Lovers & Partners [Private]

Riku had finally managed some breathing room, although that was partly because Satori let her have it. Nose flaring with her panting breaths, the blue haired young woman tensed as her friend approached her. Rather than continue with the senbon, she dropped them in her pouch and pulled out a kunai.

Hand to hand combat against Satori wouldn’t end well for her, but if he came close she wouldn't have enough time to use jutsu effectively. She was running low on energy, so running wouldn't work either. He had finally forced her to a point where she would need to rely on her water transformation.

Displeased, she grimaced, watching Satori warily. What to do now?

She threw the kunai and flashed through some hand seals to summon a water clone. It appeared at her side and picked up a fallen kunai from before.

“Want to try two on one?”

[13]

Information:

Satori smiled softly at her call to him.

“If you used clones and your bloodline more, you’d be an even more serious thread, Riku-chan,” he stated bluntly. He understood not wanting to rely on her bloodline, as many could see it as an ‘unfair gift’. There was also the subject matter of it being connected to her father, which was still a touchy subject. But the fact was it was an overwhelmingly potent weapon in her arsenal, and she barely used it for basic defensive applications.

Halting about five meters from her, Satori would glance at the clone briefly before stretching his limbs slowly and relaxing his body. Keeping himself where he could focus on her closely and still retain a relatively decent distance.

“If you want to engage me that way, I won’t blame you,” he stated simply. It was a legitimate strategy, her chakra reserves were likely getting low, and falling back on weaponry which was another skill she was beginning to dip into, was an excellent method of conserving energy. Using the clone would also allow her to gather further information on the battle and continue to progress.

He kept a close eye on the clone that had appeared. He’d do his best to keep track of which one was which, but it was difficult even for those with senses like his own.

Chakra: 173/210

“Engage?” Riku tilted her head to the side. She was buying time at this point, but every second was needed.

The clone began to circle Satori, moving to the edge of hñis peripheral vision.

“More like get crushed. We both know who's superior at Taijutsu.” It was true, Riku had no wish to fight Satori up close. Her form wavered slightly, a sign that she was becoming more fluid than solid.

“Kirigakure no jutsu.”

Thick mist rose, obscuring everyone's vision, which would normally give Satori the advantage. Riku, however only needed him to hesitate. She flipped through the seals for a few jutsu, hoping the mist would obscure her plan.

Just in case, her clone spat several water bullets in Satori's direction. Meanwhile Riku melted and began to crawl to a new location. Her clone kept moving around the mist to draw Satori's attention while she tried to locate the tall teen.

[14]

Information:

Satori simply smiled softly at her commenting on ‘getting crushed’, and tilted his head to the side slightly.

“Only because you won’t use your bloodline and haven’t learned proper Taijutsu techniques,” he replied just as casually. Even as the mist spilled out to cover the area, Satori didn’t move from his spot. Instead he waited patiently until the mist had completely covered the area, glancing to the side as the clone began to move, neither of them could see now.

Likely, she was using her own tricks, but Satori wasn’t about to just stand there and not take the situation seriously either. He formed the clone sign with one hand, keeping it at his side to minimize movement as the added smoke from the clone forming mixed with the mist silently. His hand then lowered, grasping the clone whom casually lifted him up so that Satori was standing atop the clones shoulders.

At this point, the blasts of water suddenly rocked through the mist, causing it to quiver and shake. Satori didn’t miss the opportunity, and as his clone launched to the side to dodge and be “kept busy”, Satori was propelled into the air where he flicked his wrist out. The ninja wire snagging the nearby tree now that was was far above the cloud of mist.

Silently landing atop it, he waited patiently as his clone ducked and dodged, having silently removed himself from the situation using her own attacks to cover his escape. Now, what was she going to do? He was curious what the cover had been for.

Information:

Riku's clone crept through the mist towards the noise Satori's clone was making in an attempt to feel him out. Meanwhile, Riku followed at a distance in liquid form, creeping along the ground quietly.

Being low to the ground would help her avoid attacks while her water clone drew attention to itself. Hopefully, they could corner Satori in the mist before it dissipated. It was already beginning to think, but Riku kept her movements deliberate and quiet. Revealing herself would be a waste at this point.

The clone kicked a rock and cursed quietly before trying to slink in a different direction.

Riku stayed nearby, waiting for Satori to attack the clone. Hopefully, they could keep him distracted until the genjutsu set in. Satori was intelligent and perceptive, so great lengths were needed to keep him from noticing it and dispelling it as he had earlier.

[15]

Information:

Satori grinned as he watched the mists shift and paid attention to the world below him. Riku was being fantastic, but once again her lack of true combat experience had countered her. She was just as smart as he was, if not smarter; she just needed more practice. This was proven as the clone kicked a rock, alerting both himself and the clone of her presence.

Without a moment’s hesitation the clone suddenly launching a kunai from his leg at the water clone of Riku and dashing forward outright. Hands lashing out in a quick combination of several rapid jabs.

Meanwhile, satori paid close attention. He could only see vague shapes, even with his keen eyes and high vantage point; but he could connect that information with what he was hearing, as well as the information his clone would provide him the moment it dispersed. Preparing for that moment he began to mold his chakra, gathering it in his lungs and chest and taking in a deep breath.

Preparing silently for what was to come as his eyes stared down at the moving shadows patiently. The moment his clone alerted him of where she was; he would release the technique down at her and rain down a combination as needed.

Chakra: 87/210
Clone Chakra: 86/86

Riku's clone barely dodged the kunai, but it couldn't keep up with Satori's shadow clone. However, this wasn't a problem. The clone dispersed into water, which would have been a dead give away for anyone else. However, this was hard to distinguish from Riku's normal watery form in the mist.

The real genin snaked up the clone's body, wrapping around him in an attempt to cover its mouth and nose, smothering it.

The last of the mist faded to reveal the first layer of Riku's plan.

Just a little longer… she thought. The genjutsu would kick in any moment, allowing her to win the grappling match.

Half formed hands groped at the clone's body in an attempt to impede any escape or movement while the rest of her watery body sought to surround what she thought to be Satori.

[16]

Information:

As the chokeout began for the clone, it immediately began to fight back. However, Satori was not masterful enough at the technique just yet to allow his clones to last against elongated physical duress. Being choked out was one thing; and the clones hand drew back to strike her roughly. However, at the last moment the Genjutsu took effect. The wave hit the clone, which stumbled once, before falling over with a dull thud.

Satori heard the sound, and his ear twitched, before the clone suddenly burst as was normal when they were rendered unconscious. With the smoke disrupting the mist and the noise pinpointing the location; on top of the information the clone provided him, Sator had his target.

Not a second later than the clone burst into smoke, a sudden explosion of chakra smashed into the spot Riku had been standing as well as the surrounding area nearby. Sending the mist flying in every direction to reveal the area as well as smash into Riku once more, just as it had the first round as the chakra-scream ripped through the air to strike her down into the earth. Trying to encourage her to use her bloodline all the more.

Information:

In with her water transformation mostly complete, it was a simple matter for Riku to liquefy completely once the clone disappeared. Before she could take form again to move, Satori was upon her and blasting her with that roar.

If she could have, Riku would have grimaced. The powerful waves of chakra coursing through her were extremely uncomfortable. Her mass wavered, but didn't fly apart. Her chakra was able to hold her body together, although she did slide backwards a little and feel her body bruising a bit beneath the impact of chakra flowing through her.

The girl rose up from the puddle with surprising speed and launched herself at Satori with chakra enhanced speed, stopping in front of him. She drove her knee upwards, hoping to catch the spiky haired genin off guard. Fear of being hit was temporarily suspended. In her state of heightened awareness that Satori forced her into made her transformations faster.

Worst case scenario, she could use her liquid form to absorb the impact somewhat if not nullify it completely.

[17]

[Spoiler=Techs]

Information:

As Riku was sent skidding back, but mostly unharmed, Satori grinned as he fell through the air flying toward her rapidly.

That’s my girl.

Hands clenching, his hands smashed into the gorund first landing in a hand-stand before the woman dashed at him at heightened speeds. He was impressed by her chakra reserves, it was easily chunin-level by comparison. Launching himself from his hands, her amplified speed matched his base, but his superior reflexes gave him the advantage. Her knee flying toward him in caused his hands to launch himself up.

Barely dodging the impact of her knee as he was forced mid-air, his body contorting like a cat while her knees momentum carried her toward him. His left leg lashing downward from his unusual angle in an aim to crack her the head with a hard kick using the top of his foot. Avoiding the usage of his claws, just in case. He didn’t wish to risk that threat no matter how “serious” they were going now.

Chakra: 168/.210

Riku pressed her lips together firmly when Satori managed to twist out of the way of her attack. She began to liquefy just in case, already knowing there would be a counter attack even if she wasn't sure what that would look like. The feeling of pressure at the back of her head wasn't quite warning enough to dodge or react properly.

His leg didn't go right through her, rather it pushed inward as if caving in her skull. Riku's head seemed to bend around his leg as it liquefied. Instead of falling, the water clung to his leg and snaked up his body. The blue, watery mass --stained red in some places from using chili powder earlier-- attempted to force its way into every orifice available: eyes, nose, mouth.

It wasn't comfortable at all for Riku, who still didn't really like squeezing into small spaces after the jar incident. Nevertheless, the blue haired girl persisted as if she wanted to kill her opponent. Desperation had finally forced her to the point of going all out and being messy and underhanded.

[18]

Satori felt the impact as the water snaked up his body, and immediately reacted as the tendrils began to push at his mouth and nose. Forming the hand-seal with one hand before he suddenly disappeared. In his place was one of the rocks that had been blown upward from his previous chakra burst; unlike Riku, he had yet to use the substitution even once. He knew she didn’t know how to keep up with it’s tells just yet.

Now he was below her right as she realized the stone was, in fact, not Satori. Right as she located him and looked down at his face and hands he formed the seal. Satori had timed it just right with his substitution so that the burst of lightning would smack her straight in the face.

But she knew it was a Genjutsu now. He had to act fast if he wanted its effects to be worthwhile, and as the false electricity assaulted her senses and interfered with her ability to properly control her shape, Satori’s hand lashed out. She was still semi-liquid. But that meant the damage would be lowered, not totally negated.

The powerful blow was aimed from below with a blast of chakra, aiming to send her flying backwards and give him a bit of room to work.

Information:

Riku twitched as she noticed a rock was now in the middle of her body. Before she could “spit it out” another volt of fake lightning hit her. Annoyed, she set her attention towards breaking the illusion. Satori's follow up attack did that for her, but it had the unfortunate side effect of sending her careening across the field. Riku let her body transform and relaxed so it wouldn't hold itself together the way it normally did.

Upon impact, the watery mass split in half, splattering in several directions. The water wriggled and pulled itself together, but didn't solidify. Rather it crawled away into the dense reeds surrounding the training ground for cover.

Only then did Riku solidify. She formed another water clone and handed it large handfuls of ground black pepper. Then, Riku melted once more until she was flattened against the ground, barely distinguishable from the shallow water that supported the reeds.

The clone peered through the reeds to see what Satori was up to and plot another attack.

Techs:

[19]

Satori released a visible breath of releif as the impact worked. He’d honestly not been certain about that one, it could have led to her attaching herself to him despite the situation of the Genjutsu and crawling all over him again. It had been risky, but it had paid off at least. Releasing a slow breath, Satori straightened as he watched her impact, separate, and “slither” off. He didn’t give chase and instead waited for a few moments to re-gather himself.

Her hydrification was based on her reaction time and chakra control. He barely had her beat in one of those categories, but if he wanted to evolve further he would need to go beyond that limitation. Taking a breath, Satori relaxed his body and shifted the flow of the arkhat chakra to instead pulse down through his arms and legs, and dispersing it.

Relaxing and remaining where he was, he would prepare to counter whatever was next. Satori had to shake the feeling of her trying to invade his body, as well. That was a relatively horrifying thought. He was glad she’d done it, glad she was pushing past her barriers and finally taking this seriously. But he also hated it. Without lightning techniques, it was an incredibly difficult technique to deal with as it nullified his physical damage so substantially.

He had options, but they would take time if he wanted to do it right. Relaxing his body, he waited. Watching patiently as his keen eyes distinguished the outline of Riku’s shape, but he didn’t act. Clones, water clones, substitutions, and turning into puddles to thread deceit was the way Riku did battle. He had no intention of lowering his guard.

Chakra: 164/210

The clone caught sight of Satori and titled its head. It was certain Satori knew their whereabouts, but he wasn’t approaching. So he was on guard then. That was fine.

From her puddle, Riku solidified her arms just enough to form another clone before sinking below the surface again. The first clone also transformed into water and began to sneak along the perimeter of the reeds. Riku followed a few meters behind, moving a bit more slowly.

The clone they left behind flipped through a few hand seals before spitting a deluge of water at Satori. It dissolved moments after the burst of water cut off, it dashed forward and stopped a few meters away, hands already blurring through seals.

Meanwhile, Riku and the first clone stuck to puddles as they crept closer.

The clone confronting Satori spit a glob of water directly at Satori’s face, giving Riku an idea.

While the second clone kept spitting water bullets, the first clone popped up from its puddle and shoved the pepper into its mouth, flying through hand seals as quickly as it could. It joined the second clone in spitting water bullets, only these were infused with ground black pepper. Though immune to poison, Riku knew Satori was still vulnerable to irritants.

She lie in wait, watching the battle from her own puddle.

[20]

Techs:

The clone--because that had to be what this was; Riku never charged in head on like that--dashed at him while barraging him with water blasts. Satori’s solution to this was relatively simple, he dodged. His body shifting as chakra flooded through his body, and his body began to blur and flow at high speeds allowing him to duck, dodge, flip and sway just out of the way of every blast that she fired at him.

His ear twitched as there was suddenly a barrage of blasts from a second clone, she was learning from him. Using the clones as front-liners to gain information and provide proper distractions. An extra burst of chakra flooded his body and allowed him to suddenly increase in speed, weaving to the side rapidly as his joints seemed to “flow” more than “snap” with mobility. Dancing around the barrage until he halted and went skidding to the side instead as his eyes lingered along the clones.

The first was nearly on her ass, struggling to even maintain its form due to the chakra it had expended in that barrage. The other seemed fine, but then he caught the scent of it. Diluted, thankfully, due to the fact it hadn’t landed a direct blow on him. Pepper was decorating parts of his limbs from where the water had splattered him with the near-misses his dodging had caused. It made his nose scrunch up. If that hit him in the face he’d have problems.

It was a good thing he hadn't lowered his guard. With this his eyes narrowed as he focused his senses on his surroundings. The real Riku was either back preparing another Genjutsu to fire at him, or sneaking up or around him in an attempt to ambush him with a physical attack.

Either way he needed to keep his focus keen. Thus far, there was no disturbances in his senses or chakra. No Genjutsu yet. Which meant for now ambush was likely.

Information:

Both clones collapsed into puddles to lie in wait while Riku emerged halfway from her own spot to shove chili powder into her mouth and flip through hand seals. Her cheeks bulged before she spat smaller water bullets at Satori. These chili infused bullets were aimed more carefully, targeting Satori's eyes and nose.

During the barrage, her clones changed positions and popped up to join Riku in spitting bullets of water at Satori, making dodging an even more difficult feat.

Riku suddenly dissolved, leaving her clones to target Satori while she thinned out until she was indistinguishable from the puddles her earlier techniques created. She slid across the ground in hopes of getting closer to her opponent. She need only get a good grasp or come close enough to spit chili powder in his face. That would provide enough distraction to trap him, or so she hoped.

One clone collapsed and didn't reform, but the other kept going. Riku swore mentally; she was running low on stamina.

[21]

Techs:

Satori was suddenly bombarded all over again, and this time his eyes narrowed. She had appeared and the barrage was serious this time; to the point of even driving the fatigued clone into water from the chakra exertion. He could possibly dodge most of them while taking damage from the rest, but frankly, he didn’t want to risk it. The pepper decorating his arms and legs proved she was lacing at least some of them with irritants that would be difficult for his nose to deal with.

So Satori took the safer option, and as the barrage came flying at him his movements halted. Instead chakra suddenly washed up through his chest as his hands formed the snake handseal and as the first few balls of water flew at him, a mass of chakra smashed into them. The shockwave sending the water exploding in droplets flying back at them as he used the enhancement technique to rapidly magnify the power of the shockwave.

Overwhelming the incoming attacks and sending the water scattering in all directions. He slowly lowered his hands afterward as the light scent of pepper, rain, and chilli pepper filled the area. It still irritated his nose, but it was nothing compared to what would have happened if he’d taken even one directly to the face. Satisfied, Satori shifted back to his defensive play, watching her carefully as his eyes narrowed.

Information:

The shockwave of chakra sent ripples through the clone’s body, but the clone held, if only just barely. The clone retreated into a puddle either way; they needed another approach.

Riku re-appeared and generated two more clones.

The clones immediately flipped through hand seals. The one nearest to Satori spat yet another Water Release: Bullet Technique at him, aiming for his chest this time. There was no point in rinsing his eyes and nose for him.

The latter clone aimed several bullets at his legs.

Riku took the time to slink closer while her clones weaved back and forth, aiming their water attacks at Satori. The instant he stepped close enough, she would be able to latch on. Moving this slowly was painfully tedious, but necessary to remain unnoticed.

Riku felt a wave of dizziness, which made the clones pause their assault briefly. Her chakra was low. Then, they collapsed. Even the clone in the puddle fell apart.

There was no more time for sneaking around. Riku rose from her hiding spot and charged Satori, using chakra to enhance her speed. She stopped right in front of him and lashed out with a liquefied arm, the bits of red and black floating in it let Satori know that Riku herself was spiked with irritants.

[22]

Techs:

The blasts of water were easy to avoid, but not because of their loss of power, but loss of amount. Riku’s chakra was rapidly depleting. The clones had deteriorated, and with that suddenly he heard the spark behind him as chakra exploded. With her water form. Slinging the limb at him full-force. The ambush added tremendously to her abilities, but it wasn’t enough to cover the gap that his Taijutsu offered him.

The burst of speed allowed him to rapidly backpedal out of range as the water slung forward, even ducking his body a bit so the residual droplets went flying over his head and past him. Some of it still splattered across his shirt, but it was mild. He barely caught the scent as he spun and lifted a leg to counter, intending to use the momentum of his own dodge to carry into a powerful kick at her center of mass.

But, right before he landed the blow he halted. Because with her last attack her body was floundering, Satori immediately halted and stepped forward instead to grab her by the waist that was half-liquifying and ease her down so she didn’t just splat against the floor.

“Well done, Riku-chan,” he murmured with a proud smile. The difference in her combat ability between the last time, and this time, were obvious. With her being prepared for his Genjutsu, he hadn’t been able to use it to force openings and had to rely on raw brute force for situations.

Essentially, he won only due to superior chakra and stamina, and his wider knowledge of techniques to grant him additional options. Nothing more. He was proud of her for that.

Information:

Riku's body was shaking, her face red. She barely had time to gasp for air when Satori was on the attack again, her middle started to soften, in preparation to liquefy, but he stopped.

At that moment, the blue haired girl realized how tired she was. Her body sagged the instant she relaxed, fortunately, Satori was there to catch her. Riku wavered between liquid and solid in his arms for a few seconds before relaxing. She reached up to grasp Satori's shirt, eyes half-lidded.

“I didn't want to rely on taijutsu too much because you're better at it, but my bloodline makes up for that a little, I think.” She wheezed. “Let's do this again sometime, but I want to train first.”

The blue haired genin panted quietly and let her head fall against Satori's chest. She had barely been able to keep up with the taller teen because she had neglected her taijutsu training. Even though it wasn't her main focus, Riku knew leaving herself so indefensible wasn't a good idea long term. Even as her eyelids grew heavier, Riku was already planning.

[23]

// Thread Exit.

Satori smiled softly as the young woman mumbled to him tiredly, wheezing from lack of chakra and physical exertion. Her comment that she wanted to do it again made his smile grow all the more. He didn’t bother responding, they both knew it was correct. Satori may have been ‘superior’ in Taijutsu, but that didn’t make him the superior ninja.

She had done marvelously, and with a bit more polishing she’d certainly evolve even further. Her bloodline was just as potent. She just had to get used to it.

With these thoughts, Satori lifted her up into his arms and got the minor bruising she’d sustained treated, before heading back to her home. Carefully cradling the small teen in his arms as his eyes examined the surroundings. It was a nice day. Maybe later he’d spoil her with her reward anyway.

A picnic sounded nice.

// Thread Exit.

Technique Learned: