Uncharted Waters

Returning to the secluded arena he had crafted in the heart of the training grounds, Natsuki paused at the edge of the vast pit he had formed during his previous training session. The sight of the shallow pool of water still settled at the bottom served as a stark reminder of his initial foray into Suiton techniques. The pool, a small testament to his burgeoning mastery and the untapped potential of his new abilities, mirrored back the clear skies above.

Today, he was determined to achieve what he had set out to do previously- to fill this pit and solidify his control over this new element. Stepping closer to the edge, Natsuki took a deep breath, the air cool against his skin, brimming with the moist scent of earth and stagnant water. He extended his arms, focusing his mind and body in unison as he prepared to channel a more substantial flow of chakra than he had ever attempted.

With a steady gaze fixed on the water below, Natsuki formed the ram seal. He felt the chakra surge from the core of his being, flowing through him like a river breaking its banks. Opening his mouth, he released a powerful stream of water, far more vast and forceful than before. The water jetted out in a torrential flood, arching gracefully before crashing into the pit with a resounding splash that echoed off the arena walls.

The pit responded almost immediately, the water level rising steadily as Natsuki continued to pour his chakra into the technique. He watched, a mixture of awe and exertion on his face, as the pool expanded, creeping closer to the brim. His muscles tensed under the strain, but the satisfaction of watching his efforts materialize kept him anchored, pushing him to maintain the flow.

Finally, as the water reached the edges of the pit, Natsuki ceased the flow. He took a moment to observe the now-filled pit- a small lake of his creation. A smile crept across his face, both proud and relieved. He wondered if Tōri would be impressed.

[Learned Techniques]
Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave - A rank - 344/250 words - 20 CP

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

Pleased with the volume of water he had called forth into the pit, Natsuki felt a surge of confidence. The large body of water shimmered under the morning light, a symbol of his burgeoning prowess with Water. Yet, he knew mastering water would require finesse, not just force. He wanted to test something more refined, a demonstration of control and precision.

Turning away from the newly created lake, Natsuki faced the tall earthen wall he had erected the other day. This would be his target for a more focused application of his water abilities. Drawing a deep breath to center himself, he began weaving through a series of hand seals with concentration. Each seal felt less familiar, less instinctual than those of his earth techniques- a reminder that Suiton didn't come as naturally to him.

With the final seal locked in, Natsuki clapped his hands together, channeling his chakra inside himself once more. He turned sharply, facing the wall as he directed spit out a  controlled, powerful stream. The water sliced through the air with a hissing sound, striking the wall with incredible precision. A clean portion of the stone was carved out, the edges smooth and the surface slick where the water had made contact as the stone crashed into the forest behind the wall.

Despite the successful execution, Natsuki felt a wave of lightness wash over him. Manipulating water required a substantial amount of stamina, far more than any of his earth techniques. He leaned forward, hands on his knees, catching his breath. The effort took a significant toll, a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead in mastering this new element.

[Learned Techniques]
Water Release: Water Severing Wave - A rank - 275/250 words - 20 CP

120/160 CP

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

After his earlier exertions, Natsuki decided to scale back, opting to practice with a technique that required less of chakra. Standing by the edge of the newly filled pit, he gazed at the calm surface of the water, now a tool rather than just a challenge.

He extended his hands toward the water, focusing intently, before weaving a few seals. The surface rippled as he called it forth, not from within himself this time, but drawing from the abundant source before him. With a deft motion, he manipulated the water, coaxing it into action. A spiraling stream rose from the lake, twirling gracefully into the air, controlled entirely by the movements of his hands.

Natsuki maneuvered the spiraling water through the air with precision, directing it around the clearing. The stream danced at his command, looping around trees and weaving through the air like a living creature. This practice, while less draining, was no less demanding of his focus and control.

The water moved in harmony with his intentions. He guided the stream back towards the lake, watching it gently splash down, sending ripples across the surface. This technique, while more subdued than his previous attempts at large-scale water manipulation, was a critical step in mastering the finer points of control.

[Learned Techniques]
Water Release: Marine Battle Formation Technique - B rank - 211/200 words - 10 CP

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

Standing at the water's edge, he watched the stillness of the surface, contemplating the potential hidden within. This new jutsu required finesse and proximity to an opponent, which made it particularly challenging yet potentially very effective in combat.

With a deep breath, Natsuki dipped his fingers into the cool water, feeling the chakra pulse between him and the liquid. Righting himself, he wove a single seal. The water responded, tiny vibrations appearing on the surface as his chakra infused and manipulated the molecules.

