Team 7's Survival Exercise (P)

Higuto didn't know what else could be done here. He had seen his sensei practically take everything that the Genin had to offer right on the nose and counteract everything they threw at him. Higuto sighed as he watched Jason making his move by hopping onto the wall and running up while forming hand signs. He turned to Allegro and could see hints of doubt within him, the kind of doubt that he himself had felt previously where he didn't feel much of a contributor to the team, as he smiled and got back up to his feet while giving Allegro's gut a light friendly punch. "Don't worry, Allegro. Just cause you may not realize your full potential just yet doesn't mean you never will. Nor does it mean you ever have to do things alone. I got your back just as I know you've got mine. We are, after all, Team 7 and there ain't nothing we can't accomplish as a team, right?" Higuto would wait for an answer before looking up the wall to see Kinzoku clapping his hands together just as Jason was in the process of using the rain to create water shuriken to throw at him.

Now was the time, Higuto felt, for do or die. He knew that Kinzoku would take advantage of the two in some form of fashion as he cracked his knuckles together and clapped his hands to gather the remainder of his chakra before reaching for his neck and pulling out of his shirt a locket. He then took a deep breath, memories of his training coming back into his mind, as he felt that even though he had wanted to save this it was also going to be the only way they could possibly get through this. He thus clicked his locket as the little flaps opened up to reveal a small light that absorbed itself into Higuto's skin. Higuto then slowly began to glow bright as he lowered his hoodie to reveal his hair sticking up slightly as he felt his chakra slowly grow more powerful and he could even sense things a bit better than before as he looked up to watch Kinzoku fall forward towards Jace and also form the half clone seal. In that time with his new speed he could properly track Kinzoku's movements as he readied a kunai out of his weapon pouch.

Higuto watched Kinzoku's clone come at the two Genin as he focused his chakra into his blade. He could see Kinzoku clearly going for a punch as he got in front of Allegro for protection before using his enhanced speed to knock the clone's fist aside, using the momentum the clone was using from the air to keep it trapped for his oncoming attack, as Higuto targeted his chakra infused blade straight towards it's forehead. If the clone somehow was able to block the kunai Higuto would use that time to address Allegro as he watched the clone closely. If his attack landed and caused the clone to disappear he would address Allegro fully. "Allegro, if I could ask a favor of you, try and get as close to Jason and Kinzoku sensei as you can. Once you get in range try and pin Kinzoku with your chakra chains again. The amount of time you're able to keep a hold of him might be just enough time for me and Jason to get the knife. Can you do that?" Higuto would wait for Allegro's answer as the rain continued to fall on the field as Higuto continued to concentrate his chakra. This was a form that wouldn't last very long and he needed to make a move very soon.

(WC 623)

(Item used: Higuto's Locket; AP used: 40; 104/404; (130 Chakra and 150 Speed)
Skills used: Chakra Infusion and Will of Fire
Kunai Sharpness: 50 + 58 = 108
RTAW continuation: 20 AP; 84/404 AP)

Allegro was grateful to his teammate for saving him from the swamp that had suddenly appeared on the training field. Higuto soon stood without Allegro’s help, leaving Allegro to strategize while he watched Kinzoku and Jason face off on the Earth wall. Allegro could no longer sense any of Higuto’s clones, partially due to his rain technique, or Jason’s either. He knew this had to be due to Kinzoku sensei’s jutsu. And yet, there Jason stood, untouched by the swampy jutsu. Jason was quite something to be able to hold his own against the jounin. Allegro knew that nothing could replace the experience of real combat, which is something Jason had over the other members of the team. Allegro knew he had to do something to help, even if it was something small, but he did not know what he could do. He had to find the resolve within himself to grow stronger, even if it was right there in the middle of the fight. There was no time like the present, after all. Just before the genin got too deep into the myriad of thoughts and strategies in his head, he felt a gentle thud of Higuto’s fist his his stomach. He looked at Higuto beside him and saw no trace of discouragement in his eyes, despite the fact that their asses were being handed to them. "Don't worry, Allegro. Just cause you may not realize your full potential just yet doesn't mean you never will. Nor does it mean you ever have to do things alone. I got your back just as I know you've got mine. We are, after all, Team 7 and there ain't nothing we can't accomplish as a team, right?" He listened to Higuto’s words of encouragement and smiled. He did not have any words to say, but he rubbed his hand through his dreads while he gave a weak laugh. He could not help but feel a bit embarrassed. However the feeling was fleeting, because there were certainly more pressing matters to attend to.

