Re: Land of Earthen Daggers [Open]

Thu Sep 15, 2016 7:19 pm

Ah, the proof of concept. Iesada had been hoping to skirt around such a thing mostly because he was more inclined to theory. He had read Yui's book inside and out over the past week of traveling and understood genjutsu on a conceptual level. However, he had not quite put the art of genjutsu to the test.

He knew everything, the hand seals, what the certain genjutsu were meant to do and even what level of chakra control was required. So, in theory, he could perform genjutsu. Unfortunately, Iesada was pretty sure the behemoth before him would not much like the explanation he had. Thus, he fell to an old mantra his father used to repeat on their journeys together.

When it comes to progress there is no time like the present to start.

"Tricks and puffs of smoke, sure," Iesada conceded once again. "But such gimmicks are child's play and serve as merely the ground floor in a discipline that has no ceiling save for the one you put on it."

A slight pause for showmanship as Iesada brought his hands together in the Boar hand seal. On one hand the man had flair for the dramatic, but on the other he was not all that proficient in quickly forming hand seals. So, his measured formation of hand seals worked out on both counts.

"Genjutsu, as you know, is all about illusions."

Next hand seal, Rat.

"Normally, these illusions prey on one of your targets five senses to alter their perception of reality. The medium used to target these senses is, of course, chakra."

A flux of chakra and the molding of the jutsu. For a moment the monster in front of him would probably notice nothing until two figures seemingly stepped out from behind Iesada. he would probably also notice that would appear in his periphery vision, one on each side. These figures were of course perfect replicas of Iseada right down to the smudge of dirt on his left cheek.

Thank god it worked!

"These clones for example are merely illusions."

To prove his point the man brought his right arm through the clone to his left and dispersed it. For a moment the clone swirled about until the wisps that were once its body transformed into two clones.

Now to seal the deal.

"And sure, I know what you are probably thinking: 'Clones? So what anyone can do that' and once again you'd be correct as this is just a basic use of genjutsu. Imagine if you will the ability to alter an opponents senses in battle. Instead of the storm of shuriken you threw he only sees one or instead of one he sees one thousand. So, yes, genjutsu, at its core, is just tricks and smoke, but such things can give you the edge in countless situations. Wouldn't you agree?"

Releasing the jutsu Iesada allowed the clones to fade away into nothingness as a cold sweat passed over him like a wave. This time he suppressed his instinct to reach for his ring and tried to catch the gaze of the monster in front of him hopefully finding some type of approval.

[Total Word count: 2268, 1000/1000 for Mist Servant Technique]

Thu Sep 15, 2016 10:42 pm

His onyx eyes watched the man perform the tricks. He gazed on the illusions as they were crafted, he looked as it faded. He tried spotting any wrongness in them but could find none. He was not impressed by the clones, but what he listened to was the mans speech at the end. As he listed possibilities, this would cause Taios to begin to consider the implications. He used a weapon, a large weapon. If his opponents could not see it, or could be even a little caught off foot it could mean victory in a second.

Though as he considered, he knew his own abilities in the techniques would most likely be vastly different from the other man. "Ensnaring the senses....a powerful tool." In truth t was fighting dirty, which to Taios was the same thing as winning. He never understood that phrase. The entirety of war, of blood shed was dirty and messy. Scrounging for supremacy In the mud and the blood, why should any thing be off limits. Victors wrote how the fight went, and failures died by the sword not to tel their tale.

"You seem to know much. I have no interest in clone, but power....that peeks my interest. To dominate, I can see this as being useful." He would heave, and sit heavily on the ground. Still a massive figure even sitting. "Continue your lesson, I am listening..." He would say, and for the first time an evil light had flooded his eyes. His mind churned for what he could use this power for. Thinking in what the man had said about senses, the bijuu seemed to be hissing in the back of his mind, which only aided in giving him ideas.

