Kicking it up a notch

Nao would enter the grand training facility with one goal in mind, to kick it up a notch. He had learned some new techniques of the Hyūga Clan thanks to the help of his Sensei Airi, but there were things that he had to learn on his own. He just hoped he was ready for them as much as he believed he was, luckily though if he made a fool of himself there was no one around to see it. Shrugging off his jacket, Nao would slowly make his way to one of the training dummies that were scattered around the field. Taking on the gentle fist stance, Nao would take in a breath before slowly exhaling it as he activated his Byakugan. After a few seconds of mental preparation, Nao would launch himself forward delivering thirty two strikes to different parts of the dummy where the Tenketsu points would be located on an actual person. Once that was done he would return back to the starting position of the style as he took in another breath and exhaled it, cracking his neck as he twisted his head slightly back and forth. He had mastered the thirty two palms, but now was the time for him to take it a step further, with another slow breath Nao would launch himself forward as he delivered a total of sixty four strikes to the dummy. He would repeat the process a few times just to ensure it wasn't some kind of fluke, then with a smile he would relax slightly.

---

Learning 64 palms (B-Rank Taijutsu) 260/200

The member 'Nao' has done the following action : Dice roll

---

'Bunny Arrival' :

Nao would bounce on the balls of his feet for a few seconds, stretching his arms and rotation his head around as he thought about what to try next. With a smile as the thought crossed his mind, Nao would stop moving around and begin to focus. Airi had taught him the heavenly rotation, but he knew that there were other techniques that involved the expelling of chakra from every Tenketsu point without rotating. He thought back to his and Sera's spar with Tōri and couldn't help but wonder if he had been able to use such techniques if he might have stood a better chance, or at the very least been able to avoid his capture by Tōri there at the end. Taking in another slow deep breath and then exhaling it just as slowly to help clear his mind, Nao would focus as he attempted to expell chakra from every Tenketsu point on his body at the same time. It was similar to how he had done in his training with Airi on the rotation, but didn't require him to spin and could offer more uses than simply defending like what the rotation provided. Releasing the burst of chakra, he would instantly knock the training dummy that was in front of him off it's stick. His second attempt would send him backwards a few feet, on his third attempt he would focus to have the chakra come out all around his body rather than just in front of him, if he had thought to use something like this against Tōri he would have easily been able to break out of the bindings that the man had used with his tree jutsu.

---

Learning one blow body (B-Rank Taijutsu) 290/200

The member 'Nao' has done the following action : Dice roll

---

'Bunny Arrival' :

Nao would begin bouncing around on the balls of his feet again, excited about the training, there were so many possibilities that it was impossible for him to contain himself. While he enjoyed using the gentle fist style, it was not the only fighting style that he had been proficient with. He had excelled with the strong fist style as well, if he had to compare them, he would say they were the polar opposites of each other and yet he was just as good with both styles. He wondered if there was a way he could take the teachings of both styles and create his own unique style of fighting, one that would help him express himself and his truth, or rather the truth that he recently discovered about himself. For now however he would focus on what he knew he could do, stopping his movements and taking on the strong fist stance. Inhaling a deep breath and exhaling it slowly, Nao would focus his sights upon another dummy that was not far away from him. Launching himself forward at a great speed, Nao would reach the dummy and deliver a powerful lateral kick to the dummy's head.

---

Learning Leaf Great Flash (B-Rank Taijutsu) 200/200

The member 'Nao' has done the following action : Dice roll

---

'Bunny Arrival' :

Nao watched as the dummy lost it's head from his last kick, a smile forming on his face from the sight. His training was paying off, he was by all accounts becoming stronger and faster than he had been before. Unfortunately the strain it was putting on his was not going unnoticed, it was a burning pain in his muscles and the more he pushed his body the stronger the burning sensation became. Just a little longer, he would tell himself as he tried to ignore the slight pain he was beginning to feel. If I can just last a little longer today then I did yesterday, then I will have improved even if it's only slightly. Taking a couple of slow breaths in and out, Nao would give himself a few seconds of rest before returning to the training dummy. Taking on the strong fist stance once more Nao would position himself near the dummy, where he would need to be at in actual combat to perform the next maneuver that he had planned. Focusing chakra to his legs, Nao would perform a backflip while simultaneously kicking the dummy as hard as he could. The follow through was a bit off and he didn't exactly stick the landing, but the dummy would launch into the air from the force of the kick.

---

Learning Leaf Strong Whirlwind (B-Rank Taijutsu) 226/200

Nao smiled as he watched the dummy come crashing back to the ground after it's airborne trip from his kick. One more, he told himself. One more and he would take a break to rest his muscles, the burning sensation already having grown due to that last maneuver. Nao was slightly disappointed in the fact that despite the name of strong fist, most of the style's maneuvers revolved around kicking. Surely there had to be a way for him to be able to combine the two different fighting styles and create a sort of mixed martial arts that he could use to his benefit. A style that took the best of both styles and utilized them together, but he didn't have time to contemplate such things right now. One more maneuver and then he would rest, just one more, he thought to himself as he returned to the starting position of the strong fist style. Picking a new training dummy in which to use, considering the last two were no longer viable for him. Gritting his teeth as he pushed through the burning sensation in his muscles, Nao would deliver a power strike with his elbow to the training dummy before taking a step back. It didn't send the head flying off like he had expected it to, but it was likely just something that he would simply have to continue working on for the time being.

---

Learning Leaf Destroying Rock Rise (B-Rank Taijutsu) 241/200

Nao would take a break under the shade of one of the trees within the training area, grabbing his jug of water and downing it rather quickly as he rubbed the muscles in his legs with his free hand. That was the one disadvantage he had when it came to him using the strong fist style, the strain it put on his muscles. His whole life his mother had taught him the gentle fist style, which by all accounts was far less physical and strenuous on the muscles of the user. Nao would laugh to himself as he suddenly realized that it kinda spoke it in the name, though most assumed it was simple because the style worked with a gentle touch, but what if it was both. What if it was called gentle fist because it was both gentle on the user and one only needed a light touch to use it, Nao smiled to himself at the thought before finishing off the water that was within the jug. After a good while of resting the burning sensation in his muscles would finally subside and Nao would get back to his training.

Moving to a training dummy, Nao would take on the strong fist style stance once more in front of it. The next maneuver he wanted to practice required the target to be in the air, so he would have to use some of the other maneuvers first in order to reach his goal. Tilting his head from side to side to pop his neck and loosen himself up again, Nao would take in a deep breath before slowly letting it out. With himself in the perfect combat position to how he would need to be for his plan to work in actual combat, the young genin would begin his practice. First, he would perform the Leaf Rising Wind technique to launch the training dummy into the air. Next, Nao would use the Shadow of the Dancing Leaf technique to get him into the air right along side it. With himself now in position in the air, Nao would unleashed a powerful combination as he and the training dummy fell back to the earth. Nao knew that in actual combat he might have to account for his opponent to try and fight back against him, much like Tōri did during their spar, but for now it was just about the practice of the maneuver. Just before impact, Nao would perform a front flip in mid air, bringing his leg down hard on the training dummy before using the momentum of the impact with the dummy to position himself back on his feet and ready for another assault.

---

Learning Lion Combo (B-Rank Taijutsu) 257/200

Picking the training dummy up off the ground, Nao would look it over to ensure that it was still viable before sticking it back on the wooden stick in the ground that it had originally been attached to. The was no point in him just moving on to another training dummy if this training dummy was still intact, that would just be wasteful, or it was at the very least in his eyes. Nao would take up the strong fist style starting stance once more, while it wasn't exactly needed for the next maneuver, the next maneuver did require the target to be in the air much like the last maneuver had and his strong fist style was the best option he had for that right now. Just like before, Nao would position himself and perform the Leaf Rising Wind technique to launch the training dummy into the air and then use the Shadow of the Dancing Leaf technique to put himself in the air behind the training dummy. Once in the air, Nao would wrap his arms and legs around the training dummy with it's head pointed down towards the ground. As the came plummetting to the ground the training dummy's head would impact the ground with such force that it would explode in a fury of straw.

---

Learning Peregrine Falcon Drop (B-Rank Taijutsu) 222/200

With those maneuvers out of the way, Nao would move on to the next set of maneuvers. These maneuvers were likely not to be used as often as the others, considering they were from the Arhat Fist style, but he would learn them anyways just as he had done with the basics of the style. It was always better to be prepared, because you never knew if the situation might arise where that particular technique might be needed. Before he started on the Arhat Fist style maneuvers though, he would first take his jug to get filled with fresh water. It was slightly funny, how much of a sweat this training was causing. The more he sweat, the thirstier he would become because of it. Though he supposed that was par for the course when it came to training physical styles such as these, much more strenuous than Ninjutsu even if it used less chakra than the other. Filling the jug up, Nao would have it almost half gone by the time he made it back to the training dummies. Setting the half empty jug of water down on the ground, Nao would take up the Arhat Fist style. With a single powerful downward thrust with his arm, Nao would bring his palm down hard on the training dummy, crushing it and the stick that held it beneath the force of the blow.

---

Learning Crushing Palm (B-Rank Taijutsu) 233/200

With yet another training dummy obliterated, Nao would look around on the ground and find one of the mostly intact training dummies from before. Picking the chosen training dummy up off the ground and dusting it off slightly, Nao would position it back on one of the sticks that has held it before. The training dummy was missing it's head, but the head wasn't really needed for what he had planned for this one. Soon it would be like the others, a simple pile of straws and wood splinters. While he wasn't particularly fond of the arhat fist style, it was surprisingly effective as well as destructive. Relying heavily upon using Chakra to enhance the user's strength to make them that much more deadlier, more so than Strong Fist. In the back of his mind, Nao still pondered on the idea of combining the gentle fist and strong fist to make something more powerful than any of the other fighting styles. For now however, his main focus was on the maneuver he was about to attempt. Taking in a deep breath before he would let it out slowly, Nao would return to the arhat fist style before thrusting his arm forward at the training dummy. Following his punch through fully, throwing his weight into the punch as well, Nao would smile as the training dummy and the stick that held it up right would be completely destroyed from the attack.

---

Learning Smashing Boulder (B-Rank Taijutsu) 244/200

Nao had done some research in the library after the unexpected static electricity had sparked across his hands when he had met Tengoku. He had borrowed copies of different Raiton techniques so that he could possibly train and see if he actually held a connection to the element and would be able to use it. Now that he was done with training his body for the day, Nao figured now was a good a time as any to try it out and see if he did possess the Raiton nature chakra. Since it was always better to start with the easiest first, Nao would look to the first technique described in the scroll that he had borrowed. Forming the dragon hand seal, Nao would raise his hand above his head and fire off a small bolt of lightning would shoot from his fingers and into the air before creating a bright flash of light.

---

Learning Lightning Signal Fire (D-Rank Ninjutsu) 154/100

Nao was more than a little shocked by the fact that he was actually able to pull the technique off, it meant that his initial thought of him having Raiton nature chakra was right. He didn't have any experience with using the element, so he would take some time looking over the scroll to make sure he understood the next technique before he would actually try it out. After several minutes of reading and rereading the instructions, Nao would finally step up to one of the training dummies. He would form the snake, horse and rabbit hand seals in rapid succession before reaching out to the training dummy with one hand and his other hand up into the air but nothing happened. Frowning slightly, Nao would look back to the scroll and slowly realize that he had formed two of the hand seals in the wrong order. Stepping back to the training dummy he would give it another go, this time ensuring that he form the strong of three hand seals in the right order before lightning would travel down his arm and to his other arm to the training dummy.

---

Learning Lightning Rod (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 192/150

As Nao looked through the other techniques in the scroll, he noticed another technique that was nearly similar to the one he had just tried. Like the technique he had tried before it, three hand seals to deliver a shocking touch to the target but it didn't require him to raise his other hand into the air to do it. Which if he was considering it was much more convenient, and if he had seen this technique first he likely wouldn't have learned the other. He was simply going in the order the scroll had the techniques in, so hopefully he would eventually learn all of them. Looking over the hand seals to make sure that he didn't make the same mistake he had made with the previous one, the last thing he wanted to do was make the same mistake twice. Forming the snake, rabbit, and rat hand seals, Nao would charge one of his hands with Raiton before thrusting it at the training dummy.

---

Learning Young Lightning (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 169/150

Continuing down the list of techniques, Nao was pleased to see that the next technique in the list was one with some range to it. It was an area he was more than slightly lacking in, something that was proven when he and Sera had faced Tōri. Range had been his biggest issue in that spar, and something that he knew that he needed to work on as he could not rely on always having a partner like Sera that could cover his weaknesses. Like the two techniques he had just used, this technique only had three hand seals so it should be relatively easy for him to use, as long as he didn't get them out of order again. Reviewing the hand seals that were listed with the technique, Nao would positioned himself around twenty meters away from the closest training dummy. Forming the tiger, snake and then the tiger hand seal again, Nao would put both hands in front of him and release a burst of lightning from his hands that would strike the single training dummy, though according to the scroll it was possible for it to effect multiple opponents at a time as long as they were within range.

---

Learning Thunderbolt (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 205/150

Nao rolled his head around a few times popping his neck, as he returned his attention to the scroll once more. Another range technique was listed next, but unfortunately for him it relied on his own strength for the distance that it could travel, so he doubted that it would travel that far. Nao was far from strong, and for a moment he debated on whether or not he should even attempt it. While he planned to learn everything that he could, the weakness of his own strength made it seem like a waste. After several back and forth a with himself, Nao would decide to give the technique a try anyways. Even if right now the arrow wouldn't travel far, if he was able to enhance his strength later on the technique might become useful. Picking a target that was about thirty meters away from him, Nao would form the snake, rabbit, and dog hand seals. Creating a arrow of pure lightning in his hand, Nao would throw the arrow as hard as he could towards the target. It didn't travel very fast, if he had tried to use it against a real opponent they would have easily been able to dodge it, but since it was stationary the arrow would easily find its mark before disappearing.

---

Learning Thunderclap Arrow (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 220/150

Nao was impressed with his ability with the Raiton techniques as of yet, so far there were only minor problems such as getting the hand seals mixed up and such. Moving back to the scroll, Nao would reach into his backpack that was set near it and pull out his lunch. It was nothing more than a simple sandwich, but it would be enough to hold him over until he finished training and he could get something to eat when he left. Taking a bite of the sandwich, Nao would review the next technique on the list. Like the others, a simple technique that did not require man hand seals and could be used effectively with his Taijutsu. Finishing his sandwich off, Nao would stand and dust himself off as he readied himself for the next technique. Forming the dragon hand seal, clapping his hand, and forming the monkey hand seal, Nao would create a bolt of lightning in the shape of a snake as is zoomed forward at the training dummy.

---

Learning Snake Thunder (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 172/150

Pleased with the results of the last technique, Nao would return once more to the scroll. There were just so many techniques that he needed to learn, so much that he needed to accomplish. The Chuunin Exams were drawing closer by the day and he was no where near as ready as he wanted to be, too much to learn and too little time but he couldn't let that stop him. He would just have to pick himself harder to get what he needed accomplished done, it would put a strain on his body. That would be unavoidable if he continued on the path he was on, but it was what needed to be done. Taking in a slow deep breath, Nao would let it out just as slowly as he cleared his mind. Forming the rabbit, rat, and horse hand seals, Nao would slam his palms to the ground causing lightning to rip through the ground as it traveled to the training dummy.

---

Learning Telegram Flash (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 165/150

Cracking his neck by rolling it on his shoulders, Nao would look to the next technique on the scroll. Like the last one he just used, this one required him to touch the ground, which means he would have to choose a different area to use this technique since most of the ground was destroyed by the other one. He would move with a purpose as he picked up the items he had scattered around, taking a drink of his water from his jug as he stuff the rest of his things in his backpack. As he moved to a different area he would stop long enough to fill the jug back up with some fresh water, before reaching his new training area. Sitting his backpack down and placing the jug of water next to it, Nao would move away from his things as he readied himself again. Forming the dog, dragon, and rat hand seals before placing his hand on the ground and forming a web of lightning around him.

---

Learning Spider Web (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 171/150

Nao took in a breath, allowing the spider web to last a little while before finally ending the technique. Looking back through the scroll, Nao would realize that this process was taking far too long. His constant stoping and starting just was going to work, so he would do what he would take his time looking over the scroll. This time not just one technique, but multiple techniques doing his best to try to set them to memory so that he can try them out without having to constantly stop in between them. This was going to be the true test of his ability, it was one thing to simply learn one tech at a time with a break before the next one, but doing it this way would determine if he can keep all the different strings of hand seals in the right order for all of them in his mind. Once he finally felt he was ready, Nao would stand and twist his neck from side to side as he pumped his arms and readied himself to start. Forming the first string of hand seals, Nao would create a ball of lightning that he could manipulate. The next technique would create a bolt of lightning that he could fork to attack multiple targets, which would likely come in handy later. That finished the easier techniques, and the next were much more complicated but with that complication came more power. He would not let that complication stop him and he would run through them as well.

---

Word Count:
257 this post
864 from previous posts
1121 Total

Learning:
Lightning Ball (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 150/150
Lightning Strike (C-Rank Ninjutsu) 150/150
False Darkness (B-Rank Ninjutsu) 200/200
Lightning Rat Violent Quake (B-Rank Ninjutsu) 200/200
Thunder Binding (B-Rank Ninjutsu) 200/200
Wave of Inspiration (B-Rank Ninjutsu) 200/200

Remaining WC: 21

Nao's hands would slap against his knees as he doubled over nearly out of breath, he felt exhausted but knew he couldn't stop yet. There were still more to learn but after all the ones he had just used, he couldn't remember the hand seals for the ones that followed it. Walking back to his gear, Nao would grab the jug of water and down all the water within in quickly before wiping his mouth and letting out an exhausted sigh. There was just so much, it was hard to remember it all. Unfortunately his exhaustion was just too much for him to handle, he was sure that if he pushed himself too much further he would likely pass out from the exhaustion, but he had to try just one more. Looking over the scroll, Nao would scan what would be the last technique he was going to learn today before stuffing it back into his bag and turning to face the training dummy. This one didn't require hand seals it was all about the manipulation of his chakra, which was perfect for him. Focusing the chakra into his arm he would charge at the dummy and strike it with a punch, sending electricity through the dummy before he picked up his bag and water jug and headed home for the day.

Exit Thread

---

Learning Thunderclap Drill (B-Rank Ninjutsu) 200/200