Squadmates practice: Kenjutsu

Mamoru stood in the large open sparring room of the Grand Training Ground. The scenery resembled that of a forest. He couldn't tell if these were actually trees, but they surely seemed like it. They sure felt like trees, Mamoru though as he ran his hand along the trunk one. The bark felt so genuine. Even the lightning overhead felt like he was standing outside, the midday sun looming over him. He extended his left hand upwards, feeling the warmth of the light, his other hand gripping a long bone that resembled a more sturdy Bokken. He patiently waited for Tenshi to arrive, having planned to have a spar with him, so they could both practice their kenjutsu
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CP:49/50
Created Bone Sword - 1CP

Tenshi wandered into the sparring room, his eyes searching the area around him until they came across his teammate. "Mamoru! He called out, waving at the other young man. A smile rested on his face, his green and orange hair hanging around his face. Approaching Mam, Tenshi stopped a few meters away, placing his hand on the hilt of his blade. "No point in wasting time, huh? Ready when you are, friend."

Turning at the sound of his name, Mamoru grinned widely as Tenshi approached. He had other plans than just sparring. He figured they were both in need for some actual Kenjutsu techniques. "Hey Tenshi!" He greeted first before continuing "I can across some scrolls containing some Kenjutsu Techniques. One being a full style, so I figure we could learn it together." Having already read and memorized them, Mamoru tossed the scrolls towards Tenshi for him to examine. It contained various ranks of the Kiri exclusive sword style, Hunter's Sword, and the Red Tiger Style, along with the techniques of the style "We can spar later, of course He added. His grin not faltering for a moment

Mamoru stepped over to the wall on far end of the room and activated some wooden puppets to move forward, acting as training dummies for the purposes of this training. Until they would begin to spar, applying their learned techniques in actual combat

Tenshi caught the scrolls as Mam tossed them to him. Sitting down on the ground with his legs crossed, he unrolled the scroll and began to read. "Okay, so, I think I understand, but can you show me what you've got first? I don't want to mess it up." he said to his squadmate, smiling at him as he rose back to his feet. Mamoru had been lucky enough to have clan members to train with during his life, but Tenshi had truly fallen behind the other ninja his age. That didn't bother him though, not anymore. With teammates like Mamoru and Ryu, and a Sensei like Kit, he was confident he'd catch up in no time.

"Yeah. Sure. We'll start with the different ranks of Hantā no ken, first. Then we'll move on to the Red Tiger Style." Mamoru said, moving towards the puppets, his bone sword angled towards the ground. He dashed forward a little slow, for Tenshi to see each movement of the technique. It was fairly simple. Nothing too complex. Mamoru swung his sword across the puppet's knees. Before the puppet could fully buckle, Mamoru had made a slash upwards, along the torso, slicing under the armpit, then coming back for a downward slash at the puppet's other shoulder.

As the puppet crumpled to the ground in a heap of limbs, Mamoru dashed for the other puppet. This time, he slashed at both elbows, then skewered the puppet through the core. He held the limp puppet on his sword, for a moment before swinging his arm, sending the puppet in the pile with the other.

"From what I read, it's just about hitting the joints and vital points. It says it's used to take down larger targets. I'm confident you'll be able to do it, no problem. It is meant for speed, so we'll have to work on being fast and precise. Mamoru said encouragingly as he pulled more puppets to the floor, for Tenshi to try. He stepped back and gestured for him to begin when he's ready
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CP:48/50
Hantā no ken (Hunter's Sword) E-Rank -1CP

Stats

• Strength: C
  
• Constitution: C -> B (++Shikotsumyaku Bloodline passive and + Iifestyle passive)
  
• Stamina: D
  
• Speed: C -> C+
  
• Coordination: C
  
• Intelligence: D
  
• Perception: D
  

Technique Used:

Tenshi watched closesly as Mamoru demonstrated the technique. It seemed simple enough. Moving into position, he nodded to his teammate. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Tenshi gripped the hilt of his katana. His eyes snapping open, he dashed forward, like Mam had, pulling the blade from it's scabard as he closed the gap with the puppet.

Striking towards the first puppet, he would bring the sword up from it's drawn position, aiming at the puppet's elbow. A clean, consise slash, on a stationary opponent... His sword came up cutting the puppet directly between the elbow and wrist joints. "Crap." He wouldn't let this minor setback stop him though. From there, he spun around, swinging the blade towards the shoulder of the puppet, cleaving off it's arm about four inces under that joint. "Crap." But he continued, swinging his sword to decapitate the puppet, and removing the top of it's skull at the eyebrow."CRAP!"

A frown formed on his face, and his eyes narrowed, but he did not stop, even as the whispers in the back of his mind became mocking laughter. Shifting his body towards the second puppet, he shot towards it, this time dashing past it, delivering a strike to it's arm missing the elbow joint again, but much closer this time. Not wanting to let a momentary triumph slow him down, however, he planted his right foot, spinning around on the heel as he dropped down towards the ground. Once his spin was complete, and he was facing his target again, he would push off with his left foot, propelling himself forward much faster than before.

Using the momentum of his dash instead of a swing, Tenshi lined the blade up in that split second, cutting clean through the joint of the knee, right on target this time. But he wasn't done yet. One clean hit wasn't enough. Before the now one-legged puppet could fall, Tenshi had whipped around again, dashing towards it once more, this time both hands on the hilt of the blade. Driving it forward, he would slide several feet back, the blade pushed through the puppet's 'heart' all the way up to the guard of the sword.

Standing there for a moment, breathing heavy, Tenshi ran through the practice in his mind. He clearly needed to focus more as he moved, but it was more than that. He didn't just need to focus more on the areas he was aiming for, he needed to focus his entire mind. It was only then that he realized the whispers had stopped laughing, had stopped making any sound at all really. Taking one more deep breath, Tenshi jerked his blade to the side, cutting through the rest of the puppet's chest area to free the blade, letting it crumple to the ground. Turning back to Mamoru, he let out a soft laugh. "Damn, I suck, ha!"
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CP:49/50
Hantā no ken (Hunter's Sword) E-Rank -1CP

Stats
Strength: C
Constitution: D
Stamina: D
Speed: C -> C+
Coordination: C
Intelligence: C
Perception: D

Technique:

Standing a good distance away, to give Tenshi enough space, Mamoru had his arms over his slightly bare chest. His eyes darted with every bit of Tenshi's movements, following his comrades trajectories. Just from experience, he knew how difficult it was to get the movements just right. He didn't make a single sound or any sign that he was criticizing. Hell, he was still learning just  like Tenshi was. "If it's any consolation, at least your opponent will still be dead He said jokingly, trying to cheer Tenshi up, as he went in for the next puppet.
Again, Mamoru's head and eyes followed him, observing. This time it looked like Tenshi felt more confident and was making improving slices. Mamoru let out a whistle once he was finished and pieces of the puppets lie on the ground.

"Nah. I don't think you suck at all. That second puppet was a lot better. Only reason I was able to get the first try is because I basically live to train. It's all I ever do, aside from eating sleeping, and shitting." Mamoru said with a grin as he stepped towards Tenshi. "What helps me be precise is keeping my eye on the spot I want to hit. Feel the trajectory of your blade, like it's an extension of your arms. But remember not to tunnel vision. You have to stay aware of your surroundings as well." As if someone were listening to his words, two puppets surged forward towards them. These were poised to strike, but Mamoru's head snapped to the closest, he thrust his bone sword forward. towards the inside of the puppet's outstretched arm, striking the puppet's shoulder joint. The puppet twisted from the impact. As it did so, Mamoru's head darted towards the other puppet and then back towards one he just struck. Before the puppet could right itself, he spun his left leg, smashing it against the puppet's torso and sent it hurdling into the other puppet. As they both shattered to the ground, Mamoru watched them, his brows furrowed. "I guess they just have a mind of their own today" He said snapping his head towards more that were animating to life, their wooden limbs clattering like wind chimes. "Don't take these lightly. They will attack back. So now you have to strike fast. You got this" Mamoru said to Tenshi as he was ready to react, trying to be as encouraging as he possibly could

Tenshi nodded to Mamoru as he spoke. All the pointers he gave were quickly filed mentally. He had grown acustomed to his team giving him tips on how to improve himself, and was more grateful than they could ever know. Having come to the Hidden Mist the way he did, he hadn't expected to ever become a ninja, and even less so to be put on a squad with such helpful people. Between Kit, Mam, and Ryu, there was no doubt in his mind that he would soon be able to wield his sword just as well as they.

"Alright... he said, turning his attention to the newest set of puppets. His face became stern, his eyes shifting between the two, noting their joints, much like Mamoru had suggested. The puppets lunged towards him, and he moved as well. Moving just past the first puppet, spinning his body to avoid the attack, he gripped the sword tightly, bringing it down on the puppets wrist. The wooden hand went flying as his blade cut clean through the joint. Without missing a beat, he shifted his blade, moving it in a sort of scooping motion, turning the edge toward the sky, this time cutting through the elbow.

