[centre][b][u]Raion Torikumu[/u][/b][/centre]

The day had rather helpfully reflected the general mood in Raion's mind, that being particularly bright and elated. Outside the sun beat down on the hard surface of Kumogakure and people everywhere were gearing up for whatever day they had planned. The boy awoke with a massive grin on his face, and gravity barely managed to drag him back down as he bolted out of bed and landed with a determined [i]thud[/i], before bounding off down the hall of his simple family home.

In a matter of seconds he was at the dining table and enjoying a particularly hearty meal, prepared to celebrate his first full day as a genin and inauguration to Team 5. Clearly the best team and future legends. Especially Raion. After exchanging some rather pleasant and easy conversation with his family, Raion jumped into shoes and threw on his favourite dark green jacket, before attaching his beloved sword to his back. He felt ready, and so stepped toward the door. Only to be stopped by his father clearing his throat very loudly.

 "Challenge Nine," was all that he said.

 Raion's shoulders slumped and he let out a sigh, before meekly exiting.

******

 As people went about their regular business, they were greeted by the odd sight, and occasional sounds, of a young boy struggling with what appeared to be a massive block of wood across his shoulders and walking along. It must have been at least two meters in length and about a foot in width, with two extra weights dangling from either side. New additions. Now that he was a Genin his father had made the daily challenges more difficult, but had failed to tell Raion exactly what he had added to each one. He missed the old plank.

 Still, he shuffled along, letting out a groan every now and again as the sheer weight pressed down on him. Now the once happy Sun was an annoyance, the hard soil unkind, the warmth unrelenting. But still, he was determined to reach his destination. His team had been instructed to meet at a training field, chosen by their teacher. He wished they had chosen a closer one. As he began the arduous climb up the winding path, Raion was beset upon by a mini speeding maniac, who's tuft of white hair went past him in a blur. The sudden intrusion sent Raion off balance and almost caused him to topple over. After a few seconds of desperately balancing, he managed to compose himself in time to shout; "Hey! Watch where you're going you idiot!"

 When he finally did arrive Raion was utterly heart-broken to see that he wasn't the first one there. No, in fact, Tsuyoshi was there already, along with another boy whom he now recognised as Kumori but also realised was the one who had almost caused his collapse not moments ago. Which could only mean one thing.

[i]'We're on the same team'[/i]

 Raion was part aggravated, part excited. The chance to better his main swordsman-rival on a daily basis was titillating! But the fact he had lost their first challenge, being the first to arrive, was infuriating. Huffing loudly to announce his arrival, Raion dumped the wooden plank down in front of him, sending up a puff of dust. Craning his back, the boy looked sideways at Tsuyoshi and shot him a devilish smile, a glint in his eyes, before doing the same to Kumori and giving a little thumbs-up. Then he turned to their teacher and introduced himself.

 "Raion Torikumu, Master Swordsman and all-round supremo, present and correct!"

 He snapped his feet together and gave a salute in a notably mock fashion, before relaxing again.