The Sun and the Stars (IO | NK)

The Uchiha stood there with his shoulders slightly raised, hands half open as though he was waiting for something to occur. He was staring at a mirror copy of himself, the shadow clone’s own stance mimicked his. As the two stared at each other, almost preparing to strike at any time. Immediately rushing forwards in a burst of speed. Toran’s fist rocketed forwards, aiming to slam against the face of his mirror copy. The best way to take out your anger would be to hit something. Yet to be able to hit himself, now that was a luxury he could definitely afford. His chakra coating his fists as the clone raised its hands to block the strike, taking a small step back before responding. It’s waist twist, aiming for a roundhouse kick. Toran stepped backwards, narrowly avoiding the attack directed at his leg. The knowledge that clones could gain from simple fighting made it so much easier to learn. To grow in the short amount of time he had left. It was also a good way to relieve his stress of his current situation. He was still a Genin, he knew of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan with no real way to access it. Not only that, but Isaribi made him worried. The thoughts of a betrayal from the other Uchiha rang in his head. Thoughts about the village being taken down from within made him worried. There was too much at stake, as such he had to perfect his craft.

His clone and him would continue on swapping hands with one another. Fists colliding in a fast display of Torans innate talent with the speciality of Taijutsu. It worked well with the fast paced reading of the sharingan. Allowing him to take in double the information, especially with his clone also receiving such information every time he had landed a strike. His face was stern, it looked much more mature than before, faced with the heavy burdens of wishing to take up the mantle of Hoshigakure’s own protector. He was seen as having potential, a vast amount of it lying in hopes of one day being brought out. Yet that involved finding a good teacher. His thoughts lingered, even after taking a blow directly to the face by his clone. The Uchiha grit his teeth when he tumbled to the ground. The clone leaping into action with a fist ready to smash right into his stomach. Toran’s legs moved, rotating his lower body slightly to gain enough force to leap back upwards, his hand catching the clones before his palm would begin to crackle with electrical might. Slamming the Clone’s stomach with a Jab made of pure lightning. The clone's eyes rolled upwards, before poofing away from existence. Leaving Toran landing on the ground. His eyes bloody red, the three tomoe of the sharingan examined the chakra left behind by his clone. It was disappointing that he could not give himself a proper fight. Yet his thoughts continued to linger on the Nova Tournament. He had no want or need to become a part of the famed Nova Corps. It wasn’t his personal style, nor would he want to be in the center of the public eye. However, it was also that he saw his Sensei being taken out so easily, the news of the famed Tsunayoshi Hoshimura. The man who’s bittersteel had touched every opponent, while he had not taken a single scratch made him wonder. How did someone get to that level? What could he do to get to that level of strength? The questions floating around Toran’s ever growing mind had made him curious. What could he do to get that strong? Practice made perfect, but only the experiences of real combat was how he could become that strong.

However he still had a long way to go, and knowing just how strong his eyes truly were. It made him wonder just what he could do with them in the future if he could have them eternally. Without the threat of his vision suddenly becoming worse in combat just like his own family. He had visited them a few times, mainly for holidays. They were rather impressed with his own growth. He had already gone through the arguments regarding his use of the Age Pills. However since it wasn’t such a major change. It allowed them to still see him as their young sunny Toran again. Yet he wished to hold the very sun in his hands, yet he needed someone who knew the very stars to teach him how to hold it.

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Early in the morning, a tranquil atmosphere enveloped the Hoshigakure training grounds. The sun had just begun to peek above the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the area. A delicate morning mist hung in the air, adding an ethereal quality to the scene. The mist clung to the ground, obscuring the lower parts of the trees and lending an air of mystery to the surroundings.

The training grounds themselves were a testament to the dedication of Hoshigakure's shinobi. Wooden training dummies stood in neat rows, bearing the scars and marks of countless strikes. Some had even been recently repaired, showing signs of the ongoing training sessions. Nearby, wooden planks hung from the trees, positioned as targets for shuriken and kunai practice. They swayed gently in the morning breeze, a testament to the precision and accuracy required of the village's shinobi.

Each strike Ayato executed, each jutsu he practiced, flowed seamlessly, reflecting years of dedicated training. As the Hogokage, he understood the significance of setting a solid example for the village's younger generation of shinobi. While he practiced, Ayato couldn't help but notice a familiar figure in the distance. It was Toran, a young Uchiha who had been making strides in his training.

As a Hyuuga and a Uchiha trained, the serene environment offered a stark contrast to the intensity of their training. It was where Hoshigakure's young ninja honed their skills, striving to become stronger daily.

Slowing down his training, Ayato approached Toran with a polite nod and a faint smile. Toran seemed taller and more mature than Ayato last remembered. As he approached Toran, the memory of their first meeting years ago in the same training ground crossed his mind.

"Toran," Ayato said, his voice carrying a sense of nostalgia and admiration. "You've grown quite a bit since the first time we met here, right?" He recalled that day vividly when Toran was just a young boy practicing basic ninjutsu with goggles on his head. Time had certainly passed, and Toran had come a long way since then.

Ayato's observant Byakugan had noticed Toran's physical growth and significant progress in his training. The young Uchiha had transformed from that eager and curious child into a determined and skilled shinobi. Ayato was always open to helping his fellow shinobi with training and sharing knowledge and was willing to offer guidance should Toran seek it.

[WC: 396]

Toran’s training in comparison to Ayato’s was like night and day. Toran’s was rough, shown by how he was executing his taijutsu through mainly focusing on just hitting his opponent the same way any basic shinobi would. Yet Ayato’s was graceful, honed through countless years of training to perfect his art in the gentle fist. Yet it was here that the two would meet again face to face in well over a few years. Toran had grown, the use of the aging pills was mainly known throughout his family. Yet Toran’s growth from child into a young adult was stark. His hair much more organized, his figure much more composed when standing up right. His black pupils meet with Ayato’s silver stare. Yet in a way, he couldn’t help but lower his head when faced with someone who was the leader of the village. The memories of training in these grounds, of learning how to make lightning spark out from his hands. The ability to manipulate fire from his mouth. The smell of sweat piercing his nose from when he was so young. He remembered how strained he was, how he had tried to advance his sharingan to new heights through the use of training.

Yet he was standing right in front of the man who was their leader, who knew the ins and outs of taijutsu through countless years of training. Ayato Hyuuga was a man who he greatly respected. Which made it all the more surprising when Ayato had addressed him with that tone of admiration and nostalgia. The polite nod from before would lead to Toran raising his head to see that small faint smile on Ayato’s face.

“Ayato-San,” His voice was also much more mature, carrying with it a small amount of poise and respect. “Thank you for the compliments.”

His mind began to think of what else to say to his Kage, they were both training within the Water Gardens training grounds. Thoughts of what to ask Ayato began to surface into his mind, with one of them barreling to the forefront.

“I was meaning to ask this, since there aren't that many other practitioners of Taijutsu within the village. Could you teach me?” His voice still carried that same awkwardness from when he was so young. Even with his body and mind maturing greatly from these past few years, he was still the same person at heart. He wished to learn from who he was convinced was the best teacher for the job, and what better way to learn how far his sharingan’s mimicry could go than his very own Kage.

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TWC:1203

As the early morning sun cast its warm rays over the Water Gardens training grounds, Ayato Hyuuga couldn't help but feel a sense of pride wash over him as he observed Toran's growth and transformation. Memories of their shared training sessions on these grounds flooded back, a reminder of the long journey that had brought them to this moment. Ayato appreciated how far Toran had come since those early days, just like a young ninja finding their footing in the world.

The contrast between their training styles couldn't have been more evident. Ayato's movements were like a dance, a graceful display of the Gentle Fist technique. In contrast, Toran's approach was more direct, a testament to his determination and strength. However, beneath the differences, Ayato saw potential in Toran, the possibility that had matured into something promising.

When Toran expressed his desire to learn taijutsu from Ayato, the Hogokage's eyes held a thoughtful glint. It was a request that hadn't been on his radar, but it piqued his interest. Teaching Toran could foster the young Uchiha's growth and ensure the village had a skilled taijutsu practitioner.

"That's an interesting request," Ayato replied with a sense of responsibility. "Teaching taijutsu is a weighty task, not to be taken lightly." He paused briefly before continuing, "But I see potential in you and am willing to be your sensei. Taijutsu isn't just about brute strength; it's about precision, control, and understanding the chakra flow within your body. Today, we'll start from the basics, right here, right now."

Ayato's silver gaze held a hint of expectation, infused with mentorship and encouragement. He was ready to begin Toran's training, and the Water Gardens training grounds would be their classroom. "Let's not waste any time. Follow my lead, Toran. We'll begin with the fundamentals of taijutsu." With those words, Ayato assumed a stance, ready to impart his knowledge and expertise to his eager students.

[WC: 318]

Toran’s style, as with most from his clan, was made to compliment his dexterity. He realized early on that Genjutsu, a staple of the Uchiha’s arsenal, was simply not something that he was cut out for. Toran’s hands were slightly rough, small beads of sweat drifting from his head like rain. He had been training for a while inside of the Water gardens. The morning sun warmth allowed for the perfect set up for training. Toran’s eyes stared back at his leader, knowing fully well that the well of knowledge that Ayato had over Taijutsu was deep. Yet Toran’s own thoughts were rather surprised at how long he had spent training here. Focus, commitment, and the signs of a great shinobi were those attributes. Along with the desire and want to complete their task.

Yet the young Uchiha noticed it, the small glint in Ayato’s eyes at the proposition. Toran knew that it was a gamble. He was an amateur at taijutsu. Ninjutsu and Bukijutsu were what he knew best. Yet knowing, with or without a weapon, he could fight was comforting to him. Ayato’s words of Taijutsu being a weighty task to train someone with, it was certainly not to be taken lightly.

Yet Ayato acknowledged his potential, he could see that Toran wasn’t that half bad after all. Despite all the setbacks, despite almost losing and having to burn away a mere child who was running amuck with their own knowledge. Despite all of his own shortcomings, Ayato could see a small hint of potential within Toran’s soul. One that he himself had not even seen. Toran nodded his head at Ayato’s instruction. The gardens were the room, and his body would be the notebook. Ingrained with it the knowledge that would be imparted into him both mentally and physically.

“Then let us begin,” Toran stated. His body shifted into its own stance as well, shoulders evenly spaced out. His hands were slightly uneven in position, right arm slightly further then his left. Toran’s eyes began to shift into those crimson balls, the inky black tomoe of the sharingan active in Toran’s eyes. Staring back at Ayato before a small grin was plastered on his face. He was ready.

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As Toran assumed his stance, Ayato couldn't help but appreciate the young Uchiha's determination and eagerness to learn. The Water Gardens had become their training arena, the morning sun casting its warm glow over their figures as they prepared to delve into the world of taijutsu. The experience would significantly depart from Toran's usual expertise in ninjutsu and bukijutsu, but Ayato could sense the resolve from the young shinobi.

The crimson tomoe of Toran's Sharingan whirled to life, a testament to his Uchiha lineage and its potential. Ayato saw the promise within Toran, hidden beneath the layers of self-doubt and inexperience. The grin that adorned Toran's face was a sign that he was ready to embrace the challenge, and it mirrored Ayato's anticipation.

With a nod, Ayato reciprocated Toran's determination. "Good," he acknowledged. "We'll begin with the basics, just as I promised." Ayato assumed a ready stance, his right foot forward and his eyes locked onto Toran's chest. "Let's start with balance and control. Taijutsu relies on your ability to move fluidly and strike with precision. Keep your center of gravity low, and let your movements flow naturally."

