Fukai awoke to a stormy day. The dark clouds above Iwakagure moved in an unusual pattern. This weather brewed something inside of Fukai, something that made him a little exited. He would love to escape from the mission that was planned for today so he could climb the mountains that surrounded the village. Unfortunately, his ranking captains had more plain tasks in store for him.

Dressing and sighing, Fukai resigned himself to the day and headed towards the administration buildings in the center of Iwa. Frustratingly, he had made little progress with his training recently. Things just hadn't been able to click for him and trying to train himself in ninjutsu was like beating a dead horse. Back in the Fantomusodo clan dojos, he had been trained mainly in bukijutsu early on and had very little knowledge and experience in channeling chakra and changing its' nature. He had to advance, and quickly - Fukai had been getting by without much need for combat, but it was only a matter of time before he was labelled as untalented and unable to become a ninja worthy of his headband. His hand went up to impulsively straighten his headband and then down to his scarf, rubbing its' soft material between index finger and thumb. Fukai had reached the admin center.

He walked up to the bar that jutted from the side of the building. This is where minor ninjas picked up their minor mission scrolls. Fukai stepped up to the bar and stated the details for the tasks that had been laid out for him since yesterday. It's been called off today, Fukai one of the receptionists told him. The client is unwilling to travel in this weather, so you are released from duty for today the man told him, smiling at the young mans' change in expression. Fukai realised that he must have been showing his melancholy mood. Usually, he disciplined himself on being completely professional in his manner, but today he let it slip. Fukai knew instantly what he would do. He waved goodbye with enthusiasm and ran out of the village to go explore the mountain path he had found.

He set out at a jogging pace, along the side of the stone barrier until he came to a small valley track into the mountains. The weather overhead had started to become wilder. Fukai stretched his head up to the sky and took in the sight of the angry heavens then flared his nostrils to consume a pat of the atmosphere. He continued down the path, speeding up his pace.

Fukai soon came to an incline and headed upwards. He wanted to get closer to the sky. The incline increased until it bent up to a vertical cliff face. He placed his hand on the rock wall in front of him. He had always been surrounded by these mountains of stone, but never before had they seemed more like a prison. Fukai lifted his foot and placed it against the cliff face. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the flow of chakra around his body. He pooled it around his cloth shoe which housed his foot, thinking about glue, making it stick. He used the supernatural walking practice that he had learned at the academy. Slowly, he shifted his weight onto his cliff side foot. he balanced himself, flowing chakra into his second foot and placing that on the vertical rock face as well. He stood up straight and looked at the climb in front. It was about fifty metres to the top and if he should lode concentration, Fukai would certainly fall to his death. The young man was uninhibited by fear, this sort of thing didn't phase him. He started walking, lifting one foot at a time, releasing the chakra bond and placing it again, resealing the foot with the wall. As he gained altitude, the wind started picking up.

It took him more than a few minutes of measured work to climb to the top, carefully managing his flow, and even speeding it up as he got closer to the top. When he reached the lip of the cliff, he bent down and grabbed it with both hands. Fukai then released the jutsu which left him hanging off the edge. Pulling himself up with his well maintained physique was effortless. Fukai turned and looked out on the view that surrounded him. It was breathtaking. He could see the village in whole and the land that surrounded it. The sky seemed to warp around the mountain tops behind, giving the weather a life of its own. Fukai felt excitement in his bones in this new area, the stormy wind whistling around his head. This would do he said to himself, sitting down a metre from the cliff edge. He closed his eyes and felt his chakra once more, feeling it resonate with the static frenzy in the atmosphere. It was truly a wild day. The best spot in all of the world, and I have it all to myself.

[843]

"There is a storm coming Suutei and I think it'll be a bad one."

The small humanoid reindeer had accompanied his friend to the peak of the mountain range early that morning.  It was a simple day of training for the young Chunnin and though he should be more careful to not over do things, it wouldn’t be right if he didn’t go over the top with his training.  "I feel so empty inside… used and let down so many times...And Toshiko is out there somewhere getting stronger I just know it...I got stepped on in our fight, because I wasn't strong enough..."  Not many people have the ability to back down, or even know when to do do.  Suutei was one of those in more ways than one.  His hardy attitude was a gift from his courageous spirit and his perseverance.  So it was about the time he got up and prove his worth to the world.

