[center][h1][color=39b54a]Toko Ling[/color] and [url=http://40.media.tumblr.com/b0b31b3dd548302e60bd650f9f3c84f0/tumblr_nainueWiwS1tic569o1_500.jpg]Makoto[/url] [/h1][/center]

Standing for a moment with his thoughts constantly poking at him, Toko gave off a colder, more reserved and distant aura. He seemed to be concentrated and focus in a way he hadn't been before, though it wasn't all just preparation for the mission to come. His large brown eyes would find home on the ground where they stared off absentmindedly as his hands almost lifelessly hung down his sides, the boy's very being appearing slightly off. Like before it was hard to read him but one thing stuck out more so than anything else, Toko had a completely neutral expression. He wasn't smiling, he just [i]was.[/i] [color=39b54a]"Call me when everyone gets here."[/color] Straight to the point, Toko looked at the other two for just a brief moment giving them the cold shoulder and headed out of the gates, starting into the forest. Once he was deep enough in a thicket of trees, the boy released his sword with a deep breath and prepared a stance. [color=39b54a][i]"The mission needs to come before my distractions. I'm old enough to understand that."[/i][/color] He swung his blade through the air in a rapid set of fluid motions before returning the blade to his sheath in the flow. Lowering himself to his knee, he released his sword again, the blue hue glowing through its edge as the four small trees around him were all cut down in a single circular motion. [i][color=39b54a]"I've had enough...I'm done riding my feelings like a wave while showing everyone a smile. It's exhausting...I'm tired of smiling."[/color][/i] True to his thoughts, Toko's trademark smile had been replaced by a neutral expression neither frown nor smile. 

Tossing the sword up, the blade twirled in the air before he gracefully grabbed it by the hilt and swung it once more. [i][color=39b54a]"No one will show me any mercy out there...I'm nothing but an enemy to those we are going to face. I might as well act like a proper one."[/color][/i]

[color=aba000]"Oh my...what did those trees ever do to you...?"[/color]

Turning towards the voice, Toko rose his eyebrow slightly examining the new arrival. He didn't seem like much, similar to Toko himself. A boy as well, his brown hair was of medium length and his clothes were quite laid back with a pair of green pants folded up by the ankles and a thin sweater finding home on his torso. He wore a set of glasses as well, rather fitting upon his frame. The sword on his back was quite interesting as well, and this person seemed familiar in a way that resonated with blood rather than familiarity. [color=39b54a]"Who are you?"[/color]

[color=aba000]"It's rude not to answer a question, you know."[/color] The boy would chuckle softly, leaning against a tree with his hands in his pockets. [color=aba000]"My name's Makoto."[/color] His small size and lithe frame indicated a specific bloodline very familiar with Toko.

[color=39b54a]"Toko."[/color] The black haired boy would return, sheathing his blade. [color=39b54a]"Sorry for ruining your trees."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Huh?"[/color] Makoto scratched the back of his head, looking down at the small tree trunks. [color=aba000]"A person cutting down trees out in the woods is either heartbroken or a woodchopper. Ling's are rarely woodchoppers, though."[/color]

[color=39b54a]"I'm just honing my skills."[/color] Toko responded, eyeing the new arrival with caution. If Makoto was indeed a Ling, how come Toko had never seen him before?

[color=aba000]"Ya know, you can cut through wood like a hot knife through butter, you should move on to something else, buddy."[/color] Makoto chuckled slightly placing his hands behind his head as the boy's emerald green eyes traveled to the blue sky. [color=aba000]"Going out on your first mission?"[/color]

[color=39b54a]"You're stalking me?"[/color] Toko didn't speak to this boy with anger or frustration in his voice, but rather leaned back against a tree himself with his arms crossed and eyes on Makoto. 

[color=aba000]"You were standing out in the open with some guy and a Jounin, waiting for others. Unless you're going out on a picnic, which would be awesome, you're going out on a mission, right?"[/color]

[color=39b54a]"You seem to enjoy asking questions you know the answer to."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Hehe yeah...I'm weird like that."[/color] Makoto approached Toko and playfully leaned forward, that bright smile of his beaming. [color=aba000]"Wanna' spar?"[/color]

Moving back a bit against the tree as Makoto got closer, Toko analysed him before turning to look towards the direction of the gate. [color=39b54a]"I can't right now. The others are waiting for me."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Hm, I understand. Tell ya' what, we'll meet again and we can spar then, alright?"[/color] What was it with this guy? He had appeared out of nowhere and just acted like the two had known each other forever. What was his deal?

[color=39b54a]"We'll meet again? You seem awfully sure of that..."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Weeeeeell..."[/color] Makoto crossed his arms closing his large green eyes for a moment before winking at Toko. [color=aba000]"We live in a small world, dontcha' know?"[/color]

[color=39b54a]"Uh-huh..."[/color]

[color=aba000]"I better be going before your friends think something ate you. Good luck out there, Toko!"[/color] Makoto patted the other boy's shoulder. [color=aba000]"Oh and, you should totally visit some hot springs when you're out and about. Those places are sweet."[/color]

[color=39b54a]"Uh-huh..."[/color] Toko repeated, seeing how Makoto disappeared into the thicket of trees. Well, that was weird to say the least. Who the hell was he?