Maigo walked by the river, parting a way from the waterfall near the mountain resort. He was at the base of the mountain now and in a clearing with forest on one side of him and the trees on the other. He set his things down and drew his sword, weighing it in his hand as he prepared to train, and work on his form some. With the Chuunin exams going on it would have been smart to check the area around him to make sure that no one was looking onto him, but as long as he kept it simple, they wouldn't gain any useful information against him. He tightened his pouch to his leg so it wouldn't get in the way then drew his sword, in his normal reverse grip style and then spinning it in his hand to a normal grip. A whole lot of flash without much tactical use or necessity in a battle, but that's how Maigo did a lot of his things, even the most simple tasks were made more grandeur than needed.

He stood there in the clearing, moving his sword back and forth, practicing a few of his own moves. Intro with jab and rotation to slash, he just kept checking his combinations, following his footwork along slowly so that every step would be on point and exactly in line. For Maigo, practicing his sword skills was similar to practicing Taijutsu for many, just making sure that he had a counter or parry for each movement and going through the scenarios of battle in his mind with each strike. For a time Maigo debated creating some clones or cutting up some trees to use as dummies so that he could get some more realistic training in but the time and will to do that much elude him.

Going through each movement he would speed up his pace, cutting the air faster, sliding his feet further along the ground. Letting his imagination embody his enemies before him, fighting these phantoms as if they were real, and once he had enough to warm up he slide his sword back in his sheathe and went to the river to wash his face and hands and take a quick drink of water before starting back up.

[383 words]

Beep.
Beep.
Beep.

The repetitive sound of an alarm clock going off was immediately silenced by the occupant of the bed: Razan. The young blacksmith having rolled over and unceremoniously slammed his hand against the piece of technology. Drowsy eyes greeted darkness, blinking a few times to rid themselves of any gound and using his hand for any particularly stubborn gunk. With that now taken care of, he rose from his bed, throwing the bed linen, once covering him, onto the floor, and made his way towards the closed window blinds nearby, and opened them, allowing morning rays to light the room, and provide some warmth. Taking a moment to enjoy the view presented, allowing his thoughts the chance to come together and form a plan for the day. Turn away from the window, Razan headed towards the bathroom to start his ritual for the morning.

Emerging out of the bedroom dressed in a pair of black, shinobi-esque pants with matching footwear and a simple maroon shirt, Razan moved towards the kitchen. Stopping at the table, Razan sought down four, brown parcels, before going bout making his breakfast. While waiting for it to get down, he sat down and began unwrapping the packets, unexpecting the contents within them, testing their weight in his hands. and nodding in approval when he felt everything was up to standards. Said contents remained on the table as he went to check on his food, fixing a healthy size bowl of the substance and filling his growling stomach.

Once full, having eaten at least two helpings, Razan thoughts drifted towards his plans for the day. Yesterday training didn't pan out how he would've liked it. It having been derailed by a rude and creepy Kumo-nin who started out hostile towards him, all because he almost stepped on a bug! Thankfully, the pair managed to work something out and got along - for the most part. The day was ruin due to him having helped the female search for some insects that would be used by her, however, it took longer than expected; and before he knew it, the day was coming to a close without him getting any training in.

Today would be different tho! He would get some training in, no matter what. However, unlike last time, he wouldn't be focusing on learning and developing his affinities, instead, honing his techniques taught to him by his parents, and practicing with weapons he bought upon first arriving at Kumogakure no Sato. With his mind made up, Razan grabbed the necessary weapons and refreshments, water, before heading out towards a clearing near the resort he was staying at.

It took sometime to make his way down the mountain of the resort with him waving and greeting everyone who he met along the way, casually. Having reached the based, he turned and continued trekking, entering into a thicket of trees and moving about them as best as he could. His clothing began a little damp from the morning dew still clinging on the shrubbery that brushed up against him. Finally, after a few minutes, Razan broke through the wooden area and entered the clearing.

He murmured a curse when his eyes acknowledged the presence of another individual within the area. Definitely a male, yet Razan couldn't tell if said person was a shinobi or not because their back was facing him. Sighing at the situation, he cleared his throat loudly in an attempt to get the man's attention and spoke " Hope you don't mind me training here as well, Stranger-san?", he asked. Feeling like it was only polite to ask strange-san if he could also train here if they disagreed, Razan would simply find another place.

---

628


**Weapons Currently on Razan: Two Batons, Six Kunais and Shurikens

Maigo went through his combinations, cutting and slashing his way through air and imaginary enemies. Standing on the edge of the bank and keeping track of his footwork was crucial, he paused and collected himself, sliding his sword into a ready position and then into it's sheathe. He planned on next going to the river itself and using the Supernatural Walking Practice to give himself an even further challenge but as he collected himself, he heard a voice from behind him. "Hope you don't mind me training here as well, Stranger-san?", the voice was a bit rough in trying to catch his attention, Maigo looked over his shoulder and turned his body after. A boy broke from the treeline and entered the clearing near the river, heading towards Maigo and where he was. No, not at all, there's plenty of space for more people  but I have to ask. You're not an exam participant are you? Because if you're trying to find out my techniques and stuff before the match then you might be better off training somewhere else! he said sternly. Doing his best to sound polite but firm in his question, if he wasn't a possible opponent then there is no reason for him to worry but if he might see him in the exams. Then knowledge of Maigo's skills and abilities could mean a world of difference when it comes down to it.

He looked him over as he awaited his answer, the boy was several inches shorter but more well built than he was. His hands looked rough, he was probably used to working with them and that meant he might have some strength behind him. But other than that, he looked a little bit older than Maigo but not by much, his lean figure made him think that he was also capable of holding his ground. Maigo on the other hand was rather thin and trying to build his weight up and become stronger physically. Both of the long haired boys standing there, so different and probably so similar at the same time. If the boy would turn out to be just someone training there and not another exam contestant trying to gain an edge he would move down some and let him in on the space near the river as well. Grabbing a drink of water and washing his face for a moment a bit down the river, only taking a moment, another idea would strike him.

Turning back to the boy as he stood back up he would call out, Hey, you know. If we're both here training, why don't we train together? he would wait to catch his attention before continuing on, Perhaps a spar or something of the sorts, a quick battle would do far better than any of the little tasks we could do around here. he would listen intently as he rubbed the back of his head and gave a half hearted chuckle. He was a little nervous asking, since it's not everyday that you offer to fight someone you don't know and don't expect them to not kill you or you not try to kill them. I mean, just a friendly spar, no reason to try and kill each other. he tacked on while he still could. Holding his arm and hand out to stop him before he might start to get the wrong idea.

If the boy would take interest or even accept his offer for a bit of friendly competition he would position himself about 10 meters away from him and 5 meters from the edge of the river. My name's Maigo by the way. he would say as he formed the half tiger seal and waited for his opponent to get ready and follow suit. He was contempt with letting his opponent make the first move and would draw his sword as soon as they began.

[665 words, 1,048 words total]

He mentally nodded at the question proposed by the other male. A reasonable inquiry to ask giving the activities, the Chuunin Exams,  going on within Kumogakure no Sato. It was understandable for any contestant to seem wary of anyone who accidently stumbles on the grounds where they were training. Information gained from witnessing another contestant practicing their techniques is invaluable to any other exam participant. Although, Razan could merely assume nefarious acts, like spying, took place during the exams. His knowledge coming from gossip, and how the strange-san reacted to his presence and the accusation thrown his way: at least the guy was polite with the query.

Shaking his head in a negative fashion, his low hanging ponytail swishing back and forth, he spoke to ease the man’s weariness “No, I’m not a contestant in the exams. You can say, I’m not even a shinobi. Simply a blacksmith who fancy himself in learning the arts.” There wasn’t any form of deceit within the words he spoke. They being honest. However, Razan wouldn't be surprised if stranger-san questioned the answer giving, like the other did when told the same thing. Though, Razan hoped such a scenario didn't come to past; he having grown tired of explaining himself, specifically his motives for wanting to learn more about shinobi arts and why he didn't go to the Academy.

With his answer given, Razan took the opportunity, now that stranger-san was facing him, to take stock in the other male. There were a couple inches separating them in height with stranger-san being the tallest, however, not by much. While he, himself, was a little more stocky, a number of factors playing a role in this, but mostly do to his profession as a blacksmith, build than his counterpart. Stranger-san, if facial appearances were to be any indication, looked younger than himself, but not by much. Those russet color eyes of his didn't spot any headband or the likes on stranger-san persona despite the man stating he was in the exams. Maybe he left it at home or the apartment he was staying at? Or maybe, it was hidden somewhere on his persona? Razan didn't know, and it was little concern to him.

An offer for a friendly spar was a surprising one, and it showed across Razan's face. Since the start of his journey, he never once fought against another person, having been fairly lucky in avoiding the dangers coming with being a wanderer. The idea of sparring with someone, asides from his parents before he left, was something he didn't expect to do this particular morning. Would he turn down the offer generous offer from stranger-san? Would he allow his slightly apprehension towards shinobi stop him from accepting the opportunity presented. Taking a moment to think over the offer, Razan came to a conclusion, "Sure,", he continued "Although, I doubt I will stand a chance against you, stranger-san.".  This wasn't him trying to inflate the man's ego, no. Razan honestly believed his skills were inadequate when compared to trained shinobi, though that wouldn't stop him sparring with stranger-san.

Ah! A name was giving, Maigo, and committed to the blacksmith's memory for future reference; he too would do the same, telling his name "Nice too meet you. I'm Razan." With pleasantries out of the way, he mimic Maigo's motions, performing the Seal of Confrontation, something he became familiar with during his family sparrs. Once done, Razan shifted through a string of hand-signs, Dog -> Tiger -> Snake -> Rat -> Snake, slamming both of his palms onto the ground a front of him. No sooner had he did this, a multitude of small rocks blasted, in a cone shape fashion, towards Maigo. Without pausing, still being in a couch position, Razan reached behind his back, grabbing a pair of batons. Secured in his grasp, Razan stood up, stepping with his left foot and pushing off with his right as he propelled towards Maigo, using the flying rocks as cover. When in ranger, less than 2 meters, he attempted an overhand strike aimed for Maigo's shoulder that being followed by a sideways strike with the opposite hand, aiming for his ribs.

---

720 of 1348 Total Words

Chakra: 140/150:

He eased Maigo's tension, revealing that he was not a contestant, nor was he a shinobi at all. Which was odd to see someone with weapons and out training who wasn't a shinobi, but then again there were things like militias, samurai, and even bandits who needed to hone their skills. And as long as he wasn't causing anyone any trouble then why should he be bothered about who he was, no matter how curious Maigo might have been at what he might have been training for. A bit later, Maigo gave the offer to spar to which he accepted, a bit of a smile came over his face, this match would be good practice for going up against someone like he might in the exams. Although the man doubted his own abilities Maigo would chuckle at his statement, Even a genin can beat a Kage, if he's clever enough. Or at least that's what I'm told, not sure if I believe it myself. Regardless, it's just a spar, I'm sure you'll do great! he said as they readied themselves. Dispensing with the pleasentries, Razan was he name, he gripped his sword after they began and began to draw it forth.

While Maigo drew his weapon, Razan ran through a series of handsigns, he was fairly quick and accurate with his signs, then slamming his hands on the ground in front of him. Small rocks began to blast forward towards Maigo, he paused for a second and debated on what he was going to do. Given the earth property of his attack he figured it was a good time to try out one of his new techniques. He smiled and hoped that it would work, taking a step forward towards his opponent and the closing rocks he lept forward off the ground. Once in the air he would swing his sword wildly and spin in the air, keeping his body relatively lithe and flexible but straight. Releasing raiton chakra into his blade and then releasing it in a chaotic manner to create a sphere of yellow and golden lightning zapping around him. Aiming to test the true effectiveness of his new defensive jutsu, he would let the rocks hit the sphere directly, and zap and repel away.

Once he was sure he blocked the rock, holding the sphere and spinning for a moment longer than the sound of stones hitting it would last. He would slow his rotation and exit the air, this time with his eyes displaying the one tomoe sharingan. A little dizzy from his spin he would land on the ground and gather himself, looking to find his opponent and holding his sword out from him. He hoped that his move would break Razan's combination and let him attack in his own manner from here. If the boy would continue on his attack, Maigo would hold his sword horizontally and block the initial strike towards his shoulder and step backwards to avoid the second near his body.

If he could avoid his attacks he would respond immediately with a slash crossing the boys left shoulder and horizontally downward to his right side. Then from there he would try to deliver a kick to the center of his mass so he could separate the pair and break the combos being prepared by his opponent.

[566 words, 1614 words total]

+1 to RT from 1-tomoe

130/150 Chakra:

The pleasantries between the two finished, both having made peace with one another, the Seal of Confrontation, a reminder to keep the upcoming bout friendly, mirrored by each. Razan didn't waste any time in going through a set of hand-signs, Dog -> Tiger -> Snake -> Rat -> Snake, having rehearsed and memorized them, palms slamming onto the ground once the last symbol was made. Chakra aligned with earth surged through the harden terrain and brought forth a multitude of small rocks. Around thirty in number, the stones flew towards their attended target, Maigo, in a cone shaped fashion.

Still in a crouch position, having settled into one when performing the aforementioned jutsus, Razan reached behind his back, grasping the handles of a pair of batons; the small raising giving him additional control as he secured them tightly. Righting himself back into a standing position, stepping with his left foot, Razan used the opposite one to propel his body forward. Using the flying rocks as cover to conceal his advancement, his eyes were focused on Maigo, being on high alert for anything that might detour him from his current plan.

