Hitting the Ground Running

A few weeks had gone by and Zaine had really begun to slack off with his training to the point that he had been slightly dreading the fact of getting back to it and realizing that he had become a bit more rusty than he had thought. Even with that being the case he decided that today would be the day he gets back into it by trying to develop his doujutsu further along with his wind style jutsu. The young shinobi had a pretty solid idea of where he wanted to train, having seen the area on his way back into the village a few months ago after taking a small expedition around the outskirts of the village. It was a quarter past noon at this point and wasting no more time Zaine would throw on a dark orange long sleeve shirt bearing the Uchiha crest, straight legged black pants with multiple pockets and slots on them where he kept a few kunai and shuriken and he would tie his headband around his left arm tightly before exiting his home and heading towards the training grounds.

The area of choice for his training could be described as a small desert oasis. There was a body of water surrounded by thick palm trees that almost completely obscured the vision of the water with their size and close proximity to each other. The sand surrounding the oasis was slightly finer than the sand in the neighboring parts of the village and the oaisis itself sat in the middle of two small sand dunes that were about 100 meters apart. The landscape of this oasis was odd but that was precisely what drew Zaine to it. Once he exited the gates of the village Zaine would begin to sprint, warming up by trying to get to the training field at a faster pace than he had last time. He was able to do it in a single hour last time so the goal was to chop off at least 15 minutes, this was a goal he knew his training partner could easily accomplish which spurred Zaine on even more to accomplish it.

Fiftey-four minutes would pass before Zaine finally arrived at the training site and while not out of breath he was a bit winded. He checked the time seeing that he came up just 9 minutes short of his goal and was disappointed but this was even more reason for him to pour everything he had into his training today. Wasting no time Zaine would walk towards the body of water surrounded by greenery and once reaching it, chakra would be focused to the soles of his feet allowing him to walk across it. He would continue walking across the water until he was in the center. Sitting down and crossing his legs, Zaine waited eyes closed and hands placed on his knees as though he was lost in thought. He knew that his training partner would come soon and being that this area was not private and he could easily be seen leaving the village, others may appear as well. Either way Zaine was completely focused and devoted to developing his strength further, excited at the prospect of getting to spar with his old mentor. 

[WC=545*2=1,090]

The sun hangs high over the baked-clay village of Sunagakure, bathing the bustling residents in its intense and soothing rays. The light washes into the back porch of Raleth, washing him and his plants with radiance. The aged Sarutobi tips an ornate water pail over his plants, watering them, and feeling at peace. A rapping on a door grabs his attention, Raleth places the water pail on a small table and walks to his front entrance. He opens the door, and is surprised to see the son of the tea shop owner on his front steps.
"Oh, Mitaka, to what do I owe the surprise?"

The 8 year old, craning his neck up high to look at the face of Raleth, squeaks, "I saw Zaine leaving the village! He had a strange look on his face..." 
A smile breaks over the face of the Sarutobi, he pats Mitaka on the head and tells him to go back home. Raleth quickly goes and fills a straw basket with fruit. He changes his residential robe, and wears a black robe with white trim, bearing the concentric circles, the blooming flower, of the Sarutobi. He grabs his Suna headband and wears around his neck. Grabbing the basket of fruit, and another pack he walks out of his home and goes toward the village entrance. He looks at the the position of the sun in the sky, and sees the way the shadows of the buildings fall, and mutters to himself. "He has a good headstart, shouldn't try to make him wait..."

Raleth cradles the fruit basket between his arm and side, and takes a deep breath: focusing on the oxygen circulating through his body. In an instant, the 6"2, 225 lb Sarutobi breaks into a high speed sprint, leaping and bounding with each immense stride: clearing the market street and passing through the village entrance.

Raleth pushed himself forward faster with each stride on soft sand, almost leaping over dunes. Scanning the environment, he looks for tracks: of one also running. Finding them quickly, Raleth increased his pace, making sure he takes on breath per other step: allowing him to maximize his speed and endurance. 

