- Writing Levels
- Intermediate
- Adept
- Preferred Character Gender
- Male
- Genres
- Fantasy, Scifi, Mystery
[fieldbox=A nice talk , yellow]
[spoili]
Her hands at the back of her head, Saki was heading towards the meeting point. She was considering to spend the afternoon down town, perhaps just shopping a bit. There were a few requirments she wanted to buy later for her equipment as well some dinner she wanted to prepare over a few days. The idea she had was to organize a dinner party. Something she hadn't discussed yet with Hideki. Then again, she had first to know if people would be interested and having time to visit her. And Hideki.
Arriving at Azumi, Saki would head directly towards the lounge area. This time she was sure she was on time.
Katsu arrived outside the lounge a moment after Saki, seeing her walk in. He sped up a bit, walking quickly up to her. "Good morning!"
Lowering her hands, Saki glanced over her shoulder as she heard Katsu's voice. "Good morning to you as well. How are you?" Saki asked as she would turn towards her friend.
"I'm a bit tired from yesterday, but at least I got some sleep," he said. He suddenly grew more cheerful. "How about you?"
"I'm fine. Glad to be back home again." She answered. "Was worried for a moment that we would stay in Keishi for longer." Briefly the young woman paused as she remembered something. "How is your friend doing? I hope he is doing okay."
"I... He's alright, but he's resting," Katsu said, his voice becoming sombre.
"Hope he will be doing fine soon. Anyways, you wanted to see me?" She gestured to an empty booth where they could perhaps sit down and converse about why he had wanted to see her.
He nodded and took his seat, smiling. "I wanted to ask if you could... I mean, you were the one who taught me sensory, so I was wondering if you knew about chakra suppression."
Sitting down, Saki seemed a bit surprised as she would brush a few strands of blonde hair behind her left ear. "Chakra suppression, I know a thing or two about that, yes." For a second she wondered why she was cautious about it. Remembering her own training in the technique, Saki managed to fake a smile. "It is something quite simple in concept. Do you remember that fight before the finals at the tournament? That there was this person who I couldn't sense?"
"The guy in the black mask?"
"Yes, exactly. He used that technique. Quite nifty if you can use it and as well know how to remain stealthy." Saki answered. "I even know that some groups highly value the technique. The Sarutobi rangers for example use the technique while remaining hidden from sight. Then at the last moment," her tone was slowly becoming softer as she then clapped her hands, "snap! Then you got an arrow in the back of your skull and you never will learn what hit you... or well, unless the pointy end sticks out of your forehead."
Listening curiously, Katsu kept his attention on her. He flinched as he heard the 'snap' as if he himself was hit by the arrow.
"Better is that it is one of the very, very few techniques that doesn't leave a chakra trace. You know, when you use ninjutsu that a very small trace of chakra will linger behind? The more chakra you pour into a technique, the stronger the trace. This technique doesn't even use chakra actively in a way that you will run out of it." Saki further explained, slightly grinning as she noticed that he had flinched. "Instead, it is very simple. When you use ninjutsu, the idea is that you mould and use chakra in order to then use a technique. The idea with chakra supression is that you do mould the chakra, but it is sort of... reversed. Spinning and moulding it in a way that it becomes invisible. That is the idea at least." Waiting, she would give him some time to reply or ask any questions he perhaps had.
"Ah... I see. I think. I'm not sure..." The boy gave her a thoughtful, yet somehow still empty look as he pondered on what she'd said. "Could you... show me?"
Saki became silent as she simply stared back at Katsu. Though she kept up her friendly mask, the young woman felt a bit uneasy. Cracking another smile, she nodded. Bringing her hands together, Saki would focus on her chakra as she would breath slower. After two seconds she nodded again. "See for yourself." Almost did she snicker at her own joke.
Katsu's eyes turned red as he nodded. He stared at her for a few seconds before speaking up. "Could you undo it and then redo it?" he asked nervously. "Maybe I could get a good idea like that."
Simply nodding, Saki would start to flicker a few times with her chakra. Suppressing it and then stopping it. Deciding to show another result, she would also start to suppress the chakra at her right arm and allowing him to see her chakra at her left shoulder. Continue to do so, she would eventually stop and suppress her chakra again. "Quite useful no? This technique means that Uchiha, Hyuuga, sensors and all those who could pick up a trace of my chakra signature wouldn't be capable of doing that unless I want them to. Though the downside is that I can't use chakra for ninjutsu. Even if I would like say, not suppress the chakra at my hands."
His eyes returned to their normal green as he nodded. "Hm... I've never really tried anything like this but lemme see," he said, closing his eyes and concentrating. After a few seconds, he opened one eye and looked at her. "I... I'm not sure if I'm doing it right."
"One way to find out." Saki cheerfully replied as she would use her sensory technique. She replied again, a second later. "Okay, well, seem that either your chakra reserves have diminished or you're getting there. Try to not force it. It is like breathing, you see? Do it slowly. Breath in and then wait a second. Breath out. Breath in, wait a second and breath out. Then just let your chakra do the work."
Katsu took a deep breath in and held it for a few moments. He let the air flutter out before breathing in again, quietly. Closing his eyes, Katsu concentrated again.
First she wanted to tell him that he shouldn't try to suffocate himself. Second she wanted to snicker, but she decided against both. Letting him focus on the job, Saki kept a watch over his chakra. First she couldn't detect any chakra at his stomach area. Then suddenly his right foot seemed to lack chakra as it started to 'spread'. Frowning, Saki would keep focusing on trying to trace any of his chakra. "You seem to got the basic. It is really a pull to find your chakra. It isn't perfect, but it will be damn hard for a sensor to know you're there." The girl said. "If you want to practice this technique, I can recommend to do this with your sensory technique. You can make a solid clone, no?"
"Oh, that could work!" the boy said cheerfully as he stopped the suppression.
"Heh, I do hope so. I never was taught how to make a solid clone, but in theory it should work." Saki replied. "Cause the thing is that you can't mould and thus use any chakra once you start to supress it. But that doesn't mean you supress the chakra of a solid clone that can act more independently from your chakra." She said. Crossing her arms out front of her chest, Saki paused for a second. "Though I have two small requests in return for the knowledge and technique I gave you."
"Sure. What do you need?" he asked enthusiastically.
"First, I know what you said about your eyes. But I have been thinking and this does show what they are. They might seem as some cheap trick to easily copy and learn complex techniques. After all, I spend a few good months to even get to the basics." A light snicker escaped Saki, but it seemed sort of faked. "Thus I would like to request you to not shun too far away from using them. I don't want to say you do though!" She added the last sentence, hoping that she wasn't offending him. But she had been thinking on what some people had said about the Uchiha and their sharingan. "Second, I would like to talk about your dojutsu. After all, I sometimes get the feeling you don't even want it. Though that might just be me being slightly dumb, heh."
"Hum.... I understand," Katsu said, not sure why she'd said that. His voice got more playful again. "Oh... Alright, we can talk about it! What did you want to know?" He pressed his chin against his intertwined fingers, his elbows leaned on the table with his back slumped as he was leaning forward.
"Glad to hear so." She paused as she quickly sought for the words. "I first do want to state that I just notice it and that I don't wish to insult you or your clan. Nor that I am a huge fan of the dojutsu. In fact, I wish I would have it." Snickering, Saki raised her hands by a bit. "Not that I do think I should even think of trying to ask for one or attempt to steal it. Only would consider it if the sharingan would come in pale blue... anyways," Clearing her throat softly, she became a bit more serious. "It is just a pattern I keep seeing. You train and work without your sharingan. And for good reasons, but I just get the idea that you're slowly trying to push it away unless you really need it."
"Ah..." Katsu straightened his back and glanced up as he spoke. "Well, that's actually... I'm not as good as you guys when it comes to things like Silent Killing, and using eyes that can perceive like the sharingan does during anything except when I'm pressed won't let my ears develop. I want to be aware of my surroundings even if someone takes away my eyesight. Or if they're hiding their chakra. That's one of the other reasons, you see."
"Oh, but Katsu." Saki shook her head lightly. "There are of course a few things that will take time to learn. You're young and already a chuunin. I was a chuunin at the age of sixteen. Took me quite some work before I had reached that peak and it took quite some time. Then again, are you happy that you got those eyes? I mean, I don't want to sound like a shrink though... sorry if I do..."
"It's okay," Katsu said, sounding a bit surprised at what she'd said at the end. Thinking for a moment, he remembered that she had sounded a bit unsure throughout the conversation. "Well, yes, I mean.... Yeah, they helped me in critical times. I'm glad that I have some sort of... trump card, I suppose."
"And yet you don't sound that eager about it." Saki softly said. "If you truly are bothered by it, how about we perhaps exchange a deal. If you honestly tell me if you are or aren't happy with the sharingan, I will tell you honestly why I think you're a great shinobi already. Sounds fair, no?"
"Having it has no downsides," Katsu said, smiling. "If it helps me survive and keep up with you and Koike as much as possible, then I'm happy to have it."
"That might be somewhat true." Saki said, glad with the answer. Though she felt a bit ashamed as she felt that this was quite personal, Saki decided to state something. "There are some people who will loath you for it. I just kind of want you to know that... well, you know. You use your eyes to keep up with me and Koike, but that if somebody ever threatens you wrong that I'm there for you." A soft chuckle escaped her. "You watch my back and I will try to watch yours. You know, not like team members but like siblings." Hoping he wouldn't find it too weird, Saki flashed a genuine warm smile.
"Of course! But... Loath me?" Katsu repeated, confused. "Though, it's your turn to speak up, remember?"
"You didn't hear it then?" Saki asked confused for a second as she then smiled. "I believe you're a good shinobi cause you're loyal. I find loyalty quite important you see. But it doesn't just work the way to be loyal to your superiors, but to your friends as well. If I need to pick you or a whole army to guard my back, I rather have you. Cause I rather have a loyal friend helping me out than a whole batch that I might not be able to trust, y'know?"
Katsu grinned with a childish satisfaction. "Hehe..." He waited for a few moments before speaking again. "Heard what?"
"Fucking Uchiha? Even though there was no real hint that you were one? During the finals." Saki frowned slightly. "It was around the end of the match. Then there are always people who loath kekkei genkei because they feel that it gives you an unfair advantage over them. Just to be born with something that others need to work hard for it."
"Oh... I thought that was..." His head lowered as he thought for a bit. He looked up at her, smiling. "I guess I'm lucky. I get an easy way to see who not to be friends with."
She felt more guilty when he lowered his head. Perhaps she should've kept her trap shut. Her guilt didn't ebb away as he smiled again. "That is one way to look at it." Realizing that it was a potential pun as what he also had said, Saki didn't find it a subject to be laughing about. "I guess what I was trying to tell you that you know, that if there is something bothering you that not only Koike is there for you. I will do my best to help you as well. Even if it is the girlfriend of our team leader."
Katsu snickered joyfully. "Thanks. And, you know... I got your back too!" he said enthusiastically. "I mean... I don't think you'd get on anyone's bad side, but you get what I mean."
The young woman laughed a bit. "Oh, I tend to have that a bad day and then getting on people's bad side. The thing is," Saki winked at him, "I was told to be silent if I didn't know anything friendly to say. Thus I have nothing to say against those who I consider to be acting as jerks."
"Last time I tried to calm someone down, I got punched in the face," Katsu sighed. "But then things escalated... I can't really keep myself in check in everyday life. Koike says I swear too much, too..."
"Auw." She replied. "Can't blame you. Everybody has their limitations. I tend to just walk away or grow silent. And sometimes get a bit snarky and sassy. Heh." Scratching her neck, Saki paused for a moment. "Though I've never been punched in the face. Then again, I don't even try to calm people down unless I really know them well."
"Well, he was about to start a fight with Koike. In the end, that still happened," he said. His voice had a hint of surprise when he spoke again. "Wait, you've never been punched in the face? Never?"
"No." Her eyes lifted a bit as she thought about it. "Never got punched in the face. Not in a mission or outside it. I tend to be capable of making people believe I back down or just strike first and not allowing them to hit me in the face. It is all I have, no?" She replied, laughing a bit.
"Wow... You're really strong," Katsu said, smiling. "I doubt no one ever got a chance to fight you face to face without being tricked, so all I can attribute that to is your skill."
"Wait, me strong? I-I am not really strong." Saki said, frowning. "I just happen to be clever and lucky enough to not get punched in the face. Sounds like a painful happening. Not eager to experience it."
"For whatever reason that may be," he said, pausing for a moment. "Thanks for... you know, looking out for me and taking your time to help me with this."
"No need to thank me. It is what we're friends for." She said in reply. "Oh, before I forget, I am organizing a dinner party at my home in a few days. I would love it if you would come. I don't think you have met Hiki- I mean, sorry, Hideki, no?"
"Er... No, I don't think I know a Hideki. But I'd love to be there!"
Getting up, Saki flashed a big smile. "Great! I will make sure that you get the address later. Take care Katsu and watch out for punches." As she would walk by, she briefly ruffled his hair before leaving the place. She had some shopping to do.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
[fieldbox=Just walking down the street... ,green ]
An unexpected meeting,
A collab made between Sketching and Lesli,
Summary :
Aiko and Katsu bump into each other on the street
[spoili]
The market seemed to be buzzling with activity. People praising their wares and inviting interested bypassers in sharing a cup of tea while attempting to make lucrative deals. Even though she was the clan leader, Aiko managed to remain on the background. Clothed simple, she didn't seem to stand out nor made the impression with showing interest in the wares that were praised. They weren't exotic nor special in any way. Grain, clothing and the necessities that the commoners needed.
Glancing however at a lucky charm stand, Aiko wondered if she should take a look. The old man who managed the stand seemed to have a good day, judging from the smile present on his lips. Heading in a calm pace towards it, seeing that she had to manouvre through the crowd of other interested people that had came to the market.
"Oof!" A young boy bumped into her with bags in his hands, unable to see from the groceries, finding himself on the ground a moment later with his bags scattered in front of him.
"Ai." Managing to keep standing, Aiko frowned as she glanced at the person who she had bumped into. "I'm so sorry, I..." The young boy was awfully familiar. Crouching to help him with one of the bags, she noticed his face. "Oh. Hey." Her eyes lowered, still helping to clean up one of the bags.
Katsu didn't look up, keeping his eyes on the ground as he continued to tidy up the groceries he'd dropped. "Sorry," he said quickly. "I couldn't see."
"I noticed." The woman mumbled. Helping with another bag, she would let out a sigh. It felt awkward, but she blamed herself for it. "How are you doing?" She decided to ask the most uncommon question ever.
The boy first looked up only when he was reaching for the bag she'd tidied up. "I'm fine," he said hurriedly.
Holding on to the bag, Aiko kept a calm expression up. "Then you wouldn't mind if I accompany you? I finally got some free time, care to spend it a bit together?"
Katsu brought his thumb up to his lips, biting on it nervously for a moment. After realizing something, he nodded. "Um... Sure."
"Glad to hear so." Holding the bag up to him, Aiko eyed him. "How are the new rules treating you? I haven't yet had the time to see if you were living up to them."
The boy kept quiet, getting up to his feet, averting his eyes.
Sighing, Aiko glanced the other way. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she would gently push him to walk with her. "Last time I had been too angry. I should've approached that situation differently." Squeezing softly into his shoulder, Aiko paused."I shouldn't treat a son like that. I'm sorry."
Katsu flinched at the soft squeeze but kept walking alongside her, his bags in hand.
Noticing the silence, Aiko thought of something else. "I doubt it will come over as a surprise to you. But there was a clan meeting. During the event, I spoke with Shozo. I take it you're familiar with the name?" Aiko asked, glancing sideways at his direction.
Katsu nodded. "Of course," he said. "My clan's leader... I mean, I know the name, but I've never seen him."
"That's fine. No real need for it. Only reason why I began about it is that I told him about you. If my memory serves me correctly, my words were that you're a splendid shinobi. A good kid. And that you're one of my own cubs." Aiko simply looked in front of her as she said the words in a calm manner. "He gave his approval and blessing, thus I suppose it is now official. Granted you still wish me as your guardian..."
The boy wanted to object at what she'd said she'd said during the meeting but kept himself quiet. "It's... not like I have another place to go," he joked, giving her a brief grin.
"Oh?" Aiko seemed to look for something as her left hand would go into her pockets. Pulling out her wallet, she would simply take out some money. "This should easily suffice. With your current occupation, I wager you can easily arrange---"
"I was joking," he elaborated, glancing at her.
Putting the money back as well as her wallet, Aiko sighed. "You better. I would've likely start crying." She paused, not looking in his direction. "You know that I love and care for you, don't you?"
Katsu remained quiet for a few seconds before nodding even if she wasn't looking. "I... yes, I know. I know that."
"Glad that the feeling is returned." Aiko scoffed.
"I..." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I knew it then too, but..." He wanted to complain but knew that whining wouldn't help anything, nor would it be fair of him.
"It is fine, Katsu. It is fine. Next time, I will be less overprotective. I think that I might have made it clear to a lot of people that I don't accept anybody to harm those I call cubs." Aiko let out a giggle as she could remember her proposals that she had made. "But I did need to make a promise you won't forget your roots. That was Shozo's only request. Though then again, I doubt you would." She seemed to think about something. "Then again, you're what they call... Wolf-friend, no? I think it would be interesting to state there is something now as an Uchihon roaming about."
"W... Wolf-friend?" Katsu asked. It surprised him that they had a name for people partnered with direwolves. "But... I suppose I'll go to the compound at some point."
"And learn more about other cultures. Tsk tsk tsk." Her voice did seem to turn more cheerful. "You didn't know that there was a name for those who earned the friendship of a Hon direwolf? You're not a Hon after all, so that is why you're being called like that. Well, and probably because you're close with Koike. It isn't anything bad, I imagine." Aiko said. Glancing at him, she raised a hand and ruffled through his hair. "Talking about him, have you seen him lately? He and I need to.... talk."
"Er... I have been seeing him from time to time, yes," Katsu said, nodding. "I wouldn't know where his new place is, though..."
"Good." Glancing around, she seemed to grow more wary. "I need to see him. Very fast. Can we perhaps talk? I reckon you would be able to catch him easier than I could." Though she smiled, a certain tone made it seem off.
"Uhm... Wh... What about?"
"We can't talk here. Can we perhaps go to your place or..." Aiko thought about it. "Or we can go to the Cho Temple. Either way, I can't disclose this in the open. I rather not stir.... others." She spoken the last sentence with a hushed tone, hoping he would understand it as she glanced around.
The boy looked up with curiosity. "Um... Well, my place isn't really too clean..."
"Then we can go to the Cho Temple. Come. We will later bring those groceries back... and you will then clean up." Aiko raised an eyebrow before she would start to walk into the direction of the structure in the middle of the compound. As they would arrive a short while later, it was as usual quiet and peaceful. Compared to the market at least. Walking through the hall, Aiko seemed to be in a bit of a haste as she would make way to the library. Opening the thick door, nobody was inside.
"Good. Drop your bags there and take a seat." She told him, closing and locking the doors behind her.
Glancing up, Katsu nodded. After dropping the bags aside, he walked over and sat on the chair, tapping his fingers on his legs.
"It is a bit long to explain all of it, but I take it you know of Korina and Koike?" She asked, walking to a lighted candle. The library seemed rather gloomy and dark as not all the candles were lit. Opening the protective glass, to prevent the fire from reaching one of the books, Aiko would carefully light up a long match.
"Er... Yes, I had... heard of it. Though I haven't really met the former face to face in the literal sense."
"Just the tournament, huh?" Aiko mumbled, as she would lit several candles. Blowing gently, not wanting to put a burning match on the table, Aiko sat down. "Hmmm, where to start. Okay, it is rather simple. The clan meeting had a purpose. It was an attempt to bring the clans together. Or at least a bit closer. Shozo made a friendly gesture and thus suggested to propose a match for the White Blade. Koike. As you can imagine, Korina wasn't too fond of it." Aiko explained with a soft voice. "But it wasn't for political gain. The Uchiha and Hon haven't been that relatively close. It was an attempt to make a start. My husband, the leader of the Hon, tried to friendly approach it. He didn't know of Korina and Koike... He... is a busy man, you see." Aiko wavered, hoping he would actually understand it.
Katsu listened closely, his head leaning on his palm.
"The point is that if Koike would enter a marriage with Korina, he..." The woman found it hard to explain it. The idea didn't sit that well with her. Korina was a student of hers, which mean she felt inclinced to support her student somewhat. Though, Koike was her nephew. Perhaps not in blood, but in heart he was family. She could remember the days he had been running around, dragged by Miharu to go on adventures. "If he marries her, he will be needed to forget about his old life. I didn't ask for the details. But I imagine that it is clear that does mean to a certain extent his culture... traditions and..." She grew silent, her eyes averting as they would lower her gaze.
"He wouldn't do that," Katsu said, not really sounding worried or nervous. "It's not like him to just accept something like that. Giving up himself and all that..."
The woman shook her head lightly. "There is more. If... he accepts and he marries her. He will get a seal. To surpress bad memories. I..." The woman grew silent for a second. "I have been a horrible person. I taught him how to be an assassin. I made him do horrible things.... I don't want him to... forget about me." The voice of Aiko started to shake as her shoulders would lightly tremble.
"If we're talking about the same Koike, then there's no possible way he'd accept such an offer," Katsu said again. "I think he knows more than anyone that happiness is all there is for people."
"I just don't know what to do." She replied. "It is... also not an offer, cub. It is forced." The woman took a deep breath.
"Forced? Who's left to force him to marry anyone?"
She smiled as she shook her head lightly, again. "No, that isn't forced. The seal, to surpress his bad memories. If he enters the clan and they know of his past or learn of it... He will get one. That much I understood from what was being said."
"He wouldn't marry her, then," he said, his voice growing a bit fainter.
"Katsu." Aiko started. "I don't know. There is a possibility." She said. "Love make blind after all."
"He wasn't really too reluctant to fight her," he said quietly.
"You know that doesn't help..." She whispered. "I just need somebody to make it clear to him before it is too late. Korina is student of mine, but... Koike is more. I think you understand, don't you?"
"You want me to talk to him?"
"Not if you want to. I just need him to know I want to talk to him." Aiko answered. "I am not against him marrying Korina. I am not against their relationship. I am against the... giving up." The last two words were more whispers than anything else.
"I'll... I'll tell him to give you a visit," he said, nodding.
"Good. Though, I suppose I should inform you that there is more." She briefly seemed to be hesistant to talk about it. Politics probably wasn't an interesting topic in his opinion. But it was important. "Shozo's request will likely still stand. I couldn't rebuke it due to Koike having a relationship as the gesture was a friendly one. I have arranged that if Koike would meet Shozo and the person he... will recommend, will mean I will accompany him. Though, is there anybody you know that can help with this? You know... to prevent Koike from making a decision he is going to regret. Cause if he thinks it is going to be his duty to marry one or another..."
"I'll ask a few friends to see if they'd be willing to input their opinions," he said.
"Thanks. I will try to research some more. But before this ends in a wrong way, I want to be sure that he doesn't end up and forgetting who he was or is." Her voice gained a bit of strength back. "And do remember, this counts for you as well. I won't let you be taken away that easily as well." Smiling, she ruffled against through his hair. "Now before I need to get going, time to clean up our home."
"I'm 13," he mumbled, not wanting to think about 'losing himself' in a marriage. He grabbed his bags and opened the door, turning to her one last time as if to say something but left quietly.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
[fieldbox=Training! , red]
[spoili]
Her eyes closed, Aiko had her hands closed. Her right hand formed a fist, against the palm of her left hand. Hanging upside down, her legs hooking her at a branch, she focused on her breathing. Staying silent, she could hear the person who would be hanging next to her as they would continue the meditation as stamina training. There was also some slight of silent killing practice as they would need to listen to every sound. Place it and memorize it.
To focus on his hearing, the young boy had stopped moulding his chakra and shut off his sensory. He found it much easier to concentrate, as he only listened again to understand what was going on around him, where the wind was blowing strong and where the grass was whistling.
A smile crept on her lips as the silence would continue on. It was slowly becoming harder to hang still and focus as the blood in their body would go down. She imagined how they both would like as two weird tomato's. But nobody had likely the intention to come near the spot that they were using for their own training. With the minutes slowly passing by, Aiko's lips parted. A soft sigh would herald the end of the hanging. In a nimble movement, the woman would drop herself from the branch and land on her feet. "Good job." Running a hand through her hair, the jounin smiled. "You held it longer out than last time, bravo!"
Katsu opened his eyes and looked at the upside down woman, thinking how silly it was for her to be like that. And the sky as well. And everything else. After a moment, he was reminded of his disposition as he quickly pulled himself up over the branch with his legs and landed on the other side, huffing.
"Good! Next part! Remember how fun that was the first time?" Aiko asked, a chuckle escaping her as she would gesture to the wooden blocks. Walking to one, she stretched her arms briefly. Placing her hands on both opposite ends of the block, she would breathe in. With a hop, her legs would be kept up as she seemed to focus on keeping herself still, though her arms trembled underneath her own weight.
"I... I don't, actually. It might be the blood running to my brain, though," he said, shaking his head violently as if to get something inside unstuck. "But I remember this one," Katsu remarked, gulping, walking over. He took a deep breath before doing the same on the other. "Hup..."
A frown stayed on Aiko's face as she tried to keep herself in balance. After a minute of two, the woman would stop. Letting her feet touch the ground, she let out a deep sigh. "I hate that exercise so much." She muttered, keep standing as she would roll with her shoulders. "Still holding up?" She asked, quite cheerful.
Katsu didn't answer as he couldn't really afford to speak. He let himself down slowly and landed on one feet at a time before letting go of the wood. "Thankfully I'm--Eh... nevermind."
Stretching her arms and legs, Aiko thought of the next exercise. "Now that we're warmed up, how about the old waterfall exercise as break?" Aiko suggested. "You know, the one where you need to stare at it. And when you hear something, but not able to place it or guess it well, I am allowed to whack you head."
"Ehe... Uhm... Sure," Katsu said with a hint of uncertainty in his voice. But it might be a good way to clear out the blood in his head. "Let's go!"
"That's the spirit."
A blade of grass whiped up and down as Aiko moved her lips. Her green eyes were focused on the green object, while she did keep watch of their surrounding. The sound of the waterfall was loud, but that didn't rule out the other sounds in their surrounding. Hearing something on their two o' clock, the woman froze. Her left hand at the ready for the wack.
"Will you throw the object yourself?" Katsu asked, tilting his head, not having noted any sound.
"No." A light tap would follow against the back of Katsu's head. "Just try to pick out sounds from the background. Then how far and what direction they are at. Not pin point accuracy though, but a good guess."
"Aouhw! Okay, I got it," he said, pouting as he concentrated again.
Becoming silent, Aiko focused her attention back on the blade of grass. Moving her lips to make it move, the adult woman had really no problem that she was perhaps acting a bit childish. It was one of the sparse days where she could spend time like this after all. Hearing something above them, she instantly traveled her attention back at Katsu to make sure he would keep staring at the waterfall.
Katsu's eyes were closed as he tilted his head up, paying his attention to the sound above them for a moment before lowering his head again and pointing to where he'd heard the sound.
"Good, distance?" It was a mere whisper, as Aiko waited for the answer.
"Uh..." Katsu clenching his teeth as if preparing.
"Around ten meters." Aiko friendly said, no whack coming as she focused back on the blade of grass. Frowning, she did decide to look the other way and spit the grass blade away from her lips. Leaning a bit backwards, she would support herself with placing her hands a bit further back.
Katsu reached his arm out to point towards the sound but his arm couldn't reach out straightly, his finger running into his teacher's cheek. "Uh..." He opened his eyes and laughed nervously. "F... five centimeters?"
Her eyes widened a bit as they would then travel her gaze to the finger of Katsu. "Euh..." Blinking twice, the woman would then burst out in laughter. Managing to calm herself down though, she nodded twice. "Yes, sorry." Snorting, the woman would be silent again as she kept a smile one her lips. Crossing her legs, she would enjoy the peace and quiet.
Biting his lower lip, Katsu brought his hands together and stretched his fingers before closing his eyes again, concentrating on his surroundings. After a few more minutes of pointing and distance-estimating, an uncanny silence set in, with the exception of the constant roaring of the waterfall.
"Rather quiet today, huh?" Aiko decided to speak up, wondering if they should continue. "Doubt this is really going to advance your silent Killing further than it already has. Hmmm." Laying on her back, she placed her hands at the back of her head. "I could try to think of some other trainings. But doubt that they will be a real challenge for you."
"Maybe the basics trainings might not be much trouble, but there's always something that is, isn't there?" he asked, opening his eyes and relaxing his shoulders with a relieved sigh.
"Hmmmmm." She thought about it. "We could have a spar. But then again, that isn't really training. Or we can just take it easy. When was it for the last time that we both just took it easy? No training. No stressing?" She asked. Glancing at him, she raised her eyebrows. "I mean, I made sure that I got today free. I am not sure if there is something on your agenda for today."
"I... I don't have any other plans today, but we've still got the whole day. Could we perhaps keep training till... I don't know..." Katsu's tone wasn't sure but his demeanor didn't give any sight of giving in. "I just want to be ready, next time. I can't spend my whole day complacently..."
"Ready for the next tournament?" Aiko calmly asked as she closed her eyes. "Believe me, you're ready. The way how you operated in the last one? I believe that you're close on his heels and soon enough, I will not be able to teach---"
"I wasn't ready during that meeting," he said quietly. "I... I can't tell myself I'm ready after leaving Tanpo vulnerable, and leaving Koike alone to pursue the enemy..."
"Hm? What do you mean?" She looked a bit surprised, opening her eyes again as she wondered what he meant. Of course she was well aware that he had been selected and being part of the Guardians. If anything, she wanted to boast about it as not everybody got selected to be part of that unit. "What happened?"
Katsu's eyes opened wide as he realized she hadn't been informed about what had happened. Though that shouldn't have come as much of a shock, since who else was going to tell her. "It... I ran ahead into a dangerous position and so we got seperated and... I just want to be more prepared when I have to fight for... I want to be more than ready is all..."
She became silent. For a second she wanted to tell him that this was what she meant before. But it wouldn't leave her lips. "Fair enough. Back to training then." Getting up, Aiko would let out a soft sigh. "If I had known..." She started, though she knew better. What if she had known? Would she have run off to come and help him? No clue on the situation and just dumb charged into an ongoing operation? "Glad you're okay though. Now, you want to be more prepared. But then I need to know, what do you want to prepare?"
"I can sneak around fairly well and with that, it's usually a lot easier than it should be. I can fight with or without my eyes but... I definitely need help with the fighting part," he said, getting up. "So my priority is mostly traditional combat."
"Thus hand to hand combat and weaponry?" She asked in return. But she started to think about it. Then she gained an idea. "Okay, I can help with taijutsu. Perhaps I can teach you a trick or two. We almost have the same style anyways, so that shouldn't be much of a problem. As for weaponry, we will get later to that. Okay?"
"Okay!" Katsu hopped onto the land from the small island of a rock.
"Okay, lets start with a small test. First person to be swept off his or her feet or landing on the ground or water has lost. Ready?" Aiko cracked her knuckles as she would walk on the water, taking a few steps.
Katsu nodded, thinking back to his last taijutsu training. Though that wasn't on a terrain like water. The boy hopped on the surface of the water and skidded to position, keeping his hands up. "Ready."
Raising her hands a bit, Aiko took a moment, eyeing the boy's stance. Stepping forward, she would seem to raise her right leg for a high kick. Instead, she wouldn't lash out with a kick, but turn and attempt to deliver a roundhouse kick towards the upper body of the boy.
Katsu quickly lowered his body in response but his legs skidded away a bit in the process. "Whoa!" As the kick went over him, he jumped back, skidding on the water away from her.
Landing on the water, Aiko wouldn't follow up with another attack. Rolling with her left shoulder a bit, her right hand lowered a bit. Taking a few steps the right, she halted and waited.
Katsu rushed forward, closing in with a sideways swipe of the arm.
As he came closer, Aiko would lower one foot into the water. Waiting for the right moment, she would kick it up with the intension to splatter water towards Katsu's face as her right hand moved up.
Katsu shut his eyes tight as the splash of water got to his head, but kept himself moving. He quickly followed up with a low sweep of the leg towards the foot she was using to grab onto the water while the other had thrown the water.
Blocking the swipe, Aiko noticed the movement. A short jump up was the following as she would try to kick Katsu backwards as well pushing herself a bit backwards from him by doing so.
Grunting, Katsu skidded to the side to avoid the kick.
Landing on the water again, Aiko breathed out. Raising her hands in defence, she smiled. "Come on, just getting started."
The boy rubbed his eyes, getting the water out of the way and opened them, turning them red as he rushed forward again.
"Time to become serious then." She muttered, noticing the red eyes as he approached her. Taking it more serious, Aiko readied with clenching her hands into fist as she waited for his attack.
Jumping up high, up to the point that his waist would be just above Aiko's head, Katsu swept one foot downwards towards her while preparing the other.
Evading the kick with leaning away, Aiko would attempt to grab the ankle of the foot - the one that Katsu used for his kick. In an attempt to free his grabbed leg, Katsu brought down the other, turning his upper body like a spring getting tightened.
Bit surprised, Aiko breathed in as she would tighten her grip and raise her other hand. Not to grab the other leg as well, but to lean again a bit away and push the leg away from her. "Huh?" Katsu's foot missed and with the speed of its swing, went down. As his other leg got pushed away, out of balance, the boy crashed into the water. After a moment, he resurfaced, spitting out water.
Helping him up, Aiko looked for a moment worried. Though she wouldn't forget that this was all about to help improve his taijutsu. "Well? Where did it go wrong?" She asked, after being sure he wasn't spitting out water, but being able to give an answer back.
"When I couldn't free myself from the grab," he grumbled as he pulled himself back up, pressing on the water with his hands. "I should've gone for the arm with the second kick."
"Wrong, cub. When you come in attacking, try to go for a feign. I can't say that kicking high is a bad thing. I tried to throw you off with a first feign anyways." Ruffling his hair, she would straighten her back. "Just keep watching your opponent. Don't block, but try to aim to evade and parry. Just like I did. I aim to bring somebody rather out of balance and then finish them then to go through blocking and trying to crush through their defence."
"Feigning always feels like a loss of time and energy... If someone sees through it, I'd be open, wouldn't I?" he asked getting to his feet. "I mean, they might flinch out of reflex, but it's not the exact same movement as an actual hit..."
"Mhm, sometimes it leaves you open. But that is why you need to practice it. Somebody who can feign attacks pretty well, usually keeps an attack at the ready to make use of that flinch or reflex. Depends also on what you know about the target." She explained. "I won't really be eager to use feigns when fighting a more experienced foe than a genin, so to say."
"It wouldn't then be wise to use one against you," Katsu joked, chuckling as he skidded back and got into his stance.
"Mmmmm, never too late to try." Also dropping back into her stance, Aiko would think about something. "Though, I do wonder." Lowering her hands for a moment, Aiko frowned. "Do you know what is really helpful in a taijutsu fight?"
Katsu lowered his arms for a moment. Raising an eyebrow, the boy answered. "N... No. What's really helpful in a taijutsu fight?"
Suddenly the woman skidded forward, intending to land a kick at the boy's right leg.
Letting out a quiet squeal, Katsu jumped and swung his own foot horizontally, towards her side.
Narrowing her eyes, Aiko would lower herself to let the kick pass over her. Instead of trying to grab his leg or ankle, again, her left hand shot up to grab the boy by his waist.
Katsu kicked at the left hand with his other leg, trying to hit it to get it away from him.
Feeling how her hand was kicked away, Aiko smiled. Lowering the hand, she would crouch a bit again as she would use her right hand to try to push him off balance as he would need to come down.
Bringing his hands in front of the attack, Katsu skidded backwards right upon landing due to the impact.
"Surprise." Aiko stated as she would straighten her back. "Make an enemy lower their guard and then strike. Hmmm, remember that mission against Nakashima Senju?" The woman calmly stated, even placing her left hand on her hip.
Katsu straightened his back and stretched his arms. "Er... Yes, I think I get what you mean," he said.
"Good. Well, am waiting, cub." Aiko tilted her head slightly, tapping with her left foot on the water surface.
Katsu nodded, flexing his wrists, taking his stance again, slowly moving forward, one step at a time.
Flexing her fingers, Aiko breathed slowly in and out as she spread her footwork by a bit.
After a few steps, Katsu dashed forward, aiming a punch to her right shoulder with his left fist.
Attempting to catch the punch, Aiko readied her own attack by clenching her left hand into a fist.
As his fist got caught, he pulled up his other arm to the side of his head to anticipate and parry the next blow.
In a quick movement, Aiko would however raise her left knee up as she tried to pull him closer by his caught fist.
Katsu brought his free hand down to the rising knee to push himself up more than to block it as he brought his own left leg up for a kick from the side.
Surprised by the movement, Aiko was forced to release his fist as well to bring up her free arm to block the movement. "Tch." Feeling the pressure behind the kick, Aiko attempted to keep holding her balance.
The boy looked for her eyes as he brought his other leg up to try to lock the arm blocking his other kick.
Noticing the following up movement, Aiko gritted her teeth as she wasn't able to pull her arm back. Instead, she would attempt to bring the boy down to the water surface by lowering herself to one knee.
Using the momentum of her lowering arm as his back slammed on the water, not having sunk, he pushed up the leg that locked up to try to sweep her off her feet and on the other side with the roll.
Aiko's eyes widened as she felt the sweep and though she tried to keep herself from falling into the water, the woman was forced to squeeze her eyes shut as she fell into it. A moment later Aiko's head resurfaced as she coughed a few times.
Katsu scurried to his feet immediately after he heard the splash, looking below in a moment of panic to see if a hand would come out and pull him under, but he let out a sigh of relief when he noticed that she'd resurfaced. "I... I did it! I knocked you off your feet!"
Placing her hands above the surface of the water, Aiko would climb up as she focused her chakra at her hand and feet to get out. Raising both hands to remove the red hair in front of her face, Aiko couldn't help but to chuckle. "You certainly did. Man, that water is cold."
Snickering, Katsu had a childishly proud grin on his lips. "Hehe... Well, that was why we used it, wasn't it?"
"I suppose so. Think that was enough for today." She started to laugh for a few seconds. "Cause if you don't mind, I am not looking out for another swim. Told you that you were getting better. I even didn't hold that much back as I used to... when.. you know." Her voice trailed off for a moment, ending in a pause. "Odd thing. I still see you and other students as genin, while you lot clearly are passing that station."
"Well..." His eyes returned to their regular jade green. "We all still have some ways to go, right? Even him," he said, grumbling the last words. "I mean... At least I know I still need some help..."
For a second Aiko wasn't sure who he meant, but then it seemed to dawn on her. "Ah yes. Heh, to be honest, we all still have some ways to go. Am after all not old yet, am I?" However, she didn't seem to wait for an answer as she continued. "He knows it too. But he just asks it in a different way. Just wait, I suspect that by time he will show it more." The woman said, starting to brush more strands of wet hair from her face.
"I suppose..." He put his hand on his stomach as he heard a faint noise. "I am kind of hungry. Could we go and... eat something?"
"Yeah, sounds good." She joked as she would roll her left shoulder. "Who's turn to pay for the lunch this time?" Aiko asked, hoping that she would dry up soon - even with the less warmer sun thanks to the current season. She wasn't fond of the idea of receiving a cold after all.
"Huh? I don't have any money on me," Katsu said, turning his pockets inside out.
"I suppose I treat us, again. Means you got to pay the next two times." Aiko stated, though she didn't seem to find it a problem at all. Smiling, she would pause for a second as she already turned. "Lets go for... dangoes."
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
A collab between Sketcher and Lesli
[spoili]
Her hands at the back of her head, Saki was heading towards the meeting point. She was considering to spend the afternoon down town, perhaps just shopping a bit. There were a few requirments she wanted to buy later for her equipment as well some dinner she wanted to prepare over a few days. The idea she had was to organize a dinner party. Something she hadn't discussed yet with Hideki. Then again, she had first to know if people would be interested and having time to visit her. And Hideki.
Arriving at Azumi, Saki would head directly towards the lounge area. This time she was sure she was on time.
Katsu arrived outside the lounge a moment after Saki, seeing her walk in. He sped up a bit, walking quickly up to her. "Good morning!"
Lowering her hands, Saki glanced over her shoulder as she heard Katsu's voice. "Good morning to you as well. How are you?" Saki asked as she would turn towards her friend.
"I'm a bit tired from yesterday, but at least I got some sleep," he said. He suddenly grew more cheerful. "How about you?"
"I'm fine. Glad to be back home again." She answered. "Was worried for a moment that we would stay in Keishi for longer." Briefly the young woman paused as she remembered something. "How is your friend doing? I hope he is doing okay."
"I... He's alright, but he's resting," Katsu said, his voice becoming sombre.
"Hope he will be doing fine soon. Anyways, you wanted to see me?" She gestured to an empty booth where they could perhaps sit down and converse about why he had wanted to see her.
He nodded and took his seat, smiling. "I wanted to ask if you could... I mean, you were the one who taught me sensory, so I was wondering if you knew about chakra suppression."
Sitting down, Saki seemed a bit surprised as she would brush a few strands of blonde hair behind her left ear. "Chakra suppression, I know a thing or two about that, yes." For a second she wondered why she was cautious about it. Remembering her own training in the technique, Saki managed to fake a smile. "It is something quite simple in concept. Do you remember that fight before the finals at the tournament? That there was this person who I couldn't sense?"
"The guy in the black mask?"
"Yes, exactly. He used that technique. Quite nifty if you can use it and as well know how to remain stealthy." Saki answered. "I even know that some groups highly value the technique. The Sarutobi rangers for example use the technique while remaining hidden from sight. Then at the last moment," her tone was slowly becoming softer as she then clapped her hands, "snap! Then you got an arrow in the back of your skull and you never will learn what hit you... or well, unless the pointy end sticks out of your forehead."
Listening curiously, Katsu kept his attention on her. He flinched as he heard the 'snap' as if he himself was hit by the arrow.
"Better is that it is one of the very, very few techniques that doesn't leave a chakra trace. You know, when you use ninjutsu that a very small trace of chakra will linger behind? The more chakra you pour into a technique, the stronger the trace. This technique doesn't even use chakra actively in a way that you will run out of it." Saki further explained, slightly grinning as she noticed that he had flinched. "Instead, it is very simple. When you use ninjutsu, the idea is that you mould and use chakra in order to then use a technique. The idea with chakra supression is that you do mould the chakra, but it is sort of... reversed. Spinning and moulding it in a way that it becomes invisible. That is the idea at least." Waiting, she would give him some time to reply or ask any questions he perhaps had.
"Ah... I see. I think. I'm not sure..." The boy gave her a thoughtful, yet somehow still empty look as he pondered on what she'd said. "Could you... show me?"
Saki became silent as she simply stared back at Katsu. Though she kept up her friendly mask, the young woman felt a bit uneasy. Cracking another smile, she nodded. Bringing her hands together, Saki would focus on her chakra as she would breath slower. After two seconds she nodded again. "See for yourself." Almost did she snicker at her own joke.
Katsu's eyes turned red as he nodded. He stared at her for a few seconds before speaking up. "Could you undo it and then redo it?" he asked nervously. "Maybe I could get a good idea like that."
Simply nodding, Saki would start to flicker a few times with her chakra. Suppressing it and then stopping it. Deciding to show another result, she would also start to suppress the chakra at her right arm and allowing him to see her chakra at her left shoulder. Continue to do so, she would eventually stop and suppress her chakra again. "Quite useful no? This technique means that Uchiha, Hyuuga, sensors and all those who could pick up a trace of my chakra signature wouldn't be capable of doing that unless I want them to. Though the downside is that I can't use chakra for ninjutsu. Even if I would like say, not suppress the chakra at my hands."
His eyes returned to their normal green as he nodded. "Hm... I've never really tried anything like this but lemme see," he said, closing his eyes and concentrating. After a few seconds, he opened one eye and looked at her. "I... I'm not sure if I'm doing it right."
"One way to find out." Saki cheerfully replied as she would use her sensory technique. She replied again, a second later. "Okay, well, seem that either your chakra reserves have diminished or you're getting there. Try to not force it. It is like breathing, you see? Do it slowly. Breath in and then wait a second. Breath out. Breath in, wait a second and breath out. Then just let your chakra do the work."
Katsu took a deep breath in and held it for a few moments. He let the air flutter out before breathing in again, quietly. Closing his eyes, Katsu concentrated again.
First she wanted to tell him that he shouldn't try to suffocate himself. Second she wanted to snicker, but she decided against both. Letting him focus on the job, Saki kept a watch over his chakra. First she couldn't detect any chakra at his stomach area. Then suddenly his right foot seemed to lack chakra as it started to 'spread'. Frowning, Saki would keep focusing on trying to trace any of his chakra. "You seem to got the basic. It is really a pull to find your chakra. It isn't perfect, but it will be damn hard for a sensor to know you're there." The girl said. "If you want to practice this technique, I can recommend to do this with your sensory technique. You can make a solid clone, no?"
"Oh, that could work!" the boy said cheerfully as he stopped the suppression.
"Heh, I do hope so. I never was taught how to make a solid clone, but in theory it should work." Saki replied. "Cause the thing is that you can't mould and thus use any chakra once you start to supress it. But that doesn't mean you supress the chakra of a solid clone that can act more independently from your chakra." She said. Crossing her arms out front of her chest, Saki paused for a second. "Though I have two small requests in return for the knowledge and technique I gave you."
"Sure. What do you need?" he asked enthusiastically.
"First, I know what you said about your eyes. But I have been thinking and this does show what they are. They might seem as some cheap trick to easily copy and learn complex techniques. After all, I spend a few good months to even get to the basics." A light snicker escaped Saki, but it seemed sort of faked. "Thus I would like to request you to not shun too far away from using them. I don't want to say you do though!" She added the last sentence, hoping that she wasn't offending him. But she had been thinking on what some people had said about the Uchiha and their sharingan. "Second, I would like to talk about your dojutsu. After all, I sometimes get the feeling you don't even want it. Though that might just be me being slightly dumb, heh."
"Hum.... I understand," Katsu said, not sure why she'd said that. His voice got more playful again. "Oh... Alright, we can talk about it! What did you want to know?" He pressed his chin against his intertwined fingers, his elbows leaned on the table with his back slumped as he was leaning forward.
"Glad to hear so." She paused as she quickly sought for the words. "I first do want to state that I just notice it and that I don't wish to insult you or your clan. Nor that I am a huge fan of the dojutsu. In fact, I wish I would have it." Snickering, Saki raised her hands by a bit. "Not that I do think I should even think of trying to ask for one or attempt to steal it. Only would consider it if the sharingan would come in pale blue... anyways," Clearing her throat softly, she became a bit more serious. "It is just a pattern I keep seeing. You train and work without your sharingan. And for good reasons, but I just get the idea that you're slowly trying to push it away unless you really need it."
"Ah..." Katsu straightened his back and glanced up as he spoke. "Well, that's actually... I'm not as good as you guys when it comes to things like Silent Killing, and using eyes that can perceive like the sharingan does during anything except when I'm pressed won't let my ears develop. I want to be aware of my surroundings even if someone takes away my eyesight. Or if they're hiding their chakra. That's one of the other reasons, you see."
"Oh, but Katsu." Saki shook her head lightly. "There are of course a few things that will take time to learn. You're young and already a chuunin. I was a chuunin at the age of sixteen. Took me quite some work before I had reached that peak and it took quite some time. Then again, are you happy that you got those eyes? I mean, I don't want to sound like a shrink though... sorry if I do..."
"It's okay," Katsu said, sounding a bit surprised at what she'd said at the end. Thinking for a moment, he remembered that she had sounded a bit unsure throughout the conversation. "Well, yes, I mean.... Yeah, they helped me in critical times. I'm glad that I have some sort of... trump card, I suppose."
"And yet you don't sound that eager about it." Saki softly said. "If you truly are bothered by it, how about we perhaps exchange a deal. If you honestly tell me if you are or aren't happy with the sharingan, I will tell you honestly why I think you're a great shinobi already. Sounds fair, no?"
"Having it has no downsides," Katsu said, smiling. "If it helps me survive and keep up with you and Koike as much as possible, then I'm happy to have it."
"That might be somewhat true." Saki said, glad with the answer. Though she felt a bit ashamed as she felt that this was quite personal, Saki decided to state something. "There are some people who will loath you for it. I just kind of want you to know that... well, you know. You use your eyes to keep up with me and Koike, but that if somebody ever threatens you wrong that I'm there for you." A soft chuckle escaped her. "You watch my back and I will try to watch yours. You know, not like team members but like siblings." Hoping he wouldn't find it too weird, Saki flashed a genuine warm smile.
"Of course! But... Loath me?" Katsu repeated, confused. "Though, it's your turn to speak up, remember?"
"You didn't hear it then?" Saki asked confused for a second as she then smiled. "I believe you're a good shinobi cause you're loyal. I find loyalty quite important you see. But it doesn't just work the way to be loyal to your superiors, but to your friends as well. If I need to pick you or a whole army to guard my back, I rather have you. Cause I rather have a loyal friend helping me out than a whole batch that I might not be able to trust, y'know?"
Katsu grinned with a childish satisfaction. "Hehe..." He waited for a few moments before speaking again. "Heard what?"
"Fucking Uchiha? Even though there was no real hint that you were one? During the finals." Saki frowned slightly. "It was around the end of the match. Then there are always people who loath kekkei genkei because they feel that it gives you an unfair advantage over them. Just to be born with something that others need to work hard for it."
"Oh... I thought that was..." His head lowered as he thought for a bit. He looked up at her, smiling. "I guess I'm lucky. I get an easy way to see who not to be friends with."
She felt more guilty when he lowered his head. Perhaps she should've kept her trap shut. Her guilt didn't ebb away as he smiled again. "That is one way to look at it." Realizing that it was a potential pun as what he also had said, Saki didn't find it a subject to be laughing about. "I guess what I was trying to tell you that you know, that if there is something bothering you that not only Koike is there for you. I will do my best to help you as well. Even if it is the girlfriend of our team leader."
Katsu snickered joyfully. "Thanks. And, you know... I got your back too!" he said enthusiastically. "I mean... I don't think you'd get on anyone's bad side, but you get what I mean."
The young woman laughed a bit. "Oh, I tend to have that a bad day and then getting on people's bad side. The thing is," Saki winked at him, "I was told to be silent if I didn't know anything friendly to say. Thus I have nothing to say against those who I consider to be acting as jerks."
"Last time I tried to calm someone down, I got punched in the face," Katsu sighed. "But then things escalated... I can't really keep myself in check in everyday life. Koike says I swear too much, too..."
"Auw." She replied. "Can't blame you. Everybody has their limitations. I tend to just walk away or grow silent. And sometimes get a bit snarky and sassy. Heh." Scratching her neck, Saki paused for a moment. "Though I've never been punched in the face. Then again, I don't even try to calm people down unless I really know them well."
"Well, he was about to start a fight with Koike. In the end, that still happened," he said. His voice had a hint of surprise when he spoke again. "Wait, you've never been punched in the face? Never?"
"No." Her eyes lifted a bit as she thought about it. "Never got punched in the face. Not in a mission or outside it. I tend to be capable of making people believe I back down or just strike first and not allowing them to hit me in the face. It is all I have, no?" She replied, laughing a bit.
"Wow... You're really strong," Katsu said, smiling. "I doubt no one ever got a chance to fight you face to face without being tricked, so all I can attribute that to is your skill."
"Wait, me strong? I-I am not really strong." Saki said, frowning. "I just happen to be clever and lucky enough to not get punched in the face. Sounds like a painful happening. Not eager to experience it."
"For whatever reason that may be," he said, pausing for a moment. "Thanks for... you know, looking out for me and taking your time to help me with this."
"No need to thank me. It is what we're friends for." She said in reply. "Oh, before I forget, I am organizing a dinner party at my home in a few days. I would love it if you would come. I don't think you have met Hiki- I mean, sorry, Hideki, no?"
"Er... No, I don't think I know a Hideki. But I'd love to be there!"
Getting up, Saki flashed a big smile. "Great! I will make sure that you get the address later. Take care Katsu and watch out for punches." As she would walk by, she briefly ruffled his hair before leaving the place. She had some shopping to do.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
[fieldbox=Just walking down the street... ,green ]
An unexpected meeting,
A collab made between Sketching and Lesli,
Summary :
Aiko and Katsu bump into each other on the street
[spoili]
The market seemed to be buzzling with activity. People praising their wares and inviting interested bypassers in sharing a cup of tea while attempting to make lucrative deals. Even though she was the clan leader, Aiko managed to remain on the background. Clothed simple, she didn't seem to stand out nor made the impression with showing interest in the wares that were praised. They weren't exotic nor special in any way. Grain, clothing and the necessities that the commoners needed.
Glancing however at a lucky charm stand, Aiko wondered if she should take a look. The old man who managed the stand seemed to have a good day, judging from the smile present on his lips. Heading in a calm pace towards it, seeing that she had to manouvre through the crowd of other interested people that had came to the market.
"Oof!" A young boy bumped into her with bags in his hands, unable to see from the groceries, finding himself on the ground a moment later with his bags scattered in front of him.
"Ai." Managing to keep standing, Aiko frowned as she glanced at the person who she had bumped into. "I'm so sorry, I..." The young boy was awfully familiar. Crouching to help him with one of the bags, she noticed his face. "Oh. Hey." Her eyes lowered, still helping to clean up one of the bags.
Katsu didn't look up, keeping his eyes on the ground as he continued to tidy up the groceries he'd dropped. "Sorry," he said quickly. "I couldn't see."
"I noticed." The woman mumbled. Helping with another bag, she would let out a sigh. It felt awkward, but she blamed herself for it. "How are you doing?" She decided to ask the most uncommon question ever.
The boy first looked up only when he was reaching for the bag she'd tidied up. "I'm fine," he said hurriedly.
Holding on to the bag, Aiko kept a calm expression up. "Then you wouldn't mind if I accompany you? I finally got some free time, care to spend it a bit together?"
Katsu brought his thumb up to his lips, biting on it nervously for a moment. After realizing something, he nodded. "Um... Sure."
"Glad to hear so." Holding the bag up to him, Aiko eyed him. "How are the new rules treating you? I haven't yet had the time to see if you were living up to them."
The boy kept quiet, getting up to his feet, averting his eyes.
Sighing, Aiko glanced the other way. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she would gently push him to walk with her. "Last time I had been too angry. I should've approached that situation differently." Squeezing softly into his shoulder, Aiko paused."I shouldn't treat a son like that. I'm sorry."
Katsu flinched at the soft squeeze but kept walking alongside her, his bags in hand.
Noticing the silence, Aiko thought of something else. "I doubt it will come over as a surprise to you. But there was a clan meeting. During the event, I spoke with Shozo. I take it you're familiar with the name?" Aiko asked, glancing sideways at his direction.
Katsu nodded. "Of course," he said. "My clan's leader... I mean, I know the name, but I've never seen him."
"That's fine. No real need for it. Only reason why I began about it is that I told him about you. If my memory serves me correctly, my words were that you're a splendid shinobi. A good kid. And that you're one of my own cubs." Aiko simply looked in front of her as she said the words in a calm manner. "He gave his approval and blessing, thus I suppose it is now official. Granted you still wish me as your guardian..."
The boy wanted to object at what she'd said she'd said during the meeting but kept himself quiet. "It's... not like I have another place to go," he joked, giving her a brief grin.
"Oh?" Aiko seemed to look for something as her left hand would go into her pockets. Pulling out her wallet, she would simply take out some money. "This should easily suffice. With your current occupation, I wager you can easily arrange---"
"I was joking," he elaborated, glancing at her.
Putting the money back as well as her wallet, Aiko sighed. "You better. I would've likely start crying." She paused, not looking in his direction. "You know that I love and care for you, don't you?"
Katsu remained quiet for a few seconds before nodding even if she wasn't looking. "I... yes, I know. I know that."
"Glad that the feeling is returned." Aiko scoffed.
"I..." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I knew it then too, but..." He wanted to complain but knew that whining wouldn't help anything, nor would it be fair of him.
"It is fine, Katsu. It is fine. Next time, I will be less overprotective. I think that I might have made it clear to a lot of people that I don't accept anybody to harm those I call cubs." Aiko let out a giggle as she could remember her proposals that she had made. "But I did need to make a promise you won't forget your roots. That was Shozo's only request. Though then again, I doubt you would." She seemed to think about something. "Then again, you're what they call... Wolf-friend, no? I think it would be interesting to state there is something now as an Uchihon roaming about."
"W... Wolf-friend?" Katsu asked. It surprised him that they had a name for people partnered with direwolves. "But... I suppose I'll go to the compound at some point."
"And learn more about other cultures. Tsk tsk tsk." Her voice did seem to turn more cheerful. "You didn't know that there was a name for those who earned the friendship of a Hon direwolf? You're not a Hon after all, so that is why you're being called like that. Well, and probably because you're close with Koike. It isn't anything bad, I imagine." Aiko said. Glancing at him, she raised a hand and ruffled through his hair. "Talking about him, have you seen him lately? He and I need to.... talk."
"Er... I have been seeing him from time to time, yes," Katsu said, nodding. "I wouldn't know where his new place is, though..."
"Good." Glancing around, she seemed to grow more wary. "I need to see him. Very fast. Can we perhaps talk? I reckon you would be able to catch him easier than I could." Though she smiled, a certain tone made it seem off.
"Uhm... Wh... What about?"
"We can't talk here. Can we perhaps go to your place or..." Aiko thought about it. "Or we can go to the Cho Temple. Either way, I can't disclose this in the open. I rather not stir.... others." She spoken the last sentence with a hushed tone, hoping he would understand it as she glanced around.
The boy looked up with curiosity. "Um... Well, my place isn't really too clean..."
"Then we can go to the Cho Temple. Come. We will later bring those groceries back... and you will then clean up." Aiko raised an eyebrow before she would start to walk into the direction of the structure in the middle of the compound. As they would arrive a short while later, it was as usual quiet and peaceful. Compared to the market at least. Walking through the hall, Aiko seemed to be in a bit of a haste as she would make way to the library. Opening the thick door, nobody was inside.
"Good. Drop your bags there and take a seat." She told him, closing and locking the doors behind her.
Glancing up, Katsu nodded. After dropping the bags aside, he walked over and sat on the chair, tapping his fingers on his legs.
"It is a bit long to explain all of it, but I take it you know of Korina and Koike?" She asked, walking to a lighted candle. The library seemed rather gloomy and dark as not all the candles were lit. Opening the protective glass, to prevent the fire from reaching one of the books, Aiko would carefully light up a long match.
"Er... Yes, I had... heard of it. Though I haven't really met the former face to face in the literal sense."
"Just the tournament, huh?" Aiko mumbled, as she would lit several candles. Blowing gently, not wanting to put a burning match on the table, Aiko sat down. "Hmmm, where to start. Okay, it is rather simple. The clan meeting had a purpose. It was an attempt to bring the clans together. Or at least a bit closer. Shozo made a friendly gesture and thus suggested to propose a match for the White Blade. Koike. As you can imagine, Korina wasn't too fond of it." Aiko explained with a soft voice. "But it wasn't for political gain. The Uchiha and Hon haven't been that relatively close. It was an attempt to make a start. My husband, the leader of the Hon, tried to friendly approach it. He didn't know of Korina and Koike... He... is a busy man, you see." Aiko wavered, hoping he would actually understand it.
Katsu listened closely, his head leaning on his palm.
"The point is that if Koike would enter a marriage with Korina, he..." The woman found it hard to explain it. The idea didn't sit that well with her. Korina was a student of hers, which mean she felt inclinced to support her student somewhat. Though, Koike was her nephew. Perhaps not in blood, but in heart he was family. She could remember the days he had been running around, dragged by Miharu to go on adventures. "If he marries her, he will be needed to forget about his old life. I didn't ask for the details. But I imagine that it is clear that does mean to a certain extent his culture... traditions and..." She grew silent, her eyes averting as they would lower her gaze.
"He wouldn't do that," Katsu said, not really sounding worried or nervous. "It's not like him to just accept something like that. Giving up himself and all that..."
The woman shook her head lightly. "There is more. If... he accepts and he marries her. He will get a seal. To surpress bad memories. I..." The woman grew silent for a second. "I have been a horrible person. I taught him how to be an assassin. I made him do horrible things.... I don't want him to... forget about me." The voice of Aiko started to shake as her shoulders would lightly tremble.
"If we're talking about the same Koike, then there's no possible way he'd accept such an offer," Katsu said again. "I think he knows more than anyone that happiness is all there is for people."
"I just don't know what to do." She replied. "It is... also not an offer, cub. It is forced." The woman took a deep breath.
"Forced? Who's left to force him to marry anyone?"
She smiled as she shook her head lightly, again. "No, that isn't forced. The seal, to surpress his bad memories. If he enters the clan and they know of his past or learn of it... He will get one. That much I understood from what was being said."
"He wouldn't marry her, then," he said, his voice growing a bit fainter.
"Katsu." Aiko started. "I don't know. There is a possibility." She said. "Love make blind after all."
"He wasn't really too reluctant to fight her," he said quietly.
"You know that doesn't help..." She whispered. "I just need somebody to make it clear to him before it is too late. Korina is student of mine, but... Koike is more. I think you understand, don't you?"
"You want me to talk to him?"
"Not if you want to. I just need him to know I want to talk to him." Aiko answered. "I am not against him marrying Korina. I am not against their relationship. I am against the... giving up." The last two words were more whispers than anything else.
"I'll... I'll tell him to give you a visit," he said, nodding.
"Good. Though, I suppose I should inform you that there is more." She briefly seemed to be hesistant to talk about it. Politics probably wasn't an interesting topic in his opinion. But it was important. "Shozo's request will likely still stand. I couldn't rebuke it due to Koike having a relationship as the gesture was a friendly one. I have arranged that if Koike would meet Shozo and the person he... will recommend, will mean I will accompany him. Though, is there anybody you know that can help with this? You know... to prevent Koike from making a decision he is going to regret. Cause if he thinks it is going to be his duty to marry one or another..."
"I'll ask a few friends to see if they'd be willing to input their opinions," he said.
"Thanks. I will try to research some more. But before this ends in a wrong way, I want to be sure that he doesn't end up and forgetting who he was or is." Her voice gained a bit of strength back. "And do remember, this counts for you as well. I won't let you be taken away that easily as well." Smiling, she ruffled against through his hair. "Now before I need to get going, time to clean up our home."
"I'm 13," he mumbled, not wanting to think about 'losing himself' in a marriage. He grabbed his bags and opened the door, turning to her one last time as if to say something but left quietly.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
[fieldbox=Training! , red]
A collab between Sketcher and Lesli
[spoili]
Her eyes closed, Aiko had her hands closed. Her right hand formed a fist, against the palm of her left hand. Hanging upside down, her legs hooking her at a branch, she focused on her breathing. Staying silent, she could hear the person who would be hanging next to her as they would continue the meditation as stamina training. There was also some slight of silent killing practice as they would need to listen to every sound. Place it and memorize it.
To focus on his hearing, the young boy had stopped moulding his chakra and shut off his sensory. He found it much easier to concentrate, as he only listened again to understand what was going on around him, where the wind was blowing strong and where the grass was whistling.
A smile crept on her lips as the silence would continue on. It was slowly becoming harder to hang still and focus as the blood in their body would go down. She imagined how they both would like as two weird tomato's. But nobody had likely the intention to come near the spot that they were using for their own training. With the minutes slowly passing by, Aiko's lips parted. A soft sigh would herald the end of the hanging. In a nimble movement, the woman would drop herself from the branch and land on her feet. "Good job." Running a hand through her hair, the jounin smiled. "You held it longer out than last time, bravo!"
Katsu opened his eyes and looked at the upside down woman, thinking how silly it was for her to be like that. And the sky as well. And everything else. After a moment, he was reminded of his disposition as he quickly pulled himself up over the branch with his legs and landed on the other side, huffing.
"Good! Next part! Remember how fun that was the first time?" Aiko asked, a chuckle escaping her as she would gesture to the wooden blocks. Walking to one, she stretched her arms briefly. Placing her hands on both opposite ends of the block, she would breathe in. With a hop, her legs would be kept up as she seemed to focus on keeping herself still, though her arms trembled underneath her own weight.
"I... I don't, actually. It might be the blood running to my brain, though," he said, shaking his head violently as if to get something inside unstuck. "But I remember this one," Katsu remarked, gulping, walking over. He took a deep breath before doing the same on the other. "Hup..."
A frown stayed on Aiko's face as she tried to keep herself in balance. After a minute of two, the woman would stop. Letting her feet touch the ground, she let out a deep sigh. "I hate that exercise so much." She muttered, keep standing as she would roll with her shoulders. "Still holding up?" She asked, quite cheerful.
Katsu didn't answer as he couldn't really afford to speak. He let himself down slowly and landed on one feet at a time before letting go of the wood. "Thankfully I'm--Eh... nevermind."
Stretching her arms and legs, Aiko thought of the next exercise. "Now that we're warmed up, how about the old waterfall exercise as break?" Aiko suggested. "You know, the one where you need to stare at it. And when you hear something, but not able to place it or guess it well, I am allowed to whack you head."
"Ehe... Uhm... Sure," Katsu said with a hint of uncertainty in his voice. But it might be a good way to clear out the blood in his head. "Let's go!"
"That's the spirit."
A blade of grass whiped up and down as Aiko moved her lips. Her green eyes were focused on the green object, while she did keep watch of their surrounding. The sound of the waterfall was loud, but that didn't rule out the other sounds in their surrounding. Hearing something on their two o' clock, the woman froze. Her left hand at the ready for the wack.
"Will you throw the object yourself?" Katsu asked, tilting his head, not having noted any sound.
"No." A light tap would follow against the back of Katsu's head. "Just try to pick out sounds from the background. Then how far and what direction they are at. Not pin point accuracy though, but a good guess."
"Aouhw! Okay, I got it," he said, pouting as he concentrated again.
Becoming silent, Aiko focused her attention back on the blade of grass. Moving her lips to make it move, the adult woman had really no problem that she was perhaps acting a bit childish. It was one of the sparse days where she could spend time like this after all. Hearing something above them, she instantly traveled her attention back at Katsu to make sure he would keep staring at the waterfall.
Katsu's eyes were closed as he tilted his head up, paying his attention to the sound above them for a moment before lowering his head again and pointing to where he'd heard the sound.
"Good, distance?" It was a mere whisper, as Aiko waited for the answer.
"Uh..." Katsu clenching his teeth as if preparing.
"Around ten meters." Aiko friendly said, no whack coming as she focused back on the blade of grass. Frowning, she did decide to look the other way and spit the grass blade away from her lips. Leaning a bit backwards, she would support herself with placing her hands a bit further back.
Katsu reached his arm out to point towards the sound but his arm couldn't reach out straightly, his finger running into his teacher's cheek. "Uh..." He opened his eyes and laughed nervously. "F... five centimeters?"
Her eyes widened a bit as they would then travel her gaze to the finger of Katsu. "Euh..." Blinking twice, the woman would then burst out in laughter. Managing to calm herself down though, she nodded twice. "Yes, sorry." Snorting, the woman would be silent again as she kept a smile one her lips. Crossing her legs, she would enjoy the peace and quiet.
Biting his lower lip, Katsu brought his hands together and stretched his fingers before closing his eyes again, concentrating on his surroundings. After a few more minutes of pointing and distance-estimating, an uncanny silence set in, with the exception of the constant roaring of the waterfall.
"Rather quiet today, huh?" Aiko decided to speak up, wondering if they should continue. "Doubt this is really going to advance your silent Killing further than it already has. Hmmm." Laying on her back, she placed her hands at the back of her head. "I could try to think of some other trainings. But doubt that they will be a real challenge for you."
"Maybe the basics trainings might not be much trouble, but there's always something that is, isn't there?" he asked, opening his eyes and relaxing his shoulders with a relieved sigh.
"Hmmmmm." She thought about it. "We could have a spar. But then again, that isn't really training. Or we can just take it easy. When was it for the last time that we both just took it easy? No training. No stressing?" She asked. Glancing at him, she raised her eyebrows. "I mean, I made sure that I got today free. I am not sure if there is something on your agenda for today."
"I... I don't have any other plans today, but we've still got the whole day. Could we perhaps keep training till... I don't know..." Katsu's tone wasn't sure but his demeanor didn't give any sight of giving in. "I just want to be ready, next time. I can't spend my whole day complacently..."
"Ready for the next tournament?" Aiko calmly asked as she closed her eyes. "Believe me, you're ready. The way how you operated in the last one? I believe that you're close on his heels and soon enough, I will not be able to teach---"
"I wasn't ready during that meeting," he said quietly. "I... I can't tell myself I'm ready after leaving Tanpo vulnerable, and leaving Koike alone to pursue the enemy..."
"Hm? What do you mean?" She looked a bit surprised, opening her eyes again as she wondered what he meant. Of course she was well aware that he had been selected and being part of the Guardians. If anything, she wanted to boast about it as not everybody got selected to be part of that unit. "What happened?"
Katsu's eyes opened wide as he realized she hadn't been informed about what had happened. Though that shouldn't have come as much of a shock, since who else was going to tell her. "It... I ran ahead into a dangerous position and so we got seperated and... I just want to be more prepared when I have to fight for... I want to be more than ready is all..."
She became silent. For a second she wanted to tell him that this was what she meant before. But it wouldn't leave her lips. "Fair enough. Back to training then." Getting up, Aiko would let out a soft sigh. "If I had known..." She started, though she knew better. What if she had known? Would she have run off to come and help him? No clue on the situation and just dumb charged into an ongoing operation? "Glad you're okay though. Now, you want to be more prepared. But then I need to know, what do you want to prepare?"
"I can sneak around fairly well and with that, it's usually a lot easier than it should be. I can fight with or without my eyes but... I definitely need help with the fighting part," he said, getting up. "So my priority is mostly traditional combat."
"Thus hand to hand combat and weaponry?" She asked in return. But she started to think about it. Then she gained an idea. "Okay, I can help with taijutsu. Perhaps I can teach you a trick or two. We almost have the same style anyways, so that shouldn't be much of a problem. As for weaponry, we will get later to that. Okay?"
"Okay!" Katsu hopped onto the land from the small island of a rock.
"Okay, lets start with a small test. First person to be swept off his or her feet or landing on the ground or water has lost. Ready?" Aiko cracked her knuckles as she would walk on the water, taking a few steps.
Katsu nodded, thinking back to his last taijutsu training. Though that wasn't on a terrain like water. The boy hopped on the surface of the water and skidded to position, keeping his hands up. "Ready."
Raising her hands a bit, Aiko took a moment, eyeing the boy's stance. Stepping forward, she would seem to raise her right leg for a high kick. Instead, she wouldn't lash out with a kick, but turn and attempt to deliver a roundhouse kick towards the upper body of the boy.
Katsu quickly lowered his body in response but his legs skidded away a bit in the process. "Whoa!" As the kick went over him, he jumped back, skidding on the water away from her.
Landing on the water, Aiko wouldn't follow up with another attack. Rolling with her left shoulder a bit, her right hand lowered a bit. Taking a few steps the right, she halted and waited.
Katsu rushed forward, closing in with a sideways swipe of the arm.
As he came closer, Aiko would lower one foot into the water. Waiting for the right moment, she would kick it up with the intension to splatter water towards Katsu's face as her right hand moved up.
Katsu shut his eyes tight as the splash of water got to his head, but kept himself moving. He quickly followed up with a low sweep of the leg towards the foot she was using to grab onto the water while the other had thrown the water.
Blocking the swipe, Aiko noticed the movement. A short jump up was the following as she would try to kick Katsu backwards as well pushing herself a bit backwards from him by doing so.
Grunting, Katsu skidded to the side to avoid the kick.
Landing on the water again, Aiko breathed out. Raising her hands in defence, she smiled. "Come on, just getting started."
The boy rubbed his eyes, getting the water out of the way and opened them, turning them red as he rushed forward again.
"Time to become serious then." She muttered, noticing the red eyes as he approached her. Taking it more serious, Aiko readied with clenching her hands into fist as she waited for his attack.
Jumping up high, up to the point that his waist would be just above Aiko's head, Katsu swept one foot downwards towards her while preparing the other.
Evading the kick with leaning away, Aiko would attempt to grab the ankle of the foot - the one that Katsu used for his kick. In an attempt to free his grabbed leg, Katsu brought down the other, turning his upper body like a spring getting tightened.
Bit surprised, Aiko breathed in as she would tighten her grip and raise her other hand. Not to grab the other leg as well, but to lean again a bit away and push the leg away from her. "Huh?" Katsu's foot missed and with the speed of its swing, went down. As his other leg got pushed away, out of balance, the boy crashed into the water. After a moment, he resurfaced, spitting out water.
Helping him up, Aiko looked for a moment worried. Though she wouldn't forget that this was all about to help improve his taijutsu. "Well? Where did it go wrong?" She asked, after being sure he wasn't spitting out water, but being able to give an answer back.
"When I couldn't free myself from the grab," he grumbled as he pulled himself back up, pressing on the water with his hands. "I should've gone for the arm with the second kick."
"Wrong, cub. When you come in attacking, try to go for a feign. I can't say that kicking high is a bad thing. I tried to throw you off with a first feign anyways." Ruffling his hair, she would straighten her back. "Just keep watching your opponent. Don't block, but try to aim to evade and parry. Just like I did. I aim to bring somebody rather out of balance and then finish them then to go through blocking and trying to crush through their defence."
"Feigning always feels like a loss of time and energy... If someone sees through it, I'd be open, wouldn't I?" he asked getting to his feet. "I mean, they might flinch out of reflex, but it's not the exact same movement as an actual hit..."
"Mhm, sometimes it leaves you open. But that is why you need to practice it. Somebody who can feign attacks pretty well, usually keeps an attack at the ready to make use of that flinch or reflex. Depends also on what you know about the target." She explained. "I won't really be eager to use feigns when fighting a more experienced foe than a genin, so to say."
"It wouldn't then be wise to use one against you," Katsu joked, chuckling as he skidded back and got into his stance.
"Mmmmm, never too late to try." Also dropping back into her stance, Aiko would think about something. "Though, I do wonder." Lowering her hands for a moment, Aiko frowned. "Do you know what is really helpful in a taijutsu fight?"
Katsu lowered his arms for a moment. Raising an eyebrow, the boy answered. "N... No. What's really helpful in a taijutsu fight?"
Suddenly the woman skidded forward, intending to land a kick at the boy's right leg.
Letting out a quiet squeal, Katsu jumped and swung his own foot horizontally, towards her side.
Narrowing her eyes, Aiko would lower herself to let the kick pass over her. Instead of trying to grab his leg or ankle, again, her left hand shot up to grab the boy by his waist.
Katsu kicked at the left hand with his other leg, trying to hit it to get it away from him.
Feeling how her hand was kicked away, Aiko smiled. Lowering the hand, she would crouch a bit again as she would use her right hand to try to push him off balance as he would need to come down.
Bringing his hands in front of the attack, Katsu skidded backwards right upon landing due to the impact.
"Surprise." Aiko stated as she would straighten her back. "Make an enemy lower their guard and then strike. Hmmm, remember that mission against Nakashima Senju?" The woman calmly stated, even placing her left hand on her hip.
Katsu straightened his back and stretched his arms. "Er... Yes, I think I get what you mean," he said.
"Good. Well, am waiting, cub." Aiko tilted her head slightly, tapping with her left foot on the water surface.
Katsu nodded, flexing his wrists, taking his stance again, slowly moving forward, one step at a time.
Flexing her fingers, Aiko breathed slowly in and out as she spread her footwork by a bit.
After a few steps, Katsu dashed forward, aiming a punch to her right shoulder with his left fist.
Attempting to catch the punch, Aiko readied her own attack by clenching her left hand into a fist.
As his fist got caught, he pulled up his other arm to the side of his head to anticipate and parry the next blow.
In a quick movement, Aiko would however raise her left knee up as she tried to pull him closer by his caught fist.
Katsu brought his free hand down to the rising knee to push himself up more than to block it as he brought his own left leg up for a kick from the side.
Surprised by the movement, Aiko was forced to release his fist as well to bring up her free arm to block the movement. "Tch." Feeling the pressure behind the kick, Aiko attempted to keep holding her balance.
The boy looked for her eyes as he brought his other leg up to try to lock the arm blocking his other kick.
Noticing the following up movement, Aiko gritted her teeth as she wasn't able to pull her arm back. Instead, she would attempt to bring the boy down to the water surface by lowering herself to one knee.
Using the momentum of her lowering arm as his back slammed on the water, not having sunk, he pushed up the leg that locked up to try to sweep her off her feet and on the other side with the roll.
Aiko's eyes widened as she felt the sweep and though she tried to keep herself from falling into the water, the woman was forced to squeeze her eyes shut as she fell into it. A moment later Aiko's head resurfaced as she coughed a few times.
Katsu scurried to his feet immediately after he heard the splash, looking below in a moment of panic to see if a hand would come out and pull him under, but he let out a sigh of relief when he noticed that she'd resurfaced. "I... I did it! I knocked you off your feet!"
Placing her hands above the surface of the water, Aiko would climb up as she focused her chakra at her hand and feet to get out. Raising both hands to remove the red hair in front of her face, Aiko couldn't help but to chuckle. "You certainly did. Man, that water is cold."
Snickering, Katsu had a childishly proud grin on his lips. "Hehe... Well, that was why we used it, wasn't it?"
"I suppose so. Think that was enough for today." She started to laugh for a few seconds. "Cause if you don't mind, I am not looking out for another swim. Told you that you were getting better. I even didn't hold that much back as I used to... when.. you know." Her voice trailed off for a moment, ending in a pause. "Odd thing. I still see you and other students as genin, while you lot clearly are passing that station."
"Well..." His eyes returned to their regular jade green. "We all still have some ways to go, right? Even him," he said, grumbling the last words. "I mean... At least I know I still need some help..."
For a second Aiko wasn't sure who he meant, but then it seemed to dawn on her. "Ah yes. Heh, to be honest, we all still have some ways to go. Am after all not old yet, am I?" However, she didn't seem to wait for an answer as she continued. "He knows it too. But he just asks it in a different way. Just wait, I suspect that by time he will show it more." The woman said, starting to brush more strands of wet hair from her face.
"I suppose..." He put his hand on his stomach as he heard a faint noise. "I am kind of hungry. Could we go and... eat something?"
"Yeah, sounds good." She joked as she would roll her left shoulder. "Who's turn to pay for the lunch this time?" Aiko asked, hoping that she would dry up soon - even with the less warmer sun thanks to the current season. She wasn't fond of the idea of receiving a cold after all.
"Huh? I don't have any money on me," Katsu said, turning his pockets inside out.
"I suppose I treat us, again. Means you got to pay the next two times." Aiko stated, though she didn't seem to find it a problem at all. Smiling, she would pause for a second as she already turned. "Lets go for... dangoes."
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
