First Encounters

[Kosetsu Akina]

The village was bustling with its normal day excitement. Stores open with new supplies and items for the people who passed by. It seemed a normal day for Mist, nothing amiss nor different. But in the minds of the new genins, it was truly an anticipated day. Early this morning they had received their individual letters from their old chuunin teachers. No longer under their watch, these students were ready for more difficult tasks and training. That's where their new teachers came in. Jounins, the highest level a ninja could obtain besides the mighty Mizukage.

In each letter, it gave a simple congratulations from their teachers and wishes of luck. They would need it. Along with it were simple instructions on where they were to go in the training grounds. Once they arrived, they were expected to stay untill they met up with their fellow teamates who had yet been told about who would be paired with who. It was a fun thing the chuunins enjoyed doing, it kept the genins excited and guessing.

For three young genins, a similair letter was sent out to each. In it, is described for each to meet at the large tree just near the eastern edge of the training grounds. It was an open area in the forest, with that old tree standing in the center. Some said that it had stood ever since the village was created so it served as a great landmark. To the right of this open space was one of the common large lakes, it's mist rolling across this vacant training ground.

Sitting atop the tallest branch, a little bird pecked at the bark. It bobbed its head up and down in a curious manner before hopping a few feet forward. A gloved hand reached out very slowly towards the little bird, careful not to scare it off. The bird titlted its head to look into the sharp orange eyes of a older man. Zell leened in a little bit closer, smiling like a child who had found a new toy.
"Hello there little bird. You're not going to find much to eat on this tree." He snickered and carefully pulled out a small piece of bread.

The bird pecked a few bites before taking off into the misty sky. Zell's eyes followed it efortlessly untill it was out of sight. A talent of his, the jounin had sharp eyes for fast movements. Maybe that was what helped him in combat. That or his weird and often playfull personality. But it wasn't wise to overlook him as a jokester. He sighed, leening back against the tree. They're late... he grumbled softly. Hidden by the soft green leaves, Zell waited for his three new students to arrive. Hopefully he thought, that they would miss his presence. He wanted to watch them for a bit before jumping down to say hello.

[Sejiriku]

Hands had slowly opened the envelope that had appeared on his desk that afternoon, brought in by his grandfather. Though he was as eager as every other genin to recieve this letter, he did not tear into it as many others did. No, he opened it slowly, green eyes dancing with faint pride, though his young hands shook visibly. Was it nerves? Anticipation? Maybe even a little anxiety?

What if his team mates were dead weight? He'd never get anywhere... No, that was untrue. But it would be a struggle before they all rose to the same level and functioned as a group... What if they could not function though? What if his team mates were people he did not like? Or even worse, what if the sensei thought badly of them? Thousands of 'what-ifs' ran through the young man's head as his eyes danced over the letter.

Now, placed neatly back in its envelope, the letter was held gently in Sejirku's hand as he hurried for the training grounds. He knew the place, he knew all the training grounds well, merely because he always sought for an area with as few people as possible. It was always easier to concentrate that way. But these grounds, beneath the large tree just near the eastern edge of the training grounds, always seemed to be bustling with people.

Today, it was not. It was utterly and completely deserted. Even the mist rolling from the nearby lake was only disturbed by the breezes created by the young man's walk. It rolled and swirled about his ankles, holding his attention briefly as his eyes wandered around for some other sign of life besides himself. But there was nothing.

Approaching the ancient tree, Sejiriku sighed, hands meeting to clasp behind his back, one still holding onto this letter. Green eyes swept around the area, still finding nothing, and the young man's shoulders slumped fractionally. Where was everyone? Was he even in the right spot? ... Was he too late? Giving his head a quick shake, the new genin stilled the doubtful and uncertain thoughts in his head, and was left to stare at the nearest banks of the lake until someone else decided to show up.

[Rinmi]

Midnight blue eyes scanned the bleached parchment again and again, like they had the first time she had opened the letter in her small living quarters away from home, closer to the school. Rinmi went over each word in her mind as she walked nearer and nearer to that well known land mark of the training grounds, eyes flicking up from the letter every now and then to make sure she wouldn't walk into a tree. A small sigh escaped the girl as she folded the letter nervously.

A team. Who would be her team mates? Who was her sensei going to be? Rinmi involuntarily let out a quiet whine of anticipation which turned into a happy squeak as her large eyes focused on a firey red colour through the trees. Sejiriku Raizure! Who's team was he going to be in? A small part of her prayed it be hers; well, he was travelling in the same directions as her. It could happen, right?

