Invited: Zeref, Tomohiro

Raiu Dojo:

Standing proud at the end of a road lead by jacaranda trees, stood the Raiu dojo. A building that, despite having been raised a few decades ago, was still young compared to some of the older and more reputed dojos of Kumogakure. Still, its name was made mostly by the previous sensei who build it - a man known as an executioner to several, a teacher to many, and a shinobi to a whole Village. While that man had left the living since quite a few years, his spirit lived on with the core principles of the dojo.




Principles that were not only found back in the elderly Raiu clan, but which also offered a strong base  for every student and every team to come. While quite a few students had been able to learn the values of discipline, various kenjutsu styles and unarmed combat, for a first in a long few years, its sensei had opened its doors to welcome a new Kumogakure squad.

In front of the door an older man in his early fifties sat kneeled in a traditional position, back straight and hands resting on his thighs with unmistakable readiness. His short black hair and trimmed beard covered most of his face, plucked clean of greying hairs so as to maintain the semblance of vibrant power, while navy blue eyes looked out over the road ahead, waiting for the presence of his new students whom he had invited by letter and were expected to arrive at any time now. Covering most of his tanned skin was a simple dusk-green gi bearing the dojo's kamon on his back, held firmly in place by a black belt denoting his status as a sensei.

In quietude, Kiyoshi contemplated the lessons he would give this youngsters. The reports that he had been given told him they were both specialised in kenjutsu and ninjutsu. Both of them had an affinity for katon, while one also seemed blessed with doton chakra - a chakra Kiyoshi could certainly respect. Unfortunately, he himself wielded none of these elements as a Raiu, yet believed that they would offer a lot of potential power when combined with the elements of his own daughter as it brought the total of elements within the team to four. It also intrigued him to know the team had a koton user, an Advanced Release he had not seen being used often. With two very different Advanced Releases, he believed the team would only be the better for it.

The young Nakir, however, had the unfortunate weakness of having little in terms of elements, but the doujutsu he brought with him certainly gave him a strong edge during nightly missions, assassinations and as a scout. Kiyoshi believed that with Tomohiro as the eyes, Zeref as a powerful weapon and Mizuki as a guiding strategist, the team would have the keys to becoming a solid and reliable squad for Kumogakure's force.

With a full team of kenjutsu students, they would have a powerful team in closer quarter combat. He knew Mizuki had trained herself to add ranged support through senbon and kyujutsu, and was curious to see in what direction the others would develop to complement the squad. He hoped at least one person would take interest in the sickle and chain as a means to tie down their opponents, or even a spear or halberd for some additional range. He certainly would urge them to seek more than one weapon specialisation, if only to enrich their experience and expand upon their possibilities - a shinobi should never have but one means to defeat his opponent, and those thoughts immediately brought Kiyoshi to attention that his students all boasted the same specialisation. This meant he'd have to drive them to pick up different specialisations later in time as it would otherwise stunt the team's options, a thought he disliked very much. While it was a matter of figuring out who would do well with which specialisation, Kiyoshi still had time before that moment came.

For now, he didn't have to look too far into the future. In fact, as he returned to the present, he could already see the first of the students approaching.

"Damn it boy, again, this time do it as I ordered!" The words came from a harsh older man, Zerefs father Noc. Zeref a mere boy of ten, his upper body bare, dripping with blood, sweat and rain, stood up picking up a steel blade. After a moment Zeref lunged at his father aiming to pierce him through the stomach. In response Noc side stepped, bring the hilt of his own sword on the back of Zerefs skull knocking him down. Zeref laid face down in the mud, blood dripping from the back of his skull. "Pathetic, useless, and weak. You should of died instead of that woman, at least i had use of her."  The woman he spoke of was Zerefs mother, just another tool in Nocs eyes. Noc started to walk back towards the house leaving his son in the mud. Hearing him speak of his mother always pissed off Zeref. At the mention of her Zeref rose to a single knee breathing heavy, he drove the blade into the dirt and a split second later a steel spike erupted just in front of Noc slicing his cheek. Y"Tsk, can't even kill me while my back is turned?." Noc twisted and flung his blade at Zeref catching him in the collar piercing through his back.

It was at that moment Zeref woke, not in a fright, or a scare, he simply opened his eyes. The dreams of his childhood no longer bothered him, the abuse of his deceased father already left all the scars they could. Noc could no longer harm Zeref, not after what Zeref did to him. Zeref rolled out of bed, cracking his neck and back his eyes looking at his desk where the letter was laying. He had gotten it about a day ago, a letter form Raiu, the current master of his family Dojo, and Zerefs new team leader. Standing up Zeref got dressed quickly and headed for the door, grabbing his waist coat as he slipped out the door.

The sun was just starting to raise, as always Zeref only needed about four hours of sleep to function, but he has trained to go days without feeling any side effects. The letter stated to be at the dojo with int he first few hours of sun raise, Zeref being Zeref took at as 'come before the sun finished raising.' Zeref had already scouted the area around the dojo, he knew it would take about five minutes to walk there, and the sun wouldn't finish raising for another seven, he was right on time in his mind. He hopped that his other teammates would already be there, or would show up shortly after him. Zeref wanted to get an idea of everyone's strength and weaknesses as soon as he could, and he was sure the feeling was the same for a few other members of the team if not all of them. Zerefs mind started to wander to his past once again.

"Come now boy I have a gift for you." An elder male stood in front of a young child no more then eight years old. After a few seconds the man turned around for a second before facing the boy again holding a cage. Inside the cage was a falcon with a hood over it's head to cover it's eyes. "Train it my boy, train it to obey, to help in the hunts." The man held the cage out to the boy who took it with a smile, his first pet. Other the next few weeks the boy fed the bird even as it peeked and scratched his hand, but the boy never gave up, until the day came where the bird would eat from the palm of the boys hand, no longer needed the cage, and listened to the boy. Now that the boy had done this he brought it back to the older man, his father, to show him that he trained it. "I've trained the bird father." The boy put his hand out with the bird on his wrist calmly. The man took the bird with both hands, and gave the boy a disgusted look. "You ruined it." The man snapped the birds neck with a flick of his wrist, dropping it to the ground. "You didn't teach it to obey, you taught it to love." The boy said nothing, he knew better then to question his father.

Taking the final turn Zeref could see the dojo at the end of the road, although he was far he could spot someone sitting on the porch in the front. It was either Raiu or his daughter, waiting for the team to show up no doubt. As Zeref got closer he could make out the figure better, it was who he assumed to be Raiu. Raiu looked liked to be in his late forties or fifties, but seemed to be as bit in shape as someone in their twenties. More detail was able to be noticed, the black belt showing his status, his clothing, Zeref picked as much apart as he could as fast as he could. 

Now just five feet from the man and dojo, Zeref stopped walking doing a slight bow. He remembered the warning of trying to shake his hands and felt it was best to take it. "Thank you for the invite." Zeref righted himself before speaking again. "I am Zeref, but I assume you already know that. Zeref smiled slightly as he finished speaking.

---

Post w.c- 927
Total w.c- 927

There was a certain slowness in his breath as he closed the door to his apartment. His straw kasa over his dark hair. A fully black poncho covered his blackened body suit. The young genin's dark leather boots crunched the cold ground as he made his way to the Raiu Dojo. He received his letter from the revered Raiu Kiyoshi a day or so prior. The man was an excellent swordsman and shinobi that he would take great honor to train under. The look on his face didn't show it, but he was a excited. He wasn't sure what to expect from the seasoned veteran, but figured that he would be in for a treat. It wasn't unheard of for a Nakir swordsman to train with other instructors. Though, it wasn't always looked highly on. The Nakir clan were proud swordsman that trained one another for hundreds of years. It was something that they took proud of.

Tomohiro gripped the bamboo sheath of his blade as a cold wind blew. The wind usually didn't bother him too often, but that one felt like it did some damage. His skin began to protrude goose bumps. It was a strange one indeed. Though, it passed quickly, but not quick enough for his liking. Kumo seemed to be pretty dead. There didn't seem much to going on. Few villagers made their way through the streets. He had to cross the main market to get to the Raiu Dojo from his apartment. Tomohiro didn't like traveling through the market usually because the influx of people that seemed to thrive here. Today was definitely the exception. There seemed to be small families that were picking up supplies to take home. He kept his head up just in case something went down. Though, things seemed too quite for what he was accustomed too. The young Nakir didn't care for being out in the open. With the crime nowadays, it wasn't wrong to be too cautious.

The wind hit him harder this time as he neared the dojo. Looking up slightly, he noticed that he wasn't the first to arrive. He approached a bit slower as he noticed an older man probably in his middle ages. The man was figured to be Kiyoshi. From far away, the man looked nothing special, but he knew better than to judge one by their looks. The man's accomplishments stood before him that Tomohiro wouldn't doubt the man's capabilities. The second individual looked to have been his age. He wasn't exactly sure if his hair was white or if he was a silver blond. Though as he shortened the distance between them, he noticed that the white haired male was taller than him. The two seemed like an interesting individuals. The two seemed like people he would have preferred to study at a distance than up close and personal.

He bowed toward Kiyoshi as he reached the entrance. Tomohiro kept a couple of meters distance between him and the two before him. He did this trying to keep an eye on the two of them. The young Nakir hadn't met the two of them and wasn't easily trusting them. Tomohiro rose out of his bow before he pursed his lips slightly. It wasn't keen on introducing himself, but to show respect for Kiyoshi and his position he pushed through with his introduction.

“I'm Tomohiro of Clan Nakir. It's nice to meet you Kiyoshi-sensei. I indeed appreciate the invitation to your dojo. Take good care of me, sensei.” he introduced.

WC: 609

Zeref shock his head slightly. "No, no trouble at all Sensei" Zeref hated that word, it tasted bitter and sour on his tongue as he slipped from his lips but he gave no signs of such. Sensei although it was just a word for a teacher, it also held a connection to master, control over those lesser then you. It was a part Zeref had to play in order to grow and get stronger so he would endure with the name game as long as it allowed him to move closer to his goal in the short or long run. Zeref could tell the man before him was sizing him up, assessing him based on his demeanor alone. He couldn't blame him, Zeref was doing the same thing to him as well.

Zeref heard footsteps coming up from behind him and turned slightly to see a male around the same age as himself walking towards them. From what Zeref gathered the approaching man would have to be Tomohiro. A few seconds passed and the man stopped walking and introduced himself, proving Zeref right. Just as he did with his 'Sensei' Zeref took in a few details of Tomohiro. He was a kenjutsu user, shorter then himself, roughly the same sage, and was cautious.

Turning back towards Kiyoshi as he got to his feet and started to speak to the Zeref and Tomohiro. His question was simple, can either of them impress him, it was a bit of a loaded question. It was much like with question his father would ask him, no real answer as the right one, but there were ones less wrong then others. Zeref looked at Tomohiro for a split second before answering Kiyoshi. "I suppose only time will tell." the second question was less loaded then the first one, a simple 'what do you want to learn.' If his daughter had the same elements as her father, he couldn't teach him much when it came to elements, however he was if not the best Kenjutsu master in the village. "As for what I wish to learn. Your daughter says you are a great swordsmen, so I would like to learn more Kenjutsu. As well as how to become a value member of the village since I am not actually from here." Zeref gave his answers, maybe they weren't the best but they also were the worst. Zeref stayed silent as his new teammate answered, and waited for the next thing their senei decided to say.

---

Post w.c 422
Total w.c 1349

“Yes, master. The dojo was easy to find,” he responded respectively.

The old shinobi gave his thoughts that they both made good impressions. Though, the man's next questions brought some concern to Tomohiro. How would they truly impress the old man? Tomohiro wasn't sure how to answer Kiyoshi's question. Zeref, the other young counterpart here answered swiftly with “I suppose only time will tell.” Tomohiro felt that it was a good answer than any. The young Nakir let silence be his answer. He didn't feel like the man was actually looking for an answer to begin with. He did notice that Kiyoshi and Zeref seemed to be something unsaid going on between the two. It would be a normal response for them to try and size each other up. It wasn't exactly that obvious, but he had been in a similar situation and understood why. As far as he knew, none of them had met each other.

The next question was a simpler one. He knew exactly what he wanted to learn from Kiyoshi-sensei. Tomohiro wanted to improve his swordsmanship. There was no doubt in his mind that Kiyoshi had what he was looking for. A swordsman of his caliber could change him forever. Tomohiro believed that Kiyoshi could mold both of them into forces to be reckoned with. He hoped that Kiyoshi would accept both of them as full-time squad member of his the master. As far as he was concerned, Kiyoshi was trying to get a good look at them almost similar to an interview. Zeref's response was a respectable one. He did express that he wasn't from here which made sense to him. Tomohiro knew that he was a great swordsman. Every shinobi swordsman in Kumogakure would have at least known or heard the achievements of Raiu Kiyoshi. There was no denying this man's greatness. He also figured that hard work was on the horizon.

Tomohiro responded to the man's last answer with a monotone voice, “Your achievements are astounding and your swordsmanship is almost second to none in the village. I need to improve on my techniques. I have a long way to go as far as Kenjutsu is concerned. Why not be trained by the best of the best? You had to have sent us an invitation for a reason. I hate to assume, but you probably are already aware of our potential. I also want to learn more about myself through training with you. My question for you...how will you mold us? With all do respect, master.”

WC:435
TWC: 1044

Zeref stayed silent as Kiyoshi spoke to them over their answers that him and Tomohiro had given, Kiyoshi seemed to accept both their answers one way or another. When Tomohiro asked a question, Zeref couldn't help but think of his father, mostly because if Zeref were to ask a question even close to that he would of been beaten to unconsciousness. After addressing them both Kiyoshi turned and headed into the dojo, bowing and taking off his shoes before entering, Zeref followed suit both bowing and taking off his shoes. The dojo was simple, but the air inside held a sense of power, the smell of blood and sweat soaked the very floors where they walked, most wouldn't be able to smell it, but Zeref grew up in a house hold that was soaked in it as well. Zeref scanned around slightly, taking note of the scrolls before Kiyoshi presented them.

Loyalty, Vigilance, Perseverance, three very basic principles on the outside, but at the same time had roots as deep as the older trees. Kiyoshi wasn't the first no doubt to have a school that had these as guides, but how his school used them would most likely not be the same. Kiyoshi started Loyalty, a simple and short description of it, and answering Zerefs question from before. He spoke of working hard for the village, and will be returned in favor, but what does that really mean to Zeref. The village was a mean to Zeref nothing more nothing less, he would fight for the village, defend, and help as he sees fit as long as it also benefited him as well. A single thought ran through Zerefs mind of loyalty, what actions and line will separate loyalty and obedience

After loyalty was vigilance, outlining what it was, and how the dojo followed its teachings similar how he did with loyalty but a little more detail. Zeref agreed with most of it, you did need a sense of your surroundings, and as well as what you can and can not do, however Zeref didn't like the idea of entrusting his weakness to his allies. This wasn't because he didn't like telling others what he is weak in, he fully accepts he is not the strongest, it was the putting his fate in the hands of someone else.

Last but not least was perseverance, Zeref didn't enjoy being cocky or over confident, but there was nothing this man could put him through that could break him physically or mentally. Sure he could wear him out, deplete him of energy and stamina but cause him to quit and give up? There wasn't even the slightest chance. Zeref father would starve him, beat him, torture him, then heal and repeat for days on end, no Zeref was far beyond the point of being broken through training alone. Himself aside Kiyoshi spoke of not giving up on his teammates, another annoyance to him, if his team was weak it would slow down his progress but at the same time if Zeref dragged them through they would grow stronger allowing himself to grow stronger as well. It wasn't what Kiyoshi meant, Zeref knew that, but that didn't matter to Zeref.

Done with the principles of the dojo Kiyoshi moved on to the next part about being part of the dojo and how to carry themselves. Kiyoshi had an air about him, trying to make himself seem bigger then he was, Zeref didn't flinch. Zeref knew the man before him was strong, stronger then Zeref, but the man before him sadly paled in compression to his father. He only knew stories of Kiyoshi, he seen his fathers feats, and savage nature first hand.

Kiyoshi moved on to what would happen, training and group missions both sounded good to Zeref, both meant becoming stronger, the solo missions meant more errand runs for the village, Zeref already having four under his belt wasn't looking forward to more of the same nature. Zeref was annoyed but showed no signs of it, it was an annoying task but one that would lead to strength and growth so it had to be done no matter how trivial it was. Kiyoshi was done talking, giving them both a bit of time to think on his words from the last few minutes. The last thing he spoke was if either of them had a question to ask him, Zeref didn't, it was a lot to take in, but it was all relatively simple to understand. "Just one. When do we begin?"

---

Post w.c- 772
Total w.c- 2121

Tomohiro followed Kiyoshi-sensei into the dojo removing his footwear as the middle aged shinobi did. Kiyoshi went on to explain the Raiu's three basic principles. The principles were honorable ones. Loyalty, Vigilance, Perseverance. Though he understood what the older shinobi was getting out, he thought that the meaning of the words would be some what lost to him. There was no way that he would be able to truly understand the meaning behind the three words. He was raised a Nakir not a Raiu.

He tried to take in all he could from Kiyoshi's teachings. Perseverance was something he could understand. He spent many years being broken to be pushed to be made stronger. The blood and tears he had shed to get stronger did not go unrewarded. Tomohiro couldn't quite see it that way. He felt like he had hit a brick wall as far as his abilities were developing. Having fought the trader and mercenary, Julius Midas, seemed for him to maintain that belief. Kiyoshi was truly someone that Tomohiro felt could really help him in the long run. Like Zeref, he wanted to useful to his village. He wanted to supported and uplift it like he would one of his clansmen.

Tomohiro definitely took interest in sparring one another. It was something he enjoyed doing. He didn't get too many chances to fight others outside of his clan. To be able to spar with another shinobi always made him appreciate each duel. He felt like sparring was the closest thing to real combat experience. Though there was always the absence of bloodlust and indomitable passion to kill. Bloodlust was something that Tomohiro had only experienced twice in his life. Both times he experienced the feeling when he had been training with his grandfather. Tomohiro wasn't too fond of the feeling and tried to keep his mind busy with other things. Training was a way he could control it. Though, he wasn't sure what triggered it.

“Just one. When do we begin?” That was a question Tomohiro had as well. He was eager to see what Zeref was capable of. Using bokken was nothing foreign to him. He typically used them when training underground with his clan. Sometimes he would use real swords that his clansmen would craft, but it wasn't normally against another human being. Tomohiro nodded his head in agreement with Zeref. He was quite ready to get into some fighting. Hopefully, he would also learn his new teammate's fighting style. Tomohiro slightly sighed trying to release some of the now built up excitement.

“Same master. When do we being? I wouldn't mind crossing blades with a fellow shinobi. Maybe both of your students will learn something.”

WC: 461
TC: 1505

It was hard to say if his students had understood everything about the three principles he'd share his insights with, but they seemed to sit still and listen attentively, their eyes betraying the fact that they thought about his words, at least. As he finished, he gave them a little more time to register it all, and waited for their questions. They had none other than, "when do we begin."

Kiyoshi grinned at their eagerness towards action. It seemed they had yet to waver from the road. He nodded, understanding their desire to test their skills and decided the first of tests would be between themselves. He had yet to see their current skill, after all, and that was what he would do now. The sensei walked over to one of the weapon racks in the dojo, taking off two wooden swords and giving one to each of his students.

"Within the dojo, the bokken will be used for training. Your own weapon is not to be drawn even once, its soul preserved until the time when duty calls.", the sensei stated, his tone making it clear he would not tolerate any transgressions against his authority. "You may use jutsu against each other up to C rank, so that I can gain an estimation of both your techniques and your weapon skill. It goes without say you immediately cease all offensive actions when I call out to do so. Are these instructions clear to you both?"

Once the two would be ready, he would request them to prepare themselves and nod for them to begin their spar.

---

OOC: As was suggested to me,feel free to exit the thread once you have 2000 words. We can do the spar in a new social

Zeref listened closely to Raiu as he spoke of the rules for the dojo, and for the spar that was about to be held between Zeref and Tomohiro. The jutsu level wasn't really the issue at hand, he had plenty of jutsu of different ranks. The main issue was the choice of weapon that was to be used. Bokken are wooden swords, it made sense to train with them, but Zeref didn't like the idea. Zeref was more trained to be a hard counter to Kenjutsu, and weapons of metal not of wood. Not only do they have to use wooden swords, but his opponent is a katon user when it came to ninjutsu, putting him at another disadvantage. Zerefs bloodline was his steel release, and that was weaker against Katon techniques.

Zeref looked around at the dojo, the floors were wooden with a thin pad over it for the training area, it was a typical set up for most dojos. Zeref wondered if Raiu would care if the floors will most likely be destroyed during the battle, training or not Zeref didn't see the floors lasting. Many of Zerefs abilities required things to form from below, like his use of Doton and Koton. Zeref figured he could use his Koton weaponry but Raiu also said they were not to use their weapons.

Zeref was already thinking of a battle plan in his head to use against Tomohiro. After a few seconds he turned and looked at Raiu. "I understand the rules." He brought his attention to Tomohiro crossing his arms over his chest. "So, are you ready?" Once Tomohiro answered, Zeref would walk over to the rack of Bokken swords and grab one, giving it a few swings to see if it was a good weight for his liking. "I'm read when you are."

Thread exit
Thread end
Post w.c- 309
Total w.c- 2430

1000 w.c being used for c rank jutsu Steel cannon balls. 1400 for later use.

Tomohiro wouldn’t have too many issues following Kiyoshi-sensei’s instructions, but he looked around before looking toward Zeref. It seems like they both had similar concerns. Though it was nonverbal, the concern was an obvious one. What would happen if they destroyed the dojo? They were shinobi afterall. Tomohiro knew if he pulled a C-Rank ninjutsu in here. They would probably need to make a quick exit. The dojo really didn’t seem like it would hold up if they went out. He would hope to take care that he didn’t do too much damage. The last thing he needed was for Kiyohshi-sensei to expel both of his students for destroying the dojo. Tomohiro wouldn’t mind being in here if they were just practicing swordplay, but going for an all out technique.

The young Nakir sighed as he began removing his outerwear. He removed his kasa before making his way to his hooded poncho. Turning away from his clothing he remembered that he needed to unhook his sword from his waist. He gently placed the sword in front of his clothes. Tomohiro folded up both his poncho and placed his kasa on top. He placed his clothing carefully to the side out of the way. He grabbed a bokken from master Kiyoshi as he bowed respectfully before taking it. He carefully tested the weight of the substitute weapon which he was to used. The bokken seemed pretty balanced, but not as heavy as his weapon. It was a pretty standard bokken in all aspects.

“Yeah, I’m ready,” he responded to Zeref calmly.

He stood to one side of the dojo. Tomohiro nodded his head before flourishing his weapon into a reverse grip. Focus was going to help him here during his duel. He needed all of the focus he could get. Both of them were unsure of the other’s fighting style. So, this would make it even as far as what to expect. Tomohiro would begin in a reverse grip before changing his stance to something else during the spar. It was a bit unusual for him to do something of this caliber, but he wanted to try something else. Not that he wanted to make this spar interesting, he wanted to know what he could do to enhance his own kenjutsu style. Tomohiro wouldn’t try and be too extra with his new master watching him. It was very tempting to go all out, but he would try to fight reserved as possible.

Tomohiro moved his head side to side while trying to think through how he would start. He figured that his opponent may have already had something in mind. Though, he was curious on who would attack first. Tomohiro would normally be the aggressor, but it was usually when an opponent would refuse to strike first. He wasn’t exactly sure on how he would begin an assault if he were to start one. Winging it would probably how he would start begin the fight. It wasn’t unusual for him to fight using muscle memory, but it would take more than that to probably beat his current opponent.

[Thread Exit]
WC: 530
TWC: 2035

Training:

563/563 Fire Style: Agni's Ward

1000/1000 [Towards B-Rank->A-Rank Ninjutsu Spec Training]

472 word count remaining

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[EXIT]

Continued next thread...