Snippet #8256

Hyugan passed through the barrack corridors with a confident stride, his eyes shifting between two newly recruited ninja that fumbled out of their living quarters. As soon as they saw Hyugan, they immediately lined up to greet the superior with a deep bow. He stopped and faced the two kyu members. The taller one stared into Hyugan's cold, brown eyes but couldn't lock his gaze for long. The smaller one didn't bother, staring at the wooden planks of the floor as beads of sweat formed above his brow.

"Look at me!!!" Hyugan roared, the pair flinching like scared pups. They shot glances at each other before taking deep breaths, gathering enough courage to finally meet the Blood Moon Assassin's gaze. Hyugan glared at them like a demon lion from the underworld, peering into their vulnerable souls and ready to inflict cruel punishment at the slightest hint of disobedience. After seconds passed like years for the two recruits, Hyugan finally spoke.

"The look of fear you two just gave me," He turned away and resumed his pace toward the training grounds, "Let that be the last expression your victims will make."

The corridors eventually gave way to an open space, draped with thick leaves from the great oaks that were the architectural support beams of the village. A man with prominent features leaned against the centerpiece branch of the courtyard. Hyugan watched as he carefully slid a book into the folds of his black kimono. Deacon Frost, Hyugan recalled, remembering Deacon's Sacred Star coronation for saving a fellow ninja. Such a noble act, yet he bore something in him that Hyugan couldn't quite fathom. There was an airiness about the man that in some shape or form bore a striking resemblance of himself. Such is the way of the ninja; Draped in their own mysteries, concealed like a blade in a riddling sheath. The only true way to know a man is through combat, and with his Taijutsu teachers away on a mission, the opportunity that presented itself was too good to pass up.

He stepped onto the courtyard grounds, taking note of Deacon's watchful eyes. Hyugan approached the man, face-to-face, and greeted him with a slight nod.

"Pardon my intrusion," Hyugan began, "But the day is early and I've no sparring partner...interested?"