The Pinnacle

Natsuki entered the training grounds, optimistic but more than a little scared. Tori had previously mentioned more grandiose earth techniques than even the ones he used in their training with Sera. The Earth Release: Rock Pillar Spears technique was the most devastating thing in his arsenal and, while he used it to help the kunoichi escape her rocky confinement, it was still quiet scary to utilize near a comrade. The idea that there might be yet more powerful techniques out there?

Natsuki didn't worry for himself, but for the world if shinobi were capable of running around with such power so freely. When he spent his days lounging in the dirt and digging underground, such fears were blissfully out of mind.

Still, he would wait atop the mobile core that he had used to raise Tori out of sight of his bow-wielding companion. He had, in all the melodrama, forgotten to lower it. So there he'd sit, atop yet another cliff of his own making. He had already reshaped the world. What more was he capable of?

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

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'Bunny Arrival' :

Returning to the sight of his team’s last training exercise he found Natsuki atop the slab of earth the lad had raised himself, along with the circle of trees his clone had produced around his own position on the ground. Smiling at the scene he wondered how much longer it would last before some rambunctious shinobi youngsters used it for target practice or incorporated it into their training in other ways.

Today’s training was of serious note, largely to ensure Natsuki had the tools necessary for the coming exams. As he approached Tōri would wave his hand to him, eager to see if his growth had matured enough to conquer this first technique. While through hard training Natsuki had certainly made marked improvements with his chakra control as well as reflexes essential with a swordsman such as he was.

Remaining roughly ten meters out he would flip through the necessary three hand seals in a fraction of a second, releasing a drop in the sea of his reserves as the massive output of chakra poured into the earth below his feet. With tremendous speed outmatching either of their keen eyes a formation of rock rose from below, adhesive chakra sticking to its surface as it snaked around the protrusion of earth.

Now at the eye level of Natuski he looked at him with an expectant look and crossed arms, displaying just what he would be capable of if he had truly progressed as far as he’d expected.

“The Earth Flow Wave. This fella can really punch it and is versatile as all hell, but comes with a steep cost to your reserves. All you need is the Rat, Snake, and Tiger seals to complete. Controlling it is no simple task either, this isn’t something you’d be capable of back when we raised those cliffs.” It was a simple fact, one that he hoped conveyed the growth made in such a short span.

“Now you can.”

Pulling his wave of earth back Tōri would wait to see how he would tackle something so wholly different.

Teaching:
- Earth Release: Earth Flow Wave (S-rank) | 344 / 300 WC

Earth Release: Earth Flow Wave:

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

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'Bunny Arrival' :

As Tori entered the scene, the boy waved eagerly back to his sensei. Soon after, though, he seemed to jump right into it. Natsuki watched with eager eyes as the Senju went through a few simple seals. Only three, huh? Very interesti- "WHOA!" Tori was suddenly off, rising fast on a turbulent wave of rock in a veritable blur. It was all he could do, focusing intently on him, to keep track of him. The rest of the world entire, though? A simple blur. Natsuki had never seen something, let alone someone move that fast.

He rose to his feet, following as well as he could, as Tori encircled the risen platform and came face to face with the boy. Natsuki would be visibly intrigued, excited even. He loved the earth, and being able to ride something so much faster than the Earth and Stone Dragon was incredibly compelling.

"The Earth Flow Wave, huh? It seems incredible!" His absolute fascination with this technique would be palpable. Tori's firmed confidence in the boy was also an incredible boost to his confidence. It was true; even as recently as a few weeks ago, Natsuki would never have dreamed of attempting such a technique.

Now, filled with a confidence and resolve instilled by Tori and Sera, Natsuki put his hands together and forced his chakra into the ground beneath his feet. His intention was to rise on a wave of stone himself but, instead, the ground pulled forward and pulled his feet out from underneath him at an intense speed. His feet were pulled out from under him, and he fell flat on his ass mere inches from the edge of this elevated core.

"Heh," he chuckled, trying to play off the embarrassment. "Second time's the charm." He would rise to his feet, eager to try again.