They youthful male was fighting himself in the mountains...literally he was fighting himself.  Seeing as no sparring partner was available he created a shadow clone to fight him in hand to hand combat.  They’d been at each others throats for the past three hours and it wasn’t one sided either.  Fighting himself the clone would know most of his moves, and with that he’d have to think a step ahead of his own self.  It was conflicting mentally and physically mainly because when thinking against your own clone it is thinking for someone else.  Which is a whole other concept that is far too difficult to explain to the normal person, but by doing so Suutei trains his physical body and mental toughness raising his Shinobi IQ every minute that passes.

The howling winds in the mountain picked up and so did the pace of Suutei’s training.  The clone thought for itself by creating a second clone as the two of them started their assault against Suutei.  It was hard enough to dodge and counter 4 limbs, but now that their was a second it was like fighting an octopus.  The two clones coordinated their attacks where one would strike high and another would follow through low.  It was a basic strategy most Squads used on missions, but fighting two foes who were of equal level was tougher.  Suutei timed the low attack from his clone and performed a drop kick connecting both of his feet with the clone’s face. The clone was sent flying backwards towards the edge of the mountain cliff, as Suutei fell on his back he could see the other clone homing in on him from above. ”Hehe Sorry handsome, but ain’t gonna happen!  Fire Style: Dragon Fire Jutsu!”  Suutei inhaled deep forming the tiger hand seal, and expelled from his mouth a cone shaped flame thrower engulfing the clone causing it to explode into a cloud of white smoke.  

When the clone exploded so did the sky and pouring out the droplets of rain.  It was a bit painful the raindrops were coming down rather harder than usual, and stung when coming in contact with the flesh.  Suutei held the half tiger seal and dissipated the other clone that took the dropkick to the face, and looked around as his hair sunk from being drenched.  Looking up to the sky it flashed brightly and a lightning bolt struck the neighboring mountain top, sending fragments of rock toppling down it’s side.  Suutei reached an open hand to the sky in amazement to be this close to the heavens.  Chopper was standing off to the side with an umbrella watching Suutei having his moment.  Well this sure is something...Chopper did you know it was going to rain?

Chopper didn’t answer when he heard something behind him, and immediately knew that they weren’t alone anymore.  Someone had scaled the side of the mountain they were standing on.  Suutei walked over to the edge and saw a white haired male with one hand grasping the edge, and the other reaching up.  ”Oh sorry about that.  Haha thought you were some lunatic after me or Chopper.”  Suutei chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head, and his hand started shaking out droplets of water from his hair.  ”Oh!  Did you need any help...I can see you’re just...erm...hanging down there.  Here.”  Suutei extended his hand to the male to assist him to the top and it was pretty dangerous for him to just hang there in these weather conditions.

Training:

Fukai was startled to hear a voice from above. A young man was standing over him on the cliff that he was hanging to. He was surprised to find someone here, in all of the places in this mountain range, this kid that looked a few years younger than him had chosen the same spot as him. Haha thought you were some lunatic after me or Chopper. Fukai wasn't sure who he was referring to, but he accepted the young man's hand after a little hesitation. Surely he wouldn't have to worry about the stranger letting him slip. He gave the first impression of a nice guy, messy dark purple hair sodden and clinging to his face in the rain. The stranger grabbed his hand and hoisted him up over the lip of the cliff with surprising ease. He now saw that the young man was strong and well trained, despite being a little on the short side. Fukai stood and regained his balance. Oh thanks! Fukai said with a grateful smile. He still wasn't sure what this new face was doing here. Well, my name's Fukai, I was just coming up here to catch some fresh air. The new guy responded in turn with his own introduction. His name was Kimura Suutei and he was originally from Konoha. ...and this is Chopper. He said pointing to a small figure, Fukai noticing him for the first time.

What's that?! Some kind of raccoon dog? Fukai's eyes nearly popped out of his head. The creature was hiding behind a rock, obviously frightened of Fukai's sudden appearance. It's not hiding very well.. The creature had half of his face stuck out looking at him while his whole body jutted out exposed. Must not be much of a ninja then. I'm a reindeer! it yelled back with surprising vigour, and then went back to his ineffective hiding position. Fukai was so surprised that he took a step back and almost fell back down the cliff. Suutei grabbed him and grinned at his reaction. The young man told him about his training routine. Oh. This guy had no trouble with his techniques and seemed quite strong. Well I'll let you get back to it then, walking further onto the cliff. Fukai gave the man an acknowleging smile.

The rain was starting to become heavier. He was slightly disappointed, having thought he had found a great spot to spend his day off. Lightning crashed into a nearby pillar, blasting Fukai off his feet. The sound echoed through the mountains creating a cacophony of natures rage. A small arc sprang off and connected with his finger. The blast propelled him onto his bum, he skidded to a halt. He sat there staring at his hand that the lightning arc had hit. He felt no pain, no damage. What he did feel, was power. His chakra was bubbling and reacting to the stimuli. It wasn't a violent reaction, more like a breaking of a dam inside his body, letting out the tension that had been building. Fukai held his hands together and tried transferring the feeling from one to the other. A static jump of electricity formed between his hands. Fukai had the idea for a massive breakthrough in his ninjutsu development. He turned and looked at Suutei, grinning.

[595] /1438

Suutei could sense the slight hesitation in the grip of the stranger, and hoisted him up over the edge.  There was little to no effort raising the male, but that kind of physical strength came as a shock to most.  Simply due to his small stature and lack of muscle mass; all though, Suutei preferred his size over a grotesque like build.   He wouldn't have to worry about shopping for specific clothing, and daily pains in his joints.  Almost letting his mind wander off he snapped back to reality focusing on the stranger.  Suutei didn’t think much of a thanks, but accepted it with a welcome after the stranger introduced himself.  Fukai was his name and it was decent, and fitting for him.  Though his purpose for scaling the side of the mountain was an odd one, claiming he wanted to get fresh air.  Usually when people want fresh air they go for a walk in a park, or something like that.  Also high altitudes weren’t very potent in levels of “fresh air” and Suutei inferred Fukai just like all other Iwagakure citizens.

The reactions people made when they saw Chopper were always priceless, and never a time was there anyone who reacted calmly.  Fukai was frantic upon site of Chopper and startled Chopper himself ducking behind a rock.  Hiding was pointless due to his large maroon hat atop of his head, and was a dead give away so to speak.  Calming himself down Chopper heard the boy refer to him as a racoon dog, and the reindeer’s eye twitched slightly.  Nothing annoyed him more than being mistaken for another animal.  Peeking his head from behind the rock he shouted at Fukai, ”I’m a reindeer!!!”  In a panic Fukai stumbled backwards nearly falling off the cliff before Suutei clutched his shoulder.  Smiling at the reaction to his companion Chopper, and how well the two of them were getting along.  Seeing as Fukai was a fellow shinobi he felt obligated to explain Suutei’s training regime, but could tell by the males facial expression that he’d lost him.  ”Well...I think I am going to get back to training if it is alright with you.”

The storm picked up and now the winds were becoming slightly violent, and Chopper decided to leave before it was bad.  Suutei didn’t assist him back down because it was pointless, due to the fact Chopper could take care of himself.  Which in turn allowed Suutei to focus on his task, which of course was training.  Creating 3 clones simply amping up the difficulty for himself, and taunted them.  In return they charged one by one attacking just as fluent as the original Suutei, The small puddles were becoming a nuisance when avoiding kicks because it was easy to slip, and that meant his clones would find an opening.  Suutei tracked their movements and lost sight and blocked the kick, ironically when he felt the kick there was a loud roar and lightning blasted apart rubble of the neighboring mountain.  Fukai who landed on his bum was sitting off to the side with his back turned to the Suutei’s.  The assault was put to a halt and Suutei called out to the other male, and the three clones began rough housing with one another to satisfy their combat needs.  ”Fukai?  Are you alright?

Training:

Yeah, I'm alright. Fukai grinned. The genin had been blasted off his feet but had never felt better.

The sky above had quickly turned completely black. The internal rumbling of the massive sky beasts growled down at the new acquaintances. The wind picked up. A gale started streaming down the valley, howling as it twisted its' grip around the rock. It's starting to really get wild now, we should probably head down and find some shelter. A moment after Fukai spoke, the drizzle condensed into a downpour. The rain pelted down from above and the two young men headed for the shelter of a nearby cave indented in the rock. It's starting to get dangerous, we should start thinking about getting back to the village. The wind was pushing the rain sideways at an incredible angle. This was the most furious storm that the purple eyed male had ever been in. He was slightly frightened, but mostly exited and invigorated. Fukai would hug his harms to his chest. He had to make sure not to forget his survival training while he was in the moment. What an incredible event, the power that nature can output is amasing. Humans below such a storm were completely at its' mercy. The young man looked up at the sky in awe.

Wait a minute, Fukai started, will your little animal friend be ok in this weather? Suutei made an alarmed noise in realisation of his friend that had left recently and would have been caught in the storm. He flung himself out into the weather with recklessness. Be careful! the genin called after him, following him out into the storm. The rain pelted down onto their heads, plastering hair to faces. The pair would run down the valley, skidding down the wet gravel turning it into mud. The young man running ahead of Fukai barreled ahead with a single mind, shouting his friends name in between crashes of thunder. It was clear he cared a great deal about that furry creature.

They would descend as fast as they could, both of them slipping and picking themselves up more than once. The furious wind threatened to blow them off the mountainside. Where do you think he would go? Fukai shouted to Suutei against the wind. Would he try to find shelter or would he make a break for the village? This was getting serious. One wrong step could send one of them over the edge. This was a very real possibility even for deft ninja in these conditions. Fukai made sure to apply his Supernatural Walking technique to secure his feet to the unstable surface.

The atmosphere sizzled with electrons. Static charge was building up around Fukai's legs. The power mixed with his chakra. He felt awake, as if he had only been daydreaming the days events. They would descend to the bottom of the valley and start looking around frantically for the little reindeer. A bold of lightning hit the mountain above, creating a huge rock slide that was about to come crushing down upon them. Watch out! Fukai called as a rock about one metre in diameter flew on a collision path with Suutei. Without thinking, the genin threw out the power that had accumulated in his body. A bolt of raiton sped from his hands and pierced the rock, shattering it to pieces. This would alert Suutei to the massive amount of rubble that was about to rain down on top of them.

jutsu used (chakra not important for thread):

[585] /2023

OOC: Probably gonna end thread after next round of posts.

"Don't you worry about Chopper he's been through much worse than this.  I'll say he is more sturdy than most ninja, but he does have his cowardice moments."  Suutei wasn't to concerned about Chopper, for obvious reasons even though most think the small reindeer is weak, but in fact he is strong as an ox.  As he should after being with Suutei for almost three years now.  Cracking his knuckles Suutei would take a preemptive strike on the bunch of clones, but not before Fukai shouted from behind.

Turning about face a rock was headed straight on for Suutei, but before he could make a move the rock exploded into pebbles. Astonished by the sudden vaporization of the rock, and grateful for it he wondered how it could happen. Looking at Fukai and the steam that emitted from his fingertips, had saved Suutei from a would be catastrophe.  Approaching the white haired male he rubbed the back of his head in a nervous fashion, "Hehe I guess I owe you one for saving my hide.  Thanks a bunch."

The storm picked up and the wind was relentless, but Fukai seemed oblivious to his surroundings apparently still awestruck by his heroic action.

"Say Fukai have you ever flown before?"

Suutei had a treat for Fukai if he'd be interested in joining him that was.  He planned to use his glide technique to fly back into the village, though dangerous he figured flying would be safer than climbing down the mountain face.  Looking over to his three clones that were still wrestling, one of the clones picked up the other and hurled him at the other.  It was a weird mix of emotions due to the way his clones were always created, ever since he learned Kage Bunshin the clones took on their own persona.  "HEY CUT IT OUT YOU THREE!!!  Shape-up so we can ship out!"

The clones all stood upright saluting Suutei, and anyone would admit it was comical.  I'd make a pretty good squad leader if I say so myself...

Training:

The Valley of Mountains was being flooded by the condensed weather front. Winds were whipping around the mountain tops and creating a great hum. Fukai had to hold his ground against the force of the gale as it threatened to blow him off the mountain. The friction of the clouds above was generating large static charges that were then released as lightning, striking the tops of the earthen peaks. The weather was truly taking a turn for the worse. The genin really wanted to get back to the village and hide indoors. Truly a fearsome display by mother nature, the storm beat down on the land and all the creatures unlucky enough to get caught out in it.

Suutei on the other hand didn't seem too phased by his surroundings, obviously confident in himself and his friend. He had said that Chopper could take care of himself and Fukai hoped that was true. The animal hadn't looked very tough but he had been assured by his new acquaintance that he was sturdy and not to be worried about. He thought back to how the animal had cowered behind the rock when he had arrived. It was hard to imagine that little animal as tough, but Suutei probably knew his friend best.

The slightly smaller and younger male thanked him for saving him from the landslide. Fukai muttered No worries in turn. He was starting to regret coming up here to train, never having seen this sort of freak weather before. Still, the atmosphere around them had stirred something in him and had helped him realise and release his raiton nature. The ambitious genin would surely find a way to strengthen this elemental connection and make great use of it. Maybe he would find this frightening experience worth it after all.

Say Fukai have you ever flown before?
The silver haired young man perked up his head. Flown? What could he mean? Well.. no I haven't.. He was wondering why Suutei would ask such a thing. While Fukai remained puzzled, he watched the clones act stoogely, picking on and fighting with eachother. The shadow clone technique was quite an advanced technique and showed that the kid in front of him was no novice ninja, although the quarrels between the clones was quite peculiar. His calm composure in this stressful environment was also impressing Fukai. Suutei would then order his bickering clones into line with a tone half way between a mother's scolding and a drill sergeant. The three Suutei's would line up and salute to his call. Their strict obedience the polar opposite of their actions a second ago. Fukai couldn't help cracking a smile. The young man looked like he had a plan of action and he decided to trust it. Fukai would comply to whatever ideas that Suutei would come up with to get off the mountain.

[495] /2518
~Exit~
OOC: Cheers for the thread bud

Training:

The silver haired young man perked up his head as curiosity was the definitive expression upon his face.  Which was only to be expected as not many people are asked the question of having previous experiences, where they travel through the air.  All except Suutei that was but, nonetheless Fukai was patiently contemplating Suutei's meaning.

"Well.. no I haven't.."

He was wondering why Suutei would ask such a thing. While Fukai remained puzzled, he watched the clones act stooge, picking on and fighting with each other.  It was obvious that he was impressed by Suutei commanding and calm composure about himself. Suutei would then order his bickering clones into line with a tone half way between a mother's scolding and a drill sergeant. The three Suutei's would line up and salute to his call. Their strict obedience the polar opposite of their actions a second ago. Fukai couldn't help cracking a smile. The young man looked like he had a plan of action and Fukai had decided to trust it. Fukai would comply to whatever ideas that Suutei would come up with to get off the mountain.

"Alright well hold on cause you are in for a treat!  You three after me!  LETS GOO!

Suutei began charging at Fukai full steam ahead, and before he knew it they were falling down the side of the mountain.  It was only obvious that Fukai was scared beyond all belief after being tackled down a mountain, and plummeting to his own death.  Certainly a story worth telling ones grandchildren long as the part of undeniable terror are left out.  The two had been falling for roughly one minute before Suutei realized it was taking a minute for his chakra to build up enough to propel him upright.  Things were going slightly left field for the two of them, but luckily his three clones were close enough behind to catch the two.  As they were flying with style and grace comparable to the wind that sweeps the lands.  The three clones had carried Fukai by the arms, and left Suutei to fly solo in front.

The storm was beginning to subside as the clouds that were once so violent had set aside their differences.  Allowing the forever glamorous sun to shine it's brilliant rays.  Suutei and Fukai had successfully got off of the mountain without giving into the sudden rain.  Yet still it would take awhile for their hair, bodies, and clothes to dry.  Suutei flew ahead with greater speed as the scenery of Tsuchi no Kuni was a brilliant one.  Filled with more beauty than he'd seen, and though most of his was a wasteland it still sparked a change in the villagers day.

Suutei continued on his flight as he dove performing a downward spiral.  Flying over a elderly man and his mule, travelling in the direction of the village.  Suutei kept his wit as he came through a small mountain range, and luck be a lady.  Started to get a bit overconfident in himself, combining the Super Natural Walking practice.  He allowed himself to fully plant himself on the side of each mountain running horizontally to the end.  Proceeded by a bound with the help of his gliding technique, and through a mountain range.

"Wooooooooohooooooooo!!!"

Suutei and the others had finally made their descent at the village gates, and the clones exploded into clouds of white smoke.  Suutei chuckled as he spoke to Fukai who looked a little green, and puked into a nearby bush.  "Haha sorry about that Fukai.  Guess everyone isn't cut out for the flying you know, but hey it was pretty exciting for me.  I was great meeting you, and I hope we cross paths again someday.  Well I'd better get moving the skies calling me."  Stepping backwards from Fukai so he wouldn't get blown away.  Suutei took off into the sky with a loud boom as he left the ground, and disappeared overhead in the distance.

After that day rumors began to surface that their was a deity who travelled across the Land of Earth.  The Great Tempest the bringer of storms and the gale winds that swept over the land, but little did they know that it was no such deity.  Just a simple young man pure of heart known as Suutei Kimura, a stalwart shinobi.  With another loud boom Suutei performed an upward spiral towards the sun.  "WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!"

Elsewhere...

"Oh dear I think I am lost and the sun will be setting soon.  I can't die here!  Not here in the dessert all alone."  Chopper began to bawl as he fell onto his bottom, and these cries reached out to the nearby predators who'd began closing in on Chopper.  Unaware of their presense, but none where ready for the coming wind which was Suutei who'd snatched up Chopper.

"Chopper there you are buddy I been looking all over for ya!"

The animals even looked in disbelief at what they'd seen.

-Exit Thread-

Training: