As the sun is setting over the kirigakure training grounds the temperature begins to dip and the wind picks up slightly. It appears that a storm is rolling in as dark clouds can bee seen off to the northeast. Biru is strolling in to the grounds for his final training session of the day and as usual he is looking for a sparring partner except this time he has someone in mind. Another genin only a year younger than he is and almost the same size as him. Both come from one of the most notable clans in the village and Biru intends to prove his is the greater of the two. As he walks around scanning the area he notices his partner hasn't  arrived yet and then looks back up toward the sky watching the dark clouds. They're moving closer and it won't be long before the entire area is covered in rain and harsh winds. "Where are you at?" Biru says to himself.

The temperature continues to drop and the winds pick up even more. All around Biru he can hear branches swaying the patter of tiny rain droplets hitting leaves. Luckily for him this isn't very cold for his body temperature and the rain doesn't really bother him for now while it's still small scattered patches. Biru begins to do some stretches to loosen up before his sparring session it looks like it could get slippery and he doesn't want to pull a muscle and have to miss out on any training. He's going to need all he can get before the chuunin exams start.

WC 270

Akiyama rushed throught the trees that dotted the training grounds within Kirigakure. It was unlike him to be late, and more importantly, it was unlike him to keep somebody waiting. Gazing up at the blackened sky above Akiyama could hear the light drizzling of rain only moments before it began to splash against his skin. It was a cool day to say the least, and the precise reason he always wore such layered and comprehensive clothing. Kirigakure was known for its cool mornings and damp environment that always managed to keep everything at varying levels of sopping wet. The mud that churned below with the fresh morning rain that now came down lightly was a sign for Akiyama, his close quarters taijutsu based combat would likely suffer to some extent.

Landing in the clearing that Biru found himself in Akiyama would place his hands on his hip. Leaning back as if to stretch his lower back he let out a long breath, as if winded. "Made it." He said as he focused back onto Biru, the large sword he once held on his back having vanished since the last time they had met. In its place was a much smaller blade sheathed on his left hip, a chokuto. The size of the weapon would no doubt keep it lacking in brute strength, but considerably more nimble than it had been previously. Dangling on a string attached to the pommel of the blade was a small charm with a symbol inscribed on each side, as if burnt onto wood. Peace, and Death, the meaning for its presence there currently unknown, even to Akiyama.

Biru picked up on the sound of branches creaking and leafs flicking around in the wind but this wasn't from the storm that was nearly on top of him now it was the sounds of a person moving quickly through the woods. Then in a split second Akiyama appeared in the clearing. He heard the heavy breathe come from him, but he knew that was mostly just exasperation and definitely not fatigue. Biru also noticed that he was carrying a much smaller sword on his hip now. It appeared to be slightly ornamental but still of use. "Looks like you're a little gased already, need a second?" The wraps around Biru's face would shift slightly indicating a smile and that he was only kidding. Before walking out in to the center of the clearing Biru would toss his scarf off and over a low hanging branch. As he walked to the middle of the field he tilted his head back and let the downpour of rain wash over his face soaking his face wraps and his hair. Biru loved the rain and especially at night as it was cool to the touch even for him and made the air smell especially clean.  The rest of his clothes however appeared to be waterproof as the rain bounced off of his sleevelss shirt and his long black pants.

Biru eyes narrowed and he let his head lean back forward toward Akiyama. Taking his fighting stance and making sure he was sure footed in the mud Biru placed his left leg and arm forward while keeping his right arm tucked back tight to his side and his right leg planted firmly in the ground perpendicular to the rest of his body. Biru's stance kept his body narrow as to give his opponent the least amount of space possible to strike him if he came at him in a straight forward assault. "Alright I'm ready whenever you are. Loser buys the other Ramen, Deal?"

WC 335  Total 605

Following Biru to the center of the clearing Akiyama would simply play up his look of exhaustion. Keeping his head low and his breathes loud he tried to indicate as best he could that he had taken quite a long time to get here, and at a very rapid pace. This was all simply a ploy however, as to effect your opponents state of mind was the first step to vicotyr. If Biru was to believe his opponent was already tired, he wouldn't expect a very aggressive approach to combat. This however, was exactly what Akiyama excelled at most of all. Physically overpowering his opponents was something he found delight in, and knowing Biru was one of the few genin in the village of a similar size to him he thought he might put up a good fight. Hearing his simple bet Akiyama would smirk beneath his bandages, causing them to wrinkle slightly. It was always weird for Akiyama to see another shinobi with face wraps as he often saw it as his thing. Sadly however, Akiyama knew all too well that the style had not originated with him and that he'd simply have to get over somebody sharing his signature look.

