Deep in the mountains had once been owned by a reclusive dojo used strictly for the focus of martial arts. A dojo where men mastered every form of hand to hand combat. Each man who left that dojo was considered a master of their art and very few had ever made it so far. Most spent their entire lives mastering A fighting style just to pass down that knowledge in scripts. Some just didn't survive the once thought impossible training regiment the dojo demanded. However one can only live in peace for so long. Eventually one of the elder masters went mad within. No one knows what drove him to insanity but he systematically slaughtered every student and master there before finally succumbing to his own wounds. After that no one wanted to go to the dojo. Believing it to be haunted and if you dared to tread there you too would be driven insane. However Akira was not one to just believe in myths from one hundred years ago. While the story itself was true enough he doubted that any place could stop him. Yet alone in ghosts that could drive him mad. So on his own he went to investigate.

Upon arriving he surveyed the entire dojo with his byakugan having to evade several old training tools. Some how still standing. Having found no remnants of chakra pathways he decided the place was empty. Then using his medical expertise he moved about to see if he could identify any thing dangerous to the human body. It took him a couple of days but finally he found a plant that looked like the plants used to make tea. But it black spots on the leaves. He smiled as he identified it as a hallucinogen. Likely what had driven the original tenant in the room nearby mad. The old man having thought it was just tea. So he collected all the plants like that one into a pile and burned it. Soon after he hired a crew to restore the dojo. He had to pay a little extra due to superstition but he didn't mind. After a month the dojo was ready. Hidden deep in a valley hidden by the mountains. He purchased the property and named it the Monolith Dojo. And then he sent out invites to his respective squad. And one other boy he had heard of in the area.The invites read as follows.

"Dear Student.

This is your newly appointed Sensei. You may refer to me as Akira Sensei. This is a new turning point in your lives. From here you are no longer another genin. You are my desciple. You will surpass all others physically and you will be pushed to the breaking point mentally. On the eleventh sunrise of this month you will venture to the center of the valley of the mountains. It is there your journey will begin.
Sincerely Kazako Akira

P.S. If you do not come I will find you and break your toes and then bodily drag you to the dojo. Doubt me and pain will be your closest friend."

On the morning they were supposed to be there the gates to the dojo would open at sunrise to reveal the 800 steps up to the dojo itself. At the top of the steps was a courtyard with three grand buildings. One to the left was blue. The one to the right was red and the one directly across from the stairs was yellow. The courtyard itself was green marble and the steps were brown. All the main elements represented. And standing in the center of the courtyard was one man in black karategi. His headband held his black hair back out of his eyes. And his eyes were yellow. Like an animals eyes. And there he stood on the green marble. Waiting for them. His arms crossed over his chest.

Perception training
E ~> E-1, 75/75
E-1 ~> E-2, 150/150
E-2 ~> E-3, 225/225
E-3 ~> D 300/300

Endurance training
E ~> E-1, 52/75

With every step was purpose, such was the trend with Kurai, especially on a day like this. An adventure, perhaps like none other he has had in quite some time. Along with the anticipation came solemness. Being assigned to a squad evoked the frigid memories of him seeing the demise of every one of his former squad members, including his sensei. Such past trials have led many of the village's higher ups to avoid placing him in a squad, seeing how well he works alone. In addition, his love for travel would only be hindered by the attachment to a squad. Father time had done well to alleviate Kurai's scarred emotions. It was indeed no better time than now to embrace the coveted bond of that comes with a squad.



Kurai had received a letter not to long ago, informing him of when he was to meet with the author of the letter... Akira sensei. The day was upon him. The Genin trekked through the valley. I'm close to the area stated in the ... His positive gaze was converted into a baffled gaze. Still in shock, his eyes digested the sight. Almost 50 meters away from the structure, Kurai still felt that if the structure was tipped over, the crushing of his body would be inevitable. After several minutes of gawking he walked on. A nearly incalculable amount of steps stood in front of him. At the peak were three buildings, a blue one, a yellow one, and a red one. His mind began to churn, trying his best to brace himself for whatever was to come. He let all the information he knew that was relevant to his current situation settle in.



From the letter sent, this Akira sensei seems like an ambitious man, and a strict one too. His zero tolerance is perhaps best seen in his threat to those who neglected this meeting. His ambition shines with his statement of elevating his student's physical capabilities to elite levels. Finally, given the location, it appears that we are going to be jumping right into some rigorous training, beginning with climbing these steps. Alright then, if we're to become the best, we're gonna have to train hard. I've never cowered from a test, I don't predict myself starting now.



With that last bit of motivation, he embarked up the steps, seeking out his teacher. Once Kurai made it to the top, his head drooped a tad. Sweat leaked from his messy white hair and face. The droplets of effort splashed onto emerald marble. His head cranked up to look out in front of him. Standing in his line of sight was a man. A shinobi. He wore a headband that tied his hair back. His body language was serious, as he stood with his arms crossed and his yellow eyes piercing into Kurai's black eyes. The Uchiha was so physically spent it took him awhile to put the pieces together and realize that the shinobi standing in from of him was most likely Akira, his sensei. Kurai's strong will reached down deep and pulled him up. He stood tall with his chest out. "Akira sensei. I am Han, Kurai, your disciple. A grand location indeed is this." Kurai allowed one of his shoulders to slump, swinging off his backpack, and then resumed his upright posture. 


Training: 564


Training Speed: E-0>E-3 .... 450 words

Training left: 114

Fūten had received a letter from one named Kazako Akira several days prior to this one. It was the information he had been waiting for ever since the day he was released from the asylum on order of Nanashi, the Tsuchikage. He had been set up with an instructor who would be capable whipping him easily back into shape. That is precisely what he desired, to be quickly whipped directly back into shape. In a secluded location far off from Iwagakure was a dojo. One of the men in the asylum blabbed on and on about a particular dojo in a similar location, probably the same one. The place had a tendency of turning people mad. In that regard it was just like an inside out asylum.

Fully geared and prepared for the long day that would lie ahead, Fūten navigated a deep valley and at the center would stretch endlessly before him a structure of such grandeur and scale that an incredible amount of steps would lead to its peak. It looked to be redecorated and remoulded into a masterpiece, not what had been described by the men in the asylum.

You have really outdone yourself Mr. Akira.

The steps were obviously a form of challenge. A first look at some sort of training hell they would be enduring. Fūten watched someone reach the peak and surpass it out of the corner of his eye. Someone obviously had arrived before Fūten. He wasted no time, and started up the steps. As he ascended he didn't break a sweat or anything of that sort, he was accustomed to rigorous, monotonous stepping. It was his only way of staying mildly in shape in the asylum. There were no exercise programs because they didn't WANT strong madmen. They wanted easily subdued madmen.

Upon reaching the precipice of the stairs and viewing over, across the floor of the massive dojo, Fūten recognized the backside of a boy he had come to know through many spars and even his own escape from the asylum. Kurai. Along with him was a man very different whom had his hair tied back with his forehead protector and wore upon him a look of stoicism, arms crossed and a yellow glare penetrating into the both of them. Fūten introduced himself to the man after approaching , now standing side by side Kurai.

"Akira Sensei, my name is Yūryō Fūten, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Fūten said this whole unraveling the bandages on his hand, then reached outward for a handshake, the common way for introducing oneself to someone honorable.

443~

Ryo was a little bit skeptical about the letter, he hadnt decided if he was going to join a formal training program but at the same time the threat at the end gave him pause. His old punishments when training with his grandfather had been brutal but the thought of being dragged kicking and screaming to a dojo didn't sound like it would be a good way to start his time in the village. So he picked a nice spot outside the dojo steps, off the the side and set up a little camp there eating some of the rabbits he caught the night before. Being full he actually managed to oversleep some resulting him being late to getting started.

But seeing the eight hundred steps he was meant to climb he really considered turning right around, but he had been used to climbing the mountainous terrain so climbing up some steps wouldn't be so bad would it? He made it up two hundred of them with little effort but then he started to breath a little harder. He wasn't prepared for the long drawn out climbs, being taught the predator style of quick bursts of speed but if he didn't want to be late he'd have to put a bit more into it. Thats when he got the idea, if he was going to climb these stairs he was going to do this he would do this in his preferred manor. So he drops to all fours and starts to bound up the stairs in leaps and bounds this being more comfortable to him then the senseless walking he had been performing before. With this style he manages to make up for lost time, he knew he was already late and rather then make things worse for himself he poured it on. He was lucky that he didnt bring much on her person to slow him down and that his upbringing in the wilds with his family had prepped him for climbing like a beast.

Finally clearing the last few steps he leaps onto the marble, slidding a bit and looking up at the man who had summoned him and he felt a twinge looking into his eyes for a moment they held a slight animal nature to them and carried the weight that said this man was the alpha. The letter implied it but meeting him in person was another thing entirely. Realizing he was staring Ryo brings himself to standing, dusting off his tattered clothing and wiping the sweat from his face.

"Sorry Akira Sensei, hope I didnt keep anyone waiting" he adds glancing at who he realized would be his fellow students. "I'm Nekomotze, Ryo" he adds brushing a hand through his bright red hair and giving a grin as he catches his breath.

Training 474

Akira stood waiting as the sun rose. It's blazing glory rising over the yellow building behind him. The time had come and now he stood at the peak looking down to the people far below. One had camped there as if trying to be prepared. He had expected that one to arrive first. But as he waited unmoving like a rock he saw another approach with white hair. It took him some time to make his way up the steps but as he did so he did so with out stopping. Akira had no room in his training for the weak so he was rather pleased the boy made it to the top with out taking any breaks. He watched as the young man emerged above the brown steps and sweat hit the green marble below. Before black eyes met his own. It interested him that anyone would have pure black eyes. Still the boy complimented his dojo before relieving himself of his back pack and standing at attention. Akira looked to him for a while before his gaze returned to down the steps. Once more he was surprised to note the one camping was not yet on his way up.

Instead one covered in bandages was making his way to the peak. He noted the strong steady pace and how the second individual took it in stride. Something about how he moved seemed to show promise. And when the second made the peak and stepped onto the green marble he wasn't sweating it seemed. Though with all those bandages it was hard to tell. Still the boy introduced himself and for some reason held out his hand. Akira understood what a handshake was but in his experience it symbolized equal-ism. So all the boy got in return for his out stretched hand was a nod.

The last to arrive was surprisingly the one camped out below. He shuddered to think what would of happened had the boy been all the way back in his home instead of at the base of the dojo. He watched as the boy started walking. About a fourth of the way up the boy seemed to pause for only a moment. Akira wondered if that one was going to give up already. Surely if only two hundred or so steps was too much, then quitting now would be best. But then the third boy surprised him. Moving down onto all fours he shot up the steps with surprising bursts of speed. Like some sort of man beast the boy ascended the last six hundred stairs and leaped onto the green marble. Sliding a moment before making eye contact with Akira, Who showed no indication of approval or disapproval.

Finally all three were gathered before him. He smiled for the first time in a sort of half smirk as if amused by the lot of them before he moved his hand. His fingers outstretched and three green chakra strings moved behind the blue building out of view before he pulled them back. Three water bottles flew like a fast pitch at the three boys standing before him. Akira waited until the bottles were either caught, dodged and sent flying down the steps or smacked the target hard enough to leave a red mark. And then he spoke. His voice was solid as the marble they stood on. Each word pronounced and his yellow gaze fell on each of them as he spoke.

"Drink and re-hydrate. You will need it. I know who you are. And you know me. I am pleased I did not have to hunt any of you down and break your bones. First things first. Introduce yourselves to each other and reveal something about your past and your goals for the future. The two beside you are going to be your brothers why you are here. It is best you get to know them. Or be broken with out them."

Endurance training
E ~> E-1, 75/75
E-1 ~> E-2, 150/150
E-2 ~> E-3, 225/225
E-3 ~> D 260/300

Skip me this turn. Ill post after Neko

Fūten stood, realizing his handshake had been declined, he lowered it and nodded back at the yellow-eyed one. He stared on, noting that apparently a newcomer had arrived, by the way the sensei'a eyes traced something behind Fūten. As Fūten looked backward he would hear and see the final student. He ascended off of what seemed to be an "all-fours" position. How quaint. as the three stood before Akira, prepared for whatever was to come, Fūten took heavy mental notes of all of his surroundings. Even the finer details like color coding on the structures of the nicely remodeled dojo. His Sensei began speaking, instructing them to introduce themselves to one another and tell one fact to the squad as a whole about the past, and future aspirations.

Fūten eyeballed Kurai, who apparently did not wish to be first, so Fūten took the reigns and began his introduction.

"My name is Yūryō Fūten. I was recently acquitted from a lifetime sentence in the asylum by our newly positioned Tsuchikage. I am a practitioner of Jinton. I want to become a shinobi on par with those of the past. Madara Uchiha, Hashirama Senju. That level of power is what I wish to attain."

Fūten ended his speech right there. He didn't want to give too much, nor did he want to supply them with too little. He felt content with that which he had delivered. He now took it upon himself to observe his company. Starting with his Sensei, Fūten would take down a few mental notes about him: Muscular, stern in demeanor, not willing to his students equals.
Ryo: Claw scars across his face, rather laid back, animal-like in behavior.
Kurai: Always delicate, charming, and respectful.  

After notating these things, Fūten passed the question on with a beckon motion of his hand toward Kurai and Ryo.

765~
Training Strength from E-1 to D (675/675)

Spoiler:

[Exit thread]

Taking a few breathes Ryo glances at his fellow recruits as he listens to his new leaders voice he took note of the tone the strength and just as he had felt with that gaze he came to realize that this man was in a league far beyond his own. This gave him pause as two thoughts crossed his mind. First was a respect just as any creature would have in the face of an alpha. The other however was a foolish desire to take a swing at him to test his own strength. That however was a fight for another day as he takes a moment to strech.

"Some water sounds great" he says cheerfully as he strolls over to the provided source and takes his first drink of water like a normal person would, cupping his hands under the water he brings the first few sips to his mouth and then glances about taking in the scenery a bit more and if he was going to be worked in the hot sun he was at least going to work in some comfort so taking a gulp of air he dunks his head under the water up to his shoulders before coming back up shaking his head slightly. With the cool water covering his hair he would at least be able to stand in the sun for awhile without burning out.

This childish action however meant he actually missed out on what Futen said and when Ryo's ears finally clear he notices him heading off. He could only assume either he had opted out of the training or maybe something had come up so there wasnt much point in introducing himself to him. "Well, name's Ryo, from the Nekomotze clan and I dont have too much to say for myself. Lived both inside and outside the village over the years. As for goals, my clan was once the Tsuchikage and I sure as hell wouldnt mind being as strong as he was" he says with a sharp toothed grin as he brings himself back up to standing.

With his introductions over he starts to casually stretch in preparation for whatever his new leader was going to assign him. The sprint up the stairs had been a bit unexpected so if he was going to be working out anymore today he was going to make sure his body was ready as he stretched one leg forward and then the other, then moving to his arms and crossing one across his body and pushing it with his free one to loosen the joint.

Kurai acknowledge the shinobi to arrive after him... it was Futen, the man he had coincidentally met in an asylum, but upon talking with the man, found that they had a few things in common, and soon Kurai became intrigued by the wrapped up prisoner. He appeared to have endured the trek with little to no problem at all. Kurai was slightly embarrassed, but he was ready to prove himself a worthy student. The next to arrive was a lively fellow. He also seemed to like to get in skirmished much like himself. Even though Kurai was skilled at escaping unscathed, that didn't appear to be the case with this one as scars marked his face.

Their sensei tossed them all water. Kurai extended his hand just as the water nearly left his range of grasp. The man that stood before them as a shinobi superior in experience, knowledge and skill then directed them to drink and introduce themselves. The always confident Futen went first, then the boy who arrived last. His name was Ryo, his goal were quite unclear and seemed to be a easy going guy in general. Hmm. It was now Kurai's turn.

"Nice to meet you Ryo, sensei, and of course it is always nice seeing you Futen. My name is Han, Kurai. The activity I find the most pleasure in his writing, and then training. My goal is to travel the world and write the greatest story ever, or at least one that is immensely inspiring and important to culture."


Training: 371

Akira watched as the first one to speak and arrive was excused for squad reassignment. He had great potential. But his talents would be better served elsewhere with some one more flexible. Or at least that is what Akira had thought originally. Still the individual left with out so much as a complaint. Still his goals were alarming. The individuals he wanted to mold himself after were like two sides to the insanity coin. Anyone who had studied their history knew that either of those individuals had been insanely powerful to world changing levels. So he had to wonder what this Futen from the asylum wanted to change and what would happen if his goals countered the goals of Akira. Well that would have to be seen at a later date. For now he wanted to poke and prod these other two.

The first of which ignored the bottled water sailing passed him like it didn't exist. The more animal like of the bunch. Still the fact that he totally missed the bottled water made Akira's eye twitch just a little. He could only hope that one was a tad bit more perceptive. Still the boy mentioned his own clans history and how he wanted to match it. A feat certainly but a reasonable one. Nothing he couldn't see happening if the boy stuck to his goals. He could become a very strong individual. So he would push him and see if he could get him there. Still when he went over to the water trough where water was drawn from for bathing from an underground source and drank it before dunking his head in instead of the bottled water Akira just stared before sighing.

The last one was quieter by far. Though his reflexes were nice. He was the only one out of the three to snatch the bottle of water out of the air. To which Akira smiled ever so briefly. The boy before him claimed to be a scholar of sorts. Interested in writing an epic novel. Training was only second to that. Really he could give the boy the tools to survive out there if given the time and effort. After all if you are there to observe the best this world could throw at anyone then likely you would eventually be in the thick of it. Still Akira nodded in response to both of them. The Ryo boy was already stretching. He grinned at that tid bit. If anything these two would struggle but stretching would do the body wonders in the end.

"Well then. I am Akira Sensei. Captain of the Monoliths code name Kronos. And today you will be doing a competition of endurance. At the bottom of the steps is two glass weights. Typical hand weights and twenty pounds each. Keep in mind these are fragile. You job is to be the first to get one of those weights up here intact. You can destroy the other weight if you choose but if both weights are destroyed nobody wins. And the winner gets a prize. three two one go!" The last part he said rather fast like.

Endurance training
E-3 ~> D 300/300

left over WC 485

A test of endurance... it couldn't be wit, nor speed. He gathered himself as the first challenge given to the squad was one that didn't quite fall into his wheel of expertise. However, Kurai welcomed any and all challenges, this was no exception. At the bottom of the steps that Kurai struggled to climb were two glass weights. They were 20 pounds and given their composition, obviously fragile. The mission was to retrieve only one of the weights and bring it back to the platform unscathed. It seemed simple enough, the most difficult part for Kurai would be going down and then back up the stairs. Their sensei also mentioned that breaking the other weight was indeed an option. This opened up the window of strategy. On the other hand, if both weights were destroyed, they would both lose. That result would likely come with dire consequences. I will use speed. If I can reach my weight first, I am confident I can protect until I reach the top. My teammate will likely become frustrated by his inability to destroy my weight if he chooses upon that strategy, turning it into a battle of velocity, in which I like my chances.

Kurai was the first to jet down the stairs. It appeared that Ryo didn't quite understand or maybe he hadn't decided on how he should approach the mission. Either way, he needs to think much quicker than this. This was the same dull reaction that prevented him from winning a cold refreshing bottle of water but a few minutes ago, and now it was costing him considerably once more. A few splashes of water trickled down his throat as he ran down the stairs. He would need all the water he could get to aid him in this endurance test. He moved with great pace and coordination down the stair, his pace slowing a tad though as he approached the weights, as the most difficult part was the climb up, and he didn't want to waste his stamina. Kurai's training in hand to hand combat had definitely helped in circumventing any stamina or strength dilemmas he might face. The Genin felt strong as he moved. He skidded to a stop, breaking in front of the two glass weights. They look like every bit of the proclaimed twenty pounds.

Kurai looked back, checking to see if his teammate was behind him. Either he was trailing by a great amount or something that the perceptive Kurai couldn't foresee. Regardless, Kurai lifted the twenty pound fragile weight with both hands. After a deep breath, Kurai began his trek back up the mountain of stairs. He guarded the handle weight closely, and kept his eyes peeled for the animalistic Ryo. So far so good. He remained cautious though.

The intake of air began to sting his throat as he drew closer and closer to his destination, so far never being impeded by anything other than daunting stairs of the Monolith Dojo. He took a minute break where he took a few gulps from his water bottle. After his throat was cooled he was back at the task at hand. Kurai could see the edge of the platform now... he was almost there, perhaps thirty more steps.



Training: 921

Ryo's problem, an unforeseen issue with dunking his head was that he had water in his ears and he did have a rough start realizing the problem as Kurai bolted back down the stairs. He wasnt put off just yet through after all it was easier to run down hill, or down stairs in this case then it would be to run up them. So with his feral grin Ryo rushes after Kurai dropping back to his all fours sprint and was infinitely grateful to his grandfather in this moment. Chasing after Kurai felt a bit like being back on the chase of prey in the mountain side bringing back memories of those many months he'd spend chasing rabbits or other small game.

Of course it would of done Ryo good to know this wasn't a challenge of speed, which due to his opponents significant lead he had to rush. He growled spotting Kurai already on the way back up, and with weight in hand and as he rushed towards him. Finally his brain started to kick into thought processes, Kurai was far ahead of him there was no doubt about that and even if Ryo simply rushed past him to get his own weight he wouldn't be able to grab it and drop to his all four sprint. There would simply no way to win with the current strategy so he was left with one option. He'd have to get Kurai to drop and break the weight and grab the second one.

There was no anger in Ryo's attack because he wasn't mad, if anything he was grinning ear to ear because he was finally going to have a clash with someone who wasn't family and as he nears he brings his hands up with that fanged grin eyes flashing with glee. "Think fast Kurai!" he shouts almost sounding like a growl as he focuses some chakra to show off some of his families tricks.  From his hands and feet his families bear claw technique shows itself but he was adding his own spin to it, the claw tips sparked gently with the electricity he was channelling through them to add a bit of a shock hoping that if he at least made contact Kurai would drop the weight or would attempt to block. His first swing was like the strike of a bear and riding the momentum of his swing he added a kick as he spun hoping of the two strikes would land and with his claws active have a greater chance of breaking that fragile glass target.



----
WC: 439
Sacred Bear Fist (Shinseina kuma no ken) D
Lighting Claw Upgrade (Shōmei tsume no appugurēdo) D
Sacred Fist, extended style (Shinsei-ken, kakuchō sutairu) D
Chakra 135/150

Kurai couldn't help but to be confident in his victory as his destination was in sight. Churning his legs and pushing them to fight through the searing pain of fatigue that came with such a rigorous incline run. The Genin held onto his weight tightly with his mind set on protecting it at all cost, assuming he had sufficient funds. As Kurai was about 30 steps away, his teammate finally appeared. He's alive after all. Well, this just got a lot more interesting. Kurai thought to himself. The shinobi needed no time to realize his circumstance. His opponent for the day was too far behind to try and make a run for his weight and dream of getting back to the plateau before Kurai. He's going to try and steal or break my weight, and from his appearance, he's likely going to take a brutish approach. Ryo smiled manically as he initiated his charge. His fangs sparkled, threatening the poet. Kurai planted his right foot, coming to a skillful halt right on the center of the step. With Ryo still barreling down for Kurai, the snowy haired Genin placed his weight off to the side. Kurai smiled, and then appeared to try and jump, or move, but he acted as if he was stuck. As his deception continued, Ryo got closer and closer. Kurai continued to sell the ploy by widening his eyes with fear. Kurai would form the Rat seal and then grab a hold of the weight.

If Ryo witnessed Kurai form the rat seal, he would see Kurai crouched holding the glass weight unable to move, which Ryo would likely be under the impression that Kurai's foot was still stuck in something. However, the real Kurai would wait until Ryo was within 3 steps. He would then leap above Ryo and continue towards his destination as Ryo would be under the Genjutsu. The Genjutsu would casue Ryo to see Kurai reamaining completely still, so as the real Kurai leaped ahead, Ryo would likely continue his attack on the false image that Kurai had created in his mind. This would likely ensure his victory, as by observing Ryo so far, his reflexes and speed both appeared to be far lesser than his.

If the Genjutsu failed outright, most likely by Ryo not witnessing the hand seal, Kurai would use another Genjutsu that would blind Ryo. This technique was created by Kurai, called the Fire Illusion: Exploding Pillar, and it was one of Kurai's favorite jutsus. He caused the target to see a large amount of bright fire arching from his person. The flames shine so bright that they blind the target, or at least makes them think they are blinded. Kurai would follow up by jumping over the blind Ryo and running full speed to the top of the stairs, likely winning the challenge.



Option 1) Training Counter Vision

135/150:

Or
Option 2)

135/150:

Training: 1403

Trained Strength from E-2 to E-3: 1403/225
Training Leftover: 1178

Continue skipping me until one of you gets to the top or both of you fail please.

Kurai's first option, the Genjutsu Counter Vision was successful. The clever shinobi took full advantage and jetted past Ryo unseen. Kurai with this position and speed advantage, his victory looked definite. He continued to push his body to the limit, forcing himself to use ever ounce of determination to keep going forward. His abdomen was so fatigued he couldn't even expand the muscels properly to let in enough air, but the sight of his win dulled the anguish that bubbled internally. Kurai looked forward as only 10 normal steps remained but given Kurai's current condition, they looked large; as he embarked on the final stretch, he glanced back with piercing eyes to see what Ryo was doing. It appeared he was confused greatly by the Genjutsu, as he was just standing still, in awe, of what just happened. Kurai smirked as that sight gave him even more fuel to burn.


Training: 1331

This is a three day warning. If a reply is not done in three days this thread will close.

Kurai had reached the top. He placed the weight down and smiled. Ryo did appeared behind him... it was to late. He launched a fist that approached with vigor. Kurai raised his guard and allowed earth to seep through his forearm so to increase the strength of his block hurt Ryo's fist. He could see the wince on Ryo's face, but he responded by changing levels and attempting a sweeping kick. Kurai's reflexes were alert, he widened his stance as to defend against the low kick, he also allowed fire to seep through his leg that was out in front to take the impact of Ryo's leg. Ryo would suffer minor first degree burns. With that he ceased his attack. Kurai backed away from Ryo, and turned partially to his sensei but still keeping Ryo in his sights. He awaited the words of Akira. Kurai had won the challenge, and he felt he did so in impressive fashion. It was a unique task, and he was glad he was under the tutelage of a shinobi who didn't do things by the book. Hopefully he could train under Akira a lot, and obtain as much knowledge from his as possible.



Training Earthen Block and Fire Interception: 1535/1500 

115/150:

Akira had been watching this for some time with some level of interest. The one known as Kurai was leaving little to no doubt that he was a few steps ahead of the game of the others. When presented with a challenge he put effort into it and succeeded. He wondered if there was more to that potential then he yet understood. His physique was limited at the moment but Akira was sure he could build on what was there. But the mind is where the most immediate potential wash shining. It was rare for some one of that caliber to just arrive at a time in fate with a capable master. He would enjoy pushing that one past his limits. Breaking him of his weaknesses so much that they become his strengths. It was all to possible that he would become one of the strongest under Akira himself. Perhaps a master one day in hand to hand combat. Still what had intrigued him the most was something that he had taken an interest in himself lately. The use of genjutsu to trick the opponent before striking at a weakened point. When genjutsu was involved it made things more difficult. But in a hand to hand fight it was even worse. One only had that moment to dodge or block a blow and if the genjutsu took too much of that moment then it was inevitable they would be hit.

As for the one known as Ryo he felt the boy was wild. He had power sure but no control or real thought to it. Instincts had the potential to become much stronger in a full frontal assault but when faced with some one with a superior intellect running purely on instincts could get you killed. He would need to teach that one to think about his moves. To include his beast like abilities into an actual plan of attack. To consider your surroundings and learn to use the senses in such a way that everything becomes part of your awareness and nothing can surprise you. Eventually gaining an area of influence that once entered nothing gets by you. But that would rely on Ryo sticking with his training. Sometimes being defeated could lower the spirits of a disciple to such a point that they give up. As their master he would just have to see how it turned out. And move one from there.

Still Akira waited at the top as he prepared the prize. The smell of the food reaching him and nearly making his mouth water. He smiled and set out the sweet and sour chicken and the barbecued pork with the stir fry rice and two empty cups. For the loser he placed a cup of noodle and some tea off to the side. As Kurai mounted the steps Akira clapped for a moment. Before he spoke. His words carrying across the dojo grounds. "Kurai. You have shown intellect and power while defeating your team mate and emerged victorious. You will be sharing a meal with me. While your team mate will not go hungry his meal shall be inferior. Encouragement to come out on top next time. Do not worry about his injuries. When and if he comes up here to join us I shall heal them. For now sit here and hand me the weight." Upon being handed the weight Akira would grasp the top and quietly unscrew it. Inside it was obvious that it was full of a brilliantly clear liquid. Of which he poured into each cup. Before he spoke once more. "These waters are from a special well found in the coldest parts of the mountains. It is said these waters heal injuries with their pure nature. I had this drawn from a well in a village there. Drink it and your body will feel rejuvenated by the end of this meal. And while we eat you both may feel free to ask me anything you like."

1151

Perception
D ~> D-1, 325/325
D-1 ~> D-2, 400/00
D-2 ~> D-3, 426/450

OOC note

Until further notice the other individuals have been expelled from the squad for inactivity. At the moment this leaves only Kurai. Kurai if you wish to continue further one on one training please feel free to post.