Fanning the Flames

Ren was originally annoyed when he first received the order of taking on a pupil, mostly as he did not see how a pupil could help him in achieving his goal for his own power. He was more than happy to not have a student, as they would just get in his way, however his attitude would change when he learned that his pupil was an Uchiha. While he still would prefer to work alone and be able to focus on his own goal, he had a strong pride for his clan and would do anything for a member of the clan, including putting his own goal on hold if need be. It was not that he did not have pride for his village as well, however there were plenty of other far more qualified Jounin in his mind that could serve as a sensei. He simply felt that it wasn't for him, though when it came to Uchiha training there was no one else that he felt was qualified for it. Even if Kimiko was stronger and the clan leader, Ren would never admit that she was better than him, though he still did not have a handle on the genjutsu that the clan was famous for as she had.

As a Jounin, Ren was given a file on his pupil of his shinobi life. He was surprised by the fact that the man was older than he was and still a Genin, considering many Uchiha like himself fast-tracked to Jounin thanks to the sharingan. The man was part of a team before, so this type of two-man cell operation would be different for him. Ren had been trained this way, to work alone or with a single partner as backup, he became a specialist sent in to deal with situations where destruction was necessary, and he thrived. He never had a team to work with, and after the initial training with his Sensei he simply worked alone. It was possible that this transition might be hard, or it could be simple, it all depended on how Maverick was able to adapt to situations. Either way he was going to be a more hands on trainer compared to his own sensei, tough training, something that it seemed Maverick was lacking with his team. Ren could not allow there to be a weak Uchiha, he would push the man to his limits and then beyond them as that was the only way that he would be able to improve. Of course, first Ren needed to figure out what the man was capable of. Ren would send Maverick a message, just a small note from his new sensei telling him to meet at the training facility.

Maverick Uchiha, You are to report to the Grand Konoha Training Facility at dawn tomorrow for Evaluation and Assessment. Ren Uchiha

Ren would already have the room within the facility reserved for them and be waiting within for Maverick to arrive, dressed in his blue kisode with his white sweetsilk cloak draped over his shoulders. The Uchiha clan symbol large upon the back of the cloak, though normally the inside of the cloak would be full of the small tools that he used on occasion, today it would be empty. He had no need to have them considering he was only training, even singing tempest would be left at home. He was curious to see what Maverick was capable of, as well as how fast he was able to adapt to situations. It would all be a test of his commitment as a shinobi.

Only the light of the moon illuminated the small room. Maverick sat on the edge of his bed pondering the situation before him. The day before he had received a simple note from an Uchiha he had never met before. However he sure knew the name, Ren Uchiha, he was younger than Maverick but of a higher renown than he could imagine. Was this the end of Team 13? He was 21 and still a Genin maybe it was time for a change. Maybe it was time he really focused his training. What was the point in calling himself the Flame King if he wasn't allowed to learn any of the higher rank Katon jutsu.

Taking a deep breath he stood reaching for his jacket. Holding the blue fabric in his hands he turned it over looking at the Uchiha crest adorning the back. This was for the betterment of the clan, if he could get stronger the clan would be stronger. Pulling his arms through the sleeves he stopped after tying his headband around his left arm. On his nightstand was the black armband with the Hyuuga crest on it. Debating on if he should wear it or not to meet this new teacher. He knew the history between the clans but Maes was his best friend. The reason he even awoke his Sharingan, he tied the cloth around his right arm.

It was still dark as Maverick made his way from his home to the Training facility. Some birds had just started to awaken and sing their morning songs. This was he favorite time of day the serene stillness. He wanted to be early his father always said if you are on time you are late. He picked up the pace to a casual jog why not get a small workout this morning. Making his was through the halls his eyes darted from number to number finding his way to his destination. Opening the door he was surprised to see a young man already standing there waiting. This must be Ren he thought casually walking into the room.

"Good morning sir Maverick Uchiha reporting for Assessment and Evaluation." He stood at attention hands clasp firmly behind his back. His casual attitude replaced with one of respect for the higher ranking Uchiha.

Ren's eyes would shift to the door as Maverick entered, without his Sharingan active, Ren would size the other man up as he made his way into the room. A small smirk formed on Ren's face as Maverick introduced himself, "there is no need for the formality, you can relax. My name is Ren Uchiha," Ren stated without moving from where he was standing, "I called you hear today because it has been decided that you are to be my student. The two of us will be dealing with some missions now and again, however before our first mission I need to get an understanding of what you are capable of as well as where I can help you improve. I have read over your file, tell me, what fire techniques does the Flame King have?" The entire time Ren spoke his voice would be soft and calm, yet still loud enough to be heard. His eyes showing no real interest in the conversation or being there in general, but that was mostly due to the other matters that were on his mind at the moment. Once he got an understanding of what Maverick already knew, he would know where to start with their training. Once this assessment was over, they would have their first mission, so he needed to ensure that the other man was properly prepared for it.

As soon as he began to relax embarrassment crept across his face. "The Flame King" to be honest he didn't even know a handful of fire skills. It was something he called himself to push himself further, to be the best. How lazy he had become, it angered him. A grim determination took hold of him. Stepping forward he cracked his knuckles fingers stretching in the white fingerless gloves. The Uchiha crest and Katon symbols woven onto their backs reminded him why he was here.

Snake → Ram → Monkey → Boar → Horse → Tiger. Taking a deep breath he wove the hand signs for the most basic skill and Uchiha should know. "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique" the name he said aloud in his head, his mouth was to busy expelling a great ball of intense orange flame. Letting the flames die down he made the symbol of the Ram "Wind Release: Divine Wind!" The words almost lost by the sudden roar of wind as four small tornadoes appeared around him.

A smirk crossed Mavericks face unintentionally, "Let me show him something." Rabbit -> Dog -> Ox, twin balls of fire appeared one in each on the Genin's hands. They left as soon as they appeared one each aimed at a tornado. "This is my signature skill, Fire Release: Flaming Hurricane!" The twin orbs collided with the spinning gusts of wind exploding into a roaring inferno. "I only know one more fire skill im ashamed to admit. However i have been training and trying to master a few more when i can!"

Things done:

99/110 Chakra

Ren watched as the other male would show the fireball technique, which was then followed by a combination of a wind technique with the flame shot creating flaming hurricanes. It was no surprise that with the wind element Maverick would be able to manipulate his fire element in unique ways which Ren could not, however it was a surprise to learn that he did not know many more techniques. Though he had not been expecting the other man to know a large about of techniques, he was slightly expecting more, of course this did not show on Ren's face. Ren would smile at the other man, "There is nothing to be ashamed of, it is one of the reasons why we are here. I believe that I can help you improve your repertoire, at least in the matter of fire techniques, possibly some of the non-elemental types if you want, but I don't have much help for you with the wind element." He was just like the man when he started out, but he pushed himself to learn techniques fast. To Ren it seemed as though Maverick had not pushed himself, because he was reliant upon his teammates backing him up. This did not change anything in Ren's mind considering he had expected as much, but it would mean it might take them more time.

Should Maverick agree to Ren showing him a few techniques, Ren would start with some of the basics. "This one is one of the simpler fire techniques, based off the clone technique though it requires more chakra." Ren would begin as he formed the dragon symbol before spitting out a small ember that would quickly form into a clone of Ren. "The Clone is physical and can use fire techniques, however its chakra reserve is limited so you would need to make them count when you use them." Ren would give Maverick a moment to look over the clone before motioning for the other man to try the technique for himself. "Channel your Katon, focus on your image, and create the clone. You can make more than one, but for now just focus on the one."

---

Teaching:

Maverick took the words of the wiser Uchiha to heart and it seemed to lift his spirits. He nodded his agreement to learn humbled knowing he should be stronger. As he watched the embers form into a perfect copy of Ren. Maverick was shocked he could feel his mouth fall open he had never seen a fire clone before. He closed his eyes and when they opened they were crimson red with one black tomoe in each eye. He could see the chakra flow through the cloned, not as easily as a Hyuuga but enough to try and learn what he needed. Making the Dragon seal he focused his chakra molding it with his fire nature.

