[Graded]Besties~<3

[Ace Trainer]

Kyogi walked idly down the sidewalk, that lead off onto the training grounds. He had told an old friend that he'd meet them there. Having not spoken in a short bit of time, the two simply had some catching up, and reminiscing to do. The sun was, as always, only partially visible, hidden behind a cover of clouds that made it apparent that rain was eminent. It was about 3 in the afternoon, so most of the academy students were just getting out of class, populating the area around him, much to Kyogi's malcontent.

As always, Kyogi was accompanied by the light humming of the sword that gently tapped against his back with each step. His eyes shifted from side to side, anticipating when his old friend would arrive.

[less]

Jiraiku arrived not too long afterward, though he came from virtually the opposite direction. When he spotted Kyogi towering above the throngs of recently released genin with a sour look on his face, he tossed the other chuunin a wave of acknowledgement and then canted his head of bright-red spiked hair off to the side, indicating a path that led toward the smaller, lesser used training areas. He started walking shortly thereafter, not even bothering with conversation until they.

He was tall and lean, equipped with a physique that bore obvious results of taijutsu training without being bulky, a union of speed and power. His nearly amber eyes were discerning, bouncing around as he walked, maintaining near constant awareness of even the smallest details of his surroundings. He wore his Hidden Mist forehead protector prominently, where it belonged.

There was pride in those eyes, and his every movement was that of a disciplined, loyal shinobi. It wasn't hard, beholding Jiraiku, to understand why he'd been elevated to the rank of chuunin. He was practically mantled in potential.

When their paths wound up intersecting, he shot Kyogi a cocky, familiar grin. ”Kyogi, what's up? Feels like it's been a while since we shot the shit.” Between that grin and his good looks, it wasn't hard to understand his popularity, particularly with the kunoichis, either. He extended his arm, presenting a closed fist to his old friend for a bump.

[Ace Trainer]

Kyogi's eyes finally found his comrade, and an ever so rare smile found itself stretching across Kyogi's face into a light grin. He could already see slight changes in his old friends physique. He had always been strong, and agile, but it was clear that these traits had only found themselves even more at home with Jiraiku.

They walked at an even pace until arriving at a little bit of solitude. Kyogi, like any other time meeting with someone, was silently analyzing is comrade. He was confident in every step he took, and had an aire of happiness about him. Kyogi was well aware that his own presence was nothing like Jiraiku's. That was probably why they made for such an odd, but strong, pair of friends. They were opposites in almost everything.

”Kyogi, what's up? Feels like it's been a while since we shot the shit.”, Jiraiku finally said. With yet another small smile, Kyogi nodded, "Much too long if you ask me. Nothing really. I've just been training a lot. My aunt's decided that she should go into full on trainer mode, and won't let me have more thsn a few minutes to relax....whenver she can find me...", he chuckled to himself a little at the last part.

"What about you? I can tell you haven't been skipping out on trainings..", Kyogi said with look on genuine interest.

[less]

”Training, huh? Doesn't look like it.” It was a good-natured rib, followed up with a quick, playful jab to Kyogi's bicep. It was a little weird how easy it was to fall back into old patterns of friendship. A lot had changed since the academy, but Jiraiku couldn't help but smile for the sake of the things that hadn't.

”Then again, you've always been a sneaky bastard, so I'm sure you've managed to relax more than your aunt would like. How's she doing, by the way?” They were far enough away from the main training area that he slowed to a stop, leaning against a tall log set vertically in the ground. The wood was scored and cracked after hundreds and hundreds of projectile and taijutsu practice sections, but it was still sturdy enough to support him.

”With my family? Hell no. My dad'd beat my ass, and my little brother'd be all over me for slacking. Even then, I've been taking a lot of missions, so I've gotta stay sharp. Leaving early tomorrow for one, in fact. I've got a three-year plan.” His cocky grin got a bit goofy, but even through the humor, he was obviously serious. ”Gonna become a jounin before I turn eighteen, then a Swordsman before twenty.”

He shifted, scratching his back against the wooden pole for a few seconds before regarding Kyogi again, more seriously. ”What about you? Plan-wise, I mean. Looking toward the future at all?

[Ace Trainer]

Kyogi looked down at the ground, true enough, he had always been the weaker of the two. And since his little personality change mid-academy days, always the less popular, as well. Like Jiraiku, Kyogi posted up against a large wooden log, chuckling lightly at Jiraiku, "Of course, of course. She's built a bit of an immunity to my genjutsu though, it seems. I'm having to actually be stealthy, rather than pretend I am and hide behind all the illusions.", he laughed at this. "She's alright, though. I think I stress her out quite a bit, grey lines are starting to show up in her hair. I guess it's better than when we'd both hang around her.", he said. Thinking back to the days they spent together, driving his aunt utterly insane.

The mention of Jiraiku's family came up, and he could see the trio of men in his head, standing their. Their family was closely knit, that was for sure, and in their younger days, Kyogi had always felt a part of it.

"He still follow your every step? I half expected him to be here today.", Kyogi said at the mention of Jiraiku's younger brother. "That's good to hear though. You're always choc-full of plans and ideas for yourself. I'm surprised they haven't made you a jounin yet.", Kyogi said approvingly. He'd always had some respect for Jiraiku, he was a strong shinobi. Oftentimes people would suggest some sort of envy, and while Kyogi did think much of him, a desire to be like him was somewhat non-existent. Kyogi liked who he was, being like Jiraiku would only be stunting his progress for his own...greater goals.

"I've been going on a few missions here and there, I think the village is a little afraid to send me out solo since my combat is more support based at the moment. So a lot of training and random-team ups at the moment. Hoping maybe they can slot me in for interrogation in a bit..", he said. It had been the first time he'd really mentioned this aspiration to anyone, but if someone were to know, it'd certainly be Jiraiku.

[less]

A shiver ran through Jiraiku, almost violent. It wasn't that cold, but with the sky so overcast, the Jouchaku was having a little trouble keeping warm. He wrapped his arms around his chest and tucked his hands under his arm pits, hoping to conserve what little body heat he had.

”She really hated me,” he said through laughter, shaking his head as some choice scenes from their pubescent antics slow-scrolled through his mind. ”Well. No. She wanted to kill me a few times, but I might as well have been her nephew too. Maybe I should drop by after I get back from this mission. Hell, maybe we can start training together.” He smirked, reaching out to mess up Kyogi's blond hair and then wrapping his arm back around himself again.

”Yeah, I had to do some sneaking of my own to get out here. He's a good kid though. A great kid. He would have kicked our asses, when we were genin. Still weird though. Freakin' bird toys, but, it makes him happy, and he's actually gotten one of them in fighting shape.”

At mention of him already being a jounin, he spitted Kyogi with those golden eyes of his. ”Your flattery doesn't work on me, Kyogi. I'll get there before you, though.” He broke back into a grin. ”Interrogation, huh? Yeah, I can see that. You always were pretty good at getting what you wanted. I mean, if you weren't such a dick, you'd be downright smooth.”

[Ace Trainer]

Kyogi watched the chills creep into Jiraiku, and smirked, "The cold getting to ya, pansy?", he ribbed. He had to get the jabs he could, it was hard to insult Jiraiku. So when an opening arrived, Kyogi always took it. "She hated me. Well. No. She wanted to kill me a few times, but I might as well have been her nephew too.", it was true. She did have a ting for Jiraiku, certainly not a sexual one, gross. But she oftentimes referred to him as "The nephew she never had." Much to Kyogi's contempt.

"She was always pushing me to be like you. How annoying, why would I want to be such a pig head.", he said with a smirk. "That would be a good idea, though. She mentions you occasionally. Asking why I stopped hanging around such good company. As much as she "hated" you back then, she always spoke well of you. Yes, stopping by would be a nice surprise for her.", he nodded affirmatively.

Running his hands through his hair to place it back where it sort-of belonged, he chuckled about Jiraiku's brother "Yeah-yeah. I'll always be sneakier. But I'm sure he is. He showed a lot of potential. All of you Jouchaku do, it's a shame some of you let go so easily.", he said with a smirk. Yet another jab, a poorly placed one at that, considering he'd just complimented his old friend.

"I'm sure you will. And while you're off shooting through the ranks, garnering fame and money, I'll be actually applying myself to my work and gaining true strength and status. Then we'll see who comes out on top. I know when to stop being rude, to the people that deserve some kindness, at least.", he finally asserted. Kyogi's philosophies on life were concrete, as always.

[less]

”Always does,” he shot back in regard to the cold with just a hint of a smile. ”That's one of the best reasons to go on missions. I actually get to see some sunlight now and again. This place is just so gray.” His eyes lifted, briefly toward the endless expanse of dark clouds overhead. ”If I ever get crippled or age out or something, first thing I'm doing is moving somewhere nice and sunny.”

His smirk rekindled. ”If she knew the half of the shit we got up to, she wouldn't have wanted you anywhere near me. But yeah. I will stop by. Especially if she still makes those dumplings. Those things are like.... 75% percent of the reason I stayed friends with you even once you started being such a jerk.”

His eyebrow shot up a bit when Kyogi complimented his brother. The diss to himself he ignored, since it was unfounded. ”I always got the feeling he annoyed the hell out of you. He certainly thought so. Thought you were so cool, but, you were, you know, you to him, so he'd always complain to me about how you hurt his feelings or whatever. Huh.”

He laughed outright at the last bit, earnestly amused, and reached over to give Kyogi a playful shove to the arm, the sort that would likely set him stumbling a couple steps. ”You stop being rude when there's a chance you'll get your ass kicked, or when there's something in it for you. Call a spade a spade, man. You're a bastard, but, you're at least a consistent bastard. I'll take you speaking your mind to fake politeness anyway, personally.”

[Ace Trainer]

Kyogi shrugged. He liked Kirigakure, he liked the damp, dark enviroment. Maybe that was just the type of person he was. Never a fan of the heat, he hated sweating, really. "I like it...it's home, afterall. I've never understood you desire to get out and see the world. Nothing interesting is really out there.", he said. It seemed Kyogi lacked the adventurous side that was clearly prominent in Jiraiku.

Kyogi laughed, "I had almost forgotten about those. No, she doesn't really make them anymore. I think she thinks I was getting fat or something, because she stopped making them, the started making me work out. Bitch.", he said with a frown.

"Oh no, he definitely did, the little runt. I couldn't stand him following us around, copying every little move you did, every word I said. It used to drive me crazy.", he said reminiscing all the times the pair of them would do their best to avoid and outrun the pest. "But he definitely showed potential, I won't deny that.", he ran a hand through his hair once more. Kyogi wasn't much of a talker, he easily ran out of things to say. Even around his best friends. It was much easier to let them do the talking. That's why he was always so keen on sharpening his wit. Made it easier to avoid having to speak.

"Not many people I'm nice to for reasons other than respect have the ability to kick my ass.", Kyogi said with a smirk, "They get so confused, they wouldn't even be able to fight it. And whats wrong with being good to get what I want? It's called subtle manipulation. Some people can't be won over by anything other than respect. Do what you've got to do.", that was true. Kyogi was always looking out for Kyogi, and he knew what to do to get what he wanted. That was just how he lived. He thought himself smart for it.

"You probably would be a jounin if you knew anything about getting what you want. You're always looking out for other people. It's selfless, but self-destructive. It's gonna end up killing you one day.", Kyogi said with a nod, as if it was some sort of forewarning.

[less]

”Not like I wouldn't be back to visit, with my whole family here and everything. I'm sure I'd be able to work in some Kyogi-time, if you don't manage to piss me off so bad I never speak to you again by then.” His eyes got a little faraway; like most teenage male friends, they'd had plenty of rough patches, and remembering the fights was nearly as amusing as remembering the good times.

He shifted a bit, not one to keep sedentary. ”Well, maybe you should drop a few hints that I might be coming by.” He reached over, closing his hand around Kyogi's bicep with an eyebrow raised. ”If you ask me, she should make them all the time. You're getting to be a bony fucker.”

He sighed a little, at the description of his little brother. ”He hasn't gotten much better, as far as that goes. I mean, I got my hair cut the other week, right? I shit you not, two days later, he was asking if I thought he'd look better with short hair. It gets a little weird sometimes. I mean. For a kid who spends every free moment working with metal and oil and steam, he cares an awful lot about his hair.” A shake of his head followed.

”Pffft. If I get killed, it'll be because the other guy was better, and that's that. It's not about being selfless. Most of the time, helping the team and the village is the best way to come out on top. You'll figure that out one day, man. I mean, no one's saying you can't be manipulative about it, but in the end, no one saves the world all by themselves.” He grinned crookedly before shivering again.

[Ace Trainer]

Kyogi couldn't help but chuckle a little bit. He always found the arguments and fights they got in to be...childish. Despite that many of them were his own fault, "I wouldn't want to force you to spend time with me. You've got so many other friends, after all.", he said with a smirk. He poked his bicep, and Kyogi almost immediately swatted at his hand. Reflex, he couldn't help being like that.

"Yeahyeah. I'll drop a few hints. She'll get on about cleaning and such, making the house look nice yadda yadda. I really need to just get outta there.", you could tell from his speaking that Kyogi was finally starting to relax a little.

"Maybe all the jokes and rumors about him being gay ended up impacting him a little more than we thought.", Kyogi said with a smirk. "That'd make us feel like psychics, huh? If he ended up being a little homosexual?", he was teasing. "I'm sure it's just a phase. Remember that phase where you refused to take your shoes off unless you were going to bed? Or my hand-sanitizing phase? Kids do it all the time.", he said with a laugh.

He listened to Jiraiku, and nodded, unable to accept his friends philosophies. "As true as that may be, stick your neck out for people too often, and someone will end up chopping your head off. ", he shrugged at the thought, as if it was absolute truth. Looking over his shoulder, he noticed that a lot of the academy students they had waded through earlier were now gone.

"Well, it's been good catching up with you, man. Good luck on this mission, let me know when you get back.", with that, he held out a hand, for a final hand shake with his friend before they went their separate ways for that undisclosed time.

[less]

He shook his head lightly. ”These days I have more comrades than friends. Not a lot of socialization. Do the job, go home. It actually works pretty well, but lately...” He looked a little uncomfortable with the uncharacteristic admission he was about to make. ”Well, here I am.” With a light, somewhat strained laugh, he added: ”This has been nice. I mean... Kaiso's too young to really level with a lot of the time. Plus, I think something'd snap in him if he didn't think his big brother was some emotionless perfect shinobi robot. I'll definitely be coming over sometime.”

His eyebrows lifted, and he sort of searched the sky for a few seconds. ”Idunno. I doubt it was the jokes and rumors, but I doubt its just a phase. Maybe. Hopefully. Not that... well, I just think things'd be easier, for him, if he was normal, you know?”

He gave Kyogi one last playful shove. ”Yeah, well, if it happens, you can say 'told you so' at my funeral. I'll keep that in mind, though. But... there are things worth dying for. If we didn't believe that on some level, we'd be sailors or farmers or something like that, not shinobi.”

He extended his hand, but before clasping Kyogi's hand, waved the gesture off. ”We're way too immature for that professional shit.” Like lightning, his hand lashed forward, and his cold skin grabbed the other young man by the wrist and tugged him into a hug. A friendly hug. A bro hug. He'd really missed Kyogi, and meant what he hadn't quite said about how much their friendship meant to him. He released him quickly, smirking a bit at the slight awkwardness of it, then extended his middle finger before turning and walking off with his arms huddled around himself again. ”Later loser.” And then, moments later, Jiraiku was gone, bound for a night of peaceful rest before his final mission.