Sweat dripped down his brow as Rakurai moved through the Thunder Grounds, dodging from one way to the other, the villagers had told him to stay away from it that it was too dangerous. They told him that he was not ready for it, but the truth of the matter was whether he was ready for it or not did not matter to him anymore the fact that someone told him that he could not do it only fueled the fire in himself to prove the person wrong. Rakurai had never backed down from a challenge even one as dangerous as the possibility of being struck by lightning, he was always getting himself into situations such as this where his life could be in danger. He was not sure why he did it other than the fact that when some tells him he can not do something he had to prove them wrong no matter the cost to himself, today was no different.

It all started with a conversation he over heard earlier in the day between two higher ranking Shinobi talking about meeting out in the Thunder Grounds to train, where as one of them was all for it the other was more skeptical about going out there. That was when Rakurai through himself into the mix, by saying that he would go out and train in the Thunder Grounds with the first one. This of course got both of the higher Shinobi into a laughing fit, if for no other reason than the fact that a little low level Genin who looked as if he would lose a fight with the wind was trying to train with someone way out of his league. After some heated words Rakurai told the pair that he would price them wrong that he would be out in the Thunder Grounds training and that when they stopped being little sissy's that they were welcome to come join him and train, however the two Shinobi just continued to laugh. When he had first passed by the sign that said 'Warning Thunder Grounds Ahead' he did not even hesitate walking straight past it, however it was not until he got over the hilltop that he saw why there was a warning. For as far as he eyes could see, Rakurai saw nothing except dark storm clouds covering the sky and metal rods sticking out from the ground. Rakurai stood and watched the majesty of the lightning as it struck the rods, often leaving craters in its wake. Rakurai stood frozen not out of fear, he had little fear left in him as he knew fear was good for nothing except holding him back. He was frozen in awe of the beauty that is the Thunder Grounds, he had never seen anything so beautiful in his life, at least not that he could remember that is. As he watched he tried to see if there might be a pattern or something that he could follow to easily move through the field of lightning rods, but it soon became clear to him that there was not and if he was going to train in there let alone survive then he was going to have to stay on his toes.

He took off in a sprint determined to do what it was that he had come here to do and that was train, and that was not going to get done where he was now. Rakurai needed to get out into the middle of the field of rods, or at the very least get himself surrounded by the rods before he started his training. A rod not that far in front of him was struck by a bolt of lightning causing Raku to quickly change direction to avoid being hit himself. He found a spot that seemed to not have any rods immediately around it probably about a 20m radius with no rods he assumed that this would be a good training area and so looking around to make sure he did not miss anything he began to practice some. Unfortunately he did not have much to practice considering he left all his gear including his headband at home so as to not attract lightning to himself so the only real thing he had to practice was his Jutsu and his basic hand to hand combat, which he needed someone else to practice with to truly be effective. So he decided he would simply shadow box until someone else arrived, though he seriously doubted that anyone else would be fool enough to come out here.

He had not even been out there very long by the time the sweat began to form on his brow, even in this small encampment where there were not lightning rods in the immediate area. Rakurai still had to move quickly and avoid any residual arcs of lightning coming from one of the rods that made up the border of the 20m radiis, as they caused arcs to lash out occasionally towards him. Despite his main focus being on avoiding lightning strikes and holes in the ground, his mind kept wondering if there was anyone else crazy enough to be out here in this.

---

872

Well this is quite the surprise, Zetsume thought as he knelt down behind a rock quite far away from the thing that peeked his interest. His dog Repede, followed suit and was a little worried about what had Zetsume's attention. The dog could not see as far as Zetsume could. Zetsume had came towards the thunder grounds to train and to his amazement he ran into someone else also training out here. From a distance he could see another person that was out here training. This area was one that people tended to steer clear from due to the instability of the environment. At any moment, one could be hit by lightning that hit the grounds. Even attempts at making the ground a little more safe by placing lightning poles seemed futile as people have reported dying out here for being careless. Despite the clear hospitable environment, Zetsume saw it as a thrill to train out here which was what brought him here on this day. Then again, perhaps why he liked it out here was that there was no one to bother him. From a distance, Zetsume watched this person for a bit as they were out in dangerous areas where there were not poles in the immediate area. After a moment of watching he decided he should make his presence known, for all he knew this person could be a threat to his village.  Zetsume stood upright and walked towards this unknown person with an intent to find out more about him. Repede followed behind him keeping a distance though in case this person was hostile. As instructed by Zetsume, anyone unknown he must keep his distance. The dog however bore not a single shred of intent on harming the person. If anything, he kept looking at the sky hoping he did not get hit by lightning out here. Giving a wave to the person, Zetsume spoke out to him, "Yoooo!" He had hoped the person was not deep in their training and did not hear him as he made his stride closer. Once closer he brushed his brown hair back before it fell back in place as he spoke again, "Not too often we see people out here. I was actually quite shocked to see someone else either too brave or too stupid for their own good. Oh I am sorry, where are my manners;  my name is Zetsume, and this fellow behind me is Repede. We are shinobi from Kumogakure. Might I get your name perhaps? I swear we mean no harm, unless you do haha..." The dog gave a small bark when his name was said as if saying hello. Zetsume meant what he said, if this person meant harm then he would have to deal with it accordingly. Little did he know, this person was from his village. If only he was the friendlier sort who could just be happy go lucky with everyone he sees. Even if it was within his village boundaries, he could not.

Zetsume became worried of the outside world while he was trying to figure out if this person was a threat or not. The constant strikes of lightning plus someone being out here was a bit to handle. Not to mention, should this person die out here while he was here would not look good especially if this person was a visitor. Zetsume like this person was not wearing his head band. For Zetsume, it was not that he did not respect his village, but more along the lines of a tactic he has often employed on the unknown. Though, this was within his boundaries, and thus had to make a good example of his village and so tried to be friendly. Zetsume was never the social type, unlike Repede who was still standing behind Zetsume a few feet. Zetsume carried only his usual clothes with him on this day, a white T-shirt that was covered by a leather jacket, black jeans, and just common shinobi shoes. Not a single weapon nor headband was brought with him. If this person was indeed a threat, he still had his bow he could summon but he hoped it did not come to that. With any luck this person was also a shinobi from his village then he would be very relived to hear that. Until then, he would be cautious of not only this person but also the lightning. Zetsume had a love and hate relationship with these grounds. It was a good training spot, but people have died out here thinking they were good enough. Though those were more of civilians that became cocky, and less as shinobi. In fact, he could not remember the last time a shinobi was actually hit out here.

WC:797

Zzzzzp.... zzzzzp......... zzzzzzzzzzzzzp......

Kasfara-A rank Combat Pet:

Kasfara was Kenji's combat pet and close friend. Kasfara was Kenji's source of sanity during his grueling Sage training. Towards the end of the journey, they became the closest of friends, and there was no one else Kenji wanted more to join him. The large lion, much bigger than the typical breed, far eclipsed Kenji in terms of strength and endurance. Kasfara was slightly more advanced in perception and reaction time. Speed was the only category, Kenji could flex any sort of advantage. That is why Kenji as of late has implored Kasfara to assist him in his strength and endurance training. Today he was going to be focusing on endurance. However, they were doing it in a slightly unorthodox way. Kasfara was a master of the merging ninjutsu, allowing him to physically absorb a person into his body and shelter them from harm that he could endure but the absorbee could not. Kenji and Kasfara thought this might be a helpful way of augmenting Kenji's endurance training while protecting the Sannin from what could be life threatening injuries for himself considering how frail he is. Inside of Kasfara was a vivid blue dwelling place. There was plenty of vegetation and comfortable places to lay. While inside, Kenji would vibrate slightly from Kasfara's movement, and if he endured pain, Kenji would feel a fraction of it. The 6 foot tall Kasfara was currently rolling around in the thunder grounds, taking spike of lightning after spike of lightning. These were not direct hits, Kasfara would use his perception and reaction time to avoid the brunt of the damage, mainly catching discharge off the crackling grounds. 


