The Little Rice Cutter [Open]

Maybe it was the overall atmosphere of Tanbogakure that molded Kojirou into the little sunshine that he was today. In early spring, the winds regained their warmth and blew across the blessed soil that held their village up high. Even with a higher hill ahead, leading up to the Okada Castle, Kojirou felt like he was standing at the top of a mountain already, looking over the green fields while, sadly, the view of the sea was covered by the hill itself. Only those who made it up to the Okada Castle could see it from there.
 
He wished that his father was with him today. Why was that, you guess? Well, in his gentle hands was a sheathed, weary katana that used to belong to his pops in days old. With his father’s disappearance over 10 years ago, the sword was finally in his hands… but not at the notion of his mother, though. He forgot to tell her.
 
His mother was the one who supervised his training in Chakra Natures. He naturally possessed Katon, so his mother was training him in adapting to Doton as well as Suiton for clear reasons. Those three Nature Releases would allow him to awaken his blood and, one day, awaken Yōton and Futton as was the pride of their clan Terumi. It required lots of dedication, and she had started training him in Chakra on a serious scale back when he graduated from the Academy.
 
But the art of the blade… his father was supposed to have taught him that. But he wasn’t here anymore, so Kojirou decided to feel things out with the blade in his hands and figure out where he was going with it. The wide grass fields defending the rice paddies were the perfect environments for swinging a katana, and with the mild breeze behind him, he already felt like a legendary warrior of old. It was an exhilarating feeling… and he couldn’t help but close his eyes and smile.
 
He had yet to be assigned to a team. He had only completed minor missions as a Genin. If he wanted to become a great shinobi, then he’d have to show up to his future team and leader with some promising package. With that in mind, he slowly unsheathed his father’s katana rusty, old katana and watched it in… slight awkwardness? This was the first time he had ever unsheathed it, and he wasn’t ready to see that it was all… worn out.
 
Oh well, it could do. Had to start from somewhere.
 
A horizontal swing to the right was his first move. It felt… heavy. He was more of a fluid dancer than a brute, so he noticed the weight of the blade and its effect on his swings immediately. The air resistance was slightly pushy too, thanks to the rusty components on the sharp end. But… the very realization that he had swung his father’s katana for the first time was awe-striking.
 
He couldn’t wait, he couldn’t wait, he couldn’t wait! The excitement made him turn his wrist, resulting in the turn of the blade’s sharp end so that he swung to the left, hearing the hissy sound of the air being cut apart by it. A few grass tops had fallen off, being cut apart from the knots by his rusty katana on its track. This was amazing!

Now… wait, he knew that samurai had a certain Style or Stance that they stuck to, right? What would his stance be? Maybe a defensive stance in the beginning of a battle suited his certain taste, maybe…

WC: 600

Hayato was walking through the village today another patrol, but this time by his lonesome. The village was warm and peaceful like it always was. Regardless the boy was always diligent keeping an eye out for any citizen that might need help. Today alone he had helped not only one but two older residents carry in their groceries. He was proud to be a helpful face around the village. He wanted to keep everyone safe, but with his power right now the best he could do was ward off petty criminals and aide the citizens in daily tasks. Though one would think these small tasks were beneath a shinobi Hayato had learned that they were vital to the village. A friendly face that swears to protect you can lift the hearts and minds of the people. All in Tanbo should be thankful that no one had to do any protecting yet.

He walking around the village in his new dark blue ronin robes with his daisho, of which the wakazasi was new, tucked into his obi. His straw hat covered his face while he looked downward but he often made the effort to look up and greet the towns folk. Despite the Tanbogakure headband he wore across his forehead, he felt like a samurai. The visage of Asahi came to mind. The boy wasn't quite as skilled as the man who had helped him refine is swordplay, but he was starting to feel capable in the art. His new look helped him fake the part. In the end he still had much to learn, but when it came to swords he was certain he could defend himself at the least.

It was on this long patrol that he noticed someone about his age. They carried a well worn sword and display untested technique. A strange combination. He could pick out their stance wasn't low enough and they were using the wrong hand placement for the samurai style. Hayato was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe they were practicing a style he didn't know. It looked like a mockery of the basics taught in the academy combined with an imitation of the samurai's style. The way a shinobi and a samurai used a sword was different yet the same. One could easily walk the line and combine the styles if you knew them both. This person however seemed to be new to the path of each. Their sword was heavy in their hands. What really piqued Hayato's interest was their movements before and after the swing. While the sword swing itself was nothing to write home about, the way the person moved was light and airy like a dancing breeze. It seemed they had some form of training. Maybe an academy student or recent graduate perhaps? Hayato had been feeling more confident lately. Normally he'd never walk up to someone he didn't know and ask them what they were doing, but after the surprise of Airi and the benefits he'd gained from working up the courage to bother Asahi and Hanzo, he figured it was worth it.

Hayato approached. The individual had dark brown hair with a bit of red around the edges. They were a bit shorter than him by maybe an inch or maybe not it was difficult to tell. You seem to be working hard... Hayato tipped his hat as he gave the monotoned greeting. Have you been using a sword long? That stance is unique. The answer was obvious, but he wanted to hear what they had to say.

---

[WC:597]

H-Huh? Wait a minute…
 
That person was a samurai. Kojirou immediately recognized the garments and the straw hat as typical… no, not samurai, that was the wrong term. It was rōnin, this person looked like a rōnin! Did that mean that he caught the attention of a real rōnin? Things sure looked bright for him as he couldn’t help but smile back at the stranger… their face was difficult to see with the straw hat being tipped low, but they must’ve been from Tanbogakure too – the material that the straw hat was made of… it just screamed Tanbo. A difficult thought process to explain, but alas… Kojirou lowered his father’s katana down and turned to have his entire body face the stranger as good manners demanded, then sent off a soft, wide smile. This guy looked very cool with the straw hat and rōnin wear… he looked a little like Kojirou. His own haori could be called ‘rōnin wear’ too, right?
 
Surely…
 
“Thank you… I do my best,” he softly replied to the guy’s first words towards the little Rice Cutter. At the next question, however, Kojirou’s smile retreated into a confused frown as he tilted his head with a question mark over his face. “No… this is the first time I use a blade.” What did he mean by ‘unique stance’? Was something that Kojirou was specifically trying to do intriguing the rōnin? What could it be?
 
Maybe he had some natural talent with the blade, in the end?
 
“I don’t know what you mean… uhm… I just try to swing the blade, like this,” he tried to explain to the rōnin before turning his back to him and raising his father’s rusty blade once more. There was something immensely balanced in his stance, and yet the swing itself was mundane. Just a vertical, effort-taking swing, but the way Kojirou recovered control of the blade right at the end of the swing was that unique thing that he didn’t even pay mind to… that relaxation of his muscles and his feet, the fluidness of braking his sword’s momentum, the concentration… those were all factors that he had nailed into his brain from a young age.
 
“… You’re a Kenjutsu user too? I want to use more and more Kenjutsu, it’s such an amazing art…”

WC: 385
TWC: 985

Hayato watched as the boy swung the sword again. He caught the glimpse of skill he’d seen before. It was an ease of tension at the end and the balance at the beginning. He had decent concentration as well, a trait Hayato had found critical to his training. It was clear to Hayato that the boy had potential. Maybe watching countless shinobi and samurai train at the facility he’d frequented had sharpened his eye for technique? Nevertheless, as he was now, this boy was no swordsman. Yet he expressed interest. Hayato would have been nowhere without the help of others. Perhaps this was an opportunity to pay it forward?

I have…some skills with a sword… Hayato reached to his side touching the black lacquered saya of his longer blade. Hayato was certainly a kenjutsu user; he thought he was better at using a sword than most genin around even. He still sat at the lowest rank of shinobi despite this. You are making a few mistakes, but you have potential. If you’re interested, I can show you a few things… He would offer out a metaphorical hand for the young sword enthusiast. There was much to learn alone, but even more to be learned from others. With a slight push perhaps the boy would become a great asset to Tanbogakure. A comrade to defend his home and watch his back.

Assuming a positive response, Hayato would get into a low and steady stance as an example. He would look like he was sitting in the air with his fist pulled into his side. Firstly bend more in the knees to feel the strength of the earth. A deep stance lets you generate more power, stay balanced in the face of opposition, and move more explosively… Next he would shift the stance puting is dominant right foot forward. His weight would be balanced on the balls of his feet. He would exaggerate it slightly for visibility purposes. This was a basic kenjutsu stance the boy likely knew but it was critical to master thesis basics.

Your balance was good despite your higher stance but the other factors are worthy benefits… Hayato would float his thoughts out to the boy with the same monotone drone. Not sugar coating it nor being mean. Just stating what he observed.

If you'll allow me I will demonstrate a few moves that anyone can learn.... He would wait for the boy to respond, but judging by his demeanor there was little chance of him be refused. Hayato would finally reach for his blade. His hand closed around the hilt and took a deep breath.

3 moves. First, don’t move, and watch closely…. He would let his words linger in the air making sure they were observed he didn't want to hurt anyone. The blade flashed from his saya swinging high over the boy's head at maximum speed. To Hayato, this was a standard quick draw technique. The Idea was to be faster than the opponent, but only the observer would be able to tell the true speed. It was all relative.

Next the blade was raised up to the right of Hayato’s head edge upward left hand forward right hand back. He paused here signifying the next move was coming. Don't move, watch closely... Hayato recounted his last intrcutions and then began. He jabbed forwards aimed directly at the boy’s head again at top speed, but suddenly the angle would change. The deadly jab would go harmlessly over the boy's left shoulder. Hayato then slowly drew the blade back, returning to a neutral stance with his katana held in front of him.

Attempt to stop this… Hayato would mutter. He would wait for a moment giving the boy time to react. Then, at a quarter of his speed, Hayato would swing downward to the left, but the swing would stop moments before it made contact with anything. A feint. Hayato would swing again at the left shoulder, but he would stop again, this time resting the blunt edge of his blade against whatever it had touched. Perhaps a rusty blade or maybe a shoulder? Regardless, Hayato would sheathe his katana. The demonstration was meant to show speed, technique, and power. The gains of his training.

That is where I would start with Kenjutsu… Hayato would remark, as his sword clicked into it’s saya once more.  

---

[WC:725]
[showing jab, quickdraw, feint, and adjustment]

Kojirou was more than willing to watch the other young swordsman give him a few tips, if they would help our little Rice Cutter become an even greater swordsman himself. A simple but enthusiastic nod was returned to Hayato’s offer, to which the latter swordsman took a steady stance that Kojirou hadn’t tried taking yet. It was a far more solid stance, fooling him into thinking it too rigid for the fluidness that he aimed for… but alas, he mimicked Hayato’s stance altogether. His legs felt nailed to the grass beneath them both, and he was feeling… hardened. As if any move taken from this stance would overwhelm even himself. It felt dangerous, for what if he lost balance in the middle of his action?
 
That was when Hayato shifted his right foot forward and balanced on the orbs of his feet, something completely new to the young Rice Cutter. Didn’t he lose more balance that way, or was it a local Kenjutsu secret of some sorts? There was no way that a fellow Tanbo would trick him, however, so Kojirou diligently copied him and began finding hardship in finding the right balance point at first. A little wobbly at first, but after a couple moments of straining focus, Kojirou managed to stand still in that same stance.
 
“T-This is… a strange stance, isn’t it?” Kojirou commented, not seeing the benefit of this stance at first – could you blame him, not having used this stance in direct combat yet? Hayato was ready to show him a few techniques, however, while in this stance, so Kojirou made him his guest and let him show what he could do while balancing on the balls of his feet. He was told to not move, and then a small blade of wind pushed his face from which Kojirou realized that Hayato had unsheathed his blade. That speed was… it was called Iaido, right? Kojirou knew that technique, yeah! It was one of the first that he tried learning himself, even!
 
B-.But… Hayato was able to be that fast while on this weird stance?! Unbelievable…
 
The next move was a downward slash of such speed that the Rice Cutter shivered a little bit when it travelled right past his shoulder. It was no joke; that stance was no detriment to the upper swordsman, so maybe Kojirou could do the same… but he was asked to engage here and now. The next attack would aim to hit him, and he had little time to react. Remembering the worn blade that he kept holding onto, Kojirou sounded like he hissed for a second… but a stream of air could be seen entering his nostrils and teeth, while his eyes widened up. Another downward slash was aiming at Kojirou’s right shoulder – thus, Hayato’s left side – and the Rice Cutter raised the sharp end of his blade upwards with the tip pointing to the side. This side-ways upward swing was meant to deflect the downward swing… but no, it wouldn’t have been able to. It was moving upwards, the direct opposite way of the downward slash, so it would at best brake its tracks… but what if his swing was stronger? The blade could brea-
 
Kojirou was overwhelmed by the feint for a brief moment. His right shoulder was unharmed, and instead the blade was now aiming for his left. There was a loud clang… and Hayato’s blade hit neither shoulder nor blade. Although, it was clear to see that Kojirou’s hand was shaking a bit – the pommel of his father’s old blade was used to block the downward slash. Juuuust at the edge of the pommel, a miraculous happenstance.
 
“… *gulp*” It was clear to see on his face that Kojirou didn’t mean to block with the pommel like that. It was no refined technique of his – simply a lucky straw, really. “… M-Mhm. I can’t… move as fast as you yet. I promise, I’ll train accordingly.” However, his poor father’s blade was looking more and more weary overtime… it was a sad sight, honestly.

WC: 677
TWC: 1662

A few months were all it took for Hayato to get this strong? The nature of those shinobi was otherworldly, and Kojirou was slowly leaking into the fray from this day on. He would definitely reach Hayato’s level one day, and then he’d definitely demand a real match. The thought alone rose a warm smile up on his weary face. It was mere daydreaming at this point, but if he got strong enough and in a hurry, then he could surely challenge Hayato very soon. It depended on just what kind of pace the Rice Cutter’s body desired to grow at… something that he wasn’t sure of today.
 
“Is that… what the technique is called?” Kojirou asked his newly-made friend concerning the topic of ‘Total Concentration Breathing’. It was a strange question, but Kojirou had been taught this by listening in on other shinobis breathing during their training… yes, as you might’ve concluded as of now, Kojirou had a habit of eavesdropping and/or straight out stalking other people’s training and activities for inspiration. He caught on to the deep, rhythmic breathing of a usually absent shinobi and began implementing it with his own swordsmanship. He soon came to realize that he was able to push himself a little further each time he breathed like that, and it was sort of exhilarating.
 
Hayato performed the same Breathing Technique. His veins expanded, allowing more blood to run across his body at quicker speeds, supplying his muscles with more oxygen than before, and the results of that boost in vitality was clearly visible by his sword swing. Kojirou couldn’t help but nod in quick succession.
 
Then, at last, he finally got to know Hayato’s name – Hayato Yuki, to be precise. A shinobi of Tanbogakure, just like Kojirou himself. It was only fitting that Kojirou greeted back: “Kojirou Terumi. I’m also a Shinobi of Tanbogakure… but I’m just a Genin.” Yeah, believe it or not, Kojirou actually thought that Hayato was of a higher rank than him… could you blame the kid? He felt outmatched!
 
The topic of his sword brought Kojirou worry, however. He didn’t know how much it’d cost to repair it, and… for anything else in this world, he did not want to discard it. With the blade sheathed in its scabbard, Kojirou hugged it tightly at the mention of replacing it, clearly showing discomfort at the idea brought up. “N-No, no, it’s… it’s an heirloom…” the Rice Cutter quietly spoke up, “It’s my father’s sword. Its name is K-Komenagi. L-Listen, I appreciate your concern, but…” Holding the sheathed blade down, Kojirou decided to courtly bow to Hayato in excuse, “It’s all we have… left of him. It’s a very special blade.”

WC: 451
TWC: 2113

It seemed that Hayato had made Kojirou uncomfortable. The sword was an important Heirloom from a male relative, and for that reason he didn’t want to give it up. Hayato didn’t think he needed to bow, but he appreciated the gesture. Not many people were so polite. Hayato shook his head and raised both his hands. No, no, it was my fault for assuming you would be okay with a new blade when it was obvious that it has some history. I spoke without thinking I apologize. Hayato stepped backwards and did a swift bow hoping to smooth it all over before he continued. I’ll fix it for free sometime or you could leave it how it is it’s your precious memory you decide what should be done with it. Hayato extended his offer, but quickly continued to the next point he wanted to address. 

The boy's lack of knowledge of techniques he could almost use was baffling to Hayato. He laughed in a single scoffing sound. A-Anyway, yeah that’s what it’s called. Total Concentration Breathing. It was really hard for me to learn, but it’s a seemingly common technique amongst the older shinobi here. I know many warriors and Samurai use the power of their own breath to increase their bodies power for a short time. Many of the shinobi are kenjutsu specialists or former samurai… He thought back to the scroll he had picked it up from and how useful it had been for the development of his kenjutsu. The monks of the wolf temple had used the technique as well despite not being the creators. It’s impressive you have a grasp of it when you don’t know its name Terumi-san… It was odd, but Hayato guessed he could have picked it up in a number of ways. No, the thing that gave him pause was the boy’s last name. It was like he’d read about it before in the strange science text book that was in the back of Gato’s ninja shop.

 Why does Terumi ring a bell? He barely gave the boy a chance to answer. In fact, he was realizing he was spending a lot of time talking to the boy for being on patrol. He didn’t want to slack on his duty, so he would attempt to make a polite exit. 

I should probably be on my way. A few more rounds to make before I can call my job done. I can be found in the training areas most days if you’d like help with your kenjutsu. If you’d like to take me up on the black smithing job, I work out of Matorabi’s blacksmith shop. He would bow a short bow. I’ll head off unless you need anything else? Or maybe you’ve seen something suspicious? Hayato would ask the boy this last question before he headed off.. 

---

WC:480
TWC:2182

Kojirou felt inclined to bow again. Even though Hayato showcased guilt and apologized for his assumptions, Kojirou only rose his head slightly and smiled in relief. His smile grew larger when Hayato even offered to fix it for him, on the house and all. Fixing it… would take time. However, Kojirou needed more time to think about it… a sword like this was special. When a sword was used for a very long time, then it became spiritually powerful, and the sword itself often grew to life in the battlefield. This sword had been used by Kojirou’s distant, absent father for many years, so changing it in any way… would that strengthen or weaken the sword’s resolve? It was almost as if the sword had a life of its own now…
 
Kojirou needed time to think.
 
But Total Concentration Breathing was… unheard of for the young Rice Cutter. It was one of those techniques that he had just felt his way towards using. To think that it was a legitimately written down technique taught and used by a myriad of shinobi and samurai was a bit too much of a coincidence when regarding Kojirou’s usage of it. He must’ve learned it from someone, but… who?
 
“Teru-“ Kojirou was about to answer Hayato’s sudden question regarding the younger swordsman’s last name, but he was cut off by haste running up to Hayato’s time schedule. Thankfully, Kojirou achieved valuable information about his assumed senior; he could be found in the Training Areas for most of the days – assumably the areas on the hills leading up to the castle – and the blacksmith he worked at was led by a person named Matorabi, someone whom Kojirou had yet to get to know.
 
It was sad to hear that Hayato needed to go now, but… they’d definitely meet again. Kojirou tugged the sheathed katana of his close to his chest and smiled. “N-No… but I’ll consider your offer. Maybe things need to change… both for me, and for my father’s sword,” he replied, closing his eyes in an idyllic joy, “Thank you… I hope that we meet again, soon.”

Hayato… perhaps Kojirou had just met his role model for today. It made him realize that, for the last few years, the Rice Cutter had been very, very, very distant from his fellow villagers. Chalk it up to some kind of shyness, but it was worth working on. He’d have to go out some more, meet other people, establish more connections and… make his mum happy.
--------------------------
WC: 420
TWC: 2533

Claiming:
+24 stats to Speed

500 WC to learn Body Flicker
2000 WC to learn Chakra Infusion

exit 
claiming:

+512 to finish C-rank weapons of ice previously trained here
+47 to finish D-rank Temporary Paralysis previously trained here and here
+521 to finish C-rank Snake's mouth previously trained here and here

remaining 1102 word count towards mastering second stage of curse mark 

+42 AP from max stats