The Start of an Interesting Team [Private]

Tatsu drug a serving cart into the training grounds. In the male talking, ninja cat form, Neko-Sama. While Tatsu needed them to grow strong, and help hone their inner potential to their max. Tatsu had a very, very, limited amount of skills not meant to kill or brutally main outside of Ijutsu.

So that left the only non-dangerous fighting skill she possessed. God Tier Cooking, the ability to consistently pump out luxurious, mind blowing, S Rank Quality dishes. That would beat them into submission from the smell alone. Never mind the unforgettable flavor that would follow them for the rest of their days.

It didn't hurt that the cooking pot was explosively charged so "over powering the cat to get the food" would not end well ... Not that Tatsu couldn't heal them. But rather, would let the delicious but scalding hot fluid sink in a bit, while letting those that behaved stew in anger at the behavior of those that didn't. Give them a fire to take out on them come her seeing their Combat Training

Honestly it was multiple small lessons all rolled into one. Never judge an opponent by appearance alone; if it looks too easy, it more than likely is a trap; and never mess with a Sensei who cooks. Especially if you didn't want to miss out on a delicious free meal.

Well and an additional lesson to those that got burned should one or more try something. Tatsu could heal pretty much anything that happened to them. But would allow them to learn their lesson the hard way should they ignore any rules or warnings. After all, the Battlefield wasn't a place for insubordination, or reckless behavior. Especially not when teammates lives were in the line.

Or in this case their stomachs.

So Tatsu sat on top of the heated lid containing the aroma as well as the heat. And waited. It was going to be soon that Tatsu's team would arrive for their first team meeting.

Shinso was glad that he had finally been assigned to a squad, as he's heard of Genin who weren't so fortunate and had to progress on their own, to be honest that route didn't sound too bad but Shinso felt like he can learn a lot more alongside like-minded shinobi who hold similar ideologies he does, instead of going at it alone and taking the long way. He dressed in his ninja outfit, which is a black clear shirt with the Uchiha symbol crested on the back, along with long black pants which tidies in at the top of the blue sandals that he wore, his outfit is pretty standard and not outright impressive as of yet, as the only notable feature is his headband with the blue slip wrapped around the entirety of his head like a bandanna, while his long black hair flowed down freely from what isn't covered of the headband.

He arrived just about on time at the training grounds, waiting by the entrance for whoever may appear as he heard it's a full squad training session. He already spotted a cart and oddly enough, a cat in the distance... he only assumed it to be the possession of another ninja in the training grounds somewhere, and wouldn't pay much mind to it for now while he waited for his team members to come along.

Yoko was not going to be late this day. She got up bright and early so she could take her time getting ready. She made sure to shower, wear clean clothes, and even tied up her hair nicely, using her headband to help hold it in place using a complicated knot the Matsubara shinobi often used. She wore her usual attire, though much cleaner than normal, including her coat, hiding her extra limbs for the time being. Once she was ready, she rushed out, ready to meet her squadmates at last.

Upon arriving, she saw an Uchiha she had worked with a few days prior, Shinso if she recalled correctly, and made her way over to him, punching his shoulder gently to get his attention. "Hey, you here to meet your squad too?" She grinned to him, figuring they were in the same squad, and glad to be working with someone she felt she could count on. After he answered, she would look around, noticing the amazing food smell, spotting the cart and cat in the distance, then gave a laugh, and pointing a thumb in the carts direction, "Would be funny if that cat was our sensei, eh?"

"Great, another one is trying to train me. I just hope this one just doesn't stand in one spot doing nothing like the last one." Mistral grumbled as his smoky voice carried light in the air surrounding him. He was curious as to who this Tatsu was. He isn't well versed on those of higher ranks save for the Hokage, so frankly he has heard little if nothing at all about Tatsu. Still as Mistral approached the rendezvous point he immediately recognized one of the two individuals already there. Yoko if Mistral can recall correctly. Oddly enough there was a cart with a large pot, which honestly reminded Mistral of a cauldron. Additionally there was a cat sitting on the lid too. It makes him wonder what exactly they're being trained to do here.

"This feels more like a picnic than a meeting, but anyways I take it the two of you are also part of this newly formed team?" Mistral called out to Yoko and Shinso as he offers a warm smile. Continuing to walk up to the two until he was within the comfortable ten foot mark for greeting new folk. Mistral will take a moment to look around as he was trying to find the last person.

"Guess our teacher stepped out a bit. At any rate the name's Mistral Senju. Good to see you again Yoko." Introducing himself while also greeting Yoko to get the introductions out of the way. Once that is done Mistral will look around one more time before approaching the cat (Tatsu) with a raised hand. The usual greeting with cats is to come most of the way and stop to let the cat approach. This way the cat wouldn't feel so intimidated or feel nervous than it would be if Mistral just straight up walked up to the cat. Assuming Mistral can after the greeting, Mistral will attempt to pet the cat on the shoulder area.

Tatsu watched the arrivals, being a Shapeshifer Tatsu normally loved subverting expectations, or letting others act in ways they wouldn't do under the watchful eye of others, or worrying about those in positions of authority judge them. And was mostly happy with their overall bearing.

Yoko and Shinso had apparently met and formed a bond of friendship. Which would go a long way to strengthening themselves as Ninja. If you trusted one another, you were more easily able to work in harmony and bring out the best of one another. And at Yoko's playful joke purred. Laughing at Yoko's accidental correct guess.

Then there was Mistral. He greeted his teammates, but Tatsu now knew why, and was honestly annoyed at who ever was his last teacher. It was a teacher's job to guide their wards, not sit back and play lip service.

Then he came over with his hand outheld, letting Tatsu make the next move. Tatsu would bunt his head at the hand and rub his head against it, smoothing down the silky soft fur, and giving a content purr. Which grew louder as his shoulder area got scratched.

Tatsu's normally sensitive body letting out a caterwaul of happiness. Before playfully swatting away the hand.

Clearing his throat he speak in a velvety smooth voice, "Hello all of you. It pleases me that you all know each other, and if not friends yet, will be soon. I am the head of your squad Tatsu, or you may call me Neko-Sama, the Magical Ninja Cat."

And with that would use Lightweight Added Rocks while the surprise was still fresh to allow it flight, and using that tilted the lid. The trapped aroma would explode out in a cloud of pure aroma.

The S Rank Steak Cutlets, would be in a red, sparkling sauce their juices still sizzling, and the aroma was an intense, knock out of complex notes and tones that would be a symphony of promised pleasure. And an appearance that let whoever looked upon it know that it would be the most luxurious, and succulent meat they would ever partake.

Now Tatsu would normally relish in their reactions, and and watch it work out. But while Shinso and Yoko probably wouldn't be a problem, and could probably be plied to working hard and behaving for personal gain. Her reports showed that Mistral would need a different approach starting off.

So as the blast of aroma hit them like a bomb of heavenly aromas. Tatsu used Greatest Launch Blast to quickly close the gap between them, slamming the lid back shut as he did so. And upon touching him would use Lightweight Added Rocks to get him lighter than air*, and would suplex him. Using his now lower than E rank strength, if the report was accurate on their stats and skills, to keep him from being able to do more than look up as his legs rest over his head and body crumpled to allow his butt a good perch for Tatsu to sit and look at him in the eyes, "This is mostly for you Mistral-Kun, but if you all follow me, and my teachings. You will be able to enjoy my cooking, and I will do everything in my power to help you hone what makes you special, what you enjoy, and your dreams to their furthest. But the slightest hint of disrespect to me or any cat, and I will make hell seem like a tropical vacation to what you will receive. Are we understood?"

If the response from Mistral was affirmative. He'd go back to the tray and address his team, "I want to tell you now I am different than any other Sensei you will have. I'm not going to 'test your strength' by having you fight me or each other. Not yet, rather this meeting is to see your hobbies, your dreams, and what you want to accomplish.

"I will then have two of you take your time sparring each other and memorizing their movements and tells. Nothing lethal. While I help the other learn a Jutsu they wish to know, or weilding a weapon they want to master, or simply helping them develop something they want that can be reasonably achieved in a day. If you all can learn 5 new things today. Each of you will get 2 steak cutlets. Since my fighting style of choice is the stomach.

"Now introduce yourselves, state your hobbies, biggest strengths, your life goal if you have one, and any Unique Abilities you'd like to share with the group. Shinso you are first, followed by Yoko, and since Mistral arrived last he can wrap it up.

CP:

163 - 45: 118


[2]

Their sensei is a... cat? hopefully this would be some sort of joke but when that aroma did hit the air, it did hit Shinso's stomach. He had something for breakfast this morning, but that wouldn't be enough to draw him away from the smell. Considering the display that he just saw, and the fact that this cat can talk already gives the idea that this is no ordinary cat, it must be a Jounin for a reason. He still remained a bit surprised, but paid attention to each word that Tatsu gave to the squad.

Then the demand for introductions came, not knowing that he'd go first but it wasn't unwelcome, Shinso cleared his throat. "My name is Shinso Uchiha, I like to draw or even paint sometimes but only when inspiration comes, I don't consider myself an artist. I'm not sure what my greatest strengths are yet and my goal in life is to become the Uchiha Clan leader... or beyond that, if possible." he was referring to the Hokage title. "As for abilities... I'm a sensory type, my chakra nature is Water, I'm skilled in Taijutsu and I have the Sharingan." for those who were interested about the last one, Shinso quickly activated his sharingan, displaying his clear red eyes with one tomoe at the corner of each of his eyes. He quickly de-activated it afterwards.

Shinso would pay close attention to Mistral for when he'd give his introduction, considering the history of their clans. He isn't oblivious and knows he can't hold Mistral accountable for his ancestors, but he'd just remain more careful with him more than anyone else in the squad due to his last name.

Yoko blinked as everything with the cat happened so fast. The cat was actually their sensei? She didn't mean it when she said it, so she sighed a bit, shaking her head. She couldn't help wondering if their village was truly hurting for ninja that they relied on talking animals to teach new ninja.

However, once she smelled the amazingly succulent scent of the food, she had to wipe away a bit of drool from her mouth, and folded all six of her arms, trying to appear like she isn't as interested in the food, but her eyes betray her, even as Mistral gets suplexed by a kitty.

She blinks, and tears her eyes away from the pot of seemingly amazing food, and listens as one of her teammates begins, waiting quietly for her turn to speak. When it does fall to her to speak, she clears her throat before doing so, "Well... I'm Yoko Matsubara, of the Matsubara clan. Hobbies include reading, eating, sleeping, being a smartass, and studying. Umm..." She stops a moment, trying to think of what to say next.

"Well, i became a ninja cause I wanted to prove to my dad I'd be a jonin before him. He's been a chunin forever, and even as a kid, I'd give him shit for it. As for strengths... I dunno, haven't figured that out yet. I don't really have any special abilities yet, but my clan is known for its use of really strong web, so... there's that..." She begins to taper off towards the end, and just goes quiet, not sure how to end it, but doesn't bother coming up with anything, feeling she said enough.

The cat seemed to be ordinary at first that could probably pass off as a shinobi's companion. Mistral always had a soft spot for animals to begin with, but perhaps that was part of his family's stereotype. Not that Mistral has a problem with that since he always wanted to take care of an animal. Problem is that until recently his parents never allowed Hideki or Mistral to keep pets. Now it was so long as Mistral can take care of it including feeding, bathing, etc then he could keep one. Problem was funds at the moment.

Then after a few moments of the pets and scratches the cat swatted at his hand albeit with no claws being used. To which Mistral was thankful for since there's no telling when poison can be applied to those claws or teeth for that matter. Mistral was surprised when the cat started talking and then introduced itself as Tatsu. Their new sensei, but Mistral certainly did not expect that Tatsu would be a cat for that matter. Normally his rebellious nature would tell him to challenge the cat to see if it had anything worth teaching. But his heart conflicted with this nature that it's a cat. Given his soft spot for animals that made him uncertain on some things. Still when Tatsu lifted that lid the scents rolling off from the boiling contents it was Divine. Granted Mistral ate a hearty meal for breakfast this morning, but it still smelled good enough to stir his stomach like he hasn't eaten anything.

However Mistral's mood changed when Tatsu closed the lid and immediately flew in a beeline for Mistral. His eyes widened in astonishment as his arms of dull bronze raised up as if it will protect him. It was timed a bit late unfortunately, but despite that Mistral's body not only became hardened as his feet were like roots into the earth. When Tatsu tries to lift him, the cat will be surprised that for some odd reason the cat just can't lift him. Mistral felt lighter strangely and his muscles weren't carrying the same weight as they did before. Still his toes dug into the earth as he refused to budge from it. If Tatsu continues to speak to him, Mistral responded with a grin on his face.

"To be honest I will work to surpass you regardless, but if I am going to be more honest I don't mean ill will against you personally. It's just my way of seeing if I'm improving or not." Mistral spoke in a genuine apologetic tone. He truly didn't mean any negative intention to come across his previous actions or future actions. Now then to listen on each of the other two's answers in regards to Tatsu's demand. He was a bit surprised at Shinso was an Uchiha, even more so that Shinso already has the Sharingan unlocked. But Mistral also noticed how tense Shinso was staring at him. Given of their family's history, Mistral isn't surprised about the tension. Yoko spoke of her hobbies, and it was interesting to Mistral to hear that both of them share a taste in art. Now it was his turn.

"My name is Mistral Senju, and it is nice to meet all of you. My interests line up with music, harps in particular as they have the most soothing sound in my opinion. Reading mystery novels is a favorite pastime hobby of mine, but I don't mind reading other books either. As for my goals…" Mistral tilted his head as his silver hair lightly swayed with the motion. It was something he often pondered himself until finally he came up with an answer.

"I suppose my goal is to find myself. Self-discovery as it were." Mistral purposely leaves out what his abilities were. If they're to spar, then openly addressing their strengths to the opponent is a sure way of them figuring you out.

Used Improved Defense (UA) - Due to the extensive training in Taijutsu Mistral developed a way to reduce the opponent's physical Strength by two minus. As Mistral takes on a defensive stance, but it lowers his speed by 1 tier as the result. (Basically Tatsu's Strength is considered a - when trying to lift Mistral)

Stamina: 85/90 (-5)

Tatsu was surprised to say the least that the only non-lethal move it knew was countered so easily by the young genin. And upon hearing why Mistral was known for challenging others, Tatsu gave a hearty meowling laugh as the Lighter Added Weight Jutsu was removed form him, "Well physically that's not all that hard to surpass me. I am after all a cat. A swift kick, or a bag of catnip can do me in. Even using my considerable skills in Ninjutsu, to use Perfect Copy to take on a human guise ... well still, a cat.

"That said, if you truly wish to see how far you grow. Then I'll help you. After all you are your own yardstick, and if you follow my teachings. You can grow stronger than you were yesterday, than you were this morning. As long as you strive to always surpass what you could do the day before is how you measure the true growth of yourself. But challenge not people who are weaker than you, but those who's strength you can set yourself up to. A true goal to surpass as you constantly strive to surpass yourself.

"That said, my talents aren't in the physical, but in my vast intellect, great spiritual power, and ability to help others hone their skills to lethal sharpness. So yes, you will surpass me in Jutsu and power. But that is something I look forward in seeing in all of you. I have only a few weeks to get you prepared for the Chuunin Exams, and I want you to be able to face them with pride and power."

Tatsu listened to their goals and aspirations. There was surprisingly little to work with talent wise that they had a passion for. That would make teaching them a little hard at first. But luckily Tatsu strove under challenges, especially when the reward was seeing just how far they could go.

"I'll start by teaching you Shinso advanced Taijutsu, and Suiton Ninjutsu. Maybe if we have time try to teach you Kage Bunshin to well ... all of you. So that you may have a training partner at all times. As well as a way to bolster your attacks.

"Yoko. I'll be teaching you Fuuin, you seem smart enough for it, as well as some basic Ijutsu. Both will play to your smarts. And if something or an idea catches your fancy we'll simply move on to those as well. But at the very least, having a healer more than just me. Will make you invaluable in battle.

"As for you Mistral ... your love for music, and your introspective nature, how does learning Genjutsu suit you? Give you the ability to weaponize your musical talent so when going against a superior fighting force, you can over power their minds and sense."

With that Tatsu'd make 2 normal, everyday Clones, and would have them guide the others while making rounds. Thus ensuring each person got the help they needed.

CP: 115