Not hesitating, Tenshi whipped his head to look behind him, seeing the second puppet coming. Whipping around, he parried the attack, pushing the puppet's weapon into the air with his own. Swiftly, he brough the blade back down, decapitating the puppet in one motion. Kicking it's body away, he spun back around to face the first puppet again, his left arm coming up as he stepped into it's guard, pusing the remaining arm away as he rammed the sword through it's gut. He then pushed his body against the puppet as leverage to pull the sword out, letting the puppet fall to the ground.

He turned back to Mam now, his focus sharp now. "Like that?''

As Tenshi would turn back to Mamoru, he would see a sly smile etched on his face. His arms crossed behind his back. The two puppets that went for him, frozen a few feet away from him. "That's it! You're getting it!" He said as he began to whistle. The puppets creaking to turn away from Mamoru and dead puppet eyes gaze at Tenshi. They didn't HAVE to do that. Mamoru did for added effect, before their bodies shifted, and they bound for Tenshi. One puppet larger than the other that resembled a bear, a large club gripped in both of it's human hands. It made a horizontal swipe with the club. A very wild swing. But, it would use the momentum to bring the club over it's head, and slam it down towards Tenshi. Mamoru faced this and many other puppets like this on a daily basis. He was confident in Tenshi's skills now that he could handle it.

The second puppet, much smaller in size, compared to the larger one and even Tenshi himself, with thin limbs. It's puppet face was blank aside for a pair of dead eyes. Which Mamoru always assumed meant someone intended it to have a mask. In place of it's hands were curved sickles. It really resembled a praying mantis.
It stalked behind the larger puppet, waiting for Tenshi to get distracted with the larger puppet before it dashed low, through the larger puppets legs, and made a flurry of swipes at Tenshi

All the while, Mamoru watched patiently, holding the controls with various seals etched on them. Soon it would be Tenshi's turn with the controls and it would be Mamoru's turn to fight.

Tenshi was serious now, like a switch had been flipped inside him. Unsure whether it was an awakening of some kind, or simply his frustration at his shortcomings driving him, it simply didn't matter. As the larger puppet moved towards him, he prepared himself for it's attack. As it swung the club, Tenshi jumped, pulling his knees to his chest, the weapon passing a few inches beneath the soles of his boots.

As soon as his feet had touched the ground again,he would begin a short series of backflips, avoiding the overhead swing. As the club crashed into the ground, kicking up dust, Tenshi dashed forward, blade positioned in front of his body as he moved. When he was met with the smaller puppet, he was unphased, expecting such at this point. Refusing to stop his forward momentum, Tenshi spun to the left of the puppet, narrowing dodging it's attacks, but taking a note from the big guy, using his momentum to complete the spin and decapitate the puppet in one swing.

With the smaller one presumably down, Tenshi contiuned forward, jumping into the air and driving his knee into the beast wooden chin, before propelling his body forward into a full spin, using the momentum to slice clean through the thing's shoulder. Landing several yards behind the puppet, he turned just in time to see it's arm fall to the ground. Without hesitation, he shot forward again, as it raised the club again. And again he jumped, slashing out at the thing's wrist, at the same time driving his knee into it's wooden nose. A sharp pain shot through his knee, causing him to wince slightly, but he didnt' falter.

Turning in the air before landing, Tenshi faced the large puppet again, raising his sword above his head. Seemingly becoming lost in the moment, his eyes wide, a stream of hot air pushing from his nostrils, Tenshi channeled chakra through his blade, causing it to burst into flames. Letting out a novice battle cry, be brought the blade down at an angle across the puppet's back, cutting through the thick wood with ease. The puppet fell into a small pile, now smoldering slightly as little flames tried to spring to life where it had been cut. Tenshi stood with the sword aimed down where the strike had finished, breathing heavily. It would take a moment for him to come back to reality, at which point he'd blink several times in quick sucession before standing up straight and ending the stream of chakra to his sword, the flames quickly dying out. Turning his head towards Mamoru slightly, he could only manage one word in the moment. "Oops."
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CP: 46/50
Chakra Flow -3

Technique used:

With the heat of an actual threat looming over him, it seemed Tenshi had more to him than even he knew. Mamoru felt the atmosphere of the room shift. Hell, just before Tenshi acted, it was like Mamoru was looking a new person. It made him perk up, excitement filling him. That very same excitement ignited just like Tenshi's sword, when the fight figuratively and literally heated up. He personally fought the puppet duo a number of times. Crusher and Shadow were names he deemed appropriate for them. One because of its sheer size and it's massive hammer. The other, wasnt just because his paint job was almost entirely black, but because it always stalked in the shadow of the first or behind the opponent.

