The Finer Points of Combat [ANBU Lesson]

[Haku Yuki]

The ANBU walked into the clearing it hadn't been that long since she was last here holding a class, however, this one will be for an entirely different reason. Each of her students had already been contacted early in the day now it was just a case of waiting to see which of them will turn up. In her last lesson, she had at least given them advance warning as to what would unfold today so she was hoping that they hadn't been scared off. The sky had already started to take on an orange hue as the midday sun begun to make its slow journey across the sky in order to usher in the twilight, with the cool of the evening setting in Yuki felt a little bit more comfortable have a chill in the air.

Yuki stood leaning on one of the training dummies, the rough straw as a little abrasive on her pale skin it made her want to itch. She watched the opening to the training ground waiting to see which one of the students, if any, would turn up first. Her mind was a little distracted running herself through some of the more basic of combat from Ninjutsu to Gen and Tai, she knew that she needed to be careful when dealing with the kids, she didn't want to break the promising new talent of the ANBU branch. Besides if she did she was pretty sure both the Captain and the new Sennin would not be best pleased.

[OOC - 48 post limit working on a strike system, get 3 strikes and the lesson will continue without you and you will not be able to claim rewards]

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Yukio had already spent many hours preparing for this lesson since receiving the contact about it. He had improved since last time, the air of doubt that had been in his mind in the beginning was beginning to fade as he felt what he had experienced since meeting his new teacher had changed his perspective on what it could mean to be a ninja. Walking towards the field he looked to the sky as he had always done before a lesson, smiling as he stopped a moment to admire the blue sky's.

walking onto the training ground he finally felt the chill in the air a refreshing breath leaving his mouth as he let whatever tension he might have about the lessons content leave his body looking over to see his teacher leaning against a training dummy and assumed what would be happening today. He couldn't help but let an excited smile grow on his face part of him wanting to be able to test his Jutsu and see how much he had really grown up to this point. Stopping a few feet away from her he greeted her with a polite nod of his head.

"A pleasure to see you again so soon Sensei, i can only assume you have another interesting lesson planned for us this day"

He kept his tone polite and respectful standing in a much more confident posture than previous lessons as he waiting to see who else would be joining them for the lesson hoping he would once again be joined by the students he was so used to working alongside since he started his days in the Academy.

"I do wonder if they will be alongside me throughout the ANBU training, you never know what people might do"

The thought was fleeting for he did not doubt them, part of him knew there wasn't room for such doubts in a team and that trust was the most important aspect of working alongside other ninja.

[WC:331]
[WT:331]

 

[Megumareta]

Megu walked towards their agreed meeting point, making sure that he was actually on time for once. At fist he'd been eager about the thought of a combat focused lesson, but then he realised he didn't really have many Jutsu. He'd started to use his bloodline powers a little more on his own, but he wasn't sure this was really something he wanted to reveal to the others yet. Whilst most people had nice stylistic powers that could even be considered quite beautiful he just had really dense bones. Oh and he'd accidentally pulled out his forearm at one point when he was stretching. Now that was an experience. He'd tested his new abilities extensively, and had started to work on a modified bone weapon that he could pull at will, but to make anything quickly mid-battle was something that was beyond him for the moment. If anything he was more than likely to pull out a simple bone club unless he concentrated real hard.

He wore knee length cut off blue jeans and a dark green hoodie. The midday sun beat down as he wandered over to the training area but he found that surprisingly he wasn't too warm. He'd chosen it for the fit more than anything to ensure that he had a full range of movement available. That and it had a lot of pockets for his items. His hands found the front pockets as he checked through his inventory, mentally ticking off items as he went. Although he didn't have the most jutsu he did have some items, an just a little smarts.

Not smart enough to clearly label exploding notes and fake exploding notes though, aye Megu.

That had also been an experience, one that both he and his slightly singed eyebrows were in no rush to repeat.

As he entered the clearing he noticed their tutor from the last lesson was there, as was Yukio. He cleared his throat an greeted them with a nod.

"Sensei, Yukio."

He kept his introduction brief, it was a combat class after all, and he wasn't really sure what the etiquette was for Anbu and small talk. As he stood his eyes were drawn to the straw training dummies that his tutor was leant on. Slight apprehension started to grow within him, but with a few deep breaths he'd calmed it somewhat, for this had been the day that he'd been training for and he was determined to make an impression.

[WC:416]
[MFT]

 

[Naru Hiroshi]

This is it, the first lesson where we really deal with a large chunk of our jobs as ANBU will be in the future; fighting.

Hiroshi had found it hard to sleep the night before, excited at the potential lesson and exactly what it would be that he and his fellow students would learn in the coming hours. The boy had tried to stop himself being too distracted that morning as he had hastily rushed through his chores for the day, and before long he had realised it was time for him to set off towards the academy. The day was beginning to chill slightly, but even that could do little to dim the flared heat of excitement that was rushing through his system.

Almost there, will be good to see the others again and carry on learning together. Then, it’ll be stew for dinner; this is a good day.

Hiroshi rushed into the clearing of the training grounds, and saw his last tutor as well as two other easily recognisable figures in Megu and Yukio. The Sunaku grinned at the sight of his two other potential ANBU teammates and picked up his pace, covering the ground between himself and the others as quickly as he could.

A far cry from hiding any work or enthusiasm from your brothers, eh Hiro?

Hoping against hope he wasn’t too late, Hiroshi almost skidded to a halt in front of the others, panting slightly as he hauled himself upright and bowed formally towards the teacher.

“Apologies for my lateness, I lost track of time while working.”

Standing back up, Hiroshi turned to his two friends and flashed a grin at the pair and throwing them a small wink before turning back to the tutor and adopting a more grown up and serious expression.

”I didn’t see anyone else on my way here, so I think I’m the last.”

WC – 315

 

[Haku Yuki]

Yuki looked at the group in front of here, these three had come a long way since the day when she had sat at the back of a room and watched their very first lesson. Seeing Hiroshi arriving last to the day she looked at the three of them from under the mask. Allowing a smile as she knew this was the final hurdle so to speak before the exam, of course they had a lot to prove today. She knew this was not the easiest lesson but if they performed well it would be clear they were ready for the final exam.

“Today’s tasks are simple, I will summon three clones, your job is to each fight one clone and win, this won’t be easy. Give it your best and make sure you try your hardest. Let us begin”

With that her one hand began to move as she allowed the palm to press to the ground summoning the three clones. Droplets of water that had formed inside the earth slowly squirmed free to begin creating the three clones that she had summoned. Each one forming into the familiar outfit of the ANBU as they looked to the students, moving slightly as they prepared themselves to fight. It was clear that the students would have to work for their prize today.

“Shall we begin?”

Yuki stepped back to give them movement to fight, rather than finding herself caught up in the battle she would observe and mark them for each of their actions. It was a lesson, but the final step for these three students.

[WC:266]
Clone Stats:

Spoiler

Clone 1:
HP: 2,000
CP: 2,500

Clone 2:
HP: 2,000
CP: 2,500

Clone 3:
HP: 2,000
CP: 2,500

 

[Megumareta]

Megu stood silently as their instructor explained todays task, but instead of a drawn out explanation she kept it brief, speaking barely a sentence before moving her hand towards the floor. Three clones almost erupted from the place where she'd pressed, droplets forming into Anbu in front of the three. Megu jumped back and lowered his body, adopting a stance he'd utilisd many times before in training, but never in actual combat. He barely had time to glance over at the others to try and formulate a plan before the clones were stood waiting for them to strike.

These dam clone again! They'll literally be the death out of me. Okay, no. Focus Megu. I guess we could learn what these clones are weak against and use that against them, or focus on one at a time, maybe some big explosive jutsu to take them all out at once?

He ran through a mental checklist of what jutsu he actually had and what items he possessed. It wasn't a very long list and didn't contain anything close to dealing the damage he assumed the clones could take. His hand dropped towards the sheathe at his side, his heavy weapon held tightly within. It was a pretty new weapon and he was eager to test it out on something that could actually dodge. As much as he loved lunging and slashing at training dummies and dodging imagined assaults in return it just wasn't the same as fighting something living, something breathing that could actually hit back. But what tact to actually take? With only a moments hesitation he scurried into action.

WC: 270
Total WC:686

Actions:

Spoiler

1.Equip weapon for 0ap from quickdraw ability
Slashing
+3% bleeding (from weapon attunement)
+10% damage (Includes +5% from weapon attunement)
Accuracy penalty reduced to 0 by weapon attunement

2.Target clone 2 withCross Rip Master Rank, 205cp, for 1.25cp

3. Target Clone 2 with Arcing Slash Master Rank, 75 cp, 0.75ap

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Yukio stood there as the other students arrived nodding to each one as they joined him in the training field. He was glad to see they were still committed to the Anbu training and wondered to himself how many more lessons or missions they would have before they graduated from being simple students to fully fledged members of the Anbu branch. As they arrived he heard the teacher speak looking over to her with a large grin as he heard the objective of the days lesson.