Ayato's movements were akin to the graceful flow of the Gentle Fist, a testament to his mastery of the Hyuuga clan's signature style. With a swift motion, he executed a palm thrust with his right hand, sending a controlled burst of chakra-infused force toward Toran. The palm thrust aimed at Toran's chest with the intention not to harm but to test Toran's reflexes. 

As the training session commenced, Ayato's role as Toran's sensei came to the forefront. The Water Gardens witnessed the exchange of knowledge and skills as the mentor guided the student toward taijutsu mastery.

[WC: 284]

He kept himself firm, awaiting instruction by his newest sensei. His crimson eyes whirling to life allowed him to see, his eyes could pinpoint every movement, every action that the Hyuuga before him could make. It kept Toran on his toes, allowing him to appreciate what Ayato would bring to the table following his acceptance of Toran’s readiness. Light shining down on both of them, with Ayato reaffirming that he would be teaching Toran just the basics. The basics, something that Toran had not thought of really, just a few punches and kicks was what people would consider the basics. He thought that the basics was more so about form and stance, but it seemed he was being given a more hands on approach to his first lesson.

“Strike with precision and keep yourself light on your feet, flowing naturally. . . Got it!” He said, Ayato’s hands suddenly shifting along with the rest of his body. Toran could see it, the flowing of chakra and hand motions, his palms weaving together, creating a burst of Kinetic energy. Toran understood that now, the training would fully commence.

Light on your feet, light on your feet.

The burst of chakra could be seen by Toran heading for his chest, when it reached half a meter in front of him, Toran’s brain synapse fired, his legs making him dash to the side by half a meter. Allowing him to barely dodge the attack, yet his eyes kept themselves onto Ayato. Did this mean he should counter attack? Ayato did say the basics, perhaps this was the basics of combat? Toran would suddenly burst forwards towards Ayato at a speed of 100, aiming to close to distance. His arm pulled backwards, bicep and tricep flexing before he was a quarter of a meter from Ayato, aiming a punch directly to the Hyuga clan members chest.

3 Tomoe Sharingan: -10 AP

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Ayato observed Toran's movements with keen interest, his eyes tracing each shift and adjustment with precision. As his crimson orbs whirled to life, Ayato's anticipation grew, and he recognized the potential within his new student. The radiance of the sunlight cast a glow upon them, illuminating the training grounds as Ayato reaffirmed his commitment to teaching Toran the fundamentals.

"Strike with precision; maintain fluidity in your movements," Ayato had instructed, his words carrying the weight of experience. He gracefully demonstrated the techniques, his hands weaving together to generate kinetic energy. Toran absorbed the lesson eagerly, understanding that their training was about to intensify.

As Toran executed his dodge that put him 50 centimeters away, Ayato nodded approvingly, acknowledging the swift response. The glint of determination in Toran's eyes did not escape Ayato's notice, recognizing the budding potential within his student. When Toran surged forward with a burst of speed, Ayato remained composed, his stance unwavering.

In a seamless motion, Ayato sidestepped the incoming attack with fluid grace, evading Toran's right punch easily. "Impressive," Ayato remarked, his tone laced with respect. "You're quick on your feet, Toran, but remember, precision is key. Let's refine that technique, shall we?" With a faint smile, Ayato's right knee surged forward with precise timing, aiming to strike Toran in the exposed ribcage. This calculated move was designed to reinforce the importance of defense and counterattack in combat training.

Notes: In the last paragraph, Ayato utilized his agility of 130 to counter Toran's speed of 100. Swiftly sidestepping to the left, he evaded the incoming right hand aimed at his chest. In a seamless motion, Ayato capitalized on his speed of 100, delivering a calculated counterattack with a knee to Toran's exposed ribcage.

[WC: 227]

Progress came naturally to those who wished to learn, a lesson he had been taught by his father. The principal attribute of this was determination and desire for progress, which is why when Toran saw that Ayato had sidestepped his straight with relative ease. It made him focus on the task at hand, he expected that Ayato would have been able to dodge such a straightforward attack. One that was meant to see more or less if this would be a sparring match between the eager Genin and the wise Kage. Toran’s head turned on a dime to where Ayato had sidestepped, his body following soon afterward. He was having fun in this small lesson in Taijutsu, yet the knowledge he was gathering thanks to his Sharingan was immense. He could see how Ayato’s body moved, how composed his stance was. One that Toran would strive to become, he wasn’t afraid of fighting his Kage, the leader of the village. This felt far more personal, similar to that of him with Team Winter.

Was he. . . A student of the Kage? He thought escaped him as the fight continued onwards. Toran’s straight having missed gave him only seconds to spare.

“Keep yourself composed. . .”

His Sharingan could see the flexing of muscles, and the precise control of the Hyuuga’s movements all became clear to the young Uchiha in but a moment. The knee to his ribs would have to be countered. Unsure of if he held the physical advantage, Toran’s left knee rose upwards, intercepting the coming attack of Ayato’s knee. Yet he felt slightly rattled from the sensation surrounding his entire leg from the attack. Yet only a serious facade remained on Toran’s face. His next action was swift, using the opening of blocking the right knee to his side, he pushed Ayato’s knee away before regaining his balance, his feet planted firmly into the ground before he threw out a sudden jab to Ayato’s face. Knowing that if he did hurt his kage or vice versa, the Medical Ninja would know how to fix it up.
(Using the 130 Agility to react to Ayato's own physical attack and block it accordingly, due to them having the same speed stat it would be natural that they could react to each other and their own moves).

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Ayato sensed the shift in Toran’s focus, the sharpness settling into his movements as the young Uchiha adjusted to the rhythm of their spar. It was amusing to watch, like a river winding around a boulder.

When Toran raised his leg to intercept Ayato’s knee strike, it was a clever maneuver executed with surprising timing. With his arm exposed and his body in motion, evading the strike would have been a more significant challenge. As Toran's shin met Ayato's knee, the impact sent a reverberation through both their bodies—a solid thud that promised a bruise for the Uchiha and a sting for the Kage. Pain was an inevitable part of the shinobi life, one they all came to know well.

After Toran blocked his knee, Ayato considered how his siblings might have responded. His sister, Natsuki, would have pressed on without hesitation, either following up with another strike or clinching to keep Toran from resetting. His brother Toneri, however, would’ve likely gone a more ruthless route—maybe slipping a kunai in toward the knee, ending things decisively, and dealing with the consequences later. Toneri’s temper had been short-lived, and his patience was worn thin. Perhaps some time away would give him the space to clear his head and reset.

Ayato’s musings were brief; Toran's pushback returned him to his stance, his focus snapping back. As Toran threw a jab, Ayato shifted his weight, letting the punch sail harmlessly past his cheek, the breeze brushing against his skin. This jab had come much closer than the last. “They say a good jab sets up the knockout blow,” he noted lightly. “But I learned long ago how to slip those.”

In the Western continent, left-handed fighters were sometimes called "southpaws," which amused him. But being left-handed in a world of right-handed opponents had its challenges—one being how often he found himself inches from their left hands. This made head movement essential, a skill he’d refined in countless sparring matches. After all, he had no intention of letting his face look like a balloon after a rough exchange.

“Now, let’s see if you can predict my next move,” he added, a touch of mischief in his tone, his lavender-white eyes glinting with respect.

Ayato launched his next move, announcing, “Gentle Fist.” In actual combat, calling out a technique could mean the difference between life and death, but sparring had its own rules. “Palm Strike,” he followed confidently, stepping in close and sending a left uppercut aimed at Toran's chin, then seamlessly transitioning into a right hook, his body moving fluidly as he tested the young Uchiha’s reflexes and resolve.

[WC: 445]