The Whelp v Gentle Giant

The sun hangs in the afternoon sky, showering Wind Country in hazy rays. Sand and dust swirl in the breeze, heat radiates off the baked ground. Thee bright-pink, flower decorated kimono billows in the wind, Raleth Sarutobi enters the training grounds. Walking under the entrance gate, he nods in greetings to the anbu caretakers. His face is stone, anger simmers over his body, he moves with an impatient step. With the disrespect of the wealth still fresh in his mind, he turns into the first arena, a simple, 50 meter in diameter area of padded dirt and sand. He walks to a spot 2 meters away from its center and turns, facing the loudmouthed kid, Katsuragi.

Raleth breaths easy and places his left hand behind his back, and flattens his right hand, bringing it in front of him. He looks calm, relaxed, like one who is enjoying a lazy and easy sunday. As the white-ash-haired shinobi beckons his opponent to attack, Katsuragi would know that the Sarutobi does not this right, this duel, as a challenge. 

[[WC: 176]]

Finally, Katsuragi arrives to the arena behind the gentle giant. His hands shoved right into the front pockets of his jacket. His attire the same as before, nothing of note had changed. Throughout the walk, the hustler wondered why the seclusion, why keep everyone away from seeing the fight. These thoughts only aided to the conclusion that this, Raleth was a joke.  Too afraid to catch that beat down in front of everyone. There is no greater teacher than the humility.

He could remember it like it was yesterday, walking into the courtyard with a racing heart. Inmates were allowed that special time of freedom, like animals being let out to wonder in the backyard for a bit of exercise. Instead, there wasn't just that one dog that wandered within the fenced in yard, there were more. Alphas, from all different regions, cliqued up with there own kind waiting to welcome the new puppies to the animal kingdom. Such scars were giving to the brave, innocent, and especially pretenders.

The care takers give a few looks towards, Katsuragi, looks of concern and cockiness. Amazing what body language could explain with jest a few gestures. Nevertheless, he moved on after sizing up both of them, he wasn't here for them. They could get in line and wait, no, Katsuragi wanted a piece from Goliath.

Standing two meters in front of the gentle giant, he gets into his own stance around the same time he did. His eyes narrowed as Raleth moved his hands, following them.  "I'm bout to give you this third world beat down...ight?" his teeth stayed shut together behind his snobbish yet stern facial expression as he spoke. His eyes widening back up with a rush of reassurance, he was gonna win today. Now, his body stood up, his fist brought level along side his head with his elbows tucked in. Deciding to take the first strike, he advances staying more so on the giant's right.. He keeps his fists where they were upon advancing at full speed, readying to strike once in strike distance while also preparing to defend if need be. He was ready for anything, but was pretty sure the giant would probably just take the hit to prove a point.

'Dumbass bitch, imma fuck this overgrown stump up! And take his lunch money too!', he could still feel the emptiness within his body from lack of sustenance. He also made a mental note to see kitty kat as well, seeing how she was the reason this whole thing started.

Once within range he stays mindful of the giant's extended right arm. His left foot staying ahead of his right a foot and a halfish, stoppings a foot and a half away, he strikes with a left jab towards the giants lower face at full speed and power, aiming for the sweet sweet spot of the jaw on the giant's right side. He aims to go for the one hitter finito. His arm extending forwards with a bit of hip movement turning slightly to the right. His right leg drags behind, both feet flat against the ground. Once struck along the jaw if contact is successful, down goes the biblical giant , knocked out with the lights out for both caretakers to see.    

((TWR:515))

"I'm bout to give you this third world beat down...ight?", yelled the whelp as he brought his hands up to his face, defiance and arrogance flare behind Katsuragi's eyes. He brings his hands up and elbows his, his guard, while crude, is effective. Clearly, the boy had been through his faire share of scraps and brawls. Against anyone else, even ones of Raleth's build, he would have had a chance at backing up his talk. But, the youngblood faced a taijutsu master, the Sarutobi thrived in close quarters combat. Excitement flares behind the intense eyes of Raleth as his opponent rushes in, he's ready to teach a much needed lesson as he breathes in through his nose.

Katsuragi runs toward Raleth's left, his movements, though effective, are rough and unfocused, his unrefined technique telegraphs his intentions. The whelp stops a foot in a half away from the sarutobi, a twists his hips to deliver a swift but telegraphed jab at the immense jounin's jaw: a move that tells Raleth that his opponent expects this bout to be finished right away.

Good, he knows how to throw a proper punch.

In the moment before his fist would connect, Raleth would respond to his opponents unrefined punch. He would flick his open palm into Katsuragi's forearm, at a strength higher than his opponent, and slams his fingers into the whelps forearms: deflecting his attack away from his face. Pain would rattle through the youngblood's forearm, a nasty welt would be the consequence if the attack connected. Because of the difference in technique and speed, this quick deflection was sure to be a success, as it would be difficult to pull a ready thrown punch at full strength and speed. And, with the flow and grace of one whose mastered the martial art of taijutsu, the assault of the Sarutobi would continue.

As his fingers connected, Raleth would flip his palm under Katsuragi's forearm, grasping it and using the inside of his right foot to slide into his opponent's left ankle, a move that would more than likely kick the foot right from under Katsuragi. Using the momentum of his own deflection, and the added benefit of making Katsuragi off balance, Raleth would pull, lift, and twirl his opponent clockwise in the air in front of himself. And, with seamless flow, Raleth's weight would shift to his left as he brings his right knee up and kicks his flipped opponent in the stomach with enough strength to launch the youngblood five meters away. The attack would wind Katsuragi, and leave him with another serious bruise if it connected, which was a high possibility given the situation of being flipped in the air.

Raleth would place his right foot in front of his left as the whelp would be recovering, angling his body and bringing his right arm back to its resting position. The stone faced jounin exhales out his mouth, and gestures with his fingers for the whelp to try his attack again.



[[501/677]]

Difficulties come and go, some you could see, others just happen to sneak up on you. However, it all used to be so simple. A few jabs there, a few fists here, the one left standing would remain victorious. But the world just kept getting bigger and bigger, full of surprises and nonsensical bullshit. The vision of the world, although a bit hazy, was passing by him. The air rushing against his back throughout all his hair while seeming hovering weightless away from the gentle giant. What was going on he thought? Confused as to how it all happened. The hard crashing to the ground brought back all his senses. The sharp pain in his abdominal area returns with a full effect, his right arm clutches it, while trying to stand up upon his two feet.

'Mothafucker..., if I knew he was gonna start with all that kicking... Fuck it, I'm solve that problem real quick...Fuuuuck my gut hurt!', his mind went right on the pair of brass dubbed "Problem Solvers". Nevertheless, he' decided to give more more try. If he saw another kick it would be time to drop the two hammers, down...

His left forearm was still riddling with pain, perhaps, Katsuragi may have underestimated him. Disappointed with himself, his face hardens upon seeing his opponent beckon him to step forward. Finally standing up somewhat, he again places left leg ahead of his right, this time no more than half a foot apart. He wanted to advance again, but couldn't due to the blow he sustained to his stomach. The pain still lingered, hence the slight hunching forwards of his upper torso. His arms placed upwards like before along side his head, somewhat exhaling the pain. There was no way he was charging forwards, his best bet was to counter any of his moves like he did his. What Katsuragi needed to do, was to goad the giant into chasing him.

"Hey, If you like kicking, I would've bought you a nice little pink tutu skirt to go along with that outfit of yours...asshole", his short breaths begun to fade a little. Nevertheless, he remains vigilant and ready to fight 5 meters away.

((TWC:853))

Scrappy little Whelp, thinks the gentle giant. He was sure the youngblood would have tapped out after their first exchange. Yet, here he was, flapping his smart mouth, like the insolent kid he was. If it wasn't crass, rude, and disrespectful, it would be endearing.

As Katsuragi slides his fingers through his brass knuckles, a hard smirk spreads over the relaxed expression of Raleth Sarutobi: the whelp was getting serious. Raleth had expected his opponent to rush him like before, but was actually surprised. The whelp, understanding the difference in strength between him and "the gentle giant", decided to hold his position and wait for the aged Sarutobi to rush in.

He knows how to fight.

The wind rushes between the two combatants, picking up sand and dust, swirling a formless shape up to a cloud dotted sky, Raleth Sarutobi goes on the offensive.

With his right hand still behind him, Raleth steps forward and goes low, bringing his left arm up to guard his torso. He dashes at twice Katsuragi's speed, and would be able to close the 5 meter gap in moments. But, as the flower-kimono-wearing shinobi got to 4 meters from his opponent, something unexpected happen. With a sudden motion, Raleth throws his right arm forward, launching a pristine apple from his hands: the same apple that was intended for a a training exercise in the market. 

Thrown with Raleth's full strength, the apple hurtles toward Katsuragi's midsection at a blistering speed (120). Because of the short distance, only four meters, reacting to the apple would prove difficult, especially considering the whelp chose to guard just his head and face. If it connected, the apple would slam into Katsuragi's stomach, the same spot Raleth had kicked earlier. If it connected, the hard fruit would bludgeon and bruise his opponent's torso, as well as splatter on impact from the force of the throw and the strength of the whelp's own body. This would more than likely cause his opponent to double over in pain, as the previous damage done to him was still fresh. 

If katsuragi would choose to dodge the thrown apple, the distance between them would make it near impossible to avoid any fruit-based damage, as the speed difference between the apple and Katsuragi would be too great. As such, the apple would still be able to slam into Katsuragi, though not at the exact spot Raleth had aimed. The blunt force would still be tremendous, and a nasty bruise would await the whelp, again.

If Katsuragi chose to bring his hands down to block the apple, the force behind the throw would still cause minor damage, bruising on his arms and an impact near his stomach, which would most likely cause him to flinch.

However Katsuragi reacts, Raleth would react accordingly, continuing his assaults as he closes the 4 meter distance between them: keeping his right arm up to guard his head, and his left arm lower to guard his midsection.

If the apple hits Katsuragi in the stomach and winds him, Raleth would come up front. He would cock his right arm and deliver a savage right hook at the whelp's head at full strength: stopping right before his fist connected with the young boy's skull. With the Sarutobi's strength, Katsuragi's head would have been punched through. The pressure and intention of the immense shinobi's fist would convey this well, and the whelp would know just how close he was to death.

If Katsuragi dodges and the apple hits him on his side, Raleth would move to his flinching opponent and deliver a swift uppercut to his opponent's stomach at 31 strength, making sure to target the whelp's diaphragm. The impact would leave him shaking and gasping for air, and would cause him to drop to his knees. At this point, Raleth would consider the fight over, and would hope his opponent would see it as such.

If Katsuragi blocks the apple, Raleth would see that his opponent's guard is down, and would use both hands to box the whelp's ears at 31 strength. The impact would rack his opponent's skull, dazing him and causing his ears to ring from the pain. His vision would blur, and he would need at least a moment to recover. In this moment, Raleth would grab the whelp by his collar and his torso, and throw him: flipping him over himself and slamming his back into the ground with enough force to make him bounce. As he would gasp from the impact, Raleth would send a jab at his full, 100 strength, stopping right before his knuckles connected with his opponent's skull. As before, Katsuragi would know what would happen if the fist connected.

Though Raleth can continue the fight, he see's no reason to: the difference in strength makes this battle easy. He would wait for katsuragi's response as he finished his threat, and would hope the both of them could talk.

However, as Raleth closes the distance, he knows Katsuragi is scrappy, and awaits his opponent's reaction to the apple and his physical assault. Though the Sarutobi intends to finish the fight now, he hopes the bout can continue.

[[867/1544]]

That silent phase before the storm was nothing new to him, Katsuragi had his fair share of fights. His fists balled up so tight the sweat leaked out from the sides of his fists while hoisted up high in the air. The air releasing from his open mouth was all he could hear for a moment. What was going on he thought, his mouth dry along with his weary eyes. The giant before him vexed him, robbing him of all sense of things. To add on to his plate, he found it odd that only voice he could hear right now in his head, was the snide mocking laughing of kitty kat. He didn't quite hear her laugh at him the moment he departed with the gentle giant, but he could detect the mockery behind her goodbye. Regardless, it would have all played out the same. It was his way of life... never back down from anyone who disrespects you. Everyone has their codes, and faults.

With the winds picking up between them, his shallow breaths growing weary from the pain, he notices his opponent dipping downwards with the same form as before. Wondering what he was going over, Katsuragi attempted to lower his guard, shifting his stance to a more appropriate one... but it all proved to be utterly useless. By the time he dropped his fist under his shoulders, Raleth already had his arm placed up high with a familiar rosy red orb departed from his fist.

'Oh fu-', it was ready too late. Even the young hustler's mind, along with his body couldn't keep up with this type of aggressive speed. A reward from honed dedication and training beyond Katsuragi's comprehension.

Before he knew it, Katsuragi was once again lifted up from the ground and sent flying backwards due to the force of impact. The pain he would have felt would have been devastating, but at last he felt... no more. Not the wind rushing against his back once more, nor the tensing of his muscles. The shock to his body was too great. It was all happening his frames. One moment he saw himself standing high and proud, the next flying backwards with no control, and finally he is seen resting against the ground with the fist of pity incased with a fuzzy aura residing above on top of his face. With his body now spread out along the ground like a star, his fingers barely twitching with what little signals his brain could send.

Was this what he saw earlier? In the market district earlier before? That flash of energy that brought his heart to a halt for a brief moment, was that it? he ponders this while staring upwards glass eyed in a lifeless like trance, wondering what just happened. This wasn't a fight, or an ass whooping. This was judgment, at the mercy of a greater soul.

((TWC:1337))

That fire that blazed behind Katsuragi's eyes, the defiance, self-assuredness, and strength of the youngblood, flickered the moment before Raleth began his assault. Where did his mind wander to, thought the Sarutobi as he rolled the apple from his sleeve to his palm. His behavior at the market was crass, offensive, and plainly unmannered, yet, it reminded the immense shinobi of a child, born from struggle, acting out: as if the boy's past was rough, rougher than most could handle. This made sense, as Katsuragi's fighting stance looked suited for brawling multiple opponents with his back to the wall. Pity, for the young boy, rang inside Raleth as he made his attack.

The apple flies from the gentle giant's hand, its delicious skin reflects the sunlight, the whelp's eyes go wide. The apple smashes into his midsection, it explodes into juice, pulp, skin, and seeds. The fire behind his pupils dims, the wind escapes his lungs, he's launched off his feet and into the air. As he's launched back, Raleth rushes upon him. As the whelp bounces off the dirt, Raleth prepares for the final blow. He releases a terrifying punch, with the intention of splattering the boy's brains on the earth. Right before his fist connects, he stops himself, and the pressure from his attack breezes past Katsuragi. The Sarutobi's fist hovers above the youngbloods head, it clenches with the strength that can cleave mountains. 

Dazed and confused, Katsuragi takes a moment to gather himself. His eyes dart to Raleth's fist, and he's aware of the situation he's found himself in. That fire in his eyes weakens, a haggard expression washes over his face, the boy looks like he faces an executioner. The youngblood's strength flares in his pupils, a pleasant smile breaks the stone-faced expression of Raleth Sarutobi.

"That was an entertaining, you should be proud of your skills." thrums the warm-basso voice of the gentle giant. A large hand is extended to the whelp, the kind-faced shinobi offers to help him up. If Katsuragi were to accept, he would be hoisted from the ground to his feet in one swift motion. If he were to decline, Raleth would not be offended, he would understand that the whelp's pride might be wounded. When Katsuragi stands, or if he's lifted up, Raleth would step back and place both his arms in the sleeves of his pink-flower.

"My name is Raleth Sarutobi, it was a pleasure to battle with you, Katsuragi. I have to say, I've never seen taijutsu like yours, where you learned to fight I couldn't guess. I learned from this bout, and I am grateful for that. What brings you to Sunagakure?"

Benevolence radiates from the immense shinobi, his words would ring true in Katsuragi's ears. From his sleeves, Raleth produces a bright orange, and offers it to the youngblood. The action, while small, would be an olive branch, bewteen the gentle giant and the whelp. Their bout, while short, was immensely entertaining, Raleth had enjoyed exchanging fists with Katsuragi. Should the youngblood choose to accept this gift, he would gain a stalwart ally, and perhaps a teacher if he so choose. 

[[524/2068]]

As the ringing dissipates, the world coming into a much clearer focus for katsuragi to see, the voice of Raleth chimes in. No where for him to go, under the heel of the victor, Katsuragi was forced to give him his complete undivided attention. The penalty of being the loser. Although his body could barely move, his heart still raced at an accelerated rate. However, the voice of the towering victor proved to be more, soothing than before with much added clarity. He couldn't describe it completely, but he now felt at ease now. Normally, this would be the part where he'd get jumped by the lessers, or robbed of all his belongs. But the Jounin decided to give, instead of take. Despite all the events before, Katsuragi could only ask...'Why', his body's feeling suddenly returned. Was it because he subconsciously felt safe for the time being? Was it Raleth's aura? Regardless, His body acted on his own, reaching out for aid and grasping the hand of the gentle giant despite his unwantingness not to.


As he was hoisted up from the ground rather quickly, with little to no effort on his part due to the strength of the jounin he grunts. The pain was still fresh and lingering throughout his abdomen area. His left arm was still hurt but the pain from his lower center mass took his mind away from it. Just who was this guy he thought? His form somewhat leaned forward in a crouched position, looking towards Raleth from a more comfortable distance. In truth, Katsuragi just wanted to go, but he couldn't due to so strange feeling not wanted to leave at the same time. And thus, he simply listened. Maybe Katsuragi was juts hard headed? Perhaps it was because of the loss he felt self-conscious of how he would be perceived by, Raleth? He'd rather leave with some respect than be seen as some sad loser jolting away with their tail between their legs.

"I just scrap man..., I've, been all over the map", Katsuragi had to be careful what he said in front of the ranking official. Although he was issued an ID card from the kitty kat, it was indeed still temporary; he wasn't exactly a citizen of this village, much less from this desert like country. Even now, Katsuragi could be thrown out right now for fighting with a shinobi. And there lays the hustler's problem. Thoughts like those only arise after the problem, instead of before the altercation.

"I just came here to make money, that's motherfukin IT. But I aint gonna take shit from anybody. Uh uh, that aint me. But FUCK man... you too goddamn fast, and strong too! Maan If I had that speed my head would be blown the fuck up..." If only he did, With abilities like that, katsuragi imagined himself on top of a high skyscraper, dressed in a fine armani suit covered with a rare animal coat. He over looks the rest of an undisclosed village. All of the village being his, with everything in it. He smirks off to the side daydreaming about it.

((TWC:1888))

Raleth observes Katsuragi as he's hoisted up, the bruises and welts on his body still ache with pain. The boy hunches over, the sight brings pity to the Sarutobi, perhaps he went to far? For a moment, the immense shinobi peers through the veil of defiance that normally shines in the youngblood's eyes. He sees a scared and confused child, who has just realized he's in over his head. He can also see how his words sooth the terror that is found its way in Katsuragi's heart, and that morbid acceptance of his defeat hints at so much more. What has he been through? Raleth has seen that haggard look before, on those who know that their life hangs in the hands of someone else. What could bring this boy to have such a look? The kind-eyed Sarutobi shudders at the thought. He speaks, hoping to ease the youngblood's mind. He sees that veil of defiance shine through his eyes, a sympathetic smile washes over his face: he can tell the Katsuragi is prideful, or at least doesn't want to appear weak.

A deep and joyous HA! escapes the immense jounin's chest when he hears the whelp's explanation, the youngblood's moxie was both charming and endearing. 

"Causing trouble all over the map you mean?"

Another hearty laugh bellows from Raleth, the Sarutobi smacks Katsuragi's back, jostling the frame of the young boy. Without the youngblood's knowledge, the ash-haired jounin would flow chakra to his palm, and cloak his large hand in stone-colored chakra. His smack would send a healing pulse through Katsuragi's body, the welts and bruises that Raleth had given would be soothed, sedated, and healed. Before the youngblood would realize, Raleth would end the flow of his Basic Medical Ninjutsu. Katsuragi would feel revitalized, as he did before their battle begin.

"A man who wants to earn his keep, with his own hands? Commendable! Though," Raleth brandishes the ripe orange, and lets its aroma and juice tickle the youngblood's nose. The scent of fruit and nourishment would more than likely cause the boy's stomach to growl, and would make the fruit that much more irresistible. "a man can't do much on an empty stomach. Pride is a thing we all have, Katsuragi, but don't let it be the reason you suffer."
 
Benevolence would beam from Raleth as Katsuragi comments on his speed and strength.

"I wasn't born with my strength or speed, youngblood. I worked for it, fought for it, and nearly died for it. Power is not a birthright, it is something that must be earned."

Raleth notices the whelp look off to the village, and sees how his eyes glaze over, as if he's daydreaming.

"Well, if it's work you're looking for, I know a place, a small tea shop near my home. It's not glamorous, but it's honest, and the owners are kind souls. It would even come with a bed, if you don't have a place to stay the night. Would probably do you some good, unless you have business elsewhere."

If Katsuragi wished to know the location of the tea shop, Raleth would give the information. If he chose, instead, to follow Raleth to the tea shop, the Sarutobi would lead the youngblood back to Sunagakure. Either way, Raleth would toss the orange in Katsuragi's direction, and head toward the exit of the training arena. He would hold his fist up, offering to bump fists with Katsuragi.

"As I said before, you have remarkable potential. If you ever wish to hone your skills, or to try and take me down, you'll know where to find me. From what others say, I'm hard to miss!"

Another laugh would thrum from Raleth as he exited the training grounds. 

All in all, today was a good day for errands.

[[633/2101]]


AP: 742/764

Basic Medical Ninjutsu - 18 AP (10% chakra discount)

CLAIMS

• 100 words to untrain 1 point in Chakra, 200 points to reallocate 2 points in Speed
  
• Current Chakra: 50
  
• Current Speed: 75
  

Remaining WC: 1801, Applying Max Stat Discount

• Tank (S Rank) - (2071/3000) [Previous Thread Claim] + 929
  
• Earth Shaker (A) - (872/1875)
  

Approved @ Raleth