Sigmund, Nori, and Nanami are in for the fight of their lives.

Sigmund already exhausted.

Nori severely injured.

Nanami, the only healthy player of their group.

With the death of their sensei on their shoulders, they all seek revenge.

Nanami has awoken her most deepest darkest secret.

Will their prevail? Will Nori and Sigmund's battle effect their upcoming battle with Kotatsu?
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:14, Sat 11 Feb 2017.

Nanami wasn't to fond of how the match had begun, or how it was going. For a while the two teammates which she considered precious friends. They went back and forth, blow for blow. But she noticed Nori seemed to be several steps behind Sigmund. Eventually Nanami watched as Sigmund dominated the match. She hated seeing them fight. Nanami's eyes kept glancing over at Kotatsu. Everything she'd seen here and then noting the relaxed state of things. It left her feeling very worried. Then that sense of forbidding became reality as the match was being called. Suddenly Kotatsu and several clones, as well as a man. The man threw the corpse of their Sensei in front of the Kage's and pronounced they were seeking something and they would capture, torture, and kill everyone until they found it.

 She thought back to the first time they had met him. His training was not only fun, but hard at the same time. It was her Sensei smiling face that brought about another emotion. To those who could see her, her fists were clinched so tightly that blood was dripping from them. This wasn't sadness, this wasn't regret. This was bravery, this was a bond, this was hatred! The face she showed became serious.. Nanami looked seriously pissed off. But all these feeling didn't fade, they became more and more intense. The area around Nanami became saturated by an intense chakra. A mighty wave of chakra burst from her as the jutsu that sealed her eyes away suddenly vanished.

The air around Nanami suddenly changed, and to her it seemed like time itself had stopped. She didn't understand why or what seemed to be causing this. Then there was a bright light and Nanami was standing in a house and was looking at a woman, who had some similarities to Nanami. The woman gazed at her with a smile for many moments "Sorry its just good to see how beautiful you have become. Nobody could have foreseen the events that are unfolding right now. But this type of moment is that your gift was given to you for. From here on everyone will either look to become friends or rivals. Your friend Sigmund will most likely become a rival, if he doesn't think of himself like that already." Nanami gazed at the woman "Who are you?"

Karina smiled "I am your birth mother, in time everything will be explained. What I can tell you, and have the time to tell you is you are a bearer of the Sharingan. Use it well, and be careful. You have a lot to live for. So go now. Protect your friends.." Nanami walks up to her and hugs her tightly "I will Karina, even if you are my mother. My real mother to me is Tamari."

The woman smiled "I know, in time we will meet again. I look forward to that moment." Nanami nods and then another flash of light and its as if no time had passed what so ever.

Her eyes blink a few times, the clarity of the things Nanami saw sureal. She looks into her wrist-guard and see's the reflection of her Two-Tomoe Sharingan. Nanami grinned at this and watched as the assailants threatened their Kage, but then they threatened Sigmund. The way Nanami carried herself suddenly changed, and the aura that she gave off was vastly different. Nanami slings her bow, as this would not be the time to use that jutsu yet, and arrows would do little in this situation. Nanami removes the hairband that had held her hair in a ponytail. She stands on the railing and kicks off to land quickly in front of Sigmund. Her hair sways with the wind.

Nanami looks back at him with the Sharingan glowing brightly. Her gaze was not the cheerful one, not the happy one, not the intense one. This was a face that Sigmund would know very well, as it is the type that Sigmund had shown on many occassions. The seriousness on her face was clear "Sigmund-kun, Nori-chan. We have an opponent to kill, with this one there is no room for mercy." Her eyes move back to Sigmund. They were piercing as if looking into the boys soul "Rest for a moment if needed, if not lets do this.." Nanami's tone was completely different, there was no arrogance or any other emotion in her voice.

The girl's gaze falls on Nori "I know we all have vengeance on our minds, but to become engulfed by it will get you killed. So don't act recklessly." Nanami takes the armband from where it was tied around her bicep. She puts the headband in its proper place.

Now she turns and faces Kotatsu "Me and you have unfinished business, and I do plan on taking your life for killing our Sensei. Before I fought foolishly and like it was some game. Part of me thinks you said you would kill Sigmund first to draw me out. I think you are mad because you didn't get the chance to kill me, and now you have brought out the darker side of me. I hope losing your life to do so was worth it, and I don't plan on losing." Nanami stops herself "Let me correct myself.." She looks at Nori and Sigmund "We, don't plan on losing." Nanami smiles at her teammates "Shall we?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Mon 13 Feb 2017.

   Sigmund awaited Kotatsu's move, until out of nowhere, Nanami came flying in like nothing. She seemed incredibly different physically than the last time he saw her. Her hair was raven colored black and her aurora around her changed drastically. She stared right into him, with different eyes. Her eyes were different, like a kekkei different. Her irises were brightly colored red with two tiny black dots diagonal from each other in each eye. He had read studies and books about it and the only people who possessed such a thing were only Uchihas. Sigmund couldn't process this information correctly as she gave him an all too familiar look. It was a face he used very often. The look of determination. Her eyes pierced their way to his soul. Something was awakening inside him too.

   His eyes changed their own color, the green that had appeared twice now, making this the third time. The red underlining eye shadow resurfaced under his eyes. The tips of his hair changed to white. He couldn't understand the changes his own body went through at times nor could he understand how Nanami had possessed the Sharingan. But there was no time for that. They faced their opponent with determination. Revenge was out of the question. Pride for their village filled their hearts. He returned his gaze back at Nanami, then to Kotatsu.

   "Heal Nori. We're going to need her. I'll hold him off until you're finished. It's going to take all of us to do this," he ordered. With their sensei gone, his remaining title as team leader still remained. Sigmund was the bronze, Nanami the brains and Nori as the glue to hold them all. They needed her just as much she needed them. Their team skills were going to be exposed now. "Quickly, Nanami," he added as he began exposing some of his bones, creating the bone sword he needed to perform. "Kotatsu, this fight will be the end of you," he announced as he charged right at Kotatsu, about to perform his dance of the Camellia.

[Akitoki Sigmund rolled 23 using 1d20+16]
This message was last edited by the player at 08:06, Mon 13 Feb 2017.

Kotatsu had did what he was told. He summoned clones, however not the normal shadow clones people believed they were to be. It was a type of jutsu that seemed to be more beyond than a shadow clone. He talked, moved, and even could perform jutsus as an actual human being. Nobody knew who was the real one, however Sigmund, Nori, and Nanami, the famous Fire Trio, ended up being stopped by one of the many from the center of the stadium. Jonin leaders attempted to save the Kages. All available genin fought the Kotatsu army. Other ninja tried to defend themselves as much as possible. Parents, citizens, and children screamed and ran through the stadiums, pushing and shoving each other trying to get away. Many were injured in the process of escaping and some were being killed as they lost the battle to defend themselves. It was probably one of the most disastrous events in history, similar to the event when the Sand Village attack Konoha, many, many years ago to capture the one and only Sasuke. However this was most dangerous. Innocent lives were being taken, Kages were being executed in front of the entire Kumogakure village, and the mysterious man was looking to take over this village for the sole purpose of looking for something dear.

Kotatsu smirked, looking right at the three fire genin. "This is going to be fun. I'm going to enjoy killing you for my master. My land. We will find what we are looking for. I'm going to be your worst nightmare," he taunted them. This was going to be the fight for their lives. There was no going back. All their training that they undergone was going to apply now. All the skills and the education they received from the academy, was hopefully going to pay off. He wasn't scared of the newly transformed Nanami. In fact, he was already prepared for this moment. He had information on every single genin who participated in the exams, and Nanami and Sigmund were the two that interested him the most.  He prepared himself for the upcoming attack from Sigmund himself.

Nori didn't know when Kotatsu was going to strike, but she knew that she wouldn't be able to hold him. Sigmund was right. She couldn't protect him even if she wanted to. It was something she wanted to do out of sheer want to protect him from harm, but even he wouldn't accept that help from her. She knew he had his pride as a guy to protect himself. It wouldn't be right if she was the one protecting him. To him, she was just a girl getting in his way. She was about to open her mouth and say something to him, but then she a gust of wind swiftly go by her. She turned her head and lifted up an arm to shield her eyes from the dirt flying into them. When it cleared, she saw Nanami with her black hair blowing in the wind. Nori just stared at her. Something was different about her. She had seen that black hair back in the infirmary when they were together, but her aura back then and her aura now, it was...substantially different. She could feel it was stronger than before and it was almost intimidating to her. She had never felt this type of power coming off of the sweet girl until that moment and her eyes...her eyes were unlike anything she had ever seen before. 'The sharingan...' she thought silent to herself. Was she really able to possess such power? The only ones she knew held such a trait were the Uchihas. Was it possible that she... But her thoughts were soon interrupted when she heard Nanami speak to her. Nori pressed her lips tightly together. "I understand that. I won't be reckless, but I won't be easy, either," she told her teammate before she looked back to Kotatsu.

It was true that part of her wanted to avenge their sensei. After all, he was a good man who gave them the tools and resources they needed to work together as team. Now it was the time to put them to use. She was sure that it wasn't only her that didn't want to let their sensei down. They had to direct all the knowledge and tools that he taught them to defeat this opponent. They had to defeat him. It wouldn't bring him back, but they could surely do him proud and show him what they were capable of accomplishing by working together. There hadn't been many opportunities for them to work together as a team and combine their abilities as one, but she was sure that they would today. Nori could only hope that Nanami would be able to restore her full mobility and heal her wounds, so she could unleash her full potential. Her eyes turned to look at Sigmund, seeing the tips of his hair turn color once more as it had once done back in their battle. She smirked and looked back to Kotatsu. She felt a little bit sorry for him. They were going to unleash a fury on him like no one had ever seen before. "Let's do this, Nanami. Heal me up, so we can shut this guy up and kick his ass. I'm sure even Sigmund can't do it alone."

