The Life Aquatic [Tutor]

[Okada Kaji]

Most of the academy instructors had office hours; those appointed times where the students would be guaranteed to find them somewhere. But when it came to the office of Kaji Okada, he wouldn’t be bothered with the cramped closet space the staff converted into a workspace space for him. His desk took up three-quarters of the room, and his window led to another wall, thanks to some errors in the academy’s architecture. For all Kaji knew, the staff was giving him the ole’ outsider treatment, given they didn’t think highly of a Leaf shinobi coming into their esteemed institution. But no... the office simply wouldn’t suffice for having an audience with one of his students, so Kaji, in his typical way, requested that Hirateuchi meets him in the great outdoors once more. Valid excuse, right?

Beams of sunlight were breaking through the tree line canopy, creating spots of brightness on the untamed forest floor. It was about high noon according to the sun’s position overhead— and this was the designated meeting time for Kaji and one of his students from the academy, Hirateuchi, who had requested to discuss something with him. It was was a brisk but fair spring day, offering Kaji a rare opportunity to forego his earth-toned cloak and winter-ready leather armor. Instead, he came dressing as rather casually in an espresso aviator’s jacket, an egg-white collared shirt underneath, with midnight blue slacks, and his usual riding boots, which matched the damned jacket. His sword-belt was strapped with a single tool pouch on his hip, and as always, the scimitar Eelspine was sheathed and resting against his hip. He was seated with his slim frame stretched out atop a well-placed boulder, about three feet high.

Kaji was lounging patiently, sometimes sweeping bothersome obsidian strands out of his face. His attention was pointed to his hands— nimble fingers were browsing through his newly updated dossier. Within the book was an entry on a troubling rogue he met recently while on patrol: a troublesome bastard with pinwheeled eyes. Kaji took a bit of comfort in a bubbling stream which ran parallel to the path where he waited.

// wc369
Requesting Hirateuchi //

 

[Hirateuchi]

Hira was quick to rise today, unlike many other a day in his life. There was a special occasion he had to take special care to attend to today. It wasn't often that he asked for help from others, and he certainly didn't enjoy the prospect of having to do so now, but given the circumstances, and how open the new foreign exchange teacher was, it seemed the best opportunity he might have to decipher what was going on with his body. Putting on a long blue and white kimono, the boy grabbed his father's practice sword off the floor and ran full speed to where he would soon meet the peculiar man.

As he arrived near the edge of the forest where Kaji-sensei was waiting, Hira noticed the stream nearby. Could it be that he already sensed what was going on during their last class, or was this mere coincidence? Either way, Hira stood firm and walked up to meet the man, swallowing his pride in order to solve the mystery of what happened that night climbing trees. "Hey Kaji-sensei!" Hira called out with a raised hand, eager to get this meeting on track. "I ummm... I mean something happened to me the other day... I mean nobody did anything to me... ummm..." Hira tripped over his words, not quite sure how to explain the situation. Would his teacher even understand what he was going through, or would he be shunned? "Umm... maybe it's better if I just show you."

With that, Hira walked over to the nearby stream and placed his hand on the water. For a while, nothing came of the attempt, but soon the waters beneath his hand began to shift uneasily, before spurting out in a small but forceful blast, knocking Hira back slightly.

[WC 299]

 

[Okada Kaji]

The stream was purely coincidence, but also a rare convenience. But even the sound of the running waters passing over the bends in the stream, and the wind passing through the forest growth didn’t hide the sound of someone drawing near. Kaji closer the small book as if it were merely a distraction, and tucked it away within his jacket’s breast pocket as the boy drew near. A bit of time dealing with one of his students was a welcome break from the matters of an investigation, and the looming troubles beyond their village borders.

Kaji arose from his seat and dusted off his backside as Hirateuchi came forth. The boy was a bit more eager than their previous encounter, which was a good sign: perhaps he was taking to the shinobi life, after all. “Hirateuchi, good afternoon,” said Kaji as he replied to his student in return. And in his eagerness, Hira got straight to the point— apparently, he had reached a certain revelation about himself that many young shinobi found themselves in time. Kaji had a variety of looks on his face as the boy began to explain why he called their meeting, first concern, then relief, and then curiosity as Hira knelt by the waterside.

But then Hirateuchi was blasted backward as his chakra caused a burst of water sent him reeling. He had no measure of control, from what Kaji could tell— just ability in its rawest form. “Huh. Well, that was interesting” Kaji said with a mild laugh. “Every shinobi has something unique to them, something their own. Some traits are genetic, while others develop a knack or talent that suits them best. Does the water affinity run in your family?” Kaji was going to ease into this and start with the basics, even though Hirateuchi was developing power before he had a basic understanding of how to control, or even manifest it for himself. He had it ass-backward, or so they say. “I’m actually a learned water-style practitioner as well… but I admit I didn’t have your kind of pop when I first started.”

wc356

 

[Hirateuchi]

Hira soon knew he was right to ask Kaji-sensei. He was more reassuring than the boy would have expected given only one class outing together. Showing a bit of a smile as Kaji began to explain what might be happening, Hira answered with a more consistent and full voice, not nearly as nervous as he was when he first approached. "Well, my dad is a swordsman, an he never really excelled in ninjutsu, and my mom uses the wind style, so neither of them can really explain why I'm reacting with water like this." Hira continued pondering to himself. How could it be possible that he got such different skills than those of his parents? All this time he had been working diligently night and day to learn techniques with his father's sword, hoping to one day show him, but it seems like the world might have had different plans for him.

Hira continued, "Is that normal to have a different kind of chakra from your parents? Hira looked back over to the stream. He had no idea that he had that kind of power, but there was no way he would be able to control it in his current state. Just when he was convinced that he was going to be a swordsman like his father, too. He thought back to all the times he was excited to show off his new sword skills to his father, and considered what following this path might mean, but he was sure that his father would rather he follow whatever talent he had. Besides, he could still work on swordsmanship on the side. Looking back to Raku after that slight daze, he asked a firm question, hoping that he wouldn't be putting too much responsibility in the kind man's hands.

"I know I should focus more on my classes to get the hang of this... but would you maybe be able to help me just this once?

[WC 325]

 

[Okada Kaji]

Kaji was quiet and receptive as Hirateuchi answered the first questions presented to him, explaining that neither of his parents developed in paths that began like his own. That was simply how things went sometimes, or so Kaji knew. And the realization that he was destined to be different apparently struck a chord with Hirateuchi, as he fixated on the passing down of powers for a moment then. The boy had a rich lineage— or so it seemed. Coming from a family of farmers, Kaji knew it could be a good thing to travel in a different direction than one’s predecessors.

“How should I put this?” Kaji asked a question suddenly, albeit rhetorically and said “in many cases, abilities such as chakra natures are passed down through the generations, and in the past, schools and monasteries were formed just to practice specific styles and elements. In my homeland— the Land of Earth, shinobi tutelage largely focused heavily on the earth element kekkai genkai and pioneered many more advanced kekkai tota. In fact, to be unable to manifest it put you at a disadvantage in your training.” Multitasking just a bit, Kaji began to look about in search of a useful training aid: a particular type of tree that grew in abundance in forests like this one. He didn’t slip in the conversation though and continued explaining the matter at hand. “But, differently is good. There may not be a particular reason why your abilities are manifesting differently than your mother and father… but that doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate their skills into your own. With a lot of practice, you could learn to enhance other combat styles with your water ability.”

And after a moment spent searching, Kaji found a particular tree that met his needs and collected a couple of leaves laying on the ground beneath it. He came to Hirateuchi with one and held another up in his hand at eye-level. “Take this leaf… ‘it propagates chakra molding and is traditionally used for determining students’ base affinities. I’m going to channel my chakra into this leaf, and I want you to do the same with yours. Pay close attention to what happens next.”

Kaji held out his leaf with it pointed skyward, pinched between his index finger and thumb, and with just a little bit of focus, the whole thing began to simmer and then burst into flames before turning to ash lost in the wind. “While I have learned how to manifest more than one element, my base affinity is fire nature chakra.”

wc443

 

[Hirateuchi]

Hira listened with a patient receptiveness, absorbing all of the information Kaji-sensei was spewing about kekkai genkai and chakra natures, soaking in all of the facts like a sponge. Even if he didn't quite understand his seemingly brand new powers, Hira still felt an urge to sharpen his mind, for if his interactions with others would be any indication, it would one of his strongest weapons. Soon enough, his teacher offered him a leaf after demonstrating his own primary element. Cautiously grabbing the leaf, Hira held it in his hand, not sure what exactly he was supposed to do. It seemed as though Kaji had just held it in his hand and focused his chakra, the same as Hira had already practiced many a time with his feet while climbing trees.

Staring down at the leaf, Hira attempted to focus chakra into his palms, a feeling he was entirely alienated to. Perhaps if he would have shown up to more of his academy classes he would be more familiar with the feeling. Giving a straining face, the boy grunted and groaned in frustration as he attempted to complete the unfamiliar technique, wondering how long it might take to see a change in the leaf. As if responding to his annoyance, the leaf suddenly started to swell up a little bit before crumpling up, now moist and dripping a few solitary drops of water.

With a mixture on his face of both shock and excitement, Hira jumped up with a shout, proud of his accomplishment even though he still did not fully understand its implications. "How was that Kaji-sensei!?" Hira asked, his youthful exuberance shining through temporarily. While it was a common feat and one that many shinobi would go through, the child felt as though he had broken some kind of world record, or discovered the secret to life itself. "So I might not know much about chakra thingys since I fall asleep in class, but I'm assuming that means I have a water chakra nature?" Hira was so focused on his newly awakened skill that he failed to notice that he just openly admitted to one of his mentors that he did not pay attention to their teachings a portion of the time.

