Sero had opted to go and patrol around his island. His spiders had begun to feel some discomfort when attempting to approach the edge of his territory. While it kept them held within nicely it interested him as to what was capable of causing the sensation to turn away from his shores. At least from those within. Even he could feel his presence being pushed back when he stretched out towards his shores. Someone was up to something and he wanted to know what. Whoever it was they held a great deal of accumulated power. To restrain his aura, however passive it was, was an impressive thing. Few people could resist it without having witnessed it. It felt odd though. As if pushing against something other than chakra. It wasn't a barrier so much as it simply created a space that his aura did not wish to cross through so far from its source. It was an odd sensation but he knew it didn't have the power to hold him back regardless of its origin. He could feel it fighting back as he prodded at it from his throne in the center of the island. Struggling from so far away.

Still for all his prodding he had noted its strongest point. A place that actually forced his presence back even as he prodded with more strength than the rest. What had interested him was it was sourced at the broken bridge. The one road leading into the island he had ordered destroyed both to keep most of the wildlife within and to keep the foolish villagers out. Children that thought themselves brave just for crossing an old bridge to a rumored haunted island. The youth had no idea what they had risked when they did. The island held far more dangerous creatures in it than most of the rest of Kiri. They were just meat to them. That was the reason the bridge had been destroyed. Now something else was on the other side and playing a dangerous game. So he would go and see for himself what this game was. With luck he would reveal the players that sought to offend him too. As such the decision was made and he rose from his throne. His robes shifting like mist around him. From black robes of a simple nature into full hunter gear. He was wearing black shinobi pants with a long black sleeved shirt. A black set of leg and arm guards with a Kiri flak jacket on. Over his right shoulder was a very well made Odachi. A very long blade in a black bamboo sheath.

His steps carried him across the hall and through the entry way as the front doors flung open. His grey eyes filling with intent as he already felt that presence. Something not of chakra urging him back into his manor. As if trying to push him back with each step he took and failing. The air crackled around him with energy as his booted feet pressed down and he launched forward a dozen meters per step. A blur of black down the road leading up to the manor down into the woods. The mist picking up as the air crackled more and more with his movement towards the source. It was only a minute until he reached the shore and electricity visibly crackled around the island. Fighting back his presence. Shots of lightning here and there. He could feel it more defined now. A presence pushing with all its might against him. Trying to purify him. Sadly it was doomed to fail. Sero moved slower now though. His steps carrying him to the bridge. He was going to crush this barrier.

From the other side of the broken bridge on the far shore stood a large red Torri gate. A stone pillar on either side of it with two red wooden pillars rising up from the ground in front of the bridge. One plank most of the way up with a fashioned tower roof on top. Across its entirety was lined with seals from holy monks. Believing that the lord of the manor was possessed. Knowing they couldn't defeat him they sought to seal him in secret to his island. To anyone looking upon the gate it would be quiet at first. A thick blanket of mist hiding the island. However soon electricity would spark here and there. Within moments it was crackling like a tesla coil. The gate at the center sending out raw power to try and hold something in as wind seemed to come from no where. The paper charms and seals fluttering before lighting into a blaze and burning away. The electricity would die down as the last seal burned and from the mist strode a man looking like he had come from a war zone. Or was prepared for one. His gloved hand reached out to touch the pillar as it seemed to rot slightly at his touch.

"Interesting" was a dull sound from pale lips. Long white hair spilling down his back almost concealing the large weapon.

855

The first part of becoming a fully fledged shinobi was to study all the practices and all the possible specialties one could have. It was an ardeous task for those that had gone to the academy and even more so for those who after having succeeded in finishing the basics, had to venture out into the world to find their true potential and their real strengths and weaknesses. For Ilya, this meant she had to look through all the scrolls and books her father and mother had managed to collect for her, proud as they were when their daughter had sent them a letter from Kirigakure to their home, detailing about the fact that she had now become a genin and was more than ready to live up to the ancient clan name of Uzumaki.

Despite neither of her parents having been shinobi themselves, Ilya did have a long lineage of shinobi in her blood, even notable samurai and foreigners could be found in her family tree. Her grandfather used to be an instructor at the Kirigakure academy, while a greataunt was known to be a very competent fuuinjutsu user on par with the uzumaki of old, but Ilya herself had yet to leave a mark on her family tree. However, she was still determined to do so, especially after she had a few of her self study sessions at the home her father had bought for her. It appeared her specialty was fuuinjutsu after all, but she also seeme keen with blades of especially foreign origin, but the rarity of these weapons made it somewhat hard to find a proper blade for her to wield.

She wasn't the quitting type though and with the desire to study perhaps a more local form of swordsmanship, the girl remembered that the village had a band of elite weapons users called the Seven Swordsmen, which was a society as old as the very village hidden in the mist itself, always existing out of shinobi from the highest echelons of the ranks. The fact that the village had such a band of top shinobi in their midst also meant that perhaps Ilya could find herself someone willing to actually teach her the art of kenjutsu in order to fully embrace both the local and the foreign styles of swordplay and thus allow more versatility to her own arsenal of techniques and styles.

Alas, at first glance, the Uzumaki girl had to deal with some nervosity and anxiousness, considering the moment she checked the names and faces of those being part of the seven swordsmen, she could feel cold chills running up and down her spine. Most of these perhaps didn't look like monsters, but the achievements, titles and rank they held were at the very least impressive. Most impressive though, was the captain, who looked like an ordinary young man at first glance, but the picture she had appeared to already be rather old and it showed someone who had such cold and uncaring eyes that it was hard to decide wether or not he was a human without a soul or a soul without a body. It read that this man and only this man was actually capable of wielding all of the seven swords if he so desired due to having mastered nearly, if not all the styles of bukijutsu that existed in this world.

Astounded and impressed by this information, the Uzumaki girl decided upon this man, this Osada Sero to be her teacher, wether he wanted it or not. If he wouldn't teach her, she'd simply have to observe him, if he wouldn't allow that, she'd just look up every bit of information on his styles and so on, she was not one to give up on something after she had made her decision and as such, with the determination of a child with a cookie jar in sight, the girl prepared herself to meet this extraordinary and certainly scary person.

It took her quite some time to tie up her long red hair into a double bow on the back of her head, with two tails hanging down the back of her shoulders. Her get up was of the usual kind; wearing black and white skintight leggings, a short burgundy skirt reaching down to just about an inch away from her knees, all the while wearing a white shirt with a frilly collar and a stiff, formfitting burgundy jacket to complement her entire look. Before she left her house though, she went to the small indoor training field at the back of the house she was living in to grab herself her scrap rapier and accompanying belt to be fully prepared when she'd meet this strange entity named Osada Sero, Kirigakure's greatest monster.

"Ugh, I have to admit it, but this place really does give me the chilld," Ilya had managed to walk all through town, finally reaching the lone, broken bridge which seemed to be the only normal way to have reached the island where the master of all styles supposedly lived, yet with the island shrouded in mist and with a creepy Torii standing atop the now seemingly broken bridge, adorned with a variety of seals and writings, Ilya was no longer sure enough of her decision and was nearly about to turn around and leave, when she could feel a cold sensation running up her spine, followed by a feeling which could only be described as sickening dread taking a hold of her. Terrified by this feeling, practically frozen in fear, she turned around trembling to the very core of her body and spirit. "Amazing. Terrifying, but still so amazing."

Despite her fear, despite the dread she felt just by having the man's chakra wash over her, the pressure he exuded was nearly choking her, scrambling her mind with such overwhelming power, but still Ilya was amazed, for this was the first time she had actually felt something like this and though she was affraid, she was also fascinated. This even more so, when she could finally see a figure rise from out of the mist, softly touching one of the Torii's pillars and looking so unusually...calm. "I Uzumaki Ilya, hereby request..." The girl kneeled down on the concrete ground, loosening the belt which unbuckling her belt and placing the sheathed rapier in front of her in a respectful manner while placing her hands solemnly in front of her knees and slightly bowing her head. "To be taught in the art of kenjutsu by the Master of All, Osada Sero."

1106

Sero would reach out and touch the wood. It sizzled lightly at his touch but did not burn. An interesting object for his attentions he supposed. Whatever papers had been attached had burned just from fighting against his chakra. The sensation of the barrier was gone for the moment but even as he allowed his katon chakra to course through him the wood didn't even blacken. As if it was far stronger than the seals and designed to withstand him. Such an item was worth an awful lot. If he could make his manor from a mixture of this wood and chakra reinforced stone from Iwa he might not have to worry about any destruction from training or its inhabitants rambunctious behavior. Still he would need to discover the source first. Either way the wood itself was fascinating. Not much in the world denied his power. However it didn't hold any answers. It didn't even have a remaining sense of that pressure he felt before. Likely it had something to do with those seals that had burned away when he approached. He would of liked to have studied them but their very nature seemed to deny him. A troubling dilemma.

However distracted he was with the wooden structure was enough to distract him momentarily that he was not alone. He hadn't sensed any harmful intent so it was surprising to him when he sensed his dark chakra pressure pressing against someone. His empty grey eyes would shift rather suddenly as if snapping to the girl. She had a slight resistance to him but she was being overwhelmed. He supposed she could be concealing her chakra but she could of taken at least a chunnin amount for that. While she was close it was barely enough to prevent suffocation. Likely a spy would of chosen comfort. So he decided she was a genin. Reigning in his chakra pressure with great control. One moment it would be pressing on her from every direction like being buried under it and the next it was barely a tingling sensation. Like there was something dangerous in every direction but staying out of sight. He would turn and face her as he noted the weapon. She would introduce herself and he would watch as she knelt with ceremony and placed her rapier in front of her on the ground. Requesting that he train her in the art of kenjutsu and by name.

"An Uzumaki. Do you know anything of this gate or the seals that were on it?"

He would wait for the answer. However it was irrelevant. A secret to exchange if he wished it. However it wasn't a condition of learning the honorable art of Kenjutsu. His hand would reach up to touch the handle of his Odachi. He tended to carry primarily kenjutsu weapons with him just in case his summoning was cut off. One might consider it his preferred art. However her experience with swordsmanship would help. It was similar to some kenjutsu styles, the rapier. Some styles primarily focused on thrusts. However his hand would fall from his Odachi handle and instead out stretch in front of her. The rapier was a shameful excuse for a weapon. He could see that much already. However thick mist would extend from his hand to the ground before her before peeling away and revealing a polished C rank katana. A white ribbon tightened around the once worn grip with the Osada symbol emblazoned on the hilt and scabbard. Made of polished wood as he looked to her. Bowing his head in proper ceremony in return.

"Irregardless. No Kiri nin will go without should they seek me out to learn the blade. Rise with the katana and I will show you its most basic art."

1490

Ilya didn't move from her place, continuing to show her respect by remaining grounded in her seated position. She did not show any reaction when the flood of chakra seemed to halt, neither when she could feel her on heartbeat skip a few steps with every step the man seemed to take coming closer to her. However, when she could hear him call out, wondering if she knew anything about the Torii which seemed to act as some sort of gate on the bridge, Ilya raised up her head and looked at Sero with a neutral, though still somewhat happy expression on her face.

"This is a Torii, so one could expect the ancient monks to have made it, though it is known that both the uzumaki and the senju once wielded the divine power of the Torii in the Torii seal, which according to legend was strong enough to restrain even the mightiest of beasts and turn it docile," Of course Ilya knew that about half of the stories she'd been reading when she was little were no longer true recantations of reality. However, she also believed that every myth and legend had to start from reality at some point, so no doubt there was some truth behind the myths and the large Torii with all the seals in front of her could very well be such a clue or starting point for later legends and myths to arise from. "It's pretty old if I might add, I don't think any of the regular guides in the village have anything substantial on it."

When the conversation finally seemed to go to the desired subject of her request to be trained in kenjutsu, Ilya's mind and heart started to flutter, making it rather difficult for her to remain seated in the humble position she had taken to prove her dilligence towards the man or monster she had hoped to become her master. Yet, no matter how much his voice and the seeming acceptance of her request made her smile inwardly, she could not keep her expression neutral when in front of her, a rather elegant looking katana of decent quality was placed, as if Lord Osada was telling her not to show him such a weak and low quality weapon like her old rapier in front of him again.

As requested, she stood up with the katana in hand, surprised that it wasn't much heavier than the rapier she'd been carrying all this time, but immediately she did realize one thing, the blade of a katana was slightly curved and only had a single edge, allowing the design of the blade to be perfect for cutting, while Ilya had long practiced with the thrusts of a rapier. Unsheathing it , she held the katana in front of her eyes, which already seemed to sparkle at the sight of the weapon and the idea she'd be trained in the use of it. Putting it back into its sheath, Ilya made a respectful bow towards Sero with a smile on her face. "Thank you, Lord Osada, for this kindness."

524/1630

She seemed eager to respond and intelligent to add. Her knowledge was of course valuable as an Uzumaki. He supposed their family tree had a more rich history than even his own. While he had studied and understood the theory of seals he only practiced it with bringing forth and sealing away his weapons. He might actually gain more into the ability if he were to make an ally of this woman. Still his interest in her was more towards the Torri gate for the moment. So it was an ancient monk practice. One that in ancient times could seal even the most potent beasts away. On one hand he was grateful that such a practice had waned in power over time. Or at least that the ones who had attempted it here lacked that power. On the other hand he was feeling a slight aggravation. The village was pushing its agenda now and getting monks to try and seal him from them. They were so convinced he was a danger. He had protected them and was one of their greatest weapons but out of fear and a lulled sense of security they would do away with him. They lacked honor.

His attention was drawn to the katana being taken up as he gave his full attention to her. He had purchased the weapon in order to provide training with it and had tended to restoring it. As much could be done with even the rapier at her feet. If she simply knew how. However as she pulled the katana free and studied it he monitored her all the same. An individual with a weapon even so far beneath him was still to be wary of. A single cut in the wrong place could still spell disaster. As a weapons master he had learned to respect each blade he owned. As such he knew their capabilities. Still he was satisfied that another would know to admire a weapon. She already was making comparisons to her rapier, he could see as much in the way she held it. Still he would remain still as she examined the curved blade. Finally relaxing his shoulders as she pushed the weapon back into its sheath and bowed to him respectfully once more. While traditional he did not return the bow. It was time to move on with the lesson. The first stance. A drawing slash.

"Take the sheathed weapon and hold it in your off hand next to your hip. Place the foot on the side of the weapon forward and remain crouched while holding the hilt with your main hand. This is the first art of Kenjutsu. To draw and kill in the same move. As you draw step into it with your foot opposite the blade for additional range and speed. Watch as I do it."

He would step a couple paces back from her as to keep her out of the range of his long weapon. The sword on his back would split into mist and reform into his right hand. He would lower it as he held it just beneath the hilt on the scabbard at his waist on his right side. He would lower himself by bending at the knees and place his right foot forward. Moving slow for her to observe. His left hand lowered to his katana. He was equal with either hand but preferred using his left for demonstration purposes. Suddenly He would grip the hilt and step forward with his left as he drew the weapon. The draw was rapid and one moment he was stepping forward and the next the Odachi was fully drawn and at his left with the tip in the air. A slice of wind would hit the girl without enough force to do more than blow her hair back. with that he would sheath his weapon and stand straight.

"Your first strike sets the pace of the fight. Watch your timing and strike at the perfect moment. This draw can also be enhanced either by damage or speed with jutsu once you have mastered it."

2175

She wondered why holding the katana felt so strange, strange and familiar at the same time. It was almost as if she was made to hold weapons like these, but she realized why she felt that way rather quickly. It was the form, the style and elegance that the weapon invoked, which seemed so similar to that of the rapier, the pronunciation of fluid movement and a fluid style, Ilya already realized this fact simply by holding the weapon, unsheathing it just once and looking at the blade. She was certain of it now, that if she was able to realize her potential not only in swordsmanship, but also in kenjutsu, she would be able to create a completely unique and possibly very versatile style to call her own. All she'd need was this man's guidance, the guidance and teachings of a man who'd been described as a monster, the worst of a handful of people in the world carrying that monniker.

"A fluid draw, rather similar to the advanced draw necessary in fencing, I can work with that, master," The girl calmly responded to Sero's request. While breathing in deeply, Ilya's right foot swept backwards over the ground, her long hair flowing through the air as she made a quarter turn with her torso, holding the blade with the tip downwards and grasping the hilt of the weapon firmly with her left hand. "A fell swoop like with the rapier, is this what they call the Iai?"

She let out all the air she had breathed in, a deep and long sigh after which she closed her eyes. Her fingers around the weapon's grip tensed a bit, before she suddenly took a step forward and pulled the blade out of its sheath, yet it seemed that her experience with straight and precise weaponry hambered the speed at which she could unsheath the blade, thus costing her precious momentum. Realizing her mistake, she quickly took a step back and bowed towards Sero to apologize for her forgetfulness, preparing her stance yet again.

This time though, as she breathed in deeply again, Ilya slightly raised the end of the sheath, allowing for her to pull the weapon out in a more fluid diagonal manner, which would make it much easier for her to unleash the drawing of the weapon into a fast and swift slash. She simply had to remember that unlike the straight rapier, she was now dealing with a curved blade, one which had to be pulled out of its sheath in a rather fluid and precise way before its effectiveness would become prevalent to a beginner's eyes. "Allright, breathe out slowly, remember the curved form...feel the blade, feel the weight, BE the blade.", Again, she took a step forwards, unsheathing the katana as she was instructed with just a few minor adjustments to compensate for height and difference in physical strength. She had to calculate the distance between her and Sero meticulously though, given this was but a training, she could not afford to accidentally cut or wound him, even if she thought chances of that happening were pretty slim.

In a fluid motion, she managed to pull out the blade, cleaving it through the air with a grace only a student in swordsmanship or a master in kenjutsu could display, yet she was still lacking the necessary speed and strength to fully utilize the properties of the katana, so rather than showing a gleeful expression when she managed to pull out the katana so fluidly, Ilya's expression was one of disappointment. "I guess there's no point in comparing this to your brilliant display of kenjutsu, Master Osada."

620/2250

Sero would watch as he held his sheathed weapon in his right hand. His grey eyes taking in her form and deciding just where she needed improvement. She hand a strong core but lacked physical capability for the moment. With training that would change but for now he didn't mind it. Practicing form with physical ability was hand in hand. Still she would execute her first slash and it lacked the structure she needed. He noted the tendencies with swordsmanship and understood quickly. Switching between styles after focusing just one was a difficult thing to do. He needed to keep that in mind himself. To switch from his focus in kenjutsu so often into something more effective. Kenjutsu was a very precise art that required precision in a single strike. Swordsmanship usually was about overpowering the opponent but there were arts hidden within it that allowed for multiple precision hits. It was likely more of a change for her to do just a single curved slash than she realized. It was natural for her to fail he supposed. Regardless he would watch as she noted her own wrongs and adjusted accordingly. She was talented and determined. It was beyond him why she hadn't bothered to find a better rapier.

Still she would take a breath and sheath her weapon. She had a focus most lacked and a confidence he could appreciate. The biggest issue with Kenjutsu though was these moves needed to be timed correctly. It was crucial to land a rapid blow. Still if she failed her center of gravity for the next counter would be in jeopardy. It was a risky opening move. Still she was capable. Even on the second attempt he watched a very clean if not very fast slash. It was as clean as it could be. Now all it needed was the speed and power to be devastating in combat. The blade didn't shake or waver even if it was heavier than the rapier she was used to. He considered throwing the weapon into the river and being done with it but she carried it with ceremony. Even if it was an insult to look at it was still her blade. Still he would shift his gaze back to her as she stood there looking unsatisfied. She spoke of her limitations as she compared it to his own. Feeling limited because of the difference in their level. With that finished he would take a slow breath and speak in the same dull tone.

"I have practiced that swing ten thousand times and will continue to practice it ten thousand more. It is up to you to master it by repeating the forms until its second nature and then doing it again."

With that he would move over towards her. Like a wraith floating in her direction. Her Katana was still out and his own weapon faded into mist as he moved next to her. His words continuing as he did so. "The second art I wish you to practice is a dashing stab. This requires closing the distance and using the range of your weapon to land a precise blow to a vital point and then slicing out of it." His hands would touch hers. If she could feel it his skin was surprisingly hot to the touch. Like he had just been standing in front of a fire. He would direct her to turn the blade upwards. Her main hand with the elbow up by her head and level with her shoulder gripping the hilt while her off hand would grip it from underneath. His foot would rise to knock her knee's in slightly so they were bent as he moved behind her. Speaking as he finished.

" I want you to keep the blade like that as you lunge forward. Lean in and use your toes for added control to your step for a boost. at the end of your dash judge the range of your extended weapon and thrust it forward. At the full extension push down with your main hand and up with your offhand for an upwards slash out of the stab."

2871

Ilya could feel droplets of sweat forming in her neck, a testament to how hard she was trying to refrain from her impulses of drawing straight rather than in a curved fashion. It may have looked rather simple to make a single swipe with the blade after a fluid draw, but in reality it was far from simple. It all revolved around precise force, motion and direction, if even one was faulty, the entire draw would fail and the following slash simply wouldn't even happen. The fact that her second attempt despite lacking power and speed compared to Sero's example, still managed to be fluid and without any obvious fault, already made the girl happy to have come this far. "I understand that, Master Osada," She'd respond with utmost respect towards the man who was willing to teach her the basics, acknowledging his comment on having done it ten thousand times before and being willing to do it another ten thousand times yet again. It simply showed the master's beautiful and spectacular conviction to his cause. "The mark of a true master is that they will never call themselves such, knowing they can always learn new things and improve beyond their current state."

It was strange to see him approach her again though, just like how he had appeared seemingly out of nowhere earlier, now it looked a if he was gliding through the air, like some long lost spirit, an apperition of sorts slowly closing in on Ilya. It was honestly rather frightening to see him move in such a strange fashion, so much so, that it took some considerable effort from Ilya to refrain from taking a step back during his approach. "So this will more likely depend more on my physical fitness and general motoric capacities rather than the actual strength I possess, I like that idea, you have my thanks, master Osada."

Alas it seemed her feelings of gratitude nearly shattered when he touched her, his skin feeling like steaming hot rubber, a weird and uncomfortable feeling spread through her skin when it came into contact with his and though she dared not indignify Master Osada, she had no control over the shivers running up and down her spine and through her skin, resulting in the obvious occurence of goosebumps. However, this did not deter her from listening to what she was being told to do, feeling Sero position her into a new form, explaining to her what he expected her to do and how he expected her to behave. "I reckon such a technique would not just be limited in use with a stab, but might also provide ample use in a variety of slashes comparable to the swift draw?" It was both a statement and a question, just to see if she could confirm that her idea on the subject was right. In the meantime though, she did as she was asked, raising the blade and practicing the swift step forwards to utilize the speed and momentum in a swift stab and sometimes because she was still thinking about the idea of using the same dash for the sake of a downward slash, she'd do exactly that rather than the stabbing movement, though after four or five times repeating the dash, she decided to keep the lunges and slashes for personal practice unless if Master Osada would approve of her thoughts. "I wonder, if a combination of both the dash step and the quick draw would yield better results?"

Ilya eagerly looked at Sero for a moment, hoping to hear some confirmation about the train of thought she was having, before continuing with practicing the dash step, only willing to stop with the practice until told to do so.

630/2880

Sero would listen as she commented on the mark of a true master and say nothing. He didn't intend to do this for praise but rather the passing on of knowledge and the growth of a new swordsman. The art of the blade to be taught to those who truly sought it. With everything on his mind keeping an Uzumaki around to learn more of the practice of seals only seemed to benefit him for the time being. THe world was filled with odds and ends but he only cared for those that intersected with his territories. She happened to be just outside of his and had sought him out by name. Thus her request would not be ignored. She continued to describe a round about way of saying being faster didn't require her to be stronger. It was somewhat truthful. So long as she didn't encounter a collision with another weapon and cut deep. Still he would continue the lesson without a word beyond what he had said about he form when he was putting her into it. Allowing her to get a feel for it. Allowing her to experience the weight and perfect the thrust and slash. Though she didn't take the steps he suggested. Rather instead of an upwards slash she went for a downwards one. An extra step that wasn't needed.

She continued to ask question as she practiced the form. The first was rhetorical. Simply looking for approval which was met with stone silence. His dead grey eyes watching her. Any of the forms could shift into fast slashes or swipes if it wasn't bladed. Bojutsu, kenjutsu, swordsmanship...the faster blade usually won. The deeper the cut the faster the enemy lost strength. Still her second question after a little bit more practice in the art was actually relevant to the continued lesson. So he would reply casually from where he stood. His voice dull like a man simply reporting the weather being grey as usual.

"That is the purpose of learning these two moves. Most opponents will perceive the initial slash. Even should it cut them typically it doesn't stop the enemy from backing up to create some distance. One molds into the other to pursue the enemy without hesitation. To limit the time they have to escape and punish them for fleeing from your blade. Should they turn from you to run you must be upon them in an instant."

With that once more a katana formed on his waist out of mist. As if he was calling and releasing these weapons at a whim. A dark katana with his clan emblem on the hilt. He would lower himself into the first stance. This time with the weapon on his left side. His left hand would grip the scabbard as his right hand would grip the hilt. He would suddenly step forward and preform a rapid drawing slash slightly upwards at a curved angle. As he reached the top of the arc his left hand had already left the scabbard. Slamming up under the guard while his right hand shifted to above it. Remaining crouched as he did so as almost one fluid motion. As if it were as easy as walking his toes dug in as he took the second step. Launching forward rapidly. Extending the blade out perfectly within its range so the tip buried into a tree. As soon as it did he shifted it into an upwards slash. Splitting the tree in two from where his katana had buried up. With that he flicked his blade before sheathing it again. Speaking to her while observing the tree.

"I want you to practice both forms separately. Only once you can preform both with speed should you combine them."

3506

So it seemed that her thoughts had already formed within the master's mind as well, the very idea behind the two forms, that being the quick draw and the dash step, which together could've formed a nice combination move. It was true what he said though, when Ilya looked at the two form as a single whole, it would indeed be a tremendously useful thing in combat. As Sero mentioned, an opponent would most likely only perceive the draw or perhaps even only the slash or stab if everything had been performed correctly. It was to that end that she understood why he was so keen on starting with those two forms, since they were interusable, easily combined into a third new move and without a doubt also trained her in the fluidness that represented Kenjutsu.

"A move to punish cowardness, yet to discourage bravery," Ilya chuckled for a moment at the thought of such a contradiction existing, yet she understood the point of it all, as it was the meaning not to let anyone run or act, to be in control of the situation whenevr control was needed. "So the entire goal of this combination, these two moves is to be able to decide upon your opponent's fate. To only use the initial slash coming after the draw or to follow up with the dash step and stab all depends on the actions of the opponent."

It was a curious though, but it did make a lot of sense to her. Just giving a slight nod after hearing that Master Osada expected her to first fully find herself in each form first before moving on to the combination of both. So as expected, she started by sheathing the katana, lowering her center of gravity by sliding her right foot backwards over the ground, lowering the back end of the sheathed katana, all the while tightly gripping the hilt of the blade with her slender fingers. With a single twitch of her neck, she waved her long hair behind her shoulders, took a deep breath and stood ready...

Like a cold, deep sigh, the air left her lungs and passsed through her lips, when Ilya drew the blade out of its sheath as fast and fluid as she could, holding it in place for an instance, before putting the katana back into the sheath and bowing slightly. She was determined to see a bit of improvement, so even if it would take her understandably a few weeks to truly grasp the concept of kenjutsu, she still hoped she'd be able to make some progress in such a short amount of time as she had currently been spending with Osada Sero. "Hmm, I think I should at least get a feel for this curved draw compared to the straight draw when using a rapier."

When she had gotten through half a dozen or so of those quick draws, she compounded those efforts into her mind and went on to practice the second move a bit again, holding the blade ready overhead, while trying to push off as fast and strong as she could, while trying to effectively pass the most distance with a single swift step before lowering the blade and thrusting it forwards. This again was something she had to repeat a few more times and it was becoming rather obvious that though she might'e had the determination to train a lot, her body just couldn't keep up as easily as her mind did.

Ilya's breathing became heavy and her skin started to be covered with a film of sweat and condensed mist. She was after all, just still a fresh genin. "I...can still do a few more...just need to take a breather...Master."

633/3513

If she wasn't physically capable she certainly was intelligent and observant. Her assessment of the two stances was rather spot on. Though her body didn't seem to want to keep up with her intuition. She held promise all the same. If the mind understood the body would follow when forced. Or break in an attempt to do so. He would watch as she continued to practice her drawing motion. It was improving steadily but still had plenty of room. Still at the rate she was improving she would master it in a matter of time. He wondered idly what would give her such drive. To master the rapier and then switch to a katana. It was a stretch for anyone at genin level. He had been a different story at that level. His own capabilities had been monstrous. Even when he had visited another country at a low rank they had found it necessary to issue a notice not to engage him without reason. Even now he avoided crossing the border of Kiri into Kumo to prevent a national conflict. They would know him almost as soon as his feet touched their soil. It was why he wasn't going to these exams.

Still as she shifted into the other stance. Managing it as well if not somewhat sloppily, she was pushing her body. He could see her sweating and panting. Pushing herself as if there wasn't time to master them. As if she needed these stances now. His own hand gripped his weapon as he wondered when the last time it was he saw someone push themselves so hard. Or at least someone with a born potential. He had seen fools before. Even stabbed on student in the arm that hadn't paid a lick of attention to his lesson. However she was doing rather well. Keeping in mind the footing and the motions. Practicing the two moves separately as he had instructed. It was a wonderful thing to finally have a student that listened and did not run. Still she would press herself to her limits. Her breathing becoming more labored as she did. She was using some breathing exercises when practicing but it would be some time for it to become effortless. The weight of the blade was new to her muscles. As was the powerful swings. It would take some time to grow accustomed. If she did though few could escape her once they stepped into her range.

Still she would finally stop. A sheen of sweat forming along her as droplets fell to the ground. He hadn't noticed the time passing as he observed but dusk was falling. Even through the mist the sky could be seen turning orange. Gradually the light would dim. She spoke of needing a break and he would shift his eyes to the setting horizon. Another day gone. Another day of productivity. Still he would have his initial thought still. Even standing there decked out for combat he seemed rather calm. Enough so that he wouldn't be hunting any monks tonight. Rather he would file a notice with the administration building. One stating that should this continue he would consider it an act of aggression. Still even as the light dimmed and he turned to study her once more those dull grey eyes seemed to take up a light in them. His head tilting as he studied her. Acknowledging that she was progressing. Acknowledging that she was worthy of his teachings. Still his words would come from thin, pale lips. Like a whisper in the coming night.

"Tell me girl. Child of the famed Uzumaki. What is it that drives you to learn this now? So quick to force yourself to the limits, As well as to seek me out of all people. Surely the village still fears me."

4150

Obviously the exercise and training had taken ample effort and a great toll on the girl's physique, leaving her exhaussted, yet somehow satisfied by not having encountered much trouble in her search for a suitable and willing master in the desired forms of bukijutsu necessary for Ilya's future career as a kirigakure shinobi. Still, as she wanted to continue the training, the girl could feel her muscles stubbornly refuse any more forced movements and as such Ilya was forced to retire from training at this point, sheathing the katana and bending through her knees while her back was heaving rather hard with every breath she took. "Perhaps trying to force myself would only prove to be detrimental, heheh."

Ilya looked at Sero, followed his gaze to the horizon and just like him she finally realized that time had truly flown by in an instant. It seemed that while she was practicing the forms he had shown her, she simply had not taken any notice as to what time it was and how much time had passed. However, she could only grin a bit at the realization that at the very least it did show that she was passionate enough to actually forget about time during training in the first place.

"Well... a few reaons actually compell me to finally train as hard as I can," Ilya responded with a jagged breath, smiling brightly towards the mysterious and somewhat strange man who she now decided to call her master and teacher. "There was this notice that there would be a chuunin exam soon and though I've only recently been promoted to genin, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to see how far I could go and wether or not I could end up becoming a contender or not."

With a rather confused look, she listened to the Osada who had been claimed to be nothing more than the most inhumane monster in Kirigakure, yet for some reason, Ilya just couldn't exactly see any reason for such a claim. Even if he looked to be rather strange and eccentric, she didn't really see any reason to call this man a monster, not just because of some strange tendencies and perhaps rather off putting presence. "I rather not decide to put a person into a clear cut box, wether I fear or loath you will only be decided upon your own actions, master. As far as I can see, you're just a smart, wise...and slightly odd person who's probably been affected by their own solitude in more ways than one. So yeah, the reports still call you a monster, but I rather not heed such lables without definitive proof."

Ilya hoped that this would explain her own behavior a bit as well and as she managed to regain her breath a bit, she walked closer to the place where earlier Osada Sero had touched the Torii and an obvious burn or corrosion mark had formed upon said touch. Pointing at that mark with her thumb, Ilya smiled at Sero, "Seems whatever seals they came up with, you probably don't have to worry much. This is just an ordinary ornate structure, apparently not an actual sealing torii...though the seals they've strung up around it seem to be the real deal."

558/4071

She was shaking. It was small but her body was trembling. So this was her limit today. This was as much as her body would allow for the time being. His grey eyes studied her as she too took note of it. Accepting her limits and calling it. She had drive but there wasn't a tragedy driving her mad. She wasn't like Jihi who would push herself to the breaking point and passed over and over again. Perhaps her body would turn out better for it. It would be interesting to observe the difference. What drove the two to grow. Jihi with her past driving her to be more. To be strong enough to never be put in the position she had been in again. To surpass humane and realistic limits just to be stronger because she had to be in her mind. Or Ilya with her natural talent. No hate driving it but just a natural feel for it. A sense of how to grow and an intuitive mind. Natural talent vs insane dedication. He would certainly enjoy studying it. Seeing how it turned out and maybe even modify his usual lessons to it. Of course if the two met they might become rivals and their drive would grow even more.

He would simply nod and remain quiet. A silent being for the most part. Outside of instruction he didn't seem like much of one for conversation. Normal people being around him was still a rather raw concept. Still she would mention something interesting. An upcoming chunnin exams. Yes that would drive some to perfect skills they had been allowing to grow lax over time. Looking for new strengths even in new corners. However dark and avoided those corners may be. She just needed to be careful not to get caught in a set of webs when she did. He remembered his own exams. Their rules defying him. That was why he had to drop out even though so many thought him a sure win. He couldn't compete in a non lethal manner. He had attempted to with his first opponent and found it pointless. He had burned the mans flesh, cut the mans legs and pierced his hands and all while avoiding anything lethal. Still the man had kept charging him. Over and over again persisting to fight him and taking injuries again and again. In the end he had drawn more blood than most could still stand with. Finally the boy had dropped. All of it could have been avoided though had he been allowed to go for the throat.

Still his attention would be drawn to her again. The dead grey orbs of his looking into her eyes. His own empty and void of emotional response as she spoke with a wisdom he rarely heard. She didn't concern himself with what the village said about him. Choosing to look beyond his aura and accept him with the allowance for him to define himself in her eyes. It was a rare thing. The Mizukage had managed it and so had his Rival Nozomi. Few others had ever come close. His own students often fled him. His presence too much for many to handle within just a few meters of him. Still he would watch her in silence as she moved to the Torri gate and report on it once more. It was made for the reason it had stood for but it wasn't an ancient one. Its power was lacking. Hence why the seals had failed. While they had been the real deal the Torri gate had not the power to withstand him and protect them. Still the hour was growing late. He could not leave his manor unattended without protection put in place for long. Especially not at night. So he spoke once more.

"There are things that I contend with in the night that I must attend to. Take the Katana with you to the exams and use it there. Practice with it when you can. In return I expect you to return it afterwards with a report on the exams as I will not be attending." With that he would watch for a response. If she refused him he would simply frown and the katana would turn to mist. If she did not he would release it to her control for the time being. Either way once it was said and done he would turn and seem to turn into his own black mist. Leaving the ground and streaming across the thick mist to the opposite bank. Night setting in quickly as his presence gradually faded away. He had things to attend to and was looking forward to that report of hers. A set of eyes and ears where he could not go was always useful.

4958

It was quite amusing to notice the surprise on Sero's face, even if it seemed to be rather minute, almost indistinguishable from the expression he seemed to be carrying the entire time already. However, despite just having meet the master of bukijutsu that very day for the first time, Ilya was already pretty sure of herself and how far she could get if she followed this man's instructions and would do her best to simply be at the best of her possibilities and abilities. Though she did mention to not see him as a monster, she didn't say she did not look at him as the stern man that he was or the strict teacher that he appeared to be, there was no denying those qualities in the man's demeanor and behavior.

Still, Ilya was tired and completely physically exhausted, having lost view on the passing of time and thus exerted her strength and endurance to its outmost limits. Despite all that though, she was certain that this mistake simply proved how well she was doing and simply promised that she'd be making rapid progress as long as she kept on this track of pushing her limits for the sake of mastering the style of kenjutsu to an equal degree as her sordsmanship and perhaps if possible even beyond that and closer to her fuuinjutsu if necessary. Yet those were but dreams for the future, as now she still had to learn the basics and contend with the numerous basic forms and functions of the kenjutsu style.

Being offered the Katana with the strict rule to be reporting her progress through the exams to him afterwards, was quite a generous offer made by the man who wasn't known for kindness or generosity towards untested pupils and this very offer in itself seemed so unlike the man named Osada Sero, that even Ilya was taken slightly aback by this gesture, wondering wether this was a ploy of some sorts or that perhap she had truly gotten lucky and garnered his attention in a positive way an light of view. "I will most humbly and most gratefully accept the honor of wielding a weapon in your honor at the exams, master Osada," The girl was quite humble and gracious with her speech pattern and her gestures towards the known number two of Kirigakure's society and so-called power ranking. "Should you need me for anything else, I will promise to return improved and of better skill, so to gain approval for further teachings."

With a bow, the young woman turned around and started walking, yet after five or so steps, she turned back around. even if sero was there or no longer, she would still speak before turning back again and walking home. "New time we meet, I will be worthy of praise, master...that I swear!!"

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Exit Thread

Training:

Exit thread
4958
S-2 ~> S-3, 2250/2250 Reaction time
S-2 ~> S-3, 2250/2250 Speed

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