Time and time again Kenji had wondered if he had chosen a path unsuitable for him. He would be the first of his clan to participate in such a lifestyle. As a result of his dangerous choice he was being forced to comply with a few stipulations: First, he was to report to the leader of the Chikara Ooame on occasion to brief the leader on his progress and such. Secondly, he was to acquire as much knowledge as possible about the village and the most prominent genin. They insisted on Kenji doing this because they wanted to be sure their safety and security was being maintained. And being that the blue-haired shinobi was a genin he would most likely be interacting with fellow genin. So by acquiring a little knowledge on the most skilled genin of the village it would give the Chikara small insight to what was going on. Apparently this was not an issue as Ooame talked with the Raikage and asked that I be viewed as an ambassador of sorts. Kenji was not looking forward to any of this. He already sent a message about the few genin he had encountered and what took place during the meetings. He let them know of a very skilled shinobi, named Bokuden. He informed them of his superior sensing abilities. Kenji himself was not sure how it worked yet, Kenji was still under the impression that he had some superior level of hearing or something along those lines. "Why am I being required to do this again father, it seems so petty. What can we possibly find out by taking notes on a few genin?" "Son, I didn't make the decision. Supposedly it is apart of the deal between the Chikara and Kumogakure. When we agreed to assist Kumogakure in select shinobi affairs, it was suggested that the first Chikara genin obtain information on the genin in the village so that if the Chikara ever need a Kumo shinobi we would have a detailed selection." Kenji looked at his father sideways, "Why not just ask the Raikage to give us a list with a description." Kenjhasi smiled, "The upper house of the clan do not trust the village, mainly because it is comprised of professional killers. They thought it would be best if someone from the clan gathered the information." Kenji let out a sigh, "How long, how long am I supposed to sneak around taking mental notes?" Kenji's father rubbed his chin and replied, "I think... a little more than a year." The young genin's head slumped down in discouragement.


Ever since Kenji lost his friend several years ago he has known that becoming a shinobi is what he wanted to do. Kenji tells himself he does it for philosophical reasons. In actuality, his reason for becoming a shinobi is more likely; so he can save and protect as many people as he can to somehow make up for his failure as a child. This is very much where his hidden motivation for training and his fearless yet seemingly imprudent approach to life stems from. It is his driving force. Kenji is conflicted, as he is burdened by his faults he attempts to put on a sunny disposition filled with jokes and daring acts. All in a ploy to conceal his shortcomings, he knows it isn't healthy, but he also knows what happened was his fault and there is nothing anyone can say to make it otherwise. So he trains, he fights, he dives in unknown territory on a whim all to forge an apology to the only person he loved. It was no longer 'love' he had but an undying loyalty to her memory. To honor her he would honor others and by doing that somehow, someway earn her forgiveness.


It was a trail of dreams Kenji trekked, every step he took was an attempt to capture what was lost and what was yet to be found. He sought retribution and understanding. His way of the shinobi would be that of endless adventure and valor. Kenji was preparing to take his Genjutsu prowess to the next and ultimate level. He had already dedicated so much time to his skill in Genjutsu he couldn't really envision himself improving much, but he was going to try. If he hoped to solidify his position amongst Kumogakure's elite genin he would have to take all his abilities to the next level. The first step in this process was experience, which would only be accomplished by getting out and going up against the best of the best and he had already begun to do just that. He would receive a 2 inch in his chest for his troubles though. His Kenjutsu was improving every day, so now he figured it was only right to fine his Genjutsu. Kenji wasn't planning on practicing his specialty in a specific place in the village, as he roamed aimlessly through the village he would decide then how he would fine tune his Genjutsu.

---

After talking with his father, he knew that the orders he'd been given were mandatory. That being accepted he would allow himself to forget about his duties for now and focus on his training. A strong gust began to pick up and with it a chill, a chill that plastered a scowl on Kenji's face. Kenji tugged on his scarf to shield him from the cool breeze. Kumogakure was enjoying the nice windy weather, children were outside playing, adults were shopping, and shop owners greeting the pedestrians. Kenji engaged in friendly conversation with the locals as he introduced himself to a few people. "Hey, is that a shinobi head band. So you must be a new genin, haven't seen you before." Kenji was flattered by the recognition, and replied with a friendly smile, "Yes, yes I am." Kenji said with esteem. "I've officially moved to Kumogakure, and have been here for several months now, still familiarizing myself with the village." The conversation between the genin and the young woman continued with the trading of their interests and such. "I must be going now, nice meeting you Kenji. Bye!" "Likewise, alright, bye Suji."

Kenji was to begin training under the tutelage of Jasio; Kenji's uncle and the most skilled Genjutsu practitioner of the Chikara. Kenji's father was the most skilled amongst the Chikara in Bukitjutsu and his uncle the most skilled in Genjutsu; Kenji sought to surpass both in their respective specialty. He met Jasio in a rather crowded area of the village. The area in which Jasio had designated for their first training session was only about 10 meters from one the main roads; where citizens bustled along. Bumpy and unpredictable was the terrain that provided little to no balance. Jasio explained that Genjutsu users will often be at a movement disadvantage as distractions and strategy is often needed to execute a Genjutsu; since he couldn't challenge Kenji in that department he chose a place that would. Kenji's timing would be of the utmost importance as he would have to be ready to capitalize at any moment because of his unstable stature.

The two engaged in an all out Genjutsu battle; Kenji could tell Jasio was holding back. Kenji only was able to connect with two illusions and they were broken instantly. He scolded Kenji and informed him that the illusion loses all effectiveness if its obvious that you are attempting it. Kenji felt foolish for not discerning something so obvious himself. He went on to explain that any self respecting shinobi could not be caught or at least held in a blatant Genjutsu. "You act as if Genjutsu is some secret art that few people have knowledge of; maybe the Genin that you have encountered but that will not be the case for long. Genjutsu is not a skill to be used recklessly. It is its spontaneity and bizarreness that makes it such a dangerous skill. I congratulate for being as good as you are; Genjutsu alone is a difficult skill to obtain and you wield it almost too easily. You have lost respect for illusory techniques; if you take nothing else from our encounter take this: If you use more than two Genjutsus in a fight you've done something horribly wrong. Once you snare someone that should lead to the finishing blow. And your timing should be so impeccable that they not only see it but they don't even know they're in it. You should be able to make them prance around like puppets." Kenji had a rare stern expression on his face as he always thought highly of himself for not only being a Genjutsu user and the time it took, but also for being good at it. The knowledge that he was receiving was sure to assist him in elevating his Genjutsu prowess even further.


TRAINING GENJUTSU: S-SS
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CONTINUING TRAINING IN ANOTHER THREAD