Fanning the Flames

Maverick nodded understanding the trade off between the two techniques. "Depending on the situation few flames could be the right call or a flood of flames to snuff out the enemy." With their training taking a turn maverick stepped back knowing some defensive skills could take up quite a bit of area. He understood the idea of imagining something specific for a jutsu but had never practically practiced it. As Ren formed the needed seals he watched as a great cloud of ash filled the air between himself and Ren. He formed a quick seal using a Fuuton jutsu to disperse the ash away.

Maverick stood still for a moment imagining his chakra as ash within his belly. He formed the seals Dragon -> Snake -> Monkey -> Rat -> Ox -> Tiger. As he exhaled the soot and ash came forth. The cloud was not as big as Ren's but it was enough to obscure his body from the other man. Maverick decided to have some fun while he thought Ren could not see him. Behind the ash Maverick summoned an Ember Clone which he sent out left of the ash cloud. With as much speed as he could muster he dashed out from the cloud to the right kunai in hand.

Jutsu Learned:

A smirk would form on Ren's face as he saw the ember clone, while physically it looked like Maverick, one could not fool the three tomoe Sharingan with a simple clone. He wasn't quite sure what it was Maverick planned, but Ren would stop it in its tracks. Forming a string of seven hand seals in rapid succession, Ren would release a small fireball that would rapidly close in on the ember clone before exploding in a beautiful storm of fire that would destroy the clone. Ren's three tomoe eye would then look to Maverick, "takes a lot more than a clone to fool the Sharingan. That's not to say the Sharingan can see through all clones but ones like that one is no match for it." He stated with a smile, it was true though, elemental clones like the ember clone appear different in the eyes of the Sharingan than a normal person. It was likely due to the fact that the clone only had Katon Chakra within it, "now that technique is called Intelligent Hard Work. I think it will be perfect for you, especially considering the effect when you combine it with a wind technique." Ren would then move to begin showing Maverick the seven hand seals for the technique, it should be easy for him to pick up on, and he would eventually be able to take it even further than Ren could considering he also had wind natured chakra.

---

Teaching:

Mavericks movements came to a halt as Ren easily obliterated his clone. Slowly he stood putting the kunai back into its pouch. He should have known a simple clone technique would not fool Ren's Sharingan. However he was shocked by the response the younger man took. He was intrigued wondering what Ren meant by being able to modify the technique with Wind release. He appreciated how much time Ren would take teaching him the longer strings of hand seals. When Maverick felt comfortable with his own coordination making the seals he stepped away preparing his chakra. Rat → Dog → Tiger → Horse → Dragon → Ram → Dragon, he exhaled as a fireball flew from his mouth running along the ground. As the flame connected with tree in the distance the resulting explosion was more than he could imagine. "Sir is it possible to have this jutsu travel across other objects? Say a plank of wood or strong enough cord?" He felt the understanding of the weaker jutsu Ren had taught him helped him more than he wanted to admit on these higher rank techniques. He was not sure how he would ever be able to repay the kindness Ren was showing him taking an old Genin under his wing.

Jutsu Learned:

Maverick's question would cause Ren to pause for a moment as he considered it, "I suppose as long as the surface was larger than the fireball it could travel along it as well. To be honest I have never tried myself, but I have heard of one who had used it along the side of a building so I would say anything is possible in the right situation."

After a moment, Ren would begin to explain the next jutsu. Knowing that this technique might be harder for him to explain than the others as it had no hand seals and was simply about chakra control. "So with this next technique, there are no hand seals. This makes it easier to use in a pinch, but by itself it do not do much, it is merely a catalyst to make an explosion, and all it takes is a spark. Now you remember with the Hiding in Ash and Dust technique you channeled your chakra to ash rather than fire, with this technique you do the same." Ren would take a step back, facing to the side so that Maverick wouldn't get caught in the technique. Inhaling a breath before releasing a large cloud of Ash, with a look to Maverick with a wink before he snapped his fingers releasing a small amount of Raiton chakra that ignited the ash into a brilliant fiery explosion before them. "Now I used Raiton just now, but the same effect can be caused with a flame as well, it all depends on how you want to use it. I've even had an ember clone rush into it before and detonate itself to cause the explosion, a small flame or a spark, that's all it takes."

