Leaf Dance

Whether it was working at the forge or happen to take a day off. Rin never stops training since believing that he can't improve by sitting and twiddling his thumbs. Plus Koyasu once told him that if Rin practiced and refined his swordsmanship for a whole year then he’ll become an expert on it. Somewhat of a trivial wish motivation, but it was a goal for Rin to strive for. Ninjutsu, as far as Rin is aware, is not exactly his strong suit nor has he discovered his element.

Once again Rin is attending to the largest training ground konoha has to offer. Only this time Rin stands on the body of clear water. The youth decided to challenge himself today for not only learning a new fighting style, but to simultaneously keep himself on the water’s surface as well. It sounded simple at first, and it proved to be simple through minimal effort to Rin. Though as time passed it grew increasingly difficult.

Through his mother, Rin heard of a fighting style that consisted of two bladed weapons. Whether it was a wakizashi, tanto, katana, or a combination of them. All it matters was swift coordination and being a bit ambidextrous too. So Rin trains with identical wakizashi in each hand. His movement average in terms of speed until he strikes as fast as a viper. The iron sings into the air as Rin slices through the empty space. Each step was followed with grace as Rin danced over the surface.

The young Rin stood five feet and three inches to be precise. A recent growth spurt caused what he originally was four foot ten inches to almost looking like a teen. His warm black hair damped from the occasional mist spraying on his body as the dark locks fall down to his shoulders. Rin’s physique appears to be taking on the early stage of lithe body build. Garbed on his person is a simple sleeveless sand-colored shirt with a pair of grey slacks. The once pants had the sleeves cut to where it covers just below the knee. On his shins is a pair of hard leather shin guards, and his arms is covered with steel arm guards. Of course he wore a belt which held two holsters which contains the short scabbards to Rin’s wakizashi, and above the left cheek is his hip pouch.

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The morning crisp air hung with mild humidity as the sun was barely rising above the treetops. Casting long shadows over the training grounds from the trees, yet if one pays attention these shadows gradually grow shorter. Sounds of water overlapping each other as Rin steps forward on the surface with chakra supporting his weight. Youth and passion seem to resonate with the boy’s movements as he swings one wakizashi in a low arc while bringing the second to follow with a thrust. Rin’s hazel blue-green eyes looking forward as he tried to follow his strikes. It finally occurred to the genin that something was off since normally he would be fast and accurate, yet when it comes to blades Rin’s accuracy and attacking speed is faster than what he should be able to.

Before Rin could press on the issue a presence came into his sensory range. A ping like a chime jingling with the wind sprung into his mind. “It has been a while since this place was visited by someone else other than myself.” Rin spoke up loud enough for whoever came to the training grounds to hear without straining. Granted he did this without looking up from nor stopping his movements until he took a final step back. Lowering his arms, Rin lets out a soft sigh before he looks over to the presence. The presence was identified to be an adult, or at least older than he. She possessed dark locks that are darker shade than his own hair, and while Rin’s eyes are mixed with blue and green this woman’s eyes are vividly green like he’s gazing into the forest itself.

However the one thing that Rin actually locks gaze at is the nodachi that she carries. Rin has held a nodachi though unfinished in the forge, and it was quite heavy to hold. Though perhaps it is because Rin is used to katana and equivalent length terms of blades. ‘Mayhap she’s a swordswoman? But i would’ve heard about another practicing kenjutsu.’ Or so Rin thought, but he settled that maybe she studied the art in secret. Some people do like to keep their skills wrapped up in secrecy or just wasn’t worth mentioning by others.

Regardless Rin stowed his two weapons into their scabbards hanging from his belt. Then Rin looked off to the side for a moment before suppressing his chakra. Though even suppressing his chakra to avoid detection from other sensors it stimulates Rin’s nerves and sense of awareness. Walking on the water still, Rin would walk over to the shore where he at least dried his hair with a towel. Even though it was warm out here, it still wouldn’t hurt to be careful from a sudden temperature drop.

“I don’t know if you like to train alone or in groups of other people i don’t know. But it is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Rin, Rin Uchiha. May i ask for you name?” Rin asked the lady as he was still drying off the ends of his hair. To be honest if she was training with other people Rin would probably ask if he could attend as well. It has been a while since he’s trained with anybody other than Koyasu. Still the boy held his neutral amount of respect and manners that he gives to everybody he meets for the first time.

Rin would shrug his shoulder on the question as the towel sits on his head and both ends drapes over his shoulder. “I generally sleep come dusk because i train during the morning, but then i work at Hitsuro’s shop shortly before afternoon. So in short i have little time to train, but i’m not complaining much since there’s hardly anything for me to do.” Though Rin neglects to say that he sometimes train after working in the shop in addition to the morning training. It was all Rin could do to keep himself busy while his sensei is gone. Supposedly Tsuyo has recently returned, but Rin can’t seem to find her with all of the refugees coming in.

The kunoichi introduced herself as Sera O’Tem, but Rin doesn’t recognize the surname. Granted to be honest Rin expected a sudden shift in expression or even change in attitude when he mentioned the Uchiha name. Most people generally don’t like the Uchiha except for a select few. So the fact that Sera offered so much as a water bottle was surprising in a welcoming sense to Rin. “Rin is fine with me as well. I’ve never heard of that family name before. Is it a minor family name or recently found?” An innocent question on Rin’s part, but perhaps a personal one depending on how the other views it.

At first Rin would’ve declined the water, but at the same time he thought of how much sweat he produced as well. Of course he was going to just drink from the lake, but drinking a purified source of water would be more beneficial. “Sure, thanks for that.” Rin responded as he reached out for the bottle. When he drinks Rin makes sure to basically lift the top over his lips so it doesn’t actually touch it. A courtesy of sorts, and Rin was being modest when he drank three sips of it before putting the lid back and hands it back to Sera. To be honest Rin didn’t notice how thirsty he was, but some water in his system would keep it refreshed for the time being.

When Sera mentioned that she’ll be practising the fundamentals Rin actually got a bit excited since there was somebody else who practices swordsmanship. Was she better than Rin? He couldn’t tell, but since she was older than he Rin assumed that she is better in swordplay than himself. Plus it certainly beats than training by himself again. “Would… it be possible if i train with you?” A simple question, though Rin hesitated at first for a scenario popped into his mind where she said no. However being the optimistic Rin hopes that idea was just trying to psyche him out.

Rin listened without interrupted to what Sera said about how she was the only one who left a compound and traveled to this village. It would explain why Rin hasn’t heard of it since he doesn’t much outside the village other than the names of other villages and basic ecology. By now his body had cooled down enough to where it wasn’t burning a lot of energy. Still Rin couldn’t argue with Sera’s logic about hydration for it is possible he’ll need to drink some more. “That is true, well all the same i thank you for this.” Perhaps it is possible that he’s being too friendly, but if anything Rin feels like he’s being earned. Plus he has no reason to truly suspect anything from someone of his own village other than paranoia.

Seeing as she was straightening her form Rin checked his two wakizashi stowed onto his belt. Perhaps it is a bit odd for someone running around with two weapons since most people find it difficult to form signs when both hands are occupied. For Rin it was no problem since he only knows a handful of techniques that require signs. The majority of his arsenal is taijutsu and kenjutsu related. Still Rin can see a few loopholes in using that form of tactics, and they were just some he realized through his own perspective.

With Sera now ready with that large weapon in hand that honestly is about as tall as himself. Rin can see that in terms of strength Sera would win that contest, and so Rin decides to draw both of the weapons so there’s a wakizashi in each hand. The right wakizashi was drawn back towards his chest with the blade pointing at Sera while Rin turned to his side. Which narrows the target on his person. The left wakizashi is held a couple inches in front of him while reverted into a different position as the blade is pointed to his flank side.

“Whether it is with one blade or two. The stance necessary has many factors to consider since it can be from the way you’re standing and the way you’re positioning yourself. A heavier weapon requires strength for if you’re not careful you’ll swing too slow and your target would slip under you.” Rin pointed out as he may be young, but he’s not stupid in that field. “These blades are shorter than a katana, but in truth they’re just right for this occasion. Shorter reach they have, but i can easily change that without altering the weight.” The left wakizashi was starting to twirl and dance between his fingers as it traveled from the palm to be held only by the pinky and ring finger. Then Rin twirled the blade traveling up until it is perfectly balanced on his index finger. A flashy display perhaps, but it was to demonstrate how light it was for Rin knows that one cannot do that it with a nodachi. Still the boy placed the left wakizashi back at the palm of his hand where it previously snuggled.

Rin’s Stats

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Effects

Spoiler:

Techniques Used
Chakra Suppression (Sensory Tech) | 0 Cost

Stamina
40/40

“I had a lot of time on my hands so i pretty much had it figure out before i picked these things up. I’ll admit that i’m used to the size of katana, but i wanted to get a feel for this style so i started on it this morning.” Rin spoke in response. Rather bluntly admitting he only started today, but then again when working under someone who works on weapons, armor, and other metalwork. It doesn’t really take a genius to wonder where Rin got that much information from the weapons themselves. However so far he’s neglected to say that he’s an apprentice of the local blacksmith.

“When i use the katana i’ve been comfortable holding it with either hand, but i suppose it is not for everyone. Still that doesn’t make me exactly strong in terms of strength. Dual wielding increases your ferocity in sheer speed with multiple combos and nearly endless barrage of attacks. However if you swung that sword at me any chance of blocking it is pretty much futile because of the difference in terms of weight and strength. Which is why evasion is usually key to avoid unnecessary pain.” The young man explained as he seems to know his stuff, but in truth he’s just saying this out of evaluation from his own clones and taking time to point out potential flaws. Sure his mother might have mentioned about the style and while she was training by herself Rin memorized her stance. So he practically copied her stance, though she didn’t intentionally taught him the twin divide because his mother felt that he wasn’t coordinated enough to learn it.

“I wonder…” Looking down at his own blades they are pretty ordinary as if they’re from the local market quality. Rin closed his eyes as he brought both weapons up at chest level to form a cross of sorts. At first nothing seemed to happen as Rin was molding chakra in his body before guiding it to both hands. The two weapons reacted to the chakra as the iron blades began to give off a pale blue glow that appears to be nearly transparent. In addition it appears that both wakizashi length has increased 5 inches which borderline qualifies them as katanas. Rin opened his eyes as he maintained the connection to his blades. Then Rin gave a grin to Sera as he balanced one of the chakra coated wakizashi on his index finger at the same spot as last time. Meaning that the weight has not changed.

“If you concentrate your chakra you can give your weapon additional abilities. All i can do at the moment is increase the length and keen enough to sever chakra strings. But i do know that you can give it more abilities by applying your element to it.” Rin explained as he was more or less showing Sera a technique she might find useful. In truth it has many uses, but for now Rin can only do the base form. “I wish i had 4 years to learn this stuff. I was still in the academy by that point.” Rin was envious that Sera was able to hold something like that. Of course Rin has a feeling he could momentarily gain greater strength by utilizing certain posture and technique. Still it is not a constant and it has limited uses.

Even standing this far away Rin can feel the shift in the wind from each swing of Sera’s nodachi. Viewing how she was moving it seems that Sera was practicing to block both upper and lower attacks. His eyes were sharp as they followed each swing and the way her muscles tense when lifting the nodachi. The style itself wasn’t wrong for it was necessary to treat the nodachi as a heavy weapon. However there were holes that Rin felt like he needed to poke to ensure Sera’s survival in future missions. “You might want to get yourself some armor around the arms and torso. Shin guards would be good too at least until you get faster in your attacks. I only say this because if someone like me were to attack one blade would come to here…”

Rin slowly as if this was a play on a amphitheater brings right wakizashi to gently stop on Sera’s nodachi as she held it over her shoulder. “But then a problem occurs unless you’re good on evasion with some taijutsu my second blade simultaneously could strike here.” Rin poised the left wakizashi at Sera’s chest level as he was trying to broaden her awareness. The boy holds little to no signs of aggression, but then again Rin wants to see if he can compete against another kenjutsu user. Regardless Rin would retract his arms and take a step back to let Sera continue her regimen. Perhaps Sera was already aware of it, but Rin really was looking out for her safety. Though in truth Tsuyo would no doubt be rough with her training sessions. Then again the Hyuga hates the Uchiha in general so Rin being tutored by the head of Hyuga was practically asking for a beating.

“Breaking through someone’s guard is all well and good. But i’m afraid strength alone won’t cut it. My sensei, Tsuyo Hyuga, would have demonstrated my point on that. If you’re swinging too slow with your strength then you’ll be wasting energy and get tired quicker than if your attacks connected.” The boy was realizing after saying this that he was starting to sound like his mother. “Erm… sorry i don’t mean to criticize you. Nodachi is great when overcoming someone like myself in sheer strength. But because of the weight and necessary strength required to wield it. My eyes alone can see where your biceps tense from the effort of moving your weapon. And that is at the beginning of it too…” Rin stopped himself as he placed a hand over his mouth. He knows criticizing too much would anger the other, and since he viewed the perspective of someone older than himself it seems unreal to believe a word he’s saying due to how young he is. “I’m sorry…”

Rin listened as Sera began giving her own input. A passion over weaponry might be a stretch on Rin’s part, but least to say he takes pride in his strengths when he can find it. The two blades had the veil of chakra shimmer before fading away. Rin shut off the flow of chakra for it is helpful in a pinch, and he doesn’t know if he needs that amount of chakra later on today. In comparison a lot of people around his age are usually fascinated with some form of ninjutsu and Rin could not compete with that. So he skipped those lessons and focused almost entirely on taijutsu and kenjutsu.

“Well i know some people who get a bit ticked off when a kid is giving them a lecture.” Rin responded upon hearing Sera’s advice. Though a small hint of blush appears on his cheeks for in truth he always thought he was stuck. Now he has access to things that he originally thought were impossible for him to do. “I am pretty sure you were already aware of what i said, and i remember you saying that you were only practicing fundamentals. So i guess i shouldn’t be poking at something when it is just basic stuff.” The boy shifted his eyes over to the water and then shifted them over to the three logs that stood over the ground. None were good targets to really try out this style, but then he wondered what if he could use his clones.

This was right when Sera started to lay flat only to spring back to her feet with an immediate sweep of her sword wrenched out of her scabbard before stowing it away. Then hearing Sera agree with what Rin was saying about armor actually made Rin feel like maybe it was a good idea to give his insight. “If an armor is flapping around you then it just means that it is not fitted to you. Leather pieces have boiled hard leather mostly with softer leather around the joints. Take my guards for example.” Rin shows off one of his arm guards of steel to Sera as she sprang up to her feet and minding to stay out of her sword’s reach. The boy waved his extended arm, yet there was no sound to be heard from it. “Metal armor should not be making noise unless you’re walking in suits of armor or someone is taking a stick and beating you with it. If it does for some odd reason i recommend Hitsuro, the local blacksmith around here in the village.”

Of course Rin was still listening to what Sera said afterward as he gives a nod in agreement. “If you’re going to buy armor you might as well get something that is dependable enough to save your live. Some people care way too much about appearance.” For example of some odd requests that offer little protection and includes multiple fabric designs. Hitsuro still completed that contract, but Rin neglects to see the point of it. “If you’re looking into missions then maybe i can help you? The reward would be the same for both of us, and eventually we might get paired up into teams even for a single mission. Even if it is just… scrubbing paint…” It still baffles Rin how many times the village gets vandalized with painting of various stuff. None were easy to scrub off, but thankfully it is usually on stone and concrete which makes things a little easier.

“Well you don’t get this far without training hard, but then again i just met you with little knowledge. I assumed your practically skilled with that weapon, but i didn’t want to be assume wrongly.” Rin expressed his reasons, but in truth he was making sure Sera was proficient not just swinging that large weapon around. For if they did go on missions at one point Rin wanted to make sure she could effectively block against a fast attacker like himself. “Best safe than sorry i suppose. To be honest there is still value in watching someone. You learn how they move and judge how they will react to certain situations. Or do what i did is watch your mother train at the backyard of your home and copy her stance.”

“But you are right. I wonder what sort of target would be good for me…” Rin stepped back a couple of meters before forming the rat sign. Producing five ordinary clones next to him, Rin had mentally directed them to charge at him until Sera asked what he fought for. In which case all five clones stopped as soon as they moved. “Fight for… It’ll be fight to protect those who can’t protect themselves. If they can’t raise a blade then i’ll do it for them. If they lack belief in themselves then i fight for them. In short, i fight for the village and the people in it. Including capable individuals such as yourself Sera.”

Possibly strong words for a twelve year old to produce, but Rin felt right about it. The words felt like it expressed what he truly is as well as give off his motive. Rin got into his stance he previously held and five clones began to charge at him. In Rin’s eyes he crouched low while spinning to stab his left wakizashi into clone (1)’s knee before sweeping an extended leg to clash against clone (2)’s ankle. Maintaining balance on one foot, Rin sprung up to his feet while simultaneously slicing at the palm side of clone (2)’s forearm with the right wakizashi before it comes around to stab clone (1) on the back. With left wakizashi “wrenched” free from the knee, Rin swung that arm with his right wakizashi ahead. So the left wakizashi cut into clone (2)’s neck just enough to sever a jugular vein.

Rin brought his left wakizashi over his head where he would’ve blocked clone (3)’s imitated wakizashi. Seeing clone (4) coming at him from the right with an attempted thrust, Rin forced the locked blades downward by simply angling the wakizashi downward as the tip of Rin’s blade connects the tsuba. Preventing it any closer as Rin pushed the backside of the opposing blade downward to clash against 4’s attack. This had caused the right wakizashi enough time to wrench out and arc horizontally to cut into 4’s neck. Due to it being a mere clone, the blade easily cleaves through. There was a second reason for this maneuver as 3 was attempting a thrust at Rin’s naval with its second wakizashi. However Rin altered his blade just enough to where the tip of Rin’s right wakizashi would clash at the flat of the incoming blade. Applying enough force to push it away to side so that the clone would’ve missed Rin. Unfortunately for 3 Rin took the very short gap to slam his shoulder into the clone’s chest with 5 right behind it. Using most of his attacking speed Rin swung both weapons horizontally at stomach level in a scissor formation. When Rin had sliced into the clone’s stomach region he quickly cocked his arms back just enough to apply the same force and speed again. Only this time Rin stabbed both wakizashi into 3’s chest, and from the previous attacks 3 had collided against 5. So Rin quickly extended the reach of his weapons through use of chakra flow as the chakra length of his wakizashi pierce through the back of 5.

To Sera if she watched, aside from movements such as stepping, crouching, and rising up which she could witness as average. Yet each time Rin attacked it only looked like she was chasing his shadow and before Sera knows it Rin had dealt with all 5 clones as they finally disperse into smoke. Leaving Rin alone as he began to lower his arms and takes in a deep breath. “My mother is still better at this than me to be honest.”

Stats

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Sera listened as she held her planking state, she could feel it starting to burn as she held her weight up, it hadn’t been an extremely long time, and it wasn’t like she couldn’t continue but she felt the need to stand up after a few minutes. Rin was quite capable despite his age, but she had heard the Uchiah were quite renown for their Extraordinary abilities. But that didn’t mean anything more then he might have a head start on someone else. At least he took his training Seriously and with a thirst for more.
Sera had watched Rin create the shadow clones and fought them all off, it was impressive, he was quick and cunning, nimble and precise, it was at this point Sera came the realization that maybe fate head brought them together, she had a dream that left her feeling weak and vulnerable and here stood an almost child who could likely best her in combat. What would that mean if she was on a real mission where her life was in danger, maybe she was too relaxed in her training, had she simply plateaued.
“ I would like that “ She mentions getting to her feet and looking at her hands, and the scars that ran along the back of her hand from the countless beatings she had undertaken as part of her training, how nice it would have been to be able to watch someone’s technique and be able to mimic it even if it wasn’t 100% accurate. Sera had rigorous training since she was a child but that seemingly got her only so far. “ and I think ill look up Hitsuro, it never hurts to look at what I might want and see what my possibilities are”
Sera mowed over the statement Rin had said, he basically wanted to be strong to aid everyone else. Which though was noble didn’t feel like a real answer, but more of a cop out for a true desire. So Sera decided to pick at that and see what his responses might be “is that what you really want to fight for or is that what you have been told you are to fight for, Desire and duty rarely coincide. I mean it’s a noble cause, but it will get you killed, or will kill countless others for a reason, so what im asking is that really what youd kill for? “

Sera moved down towards her bag going to grab a different bottle of water and took a quick Drink from it before she would untie her sheath and placed her Nodachi on top of her bag to keep it out of the wat grass. Before moving back towards Rin. She kept her distance before she would sit down cross-legged and took a long drawn out breath and holds it for a moment before letting it out. She seemed like she was starting a meditation session but kept her eyes open and watched the surroundings and what Rin was doing.

“Are you going to Hitsuro’s shop after your done training for the day or do you have time in-between?” She asked as she wrapped her arms up around her self almost hugging herself with her hands clasped on the opposite elbow and lowered her head slightly, still listening to the area around them.

“Hitsuro knows a lot of stuff in regards of crafting weapons and armor. Though he also makes various other metal items too.” Rin spoke when Sera expressed interest on stopping by the shop. In most times of the day Rin is at the shop, though some might say that it’s kind of bad when a genin is spending nearly all of his time on training whether it is kenjutsu, taijutsu, or even learning about metals and to work the forge in more ways than one. If one was to ask how often Rin even comes home it would be only night time or close to dusk when he finally gets home. Even then he bathe, eat, and then sleep. Only to wake up a little bit before dawn to head for the training grounds to train. In short he’s pretty dedicated with this line of work.

“Well if i don’t fight to protect my mother of all people then i would be a terrible person. Considering she raised me by herself all these years i figured to at least get strong enough to protect her.” Which was the truth for Rin can spew any sort of fluffed words about justice, nobility, and so on. However if he lacks the power to back it up, then it’ll be like Sera just said. Either Rin would die from it, or countless others die in the process of his lack of strength. “Death is inevitable for it is something all who live share a weakness. I would be lying if i thought these words myself, but there multiple dangers in this world. Of course i won’t limit myself to this village for the Land of Fire is technically our domain as well. But for the current moment i fight to protect my mum and sensei the most.”

Rin took a moment of pause as he stowed his right wakizashi to bring out the water bottle. Where he’ll take a sip or two before topping the lid back. “In technicality i do have time in between, but if i don’t squeeze in those few minutes of extra training then i just head to the shop early. Aside from training and attending to the shop i don’t really have much to do.” The genin answered Sera’s question. Perhaps it is Rin’s turn to ask a question since Sera has been the one asking and he’s been responding. “Are you part of a team yet?”

Rin listened as a soft breeze combs through the field and gently ruffles his hair. It brought a chill on his body as the body heat has lowered since Rin took some time to somewhat rest. Granted he burned some energy with the display of swiftly taking care of those 5 clones. Even with that Rin doesn’t feel completely satisfied since they were just clones. They weren’t actually people or other creatures of the wild. So it didn’t actually feel to Rin that he’s improving much.

“Really?” The kid spoke as he listened to what Sera said about not meeting to many people that are as determined and focused as he. His head tilts slightly despite the fact she wouldn’t be able to see his confused face. At the same time Rin can agree that he hasn’t exactly met too many people especially around his age that holds equivalent amount of motivation. “I figured there would be other people who share those things. I mean why else would they spend years in the Academy and maybe a year or two as a genin?” Rin took a moment to remember some ‘customers’ who came to the shop and literally demanded from the kid to give them his best weapons in stock. Just like any other time Rin declined them, and to find out they were middle class folk trying to throw their family’s name around.

“Of course there are greedy folk, so i guess it is not surprising.” Which brings to Rin’s realization just how much of a rarity he is. Sera mentioned that she could not imagine what he would be like when he’s 15. At first Rin honestly thought she was just taunting him so Rin had brushed it off before, but now thinking back on it Rin pictures that he’s at least chunin. “The future is never written in stone for it constantly changes until it becomes the present. The past is history because it is already past the present time. Yet for some reason the winds has a lingering sense of change.” Rin mumbled as he looked up at the sky as he wasn’t sure where these words came from. They just popped inside of his mind, yet now that he’s spoken them it sounds like words from a wise man.

“Well i mean… i generally put in extra time as it is at the workshop, but i could make an exception for today. So if you want to we can go do something like that after i get done at the shop. I prefer tea though to be honest.” Rin admits as he tried coffee once, and he couldn’t see how people could drink them like water. So he sticks to tea and other types of tea since they usually give some mystical benefit to the one who drinks it. Of course he switches to water when he doesn’t have time to brew tea.

It seems like Rin struck a cord when he asked about if she was in a team or not. Rin hasn’t seen Sera stumbling for words until now. “Is that so? Well my sensei currently only has me as the team, so i’m sure when Tsuyo gets back you could ask if she would accept you. Just a little warning her training regiments are quite intense. At least it was for me, but then again that might because i am an Uchiha being taught by the Head of the Hyuuga family.” That might sound odd for anyone to hear or to piece together since their generations long hatred and rivalry towards each other. History has shown how many times the Uchiha and Hyuga went into war at each other. Each one was worse and fierce than the first one. Still Rin hopes he could perhaps remedy that hatred even if it is a little change. Granted he was raised to hate the Hyuga by other Uchiha, but due to the harsh treatment he’s gotten from his kin Rin shares at least a quarter of the Hyuga’s hatred at his brethren.

“Create walls? Of what exactly?” Rin asked while putting the left wakizashi into his scabbard leaving both hands empty. If he was to break through something then his blades weren’t going to accomplish that. “I mean sure if you want to. I’ve been meaning to learn more about this other fighting style i knew a while ago.” The fighting style he was referring to is the Arhat Fist. A simple fighting style that exerts nearly maximum strength one can muster into a single attack. Making it where even someone as small and lean as Rin could lift a grown adult off their feet and throw them a few meters away. Rin would rotate his shoulders to gently stretch the muscles on his upper back and torso. Granted he doesn’t do any of those… pops that Sera has demonstrated before, but that is because Rin is simply with purpose to stretch the muscles alone.

“Blades usually don’t go well against something like stone or even packed dirt. Dulls the weapon and puts nicks in the edge. Trust me, it is a pain to get the nicks out sometimes especially if it bites deep.” Rin responded to Sera’s explanation. Honestly the boy is a bit envious of Sera since he cannot perform much in terms of Ninjutsu. If anything he can increase his speed temporarily, but that technique drains quite a bit to use. Rin doesn’t even know what his element is to practice with, so yeah the boy is a bit jealous.

Despite that Rin doesn’t show it since he understands that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Seeing a wall of packed dirt rising up from the ground and the fact that it is a foot taller than himself. Rin knew he was going to exert a good chunk of strength just to bust through it. The genin tilted his head as his blue-green eyes look from the bottom of the wall to the top. Rin figured he could chip away from the sides or even the top and work his way down. However that could take a while and Sera just might be able to ’regenerate’ the wall by investing more chakra into it. Which leads to Rin trying to find the center and find a chink of the wall.

After analyzing the wall a little bit Rin lowered his stance with one empty palm cocked back an inch from his chest while the left empty palm is nearly extended out in front of him. His position shifts to where he is still facing forward while also making his body thin. Making it more difficult to hit him despite the fact that it is just a wall of dirt. Rin figures he can’t bust through it at least not right away, so Rin will charge up at the wall. About a foot away from it Rin would leap up just enough to align himself at the center. During his ascent on the wall, Rin spun a full 360 degree as he’ll attempt to deliver a solid stomp at the center of the wall.

Assuming that blow wasn’t enough to knock the top section of the wall off, Rin will apply chakra at the bottom of his foot that is touching the wall to move up. As he controlled his momentum by ascending a little higher, Rin will slam his right elbow at the center top before quickly twisting his body to slam his left elbow in a sudden motion. Then as the boy begins to slowly descend Rin will slam his empty right palm while cocking back his left palm. So the moment Rin connects his right palm he’ll immediately pull back and simultaneously hurl his left palm at the center as well. If anything he’ll at least weaken the foundation a good bit.

So if the wall still survives Rin will continue to descend until his feet touches the ground. During that time Rin will picture his right hand like it is a hammer and that he’s ready to smash a giant slab of glass. By putting extra power into his palm through physical effort, Rin will slam his right palm at the base of the wall with more power behind it than before. This attack is meant to damage or break through defenses, as Rin is trying to exert the most of his strength to overcome this obstacle.

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Tech Learning

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Rin’s Stats

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“Believe me, normally you would have me.” Rin stated as it seemed that his series of attacks worked. Still he was testing the durability of this wall. It seems to be able to hold a punch from his attacks, but it would ’regenerate’ by adding more dirt to it. Then the entire wall was dealt with the final slam of Rin’s palm as dirt, grass, and maybe a root was blown away from impact. In truth Rin didn’t really expect such an impact could achieve that effect. So it actually surprised Rin for a moment and even thought maybe Sera had lowered her concentration.

“Hardest technique or not. Practice refines your ability to where you can hold it for longer periods of time than normal. I mean, even in our kenjutsu talents we still practice the fundamentals.” Rin verbally pointed out, but even as he says this exerting that much strength to knock this wall of earth in a single hit can be draining after a while. The boy allows Sera to form up the wall of soil for the second time as he took a couple of steps back. His eyes shifting from the wall to Sera’s own vibrant green eyes as he listened. “Sounds like a plan to me. You know I will admit that I envy you. I can’t even do something like this.”

Rin gestures to the wall as it rose up to tower of him once again. “In my academy days the only sort of ninjutsu i could do is the basic stuff and that body flickering technique. Could never find my element, so i stuck my dedication to taijutsu and kenjutsu.” With a deep breath to take in, Rin charges at the wall again. This time it was more of a curveball as he goes to slam his right fist at the left side of the wall. Then Rin will follow up with a left elbow jab at the center and pivots himself into a spinning formation. Where he’ll end with a strong right elbow aiming on the right side of the wall. All of these strikes were not as strong as before as Sera would probably note during the impact.

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“Believe me, I know struggle. It took my countless days and even a full year to get where i’m at now. I have no talents to speak of, and what i have now is just prolonged results of my training.” Rin states the truth as he slams his attacks onto the wall. In truth the boy didn’t expect the wall to crumble like that, but he was trying to gauge what sort amount of strength would require to truly break through it. If Rin can determine the right amount of strength required to break through without wasting energy.

“I would be lying if i said i wasn’t feeling the exhaustion by now, but i can still keep going. Besides I’m honestly trying to see if i can break through this wall at my current strength. Since it doesn’t appear that i can’t, i’ll have to step it back up.” Perhaps it was more of benefiting from Arhat Fist and from this other style that seems to focus on rapid strikes. “I’m gonna try something new again, so bear with me alright?” It was more of a permission request than a question. Though he has a feeling that she’ll agree to it.

Rin conjures an image inside of his mind of how the strain into adding power into his strikes. Then infusing the concept of hurling those empowered attacks in a rapid fashion. It seemed easy enough for Rin to imagine. But putting that concept to use is another thing. First Rin starts off by adding the energy into his musculatory system. Where he’ll actually raise his knee to jab upward into the wall of dirt, which would most likely do small damage to the wall as the burning sensation swells within his muscles. Following up his knee jab is two elbow jabs around the same area towards the center. Simultaneous with the elbow jabs Rin lowers his leg to the ground and roots his stance so to speak as his muscles become firm around the calves.

Taking a deep breath as Rin becomes focused on the desire to strike faster, and Rin launches two empty palms at the center. A pause was brief as Rin struck the wall four more times with his palms. Another pause is seen as Rin gathers his strength and energizes the energy empowering his muscles. So the young boy launches a flurry of blows in four palms, two elbow jabs, one knee jab, and then finishes it with six rapid punches all at the center. Even if this doesn’t break through the wall’s defenses Rin is just trying to familiarize himself with combining two styles and see how he can become fluid in it.

449 WC

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Tech Learning

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Techs used

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Stamina: 37/40

Stats

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Rin could feel his muscles straining from the pressure as he pushes on the limits. Luckily it is a momentary push so his muscles isn’t tearing itself apart. Still the strain on his biceps, forearm, and even his hands are throbbing. Rin has been able to ignore it since it was something he’s used to by now. Regardless the boy sees some decent results from his barrage of attacks, and notes how his hands in particular hurt from slamming palms and that final punch made his wrist hurt.

“I won’t lie that my body is straining, but if i don’t keep pushing my limits then i won’t improve much.” Rin responded with sound logic as he was confident about the idea. Pushing past his limits even a little would soon be a distance he can easily reach without effort. Which brings him to push his limit further so he can become faster, stronger, and in short become better than what he was before. However, even Rin knows when to allow his muscles to relax even for a few seconds.

So the boy walks over where he placed his bottle of water to pop the lid off and generously took three small, careful sips. Taking too much water too soon would cause his body to relax too much. Which could hurt him in terms of sore muscles and possibly pulling a muscle. As the genin drinks his water he listens to what Sera was suggesting. It sounds rational and provides both good amount of exercise and possible bond a little bit. Not that fate would ever put them in a team yet, but Rin felt like if she was going to be part of Tsuyo’s team then might as well try.

“That sounds good to me. I actually suggest carry whatever you brought with you as you run. After all, during a mission we won’t have the luxury of leaving our stuff behind. Best to start while training to get used to carrying them around, and they could help some minor weight training too if you’re into that.” Perhaps it is kind of a bad thing that all a twelve year old thinks is training, missions, and taking care of his health. Of course it is not as simple as black and white with Rin for he does play a flute. Though he hasn’t touched that thing in almost a year now. Perhaps one day he could pick it up and start playing the random notes again.

While Sera stretches the boy takes another sip before putting the top back on his bottle. From there Rin tucks his container of water into his hip pouch as one of his wakizashi shifted. Only a slight shift, but Rin corrects it in place without really looking at it. Once Sera is ready, Rin will ask. “So where are we running? Just around the grounds or is there a destination you have in mind?” It does help on getting an idea of where they were going. Not to imply he runs faster for he’s not going to be that naive or arrogant in his abilities. Otherwise he’ll start jogging along with Sera either in loops around the training grounds or to a destination if there is one.

Perhaps now would be the best time for Rin to ponder on his own strengths and weaknesses. Sure Rin has the uncanny accuracy and striking speed. However that can only get him so far if Rin gets tired out before her opponent is defeated. Additionally he needs to work on his physical strength as well. It’ll help taking out opponents with some more firepower behind it.

That aside, Rin notice that Sera was reluctant as she went from starting to protest to reluctantly sling her weapon over her shoulder. Normally the boy would try to console her, but seeing as Sera was already going with it Rin held his tongue. Perhaps it was the fear of failing or it was the anticipating fear of losing people he cares about because he was too weak. Either way that gave the boy motivation to improve, and he certainly didn’t want to be guilty of getting somebody killed. Especially Sera as of right now.

“That sounds fine with me. It’ll be a change of scenery for me.” Rin admits as he looked towards the direction where Sera pointed at. It was a simple direction, and there was a trail they could use too. Gives them more of a direction in Rin’s opinion and even gets him to wonder if there is an end to it. So when Sera was ready Rin began his jog down this trail. The sounds of feet brushing and lightly stepping onto the grass mixed with the earthen soil. Gentle fingers of the wind combing through Rin’s warm black hair as he moves with a steady jogging pace.

Of course Rin noted the difference in height between Rin and Sera. So naturally Sera has the advantage on her normal pace. However despite that she made her pace matching with Rin’s and is jogging beside him. Rin respected that, though he can’t shrug the light warmth reaching to his cheeks. Still Rin kept going as he was pacing his breathing to not tire out. His arms in the motion of bringing up to his naval level in front and then down to his side at waist level. Feeling the chakra flowing through his veins to his muscles as it flows with the life water inside of the boy’s body. As the chakra raises up to his naval and then spread out evenly throughout his body only to repeat as that chakra ignites like fire.

The jog overall was quiet for the first five minutes. Rin’s blue-green eyes mainly focused to the front, but also occasional side glance and possibly meet Sera’s eyes once or twice. Still can’t get over how pretty and relaxing they were to Rin; however he’s always been attracted to the eyes to begin with. Rin’s attention is snapped to attention when a yelp erupts through the silence as they near the creek. Looking over to the side, a few meters away from the trail itself is a lone pup of light brown fur with patches of white on the chest to its small belly. The paws are caked in mud and the fur was fluffy except where some streaks of mud can be seen on it. The snake was mainly black with a diamond shaped head and possess red stripes along its scaly body.

The yelp had came from the small puppy as it probably was trying to play with the snake in a playful manner, but judging from the poised neck from the snake it probably bit the dog. However the puppy was still bouncing around as it barks at the reptile and whines when it doesn’t really move its curled position. Rin didn’t think, he just acted on instinct. Rin sees the puppy about to poke the snake with its paw and so did the snake for it was in the initial stage to strike.

Quickly forming the half tiger seal as the chakra molds from the naval of his body to spread out towards his neural and muscular system. It is not instantaneous for Rin just run at full sprint with chakra lightly trailing behind him towards the puppy. For he could run up to 15 meters within the second. Which covers plenty of distance as Rin shields the puppy with one armored arm placed in front of the pup while the other arm wraps the furry one. All while the snake was in the motion to strike at the puppy, and only to find those fangs now dripping with venom biting harmlessly against the steel armguard belonging to Rin.

From there Rin maintained the momentum though not with the same speed as Rin scoops up the bewildered pup and leaps a good five meters further away from the snake. The young creature was startled and lets out another yelp. Rin didn’t mean to startle the cute one, but he had to in order to protect the pup’s life. It struggled and flailed in the boy’s arms as it braced its muddy paws on his shirt and incidentally clawing harmlessly on the palm side of his arm. “It is okay, it is okay little one.” Rin spoke in a soft tone as he held his brace and the pup starts to calm down a bit. Meanwhile the snake is looking at Rin yet not approaching as it flicks its forked tongue into the air. Small strands of venom can be seen on Rin’s left arm, but there isn’t a dent nor much of a scratch on the armor’s surface either.

Used Body Flicker -5 stamina.
Speed: C
Coordination: C