A Clash of Blades and Minds (Oda, HE Event Thread)

Tonight's foray through the Emporium during the festival celebrating the birth of it’s creator was quite underway. Again the various lights from lanterns strung throughout the buildings created an etherial glow throughout the floating city and the sounds of people of all walks of life having fun and enjoying themselves could be heard everywhere. Tonight though Valen was at a park at the Emporium, enjoying a bit more of a peaceful experience. Although it was still lively enough. It was mostly people looking for a quiet venue to enjoy a date night here tonight although Valen wouldn’t actually know that or even know what any of that meant. Still the park was a nice enough place and it had nice scenery of its own with trees and flowers rising up from grass all around. Stone benches decorated the landscape giving ample places to sit and enjoy the floral view all around. However they were also situated quite strategically to face two rings in the center in the park. The first ring was ten meters wide and covered with packed dirt. The second ring surrounded the first and was fifty meters wide, also with packed dirt and not a spec of grass on the place.

The inner ring was a sparring arena for those who wanted a workout and didn’t mind an audience. The outer ring was a safety ring, spectators were supposed to stay out of it to ensure no harm came to them. Ninjutsu was allowed in the spars but only to a limited degree, given the Heavenly Emporium was an airborne city it was easy enough to understand the limitation. Any techniques used had to be confined within at least the safety ring. If one utilized techniques that expanded beyond that limit then consequences came to them swiftly. Doubly so if anyone was hurt, accident or not. Valen wore the same yukata he’d been wearing out the past few nights, keeping it clean and tidy. It was black silk with a red sash. Along the hem of the yukata was black satin, giving it a glossy, shimmery look to the it. The same satin was embroidered within the back of the yukata in the shape of the symbol of Kirigakure, displaying his allegiance to the village proudly. He moved through the area, people sparring in the arena with weapons of all types. They had to bring their own to this training ground, and most of the benches were full up. Valen himself was searching for an empty one he could sit at and thus far having no luck. His own katana was lined through his sash, allowing it to hold the sheathe easily enough. Curiously he looked about for an empty seat he could use to watch the spars.

[1]

Oda had been interested in expanding his knowledge and understanding for some time. Yet all the shinobi he came across so far in this world were hesitant or cruel. Neither of which was easy to learn from or teach. He had only lost his temper once however to the shinobi known as Chen. However as that had clearly been the mans goal Oda had let it go for the time being. Continuing to wander the emporium when he could venture from their lands in search of more. His sword and clans strength were great additions to his own power. But he had seen how chakra had been used more than once. His own katon chakra evident by the sheer heat he put off around him at all times. Being near Oda was like stepping in front of a furnace. In the mountains this had been beneficial and welcoming due to the ever present icy chill in the air and snow everywhere. He was a welcome sensation there. However here in the middle of summer even with the nice breeze from how high up they were, it was stifling to those around him. Making others uncomfortable after a bit and having to distance themselves.

Oda had opted to join this competition that opened with the festival. No actual ranking was being done so it was all friendly competition in spirit. Still Oda himself would come prepared. Yet others still doubted him based on his appearance. Oda was in his thirties but he still looked to be maybe sixteen due to his clans ability. His aging was slower by far than others. Some Hinode barely aged at all once they mastered the bloodline. It was said if one managed to fully master it their aging would never continue. That a Hinode could defy time itself as well as any other death. However his expression was different. Calm and a soft smile on his features with his hair spilling out around his face and shoulders like a wild mane. He was wearing white robes down to the white socks in white sandals. Over it however was a set of ebony armor. Shins, Forearms and breastplate. All of superior quality in traditional samurai style. However what truly drew the eye was his Odachi. A masterful weapon by its own right. By name it was called Fumetsu. Fumetsu is a 36 inch odachi of superior craftsmanship. The metal is stamped with the name of the sword inlaid in gold and the emerald green sharkshin tsukaito wraps around an inlaid iron symbol for the iron nation. The Tsuba is carved from bone, reinforced by the maker to be neigh indestructible. The Adamantine rare metal marking it as a product of Karas.

His first opponent was from a group of kids in hoodies. This kid had a large broadsword that stepped forward. Figuring Oda looked a couple of years younger than them they had assumed it would be an easy win. Some kid playing Samurai obviously. The kid in the hood and jeans would take his broadsword and yank it out of the sheath. Tossing it to the side as he grinned. Foolishly charging Oda with an overhead stance lacking any real talent or skill the kid would launch forward. However Oda only smile and waited patiently. Gripping his still sheathed weapon a moment and patiently waiting as he watched with calm pearl white eyes. A different shade of white than that of the rest of his eye so the iris still stood out. However at the last moment Oda would shift his weight. Before the kid could swing down Oda brought the hilt of Fumetsu forward harshly in a single thrust. The hilt smashing into the kids gut as Oda let him fall next to him and choke. Not hard enough to produce vomit but knocking the air out of him. He would speak openly after with a smile to those immediately around him.

"Please....trained fighters only. I don't have time to punish the hubris of children."

Still walking around the stone benches looking for a place to sit Valen would still idly watch the spar happening in the middle of the ring. It wouldn't lost particularly long in this regard as when a fighter who looked to be about the same age as himself charged at his opponent with a drawn broadsword he would swiftly be taken down. Valen would shake his head in moderate detachment at that. The guy with the broadsword had had no actual skill with a weapon. They had seemingly just thought they could fight the individual who looked younger than they were. Valen was well acquainted with the custom of 'don't just a book by it's cover.' Given his own small stature many mistook him for someone far younger although it was not the case. Still, the swordsman's words at the end would tempt Valen just a bit. He himself looked younger than the young man he had just pummeled so simply. The difference being that Valen actually knew how to somewhat utilize his weapon. Still for the moment the diminutive swordsman continued to hunt a seat as another individual moved into the ring to face off with the samurai.

Eventually thought Valen would simply give up and move to stand near the outter ring as was required. Of course unbeknownst to him he had moved into the line for fighters. He would fail to realize this given his general lack of observation at times. So he would appear to calmly get into line and wait for his turn. In reality he was simply there to watch. There were only a few fighters in the line and they all looked nervous. As if they would almost sooner not fight than even attempt the spar. At the moment though a larger man, hugely tall and well muscled was stepping into the arena with a large odachi. He seemed loud and boisterous and when he stepped into the ring he faced the swordsman with a sneer. "You say no children, but you yourself appear as that of one. What trick of the light is this tiny human?" He would yell out, his voice booming as he drew the use weapon. He was big enough that the piece of equipment looked almost normal sized in his hand. With a large cry the man would charge forward, swinging the odachi horizontally in a massive swing that made a huge 'swish' sound through the air as it moved.

Valen would watch from his vantage point, quiet observant in this regard. He still had no idea he was standing in the line of fighters. Although he did have his katana with him he had grabbed it mostly out of habit. Not because he had actually intended to fight with it. Besides the weapons people were fighting with all seemed to have superior quality to his own. He doubted his would be able to stand up to any of them. So he had no real intention to fight. He would simply stand and watch, his 5'1 height making everyone near him think of him as a child, especially since they couldn't see the hard scars of brands on his back. Or even the new own given to him by Sayuri in their first meeting. The fang marks were just covered up by the yukata he wore. Although even if they hadn't been he would not have minded. However it seemed the individual who measured him for this yukata had kept hiding his scars in mind for it appeared he had none. Unless he turned his inner wrist to be seen. He had one brand there that was visible, although it now bore a similar diagonal mark through it that the rest of them did, save his Queens, save Sayuri's.

[2]

Oda would watch with quiet pale eyes as a very large man carrying a sword similar to his own if not for a weaker design. His was certainly not crafted by a master. Nor a treasure of the Iron country. Yet this person would wield the sword that Odas clan held sacred. Oda would glance up at him a moment as he considered his options. He was a massive man by the look of him but the way he carried himself seemed slow. All that brawn and little brain or flexibility. People like him had their uses but against a trained swordsman? He seemed to work on building his muscles more than his skill. Oda was the opposite so it would be an interesting match. His body only just now beginning to reach his adult body needs. His own sword barely shorter than himself. His fingers would tap idly on the scabbard as he held it patiently. He would take a breath as the man spoke and forced himself to remain calm. It was a common misunderstanding in his life so it would do little good to lose his temper over it every time. Still he would answer the man.

"I assure you I am an adult. My appearance is simply deceiving. Please. Do your best."

The man would grunt in response before without warning he would swing the Odachi one handed in a downwards stroke. No warning about starting or anything. Yet Oda seemed to take note of it and shift to the side. Allowing the enemy weapon to pass in front of him and slam into the ground. The man would grin but grunt in surprise as Oda spun. His weapon still sheathed but held in both hands as it struck the side of the mans knee. He was a big man though so it wasn't enough to take him down. Oda would rise back up and hold out the sheathed weapon slightly above his head as if prepared for a downwards strike. Normally this was a dangerous stance as it left one vulnerable. However seeing as the man was considerably taller it actually was a good guard stance. He had evaluated the man and come up with a counter stance after witnessing a single blow. His pearl white eyes observing the man for the moment. No fear or hate in those eyes. Simply understanding and calculations. A samurai in nature.

The man would growl before beginning to swing down wildly. The sound of his weapon clacking against Odas own was noticeable. Yet the smaller man did not seem to be losing ground. Oda was being careful and switching to a defensive stance. His one hand one the hilt in a tight grip to keep from losing his weapon and his other flat on the back of his own sword. Or rather the sheath. His opponent was attacking with one hand while Oda was using two. Nor did he seem to absorb the blow directly but instead shifted his weight at the last second each time. Sending the force of the attack to one side or the other and dispersing it. It was clear the man was growing tired quickly. Yet Oda had not even begun to touch on his incredible stamina. Seeing his opponent so calm the large man would reach out and grab the defending sheathed weapon. Something that had he tried to do with the blade free would have cost him his fingers. Yet because of Odas reluctance to draw his blade he had Oda where he wanted him. And he was going to use that to his advantage.

Valen would watch as the overly large man with the overcompensating sword swung down at the armored man and have his strike dodged with contemptible ease. Then the armored man would strike at the man's knee, but it would not quite be strong enough to force him to fall. The large man would begin to strike downward with wild strikes and reckless abandon. However the smaller of the two would parry each blow with his sheathed blade. It was appearing as if he was not willing to draw the weapon. Valen would tilt his head to the side in curiosity as the man continued to fight like so. He was leaving himself open in a very obvious manner. Even Valen could see the truth of that and it become a reality as the large man reached out and grabbed the sheathed weapon, holding it fast. Valen nodded, this was over. As he thought that the large man would begin to swing down with bone crushing force toward the armored man. Should it connect the impact would cause some dirt and dust from the packed earth to explode upward form the force, hiding the two combatants from view.

Valen could not see what had happened, but the large man had more than likely just killed the smaller one. Or at least knocked him out. The dust and dirt would have to clear out of the air for them to truly be able to  see the results of the impact. However the larger of the two had been holding onto the smaller man's sheathed weapon and had clearly been able to overcome that strength before he had swung. That led Valen to believe he had won. Still, it was interesting enough to watch, that parrying style was something he was interested. He had not considered that one could redirect the force of the blow with your weapon to make all of the force behind it essentially useless. He would have to remember that in his own sword fights in the future. He would also have to watch out for it. Although people tended to not want to parry his attacks given that usually put them too close to fire for their comfort. Still, regardless of the assumed outcome of the fight Valen was not one to leave early until it was settled. So he would wait patiently for the particles to clear. Other individuals around him would shake their head and leave, moving away to sit and chat with others. That left Valen standing alone in the area where fighters waited for their turn.

[3]

The impact of the blow would be impressive indeed. For Oda it would be much stronger than his own might could deal with normally. Still he would at the last moment raise his off hand with the ebony bracer and utilize his breastplate at the same time to absorb the cutting edge of the blow. However his main hand would not leave the hilt of his sword. The impact would throw up dust and crack his bones as it dropped Oda to one knew and obscured vision. He could no longer see the mans face but he could sense what was going through his mind. He had felt the impact of his hit and knew it had crushed his opponent. He had heard the crack of bone and if the strange small man would even try to continue he wouldn't be able to long. Such an injury would be the end of virtually any sparring session. Sure of his success the man would begin to bark out laughter as he lifted his own weapon in one hand to rest on his shoulder. Going to heft up the new sword the man had brought with him. Only to come across something rather surprising.

When the large man lifted the sword it would still be gripped but with both hands by the swordsman. In that moment his cracked bones had healed on their own and there wasn't so much as a bruise left. Feeling the man pulling on his sword Oda had gripped it with both hands. The moment he was drawn eye level he would see the shock in the mans eyes. Oda would look at him with a smile before swinging his weight back before tucking them in and launching forward with both feet. Catching the man square in the face. That alone wouldn't be enough to do more than stagger him. But it was enough for him to release his hold on Odas sword. Oda would drop in the dust but he knew what to do. The mans balance was off so his footing was too. With two rapid low strikes as hard as he could Oda would smash his sheathed weapon into each of the giants ankles. Knocking them apart as the man began to drop into the splits. Quickly as the man fell Oda would spin and bring the length of his weapon in an upwards ark. Smashing into the giants dropping chin. At the height of its rise Oda would spin again and with two hands bring it across the center of the mans face. Breaking his nose.

As the dust cleared Oda would be seen casually holding his weapon in his right hand. Rolling the shoulder that had been cracked. It was healed already but it had hurt. Discomfort at least from a phantom pain. The man was unconscious on his back with blood running from his nose and mouth. A red mark across his nose and cheekbones and another under his chin quickly bruising. If one looked later they might find bruises on his knee and ankles too. However there wasn't a mark on Oda. An oddity considering. His pale eyes would take in their surroundings as he glanced around. Noting everyone but one had given up on him. He would smile to Valen and bow his head. As the medical team who had come for him gave each other glances as they carted the giant off instead. Even they were sure they would need immediate medical attention. However aside from a broken nose the giant would be fine. His brain had simply been rattled enough to knock him out.

Of course since Valen could not see into the smoke cloud he wouldn't actually be able to see what had gone on within it. Given his distance of at least forty meters to the inner circles he could not even really hear any dialogue between the two combatants. Much less the snapping of bone. So one could imagine the short statured individuals shock when the dust and smoke cleared to reveal the smaller samurai as the winner and not the large man that had been holding his sheathe in place during the swing. Medics would come forward and get him loaded up on the cart. He was out cold, completely clean clocked by whatever the hell had hit him and they would need to treat him for what appeared to be a broken nose. However other than that he would appear to be fine. The armored individual would give Valen himself a smile and a nod and Valen would point at himself stupidly. Then look around before realizing no one else was around to take up the challenge. Looking at the men and women who had been lined up to take part in the fighting he would frown disapprovingly.

Not one of them had informed him that he had been standing in the fighters area. They had also backed off the moment they thought victory was assured and now they looked at the armored man with trepidation before looking toward Valen and nodding him forward. Valen would spit to the side, saying the word "Cowards" before turning and walking onto the field. They had been there before him. By all rights they should have gone in an orderly manner to fight rather than this but he could do nothing about everyone but him, the last in line, deciding to back out after seeing what had occurred. So he strode out. He had not actually wanted to fight, just watch and try to enjoy himself at the festival. However he always loved a fight, loved the thrill of the contest and competition. He did not care if he won or lost, he just loved the challenge of overcoming an opponent hell bent on winning. He slowly felt that hunger for a challenge start to rise as he moved into the overly large man's previous starting position. His katana loosened in it's sheathe to allow for an immediate and quick draw.

His opponent was actually not much taller than him, which was a switch given Valen's stature of 5'1. A direction result of malnutrion when he was growing up. Although he never really considered it or cared. It did however mean they had a relatively similar center of gravity. It also meant Valen wouldn't been to try to swing very high to hit the man anywhere in particular. Tilting his head curious as he stood about eight meters from his opponent Valen would speak. "I had not actually intended to fight today. However since all other potential combatants have decided to be cowards. I will give you an opponent. I am still fairly new to the sword though." He would say, his voice relatively quiet although he had modulated it enough to carry. He had been told he was talented with it and he practiced with his comrades in the Nightmare Brigade every day. That did not mean he was up to the level of a dedicated swordsman yet. His hand would drop to the hilt of his sword and he would keep his eye on Oda, prepared for any attack that might come. "My name is Valen. Please try not to damage my yukata, I rather like it. I am ready." He would say, giving the man the verbal signal that he was prepared. Oda himself could give a similar signal or simply come and attack him when he was. It was dependent on which he would rather do himself. Either way, Valen would wait for the man to be prepared before attacking. This wasn't true combat, just some minor sparring in a fixed ring.

[4]

Oda would quietly watch the boy with a smile. He was young but his aura...Pale eyes would watch him quietly and calmly with a smile. This one held himself different. A cold confidence. Perhaps it was in his skills or simply his will to fight. It was hard to tell really. A part of Oda ached. It told him not to play around with this one. To draw his blade and let his true spirit free. However he would quell those fires. A samurai drew his blade in duty and had to be prepared to kill if he did. At least that was his way. His Bushido. Still the young man would call the others cowards and Oda would let his eyebrows raise before glancing to those around them. Competitors but certainly not soldiers. They did not stand with experience as Valen and Oda did. They had lost confidence in their skills when the largest athlete among them fell to the smaller samurai.  He would see how they did not meet his eyes and abandoned their pride. Yet when he glanced back to Valen he saw no fear there. Only calm and cold. Something inside him broke at some point and he lost himself to it...that could be seen in the eyes. Still Oda would smile and speak to the young man.

"An honor to meet you Valen. I am lord Hinode Oda. Of the Hinode clan. I will remember your name shinobi so do try and remember mine. My sword remains sheathed though as I do not seek to end your life. Still I would utilize...what is it you ninja call it? Ahh yes. The chakra flow technique. It should increase your weapons endurance to withstand even a clash with my sheathed weapon easily. I assume you know it....It would be surprising if you didn't."

Oda would smile warmly before taking a breath before calming himself. Heat began to flow from him as the ten meters around him would grow to sweltering temperatures. The katon element bonded with the man referred to as Iron countries Ifrit. Still no actual fire or damaging levels of heat actually emerged. Simply discomfort for most people. A dry mouth perhaps. His feet would spread as he adopted the Kendo stance. Both hands gripping the hilt of his sheathed Odachi. Holding it in front of him with the tip pointed forward. His pale eyes watching Valen with a smile that matched them on his face. He was happy for the competition it seemed. Simply seeking to learn by fighting someone with experience in comparison to the average competitors around them. Still something was off. Not so much as a request or a worried glance to the mans blade to keep it sheathed. He did not fear the edge of that sword. Perhaps it was the armor or simply confidence in his own swordsmanship. Either way he didn't seem to pay it nearly enough mind.

Oda would suddenly dash forward after a moment. His opponent had set himself into a draw stance and yet Oda was using an overhead charge. It was clearly a poor choice to make as it left his midsection open. Yet he didn't seem to mind. Instead his stance was designed more with one thing in mind. His weapon was considerably longer. So he would watch and wait for the moment when it presented itself. Abandoning defense entirely as he would attack within the range of his own weapon the moment Valen was within its range with a heavy downwards swing. Aiming high so if Valen waited too long to draw expecting Oda to get closer it would prove difficult to bring his own weapon up from his waist to his head fast enough. His eyes however watched Valens feet. Prepared to swing early if he stepped forward. With the range of his weapon that was the vital spot to watch so he could attempt to maintain that distance in the attack. Or see which was he moved immediately if he shifted to dodge it instead of parrying it.



Using Kendo - no activation cost

The man spoke politely, even giving him advice on how to not cause his sword to shatter during their spar. He would apparently keep his blade housed safely within it's sheathe but advised him to use the chakra flow technique regardless in order to prevent his from being broken in the ensuing spar. He would also introduce himself and implore Valen to not forget his name. The shorter man did not really understand how he would supposed to forget a name that was all of three letters long. However he would not comment on it. He had never heard of this 'Clan Hinode' but it should not be that difficult to remember either. Valen would give the man a man of acknowledgement to his words as he waited for the man to begin. The red eyed genin would note the relative reach of both of them and note that as usual he himself was the shorter. That meant he had a disadvantage in terms of how far away he could attack from than his opponent. Who could essentially attack him from outside of Valen's own attack range. However there were ways one could mitigate that disadvantage.

The shorter genin's own chakra would flare in response to Oda's. He too was a fire user although his ninjutsu was lacking. He could engulf his blade in fire however and as he awaited Oda's attack he would draw his katana and do exactly that. The blade would burst into fire. The flames licking the metal of the blade and causing a faint haze of heat around it as he held it ready. He was a simple fighter, quick, vicious, and brutal. So this spar would be interesting. Although the armor his opponent wore made it likely that Valen would be unable to damage him. It essentially meant this spar would be utterly pointless for him. He wouldn't be able to win in it and that somewhat annoyed him. He would have to increase his own physical capabilities soon or he would continue to be put into contests he couldn't win against.

Oda would finally make his charge, Valen watching him closely and letting him get closer. He came at him with an overhead swing, a basic strike that left ones abdomen open for attack. However that area was armored and attacking it would leave Valen open to counter attack. As the taller man charged the shorter of them began to consider something. Did he have a win condition after all? If he happened to be the stronger of the two, perhaps he could disarm his fellow swordsman and toss his blade out of the ring. That would require him to fight without it, or forfeit the fight to retrieve it. It was possible, if unlikely. Still he would wait for Oda's attack. Swinging for the midsection would not win him this spar. However one of the ways to fight against an opponent with a longer weapon was to get inside of it. Longer weapons gave more reach, but were also more difficult to handle when someone got inside of your effective swing range. They robbed you of your ability to put power into the swing and suddenly the weapon that gave you such lovely advantages in the reach department became a liability.

As Oda reached his attack range, that is to say, Oda's, not Valens. As the man smartly swung before he came within reach of Valen's own weapon. The longer, sheathed weapon, would come down for Valen. However his own sword would come out as well and parry the blade aside. Their speeds were equal and the smaller swordsman angled his blade to knocked the samurai's weapon aside at an angle, effectively reversing the overhead strikes momentum and forcing it back at an angle that would hopefully, knock the man off balance. Then Valen would move to step into the man's reach, moving with him if necessary as he closed the distance to try to rob him of his ability to make the best use of the sheathed weapon. As he did so he would give a swing of his own while his opponents weapon was unbalanced. The swing would be aimed at the opponents chest with all of his force behind it. The intent to test the durability of the armor he wore. As well as the strength of the man's footing. Armor might protect one from damage, but it did not negate the force behind a blow.

Using Kendo
Using Chakra Flow (Fire)
Neither has an activation.

Strength becomes C+
Coordination becomes B.

[5]

Oda would watch the speed of the other mans draw as he chose to parry instead of attempt a dodge. It was impressive that he could bring his weapon up in time but the stance was rather obvious. Oda would smile as heat began to fill his eyes. This one was fast and already he was on the offensive. A quick parry to suffer Oda the weakness of his stance. Which was the ease at which it exposed the wielder to a counter attack. Of course knew this when he chose it. He wanted to see how the man would deal with such a basic attack. It offered a lot of power by forgoing defense. Still those pearl white eyes didn't show surprise or fear. They matched a toothy smile filled with excitement. This was better than brute strength or ignorance. This was the instinct called survival. Spotting the opportunity and clawing for it quickly. He had wanted to see if this one would hesitate but that worry had been silly now in retrospect. This was an actual fight for Oda now but not because his weapon was sheathed. Simply because this was already a test of skill. How exciting.

His pearl white eyes noticed Valen shift and he would shift as well. Letting the shock of the momentum and pushing off from the ground as hard as he could Oda would be thrown backwards. Careful to drop and roll back instead of allowing himself to fly too far. Valen moved with him step by step but Oda did not seem to worry over losing ground. Having shifted back about one meter he had ground to keep from his initial charge. However his weapon never stopped its rotation with him. The tip of it flying straight up from a difficult position from below. Valen was small and likely had spent his life fighting people taller than him. This attack was focused on his sword arm to attempt to slam into it with force and negate the next blow sure to be coming for him after the attack on his torso missed. It was also aimed so if only the arm moved it would follow through to hit the kid in the chest. With considerable momentum behind it at B rank coordination with Kendo. However oda had only aimed to do that jab with one hand this time. A samurai was more than just his sword.

Oda had learned to target three things when fighting. First was the body. It was the easiest and most basic lesson to learn. The body was a lot of space to target and defend. It was usually covered in armor because of how vulnerable it was and the vitals were almost all there. Second was the weapon. A disarmed opponent be it either losing the weapon or having it broken was usually a beaten one. However the last was to target the limbs. The sword arm or forward leg. Attack these spots and you weakened your opponent's ability to retaliate or give chase. So his right fist went out to back hand the side of valens forward knee with ebony bracers as hard as he could. Managing to attack the sword hand and forward leg simultaneously.



maintaining kendo

As Valen's strike parried the blade it would be knocked back on his planned trajectory. However his opponent was not one to sit and wait for an incoming strike. Rather than try to fight the pull of the weapons force now that it was working against him. Oda moved with it and moved back, dropping into a backwards roll as he moved. He was careful to keep his sword from causing an unfortunate catching upon the ground. Valen of course would follow him, and while the original plan had been to swing toward the chest. That was quite obviously a scenario he could not succeed at while the man was rolling upon the ground. So instead the smaller fire user would wait until he was ready to swing. When Oda was coming up from the roll and at his weakest due to him having no particular space to swing his katana.

However that assumption would be incorrect. As when Oda came out of the roll his katana struck upward in a thrust toward Valen's sword arm at the same time his plated arm swung out to swing into Valen's forward knee, working to take the shorter swordsman out of the fight. So instead of swinging his weapon to strike at the man instead, with the speed of blade given to him by Kendo, he would angle the blade down and catch both attacks with the blade. The tip of the sheathed katana being redirection by Valen's own weapon near the guard and the fist, covered in a bracer of black metal, would stop fast against the blade itself. The force of neither blow being enough to break through Valen's own counter force. With that done the shorter swordsman would disengage both the fist and the sheathed sword and step back and to the side. Clearing some space for the man to stand fully and getting himself out of the enclosed corner where he was likely to be pushed back out of the ring.

Should space successfully be made he would speak "Earlier you did not know what to refer to the chakra flow technique. You said 'What is it you ninja call it?' Does that not make you a shinobi?" He would ask idly, keeping his eyes on Oda as he spoke. A fight wasn't usually the kind of place one had a conversation. However since this was a spar it could be done so long as one was not foolish enough to not be paying attention. Besides he was curious about the man. He'd only ever met shinobi, pirates, or regular civilians. However his opponent wasn't a pirate, a pirate wouldn't wear heavy armor due to the weight in the water. He certainly was not a simple civilian. Which was why Valen had categorized him as a shinobi. However his was of speaking of them indicated he was not one.

[6]

Maintaining Kendo

Odas eyes would widen in surprise as his counter attack was blocked in one swing. And expert parry from someone who was surely not a master swordsman. Perhaps it was just instincts....Still both of Odas surprise counter attacks were nullified entirely. The flaming weapon deflected harmlessly off his scabbard and his arm guard. Though the flame itself still caught Odas sleeve aflame. Still as Valen created distance Oda would tilt his head and allow it without fear of pursuit. However he seemed to be acting oddly for someone with flames slowly building up his sleeve. His pale eyes watched the young man with open curiosity as he burned slowly. The flames themselves didn't seem to hurt him as they should though. Barely burning him in the slightest. Still he wasn't oblivious to it, he simply didn't seem to care. After a moment he would reach up with his free hand and tear it off at the shoulder to burn off to the side. His pale eyes never leaving valens as the ever so slight burns on his arm faded as if they were never there. His arm blackened here and there but entirely unharmed by the look of it as was his armor.

There was excitement in those eyes now. Most back home were either well beyond his skill or far below it. Either way he gained little by training with them. Those near his level likely held back too much out of respect for his status....and how the Shogun consulted with him. The boy had backed up and let the flames die off his blade. Sheathing it for a moment as he stopped. Oda had expected the young man to continue to try and close the distance between them. He expected him to attempt to stay within the range of his Odachi. However in two moves this one had retreated and considered his options. Perhaps his attacks were on instinct...but that instinct was sharp. So Oda would listen as the young man spoke. He was curious about something that would make Oda blink before shouldering his weapon in a heavy strike stance. This time he would see if the young man would attack his defenses. How did he do on the offensive first step? He had seen Oda and how he danced with his sword. Aside from his stance though he would laugh warmly before replying to him. His voice warm with humor.

"Ahh Valen, how I forget that the shinobi know little of the Samurai. They know us only as warriors outside their culture. Our focus is on the weapon and body arts. Honing our skills and our bodies. I have not yet seen any Samurai break from that despite the shinobi world around us. We on the other hand know the Shinobi. After the village hidden in the mist slaughtered our people for greed not one person in our land does not know the word Shinobi. Most only speak it as a word filled with venom and hate.  However I know those responsible for the attack are all dead. So instead I seek to have an open mind and understand more of the Shinobi culture....and knowledge."

Maintaining kendo

Valen would watch as the burns upon the man's skin were healed before his eyes. Seemingly without effort on Oda’s part. Idly he would rest the palm of his hand on the pommel of his katana as he spoke. The now sheathed weapon ready to be drawn at a moment's notice should it be necessary. This was purely to be able to defend himself should Oda decide to go on the offensive again. The shorter individual would be seven meters away from the armor clad samurai as he spoke and the taller man would listen, his larger blade slung upon a shoulder in a stance meant for heavy swings and great power. Still, if Valen were to judge based on their earlier exchange he should definitely be able to match that power. Perhaps even one handed, although he was not quite sure of that yet.

In response to Valen’s question the man would laugh. Not at the red eyed swordsman however. It was a warm, inviting laugh that made one want to laugh with him. Although Valen would do no such thing. Instead his eyes would be on the opponent and watching him carefully, ready to defend or counter as required. The samurai would speak, telling a bit of the samurai and of the slaughter of their people. His own personally open mindedness now that those responsible for the attack are dead and his desire to understand more of the shinobi culture and knowledge. Still, Valen would be mildly confused. “But what makes a shinobi and a samurai different? We both focus on fighting and utilizing our bodies and honing our skills. Why a different word for what seems to be the same thing?” He would ask, his head tilted to the side in confusion.

The young man would not make any outward move to attack yet. Instead more than willing to talk and there was no one else waiting to fight. As it stood people either sat on the stone benches or stood around the safety perimeter watching and listening but none of them really tried to push them into fighting. Warriors spoke to one another all of the time and a lull in the spar did not mean truly. Besides, no one else wanted to fight so Valen and Oda were free to use the ring for what they wished since they were sparring. Even if they did pause to converse.

[7]

Oda would take pause. After the initial confrontation the young man did not seem to wish to immediately engage again. For a moment Oda would consider if this was just a shinobi tactic. Something to stall for time to build up a power of some kind or to distract him. Perhaps that was the case but for the time being Oda would not share his suspicions. Instead he would tilt his head and listen. This one seemed curious at least of the Samurai way. It would be difficult however for him to adopt it if that were something he focused on. Having been raised around shinobi the Samurai way was something very few could grasp. Still Oda would release his Kendo stance. Lowering his weapon to his side as he held it by the center of it. The heat lowering as it expanded from his form to a more comfortable degree. If this one wished for him to lower his guard than so be it. He would let the trap spring. Yet those pale eyes didn't seem to lower their guard. They watched as Oda would speak in return. Usually he would have this conversation over tea. But alas there was no tea here. Not in a fighting ring.

"I think the simplest terms would be to essentially call it a difference in religion. The shinobi does seek to gain power and improve themselves but more often than not only for themselves. Some have a code but it can be shaken and they rarely feel the weight of their resolve being broken. The Samurai however all follow something called the Bushido code. Honor and valor are the pinnacles of our society. We strive to live our best lives for ourselves and those around us. Vassals to the lord shogun is part of that honor. Every day we strive to be greater. To be worthy. To some the Bushido code means something different but the basis of it is to live with honor. From the time we rise to the moment we close our eyes to sleep we must give our all to anything we do. If our honor is lost than we ourselves are lost. It is the major reason that I have not drawn my blade today. For myself if I draw my blade I must be prepared to take a life. I would not suffer the innocent this fate. So my blade remains sheathed even now against suc speed and precision as yours. It is not as if I doubt your skills or ability to fight me without reserve....it is because I have no desire to cut you down."

Valen would listen to the 'Samurai' as he spoke, his head almost perpetually tilted to the side as he considered the man's words. Valen did not know what 'Honor' was, or 'Valor' for that matter. Those two terms seemed to be crux of what Oda was saying because if the difference between 'Shinobi' and 'Samurai' was this 'Bushido Code' and 'Honor' and 'Valor' were what made up that code. Then he himself could not understand what this man was saying beyond that it was what was different between them. Remembering seeing that man heal from a burn before his very eyes the shorter swordsman would continue to meet Oda's eyes as he considered his next words. That had been an interesting ability and he wondered if it was something that was teachable. "Does this 'Bushido Code' allow you to heal from wounds right after they are suffered? Because that was kind of neat." He would ask, his tone innocent and rather naïve. Valen was of course viciously uneducated in many ways and one of the most prominent ones was a severe lack of critical thinking skills or the ability to draw proper conclusions from information he had seen himself.

Resting his hand on the pommel of his katana as he considered what Oda had said and not wanting to insult the man's 'religion' Valen would have very little choice but to ask the question he needed to ask. Or at least make the statement known. If Oda wanted to educate him he could but Valen did not want the man to think he was understanding what he was saying. Doing that had gotten him in trouble before and he really wanted to avoid that this time. "I don't know what honor or valor means.." He would say simply, his eyes becoming sad for a moment as he spoke to try to make the man understand that he did not want to have wasted the man's explanation. After all it was not Oda's fault that Valen was an idiot. At least that's what he was usually told when he had to make such statement. Except for by Sero, who simply answered his questions in stride without comment or care. As well as Sayuri, who always answered his stupid questions to help him understand things due to the deal they had that put him in her hands.

"Given how you heal from anything I can do I fail to see a 'win' condition in this spar. Are we just swinging away for the fun of it then? If so, mind if I try to practice a technique on you? I could really use a live target who can tell me what they see from their perspective and it doesn't seem I can cause you lasting harm anyway." He would ask, his head tilting to the other side as he asked, his red eyes curious. He was not simply going to swing and attack, he was instead asking the taller man if he could actually practice a technique on him. Normally this would not happen, as Valen was fairly vicious in combat in most situations as he loved the competition of the fight. The strain to be victorious over an opponent and he would do anything to gain that victory. To win the competition and prove himself the better fighter. Of course there was more too it than that. Fighting always got his blood pumping. Still, the idea of loving competition implied an actual chance at winning. Which Valen did not have here. As such he was significantly less vicious about things. So far as he was concerned. Oda was the perfect individual to test this technique on as Valen could not hurt him, and Oda could proceed to tell Valen what he saw afterward so that Valen could see if the concept worked. He was also an interesting Samurai who seemed to heal from wounds right before opponents eyes and didn't seem to mind talking.

[8]

Oda would plant the tip of the sheathed sword in front of him into the grounds and hold it there like a pillar calmly with both hands on the hilt. One over the other as pearl white eyes took the small man in. He was a curious one as his education seemed to be lacking but his instincts drove him well. Perhaps he had simply grown near fighting and that was simply the majority of what he knew. Those flames were quiet but as intense as any Oda supposed. Oda didn't seem interested in attacking a speaking opponent and had dropped Kendo entirely for the moment. A warm smile on his face even as the young Valen mentioned he didn't know a couple of words. Oda had thought them common but he supposed in other cultures the words wouldn't hold much meaning. His fingers would tap the hilt of his weapon idly a couple of times as he thought of an answer. Contemplating on how to explain it without sounding condescending. Not many were paying attention now that they had stopped fighting. Still he wanted to give the best answer to help the young man understand. Finally he would speak in return.

"Honor is always sticking to the path of what's morally right. To do the right thing even when it isn't the easy thing. To hold to an ideal and never sway. Valor is the courage to protect it. To stand and stand again against those who would do morally wrong. Who would tear it all down and can do so. If there is an enemy threatening the innocent before me, this my honor will not allow me to ignore....and my valor will push me through the fight even if fear grips me."

That sounded suitable enough for an explanation. At least a short one as this was more of a lifelong belief and practice. The Bushido code was a way of life and one not for the weak of heart. Still Oda would take a breath as this one mentioned wishing to practice a new technique. Pearl white eyes would take him in as he had skipped the earlier part of his questions earlier. This one was eager it seemed. Still to simply openly agree to be experimented on was arrogant. A part of him wished to deny him this. To protect himself just in case. Pride was the downfall of many Samurai. However Oda was fairly confident in his own survivability. He would consider it a moment longer still before replying calmly.

"Very well. I will let you attempt it against me...in return if it is what you intended and a sword technique...I would have you teach it to me. As for my healing. You are perceptive. However it is not part of the Bushido code. It is a talent of mine that I can not explain more in depth. When you are ready shinobi. Come at me with this new technique of yours. We will see if I am prepared. Together. Of course I will advise you ensure it only targets me. If I see anything that may endanger onlookers I will draw my sword and fight without a handicap. Is that understood?"

Valen would listen to the man's words, carefully, quietly, his red eyed gaze never leaving the man and he would try to understand. However it just would not come. He did not understand this ‘honor’ or ‘valor’. He considered it for a time, red eyes never leaving his opponent, head tilted to the side as he thought. The way he figured it, ‘honor’ was dependent on what was ‘morally’ right and ‘valor’ was dependent on being willing to defend that honor. Therefore defending what was ‘morally right’. However Valen did not know what was morally right. He did not know how that was decided or how to learn it. That made the entire thing much more difficult for him and he opened his mouth to say as such. “I’m afraid I still do not understand. What is ‘morally right’? What decides it? How does one learn it?” He would ask, his eyes curious.

Still, when it came time to ask if he could practice his technique he was granted permission to try to practice the technique and in return if it worked and it was a sword technique he wanted the smaller shinobi to teach it to him. This would cause Valen to blink in surprise. He had never taught anyone anything before. He was mildly disappointed to learn that the strange healing of the man was not a part of this ‘bushido code’. However that was neither here nor there. The point was that he was able to practice the technique. Although the part of teaching it to the man was uncomfortable, how did one teach someone? “I will try to teach it to you, however I’ve never taught anyone anything before. I suppose I’ll explain the concept to you as I do it.” He would say, his red eyes blinking as he dropped into a kenjutsu stance once more. He drew his weapon, fire licking the blade as it was once more engulfed. As he did he began to expel chakra, fire chakra to be more specific. It radiated off of him, heat waves forming in the air around the young man as he spoke, explaining the concept. “See the idea is to expel fire chakra from your body to produce heat waves that radiate out.” He would begin to say before moving forward to slash at the opponent. The technique, which would indeed be performed correctly. Would make Valen appear further away than he really was. More specifically, it would make him appear to be five meters back to those not perceptive enough (B rank or higher perception). The idea of course being to mislead the opponent as to the timing of the attack.

Five meters was after all a long distance for a swordsman and the idea of kenjutsu had been to react as unpredictably and with as little time as possible. At least it always had been to Valen. So when he appeared to be five meters back to the senses of those he was fighting they would hopefully not react at all before he swung his weapon at them. Should this work, he would swing his sword at Oda when he was within a solid range to strike him, aiming for the breastplate to prevent overly damaging the man despite his regenerative capabilities. He did not want to find out if there was a limit to that when it was only supposed to be a simple test in a spar. The swing would appear to be from five meters away from the man, as if he was preparing for some sort of ranged slash attack. Given his earlier words it would not at all be surprising for the man to assume that he had been preparing for some sort of distanced fire slash. Given that he had talked about fire chakra and had engulfed his sword in fire.

Should the strike land Valen would immediately back off, moving at his best speed to get distance. That strike might force a surprise reflex reaction from the man and Valen would be ready to knock the strike aside if it came. Mostly he was just trying to disengage after testing the technique. The whole point of the test was to get the reaction from Oda. To see if the technique had worked at all. It would depend on what Oda saw from his point of view and for him to give that he would need to be able to speak without the fear of prolonged combat. So Valen disengaged once more to allow the man to speak, his flames once more extinguished from his weapon although he would not sheath it this time. Once he had opened the distance back up he would tilt his head to the side before speaking. “If done properly, it should have made me appear a bit further back than I really was. A visual illusion due to the heat haze surrounding me. Did it work?” He would ask, both explaining the last of the technique and asking the million ryo question at the same time.

[9]

Stuff:

[Claiming up up to this point, not turning this into a flashback or anything but I wanna grab C class for another topic and this topic will knock him up there. Resetting post counter for myself next post]

Oda would listen and nod as the young man attempted to explain it to him. It was a technique that pushed katon chakra outwards? He could focus his katon chakra into his sword but Oda wasn't certain he could actually expel it out of himself. Than again he couldn't contain the radiating katon chakra as it was. The heat the pushed off of him naturally was a base for this technique it seemed. Only infused with chakra it would seem Valen had expelled the heat out to create a bit of a haze. Like an illusion of waves between them. Oda would tilt his head but it didn't appear as if he was preparing to defend. Just holding his Odachi with the sheathed tip planted to the ground in one hand and the other hand loose to his side. His pale eyes would look at Valen. Watching with a pleased smile as the young man practiced his technique. Its effect was difficult to ascertain from just this much but he was certain its secrets would be revealed shortly. The topic of morality was one he would put aside for now as he was more interested in the technique itself. Wishing to see something new in a fight.

From Odas perspective it seemed odd. It was as if Valen drew his flaming sword and his movements were...difficult to see. As if ascertaining his exact position was difficult with the naked eye. Yet when he swung Oda didn't move just yet. Instead he took the attack head on to his chest plate. Surprise filled his eyes as a line of his coat caught fire. Still his hand reached out the moment he felt the hit. Slamming forward to grasp at where Valens face would have been. Falling just short as Valen created some distance. His pale eyes glancing to his empty hand a moment before using it to pat out his coat. He would need to change clothes it seemed after this. Yet something else was off. Despite the burns healing already Valen had struck him with all his strength. Yet Oda who had been barely on par with his weapon didn't seem to budge. It was as if the attack and Odas passive ability to take a hit had equalled out. The truth was Oda had a special ability that negated a tier of damage from and physical attack. A unique ability but one he had all the same.

He would raise his hand to his chin and stroke it as Valen spoke again. Not seemingly perturbed by the technique but certainly interested in it. Valen would explain it with a surprising amount of intelligence despite the difficulty understanding earlier. In return Oda would nod before responding to the young man.

"Indeed that was what I saw. Certainly an effective technique. I would likely have to utilize my ability to sense your chakra in order to hope to counter it. Even then it would be difficult. Does it take a large amount of energy to create or maintain?"

His strike landed successfully and based on the surprise in the man's eyes it had come as a complete shock that the attack landed when it did. That was promising to the shorter swordsman as he created his distance and when they were apart again and he explained and asked his question Oda would indeed confirm that his technique had worked as he had intended. Nodding to himself as he held his katana he would respond to the man's question, his eyes looking up thoughtfully as he considered how much chakra the technique had used. "It doesn't work if you try to maintain it I think. The cost for it is roughly the same as what it would take to use a B rank kenjutsu technique." He would say his eyes meeting the pale eyed man's again after his consideration. He had noticed during his practice with weapon play that Kenjutsu techniques seemed to cost less for jutsu that were of similar rank to their ninjutsu counterparts. So his estimation had included that difference. Which should tell Oda that the technique cost as much as a C rank ninjutsu normally.

With that done he would consider the man's other words. That technique indeed would have been countered by anyone who had a way to tell there was chakra obscuring his locale. That would allow him to know his opponent had such capabilities if they could see through it. Provided he was ready for them to have that ability and was prepared to counter it in time. Those without it would have a difficult time of dealing with it if their own perceptive capabilities were not high enough. Of course that did mean that he would have to find a way to know that those who saw through it did so with their natural perception ability or utilized a method to know where chakra was. However for now, this was a good step. Nodding toward Oda to tell him that he was done considering, provided of course that the man was considerate enough to let him. Which he might not be, they were in the middle of a spar after all and it would be woefully unreasonable to expect the man to humour him any longer. The diminutive swordsman would ready his weapon, taking up the Kendo stance once and igniting his weapon. His red eyes would look toward the man before him before he spoke. "Provided you are prepared however, we can get back to the spar now." He would say simply, his stance perfect and patiently waiting for Oda to be prepared. He had after all let him test a new technique on him. He could let him get ready first before he started swinging at him.

[1]

Oda would listen a moment before he would nod and brush off some ash from his outfit. He didn't like that he would need to change clothes after this but he supposed it was to be expected. Maybe some fire resistant clothing could be useful in the future. Still pale eyes would shift to the young man as he mentioned some sort of lettered rank. Oda had to consider it a moment before he recalled the shinobi measured somethings power this way. He himself had only ever practiced the sword play and left the jutsu practice to others. He had never had a need for anything more. He outlived his stronger opponents without concern for his mortality in almost every situation. Still he would shoulder that thought for later. For now the fact that the technique couldn't be maintained was interesting for a sword technique. Most of them revolved around stances of some sort or the simple inclusion of chakra along the blade in some form. Such as the fire along the young mans blade. Still it was useful and he would share what he learned with Kiyoko later. He hoped she would have greater understanding of it than he did.

Still Valen would mention they could continue if Oda was ready and he would smile. The young man was kinder than he might wish others to believe. Still Oda would take a breath and focus himself. It was time to use the attunement on his weapon. His grip tightened as he had purposefully not been using it before. Besides that something was hidden with the blade sheathed as it was. The blade itself began to flicker ever so slightly with blue flames within the sheath. He had a theory for sometimes focusing katon chakra into his breathing techniques. He would let those eyes flash just for a moment in red as he took his Kendo stance. Blinking the red away as he had not drawn his sword. These flames and the blade would not cut down his opponent today. Still he was getting excited. It was time to truly begin to train his breathing techniques. For now he held the katon breath and rushed forward again. This time with two hands Oda would swing from Valens left with a clear attack. However if Valen attempted to parry this or block it he would find it more difficult. Since now Oda was swinging with C++ strength. (1 tier for the sword and a ++ for the jutsu ) at the same coordination as Valen. The blow would be more than twice as heavy as the previously easily parried techniques from before. Oda was pushing Valen now.

Stuff:

When he asked if he was ready to continue the taller man would smile before taking his weapon into a two handed grip and taking a deep breath. He fell back into the Kendo stance and Valen prepared himself for what may come. He thought he could see a flicker of a bluish fire contained within the sheathe itself and red glow emanate from Oda's eyes before it faded and the man came at him. He charged at him with the weapon and swung, hard, Valen could already tell the difference simply by how it cut through the wind different. The very sound it made as it moved was 'more' as the blade swung through with surprising force toward his head from the left. Valen would be ready for the attack however and when the weapon came close enough, his own sword would strike up heavily and move to slam into the blade, his own Kendo stance helping his speed and the fire of his katana licking along the blade of his weapon. The strike would have all of his force behind it and the blow would be aimed to send the opponents katana straight up abruptly. Should that succeed the blade would clear Valen's hair by the barest in inches and Oda, with his momentum pushed fully into the attack would be hard pressed to stop Valen's own counterattack.

The diminutive swordsman's blade would flash out, aiming for Oda's sword hand, however not because he was aiming to injure the opponent. He was trying to force the man's swing to be forcefully continued in order to overextend his opponents guard. Should he attempt to slow his own swing after it had been deflected then Valen's would surely manage to catch up to it. Of course that did assume the deflection and the secondary strike struck at all. Once that strike had been made the red eyed swordsman would use the force of the impact if successful and strike back, bringing his katana down in a flashing strike across the man's shoulder aiming to force the man to drop the weapon now. The attempted counterattack would be brutally practical and intent upon ensuring his opponent was unable to counterattack simply by the physics of their own swing. The shorter individual would be aiming for the blade to strike into the meat of the shoulder, where the breastplate would not reach, nor the forearm guards. He was hoping that the regenerative capabilities would take a moment of two to kick in and would therefore cause the normal reaction that nerves had when struck by such force. Theoretically, it should force his opponent to drop the weapon. Regardless however, Valen would be prepared to move against another incoming strike if necessary, keeping himself ready to try to deflect and avoid blows. He after all, did not regenerate.

[2]

Stuff:

As expected of the small swordsman Oda found his strike forcibly redirected to barely miss Valen by a hair. The two of them were evenly matched in almost every regard aside from stamina...and of course the regenerative capabilities. Oda remained calm however and his pale white eyes remained observant. Years of training and skill working into him as he increased each step and move into something more. His friend in Iron and the ambassador for the nation was superior to him in most aspects as a Samurai so he had never really reached her level. However with Valen here he was pushing the young man and in return the young man was pushing him. Forcing him to evolve and unleash more potent abilities. He had held his breath and almost overpowered Valen but not perfectly. The young man had turned it around and tried to use Odas continuous momentum style against him. He could clearly be seen going for Odas sword hand. But the follow up wouldn't reach as Oda had only just barely been countered. Instead Oda had other plans for the next technique he intended to use. A smile on his face as he fought this little man from kirigakure.

He was amazed by the idea that just a genin from the mist would be able to go toe to toe with him. Even if he didn't have truly formal training he had taught himself Kendo by the look of it. Still Oda was just as quick as Valen. A quick step back bought him the distance to avoid the blow to his hand. Even if he regenerated he had not intention of being disarmed. It would be a loss of honor for him to lose his grip on his weapon. However it was a wise move on Valens part. Yet Oda wasn't finished. The air in his lungs wished to escape. So he would focus the katon chakra into the breath. He could hear the words in his mind as he exhaled. Second breath of fire. Outer strength. Steam would erupt from the corners of his mouth as he shifted into a new counter move. His sword turning at in a crescent with his back step to return down and counter the attack against his shoulder. The exhaled breath bringing Odas strength up to a tier above Valens current strength. The breathing techniques raising him higher and the leverage of his weapon increasing the difficulty of blocking a two handed return strike. He was not a novice with the Odachi. He had spent every day for as long as his memories went back training with it. He knew its weight...its shifting power and different angles and its reach. Oda was a Samurai that had focused in training with the Odachi all of his days as well as his mind and body. The weapon was an extension of himself and with it...he looked to push Valen back with a mighty blow due to his breathing forms. He was not willing to give more ground nor did a single bead of sweat appear on his brow. His kendo stance keeping pace with Valens in every step.

Stuff:

The shorter sword wielders redirection would work flawlessly however Oda footing would be far better than Valen would have expected of anyone. The man backstepping to come just out of range of Valen's swing toward his wrist. However because that swing toward the wrist missed the target Valen would have no counterforce giving him the ability to make that second strike toward the man's shoulder which had required the strike against the wrist to succeed in order to be possible for the smaller fighter. As such Valen's blade would swing wide with nothing to stop it or his own momentum as Oda breathed out, steam erupting from the edges of his closed mouth. Due to that momentum the diminutive swordsman would move into his own swing momentum, using the force of the attempt to help pull his body along to the side. The drawback to that however was that it was toward the side of Oda's weapon, given that Valen himself had aimed for the man's sword hand and thus his ill timed miss carried him toward what was probably the man's dominate side.

However it also had the advantage of putting the red eyed shinobi well within Oda's total reach and that would make it difficult for the man to get a good strong swing in upon the spiky haired kirigakure shinobi. When Oda went for a larger crescent type swing the smaller man would take advantage of the attempt to use the larger weapon and move to duck beneath the swing, moving as he did so to move to the side of the man. Valen himself had not moved from the edge of the arena during this particular exchange yet and being close to the edge when such a large weapon was being swung at you was a recipe for being pushed or knocked out. Which of course the shorter man did not want. It would seem that while Oda could regenerate and Valen could barely damage him in the first place. Both were of similar speed and the smaller man was working to take vicious advantage of the fact to utilize his smaller size to his advantage in avoiding the swing of the much larger Odachi. His actions would have him move beneath Oda's swing, on his sword arms side and have the smaller man move behind Oda, giving Valen himself more of the ring to his back now.

The point of this of course was to prolong the spar, it wouldn't be fun if he allowed himself to be pushed out and he would swing viciously toward the back of Oda's legs should his attempt be successful in an attempt to try to trip the man up. However Valen would keep himself extremely close to his fellow fire wielder simply because he could be closer and have a more effective range for his weapon than Oda could have with his own. The smaller man needed to take every single minor advantage he could take to make up for the equipment and regeneration capabilities. However he was doing his best, as he moved and dodged and swung at his opponent he felt his heartbeat begin to race as he began to fall into the rhythm of the spar. He lost himself in the competition even if he knew he couldn't win the thing because trying to surpass something you could not beat still brought out a creative side to someone that might surprise one.

Stuff:

Oda would watch as he flipped on his sensory. Just checking for any tricks up the young mans sleeve. A slight red glow in the center of his eyes like the fires of a forge being lit. He was tracking the young man now with his own eyes and sensory as they were stuck within his range. He was closer to the edge than he liked but so was Valen. His swing had gone wide for extra power but the two of them were too close in speed and coordination for him to land such a heavy blow. It was too close but he could sense the young mans chakra waning now. Not too quickly but he could not keep up Kendo indefinitely. This was an amazingly fun clash but Oda had to admit he had the advantage from the start. Still the young man would evade his attack by ducking under it and stepping around Oda. Those eyes tracking him as Oda would smile. A good move to shift positions and place Oda on the outside closer to the edge of the ring. However he would not be countered so easily. Their speed was about even with their strikes after all.

Oda would continue to turn with his swing. He took the position close to the outside of the ring with Valen attacking from the inside now. Aiming for his footing likely in an attempt to force him out. However Oda would shift with his momentum downwards. Forcing the tip of his weapon towards the ground and the hilt upwards. Blocking the attack at his legs. This was dragging on but it would be a shame to simply allow Valens chakra to run out. He was an exceptional swordsman. However Oda would lower himself to the ground. Dropping to one knee and placing one hand on the hilt and the other halfway up the back of his sheathed weapon. In this stance he was a smaller target more covered with his armor and a weapon that could be shifted quickly between his two hands to block incoming strikes. But it served another purpose too. Valen could not win without approaching him and attacking. He could back off and talk more if he wished. But Oda would remain where he was. With a low center of gravity. His toes dug into the dirt of the ring as he watched with those red eyes.

Both men were incredibly similar and eyes had begun to watch a fight dragging on. A crowd cheering for this kid to force the Samurai out of the ring. They were cheering for Valen as they wanted this asshole samurai to lose. He wasn't even a shinobi they called out. However Oda was waiting for him. If Valen stepped within his range Oda would quickly attempt an entirely different move than the typical swing of the Odachi. He would use its size for leverage. If Valen would attempt to strike him Oda would counter by shoving the tip of his sword between Valens legs and using the leverage of it he would rise it up and with the length of it shifted he would use the long hilt on his own shoulder and the other hand halfway down the blade to attempt to hurl Valen over him. Following through with his strength increased by his attunement to the weapon and his coordination boosted by Kendo. A throw instead of a slash to throw the opponent off. As if he has purposefully used wide swings and stabs up to this point to distract from the other capabilities of the weapon.

When the two warriors effectively switched positions Valen's eyes would widen in mild surprise. Until he saw what Oda was planning. When the man took a stance that grounded him heavily the shorter of the two would tilt his head a tad in confusion as he backed up three meters. Easily out of reach of the man's weapon. He would survey the man's stance and his position and open directions to attack. His red eyes taking in all of the information carefully as he considered his options. The man was simply removing all possibility of Valen to be able to go on the offense. Frowning slightly at this the shorter shinobi would think to his repertoire of techniques. He already was not a fan of this strategy. Simply because of the fact that Valen loved fighting. To use the arena in such a manner seemed, cheap to him. He wanted to through Oda out of it because it was his only win condition. But now Oda was using the edge of the arena and his armor that Valen couldn't break through to ensure that the diminutive swordsman didn't have a chance. Still, it was a valid strategy and Valen simply had to try to find a way through it.

He still had a decent amount of chakra over all and he considered it carefully as he sheathed his sword. To any onlookers, and perhaps Oda himself. It would appear as if he intended to talk once more. However that could not be further from the truth. See, if one could not break through a defense within one method. The only real option was to try to use another. So with that the young man would decide to try a new jutsu. It was a sparring area after all and the outer ring gave plenty of leeway for jutsu to be used. It was literally the design of the arena. He had done his research on fire techniques to learn. Intent upon expanding upon his arsenal at some point. At his best speed he'd go through though seals, holding the last. The process would take just under a second due to his speed of seal creation and the seals would be Tiger, Dragon, and finally Boar. As he performed the seals he would take a deep breath, aiming the technique at the man who could simply regenerate before unleashing a cascade of powerful fire straight at him.

The flames were the hottest he had ever personally conjured, thanks to the fact that the technique in question was the hottest he had ever used. B class flames expelled out from him with a ten meter range and should Oda remain where he was would impact him with brutal heat. Even with the armor Valen doubted the experience would be comfortable. Especially since the armor was in fact metal and therefore prone to getting very, very, hot. Of course, since the technique he used could not be maintained the flames would eventually die away. Leaving small patches of flame upon the ground that were slowly being consumed by the open air and lack of fuel. He wasn't certain how well Oda's armor would hold up to the technique or if the force of the flames themselves impacting would be enough to push him out but he doubted that. Most of the energy in fire release techniques weren't in their physical force. Still, his red eyes would keep a wary watch on the man and he would be ready to move at a moments notice.

[4]

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