[304 / 600 words to learn Earth Release: Earth Flow Wavea]

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

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'Bunny Arrival' :

After retreating a short distance away Tōri watched with anticipation as the first attempt nearly knocked Natsuki clear off his elevated position. He was glad to have his speedy construct at the ready in case any further attempts yielded even less sturdy footing. He would simply nod at the casual brushing off from nearly tumbling over, recalling his own struggles with mastering such a complex technique.

There weren’t many doton techniques in the archives with this level of complexity, the lad had already displayed an aptitude for creating his own jutsu. He was curious about the sort of creations that Natsuki might think up after growing up even more once these upcoming exams were over. It was a time for making or breaking, he could only hope the lessons he provided would help in his students staying afloat in the trying trials ahead.

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

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'Bunny Arrival' :

"Okay," Natuski said, steading back into a firm stance. Bent at the knees, he lowered his center of gravity as he began to weave the seals once again. It moved too fast for me, but... Like before, the ground began to shift, but much slower and controlled this time. ...If I keep it under control...

He thought back to his use of the Earth and Stone dragon, how it lifted itself from the ground from beneath his feet- this was no different, except for its potential. Natsuki began to raise, a vaguely serpentine shape of loose rock tumbling and cracking into place as his new platform. The boy's legs shook with unease, knowing that he could be bucked off the moment he underestimated such a technique. So he wouldn't, surely.

His breathing heavy, he looked with cautious optimism and excitement towards his sensei. "I... I think I've got it?!" A nervous laugh escape him as he continued. "Now if I ju-" his words suddenly hit the back of his throat as the jutsu surged forward at speeds that the young laze-about could have never dreamed of reaching.

"WAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"
"-AAAAAAA-"

His panicked screams wrapped around the elevated earthen core on which he previously perched, as if eager to show him a whole new world. It was all Natsuki could do but drop to his knee and hold onto the stone for dear life. He was along for the ride. On reaching landfall, it snaked across the landscape, kicking up a thick cloud of dust as it crashed about, the sound of gnashing rock and falling trees filling the previously serene landscape.

Though it soon quieted, like a raging stallion coming to respect its rider; and, from the dust cloud, the boy would once again rise above. Covered from head to toe in a thick layer of grey, the boy coughed a puff from his lungs as he raised a single thumbs up to Tori.

[Learned Technique]
Earth Release: Earth Flow Wave - S rank - 304 + 332 = 636 / 600 words - 20 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

CP: 240 / 260

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

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'Bunny Arrival' :

In a truly spectacular fashion Natsuki wrangled the unwieldy mass of stones to his will enough to hold on this time, though it quickly turned to his almost comical misfortune before he rose up covered from head to toe in dirt and dust. The thumbs up really completed the picture, shattering any resolve Tōri had remaining as he chuckled at the lad’s persistent nonchalant ways in the face of it all.

It was a quality that he hoped would continue to persist as the Uchiha grew older, knowing all too well the unique pains that special members of the red-eyed clan suffered. Releasing his technique he would walk over, glad to see him capable of grasping something so complex now.

“That’s something, isn’t it? Are you ready for the next one, it’s just taxing and complex though on a different scale.” It didn’t seem like the technique had taken it out of him like the much smaller ones he’d practiced all that time ago. He still wanted to make sure, just in case the lad was putting on a brave face.

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

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'Bunny Arrival' :

His legs still wobbling, albeit much less so, the young Natsuki glid towards Tori as he approached. Still riding the wave, as it were, he could hardly contain his excitement.

“That’s something, isn’t it?

"Hah, that's a- whoooa," he started, wobbling as he continued to try to gain mastery over this particular technique. "That's the understatement of the era, haha!"

Are you ready for the next one, it’s just as taxing and complex though on a different scale.”

"Huh?!" Natsuki looked incredulously towards his sensei, contorting his face as the surprise overcame him. No way he'd have the fortitude to learn another one! And yet, as his shock came and went, he noticed something rather odd. "Huh," he repeated, though this time in contemplation. The boy looked down to his hands, tightening and loosening his grip. "I would have expected a technique like that to wipe me out..." He had certainly put more effort into that technique than he had for any other Doton technique he's ever attempted, but he was still raring to go.

Almost reflexively, he pulled his hand to his chest, pressing the stone necklace beneath his clothes against his skin. His confusion quickly turned to that unfamiliar glow- determination- as he returned his gaze to Tori's. "Let's fucking go!"

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

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'Bunny Arrival' :

Just as Tōri had suspected, with all the extra hours Natsuki had been putting in his chakra reserves had increased without the lad even realizing. Such techniques were now within his grasp as more than just a one-time means.

This final technique would require an impressive level of restraint to keep their favorite training grounds area from being completely upended. Seven hand seals were demonstrated slow enough for him to read clearly before he prepared the massive cost in chakra to release the technique. On the final seal he would hold the jutsu before release, looking at Natsuki with a deadly serious look on his face.

“This one must be performed with the utmost control and moderation, anything less could upend the earth around us and ruin this great spot we’ve helped cultivate.” His eyes would turn to the pillar of earth and ring of trees that remained from their previous training, hoping it would add motivation to keeping the technique reeled in from its potential it could unleash on the surrounding area.

Releasing the technique he formed an opening in the earth several meters away, the sound of the deepening hole getting further and further away until all that could be seen was a black abyss that seemed to go on forever. Ending the technique he picked up a stone off of the ground and dropped it in the hole, the sound taking many seconds and echoing around the hollow cavern.

“This can be utilized to far more devastating effect, though its restrained use has incredible versatility. Especially in the arsenal of one as creative as yourself.” Stepping to the side he allowed Natsuki to give it a whirl, excited to see how this attempt turned out. He did keep his chakra moulded and at the ready in case he needed to help and keep their ground they stood on from breaking asunder.

Teaching:
- Earth Release: Fissure (S-Rank) | 314 / 300 WC

Earth Release: Fissure:

The boy allowed that technique to subside, descending back into the ground as his sensei moved on to the next one.

“This one must be performed with the utmost control and moderation, anything less could upend the earth around us and ruin this great spot we’ve helped cultivate.”

Natsuki nodded with an understanding, yet eager, demeanor. The last technique also required control, though the boy could not have imagined just how much he needed to heed Tori's words. It was remarkable at what was achievable with so few hand seals, and this was one of the more egregious displays. Natsuki's jaw dropped in horror at the scale of the technique, its rapidity, and its depth. The stone that Tori threw and the reality of those darkened depths. If a shinobi were standing in the center of that area, they'd have little recourse but to fall to their almost certain death.

“This can be utilized to far more devastating effect, though its restrained use has incredible versatility. Especially in the arsenal of one as creative as yourself.”

Versatility, huh? Natsuki cautiously approached the edge of the fissure, glancing over the edge with a growing unease. "Forgive me, but it's more than a little difficult to see the versatility in a murder hole at the moment..." Just then, he'd face towards the sky, in the direction of where that beast was seen overhead. Tori would see the realization sinking in pretty quickly, that sometimes you needed a big hole. "No, nevermind, he started, letting out another heavy sigh. "I think I get it, "

As Tori stepped aside, he looked towards the side of this gigantic crevice and began to psyche himself up to make another. He inhaled deeply, weaving six of the seven seals before freezing in place. Within himself, the doton chakra kneaded within himself crashed and roared, it wanted to be let out. It would be obvious that he was having doubts about this particular technique- surely he could get by without it?

[313 / 600 words to learn Earth Release: Fissure]

As with before Tōri wanted to give Natsuki his space to figure out the technique on his own, only wanting to step in if the lad asked for further assistance. He recalled all too well having an overbearing teacher, with or without good intentions, who had little patience for the different process that everyone learned with.

Six of the seals were formed, the final seal waiting to be formed as the lad likely wrestled with the immense chakra required along with the fine level of control needed to use this technique safely. Unlike before, this technique couldn’t be practiced as haphazardly as the previous one. This Natsuki seemed to take to heart, really focusing and preparing to use the technique in a most measured capacity.

Folding his arms he would wait, chakra still kneaded and at the ready just in case the technique went off unexpectedly and required some quick technique to help keep the both of them safe.

He closed his eyes.

Natsuki was grateful to be give the time and space that he needed; not only to prepare this technique physically, but mentally as well. While he built the courage to utilize the final seal, his thoughts seem to deviate back to his time training with his mother for many of his earlier years. Her- let's call it "impatience-" was legendary, and such hesitation probably would have landed him a firm whack from the blunt edge of her sword. Tori was different; Tori was kind.

Even though Tori simply stood behind him, Natsuki felt comforted by his presence. Even as he was being trained to use another devastating technique, a weapon of war and destruction, he was being taught restraint. Sera was wise beyond her years, but Tori was wise beyond his. The young Uchiha was coming to respect him greatly and, with that, came a trust that learning this technique was in the boy's best interest.

Opening his eyes, he viewed the ground before him with a focused intensity beyond anything he had before mustered. If ever there were a time to be serious, it was now. Tori would see the boy's form shift as the final seal was completed and the well of chakra within him flowed freely through and out of him. He watched, with bated breath, as the very earth was torn asunder. It pulled apart and dropped in on itself, all at once, as another great and terrible crevice was carved. The boy watched as a lone tree, freed from its earthly tether, simply fell into the deep dark. In so many seconds, a resounding crash would be heard not unlike the stone Tori threw earlier.

He sighed heavily once again, knowing intrinsically that this didn't come close to exhausting him either. He knew that he could absolutely ruin a landscape by using this technique as many times as he could. How many could he kill if he used this on a civilian population center? How many if he and Tori did so? How many shinobi were capable of doing something like this? How many had reasons not to do so? And what if those reasons disappeared?

Every day, this world became more menacing than the last. No... It always was; I just didn't see it... The boy stayed quiet, disquieted.

[Learned Technique]
Earth Release: Fissure - S rank - 313 + 389 = 702 / 600 words - 20 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

CP: 220 / 260

With concentrated effort and control Natsuki was able to triumph over the monumental technique, unleashed to just the right output to test its full potential without destabilizing the massive flow of chakra.  Walking over he would place a hand on his shoulder, glad that he had conquered the mighty jutsu.

“Well done Natsuki. That is the extent with which I can help teach you with Doton. Now it’s up to us to come up with new ways to move the earth. The scale of which I hope can now be fully appreciated.”

With a flush of chakra and blur of hand seals he utilized the same technique used to form the cliffs they stood on to fill the gaps in the holes they had left behind, no need to leave such dangerous hazards around for young genin to happen upon.

Despite his trepidation, Natsuki was glad to have mastered such a technique. At the most basic, even just knowing that something like this existed was lesson enough for the boy- but having something like this against something as unimaginable as that thing that attacked Konoha was certainly worthwhile. Well, against one that didn't fly, anyway. Either way, his sensei's hand on his shoulder was affirmation enough.

“Well done Natsuki. That is the extent with which I can help teach you with Doton. Now it’s up to us to come up with new ways to move the earth. The scale of which I hope can now be fully appreciated.”

"Wait what?" Natsuki was quite surprised. "I would have expected someone with infinite chakra to have infinite jutsu!" He was joking, mostly; he certainly had hopes to learn more, as much as he could, from Tori. He had only made a chair before... what else could he do?

In classic Natsuki fashion, the lad utilized his genuine surprise at the notion of this being the end of the road in terms of new Doton techniques to fuel a running joke regarding his ridiculous chakra reserves. Nodding in affirmation to that fact he offered a chuckle of his own at the lad's sense of humor before continuing.

“That said, we’ve only reached the pinnacle of archived Doton techniques. Now I seriously doubt that the rock jutting technique you’ve shown off is the only thing you’ve come up with. If you can show me some techniques you’ve been cooking up, I would be willing to share with you my techniques, though I only have a couple and they require no elemental affinity.”

While he wasn’t sure there was anything additional the lad had come up with he had a feeling that he’d been cookin’ something up on the side.

“That said, we’ve only reached the pinnacle of archived Doton techniques. At this, Natsuki frowned. Doton was the element with which he felt most comfortable, and he would have loved to learn so much more. Still, he nodded in understanding. Tori had an impressive repertoire; including Doton, Suiton, Mokuton, and who knows what else!

“Now I seriously doubt that the rock jutting technique you’ve shown off is the only thing you’ve come up with. If you can show me some techniques you’ve been cooking up, I would be willing to share with you my techniques, though I only have a couple and they require no elemental affinity.”

