Stop Trying to Hit Me, and Hit Me! [open]

[Takahashi Aki]

Three or four sand bags lay broken and busted amongst the dojo floor. Sousuke had been training very hard it seemed. His knuckles were white and were raw. He had been punching the bags for quite some time. He was not what you'd call a brawler. He was not a boxer. He was a swordman by education. He could slice through armour, rock, and various other surfaces. What he was doing now was trying to increase his physical prowess. In the event he was disarmed, he wanted to be capable of holding his own while he awaited the retrieval of his Black Blade. Having broken his fourth bag the Steward attended the desk that was in the room with him. He looked into his bag and removed some tape. "This is what they usually do right? Apply the tape here... and ... cover... "<i></i> He proceeded to tape up his knuckles and part of his hands. He had to keep up the momentum. He wasn't going to be able to use Fist of Virtue or Sin. He had seen the attacks used against each other, the effects were ... impressive. Something that Sousuke could use in the future, if he ever got the hang of things.

Sousuke didn't want to train in his armour. He was in better shape than before. He was less frail than when he had his legs broken. A little more meat to him. He had to depend less on his metal, and more on himself. Maybe he was going the wrong way about it. Maybe he was going the right way about it. What mattered is that it was a way. He aspired to be like Katsuo. He always seemed to handle himself well enough. He was also to be like his brother Kuro, who was always strong and mighty. Sousuke was very different from the two of them. Sousuke had book smarts, and a ... logical way of approaching things. Katuso had street smarts. He had been on the surface for a long time. Perhaps he had been on the surface before Sousuke was born? Maybe.

Sousuke picked up another sand bag and hooked it up. He hugged the bag and swung forward for a moment. He puffed his cheeks and let the air out. Maybe that last round was a doozy. Maybe it was a bit too much on him. Still though, what was the saying? No guts no glory? Not that Sousuke wanted glory. He just wanted to be stronger. Certainly he could have went to others for advice. There was even ... Urufuu who was ... well... Sousuke didn't know where he was at the moment. Locked up? Bound to a table and healing slowly? He didn't consider Urufuu to be an enemy really. Whatever opinion he had of Sousuke, it really didn't matter to Sousuke. The Inuzuka exile certainly knew how to handle himself. He kind of had to, considering he was an exile. Exiles don't live that long in life, if they didn't know how to handle themselves.

With that little breather, Sousuke would start to pummel the bag. One. Two. One. Two. Smack. Wait. Smack? Sousuke pulled his hand back. That didn't sound right. He shook his hand a bit. "Ow."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Akuma Kuro approached the sweet sounds of training as Sousuke struck the sandbag he noticed he was practicing without form or emotion, he was simply putting as much force into each punch as possible and though it was an elementary self taught effort Kuro could not let his baby brother lash out without proper input. He noticed that Sousuke was putting on more muscle mass, he was still lean and whip thin but there had been dramatic improvement. Memories of Sousuke's soul crumbling in battle caused Kuro no end of worry but he had to let Sousuke be Sousuke as his mother and Kuro's mother had intended lest he end up like him a being cursed with too much of a soul from a link to his ancestor. Blood was thicker than water but souls were eternal, as long as Sousuke pushed on Kuro knew Sousuke's soul would recover and grow stronger. Telekinetically lacing his hands and feet with runic wraps before approaching Kuro then set his scrolls and notes aside as he made enough noise to let Sousuke know he was there, before speaking. "Sousuke ni-chan, what are you working on today? Perhaps I can help you..."<i></i>

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Kuro had alerted Sousuke of his presence with much forewarning. Sousuke turned around to seeing Kuro approach him. Kuro seemed to be in good health. He certainly seemed better than he was the last time he had seen him which was with Sarunishi. To Kuro, Sousuke would seem slightly less artificial in terms of his Toraono nature. "Huh? Oh. I'm working on trying to hone my unarmed techniques. I figured ... in the event I'm separated from the Black Blade or if I'm disarmed, I do need to be able to improvise."<i></i> He shook his fist again. He was trying to wear off the feeling from before. "I need to be able to fight in a variety of ways aside from ninjutsu and my armed techniques."<i></i> He explained as he shook his hand again. "You held your own against Urufuu with unarmed techniques, and hopefully someday I will be able to replicate some of your techniques."<i></i> Kuro had used fist of virtue against Urufuu. Even Urufuu couldn't best the counter-aspect of the technique.

Sousuke ran his fingers along the opposite knuckles. Something didn't feel right. He must have misaligned something when he was punching the bag. A cracking noise was heard as Sousuke attempted to realign his knuckles. Unfortunately the sound didn't sound right. In fact ... Sousuke had probably just misaligned his knuckles even more. Sousuke's eyes widened slightly as he felt the awkward alignment present. He blinked at tried to quickly keep the conversation going. It would be slightly embarassing to have to explain to Kuro he just cracked his knuckles the wrong way... in addition to wearing his knuckles to white. "Who trained you when you were little for your unarmed techniques? Your Mother specialized in armed techniques. You're the oldest of your siblings... and well... we've never really spoken about your father."<i></i> The question being now that ... did Kuro teach himself? It was entirely possible. At the same time, it could also not be the case.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

"Actually Sousuke, I am the third oldest male of the main family line Taizen is first he was the first of twin boys and went on to become a master monk in the Sunagakure Monastery to Mother Suna. Raizen is second oldest, he is one of our roaming Anbu Captains whom through his mastery of lightning and elemental chakra works closely with the rangers that study the storm and assist caravans. My eldest siblings are half sisters from my mother's first marriage, Toraono Nobuku Seika and Toraono Nobuku Natsuki. They rarely visit although Seika has been around on extended stay due to her coming of age ceremony being near to date. After the two of them are my full blood sisters Toraono Nobuku Midori and Toraono Nobuku Shiro, you may not remember them doting over you. Then my elder twin brothers , myself and a baby sister you have yet to meet because she stays with Natsuki most of the year her name is Haizame she is actually 7 years old now. So in reality I am actually the second youngest as Midori, Shiro, and I were triplets. As far as my martial arts prowess between sparring with Taizen and lessons from my father Grandmaster Toraono Kaibudo I have spent a great deal of time mastering techniques recorded in our libraries and scrolls; so I am actually 60% self taught... while we are discussing unarmed techniques let me see your hand you are going to dislocate too many bones to through a proper punch like that."<i></i> Kuro reached out with his right hand that carried a slight green healing aura as he used mystic hand to reset his muscles while he physically realigned his knuckles with a few well practiced manipulations. He then proceeded to rewrap Sousuke's fists so he could follow through on his training reinforced punches without risking direct injury to his hands or wrists. "When you are ready Sousuke-ni-san mimic my punch and I will explain how it works and where I am aiming with each punch."<i></i>

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke opened his mouth, he seemed like he was going to say something, but he didn't. He closed his mouth, his brows furrowed. He opened his mouth once more but once again no words came out. "... I have no excuse..."<i></i> Sousuke mumbled. He frowned as he was disappointed at himself. Kuro had an extensive family, and Kuro seemed like he was the most mature out of them all. He was only one to have gotten married too... unless ... well ... it was possible that they had eloped. When Kuro had gotten engaged, Sousuke had taken time off to spend time with his older brother, but that party had been compromised by re-animated villains. It was a ... strange occasion. One that Sousuke hoped not to repeat, and one that he would not forget. Hopefully when it came down to his engagement party ... nothing too crazy would occur. It was possible of course... as many strange things were prone to happening.

Sousuke's mind wandered as Kuro healed him up, the Steward snapped to and looked up to seeing Kuro healing his hand and realigning his knuckles. Kuro then rewrapped his knuckles. Kuro would then begin instructing him. Sousuke clenched his fist, and then ceased doing so. He observed Kuro as he began punching. "I never quite got the destructive purpose of an open palm punch. I always thought you would have been more prone to damaging yourself in the event you have a forward first-collision."<i></i> He mimicked Kuro perfectly, but he had yet to begin using chakra behind his punches. "If you're sixty-percent self taught ... did you ever come across a contradiction in your training? I'd have to think you would have. Some semantics concept, or some sort of theory teaching."<i></i> Sousuke inquired.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

"I have come across many contradictions little brother and most of it comes down to each style proclaiming it is the best and can handle every situation you come across, my father's style focused on causing massive damage, my brother's style focused on manipulating joints and redirection, when I developed my own style I worked to master countering but I found I could not do that with taijutsu alone so I developed crushing tactics and slowly began to mix my techniques to form terrible new attacks. In then end I found there is no perfect way, no ultimate fist only a never ending quest to improve yourself."</COLOR><i></i> To demonstrate what he meant Kuro struck the sandbag with an open palm that caused all the sand to rupture out the other side. The repair seals initiated and the bag refilled itself and sealed the tear in seconds. Kuro then performed a crushing strike that caused the bag to fold over then flip back hitting itself with its own base twice. <COLOR color="indigo">It will vary to you just as your swordsmanship varies to the blade wielded. Find what you need your body to do and start there. Kuro stepped back so he could watch Sousuke begin his own training and waited to lend pointers when asked or it seemed necessary.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Kuro explain the contradictions he came across. Each style discussed seemed to be completely different from the other. Variety was in the House of Toraono. To Sousuke it meant he had all the more to learn. Not that he ever minded learning. Crushing Style. Countering. Devastation. Each of them had their own unique counters, strengths, and weaknesses. "Well... that's what I'm here to do improve myself. Although... I needed a little direction ... instead of merely punching the bag to oblivion. Katuso is able to conjure his chakra around his fist and then strike things. You're able to--"<i></i> Kuro then proceeded to demonstrate what he was capable of. Sousuke's mouth hung open. Yes. Bigger Brother always had something impressive to show. Sousuke's mouth twitched slightly before he finished his sentence. "Well you're able to do that. Which ... in itself is quite disturbing really ... I certainly would never want to be on the receiving end of that."<i></i>

Kuro then stepped aside and motioned for him to start attacking again. Sousuke wasn't quite sure what he needed. Speed was always good. Speed led to multiple attacks being down in an instant. Power was self explanatory and already displayed first hand. Sousuke looked down at the floor for a moment as he was trying to decide what his body needed. He didn't need to know how to counter really. He already knew enough of that. He looked up and at the bag. Sousuke raised both his fists and began to pummel the bag, Three right hooks, then a left. His left seemed to lack power. He tried it again, this time with a slight wind up in which he empowered his punch with chakra. Sousuke in terms of his swordsmanship was right handed. "I'd like to balance both my hands. You know I'm right handed when it comes to swordplay. I think if I were to master my left for unarmed fighting ... I'd be a more balanced fighter. Does that make sense at all?"<i></i> Sousuke held the bag. "You once countered Urufuu's attack with your own. What let you do that? Heart or raw Power?"<i></i> Sousuke stuttered, something in which rarely did. " I ... I ... I wish I could have prevented your system failure during that fight. Do I lack both?"<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro released the bag Sousuke had been striking and motioned Sousuke to come close so he could explain and demonstrate. "Ni-chan, you can't just increase the power of one limb to balance with the seeming ease of the other, your body is actually more concerted in action than that. You have to train your entire body to respond to a threat and use the effort of your entire being in a conflict unless you are not trying to kill or end the threat. In Urufuu's case I promised Yume, I would not strike to kill. Because I did not strike to kill and he did, he was able to overwhelm me after I received the order to disengage in combat. I let down my guard because I believed him to be an honorable opponent. However he is a warrior completing an act of war not a simple duel. To engage in a counter I commit myself to completely overpowering another's attack with my own. For your purposes all you need to do is increase your neural reflex action with the left side of your body. You only need to complete 30 minutes of speed and reflex drills with weighted gear for your chest, shoulders, arms, and hands. Father made me practice in six hundred pounds of weighted gear using chakra alone just so I could develop the chakra capacity necessary to support my fighting style. In your case you were already blessed with chakra so you only need pure physical training."</COLOR><i></i> Kuro pulled forth a leather harness with studded crystal weights that could be adjusted by gravity chakra. Without chakra input the weighted harness weighed sixty pounds, with chakra input it could be magnified up to six hundred pounds. <COLOR color="indigo">"Feel free to take a few and modify them to fit your needs."

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"I haven't made contact with any of the Cabal members since the end of that battle."<i></i> Sousuke admitted. The mind of the Inuzuka terrorist was probably a complicated thing, but it could probably be boiled down at heart to having a protective nature over Yume. It wasn't difficult given that he was the one shouting at Kaito 'the one soul, I deny you'. It was strange. Urufuu from what Sousuke had read in the history books was simply known as 'the Exile'. The records were never really clear as to why. "If it offers any consolation, I did have harsh words with him after the battle. He was unconscious mind you, and it probably came off as very ... unlike ... me ... but I think he will understand what will happen to him should he ever threaten or harm ... everyone."<i></i> Sousuke paused for a moment. "He was listening. That much I am certain of, as Naganisa cried after I had revealed the truth to her."<i></i> Sousuke revealed. He had not known what became of her afterwards, but given that she had aided Sungakure, she deserved the truth.

Sousuke was handed Kuro's training weights, for a moment it seemed like he was about to drop them. Thankfully he didn't. "You know... six hundred pounds is what the MkII weighed. I'm guessing you could easily bench press it without breaking a sweat."<i></i> With a little effort he placed them on. He walked about with the weights on. Slower of course because of the adjustment. "So... now what? Just try and balance everything while punching the bag? Go jogging...? Adopt these as normal wear? Physical training is very expansive."<i></i> Sousuke took another punch at the bag from before. The bag shifted. Sousuke raised an eyebrow. He hadn't put enough force behind his punch it seemed. He tried again. He socked the bag once more. Sousuke's eyes narrowed. He tried one last time. This time he threw his increased weight behind it and sent the bag flying into the wall, and through the wall.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro fell over laughing as Sousuke realized the natural physics of striking in 3 movements. "All the training you have done in armor and using weapons that could easily tear apart any being's soul and it takes weighted leathers for you to realize that the transference of mass to energy to strike another mass increases damage by how much mass is actually focused behind the strike. I always knew you were holding back and now I have proof, once you master your physical capacity and match it to your will and strength of elements you will surpass me quite easily as you can master elements and techniques I cannot. This is one of those special moments I am proud and ever so honored to call you brother. Now just imagine when you combine your taijutsu and ninjutsu into an attack the likes of which I could never create. I look forward to witnessing your full understanding of the powers that you wield now and are capable of wielding in the future."<i></i>

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke turned red as Kuro was laughing. He had never seen Kuro fall over and laugh. Sousuke was considered that he had actually done something to harm Kuro. "I've always been holding back."<i></i> He explained. "Your mother has ... usually called for shows of strength to be limited and concentrated. Not random, or when frustration mounts."<i></i> Sousuke explained. In saying what he did just did, he just revealed that he had lost his cool. Sousuke's jaw dropped slightly. "I did not get remotely frustrated."<i></i> He promptly added afterwards. He hung his head in shame. "Okay. Maybe I did. A little. Yes. I did."<i></i> Sousuke was not going to lie to Kuro, who would smell a lie instantly.

Kuro seemed truly hopeful about Sousuke's development. "I should be working towards that. During our fight, I was able to wield the Ebon Blade with a channeled flame. It wasn't very effective, but it was ... something worth exploring in the future."<i></i> Sousuke walked to the wall that he punched the bag into. He crawled into the hole he made. A loud bang would be heard as Sousuke seemed to struggle with the bag. "I will patch this wall up."<i></i> He called from the hole in the wall. In time a white powdered Sousuke came out with the punching bag in hand. He looked at his adopted older brother with a frown. "Yes. Sorry about that. Quite sorry. I---I will fix up the wall right now ... before your mother, wife, or old brothers notice this..."<i></i> The Steward placed down the punching bag, which was now bleeding sand. He walked over to the hole in the wall and raised an earthen one to cover up the gaping detail. He then looked left and then right and proceeded to plasma seal it accordingly. The wall now looking smooth and natural. The colouring was off of course... Sousuke frowned at this and disappeared into the dojo returning with a paint can, brushes, and rollers. Yes. This was going to be fixed. He looked back at Kuro. "This isn't too bad... it's not like the time I blew a hole in your wall to get you guys out during the Cabal incursion."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro promptly stopped laughing as he noticed Sousuke regress a bit to his normal personality, just when he seemed to be coming out his shell and experiencing the use of his emotions and their purpose he went back to logic and disdain. Kuro sighed briefly as he helped Sousuke reconstruct the wall and finish painting. After he checked the wall he nodded to Sousuke. "Emotions and instincts have their place in battle. Fear can give you the awareness to notice more than just your enemy and avoid falling into a trap. Anger can channel a boost of energy and strength necessary to win the battle when it seems like you might lose.They can backfire as well, fear can cause you to overestimate your enemy and overwhelm yourself. Rage can also cause you to injure yourself with your own strength so in order to choose when to follow your emotions allow your body to tell you if it is at it's limit. If you have not reached your physical limit, hold off using your the wellspring of energy that comes from emotional release. Any questions Sousuke-san?"<i></i>

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"Love is a vicious motivator."<i></i> Sousuke added, he thought of something to add, "What you said about fear is true, but fear can be a paralytic."<i></i> He countered on the concept of fear. "Pride is of course most devastating."<i></i> Rage of course was equally devastating. Sousuke didn't give in to rage when he hacked into Magentica with Skull Splitter. That was desperation. "That axe I used against Magentica, that exact moment, that wasn't rage I gave into. We had to destroy her. She was decimating us. That weapon hasn't been moved has it?"<i></i> Sousuke quickly inquired. Skull Splitter was a mystery to the Steward. While he had it on his person he had it sealed. The weapon always seemed to wish to draw blood of others, or it seemed to demand a challenge. Shade had described the weapon as something old and it being ... not of Homura but something maybe related to him or at least a minion of his. Shade did not trust that weapon. Sousuke coughed having realized his question wasn't related to what Kuro was on topically. He rubbed the back of his neck.

Shade materialized. Most insightful... but only partially true. Would you not agree that absolute clarity in battle, Lord Toraono is a boon?<i></i> Shade surfaced merely to keep the conversation from turning onto the Steward's nature of lack of thereof in some regard. Shade knew that Kuro was a spiritualist. He knew of Shade, but more importantly he knew of Sousuke's ... problematic soul.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro reached out and touched the shadows that coalesced around Sousuke's body without his knowledge or conscious input. The surge of power was immediately familiar, for Kuro it felt as if Mikaboshi had placed a protective ward upon Sousuke's soul which eased Kuro's mind that Sousuke had more than one protector. "I am simply happy that you have not had any true problems with existing among such monsters as myself and our sisters. They won't dote on you so long as you keep showing progress. Mother worries over you as well but she hides it from everyone, and Father who won't even look in your direction when you exit a room for fear that some power of ours or some curse might befall you. Do you ever notice yourself hungry for battle or feeling the weakness in the abilities of others?"<i></i> Kuro worried that the soul of his baby brother whom would have died stillborn from the poison of enemies were his soul not passed to Sousuke to keep him from becoming a miscarriage might awaken and seek to take him over. He seemed to be fine and well but Kuro could feel when Sousuke was pressed too hard, he could almost taste the iron in his blood when Sousuke strained beyond his natural measure and as such Kuro was constantly in fear of losing little brother Sousuke.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Shade's eyes glowed green underneath the hood. Kuro had reached out to him. The power set was different from Mikaboshi. It was not terror. It was not loathing and full of hate. It was something else entirely different. It was old power. Dominion over the night. Shade and Mikaboshi shared aspects, but they had very different personalities, and ways of dealing with things. The specter merely sensed the concern Kuro had for Sousuke. It was the familial sort. Characteristics shared between the two that were not overly known by sight. It was a deeper, primal sort of familial sense. Kuro made an inquiry of sorts. Sousuke blinked as he looked at Kuro with curiosity. "Battle hungry? No. I merely do what is required of me to protect the realm and its inhabitants. Certainly there is adrenaline... but that's normal really."<i></i> The other part to the inquiry, caused him to think harder about the topic. "Well... I don't feel the weaknesses, not like psychically."<i></i> He answered at first, "I can see them once I've studied a target. Like I can see them readily become apparent. Like heart, lungs, liver, eyes. Reading them is different entirely... isn't it?"<i></i> He inquired.

Shade inclined forward slightly. I think what Lord Toaono is referring to is a ... direct and focused sense.<i></i> The specter added. His form drifting a bit higher now. Still all the present. I think you can put your concerns to rest Lord Toraono.<i></i> Shade added. The spirit of the Black Blade was always keeping an eye on the Steward. Kuro had been witness to the entity before him step in to aid Sousuke, and it happened twice during the battle with the Cabal. The first being of which Shade causing Sousuke to phase shift away from the attack that Magentica threw at him which would have been most grevious. The second being the influencing of Sousuke's form when his soul was shattered. Kuro had been witness to Sousuke being part of Kaito's defeat. Shade force effect caused the Ebon Blade to reach Runeblade form and thus amplify the effects of his attacks on Kaito.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro allowed his worry to dissipate as Sousuke reviewed himself and his efforts in battle. "This is good to hear, often the recipients of any efforts from my family have bestial after effects. We helped a young nomad girl whom had suffered a heavy wound from a juvenile sandwyrm and her mother surmised that because she was healed by us that her daughter whom had only protected the sheep in their caravan had recently began to hunt in a feral manner. My mother had not been her healer, it had been my grandmother whom was well known to the feline creatures of the desert. We tested the girl's blood and found out that my grandmother and my mother's healing methods alter the spiritual center of their recipients enough to where if their own spirit is not strong enough it will mimic the stronger spirit that healed them. I feared that with the spiritual pressure of the weapons you have wielded as of late and pressure of people around you that your soul might be influenced to cause you to lash out at the weaknesses of those you face in battle."

Kuro checked the recently refurbished wall and nodded to the solid work and the haste with which Sousuke repaired it. There was still a gentle strength to Sousuke that would never change and that put Kuro at greater ease. "Any questions Sousuke nii-chan?"

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke blinked several times at Kuro's story. "I do have my lion companions and Kitchy is a proper canine now... it's not like I communicate with them or enjoy eating raw meat."<i></i> He intercepted at the end of Kuro's narrative regarding the child that the clan had helped. "I don't lash out either ... as of late. Maybe I did at Kaito, but he deserved it considering what he did to us. That's entirely different from what you've alluding to."<i></i> Sousuke raised an eyebrow as to what Kuro was speaking to on the matter of spiritual pressure. "Shade hasn't applied pressure or anything of the sort. I call upon him in battle, but it's ... not a feral link."<i></i>

Kuro had asked him if there were any questions left about today's training session. "Mmm... no, but I suspect that over time something new will come up. Being that the case I will undertake to seek you out."<i></i> Finding Kuro or an aspect of Kuro wasn't difficult. There were at least five versions of his brother running about. "Although next time I will bring Aki to come train... with Okibi's departure I have been looking after him myself, and I think it is time he starts meeting with his extended family. Granted of course your role would be more akin to uncle... rather than great-uncle."<i></i> Sousuke explained. He knew Kuro would take delight in meeting his ward's son, which had become more akin to a son for Sousuke. "The wall should dry up in about three hours... I'll check on it to make sure my work was done properly on our next training session."<i></i> With that Sousuke bid his farewell to his spiritual brother and left the dojo.

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