Cage..

Sayuri would nod as Sero answered her, his reasoning was sound and despite his cold nature she could see that some part of him cared for the people present. Perhaps not in the way that one might for friends, but there was care involved - even if it was just for the law. After he rose and bowed, she would stand and follow him out of the cave. She was surprised to see the area just outside of it cleared of snow and ice. She should have expected as much, where she was at home in the ice and snow it was certainly a hindrance to others.

‘Ah, of course he lit things on fire.’

‘You don’t approve?’

‘No, it matters not to me one way or the other. I would, however, ask that you use caution, my Queen.’

‘That’s all you ever ask of me.’

‘I know, and you always seem stubbornly against the idea.’

‘I’ll be fine, these are my people. I have nothing to fear.’

‘You are only moderately resistant to fire, my Queen.’

‘Fortunately.’

‘That isn’t. . . Just please be mindful of it, my Queen.’

‘Of course, Jareth. I’m always careful.’

Sayuri could hear Jareth groan in annoyance as they played out the same conversation they’d had thousands of times. It was like a game at this point; she decided to do something dangerous, he pointed out the danger and asked her to be careful, and then she agreed and promptly did the dangerous thing anyway. And where it was amusing for Sayuri, Jareth did not find the same amount of amusement in it. But he held his tongue, content to let his words sink in rather than continue to push the issue, especially when he knew she was less likely to listen the longer he spoke.

With a large area cleared of snow, it made the ground beneath their feet wet, leaving just a centimeter of water above the grass and dirt that was now the arena. Sayuri stepped to the edge of that arena and wiggled her toes for a moment, allowing the cool water to lap over her bare feet. “Alright Zavala, time to shine.” She would murmur to herself as she continued channeling her chakra into the snowfall that was now mixing with the water at everyone’s feet, over time that water would become slush and frost riddled mud, but for now the ground was mostly undisturbed - if wet.

Sayuri saw Sero summon his Bone Golem, and followed suit immediately; she appreciated Sero’s eagerness to begin the fight. Forming the seal of the Dog, Sayuri would create her weakest Ice Forged - a six foot tall golen of ice and snow. It was humanoid in appearance; two arms and two legs, but that was where the similarity to a human ended. It’s massive limbs were covered in icy spikes and it’s dead looking eyes just turned to look at its master. Sayuri smiled lovingly at her creation and raised her right hand, her finger pointing towards Valen and Burittsu. Then her voice would ring out clear as a bell as she gave her creation a single order. “Kill them.”

Notes:

Sero would move across from him upon the outside world, opposite him across the training field and Sayuri would follow him. Once they arrived at the edge of the cleared out arena multiple things would happen. Both would form seals, Sero forming more than Sayuri by far. Then Sero's hands would form into a mass of bone that formed a giant. Ten meters tall certainly counted as giant like anyway, especially for the 5'1 swordsman. Sayuri's mass of ice and snow was normal sized in comparison.  The twin golems turned toward them, assuming Blitz was outside with them of course. If he wasn't they would turn toward Valen alone as the swordsman drew his katana. The larger one seemed to focus on him and he felt a grin of excitement become drawn across his features. This would be fun indeed, and fire engulfed down the weapon in his hand. The heat radiating off of the weapon was intense and it filled the air about them. The heat alone would keep the water at their feet from turning into the muddied frost, at least in the area around Valen. He red eyes fell onto the two opponents and he fell into his preferred form of fighting.

Sayuri gave the order for Zavala to kill them before Sero gave the order for his own golem to strike. However that did not mean Valen thought it wouldn't be coming. Looking toward Blitz if he was there he would give the simple order "Take the ice golem." His voice clipped, Buri had been less capable thus far than either Valen or Takano from what he could tell and so he would give his companion what he hoped, based on size alone, would be the easier of the two golems. That left Valen himself to fight the bigger one. Of course, he wouldn't drop his guard when it came to Sayuri's golem either. Lest he become blindsided by the construct of ice and snow. He moved forward, toward the bone golem of Sero, although being careful not to enter either creatures attack range willingly. Intent upon letting it have the first strike. It's size should make it slower on the attack even if it's long legs and arms gave incredible distance coverage and reach. Still, the fire on Valen's weapon was no candle flame. So long as the diminutive swordsman was careful in his actions and movements, he should be able to block an attack, or at least parry it. The fire alone then would cause damage to the golem. He could wear it down, and if he had an opportunity to attack, he would simply do so, but now, he would let the constructs make the first move.

Stuff:

One by one he watched the group of individuals exit the cave. It had seemed it was time for him to get his mind right back into the training he longed for. It seemed ashamed that the doctor himself was out of it but he must push on to gain at least any stride. Gaining the strength he needed to stand back upon his two feet the rest was not guaranteed but it was indeed appreciated now it was time for him to once more put his life on the line to gain something more valuable. Removing the blade from the wall he escorted himself out last behind the others giving them time to prepare the training each step he took he began to stretch his body from his legs up to his neck he wanted to be relaxed. Despite all that occurred to him just from being on the island a short time it was no wonder he wanted to grow stronger being from nothing didn’t make him a threat on the battlefield. His confidence was shaken indeed but something other than himself seemed to be pushing, attempting to build it up or keep it from crumbling. It seemed it had some confidence in the boy but it was just a little bit. Growing closer to the exit he saw the light clearly but on the other side was just that a bright door with no one to be seen until his eyes were adjusted to the outside, that is it was only down to the two of them. One swordsmen who breathed ice and the other who breathed fire and seemed to become it at the same time lighting nothing but hope that maybe he can grow stronger. As Burittsu approached the side of the swordsman he almost forgot that he dwarfed him in height coming in at a solid six foot flat but the strength of the flame user was obviously impressive.

Standing in front of the two were two monsters and those two seemed to give birth to their own creations; one belonged to the woman who continued to pull him along into the situations he asked for but yet it still failed her. Being inside it had seemed he missed their introductions but it was clear that the one in bone and water belonged to the other demonic like shinobi it was safe to assume the tremors from earlier came from this beast. Such titans seemed to bless the battlefield; it only made it seem as if he was truly going to die on this island if growing stronger was not in the plan. Another corner for him to be pushed into and wonder if he would truly be worth any amount if he couldn’t complete a simple but complicated task did they work together or was this purely meant to see who can topple the other first. But as in the past shinobi moved on will and heart at this point all he had for him was a grin upon his face as he removed his blade from its sheathing. Quickly jabbing the case into the earth behind him as he looked around it seemed the landscape itself was cleared and ready for the battle that was going to take place. Stepping away from the other swordsmen after hearing who to take on it had seemed an infinity for the element he craved to truly learn continued to step in his way. A mighty large titan made of ice, not any regular ice but one from the princess herself he could quickly see this would be a challenge to cut down but he could only try especially in the presence of her.

“I’ll try my best.”

Sero would watch as all the others prepared. His eyes settling onto each of them in turn. This was to be expected of training but each held their own unique talents to cultivate. Even Sayuri was not yet at her mightiest. Though her and himself shared an advanced level that these two were yet to obtain. Luckily Sero had no interest in utilizing his S ranks here and Sayuri was willing to restrain herself as well. Still Blitz would be the last to exit. He seemed more focused now and prepared for this somewhat. It appeared he was not willing to make the same mistakes again. However from Valens words it was quickly apparent that Blitz would be Sayuris to play with. Sero would let his eyes follow the young ice wielder as he took position before returning to Valen. So this one wished to take on Seros creation alone...perhaps he was being too soft on them. He could have boosted the power...but confidence would need to be backed up with proof first before Sero took such risks on this exercise. If he killed them...it may reflect poorly later. For now he would need to see what could be accomplished.

Sero would fold his hands into his sleeves before he seemed to stand motionless. A tension in the air as Sayuri said to kill them to her own creation. As if on que his own bone golem would launch itself. The ground cracking under where it launched from. The massive thing was surprisingly agile. Wind whistled between the bones across its ribs as it ascended into the air and came down right for Valen. If he was confident than it would go for him. Keep the focus on Valen and keep him from aiding Blitz and see if either of them went down. After all if one of them went down the other would have to deal with both. However the Bone golem would begin to descend quickly. Its massive body coming right down for where Valen was standing. Impacting that spot and sending slush and mud as well as dried dirt from Valens fire flying out in a ring. However it would not stop on the off chance that maybe it had crushed Valen. Instead it would try and stay on top of him. Charging after him and swinging in such a way that one of its massive arms would snap a tree in half....another downwards strike would leave a small crater the size of its massive fist in the ground. It was hard after Valen and clearly intended to deal some damage.

As soon as Sayuri had given her command, Zavala would begin moving across the field. Almost at once Sero’s bone golem would emerge and begin advancing as well, intent on destroying everything in its path. The Ice Queen grinned and advanced along with her ice golem, she was using a less powerful version of it and needed to maintain a certain distance otherwise it would dissipate. She saw that Valen had his eyes set on the bone golem and so with a shrug she would turn her attention to Blitz. Her Yuki protege had readied himself by unsheathing his blade and with another quick command she redirected Zavala. “Kill him.” She would point towards Burittsu as she issued her new command and keep her pace, a generous ten meters behind the ice golem.

‘Zavala’ the ice forged moved with surprising speed given his size and barreled towards Burittsu. With a loud roar Zavala charged and aimed his spiked arm to smash into Burittsu with a closed fist and knock him to the ground. Zavala was decently strong but lacked the ability to use weapons. If he managed to knock the Yuki over his icy foot would come down to attempt to smash Burittsu further. All the while Sayuri stayed ten meters behind Zavala, an excited look in her eyes. She had ordered Zavala to kill these men, but she also fully believed that they could defend themselves and she was excited to see how they would.  

“Fight for me, Blitz.”

Notes:

As the giant golem of bone leapt toward him Valen would wait. He held his sword at the ready, prepared to move when it came time to do so and he waited with the patience of one waiting for the proper moment to strike. It moved with surprising speed as he it moved through the air. It's power and size giving it quite a clearance from the ground itself. When it impacted he could see it would spray dirt and mud from the site. However such trivialities did not bother the swordsman. Getting dirty? Feh, one always had to get dirty to get the job done. As the creatures descent began he would move, clearing the impact zone but stilling ensuring he was able to strike at it with his sword. One could not turn midair after all and as such when the golem came down Valen would be in the things blind spot. As the golem descended, in reach of the swordsmans blade he would strike. Two strikes was what he had time for. One right as the golem came within the maximum reach of his weapon and a follow up strike as it landed. Fire from his weapon would leap onto the golem beginning to catch and spread upon the construct. The fire spread quickly, and while some of it would undoubtedly be put out by the impact with the ground. Particularly in the area of the first strike. The second strikes impact zone should be able to avoid such trauma and debris. Especially since said debris would be spraying outward.

Should this succeed the golem would quickly be engulfed in fire. Although Valen would not be sticking around to see. As the golem impacted the ground Valen would begin to move back. He would move along with the construct if necessary, working to stay within the things blindspot as he retreated back to outside of it's striking range. Making it far more difficult for the creature to charge and swing at him. All the while he would be careful to watch it's actions, wary of sudden change ups in the direction of the thing. Should he have successfully caught it afire then keeping away from it and keeping it's back toward him would be his best strategy as the fire did it's work. It minimized it's attack opportunities while maximizing his own. With his peripheral vision he would keep Zavala visible and trying to keep track of how Blitz was doing. He had to be prepared to fight both golems if Blitz fell but Valen was confident he would be able to handle it if necessary.

[9 135 Earned thus far since the last claim]

Stuff:

Such a great beast now stood in front of him this now was his battle and in a moment he was quickly wrapped into it the first large abomination came at Valen but for his own safety Burittsu moved out of the way distancing himself rather far from the other swordsmen. Yet as the large one crashed against the earth the ground shook underneath his foot, an impressive display but it was only training in real combat he doubted the monsters would move in such a way. It was interesting but at the very moment it seemed it was his turn to show his might, focusing his gaze back in front of him. The large body of ice began to move already preparing his swing but it seemed for now he could match the speed of it as its movements were clearly read but if he could actually dodge it would mean he had to take it out. Such an idea gave him a little grin. It was his time and for an odd reason it felt as if he was back to himself, no stress or worries that he carried since his revival. A mighty swing came downward; he waited motionless and watched for the correct moment only seconds actually after the swing, giving him a chance to conceal his body underneath the mass of ice coming down. In a quick burst stepping off towards the left side of the ice golem allowing the construct to miss its mark and freeing Burittsu it was only an attempt but he had no other choice. Charging inward keeping his distance close he quickly aimed for the left knee of the beast in an attempt to get two attacks off in a matter of seconds if he was able too depending on the reaction time of this monster.

Quickly he attempted to bring down this monster in a matter of seconds or more as he ran forward closing the gap between him and the joint of the monster Burittsu quickly swung cutting the sun from the horizon allowing his blade to attempt a deep slash upon the front of the knee. In a mere moment Burittsu quickly pivoted his left foot allowing him to spin his body around the left leg. Doing this gives him the chance to attempt another fatal blow aiming for the back of the knee directly in a fierce attempt to not only injure but maim the beast till it receives the proper care. If any of these attempts to injure the beast would be interrupted Burittsu would quickly leap out of the way and reset his position on the battlefield against the giant.

“...”

The massive bone monster would surge through the attack. The weapon even empowered by the jutsu wouldn't be enough to break its armor. The massive bone golem would surge through the strike and slam into the ground. Flames erupting from it as Valen circled around it. Sero would watch quietly. The display of fire and sword strike against his creation was acceptable. Another hit like that and it would likely be over for the golem. Perhaps he should have empowered it....focused his chakra a little more into it and made it more formidable. However the point was not to kill these two boys but to push them. These humans could be fragile if he went to far. However he knew that he could push a little further. Valen could take this beast down and that fire if left unchecked could as well. If it were over in a matter of a few seconds it would be a pity. No, Sero would simply have to adjust. To change tactics and see how well Valen dealt with that. Of course Valen was circling around behind the massive creature. Trying to stay out of its reach and let it burn out or strike it from behind.

This would not be allowed.

Sero would lift up his right hand and direct his chakra connection to the creature. Assimilating its movements into his own designs. The creature would instead of turning uselessly charge forward. Passing into a snowbank at full speed and fading into it. Making a hole that quickly collapsed behind it. Some opponents were direct of course. An upfront and honest fight. However some would not be. There would be tactics put into play every moment on the battlefield. Now his dangerous opponent was nowhere to be seen. Having faded into the snow entirely as the wind swirled the falling snow around them. Sero would still hold out his outstretched hand in the general direction of the bone golem. Raising it before closing it into a fist. There was a moment of silence from the snow filled forest. However from the darkness of the woods something growled and soon after a rather small but heavy boulder flew out of the woods. Like a catapult it fell for Valens location. This creature had switched to a hidden position in the woods and was throwing projectiles. For now it was a rock.....but it was fast and accurate. Traveling from twenty meters in the forest at B rank speed. However Sero knew Valen had Ninjutsu as well. So his closed fist opened as soon as the boulder cleared the treeline and shifted. Telling the Golem to move to the right by twenty meters. Keeping it within fifty meters of himself. He wanted to see Valen succeed...but he wanted him to engage something he could not see. Given the dim light of the fires spread about the forest would seem all that much darker.

Sayuri followed closely behind Zavala, ensuring that she was both close to danger and not outside the range of her technique. When she had commanded Blitz to fight for her, she had been expecting movement. Instead he stood motionless, apparently with the same type of calm resistance to the innate human need to defend oneself. She was about to be disappointed when he suddenly sprang into action, just barely dodging the downward swing of Zavala and expertly spinning around the creature’s leg dealing considerable damage.

Zavala was her weakest Ice Forged, and so she hadn’t truly expected to put up much of a fight with him. But she rarely got the opportunity to truly show off what her Ice Forged could do. As the third slice hit Zavala he dissipated into a pile of ice and snow and Sayuri would feign sadness as she took in the remains of her faithful golem. “Oh. You’ve murdered Zavala, how. . . delicious.” Her mock sadness would instantly shift to an evil looking grin as she raised her hands once more and formed the seal of the Dog, conjuring two more Ice Forged from the snowy remains of their fallen brother, which put them within a few mere inches of the Yuki swordsman. “Let’s see how well you do against his brothers.”

The two Zavala’s would charge towards Buri with their shoulders in a pincer formation, one from the left and the other the right, the intention being that Burittsu would be pinned between them as they swung down with their spiked fists. It was perhaps unfair, two against one and it was certainly not what had been discussed, but seeing as how he’d handled the first one with ease an additional two didn’t seem too harsh to the Ice Queen.

Notes:

**EXP has been claimed up to this point - this will now become a Flashback for Sayuri.

Sero would take a moment of pause as all would seem to grow dim. Sayuri and himself were perhaps being too harsh with these other genin like himself. Expecting too much from others. Blitz and Takano had already failed the exercise and it appeared Valen would be opting out as well. Instead of continuing the fight he just...left. No harm came to him in any way. He just stared for a moment at nothing and walked away from the island. As if there was a mystical force provoking him to do so outside of his control. Sero would raise an eyebrow and undo his jutsu. He had been dominating that fight and the survival tests up until that point. Finding shelter and even providing warmth. They hadn't really settled food yet but it was still a good location. Still with him out of the running all three had now fallen short. He would glance to see how Sayuri and Blitz were doing but at this point the experiment was over. He would lift a hand and a cloaked member of the nightmare brigade would come forward out of the woods.

"See to it that all three of them are returned to the village safely. To the hospital first to check for any wounds or internal damage. Then post the men here before the night is done. There should be pirates returning here. See to it the criminals are eliminated. I myself will be returning to the village. My experiment seems too early in its design my queen. I bid you farewell most of all."

The last part he would direct to Sayuri with a low bow. The only person on the planet he bowed to. Or off the planet for that matter. How humble their beginnings had been and how different she was from the little girl with the ice chip. The three of them sharing that space in the cave. Was it fond that memory? It was hard to grip these human emotions but the more he spent around them...the more he felt. Still he would turn and leave the island as well. Walking across the waters back to the village with his experimental training report to be sent in to Sayuris desk. A fairly detailed report with a small failed stamp on all three subjects. Perhaps they could try this experiment again in the future. Perhaps not. Still everything that Sero witnessed was detailed in the report for her. Then he would return to his duties.

Exit thread
16 posts at 30 exp a post = 480 exp (Sensei bonus from Sayuri)

When Sayuri saw that no one was fighting back her urge to kill people lessened. It simply wasn’t fun if people didn’t play along, and while she could most certainly ensure that they did play along. . . these people she actually wanted to keep in one piece. With a disappointed sigh she waved her hand and both golems crumbled into shards of ice and puffs of fresh snow. Where once stood powerful and frightening monsters was now just piles of white glistening in the firelight.

She didn’t interrupt Sero as he had the students transported back to the village, instead she sat despondent and watched from afar. She had been looking forward to a fight, or something. . . anything to stave off the boredom and bloodlust. But today was not the day.

‘Perhaps tomorrow, my Queen.’

‘Perhaps. I suppose I could go back to hunting sharks.’

‘I would really prefer it if you didn’t.’

‘I know, and that’s what makes it all the more intriguing.’

‘. . .’

‘Come along Jareth, this will be entertaining.’

Giving a nod to her Dread Knight Sero, Sayuri exited the area once the other four were safely away from the quiet isle. She would then walk back to the water and dive beneath its surface into the icy embrace of the abyss. Looking for sharks.

[Exit Thread]