ZZZZZZZZZZZZZPppp

"Kasfara!! that was a strong one, take it easy out there!!" 


"Sorry Kenji, I forgot you were inside."

Kasfara laughed as he really had not forgotten. Kenji scoffed as he could hear Kasfara laughing under his breath. A nap was in order for the shinobi he would try to rest up as much as possible. He was used to the shock now, and likely no sensation or anything happening in the outside world would get his attention now. 

(From this point on, all experiences are known to Kasfara only, unless it is written that Kasfara tells Kenji about what has happened.)

Kasfara continue to jump around, enjoying himself to the fullest. He often came out here when Kenji was away on solo missions to pass the time. He was glad he could finally help Kenji train. Kenji was always so focused on speed and Jutsu, he never really showed any interest in becoming more well rounded physically until recently. Now he was showing great desire to become stronger and more durable to offset his naturally frail frame. Kasfara was so proud. The blue lion was a taijutsu and ninjutsu specialist, two specialties Kenji knew very little about, and likely never would. So this was a rare opportunity for Kasfara to contribute outside of combat. Ripples of electricity made Kasfara chuckle, but his ears perked up and snuffed out his laughter. A mumbled growl ensued as his senses focused on a disturbance far away. Based off the movements it was a shinobi. Kasfara was down in a sloping valley out of sight from most. He inched up and peaked over the edge, a some 30 meters away he could see a boy. Immediately he slide back down as it was of no interest, he just had to be a little more quiet now, his presence would likely cause a scene.

After a few somersaults and practicing his taijutsu routines, several minutes had passed and another presence was tingling his senses. His nose began to bounce around and his ears shot to the clouds. It was an animal he was quite familiar with ... He leaped over the valley and he could see Repede in the distance and it's companion, Zetsume. Cradling to the ground was Kasfara's eyes, he was worried if they remembered the big friendly lion. A sudden shake came across his body, because of him being distracted by his thoughts, he took a rather direct flashing arc of lightning. His eye twitched for a while, but it soon wore off. He peaked within himself to check on Kenji, and he seemed to be unaffected because of how strong Kasfara was. Kenji would feel everything Kasfara felt, but with a fraction of the intensity. Usually, Kasfara felt little to nothing due to his extremely tough skin and fur. 

Kasfara puffed out his chest and began to trot over to the trio. He hoped they were getting along well, and that Repede and Zetsume would remember him, and perhaps he could make a new friend as well. As Kasfara trotted over, the ground would rumble more and more as he drew closer. This would likely direct their attention towards him. Once they spotted him, Kasfara would pause and lift his fluffy paw and wave to them all.

 "Hey guys, I am a friendly and frequent visitor of these parts." Kasfara continued over, hoping his friendly salutation would settle any worries given his appearance. 

To everyone, "Hello", Kasfara bellowed. Kasfara would then make eye contact with Repede and Zetsume, "Remember me?" 

After all the trotting and rumbling going on outside Kenji started to wake a bit, a slit of his eyes were visible in the now dim blue universe inside in Kasfara. Kenji knocked on the floor, "Could you keep it down out there please." Kenji's head flopped back down, his full soft blue hair softening the fall onto the pillow. Kasfara's eyes fell to the ground in embarrassment for being inconsiderate. His eyes sprung back up as he realized he was among others. Kasfara was truly curious what these shinobi were doing out here. Kasfara did not usually come at this time, so he was happy he was seeing some new faces. Just from looking over the people, he noticed the boy of the group was sweating quite a bit, a place like this was not typically the safest for the youth or un experienced. His face scrunched up for a second with concern, and he contemplated if he should delay the meet and greet and usher the boy out before it was too late.


Training: 1049

Raku was surprised when the man called out to him from the distance, despite the fact that he was doing his best to keep aware of his surroundings the man seeming just appeared in the area. He must of been in an area behind one of the rocks considering the amount of them spread out all over the Thunder Grounds it was entirely possible that the man had been training out there and I just did not see him. Raku thought to himself as he turned his focus to the man that was approaching him with a good size dog behind him, however he kept looking up to the sky to keep an eye out for any lightning that might try to strike down on him.

The man introduced himself to be Zetsume and his companion was Repede, who barked at the sound of his name and they were from Kumo as well. "Well now this is interesting isn't it? I was just wondering to myself if anyone else was out here and then here you are." he said with a smile before extending his hand out to the man to shake his hand. "My name is Raku its a real pleasure to meet you Zetsume," he said before leaning slightly and facing the dog "and Repede" he call out as he waved to the dog. It was then that Raku realized he had left his headband back at home along with all his gear due to the metal and so the man probably did not know he was from Kumo as well. "I am from Kumogakure as well, I was just recently promoted to the rank of Genin" Raku quickly explained. He did not know what to expect from the man, or his companion but between them and the sky above his focus was quite split if something were to happen and the man really did pose a threat then he would not fair well against the two of them out here, especially considering the fact he had no weapons on him. He had no real choice but to take the man at his word, but he kept on his guard both of the man and dog as well as the sky. "Did you come out to train as well?" Raku asked looking at Zetsume, 'would be interesting to spar against him,' he thought to himself. Before the man could answer Raku's attention was drawn over the mans shoulder to see a lion approaching them. It was not just a normal lion it was a very beautiful blue lion. 'Oh great' Raku thought to himself, as he began to prepare himself for the lion to try to attack him. For the second time today he was surprised for the lion stopped walking towards them and while lifting up a paw waved and spoke. 'Now I've seen everything' Raku thought to himself having never seen a talking lion before. Raku did not drop his guard as the lion got closer, 'this is just what I need' he thought to himself as he looked briefly up to the sky now he had to split his focus even further, 'please be friendly' Raku thought as the lion joined the group and said hello. The lion then preceded to look over to the man and dog asking about remembering it. "Um. You know this lion?" Raku spat out though he knew his nervousness was easily visible in his words.

---

1451

Zetsume found it a bit amusing that he did not think anyone was foolish enough to be out here like he did. Though here the both of them were, standing in dangerous spots chatting away. Zetsume shook his hand when offered, though he did not want to. Zetsume heard him call himself Raku, and the name did not ring a bell. Then again, he did not try and remember all of Kumogakure shinobi's names because that is just not plausible for his anti social self.

Zetsume was pleased however about hearing that this person was from his village. Though it was uneasy that this was a genin in these parts. He smiled at the relief when both Repede and himself become less tense. The pooch walked up towards Zetsume sitting by his side when the mention of his village was made. Zetsume would have to remember this person or at least try to. He tried not to mingle much with people, but it was joyful that it was with a fellow shinobi from his village. Zetsume nodded and decided to speak back after this shinobi asking if he came out here to train, but something else quickly caught his attention. Both Repede and Zetsume turned towards what was a rather magnificent looking tiger. It approached the small group of three, making its greetings before asking if Zetsume remembered him.

With wide eyes, he blinked a few times and tried to think of his past scenarios with this lion. Though, the time must have effected his brain as a name could not come forth. Had I seen this lion before..., he thought with a puzzled look upon his face. Repede looked down at his dog that also gave a slightly puzzled look at this question who looked up at Zetsume. Laughing a bit, he decided he should speak to break the silence that hung in the air for but a moment, "Haha,
to be honest, a name does not come to mind.
Though it does seem you know myself and Repede well enough to not attack us on sight which means we must be friends. Might I get your name? I am sorry for the rudeness and forgetfulness of our previous encounters."

After addressing the lion, he turned his head towards the genin named Raku before speaking again, "To answer your previous questions, yes I did come out here to train, and no,
I can not seem to recall this lion. Which normally does not happen to me..."

His voice trailed off slightly near the end as it was true he did not enjoy forgetting encounters. Perhaps it was time and current predicaments that haltered his thought on who this lion was. For now, he would try to be friendly towards it until something knocks some memory into him. Should this lion be hostile though at his forgetfulness then he would have to defend himself and Repede. An uneasy feeling swooned over him as the thought waned on his mind if this lion was indeed friendly.

