[Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: indarkestknight on 21-02-2007, 06:43:44</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 06:43:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>After all this time, they had finally been able to work alongside their longtime sensei as more than just genin, but as chunin, and some of the most powerful in the village at that. She had been so proud of her team. Kimiriko, the Phoenix of Konoha, one of the finest Jonin in the village, rumored in certain circles to be next in line for the position of Hokage... Now she is dead.<br><br>They had been sent on a routine, class B mission to retrieve information about the founding of a new village within Konoha's country's borders. And, yet, somehow it had gone horribly wrong. Something... powerful had hit them. And, more than that, had a genjutsu that had stripped them of all memory of the incident. All any of them could remember was that she had died horribly to enable them all to escape with their lives.<br><br>And now, two weeks after they had returned and the best Konoha has to offer have tried to unravel the mystery and failed, after they all have begun to deal with the guilt and sorrow of their sensei's death and a proper funeral has been given, they have been called together for the first time to take another mission. But, before they can go to the Hokage to recieve it, they first have to pick up their nw squad member from the Uchiha clan's compound...</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 07:00:17</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya refused to cry.<br><br>It was dumb, of course.&nbsp; She was more comfortable around her teammates than her own family, and after trusting her back to them in a fight so many times, it was silly to worry about something so trivial.&nbsp; But she still hated the idea of looking weak in front of Kisame and Itamimaru.<br><br>She glanced back at her teammates, before sighing.&nbsp; "Let's go."&nbsp; Miya strode towards the compound, desperately hoping that she wouldn't have to deal with any Uchiha with superiority complexes today.&nbsp; She was not in the mood.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 10:11:49</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame gazed calmly at Miya, glancing over at Itamimaru.&nbsp; He shrugged minutely, then gestured for her to proceed him.&nbsp; He'd hang back a little to make sure that everything was okay.&nbsp; Much like he usually did.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 13:27:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru knew the eventual fate that ninjas came to- a ninja didn't die of old age.<br><br>And yet, he'd always expected he'd be able to remember what would happen to his Jounin. He hadn't let on to the others, but he couldn't accept her being dead yet- he knew how strong she was, and it was hard to believe that anything could finally kill her. That anything that could kill her wouldn't want others to know about it seemed even odder. He wouldn't hurt the others by trying to infect them with the hopeless optimism, though.<br><br>He quietly walks towards the compound, wondering who this Uchiha sire will be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>22-02-2007, 03:22:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>There are no guards waiting for them at the gates of the compound. Once, long ago, before the days of Itachi, He Who Is Not Spoken Of among the Uchiha, the clan had similiarly lacked guardians and watchers, boasting then that they needed none... not with the power of the Sharingan on their side. But now? With so few in the clan, even after a handful of generations... Now, if they wanted to, they couldn't. Still, the Uchiha are powerful and influential... After all, even with his betrayal, Sasuke had become one of the saviors of Konoha before he died... And that's why their newest member would be waiting here for them.</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>22-02-2007, 12:09:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame instinctively engaged his Byakugan, scanning the scenery for threats even as he signaled for the others to enter.&nbsp; It would be normal for Miya to take point and himself to walk rear guard.&nbsp; It's pretty much impossible to sneak up on someone with all around sight, after all.&nbsp; He hung back a couple of paces more than usual, getting an odd feeling.&nbsp; Perhaps it was simply left over from the engagement a few weeks before.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>22-02-2007, 15:48:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou sleeps under a cherry tree in the Uchiha compound, bandana tugged down over her eyes. She snores faintly, drooling a bit as she dreams. As a bee buzzes around her, she snorts a bit and half wakes up slapping at it. Suddenly, her eyes goes wide and jerks bolt upright, staring at the sun over.<br><br>"Oh crap!" Raikou almost wails "I forgot! Todays the day and I forgot to get ready!" She jumps to her feet and rushes towards the nearby Uchiha clan hall. Or tries to. Three steps, and her feet tangle each other and she plows into the turf with another shriek. She scrambles back up, pulls her bandana up past her eyes, dusts herself&nbsp; off and runs towards the hall, shouting bloody murder.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>22-02-2007, 16:29:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Upon hearing the shouting, Miya falls instantly into a guarded half-crouch, one hand landing on the hilt of her kodachi and the other poised just above one of her shuriken holsters.&nbsp; She turned slightly to glance back at Kisame, in case the Hyuuga was seeing something she couldn't.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>22-02-2007, 19:32:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame simply shakes his head and tosses a paper wad at Raikou for not paying attention in the first place.&nbsp; He then returns to what he'd been doing.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>22-02-2007, 19:53:54</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru quietly raises a hand to the smiling mask, putting his palm to his face. " Perhaps we should help her?" he asks the others, quietly adjusting the mask. He strides towards the compound. " I say. Are you Uciha Raikou?" he asks the shouting young woman, calling towards her back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 01:24:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou skids to a stop, nearly tripping again. She turns to face the three newcomers, wide eyed with surprise, staring Itamimaru for a second before nodding and offering him her hand "Yes, I'm Raikou Uchiha." She scratches her head "Or at least I think I am. You would be..?" She gives Kisame a mournful look "And don't throw things at me!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 01:34:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame smirked misceviously before speaking.&nbsp; "I'm Kisame, Hyuuga clan."&nbsp; He indicated the other two squad members as he introduced them.&nbsp; "Miya, Yamino clan and Odoriko, Itamimaru clan."<br><br>Having said what he was going to, he then returned his attention back to scanning the area.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 02:16:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru bows his head. " Would you be the new member of our unit?" he asks politely, the everpresent smile on the mask slightly disturbing after a few moments. " And come now, Kisame. She is a Chuunin, she deserves respect." The constantly cheery if slightly chiding voice seems built for diplomacy. " But if you're not finished packing, I'm sure that we can spare a few moments while you prepare." he says, head turning back to Raikou.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 02:22:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya looks just slightly taken aback, which is to say that she's controlling her reaction very well.&nbsp; This <em>is our new Uchiha?</em>&nbsp; She clears her throat nevertheless.&nbsp; "It's good to meet you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 02:34:30</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou beams "Yup! I'll be joining you! I've been looking forward to it, this'll be my first real unit. I just passed the Chunin exams!" She smiles at Miya and Kisame and offers her hand "Thank you! It's a real pleasure to meet you too! I've heard so much about you!"<br><br>She looks over her shoulder at the main building "I'm sorry I wasn't ready I kind of, ah, forgot." She flushes "It'll just take me a moment, though! Would you like to come in, maybe have a drink while I pack?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 02:43:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Oh kami, we're in trouble.</em><br><br>Gingerly, Miya shakes her new teammate's hand.&nbsp; "Um...sure, that's fine.&nbsp; If your family doesn't mind, I mean."&nbsp; Kisame would have noticed and signaled already if this girl was something other than what she was supposed to be, unfortunately.&nbsp; "Who were you working with for the exams?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 02:59:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou's blush deepens "Sensei Lee and team five. Before that, Sensei Xin and Team 3. Team 8 and Sensei Arrata before that. And Team 6 and Sensei Ayano. And Team 11 and Sensei Hoshiko. And.." She shrugs, still red and looking very uncomfortable. "It doesn't matter. I moved around a lot."<br><br>The kunoichi slumps a bit, looking resigned for what comes next. "Anyways, I'm really looking forward to this. I'll just be a moment packing, and we can go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 05:52:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				" Well, that gives you a wide perspective." His team mates may be familiar with Itamimaru's habit of putting the best face on everything, but even they can see that he's reaching truly olympic levels of rose-colored glasses. " And I'm sure that it would be lovely to get something to drink." He casts a glance towards the other two, implying that if they'll be nice, he'll do his best to make it worth their while, while trying not to imply that the opposite is true. Too obviously, anyway.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 20:51:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame looks back at Raikou then shrugs.&nbsp; "Sure."&nbsp; He could already feel the arguments coming.&nbsp; Nothing like an absent minded chunin (who just passed her exam to boot) involved in the process.&nbsp; He didn't entirely understand why they hadn't just left him in charge.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 06:40:08</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou nods, smiling at Itamimaru with relief "Allright! Just wait for me at the gazebo." She nods to it "The servants will be out with tea or whatever in just a moment. Shouldn't take me long at all!" Rai runs off, not waiting for an answer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 07:30:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru quietly walks with the others to the gazebo, leaning against the side softly. " I don't know why they keep these things around nowadays, they're a godawful menace if you don't take proper care." He looks towards the others. " I'm sure that we've all gotten a similar impression, but no matter how she may seem, Raikou is of the Uchiha, and despite a few minor hiccups, Uchiha Ninja excel. I'm sure that the Hokage has a particularly good reason for assigning her with us." He quietly adjusts the mask. " So let's be nice, and Kisame, I'm looking at you. No 'I can guess your cup size from a hundred feet.'" He sighs. The Fire Country Lord's wife had been very angry. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 07:51:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame plastered on a completely innocent look, having followed the others to the gazebo and accepted a cup of green leaf tea when offered.&nbsp; "Me?"&nbsp; He manages to sound somehow completely innocent.&nbsp; &nbsp;Besides, she HAD asked for it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 07:58:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya glances over the gazebo carefully as they approach.&nbsp; Her hands form a seal to cancel genjutsu, just in case this gazebo tries to eat them or something.&nbsp; The last such structure taught them all that excessive genjutsu study can give ninja a disturbing sense of humor.<br><br>"It's probably just to improve our versatility.&nbsp; If she's got the Sharingan, she'll have the ninjutsu we don't."&nbsp; She casts a wary look in the direction Raikou left.&nbsp; "Maybe she's not really as flaky as she seems.&nbsp; Maybe.&nbsp; What <em>really</em> bothers me is meeting her now and going straight to the mission.&nbsp; No chance to train together or anything.&nbsp; How do we trust our backs to someone when we don't know what she can do?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 08:10:03</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Because watching our backs has always been my speciality," Kisame points out.&nbsp; He took another sip of his tea and looked in the direction that Raikou had gone.&nbsp; "Maybe it's a test of our ability to adapt to sudden changes."&nbsp; He shrugged.&nbsp; Besides, the Uchiha had a nice butt.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 08:15:11</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru quietly taps his chin. " I'm sure they wouldn't throw us to the wolves THAT easily... And however long it took her, she did become a Chunin. We know that she's skilled." He quietly sits on the steps, stretching out a bit. " So, we'll just have to do what training we can on the way." He slowly stands. " And flaky though she may seem, remember the Sixth." He quietly looks over the grounds.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 08:23:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not saying we can't trust her, or even that she's not good.&nbsp; We probably can, and she's gotta be."&nbsp; Miya barely notices her irises turning black as she looks into the shadows of the gazebo; one of the advantages of a weak dojutsu is that it doesn't take much chakra.&nbsp; "But we don't know how to work with her.&nbsp; I just hope it's a C-rank mission to start with."<br><br>Miya normally isn't the type to back down from a tough mission at all, but the last thing she wants is to be dealing with enemy ninja while trying to perfect their teamwork.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 08:25:09</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame finished his tea and left the empty cup on the handrail.&nbsp; "Let's play it by ear."&nbsp; He suggested calmly, hoping that she wouldn't be much longer.&nbsp; "I hope that it's not an A-ranked mission, but we can handle a B-ranked if we need to."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 08:40:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru taps his chin. " But it would be very much their style. We're ninjas of the Fire Country... all of our trials are by fire. And we wouldn't be worthy of being Chunin if we couldn't do an A-rank mission with a new member." He quietly adjusts the robe, and his eyes notice the slight shading. " I can't help but notice, also, that at this point, I seem to be in the overwhelming minority of Ninja in our unit with incredibly boring eyes." He smiles under the mask.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 09:16:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame glowers at Itamimaru, just knowing that it was a not so underhanded insult.&nbsp; He shook his head, pausing long enough to engage his Byakugan long enough to scan the area for trouble before answering.&nbsp; "In any case, we'll have to jump right back in with both feet.&nbsp; I'm as ready as I'm going to be."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>26-02-2007, 16:16:35</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"It <em>is</em> pretty weird that we get three dojutsu users on a team of four.&nbsp; 'Specially since we're obviously not a scouting-type team."&nbsp; Their net effect tends to be a bit more like that of a wrecking ball, after all.&nbsp; "I guess I'm ready if you two are."&nbsp; Miya sips at her tea, and does her level best not to be nervous.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>26-02-2007, 22:26:09</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				" As much as the dojutsu are meant to be for scouting, they seem to have become focused on doing criminal amounts of damage." He sighs, adjusting the mask again, a bit of a nervous twitch, " I still remember when we had to bust that damn. The bandits were very surprised..." He grins a bit under the mask, remembering good times gone by.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>26-02-2007, 23:11:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mine doesn't," Miya points out.&nbsp; Not that she knows the Kagemetsuki's more advanced jutsu yet, but she can't think of any way for seeing in the dark to destroy things.&nbsp; She's never actually disparaged her bloodline limit, although it's not hard to tell that she doesn't think it compares well to other dojutsu.<br><br>A small grin plays on her lips as she remembers.&nbsp; "That was a good time.&nbsp; I don't think we're really supposed to put <em>that</em> many explosive tags together at once, though."&nbsp; Advanced demolitions weren't taught at the academy, which had led to improvisations of the messiest sort.&nbsp; Fortunately, Miya is very good at walking on water.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 00:14:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame decides to hold his tongue and wait, wanting to get on with the mission already.&nbsp; He had premission jitters and didn't feel up to bantering with the others.&nbsp; He only hoped that the Uchiha wouldn't be much longer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 02:47:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Hey, I'm sure I warned you about how unstable my Chakra would be in an explosive tag form." Itamimaru, sadly, was nowhere near as good. That had been a mission's pay down the drain on some new clothes, as he had to ditch his old ones or they would've dragged him to a watery death.<br><br>He'd been very grateful for the stealth training while trying to buy new clothes in hs underwear, though.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 03:08:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yeah, you did.&nbsp; But I couldn't risk not using enough tags, right?"&nbsp; She smirks at him.&nbsp; Itamimaru's misfortune had been a source for near-infinite amusement, although Miya was kind enough to turn her back.&nbsp; "It would've blown the whole mission if we gave them that kind of warning."<br><br>Of course, after that mission she asked Itamimaru for more tags.&nbsp; The dense chakra might have made them a bit unstable, but it also made for a nasty surprise for enemies used to the standard variety.&nbsp; And Miya <em>loves</em> surprises.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 03:31:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame looked over at the other two.&nbsp; "Well, there wasn't much of a challenge after that."&nbsp; He reminded them.&nbsp; Not that he'd actually left any of the bandits for the two to deal with, mind you.