The first embers started to take the shape of Maverick but something was wrong. The flames didn't form to skin and clothes it was like looking at a flaming doll. After a few seconds the flames dissipated in a quiet crackle. He didn't let it get to him, his fingers formed the seal again, the embers formed and took shape. There before him was well himself kind of, the ends of his hair, tail of his jacket, all pure flame. Maverick grunted and released his chakra extinguishing the clone. Third time was the charm right? Dragon seal and focus after a few seconds he saw himself, perfect, no fire no smoke. In an instant Maverick was on his ass as the clone burst into flames in a quick explosion. "What the hell i thought i had it that time..."

After some trial and error Maverick was running neck and neck with himself. Both their fingers flashed as they stopped jumping away from each other. Both inhaled and let forth a fireballs which clashed in the middle of the room. As the smoke cleared Maverick stood there a genuine smile of accomplishment running across his face. He dismissed the clone and jogged back over to Ren. "Sensei did you see it? It was perfect, it knew when i was gonna make my seals and followed me!" He stopped before the younger man, Sensei, it was a little funny but he knew his place. Excitement filled every fiber of his being wondering what he was to learn next.

Learning:

Ren would silently watch as the other man attempted the ember clone, watching as his first few attempts failed, Ren was reminded of his own training that he had done when learning the technique himself. Though he wouldn't say it out loud, Ren considered Maverick lucky that only one of his clones blew up in the males face, Ren had not been so lucky but eventually mastered it. Just like Ren had done before him, Maverick would finally produce a solid clone of fire before they would both take off moving and forming their own fireballs. Ren would nod satisfactory as he watched, impressed that he was able to pick up the technique as fast as he had. It was still strange to Ren to have someone older than him call him sensei, though he did his best not to show it on his face. Ren would look to his ember clone and give it a nod and the clone would form a string of three handseal as the real Ren would speak. "You did well, Maverick." Ren stated with a small smile, he wasn't much of a praise giver, but one could tell he was happy that Maverick was able to pick up the new technique. "This next technique, is slightly more basic than the clone, but it is offensive rather than supportive like the clone." As he finished speaking the clone would release a small flame from its mouth that would quickly form into a three meter long snake of fire that began moving across the ground to a tree that the clone was directed at. "It's called the Flame Serpent Technique, and while it might not be power, it can provide a decent distraction or at the very least cause pursuers to adjust their course and give you a little more lead way." As he spoke the fire serpent would collide with the tree setting the whole thing ablaze. "How it is used is up to you really, though it is limited to only being able to travel in the direction it is pointed when you cast it, so be mindful or where you are aiming. My clone can show you the technique as many times as you need it to for this technique." Ren stated as he waited for Maverick to attempt the technique.

---

Teaching:

As the clone spewed forth a stream of fire he watched as it formed into a snake. The flaming serpent slithered forth toward a tree setting the wood ablaze as it made contact. His expression said it all amazement, intrigue and excitement. His hands moved making the seals the clone had made. As he opened his mouth fire spat forth almost as if choking on it he gagged cutting his chakra from the jutsu. He waited a second coughing and catching his breath. "I didn't expect that, I've used Fire jutsu over and over and never had it feel like it was slithering out of my throat."

He practiced for a while with trial and error as expected. Some of the snake's after forming didn't move. Others didn't form at all or the flames extinguished before they struck the tree. After some time he was able to stand there spewing for snake and after snake. The only pause being to weave the seals needed to preform the Jutsu. He nodded more to himself than to Ren, he had the hang of the jutsu, now it was time to try it how Ren did it. Preforming the Dragon seal Maverick made an Ember Clone next time him. "Okay i need you to do these seals and focus your fire..." He spent a few minutes explaining to the clone where it needed to stand so the snake didn't move in the direction of one of them.

It took over an hour from when Ren had shown him the Flame Serpent technique to where Maverick and his clone were now standing a dozen meters apart sending flaming snakes at each other. Each snake aimed to hit the nose of the snake coming its way. Small explosions every few seconds marked the only noise before it stopped just as it started. Maverick moved back before his Sensei bowing in respect, his clone followed still summoned showing the progression in the previous technique. "I think i have the hang of it, of course not mastered that will take much more time." Maverick stood there ideas forming in his head of new applications for these jutsu. If a snake could be made why not a bird or wolf? This feeling of excitement to learn and advance had not been this strong since he had left the Ninja Academy and was first put on Team 13.

Learning:

Ren would sit under a nearby tree as he watched over Mavericks attempts of the technique, chuckling slightly at his mention of the fire slithering out of his throat. He was impressed that he took use of the clone to attempt the technique, and soon enough it would pay off and he was performing it well enough that Ren felt comfortable that they could move on to the next technique. "Yes, well practice makes perfect, if you keep at it you will have it mastered in no time." Ren stated as he nodded to his ember clone once more, "This next one will expand on the snake technique, rather than making a single snake, you will make three, my clone will should you how. This will allow you to attack three separate enemies or send all the snakes at a single target, but keep in mind that they can still only travel in a single direction so aim carefully." Ren stated as the ember clone began forming the needed hand seals as it inhaled a breath, quickly placing its hands to its mouth. The clone would capture some of the flame, throwing his hands out releasing a flaming serpent from each hand as well as its mouth. This time the three serpents would charge towards three different trees to set them ablaze, Ren would then wait for Maverick to attempt the same. It was better for Ren to use the clone for these smaller techniques and conserve his chakra for when he shows Maverick the more powerful techniques, but that of course might take time.

---

Teaching:

Following the fingers of the clone he nodded in understanding as the three snakes slithered off in multiple directions. His hands flashed forming the three seals he felt his chakra flow from his core up his throat into his mouth. The flames flowed from his lips falling to the ground. He had made a mistake the snakes that formed were a knotted mess. He had forgotten to use his hands to split the technique. "Oh shit!" His legs sprung into action but he knew he wouldn't be able dodge the explosion completely but he had to lessen the impact. As the smoke settled he dusted the soot off his clothes. "I know i know, i forgot the hands." This jutsu was easier to handle with the knowledge of its parent technique already in his head. He just needed to not make stupid mistakes. He stood and preformed the seals not forgetting this time to raise his hands to split the fire. He left the first snake fall from his mouth but decided to add a little flare to the others. He rotated on his heels dropping to a crouch, with two quick snaps of his wrist he threw the last two snakes. Very pleased with himself he did not watch as the first snake dissipated in midair and the second hit the ground with an anti-climactic thud. "I think i'm starting to get the hang of these jutsu Sensei. I have to admit i never expected to learn so much is such a short time."

Jutsu Learned:

Ren would nod his head at Maverick's comment of learning in such a short time, "stick with me Maverick, and you will learn much more. There is no limit to an Uchiha's ability, other than the limitations we put on ourselves. You must shed your own limitations of yourself to see the truth in the power that you possess, only then can you achieve greatness, only then can you master everything you set your mind to." Ren stated in his normal calm tone as he lifted his hand to his ember clone, "Now are you ready for the next one?" Ren asked, though it was meant as more of a rhetorical question, he would wait for Maverick to answer before he had his ember clone show him the next technique.

"This next one is a small defense, it is not powerful, it does not last long. It serves but one purpose, to give you a little room should you find yourself surrounded, though when timed correctly it can also be used as a defense against an attack from a range, this method of usage is limited however and must be properly timed due to how quickly the jutsu itself works. If timed wrong, then it would prove more of a hinderance than a benefit." Ren would finish his small speech about the technique and then direct Maverick's attention to his ember clone, the clone would form the Dragon hand seal before a quick shroud of fire would surround it and spread out from it over 3 meters. The heat of the flames would be intense to those that were too close to it, though Ren ensured that Maverick was safely away from it, and just a quickly as it formed it would be gone. It was quick, just as Ren had said it was, but hopefully Maverick was able to see enough to know how it worked. If not, then he would have to have his clone show the other man the technique again until he got it.

