Family Training (Tutor/Junko)

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Hoshi had arrived the same time as Kiri. It was an odd coincidence but Hoshi just smirked at the event. He’d take the first step inside to be greeted by the brothers. Junko’s introduction grasped Hoshi’s full attention who eyed him intently. He recalled their first lesson long ago when Hoshi was only but a student in the academy. Junko’s joke of Osu made Hoshi chuckle.

“That was so long ago. It had almost faded from memory until now.”

Junko began to get ready for combat, relieving himself of some clothing until he was pretty basic with his attire. Hoshi smirked once again, he was already prepared. He threw down his ninjato, two pairs of sai cast to the wayside, a pair of nunchaku followed. Hoshi then slid out of his kimono too revealing a toned and highly defined teenage body.

Hoshi elevates his levels of power until it reached a threshold that needed an extra boost. That boost could only be given by those of the Hachimon way. Hoshi activated his Byakugan in a blink, burst through three gates revealing his blazing pale blue aura. The pale Hyuuga eyes turned pure white without pupils and Hoshi’s already astounding physique expanded by fifty percent.

“Hachimon Tonkou!!”

There was circuit of lightning coursing all throughout his aura, the ground beneath him even gave way to his might after unlocking the springtime of youth. Hoshi bellowed out into a playful laughter at Junko sensei berating himself and Kiri. He clenched a tight fist and took a variation stance of the famed Jyuuken style.

“Junko sensei! Times have changed! Maybe it is you who should prepare themselves!”

Hoshi’s aura flared blazing a beautiful pale light, that was right before Hoshi took a small step, with such power behind it being enhanced by his current form, this small step caused him to launch at blinding high speed toward Junko.

Wc 315

 

[Kiri]

It was a strange coincidence that he and Hoshi arrived almost at the same time in the training grounds of the Tsuyoshi Estate. He smirked as the other was obviously gearing towards doing this training. But Kiri remembered that he had little to no experience training the Tsuyoshi Way, and for that tidbit, maybe Hoshi had the upper hand. As such, when he saw both Junko and Aiko, he couldn’t help think if this would become a duel of some sort.

It wasn’t long before when Junko began to undress his formal wear, retaining his fighting gears. As he would listen to his explanation about what was about to happen, Kiri had a feeling it wasn’t going to be pleasant for him, at all. A glance to the side and he spots Hoshi seemingly eager to take off his clothes sans fighting gi, and prepare by opening his chakra gates. Clicking his tongue, Kiri could see the burning passion in his brother, with the way he so eagerly gotten out his gates, letting those enormous chakra flow out of his body, all the while grinning with eyes locked at Junko. It was almost as if the two had an unspoken understanding… such bravado.

Well, Kiri didn’t have to impress anyone. He wasn’t known for his unarmed prowess as he had always been a swordsman, rather than a brawler. But that didn’t mean that he was useless at this scenario. Well, he hoped he wasn’t useless. If only he could harness the immense chakra of his brother’s then he should be able to… ah but it ached him remembering there was the gaping hole inside him, knowing the absence was very startling. Sighing, he would untie the uchigatana from his obi as he walked towards where Aiko was sitting and placed it carefully leaning on the bench.

“Please look after this,” said Kiri before turning back and giving another sigh. He clenched his fist as he approached the training grounds once more, mind already racing on what he should be able to do and what not to do. For starters, just because it was an unarmed training, it didn’t mean he couldn’t use ninjutsu. He was proficient enough that he didn’t need any handseals for particular jutsus, so in effect, that meant it was an unarmed way of fighting. But then, his moral consciousness would bicker with him saying that was not what was being trained now. By this, Junko meant, hand-to-hand combat.

“You know well this isn’t what I’m good at,” said Kiri as he finally stood with enough distance from Junko. The radiating chakra from both Junko and Hoshi were quite alarming, but he would not show any signs of fear. There was nothing to fear after all. “I’ll just have to improvise.”

At that, he let out his own chakra, a gust of wind forming before it enveloped him with a reddish glow. His chakra creates a strange heating wave around him that would at least aid him in this fight. Clasping his knuckle with his free hand, he narrows his eyes onto Junko. “Well, are we gonna start?”

[WC: 521 + 521 = 1,042]

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

As the two lads readied themselves, Junko knew this would be interesting. On one hand, you had Kiri who had little to no experience in unarmed combat. The boy clung to his precious sword so much and for so long that if he lost it, all he’d have to lean on is Ninjutsu and the bits of genjutsu he knew. His sword was making him, he wasn’t making the sword. So, today’s lesson would sharpen the lad and in turn, sharpen his skills with the sword because it was only a mere extension of himself.

On the other hand, Hoshi had the blood of the hyuuga that dwelled within him. Unarmed combat would be natural and something that the lad constantly practiced. One could tell by his body as it was toned from constant training. So, without a doubt, Hoshi would definitely be fine, but his skills mentally and physically would certainly be put to the test.

