The Babies Are Finally Growing Up[Genin Examination]

[Tomomi]

Spoiler

[col]

Birth/Real Name: Kanemoto Akujin
Adopted Name: Byakko Kyūji
Alias: Mikisugi Kyūji
Physical Age: 24
Height: 5 feet 10 inches tall
Weight: ????
Gender: Male
Day of Birth: October 5th
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Village: Sunagakure, Formerly Iwagakure
Alignment: ????
Rank: Jounin/Medic
Religion: Agnostic
Languages: English(Site Generalized Language), Runic Terran(Suna Language)
Skin tone: Well he was white but now he is darker like all of Kuro's clan apparently. He is not black, but has a tan I would say.
Eyes: Golden(They glow yellow in some situations) and they are feline-like eyes
Glasses: Not anymore, corrected visions through taking the Byakko Oath
Hair: Long, straight and white. I suppose if you would like a reference image look at Inuyasha.
Hands and feet: He has normal feet, but his hands are cat-like claws.
Markings/Tattoos: Silver-white markings formed around his left hand and forearm; also Byakko Tenshi seal is on his back.
Other features: Neko-ears
Relationship: Betrothed to the Head of the Byakko Clan
Looks Like: August 7 from Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Meteor|

Birth/Real Name: Byakko Yanshi Shouken
Known Titled Name: Lady Byakko Yanshi
Nickname: Shou Shou
Physical Age: 32
Height: 5 feet 8 inches tall
Weight: 150
Gender: Female
Day of Birth: March 10th
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Village: Sunagakure, House Byakko
Alignment: Neutral Good
Rank: Special Jounin/Medic
Religion: Celestial Winds
Skin tone: Snow white unless angry or in battle then honey brown
Eyes: Golden(They glow yellow in some situations) and they are feline-like eyes
Hair: Long, straight and white.
Hands and feet: She has cute feet, but her fingers and toes have cat-like claws.
Markings/Tattoos: Silver-white markings formed around her right hand and forearm in symbolic union and mirror to her husband's; Byakko Tenshi seal on her back.
Other features: White tiger-ears
Relationship: Married to Kyuji
Looks Like: Black Hanekawa from Nekomonogatari[/col]

It had been two weeks since his first official academy class had come to a close where he had seen some of the brightest young minds of the village showcase their knowledge in combat and in learning. Honestly, the descendant of Byakko had been impressed with all of his students in his course. Each one of them had showcased their unique skills and mindsets to combat him with only one minor drawback being he had harmed Riyota severely. Hopefully that boy was recovering well and he would be actively prepared to train with his father, Kuro and Kyuji after he had passed his Genin Examination. Hopefully these three students today that had been handpicked by Kyuji would impress him and also be able to pass their Genin Exam under him. They would have to in order to prove to his family that they were worthy of joining the war against Sora to put their precious Surutameni into power as Daimyo of this country and hopefully end this quarreling between the Daimyo/Sora and Suna once and for all.

The man formerly known as Akujin was patiently waiting for his three students to show themselves in the prestigious, lustrous confines of the Byakko Family's training area. The walls were bright like snow illuminating the room and the sunlight from the outside world was reflecting inward creating a warm climate from the ceiling. The room was also laced with normal light fixtures hanging above everyone on the ceiling, but they were not being utilized due to the time of day for the exam. In actuality, Kyuji had decided to make the exam later in the day to save money for the entire Toraono Clan as it was not easy affording all the luxurious materialistic items that the clan had along with the basic necessities of food, water, shelter, heat, cooling agents and what not. Currently, the descendant of Byakko was mediating on the floor of the area with his pregnant lover at his side holding his hand as both of their eyes were shut and they were trying to clear their minds of everything that would interfere with the examination of the children today. A lot had occurred recently including meeting Akkuma, working on wedding plans that were being put off due to Kyuji's preparations for the war, and trying ever so hard to find time for one another to just bond. This upcoming war had been taking a toll on both of them which was evident on their faces primarily in the eye region as they appeared to not be sleeping well as worry was sweeping over them. Hell, Kyuji himself had slowly been losing his control of himself as he was slowly walking down the path of insanity; there was no remorse in his eyes hardly anymore and everything had him on edge like his life was going to be threatened. The two lovebirds were fearful and worried, they were worried for one another but also their child who had not been born. The descendant of Byakko had promised the head of the Byakko Clan that he would come back alive for her and their child, but they both knew that was a promise that could easily be shattered during wartime and it troubled them. But, everything needed to clear as he could feel Yanshi's pressure increase in their hand-holding as she was struggling with this meditation thing which was understandable since she had been trained as a ice ninjutsu and taijutsu fighter while Kyuji had been trained in taijutsu and genjutsu along with being the son of a religious mother and father in Stone whom were long gone to their graves. Maybe someday the two lovers could help one another even more with their training and what not.

Prior to this special day for the lovebirds and the students, Kyuji had sent messages to each one of the students earlier in the week detailing the location, time, and set-up of the exam. It should've been an honor for them to be able to enter the sacred Toraono Dojo and even more special to be able to see the Byakko Clan's portion of the Dojo. The letter read as followed for the students:

Spoiler

Hello [Insert Character's Name Here],

It is finally time for you to take your Genin Examination and graduate from the Academy hopefully. You should arrive at the Toraono Clan by 1 PM on xx/xx/xx and be prepared to be tested on your knowledge, skills and fighting capabilities. Your exam is three parts as I just mentioned and it will cumulatively add up to 35 points meaning you will need to pass the exam with 24.5 points or better if you want to graduate from the Academy and become a Genin. I will not be going easy on you in any aspect and I am a hard grader so be prepared to showcase your best abilities to me.

Once you arrive to the Dojo, one of our clansman will direct you to the area that you will be tested in. Upon arrival, please pick up a paper that is sitting in front of me and begin to fill it out. Once you complete the paper, please place it in front of my wife, Lady Yanshi. When all three of you are complete, we will move onto your second test of the examination. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Sincerely,
Byakko Kyuji

Upon picking up the paper, the students would get the following questions:

Spoiler

Name: _____________

1. What is Ninjutsu?(1/2) How can you perform a Ninjutsu?(1) Please list at least two different ways to use a Ninjutsu.(1/2)
2. What is Genjutsu?(1/2) Why would we use Genjutsu?(1) Can the same Genjutsu technique be altered by two different shinobi? Explain.(2)
3. What is Taijutsu?(1/2) How does it differ from Genjutsu and Ninjutsu?(1/2) In what ways is it similar to Genjutsu and Ninjutsu? Explain.(2)
4. There are three branches in Suna that one can go into after graduating. What are the branches and what does each branch do?(1.5)

[OOC: Alright so we all are in agreement and so nobody can get upset, here is the information that I addressed in the PM to you three before but I want it to be public so everything is a-okay.
1. Students will be graduated in three different tests that will total 35 points. They need a 70% or 24.5 points total to graduate. Failure is possible.
2. The exam consists of a written, demonstration and then a RP fight. Each test is worth a different amount of points.
3. There are bonus points possible depending on actions that occur in-character. However, there are also deductions for things that are done IC so be careful.
4. As always, roleplay your character. I rather you barely pass with a 24.5 then ace the exam and get nothing wrong. You are students, you are going to make mistakes IC and I will be sure that you do.
5. I reserve the right to partially mod and/or take control of your character if you are not being realistic. Obviously if I am using a S-rank jutsu, there is no way you would be able to dodge it. If you play your character like their skill set and rank, this bullet point will probably barely be used.
6. The posting time limit will be 3 days, but not for this post. Your first post will be due by 11:59 PM forum time on Wednesday since I know many of us are having personal things that are taking a lot of time including myself. But remember, the sooner you all post, the sooner I can post for yous. We will keep the time limit three days after my post after this first round. I do reserve the right to extend time for people and myself.
7. If you NEED more time, please let me know. I rather you make a post and let me know that you need time than miss a round as things will be picking up quickly after your first posts.
8. As stated before, I am off starting at 8 PM eastern standard time tonight and will resume college on March 7th at 8 AM eastern standard time. If you guys can post quicker than three days, I will get a post out for yous in a reasonable time frame.
9. If I take more than two days after the last one of you posts, then kindly nudge me on Skype or PM here.
10. Good luck, have fun and enjoy yourself!
11. Any questions or concerns? If so, please PM me.
12. If I plan on changing anything in this exam or the time limit, you three will get a PM and I will note the PM sent in my next post.
13. This topic is solely for Azusa, Mao and Surutameni. If anyone else needs an exam, please ask Sunaku Harupia or post in the village discussion asking for one.
14. MFT: 998 Words]

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

((Hey everyone, Kyuji wanted me to let everyone know that he will not be on here for about a week. Thanks ^^))

 

[Muramasa Maya]

At long last, the day she was waiting for had arrived. Although she was by no means a master or expert at anything, being stuck in the "learning" phase of a student was beginning to get repetitive, and the small priestess couldn't stand boredom. She was eager to make progress, and finely had the chance to prove herself. So long as she was not unlucky, she was confident she'd be leaving the area as an official Sunan ninja.

...Although it likely would not help her feel any less tiny; the exam itself was being held in the grand Dojo of the Toraono, standing strong and proud for the village to see. It took all of her skill to get away from her retainer, Hinoka, who had been determined to stuff Azusa into some ceremonial dress for formality reasons, despite the priestess telling her she was not going for a party, but you know, a test to be a ninja. Hinoka was having none of it, and thus, was now quietly shut away in Azusa's closet. A few ropes may or may not have been involved, but moving on;

Azusa would have been extremely lost had their sensei not had the foresight to have a clansmen on lookout for lost genin-to-be, but fortunately was lead towards the Byakko's section. Azusa's eyes wandered throughout the halls of the dojo to absorb the sights; the Aikayume Shrine was not small by any standard, but Toraono Dojo completely dwarfed it! When she arrived to the entrance to the Byakko's training ground, she gave a thankful bow to her guide and prepared herself mentally. (Here it goes...)

When she entered, it as...quiet. Solemn. At the center of the room she saw Kyuji and a woman, who the priestess assumed would be the 'Lady Yanshi' mentioned in the letter, Kyuji's wife. They were holding hands, too! H-how lewd...

(How should I react?) Azusa questioned herself...They were clearly in meditation, and being a shrine maiden herself, she was not one to interrupt...But she was also here for an exam, and they were expecting her. (Maybe I should have waited for Mao. She'd probably blow into sensei's wife's ears or something...) Formalities were difficult for Azusa, but she wasn't ignorant enough to disregard them entirely. "E-excuse me..." She spoke quietly and bowed slowly; test or not, she was in their home.

Azusa took a slow step forwards, cautiously; was Kyuji going to throw a kunai at her again? She was not wearing any hat this time to obscure her kitsune ears, but rather some loose gi and had her ginger hair in a ponytail. Give her a scarf, and she'd have the traditional attire of a ninja going. And what of Lady Yanshi? Would she be assisting Kyuji in the exam? Azusa would pay attention to both as she grabbed the sheet of paper, despite feeling awkwards for staring at them in meditation.

....Once she had the paper, the fox student glanced over it, unfortunately confirming that it was, indeed, a written test. Sighing slightly, at least she'd be able to put to use those fancy writing skills her clan made her learn.

Spoiler

Name: Aikayume Azusa

1. What is Ninjutsu?(1/2) How can you perform a Ninjutsu?(1) Please list at least two different ways to use a Ninjutsu.(1/2)
Ninjutsu is the first thing that sets a Ninja apart from some common mercenary. It is made through chakra to create an effect it's user wants.

Chakra needs to be shaped and channeled to perform a Ninjutsu, normally through handsigns or Seals. Some who have specific attunements to Ninjutsu can bypass seals, or use something like a weapon or tool as a way to focus their chakra.

Ninjutsu can be used for attacks that are powerful and flashy, like an explosion of Fire or bolt of Lightning...But it can also be used to create a defensive shield, or clones for support.

2. What is Genjutsu?(1/2) Why would we use Genjutsu?(1) Can the same Genjutsu technique be altered by two different shinobi? Explain.(2)
"Fight smarter, not harder"

Genjutsu are the most skill-based techniques a ninja could use. Only the finest shinobi and kunoichi may truly make effective use of it since the user needs to think how they want it effect someone, just performing it is not enough.

Genjutsu effect the mind of someone; there are no weapons needed, and no signs of fighting, so tracing anything back to the user would be difficult. Throwing a fireball or slicing at someone with a blade is noticeable, but a ninja who uses Genjutsu can effect someone without drawing attention to themselves, and if they are really good, without someone even noticing its used on them. It doesn't matter how fast or strong someone is; if they're mind is weak, someone with Genjutsu has already won against them.

Genjutsu doesn't need to make anything real, so it is easily changed from one person to another. Someone from suna could make an illusory rock or dune to hide in the desert, but someone from a forest might make some tree's or plants to hide, even though it would be the same technique.

3. What is Taijutsu?(1/2) How does it differ from Genjutsu and Ninjutsu?(1/2) In what ways is it similar to Genjutsu and Ninjutsu? Explain.(2)
"Me not smarter, so me hit harder"

Taijutsu is the lowest skill-required jutsu type, and is for hitting people physically with weapons or unarmed when they can't properly use chakra. It is simple.

Because its so simple, it has its place. It is the least stressing type of technique, good for close range, and isn't as flashy as Ninjutsu, so it's good to save strength for the real situations that matter. Every ninja should learn some of it and shouldn't ignore it completely, but they would be better off mastering more advanced techniques.

4. There are three branches in Suna that one can go into after graduating. What are the branches and what does each branch do?(1.5)
The Medical branch exists to help the village and shinobi, making sure that they do not suffer any more than necessary, and recover in time for their next mission. It is they who help restore someones wellbeing.

The ANBU are a secret special force that exist, but hide themselves away. They are elite and and sacrifice more than anyone for the Village, which is respectable...But they may work in merciless ways. Only few make it through training, and those that do no longer would exist as themselves. The ANBU works in secret, taking care of darker work the Village may need.

For the others that don't choose either of those two paths, there is the Main branch.

Once Azusa had finished jotting down her pure, completely unbiased thoughts, she glanced over it before turning it in. Perhaps it may have shown just a tiny bit that Azusa was bitter for not having any talent with a blade. She had really wanted to be a cool swordfighter when she was little...

[MFT]

 

[Koizumi Mao]

Indeed, today was an important day for many. The girl was beginning to wonder just how much time would have to pass before her consideration for Genin would be made. She knew that if she just kept pushing herself, someone would take notice; how fitting for it to be the very same sensei from her previous class. She'd done something to impress him, and she didn't waste any time trying to figure out exactly what it was. Her jutsu were solid (no pun intended) and the outside help she's been receiving made for an easy way to master the essentials of becoming a shinobi. After eating a hearty lunch at home, she bid her family adieu and promptly sprinted off toward the massive underground structure that was the Toraono Dojo. Running had always helped her clear her head, but that didn't stop the excitement she felt of finally being able to test herself outside of mere practice. This was serious, and potentially the beginning of a noteworthy career. By the time she'd reached the proper quarters, her pace slowed, taking a moment to look over the note Kyuji had sent to each of them once more. Apparently there will be multiple tests graded on a point system. The last sentence caused her to squint her eyes; luck was going to have little consequence to her success. If she succeeds, it will be because she's earned it.

Very much like the situation her classmate faced, she was a little lost. She's traversed the dojo several times, though only to train in the public areas. Thankfully one of the aforementioned clansmen managed to snag her from a wrong turn and help take her where she needed to go. Soon the door would unceremoniously swing open, Mao stepping into the room just as Azusa had taken her paper and sat down. Her gaze first fell upon the couple that sat in silence, followed by a few moments of blank staring. They were holding hands, so they must've been close. His wife? She remembered the man mentioning her once before, and she did sport the same fuzzy little ears she enjoyed to pet. Not only that, but they even slept the exact same way! Which brought her to wonder just why the two would decide to take a nap in the midst of an exam. "Ehm..." She almost subconsciously broke the silence by clearing her throat. While it was an awkward start, the vast contrast to Azusa's reaction to the two began to show as Mao walked straight over to the pair, crouching down next to them. Perhaps the estimation of how she would handle the situation wasn't so far off, her eyes narrowing as she glanced between the two adults. Without hesitation, she leaned in closer toward whom she presumed to be none other than Lady Yanshi. The girl seemed to be inspecting the woman's ears. They looked pretty similar to Kyuji's own; had they formed from the same mysterious training? While she didn't go so far as to try and pet Yanshi as she had done to her husband, her breath may have briefly tickled the feline trademark before she finally backed off to take a sheet of paper.

Written tests were so terrible. It's always been hard for Mao to convey her thoughts without body language, and the academic setting required a gratuitous display of comprehension that always forced her to second-guess any way she'd think to word an answer. It was pointless for shinobi to have to prove they understand the basics by writing them down instead of simply showing their instructors. Alas, she didn't make the rules, which was why she must resolve to tough through this in order to face the real exam. As she passed by her classmate, her eyes narrowed once more, as if she were staring her down in a playful manner. Azusa wasn't wearing her jingly hat today. Either it was torn up too badly from it's meeting with a kunai, or the proper little lady didn't want the bells to cause a distraction. Probably the former, considering how readily the priestess resorted to mental trickery with her interesting attire. Finding a seat of her own behind her classmate, she was intent on immediately answering these questions. The sooner the boring part ends the better.

1. What is Ninjutsu?(1/2) How can you perform a Ninjutsu?(1) Please list at least two different ways to use a Ninjutsu.(1/2)
Of course. What's being a ninja without ninjutsu? The class they had with Kyuji was based upon this subject - one she had passed - which brought her to ask herself once again just why she had to write it down after the fact. Mao couldn't allow herself to think on it too long, pen touching the paper to quickly jot down her answer in some rather messy handwriting:

Spoiler

Ninjutsu are standard ninja techniques. They are formed by the user's chakra, channeled through hand seals or a weapon. Ninjutsu can take the shape either raw energy or any of five basic elements, which can be combined to create advanced elements.

Alright! One down! This might be a little easier than she thought; she just needed to find a good rhythm and stick with it, and this will all be finished in no time!

2. What is Genjutsu?(1/2) Why would we use Genjutsu?(1) Can the same Genjutsu technique be altered by two different shinobi? Explain.(2)
Upon reading the question, any semblance of hope left on her expression immediately drooped back to stoic disappointment. So much for finding a rhythm. Genjutsu was always of little interest to Mao, which was why she was more likely to sleep through any lectures involving them. You'd think she should have a little more awareness of the cunning trickery she'd already been subjected to. Her pen touched the paper once again, but rather than immediately scribbling, she was stuck holding the utensil in one place. Genjutsu was a lot like Ninjutsu, right? But if they were so similar, why would they split the two into different categories? It was the last part of the question that killed her. People can work together to trick someone like that? The still silence that filled the room would suddenly be overtaken by the girl's forehead hitting her desk, resulting in a solid thud. It sounded quite painful. Maybe she was trying to beat lost moments of lazy note-taking back into her brain? Whatever the case, it probably wasn't working, her head lifting again with a quiet sigh as she slowly wrote along with the small bursts of thought on the subject that entered her mind:

Spoiler

Genjutsu are techniques created to manipulate a target's mind. It has the most use in subterfuge or when physical confrontation is disadvantageous. Maybe the limit could be the user's imagination, or how the target perceives the world.

That last portion still left a bad taste in her mouth, but it was the best she could come up with after a few long minutes of thought. It was best for her sanity to just try and forget that question ever existed and move on with the test.

3. What is Taijutsu?(1/2) How does it differ from Genjutsu and Ninjutsu?(1/2) In what ways is it similar to Genjutsu and Ninjutsu? Explain.(2)
Ah, Taijutsu. While she doubted she could do the subject any justice with pen and paper alone, it was much easier for her to find answers to these questions due to her interest. Her tongue carefully poked out of the side of her lips as she continued to scribble away, once again achieving a steady rhythm to convey her thoughts:

Spoiler

Taijutsu are commonly known as either unarmed or weapon fighting. Perfecting the art requires mastery of the body, though it is much like Genjutsu and Ninjutsu in that a proper balance of mind and chakra must be maintained to utilize the techniques efficiently. Rather than specializing in a specific area to exert chakra such as Genjutsu or elemental techniques, the most notorious Taijutsu practitioners can adapt to the situation instead of simply playing to their strengths.

Some of that wording may have been heard rather than formulated in her mind, but it wasn't as if Kyuji or his wife would know the difference. Performing taijutsu was a passion of hers, and she happened to be rather talented at it. There were no rules on this test against having a biased opinion.

4. There are three branches in Suna that one can go into after graduating. What are the branches and what does each branch do?(1.5)
Oh, thank heavens it's almost over. With a small huff of breath, she took a brief respite, dropping her pen in order to idly crack her knuckles and roll her wrists as she looked over the final answer. This one wasn't so bad; the two men she considered her sensei each belonged to two of the three branches, after all, so it wasn't so difficult to recall:

Spoiler

The first is the Main branch, which are regular operations in Sunagakure, performing standard missions at the forefront. The Medical branch maintain and preserve the life of Sunagakure and it's people, and serve as emergency response in catastrophic or fatal situations. The ANBU branch are the special elite, serving the needs of the country in a more extreme manner when necessary.

Done! The girl leaned back in her chair and threw her arms up above her head in a silent declaration of victory.

A grin spread across her lips as she rose out of her seat, headed back toward the center of the room with the completed paper in hand. Empires will rise and fall, but all will remember the day that Koizumi Mao heroically conquered the most fearsome written exam in all of...Wait. Mao immediately stopped walking, taking the paper in both hands as she made a brief scan of the test. Once her eyes settled to the top of the page, there was but a moment's pause, and she quickly placed it down onto a nearby table in order to scribble one last thing:
Name: Koizumi Mao

Now she was done! It sure would've been embarrassing to forget something like that on such a well-written and superbly articulated exam. The romanticisation of her feat caused her to flirt with the idea of being a scholar, if only for a single moment, before remembering that academic work was the embodiment of everything she loathed. The paper was turned in with little more than another shifty-eyed glance toward Lady Yanshi before returning to her desk. Well...now what? The room was still quiet, and now she had nothing to even focus on. Facing forward, she stared briefly at the back of Azusa's head before leaning forward. "...Pssssst." Subtlety wasn't quite where Mao's strengths stood, but it wasn't as if the redhead in front of her had anything to do now either. If the priestess refused to immediately answer, Mao's hand would slowly reach forward in an attempt to prod one of her kitsune ears. "Did you train for those too?" She spoke in an awkward half-whisper that paid little courtesy to the meditating couple or any other potential test takers.

[MFT][WC: 1,885]

 

[Surutameni]

Apparently the day had finally come for Surutameni to advance in his training to be a true Shinobi. 'About damn time.'</COLOR><i></i> The thought flashed through his head as he proceeded through the Toraono Dojo. Truth be told, he had been there for awhile, he pretty much lived there now and as such understood the entire layout of the place. If he had wanted to he could've gotten to the Byakko quarters with his eyes closed. Though if the boy were honest with himself, he had never once stepped foot into the newest addition to the grand building that housed the entire Toraono clan and its side branches. As he walked the halls, Unmei; the grey hawk that was his beast brother, shrieked and called above him. The bird's wings flapped every now and then to keep him aloft, but otherwise the many hallways the youth had to traverse were dead silent.

Suru's footsteps echoed off the walls as he approached the door, once more briefly glancing over the letter he had recieved as an invitation to this particular exam. This day was nothing incredibly different to him and as such he had choosen to wear his typical attire of black gi and hakama pants. "Tch..." The noise snuck from his lips and he glanced at the closed doors before him. A clansman had done his best to try to get his attention to 'guide' him towards these very doors, but Suru being Suru, had ignored the man and kept walking until he had arrived. Albeit late by a few minutes, but he was here none-the-less. As he stared at the doors, his hands finally drawing from his deepset pockets, Unmei would come to land upon his shoulder. His amber eyes would shift to lock with the bird's briefly, some sort of unspoken agreement passing between them. "Here we go." He muttered beneath his breath as he pushed the doors open.

Once inside, the blackhaired boy's eyes would settle first on Kyuji, and then upon the Lady Yanshi. They were holding hands, and in a deep meditative state. 'Gross. Get a room.'<i></i> The youth's eyes would roll as he stepped down the path towards them and to the paper settled before their forms. 'A written exam, how.... How incredibly boring.' His head shook as he took one, not even bothering to announce his presence. He had taken note that two other youngsters were here, both girls. Oddly enough, that irked him. Why was he stuck with them? He growled softly to himself as he took a seat as far from them as he could. Unmei would peep here and there, the sounds soft but they carried and echoed throughout the space.

The paper seemed straight forward and to the point as the young ninja scanned the questions over. The questions weren't the problem, it was the fact that since he had had his spine ripped out he hadn't had enough time to sit and focus on his studies. Every time he had tried he had been distracted in one way or another by the entity now sharing his body with him. He glared at the paper, and man, if looks could kill... That paper would have burst into flames in a matter of seconds. The grey hawk hopped down Suru's arm and onto the desk, his talons clacking against the surface loudly. "Tch... Unmei move." The boy whispered as softly as he could in his irritation. The avian creature merely cocked its head at him and hopped backwards a single pace.

'Okay.... First question.'<i></i>His right hand, pen in his grasp, sat against the paper as he thought of the best way to explain things. Written tests weren't his strong suit that was the truth of the matter, but he had to try at least.

1. What is Ninjutsu? How can you perform a Ninjutsu? Please list at least two different ways to use a Ninjutsu.

Spoiler

Ninjutsu is one of three techniques employed by a shinobi. This particular set of skills is put into use by focusing the users chakra, usually by handseals and is usually of an elemental variety.

'"How can you perform Ninjutsu?" Tch... didn't I just answer that?'<i></i>
A shinobi can perform Ninjutsu by focusing their chakra through handseals or weapons.

Offensive
Defensive

He didn't really care about going into detail on that last one. It's not like the test said 'you need to explain', it just said list.

2. What is Genjutsu? Why would we use Genjutsu? Can the same Genjutsu technique be altered by two different shinobi? Explain.

Spoiler

Mind altering techniques. 'Useless garbage.'
To put someone to sleep.
-- That answer was from experience.

<COLOR color="#0000BF">'Can the same Genjutsu technique be altered by two different shinobi?'<i></i> -- Honestly, Suru had no idea of the answer to this one. He had a 50/50 chance of getting it right even though his explaination would really be the answer that Kyuji was looking for.

Maybe. But I wouldn't want someone else messing with my jutsu. There's too much of a chance of another shinobi messing up what another is working on.'Whatever.'

3. What is Taijutsu? How does it differ from Genjutsu and Ninjutsu?(1/2) In what ways is it similar to Genjutsu and Ninjutsu? Explain.

Spoiler

Taijutsu is any phsyical technique used by a Shinobi. These skills involve martial arts and/or the optimisation of human abilities. To be blunt; hand-to-hand combat.
It relies more on the physical attributes of the ninja using it, rather than harnessing the use of large amounts of chakra. As such it can be used without having much chakra available.
Taijutsu does indeed use Chakra and you need to keep a steady and focused mind to use efficiently and properly enough to be useful.

'Last one.'<i></i> Surutameni sighed heavily, he seriously hated this. His amber eyes would cast towards Mao and Asuza for a moment as he watched one poke and prod at the other.

4. There are three branches in Suna that one can go into after graduating. What are the branches and what does each branch do?

Spoiler

ANBU - Suna's Special forces. They are usually picked by the Kage due to particular skills and abilities. They protect the village from exceptional threats, do high-risk missions in enemy turf, and deal with extremely strong ninja. The ANBU are also responsible for assassination, tracking, and surveillance
Medic - Healing; good back up to have when you're injuried. They also have good knowledge of herbs and poisons. (^^) 'Kyuji.'
Main Branch - Standard shinobi, of no exceptional skill. They perform common tasks such as basic protection, research, retrieval and represent Suna in demonstrations at Tournaments and exams.'Useless really.'

With the last question answered and Surutameni thoroughly annoyed with having to write so much about things that he really didn't care about, save for the ANBU, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu, the boy stood and gathered up his paper. Unmei ruffled his feathers, his small body shaking as he did so. The noise from the animal's wings seemed awefully loud within the room. The bird watched as his companion walked back to the front of the room and placed the paper down in front of Lady Yanshi without so much as a single word from his mouth. He turned and head back to his seat.

'Ugh, that was stupid.' He shook his head his hands once more finding the hidden pockets within his hakama pants as he walked. Finally he regained his chair and kicked his feet up onto the desk, his give-a-crap clearly broken at this point.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

WC: 1172​

 

[Tomomi]

It appeared the babies were finally here after only a brief meditation period had begone between the two feline lovers. It was nice to see his wife for once in his busy life and she looked so peaceful when he opened his golden eyes and peered over at her. If he wasn't giving an examination to these three, whom he had handpicked to take the exam together, he probably would have had some interesting and intimate time with her. But, he had to be a good little god as it appeared the students had breezed through their written exam like Speedy Gonzales running a race and they were waiting on him. Smiling at them, he would nudge Lady Yanshi and tell her the students were ready to continue which would prompt her own golden eyes to open up and peer at all the students. She would smile at them as well to appear friendly, but in actuality she was not impressed at all with any of them. The boy looked like a freak and a threat with his attire and bird while the girls looked inexperienced in the art of love and war. They all looked weak to her and truth be told, she had no idea why Kyuji was so interested in these three and why he wanted to put them together but she wasn't going to doubt her husband. She would bow at them and cheerfully say: "Welcome to our training grounds! You three look so intent on graduating and finally becoming Genin. But, it will not be an easy day for you three if my love here has anything to say about it. He has already told me what you three will be going through and asked me to come along to monitor everything and step in if someone needs any medical aid. But anyways, Kyuji, continue my love."<i></i> Her other half was slightly red in the face as she finished considering the two lovebirds were truly in love, but they never displayed much public displays of affection since they had been married in the eyes of Byakko and were engaged in modern society's view. The wedding for them would finally occur after Kyuji and his family took their "extended vacation" to do some business.

The man would take the papers in front of his wife and begin to examine them reading the responses of the three potential Genin varying in personalities and demeanors in front of him. His red pen would be taken out of his pocket as he began to grade the three papers as he talked to the three students with an upbeat tone in his voice: "It is good to see you three all managed to find the Dojo and this training area. Once I finish grading these papers, we will begin the second part of your exam which will be demonstrations from you three. I hope you have been practicing your techniques that you were taught in the Academy and are ready to showcase them to me. This part will be simple, show me a clone jutsu, the body switch and transformation."

He would go back to grading the three papers keeping a neutral look on his face as his wife would watch him grading and an awkwardness was probably being felt by the three students sitting there. But within a few minutes, he was done with the grading and looked up at the three. He would keep their grades thus far to himself as he stood up and helped his lady get up as well. His hands would go gingerly through some handseals as he summoned three basic clones that bared no particular element and were simple replicas of him. He would have them stand behind him momentarily as he looked at the three Genin-hopefuls and instructed the following: "This will be simple. I want you three to transform into one another. I want Azusa to transform into Mao, Suru to transform into Azusa, and Mao I want you to transform into Suru. You three stand at your desks that you decided to sit in and demonstrate that technique to me. Once you transform, give me a few moments to evaluate your transformation then cancel the jutsu. You will then be attacked by one of my clones and your goal is to show me the Body Switch. After you attempted to body switch, I want you to attack the clone with a jutsu of your choice to make it poof. Sounds pretty simple right? Here is the catch, you get one attempt at each technique so make it count. There is a scale that I am using for each jutsu but we will keep that hidden from you until it is time for you to know."

He would step back then and hand the written portion of the exam to his wife. His clones would move to an open part of the training grounds and await for the students to transform and then cancel the jutsu before they would dash at them and try to attack them. Hopefully, the students were prepared for one Hell of a journey. As for Lady Yanshi, she would look at the three written portions of the exam and just shake her head with a smile on her face. Kyuji was trying to be so hard on them, but his more loving and caring side was showing from the grading he used on the papers. As for the descendant himself, his arms were crossed as he awaited to see how the students would do with this portion of their exam.

Below were the results of the three exams:
[col3]

Spoiler

Name: Aikayume Azusa

1. What is Ninjutsu?(1/2) How can you perform a Ninjutsu?(1) Please list at least two different ways to use a Ninjutsu.(1/2)
Ninjutsu is the first thing that sets a Ninja apart from some common mercenary. It is made through chakra to create an effect it's user wants.

Chakra needs to be shaped and channeled to perform a Ninjutsu, normally through handsigns or Seals. Some who have specific attunements to Ninjutsu can bypass seals, or use something like a weapon or tool as a way to focus their chakra.

Ninjutsu can be used for attacks that are powerful and flashy, like an explosion of Fire or bolt of Lightning...But it can also be used to create a defensive shield, or clones for support.

2. What is Genjutsu?(1/2) Why would we use Genjutsu?(1) Can the same Genjutsu technique be altered by two different shinobi? Explain.(2)
"Fight smarter, not harder"

Genjutsu are the most skill-based techniques a ninja could use. Only the finest shinobi and kunoichi may truly make effective use of it since the user needs to think how they want it effect someone, just performing it is not enough.

Genjutsu effect the mind of someone; there are no weapons needed, and no signs of fighting, so tracing anything back to the user would be difficult. Throwing a fireball or slicing at someone with a blade is noticeable, but a ninja who uses Genjutsu can effect someone without drawing attention to themselves, and if they are really good, without someone even noticing its used on them. It doesn't matter how fast or strong someone is; if they're mind is weak, someone with Genjutsu has already won against them.

Genjutsu doesn't need to make anything real, so it is easily changed from one person to another. Someone from suna could make an illusory rock or dune to hide in the desert, but someone from a forest might make some tree's or plants to hide, even though it would be the same technique.

3. What is Taijutsu?(1/2) How does it differ from Genjutsu and Ninjutsu?(1/2) In what ways is it similar to Genjutsu and Ninjutsu? Explain.(2)
"Me not smarter, so me hit harder"

Taijutsu is the lowest skill-required jutsu type, and is for hitting people physically with weapons or unarmed when they can't properly use chakra. It is simple.

Because its so simple, it has its place. It is the least stressing type of technique, good for close range, and isn't as flashy as Ninjutsu, so it's good to save strength for the real situations that matter. Every ninja should learn some of it and shouldn't ignore it completely, but they would be better off mastering more advanced techniques.

4. There are three branches in Suna that one can go into after graduating. What are the branches and what does each branch do?(1.5)
The Medical branch exists to help the village and shinobi, making sure that they do not suffer any more than necessary, and recover in time for their next mission. It is they who help restore someones wellbeing.

The ANBU are a secret special force that exist, but hide themselves away. They are elite and and sacrifice more than anyone for the Village, which is respectable...But they may work in merciless ways. Only few make it through training, and those that do no longer would exist as themselves. The ANBU works in secret, taking care of darker work the Village may need.

For the others that don't choose either of those two paths, there is the Main branch.

Grade: 7.5/10 so 75%

|

Spoiler

Name: Koizumi Mao

1. What is Ninjutsu?(1/2) How can you perform a Ninjutsu?(1) Please list at least two different ways to use a Ninjutsu.(1/2)
Ninjutsu are standard ninja techniques. They are formed by the user's chakra, channeled through hand seals or a weapon. Ninjutsu can take the shape either raw energy or any of five basic elements, which can be combined to create advanced elements.

2. What is Genjutsu?(1/2) Why would we use Genjutsu?(1) Can the same Genjutsu technique be altered by two different shinobi? Explain.(2)
Genjutsu are techniques created to manipulate a target's mind. It has the most use in subterfuge or when physical confrontation is disadvantageous. Maybe the limit could be the user's imagination, or how the target perceives the world.

3. What is Taijutsu?(1/2) How does it differ from Genjutsu and Ninjutsu?(1/2) In what ways is it similar to Genjutsu and Ninjutsu? Explain.(2)
Taijutsu are commonly known as either unarmed or weapon fighting. Perfecting the art requires mastery of the body, though it is much like Genjutsu and Ninjutsu in that a proper balance of mind and chakra must be maintained to utilize the techniques efficiently. Rather than specializing in a specific area to exert chakra such as Genjutsu or elemental techniques, the most notorious Taijutsu practitioners can adapt to the situation instead of simply playing to their strengths.

4. There are three branches in Suna that one can go into after graduating. What are the branches and what does each branch do?(1.5)
The first is the Main branch, which are regular operations in Sunagakure, performing standard missions at the forefront. The Medical branch maintain and preserve the life of Sunagakure and it's people, and serve as emergency response in catastrophic or fatal situations. The ANBU branch are the special elite, serving the needs of the country in a more extreme manner when necessary.

Grade: 7.5/10 so 75%

|

Spoiler

Name:

1. What is Ninjutsu?(1/2) How can you perform a Ninjutsu?(1) Please list at least two different ways to use a Ninjutsu.(1/2)
Ninjutsu is one of three techniques employed by a shinobi. This particular set of skills is put into use by focusing the users chakra, usually by handseals and is usually of an elemental variety.

A shinobi can perform Ninjutsu by focusing their chakra through handseals or weapons.

Offensive
Defensive

2. What is Genjutsu?(1/2) Why would we use Genjutsu?(1) Can the same Genjutsu technique be altered by two different shinobi? Explain.(2)
To put someone to sleep.
-- That answer was from experience.

Maybe. But I wouldn't want someone else messing with my jutsu. There's too much of a chance of another shinobi messing up what another is working on.'Whatever.'

3. What is Taijutsu?(1/2) How does it differ from Genjutsu and Ninjutsu?(1/2) In what ways is it similar to Genjutsu and Ninjutsu? Explain.(2)
Taijutsu is any phsyical technique used by a Shinobi. These skills involve martial arts and/or the optimisation of human abilities. To be blunt; hand-to-hand combat.
It relies more on the physical attributes of the ninja using it, rather than harnessing the use of large amounts of chakra. As such it can be used without having much chakra available.
Taijutsu does indeed use Chakra and you need to keep a steady and focused mind to use efficiently and properly enough to be useful.

4. There are three branches in Suna that one can go into after graduating. What are the branches and what does each branch do?(1.5)
ANBU - Suna's Special forces. They are usually picked by the Kage due to particular skills and abilities. They protect the village from exceptional threats, do high-risk missions in enemy turf, and deal with extremely strong ninja. The ANBU are also responsible for assassination, tracking, and surveillance
Medic - Healing; good back up to have when you're injuried. They also have good knowledge of herbs and poisons. (^^) 'Kyuji.'
Main Branch - Standard shinobi, of no exceptional skill. They perform common tasks such as basic protection, research, retrieval and represent Suna in demonstrations at Tournaments and exams.'Useless really.'

Grade: 6/10 so 60%

[/col3]

Spoiler

Good luck! 3 days from now please, thank you!
Edit: Due at 11:59 PM forum time on Wednesday night. I won't probably type my response till Friday.
Graduation Requirement(70% so 24.5 points):
Azusa:
[progress]31[/progress]
Mao:
[progress]31[/progress]
Suru:
[progress]24[/progress]

Note to Self: Part 2 is 3-3-3-1. You know what this means Kyuji. 3 points total per technique and 1 if perfect. Nobody will get perfect though lol.

 

[Muramasa Maya]

Azusa was left with little to do after finishing the written portion. Although she did try to focus her thoughts on the tasks ahead of her like a good little shinobi to prevent her mind from wandering, having a hawk in the room as it did...bird things...off in the corner was too much of a distraction. I mean, what if it flew at her or went to peck at her or something? She'd at least like to see it coming, so of course she would glance at the corner repeatedly.
...Although it wasn't the hawk she she should have worried about, considering she was only under attack by Mao's curiosity; Azusa's ears twitched in response to Mao's close whisper, but she'd ignore her to the best of her capabilities. A very poor choice, since Mao wasn't having any of that, and proceeded to aggravate the little priestess. "What are you even talking about?!?" Azusa 'whispered' in the most loose definition of the word.

Unfortunately, Kyuji and his wife began to continue with the day before Azusa was able to decipher what Mao was trying to convey to her. "Tsk..." Azusa clicked her lips before raising her sleeve to cover her blushing face; if even she was embarrassed by the way Lady Yanshi spoke, she could only imagine what her poor sensei must have felt. Although Azusa's, from her extremely limited time around her, first impression of Lady Yanshi was a woman of refinement (which was what the priestess desired to become), she couldn't see herself ever speaking in that mushy-gooey way or with all that touchy-feely crap they had going on before.

...Her crimson eyes darted off to the side, while she eagerly awaited to hear what her next task would be.

And alas, whatever gods were watching over her had blessed her with the end of the written portion; her ears perked up at the sound of the more practical portion. "Hey, Transformation? Easy. Good thing we didn't do that in class, or else I might have fallen asleep." Azusa proclaimed, the Transformation technique being a favorite of hers. (...Although it did help me learn that dizzying Body Switch jutsu.) Although she was confident enough in that skill too. She did still feel disoriented, though...

Moving on;
Azusa turned to face Mao with a hint of fire in her eyes. Although she wasn't outright challenging her as she did in their previous class, if Mao was even a portion as competitive as the priestess was, she'd likely catch on to what was running through her mind; she wanted to score higher than Mao.Plus, by not outright-challenging her, Azusa would be able to keep the 'it wasn't a competition' or 'she wasn't really trying' cards close, in the event Mao scored higher. Hey, she may have been precocious, but she was still a kid. Once she got a decent enough look at Mao to transform into her, Azusa stood to the side of her desk and did exactly that, placing her hands together to form the sign. *Poof*

And a Mao now stood where Azusa was, with a proud smirk on her face. She gave a quick spin to show the transformation was not one-dimensional, but legit. Once Azusa felt Kyuji got a good enough observation, Azusa flexed her MAo-arms, ending with a quick handsign and another *poof*....turning into a similar copy of Mao, but this time with...muscular arms and thighs half the size of her torso, before dispelling the jutsu. Maybe she meant it as a compliment, but...

...Next portion;
Azusa still didn't like the idea of being in front of an attack, and would avoid a direct show of power whenever possible. But she had practiced the body switch after class to the point of, well...saying she could do it with her eyes closed might be abit excessive, but being able to do it with one eye closed had to count for something, right? -IF- in the event she was attacked, she did much prefer the idea of avoiding it rather than being hit by it. So when the clone attacked, Azusa substituted, appearing along the wall nearby. In her place was a slip of paper, a fortune charm from her shrine saying 'Too Bad' with the image of Azusa sticking out her tongue ;P

Yes, she had a few of those prepared ahead of time to bring with her, but the details of that aren't important.

....And Finally;
She reached within her gi and pulled out the flute hanging at the end of her necklace, taking a deep breath before playing a drawn out low note (no, it was not a ear-piercing pitch like in her previous class), intending to capture the clone in a Genjutsu of hers...
...Nothing happened.

It was then that the Kitsune recalled her retainer telling her something she had brushed aside without really paying attention to;
Genjutsu didn't affect clones.

Her ears sank low as she realized her mistake, and how dumb it must have made her look after her previous cocky behavior. The embarrassment of her face made her scarlet eyes almost seem like a light pink in comparison; that made her a red fox.

"I...I meant to do that. Th-that was just...me g-getting your attention. I h-had a r-really cool....jutsu....to show..."....Had she not been in an exam, she may have stormed off. But here? She had to at least try to play it off and see if Kyuji would let that slide...Technically, she didn't perform any handseals or do any attack...(Maybe he didn't notice...I hope no one noticed.) Although there was a limit she could lie to herself...

With trembling fingers, she formed the seals (very slowly, as to not mess up; much of her previous bravado was missing), taking a deep breath...before shouting out and releasing a burst of chakra from her mouth, hoping the disperse both the clone and the rest of her embarrassment in one fell shout; "G-GO DIE!!" Fus ro dah and all that. (Air Bullet)

...Aftwerwards, Azusa went off to the side until the others finished and she could go back to her desk and stare at the floor or something.

[MFT]

 

[Koizumi Mao]

Silent, of course. Azusa had to try and be polite in the face of others it seems, though her and Mao both knew that it wasn't in her nature to stay stagnant. When her fingertip successfully made contact with the fluttering ear, she knew the oncoming outburst was inevitable. Still, she did enjoy the faint tingle in her nerves when she touched soft fur. The kitsune's faltered civility was met with a grin. "I mean your--" There was little else she could semi-whisper before Kyuji's lady announced their welcome and her part in the proceeding tests. The girl huffed, leaning back in her seat as she resigned to try and get an answer later. Her first impression of Lady Yanshi was most likely centered upon the animalistic properties she's been so actively investigating, though Mao took to her speech almost as if she were a young adolescent hearing about cooties; eyes narrowed and lips scrunched together. Her sensei and his wife were so lovey-dovey. While it was certainly understandable, taking in account the stage of their relationship and a baby on the way, it was hard to imagine that attitude from seasoned shinobi.

The next few minutes of awkward silence was spent tapping away at her desk, taking notice of the other student in the room. That weird boy looked pretty familiar - his unique companion even more so. How could a hawk just sit in a room like that? Shouldn't it be perching or hunting somewhere in the wilderness? Definitely a strange choice to keep as a pet, but she did have to admit that it was very well domesticated, and it was as she had put earlier, a cool bird. Her evaluation was cut off by another announcement, cheek resting aside in her hand as they were given instructions on the next portion. Oh, the writing was over! Why couldn't they just start with the demonstrations instead of wasting so much time being cooped up in a chair.

Mao abruptly rose to her feet, arms stretching over her head as if she had just broken free from a lifetime of imprisonment. While she didn't vocalize her own confidence, the smug little smirk on her face that Azusa would soon copy made it clear enough how well she thought she could handle the challenge. When the smaller girl in front of her turned, the look in her eye was unmistakable. She was being sized up; sure, an examination was required to provide an accurate likeness of her, but she knew from the results their previous bet that Azusa was looking for an opportunity to get the upper hand. There was a moment where their gazes met, and her smirk widened, incapable of declining the game they were making out of their assignment.

But she shouldn't let that distract her. She was told the subject of her transformation technique would be none other than bird-boy, which forced her attention that way. While she may not admit it aloud, his general physique shared several similarities with hers. He seemed to be a loner, save for the token hawk clicking it's talons on the surface of the desk in front of him. Was there a way she could incorporate the hawk in her transformation? It would certainly be impressive, though she doubted it was possible to become two different entities with the basic ninja technique. Maybe it could just be a stationary prop on her shoulder? No. It'd look ridiculous...Gah! Now she's got nothing but birds on the brain! Her head shook, and she took a deep breath, hands clasping together in front of her to gesture the signs in a practiced fashion.

The telltale poof signaled her success, now standing up straight as the nearby antisocial boy. After a moment of consideration, she decided to even try and mimic his mannerisms. The copy slouched slightly forward and put on the best 'Bleh, I don't care about anything in the world but check out my cool bird' face she could muster, which just ended up being a half-lidded stoic expression. While it seemed as if she'd made quite the perfect duplicate, Kyuji would likely note upon close examination that her disguise lacked the small raised bumps along the spinal column beneath his gi, likely due to the lasting injury that Mao had clearly missed. Staying in character was her primary focus, though the false amber eyes would drift toward the product of Azusa's second transformation. It was her again...but... "Oi! What're you trying to say!?" The girl shouted, flailing her arms to indicate that her limbs weren't of outrageous proportion. It was doubtful that the caricature was meant as a compliment.

Mao grumbled beneath her breath after her little outburst, "Well I'll show you." Direct confrontation happened to be what she was the most familiar with, and her talents showed as one of the Kyuji clones prepared to strike. The switch was instantaneous, replaced by her chair which easily absorbed the copy's swing. No one would be left to wonder where the aspiring Genin had gone, as her reappearance was made clear as day in the air behind her target. "Aaah haaa!" Her tense body was still during her descent, her right arm shooting forward as if it were a spring-loaded trap with her hand flattened like a knife. Her blow pierced through the clone with uncanny precision, causing it to vanish in a puff of smoke. However, by the time her feet touched the ground, a loud crack filled the air. Her hand tore through the surface of her desk in a manner akin to that of a metal spear, caught up to her forearm in the broken furniture. (C-Rank Piercing Taijutsu - Outcry)

"...Uhm." This was a little awkward, and quite frankly it wasn't the first time she was left in a predicament like this. Bracing her knee against the side of the desk, and with a rough tug, ripped her limb free. In the process, the solid wood surface cracked and shattered, nearly splitting in half after taking the brunt of her strike. The sharp splinters her entrance created surprisingly failed to cut through her skin, though a few smaller pieces had sprinkled themselves in her disheveled hair. "I can fix that later." She offered, as if the sentiment would somehow improve how she would be graded, before promptly moving next to the other student that had completed her portion of the exam as well. A hand reached up to brush the splinters of wood out of her hair, glancing down toward the shorter girl. "I mean your ears." The statement may seem as if it came from out of nowhere, but it was the thought she tried to finish before their instructors' announcement.

[MFT][WC: 1,125]

 

[Surutameni]

Surutameni could all but feel that negative impression from Lady Yanshi after the nudge from her husband had caused her to open her eyes and peer at them. His own amber gaze narrowed at her, his judgement going straight back in that angered stare. He wasn't impressed himself and a small snort escaped him as he crossed his arms over his chest. 'Tch. I thought it was above them to be so disgusting. Love is a nuisance and apparently useless. Why in the hells would we need her here? Kyuji is more than capable...'</COLOR><i></i> The boy remained were his was, his feet propped up on the desk, as he regarded the couple and rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Fweh.. Not a hard place to find. It's gaudy enough..." Suru would murmur under his breath as Kyuji spoke, his words only heard if you were about a foot away. Unmei's head cocked to listen to his master, the bird only bobbing his head in agreement it would seem. The grey hawks would shake, his feathers ruffling as he did before he hopped onto Suru's knees. 'Jutsu. This should be a cake walk.'</COLOR><i></i> He waited, his mind slowly growing bored as Kyuji apparently graded the papers they had turned in. Thankfully, it didn't take too long for that to happen and once that was done, the young ninja would listen intently as to what he was to do for this second part of the exam. He hadn't considered he'd have to transform into a girl and that made him nearly gag on his own spit. He had all but forgotten about the girls in the room, his apparent 'classmates' as it were. <COLOR color="#0000BF">"What!? Really?" He hissed, but all the same he would do as he was told.

Test One: Clone Jutsu.

Suru too a moment to turn his attention towards the small fox girl. She had interesting ears, but then again, animal ears seemed to be a common theme among the people he knew, present adult company included. He took a deep breath, scanning the little girl over, making note of whatever features he could from the distance he was at. Honestly, he could've just sent Unmei to look her over, but that would be cheating. Right?

When he was confident that his assessment of her was complete, he would swiftly make the proper hand signs and; Bam! A second Azusa would appear within the room, complete with ears. He had had the outrageous idea to plop a tail on her and make her ears a tiny bit larger, but it was all in the name of fun as he basically sassed Kyuji with a flick of the ears and tail. It only took a moment, but hopefully Kyuji, or better yet; The Lady Yanshi, had caught sight of his antics before he poofed out of the transformation.

Test Two: Body Switch.

Not a second went by before that clone behind him dashed forward to into attack mode. The clone narrowly missed hitting him befor the boy had managed to get his jutsu off, replacing his body with that of his chair. Granted it wasn't exactly a smooth and fluid replacement, more jarring and mediocre at best. The chair was made quick work of by the clone and Suru blinked for a moment, trying to think of something flashy to do to finish it off and make it disappear.

Test Three: User's Choice.

A second ticked by as Suru thought, a handful of ideas flashing through his mind before Unmei's shriek got his attention back to the task at hand; destroying the clone. 'HA! I know what to use!' A confident smirk would snatch the corners of Suru's mouth, a rather determined light reflecting in his eyes as he settled on what jutsu he wanted to use. His right hand would drop to the hilts of his two family swords that were tied to his side; Tenka, his gravity blade was the weapon of choice this time. He dashed forward, his form almost a blurr as he attacked the clone. A single slashe cut through his target with ease, the clone poofing from existance in a flash of brilliant lighting. The light from the action had a strange glow about it, almost a like the lunar light of the moon. The glow faded as the blade was placed back within its scabbard. A certain smugness coated his visage as he looked back at Kyuji and Lady Yanshi. "There. You happy now?"

Jutsu Used - Lunar Steps

----------------------------------------------------------------------​

<COLOR color="#FF0000">WC: 749​

 

[Tomomi]

The descendant and the head of the Byakko Clan did not have to wait for their first "victim" erm volunteer as the always eager and confident girl known as Azusa decided to be the first tribute today. After commenting on the first task being given to her along with some teasing towards the taller Mao, she would begin her mission of trying to be perfect and trying to one-up Mao it appeared once again. She would begin going through the hand-signs as Kyuji would observe very carefully her technique and then would get a perfect looking transformation of Mao from Azusa. The height and weight were nearly point on, the special features of the girl like her eye color and hair color were perfect, and Azusa even got the proper attire as well. It was a magnificent display from the girl, but she had to try to pick on the taller girl in the room by transforming into Mao with more muscular attributes that were in some ways quite ridiculous. An obvious facepalm from both Byakko clan members was seen as Kyuji was covering his face trying to not laugh at the childish antics being displayed by the little Azusa while his lady was trying not to say something that she and/or anyone else would regret. It was true the two Byakkos were nearly equal in strength and wisdom, but she had a child to care for and she was told by Kyuji to not get involved with anything before they started the examination because that child was the future of their clan and the village. That child would become something truly special once it was old enough to know its place and what it truly wanted. Of course, parents always wanted the best for their child so they were hoping for a Sennin position or the Kazekage, but let's be realistic.

Moving along, the clone would begin its assault at Azusa. But, she actually body switched out of the way and it looked natural unlike how it was before in the class aside from that little item used to substitute with. Another childish antic from Azusa and he had high hopes that she would be excelling in this exam; yet, she was only averaging in his disappointment. However, the former facepalming sensei was now nodding in approval at her technique but she didn't have time to look over at him since the clone was still running wild, brother! At this point, Azusa would yank her flute out from under her gi and begin to play at a reasonable tone the song of her people, actually a generic genjutsu that Kyuji knew, but the genjutsu had no effect on the clone! If she would've stopped at this point, he would have stepped in and told her that genjutsu did not affect clones or any creations that a shinobi used, but she decided to continue after embarrassing herself by actually using her hand-signs and shooting a wind bullet at the clone via her mouth which made the little generic clone poof out of the area. The gaze of the sensei would turn to his wife at this point as she was holding the papers that the students had taken. He would mouth eight to her and she would write it down on the top of Azusa's paper.

He would turn back to the students as Mao was the next one up. Mao was tasked with the same demonstrations, but she had the special boy in the room who needed his pet bird by his side or else Lucifer would take control of his body and try to eat Kyuji. Yes, you read that right, the demon entity in Surutameni wanted to kill Kyuji and eat him. But, enough about the boy hellbent on destruction and trying to be Daimyo of the country. We will get back to him, this is Mao's time. This was the time for Mao to try to show up Azusa as they had a little competition brewing between them that must've officially began weeks ago in the class that Kyuji taught. They were definitely made for one another in the form of rivals as they both loved to pick on the other and show one another up. It was like they were a younger version of Kyuji and Kuro or Akkuma and Kyuji.

Anywho, the transformation would be the first technique that Mao would attempt and quite honestly it was nearly perfect. Mao had transformed in many ways right into Surutameni, but that damn spine had gotten her and he could see her arguing with him for points if she failed because she lost one point because of the spine. The hair however was flawless, the attire spot on, and even the demeanor was in many ways an exact carbon copy of Suru's that Kyuji had become all too accustomed to seeing. He would've clapped in approval, but his clone was already on the way to strike. Luckily, the girl body switched with her chair without any problem destroying the chair in the process. Kyuji's eyes were locked on the midair Mao as she came down with a powerful thrust making the clone poof and destroying the desk in the process due to her momentum. He would notice her walk over to the little pipsqueak as he turned to Yanshi and mouthed a seven. It appeared that Azusa had upped her rival in this part of the exam.

Now, the remaining figure that needed to show his stuff was his "dear old friend", Surutameni. He knew without even seeing anything that Surutameni was going to do something spiteful towards him or the other students. It was just the natural nature of the beast and Surutameni was and still is an ass no matter how much he had grown up since they first met. Much like the other two students, he would take a final look at Azusa before transforming into her which was in all honesty perfect. The descendant of Byakko was impressed until he noticed that the boy's ears were longer than Azusa's and he had decided to add a visible tail in the transformation. "You just had to be an asshole about this didn't you? Of all the days to be a dickwad, you decided to do it on an important day in their lives, your life, and my life. Prick..." he would think as the boy would transform back into himself after flicking his ears and tail at Kyuji. Luckily, the clone was next and he was hoping at this point that his clone would throw a nice left hook into the boy's face and knock some sense into him; unfortunately, the demon boy had managed to body switch with a chair of his own destroying the chair in the process like Mao. The body switch however was not a clean one and it looked decent but not fluid at all. At this point, the boy would stab the clone with a sword of his and make the clone poof. That demonstration of the Lunar Step was clean and perfect, nothing to argue about there. He would hear the comment from the boy asking, or was it demanding, if they were happy now. The man smirked as he looked at his beautiful lady and mouthed a seven again.

Once the last grade was wrote down, he would walk over to his wife and scan the papers adding the overall total thus far together for each student. In all honesty, he was slightly disappointed with the results that were achieved. He wasn't expecting much out of Surutameni, but in all honesty, he was expecting a better showing from Azusa and Mao as they didn't look like they were on their best game today. He sighed at all three students as he dispersed the desks which had been made out of his ninjutsu before closing his eyes momentarily. While his eyes were closed, he would be expressing a look that sensed he was in deep thought: "So...it is finally time to truly test these three. They still have a better probability of passing than failing, but they need to actually think like a shinobi now and not as individuals. I know they can do it, even Surutameni, but they need to put their differences aside to do it. I wanted these three and personally asked for them by name so I need to make sure they are truly qualified to be shinobi."

His eyes would open up again, now however bearing their golden hue, and his wife's eyes were glowing their golden hue as well. His right hand would slip into a abnormally large belt pouch as he yanked out three Sunan headbands and felt them in front of him for the students to see. His face was filled with a look of excitement and happiness, my my was his emotions ever changing quickly, as he placed them back into the pouch before crossing his arms and beginning to talk. His tone as he would begin to explain the last test was friendly, but definitely serious: "As it stands right now, you all need on average of ten points of the remaining fifteen to graduate. As I just displayed, I have your headbands in this belt pouch and they are yours to take. All you have to do is grab one headband and you will graduate as long as you have the points needed to graduate. All of you may pass the exam, all of you may fail the exam, or some of you may pass and some may fail." His gaze would turn to his wife as a smile curled on her face at the three students and then him. Her eyes were lusting ever so much for her and she seemed to want to help her man take these kids on, but he would put his hand in front of her as he began to speak. "Yanshi, as much as I appreciate you wanting to help me. This is a test that these students and I need to do ourselves, please understand and watch over all four of us to assure nobody gets hurt within reason..." His gaze would return to the students as he continued: "If one of you does get hurt, Yanshi will tend to you if she or I see fit that you need help. Do not take advantage of our generosity or it is going to be a long day for all three of you. Anyways to remind you, you need on average 10 points and you need to take a headband from me in order to pass along with having the proper amount of points. Without further ado, please allow Yanshi and I to move and I will motion when I am ready for you to begin."

He would take his wife's hand at this point as they walked away to get her to a safe spot away from the action. While they were walking, they were probably saying romantic words and giving those eyes to one another. The PDA was obvious as he kissed her on the cheek and hugged her before rubbing her tummy and walking back to the middle of the area. While he was walking back, he would yank out his "Divine Judgement" and Liberator from his weapon holsters bearing the Liberator in his dominant right hand and his Judgement in his left hand which if the students could remember was he was nursing an injured left shoulder that was healing quite nicely due to Kumoni's excellent medical work with puppets. The Liberator was a typical katana just based on appearance, but if the students were paying close enough attention to the aura surrounding the weapon...they would notice it was emitted a dark aura like evil while his Judgement was a typical handgun, although rare, but it had a special aura to it as well as it appeared and was holy.

Once in the middle of the arena in front of the students, he would have a sinister look on his face as the doors to the room were shut and bolted along with clansmen guarding the entrances. There was no way out for anyone until this exam was over. He would stretch one last time before looking at them and saying some chilling words: "Welcome to my nightmare! I think you're gonna like it and I think you're gonna feel you belong. We will be sweating and laughing and screaming here cause life is just a dream here. I believe that you will find that you feel right at home here! This is your future, my students! Heaven and Hell are in my hands and I will be your angel that decides which way you go. You may begin, your final part of your exam!"

Spoiler

This Portion of the Exam:
Azusa: Transformation 3, Body Switch 3, Any Jutsu(Average Between Genjutsu and Ninjutsu Used) 2 because your initial jutsu failed and your handseals for your ninjutsu did not seem natural to Kyuji, Bonus 0
Mao: Transformation 2, Body Switch 3, Any Jutsu(Outcry) 2 because you destroyed property and showed a lack of control, Bonus 0
Suru: Transformation 2, Body Switch 2, Any Jutsu(Lunar Steps) 3, Bonus 0

Total Points Thus Far:
15.5/20
14.5/20
13.0/20

Points Remaining: 15 which will be divided into 7.5-7.5 until further notice.
Tip: 7.5 points is teamwork, 7.5 is getting headband, damage sustained to me from you and damage sustained to yourself. The headband is 1.5 points, you either get all the points or none of them. The more damage you do to me, the more points you get...the more damage you sustain from allies or me makes you lose points. Your goal is to show Kyuji how to fight and prove you are ready. There are bonus points that I will be using though you will not know if they are in play at all. Just roleplay your character as normal and I am sure you will all be fine! I also will determine when I think this portion is over or you may depending on injuries and stuff. Also, the teamwork points are obvious, you work as a team then you get points but if you choose to be individuals you will not get as much.
Points to Graduate: Azusa-9, Mao-10, Suru-11.5

Graduation Requirement(70% so 24.5 points):
Azusa:
[progress]63[/progress]
Mao:
[progress]59[/progress]
Suru:
[progress]53[/progress]

MFT: 2141 Words

 

[Koizumi Mao]

That was certainly an interesting perspective of Azusa, grinning cheekily at the foxified version of the priestess. The tail was a nice touch; it seems the antisocial boy still liked to poke fun at others - at least he's a little bit human. Wait. Does Azusa have a tail? As soon as the thought crossed her mind, the taller girl leaned back where she stood, quite obviously glancing down toward the rear end of the girl next to her. Not a very tactful decision, but her desire to make certain of hidden traits outweighed the priority of trying to remain unnoticed. Sadly, she couldn't quite tell whether or not Surutameni's interpretation could be true at a glance. Perhaps she'll find an opportunity for herself at a later date, storing it away in her mind to remember.

Kyuji's tone was similar to that of his announcements during the class they had previously attended, turning to see that his eyes were indeed glowing again. What was that all about, anyway? If it was a way to catch their attention for the lecture, it definitely worked for her, but she couldn't help but think it happens for a different reason. No doubt part of the secret training that gave him his feline-like properties. Something new for her to discover. When their sensei reached into his bag and pulled out the trio of brand new headbands, a smirk crossed her lips. Of course there was going to be a final test, and it was going to be the deal-breaker. A way to put the technical skills they've learned in the academy and on their own time to practice. A way to gauge how well they can handle a hurdle under pressure. The real shinobi test; the test that Mao was waiting for.

All she could do now was wait until Kyuji got himself ready, briefly rolling her eyes at his efforts to schmooze his wife in front of them. Was that really necessary? As a teenager, acts of love weren't so relevant in her relationships. Her anticipation was beginning to show once the man finally made his way to the center of the arena, promptly unleashing both of his weapons in the students' wake. While the act may be intimidating to most as inexperienced as them, Mao's smirk could only widen to a grin. She knew the goal of the challenge: get a headband. Surely if they were to all try and nab one for themselves, Kyuji's well-trained reflexes would keep them all at bay. If they had any hopes of completing the test, they needed to work together. Mao's role was made quite clear in a similar assignment issued to them in their class, when she shook the ground beneath their instructor's feet; she was to be the distraction. Take the punishment that came with Kyuji's focus while her more cunning and less hardened colleagues focus on their prize. A quick glance was given to both of her teammates before affirming her part in their success.

"Sensei." Her tone took a more serious turn, her sportive demeanor fading. In the face of his worrying speech, she could only look excited. "I've already been to Hell." Her Oni trained her for this, over and over. Countless hours of gashes, bruises, and broken bones; senseless torture and mental manipulation. Take the beating, stay standing, and give it back. Her fingers curled to form a fist at her sides, lifting them and slamming her knuckles together in front of her. The small series of seals were quite strange, and likely unfamiliar to many. Her slightly tanned skin changed it's hue to deep gray, like that of rock. The ridges of her lean muscle soon looked hard enough to cut your hand against. While Mao had shown her abnormal resiliency in the past, she was now quite literally made of stone. (Kyoujouran Bloodline: Tetsukawa - Stone Armor Jutsu)

"Show me yours." Somehow, despite her solid skin composition, she was still capable of moving. Mao was the first to act, charging directly forward at the man, right fist cocked back. The glint in her eye hinted at a small amount of revelry in violence; not uncommon for those training to become warriors. Neither the sword nor pistol seemed to concern her in the slightest, far from afraid to get up close and personal enough to swing her fist forward, attempting to give Kyuji a solid punch to the chest with the momentum she's gained, making sure that she was always ready to take advantage should their sensei turn his attention from her. Given her last bet with the short ginger priestess, she was confident that her knack for trickery would help them get the headbands while Mao handled most of the confrontation. She was unaware of Surutameni's skill set, but she doubted that big cool bird he's always lugging around isn't just for show.

 

[Muramasa Maya]

You know, Suru had Azusa fooled for a moment. (A-are they that big?!? They looked smaller in the mirror...Maybe I should have Hinoka sew my hat...Wait, I don't have a tail!) He didn't look like the type to make jokes or anything, and she was sensitive about her ears! And although some in the Aikayume clan had a tail...or several...Azusa was pretty sure she didn't have one yet. She was also pretty sure Mao was once again being driven by her curiosity, and seeing how she would inspect ears, Azusa took immediate defensive action. "Q-quit looking at me like that. There's nothing there!" Azusa reflexively moved her hands for cover and turned away...only to turn back around towards the other student when she realized turning around in this case didn't help her much.

As for Kyuji...Kyuji held the headbands, the trophy they each needed to pass. Kyuji himself was the obstacle to overcome, and the Aikayume heiress muttered under her breath the misfortune of having her exam come down to a direct confrontation. (So much for stealth and deception...Think, Azusa...Think.) How was she going to get a headband from Kyuji? Azusa would likely avoid a physical challenge against both her peers, let alone someone leagues ahead of them like Kyuji, who brandished a dark blade and blessed handgun? Azusa felt even one of those weapons alone would be special, and she was inexperienced in how to approach a firearm. Let alone her disapproval of him actually using unique weapons like them in an exam in the first place. It was disrespectful to the weapons! But she was losing focus...(Focus. I can scold him later once I pass.)

This situation was extremely unfavorable. "The dog who barks the loudest is not always the best watcher." Azusa quoted through clenched her teeth. Her mother had told her that many times whenever she bragged in front her her younger sister or cousin. Although Azusa should have been the last person to chastise Kyuji's boasting, she didn't particularly like being on the receiving end of a taunt. Yes, she was a hypocrite.

Anyways, she felt that if any of her Angels or Spirits wanted to throw alittle fortune towards the priestess, she'd be all for that. Now would be a pretty convenient time for some kind of blessing or miracle.

...But divine intervention aside, what she could rely on were the her skills and tools; the priestess began to unravel bandages along her forearms, which had up til now, obscured a pair of bracelets. Attached to the bracelets was a small silver bell *ching-ching*. Her shrine attire normally had bells attached to the sleeves, but given that she wasn't always wearing it or her still-ripped-because-of-Kyuji hat, her bracelets would substitute. The bandages held the bells still so she didn't sounds like a reindeer 24/7.

With each sway of her arm, a bell chimed. With each chime, a blue flame lit up in the room, like a floating torch. To Mao, Suru and Yanshi, it would just seem as a blue light...But to dearest Kyuji-sensei, if he found the the sound of her Genjutsu mesmerizing, the flames would create haze throughout the room. The illusion was meant for more than obscurement; unless resisted, he'd find his fingers locked in a death grip to the weapons he boldly flaunted in front of them, which now seemed eager to point towards his waist. Although it meant he wouldn't be dropping anything, it also be extremely difficult for him to use handseals without shooting or slicing his hand. As dangerous as the weapons were, they were much more straightforward then whatever secret jutsu he may have known; and when it came to straightforward fighting, Azusa felt Mao would feel right at home. (Mist of Deceit)

Regardless of the effects of her foxfire illusion, as Mao moved towards Kyuji, Azusa would back away into the haze that may or may not exist, the sounds of her chimes echoing throughout the room. Her hands rose into a set of handseals, and she'd fade away into either the illusory haze, or background of the room. (Active Camo) Although she'd love to challenge Mao, facing Kyuji directly in this situation would be a very bad choice for her, so she conceded that this was something the stonehead would be better...err..more efficient...at. Perhaps she could find an opening...or give Suru or Mao one..

- Using Mist of Deceit, possibly trying to get Kyuji to slice/shoot the pouch holding the headbands.
- Activating Active Camo and entering stealth, Metal Gear Solid style. She just needs a box.

 

[Surutameni]

The reactions towards his transformation into Azusa with a twist made Surutameni cackle softly to himself. He wasn't expecting that his choices of added or altered attributes would make the waves that they had. Unmei squawked along side him as the bird hopped to his shoulder once more, wings flapping briefly to lift his feathered frame to his chosen perch. As he stood there, bird on his shoulder, he would reach up and gently stroke the animal. His amber eyes watching closely as Kyuji removed three headbands from that weird pouch on his side. His expression would go blank, his emotions once more unreadable and that classic 'I'm a douche' vibe rolling from him.

The black-haired boy and his grey hawk watched with little interest as their instructor lead his wife to another area of the room, clearly preparing for the war that would ensue. 'Really? More of that crap? Kyuji... Get. A. Room. Most important day of my life? Like I really want to watch you make googly eyes at your wife.'</GLOW></COLOR><i></i> Suru snorted a bit while he thought, he was really not amused at all by the public affection presented by Kyuji. Although, his distant expression would change dramatically as the older and more experience shinobi withdrew his weapons from their holsters. Upon observation one was light and the other dark. The irony of the sword and gun to Suru nearly made him burst out into laughter again. He had remembered what happened when his own problematic 'weapon' of sorts had attempted to attack Kyuji.

As if on cue, that entity began to surface, he could feel it and part of him ached to let it take over again. Maybe make Kyuji panic, but he couldn't let that happen, not yet anyway. 'Stay down will you! I can't have you messing this up for me... us... We need this.'<i></i> Suru clenched his jaw and ground his teeth as he willed the creature to stay away. He was being serious, and as much as he hated saying 'we' when referencing himself and his demon wolf, it was the only way to get the point across. At least, that's what he felt in this moment. 'I will stay down... For now little lord. For now.' Those were the only echoing words that came from the demon within Suru, at least for the time being. He never knew when that thing would come out, but maybe it would work out for the best when it did. There was little time to contemplate things of that nature, as their final test had begun with Mao pretty much leaping into the fray like a mad person.

'DAMNIT!'<i></i> His inner self would curse at the impatient Mao's as he leapt forward, Unmei taking wing beside him. "Unmei; go." He'd whisper to the avian. In response the grey hawk would shriek and take to the air, picking a point to get a good view of what was going on. Once the bird seemed to make up his mind, he dove towards Mao, pairing himself off with her for the time being. The feathered animal was more of a distraction element than anything, and he could be incredibly annoying of given the chance. He may not like others, like his ninja brother, but he would work with them if the need presented itself. And present itself it had.

The light chiming of bells drew Suru's amber gaze for a moment, noting what was going on with Azusa, even if he wasn't quite sure of the purpose of those small instruments. His attention returned to Kyuji and the approaching Mao and Unmei as the fox-girl faded into her weird camouflage, his mind quickly going through what he could do in this particular situation. The boy grit his teeth and kept his forward momentum, dashing behind their mentor, sliding as he changed direction and raked out at Kyuji if there were a clear enough opening. If not, he'd deftly jump backwards and yank Tenka once more from its scabbard, readying himself for whatever came next.

It was in one of those moments that Suru let his guard down, and openly asked the entity within him to take over. The creature behind the darkness smiled that carnal smile and snapped up the opportunity. Of course there would be some restrictions this time, and the youth hoped that the demon wolf would respect those boundaries. Of course he wasn't entirely sure that that would happen, but it was worth a try. 'Ahhhh my sweet Suru, you give me little credit. I will respect your wishes this once, as you have said. This is important for us.'

'At least you understand that.'<i></i>

<GLOW glow="#000000">'Do you think I am that feral? I have a mind you know!'

'I can tell. Now, let's do this.' Suru's eyes rolled.

'Fine by me. ENJOY THE BACKSEAT!'

The boy's amber eyes would slowly fill with crimson, the sclera growing darker until they were deep black. The color had an eerie, predatory glow as it eyed up the man before them. The weapons were a problem, even for the entity, as it knew that those could seriously make some dents in the boy's body and that was not an option. None the less, the creature now in control would sheath the sword. The best option was to surprise Kyuji, maybe even scare the poor man as it had learned it could. "Well, well, well.... What do we have here." The words would hiss from Suru's lips, though the voice was not entirely his. What would happen next could be anything, and the entity was definitely prepared.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

<COLOR color="#FF0000">WC: 938<i></i>​

 

[Tomomi]

And finally the last hurdle for these three special students had begun and they had a simple task to pass. The headbands were literally in their grasp if they could find an opening in his defense which was easier said than done, but there was four of them and only one of him. Yes, they had the numbers game against him but he had the experience and quite honestly this fight was going to be interesting to say the least. He already was making his own assumptions on how each student was going to react and had done his research on each of them; would it show when they began their assault on him? That would depend if his assumptions were right and if their teachers and parental figures were not telling him any lies about the students. Either way, it was going to be one Hell of a ride to the end of the war.

With his gun and sword firmly held in each hand, he awaited the first strike against him which was apparently going to be the eager Mao once again. She was definitely determined to make a name for herself and she didn't care about the typical stereotypes associated with creatures like herself charging head first into a situation without thinking. Her skin had seemingly changed right before his eyes as she rushed at him with her right fist extended ready for an impact. At the same time, Surutameni had decided that it would be wise to ran around the senior shinobi to cut off an area of escape for him while that annoying Unmei of his was rushing straight on with Mao at him. "So, a combination attack from them? Interesting tactic for rookies...the bird is a nice touch." he would think as he placed his gun back into his weapon holster as he awaited the impact from them all. In the distance, Azusa had decided it would be a wise decision to try to conceal herself from her sensei using a technique that the ANBU were notorious for, but it failed miserably just like her Mist of Deceit that she believed would actually work on him adding her own little touch to the jutus.

In actuality, both jutsu were successfully performed, it was just the simple fact that Kyuji had saw right through her actions and he could see her presence while trying to make him struggle. He even made it seem like her offensive genjutsu had worked as he mimicked the effects of the jutsu making it look like he was out of control. He even slashed a pouch on the same side of his body as the headbands which spilled objects onto the ground. Obviously, the shinobi-to-be could've looked down and tried to grab the objects to see if they were the headbands, but Mao and Unmei kept coming. Within mere moments, they had apparently hit the man with an assist from Suru from behind if he kept his attack going. BUT, unfortunately, the students would be met with a kawarimi target attached with a smoke bomb. While the bomb was covering the area, Kyuji had placed explosive notes set on their proximity setting on the objects on the ground that he dropped being replica headbands but with a drawing of Kyuji grinning where the village emblem was usually. This should be good enough for the two morons that decided that they would go after him head on. But to be safe than sorry, he had ran outside of the smoke bomb sheathing his sword before running through some handseals summoning a lightning beast and rock golem. However, the poor kids would not be catching a break as Kyuji had ran through another set of handseals that encircled Mao, Suru and Unmei in a ring of fire that went all the way up to the ceiling. Within his limitation, he couldn't hold all these jutsu for too long as it would drain his chakra rapidly, but it would be alright to have some fun with them for now.

He would then begin to consume a few drinks that he had prepared in another belt pouch to regain some of his energy as he watched the ring of fire burning so beautifully with his golem and lightning beast inside towering over the two students and the bird as the smoke subsided. He then sunk into the ground and went after Azusa who hadn't really moved much from where she had been when they began this part of the exam. He would sneak up on her in the ground and yank her into the floor before sitting in front of her and laughing at her. "You really think Genjutsu is going to work on me? Azusa, I am a master in the taijutsu arts and genjutsu...how foolish can you be? You want to play mind games with me though, I will give you a good show. But, first, release!" His right hand went up dispersing the effects of the genjutsu that she had placed on him. He then went through another pattern of handseals before placing his right hand on her forehead lowering his head and her head.

When Azusa would open her eyes, she would be surrounded in darkness. Within moments though, Kyuji would appear in the distance with a smirk on his face and his arms crossed. He would have the same appearance as in the real world, but he would sit down momentarily as he began to talk: "Don't try to run away in this world. You are in my Mental Kombat, an illusionary world and one the strongest genjutsu known to man. Since you decided to try to hide from me in the real world, you will now be fighting me alone in this world. Luckily for you, my capacity in this world is not as strong as the real world so you might have a chance. But, it is you and me here so you might as well try to fight me and show me what you can really do. Go ahead, you have the first move."


What Happened?:
-Kyuji is aware of Azusa's presence and location along with her jutsu
-Kyuji avoided the attacks of Mao and Suru and Unmei with a target attached with a Smoke Bomb
-Kyuji placed e-notes on the fake headbands dropped
-Kyuji summoned a rock golem and lightning beast along with having the Mao, bird and Suru in a ring of fire
-Kyuji consumed some CP boosters, hide in the ground due to IERL and placed Azusa in the ground with her head out and then entered Mental Kombat with her.

Notes:
-Azusa, it is you and me one on one. Do your best.
-Mao and Suru, play your character but if you touch those fake headbands, you will have them go off which would not be good for you two surrounded in a fire. Also, there is no way to get out of the fire until you defeat the Lightning Beast and/or the Rock Golem. You will need to work together. If you decide to get hit and fly, you will hit the fire wall and be burned badly. You could try to get outside of the ring of fire, but if you try to walk through the fire, you will be scorched badly.
-Kyuji will only be able to hold all these maintains for this post and two posts after at max. I may have it end next post and I may not. Just have fun.

 

[Koizumi Mao]

The three didn't have any time to come up with a plan, but surely the idea was to be capable of handling spontaneous hurdles, regardless of what you knew about the abilities and strengths of your allies. Luckily, both Azusa and Suru had the same sense to work along with her. While Kyuji was seemingly distracted by the fox girl's trickery, Mao's rapid advance gained some support from the strange boy's avian companion. With a surge of confidence, the heavy-fisted brawler impacted the man's abdomen with her strike, only to be met with a standard target instead, which her knuckles had no problems shattering to pieces. In her wake, a sudden burst of smoke filled the immediate vicinity.

This situation left her to recall being in this same position during their demonstration in class. The smoke clouding her vision was of little consequence to the girl, feeling the faint vibrations left in the ground by Kyuji's footsteps. Not only that, but he left something behind. While Mao would like to think of it as good fortune, she doubted the shinobi would make such a masterful escape only to accidentally hand them the objective. This act was as purposeful as the kunai he held to her neck in their previous encounter. Instead of flailing about in the smoke, she stood her ground, eyes shut as she felt the tapping vibrations stop. By the time her eyes opened again, the smoke shrouding her vision began to dissipate, revealing the false insignia on the headbands at her feet. As much as the stereotype suggests, at least Mao wasn't a complete airhead. "They're fakes." The message relayed to her nearby teammate should he not catch on to their sensei's deception.

Just as she turned to set her sights back onto the feline holding their fate, a wall of fire erupted behind him, quickly spreading until it completely encircled her along with the aspiring swordsman and his cool bird. A ring of fire? Kyuji was just trying to be dramatic now, or showing off in front of his wife. Not only that, but he left behind the pair of imposing elemental beasts as challengers. Kyuji wasn't going to allow success by dealing with the problem directly, much to Mao's chagrin. "Fine." She muttered, hands once again clenching into fists.

While she may be trapped, her well-honed senses could still understand what was happening beyond the circle of pain. When Kyuji's body sank underground, she could feel his direct approach toward the hiding priestess beneath her feet. This wasn't just a punishment, but also a distraction while he worked to abuse her rival's weaknesses. "Azusa!" Either her warning was misheard beyond the flames or came too late as the most of the shorter girl's body got dragged into the ground along with Kyuji's resurfacing. Mao at least expected Azusa to struggle, but instead she was perfectly still. Not only that, but Kyuji hadn't made any move to take advantage of the teammate's compromising position. Something else was happening. Something she couldn't make sense of.

In the mean time, there were other pressing matters that required her attention. While she could make a quick escape and possibly gain an upper hand, leaving an ally behind made it less than ideal. Instead, it was likely best for her to keep track of any changes in movement between those outside and stow away her first plan for emergency use. Her head turned to face the boy that sheathed his blade, taking note of the creepy change in his gaze. That look in his eyes admittedly skeeved her out a little bit, but she did her best to ignore it. "Hope you got something with a little more weight than a sword. Taking rocky down is probably the best bet." While they were both potentially threatening, Mao has had far more experience crushing and shattering rocks than she has had trying to touch an entity made of electricity. Much like she had done to begin this test, the girl would once again charge ahead, rushing unceremoniously toward the hulking stone golem. Once she reached the beast, she threw all of her weight forward to slam her fist against it's body, quite confident that solid rock would break before she does.

[MFT][WC: 710]

 

[Muramasa Maya]

Not good! Azusa was looking for an opening, but how could she find one if Kyuji seemed to vanish away in a similar manner she did? Even worse, he seemed to replace his small gun so he could pull out the bigger ones in the form of some high-level Ninjutsu creations...And she heard Mao's voice call from beyond the veil of flames. Did she need help? Azusa was in a bad position to help at this point, sorry Mao...

...She realized too late what Mao was trying to convey. That being outside the ring of flames didn't mean she was safe from Kyuji; uh-oh.
Like Azusa's 'power button' was pushed off, her eyes and expression went blank.

...
....
.....

She awoke to find herself in an area far darker than she had ever seen before. (Where...am I? Wasn't I just doing something? I was hiding...) But..was she in a basement of some sort? It was so dark to see...
No, It wasn't that 'it was too dark to see', it was that 'there was nothing to see'. The entire space around her was blank. Forget about hiding; she wasn't even sure how to get out! "Hello? Heeeeey! Listen!"

Her voice called out. And before she could worry, it was answered by Kyuji. At first she was thrilled by seeing someone familiar; but it was quickly replaced with a look of worry as her mind began to place the pieces of the last few moments together. She was supposed to be hiding from Kyuji. Had he pulled her so far underground into the Toroano's unused basement or something? But it was so empty and...lifeless, no sound of a battle above, below, or anywhere. It was just empty.

And Kyuji revealed why. (N-no way. This guy says he's a master of Genjutsu?) Azusa recoiled from the thought; he was way too flashy and show boat-y! He completely went against the 'ideal' image Azusa had in her mind of a skilled illusionist; calm, manipulative, shrewd, subtle. Not....Kyuji. Was everything she knew in life a lie?

"At this point you're just a bully, sensei!" But as frustrated as she was, she couldn't say Kyuji-sensei never did anything for her; while he did take away her allies, he also gave up an illusionists biggest advantage; he made her aware she was in a Genjutsu. Had Kyuji not told her she was within a Genjutsu, she'd have struggled and panicked. But now...well, she'd still struggle and panic. But at least she knew why.
Resisting the Genjutsu and trying to break it would likely be met with failure...So what she had to hope for was to endure it with her mind unbroken.

"For a master, you should know Genjutsu's biggest strength was its secrecy." Azusa taunted, if only to try an mask the nervousness she felt from being alone. Sensei didn't seem like the type for subtleties though, but knowledge was power; here, it was the difference between a dream and a lucid dream and knowing she was in an illusion made all the difference. Her mind didn't have to be stuck in 'reality' mode and limit itself to things she could only do in the physical world.
While Kyuji claimed to be a master of Taijutsu and Genjutsu, Azusa was really only confident in her Genjutsu; she'd much rather challenge him with her mind than with her muscles; In this mental realm, it didn't matter how strong or weak they were on the outside. Just their mental fortitude. And while Kyuji's mind may have been focused on multiple battles, Azusa was able to give Kyuji her full attention.

She hated a direct battle. But this wasn't a direct battle. It was an indirect, mental one. Genjutsu effected the mind, but if this was a mental world, then Genjutsu would change it just as a Ninjutsu could on the outside. With that...perhaps out of spite; Azusa raised her hands in a manner Kyuji had done earlier "Welcome to -my- nightmare." She claimed, using her own Genjutsu to add some color to the empty black canvas around them. (False Surroundings), to make it appear as if they were fighting atop a lakes surface. But, more importantly, she used it to create a replicas in her hands of the sword and gun Kyuji had held earlier, pointing the firearm straight towards the mental representation of Kyuji. "'Life's just a dream here', right sensei?" Bang.

Azusa had no idea how loud or powerful a firearm was, let alone the properties of Kyuji's, so her imagination filled in the blanks and it shot out a burst of white 'holy' light with a roar that echoed off the nothing-ness around them...or at least her mind thought it did. Although she'd never consider it outside of an illusion, Azusa decided to rush straight towards Kyuji, being trigger happy until she got within perceivable range to swing the sword of evil darkness towards him. Her plan was simple; to try her best to endure the illusion, and overwhelm him with attacks (Leaking Mind) until he got sloppy enough for her to escape.

[MFT]

OOC: I'm taking advantage of Kyuji letting Azusa know she was in a Genjutsu. I figured it'd be a more fun battle of minds, but if you'd intended it to be more based on what they actually can do, I'll edit it in. Or y'know, just crush her dreams further in the next post >_>

 

[Surutameni]

The demon-possessed boy did indeed continue his assault, clawed hands slashing towards his target only to be met with a dull thud followed by the thorough splintering that Mao had given the log that appeared in Kyuji's place. "Tch. Damn it!" Surutameni growled as he pulled back, ready to round upon their instructor at any moment. That is, if he appeared near them. Sadly, he didn't and instead the pair and Unmei were trapped in a screen of smoke. Coughing, Suru looked about, his now crimson eyes flaring in anger. "Get back here!" As much as he shouted he didn't dare move on the off chance there were traps laid about. The light clang of headbands hitting the ground caught Suru's attention. 'Ha! Kyuji, I know you. It's not that easy.' The young ninja chuckled to himself, a twisted sneer yanking at his features. 'Demon, don't touch those headbands.'

'I know... They smell different.' An inward eye would peel itself open in the abyss as the creature's voice echoed within the space Suru's consciousness resided. 'Good.' As the two within the same body discussed the fake headbands, albeit a brief moment at that, the smoke screen would fade. In its place an eruption of fire would break into existence. The roar of the flames brought both conscious forms attention towards the inferno. "Shit." The word spat from Suru's mouth. He was not pleased, and his anger would only be fueled further as a rock golem and lightning beast came into being as well. His crimson gaze cast about for a split second to see if anyone else was stuck within the fire circle as well, and apparently he was stuck with rock-girl over there. Wonderful. Two headstrong and forward moving battering rams? Now, that could only mean one of two things; They'd butt heads or work together. "Mao!" He paused a moment, that sinister and predatory gaze sweeping over the girl. "I know those are fake... But what the fuck are we getting into here?! I think he's losing it."

Unmei's annoyed screeching could be heard from above. The bird wasn't pleased in the slightest either. In fact, it dove towards the two young ninja and fluttered about, his wings buffeting air into their faces. "Unmei, calm yourself." For a moment, the crimson faded from Suru's eyes as he told his beast brother to be still, words which the avian creature responded to. The hawk settled to holding himself aloft, his eyes casting between Suru and Mao. As the boy's eyes returned to his apparent teammate, they filled once more with Crimson. 'We need to do something.'

Grunting, the demon-possessed shinobi settled into an offensive stance, looking between the golem and the crackling beast before them. "My weapons are fine, but if you think we need more. I think I can provide that." As the last words fell from his lips, Suru motioned to Unmei. When the bird approached, he ran through a series of handseals and as the last was finished Suru and Unmei would look the same. Their motions and actions duplicating the other. "Ready when you are, Mao." The clones looked feral, granted only given a more savage appearance because of the state that Suru had allowed himself to slip into before performing the jutsu. The clones' eyes locked upon the golem, and even as Mao attack, Suru and Unmei leapt into the fray. Their claws hooked into the crags within the golem's stone form, allowing the pair to climb it. Once at the beast's head, another set of handseals would fly from the pair, resulting in a flash of intense heat and a controlled explosion around them. Hopefully the actions they took would at the very least damage the golem, if not down right break chunks of it off.

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[col][[Jutsu Used:]]
Beast Clone
Magnum Break|

WC: 632​

[/col]

[[OOC: nnghh im not entirely pleased with this post but... i guess itll work.]]

 

[Tomomi]

After a seemingly flawless first round of fighting against his future team, the series of unfortunate events that were bound to happen had already begun. Outside of the illusionary world where Azusa and himself were fighting in, the two strong-headed students were facing a beast of lightning and a colossal titan that wanted to smash, tear and eat alive the children. It didn't help matters for the students that their wise sensei had decided to encircled them in a ring of fire so they could not escape without sustaining third degree burns and severe physical altercations that would not get them any lovers anytime soon. But, the two students were determined as evident from their looks and communication between one another observed from Lady Yanshi. In all honesty, she was getting excited from her man's work thus far and watching the students struggling brought a sadistic smirk to her face which would have the easily sickened students probably throwing up and believing she was an insane loose-cannon like her husband, but she really was a nice person, she just didn't like any of the students as they have proved her assumptions right thus far being so weak and defenseless. But, Kyuji believed they were the greatest thing since sliced bread so maybe just maybe she was wrong...she also was being quite emotional being so close to having their kid and the lack of sleep was not helping.

However, the smirk on her face would quickly escape as Suru had apparently transformed with his bird into clones of one another and were scaling the titan in front of them after waiting for the creation to slam its fist upon the ground causing a tremor to begin. They actually, much to Yanshi's surprise, had managed to get on top of the creature and used some hand-signs to cause the golem to begin to fall apart causing limbs to fall and smother the flames around the area. But to not be showed up, Mao had charged at the titan as well but was caught between the creation and the lightning beast. However, momentum would not let her stop as she slammed her fist through the beast causing a loud pitch screeching noise as the clone dispersed. Thankfully for her ability to not be able to feel pain, she was only shocked like a little slap from the friend. The titan was the next victim though as she didn't stop before slamming her fist into its chest causing to slow crack and those pieces that flew from the impact would dampen the flames around them as well. The ring of fire was failing miserably now and a clear look on Yanshi's face could be seen as the two children were probably panting as the debris and "dust" was settling.

Meanwhile in the illusion world, our anti-hero would see a concerned Azusa who would taunt him about his methods before changing the surroundings around them where it would appear they were both using chakra to stand on the water of a lake. "Interesting tactic to use against me since I hate water, but this won't His thought would be cut off in his mind as his own weapons would appear in Azusa's hands."--what the Hell?!" However, he would put his hands to where his weapons were and they were there as well so he began to try to grab them as Azusa made her first shot at him, but he couldn't concentrate at all as the first bullet missed completely along with the next two or three.

At least her precision and accuracy were terrible with a firearm, but that would soon end as the bullets were beginning to speed faster towards him as she was dashing at him. This was most certainly an unfortunate turn of events for him as he would be hit with multiple bullets one after another before seeing the replica blade of his own illuminating with the same dark aura of his. If someone was able to read his mind, he was cussing up a storm at Azusa at this point as she slashed right into his chest and deep nonetheless causing a pool of blood to form at his feet, erm making the lake reddened, as his eyes glazed over. Luckily, this was an illusion so all of this damage was simply mental anguish on him but it still hurt none the less. Thankfully, she had not pierced his heart nor tried to execute him or he would've been done in the real world as well as this world. The pain was simply terrible though as he fell to his knees and actually fell beneath the surface of the water.

This was terrible that he let someone so young and unskilled best him in one of his best Genjutsu. But, she managed and he had to take his lumps for now as he released the jutsu bringing them back into the physical world as his hand left her head and he fell unto his back. At this point, all jutsu including the one holding Azusa were left go. They had managed to beat him in two rounds and good, but they still didn't have the headbands and that was all that mattered. They were still going to fail if they couldn't grab them and he knew damn well that they were going to keep coming so he put his right hand up and concealed himself from them all using an ANBU jutsu that his cousin and ally, Akkuma, had taught him. He would then roll away from them before he got up and walked right between Mao and Suru giving them a disgusted look on their face at their success before sitting down besides his wife and beginning to meditate to recover from his wounds that he had sustained along with recovering mentally from his terrible illusionary fighting against Azusa. In all honesty, Yanshi knew he was right beside her but she would take a few steps away from him to make it look less obvious what Kyuji was doing.

She actually would clap her hands at the three and smile at them like a normal human being before saying nicely, much to their surprise probably: "Nice teamwork against my love. But, he isn't done yet and I am sure you all are aware of that. I have no idea where he went though, but it appears that you three actually are something else and my expectations are actually shocked to say the least. But, I am not an enemy, I can't even fight carrying a child inside of me...that would not be smart haha. But, I look forward to seeing what you three will come up with next to fight him." In actuality, she was being nice to not start a fight against them as she didn't need to take any accidents and harm their child inside of her...she still was unimpressed honestly. But, she was also trying to distract them so Kyuji could recover and that he did.

The cat-man was back on his feet again and would only take a few moments to stand right in front of each of the students going through hand-signs that would truly bring them fear and worry. Yes, the man was playing dirty and that was by using their lack of Genjutsu knowledge and shinobi experience against them. If Surutameni didn't resist the Genjutsu, he would start to see his very life form, his blood, spilling from his body in a stream. If he actually was phased by the genjutsu and began to freak out evident in his body language and facial expressions, Kyuji would have the genjutsu cause the boy to go into shock. As for Mao, genjutsu didn't seem like it would truly phase her if he made her mind think it was seeing clones or body mutations so he used the girl's pride against her. If Mao couldn't resist the genjutsu, she would see a physical manifestation of her fears right in front of her and depending on Mao, that could be a wide variety of things. As for little priestess Azusa, Kyuji was being the nicest to her as if his genjutsu was successful, she would see a shinigami hovering above her with a blade in its hand. As for Kyuji himself, he had pulled his sword back out and was standing in the distance still hidden from them waiting to see how they would all react to his little mind games.

It was good to be king!~

[OOC:
Active Camo Mastered is being used: ANBU Jutsu
Core Ability: Shadow Boxer --> Meditation Move is being Used
Hemorrhagic Fever on Suru: A Rank Kinetic Genjutsu
Torment of the Physical Plain on Mao: A Rank Will Genjutsu
The Reaper's Gaze on Azusa: A Rank Visul Genjutsu

MFT: 1422 Words
Note 1: Sorry, I know it isn't up to my par.
Note 2: All jutsu are in my profile which might be the easiest place to look.]

 

[Koizumi Mao]

As she was closing in on the pair of elemental creations, she took note of the two feral clones that charged ahead to weaken the stone golem. So the bird is a ninja too? How cool would it be if they gave their avian friend a little headband of it's own? If not, maybe she could talk Azusa into making it a jingly hat. These thoughts weren't even interrupted as she bashed her way through the animated lightning, as she could only feel her body twitch where she'd been shocked. The tremors created by the golem had also gone largely unnoticed during her approach, as she had gone quite accustomed to moving through quakes and fissures of her own creation. The duo of Surus had successfully disabled the creature, which resulted in Mao delivering the killing blow! Her fist punched through the rocky structure like a bullet, holding her arm in place as the excess rubble crumbled around it.

With that little challenge dealt with, while the dust began to settle, her attention shifted back toward where it had last been; Azusa was still lodged firmly within the earth, but Kyuji was finally moving! While she anticipated offensive action taken toward the helpless girl, he...fell? What was going on between those two? She didn't have to wonder too much longer, as her head tilted to face Kyuji and her captured teammate once the debris began to clear. Azusa had no clear bruises or scrapes indicating a physical conflict, and their sensei managed to suddenly roll out of sight before she could inspect whether he were injured or not. Regardless, she didn't want the priestess in that compromising position for much longer, hands clasping together to form a quick set of hand seals before her entire body sunk into the ground. (C-Rank Earth Ninjutsu - Inner Earth Reflection Lure) While those on the surface were unlikely to tell, she had burrowed herself to Azusa's location. Within a few seconds, the fox girl could feel an arm wrap firmly around her waist, and a hand pat against her tailbone. While the second sensation may have felt rather unnecessary and perhaps a little uncomforting in these circumstances, she couldn't argue with the results as she was ripped free from the earth's mighty hold. Mao surfaced next to her, looking a little disappointed that her rival hadn't lied about hiding a tail from her. "Whatever you did to him, I think it worked."

The clapping brought her to briefly glance back toward the lady, though her attention didn't dwell there, looking around the room while she announced their progress on this test. She must be biding time for him, wherever he was, while he set up his next attack. But where could he have gone? Mao stood up straight, arms at her sides as her gaze evenly swept across the room. Whether he was aiming for a precision strike with his blade or readying himself to fire a bullet or kunai, she felt she could handle what was thrown at her.
However, what she didn't expect was utter silence. Her next breath was slightly elongated, and she found it harder to suck air into her lungs. Was she more tired than she thought? She'd run into fatigue often enough to catch the signs of her being close to exhaustion, and this certainly wasn't it. The silence was the problem; she could only hear the hard thumping of her heart beating in her chest.
"Useless..." The deep bass voice echoed in her mind, like a taunting whisper. Her next breath this time came out as a sharp exhale, as if someone had just punched her in the gut, before suddenly falling back onto the ground.
-------------------------------------------------

Spoiler

"Where has your strength gone now?" A large blurry figure loomed over Mao, hand pressed roughly down onto her forehead. A large can grasped in his free hand, a large pool of water sat next to them. Mao glared, and as soon as she had opened her mouth to speak, the hand holding her head back clasped over her face. The can was poured over the cracks in his fingers, and a rush of water began to flow over her face. With her arms and legs bound to the ground with crude metal barbs, there was little she could do but cough the liquid into her lungs as her body desperately fought for oxygen. "You're being useless! I will kill you and everyone you love, unless you do something about it!"

--------------------------------------------------
It seems that by some invisible force, Mao had been stunned, lying flat on her back and staring straight up. Gradually, her body grew tense, chest tightening as she was suddenly incapable of inhaling. The girl's head tilted back, lips parting as she began to suffocate. The muscles in her arms and legs clenched, hands balling into fists as if she were fighting to move let alone do something as simple as taking a breath. Any tiny gasps of air she could get only caused her to cough violently as if she were breathing in poison. Veins protruded in her neck, and her face grew pale. Seconds felt like an eternity, her fingers gripping her palms so tightly that her knuckles became white. Eventually, her body began to relax, practically deflating as her wide-eyed expression calmed, eyes slowly starting to roll back into her head.
"Up...Up..." The whispering faded at the same steady pace as her weakening heartbeat, until...
--------------------------------------------------

Spoiler

"Get up!" The figure's hand had left her soaked face, giving her a rough jab in the stomach that forced her to expel the water that clogged her throat. Mao took in a deep gasp of breath, eyes shooting open just as the large fist mercilessly crossed her cheek. A slight taste of blood twinged in her mouth as she sputtered for breath. "How about now? What can you do now!?" The figure only grew more violent over time. If she didn't do something soon she would die. Soon after that thought crossed her mind, the hand clasped over her face again, and her shouting was quickly drowned out with another long cascade of water.

--------------------------------------------------
Just as it looked as if she were about to pass out, her chest suddenly expanded, taking in a much-needed deep breath. Though the moment of life was short-lived, as she was soon hacking with each tiny inhale she tried to take. Her arms shook, as if they were pinned down by multi-ton weights.
"Do something...Do something...Do something..." The relentless taunting layered itself over and over again. Her eyes shut tightly, jaw clenched as her focus gradually began to return to her. Finally, her left arm lifted from the ground. A loud roar sounded from the girl as she rolled over, her cramped fist impacting the ground beneath her. The violent tremor that followed felt as if it threatened the safety of the small portion of the building they were in, though wasn't nearly powerful enough to destroy the massive underground structure. Instead, the ground tore open around her hand, a wave of cracked earth and rubble rushing forward until it crashed into a wall. Whether or not this general direction happened to be where Kyuji was hiding is unclear, though she is seldom that lucky. (Kyoujouran Bloodline: Tremor Strike - Taijutsu)

Her ragged breaths were finally becoming even again, heart rate returning to a steady pace as the silent void around her came to an end. The fist she had lodged into the ground helped prop her up onto her knees, forcing herself to stand despite the strange abuse she'd just gone through. That was...what even happened? As she looked around the room, it was starting to come back to her. The final test. Kyuji. All of that...was that an illusion? Was that real? As her head rushed to find the answers, the adrenaline-fueled girl's temper was making a rapid decline. "KYUJI!" Mao was no longer boasting or jesting; the straight expression on her face somewhat off-putting. The look in her eye held a darkness very few students or young shinobi possessed short of being marked by a demon - the clear intent to kill.

[MFT][WC: 1,368]

 

[Muramasa Maya]

Within the illusion, their battle;
The imaginary bullets of light burst from the gun, but just like in reality, Azusa did have horrible aim and coordination when it came to throwing or shooting things more than a few arm spans away from her. Throwing a crumpled paper into a trash bin? Give her 10 tries.

fortunately; she didn't actually have to be precise for the bullets to serve as a distraction to Kyuji and let her get close enough to attack with the the sword of darkness, which she did manage to make contact with Kyuji with, and it dealt the damage she imagined a dark blade would...But this still came as a shocking surprise to her. "...Why?" She stammered in surprise. It wasn't like cutting through a hallucinatory image, it had felt as if Kyuji actually had weight and substance behind him. She had expected more of the 'poof' of a Clone jutsu...

(It....t's a Genjutsu.) She told herself; but it didn't stop the blade from feeling so much heavier than it initially did, it didn't stop the weakining of her hand on the grip.
(It's not real.) But the 'body' she sliced into certainly felt real.
"...None of this is real!" Having shut her eyes tight at this point, she didn't see the wound or Kyuji anymore, but she felt the warmth of blood against her, and heard the splash of Kyuji hitting the surface of water.

...When she opened her eyes, Azusa saw Kyuji sink beneath the water with his mental wounds. She told herself that it was not Kyuji, just a mental representation of him. That it wasn't blood, and in the real world, he was unharmed. But despite that, she couldn't stop herself from lowering her head and apologizing as her imagined weapons faded away along with the rest of the illusory world. "...Sorry sensei..." It felt much too real for her comfort, even though she wasn't sure if that was actually Kyuji's consciousness she fought or just a figment of her imagination.

----

Shortly after, life returned to Azusa's eyes as her consciousness was her own again...as well as a throbbing headache from the genjutsu. Furthermore; she was...abit stuck. In the ground. "....Huh?" She muttered as she fidgeted in the earth...the only thing not trapped being her head. (Trapping me in a Genjutsu and in the ground...Is sensei afraid of me? Do cats hate foxes or something?) If she kept getting caught in these binds, it might give the wrong impression...
"Ummm...Mao? Hawkboy! Someone come help me while sensei's gone, quick!" She shouted in what was the very-audible fusion of a whisper and a yell. Fortunately, Mao was a step ahead, albeit as uncomfortably heavy-handed as she usually was in Azusa's eyes...She was quite touchy in her method of removal, although Azusa couldn't complain since she was being lifted from the ground. "...Umm...thanks. I'm glad you're still alive. I'm afraid to see what sensei would use against a Chuunin or Jounin." He was formidable, and he fought dirty. Even now, he was hiding away somewhere...

...Leaving only the three plus Yanshi, who had spoke to them for now. Azusa tried not to get caught up in her words or their implications of them implying they were alot close than hand-holding and kissing. No, her concerns were that Kyuji could throw another knife at her at any moment...Her ears listened acutely to find him, knowing that he didn't seem to be the type above a sneak attack with lots of flashy fire or lightning. But he was gone from the room according to her senses...Even being attuned to sounds as the priestess was, she heard nothing...

...No...That wasn't true.

When she began to focus, she heard something that she didn't notice before. Raspy, but heavy breathing in front of her. The creaking of...bones? It sounded large, and it sounded close by; her eyes shot open and made out a faint, misty outline of a large veiled figure in front of her. A figure that she (being a shrine maiden) whole-heartedly believed to be some king of Greater Spirit.
...And the blood in her veins froze. "...N-no way..." Instantly, strength left her legs; she fell to her knee's. Azusa wondered how could she have possible missed such a strong presence. (S-so t-the Toraono even h-had something like this here...) It's very aura was suffocating, made her only able to manage the shallowest of breaths.

This hazy figure wasn't simply engulfing her with it's Killing Intent...This was a promise. The poor priestess felt, no, -knew- that if she moved even a hair out of line, that the ethereal figure could completely erase her.

(I...I'm gonna die?..) Azusa questioned. Never had she felt anything so unnaturally hostile. She very nearly forgot that there were others around her.
...Yanshi. Was she somehow commanding this spiritual force? She was LAdy of the Byakko, branch of the Toraono...she could have that power. A few gamble's came to the tormented priestess's terrified mind, all of which involved trying to desperately get herself away from this things focus at any cost possible.

"L-lady Y-yanshi...I'm sorry...H-he told me t-to keep it secret...but..I f-f-feel bad..." She spoke quietly, her voice stammering as if she had been in a frigid wasteland for hours. "K-K-Kyuji said he hoped...hi-hi-his baby was c-cute l-like me...S-since he said in c-class that...He th-thought..that he thought I was p-prettier th-than even his w-wife..." Azusa stammered out from her shaking knee's. Her body was frozen in fear, standing up was out of the question. Even wiping the tears from face was impossible. If asked at a later point she would definitely say her crying was part of an act to make her bluffing more believable, but the truth was she was just -that- terrified of the deathly presence looming around her that she couldn't stop herself from sobbing... "*sniff* Uwah....I-I'm s-sorry Lady Yanshi...P-please don't be made at Kyuji-s-s-sensei...It''s n-not his fault th-that he th-thinks I l-look nicer than y-you..."...

It was a gamble...Lady Yanshi said she was with child, so Azusa doubted she would actually physically exert herself too much...But even so, if Lady Yanshi decided to do both Kyuji's and the Reaper's work for them, Azusa hoped that KYuji would forcibly intervene before too long if Yanshi interrupted their exam. Being beaten by Yanshi was much prefferable, than staying with the Deathly Presence. "H-he s-said *sniffle* He said that gingers were his f-favorite...and th-that he liked fox ears b-better than cats...M-Mao and S-suru were there...they heard it..." But the best case scenario...Azusa hoped Yanshi would storm after Kyuji and lay down the law, or he, himself, appear to defend himself against her accusations. She could only hope this thing wouldn't harm her if he was around...He wouldn't let it even if he were upset with her, right?

Unfortunately, Azusa felt Yanshi would likely never forgive her in any case, but hopefully the implications did not end up effecting Kyuji outside of this happy little exam. Happy wife = happy life. Unhappy wife? And a pregnant future-mother at that? Well...

[MFT]