[WC 374]

 

[Okada Kaji]

There was only a quick glance from Kaji, eyeing the soggy leaf long enough to confirm his suspicion. “As expected,” he said, answering Hirateuchi’s question of “how was that?” He gave an approving nod and dropped the spare leaves in his hand aside. “You already know that you have water affinity chakra, but understanding how to mold it begins with learning to create matter from the spirit. At the root of existence, mind and matter meet. Your thoughts shape reality. Before you can control water, you must control your chakra.” Then Kaji turned to face the bubbling stream again and gestured for Hirateuchi to observe the next phase of their meeting.

“Inu — U — Tori — Mi”​

With his raised both hands outward at midriff height with arms stretched, Kaji performed four simple hand seals. He made them slowly, and the end product was a small sphere of water which came into existence between his hands, levitating as it grew from a droplet to a baseball-sized orb. “Basic jutsu composition— to mold your chakra into matter, define its shape, and to give it purpose. Once you can form the sphere, you might have a hope of manipulating the water running in that stream. We will build your understanding through stages… baby-steps.” The sphere was still in Kaji’s hands, in a perfect shape as calm as still water.

wc228

 

[Hirateuchi]

Hira looked nervously down to his hands, thinking back to what had just happened with the stream only a few moments earlier. If he screwed up, would there be a chance that it would explode again? Only this time if it did, it would be a great deal closer to his body and potentially more forceful. The prospect worried him to some degree, but he had already come this far and believed that Kaji-sensei wouldn't make him try if there was great risk involved. He was still only an academy student after all.

Putting his hands out and meticulously imitating the hand sign he saw, Hira focused his chakra into making a ball of water just as his teacher had done. For a significant amount of time nothing happened. Stillness and silence reigned lord over the atmosphere as the boy concentrated on making a sphere akin to Kaji's. Soon enough, a small drop of water formed eagerly in between both of his waiting palms, producing a small light of joy in his eyes, and a slightly larger glimmer of hope in his mind. Excited by the prospect of picking up this new technique so quickly, the boy grinned widely, Unfortunately for him, this rush of emotions was just what the equation needed to blow up right in his face. Seconds later, the drop enlarged, if only by a small amount, before warbling and inevitably splattering what contents there were over the surrounding area, and Hira himself.

Hira looked frustratedly at his hands for what seemed like ages before bursting out into laughter. "That was great! I don't really get how to focus it yet, but that's so cool!" He looked at his teacher with beaming eyes that he had never before shown in a class. Slowly he was growing accustomed to molding chakra, juts as he was slowly starting to understand what it truly meant to dedicate oneself to becoming stronger. He felt as though he was gaining the motivation for the academy that he never before had.

[WC 338]

 

[Okada Kaji]

A sigh of relief slipped from Kaji when Hirateuchi began making benchmark progress with his training. It took him a bit of effort, but that was to be expected. Kaji nodded approvingly as the glob of water took shape between Hira’s hands. The ability to manifest even the smallest measure of control was good enough at the beginning stage of his training, as it determined that he had greater potential from his starting point. From here, Hirateuchi had a way to continue practicing molding his chakra in a safe method without a need for constant supervision.

“It is,” Kaji replied. “And it’s going to take a lot of studying and practice for you to gain greater measures of control of your chakra; certainly not something you’ll walk home with a mastery of today. Once you have the sphere perfectly stable, you can practice on expanding it, and from there you’ll be ready to put it to more uses and eventually weaponize it.” Kaji’s tone changed at his last remark, considering that weaponization was usually the end goal of anything pertaining to jutsu… but did that have to be the case every time?

“We’ll meet again when you’re ready to advance to the water whip and pistol, which are essential techniques for your arsenal. For now, just keep practicing your molding. Remember, precision over power— shape before size.” Everything Kaji was saying seemed to hint that they were cutting today’s session a bit short, and Kaji was motioning as if there was something else occupying his mind. In fact, there was a multitude of things, but that would have to wait for another time.

“Well, I’ve got to get going” he admitted. “Got a date, and she’s not the type to stand up… So, how about we meet here again next week? Make sure to keep up your hydration— especially while you’re doing this training. I imagine it will only aid in your sync with your affinity. I want to see a water bottle on you at all times, from here on out.” And after that constructive parting statement, Kaji turned away from the promising student, Hirateuchi, and waved once as he made his departure. “Ciao.”

// wc376
Tutor Complete
Kaji has left the thread unless stopped. //

 

[Hirateuchi]

Hira was glad that he came out today, and he was certain to start training on this tenchnique by himself as he had done with his tree climbing. "Thanks Kaji-sensei! Have fun on your date." The boy began laughing at the prospect of the old man with a girl. Oh well I guess this one isn't so bad. With those parting words and thoughts, Hira bid farewell to his teacher, not yet leaving the area. He had unfinished business here and made it a point to take to heart everything Kaji-sensei taught him today. When his teacher left he looked once more to the stream nearby, with dreams now of moving the water in the stream instead of being scared of it. Focusing on his hand he practiced the technique over and over, not focusing on the size of the droplet he was making but the stability of it. He was so enthralled with his pracitce that he did not notice the time flying straight into the night.

[WC 168; Total WC 1504]
[Topic Left/Finished]