A sense of enthusiasm surged from Hoshi as dreadfulness trickled through his brother beside him. Observing the situation, Junko wondered how’d they’d improvise and feed off each other. For now, the warmup would start as Hoshi began releasing a blue aura. Immediately, Junko eyes grew a little big. ”That pressure...” Junko mumbled reflecting back on his recent mission. ”He’s releasing the inner gates.” Junko thought while observing Hoshi’s muscle mass increase.

“Well, are we gonna start?”

“Junko sensei! Times have changed! Maybe it is you who should prepare themselves!”

”Well, show me what you...” Junko said, but was cut off as Hoshi charged at him with blinding speed. A speed that Junko should’ve been able to see, but he still couldn’t control his massive chakra to access his Seikon abilities.

As Hoshi collide with Junko, the sennin decided to do nothing more than defend. Holding an strong X block, a barrage of punches came raining upon Junko’s body. Every blow was heavy and nearly bone crushing as Hoshi was pushing the sennin back. ”What in the hell did I get myself into.” Junko thought still smirking while a devastating aura began to slowly release from his body. Receiving an opening, Junko collided fists with Hoshi to create space.

”Let’s just skip the warm up then.” Junko said as his forearms trembled in excitement and from the constant pressure placed upon them just now. The inner gates was no joke. It turned even the weakest of men into the mightiest. That’s why it was labeled as a kinjutsu. Finishing his release of his devastating aura, Junko’s body released a tremendous amount of his chakra. Mimicking Hoshi and taking a single step as he did, Junko would now attack and exchange fists with Hoshi while trying to keep an eye on Kiri as well. Kiri didn’t want to make the first move, but perhaps he had something in the works.

WC: 569 + 477 = 1,046

 

[Kiri]

Now that it began, Kiri felt a little bit lost. He watched as Hoshi dashed early, engaging Junko in combat. As he observed the on going collision, each traded blow and strike would create a short shockwave to denote their power. It could leave any observer breathless, in awe, and probably wanting to go try their hand in this kind of fighting. It was simply exhilarating. But for Kiri, he felt a different kind of sensation building up inside him. He was made painfully aware of what he lacked as he realized he could not do anything of such. Clenching his fist tighter, he was unaware that he held his breath back as he continued to watch, his eyes narrowing at every second, every strike.

So much for trying to taunt. He was stuck on where he stood and he knew that if he could not engage them in the same manner, he would break the pattern that Hoshi was using, and perhaps distract him, leading to an unpleasant retaliation from the Mednin Sennin. Such as harsh way of teaching what he lacked the most, almost as if spitting at his face. And if he had been the same Kiri as in the past, he would have raged and allowed the beast to manifest his power in him.

Ah… but that was long gone now. He was beginning to feel the emptiness was real and this training was making it all the more painful to think.

Gasping, he realized how he was holding back his breath, before he finally inched forward, lowering his stance as he made ready for an approach. He didn’t care anymore. He simply didn’t want to be useless. A surge of his chakra and Kiri manifests a Spectral Shade– a shadow copy (silhouette) of himself as it went to enter the fray, as well as a Medical Assistant – a rather droopy-eyed version of Kiri who seemed to be grumbling as he was formed.

“If Hoshi gets sent flying, go after him and treat him immediately,” said Kiri, and the Droopy-eyed Kiri clicked its tongue though nodded all the same before crouching to look out for Hoshi.

At that, Kiri takes in a long deep breath before he rushes forward. He may not be experienced with fighting like a brawler, but he sure knew enough swordfighting techniques to use as an empty-handed stance, most of which, would make him seem like his dancing while swinging his fists around, like a twirling backhanded strike.

[WC: 416 + 1,042 = 1,458]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Back and forth the youth went with his foster father. He would not relent for the slightest second hoping to make an opening for Kiri to strike. Opening three gates was easy for the boy, he had found a way to control the gates unlocking without suffering backlash. Hoshi’s barrage would continue and he seek to be mindful of every movement from Junko sensei. If he needed to react reflexively he would need full focus and so he continued as if Junko was a true enemy. Each strike was swift and lead to the next. Meanwhile pressing the attack, Hoshi would attempt to side step away from Kiri in attempts to get Junko to turn his back on the latter.

Hoshi had understood this was Kiri’s dull edge of his blade and so he needed to fully distract his opponent and deem himself worthy of full attention. Hoshi’s initial thought was shrugged off and he smirked at the next. Hoshi took a stance similar to his beginning, a variation of the Jyuuken, a more, offensive stance. Hoshi leapt toward Junko, mid flight Hoshi split into several clones which each continued the previous barrage with the same hit power. (Dance of the Waxing Moon)

The clones would remain for a time after the jutsu was completed but only to distract Junko. The real Hoshi would take this time to defend himself by spinning intensely while releasing chakra through his pores forming a spiraling protective dome.

“Kaiten!”

This would shield Hoshi from most of the damage received for a moment until Hoshi was tired of spinning. At which point Hoshi would hold up a tiger seal, manipulating his shadow to extend in two separate ways. To the untrained or weary eye, it would distort Hoshi’s appearance and make the tired mind waver under pressure.(Shadow Play) He looked dead at Junko attempting to find Kiri in his peripheral view.

Wc 316

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

Blow for blow, counter for counter, Hoshi was proving to an interesting sparring partners and student. Junko could feel the boys focus and enthusiasm as the fruit of his training displayed through his style and tactics. ”Smart.” Junko thought as the boys constant movement and angles were creating a blind spot for the sennin. A blind spot that Kiri could easily exploit as Hoshi created some odd clones of himself.

”Ohhh, dance of the waxing moon!” Junko said immediately destroying three out of the five clones with a three hit combo, but was immediately interrupted as Kiri exploited Junko’s blind spot. As soon as Kiri connected, so did his clone and Hoshi’s clones, causing a barrage to land on Junko.

Sliding back from being hit by the barrage, Junko nearly slid into Aiko, but stopped right in front of him. ”Umm.” Junko mumbled wiping blood from his lip.

”Not the same kids it seem.”

”Not the same kids Indeed.”

They were very much different. Their coordination was good as they played into each other’s strength and weaknesses. Kiri was adapting to the situation while studying the taijutsu techniques to deliver his own attacks while. Meanwhile, Hoshi set things into place to make things a success while also making sure defenses were covered.

Things were much different from years ago when things were much easier. They use to rush in so blindly and had zero coordination. Now, their teamwork was on a different level and didn’t require verbal communication. ”I’m proud. You two have came a long way.” Junko said as Hoshi stopped spinning.

”You two have shown me that even without weapons, you are still weapons. So, I guess this is where the lesson truly begins then.” Junko said as the pressure in the room would lessen. Junko hadn’t fully mastered controlling his immense amount of chakra, but he had been working on things lately since his recent missions.


”Martial arts is more than physical as you can see. Especially when working with someone else. It’s mental. So, now you shall learn the mental game. Understand and focus on these aspects I’m about to show you and your taijutsu shall always remain supreme. No matter the difference in power. Lesson one, the calculation of distance.” Junko said before charging in with a bit more speed than before. Just as he was about to aim for Kiri knowing that he was the weaker target, Junko would seeming disperse in thin air, leaving behind fragments of his aura.

Reappearing behind Hoshi instead, Junko would attempt to bring the hammer down right on top of his head. Following up his attack, Junko would the continue with a punch towards Kiri. Success or fail, Junko would then continue by moving in close and keeping the boys together to exchange blows.

WC: 1,046 + 467 = 1,513

 

[Kiri]

The fight continued without a moment’s waste. Hoshi was quite the adept fighter as he managed to allow a brief moment of opportunity to spring itself upon Kiri. At that, he took it upon himself, his specter shade in tow, to attack Junko. To the martial artist, watching Kiri’s movements would appear unorthodox, strange, almost awkward and close to failing, but that was where Hoshi’s genius struck. He managed to keep Junko at bay that even Kiri’s strikes would not seem out of the ordinary.

But as much as they have tried to push Junko to the defensive, it would seem as though the latter would finally get serious. Kiri clicked his tongue as he knew things were about to change now. His luck may have ran out.

Junko suddenly dashed at him and he was ready to brace for pain, only for Junko to disappear. Before he knew it, Junko would reappear near Hoshi and attempt to catch the other in surprise. Kiri could only curse briefly before Junko would head over to him next. A flurry goes through his lackluster defenses and pushes him away with bruises before he could get back to his footing. At that, he and Hoshi would have to work together to attack and defend at the same time.

And as he aimed to throw more strikes, there was a strange kind of mischief in his eyes. It was almost as if the grin on his face was showing his unexpected amusement in this. Not to mention the urge inside his soul was getting more and more drastic and deadly, wanting to draw blood but the sword was far from reach. Ah, but there was a different kind of trickery he suddenly came up with.

Thus, in the middle of their exchange, if Junko were to stray a punch or a kick at him, Kiri would suddenly phase out, only to be replaced by his Specter Shade, giving him an edge to get behind Junko. For while the latter was aiming to keep Hoshi and him in one area, having two at both sides – pincer attack– things would be a little different.

[WC: 358 + 1,458 = 1,816]

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

As they would begin the exchanges, the duo would begin to realize that Junko weren’t doing as much attacking. Upon closer evaluation, the two would begin to notice that they were no longer touching Junko as well. Their strike would come close, but miss by the slightest hair. Junko’s eyes moved with speed as he calculated every movement mentally and the more he calculated, the less they were closer to hitting him.

”When you calculate distance, you get to see you and your opponents spacing. If you can see the spacing, you can control what goes where in a fight. Like so.” Junko said making a simple parry of one of Hoshi’s attacks, causing his punch to be directed at Kiri. In an instant though, Kiri would seemingly fade away. Leaving his clone to take the damage as he attacked from the opposite side.

”lesson two. As you advance you’ll begin to add to this perspective and take the next step. Sensing your opponents rhythm and movements, which allows you to control the fight entirely as you also calculate distance.” Junko said as he began blocking on both sides with intense speeds

A certain distortion awakened deep in Junko, increasing his reaction speed. He wasn’t overpowering the boys, he was simply executing technique more efficiently while battling with his mind. Continuing to move while controlling his immense amount of chakra, Junko could feel the power of the Seikon from deep within building up. Unfortunately, this control was putting a toll on his body as well. So, this lesson was about to come to an end soon.

WC: 1,513 + 266 = 1,779

 

[Kiri]

Despite his attempt to try and catch Junko off-guard, it would appear as though the task was foolish. He should have known that a plan like that would have been too easy to read. But clearly, Junko was showing his own power. The way he parried their strikes, his muscles moving almost by instinct with immense speed, it was almost as if he could tell what the future held.

Gritting his teeth, Kiri was getting frustrated from all this. Slowly, he was seeing that his options were becoming too limited that he couldn’t think of anything else. After a few more punches, Kiri would jump back and put some distance between them. From there, he would observe for a brief moment before he concentrated his power on his hand, sped up towards Junko with the help of his Anti-gravity chakra armor that allowed him to glide with ease and without restraints. And then make for one strong punch towards the Sennin’s hand.

[WC: 162+1,816=1,978]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The assault appeared to work. Hoshi had Junko’s full attention for the moment, as he should. He was still nowhere near the caliber of Junko, but to be able to distract him for Kiri was clutch. Hoshi cringed as his master and father called out his technique once used and did away with several clones in one fell sweep. Hoshi would bare his clenched teeth and pearly white blazing eyes. Kiri had his chance and took it but to no avail as Junko expertly dodged with Hoshi’s owns clone. The youth gasped at the sight eyeing Junko the whole time as he prepared a counter.

The previous exchanges from before were different now, the battle was intensifying as Hoshi blinked Junko was gone. Hoshi the instantly felt his presence next to himself and could only turn his head slightly to see an oncoming fist which pummeled him. Hoshi flew about ten feet with a skid and a thud, his aura dimmed for a minute, clearly showing his stifled as he attempted to get up slowly. ‘SHOUYU! GET UP!’ The warrior spirit inside of him awakening him. He knew he couldn’t leave Kiri alone against a taijutsu master but it was too late. Hoshi was halfway up before he collapsed once more. He cursed himself as he tried once more. He heard the words of Junko but still slipped from one ear through the other. To Hoshi, he already failed by being tossed aside but such an attack. ‘But... this is just a training excercise right?’ He thought to himself, control, the word he whispered as he turned to face Junko.

“I’m sorry Kiri-Kun..

Hoshi attempted to strike Junko only to be countered by Junko and hit his teammate. A flurry of high speed attacks would only be blocked by Junko seemingly without effort.

Wc 303

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

”As your final lesson for the day. Once everything combines and is in sync. You find your opportunity and take advantage.” Junko said as Hoshi and Kiri charged in for their final blows.

Immediately, Junko’s chakra spewed from his body and was once again causing an immense pressure in the room. Catching both Kiri’s and Hoshi’s firsts, Junko slowly brung their hands down before placing his hands on their heads. It wouldn’t be the type of attack they expected, but it would due. ”Take into account my teachings today. Replay the movements again and again. And you both shall excel.” Junko said before removing his hands.

”Now, let’s go. It’s dinner time.”


OOC: 2nd round of Tutor complete.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Hoshi dashes toward Junko retracting his palm to his underarm. He was coming at Junko with all his might and speed. He had made sure to leave nothing on the playing field this time. Within range Hoshi would feint his free arm before dashing to the flank and attempting to strike. A burst of pressure which made him feel, weighted, subjugated the youth as he blinked. His attack was blocked and now his father’s palm upon his forehead. Hoshi was heaving to catch his breath. He was looking over to Kiri who had also been succumbed to the strength of Junko. He looked back at Junko and took his advice to heart.

“Yes sensei.”

Hoshi replayed everything in his mind and tried to notice the difference between the two other than Power difference. His eyes darted left to right thinking back. Maybe his tactic was again too straight forward and predictable. Hoshi rubbed his chin as he walked over to take a seat. He soon caught his breath as he returned to slow and relaxed breathing pattern. Not only did Junko say to predict to enemy movement, but react as well. Was he simply gauging their compatibility at first to only overcome them with the necessary power? No, one should never underestimate an enemy. Hoshi leaned back into his chair, his head touching the wall as he did so. He couldn’t figure out what it was at the moment. His battle experience probably made that concept appear more transparent to him, but not Hoshi. He was truly contemplating the meaning as his brows furrowed together and his lips pursed at the thought. There would be no delay between the next lesson and so he needed to figure out what it was now before it was too late. Hoshi continued his thoughts, looking away.

Wc 303

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

A long slurp would be heard as Junko lifted a coffee cup to his lip. It was bright and early and the young ones were already on the move. The twins were making their rounds to the orphanages to deliver extra blankets and pillow.

Meanwhile, the sound of warm ups were occurring as Kiri and Hoshi worked out. They did it all, push ups, sit ups, jumped roped, jogged, jumping jacks, heavy bag, speed bag, shadow boxed, and much more. It was all just the beginning before today’s lesson.