((OOC: Sorry for the late reply, I actually had to read up on every post we had been in Kenji to see if I could find the encounter with the lion but I could not. I did not want to meta game, if there is an instance or was one, just say so and in the next post amnesia will be lifted. Sorry for the trouble, but could make for a fun interaction Rp-Wise either way xD.))

WC:506
Total:1303

Kasfara was stunned for a second and then he realized he had never actually met Zetsume. It was that Kenji mentioned Zetsume a few times that Kasfara must have imagined he too had met Zetsume. An evil grin slid onto Kasfara'a face. He looked inward, and saw that Kenji was still sleep. Kasfara cleared his throat. 

"You're right. We have not met Zetsume, but it is just that Kenji has mentioned you so many times I thought I had met you too."

Kasfara glanced once more inside to check to see if Kenji remained unconscious. 

"You see, Kenji has a shrine of you in his bed room right next to his wedding photos. You were the one who inspired him to learned archery. Every time he trains, he curses himself for not being as skilled with a bow as you."

Kasfara's giant chest held back the laughter. His mind also blocked out the fear, if Kenji learned about this prank, he was going to face a gruesome Genjutsu. A flash of lightning suddenly painted the sky. A whooshing sound followed. Kasfara did not gather the Genin's name, but suddenly Kenji woke up, and he peered through Kasfara's eyes. Kenji grabbed Kasfara's attention.

"This is the Genin, the one who does not know who he is. I am training him. This is a great opportunity for me to see a small portion of his skills. Quickly, spar with them. Zetsume is a talented shinobi, especially with a bow, almost better than me." Kasfara started to laugh internally. Kenji was extremely arrogant, and it was clear he did not hear what Kasfara had said earlier. 

Internally, Kasfara responded. "Do you want me to go easy on the Genin?"

"Actually, I am training my endurance too. So propose a handicap match. Raku and Zetsume vs you."

Kasfara was stunned. Kasfara was a feared fighter, his taijutsu was of an elite level, and physically he was as well rounded as they come, but Zetsume was a Jounin as well.  A match with him would definitely be to his disadvantage. Therefore, to face Zetsume and the Genin at the same time would really be a challenge.

"Ok Kenji, this will be great training for you, because it will be great training for me. Physically, I might be better than Zetsume, but he has way more chakra. To spar him alone will be very difficult... No worries though."

"Haha, yes, this will surely improve my endurance."

"Raku and Zetsume. Kenji is inside of me..." 

Kasfara paused for a moment and looked to the skies in deep thought as he realized how strange it sounded.

"I meant to say, I developed a ninjutsu that enables me to absorb Kenji into my body. This enables him to meditate and use me as a medium for training because I can endure a lot more damage than him. Seeing how Zetsume has come to train anyway, Kenji would like for you two to spar with me."

Kasfara gave a big grin and looked at Raku, "Kenji will be watching."

In combat, Kasfara mostly relied on his Taijutsu and collaborating with Kenji. Even back at the Kasfarian den he was not a solo fighter, he always fought in a pack. Amongst the Giant lions at the Kasfarian compound, Kasfara was actually among the smallest and weakest. It was Kasfara's intellect and relationship with Kenji that made their partnership appealing. The blue lion only had 3 jutsu and very little chakra, actually, he was already maintaining the "Merge" jutsu so that Kenji could accelerate his endurance training. This would be a test of attrition. The beast would put on display his fine stamina, strength, speed, perception, reflexes, and strategy. In the process, he was hopeful he would obtain some good information on Raku's combat style and perhaps how he works with others. 

"An impromptu collaboration. I too, am very interested in how you two work out a strategy on the fly and in such a treacherous environment."

Kasfara used the incredible strength in his large legs to leap back, putting about 10 meters between him and them. Kasfara lowered his center of gravity, in this crouched stance, his senses honed in on the two. His perception was also keen to the unstable environment. Kasfara would allow them to work out some initial strategy and kick the duel off. 

"Whenever you are ready!" Kasfara growled. The low rumble could be heard from 10 meters away.

Kasfara(Chakra) 35/60:

WC: 749
Total: 1798
Training Enduracne

Zetsume did not know the lion, this might not be a good thing Raku thought to himself. The lion however quickly dismissed this brief feeling of fear when it mentioned something about Kenji, was it possible that the lion actually knew Kenji? Although the lion made no mention of its name, it was then that the lion spoke of how much Kenji revered Zetsume's ability with a bow and that spiked the young Genin's interest in the man. If what the lion said was true and this man was so great with a bow that his sensei a great Sannin reveres his skill, then there would definitely be something for Raku learn from him later on. Raku doubted he would be able to learn much from Zetsume and his ability with a bow right now as it stood considering the fact that he did not see any bow or weaponry on the man, but considering he had seen Kenji summon a scythe before from his ring it was quite possible that this man could do the same.

Raku was still trying to process everything that the lion had said when it added its new twist, what the hell does that mean Raku thought to himself when the lion said Kenji was inside of it, did he eat Kenji? Raku's random fire of thoughts were put out when the lion explained what it meant, even though it did not make much sense it was better than thinking that the lion had eaten his sensei. The lions request for a spar threw Raku for a loop, how does one fight a lion? Was the first thought that popped into his head, the second was the fact that he had no weapons of any kind. Kenji would be watching, and yet Kenji was inside the lion, did that mean that Kenji could see through the lion or was he in control of the lion. His mind was racing at a mile a minute and Raku was starting to regret leaving all of his weaponry at the orphanage, had he known he was going to be encountering a lion he would of at least brought his kunai. Raku looked to Zetsume to see what his reaction to the spar would be, mostly due to the fact that the fight would be over very quickly for him should Zetsume not participate. Raku looked up to the sky that was filled with flashes of lightning, he had no idea if his lightning based jutsu would even be effective out here considering the lightning rods that were all over the place. Still he was never one to back down from a challenge, even if that challenge came from a lion that looked as though it could bite him in half before he even knew it had moved.

Raku turned to Zetsume, "I am game if you are" he said with a smile before adding, "don't know how much I would be able to help, but I did come out here to train and this seems like a good way to do it." Raku was also interested to see the man's skill as well as training himself to get stronger, and so he hoped that Zetsume would agree to this spar and give him a glimpse at why this lion says Kenji reveres his skill so much. The lion leaped backwards putting space between it and himself and Zetsume, before readying itself and telling them to start whenever ready. "Well what do you say?" Raku asked looking to Zetsume, "shall we see what this lion can do?"

If Zetsume agreed to the spar between the two of them and the lion then Raku would get himself ready moving a few feet away from Zetsume and getting himself ready for the spar, he may not have his weaponry but he did still have his jutsu. Raku would glance one last time at Zetsume before he would slam his fist to the ground, surging his chakra into the ground and unleashing a charge of lightning jutsu through the ground heading for the lion. The jutsu is fast and it would be able to reach the lion in less than a second, the fact that it forks in three different directions, make it that much harder to avoid. After releasing the jutsu he would move into a defensive position, ready to defend himself from the lion.

Chakra 135/150:

---

2191

Zetsume was relieved to hear of the link that the lion and himself had. Kenji Chikara, someone that he always sort of thought as a rival, though Zetsume lacked true social skills really. A small grin formed on his face as he was happy genuinely to hear that he was still alive and for the most part, alright. Due to the sudden rush a relief that this lion could be trusted, he seemed to let his guard down even more. Everyone here was from his village and expected them to cause no harm. This would allow him to be friendlier towards these people, and Repede would also cheer up in his master's change of mood. The problem however lied in the compliment towards Zetsume. Being the way he was, he always saw himself as could be much better than he currently was. The praise was nice but held a small bitter feeling on his pride because of the feeling of inadequacy. Despite that feeling, he would smile and act like his ego was bolstered. Letting out a small laugh that seemed more like a chuckle when the compliment came out.  The lion, Kasfara, explained that somehow Kenji was inside of him and how Rakurai and Zetsume should spar. Rakurai seemed willing to do it and Zetsume initially did not want to spar, but since it was his own fellow brothers in arms, how could he say no? Zetsume scratched his head before replying to this situation. "I will agree to this spar, but agreed upon is that Repede stays out of it. Aside from that, let us try not to get hit by lightning, eh? Repede, get far enough so that you can relax, we will have to get some steak after this how does that sound?"


Zetsume was unsure how this spar would go, in this place against this lion. He gave a small pat on the head of Repede who let out a little yelp, as Zetsume prepared four arrows with Lightning Bolt. The dog ran far off to watch and wait to see what happens next, and he was ready for food like always. Once the dog was gone, Zetsume breathed deep before nodding he was ready. His best bet would to fight like he normally does, from afar. Zetsume gave quick thought of Rakurai and how he would fair against this lion and this weather. When everyone was in position, Zetsume decided in the end to focus on keeping Rakurai well. His true style of combat is not necessarily sparing, but rather distant assassinations. Even he wondered about his ability to keep Rakurai safe.

Rakurai was the first to make a move, as he slammed his fist into the ground. Zetsume figured he would follow up on Rakurai's attack and used his Luminous Shard (弦光電歌, Genkō Denka) at max capabilities, as to not want to hold back, in his left arm as he pulled one of his arrows back in his right hand in a fluid and natural movement. Zetsume empowered the shot to A rank, as he waited for the lion's next move. This distance was not optimal for him, and would have to get distance when he could, however, for the time being he would use Rakurai's jutsu as a way to find an opening on the lion as he jumped into the air high and backwards by five meters as to get the high ground covered. With Rakurai's forked lightning and Zetsume's downward shot prepared, his arrow shot out of his bow at Kasfara and aimed for no bleed. In his life, Kyodara would sometimes spar archery through who could shave the most hair off of someone. It was one thing to hit the opponent anywhere with well times shots, but it was another whole boasting level if you could make it seem you were so skilled you could get close enough to shave somewhere bald. Zetsume's downward shot, was aimed with that intention, to just shave as much hair as possible from the lion.

WC: 678
Total: 1981

Jutsu/Chakra 240/255 (1 A-Rank arrow-15 chakra):

Kenji! We have an eager pair! The screen would split showing both Kenji and Kasfara smiling at the sight of Rakurai jumping right into battle. Rakurai's jutsu was telegraphed and Kasfara braced himself for what was to follow. At 10 meters away, the Genin slammed his hand to the surface and let a forked lighting jutsu permeate. Unfortunately, because there were so many cracks in the ground there were some disturbances and did not allow the jutsu to travel smoothly towards Kasfara. Regardless, Kasfara immediately recognized the flaw in the jutsu, Kenji and him had witnessed similar jutsu. The further Kasfara was, the more likely he was to dodge as the lightning streaks grew further away as they traveled along the cracked and broken ground. 

Unfortunately for Kasfara, he was so wide and big, there still was not enough distance between the lightning fins. The distance between the lightning fins at 10 meters away were almost 1 meter in width. Kasfara's width was nearing that and he was not nimble enough given his size to contort his body in the short time span, and in such a tight space. The blue lion never liked going airborne, but he had no choice this time around. As the fins drew near, Kasfara leaped forward into the air, just high enough above the height of the jutsu and leaped about 2 meters towards his opponents, chipping away at the distance. It was likely Zetsume was looking to provide support, this much Kasfara expected. 

His lion eyes spotted the Jounin. Just as Kasfara landed clumsily on the ground, Zetsume unloaded a long sharp tipped bullet. At this range, the speed was suffocating, but the placement was outward, far from any significant areas. The downward shot from the sniper snipped Kasfara to the skin, removing a patch of his fur from his left shoulder. Kasfara was a tad disappointed in the decision. Zetsume was a long range fighter, and in order to achieve his optimal range, they needed to keep the pressure on. The marksman's aerial assault was the perfect opportunity to really daze Kasfara and gain the spacial advantage. Unfortunately they had squandered the opportunity.

Immediately after his patch of hair was removed, Kasfara let out a cry of pain. Kenji emerged from Kasfara. Kenji looked at Kasfara with a tinge of confusion, and then nodded as he realized his partner's chakra was running too low to maintain the unique ninjutsu. The lion bolted after Zetsume. Kenji's trusted combat partner, at full speed, could travel 15 meters in virtually one second. Kasfara's last calculation put Zetsume at a little less 15 meters. 

With a quick flex and tensing of his hind legs, Kasfara accelerated to his full speed quickly. Kasfara would hunt down Zetsume with intentions of arriving in about a second. Kasfara knew the majority of his opponent's arsenal was archery, and he was not sure how fast Zetsume could load an arrow and fire it with accuracy at the closing range. The goal was to get in close for a Taijutsu battle. If the Lion would achieve this close range, he would prepare a Taijutsu combo on the archer. So, if Zetsume was unable to load and fire an arrow accurately, or if Kasfara was able to elude well enough depending on the nature of the Jounin's response, Kasfara would uncoil a swiping left paw followed by a spinning hind kick in close range. 

Kasfara had not let his guard down completely towards Rakurai, but he figured at the speed he was moving, the Genin would struggle to track him. In the background was Kenji now. He was resting on one knee, as he was actually pretty exhausted from being merged with Kasfara. He was not completely immune to damage while merged with his teammate. In addition, Kenji was subject to fatiguing easily, this was no different. Off in the distance, Kenji panted and observed.


WC: 644
Total: 2442
Training Enduracne

Zetsume set himself up on a slightly higher ground, summoning a bow made of chakra, something that Raku had never seen before. Raku's jutsu traveled through the broken and destroyed ground towards the lion, and just as he had thought it had a little trouble along the way from the already destroyed ground. He watched as the giant blue lion leaped over the charging lightning and landed on the other side, even though it was able to avoid his jutsu it seemed that it was not able to dodge Zetsume's attack. As the lion cried out in pain, Raku was shocked by the sudden appearance of his Sensei Kenji next to the lion on one knee. Then the lion seemed to disappear, Raku scanned the area for it able to catch it just as it appeared in from of Zetsume. 'Damn that thing is fast' Raku thought to himself. He knew if the large blue creature was to come at him he most certainly not stand a chance against it, there was only one thing he could do. Raku began infusing his chakra into a nearby boulder, if the blue lion was going to charge him he would have to be ready with his substitution as he knew that was the only way he would be able to get away from it if it charged him as it had done to Zetsume. Lightning crashed down behind Raku making him jump slightly, all of his focus had been on the lion he had completely forgot to keep an eye on the sky in case lightning tried to strike him. Luck for Raku that the lightning missed, he just had to hope that it would not catch him off guard again. At the same time he had to try and ensure that the lion did not get the jump on him just as much as the lightning, considering the both are very fast and unpredictable. Raku would just have to do his best and hope he would be able to help Zetsume with this spar.

Chakra 130/150:

---

2536

{Sorry for short post have not done a three person fight before and did not want to over step. I will try better in future}

"Kasfara stop!!!!"

Kenji shouted from a distance. "This spar is over."

Kenji was sure everyone would respect his wishes. Kasfara came to a sliding halt. The blue lion's eyes demanded an explanation, it had been a long time since Kasfara trained competitively, and now he was being cut short. 

Kenji shook his head in disappointment at his partner's short memory. "Have you forgotten already? We have to be in Sunagakure in two days. I just wanted to see a little of Raku's skill. You did well Raku, keep training, the tournament is coming soon. And to Zetsume, I am sorry I cannot stay longer. We will clash from long range again." Kenji bowed in respect to one of the most lethal assassins in Kumogakure. Kenji and Kasfara made their exit. Kasfara pouted as he trotted alongside Kenji.


OOC: Sorry for the abrupt exit, but I was supposed to be in Suna to learn puppetry a while ago.




EXIT THREAD