After about 50 minutes, Raleth could see a circle of strong and healthy palm trees sprouting between two fine sand dunes. Raleth stops between the dunes, glistening with sweat, but breathing easy. He spots the tracks leading toward the circle of palm trees, and notices sunlight reflecting between the trunks of the trees. He walks toward it, and can see a wonderous lake glimmering like fire, enclosed and hidden by vibrant palm trees. And, in the center of this oasis, sits a Suna Shinobi, wearing a dark orange longsleeve that bore the symbol of the Uchiha, Zaine. Raleth forces away some palm trees to allow his bulk through the trunks. Carefully, he places the fruit basket and other pack on the shore of the Oasis. Circulating chakra to his feet, Raleth steps on the calm surface of the water: taking measured steps toward Zaine, making sure the water ripples from Raleth's weight. 

He stops about 10 meters in front of the nonchalant Uchiha, and speaks: trying to stop himself from chiding the young shinobi. "You should be more aware of your surroundings, Zaine. The war is decided before the battle begins, you should be more aware of your opponents strengths than your own. Last I checked, water ninjutsu wasn't your specialty."

[WC = 547 x 2 = 1094]

Maintaining his position, Zaine sat on the waters of the oasis as they gently rippled with the wind. His only thoughts were relating to just how powerful he intended to get and the quickest and most accessible way to a reach this goal. The soothing breeze that flowed causing the branches of the palm trees to sway assisted Zaine in keeping his thoughts concentrated on this singular subject. With his eyes still closed Zaine would gently roll his shoulder back and raise his head, his hair still covering his right eye. The rays of the sun shined down on his face as he smiled having reached a conclusion about his journey for strength. The young shinobi could not exactly ascertain as to why but now more than ever he craved power, specifically the power to defend. He was unsure of why this gut feeling began but the reasoning was no more important than any obstacle that was standing in his way, he would grow, his strength would follow and that was absolute. 

An hour and a half of thought and soaking in the intense heat of the desert sun would lead to Zaine hearing footsteps approaching from behind him. They were far enough off that they were still faint but close enough to make out clearly as a friendly approaching party due to the directness of their path and haste. Zaine would bring his head back to anatomical position allowing his eyes to remain closed until the footsteps grew close enough that their speeding pace slowed to a controlled walk. The distinct noise of branches being parted along with that of an all too familiar voice would would carry on the soft wind as Zaine opened his eyes and smiled. Standing up the young shinobi turned so that his left shoulder would be pointed directly at the man that had approached, Zaine would look over this shoulder and at the man still wearing a smile, "Well, for one its not exactly your style to pull off a sneak attack so I figured it was a pretty risk free move". Zaine would now turn his front profile so that he was facing the man directly, a smirk would come over his face elevating his left cheekbone. "Second if I remember correctly water isn't exactly your "specialty" either. I'm probably a bit safer over here than I would be on any hard surface up against you". Zaine would make a fist with his left hand and a flattened palm with his right, he would bring the two together after closing both of his eyes and maintain the smirk on his face while he playfully remarked "Sarutobi Sensei". In two sentences Zaine had essentially summed up his feelings toward his master along with his general idea of their relationship. There was no shinobi living that Zaine held in higher regard but having grown up with him as a pseudo-older brother/guardian figure Zaine never passed up an opportunity to take a jab or two at the established Shinobi.


Returning back to a normal standing position Zaine would part the hair that lay in front of his right eye, his smirk would recede leaving a flat expression, his brow would descend just slightly as though his focus was beginning to intensify. Moving his right leg two feet behind him and bending both knees Zaine would raise his left arm straight out as though he had already thrown a punch, his fist turned vertically. His right arm would take its place tucked close to his side leaving not enough room for air to even pass between and with that move into a 90 degree L shape position with his right hand balled into a fist palm facing upward. His eyes would close almost simultaneously with his next deep inhalation, focusing on nothing more than the calmness of the wind and the soft soothing sound of the palm trees moving to its rhythm Zaine would let out a deep and controlled exhale which would end with him slowly opening his eyes. A piercing scarlet red sclera with two comma shaped tomoe centered around a pin point pupil would look upon Raleth as Zaine spoke once more, "Its about time I reached beyond my limits. Now, come sensei". 

[Word Count=710*2(Bonus Event)=1420 W/C

Action,AP,Calcs and Stats:

A warrior's grin spread over the face of Raleth Sarutobi as Zaine comments on the arena he chose, his student's observation and situational awareness fills him with pride. Instantly, Raleth could see the shinobi Zaine Uchiha had become before his eyes. He would almost shed a tear, but, like always, his student's tone needed work. "Careful now, youngblood,"  Raleth said, his deep voice thrumming over the surface of the water, "this still won't be easy for you." As Zaine Uchiha brings his hands together, Raleth does the same,

A desert wind rustles between palm tree leaves, mid-afternoon sunlight sparkles over the surface of the water, the two shinobi bow before each other. In time, as if mirroring, they prepare for battle. Raleth shifts his weight to his left and places his left leg behind his right, and keeps his knees active. He extends his right arm toward Zaine, his palm open and fingers active. He tucks his left arm near his side and cocks it at an elbow, keep palm open and fingers active. Raleth inhales through his nose, slowing his heart that beats with excitement, calming the flow of his energy: centering himself. As he reaches a state of calm, he looks to his opponent.

The intense look of the Sharingan greets Raleth Sarutobi, a stare that would make most taijutsu masters wary. But, the passion of a martial artist stirs within the aged Sarutobi as he stares at the Uchiha's doujutsu, the ultimate technique that can hone his martial prowess: and he can see the limit that needs to be broken. Zaine speaks, his words ripple off the surface of the water: echoing the sentiment of his teacher.

"Its about time I reached beyond my limits. Now, come sensei".
 
In an instant, Raleth goes low, and dashes toward his opponent at 50 speed, billowing his white-trimmed kimono behind him. At 8 meters, he shoots his right hand down and scoops up an immense amount of water: splashing a huge wave toward the direction of Zaine with his 75 strength, just enough to block Raleth from his opponent's line of sight. And, with the seamless movement of a taijutsu master, Raleth grabs an orange he had hidden in his kimono from his fruit basket, and throws it at 102 speed, aiming toward Zaine's midsection, the largest target. With it being an orange, it will most likely rupture on impact, causing a major welt, sticky clothes, and possible winding if it is not blocked.

After the orange leaves his hands, Raleth brings his hands together into the Ram sign, and, in a blur of 90 speed, moves 2 meters behind Zaine. He lunges toward the Uchiha, who has two dsitractions in front of him to deal with. Raleth intends to grab his opponent by the arm with his extended right arm, and pull him in to a close quarters brawl. 

If he is successful, Zaine will be met with three quick left jabs at the midsection, the same place Raleth aimed with the orange, at 45 strength.   

Raleth, though skilled, does not underestimate Zaine, nor the Uchiha's Sharingan. Keeping his joints, active, he is also prepared to go on the defense at any moment.

Stats n Jutsu:

WC = 534 x 2(event bonus) = 1068 WC

Guren had been traveling back to Sunagakure from his previous mission which landed him at the border between Wind Country and River Country. Bloodshed and restless nights were all he had seen in the last few days and now he had practically salivated at the idea of a break. His body was fatigued, famished, and parched. Yet despite all of the status ailments he faced, he still vigilantly sought to report back in to the village to inform its officials that the mission went on without a hitch. Since joining the village his whole motive had been to prove himself and his mind. Undertaking high priority missions and donating his time whenever it was needed were the easiest ways to put him closer to his goal. Thus no matter the circumstances, he would ensure that any and all of his objectives would be completed. Every time. 

Now as he traversed the Sunagakure desert for the seemingly millionth time, Guren's eyes fell upon the sight of tall palm trees teeming over top the mounds of windswept sand dunes that surrounded them. He stopped running momentarily to take a closer look at the environment which was nearly 100 meters away. For trees to thrive so positively, there would have to either be continuous rainfall or an ample body of water nearby. Guren quickly dismissed the first possibility, as Sunagakure was known for its prolonged droughts. Thus he discerned that the presence of palm trees could be indicative of an oasis. His demeanor changed within an instant, as an oasis could offer him several glimmers of hope. He had not eaten or drank in days, thus he would be sure that the water from the oasis might be potable. It was at least worth a shot to find out. 

Subsequently he would take a detour from his path to the village and start towards the oasis. As he ascended the surrounding dunes, he noted that two men were standing within the waters of the oasis. Additionally it was clear that the environment maintained healthy palm trees and lush patches of vegetation bordering the waters of the oasis. Thus, this water was safe to drink without the requirement of much if any filtration. Hell, it was better than nothing. With as much excitement as he could muster, Guren descended from the dunes and began to approach the waters of the oasis. Once reaching its boundary he would kneel, cup his hands, and submerge them into the water. Upon lifting them up, he carried a sizable volume of water within his palms which he visually inspected. The water was crysal clear. Thus he took a sip, and allowed the water to re-nourish his body. He drew his canteen and filled it up, then stood back up. His eyes fixated back upon the two men deeper within the oasis, who were just talking at this point. Guren would sip from his canteen as he stepped out from the water and walked towards their direction.

Now much closer, he could easily distinguish the men. Each were Sunagakure Shinobi, Raleth and Zaine. While he hadn't known them personally, he had seen then in passing numerous times, most notably a couple days ago when they all completed the Sunagakure Shinobi Assessment. As fate would have it, the duo of men were actually assigned to the same team which ultimately fell under Guren's leadership. Guren himself was unsure of how the organization of the team might have been perceived by its members, as a chunin would be leading a fellow chunin and a superior jounin which was quite...unorthodox. Ironically Guren was also its youngest member. Despite all of those feelings, he wanted to take the time to introduce himself formally and get better acquainted with his comrades. 

But now didn't seem like the time for that, as the conversation between Raleth and Zaine quickly diverged into combat. Likely training, but competition nonetheless. Therefore Guren would wait and take a load off, sinking his bottom into the depths of the sand which lied beneath him. He would spend the next moments sipping from his canteen and watching the fight which had just begun. Thus far water had been splashed, and an orange had been thrown. Two seemingly minute actions but the sheer force and speed which Raleth displayed during those actions was evident that he possessed a respectable amount of power. It would be interesting to see how Zaine himself might respond to those attacks, but Raleth wouldn't give him much time. He instantly blitzed Zaine, attempting to reduce the range of the fight and make it focused on close combat. Guren would simply watch in observation, taking mental note of each man's movements and decision making. This was quite an interesting interaction Guren had stumbled upon, and taking some time to watch it would give him the well deserved break that he needed. 

(WC = 814 x 2 Event Bonus = 1628)

Zaine couldn't help but discard his serious expression in replacement of a smirk upon hearing his old sensei's words. "This still won't be easy for you". Zaine chuckled to himself at the idea of any Shinobi even of Raleth's same rank believing a physical bout with him would be easy. No, Zaine understood exactly what he was in for and this training match would be much different than those he had in the past with his teacher. He expected him to come at him at full speed and close to if not full strength and it was for this reason that Zaine decided to forgo the warm-up and activate his sharingan. While there was no way this would erase the gap in their power and speed, it would serve as a way to mitigate his disadvantage through planning based on Raleth's movements. Zaine's heart beat had now sped up from within its normal limits to a hasted pace, so much that he could feel it in his ears. The young shinobi was nervous with anticipation because he knew the fight would begin and there would be little time to think on an in depth level once it had. 

Zaine's eyes would widen and slowly return back to their normal state as Raleth made his move, his sensei would crouch low and take off in what could be a full sprint, there was no way for Zaine to know for sure but he did know it was faster than his own. His ocular prowess had yet to fully mature and had much to be desired however, Zaine was able to make out the beginning motions of Raleth's movement as it was happening and with this prepare for his attack. Zaine kept his focus on his now approaching opponent and noticed him leaning his body down while extending his arm down into the water. Zaine was able to quickly rationalize that he intended to utilize the water as a distraction by the way his arm began to move upward and the formation of his hand within it. Understanding he was at a disadvantage in strength Zaine was limited on options, still he had a plan. Zaine would crouch down and using his legs as a spring he leaped forward and at an angle to the left at a speed of 40. As he did this water would come shooting out in a wave at a speed of 75. The preemptive leap would allow Zaine to keep slight vision on Raleth, enough to see the shinobi motioning to grab what would be an orange from his robe and motion to throw it at Zaine. Due to having assisted in closing the distance between the two Zaine's chances of dodging were slim. Still he maintained visual on Raleth so that he could analyze the exact trajectory the orange would take upon leaving Raleth's hand. Once he noted the fruit was coming directly for his torso Zaine would begin to turn his body while still in the air from his previous leap. Unable to completely dodge the fruit as it was incoming Zaine would move his left arm to the spot at which the orange would connect so that it would make contact with the metal plating on his headband while also leaving his arm at a slanted angle. Maintaining a spinning motion and angling his arm would allow him to absorb the impact of the fruit with his headband while deflecting it into the waters to the right of him. 

