Wind and Fire

The Hyuuga was vigorously training at the Advanced Training Facilities of Hoshigakure. They provided several amenities that Amikiri strongly enjoyed, including an area for him to practice using his Great Spear. It was important for the dark haired man to keep his strength up and practice with his weapon. He rapidly formed a set of handseals, causing a blue glow to form around his blade. The Hyuuga had been interested in the application of this technique and how to properly use it so, making sure to step back the proper distance, he swung his blade at the dummy. However he observed a strange phenomena. The dummy seemed to be damaged before the blade even made contact. Deciding to move back slightly, Amikiri made a thrusting motion with his Great Spear. The tip of his Great Spear was a meter away from the dummy when a large hole appeared in the front of the target. After a bit more experimenting, Amikiri discovered a new property of Flowing Passage, one that allowed him to extend the size of his blade even further.

After discovering this property and feeling very happy, Amikiri decided to make himself frustrated. He had spent the last few weeks trying to advance his progress with elemental natures, but was unsuccessful. The Hyuuga was interested in learning the Wind and Fire elements, both of which were quite the perplexing problem for him. He received advice from all sorts of people, but none of it seemed to work. People suggested that for wind, he should try focusing his chakra as if he was sharpening it and trying to cut something. However, Amikiri’s experience with weapons and weaponry techniques just led to him making poor knock offs of Flying Swallow and Flowing Passage, instead of mastering Wind Release. And with Fire Release, people suggested that he try and, especially when starting out, trying to channel his anger and release a raw force of chakra. However, Amikiri wasn’t a very angry guy and when he released a raw form of his chakra, his inherited Gentle Fist skills kicked into action and he used a technique like Vacuum Burst or Dominion.

Amikiri decided to simplify this training a bit and today, had brought along a set of papers. Nothing was special about them, it was just paper. For a man dressed in dark clothes and with black hair, the bright white paper made for a sharp contrast. Amikiri simply was practicing infusing his chakra into it and trying to mimic the advice people gave him. He was standing in a clearing of grass, closing his eyes and holding a piece of paper, hoping desperately to make this Wind Release magic to work.

WC: 449

While Amikiri was training, he would occasionally glance over to a spar occurring. There were two opponents, one was golden haired and would likely tower over the dark haired Hyuuga. The other was a titan of man, clearly showing his specialization in strength. The golden haired man quickly dealt with the mammoth, using gracefulness to defeat the larger foe. Amikiri was amazed by the man’s abilities and he noticed something that greatly interested Amikiri. Based on the techniques used and just his general manner, this golden-haired boy likely seemed to be a fellow practitioner of the Gentle Blade.

In fact, Toneri would then make his way towards Amikiri. The dark haired Hyuuga hoped we wouldn’t be next on the chopping black for Toneri’s victories, but Amikiri waited. As Toneri came closer, Amikiri turned to look at him, and the golden haired man made a comment. As Amikiri looked this man over, he quickly noticed that Toneri shared the distinct eyes of the Hyuuga, further contributing to Amikiri’s Gentle Blade theory. Additionally, Amikiri’s guess from earlier was correct. Toneri towered over Amikiri, at almost a full foot taller than him.

Sensing the light hearted nature of the man’s comment, Amikiri would respond in kind. “Well, I might just be interested in that offer of yours, if there is a bit of cash involved.” Giving a brief pause before continuing, Amikiri would then say, “My name is Amikiri. What’s yours? I saw that spar over there and it was amazing. If you don’t mind me asking, did you happen to be using a Gentle Blade technique? I recognized some of the basic movements and principles, so I’m just curious.”

Toneri’s attitude and calm demeanor exuded the confidence that comes with skill, so Amikiri naturally assumed that this man must be of higher rank or ability than himself. Amikiri was hoping to learn something from this encounter. It might not be a Gentle Blade technique, but the dark haired Hyuuga hoped that this golden haired man might have something for him to learn.

WC: 340
TWC: 789

As the two Hyuuga shook hands, Amikiri felt a sense of similarity between the two of them. Despite their differences in strength and ability, the simple connection of a fighting style and clan let them already have a connection, even if minor. It was a miracle how two strangers could seemingly have a connection so quickly.

The dark haired Hyuuga listened to Toneri’s words. While he agreed with Toneri’s words on the abilities of Gentle Blade, Amikiri felt as if the golden haired man was being almost dismissive of Gentle Fist. In his life of simplicity, Amikiri felt that there was no need to discount the efforts or abilities of others to create the illusion of boosting your own abilities. However, Amikiri tried to reserve judgment. After all, was he not discrediting Toneri’s opinions and making himself feel better about his own values?

After listening to Toneri’s last statement, Amikiri followed up by saying, “Well, I certainly do agree. I think weapons are more effective than fists, but neither is a poor option. Whoever came up with this stuff must’ve been a genius. And on the topic of training,” Amikiri let out a light chuckle before continuing, “what abilities are you proficient in besides Gentle Blade. I’m looking to expand my abilities in ways other than that of a traditional Hyuuga. I’m interested in learning Ninjutsu and it's many techniques, but unfortunately, I feel like I simply cannot perform well enough with Ninjutsu since I only know Earth Release.”

Amikiri found this whole situation very funny. Two Hyuuga, who both specialize in the Gentle Blade fighting style. Instead of asking for knowledge about Gentle Blade, one asks about Ninjutsu techniques and elemental natures. Though Amikiri did feel that his amusing situation was only possible because statements were very honest, choosing to show his own shortcomings in his elemental knowledge rather than try to hide them.

WC: 315
TWC: 1104

Toneri seemed to share many of the same opinions as Amikiri, particularly in regards to the power of a refined blade. The dark haired Hyuuga pondered briefly about that thought. He did seem to lack a blade of stellar quality. His Great Spear was nice, but not nearly as upgraded as his Kavacha was. Amikiri decided that, after this encounter, he would study other avenues of offense, including researching more complex elements that he would be able to use, thanks to Toneri’s willingness to teach.

Amikiri would respond, saying, “For now, I think Wind Release and just the basic concepts of Ninjutsu should do the job. I’m still indecisive at the moment as to what exactly I’ll do with this new knowledge, so I don’t want to get ahead of myself and start learning specific techniques. I’ve tried working with Wind Release in the past, but unfortunately I just can’t seem to nail down the basics. Any insights or advice you have would be absolutely phenomenal.” Being able to be taught by someone else would make this process so much easier, which is certainly something Amikiri appreciated.

The dark haired Hyuuga quickly thought for a second. Toneri seemed to be of a much greater seniority than Amikiri and, if Amikiri had to, he’d hazard a guess that Toneri was either a Chunnin or a Jounin. In this case, someone that would probably help Amikri with the questions he had. After he encountered Isomo when she left the gates, he had been a bit disturbed by her presence. There was something there that he never felt before. Making sure to seize the opportunity presented to him, Amikiri would follow up and say, “And one other thing. After any teaching that happens today is over, I want to talk to you about something. You seem to be more experienced than me at this whole ninja thing, so I wanted to seek some advice about something that happened. Once we wrap up any training and if I forget, I’d appreciate it if you reminded me.”

WC: 342
TWC: 1446

As Toneri spoke, Amikiri could feel the knowledge almost oozing from every word. Amikiri was appreciative of this opportunity to work with someone more experienced than him. In the past, he had worked with a couple of others, but they had all fallen off of Amikiri’s map, so most of his work had been alone.

The golden haired Hyuuga’s words offered Amikiri a perspective that he had never heard before. The darked haired Hyuuga had always taken the approach of channeling all his chakra into it at once, creating a powerful burst. Reflecting upon it, Amikiri had taken the approach of Taijutsu and Weaponry where, even though it was quite precise, still used extreme power in very short bursts.

Listening to Toneri’s response to Amikiri’s request to discuss his “personal matter”, Amikiri gave a brief nod and said, “Thanks.”

Amikiri took Toneri’s initial wisdom to heart and thought of ninjutsu as a dance with a rhythm. The obvious question became, what was this special rhythm? Closing his eyes and thinking deeply, Amikiri listened internally, finding the rate of his heartbeat. He started taking slower, deeper breaths and eventually managed to feel the chakra flowing through him. The dark haired man crouched down, touching his hand to the earth below him. He laid it flat across the ground, his palm laying on the dirt. Amikiri let his chakra flow into the ground and, not moving his actual hand, tried to “grasp” the ground. He slowly pulled his hand up and, upon opening his eyes and breaking his concreation, saw a small pillar of earth where his hand had traveled. A smile flashed across the dark haired Hyuuga’s face and, looking towards Toneri, said, “Well, I certainly think that’s a bit of a start with Ninjutsu. Give me a second to try with Wind Release.”

Amikiri entered his state of focus, and this time much quicker than before. He continued his past training method of trying to “sharpen” the chakra, but this time applied the rhythmic approach instructed to him by Toneri. After all, when one sharpens a knife, it is rubbed against the stone many times in succession, not just once. Picking up a small piece of stone, he let his chakra flow into it in an ebbing pattern. He slowly built up the chakra required and, after a hot minute, his chakra built up and he let it in one, cool, controlled slice. Amikiri’s precise nature, thanks to his practice with Gentle Blade, made this aspect fairly easy. Opening his eyes, he saw the rock in front of him was magically split into two parts.

Amikiri’s eyes were wide with amazement and his smile was wide. He looked over at Toneri and said, “Wow, you really are amazing at this teaching thing. If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you been a shinobi? Also, do you lead a team? I think you would be absolutely amazing at that.” Amikiri was extremely happy with the progress he made and was eternally thankful towards Toneri, who helped Amikiri break out of his spell of stagnation.

WC: 515
TWC: 1961