The Accidental Training of a Bored Boy Doing Nothing

There were a few problems with being so absolutely relaxed, Natsuki was coming to understand. The more still he stood, the less perturbed the surrounding wildlife seemed to be by his presence. Pitter patter, flap flap, rustle rustle; it was all so annoying. Worst of all was that pesky elk, constantly scrapping at the bark of nearby trees.

On his back, Natuski arched his neck to spot the beast dead straight behind him, oblivious to just how annoying it was being. Almost instinctively, the young Uchiha began to sink into the earth. Blind to the world, but with a singular and focused purpose, he crawled unseen through the cool soil until he was sure he was just beneath the animal.

It didn't even struggle as his hands reached up and casually pulled the elk such that all of its legs were underground. Unceremoniously, Natsuki rose back up, and put a finger to his lips at the elk. He began to step away before turning back slightly and saying, calmly, "Please."

He then returned to one of his favorite spots, lying back on and lounging with one less distraction.

[Learned Jutsu]
Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique - D rank (188/100 words) - 3 CP

CP: 47/50

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

---

'Bunny Arrival' :

"Bah," Natsuki chuffed, the mood here ruined. He quickly took to his feet, walking back to the animal and hoisted it free. "Easy now, let's get you outta there. Sorry about that, bud." And he was, it wasn't fair of him to do that to such a creature, and not with Ninjutsu of all things.

He walked off, his hands firmly in his pockets before he reached for and grabbed the hilt of his katana. With a sigh, he was glad to have not left it behind again. It wasn't long until Natsuki reached a steep hill, barely suitable for walking comfortably. Tōri's words rang through his mind, however. “Ninjutsu isn’t just for combat, it has a great variety of uses. Even for relaxation.”

"Surely I wouldn't get in trouble for mucking up the place," he started, gripping his chin slightly. "That is what it's for!" From within his pocket, he started weaving signs... Let's see... Tiger, Ox? Yeah, Tiger... Snake? And suddenly, his footing was gone.

The solid earth beneath him gave way to a river of slick mud as he was carried away. "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!" He yelled, as he struggled to keep his footing in the slick. His descent down the hill was quick, though it certainly wasn't comfortable. The jutsu stopped just shy of the bottom of the hill, leaving Natsuki to effectively collide with a shin-high wall and tumble down the rest of the hard earth. He finally landed with a thud, covered in wet mud and dry dirt as he looked back up the hill.

"Success?" He chuckled to himself.

[Learned Jutsu]
Earth Release: Earth Flow River - C rank (269/150 words) - 5 CP

CP: 42/50

Following that mishap that left Natsuki, he trudged towards a nearby creek, the squelch of his steps a constant reminder of his recent "success." While he didn't mind a little bit of dirt, the thought of returning home in such a state was mortifying- washing up was the only sensible option. When he arrived, Natsuki glanced around warily. The last thing he needed was an audience. With a resigned sigh, he set his katana and clothes aside, save for his underwear, and stood considered his options. Once more, ninjutsu was to be his ally. Okay, focus... Rat, Tiger, then Hare... Natsuki methodically formed the hand seals, concentrating on the earth beside the creek.

And, just like that, the ground responded, rising up to form a crude but effective wall. It was far from what Tōri had managed before, and a bit lopsided at that... But it would do. With a nod of approval to no one in particular, Natsuki turned his attention to the more pressing matter at hand- his laundry. Kneeling by the creek, he began scrubbing his clothes against the rocks, the clear water gradually turning murky with the dirt washed away. It was tedious work, made bearable only by the privacy his makeshift wall afforded him.

I've put off a lot of ninjutsu training... but maybe I should..? he mused, stopping himself mid thought. A small smile played on his lips as he worked.

[Learned Jutsu]
Earth Release: Earth Shore Return - C rank (237/150 words) - 5 CP

CP: 37/50

As Natsuki's clothes fluttered in the gentle breeze, drying upon the rocks beside the creek, his solitude was suddenly interrupted. The distant sounds of laughter and shouting reached his ears, unmistakably the cacophony of fellow shinobi in training. The prospect of interaction, let alone the possibility of being roped into their activities, filled him with a mild sense of dread. Glancing towards his still damp attire, he had to think fast.

In a panic, he froze for a moment, just wanting to be invisible- but that's when he saw his wall, and then the ground. What better privacy wall than the earth itself! He brought his hands together, his understanding of his own chakra and the earth on which he lay so often coming together to aid him in this momen of panict: Boar, Dog, and then Bird. Focusing his chakra to his feet, he felt the earth beneath him soften, welcoming him like a blanket.

He sank into the ground, the cool earth enveloping him. The sensation was bizarre, freeing, and he couldn't help but admire  his own cleverness. However, his laughter was short-lived as he failed to account for one critical detail- navigating underground was a blind endeavor.

Crack!

In his subterranean haste, Natsuki's head collided with the roots of a massive tree, the impact halting his progress and sending a shock of pain through his skull. Groaning, he slowly pushed through the dirt above, emerging in a daze, leaves joining the loose soil adorning his hair like a disheveled crown. Should've seen that coming... He pondered, rubbing his head with a grimace, the humor of the situation not entirely lost on him.

As he sat, momentarily dazed by the tree, the sounds of the distant shinobi faded, replaced by the chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves in the wind. Despite the throbbing in his head, Natsuki couldn't suppress a grin. Yet again, "success!"

[Learned Jutsu]
Earth Release: Subterranean Voyage - C rank (318/150 words) - 5 CP

CP: 32/50

After the satisfying, albeit draining, efforts of his day thus far, Natsuki found himself unusually weary. The physical toll of spending so much chakra, a stark contrast to his typical days of leisurely relaxation, weighed heavily on his eyelids. Seeking solace beneath the comforting shade of a large tree, he decided a brief nap was in order. Laying back against the soft earth, he let the tranquility of the forest lull him into a deep sleep.

Just a quick rest... He closed his eyes, and slowly drifted off to sleep. But the rest was anything but peaceful. In his dream, the pleasant earth beneath him began to shake violently, unsettling not just the ground but his very core. Amid the quaking, shadows. Howling and laughing, they tormented him as he tried to escape- but the uneven footing, the panic of the moment, and his accursed dream legs made that all but impossible.

Suddenly, a familiar voice pierced through the chaos of his nightmare. “Natsuki! Hey, wake up!” Hirito's voice, laced with concern and a touch of amusement, brought Natsuki back to reality with a jolt. His eyes snapped open, meeting the worried gaze of his cousin standing over him, though he did not recognize him.

In a moment of disoriented panic, Natsuki's instincts took over. Without thinking, he wove some seals and reached out to the earth, seeking to protect himself, to push away the remnants of the dream that clung to him like a second skin. The ground responded to his subconscious command, tearing and shifting with a life of its own. Hirito, ever the agile shinobi, leapt back with surprising grace, avoiding the unintended assault. The ground heaved and cracked, sending splintered stone and dust in all directions.

“Hey, what the fuck, man!”

Wah? As the dust settled, soon too did the realization of his actions hit Natsuki. He had just lashed out with something from a nightmare. He was mortified, a stark contrast to the confusion and fear that had driven his actions moments before.

“Whoa, calm down! It’s just me,” Hirito chuckled, trying to diffuse the tension. His light-hearted reaction did little to soothe Natsuki's embarrassment. “I... I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to-” Natsuki’s apology was cut short by his own overwhelming shame. Without another word, he turned to the earth once again, this time deliberately, seeking refuge from his own actions.

The ground enveloped him as he made his escape, leaving Hirito alone with the aftermath of the torn earth. What the fuck...

[Learned Jutsu]
Earth Release: Tearing Earth Turning Palm - C rank (419/150 words) - 5 CP

CP: 22/50

Hiding within the earthen depths hadn't been enough, not now that Hirito saw him delve beneath. The lingering shame from his accidental assault drove Natsuki to seek refuge higher up, among the branches of an old, sturdy tree. He clambered up and, from his leafy perch, he could hear his cousin's voice below, calling out with a mix of concern and confusion.

“Natsuki, come on out, man. Let’s just talk about it, alright? No big deal.” Hirito’s voice was steady, the calm in his tone meant to be reassuring. But to Natsuki, it only amplified the panic tightening its grip around his chest.

No, no, no... I can’t face him. Not after that. The thought of confronting his cousin, of having to explain his reaction, was unbearable. Desperate for a distraction, any distraction, Natsuki glanced to the distant trees. An idea sparked, one that could give him the diversion he needed to escape this unbearable situation.

With hurried, almost frantic movements, Natsuki wove his seals and focused his chakra into his throat. Pt, pt, pt.[/i] He spat small rocks into the distance that soon grew larger as they arced through the air. A moment later, a loud crash echoed through the forest, followed by another, and then another. The sounds of stone colliding with felling trees filled the air, drawing Hirito’s attention away from his search.

“What the...? Natsuki, is that you?!” Hirito’s voice faded as he ran towards the source of the commotion, giving Natsuki the chance he needed.

Breathing heavily, heart racing, Natsuki didn’t waste a moment. As Hirito’s footsteps receded, he began to carefully navigate from branch to branch, moving as quietly as possible. Don't stick your neck out, don't stick your neck out... The guilt and fear mingled within him, driving him forward, away from the confrontation he wasn’t ready to face.

[Learned Jutsu]
Earth Style: Stone Pistol Technique - C rank (306/150 words) - 5 CP

CP: 17/50

Natsuki's flight through the treetops came to a halt as he spotted Hirito ahead, his cousin's determination and speed were something he'd marvel at under different circumstances. With the canopy offering no more paths of escape and the ground too risky, Natsuki eyed a large, solitary boulder nearby. Maybe if I... The thought trailed off as he considered a hiding, rather than running.

Landing beside the boulder, Natsuki molded his chakra in a manner not dissimilar to the previous jutsu. As he touched the surface of the stone,  he willed his chakra to merge him with the rock. The sensation was immediate and, surprisingly, entirely unlike burrowing through the earth. It was more... static, confining. This doesn’t feel right... He missed the freedom of movement that his earlier techniques offered, even if it was just an illusion crafted from his connection with the earth.

From inside the boulder, Natsuki could hear Hirito's frustrated calls growing closer. “Natsuki, this isn’t funny anymore. Where are you?” His cousin's voice was tinged with annoyance now, mixed with a hint of concern.

Sorry, Hirito... I’m not ready to face you. Not yet. The thought was a whisper in his mind, a silent apology he wished he could voice. As Hirito circled the boulder, Natsuki remained still, barely daring to breathe.

Finally, Hirito's footsteps faded away, and after a few moments longer to ensure his cousin was truly gone, Natsuki emerged from the boulder, feeling both relieved and strangely vulnerable. Definitely sticking to the mole technique next time...

[Learned Jutsu]
Earth Release: Hiding in Rock Technique - C rank (253/150 words) - 5 CP

CP: 12/50

Natsuki, panting from his continuous flight, knew he needed a clever tactic to finally shake Hirito off his trail. Glancing around, he spotted a nearby log and briefed a sigh of relief. Thank you, whoever left this here. With a swift few hand signs, he  swapped places with the log and left an image of himself standing in the open as a decoy.

As he concealed himself behind thick foliage, he prepared for his next move. He could hear Hirito's footsteps approaching and had to get out of there fast. With a single half-seal, he felt a rush of chakra in his feet.

“Finally found you, Natsuki! No more running, okay?” Hirito called out, his voice echoing with a mix of relief and triumph as he approached the substitution.

Sorry, but I’m not done yet. He focused his chakra and, in a blink, he blitzed away. leaving no trace behind except for a few rustling leaves, he rushed to make his escape, keen to postpone his cousin's confrontation for however long he could.


[Learned Jutsu]
Body Replacement Technique - E rank (50 words) - 1 CP
Body Flicker Technique - D rank (100 words) - 5 CP
173/150 words

CP: 6/50