Kei was quiet at first as he entered the room, but just tried to be polite as he hoped to make a better introduction for himself than the last time he met with the head for the Main Branch. He knew that her lessons could be a bit unorthodox and she didn't like to make things too obvious for any of the students. It was still doable, but quite the challenge in the first place. Which the young boy had to respect, honestly.
He gave a faint smile to see a familiar face, though he worried how it might go when Kaito came in after the argument last time. He'd been surprised a student would actually challenge a teacher like that, not just because she was a teacher (and the trouble that could come it), but because she must have had skills they'd never seen yet and be ready for anything if she'd made it to such a high position. At least it wasn't going to start with a fight this time (though it was still possible).Giving a slight nod to the older classmate, Kei moved in to settle in the offered seat and listen up to see what was in store. His heart was already racing to think that this was meant to be the Genin exam! Ooh, he hoped he was ready for it.
As much as he tried to listen, and heard it was going to be more of an elaborate game of 'hide-and-seek', Kei couldn't hide the startled and almost comic expression when Asuka made a seamless switch like that with Rayne while Kaito and Kei both missed it. Damn, not a good start! His heart started to race a bit faster at the news of the deadline and for the rules of the exam, knowing it was time to get ready. But just after that puff of smoke, with Kei raising a hand up to shield his eyes at first and left facing Rayne holding that scythe, the boy had a moment to think as if someone whispered in his ear. 'Hold on, don't freak out. You got to be careful with this. Be SMART. Don't just start running around like an idiot.' There was more going on here than just a little race, there had to be. Besides, real Genin shouldn't freak out, they'd take a moment to plan no matter what the mission.
He looked up to Kaito after the classmate tugged him aside for a moment, listening to the suggestion that Asuka-sensei tried to fake them out. That she made this chase up just to switch back with Rayne again. It made sense, in a way. But something seemed to nag at the boy as he puzzled it over. For a moment, he even closed his eyes instead of answering Kaito to try and remember what happened. As crazy as this was, there HAD to be rules, since this was an exam.... which meant that Asuka wanted them to pass, she just wanted it to be tough. She had to leave a few clues. Finally, he opened his eyes to answer back, "You're right. I mean, Asuka-sensei isn't dumb. Tricky, maybe.... And you could be right about the switch. If she did, I'd think it was more she'd be the scythe, with how Rayne is holding it. But let's try that as 'Plan B'. I just... I think she left a clue before that." Because he'd been the first one there, he happened to hear the introductions, and it nagged at Kei she made a point this time they'd have to order their own treats when she'd been so fond to give them away in the Forest. "She had to tell us to order some dango sticks, even said it was a 'keyword' to me. And when Asuka came in, she was behind us... right where the waitresses would come in. What if that's a clue? If it doesn't work, we can still try your idea, or have some time to search outside if THAT doesn't work. But it can't hurt to take a little 'time out' for something quick."
He finally turned back to Rayne (or whoever was holding the scythe) and said, "I think... I wanted to make an order real quick. I mean, it seems we'll need our energy for the exam, and it should only take a few minutes." He raised his voice a little so he could call for a waitress. "Could I order a few dango sticks, please?" Then turned back to Kaito to ask, "Did you w-want to order some, too?"
[[Just trying this as 'Plan A', and ready to start with your idea if it didn't work. Maybe even get a chance to talk with Rayne while eating, see if 'Plan B' was right or not. If it fails, then we could start checking out the other locations as 'Plan C'?]]