Sparring {P,IO,NK}

It was a serene day in the Kumogakure training grounds. A beautiful sky with little clouds, and a warm sun to make everything perfect. For Rintarou Hozuki, it was not his kind of day. Although he just found out that he was a member of the Hozuki clan, it had not occurred to him how much he needed to stay hydrated throughout the day. The hot sun was not the most ideal of environments for him. Regardless, it had been only a few days after graduating the academy for him, and yet, he felt no different than he did as an academy student. He still felt weak. He knew that he needed more power to protect the ones he held most dear to him. In order to do that, he needed to learn how to correctly use his hydrification technique. 

After a few hours, he made some good progress, he was able to liquify his body at will, the problem was modifying his body parts, which seemed to be a more advanced technique. Ultimately, he decided to save learning that technique was for another time, and instead decided to focus on learning standard water release techniques; as he had a natural affinity for water. Looking for help, Rin started observing a chuunin about 200 meters away practicing Fire Release, he sat and watched her for a few minutes.

Walking through the training grounds, Pip and Longstocking could be seen walking in almost perfect step. Their appearance nearly identical, as if they were made from the same mold, except with obvious mistakes as to separate them. While both had the same length of hair, one was a bright blonde and spikey while the other was almost a deep purple, and slightly more lank. Their eyes while both piercing and full of mischief, were also different. One with bright blue eyes, and the other a crimson could be seen if one cared to look closely. They were both older now, 17 almost a sign of disrespect to still hold such a rank at an age. After all there were many stories of others becoming chunin at 13, and even some instances of people becoming nearly a leader simply by gaining enough power at even younger ages, though how they knew how to rule was beyond the two brothers.

They were the epitome of under achiever in a vilalge such as this. Talented, sure but unmotivated was the problem. They had both tied for 1st when they graduated from academy all those years ago, but since then the brothers simply felt no desire to excel at being ninjas. That is until recently. For no reason at all, the two brothers challenged each other as to who could be the best ninja in the world, and they always took challenges serious. Since then, they had begun working harder, actually training and taking missions again.

Now however they were heading to the training ground to practice. Both were excellent Taijutsu fighters, and wished to gain some extra practice. Their unique bloodline was one that was almost never seen, and was mostly kept secret by their parents to avoid problems. The ability to fuse into one being was incredibly useful, and had allowed them to execute many pranks in their youth. Now however it simply made it so they almost could be a team all by themselves.

Making it to the training grounds, they spotted another Kumo genin. Unsure of his name, Pip walked over to him while his brother merely took a seat on a nearby bench. Pip wore a orange and black striped shirt, with black jeans. Instead of traditional sandals, he had shoes that covered the top of his foot, cause sandals fall off and that's hella lame. Walking up to the boy he spoke in a smooth and even tone, friendly was what he was going for. "Hello, my name is pip, I couldn't help but notice your head band, so are you a genin like me?" The question was inflected with a point to his own head band that actually hung loosely around his neck. His eyes wandered over to see what the boy had been looking at. Seeing the girl practice some kind of fire jutsu, Pip smiled.

If the boy responded and was friendly, then Pip would continue their conversation. "So, would you like to train with me. I primarily fight hand to hand, but if you wish to use jutsu I don't mind. I haven't spared with anyone except my brother in some time, perhaps it would be fun?" His eyes would twinkle as he spoke, the embodiment of mischief, yet with a touch of sincerity. This was the perfect opportunity to get stronger and show up his brother.

While Pip spoke, Longstocking merely watched. What a scrub, acting the suck up. If it had been him he would have just punched the boy in the face and started the fight that way. o well, he would watch and by watching gain the upper hand on his brother.

(TWC=614)

Although he was a quiet one with some social anxiety, he secretly craved interaction and valued comradery and social interaction more than anything else he valued. He smiled and replied "Yes, I just became a genin a couple days ago; My name is Rintarou." Looking away from the chuunin, Rin gazed into Pip's eyes. For some reason, he felt as if something was not right about Pip's Eyes. They seemed... untruthful, and deceitful. Regardless, he noticed the other shinobi sitting on the bench. His eyes widened. He looked nearly identical to Pip. Speechless, Pip continued their conversation by asking to train.

Rintarou nodded. "Yes, well, one of my friends was very skilled in hand to hand combat. I myself, specialize in kenjutsu(swordplay)". However, Rin knew he had a distinct advantage over physical combat. His Hiden, the Hydrification technique apparently made it so that he was immune towards physical attacks, and could only be harmed by certain elements imbued to physical attacks, such as Lightning.

The smile that was lightly on his lips spread to a Cheshire grin as this boy agreed to train with him. His eyes taking that twinkle in and making it all the more noticeable. Excellent, he thought. He had heard some people didn't like sparring strangers, though he didn't know why. It seemed all the more fun in his opinion. Pip continued listening to each and every word the boy spoke, taking them in and committing them to memory. His friend was also good at hand to hand, and this boy was one who enjoyed the sword. Not something Pip had really considered yet, however it seemed legit enough.

While they spoke Longstocking merely traced the sand with the toe of his show. His face looking incredibly uninterested, and yet his ears still picked up every word. It was important in the ninja world to have information. Two minds were better than one, so the brothers decided long ago to always listen, so if one hears something the other doesn't then they can use it still. They prided themselves, while impulsive, to at least be impulsive with a purpose and not simply stupid.

Pip would begin speaking again, his words once again smooth as silk, interjecting a brief chuckle that tinkled with laughter. "Well then Rin, if you don't mind me calling you that of course. I am ready to begin if you are. Please feel free to use any skill or jutsu you have, even your sword if you want. I don't mind. I always say, best to fight against the odds to grow, then work down hill and never gain strength." Ok he had never said that in his life. In fact, it was kind of stupid, why not go down hill, that was way easier. o well, people these days liked it when you said things that had some kind of dumb moral meaning. Whatever, it worked to his purpose.

Hands in his pocket, Pip skipped backwards. Placing himself 10 full meters from Rin. He would turn his head side to side, giving it a crack, doing the same by turning side to side to his back. "Well mister Rin, I offer you the first move. Please do not hold back, I enjoy the challenge my friend." He announced. "What a dumbass" Longstocking muttered under his breath about his brothers actions. He always was acting silly. While they had equal minds, they still did things slightly different. And they were each others harshest critic.

Pip would remain with hands in pockets in a kind of nonchalant stance, awaiting the stimulus of Rin's actions to dictate how he would respond. It wasn't a very good opening stance, but all the same he had 10 meters of space to act in. He would even whistle slightly, just a low sound if only for the reason to do it. Longstocking simply sat, now his arms stretched across the bench, outside of harms way. He would take in the fight and improve upon his scrub brothers techniques, until he proved he was the dominant one.

(TWC=1131)

At first, he replied to Pip by saying: "No, I don't mind if you call me Rin at all, as long as you let me call you Pip, Hehe." Although he felt that he completely outmatched Pip, he still felt that Pip was not one to be trifled with, and he sensed that Pip was incredibly strong on his own, as was his brother. He would not let his guard down.


Taking in Pip's next words, he was confused. He offered him the first move, what is he, crazy? What nerve, he thought. Although he didn't know Pip's abilities, he knew that he was being extremely overconfident and arrogant. How dare he underestimate me, Rin thought. As he realized he was starting to get angrier, he proceeded to calm himself down, taking a sip of water from his bottle. Rin needed this training, as this was the first real battle since the one with his best friend, Itaru.

Rin's eyes became more serious, as if they were ignited by a certain kind of rage. Drawing his sword from his back holster, he replied, saying "Well, in that case, I won't hesitate to strike!" Rin jumped towards Pip, slashing him with an downwards strike.

Longstocking was watching the two.  Really waiting, what a drag.  They needed to do something otherwise he was going to fall asleep and not learn anything.  As he thought this a butterfly landed on his head, how annoying, but alas he just sat and watched.  Hopefully his brother didn't embarrass them to much with his worthless actions.  Watching the one known as Rin took a drink from a bottle of water.  Longstocking wished he had some water, or tea, or anything really.  Maybe he should have offered to do the spar.  O well to late now.  As he was thinking all this the fight seemed to finally go underway.

Pip continued to whistle as the drink was taken, and then an action was made.  The boy had drawn a sword and jumped towards him.  Pip's eyes seemed to widen even more, a crazy look on his face.  The whistling immediately stopped, and a wild grin was ear to ear across his face.  Judging by how the boy moved they were of fairly even speed, which made this more fun.  His right foot would slightly slide backwards as he prepared himself for his counter move.  Hands both moving from their pockets as he moved forward pushing off with his back foot.  

He would meet Rin slightly in front of where Pip had just been standing.  He did so while Rin was still in mid air.  Twisting to the side slightly he would be more to Rin's left.  With his left hand, he shot it up to grab the hilt of the sword closing around the boy's hands that also held it.  With his right hand he launched it forward, at the boys waist.  His hand would close and grab a belt or simply a handful of clothing if that was all that was there.  Using his opponents own downward momentum to his advantage, Pip would lean back causing them to start a spin.  He would hold tight until they had gone 180 degrees, then he would let go.  If everything went as planned, then he would have pulled Rin out of the air, and then using his own momentum against him tossed him to the side.

Pip would watch what happened if he was able to pull this off.  He would not strike the boy while he was down, if of course he fell from being tossed, which he assumed he would but you never knew.  Pip instead would palce his hands back in his pockets, and begin whistling again.  He attempted to hide that crazy look that had come across his face.  However it was difficult he was having fun.  Overall he hoped the boy would continue, it had been awhile since he had trained.

Longstocking once again sighed.  His brother was such a douche.  always doing flashy dumb actions.  Had it been him he would have side stepped and delivered a concussive blow to the head near the landing zone, to incapacitate him with the least amount of action used.  However he couldn't deny the results where good.  Watching he hoped Rin would show his brother a thing or two for acting the way he was.  

(TWC= 1658)

Rin would be shocked by Pip's reaction time. It was nearly as good-no, better than his own.  Knocked down by his throw, he smiled, despite the looming presence of Pip's mischievous nature. Getting up, he picked up his sword, knowing that he would have to use it defensively without one of his new techniques.

He chose to use a water element technique, Suiton: Kirigakure no Jutsu(Water Release: Hiding in Mist Technique), albeit a simple d-ranking technique, it was still very useful. He had been practicing it before, and was able to expel water vapor from his mouth in order to create the mist. It was a technique that had the potential to reduce the enemies' field of vision and depth perception, depending on how much chakra kneaded into it, and since Rin had a significantly high chakra level, he was able to make the mist very thick. Additionally, dojustu such as the Sharingan and Rinnegan cannot see through it. 

After using it, he proceeded to attack him stealthily from behind, Possibly kicking him to the ground if everything went well.

Longstocking cracked his neck to his right side, causing the butterfly to fly away. He also rolled his eyes as the attack landed. Sometimes he wished his brothers antics would fail so he wouldn't act like such a scrub all the time. Watching this Rin fellow made the tiger hand seal and then begin to make a mist from his mouth. The hidden mist jutsu apparently. A reasonable strategy, and one that would most likely be effective. His brother had little defense to such a technique. Perhaps this would finally teach his brother a lesson, if he was lucky.

Pip watched as the mist flowed from the boy and filled the area. His initial reaction was to charge forward, however deciding not to he instead took his hands from his pockets, and bent his elbows slightly. his hands were near his waist line. His knees also bent, causing him to slightly crouch. His feat while shoulder length apart, he also had his left back slightly and his right forward, providing himself with a strong base to work from. Closing his eyes, Pip still had that same devils grin, but his breathing eased and slowed as he waited.

His breathes came short and easy as he focused all his concentration on his ears. Seeking a sound to react to. The mist was so thick his eyes would have been useless anyway. Still waiting he impressed upon himself that it would be important to learn a defense agaisnt this technique. While he doubted the boy would actually stab him, it could be a concern on the battlefield. As he was thinking this, the stimulus he had been waiting for was provided.

The kick would indeed hit Pip on the leg, and would sweep them from underneath him. However he had been waiting for this. Therefore his right hand reached down and prevent him from falling hard. Dipping his shoulder into the ground, as he let his arm collapse, he would make a slight tuck and roll to his right, before he was in a crouched position his knees at his chest. Knowing the general vicinity of where his opponent had been, Pip lunged forward. If all went correctly his shoulders would land directly into the boys knees, attempting to knock him down.

However that wouldn't be all. Pip would keep a hold of the the boys legs, pulling himself up to sit on his opponents stomach if all went well, in a dominant UFC type fighting. From here, he would use one hand to attempt to block any strike the boy might use with his sword, where has his other hand would fly out in an attempt to strike the boy in the face. Nothing to hard, just with enough force to show he had taken the dominant stance in the spar. If of course it all went well.

While this was all going on, Longstocking found himself in the mist and unable to see anything. What a drag, this was getting boring and he was thirsty. Sighing, he hoped this would be over soon.

(TWC=2191)

After his kick indeed landed, he was about to proceed on his next attack, although he noticed that Pip was somehow able to counterattack, although it was bit off, it would still knock him on his chest. In anticipation of this, he knew that he had to use his clan’s secret technique, the Hydrification Technique. This technique allows a member of the Hozuki clan to liquefy their body at will.It also makes it impossible to receive damage from physical attacks. From a single hair, to the skin and muscles, everything can be liquefied and solidified at will. Be it to evade an enemy's attack during a short range battle, to infiltrate a structure, or to launch a surprise attack in a liquefied state, this technique boasts a high strategic value. Rintarou, despite being a bit of a slow learner in the academy, worked hard to increase his intelligence and catch up with his fellow students. In the past few weeks before graduation, he was shown to have increased his knowledge almost tenfold, although this was about equal to that of an advanced student in his grade.


Liquefying his body, If all went well, Pip would pass through his legs, and he would collapse onto the ground like he was before. Being able to see him, Rin would re-solidify his body and would draw his sword, Pretending to aim for his head, he would actually stab the area around it. After absorbing his mist, back into liquids for his body he would briefly explain what exactly happened. “I’m sorry, Pip, but my Hydrification Technique allows me to be impervious to physical harm. With someone who specializes in taijutsu, this technique is almost like the ultimate counter to you. As much as I hate to admit it, I think you’ve lost this spar.” Despite the fact that Pip seemed deceitful, cunning, and almost evil, he felt that despite all of that, Pip seemed like a pretty cool guy, even though Rin typically didn’t relate or even like to associate with these kinds of people.Rin sheathed his sword and awaited a response from Pip.

(Total WC: 1130)

Pip stood and watched as Rin sheathed his sword and gave his words. They fluttered and landed in Pip's ears, and went sour incredibly fast. There were only a few things that made Pip's blood boil. One was when someone rings you warm tea. Another was when someone had the arrogance to announce an absolute and deny the possibility of Pip being able to overcome it. Hell if some stranger said, I bet you can't be Raikage, Pip would probably be a jounin by now to prove them wrong. However he could feel himself ranting, so he returned to the fight at hand.

"You know Rin, there are many great clans in the world. Many indeed, some with such power their mere birth puts them on the path of greatness. Some can use their gifts to hold power, and become prominent figures across the land. The names of the clans are plastered across history just because of a strange thing that happened at their birth. However I would like you to pause and imagine one thing. How many clans never made it to this prominence because they had arrogance." His smile only widened as he spoke. While beneath the surface his blood was boiling. He liked the confidence this boy showed, but he would not be spoken to in such a way. Basically Rin had said to him, because I was born this way you have no chance against me, at least that was how Pip took it.

"As for your statement, I don't think the spar is over at all. I am not finished, nor do I even begin to concede defeat. If your ready I would like to continue." He would announce from his position of 10meters away. His hands came out of their pockets. His left hand was in a open hand at waist height. His other was up at shoulder height in a fist. Feet slightly apart and his knees slightly bent. Entering a real fighting stance for the first time. He would fight this boy. He assumed that to reform ones body required at least a moderate amount of energy. If he had to pummel this boy until he no longer had the energy then so be it. He did not give up, and he did not back down from such an obvious challenge. He would prove Rin wrong. However in truth he really did like Rin, and he hoped they could be friends after this. After all, he was only trying to help, proving to him one should never take something as an absolute. The people of this world always find a way to overcome difficulties.

Longstocking had finally taken real interest. This bloodline was an interesting and useful one. He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and his hands holding his chin. He was now on his brothers side. He took the statement as a great insult. However he maintained his head, unlike Pip. Pip had that crazy look that only his brother knew. Welp, should be interesting all the same. Sitting back again, he would continue to watch. He noticed several other people had begun to watch this fight. This Hozuki bloodline was an interesting thing to behold, and would naturally draw attention. Besides many might want to see if Pip could back up his words. Sighing, Longstocking muttered "This is gonna take forever....."

(TWC=2757)

(Also Rin, make sure you list your AP usage. You have 8 stamina, so you have 80 AP. You have reformed once with hydrafication so that is minus 5, and you used hidden mist which is 10. So you would now have 65ap remaining)