---

Teaching:

Maverick stood there nodding as what Ren said made sense. He felt like this jutsu might be easier to use having already learned the Hiding in Ash and Dust technique. He stood for a few minutes, his eyes closed as he focused the fire within him. He watched it die and smolder leaving nothing but ash. He opened his mouth exhaling he blew out a cloud of ash. He stepped back admiring his work, it was no where near the size of Ren's but a lot larger than he had expected of his first try. He made a mental note wondering if the power of his jutsu had increased with the pill. As the ash floated in the air Maverick made a few quick hand seal before clamping his hands together for the Fuuton Release: Breakthrough technique. The gust of air summoned was normally strong enough to knock over a grown man. However he did not wish to disperse the ash completely. He quickly formed three seals as fast as his hands would let him. Rabbit -> Dog -> Ox twin fireballs appeared one in each hand before he hurled them each at the ash which was now getting less densely packed together. The resulting explosion almost looked like a fireworks show just for himself and Ren. "I didn't think that would work."

Jutsu Learned:

[OOC: I know that what i posted probably isn't possible but it sounded cool just for a training post]

Ren was surprised by the fact that Maverick would activate a wind technique, thinking for certain that the ash would disperse, however the resulting fireworks caused by it was rather impressive. It was clear that Maverick had a way of manipulating the technique in ways Ren could not, though he still had a ways to go before he would be able to master them like Ren had. "Not bad," Ren would remark after the fireworks ended. "Just a few more fire techniques and then we will move on to something else if we have time," he would add. They had been at it for most of the day, but Ren was going to use the energy Maverick got from the pill to train him as much as possible before they would call it a day. "This next technique is designed to be a bunker buster, rather than having to enter a building or some other enclosed space where you know the enemy is hiding you could use this to flush them out. That said it can still have its uses out in the open like this, though it is far less effective." Ren stated as he began to show Maverick the five hand seals for the technique, once that was done he would release the technique himself, watching as it flew over a hundred meters away and then exploding.

---

Teaching:

He could see why Ren called it a bunker buster. With whatever decrease in power this skill had for being use out in the open, he was afraid for the ones inside when it was used against them. The string of hand seals was not as long or complicated this time. He practiced it a few times starting to feel the fatigue of the pill. He was determined to hold out as long as he could to learn as much from his new Sensei. He formed the five seals in quick order filling his lungs as he exhaled the large torrent of flame over the open area trying to get it as far as Ren. Maverick dropped to one knee his breathing labored. Ren had warned him about the after affects of the soldier pills and he took it anyway. "I'm okay i promise i can keep going a little more." He held his hand up before getting to his feet on his own strength.

Jutsu Learned:

Ren would watch as Maverick dropped to one knee, he knew that the pill's effect wouldn't last much longer but he hoped that since Maverick stated he could keep going that the other male could hold on a little while longer. There were only a few more techniques left for today's lesson, and considering he was picking them up faster than before, Ren wanted to use it to his advantage. Though he wasn't a slave driver, Ren would toss Maverick another bottle of water and give the man time to relax a little bit to catch his breath. "Take it easy, the pill still has a little time left too it just don't push yourself too hard." While they waited for Maverick to catch his breath, Ren would go ahead and show the other man the six hand seals for the next technique while he explained it. "This next one is called Crimson Earth Spider, it can be used to both trap the enemy as well as attack them and once I show you the actual technique you will understand why they call it what they do. Now it's not the perfect trap, but it makes a small arena like fire around the target with flames reaching three meters high so it can stop a lot of people." Once Maverick was ready, Ren would activate the technique surrounding Maverick in a ring of fire so that he could see what it was like to be on the inside of the technique, so that he could get a good view of the spider made of fire that would appear within the ring as well. Ren would make the spider move this way and that way, showing Maverick how one could control the spider before ending the technique so that Maverick could try it for himself.

---

Teaching:

Maverick was grateful for the bottle again slowly savoring the liquid. He took just a few moments to rest and catch his breath before listening to Ren explain the next jutsu. As he watched Ren form the required hand seals before bars of flame burst to life around him. The heat was so intense to Mavericks senses, he could smell the burning air, his skin became slightly numb. He knew Ren would not hurt him but when the spider appeared he had a moment of doubt.He saw the spider react to the command motions making it scurry here and there but never near him. He left out a sigh of relief as the flames died down leaving a few burn marks on the ground.

The only downside to the jutsu was it left the top open for escape. He had a few ideas on how he would be able to remedy that issue. He practiced the seals a few times without weaving chakra before he felt he was ready. Maverick was glad Ren was pushing him but also understanding of the Genin's limits. Maverick summoned a normal clone to his side, he did not wish to have another accident seeing how close he would need to be. Making the six seals the fire erupted around the clone as well as the spider. However he did not focus on having it move or attack. He made some more seals looking to the top of the cage before exhaling a fireball jutsu holding the orb before he slowly lowered it making the clone pop.

"I figured in a practical battle having the spider as a distraction might be a better course of action. I just needed to figure out a way to seal the top."

Jutsu Learned:

"Well if you think of something be sure to let me know," Ren said chuckling slightly at Maverick's remark. They had completed all but one of the B level katon techniques, though considering the requirement for the technique made it very situational, Ren decided against teaching it to Maverick and instead move on to the final two Katon techniques that he was going to be teaching the other man. "These next two techniques will really test your ability to both shape the Katon chakra as well as control, they are both high level skills and therefore should only be used if there is no other alternative. If I hear about you using these techniques against a leaf shinobi there will be consequences," with that said Ren would show Maverick the seven hand seals for the first of the two techniques. "This one is called Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, similar to how you shaped Great Dragon Fire into the shape of a dragon's head, with this technique you shape the Katon into a fully fledge dragon made entirely of fire. It requires high coordination to be able to truly master it, but I believe it will give you something to strive for." Ren would then use the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet technique to release a large Chinese dragon which would fly around the pair of them, Ren controlling the movements of it as he displayed the technique for Maverick before finally ending it to allow the other man to have a go at the technique.

---

Teaching:

Maverick almost took a step back at Ren's words, of course he would never use such a powerful technique on a fellow Konoha Shinobi. "Sir I understand not all the clans get along the best. Hell i know our own history with our cousins the Hyuuga. I just do not think there would be a reason id need to try and harm one of our peers." He looked down and shook his head, he knew that there would indeed be reasons to need to turn his flames on a comrade. He had heard of ninja leaving villages for one reason or another and of course knew the needed steps to return them.

He listened to the explanation Ren gave on this knew jutsu and knew he would be in for a rough time. He had never attempted such a high rank technique before, maybe a B rank before which until today had all failed. He would not let his doubt control his mind, he had done all of this today and could see on Ren's face he was proud. Maverick took a deep breath before weaving the seals with confidence and determination. Ram → Horse → Snake → Dragon → Rat → Ox → Tiger, he held the last seal building up as much chakra within him as he could hold. His mouth opened and arms shot forward as the serpentine flames spewed forth. He did not celebrate but held focus knowing one moment of thought not spent directly controlling the great beast meant he could lose control.

The dragon flew around them in a small circle its great maw opening and closing. Maverick threw his arms right then down to the earth as the roaring flames flew into the ground exploding several dozen meters away. He stood there hunched over breathing hard, he had surprised himself with that last display. "Alright Sensei when are... you gonna teach... me something hard." He breaths were labored but he still had the energy to stand lifting his arms to show he could still weave seals.

Jutsu Learned:

Ren would crack a genuine smile at Maverick's words about him teaching him something hard, it was that Uchiha pride shining through. "Well let's see how you do with this one," Ren would reply as he formed a string of three hand seals before creating eight large fireballs that hovered in the air above him. "This is the Great Flame Flower, and it is actually one of my favorites. Each of these eight spheres holds the same destructive power of the Great Fireball technique, so let's see if you have the energy left to pull this one off." Ren would finish with a smile before dismissing the technique causing the fireballs to simply fade from existence, though it had less hand seals than the others that he had shown Maverick the control of the eight fireballs was just as difficult as the fire dragon flame bullet. They had to be maintained at a perfect distance to one another, because if they touch anything including one another they would trigger into a fiery explosion. "Take your time and pace yourself, you are already low on chakra. That said if you are able to do it in less than an hour, then we can stop by Ichiraku's for some Ramen and I'll pay. If it takes longer than an hour, then you can pay." Ren would then step back to give Maverick the room he needed to practice, he doubted the man needed the incentive to perform the technique in less than an hour, but it was a little fun to see if he could pull it off. Either way Ren would likely pay for the ramen even if it took more than an hour, as the other man had been working hard all day learning new techniques and it was now nearly nightfall.

---

Teaching:

Maverick nodded but said nothing, his body was exhausted but he did not want to show the extent to Ren. As soon as he had set the "time limit" Maverick's mind had started the clock. He sat there for five minutes building the strength to attempt the jutsu. His hands wove the hand seals needed before he actually tried, he was grateful they still wound and that the jutsu had only a few seals. He took a deep breath and exhaled steadying his legs as he focused what little chakra he had left to form inside his belly. He waited for the orbs to form around him, his eyes darted around looking for even a small sign of smoke. Again he wove the seals focusing his chakra, one small wisp of smoke hung in the air.

Maverick dropped to his knees gasping for breath his fist slamming against the ground. "NO, THIS IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!" From his knees he wove the seals again and again nothing happening. He started to panic, he had come this far today and knew it was more than he could have hoped. His brain told him otherwise, deep down his subconscious screamed at him, he would never be strong enough. He saw Maes lying in his arms taking his last breath, his white eyes closing forever. "AHHHHHHH!" His scream escaped like that of a wounded animal.

Maverick's eyes shot open his Sharingan active tears rolling down his face. His fingers wove the seals without his effort as eight orbs of flames burst to life around him. The orbs floating above his head however were not that orange red hue of normal fire. The flames were pure crimson like that of the fabled Uchiha eyes. After a moment the orbs faded, Maverick collapsing on the ground. His mental clock ticked one hour one minute.

Jutsu Learned:

Ren watched silently as Maverick struggled to perform the flame flower, he wasn't sure if he would have enough chakra to pull it off considering the fact that he could barely stand. When Maverick would scream out, Ren thought he was giving up but then he watched the other man perform the seals once more and pull it off. As the orbs faded just before Maverick would fully collapse, Ren would appear next to him holding him up on his feet with Maverick's arm over his shoulders. "You did well Maverick, you should be proud of what you have accomplished today, but it is only the first step. We have a long road ahead of us still to go and a short time to reach it. Tomorrow, I want you to rest we will have a mission in two days' time, and I want you to be at full strength. Now let's go get some Ramen before heading home," Ren stated with a smile. He would make no mention of it taking Maverick a minute longer to perform the technique than had been allotted, the man had trained hard and had earned the free meal which Ren was happy to pay for.

{Exit Thread}

A weak smile crossed Maverick's face before dropping. He was able to walk but knew if Ren was not helping him it would not have been for long. The rest of the night was a blur all he could remember was being put into his bed then waking up the next day. He could not move let alone train today almost feeling like a failure. Ren's words drifted back through head reminding him he had done more than enough and to rest for their mission in a few days.

[Exit Post]