Nanami looked back at Sigmund and smiled "Can you keep him occupied for about thirty seconds? I should be able to have her mobile by the time the thirty seconds is up." Nanami strained her eyes as she could see the chakra flowing through Nori's body. This allowed her to identify the fracture point "First, this will hurt a bit. I have to seal the fracture point. But in order to do that, I have to make sure the bone is lined up correctly." If nori has a cast on she removes it "Understand even with my healing, you will need to have it treated once we get out of this mess."

Nanami doesn't really wait for a response as she takes hold of Nori's leg and presses together the fracture point. Then she starts chanting the prayer that summons her healing chakra for her arrows and she begins sealing the fracture. Even while concentrating she still made sure she could be aware of an attack if one comes towards her.

Nori looked down at Nanami as she saw her remove the cast from her leg. "It's okay. I can handle it. I trust you, Nami," she said with a small smile. She curled her fists at her sides, preparing herself for what was about to come but she knew that it would be worth it in the end. As long as she was able to help take this Kotatsu guy down, that was all that mattered to her. She could only hope that she could make some kind of a difference since she didn't hit Sigmund even once in their battle. She was hoping to have better luck this time around. Before she was able to respond to her friend's last words, she felt her take hold of her fractured leg and winced. Even just putting slight pressure on it hurt like hell. She did indeed feel pain and for a brief moment or two, a look of pain crossed her face but she could definitely feel the pain in her leg lessen and lessen. Now all she had to do was have those other wounds healed and she would be good to go.

Kotatsu, rolled 33 using 1d20+15 ((18)); Taijutsu Defense.

Going up against the fire trio wasn't something he had planned, however it would make for an interesting take on things. He had hoped to kill the girls and face Sigmund alone however a three on one sounded more promising. Sigmund strikes first, taking point. He seemed to be the stronger teammate out of the three so he was going to enjoy every bit of fighting with this one. The girls were different story. "Impressive," he commented on Sigmund's exotic dance. He had seen Sigmund's moves one too many times to know how this boy was wired to the core. It was all too easy to defend against as well. As Sigmund came towards him with his bones, Kotatsu was able to dodge every strike that was aimed at him with speed and gracefully avoided being struck. One by one, Kotatsu managed to avoid a single scratch, something he knew would tick Sigmund off in the long run. After while, within the 30 seconds time frame, Kotatsu grabbed for Sigmund's bone hilted sword made the dance go to a complete stop. "Now it's my turn," he declared as he pushed Sigmund backwards and followed it up with his own jutsu. Completing a series of hand signs at incredible speeds as he lunged towards Sigmund, he announced "Dark Release: Warped Tornado!"

The whisky darkness that had been emitting off of Kotatsu began to twirl. As it did, it grew bigger and stronger. Before they knew it, Kotatsu was heading horizontal towards Sigmund. It looked fairly similar to Kiba's own technique, Fang Passing Fang. If Sigmund could dodge this, he can avoid substantial damage but if he cannot, Sigmund was looking into getting torn up already.

Kotatsu, rolled 27 using 1d20+15 ((12)); Ninjutsu Attack
This message was last edited by the player at 08:08, Mon 13 Feb 2017.

[Akitoki Sigmund rolled 30 using 1d20+17 ((13)); Ninjutsu Defense]

   Sigmund had slashed at him every opportunity that he could. However Kotatsu dodged every single attempt he had. He blamed it on his exhaustion however with his new found awoken power seemed to keep him up to par as best as his body could take. Not landing a single hit was most disappointing and before he knew it, Kotatsu managed to stop him mid dance, grabbing his sword and stopping the entire dance. Sigmund was surprised. The dances he knew were incredibly fast and to know Kotatsu was fast enough to grab onto his bone sword, stronger and sharper than any steel Shinobi's could craft, was pure amazement yet dangerous. He was pushed back, the bone leaving his hands and Kotatsu had rushed him. He managed to create what looked like a dark whispy black tornado coming bright at him. With his quick witts, he was able to fit in a substitution jutsu st the last minute, a puff of smoke creating a temporary impaired vision and leaving behind leaves. This gave Sigmund the opportunity to camouflage him and his team. He hoped he bought enough time for the girls.

   This is insane. He was able to stop me mid-dance. Nobody has that kind of speed and power. What is this guy made of? he thought to himself as he reappeared by the girls.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:14, Mon 13 Feb 2017.

Nanami focused, she had to breath and control her chakra. The Sharingan gave her a new perception. This brought many ideas to her mind. She had read some on each wielder seems to grow in different ways. This excited her, she knew they would get through this. They had to. Seeing Sigmund's Kekkai change his looks gave her another confidence boost.

She let out another deep breath. The fracture was nearly sealed, meaning Nori should be able to use it for a while anyways. Nanami's eyes look up at Nori "Just a few more moments." She heard the battle continuing on behind her. She knew Sigmund would need their help. Another few moments pass and Sigmund slides to a stop in front of them. At this point Nanami releases the chakra flowing into Nori. The fracture would be sealed, and a lot of the superficial bruising and soreness "Thats all I can do under the circumstances.. So you remember how I controlled the mini tornado's back when we were training with Sensei? Well I am going to create a couple with my jutsu and keep the pressure on, while you two hit him up close. I can weave the wind in and then out for when you two attack. Also we shouldn't stay grouped up, then he'll have to choose to attack." Nanami taps her bow "I have my trump card ready. Ready? Because he won't be confused for long."

Nanami darts to the left, heading at an angle. She starts making several hand-seals "Wind Release:Divine wind Jutsu." With the completion of her hand-seals a duo of mini tornado's form. While miniature when comparing them to real tornado's, they stood twelve feet tall in their own right. Unlike normal tornado's, the wind in these were like razor blades, able to cut through pretty much anything with ease. The two she creates with the jutsu move extremely fast and attempt to criss-cross to put Kotatsu into a blender. She knew it wouldn't kill him, but it sure wouldn't feel good, and it sets up her next jutsu.

18:04, Today: Nara Nanami rolled 24 using 1d20+15 ((9)). (Ninjutsu Attack)
This message was last edited by a game editor at 02:18, Wed 15 Feb 2017.

[Kotatsu, rolled 34 using 1d20+15; Ninjutsu Defense]

Kotatsu had gritted his teeth when he made contact with Sigmund. He had knew this trick all too well. Sigmund used it normally at the last second to confuse his opponents. The puff of smoke clouded his vision temporarily, which unfortunately bought time for the trio of genin. His technique came to a stop, as Kotatsu landed on all fours to stop him from continuing further from them.

As the smoke subsided, Nanami had moved to the left, casting a wind jutsu. He began to feel the wind shift as two giant tornados were summoned, kicking up dirt, dust, and pebbles, twirling and twisting at incredible speeds. Getting caught in one of those was not going to be good, however Kotatsu didn't seem to freight over it. He was confident he was going to at least kill one of them.

They had weaved in and out, cutting off Kotatsu and his direction to Nanami. As he got back up onto his two feet, the tornadoes had collided, all that could be heard was "AAAARRRAGGGG!" as Kotatsu appeared to be stuck in the middle of both tornadoes, taking a nasty and deadly hit. eventually he laid down on his back, appearing to be a bit immobilized from the trio's perspective, then suddenly, poof!

Kotatsu's body had vanished, borrowing this trick from their own teammate, Sigmund. Kotatsu managed to use a clone jutsu, within a clone jutsu already that was cast earlier. the incredible skill of Kotatsu was amazing. To have a clone jutsu already casted and then was able to execute another one with one already going, showed off his chakra skills and execution of ninjutsu fairly nicely.

Kotatsu reappeared next to Nanami. "Surprise!" he cooed as a punch was launched towards Nanami's face. His fist had appeared much larger with darkness engulfing his fist with it. Dark whisps emitted off of this attack too. "Dark Release: Shadow Gale Punch!" he declared. The darkness formed a bird, with dark, long whispy wings, representing a gale bird.

[Kotatsu, rolled 17 using 1d20+15; Ninjutsu Attack]

Nori had waited patiently while Nanami fixed up her leg and although it was just a bit painful, she could feel herself getting a little stronger and she was glad for that because she wasn't going to be just sitting around and doing nothing for this fight. Once her friend was finished, she carefully lifted and flexed her leg. A smile spread across her face. "Nami. You're amazing. Thank you. You're the best," she said as she was able to finally move the once fractured leg and looked over at her friend. She listened to her speak and that look of determination spread across her face once more. This was going to be their chance to prove their sensei proud at just how well they could work together when they have something worth fighting. "I've never been more ready in my life. I have both my legs back thanks to you and I won't waste them. You've given me a fresh start and now I can fight with nothing holding me back." Nori reached over and raveled her wrap back around her hand before she pulled tightly on it and curled her hand into a fist. Regardless if her leg was better, she was going to still be careful around Kotatsu. "Let's do this," she said in a solemn voice before she turned her head and looked at their enemy just as Nanami darted to the left to attack.

Nori knew she had to wait for just the right moment to attack and if her attack was going to work, she needed to be ready. Once she saw those mini tornado's form, she took off quickly at an angle, letting the wind carry her faster on her feet. She could feel the wind shift and just as it opened up, she stopped in front of Kotatsu, crouching down on her feet as she looked up at him with a smirk. She had to minimize or help avoid that attack that was directed at Nanami and hopefully this would do it. "Surprise," she said as she swung her leg round full circle and if she managed to get him off his feet, she would deliver strong punches into his stomach before kicking him into the air and delivering a blow with her fist to knock him back down onto the ground.

[ Yamada Nori rolled 30 using 1d20+19 ((11)). Taijutsu Attack. ]

[Private to GM: (I am guessing we fight like the example in the Jonin section, so this is just a defense post.)]

(20:03, Today: Nara Nanami rolled 27 using 1d20+16.  Ninjutsu Defense.)

Nanami watches her jutsu move in and slice Kotatsu to pieces.. "I hope that is not all, I would be greatly disappointed.." As the tornado's stood still, her head was on a swivel, looking this way and that. When the boy suddenly appeared next too Nanami she blinked "Good, I was hoping you would be more fun.." The dark chakra fueled punch came at Nanami, she almost laughed as she read his body and saw the opening to dodge..

She turns to the side and jumps back a ways.. She laughs a little "It was a good try, but you were a little slow, and oh.. You have a surprise coming your way.." She winked at Kotatsu and smiled.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 04:38, Mon 20 Feb 2017.

[Kotatsu, rolled 35 using 1d20+15; Taijutsu Dodge]

That new Sharigan of Nanami's was rather annoying. Kotatsu may have been fast, but this is what gave Nanami the edge in this match right now. He was beginning to become too slow for her and couldn't keep up. He needed to be faster, and he surely would be. As she moved backwards and dodged his punch, the dark whisps of his hands remain as Nanami tried to taunt him about the surprise that was coming for him.

Because the moment she announced there was something waiting for him, he felt the wind adjust behind and Nori announcing her own presence. It didn't take much for him to body flicker away in an instant and redirected his attention to the Taijutsu user this time.

Reforming his Shadow Gale Punch, he reappeared behind Nori, wanting to send this mighty punch into her back. "Shadow Gale Punch!"

[If defense and attack have a dramatic difference, Nori will suffer severe pain in her spinal cord.]

[Kotatsu, rolled 32 using 1d20+15; Ninjutsu Attack]

[sigmund will post after Nori's dodge post.]

[ Yamada Nori rolled 17 using 1d20+14.  Ninjutsu Defense. Dodge unsuccessful. ]

Nori was fairly confident that she would hit Kotatsu, but she didn't want to give her hopes too high. She didn't know what this man was capable of, but he had to be strong if he got this far. She wasn't trying to let him intimidate her, though. She couldn't let him. Not at a time like this where her teammates needed her. She was strong. She knew that and she had to make this opponent believe that, too. It wasn't just her, though. Sigmund and Nanami...they were strong in their own ways, too, and right now, the three of them had to combine forces. Just as they didn't really know what they were getting into having Kotatsu as an opponent, Kotatsu didn't know what he was getting into, either. Although, just as Nori was sure that she would hit him, she saw him disappear. "Damn," she muttered under her breath as she slowly stood up, but it was just as she did that she felt a gust of wind brush past her. A sudden chill went down her spine as she heard Kotatsu's voice from behind her. She began to slowly turn around, but before she could even look him in the eye, she felt a powerful force come into contact with her back. "Ughhhh!" It was so intense that it caused her to fly forward and roll across the ground until she landed on her stomach. She stayed still on the ground for a minute before she placed her hands on the ground and began to slowly get up, but she instantly fell back onto the ground coughing and gasping for air. Why couldn't she get up? Nori could feel a numbness in her back and she didn't understand why? Fear struck her. What was happening?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:10, Wed 01 Mar 2017.

   Sigmund watched the events unfold. He gritted his teeth has he was trying to stop Kotatsu from striking Nori,but he was too late. Kotatsu had disappeared for Nori's attack to completely missed and that was it. Nori went flying to the ground and rolled away from the trio. She couldn't even get up and that struck something inside him. "This is getting out of hand. You will not hurt anymore of them!" he shouted and lunged forward. He didn't think twice. He knew he should've coordinated with Nanami, but he was being too stubborn and irrational.

   Kotatsu didn't hesitate to act. It was a clash between the two boys. Kunai knives clinked and clanged together. The two girls could only see small glimpses of the physcial confrontation between the two men. If anything, Sigmund was losing and they could see it, but he didn't give up. His retractable bones broke one by one as he grew more exhausted. Punch after punch, kick after kick, and small drips of blood could be seen from where they use to be seconds ago. As Sigmund threw his final punch, Kotatsu had manged to place a paper bomb on his side. Sigmund's eyes grew wider, and then a loud explosion could be heard throughout the entire stadium. Civilians screamed out of panic, battles halted as Kotatsu's clones disappeared. All eyes were on the explosion from down below with the fire village trio.

   Clouds of dirt filled the arena and blocked the views of many, no eyes on Sigmund. Debris flew to the stands, striking some and missing many. Fire began to spread around quickly with the wind from the mountains blowing it everywhere. The stadium began to catch fire and quickly began burning the remains of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Thu 15 June 2017.

With the explosion, fire spread quickly and he couldn't have asked for a better outcome. The debris helped his leader escape, with the Kage's in hand and long gone. It wouldn't be long until the entire stadium turned into ash, trapping all within to die and be forgotten. The Land of Lightning will never, ever forget this day. The day war was declared from the Land of Snow. He couldn't see if Sigmund had survived the blast or not. It was unclear, but dead or alive, Sigmund's body would return with him regardless. All Kotatsu could see was blood and bones everywhere, Nori still on the ground, and Nanami watching it all, covering her eyes from what appeared to be doom. He couldn't help but smirk at the satisfaction of victory.

Everything seemed to have just gone by in the blink of an eye. All Nori could remember was that she was knocked on the ground and was unable to move. She could hear Sigmund shouting from afar and it brought her attention up to see her teammate lunging forward towards Kotatsu. There was a confrontation between him and their opponent and as each minute passed, she could only see Sigmund getting exhausted. He was running out of energy and because of that, the strength of his attempted attacks caused him to not land a single blow. They were failing at avenging their sensei. How were they going to bring him justice this way? They had to try harder. They just had to. But it was as Sigmund was bringing up a fist towards Kotatsu, that she saw something being placed on her team mate's side. Nori's eyes widened. That...that couldn't be. Then there was an explosion. "Sigmund!" she shouted as she covered her face with her arms to shield the debris flying towards her. She stayed down on the floor, waiting for the smoke to pass.

"No...no. Damn." Nori slowly lifted her head up from her arms, her eyes looked for any signs of Sigmund or Nanami, but all she could see was smoke and fire. And blood...and bones. Her first thought went to Sigmund. The bomb was directed specifically at him. He could have been...no. He was alive. He had to be. She slowly lifted herself up onto her arms, supporting her weight as she dragged herself over in the direction of her former friend. "Sigmund? Sigmund?!" she exclaimed before a sudden pain hit her back, causing her to temporarily collapse back onto the dirt. She stayed there for a moment, but she slowly struggled to pull herself back up onto her arms with a grunt. When she managed to do so, she continued dragging herself in what she hoped to be Sigmund's direction. "Please don't die. Please don't die. You can't. You just can't." Nori slowly felt the tears fill her eyes as she saw snippets of the boy in her mind. "Please be alive. Please," she said in a low voice.

Nanami watched and in a blink of an eye. The fight turned for the worse for Sigmund. She shielded her eyes from the blast. After a moment Nanami'sused her Sharingan, it was shining brightly. She would be quick to find Kotatsu's chakra signature and the scattered chakra signature of her fallen comrade. She couldn't make out his condition. All Nanami knew was she had to destroy Kotatsu. She kicks off jumping high into the air.

Nanami draws her bow and begins to chant "The air goddess I beseech thee to destroy thy enemy. With this arrow I condemn you to hell!" She draws the bow string way back. The air around her stirs as chakra is drawn inwards towards her bow. The swirling of air gathered into an arrow "This shot you cannot escape, and you will die now!" Nanami goes into a dive with the arrow formed and fires it off towards Kotatsu. Nanami's momentum carried her past Kotatsu as she aimed to find Sigmund.

It was clear that Nanami's feelings were of rage and the wanting to find her friend.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 22:32, Fri 16 June 2017.

   All he could remember was the paper bomb. It was a huge explosion that caused the stadium to even catch fire. He remembered his eyes growing wide when it had been placed on his rib cage. Because of his awareness and all his training, nobody had noticed he removed the tagged just in time towards the stadium. He was selfish in tossing the paper bomb towards others and saved his own skin.

   The blast had made his ears ring and with this ring, he couldn't hear the screams of others and his name being called out. His eyes needed time to adjust. He remembered opening them and he was facing the ground, looking at nothing but dirt and some of his bangs over his eyes. Hid body felt heavy, sore, and inside he was incredibly exhausted. After coughing a few times, he managed to get up and saw nothing but fire, heavy black smoke, and dust. This clouded almost everyone's vision. Holding his side, he limped to what he believed was the right direction to his team. He didn't have a clue as to whether or not Kotatsu lived through blast as well.

   By the time his ears stopped ringing, he remembered hearing Nanami full of rage and he also saw Kotatsu, standing there in front of Sigmund. They locked eyes before he looked back at Nanami as she declared her deadly attack. Next thing he knew, an arrow had ripped through his torso and Kotatsu's, who had unknowingly used him as a shield and that's when Sigmund saw Nanami zoom passed them. That's when Kotatsu laughed and poof! A small cloud of smoke had replaced where Kotatsu once was, no sight of him at this point.

   Sigmund coughed, coughing up blood. This is it....this is the end....after all I have done....all that I have worked for...this is the end....Nori...Nanami...I'm sorry I failed you... he remembered thinking to himself, having no strength to say it out loud. Sigmund did smirk though. He had to admit, Kotatsu was smarter than everybody estimated and he never felt more proud of himself until now because Sigmund held his own for a long time, longer than he witnessed from anybody else. He closed his eyes and fell to the ground, in a pool of his blood.

