Senba's Training Log (P, NK)

Senba wandered around town for the longest time. He was
thinking of going out for a few days but would want someone there with him so
he would not get too bored out of his mind. Senba wanted someone who would not
mind training constantly. Hibichi came to is mind in an instant, and that
thought he headed straight for Hibichi’s house. Senba knocked on the door of
Hibichi’s house, and was greeted by his father.


Senba did not know
his name but he politely asked, “Yes sir is Hibichi home?”


He smiled and asked “Thinking you want another training
session with my boy today?”


Senba smiled and said “No sir I want to train a new jutsu,
but for this skill I am going to be out of the house for a couple of days. I
was going to ask, with your permission of course, if Hibichi wanted to come and
train as I was training my ninjutsu.”


Hibichi’s father looked at Senba and asked “Where are you
planning on going?”


Senba realized that this is an understandable question and
answered with confidence “I was planning on going to the training grounds.”


Hibichi’s father looked at him confused and asked “Why don’t
you just, after the day ends, come back home, rest then go back?”


Senba smiled and answered “I like to live off of the land
sir, and if I do come back after the days training I might get lazy and not
want to go back. Might as well stay there, and train from the time I get up
till the time I go to bed.”


Hibichi’s father smiled at the young boy, and turned into
the house and yelled for Hibichi to come down.


Hibichi came down, smiled and said “Hey Senba what you up
to? You called dad?”


Hibichi’s father smiled and said “Pack your training gear
son you are going to be gone for a few days.”


Hibichi looked confused, but as Hibichi’s father started
explaining Hibichi got more and more excited.


Hibichi’s father said “Now go on, get your stuff and make
sure to pack a lot of water.” He turns to Senba and says “You to go and pack up
with everything you may need. Come back here when you are good and ready to
go.”


Senba smiles and starts running back to his apartment. He
gets to the door, unlocks it and pulls out his duffel bag and backpack. He
packed as much water as he could in his duffel bag pretty much filling it up.
He packed his two kunai, flint, a sharpening stone, and a sleeping bag. He
strapped his katana to his back, put on his back pack on top of that, and his
duffel bag in hand. Senba walked out the door, and locked it behind him. He
told the department manager that he will be out training for a few days, and
anyone that has an emergency can find him at the training grounds. The manager
nodded and wished him good luck. Senba rushed down to Hibichi’s house where
Hibichi, and his father were waiting for him.


Senba said “Sorry had to talk to the apartment manager about
me being gone for a while.”


Hibichi’s father laughed and said “Do not worry we just got
out here ourselves. Now let me tell you boys; if either of you two gets injured
come straight here. There is no if, ands, or buts about this understood?”


Hibichi and Senba said in unison “Yes sir.”


Hibichi’s father then said “Good, but I will go out there to
check up on both of you on occasion. Is this understood?”


Hibichi and Senba again said “Yes sir.”


Hibichi’s father smiled, laughed and wished them good luck.


They walked down to the training grounds as fast as they
could. Hibichi was carrying a large duffel bag along with a backpack as well.
They made their way to the training grounds and went to find a camping spot
inside of the tree line. Senba cleared some of the foliage and Hibichi gathered
materials for the fire. They setup came with the sleeping bags and all. Senba
put his katana against a tree and sat down.


Hibichi sat down as well and started speaking “Well Senba I
am glad you came by and asked me to come with you. This is going to be a great
time. What kind of technique are you going to be working on? If you planned on
being out here for days, with or without me, it must be something major.”


Senb looked up at Hibichi and said “There is a skill I read
about called “Water style – Heavens Convergence” and I believe I have enough
chakra to start working on this technique. If I can master this I can become a
very powerful ninjutsu user.”


Hibichi asked “Well what does it do to be so useful?”


Senba stated “It controls the water around you. If you can
master this skill you can make water out of thin air no matter how dry it is.
This water you control can protect you, and also be a weapon at the same time
if trained properly. There is a down side though; it uses up a massive amount of
chakra when in use. Manipulating and even drawing water from thin air will be
tough.”


Senba look at Hibichi and saw that he was in awe that Senba
would even attempt to try to learn this skill.


Hibichi said “That is great Senba, and I also have a
technique to train. I do have a question though. Why did you bring me along?”


Senba said “Well as much as I like being alone sometimes. I
like your company, and you push me beyond what I “think” my limit is. What is
this new technique you are working on?”


Hibichi smiled and said “It is a surprise.”


They both smiled and laughed. It was getting nightfall,
Senba started the fire and Hibichi took out a package of food.


Hibichi said “I know you like to live of the land and so do
I, but I want you to try this.”


Hibichi opened the package, and pulled out some bbq beef he
stuck them on sharp wooden sticks that Senba carved when they got there. He let
the hang over the fire for a little while, and they both where just talking the
entire time. When the meat was done Hibichi halved the meat with Senba. Senba
took a big bite of it. He stopped and looked back at Hibichi.


Hibichi smiled and asked “Good huh?’


Senba smiled, nodded and kept eating. Soon they both passed
out in their sleeping bags while the fire was still burning strong.


Senba was woken up by Hibichi early in the morning for some
unknown reason. Senba did not like being woken up early in the morning, but
Hibichi was extra persistent.


Senba said “Hibichi why are you waking me up so early in the
morning?”


Hibichi all energetic and stretching “It is time for
training my friend get up and enjoy the cool morning air while it lasts.”


Senba got up, smiled, and thought to himself, “This is
annoying but having someone waking him up in the morning that is already
energetic is kind of a moral boost for the day to come.”


Senba got up, stretched thoroughly, drank some water, and
was ready to go. He looked at Hibichi and figured he was going to train his
taijutsu while Senba train his ninjtusu. Hibichi was, what seemed, hard at work
while Senba sat next to the water. He sat indian style, which he felt more
comfortable, and started concentrating. He let the chakra run through his body
going where it needed to go. The more chakra he pushed the more the water
behind him started responding. He kept concentrating on controlling the water,
and its movements. He pushed more chakra out and the water responded quickly
but sank back into the water. Senba relaxed, and was trying to concentrate on
moving the water.


Senba started thinking “Water is almost weightless, and if I
can just figure out how much chakra to use and compare it to how much water it
moves.”


Senba tried again, and pushed out some more chakra. The
water responded and came slightly out of the water forming a ball like shape.
Senba felt like he had another body part and could move freely. Senba made a
mistake, and when his concentration broke so did the jutsu. He got a little
frustrated his himself, ran his fingers through his hair, and looked up. He saw
Hichibi kicking away at a tree, sweat pouring down his face. Senba admired
Hibichi for his determination to be a great ninja even though he relied
primarily on taijutsu.


Senba started concentrating again; using up a large amount
of chakra and focused as he did last time. The water behind him reacted
immediately in response and formed what looked to be a bubble. He felt that
sensation again like he had another body part. He kept his concentration and
tried to move it. He pushed out a little more chakra just in case and the
bubble moved. He moved it to where it was in front of him. He paused, looked up
and saw the bubble of water. It was not much water but it was a start. Senba
got too excited and lost his concentration once again and the water splashed
onto the ground. In frustration he hit the ground with his fist in which he
immediately regretted doing. He sat there and listened to Hibichi.


Hibichi was saying aloud “I am not giving up this easily I
will keep going till I cannot go anymore. If it is not 200 pushups then it will
be 100 sit ups.”


Senba laughed to himself at Hibichi’s workout technique, but
he said to himself “You can’t give up either Senba keep going till you cannot
go anymore. Go until you have little chakra left, but do not use it all you
will die.”


Senba laughed at that last statement and continued with his
training. He focused harder, pushed out chakra, and listening to Hibichi for
the moral boost. His body felt numb for a second then almost a rush of a warm
feeling ran through his body. He pushed out a lot of chakra and focused on the
water. The water reacted swiftly without delay. It again formed into a bubble
like shaped occasionally changing its own shape. Senba move it with little
effort, and moved the bubble in front of him. He started to look up, reminding
himself to not lose focus, and looked up. What he saw what a big bubble, about
the size of his head, suspended in midair. He stared at it, and moved it around
some more. Then after he was content by how much chakra he had to push out to
keep the bubble the way it was; he then tried to create another bubble. He
concentrated not only on keeping one bubble, but pushing and managing enough
chakra to create and hold another bubble in midair. This really tested Senba’s
chakra and his control of it.


Hibichi’s father walked up to Hibichi and said “You are
doing a fine job son; you are working really hard.” He then pointed to Senba
and said “So is your friend over there.”


They stood there admiring the way Senba was moving the
bubble around and creating a new one from the water.


Hibichi yelled out “That is amazing Senba you really are
getting the hang of that.”


Hibichi’s father tried to cover his son’s mouth hoping it
would not break Senba’s concentration. Unfortunately it did and send was
covered from head to toe in water. Senba looked up and Hibichi was apologizing
for yelling. Senba stared and laughed; he was so proud of himself for starting
to learn something as complex as that jutsu. Hibichi smiled and understood that
Senba was not mad.


Hibichi’s father walked over, patted Senba on the head and
said “Good job Senba. I came here to make sure you boys were okay and not over
straining yourselves.”


Hibichi said “I am fine I can go on for hour’s dad.”


Hibichi’s father said “Yes I know you can but I do not think
your friend has enough stamina to keep going like that.”


Senba went to stand up saying “I am alright I ca…..”


Senba fell forward but Hibichi’s dad caught him in time.


Hibichi went into a mini panic and asked “What just happened
dad?”


Hibichi’s father said “He used up so much chakra that his
body gave out on him and he passed out. It seems that his body can just handle
the basics of that jutsu. It is getting late I will carry him to his sleeping
bag and you go to sleep as well.”


Hibichi did as he was told, and his father placed Senba on
his sleeping bag.


Senba woke up without help this morning. His body felt
almost useless, but he could smell food so he forced himself up. There was meat
on sticks around the fire cooking, and he saw Hibichi training. He sat up a bit
and took a drink of water. Senba leaned his head against a tree, still feeling
weak, but felt like he accomplished something. He heard Hibichi walking towards
him; Senba turned his head and looked at him.


Hibichi sat down next to Senba and asked “You feeling
alright Senba?”


Senba said “Feeling a little weak at the moment. What
happened?”


Hibichi said “Well you passed out. Dad said you used up too
much chakra and your body gave out on you.”


Senba laughed a little and said “Yeah I probably did but the
more I use it the less I will have to concentrate. That also means I will know
exactly how much chakra I need and not go overboard like I did yesterday.”


Hibichi laughed and said “Well just rest for the moment; the
food is almost done and you can get back to your training.”


They laughed and talked until the meat was cooked. Senba
took a bit, and immediately recognized that it was rabbit. It was really early
in the morning Senba found out the sun was just raising. He attempted to stand
up but immediately fell back down. Hibichi protested that Senba just stay
resting.


Senba said “No I want to keep training; I will be sitting
down the entire time anyway.”


Hibichi understood how Senba felt and did nothing to stop
him. Hibichi would keep an eye on Senba to make sure he did not pass out again.
Hibichi went and started training once more. Senba got up, feeling better now,
and sat down in the spot that he was at yesterday before he passed out. He
concentrated as he did yesterday and pushed out chakra. The feeling came more
easily and the water behind him reacted creating a bubble. Senba was surprised
that it formed so quickly, but he figured as he got to use the skill it will
become more natural to use it. He had the feeling of having another body part and
started moving it freely around. He could see it in front of him; water
suspended in air about the size of his head. He broke a majority of his
concentration and it was still floating. He laughed and cheered to aloud with
joy. Hibichi turned, smiled, walked up to the bubble and poked at it. The
bubble stood its ground and did not burst. It was like jelly, and as he pushed
against the membrane of the bubble it bended. The bubble of water had a way of
changing its shape to what the user wanted or it wanted for itself.


Hibichi poked at it again and asked “Can you make it
denser.”


Senba relied with a nod and concentrated.


He thought to himself “I can make the water denser by just
doing as I do with the water prison technique.”


Hibichi poked at it again, but it was almost as hard as a
rock only giving a little against the membrane.


Hibichi smiled and “Awesome Senba.”


Senba asked “So what technique are you training?”


Hibichi laughed and said “It is a surprise.”


Senba smiled and closed his eyes while Hibichi went back to
training. He wondered what kind of range that the water can go before he lost
it. He was comfortable with moving the bubble around freely; he started making
it go in a straight like counting to himself.


Senba said to himself “1 meter……3 meters…..5 meters……8
meters….”


He kept counting till he reached 25 meters and it burst.
Senba got a range at which he could call upon water and control it. He created
another bubble and then another. The amount of chakra used to create the
bubbles was not too bad, but the amount of fixed chakra was straining Senba a
little. He stood up with the two bubbles following his every move. He walked
forward and the bubbles moved with him. Senba figured out all he had to do, as
he said before, act like they were body parts. He move forward instinctively
and the bubbles moved with him. Hibichi was in awe that Senba could now
manipulate water, and while he was moving. Senba kept walking around slowly
upping his pace; the bubbles followed promptly. Senba started running, ran up a
tree and jumped from tree to tree. The bubbles lagged behind a bit but were
still keeping up with him. He came to a stop; the bubbles were quick to stop as
well.


Hibichi smiled and said “Hey Senba catch”


Hibichi threw a kunai, but not at full strength. The kunai
was soaring towards Senba, he turned to face the kunai coming at him. Senba did
not lift a finger, and a bubble reacted swiftly and intercepted the kunai. The
kunai penetrated the bubble, but because of the water density Senba had pre-determined.
Once the kunai penetrated the bubble’s membrane it did not go much further.
This left Senba protected without a scratch and he did not move an inch.


Senba laughed and said “I see, and you did not throw the
kunai with full strength figuring if the water did not protect me I would have
the time to move.”


Hibichi nodded “That is exactly what I wanted to see. The
reaction time of those bubbles are astounding. It really is like those bubbles
are another body part for you.”


Senba smiled as Hibichi went back to his taijutsu training.
Senba was curious on what Hibichi was training for. He did not see any new
moves from Hibichi, but this could very well be a build up to a jutsu. Knowing
that taijutsu required a lot of physical stamina, strength and speed; Senba
left it alone for now and figured Hibichi would show him at some point.


Senba sat back down next to the water and started thinking
about what he could do next. He decided on getting as much water around him as
he could. He concentrated and built up more of his chakra; now since he knew
the amount of chakra needed it was a snap to create a bubble and keep its form.
He created three more bubbles in combination with the two he had previously. Senba
stood up with water bubbles all around him. He made them form into each other
making a ring of water around him.


Hibichi went to take a rest and so did Senba. He was walking
towards the campsite when Hibichi looked at him.


Hibichi said “You going to bring the water to the campsite
as well.”


Senba looked and noticed he still had the ring of water
around him.


