In the Silence of Trees [Open]

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The mist was still thick, slowly gliding across the playing field, almost burning his eyes and skin at the touch. Or was this, slight burn the intense feeling to harm himself? His swings met nothing but the mist, after every attempt a slight bit of view of was revealed to him as he sliced through the mist... 'An opening?' After striking with his hilt, his opponent again then disappeared, frustrating the young student slightly. "Dammit... Gone again... And I..." He was looking at his palms, trembling with the blade in his hand as he prepared to strike himself. Quickly he shook this thought and began to stance himself defensively. It was then his eyes closed, ears attentive, and even from behind his eyelids he could see the floating chakra mist. He lowered himself into stance, feeling an immense surge of energy arise. Was this guy, getting stronger? How endless are his reserves of strength if he was barely just scratching the surface with that last attack?! No matter, Shouyu held his defensive short blade out in front of him, held horizontally. His katana parallel to the forearm of his right limb that he twirled into its scabbard across his back. He was fully on the defensive now sensing this new surge of chakra that at the same time intrigued him, but still frightened him slightly. His unarmed right hand was a fist with his first two fingers stiff straight held at his chest region. His eyes shot wide open before a quick attack was coming to his chin, luckily he was able to see the blade slicing through the mist, Shouyu held his blade upward, a loud cling as the blades met. Shouyu was infusing his defensive blade with his chakra to help the strength of his parry against this flurry of attacks. Another followed, adjacent to his last attack so that Shouyu could mirror his parry just as his opponent did his previous strike. Shouyu still pushing chakra into the Kodaci met his blade with Kiri’s again, yet this time the force brought him down to kneel. Stifled, he could see Kiri was not done and cutting through the mist was horizontal mid slash, more tremendous the last two.

"Another one?!

The student rose staggering in the nick of time holding his Kodaci with both hands blade pointed at the ground but his minor late reaction to the third had his shorter blade off measurement and with clearly no force to successfully parry this blow. Blood spilled the air again… Shouyu managed to fend most of the force off with his Kodaci, but still Kiri’s force of impact pushed past his blade to cut Shouyu from his defending left shoulder to across his chest, after reactive force disarmed Shouyu, and sent him tumbling a few feet. He flinched in pain, paying no mind to neither sword, the rush was inside him coursing now more than ever. He could not afford to miss his counter attack. It was only a split second before he recollected himself on his feet, crouching. The student’s right fingertip was lit like a firecracker of high voltage chakra. He sent a piercing shot aimed to strike at the last known position of Kiri. Shortly after that beam strike Shouyu was sprinting behind it to follow up. Within range of close quarter combat Shouyu would only take two steps, or stomps at that with it being so loud and enforced by his resolve to win in battle. With each step came a swift and powerful straight jab fused with lion heads to strike. Whether they would connect or not, Shouyu would perform a leaping backflip to create distance between them, retreating from close quarters. Shouyu began to realize his villainous intent and malice of not only the world and his current foe but of himself, only began shortly after this mist fogged everything up. No doubt, this was a strong Genjutsu, and his chakra wasn’t letting up at a tad bit in maintaining it.

[WC 662]

Spoiler

Shouyu Activates Adrenaline Rush for +2 Save at 1 AP. Staggering from last strike. Shouyu performs Storm Bolt followed by Twin Lion Fist. Shouyu is beginning to realize the Genjutsu and its effect.

 

[Kiri]

He struck true. Kiri was slightly glad that he managed to hit the other once more, though that did not detract him from his concentration. No, his senses were all focused on the other that his body would move almost by instinct the moment he saw the slightest bit of inclination towards decision. (Duelist) As such, when saw the latter crouch and prepare for a counterattack, Kiri still his body and moved accordingly to the other’s strike. Like a cat, almost, taking a step and lowering his body, dodging the rather intense lightning attack. He was now aware of the other’s inclination to such element since the shock earlier and had gotten accustomed to anticipating it. And then twisting as he raised his sword defensively (Slashing - Physical Style: Defensive - Blade Whisperer), he tracked the other’s intentions and movement with the way the latter followed the initial attempt, dodging the successive strikes before turning and delivering a spinning strike with his sword in counteraction.

Then adjusting his hold on the uchigatana’s hilt, his chakra could be seen seeping onto the blade (Brandish) for a brief moment, effectively sharpening the edge, before he moved with utmost speed and striking at the target without hesitation (Vanishing Blade - [M]), and then darting to a safer distance within the cover of the mist. Still, the blonde would keep his eyes on his target, unfazed by the attempt against him.

Spoiler

Still active: Demonic Aura:
Every round, every other person in the battle besides the user must make a Genjutsu Save check. If they fail, all jutsu they use that round do -10% damage and they receive -1 Genjutsu DC (stacks to -2 Genjutsu DC). This stops while under the effects of Evil Sealing.

(probably because he hasn’t fully seen through the Genjutsu yet, its more of the -10% damage)

Fell Vengeance
A single melee taijutsu attack can be overcharged to do 30% extra damage on any turn after the user has been hit by an enemy. Cannot be combined with Akuton. Adds 10% CP cost to the jutsu.

 

[Yamanaka Utano]

At first, Haji had watched the battle with relish. He remained silent throughout, attempting not to influence the fight in any way. Fair was fair in combat and Haji wanted to see what both of the boys could do. Kiri, because obviously he found him interesting with his odd demonic aura, and this new boy because he was just so drastically reckless Haji couldn’t help but chuckle.

Kiri had stated off by dropping down a red mist. Haji had seen this genjutsu before, and although he would never admit it, had fallen victim to it as well. But he was well versed in such tricks of the mind so he quietly built up his chakra and opened the Gate of View. His vision cut right through the genjutsu, he could see the outline of both of the boy’s chakra systems clearly as if he had shined a spotlight on the two of them. They were enraptured in their fight so he didn’t worry about revealing his ability too much, especially since entering the Gate of View was simple enough as not to draw too much attention.

Then Kiri had hit the young boy with a brutal cross strike, leaving Shouyu stumbling in the red mist. Haji thought that it would end right there with the Shouyu boy admitting defeat. But he was wrong, the young man was resilient in keeping the fight going, and Kiri was willing to oblige. Shouyu got in a few shots himself despite being disoriented, but the battle soon swung further and further out of the young shinobis favor.

Haji was no expert in sword play, he usually just punched stuff, but he could also tell when someone was losing a fight. This kid just does NOT thrive against genjutsu. Haji wondered if the fight would be going differently if Shouyu’s mind weren’t so heavily effected by Kiri’s mind tricks. Haji frowned as Shouyu took blow after blow from Kiri.

Finally Haji was standing, his face showing visible concern. Does Kiri intend to kill the kid? Haji did not like that at all, whether Kiri was aware of it or not. Killing should be a last resort and not so casually danced with when fighting a peer. Finally, Haji saw Shouyu take a counter spinning slash from Kiri and he hopped down from his rock silently.

Kiri charged his blade with chakra and took an offensive stance. Haji’s feet broke off the ground so quickly that the ground tore, ripping a great hole in the soft grass below. Haji in the instance of Kiri charging his blade had opened two more gates, increasing his speed to inhuman levels. He had acted too late however to simply pull Shouyu out of the way, so he covered Shouyu with his body, all six of his arms enveloping the boy and covering his wounded body.

Kiri’s strike would hit Haji instead, but as the dust would settle from that brief instant, a golden chrysalis would shine through in the daylight. After a moment the golden mucus would crumble and fall away to the ground with heavy thumps. Emerging, Haji turned towards Kiri.

“That is enough. You have won, this boy is too injured to continue. Or did you mean to slay him?” Haji frowned.

Spoiler

Opened the Gate of Limit, View, and Wonder from the Chakra Gates of Hachimon
Used Golden Mucus Armor To absorb Kiri’s charged Vanishing Blade

[MFT]
[WC 545]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Shouyu's assailant was nowhere to be seen or in this mist. He knew he had succumbed to some high level Genjutsu to be feeling this horrid way about the world, everyone else, and even including himself who he began to hate and despise as failure for losing the tide of battle. His new found power sparked a pride in the boy, lesson learned if he'd even survive to make it out this forest, and create his future within the cloud village. This was no time for these sad thoughts he had to shake them off and press the attack! This is exactly what Yuii sensei had said about some opponents who you can't beat, or can't outsmart. 'IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU ARE ABLE TO LET UP! NOT FOR A SECOND!'

He was attempting the best he could to connect his combo, but with his lightning strike not hitting its target, it forced Hoshi to believe he had missed entirely and was no where near his mark. This was dangerous, as his consequent combo to follow up struck nothing but air and even caused him to fall forward stumbling eyes wide, of fear. He was gritting his teeth, pushing his palm to the floor breaking his fall and performing a one handed hand spring to return to his feet. This was just before the stinging of another wound. Was he struck with counterattack? His strength was depleted, he was tiring fast, and at this moment, being forced to a kneeling position, wincing in agony, he was dead meat. An open target. This time he saw the oncoming blade, looking even sharper than ever piercing through the mist. This was all in the blink of an eye, slightly slowed by his Byakugan. At least, enough time for him to accept his death boldly before the finishing blow, he sighed. Instead, on the contrary he felt an embrace, the impact but only pressure no pain. He assumed this was death, energy leaving his body and he could feel nothing. But no, his eyes were barely open, he could see a blurry figure who was speaking, maybe the spectating Ninja Haji, he couldn't tell before he passed out in his arms.

[WC 367]

 

[Kiri]

It all went by fast and before Kiri could even comprehend the result of his actions, there was a difference on who he was looking at. No longer was it the boy who was ever eager to get into action, rather, it was the six-limbed man from earlier. The armor that covered his body was strong to have stopped the vanishing blade but it s to chipped out. Bits and pieces fell to the ground. Yet he remained in his position as if he was ready to strike one more, right until the other man addressed him.

He blinked a few times. He, himself, surprised at the turn of events, a little ashamed if you will. Then he lowered his blade and sheathed it. A grunt of complain was to be heard in his head, the beast seemingly not happy with it. He could understand because the soul of his brother was used to battles and the Cursed Beast only strengthened such desires. It was not his brother's fault, but the curse.

"I didn't think it would-" he trailed, looking down at the ground. He could feel the power subsiding inside, the compelling force to do battle was receding. He began to gasp as exhaustion was falling onto him but he's still aware of the circumstances. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I've never been good with fighting like this. I've always fought to live."

Then as he saw that the kid had fallen unconscious on Haji's arms, he frowned. As he is at the moment, he was far from being who he wanted to be. Was he really trying to become a medic at his own lack of self-control?

But he was not one to runaway from responsibilities. This was his doing. And since he had the capability to correct it, he did so. Walking towards Haji, he said, "I can't fully treat him, but at least let me do something. It's the least I could do."

And so, raising his hand over to touch the kid, he would let his chakra form and wash over the boy. Doing this, he hoped to heal the other's wounds(Mystic Hands).

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

He was unconscious in the man's arms as they spoke back and forth. He could hear audible sounds but couldn't really discern what was being said. He could be heard groaning shifting his head left to right. Suddenly he began to feel warmth and a bit of strength return to his physical. He still continued to groan and growl and even wince now at the healing event. The recovery of his wounds was speeding up as most of his open bleeding wounds would attempt to seal itself and stop the flow. His chakra began to emanate again allowing him to breathe easier and deeper. Once he felt his breath come back to him, his eyes slowly began to blink open to a narrow slit. A shaking, vibrating outline of Haji was the closest to him, and a fading a kiri in the distance who seemed to be a bit down now. He could now almost audibly hear what they are saying. Honestly, he was surprised he even survived this fight. He reached out a weakened left arm, trembling from fatigue.

"Don't count me out... Next time, I'll win..."

His arm fell limp as he was too tired at the moment to do anything besides wince in the pain he was in. He chuckled softly, following with a slight cough. He turned to Haji now, and with narrow glistening eyes, allowed a tear to fall from his eyes. He felt so weak compared to all this excellently skilled ninja that cloud had to offer.

"I know that I am fool for this... I hope you guys can forgive my weakness..."

The boy returned to his unconscious state for a moment, simply really, just falling asleep as he began to snore lightly, the bruises and mangled skin from battle healed became all nice, pretty and smooth again. Although he wa still quite drained, the kid now probably just needed a good nap.

 

[Yamanaka Utano]

Haji was still frowning at Kiri, despite the boy’s obvious remorse over his over eagerness in battle, but he was not entirely angry with him for doing so. “In the heat of battle it is easy to lose yourself, you want to win so badly that you are willing to go full force to do so. But you have to recognize when you have won, especially when fighting with someone who is meant to be your peer” Haji set Shouyu down onto the ground.
The boy regained consciousness once again, spouted some babble about winning next time and to forgive him for being weak. Haji shook his head.

“He’s delirious! Listen to his babbling! You must have hit him in the head too many times or messed it up with all your red mist” Haji chuckled. He wasn’t good at comforting humor. “He will probably be a vegetable for life!” Haji laughed more audibly this time.

He looked at Kiri and then frowned again. “uh, I didn’t mean that… but seeing as you beat the living daylights out of him, I’m going to leave his life in your hands” Haji physically lifted Shouyu up and dumped the boy onto Kiri.
“You can treat him or run him to the hospital or whatever you have to do, but he had better make it or I’m going to come find you and we will have a ‘chat’ about it” Haji gave Kiri a stern look and then turned away from him. Haji made a confused look. When did I become a babysitter?

Haji hopped up and into the trees, deactivating his gates, which left him feeling depleted as they always did. I miss the days where I didn’t get caught and just watched people beat the shit out of each other without having to be responsible for them. Haji shrugged as he took off into the forest once more. Maybe I’m just starting to get old.

[Topic Left]

 

[Kiri]

While he was ashamed of what he had done, Kiri would not complain on Haji's reprimand. It did not occur to him that certain battles does not need a kill to be a true victor. That is quite ironic considering he was trying to learn some control and be a medic. Perhaps hell have to correct his way of thinking first before anything else.

Nodding, he took the limp body of the snoozing brat just as Haji left the scene. He wasn't so sure about being the kid to the hospital seeing how he was eager to continue the fight earlier. It might hurt the boy's pride further to wake in a sterile room. Sighing, he placed the boy's body near a large tree and to aid in the healing process, he touched the body of more and transferred his chakra. Not only would it mend some internal injuries, but it help seal those sword cuts he made.

(Used Mystic Hands and Coagulation)

Without further ado, he would step away and head back to the village.

[Topic Left]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The boy awoke, fully conscious, sore, aching and alone. He was twisting and turning his head wincing, wiping his eyes open. He was sitting at the base of a trunk head back until he met with the bark looking up at its tallest point. There was no sign of either ninja. He was still tired, but even more so starving. His stomach was more upset then his pride and at this moment the kid could seriously use pork spicy ramen with sesame and ginger. He smooth cock face grin slid across his face, as if he just didn't lost get his wiped across the floor with. But even then he was still slow to stand, coming to his feet he began to stretch and let loose his tense and slightly revived muscles. A nice meal and good nap, he could be ready to return to training. Hopefully one day he could be a better suitable opponent for Kiri in the future. Or even better, they could team up on Haji and test their skills at team work. He couldn't hold onto his pride no more, he was young ninja and he had to grow accustomed to the village and respect the other shinobi. He clenched his fist and began dashing through the forest back to the village stores with his stomach growling so loud it could be heard like dogs barking. And Shouyu, with a face of ravenous lament.

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

Kiri: Medical Combat [Novice] achieved

Note: Medical Combat [Experienced] achieved -----> Here