Nori continued dragging her body across the dirt ground, still unable to see clearly as she looked for Sigmund. He had to be around here somewhere. He couldn't have died. He better not have died. And what about Nanami? What happened to her? She could only hope that she wasn't caught in the blast like Sigmund was. "Sigmund?" she called out. "Nanam-" the calling of her friend fell short as she felt the air change around her. The energy was...different. She had felt it a few times before when Nanami had gathered chakra into her arrows to use for an attack. It had to be her. She just as soon felt a gust of wind blow past her and it caused her to look up. She squinted her mahogany eyes to see the silhouette of a figure in the air and a single point of light aimed at the ground. What was she doing?

Soon the point of light shot down from the sky and plummeted down towards the ground. Her eyes followed the light as it cleared a path through the dust and at the end of that path she saw Sigmund's familiar figure. Thank god he was- Her eyes darted back to the arrow and then to Sigmund. "Sigmund! Look out!" But it was already too late. She saw the arrow go right through Kotatsu, a puff of smoke taking his place, before she saw it rip through her teammate's torso. Her eyes widened. No. No this wasn't happening. It couldn't be happening. She watched her former friend fall to the floor and blood. Lots of blood. Nori bit her bottom lip as she crawled over towards him, "No no no..." She crawled as fast as she could over to him.

Once she made it over to him, she could feel the blood soak through her clothes but that didn't matter. "Sigmund. Sigmund, open your eyes. Look at me. Open your eyes," she pleaded as she reached out a hand and stroked back his hair to push it out of his face. "Please look at me. Say something mean to me. Say you hate me. Say you will never be my friend ever again. Say anything. Please. Please..."

   Sigmund never imagined dying. He had always wondered what death was like though. They were all correct: your life really does flash before your eyes and so quickly too. Images of his childhood, the academy with his team, meeting their senses for the first time, his first official team, the countless training and missions, his hidden jutsus...now this.

   Damn...this? This way? By your own teammate? Man, that bites. he thought over as he began to see a faint light, the light to pass on, to cross to a peaceful place where all war heroes went. He thought he imagined himself smiling but he wasn't. He thought of a frown as he heard a faint familiar voice. Nanami? No it was too soft, too concerning. It was Nori's. she could be heard calling his name, but she kept saying something else. Wake up? No. Eyes. Yes, eyes. Open his eyes?

   Before he knew it, he coughed and his eyes opened, and the first person staring at him with tears running down her face was Nori. "Stop being such a baby..." he managed to get out, of course maintaining his usual attitude towards her, even in his dying state.

Nanami watched as Kotatsu vanished "You will pay, and I am coming for you. Make no mistake, you are dead. You just don't know it yet." She lands knowing Kotatsu hadn't heard her threat. It mattered very little to Nanami. Knowing she said it was what mattered to her. She needed that confidence and hatred. It seemed to follow the Sharingan. Death and loss, yet prosperity and peace also followed them after times of great loss. In these brief moments she made up her mind, that she had to become stronger, a lot stronger. She knew how she needed to, and who too talk to..

These thoughts sped through her mind as she looked for Sigmund.

It took only a few seconds for her to find the pool of blood and her fallen friend. She slides and stops next to him "No, no, no.. You are not dying on me. You aren't dying! I won't let you cause Nori too cry again!" Kneeling down she used the Sharingan to find the major bleed points. She covers a finger in flame and uses all of the knowledge she has learned to carefully sear the arteries closed without damaging them or the flesh around them. It took all of her composure to not tremble.

Nanami slowed her breathing as she took great care. After stopping the worst of the bleeding. She places her hand down hard above Sigmund's heart, her other hand comes up and Nanami begins chanting "Goddess of all, bringer of life, I beseech you. Grant me the healing power to prevent the loss of my friend." Nanami focuses her chakra into healing the serious parts of the wound "Last just long enough for me to get you into the hands of the medical unit.. Just hang on."

Nanami was already tired from the whole ordeal. But with the last bit of her strength she picked up Sigmund as carefully as possible. Then she went and found Nori, and Nanami picks her up. The last of her chakra went into boosting her strength and speed slightly. Just enough so she could carefully move without risk of dropping either of them. Nanami rushes towards the medical center in the village.

   He tried his best to stay conscious for them, but he found it difficult. He knew the damage to his body was extensive because he felt cold, lifeless even, weak, and so tired. The girls tried their best to keep him awake but he eventually fell unconscious as he witnessed Nanami try to repair his arteries to stop any further bleeding. His bones had healed, his ribs had repaired themselves, his vertebrates had magically regret themselves, and any breaks or fractures Kotatsu had caused him had already healed. But his injuries were still fatal.

   He was carried away and that was the last he remembered of the events.

   It wasn't long until Nanami reached the clinic, yelling for help and demanding medical care immediately for Sigmund and then themselves. He was taken away in a stretcher, having told the girls he needed emergency surgery if they wanted save Sigmund. His blood loss was critical and his damaged torso proved to be even more severe than they believed. Medical Ninjutsu couldn't save this boy, however a team of surgeons whom studied under the great Sakura and Tsunade were called in. They kept him on a ventilator to help him breathe, units of blood to replenish what was lost, careful supervising as they waited for the great medical women.

   It was hours before Sigmund finally got the help he deserved. Hours of surgery later Nori and Nanami were informed of Sigmund's successful surgery and he was taken to a private room to recover, he was looking at weeks of recovery, to his unknown mind he would greatly be against.

   All the while the events the fire trio endured, many genin helped rescued those they could save, Jonins from every village organized rescued parties to search for any deceased or lost civilians. Water Jutsu Masters attended to the fire however the stadium was completely burned down nothing but ash and rubble and burnt corpses of people who didn't make it. This was tragedy; a tragedy the land of lightning would never forget. A day the Kages were kidnapped, The Land of Snow's declaration of war and assignation of their own Daimyo, and most of all, the lost lives of many. This was a time the great nations were to join forces yet again to stop the rise of this rebellion.

[Genin are free to post whatever they desire at this post. Chapter 3 will start very soon].

In reply to Akitoki Sigmund (msg # 22):

Nori didn't hear Sigmund say anything at first when she spoke to him. Fear rushed through her. Would she never be able to speak to him again? Was this going to be it? It couldn't be. The tears rolled down her cheeks and she began to cry. Her hand fell from his head and let it fall to the ground as buried her face in her arm. "Sigmund, you can't go. You can't leave. Not yet. You have to keep going," she said and sniffled before she pulled her head away from her arm to look down at him with tears in her eyes. It wasn't until she had heard him speak to her that her eyes widened and trembled. He...he was alive, but he was weak. She could hear weakness in his voice. He had to get out of here and get out of here fast. Nori sniffles again and wiped at her eyes. "Yeah. I am a big cry baby. So what?" she said with a small laugh. As bad as it was to see him in this state, she was happy. She was happy that he was alive. "Don't worry. We are going to get you some help. You gotta hang on and not open that big mouth of yours." She smiled.

It was in saying that that she felt a gust of wind go past her and she looked up to see Nanami was there. That's right. Maybe she could heal him just enough to get him to the medical wing. She knew her friend wouldn't let Sigmund die like this. He couldn't die. She watched as she attempted to repair the damage that was done to his body. She reached out and held onto his hand even after he went unconscious. "Thank you, Nanami. Thank you," she said before she felt herself picked up and rushed out of the burning stadium.

When they arrived at the medical unit, Nori felt herself placed on a stretcher and wheeled away one way while Sigmund was wheeled out another. There was some damage to her spinal cord from Kotatsu's blast to her back, but luckily they were able to repair most of it. They told her she was lucky that it wasn't broken in half or else she would have been paralyzed for life. However, she also had a recovery time ahead of her with physical therapy to gain full function. Despite her own prognosis, she was more worried about Sigmund than anyone else. The doctors had told her and Nanami that his surgery was a success but that he was looking at a long time recovery. Upon her request, she asked one of the medical ninjas to wheel her to his room, stating she wanted to be there when he woke up. Once she was wheeled into his room and parked st his side, Nori reached out and took hold of his hand. She gave it a gentle squeeze. "Everything's going to be okay, Sigmund. I know it," she said to her unconscious teammate. "Everything will be okay."

   The entire time Sigmund was unconscious, he dreamt. Dreamt of that damn kid Kotatsu and the damage he had done. It felt real but it was a total nightmare. It was almost like a promonition. He had lost his friends, family, and team and it was just him and Kotatsu. They stood face-to-face, staring down at one another and they engaged in battle, just like before. The clinks and clanks of their kunai knives, punch after punch, lick after kick, jutsu after jutsu. They were evenly matched and then a big blast happened, bringing him back to reality.

   Sigmund had fluttered his eyes slowly as he gasped for air. They had incubated him after his surgery and he began to choke as he tried breathing on his own. A nurse had been within the room in order to remove the tube so he could breath properly. She had quickly dismissed herself with his chart, leaving him and Nori alone. She held his hand and he remembered the previous events and then he felt pain. The surgery and battle took their toll on his body as he laid there. He stared up at the ceiling, trying to gather his thoughts.

   "You done being a cry baby now?" he managed out and weakly smirked at her as he turned his head towards Nori. There was no sight of Nanami yet. He finally realized Nori had been injured too, as she say in her wheel chair. He wanted to forget about what happened. His injuries were a combination of the exams, Kotatsu, and Nanami's lethal arrow jutsu. He gave her credit though, she had it in her to kill. Maybe next time it won't be him though. He laughed in his head to the stupid joke he cracked at himself,

Nori didn't know how much time had passed after she arrived in the room to sit at Sigmund's side. She knew that he was just unconscious, but it still scared her to see him like this. Never once had she seen him this badly injured before. Not to the point where he nearly died. She knew he was going to have a long recovery process, but she was going to help him as much as she could despite her own injury. Even if he didn't want her to, she was going to. She had been laying her head down beside his arm on the bed when she suddenly heard him choking and gasping for air. Nori quickly pulled her head back and looked down at him. "Sigmund? Oh my god. Nur-" she began to say before she saw the nurse quickly come over to his side and remove the tube from his mouth so he could breathe.

A wave of relief washed over her as she saw his breathing returning to normal. Thank god he was okay. She nearly fell out of her wheelchair when he started to choke. She settled back against her chair, but continued to hold onto his hand, letting her thumb brush across the top of it in a comforting manner. Well, she was sure it wasn't soothing to him. He had just had major surgery. He could have died. She lightly shook her head. No. He was alive. That was what mattered.

Upon hearing his words, all Nori found she could do was simply laugh. "Call me a crybaby all you want. I'm just glad you're alive. You don't know how relieved I am of that. Who else would call me mean names and say things to hurt my feelings?" she said. She was trying to hold back the tears. She really was. The last thing he needed was to see her crying. She had to be strong right now. After all, he was in much more pain than she was. "The doctor says you have a long way to go in recovery, but I know you'll pull through. I'm going to help you in any way that I possibly can and no. You can't stop me no matte how much you try."

   He remained quiet. She was determined to help him however he didn't want it nor need it. The doctors may have insisted he needed the long recovery but there was a bigger issue out there. Their sensei was dead, many genin from villages died, countless innocent lives died alone from the fire and the clones, and the Kages had been kidnapped. Sigmund couldn't wait for recovery. He couldn't wait that long.

   "Time isn't on our side. I don't have time to idle by," he explained and looked at her. He squeezed her hand, holding her hand in his own. He knew she had her own recovery process but he had an incredible power and he wasn't going to let it go to waste. "Don't freak out. The doctors told you physical therapy right?" not really asking her but more so just for stating it out loud. Bones from his fingers began to sprout out and stabbed into her knuckles, the weird crackling could be heard from him. The great thing about his power is he could control the calcium in bones, which makes bones heal, regenerate, repair, and even grow as much as he wanted. By having his bones invade her own, he was able to transfer his own calcium into her's, repairing her back and every other bone injury she had suffered. She honestly could admit she felt good as new. Once he felt that her bones were strong, he retracted his from her hand and she bled a little, her skin not use to this type of kekkei. His calcium would remain in the repaired bones until she broke them again.

   "There. Now you won't need that wheel chair. You're good as new," he stated and closed his eyes for a moment. "With Nanami's medical ninjutsu and her arrows, my recovery should be incredibly short. I can't stay this useless. Time is simply not on our side. I'm a target and for all we know, they'll come back for me while I'm helpless. Whether you want to stop me or not, I'm determined to get out of here and continue on. I may have almost died and that scared the hell out of me, but the next time, I promise you I'll be the victor," he explained to her as he sat up. He felt so much pain but his face literally remained motionless but he did look a bit pale and clammy.

Nori had already known that Sigmund wasn't going to just sit here in bed and wait till he recovered from his injuries to go out and fight for what was lost. People had died. Many of them so innocent and helpless to escape the fire and the chaos that the land of snow had brought here today. And their sensei... their sensei was gone. What was going to happen without him? Snippets of him began to appear in her mind. She could hear his voice echoing in her eyes. If he was here right now, he would tell them to keep fighting and to not give up. He had confidence and faith in them as a team. Nori wanted to do right by him. She wanted to honor his memory. She wanted to become the team that he knew they could be.

"Yeah, I know you don't. I didn't think you would just sit here and do nothing. It's not in your nature," she said with a small smile when she felt him give her hand a squeeze. She was honestly surprised that he didn't pull his hand away. "I guess I was just hoping that you would at least wait a little while before getting back on your feet again. You really took some damage, Sigmund." She really was just concerned for him. She didn't want him to push himself so hard to recover, but knew that he was going to do so anyway. Her own recovery scared her in the sense that she would never be able to do Taijutsu the way that she used to. That she wouldn't be as strong. When she heard him tell her not to freak out, she simply blinked at him. Wait. Was he talking about? "Well, yeah. I-" she began to say before she saw bones start to sprout from his fingers. Her eyes widened as she saw them go into her knuckles, causing her to lightly wince but she stayed still. "Sigmund, wait. You shouldn't. You need to conserve your strength."

But she knew her words were in vain. What was he doing? Somehow she had felt...different. Like her body was rejuvenating itself. The pain in her back was subsiding and soon it was just...gone. Her bones felt strong and her back...her back felt good. Better than good. It was amazing. Sigmund's bones retracted from her hand and all that Nori saw the blood. "Sigmund," she said in a low tone and looked back up into his eyes for the brief moment that they were open. She just stayed quiet. There really would be no sense in arguing with him about this. He was going to do what he wanted, but that still didn't stop her concern for him. Although for the first time since she met him, he was admitting to having been scared when he thought he was dying. She never thought she would hear anything like that coming from him. He was normally so strong and acted like nothing phased him, but still...he was human.

Nori lowered her eyes softly at him and she held onto Sigmund's hand a little tighter. "I...I'm not going to try and stop you. It was pretty apparent that you could beat me if I tried," she said with a small smirk. "But you don't need to be the victor all the time, Sigmund. I know you want to face these people on your own, but I can't allow you to do that. We all have something worth fighting for now and sensei...sensei would want us to work together. We have to. I'm sure Nanami would agree. Just...let us help. Refuse it all you want, but I'm not going to let what happened to you today, happen again. I almost lost you. Do you know how scary that was?" She lowered her head down on the bed beside their joined hands and closed her eyes. "Please let me be there for you. I won't stop you. I have no right to stop you. Just...let me help."

Nanami stood against the wall just outside the door and listened to Nori and Sigmund. There was so much to process, and yet things stayed the same. All the things that Sigmund said during the chunin exams made Nanami hate him. Well Nanami didn't hate Sigmund himself, she hated his mindset. Believing one person can do it all.. Did he not read the history of the fourth great ninja war. Without all of Naruto's bonds, the world would not be as it is now. It was also very clear to Nanami, that Nori seemed to be in love with Sigmund. This was only her opinion.

Nanami would walk through the door "Glad to see you are both feeling better, and Nori is right Sigmund. This is a fight you can't fight on your own, and for me I will say this but once. I will not stop you if you choose to pursue the path that you talked about during the Chunin exams. But know, if you choose to pursue that path alone. You will be on your own. I have my own ambitions, and my own ninja way to live.." She looks at Nori "And dear friends I must protect. I do consider you a friend, Sigmund. But I don't plan on rushing into fight after fight. I don't plan on dying.." Nanami turns to leave "I have some business I need to sort out, I'll leave you two to continue your conversation, get well soon Sigmund." With that she smiles and nods to them both, turns and leaves the room..

[Private to GM: Is Sasuke or Sakura in the village that the trio are currently in?]

[Private to Nara Nanami: If you need either of them for a plot or to continue your posts for the time being, yes.]

   Sigmund was just about to respond to what all that Nori shared with him, but that is when Nanami came into the room. It seems the girls both had the same mindset that they would be against him if he went and faced everything alone. He let that sink in a bit. For whatever reason, the girls had this desire to have friendship and and bondage. For all his life, he had always been alone. He never needed friends, never needed to rely on anyone. He was naturally a team leader. He was naturally intelligent on his own and naturally skilled. Growing up, he was always told he was the next Sasuke even.

   The thought had pleased him, but there was a difference between him and the great ninja: Sigmund didn't desire power to the point where he would betray his village and friends. Yeah, maybe he would beat up anyone who got in his way, but his village was everything. What little friends he did have, were everything.

   He sighed as he witnessed Nanami walking out, muttering about some ambitions of her own she sought out. He narrowed his eyes as the door closed. Something had changed in Nanami now that he recalled the earlier events. He remembered seeing different eyes, her different color hair, and her desire for revenge. He worried about her honestly. Nori wasn't a threat at all and that's what made her vulnerable. Nanami could handle her own and he and her had grew closer over the weeks, but she seemed to be dealing with her own battle inside right now. He'd have to keep a close eye on her for now. She should follow her own advice instead of worrying about him.

   He turned to look at Nori. "If you think I'd go alone, I'm insulted the two of you would even accuse me of that. I know I have my own plans for my own future and I know my inspiration comes from Sasuke himself," he paused for a moment as he began to sit up, releasing his hand from Nori's. "But there is a difference between he and I. I am not as reckless and I am not alone. I wouldn't betray my own village for what he sought out. I will do things my way, but in the right way," he told her. He winced as he felt some pain in his torso, but the face quickly disappeared.

It was upon hearing Nanami's voice that she turned her head and looked up to her friend that had suddenly walked into the room. How much had she heard? "Oh, Nanami. I'm glad you're alright. I was worried about you," she said. It may not have seemed that way at the moment as the first person she went to was Sigmund, but she was just as worried about Nanami. She knew her friend was probably exhausted herself after having wasted so much of her chakra in healing them and attacking Kotatsu. "Please take it easy, alright? You need to recover your strength, too." But as much as she was concerned about her physical strength, she was also worried about her mental state. They had all witnessed horrific and traumatizing things since the fight with Kotatsu and it was having an effect on them all, Nanami included. She seemed to be a little...different. The way she talked and the way she carried herself. It was different than the girl that she knew before the exams started. Her attitude changed, too. But she knew she was angry. They all were angry. They wanted their own vengeance. Not just for their sensei, but for the people that were hurt, too. They had to do something.

Before she could utter another word to Nanami, she saw the door close, leaving the two of them alone again in silence. The two of them had said nothing at first for the next few minutes before she heard him speak to her. She turned her head and looked into his eyes. He couldn't really blame them in thinking the way they did when it came to his lone wolf mentality. He wanted to do things his own way and that was okay, but Nori still had this uneasy feeling. He spoke of Sasuke and she knew he was a great ninja that he looked up to. It was just...she also knew the way things ended up with him. He also went his own way of searching for something and left his team behind. She turned her eyes down and looked at the bed. "I...know you want to do things the right way in your own way, but...I guess we're both just concerned of what will happen to you if you do that. Things didn't end up well for Sasuke because of the path that he chose to take. He chose to leave his teammates and he chose to leave on his own. Look how he ended up," she began to say before she looked up at him, seeing him sitting up on the bed with a solemn expression "I'm not going to stop you from doing what you want because I have no right to do that. I just...don't want you to leave us behind. That sounds stupid to say, but I can't let you go. Nanami and I...we are going with you no matter what, got it? So you better not go sneaking off or else I'll kick your ass."

   He merely shook his head at the thought of Nori threatening to kick his ass. "You obviously didn't learn anything from our exam  battle, did you?" he stated the obvious. She may joke around of being able to beat him, but deep down, they both knew he could beat both of them if he truly wanted to. "I may be hurt, but that doesn't mean you can stop me," he smirked and looked back at the door where Nanami disappeared from.

   "Without a Kage or sensei, I am at a lost as to what we need to do at this point. The exams are technically over; this village is practically destroyed and many have died today," he brought up. "We need to head back to Konoha soon. We need to report what happened and what we are going to do," he explained as he looked back at Nori. Their Kage was kidnapped, their sensei dead, and it was just the 3 of them. He was still squad leader so he was going to resume his duties. His recovery would be okay for the time being, it was getting back to the village that was going to be troublesome. He was a target now. Kotatsu did not succeed in taking him away or even killing him, however they all knew that wasn't going to be the last they saw him.

   "We'll rest for the remainder of the day. You and Nanami are free to do as you wish for now. By tomorrow, we are heading back to Konoha. Sitting around isn't going to get us no where and we are sensei-less," he explained as he laid back down. He still felt weak. His mind, his body, and his chakra most of all.

Well, Nori was glad at least Sigmund was back to his old self. "As of right now, I'm in better condition than you, so I think I have a shot," she said with a smirk as she sat up in her chair. She knew that her teammate was strong. There was no doubt about that. He had proven that he was in their battle, but even though she wasn't as strong as him, there were areas where she was even if he refused to admit it. She wouldn't say anything further about that right now, though. There were more important things to worry about than who is stronger than the other. Although she knew he would say it was him no doubt.

There had been much loss today. Losses that shouldn't have happened but did. She knew he was right, though. They had to get back to their village and report about what had occurred there that day. People were killed. The Kage kidnapped. Their sensei dead. They had to come up with a plan, but they couldn't that here. Especially not now. They all had to focus on recovering before they made the trip back home. "I'll let Nanami know when I see her again. You just need to focus on getting rest. You aren't fit enough to travel right now. I'll stay her and watch you all night to make sure you don't leave," she told him. She knew that Kotatsu had interest in Sigmund and it worried her. Like Sigmund had mentioned, he was a target now. They all had to be careful. Not just him. She knew that...that seeing that man again was going to inevitable. She didn't know what the outcome would be, but this couldn't happen again. It wouldn't happen again.

"As much as I appreciate and admire your enthusiasm to act as a leader right now, you need to recover. You know Nanami can only do so much. Especially in her state. When the morning comes we will all decide what the proper course of action is as a team. I know you want to get up and out of here, but you got to let your body rest for awhile. I know how important it is to keep your body healthy and strong, but you just suffered major injuries. Your body needs time to heal itself. Maybe she can heal you enough to make the trip home, but you still have to be careful, understand? I may just be your teammate, but I care about you enough to the point if something else were to happen to you, I don't know what I'd do, Sigmund. We need you and that's why I don't want to risk taking any chances," Nori said as she sat back in her chair. "Now you just lay there, rest, and let yourself recover, you hear me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:04, Wed 21 June 2017.

Nanami figured Sasuke would be at the Kage's building. She exited the hospital, outside of being exhausted she was little worse for the wear. -"That first fight with Kotatsu everything felt off, it felt like each time he attacked and damaged me.. It was like he gained insight into my abilities. Like a person trying to read a closed book. I hated the way his Jutsu felt, nothing was natural about them... And why didn't dark powers like those raise a flag. Why were the Kage's so accessible? The security was so lax, even I would have been worried about it. This is the first time they had been held in the Cloud Village. They of all villages would not leave such gaping holes. There are too many questions and so few answers, and yet asking them would look accusatory. Everything is now strained, tense, and different. These aren't questions I can ask while in this land.."- She says all this to herself as she walked.

The arena was obliterated, so many lives lost. Such a brazen declaration of war is unprecedented, not even Obito's was this brazen. She looked at all the ninja, and how demoralized they were. The sadness that was lingering in the air was almost overwhelming. Nanami was glad her parents hadn't attended. She looked up at the building as she entered the lobby and walked up to the person at the main desk "I would like to speak with Uchiha Sasuke, I know he is busy. I just need a few moments. My name is Nara Nanami.." Her headband was in plain sight, tied around her bicep as she always wore it.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 06:27, Wed 21 June 2017.

In reply to Nara Nanami (msg # 35):

Sasuke had witnessed the events unfold towards the end once word got out a disaster had happened in the Land of Lightning, it wasn't long before he got there but it had been too late. It wasn't the first time he had faced such a disaster, but as far as he knew, he was always prepared. His long time friend and rival had been kidnapped but not only him, the other Kages as well. He lent his hand on aid for this village. Such a catastrophe and with their own leader gone without a trace, they needed order for the time being.

The front desk ninja looked up from his papers and looked over the young genin when she asked to speak to Sasuke. He noticed the Leaf headband she sported in her arm, a representation that she was no foe. "That is correct, he is a busy man. I'd gladly take you up there but I doubt he'll be taking any visitors," he explained as he rose from his chair and escorted Nanami to the back. He was curious as to what a genin's business would be with the great Sasuke.

After heading upstairs, he gave the door a knock before entering into the Kage's office and there stood Sasuke behind he desk, scrolls scattered everywhere, papers all over the floor, and himself hunched over the desk with his raven colored bangs falling over his face. When the door opened, he lifted his head up, his black piercing eye looking over the officer and the young Konoha ninja. "What is your business? I'm busy," he stated, obviously not pleased he was interrupted.

"I'm sorry to bug you Master Sasuke, but this Konoha genin wished to speak to you," he explained.

"State your business," he demanded.

In reply to Yamada Nori (msg # 34):

   He just sighed and stared at the ceiling. He wasn't going to waste his energy arguing with her anymore. There was no point to it. He wouldn't admit it but she was right. He was in no condition to leave or move today. Today had started off great but quickly turned catastrophic. His title of Chunin was stripped from him, or at least he believed so. Out of every genin, he made it. He succeeded and practically won it all. His rival was no longer Nori. His rival was that cheating ass Kotatsu. Sigmund vowed on this day to recover, grow stronger, and do what is necessary to defeat Kotatsu and his master's plan.

   He closed his eyes and allowed himself to sleep at this point. His mind and body needed it and he needed to drift into a slumber so he could forget this day for good.

In reply to Akitoki Sigmund (msg # 37):

Nori didn't know if Sigmund would actually argue back with her or not on this matter, but when she saw him just stare at the ceiling and let out a sigh, she knew that he gave in just so she wouldn't say anything more. Well, as bad as it sounded, at least he couldn't really move from where he was at the moment. All she wanted was for him to rest and let his body heal itself. The medical ninja did what they could on their part. Now it was up to Sigmund to allow himself to recover. Although she couldn't help but wonder if Nanami was going to help his healing process. She had disappeared and was nowhere to be found. She really hoped that she was alright. She would have to go find her later and talk to her. But right now, though, she just wanted to focus on Sigmund. When she saw him close his eyes and allow himself to relax, a small sigh of relief escape her lips. The corners of her mouth tugged into a small smile and she brought up a hand to lightly rest on top of his that was on the bed. She could her the faintness of his breathing, indicating to her that he was fast asleep. He would probably be that way for awhile. She held onto his hand a little tighter and rested her head beside their hands as she closed her own eyes.

After barely surviving a fight against a rogue shinobi, Sakuya took stock of people needing immediate medical attention close by. She did what she could to resuscitate those who were still clinging to life, but could only give prayers for those who did not make it. In the end, she found a handful of those who managed to survive the grisly attack that laid waste to the stadium.

The medical ninja in training was thankful for her accidental partner's help against the rogue ninja (or his clone, it seems). She could not possibly have survived facing against such a dangerous foe on her own. Both of them barely survived, and would have suffered worse injuries if she had not kept their wounds treated and their movements up to speed. The combination of her support with the Tsuchigakure genin's attacks have eventually turned things around in their favor.

Now Sakuya ended up waiting in the infirmary once again. There was no news of what happened to her sensei. She was thankful at least that her parents were safe. She felt she wouldn't be able to bear it with several losses taking place one after another. Even then, her body couldn't stop trembling from the memories of their fight moments ago.

Nanami bowed as she entered showing respect to Sasuke "I am sorry to bother you in such troubling of moments. But I need to know a few things about the Sharingan, or if you had any texts or training methods for them." She closed her eyes then opened them revealing her Sharingan "I know this may be trivial, but I have an ambition.. To kill a certain person. I need to become strong enough to do so. So when you have time, I would like to learn about the Sharingan. Not now of course. But eventually, and the reason I came at this not so opportune time. Is I knew once you returned to the village your duties would not allow time for this discussion."

Nanami thinks to herself -"I hope he doesn't get mad becuase he thinks I wasted his time.."-

In reply to Nara Nanami (msg # 40):

He remained silent for most of the time as she explained herself. His eye narrowed as he watched her activate her Sharingan and explained she wanted to kill someone. He was all too familiar with that path. He remembered her face though from earlier when he showed up. She was the teammate from Konoha that shot her own squad mate, that boy with the dark hair with the interesting bone kekkei.

The path that this young genin wanted to walk was not something he could help her with. This genin couldn't have Uchiha blood in it. There had to be an explanation for this. She had to have killed someone from this kekkei and the only people who had it were him and his offspring at this point.

"You are not worthy. I don't know how you obtained this, but you are playing a dangerous game coming to me with this," he warned as he stood up and stared at her.

Nanami tilts her head "I have a feeling by your comment that you think I took them or something. Something taught about Dojutsu is, you cannot deactivate them if they are implanted. Which I can freely do, and it would have been only a matter of time before you knew. Its better to be honest, then hide it. Also with these events you need all of us to be our best. Just to clarify, these are my eyes and this is not a game. I lost my Sensei, I was covered in my teammates blood.. I barely kept him alive long enough for him to seek treatment, the kage were taken, and war once more is upon us. One would think that a leader would want to hone his tools, not threaten them. I read everything they put in the books about you. I know I sound just like you did when someone caused you great loss. And just because I may or may not be Uchiha, does not automatically deem me unworthy or fit. My actions from here on should deem my worth."

She bows "I am sorry to trouble you with this Lord Sasuke. I'll see my way out." She turns to leave, half expecting him to appear in front of her. Nanami was nervous, but kept a level head. Exiting the office unless stopped..
This message was last edited by a game editor at 08:06, Thu 22 June 2017.

He kept a quiet stare at her, He didn't even flinch when she tried insulting him. As she excused herself, he was there in front of her quicker than she could have ever anticipated. He towered over her, his mysterious aurora gave anybody the chills. "You are not worthy to become my pupil," he stated again, "However, your background as to how you obtained these eyes, sparks my interest. I have nothing to give you. Those are sacred. My bloodline has only three. You're the first outsider. But I'll be watching you. But as of right now, I cannot do anything for you, I have my own enemies to hunt," he explained to her before stepping out of her way.

With the remaining words he left her, it should've satisfied the young genin at least for a little while. It should be enough to know he would be watching her so he could assist the girl with newly found and stolen kekkei. Today's discussion would be a cause of concern and he would have to unfortunately report this to Naruto himself whenever Sasuke rescued him.

"One more thing: if you decide to follow the path I took, consider that a deal breaker,"  he added before walking by her and leaving first. He had his own business to attend to outside of this village. With that, there wasn't a trace of Sasuke anywhere.

Sima had been taken to the clinic, just like everyone else. However all he remembered was waking up when the fire had started, shortly after the explosion from a fight between two genin. He remembered that Kotatsu genin knocking him out cold for what seemed like forever. When the fire broke out, he had tried to stand, but felt dizzy. The events happened to fast, he couldn't keep up.

Screams could be heard, smoke inhalation causing people to cough and hard to breathe, and most of death. Death was everywhere from the village he grew up from. He couldn't put his finger on it as to why anybody would attack a peaceful place, especially a secluded and quiet place in the mountains.

The fire was impossible to fight with the high winds from the mountains, it spread like grass. The stadium laid in ruins as Sima tried aggressively to save anyone and everyone with the headache and dizziness from his head injury.

In the end, he suffered minor smoke inhalation which was treated with several breathing treatments and minor burns which was healed with medical ninjutsu.

Last he was told her whereabouts were in the infirmary, where he had left her before.

It wasn't long until he found her again, the last survivor from his squad. She had been in the waiting room, just sitting there with a worried look. Keeping a professional tone, he sat next to her and looked down on her. "I am relieved to know you're okay, Sakuya. I don't know what I would do if my entire squad was killed from not only these exams, but this attack as well," he told her. It pained him to know he lost a squad today, but he would rebuild. He had already vowed to teach her better to prevent anything like this ever again.

"S-sensei!?" Sakuya remarked in surprise as she looked up to the man that made it possible for her to stay alive until now, "You made me worry!"

Sakuya gave her sensei a hug, eliciting a small ouch at being reminded by her arms that they have yet to heal completely. The pain mattered very little compared to the feeling of some weight being taken off from her chest, knowing that someone will have an eye on her back to guide her in becoming a full-fledged shinobi.

Nanami looks at Sasuke and nods as the man vanished "I won't let you down Sasuke-kun." She smiles and leaves the office. Next she was going to see Sakura. This was the more pressing matter of the two. Even though things were tense. They went as well as she thought they would go. Nanami knew she has a lot to prove, and even more to learn. The talk with Sasuke caused her to have a revelation of sorts. It also caused many things to make sense to her. She didn't need to obtain power, she needed to create power. Jutsu's that were unique to her and no one else. This would take a lot of time and effort. But she needed to learn a lot more about medical ninjutsu for that gate to be opened. She just hoped that Sakura or one of her other medical ninja would be willing to teach her.

The teen Walks back to the hospital and seeks out the office Sakura was using and knocks on the door or if there is a receptionist Nanami would request to see her.

In reply to Harusame Sakuya (msg # 45):

He couldn't help but let out a small chuckle escape his throat. "Well of course I am okay. They don't call me the lightning bolt for nothing," he joked as he hugged her back, noticing her wince. "Are you all right? I know you what happened today probably wasn't the easiest thing to witness today. I can only imagine what you had to go through before the fire started," he asked. Luckily things were calm for the time being, however there was a lot of hope that needed to be restored, especially for their squad. One of the most promising squads was nothing but disappointment right now. He would make things right and he would assign better mates for this team. They had a long road to recovery together.

In reply to Nara Nanami (msg # 46):

Sakura and Sasuke both had gotten word of the disaster that struck Kumogakure. She was summoned immediately for a young genin who had taken not only a paper bomb explosion to his torso but also a deadly arrow jutsu by his own teammate. They had both rushed quickly. Sasuke attending to business as to the rebuilding and mission planning for their long time friend, Naruto, and she performed the best medicine and surgery she could provide for the young boy.

Her patient had been about 14 at most with an all too familiar demeanor and face. Whomever treated him before she got there had done well to stop not only his eternal bleeding, but stopped his major arteries from bleeding out. She took care of the rest, using all her training she had learned over the years and her surgical skills as a medical ninja.

It wasn't long until hours later she had finished on the boy and sent him into the recovery room. The surgery had been successful and she had remained within the clinic to be on standby in case the boy would crash or even reopen his wounds again. The boy had weeks ahead of him for recovery.

Sakura took residence within one of the rooms. It was more of an office and she treated most of the civilians who had major burns or bone breaks. With this kind of disaster, it was all hands on deck. As she finished her paper work for her last patient, Akitoki Sigmund, she heard a knock on the door. "Come on," she spoke up, as she closed the scroll tight and tied it, sealing it for confidential purposes of her patient.

"Just tired from the battle, now that things have settled down," Sakuya replied after releasing the hug, showing that she was relatively fine despite her still healing arms from the tournament. She may have exerted a bit more effort than she was allowed to, but it was either that or being done in by the demented rogue ninja. There was little question on what she had to do that time.

"Sensei has a lot of explaining to do later on, though..." Sakuya added with a smile as she looked to the commotion of getting survivors treated quickly. The medic-in-training finally stood up and turned to her sensei, "But for now, we need to make sure people get treated as quickly as possible!"

Sakuya smiled when she said this. She remembered how she wanted to be like her parents, being able to help others. The infirmary was her home court - she knew what medicine or supplies to provide to the doctors since she grew up helping out her parents. It may be true the pacing got more hectic than usual, but the essential work was still the same. There's no time for her to feel down now when people need a hand (hopefully not literally) right now.

With fresh rolls of bandages in tow, Sakuya excused herself from her sensei and got to work. Had to make sure people get treated quickly.

Nanami walked in and bowed respectfully "Thank you for saving my teammate Sakura-Sensei. I did what I could after Kotatsu used a paperbomb on him and then used him as a shield from my attack. I healed him the best I could.." She was showing signs of fatigue "I was hoping you or Shizune would take me on as a pupil or understudy? I need to learn more and become stronger so that situation doesn't happen again." Nanami was completely genuine in her request. She looked back out the door hoping her teammates were getting some rest "I would also like to talk with Katsuya eventually. She can maybe answer a lingering question I have had about myself.." She waits hoping the answer would be favorable..
This message was last edited by a game editor at 08:12, Sat 24 June 2017.

Sakura listened quietly as the young requested not only one favor but two. Sakura already had a pupil who she passed off to Shizune because Sakura herself didn't have the time to continue training. She gave a half hearted smile to the young girl though. She gave her praises for the small medical training she did have to save her teammate. "You're the reason why your friend is still here, you know. You saved his life, I didn't," she praised her. "With this disaster, I'm not sure I'll have time to take on a pupil. You realize it's going to be hard work right? It's going to take years for you to gain the knowledge that I have and teach you correctly. You won't have a life for awhile. No missions, no friends. You won't be able to save your friend again if I take you under my wing," she began to explain. She wanted to make sure this girl knew what she would have to give up just like she did when she trained all those years. She sacrificed missions, helping Naruto, and saving Sasuke, her husband. She had to dedicate years of her life for this. "Are you sure this is what you want? Considering the circumstances that we are now at war, your teammate is a target, and our village could be in danger too," she asked. She wasn't going to address the Katsuya request at this time. She didn't want to summon such a beautiful creature for nothing, considering Sakura had not the slightest clue what this girl's true intentions were.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 07:07, Sun 25 June 2017.