"Oh!" Natsuki had a sudden epiphany and wove three quick seals. His skin, and the muscles underneath, then surged with chakra as they hardened and stiffened into stone-like plates. As he dropped his hands and his limbs moved, Tori would see the deep red of the stony musculature between these plates. Even in his face, smaller plates for his lips and expressions moved and shifted unnaturally.

"Truth be told, I kind of forgot I came up with this one," he chuckled slightly as he brought his hand up and scratched at the back of his head. There was such a thin line between which Doton techniques already existed and what he has devised, it all came so naturally to him. "I can show you how it works..." The boy trailed off, slightly, keenly aware of how unsettling this technique might appear. "If you like."

[Used Techniques]
Earth Release: Stonehide Skin - B rank - 5 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

CP: 215 / 260

Tōri's intuition was right on the money as Natsuki immediately jumped at the opportunity to show off one of his new creations as stone plates grew over his skin that looked similar to the earth spear technique he was familiar with. It looked to be more bolstering of his natural fortitude than creating a layer of separate armor, his eyebrows raising at the impressive different application of a similar technique. It was certainly something any doton user would benefit from adding to their arsenal.

“Certainly, one can never have too many defensive techniques. You look like the quintessential doton warrior in that get-up haha. I should think it makes you quite formidable in close quarters when combined with your swordplay.”

His own foray into self-made techniques was also extensions of techniques he was already familiar with. Nodding his head he would await a proper instruction to the technique, though he felt he had a grasp on its application from seeing its use.

Of course the jounin wasn't going to be put off by the aesthetics of the technique, he was a professional through and through. A particular excitement flared in Natsuki's eyes- to have created two techniques that his sensei wanted to learn himself?! And for Tōri to offer techniques of his own creation to the boy?! Best day ever.

With a clap of his hands, he formed the boar seal for Tōri to observe. "First, your classic boar seal, spreading kneaded Doton chakra evenly across your skin and muscles, that part's important!"

He'd wait for Tori to follow along before he moved to the second seal. "Then Ram, seeping and soaking this chakra into every fiber therein."

"Finally, just like we do when forming a wall, condense your flesh and form these plates! Be warned, it feels kind of weird at first, but you get used to it." The boy, once again, watched with bated breath. This time, at least, it was in anticipation.

[Used Techniques]
Earth Release: Stonehide Skin Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

CP: 212 / 260

Following Natsuki's direction Tōri formed the three hand seals and released the chakra into his being, it was indeed a strange sensation that was quite unique. His back shuddered involuntarily as it finished forming, shaking his shoulders as he got used to its weight. Even though he felt heavier the muscles enforced with doton chakra seemed to allow him to move uninhibited, it was quite the impressive leap from the simple technique Natsuki had first developed.

Trying it on like a new pair of shoes he jogged around the area to get used to his feel, ending with a punch at the earthen wall. While it didn’t leave any noticeable damage behind the strike, it more importantly didn’t hurt like it should have. Grinning with success he released the technique, satisfied with the results.

“Nicely done, this is some advanced levels of chakra manipulation you’ve been able to achieve Natsuki. It certainly does take some getting used to though, haha. I’d expected it to feel more familiar to the Earth Spear technique but was surprised with the unique sensation from the earth plates.”

Forming the single seal that was required for his own creation he prepared Natsuki for the steps required to grasp it.

“Well, now it’s my turn. This one might feel a bit strange as well, honestly. Requiring just the Monkey hand seal you want to focus a rather sizable amount of chakra into your hair to accelerate its growth and maintain a certain threshold of power.”

Releasing the jutsu, Tōri's red hair exploded outward with tremendous speed and length as four distinct appendages were formed. Extending one of these hair limbs just as deftly as his own body Tōri grabbed hold of the pillar and swung himself atop it with a speed he would be pressed to meet otherwise.

“It might not be a doton technique, but it’s a handy one. I call it the Lions Pride.” Offering a wink at the awful pun he hoped the joke wouldn’t invoke too much cringe in his student.

Trained:
- Earth Release: Stonehide Skin (B-Rank Custom) | 339 / 250 WC

Use:
- Earth Release: Stonehide Skin (B-Rank Custom) | 10 CP
- Lions Pride (A-Rank Custom) | 15 CP

Chakra: 235 / 320

Lions Pride: