Round 1: Genin Bouts- Ico vs Kozan

[Ace Trainer]

The arena has a 25m radius and is mostly comprised of grass land, trees to provide some shelter and texture to the battlefield. However, 5m from the wall surrounding the entire arena is sandy terrain. The arena is marked by a 20m high wall that is built in the shape of a doughnut, the seats are layered with ten rows running along the whole perimeter of the arena. There is a tower that is supported by pillars and columns above the northers side of the stadium, this is where the representatives of other nations are seated. The participants have the own place to wait until their turn, it is at the bottom section of the wall surrounding the battlefield and has a viewing window that allows the participants to watch fighting that take place. Ico will begin at the eastern most point, standing directly in front of the sand. Kozan will begin at the western most point, standing directly in front of the sand.

The judges for this bout will be [Darinami, Kagota; Rain], [Shirayuki; Kumiko; Seiken] and [Hurime, Moru; Dot]

First poster has 72 hours to respond, all following posts have 48 hours, with one [1] extension granted upon request. Please ensure you're familiar with the rules for the event. If you're currently in registry, the 72 hours begins once both participants have been approved.

Ico posts first.

[TheLacarix]

The small petite boy stood on the eastern point of the arena, just behind him was a thin layer of sand known as the knockout area, a place he’d have to avoid. He was filled with nerves, his fingers wrapped around each other, twiddling as though trying to stifle his fear. Ico’s gaze fell upon his opponent, a boy from his own village obviously much older, a foot maybe even two taller and substantially heavier that was apparent just at a glance. His knees almost knocked with fear, as he felt the weight upon his shoulders as the audience all glaring at him. He could see in in their eyes, they had written him off already and if he were honest, he had written himself off.

You’re pathetic.

The familiar voice ran through his head, whispering in his ear, putting down any chance it had.

An ominous cackle vibrated between his ears, soon his own head knocked back and his mouth opened and the same cackle in his head was now pouring from his mouth and echoing through the stadium. The small, timid boy’s fear was washed away an aura surrounded him, confidence oozed from him. His eyes stared wild at the older boy in front of him.

“Please don’t hurt him!” Croaked out Ico, tears streaming down his face, it was almost inaudible and the words were squeezed out and soon drowned out by the cackle.

A klaxon rang out through the arena telling the participants to begin.


"I'll take care of this for you!"

Ico wasted no time flinging his small frame forward, withdrawing the large Odachi from his back, a huge blade three times the boys height but he carried it as though it weighed nothing his small arms flexed beneath his shirt moving through the small arena in a matter of seconds the blade high above his head swinging it downwards towards the Genin in front of him attempting to cleave him in half and end the battle in one fell swoop.

usedShow

*[Shinden • Branch Cleaver]
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
One of Shinden's most basic offensive techniques, the practitioner raises their weapon over their head, using gravity and inertia to add momentum to their next attack. The practitioner then launches a ferocious two-handed swing in any single direction. The practitioner executes the cut in a circular motion, allowing them to quickly bring the weapon back to guard against a potential counterattack.

[Ace Trainer]

The match started and Kozan wasted no time. He was hardly equipped or fit for a head on battle, he'd barely have the skills necessarily to do anything like that. With 50m between the pair of them, and trees dotting the landscape, Kozan had quickly established going into the match that this would be his best chance. With the buzzer gone off, Kozan pulled a smoke bomb from his front flak pocket and threw it into the ground approximately 10m in front of himself. With the smoke spreading out of the area between them, he'd quickly dart behind a tree about 3m to the right of where he'd thrown the smoke bomb at the edge of the smoke. His nostrils would flare as he smelled Ico rushing forward, though the small child would likely come to a halt with his field of vision being stunted.

Kozan's eyes, bright and yellow, would scan around him, before quickly landing on another tree, closer to the rings edge, about in the middle of the tree he was in and the edge of the ring. Having started at the northern most point, Kozan was looking at a tree at about East-North-East now. Kicking up rocks to to make a bit of noise in the center of the cloud, he'd grab onto a tree branch and launch himself towards the other, quickly moving into it's leaves and concealing himself. That boy had moved fast, in the brief moments Kozan had seen him run it was almost twice as fast as Kozan could run, if not faster. He was he expected to fight someone like that? He would wait for now, concealed within the branches and leaves, it would take the child at least a brief moment to zero in on where exactly Kozan had gone.

SpoilerShow

[Predatory Instinct: Vanish]
B-rank Taijutsu Maneuver
If Kozan’s target has become aware of his location, he is able to use this technique only if there are adequate enough obstacles between them. Through this use of this maneuver, Kozan will place himself behind something between himself and a target, then quickly move between various objects and blockades, rapidly changing his position. As he moves, he will toss rocks, discreetly in other directions, causing sound to be produced in locations he is not. Those without an advanced enough perception technique will be unable to keep track of him.

[hobnob]

Moru sat patiently. His arms were supported by the table and his fingers were interlocked in front of his face, just below his line of sight. He was patiently watching the two genin appear on the battlefield. Back in Iwagakure, he was renowned for giving grades to shinobi who did not use their imagination during fights. Being able to think outside the box is a skill required of shinobi who is responsible for others. This was one of the things he was looking for in these prospective Chuunin. So far their initial moves were basic, an attack and a simple defensive move used to hide before the opponent. 'One of the basic skills a ninja needs to posses is the skill to hide. Let's see what this kid has in store for us.' He thought as he paid close attention to what was going on, on the battlefield.

The genin who was carrying out the attack, was carrying a rather large sword. Moru was surprised by its size and the fact that he was even able to wield it. A boy of that age shouldn't even be able to lift a sword like that he thought. He was eager to see how this battle would unfold.

[TheLacarix]

Ico was hurtling forward at a rapid speed, it was apparent for a Genin specially one so fresh out of the academy that was he was incredibly quick. He moved through the relatively small space with ease and appeared to be almost just a few steps in comparison.

His soft light blue eyes, glistened with a hint of purple locked sight of the smoke bomb that appeared in the other Genin’s hand, it erupted outwards creating a blaze of smoke filling a part of the arena. Most people would stop in their tracks and would continue forward, but Ico didn’t an instinct in him told him to carry on going forward, face the unknown without fear. He only had one shot and he was going to take it.

If anyone created smoke, they either had an ability to track or they would run and hide. Ico would attempt to an attack that would hopefully negate either tactic, already with his blade high above his head he torqued the muscles in his arms, slamming his blade into the ground below.

The earth around him upturned into double circular wall, ripping through the grass below in hopes of A, prevent Kozan from escaping the smoke in the first place or b upturning the tree he’d leaped to and in turn hopefully knocking into the sand and Ico would win via out of bounds.

Or C, it would do nothing but cause a sound defence around Ico. Only time would tell, and see if Ico’s bravery paid off.

UsedShow

*[Shinden • Turtle Shell]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 15 Strength, 15 Speed.
Momentarily torquing their muscles in their arms, the practitioner slams their weapon's blade or tip down into the ground, releasing the tension in a violent rotation as it plunges into the ground. Depending on the terrain, a doubled circular wall of large twisting rocks, stone, and bedrock will be uplifted and erupt from the ground, potentially striking opponents and providing a defense against attacks and projectiles. These slabs of earth have a Strength equal to the practitioner's Strength, but they only remain for four posts.

[Ace Trainer]

[Onu used his extension]

[Ace Trainer]

As Kozan released the first tree, he heard an earth shattering - literally - crack. It wouldn't take a genius to establish there was a lot of earth flying his way. So it appeared his opponent was a doton user. The tree he had just released would jolt as it was lifted in the chaos. As he landed in the second tree, it too would jolt and begin to collapse away. Kozan would push himself upright as it fell to the ground, looking out into the rubble that had been created. That child had done that? He had no idea how to even begin to engage with this kid, he was fast and seemed to be able to use quite potent doton jutsu. If he could knock down these trees so easily, Kozan would have virtually nothign to hide behind. His fighting style was built around stalking his prey and getting the jump on them.

His mind moved quickly through his options, his predatory mind assessing the situation instinctually. He could smell the fear on Ico, a strange combination there seemed to be almost two different fear auras coming from the boy, one far more potent than the other. He took a step back, the fallen tree to his right. He was about 5m from the sand, exactly at the East-North-East point of the round arena. With Ico now set at the center, Kozan stood at the ready. Pulling out a kunai with his left hand, the bracer around his right arm would lurch to life, moving down to his hand and taking shape into a sword.

He stood at the ready, staring at Ico as the dust around the boy settled.

[TheLacarix]

Ico’s gaze peered through the smoke, trying to figure out where Kozan was the arena wasn’t overly large but he could be anywhere and it was difficult to make anything out through the smoke, his blade was in hand ready to defend anything that came his way.

Finally the smoke faded away, and he clocked site of Konan the dust was settling and Ico watched with interest as the bracer around his arm took on the shape of a blade. It peaked his interest seeing such a malleable weapon, he pondered what else it could turn into it. He wanted a new blade of his own, something that would help him get into the Seven Swordsmen. He took note of the kunai in his other hand, he’d stay aware of it.

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Ico stepped over the rocky terrain, as dust slowly drifted through the air. He came to a standstil as the pair stared at each other for a moment. It seemed as though were going to finally clash their blades, two aspiring swordsmen ready to engage in battle.

The young Genin smiled and nodded a nod of respect, two swordsmen ready to engage as his hands adjusted grabbing the hilt of his blade with both hands, his cheeks filled with air and slowly streamed out with a sigh. It seemed as through for a moment the true Ico had quenched his persona, his attacks wouldn’t be as aggressive but more precise.

The long sword was brought down near his waist as he launched his small frame forward, hoping to meet Kozan head on. Assuming that the pair did clash, Ico would thrust forward aiming at Kozan’s chest, if the strike landed or not he’d the blade would rotate violently swinging towards Kozan’s right side where his sword was hoping to at least damage his arm if not more.

UsedShow

*[Shinden • Grass Cutter]
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 8 Strength, 8 Speed.
A simple yet devastating technique, the practitioner executes a powerful thrust towards the opponent. At the end of the thrust, or just as the blade is making contact with the opponent if it hits, the practitioner violently rotates the blade in any single direction and finishes the technique with a slash in the direction the sword was twisted. This additional rotation and slash at the end can further damage opponents or catch an opponent that has evaded the original thrust by strafing to either side, ducking, or jumping.

[Ace Trainer]

Kozan nodded back as the small child offered respect. This boy was from Kiri? If he was as good with this blade as Kozan expected, perhaps Kozan would be seeing him trying to join the Seven Swordsmen as well. Kozan had set his eyes on that objective, this boy could possibly be a rival of some form. This child was likely hal of Kozan's age and Kozan still found himself, or least his instincts, telling him he was at a disadvantage. But to be fair, Kozan had only been out of the tube for 2 years, right? He could give himself some credit.

The boy rushed forward and Kozan was slightly more prepared for the speed this time, but not by much, moving to meet him. As Ico went for the jab, Kozan moved to parry with the black sword of Samsara. However, as the swords clashed, his sword would turn to fluid as it moved itself around Ico's sword like a film, forming a sheath around the sword. The hilt would transform into a chain as Ico rotated and swung. Kozan had only one intention though, to dull the impact. Kozan was hardly strong enough to parry the blade, let alone strong enough to block the second attack Ico went for. But the samsara weapon wrapped around Ico's would allow Kozan to blunt the sword Ico carried, turning it more into a staff. As it struck his right rib, Kozan would release the kunai in his left hand, aiming to throw it at Ico's right thigh. The force of the strike was enough to throw Kozan back though, the samsara weapon releasing Ico's to fly back with him, staying in the form of a semi-fluid whip. He landed against a slab of rock 5m back from them, placing him just a few strides away from where he had just been. Only a few meters in front of the sand, he tried to remain cognizant of it, and ignore what was surely at least 2 broken ribs.

He shook his head, clenching his jaw and putting eyes back on Ico. It seemed this was just going to be a battle to survive the time limit.

[TheLacarix]

Ico’s blade struck against Kozan’s sparks spat out, but Kozan’s blade though no longer a blade warped around Ico’s own weapon dulling it so its sharp edge was destroyed. He snarled in annoyance, but the weapon still manged to swing around and strike Kozan’s ribs with blunt force trauma. If he was honest, he was glad he had no intention of killing Kozan and least now he wouldn’t have to worry about that, as long as he avoided any head strikes.

He was aware of the incoming Kunai, but for some reason he hadn’t anticipated it being thrown he was expecting Kozan to use Ochiba a stupid mistake on his behalf as the kunai stabbed into his thigh. It would likely slow him down, but least Kozan with a broken rib would struggle to swing his weapon around with much fluidity.

He knew that the pair likely didn’t have long left, both now injured and Nobu’s weapon blunted he didn’t imagine either of them could really take another strike.

“Finish this!” yelled a voice, clearly not Ico’s as he lifted up his blade high above his head charging towards Kozan likely for the last time or at least he hoped. He was going to attempt the same attack from before, his speed reduced but he attempted to ignore it torquing the muscles in his arms once again little did Ico know that Kozan was unaware that he’s attack from before wasn’t Ninjutsu and was likely expecting a set of hand seals. Perhaps he would catch the Kiri genin by surprise.

As he came forward, he stopped short and slammed his weapon into the ground ripping up the earth beneath Kozan’s feet attempting to fling him out of bounds.

UsedShow

*[Shinden • Turtle Shell]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 15 Strength, 15 Speed.
Momentarily torquing their muscles in their arms, the practitioner slams their weapon's blade or tip down into the ground, releasing the tension in a violent rotation as it plunges into the ground. Depending on the terrain, a doubled circular wall of large twisting rocks, stone, and bedrock will be uplifted and erupt from the ground, potentially striking opponents and providing a defense against attacks and projectiles. These slabs of earth have a Strength equal to the practitioner's Strength, but they only remain for four posts.

[Ace Trainer]

Kozan smirked as the kunai landed in the boys thigh. Perhaps he would have a chance after all. If this was a battle of attrition, Kozan would just need to get in as many attacks as he could in any windows that could be made. He was sure his trick with the Truth Seeker would only work once, he likely wouldn't be able to pull it off again. As the boy charged, however, Kozan was surprised to find that he did not - indeed - use ninjutsu. But instead appeared to just be incredibly strong. Wholly unprepared, the earth would crack and break away once more, sending slabs of earth at Kozan's way. Typically, he'd be able to formulate some method of dodging, but as he jumped to the side of one, his side erupted in pain. It appeared he had more broken ribs than he thought. Another slab would come flying at him and Kozan would be unable to dodge, the slab striking him square in the body and knocking him back. Kozan remained on the ground, grasping as hard as he could to consciousness. The fight was over.

[hobnob]

Moru eyed the battle closely. With the youth smashing the ground and sending large chunks of earth at his opponent, the fight was over. It appeared that the surprising strength of the young lad has caught the other off guard, leading to his demise. Moru would be the first to speak, he stood up. 'The two of you have fought well. I hope you both have learnt something about each other, yourselves, and the way battles work. Kozan, you have shown good analytical skills and good knowledge of your own abilities, under different circumstances I would have chosen you as the victor of this battle. However, due to the basic layout of this tournament, you are walking away from this battle with a loss on you card.' Moru then took a deep breath, as his eyes moved towards the youth who stood a few feet above ground, holding a sword three times the size of him. 'Ico, considering your young age, you have shown great skill. Knowing what you can and can't do. You are a talented shinobi, but you have much to learn. Do not allow this win to get into your head, go forth expecting the worst and you will always give the situation the best you have.'

Moru then looked between one and the other, and took another deep breath. 'This is all I have to share with you at this moment, I wish you all the best in life and the battles to come.' And with that, Moru sat back down in his chair and awaited the remaining judges to give their opinion of the battle.

[Rain21199]

Kagota shot up from his chair as the match concluded. With a furrowed brow, Kagota's scruffy old voice range out across the arena. "Are you daft boy! Your opponent was wildly flailing around like a blinded fool and you still didn't win? And here I thought you were going to put up an interesting fight. The next time I see you boy, you better have learned how to use that brain in your head."

Kagota's judging gaze turned to Ico. "And you! If it wasn't for the sheer luck of getting paired with a slow, untalented imbecile, you'd be the one the flat on your ass. The second you ran into the middle of a smoke cloud you couldn't see into, I knew you were an idiot. You have no idea how much it pains me to have to make a decision. If it were up to me, I'd say to hell with both of ya."

After scratching his head for a second, Kagota shouted again with the same level of scruff and ferocity as before. "Kozo, you lost. There's no way around that. Icon, it's gonna have to be you. Now go on and lose your next match because I'll be damned if you become a Chuunin."

[ShinobiTruth]

Kumiko, hair molten as the fires of a rising sun, followed Kagota onto the arena grounds in a contrastingly quiet but comparably powerful manner. The very stroke of her every step showed the folly of any observers underestimating her merely because of her youth. Eyes etched from precious stone exuded a strength as potent and timeless as her physical beauty was exotic. Having carefully scrutinized the victor and the fallen, and having analyzed the short but intense skirmish between them, Kumiko broke her silence after what seemed to be a deliberately calculated pause. "My opinion of this bout lies somewhere between my fellow judges. There were certainly tactics that were well thought out between each combatant... and those less so. Even though this battle ultimately came down to an unfortunate imbalance in combat prowess and the format of the exam perhaps favoring raw power over more subtle tactics, there were ways that each side could have played their cards more effectively, either to secure victory or to steal it from the hands of their opponent."

Kumiko first turned to the defeated, Kozan. "Kozan, this battle was against you from the start. Some would call such a thing unfair in an exam, but we don't prepare shinobi for what is fair. We prepare them for what is real. You will face many a battle where you are hopelessly outnumbered and outpowered. It seems you have developed some skills to mitigate your natural disadvantages, for which I commend you. At times, such leverage is what is needed to sway the chance for victory to your side. Despite that, your failing was in your lack of contingencies in the face of raw, unmitigated power and speed. Your strategy has fallen short in the face of overwhelming strength. Should you let this defeat be a lesson to educate your growth as a warrior, you will become a specter in the shadows of the desert, an ephemeral mirage to be feared and dreaded by even the most stalwart and mighty of foes."

Turning to the victor, Ico, Kumiko's tone somehow shifted, almost turning sharp. "Ico, confidence in your strength is important. That confidence, along with the distinct advantage this arena's layout provided you, almost infallibly secured you your victory. However, my commendation also comes with a strong warning: do not let your power inflate your ego. My colleague is correct; by stepping into that smoke cloud with such a brazen disregard for your opponent's capabilities, it showed impulsivity and deficiency in planning that borders on the imbecilic. Against an opponent more well prepared than the one you faced today, in a real battle... you would be another corpse, a crimson river running from your freshly rent neck. I commend you for your victory, but I will not hold back criticism, especially from one who shows great potential."

Kumiko raised her hand, calling out the results to the crowd.. "For Round 1, the bout between Ico and Kozan, by unanimous decision, we declare Ico as the victor!"