&nbsp; "Did either of you hear any rumors about what we're supposed to be doing next?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 03:48:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya shrugs unhelpfully.&nbsp; "'Fraid not.&nbsp; Honestly, I figure it'll be a B-rank mission, unless the Hokage feels sorry for us."&nbsp; Her voice catches, just the tiniest bit.&nbsp; "But...I guess Kimiriko-sensei wouldn't have wanted us going on milk runs just because of what happened."&nbsp; Their sensei, Miya suspects, would have been embarrassed if she saw how distraught the young kunoichi had been over the past two weeks.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 03:51:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*BANG!* A side door of the Uchiha hall slams open, hits the wall and bounces back, trailed by a startled shriek from Raikou as it catches her in the face. It slams open again and Raikou comes out, arms full of bags and equipment. She runs over to the pagoda, nearly tripping a time or two, leaving a trail of debris behind her.<br><br>"Sorry! Sorry! Took longer than I thought! I lost my chain in the closet and had a devil of a time finding it!". Panting, she jobs up to the gazebo.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 03:55:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame rolled his eyes at the sight of Raikou trailing debris behind her.&nbsp; "Can we go now?"&nbsp; He asked impatiently, sizing her up even as he spoke.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:18:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru carefully takes one of the bags. " It seems you're very well equipped... You're sure you need this much?" he says, once again quietly looking towards Kisame. " I'm sure that our first mission will not be overly lengthy." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:20:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame plasters on an innocent look but doesn't exactly conceal his interest in Raikou.&nbsp; "I'm sure she'll figure it out as she goes."&nbsp; He states calmly, shifting his weight from his right foot to his left impatiently. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:24:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou rubs her cheek, smiling up at Itamimaru "Thank you!" She looks over her bags, pursing her lips "Well.. maybe not. But its been awhile, and I wasn't sure what we'd need so I just kinda grabbed whatever looked like it'd be handy." She shrugs her shoulders and says cheerfully "I can also Seal the stuff later, to keep it from getting in the way. Thats one jutsu I have down cold!"<br><br>She smiles at Kisame "Thats very kind of you, Kisame."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:25:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're quite welcome."&nbsp; Kisame smiled in a halfway charming manner at Raikou, his eyes drifting down to her chest then back up to her eyes.&nbsp; "Are we ready to get going, then?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:34:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya very nearly clobbers Kisame for being a perv, but decides it isn't worth the bother.&nbsp; After all, if Raikou's going to be a part of their group, she'd better be able to take care of herself when the boys get out of hand.&nbsp; Or at least have the acuity to notice when someone's staring at her chest.<br><br>"Let's get going.&nbsp; We don't want to keep Hokage-sama waiting."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:36:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou smiles happily at Kisame, not appearing to notice him looking "Right! No time to waste here!" She throws a slightly nervous glance over her shoulder, "The sooner we leave, the less likely we are to be invited to dinner." She makes a face, then starts for the gate a brisk pace.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:39:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame signals for Miya to take point and Itamimaru to take the left side, leaving Raikou on the right side.&nbsp; He bounces lightly after, choosing to use any sturdy limbs or branches to provide a better vantage point.&nbsp; As usual, he takes the rear guard as they head toward their next destination.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:41:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a nod, Miya leaps ahead of the rest of the group, recent events causing her to briefly wonder just where Kisame and Itamimaru are looking when she's out in front.&nbsp; She <em>is</em> the most qualified to take point, though, so there's no use questioning it.&nbsp; With a sigh, she leads the way towards the Hokage's offices.&nbsp; It's finally time to get back to work.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:53:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Advantage number three to the mask, nobody could ever tell when he was checking ladies out. Fair's fair, he couldn't check them out to the degree Kisame did, but the avoidance of beatings made up for it. He stays in his standard middle point, watching to both sides, moving at a restrained pace, waiting to hear from them in case of attacks, though admittedly, this seems a little extreme for the half mile trip through the heart of the Leaf Village.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:56:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Raikou ambles along in her assigned position casually, bags slung over a shoulder and hands in her pockets. She whistles an annoying cheerful tune as they walk, peering about with interest. "So.. I hear you guys tend not to leave a lot standing when you're done with a mission."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:58:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Hey, they kept all their legs! And almost none of them were decapitated!" says Itamimaru. Rather defensively, one might say. " And that building was ASKING for it!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 04:59:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Overkill can be a good thing." &nbsp;Kisame says from his overhead viewpoint, gazing down at Raikou. &nbsp;He idly wondered how good she was in bed and made a note to try and find out. &nbsp;"Even when it's not strictly necessary."<br><br>It wasn't that he didn't admire Miya's body, but he'd made a special point not to get involved with her. &nbsp;Not because he didn't want to but because someone had to guard the camp.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 06:08:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru, well, he tried not to make moves. He knew that there was always an odd one out among Chunin, and he was willing to simply admire Kimiriko from afar. His step almost faulters at the memory, but he continues moving quickly. Well, things appear to be changing, now...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>28-02-2007, 01:47:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The group, amid somewhat uncomfortable banter, somehow makes it to the Hokage's residence without decimating a building or without harshly silencing the jaunty tunes of their newest member, though it likely would be no surprise if either happens shortly after their mission begins.<br><br>Waiting in the inner chambers, the Hokage waits, a stern-looking, refined older gentleman who, in truth, has always been among the kindest of teachers and the wisest of authorities, known as much for using his eloquence to diffuse political situations as he is for using his ninja skills to solve unresolvable differences by force. When the four ninja enter, he seems a bit sad, staring thoughtfully out the window.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>28-02-2007, 01:51:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame's attention was divided between thinking about where he was going, the mission to come, if Raikou looked as good out of her clothes as in them, and exactly how he was going to convince her to get that way.&nbsp; At least it wasn't going to be a boring week.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>28-02-2007, 02:48:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya enters at the front of the group, bowing to the Eighth Hokage.&nbsp; "Hokage-sama."&nbsp; Her tone is even and respectful, very much unlike how she speaks to anyone else (except, perhaps, Kimiriko-sensei).&nbsp; "Chunin Team 16, with...reinforcements, reporting for our next mission."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>28-02-2007, 02:54:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou tails along behind, looking about her with her customary interest. For a moment, she doesn't notice the Hokage but then, seeing Miya bow, she recalls why they're here and bows hastily.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>28-02-2007, 03:14:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru simply bows silently. He's always respected the old man, and not least of which for the rare occasions where they got to see him resort to violence. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>28-02-2007, 03:30:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame bows silently and remains near the doorway.&nbsp; It was best to let Miya handle these situations.&nbsp; He was good at discretion, not subtly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>01-03-2007, 02:59:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The Hokage turns as they bow, and, in turn, inclines his own head in respect, with a languid wave of his hand signalling them to seat themselves on the various couches and chairs around the room, his expression grave and distant as he speaks.<br><br>"I'm glad to see you all so hale and strong, even after what happened. However, I trust if any of you still feel out of sorts, which is entirely understandable, he or she will speak up. This mission will be neither easy nor straightforward, as... suited as your collective talents are for the latter."<br><br>The ninja master of Konoha offers them a wan smile, hoping to lighten the mood a tad. After all, he knows as well as any of them the results of their missions... both in terms relative to their actual goals, and in collateral damage.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>01-03-2007, 03:39:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For once, Kisame isn't thinking about girls.&nbsp; Or much else besides the mission for that matter.&nbsp; He quietly settles into a couch seat, his pupilless eyes fixed on the Hokage as he speaks.&nbsp; He remembered to breath when the old man paused, glancing around to see his squadmates reactions to this sentence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>01-03-2007, 03:54:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru sits quietly, showing his respect as much as he can. He raises no objections to going on the mission- He keeps moving fast. A rolling stone gathers no moss. He looks towards the others- he doesn't think that either will be willing to show sadness during a mission briefing, but he couldn't imagine respecting them less for doing so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>01-03-2007, 04:36:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya picks a chair and sits, remaining as calm as possible.&nbsp; Realistically, she knows the Hokage is even less likely to condemn her for showing emotion at a time like this than her teammates, but she's still not going to choke up in front of him.<br><br>"I'd be lying if I said we were having a good time right now, Hokage-sama," she replies honestly.&nbsp; The last two weeks have been more than a little awkward, but she's firmly convinced that she's over it (at least, over it enough to return to duty).&nbsp; "But we're ready and able to take on missions again.&nbsp; My only worry is the dynamic of adding a new squad member."&nbsp; Miya throws a glance their new teammate's way.&nbsp; "No offense, Raikou.&nbsp; But we haven't had a chance to get used to each other's abilities yet."<br><br>As much as she loves straightforwardness, Miya is confident that they can complete a mission, even a tough one, without blowing anything up.&nbsp; Hopefully, though, there's a reason why they're only getting their new teammate the day of...it wouldn't be like the Hokage to handicap them needlessly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>01-03-2007, 10:25:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou smiles back at Miya and chirps cheerfully "Oh, no offense taken! I know how hard it can be, getting used to a new member. I've been through this before, after all." She nods to herself, still smiling "Several times. I'm SURE we won't have any problem working together, once we come to know each other!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>02-03-2007, 00:36:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Very well, then. Your mission will take you into the very heart of the Land of Lightning: Kumogakure. As I'm sure you know from the tales of the previous Hokages, it has been noted that the best manner in which to contain the Tailed Beasts and avoid abuse of that power is to seal them within ninja, and then raise them with care, rather than loathing. Each of the major five countries has one such nin. The one who bears the Nibi no Nekomata will be involved in the next Chunin exam. If one of the five countries thinks to break the treaty that holds us all in tenous peace, now would be the time, by slaying the Genin and weakening Kumogakure considerably. As powerful as our village is, I want to avoid war.<br><br>"What concerns me is that Iwagakure has deployed a squad of ninja into Kumogakure already, far before the Tsuchikage will arrive there, which has prompted both Sunagakure and Kirigakure to do the same. Any of them could be attempting to set up an assassination during the Chunin exams, or, conversely, worried as we are, attempting to prevent assassinations... by any means necessary, which would, in the end, have the same effect, starting a war between the countries once more. I want you to go and discover the truth of this, and, if necessary, dispose of the situation, but, if at all possible, without indiscriminate killing. However, of greatest importance will be preserving the host of the Demon Cat. Should that Genin die, chaos and bloodshed will reign again."<br><br>His eyes, dark and serious, watch for the reaction of the four Chunin.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>02-03-2007, 01:24:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya turns just the slightest bit paler at the mention of the Tailed Beasts, but she doesn't otherwise flinch.&nbsp; "I think I understand, Hokage-sama.&nbsp; So we have no idea who can be trusted, and neither does anyone else...especially not the shinobi of Kumogakure."&nbsp; She pauses momentarily.&nbsp; "Who is the Nibi no Nekomata's current host?"<br><br>This really doesn't sound up their alley...but if things go wrong, they can <em>probably</em> deal without killing anyone they shouldn't.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>02-03-2007, 01:38:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame clamps down on his feelings, remembering some of the stories that his grandmother Hinata used to tell about her experiences with one of the Tailed Beasts.&nbsp; He shifted slightly in his seat, turning his eyes to look at Miya as she continued to probe incisively for the information that they needed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>02-03-2007, 04:51:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru's family was not a clan until the time of the Sixth, and it's given him a respect for the Tailed Beasts and their hosts. " The Kumogakure chuunin exam... Do we have any information on how their traditional exam may differ from our own? If they have a similar section to the Forest of Death, we'll be at a natural disadvantage, not knowing the terrain and creatures. It'd also be one of the prime times for them to strike." He quietly considers, rubbing his chin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>03-03-2007, 02:07:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou's customary smile fades a bit. She doesn't say anything however, merely bobbing a bow as the orders are issued, nodding.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>03-03-2007, 02:28:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>He nods solemnly, answering their inquiries in the order asked.<br><br>"Yes, Miya. They have no reason to trust any of the nin from the other villages, including us, however well-intentioned they or we may be. In fact, with so many foreign nin in their land so close to the exam, they are likely to be even more on guard than usual.<br><br>"As to the host, the indentity, to avoid the same situations as arose with the Sixth Hokage in his youth and the Fifth Kazekage, has been kept a secret from even the populace of Kumogakure. The other Kages, such as myself, know only a minimum of details. In this particular case, the host is a kunoichi of around sixteen. Normally, she would have advanced to Chunin sooner, but, knowing how vulnerable she likely would be during the exam, she and her squad have been kept away on missions during the other exams, increasing her strength to minimize the risk assassins would pose. She may well be on par with some of you, perhaps even stronger. More than that, I'm afraid I cannot offer.<br><br>"As for the exam... As with all exams, it begins with a written portion, and ends with single combat, a format I"m sure you're familiar with. However, you are correct: the second part of the exam is different. Instead, it involves scaling a mountain, ringed with forests towards the bottom, but becoming more and more cold towards the top, the rock eventually giving way to mostly ice and snow."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>03-03-2007, 02:53:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame raises a finger to attract the Hogake's attention.&nbsp; "Forgive me for asking the obvious, Lord Hogake."&nbsp; He apologizes in advance for what he no doubts will be a series of rather obvious questions, his tone apologetic.&nbsp; "What is her name and how do we identify her?&nbsp; &nbsp;Are we supposed to take part in the exam or merely observe it?&nbsp; Are we operating solo or will there be other squads from our village at the location?&nbsp; What measures are we allow to take and what actions are strictly prohibited?&nbsp; Is there a contact in Kumogakure that can relay message for us if we find the need?"&nbsp; He bobs his head respectfully as he finishes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>03-03-2007, 03:36:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC I'm gonna steal your point here, Jef. For reference, this question was entirely his idea.<br><br>Itamimaru waits for the answers to the questions, and then raises his head. " Sir, wars between the villages are rarely the case of villages wanting wars. If I recall correctly, the last time that anything like this was during the childhood of the Sixth... That time, the motivation behind the attack was an old vendetta. Do we have any idea who would be particularly interested in war between the villages?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>06-03-2007, 04:06:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou raises her hand and waves it "How long will we have until the exams begin? Couldn't we just warn their kage?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 02:21:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The Hokage sighs, though it's clear that his exasperation is directed more at the answers than the questions.<br><br>"Unfortunately, the Kages have keep the identities of each of the hosts secret, even within their own villages, to avoid the situations that arose in the cases of the Sixth Hokage and the Fifth Kazekage during their youth, and additionally concealed all but the vaguest details of the host's person from all other villages, in order to make assassinations such as those we think may be in motion from being made all too easy. Beyond that she is Genin of about your age from her village and of unusual power, I cannot say. Unfortunately, I doubt that this narrows the field much, as I've heard that this generation in Kumo is perhaps as strong as that of the cohort that the Sixth Hokage counted himself among.<br><br>"As for the attacks... It could be any number of things. As I recall from the old records of the Sixth Hokage's time, the last time that the Demon Cat was let out, it dealt a serious blow to Iwagakure, though they've recovered since. However, considering the natural element of Kirigakure is water and the Demon Cat's natural affinity is fire, which trumps the latter, this could be a premptive strike to eliminate the greatest threat to their own power, if they plan to unleash their own host in a war.<br><br>"And, I imagine, Raikou, that the Raikage well knows just what could be happening. Much as I trust in her abilities, to leave this unanswered, when it is possible that three squads of assassins have been sent after a host, would be unforgivable. If nothing else, it would signal weakness to the other three countries, that we are not willing to risk our own. The exam commences in ten days. It should take you seven to reach Kumogakure, giving you three in which to discover the identity of the host, and ensure she is protected."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 03:29:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Will we be working as a decoy genin team, among the others, as body guards, or... Other?" He asks politely, still pondering how to draw out the host, without giving them away to any who might do them harm. " That's all the questions that come to my mind, for the moment."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 11:17:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame nodded at the Hokage's responses, which informed him that there were more unknowns than he might have thought.&nbsp; He waited patiently, his arms folded across his chest, waiting for the meeting to end.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 19:28:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou's face falls and she looks embarrassed, at the very obvious answer to her question. She says "I just have one last question?" She takes a deep breath and asks "Are you sure I should go with them? This sounds like a really important mission and.. well. We all know that I'm not the best chunin available. Maybe someone more.." She searches for a word and settles on "Experienced would be better?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>09-03-2007, 07:36:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The Hokage smiles wanly at Itamimaru.<br><br>"I leave that to your squad's discretion. I would not have chosen you for this mission if I did not have faith in you. All of you."<br><br>His eyes come to rest on the young Uchiha girl, giving her a small nod as he speaks.<br><br>"Given your elemental affinity, your more... youthful mindset, and your capacity for growth, Raikou, I believe nowhere and nothing better suited for you than with this squad and on this mission. If you do your best, that is."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>09-03-2007, 08:14:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou blinks in surprise, rocking back on her heels. She nods stiffly and bows "I see. Thank you, Lord Hokage."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>09-03-2007, 11:32:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I have every confidence that she'll become a valued member of the squad, Lord Hokage."&nbsp; Kisame added respectfully, rising to his feet and sketching another bow.&nbsp; "With your permission, we should get started immediately."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>09-03-2007, 18:49:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya also rises to her feet.&nbsp; Although Raikou still seems a little flaky, if the Hokage has faith in her, who is Miya to argue?<br><br>"I'm ready," she agrees calmly.&nbsp; She's not really sure how to distinguish a demon's host from anyone else of unusual power, but the good news is that any potential assassins should have just as much trouble.&nbsp; More trouble, actually, since no other village's squad has the Byakugan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>10-03-2007, 00:27:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The Fire Shadow nods to the Hyuuga heir, to all of them, and though his brow is burdened with inner broodings, his eyes nevertheless show the hope that he has for the situation, having been put in the capable-- if explosive-happy-- quartet of ninja.<br><br>"My permission, and my confidence."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>10-03-2007, 03:40:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's an honor, Hokage-sama.&nbsp; We won't let you, or Konoha, down."<br><br>Bowing again, Miya turns to leave with the others.&nbsp; They've got a lot of work ahead of them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>10-03-2007, 04:39:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru bows quietly, respectfully, and leaves with the others, mind already deep in thought about how they can find the girl. He looks towards Raikou, and smiles- Even to become Chuunin at all, after all, requires a great amount of skill.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>10-03-2007, 06:46:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou trails along behind, her customary smile missing and replaced by a pensive frown. She doesn't notice Itamimaru's glance or smile, head hanging as she watches her feet, lost in thought.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>10-03-2007, 10:37:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame opens the door for the others then follows after, sketching one last respectful bow before closing it behind him.&nbsp; He remains silent as they walk outside, looking up to see what time it was.&nbsp; He reaches over to squeeze Itamimaru lightly on the shoulder to ensure that he was still with them.&nbsp; "Let's go, Miya."&nbsp; He said, his expression intense.&nbsp; "We can make good time before it gets dark."&nbsp; He reached over and gave Raikou a comradely swat on the behind as he nodded to Miya reassuringly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>10-03-2007, 14:58:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sure," she quips dryly, "for those of you who need light."&nbsp; Miya doesn't always even notice when it gets dark, unless someone reminds her.<br><br>She twitches visibly upon seeing the swat.&nbsp; Is the Uchiha going to let him get away with that?&nbsp; If it'd been <em>her</em>, she'd probably break Kisame's hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>11-03-2007, 00:50:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" We can't ALL have doujutsu." He grins.<br><br>He almost chokes a bit at the swat, having been quite familiar with the reaction that many female ninja had to such gestures. " Kisame, your attempts at bonding are inspiring, but let's not strain things, hmm?" He sighs, rubbing his forehead through the mask. It's going to be a very interesting trip.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>11-03-2007, 01:09:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rai jumps, uttering a startled yelp, as she's startled out of her reverie. She blinks at Kisame, then asks "Umm.. Please don't do that, ok? You startled me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>11-03-2007, 01:26:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame gives Itamimaru a look that says something similar to <em>ooookay....</em> then gestures for Miya to get the party moving.&nbsp; Raikou's reaction wasn't exactly the most confidence inspiring.&nbsp; &nbsp;When they finally got going, he let his mind wander off in several directions at once, like he was sometimes prone to do.<br><br>His mind first speculated on the mission that they'd been given, knowing that they were probably the best squad for the job.&nbsp; And in the event that it did turn to an all out conflict, they had the best chance of surviving.&nbsp; &nbsp;He had only the vaguest idea how they'd identify the <em>genin</em> in question, figuring that demon chakra would be different than human chakra in some easily identifable way.&nbsp; It was entirely possible that their squad was nothing more than a decoy as it would be next to impossible for them to conceal their identities in any way.&nbsp; Or at least it would be for him.<br><br>The mission wandered back to the corner of his mind as dwelling on it conciously wouldn't produce much more results right at this time.&nbsp; He wondered if something had happened between Miya and Itamimaru while he'd been gone.&nbsp; They didn't seem quite the same as before.&nbsp; He'd taken advantage of the lull between missions to return to visit his clan, having returned only yesterday to the house that his clan maintained in the village.&nbsp; Each had their own way with dealing with grief and he'd been able to find an outlet, but he wasn't sure that the two had.&nbsp; It was entirely possible that they'd found strength in each other, particularly since they'd always been a good team.