Having maintained visual on Raleth Zaine would effectively notice him forging a Ram handsign and building up a low amount chakra within his body. Unsure of what jutsu his teacher was about to use Zaine took a proactive approach to the situation. With one swift motion the young Uchiha would form the clone handseal as his feet came in contact with the water once again. A puff of smoke would erupt behind him and out of it an identical shadow clone with its back to Zaine approximately 1 meter from him. At the same time Raleth would vanish from Zaines vision leaving the upward flow of water from the speed and force of his footsteps. Raleth would appear behind Zaine and in front of his clone. The shadow clone would pay close attention to Raleths movement noting that his right shoulder and torso began to move forward with his am extended, the open palm indicating a motion for a grab. The shadow clone unable to dodge at this range would allow itself to be grabbed while  focusing on the movements now of Raleth's left arm which motioned to punch at him. The clone would utilize both of its hands to stop the incoming punch and keep a firm grasp on Raleth's fist. Now, utilizing the stability gained from Raleth's grab along with the grip on his left hand the clone would pull himself in and deliver a knee to Raleth's torso at a strength of 25, following up with a headbutt to Raleth's forehead delivered at a strength of 25. 

If these were to connect, the headbutt would cause bruising and possibly leave him a bit disoriented for a moment from impact and the knee would cause pain associated with deep bruising. The real Zaine would turn around and dash at a speed of 40 to the right of the two now entangle shinobi stopping 2 and a half meters from them while reaching into his ninja tool holster with his left hand, his index finger tightly looped around the hole of a kunai knife. Keeping his eyes on Raleth specifically for a counterattack.

Action, AP, Calcs, Stats and Jutsu :

[WC= 940*2(Event Bonus)=1880 WC

Pride flourished and swelled as Raleth saw the movements of his pupil, his foresight and anticipation was terriyfing and awe-inspiring, and still the Uchiha had limits that need to be broken. Unable to differntiate between the real Zaine and his shadow clone in the split seconds of combat, Raleth finds himself grappling with the chakra facsimile of his friend. A harsh smile gleamed on the aged face of Sarutobi, his voice roared with competitive passion as he was unable to control his enjoyment.

"EXEMPLARY!!!"


In the same breath, Raleth reacts to his situation. As he grapples Zaine's clone, holding the clone's shoulder with his right hand and having his left hand restrained, he sees and feels how the chakra facsimile shifts its weight. As his opponent brings his leg up to knee Raleth in the torso, the Sarutobi, with his weight still shifted to his left, brings his right knee up to block and smash the knee cap of his opponent at 50 strength, and, grips and crushes the shadow clone's shoulder with 75 strength. With the clash of bone, and the grip of Raleth, the clone's knee and shoulder would fracture and break, causing enough shock and pain to make the clone hesitate a moment with any and all follow up attacks. And, using the momentum of his movement, quickly bringing up his right knee while shifting to his weight to his left, and with the size, weight, and strength difference of him and Zaine, Raleth pulls and throws the clone over him. And, he stops the flow of chakra to his feet, causing him to sink and more than likely forcing Zaine's shadow clone over him and under the water.

Having most likely overpowered the shadow clone, Raleth forces it around and crushes it between his arms with 75 strength: forcing its rib bones to puncture its lungs. This would cause air to be expelled out of the clone, and would cause both Raleth and the more than likely destroyed clone to sink 5 meters into the Oasis, deep enough that any projectile attacks from Zaine would be useless. As Raleth sinks, he forms the Ox Monkey Hare Rat Boar Bird Ox Horse handseals at 50 speed. A large streams of water, 10 meters long and 3 meters wide, coalesces and bubbles into an amorphous shape. Pin-pricks of chakra float in socketless shapes 5 meters in front of raleth, and the Sarutobi once again flows chakra to his feet.

As if being ushered by an unknown beast, Raleth travels toward Zaine, 5 meters under the water, standing on nothing. From where he sank, he bursts out of the water at a 45 degree angle in the direction of the Uchiha, standing on a great dragon made from the waters of the Oasis. The dragon snakes above Zaine, and explodes into a sheet of showering of rain 10 meters above the shinobi, with Raleth falling to the point at which the uchiha stands. 