Senba laughed and quickly released the jutsu and said “Sorry
it has gotten to the point where I do not think about it.”


Hibichi smiled and Senba asked “I need your help with
something. I would like for you to attack me next time we get up and moving.”


Hibichi was confused but then quickly got what Senba was
after. They sat back and drank a lot of water when Hibichi’s dad walked up.


Hibichi’s father looked at Senba “Are you okay?”


Senba nodded yes, and Hibichi’s father responded “That is
good; you gave us quite a scare. Hibichi you look like you have been training
hard.”


Hibichi responded “Yes sir I have and I have completed the
preparation of the jutsu.”


Hibichi’s father then said “That is great son; I would like
to see it next time you are at full strength and ready to go. Well I was just
checking up on your two, and see you two tomorrow. Senba you are welcome to
stay the night and have dinner with us.”


Senba then said “Thank you sir”


Hibichi’s father walked off but not before saying bye. The
boys stood up and walked to the center of the field. Hibichi took a taijutsu
stance and Senba summoned up a ring of water around himself.


Senba said “Okay Hibichi you know what to do. Try to hit me
but do not go full strength or speed. This jutsu is not perfected yet.”


Hibichi nodded and ran toward Senba and went for a punch.
The water reacted to the danger and immediately blocked his punch. Hibichi
quickly threw a left kick and the water, again, hindered his attempt.


Hibichi described hitting the water “It is like hitting a flexible
rubber.”


Senba told him “I will try to attack with the water now.”


Hibichi nodded and prepared for a spar against water. Senba
focused on attacking with the water as if they were projectiles, but keeping enough
water with him to stay protected. Hibichi was making every attempt to hit Senba
without being too fast or powerful. Senba gave him the go ahead to increase his
speed and strength but not by a lot. Hibichi got faster the water kept up with
him, but as hit strength increase the bubbles started giving out. Senba pushed
out more chakra to keep them in their form, and making them as dense as he
could at the time. Hibichi started getting faster and stronger. The water
bubbles were starting to collapse just as Senba’s chakra was running out at a
rapid rate. Senba did not say a thing though he wanted to push further. Hibichi
was starting to get so fast and strong that not only was the water having a
hard time reacting to his movements, but they were almost disintegrating from
the sheer force of his punches. Hibichi leaped up into the air and was coming
down for a kick. He then realized that the water disappeared and did not have
time to stop as he was coming down. Senba looked up in fear not having time to
move and was certain to take the hit. He was too far away from the body of
water that it would not reach him in time. With this fear the chakra raged
inside of him, and he flinched in fear. He waited, but did not get hit.


Hebichi said nervously “Ummmm Senba open your eyes.”


Senba opened his eyes to notice that water had stopped
Hibichi’s kick just in time, and had grabbed hold of him in midair.


Senba thought to himself “There is no way.”


He looked back at the lake when Hibichi said “Umm Senba
wrong way, look down on the ground.”


Senba looked at the ground and was surprised that the water
that was accumulated under the ground came up to his defense. Senba smiled,
looked up at Hibichi and put him down softly onto the ground. He then released
the jutsu.


Hibichi said “Sorry I could not stop I did not noticed in
time that you have no more water surrounding you. In that case you did find out
that you can now call on the ground water to your defense. I guess if there is
ground water to be had.”


Senba smiled and said “I did not realize that, but I guess
im going to have to work on that another time.”


It was getting night time, they decided to go to bed, and
would go back to town the following morning. They got up, packed their things,
and made sure the fire was out. They walked to Hibichi’s place where they had a
nice meal, and told stories on what had happened. Senba took a shower and
stayed the night till the next day when he went home.


[4,110 words, + 20 stats, + 21 JP (Would be 41 but my jp restriction will max out at 130 only allowing 21 Jp more, I am guessing i just lose out on them?), and obtained lvl 1,2, and 3 of Water - Heavens Convergence]

Approved for appropriate rewards

Yes you do get the extra 20 JP, when you rank up you are allowed to use it. Or you can give it to friends lol

Senba woke up to hear a bang on his door. This was not a
simple “Hey are you awake” nock this was an “Answer the door or we are coming
in” kind of not. Senba got up and opened the door. To his surprise Hibichi, and
Hibichi’s dad were standing at his front door. Senba, still half a sleep
invited them in, and he went to get something to drink for the two then sat
down.


Senba asked “Not to be rude but why are you two banging on
my door at 6 in the morning?”


Hibichi’s dad laughed and said “Why we wanted to know if you
wanted to train.”


Hibichi was just nodding letting his father do the talking.


Senba said “We? You mean me, you, and Hibichi?”


Hibichi’s dad said “Why of course who else?”


Senba’s thoughts at the time “Hibichi’s dad is cool and all
but he is scary. I am afraid he could flick me and I would go for a little
trip.”


Senba then asked “I am not trying to sound rude sir but I
have a question. I just want to know why you want to go training with us.”


Hibichi’s dad responded “Enough with the “sir” and start
calling me Danto. As far as going to train I would like to help my son perfect
a certain taijutsu and teach him a few others. I also would like to see why
Hibichi is praising you so for your ability. He has not told me what kind of
progress you have made so I want to see it for myself. I can also help with
your training, and maybe teach you a few things.”


Hibichi just looked at me, smiled, and nodded.


Senba sat back and considered his proposal. He said “How
long are we going to be gone?”


Danto said “As long as it takes.”


Senba smiled and stood up saying “Alright I will go, but
please give me some time to pack and such.”


Danto replied “Okay Senba meet us at our house when you are
ready to go.”


Danto and Hibichi left with a goodbye, and Senba sat down on
his bed. He kept wondering to himself if this was a good idea.


He thought to himself “Well of course not only do you have
one training partner; you will have two now and it will really test your new
jutsu out. Remember that you might end up having to fight multiple enemies at
once. This will be good training for that.”


Senba smiled and pulled out his trust duffel bag and back
pack. He sat there almost helpless from the fact that he just got woken up.
Looking around his room locating the things that he needs just by site, but not
wanting to get up to get them. He finally forces himself of and starts packing
his things. He packed lots of water, both kunai, flint, sharpening stone,
sleeping bag, two extra changes of clothes, and 3 large towels. He looked
around the room making sure he did not forget something, besides the katana,
and he could not think of anything. He grabbed his katana and strapped it to
his back. He put on his back pack and slung the duffel bag strap over his shoulder.
He proceeded out the door, locking it behind him, and told the manager he would
be gone for a while for training. The hotel manager was an old man who was very
knowledgeable and understanding. He saw how badly Senba had come back beaten up
or exhausted from training.


The hotel manager handed him a small pouch with three brown
balls about the size of a marble.


He said to Senba “I have seen how beat up you have come back
from training and I do get worried about you. I get more worried when you sleep
for twenty-four hours straight. I do understand that you are trying to be a
great ninja though. From what I have seen, and how hard you are training you
just might be that great ninja you want to be. You are training at the training
grounds if I am not mistaken?”


Senba nods and figured the old man has seen a lot of great
ninja in his time. He was honored that the old man told him that.


The old man continued to talk “Yes I have seen many fine
ninja in my time. One in particular stands in my mind. Do you know who that is
Senba?”


Senba replied respectfully “No sir I do not.”


The old man laughed a bit and said “It was your father.”


Senba was shocked and just looked at the old man interested
more in what he was saying.


The old man began talking again “Yes your father was a very
good ninja, and was able to wield water like it was his own body.” The old man
laughed and continued “Yes and your father and I became good friends. I am sure
he has told you why you get to stay in one of my apartments for free right?”


Senba shook his head “Yes” and continued listening.


The old man smiled and said “Good, and yes it is all true.
Your father and his amazing ability with water saved my life. Though I do not
want to get into detail at the moment because I am sure you are still burdened
by his passing. Those are soldier pill; I made them myself out of natural herbs
that grow around konoha. If you ever feel weak after the days training, and
need to get more energy to start right back up again in the morning take one of
those. They do not take good so I suggest chewing it, and then drinking a
bottle of water right after. This way atleast some of the taste will go away.”


Senba said “Thank you very much sir.”


The old man nodded and said “You best be off young man; I
have to go take a nap, this old man body just needs to rest a bit.”


Senba nodded and walked off saying goodbye. He was walking
towards Hibichi’s house, and the thought of the old man knowing his father kept
popping up in his mind. Not that his father was a bad guy or that he was burdened
by his death. It is just that the old man seemed to know so much about his
father. He was pondering this in his mind the entire way to Hibichi’s house. He
walked up to the door and knocked on it.


Hibichi opened the door and said “Senba you are here, and
right on time we were just about to eat dinner and wait for you.”


Senba said “Oh I do no mean to intrude.”


The second Senba said this Hibichi’s mom walked up to him
and gave him a hug pulling him into the house.


She said “Nonsense Senba eat up; I do not want my boys
hungry while training now do I.”


Senba had no choice but to go along.


He thought to himself of the words she used “my boys” and
thought about it. It is true that Senba and Hibichi knew eachother for the
longest time, and that Senba protected Hibichi like a brother. He did not think
that Hibichi’s father, and mother, would take him in so easily like part of the
family. The smell of food filled the house and it smelt delicious. Senba put
down his things to the right of the door way, and walked into the kitchen. His
eyes go big when he looked at the large table. There were mashed potatoes,
ramen, boneless pork strips, chicken breast, white gravy, 2 pitchers of tea,
and one of lemonade. Senba was almost drooling when Danto walked up behind him,
and gave him a hard slap on the back and laughed.


Danto said “Hun I think you mesmerized Senba with all you’re
cooking.”


Hibichi’s mom walked up to Senba and said “My name is Koia;
sorry I did not introduce myself at the door. Please help yourself there is
enough for everyone.”


Senba recognized the word without the “a” in Koia it meant
love. He smiled and as they sat at the table so did he. Senba was not too
comfortable eating at other people’s houses but he made an exception. I dug in
and filled his stomach. There were little to no left overs, and apparently this
was to be expected anyway.


They were not packed yet, to Senba’s surprise, but they were
out shopping with Koia. That he understood to be a very good reason not to be
packed yet. Koia is a gentle person with the emotional equivalent of a
fireball. Senba waited in the living room looking at a shogi board. It was
apparently left mid game and no one continued it.


Danto walked up to Senba and said “Alright I am all packed;
we are just waiting for Hibichi now. Oh yeah Hibichi gave up on that he said “I
cannot move anywhere” and gave up.”


Senba looked at Danto and looked at the board. He gestured
for Danto to sit down on the other side that he was playing on already. Senba
looked carefully, and moved a piece but it was taken out. He moved another
piece and it was also taken out.


Danto laughed and said “You are not much at this than
Hibichi.”


Senba looked up at him, moved a piece and said “Checkmate.”


Danto looked at Senba then looked down at the board and smiled.


Danto responded quietly “The climbing silver; you purposely
put pieces in the way to force me to move mine.”


Senba said “Yes, sometimes to get to the king you must
sacrifice some pieces.”


Danto looked up at Senba and asked very seriously “I am sure
you believe that any great general can play excellently at this kind of game.
You do not seem bothered by the fact that you lost pieces, but what about real
combat. Would you be able to send out ninja under your command, knowing full
well they are going to die, to a location just so you have a clear shot to the
objective?”


Senba quietly said “If it is the only way then yes I will.
It is not like I am not going to inform them about this. It would be up to
them, and that separates the ninja from the cowards. To go into battle knowing
you are going to die to save your village. I believe they would die the
honorable shinobi way.”


Danto looked up at Senba and a slight smile came to his
faced and said “You are right Senba; I believe you are going to be a very strong
leader one day.”


Just as Danto finished talking Hibichi walked down the
stairs done with packing.


Senba had a large duffel bag and a backpack, Danto had two
large duffel bags, and Hibichi had one large duffel bag and a backpack same as
Senba. The group walked out the door saying goodbye to Koia, and started to
make their way to the training grounds.


Danto turns to Senba and asks “So what exactly is this new
jutsu you are working on. I saw it the other day but I want to know how.”


Senba starts explaining “Well, as you can obviously tell, I
have water affinity. The jutsu you saw was called the “Water – Heavens
Convergence” jutsu. This allows me to manipulate water at will, and it can be
used for attack and defence. The only problem at the moment is that I am not
skilled enough in this jutsu to use other jutsus while I am using Heavens
Convergence. Apparently, if I read it right, once I have gotten well equated
with this skill I will be able to use jutsu and I will be able to make water
out of thin air.”


Danto and Hibichi both looked at him confused.


Danto asked “How would you manage that?”


Senba responded “Well I can get water 1 of 4 ways, this is
what I read, and it starts with the basics. When you are just learning the
jutsu you can only rely on a body of water. When you progress through, like
what happened the other day Hibichi, you can pull water out of the ground. You
progress along and if there is no body of water, and no ground water, you rely
on plants. Regrettably when you pull the water from plants they will die. When
you master this jutsu you will be able to combine hydrogen and oxygen molecules
out of the air creating water. This in turn is basically making water out of
thin air. You can make water anywhere. This in turn could possible allow you to
make a lake for a temporary period of time.”


Hibichi just stared at Senba like that was the coolest thing
he had ever heard.


Danto chuckled a little bit and responded “The downside is,
is that it takes an extreme amount of chakra during training am I right?
Remember by the lake you passed out.”


Senba replied “Yes it does, but as I progress, well anyone
who progresses through a jutsu will get used to the strain. This will
inevitably make them more use to the jutsu and it will be easier for them.”


Danto nodded in agreement, turned to Hibichi and said
“Listen to Senba, he is very knowledgeable, but Senba you train with Hibichi,
he is a very good taijutsu user he can teach you a few things.”


Senba and Hibichi both smiled and said “Yes sir”


Senba was curious so he decided to ask “What kind of jutsu
are you two working on?”


Danto turned and said “It is high speed taijutsu. It is a
way to unlock the eight inner gates, and in turn increases your power even
greater than that of the hokage’s. The side effects are that it creates
enormous strain on the body, and if you open the last gate you will die. The
gates are: the gate of opening, the gate of healing, the gate of life, the gate
of pain, the gate of limit, the gate of view, the gate of wonder, and the gate
of death. “


Senba looked at Danto with surprise when he said “power even
greater than that of the hokage.”


Danto said “The other day when Hibichi was training with you
he unlocked the first gate, the gate of opening, and now we are going to train
to the extreme. We figured that you will need strong opponents for such a
strong jutsu so we figured it is a win, win, for all of us.”


Senba smiled and nodded in agreement as they walked into the
field of the training grounds. They sat their stuff next to the cold water. It
was sunny and cool outside. This was a perfect day for training, and was
perfect for a swim, but maybe later. They started gathering wood, and tender
for a fire and set it up. They arranged their sleeping back in a circle around
the fire, and pulled some of their stuff out. Senba leaned his katana up
against the tree, and his backpack and duffel bag to the right of it.


Hibichi turned and asked “I was curious; why you bring a
katana with you when you go to train?”


Senba hesitates a bit pondering the question but smiled and
gave a reply “When I do have the energy I like to sit back and sharpen it. I do
not use it much but it is kind of like how a child holds on to a teddy bear.”


Hibichi was about to say something when Danto grabbed his
should restraining him from asking what he was about to ask.


Danto then said “Well we do not have to worry about food I
got all we can eat right here.”


Danto opened one of his duffel bags and it was full of food
and water.


Senba laughed and said “Good thing I brought enough stuff to
last for a while.”


Hibichi opened his bag and it was full of training equipment
plus food and lots of water. They sat down, sun is about to set in the sky, and
started discussing what they were going to do tomorrow.


Danto started off “You know the drill Hibichi but now we are
going to amplify it by using the weights you have pack. This is going to be
tough, and will require you to be at a hundred percent all the time. Senba you
will do what you need to do. A few times a day we will spar, and how that is
going to work will be figured out then. Is this clear boys?”


Senba and Hibichi both said “Yes sir”


Senba dug through his bag and pulled out the pouch that the
old man gave him. He handed Danto and Hibichi one each.


Hibichi asked “What is this?”


Danto replied “Why this is a soldier pill allowing you train
or battle longer. Where did you get this Senba?”


Senba then said “The apartment manager gave them to me. He
said it would help me in my training.”


Danto smiled and said “This is perfect when we are at our
lowest we can take one, and be back up in no time. Thank you Senba”


Hibichi also said “Thank you.”


It was nightfall; they lit up the fire, and decided to fall
asleep. Senba could not get the image of his father out of his mind. The old
man talking about him must have jarred something in his brain. He finally fell
asleep though. Senba woke up early in the morning, earlier than even Hibichi
and Danto. This seemed odd because he usually slept in. The sun was just barely
rising and Senba was sitting by the water staring at it. Danto finally got up
and to his surprise Senba was already awake.


He walked up to Senba and asked “Did you get any sleep at
all last night?”


Senba replied “Yeah, I don’t know, I just woke up early.”


Danto said “Very early; you are not a slacker but you do
like sleeping in.”


Hibichi walked up and said “Senba this is a change; you are
actually up early in the morning for once.”


Senba laughed and said “Yeah”


They walked over to the campsite and started preparing for
training. Danto and Hibichi were strapping on weights and training gear. They
started stretching as well, but Senba was not doing any taijutsu from the start
so he would stretch before the sparring.


Senba said “I will stretch, and everything, but before the
sparring just give me a heads up beforehand.”


Hibichi and Danto both nodded and started running and
jumping from tree to tree. Senba sat in the middle, Indian style, of the field
and tried to figure out how he pulled the water from the ground last time. He
closed his eyes and focuses his chakra.


Senba was thinking to himself “I have to remember how I
pulled the water out of the ground. I was about to get attacked and the water
came up from the ground and caught Hibichi. I do not know what happened in
between. My chakra must have flared and the water reacted beneath me and came
up to the defense. Now all I have to do is invasion this, hopefully, and it
might work.”


He focused his chakra quickly, and focused on the water in
the ground. He could sense the water coming up but it was harder to pull ground
water than to just siphon it from a body of water. He pushed a burst of chakra,
and successfully pulled the water out of the ground forming it into a bubble.
He could say that it was the water from the ground because there was a wet spot
on the ground where it had come from. He played with the bubble moving it
around and decided to pull a lot of water out of the ground at once. He focused
a great amount of chakra and focused on the ground once again. He felt the
chakra leave his body and immediately heard Hibichi yell, fall, and heard a
splash. He then felt his clothes get wet a bit. He looked up and saw that the
training grounds had a small layer of water over it now. Hibichi was partially
soaked, because he slipped and fell in the water. Senba made the water dense
enough to where it broke his fall. Danto was laughing up in a tree and looked
at Senba.


Danto laughed said “Good job at getting the water underground
out from underground but I would appreciate it if you formed it and brought it
out then to make a miniature lake.”


Senba said “Sorry Hibichi I did not think about it; I was
focusing on just pulling it out of the ground and I pulled too much.”


Senba quickly gathered all the water around him, putting
half of it in the lake, kept the other half around him. Danto and Hibichi went
back to their training and so did Senba. Senba played with the water gathering
more water from the ground. Then dispersing it and finding the range that it
can go to, he noted fifty meters and growing. It was getting dark and they
decided to call an early night. They sat around the camp fire, and it was
getting nice and cold outside. Although not so cold it got uncomfortable. The
fire was a crimson red, it was warm, and the meat was cooking. They sat around
drinking water and talking.


Senba asked “How is the training going for you two?”


Hibichi smiled and said “It is going fantastic”


Danto said after Hibichi “At this rate Hibichi will have to
power to unlock the second gate in no time.”


Hibichi asked “How about you Senba?”


Senba replied “As you saw I was able to pull water out of
the ground, and accidently made a miniature lake. All in all I am doing well,
and the range at which I can control it is increasing.”


Danto was curious so he asked “By how much?”


Senba responded with “Last time I checked it was at fifty
meters and increasing.”


Danto and Hibichi stared and Senba in surprise.


Hibichi said “Fifty meters that is amazing.”


Danto agreed and said “That is quite a feat, and what did
the thing you read say about the range?”


Senba said “It did not say anything about the range I will
just have to discover that myself.”


The meat was finally done cooking and they ate well tonight.
They fell asleep but not without putting some more wood on the fire to keep it
going.


Senba woke up again early in the morning, and like last time
earlier than Danto and Hibichi. He was not surprised though they worked on
taijutsu which put more strain on the body than his ninjutsu. He sat there the
sun just rising. He went back and put a few more sticks on the fire. Danto got
up and yawned. Hibichi was not too far behind waking up.


Senba asked “Have you tried water training?”


Hibichi looked confused and asked “Water training?”


Danto quickly replied “You know that is not a bad idea
Senba. In fact we can start on that today. Actually if you can help by changing
the density of the water once we get used to it, it will help out loads.”


Hibichi was still confused and asked “What are you two
talking about?”


Senba explained “See water limits your speed, running,
punching, and other exercises are limited in the water. You say you are this
fast at punching when you are on land, but when you are in water you are going
to have a harder time. This kind of training is almost like having a weight
around your entire body. If you do that for so long and return to land, you
will inevitably be faster and maybe stronger with your punches and or kicks. As
Danto suggested I have the ability to change the density of the water. As you
two get use to the way the water is I can change it and you will have a harder
time. I can change the density till you cannot move. Hence my water prison
technique but to make it that powerful I have to have my arm in it. Senba got up and walked to the edge of the
lake, figuring he used too much of the ground water yesterday, and pulled the
water from the lake instead. He formed to giant bubbles of water; the bubbles
were a little bigger than the water prison so they could extend their entire
body if they wanted to.


Senba said “Go ahead guys the only part of you that should
be sticking out is your head so you can breathe properly.”


Danto and Hibichi trusted Senba and walked into the bubbles.
Senba made sure that the bubbles water had the same feeling as regular water
with no added density. All Senba had to do was to control his chakra to keep
the form of the bubbles and change the density when they needed. Like he said
before he could only change the density so much before he had to stick his arm
into the bubble. They started punch away in the water, and they synchronized.
Senba just sat there with his eyes closed focusing on the water making sure to
keep its form. After about 30 mins of punches, they went to kicks.


Hibichi said “This feels odd.”


Danto said “Yes it does Hibichi but just imagine it if you
were on land. Once we start trying to run make that your first thought.”


Hibichi nodded and kept kicking. Once they gotten used to
kicking; they went straight for running. They had a hard time at first being
that they were in water, but they soon got the hang of it. Senba had no problem
keeping the form of the bubble as they trained. His chakra control was great
and could wield it to a great extent. He even created more bubbles around him.
This was a good chance to test his chakra control, and see if he can control
multiple things at once. After their run in place; they asked for Senba to make
the water heavier. Senba pushed out a little more chakra, and made the water
denser trying to be careful about how much denser he made it. They went back to
training and Senba was trying to figure out what he could do. There was not
much he could do because he had to keep focus on the bubbles. This training
went on for a while and they asked for the bubbles to become even denser.


Senba looked up and asked “I would have to put my arm in the
bubble to make it denser, are you sure you want that?”


Danto asked “No pain no gain right Hibichi?”


Hibichi said “That is right.”


Senba smiled, walked over to the bubbles, sat back down, and
stuck his arms part way into them and made the water denser. He was trying to
refrain from making it too hard for them to move. They were finally ready to
stop so Senba took the water, right after letting them out, and returned it
back to the lake. Hibichi was jumping up and down. Danto was as well and also
running in place.


Hibichi said “I feel almost weightless.”


Danto said “Me to, and the training worked I feel faster
now.”


It was getting late and the same routine was set. They had
meat cooking around the camp fire, and they changed their clothes behind a
large bush. Their clothes were soaked with water from the training. They hung
their clothes next to the fire to let them dry but not too close to the meat.


Hibichi stated “My muscles feel more worn out than usual.
That training must have really worked.”


Danto smiled and said “Yes it did son. Thank you Senba for
taking a day off your training to help us.”


Senba smiled and replied “Your welcome but that did help me
out as well. I do not know if you noticed but I was controlling other bubbles
and water around me. This let me know how I can split my chakra and train
myself on focusing on more than just one or two things.”


Hibichi said “Oh so you basically were training to see if
you could manipulate enough water to take on multiple enemies at once?”


Senba said “That is exactly it.”


The meat was cooked; they ate and drank water till their
bellies were full. They lay down and went to bed. The next morning Senba
actually slept in, and Hibichi woke him up. He was groggy and did not want to
get up.


Hibichi said “Now that is the Senba I know” and laughed a
little.


Senba sat up noticing the sun had already risen, and both
Hibichi and Danto were about to go training.


He stood up and said “Alright I got up already.”


Senba, in an attempt to wake up, splashed cold water on his
face. In turn did wake him up, and the water felt nice. He wanted to go for a
swim, but it would have to wait for another time. He overheard Hibichi and
Danto talking about getting faster and what not. They were getting deeper into
the high speed taijutsu stuff. Senba did not even try to watch them run anymore;
they were too fast for his eyes to keep up.


Danto asked “What about a little sparing today and tomorrow
will be a day of rest.”


Senba smiled and said “Sure how will the happen?”


Danto said “Well since you have that jutsu maybe it would be
good for you to try to concentrate on two people. Who better to train against,
and test yourself against two fast opponents.”


Hibichi looked at Danto and said “Dad last time I got fast
and strong the water was not able to keep up.”


Danto looked at him and said “Look at Senba now; that jutsu
has gotten stronger since then.”


Senba smiles and said “Let’s go.”


Senba summoned up a good amount of water; maybe too much for
the case but this was different. He was going up against two very fast and
strong opponents. If he had to he could split the water up into six bubbles and
do it that way. The water circled around Senba defending him for the time until
someone attacked.


Danto asked “Are you ready Senba?”


Senba replied “Ready.”


Danto and Hibichi both charged at him; they leaped up into
the sky and tried to drop kick Senba who was still sitting on the ground. The
water came to his defense and, as it was there for, blocked them perfectly and
threw them across the training ground. The water now circling Senba faster,
almost like it had a mind of its own, waiting for another attack. They tried
once more, but this time Hibichi was the one to jump into the air, and Danto
tried a sneak attack on the side. Senba was focused on Danto that he had not
noticed the Hibichi was coming down on him. They both struck at the same time,
but were foiled by the water pushing both of them away. The water raged, came
up, and darted toward both Hibichi and Danto. Senba, of course, was in complete
control of this. He would not hurt the two severally but it would hurt none the
less.


Hibichi and Danto got thrown far, but they stood right back
up. Senba stood up but still letting the water defend and attack for him.
Hibichi and Danto decided to get faster and stronger. This did not help them;
Senba’s jutsu has progressed far. Hibichi and Danto realized that it was not
going to work and they had to think of something different.


Danto said “Well it seems like we cannot defeat him without
weights on. Take off your weights off Hibichi and I will do the same.”


They took off their leg, body, and arm weights leaving them
free to move at maximum speed. They were quick and Senba was having a hard time
keeping up with them. He closed his eyes and focused his chakra letting the
water react. Blow after blow came and the water was still successful at
defending him.


Danto then said “Let us see what you have learned Hibichi. I
will back off and you open the first gate.”


Hibichi said “Are you sure about that dad? I do not think
that Senba’s water can keep up with that.”


Danto said “Do not worry son. If Senba feels threatened
enough to use another technique besides that water he has around him. Then we
will know to stop and he knows the extent of his jutsu. Is that okay Senba?”


Senba nodded in agreement and got ready just in case he had
to bail. Hibichi stood there in focus and opened the first gate. Chakra roared
around him, something Senba has never seen before.


Senba thought to himself “This technique amplifies his power
but at a cost of hurting his body.”


Senba got ready as Hibichi disappeared, but it was not a
magic trick. It was pure speed he was using, and he came at Senba with a punch.
The water, that had been circling him, came to his defense but just barely.
Senba pumped more chakra out strengthening the water. Hibichi came around with
a kick and still the water was barely able to keep up with him. Senba was
getting nervous; with a none mastered jutsu it is still very useful, but at the
speed and strength that Hibichi was at it was getting hard to keep up. Hibichi
only got stronger and faster, the water was weakening, and Senba was at his
limit of chakra. Danto noticed this straight away, and tried to tell Hibichi to
stop before his next attack. To no avail Hibichi was already too far into the
punch to stop. Thinking quickly Senba pulled all the water around him, and made
the water as dense as he would with the water prison technique. Hibichi threw
his punch and it penetrated the outer membrane of the bubble, but it stopped
half way to Senba. Hibichi stopped and pulled his arm out of the bubble. Senba
released the technique and was coughing.


Hibichi helped Senba up and said “I am sorry I was too far
into the punch and I could not stop my momentum.”


Senba laughed and said “It is okay I was storing up chakra
for one last technique if I needed to. I guess I was right on doing that.”


Danto clapped and praised the two young boys “Good job
Hibichi you have learned how to open the first gate with not problems what so
ever. Senba you did great sparring with use, and to have thought ahead and
store up chakra to defend yourself is absolutely amazing. The ability to think
quickly and with a clear mind under stress is what makes a good ninja. Now let
us eat, sleep, and tomorrow we can rest and relax a bit.”


They ate and finally got to take a good night sleep. Senba
woke up by himself, and his body was practically useless.


He thought to himself “I guess I used up too much chakra
last night.”


Hibichi and Danto were already up talking. Senba forced
himself up and leaned against a tree.


Danto said “Well good morning sleepy head.”


Senba looked at Danto and asked “How can you be up and awake
and not sore?”


Danto said “Oh I am sore, and Hibichi as well but we are
just use to it.”


Senba noticed how nice it felt outside, and finally stood up
and walked to the water’s edge. He stuck his hand into the water and noted that
it felt amazing. It was cold yet warm, and it would be a great day to go
swimming. He walked over to his backpack, grabbed his swim trunks, and changed
behind a bush. He dove right in and the sudden shock of the cold water woke him
up to the fullest instantaneously. Danto and Hibichi jumped in right after him.
It felt good to be in the water; to Senba it was more comfortable than being on
land. He relaxed his body and floated on the water staring at the sky. The sun
was partially blocked by the clouds so he was not blinded when he looked up at
the sky. He dived into the water, swimming deeper and deeper, this water was
clear with little to no sediment deposits floating around. He opened his eyes
and could see the beauty of the water. He could see small and big fish. At the
bottom he could see, oddly enough, crabs. He came back up for air and told
Hibichi and Danto to dive into the water and open their eyes. They all dived
into the water and swam downward. Senba could hold his breath for a long time.
He swam almost to the bottom until he had to go back up for air. He came back
up and decided to get out. Sitting at the water’s edge with his feet in the water;
he was watching the goofballs swimming around in the water. He decided to get
some dry clothes on and lay on his sleeping bag. Senba stared at the trees
awhile, and thought of how much he would just like to sleep the day away.


Danto came up in dry clothes on now and said “I hope your
hungry cause I brought some ribs too.”


Senba laughed at how much food he brought and said “That
sounds yummy.”


Hibichi walked up with dry clothes on now and said “Yummy
ribs, and swimming takes a lot out of the body.”


Senba chuckled and said “Yeah it works all of your muscles
at once. You will not get those bulky muscles. You will get a lean type of
muscle mass instead. That is what I prefer anyway.”


Danto and Hibichi both agreed with Senba that lean muscle
mass was more beneficial than the bulky kind. Senba sat up and pulled his
sharpening stone from his backpack and poured water on it. He then drank the
rest that was in the bottle. He unsheathed his katana and ran the stone across
the blade. This, in turn, made the blade sharper.


Danto asked “Have you ever used that blade in combat before,
or training?”


Senba said “No I have not yet. I do need to train with it
soon.”


Danto did not get Senba sometimes, but Hibichi seemed to
understand. Night fall was coming and Senba had already sharpened his katana,
and two kunai. He laid there, eyes starting to get heavy, but he could not go
to sleep because food was on the fire. It smelt good, and the smell of barbeque
was making is stomach growl. He drank some water to try to calm it down but to
no avail. He was really hungry, and could not wait to eat. The ribs where done
and they pigged out on them. Not one rib survived that fateful day. They took a
long night sleep before the next day.


That morning Senba was all ready and fired up. This was just
not him; Danto and Hibichi felt the same way when they woke up. Senba gathered
his chakra and water came to him; swirling around him like a barrier.


He smiled and said “This is going to be a good day.”

[Continued]
First Senba wanted to know how far he could control the
water now. He formed a bubble out of the water and moved it forward. He kept
moving it forward counting to himself.


Senba counted “50 meters, 55 meters, 60 meters, 65 meters…”


He kept counting like this and the bubble burst at one
hundred meters. Senba was shocked at how far he could control the water. He
summoned up a good amount of water around him. He started targeted a tree that
was not near his friends and used a water bubble to attack it. It ripped
through that tree and the one behind it.


He thought “By seeing that carnage he estimated that it has
the power of a B rank jutsu, and from the barrage of attack taken from the
other day. The defense, he estimated, he could block an A rank jutsu.”


Out of nowhere Danto and Hibichi ambushed Senba while he was
not expecting. Senba was protected by the water which was still circling him;
he could not react but he knew they were ther. The water came up, blocked the
two, and threw them across the training grounds. Luckily they caught themselves
or they would have smashed into a tree. Senba did not mean to send them flying
into a tree, and apologized for it.


Danto said “It is okay Senba; your instincts were there and
the water reacted.”


They stood up again, tried to attack but to no avail again,
and they were cast aside by the water. They came again, wave, after wave of
barrages.


Senba asked, after the last attempt “Why don’t you just open
the first gate again?”


Hibichi said “I cannot because my body is still hurting from
the other day. I cannot use it just when I want like your jutsu.”


Danto said “Hibichi do you realize how much chakra Senba is
using up with that jutsu. He is not at his limit yet, but I saw it the other
day when you were bashing at him.”


Senba nodded and was ready for another onslaught. Then he
heard from the forest, “Fire Style: Fireball”, and was quick to realize that a
fire ball was coming straight for him. He knew since it was fire the water
would quickly dissolve it. The fireball hit the water that was shielding Senba
and dissipated.


Senba asked “What the hell was that?”


Hibichi and Danto shrugged their shoulders. Senba saw a
young girl, about his age, walk of the tree line. He recognized this person and
so did Hibichi.


Senba and Hibichi both yelled out “Nami!”


Senba and Hibichi both hugged her for they have not seen her
in so long.


Nami laughed and said “Hey boys, I thought I was going to be
alone training today but I saw you all here. Hey Danto long time no see.”


Danto smiled and said “It sure has, and how was your trip?”


Nami said “It went great my father taught me a lot of fire
jutsu, and I have become strong.”


Danto said “That is good, and so that was your fireball
aimed at Senba?”


Nami chuckled a little and said “Yes.”


Nami might have seemed cute and innocent, but she was the
exact opposite. She always liked to torture Senba and Hibichi, but they were
like family.


Nami said “Well Hibichi I see you have grown skilled in
taijutsu. I knew you were going to make it. Senba what in the world did you end
up learning.”


Senba smiled and scratched his head “I can manipulate water
now, but I am not close to mastering it yet.”


Nami smiled “I knew you were a smart one always beating me
in shogi. I thought I was the smart one too.”


Senba laughed and stuck his tongue out at Nami. The three
all laughed at each other.


Danto suggested “Well Nami do you want to train with use? I
and Hibichi have been ganging up on Senba the entire time. He has been doing
well, and training himself.”


Nami would always take the opportunity to embarrass Senba or
hurt him. In all of that though Nami was always the one to back Senba or
Hibichi up when it came down to it. She would not leave their side for
anything; even if it looked like she hated the two to no end.


Nami laughed, looked at Senba with a devilish look and said
“Sure that will be fun.”


Senba smiled, sat down next to the water and said “Go.”


Not a moment after Senba said this; Danto and Hibichi jumped
into the air bout to come down for an attack. Senba knew this was going to be
challenging and now he had a ninjutsu user to worry about. He produced more
chakra, empowering the water and producing more of it. Since Nami is a fire
affinity it will not affect Senba that much, but he has to watch out because if
the fire is too intense it can evaporate the water.


He was focused on Hibichi and Danto coming down on him.
There were no surprises and the water threw them to the side but as it did a
fire ball came straight for Senba. The water, acting to Senba’s willed, came to
his defense and turned some of the water into vapor. Senba pulled more water
from the lake behind him. Nami took careful note at how much time it took for
Senba to pull the water, and form it around him to take another attack. Hibichi
and Danto kept barraging him with attacks. Nami used the fire ball technique
again, and noted the time. She called Hibichi and Danto to form a plan.


Senba thought “I see what you were doing. Nami you cease to
amaze me. Figuring out how long it takes me to replace the water you evaporate.
There is one problem though; you do not know I can pull water from the ground.
I hope Hibichi and Danto have forgotten that since I have not demonstrated it
in a while. I bet Nami will use the fire ball jutsu, and synced in time Hibichi
and Danto will attack me while I am vulnerable.”


Senba did not show any emotion and just stared at the groud
trying to plan.


Nami said “Okay when my fire ball hits there is a specific
amount of time it takes for Senba to call up water from the lake and form it
around him to defend. When my fireball hits and you see the steam go for it.
Make sure not to hurt him too hard.”


Hibichi and Danto both agreed and got ready. Senba readied
himself. Hibichi and Danto jumped up; not soon after a fire ball came at Senba
and evaporated the water. Hibichi and Danto took the opportunity to come down
and attempt to connect a hit. They were tossed aside by the water, and then the
water went after Nami. She dodged multiple attacks, the water retracted and
went back to defend Senba. Nami, Hibichi and Danto were just fine; nothing but
a few scratches. Senba purposely missed a few times just to keep her on edge.


After things were settled Nami asked “How? I calculated
everything?”


Senba said “You did not calculate the fact that I can draw
water from the ground though which, in turn, allowed me to raise a defense
faster around me than just pulling it out of the lake.”


He said that in confidence but told himself “Yes you
protected yourself but at a cost of a chakra.”


Nami smiled and said “Still as stubborn as ever Senba, but
now I got to go home. Dad wanted to teach me a new technique. Bye bye.”


They all said bye to Nami as she left. It was getting dark
as they rested around the camp fire waiting for the food to cook. Drinking water
and talking amongst each other.


Hibichi asked “Senba how did you know she planned that?”


Senba said “It is good for a person to know their weaknesses
so they when enemies try to exploit them the person can counter efficiently to
the best of his or her ability.”


Hibichi laughed and said “You still remember that from the
academy Senba?”


Senba relied “Of course, and it will save you more times
than your own strengths.”


Danto just sat there and agreed.


Danto looked up, laughed, and said “Senba would you mind not
bringing your friend into the camp place?”


Senba looked confused but looked around and saw a bubble of
water next to him.


Senba said “Sorry I guess I am so use to using it now it is
habit.”


Senba released the jutsu and the bubble dissipated. He felt drained
and hungry. They ate, drank water, and slept for the night. Senba woke up just
as Danto and Hibichi were waking up. He looked up and saw someone standing next
to them. It was the old man, and he looked happy.


The old man said “You youngens always stressing yourselves.”


Senba stood up as quickly as possible to show respect, and
so did Hibichi and Danto.


The old man smiled and asked “Have you three tried those
soldier pills yet?”


Senba said “No sir, actually I was thinking we were going to
take them this morning. We had a rough day yesterday so I thought it would be
appropriate.”


The old man appreciated the respect and said “Very well, but
I would like to hear what you three have been doing out here. That is if it is
okay with you all?”


Senba, Hibichi, and Danto did not protest and they sat down
next to the water. They all three took the soldier pill at once and drank a
bottle of water behind it. Danto and Senba almost gagged but Hibichi did not seem
bothered by it.


The old man asked “You go first Senba tell me what you were
training for.”


Senba relpied “I am working on a new jutsu that I read
about. It is called “Water – Heavens Convergence,” and it allows the user to
manipulate water. The water can either attack or defend at the user’s will, and
becomes stronger and faster as the user progresses. I started off by just
gathering the water from the body of water we are sitting next to. I progressed
along and I was able to pull the water from the ground. I can block fairly
strong jutsus and attacks. I also can control the water up to one hundred
meters away before I lose it.”


The old man nodded his head and smiled “So you are able to
manipulate water like your father did?”


Senba was shocked but wanted to hear more and asked “My
father could do that?”


The old man laughed and said “I guess he kept his work from
his personal life. That is good but sometimes it leaves the child out. Yes he
could and how you figure you could? What you reading that jutsu out of is a
book your father gave you before he passed right?”


Senba nodded “Yes.”


The old man relied “Then that is the book he got it out of.
You are to learn well that jutsu and use it in memory of him.”


Senba nodded.


The old man asked “I am sorry but I am rude to introduce
myself to you two. My name is Ondo.”


Danto said “It is nice to meet you Ondo my name in Danto.”


Hibichi said “I am Hibichi it is nice to meet you.”


Ondo smiled and asked “So what have you two been training
on?”


Danto said “I will let Hibichi tell you since he is the one
doing all the training. I am just teaching.”


Ondo smiled and nodded.


Hibichi said “I have been working on high speed taijutsu. I
am training my body to the fullest to achieve this goal. I am also starting to
learn how to unlock the inner gates.”


Ondo stopped him and asked “Inner gates? Danto don’t you
think he is a little young to be doing such a thing?”


Danto was about to say something when Hibichi cut him off
and said “I am absolutely ready for this kind of training. This is my dream to
be a ninja without the traits and gifts that these other ninja have. I do not
have a thing for ninjutsu or genjutsu so I have to rely on my taijutsu. I will
show my peers that I will achieve my goal with only the ability to use
taijutsu.”


Danto smiled, and Senba smiled and well.


Ondo sat that and a smirk came on his face and he smiled.


Ondo said “You have spirit Hibichi. How many gates can you
open?”


Hibichi replied “Two so far sir, and I am working on the
third.”


Ondo then said “Do not hurt yourself youngen. We old folks
need people like you to straighten what we have broken.”


Ondo got up and also said “Well I best get going I need to
get a few things from the store. Bye you three do not hurt each other too hard.
I would like to see Senba back in once piece.”


Ondo walked off, Senba, Hibichi, and Danto all said bye.


Danto said “He is scary, and for as old as he is to have
such a high chakra level.”


Hibichi and Senba nodded in agreement.


They stood up and started training once more. This time
Hibichi and Danto were on the defensive. Senba sat in his usual spot next to
the water. He lauched attack after attach at Hibichi and Danto. All along
trying to make the ground wet without them noticing. Hibichi slipped and fell.


Senba yelled “Dead.”


Danto knew what Senba was doing but did not tell Hibichi. He
was hoping he would have avoided those spots figuring out what Senba was doing.


Hibichi noticed the ground and understood what had happened.
If this was a real fight he would have been dead right then and there.


Senba reset and was ready to attack again. Hibichi got back
up and was ready. The onslaught continued and now Senba was attacking and
defending. Sometimes at the same time, but this was to be expected and Senba
kept himself clam. He ended up throwing Hibichi into the water as a joke as
well as Danto.


Senba smiled said “You two looked a little hot; all sweaty
and stuff from the training and I decided it would be good to go for a swim.”


They both laughed as they swam back on land. Danto put his
arm around Senba and was about to say something. Danto threw Senba into the
water. Senba came up laughing and swam back to land.


Danto said “See training does not have to be all serious.
Got to have fun once in a while now huh?”


Senba and Hibichi smiled and they continued training for a
bit. They decided to take a break and rehydrate drinking lots of water. It was
a good day or good week so far. It had stayed at a comfortable temperature, and
it was not too sunny. The water felt great even though his clothes were now
soaked. Oddly enough he still felt great and ready to go. He guessed it was
because of the soldier pills, Hibichi and Danto did not look phased from the
training what so ever either.


Senba again sat by the water and continued their training.
Senba was getting very skilled at this and was feeling the power increasing. His
chakra was slowly depleting, his attacks were getting slower and dealing less
damage. It all seriousness thought that was just the soldier pill wearing off
and his chakra stabilized. They kept training, and at one point Danto and
Hibichi both opened the first gate. They were fast and strong but Senba was
ready for the challenge. This time Senba kept up with them, and the water did
not disintegrate under their shear strength. This in turn was great training,
and not only did this push Senba. This also pushed Danto and Hibichi to do
their best. Hibichi was getting better and better at opening the first gate and
able to handle side effects better than originally. He cannot use it all the
time or he will do permanent damage to his body.


Senba was keeping up with them and felt that his chakra was
sustaining. He was happy, and realized that he was able to maintain chakra
control with a formidable opponent against him. Not only one but two very well
trained taijutsu ninjas with first gate opened. It was not too long before they
wore out, and Senba was still ready to go. They were surprised by the stamina
that he had gained, but they were surprised at themselves for training for so
long and hard. It was getting night fall and they put some meat around the
fire. They drank water until they were rehydrated and talked amongst each
other.


Danto asked “So how
does Ondo know your father?”


Senba shrugged his shoulders and said “I do not know. Maybe
he was a friend of the family or an ally. He is a very old person so I would
not doubt that he know my dad when he was young.”


Hibichi asked “What happened to your dad?”


Danto nugged Hibichi saying “That is rude.”


Senba said “It is okay, but I would not like to talk about
it right now. I am over it just not ready to talk about it.”


Danto said “I understand.”


Hibichi said “Sorry I asked Senba.”


Senba smiled giving the impression that it was okay and he
was not upset at all. The meat was done and they ate. Senba lay back in his
sleeping bag thinking of how he is going to train for the rest of the time and
he got an idea.


Senba thought to himself “Maybe I can fight one of them
while focusing on the water defending from one of them. This is going to split
my workload and will prepared me if this situation comes around.”


He smiled to himself and went to sleep. This did not last
long because morning came early and they were all up.


Senba called forth a ring of water around him and said “I
want to try something.”


They looked at him curious to what he wanted to try.


Senba said “Even though I am not good at taijutsu I want to
spar with one of you and the other try to attack me. My goal is to defend
myself from the attack up close while keeping the other one away. This will in
turn help me to multi task combat.”


Danto and Hibichi nodded in agreement.


Danto said “I would like to spar with him if you do not mind
Hibichi.”


Hibichi did not mind and would take the water as a
formidable challenger to try to get to Senba.


They started training and Danto threw a punch which Senba
dodged. Hibichi tried to come in with a kick and it was block by the water.
Senba came around to try a shot to Danto’s abdomen with a punch but to no
avail. Hibichi tried to get close but Senba saw and got the water to throw
Hibichi into the water. This was splitting his concentration making it harder.
He loosed focus and Danto hit him hard in the chest. Senba lost his breath but stood
back up and came with a fake kick. Danto did not fall for this when Senba went
to throw a punch and caught it. Hibichi came from behind with a drop kick. At
the same time; Senba twisted Danto arm and kicked him in the leg, basically
dead legging him, and the water blocked Hibichi’s kick and tried to attack
multiple times. Hibichi was quick to dodge these attacks.


Senba thought “Great I am getting the hang of this but for
how much longer can I take it.”


Just as Senba was thinking that Danto went for a low kick
and Hibichi went for a high kick. Senba had to think quickly, and came up with
a solution. He threw Danto away with the water and ducked dodging Hibichi’s
kick, but did not expect Hibichi to turn around and kick him in the stomach
when Senba was got up. Senba rolled on the ground in pain. Danto quickly
checked for any broken bones but there was none.


Danto laughed and said “Hibichi got you good Senba, and the
only thing is you are going to have a bruise nothing is broken. You are doing
well but you should go sit down I can tell you are tired.”


Senba got up and went to sit down on his sleeping bag. It
was mid-day so they of course kept training. He was sitting there dozing in and
out of sleep. He did not understand why he was feeling so tired.


He thought to himself “Maybe it is because I am not use to
all this training at once. Yeah that is it I am not use to all of it.”


He dozed off and quickly woke up to it being night time;
Hibichi and Danto were sitting next to the camp fire talking waiting for the meat
to cook.


He said to them “Tomorrow I want to try using jutsu with
that jutsu.”


Danto said “Alright you can try that, but just get some rest
your body is wearing down. After tomorrow we can go home.”


Senba laughed and nodded his head. The meat was done and
they ate up. Senba fell asleep quickly despite already having a nap. He woke up
during the middle of the night thinking. Senba was thinking about his father,
but he suppressed it. He tossed and turned still not able to go to sleep. He
stood up trying to wake someone up and sat next to the water. The night was
clear and could see the moon and stars in the reflection of the water. He stuck
his hand into the clear water but it was too cold for his taste.


He was trying to clear his mind when Danto walked up and
said “You might want to get some sleep Senba it is going to be an early
morning”


Senba agreed, went back to his sleeping bag and finally fell
asleep. Then the morning came early and was bright outside with the cool air.
Senba did not want to get up but Hibichi forced him to. He was groggy and
grumpy but he had to train if he was to progress any further.


Senba stood up and walked up to the middle of the training
grounds. He told Hibichi and Danto to stand back.


He thought to himself “I do not exactly need this jutsu for
this one but I just want to know if I have gotten to the level before mastery.”


He gathered up the water around him and said “I do not
exactly need this jutsu for this one but I just want to know if I have gotten
to the level before mastery. If I have I will call this training very
successful on my own goal.”


Hibichi and Danto nodded and stood back aways.


Senba gathered up his chakra and performed the Exploding
Water Colliding Wave. A spit out the water needed and a massive wave was formed
and renewed the lakes water. The water around him did not weaken and kept its
form. This was a success that Senba could, in fact, use a jutsu while holding
the water in place. Now for one more test, but he felt bad for doing it.


He said “Now for the final thing I can do if I need.”


He walked up to a flower and said “I am sorry but I need to
test something.”


He held out his hand, and extracted the water from the plant
making a tiny bubble in the palm of his hand. He felt great about how far he has come with
this ability, but he felt bad for draining the water out of the plant.


He thought “I am almost there, and I can feel it. I feel bad
though about the plants if I ever need an emergency supply of water. In any
case it is time to get back to training.”


Hibichi and Danto got ready to spar each other so Danto
could test where the training has got Hibichi. Senba decided not to interfere
with this seeing it is like a test. Senba sat next to the water and tried a new
jutsu that he would work on later. He performed the Water Dragon Bullet
technique. The water reacted without delay forming into a large dragon made of
water with yellow eyes. Senba quickly chose a target, and the target was a
branch floating in the water. The dragon let out a loud roar and hit the
branch. Senba did not expect the jutsu to be powerful enough to make a decent
sized wave, but besides running for cover. Senba focused his chakra and calmed
the wave down. He watched as Hibichi and Danto faught as high speeds.


Senba thought to himself “I guess that is why they call it
high speed taijutsu. It is hard to keep up with even though I am concentrating
on just watching.”


Hibichi landed a few hits but so did Danto. They both opened
up the first gate and went at it. Senba was afraid they were going to rip each
other apart. Then he remembers that Danto was an expert at this and had a lot
of control over it. Hibichi on the other hand did not have that much experience
with it and might go overboard. He just had to trust Danto that if Hibichi got
to rough he would stop it. Senba sat there for the longest time until they
stopped and were exhausted.


Hibichi had become powerful from the first day they started
training, and Danto could see that. It became night fall, and they did the
usual routine. They were cooking meat but slowly started packing for tomorrow
they were heading back home. They got all the things packed up and ready to go.
The meat was not ready yet and they started talking.


Danto asked “Senba are you satisfied with how far you have
gotten?”


Senba nodded and said “Yes, I am very happy.”


Danto asked “How about you Hibichi?”


Hibichi also nodded and said “Yes”


Danto smiled and the meat was done. They ate up but not too
much and fell asleep.


That morning they woke up and packed the rest of their
things. Senba making sure his katana was on his back, his kuani, and sharpening
stone were in his back pack. He put his back pack on and his duffel bag strap
around his shoulder. He put the fire out with any hot coals with water and went
on their way. They stopped by Hibichi’s house and they invited them in. There
he got a shower, and a nice hot meal. The meal consisted of steak, chicken,
mashed potatoes, beans, ribs, steamed carrots, and any other vegetable you could
think of. Senba really never acquired a taste for vegetables but he ate them
anyway because they were essential to staying healthy. They also gave you
energy for training. They asked if Senba wanted to stay the night and he agreed
to.


Danto, Hibichi, Koia, and Senba were sitting in the living
room chatting.


Koia said “I want to hear all about it.”


Senba, Danto and Hibichi sat there and explained it all.


Senba said “It went well from what I have seen. I got to
progress through a tough jutsu and now am able to use jutsus with that jutsu. I
threw Hibichi and Danto into the lake a couple of time with the water.”


Koia looked confused so Senba had to explain what the jutsu
was.


Senba explained “I am working on a new jutsu that I read
about. It is called “Water – Heavens Convergence,” and it allows the user to
manipulate water. The water can either attack or defend at the user’s will, and
becomes stronger and faster as the user progresses. I started off by just
gathering the water from the body of water we are sitting next to. I progressed
along and I was able to pull the water from the ground.”


Koia then understood what Senba was talking about.


Danto let Hibichi do all the talking.


Hibichi said “I have mastered the basics of high speed
taijutsu and am able to open the third gate. We sparred with Senba, and yes, we
got thrown into the water. This was not so bad though because the water felt
great. I am getting fast even with the weights on.”


Danto smiled and said “Yes Senba sent me flying into the
water too. These two boys are talented and will go a long way now.”


They all laughed, goofed off until night time. Senba felt
better now that he got to sleep in a bed. It will not be the same until he got
back to his apartment and slept in his own bed for a change. The next morning
he thanks all of them for their hospitality. They said bye and that he could
come by anytime. He headed down to his apartment with all of his things. Ondo
was sitting out in the front like normal. Senba stopped to talk to Ondo.


Ondo asked “How did your training go Senba?”


Senba said “It went very well, and I am close to mastering
it too.”


Ondo then asked “Well take a seat and tell me how far you
have gotten.”


Senba put down his things and took a seat and started
explaining “I can now use jutsus in combination with that jutsu. I can pull
water from plants, which I feel bad about doing. The power is of, estimating, a
B rank. The defense is able to defend me from an A rank jutsu.”


Ondo smiled and asked “That is good, but do you know what
you can do when you have mastered that technique?”


Senba said “I will be able to bond hydrogen and oxygen
molecules from the air basically making water out of thin air. No matter where
I go I can make water.”


Ondo says “You are very knowledgeable in that technique. Why
do you want to learn it so badly?”


Senba says “Because it is something different and now that
you said my dad learned it I want to learn it even more.”


Ondo chuckled and said “Your dad did not just learn that
jutsu he mastered it, and just like him I believe you can.”


Senba said “What do you mean?”


Ondo said “You have not figured it out yet have you Senba?”


Senba looked at him confused.


Ondo said “I was your dad’s sensei”


Senba was shocked but all the pieces were there.


Senba said “He always praised his sensei. He admired him to
the fullest. I cannot believe I am talking to my dad’s sensei.”


Ondo laughed and said “Yes it was a tragic day when your
father died. He was a great man, a great student, and a great ninja.”


Senba added “and a great father.”


Ondo smiled and asked “How much did you admire your father
Senba?”


Senba said “A lot but I did not get to see him much for he
was always being sent off on missions. The day he died I did not know what to
do with myself. He taught me everything I know about chakra and water. I sat in a corner for a week after he died.
When my mom died I sat in a corner for God knows how long. Then you took me in
and gave me an apartment to live in for free. I thank you for that.”


Ondo said “As I said it was a favor for you dad. If he ever
was to die, and your mother passed that I promised I would give you a roof over
your head with no cost. He gave you that book in hopes of you putting it to
good use. All of the jutsus you have learned so far have come from that book
have they not?”


Senba said “Yes all of these jutsus I know have come from
that book.”


Ondo said “Your father knew every one of those plus more.
You will learn to read them all. That book, Senba, is a basic journal that your
father made for you. He figured you would get curious and read it.”


Ondo noticed a tear run down Senba’s face, but noticed Senba
was still smiling. Senba was not sad about his father dying; he was sad that he
did not get to spend much time with him. He was happy though to be a son of
such a great man.


Ondo just smiled not saying much of anything. Ondo gave it
sometime to let Senba calm down before he made a proposal. Senba finally calmed
down and looked at Ondo.


Ondo said “I may look old but I still know a thing or two.
Senba, would you allow me to teach you how to master that jutsu?”


Senba got a big smile on his face and said “I would be
honored sir.”


Ondo said “Good we will start in a week. Senba be ready for
some harsh training, and remember this I am going to put you through the same
training as I did your father. This will give you something to look forward to,
but until then rest up because I am not going to go easy on you. Now I got to
go get some sleep, and I will see you later Senba.”


Senba left with a good bye and headed up to his room. He
unpacked his things, and throwing away empty bottle waters in the recycling
bin. He sorts through all of his stuff putting dirty clothes into a hamper and
his weapons in the proper places. He noted that his apartment was just how he
left it all clean and neat. He dug through the fridge and got himself a bowl of
ramen. He cooked the ramen and ate all of it then threw it into the trash.


He thought to himself “I do not eat this much unless I am
depressed. I guess all the talk about my dad got me a little shaken up. I
cannot wait till I master that technique. It will be even easier now that I
have an experience person with me.”


He looked out of the window next to his bed. He sat on his
bed pondering the days to come. The feeling in his gut disappeared and he was
grateful for that. It became night and Senba finally went to sleep in his own
bed. Hoping he will not be disturbed in the morning by anyone. If any
unfortunate soul were too they would not like him.





[12,514 words, + 62 stat, + 125 JP (which will be put on
reserve for later ranks)]


[12,514/12,500 Lvl 4, and lvl 5 of Water – Heaven
Convergence obtained]

Denied for writing to many words....

Just kidding of course, approved unless someone else sees something.

A few days after his last training session Senba was getting
edgy. He did not want to wait but he figured it would not hurt to do a little
bit of training on the side. He smiled and thought Nami would want to join. He
remembers where Nami lived. He just had not visited because she was on that
trip with her dad. Senba was really anxious, though, to get into a team and
start doing missions, but he liked the down time to train. He was hoping that
he would be on another level than the other genins he will be paired up with.
Senba was not much for being a bada**, but he could if he wanted to. He did not
like to gloat that he was better. There is always someone better than him.


He sat up from his bed and the room all neat and organized. His
katana leaning up against his bed post, and his ninja gear neatly arranged on
his dresser drawer. He did not like putting all of his ninja gear on; he felt
like the pouch was unnecessary at this time since he did not have a lot of
ninja tools. His kunai holster was useful but he was just training not going on
missions. He saved all of that for when he was officially on a team. He needed
to train with his katana soon so he can effectively use it. Senba put that on
his schedule but it was not too important at the time. He was focused on his
jutsu that he needed to master.


He stood up, stretched and looked outside it was late
afternoon.


Senba thought “I cannot go out training now. It is getting
too late in the day now.”


He grabbed a bottle
of milk from the fridge and drank it. He did not acquire a taste for milk but
he knew it was good for him. In fact the only things he liked to drink and eat
were water, and meat. He hated vegetables in all of its greenness.


He lay down in bed and passed out.


He woke up early in the morning. Senba was grumpy as usual
but did not pay much attention to himself. He got up and cooked him some
breakfast. He ate up and washed the dishes clean. He took a shower and dressed
up in his normal clothes. He started packing his back pack with a few things.
He packed lots of water, kunai, swim trunks, and a few other miscellaneous
things. He felt a tad bit more energetic now and was ready for some light
training. He walked out of his apartment and locked the door behind him.


He saw Ondo on his way out and said “I am off to do a bit of
light training. I am getting edgy just sitting there.”


Ondo smiled and said “I figured as much but do not hurt
yourself I want my student at full strength.”


Senba said “Do not worry Ondo I will be fine.”


Senba and Ondo said bye and he was heading towards Nami’s
house. He knocked on the door and Nami’s dad was there. He was tall and muscle.
There was no other way of describing him other than scary.


He looked down at Senba and asked “Who are you? You better
not be here for my daughter she is not allowed to date.”


Senba was nervous but sucked it up and looked him straight
in the eyes and said “It is nice you meet you again Hugo. I am here for Nami
but not to take her out on a date. I would be more scared of her than I would
of you.”


Hugo was shocked but took a closer look at Senba, smiled,
laughed and said “Senba! I should have known it was you; you are the only man
that can actually look me in the eyes with no fear, and one that understands
Nami enough to say that.”


Senba pondered and asked himself “He called me a man and not
a boy or child.”


Hugo was not known for giving compliments to everyone. He
saying he considered Senba a man was a real honor.


Hugo yelled “Nami! Your boyfriend is here!”


Nami yelled back at him as she was walking down the steps
“What?!?!!? I do not have a boyfriend father you keep scaring them away!”


She walked down and spotted Senba and looked at him with an
attitude.


Nami said “I would not date him even if he was the last guy
ever.”


Hugo and Senba both laughed. Senba knew she was just being a
pain, and trying to make him made. When in reality she was always comfortable
being herself around him. She walked down and gave him a hug. Senba also shook
Hugo’s hand in respect that he invited him into his house. They walked through
the living room and into the kitchen where Numa was. Numa was Nami’s mother.
She was a very intelligent women but Nami got her attitude from somewhere.


Nami said energetically “Mom guess who is here!”


Numa turned around and looked at Senba. She smiled and
looked at him with the same attitude that Nami did.


Numa said “I told you to stop inviting your boyfriends over
here, especially that one he is the most trouble.”


Of course this was a joke and Senba laughed. This family
was, different, but Senba fit right in.


Numa asked “Senba what you doing here so early in the
morning?”


Senba said “Well since Nami was a ninjutsu user and we have
not spent much time hanging out. I figured we could train together.”


Numa said “Well that is an odd date.”


Nami yelled at her mom saying “He is not asking for a date!”


Numa and Hugo both laughed and Hugo said “If Nami wants to I
trust Senba enough that they can go training together. What do you say dear?”


Numa said “That is fine if Nami wants to go.”


Nami looked at Senba and kind of smiled. Then she put back
on the attitude.


Nami said “Well I guess so. I will go pack a few things and
be back down in a min.”


Nami was about the same height as Senba. She had long red
hair with blue eyes. She was a very devious yet lovable person at the same
time. Senba took her very seriously as an opponent. She was about as smart as
Senba is.


Hugo asked “Are you sure you want to challenge Nami? She has
learned a lot and at a very fast pace. I know I have not seen you in a while,
and I do not mean to insult you.”


Senba said “With all due respect Hugo I have learned a few
things myself.”


Hugo asked “You know Nami is fire affinity right? What
affinity do you take to?”


Senba chuckled a little bit and said “Ironically I am water
affinity.”


Hugo looked at Senba and says “That is ironic but it suites
you, but do you think you have the skills.”


Senba looked at him seriously and says “I have been training
almost none stop. I have learned a new jutsu. I have not mastered it yet but I
am close and I will show you once that happens. I promise.”


Senba then smiles at him, and Hugo says “No one else might
notice but you have that same devious look Nami does. Bring her back home safe.
If there is a bruise or two then okay, but do not hurt each other too bad.”


Senba laughed and smiled along with Hugo. If anyone was to
get hurt too bad it was Senba.


Nami came down the stairs with some training clothes, and a
back pack full of whatever she packed.


Nami said “I am ready Senba, where are we going?”


Senba said “Training grounds, I like being next to the
water.”


Nami smiled and said “Hold on one more minute.”


Senba sighed and looked at Hugo and he said “I know annoying
but what can you do?”


Senba said “Drag her out.”


Hugo laughed hard and said “Good luck with that and that was
a rhetorical question.”


Numa was right behind them and said “Senba you could try.”


Senba shook his head no and implied that he was joking.


Nami came back down and said “Okay now I am ready.”


No one questioned why she went back.


Hugo asked “How long will you two be out.”


Senba said “I will bring her back either before nightfall or
right as it turns nightfall.”


Numa chimed in and said “That sounds fine and here are some
snacks.”


Numa handed them an energy bar. This was not really a snack
but it was filling and gives you energy. Nami and Senba said goodbye to Hugo
and Numa. They walked out the door and headed to the training grounds.


On the way there Nami asked “Why did you want to bring me
along? Are we going to get Hibichi?”


Senba said “Well I figured testing out ninjutsu against one
another would be good for both of us. Yes we are going to get Hibichi. This
will also give us time to hang out and catch up.”


Nami looked at Senba and said “You know I can never really
figure out what you are saying. I know that calm exterior is just a shell of
what you really are, and want to be.”


Senba smiled and said “You might be right, but then again
you might be wrong.”


Nami smiled and Senba and nudged him as they walked up to
Hibichi’s house. Senba knocked on the door and Koia answered. She smiled when
she saw Senba and Nami and immediately yelled for Hibichi. Hibichi came down
the stairs and was delighted to see the two.


Hibichi asked “What is up Nami and Senba?”


Senba was about to say something when Nami butted in and
asked “We are going training you want to come knucklehead?”


Hibichi got all excited and said “Yes but I got to ask my
father first. Come in and I will go ask.”


Senba and Nami walked into the house and sat with Koia in
the living room chatting.


Hibichi came down and said “Let me go pack some things and I
will be ready.”


Senba said “It feels good outside to and I bet the water
feels better. If you want pack a pair of swim trunks.”


Hibichi nodded and said “Already thought of that might do
some water training like last time. It really helped out thanks for the info.”


Nami looked at Senba and asked “What does he mean by water
training?”


Senba said ““See water limits your speed, running, punching,
and other exercises are limited in the water. You say you are this fast at
punching when you are on land, but when you are in water you are going to have
a harder time. This kind of training is almost like having a weight around your
entire body. If you do that for so long and return to land, you will inevitably
be faster and maybe stronger with your punches and or kicks.”


Nami looked at Senba and said “You know I never thought
about that. I knew swimming was a good work out but doing taijutsu training in
water is a very smart idea.”


Senba smiled and nodded his head then said “It is the exact
way I want to train at some point.”


Nami was about to say something when Hibichi came down and
said “Alright let us go!”


Hibichi’s enthusiasm was always admired and boosted Nami’s
and Senba’s moral.


They said good bye to Hibichi’s mother and father and set
off to the training grounds. They did not take long getting to the training
grounds. They sat their stuff next to the water and stretched.


Nami asked “What are you going to work on Senba?”


Senba said “My Water Convergence technique.”


Nami then asked “How about you Hibichi?”


Hibichi said “My high speed taijutsu.”


Senba asked “What are you going to work on Nami?”


Nami said “A very powerful fire jutsu called Fire Dragon
Bullet.”


Hibichi said “Sounds scary.”


Nami said “It is, my dad showed me and taught me the basics,
and he scorched trees for mile.”


Senba and Hibichi smiled and Senba said “That is nice Nami
good luck.”


Nami looked at Senba and said “I bet you do not have
anything like that though.”


Senba laughed, stood up and turned toward the water and
performed the Exploding Water Colliding Wave. The wave was huge and could have
engulfed the entire training grounds and more, but he toned it down at the end
to make sure it did not. Nami and Hibichi stared at Senba in almost shock.


Nami thought to herself “I knew
Senba had talent and could learn things quick, but to such a level. I barely
mastered some of the C rank jutsu and Senba is up to the B and A rank jutsus.”


Hibichi thought to himself “Classic
Senba.”


Senba looked at Nami and smiled. Nami puffed and turned
away, but she was really smiling under that frown.


Hibichi put on his swimming trunks and got into the water
and started training his punches and kick. Nami and down and began focusing her
chakra for the harsh training.


Senba sat next to the water, indian style, and said to Nami
“Please do not burn us up.”


Nami said “I have considered it, but I will not.”


Senba smiled and started focusing on pulling in water. He
pulled in as much as he could, but not so much that it would make the training
grounds a mini ocean. He pulled the water around him in bubbles and then
forming them into a ring of water around him. He stood up and already noticed
Nami standing on the opposite side of the training grounds. He knew what she
wanted; she wanted to spar ninjutsu. She made the first move performing the
Great Fireball Technique. The fireball came at him but Senba was not worried.
He willed the water to come to his defense and so it did. The water ring
blocked the fireball. The only backfire of this was, like last time, that the
fire had a tendency to evaporate some of the water. He fired back with the
Water Needles. This technique is not intended to kill opponents, but to stun
them or make them unable to walk. The water around him formed needles and went
straight for Nami. They all his but there was a puff of smoke and a log
appeared.


Senba thought “Substitution
Jutsu.”


He immediately looked around and barely heard something in
the bushes about a meter from him. He quickly used a substitution technique of
his own, and hid somewhere. She came out of the bushes already prepared with a
jutsu. She performed the Phoenix Fire jutsu and hit “Senba” directly.


Nami quickly thought to herself “That
was too easy.”


Just as she thought this there was a puff of smoke and a log
appeared.


Nami grinned and thought “A
substitution, and the irony but where he is?”


Senba was behind her already and asked “Looking for me?”


Nami quickly turned around to react but to no avail. Senba
performed the Water Prison technique. She was caught in the jutsu and could not
move.


Hibichi was training but could not help but notice the
sparring. He wanted to spar and decided to jump in and help Nami temporarily.


Senba said “Looks like I win.”


Senba then noticed a shadow and looked up. It was Hibichi
coming down with a kick. The water that was keeping Nami in the water prison
broke, bushed Nami back, and came to Senba’s defense against the kick. Hibichi
was thrown back into the water. This time Senba had a larger amount of water
around him. Senba had precisely the ring of water and four bubbles around him.


In the shadows Nami’s, and Hibichi’s fathers were watching
to get a chance to see their children’s skills. They were also there to make
sure they did not hurt each other.


Nami’s father asked “That seemed unfair Hibichi double
teamed to help Nami. Two against one, I am sorry, but Senba cannot last.”


Hibichi’s father laughed a little and said “Senba is able to
take me and Hibichi on when we open the first gate. That ring of water is more
powerful than you think.”


Nami’s father said with a slight stutter “That boy was able
to hold you and Hibichi off with the first gate?”


Hibichi’s father shook his head and said “Watch Senba
carefully.”


Nami performs the Great Fireball once again. The water
around Senba comes to his defense and he was ready it. The water blocked the
initial fire and evaporated. Then in an attempt, like last time, Hibichi
appeared one meter from Senba about to kick him up in the air. Of course Senba
did not wish to be air born. What they did not know is how fast the water he
controlled is. It was fast, and it was fast enough to keep up with Hibichi.
When Hibichi went to kick Senba one of the bubbles engulfed his foot and dragged
it to the ground. Senba backed away; so Hibichi did not get a chance to
retaliate.


Hibichi’s dad, watching, said “It seems the water that Senba
is manipulating has gotten faster.”


Nami’s dad asked “How is it getting faster?”


Hibichi’s dad replied “Well it seems the more chakra Senba
pumps out the water speeds up. Since he is so use to using this jutsu it is
almost instinct now to manipulate the water. He said it was like a body part to
him now.”


Nami’s dad smiled and said “That means Senba will run out of
chakra soon.”


Hibichi’s dad said “No, Senba will manage his chakra.”


Nami’s dad asked “What do you mean?”


Hibichi’s dad replied “Senba has trained enough to manage
his chakra to pin point accuracy. The moment he needs the speed he releases a
burst of chakra to either speed or strengthen the water. Once he is in no need
of the speed or strength he tones I back down.”


Nami was getting irritated that nothing was working and said
to herself “I am going to use that jutsu.”


Nami did not want to kill Senba but just hurt him a little.
All three of them did not want to kill each other, but the only way they seemed
to train was to attack each other with the intent to kill.


Nami yelled at Hibichi to get in the water, and he did. She
quickly shaped hand seals and performed the Fire Dragon Bullet. It was fast,
accurate, and powerful bolt of fire soaring towards Senba.


Nami’s father asked “What is Nami doing does she intend to
kill Senba?”


Nami’s father was getting up when Hibichi’s father pulled
him back down and said “No, do not interfere.”


Nami’s father said “Senba is going to get killed by a jutsu
like that.”


Just as Nami’s father said that Senba performed an
equivalently powerful jutsu, the Exploding Water Colliding Wave. They nullified
each other out. The water around Senba was gone; he had used the water around
him to create that powerful jutsu.


Nami fell to the ground out of exhaustion. Hibichi came out
of the water to see if she was okay. Nami’s father and Hibichi’s father went to
check on her. Senba knew they were there the whole time.


Nami’s father asked “Why would you use such a powerful jutsu
against a comrade?”


Nami was about to say something when Senba cut in “She knew
I could handle it, and we train with the intent to kill each other without
actually doing it.”


Nami and Hibichi agreed. Hibichi’s father also agreed with
this.


Hibichi said “Next time you three go training I want either
me or Nami’s father to be here and look over it. I know I can trust you three
but just in case someone accidently pushes it.”


Senba, Nami, and Hibichi said “Yes sir.”


Nami’s dad said “Let us go guys the Koia and Kuma are
cooking supper.”


The three grabbed their things and headed off.


[3,392 words, + 16 stats, + 33 JP]


[3,392/10,000 words Water – Heavens Convergence mastery]

Ok. Approved then.

Senba woke up late in the early afternoon and felt energetic
but still a little sluggish. He got up and fixed him lunch since he missed breakfast.
He made some ramen and drank water. Senba stared outside and got a joy at just
looking at the calm weather. Smiling as he was eating his lunch there was a
knock on his door. He stood up and opened the door. There was a girl a little
taller than Senba with red markings on her face and a wolf for a companion.