"Deal." he spoke abruptly, focusing a large amount of chakra into the bottom of his feet and then jetting it against the muddy earth below. This stream of chakra would launch Akiyama forward at an exaggerated speed, easily allowing him to reach a pace impossible for even most higher ranked shinobi so abruptly. Hoping this odd burst of speed would allow him some kind of surprise on Biru he would aim to swing his right fist towards the other genins jaw. Starting a friendly spar with simple taijutsu was always the way to go in Akiyama's mind. To him, it was a way to find the baseline between two opponents, their physical prowess matched against each other in heated close quarters combat. Following his simple, straight forward punch however he aimed to swipe at Biru's ankles with his right leg, hoping to catch him off guard and send him into the mud. Putting his opponent on his back was a huge advantage in combat. While Biru scrambled to stand, it would give Akiyama time to capitalize on his exposed position.

220/230:

As Biru watched Akiyama acting like he was tired while walking out toward him he could tell he was faking it. Biru had always been rather perceptive it was one of the Yuki clans strengths and he was no exception. However as Akiyama agreed to the terms of the fight he burts forward faster than anyone had every come at him before. Barely able to track Akiyama as he closed the distance between them Biru noticed he was attempting to strike with his right hand. That would have to go right past Biru's outstretched left hand which he shifted over and nearly instantly a sheet of ice would form in front of his hand just in time to meet Akiyama's punch. While the ice held firmly and Biru was not damaged by the punch the force of the attack pushed him back a meter sliding through the mud but still on his feet.

As Akiyama's follow up sweeping kick swung around Biru attempted to jump over it, but sliding backwards through the mud had him in deep. As he pushed up he barely got any lift and Akiyama's kick landed and began to turn Biru sideways in the air. Off pure instinct Biru quickly kneaded chakra in his lungs and then released a powerful stream of wind that pushed himself away from Akiyama as he fell making him slide nearly 3 meters away covering himself in mud. If Akiyama was hit by the stream of wind it could possibly knock him back a couple meters as well. If Biru was able to create this distance between himself and Akiyama then he would push himself off of the ground and begin to retreat while weaving one handed hand seals with his right hand and leaving his left hand up for defensive measures.

WC 305  Total 910

230/250:

Glancing towards Biru's eyes as he used his ice to intercept his first attack he seemed impressed. Akiyama knew the raw speed his jutsu afforded him, and to react so quickly was commendable at the least. However, having knocked the other genin off his feet Akiyama would smirk under he wraps, assuming he had found himself in the perfect position to end the spar before it had even begun. Sadly however, members of the Yuki clan were not often defeated so easily and with a powerful gust of wind Akiyama's prey eluded him. Not just that however, he even managed to push Akiyama back just as he had done to Biru only moments ago. This staggering affect was different however, more powerful than a simple punch and left Akiyama off balance as his feet sank into the mud. Knowing the weakness this position caused Akiyama would swiftly work himself free. Powering through the sucking weight of the mud that enveloped his feet he would continue forward.

Seeing the handseals Biru was forming he knew that a ranged battle was not to any advantage of his own. Akiyama was almost purely physical in nature when it came to combat. This gave Akiyama a huge advantage against those who were less capable than himself, but also gave him little ability to fight at range. Rushing forward Akiyama would prepare himself mentally for any attacks Biru might bring to bear. After all, his opponent was a Yuki, an individual who controlled a highly advanced clan based element. Ice, something he could form from something as simple as the moisture in the air, an ability he had already displayed clearly to block an attack. Reaching a hand for his right thight Akiyama would prepare to draw a kunai, hoping it would provide him with a tool to defend himself with.

It had worked, Biru manged to create a small gap between himself and Akiyama. While he was still in pursuit of Biru it was much slower than before. Biru realised that must have been a jutsu he used to get in to range so quickly. While Akiyama was still gaining on him as it seems Biru was the slower of the two is was only by a slight margin. As Akiyama drew his kunai Biru had finshed his hand seals and now it was his turn to go on the offensive. Before Akiyama's eyes he would see 2 more Biru's appear around where Biru was standing, one to his left and one to his right, all of them looking identical. All three then rushed forward toward Akiyama in an attempt to gang up on him before he was able to identify the real Biru. The first one to reach Akiyama would throw a punch with its rght hand coming straight forward. Underneath this Biru's wraps Akiyama was sure to notice a slight grin on his face. The second Biru aimed for the left side of Akiyama and got in to position approximately 3 meters away before raising its right hand up towards its mouth and spraying a powerful stream of water toward Akiyama. The third and final Biru was coming up right behind the first Biru and lept in to the air just before running in to the back of the first Biru. Jumping over both the first Biru and Akiyama attempting to land 5 meters behind Akiyama and have him mostly surrounded.

WC 266 Total 1176

184/250:

13/23:

Clones, the bane to the existence of any shinobi who focused their skill set on direct confrontation. Forming themselves from the moisture in the ground and the rain that still drizzled down it was obvious what they were made of. This particular brand of clone was well known within Kirigakure, for the jutsu had originated in the village. This however was the extent of Akiyama's knowledge concerning such things. Ninjutsu had never been his most highly valued skill and his knowledge on its use was extensive, but only shallow at the best of times. The only reason he knew anything at all was his study to prepare himself for facing shinobi that wielded ninjutsu, which to his knowledge, was most. Glancing between the three clones that had been created Akiyama quickly formed a plan. Flowing his chakra into the kunai he held in his left hand it began to crackle with the power of raiton. The energy is exuded created a small shroud of electricity, one meant only to over power the water the clone to his left spewed from its mouth. Aiming to penetrate the stream of water directly he hoped that the kunai would surprise the clone, emerging from its stream as it electrically charged the water it passed through. And hopefully, penetrate the body of the clone, dispersing it before it had a chance to bring anymore usefulness to Biru.

As for the clone to his right, his plan of action was simple. Dipping below the punch it threw before he had even thrown his kunai he would then launch himself upwards, attempting to flee into the air so as to avoid the rush of water and electricity that no came from his left side. Hopefully this stream would instead strike the clone that was to his right, dispersing it as well assuming it held enough potential for damage. As for the final clone that had emerged from Biru's jutsu, Akiyama would reach across his body, placing a hand on the hilt of his sword for the first time as he stood directly in the clones path of flight. Just as with the kunai crackling raiton shot down from Akiyama's shoulder, coating both his arm and the blade he wielded. With a single, smooth, precise stroke Akiyama intended to bisect the clone in front of him with a single slash of his blade. The crackling energy that had encompassed his kunai paling in comparison to the fury of electricity that crackled loudly as the blade was released from its sheath.

Now, in the air however, regardless of if his attempts had been successful, Akiyama found himself for the first time at a distinct disadvantage. Akiyama held no technique that allowed him to manipulate his movement while airborne. Until he came back to the earth, Akiyama was almost entirely at the mercy of whatever jutsu Biru had prepared to fling in his direction. Preparing himself to defend Akiyama would rack his brain for solutions to his current position, hoping what defensive ability he had would not fail him now.

190/230:

While the clones had given Biru the advantage as far as numbers go it seemed Akiyama still had the advantage when it came to melee combat. As Akiyama dipped below the first Biru's attempt to punch him he saw the kunai that had been pulled flung toward the Biru that was performing the water trumpet jutsu. Normally that jutsu is capable of pushing away kunai and shuriken however with the sparking electricity surrounding the kunai it easily passed through the water trumpet jutsu and pierced the body of what was one of the two water clones Biru created. Disspersing the clone that quickly and easily wasn't something Biru had expected to happen. While that happened and Akiyama had launched himself upward over the first Biru and in to the air the third Biru met Akiyama mid air.

Akiyama's sword was swift and powerful as it tore through the body of what was the second of the two clones Biru had created. The water clone splashed in to thousands of tiny water droplets and within a second could no longer be distinguished among the rain that was currently already falling around them. That left only the first Biru that had attacked with a simple punch left right beneath Akiyama. "Gotc-" Biru attempted to speak thinking he had the perfect opportunity to strike now that Akiyama was in mid air just above him and seemingly no way of protecting himself. Then a rush of water slammed in to Biru's body, the water trumpet jutsu from his clone. He had forgotten about it like an idiot in his excitement. As the water smashed against Biru it knocked him off of his feet and several feet to his right.

The entire left side of Biru's upper body was now sore and was certainly going to bruise. Laying on his side in the mud Biru attempted to stand up and then he felt it. A sharp pain in his right ankle from the sweeping kick earlier. The adrenaline of the fight must have masked the pain until now. His ankle was definitely bruised and would likely be sor for a week after this fight. Unable to stand as quicklyy as he would like Biru instead reached out as he watch Akiyama fall from his leap surround by rain droplets and shot his chakra forward in to the rain around Akiyama. His chakra would seem to glod multiple rain drops together in mid air and then form then in to the shape of long thin senbon before freezing them nearly instantly.

As Akiyama was falling he would most likey notice this happening and by the time he had landed there would be 8 ice senbon surrounding him and flying toward his location all from different angles in an attempt to keep him from escaping without at least being hit by one of them. While that happened Biru would finish standing up and take his fighting stance again, but this time his left hand was held a bit lower and closer to his body while his knees weren't bent as much as before. Breathing slightly heavy and with his form seeming to be poor compared to before it could most likely be seen that Biru was begining to wear down and tire from the fast paced combat they were currently engaged in.

WC 561  Total 1737

174/250:

The speed at which Akiyama was able to dispatch the clones was surprising, even to him. It seemed to him that the difference in his and Biru's physical ability seemed rather large as of now. After all, Biru had not shown any real aptitude at taijutsu up to this point except for block a single punch. However, the difference between their abilities at range was made as clear as day to Akiyama. The droplets that surrounded him began to elongate themselves. Shaping themselves into senbon and solidifying into ice the intention of the jutsu was clear to Akiyama. Though as he glanced left and right he realized just a futile trying to defend would be. Akiyama held no grand technique that allowed him to defend in all directions at once. And so, Akiyama merely accepted the damage that was to be done and prepared himself for the surge of pain.

As the senbon rocketed towards him Akiyama turned to face Biru. Penetrating through his clothes and flesh the senbon would lodge deep, causing blood to begin seeping from his fresh wounds. Ignoring the pain that rushed throughout his body however he would simply bring the full extent of his speed to bear, moving towards Biru to try and close the distance between them. Aiming to close the gap before Biru could stand Akiyama would aim to simple kick the other genin in the chin. Swinging his leg upwards like someone kicking a ball with all their might he aimed to jar Biru for even a moment. Stomping his leg back down he thrusted his fist, aiming for the mans gut with as much force as he could bring forth. There were no more jutsu Akiyama could use as of now to give himself some kind of advantage. Instead, all Akiyama had at his disposal now was a will to win and the physical strength to bring harm to his opponent.

As for the senbon that seemed to worm themselves deeper into his wounds as he moved. They were painful, ut more so, they were cold, quickly dropping his body temperature when mixed with the cool air and rain that now began to come down much harder than it had before. It was a full shower, weather that wasn't optimal to any kind of battle, especially against someone who could use and manipulate both water and ice. Akiyama knew he needed to end this spar quickly, for if he didn't, not only would he eventually succumb to his wounds. But slowly Biru would wrench the advantage from Akiyama's hands the more the ground around them was soaked.

It had seemed Biru's attack was successful and all eight of his ice senbon hit their target. However that didn't seem to slow down Akiyama much. While they drew blood and obviously caused pain he was still able to burst forward and close the gap between the two of them quickly. Quick enough that Biru hadn't been able to fully stand up yet by the time Akiyama reached him. Seeing the kick coming up towards his face Biru raised both arms to block the attack and although he was able to keep his face from getting smashed in the kick was powerful enough to lift Biru fully up on to his feet and put him off balance with his arms raised high in the air. Swinging his arms back to stabilize himself he felt the full brunt of Akiyama's remaing strength as a punch landed directly in his stomach.

The air in Biru's lungs could be heard leaving his body and his eyes grew wide. The pale blue of his eyes now fully showing refelcting what little light was left out here in the woods. Biru fell backwards on to his back and gasped for air. He could feel the mud envelope his back side clinging to his hair and squishing between his fingers as he grasped for any sort of solid terrain to pull himself back up. He found no such thing though only the cold wet mud this storm had brought. Still laying on his back Biru caught his breathe and sat up knowing he had lost this fight. He leaned back down in to the Biru sized hole in the mud he created when he landed and stared up at the sky for another moment taking in the dark rolling clouds and feeling the rain hit his  body and roll across his pale white smooth skin.

Then sitting up abruptly he said "Looks like I owe you some ramen. Aaaand some new clothes too..." Just now realising how much damage he had done to a comrade with whom he was only there for a simple sparring session with. Akiyama's clothes were ripped in seversal spots and blood stained the holes as well from the injuries inflicted by his senbon. Biru felt bad, but was also impressed that even after that Akiyama had the strength to finish him off so quickly. That is what the Momochi clan was known for though. They were said to be one of the toughest bloodlines in Kirigakure if not the entirety of  the ninja world and Akiyama exemplified that trait. Placing his left hand in the ground and leaning forward a little more Biru pushed himself to a standing postion. His body was aching already and he knew it was only going to get worse as he walked home. looking off in to the northeast again Biru began to see flashes of light streaking through the clouds and then seconds later the roaring thunder that follows lightning "I guess we better get back to town. Looks like this storm is only goinng to get worse."

WC 519 Total 2256

As his fist made contact, Akiyama could almost feel Biru's will to keep fighting leave his body. It was an odd sensation, one that the look in his eyes only made stronger. Akiyama had won, but only because of a loss of will, not through sheer domination of his opponent. It was disappointing to Akiyama, having grown up with such hard headed individuals in his clan. Sparring matches between members of the Momochi clan often ended with both members in the hospital. It had been like this even when Akiyama was young, having lost several teeth that were luckily healed and set back into place before he had even entered the academy. The lifestyle of his clan was ruthless, but their skill didn't often exceed those of clan with abilities like Biru's. Steadfast and determined, but lacking in ambition more often than not. Akiyama was the exception to what seemed like the rule however, his ambition had driven him to the point he was at now, where he could overcome his peers, despite not having some flashy ability. It was the iron will and body of the Momochi clan that had won out on this rainy day. For once, Akiyama almost felt like his clan had something special too and he didn't need to prove himself anymore.

Reaching a hand down to offer Biru aid in standing Akiyama would flinch as he did so. The strain of helping the other genin up would pull on the muscles in his body, seemingly shifting the razor sharp ice in his body. Grunting in frustration he pulled at the senbon in his flesh, removing every one of them as carefully as he could. The bleeding was heavy at first, but the wounds were shallow compared to something like his sword could inflict. Eventually the bleeding would slow and eventually halt, it just needed time like many things did. For now he felt well enough to turn on his heels, facing towards the exit to the training grounds. "You can forget about the clothes. All I need right now is a hot meal to help heal my wounds." His tone was friendly, having come to enjoy the company of the Yuki after exchanging blows with him. "I'm surprised you could take a hit like that and stand up so fast. I was hoping to land something like that from the start, but you really have a way of distracting somebody with those clones of yours."

Akiyama began to walk, the light patting of his feet against the almost soupy mud beneath his feet a reminder of just how much it had already rained. Now, for the first time feeling how soaked his clothes were Akiyama would shutter at the next breeze that rolled by. Looking up into the sky he looked at the flash of lightning that arced down into the earth from above. The loud boom that followed indicating just how powerful it must have been. To Akiyama, somebody who enjoyed the use of raiton techniques so much, lightning was the pinnacle. Lightning was the goal he wished to reach with his jutsu, power and speed only capable by mother nature harnessed and directed with his will.

Biru took Akiyama's hand and was helped up. He noticed the pain on Akiyama's face as he did so and felt bad for taking the help up when he didn't really need it. Listening to Akiyama speak Biru responded by saying "Yeah I can handle the food no problem. And I wouldn't say I got up too quickly as if I had been able to get up faster we would still be fighting." he then noticed AKiyama walking toward the exit of the training grounds. Hurrying to run over toward his bag of things near the tree line Biru threw his pack over his shoulder and then grabbed his soaking scarf from the branch he left it on and trotted back toward the exit. Before he made it however he saw a slight glimmer on the ground and remembered that Akiyama had thrown his kunai in the direction. Walking over toward the object that had caught his eye it was the kunai. Biru picked it up and then jogged to the exit to catch back up to Akiyama.

As he caught up to his new training partner he noticed the slight shiver he had made when a strong gust of wind flowed by them. Reaching in to his pack Biru would pull out a large thick blanket that seemed to have a faded pattern on it. He alwasy kept one with him in case he felt like laying out and watching the clouds go by. That was one of his favorite things to do after a good training session as long as the weather wasn't bad. Biru then tossed the dry blanket on to Akiyama's head and it would drape over his shoulders and down his body nearly to his knees. "There you go buddy you look a little cold." And then reaching over in front of Akiyama he would hold out the kunai that he nearly left behind. It was covered in mud but as he held it out the rain washed some of it away and the glint of metal could be seen. "Oh and you almost forgot this. Those things aren't exactly cheap you know." Biru then walked along side Akiyama down the now mud path that led back to the village at the same pace as Akiyama hoping to engage in some friendly conversation and to listen to the relaxing sounds of a good storm.

WC 406  Total 2664

Feeling the warm blanket drape itself over his head Akiyama would be confused for a moment. It was weird that somebody would give him something like this just based on the fact it was a little chilly outside. Akiyama supposed Biru wouldn't need it however, the Yuki clan weren't known for getting cold easily. Akiyama thought that made sense, after all, their ability to control ice should confer some kind of resistance to the chill it brings. Grabbing the ends of the blanket Akiyama would pull it across his shoulders and down over his chest, allowing the rain to continue soaking his hair. Akiyama had always dressed for the cold, however, wind and rain always seemed to bring about his downfall, having never owned water proof clothing. Glancing over his shoulder as Biru offered up the kunai he had thrown Akiyama would reach out to take it. Placing it back in its holster Akiyama just thanked whatever higher power there was that the raiton was no longer flowing through it. Simply bringing his hand too close to the blade would have left Biru with quite the uncomfortable burn on his hand.

Walking through the small gate that led out and into the village as a whole after some time walking, Akiyama would stop. Looking around for a moment he would nod his head, as if understanding something he previously had not. "I know the perfect place." Akiyama spoke as he proceeded down the cobbled path that slowly drifted into the streets of Kirigakure. The village was bustling as usual, a trade hub for the area and a place of quite a lot of renown. It was no wonder people came here from far and wide to sell their wares and request shinobi for tasks. Akiyama was under no illusion however, when it came to economics and trade, there was only one power house in the world. All roads lead to Konoha, Akiyama had heard the saying many times. Its meaning was simple, the Land of Fires central location allowed almost all trade between nations to occur through or within its borders. It was for this reason that they could simple tax the merchants of other lands to continue building on their empire.

It was sad really, to Akiyama. For a nation with so much wealth it seemed odd to him that they would be so relatively weak. Akiyama was no fool, he didn't think of Konoha as second rate, he merely thought they should prove more of a challenge than they really did to Kirigakure. As for the other villages, they were trivial at best. Every one had their own amazing shinobi, individuals who towered over any genin, but that was to be expected. What those other villages lacked from Akiyama's perspective, was a new generation to take over after those who came before finally retired, died, or simply left. He supposed however that he would get to test the full limits of the genin of the other villages soon enough. The chunin exams were right around the corner and he intended to see it through to the end. No longer would the Momochi clan be a side show to the likes of the Yuki or Hozuki. Akiyama would bring his clans name to the forefront of every villages thoughts.

Stopping in front of a small stand Akiyama would glance to Biru. "This is it." He said in a calm tone, stepping under the roof that thankfully now shielded him from the pouring rain. "Two bowls please, everything but the kitchen sink." His smile seemed to wrinkle the bandages that covered his face, and with a free hand, he removed them. The white cloth now dangling from his neck he was a handsome young man by most standards. His features were sharp, rugged for what one would expect from a teenager. Most noticeable however was a long scar that stretched from just below his right eye down into the bandages that still covered his neck.

Walking back with Akiyama was rather quiet aside from the sounds of their feet sloshing through the mud and the sounds of the storm above them. It was relaxing though Biru had always loved storms ever since he was a child. Something about the sound of russeling leaves and rain drops hitting various types of surfaces always gave him a calmed feeling. Even the bright flashes of light from the lightning and the booming thunder were calming to Biru. The hairs on his body stood on end and his skin soaked up every little sensation of the rain and wind. Perhaps it was the close bond Yuki held between water and wind in their blood that made him enjoy the combination so much. As any regular rain was always welcome and windy days were slightly annoying, but when combined togther to create a storm with raw power that even the kage themselves couldn't rival is what Biru enjoyed the most.

This storm while fierce was no where near that level of course and as such he and Akiyama made it safely back to the village. Upon entering the city it was still rather busy as the people of Kirigakure where no stranger to thunder storms and it wouldn't scare them off especially not if they were going to lose any money to a competitor because of it.  Then he heard Akiyama say they had arrived at their destination. Its was a small stand but the aroma and warmth coming from within was inviting. Stepping inside Biru ducked down and then was able to fully stand back up once inside. Hearing the order from Akiyama let Biru know  this wasn't going to be a cheap meal. "I'll have a bowl of the spicy chicken ramen with extra chicken and another with the spicy beef please."

Biru was undoing his own soaking face wraps as Akiyama was doing the same and let his wraps hang back over his shoulders so they would dip in his soup when it came. His face was smooth almost as if he wasn't capable of growing facial hair. He had a strong jaw line and and a somewhat handsome face or at least he thought so anyway. Noticing the scar on Akiyama's face Biru was starred for a moment before turning back toward the shop keeper and saying "Could I also get a large glass of water too please?" Then back to Akiyama "Mind if I ask how you got that?"

WC 420  Total 3084

Having come here many times in the past Akiyama had his drink brought to him before they had even started making his food. Akiyama was a regular here and anybody who frequented the establishment at least knew his name. Smiling to the man behind the counter who began making his ramen he received a smile in return. With a single nod he gave his thanks to the older gentleman. As for Biru's question, Akiyama seemed to pause for a moment as if in thought.

It had been years since he had received the car, though the memory of the day still burned bright in his mind. He had been ten years old and had just recently went to the training grounds. Having not been allowed to join the academy yet, Akiyama liked to learn the daily lesson from the other children. It was this day however that Akiyama would face his first real threat. One of the kids, an older boy who was getting ready to graduate didn't like Akiyama prying. He threatened to beat Akiyama but was met with a swift series of jarring blows in return. Akiyama had never been one to shy away and always felt as though he could handle any situation. Sadly, Akiyama was ill prepared for the boys three friends who had come to his defense.

It took them near ten minutes to beat Akiyama into submission. The body of a Momochi was both a blessing and a curse. It handled the injuries at a level unheard of for most shinobi, but the pain was always all too real for a child. By the time they were done Akiyama faded in and out of consciousness, blood pooling in the dirt beneath him. Akiyama never learned who saved him that day by bringing him to the hospital. But he was sure if he had not been saved, he would have died.

Giving one of the women who worked the front counter a smile as she sat his bowl down in front of him he broke his chop stick in preparation for his meal. Glancing over to Biru he spoke "Rough housing with some kids when I was young." Before beginning to eat his meal at a quick but steady pace.

Watching as Akiyama's bowl came out rather quickly Biru picked up on the fact that he was most likely a regular here. The familiarity he had with the place assured Biru that this must be one of the better ramen shops in the vllage. As someone of Akyama's physical prowess most likely would only frequent a place that offered the best possible quality. The smell in the air and the look of Akiyama's ramen also gave him the impressionn he was in for a treat. Then he heard the simple and almost unbelievable answer to his question  that Akiyama had given. Biru just assumed it was a story Akiyama wasn't really willing to tell or it wasn't all that excitinng of a story. Either way he would speak up and say "That must have been quite some rough housing then."

Still waiting for his bowl to come out Biru took the chance to ask Akiyama about his new sword. "I saw you got a new sword. It's much smaller than the last one what made you switch to such a drastically different weapon?" He would then wait politely for Akiyama to answer between mouthfuls of ramen. Then he saw his food come out and his mouth began to water. It had been a while since Biru had gone out to eat trying to save the money he mmade doing mission for more important needs. While he was a decent cook he could never compare to someone who's job and livelyhood it was to cook for others. With the large bowl of spicy chicken ramen in front of him Biru pickedd up his chop sticks and snapped them apart. He then took a large gulp from his glass of water and began to eat.

The first bit of ramen that touched his tongue was delicious. The chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned and the noodles soft but still had a little chew to them. Biru then picked up the bowl to his face and sipped a little bit of the broth which was even better than the chicken or the noodles. Setting the bowl down Biru looked up towarrd the cook and said "This is incredible, probably the best ramen I've ever had." Then turning toward Akiyama he said "Thanks for showing me this place. I'm probably going to go broke eating here every few days." with a slight chuckle afterwards.

WC 409  Total 3493

Biru questioning his response wasn't entirely a surprise to Akiyama. After all, such a large, deep scar was rarely found on somebody so young without profound meaning behind it. Scars however, were extremely common among members of his clan. Despite what some may think it has never been from self mutilation. Instead, the simple truth was that members of the Momochi clan were far more likely to survive grievous injurues than other shinobi. This left Akiyama and his clansmen with scars that ran so deep others would have only bore their marks six feet in the ground. Even his parents, two shinobi who never rose above the rank of chunin had such markings from battles long since fought, and every so often, a fresh one.

Continuing to eat his noodles as Biru spoke Akiyama would glance behind the counter as the cook continued his work. The dexterity in his hands and the subtle ease with which he handled his tools was impressive. In truth, Akiyama always wished he could hold that nearly surgical level of precision that the man used to cut extremely thin slices of chicken in a mere instant. Taking his attention back to his compatriot Akiyama would reach back, gripping the hilt of his new sword. "This was a gift I received on a mission, I left my old blade at the village out of respect for the old man who gave me this."

Akiyama's words were simple and straight to the point. He had no reason to hide how he obtained the weapon, but out of respect, he kept the more intimate details to himself. "Why do you not wield a blade? The usefulness of the weapon is almost unparalleled for a shinobi." The question was genuine, the reach and potential damage increase it allowed made it hard for Akiyama to comprehend why individuals wouldn't use them. In truth, their were so many who held no skill with them that it nearly worried Akiyama that either he, or they, were making a mistake. Assuming how late it probably was at this point Akiyama would slurp down the last of his brother as Biru spoke one last time. "This place really is a treat. But I need to get back home before my mother kills me, I'm supposed to help her with some chores."

With that, Akiyama slapped down enough ryo to pay for his meal and a tip on the counter. He had no intention of actually having Biru pay for his meal and with a strong spring in his step he took to the air. Jumping from roof top to roof top Akiyama would quickly make his way home. Wrapping his bandages around his face as he went he smiled. It was the first time in a long time he had simply sat down and spoke to one of his peers. Truly, it was a shame it had to end so abruptly.


WC=491 Total=3,619

Continuing to eat his ramen Biru would wait and listen for Akiyama's response. Hearing that he had recieved the sword as a gift from a vilager during a mission Biru smiled a little bit. It was nice to know that at least some people saw his profession as a good thing. It seemed many civilians outside of the major cities looked at shinobi like they were simply hired hitmen or abusers in a military state. In reality most shinobi Biru knew at least would lay down their lives to protect those same people that hated them. Maybe it was jealousy Biru thought to himself befoer hearing Akiyama speak again asking him why he didn't carry a weapon of his own. Thinking for a bit and finishing slurping down what was left of his first bowl Biru then replied "I guess I just never put much effort in to training with one outside of  the basics we learned in the academy. Also like you saw earlier I can make my own weapons from the moisture in the air so that helps." He then held his hand over his glass of water and a thin long icicle would reach down toward the water in his glass. The galss quickly began to frost over and then Biru pulled the icicle out of the glass before freezing the water completely. Tossing the icicle out in to the street it would soon melt and flow along the street with the rain that was stilling coming down outside.

Biru lifted his glass and drank some more of his now ice cold water before setting it down and begining to eat his second bowl of ramen. Shortly after that Biru heard Akiyama finishing off his food and declaring that he was needed at home. Biru would say "Yes this place is very nice." he then saw him put down a handful of ryo for his meal and before he could say anything Akiyama was gone hopping across rootops on his way home. Sitting there by himself finishing his second bowl Biru would then thank the cook and server for the meal and place down enough ryo for the entirety of both Biru and Akiyama's meals and say "You can keep what he put down as a tip. I owed him a meal from a bet." He then wrapped his face back up and stepped outside back in to the rain. He decided to just walk along the streets on his way home and enjoy the feeling of the cool rain and gusts of wind against his skin.

WC 433  Total 3,926
[EXIT]