Izayoi walked through the woodland of Konohagakure, as he tended to do now. It always seemed that interesting individuals could be found within these woods, among these trees. Some would be the sort to kill him, such as that Uchiha. Others, the kind of which he could find comradery, and in such, a suitable pawn for future, like the Inuzuka. Regardless, they had proven that anything could happen within the woods, and as such the Hyuga had got into the habit of always walking with his eyes sharp and alert. He was clad in a deep crimson kimono, with white streaks on the sleeves, and his hair was tied up neatly as ever in a ponytail that flowed behind him. His face was soft, the features barely defined, and with the grace of his step, he could perhaps be deemed fabulous.

Still, that was an aside for his superiority complex, and none of that would show in demeanour, Izayoi walking away from the village with a smile upon his face, traversing the wooded area with little weight behind his step. The light crunching of the leaves from the winter passed as he stepped over them, the sound of bird song as the flying creatures returned from their migration. The rustling of leaves from life manoeuvring among the canopy. It all reminded him of the true nature and existence of the leaf village – the one that deemed life important, yet hidden, and only for whatever purposes. The sound of a hissing caught his attention, and activating the byakkugan, he soon found that within one of the trees, a snake was coiling, fangs deep in the neck of a dying bird, whose throat was too damaged by poison for it to sing its distress. The world was cruel, and existed only for predators and their prey. The pawns to be used by the killers. Still, he sighed, shaking his head and moving onwards.

After continuing on, he found himself in a location that was familiar to him. Not far from the nearby roads, one of the many rivers and streams in Hi no Kuni. A more…. Grim smile crossed his lips, however he soon caught himself out, readjusting his facial posture to be more gentle and soft as he sat down on a nearby rock, crossing his legs and allowing himself to get into a meditative posture. Quietly, he inhaled, allowing his mind to think, to strategize, and to clear. He let out an exhale, continuing to keep his byakkugan active, the visual strain apparent and the only possible “blemish” upon his face that he would deem uncouth. He had an expectation there would be another stranger to meet out here. It had happened before, and the world was a surprisingly small place. If not, well, the time alone would be welcome, but if so, then indeed the encounter would be worth the walk.

482

Chakra: 140/150 (-10 chakra for using a C rank jutsu)

Raion finished tying the headband around his for head and smiled. Normally, he would be out here to practice and dance, but today, today was different. He just became a genin, a genin! He chuckled as he stood up and looked ahead, seeing a clear path ahead he nodded, bending slightly forward, one foot behind him, the other in front.

Today, he swore that he wouldn't use jutsu! He would just practice, he would need to be strong as possible to defeat his enemies and make Oba-chan proud. He then started to sprint down the clear path through the trees. He couldn't slow, not even for a minute, lest his speed dropped. He looked up as he ran, watching the leaves fall. A leaf hit him in the forehead, he chuckled, getting an idea. Perhaps while he ran, he could watch for and dodge the leaves? That way, he can get his vision used to running fast.

As he ran, his bare feet kicked up mud, he gave up shoes long ago, to expensive, besides, its silenter...if not more painful for his poor feet. His gi pants frayed legs waved in the wind, some spots of mud here and there, but mostly clean. His shirt seemed bright, yet dull cause of the grey. It was a comfortable shirt, he saved up money for it one day and bought it. It wasn't his only shirt...it was just his third. It started itchy, but wear has worn it down into a soft, comfortable article of clothing. His pony tail bounced a little as he ran, his face happy yet concentrated as he kept a careful eye for the darting leaves. His head band gleamed, some times reflecting, the sun light from his forehead, good for keeping the sun and sweat out of searching eyes.

He started to sweat, ok, perhaps sprinting for a long time was harder than he thought as he started to slow, panting from his hard effort. Dang it, he won't get better if he just relaxes! He painfully starts again, a little slower now, he tryed to keep an eye out for the leaves, but that also proved a challenge, as they kept hitting him in the head as the wind blew around, he would need work on this, alot of work. His eyes widened, a stream was up ahead, one of his favorite streams.

Hey, wasn't swimming good for the body? He speed up, running out the woods and dove in laughing. Apparently, swimming is hard if one hasn't taken a small break from a sprint as he struggled to swim back up, eventually reaching the surface and taking a gasp. Noticing a man sitting on a rock to his left. He...seemed to be meditating? He ducked his head under the water abit, best not to disturb some one in training as he tried, but failed to be stealthy as he nosily swam against the current to the shore, panting. He also needed to work on swimming, he sat up on the beach, letting himself dry off, hoping he didn't disturb the meditating man.

528 words

He saw it before he heard it. A sign of someone approaching in the general direction, likely having heard the sound of rushing water. Whatever, or whoever, the figure was, they were sprinting, breathing haphazardly and stepping with reckless abandon. The bushes rustled, and the person continued running, yet judging from their trajectory, it wasn’t at Izayoi. For a brief moment whoever it was stepped out from the radius that he could see, but then quickly returned, before leaping into the water in front of Izayoi, seemingly oblivious to his presence. Izayoi half expected to have to save the person from drowning like an idiot, yet, it seemed they got out fine, looking in his direction and seemingly quieting themselves as they noisily got themselves to the shore. He allowed his byakkugan to deactivate then, deeming the person close enough now that it didn’t matter.

Slowly, Izayoi allowed his eyes to open, the blank grey staring at the dripping wet individual before him. Keeping his body rigid yet soft, posture upright and firm, and breathing in check, Izayoi spoke up, clearly addressing the person before him. “You know, usually people go swimming when they have prepared to swim, rather than on a whim. Helps to prevent drowning, as well as avoiding pulling a leg, or just looking like you were thrown in the seas of the land of water. Unless looking like you were thrown overboard from a boat is your fashion sense, in which case I guess, more power to you…” he shrugged, uncrossing his legs as a smile crossed his face and he waved. “The name is Izayoi. If you couldn’t guess from the eyes, I’m from the Hyuga clan. Branch family to be exact.” He nodded, standing up carefully and slowly, stretching his arms and legs as if he’d just woken up in the morning. “I’m a genin of Konohagakure no Sato, although, there are rumours circulating that I might be in for a promotion soon… Lucky me.”

He gave a light hearted chuckle, shaking his head slowly. “Ah, but, enough about me. Look at me, rambling on to a stranger who hasn’t spoken once. What’s your story? You seemed very intent to try not disturb me, which, I’m guessing means either you don’t know much about the Hyuga, or you just didn’t notice, but regardless, you seem respectful enough.” He bowed, before reaching in to his weapons pouch, taking out his leaf village forehead protector, and putting over his forehead in the traditional position. He continued to hold his smile, tilting his head to the side and awaiting a response. It seemed his gut was right, and there was yet another among the leaves. Perhaps this meant the village truly held its name in reality. The thought was amusing to him. How so many people could go for walks within the woodland, regardless of the time. Perhaps it would be apt to think of it as the way that, through such attempts at individuality, every individual was simply a copy?

He didn’t know, nor care. That was the stuff for philosophy researchers. Not him.

518 + 482 = 1000

Chakra: 130/150 (-10 for C rank byakkugan)

Raion looked the man over as he listened. He was obviously older, and taller...dang it, he'll get taller than someone eventually. He also had a red kimono...so he was rich? Raion couldn't even afford such a nice piece of clothing. He tilted his head as he said his clan name. Oh shoot, he was a Hyuga member, from the branch. Hmmm, that means he still has their fancy eye jutsu thinge right? Bah! No bother, he already bothered him and Izayoi already figured out that he was trying not to bother him.

Raion stands up and looks up "Yes, I didn't notice. I'm Raion, nice to meet you. I thought you were training Mr. Izayoi so I thought best to leave you alone, as I was also training." he says with a polite bow in return with a smile. It was only polite to return what was given, if not, then Oba-chan would be rolling in her grave, looking for that rolling pin. Thou, it was surprising that he ran into anyone, who knew that people like to meditate on rocks near a stream? especially a Hyuga clan member. He holds out his hand to shake, still smiling, hoping that Izayoi took his official greeting well.

He is still wet, his hand dripping with water. His face looks happy, but serious and slightly embarrassed that he was caught in a bit of training. Anyway, this guy seemed nice enough, and he was from the leaf so he could be trusted. And he liked to ramble, fine with me, the more he rambles the less I have to talk.

278 + 528 = 806

Izayoi smiled as softly as ever, shrugging as he looked down at the much younger boy. The person introduced themselves as Raion, and even called Izayoi a mister… Oh, this was so perfect. Such a… Impressionable youth, that had manners, and respect. Izayoi saw part of himself in the young boy, at the very least, enough to get an idea of what to do. As the person held out a hand, Izayoi nodded, shifting his arm so that the sleeve was out of the way before meeting the wet greeting, returning the hand shake surprisingly firmly, as if leading the contact. When he let go of his grip, he pulled his sleeve back down to its normal position, shaking his hand off low and near a nearby bush.

Pausing for a moment, Izayoi shrugged, before deciding to humour the arrival. He had stated he was training. So, was there a reason? “So, Raion… If you’re okay with me not using titles. We are both equals here, I believe…” that was a lie, but, the soft smile gave nothing away, the emotionless void of his eyes shut behind his eyelids. “So, back on track… Is there any particular reason you are training? Some rival you want to beat? Some goal you want to attain? I’m guessing from your use of titles that you’re new to the ninja world, so, as someone that has been at this longer than you, if you wish, I could aid you in how to be stronger. Or perhaps, how best to aim a senbon, or a kunai. Hand to hand if that’s your choice of combat, or, just how to get point A to point B sooner. Regardless, when you’re younger to the life of endless conflict, any bit of info can be useful. So…” he paused turning and taking a few steps away before shrugging. “Tell me. How long have you been out of the academy? What is your fighting style like? If you’ve been out of the academy longer than me, then, well, I’ll retract my offer for help and instead I guess I’ll be asking you for help!” he laughed, shaking his head as he turned back to face Raion. “So. Yeah. I guess there’s my cards on the table, care to share yours?” he said, before realising he’d forgotten a detail. “Oh, right. And I’m a taijutsu specialist. If you want more specific pointers.”

402 + 1000 = 1402

Inside Raion's mind, two words flashed Taijutsu-specialist. Of course this was obvious, as he is a Hyuga. Thou, he was trying to flatter him, calling him equals, pfffft! This guy was number one: older, which means wiser, number 2: has special jutsu, who knows what kind of crap he can pull from his silky long sleeves (man...I wish I had silky sleeves), most importantly Number 3: Genin who are out longer than other genin, generally have more training. All three of those could result in him getting his butt handed to him on a dinner plate with steak.

Anyway, this guy is offering something, but there's a price to pay for something? "Well Mr. Izayoi, I'm training to be the best." Raion would bluntly say with a bright look in his eye, it was the truth, even if it was a simple dream. He was a honest simple man. He would smile, also shaking his hands off, his smile more sheepish and trouble some, than kind. He would also laugh at his joke, but it would be a much shorter and quieter laugh. "Well, I got out yesterday, but for training Mr. Izayoi, what should I do to make myself faster?" he would ask, tilting his head and crossing his arms like he thought long and hard on it. Which was a lie, but a fool has to start somewhere.

He was hoping that questions would lead to a better improvement, and it was better to be careful, who knows what Izayoi could do to him, especially without his jutsu. Besides, starting off with just basics is better than advancing, better to have a good base and body, before trying to learn something that requires that lacking necessity....but something was nagging him. How can you let a taijutsu, or someone who knows more about taijutsu, pass away with an opportunity like that?! He could learn perhaps, some of the secret Huyga moves, then improve them to his standards and mix them in with his jutsu, it would be a priceless opportunity.

He would look down slightly before saying after a brief moment "And...if you really want to, I wouldn't mind working on my tai-jutsu, that is if you don't mind Mr. Izayoi." he would say with a slight wince, hoping that such knowledge won't come with a big price tag, but, perhaps its worth it.

417 + 806= 1223

Izayoi raised an eyebrow, watching and listening to the child who stated that they were training to be the best. A simple goal, but, one that was easy to manipulate as well, and to Izayoi, that was all that mattered. Knowing someone’s goals was important after all, at least for Izayoi’s personal goal. As the person stated how long they were from the academy, and what they first wanted to know, Izayoi sighed, before shrugging, and smiling as he stated his answer quite plainly. “Train and practice. Make sure to stretch before doing so, and, just work hard. It sounds simple, but, simple leg stretches, simple running, it can get you a long way… As for if you want to use chakra to get faster… Well, you recall the practice of using chakra to enhance your limbs, the super natural walking practice? Apply the basics, train, and learn about how you can add your own flavour… For example.” He smiled softly, before walking over to the water, gathering chakra in his feet. For a moment, it would appear as though he were simply intending on using the basic walking technique, however, as he stepped onto the waves, the scene changed entirely, and he began skating forwards as one would imagine a dancer would on ice. Rather than running, he skated, legs moving from side to side, before going up and pushing himself forward. He span around, turning with his skating posture, his feet seeming to rise and fall with the waves as he smiled, and took a bow.

Quickly, he skated back to the shore, hopping off the water with a spin for show, and landing, before facing the genin with a cocky smile. His robes had avoided the splash of the waves, maintaining the neat and dry appearance he had from prior. He adjusted the posture of his kimono before sighing, and gesturing to the water. “We are shinobi, and we are the ones with mastery over the elements, in our own ways. So, even in your training of your body, be sure to train your mind. And, also train something else…” He pointed then to his eyes, as if in a gesture of pride. “You know of the Tenketsu, yes? The chakra pathways that allow us to utilise chakra, and the individual chakra points they are connected to. As a Hyuga, we’re taught to use them to our advantage when we fight, as I’m sure you can imagine. Not just by affecting others. Take time to learn about your own body, both that you can see, and that you never could see. Train, practice, and focus. Be intent with yourself, and content that you know and breach your own limits.”

He thought for a moment, before stepping forward, closing the distance between the two and looking down at the younger boy, face now neutral, and poking him in the forehead with his right finger. “Predict. I want to see what you can do. So, I want you to strike me. I will not attack back, however, I will dodge. And I want us to continue this practice until you land a strike, understood?” he stated simply, taking a few steps back and sighing, stretching his arms and waiting.

540 + 1402 = 1942

Chakra: 115/150 (-15 for C rank jutsu)

Jutsu used: