[center][img]http://i59.tinypic.com/wvpkww.jpg[/img][/center] The words the younger chunin had spoken to him ... they were both reassuring and not at the same time. It was warming to know that he had obtained the approval of a colleague, but the very fact that others may have perceived him to be less-than-stellar at his duties only really served to reinforce his own views of himself. It was difficult performing in the field with his own mild depression weighing him down, but knowing that others could possibly be second-guessing him out of a belief (possibly justified, though he was personally hoping that it wasn't) that his competence was lacking. Haruka knew it was illogical to place so much emphasis on other's views of him, but he couldn't easily avoid their effects on his psyche. "[color=007236]I might be more baggage than anyone else,[/color]" murmured the green-haired ninja to Daiki's retreating back, before flicking his gaze over to the unconscious ronin tied up against the tree. This mission was bringing out more of him sombreness, and it gnawed at him. Focusing on the praise he had garnered for his actions, though not committed to his standards, was hard when negativity weighed on him, but he would try; after all, the philosopher had said: "[i]The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.[/i]" Haruka released a sigh, crossing his arms tightly before scanning the area. The team leaders were gathered separately from the assemblage of Konoha-nin, likely in order to discuss the results of their missions and what future plans were in store, while everybody else was loosely mingling amongst the trees that surrounded Kannabi Bridge. It seemed as if a final group had yet to arrive, and so there was really little that they could do but wait. It was a bother, though he was a bit worried for the team that had yet to rendezvous with them. "[color=007236]I suppose I should engage in something during the meantime,[/color]" said Haruka quietly to himself, hands already moving into the form of seals. Practicing them was a form of relaxation and meditation for him, and it did help with his technique usage. [i]Ram. Snake. Tiger.[/i] A simple clone. Intangible. Not an illusion, but an entity of chakra imposed upon the world. Had he been capable of mastering the Shadow Clone Technique (and possessed the chakra for heavy usage), the green-haired chunin possessed certain ideas on how to utilise the standard Clone Technique to its maximum benefit. However, he wasn't capable of using the more advanced variation, and so was limited to creating these empty, intangible shells of chakra that shared his likeness. The false Haruka dissipated. Again. [i]Ram. Snake. Tiger.[/i] He would keep practicing until he was satisfied.