It paid off when Maigo leapt forward towards the incoming rocks, sword flashing about wildly as he entered into a spin - lightning, raiton, coating the weapon and expelling outward, creating a sphere. Razan's advancement slowed down, eyes watching raiton globule destroy all the rocks heading towards it. The pebbles turning into dust once contact had been made. After the last pebble was destroyed, the raiton sphere dispersing soon after, and Maigo touchdown the ground - Razan surged forward. Closing the gap between them, eyes taking note of the change in Maigo's own, weapons lashed outward in an attempt to cause damage. His first strike, an over-handed strike with the baton in his right hand, aimed at the shoulder, didn't connect with flesh instead with steel. It having been blocked, the ease of it being done showing the strength difference between the pair - Maigo being stronger. This didn't detour Razan as his second strike came in, the baton in his left hand aiming for the opponent's exposed ribs only to be meet air due to them stepping out of the weapon's reach.

Razan stepped back, avoiding the slash, feet shuffling, moving him to the left of Maigo. An underhand strike coming to greet the extending leg, Razan aiming to jab the tip of the baton into the calf of the aforementioned limb in an attempt to throw Maigo's off balance: the force being enough to lift Maigo off the ground a little and potentially stumbling. This being followed by another over strike the other baton coming downward on the ankle of said limb. Both of these attacks happening simultaneously. (If successful), Razan pressed the advantage, planting his left foot into the ground, twisting his body to left in a spin, and using the momentum of said motion to slam the broad side of his baton into Maigo's upper body.

---

504 of 1852 Total Words

Maigo shielded himself effectively from the barrage of rocks, maybe a bit over-kill on the technique use but he needed to try it out at some point and with how little affect the rocks had it seemed he could defend against much larger attacks too. Intead their next moves flew, overhand strikes blocked by steel and slashes returned, each of them trying to capitalize on any mistake that the other might have made.

Maigo sent the last of his moves in and tried to kick Razan at his center of mass, essentially separating their distance with the move. But he would back away from Maigo's slash only to see the leg coming in after and give his own response. Maigo wouldn't have imagined that a baton would cause the same kind of pain as a bokken would, his sensei had landed enough blows on him with those wooden swords for him to be all but numb against attacks but Razan did something that he had never faced before. He delivered one strike into his calf, hitting near the center of the flesh of his leg, a hit that would create quite a soreness. For all the times he had been hit in the arm or head not once in his calf, and he could almost immediately feel the pain of leg beginning to cramp up as he began to fall backwards. But now his opponent delivered a second blow and this time to his ankle, pushing him back down towards the ground with just as much force as he had been able to stumble the leg to begin with.

He knew he had to act quickly as he saw his leg get forced back down, his eyes following the movements of the batons in his opponents hands. He began to watch as he pressed on again, planting his foot and beginning to rotate around, the baton moving in a wide arc around his body, building both rotational speed and a large amount of momentum aimed for Maigo's head. Maigo changed his grip on the sword to a reverse grip, letting the blade end of it point towards the ground and his hilt up. He would try to duck underneath the swing of the baton, waiting as long as he could and keeping an eye on the baton, he knew that past a certain point and Razan wouldn't be able to change the direction of his hit. Should he be able to effectively get underneath it, he would thrust his sword forward towards Razan, and stand up at the same time. Aiming to drive the end of the hilt into his stomach, extending his arms and driving him backwards with the force of his body standing up into him.

If he were able to do all of that he would jump backwards and try to separate the pair again, trying to achieve the same outcome he had aimed to get through his first combination of moves.

[500 words, 2114 words total]

+1 to RT from 1-tomoe

125/150 Chakra:

Maigo was able to dodge the strikes during Razan's spin, ducking underneath to avoid them he then took the hilt of his blade and drove it into his stomach and pushed him off. The hit only driving him back slightly, but instead Maigo's jump backwards would create a few meters space between them. Just as he intended, and yet he still felt like he was at the disadvantage in this battle. He looked up at Razan, his sharingan floating up towards his eyes, and he spoke while he thought out his next move, "To say that you can take a hit would be an understatement. I've hit you twice now and it seems to have hardly affected you, which means I have to switch my battle strategy and get a little more serious. If you don't mind?" he said snickering at his last little statement. Almost like he would be taunting Razan and getting the duo ready to compete at a higher level, he wasn't planning to pull anymore punches in this fight. Next time he would be driving the sword forward instead of the hilt and he would do everything he could to strike with letting up.

Once he was done with his commenting he would focus in on Razan, and forming the Rat hand seal, intent on casting his hell-viewing technique. Prepared to stay on his feet and move around if need be, he knew that he merely had to keep Razan in his view while it casts, and to avoid getting hit by any attacks if he could avoid it. The hell viewing technique was a rather nasty but simple genjutsu that would manifest Razan's greatest fears before his eyes, Maigo's sharingan would watch and wait while the illusion forms in his mind. It's use always intrigued him, since Maigo wasn't necessarily a sadistic person it was weird of him to be so interested in people's fears. He would always wonder what would form in their mind, with his obvious casting method and the irrationality of the illusion it wouldn't take long for Razan to figure out it's workings and a way to get out of it.

If Razan were to fall under the genjutsu he wouldn't attack him, instead he would let it run it's course. Finding a safe area at an audible distance he would begin to speak to him while the illusion forms, relaxing his grip on the sword and spoke calmly and confidently, hoping that it might add some to the feel of the illusion. "You are quite skilled, and physically your ability to take a hit and your own strength and speed are quite a dept, especially for a normal citizen as you so describe it. I feel that maybe it would be worth it for you to become a shinobi instead of a civilian, you could make quite a presence with your natural skills. Having used ninjutsu and bukijutsu already, quite adept indeed." he would be walking around him at this time, watching the genjutsu begin to take affect and slowly form. Their faces almost always indicated where they were in the genjutsu, and he had seen it enough times to know when their fears would begin manifesting. "But there is also a mental aspect to being a shinobi, and I wonder how much your mind can take. If it's anything like your body then you should be fine and instead it will test your own cleverness to continue on from here."

He would speak in as ominous a tone as he could, hoping that he could add onto the initial fear that Razan would be enduring at this moment. His speaking instead of attacking would be seen as taunting by many, most, people looking at the situation. But this was all apart of Maigo's attitude towards his technique. In some corner of Maigo's mind he was in some sense trying-out Razan to become a ninja, though he couldn't confirm that he wasn't already he saw this battle as sort of an introduction for him. It may also be demeaning for Maigo to take that upon himself and to think so highly of himself over someone else, but he almost couldn't help but forming these images and feelings of his own grandeur and glory. Especially when it was someone who was vocally saying they were under him, true or not, it was all the argument needed to convince Maigo of that truth.

Maigo would work his way around to behind Razan while the genjutsu was taking affect, waiting to see how he would handle it and if he could escape it. Taking in the effect of it all and watching how it would affect him, he would stand behind him at the ready, his grip on his sword and the blade pointed towards him. He would have every chance to strike at him during the genjutsu, but he wouldn't, partially out of some weird attempt at sadicism. And yet, even Maigo knew, in some part of him unconsciously that he wasn't acting because he was holding back. Not wanting to fully injure him, no matter his reasoning he wouldn't be able to fully escape the fact that he was holding back and worried about actually hurting him. Though the mental and psychological damage could be worse than simply cutting him, it would be up to Razan and his mental strength to really show Maigo what he was made of.

[933 words, 3047 words total]

+1 to RT from 1-tomoe sharingan

Chakra 110/150:

There was a small amount of hoping from Razan that his sparring partner didn't notice the lack of injury or signs of discomfort from him when he got nailed in the gut by the blunt end of the former's weapon. An attack like that, with one's whole body weight behind it, in normal circumstances, would have caused some form of injury, more specifically bruising, and leaving the victim gasping desperately for air. Yet, the counterattack had little to any effect on Razan. His ability to withstand such a punishing blow didn't come from any chakra manipulation shenanigans prior to contact, but from genetics on his father's side. A full-blooded Hattori, Razan didn't inherit his mother's monstrosity strength, rather his father's impenetrable durability; his body being able to take a load of punishment, more than the average shinobi of the same rank, without succumbing to it till much later. This was why he was capable of taking the blow without any difficulty. It's something he took pride in, along with being something he didn't want readily known by the masses. However, it seemed like his sparring partner was a sharp one and took notice, if his comment was anything to go by, in which Razan smiled and ready himself for the continuation of the battle "Hopefully not too serious. After all, I am just a blacksmith.", reminding Maigo in a friendly manner.

The first few exchanges have been intense with neither of them gaining any ground during them. However, if one wanted to be technically, Razan did manage to score the better of the two hits, dealing damage to the opponent's leg; something he wanted to exploit but lack the means at the given time. It still meant little in the grand scheme of things for Maigo was still standing and capable of fighting. He had yet to admit defeat, and until that happen, it was prudent for both of them to not let their guard down against one another. Maigo as a shinobi participating in the Chuunin Exams had showed his proficiency in the shinobi arts and while they might be greater than Razan, the latter showed that despite being a blacksmith one shouldn't underestimate him. Though at the back of Razan's mind, he wonder was Maigo holding back like he was? And did the latter suspect it?

Those thoughts were pushed away to the furthest corners of his mind as he refocused on the person a front of him. Leg muscles tensed in preparation of movement, hands gripped the batons' shafts tightly in readiness for combat, as his eyes took note of Maigo's hand formation. Ram; the hand sign is used in a number of different jutsus, therefore, pinpointing the one, or the very least nature is nearly impossible. He could only wait to see what would happen and hope he had enough time to dodge or counter it. He didn't have to wait long.

. . . the world spun upon itself. Grass, dirt, and leaves created a vortex and he, Razan, was smack dab in the middle, and before he could escape everything stopped. . .


The leaves, dirt and grass that were once around him had disappeared, and Razan found himself in the same position as before with the only thing different being Maigo not being a front of him. Head swiveling left to right, looking for his opponent who had vanished in thin air. After searching for some time and not finding any signs of Maigo, Razan assumed the shinobi had left, therefore, he was about to leave as well.

". . . help me.", Razan paused in mid-step upon hearing an eerie familiar voice. Ice formed in his veins as his blood ran cold, he knew that voice, but she couldn't be here, could she? Ever so slowly he turned his head to the right and tears threaten to pour from his as he looked upon what, no who, laid on the ground bleeding out - a woman. This wasn't just any woman, no, she was his eldest sister, someone like him, who left their parent's home to find a place in the world. While he had only recently left, she had left a good four years prior to him. The last time he had talked to her being before his journey to Lightning country. She was supposed to be in Kaze no Kuni! Not Kaminari no Kuni. Legs moved on their own as he fell down near her body and desperately tried to save her, however, nothing he did seem to stem the bleeding. Thus, he watched helplessly as his sister died before him. He watched as her body vanished in thin air. . .

Wait. . .a body doesn't simply vanish after the person dies. What was going on? Thinking back to before seeing his sister die and Maigo's disappearance, Razan vaguely remember the latter talking, something about a mental aspect of being a shinobi?


There is only one mental aspect that he was aware of Genjutsu. Could this be an illusion done by Maigo? Were shinobis so cruel to play on the fears of others? Of course they were, they are shinobis after all. In order to see if this was a genjutsu, Razan flooded his body with chakra - performing Kai.

. . . and the world spun once more. . .

Instead of kneeling down, Razan found himself standing in the same spot as before - prior to the genjutsu. Blinking away any possible tears and forcing his hands to stop tremble, Razan worked on getting his heart-rate down before looking for his opponent. It only taking a turn of his head to find Maigo's location; it being behind him. "Seems like this is checkmate. Even if I move the distant is too close for me to dodge anything thrown at me, " he spoke. His voice being a little bit off.

Carefully turning around in a non-aggressive manner, Razan faced his opponent as he sheath his batons. While the fight could have gone on longer, the effects of the genjutsu were still bothering him though he tried not to show it, and fighting was the furthest thing from his mind now.

"So, genjutsu?"

---

1048 of 3663 Total Words

The pair had made their exchanges, things were heating up and Maigo was able to cast his genjutsu. Almost ignoring his warning to not take it too seriously since he was just a civilian, he figured a simple genjutsu like this wouldn't do too much damage, definitely enough to sway the battle but not enough to crush or scar his psyche. That was the saving grace of his Hell-Viewing technique, all of the mental damage he could inflict, a pause in the action and nothing other than the memory of the horror would stick. After Maigo made his seals he stood and watched Razan, setting gently back, Razan watched him for a moment and then it was like Razan had lost sight of him. He knew all too well the progression of the technique, it's sudden change in the environment, leaves or dirt spinning around him to mask the transition, he knew because his opponent would see everything change around him then it would become calm almost just as quickly. The catch is that all of it, the distraction, and the horror was all part of the illusion, something that Maigo wouldn't see, but would instead have to observe how his opponent was reacting. He could see that change in Razan as he began to walk around behind him, he was falling through the steps like clockwork, with each step he thought about what Razan might be seeing, this being a rather boring part for Maigo. If Razan were truly his enemy, he would probably have already made his strike and delivered a critical blow, but he wasn't here for any of that.

Each step quite as not to set anything off, he slowly walked around him, and he noticed something jolt through Razan, like a kunai being implanted in his back, he knew that his fear had finally presented itself. Razan turned his head and tears presented, he ran forward and fell towards the ground, perhaps he was seeing the death of a loved one? Or maybe the return of someone he had lost long ago? It was these types of illusions that would make some of his victims enter into a blood-rage, giving every chance to kill the caster. And Maigo had been warned of this, to play off of peoples fears puts you in a dangerous territory for your opponent emotionally. He watched as panic, fear, sadness took over Razan, each emotion as apparent as the last, before it seemed everything had ended. He saw him prepare himself, his mind probably racing through everything that had happened, Maigo was able to position himself behind Razan who was kneeling down. It was then that he noticed him clap his hands together, he imagined that if he could fully see the chakra then he would see it flooding around his body. Kai, an academy technique, not something that just anyone knows, at least no one without some form of training, despite being such an easy and low level technique, he knew there was more to this guy's story.

Maigo stayed quite as he watched Razan come to his senses, calming himself down and doing everything he could to bring himself back to the real world. It seemed that Razan knew where Maigo was, standing plainly behind him, sword in hand he figured that the pace had changed, and the immediate shock and adrenaline was still affecting him. He turned his head and spoke, "Seems like this is checkmate. Even if I move the distant is too close for me to dodge anything thrown at me," Maigo breathed out and smiled at the thought. He watched him begin to stand and sheathe his batons, Fairly perceptive for someone who's...what was it, 'Just a blacksmith'? he said with a smile on his face and sheathed his sword along with him. Standing tall in the spot he was at, he could see Razan's movements and demeanor had changed, maybe he had pushed it too far with his illusion, but Razan had no blood lust for Maigo's soul, at least not that he could tell immediately.

"So, genjutsu?" he posed non-chalantly to Maigo. He still stayed where he stood, but chuckled at it.

Yeah, genjutsu. he said with a small laugh in his voice, You could say that it's a bit of my specialty. I hope to one day become the greatst genjutsu user in the world. One so known and so strong that at the mention of my name, my opponent will begin to question if they are already in a genjutsu and question what is real and isn't." He said with a smile on his face at the idea of his own noteriety, more fantasy than anything. He contined on, That one I used, is called the Hell-Viewing technique, shows your victim their greatest fear and leaves them succumbed to it until they escape it. For it's complexity it's actually one of the simplest ones out there. he said hoping to keep his attention for a moment longer. I hope you understand, I didn't use that technique out of spite or some perverted sense of superiority, but if you are in fact just a blacksmith, then you'd be very welcomed in Kirigakure. Maybe as something a little more than a blacksmith. he said, subtly trying to recruit Razan, if he really wasn't a ninja, then he had a very high potential. But then again, potential was merely subjective to the view of the one making the comparison, so by that regard anyone could have a high potential depending on who was making that assessment.

[974 words, 4021 words total]

Shaken; the imagery depicted in the illusionary world cast upon him by Maigo affected the wandering blacksmith more than what the former probably intended. Scenes of his elder sibling dying over and over again, an old film stuck on repeat, struck a deep chord within him. Having never fallen lull to a genjutsu of that particular context, only reading about them through archive throughout his home and public library, he had thought he was prepared for the inevitable. Solely he was wrong. There is a difference between reading about a place or, in this case, a jutsu that's overlooked. Experiencing it first hand is the only way to properly understanding and respect things read or told by another. Just because he had read about some of the nastier psychological effects genjutsus could afflict. Warned, by his parents,  about shinobis having no reservation in using them in combat. Razan thought he was prepared. . .

Maigo, his unexpected sparring partner, proved him how wrong the assumption was. His psyche wasn't prepared to handle the grievous assault. The surreal scene of his dying sister tore asunder his mind as soon as he laid eyes on her prone form. Shock followed by soul crushing despair were the feelings felt during the time stuck within the alter reality as his mind, the pieces that managed to remain intact, tried to comprehend what was a front of them - tried to make sense of everything. Course, it eventually worked, he coming to the realize the world around him was fake; a simple yet elaborate world crafted by its master. But, by the time the conclusion was met, the damage had already been done and taken root.

When he came back to reality, knowing he had lost, but thankfully the sparr wasn't serious, his body disobeyed him. Hands commanded to stop shaken rebelled against him and did as they, pleased. Tears told not to fall, fell like rain drops only to be blinked away by his eyelashes. Unintentionally and unknowingly, to Maigo, the genjutsu did it job a little bit too well, damaging, bringing buried subjects to the forefront of his mind that will eventually need to be dealt with sooner rather than later. But for now. . .

He chuckled at the subtle jabbed at his profession. Maigo assuming that he was more than just a blacksmith. He wouldn't fall for the oblivious taunt, yet he did respond to the shinobi, having turned and face him once he composed himself.

"Even blacksmith must be perceptive in their line of work. For a blade is more than just an instrument to be used at one's leisure. It has a soul of its own and a blacksmith must be in keen in understanding it to bring out it's full potential."

While listening to Maigo speak about his personally ambitious, Razan made a mental reminder to be more prepared for genjutsu in the near future. Not because he thought the two of them would cross paths again, but to have more ways to fight off against others who wouldn't hesitate to kill him. "I wish you luck on your endeavour. If what you showed today is anything to go by than you are on your way there.", seemingly meant what was spoken. It was disheartening to hear he had fail to one of the more simplistic genjutsus out there, but that just reiterated the fact he needed more training. "Thanks for telling about the genjutsu. I know you didn't have to. It surely did bring up some unwanted things, but this will ultimately make me stronger. "

It was unexpected that Maigo tried to him, though he could see where the shinobi was coming from. Kirigakure no Sato was known for the Seven Swordsmen and excellent blacksmiths. If there was a holy grail for blacksmiths it would to be apprenticed by a blacksmith from Kiri - working underneath such renowned masters. "I'm gracious for the offer, but I'm not ready to settle down yet. I still got much to explore in this world before I settle down somewhere. Though, I'm not against visiting." he said, looking up at the sun and noticing the time.

"It's time for I to leave. Got other appointments to take care of. Thanks for the spar. And good luck at the exams.", he spoke, leaving the way he came.

---

Total WS: 4394

Stat Training:

Razan laughed at Maigo’s prodding towards his profession, Maigo smiled as he began to laugh, none of it being all that serious and their fight over as far as he could tell. Razan began to speak after, "Even blacksmith must be perceptive in their line of work. For a blade is more than just an instrument to be used at one's leisure. It has a soul of its own and a blacksmith must be in keen in understanding it to bring out its full potential." Maigo listened patiently to his rant of ideologies, while he listened he squinted his eyes for a second, to Razan it may look like nothing more than an elongated blink as he stopped the flow of chakra to his eye and let his sharingan fade away. Opening his eyes again, their golden color would return as he looked towards him and scratched his neck. Their back and forth continued on for a moment, more peeling back at each other and who they were, it seemed the more he got down that Razan was indeed a blacksmith, and Maigo wouldn’t dare challenge that. But to Maigo, Razan either was something more or was hoping to become something more, and that was why he told him about the genjutsu. In hopes of either piquing his interest in another field, maybe in defending against it or using it and secondly, to convince him that he needed more training, and specialized training at that.

Razan ended by thanking him for the explanation, a curious response no less, but Maigo would simply smirk and nod his head, Razan would surely get the message. Their small talk of the fight concluded Maigo pressed on into the issue of Razan and his residency, making a suggestion that he’d be a welcome addition to kirigakure, even if he was just a blacksmith at the end of the day. The only trouble is how isolated Kirigaure tended to be could prove problematic but for some commitment it wouldn’t be too much of a problem. Razan looked up towards the sun, "I'm gracious for the offer, but I'm not ready to settle down yet. I still got much to explore in this world before I settle down somewhere. Though, I'm not against visiting.” And that was enough for Maigo to be happy with it. Maigo shot back sharply and quickly, “A visit, eh? Well train hard while you’re traveling and all then I can really show you something in our next rematch.”

His words gave a slight bit of condescension, but not hostility, he had his shoulder turned slightly and looked Razan dead on in an attempt to make eye contact as he spoke. A slight attempt to build a bit of a competition or give him something to compete against, Maigo could use extra rivals and if Razan got stronger and chose to become a true ninja then he could be quite the adversary for Maigo to test himself against. Someone with raw talent, as raw as it could be would be the perfect mark to compete and measure up against. He just hoped that Razan would see his jeers as what they were and less insulting than they might rub off to be. But finally, Razan would begin to depart rather than sit around and throw back insults with Maigo or compare their own relative prides against each other, and probably for the best.

Razan turned off towards his home or lodging and spoke as he began to leave, "It's time for I to leave. Got other appointments to take care of. Thanks for the spar. And good luck at the exams." Maigo simply called out, “Thanks,” was all he mustered as Razan headed off. Smiling and nodding his head as he said it and watched Razan head off, Maigo probably could have mustered a little bit more and made for a better exit, but it wasn’t necessary. They both knew where they stood and they both knew who the other was so that if Razan ended up in Kirigakure, he would be able to find him. Or he would at least know who to ask for. Maigo then had to decide what to do himself, he had come to train but the spar had pretty much given him all he wanted, though more training would probably be good for him, the lazier side of his psyche had kicked in and was ready to go eat or take a nap.

So that’s what Maigo would do, he gathered up his things, making sure he had everything he had come to train with. Then tightening his sword to his belt a bit more, he made his way back to town and to the resort, only a little bit of practice accomplished, it was more than enough for him to justify a successful day and that alone would mean that he needed to match that success with rest. He had lost track of the time of the afternoon, probably easy enough to figure out and regain himself but mentally he refused. He entered back into the resort and entered a restraint downstairs, grabbing a to-go box of grilled chicken and beef mixed in rice, Maigo headed straight up the stairs to his room in the hotel.

The clean walls and soft carpet of the hotel were things he treasured as he moved through the hallway, everything so brightly lit and yet it was dark enough that it seemed like the lights had been dimmed. He entered into his room to find his squad mates and sensei gone from the vicinity, he didn’t hear Yunah or Yuko and Dameon was gone as well. A victory for Maigo as he sat down and began to dig into his food and think about how wonderful the amazing the peace and quiet the rest of his afternoon was going to be.

[996 words, 5017 words total]
[5 EP earned]

[Exit Thread]

Training: