Runner's Hike

Zyxis had never been hiking before. No, seriously, he had never been. It would sound crazy to anone who knew that the Genin was a runner. It was ludicrous. That's why the boy currently resided out of town, heading up the trails of Lightning Country's mountains. He didn't expect to meet anyone new today, he knew most of the people in Kumogakure as it was, but Zyxis had some sense of when he was going to greet a new ally.

With him, he brought a spare change of clothes, tons of ration bars, and water bottles. If he were to train, The Genin knew that he would need some substance, Zyxis wasn't too keen on relying on nature this time, as last time he barely made it out alive. It was an excellent development for him though. He knew that the more he risked, the stronger he would get. 

That's why he made sure to pack all of his ninja tools as well. Didn't know when a stray missing-nin would pass by. The first goal was to set up camp, and then he'd be ready to explore and go further up the mountain.

Kumo possessed vast swaths of land that expanded far out from their hidden village. After the destruction of his home and Kumo's conquest campaign had finally come to an end, the Hiyu was absorbed into their forces. At the time, being one of only two Anbu in the Kumo army, one of Nobunaga's tasks was to patrol the surrounding territories that had been taken over during their war effort, make sure all was in order. It was during one of his patrols that he had actually encountered the Rokubi, the Bijuu he defeated and now housed inside of him. Hopefully this time his patrol would be less life threatening and more relaxing, the way he liked them. Nobunaga enjoyed his solitude, as much of it as the Rokubi would afford him of course. Being with his own thoughts, contemplating his life, his future and events that were currently taking place was a pleasure he often did not enjoy what with all the responsibilities he had.

Therefore on this cloudy evening, the Hiyu found himself patrolling the neighboring mountains of Kumo first, the closest range of land to the village that there was. Not only did this patrol route fall under his designated area of watch but it also offered him the solitude and alone time he desired. The air was thin yet cool and the dim grey light of the cloud blocked sun light the mountain range well enough for him and anyone else who may be here to navigate without fear of stumbling or falling to ones death. Due to the fact that he was on patrol, the Hiyu had to be ready to face any potential threats and therefore found himself fully equipped. He donned his full armor set which currently protected his chest, shoulders, abdomen, waist and legs. Draped over his armor was a large black cloak, zipped up from waist to neck with a back flap behind his legs reaching down to the heels of his boots. A brown thick strap wrapped around his torso, passing under his right armpit as it holstered the massive great sword hooked to his back. Also attached to the back of his strap was a sack that carried enough rations required until he reached the next outpost of his journey. 

Trekking through the winding and twisting pathways of the mountain, the tall standing brute would come to a sudden stop when he caught wind of a chakra signature steadily making its way around the very same mountain he was on. Most people did not come to these treacherous mountain tops let alone jog through them as this small chakra signature appeared to be doing. Was it a run for training or was this individual running to get away from something or get to something? Whatever the case, the intentions would be unknown until Nobunaga investigated. 

Knowing these parts quite well, the Hiyu would suppress his own chakra and silently but quickly move to intercept the individual. Coming to a portion of the mountain that halted its ascending path and flattened out, the Hiyu would remain there until the kid ran into his path. Unmoving with arms crossed, the kid would come face to face with Nobunaga. "A kid, all the way up here alone?" From the gear he was carrying Nobunaga could see he was on some sort of expedition, perhaps looking to camp? Unable to tell the kids affiliation, the Hiyu would ask, assuming the child stopped his running "Who are you child and where do you come from?" First, the Hiyu needed to know if this kid was just a citizen from a neighouring land looking for an adventure or someone looking for trouble. "What business do you have here?"

As Zyxis came into a sort of clearing, a flatter part of the mountain, his eyes settled on a tall man with a huge sword. When he had reached the opening, the man seemed to be already aware of him. His first thought was missing-ninja, he wouldn't be surprised. It was outside of the village; anything could happen without the safety of the walls. He had heard of new Genin dying out here when they wanted to go on trips.

But he seemingly calmed down upon sight. If he wanted to fight, then he assumed that they would be against each other right now. So the first thing that Zyxis did was examine him. He had a huge sword, dark clothing, and a stern face. He wasn't sure about the blade as he didn't focus on weaponry, but it looked like a Claymore? Maybe a Great Sword? His appearance screamed strength, and there was a certain feeling in his looks that made him scared for his life.