---

Teaching:

Maverick knew full well what Ren had meant about placing limitations on ones self. He had never thought he would need to be stronger. His teammates were always there by his side to cover for his weaknesses. He needed to break those limitations and reach higher than he ever thought he could. Ren was right he was an Uchiha and with that name he had a responsibility. "Yes sir I am more than ready!" His eagerness was overflowing as his mind flooded with what new jutsu he would learn.

Defensive but with a specific timing to function correctly. He watched the clone form the seal as the flames surrounded and burst. It looked simple enough but using the jutsu was not the issue Ren had said. He formed the Dragon seal as the flames surrounded and almost and instant later burst in all directions. Again this would not be the hard part however he still tried a few more times. When he was satisfied with the progress he had made he motioned for his clone to come to him. "Alright I want you to just try and hit me. It does not have to be hard but do try okay?" The clone nodded in understanding stepping back a few paces. Maverick stood there fingers already in the Dragon seal. "Go." The clone lunged towards Maverick its fist cocked back ready to strike.

The flames surrounded Maverick a second to soon as the clone stopped and leaped back before it was struck by the blast. Again the clone charged as soon as Maverick was in position. This time he was to late, just as the flames started to leave his lips the fist struck him. Now he was embarrassed as his face flushed red. All he could see for a split second was red. That was the solution, he jumped to his feet regaining his composure, red sight. He blinked and as his eyed opened he had reactivated his Sharingan. This time he was ready when the clone charged, he saw the fist coming for him as it met flames in response. He did however make one mistake, he forgot it was an ember clone. The resulting explosion sent him back tumbling across the ground for about five meters. "Shit sometimes I hate fire."

Jutsu Learned:

Ren chuckled slightly at Maverick's comment of sometimes hating fire, in truth he was the same way before he got a mastery over the element. In fact, Maverick reminded Ren a lot of himself, despite the fact that they had different backgrounds, they both shared a determination to get stronger and to not give up. Now it was the time to see, just how much alike they may actually be. Ren would stand from under the tree, dismissing the ember clone he had been using to show the techniques to Maverick. It had shown the other male the basics that would help, but its reserves were now low, and it was time for some of the more powerful techniques. "Consider it a learning experience, I could have warned you not to use it against an ember clone, but honestly I wanted you to learn from your mistake." Ren stated with a soft smile as he moved to stand in front of Maverick, "Now we will move on to some of the more advanced techniques, but first I am going to show you a technique of my own creation. It is versatile however its ability is limited by your own, it relies on your coordination to reach its full potential." Ren stated as he took a step back and formed a string of five hand seals, ensuring to go slow enough for Maverick to be able to see them before slowly exhaling fire and using his hands to shape it into a ring of fire. "I call this one the burning halo, you need to focus chakra into your palms to prevent the fire from burning you while you shape it. After that," Ren would look at the halo and it would take off flying around the area at 15 meters per second, everywhere his eyes looked before coming back to them and stopping. "You control where it goes and how it moves, but it cannot go more than 25 meters away from you. I should also note that if it hits someone or something or if it goes beyond its range away from you, it will explode in a 10 meter radius of fire so try not to let it blow up in your face."

---

Teaching:

Maverick nodded as he felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment as Ren spoke. However he saw the slight smile on the younger Uchiha's face. His embarrassment quickly subsided as Ren dismissed his clone. Things were starting to get serious if he was about to teach Maverick himself. He listened to the details of the jutsu and watched the hand seals. Ren was kind enough to make them slowly. The ring of fire was something to behold as it zipped around its wielder. His eyes followed the flaming halo until his Sensei decided it end his jutsu giving Maverick the floor.

His first attempt was pitiful, he was able to weave the seals, however forming the halo proved to be the difficult aspect of this jutsu training. As his arms rotated the flames sparked to life as if a small display of fireworks. It took him around ten attempts before the fire formed and stayed in shape. The was his first hurdle next was the control. He tried starting slow levitating the ring first before moving it around. After a few minutes he found himself moving it even faster circling it around his body. For the next ten minutes he tested his limits with the justu getting the hang of its ins and outs. After he felt comfortable he motioned for ring to fly away from him. As the flames exploded behind him he jogged back over to Ren.

"I am ready for the next one Sir." He had dove head first into a pool he did not know the depth of. He surfaced swimming like a fish, the fire of an eager learner burning brightly within.

Jutsu Learned:

Ren smiled as he saw Maverick get a handle on the technique, though it moved slower than his own, Ren knew that it was only a matter of time before the other man got a handle on the technique. Maverick had the potential to outshine him, if he pushed himself hard enough. "Well now this next one is going to be a little more advanced, but I am sure that you will be able to handle it. Just take your time and remember to breath." Ren stated before moving and performing a string of four hand seals, spitting out a small ember that quickly formed into a flaming whirlwind that launched forward. After travelling around forty meters away from him the whirlwind of fire would dissipate, Ren would look back to Maverick with the same smile as before. "It's called Flame Whirlwind and it is capable of not only burning the target but also launching them up into the air to make them vulnerable for a follow-up attack. I am told it has similar properties to that of wind nature chakra because of its form, so you might have an easier time with this one." Ren stated stepping back once more to allow Maverick to practice the technique for himself.

---

Teaching:

He could see where having a focus for the wind nature could be helpful learning this technique. He imagined the flames circling around him like a gentle breeze. Making the required seals he decided to start with the first half. His first attempt was not bad almost what he expected. He just was not ready for the control, as the fire circled him his hands moved with the motion feeling the resistance. He threw his hands out before the whirlwind closed around him. The heat made him sweat just a little bit making him wipe his brow. He had to get a hang of the control before he could aim it at anyone.

For a few minutes Maverick practiced his control letting the fire encircle him before snuffing it out. Over and over until he stopped sniffing the flames with a snap of his fingers. He believed himself ready for the next stage of practice. Exhaling he made the seals with his fingers needed for this higher level of technique. He made sure the chakra mixture was right, focused himself and began. The flames formed around his body spiraling around him from head to toe before he launched his arms forward sending the flames rotating through the air. He watched the jutsu strike the tree before him before turning and bowing to Ren. He jumped into the air pumping his fist a moment later.

Jutsu Learned:

Ren would give a short head nod in response to Maverick bowing to him, he pondered for a moment on what to teach the man next as he celebrated his victory in learning the last technique. "Alright, this next one will test how well you are able to shape your Katon Chakra.  It's called Great Dragon Fire and it is the first step in truly learning to shape your Katon, you make a fireball similarly to the fireball technique only this fireball is in the shape of a Dragon's head." With that said, Ren began the string of eight hand seals. This was the longest string of hand seals that Ren had shown the other man, Ren just had to hope he could remember them all. Releasing the large dragon head fireball Ren would watch it fly over the distance before colliding with yet another tree, he was glad the facility had Senju workers that replenished the training area every night considering the damage that was caused here on a daily basis. "Don't think about it too much, it can get over complicated if you let it. Just try your best to relax and breathe, take your time and if you need me to show you the hand seals again I can." Ren stated to Maverick as he stepped back once more to allow his student to practice.

---

Teaching:

Maverick stared in awe as the flames erupted from Ren's mouth. So this was the majesty of and pure power of a high tier Katon technique. The fireball morphed before him turning into the great maw of a dragon. As the fire struck the tree before them the trunk turned to ash. Regaining his composure he looked back to Ren. "Would you please show me again the hand seals? I have never done that many at once." He activated his Sharingan to help, he did not have access to the copy technique but it would help him focus on the hands of his Sensei.

After a few minutes of Ren showing him the seals a few times and himself practicing slowly just to get the sequence right he felt he was ready. Tiger -> Rabbit -> Boar -> Dragon -> Monkey -> Dragon -> Dog -> Dragon. He had gotten the seals correct, he exhaled ready for the next step to begin. The fireball formed and he smiled, he had done it on his first try. As the maw of the dragon started to take shape the fireball imploded. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I almost had it first try." He did not let that bring him down.

After an hour he had watched his fireball implode, explode, not form a dragons maw at all. He reached his left arm across his chest rubbing the tense muscles of his right shoulder. He had learned this much he would not give up now. His fingers flashed, he had tried this jutsu enough times it had almost become muscle memory. His lungs filled with air before he released the fireball frim his stomach. Maverick focused holding his control over the jutsu as he watched the giant sphere of flames transform into a dragons maw. He dropped down to his ass panting and exhausted. They had started training before the sun broke the morning sky and he had no idea what time it was now. All he knew, he did it.

Jutsu Learned:

Ren was not surprised at all by the fact that Maverick was starting to feel exhausted, they had been here since dawn and they were now well into the afternoon. Ren had been pushing the other man non-stop for hours, so after allowing Maverick to catch his breath Ren would wave him over towards him. "Come sit under the tree for a few minutes and rest, we have been pushing you for a while now, I think it's a good time for a break." Ren stated as he removed two bottles of water from his cloak and toss one to Maverick. "Your skills with fire are impressive, however I think we have reached the limit of your body's capabilities. While you rest for a moment I want you to consider an option, we can call it a day and return tomorrow and continue training if you want, or I can give you one of these." Ren would remove a small pill from his cloak and hold it up for Maverick to see, "it's called a soldier pill. Sometimes on the front lines they become necessary, however they can also be useful in training. While it won't return you to full strength, it will let you push past your normal physical limitations for a short time. The reason it is useful for training is because it allows your body to become use to this intense training so that the next time you push yourself without it you can get further faster." Ren would not pressure Maverick nor feel disappointed if he chose to pick up the next day, it was after all his choice, and they still had two days before their first mission together. Of course, if he chose the pill it was likely the man would spend all the next day recovering and resting.

Maverick sighed in relief when Ren waved him over. He did not know how badly he needed a break until he sat under the tree. His muscles ached and he could feel his chakra reserves running low. To be honest he was surprised he had not collapsed already. "Thank you." Taking the bottle he made sure not to drink so fast as to make himself sick but the cool liquid running down this throat was a god send after using so much fire jutsu. He listened intently watching Ren pull a small pill from his cloak. He has heard some of the older more high ranking Uchiha talk about these a few times. "So if I take this I will be able to keep going and push myself further beyond my limits. Also leaving the possibility open to push even further knowing then where my limits lay. If not we got home, rest and come back tomorrow to continue again where we left off. BUT more importantly ill stay roughly as strong as I am. More learned of course but..." He reached his hand out taking the pill looking it over between his fingers. "What is the point of being here if not to push past my limits. To try and be the best version of myself for the Uchiha and the Leaf." He knew the choice he would make before he ever touched the Soldier pill. The next moment it was down his throat.

Ren was pleased to see that Maverick was willing to continue and attempt to push past his natural limitations, it showed that he had the potential to do great things in the future. After giving Maverick a little time to relax and get use to the effects of the pills, Ren would stand and move to show him the next technique. "We are going to continue to work on your shaping of your Katon for a moment, this one however requires a pre-existing fire to use rather than you expelling it from your body." Ren would form a single hand seal and create a small fire at his feet, this fire was nothing more than a campfire from the look of it. "Normally in combat, especially for fighters like us who utilizes Katon, but for now this will work. It doesn't matter the size of the fire, you can project your chakra into it and control it." Ren would then show Maverick the 6 hand seals for the technique, unlike last time he wouldn't use the technique yet, merely showing the other man the hand seals until he got them down. After Maverick had the hand seals down for this one, he would finally show the man the technique. "This one is called Pheasant Hunter, and you will use your chakra to shape the flames into a giant pheasant. Like i said the size of the starting fire is irrelevant, it is all about your control of your chakra over the flames." With that, Ren would form the hand seals one last time. Projecting his chakra at the flame, from the small fire a large pheasant would fly up into the air over their heads for a few minutes before crashing down into the ground a safe distance away from the pair.

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Teaching:

He felt as if he had just awoken from a good nights sleep. His body no longer felt the lethargy of exhaustion but the energy he would feel at the start of his day. Ren did not say a word but Maverick could tell his new Sensei was proud he choose to continue training. He listened intently as Ren explained the need for a preexisting fire for this technique. As he was shown the hand seals over and over he felt he was ready and gave a short nod. Maverick watched the flames as a pheasant made of fire burst forth from the flames. To him it looked like a phoenix rising from the ashes to see a new world.

Maverick worked the finger seals over a few time making sure he had the right pattern. Ren had said this was about control of his chakra so he would practice that first. He visualized the chakra inside him taking the form of a small bird before it took flight. Dragon -> Boar -> Dragon -> Snake -> Ox -> Dragon, his fingers flashed as he focused his chakra into the fire before him. After a second a small bird hoped from the flames. It was made entirely of fire however Maverick did not expect it to be so small. He figured the more practice he had with this technique the bigger the big would grow.

He stood there a few minutes more trying again and again. The baby bird grew just slightly not even half the size of Rens. With a sigh of defeat Maverick conceded this round to the little avian. He turned to Ren and rubbed the back of his head. "I mean hey it was a bird right?"

Jutsu Learned:

Ren wasn't sure if it was because even with the soldier pill he just was too exhausted or if it was something else, but he was able to at least shape the fire which was a good step for him. It was enough at least that he could continue practicing on his own and master it, which meant it was time for the next technique. Most might think that Ren was being harsh on the other man trying to get him to learn all of these techniques at once, but it was the only way Ren knew. It was how he trained, granted his was without a sensei and therefore took longer for him, but it was the only way that Ren knew to help the other man reach past his limits and obtain his full potential. "It was indeed a bird, with practice it will get better just like with all jutsu. You know what to do now at least and so long as you keep your focus you will achieve what you desire," Ren stated as he moved to show Maverick the next technique. Like the others this technique had a lot of hand seals so Ren would go over the eight hand seals for Maverick until he got the string down. "I assume you are familiar with Phoenix Sage Fire, well this is similar although it's much more than 16." With that Ren would activate technique and create 30 ghostly looking fireballs that would launch out before colliding and exploding in a blaze of fire. "It's called Demon Lantern and it can prove useful when you need it."

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Teaching:

It was another long string of hand seals that Maverick worked to memorize. Again he activated his Sharingan to help focus watching Ren's fingers. Of course he had heard of the Phoenix Sage Fire technique. It was a C-Rank Katon jutsu Maverick wished to learn one day. He was snapped out of his thoughts and back to reality as a multitude of small fires appeared around Ren. The flames surged forward swarming the tree they were directed at. As the first flame struck it exploded followed by twenty nine other small explosions. Maverick wondered if it was possible to select multiple targets at once with how many flames appeared. That was a question he would ask Ren after he got down the basics.

Dog → Horse → Tiger → Dog → Horse → Dragon → Boar → Ram. Thirty flames formed in the air around Maverick hovering there for a few moments. He was surprised he got it on his first try, more so that the flames were as bright as they were. Had the pill fully taken effect? The flames roared forward striking another tree. Thirty explosions filled the air with a crescendo of destruction. He made sure to keep practicing just to make sure the first attempt was not a fluke. After he felt he had decent control of this jutsu he returned to Ren. "Sensei with this technique is it possible to split the flames to target multiple opponents?"

Jutsu Learned:

Ren smiled at Maverick's question, he was actually hoping that the other male would ask it. "No, that is another difference between Demon Lantern and the Phoenix Sage Fire. You give up the ability to control the individual fireballs in exchange for more to swarm the opponent, now that is not to say that you can't still hit multiple opponents if they are close enough together and you aim carefully."

They had been focused on offensive techniques and Ren felt that it was time for a shift, at least for the moment. "Alright, you've gotten a good handle on the fire techniques so far so we are going to change it up a little bit and show you some different ways that you can use your Katon Chakra beyond just fire. You form the Katon Chakra within you just like you would normally only this time you wanna be thinking about ashes or embers left by fires," Ren stated as he began showing Maverick the six hand seals for the technique. After Maverick got the hand seals Ren would activate the technique release a large cloud of Ash between him and Maverick completely obscuring him from view from the other man, but a safe distance away from the man that he wouldn't be burned by it. "This is called Hiding in Ash and Dust technique, just don't touch it cuz it will burn. It can be used as a cover to hide your retreat or to hide a surprise attack, just be careful as Wind techniques can blow the cloud of Ash away."

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Teaching: