Takeshi wasn't in the best of moods as of lately. His whole squad had made some big changes over the past couple of weeks, though there was no need to get into all of that. He had to focus on the present, here and now, and right now he was at the rolling hills listening to the birds sing their songs. It wasn't the brightest of days, though it was slightly chilly out. That might have had something to do with the passing of time. In any case, the temperature wasn't something big to worry about. He pulled out a cigarette from his pack, and lit it up. He inhaled and then exhaled, creating three circles made out of gray smoke. Holding the cigarette with his index, middle, and thumb, he posted up against a tree. His amber eyes were scanning the area, looking around for any thing that could be wrong. Looking around he began to reminisce about the old days. He had fought his friend, Rinshi, at this very place. Rinshi was a Hyuga, and he was fun to spar against. Takeshi would never forget what it was like to fight someone who also had the Byakugan. It was a nice experience, but that was only one of the many spars he had with his fellow leaf ninja.

On this particular day, he was here to help out a fellow leaf ninja. He was a young boy who still looked fresh faced. Takeshi had no real idea when they let people graduate from the academy these days, though the boy looked young. Normally, Takeshi would have a serious problem with doing anything that involved a kid. However, it was different this time. Takeshi had met the boy before, and he was a good kid. He didn't have a squad when Takeshi met him, and that's something that clicked with him. Takeshi never had a sensei or anything like that, so he was ready to help out the Genin or even Chuunin level ninja who needed it. The boy's name was Lukyo who had a reddish hair color. When Takeshi first saw him, he thought he was in the Uzumaki clan, though he was told otherwise by the boy. Takeshi had no real idea if Lukyo had been assigned to his squad yet or not, though that wasn't a big deal. Takeshi was going to train him anyway, though he had no real training plan. He would just come up with something off the top of his head again like he did last time. Takeshi shook the ash of his cigarette as he waited for the boy to show up. Takeshi closed his eyes and let the sun hit him with their strong rays.

wc: 455

Lukyo had decided to take his time heading over to the training fields when he woke up early in the morning. Dew had frosted over the glass window panels but by the time he was ready to head out, droplets of water formed instead. He had made sure to dress warmly but still in a way to let him move freely. He pulled his green scarf closely to his neck as he stepped out of is warm apartment, feeling the nippy air bite at his exposed toes. He dressed himself in his black pants and red shirt but instead of his vest (the black one with the golden trim design), he opted for a blue jacket which he zipped up. Lukyo roughly shoved his hands into his pockets, as he grumbled about the weather but still made his way out into the cold world.

Lukyo was never the kind of person to accept any physical help from other people when it training tough in all honestly, he didn't understand why. He would accept verbal help though. He ran a hand through his rusty colored hair as he walked slowly and calmly to where he was to meet Takashi (even the very thought of meeting him now set a lump in his throat). He seemed like an ok guy, red hair and all. Lukyo still remembered having lunch with him on that cold rainy day...it was actually kinda fun.

The smell of a lit cigarette made the young boy come back to his senses, just in time to see the man himself standing there looking all cool while blowing smoke rings. Lukyo wished he wasn't so darn short....

"Every cigarette is like a nail in your coffin." Lukyo blurted out though not on purpose, he didn't know why he said it, but didn't show anything except for a passive face that was slightly rosy from the nippy cold air. Lukyo mentally kicked himself, he just told the Hokage he was going to die more quickly if he kept smoking. When did a Hokage didn't smoke, honestly? He was sure at least ONE of them didn't. Wait he was getting off topic now. The redhead unconsciously began to scowl but didn't say anything else as he stood and waited for whatever Takashi was about to say or do. The young kid worked the muscles in his jaw before casting his eyes down and mumbling a "Sorry" before looking back up, "Anyways...erm...thank you for the training...honestly."

(Word Count: 426)