He asked “Yes ma’am?”


She responded “Please do not ma’am me.”


Her voice was stern and solid. Senba could tell she was a
tough one but put on a smile. She looked down at him and grinned at bit.


She then said “Sorry to bother you, but I am looking for a
girl named Ina Inuzuka. Would you happen to know which apartment she is at?”


The name Inuzuka flashed into his mind and knew she must
have been a family member.


Senba smiled and said “Yes ma’am, but you could have asked
the manager. She is two doors down to the left. I do not know if she is home
though.”


The lady replied with that same stern voice “Did I not tell
you to not say ma’am.”


Senba just smiled at her.


She did not know how to react to Senba, but the wolf did.
The wolf sniffed on Senba walking around him. Senba knelt down and petted him.
Stroking his soft, clean fur and scratching down his back. The wolf apparently enjoyed
this. The wolf looked up at its master and barked. The lady smiled and knew
what Senba was like because of the wolf.


She said “He does not just let anyone pet him like that. You
must be something special. I did go ask the manager but he was not here. The
co-manager seemed busy so I figured I would ask around.”


Senba stood up and said “He must be going to get more herbs.
The co-manager is good but nothing like Ondo. Yeah as I said she is two doors
left of mine. If she is not there then she might, might, be at the training
grounds.”


She smiled and walked down the hall. Senba smiled and closed
his door back. He changed his clothes and put on his training clothes. These
were not much of training clothes but they allowed for full movement. He
grabbed his duffel bag and packed lots of water, two kunai, flint, sharpening
stone, swim trunks, and a sleeping bag. He grabbed his katana and strapped it
to his back. Senba slung the duffel strap around his shoulder and started
heading out. He closed and locked the door behind him.


Senba though “I wonder if she was there or not.”


He shrugged it off and started walking. As he walked through
the town the stares were less frequent. He took the same route each time so he
guess people started becoming use to him. He reached the edge of the training
grounds and stopped in the bushes. Senba noticed two females and two dogs
training. He knelt in the bushes and saw the lady and Ina there. He figured he
would head back home and train another day.


A voice asked “Who is there? Are you spying on us?”


Before Senba could turn around a kunai glanced past his face
scaring it and dug into a tree. Ina and her dog were running at him about to
attack. Senba, thinking quickly, performed a substitution jutsu and hid in the trees.
This was no good because the dog could smell Senba easily and they kept
tracking him down. The other lady joined in and they almost were about to catch
him. They performed the fang over fang technique. This was quite the ferocious technique
which increased their speed and strength. Senba had enough and summoned water
from the plants and ground around him. He did not like pulling water from
plants but this was an emergency. The water was quick to respond and came to
Senba’s defense. They connected with the shield of water around Senba and it
threw them away. They caught themselves and were in the middle of the training
field.


Senba yelled “Can I please say something before you jump to
conclusions d**n it?”


Ina asked “Who are you and why are you spying on us?”


Senba was in a bush on the ground now. The wolf that he met
later that afternoon ran to him. This was not an attempt to attack. The wolf
knew who he was now and was going to show them who he was. The wolf’s master
protested but the wolf did not respond. He jumped on Senba wagging his tail and
barking.


The lady put her hands on her hips, laughed and said “I am
so sorry we did that. I guess in the middle of training we kind of went out of
it. You can come out. Since he identified you now I know who you are.”


Senba stood up and walked out with the wolf walking beside
him. Ina quickly realized who he was and ran to him. She checked for scares and
if he was hurt.


Ina said “I am so sorry.
I did not mean to do that.”


Senba laughed, smiled, and said “It is okay. That was a good
start for a training day for me anyway.”


The lady walked up to him and said “Sorry I did not
introduce myself before but I am Una. This is my partner Zeak.”


The wolf barked at Senba still wagging his tail.


Ina said “I am Ina and this is my partner Kuna.”


Senba smiled and said “My name is Senba.”


Una asked “I see that you are a water user, but how did you
summon up water when the lake is far away?”


Senba said “I can summon up water from plants and from the
earth itself.”


Una and Ina laughed and Una said “I do not believe you; you
must have had a water summon scroll or something.”


Senba smiled and summoned up water from the ground. It was
clear it came out of the ground because of the trail of water.”


Una and Ina looked at him like they were not just seeing
this.


Ina asked “I have had someone who can control water like
this live two doors down from me the entire time?”


Senba replied “Well not the entire time. It took me awhile
to learn how to do this.”


Una smiled and said “Well it looks like you have some talent
Senba but let us see how long you can last against four opponents.”


Ina, in protest, said “I do not think Senba can handle it.
We might hurt him badly.”


Senba was already in the process of putting down his stuff.


He then said “Let us go then. If you really want to test me
then we might as well do it now while I still have some surprises.”


Ina looked at Senba and said “We might end up hurting you
Senba I do not want to do that.”


Senba smiled and said “Then think of me as an enemy you have
to bring back to the village alive.”


Una smiled and knew what Senba was doing. She knew Senba
figured out immediately that Ina was weak in the core.


Ina said “I cannot do that.”


Senba said “So if I was to try to kill you now you would
hesitate to kill me?”


Ina looked down and said “I do not know.”


Una smiled and patted Ina on the head and said “Let us spar
Ina it will make you stronger and maybe even myself. Do not underestimate him;
he might be a tough opponent.”


Senba kept his katana on his back and was ready for an assault.
Una started off with the four legs technique and had her companion transform
into her. They dashed toward him and were intercepted by water which shoved
them away.


Una thought “He does not just have control he can
practically summon it anywhere he wants.”


They dashed at him again and tried for a fang over fang. Ina
was watching and acted following Una but was on the other side of Senba. She also
tried for a fang over fang. Senba smiled just standing there. As they were
entering the technique something bugged Una.


She thought “He is just standing there. Is he really that
confident in his jutsu?”


She could not stop if she wanted to. The four of them were
going straight after Senba. Water formed around Senba defending him. Now that
he was near a body of water it would be easier for him to pull as much water as
he needed. Both fang over fang connected with the water, but the water would
not budge. It was almost like concrete to them and it threw them away. Senba
hopped back onto the lake with the help of the surface walking technique. As
they hit the ground Senba performed the water needles jutsu. This technique was
not intended to kill, but to immobilize the person it was targeted to. The
water around him reacted with haste forming sharp needles of water and flying
at the two with maximum velocity. All of them were able to dodge the needles.


Senba thought “That is some speed that they have, but it
does not top Hibichi’s. I will be able to handle them.”


The four hide in the forest trying to make another plan.
Senba stood on the water making his own plans.


Ina asked “Was Senba trying to kill use with those needles?
The only reason we attacked again was that we knew he could counter us.”


Una looked at her and said “He was not trying to kill us. He
is taking us as a threat of killing him, but he knows none of us will go that
far.”


Ina looked at her and asked “Then how do you explain the
water needles?”


Una chuckled a bit and said “That jutsu is not meant to
kill. It is meant to immobilize the opponent. It would hurt a lot but it would
not kill you.”


Ina smiled and sighed then said “I wonder if he is just
sitting there waiting.”


Una said “Most likely.”


They jumped out for a surprise attack when they saw him
smirk.


Senba smiled and said to himself “Got you.”


He had trailed water in a ring around the edge of the forest,
and wherever they came out at, the water would be at the ready. They were about
to go for another fang over fang but then realized they walked into a trap.
Senba was unable to tell who was who since two looked like Una and two looked
like Ina because of the transformation. He willed for the water to grab onto
them and threw them to the ground, but as they were about to hit water broke
their fall. The impact would still hurt, but it would not be as damaging then
hitting bare ground. They laid there for a second and realized something. Una
was well away from the other three and was wondering why. She looked back and
Senba was standing there. Before she could run away Senba performed the Water
Prison technique. The water surrounded Una and trapped here. She could not move
and was useless at the moment. The other three looked at what had happened and
did not move. Senba looked at Una and blinked. Una did not know what he was
about to do but she figured from what he said earlier it would go toward Ina. She
looked at Zeak and he immediately understood.


Senba drew his katana and whispered to Una “Do not worry.”


She was not worried and knew now exactly what he was doing.


He pointed the katana at the water ball and was directed
straight for Una.


Senba said “Ina this is what will happen if you hesitate to
kill an enemy no matter who it is. You either come at me with the intention to
kill or she dies.”


A look of horror came across Ina face. Zeak disappeared nowhere
to be found. Senba went to shove the katana into Una but if Ina did not come at
him he would stop inches from hitting Una. Before the katana hit the membrane
of the prison of water Ina blurred next to Senba. Senba used the substitution jutsu
right before this and replaced himself with a log. She cut the log in half in a
fit of anger and a puff of smoke went out and the prison released. Senba was
really up in a tree now petting Zeak. Zeak was not a dumb animal. He was smart
and knew more than maybe anyone else did. If he truly thought his master was in
danger he would have come to her defense before Ina.


Senba and Zeak jumped out of a tree. Ina was almost in shock
and Una patted her head.


Una said “Senba that was harsh but I do agree with what you
did. Ina this was a way to help you break that barrier. I was afraid you would
not have the courage to do that but Senba pushed it.”


Senba stood next to Ina and said “If you want to punch me
then go ahead.”


She was about to do it until Kuna tugged on her sleeve. Ina,
Zeak, and Kuna were on Senba’s side.


Senba started to explain himself “When I first looked at you
I knew. I then knew you had to break that fear. What other way to do it but to
put someone that you love in danger. I figured you were sisters or maybe mother
and daughter.”


Una smiled and said “Good observation, and we are sisters.”


Senba hugged Ina and she finally calmed down.


Una looked at the tree line and glanced back at Senba and
said “Senba be ready to be really tested by our family.”


Senba backed up a bit and was storing up chakra. Not a
moment too soon three sets of fang over fang were targeted toward him. The
water came to his defense immediately blocking the technique throwing them off.
The people and dogs hit the ground and disappeared.


Senba looked and thought to himself “Shadow clones.”


He heard something behind him. It was another assault and
Senba was ready for it. He performed the Exploding Water Colliding Wave jutsu.
Because of his massive storage of chakra he had at the ready for them the wave engulfed
all of them sucking them into the lake. He felt a presence coming from behind
him. He drew his katana and locked blades with another Inuzuka. Senba knew he
was at a disadvantage at close range. Two sets of fang over fang came from the
lake after Senba.


Senba smiled and said “You underestimate me.”


Water rose up from the lake throwing the two Inuzukas and
their companions to the ground, but used the water to break their fall. Senba
managed to push back the one he was in the locked battle with. He sheathed his
sword and let the water start attacking. It was a volley of water bubbles that
had the power of an A rank jutsu, but he lessened that so it was like being hit
with a C rank. They dodged the first volley but were hit by the second.


They were about to get back up and try again when a voice
came from the forest saying “STOP! That is enough I think you all have tested
him. Now give the boy some rest.”


A man walked out of the forest with a companion. He was
built and looked like he had been through major skirmishes.


He walked over to Senba and said “I am sorry but that is a
way our family likes to play.”


Senba smiled and said “It is fine.”


The man dismissed all of them to go back home except for
himself who wanted to speak with Senba.


Senba holding out his hand “My name is Senba nice to meet
you sir.”


The man smiled and the sign of respect that Senba was
offering, and he gladly took it. His companion sat at his side.


The man said “My name is Zunda. You have a very unique skill
and I am impressed.”


Senba smiled and said “Thank you sir, but I have a question.”


Zunda laughed a little and said “Let me guess why they
attacked you?”


Senba nodded his head saying yes.


Zunda said “It was a way to test if you were really that
powerful or Ina and Una were that weak. If it proved that Ina and Una were weak
we would put them through a good deal of training. It seems though you are
quite powerful, and they all got to know you from that. I was watching what you
did, and why you did it. I thank you for breaking Ina with that. I hope now we
can get to make her understand that her enemy could be anyone.”


Senba looked down and said “I do feel bad but I knew it was
something that I could help with; even if it was that harsh.”


Zunda looked at Senba “It was right of you to do. You are
still young but you know what it takes to be a ninja. Anyway I have to get
going, but the family lodge is close to Ina’s house. If you want to sometime
you can stop by and say hi.”


Senba knew where that was and said “Thank you sir, bye.”


Zunda dashed off toward the town most likely toward the
lodge.


Senba sighed and said to himself “I was not expecting that,
but I am tired now. I guess all that packing was for nothing”


He grabbed his duffel bag and went on home.





[3,004 words, + 15 stats, +30 JP]


[3,004 words added to the training of Water – Heavens Convergence
making it 6,396/10,000 for mastery]

Approved then.

Senba woke up in the morning. It was early, too early in the
morning to be awake. The sun was just rising and he laid there on his bed
thinking.


He thought “Why am I up this early?”


He tried as hard as he could to go back to sleep when he
heard a knock on the door. He got up in his comfortable night close. It was
cold in his room almost like it was winter. That is the only way Senba could
sleep is if was colder than ice. He opened the door and to his surprise it was
Ondo.


Senba asked “You are up this early in the morning?”


Ondo said “Sure am, early to bed early to raise Senba.”


Senba chuckled a little still half asleep and replied “It is
way too early in the morning for me. I should still be in bed but I have been
awake for a little while.”


He invited Ondo in and offered him a seat which Ondo sat
down. Senba also offered Ondo something to drink but he said he was not
thirsty. Senba grabbed some cereal and sat down at the table.


Senba said “I hope you do not mind me eating at the moment I
am hungry.”


Ondo smiled and said “Go ahead just do not talk with your
mouth full.”


Senba was a very neat person and ethical too so he did not
see that as a problem. He started eating his cereal. Ondo looked around and
admired how neat and clean the apartment was. He looked at the dresser and saw
all of Senba’s ninja gear.


Ondo asked “Your ninja gear does not look like it has been
with you training.”


Senba said “I do not want to wear that stuff until I get
into a full genin team. Plus I like my training gear better, and it allows me
to move more freely than those.”


Ondo nodded as he heard Senba’s answer.


Ondo then said “You keep this place very clean I am glad to
see someone that takes care of themselves and other peoples stuff.”


Senba smiled and nodded with a mouth of food but did not say
anything vocally.


Senba then asked “I am guessing you did not just come here
for idle chit chat. Did you need something?”


Ondo smiled and said “Yes and no, but I do like talking to
you. You remind me much of your father and his odd ways.”


Senba smiled and knew exactly what Ondo was talking about.
Senba’s father was very clean, neat and organized. He was calm and methodical
and passed this down to Senba when he was born. Senba finished his cereal and
placed it in the sink so he could clean it later.


He then sat back down at the table and asked “Well what you
want to talk about?”


Ondo said “It is about your training Senba, and it has been
a week since I said I would train you.”


Senba got excited and really wanted to master this skill
before he got into a genin team.


Senba asked calmly “So I am guessing you want to start
training today?”


Ondo smiled and said “Yes, and we are going to bring your
friend Hibichi along.”


Senba did not object to this but was curious and asked “Why
Hibichi?”


Ondo replied “One, you are going to need to work on your
taijutsu. Two, I told Hibichi’s father I would help him with the Eight Gates. I
might be an old man but I still have a few things up my sleeve.”


Senba smiled and said “Okay sounds good, and when do we
start?”


Ondo said “We will be gone for a couple of days, maybe more,
but in a couple of hours. Pack your stuff and if you are ready to go before
then we can go.”


Senba said “That sounds great.”


Ondo smiles and gets up and sees himself out. Senba was
about to open the door for him but he did not get the chance to.


Ondo walks down the stairs and into his office. He then went
through the back door which led to his room. His room was big and had a lot of
ninja type items. He started packing, but he did not bring a lot with his. It
was just a simple back pack with a few medical, and supplement supplies that
they might need. He also packed lots of water and a small cast iron bowl. He
waited as he sat in his office, and called in his co-manager to keep watch of
the apartments while he was gone. The co-manager had been with Ondo for years
and did not have a problem with this.


Senba, after Ondo left, cleaned the bowl he just dirtied and
started getting dressed. He packed his duffel bag full of water. He also packed
his back pack with a few things. These things included: two kunai, sharpening
stone, swim trunks, sleeping bag, and a few other miscellaneous things. He sat
on his bed staring out of his balcony window.


He told himself “I am going to master this jutsu no matter
what.”


He strapped his katana to his back, put on his back pack
over it, and put the strap of his duffel bag around his shoulder. Senba then
headed down to meet up with Ondo. He walked into the office and Ondo was
sitting on the chair waiting for Senba.


Ondo looked up and said “You are ready Senba?”


Senba nodded and said “Yeah let us go get Hibichi. Did you
tell him we were going training today?”


Ondo said “Yes I did but I did not give him a time. We will
probably have to wait for him to pack.”


Senba laughed a little and said “Knowing Hibichi he has
already had his things packed since you told him.”


Ondo asked “You think so?”


Senba smiled and said “I know so.”


They walked down the street and were at Hibichi’s house in
no time. Senba knocked on the door, and Hibichi answered it. He smiled and
invited them in.


Ondo said “Sorry I did not tell you a time, but we can wait
for you to pack.”


Hibichi said “I have already packed my things sir. I will be
right down after I tell my father.”


Hibichi shot up the stairs to go get his things and tell his
father who was already encouraging this training.


Ondo looked at Senba and said “I should have figured to take
you word. You have known him since the academy.”


Senba just stood there and smiled as Hibichi came down the
stairs ready to go training. They set off with a bye to Hibichi’s parents. They
were on their way to the training grounds. It was cool and windy outside. The
clouds were covering the sun so it did not feel like a death ray beaming down
on you. Ondo stopped at an herbal store on the way to the training grounds.
Senba and Hibichi sat on the benches outside and waiting for Ondo.


Hibichi asked “I am guessing you are training to master that
jutsu you have been working on.”


Senba replied “Yes and you with the Eight Gates right?”


Hibichi relied “Yeah this outta be fun, but I know I will
not be able to get up to seven gates at the moment.”


Senba knew what Hibichi meant and did not ask anymore. The
Eight Gate taijutsu technique was devastating to the body. The eighth gate did
not have to be unlocked, but just achieving the opening of the seventh gate you
can open the eighth. It does have a drawback, but the eighth gate will give you
power beyond the hokage. If you open the eighth gate you die.


Ondo walks out with a back full of herbs and a medicine bowl
and a grinder type thing. Ondo was known for making herbs and made a lot of
money doing it. Senba wondered why he was bringing this stuff with him.


Senba thought to himself “Did he bring it as a thing to do
while we train, or did he bring it for just in case we need something during
training?”


Senba, Hibichi, and Ondo then headed to the training grounds
to find no one there. This is what Senba likes, a silent place with no other
people around to disturb them. They sat
their stuff down and set up a mini camp. Senba was done and sat by the water. Hibichi was stretching and Ondo was being
slow. Not that this bugged Senba he knew Ondo was old. Ondo sat down and began
to sort out his stuff. Senba was staring at the water.


Ondo whispered to Senba “The water is beautiful is it not?”


Senba smiled and said “Yes it is. This is the only thing
that keeps me calm.”


Ondo smiled and said “You really are a spitting image of
your father inside and out. Your father, the only way to calm himself down was
to stare at water. He would spend hours after training just staring at the lake
you are staring at now.”


Senba smiled and said “My father always told me that water
could be a great friend but could be your worst enemy. He said that one day I will
come to understand the full extent of what water could really do. One day he
handed me that book, and said that I would be able to learn the things in that
book once I fully understand.”


Ondo smiled and said “Look where you are now. You are about
to master one of the most powerful, and effective jutsu in that book. I have
actually read it myself, and it is quite a book.”


Senba smiled and stood up. Ondo stood up as well and they
all walked to the center of the training grounds.


Ondo said “Okay young ones I am going to put you two through
some rigorous tests. They may seem like they are easy but it is not.”


Senba and Hibichi both nodded and were prepared for
anything.


Ondo held up two bells and said “You have to take these from
me. The one to get the first one will get a break and the second one will have
to keep going. Senba you have full use of water. Hibichi you also have full use
of the eight gates up to the second one. Do not be fooled by me being old I am
still quite energetic.”


Senba and Hibichi knew not to underestimate someone just by
their age or size. If anything they should be more afraid of Ondo. He has been
around for a long time and has many tricks up his sleeve.


Ondo clipped the bells to his belt and said “Let us proceed.”


Hibichi and Senba both dashed into the forest away from
Ondo. This was to prevent Ondo from seeing them attacking.


Hibichi asked “What is the plan Senba?”


Senba gathering his chakra said “Well if we can I would
prefer to get both bells at the same time. We are working as a team and not
against each other. Hibichi start backing Ondo to the water and from there I have
the advantage of the water. If you get him close enough I can make him slip
into the water and I can use my water prison. Then from there you can come and
hold him if he attempts to get away while I snatch the bells.”


Hibichi nodded in agreement and set off to another part of
the woods.


Ondo stood there thinking and decided to get his cane and
walk back to the center of the forest. Senba did not realize that Ondo had a
cane but either way. Hibichi dashed toward Ondo and went for a kick. Ondo
easily dodged him and backed up closer to the water.


Hibichi thought “He was not kidding.”


Senba made his way to the water making sure not to be seen
even. Hibichi went for a punch and attacked Ondo with a volley of punches and
kicks. This was slowly backing Ondo closer and closer to the water.


Ondo thought to himself “Well I see I see said the old man.
Hibichi forces me back to the water where Senba has full advantage and locks me
somehow. This should be fun.”


Ondo was right at the water edge when there was a misplaced puddle
behind him. Senba had put it there to make Ondo slip. Ondo thought quickly and
used a substitution jutsu; Hibichi did not notice a thing and he watched from a
tree and planned out his next move. Senba caught the supposed Ondo in a water
prison technique.


Something was off
though and Senba said “This is not Ondo.”


Hibichi in protest asked “How is that not Ondo? I was
backing him up the whole time?”


Senba said “You used a spin kick and he probably used that
moment to do something.”


The fake Ondo said “Very observant of you Senba.”


In a puff of smoke the only thing in Senba’s water prison
was a log. Senba looked up as two kunais were aimed right at Hibichi. Senba
quickly broke the jutsu and pulled water out of the lake to protect Hibichi. Senba
was quick and the two kunai floated down into the water. Hibichi thanked Senba
and turned trying to figure out where they came from. Two Ondos came out of the
forest throwing shuriken at the boys.


Senba thought “Shadow Clones?”


Hibichi dodged the volley that went at him. Senba defended
himself with water. The two Ondos stood in the middle of the training grounds.
Senba now had a ring of water plus three water bubbles floating around him. Hibichi
dashed toward one of the Ondos and threw a kick. Senba was right behind him
scanning what was exactly going on. He willed the water to attack the other
Ondo and it connected. The two Ondos disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Soon they
had kunais, shurikens, and a fire ball come to them. In an instant Senba willed
for water from the ground to come up and protect the two. He did not think about the fire ball though,
which was a mistake on his part. The fire ball hit first evaporating the water
and leaving a small sized hold in the defense for a short amount of time
allowing two kunais and one shuriken to come through. Hibichi saw this and came
to Senba aid pulling out his kunai and deflecting them away. Ondo smiled and
came out of the woods with his cane.


Hibichi asked “How did you manage all of that?”


Ondo smiled and said “It is simple shadow clone, the
shuriken shadow clone technique, a few kunai and the fireball. You did well to
defend Senba Hibichi. Senba you were careless and did not think about the fire
ball hitting first. That should have been your primary concern to deal with.”


Senba said “I know.”


Ondo said “Well I am here let us try again.”


Hibichi dashed at Ondo with almost blinding speed. This was
because Hibichi did not have his weights on as instructed by his father that
morning. He kicked Ondo up in the air and jumped up. Just as this was occurring
two shadow clones jumped out. One attacked Senba with fire balls, and the other
one was planning on blindsiding Hibichi. Senba noticed this and would not have
it. He quickly summoned up his chakra filling the training ground with a film
of water making the shadow clones slip as they went after their targets. He
willed the water to attack all of the Ondos and all of them disappeared. The
water receded and the ground was partially dry now. Hibichi dashed to Senba’s
side as the real Ondo came out.


Ondo said “Very good Senba you did well this time. You saw a
threat to your partner, and did what you could to save both of you. I have a question
though. What if you could only save one?”


Senba, without hesitation, said “My partner.”


Senba had a stern look on his face and did not budge his
answer.


Ondo smiled and said “Just like your father.”


Ondo nodded and signaled for them to go again. Hibichi
dashed after him and threw a volley of kicks and punches. Ondo dodged them all.
Senba performed the water needles jutsu. He yelled for Hibichi to get out of
the way and sent the volley of needles toward Ondo. Without hesitation Hibichi
backed up. Ondo turned and quickly used the grand fireball technique dissolving
the water needles to merely water moisture. Hibichi took this time to dash to
him and attempt to grab the bells. Ondo turned to Hibichi and performed the phoenix
fire jutsu. This missed Hibichi because of his speed, but forced him to back
off.


Senba thought to himself “Ondo is amazing to be able to pull
that off. He must have a massive chakra reserve.”


Hibichi regrouped with Senba and they disappeared into the
woods again.


Ondo thought to
himself looking up at the sky “These were the times right Sento?”


HIbichi asked “He is to fast how do we get to him?”


Senba said “He is only fast with his jutsu. If you could get
close enough to him with speed we could get the bells.”


Hibichi said “That could work but he can evaporate your
water.”


Senba smiled and asked “Yes he can, but what if he was
attacked by too much water?”


Hibichi smiled and was about to go after Ondo.


Ondo yelled out “Boys it is getting late and I am getting
tired. Let us call it a day shall we?”


Senba and Hibichi jumped out of the tree line. Senba was not
paying attention to the time, but Ondo was right. It was getting in the late
afternoon. They sat around and made a camp fire. Hibichi brought some of his father’s
great beef to roast. They waited awhile talking and the beef was done. They ate
their fill and drank plenty of water.


Ondo asked “So you two got any plans for tomorrows training.”


Senba and Hibichi looked at Ondo and just smiled.


Ondo thought to himself “They must have a plan.”


He then said “Well looks like you two have a plan. I am
going to bed good night.”


They went to bed and slept hard. The morning came quickly;
too quickly for Senba’s taste. Ondo was mixing herbs together into a fine
powder and Hibichi was in the training field exercising. Senba sat up and said
good morning.


Ondo smiled and said “That boy is a training machine.”


Senba laughed and said “Yeah that is Hibichi for you. He is
the one who made me into a training machine as well. I have not stopped. I do
need to take a break though.”


Ondo said “It is good to let your body calm down and enjoy a
relaxation time. I do not think Hibichi knows that word though.”


Senba said “Probably not.”


Ondo put the fine powder into two separate bottles of water.
The powder dissolved and you could not see any of it. He handed the bottle to
Senba and called Hibichi over and handed him one.


Ondo said “Drink this it will help you out.”


They trusted Ondo very much and drank away. It was instant
the feeling of an energy rush. Senba got kind of jittery at first but it calmed
down. Hibichi got more energetic; which Senba did not think it was possible for
Hibichi to have more energy.


Ondo said “That is a mixture of herbs, and powders that I sell
to higher level shinobi to help them train or be on a mission.”


Senba said “Well I see why they like it. It is amazing.”


Hibichi chimed in and said “Yes it is Ondo very amazing.”


Ondo smiled, stood up and walked with them to the center of the
training grounds.


He then said “Go.”


Hibichi and Senba jumped into the trees.


Senba asked “You remember where we were going with this
yesterday?”


Hibichi nodded his head and said “I will open the second
gate and as you distract him with water I will grab the bells. He is sure quick
to switch but I am sure it will work.”


Senba smiled and dashed off to the water. Hibichi hit the
ground and focused. He waited for Senba to use his jutsu to open the gate and
go for the bells. Senba was on the water looking toward Ondo. Ondo started
running at Senba, stopped, and performed a new jutsu called the dragon flame
bullet. This was a massive fire ball that travelled at high velocity. Senba was
ready and summoned up a good portion of his chakra. He performed the exploding
water colliding wave. This wave was massive almost like a tsunami. The two
jutsus connected.


Hibichi waited until Ondo stopped. He saw the massive fireball
and Senba’s wave. Hibichi quickly jumped into action opening the second gate.
With blinding speed Hibichi ran up to Ondo and grabbed the bells.


Ondo thought “Well I will be. I should not have used this
technique. Hibichi opened the second gate to counter my countering speed; while
Senba distracted me with a wave that was too much water to evaporate. Well done
boys.”


Hibichi grabbed the bells and grabbed Ondo and moved him out
of the way of the wave. The wave hit the ground with a crash. Hibichi returned
to Senba’s side with the two bells and gave him one. Hibichi calmed down and
returned to normal. Senba was knelt down breathing heavily. Ondo stood up and
smiled.


Ondo said “Congratulations boys you did get the bells. You
got both of them at the same time to so no one would have to keep going longer.
You pass and Senba you have mastered the technique. Hibichi I bet it will be
easier to try to unlock the third gate now.”


Senba and Hibichi jumped for joy, ran to their stuff, packed
everything. Ondo, Senba, and Hibichi all went home after a hard training.


[3,711 words, + 18 stats, +37 JP]


[3,711 words added to the training of Water – Heavens
Convergence making it 10,107/10,000. Mastered Water – Heavens Convergence yay
:3]