Thunder Strikes

Thunderclouds gathered, lightning struck. Under the watchful eye of Raijin and Fujin, the two Gods of Kumogakure, one man stood proud. With his imposing figure of six feet eight inches and boasting three hundred pounds of pure muscle, the Raikage looked up at the sky as raindrops fell down. "Bless me as you have done many times before, grant this humble follower the power to continue his endeavor in your name". Taking a couple of minutes, Ichigo allowed a moment of silence to fall over the scenery, his eyes closed as rain touched his skin. A deep breath, in and out, his lungs filled with air, the Kage stared in front of him peering in the distance.

Perfectly in tune with himself, the Raikage took one deep breath, a calm motion followed by removing the white cloak in order to avoid dirtying Kumogakure's symbol as he was about to put his body through intense exercise. Doing so, Ichigo firmly grabbed his trusted sword, Dainsleif, a weapon recently used by the Drunken Storm to slay an enemy during his conquest of Volcano Country. The black swordsman, one of the many monikers he went by, wore his famous armor that protected him from harm more than once. Even though blessed with a body capable of withstanding almost anything, the Darkened Skies II helped in keeping the Kage safe.

(WC: 226)

+ 1 Nature Stack

Nature Stacks: 1/6

The rain pattered softly on the roads and paths of Kumogakure creating a rippling pattern as Hibiki walked through the village towards the training grounds. He had still yet to make much headway into his weapons training due to his latest lessons with old man Amaya. Hibiki had studied the final lessons with meticulous care and had become engrossed with the nature of living puppets. He understood the value in such a skill but it also frightened him a little. He was confident he could now create one, and he understood why Amaya had insisted so strongly on his medical nin studies yet Hibiki did not like the idea of making himself into a puppet.

The rumble of the protective genjutsu around the village calmed him as he approached the training grounds, he understood in part it was a creation of the village and not divine in origin but he believed that Raijin and Fukin would not allow it to stand if they did not approve and the thought drove him onwards. As he approached he noticed another figure in the distance, obscured by the rain in a white cloak that the figure removed as Hibiki approached. Hibiki did not bother to try and hide his approach but was careful not to disturb whatever training the other individual might be undertaking. It was not uncommon for several people to be training at any ungiven time.

As Hibiki approached he realised the figure was very large and had a kind of familiarity in shape that the young genin could not quite fully place. Hibiki had certainly never seen this person training here before, the armour and silhouette was far to distinctive to be forgotten. Hibiki looked again to the white cloak and the armoured figure and froze realising why the figure seemed familiar, a silhouette he had seen many times at villages festivals or gatherings of great importance but only ever from afar. He was certain it was a person no one in the village would dare imitate. “The Lord Raikage….” He spoke the words aloud in shock and surprise that he had failed to contain. Hibiki had hoped to meet him one day as all ninja of the village should strive to be recognised by the Raikage for their deeds and strength yet it had never occurred to Hibiki he might stumble into the most important and powerful ninja in the village, if not one of the strongest and most influential ninja in the world.

Hibiki knew the stories and legends of his village leaders strength but their was a slight strange sense of disconnection from the myths and stories with the figure standing quietly in the rain preparing to train. Hibiki was unsure precisely how he should react but realised it would be rude not to announce himself. He stood a little straighter and spoke a little too loudly in his nervousness. “Apologies for disturbing your training Lord Raikage, may I train here today or would you prefer to train in private? I would never wish to interrupt you and had I known you were training here I would not have presumed to come train alongside you. But I guess I could learn a lot just by watching, if that is okay?”

Hibiki paused and realised he had not introduced himself and quickly bowed deeply to the Raikage. “Sorry, my name is Hibiki Sato, I am a genin and would like to formally request you allow me to watch you train….if that’s allowed. I don't really know if it is alowed or not” Hibiki tried valiantly to keep his nerves from being communicate through his voice but it would be plain to hear despite his effort. Hibiki did not feel too ashamed, who wouldn’t feel nervous in front of their villages Kage after all?

WC: 625

Mist began to roll over the quiet mountains draping them in a veil that obscured vision but gave it such an awe inspiring wonder that made the male continue to stand in silence to observe it. To his left and right sat some of the mountains more local wildlife as they wondered just what the Warden of the Mountains would do. To him, this had been a morning routine to sit in silence and observe the life of nature and what it meant to him.. He had been told something had or would be going on in the training grounds in a bit by his own brother, Kiseragi, although he had wondered why his brother had imparted that piece of information. The former Kage had his hands in all kinds of things, but more than anything he was always keeping tabs on the growth of his own brother. Whatever had been happening in the training grounds must have been important for his growth or maybe something would push his drive to continue his shinobi path. Either way he would set on his path momentarily. A soft nudging against his hand pulled him from his concentration as he looked down to see one of the wolves trying to get his attention. Looking down at the younger pup he would smile and gently pick them up to his level in which it would lick his check and yip at him. Chuckling he would rub between its ears and sat it back down gently. Something like this meant that it was finally near time for his usual departure. Turning to the west of the mountains he would see the sun's rays slowly coming over to him as he nodded and began to head back inside of his cavern home.

Drenched thick with the watery vapors of the mist, he would begin to change into his normal attire and move to grab his headband as the last item of his wardrobe. Making sure he was set for the day, Kiseragi made his way out of his own and down toward the village. Following him had been his pack up to a certain point, where they would stop at the entrance of the mountain road and howl as he disappeared into the mist. It would not take him long, but he would walk through the village and finally arrive at the training grounds where he would see two forms. One was unfamiliar to him, but the other was all too familiar to him. A smile appeared on his face as he walked up to the hulk of a man and brought his right arm to his chest and bowed," Lord Raikage. It seems my brother was correct. There would be something or someone interesting in the training grounds. To what do we owe this pleasure Lord of Lightning?," he'd ask in his low, but booming voice.

As usual, it was a rather cloudy day over the bustling village of Kumogakure, thunder could be heard booming from above as lightning occasionally kissed the ground. Asuka rose from bed before and slowly began her morning routine as normal. Her life had grown rather monotonous as of late since most of her time had been consumed by working at her parent's bakery and the hospital. She knew she had been severely slacking on her shinobi training, but it had been hard to squeeze it into her already busy schedule. Thankfully today she was able to get a day off from the hospital, so she decided to get in some training after her shift at the bakery.

She’d make a quick breakfast before getting dressed and prepared for the day. Soon she’d leave her home, and make her way to work. For the next few hours, Asuka would spend her time baking various breads, muffins, and snacks. Due to her relaxed and friendly personality, her parents often had her interact with customers, though as she moved through the day her mind would wander to the training grounds. Thankfully due to the downpour, most people stayed home and the bakery was relatively empty so her parents allowed her to take off earlier than expected.

Briefly, she’d return to her home to get changed into her training attire. Before leaving, she’d pull a small glass out from a cupboard, along with a bottle of amber-colored liquid. Admittedly she felt a bit of anxiety about training alone, she had hoped that Akira or Zansu would’ve helped her along but she seemingly was going to have to do it alone. After a drink or two, Asuka would return the bottle back to the cupboard before then heading out from her home. It wouldn’t be long before she reached the training grounds, though she was unsure of where to go from there. She’d wander around the grounds for a few minutes, hoping to find a familiar face.

To any who observed her, Asuka looked to be a relatively healthy young lady with long, snow-white hair that was partially pulled up into a loose ponytail. A few stray strands could be seen framing her face as they dangled loosely from her head. She stood roughly 5’6 with a lean body type, similar to a runner. Her pale, grey eyes immediately gave away the fact that she hailed from the Hyuuga clan. A pristine white dress wrapped around her body and snuggly held her bust and waist, though the bottom of it had become slightly dirty from the various puddles of water. It looked to be multi-layered, though it had long slits up each side in order to allow her to move unimpeded. Over that, a black corset had been secured around her midriff, ensuring the fabric would remain where she intended it to. Her headband was tied loosely around her neck and rested gently on her chest. She looked to be wearing socks that stopped about halfway down her thigh and on her feet she wore white boots with gold embellishment on them.

Eventually, her eyes would fall on a young man she had met previously, Hibiki Sato. Unfortunately, he didn’t seem to notice her as his attention was turned to something else. As he moved closer, Asuka trailed behind him since she now felt herself a bit interested in whatever had drawn his attention. She’d stop as he seemingly approached a familiar, imposing figure that she instantly recognized as the Raikage. Only a few months ago she had briefly met the man while she was tending a stall during one of the festivals though she was sure he had forgotten about her.

While she hesitated to approach, she watched another man join the two of them who also seemed familiar. She had recently done a job with him, along with Akira and Lucien, but admittedly knew little about him. As the three of them began speaking, Asuka was unsure if she should interrupt them. If it had been one of her close friends, she would have had no issue approaching the group, though she could feel the anxiety surrounding the social situation rising in her mind. For a moment she thought about turning around and finding somewhere else to train so she wouldn’t be a bother. However, she was unsure of when her next opportunity to speak with the Raikage would be, so she steeled her mind and began walking towards the group.

Admittedly she felt bad for the Raikage, presumably he was here to train like everyone else and here she was attempting to gain his attention. As she walked, her thighs could be seen slightly through the slits in her dress since the fabric was clinging to her slightly from the rain. She looked a bit sheepish as she approached but had a soft, inviting expression across her face. Waiting for a good place to jump into the conversation, Asuka would attempt to join the three of them. She’d offer the Raikage a graceful curtsy before looking towards the others and flashing them a sweet smile. Asuka then spoke, her voice was soft and melodic as she looked up to Ichigo.

”Lord Raikage, I know you’re probably in the middle of something, but I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. My name is Asuka Hyuuga, we met briefly once at one of the festivals. I heard Hibiki request to watch you train, and if it’s not too much I’d like to join him. My normal partner had other plans for today, so I’m a bit lost on what to do at the moment.”

She’d clasp her hands gently behind her back an embarrassed expression crossed her face. Asuka hated to admit it, but she had never been formally trained so she felt unsure of her direction.

WC: 978

Moving effortlessly, even when swinging a sword as big as Dainsleif, Ichigo performed powerful strokes with his blade, each slash and stab more fluent than the one before. Despite the towering size of the Raikage, his footwork looked as gracious as it could be, leaving even the most talented and renowned dancers full of envy if they would be so fortunate enough to lay eyes on the Drunken Storm's spectacle and display of martial peak. "As if I'm cutting the air itself" he would think to himself, not allowing a single error whatsoever. A dance of swords, carried out perfectly.

Regardless of finding himself in a complete state of focus, to the point one might think he got caught in a trance, Ichigo always made sure to maintain his heightened senses no matter the situation he was in. Doing so allowed him to pick up on the three different chakra signatures the moment they entered within twenty meters of him. He turned around, placing his sword into the ground with great might, like Excalibur stuck in its stone. "How could I mind any of my shinobi wanting to train?" the Raikage replied with a smile, welcoming Hibiki to join in and hone his skills through intense practice.

Still standing firm, his hand on Dainsleif's handle, the Raikage directed himself to a familiar face. "Your brother knows well, young Onomori. He doesn't say much, but when he does, he speaks true". It seemed his training had drawn attention as more people started to gather around, wanting to take part or simply learn from their Kage and peers. Their willingness to improve filled him with pride, Raijin's warrior spirit living on in the people of Kumogakure. With a small crowd having formed around him, Ichigo noticed a small kunoichi awkwardly and shyly making her way towards the rest of them.

As she did, the girl eventually introduced herself before requesting to follow along as had Hibiki and Kensei done before her. "I remember you, Asuka. And of course, you are more than welcome to join us" the black swordsman replied gently, making sure those present knew he would be more than willing to assist them in their training.

(WC: 366, TWC: 592)

+ 1 Nature Stack

Nature Stacks: 2/6

His arms crossed for a moment as he chuckled and looked to the Raikage's sword, a black slab that only his enemies knew the sting of. If anything Kensei would wield or even pick up, but his strength lied in his speed not his brute strength. The quip about his brother not speaking much was very much on the nose. As a member of STORM he made sure that he was only heard when it was time to take action and action only. It was a different time when he needed to be diplomatic, but with those duties passed along he did not find it needed for him to speak. Especially to family at times. His icy blue eyes would remain on the Raikage as he spoke for a moment, before looking over his shoulder to the rest that would show up," You speak true of my brother. He seeks to act like a storm rather than lightning these days, though I simply understand it as him taking his role seriously. Whatever it is he thought important for me to learn from you is good enough reason to be here. So Lord of Lightning what shall you impart upon your people?," though a thought came to his mind about possibly testing his skills against the Raikage, but he was not at the level he wanted to be to assess those skills. He had still been lacking in a few key areas and he knew this, but if he could pick up a few techniques or movements to incorporate into his own fighting style he would, but for now he would allow the floor for the others. One of the younger males wanted to watch the Raikage train while the female, while timid, also wanted to.

It would appear that many of them would be here to learn from him, but without a suitable or at least a good sparring partner they would not learn much at all. Letting out a deep sigh, Kensei would take two steps forward and clear his throat," Well seeing as the younglings would like to see you train, why not have a training partner? It would allow me a chance to see how far I have grown and to see if I can still surpass my brother in some regards. What say you?," he would turn his head to face the Raikage to see what he thought on the matter.

405 WC

An excited smile crossed her lips as the Raikage explained that he recognized her and mentioned that she was more than welcome to train with them. To be taught by somebody so skilled and dedicated wasn’t an opportunity she intended to pass up so she looked to be quite eager to learn. She found herself growing a bit nervous at the thought of having to keep up with the others around her, though her anxieties wouldn’t show as she listened to him. It had been quite some time since she had really done any kind of training, and admittedly only planned to do a bit of running when she initially arrived.

”Oh thank you Lord Raikage! I can only dream of being as skilled as you are, so I appreciate the opportunity to learn.”

Her attention would shift to the teenager as he suggested a spar between the two of them. Her head would cock slightly at his comment, but she found it quite odd that he had called both her and Hibiki “younglings.” It was true in Hibiki’s case, though Asuka was clearly older than Kensei so she was a bit taken aback by his comment. Assuming he meant no harm behind his word, she decided it was best to not bring it up so she turned her attention back to Ichigo. She was excited to see him in action though she was sure she’d never truly be able to see his full strength.

The village had been quite peaceful, and she genuinely hoped it would remain that way. Though she had grown quite distant to both Akira and Zansu, she enjoyed the time she spent with her coworkers at the bar and hospital. Due to her busy schedule she hadn’t been able to spend as much time at her parents bakery as she wished, but furthering her own goals and growing stronger was significantly more important to her. Maybe training with the Raikage was just what she needed to get back into the swing of things, and if she was able to make a good impression hopefully he’d be willing to teach her more down the line.

If Ichi accepted Kensei’s request, Asuka would offer them both a quick bow before then taking a few steps back, ensuring that she wouldn’t be caught in the crossfire. Before walking away she’d happily speak up once more, seemingly less timid than she was when she first approached. Though she had a very mouse-like demeanor, she looked to be somewhat relaxed in their company.

”I’ll just observe for the time being and do some light stretching to get warmed up. I’m primarily interested in Taijutsu, so if you wouldn’t mind showcasing some of those I’d really appreciate it!”

Once she was safely out of the way and before they could get started, she’d activate her Byakugan. This allowed her to closely inspect their charka networks, and watch as they molded it for their intended use.

WC: 500
Total WC: 1478