strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Aug 17, 2010 4:40:11 GMT -5
The gently rolling hills, the deepest of blues stained with blood-orange hue, as the cool breeze caused the grass to ripple beneath the sliver of dawn cresting the horizon. Silhouettes exotic in shape cast long, thin shadows across the earthen knolls. It held a mysterious beauty that longed to be captured in more permanent form, and often was. The Jounin had no time for such dalliances on this day, however. This was not a morning for a cup of coffee and the blending of pigments. Casting his gaze over the barely conscious trio before him, Ryuurei nodded resolutely. "Good morning, boys. Do be dears and look alive, hm? This is not a still life, after all." Clearly none of them had followed his instructions to rest well (and early) the night before, he noted with a wry smirk. "As I am certain you are all wondering, we have gathered here today for a reason. Our recent mission, while a success, brought about a very painful point of concern. To be blunt, as I doubt a one of you are awake enough to truly hear more than every other word... Your technique, as a whole, is abysmal. The only reason you even score that highly is due to Jiro-kun raising the average." " ..uuuaaaaweh?" Shichuumaru half-yawned, half-exclaimed, thunking a palm against his head as if to somehow beat clarity into his mind. " Sensei...no...no offense...but..I think our techniques are pretty good. I mean, we all have the basics down pat, and none of us can come close to replicating each others' more distinct techniques.." Sighing, glasses were raised from the bridge of his nose so that it could be rubbed at. Even half-asleep, the boy still talked like a monsoon rained. "I realize you are possessed of the energy of two or three boys your age, Kyousei-kun, but do you think -just for today- you could allow me to finish a statement in its entirety before voicing your opinion? Thank you. As I was saying, your technique is abysmal. I do not mean your capability to utilize the three types of Jutsu, though. I refer to how you present yourselves while doing so." Dazed looks grew slightly confused, but mouths stayed silent, giving him a window to continue. "There is a hidden art to combat, an edge you can give oneself over your opponent. As Shinobi, we are no strangers to the art of misdirection, but I have found it to be more useful in heated battle than just through tricks of Gen or Ninjutsu. As Genin, you are practiced, true. But you are also unrefined, unpolished, and yes, even ugly. That makes you easy to read, easy to counter. Today, our goal is to work on this unrefined state. We will strengthen not your Jutsu themselves, but how you present and perform them, both individually and as a team. By incorporating beauty and flair into that which you see as utilitarian, you will be able to distract your enemy, making them more susceptible, and thus easier to defeat." Clasping his hands behind his back, Ryuurei looked between them, giving his words time to be considered and comprehended. "Any questions?"
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Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Aug 22, 2010 19:54:56 GMT -5
The yawning, bleary-eyed Tensei Jiro snapped awake as soon as he heard Sensei call their technique abysmal. Abysmal, of all things! Jiro may have been young, but even he was acutely aware of the fact that speaking poorly of one's technique in such a manner was one of the worst insults one could speak to a Tensei. The following statement that he was the one who had brought the team's average up only lessened the sting a little. Quick glances at his teammates showed slightly confused faces, but Jiro was starting to feel fired up. So his technique needed work, did it? "So what you're saying is that we're not jazzed up enough?" he asked, the spark in his eyes showing that he took such words as a challenge, and and a slightly painful one at that. "We need more snap. Sparkle. Ziiiiing!" he continued, striking a pose and accidentally jabbing Yuki in the side. "Ow! Watch it!""Sorry. But like that, right? Or this? Or maybe this?" he asked, decided to randomly start in on one of the dancelike practice combinations taught to young Tensei in order to facilitate refining various techniques and practicing chaining them together. It was his favorite one, full of dynamic moves and flashy spins. It was also the one he had learned most recently. The one he had learned most recently usually wound up as his current favorite. Yuki, the only one of his teammates seemingly awake at this hour of the morning, simply watched Jiro for a moment before turning back to Sensei. "Is that... really what you meant?" he asked hesitantly. "You want us all to do our techniques like that? Sensei, I'm not questioning your judgment or anything, but I'm not sure if I can incorporate flashy stuff like that into a simple art like barrier ninjutsu. It's a totally different mentality than what the Tensei use."
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strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Aug 24, 2010 20:44:36 GMT -5
Well. Now we know how to ruffle Jiro-kun's feathers, at least.. Ryuurei mused internally with an equally invisible smirk. It was...downright entertaining, the tenacity with which he threw himself into what could only be interpreted as an immediate attempt to make 'Sensei' take back what he had said. Yuki, of course, immediately began using that mind of his, whereas Shichuumaru's still seemed mostly absent. Regardless, he had questions to answer. "Somewhat, Jiro-kun, and simultaneously no, Yuki. I am well aware that all three of you have very distinct ability sets, but that does not mean there is not room for improvement in how those abilities are performed and presented. What is your swiftest attempt at creating a barrier, Yuki? Can you alter your barriers as smoothly as Jiro can move from one dance-pattern to the next? Must you remain stationary and completely focused, or are you capable of creating them on the move, in the heat of battle? And perhaps most importantly, when you perform your barrier techniques, are they done efficiently? Majestically? Can you create a wall in such a fashion that your opponent would pause to question if they can even sunder it? That very pause may be the line between victory and defeat, after all." The Jounin paced back and for slightly as he spoke, patting Kyousei-kun on the shoulder as he passed to startle the boy back to consciousness, before speaking further. "Today's goal is refinement. Not to have every last one of you dancing about the battlefield like a Tensei, but to give your movements practiced poise and splendor, the kind that inspires courage in allies, fear in enemies."
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Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Aug 24, 2010 21:17:34 GMT -5
Yuki frowned slightly, not because of any negative emotion, but because he was deep in thought. Some of what Sensei was asking him about was actually part of his clan's curriculum, but they were things he hadn't learned yet or hadn't had the opportunity to use in front of his new team. "My speed still depends on the type of barrier," he answered thoughtfully. "The basic ones are almost instant, but others still take longer for me. I can move around, but it's usually more effective for me to stay out of the way where I can see what's going on. And when I'm doing a lot, like with your ink people, I pretty much have to stay still. As for altering them.... that can be tricky. Depending on what barrier you already have and what you want to change about it, especially for someone as young as I am, a lot of the time it's actually more efficient to dispel the one you had and recycle any leftover energy into a new one. You saw that the other day, when I cut down the ink people at the end of the fight. Turning that many existing barriers into razor barriers would have been way too inefficient, even if I were capable of doing such a thing at my level. "Does... that make sense?" he asked, as Jiro continued his dance forms in the background. Typical of most Tensei, it seemed he had lost himself in them.
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strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Aug 24, 2010 21:55:38 GMT -5
Briefly wondering if the boy knew the meaning of 'rhetorical', Ryuurei smiled warmly nonetheless. "Yes, it does, quite a bit. Though the same principles still apply. A stationary target is a tempting one, of course. I am sure that in the process of dispelling and recycling, some energy is lost, yes? Ergo I am sure through refining your abilities, you can reduce the amount of loss, time, and need to remain stationary. After all, with abilities like yours, Yuki-kun, I could foresee you completely directing the flow of combat by moving about and controlling who has access to whom."
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Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Aug 24, 2010 22:21:57 GMT -5
Yuki nodded. "That's what some of the older members of my clan do," he explained. "The ones who can read a battle really well and still avoid taking hits. It's possible for me, but it's a pretty big gamble." He held out a slender arm. "I can't exactly take hits, and you saw my one offensive technique with the ink people. I'll have to work on my evasion if I want to get into the thick of things and not have to distract my teammates with keeping me in one piece..." In the background, Jiro continued his forms. He's gonna run into someone if he's not careful, Yuki noted absently.
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strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Aug 24, 2010 22:51:40 GMT -5
"Of course, of course. As a team, I would assume you all to be looking out for one another, of course. Kyousei-kun looks quite solid and capable of taking a blow or three.." His words were perfectly punctuated by the sound of an impact and startled cries. "Even when half-asleep, it seems." " Uwah! Sorry Jiro! Guess I kind of zoned out there..heh." Ryuurei suppressed a chuckle as he watched the bronze-skinned boy all but bounce up from the ground to help Jiro back up. "But I believe I've prattled long enough. The time now is for action, and your first task of the day.. Is breakfast." He grinned, gesturing to the small folding table finally being illuminated by the creeping rays of sunrise, holding naught but a few cartons of eggs.
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Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Aug 24, 2010 23:04:17 GMT -5
As his other two teammates helped each other up, Yuki studied the egg-laden table. "So.... we're making our own breakfast?" he asked. "But... knowing Sensei, I doubt it'll be that easy. There's some kind of catch, or at least one way you do or don't want us to complete the task, right?"
