[Mission] - IEDs

[Versesai]

The Training Ground that Katsuo had been directed to would, literally, have been a giant assortment of mangled weapons more than a training ground. The area was set on a plateau of sorts that hung off a mountain path over a small area of water. The plateau was large and thick enough to survive explosions and battle testing while being far away from other training grounds and the village proper.

There was a bout a five foot diameter circle around the plateau where things were clear and flat. The middle of the plateau however was a different story. A 50 foot diameter, 20 foot tall collection of pillars of rock, jagged ground and nightmarish terrain. Katana, kunai, shuriken and exotic weapons were practically lodged over every surface of the area as well and ninja wire flowed out of the valley-like shape of the rocks. It was a maze and it looked like every inch of it was going to be difficult to traverse. Sheer walls of rock would form out of nowhere when one looked inside and would make you have to climb to a higher level to get up them, while the very top of the rock formation was too narrow and steep for even the tree-climbing method wouldn't help Katsuo traverse it.

[seiuchiblarg]

Well, this wasn't quite what Katsuo had been expecting. A few simple traps here, a couple of weapons there, maybe a few tricky obstacles to get through before hand, and all would be right with the world. Ultimately, it would have been another day's work, another job well done, an maybe an early evening for Katsuo.

Then he saw what it was. And then he died a little.

Surely far more than anything Katsuo had been anticipating, mountain after mountain of weaponry and traps and general mess and danger surrounded him. He blinked a few times in surprise at the sheer amount of mess, and then smiled, ready to get right into the thick of it. He looked at the very nearest pile of weaponry, stacked to be nearly taller than he was, and checked each weapon as best as he could for traps before picking them up. The basic idea was to clear away each piece of safe weaponry and place them all in a pile, which Katsuo would later melt to nothing. Upon discovering a seal, however, Katsuo would take a moment to be more careful, investigating it carefully before acting. If none came up, he'd simply move on to the next mountain, and begin his search of it. He knew he also would need to check the pillars, walls, and ground, but for now, the piles of weaponry would have to do.

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Ganbariyapo -- The Art of Battling through Difficulty
C-ranked nintaijutsu
Pre-requisite: at least six control
With this technique, Katsuo is able to run over rocky terrain, or a segment of a battlefield which has been covered in spikes, without injuring himself or slowing down. This is performed in a very similar way to tree climbing or water walking: By focusing chakra to the soles of his feet, and combining chakra control with muscular control to stay upright on sharp stones or spikes.

[Versesai]

The piles of weapons looked like this place had had an entire weapons storehouse dropped on it from above and to make matters worse there was no telling how much of it was live. Searching the piles carefully was a -very- good idea however. On no less than three different weapons, ninja wire was caught that led deeper into the depths of the training ground.

Disarming those would be a simply task of just cutting the wire, but there were some traps one just couldn't avoid. Like one that Katsuo wound find near the bottom of the pile of weapons. It was a weapon with a strange fuuinjutsu on the hilt and the seal seemed to be the word 'Sparring' with several marks claiming the weapon made by a specific person. Katsuo would now have to choose how to handle the seal, as while it didn't look explosive or immediately fatal, there was certainly nothing good about to happen from tampering with it.

[seiuchiblarg]

Most of the weaponry could just get set to the side, in the beginning of a pile that later would all be either destroyed or cleared out by academy workers who wanted to recycle their weaponry. Katsuo used a simple shuriken to cut through those. No problem at all. He found another weapon with a strange seal on it, and after a bit of analysis knew that it would be rather difficult to remove it without tripping it up. Katsuo set it to the side for the moment, and then finished up the pile. He kept that weapon with him for the moment, moving on to the next. He wanted to remove as many weapons as possible before accidentally tripping any seals. That would give him extra room to run and evade or to fight if he needed to, but more importantly, it would further ensure that less traps were there to be tripped in case he needed to be mobile as he removed the seal.

Once the first pile was finished, he would move to the second closest, adding to the weapons from the first pile as he sorted out the harmless ones and preparing to deal with them all in one shot. he would lather, rinse and repeat until he'd found two or three traps to choose from and try to deactivate. Once he found two or three obvious traps in addition to the one he had found now, he would stop and melt down the large pile, first sealing and dousing it in water, then converting it all to acid in order to melt it all away. Then, as the weapons were melting, Katsuo would pull out the kunai marked with the "Spar" fuuin, and attempt to remove the tag from the weapon. He kept his muscles tensed and at the ready, preparing to react as quickly as was necessary.

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*Suiton • Funsha [Water Element • Jet]
E-Ranked Ninjutsu
Suiton • Funsha is a jutsu similar to Suiton • Mizurappa by the fact that the user expels a strong jet of water out. However, unlike the Suiton • Mizurappa, the Suiton • Funsha is designed to instead force the user to be "flung" and alter the users direction in mid-air, or fling them into the air by the force of the water itself.

Katsuo is pro-longing but weakening this jutsu in order to douse all of the weaponry in water but not propel himself back or the weapons forward.

Joukyuu Suppai Kaishin -- Advanced Acid Change
Rank: A-rank Ninjutsu
Range: 0-25 Meters
Description: As Katsuo studied, and developed his Burning Blood technique, it became obvious that he could not begin by making his blood into acid. Instead, Katsuo began with very small amounts of liquid, usually water, and converted it to acid. Katsuo has taken this training and extended on it, allowing him to take a set amount of water and make it into acid. With this most effective version of this jutsu, Katsuo can currently convert an amount of water equivalent to a puddle about 5.5 feet deep and with a seven foot diameter. These numbers get lower if the liquid is diluted.

anteishita Bodii -- Steady Body
D-ranked Taijutsu
Pre-requisite: At least six taijutsu
A relatively basic technique, this allows Katsuo to more ably control his body, sharpening his reflexes and enhancing his reaction time by giving him a slightly better control over his muscles.

[Versesai]

Most of the job was as promised, a bit boring and time consuming but ultimately easy. The weapons, though many trapped, were easily handled by someone as cautious as Katsuo. But what would begin to disturb him would be the sheer number of weapons he'd find labeled with the 'Spar' tags. Each one was stuck to a different kind of weapon; Katanas, daggers, even a kurisame hook and chain combo were tagged this way. At least five weapons all together were tagged though strangely, each weapon seemed to have a variation of the seal. While the main section was normal, each one seemed to hold a different surrounding design.

Once Katsuo had melted down the first pile of weapons, though doubtlessly some had escaped detection and would be found shortly, his attempts at removing the seal from the first weapon would be interesting. Immediately, Katsuo would feel the seal begin to fizzle as if it were an exploding tag and with any ability to think clearly he'd let go of the seal and put as much distance between himself and it as he possibly could; Which was wise.

Because while the explosion that occured was barely enough to damage the rock around it, there was a fair deal of smoke and if Katsuo hadn't moved away, he'd have been pushed back a bit and been choked up and blinded by smoke. As a footstep fell on the ground near him, a hand grasping the now freed handle of the katana Katsuo had been working on.

Standing there was a large shinobi with a blank expression on his face, his eyes white and glazed over. He wore a standard Kumogakure Chuunin outfit and watched Katsuo quietly, his expression vacant as could be. And before Katsuo could get comfortable with the idea of facing just one opponent, a succession of small explosions rang out as activating one tag seemed to trigger them all. While they were still hidden from view, it was unlikely Katsuo was alone now and the shinobi who had appeared from the seal now lifted the katana with both hands, assuming a typical kendo stance as he faced the weapon master...And then rushed forward, lifting the blade sideways and aiming to thrust it at Katsuo when he got close enough.

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Seal of Infinite Sparring
A-Rank Fuuinjutsu
This seal is mostly based off the seals commonly used to protect a vital area that force one to fight a mirror image of themselves; However this seal is used for bettering one's self by fighting one's self. When sealed, this technique essentially binds a Shadow Clone of the user into a seal tag that can then be applied to anything. Once removed or damaged, the seal will explode with 1/3rd the force of an exploding tag and send out a distracting cloud of smoke; Once this has cleared, a Shadow Clone of the original will form out of the seal and take up any weapon nearby, fighting whoever has activated the seal.

[seiuchiblarg]

(Ha, it just occurred to me that some random Kumo NPC miles away from this training ground is about to get his world rocked.)

The sizzling and cracking of the note told Katsuo that it was time to let go. He was never very good with Fuuinjutsu, and now, he'd be paying for it. Throwing the katana from which he had taken the seal off to the side. Other pops and bangs from around the area, and as this odd-looking, blank-faced chuunin stepped towards him, Katsuo understood what this trick was. I'm going to have to kill every bogey these seals released... And it didn't make Katsuo feel any better to realize that he had taken five or six weapons with seals very similar, but different. Did they perhaps hold different enemies? Would Katsuo have to deal with armies of these creations?

"Why is it always seals?" The first creation was markedly close to Katsuo. He hadn't thrown the katana very far. It only took two or three steps to reach this clone, and then he would deliver a solid elbow to his face, to knock the enemy off balance, break his nose, and cause his eyes to water, and then he would extend his arm to deliver a solid hammerfist directly to his face once more, either killing the creation or at least throwing him back. If the creation wasn't destroyed by the short combo, Katsuo would then catch the enemy by his pants as he flew back, and deliver a second elbow-hammerfist combo into his sternum, slamming it to the ground.

Hopefully, that clone would be destroyed by that point, and Katsuo looked up to try and find where all the rest may be coming from. Alright... come with it then! The piles he'd been working on were some of the first two he had reached, so the odds of an attack coming from behind were slim.

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Tajitaji Dageki -- Recoiling Blow
C-Rank Taijutsu
Using this style of fighting, Katsuo uses superior speed, reflexes, and agility to bring themselves close to an opponent before striking with an elbow or a knee. As the opponent is forced backward or to a side by the power of each short-range shot, Katsuo extends the striking limb, shooting for an extra strike. When used in combination with Dagekinigai, Katsuo may push himself forwards as the enemy is launched, and hook his leg around for a throw or a second chance to land additional blows.

Dagekinigai - Double Strike Technique
B-rank Taijutsu
Pre-req: At least an 8 in speed.
More an addition to a pre-existing style of fighting than a style in itself, Dagekinigai allows the user to maximize potential combos by using quick reflexes. As opponents reel from reflex in reaction to individual blows, the user reflexively strikes a second time, or else catches an enemy in such a way as to prepare a second strike. If attacking with a fist, as the user follows through, they could open their palm to grab a hold of the opponent and pull them towards a second punch, for instance. A fighter with high strength, speed, or taijutsu can make very effective use of this taijutsu by out-matching an opponent reflexively, allowing for one moderate blow to become several major ones.

[Versesai]

The clone's rush was halted by Katsuo's barrage of attacks, but the Kumo-nin would soon realize that these clones didn't react like normal humans did to injury and violence. The clone took the first blow to the face like a stone faced killer, his katana still driving forth in a thrusting motion and attempting to skewer Katsuo's shoulder; Only interrupted by the second hit that had him whipping a bit to the side from force and torque, instead turning the hit to a slash that would catch Katsuo's chest if he continued the assault on the creation. When the creation hit the ground however, it released in a puff of smoke and the age-old katana it handled literally broke down the middle, snapping in half.

Katsuo would have about three seconds to be proud of his victory and check his wound before the screeching of a high speed weapon moving through the air was heard.

The training ground Katsuo was fighting in now resembled what one might think of as, well, rock hell. Essentially the area of the training ground Katsuo had to be to really destroy the weapons was the interior. While the exterior was devoid of more than flat stones. The interior was more complicated. Essentially, five raised 'pillars' of stone were formed in a basic x shape, but there was a good thirty five feet of space between each pillar in any direction and rising up around them were all kinds of rock formations.

Overhangs, platforms, ledges, the ground rose and fell in jagged ways and there were so many dark places to hide in the interior, it was a dangerous place to fight an opponent without sight line....

Which is where the wicked sickle-blade flying towards Katsuo's chest now came into play. It sliced through a length of stone easily the size of a tree and when the stone fell over, Katuso would see the wielder: A slender clone with long blonde hair that had been a female shinobi, but her mouth was covered by a long, overhanging cloth mask and her eyes by a pair of steel framed sunglasses. As the sickle flew, another combatant seemed to slide out of nowhere from along it's path; Katsuo would see now it was attached by a chain to something in the blonde's hand and it extended extremely far. The next combatant was a dark-skinned, white-haired Kumogakure shinobi wearing a Jounin's vest and wielding what looked like a giant, carving-knife version of a kunai that easily dwarfed most wakizashi; He was running at Katsuo along the chain's length, the sickle aimed at his middle and the man on it aimed to catch him with a firm downward slash if he jumped to avoid the sickle.

[seiuchiblarg]

His chest was cut, but not so deeply. His armor offered a little bit of protection, but the slash still bit in, drawing a small amount of blood across his right breast. There was a chance that it would scar, but he had no qualms with that, or any certainty that it was deep enough to. The creation vanished, but Katsuo didn't give himself a chance to savor the defeat. He knew there were others. A harsh whistle, easily recognizable as a flying weapon, caught Katsuo's attention. It was a simple mater of experience to see that the weapon would miss, and when it penetrated, deeply, into the wall behind, Katsuo looked along the chain to see what he could expect to meet him.

A second enemy was running down it, blade in hand. He could make out a third enemy well behind him, on the other end of the chain, and decided to see what he could do about that. Taking the chains in his hands, Katsuo pulled the chain apart, and violently shaking the the chain with all his might. If it didn't throw the opponent bodily into the air, Katsuo would be more than a little impressed. And if it did, Katsuo would be there when he landed, more than prepared to deliver a second taijutsu shot -- and taking special care to catch the enemy by the arms, if possible, to prevent that sword from cutting him like the last did.

[Versesai]

The chain shaking didn't throw the one manipulating it into the air, but it did send the man running along the chain length stumbling a bit and though his balance went off, the attack went through either way; Katsuo caught it expertly and delivered his taijutsu hit, sending this clone reeling but not down for the count yet; He countered with a quick and vicious upward slash aimed to cut across Katsuo's legs. Obviously these clones wouldn't survive much damage, the single hit to this one had winded it, but that made them no less dangerous in an extreme way.

Katsuo's concentration would need to be sharp, because even as he aimed to hit the first clone, the chain user had grabbed his chain hard and yanked it back; The two pronged assault wasn't complete yet. Katsuo would be trapped between the fast moving sickle blade coming from behind which wouldn't have killed him, but would have wounded his arm or chest heavily, and the fast slash coming for his legs and likely followed up with something.

[seiuchiblarg]

Katsuo noticed the attack before it got to him, leaping over the blade with enemy still in hand, using his strength to whip him bodily upwards, hopefully throwing the blade from his hand, and ripping whatever joint katsuo was holding out of it's socket. Airborne and righting himself, and assuming the clone survived that much, Katsuo would attempt to chuck the enemy viciously across the battlefield and into the clone that had fired the chain in the first place.

After landing, Katsuo would resume his fighting stance, and watch as one enemy flew, hopefully, into the other, destroying both enemies at once. Assuming it was successful, Katsuo would smirk nice and wide, revealing the gaps from his missing teeth, and the glint in all the others. "Anybody else!?"

[Versesai]

The first move netted Katsuo a clone in complete pain and chucked across the battlefield like a comet that easily impacted the first clone and both disappeared in massive puffs of smoke that sent the larger one's weapon soaring into the sky where it split into a thousand shards that rained down on the spot he died and the second's chain weapon shattered completely as well, falling to the ground. Three down, three to go. Katsuo was doing well so far, but that was only half the battle...The real one was just starting for Katsuo. His day was about to go from unpleasant to painful in every way.

The first sign something was wrong was the footfalls on the training ground. Not like the others, purposeful. Not openly offensive like the other. Katsuo would see the first one like a ghost flicker into view on top of one of the stone pillars above him. He has dark brown skin and his hair was wild, spiked every which way and he was wearing what looked like plated armor on his body, including heavy wrist bracers and gauntlets...On his six arms. The scars over his face gave him a distinct look that was more than a little unsettling. Katsuo would know the face. Soimon Supaida, one of the clan's mid-ranking members who had come to be a legend amongst the Swordsmen and Weapon Users of the village...

Because of the six long katana he was drawing from his waist, a predatory grin coming onto his face as he looked down at Katsuo. The other footfalls kept coming, but stopped. Katsuo would see a figure wearing a green robe flicker in the background but nothing came and a second figure appeared on another stone pillar, but seemed to drop down off it instead. It looked as if these two were leaving Katsuo to have this fight without a peanut gallery or interference.

Soimon hefted each of his katana and spread them out like wings behind him, his arms folding forward shortly after until each katana was in a thrusting position. Then he leapt forward, bolting down at Katsuo like a missile. A heavily armored, six bladed missile that twisted every katana it had in it's hands and swept them up in a nearly syncronized slash.

Soimon JutsuShow

Tarantula Style - Six Fanged Sweep
C-Rank Taijutsu
Utilizing all six katana at once, Soimon makes a basic thrust attack with each sword. However, in the middle of these thrusts, he turns the blades upwards and slashes viciously at an opponent. Each slice is aimed with the sheer basics of accuracy due to emphasis on creating a curtain for opponents to get caught in the attack so each individual blow is not as strong as a normal one. But overall the attack is capable of splitting open a wall when used correctly.

[seiuchiblarg]

FUCK. I've been meaning to ask about this mission, but only just caught you last night, and then all the drama happened, and.. Ah well. I'll post now.

The enemies appeared, and Katsuo's eyes widened when he saw the foe with six arms appear. I know that man.... no! Katsuo's eyes narrowed. Facing the clones of chuunin and proctors was one thing, but this man... facing even a clone belonging to a man of this caliber with nothing but taijutsu would be a feat Katsuo didn't want to attempt. Not when he had all six of his blades at the ready. Two, three, maybe, but all six? Katsuo would sooner fight smart than proud.

He sealed as the enemy took his first steps, and the spheres were made, one after another, until finally, all eight were sent at the opponent at once. if the best defense was a good offense, Katsuo would have one of the greatest offenses the village could offer against this assault... he hoped. If nothing else, it should stop the man, at least.

If not, katsuo remained poised to jump out of the way, if he had to.

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Kyanonboru Bouei -- Cannonball defense
B-ranked ninjutsu
Pre-requisite: Suiton: Dabaru Taru Ekitai Taihoo
After forming a string of nine hand seals, Katsuo finishes them with a tenth seal (Tiger), and holds it as eight bodies of water form in spheres above his fingertips with elemental recomposition. These spheres have roughly the same diameter as a cannonball, and float in two squares around him, covering him from the north, northeast, east, southeast, etc. They will remain floating for five posts, and if Katsuo registers an attack, he may form another trio of hand seals to send one or more spheres off at a speed of eight to defend him by blocking or deflecting the shot. Individually, these spheres can take out a single medium attack, but together they can stop the force of up to two moderate techniques. If Katsuo chooses to use these offensively, they can each strike once with a blunt force equivalent to a nine strength shot.


Man. I hate you for making me use ninjutsu. I was hoping I could get through this with nothing but tai.

[Versesai]

The rushing clone had no obvious defense against the blasting orbs of water that fired towards him, nearly hissing as Katsuo would see two of the Supaida's katana drop from his hands and those hands would instead clap together into a quick barrage of seals. While Soimon was not known for exceptional skill outside of Taijutsu, he was still a Supaida. The seals were finished and the man spit out a mass of white that spun towards the cannonballs; While it didn't even come close to stopping them, it did hit them enough that when they tried to pass through it, they pulled the web with them a bit. It slowed them enough that when they hit Soimon he only went flying back into the air about ten feet, landing with his feet against the side of one of the chunks of rock.

Instead of taking much recovery time, Soimon groaned and then immediately flew into another charge at Katsuo. He kicked off the rocks and then rushed, the man's hands grasping at the katana that had likely fallen to the ground unless Katsuo had been reckless enough to try and get them out of Soimon's range while he recovered.

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Web Shock
D-Rank Ninjutsu
Performing hand seals, Soimon opens his mouth and fires off a ball of white that is about as wide as a fishing net. This net however is much heavier than normal while lacking any sticky properties; When something hits it, even if it cleaves through it, the overall density of the web is enough to mildly effect anything that passes through. It's a completely scaling downgrade though; The web might be enough to stop an equal rank Doton or Fuuton technique or a few kunai, but anything above will be effected only a little.

[seiuchiblarg]

The enemy was knocked back by the water, and thoroughly doused by it. This brought a smile to Katsuo's face, as he would have to spend a very little amount of time facing a powerful foe. Sealing, the water which had hit the foe would turn immediately into a powerful acid, and if Katsuo had even the slightest amount of luck, destroy him immediately. The jounin would pay special attention, at that point, to the weapons. He was beginning to notice a pattern to these clones... and he would have to test his theory with the next two opponents.

In anticipation of those next two foes, Katsuo sealed once more, seeming to glow for a moment. If the next two were anything like this last one, Katsuo wouldn't be able to afford a lack of preparation.

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Joukyuu Suppai Kaishin -- Advanced Acid Change
Rank: A-rank Ninjutsu
Range: 0-25 Meters
Description: As Katsuo studied, and developed his Burning Blood technique, it became obvious that he could not begin by making his blood into acid. Instead, Katsuo began with very small amounts of liquid, usually water, and converted it to acid. Katsuo has taken this training and extended on it, allowing him to take a set amount of water and make it into acid. With this most effective version of this jutsu, Katsuo can currently convert an amount of water equivalent to a puddle about 5.5 feet deep and with a seven foot diameter. These numbers get lower if the liquid is diluted.

Nenshou Chishyo no Jutsu (Burning Blood technique)
Rank: A-rank Ninjutsu
Range: Supplementary
Description: This is one of three jutsu taught to him by the elite medic nin, Hoshi Hanabi. After performing a sequence of eleven seals, Katsuo must pause for three seconds, focusing chakra very precisely throughout his body. In one moment - during which he seems to glow - Katsuo can change all the blood within his bloodstream to acid. This acid is highly corrosive, with a PH balance of .01%, and can eat through many things very quickly. It tends to have trouble with man-made material such as fiber, and eats through that rather slowly (it could get through an inch of fabric in about five seconds), while organic things (such as flesh) burn through more quickly (about one and a half seconds for an inch of flesh, and even faster for bone, because of it's calcium). As hydrochloric acid, it is highly dangerous.


Fijikarupurotekushon Shounetsujigoku -- Protection From a Burning Hell
Rank: C-rank Ninjutsu
Range: Self/Supplementary
Signs: None by nature
Description: Using this automatic jutsu, which activates when Katsuo performs the Nenshou Chishyou technique, Katsuo can increase the water properties of his chakra to raise the PH level of the acid while it is in or on his own body, protecting him from his own chakra. This is a focusing of chakra rather than a use thereof, and while it doesn't truly take a large amount of chakra, Katsuo cannot use five percent of his active supply during this. If he tries to tap into this amount, the acid will begin to eat him from the inside out as his protection wavers.

[Versesai]

Soimon had no chance with the acid. A taijutsu fighter to the core, he didn't even have a slight inkling of how to deal with the onslaught of suddenly burning acid that completely engulfed him and disturbingly the clone let out a screech of pure pain as he suddenly began to writhe in mid-air; His charge faltered as he tumbled headfirst into the dirt slowly melting away with a pained expression on his face that completely washed away as his body bloodlessly and wastelessly ebbed away, a confident smirk overtaking Soimon's face before the only thing left of him were his katana; Five of which completely disappeared with his body and the last one completely shattered into shards of metal.

There wouldn't be incredibly much time for celebration though. Soimon was a dangerous close range fighter, which gave Katsuo an edge in that the Supaida had no real advantage; Katsuo could fight well at both range and melee, so someone who had to only get close wasn't likely to do well. Simple match up logic.

The sound that began to echo throughout the battleground was a strangely chaotic one however; It sounded like three bows being drawn over a single violin strings somewhere inside the mass of rocks and because of the echoing qualities of the noise Katsuo would be able to hear it clearly even as he wouldn't be able to tell exactly where it was coming from...And then he'd see a glimpse. A red-haired man with brown eyes suddenly shot between two pillars, holding a large brown object and as he passed, Katsuo would hear three screeching sounds; Three arrows suddenly shot from the spot the man had appeared for a moment, each one aimed accurately towards Katsuo...In addition, the sound before would become obvious; An obvious Genjutsu, because Katsuo would see double. Literally; The arrows would blur into six and the rocks began to blur into pairs, leaving Katsuo with a complicated list of options.

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Two Worlds Performance
B-Rank Illusion Genjutsu
Prerequisite: Triphony
Performing hand seals and then drawing back three arrows on his bow, Karron produces a chaotic sound on his Kikai Buki that echoes for up to 30 feet in every direction. Everyone who hears this specific sound will be subjected to the Genjutsu, friend or foe; Their vision will split in two and they'll literally see as if they've suffered a blow to the head that disconnects their vision and makes them see two. This applies to everything in the area. Lasts 4 posts unless Kai is used.

Triphony
C-Rank Taijutsu
The basic founding blow of Karron Jinrai's techniques; He uses his specialized Symphony Arrows and draws three across the strings of his Kikai Buki in a specific way, producing a specific sound before notching the arrows on the protruding string of the weapon and launching them. In addition to initiating many of his sound based Genjutsu, he releases the arrows shortly after drawing them back with uncanny accuracy. They will travel at a speed of his strength+taijutsu/2 (6) because of the distribution of force and the firing of three arrows at once.

[seiuchiblarg]

No sooner had one died, then the next begun it's assault. Katsuo registered all three arrows, drawing a kunai and prepared to deflect them, until he heard the screeching. Resisting the urge to cover his ears, Katsuo merely took cover, shaking his head to clear it when he saw the arrows split. Sound... sound that can make my vision go bad? What... what kind of ninjutsu is this!? He heard the thunk-thunk-thunk-thunk-thunk-thunking of each arrow sticking into the rock slab behind which he hid. He shoo his head once more, trying to gain some sense of clarity.

Ugh... This sound... I have to find a way to get to her and put a stop to it.... The arrows had multiplied too. Katsuo watched as everything seemed to move and to sway, doubling over itself. He tried to recognize some sort of pattern to it all... the way his brain translated it all, forced his vision to double itself and make everything blur.

After a short time, he moved from behind his cover. Initially, the arrows had come from a given direction... he would head in that direction now, listening carefully for more. If the enemy makes that sound again, my vision might get even worse... I need to stop her quickly! He was moving slightly slower than normal, accommodating for the blurred vision, the way the ground seemed to shift beneath him. Reaching this foe would require running on some of the remaining weaponry, but with good, thick boots on, he needn't worry about being cut or impaled.

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Ganbariyapo -- The Art of Battling through Difficulty
C-ranked nintaijutsu
Pre-requisite: at least six control
With this technique, Katsuo is able to run over rocky terrain, or a segment of a battlefield which has been covered in spikes, without injuring himself or slowing down. This is performed in a very similar way to tree climbing or water walking: By focusing chakra to the soles of his feet, and combining chakra control with muscular control to stay upright on sharp stones or spikes.

[Versesai]

Katsuo's rush into the battlefield was not a bad idea for the most part, it just left him somewhat exposed. It was his only option, but that didn't make it the best one...Rushing towards the place where the arrows had come from would leave him standing not 10 yards from someone who looked like they were the world's best, or worst, assassin.

He had a long hood that flowed down over his face, covering it save for two eye holes and a slight metal band running over the forehead of the hood that held the Kumogakure symbol. The main color of the outfit was a dark purple, rich and elegant; Highlights of bronze and gold formed strings inlaid into the purple and gold, running around the outfit. And the fifteen or so sheer, brilliant blue silken cloth tied around gold rings on every joint area of the robe he was wearing. In his gloved hands he held something that looked like a cello but extremely curved with more strings than one would think needed; Some of them looser than others.

Karron Jinrai was a powerful opponent and though he wasn't dead like Soimon Supaida, he was retired. And by this point probably fifty years old at least...Katsuo was fighting these people at their prime. Though reduced slightly by the clone nature of their creation, he was still fighting many of Kumogakure's legends.

Karron hesitated only a split second as his opponent came back into view and Katsuo would see the man's hand fly up followed by a pair of arrows slipping out of his sleeve, sliding over the strings of his bow and the sound produced was like an excruciatingly bad case of nails on chalkboard. The arrows were released in the same second Karron leapt aside, rushing away from Katsuo and attempting to run up a rock wall whilst the arrows zoomed towards the Jounin.

[seiuchiblarg]

The shrill shriek of the foe's weapon rang powerfully in Katsuo's ears, and he cried out loudly at the pain. Any sound that came from him was drowned out in the music, but Katsuo dropped down to the ground as the arrows came flying. Over his head the weaponry flew, and Katsuo looked up, finally recognizing this fighter -- or rather, his weapon. Man... so many traps, one of the most famed members of Supaida glory... and now, a celebrated member of the Jinrai elite! Just what kind of ninja were they training here? This was no academy student's exercise, and was much too elaborate, with too many people involved not to be run by the village.

But, it wasn't Katsuo's job to ask questions. It was Katsuo's job to follow orders. With the enemy identified, it occurred to him how stupid he was for not recognizing what the technique was before. His hands came together, and for a moment, Katsuo closed his eyes. Release! With his eyes open now, the world came back to one, and everything was normal again. The enemy was getting away, and Katsuo knew he had to close the distance. The gloves had to come off.

And so did his armor. With new found speed, Kumo's Bleeding Heart threw himself viciously at the opponent, dodging arrows as needed to get to him and deliver a single massive shot to his solar plexus.

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Bariaafurii -- Impediment Removal
B-ranked Taijutsu
Simply by removing his very heavy armor, Katsuo negates the speed reduction that comes out of wearing it. In addition, if Katsuo has worn the armor for five or more posts, Katsuo gains +3 speed for two posts after the removal, which drops to +2 speed for another post after that, and +1 speed for one final post. Note that Katsuo must wear his armor for at least five posts within the topic in question before gaining any sort of boost to his speed after it's removal. If he removes the armor before those five posts are through, he merely returns to the speed stat listed on his stat table.

[Versesai]

The Genjutsu released quickly and Karron hadn't gotten very far, desperation seeming to flow through the clone as it spun around in mid-movement, unleashing more barrages of arrows at the man. His armor coming off was probably the biggest advantage to him, because Karron was not -that- fast. The clone was in mid draw of a pair of arrows when Katsuo literally blew across the area at him, the man putting his arm in front of the Bleeding Heart's hit and getting sent flying into the rock face he had been attempting to climb; However the hit didn't actually seem to make him flinch or react to the pain despite the fact it's arm now slumped down uselessly. Arrows fell from it and Karron slammed one of his feet against the rock, causing a long hidden knife to shoot out of the tip of his sandal.

He swiped his leg up at Katsuo at close range, aiming to shove his foot into the man's gut or waist, either way it would do some damage.

[seiuchiblarg]

Merely side-stepping the arrows as they came, he got close. The enemy swiped at Katsuo with the blade on his boot, and the man was able to catch a hold of it, picking the man up viciously with both hands, and simply slamming him into the rock wall with the ankle until the clone blew up. That fight left Katsuo shaken mildly shaken, between the sheer violent intent he had to summon up to finish the foe off, and the effects that the genjutsu and the loud whistling had had on him. His head pounded with adrenaline and pain, his mind still adjusting to everything appearing normal again.

But he wasn't ready to give up yet. He'd seen one more foe.... so there was at least one more opponent before he could get back to the clean-up. The only question was, simply, where? Thus far, each enemy had made themselves known to Katsuo. Could he wait for this one to do the same?

Hayai Kakeru -- Quick Catch
C-ranked Taijutsu
A technique which is simple in execution but requires acute analytical abilities, Katsuo is able to use this grab at an enemy with any of his four limbs and have a much greater chance of successfully catching the enemy. This is done with simple analysis, observing the opponent's stance and constantly observing their position, watching for weak spots. As soon as an enemy gets within Katsuo's reach, Katsuo can reach out with a quick strike that quickly becomes a grab, catching the opponent in order to pull them back and start a combo. It should be stated that as Katsuo is always trying to stay aware of his opponent's fighting style and learn to predict their motions, this technique will become still easier to use as a match goes on, or if Katsuo has fought the same opponent in the past.

[Versesai]

The clone didn't just explode, it pretty much collapsed into a pile of smoke from the thrashing it had received. The damage was done though, it had disoriented and wasted some of Katsuo's energy. The weapon the clone had used hit the ground and completely collapsed, breaking into metal dust on the ground until nothing was left. It seemed the stronger the clone, the more of it's weapon was consumed when it was defeated.

There was a soft flapping sound however as Katsuo would take a moment to recover, the flapping getting closer until a soft shadow would wind it's way around Katsuo. A stiff looking white bird landed on the rock above Katsuo now, looking down at him almost curiously. Followed by two more who landed beside the original bird. One of them hopped forward and actually hopped from the rock to Katsuo's head, then off his head and took off into a sort of glide across the ground.

The other two just watched him quietly, seemingly alternating between curious tittering and hopping back and forth on each foot. Nothing really hostile, just observing him.

[seiuchiblarg]

Taking a moment to enjoy a small victory, he looked up, and--

Not done. Right. The birds were something new. Katsuo was unsure what to make of them, cocking an eye and trying to figure out just what was up with them. They were almost familiar to him, as if he had heard of them, seen them, perhaps, somewhere before... He was content to watch them, to see what they would do, exactly, until onebegan coming towards him...

Katsuo could not have that. it was still an unknown force, and so he sealed, spitting a jet of water that would hopefully knock the creature out of it's path -- and maybe giving Katsuo a clue as to what he was up against....

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*Suiton • Funsha [Water Element • Jet]
E-Ranked Ninjutsu
Suiton • Funsha is a jutsu similar to Suiton • Mizurappa by the fact that the user expels a strong jet of water out. However, unlike the Suiton • Mizurappa, the Suiton • Funsha is designed to instead force the user to be "flung" and alter the users direction in mid-air, or fling them into the air by the force of the water itself.

[Versesai]

The part that would really shock Katsuo was just how useless the water jet was; It was like throwing a bucket on a giant sponge. The jet hit the bird Katsuo aimed for and it stopped, but the water just seemed to soak into it slowly until the bird was a little bigger than before but otherwise completely unharmed. Which was all kinds of crazy, but the best part was that seconds later the bird shrunk down to normal size and was completely dry. The fact that water was useless against it as well as how fast it dried up meant one thing: Enton. The birds seemed completely nonplussed by Katsuo's attempt on them and their leisurely leapt off the side of the cliff, diving into the air in a sort of scattershot direction.

Depending on how much attention Katsuo was paying he'd notice that this wasn't the only white thing around. On top of each rock formation were floating eyes made purely of white, watching him before, quite suddenly, a cloud of white exploded onto the cliff top in front of him, this cloud being roughly five foot in diameter and if it got in Katsuo's eyes he'd be having a bad day, in addtion to the fact standing before him was another Kumogakure great. Aizou Shioke, one of the Shioke's foremost members in times past and who was now serving as an instructor, teaching other Shioke how to use their abilities in ways he'd developed for close range combat.

He stood at least 7 feet tall and he had what could be described as the most basic uniform of anyone Katsuo had fought. A typical Kumogakure Jounin's outfit below the waist but above it was a bulky white robe top that formed into a flared collar around his neck. Dark tan skin, seafoam hair and blue eyes were placed on an expression of focus as Aizou had apparently Shunsuined into place in a combat stance.

In either of the Shioke's hands was a long kodachi-like blade that seemed to have blades made purely of salt and Aizou moved incredibly quickly, first kicking off the cliff at Katsuo and then executing a spinning motion of swords, turning himself into a very brief wall of salt blades that easily cut the ground under Aizuo's blades.

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Salt Flicker Technique
D-Rank Ninjutsu
A basic adaptation of the Shunsuin, Aizou performs several hand seals and then a final one to perform the Body Flicker; But the extra seals cause a five foot diameter cloud of salt to burst out of the user when they reach their destination, blinding anyone around the area and allowing Aizou to surprise attack those in his range. This can only be used twice per thread.

[seiuchiblarg]

Katsuo's eyes widened, taken aback as the bird did nothing but grow. Eyes watched him from every turn, the birds hopping around and acting like stupid birds do, completely nonplussed by Katsuo's water. he gritted he teeth, working to figure something out. This strategy was not unfamiliar to him... As a close combat fighter himself, he had learned something of a comrade's style...

And then he saw the man, confirming his worst suspicions. Shioke Aizou, one of Katsuo's single worst match-ups... His suiton would make little difference, any technique he performed with Hatsuyu no Mizu would be absorbed almost immediately. The foe sealed, and then he was rocketing towards Katsuo, blades out. He knew using his water would do nothing against the foe. But, something had to be done. He sealed as the enemy rocketed in, and released another stream of water at his foe, just as he had with the birds. He knew it would do very little, but he hoped it could slow the enemy down, or else give him something new to go on.

Surely enough, the blades had absorbed his attack, and then the foe was on the ground. Katsuo aimed a punch directly in at the foe's face. Hopefully, with blades on the ground, he'd be able to get the shot in before the blades could come up to defend -- or worse, to impale him.

[Versesai]

The shot Katsuo aimed for Aizou's face hit it's mark hard but this clone seemed made of stronger stuff than the others. He recoiled from the blow and his face contorted, but he used the momentum to swing his body back and ended up ripping his legs off the ground in a double kick towards Katsuo's chest, attempting to lift the man off the ground with nothing but his legs and smash him up regardless while Aizou put himself in a hand-stand facing away from Katsuo, then pushing himself off and landing back on the top of the stone pillar above. It was going to take more than one or two good hits to take down this clone it seemed.

[seiuchiblarg]

(I'm sure you've been keeping track, but, as a note, this is Katsuo's last post of speed boost. He's a ten speed for this post, and then back to his regular 9.)

---

At first, Katsuo thought victory was his when the shot hit... but the clone didn't explode. It was this surprise that got the foe an advantage, as his feet pushed into Katsuo's chest, attempting to throw him backward and away while the enemy came to stand on the pillar above. The surprise was successful, and the enemy rose, but Katsuo was to strong to be pushed back by more than a step or two from the enemy's kick. It'd likely leave a nasty bruise, and coupled with the minor cut he'd experienced earlier, it was more than a little painful, but he couldn't let that get to him now.

He was in a spot of trouble, though. The enemy was at least a match for Katsuo in close range -- the speed and surprise showed him that, coupled with the skill with which the foe wielded those swords -- and in the mid to long range, the enemy's salt was more than enough for his Suiton. The enemy was in the air though. Katsuo made a rapid series of hand seals, and spat water at the enemy. It wasn't a large amount, but hopefully enough to douse the foe thoroughly. He'd always wondered something about Enton... now was his chance to find out, he supposed.

Katsuo allowed the foe to widen the gap between them. He didn't like the thought of losing a taijutsu edge against him, but at least he'd be able to see any salt jutsu coming, with his back to the wall the way it was... right? His chest stung and ached from the attackhis back was to the wall, and his opponent had every advantage over him imaginable... and yet, Katsuo was smiling. What a challenge! What a rush! Katsuo hadn't had a fight this good in a while, if he looked at all six enemies he had faced so far as one big opportunity.... This was turning out to be a splendid challenge indeed.

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*Suiton • Funsha [Water Element • Jet]
E-Ranked Ninjutsu
Suiton • Funsha is a jutsu similar to Suiton • Mizurappa by the fact that the user expels a strong jet of water out. However, unlike the Suiton • Mizurappa, the Suiton • Funsha is designed to instead force the user to be "flung" and alter the users direction in mid-air, or fling them into the air by the force of the water itself.

[Versesai]

(Aye. I figured the fight wouldn't be lasting incredibly much longer after the boost wore off.)

---

Aizou looked as if he was recovering from the blow that had been hit by Katsuo earlier when the water hit the man, jostling Aizou on his feet and making the clone frown at Katsuo, as if asking 'Was that particularly necessary?'. As if returning the favor Aizou suddenly put his hands together and then spat out, an equal amount of water splashing across Katsuo as if Aizou was returning the favor and then the man did a 'hmpf' motion with his head and jumped off the back of the pillar, disappearing from Katsuo's sight for the moment.

Aizou's specialty was hit and run tactics. Katsuo would know some of them, the ones Kumo had adapted to training techniques or combat strategies. The eyes were connected to Aizou's nervous system, able to keep an eye on Katsuo while Aizou moved around a radius around Katsuo, using the eyes to find holes in his guard.

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*Suiton • Funsha [Water Element • Jet]
E-Ranked Ninjutsu
Suiton • Funsha is a jutsu similar to Suiton • Mizurappa by the fact that the user expels a strong jet of water out. However, unlike the Suiton • Mizurappa, the Suiton • Funsha is designed to instead force the user to be "flung" and alter the users direction in mid-air, or fling them into the air by the force of the water itself.

[seiuchiblarg]

Forgive the shortness and lack of jutsu spoiler; posting on my new phone, so im kinda limited.

A direct hit! Katsuo was pleased with the advantage, but as a stream of water came towards Katsuo as well, he blinked in surprise. He'd been expecting more Enton and Taijutsu, the arts for which Daicho was known. He allowed the water to hit him, however, focused more on carefully watching the foe and sealing. The water on the enemy's body would turn to a powerful acid, and hopefully Katsuo could chalk up another victory. Then, he'd get back to the rather dull task of clean up. Katsuo, however, would not take a victory for granted, not after the string of powerful enemies he'd gotten to test himself against. He'd keep an eye on hos foe until he melted into nothing.

Edited to fix the typos. Hopefully it's more readable now.

[Versesai]

Really the water had been it's own kind of joke as the assassin simply faded but when the water coating him began to turn to acid, Katsuo would get to see the flock of salt birds so far suddenly dive bomb one specific area of the battlefield. The salt eyes remained watching Katsuo quietly and while there was silence, the lack of any sounds or movement should have told Katsuo enough that this wasn't over.

Retaliation was oncoming however. There was a sound like grains of rice tumbling over the rocks and without much more waiting the sound began to roar to life, one of the thick pillars of rock in front of Katsuo suddenly cracked and white began to leak through before the salt punched through it.

It wasn't so much a single wave of salt as it was ten streams of salt completely wrapped around one another into a coil, piercing through the rock; The streams then erupted into a wide spread pattern, each one coursing towards Katsuo quickly and each one the tip of a rapier; A single one missed Katsuo and visible punched a hole in the ground between the ninja's legs, not even cracking the ground. And nine more were baring down on Katsuo now...

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Fencing Wave
B-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing several hand seals and putting his hands out, Aizou forces ten arm thick waves of salt out of each fingertip, the salt mingling together to form a wave but coiling inside each other to form ten thick piercing waves. This wave is capable of piercing through solid stone at it's most basic form with continued pressure but individually, the strands making up the roughly 5 foot diameter wave are quite capable of damage themselves, as Aizou can control each individually.

[seiuchiblarg]

The enemy jumped out of Katsuo's sight, and he'd be unable to see jut what happened to him with the acid. He hoped it was enough to end him... but the birds all darting into one section of the battlefield after the water should have made it's change told him that he was not so lucky. Then, with a sudden quickness, the wave approached, and Katsuo had limited time to react at best. He pulled two of his umbrellas out from behind him, and began to run up the wall, using it as a kicking point to leap off in the direction of the foe. He had to see how his acid effected the target, an getting away from the salt would be a bonus as well. Katsuo would use his umbrellas to parry away any salt attacks that came in... or would try to, at least. They weren't exactly made for that sort of combat, but he didn't need to cut through them or even break them: just redirect the attacks away from him. He'd probably get grazed a few times though at least.

If all was successful, and Katsuo managed to get himself close to the foe, he would try a taijutsu assault, to see what sort of damage he could incur there. He definitely has the edge in ninjutsu... I have to be able to take him with taijutsu, or I'm in trouble!

[Versesai]

Katsuo's dodge and the umbrellas made clearing the rocks easy, the wave of salt behind Katsuo dying down as he got further away from the initial point and it wasn't hard to find Aizou from there. He was at the epicenter of the wave, his hands held into the salt despite the fact that every eye in the area was still trained on Katsuo. The man yanked his arms free of the salt and this is where Katsuo would see what had happened. There were clumps of rapidly melting, decaying salt all around the relatively untouched Shioke, only a few minor burns and the obvious wounds from his first sortie with Katsuo. The salt was burning up into puddles of bubbling liquid however, meaning that it must have absorbed the acid...

Without even hesitating, Aizou's hand clasped together once more and the man formed a quick series of seals as he homed in on Katsuo in the air. Exhaling rapidly into the air, salt formed into a cloud around the man and he swirled his hands into it. On his right hand the salt collected into a thick coating like a metal glove, covering all of his hand down past the right. On his left hand the salt collected and thickened until it was like he had a glaive on his hand, salt formed from his elbow all the way down his arm to his wrist in a blade shape on the outside of his arm. As soon as that was done he readied himself for Katsuo's assault.

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Enton Armory: Grasp and Glaive Of The White Assassin
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the proper hand seals, Aizou Shioke breathes out into the air in a thick cloud of salt that he then thrusts both hands into and swirls around for a second before withdrawing them. On his right hand the salt collects into a thick glove of sorts and on the left hand the salt collects into a long arm blade shaped weapon useful for hitting and blocking. The salt cloud then collapses to the ground. The salt weapons are quite strong and absorb liquid, but the most useful feature of this Armory is the glove; On contact, it absorbs liquid and then disperses it to act like a drain, meaning that every other post it's in contact with an object it drains liquid. For humans, this means that if Aizou touches them for two posts they lose 1 stamina.

[seiuchiblarg]

He saw the acid bubbling, the acid swirling. He saw the opponent's hands in the mix, and he saw the items forming. He saw combat waiting for him -- and rather exciting combat at that. There was no murder to be had here, only the preservation of his own life, and so Katsuo was able to smile and enjoy this bout. This was bound to be challenge for him, a good fight, where even if the skill in their arts had been even, Katsuo's were a poor match up. It would be a fantastic challenge, had proved to be the beginnings of such already, and as Katsuo zeroed in on the foe, he pulled his own weapons back, ready and waiting.

Umbrellas were not a weapon, truly, but being made to take into battle, they hadn't been the frail and flimsy things most knew. They wouldn't last long, Katsuo surmised, but they would grant him a brief exchange in close combat, and a means of making contact without risking the salt. If Katsuo could strike open his defense, it might be a sure kick could end the fight.

As his first strike, the umbrella in his right hand would sweep inwards, to strike the salt weapon, hopefully pushing it aside but at least preventing it from striking Katsuo in the midst of his assault. Simultaneously, his dominant left hand would sweep down directly, aimed at the head and torso of the foe, although Kumo's Bleeding Heart expected him to catch it with that gloved hand. The salt wasn't there for nothing, after all. His feet would hit the ground in the same second, with Katsuo only a couple of feet away.

If he was lucky, the opponent's hands would be occupied enough for the jounin to throw a snapkick up at the foe's chin. If not, he would duck low and use the umbrella which had attempted to knock away the enemy's salt spear to bash the enemy in the face. The shot wouldn't have tremendous power behind it comparatively, but it may open a hole in the foe's defense that would grant him a more devastating shot.

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*Skillful Wield
D-Ranked Taijutsu
Prerequisite: 3 wit
With a solid foundation of knowledge on their choice of weaponry, those with the Skillful Wield technique are able to utilize their weapon more fully. By knowing the weapon's weakest points, the user is able to avoid presenting these areas to damage during combat, thus making their weapon less likely to break by means of recklessness.

[Versesai]

Aizou seemed to react as one would expect but somehow not as quick as one might think...It caught the umbrella with it's bladed salt and the glove came up to absorb Katsuo's punch but even one thrown from the air like that stumbled the Shioke which seemed unusual considering his noteworthy strength until that point; He had used salt to slice clean through the rocks and now he was buckling under an otherwise moderate punch which should have been the first sign of something wrong. The second was that Katsuo's kick hit him defenseless and sent a salt cloud exploding all around them without warning. He'd been tricked, Aizou had distracted him with a salt clone that buckled under the force of Katsuo's assault and collapsed into the white mineral that the Shioke were so fond of.

While it didn't trap Katsuo or do anything to harm him it had certainly distracted him until now and worse yet Katsuo would find himself trapped in his opponent's element. A flat clearing of rock surrounded by spikes, pillars and hills with salt eyes hovering over each one and now more birds were starting to pop into view as well...Several of them suddenly shot out of an area and began to divebomb towards Katsuo from multiple sides, the thick salt birds likely to at least knock him off his feet with a direct hit.

