[Festival] SSM- Training Day

[Izanagi]

Shinjiro had just come from Iron country, hearing about the Iron banner festival directly from the Taishou himself. Apparently, there was some sort of ceasefire or at least an attempt at one as conflicts had begun in Wind country as well as his homeland of Water country or more specifically the new province they had acquired during the Great War. He had honestly been less than urgent in his preparing to return home, putting a number of his affairs in order and preparing various trump cards against Hearts forces and their leader.

This would be an opportunity to bolster the strength of his men and return to battle united and with renewed vigor. And so, he had called on various members of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist to join him under the Iron banner for training. Some members remained in Water country in case this event was taken advantage of, and the ceasefire broken. But for the younger members, the Daggers that he intended to hone he demanded their attendance.

Pulling a few strings, he managed to convince the local samurai to section off an area specifically for him and his subordinates. It was deemed a safety hazard should anyone intervene with the training of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and Shinjiro had expressly insisted that he wouldn’t be held liable for anyone that accidentally got maimed or killed interrupting them. Of course, he was reminded that the Pebble country samurai would intervene if their training got out of hand and put the public in danger if they extended beyond their permitted training zone.

Outside of the bustling village the festival was held in, samurai would escort the Daggers of the SSM out into the rocky, barren outlands surrounding it until they came to a small-ruined village. Whether it had been destroyed by the recent war or one long past was hard to say. About 200 meters in diameter there were at least a dozen homes along the south end of the village, square buildings about 8x8 meters wide and two stories tall. To the North were the remains of an industrial area, a blacksmith workshop, and various other former business fronts in states of ruin and to the east and west open areas that might have once been fields. In the center was a courtyard of sorts with a large-ruined bell tower in the middle, about 10 meters tall and with large sections of it missing. At the top hung the Iron banner which contrasted against the rest of the town with its brass pole and rich colored fabric.

From a safe distance outside the training area a platoon of samurai would keep tabs on the group and intervene if others interfered with the training. At the top of the bell tower, sitting atop the fallen rusted bell itself, Shinjiro would sit and wait for Kozan, Nozomi, Asuna, and Yuuto to arrive. He had even sent an invitation to Mondai, hoping to allow the Daggers to compare themselves to their lowest goalpost and evaluate for themselves if they yet had what it took to become true Swords of the Mist. The Bannin’s tattered cloak bellowed in the frigid winds, his bright green eyes peering out from his under his hood. He would in silence for them each to arrive before addressing them.

[Ace Trainer]

Kozan hadn't gotten the memo, or maybe he had and just didn't understand it. But when he arrived at the designated area for the Seven Swordsmen to train, he did not seek out his Sword, Shinjiro, but instead found a mound of dirt which he sat behind, leaning over it as he worked. The guidance he'd been given was to train, and so that was exactly what the large child had set out to do. There were a series of fuuinjutsu that his master had intended for him to learn, and had instructed Kozan to learn them the 'traditional' way, rather than through the absorption of information though fuuinjutsu as he typically did. He would need to eventually, or so his master said, be able to innovate and create jutsu on his own so learning the traditional methods of creating new techniques would be important. It should be noted that Kozan was the last person that needed to be convinced of this, if he was told to do something, he'd simply do it.

Before him on the mound of dirt, Kozan was drawing small symbols into it with his fingers, seemingly conceptualizing what the fuuinjutsu should actually look like. His hand movements were slow and methodical, every once in a while he would shake up the dirt to clear something he'd just drawn into it, just to draw over it again with something slightly different. Kozan understood fuuinjutsu intimately, as his personality was developing it was something he found a great degree of interest in. Fuuinjutsu was direct, meaningful, with living chakra embedded into it with secret messages and codes and relays. The intricacy of it truly appealed to him. For this fuuinjutsu in particular the message from the chakra was going to be quite clear, redirect chakra flow from the active tenketsu into the fast-twitch muscles throughout the body to boost the target's speed. A fuuinjutsu like this could shift a ninjutsu user into a taijutsu user with a single kai, it would be invaluable. Taking a small breath, Kozan would place his hand on the center of the dirt seal, charging chakra into his hand and allowing it to run through the seal. The lines he'd drawn into the dirt would begin to glow briefly before fading out. Giving a small self-assuring nod, Kozan would then place one hand out in front of him, the palm facing away, while beginning to seal into the air the same seal he'd just drawn. When completed, he'd thrust his hand through the seal onto the back of his outstretched hand the seal imprinting itself onto his hand. He'd shake his shoulders, taking in a deep breath and focus. Yes, he could feel his body feeling faster, the flow of his chakra changing as it became more difficult to regulate. The seal had worked.

[473]

---

With a quick hand seal, the glow of the fuuinjutsu he'd just activated would slowly fade until it had gone fully dark, followed by the lines of the fuuin vanishing as well. Reaching forward towards the mound of dirt he'd been working on previously, he would rub at the dirt erasing the mock seal that had been in front of him before and began the process all again. Kozan understood fuuinjutsu intimately, so this wasn't a difficult process for him by any measure. He had a large number of fuuinjutsu in mind that he wanted to add to his arsenal, so he knew he had a fair amount of work before him. But, these fuuin would allow him to change the tide of virtually any battle by shifting into his opponent's weaknesses, or overriding them in their strengths. Either way he anticipated he'd be able to match any opponent head-to-head.

This fuuinjutsu would be quite similar to the previous in how it redirected chakra flow, so he could reuse the basic framework he'd done previously, slowly etching that into the dirt and thinking about the smaller nuances as he did so. How the flow was being redirected would be different though, moving instead from his slow twitch fibers that would responsible for his brutish strength, Kozan would be reinforcing the strength of his mind, consequently also increasing the strength of his predator ability and refining his ability to hunt. As he drew the final inscriptions into the fuuinjutsu, he looked it up and down once more before giving a gentle self-assuring nod. Yes, this one would work he could tell.

Just as he did before, Kozan would touch the seal in the dirt, watching the chakra flow through it momentarily before fading. Well, it at least it had a good structure. Extending his hand, he'd draw the seal with the other hand in the air before once again reaching throw it and placing the air seal on the back of his hand. Quickly, he'd feel himself get weaker but the range of his senses expand. Almost like exhaling his breath, suddenly he could sense a family of rabbit in their den just a few meters further from his previous boundaries. Yes, this technique too had been successful.

[377]

---

Once again, he would cast a single seal and allow the light to fade from the fuuinjutsu on the back of his hand, this time no different from the last. As the seal vanished, he'd give another self-assuring not before erasing the mock seal in the dirt and starting over. This process would be quite repetitive, not that Kozan mind that at all. If he had to do the same thing over and over again to get stronger than so be it, that is what he would do. The next seal he had to train would be different from the previous as well, but he expected that one he did this one, the rest would be even easier. The process for him shouldn't change much once he identifies all the ways the fuuinjutsu can manipulate his capacity and then he can simply make minor changes from there. Slowly once more he'd begin etching the outline of the fuuinjutsu into the dirt, and then doubling back to make minor changes and modifications to it to direct the flow of chakra.

Fuuinjutsu was a nuanced art. Those who didn't understand it assumed it was simply a replacement for hand seals but in reality fuuinjutsu were intricate, particular, and detailed. One minor error could entirely change the way the fuuinjutsu worked, so it was vital that these fuuin be correct every time. Fortunately, Kozan was a patient and detail oriented young shinobi and had no issue getting it right when it needed to be. Once more he would finish the seal and cast kai to activate it, the glow of chakra surging through the faux seal before fading away as the effect couldn't be used on the mound. Satisfied with the result, he repeated his previous practice, extending out his hand and air sealing the symbol onto the back of his hand. As the seal took place, the glow of chakra would surge through it as it took effect on his body. Suddenly he could feel the flow of his tenketsu opening, much more aware of the chakra in his body. It seemed the technique was a success.

[355]

---

Jolly Mint
B-rank Augment Fuuinjutsu
Doing a series of hand seals or drawing the seal, Kozan will place his hand on the target, activating the seal. This seal gives +9 Speed for its duration, at the cost of -9 Control.

Calm Mint
B-rank Augment Fuuinjutsu
Doing a series of hand seals or drawing the seal, Kozan will place his hand on the target, activating the seal. This seal gives +9 Willpower for its duration, at the cost of -9 Strength.

Rash Mint
B-rank Augment Fuuinjutsu
Doing a series of hand seals or drawing the seal, Kozan will place his hand on the target, activating the seal. This seal gives +9 Control for its duration, at the cost of -9 Willpower.

[Mre-face]

The journey had been long and Mondai had planned to take the sights in enjoy the food possibly the nightlife and maybe meet a few girls but of course, duty calls and the overseer had invited him there. He was allowed to not 'show up' but in Mondai's eyes, it felt a bit disrespectful to himself to slack and to deny the overseer. It appears this was supposed to be a dagger meeting since Kozan was already present.

The real reason Mondai was there was, so he could be used as a measuring point for the others no matter whether he was confident he could maintain his position until he eventually was strong enough to challenge. His tired gaze looked over to Kozan who was training some sort of Fuuinjutsu before darting back his eyes to Shinjiro. "Oi Shinji ya gotta nice lil training area couldn't let me relax could ya." Mondai joked before lazily lighting a cigarette stopping himself and realizing that Kozan was working hard and so were the others he could light it later. "Ah well a ninja is 'ere so might as well put in some work!" Mondai was craving a cig, but he was on a mission.

Mondai drew his sword in the longsword configuration before flipping the point towards him grabbing the blade and using it as an improvised bludgeon swinging it around shadow sword fighting even using the guard as a hook before gathering momentum and smashing the sword against a target. The crash was loud, and the impact was clear that Mondai had done a tangible amount of damage the object had a clear dent and whoever was on the receiving end would either be cut by the blade part or knocked out from the impact to their skulls smashed in by the hilt or guard of Mondai's sword.

He was sure it would look odd and be given looks, but he didn't care. "If you think it looks weird ye can happily lemme get a strike in and see how ya feel afterward." Mondai joked before continuing onwards with another technique this time it would be a lot different from what they had expected Mondai was feeling unorthodox today.

---

371/300 71 towards next training
Jutsu trained
"Mordhau" Murder-stroke
B-rank Taijutsu stance
The Mordhau is an unusual technique used to defeat armor and cause little damage to the blade. By grabbing the blade with both hands Mondai can use his sword and smash with either the guard of the blade or the pommel. Using the blade as an improvised bludgeon. This makes it so that the blade gains an extra 6 str to armor but loses 6str against unarmored foes additionally this has the ability to break bones those with 10 less endurance than Mondai's strength will have their bones shattered. Those with 5 less endurance than Mondai's strength will instead get fractured bones and those with 3 less will get hairlines instead.

---

Mondai grabbed his massive greatsword instead as he sheathed his blade before doing a drill gracefully switching from stances and blocks and parries it was a beautiful display of how far he had come with his sword before he gripped the blade ferociously and cut the air which whistled and crashed as it struck the ground from the sheer momentum and power swung.

The power generated from its mass was terrifying anyone on the receiving end would have hell to pay anyone blocking would be cut to bits or petrified from the impact. Yet he had a long way to go with the greatsword it wasn't his forte but the little training he had with Yuuto and his experience in the jungle of Star had given him a great experience in learning how to use his greatsword much more. He knew if he hit it hurt and that was enough for him to want to improve if he could just use its large chunkiness to his advantage.

As he reeled back his attacks seemed predictable at first, but he quickly exploded he snapped with far faster speed than initially expected if observed of course Shinjiro would notice he was overseer after all, but for the others, it would look awkward and almost uncoordinated, but that was the point the snappy explosive movements were there to lure his opponents in like a fly to a flytrap being lulled by the nectar but instead of flowers, it was a giant blade ready to cleave through any opposition who dared rush in thinking it was an opening.

Mondai used his whole body and strength to swing the blade around using its massive momentum to not only combine the snappy movements with his windmill-like movements to create a truly devastating movement pattern when combined.

---

300/300
Jutsu trained
Strange telegraphing
C-Rank Taijutsu discipline
Prerequisite: 10 Strength, Windmill
By using the wide chopping motions of Mondai's attacks with his sword he will telegraph with strange timing, But he uses his telegraphing to bait his enemies and then snap explosively with his muscles to unleash devastating strikes as they think he is open to being attacked.

---

It was very much unlike his normal style his style with the longsword or sword and shield was grounded and practical focusing on patience and countering hard when openings presented themselves this was the complete opposite it was sheer violence personified in a style.

It was something he needed to get used to but the more he trained, the more he realized he could use certain techniques from his longsword training to incorporate into the greatsword style or create techniques that can't be used with traditional swords. Previous he trained how to use snappy explosive and unpredictable moves this time he would do the opposite contrasting to the very violent attacks and instead being graceful and beautiful in execution.

Mondai slashed with the giant sword before pivoting on his legs using the windmill like motions to cut around a huge area around himself before shifting the momentum to instead focus on more deliberate slashes from a neutral standing position. Slicing and cutting from several angles and directions using the momentum and energy to gracefully transfer each attack into each other creating very graceful combos.

Mondai was getting more and more used to how the blade felt in his hands the base was getting wider meaning that the peak could be so much greater. Any style needed a foundation and the more Mondai practiced the wider it was getting. Mondai was feeling himself getting stronger to how strong he should have been. The muscle memory kicked in he just needed to apply himself and return to his old prime.

---

300/300
Jutsu trained
Flowing combo
C-Rank Maneuver Taijutsu
Prerequisite: Greatsword, 15 Taijutsu, Windmill
By using the momentum of the blade Mondai can create seamless basic non-specific combos that flow with each cut and can come from all manner of angles. These are usually 3-5 hits.

---

[Trusted Grader]

It was nice to travel to another country and not be delegated there to stop escalation of a problem or worse, the be the problem that escalates situations, it was sort of a vacation. Yuuto didn't expect them to train immediately but whenever their boss gave them the order then it was high prime to do as one was told. Yuuto, who had been training with his shield and legs were now going to train his blade system, one which he had neglected for years, though there was a prime reason for it. Yuuto had never had a reason to upgrade it, but due to the ever-increasing conflicts that was occurring around the world, it was high time to do so.

Simple technique, a front flip that's supposed to use my momentum to slam the target on to the ground and make them bounce, sure, it will most likely break a buncha bones but at least they should still be alive. That and I also have the ability to attack them with another set of taijutsu? Yuuto spaced himself from Kozan and Mondai, who were both busy training, he was impressed by his rival Kozan and Mondai was pulling insane moves per usual, grinning as he rested Amendment over his right shoulder, the boy began to stretch. Here goes nothing.

He raised the blue sword up in the sky before performing a summersault, at first, he would not slam the weapon to the ground as he needed to train the front flip, after the third flip he took a deep breath and prepared to strike the ground with force. As he leapt in the air, he began to flex his muscles and focus on driving the sword down with enough force to make it bounce upwards, the flip was perfect and the strike was rough enough to displace a ton of wind, making it almost appear like he had performed a Tentaijutsu technique. He knew that if this would land on anyone weaker than him, they would absolutely get wrecked and left unconscious.

Oh damn...okay, this technique could probably be used without the sheath, and would probably slice the opponent in two... Yuuto, the pacifist, wouldn't want to use this technique without the sheath but if he ever was in a desperate situation then at least he knew that he could use most of his sword styles to cause massive damage. One step closer!

401

---

Yuuto took a deep breath and began to stretch, he placed the sword on his shoulder and began to ponder on what he was supposed to train next, thinking back to his recruit into the Seven Swordsmen program and how Chiene had defeated him, how her combat prowess had inspired him to mimic hers. From what he had trained he knew that it wouldn't be enough, that he needed a bit stronger technique in order to make sure that he and the ones he protected were safe. So, he decided to learn a new kick technique, one where he would utilize both legs and leap into the air and aim to kick the target in the face.

Sure, the steps to perform this technique would leave his back exposed to the enemy for a brief second but if pulled off correctly then the attack should mostly cover itself, that or he could carry the shield on his back as he performs the technique and use it as a rear guard. Hmm, If I twist my body and raise the off leg into the air, continue to turn then leap into the air, I could probably use the momentum and force to kick with the leg I pushed off with. Sort of spinning around like a hurricane.... Hurricane kick... that has a cool ring to it.

Yuuto snapped his fingers before he took another deep breath, he slowly followed his own mental memo and began to perform the technique, step by step he continued until he finally reached the point where he didn't need to perform it so slowly and instead began to add more speed and force to it. Eventually he would train to slash with the weapon then use the swings momentum to spin around, raise the off leg then finish the with a perfect hurricane kick.

306

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TrainedShow

Bounce
A-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Yuuto performs a front flip and uses the sword to slam the sheath on top of the targets head with enough force to bounce them off the ground, if the target has lower endurance than the user's strength then they are rendered unconscious, if their stats are higher than they suffer (-3 Endurance, -3 Strength and -3 Will) for the next 7 posts, this technique is also rather deadly if used without the sheath but forgoing the bounce and debuff.

360 Hurricane Kick
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
The user raises their rear leg as they spin around to jump kick their target, this technique aims to daze the target.

[Kabu]

Asuna wasn't sure when the last time she had left the country was but it had certainly been quite some time. This was definitely the first time she had traveled so far inwards on the mainland. In a way it was almost like a vacation of sorts but this festival wasn't a time for relaxation. Ever since arriving she had found herself with an urge to work harder than ever, to train and get stronger. It must have been the power of the Iron Banner at work.

It seemed that her fellows in the Swordsmen had been thinking the same thing as the Overseer had summoned the group to train amongst themselves. Of course she had been quick to head over to the location she had been told. Whilst Kozan was working on Fuuinjutsu and Yuuto and Mondai were working on their swordsmanship she found herself attempting something special of her own. She had recently made a summoning contract and so was now working on learning the Spiritualism Technique, known otherwise as the Summoning Jutsu.

However she was having a bit of trouble fully understanding just what it was she was supposed to be envisioning. She had attempted the technique several times over by now only to achieve a range between nothing at all and the summoned creature being either improperly sized or misshapen and none being the creature she was after.

Finding that she wasn't going to really get anywhere on her own she walked over towards Shinjiro, being well aware that he had some connection with the spirits. Sure it wasn't quite the same thing but perhaps either he or the spirit he had sealed within could provide some guidance.

"Overseer-Sama, if you don't mind, would you be able to provide some assistance in mastering this summoning jutsu? It is of the utmost importance that I learn this as soon as possible." she spoke up without hesitation, her determination to master this technique overcoming any nerves she may have felt in directly speaking with a Bannin that was also the Overseer in charge of her organization.

[Sia]

Hisayo and Kayoko had been snooping around invisibly, much of minding their own business, Hisayo was taking in the scents of those she found familiar, and had begun tracking Kozan, Yuuto, Mondai, and the others in time, and wondering just how exactly this was going to play out as it all progressed. Kayoko began to shift form, transitioning from one form to another into that of a rather small claymore. It was just long enough that Hisayo could bury the tip of it into the ground and then prop both of her harms and her head onto the handle and guard whilst invisible and merely watch for a while whilst the rest of them scurried about with each other, training various techniques and having a rather splendid time of the festivities. Fuuinjutsu eh? Hisayo thought to herself as Kayoko watched silently from her own vantage point. Her eyes darted back, checking back and around Hisayo for her to make sure they weren't in the way of anyone whilst they did most of nothing invisibly for several moments or so, merely scouting the area and making a mental note of the layout and keeping an eye on the others to make sure they didn't accidentally kill each other.

Hisayo moved silently, indeed, she was invisible, but she also made no sounds, and she made no traces. There was almost nothing to say that she was even the room with them to begin with other than her chakra signature, and she had otherwise, once the invisibility would eventually wear off, decided to wear something to conceal her somewhat for the time being. Her hair was up in a bun, but it was covered entirely by a black cloak and her face by a white mask with blue swirls on it. Kayoko too was in disguise, though her sword form was more apparent at the moment.

She moved suddenly, in on Shinjiro's flank, leaping entirely silently through the air and landing on his right shoulder with one foot gently, delicately balancing kayoko and maintaining her invisibility by moving quite slowly. She had attempted, if it could be helped, to land on his Pauldron, and if a spat really started up, she would begin her dance, and soon the whole festival would be on fire. She continued to listen and watch, observing how everyone reacted to the slight disturbances she did or didn't make here and there as she played around the area. Eventually, she did figure out just how noisy everyone was, and began to listen to their heart beats as well, and really take in their scents, where they had been, what they had eaten, who they had been with.

Flutterstep Song: The Dance of The Listening Game
S-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
The user will move quite slowly for a few moments to preserve their energy and anticipate a battlefield, making sure they haven't been particularly noticed or otherwise targetted, and then suddenly burst as quickly as they believe they can without making their presence known, testing the ranges of friends, allies, enemies, and randoms as necessary to see exactly how close they need to be in order to have to adjust their speed in order to be unheard by them. This is done rather passively, a mindset intended to allow the user to sneak up on specific targets better, but also a lifestyle, causing them to to do this practically everywhere. As the user uses this in tandem with move silently techniques, they become even more hard to detect.

Trained

[Kaitos10]

Her first thing she was going to learn in pebble countries special training ground was going to be the basics of Yoshin style she then flashes back to her training in waterfall country. When they first arrived it was certainly a very interesting country and pretty serene. She definitely wasn’t use to being this close to fire country territory, though sampling the swamps and health hazards they had was certainly interesting. Eventually after traveling for awhile they would find someone to teach yoshin style of kenjutsu.

It would take a long time explaining everything and a big part the her training she would soon learn was learning how the body worked so because of that, Part of the kenjutsu training was being taught by Chiaki sensei. after all one of the things you had to know was exactly how to hit certain organs right. As well as how to target them. So Nozomi began by carefully listening to a detailed lecture by Chiaki on the body.

The lecture consists of the placing of each artery, as well as the organs, she also learns about the different layers of skin. As well as how muscles work, as they continued the lecture Chiaki would show her how each of the organs looked and how they worked using her own silicone body. It definitely made the lecture far more interesting than a normal lecture. Not that it really mattered much to Nozomi but she did appreciate the extra features and seeing how the organs worked live as it was happening. It was definitely a interesting touch to the teaching that Chiaki added. Once they were done with the first part of that training they would move on to the next series.

Which was when she would then perform a autopsy under supervision of someone who is actually trained in such a thing. As she studied an authentic human corpse moving the parts around. She paid close attention to where all the things were placed. After the long and detailed autopsy, making sure she wouldn’t miss a single detail she was finally done with it.

When she wasn’t studying with Chiaki she was studying with a book and sometimes practicing stabbing the correct areas in the correct ways. For the final part of the training this time she would practice striking a silicone construct body made by Chiaki. To allow for more dynamic movements the construct would be controlled directly by Chiaki. To make sure she got the movements and placing right it would regenerate each time she stabbed in the wrong spot. After a few tries and a long and arduous battle but eventually she would seem to get the hang of it. Then after a day or so of training on the topic she would finally move on to the next part of her Yoshin kenjutsu training.

Where she would have to learn a new technique in which she would practice fighting with both hands, to do this she would not only spar with random people she would also from then on spend the rest of her time in waterfall country doing things with both her right and left hands, including eating drinking as well as countless other tasks, that she normally does.

Later she soon flashed back to the seven swordsman of the mist training camp in pebble where she was practicing that very same technique on a fellow kiri ninja practicing carefully with her sword on fighting with both her left and right hands. She also practiced fighting using both hands for the sword. Hoping to make sure that her body memorizes the feeling so when she’s fighting she won’t have to worry.

“jutsu trained and being trained”Show

Techniques:
*[Yoshin • Prey's Anatomy]
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
Detailed knowledge of the human body's vulnerabilities and weaknesses are fundamental to learning Yoshin. This Discipline represents the practitioner's knowledge of the precise location of all major organs, tendons, blood vessels, and nerve clusters on both their body and the opponent's body. This allows the practitioner to accurately target those areas even in the heat of combat.


*[Yoshin • Ambidexterity]
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After practicing for a long amount of time with the concept of using both of their hands with equal skill, the user has developed a level of ambidexterity that allows them to utilize both hands equally and as effectively without any penalty. This extends to other methods of combat or simple everyday life as well

[Ace Trainer]

Kozan continued to focus, moving onto the next seal this time. As he began tracing out the small intricacies of the seal he could sense Mondai nearing him, then Yuuto, then Asuna, Hisayo, and even Nozomi. They were all working hard, not that Kozan thought one way or another about it, to him, the only way to work was to work hard. The difference was that when it came to fuuinjutsu, he couldn't just work hard. It wasn't something that could just come with enough practice. It was all about the finer details, so there was no brute force solution to this. Continuing to draw, he'd look up to Mondai who was doing some sort of strange movement, his hands practically moving in autopilot through the mound of dirt as he wrote out the seal. Perhaps taking his time with all his comrades here to train fuuinjutsu was the wrong move, maybe it would make more sense to train directly with these all. Especially if it was an opportunity to get stronger.

Shaking the thought for a moment, he looked at the seal he'd drawn into the dirt so far. Running his finger through the fuuin slowly, he would erase small portions of it. Making minor adjustments, this version was not much different from the Rash Minut which he had done previously, so he just could use the basic structure of that with some minor changes. Once the changes were complete, he'd give himself another affirmative nod before scooting back as he'd been doing previously and beginning to draw the seal into the air. Once a mirror of the one he'd drawn in the dirt had formed in the air, he'd thrust his hand forward through it onto the back of his other hand. Suddenly, he'd feel the surge in his chakra system once more, the increased control developing in his system. Yes, this fuuinjutsu had worked great.

[318/300]

With the fuuin complete, Kozan would form a single kai seal, the seal vanishing from the back of his hand. Forcing himself to his feet, his eyes would lock onto Mondai.

"Mondai. You can get a strike in.", he said flatly. It wasn't really a threat, and Kozan probably didn't understand that the previous comment had been a joke. But, if Mondai wanted someone to train against, Kozan could use the practice for some close hand to hand combat.

Quiet Mint
B-rank Augment Fuuinjutsu
Doing a series of hand seals or drawing the seal, Kozan will place his hand on the target, activating the seal. This seal gives +9 Control for its duration, at the cost of -9 Speed.

[Mre-face]

He was improving at a rapid rate just like he expected he simply needed to apply himself the strength was there it had simply been quelled by the absence of Mondai's sadness and passion. But the passion for swordsmanship and becoming stronger had come back slowly it would take it's final strongest form.

Yuuto who was training alongside him was practicing his kicking style and swordsmanship at once a deadly combination if used properly. Mondai smirked before continuing onwards with his training this time using the principal of the last technique into his previous the flowing combos could work with Mondai's strange telegraphing explosive movement that he practiced earlier before he had practiced using his body that way this time he would make them more deliberate.

The timing, attacking and how intelligently the attacks would flow together in a chopping display of beautiful violent attacks. Previously he trained combos sure, but it wasn't quite planned this out or thoughtful this time they would be carefully planned out.

Mondai raised his sword reeling back which would give anyone with a brain the heads-up before violently exploding and cutting from side to side simple horizontal slashes four in total.

Then he did the same vertically he got the feel down before mashing the two together.

Horizontal cuts followed by vertical and vice versa each ranking from three to five many were replicated or modified slightly or at the last second using the person's willingness to exploit possible patterns against themselves.

Snapping violently for each combo and using multiple different angles and spinning to his advantage as well the massive blade was used to hide as many weak points as possible and threaten anything that was within its reach.

His mastery of the technique was done until a familiar voice asked him about a previous statement he made.

---

303/300
Jutsu trained
Crushing cleaves
C-Rank Maneuver Taijutsu
Prerequisite: Greatsword, Strange telegraphing
By using the weight of the blade and the strong snapping motion he can create giant crashing cleaves. Those are nonspecific combos from all manner of angles. These are usually 3-5 hits long

---

Mondai was confused at first before he realized what was going on. Kozan had interpreted Mondai's joke as a statement or challenge which Mondai found funny, yet he also saw an opportunity in this situation. Some practice...

"Ya realize that was a joke right? But sure I'll take a gander, but I ain't getting a free strike in that don't seem like a good idea to me." Mondai was the weakest swordsman, but he's he was a swordsman still and his strange was coming back, so he didn't want to take any chances.

"So how 'bout a lil spar or training drill instead? We mock fight and we practice techniques and moves? More realistic that way anyway!" Mondai said with a smirk where he awaited Kozan's response readying himself in a stance further way to give some breathing room and more real fight distance clutching his blade in a "longort" stance to indicate that he was ready.

"Can anyone give me a count-down to three?" Mondai asked in a demanding manner. Whoever counted down would see Mondai run in at a moderate pace closer to Kozan's level or a little faster aiming to gradually increase the pace. His goal wasn't to turn this into the sparring he had with Shinjiro all those years ago.

What Mondai would live drill was a combination the two techniques he did earlier slashing with his giant sword in a flowing and crushing manner simultaneously switching between elegance and brutality seamlessly for the five slashes. Which would likely make Kozan focus up who was on the receiving end forcing him to think on his toes or have a jutsu or CQC ready to counter Mondai's onslaught. But this was Shinjiro's dagger he trusted in his strength to keep up and give Mondai some valuable insight.

---

301/300
Jutsu trained
Crushing flows
C-Rank Discipline Taijutsu
Prerequisite: Greatsword, Flowing combo, Crushing cleaves
After learning how to fight with both different attack styles, Mondai has learned to use both of these attack styles seamlessly switching between them mid-combo making him more unpredictable

---

After the combo Mondai would pull back and block any incoming strikes or jutsu from Kozan that was hiding under his sleeve if he were to retaliate. If not Mondai would still do so to observer Kozan's movement and reaction. Wielding the blade around and using the width and size of the blade to act as a makeshift shield as best as he could.

Which gave him an idea but not one he would bother to train or evaluate today. Mondai was a defensive counter based fighter this greatsword style was not it was the opposite.

But one day he promised himself that he would expand on that idea it made sense the massive sword couldn't only be used as an offensive weapon but a defensive one as well.

After backing observant closely doing any adjustments or blocks Mondai would move into range at a slightly faster speed to ramp up the pace which could create the necessary opening to keep Kozan on the back foot. This time Mondai wanted to do something flashy but deadly.

Mondai was used to using the weight and momentum to his advantage. He had practiced it outside of combat but now to put it to the test!

After starting a diagonal swing that then transitioned into a double spin one aiming low and the other for the torso. The speed was manageable enough to dodge but if Kozan couldn't then Mondai would be ready to use the flat if the blade to bat Kozan away instead.

Mondai stepped back once again brainstorming different plans of attack and any new techniques he could test. Both from Kozan and his own side. If Kozan was keeping up the way he expected him too Mondai was ready to bump it up a notch. What good was training if it didn't even make you sweat a little?

---

306/300
Jutsu trained
Wolves sweep
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Mondai begins this attack by spinning around to crouching down and then using the momentum to spin around with his sword twice. It can also be used to target the legs acting as a double sweep attack. Anyone hit on the legs will be knocked off their feet if Mondai's strength is higher than their endurance by 5

---

[WrightJustice]

Nishiki had heard the seven swordsmen had been given an area to train with all the benefits of the Iron Banner festival set up for them which seemed interesting and was probably something he could make use of, as such he requested to be guided to the training zone but he had taken it upon himself to begin before even his arrival.
The bannin's mind focused as he closed his eyes and began following a pebble samurai the main event grounds up towards some kind of barren area, his Tsukino ability going to work like a powerful sonar as he picked up all the vibrations going on around himself and he honed in on the samurai's own movements; pulse after pulse filled his foxy ears from each step as the man's feet touched down on the ground but there was even more to it than that, as murmurs of smaller waves rippled through the air and surrounded the pulses in the ground from every little bit of movement which Nishiki began to try and decipher.

It was all quite a lot to take in and focus on but he had grown more and more used to the vibrations as he aged and became even more skilled at dissecting them, this was simply the pinnacle of that sort of skill that he was trying to hone as he tried to blinding keep pace and follow his guide.
There was also all the surrounding vibrations attempting to hinder things, especially his own which perhaps he could learn to master that at some point also but for now he had to fixate on learning the precision of movement and each different wave that built up the sonar image in his mind.

As the pair ventured further away from the main festivities and into a more barren feeling land it did become easier to focus on the samurai, his movements and where they both were at a given time. Nishiki held strong and contained any fears of the blind as his own steps reverberated where he "saw" the steps of his guide mere moments ago, steeling himself as he trusted his expanding skill to recognise each vibration and what they meant and how they shaped in his mind.

It wasn't too long until the duo made their way through a rocky path that was actually quite a bane for someone withholding their own sight and yet provided a perfect opportunity for his training, pushing his senses to great heights as he felt the shifting of each rock and pebble under the effects of their steps and even felt the lingering returns of vibrations that bounced back like an echo of said steps (another such skill that he could probably learn to more precisely hone later).

The treacherous walk was navigated quite well as Nishiki focused on all the vibrations, stepping around all the jutting rocks and even skipping along where need be as he continued to focus on every movement the samurai made and envision the path ahead with better and better detail so much so he felt like some of the reflected rocks were actually pieces of rubble which was intriguing.

Nonetheless the pair made it and the guide called out to other samurai standing guard near the perimeters to let Nishiki through, and so they did but that was another thing he noticed; the man's voice, as with other sounds, was carried on vibrations through the air and was another type he could focus on and hone in on and perhaps even learn in some way but for now he focused on the vibrations themselves of not only the voice but the movements of each guard and then those within.

The number of guards and were they stood came the animalistic man and then the people on the grounds training as he stepped forth and stood silently in plain sight, focusing on each little and large movement and sound as they drifted his way in vibrations.
He was sure he was getting the grasp of it as he honed in on even the finest of movement; small traces of the finger in perhaps some kind of dirt, that had to be fuuinjutsu; kicks and slashes the signs of people practicing their taijutsu but even the miniscule crunches and shifts in position as fingers gripped and arms whirled through the air.

It was all quite fascinating and definitely would prove rather useful being at such an high level that even the silent would be discouraged around him, then of course there were more voices as Kozan and Mondai appeared to call out to each other further making the bannin consider honing knowing more about the ripples those made more specifically.

TrainedShow

787/530

Perfect Kinetic Sense
S-Rank Discipline
Nishiki has trained his vibration senses to such an ultimate degree he can easily decipher between the minutest of differences, even being able to focus on the faintest of waves from the smallest of movements.
This means he has an extremely clear image of everything making any kind of vibration within his mind like a kind of perfect sonar, even a supposedly silent step on the ground or a minor shift in posture can be picked up and deciphered.

[Ace Trainer]

In reality, Mondai and Kozan were likely very good shinobi to be training against each other. So despite the admission of it being a joke, Kozan gave an affirmative nod when Mondai agreed still to train with him. Very unlike Mondai, Kozan was a hyper offensive fighter, his fighting style relied primarily on closing in on his prey and then overwhelming them in an onslaught, adapting his fighting style to whoever it was in order to be able to overwhelm them. Mondai, a highly defensive fighter, offered a good counter to him.

So if Mondai was going to train offense, Kozan would train defense. If he was going to go toe-to-toe with Mondai though, he would need to be stronger, so with a brief channel he would activate one of his newer fuuinjutsu on his palm, increasing his strength in favor of control.

As the count down occurred and Mondai rushed forward, Kozan swung his arm forward, the truth seeker on his arm lurching to life and forming into a shield as it moved to his hand. Mondai attacked, swinging the large broad sword at Kozan. Kozan would throw the shield up to block, but the moment it contacted the shield would fall away, glancing the blow to the right only to immediately reform to block the next and glance it to the left. This seemed to be an effective way of blocking Mondai's attacks, the +9 strength boost from the fuuinjutsu in combination with the effect of the technique made Kozan just strong enough to redirect the heavy blows from Mondai, giving Kozan a slight edge. When the final blow came, Kozan would deflect it once more, jumping backwards once he did and breathing heavily as Mondai seemed to collect himself. He knew Mondai was strong, but he had not been prepared for this. A defensive technique like this would be useful in the future though, especially if Kozan was up against someone who could counter him with offense of their own, being able to be defensive would be key.

341/300

Weak Guard
C-rank Taijutsu Maneuver
[Weapons Master Style]
When wielding a shield, Kozan will use a weak guard stance, allowing the shield to be struck and either broken and pushed aside by the weapon being blocked. However, in doing so the shield will change the trajectory of the blow, effectively reducing the strength of the blow by -3. If Kozan is stronger than the opponent after the effective debuff, he is able to glance the blow away in a different direction. This does not work against styles that utilizes acrobatics.

Mondai seemed to size Kozan up and prepare his next attack, not giving Kozan much time to prepare for his next defense. He rushed forward, this time slightly faster than the previous, giving Kozan even less time to prepare. He would perform a single kai, light radiating from Kozan's back through his thin shirt as one fuuinjutsu deactivated and another activated. Kozan would watch, his bright yellow eyes scanning Mondai has he moved forward. The new fuuinjutsu active would make Kozan faster, but that meant sacrificing his increased strength that would allow him to contend against Mondai. This meant he would would not be able to defend against the attack, he would need to dodge.

Mondai charged, and Kozan would watch, scanning every bit of Mondai's approach as he did. Trying to see what Mondai would come up with. Mondai's attack came quick, but Kozan's increased speed made him just fast enough to respond. A twitch in the shoulder, tightening of the stomach, all indicating just where the next attack would be going. Kozan's eyes would thin, taking a step back with his left foot and leaning backwards, narrowly dodging the diagonal slice that Mondai swung at him. His eyes darted down Mondai's body as the diagonal swing occurred, and was Mondai's foot would rotate and his knee bend to spin, Kozan had a sense of what was going to occur. Mondai would complete his spin fast, and Kozan would have time only to rotate his hips and bend slightly as the spin came around, the blunt side of the sword striking into Kozan's legs and causing him to collapse to the ground.

He'd quickly kip to his feet, bouncing backwards a few steps to put space between himself and the swordsman in front of him. Beckoning him forward, Kozan was ready for the next attack.

306/300

Telegraph
B-rank Taijutsu Maneuver
[Perception]
With his acute perception, Kozan is able to pick up on small nuances and indicators in his opponents body that telegraph what their next attack might be. This doesn't speed up how fast he can respond, but does give him a slight advantage in having a sense of where the next attack might come from. If the attack is a weapon based attack, Kozan must have the corresponding concentration to be able to read it. If the opponent is 5 or more speed faster than Kozan, this discipline doesn't work.

[Kabu]

Having taken some time to understand what she had been doing wrong Asuna returned to work, walking a fair distance away from the others as she set out to do what needed to be done. She was going to finally master this summoning technique no matter what.

Taking a deep breath she formed the handseals, focusing on forming a link between herself and the spiritual realm as she gathered chakra, focusing only on the image in her mind. It was honestly a strange experience linking to something so intangible but she did have a clear image of the creature that she was wanting to call forth. So far she had called forth tiny lizards and more often had come up short entirely but she had a feeling that this time would be different.

”Alright, here we go...” she muttered to herself as she released the gathered chakra, a poof of smoke appearing just in front of her. With bated breath she waited… a silhouette coming into sight as the cloud cleared, accompanied by a massive roar. Whatever had made that sound was very large and she had a good feeling of what it was...

She exhaled in relief, a big smile crossing her face as she ran forward, leaping onto the back of the massive dragon that had appeared. She had done it, she had finally mastered the summoming technique. ”Hey there Aranosa, sorry that took so long. I was having oodles of trouble with that technique.” she spoke to the dragon, unsure if he could even fully understand her. The dragon however did understand her words even with his minimal intelligence and as in response snorted and let out a tiny growl. He didn’t really know how to show it but he was happy to have finally been summoned.

On some level Asuna could understand his feelings, the girl unable to help but giggle. ”Well good to know we’re both glad to be together. But bonding time can wait. With that done, I’ve still got a lot of work to do. We can’t let ourselves fall too far behind the others.”

Trained 352/300Show

*Ninjutsu • Spiritualism Technique]
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
The base technique for summoning, the Spiritualism Technique allows users to bring forth their summons to fight on their behalf. Once an agreement has been made between the user and their summon, they will be able to use this technique to call upon it at any time unless stated otherwise. The chakra used for this technique varies, as it is dependent on the size and rank of what is being summoned. Once it has been summoned, the initial cost of the summon is equivalent to its rank. It is paid upon being summoned and then the same cost is paid as often as follows:

D-Rank: Free to maintain once summoned.
C-rank: 10 posts
B-rank: 9 Posts
A-rank: 7 Posts
S-rank: 5 posts

[Mre-face]

Kozan gave an affirmative nod starting their fight. Mondai would train his offense and Kozan would train his defense it was mutual unintentionally. This was a nice switch up from mondai's usual defensive counter hit based style so allowing Kozan to train the opposite was helpful for the both of them. Mondai closed in slashed away he noticed how Kozan deflected his strikes. Kozan's shield technique was rather intelligent which Mondai silently approved of as they fought it even gave him a bit of inspiration as he preferred a stronger kind of block that shook his opponents to the core so that he could close in and attack with his own devastating attack.

Never the less it was clear that Mondai had the strength advantage but clearly Kozan could handle his onslaught so no need to pump the breaks. But Kozan did struggle to keep up as evident by his breathing after this exchange. "Oi tired already this ain't what I expected from overseers dagger!" Mondai taunted as it was something he enjoyed doing. Either for psychological warfare or for simple banters sake in this case it was both.

the swordsma rest after he sized up his opponent and ramped up the pace even more. This seemed to be the perfect amount as he was on the back foot but still able to retaliate this is were he would stay. immediately after the sweep he would leap after Kozan at a speed that allowed Kozan to get away before causing any serious damage. The massive greatsword would smash into the ground with devastating effect. The ground would shake and crack from the blades weight and Mondai's strength. It reverberated which leaked out a terrifying glasslike hum.

Mondai pulled his blade form the ground and let it rest on his shoulder before turning to Kozan.

Jutsu TrainedShow

304/300 4 towards next training
Jutsu trained
Braver
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
An attack mostly used to close distance but, can be devastating if hit directly. Mondai charges in and then jump with a strong down cleaving strike by using gravity and his natural strength to enhance the strike. Because of the sheer momentum combined with Mondai's own strength any armor or weapon used to defend against this technique will be rendered ineffective, either by being wreched from the opponent's hand or broken outright. If Mondai's strength is higher then his opponent's endurance.

Mondai slowly walked towards Kozan before lifting the massive sword of his shoulders and going into his "key" ward which was strange because of the size of the sword which was something he knew he had to work on. As Mondai crept forwards like a beast stalking it's prey he fainted by cocking his body forward's violently to bait a reaction before running forwards to close distance properly

Anticipating's Kozan's dodge or deflection Mondai would swing his blade in Kozan's direction accordingly whichever way he deicded to avoid the strike. Snapping quickly in that direction swinging the flat of his blade and the stepping and bashing with hilt before cutting downwards. It was standard fighting but in reality Mondai was setting up a technique whilst also allowing Kozan to get his reps in.

The untouchable would continue the onslaught by performing three thrusts one low one middle one high. However Mondai was no fool so this would be done after any potential counters or shenanigans that the current dagger would possibly do. He was impressed by kozan's skill but it was expected from the overseers personal dagger.

Backing away yet again to allow Kozan to pace himself as needed before the swordsman would enter "key" stance yet again. But this time instead of rushing forwards he slowly walk forwards and then suddenly would explode forwards rapidly as he thrusted his blade forwards. The distinct shape the way it tapered almost made the entire point of the blade like a fine needle It whistled through the air as he jumped forward. Mondai trusted that the experiment could react accordingly since he had the adequate distance and it was done in a speed that was established earlier.

This spar was far more interesting then he had ever expected.

Jutsu TrainedShow

296/300 -4 from previous training
Jutsu trained
Rebel!
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: Strange telegraphing, Crushing cleaves
By utilizing Mondai's natrual strength and explosivness from his previosu techniques Mondai can explodes forwards instantly with great speed in a considerable distance near equal to his jumping distance. After pushing forwards with great strength Mondai violently thrusts forwards attempting to skewer anyone in front of him with his massive tapered blade. If Mondai's strength is higher then his opponent's and this were to be blocked they will not only be pushed backwards in an equal amount of meters per point of strength that is higher but if they were to block this with lower endurance then his strength then they will suffer hairline fractures and minor internal bleeding.

[Kaitos10]

After Nozomi was done training her previous jutsu she would take a short break to walk around the festival paying to get trained in the jutsu of various kirigakure ninjas. One particular ninja going by the name of Shigekyo had a really interesting jutsu where she used Chiton to make a self repairing body armor. So after training for awhile outside the SSM area learning all the jutsu she had the money for. she would finally return to the SSM area. When she got the idea to make an improved version of Shigekyo’s chiton Armor jutsu. This jutsu would take the form of a complete set of full plate Samurai armor the gaps in the armor would be covered by a protective membrane of chiton that moves like a fabric but has the strength of steel.


The best part was the self repair function. By sacrificing the normal passive effect of the jutsu, she could make the armor repair itself. At a drastically faster speed, with minimal chakra cost involved. She hoped it would be enough to protect her from attacks she wasn’t able to dodge in the future.

She worked carefully on the jutsu making sure that the plates and everything we’re working fine as well as how she could move in it once the tests with all the movement were done and she was sure she could move around as good as she could normally without it on she proceeded to test it’s durability. Firing jutsu at herself at varying degrees of strength. During this process if the armor broke failing the durability test she would make sure to check the self repairing functions of the armor.

Once she was sure the self repairing function as well as the durability of the armor was good enough. She would finally start to think about which poison jutsu she should train next.

“jutsu trained”Show

Immortal Aegis
C ranked chiton ninjutsu
This jutsu creates a set of armor at control speed and has control strength that covers the user from head to toe. The Armor looks like the same type of armor that samurai wore. The faceplate on the armor looks like a typical oni mask. The mask still manages to provide the same range of vision someone without the mask would have while a chiton barrier prevents the user from having to sacrifice protection for visibility. The joints in the armor are covered in a chiton membrane that acts like stretchy fabric while still providing the same protection as the rest of the armor. Finally the armor enhances the Chiton passive to the point that it can repair itself at control speed.

[Ace Trainer]

Mondai would continue his training, linking together flourishing attacks to keep Kozan on his toes. The large boy would struggle, stumbling backwards in attempt to avoid the attack. The first attack with the greatsword would disrupt his footing, the large crater breaking out under him. He'd propel his body off the ground, leaping backwards, only for Mondai to continue a further assault. The series of attacks was complex, and Kozan would only narrowly avoid the assault before finally falling to the ground.

His breath heavy, Kozan had little to defend himself against the onslaught. Boy was Mondai strong! He was ready to push himself to his feet when a loud whistle would ring through the air, indicating that something for the festival was about to happen. It seemed time for training was over, if anything for a little while. Giving a polite nod towards Shinji, Kozan seemed to await guidance that he was actually alright to leave, before pushing himself to his feet and giving Mondai a kurt nod. With that, he'd turn and jump into the air, off to the next event.