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strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Aug 25, 2010 19:33:14 GMT -5
His blue eyes attempted to look hurt. "Why, Yuki-kun, such an accusation, from my own student even!" A broad grin crept across his face as he continued. "But you would be correct." This child doesn't miss a beat, does he?......Mind...Body...Technique. Hokage, you are good...quite good indeed."The eggs, of course, are for you to cook as per your personal tastes. But it would seem I forgot to put the campsite for cooking in the same area.." Ryuurei nonchalantly said, waving off at some point clear across the field. "And wouldn't you know it? We're standing on the only location in this whole field that isn't ridiculously trapped..."
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Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Aug 26, 2010 19:47:13 GMT -5
"Trapped?" Jiro wailed, his stomach already growling just from the sight of the table full of eggs. "You mean you're gonna make us go through an obstacle course on empty stomachs?" "Your stomach wouldn't be empty if you'd eaten before you came," Yuki reminded him. "Gah. I know this is training, but that was pretty mean, Sensei. Giving us food and then tossing out the catch like that. Ah, well. I guess there's nothing for it. The traps won't be a problem if we spring them beforehand, right?" he asked with a grin, picked up a rock, and threw it as hard as he could into the middle of the field.
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strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Aug 26, 2010 21:50:18 GMT -5
Watching with a pointed smirk as the rock sailed through the air majestically, landing on the ground with a heavy 'thud' several yards away. And nothing happened. The rock sat there, as undisturbed as it had been before its flight began. The grass rustled slightly in the early morning breeze, and a bird sang out amongst the trees somewhere. "Huh. I suppose they aren't pressure sensitive traps, then.." So...sleepy.. The sun really needed to hurry up and finish rising already. Regardless, even with a critically low level of energy, there was work to be done. Shuffling over to the table with the eggs, Shichuumaru began inspecting the area. If they weren't pressure-sensitive, that left tripwires and...what else? Ryuu-Sensei was very different from other Jounin he had seen and known in his own family, so he really could not be completely certain what he was capable of in terms of trap-making. Taking a couple of eggs, they were quickly deposited into the hardened case on his back. "Hang on to those, will you?" Moving away from the table, Shichuumaru surveyed the land again. Jiro had been dancing about to no ill effect, which meant it was safe to right about....here. Grinning back over his shoulder at the other three, he thumbed out towards the field. "I think I get it. We don't get breakfast until we can make it across the field with the eggs intact. And since it's trapped, that means we have to be very graceful and precise with anything we do, right?"
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Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Aug 26, 2010 21:56:54 GMT -5
"There's always the possibility of going up and over, too," Yuki pointed out. "You have your summoned beetles, and if I focus I can use small barriers as stepping stones. But we don't know where or what the traps are, so we might end up flying right into one."
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strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Aug 26, 2010 22:42:57 GMT -5
"How you attempt to cross the field is of little concern to me; this is only the first lesson of the day, after all. Regardless, if you wish to eat, you need to get an egg or two across." Ryuurei grinned in a fashion that could almost be considered impish if not for his natural good looks. Roguish, perhaps. Regardless, plans had been...somewhat unveiled...and set into motion. Pulling out a small triangle from his pocket, it's crisp tone rang out across the dawn-crested field. "Lesson one: Begin!~"
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Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Sept 9, 2010 21:26:58 GMT -5
Yuki frowned at the field, or more specifically, the rock lying in the middle of it. So they weren't pressure-sensitive traps. Or rather, any traps set in that specific part of the field weren't pressure-sensitive, or perhaps they would only trigger with a heavier weight pressing down on them. "Well, first thing to do is come up with a strategy," he mused. "Running in there blindly like a bunch of idiots - " he gestured sharply, and a flexible barrier sprang into existence, catching his teammate mid-leap and propelling him back into the safety zone " - won't do us any good, but neither will standing around staring at a rock." "Yukiii! What was that for!" "Perhaps a bunshin...? If we're going to be training all day, there's no use wearing outselves out getting snagged by one trap after another. You guys remember what happened the last time we went all out? We were exhausted in a matter of minutes, and Sensei has a lot for us to do today."
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strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Sept 15, 2010 22:01:07 GMT -5
"Right, right!" Shichuumaru chirped, starting to grin. It's about time, sleepyhead! He silently chided the sun, still lazily half-hanging about the horizon. "And this time, we've got a chance to plan! At least we've got an inkling of what's going on this time!" Sensei groaned. Shichuumaru grinned wider. Dropping into a squat, he sifted his fingers through the soft grass. "So if you two don't mind, I'm gonna ask the locals what all we're looking at."
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