He wanted to clear this up. He thought the sword was terrific, but he didn't want to feel it or see it up close.

"My name is Zyxis, no last name. I'm a shinobi from the village of Kumogakure no Sato," he didn't say what rank, as not to give away his standings or power, but he did flash the silver on the headband around his neck, "Not to be rude, but where do you reside from, Kumogakure as well? Are you an ally?"

Hopefully, Zyxis wouldn't have to high-tail out of the mountains.

With the kid noticing Nobunaga standing before him, stern and still as a statue chiseled right into the bed rock of the mountain, the Genin came to a halt putting roughly 10 meters in between the two of them. "No last name?" Thought the Hiyu to himself. "Unlikely." Did the kid have something to hide, did he not want to reveal his last name as to not reveal what family he hailed from, or what Kekki Genkai he possessed. If so, it was a smart move therefore it was not something he would push the kid on. It appeared he was a shinobi of the same village, now made abundantly clear by the headband hanging from around his neck. But he was alone, no other Kumo shinobi with him. Why? He had failed to answer Nobunaga's follow up question of what business he had in these mountains. Did he deliberately ignore the question to avoid it, to avoid telling Nobunaga what he was doing in these mountains alone? Perhaps he did not want to answer yet for he did not yet know who Nobunaga was, which would explain his follow up question. 

"Aye." Responded Nobunaga in his hoarse voice. "I am Nobunaga Hiyu, Jounin of Kumogakure." Calmly and slowly, Nobunaga would reach under his zipped cloak as to not alarm Zyxis into thinking he was pulling out a hidden weapon. Producing his own Kumo headband as proof of his allegiance, the Hiyu would place it back in a hidden pouch. He did not sport the headman for all to see for he was an Anbu truly and not a Jounin therefore when he was out and about performing village tasks and missions, those who bore witness to his deeds could not know which village he hailed from. 

"What are you doing out in these mountains on your own young Zyxis?" Nobunaga would ask again seeing as how it was not answered when he previously asked. Based on the kid's height, his build, his apparent age and the potency of his chakra, Nobunaga guessed that he was a Genin. If that were the case, Genin were not permitted to leave the village without notice unless on a mission. Him being out here on his own was quite peculiar. Was he truly a Kumo shinobi or an impostor, impersonating one? "You are a far way from home."

Zyxis heart seemed to stop for a split second as Nobunaga reached into his cloak. Was he going to pull out another weapon? Unlikely, if he wanted to attack, he probably would've grabbed what he assumed was the man's primary weapon. A kunai? Swift and deadly, able to fly through the air at faster speeds than he could probably move in a split second, ending his life in a blink of his eyes. All of his worries turned out to be for naught as the Jounin pulled out a headband similar to his own, albeit scratched and worn from the years, but still kept in what seemed like mint condition. It made him feel safer that the man was a Jounin.

Although, he had a sinking feeling in his stomach that he had done something wrong as the questioning continued. He must've not heard Nobunaga the first time; it was probably his nerves. What was he doing out here? Zyxis would think that it seemed apparent that he was out for a training trip, an expedition of some kind. Was he now allowed to be out here at this time? It wasn't as if he snuck out of the village. The mountains were the closest things to the gates.

"I apologize, Jounin Hiyu," His voice would seem to change from a normal type of speaking voice to one of complete respect, "I'm out here on a training mission. Survival training, jutsu training, anything that would help me improve. My goal is to get ready for the Chuunin Exams, sir. If I put myself through hardship and danger, then I become stronger faster. The training grounds won't be able to contain my thirst for growth any longer, sir."

The boy nodded as he said the obvious, "I am pretty far away from home, but I have some confidence that I'll be okay in a fight if it ever arose to that. It helps more since you're here as well. Am I allowed to ask a question, sir?"

Zyxis would wait for his response.

Throughout his years of training, Nobunaga had gained the ability to read people and he could do so fairly well. He could see that the kid was slightly nervous but not the nervous as when potentially fearing for one's life. No, he was the type of nervous when one comes face to face with a sort of authority figure. Typically, someone who has little to no experience with being interrogated by authority figures tend to be the most nervous in situations like this, which told the Hiyu that he was in fact from Kumo for if he was not, there would be no reason for him to be this nervous. 

Gazing down at the kid, he listened to him apologize and offer an explanation as to why he was out here. Nobunaga unfortunately would not accept the apology but he would not mention it for he was a man of few words. Also, he understood the need to want to train, to hone one's skills and proficiency. However his explanation made it clear that he had come out here on his own, which unfortunately for him was not permitted. "Leaving the village on your own without permission is not allowed. Actions such as these will get you branded as a missing ninja, even if you are just out here training. The village is unaware of your actions and intentions therefore for all they know, you abandoned the village." Especially as a shinobi, the rules for leaving the village were strict. If a shinobi leaves without mention or notice, they must be branded as missing nin because their intentions are unknown and they were once tasked with protection the village. That makes them a threat since they have access to valuable information pertaining to the village. "Next time young Zyxis, request permission. That way an escort or a higher ranked shinobi can come along with you."

The kid seemed to think he was capable of holding his own if anything happened to him such as encountering a situation where he had to fight. He made mention of wanting to train for the Chuunin exams which confirmed the Hiyu's presumption of him being a Genin. He wondered if the kid truly could hold his own in a fight. Criminal tended to travel in groups, like ravaging wolves in a pack. It would probably be hard for him to fight several opponents for it was not easy thing for most shinobi. But he was right, now that Nobunaga was here it added an extra body if a fight happened to break out. Now, curious as to what the kid wanted to ask, Nobunaga would gently nod his head and grunt in affirmation, allowing the kid the answer his question all the way remaining stern and stoic.

Although his heart dropped into his stomach, he felt as if he held his own in not acting like the child he was. They were shinobi, they were supposed to be mature, and they were most definitely supposed to know the rules. He hadn't gotten to the point of where he would be able to hide his blush, dying his face the same color as his eyes.

"Ah, I sincerely apologize. I should've known that, but it must've skipped past my mind thanks to the fact that we were so close to the village," Zyxis cleared his throat, "Next time I'll do as you requested, this mistake won't happen again." After their small conversation about his mishap, he didn't feel frightened at all. Sure, there could've been a missing ninja sneaking up behind him right now, but Nobunaga was a Jounin; a force to be reckoned with no matter how you looked at it.

Zyxis wasn't afraid, only embarrassed. If Nobunaga had been the examiner for the Chuunin Exams, a blunder like this wouldn't cut it. Although, he was grateful that he had been told this right now. There was a good chance that he could've been murdered out here or listed as a missing ninja.

"To check, it's okay if we stay out here right,  now that you're here? Would you mind being my escort? Anyway, my question was this. How difficult was it to become a Jounin? My goal as a ninja is to reach pretty high in the rankings. I know it will be no walk in the park," Zyxis looked up at the sky. The sun wasn't that far down. He had about eight hours before it got too dark to train. "And since we're here, I was wondering if there was anything you could teach me. Any advice that you have to give I will gladly accept it."

He hoped that Nobu wouldn't take any offense to his requests. He was, after all, two ranks higher than Zyxis. The Uchiha would've been glad to offer to teach him anything, but he was sure that would be inappropriate.

The kid apologized and Nobunaga would offer a nod and a grunt in response, letting him know that his apology was accepted and his actions forgiven. The Uchiha had it right, now that he was here everything was fine. He would no longer potentially be branded as a missing nin for Nobunaga could account for his actions. Despite the fact that he was a hard ass, luckily for Zyxis he ran into the Anbu and not someone else. Nobunaga was still a good person at heart. He wouldnt let something as minor as this cause the child to be branded as a missing in and ruin him for the rest of his life. Someone else may not have been so kind as to let Zyxis off with only a scolding. There was some vindictive, malicious shinobi in Kumo. If Zyxis had ran into them he may not have been so lucky. "Aye, you are correct. Now that I am here you are in the clear." 

Now that the Uchiha knew he was in the clear he was comfortable and relaxed enough to pose a question to the Hiyu. It seemed, like all shinobi, Zyxis had a desire to grow stronger and move up in the ranks of the village. It was only normal to want to do so, for it was an aspiration all shinobi had. How far he wanted to get was the real question. Did he want to stop at Jounin or move up to Anbu like Nobunaga, Anbu Captain like Kyson, or Kage like... well that was a matter for another time? "Difficulty is subjective." Stated the Hiyu, beginning to answer the question. "Some can reach Jounin as young as 13, I became a Jounin when I was 20. But that does not mean I was less skilled. I walked a different path before becoming a shinobi, one that led to me taking longer to progress. There are many factors at play when trying to become a Jounin. Not only skill, but you're determination to do so and you're loyalty to the village matter. Are you someone the village can put their trust in? Can they trust you to teach the next generation and pass on the village's ideals? Can they rely on you to protect and serve the village when required? It is in your hands, the difficulty to achieve such as a rank is in your control young Zyxis. However, what type of shinobi do you wish to be?" Did he want to be a shinobi to use his powers to protect those who couldnt and those he cared about or did he simply want to wield power over those who had less or none? 

Now that the Anbu was here to guard over the Genin, it seemed he would use this to his advantage. The young Genin appeared to want to continue his training and now he wanted to take advantage of the situation in front of him and use Nobunaga to enhance his training. Of course, it was the smart thing to do. Considering how he was training for the Chuunin exams, it only made sense for him to seek out the training of a higher ranked shinobi. The Hiyu would stand there in silence as he pondered the request. Nobunaga had not intended to do any training today, his plan was to patrol the surrounding lands in solitude. However, he pretty much spent most of his time doing such. Perhaps a change of pace would do him some good. Nodding in confirmation and offering a grunt, Nobunaga would accept the Uchiha's request to be his teacher at this moment in time. But first, there were some things he needed to know. "Aye, I'll help you in your training. However, before we begin you'll need to inform me on a few things. Firstly, what are you proficient in? Ninjutsu, Taijutsu? What are your chakra natures?" Once he knew the basic, Nobunaga would continue "What skills and jutsus do you currently know and what are you looking to learn? What are you missing in your arsenal of techniques and skills that you would wish to learn?"

Zyxis was relieved that he wasn't going to get beheaded today. There probably wasn't as many people that would take this so well in Kumogakure; their village seemed full of crazy people. Of course, the Uchiha didn't care; their defenses were strong and would keep intruders away. It didn't matter if it looked like a literal hell. Well, maybe it did. Zyxis wouldn't mind if the new Kage got rid of it and put up more sane and holy defenses.

When the Hiyu began talking about the difficulty of making a Jounin the world around him seemed to fade away, he focused on every word that came out of his mouth. He couldn't even imagine a 13-year-old Jounin, that would've been way too difficult for Zyxis. It would have to come naturally to others, as that wasn't a regular thing. Although, becoming Jounin by twenty seemed to be feasible. Zyxis was thinking about taking aging pills once he became a Chuunin, as he would be more experienced and have more chakra. 

"I'm not sure if I'm able to answer those questions with a hundred percent certainty. I want the village to put their trust in me. I plan to teach the next generation all that I can and always be there to assist Kumogakure, but right now, I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it. Currently, they wouldn't be able to rely on me. The type of shinobi I want to be is the one that can do anything to help our village. If something is wrong, if someone is in danger, and if there's any chance that my home and my literal life could hurt, you better believe that I will be there."

The power to protect, the potential to serve, the strength to be the best. That's all Zyxis wanted and needed of now. Then he could think about other things and what he wanted to do with his life, but right now he had only one goal. The two continued to walk more, and he asked the question about training. He was glad that Nobunaga was willing to teach him.

"I'm proficient in Ninjutsu as of now. I plan to delve into Genjutsu and maybe the Medical field. My chakra natures consist of lightning and wind. The jutsu I have currently are more attack oriented, although I do have Soul Expulsion which helps me become quicker and better with using Ninjutsu. I probably lack defense, although I go more towards speed than power. I need a jutsu or skill that will help me locate enemies and allies, but also a skill that helps hide my presence." Zyxis explained, "The current tactics I'm using is overwhelming and assault with Shadow Clones, so I will probably need more jutsu that helps the user grow more powerful since I'm not able to use Soul Expulsion with a clone and myself at the same time."