Thu Sep 15, 2016 11:45 pm

Iesada nodded along with the monster's response in a good naturedly manner. Then the wind shifted and brought the smell of rot back to the forefront. For a moment the young man was certain he would pass out. His head swam and nostrils burned. Thankfully the wind changed again as it seemed to do quite a bit considering the odd geography of Kumogakure.

Counting his lucky stars that he remained conscious he grimaced just a bit. He still had a lesson to teach. Truthfully if he did not fear for his life he might laugh and find the whole situation quite humorous. That was not the case nor was this the place for humor. The behemoth expected more of an explanation and Iesada found himself racking his mind for another jutsu to demonstrate.

I need to stall...

"Very well, so casting a genjutsu is particularly tricky. As I mentioned before most genjutsu are triggered by one of the five senses. However, that is an extremely superficial explain; let's delve a bit deeper to how exactly these triggers work."

A pause to think and catch his breath.

"Suppose you hear a bell. What is happening inside your body is that you are translating the information your body receives and transforming it into the sound you hear. Genjutsu piggy backs on these senses that are processed by the brain by infusing the information input with your chakra allowing you access to your target's mind. One there it is simple to manipulate the target's mind to your will. Obviously some triggers are more effective than others with sound often being the most lethal. Though, this, of course, varies based on the circumstances you find yourself in. Pretty simple, right?"

What jutsu would impress the man before him? The question seemed to eat away at Iesada's mind as he internally berated himself for rambling. Truthfully, it was informative rambling so hopefully the monster before him was satisfied.

"Another aspect of genjutsu you should be aware of is the genjutsu release. Surely you know about, but when casting genjutsu you will be on the receiving end of it. As such flashy noticeable genjutsu are pretty to look at, but easily seen through. This means that you should try to make your genjutsu subtle and barely noticeable. The trick is to make the world shift only a little. Too much and you'll tip off your target as to your game and that is never good is it?"

Then it hit him; he had the perfect genjutsu in mind. Once again it would take some on the fly adjustments to attain the desired effect, but what was life without a little danger. Nothing could go wrong, nothing...

"Now, before I go into another example let me assure you that everything you are about to see is all an illusion. It will look real, feel real and sound real, but you will not be harmed by this jutsu." Iesada explained. " What is going to happen is that I will make some hand seals and a large fireball will appear above us both. It will then descend to the ground and disperse. Nothing to it. Just don't panic."

That last bot about panic was more so for himself than for the monster he was teaching. Frankly, he doubted if the thing would even flinch. Time would tell.

Boar -- Dog -- Bird -- Monkey -- Ram

With each seal he made Iesada felt the chakra building in him until it expanded outwards and hopefully formed the illusion of a fireball falling from the heavens. In fact, for half a second he dared not look up in fear of his own failure. However, his moment of doubt quickly faded and allowed him to incline his head for a second to see what could only be described as a miniature sun falling from the heavens.

"You asked for power and what power is greater than striking fear into the hearts of your enemies." Iesada said calmly as the fireball drew nearer. "If you'll allow me I'll reiterate my first point. Genjutsu is only limited by one's imagination. For some genjutsu is a tool with limitless potential and for others, well, it is less so."

Iesada took a moment to glance up the fireball above. He could hear the crackling of the fire and feel the ever increasing heat. For all intents and purposes it felt real.

"I guess what I am trying to say is I can only show you the basics of genjutsu. It is up to you to make it your own. I can't teach ingenuity nor instill imagination."

Ceasing to speak at last the native of Yukigakure removed his canteen from where it hung and drank up the last of his water. As the sky above him burned like the coming rapture Iesada stood as still as he could. Presentation was everything and Iesada fancied himself a showman of the highest caliber.

[TWC: 3081, Using the remaining 2081 to learn Demonic Illusion: Descending Hell Technique ]

Sun Sep 18, 2016 11:25 am

Taios watched from his seated position as the shinobi performed. It struck him that the man used a lot of words, to say very little. Many shinobi were like this, he simply was not. Using only the words that needed to be said. "He is stalling......" Said the demon. "He is performing, let him be." Taios tetorted. The demon continued to grumble in his head. As Taios grew more bored so did the beast, and while they had a better relationship now that they weren't constantly trying to kill each other it could hardly be called friendly. "You won't be able to do things like him. That's not you...." The beast said before going silent.

