The Coliseum rose up around Shiori as he stood in the centre, turning about slowly. He hadn’t been to Kitsune park before, and not into the arena that he now occupied. It had been an arduous walk to get here, through a dense forest which taxed him physically, and then the memorials, which took their mental toll. The price of failure as a Shinobi was death. He didn’t like to think about that. He only wanted to think about being the best. The good outcome.
He hoped that today would have a good outcome too.
It was time for the long awaited rematch with Kaori. Both were Genin now. Shiori looked at his new clothes, all black with plenty of pockets for storage, and a big collar to protect his face from the elements. A very utilitarian get up that felt very ninja-like to him. His brand new headband was strapped to his arm with pride.
They had agreed to this fight long ago, to meet again when they were stronger. Shiori had heard that Kaori had been training almost continuously since then. Shiori had been training as well, his drive to succeed would let him do no less. But Shiori also had been working hard at Suo’s, developing skills to sous vide and Julienne. His shinobi skills had grown, but not as much as he liked. He had broken Kaori’s arm last time, he hoped she wouldn’t give him payback.
He shook his head, dispelling the thought. No! To go into a fight with the outcome of loss in your mind would only cement it. He had to enter every fight thinking he was going to win. Just because Kaori had trained more didn’t mean she would be better than him. He had a few tricks of his own.
So here, he waited. Ready for what he hoped to be a friendly spar.
He hoped that today would have a good outcome too.
It was time for the long awaited rematch with Kaori. Both were Genin now. Shiori looked at his new clothes, all black with plenty of pockets for storage, and a big collar to protect his face from the elements. A very utilitarian get up that felt very ninja-like to him. His brand new headband was strapped to his arm with pride.
They had agreed to this fight long ago, to meet again when they were stronger. Shiori had heard that Kaori had been training almost continuously since then. Shiori had been training as well, his drive to succeed would let him do no less. But Shiori also had been working hard at Suo’s, developing skills to sous vide and Julienne. His shinobi skills had grown, but not as much as he liked. He had broken Kaori’s arm last time, he hoped she wouldn’t give him payback.
He shook his head, dispelling the thought. No! To go into a fight with the outcome of loss in your mind would only cement it. He had to enter every fight thinking he was going to win. Just because Kaori had trained more didn’t mean she would be better than him. He had a few tricks of his own.
So here, he waited. Ready for what he hoped to be a friendly spar.
