The Heavy Iron Burden

Natsuki and the first clone positioned themselves on opposite sides of the second clone, their movements calculated and silent. Each held his sword at the ready. With a shared glance that communicated their intent, they began to weave hand seals, their free hands moving with precise, fluid motions.

The air around them thickened with anticipation as chakra pulsed visibly from their bodies, drawn from deep reserves and focused through each meticulously formed seal. As they neared the completion of their respective sequences, the ground beneath their feet began to respond to the buildup of energy.

A low rumble started to permeate the clearing, growing in intensity with each passing second. The earth trembled, small stones and leaves vibrating on the disturbed soil as the chakra-infused vibrations spread through the ground. The second clone, standing between them, took a cautious stance, eyeing both adversaries as it prepared for whatever they were preparing.

Used Techniques]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 1]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 2]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

CP: 24/260
Mud Clone 1 CP: 25
Mud Clone 2 CP: 25

As the ground trembled more violently, Natsuki and the first clone completed their sequences of hand seals. The response was immediate and dramatic; two massive Earth and Stone Dragons erupted from beneath the surface, their forms towering and formidable as they rose into the air.

The dragons, one from either side of the clearing, mirrored each other in size and ferocity. With a coordinated roar that echoed through the trees, they arced gracefully over the ground, their trajectories converging above the second clone.

As the dragons descended in a synchronized attack, the second clone looked up, realization dawning just as the shadow of the twin dragons enveloped it. With no time to react or escape, the clone was caught directly between them as they crashed down. The impact was thunderous, the ground shaking as the dragons collided with the earth, completely enveloping the clone in a crushing embrace of rock and soil.

When the dust settled, all that remained was a large, disturbed patch of earth where the second clone had stood. The twin dragons coiled around this small crater.

Used Techniques]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon - B rank - 5 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 1]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon - B rank - 5 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 2]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

CP: 18/260
Mud Clone 1 CP: 19
Mud Clone 2 CP: 24

The scene was silent for a moment, save for the settling dust and the faint rumble of the earth calming itself after the dramatic summoning. Natsuki and the first clone exchanged a look of satisfaction over the execution of their combined technique, their gaze then turning to the mound of earth where the second clone had been crushed.

Slowly, the earth began to shift and stir, and the mud that constituted the second clone started to reform. Gradually, it reshaped into the familiar figure of the clone, which stood up, shaking off the excess dirt and debris with a playful grin as if unbothered by the recent crush.

The three of them then readied themselves, swords in hand, their spirits undiminished by the intense practice. They circled once more, preparing for another round of training, the air charged with the thrill of challenge and the eagerness to push their limits further.

Used Techniques]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 1]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 2]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Reform - 3 CP

CP: 14/260
Mud Clone 1 CP: 15
Mud Clone 2 CP: 20

As the dust settled from their last powerful maneuver, Natsuki and his first clone stood side by side, surveying the aftermath. The ground was still, the echo of the twin dragons' impact lingering in the air.

That was intense... but effective. Natsuki's gaze shifted towards where the second clone was slowly reassembling itself from the muddy debris. The clone’s reformation was almost methodical, each part melding back together with a precision that spoke of the deep connection Natsuki shared with his creations.

Once fully reformed, the second clone brushed itself off, a grin spreading across its face identical to Natsuki’s own. "Alright, that was a good one. What’s next?" it asked, enthusiasm clear in its voice despite the recent flattening.

Natsuki chuckled, sharing a look with his first clone. "I think it's time we practiced some more direct combat techniques. Let's keep the momentum going," he suggested. The clones nodded in agreement, and the trio reset their positions in the clearing, ready to dive back into training.

Used Techniques]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 1]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 2]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Reform - 3 CP

CP: 10/260
Mud Clone 1 CP: 11
Mud Clone 2 CP: 19

In the spacious clearing, Natsuki and his clones shifted their focus to refining direct combat techniques. The air was filled with the sounds of exertion and the swift movements of bodies and blades in harmony.

Natsuki initiated a series of rapid strikes, his movements sharp and precise. The first clone mirrored his actions, both working in perfect synchrony. They practiced complex blocking and striking drills, their swords clashing with a rhythm that punctuated the quiet of the forest.

The second clone, playing the role of the aggressor, lunged and feinted, testing their defenses with aggressive maneuvers. Natsuki and the first clone responded with equal vigor, their counters showcasing a blend of kenjutsu skills and hand-to-hand combat techniques. They employed elbow strikes and knee jabs when the clone ventured too close, integrating these with seamless swordplay.

As they trained, Natsuki focused on the flow of their movements, ensuring each strike and block was both a defense and a setup for the next move. The intensity of the session grew, each exchange pushing their limits and honing their abilities further.

Used Techniques]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 1]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 2]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Reform - 3 CP

CP: 6/260
Mud Clone 1 CP: 7
Mud Clone 2 CP: 18

As Natsuki and his clones continued their intensive training, a sudden rumble drew their attention. They turned to see the Earth and Stone Dragons, which had been looming silently nearby, beginning to crumble. The once formidable constructs of rock and soil started to lose their shape, pieces breaking off as they uncoiled sluggishly around the clearing.

Watching the dragons disintegrate, Natsuki felt a sudden drain, a weariness that tugged at his limbs. Am I running low on chakra? It was a bit startling, the realization. He hadn't been paying attention to his chakra reserves, so absorbed was he in the heat of training.

"Looks like I might have overdone it a bit," Natsuki remarked with a wry smile, turning to his clones who appeared similarly affected by the fading strength of their jutsu. They nodded in understanding, each feeling the same depletion.

The sight of the collapsing dragons served as a stark reminder of the limits of his power. Natsuki knew it was time to wind down, to conserve what little chakra he had left. "Let's call it a day, guys. We need to recharge," he suggested, already planning a more careful management of his energies for their next session. The clones agreed, and together, they decided to wrap up their practice, satisfied with the progress but mindful of their physical limits.

Used Techniques]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 1]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon Upkeep - B rank - 3 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)

[Used Techniques - Mud Clone 2]
Earth Release: Dance of the Mudslide Style - C rank - 1 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Affinity)
Reform - 3 CP

CP: 2/260
Mud Clone 1 CP: 3
Mud Clone 2 CP: 17

As the training session wound down and the last remnants of the earth dragons dissolved into the ground, Natsuki took a moment to reflect on the day's accomplishments. He leaned on his sword, looking around the now quiet clearing, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment that was often absent from the sessions supervised by his mother.

Training alone... it’s different, more... freeing... Without the strict oversight and high expectations of his mother, Natsuki felt he could explore and experiment with his techniques in ways he hadn't considered before. Each failure was a lesson, not a disappointment, and each success felt entirely his own.

He appreciated the silence that came with solitude, the absence of critical eyes watching every move. I can make mistakes here and learn from them... no pressure, just progress. It was this environment that allowed him to push his boundaries, to test his limits without the shadow of judgment.

"Maybe this is what I needed," Natsuki said aloud, almost surprised by his own conclusion. The day had been a revelation, a testament to the benefits of self-guided practice. He resolved to make more time for solo training sessions, convinced now more than ever of their value in his journey as a shinobi.

Natsuki faced his clones, each mirroring his weariness but also his sense of accomplishment. With a nod of respect and gratitude for their part in his progress today, he bowed deeply. The clones returned the gesture, an acknowledgment of the shared effort and learning. Moments later, they turned to mud, their forms collapsing gently to the ground in quiet dissolution, returning to the earth from which they were summoned.

Standing alone in the clearing now, Natsuki took a deep breath, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders- a contrast to the heavy burden often left by sessions under his mother's critical watch. He walked away from the training ground, his steps light, carrying a confidence that was purely his own. This solitude in training had not only strengthened his techniques but also his self-assurance. Walking back to his apartment through the streets of Konohagakure, Natsuki felt a new kind of peace, one forged from self-reliance and personal growth.