He couldn't argue there, these flashy techniques were not anything he had interest or skill in. Rather he took what the man said near the end to heart. His own skills would have to be the basis. Changing the world only a little was the aspect he had instantly taken to heart. His own physique, his abilities were all about intimidation and overpowering his opponents. That would be the basis of the techniques he would develop. To make his opponent feel weaker, to feel smaller and insignificant.....which of course they were.

As the fireball crashed over them, completely disappearing, Taios smiled. Again unnatural, he felt the heat over his body disappear revealing no injury. Though fire and heat were far from things that scared him. "A fair lesson, a fair trade." He would say hoisting himself back up to his feet. "I'll help you into Kumo. Though, I'd watch your step around many." He would say as a warning. "This isn't some place of the soft." He would then turn leaving it at that. "Keep back, but not to far..." He would say before his hands clapped. His body returning to a shell of lava and walking through the fields without fear. The man would likely burst into a sweat, and possibly get a sun burn if he stayed to close.

As he walked the ooze would harden and be rendered useless for a few moments. Long enough for the Yuki nin to cross unharmed. Then it would return to its normal dangerous self. Once they reached the gates, Taios would release his armor and wait for the yuki nin. "This genjutsu......you will give me another lesson in it, won't you?" He would say as much a question as a demand. "Once I've made mine, you will show me how to make it better. Intimidation, overpowering, these are my way."

Sun Sep 18, 2016 11:08 pm

Sweat came to his brow and his pulse unconsciously quickened as his vision was obscured by the large fireball, but still Iesada remained outwardly calm. In a matter of seconds his genjutsu was gone leaving only himself and the monster across from him who, despite his seated position, was still quite menacing. Now all that remained was the verdict, would he be allowed into the village?

As the large man spoke relief washed over the young man in a swelling wave. Perhaps if the behemoth was perceptive he might see Iesada’s back slouch a bit, but otherwise there were no outwards signs of his relief. However, he did thank his lucky stars and all those awful presentations he had to give as a diplomat.

In response to the other man’s words the Yukigakure native simply nodded. There was no real reason to ask more questions especially when his new acquaintance did not seem to have much to say. So, he simply followed the glowing man. Nothing bad ever happened following a man of molten rock, right?

It only took once for Iesada to stray too close and he never did it again. The heat was far too much. From then on he opted to stay as far back as he could without being swallowed up by the swampy earth. For the most part he tried to keep his eyes on the ground in front of him, but the wails of the corpses as he passed by made him look up and almost sent him into a fit of dry heaves. The bodies were still alive and seemed to be suffering something horrible. Interestingly, however, the smell wasn’t all that bad anymore or maybe he was just used to it, Iesada couldn’t be sure.

“Naturally, I’m not one to leave a lesson half taught,” Iesada replied once they had reached the other side of the swamp. “ Come to think of it, is there anyone I need to check in with here?”

Well acquainted with village protocols Iesada knew it unwise to enter a village without informing the appropriate authorities. Though judging by what lay on Kumogakure’s doorstep he doubted if it was even worth it. Maybe it would better to cut his losses and turn back now. Unfortunately, casting a backward glance the way he came he found the swamp already swallowing the safe path back; the way was shut.

There must be some real sick bastards running this place…

Tue Sep 20, 2016 6:24 am

He laughed as the man asked if he should check in with anyone. Truthfully, there probably was some protocol. Taios had never really know , considering day one in the village he had picked a fight with the kage. He hadn't won, but he had bloodied the other and came out alright in the end. He had waved off several of the kumo nin who were patrolling. "If anyone asks, say your in the village under Taios, that should get you by." He would say gruffly. "Though, watch were you walk, and what you touch. Can't save you from yourself. It's a rough town, just watch your steps." He would say.