Jason had continued his assault, without a doubt waiting fr his teammates, Higuto and Allegro, to lend a helping hand. Two shuriken flew from Jason’s hand toward Kinzoku sensei. No luck; they were easily dodged with just the adjustments of his posture. His reaction time was unparalleled. Undeterred, he could feel Higuto’s chakra fluxuate next to him, preparing for a follow up to Jason’s efforts. Allegro could feel his own chakra swell, in agreement that immediate action was necessary. He formed 4 hand seals to prepare his next jutsu. Higuto and he could not just sit here chatting while Jason did all the work. Already knowing what needed to be done, Allegro raced into action the moment Jason formed the seals for his next technique. His strained himself as he ran to achieve a new speed of 95, quickly closing the gap between he and the earth wall. He was in a rush to get the timing just right, and though he did not have time to stop and admire, he took note of Kinzoku’s Futon technique which dispelled Jason’s Suiton jutsu. Now with just a meter’s distance between he and the wall, he looked up to see Kinzoku, or his clone for that matter, free falling directly towards him. The clone had flipped over the wall after dodging the last of Jason’s suitor shuriken. Without stopping his sprint, Allegro climbed straight up the wall and waited until he and the clone were just 5 meters apart to open his mouth as if to sing a beautiful opera. However, what came out instead was a insatiable screeching sound wave, aimed directly up the wall, threatening to completely engulf the shadow clone and disperse it. With a reaction speed of 155, Allegro would turn his head to follow the clone’s movement, thus redirecting the jutsu should he have found a way to escape the 5 meter wide beam of sonic despite being in midair to ensure that it hit its mark. All the while, he continued running until he reached the top of the earth wall. He would flip acrobatically and come to a skidding stop next to where Jason was standing, on the other side of the thick wall where he see what was going on on. He had not checked to see if Higuto was following him towards the other side of the wall, but if so, he would heed the request to bind the jounin once more and clap his hands together in preparation for his next technique. But that was way easier said that done with that metal arm of his. Ultimately, to get that kunai in the jounin’s left hand, he may first need to disarm him. Pun intended.

-1 AP for Surface Walking
-20 AP for Sound Wave Technique

[4575 TWC]

Jason saw his opportunity when Kinzoku sensei began free falling toward him from the top of the earth wall. He watched the Jounin approaching, readying himself to launch the wood element technique at the perfect moment. That moment came the instant Jason saw his sensei form the hand seal for Shadow clone. By the time the smoke cleared and the clone was visible, a large 2 meter long and 1 meter thick branch was launched from the Senju's chest right at the Jounin who was still free falling. The clone was standing facing the top of the earth wall, his back toward Jason.

The initial branch missed its intended mark, flying just underneath Kinzoku sensei as he front flipped over Jason to land on the ground below. Luckily, a second branch was created from the center of Jason's back at the exact same time the branch from the front was created. This one stayed attached to his body until the last possible second. Jason waited until his sensei was at the end of his front flip just before he touched the ground to extend the branch at the Jounin's back. Hopefully, with Kinzoku still being in the air and not seeing the branch until after he had passed over Jason's head he wouldn't be able to react in time.

The first branch that Jason had launched would have also harmlessly passed by Kinzoku's clone as well, but just as it was directly next to the clone, Jason formed a half hand seal and created four more 5 meter long and 1 meter thick branches aimed to pierce through the clone from the first branch which would hopefully catch the clone off guard and dispel it.

Whether the branch from Jason's back hit its mark or not, he launched the remaining eight 5 meter long and 1 meter thick branches from his back aimed to trapp Kinzoku sensei on the ground below.

(321)
[2,503]

-15ap from cutting's ability to grow more branches from a branch
+20 from last post cuz HLAM wasnt used
+5ap from sages body
-1ap for surface walking
53ap remaining

Just as Kinzoku pushed off of his earth wall to vault over Jason he saw a wooden spike both form from the Senju's body and shoot out of it. Just one of the many unique things a Senju was likely capable of doing. Judging from the way the spike was coming in Kinzoku did not think much of it nor did he fear for his clones safety. The direction it was coming in from it was going to easily miss his shadow clone. But suddenly as he was flipping over the Senju he felt a sudden increase in his chakra reserves as well as knowledge gained which he previously did not have on Jason's jutsu. With his new memories he saw that the wooden weapon had expanded into an array of wooden spikes. As a result the extra spikes had punctured right into the side of the clone and thus it never had the opportunity to make it over and towards the other two genin. Sneaky little one Jason was. But the Jounin had no time to worry about how his clone had gotten taken out in less than a second. During the process of his front flip Kinzoku spotted that there was another one of those wooden spikes sticking out of Jason's back. 

Now knowing that the spikes could be fired at the Jounin he knew he was going to be in a sticky situation with Jason being able to time the attack just as Kinzoku either reached the ground of before that. That would leave the Nazar helplessly to react. So as he passed over Jason and headed to the ground, his right hand quickly began shifting into a set of seals. At a speed of 125, by the time Kinzoku hit the ground each half seal had been completed. As the Jounin expected the wooden spike had been launched and penetrated his back just missing the crossbow which could have protected him. But a moment later Kinzoku exploded into a puff of smoke revealing a training log falling out in place of the Jounin. 

The three Genin would easily be able to find the Jounin as he was now just 10 meters away from where he had just been hit. At least 10 meters from Jason. Probably 15 or 20 meters away from the other two depending on if they were still at the other end of the earth wall. If Jason continued his attack by releasing the remaining 8 spikes from his body, Kinzoku would act accordingly by scaling to the side to dodge them all. With his golden eyes, Kinozku could easily see them coming with the help of the newly created distance. Either way Kinzoku would fix his hat adjusting it has it was now heavier due to be drenched from the rain. Just standing there watching his three students, Kinzoku would give them some time to consider their next movie. Assuming they were going to. Due to this being the first time Kinzoku was really seeing them all in action, he wasn't sure how much chakra they had. As a result he didn't know how much they could throw before tiring out. So he gave them a moment to think about it. Would they continue trying for the kunai or call an end to all of this. With a grin on his face, Kinzoku waited, knowing he'd be pleased with whatever decision they made.

5ap for Arahant (+20chakra, +60RT)
5ap for substitution jutsu.
One Handed Seals (125speed)

AP: 450/680

Stats:

Higuto had watched Allegro charge forth as Jason's sudden wood style technique went ahead and took out Kinzoku's clone for him. Good, he thought. He wouldn't have to worry about that anymore as he decided that it was time to try for the original once more. Higuto would take advantage of his new speed and chakra as he clapped his hands together, his chakra swelling once again within him, as he then remembered something. He could potentially end things as the rain continued to pour onto the field and mask his levels of chakra from Kinzoku's senses... as well as the chakra of other smaller things keeping around the field. He thus charged his chakra as much as he could while keeping the downpour of rain going.

He had noticed Kinzoku seemed to be enjoying himself with the fight as he hid a smirk behind the brim of his hat and Higuto couldn't help but feel that, while they indeed were working well as a team, no progress had been made at all. Kinzoku sensei was still holding the kunai. Higuto had hypothesized a long way into the match that there was a possibility that Kinzoku had assigned such an impossible stipulation, being that only one Genin would be able to walk away from there the champion, as a way to dissuade the three into turning against one another instead of working as a team like they had been doing. The smile that rested upon Kinzoku's lips suggested that he was quite possibly pleased with the three Genins resolve... or he could be contemplating how best to break it to them that they failed. He didn't know. It was all only theories anyway and if there was a chance that truthfully only one of them would be walking away a student of this Jounin Higuto felt he wasn't getting anywhere. So he needed to turn that around.

He closed his eyes bringing his kunai up and out from his weapon pouch as he brought his hands together and clapped them in order to calm his chakra flow. The light that was surrounding him grew brighter as the water from the rain seemed to circle around him from just his mere presence. He would prove his worth on that field one way or another as he tossed the kunai a little into the air before forming the Ram seal. With the seal performed he focused his chakra into his feet before catching his kunai quickly and suddenly disappeared in a burst of speed. With a speed of 280 he reappeared behind Kinzoku, the distance of 20 meters proving to be an easy distance to close, as with his reduced speed of 150 and a strength of 80 he grabbed Kinzoku by the arm that held the target kunai and used his own kunai to strike at the hand to try and make him drop it. If Kinzoku somehow dodged Higuto's grab Higuto was ready as the 100 insects that Higuto had kept on the field earlier would swarm around them in a pincer strategy and therefore cover any possible exits for the Jounin. He knew he was going to need all the chakra he could get so he decided that upon grabbing Kinzoku's arm he would allow his control over the rain to relax.

(WC 553)

(Higuto's Locket: continuation=20 AP; 64/404; Chakra=130 Speed=150
Jutsu used: Body Flicker: 10 AP; 54/404; Speed=280
Skill used: Will of Fire Strength/Health= +25
Kunai Sharpness: 108
RTAW cancellation)

Things weren't looking exceedingly good for the Genin of Konoha's Team 7. Jason was basically at his limits, and it looked like Higuto wasn't much better off. Allegro seemed to be alright, though he was panting heavily from what Jason could see. He had dropped down onto the ground alongside Allegro from the earth wall. If Higuto's attempt was unsuccessful, Jason figured it was about time to cut their losses. If there was one thing he knew for certain, it was that a leader had to know how to pick his battles.

"Allegro. If this doesn't work, I think we'll have to admit defeat and take the loss here. I don't know about Hig, but I'm spent and it looks like you might be too."

His words came out between panted breaths, his muscles ached and he was incredibly tired. Still, he watched his brother taking on the Jounin in what was probably their last ditch effort. Soon enough, they would know whether or not they passed or failed. Whichever it was, he would be ready.

It seemed there was no quitting in these these students of his. With his golden eyes he scanned the three of them, his eyes darting over to Higuto as he clapped his hands indicating that he was about to make a move. Kinzoku wasn't entirely sure what the Aburame was preparing for and he couldn't sense the surge in his chakra either due to the rain. So he watched as he retrieved a kunai of his own before tossing it up into the air and forming the Ram seal. Upon seeing the Ram seal Kinzoku figured Higuto would be using body flicker. He himself had just used it and knew what was about to come. It was a safe bet to assume the Genin would take the opportunity to close the distance between the two and in preparation all Kinzoku had to do was get in the way of his path and that would have thwarted the Genin's plan of action. However the Nazar refrained from doing so as stopping stopping the Genin would likely result in knocking him out. 

So instead he watched as Higuto grabbed his falling kunai and vanished. The speed at which Higuto vanished caught the Nazar off guard, so much as to have even surprised him. Whatever Higuto had been doing in preparation had really increased his physical capabilities. Even with his increased senses the Aburame managed to move faster than the Nazar could track him. He knew Higuto was behind though. Before he could turn to make a counter move, Higuto and Allegro made their moves simultaneously. Kinzoku saw Allegro make his move as he formed the Tiger seal and felt his body suddenly stop. It was at that moment Higuto grabbed Kinzoku's arm and tried smacking the kunai out with his own. Unfortunately for Higuto it was Kinzoku's left arm that was holding the designated kunai, his metal arm. Although Higuto had somehow managed to muster up the physical strength to overpower Kinzoku's left arm, he still fell short in having any effect. With the arm having a health of 150, Kinzoku hardly even felt the impact on his hand.