Mamoru stood with patience as Tenshi mentally collected himself, after it was all over with. He let out a low whistle once Tenshi turned to him. "You must have some instinct that was just unlocked in you because that was incredible!" Mamoru exclaimed with immense excitement as he took his own primitive bone sword and mimicked Tenshi in action. Even making whipping fire noises with his with each slash.
He stopped and looked at Tenshi. "If you're having trouble remembering what you did, I can show you. State of the art technology. They have this camera thing over there that I usually use when I need to perfect a style. I can just go back- Mamoru paused as he brought up a panel to access footage "Here we are! Just watch yourself go! Mamoru said as he ensured the video would play from the beginning. Then he pressed play for Tenshi to watch

Tenshi turned towards Mamoru as he spoke, commenting on an instinct awakening inside him. If only his squadmate knew what was stirring inside him, maybe he wouldn't be as excited... If only Tenshi knew himself...

He shook his head, clearing away the strange thoughts plaguing him in the moment. Letting out a slight chuckle as Mamoru mimicked his movements, he caught sight of something out the corner of his eye. His face turning serious for a moment, he whipped his head towards the man he'd seen and found himself looking at... nothing. There was noone there. Blinking several times in quick succession, he turned back to Mamoru, who had just finished his mockery, and likely hadn't noticed the sudden change in his demeanor. Putting on a smile, he made his way over the his team mate. "C'mon, there's no way I looked that goofy, let me see,'' he said, playfully shoving Mam's arm as he mentioned the recording.

Watching the recording, Tenshi was amazed at himself. When had he become that focused? That fast? That... confident? It was like his body had flipped a switch, and simply moved on it's own. Was that what it was like to learn to fight? Did it come that naturally to everyone? After watching, he looked to Mam again, trying to play it cool, despite his own astonishment. "Okay, I guess I did look that goofy. Maybe next you and I can have a go, and you can show me how to do it right," he joked.

Mamoru observed Tenshi's expressions shift as he watched himself in the footage, the realization daunting to himself. He remained silent for a moment after the footage was finished, even after Tenshi proposed the they spar, trying to find the appropriate response. "Trust me. I can relate. I was in your position once before, when I first started training. Especially against these puppets. Crusher, Shadow, and more advanced fighting puppets too. The heat of battle affects people differently. Some have instincts to fight. Some..." Mamoru paused for a moment, again searching for the appropriate term. He wasn't used to teaching others. Just himself. "Don't have the fight instinct. They would freeze, run, anything other than fight. I'm sure you know all this already. But my point is, something inside of you tells you to fight. Don't question it. Listen to it. Be one with it. Try to stay conscious. Be aware. Let it guide your actions and movements, but don't let it control you like a puppet. Sometimes your instincts can be...wrong." Mamoru said encouragingly, with a slight smile, hoping he portrayed his words well enough.

Pressing a seal on the panel, all the puppets cleared the floor, leaving it completely open, wide enough for them to fight. "I put it in Spar Mode." Mamoru said, grabbing his bone sword, and moving to the center of the room. Gesturing for Tenshi to follow as he did so. He was eager for this. Fighting an actual person was so much better then fighting a mechanical puppet. Their movements were way to predictable and after a while, fighting them became too easy. A person could be unpredictable. Just watching Tenshi fight, Mamoru knew he would have to stay sharp and anticipate anything

Tenshi listened to Mamoru's advice, taking it in as he spoke. Some people had the instinct to fight in them, and some didn't. It sounded so simple, but it was oh so complex beneath the surface. Those that didn't have the fight in them... those were the people Tenshi was training to protect. He would fight, so that others were not forced to. If his body told him to fight, he would not resist it. He would lose himself in the moment, and let his instincts take hold, fueled by his training. Tenshi looked at the sword in his hand, the air around the blade still distorted by the remant of heat radiating from it. From this moment, he would would push himself to master his Flames, to tap into the heat that existed within his blood. And he would use those flames to burn away the evil from this world...

"And... Revenge...

Tenshi was pulled from his thoughts by the sudden movement of the puppets, lifting his sword to defend himself again, only to see them moving away from the clearing. Lowering his guard, he looked over at Mam, who had made his way to the center of the room, his bone sword in hand. He had mostly been joking about sparing, but he would not back down now. Though his vow had been silent, he knew that fighting a real person was going to happen eventually. Fighting someone closer to his level, not his sensei, would give him a much better idea of where he was. It would allow him to place himself, and from there grow. Though he fully expected Mamoru to still be much stronger than him, he hoped the gap wasn't so far that he didn't learn from this fight.

"Okay Mam," Tenshi said, gripping his sword with both hands and falling into a battle stance. "Show me what you got!''

Mamoru's hands rested, one on top of the other, on the rough rounded part of the bone sword, while it was completely vertical, the tip against the floor. His head moved slowly, tracing Tenshi's movements to stand across from him. When it came to training and sparring, Mamoru liked to joke around. He was playful at heart, but in the same breath, growth was important. He wanted Tenshi to grow with him, not leave him in the dust, which is why he was not going to hold back at all. He figured Tenshi wouldn't want him to, either. This was two friends going all out, to test their abilities. "Sure thing. I'll go at you with everything I have." Mamoru said "I hope you will do the same. Treat this as if your life depended on this fight!" Mamoru said loudly, his voice and expression rock solid, stern.

While he stood there, waiting for Tenshi and speaking, Mamoru was also guiding the appropriate amount of chakra to feet. He gripped the sword in one hand, while his stance shifted. Mamoru's feet were spread apart and knees bent, his sword arm held behind him, while his free arm was in front of his torso. This wasn't a Kenjutsu style. It wasn't even a style Mamoru ever showed off to Tenshi. But he would have to teach him to utilize the technique. Because the utility of it would prove useful.

Moments after his form shifted, Mamoru pushed forward, releasing the stored up chakra in his feet. Chunks of the wooden floor erupting behind him as the explosive chakra propelled him forward. The world around him blurred as he closed the gap between him and Tenshi. Mamoru swung his feet forward, at just the right moment, so he would slide forward, his body shifting into the opening of the Kaguya Style, Dance of the Blossom. Another new style Tenshi never seen. Unfortunately, Mamoru wouldn't be able to teach him this. As he slid forward, his feet still wide for balance, Mamoru rocked his upper body forward, the momentum propelling him forward. His sword arm shot forward like an arrow. But Mamoru aimed it downward, at Tenshi's left knee. Whether it made impact or not, He grabbed the sword with his free hand, so he was now gripping the Bone sword with both hands. Pushing his right foot forward, swiftly advancing, he planted it solidly on the ground, and swung the bone sword diagonally, across Tenshi's chest. Sure the impact would hurt some, but he was just using the movement to get the sword in position above his head, advancing more, if Tenshi disengaged, just to bring it forcefully downward, in between Tenshi's shoulder and neck.

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CP: 43/50
Brute Fist Style -1cp(Taijutsu Skill Reduction)
Brute Fist Style [Quick Step] -3cp
Dance of the Blossom -1cp(Taijutsu/Kenjutsu Skill Reduction)


Items
*Bone Sword

• Hardness: A-Grade
  
• Quality: A-Grade
  

Stats

• Strength: C -> B(++ Advantage for Brute Fist Style and + Advantage for Dance of the Blossom)
  
• Constitution: C -> B+ (+1 tier Shikotsumyaku Bloodline passive and + advantage Lifestyle passive)
  
• Stamina: D
  
• Speed: C -> B (+ Advantage for Brute Fist Stye and ++ Advantage for Quickstep)
  
• Coordination: C -> C++ (++ Advantage for Dance of the Blossom)
  
• Intelligence: D
  
• Perception: D
  

Techniques Used:

Tenshi's eyes widened as Mamoru called out to him. "Like my life depends on it?!?! The thought was cut short, however, when Tenshi found himself standing mere inches from Mam, who had cleared the gap between them in no time. "Fast! was the only word his mind could conjure before he felt the bone sword connect with his knee, then come up across his chest.

A pained yelp escaped his lips as Tenshi threw himself backwards, rolling across the ground, gripping his sword so that it wouldn't stab him as he rolled. Quickly getting to his feet, he nearly stumbled as pain shot through his knee. For a brief moment, he thought about protesting. The fight had just begun, and yet the gap in their strength was clear. Mamoru was miles ahead of him, even now as they were both Genin. He had known that he was behind, but he hadn't considered that it might be by this much.

Gritting his teeth, a scowl crossed Tenshi's face. "No,"he thought. [i]"I have to do this. Even if I leave here on a stretcher, or even a body bag, I have to complete this spar. I will never become stronger if I am not willing to endure this pain. I must push through. I must fight. I must grow!" Tenshi moved his sword in front of himself now, gripping it tightly with his right hand as his left performed a set of seals. Holding his left hand off to the side of the blade, a fireball sprung to life in it. At the same time, chakra ran up the sword, engulfing it in flames as well.

"Mamoru! Tenshi said, perhaps speaking louder than he needed to. "I'm sorry if I burn you." And with that he was off. Chakra pumped through his body as he seemed to flicker out of existence for a moment, appearing a few inches in front of Mam. He locked eyes with the Kaguya for a brief moment before jumping into the air, twisting his body around in a way that allowed him to keep his eyes on his opponent. As his body became positioned behind Mamoru, still partially upside down from the flip-jump, Tenshi shot his arm out, releasing a small fireball at Mam's back.

Though a hit with the fireball would have been fantastic, that was not it's purpose. He had merely aimed to force Mamoru to dodge, breaking his stance for a moment. No sooner had his feet hit the ground, Tenshi pushed off, wincing as he fought through the ache in his knee. With a surge of chakra, he shot fowards, swinging his flaming blade in a wide arch across the front of Mam's body.

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CP: 38/50
Exploding Flame Shot -5
Chakra Flow -3
Body Flicker -5

Techniques:

Mamoru didn't move. He just stood there watching Tenshi's reaction for the moment. His face remained blank, not giving away the conflict in his heart. This was his friend. He was hurting his friend. A team mate. But he knew it's what he had to do for Tenshi improve. No pain. No gain, right? It seemed Tenshi was also having some sort of brief internal struggle as well, since they both stood there staring at each other for a moment, before Tenshi acted, producing a flame in one hand and engulfing the sword in the other. Deep down, Mamoru envied him. It was so cool being able to apply an element to your chakra. Generic chakra would have to do for him, though. As Tenshi called out his name, Mamou put his own sword in front of him; his generic chakra flowing along the bone sword, the air around the sword distorting as his chakra radiated.

The young kaguya was about to respond, but was surprised when Tenshi vanished, his head cocking back in sheer surprise. The realization dawned on him, once Tenshi was upon him, the fire in his palm leaving an orange trail, but remaining solid, despite the speed. His chakra control was commendable, Mamoru had to give him that. His head traced Tenshi, now that the Body Flicker technique was no longer active, as he flipped through the air over him. As his friend let loose the fireball, Mamoru tightened his muscles, spun, and heft the sword in a strong arc. The bone sword cleaving through the fireball, breaking it apart. The air pressure on either side of the sword, due to the force of the strike, pushing wisps of the flame in various directions. Through the wisps, Mamoru watched Tenshi rush at him again. He could feel the burns on the skin of his arms and face, but pushed the pain to the back of his mind. There was no time to react fast enough to block Tenshi's wide arcing slash, so Mamoru's legs instinctively pushed his body backwards. Unfortunately not completely in time. The tip of Tenshi's blade grazing across Mamoru's chest. His shirt split, falling a bit, reveling his bare skin, a long gash, but not much blood, since the flaming sword cauterized the wound a bit.

"That was amazing, but I'm not worried about being burned or cut, Tenshi" Mamoru said with a grin. The pain was quickly fading. To Tenshi's perspective, though, he would see his squadmate's skin repairing itself at a much faster rate than the average human. The burns decreased by the second, until it looked like he hadn't even been burned. The gash would also mend, but it cut into the dermis. Not by much, but enough to leave a scar. "Cool! I have a battle scar!" Mamoru said looking up from his chest, a little too enthused about a scar, all the while still in his stance. His body was conditioned to remain in a stance and switch between each of the styles he learned. There was no breaking it

Surging forward, Mamoru advanced on Tenshi, delivering a barrage of relentless strikes with bone sword at various parts of Tenshi's body, from high to low. It seemed like he was just swinging it wildly, but each one was precise and purposeful. Whether they met Tenshi's sword as he defended, air as he dodged, or his targeted body part, despite how drained he was beginning to feel thanks to his regeneration, Mamoru didn't let up. He wanted to push Tenshi to his absolute limit, just as he had done to himself during his own training and like he was doing now.
---------------------------------
CP: 29/50
{Taijutsu and Kenjutsu Skill Reduction}
Chakra Flow -3cp
Regenration -10cp
Dance of the Blossom -1cp

Stats

• Strength: C ->C++ (+2 Advantage from Dance of the Blossom)
  
• Constitution: C -> B+ (+1 Shikotsumyaku Bloodline passive and + Iifestyle passive)
  
• Stamina: D
  
• Speed: C
  
• Coordination: C->C++ (+2 Advantage from Dance of the Blossom)
  
• Intelligence: D
  
• Perception: D
  

Techniques Used:

Tenshi's eyes widened as he watched his blade cut through Mamoru's skin. What had he done? Had he just injured his friend? In a spar? Why was he doing this? Why had he attacked like that? Needless to say, he was extremely surprised to hear Mam crack a joke about a battle scar. Shifting his eyes towards the wound he'd inflicted, only to see it heal in front of his eyes, almost vanishing entirely. "Damn, he is really strong..."

His thoughts were cut short by Mamoru bounding forward. Tenshi lifted his sword, maneuvering it to intercept the bone sword coming for him. Mam was faster, and stronger, and though he managed to block about half the blows, about half found their mark, leaving small gashes on random parts of his body, and cutting through his clothing. As pain radiated through his body, so did rage, and a new determination awoke within him. A sneer crossed Tenshi's face as he locked eyes with Mam, stepping forward and using all his strength to bat the bone sword to the side with his own flaming sword, aiming to move it away from Mam's body for just a moment. At the same time, his left hand came up, palm open, the fireball still flickering in his hand. Flexing his fingers, he would release the fireball into Mam's chest from point blank.

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CP 32/50
Exploding Flame Shot -3 for second fireball.
Chakra Flow Upkeep -3

As Mamoru swung in a sporadic but precise pattern, he reveled in feeling Tenshi's sword when he would block, hearing the sound of his bone sword momentarily smash against Tenshi's steel blade. It was like a dense rock clashing with metal. And then there was the thud of his own sword hitting Tenshi's flesh, followed by blood soaking his clothes as the blunt blows would rip open his skin. In all honesty, Mamoru hated doing it. He didn't want to hurt his friends. Not like this. But if this is what it took to make Tenshi stronger, he would beat him to a bloody pulp, and drag him to the hospital after wards. Unfortunately, that might not be the outcome. He also needed to get stronger, too. Not just Tenshi. He could feel the exhaustion. The damn bloodline regeneration was so taxing. No wonder Sero told him to work on his stamina. His physical stamina wasn't too bad. He could push his body through rigorous training or work for hours, but include Chakra in the equation and he could feel a difference.

Mamoru thrust his bone sword at Tenshi's shoulder. There it was. He watched Tenshi's face morphed to a sneer. Felt when Tenshi knocked his sword of course. As his arms and sword careened passed his targeted location and away from Tenshi entirely, a sign of his exhaustion, Mamoru's eyes shifted to Tenshi's illuminated left hand. The flames of the fireball dancing upwards, taunting Mamoru. He was way too close. This was going to burn. Tenshi launched the fireball and, despite his regenerative ability, Mamoru's instincts screamed dodge. He dug deep, strengthening his resolve as much as he possibly could to push his body passed this exhaustion. His body reacted, but slightly too slow. The fireball glanced off his chest. The threads of his shirt singed open, reveling a long burn mark across his pectoral muscle, almost touching his muscle. He didn't even feel the burn. The skin already mending itself. More energy spent. He could feel his mind and body agreeing on  rest. What a drag. He was fighting himself to stay in the fight, but Mamoru fought both just as hard as he would fight Tenshi.

With a heavy breath, a roar, and grit teeth, Mamoru's body, still sideways from narrowly missing the fireball, fell into the Arhat Stance. His feet firm on the ground, he put the remaining amount of energy and chakra into this last attack, twisting the left side of his body forward, launching left arm as hard as he possibly could in this state, Mamoru pushed his open palm towards Tenshi's chest. Whether it missed or hit, he was falling flat on his stomach. Lifting his head to look up at Tenshi, from the floor, Mamoru would smile. "I know you've been feeling like you need to catch up. But you're already walking with us on the path to get stronger. I may be physically fit and strong, but look at me-" Mamoru said shakily pushing himself off of his stomach, into a sitting position "My regeneration is a double edged sword right now. It may be helpful, but it is draaiinning." Mamoru said moving his head as he put emphasis on 'Draining' "You cut and burned me, and I had to fight to keep going, while you still have fuel left in your tank. Don't let your doubts deceive you, bud. You're-No we're going to get stronger" With the encouragement he wanted to pass on to Tenshi, Mamoru fell on his back and started to rest
-----------------------------------------
CP: 13/50
{Taijutsu and Kenjutsu Skill Reduction}
Pushing passed exhaustion - 2CP
Regenration -10CP
Arhat Fist Style -1CP
Arhat Fist Style[Shatter Palm]-3CP

Stats

• Strength: C -> A Rank (+1 Arhat Fist Style and +1 Shatter Palm)
  
• Constitution: C -> B+ (+1 Shikotsumyaku Bloodline passive and + Iifestyle passive)
  
• Stamina: D
  
• Speed: C
  
• Coordination: C
  
• Intelligence: D
  
• Perception: D
  

Techniques Used:

Tenshi gritted his teeth as Mamoru half-dodged his fireball. At this point, his blood was boiling, almost literally. A new found rage filled him to the core. The voices in his head quickly became a symphany of cries, urging him on, pushing him to carry out their will. His eye twitched slightly, watching as Mam launched forward with the last of his energy. Adrenaline pumping, anger fueling him, Tenshi moved the hand that had been holding the fireball onto the hilt of his blade, the flames seeming to grow as both hands gripped the sword now.

As Mamoru's palm neared him, Tenshi shifted his body, causing the Kaguya's outstretched arm to now be directly in front of his body. With a swift motion, Tenshi spun the flaming sword in his hands, bringing the blade up in a wide arc from under Mam's arm. The force of his swing, combined with the dancing flames of the blade, would make the removal of the arm slightly more difficult that cutting through butter. A small wave of blood splashed against Tenshi's kimono, only a little escaping the wound before it was cauterized by the flaming sword. But Tenshi wasn't done yet.

With Mam undoubtedly caught offguard by the sudden loss of his arm, Tenshi moved his body again, now positioning himself behind his teammate. With a burst of chakra to his feet, he dashed forward, driving the flaming sword through Mamoru's lower back. With a shift of his wrist, he would jerk the blade to the side, severing Mam's spinal cord. Releasing the blade, he would let it, and the corpse of his friend fall to the ground. Lifting his blood covered hands, he'd stare at them with wide, craze filled eyes, The Voices becoming unbearably loud in his mind, laughing, cheering, speaking, yelling. Tenshi opened his mouth to scream...

And then he was snapped back to reality as Mamoru's palm smashed into his chest, sending him flying back several yards, his sword flying from his hand. Tenshi hit the ground hard, sliding a few more feet before coming to a stop. He stared at the ceiling, his eyes wide, his breathing heavy. "What... the hell..." he said to himself softly. Had he just imagined killing Mamoru? Murdering his friend? Why? What the hell was going on? And for the moment it had felt so real... He could hear the voices still, though they sounded distant, laughing at him as they slowly faded away.

Forcing himself to sit up as he heard Mamoru begin to speak, Tenshi forced a smile. "I don't know man, that last shot kinda took it out of me," he said, laying back down on the ground. He could feel his ribs bruising from the striike already, and was fairly certain he would be coughing up blood later. But he was also lying. If this were a real fight, he could still go on. But if he got up now, how far would he go? Would he carry out the crazy 'dream' he'd just pictured? Would he really hurt Mamoru like that? He had already let his rage drive him to cut him, and burn him. No, he wasn't going to keep going, not now. He too needed to rest, and re-center his mind. So for now, Tenshi simply laid on the ground, thinking about whether or not he'd be able to control his urges in the future, andhow dangerous he might become if he did in fact get stronger.

Mamoru remained on his back. He was awake, just resting his body. Chuckling at Tenshi's words. "It was stupid move, on my part. Sure it worked. You stood there sneering at me, I thought for sure you were about to react. I wouldn't have been surprised if you managed to bat my arm away, or even cut it, before my palm struck you." Mamoru said. It's what crossed his mind as he instinctively struck out with his palm, but was too far in his own action to react. The repercussions of his actions would have bit him in the ass. Luckily he was among a friend and it was only training. He let out a fit of laughter when a thought struck him " It would have been interesting, though. I would have been able to test out if I can actually regenerate a whole limb. Mamoru said, unbeknownst that he was reading tenshi's mind. Not actually reading his mind, but of course, the thought did cross his mind that Tenshi could have done it.

Finally feeling recuperated, Mamoru shakily rose to his feet. He stretched, still feeling somewhat exhausted, but he could still move and make it home to get some rest. "Alright. I think it's time to call it. We can train some more together another time. See ya, Tenshi Mamoru called out as he walked through the door and left the training grounds

Attempting Exit Thread

Tenshi listed quietly to Mam speak. It was a little shocking to hear him describe what Tenshi had imagined in his head as a possible outcome. However, he understood that all it meant as that Mamoru was an extremely high ability to analyze possible outcomes of situations. Again, this information steeled Tenshi's resolve to catch up to his teammate.

He waited for Mamoru to exit before sitting up himself, whincing in pain from the rather large bruise he'd earned himself in his rib area. After several painful minutes, he managed to get himself off the floor before half limping out of the building. He was hurting, but he had learned a lot today. He would be sure to reflect on it all as he soaked in a hot bath at home.

-----------------
Attempting to exit thread.