[center][color=9966cc][h2]Shikkaru Nara[/h2][/color][/center][hr][hr] Shikkaru wondered if the architects of this building were rolling in their graves because of how many people were being cramped into the Hokage's office. He wondered if they all jumped in unison if it would be enough to bring the whole place down. Now, that would be one hell of an inauguration! Having introduced himself, he stood at attention as the other genin took their turns doing the same thing. He had to suppress a chuckle as Kanzaki stumbled over her words and almost said her name backwards. To be honest, any of them could have done that, he was sure they were all equally nervous, except for maybe Tsukai and that really quiet kid in his class, Keizo. Shikka watched as Keizo ignored all formality as he talked to the Hokage, and felt a slight itch of irritation rise up within himself. He wanted to give the boy the benefit of doubt, mostly because he never showed much enthusiasm anyways. But seriously, if Keizo wasn't excited to be a shinobi, why was he even there? Shikkaru forced himself to let it go, it wasn't his place to judge other genin, that privilege was reserved for those of a higher rank. Speaking of a higher rank, when the Hokage finally addressed them, Shikkaru was surprised by the man's informality. Normally it was disrespectful to address someone of such a high rank by their real name. Tesshin's bluntness also stood out to Shikka, which he kind of appreciated. Everyone in the room knew that their lives were about to become a lot more brutal. In times like this, it was either kill or be killed. In the end, what mattered was that he was willing to do anything for his village. After all, he knew exactly what he was signing up for. Holding his forehead protector in his hands was a surreal moment for Shikkaru. And the full weight of this day finally settled down upon his shoulders, and for the first time, he realized he wasn't scared. He wouldn't allow himself to fear the future and what it may hold. Instead, he felt excitement and ambition rise up within him. He also felt surprise bubble up too, when it was announced that the [i]Hokage[/i] himself was going to be training one of the teams of genin. Right as he was tying his headband around his left bicep, Tesshin declared that Shikkaru, Kanzaki, and Keizo were to be in his squad. Shikka looked over at his two newly appointed squadmates and smiled. He wasn't sure how to feel about his assignment yet, mostly because he didn't know much about his new teammates. Sure, he had been cordial towards them in the academy, but hadn't really found the time to get to know either of them. And if he were to be honest, he was slightly bummed that he and Tsukai weren't assigned to the same team. But he also got fired up when he realized that they would have more opportunities to settle their friendly rivalry this way. Kanzaki seemed nice enough, if a bit anxious. And Keizo, well hopefully they would be able to warm up to each other, because Shikka had yet to see much emotion from the boy. Regardless, he waved them both over, after hearing they were going to go on their first mission after this briefing. Everything was happening so fast! Maybe that was the point of all this, to keep them on their toes. [color=9966cc]"Well this should be fun, eh? I know we all haven't talked much but I hope to get to know both of you better!"[/color] He then turned the Hokage. [color=9966cc]"Tesshin-sensei, since we're waiting, I'll take you up on that offer for tea."[/color] Calling the Hokage by his new title felt foreign, but he could get used to it in some time.