[indent]Kino had graduated sixth in the first class and was only beat out by previous fighters from the resistance or shinobi from clans. He had easily earned his spot in Division A, and had proof of such via his note from Shin Uzumaki. It had arrived at his Uncle's not too long before and sent the household into hysterics. Kino had a note from the Jounin Commander? The idea wasn't absurd, but it was definitely some excitement. Kino disregarded it, despite the special meal provided for him; Kino could never turn down the shrimp and steak dinners his aunt made, but he could easily convince himself that his uncle only wanted recognition for pushing him as a shinobi.[/indent]

Kino spent the last few minutes he had before leaving out with his brother. Of all the people who congratulated him, he knew his brother meant it. Kino strove to be the shinobi he thought his brother could have been, if he wasn't paralyzed. His brother was always strong and smart, and at this point still is the latter, albeit in regular classes. Kino, as he did for most of his life, pushed himself to be good enough for two, and thus far had always received his brother's praise. With that confidence backing him, Kino had no fears regarding who he was set out to meet. He was not to be assigned a Jounin leader, but instead two Chuunin, alongside himself. The idea that he would fight alongside two Chuunin made him believe that his mentors felt he would be a Chuunin soon, or that he didn't need the extra protection. Either way, Kino was set. 

In his letter, Kino was given a name and pictures; they were of the two he was instructed to find prior to meeting Shin. They would be his superiors and his team was made given special circumstances, or so said the letter. He knew neither of the people; just that one was an Uchiha and both were Chuunin. Regardless, it took little time for Kino to find at least one of them. Jhino was already in the small crowd, and Kino had no qualms in addressing him. [i]"Jhino! I think that's how you say your name!"[/i] Kino half-shouted from behind him. If Jhino were to turn to see or greet Kino, Kino would have retorted with a bow. [i]"I am Utaka Tsukino. Just Kino, tho. I am to be part of your new team."[/i]