Rolling Clouds

Trekking along the beaten paths of the Haven Country towards the deserts of the Wind Country, Kaito could tell he would loathe the trip. He still recalled the abhorrent heat that oppressed him last time, and Haven Country wasn’t much kinder. At the very least, he would be used to it by the time he arrived. He wore the same clothes he had in Hoshigakure, meaning his white robe, his Darkened Skies armor, the pyramidical hat. The patch that covered the left side of his face collected sweat in spite of the talc he powered it with to prevent this exact thing from happening.

Beside him would be travelling Ryuzaki Nara, in an armor not too different from his own, save for the augments Kaito had worked into his own armor, which earned it the “Mark III” addendum. Kaito would have to release the blueprints to the rest of the village, but for now he would have to address Ryuzaki’s ups and downs. “I can’t say I am happy with your performance in the exams, Ryuzaki”, he started as they made their way, and only when they found themselves alone. His Byakugan would flare from time to time to ensure their privacy. “Being a Taijutsu master implies taking care of your body, and doing regular checkups. Especially when you can break out the Inner Gates.”

As he spoke, he could feel his breath laboring due to the combination of the trek and talking. His advancing age wasn’t very forgiving, but he felt he still had a ways to go before retiring. “Yet, I can’t deny you that you served your assassin a cold plate of revenge for their attempt. Now, while I am loath to reward failure, I can’t ignore your accomplishments. And, I can’t have a genin as my bodyguard, I’d feel silly. Because of this, I am promoting you effective immediately to the rank of Chunnin, the same rank you came here to compete for. You failed the exam, but you redeemed yourself when you reaped the life of your assailant. Keep it up, and more and better things will await you.”

As he travelled, he didn’t look direct at Ryuzaki, however, he kept his ears perked up for his reaction, as he had been doing since the beginning and through the trip, and when he announced the promotion, he once again enabled the Byakugan, to observe Ryuzaki but also to once again surveil the surroundings.

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Traveling to Wind Country
WC: 408
Claiming 408 towards Earth Shaker at 25% Discount, making new total 908/1313 towards B-Rank version.

The Kumo pair were not traveling in luxury as they did to the Haven country, this time they trekked on foot. Although it was going to take longer it was also more discreet, Ryu assumed that was on purpose. The group from Kumo were expected at the Chuunin Exams and the whole affair was political, therefore attacking them would have brought down the wrath of at least 2 villages. However, this trip was on a different level. Ryu was constantly scanning the area for attacks, with his assassin killed outright he had no idea why he was attacked.

As the pair approached the borders of the Haven country the 11th Raikage began to speak in his usual direct manner. Ryu knew the words of Noboru were aimed at improving him, and he was expecting some form of admonishment. The Raikage spoke few words on Ryu's failure but the intent and opinion were clear. Ryu knew it was coming and had already admonished himself, the man before he wouldn't be able to do that anymore than he did to himself, but he accepted his words with a firm nod. Then unexpectantly he praised him, although in a slight manner. Ryu paused as he told him he was promoted to chuunin, this was very unexpected. Ryu dropped to one knee and planted his opposing fist into the ground "Thank you, Sir, I will serve in my new rank with maximum effort." The words from his leader were short, but Ryu found a lot of comfort hiding within them.

Exit to Wind Country 
WC: 256
Claiming 256 words for 1173/2500 for Chidori Senbon - previous wordcount, Chuunin rank.

Exit Claims Approved!