Prismatic colors sparkle high above the palm tree-encircled Oasis, Raleth drops from the sky forming the Horse, Tiger, Dragon, Hare, Bird handseals at 50 speed, expelling a thin stream of fire that bursts into a 5 meter wide fireball traveling at 30 speed. Raleth intends to use this large fire to break line of sight, and aims the fireball at the surface of the water in front of Zaine's current position. 

If uninterrupted, the fireball would cause a huge ploom of steam to burst from the oasis over a wide area, causing scalding burns to the uchiha and the surrounding water within a slightly larger area to boil, and hopefully will obscure the taijutsu master from the sharingan's sight as he falls down and prepares for his next action.

Stats n Jutsu:

WC = 607 x 2 (event bonus) = 1214

It came as no surprise to Zaine that his clone was to be overpowered by the Jounin level shinobi. His clone's knee would be met with one of greater power and as it had its shoulder squeezed with such force it would feel as though the ball and socket joint would be completely destroyed. This maneuver by the shinobi along with a toss of the clone would lead to it disappearing in a puff of smoke. Zaine made sure to continue as he had, keeping a close eye on his mentor making sure not to miss even the slightest movement of his extremities. Zaine would watch as Raleth began to sink underneath the waters of the oasis and began to form hand signs. Watching as he built up a much larger amount of chakra than previously seen in their exchange Zaine knew he would need to take this time to prepare. Leaping 4 meters back at a speed of 40 Zaine would begin to focus specifically on the angle at which his body was in respect to his opponents and what his next move would be.

The waters underneath Zaine's feet would become unsteady with a rippling motion as he looked onto his opponent who was now done chaining together handseals and began to approach the surface. From what Zaine could see, Raleth was standing above chakra that seemed to be clumped up together and propelling him upwards. Rationalizing this as some sort of water style technique Zaine was in no immediate fear for his position but would continue to watch as Raleth broke the surface of the oasis being carried by that of a water dragon. This was the first time the young shinobi had seen the technique used in such a fashion and taking a moment to look on in awe of it, an opened mouth grin with raised eyebrows took over his expression. "Leave it to you to turn ninjutsu into a way to travel." Zaine would look up at Raleth as he stood atop this aquatic serpent looking down at him. A moment passing would lead to the dispersion of the dragon and rain to fall bringing down with it his opponent. The young shinobi looked past the distraction of the waters and made sure to keep his focus on Raleth for he knew even one moment of inattentiveness would lead to the end of their bout in favor of the opposing party. 

Zaine would pick up on the movement of Raleth's arms and hands readying themselves into a position to form handseals as he formed the handseals for the great fireball jutsu. Having this jutsu in his own arsenal coupled with the amount of chakra Raleth was building within his own body tipped Zaine off to the fact that he would be utilizing this fire style ninjutsu but the strange aspect of the situation was the trajectory at which he was aiming it. The thin stream of fire would be expelled forming a fireball heading for the area 3 meters in front of Zaine. Leaping backwards another 2 meters at a speed of 40 Zaine would chain together handseals at a speed of 40 showing as Tiger, Ox, Dog, Rabbit and Snake. Zaine would clap his hands together as the fire ball made contact with the waters in front of him and steam would begin to burst from the body of water as it ventured out in all directions of the oasis. At the same time a violent gust of wind would explode from out in front of Zaine, creating a continuous wall of wind 15 meters wide and 5 meters tall that would press forward in the direction of Raleth taking all steam created within the diameter of the jutsu with it at a speed of 40. The physical effects of the steam would cause 1st degree scalding burns to his opponent at points of contact and would make impact with him at a power and speed of 40 if they were to connect. Zaine now having the benefit of the offensive would chain together the hand signs Horse, Tiger, Ox, Horse, Dragon. Upon forming the final handseal Zaine would focus his chakra up and into his chest before expelling a 6 inch wide stream of fire that detached from the stream after traveling one inch from his mouth, leaving a 5 meter in diameter flaming dragon head construct. The dragon head would fly towards Raleth in a straight line at a jutsu speed of 40 and would hold a power of 40. If it were to make contact with him it would leave Raleth with 2nd degree burns atop the possible 1st degree burns from the steam if both were to connect. Zaine would clap his hands together maintaining the built of chakra in his chest as he waited for Raleths response to this counterattack, the young Uchiha now standing 8 meters from Raleth. 