The white-haired Genin would wait to see how the Hiyu responded to his explanation of his skills.

Ninjutsu, something the Hiyu was also proficient in, as most shinobi were. Although Nobunaga was far more talent when it came to close quarters combat, Taijutsu and Weaponry this is, Ninjutsu was still in his wheelhouse, something he could easily teach and pass on to the young generation of shinobi. Zyxis already had in mind what he wanted to become proficient in next. That was good. Having set goals and knowing what he wanted to achieve was ideal for any shinobi. However what he wished to potentially specialize in was far from Nobunaga's field of expertise. Nobunaga was a true fighter at heart. Bloodly knuckles and brandished weapons was what he understood, it was the life he lived. Genjutsu, the illusionary arts were a mystery to him and perhaps his greatest weakness. Medical jutsu was also not his cup of tea. It was something he assumed as Hiyu could be amazing at given the unnatural, adept control they possess over the structure of their body, one could assume that that knowledge and skill could easily be applied medically.

Lightning and Wind, two of Nobunaga's own chakra natures. It seemed the Hiyu was perfectly suited to teach young Zyxis in the art of Ninjutsu. As one tends to be when skilled in the use of Ninjutsu, Zyxis thought of himself more as an offense oriented shinobi, much like Nobunaga but to a different extent. By his own explanation he was a shinobi who tried to overwhelm his opponents with the use of shadow clones and bombarding with with jutsus, relying on speed and high power Ninjutsu to do so. "Then I hope you have high chakra reserves young Zyxis." Stated the Hiyu, after listening to him explain everything about who he was as a shinobi. "Shadow Clone is a taxing jutsu, one that splits your chakra. If your strategy is to bombard your enemies with jutsu while using Shadow Clones, you will quickly deplete your chakra reserves. Either work on gaining a larger reserve of chakra or work towards a new strategy. You're current one is not so easily sustained."

After that little tidbit of advice, the Anbu operative would move on to tell the Uchiha how the rest of this encounter would play out. "I have zero knowledge in the fields of Genjutsu and Medical jutsu therefore I am useless in helping you achieve your future aspirations. However, if ever you wish to improve on your Ninjutsu, you're in luck. I too possess lightning and wind affinity. Despite the fact that most of my Ninjutsu revolve around enhancing my weaponry combat, there are still some jutsu I posses in my arsenal that I can pass on to you. However I do not have the time to teach you today, I'm afraid. I must continue my patrol of the neighboring territories." Shifting his gaze over towards the horizon, Nobunaga would not the distance of the setting sun. There was not much day light left. He would have to get this over with quick so he could continue making his rounds before having to seek shelter. 

Dropping his stern gaze back down onto the Genin standing before him, the brute would continue "I can however teach you how to hide you're chakra signature as well as detecting that of other's. Easy techniques to learn and perhaps ones that will offer you a great advantage in the upcoming Chuunin exams." Reaching upwards with his cloaked right arm, Nobunaga would wrap his powerful hand around the bandage covered handle of the slab of metal strapped to his back. With one quick and decisive jolt up towards the sky, he would unhook the weapon from his back and bring it around his shoulder. All of his movement were methodical and efficient as he brought the blade before he while lowering his body towards the ground beneath him. Crossing his metal plated legs as he took a seated position and gently placing the handle of his sword flat on the ground next to him, with the tip of the blade facing Zyxis, Nobunaga would wave his left arm, inviting Zyxis to do as he did and take a seat.

"When it comes to sensing other's chakra, one thing you have to notice is that you're always going to be in the presence of it. Everyone has chakra. Whether it's a droplet of water or the size of the ocean, chakra resides in each and everyone of us. You, me, a new born toddler, the local shop keeper. We all have it. You're always surrounded by it." Crossing his arms and making sure the Uchiha was paying attention, he would continue "For now you only have me. My chakra is not the most powerful but it will do. Now, close your eye's and relax your mind. Know that my chakra is here, it has always been here. Reach out not with your touch, smell or hearing. Mold your chakra and reach out with it to feel mine young Zyxis." Now the Hiyu would sit in silence and patience as he reached out with his own chakra to sense how the Genin before him was doing.