A Bout, Kaguya and Nara [io, nk]

Cole’s actions when met with the spiraling ring are quite surprising to Satoru. His target’s defenses are most impressive. Whatever jutsu it is that has been used to emerge from the wind explosion caused by the spiraling ring, Satoru is not interested. What he is interested in is the strengths of this person and, if he has any, his weaknesses. This is not for any malicious reason, he does not seek Cole’s weaknesses so that he can kill him or anything of the sort. But Satoru sees this opportunity as a chance to emerge as a stronger shinobi because he has been forced to think of a way to get around an enemy’s defenses. Such an ability, if its demonstration can prove itself in this instance, is enough of an achievement for Satoru. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength.

The basic conclusion is that Satoru’s chakra does not at all scratch the defensive capabilities of Cole. Some bone related technique kept him from harm even through Satoru’s most powerful jutsu. Yes, the greatest use of his chakra failed to deal even minor damage. And still, Cole has yet to attack.

But despite all of this, Satoru is not deterred when Cole walks towards him at a normal speed. This goliath of a shinobi is a challenge and Satoru revels in it. He now spars a person a league above him and experiencing just how far away he is from this level. Then, why does he take delight in this exercise? It is because the gap between Cole and Satoru is not insurmountable. Let this explanation enlighten those who do not yet understand.

Most are saddened to see just how weak they are compared to someone of greater skill or power. Not for Satoru. To him, weakness is something to overcome, not something to be held back by. He has experienced the debilitating effects of being bogged down by the knowledge of one’s own weakness and he has the will to see this gap in strength for what it is. It is a canyon, a wide and deep one. But not so wide that it cannot be bridged. And Satoru has at his disposal the equipment and materials to build such a bridge.

So being met with a physical representation of his weakness is a welcome sight. It is bitter, let this not be overlooked, it is bitter. Satoru does hate his weakness. But this emotion drives him to greater heights. The stronger the opponent, the greater the climb and the greater the end result. This is training, this is an exercise meant to cause growth. What better way to grow than to be met with such a challenge and at least come close to overcoming it?

Back to the spar. Cole as approaches Satoru a bit, the distance between them is but a meter. He asks what it was that Satoru hoped to accomplish with his spiraling ring. Satoru responds with his blood no longer rushing due to combat. Maybe this spar is over. He certainly is ready to throw in the towel about now.

“I incrementally stepped up my jutsu to see just how much chakra it would take to damage you. After you emerged from the cyclone unharmed, I got curious. That spiraling ring was my strongest technique and you shrugged it off like it was almost nothing.” Satoru explains. The fatigue is noticeable. “I’m ready to turn in for today. But should we meet again in such a situation, we should spar again. Most likely, I will have developed some more techniques to try on you. Not that they’d have a chance to deal any sort of damage. Honestly, you’re a behemoth.”

With this, Satoru bids Cole farewell. He begins to walk away and waves goodbye as he exits the training grounds. Anything said or done by Cole would be appropriately responded to of course, Satoru is not impolite.

But otherwise, he is prepared to rest knowing that the day has not been wasted. He has a benchmark to compare himself to and along with it he has gained some strength. Most of all, he has better understood the fact that his own chakra is not enough in a fight. If Satoru is to have any chance against someone like Cole in an exam for rank, he must perfect strategies. Raw power will not win him duels, intelligence will.

(735/2,584)

[Exit]
[TWC: 2,584]
[Claims: 12 stats, 1,215 words towards making Shadow Imitation Jutsu A-rank, 1,298 words towards Jibashi, 71 words towards Air Bullets]

Approved.

Cole listened to what Satoru had to say about upping the power of his jutsu to see just how big of a difference there was in his power and coles. Cole could tell that the use of so many jutsu was taking a toll on Satoru and cole made note of it for the future as well in case they were paired against each other in the exams. Satoru’s stamina was small and cole could probably easily enough burn Satoru's stamina down if he needed to, and outlast him in a fight. Satoru went on to tell Cole that he was done for today and that he needed to learn a few more jutsu in case they met in a tournament or something. Cole could agree with that and would tell Satoru anytime that he wanted a training partner all he would have to do is ask. With that, both would turn and go their separate ways for now till they met again.


Cole would walk back to the entrance of the training grounds and head to go get some food he was starting to get hungry having not eaten anything since breakfast and it was starting to get late now. Cole would make his way up to the entrance path and head past the flowers taking in the beauty of each one of them as he walked by. He enjoyed walking through here every now as it showed him what he was fighting for and the sheer beauty the village had to offer.


(WC-252 TWC-1958
Exit
9 stats
1379 to Evening Elephant
579 to Shingui

Approved? You didn't exit.

fixed it forgot lol

Reapproved then.