Training session with the Aging Samurai[Kariya,NK]

"Mhm. Another day to train, another day to get hella stronger." Etch was a happy soul today. With his tall, thin figure, we walked the sandy roads towards the training ground. It was a hot, mid day walk over there, but Etch was as happy as ever. It's been a lot of fun as a Genin, meeting quite some people and getting stronger. He surveyed his surroundings with his yellow, cat like eyes. He remincised the previous encounters towards the training grounds and within them, getting lost in thought. Almost to the Training grounds, Etch began to pick up his pace. He was prepared to get in some nice training, maybe a spar with a few people or so, and then even more training. Entering the grounds, he was already met by a familiar sweat across his forehead and through his black, curly hair. He decided to post up beside a tree at the entrance of the grounds, waiting for another ninja to come by and greet him for a day full of training and adventure. He was quite optimistic about this one today, it was going to be quite big he had to say. While waiting it out, he was considering changing up his gray and blue track jacket, with something on the sleeveless side. It's just too hot for sleeves, he also was considering providing himself with shorts from now on, instead of his gray ninja pants. His sandals were just find however, but still he was consdering all this. His headband was also stuck to his forehead again, dammit he really was thinking about days to just go out and not even wear it. He assumed it be okay, as long as he represented Suna. Either way, Etch waited for a passerby to be his new training partner, slightly hoping not to run by another Gwynevere and gain a kick in the stomach as a greeting, just like before.

Etch was eyeing the new guy that just walked into the training grounds. The face was one he's never seen before, maybe a new ninja? Whatever the purpose, Etch caught him briefly glancing over at him. It seemed to be just a quick glare, and nothing more. Lately, Etch has been producing a belief that the eye contact of two ninjas in a training ground meant they should partner up for better rewards as sparring partners. Either that, or Etch just wanted to have a sparring partner. It didn't matter which was which in Etch's eyes. The man was probably double the age of Etch, meaning he probably had a lot more experience and knowledge then the average genin's he's met before. He saw this as a good chance to meet the man and request training together. Why else would he be here? Etch got up from the support of the tree, and began to stretch. Though only there briefly, he knew the training was soon to commence for them all.

"Hey, Samurai looking guy." Etch made his way over in a fast walk, trying to catch the man's attention. He proceeded confidently, but also with manners and casualness. First impressions were quite important to him after all. Once stopping a few feet in front of him, Etch spoke to the man in a calm, friendly way. "Hello there! I've never seen your face here before, but I'm Etch. Nice to meet ya. I assume you're here to get some training in, and I be glad to have you as a partner today if that's fine." Etch was grinning by the time he finished. The man seemed strong, and Etch was quite excited and raring to get started. He was waiting patiently, but now all his built up fire came out and he wanted to train with this new guy.

Stopped immediately when he heard the individuals voice call out to him. Listening for his foot steps to try and determine where he was he never once turned his head. Instead he simply stared straight forward, waiting for the man to stop in front of him. He was easily excitable, that much was obvious, but there was something else about him as well. His chakra seemed to swell with something unlike anything he had felt before. It was odd to say the least, but surely this man was something special, at least in one way. As for his question, Kariya's reply was simple "Sure". Taking a step back from Etch he would speak once again "My" name is Kariya Nagatomi, a pleasure to meet you" he spoke, giving Etch a friendly smile. Kariya was not one to be disrespectful, nor was he one to ignore a challenge.

Raising the stick in his right hand to the height of his stomach he would grip it with his left hand as well. Taking a basic kendo stance he was prepared to defend himself, though of course he had no intention of revealing all of his strength. Perhaps one day though, when this man was powerful, he would get Kariya's full attention in combat. But for now, Etch would have to deal with only a fraction, after all, Kariya did not wish to reveal himself too soon into living among these shinobi. If they knew his full power, they may see him as some sort of threat, and eliminate him.

Moving forward swiftly he would raise the stick into the air before swinging it downward for a heavy blow to Etch's head. Of course, his movements were sloppy to say the least, the work of a novice at best. But this was only a deception, Kariya's attempt to lead this shinobi into a false sense of security before snatching it away from him with one decisive blow when his guard was dropped.

(stick will have 50 health and 0 sharpness for the remainder of this topic if you're fine with that.)

Etch was caught off guard by the quick reaction to Etch's challenge. He wasn't expecting the man to retaliate so quickly, or to be so fast. As he brought his sword up to the air, attempting to attack Etch, he only had but a brief moment to think of something quickly. Maybe it wasn't a smart idea to walk up to the man so close, but he had to deal with it now.

Etch was feeling like he was in for a world of hurt. But soon he realized he in fact had a outlet to all of this, and the assault soon to be from the ninja samurai. The Leaf Whirlwind would prove to be a good counter to all of this. Being a taijutsu and partly a feint, the jutsu would be able to present him with more speed and strength to sidestep the swing from the stick, and also hand out a good amount of damage. Etch began the Leaf whirlwind, bringing up his right foot to preform a roundhouse kick towards Kariya's head, at a speed of 25. The strength of the kick would also be 39. He would use this ability to force Kariya to defend against the attack, or both produce a direct blow towards each other. Etch's left foot was coming up as well, to go agaisn't Kariya's defenses and hit him straight in the gut. Etch felt the wind resistance of his jutsu surround him, and was fierce with his attack, in order to either land the first hit, or cause Kariya's attack to not connect. During this exchange, Etch felt a noticeable respect towards Kariya and his abilities.

-12 Leaf Whirlwind
+10 Sage Transformation AP Retrieve
131/133 AP

(Im fine with that XD)

The boy was quick to react, there was no doubt about that, sadly however, Kariya was still quicker. Using his superior speed he would quickly lower his head to avoid the kick, as well as bring his weapon downward, using it to block the kick that was aimed for his stomach. Indeed a powerful blow, easily able to knock Kariya away several feet, sliding backwards, still standing on his feet. His expression became somewhat blissful, as if he enjoyed the fact Etch could actually counter him at this level. In fact, it was possible that this individual could beat Kariya if he continued to fight at this level. However, from their short interaction he could tell that he could easily gain the advantage if he were to use his own techniques, just as the boy obviously had. The rotation in it actually interested him, as it was obvious thats where the speed and power of the kick originated, possibly a technique he should learn himself.


Not wanting to give Etch any time to recover however, Kariya would immediately charge back into battle. Positioning his sword to the side he would burst off at tremendous speed. Once in range he would swing his stick horizontally towards Etch's upper left side, aiming for his shoulder at a speed of 55, the stick likely becoming blurry to his vision due to it. What Kariya was counting on however was the fact that the stick had suddenly become sharp at the instant of contact, reaching a stat of 10. This of course was not enough to harm Etch badly if it connected, but the cut would be painful, though shallow. During the attack however he would position his feet in a very particular way, as if he was preparing to spin off to the side of any counter attack the boy was planning. Thinking ahead and using experience was of course, Kariya's greatest weapon, even if he outmatched his opponent.

Crescent moon beheading -20 AP

230/250 AP

Sadly, Etch wasn't expecting Kariya to counter his Leaf Whirlwind. What a experienced opponent, he thought. The man obviously must of been in several battles of his own, and was just getting started. Etch assumed he would at least have a second to recuperate, but no he didn't. Outstandingly, Kariya was already dashing towards Etch and preparing to attack him once again. Etch was beginning to feel the thrill and adrenaline coming from fights once again, and was starting to get really fired up. He loved this feeling, the feeling of being unaware of what your opponent could do, and being able to counter it and learn from your mistakes. Throughout this fight as well, Etch made a mental note that he was glad this was just a spar, or else Etch wouldn't be too glad what would happen to him.

What Etch needed to worry about though however, was Kariya closing in. He once again had only so much time to react, and Etch wasn't quick enough to rival Kariya's speed. Kariya's stick was coming at him with a lot of speed, and only had brief moments of being able to gaze upon it. There was no way he would be able to counter or stop that, therefore Etch had to use momentum agaisn't Kariya. Etch reached for his weapon pouch, and produced his own smoke bomb. He quickly threw it towards the ground, before Kariya had enough time to close in. Hoping this would confuse him, and cause Kariya to lose Etch's location, Etch grabbed out one of his shuriken in his left hand, and his kunai in the right, and began to preform his Dynamic Entry. This way, Etch planned to use the shuriken as a support to gain Kariya's attention towards it, and then would follow the shuriken's path with the Dynamic Entry. Increasing his speed to maxmium through the air, the Dynamic Entry would prove to be a menacing blow if it connected. The speed of the shuriken thrown towards Kariya's previous position before the smoke appeared would fly at 67 speed. His Dynamic Entry would follow at 20 speed and 39 strength. If Kariya was to someone sense this attack and counter him, Etch had his kunai in his right hand in preparation. He would battle with the kunai agaisnt the stick, and produce his counter attack. If Kariya didn't counter however, and moved positions, if Kariya was around Etch he would fight with his kunai, if not Etch would be cautious surveying his grounds in the smoke.

-1 Shuriken, -1 smoke bombs,1 kunai in hand
-10 AP from Dynamic Entry
+10 AP Sage Retrieve
131/133 AP

Watching the boy reach in his pouch Kariya could only guess as to what he would pull out. A small ball, one that he intended to throw into the ground, obviously, this was a smoke bomb. Tipping his head downwards he intended to use his hat as a shield for his eyes against the incoming wave of smoke. Having avoided the watery eyes that usually came with an explosion of smoke he would raise his head once again, quickly noticing the incoming shuriken. There were two obvious actions, either the shuriken was a distraction for a stronger attack, or Etch was using it to gain distance. Regardless of which one it was, Kariya needed to react quickly. Swinging his sword horizontally to the left he intended to deflect the shuriken to his right. Keeping his footwork together he quickly spun to the right of the incoming kick, his left shoulder being struck slightly, sending him off balance.


However as Etch passed by to his left, Kariya would swing his sword to the left, with the same intensity as the swing that knocked the shuriken away, and with the same odd boost to the sticks sharpness. Aiming to strike Etch on his back it would likely only leave a shallow wound, the same that was planned from the start. Coming to a stop and practically switching places with Etch he would rotate his shoulder, as it was sore from the kick that had partially landed, something that would likely become a bruise in time.


There was no denying it, Kariya had to respect this kids skill and determination, but that didn't mean the kid would win. Launching two attacks like those in quick succession had to be difficult for a genin. However, from what Kariya could sense, his chakra seemed to be replenishing itself passively. This was something he had never heard of, and it was impressive to say the least. However, this was not something so amazing as to distract him. Quickly speeding towards Etch once again he swung his sword once more, with the same speed, this time aiming for his right thigh, attempting to slow the boy's movement.

crescent moon beheading -20ap
230/250 ap
all stick swings move at 55 speed and the stick has 10 sharpness

Damn, his opponent was a good one. So nimble yet strong, this Samurai was quite one to talk about. Etch had no time to react, whilst still flying through the air and landing, while Kariya swung for the attack. Hopefully it wouldn't hurt too much. Once landing, Etch found himself hit with a needle like pain throughout his right thigh. It wasn't too serious, but was definitely something to take note of. Not wanting to stick around with his back to the enemy, Etch jumped back to face Kariya 5 meters away. Etch was kneeling down, recovering from the attack he just took. At this point he knew Kariya was holding back, a Channeled attack with Etch's back facing him should of been a lot worse then that. Damn, Etch wasn't strong enough yet to handle Kariya at his full power, but he had to say, Etch was putting up a good fight. Still, he found himself running out of ideas. He didn't exactly have many jutsus, and needed to obtain more and get stronger with them. Still, Etch wanted to at least beat this weaker version of Kariya, so he had to improvise. 

With Kunai in hand, Etch decided to retrieve another kunai from his weapon pouch, dual wielding two in both hands. Etch wasn't going to give up on this fight, and he was gonna win, or lose trying his hardest. Etch took note of the rocks and tree logs that seemed to be around Kariya, which he obviously wasn't worried about. He was thinking more of his opponent.He began to run towards Kariya, with both his kunai out. He would of wished he had learned Shadow Clone Jutsu for this moment, but it's fine, he would finish this off hopefully without it. As Etch began to get closer to Kariya, he was going to jump up into the air and extend his foot, preparing for a dynamic entry point blank. However, he wasn't planning to completely activate the jutsu until he was only a few steps in front of Kariya, where the flying distance would be at its minimum. He also had his two kunai out in both hands, the one on his left to ward off any attacks and potentially disarm Kariya, and his right kunai to slash at Kariya's already injured left shoulder. His way, Kariya had a number of attacks coming. The one from the soon to be dynamic entry, and the attacks from Etch's kunai. Etch was moving a little slower then usual due to his thigh injury, but it meant nothing to Etch's plan, using his surroundings to benefit himself.

Watching as the boy created distance between them he was suprised how well he dealt with the pain of battle. Normally an individual his age, and with his limited experience would find handling such a thing difficult. This only further impressed Kariya, filling his mind with thoughts of this shinobi's potential. Perhaps, if over time Kariya taught him the ways of the samurai he could become quite a powerful pupil. But those were after thoughts, as he did not know this boys true intentions. Regardless of how determined and kind he seemed, there was always the possability that battle would eventually change him. After all, it had changed so many others, and Kariya seemed to always be there to witness it. Hell, Kariya was almost changed himself several times during times of grief and loss.


Seeing the kunai Etch had equipped in each hand it seemed as though things were getting serious. The use of a deadly weapon without the skill to control it could be a very dangerous thing. However, Kariya held enough trust in the fact that no genin would risk severly harming a superior. The problem was, Kariya wasn't exactly sure that Etch knew of his status. Focusing on Etch's movement Kariya would slowly turn his back to Etch, making it seem as though he was leaving himself open. Keeping his eye on Etch as he turned though he could watch him until the last instant before he fully turned around.


At this point Etch was already in the air within range of the stick held tightly in Kariya's hands. Swinging his sword at the empty space in front of him with incredible fury, Etch would likely be struck by what could be percieved as an invisible force. It struck at his head, with a speed and strength of 55, easily enough to cause rather bad damage if landed. The reasoning for the attack was unknown other than the hint that Kariya swung his stick and something attempted to strike him before he could lay a hand on Kariya.


reverse beheading -20ap
210/250ap
1,672 words