<br><br>His thoughts shifted again, letting the mission and his squadmates move to the back of his mind for further contemplation by his subconcious.&nbsp; He paid a bit more attention to the terrain, bouncing easily to a tall treelimb to take a good look around the terrain before moving on.<br><br>At least he'd packed something extra for dinner that he was sure the rest of the squad would enjoy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>16-03-2007, 00:28:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>As they met at the Uchiha clan's compoud in the morning and reported to the Hokage's residence shortly thereafter, it's a little before noon as the team of nin bound away from Konoha through the forest. They make good time, and, at this rate, in two to three days, they should reach the borders of the Land of Fire.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>16-03-2007, 20:24:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya bounds along at the forefront of the group, keeping a fairly steady pace.&nbsp; She's used to managing a speed that suits all three long-time members of Team 16, and presumes that one of the boys would have discreetly (or not) called her attention to the problem if Raikou had any trouble keeping up.<br><br>The mission still worries her, but the Hokage's confidence does much to bolster her spirits.&nbsp; He wouldn't have sent them if they weren't capable of succeeding.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>17-03-2007, 16:30:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru leaps between the others, watching their flanks quietly, eyes scanning fro side to side. As he notices the sun slowly begin to set... " It looks like we should start finding a good place to set up camp. We've got about half an hour till it starts getting fairly dark." He searches for an appropriate spot where they can set up a small camp.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>17-03-2007, 21:34:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sounds good."&nbsp; Kisame keeps one eye on Raikou (to keep track of her progress and nothing more, believe it or not) while occasionally snagging a small branch or other piece of wood for the campfire.&nbsp; He made a mental note to check on her when they got settled in to see how she was holding up.&nbsp; Short of actually going into combat, he couldn't think of a better way to evaluate her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>18-03-2007, 22:52:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou looks up when Itamimaru speaks. She'd followed along behind the other three ninja, wandering back and forth across their path and frequently falling behind as she looked about. Her dark mood evaporated moments after they left the Hokage.<br><br>She looks around "Camp? Out here? In the woods?!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>18-03-2007, 22:56:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I don't see a hotel anywhere so we'll just have to make do."&nbsp; Kisame quips, continuing with gathering firewood.&nbsp; He made a mental note to speak to Raikou about her apparent distractions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>19-03-2007, 02:29:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya keeps her eyes forward as they move -- short of stumbling directly onto a clearing, it's better to keep going at full speed and let the others spot the campsites.&nbsp; "Raikou, you've never had to camp during a mission?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>19-03-2007, 18:31:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Yeah. I don't know if things have changed that much since the Chuunin exam, but I'm fairly sure you HAD to camp out in the Forest of Death. And god knows, it's a hell of a lot less dangerous here." He smiles and spots a clearing to the right of their current path. " Hey, good spot over there." He points towards it, letting the Hyuuga study it a bit- He's more likely to spot anything dangerous.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 00:16:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame pauses from his gathering firewood to look carefully at the spot that Itamimaru pointed out.&nbsp; After a careful look, he nods and speaks quietly.&nbsp; "That's it."&nbsp; He bounces ahead of the team to ensure that everything was clear, depositing the armful of firewood on the ground after giving it another look over.&nbsp; "All clear."&nbsp; He then knelt down and began to unpack the special surprises that he'd brought for dinner.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 03:59:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya halts in the middle of the chosen campsite, beginning to clear the area and position the collected firewood.&nbsp; She steps back once it's set up.&nbsp; "Itamimaru, you want to do the honors?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 06:46:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He kneels forward, and flicks his wrist in a quick movement, a small flame igniting the dry tinder. He carefully pulls stones around it, and fans the flames slowly into a strong fire, smiling as he warms his hands at nearly point-blank range. " Aaaah, that's good..." He looks towards the others, perhaps noticing a disappointed look on their faces at the lack of craters. " I've been practicing a little bit of control."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 07:59:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes you have."&nbsp; Kisame gives him a smile of encouragement, handing over the rather luxurious (by field standards, anyways) items that he'd brought for dinner.&nbsp; "I'm going to do a bit of scouting, be back in ten."&nbsp; He then bounced up to the nearest treelimb, disappearing into the overgrowth for a few minutes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 14:35:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh well.&nbsp; Probably better this way."&nbsp; Miya sits down in front of the fire, ready (as always) to leap to her feet if something goes horribly wrong.&nbsp; She looks only slightly disappointed.&nbsp; "Hokage-sama wouldn't be happy if we couldn't muster any precision."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 19:23:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru slides up the mask... revealing yet another different face from the last time anyone's seen him without his mask. Some might call him paranoid for concealing his face from even his own teammates- He likes to refer to it as&nbsp; " Playful paranoia." He has a slightly rounded look to his cheeks, a generally soft face, rather unusual compared to his usual choice of face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 19:30:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya looks up at the revealed face.&nbsp; "Still fake?" she asks, in a bored tone of voice.&nbsp; She's tired of not knowing what he really looks like, but she's almost as tired of arguing with him about it.&nbsp; Almost.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 00:02:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=8940.msg329125#msg329125">Quote from: Jefepato on 19-03-2007, 02:29:46</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Miya keeps her eyes forward as they move -- short of stumbling directly onto a clearing, it's better to keep going at full speed and let the others spot the campsites.&nbsp; "Raikou, you've never had to camp during a mission?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Raikou nods "I have! Its just.. Its not my favorite thing in the world, out here in the dark, with the wild animals." As Itamimaru lights the fire, she takes a reflexive step back and looks away "But I am prepared."<br><br>She kneels down, at the edge of the circle of firelight and pulls out a small scroll. Unfurling, she says "I did say one of my better Jutsu was the Item Sealing Jutsu, right?" She gingerly pricks one finger with her kunai and presses it against the scroll. *POOF!* A large bundle appears suddenly.<br><br>The girl looks curiously at Itimimaru "Fake? Whats fake?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 00:10:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She waves a hand idly towards Itamimaru.&nbsp; "Itamimaru's never shown us what his real face looks like.&nbsp; It's different under the mask, every time."&nbsp; Miya's tone doesn't conceal her casual annoyance very well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 00:43:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And how is dinner coming?"&nbsp; Kisame asks as he returns, calmly hanging upside down from an overhanging tree limb.&nbsp; "I'm starved."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 02:41:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru pulls down an eyelid, sticking out his tongue. " Hey, you know that there's always one way you can figure it out- I don't hide my face from family." He grins, and turns towards Raikou. " We all have our hobbies. Kisame's is women, mine is paranoia." He raises an eyebrow at the bundle. " And you alright? Fire's not going to hurt you." He passes his hand through the tip of the flame quickly, smiling as his unharmed hand comes out the other side. He flicks a few embers away, and smiles. " Well, let's see... Miya cooked last time, and my face tastes horrible charred, so I suppose I'll be taking care of it." He stands up, grinning as he picks up a Kunai. " I'll be back with something fluffy yet tasty in a few minutes."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 03:13:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No can do," Miya shoots back readily.&nbsp; "I need a decent partner to restart my clan, y'know."&nbsp; She sits back, waiting for the food to be finished, although she still keeps a sharp ear out for trouble.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 12:51:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame didn't really mind Itamimaru's paranoia much himself.&nbsp; &nbsp;As ar as clans went, he was far enough from clan leadership that it'd probably never happen.<br><br>Probably.<br><br>"And Miya's hobby happens to be men."&nbsp; Having checked the area already, he simply drops back to the ground and goes to sit next to Raikou.&nbsp; He warms his hands at the growing fire, his Byakugan keeping him alerted to everything that went on around him.&nbsp; He also took the opportunity to study Raikou's chakra lines, being familiar with his other squad mates already.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 14:08:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Well, like my mother said, you're a bit too skinny to survive the courtship process. To say nothing of the honeymoon."<br><br>Several minutes later, he returns with a number of strips of meat, smiling as he quietly roasts them by the fire. " Who's in the mood for rabbit?" he asks the others, grinning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 16:11:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She casually flips her teammates a rude gesture.&nbsp; "Bite me, white-eyes.&nbsp; Some of us have <em>productive</em> hobbies."&nbsp; Most of Miya's non-mission, non-training, non-arguing-with-teammates time is spent trying to research her family's old writings, after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 22:54:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame grinned broadly, pausing to wink at Raikou.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I did bring some extras to enhance dinner."&nbsp; He pointed to the stuff that he'd already unpacked.&nbsp; "I figured it'd be good for a fresh start."&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 22:59:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Huh?&nbsp; What'd you bring?"&nbsp; Miya leans over to take a look -- carefully.&nbsp; With Kisame, one never knows.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>21-03-2007, 23:00:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If you don't want that I'll be happy to eat it for you."&nbsp; He tossed one of the smaller packages at Miya, knowing exactly how much she enjoyed what it was.&nbsp; He also passed a slightly larger package over to Itamimaru, a favorite of his as well.&nbsp; He gave Raikou an apologetic look, stretching out comfortably on his back with his head in his hands.<br><br>(edited to have content)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>22-03-2007, 03:10:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Mmmmm, tasty." He grins, pulling out a bit of shrimp tempura. " You old heartbreaker, you." He quietly lifts the meat up, handing around the small sticks with several strips of meat to the various others, smiling. " Mmmm, enjoy your food, folks." He digs into his, ripping off a hunk hungrily. " Standard watch patterns?" He asks, quietly chewing the rabbit meat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>22-03-2007, 07:03:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame nodded, pausing to dig into his own dinner.&nbsp; "That would probably be best."&nbsp; He agreed absently, too absorbed on eating.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>22-03-2007, 10:01:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya deftly snags the package out of the air, slicing it open with a kunai.&nbsp; Her eyes widen as she removes a covered bowl of curry -- Miya's a big fan of strong flavors, absurdly spicy or absurdly sweet foods being a particular favorite.<br><br>"Thanks, Kisa-kun," she murmurs, with probably the brightest smile anyone's seen from her in weeks.&nbsp; It's good to be reminded that for all their egregious faults, she has some pretty damned good friends.&nbsp; She accepts the stick of rabbit meat and proceeds to munching happily (not that any of this prevents her from keeping a sharp lookout, of course).
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>22-03-2007, 22:58:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Let me know when it's my turn, will ya?" He says, smiling. Itamimaru quietly folds up, falling asleep quite quickly, waiting for his shift to begin. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>24-03-2007, 05:29:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou shrugs back at Kisame, then takes a seat at the edge of the firelight, wrapping a blanket around herself "Good night! Wake me when its my turn, ok?". Within moments, snores can be heard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>24-03-2007, 08:06:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame nods to Miya, tossing his empty paper container into the fire to dispose of it.&nbsp; He then curled up to sleep as well, knowing that if something came up that he'd be awakened.&nbsp; He was asleep within moments, resting in a rather troubled sleep, which was a rarity.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>24-03-2007, 08:14:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After finishing her dinner, Miya silently leaps up to a suitable tree branch, her eyes fading into blackness as she goes.&nbsp; If nothing interrupts her, she maintains her vigil until it's time for the next victim to take his shift.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>24-03-2007, 23:11:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The night is calm, silent, and beautiful as stars shine through the leaves above them. As good as the progress they've made has been, they're still fairly deep in Fire territory. As such, the watch, and the ones following it, is as peaceful and quiet as the ninja who occupies it makes it to be. </em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>25-03-2007, 00:42:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya doesn't disturb the peace of the night, although the beauty of it is somewhat lost of her.&nbsp; Perversely, the Kagemetsuki makes it nearly impossible to actually see the stars.<br><br>After the requisite hours have passed, she drops silently from her perch.&nbsp; She shakes Itamimaru gently, ready to jump back in case he's having a violent dream.&nbsp; "Nap time's over, Itami-kun.&nbsp; Your turn on watch."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>25-03-2007, 21:40:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He bolts up. Well, not so much bolts as slowly sits up, stretching. " Mmmmm..." He stands up. " Aye." He quietly walks into the trees, choosing a nice quiet perch, watching the clearing and paths quietly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>25-03-2007, 22:03:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"G'night," she murmurs, before curling up on her bedroll, with kodachi and kunai in hand.&nbsp; She's a rather light sleeper, but also an easy one, and is soon slumbering away with visions of violence dancing in her head.<br><br>There are several very good reasons why Miya has the first watch.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>25-03-2007, 23:31:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				About two thirds of the way through Itamimaru's watch, Kisame sits up abrupty.&nbsp; He's covered in sweat and breathing heavily, his chakra swirling visibly about him.&nbsp; He looks around wide eyed, realizing that it was only a dream.&nbsp; He takes a few moments to compose himself, his eyes quickly finding and counting his squad mates.<br><br>He'd been having nightmares on rare occasions ever since the <em>chunin</em> exam.&nbsp; &nbsp;He'd only taken it twice and it had been probably the most brutal one in decades.&nbsp; He'd become seperated from the rest of what had then been his squad and ambushed by a group of six sand ninja.&nbsp; The battle had been one of the toughest that he'd ever fought and he was able to kill them all, though he'd nearly been killed himself.&nbsp; It was the first time he'd killed but hardly the last, but what had shaken him was when he'd found what was left of his squadmates a day later.<br><br>He pulled his knees up to his chest while he regained his composure, then signaled for Itamimaru.&nbsp; "You might as well go back to bed."&nbsp; He whispered to the other.&nbsp; "I'm not getting back to sleep any time soon, anyways."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>26-03-2007, 00:47:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Aye." He climbs down, sitting in his bedroll, still wide awake, until the end of his watch, when his body promptly passes into sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>26-03-2007, 01:41:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame stays put until Itamimaru goes back to bed, then finds a branch to sit on during his watch.&nbsp; &nbsp;He keeps his Byukkagun engaged the entire watch, probably more alert than just about anyone else could be.&nbsp; &nbsp;He did note that there seemed less wildlife lately than last season.&nbsp; When he watch finally ended, he dropped quietly to the ground and moved over to where Raikou was asleep.<br><br>He gently shook her shoulder.&nbsp; "Your watch, sleepy head."&nbsp; He whispered into her ear, then leaned back to let her get up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>26-03-2007, 08:23:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou stirs, muttering protests. After more shoving, she slowly crawls out of her blankets and yawns, rubbing her face. She mumbles, "Ok, ok. I'm up. Watching. Yeah. I'm up." She yawns again and stretches, looking around. "Ok.. Good night, Kisame." She hops up into a tree and takes a seat, looking around as she stiffles yet another yawn.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>26-03-2007, 13:12:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Wake me first if anything happens."&nbsp; Kisame waits a few more moments to ensure that Raikou really is up before going back to bed himself.&nbsp; He can still get a couple of hours of sleep before breakfast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>26-03-2007, 18:31:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru stands up a few minutes before the others, stretching as he stands, walking into the woods. " I'll be back in a few minutes, hopefully with some dinner." He walks off into the woods, to prepare a disguise for the Thunder country.<br><br>He quietly walks into the forest, taking out a small pack, carefully darkening his hair with some liquid, turning it from a fiery, distinctive red, to a dull and muted black. He returns a few minutes later, his mask back on, carrying a couple of fish from the stream.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>29-03-2007, 12:34:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou slides out of the tree, landing on the ground with a thump. Leaves are caught in her hair and she yawns, stretching "Well, I'm glad <em>thats</em> finally over. Yeesh. I know, I know. Watching is important, but damn its boring. I was almost hoping for an attack by.. I dunno. Shinobi. Or monkies. Or ninja monkies. Something." She yammers on as she sets about packing her gear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>29-03-2007, 13:39:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame stretched and yawned, plopping down comfortably on his bed while Itamimaru prepared breakfast.&nbsp; He stiffled a yawn, his eyes scanning the area automatically.&nbsp; He didn't find anything unusual so he remained right where he was until breakfast was ready.&nbsp; He then got ready to leave, munching absently while he resecured everything.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>29-03-2007, 16:45:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" None of us want to deal with Ninja monkeys again. Trust me, their earth jutsu does not use earth." He cringes at the memory, cooking the fish carefully by the fire. " Who's in the mood for Blackened Fish?" he asks, grinning, and looks towards Miya. " Hey, somebody wake up Miya, would you?" He quietly lifts the fish, and passes it out, quickly packing up his clothes.<br><br>" Onward... To Death Or Glory!" He grins towards the others, adjusting the mask as he prepares to leave.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>30-03-2007, 01:14:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not me."&nbsp; Kisame digs into breakfast, finishing up his own packing (such as it was).&nbsp; "I did it last time."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>01-04-2007, 20:38:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru sighs, and holds a bit of fish a few inches from Miya's nose. " Wakey Wakey. It's time to be off, sleeper." He plants the small stick holding it in front of her, and whistles sharply, after retreating a few feet away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>01-04-2007, 20:41:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya's nose twitches, and all at once she's up in a crouch, the blade of her kodachi less than a centimeter from the bit of food before it stops moving.&nbsp; "Oh," she responds after seeing what she almost murdered.&nbsp; "Morning, Itamimaru."&nbsp; Returning her kunai to its holster, she plucks the stick from the ground, popping the fish into her mouth as she rises to her feet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>01-04-2007, 20:46:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Well, I see somebody didn't see fit to use her knife on her food." He stretches, and jumps to one of the branches. " Shall we get going? I feel a tad restless." He grins towards the others. " After all, we want as much time as we can get to find the host." He gives out an energetic laugh.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>02-04-2007, 02:56:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hey, why dirty the kunai?&nbsp; I'd just have to waste time cleaning it."&nbsp; Miya finishes off the remainder of the fish in a hurry, picking up her gear and readying to lead the group out.&nbsp; "Let's get moving."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>02-04-2007, 23:55:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame waited until breakfast was finished and everyone was packed before signalling for Miya to get going.&nbsp; He did pause to point to her shoulder where her shirt sleeve wasn't quite fastened correctly, though.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>03-04-2007, 10:34:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She adjusts her sleeve with a roll of her eyes, and checks back quickly to be sure that Itamimaru and Raikou are ready before taking off.&nbsp; Shinobi travel fast, and accidentally leaving someone behind would be a pain, even though Kisame could probably find them in a second.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>03-04-2007, 12:35:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou finishes packing and rises to her feet, yawning and stretching "Sheesh. This early to bed, early to rise stuff really takes it out of a person." She nibbles her fish as she follows Miya. "Are we there yet?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>11-04-2007, 02:12:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The rest of the trip through Konoha's territory is as uneventful as the first leg, and even the unclaimed territory in between presents to real challenges to the young ninja, allowing them to get into a steady rhythm. About halfway through the sixth day of their journey, they reach the border of the Land of Lightning, passing under a cloudy, stormy sky. Not half an hour later, kunai whirl from above on the craggy landscape, one in front of each of the four foreign nin, warning them to stop.<br><br>The source of the kunai reveals himself. Clad in black, katana at his back, ANBU mask on his face, he silently watches the four Chunin to gauge their reaction, and perhaps how much of a threat they are to the village.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>11-04-2007, 18:06:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru bows politely, not PARTICULARLY offput by the sudden knife. " We've come to watch over some Genin during the Chunin exam." he says politely. " May we pass?" He quietly studies the ANBU- He seems to fit the general profile, but paranoia tends to be a survival trait in ninjas.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>indarkestknight</strong> on <strong>12-04-2007, 00:34:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The ANBU tilts his head upward a little, a strange mannerism unique to the Land of Lightning-- though commonly enough known that it could be imitation-- and his glare scrutinizes them. A bit odd that the others haven't revealed their threatening presence yet, given that ANBU almost always works in teams, but it's been known for the ANBU to be just that paranoid before.<br><br>"The Genin from your village passed through just a couple hours ago. A rather large group, in fact... about five full teams, if my count was right. Aren't you running a bit behind? I'd think their chaperones would show a bit more skill than them, unless the crop during your years was rather lacking and the judges rather lenient."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>12-04-2007, 01:13:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miya's eyes flicker with anger for a brief instant, but she bites it back.&nbsp; They're guests, after all.<br><br>"They don't need us to accompany them along the way.&nbsp; They have their jonin-sensei, after all.&nbsp; Hokage-sama merely wishes a presence to ensure that the exams themselves won't be troubled."&nbsp; She offers a mostly false half-smile.&nbsp; "Not all the villages participating are as trustworthy as Kumogakure, after all."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-04-2007, 01:19:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raikou jerked a bit when the kunai thump into the ground. She steps back a bit, behind the others, eyeing the ANBU distrustfully. She scans the surroundings as the others talk to him, eyes suddenly changing as she activates the Sharingan, keeping an eye out for anyone lurking in the woods.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>13-04-2007, 22:12:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Itamimaru quietly pats Raikou on the back. " Now now, no need for suspicions- This is a time of cooperation." He doesn't tell her to stop, of course. " And of course, as Miya says, they have their own chaperones. We merely are sent to make sure things go smoothly- Sadly, the chunin exams seem to see more than their fair share of chaos and intrigue." He bows his head politely. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Hidden Leaf: Ninja Legends in the Making] From the Ashes of the Phoenix</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter</strong> on <strong>14-04-2007, 03:19:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisame instinctively engages his Byakkugan at the appearance of the kunai.&nbsp; He doesn't focus on the ANBU as he interacts with them, focused on everything else around him.&nbsp; Talking was usually done by either Itamimaru or Miya unless his voice was specifically needed.&nbsp; He remained calm, leaving the immediate concern to the others.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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