The underground stadium by the name of Koudo Sutajiamu. It was a place that Fukai had never been in before. A large cavern lit with fluorescent emerald stones that would make an impression on any beholder. He estimated that it was at least 100 metres across at it's largest point, but was hard to tell. He sat center stage on the main platform in the stadium. It was a large area built for fighting matches. The sort of matches that his clan was so proficient at, he knew that the Fantomusodo would love a place like this to carry out their tournaments. This particular rock platform had to be about thirty metres long and square in shape. The hard rock surface would give no mercy if one were to be dashed across it. To fall against it at any reasonable speed would result in a nasty bruise at least. Fukai sat in silence for the time being, his staff laying across his crossed legs. His posture was perfect as usual even while sitting. He gave the look of easy confidence, always on balance and comfortable. His lean and taught muscle was well maintained and flexible. He was in the best shape of his life, a specimen of strength and speed, a true athlete and fighter.

He perked his ears up to the sound of high pitched yapping coming from one of the entrance tunnels. This was probably what he was waiting for, the large young man mused. Today, he was assigned to teach the new genin how to fight. Or rather, how utterly powerless they were. Fukai had been interested in what exactly that could mean, his mind lingering on the thought. On his way down to the stadium, he realised what this mission was about. Each new genin had probably not been outside the village walls, knowing combat only through sparring with other classmates. No doubt they would have preconceived ideas on what it was like in a real battle, imagining scenes of heroism and awesomeness. Not realising the gorey reality would be a rude awakening for the kids if they were to uncover it in the field. He knew that some of the children also had some notion of hierarchy based on strength already in place. The more talented individuals would lord over the others and believe themselves to be pillars of strength that would undoubtedly rise to become the Tsuchikage or one of the Monoliths. Fukai was here to cut them down to size, pruning the tall poppies. He was here to show them exactly how weak and powerless they really were. This would hopefully stimulate their growth as well as put things into perspective. It also didn't hurt to put a little fear into them, fear and caution kept ignorant souls alive.

The kids finally broke into the cave with more boisterous energy that seemed to light the cavern. A bunch of excited minors, jumping around erratically on their way over to him. He would have much rather been out in the field but he wasn't too surprised that he was expected to take such tasks after his performance at the chuunin exams. Hopefully the little rascals wouldn't give him too much trouble. Fukai stood at the end of the stage and waited for the graduating class to bound over to him. He held himself straight up with a taught posture, keeping his arms strict against his back. He firmly believed that this was the best way to conduct yourself in all situations. An assertive yet calm profile showed all that you were confident and serious in your endeavors. Line up and present yourself to Fantomusodo sensei! The kid's teacher called to them to file up in an orderly manner in front of him. Then the man looked up at him. This man was our brave representative at this year's chuunin exams, where he fought courageously and made his country proud. Now he is here to teach us a little about combat. The kids' chattered with excitement, while a few withdrew into their uncertainty.

Hello, welcome to the great underground stadium of Koudo Sutajiamu. I was called in to teach you youngsters what real battle feels like. Fukai spoke with authority, his words filling the cavern. The kids quietened down as they gave the young man the respect that was expected from them. You have no doubt been studying hard at the academy and now think that you are prepared for what you will encounter in the field. I can promise you that you are not. Nothing can replace experience, and that is what we shall be doing today. The chuunin brandished his staff while moving to one end of the arena. Now, who is first? A peppy young man jumped at the chance to show his stuff. He had a large grin and was full of bravado. Now here was someone who didn't know what was coming. You're eager, that is good. Now, grab your weapon and come at me. You are allowed to use any sort of weapon and taijutsu. Do your worst.

The kid called out. Be ready, I will kill you if you are too weak. Fukai ignored him and held out his staff in front of him. The boy hesitated at his opponent's unwavering position. Then he drew the kunai at his hip and charged. Fukai moved in one fluid counter. He stepped forwards and to the side, accepting the thrust into the gap between his arm and chest. His had rose up and grabbed the knife handling hand and held it closed. He spun and held the knife up against the boy's throat with his superior strength. He was facing away from the boy, but Fukai knew that he had not made an error. He turned his head to face the rest of the class as the boy exclaimed in shock as the blade threatened his life. Look how easy it is for it to be all over. Do not rush things but at the same time, do not be indecisive. He let go of the boy and let him sink back into the crowd below. The first academy student had lost his bravado somewhere along the journey back to his seat and he sat down without another word.

Next! Fukai took up his original position at the end of the arena and waited for the next challenger. A larger boy made his way to the stage. He seemed more reserved than the first, but that changed when he opened his mouth. I was there in Kaminari no Kuni and watched you in the exams. You disgraced the village when you walked off that stage. I will beat you here and now and then they will have to throw you out like the trash you are. Fukai's eyes hardened at the youngster. These words were clearly not his, but he knew that this was bound to happen in some respects. He motioned for him to start without talking. The class below had grown dead silent and waited for the duel to begin. The kid raised his hands in an open fist and rushed the chuunin. Fukai thrusted his staff in his face and the boy pushed it aside and kept moving forwards. He had skill for his age, Fukai could acknowledge that much. He turned the staff so that the other side would come up to intercept the charge, and with the other hand, the boy would push it away. This left the kid open as both his arms were in use and this created a large window in which fukai whipped the back of his hand around and slapped the kid with enough force to send him tumbling. Weaklings do not get to decide anything in this world. If that is truly what you feel, come back with more strength and challenge me again.

Once more the challenger limped away. He could hear whispers of admiration for him circle around the group, they could see his strength and appreciate his effortless skill. It was a strange position to be in, this reminded him of the matches he used to spectate as a kid. The awesome fighters would take to the stage and show their stuff, drawing the attention and admiration of all who witnessed. Do not worry, you still have many years to progress and get stronger. The important thing is to keep moving forward. Do not stop, keep progressing. He was not a natural teacher and found it hard to connect with people at times, especially those of a different age, but the academy teacher seemed to approve of his efforts. Then he told the children to get up on stage and come at him all at once. Fukai swerved, ducked and struck. After fifteen minutes even the most enthusiastic students had given up. He talked very little after the first few, leaving it to the teacher to point out any techniques or providing any advice. At the end of the session, the children left, calling thanks in unison.

1522 /1500
mission complete
~exit~