Traditions And Family

[Versesai]

In the traditions of Konoha Shinobi, there were many individuals who stood out. The Hyuuga Clan produced brilliant shinobi, the Uchiha clan, though now gone, had been great. Every clan in the village essentially had it's own prodigies and success stories. But three clans weren't known so much for their individual legends as their team legends. Ino-Shika-Chou. The Yamanaka, Nara and Akimichi clans, for multiple generations in the village's history, formed one of the most effective teams in said village. And now a new generation was blossoming for all to see, a new Ino-Shika-Chou was about to be born and Konoha would see a new group of prodigies spring up from the Genin ranks. Or maybe not.

Considering the Yamanaka part of this group was sitting on the log on the training ground with a sock puppet over his hand and flapping it's mouth while bobbing his head from side to side, things were not off to a great start. His blond hair bobbed too and fro slowly as the puppet's mouth moved and he almost seemed to be listening to a beat in his head that propelled him to move side to side on the log. A strange kid and he hadn't even spoken yet. He wore the Konoha symbol on his head and his eyes looked closed, giving the impression he was completely focused on what he was doing to the point of shutting out all other sensory input besides sound and movement.

Today was the day. He had been 'placed' in this team when he graduated, though everyone knew it was bound to happen with the three clan's members being so close in age and graduating around the same time. It was only a matter of getting them acquainted. So here he was at Training Ground Nine, waiting for the two other parts of his future team to show themselves. His father had told them that the Nara were excellent thinkers and a bit on the poor side when it came to confrontation and work, while the Akimichi were just all around happy, pleasant people who loved food. In fact, his father had given him an extra pouch of Ryo just for lunch.

He also warned against him calling the Nara 'Lazy' or the Akimichi 'Fat'. He was assured there was a reason for this and swore not to use those words in front of them.

[Microfiles]

What a dull day... Even though Shikatsu had a manner to complain about things it wasn't much of a dull day at all. Actually, it was more like an average day within the Fire Country's climate range. It was no doubt natural that the Nara, Yamanaka and Akimichi are in many ways unconsciously attracted to each other when it comes to a ninja's way of life. When one of each clan were performing as part of a trio within conflict nearby allies could no doubt feel the special bond even the blood seems to have with one another. Plus Konoha is a village of tradition. No matter how annoying they may be, Shikatsu understood that it had to be done. At least he was meeting people his father could give him a heads up on though.

Slightly more bothersome than the fact that he had to socialise rather than sleep was the walk to the training ground from the village. In reality it wasn't far at all. However for Shikatsu it was an unnecessary long way away considering the fact that the nearby village was occupied by ninja who are, undeniably, expected to train daily. Obviously not the case for young Nara though. Actually it wasn't uncommon for him to avoid training for weeks on end. Fortunately for his career, rather than him, his clan's natural wit made up for that rather worrying attitude directed at training.

As he approached the meeting place the Nara spotted a guy sat on a log with something on his hand, it was still too far to tell what. But what could be made out was naturally blonde hair and some sort of fashionable clothing which indicated the being was the Yamanaka of the future group. That or he was just some stylish wierdo. Either way Shikatsu decided to hang back behind a random tree with a relaxed hands in pockets posture. If he went and performed a terrible excuse for an introduction now he would be pressured to speak more than he would quite frankly want to. Meanwhile considering the fact that Akimichi are pretty happy plums if the squad's chubby third showed up before it's lazy part he wouldn't be under so much social awkwardness to continue into general speech. Quite a simple plan really: Wait for the Akimichi.

[Idiot Proof]

Kowai had a bit of a head start. He had been in several different teams over the course of a few months. He was in the bottom percentage of the class, the dummy, he was the ever so common anchor which had plagued and killed several teams before him. He had a good feeling this time(like every other time), the Ino-Shika-Chou combination was in the history books, so in Kowai's mind it had to be successful at one point in time. Perhaps this team would actually stick together, rather than crashing and burning in a hell blaze like other his other teams, a boy could only hope. Once more, he was off to the designated meeting place, with a smile on his face ready to meet the people who he would fight with, and maybe even die with.

The training ground itself was a very popular area for meeting, if he had the choice they would have met in a better location, like a barbecue or a restaurant. Not letting the idea of there being no actual food prevent him from turning this meeting into a dining social occasion. As a ninja, it was his job to solve problems, and so he did. Tucked under his arm was a set of three boxed lunches, specially prepared by his mother. He licked his lips thinking of the succulent flavors to be had. It didn't take long before he found himself fighting the urge to keep these tucked away. He was straining, their scent filling his nose and lifting him to a world of ecstasy. He. Needed. Those. Lunches.

...

Only two minutes or so after the blank entrance of Shikatsu, was the arrival of Kowai, or Choumu Akimichi, with his idea of a dull entrance. Oddly enough, he was empty handed, with a dot of rice in the corner of his lips. He quickly examined the situation at hand. From the Nara there was a tiring aura, the aura from someone who was really tried. Kowai yawned, "Oh jeez, I almost passed right out." He exaggerated as he returned to his fully awakened state. Next up was the Yamanaka toying with his sock puppet, 'Oh man, I hav-I had to have one those... I grew out of it is all...' He thought as a look of shame hit his face. There wasn't much to say, but the three had just met, in a way. Sure they didn't know each others names, or anything like that, they were just there; same place at the same time. It wasn't like Kowai to keep his mouth shut for this long, "So guys, want to go fight the forces of evil, or something badass like that?!" He questioned, loudly.

[Versesai]

Inoki's bobbing continued all through the entrance of the Nara and even partially into the entrance of the Akimichi, which was a feat all unto itself. He was completely zoned into his world, bobbing to a rhythm as he waited for his team mates to show up and get to know one another. It took all of ten seconds before he realized the man had spoken the first time and he seemed to focus back in...Just as Choumu spoke again, only this time an intense declaration of intent to go kick ass and take names, the forces of darkness buckling under their might! Fuck yes, they were going to go ninja all over some ignorant fools! Immediately grinning and leaping up on the log, he raised his sock puppet into the air and used the other arm to do the 'hell yes' motion, saying (in perfect time with the sock puppet's mouth movements) "Totally! Let's go be be badass!" loudly. He was excited, he was pumped, he was ready to roar and rear and buck and a lot of other metaphors and synonyms for 'go do stuff'.

Then he saw the Nara in the tree line and it was like someone had pulled his plug, the Yamanaka dropping back onto the log. His eyes were still 'closed' but he seemed to have no problem picking up details. Well, that guy sure took the mood down fast. He looked like he wasn't even breathing he was so still and quiet, his very aura one that seemed to duck in all excited emotions around him. So instead Inoki took a breath and sighed, glancing to the man next to him. He was the excitable one and Inoki raised Akbar up a little, mimicing talking for a moment. "...I don't think we can do any badassery while that guy's so gloomy though." he said, letting out a deep sigh and lowering his head, even the puppet doing a 'floorplant' style motion onto the log.

Once he had finished with that, he lifted his head back up and faced Choumu, offering his non-sock puppet bearing hand to the man. "I'm Inoki. Yamanaka." he said, grinning again. He ignored the Nara for now. Those people were like wraiths from storybooks, they sucked the life out of things and seemed complacent about it. "...I'm gonna guess that's the Nara." he added, glancing over to Shikatsu.

[Microfiles]

In all the Nara's quickly devised plan was a failure. A clear failure. Not only did trying to remain hidden whilst playing it off as cool work but the two of them seemed to click instantly. Through some bothersome victory jumps and the like. Similar to most social situations, Shikatsu was the outsider. It was unfortunate for his whole family tree that they only get to show their brilliance when in battle. Even then though the outcome of a masterful tactician can be flawed by laziness. Extremely flawed.

Shikatsu didn't revel on that fact for much longer though. Actually he was slightly satisfied with being the outsider, for now at least. It would surely allow him more time to himself or in other words: more time to sleep. That said though it wasn't like this slacker attitude is all is to him. He himself thought it was quite obvious through just his presence that there was something more trustworthy about him. Perhaps not. It didn't matter much anyway.

And so the young clansmen decided to slump against the tree trunk he was formerly standing behind. Shortly after taking a simple glance up at the sky simply to stare into the deep and calming blue. It was almost enough to send him asleep.

