Fate whispers to the warrior, "You can not withstand the storm." The warrior whispers back "I am the storm."

Zeref stood on top of a rooftop over looking Kumogakure no sato,  his eyes drifting over the area. Less than two years ago he watched, and let his father burn to death in his old village, two months ago he didn't officially belong to Kumogakure, and two days ago he wasn't a genin of Kumogakure. Zeref never thought he would ever join a village as a shinobi, not without being forced, but now it was a necessary ordeal Zeref had to deal with. He needed money, and he needed to get stronger, the best chance for both of those was to join Kumogakure and use the shinobi system to earn a wage and become stronger at the same time.

Zeref tightened his hand around the headband he was given when he was awarded the rank of genin. He wasn't from the village, not the main part anyways, he had always lived high in the mountains away from the prying eyes of the shinobi village. His first task was completing missions, and finding a squad to join, the chuunin exams where around the corner his goal was to rank up again by springs end, it left him with only a few months to catch up to the other genin of the village. 

Zeref sighed as he slid the headband into a small pouch on his hip. "Guess it's time to find a team." Zeref took a step off the roof, landing with a light thud before walking down the street. Zeref wasn't sure where to start looking, training grounds was a good start, or at the office where missions were posted. It was early morning still so he figured the best place to start would be the training area. With a destination in mind he turned down the road and headed towards the gates.

Zeref didn't like the idea of working with others, or under a sensei for that matter, he didn't like the idea of someone being in 'control' of him. His father was extremely abusive, and controlling, he taught Zeref to never care, that love was a weakness, he was nothing but a tool to his father. Once his father died Zeref vowed to never allow someone to be above him again, but now he had to allow it, someone had to take control of him in a sense so he could get stronger, it annoyed him to no end. Luckily Zerefs father did teach him a few things, how to fight, kill, survive alone, and how to act and manipulate people, Zeref could put on any front he wanted to suit his needs.

Zeref rounded a corner and a child ran into him falling over, the kid no older then seven looked up at Zeref and gulped a little. Nothing about Zeref seemed friendly, his eyes were a harsh green and he always had a slight scowl on his face as well. "S-sorry mister." Zeref sighed and reached down grabbing the kid by his hand, pulling him to his feet. "Don't worry about it kid, now run along." The kid nodded slightly before taking off down the road. Zeref watched as he left, he wondered how different his life would of been if her grew up here, grew up with a different father, he quickly pushed the thought from his mind. Zeref turned back down the road continuing towards the gates so he could reach the training grounds.  

Post W.C- 603
Thread W.C- 603

Guard duty was running towards its end. Finally. Standing still this entire time, eyes straining to spot any potential danger had made Mizuki antsy for some movement, a good meal and a drink. The guard duty had been a dull one, as usual, but that hadn't bothered her much. Her mind was churning about what her father had requested, again, in preparation for her future as a shinobi. While he was obviously proud of his daughter being a chuunin, to him, this was only the start of the road. He felt as if only now she would be able to bear the burdens that he had intended to give her, yet despite her experience he also considered it lacking all together.

Not only had her father officially started the road towards passing on the arts of execution, in which she would ultimately take his place as the next in line of commissioned executioners of the sentenced, but he also intended to retire as the sensei of the Raiu Dojo - something she had known since long - in hopes to find more time to spare in the search for a cure for her mother's entrenching illness. Her mother hadn't improved anymore, despite the attention of a few iryo-nin, and somewhat desperate, her father hoped to try any and all options to help out. As such, Mizuki would be the one handling most, if not everything, so he could remain unburdened and untied.

Mizuki sighed. Even if she had always heard how promising a student she was, she still had a hard time believing she was capable of doing that what her father had done for so many years. Practising, sure. Fighting, if she had to. But teaching others, or worse even, leading others? Of that, she wasn't so sure. She was afraid she would not have the patience or the proper expressions to foster positive evolution with whoever she'd have to teach. Of course, she had voiced those concerns to her father, who had quietly contemplated them, and had returned to her with a solution. Where she had hoped he'd go find someone else, he had requested her to lead her own squad under his supervision. He, a jounin, would be the official sensei of the squad, but she, a chuunin, would have to lead, teach and monitor their progress.

Being tapped on the shoulders suddenly, she was informed her shift was over. She bowed, thanking her partner for the time spend together, and stretched her arms with a deep sigh, arcing her back for a moment as if it meant the conclusion of yet another routine duty. Finally freed, she jumped down the guard post that was placed on top of the gates, landed gracefully on her feet and rolled through to completely nullify the fall's shock. For a moment, she remained seated, a hand already resting on her blade by sheer habit of training, upon which her eyes caught the sight of an unknown young man bearing Kumogakure's headband. An ally, and one of the few people to actually to break the emptiness of the day - the road had known little traffic so far.

Mizuki rose to her feet, the dark grey cloak bearing Kumogakure's kamon quietly falling back in place to cover all but the black grip of her katana peeking from under it. Happy with his timing, she decided to welcome the young Kumo-nin back home.

---

579

Zeref had finally reach the gates of the village and walked through them, the two guards giving him a slight nod of their heads. 'Fools' Zeref couldn't help but think of them that way. Mindless soldiers, fodder for the village and it's Riakage, nothing more nothing less, at least not to him. These 'shinobi' were just like him, but held a higher level of mindless obedience. They were training at an early age how to fight, just like him, child soldiers. Even before they started their training they were fed stories from their parents and elders, how being a shinobi was this great honor. Zeref shock his head, his father didn't use lies or stories, no he told Zeref he was nothing but a tool, less than human. Maybe that is why Zeref was able to break free, perhaps if his father fed him lies Zeref would of saved him from burning to death, probably not.

Zeref could hear footsteps coming up behind him, light taps with each stepping hitting the dirt. Was he being followed? His hair started to stand up on the back of his neck as the thought of him being targeted raced through his mind. Someone from his old village? Zeref stopped walking his hand sliding to his lower back as he turned half way to take a look at who was approaching. 

Zeref let out a sigh once he say it was a young female, around the same age as him. The headband of the village showing she was an 'ally.' Zeref dropped his hand from his lower back, his years of training from his father still playing tricks on his mind. Zeref turned fully around putting a hand up in the air slightly in a greeting. "Yo." Zeref was on his way to the training ground to seek a team, but this girl could offer a easier solution. Zeref was harsh and cruel, so he had to put up an act other wise not many would want him on their team, another annoyance to add to the list. Zeref lowered his hand back to his side. "Are you following me? Or am I just imagining things?" Zeref smiling slightly, his voice was full of amusement, his father taught him how to change his personalty to suit the situation, at the moment a kind person was the best route.   

Post- 397
Thread- 1000

Having neared the genin close enough, he seemed suddenly aware of her presence behind him and turned around, wondering if he was being followed. Mizuki tilted her head somewhat at the odd, playful accusation, but quickly fell back into her usual ways, bowing slightly towards him.

"My apologies, I had no intention to make you feel uncomfortable. I just finished my guard duty, and since you looked like a new genin of our community, I was wondering if you were interested in sharing a meal with me? I'd like to make the acquaintance of new shinobi."

She was fairly certain his looks were very similar to the description her father had given about one of the new genin in town, much like he had given her Tomohiro as one of the shinobi he wanted in his squad. She knew why her father had requested Tomohiro since she had met him and heard about his interest in the Arts of the Sword, but she wondered what his reasons were for taking this one under his wings. Perhaps there was no other reason but his sense of duty, which was always a possibility, but there was no saying this just yet.

In any case, she hoped Zeref would join her since she was starving currently. It would make conversation a little easier when both of them would be out of the wind and the weather to begin with. If Zeref did join her, she'd flash him a smile and request him to follow her to a nearby small restaurant. If not, she'd apologise for the inconvenience and walk away to find another, hopefully better, moment to reach out to him.

At this hour, though, the small restaurant would be so much as empty. It didn't boast anything special in looks and prestige as they served rather basic dishes, but what they served was solid and nutrient, hence why it was quite a popular spot for a quick meal nonetheless. And since it was on the road to Mizuki's home, she often stopped there after guard duty.

---

349
Total: 928

Zeref smiled as she bowed, putting a hand behind his head with a slight laugh. "No,
it's ok, I'm just new here, guess I'm not used to all the people. Zeref lowered his hand back to his side. Ah, yeah. I guess you could say I'm new. I mean, I'm not from here, well,
not the main part of the village, I used to live in the mountains. Zeref was rambling, acting a bit nervous, all his fathers training actually paying off. At the mention of food a slight blush came to his cheeks, did she just ask him out on a date? Um food? I yeah, I could eat. I was going to see if there were any others at the training area, but, food sounds better.

Zeref didn't give any hints away, but while he was talking he was sizing her up. A sword by her side, kenjutsu user much like himself. How she spoke gave her away as well, 'Genin' and wanting to meet with new shinobi, put her at a higher tier then himself, chuunin most likely given her age. It would be in his best interest to follow her, she would likely be able to tell him where or how to assemble a team.

Once Zeref told her he would indeed join her, she flashed him a smile, telling him to follow her, no doubt to a local restaurant. He kept pace with her pretty easily, he was about five inches taller so his long legs made it simple. As they walked Zeref noted the area around them, each building, shop, and people going in and out as well, habits he formed growing up. Oh right, Um, My name is Zeref. Zeref Kyō. He left his full last name out of it for now, mainly because he wanted to keep the fact he's from the Kyōakuna clan from as many people as he could. The clan wasn't well known, more just whispers, and such, but you could never be sure. He wanted trump cards up his sleeve, his biggest one at the moment, was his clans KKG, as far as Zeref was aware, there were not many that held it, and those who did, didn't have it at his level.

Post W.C - 385
Total W.C - 1385

Hearing him ramble on made one thing clear: he was nervous. She guessed he hadn't really expected someone to walk up to him and request his company for a meal, or to welcome him within the Village. At least he accepted her invitation, and thus she gave him a smile, but she hoped that being a less tedious place would allow a much easier conversation.

Her interest was caught as he mentioned that he was on his way towards the training grounds. Just recently graduated and already eager for growth. A quality that her father would certainly appreciate, but the question remained which goals exactly he was aiming to achieve with them. Was he out for power, to make a name for himself? Was he more like herself, aiming to get better for the better of Kumogakure? Or was he just doing something to keep himself busy, or busy society came with expectations? Her thoughts quieted down as he introduced himself as Zeref Kyo, upon which she replied to him in kind.

"A pleasure to meet you, Kyo-san. I'm Raiu Mizuki. My family lives at the heart of the Village, just a few blocks away from the hospital."

She wondered what it had to be like, living in the mountains. She had stories of the yamabushi before, living in seclusion as they sought their own form of enlightenment, and had been thinking that a period of such isolation might not be the worst of things. When she'd request a new katana that fit with her own personality and skill, she would want it to be one of equal worth. Her father had already explained that it wasn't unusual to find inspiration for a fitting weapon by living as a yamabushi for a few years. The mountains seemed to be quite an appealing area to do so, in fact.

As they arrived at the restaurant, Mizuki opened the door, greeted the owner with a bow and requested a table for two. Since the restaurant was rather empty at this hour, a table was quickly given and the menu followed swiftly. As Mizuki allowed her eyes to run over the menu card, she continued the conversation.

"Please, feel free to pick whatever fills your stomach.", she offered, picking a simple dish of rice, oyster sauce and duck herself, along with a cup of jasmine tea for herself. "How are you finding Kumogakure so far? Since your training as shinobi started rather late compared to the average shinobi, I was asked to see how you were faring. Are you holding up here in this new place?"

Since she was inside and seated now, the young woman unbuttoned her cloak and draped it over her chair, revealing a wide-sleeved deep purple haori bearing the Raiu's kamon draping over a navy blue hakama. This sort of attire was traditionally more often used by samurai rather than shinobi, but her family, being bukijutsu specialists mostly, were quite often seen with it when not undertaking missions or needing to wear armour as the clothing was simple yet elegant and easily fooled the real position of the wearer's body during a sword fight.

---

533
Total: 1461

Raiu Mizuki, he memorized the name, not for any reason besides retaining information. He wondered if he should feel bad about not telling her the truth, or rather he wondered if others who weren't raised like him would feel bad. Judging by how she carries herself, and speaks, it was clear she came form a loving home, and took pride in being part of the village. A loving home, a family, such odd things to Zeref he only had his father, who did nothing a father should of done.

Zeref walked in after her taking note of the small restaurant. There weren't many people inside and only took a minute or two for them to get a seat. Once they made it to the table they were both given menus and Raiu started to speak again, offering to buy, and asking more about himself. He scanned the menu and just selected something at random. "I'll just take the beef and rice, thank you. Ah with a glass of water too."

Zeref looked up at her as she took off some of her outer clothing, noting her outfit it became more clear she was skilled in Kenjutsu. "I mean, I can't really judge, I never been to any large village besides this one. It's nice to see such large buildings or all the different people.

Zeref was careful with how he talked, he never told a lie, but never the whole truth either. A harsh lesson of his fathers. It would begin with his father asking a simple question, wanting Zeref to answer with something besides the truth. At first Zeref would just say a lie and his father in return would whack him with a stick. "Lie. Everyone has a tell boy." This went on for days until Zeref caught on, when asked a question he would give half answers as often as he could. His father said it would stop anyone from being able to find his 'Tell.'

"I mean it's weird to have younger kids be,
better than me? but at the same time it can't be helped." Zeref took a sip of his water. I've completed two missions, well one was a favor for pay, and the second seemed more like a fake mission then a real one." With a shrug he continued. "I was hoping for missions that would be harder. I mean I understand that they are based on level, but at the same time, delivering mail, or mending some roofs doesn't help you as a shinobi." Zeref was answering her question, but he was leading the conversation where he wanted it to go, yet another lesson from his father.

"I take it you are not a genin? It was kinda easy to tell with your manor of speech and how you just overall carry yourself. Zeref made sure is tone was kinda, and his face showed interest in her, and whatever she was saying. "Also noticed you practice Kenjutsu, maybe you could point me in the right direction of a good blacksmith. I lost my blade in my travels sadly. Does burying it in a mans skull count as losing it? Zeref thought about that for a second before containing. "So, not to be paranoid or anything, but how did you know I was a genin? I don't wear the forehead protector. Which was true, he kept it in a small pouch he wore on the back of his belt.

Post w.c- 586
Total w.c- 1971

She listened to his stories and explanations. As a stranger from outside the Village, the larger buildings intrigued him. She could relate to that in an inverse way, as she herself found it rather calming to be in a place where there were few buildings. More land and horizon meeting each other. She smiled and nodded at his findings, as much as she did again when he spoke about having younger kids be better than himself. She had and was there just as much, much thanks to her born illness. No matter that she had started off at an equal age like many, her illness had delayed much of her growth as a shinobi. Her only reason for having reached chuunin this fast was mostly thanks to be trained by the former Raikage herself.

Mizuki listened to his concerns about missions. She had to admit that a lot of the genin missions were a joke depending the age of the genin. For a youngster of 12-13 years, they were good practice for condition and getting to know the system of the Village, but for someone of an older age, they were a laughable choir at best. It had been one of the reasons why she usually stuck to guard duty. It was a choir, but at least it didn't feel like a waste of time.

As the waiter brought in the requested dishes, Mizuki mulled over his latest questions. He considered her of a higher rank by her demeanour? An odd deduction, but not necessarily wrong. She was 20, so it would make sense she didn't behave like the average genin of 15 years, and her age often made people expect her to be of a higher rank. Most often a special jounin, as that age seemed to be the average.

"I'm a chuunin of the Village, and traditional bukijutsu user.", she confirmed his findings. "I was trained since childhood by my father, who owns the Raiu dojo."

Mizuki allowed the scent of the dish to reach her for a moment. It triggered a response from her body. Mouth watering, stomach suddenly growling, she wouldn't wait much longer to satiate the most dire of her hunger, taking her chopsticks to dig in the plate before her. A few pieces of meat, a few scoops of rice. The taste and its warmth made her feel reborn as it pushed back the gnawing hunger.

The kunoichi was a little surprised to hear him ask how she was aware of his rank and affiliation, however. As if he had forgotten for a moment that he was part of a shinobi Village. His identity was known by the Administration, for a starter, and certainly someone would know about him. Her father, being a jounin, and herself, having been close to the Raikage, were two people who had the unmentioned benefit of knowing a thing or two about Kumogakure's actual forces.

"My father, Raiu Kiyoshi, is a jounin. Such a position holds certain benefits, and duties. He has requested me to find you since he is looking to gather genin for his new squad, and as a genin with potential for bukijutsu he wants to offer you an invitation."

As she took another few scoops of her dish, she allowed the words to sink in with Zeref. To her, being in a squad was the most common thing to do, but would Zeref be of a similar mind? Training was one thing. Having a sensei and a squad was something completely different. While it offered a rich opportunity to learn, it also came with duties and team responsibility. It would not all be fun and games, fighting and sparring. She knew her father was about team spirit, tactics and synergy.

---

631
Total: 2092

Zeref smiled at the waiter as their food was placed in their respective spots. "Thank you. Picking up his chopsticks, he pulled them apart and took a chunk of beef into his mouth. It was juicy and warm, but Zeref was never one to crave a certain flavor, rather food was food, it didn't matter in the end if it tasted like cardboard as long as it gave him energy and allowed him to fend off the pains of hunger.

He nodded as she told him about her father running a local dojo, which was good news for him, it meant swords should be easy to come by. "That's cool. My father had a dojo of sorts in my old village." He dropped a chunk of meat from the chopsticks, planned of course, as she stated her father was extending an invitation. Zeref thought he was leading the conversation, but it turns out her father was the one pulling the strings. "I guess that makes sense, I mean about him knowing." To be honest he wasn't sure just how much was shared among the higher shinobi, something he would make sure to find out. Taking another bite of his food before addressing the latter half of her statement. "I mean, I was looking to join a team, erm squad rather, and since your dad runs a dojo, it makes a logical point that I would accept." Zeref smiled slightly. "So I would be honored to join."

The first step in Zerefs plan was just completed, since he was now going to be part of a squad, it meant better training and missions, a faster road to becoming stronger. "Do we have anyone else in this squad yet? Or am I the first member to join? Or be offered a spot,
is there a try out?"

Already finished with half his meal he was starting to feel full, he never ate large meals. Taking a sip of his water he allowed her to answer before asking a few more questions. "What else do you practice besides Bukijutsu? Ninjutsu?" Zeref was already trying to think of how team missions would go, a basic under standing of what one was trained in, and elements was a good start. Certain elements worked very well together, where others could work against on another. "Do we have like a team name?"He asked half jokingly. The nicer he was to her, the easier it would be to use the team as a whole, he just had to make sure not to slip up. Most people found his true-self harsh, he doubted those who believe they are meant to help the greater public would find him a good fit on a team, or society for that matter.

Post w.c- 464
Total w.c- 2435

As she focused on her dish, Zeref showered her with a bunch of questions concerning squads and their workings, training and their potential, even herself and her abilities. She wasn't really used to deal with a flood of interest like this as her father was often of the brief-worded sort, but she couldn't deny that she appreciated the interest in it all. A genin eager to learn was always a good start. He felt even honoured, making her smile faintly at the courteous approach.

"I'm sure my father will be glad to hear of this.", Mizuki said, taking a sip of tea to flush a bit of the sticky rice in her mouth. "If the third member accepts my father's invitation, we will be three. You, Tomohiro-san and myself."

She knew that her father's intention to add her to the squad was not to train her in combat. As a chuunin, she had more than her fair share of experience compared to genin. No, what he wanted was much in line with everything else he had already regulated in her life. Strategy, responsibility, discipline. The weight that came with the rank of special jounin and higher still.

"Squads generally do not hold try-outs.", she explained. "Either the special jounin is appointed a few people to teach, or he selects them by himself. In this case, you were chosen rather than appointed."

She swirled the tea gently in the cup before taking another sip. Putting the cup aside then, she resumed her meal, finishing the last few bits of duck and rice before she rested her hands around the cup of tea once more.

"I inherited my father's bloodline, meaning that I make use of Ranton, our renowned Advanced Release. So aside from bukijutsu, we focus heavily on ninjutsu training to make the most of our release."

The Raiu had never been shy of sharing their bloodline with others of the Village. It was their pride, much like their position as one of the oldest clans of Kumogakure was. While they did not often raise towards leadership positions, they were a prominent choice as vanguards, bodyguards and trustworthy companions on dangerous missions.

That said, Mizuki knew that knowing your squad's abilities was just as important. Much like he now had a basic notion of what she was and could do, abilities that would be revealed even more as they worked together, so too was it of the highest importance that she knew what he was capable of. Kenjutsu was one thing, but shinobi rarely relied on a single trick to achieve their goals.

"Which abilities do you aspire to master, Kyo-san?"

---

451
Total: 2543

"Tomohiro" Zeref repeated the third members name to help remember it. Three people to Zerefs understanding was normal, he suspected she would be more the leader then her father, who like he was doing now, would play his part from the back. The fact that her father seemed to already know a bit about him worried Zeref slightly. He carried no sword, and he hasn't been in any fights or spars, which would mean her father might know a lot more then just the basics.

Listening to her words he took a last few bites of his food before placing his chopsticks on the the almost empty plate. He knew that there were no tryouts, at least not for teams like this. The words 'chosen' almost confirmed that her father knew who he was, which meant Zeref couldn't use half truths. If he didn't tell her the full truth she could hear it from her father, and thus she wouldn't trust him, making it that much harder to do what he needed to do.

"Ranton?" Zeref thought for a seconds. "Storm release, that's pretty cool, so that means you have suiton and raiton as well if I remember correct. Zeref made sure to research some notable things of the village, Ranton was one of them.  "Well I am trained in Kenjutsu, but I wanna expand to all other weapons as well, but my main focus would be Ninjutsu.

Zeref finished his water before continuing to talk. "I ah, inherited a bloodline as well. It's actually pretty unknown, it's not even easy to find in history books. This was mostly do to the fact that a few hundreds years ago the clan was almost completely whipped out during a revolt with in itself. I have Katon and Doton nature types, but instead of having Yōton like most think those would create.

Reaching behind him he pulled out a small cube of metal holding it out in his hand, palm up allowing her to see as he continued to spoke. I actually have Koton. When he said Koton, the metal cube in his hand turned molten without causing him any harm. "I can freely create, and control steel." He willed the molten steel to turn into a small man, then a bird, then back to a cube that he put back into his pouch. "Tho, I try not to tell a lot of people. It's a pretty rare release so to me, it's a powerful trump card to play at the time time. Oh, and my last name is Kyōakuna, not Kyo. He smirked slightly. "I wanted to see how much you knew,
or I guess in this case your father.

Post w.c- 460
Total w.c- 2435

Taking a contemplating sip of her tea as Zeref revealed his own dreams and Release, she nodded understandingly. His combat orientations were a lot in line with hers, with the exception of the elements that seemed to come with his own bloodline. She wasn't quite sure what this Yōton was and, if he hadn't shown her what Koton was, wouldn't have known about that one either. While knowledgeable about most Kumogakure clans and mostly street-smart due to her upbringing, Mizuki had never left Kumogakure and had thus been given little opportunities to pick up much about the outside world.

Still, the thought of seeing metal bend this easily was both intriguing and scary at the same time. With such a release, he had the ability to create his weapons but also nullify that of others? That potentially made him one of the most dangerous bukijutsu users she could imagine. On the other side, his ninjutsu abilities seemed... clunky. Perhaps efficient in defence, but how flexible really was koton ninjutsu in a combat situation? She couldn't say, but she'd figure it out quickly enough.

"Considering his rank and interest in your training, he'll know everything about you that the Administration knows. As for myself, I'll know what you tell me and what my father deems necessary for me to know, Kyo-san.", she replied with a slight smirk. "Do not believe my father to be the sort to play favourites."

Oh, she had heard his actual name, but Kyōakuna didn't roll off the tongue as smoothly as Kyo-san, and since he would be a squad member, there was no harm in acting a little more familiar. It was actually endearing to see him already test out a shinobi of the Village on their cunning, but as a new genin? She feared he was missing half a lifetime on experience if he wanted to beat her father in such games. Even Mizuki, who was his own daughter, had never been able to pry loose all the information out of him.

"You'll find my father to be quite good at keeping his secrets, however."

As the two of them seemed to have finished their dish, the waiter passed by to remove it and as he did so, Mizuki requested the bill. She would soon have to return home, delivering the news to her father that the first of students had accepted his invitation. A formal invitation would follow, and a meeting at the dojo would be the next step.

When the waiter returned with a small ornate chest about the size of a single hand, Mizuki pulled out a string of coins and laid it to rest inside the chest.

"Consider this meal as my welcoming gift, please. We'll meet again soon, after my father send you a letter."

---

480
Total: 3023

Zeref listened to her as she spoke about her father, and how he doesn't play favorites even tho she was his child. Zeref couldn't help but to think about his father compared to what little he knows of hers, they seemed very different. Her father seemed like the loving kind, but still strict, his own was harsh, and abusive and believed Zeref was to be a molded into a weapon for his own use. The only things the two most likely had in common, was they were smart, and driven by whatever means, Zeref was sure he would figure out more about her father in the next few days.

He was glad her father could keep a secret tho, it wasn't that Zeref had enemies, but he believed in trump cards even if it was a long con, they tend to pay off at the end, whether it was a few days, month or even years. His hope was to keep his bloodline a secret till the exams, not many would expect someone to be able to use steel the way he could. Most thought steel as heavy, and slow, but Zeref could move it like water while it was in a molten state, or he could cause it to harden to suit his need. To Zeref Koton had to be one of the most powerful nature types when used correctly. 

Zeref watched the waiter bring the bill, and then a ornate chest, seemed a bit dated but maybe that was a theme of the restaurant he hadn't picked up on while he was here. "Thank you, that is very kind of you." He smiled slightly when she stated it was her gift to him for joining the team, but it was the plan all along, maybe not her team or her fathers rather, but a team regardless, it just seemed her father did the hard part of him. 

Standing, he pushed in his chair and walked towards the door allowing her to go before him as he held the door to allow her to go through. "Soon huh? Your father works fast. I feel as if he has the letter wrote already, predicting I would say yes." If that was the case, it would be one more thing that was like his father. Zerefs father never allowed things to be about of his control, he knew the answer to questions before he asked, and if by some chance he wasn't sure, he would manipulate people into giving him the answer he wanted. Zeref allowed the door to close behind him as he stepped into the road outside of the building. 


"Thanks again for the meal, it was pretty good. Oh and for the offer tho, I guess I should thank your father when I see him." Since her father owned a dojo, Zeref assumed the first meeting would be there, so until he got the letter Zeref planned to do a little scouting of the dojo and the area around it, mostly out of habit. "And I hope we can meet up soon, and take some missions. I'm eager to ditch the errand runs and get into something that could challenge me a bit more then watering some planets for an old lady." Zeref put his hand out to shake her hand as a goodbye, he knew she would return it, she was to polite not to. "I look forward to meeting this other teammate as well, and to see just what we all can do together." Zeref smiled slightly as he spoke, he was already coming up with jutsu between him and her elements, once he figured out the third members he would be able to combine it even more so. Zeref turned his back to his new teammate to head home.

-Exit-
-End-
Post w.c- 640
Total w.c- 3075

---

Using total word count and with This mission (150 w.c) to train the following

Strength: E1->D (675)
Speed: E2-> D (525)
Endurance: E1->D (675)
Reaction Time: E1 ->D (675)
Perception: E1 ->D (675)
total Needed 3225
total on hand 3225 (3075+150)

All used

As they left the restaurant, Zeref thanked her for the meal and she returned him a smile. Then, he offered her his hand to shake and Mizuki looked at it for a moment, unsure what to do with it as she remembered her father's horrible habit to throw around anyone foolish enough to accept his. That, or he suddenly held the other in a grasp not easily escaped from. Not too sure she could trust a held out hand of someone else, she bowed towards him again rather than returning a hand.

"A word of advice. Do not shake hands with my father."

And she knew what she was talking about, considering the countless times some student flew through the air. She could swear that it was her father's favoured lesson: "One moment of carelessness is all an opponent needs to overpower you.". Zeref could call her paranoid, but trust was easily gained by those who didn't pay attention. And that trust was exactly the weapon they used to take out good shinobi at the least expected of moments. Kunoichi had used it countless of times against the opposite sex, yet the technique rarely faltered even up to this day.

Zeref eventually went his own way, and so did Mizuki. She had reached one of the students, and assumed her father to have reached out to Tomohiro by now. For today though, she'd simply be returning home, do some choirs and get some rest. It had been a long day...

---

[EXIT]

254
Total: 3277

Training: