Kaizen [Social]

The golden beast known as the sun dared to shine its light among the face of the mountain, peering through the few trees that scattered around the lush, green land. The weather was only growing hotter, and the critters of the land were stirring restlessly. A beautiful black bird of prey perched himself amongst one of the scattered trees. One of his claws secured him to the bark of the tree limb, as the other deadly claw pinned his kill beneath him. The hawk - eagle was feeding on a limp squirrel, which was plumb by all the walnuts that the fuzzy rodent had feasted on this early morning. 

Meika noticed that Nanaki had been acting strange lately, he wasn’t his usual self. This change has been worrying her endlessly. The bird was still healthy and even had grown back its plucked feathers, and he was still loyal to the Kamigawa woman. But even though Nanaki still displayed loyalty to her, his aggression had returned. This morning before they had set for the outdoors, the hawk - eagle had clipped her with his beak when she tried to feed him. Which was something that he hadn’t done since the first few weeks when Meika first recused the bird from that greedy tradesman. They two of them have developed a pretty close bond, so when Nanki began to fall back into the aggressive cycle Meika began to worry. Maybe Nanaki was still missing his freedom? Maybe he wanted to leave for good? She was worried that the bird was ready to go off on his own, and leave her for good. 

So she would allow him to. Meika had always given Nanaki the opportunity to leave. He was never pressured into returning back to her. But even now, the hawk - eagle didn’t seem interested in leaving for good, even if he was showing aggressive tendencies. He never went far from her side. This only confused her even more. 

So this was where they was now, Nanaki was enjoying his little rodent feast that he captured himself, as Meika tended to her own businesses. 

The Kamigawa woman sat amongst her favorite little spot, the one with the stream that led to the waterfall. She came here quite often to practice her Suiton techniques, and of course to meditate with the tranquility that the sounds of running water had to offer. Right now the kunoichi knelt upon the surface of a smooth rock, facing the running stream and all of it’s glory. A ray of sunlight peeked through the trees and glistened against her smooth skin, which was damp with sweat from her physical training. 

Then all of the sudden, a loud screech erupted from Nanaki's beak. His black head rose from his feast, turning his direction towards something that caught his interest. 

Meika raised her face towards where Nanaki stood. The movement caught her hair into a gentle gust of wind, where the white strand of hair captured the ray of sun. The smell of honeysuckle drifted along with that gust of wind. The sweet fragrance of the coming summer. 

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{WC: 516}

It's so noisy... Ren hadn't gotten used to living in the village again yet. The hustle and bustle of Kumogakure's streets annoyed more than the occasional lack of food he'd experienced in the charred forest. There were less places to do combat in peace as well. He'd noticed the many arena dotting Kumogakure, but the amount of on lookers and loud braggarts had turned him off of fight like he'd set out to do today. Instead he'd bought a Raijin themed lemon flavored popsicle and wandered instinctually away from the noise of the village to somewhere more peaceful. 

The Kaguya had found himself at a gentle stream. hmm, I guess this village isn't all action and cacophonies after all... He followed it a while. It lead towards the villages outskirts. Ren was always someone who liked the outdoors more than the indoors. Growing up in the middle of nowhere would do that to a person. Spending the day alone wandering through a peaceful forest seemed like a great time to him. As he wandered he would come across a few dead things which he would stand over a poke at. The scent of death never bothered him something other found strange. A thing all but one person in his lift had ridiculed him for or was reviled by. The first he found was a decaying small pigeon. How did it die? A question he always asked as he poked at it with the popsicle stick he'd just finished picking from. It almost looked as if it had been slashed by claws. After he had moved the pigeon puddle around he could see signs of a fall and a struggle. It was prey then? He looked up wondering if the skies had many birds of prey. The lush green area he found himself in would be a prime hunting grounds for the likes of Owls, and even some types of hawks. He grunted as lifted himself from the ground. The weak perish... This fact was one he held in high regard. Despite Kumogakure's usual lack of peace and quiet. He like it here. They all believed what he did, and he hoped that they wouldn't recoil at his talents. Once he learned to control them that was. 

The bow followed the stream until he heard it falling over a precipice. Falls? He continued along the edge of water way until obviously closer to the destination he had guessed existed. I wouldn't mind training here for the day... He started to think, but, as got nearer, he heard a loud screech. The predator? After a few more steps someone came into view. On a smooth rock knelt a woman. A familiar one at that. Ren's first thought was tsk a person, but then he looked closer. He had been having more and more run ins with women in spots he frequented. He knew she wasn't Aura, but he didn't know pretty much anyone else. It was obvious she saw him from the way her head was angled so he would speak. Do I... Know you from somewhere? A simple question asked with a gentle frown on his face. Perhaps he would go soon, but he was curious about the woman all alone near the water. Perhaps she was a kindred spirit, or a sparring partner? If she was neither, Ren could easily excuse himself. Nothing to lose by asking... 

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WC:567

Her ghostly eyes rested upon a rather tall figure of a man, which surprised her. Amongst all of her other visits, Meika was able to come to this stream without running into anyone from the village. Not only that . . but the kunoichi was able to recognize the man from one of her most recent assignments.

Of course at the time of the mission, it was difficult for her phantom eyes to make out much within the crowd of chaos. There had been so much going on all at once. and so many people fought amongst themselves. But she recognized the berserker with his black, spiked hair. It would have been hard not to have noticed him the most during the crowd control, from the way he raged through the rebellious people.

So what was he doing now? And who exactly was he?

If the man carried his village band somewhere upon himself, Meika would at least be able to confirm her belief that he was one of Kumogakure's shinobi. But that alone didn't give her much to go by.

The Kamigawa let in a deep breath, relaxing herself a little and before she leaned back slightly on the rock. Her right hand pressed against the rock's smooth, warm surface from behind her to keep herself propped up against it. With the slight tilt of her chin, Meika would lower her face. Gazing up at the man through her black fringe. One eye was now black with white and purple speckles as the other eye remained silver. "I believe I recall seeing you during the protesting. You seemed as if you was enjoying yourself quite a bit."

With her Uchugan active, Meika would curiously read into the man's spiritual energy. After what she witnessed during the mission, and the why he plowed his way through with his bloodlust, she wondered what she would see on the inside. Wondering what her dojutsu will show the woman, to get a better understanding on the stranger. "I hope you don't mind me being a little curious."

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{WC: 342 | TWC: 858}
Uchugan Active - 20 AP

Ren moved his arms from his sides upward crossing them over his chest his furred cape separated revealing the Kumogakure headband warped around his waist as a belt. He thought back to his first mission one of happenstance. The cries and shrieks of people in the market district rang in his ears. He did recall A woman there who shared the same striking appearance that the woman setting before him now did. He remembered that she seemed to protect a youth and interrupted his would be slaughter informing him that the mission needed to have witnesses. He captured a survivor based on her tip. She kind of helped me before huh?... Ren turned from looking at the waterfall. Fighting is the only thing I'm good at might as well enjoy it. He said it plainly, though he only partially believed it. He was good a few other things that centered around his ability to defend himself, but the information he gave was all the boy was willing to share with a complete stranger.

Ren wouldn't see her eyes change or know anything about it even if he had. The Uchigan would see his chakra, and his spirit. The amount of chakra he possessed was more than that of an academy student, but not as much as a typical shinobi, but it was as strong as one would expect from a genin. The vision of his spirit was less straight forward. It was aggressive and stark white with a bone like appearance. It would appear malformed and mangled at first glance the spirit of a monster. Yet if one was to pear at it long enough a child-like humanistic appearance could be prying from the distorted husk. It was hurt one that had rejected the world around it for external strength, but the child was still in there crying for help, and occasionally reaching outward. Though each time the creature was scorned he had distorted more and more become the monstrosity it was now. 

soul image:

I am not someone with much to hide... for some reason the lady was easier to talk to perhaps it was her macabre appearance that made Ren willing to say as much as he had. He felt like she could share an interest with him, but it was only a guess. 

Your words made my first mission a success... The boy trailed off unable to say what should have been an easy thank you. His pride and distaste of others, even those that maybe a kindred spirit, fought back whatever he was going to say. It's quiet, do people fight around here? The boy asked looking around the falls a bit more. Listening to her answer. The place really was calm. He'd read about training your body beneath a waterfall to toughen yourself. Training like that is fine, but I'd rather...

He looked over Meika as she looked him over. He didn't know if the lady would be an opponent for him. Looking at her she wasn't the most muscular. You probably use genjutsu or ninjutsu right? Ren hadn't fought many people that used them, especially genjutsu. He would change through the ninjutsu leveled at him in the academy, and those launched by the protesting shinobi. Once the distance is closed there's not much to it... He turned away and clicked his tongue. It seemed like he wouldn't get the workout he was looking for, but he did want to write her of just yet. He waited for her response.

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WC: 595
TWC: 1162

A gust of wind disturbed the surface of the stream that traveled from the waterfall. The surface that was once unbroken and peaceful was now awake. The swift wind also beckoned the man's fur cloak that reated upon his shoulders. Allowing the Kamigawa woman to identify his headband.

Meika's eyes continued to gaze through the strands of her swept bangs, before averting her eyes to the running water. Her Uchugan assisted the woman to have a better understanding of the shinobi that stood before her. The outer shell of his body was like a veil that concealed the more softer, vulnerable side that couldn't exactly lie. She witnessed the twisted being and the scared vessel within. To her, it all made sense now as to where his rage came from. Well that is how Meika thought of it when she saw the way he unleashed himself amongst the rebels.

"I can see how this place would be a suitable place to spar. Moving with the rythm and motion of the running water." Meika ended her response with a soft chuckle. "Which I have a hunch that you wouldn't have a taste fighting sort of fighting." There was a sort of thing as fighting but without the use of anger and lust. There was the combat that encouraged the use of energy bursts and chaotic frenzy, and then there was the type of fighting that was almost like dancing with fluent, graceful strikes. Each held a different sort of energy to them, and honeslty to Meika both was beautiful in their own way.

"Anywho. . a magician mustn't share their secrets. But you are on the right path with your prediction. I'm not the type to charge head on into battle at the front lines." She rose from where she was resting at and stood to her feet, taking the time to brush some of the dust and dirt from her clothing. "It might give me away by asking this, but do you have much experience with being in a genjutsu?"

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{WC: 339 | TWC: 1,197}

Ren was didn't understand the sort of fighting she meant. To him fighting was something one did to get rid of their aggression, and to survive. It could be fun, euphoric even. To Ren there was no beauty in fighting at least not how he did it. He pondered the idea of moving with the water though as some kind of efficient method of fighting. Perhaps it was something to be investigated. He decided he would respond. I guess you're right... It was short, but let her know she was on the right track. She was fast on the uptake. Ren appreciated that. 

Shinobi did keep their secrets a lot of techniques didn't work very well if they were known, or so he'd been told. Ren wanted weapons that were feared whether they were known or not. He was sure he was right about her once he noticed her frame, but it was good to have confirmation. The question she asked was in fact a dead giveaway. Genjutsu type huh... He hadn't had the displeasure of being placed under one yet. Most academy student didn't have the skill to use them and he'd only really fought brawler types outside of that. No I haven't. He directed his full attention to her now looking straight at her with a slight menace. I've heard that genjutsu is the worst match up for physical fighters. Is that true? ....Show me. He was interested in shoring up this weakness if it was in fact a weakness. His tone was demanding, but he meant it more as a request. His communication skills were never the best. He raised his first up like he was going to fight, but he didn't move towards her. He didn't think fighting the girl for real was important he just wanted to wait to see what the effects were and how he could counter them. 

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WC:319
TWC:1481

Meika couldn't help but feel a little determined to find out more about this dark-haired shinobi. The woman was unaware of what all he was capable of, so she might as well start testing the waters and find out. Would he be someone that could take on a more serious mission? And would he be able to have the self control and restraint if it was necessary? Both questions was something that Meika wondered on her own.

When the man asked her about genjutsu being the worst for the fighters that relied more on their physical strength, she responded with a little smirk, one that wasn't so innocent. "We shall see." And with that Meika formed the appropriate handseals before pointing her index finger towards the man, casting her spell over him.

Meika was aware of the few tricks that could be used to break out of a genjutsu, and also knew that there are some dojutsu that had the ability to see and sometimes break a genjutsu on their own. She didn't know if this man had any sort of foresight for a genjutsu, but at least letting him experience it and the way the illusions may appear could possibly do him some good.

"The thing about genjutsu, is that they can be used in many different ways. The boundary is almost limitless and can effect any of your senses as well as be triggered by them." With the man having his attention on her and being prepared for the dangers ahead, upon seeing her index pointing within his direction would trigger  it. "Eyes. . ears. . touch. . and even a smell can leave you vulnerable to an attack from an illusionist."

At first nothing would happen, and might possibly leave the man confused. As to when Meika's eyes lowered as if to look at his left leg is when the man would be able to witness anything out of the ordinary. A burst of flame out erupt along his pants leg and quickly spread up to his wait and torso. The bright hungry flames are almost blinding as they devoured his being. The man would be able to feel the very heat of the fire as he begin being engulfed. The pain of being burned and the smell of the fire was alive as Meika's genjutsu influenced the realness of the experience through his mind.

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{WC: 396 | TWC: 1,593}
Details: Ephemeral 40 AP

Ren listened closely to the woman's words. She gave an explanation that he'd likely heard in the academy, but he didn't quite remember. Her explanation was certainly shorter. Straight to the point. Just like I like it Ren was ready but nothing had happened Did you mess up or something? He asked ask he relaxed but then suddenly he felt it. A burning sensation traveled up his left pant leg. It spread quickly and he saw her make no action towards him aside from the pointing and the hand signs. He knew in his mind the fire must truly be an illusion, but it hurt. It burned. He could smell the burning of his own flesh, see the brightness of the flame. He could feel it's heat on his face. Here its crackling and roaring as it travel over him. His whole body became engulfed Ren was gritting his teeth and bearing it for a time. A twisted smile spread across his face.  This hurts like hell!~ Ha..HAHAHA The pain was surreal. He'd never imagined what it would be like to burn alive, but he knew he wouldn't die, and for that reason he didn't feel afraid or desperate for a way to escape. He was almost euphoric. The pain receptors triggering all over his body it made him itch he wanted to fight. 

This illusion of yours...it would stop if you died here right? Ren chakra flowed through his tenkatsu points releasing the gates of opening. His foot stomped shattering the earth around him. Loose stones from the streams band tumbled in causing a big splash. Ren threat was short lived however. The flames finally spread to his face and mouth making it feel difficult to breath the inside of his mouth felt like it was burning away. It was now the he let out a curdling roar of pain. He decided now was the time to end it or he might end up fighting everything around him. He didn't know the proper way to end a genjutsu if fact he'd never been taught such a skill, but he recalled that enough physical pain could end the illusory effect by shocking the system.

Ren sprouted a bone spike from his palm and embedded it in his opposite shoulder. A squelching noise could be heard from the wound as blood trailed done the small hole he had created in himself. His head fell downwards and then looked back up to the girl with the same twisted smile. These illusion are troublesome indeed. I assume you have less obvious ones as well. The smile faded as the pain left him he returned to a more serious and dower expression. Is there a way to release those escape them without incurring damage? He asked. expecting another concise answer. He seemed to think nothing of his own out burst. 

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WC:483
TWC:1964

Maybe the Chunin shouldn't have been so quick to demonstrate her technique on one of her fellow Genin. Certainly the Kage wouldn't appreciate any of his shinobi getting harmed too drastically. Either way she knew that even a harsh lesson could prove to be more reliable than just a quick, boring one. The man was a sturdy one, his mind wouldn't break that easily.

What she didn't except was that he didnt know of the Genjutsu release technique, and raised an eyebrow as he questioned about whether her genjustu would end if she was to die in her spot. Meika crossed her arms over her chest. "Perhaps it would. Though I wouldn't recommend it." Despite her somewhat relaxed demeanor, Meika was prepared to react in case the man continued with his threat. Watching as he destroyed the earth beneath him. She was just about to end the technique, but didn't need to as he impaled himself with a bone spur from his own body.

"Well- that was interesting." Her eyes scanned over the blood that dripped from his shoulder wound. Probably would be a good idea to learn some small form of healing or have an excessive supply of bandages when working with this one. She had a hunch that this young man would recklessly get himself hurt often. At least he wasn't screamish about it.

"You are correct. You won't always be able to tell that it is just an illusion. But there is a more safer way of getting out of it." She said while gesturing towards his shoulder. "By the way, are you going to be good?" She'd question just to be sure he didn't need any real medical attention.

"But the answer your looking for is the Genjutsu release. Simply forming the tiger seal and rapidly flowing your chakra through your body will break the genjutsu that holds you. It will rely greatly on your chakra and endurance to break the more powerful ones." She paused for a moment, running through the knowledge she had about genjutsu and what might prove to be more useful to him. "As a physical fighter as yourself, you may find yourself dealing with a paralysis genjutsu in the future. If you ever find yourself unable to move and can't comprehend why, look towards your opponent. Most genjutsu based on paralysis will also leave the opponent unable to move."

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{WC: 398 | TWC: 1,991}

Ren ripped the spur from the hole he had created, thus freeing his hand from his shoulder. Listening as she stated that you won't always be able to tell your in an illusion. Then she asked about his wound. Ren had almost forgotten already. Hmm? Oh this isn't anything serious. He weaved a few hand signs before a faint green glow enshrouded his hand. He moved it over the wound and watched as the hole started to stitch its self together very slowly. The bleeding slowed, and Ren turned his attention back to her. The young Kaguya listened to the pale woman tell him about genjutsu and steadied his breathing. The false and true pain faded more and more from him as he listened to her points. 

A tiger sign and chakra circulation? Seems easy enough. He mad e the sign and practiced figuring he could do it again without the handsigns if necessary. I've learned something new today, and gotten more powerful all in one swoop... Ren seemed pleased, but his expression had soured from the joy he felt under the pain of the illusion. He figured he wouldn't want to fight today with his shoulder damaged, and besides a thought he held in his head wouldn't leave him alone. If I had to fight her how many illusions would I have to break before I ran out of chakra... He would ponder it later. You've been useful, but I think I provided nothing besides interrupting your relaxation... Ren was thankful to her for showing him how to escape genjutsu, and even though he wasn't good at showing his appreciation he would make an attempt. 

I'm Ren Kaguya. If you have need of my strength then I'll grant it to you once. No additional costs... He would look down and to the left unable to meet her eyes as he made his offer. His teeth seemed to clench in waiting for her response. It was as if he was getting annoyed. A common occurrence, but the source was not from the outside this time it was from within.

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WC:355
TWC:2319