Action, AP, Calcs, Stats and Jutsu :

[WC=821*2(Event bonus)= 1642 WC]

As Guren got his thirst under control, he noted a basket of fruit within a couple of feet from him. Figuring Raleth and Zaine wouldn’t mind, he scooted over to it and grabbed an apple and a banana. The sight of these fresh and ripened fruit was like stumbling upon gold. The apple, as firm as could be, as well as maintaining a light and healthy sheen to it. It was coupled with the banana, which boasted a radiant yellow hue to it. Guren’s mouth salivated as his eyes focused on the fruit he bore in his hand. When his teeth would sink into the apple, an eruption of sweetness and juice (pause) would flow into his mouth. The banana provided a nice contrast, texturized as smooth as silk. He devoured both.

Yet as he ate and nourished his body, he would direct his attention to the combat session at hand. Clearly it was training, as both men appeared to be holding back. But nevertheless the athleticism, judgment, and critical thinking that they displayed offered glimpses of their abilities. The combat began with some simple taijutsu. No real over the top movements, yet still impressive maneuvers. Both men seemed adept at the specialty considering the level of comfort they portrayed when using this style of fighting. Admittedly Guren was no taijutsu expert, he still knew how to perform evasive techniques. With his quick wit, speed, and body position he felt as least comfortable to be engaged by a taijutsu expert. But he would not allow a fight to stay centralized on close quarters combat.

But Raleth and Zaine were different, as they engaged each other until ultimately beginning to bring out ninjutsu. Now it was getting interesting. Guren smiled as he took another bite from the crisp apple, and watched how Zaine strategically employed the use of a shadow clone to take the brunt of Raleth’s blitz. It freed up enough time for Zaine to attempt a counter, which Raleth seemed prepared for as well. And now the fight was really becoming intriguing as the two men seemed to scale up their techniques. From the water dragons, fireballs, and wind blasts, this fight was really starting to take shape. So much so that the two were starting to dynamically shift the environment of the oasis itself. Trees and vegetation were getting burned, the water from the oasis was getting displaced, and the surrounding sand became unnaturally windswept. Guren was a bit disappointed, as this oasis seemed like a step away from paradise. But he was glad that such a large scale training session was taking place outside the boundaries of the village. If this were to happen within Sunagakure, there would be too much destruction to allow this to go on. Although, the training grounds were spacious and distant enough from any structures to allow for something like this. Still, it was admirable that the men trained outside the village.

Guren would continue to closely watch the fight develop and eagerly await to see who might emerge victorious.


(WC = 508 x 2 Event Bonus = 1016. Total: 2644)

The quick thinking of Zaine continuously impressed Raleth, his opponent's wit and cunning was punishing. As the Sarutobi saw the Uchiha string together handseals at 40 speed, the aged shinobi knows his only response, having realized the situtation he's placed himself in. When Zaine forms the Tiger handseal, Raleth begins string the the Dragon, Horse, Ox, Ram, Hare, Snake and handseals at 50 speed. 

The great, five meter wide fireball strikes the calm waters of the oasis, a gust of hurricane wind blows explosion of steam toward the falling Sarutobi, pushing him 2 meters back and scalding his forearms and face. Using the pain as his punishment for his own lack of strategy, Raleth Sarutobi claps his hands, and bursts forward, in the air, through the scalding steam at 120 speed at 7 meters in the air, well above the height of Zaine's windwall. Moving at 3 times the Uchiha's handseal speed, Raleth is able to move 3 meters for every 1 of Zaine's handseal, with Zaine performing 5 handseals to use the Great Dragon Flame technique, travels a total of 15 meters toward the surface of the Oasis, being a total of 7 meters behind Zaine. Raleth, with his speed, easily maneuvers away from the trajectory of the fire technique as its fired, and maintains his distance, hovering above the water: on the defensive, and waiting the next move from his opponent.

"You never cease to amaze me, Zaine."  
Raleth says, eyes shining with respect for the Uchiha before him, skin stinging with the results of what happens when Zaine is underestimated.

Stats n Jutsu:

AP 461/600

WC = 263 x 2 (event bonus) = 526