn't come out. He stood there quietly as she spoke to Yukiko, from what he could remember looking at the semi finals, this girl was Yukiko's opponent. The final four genin of the chuunin exams all gathered here, all now chuunin. Were they the only ones? Cyrus heard news of one other passing, but it was unknown who he or she was. The polite young girl gave vials to Yukiko as a gift, Cyrus knew they had something to do with medicine but he couldn't be sure. She then turned to Osaru and Cyrus and greeted them politely, offering them vials too. Cyrus didn't usually accept gifts but he couldn't turn down such a sweet young girl.

As Osaru grabbed his vials and thanked her nicely, Cyrus looked over at Osaru for a moment, he was unsure what to think of Osaru at this current time. He quickly turned back to the young girl and gently took to vial's from her delicate hands. "Thank you very much, I don't believe we have officially met, I know you competed against Yukiko in the Semi Final's but my memories won't bring your name forward, so I'm very sorry, but what was your name?" Cyrus asked politely.

[Bump. Ill delete this post after Fox posts...]

[OOC: After over a month of toil, I have internet again! Apologies for my absence, and for not posting here. Are we still going to continue? I'm happy to post if so!]

Yuki's question hung on the air and just before either Cyrus or Osaru could answer, a cheery greeting reached their ears. The kunoichi smiled in recognition of the familiar voice, and turned to face the arriving girl. "Kimiko-san, it's good to see you." The two male Chuunin turned soon after to greet Kimiko, who was already digging into her bag, presumably searching for something. "I can only assume that you'll be leaving soon Yukiko... So, I made a gift for you." The kunoichi was a little taken aback by this. It was such a friendly gesture, not one Yuki herself would have thought of.

Kimiko soon finished rummaging and withdrew a number of bottled fluids. "You see, I'm actually a little bit of a potion whiz because my parents are scientest. I handmade them." She handed two differently coloured bottles to Yuki, who took them carefully, uncorking the bluish-looking one almost immediately. She let the escaping fumes rise up to her nose before recorking the bottle. She sniffed slowly. "For my health." She unblocked the yellow-looking potion now, again letting the fumes seep into her olfactory system before recapping it. "And...for my chakra." She carefully placed both bottles into seperate pouches on her waist. "Many thanks, Kimiko-san. That was both thoughtful and generous." She said graciously, smiling and inclining her head in thanks.

Kimiko then presented the other Chuunin with the same gifts, handing the glass bottles out carefully and with a gentle smile. There was a pause before Yukiko spoke once more. "This is quite the gathering. I'm glad I could catch up with you all before leaving for Sunagakure." She paused for breath before continuing. "What are you all planning, now that you're Chuunin then?" She asked, repeating her earlier question.

[Yay! Yuki and Kimi both posted, so Ryan can come back! And i can finally RP again lol]

Osaru was still inspecting the potions when the newcomer, calling herself Kimiko, told them waht it was. He knew these would come in handy at some point, so he carefully placed them inside one of his many pouches around his waist. They were there in a safe place for when he needed them the most. He glanced back up, only to notice the newcomer to stare at him. Though it for only a quick moment, Osaru took note of it. He wasnt as adept in social skills so he wasnt sure if it was a good thing, but he knew that maybe he should be wary around her. The only other people that he knew that do taht are people wiating for oyu to let your guard down, but he knew she didnt seem like that kind of person. His life-long training told him that he should be suspiscious of her, but his heart told him that it was okay. He decided against all his training and take the bigger risk to trust her. He smiled weakly before saying: 'I was planning on training and the normal missions i suppose. Dont know what else to really do, since things have been quiet lately. ANBU does sound nice though...' He said the last sentence faintly, as if pondering the idea at that moment.

He purposely failed to mention that he and Cyrus were partnered togeter. He knew Cyrus would find out eventually, but Osaru still didnt want to be the one to tell him. He thought that the Hokage was crazy for placeing them together, but he knew Lord Aburame must have done it for soem good reason, especially after seeing how Cyrus was in the Exams. He thoght Cyrus and him would be good partners, and they could easily balance out eachothers advantages and weakness's mission-wise, but teamwork would be a problem; especially since Cyrus still wanted a rematch...

OOC: Ladies and Gentlemen, Ultimate Shinobi's chuunin are back in business!

Cyrus held the vials in his head studying them as the other three shinobi continued to speak to one another, until Osaru began speaking about possibly becoming a ANBU shinobi when he got a bit older. Cyrus was slightly intrigued, he didn't see Osaru as an ANBU type of shinobi, then again, Cyrus didn't see himself as one either, he didn't think the ANBU squads would allow such a hot-headed and bad tempered shinobi to join their group, considering they mainly specialized in silent assassinations, when Cyrus was more of a slow and painful type of killer. He liked inflicting all the pain he could on his opponents, as everybody had previously seen in the Chuunin Exams. Cyrus slid the vials that Kimiko had given him into the pocket of his pants before turning back to the group and replying to Yukiko's question of what people had planned to do in the future.

"Well, interesting you ask Yukiko, I know what my next goal is, it involves you actually." Cyrus said, he didn't reveal anything more yet, he reached into his back pocket slowly and grabbed a scroll, unraveling it and showing it to the three chuunin from a distance. He knew they wouldn't have been able to read it from such a far location from the scroll, being none of their eye sight could have been that great, so Cyrus took the liberty to continue explaining. "It's my mission to escort you safely back to the Sand village...." Cyrus said with a very brief pause as he looked over to Osaru. "But we are not the only two, Osaru will be accompanying us as, what you would call, a team mission.." Cyrus looked at Osaru with an emotionless face. He knew Osaru received a letter in the mail just like Cyrus had stating that they were going to be in a duo squad together, which Cyrus wasn't all that pleased about. But by the look on Osaru's face he was unaware about the mission yet, being it was Cyrus' task to inform his new comrade.

Cyrus continued to glance at Osaru, he knew would tension this partnership would bring. Osaru knew that Cyrus was his partner already, but Osaru must not have known that Cyrus also knew, how pitiful, Cyrus wasn't an idiot, he was usually the first to find out such an announcement like this. "I have my things packed and ready to leave, I'm guessing Osaru, you still need to pack, being that you were uninformed? The Hokage didn't feel it was needed for you too know yet, only me." Cyrus said remaining cool and collected while he attempted to push Osaru over the edge. Maybe if Osaru overreacted and flamed at Cyrus, Cyrus could inform the Hokage that Osaru had lost it and request to escort Yukiko by himself and spend some quality time with such a fine specimen.

[OOC: They certainly are. ]

"Ha, yeah, I'll have to send letters or something to you." Yuki gave a trademark half-smile at this, nodding directly at Kimi, though saying nothing. The gesture was clear enough. After Kimiko had finished her brief introduction to the other Chuunin, Yukiko had asked about their future plans, now that they were all Chuunin. Kimi was the first to reply, though she seemed pretty vague about her plans. Indeed, she told them all that she wasn't sure. "Live for the present then, Kimi. It's more fun when you don't know where you'll end up." Yuki responded quickly, smiling and turning to Osaru, who was about to give his reply.

Osaru had a little structure to his plan, but still no 'final destination'. He was a hard-worker, clearly, as his plan involved plenty of training and missions. It surprised Yuki that both Kimi and Osaru had little idea where they wanted to be in a few years. She began wondering if she was the only one who knew what she wanted to do. Maybe you could learn from them Yuki. Stop worrying about what might happen and just enjoy the ride. She thought back to the advice she had just this moment given Kimi. Take your own advice, Yukiko. She chided herself in her head, before nodding slowly as Osaru finished speaking, showing she had been listening.

Cyrus began talking as if he, for one, did have a ultimate goal. But then - and much to Yuki's surprise - he soon divulged that he was talking about a mission he had been given. It was to escort Yukiko herself back to Sunagakure no Sato. Osaru was to accompany her, too. The kunoichi laughed. "You can tell your Hokage that I hardly need babysitting. But the company would be most welcome." She replied, feeling a little put out that Kimiko wasn't joining them. A mission as a whole group would have been a great send-off, as it were.

[Sorry for the short post, but i have to get off soon, as this is my dads computer, not mine]

Osaru ignored Cyrus's attempt to get on Osaru's nerves. He was certain that the Hokage told them both, but as Osaru hasnt been home in a few days, he hadnt gotten the message. He just knew that he would have to get used to this if he were to be on the same team as Cyrus. He didnt bother looked up at his squadmate while saying: 'Im already packed, though thanks for your concern.' He wasnt trying to respond in the way Cyrus was hoping. And he wasnt bluffing either; he had enough supplies for another few days in his pack at his house. He could stock up on supplies when they get to Suna anyway, so it didnt bother him much.

Osaru noticed the fourth Chunin's remark. In that single word, Osaru was told a lot. He knew she felt left out since she wasnt to accompany the rest on their mission to Suna. 'Im sure the Hokage has a mission planned for you and... Kin.' Osaru said hopefully, though with trying to hide his sense of distaste in her squadmate. He didnt want her to already have a biased veiw on him just because of Osaru 'And my partner's name is Cyrus...' Osaru said calmly, trying to hold back an insult towards the fellow Chunin. If they were to get along-- at least to the point of being to complete missions together cooperatively-- he shouldnt edge on their... indifference. He knew they had potential to be devasting to any who stand in their way, only if they werent the ones in the way...

Cyrus grinned watching Osaru struggle to hold his temper, attempting to ignore Cyrus completely, until he needed to respond to Cyrus' questions about supplies and if the boy was packed. Cyrus laughed slightly and sadistically as he prepared a reply to his soon to be pathetic partner. "I have no concern, I just find it funny that you weren't informed." Cyrus said once again teasing his comrade. Cyrus listened to Yukiko put her opinion on on the idea of this mission, stating she didn't need babysitting, but she wouldn't mind some company. "Babysitting? Hardly. You must not understand that our rival villages strive on moments like this, three chuunin traveling from land to land, we would be easy targets if I wasn't accompaning you to, from what I know, Osaru has a temper, but in a true hostel situation I'm not sure if he has what it takes to kill another man and have the blood on his hands and yourself Yukiko, since you are the priority of this mission, I'd suggest you wouldn't stay and fight, that only leaves me to do my favourite part of this job, kill an enemy, very pleasing." Cyrus said, as he got into a bit of a ranting thrown into the mix. Over these few weeks he really liked dishing out the insults to Osaru, especially when he did them so calmly.

The conversation continued resulting in Kimiko asking what Cyrus' name was, as she hadn't been informed as of yet. Cyrus didn't answer as Osaru said his name, stating they were in a squad today, Cyrus turned to the cute girl and spoke "As my companion here stated, the names Cyrus." he confirmed, running through another basic introduction. Introductions weren't his strong point, he didn't care for them much, so he decided to change the subject, locking his attention on Osaru once again. "So Osaru, I couldn't help noticing when I passed the administrator board the other day, Shibito's name on the genin list, getting taught by Seiko Odolwa, interesting, I wasn't sure he would be in the conditions to continue as a genin this year, after his unfortunate departure from the Chuunin Exams." Cyrus teased lightly, knowing it was a touchy subject for Osaru.

[OOC: Work overload-related absence. Back now.]

Kimiko seemed satisfied - pleased even - with the answer Yuki had given, and she began to observe Osaru quietly. For her part, Yukiko was glad to have been of some comfort to her friend. But when Cyrus spoke up about what his plans for the present were, the female Konoha-nin's face fell ever so slightly. As the boy explained that it was a mission, given to him and Osaru, Kimiko responded with barely audible word, before looking a little dejected. But it seemed Yuki didn't need to act, this time, as Osaru stepped in and reminded Kimiko that she had her own partner, and that the Hokage would surely be assigning them a mission soon.

Cyrus looked back to Yuki and spoke in response to her earlier quip about the 'protection' she was receiving. "Babysitting? Hardly. You must not understand that our rival villages strive on moments like this, three chuunin traveling from land to land; we would be easy targets if I wasn't accompaning you two. From what I know, Osaru has a temper, but in a true hostel situation I'm not sure if he has what it takes to kill another man and have the blood on his hands and yourself Yukiko, since you are the priority of this mission, I'd suggest you wouldn't stay and fight, that only leaves me to do my favourite part of this job, kill an enemy, very pleasing." She considered the boy's words before replying a moment later. "Well, your presence is both welcome and appreciated. But I'm certain it won't come to hostile situations. Exactly what are you expecting to be beset by on our journey?" She answered, before hurriedly speaking again. "For the record, I'd hate to miss a fight if ever there was one, and I can most definitely take care of myself." The kunoichi added, being the proud and fierce woman that she was.

[Sorry about the wait guys. Im not sure how to make the post mroe then a few sentences and stay in character... Im kinda thinking of getting rid of him for soemthing easier to act IC with T.T]

Osaru once again ignored Cyrus's attack on him. He merely replied wisely: 'Then maybe you went to easy on him then, huh? Unless your saying that you--' He was cut off by the Leaf Kunoichi's outburst. He merely raised an eyebrow at her... He knew not of anything that she could be laugihng about going on the conversation right now. Well, except for maybe the dispute between Osaru and Cyrus, but he didnt find it hilarious. Then again, he didnt find a lot of things funny. He went on with his talk with Cyrus.

'And im sure that theres a mission notice on my door. I just havent been home the past few days... And i actually have all i need waiting in my apartment. If you'll just give me a moment before we leave, I can grab my stuff and catch up with you two.'

Cyrus waited for Osaru to finish his sentence, but nothing....

The blue eyed boy was unimpressed by Osaru's remarks, it was time to cut the bullshit. Cyrus did enjoy to provoke Osaru though, he took things so seriously most of the time. The wind gently blew across the area, causing Cyrus' hair to gently pushed away from his eyes. He listened to Yukiko talk and then Osaru once more, stating he had everything ready to go. "Okay well go get it. Yukiko and myself should continue on without you, all you have to do is present your scroll the the gate guards and they will let you through. Ya'know, if you have a scroll that is." Cyrus said grinning once more. He turned around to reveal his backpack sitting securely around his shoulders, he was packed and ready to go and judging from Yukiko's attire, she was ready too. Osaru was the only one unprepared for this mission, what a let down on his behalf.

"Well then Kimiko I guess we will have to meet another time." Cyrus said smiling at the young genin extending his hand for a gentle handshake. He shook her hand softly and turned to Yukiko awaiting her approval to leave also, surely Osaru would catch up soon, as Cyrus and Yukiko would merely walk their journey to ensure Osaru could pick up the slack and reach the group in time.

OOC: Short sorry, just waiting to continue in the traveling board.

[OOC: Does anyone want to call this and move to travel? I'm happy either way. P.S. Sorry for the wait, it's been a hectic week.]

Osaru seemed to hold his tongue before carefully replying to Cyrus' tautnt. His answer began in a considered manner, though Yuki didn't get to hear the remainder, Osaru stopping mid-sentence as Kimiko developed a fit of the giggles. The female Konoha-nin tried desperately to cover her mouth and stifle the little noises, but she seemed helpless at whatever amusing thought had crossed her mind. It was infectious. Yukiko felt herself smiling a little, then more broadly as Kimiko finally started to get ahold of herself. The male Konoha-nin appeared unsure of what to make of this, Cyrus not reacting at all and Osaru merely raising an eyebrow. As Kimiko calmed down, Yuki let out a single giggle of her own, amused by the situation. She looked at Kimiko, a midly surprised look on her face as if willing the girl to explain. Kimiko however, seemed more intent on keeping the giggles down for now.

When the unusual situation had abated, Cyrus piped up. "Okay well go get it. Yukiko and myself should continue on without you, all you have to do is present your scroll the the gate guards and they will let you through. Ya'know, if you have a scroll that is." While Yukiko appreciated Cyrus' direct manner, she didn't really think the taunting of his 'partner' necessary, and took this moment to voice her own opinion. "Can you two drop it please? I really would prefer a more amicable journey." She smiled disarmingly at the two boys, hoping they'd take the words seriously enough. "You'd probably better get that scroll, Osaru-san." She added, flicking her head in the direction he needed to hurry toward. "We'll wait for you just beyond the gates." She finished, turning now to Kimiko.

Yuki approached the girl and took her hand. "It was good to see you again, Kimiko-san. Take care of yourself. I'm sure we'll meet sometime in the not-too-distant future." She smiled and shook the kunoichi's hand with both of her own. Since Osaru and Cyrus would be accompanying her, there was no need to issue goodbyes to them just yet. She backed off and glanced at Cyrus. "We should get going, Osaru won't be long with the scroll." She said matter-of-factly.