Ryouchi's Great Waterfall Challenge (Team Ryouchi)

[RYOUCHI SATO]

Ryouchi set down his gear by a tree a few miles away from the great waterfall. He stood for a moment gazing at the beauty of the falls and the enormous statues of Madara and Hashirama. Truly breathtaking he thought to himself as he let out some smoke from his mouth and then sat down. He made himself some tea and snacked on some sushi. He paused for a moment.

He turned to his students, "Most genin don't venture out this from home. Not this early at least. Can anyone tell me about the significance of the statues and this valley?" He asked wondering if their ninja history covered this area. It was an important place to know about, some very important event s that shaped their village's history happened here.

[DASHE STORM]

Dashe stood by the edge peering out at the small lake below then up at the great waterfall between the statues of Madara Uchiha and the first hokage. "This was where the First Hokage fought and defeated Madara Uchiha," Dashe replied without turning around now. It was also what shaped the village into what it was today. The Hidden Village in the leaf could've been something else had Madara Uchiha been victorious. It was hard to believe that guy was still alive after so long and threatened the whole world. It seemed like no one could stop him and war was on the horizon which the whole ninja world would be sucked into. He then turned around to face his sensei and the rest of his team now. He was curious to see what they would say about this place.

[YAJUU REN]

Ren was glad for the boys kind words of luck for her extended training. She noticed that they were going out farther out and away from the village which was something she had never done. Finally the sound of a waterfall and the sight of the large statues. It amazed her to see it all.

She then looked up and listened to her sensei ask what was important about this place here. She then looked over at Dashe who answered, nodding slowly in agreement. "Also didn't their power create this valley?" Ren tried to add, remembering the lesson that was given in the academy.

[KENTARU RYOICHI]

Gahh this can't be happening right now! Of all they questions Ryouchi could ask them, why did it have to be about history? Kentaru had a terrible memory, so he forgot things easily. History lessons from the Academy especially. Those lectures just went through one ear and out the other. Well this sucks, everyone else knows about this place. I'm gonna be the only one who looks like an idiot! I've gotta make something up...

"Uhh yeah," Kentaru said after a moment. "Big fight and stuff. What they said. Yeah..." This was embarrassing. He was a freaking gennin now! He should know this. Hopefully Ryouchi-sensei would elaborate on his question.

[RYOUCHI SATO]

"Not only can this site be tracked back to historical significance, it is one of an important part of our lives: choice. This choice here is that of the thirst of power, and the drive for stability. I use these words instead of good and evil for a reason. Both motivations drive humanity, whether we'd like to admit or not. You genin, myself, Naruto, and even the Hokage deal with this duality. The search for power can be innocent or corrupt, this attribute is neutral as it has the capacity to create and destroy. Much like the wielder of a blade distinguishes a samurai from, say a mother chopping up meat for dinner, power is a tool. Our first hokage used his power in an attempt for peace and stability, a way of liberating his fellow man. Madara Uchiha however, saw power as a means to his own ends. He wanted the power to dominate and to oppress those who disagreed with him." Ryouchi explained as he kept staring at the falls.

"Both were brilliant men, knowledge in itself is one of the most powerful weapons of all. Hashirama however used his knowledge to protect others while Madara selfishly used it for his own ends. Knowledge is meant to be shared as it unifies us all. In fact, power is how this valley was formed. If you look closely, this valley is not naturally formed. Their powerful jutsu is what caused this landscape. Madara is the one who had summoned the nine tailed demon and used it as a weapon. It's mighty tails smashed with such intensity that this valley was forged. Despite Hashirama being seemingly outmatched, it was his determination to save his people that won the fight. Love, that is the ultimate power, not greed and hatred." He stared intently at his pupils now, making sure that they understood the importance of his message.

"Love is what has protected us through our hardships in this village. The fourth hokage loved the village so much that he sacrificed his life and an eternity in heaven to cage the Nine tailed beast. He had loved his son so much that when he planted the beast inside of him, it was to give him power. Power to help his land in the same way he did. He wanted the child to be seen as a hero, and many years of persecution later, Naruto has become a savior of sorts. Our third hokage also had a similar fate when trying to eliminate Orochimaru. If you understand, effort, practice, selflessness, and love be it friendship, romance, or love of life, you will be as great as these people. Maybe even more." Ryouchi said, expressing what he felt from the bottom of his heart. He then sat down and let out some smoke through his nose.

"Now enough chatting! Let's get down to business! On my mark both Ryoichi and Dashe are ready to take the obstacle course. The waterfall is about 112 feet high and the speed of the flow is 45 miles per hour at the moment. Your lucky we aren't in storm season. Technically, you only have to get up to the statues top to then proceed to the forest jumping. Do not touch the floor or you are disqualified. No need to worry, I will send out a clone to catch either of you should you fall and plummet towards an imminent demise. However, If I have to do this, than you're out. You must complete the course in order to have succeeded and only if I find your time satisfactory. Now go as I teach Ren!"

[DASHE STORM]

Dashe simply nodded throughout Ryouchi's speech about the history of this valley. He knew the whole story unlike his teammates he just didn't wanna show off and seem too nerdy. That usually turned most girls off and he didn't want to do that to Ren his own teammate. He listened on more as Ryouchi explained the course again they would have to take while Ren remained behind training with their sensei. "Sounds simple enough Ryouchi sensei," Dashe replied with a serious expression and quick nod. He would do his best to impress his sensei and not lose horribly to his teammate Kentaru. "I'm ready whenever Kentaru is. Whoever wins no hard feelings right. We're teammates so we should praise each other no matter what!"