Sitting on the bench until the boys were finish, Junko would continue with his coffee. He still needed to wake up. After training yesterday and their big meal, Junko was out like a light. If one would ask Karin, Junko was sleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. Unfortunately, the life of a sennin called for some restless nights as he was needed to do an emergency surgery.

Without complaint, Junko rose and did what was needed. Returning home though, Aiko was awake, and decided to surprise Junko by giving him some training. Now, Junko was still up for the time being and would deliver a lesson before a short nap. After his nap of course, he’d be right back to work. Once Kiri and Hoshi was finish, Junko would begin.

”Hope you all rested well and are all warmed up. Yesterday was unarmed taijutsu. Todays armed. So, choose your weapon off the wall or use your own.”

WC: 232

 

[Kiri]

Kiri and Hoshi may not have prevailed in the previous training, but they both had learned a valuable lesson. It wasn’t always the best thing to attack head-on, and a little observation could go along the way. For Kiri, he knew as much that he needed more than simple observations. He would have to train his body in a different style, and it was probably for the best as he would need to find ways to fill up the void that was in his heart. He couldn’t afford to mope around and do nothing. It would be a great disappointment to his brother. And so, thinking that one day he would be reunited with him, Kiri decided that he would refine his style into something that was truly his. No more hiding behind the shadows. It was simply time to step out into the light.

Early the next day, despite the feast of a dinner they had the night before, and probably the aching muscles they’ve earned, Kiri was the earlier waker. He was still not used to this new place to live in, and the large room he had made him want to roll around all day. In fact, he did so for a good half hour before the bumped his head on the sliding shoji doors. It was only when he opened it and let the sunlight into his room did he became a little more serious. It was no time to be passively lazing about. The burning muscles were aching to get moving once more, and he knew they would begin shortly.

As such, he would meet up with Hoshi in the training grounds of the estate. The two would begin with a warm-up routine, trying to wake any lingering sleepiness in their bodies before they started with a light spar. Even when pushed, even when they ached and bruised, Kiri was quickly ignoring the pain as his body was getting used to the roughness of it all.

It was shortly then when Junko would come and greet them. The obvious lack of sleep hang along the Sennin’s eyes, his cup of coffee seemingly still on its way to work its magic on him. Nevertheless, it was no reason to think that they would get the upper hand in today’s training. In fact, it should make them ever more vigilant, especially when Junko mentioned about weapons.

Now, while Kiri was quite more adept with armed, he was not entirely a genius at it. He was a swordsman before becoming a shinobi, but when he grew to hone his prowess with jutsus more than refining his blade skills, it may have rusted his skillset. Ah, but the hunts were always there to guide him, and hopefully, even without the raging beast inside him that day, he would still be able to show his strength. Thus, at the moment they were invited to draw their weapons, Kiri didn’t hesitate to go over to the idle katana that lay on the bench of the training grounds next to his backpack. He took the scabbard and slid it through his obi before positioning it correctly to his side. Then, he would draw the blade for a bit, before making a few swings, then resheathing it. Only then, when he knew that he was properly ready, that he would turn to face back Junko and Hoshi.

“Normally, I would be concerned at injuring anyone with my weapon, but I suppose, with two of us here, we can manage if something goes awry,” said Kiri, nodding to the Medical Sennin’s way.

[WC: 598]
[Training #3 Start]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Today’s awakening was a lazy one. Hoshi was liable to always eat too much after a hard day of training. He’s overdoing if filling his stomach would of course lead to a sluggish behavior. Thus, resulting in a food coma. The youth overslept, waking up alone and slowly.

He brushed whatever crumbs of eye boogies from his hues and yawned. After a nice shower and relieving himself in the bathroom. Hoshi ran down fully groomed and his hair neatly braided in a single plait down his back. He left two strands of free flowing hair hang from above his ears. Kiri and Junko had already arrived. Junko explained that today’s lesson would be armed combat. Hoshi nodded at the words and looked to Kiri. He of course gravitated to the Katana where as Hoshi decided on dual nunchaku.

He backed away and took stance. He began a fluid movement of flurries from his nunchaku much like a famous Chinese martial arts actor. From each and every direction they flailed as Hoshi blinked and gave grunted chants during his performance. Most probably wouldn’t think a Hyuuga would be so attune with a variety of different weapons. He hoped he could be more helpful this lesson.

“Don’t worry Kiri. Come with all you’ve got. That’s the only way we stand a chance to begin with.”

They couldn’t risk underestimating an opponent. Hoshi readied himself, looking over to Kiri. To attack in unison, predict and counter was the motive. They first had to gauge their master’s incentive, and take initiative. He inhaled deeply awaiting the right moment. He was bouncing back and forth in stance meanwhile flailing his dual nunchaku in a circular motion. In a sense it was a defense mechanism which would thwart a frontal assault.

295

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

“Normally, I would be concerned at injuring anyone with my weapon, but I suppose, with two of us here, we can manage if something goes awry,”

With Kiri’s words, Junko simply smirked. Of course Hoshi would comfort him, causing Junko to simply get a bit more serious as they were about to begin. Remind his glasses, Junko’s stared bluntly at the duo. Upon observation, the would see tiredness in the sennins eyes. Yet he was still pushing and would continue today’s lesson as promised. Little did they know, Junko’s body was already tired from training as Aiko managed to push Junko pass his limitations and reveal something new.

”Kiri. Hoshi. Hear me well.” Junko said beginning to slide his katana from its sheath. ”It’s more than cutting people or slapping them across the head when it comes to weapons. A weapon is only as good as its wielder. You can control the outcome. Including rather or not things get out of hand.” Junko said hoping they’d seriously think of his words. Junko had already given them the keys to succeed in taijutsu. All they’d have to do was apply it in this training because weapons were only extensions of the user. Still basically unarmed combat.

Dashing forward, the action would begin as Junko would this time air for Kiri first and begin to clash blades.

WC: 232 + 226 = 458

 

[Kiri]

Junko’s words echoed in the same way that his brother’s used to do. Strange but it had the same ring to it. It was one of the basic principles of a swordsman– to view the sword not as a weapon, but as part of one’s body. Cliché as it may sound to others but without fully understanding what it entails, only makes a person ignorant of the beauty and artistry of swordsmanship. It is this way that the swordsman could achieve what is known as a perfected stance. For only when one can forget their awareness of the self as a separate entity, could one move without the trappings and limitations brought by doubt. And Kiri knew this best, having lived the memories of his brother’s all these years and followed it by instinct.

Letting such instincts guide his hand, he would raise his uchigatana in time to block Junko’s strike. Each strike becomes sharper and precise, and Kiri would pace himself to defend equally so. In fact, if one were inclined to try and understand his style, it was quick but mostly defensive. Each defended strike would see themselves parried, blade sliding across the body of Kiri’s uchigatana, allowing Kiri to rotate in position for counter-attacks. And as such, it was a matter of receiving and parrying, and almost as if to dance. This allowed for Kiri to keep Junko’s main focus on him, and what little attention he has gave to Hoshi would give the latter enough time and opportunity to strike back and true. Hopefully, Hoshi would be able to make use of the gap that’s created.

[WC: 270+598= 868]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The words of his sensei rang true, he clutched his nunchaku with a tighter grip. They were forged with steel and wrapped with a thousand layers of fire resistant rubber which also negated and grounded electric currents. From his understanding, the words meant to not just attack with a brute force swinging a weapon aimed to hit, but precise coordination, and manipulation of your opponent's moves. That was right, or so he thought. The fight was on and Kiri showed much skill with his blade in hand, Junko and Kiri trading blows at high speed. Hoshi dashed, smirking at the chance to reveal his weapon mastery. Luckily for him, with nunchaku, a missed strike would only give his next blow that much more momentum from a missed swing.

"Here I am!"

Hoshi arrived at Junko's flank with dual nunchaku in a blaze. He sent a one, two, spin with a three hit combo with a fast flurry of strike, but Hoshi only used that as a set up for a more grand attack. If he was able to utilize that time of surprise Hoshi would then bounce back and forth from left to right. His next move would be to dodge one of Junko's attacks and bind both of his wrists with the chain link on each nunchaku, which could leave sensei wide open for a full frontal attack from Kiri.

Though Hoshi's movements took a risk, he was decisive with his movements and had full faith in his abilities whether they would fail or not. Even then, his wasn't done. Hoshi would find time to set off his main attack, he gave loud yelps and screeches as he acrobatically moved around his weapon from shoulder to hip, to rib, to underarm. At one point Hoshi was struck by Junko in his counter attempt, Hoshi immediately reacted with an agile flailing combination of nunchaku toward Junko.

[Hoshi uses Bludgeoning Type jutsus: C rank/ Set-up into Carpe Noctem & B Rank, Rebound blitz!]

WC 332

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

Sparks flew as Kiri and Junko crossed blades. His style was elegant, yet fierce and his eyes had an intense focus to them. His reactions were on point, parrying Junko time and time again to create an opening for Hoshi.

"Here I am!"

Slashing at Kiri to create distance before turning around to dodge Hoshi, Junko’s breathing became slightly heavier. ”Same trick.... won’t work twice.” Junko said dodging the nunchaku’s only by a hair. ”Same move won’t work twice. Especially when you announce your ....presence.”

Slicing through the shifting boy, his body became smoke and in the smoke was a log cut in half by Junko. In an instant though, Junko’s Hands were grabbed and placed in a bind at the moment of this opening. Continuing the assault with magnificent team work, Kiri dashed in and took advantage. Delivering swing after swing, Junko’s body was cut at a few vital places before he was able to create some significant distance.

Bleeding across the dojo’s floor, Junko was brought to a knee with his head down as he panted heavily.

*pant*...... *Pant*.........*pant* ....

Suddenly though, the room would begin to shake as Junko’s chakra would begin to leak.


Hours ago......

Opening the heavy wooden doors of the Tsuyoshi main house, Junko entered the dark home. Shifting rather slowly, his body was tired. The previous day, he had done so much which included preparing Kiri’s room, teaching the lads what being a Tsuyoshi was all about, training Kiri and Hoshi in unarmed combat, and even having a huge family dinner with much laughter and play. The fresh memories were plastered in the Sennins mind and caused a smile to radiate even in the darkness of the night.

”I love my family.” Junko thought with a sigh as his mind began to drift to when he was in bed next to his wife right before he was paged for an emergency surgery. The bed was so warm, her touch was so lovely, and her breath begged for toothpaste. Truly something only a husband could love, in which Junko did. He loved his wife, kids, brother, the orphans, the hospital, and so much more.

Junko had the same love, the mother had at the hospital as she groaned with immense tears for her baby boy that bled on the operation table profusely after coming back from a C-Rank mission gone wrong. The woman’s cries were strong, yet she was so weak as she couldn’t do nothing to save the boy she had raised. Nor could anyone else, until Junko was called.

Moving towards the dojo, Junko knew in a matter of hours the Tsuyoshi house would become lively and he’d have to run more training. So, why not chill in the dojo until the time came? Possibly get some rest maybe. Unfortunately, rest would not occur.

Opening the doors to the dojo, red Sharingan eyes illuminated in the darkness. Not alarmed, Junko simply greeted his brother. ”What are you doing up?” Junko said looking at the very familiar chakra.

”You was on my mind Brother.”

”Well, isn’t that lovely. What’s up?” Junko said cutting on the lights, revealing Aiko relaxed on the bench with a smirk on his face. Aiko’s eyes slightly widened and focused on Junko’s as the sennin simply stood.

”I was watching you yesterday. Specifically your flow of chakra. It is much different than it use to be.”

”Well.. tha” Junko said stopping mid sentence as he couldn’t move. He was trying his hardest, but his body wouldn’t budge. It was as if heavy chains were placed around his entire body. ”Aiko ....” Junko said beginning to struggle ashis body weighed a ton.

”That wasn’t a compliment. Your chakra leaks and is chaotic. After all our training, you can’t control your chakra. And without the control of your chakra, you are weak.”

”And? So? Wait.... weak? Look man, I’m tired and not up for the games right now.”

”If you wouldn’t have contained your chakra against those two boys, they might’ve given you a lesson instead of you giving them a lesson. If you wouldn’t have obtained your chakra on that harvester mission, that young Inuzuka girl would be dead.”

Silence began to fill the air as Junko focused on what Aiko was saying.

”All your training to acquire such great power. The huge chakra source. The rinnegan. Multiple bodies. And yet you loss in leaf and a girl could’ve lost her life.?Success....has crippled you my brother. And I shall prove it to you.”

Looking at the gentle spirit, Junko smirked. It had been quite some time since the brothers tested each other’s strength. Usually when they did things like this, it came from a place of love and Aiko wouldn’t be the one to kick things off. So, seeing his gentle brother kick things must’ve meant he really meant business. ”Well. Let’s go.” Junko said immediately getting serious.

Suddenly, Junko received a hard slap to the face from behind by Aiko’s wooden katana. Caught off guard, Junko was sent sliding across the dojo floor. Looking to the bench where Aiko was originally, Junko still seen him as relaxed as ever, but another version of Aiko was charging right for Junko. ”A clone?” Junko thought picking himself up and charging towards the Aiko that delivered the blow.

Forming a base hand sign, Junko wasted no time in bringing two paths to the playing field and sending them towards the suspected clone. Aiko had insulted his strength and he needed to see Junko’s full power with his paths.

As Aiko struck once more, Junko dodged and aimed for his brothers jaw with a fierce punch. Connecting, Junko was about to smirk, but something wasn’t right. ”No.. this is the clone!” Junko thought as Aiko’s body turned into lightning. Shocking the sennin immediately, he was brought to a knee as he was stunned.

Attacking the real Aiko with fists, Junko once again believed he had him, but that was until his brother bumped things up a notch. His eye pattern shifted, revealing the legendary runic markings of the mangekyo Sharingan and with a simple word .... he turned things around.......”Kagutsuchi”

Immediately, Aiko’s body flowed with black flames, creating an Amaterasu armor. Upon contact, Junko was the one who ended up feeling the pain. Not in just one body, but all his bodies as the paths he created were now blown to the side after being scorched from coming in contact with the flames.

Already, Aiko had made some heavy hits, Junko decided to bring his remaining paths to the field. 6 vs 1, how could Aiko beat those odds?

”You don’t get it do you?”

”Shut up.” Junko said panting as he looked at Aiko. The electrical current was still flowing through his body, but Junko managed to stand back to his feet with all his paths. His brother was always challenging as always. He had gained the advantage so quickly, but alas he was surrounded.

Shaking his head as the black flames began to fade from the gentle spirits body, Aiko spoke.

”I shall make you see what I see.” (Tsukiyomi)

In an instant, the world around Junko began to change and in a single blink.... he was in a black void with all his paths. His bodies were white figures and standing in-front of each path, was Aiko with his hand outstretched wielding a metallic lighter. Junko’s lips began to move, but no words came out in this mysterious void.

”These paths are your strength and your greatest weakness. See for yourself.“

And with Aiko’s words, he set his brother and each of his brothers bodies aflame for 72 hours, burning him to a crisp, but what seemed like days were only seconds as Junko and his paths fell. Now, only fallen bodies surrounded Aiko and his gaze focused on Junko’s main body.

”Drop the bodies Junko. You’ll have your full consciousness to focus on a single body to control your chakra. As you are now, you’ll be an embarrassment to the village if you’re chosen for the tournament.”

Trembling from his bodies being burned for days, Junko was panting. ”It was all a genjutsu....” Junko thought slowly lifting his head off the dojo floor. His brothers words made sense and he was able to exploit his weakness so easily. It hurt Junko’s pride as his heart swelled with emotions, but he knew his brothers actions were coming from a place of love. Looking back, Junko could see the result of when he controlled his chakra to a single body. He saved a young girl and got the advantage on the boys in training. During those times, he could once again feel the reality energy sync with his body and give him access to a whole new world once more. A world which time was bento his liking.

”You’re right...” Junko said as Aiko began to walk away. The gentle spirit did what he strived to do, and that was open Junko’s mind to his weakness.

”Aiko... where are you going? We aren’t... done...yet.”

A flow of energy exploded throughout the room and curled around the sennin like a typhoon. The energy spewed from his paths along with his consciousness that was bound to the corpses. Soon, the energy began to connect to his body as if Junko was sucking it all in. Slowly creeping to his feet with his eyes closed, Junko also began to simultaneously control his immense chakra with ease.

Coming to a stop, Aiko simply stood with a smirk with his back to Junko. Giving it a few moments, Aiko turned and looked at his standing brother. No chakra was seen eluding from Junko’s body, but Aiko was seeing something different stirring throughout Junko’s chakra causing his crimson red Sharingan eyes to widen in astonishment.

Reality energy had once again sparked and accumulated inside the sennin, but this time it bonded with Junko’s chakra.... creating a reaction unknown to the shinobi world as the sennin slowly opened his eyes......


Present time.......

”Control... Control....I can no longer wield chakra as I did. I can no longer fight as I once did.” Junko thought as the room began to stop shaking. Opening his eyes and standing to his feet, the sennin would reveal the rinnegan with a Sharingan like pattern as he charged forward with speed seemingly beyond time and reality itself.

This development was unheard of, but made perfect sense interestingly enough. Junko was blessed with the blood of a Seikon while Aiko was blessed with the blood of an Uchiha. Somehow, Junko was able to now access both bloodlines as if he was a hybrid of some sort.


BL/CA Change: Chakra Attuned -> Seikon

Kinjutsu swap: Rikudo Sennin -> Chimera

Additional BL: Uchiha

WC: 458 + 1,785 = 2,243
Mft

 

[Kiri]

As their training session continued, Kiri and Hoshi were getting the hang out of Junko’s timing. Eventually, they would press forward, getting in a few cuts to the Sennin. Normally, Kiri would be worried had this been an ordinary man, but Junko had probably faced far disastrous occasions than this. Admittedly, Kiri was beginning to worry at the way the Sennin was moving. Either he and Hoshi were simply getting better at it and managing to outdo him, or that the latter was not in perfect form to even consider this a fight. With the events of the day prior to this fresh in his mind, Kiri could only suspect that something was weighing down the Sennin.

And it seemed true. A sudden pause as they sent Junko across the dojo, left the Sennin on his knee, panting and then came his surge of chakra. Kiri had trained with Junko before and never had he seen this. It was almost as if the man was sparking a different kind of power and about to lose control. All those times he had heard Junko lecture him about control and chakra manipulation had made him believe that Junko was always in control. However, learning more about Junko, himself, the latter had his own demons in the past and perhaps it was getting the best of him. It wasn’t looking good.

For a split moment, Kiri situated himself in front of Hoshi, sword raised diagonally in front of him in defense as he kept his eyes on Junko, examining, observing, and ready to jump into action. If it kept on, Kiri was of the mind to use his jutsu to shield both him and Hoshi from a sudden surge. While he wasn’t knowledgeable of what this new power was surging from Junko, he had known the power of a Jinchuuriki and the shockwave of a burst was always devastating. As such, he knew how to repel it as well.

However brief the surge was, there was a sudden break. Immediately, Kiri could tell that the person standing in front of them was a different kind. It was almost as if Junko had changed. In fact, Kiri was so sensitive to chakra signatures that he could very well feel a strange resurgence on Junko. With a warning to Hoshi, Kiri would suddenly emit his chakra all around him, shadows forming into an exo-skeleton that washed over his entire body, instantly changing his figure into a blackness. Then, with haste, Kiri gathered his chakra over his blade before swinging out, sending a blasting shockwave at Junko’s direction while setting up his stance to counter any offensive retaliations.

[WC: 442 + 868 = 1,310]