"Teach really likes her clones it would seem, though at least they will actually put up a fight this time though I hope we'll come out ok after the state we found Hiroshi in last time but it also gave us a hint that these clones can most likely use water style jutsu"

He quickly readied himself taking only a second to glance at Megu and Hiroshi knowing they would not have much in the way of time to make a true plan against these clones as he nodded to them. This would not be easy and he didn't expect their teacher to go easy on them but if they worked together there was still a chance they could win here he could only hope that as the battle progressed they could begin to gain the upper hand. Part of him couldn't help but wish he knew what his teammates were capable of, though part of that issue may have been because he never took the time to ask them about their Jutsu. Without another thought he bolted at the clones knowing that if they could at least seize the initiative they were still in with a chance to win this.

[WC: 287]
[WT: 618]

Actions

Spoiler

1. Equip Gloves for 0ap using Quick Draw
Unarmed
Able to use Handseals with weapon equipped
+15% weapon Damage (Includes 5% from weapon attunement)
Accuracy Penalty -1 due to Weapon Attunement

Enter Jyuuken Stance (Unarmed attacks do 80% damage, +1 Accuracy and Crit, 40% chance for internal Bleeding and Called Shots gain a +4% Chance of success)

Target Clone 1 with Janken mastered, 20% extra Cp to use Paper effect 1Ap striking at 0ap Step Using Initiative

Activate Byakugan rank 1, 1ap (+1 Accuracy/Dodge, 500 meter visual range.)

 

[Naru Hiroshi]

Hiroshi listened to the task being explained and felt his adrenaline begin to course through his body at the prospect of this final lesson. He knew that fighting was a part of being a shinobi, especially for someone who wanted to join the ANBU, and so he had been wondering how he would do when it came to combat and he would finally get his chance.

Not to mention that I get some measure of revenge against the tutor’s clone and a chance to prove that I am much better than was first predicted.

Hiroshi looked at the clone who stood opposite him and flexed his fingers, his mind racing as he ran through a quick inventory of the things he had brought with him, and the different jutsu he had learned for such a situation. His training had been working towards this point; the culmination of the training up until this point where he had one final hurdle before he would be able to take the ANBU exam and graduate from the academy.

And earn some money, and finally be able to stand on my own two feet. Just have to kick the heck out of a clone, no pressure.

Glancing over to his two fellow students, Hiroshi saw them both in a similar state to the one he was in, as they prepared to unleash whatever limited fury a trio of academy students could possess. He clenched both of his fists tightly as he turned back towards his enemy for the lesson and, with fire in his heart, launched himself forwards.

WC – 263
Total WC – 578

Actions:

Spoiler

1. Equip gloves for 0ap (Quickdraw ability)
Gloves
Unarmed (Handseals)
+2 Accuracy / -5% Damage (+5% from weapon attunement ability)
Augments - Razor Strike - viewtopic.php?f=357&t=51327
Raid - viewtopic.php?f=357&t=51335

2. Cast Mastered Air Bullet at Clone 3 (https://ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?p=1081#p1081) (1.5ap)
Change element to Sand with Sand Manipulation (Wind/Earth jutsu to sand element for +20% Chakra Cost) +10% damage from Sand Mastery

Carry over 0.5 ap to next round.
Training, Profile and Dojo links in signature.

 

[Haku Yuki]

Yuki watched as the boys jumped into action it was nice seeing their full combat potential, it was a rare to see a group of students so undaunted by the task ahead of them and leap at the challenged, each of the boys had their own uniques method of combat, Yukio it seemed was channeling the power of his bloodline, that deadly power of the Hyuuga, Hiroshio was doing much the same, it was interesting to watch the mastery he had over the element of sand. Megu on the other hand was focusing on the hand to hand method of Taijutsu. The ANBU was impressed with what she was so far and a little surprised with their strength.

However it was now their turn and she knew that her clones weren’t not going to go easy on them this time. The first clone summoned the vapor in the air forming a large spiral of water, the move flew from the clones had straight towards hit target it quickly followed this move up with a high pressure spout water that followed closely behind its first attack. The second of the three clones followed using it water based move to form a long whip like tendril that slashed towards Megu violently before surrounding the boy in a mist like vapor that weight the boy's body down. Lastly the third clone focused its chakra, summoning a large wave of water that raised up high over the head of Hiroshi it stayed there for a few seconds before cascading down on the boy.

The Haku sat on a rock cross legged watching the action unfold, she knew she told her clones not to hold back but she was hoping they hadn’t taken things too far. She wasn’t overly keen with the prospect of having to report the death of three new Students to her higher ups if they had, but deep down she knew the three boys were made of sturdier stuff then she gave them credit for.

[WC = 334]

Spoiler

Yukio:
HP: 2,856 - 685 - 285 = 1886
CP: 4160 - 96 = 4080
AP used = 2
AP carried = 0.5

Yukio is now in Jyuuken Stance.
Yukio hits Clone 1 with Janken dealing 390 damage, does not cause Bleeding.



Megu:
HP: 2640 - 720 - 225 = 1695
CP: 2000 - 205 - 75 = 1720
AP used = 2
AP carried over = 0.5

Megu Hit Clone 2 with Cross Rip dealing 682 damage, does not cause Bleeding.
Megu Hit Clone 2 with Arcing Slash dealing 253 damage, does not cause Bleeding.


Hiroshi:
HP: 5220 - 1690 = 3530
CP: 3822 - 240 = 3582

Hiroshi hits Clone 3 with Air Bullet dealing 891 damage, does not cause Bleeding or Gapless.


Clone 1:
HP: 2,000 - 390 = 1610
CP: 2,500 - 270 - 100 = 2400
AP used = 2.5

Clone 1 hits Yukio with Aqua Fang dealing 685 damage, does not cause Bleeding.
Clone 1 hits Yukio with Water Gun dealing 285 damage, does not cause Suppression.

Clone 2:
HP: 2,000 - 682 - 253 = 1,065
CP: 2,500 - 240 - 80 = 2180
AP used = 2.5

Clone 2 hit Megu with Water Whip dealing 720, does cause Rank 1 Bleeding and does not cause Suppression.
Clone 2 hits Megu with Pressurized Mist dealing 225, does not cause Bleeding.
Megu has Bleeding Rank 1.

Clone 3:
HP: 2,000 - 891 = 1,109
CP: 2,500 - 450 = 2050
AP used = 2
AP carried over = 0.5

Clone 3 hits Hiroshi with Grand Water Fall causing 1690 damage, does cause Crush, called for shot on Feet causing Sprain.
Hiroshi has Sprained Feet.

 

[Megumareta]

Megu's confidence had been fairly short lived as he'd torn into the fray with his new weapon. He felt the bloodlust descend as his hands felt the coarse leather grip of his short sword pressing back against his hands. His heart pumped like it had never before and his eyes were focused on the clone dead ahead of him. Whilst he'd fought his brother many times and even other boys, but never with a weapon in his had. At least not one he was planning to use anyway.

It was his first real fight against real opponents, and whilst his friends from the academy had found their own sparring partners he'd been left out.

Time to show them what you're made of Megu...

He launched at the clone in the middle, his sword rising from it's resting position pointed down upon the floor, cresting up into the air, before he shifted his body weight, allowing the sword to fall back down diagonally forming a clean X where it had cut. The clone seemed rather unphased by the attack.

What the hell are they made out of?

Panting slightly he used the momentum of the first attack to swing his sword once more, this time in a wide arc in front of him. His sword sliced into the clone, and for the first time Megu thought he might have been able to see a little damage.

Jumping backwards he held his sword by both handle and the blunt side of the blade in an effort to block any attacks that might be heading his way. What he was not expecting , however, was a stream of water slicing him across his midsection. He let out a slight gasp as he saw his own blood arcing out in front of him, the end of the water whip stained a rusty red hue as his own blood was added to the mixture.

As he landed he started to consider his next move, but suddenly the air around him clouded his vision before pressure mounted on the young boy. Whilst not as painful as the first attack it still made him grit his teeth.

"You ripped my shirt you fool!"

Megu was furious about both shirt and blood, and expressed this in the only way 9 year olds know how. The only difference was this 9 year old had a sword and more than a couple of tricks up his sleeve...

WC: 404
Total wc: 1,090



Actions:

Spoiler

Heal +3% max hp from Healing factor
https://ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?f=213&t=5401

0.5ap carried over from last round.

1. Use Full Circle Rank 2 D-Rank 1.25ap 235 Cp

Rank 2: The user strikes up to 2 targets, dealing 595 damage each.
(+10% damage from weapon)

Target clone 2 and a roll between clone 1 and 3.

2.Sheathe weapon with quickdraw for 0ap

3.Use fireball D-Rank master with special action grand fireball and minor affinity move spread

Master: Shoots a fireball that explodes dealing 900 damage with a 16% chance of causing the 'sear' effect.

Special Action - Grand Fireball: By paying +20% Cp, the user may increase the radius of the explosion to effect +1 target. However, this technique only deals 80% of the damage.

Minor affinity move
Spread - Adds +1 Target to a Jutsu attack; this move may only be used once per round. (Cannot be used on techniques attacks which are not offensive, such as binds.)

All 3 clones targeted
300 base cp+20%= 360cp cost
1.5ap Jutsu cost

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Watching his teammates fight Yukio couldn't help but feel new found confidence, knowing that for all their teacher may be strong they are certainly within a chance to win this fight. Though he was using the full potential of his bloodline he couldn't let himself believe he had fully mastered it yet flinching at seeing the difference in power between his friends and the ANBU. Even after the first few seconds of combat, he looked a sorry state panting to try and get a few precious seconds of reprieve before carefully considering what his next move should be.

"As much as I thought teach was strong, this is much more than I was expecting and from only the clones no less"

This feeling of caution and fear was soon enforced as the clones retaliated to the student's initial attack, the power of the Jutsu's used against them at a level of their own as he was soaked by a series of water Jutsu not getting a moment to breath between strikes as he was forced back. Though he would not let the sense of fear control him the fact they had to do more to win this fight was obvious, taking a step forward once more as he checked the condition of his fellows.

It appeared they were in much the same condition as he was, Megu being hit with a similar series of strikes as he while Hiroshi was crushed beneath the torrent of a great waterfall. A nervous grin crossed his face as he lifted his hands to strike once more flicking his head to get some of the water off in an attempt to keep his eyes clear taking a deep breath in and preparing for his next attack.

Actions:

Spoiler

0.5cp carried over from last round.

+2% Cp from Glove Augment Re-Energize: +82cp
10% of Damaged caused by Gloves back into Cp for Chakra Drain: +36cp

Maintain Byakugan for 140cp +1 Accuracy and Dodge
Maintain Jyuuken Stance 80% Damage, but they gain +1 Accuracy and +1 Critical, and have a 40% chance to cause internal bleeding. Unarmed Called Shots gain a +4% Chance of success.
https://ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?f=130&t=5526

1. Use Gentle Step Twin Lion Fist Rank 1 targeting Clone 1: 1.25Ap, 210Cp
2. Use Spinning Wind Rank 2 targeting clone 1: 1.25Ap, 215Cp

[WC:292]
[WT: 910]

 

[Naru Hiroshi]

Hiroshi had darted forwards, his swift hands pulling on his gloves as he moved with a practiced ease that he attributed to the hours he had spent practicing such a simple action. Every action was concise and methodical, and almost before he had realised it he had his beloved weapon equipped. Even as he had finished this action, he was already gathering his chakra, moulding the energy that he held within him and forming it into something real and, he hoped, effective.

This is what I’ve trained for, this is where I finally get to measure myself against a real test rather than something ethereal. Finally…I get to fight.

Hiroshi was had something unique he was planning, an ability borne from his newly discovered bloodline. He had been working for weeks on the technique he was planning, and he was about to see the fruits of his labour. He cast the jutsu he had been building up to, but instead of a bullet of wind bursting out, instead a projectile of sand hurled out in front of him and slammed into the clone that he had been targeting, sending it stumbling backwards slightly with the force of the strike.

Yes!

The silver-haired boy’s feeling of victory was short lived however, as the clone he had attacked performed a jutsu of its own. Handseals seemed to blur before a giant wave of water rose up and descended down onto Hiroshi’s head, slamming into him with incredible force and causing pain to wrack his body. The boy winced with the injury, looking down at his ankle which seemed to be particularly damaged by the attack from the clone, and a fury rose up within the boy’s chest and he gritted his teeth as determination filled him.

”You’re going to pay for that!”

WC – 300
Total WC – 878

Actions:

Spoiler

1. Cast Mastered Air Bullet at Clone 3 (https://ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?p=1081#p1081) (1.5ap)
Change element to Sand with Sand Manipulation (Wind/Earth jutsu to sand element for +20% Chakra Cost) +10% damage from Sand Mastery

2. Cast Mastered Wind Slash at Clone 3 or if Clone 3 dead then whichever clone is left alive at this point (https://ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?p=1083#p1083) (1ap)
Change element to Sand with Sand Manipulation (Wind/Earth jutsu to sand element for +20% Chakra Cost) +10% damage from Sand Mastery

 

[Haku Yuki]

The three clones jumped back after unleashing their attacks on the boys, they did get much in terms of respite before students were back on the offensive, first up was Megu using his bladed weapon he swung nearly a full 360 on his heels slicing clean into two of the three clones without having time to react he followed by sending a large fireball towards the direction of the already wounded clones. Next was Yukio, still channelling his Hyuuga powers he hit the clone he was faced with a flurry of punches before unleashing the full force of his wind jutsu sending it flying backwards away from him. Last up was Hiroshi, summoning sand from the very ground they stood on he formed a bullet as hard as concrete sending it flying towards the last standing clone knocking it over like a bowling ball.

There was a pause as the three clones laid on the ground seemingly defeated Yuki grinned as she knew they had one final trick up their sleeves, jumping back to their feet each of them in perfect unison each summoned a huge wave that overshadowed each of the students. Just like it was summoned the clones let each of the waves crash down on the boys. The ground was covered in the residual water of the attack making the hard ground muddy, the Haku grinning and stood up clapping as the clone dissipated into the muddy water that covered the ground and the three students.

“Congratulations you three your are more than ready for your ANBU exam,” She steps cautiously through the mud careful not to dirty herself. Yuki would wait for the students to recover before finalising the lesson.

[WC: 284]
[MFT]

Spoiler

Yukio:
HP: 1886
CP: 4180 - 210 - 215 = 3755
AP used = 2
AP carried = 0.5

Yukio hits Clone 1 with Gentle Step Twin Lion Fist dealing 546 damage.

Yukio hits Clone 1 with Spinning Wind dealing 568 damage, does not cause Bleeding.

Megu:
HP: 1695 + 792 = 2487
CP: 1720
AP used = 2
AP carried over = 0.5

Megu hits Clone 2 and 3 with Full Circle dealing 655 damage to each Clone.

Megu Hits Clone 2 and 3 with Fireball dealing 720 damage to each Clone, does not cause Sear to either Clones.

Megu has destroyed Clone 2 and 3.


Hiroshi:
HP: 3530
CP: 3582

Hiroshi hits Clone 1 with Air Bullet dealing 753 damage to Clone 1.

Hiroshi has destroyed Clone 1.


Clone 1:
HP: 1610 - 546 - 568 - 753 = 0
CP: 2400
AP used = 2.5

Clone 1 hits Yukio with Grand Waterfall causing 1690 damage, does not cause Crush.

Clone 2:
HP: 1,065 - 655 - 720 = 0
CP: 2180
AP used = 2.5

Clone 2 hits Megu with Grand Waterfall causing 1690 damage, does not cause Crush.

Clone 3:
HP: 1,109 - 655 - 720 = 0
CP: 2050
AP used = 2
AP carried over = 0.5

Clone 3 hits Hiroshi with Grand Waterfall causing 1690 damage, does not cause Crush.

 

[Megumareta]

Megu launched himself into the midst of the clones with a speed that even surprised him a little. Lifting his sword he whipped it around above his head, his arm extending outwards as it spiraled around him, cutting into both of the clones. He'd practiced this move time after time on practice dummies and trees alike, but the second part was the hardest to pull off in his little combo. As the sword made its final swing he continued the momentum, allowing the weight of the sword to carry him backwards. As he pushed off with his feet he launched up into the air, letting the sword slip through his fingers and towards the hard ground below. He formed handseals and felt the power rising up within him, the heat building in his chest before he expelled it out into the air. The flames formed into a giant fireball that engulfed two of the clones. He'd spent an extra second focusing his chakra in an attempt to increase the ferocity of the fire, and was pleasantly surprised when the fireball was anything bigger than he'd ever produced before.

As he dropped down to the ground below he recovered his sword, placing it back in it's sheathe. He looked around towards the other fighters, pleased that they'd all managed to land their attacks and done enough damage to stop the clones. He smiled at the others, stupidly taking his eyes off the clones for a brief second before movement in the corner of his eyes drew his attention back to the fight just before...

CRASH

A giant wave taller than the tallest amongst them crashed over their little team. Megu shouted out as they were hit, his words lost in the chaos. As he tried to stand he lost his footing as his shoe caught in the mud, sending him tumbling backwards into the mud again. Standing up he grasped his shoe and held it in his hand. He was so wet and muddy he figured there was little point in trying to put it back on.

“Congratulations you three your are more than ready for your ANBU exam,”

That one sweet sentence that he'd been waiting for months to hear made all the pain and the mud worthwhile. Despite his grubby form he couldn't help but let out a huge smile and a small laugh. He turned to the other boys;

"We did it! We're going to be Anbu!"

If we somehow manage to pass the exam that is...

The thought soured his good mood as he considered what the exam could even be like.

"Sensei, what can you tell us about the Anbu exam? Is there anything we can do to prepare?"

He waited in silence, hoping that their teacher would give them at least a small insight into what would expect. As much as he'd put hours into training his body, his mind and his increasing number of jutsu he would take any help that he could get.

Wc:500
Total W: 1590

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Yukio maintained his stance, lifting his arms as a pair of lions began to form at his fists beginning to do a series of spins at the clone he had chosen as his target feeling the impacts of his punches he knew he couldn’t let up his assault quickly switching into a series of kicks before landing looking ahead to see if the clone was beaten.

His breath was heavy as he grew tired, this was his first true combat challenge and it was not an easy one. The weight he felt on his shoulders at the pressure to continue the assault was great to say the least, it was at this moment he saw the clone laid out on the ground.

Taking a second to pause the thought they had won entered his mind, a pleasant thought but short lived as he nodded to his team mates he felt the weight hit again, but this was no metaphorical weight or figment of his imagination it was sheer force that engulfed the three at that moment forcing him to his knees.

Gasping for air in that moment the young student glanced around seeing both Megu and Hiroshi had received the same treatment. When it was finally over water dripped into the mud below as Yukio’s hair now covered his eyes all he could here we’re the words.

“Congratulations you three your are more than ready for your ANBU exam,”

Shaking the white mop of hair to uncover the eyes behind he looked at their teacher with a smile. All the training before now had paid off and they were ready to take the exam to reach the next level of the road they had begun what felt like so long ago.

“We have earned the right to move forward, I can’t believe we did it!”

He turned his head to Megu as he asked what they exam would entail curious of what the answer would be himself but somewhat doubtful they would receive the answer all he could be sure of was it would not be an easy endeavour but should they pass it they were one step closer to being fully fledged ANBU members.

[WC:365]
[WT: 1275]

 

[Naru Hiroshi]

Hiroshi felt in his element, his body coursing with adrenaline and a fierce joy as he fought the teacher's clones. He knew with an almost unshakeable certainty that he would win, and this confidence was an addictive thing, akin to how he felt drugs that sent people crazy would feel. However, what he was doing was legal, and he would have a chance to do it for the rest of his life if he was fortunate.

To do that though, I need to keep getting better and that starts here, with this fight.

Even without looking, he could almost sense his fellow students and their abilities as they tore into the enemy clones, knocking them down to the ground with an almost contemptuous ease. Fire swelled somewhere nearby, and the heat of the flames washed over the silver-haired youth as one of his two allies wielded the power of fire with apparent skill. Not wanting to be left out, Hiroshi narrowed his eyes at the remaining clone and summoned his chakra once more. Moulding the energy within himself, the boy brought a bullet of sand into being before sending it arcing out to slam into the final clone and knock it down to the ground with its fellows. A small fist pump and a little leap accompanied the apparent victory, however this proved to be premature as the trio of clones leapt up and summoned waves which slammed into each of the ANBU-to-be, knocking them down.

Ouch.

Hiroshi rose to his feet even as their tutor stepped forward and clapped, her clones vanishing as she did so.

“Congratulations you three your are more than ready for your ANBU exam,”

Even as the teacher said this, Megu turned to the other boys and grinned, laughing as he too spoke.

"We did it! We're going to be Anbu!"

Even as his friend said this, Yukio also spoke with a smile, his tone matching the feelings that were clearly felt by Hiroshi and Megu.

“We have earned the right to move forward, I can’t believe we did it!”

However, as Yukio said this Hiroshi noticed a slight dampening of Megu's mood as his friend spoke again.

"Sensei, what can you tell us about the Anbu exam? Is there anything we can do to prepare?"

Hiroshi took a second to recognise the wisdom of his friend's question, and his mind began to wonder what their future exam would involve. He assumed there would be something to do with combat and the basics of being an ANBU, but what else might be involved. Interrogation? Assassination? He knew that whatever it was, they would meet the challenge head on, but he still felt some measure of trepidation as he waited for their teacher to reply, anxiety now flooding him as he waited for some sort of information about what they would be in for.

WC - 478
Total WC - 1356

 

[Haku Yuki]

Yuki was glad to see how they took the news that they were finally ready for their ANBU exam, she couldn’t help but be filled with a sense of pride seeing how far the boys had come from their first meeting at the academy, she had no doubt in her mind that they would all make great ANBU she was more for each of them to have her back, seeing the three of them celebrating brought her straight back to her time at the academy, they three boys reminded her some much of her, Takeshi and Arashi. She was glad that she had played a part in building the future of the ANBU branch.

As each of them got to their feet and gathered around her she listened as Megu asked possibly the most important question that any of the could have, she grinned and answered Megu.

“You have learnt to ask the right questions Megu, as far as what your exam will involve I don’t know the exact details, it will test everything that I have taught you and what you have learned was far. It will not be like these lessons, no-one is going to go easy on you like I have, it will be real and hard I'm not going to going to sugar coat it but there is a real chance that you may not make it back in one piece,”

Her face under her mask was stern, she was lying to them, in her ANBU exam failure meant death, literally. “However you have shown me how tough each of you are, you all have what it takes, you have the wits and the ability to think on your feet. Those natural skills that you have are going to be a god send to you.” She began to pace in front of them trying to think of what else to say that might come in use. “I know that it will be either the ANBU Captain, who you have already met or the ANBU Sennin that will be leading your Exam so don’t let them down, they will hold your future in your hands” She smiled under her mask changing her stance. “Besides I know that you won’t, whatever happens in this exam it has been a pleasure to teach each of you, I am proud to call myself you teacher and I will be proud to one day call you my brothers in arms. Now before you all go and celebrate there is someone that wanted to meet you all.”

[WC=433]
[Total Word Count= 1570]
[Lesson Over]

 

[Megumareta]

His sensei's words sent chills down his spine as she spoke,

We may not make it back in one piece...

He looked over to the others, both worried and evaluating their skills during the fight as well as his own. As much as they'd made surprisingly short work of the clones there was still a stone in the pit of his stomach that made him feel slightly nauseous. The feeling subsided slightly and was soon replaced with pride over his teacher's words.

I've impressed an Anbu!

No matter what happened his achievements and the lessons he had learned so far would be something that he would hold dear to him, the memories more important than finally achieving status as an Anbu. Although he knew that was a lie. More than anything he wanted to become one of the masked protectors of the village. He'd seen the way that people had looked at the Anbu, a mixture of fear and respect that one day he hoped to instill in others. However, it seemed that there was yet another surprise in store for them as their teacher announced a meeting. That stone in his stomach grew a little bigger and started rolling.

Wc: 200
Total WC: 1790
[Lesson completed]

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Yukio thought on his sensei’s words knowing that what she said was more than likely the truth of the matter. The exam would not be an easy one that much he had expected from the beginning but what exactly the Captain or Sennin would have in store for them made him more than a bit nervous.

Looking to Megu and Hiroshi he had a slight sense of unease wondering if they would all be able to make it through without ending up in a hospital bed or worse, but then again if this lesson had shown anything it’s that they had been taught well and were at least ready to go down swinging if it should come to that.

Once his teacher had finished speaking he couldn’t help but smile at how far all three of them had come since that faithful day in the classroom when they had been offered the opportunity to start down this path.
Punching a fist into his open palm he was ready to train even harder from this point, making sure he was at peak performance and strength before the date of the exam drew near. If it even had a set date for all he knew it would come out of the blue as most of their lessons did just being announced a day or two before it happened.

[WC: 226]
[WT: 1501]
[lesson completed]

 

[Naru Hiroshi]

The teacher's words made a lot of sense to Hiroshi, but little to dampen his resolve. He had known before he began that the path he was choosing to take was one that could, probably would, end in his death. Even knowing this however, he was certain that the choice he had made was still the right one for him.

That said, we managed to make a good impression. Whatever else I have dealt with, that is something that I can be proud of.

Hiroshi turned to look at the two other boys and let a smile flit onto his face quickly.

That we can be proud of.

He nodded in thanks towards the trio's teacher and stretched a little as he tried to decide what to do with himself. This talk of someone wanting to talk to them was interesting to say the least, and he wondered what it was exactly that would be revealed. Something to do with the exam the boys were soon to face, or something much bigger and far reaching? Either way, it would do him no good to stand around and wait while there were things to be done, and so he decided that the best thing he could do would be to head out and see what was going on that required their attention.

WC – 221
Total WC – 1577
[Topic Left]
[Lesson Completed]