A Breeze from the North (Taichi Uchiha)

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Taichi smiled when he saw the opponent launch himself backwards, dodging the overwhelming force that was being brought down upon them. To many other people, that would have been enough to bring them to their end, but this one was different. Taichi walked up to the master and student, he smiled at the two of them as he ceased his Sage Transformation and broke the branches that had grown onto his sides. After allowing the master and student to talk between themselves, Taichi responded to Raleth's condition to the walk. "I wouldn't have it any other way. You both would be a benefit to have with me during this conversation." Taichi would then begin walking out of the training grounds but he would still stay near to them.

"So, friend. I have a question for you. Are you an individual that seeks to acquire a higher power. Based on your experience and your prowess within the realm of fighting, I would guess you are a Jounin, or possibly even a member of the ANBU of Sunagakure. This is a great honor, but unfortunately for most, that is the highest level of power you will receive within the village. The Kazekage is a man who will not die easily, and giving up that amount of power is highly unlikely. So I ask you, do you want to reach an even higher level of strength? Even higher level of respect from a mass of people?" Taichi would leave this question hanging, being sure that he already knew the answer.

[[Continuing Topic as if a New Thread]]


Raleth Sarutobi was surprised at the candor of the strange, snow-haired Uchiha.

"Power? Most strive to become their best self, me, I wish to be my strongest self. But, not out of status or wealth. You are correct at your assumption of me being a Jounin of Sunagakure, and you should know that comes with a strong sense of pride for my country and my people. The only thing I wish to acquire is higher martial skill, no amount of rank or office can give that to me."

Raleth stops mid walk, and turns to the Man from the North.

"Our bout today is one such example of how I can achieve a higher martial power, or skill. I've never fought with an Uchiha with your kind of sharingan, the experience is something that will weigh in my mind for a good while. Is there a technique that you know of that could help me in my own endeavors? I do hope that is what you mean..."

Raleth's face becomes akin to stone, his voice drops low, his next words are carefully chosen

"Because if you were implying anything else, if you were checking to see if my loyalty to my Kazekage would falter, you would be gravely mistaken."

The threat is not veiled, the look of the Sarutobi would show the Uchiha how determined he was to protect his village and people. In the next instant, a warm expression washes over Raleth's face.

"Was there anything else you wished to say?"

[[252]]

Taichi listened to the man obviously taking what Taichi had said seriously, which he was happy to see. The man's reaction was that of offense, immediately becoming defensive at the notion of gaining a higher amount of power and respect within a village. This is when the threat came across Taichi's ears. "Gravely, huh? Hilarious." Taichi simply chuckled as he began walking away from the man speaking with such anger and resentment. Taichi and the emotional one were five meters away when Taichi began partially merging with the Earth.

"No. Based on your emotional reaction, I feel no desire to aid you in your venture of inner growth." Taichi merged within the Earth fully at and he would transport himself back into the village, he did have one more errand to run before he decided what it was that he was going to do from that point. He was actually speaking about challenging the Kazekage, the ultimate gain of respect. But Taichi did know a decent amount about the Kazekage, but to a person who would let their emotions get the best of them so quickly, he did not think anything Taichi would have to say would be of any benefit to him. 

EXIT
TWC: 1888
Claims: 

+538 towards [V7] Chakra Enhanced Strength (Completed) (Previous Progress)
+1350 towards Earth Flow River (1350/1875) [Max Stat discount]

He watched from afar as he listened in on their conversation, the battle had finally concluded and it could be said that Raleth came up just short when compared to the mysterious Uchiha- Zaine considered this to be a shortsighted analysis however, knowing the full strength of the Sarutobi and understanding that if he had been serious he could have dispatched of the man. He understood that his old friend held back with good reason but one thing was confusing to him- he couldnt quite understand what secret lied behind the eyes of the Uchiha. How did he develop his tomoe to a point where they took on such a unique shape and why would he reveal such a power flippantly to two shinobi who he knew very little about. Leaping down from the tree he sat on he would venture close enough to them to make out the very end of their conversation before the man took his leave, getting one last look at his sharingan as he sunk into the floor. "I know better than anyone where your loyalty lies Ral. Even so, would it kill you to utilize basic shinobi tactics from time to time? You could have put on a bit of a farce to figure out what he was offering. He could be a member of a larger force that could pose a threat to Sunagakure." He scolded his mentor for this reason but also wished they could have had a bit more time to learn about the man so that he could get even a hint about where his power came from- he would have to settle for the way events unfolded and while disappointed, he was very relieved that a man making such a corrupt offer was leaving their presence.


Zaine would turn away and being to take his leave as he spoke to Raleth once more "I respect your pride as always but sometimes your pride needs to take a back seat to your responsibility as a Jounin. I know you understand this but its possible you never truly accepted it." He spoke from a position of empathy for his old sensei, understanding fully his warriors pride- this was something he too held but through many situations needed to shed to become a shinobi who could protect and complete any objective. "I suppose ill be seeing you once we finally decide to test the limits of our recent training?" He would say smirking as he walked away and threw up his right hand as a sign of departure. 

[WC=426/875 Total]

EXIT

• Putting 875 WC towards Mangekyo Sharingan [875/8,000]
  

The last words of the Northman were terse, which was to be expected based on the Sarutobi's reaction to his words. In an instant, the snow-haired uchiha fell into the earth, merging with it like water being poured into a lake. The sudden display of chakra caused Raleth to act, he brought his guard up, ready to continue the fight they were having, more than willing to kill a missing ninja. But, as he felt the ice-eyed shinobi's presence leave and go in a direction away from the immense jounin, the aged Sarutobi relaxed. Footfalls land on the ground, he turns to see Zaine Uchiha walking toward him. His old student begins to chide him, on his "shinobi tactics". Raleth rubs the back of his head, with a look of confusion. He looks to the sky, a self-realization embarrasses him, he hadn't even thought to be subversive. Though, another thought comes to mind.

"I hadn't thought of it like that, you're right Zaine. I should be more conscious of such things in the future. Though, I will say, if he is an indicator of a larger force, I believe we need not worry too much."

True confidence colors the white-ash-haired-shinobi's voice, the bout with the Northman was one where Raleth had held back immensely. Though, the same could be said about the snow-haired Uchiha.

"His skill with chakra may be great, but his tactics could use work. Hell, I'm sure you could've handled him better than me. Still, there is one thing that concerns me."

The interesting tomoe of the ice-eyed shinobi flashes in Raleth's mind.

"His Sharingan was terrifying. There was something I saw behind his pupils, I can't explain it. Like, the way it was observing me was more than just reading my chakra.  I'm not sure how he has this, or how to explain it more. Perhaps its an offshoot of your clan?"

Raleth thinks on their fight, recalls the feeling of being under such strange doujutsu.

"No, it reminded me of being under your sharingan, felt like the eyes of an Uchiha. Though, I feel like its full potential was wasted on that individual. There seems to be more secrets to your clan, Zaine, more power to uncover."

The thought cracks a smile on the scarred face of the Sarutobi, helping his student unlock his full potential was always exciting. 

"You're correct Zaine, the needs of the village and people should outweigh my own."

He sighs as his old student mentions his 'jounin responsibility', a thing that often clashes with his own sense of martial pride. The reminder of the chuunin sticks with the white-ash-haired shinobi, he resolves to do more.

"Testing our limits, eh? I like the idea of that. Though, I don't think that's enough. We've just seen a great power that you have the ability to achieve, and I shudder to think what you could do with eyes like that Uchiha."

As Zaine turns to walk away, he lifts up his hand signaling farewell. Raleth raises his, speaks, his voice being carried by the wind.

"We'll  do more than test our limits Zaine. We will find them, and break through them. You hear me, we'll find new limits to break!"

A large and hearty laugh escapes the immense jounin, he returns to his wooden dummy; practicing his martial art on its swiveling arms.


[[560/812]]


[EXIT]


25% Max Stat Discount
CLAIMS


Earth Release: Earth Section Cane (58/750) (Previous Thread Claim) + 692

Chakra Enhanced Strength (120/1875)

Approved exit for everyone