[Idiot Proof]

Surprisingly, one of the others was on board. Just as Kowai thought he was taking a shot in the dark, they would kick ass of all kinds; it was the job of a ninja, and the job of Ino-Shkia-Chou no less. It was saddening when he was hit with the very piece of information that was reality, the Nara didn't even seem down for being awake, one could imagine how hesitant he would be over globetrotting and fighting S-Ranked Missing-Nin, just like Kowai wanted. He let out a coarse sigh, "Yeah, I suppose that would be an issue." He grumpily complained, narrowing his eyes in frustration.

It was then that he took a double take. While Kowai wasn't the best at paying attention, he did realized that Inoki and sock puppet were talking in unison. That was some ace stuff right there, his jaw dropped a bit, a bit stunned and confused. He began to evaluate this team, 'So. One is a sleepy and lazy bastard, and like the other is off the walls crazy!' He thought as he kept a blank expression on his face, his lips puckered up and off to the side, in some kind of state of dumbfoundment. A bead of sweat began to form alongside his forehead as Inoki announced himself, 'Maybe this sense of unfittingness will like, help up stick together, it's always the mismatched rejects that always kick the most ass, right? RIGHT!?!' He tried to reassure himself, picturing yet another team crash and burn.

The meeting itself was sapping the energy out of Kowai, but the brisk walk was tiring, but these few seconds was something out of an endurance training ritual. Kowai plopped himself down on the grass, "I think that's a safe bet..." He commented on the labeling of the Nara. With the Nara nearing sleep, Kowai assumed it was just time for him to introduce himself. He coughed, "My mother insists on calling me Choumu, but I have taken on the *sudaname of Kowai, Choumu comes off as a bit **cliched." He explained, turning a rather introduction to a small chunk of his life's story, showing his talkative nature. With Kowai done, all that was left was the Nara, "What about you!?" He questioned, whipping his head around, cringing with a crack.

(* sudaname -> pseudonym
**Pronounced - cah-leashed rather than the normal klee-sh-ay-ed)

[Versesai]

For all that had happened before now, Inoki had never once had a solid team before, or even the ghost of a solid team...Or the ghost of a solid team's ghostly son of a ghost. It was really rather annoying and now with all his hopes resting on this team, he felt the strange urge to get this working and stop this from falling apart...Which meant getting the Nara involved in the antics. Looking over at the Akimichi who introduced himself now, he smiled brightly as the man gave a rather detailed explanation of his name and then his own nickname. Completely with gross mispronunciations of words but he didn't really care. He talked with a sock puppet on his hand and couldn't talk without it. He was still weirder. Fuck yeah.

Reaching his free hand up to his chin and stroking his face in thought, he now decided to say something to get everyone back on the same track. The Nara was too lazy to entice by himself, but he knew, oh he knew, that if he got the Akimichi excited enough, the man would drag the Nara by his hair to wherever they decided to go, which was more then enough to get the man going. That and it was either start getting a team-building thing going on now or they were going to sit here all day staring off into space while trying to get the others to participate as they wanted...Long story short: He was manipulating everyone for their own good. That and his father had more or less already prepared him for this event...

"Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we go get lunch? I heard they're opening a new restaurant a little outside Konoha, we could go get food and then come back to train or meet our Sensei." he said, the sock puppet still moving in time with his words now. And he grinned subtly, his eyes flashing despite the fact they weren't even open -to- flash. Now to just hope that they reacted like he expected...Which probably wouldn't happen, but just to seal the deal, he decided to add the final blow to the comment. "My treat?"

Yes, he was being a manipulative bastard. And he didn't care. He was making this work or he was stabbing them both with Senbon and dragging them there himself!...Or not, but still.

[Microfiles]

Shikatsu remained staring at the sky whilst the Akimichi gave his speech. It wasn't that he didn't care. There was always a little part of him which wanted to be some sort of renown ninja. He just didn't care to care. To him doing what he wanted was much more important than fitting in.

So far though the Akimichi seemed the easier to like simply because he was a simpler character. Nothing about him was hidden or secretive. As plain as daylight. Which in some ways could be conceived as an unintelligent personality but Shikatsu guessed there was more to it. The Yamanaka on the other hand were rather smart types. Their ability to take over someone else's body could initially be enough to completely distrust them for a life time. Yet again though Shikatsu didn't really bother himself to be prejudice. He was just going to do his own thing.

Shortly after the Nara was asked a question. He didn't think much of it at all, something which the Yamanaka seemed to immediately pick up on. However something the blonde-haired ninja continued to say troubled Shikatsu only slightly. Everyone within Konoha knows how the Akimichi love their food and no doubt Choumu was no exception. And so to a watchful eye it was clear that the Yamanaka was clawing his way into the squad through the plump member's stomach. It didn't make much sense but there was no helping it. Even though Shikatsu himself didn't really eat much anyway it would be insane to try and stop an Akimichi from having a meal, in other words: time to go.

As the black-haired genin slowly stumbled up to his feet he pondered the purpose of a squad. So far Shikatsu had been taken under his father as an apprentice and therefore didn't need to join a squad. Which, in many ways, benefited his prolonged lie-ins. Now thing were different though. Perhaps his father thought a ninja must learn of teamwork to be successful? Being the heir to a clan's reputation is stressful.

[Idiot Proof]

Kowai belched, having just eaten three boxed lunches. While he did excuse himself, he leaned his head to the side, and shrugged, "I guess I could use a bite to eat." He casually replied to the invitation to lunch, but Kowai wasn't hiding anything. It was rather obvious that he was not only willing to go, but the truth was he was dying to go. Going to a restaurant opening, was like going to the opening of a film, it was a must do activity. Kowai wasn't really broke, thus he was willing to pay for his part of the check, but that didn't necessarily mean he needed to. With Inoki offering to pay, Kowai jumped, "It would be rude of me to decline such a wonderful invitation!" He exclaimed.

Food did bring everyone to together, or Kowai thought it was that simple. Shikatsu at least appeared to be up and ready, which was great, he at least looked like he cared even a bit about the fate of the team. Kowai smiled, "I see this as the start of a beautiful and lifelong friendship." The lard bellied ninja announced with glee, as he looked to both of his companions, one of whom was actually moving for the first time. Kowai rubbed his hands together in excitement, "Alright, alright." He muttered as he just kept walking, with or without them. He didn't know where the restaurant was, but he was going to go there.

[Short. D^:>]

[Versesai]

Inoki wasn't manipulative, he was simply well prepared. His plan was quite simple as both of his new teammates seemed to latch onto the idea of lunch, though Kowai was decidedly more vocal about the whole thing then...The Nara who's name he still hadn't managed to get out of him yet. Well that was depressing. He frowned a little as he pulled himself off the log and Kowai began to walk forward, Inoki getting up to follow behind him and passing the Nara a bit, waving him over to come join them on their grand, epic adventure to the new restaurant, where they would undoubtedly end up paying for ten times Kowai's weight in food. Inoki was already grinning happily at the thought of antics and, hopefully, shenanigans. Lots of them. In succession. All day.

It was a little odd to admit as his hand fidgeted against his sock puppet, but he wasn't sure how to go about the actual bonding part of the team building. He supposed going to get food and then progressing from there was a solid plan, but he somehow couldn't help but feel that eventually he was going to have to do something else....And he knew he couldn't just immediately suggest lunch every time they had a problem or needed to work together. They'd either drive the restaurant out of business or they'd bankrupt all their families at once. None of those were particularly fantastic things to accomplish. So he sighed out and resigned himself to dealing with the next hang-up in their team building like an adult and not just throw a completely random, selfish solution into the mix.

Of course as he glanced back and saw the Nara again he practically collapsed over from exhaustion anyway. Few things in life could sap energy from him and the Nara had managed to do it without an ounce of hassle. That was surprisingly efficient of him. "Uhm...You know, we never got your name?" the young man said now, staring at the Nara now with a bit of a tilt to his head.

[Microfiles]

Following fairly closely behind the duo consisting of a blonde-haired fashionable fellow, which were both traits of the whole Yamanaka family, and a chubby counterpart lusting for a feeding, which were both obvious traits of the Akimichi clan. The Nara on the other hand considered himself nothing like the stereotype of his clan. Which could initially be pushed aside as some sort of misunderstood opinion on himself. He didn't care about it much anyway.

Whilst trailing behind the two Shikatsu stared aimlessly up into the sky. It was true that neither of them knew his first name yet, the Akimichi didn't seem to care much about his name anyway, food was already in his head. Inoki on the other hand seemed the more likely to ask what his name was any time soon. Even though at first he seemed manipulative there was no doubt something more to it. Like himself and the Akimichi, all three of them were almost perfect examples of the stereotypes of their clan however there was in many ways something more to them which was instantly recognized as unique. Even if it did take a while to fully identify.

Like most things though it didn't play on Shikatsu's mind for too long. Mainly because he couldn't be bothered to think about it but also because Inoki had stopped the running motion that him and Choumu were engaging in. His walking slightly slowed down after the Yamanaka stopped which was soon followed by the blonde-haired man looking back at Shikatsu who was rather complacently walking along with his hands in his pocket and slightly looking up into the sky tiredly. Shortly thereafter he was asked his name, something which would no doubt fuel a few complaints later. But there was no way out of this, so he simply answered in a bland, lazy-styled accent:

"Eh, it's Shikatsu."

[Idiot Proof]

(Sorry for the wait.)

Being so caught up in the desire to eat, Kowai had completely forgotten about the people who he was leaving behind. His gluttony had gotten the best of him, so much so that he had become just as uncaring as the Nara. It was that gluttony and that je ne sais quoi that made the Aikimichi so annoying, if not charming. He was focused on getting to where he didn't know, that he barely heard the request for the Nara's name. It was then and there that Kowai's world has crashed around him. He was overwhelmed with guilt, he had let his own greed get in the way of a new friendships and his new team; he had failed himself in some way.

It was hard to dislike the Nara. While he carried a tiring aura, and came off as a bit distant, he had a certain je ne sais quoi about him. Thus, Kowai slowed his pace down to a more comfortable stroll. Nothing on earth was going to stop him, but it was the thought that counted. They were going to lunch, and they were going to go there casually. Take everyone into consideration, and compromise, that had to be some kind of stock team motto.

Though, with all that nonsense pondering over with, they were all on the same page. A stroll down to the restaurant. His stomach growled, and he fought the temptation to start sprinting and leave the group behind once more. He was going to help make sure this team worked, and this time he had to stop himself from coming off like a complete and total jackass. Though, it was going to fail sooner or later, it was that Je ne sais quoi of his that really made Kowai stand out a bit among the Akimichi a bit.

He had been consumed within an awkward silence, and it was becoming a bit too much for him to take; desperation neared closer and closer. He gulped, "You know what they call cha han in Kiri?" He questioned as he began the quest to break the silence with a lame and unconfirmed factoid, "...A rice royale."

["Je ne sais quoi" count: 3.]

[Versesai]

Shikatsu. Inoki nodded at that name and seemed pleased at hearing it. So they had Shikatsu, who's Nara-ness was already pervading the environment and time seemed to slow down around them compared to how fast they were moving...They'd set off like five minutes ago and they were barely any closer to town then when they started. Taking a deep, sighing breath now, the young Yamanaka then turned to Kowai. His posture had changed and he seemed to be slowing down, as if he was contemplating something. He almost wanted to ask, but maybe the Akimichi didn't want him to know? After all, knowing when not to ask was just as important as keeping the dynamics of a team open and understating, breeding trust- Yeah, no. He had to know and now.

He leaned over a little as he came up behind Kowai, glancing back to Shikatsu worriedly. Kowai had been the one foraging the path ahead and now the Akimichi was the slowest of the group, almost. The Nara was a few odd tree bugs slower then him, but only because the man wasn't trying. Reaching out as if to poke the Akimichi out of his daydreamy state of thinking too much. He didn't really want to disturb him, but inquisitive minds wanted to know! There was a certain je ne sais quoi around the idea of picking his brain apart, but he didn't want to offend the Akimichi by, essentially, randomly busting into his mind...That would be very, very bad. At least when the guy recovered and came after him. Still, the je ne sais quoi was there to attempt it.

Instead, Inoki just sighed and reached out to tap him on the shoulder, only to be disturbed as Kowai turned around at them slowly, as if about to ask them something...With a certain je ne sais quoi perhaps? Or was he just going to say something about hurrying up? There was a je ne sais quoi he couldn't place here! Almost as if there was no je ne sais quoi behind this, like the je ne sais quoi was a lie...And it was. Kowai's lame comment fell flat. Literally. Inoki tipped over onto his face with je ne sais quoi and sprawled out on the grass, groaning softly as he grabbed his head with the non-puppeted hand, having it speak for him. "...Lame. So...Lame..." he muttered, puppet moving in time with the words and causing Inoki to look up, pushing himself up to his feet and dusting himself off. "...No, I didn't know that. I do know they have this really cool lake near Kiri that sometimes has geysers of steam come out and it sometimes even spits out really rare rocks from the ocean floor..." Inoki said, grinning at his own extremely unconfirmed factoid.

His father had either seen it once as a boy and told Inoki he should visit some time, or his father had lied. Either way. Now stepping forward, the Yamanaka stepped past Kowai and pulled his arms up behind his head, trying to cheer the Akimichi up. He still seemed down and having his factoid insulted wouldn't help. Especially by a superior factoid spitter. "And you hurry up too, Shikatsu! I don't wanna eat all of it before you." Inoki declared, grinning.

And his eyes peeked open for the first time, well, ever, gleaming and sheening slightly. He was either challenging the Nara or he hoped that Kowai would react badly to the idea of food disappearing before he got there. Either way, he was an evil planner.

[Microfiles]

Continuing to trail behind the other two in his same old lazy manner Shikatsu didn't respond to the awkward blurs much. The two of them seemed so active and dedicated when it came to making the team work. The Nara on the other hand was just being himself. He thought his free yet stylish way about things would make it easier for them to just be the same but it was apparently doing the opposite. Like he was going to put the effort in to change just for them anyway.

That said though he's not a heartless fellow. Shikatsu's just Shikatsu and any je ne sais quoi is a natural je ne sais quoi made up entirely of effortless je ne sais quoi. It wasn't his fault people got that special tint to his personality. Actually he didn't even want anything special about him. A dream to be a simple guy who could admire the skies whenever he wanted was such a desirable lifestyle yet such a hard one to achieve.

Shikatsu's father warned him being a ninja would be difficult but he didn't have any idea it would require overtime. Fighting was something the Nara accepted as part of being what he is. He didn't really put much physical effort into that anyway. Socialising was another story though, particularly when it came to these two rather seemingly childish characters. It was hard enough that he had to walk to the training area and now to the restaurant the Yamanaka basically forced him to go to.

Even then though they wanted more from him. It was bothersome just thinking about how he was meant to be part of some team. Never mind the troublesome combination of having to speak and talk at the same time.

"Go on ahead. I'll catch up."

As he spoke Shikatsu's voice seemed not uninterested but not exactly the most interesting of voices. It had a hint of his ever-present tiredness whilst being presentable enough to pass as simple conversation. Albeit in his own little way. This is obviously going to be a drag.

[Versesai]

"Huh? What?, but, we're...Restaurant and..." Inoki said, moving Akbar's mouth in time with his words still and turning around to look for Shikatsu but realizing that in his haste to get up with Kowai, he'd completely left the Nara in the dust. And the man was also now gone from his sight...Which caused him to sigh loudly as he stood up straight, putting his hands on his hips and then looking to Akbar, who seemed sympathetically unhappy as well. He silently fumed with his puppet for a moment before taking a deep, calming breath to relax and then turning around quietly, sighing as he spoke to Kowai. "Ah well...More for us, then. We'll see him eventually I'm sure, or maybe they'll have to assign us someone new...I don't think my dad will like that- Hey, wait, what the hell?"

Kowai had gone. Either the Akimichi had up and vanished into thin air, disappearing like some guy on a roleplaying forum into thin air never to be seen publicly again, or he'd rushed ahead to get to the restaurant without them. In either case, however, the result was the same: Inoki was left absolutely alone with both teammates having abandoned him to the wilds! He now had to find his own way to the restaurant and worst of all, it still seemed like his team was a distant and unreachable goal in the horizon. Sniffling slightly, he pulled Akbar up to his face and used it to wipe away the tiny, tiny tear that had escaped his perpetually closed eyes before taking a soft breath and turning, then walking off.

He'd go have lunch by himself. Jerks.

---

[OOC: End on account of Kopa/Anon vanishing.]