Albeit a good move, Allegro's genjutsu wasn't strong enough to hold Kinzoku in place for long. With Higuto holding onto the Jounin, Kinzoku simply used his strength to break free of the paralysis spun around to look at Higuto in the eyes. As he turned his chakra exploded into a ferocious golden energy enveloping both he and Higuto. The golden chakra would begin raging like a fire around Kinzoku as he used Display of Power in conjunction with Genjutsu Binding. The combination of the two would easily freeze Higuto dead in his tracks. The golden aura alone was probably enough to keep all three Genin from making another move. With Higuto frozen this would have likely stopped him from being able to control his bugs, being too scarred to do anything. At least that was the plan. If Higuto mustered up the strength to control his bugs then Kinzoku would likely seek shelter underground. 

If successful, Kinzoku would simply grab Higuto by the collar of his shirt and toss the Aburame over to Allegro and Jason as the raging aura around him subsided. "Done? Mhmm, am I going to have to fail all three of you?"

5ap for Arahant (+20chakra, +60RT)
Display of Power (540 stats)

30 ap for Genjutsu Binding (60 power)

AP: 415/680

Stats:

Higuto watched as his attempt at striking the kunai from within the Jounin's grasp proved futile as the arm was too strong of steel for his kunai to wrest from within his sensei's grasp. He was surprised even more as the arm proved so sturdy his kunai snapped and broke as the pieces clattered onto the ground. He cursed himself for not noticing the fact that it was in Kinzoku's steel hand before he had made his move and now was once again finding himself in an awkward predicament. It would have been all over for him if it hadn't been for Allegro, however, as he noticed pause within his sensei's movements thanks to temporary paralysis. He knew it wouldn't hold Kinzoku for long and right now Higuto had to make a move. He knew he was the faster and from what he could tell the stronger as well. He was also still holding onto Kinzoku's arm.

Using his quick thinking and speed of 150 he directed the palm of his other hand quickly to Kinzoku's face, using his strength to push him face down to the ground, as he locked Kinzoku's arm behind his back and used the heel of one of his feet to stomp on Kinzoku's free hand to keep him from making seals. Whilst keeping a hold of his sensei he would quickly brandish another kunai from his pouch, the one his sensei had thrown into the log at the start of the exercise, before bringing the cool steel of his blade down to meet the back of Kinzoku's throat. Assuming all of this proved successful Higuto would keep a firm grip on Kinzoku's kunai arm while moving his hand over his teacher's palm to make sure he wouldn't form any seals with that hand neither. Higuto would then look down at his sensei, Kinzoku's hat covering his eyes from view, as Higuto would make certain he felt his blade resting upon his neck.

"Sensei I have no wish to hurt you but as someone who is extremely pissed off and believes this has gone on for long enough I am willing to become a full shinobi and do whatever necessary to make certain I succeed. So I offer you an ultimatum to your predicament: slowly open up the hand holding your kunai and make no sudden movements within the next five seconds. If I even think you're doing something I don't like I will make certain you have a painful road to unconsciousness. As I will if you take too long to comply." As he spoke his insects would slowly fly closer in a circle towards the two, their eyes trained on Kinzoku, ready to warn Higuto in case anything happened.

(WC 457)

(Higuto's Locket continuation: 20 AP; 34/404 AP / Chakra: 130 / Speed: 150
Skill used: Will of Fire: Health/Strength: +25 / Health: 75 / Strength: 80
Kunai -1: 9/10 remaining
Kunai Sharpness: 108)