In truth the village had softened up a bit from when he had first arrived. Certain districts remained their brutal ways, but it was almost like someone was trying to change the culture from the inside out. Well as long as she never touched the fields Taios supposed he could live with it. "So, you payed the toll. You crossed the bridge. What next wanderer, will you look for your answers? What will you do if you find, and our powers leave you inept at doing anything about it?" He said smiling.

The sadistic thought made him smile, because it was one that tormented his soul every day. Upon his daily meditations to attempt the control over endless rage his mind often wandered to the one who had made him into a monster. He was powerless to fight back, even if his strength did equal his. He wanted revenge, all his rage was hellbent on that one goal, and yet he might as well try to lift the world and change its universal place. It was one of the most crushing feelings one could feel, and the thought of it on another gave him some amount of empathetic joy in not being alone.

Tue Sep 20, 2016 12:52 pm

Another nod would suffice in response to the man's statement about the village. Interestingly, the man's words were quite telling. Either this behemoth was a high ranking official or the village worked like some type of fear dominated society where only the strong ruled. Both possibilities were equally interesting. Iesada was not too sure which prospect worried him more. All he did know was that he would take Taios at his word at keep his wits about him. He fancied keeping his head firmly atop his shoulders.

"There are different types of power," Iesada assured the larger man. "So yes, I will look for my answers wherever they may lie. And Taios, that is your name correct? Thank you for your kindness."

A pause as Iesada considered his next words.

"When we meet again you may call me Iesada, Iesada Saito. And, if you'll indulge me a bit further, where would you suggest a traveler such as myself seek lodging for the night?"

It was a necessary question. In a new land with new people Iesada was at a disadvantage and he often found it best to tap local knowledge. Taios was that local knowledge. For some reason Iesada doubted that he wanted to be out after dark in this weird perverted version of Kumogakure.

Fri Sep 23, 2016 6:46 am

He heard the mans name and would keep it in his memory. He would seek this man out again no doubt in the even he was unable to master what he had taught him. Someone had to be held responsible of course. Looking around the streets he would point down the road to the right. "Many inns and restaurants are down that way, they are safe enough." He would say.

This place was more for tradesman and there's who from time to time found themselves across the plague fields. He would be safe enough in here. "Your wrong though. There is only one type of power. That is power to exact your will. Anything else is a child's game until someone with true power stomps on it. It may take many forms, but make no mistake that is the measure of strength." He would grumble.

"Whatever you do, find what your looking for. Make it go the way you want it to go. That is what warriors do." He would say and begin walking away. No good bye he simply left. That was how Taios operated though. The talk, his own revelation on how he saw power had stirred an ember inside of him. "Brave words for someone smoldering away...." The demon would whisper in his ear. By his own definition, he held no power, he held nothing. It was time to begin again, to make the world the way he wanted it. To long he had been waisting away, and this chance encounter had shown him that. Iesida wouldn't know it, but the deaths of many were about to be on his hands, giving Taios the idea to return to his former self.

Sat Sep 24, 2016 4:12 pm

exit claiming 20ap

Wed Dec 21, 2016 5:43 pm

Iesada was no warrior yet still Taios's words sent a shiver down his spine. Thankfully, the larger man took his leave of Iesada at this point. Yes, the one-time diplomat was good with his words, but there want' much else to be said. Frankly, it was probably for the better when the two parted ways with Taios returning to the killing fields and Iesada entering the village.

The only challenge now lay in navigating the village from hell. he very much doubted that he could wade through the muck with any semblance of ease. So, for the time being, he was stranded in Kumogakure. He knew nothing about this new village. Certainly, he had read all about the proud village of Lightning, but the one he found himself in was nothing like what the books described...

[Exit, entrance to Kumo gained. TWC: 3841; +10 chakra +9 Strength; Mist Servant tech and descending hell learned.]