She fell into step behind Seji who was already quite a ways ahead of her. Subconsciously she followed him, but truthfully she was just walking down the most direct bath to the eastern borders. Mist swirled abut her ankles as they approached the large lake, and Rinmi stopped at the thinning lines of trees, suppressing a large cheer at seeing Sejiriku come to a complete stop at the towering tree.

Was this a dream? Rinmi tugged at her long hair and felt the strands strain. Apparently not. An enormous grin could not be wiped from her young face once she summoned her feet forward and into the open.
"Sejiriku!" she called, a distinct feeling of happiness was obvious. It took all her strength from bolting over and glomping the young man. Instead Kumiko Rinmi controlled her steps until she was right infront of the red-haired Genin, still carrying her enormous grin.
"Good morning Team mate," it felt great to say that to him. Rinmi was blinded in her lovestruck gaze however, and did not notice that their Sensei was closer than she thought.

[Sagara Suoh]

He'd woken up late, which was a surprise because being an insomniac; Suoh hadn't expected to fall asleep. The blond boy had found the letter beside his bedroll, undoutably placed there by the friend he was staying with. Suoh had opened it with a measure of nervousness, but swallowed it down. If he failed on the road in becoming a Shinobi, his life would go nowhere. He'd probably end up like one of the drunken bums he tended to keep company with.

Suoh took in a quick breath before he read the letter, blue eyes traveling over each ink character carefully. A letter of congratulations, how delightful. The boy gave a small, quick smile before getting out of bed and throwing a shirt on. He was out the door before his roommate could even utter a goodbye.

"I wonder if I'm gonna be stuck in a team full of talentless jerks." The teen wondered as he walked in a brisk pace towards the designated meeting point. The cool air felt pleasant as it settled over his exposed flesh, causing goose bumps to spread over his olive-toned skin. Suoh ran a hand through his hair and adjusted his headband; the boy looked rather haggard, having not had a chance to shave before he had left his meager home. He touched the small amount of stubble on his face, smiling to himself. It made him feel older and more manly, not that he'd admit that to anyone.

It took a while, but Suoh eventually neared the lake, eyes narrowing as he tried to make out the figures out in the distance. As he moved closer, Suoh noticed the tell-tale head of red hair and winced. When he figured out who the girl in the blue outfit was, Suoh was ready to head back home and forget about ever being a ninja.

It was final. God hated him.

" You've got to be kidding me, there's gotta be some kind of mistake here." He said with a sneer, crossing his arms as he came to a stop a few feet away from the pair.

[Kosetsu Akina]

It was the osft tread of footsteps in the dirt that alerted the jounin. A light tread, with a bit of nervousness in each step he concluded. Definetly not chuunin or another jounin for they had no reason to walk like such. It's about time. I wonder what would happen if I decided to skitter off? he snickered to himself. The genin would probably stand there with those same nervous faces for half the day, pacing back and forth waiting for him. Ah, but that's not me. It's my duty to train the...precious...little students. he continued on sarcasticly.

Zell remained hidden amongst the leaves, quite comfy with his high perched seat. Very quietly, he shifted to look to the ground as a second set of footsteps echoed the first. They were even light, a girl no doubt. That was good, the female ninjas always had a calmer and more clever mind then the guys. He had no doubt that if they did pass, she would be the peacemaker. His fingers more efortlessly in a few hand symbols while he muttered something queitly. The mist faded a little bit from the area around the tree so he could see better.

The red hair stood out first, even with the mist. Orange eyes narrowed on him for a few moments, then to the girl who had called out and came to stand with him. The jounin chuckled softly to himself before resting back against the tree. So the academy had paired those two up. He had heard one of the chuunin's praising about a pair of bright students in their class. No doubt these were the exact ones.

Zell was more interested in Rinmi's expression, a brow raised curiously. A little love interest.....this will be interesting. He titled his head slightly as the final member came to join the trio. Another worthy student Zell thought as he watched him. He didn't look as nervous as the others but definetly displeased once he saw who else was there waiting.

He folded his hands back behind his head, trying to hide his amusement. This was bond to be fun, a little rivalry would add some excitement. For now, he'd let them get acquanted with eachother. Let patience be their teacher for the first round.

[Sejiriku]

A partially bowed head lifted at the sound of footsteps, but it took him a few moments before he could tell if they were really there, or if his anxious mind was playing tricks on him. It was the shout of his name that gave it away that he wasn't merely hearing things. Turning towards the voice fractionally, Sejiriku glanced over his shoulder in time to see one of his old class mates emerge from the gradually thinning mist.

"Kumiko," he nodded his head as she approached, her gigantic smile finally coming into view as she stopped in front of him. the young man blinked, a little out of his element, now that Rinmi had shown up, nothing but smiles... She always smiled. "I... 'er... Team mate?"

So this year they'd sent three letters out to each team, instead of calling names. Sejiriku grinned a little, his hand reaching up to scratch the back of his head awkwardly. "Should have known they'd do things differently this year," offering his hand to Rinmi, his grin widened a little, "Well, hi then, team mate." At least he had one member he knew for sure he could get along with.

"You've got to be kidding me, there's gotta be some kind of mistake here."

The following voice, however, dashed all of Seji's hopes at having a fairly likeable team. Not that Rinmi wasn't good company... but his other teammate completely nullified any positive feelings towards this new group that Seji had ever hoped to have.

"Oh for the love of..." Sejiriku groaned, a very displeased look coming across his face. He'd tried to be nice to him, only to dig himself further into hostile territory with the other young man.

Sagara Suoh. This was a disaster. Shaking his head briefly, the red head grumbled unhappily before raising his green eyes to look at the other teen. "Sagara..." He nodded grudgingly towards the other before directing his scowl to the ground. There was no turning back; he wouldn't give up his chances at becoming a respectable shinobi over one thorn in his side. It could be tolerated... it would have to be.

[Rinmi]

Rinmi only seemed to grin even more if possible at Sejiriku's offered hand. She took it with a slight blush and shook the young mans hand softly. The slight fluttering her stomach was performing was stopped quite suddenly however by the arrival of another. And this one didn't sound joyful like her.
Sagara Suoh. Rinmi shrank slightly in rememberance of their last meeting. The tall boy had hardly been polite or friendly toward her. A determined expression had arisen on the young women's face to display that this was not going to deter her. She would be the better person, and make an effort with this grumpy character. Also, the fact that Sejiriku was in her team was going to make it very hard for someone to make her upset today.

"Goodmorning Suoh," she nodded her head slightly and slowly released Seji's hand with a small glance toward the scowling boy. Rinmi felt a little uneasy being in the presence of the two raging young men and secretly hoped she wouldn't have to be pulling them apart today. All the same, Rinmi offered her hand in greeting and an anxious smile when Suoh neared the pair.

He probably wouldn't take it, but it didn't hurt to be friendly.
Once the long-haired girl had stopped concentrating on the present firey auras between the boys, deep blue eyes scanned about their environment.
"I wonder where our Sensei is..."

[Sagara Suoh]

So Seji had also been displeased to find that Suoh had been put into team one. That made the tall boy feel smug, for some odd reason. His clear blue eyes lingered on Seji's downcast and scowling face, and Suoh narrowed his eyes, mirroring the other's expression.

"Sejiriku," He echoed, no small measure of disdain leaking into his deep, gruff voice. To Seji's credit, the boy was very skilled and had a good head on his shoulders -- two things that were likely what garnered Suoh's initial dislike for the boy. Suoh coughed and shifted his weight to his other foot, appearing for all things casual. His head moved to the side and tilted up as he looked towards the mist-obscured sky, and Suoh began to think he was fated to live a miserable life.

It was a fact that Seji had tried to act kindly to Suoh, which only angered the blond haired boy. He couldn't deal with what he felt was false amiability, couldn't deal with masks. Of course, Suoh wasn't free of the crime; he had a few masks of his own. In Suoh's mind and Suoh's world, practically everyone was a big fat phony. No one could be trusted; he'd learn that easily enough.

His gaze dropped to Rinmi's outstretched hand and at first, Suoh didn't react. The boy cleared his throat and fidgeted a little, moving his hand out then bringing it back in a fraction. It became clear that Suoh really didn't understand how to handle people; social graces were not the boy's forte.

After another moment of hesitation, Suoh reached out and shook Rinmi's hand briefly, gripping a little to hard. He cleared his throat again and awkwardly looked around at the billowing mist. To her question Suoh gave a grunt and a nonchalant shrug.

"He's probably late, or somethin'."

[Kosetsu Akina]

Zell watched them from his branch, eyes half shut in a lazy fashion. To him, the boys seemed like a pair of dogs. He could almost see those pointed eats, they certainlly held the expression under those pleasent and fake masks. He half expected them to start circling before lunging at one another.

Shaking his head, he laughed at the thought. If they were to ridgid in just this first meeting, there was no doubt to be quaral in the near future, that is, if they got that far. First impressions thought Zell reminded himself, could fade. With a slight bit of hope, they might be able to pull together some decent teamwork.

"Do I have to put you two on leashes? Quite a shame really, not even five minutes into this meeting and you're already setting a rivalry." He laughed from his spot.

With a silent and almost errie cat like grace, the jounin lept down from his tree. Zell landed on his feet, kicking up the mist that had settled near the ground. He patted his legs to get rid of the dirt before standing up to full height. He was tall but they certainly weren't pipsqueaks compared to him. Sharp and cunning orange eyes held a more soft and gentle look then they had before as he studied each of them for a moment. His bleached white hair hung like spikes in every direction, it wasn't any neglect to his looks, his hair always looked like that. Bright orange tips covered each end.

Zell inclined his head as he adjusted the headband that hung around his neck. His vest was a deep blue, cleary stating his rank and village. Despite being a jounin, the smile across his face appeared to be less then authorative. The jounin stepped forward, peering inbetween Suoh and Seji, his eyes glittering with mischeif before he took a step back, sighing deeply as he rolled his shoulders.

"Well I certainly do get the luck of the draw. Before we go any further in this little meeting, I don't want any fights, hear me? Unless you want to sleep tied to that tree tonight, I expect some behavior." He chucked, waving a single finger at them.

Cracking his fingers, he leened up against the truck of the tree. For a high rank, he seemed quite at ease with this job. Not a hint of nervousness or authoraty was shown. The other shinobi of the village often said Zell was just a genin who happened to find jounin vest and pretend he was one. That was untill they saw him fight.

Zell waved on hand weakly, seemingly more interested now. "Let's see here. We have Mr. Happy over there, red head and our little peacemaker. Unless you want me calling you that for the rest of this...pleasant training, let's here your names." He continued, keeping his own name to himself untill they were done.

[Shikiama Irrell]

((Mr. Happy. That's a good one. Yes I have been Lurking for a while now. Sue me.))

[Sejiriku]

"Leashes won't be necessary, sir..." Sejiriku said grudgingly, casting one last dark glare at Suoh before turning his attention to the sudden arrival of the older man. Judging by his clothes, he was a shinobi of the jounin rank... Their sensei perhaps.

He watched as the man peered between him and Suoh with an appraising glance. When he spoke, Sejiriku gave a short nod, "No fighting. I'll do my best..." He cast an uncertain glance toward the other genin, and decided to ignore the young man from there on out. He didn't know about Suoh, but he was not really liking the idea of being tied to a tree.

A small smirk played acroos the young genin's face as the older shinobi listed off his own titles for the group. Mr. Happy... Oh how well that suited Suoh in a world of complete and utter irony. And the peace maker... Rinmi would most likely end up playing that role every day... And his was simple... The red head. Wiping the smirk from his face, Seji offered a small bow to the higher ranking man.

"Sejiriku, sir. Sejiriku Raizure..." He cringed slightly over his first name, but shook it off and stood up right again. "I go by Sejriku, though..."

[Rinmi]

The short girl blinked with surprise as Suoh did in fact clasp her hand with his after some hesitation. She smiled softy even though his grip was hurting a little. There was a good soul in him yet, and she was sure it would shine through once their team earnt a bit of trust. Another side glance at the scowling Sejirku however pushed Rinmi's optimism down a few levels.

Ears perked and she pivoted on the balls of her feet toward the new voice just in time to see the Jounin land soundly from his perch. Rinmi smiled sweetly up at the man with the interesting hair and couldn't help but stiffle a laugh at the names he picked out for them. This Sensei certainly was a little different than other authoritive figures she had met. Rinmi waited for Seji to finish his introduction, her eyes linguering on his face as he spoke his preferred name. Odd...

"Kumiko Rinmi, Sensei," she bowed respectfully and with a small smile, "Rinmi will do just fine though."

[Sagara Suoh]

Suoh raised a brow as Zell made his graceful appearance. Apparently the master hadn't been late, but the students had. The tall blond wondered absently how long the jounin had been looming around watching and listening. Suoh snorted in response to Zell's threat and suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. The rowdy young man didn't take nicely to leashes, metaphorically speaking, and wasn't sure what to think of his new sensei.

His attention shifted to Sejiriku as the redhead answered the older man. Fine then, if Seji could behave his self, Suoh could too. Or at least he was determined to, but with Suoh's temper there was no telling what he'd get himself into. Blue mingled with orange as Suoh locked his gaze with Zell's, watching as the jounin walked between his self and Seji.

Suoh's lips tightened at the nickname he'd been bestowed, and from the set of his shoulders, it appeared was even more disgruntled. The blond didn't make a biting comment back and instead glared into his sensei's back, idly listening to the other's introduce themselves. He wondered why Seji didn't go by his first name, but didn't give it much thought.

As his turn to speak arrived, Suoh wore an expression that read "I am not amused." He shifted his weight again and cleared his throat, sharp-blue eyes meeting the sensei's.

" Sagara Suoh," He answered in a brief mutter and started to dig the toe of his boot into the ground.

Sometimes it just wasn't worth it to get out of bed.

[Kosetsu Akina]

((my computer closed the window so i lost my long post. typing this before i go to bed so sorry if it is quick))

Zell closed his eyes for a moment, satisfied for now that one had promised to not quarel in his presence. Maybe the tree threat was something he should use more often if he needed to. Snickering over this, orange eyes settled on the young genin. "Nice too finally meet you then Sejiriku Raizure. Be sure to keep that promise, I'd feel so terrible tying you both up there."
He chuckled.

Orange eyes took their time to look at Rinmi. He helf more admiration towards her then the others right now. Despite being on Seji's side, she gave no hesitation in trying to welcome Suoh. For that he was grateful for. A peacemaker for sure, but also the makings of something greater. Zell bowed his head slightly, crossing his arms across his chest. "A pleasure to meet you me dear Kumiko Rinmi. And my thanks for keeping these two in line for the time being."

His eyes finally rested on the less ammussed Suoh. Zell was not stupid enough to miss that expression so plainly written across his aface. Though his personality was laid back, he would not hesitate to switch over and put this genin in his rightful place. Despite the unhappy emotions about being paired up with Seji, there was more to him. Zell could see a good foundation for a ninja in those cold eyes. If Suoh could deal with Seji now, then Zell could deal with him. "Well then, same pleasure goes to you Sagara Suoh." He said, his tone was less friendly to remind him of who he was speaking to.

Taking a second to look over all of them as a group, he could make pretty easy assumptions. Seji and Suoh had whatever rivalry between then. And Rinmi seemed to side with Seji more though she had also welcomed Suoh. Zell rolled his shoulders with an exhuasted sigh. This would be challenging for one who liked easy things.

Adjusting his headband again, the jounin looked back to them. He offered his friendly smile again before motioning them to take a seat near the tree before he began talking, rather doubting they would enjoy standing through the whole thing.
"Well anyway, pleasure to meet all of you. You have how the other shinobi would say, the misfortunate luck to have me as your teacher. My name is Vouse Zell. Sensei or whatever you please is fine with me.
So before I start rambling, why not tell me about yourselves?"

[Sejiriku]

When a sensei starts his own introduction by calling their assignment to his team one of misfortune, it puts several seeds of doubt and uncertainty in a young genin's mind. It was no different for Sejiriku when his sensei spoke those fated words. True, it could be just a ploy to frighten them, make them worried... even more nervous, but the way the man said it. If even the other shinobi instructors would say something of that nature... then. He didn't want to think about what that could really mean.

Glancing around at the others, his teammates, he reminded himself with a small frown appearing on his face. Rinmi was as good as he could get, as far as it went for teammates... but Suoh? Seji had to admit he was strong, and skilled when it came to combat, or else he would not have gotten this far... But even if Seji had reason to admire the other teen's skills, that did not mean that he liked Suoh. Far from it... but he would have to learn to overlook that in certain situations...

With a small sigh, Sejiriku sat shortly after Zell did, though he moved uncertainly, pondering what to say about himself. Well, there wasn't much to say, but it all depended on what the sensei was looking for... Glancing yet again to his... teammates, Seji chewed on his lip for a moment longer before answering. "About ourselves, sensei?" He asked, still uncertain as to what he was supposed to say. What else would he want to know, other than their names?