Suddenly, the tranquil surface erupted as countless sharp, needle-like projectiles formed from the water. With a flick of his wrist, Natsuki directed these water needles into the air, where they hung momentarily, glistening under the sun like a swarm of deadly insects ready to strike. He targeted the area around him, simulating a scenario where proximity to an opponent would be crucial.

As he launched the needles, they whistled through the air. Quickly, Natsuki kicked off and jumped backwards, out of range. These needles then sunk fast into the earth around him. The exercise demonstrated not only the lethal potential of the jutsu but also the necessity of being close enough to ensure accuracy and maximize impact. Natsuki observed the results, noting the distribution and effectiveness of the strikes.

Being this close, and with a swift one handed seal, I could really turn the tide in a close combat situation... This new element was proving to be quite versatile; to have something as useful as earth release, he did not think it possible.

[Learned Techniques]
Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death - B rank - 256/250 - 10 CP
100/160

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

Natsuki stood at the edge of the newly created lake, his eyes reflecting a blend of determination and curiosity. The shimmering surface of the water seemed to beckon, challenging him to push his control over this element even further. Today, he would attempt a technique that mirrored one he knew well in Earth Release, yet with the fluid, unpredictable nature of water.

He began methodically weaving through a series of hand seals, more complex and numerous than those required for his previous water manipulations. Each seal brought him deeper into sync with the water before him, his chakra flowing seamlessly into the vast body, coaxing it to rise and respond to his will.

With the final seal completed, the calm surface of the lake erupted into a massive, spiraling water dragon. It roared to life, water cascading down its serpentine form, creating a spectacle of power and grace. Natsuki watched in awe as the dragon soared through the air, its movement fluid and majestic.

As he controlled the dragon, guiding it with precise motions, Natsuki noted the stark differences from the Earth Release technique he had mastered. The water dragon was certainly more slick, thought it shared almost all of the same capabilities as its earthen brother. Perhaps if it were an advantageous elemental match up, I would use this...

And I could probably ride this as well, just like the earth dragon. He watched the dragon dissolve back into the lake with a final splash. The thought intrigued him, but he decided against attempting it today. His mastery over water was improving, but he knew his limits and the importance of gradual, controlled progression. For now, understanding and controlling such a forceful manifestation of water was achievement enough.

[Learned Techniques]
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique - B rank - 289/250 words - 10 CP

90/160 CP

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

Natsuki lingered at the lake’s edge, his gaze drawn back to the calm expanse of water. The power he had just summoned lingered, too, in his mind. With it, he found the curiosity to further test the limits of his abilities with Suiton. An idea sparked; there was another earth technique with which he dabbled, one that involved multiple simultaneous attacks. Could he adapt it using water?

With renewed focus, he visualized the technique, imagining the water mimicking the earth-based attack he knew so well. He set into motion, his hands swiftly forming the necessary seals. This time, the chakra flow felt more demanding, as he divided his focus and energy into creating multiple points of attack.

Suddenly, from the surface of the lake, three powerful surges of water erupted. They spiraled upwards, each moving along a distinct trajectory, converging violently at a central point above the lake. The sight was spectacular—like aquatic spears targeting an unseen enemy in the air, crashing together with a force that sent droplets flying in all directions.

Natsuki watched the water's display, noting the comparative difficulty of this adaptation. It’s similar to the Rock Pillar Spears, but the control and timing needed here are on another level... Though not in a way I'd call useful... The water technique lacked the immediate force and simplicity of its earth counterpart, and the terrain requirements felt more niche. All of this was to say nothing of how Earth just felt more simple to use. But, again, there might be a time and a place.

[Learned Techniques]
Water Release: Water Fang Bullet - B rank - 257/250 words - 10 CP

80/100 CP

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

Reinvigorated by his successful adaptation of complex techniques, Natsuki next turned his attention to a fundamental application he knew well with earth: creating barriers. Curious to see how this basic concept would translate with water, he faced the lake, pondering the dynamic nature of water compared to the steadfastness of earth.

With a clear image in mind, Natsuki began forming a series of hand seals. He felt the familiar surge of chakra, but this time it mingled with the fluid, responsive energy of the water. Extending his hands towards the lake, he channeled his will, coaxing the water to rise and meet his command.

In response, a massive wall of water surged upwards from the lake’s surface. The wall stood towering before him, its surface shimmering and undulating gently. Natsuki observed the structure, noting its inherent instability compared to earth. Unlike the solid, enduring barriers formed from the ground, this water wall pulsed with the constant flow of chakra, requiring continuous control to maintain its form.

"This is quite different. It wouldn't hold for long without constant chakra... But in a pinch, it could effectively drive back foes or block an incoming attack temporarily."

The realization that each element brought its own strengths and limitations to such a basic technique like a barrier was enlightening. Natsuki watched as the wall gradually lowered back into the lake, contemplating the energy it had required. While it demanded more from him to sustain, the ability to conjure such a barrier instantaneously offered strategic flexibility in combat situations.

I bet I could spit that out, too.

[Learned Techniques]
Water Release: Water Formation Wall - B rank - 262/250 words - 10 CP

70/160 CP

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

After his ventures with Suiton, Natsuki found himself drawn back to the familiarity and strength of Doton, his foundational element. A recent sparring match with Sera flashed in his mind, where an unexpected shock from her jutsu had nearly overwhelmed him. The pain from that encounter lingered in his memory, sparking a resolve to fortify his defenses against such vulnerabilities.

With a determined gaze, Natsuki stood in the center of the clearing, his focus narrowing to the chakra flow within him. He remembered the sharp jolt of Sera's attack, and how it had penetrated his defenses, leaving him reeling. "I need something more... substantial," he murmured to himself.

He formed the Boar seal, followed by the Ram, and then another Boar, channeling his chakra to his skin. He visualized the earth's strength, its unyielding nature, flowing into him. Slowly, his skin began to change, taking on the appearance of stone-like plates. The plates formed across his body, rugged and solid, with gaps at the joints to allow for movement. These gaps seemed superficial, but the stone plates beneath his skin were seamlessly connected, providing a continuous shield.

As the transformation completed, Natsuki examined his new armor. The plates were tough, an external manifestation of the earth's enduring toughness. While he felt the weight of his new defense, the increased durability was palpable.

I shall call you: Earth Release: Stonehide Skin! The only drawback, he noted with a grimace in the mirror, was the unsettling view of his musculature beneath the skin, now obscured by the rock-like plates. While unsightly, the trade-off for enhanced protection was well worth it.

[Learned Techniques]
Earth Release: Stonehide Skin - B rank - 288/250 words - 5 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

Feeling the weight of his newly developed Stonehide Skin, Natsuki pondered over other defensive techniques that might offer different advantages. He decided to experiment with a variation that involved channeling Doton chakra more directly and dynamically.

Standing firmly in the center of the clearing, he centered his focus deeply within, preparing to transform not just his outer layer but to fortify his very skeleton. With a few precise hand seals, he felt his chakra surge downwards, hardening and sharpening the properties of his body's structure.

As the transformation took hold, Natsuki felt his bones and skin toughen dramatically, akin to being encased in a flexible layer of reinforced earth. This technique, while less visually imposing than the Stonehide Skin, provided a subtler, more integrated form of protection. It enhanced his durability significantly without obvious stone-like appearance. Still, while he felt more protected, something getting passed the defensed could still be incredibly painful.

"This feels quite different," Natsuki noted to himself. The integration of earth into his body was less restrictive, allowing for greater mobility while still offering formidable defense. He flexed and moved around, testing the range of motion and the comfort level- it was as if his skin had turned into a thin but incredibly tough layer of armor.

[Learned Techniques]
Earth Release: Earth Spear - B rank - 210/200 words - 5 CP

60/160 CP

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the training grounds, Natsuki took a moment to survey the transformations he had wrought upon the landscape. The walled arena stood as a testament to his burgeoning mastery over earth, while the massive square hole, now filled with water, reflected his nascent but growing command over Suiton. Each element, manipulated through sheer will and chakra, shaped the very environment around him- a feat he would have deemed impossible not so long ago.

Natsuki's gaze lingered on the serene water surface, a mirror to the sky above and to the changes within himself. He remembered days less burdened by the weight of expectations, when techniques were just intriguing concepts from scrolls and tales, not tools that tested the limits of his endurance and creativity. Those simpler times seemed distant now, overshadowed by the path he had chosen to walk- a path marked by relentless pursuit of mastery and strength.

With a deep, steadying breath, Natsuki turned his back on the training grounds. Tori and Sera... they pushed me to see beyond the ordinary, to reach for the impossible, he thought, his determination solidifying with each step he took towards home. The lessons learned here, amid dirt and water, would fuel his journey, not just as a shinobi but as a relentless seeker of his own limits.

With every challenge overcome and each new technique mastered, Natsuki walked away with a renewed commitment to continue improving, to keep pushing boundaries- just as Tori and Sera had taught him.

The member 'Natsuki Uchiha' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Bunny Arrival' :