Ryu sat on the roof of Jackals as he watched the people who had filtered out still lingering. He had to kick a couple out of the bathroom that hadn't wanted to leave but that was typical. They wanted to try and stick around after lock up for free booze. However they hadn't realized how sitting in a bathroom was not going to accomplish that. Or that Ryu lived in the apartment above the bar. He plucked a smoke out from behind his ear as he snapped his fingers and an electric charge lit the end. Quietly he puffed on it as people filtered away. It was two in the morning and for some reason that was the time the bar owner wanted to close. Not like he cared about the law. After all his whole stock was made by Ryu and he didn't have a liqour liscence. No one from the main village was going to check on that though any time soon. Still he puffed on his smoke and relaxed as he rested on the roof wearing his usual gear. A pair of blue jeans with a rip on the right knee tucked into boots. an open white shirt was hanging over the pants buckle and seemed to only wrap just over his belly button. Over that was a black open coat with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and fingerless gloves on each hand. Lastly his hair was tied back behind a bandana and an eyepatch hung over his right eye hiding his purple eye from view.

Idly he lifted his right hand and studied it for a moment trying to keep his practice up as he would gradually make a dim amount of electricity arc between his fingers one arc at a time in tiny, short bursts. It was a fairly common practice for him to keep his chakra control practiced. It was a growing ability of his but he could feel something about it was lacking. He had been working his way through that stolen list of jutsu a little at a time in private and was doing well he supposed. At this level it was fairly basic to understand and yet he wasn't satisfied. He needed to learn how to create his own jutsu and to do that he needed to talk to someone who could teach him. His thoughts drifted to the two men he had met of some ability. Both of them used bows but only one had actually made an effort to meet with him again. He was a criminal but if the man from the library was willing to teach him if only for his own entertainment Ryu wouldn't argue. Instead he flicked his smoke and leaned back as the last of the crowd left. Resting back on one hand to hold him up as he looked at the sky with bright stars. If the man didn't come to him soon he was going to chance it. He would head into Suna's main village and find the man so he could ask his questions. After all even if they did catch him in the village there hadn't been any patrols in the slums for him so he doubted he was wanted. Still he didn't like gambling with his freedom.

559

Under the cover of night, Kenshin moved through the village of Suna. He made every effort to make sure attention wasn't drawn to him. His unique bow, Tornado's Wrath, was sitting on his back along with his quiver of arrows. His Sunagakure Flak Jacket was worn over an emerald green shirt and tan pants. His hair look like grass dancing in the wind as he bounced from roof to roof in quick motions. He really wanted to get to the Slums without being seen, as Sunagakure ninja didn't often go down there by choice. It looked odd to say the least, which was the point of remaining hidden. Eventually, the slums were in site and he stopped, hiding behind a trash can as he collected his thoughts. The name of the place was Jackals, that much he remembered. He quickly decided to look for it from the shadows as once again he was off.

The bright side about not using the street is avoiding the troublesome criminals that run these parts. His eyes bounced from building to building as he continued to search. About 10 minutes in, he saw a figure smoking on the roof of the building. Of course, the name of this building was Jackals. Without hesitation, he moved over to it and onto the roof about 10 meters away from Ryu. "I'm here, as requested. How is the training going?" He asked as he walked over and sat a comfortable distance from him. "I made sure that I was not seen or followed, so speak freely." He added, hoping to ease any last doubts the young man had. Kenshin thought about the smoking and why he had never tried it. He didn't have anything against it, maybe he would down the road. His mind came back to the matter at hand as he looked up into the night sky. "What you are planning is a pretty big task. I was serious about what I said, I will help however you allow me. But to do any of that, I need to know what you can do? What's your style of combat?" He was ever curious, but something about this kid grabbed his attention. Whatever it was, he would figure it out.

"Also, we should get some drinks, i can pay for them if need be." He said as he really didn't care about money. It was powerful, yes, but it also had no value in a different sense. He made enough as a shinobi to take care of his very basic lifestyle and had a bit left over on a fairly regular basis. Maybe he could help the man's business at the very least. Despite his lazy bone, he was quite intelligent. He just didn't feel like putting forth the effort to prove it to people. He honestly didn't care what most people thought, as he didn't like people in a general sense of the word. He figured at this point for Ryu to lead the conversation, as he was the one with the plan.

Word Count: 519

Ryu glanced over his shoulder as suddenly there was a man speaking from a distance away. Had there still been noise from the bar below he likely would of missed it. So the man had come after all as promised? He remembered as a kid how he had wanted to be part of a squad and have a squad leader. He supposed in a much lesser way now he did have a sensei to talk to. At the very least someone that had the experience with chakra was going to speak to him and listen. It was more than he might of hoped for given his predictament at the moment with him being dishonerably discharged and an ex con. Still his one blue eye showing looked across the way towards the man walking over before taking a seat nearby. They could talk comfortably now not that he suspected the man was followed. Still he contemplated smoking another cigarette. Or maybe even a blunt. He had no way of knowing how quickly one was expected to learn these jutsu but it had only been a couple of days since the library. Still he hadn't been followed so that was good. Relaxing at least. It was smart to travel at night to avoid prying eyes anyone with half a brain knew that. Still Ryu continued to lay there staring at the sky as he spoke.

"I have only managed to learn about half the list. All the D ranks I can use freely now and a couple of the C ranks. It is taking me a bit of time but my elemental control comes a little freely to me."


He would glance at the man again as he spoke of how he was willing to help him but needed to know what he was capable of. Even offered to go inside and by a beer. Ryu would glance at his own watch and figure the owner had left for the night a good five minutes ago with the crowd so it was probably fine. Still the man kept religious stock count of his booze even though Ryu provided it. He supposed he charged the guy anyway but eh. He rose to his feet gradually before stretching out and shoving his hands in his pockets and moving to the fire escape. Even slums had those even if rusted and partially broken. He waved for Kenshin to follow him and moved down the steps as the whole thing creaked and swayed a little with each step but held all the same. It was easier to get in this way than from the door below on the first floor. Not to mention there was less chance of getting jumped up there. Still as he pried open his window and slipped in his apartment was really simple. There was a bed in the corner unmade with just sheets and a single blanket and pillow with a beanbag in front of a small tv on a small stand. A nintendo plugged into it for amusement. The kitchen just had a counter around a sink and no table while the dining area had a table with some cards on it and poker chips with three bar stools around it. The bedroom door was open which revealed the bathroom through it but instead of it being used as a bedroom there was some chemical devices in there and the smell of booze ever so faint. Still Ryu moved to his fridge and grabbed a couple of mugs from the dishrack before pulling out a pitcher and pouring two frothy beers. Setting one on the table for the guy before sitting on a stool and sipping at his own and speaking again.

"I guess my fighting style combines Ninjutsu and taijutsu. Drunken boxing is good for evading getting hit but doesn't have a lot of power on its own. It needs to be backed up with jutsu. Luckily some Ninjutsu has touch abilities. I like Raiton just as much as Doton but I can live with either alone. However I have found myself unsatisfied with normal ninjutsu from the libraries. They have power and function but I had another idea. Just need confirmation that it's possible before i try it. Where I hope you can fill in those blanks."

1281

Kenshin  would listen as Ryu explained his progress thus far. All the D Ranked and some C Rank was pretty sensational for a Genin. Some have trouble learning one jutsu in as many days. It seemed that Ryu was a driven as he appeared to be. Kenshin has never had such a drive, so that may be why it interested him so much. "Wow, that's pretty good. I'm impressed." He spoke honestly, but his voice lacked the excitement his head felt. Ryu then decided to comply with the alcohol request, making Kenshin nod with appreciation. He would follow him down the creaky staircase with a mindful, but relaxed walk. They entered the apartment to see Ryu's bed and a game system. That could be useful if he was going to be around for a bit. He decided to move to a stool as Ryu served up the drinks. Beer was fine with him, he wasn't picky about what he got drunk with.

He then continued explaining what he had learned about his ablities. Doton and Raiton were powerful and a balanced combination to have together. Ninjutsu was versatile, so that was good. While he didn't personally use Taijutsu much, he knew it to be quite strong. Ryu then also mention that he found those jutsu lacking. Kenshin would listen to his full comments before responding. "Are you looking to create your own jutsu then? While it can be complicated, it's quite doable. I have a little experience in the area. As for your abilities, they seem to be well rounded for all types of combat. That's a good thing. Someone people are only suited for certain ranges, like myself." He spoke with earnest as he explained his opinion. Of course, he was just one guy, but the former genin seemed like he had a lot of potential. Kenshin lifted his mug to take a gulp of his beer before setting it back in it's place.

The bow man couldn't help but enjoy the time he was spending with the new friend, if they could be called that. He had been a loner for most of his life, so he welcomed the change. If he did something different, he might actually find some motivation for his life as a shinobi. He made the decision to help this guy, so now he was going to see that mission followed through.

Word Count: 926

Ryu would listen to the man claiming he was impressed with a sip of his beer. Perhaps it was impressive for a new graduate from the academy but he attributed youth and the comforts of being a shinobi to that. A high paying job beating the snot out of anyone who challenged the wealthy. He himself was no longer a child and a fully realized adult that had been forced through his share trials and tribulations since his realization of how to use chakra. He had a lot of time on his hands and molding his chakra was more of a casual habit then something he needed to concentrate on. However he still lacked power for all his drive and he would need to change that. The world was spinning out of control and not many knew which way to go, simply left out in the cold. However this man in his apartment was a guide post for him. Instead of breaking under the wave of it all he could tether himself to this individual and be able to rise from the turmoil and crush it into something that could be controlled. He could gain power from this archer and for that he was greatful.

"Are you looking to create your own jutsu then? While it can be complicated, it's quite doable. I have a little experience in the area. As for your abilities, they seem to be well rounded for all types of combat. That's a good thing. Someone people are only suited for certain ranges, like myself."

He was interested in that statement. He liked the guy and was ready to rely on him but knowing the person had only strength in only certain ranges meant if Ryu ever needed to fight the man he would be able to do so at a range that suited him. He assumed he would need to do so with close range and eliminate mid and long range in that scenario but he didn't give that too much merit. A clever man may be drinking his beer, providing false information to give himself a window later. He was an archer sure but that meant he was a bukijutsu specialist. If ever the man picked up a blade Ryu could be in serious danger of losing that fight. For now though he wouldn't give it too much merit and simply observe. Instead he crossed the room and took off his jacket setting it on the back of a chair and his finger flicked a switch on a radio turning on some club music at a low enough volume not to really bother conversation but loud enough to create some fun background noise. He would move to the counter and pick a cigarette out of a pack there and place it in his lips before flicking a lighter to light it and tossing the lighter back down before setting his own beer down on the counter and speaking. As he spoke he would hold up his hand and static electricity would form around it. A small ball forming and floating around his wrist and fading away before reforming as he seemed to concentrate heavily on it before it faded again.

"I am indeed. I noticed when I use chakra there is an energy remenant in the air. Some left over discharge that simply fades away after a moment light with this raiton. I can feel it out and gather it somewhat but I can't hold it. I was thinking if I can gather the excess energy into orbs perhaps that remain with me I could utilize them into stronger jutsu....Sort of like a power surge in an electric charge ya know? Maybe if I can harness it I can surpass the limits of jutsu. What do you think?"

1921

Ryu got up, getting comfortable before lighting a smoke. The music playing was pleasant enough, and the beer they were drinking wasn't great, but it was far from bad. For the slums, the young man seemed to do quite well for himself. Then something interesting happened. Ryu lifted his hand to show Kenshin the progress he had made on a jutsu thus far. The static around his hand was visible as it formed into a ball of electricity in his hand. The ball rotated around his wrist before disappearing. The ninja formed it one more time before it disappeared once again. Though it was still in the early stages, Kenshin could already see the potential that the jutsu held. Strategy was one of his strong points, so he couldn't help thinking of how it would benefit himself as well.

"I am indeed. I noticed when I use chakra there is an energy remenant in the air. Some left over discharge that simply fades away after a moment light with this raiton. I can feel it out and gather it somewhat but I can't hold it. I was thinking if I can gather the excess energy into orbs perhaps that remain with me I could utilize them into stronger jutsu....Sort of like a power surge in an electric charge ya know? Maybe if I can harness it I can surpass the limits of jutsu. What do you think?"

"I think it's a good idea. Being able to harness the natural raiton that is left over would give you an advantage most raiton users don't have." He spoke as he thought in his mind about different ways to utilize such an advantage. "Another advantage is the element of surprise. Using a familiar technique that is supposed to be of little consequence, and adding those balls of raiton to super charge them, would give you an element of surprise. It would use their shinobi trained knowledge and reactions against them." He continued to think of various ways to use such a jutsu. Considering they both had talent in the element, they might be able to help each other grow stronger in ways he didn't think of. He lifted the beer again, but this time it was for a bigger gulp. The more comfortable he grew, the more he drank. He could get used to chilling here.

"I personally find it easier to channel raiton through something than to hold it in my hand. I'm capable of such, I just like that style. Another potential use of that could be to charge an ally's jutsu as well. being able to throw them accurately would be a good skill to add to that jutsu." He said deciding he had given enough of his long opinion for now. He would wait until Ryu gave his ideas and they could compare notes on ideas and how to accomplish them. If this is how working together would go for them, he was looking forward to it.

Word Count: 507 + 926 = 1,433

"I think it's a good idea. Being able to harness the natural raiton that is left over would give you an advantage most raiton users don't have. Another advantage is the element of surprise. Using a familiar technique that is supposed to be of little consequence, and adding those balls of raiton to super charge them, would give you an element of surprise. It would use their shinobi trained knowledge and reactions against them."

Ryu would nod at the fact that the man semi understood what he was after. However raiton was simply an easier example without altering the terrain. If he was closer to actual dirt he could of demonstated Doton but that wasn't the point for now. If he was to start with raiton then so be it. He could always master it in other elements afterwards. For now his blue eye felt strained from being used on its own all day. He wasn't certain that he was happy with sharing one of his secrets with Kenshin but the man was proving to be useful and had more experience. If he could trust the man with his plans and his jutsu he could probably trust him with the deformity. Still he would slide off his eye patch and set it down casually while going back to drinking his beer and watching Kenshin as he continued to speak. His one blue and one purple eye making a noticable difference as both were dramatically bright and so different. Something he liked to hide as it drew attention and had been mistaken for a stolen dojutsu before but was in fact just a deformity.

"I personally find it easier to channel raiton through something than to hold it in my hand. I'm capable of such, I just like that style. Another potential use of that could be to charge an ally's jutsu as well. being able to throw them accurately would be a good skill to add to that jutsu."

He himself wasn't capable of utilizing chakra through items very well. He could copy items in a mass ninjutsu but beyond duplication he had never been able to actually charge weapons. Nor was he good at using them in general. He may of had the chance to improve on that aspect if not for his time in prison leaving him with the habit of fighting unarmed. So it was he only had the one Kunai. That aside it was illegal for him to own or hold any weapons due to his ex convict status. He was considered a lethal weapon and wasn't supposed to use jutsu or equipment for combat so he didn't carry around a sword or a spear. Or as so many others a bow. Instead he concealed a knife he had taken off someone who attacked him in the dunes and used it when needed. As for the potential to help allies with the orbs he hadn't really considered that at all. He had been a loner so long he didn't even know anyone other than kenshin that used jutsu anyway. It was an intruiging thing to consider. Still he set his now empty beer down on the counter and idly spun it as he leaned with his elbows on the counter next to it. Letting the glass make a whirring noise against the wood. When Ryu spoke again he seemed non chalant but curious. A casual student speaking to his sort of teacher.

"Helping others isn't my thing but it couldn't hurt to figure out how. If I do that I can probably figure out how to weaken incoming jutsu with them too. As for weapons, Myugan are typically not great with those as drunken fist is too awkward with a blade. Not to mention its against the law for me to carry a weapon. Usually I just use whats available....lead pipe...broom handle....rebarb...whatever. My issue isn't so much ideas of what to do with the concept but....well I don't know how to maintain a jutsu."

2609

Kenshin only glanced to note the different eye colors as Ryu took off his eye patch. Whether it was just a genetic thing or it was a stolen Dojutsu, Kenshin din't didn't mind and it was rude to bring attention to it. Therefore, they continued the conversation as if nothing happened. As they continued to talk, Ryu became for relaxed and showed a bit more of his personality. Kenshin took the last gulp of his beer before setting it down. Ryu then responded to his comments.

"Helping others isn't my thing but it couldn't hurt to figure out how. If I do that I can probably figure out how to weaken incoming jutsu with them too. As for weapons, Myugan are typically not great with those as drunken fist is too awkward with a blade. Not to mention its against the law for me to carry a weapon. Usually I just use whats available....lead pipe...broom handle....rebarb...whatever. My issue isn't so much ideas of what to do with the concept but....well I don't know how to maintain a jutsu."

He spoke honestly, that much Kenshin could tell. Wait, maintaining jutsu? Kenshin knew a bit about that, and maybe he was the perfect person to teach both of those skills to the genin. Who knew, if Kenshin got serious about his training, the two of them could push each other to new heights. The special jounin would think about how to respond. Chakra control was an interesting subject, and every person was had a knack for certain aspects of it. "Now that I am dedicated to this, we are going to need to learn how to fight together." He would first comment on that before nodding at weakening other jutsu. He had already seen jutsu like these before. As for not being good with weapons, that was fine. He could be the weapons master and Ryu could be the Tai guy. It was a fine combination.

"The thing about maintaining jutsu is that a lot of times, you have to find what works for you. Shadow Clones, devices, and many other things have been used to aide people that struggle with it. For example, I have always done it by maintain an even flow of steady chakra. Wild jumps are what causes it become unstable or simply fade away."

He would pull an arrow out of his quiver before picking up Tornado's Wrath, his bow. He would aim it out the window as a he drew it. "Now the idea of maintaining jutsu is being able to do this without it taking all your concentration. You need to get comfortable enough so that it's a subconscious thing. That's only going to come with an absurd amount of practice." He would send raiton into the arrow, causing it to crackle with energy. He waited a few moment to show how it did not flux, as Kenshin was in full control of the chakra. He then fired it, hitting a wall on a far building as the raiton died away. "With arrows, the the farther away they are, the harder it is to maintaining control of the chakra stored in them. That's how I got extremely good at controlling chakra."

Hopefully the man had been given enough information, or maybe Kenshin had not helped him at all. They obviously had different fighting styles and it took simple training and hard work to learn anything as a shinobi. He would most likely have to find out what works for him, and then capitalize what works for him as a shinobi.

Word Count: 610 + 1,433 = 2,043

"Now that I am dedicated to this, we are going to need to learn how to fight together."

Well now there was an interesting proposal. He had expected Kenshin to remain in the shadows as an information source for him and an instructor. How own secret sensei to help him surpass those without the experience this man had. Other genin were likely unable to compete with him one on one as was in his opinion but that was just his confidence talking. Still he wasn't confident without basis. The corner stones of his theory were his raw physical power as a taijutsu specialist at hand to hand along with his extensive knowledge of the libraries. It appeared not many learned more than a couple of those jutsu from the reruns of the chunnin exams he had watched. If they did know more they certainly had used jutsu sparingly. Even as he contemplated them during his tv time he considered how he would handle each fight and if he could win. At first he couldn't but now he figured he could walk the finals with the best of them. Still his attention was drawn back to the lesson being provided at hand by his sniper friend.

"The thing about maintaining jutsu is that a lot of times, you have to find what works for you. Shadow Clones, devices, and many other things have been used to aide people that struggle with it. For example, I have always done it by maintain an even flow of steady chakra. Wild jumps are what causes it become unstable or simply fade away."

Steady amounts? Was he forcing too much chakra in at one time? Perhaps maintaining an already active jutsu didn't require pouring in the same amount of chakra over and over again. Still he fidgeted as the man reached for his weapon. They made him uncomfortable even if Kenshin had been nothing but helpful. When a weapon was reached for around the slums some serious shit was usually about to go down. No one picked up a weapon and continued issuing threats or talkin crap. Weapons meant someone was gonna bleed. His fight or flight reflex was something he had to fight back and it had been heavily leaning towards body checking the archer into the wall and laying into him simply because outrunning an archer was a fools exercise. Still he held himself in check as a shot was charged up and fired at the neighbors wall which luckily was a vacant shop at this time of night. "Now the idea of maintaining jutsu is being able to do this without it taking all your concentration. You need to get comfortable enough so that it's a subconscious thing. That's only going to come with an absurd amount of practice. With arrows, the the farther away they are, the harder it is to maintaining control of the chakra stored in them. That's how I got extremely good at controlling chakra." Ryu would pause and nod slowly before moving over to his beanbag chair and settling into it. He would focus his chakra into his fingers on either hand and raiton would surge between one finger and the next....hold a second before sparking and fizzling. He considered the shadow clones approach but first he would need to learn how. Still he spoke as his odd eyes glanced over the raiton as its light reflected each time.

"Plenty of fighting is gonna come my way. You are gonna need to figure out your tactic with me in battle and quickly. My methods usually make anything directly in front of me hit the sand and hard. So stay off to the side by a wide margin. For the moment we can practice chakra control mate. But first you should collect your arrow. That sound likely attracted some drug addled idiots attention and they are not above stealing your ammunition or reporting us to the shop owner for a pay off."

to be continued
Exit thread
3280
Earth Release: Tearing Earth Turning Palm trained 1000/1000
Earth Release: Earth-Style Rampart trained 1000/1000
Earth Release: Rising Spears trained 1000/1000
280 remaining.

Ryu listened carefully, nodding to confirm he was absorbing the information being given to him. He moved over to a bean bag chair, flopping in it as he watched raiton run across his finger tips. The former Genin was dedicated, that much was obvious. Ryu took a few minutes to think on his answer before responding to the large amount of talking Kenshin did.

"Plenty of fighting is gonna come my way. You are gonna need to figure out your tactic with me in battle and quickly. My methods usually make anything directly in front of me hit the sand and hard. So stay off to the side by a wide margin. For the moment we can practice chakra control mate. But first you should collect your arrow. That sound likely attracted some drug addled idiots attention and they are not above stealing your ammunition or reporting us to the shop owner for a pay off."

Kenshin pushed back a smile as he heard that the ninja was an in your face type of fighter. The perfect distaction and teammate for a glass cannon archer like himself. He nodded at the note of needing to stand to the side to avoid being hit. He was more than comfortable shooting his arrows from any angle or distance, so he was fine with this set up. The fact that trouble would probably come their way sooner rather than later only added to the need for the this conversation. The man then mentioned going to get the arrow, noting that even a simple arrow can cause trouble here. "My bad, I'm used to being around the main section of the village. I still need to adapt to the vibe down here." He said as he released a chakra string to connect with the arrow. A simple yanking motion was all it took for it to be returned to him. He caught it with his left hand, returning it to it's quiver. His bow soon followed, returning to it's resting place.

"I know it's a big task, but with the two of us as enforcers, we might be able to do this section some good. Cleaning up the streets would be a start, but I bet you know more about that than anyone." He said looking out the window at all the bodies and various happenings of the Slums at night. It certainly wasn't a safe place for anyone to be at the moment, but maybe they could change that one day. It would be nice to actually make a difference in someone's life, even if it filled his undying boredom in the process. He would move over to a chair, sitting down and relaxing as he waited for the response of his new ally.

[Exit Thread, To Be Continued]

Word Count: 467 + 2,043 = 2,510
Speed D -> D-1: 325/325
Speed D-1 -> D-2: 400/400
Speed D-2 -> D-3: 450/450
Speed D-3 -> C: 525/525
Strength D-1 -> D-2: 400/400
Endurance D-1 -> D-2: 400/400
Word Count Remaining: 10