Nanami remained silent for several moments "I have a curiosity question before I answer. If I had a Dojutsu one that could copy and breakdown jutsu. Would it still require years of training to gain the knowledge needed? Or would it require simply learning and practicing with the jutsu?" Nanami was eager for Sakura's answer to this question. Because she knew leaving her team was not an option. When she was outside of Sigmund's hospital room door earlier. What she heard and saw before Nori and Sigmund realized she was there was something she wanted to protect. She wanted to see the bonds between the three of them flourish.

The only Dojutsu that Sakura could put her finger on would be the Sharingan, only native to her husband and their children. She merely shook her head. "As useful as a dojutsu could be, they have their limits. My husband's dojutsu, the sharingan is useful for copying and mimicking, predicting the movements which of course gives you an advantage. In medical usage, copying and mimicking may get you to sign and see properly, but to perform those Justus on a living person without the proper training and chakra control, you could kill someone instead of save," she explained. She gave an example to just that dojutsu. She had yet to discover a dojutsu that gave an advantage for medical training and techniques.

Nanami nodded "I can't leave my friends. Those two have a bond I want too protect. I will continue to progress on my own. I train on my chakra control for many hours every day. Even on a day like today I will train before I sleep. This day has changed me forever. In more ways then I can count."

The girl takes a deep breath"I am not bragging or showing off. I just want you to see the level of chakra control I have." Nanami extends her hand and fire chakra wreathes around her pointer finger. Then she brings the fire chakra to an extremely small point "This is how I stopped the arteries from bleeding. I seared the walls of his artery shut without damaging the flow of blood. I used all the knowledge and training I had learned without thinking. I just acted.."

Sakura watched quietly, seeing the flame be reduced to a small point in her finger. As impressive as that was, she remembered being flawed with chakra control too when she believed she had it all together and figured out. "I am impressed on what you did for your friend, but one example cannot count towards years of work. I am willingly to take you on, however you have to be willing to sacrifice everything from your life. I live in Konoha, so when you're ready to start training, let me know. It's a serious honor to be training with the knowledge that I know. It would not only be useful, but you'll be so much more stronger than you could ever imagine," she explained and gave a small smile.

He chuckled when she commented that her sensei had some explaining to do, but that was for another time. He could tell she was still hurting but her determination to help there motivated her to push through everything and help the injured.

Just before she left with the bandages in hand, he had to mention this for her own benefit. "Sakuya, Sakura Uchiha is in this clinic. If you want to better yourself with medical ninjutsu, she's the one you're gonna want to talk to," he explained as he stood up. She was right. People needed help, healing, and saving if possible. It was all hands on deck and his medical ninjutsu was basic, enough to heal a wound here and there and sometimes subside pain. It was helpful even if it was a small amount.

"R-really...!?" Sakuya's expression visibly lit up upon hearing what her sensei said. If what her sensei said was true, then one of the greatest medical ninja of the shinobi world was right here in the infirmary helping treat people too. It was definitely an opportunity she shouldn't miss out on!

"I understand!" Sakuya replied in thanks to her sensei's news before heading out. Of course she had to make sure things were in order before getting about to look for the famed medical ninja.

By the time Sakuya was directed to where the legendary medical nin was last seen, she saw Sakura talking to another genin from Konohagakure. Sakuya took a deep breath before approaching, not quite sure how she should introduce herself or ask for advice from the well-known medical ninja that trained under Tsunade before.

"E-excuse me, are you Haruno Sakura-sama?" Sakuya finally called out as she dared approach, seeing that Sakura and the Konohagakure girl have somehow finished talking (maybe?), "I'm Harusame Sakuya, a genin of Kumogakure. I... I wish to become a great medical ninja some day, and would like to learn from you!"

The latter part of Sakuya's introduction came out louder than she thought it to be as she bowed in greeting. Was it too sudden? Sakuya couldn't tell if she was imposing at this point or not, but hoped that she could at least learn a thing or two from the great medical nin before her.

Nanami stood there for a few moments contemplating. Everything is racing through her head. She knew this is the chance she wanted. The chance to advance herself far and beyond who she is now. Nanami's face showed how deep her thoughts were at the moment. She paced for a few more moments "Will I be able to rejoin my team once the training is complete?"

Sakura awaited an answer and Nanami asked a question hoping for good news. "Unfortunately I don't have any control as to where you'll end up after the training. If you leave the squad now, you'll be replaced fairly quickly in your absence so I honestly can't guarantee you're going to be go back to your original squad. That's something way out of my control-" she was cut off as another genin came in. She was smaller than Nanami, very petite but definitely could tell she had some hidden potential somewhere. She introduced herself as Sakuya Harusame, a future medical ninja in training.

Her eyes reverted to Sakuya. "Nice to meet you Sakuya, give me just a moment," she politely said and looked at Nanami next.

Nanami nods "You are right an opportunity like this isn't one I can pass up Lady Sakura. It will be tough leaving my team for the time being. Luckily I will have time to keep in touch. I wish to be trained by you. I am prepared for the work. You are right the knowledge and training will be invaluable. There is something you need to know. But it can wait until our first meeting back in Konoha. Thank you lady Sakura. I should inform my team. I just hope they understand." She bows respectfully.

As she turns to leave, she bows to Sakuya "Hopefully we meet in training.." She waits for a moment making sure Sakura had nothing else to say to her before leaving.
This message had punctuation tweaked by a game editor at 08:32, Wed 28 June 2017.

Sakuya nodded as she waited for the discussion to finish between Sakura and the other genin from Konohagakure. It sounded like there was also concern about her teammates while she would also learn from the great medical ninja.

"H-hai...!" Sakuya replied and bowed as well, then straightening up to show that she was just as determined. She just can't leave everything to her sensei with the way things were going.

Sakura nodded her head, acknowledging Nanami's confirmation with her new training. "I'll see you back in Konoha," she said as she paid attention to Sakuya.

"Hello, Sakuya. I apologize for the wait," she said as she sat down. "I see you're just as interested in medical ninjutsu as the other genin, right?" she addressed. It wasn't uncommon that she was approached by many young, female genin who wanted to learn medical ninjutsu the way she learned. It was a powerful skill to know, and Sakura herself even learned to channel that and turned into strength.

"That's right," Sakuya replied with a nod as she was asked by the legendary medical ninja of their time, "I want to be able to help not only my teammates, but also other people who would end up in the same situation as today. It... it would be too much to ask for finding means to bring back the dead, but if I could help save those who still cling to life and prevent unnecessary deaths, then I'll do what I can!"

Despite being nervous, Sakuya couldn't help but express her thoughts. Memories of losing precious teammates whom she spent so much time together were still fresh in her mind. She wanted to ensure that any teammates she would meet in the future would not meet the same grisly fate. If that were possible, then she'll be willing to go through any hardship in order to achieve it.

Nanami smiled as she walked out. Hearing Sakuya's reason for becoming stronger was the same as hers for the most part. The girl closed the door as shhe left the office. She gulps "Now its time to go and inform them. I hope they don't get mad, but its what will help with the retrieval of our kage and protect our people. I know thhey'll understand."

She reaches Sigmund's door and she knocks lightly, waiting for permission to enter before entering.

She nodded her head, taking in everything Sakuya was expressing. She believed the little genin. Her words were true and she had much potential with her determination to help others and not feel useless. She reminded Sakura of herself back in the day.

She was going to consider taking on another pupil. Perhaps a bit of rivalry could push one another or they could learn in pairs. "I'm going to tell you the same thing I told the other genin: knowledge like this takes years to accomplish. It takes above and beyond determination and chakra control. It takes a will to want to help others and save anyone at all costs," she began. "I am willingly to take you on, however you have to be willing to sacrifice everything from your life. I live in Konoha, so when you're ready to start training, let me know. It's a serious honor to be training with the knowledge that I know. It would not only be useful, but you'll be so much more stronger than you could ever imagine," she explained and gave a small smile. "Opportunities like these are incredibly rare. Glancing at your headband, you're from here. You'll have to leave behind family, friends, and your old squad," she further explained. "Do you understand these conditions?" she asked. She couldn't take on apprentices if they weren't willing to drop everything and begin a new chapter in their life.

"I understand..." Sakuya replied with a nod as she thought over Sakura's offer. She would have to trust that things will be fine with her parents and sensei here, working on rebuilding the village with everyone else. That also meant she would be staying in the Fire Country during her training. She would have to prepare for the trip and make sure she tied up loose ends before heading out.

"How soon will Haruno-sama be leaving?" Sakuya then ventured to ask as she looked straight to the legendary nin before her, "If it isn't too much trouble, I would like to settle matters with everyone and prepare my things before heading out."

Sakura hadn't been called Haruno in a long time since her marriage. She just smiled again and looked at the calendar on the desk. "I'll be leaving for Konoha in two days. I'm here for any emergencies and I'll be here on stand by just in case. I want to ensure your village and any injured or casualties are taken care of before I go," she explained. "It would be wise to finish any business you have remaining here," she added.

"I understand. I will have everything settled by then," Sakuya replied with a grateful bow to the senior medical ninja, "Thank you very much, Haruno-sama. If you would excuse me, I will be going ahead."

She will definitely have a lot to explain to her parents, and will have to tell Fujii-sensei that she had to leave for the Fire Country together with the famed medical ninja. Hopefully whoever will take her place would be able to keep things in check while she headed out for training.