[Social] A Shadow in the Night

[MilesPrower12]

The night was young, the air was crisp and the moon was high overhead paining a vivid contrast against the night sky. Few people roamed the streets and even fewer of them were planning on staying out much longer. The scattered lights of the villager’s homes shining through their windows illuminated the streets partially and left a soft yellow glow that reflected in the visibility of the stars.

A lone man walked down the streets with intent on getting home. Little did he know, he was being watched; being stalked. Quietly his pursuer darted across rooftops silently, quickly navigating her in and out of vantage points. The time was coming; he was approaching the spot she planned for.

The girl’s smile spread across her lips like the Cheshire cat. It was full of malice. He stepped into the dimly lit intersection and suddenly, as if she had been waiting all night to actually do this, a crash as a few boxes had been pushed over. This was only the start to it; the girl’s hurried footsteps echoed through the empty street.

“Who’s there?!” The man shouted, desperately searching for the culprit to the sounds.

A voice called back from the darkness, sounding only like a faint mumble. The man started to panic further and the Cheshire seemed all the more proud that it had come together so nicely. Silently, she approached from behind.

“RUN!” She shouted, grinning more happily now as she waited for him to follow her ‘command’.

As if on cue, the man screamed and stumbled about for a moment before he bolted down the road. He wasn’t going to bother to try and see what it was. He was in fight or flight mode and damn did he flee.

Finally, Aki was able to revel in her victory. She rested a hand on her hip and grinned widely, laughing to herself as she watched him run off. Her eyes lit up, adrenaline coursing through her veins as she took in her victory. It felt great being able to do something as such. How often did she ever have the chance? How often was she able to actually get the drop on somebody? She wasn’t much greater than shinobi her rank and, often times, she was out-classes. The only real skill she had was dedication.

Fiery locks of long, auburn hair were thrown about as the wind kicked up. She shivered, rubbing her arms as she finally unrolled her sleeves. She let the baggy lengths of cloth fall as she untied the bow in her hair, hoping to get any extra warmth she could from any other source.

“I should probably get out of here…” She murmured to herself.

[Amy]

Two figures crept along the rooftops behind the leaping figure. They had been out late, training, and on their way home when they noticed the lone figure trailing along the rooftops. Curious as to what she thought she was doing they took to following her, their footsteps near invisible in the night air. Hands were poised for an attack if needed but as the lone figure's actions were studied she became more and more sure that such a thing wouldn't be necessary. Giving silent commands to the four-legged companion, the human figure stayed in front while the other circled around back. The plan had been discovered now - nothing more than a mischievous Genin playing pranks on the harmless citizens of Konoha.

Rai tsked silently to herself. She remembered the age well, remembered playing a few pranks of her own. However, they weren't in the same time any longer and even Genin were needing to mature quickly. Deciding to take responsibility she motioned for Kuro to follow her movements, hoping to scare a little bit of sense into the Genin. Jumping up and out into the air, she turned once, landing on her feet and in a deep crouch, her head low, stopping the girl's advancement. Behind the girl, Kuro would have landed silently as well, she would have no idea he was there as he hid in the shadows. Her voice was low, deep, when she spoke.

"What...do you think you're doing?" Her head shot up, her eyes glowing in the moonlight. It was one of the perks of being from the Inuzuka clan, her diamond shaped eyes gave off a lovely animal appearance. It was at this moment that a low growl came from Kuro as he made his presence known. He stepped forward and out of the shadows, his fangs glowing in the moonlight. He circled have behind the girl, the low growl never stopping, his back arched high.

Standing to her full height though keeping her head low, she spoke to the errant child again, struggling to keep her laughter hidden. "Do you find it amusing to scare those who know no better?" Rai stepped closer, her body poised to catch her if she decided to run. Finally, her head lifted, the headband on her head catching the light of the moon and quickly identifying her as a non-threat though the growling from behind continued. Rai's eyes glinted in the moonlight, a smile of her own flashing, her own canine teeth catching the moonlight as well.

"Maybe someone needs to give you a little scare."

[MilesPrower12]

Aki was likely older than your average Genin. The girl had entered into the academy late after being taught some minor techniques before entrance. Now that she actually graduated and had her title, she was just a little late in development as a ninja. Sadly, the set of skills were used to fulfil wishes , pranks and other childish things she never actually got to experience. Before this? She was average. She was plain and nothing about her ever seemed to take hold. Her daily routine made her life dull and void of anything she enjoyed.

Becoming a Genin was the best thing that ever happened to her and she was enjoying everything about it. She wanted to be great and, in time, she would. Tonight was a night for her and, unfortunately, she had little idea she was being tailed.

When the woman’s voice boomed behind her, it made Aki scramble to a more defensive stance. The girl’s style wasn’t anything special but she thought it well-rounded enough. Her heart raced and it immediately put her on edge.

“Who are you?!” She practically commanded, trying to get an answer the best way she knew how. By asking! When the woman continued to speak and the canine was shown baring its teeth; she figured this wasn’t an ideal situation. Aki stepped back, trying to find an acceptable escape route. She couldn’t fight two ninja with more skill than she had.

Her voice was boyish and a bit deep but it still had its feminine flare. It wavered when she spoke again, anxiety getting the best of her. “I’m a lot harder to scare than I look.” She stated firmly, hoping to just try and ease the tension by stating her position. She wasn’t afraid! Was she? The entire time, her knees had been shaking and nearly buckling under her own weight. She was horrified. How didn’t she know she was being followed? Damn it.

A quick set of hand seals were formed and, rather than trying to run, she tried to trick the elder.

“Consumption of Soul and Self!”

The Genjutsu would be cast once she finished, if she finished and the two were looking, and her body would sink into the ground. Hopefully, she’d use this chance to hide.

[Amy]

Though externally she looked like nothing but a stern elder, internally the Chuunin couldn't stop laughing. The girl was getting a good scare true enough, whether she accepted it or not. It was easy to tell in the way she demanded her identity, the way she tried to sound strong. It didn't work on the more seasoned Shinobi, especially not after having spent so much time with Kawa. She watched the girl form seals, thinking quietly to herself. She hadn't known they were going to have so much getting to know each other. Just as her seals finished and her form began to sink into the ground, Rai formed a single set of seals, closing her eyes and breaking herself from the girl's Genjutsu.

"That was a cute trick. Wanna see one of mine?"

Reaching behind her back and into her vest, Rai pulled Tora out, setting the small pup in front of her. She yawned, bummed at being awake, but growing excited as she caught onto the feel of the surrounding area. Her hands poised to form seals and though she almost went with one of Tora's more intense jutsu she didn't want word getting back around to the Hokage about terrifying Genin in the streets. Adding a little bit of fright didn't seem too dangerous to the girl though. Her hands sealed quickly, Tora watching.

As soon as the seals were finished, Rai spoke before Tora could activate the Gen. "If you're going to be difficult I suppose I might need to call for some back up. Tora?" With that, the young dog lifted her nose into the air, a long, low howl coming from her small body. As soon as the girl heard Tora howl, she would begin to hear more and more come from all over the place, behind her where Kuro was and from the other sides of the building.

Rai stood straight now, her hands on her hips and sideways to the young girl, a simple Tai stance that the girl would likely be able to identify if she knew anything about the skill. "Identify yourself! And maybe...I'll take it easy on you." The glint of amusement in her eyes would be unmistakable now as the howling would continue for the other girl as Rai waited patiently to see how she would respond.

Jutsu UsedShow

*Kai [Release]
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
A rather simple technique that allows the user to escape from a genjutsu. The stat requirements for this technique can be found in the genjutsu rules.

Howl Away
D-Rank Illusion Genjutsu
After having its Chakra formed the user will howl, anyone who hears the howl being caught in the Genjutsu. All targets will hear an echoing howl radiating from their surrounding area. Some sounding as though they were five feet away and others thirty. This can work to not only distract targets as the howl’s appear frantically and eerily but can also cause worry in weak minded opponents that other canine’s are around them. This jutsu lasts for two posts unless canceled.

[MilesPrower12]

Aki’s thoughts bounced from just bolting to accepting the challenge from the more experienced combatant. The way she implemented her skills while also detecting when Aki used any. The Genjutsu ended and the girl narrowed her eyes. This wasn’t good. She didn’t regret her actions but she was nervous about what was to come.

Her eyes had been analyzing the other girl as they spoke. It didn’t take her much to infer she was of the Inuzuka Clan. The dogs, the symbols on her cheeks and even the way she held herself. That meant a few things: she wouldn’t be fighting one opponent and Taijutsu was out of the question. The way that the Inuzuka fight made her wary of the more feral tendencies. When the sound hit her ear drums, she was under the Genjutsu.

Her eyes widened as she looked around, hearing the multitude of cries echoing about the streets of the village. Could she really have called reinforcements? Damn. The girl started to weigh her options again. She wondered if it was Genjutsu from the way the other girl phrased her comment. Was it really a trick or was it the real deal? There was a few ways to tell but she would find out when she would either be mauled by a pack of dogs or not. She bet on the latter and turned her attention back to Rai, finding no small amount of respect in her actions. She’d have done the same thing.

It was three to one, even if the third was just a pup. Going into open Taijutsu wasn’t really an option but, if circumstances led to it, the set up to the Lion Combo could be done. She had been working on it but it wasn’t complete just yet.

“I’m nobody… Yet.” This was the only words she would share until Rai truly earned her respect.

Again, Aki start forming a set of seals. It was time to even the playing field. The girl formed a clone and they both took a fighting stance, less practiced than Inuzuka’s. Oddly, her legs stopped shaking. She was determined to win this fight. She was determined to beat the Inuzuka without it turning into a one-sided battle. She knew the strength of her clone but it would, at the very least, provide a needed distraction.

The two sprang into action, cartwheeling forward to make her line of attack more unpredictable. For now, both went after the girl. The clone dropped her heel forward with the momentum of the cartwheel, trying knock Rai forward.

If this attack succeeded, it would be followed up with Aki landing and sliding down onto her side in front of the two. She quickly tried to kick her leg up to knock Rai into the air.

Jutsu UsedShow

*[Fire Element • Fire Clone]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the needed hand seals, the user concentrates Katon chakra into the form of a clone. This clone looks identical to the user in every way. The clone can go up to a one hundred feet away from the user. Once destroyed by any weak attack, the clone quickly expands containing Katon chakra and fire, and will burn anything within five feet of the blast with first-degree burns.

*Cartwheel
D-Ranked Taijutsu
By applying an otherwise basic movement to combat, users are able to close distance between themselves and their opponent using a cartwheel before striking. Being as simple as it sounds, users will cartwheel toward opponents before bringing their feet down on top of them with the momentum gained from the cartwheel. This technique can be used in rapid succession to close more distance.

*Leaf Shadow Dance
C-Ranked Taijutsu
A technique focused on putting the opponent in a vulnerable position in the air, it begins with the user quickly placing themselves below the target. Once in position, the user will use a swift high kick to launch their target into the air. The user will then jump into the air to "shadow" the target with the target's back to their chest. This technique is a set up for the Lion Combo technique.

[Amy]

When the girl began sealing again, Rai was surprised. It showed something in the other girl that she was willing to spar with someone who had to be assumed was better based purely on rank. The girl couldn't be that much younger than herself she realized now but that didn't matter. It was all about skill and Rai had to wonder just how trained this girl was. Her weight shifted ever so slightly until her weight was on the balls of her feet. She wasn't planning on using her companions just yet, it would create a bit too much of an uneven playing field, she felt. At least until the girl proved herself a worthy adversary.

As the two began rushing her she slid a kunai into her hand, pulling it back across her shoulder and firing it at the clone's chest. She had experience with clones and knew that most that those a Genin could make would simply disperse after a single hit. If by some chance it didn't she would deal with it when she got closer but for now, as soon as the kunai left her hand Rai turned her focus to the Genin who was nearing her. As the Genin slid onto the ground, Rai smirked, knowing what was coming. She allowed the girl to continue her movements but rather than being taken over by the kick, Rai hijacked it.

By placing her hands on the foot that kicked up towards her, Rai used the momentum to flip herself high into the air. She somersaulted first once then twice as she centered herself above the Genin laying below her. In a normal circumstance she would have aimed to slam her foot into her opponents's stomach but it just didn't seem fair. Instead, she aimed to land just to the side of the Genin on a single foot, her other shooting out shortly after landing towards the Genin's side.

Standing tall again unless another attack was made apparent right away, she couldn't resist talking to the girl just a little bit more. "You're going to have to do better than that. Try a little more subtlety."

[MilesPrower12]

The clone, when struck, detonated and the fire billowed forth. Sadly, her plan failed. It meant that leading into the kick was going to be a failure. It was too obvious. When the other girl flipped over her, it only made it more obvious how out classed she was. This was, likely, going to be a fight she’d lose but she didn’t plan on losing without a fight.

Aki rolled so that she was facing Rai again. When Rai started speaking, Aki was still acting and preparing her next attacks. The girl reached into her pouch to retrieve three shuriken. She narrowed her eyes, throwing the shuriken at the other girl. Two were aimed at her while the third was thrown past her with a wire attached to it. Her attacks were well thought out but, when her opponent was simply more skilled, it was all the more difficult.

On the other end of the wire was a second shuriken but this technique was meant to seriously harm. She couldn’t use something so devastating against a fellow ninja. Rather than trying to wrap her up in the wire, she would use it to inflict minor burns. With a tug of the wire, the shuriken re-routed and spun back towards Aki and struck the ground at her feet. It was a simple attempt at looping the wire around Rai’s back.

Again, hand seals were formed and she prepared her attack. Aki inhaled deeply before exhaling along the wire. A flame traveled along the wire that was thrown. She hoped to corral Rai with the wire and hit her with the shuriken or, alternatively, scare her with the fire. On another note, she was running low on chakra from usage of her skills.

Jutsu UsedShow

*Wire Manipulation
D-Ranked Taijutsu
Prerequisite: User must possess a wire
By holding onto the wire, the user is able to use the wire how s/he wants. However, this is restricted to very basic movements, such as up, down and returning back to the user. These movements are created through skillful flicks of the wrist. The wire used in this technique may not exceed 6 meters in length or it will be too long to control properly in this fashion.

*[Fire Element • Dragon Fire Technique]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: Wire of some kind, or something with which to restrain the target
After binding an opponent with wire or another implement, the user will perform the needed hand seals. The user then draws in a deep breath before emitting it in the form of a line of flame guided along the wire or other implement. The bound target, more than likely unable to escape, will be subject to a conflagration of flame. If properly executed, this technique can prove to be devastating. The flames move along the wire with a maximum speed of 6, and can deal up to second-degree burns. The longest this can be held for is two posts, after which the opponent will more than likely be covered in the burns.

[Amy]

As soon as the Genin reached into her pouch for tools, Rai did the same, pulling out her metal fan. With a simple flick of her wrist the fan was open and deflecting the first two shuriken though Rai noticed that third slid right by her. She would have accounted to a simple misfire but the other two had been straight on which meant that the third one not hitting was likely not on purpose. Her brow lowered for half a second before the shimmering of the ninja wire caught her attention right before the girl rerouted the shuriken, leaving it wrapped behind her back.

It was sweet, that the girl was going easy on her. Such an easy trap all she had to do was walk forward to avoid the wire but she gave the girl the benefit of the doubt, waiting to see exactly what she had planned. She remembered being a new ninja and getting frustrated when an elder shut down her attack before she even had a chance to get it off. As soon as the fire started traveling down the wire though, Rai noped out. If she went home with burns on her clothes she was going to hear about it all night. She stepped forward, releasing the taunt line of the wire before jumping up and throwing herself into a back flip, landing behind the line of fire. Her face would be illuminated for a moment but the Genin would hopefully be concentrated on her free hand instead which was forming seals.

Holding the last seal she brought her fan up before swinging it low, starting the whirlwind up in the immediate direction of the girl. She had missed on purpose before but if the girl was going to play with fire she was going to have to deal with a little wind. Keeping her fan out, Rai would remain in the ready should the girl manage to avoid the attack completely and launch another one of her own.

SpoilerShow

Miniature Whirlwind
D-Rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisites: Any fan
Shinrai performs the needed one-handed seals to infuse her fan with her Fuuton chakra. She then lifts her fan and swings it down low to the ground in order to create a two and a half foot tall whirlwind. The whirlwind moves with a speed of four and travels only in a straight line and cuts with a strength of three. The whirlwind dissipates at the end of the user’s second post or when it hits an object.

[MilesPrower12]

Aki was well aware that her attack was poor and easily escapable but really didn’t want to be punished for something as silly as a prank gone wrong. This wasn’t looking good and truly hoped that it wouldn’t end in serious injury. She didn’t want to get some and be interrogated by her mother and father. When Rai escaped the simplistic trap, she wasn’t entirely surprised and prepared for the counter attack.

She knew when she was out-matched. This wasn’t a fight that COULD be won without going all out and, sadly, she couldn’t; she wouldn’t. When the Inuzuka jumped up and back, Aki took it upon herself to run! She spun on her heels, ditching the shuriken on the end of the spool that was still attached to her. The whirlwind would have similarly been avoided by nope-ing away. It was swirling towards her from Rai’s location and, at the current speed, hopefully wouldn’t catch up. She had some distance already and looked to be going slightly slower but, she prayed, she’d be able to out-run it.

It was time to ditch the other girl. Time to fool her! She rounded a corner, forming another set of hand seals. Again, a clone was formed and she sent it on the way. She wanted to break line of sight so that choosing one of the two would be more difficult. The clone darted down the road where Aki turned down. The real Aki followed for a short moment before she turned down an alley, hoping to ditch her pursuer with a cleverly formed plan! She didn’t want it to get more out of hand than it already was.

Aki paused at the end of the alley way, looking over her shoulder as she breathed out a quiet sigh. “Damn…” She muttered, taking a moment to catch her breath.

Jutsu UsedShow

*[Fire Element • Fire Clone]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the needed hand seals, the user concentrates Katon chakra into the form of a clone. This clone looks identical to the user in every way. The clone can go up to a one hundred feet away from the user. Once destroyed by any weak attack, the clone quickly expands containing Katon chakra and fire, and will burn anything within five feet of the blast with first-degree burns.

[Amy]

Standing straight up, Rai blinked slowly for a moment before laughter burst from her as the Genin ran away. Kuro, sensing the end of the fight padded over to her, drawing the girl's attention. "I think we scared her. Common, let's go find her." Picking Tora up and throwing her over her shoulder, Rai took off after the cool at a cool jog, not scared of losing the other girl. She couldn't really blame the poor girl for not thinking of it - she was probably tired and a little loopy after getting into a fight she didn't expect. But, anyone who knew anything about the Inuzuka clan would know that simple clones would not fool them.

Rai didn't even glance at the clone, simply following her nose, looking up when she turned the corner to find the girl standing there, straining to catch her breath. Rai felt a little bad and called out to the girl, hopefully keeping her from running off again.

"Hey! Two things. Firstly, spars over so you can stop running. Secondly, using simple clones against my clan doesn't really work so next time don't waste the Chakra." If the girl had listened and stopped running Rai would be almost upon her at this point, a smile on her face. She would hold her hand out to the girl, a grin still on her face. After all, the night had turned out to be a lot more fun than she had originally planned it to be. "The names Rai! This big one here is Kuro, this one Tora. Hope you didn't get too much more than you bargained for back there."

Feeling confident that the girl wasn't going to try attacking her again, she let herself relax, waiting patiently for her to catch her breath and introduce herself and maybe offer up some information about what exactly she had been doing earlier.

[MilesPrower12]

Aki stood at the end of that alley for what felt like hours. She was out breath and the over expenditure of Chakra definitely took a toll on her. Normally, she was a lot more level headed than she was just then. If she was placed on a mission, she’d aim to kill rather than what she did with Rai. They were comrades, after all. She slid pressed her back against the wall, sliding down until she was sitting on the floor.

Her breathing was regulated but still heavy. The girl over looked the fact that she could be tracked by her scent and, sadly, it was her downfall. When Rai made her appearance, it came as a shock when she was found. The girl didn’t really want to run again. They had no intent on killing each other so another full retreat wouldn’t get her anywhere other than in another alley still being tracked.

She didn’t run, looking to Rai with a calm expression. Her fiery personality only really showed in combat; otherwise she was a calm girl with little to no ability or desire to be social. Why did she need to be? New people were rarely relied on and she, majority of the time, relied on her wit to get her through tough situations but it seemed that Rai earned her respect, which was rare in most people.

"Aki." She replied, reaching out to take the hand and give it a brief shake. The girl didn’t return the smile initially, feeling shameful that she had been beaten in such a manner. She couldn’t even outrun the other girl. If it were a real battle, her life would have been over right here; tracked and then killed or worse.

“I suppose I did drop the ball…” She muttered to herself before looking at the trio. “I was expecting something but… Not that. Either way, it’s nice meeting you all.” She WAS more mature than she let on with the initial prank. She was well-spoken, polite and formal. It was hard for her to imagine speaking to Rai like she was a friend just yet. After all, Rai proved her superiority.

[Amy]

Sighing silently to herself, Rai couldn't ignore the look that passed over the girl's face. She seemed disappointed in herself but she had no reason to be. Rai was more experienced, had done more training. It was a simple and unarguable fact. She had no obligation to make the girl understand this but she found herself sliding down the wall to sit next to Aki. She folded her arms behind her head, her face pointed at the sky, appreciative of the breeze that wafted down the alley.

"You shouldn't feel poorly, you know. About losing. Most of my training is done by dogs that weigh twice as much as me, members of the Nara clan, or our future Hokage so, I have a bit of a reputation to uphold." The girl was informal to say the least. It was a clan trait, sure, but it was a personality trait as well. She saw everyone in Konoha as her teammate, as her friend, known or not. Getting to know someone was easy if you let your guard down and shared pieces of yourself with them. Rai had no issues sharing pieces of herself, especially not with a fellow Shinobi.

"I'll let you watch next time and you can see me get my ass handed to me. Sound good?" She laughed again, settling herself further against the wall, giving the other girl a chance to respond, to maybe share a piece or two of herself. A yawn broke the silence first though, it catching onto the dogs. She closed her eyes, her face still pointed to the sky. "What're you doing out so late anyways?"

[MilesPrower12]

Aki seemed confused at the way Rai acted towards her. There was a brief moment where the girl just sat there with her jaw slack, trying to think of something to say. There wasn’t much to Aki. She was late to enter into the academy, late to become a Genin and it seemed that it was how her life went; she was late to the party.

“No, I know. It’s hard to think of it like JUST losing, you know..?” It seemed the offered kindness was enough to break down Aki’s inhibitions with talking to some stranger. “If it were a real fight and it came to life or death? I’d have been done right here…” She gestured to the spot they sat before her own eyes panned up to the sky. It was a nice night and the breeze really did make it easier to cool down.

She chuckled quietly, letting herself relax more as Rai made the joke. “Sounds good…” She nodded her head slowly before she retrieved the red ribbon she had tucked away earlier and started to tie her hair back again. She tied it in a high ponytail, even going as far as to tie the ribbon into a neat bow. “I was-… I didn’t want to go home. Figured I’d find something to do until dawn when my parents left. Dad’s been worrying about me. Says I’m turning into some kind of… I don’t really remember how he phrased it.” Aki ended up shrugging, letting herself trail off.

[Amy]

"Some kind of hooligan?" Rai finished the girl's sentence for her. She had heard the same thing many times herself, from her parents, her teachers, half the people she came into contact with when she was younger. It had bothered her a bit but she had refused to let it bring her down. So she was a little crazy, a little unmanageable. That didn't mean that she was bad or even an inadequate ninja. She just had a little more spirit than some of her counter mates and it had taken her way too long to learn that that was a good thing in its own right.

"Also, as an aside, that's why we're never sent out alone. It's why we Konoha ninja work as a team. To keep us safe. So you don't have to worry about that. You'd never be alone." Her head had dropped to the side, her eyes serious. It was a strange fear for a Konoha Shinobi to have, that they would be alone to die. She had to wonder where it all stemmed from and if it had to do with her age and rank. Those were questions that she couldn't ask though, not yet, not when she hardly knew the girl to her side. Instead, she would focus on the information that the girl had given her already.

"As long as you're focusing on your training as much as you are on pranking villagers I would say you're in a pretty position. So I guess that's my only question." Rai wanted to go on, there was a lot she could say to this girl. She could tell her that pranking was fun for only so long and that eventually everyone had to get serious. But telling someone such a thing was in no way as useful as them finding out for themselves. It was almost a disservice to tell someone that they would gain more from figuring out themselves. The look on her face would clearly show that she was expecting an answer from the girl and she would wait for one as long as it took.

[MilesPrower12]

The young Kunoichi only felt her level of respect grow for the Inuzuka. She knew what it was like to be branded or labeled a certain way. Aki, normally, was stoic and hard to read from how distant she acted towards most everybody. Proving herself was what mattered most. In fact, it was really the only thing that mattered. She really never had the opportunity to do so. She was left doing her usual routine. Wake up, train, eat, train and then go to bed again. The cycle then repeated the next day.

“Exactly.” She murmured, trying to ignore the comment about not being alone. Even with her comrades, parents and teachers; she felt more alone than ever before, her age being the contributing factor in her feelings. She was left feeling alone and, often, below her skill level. It wasn’t a good feeling for her and it often plagued her thoughts and actions, resorting to lashing out impulsively or even making reckless or poor decisions.

To answer Rai’s question, she simply held her hands out. They were rough and calloused, like that of a seasoned Shinobi. "Every single day." She stated quietly, looking to the ground after she spoke. “Either until I drop or I feel I made some kind of significant improvement.”

[Amy]

Rai laughed, slapping the other girl's palms in the form of a hi-five. Her hands looked the same as hers, rough to the touch but strong. "Right! That's what I like to hear. In that case, what's the issue with having some fun afterwards, eh?" All in all as long as no one was getting hurt it was a simple and harmless way for young ninja to blow off steam. It was better than holding it all inside, becoming more and more frustrated with every passing day. Eventually, through the day upon day of training, pranking would become less enjoyable but for now, there was little harm in it.

Pushing herself up against the wall, Rai held out a hand to help the other girl up. "Alright, Aki, let's get going. Nice as the night is, we both gotta get home before someone starts to worry about us. I'll walk you, alright? Make sure you don't get into anymore trouble." Crossing her eyes and sticking her tongue out, Rai let Aki know that she was joking, though internally she knew it was a good idea. The discontent with the girl was clear and the Chuunin didn't feel right leaving her there to stew alone.

"What do you work with the most? You obviously can use Gen though you'll need some more work with that. Ninjutsu you seem to handle pretty well but your Tai could use a little help. Do you work on all three or is there one that you focus more on?" She was truly curious. The girl had tried all three against Rai but seemed to be an expert in none. Choosing a passion made life easier on ninja though some did try to excel at all. Aki had been caught off guard though so there was no telling what she could actually do.

[MilesPrower12]

(( Sorry, will post a reply tonight. Been extremely busy with work and school. ))

[MilesPrower12]

The slap made Aki smile as it made her feel a little less out of place. Rai had some things in common with her or so she thought. It was a nice feeling, something she had been severely lacking as of late. Training everyday had already started to wear her down and the pranks were an attempt to try and make her feel like she was not losing herself.

"Exactly."

Rai's goofy expression made Aki giggled, which was odd for her. Normally, fits of laughter were few and far between - at least recently. Their hands met and Aki gripped it lightly, pulling herself back up to her feet with, hopefully, a conjoined tug.

"Thank you. I work on all three and it's-... Sort of working. I'm not really great at anything, honestly." Her voice was solemn as she had felt guilty for having been caught.

The only reason she was caught was the other shinobi's ability to track. It was far above average. When she had admitted to her shortcomings, which was basically all three areas, it made her feel worse than she had before. Her brain was her greatest weapon but her body seemed to be what was lacking. She had the plans and the ideas but lacked ability to execute them.

Caught off-guard or not? Adapting was part of being a shinobi and, in this instance, she failed. Either way, she would begin down the street towards her home.

[Amy]

Walking in step with Aki, Rai thought about the tone of the girl’s words. She sounded so down on herself, like she was failing. It wasn’t though, the only real failure the girl would experience was if she just up and quit and stopped trying. Results might be slow but giving up would ensure they stopped completely. That couldn’t happen.

" You might try picking one. Splitting your focus so heavily isn’t always great. Start with one until you have a firm grasp of it, then expand. Let your mind and body focus. Let yourself have some good solid victories before pulling yourself in all these different directions. "

Allowing them to walk in silence for a few moments, Rai thought about what she could offer this girl. She had plenty of determination though it honestly sounded like she just needed some extra direction. Some guidance. A helping hand. Rai could provide that, it was nothing she hadn’t done before. Show her the way until she could take off on her own and become the great Shinobi Rai knew that she could be.

" You can always find me in the compound if you want help training. That or I’m training myself if I’m not there. I never mind helping, and I’m pretty well versed in most areas. It really wouldn’t be a problem, Aki. " Offering her a true smile, Rai wondered if she would accept.