The companions from Kumogakure kept a watchful eye of their surroundings as they exited Iwagakure's1Hidden Stone Village walls, making their way to a barren site just a few kiloters from the village
Ronri activated his "Ninpō: Tokage no 2Ninja Art: Lizard's Eye" technique, co-opting the sight of several, summoned lizards. Small, unnoticeable, and scattered both in and outside the village for obvious security purposes. This setup was hardly any different than a modern day security system
Eventually, the group rendezvous with even more Kumo-nin who'd traveled alongside the Lightning Daimyō, but remained at the makeshift training sight in anticipation for the Genin's arrival. Once the site was confird to be secure and free of any onlookers, the Chunin and Jonin left Team Tango to themselves, maintaining a circular wall of security around the location
"Alright, I don't want to waste ti, so let's get to work. Pop question! In regards to preparations for the final exams, I'd like for one of you to tell ...what do you think we can all expect once the exam begins?" (Tango)
"There were at least over sixty people at the end of the last test" (Suzu)
"Which ans what?" (Tango)
"Being hosts for this prominent event, Iwagakure clearly understands the bigger the number, the less ideal" (Suzu)
"The whole point is appealing towards the rich and prosperous. So here's my second question... why would they leave that many contestants without bothering to eliminate a few more with preliminaries?" (Tango)
"How exactly will they carry out the final exam?" Fresh from just passing the Second exam, this question was still on everyone's mind
Buttering up influential individuals was the base standard, which ant keeping things interesting...entertainnt was a must
No one, especially a large amount of VIP's, desire to spend an entire day watching a bunch of Genin fight, hence the reason those who've hosted a Chunin Exam, employed a bracket tournant-style event for their final exam
"They were annoyingly vague. I'm willing to bet it's in soway related to them scheming to gain an unfair edge...again" (Tai)
"I'm not so sure. This exam will be public, the Gokage3Five Shadows and other shinobi village leaders will be watching every mont like a hawk. Despite the looming desperation, they'd be crazy to try sothing... though with our luck, I wouldn't rule anything out" (Rei)
"After hearing everything you've said about the exams, we should remain cautious. The Stone has pushed its luck enough as it is, that old fence-sitter ??noki isn't stupid enough to pull sothing now... but soone else might" (Tango)
VWOOOOO!!!
Just as they were poised to speculate so more, the sudden breeze of wind snapped them out of their contemplation. Tango decided to move on to other subjects
Regardless of what would happen, they'd inevitably have to prepare for every conceivable scenario, which ant coming up with countless contingencies...
"First up, Suzu. I received a letter from Raikage-sama. After informing him of my, now accurate suspicions of Iwagakure's backhand actions, he's hand a change of heart..." (Tango)
"You an...?" (Suzu)
"The restriction for using that power has been lifted. Be sure to make one hell of a show. You'll spend the next month continuing the training you started with Yugito-sama and Killer B-sama on Genbu Island. Just try not to go too crazy here, we don't wish to attract any unnecessary eyes" (Tango)
"...It's still a risk. I thought revealing what I am could lead to future problems" (Suzu)
"You'll be in a tournant surrounded by dozens of individuals with strange powers. If there was ever a ti to use it, it'd be now. Besides, as long as no one knows exactly where the source of your ascended state cos from, we're in the clear" (Tango)
Suzu's body held the secret for creating a perfected, Psuedo-Jinchūriki. Naturally, she had reservations about using said power in such a public venue. If even one person managed discern what she truly was, the fallout would be disastrous
Knowing where her fears lie, Tango reassured the young lady...
"Raikage-sama is only saying to use it as a last resort, not to go crazy with it. Hell, if we're lucky, you won't have to use it at all" (Tango)
{Pssh! With our track record...that's HIGHLY unlikely} "Suzu, it's okay to forfeit" (Rei)
"Right. Thanks Rei" (Suzu)
"We'll spend the majority of your ti determining the exact difference in power of your base, and transford states. Only then, can we enact a proper training regin for you" (Tango)
"...Understood" (Suzu)
Tango turned his head to the next one in line...
"Tai. We don't know what to expect, but it's likely you'll be forced into a situation without support from Rei and Suzu. Thanks the Earth Daimyō, we're the only Kumo team participating... and due to your particular team role..." (Tango)
"I'll be forced to go against the basic principles of a dical-nin...fighting on the front lines, without support" (Tai)
"Poisonous, vaporized mist isn't going to be enough this ti. We'll have to heavily rely on the swordsmanship you received from your family. During this month, I'll be practicing with you in direct Taijutsu-based combat, as you're the one who's lacks the most experience when it cos to direct fights" (Tango)
"Got it..." (Tai)
"Fortunately, along with being a fellow Suiton4Water Style user, Funsui is well versed in the art of Kenjutsu5Sword Techniques, so get used to seeing his face a lot" (Tango)
"R-Right, I'll do my best" (Tai)
"Relax, it's not like you'll be fighting Tomoe. Although, seeing your mom beat you up again does sound entertaining" (Rei)
"One of these days...I'm just gonna cut you" (Tai)
"Ahem! Given what you've told
of your experience during the Second exam, this is the best I could co up with on such short notice. As we train, there may be room for adaption and change, but for now, we'll go with this..." (Tango)
Suzu and Tai nodded their heads in affirmation. Firm resolve filled their beings as these Genin were willing and ready to do whatever it takes to succeed
Unlike his students, however...Tango stared at Rei with a concerned expression
"Rei...as for you, I guess we'll-?!" (Tango)
The one in question raised his hand, stopping his sensei mid sentence
"I already have sothing in mind. If I need help, I'll call you" (Rei)
"Okay... I'm sorry for my lack of-" (Tango)
"You've gone above and beyond for , don't worry about it. Just take this as a sign of one beginning to leave the nest" (Rei)
"?!" (Tai & Suzu)
RUSTLE!
Rei rose from the ground and moved away from the others. After finding the ideal spot, he sat down and crossed his legs, demonstrating a ditative pose
"U-Um... Tango-sensei? What about his training?" (Tai)
"Sigh... I really am inadequate" (Tango)
"Sensei..." (Suzu)
"Rei is...he's always been abnormal. Since day one, I had a clear plan for each of you, but he blew right through all of them at record ti and now... it's gotten to the point where I hardly have anything left to teach him. The fact I can't do much to help now, at such an important juncture, goes to show how much of a failed teacher I am..." Tango's face was sowhat gloomy as his mood beca downhearted
"..." (Tai)
"Is that so..." (Suzu)
"?" (Tango & Tai)
Suzu stepped forward, staring at Rei for a mont before turning around again. Standing in front of Tango, she offered an uncharacteristically bright smile, much to his confusion
"Rei's the type of person that'll take anything he deems useful, and utilize it to the best of its ability. But he's never been an unfilial person. He always valued the contributions of those who've aided him in his growth...which includes you Sensei" (Suzu)
"!" (Tango)
"There's no way he'll ever deem you as...inadequate. Neither will Tai and I, and nor should you" (Suzu)
"Suzu..." (Tango)
"True. Take all the tis that sadist experinted on
with his Genjutsu. There's a reason he works so hard to keep
around" (Tai)
"Pffft! Well...let's hope he doesn't value
as much as he does you, Tai" (Tango)
"Good grief...ti to go to work. We'll leave him to...whatever the hell he's doing" (Tai)
"Right? There' no point in worrying about him" (Suzu)
"Says the girl who couldn't stop freaking out every second we were separated from him in the canyon" Tai lightly teased his teammate
"..." (Suzu)
SMACK!
"OW!" (Tai)
"Rei's right...that is fun" (Suzu)
"Oh god...he's infected you too!" (Tai)
"Hahaha! What wonderful students I've been blessed with...! {I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're ready!} (Tango)
While the three of them were boisterous and eager to begin, Rei had remained silent this whole ti. His eyes closed, the boy was locked in a deep trance, and the world around him seed to be...nonexistent
{It's finally ti to end this annoying "cycle". Co to ..."Rei Sano" and... Isshiki ??tsutsuki...!} (Rei)
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