By the time the sunset hits, forest canopy already turning the training ground dark, they’ve managed to find two more tokens–flak vest green and pale, pinkish peach.
“Alright!” Naruto Uzumaki cheers, “We’ve got this!”
She nods her head in agreement but doesn’t say anything. It’s true that three tokens in the first day is a decent haul, a great step towards completing their objectives. But she also knows that it definitely won’t be as easy as both time and the exam march onwards.
The remaining token holders that haven’t been hit will have gone to ground. Finding them–and specifically whoever has the copper one Tetsuki needs–will be an exercise in diligence and patience.
And that’s not even including the consequences of when news spread that two people–even if they’re not the right people–are ambushing token holders even without the matching armbands.
“We need to find a place for camp,” she says, checking the sky once more. She’s not tired, but not everyone has as awful a sleep schedule as she does.
“I can keep going,” he protests, arms waving as if to prove how energetic he still is.
It’s not as if she doubts him, it’s just. “We’ll regret not finding a secure spot later.”
Konoha at night isn’t too different from Konoha during the day–it is a ninja village after all, a great machine that functions at all hours, every day–but the both of them, for all that they’re in the Academy to one day become shinobi, still have the same civilian diurnal mindset. The same hindbrain instincts of prey animals who know that it’s not the dark which is dangerous, but the predators who use it as cover.
He doesn’t outrightly disagree, but he does bring up, “Wouldn’t it be better to attack at night? Maybe everyone else is thinking of resting while it’s dark, too.”
That’s a good point.
She says as much, because it’s an easy acknowledgement and Naruto Uzumaki blinks in pleased surprise when she does so.
They strike a compromise: for now, while the lingering light of the sun still remains, and while they’re still strong enough to search for another classmate or hold off an ambush against themselves, they’ll find a secure spot for camp. In shifts they’ll rest for a bit, until later in the night, when everyone else is either asleep or pushing the limits of their energy.
That’s when they’ll go out, refreshed, and hunt down their prey.
They are at the Academy to become shinobi, after all, it’s time they prove it.
JackSGreyson Says 