[seiuchiblarg]

Touching the product of an opponent's creation was never a good thing. Katsuo knew what he needed to do, however. The birds swarmed in, and Kumo's Bleeding Heart took action. There were still piles of weaponry about the ground, and Katsuo would leap to the nearest one in his attempt to defend himself. He'd kick his boots off, sending them flying at two of the foe's birds int he hopes of knocking them out. He'd have to take extra care not to get himself cut... it wouldn't do to start melting weaponry yet.

But with chakra control and physical effort, he was able to fire off a massive barrage of weaponry at the birds -- and hopefully, at a few of the eyes as well. It would make it difficult to gather them back into a single pile and increase the amount of time it would take to do his work, but ultimately it could save him now. He'd fire off and destroy all the birds he could, running along around the pile all the while to keep them off as best he could, and if they got too close, he'd pick up the best-reaching weapon he could to block and strike the birds without touching them. Coming into contact with an opponent's element was just plain bad.

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kyuunanagare no Tobidogu -- River of Weapons
C-ranked Taijutsu
Using this technique, Katsuo is able to pick up sticks, stones, weaponry, or whatever he happens to be standing on that logic and his strength will allow in his feet and throw them using this jutsu's pre-requisite techniques even while running at nearly top speed, effectively using the Tobidogu Kikku while running. Using this, he quickly picks up the items either between his toes or with his foot muscles, and launches them at the opponent in rapid succession. Note that the assumed two-point drop in the taijutsu stat is still applied to the thrown weapons.

Ganbariyapo -- The Art of Battling through Difficulty
C-ranked nintaijutsu
With this technique, Katsuo is able to run over rocky terrain, or a segment of a battlefield which has been covered in spikes, without injuring himself or slowing down. This is performed in a very similar way to tree climbing or water walking: By focusing chakra to the soles of his feet, and combining chakra control with muscular control to stay upright on sharp stones or spikes.

[Versesai]

The salt birds were hardly a challenge in terms of defensive capacity but they held up where it counted. Several assumed tight formations that made it harder to hit singular birds and they started weaving around Katsuo at bad angles; This didn't affect his ability to keep them away but it would probably make it take longer considering the roughly ~10 or so birds buzzing about him and every second was another second the Shioke had to use against him.

But there was also a problem with Katsuo's tactics up until now that would become painfully detrimental to him now. His destroying of salt creations, including the small eyes everywhere, had dispersed salt particles in to the air. These would hardly affect him, it was like being in a misty bathroom so it barely was noticeable in combat but it made something else dangerous.

The last bird fell and all but a handful of eyes had been taken down when Aizou suddenly snapped out from behind a boulder, his left arm covered in electricity that was dancing all over the place. Low humming, vibrating sounds emerged from the arm as Aizou rushed in low near the pile of weapons and as he passed Katsuo would find himself trapped. Literally.

The lightning arcing off Aizou's arm suddenly began to cling to the salt on the ground, in the air, even darting from salt fleck to salt fleck. Salt conducts electricity, very well actually. Which meant that when the salt touched touched as it did touch some of the weapons on the ground they suddenly jolted and had wicked scorch marks on the surface of the weapon's blade and in the case of wood or cloth actually burned holes in it. The lightningbolts were dancing all over the place too, meaning any attempt Katsuo would make to jump or dodge would likely result in a very painful experience for him and maybe the end of his life.

Aizou's rush was hard but it lacked speed because of the angle and way he had to hold his hand, meaning Katsuo had an opening for a hit...

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Chidori Lance
B-Rank Nintaijutsu
Prerequisite: Chidori
Spreading the Chidori effect throughout his arm, Aizou Shioke is able to lessen the point damage of Chidori but instead create a pulse of lightning throughout his entire arm. This covers the arm in winding lightning that spreads throughout the area around his arm, making him able to pierce objects like normal Raiton but meaning that he can harm foes around the area of impact and travel. This also interacts well with his salt techniques, especially clouds or wide dispersals of salt. The conductivity of the salt means that foes will get caught in scorching, painful miniature bolts of lightning traveling from point to point to damage foes. If not used within 2 posts of activation it will fizzle away completely.

[seiuchiblarg]

The enemy was moving more slowly than usual as he made his approach, but he identified that right arm immediately as a nasty threat. Katsuo's initial thought was to fling all the weapons at him, and that seemed like a sound enough plan: even if the offense didn't work, and the foe was able to deflect all the weaponry, he respected this man enough to know it would easily destroy most of it, and Katsuo would be that much closer to actually finishing his mission. If it did end up connecting, the clone would either finally be finished, or else weakened enough that Katsuo could destroy it himself.

Once he got closer, though, Katsuo would waste no time. He was moving more slowly, and Katsuo recognized that immediately. Whether it was a feint or the need to control the chakra, he couldn't say, but he had to take advantage one way or another. He'd allow the enemy to throw the first punch but act responsively, jump up but low and tumble over the body of his opponent, aiming to grab him by the head or neck and slam him into the ground -- directly on to the pile of weapons on which the pair were fighting. He could see the lightning in his surroundings clearly, knew the dangers of jumping all too well, but he'd hoped that by staying close to the foe's body he could avoid the worst of it at the very least.

[Versesai]

Aizou did his best but most of his reflexes were determined to keep his arm from impacting anything, making the clone sluggish as it danced through Katsuo's initial barrage of weapons and projectiles. The clone took a few scratches, each one drawing forth blood but the clone didn't stop. He got closer to Katsuo as quickly as he could which, considering his speed, was still fairly fast and when he did close in he quickly lashed out at Katsuo but not like one would expect. His entire arm, instead of his fist, swept across the air in an attempt to maximize the places he could hit Katsuo...There was a lot of danger in the air and with the swipe more bolts of lightning began to scatter over the air, fizzling about between grains of salt and hunks of metal to intensities that had the entire air now crackling with the horrible sound of a Chidori.

Katsuo's reaction, even if he avoided the swipe of Aizou's arm, allowed him to get over the man but grappling him was a harder prospect as the tumble took him quite a ways through the air. He'd hit at least half a dozen pockets of lightning and while they weren't dangerous, they were certainly incredibly painful; Like being stabbed by a thousand needles on every spot they touched.

[seiuchiblarg]

Katsuo groaned aloud in a way that cannot be spelled as he went through the air, skin prickling and screaming as he careened. He tried to make seals, but every time he tried a new pocket found an arm and forced it to interrupt.

Finally, Katsuo landed, away from the weapons sheerly by luck, and assessed the damage. He was bleeding from multiple spots, burned in more, but none of it was too bad. Alright, he thought to himself, shaking off the pain despite the drops that slowly drifted down his body, if you want blood... You've got it. Fire in his eyes, Kumo's Bleeding Heart sealed, using the jutsu he'd been trying to use before. He would seem to glow for a couple of seconds, and then, he would be ready. He had traveled less far than it felt, but there was still a bit of distance to close. Katsuo was ready for it this time, though. He rushed, opening with a sort of lunge just to close the distance but back on his feet before he got close. He'd let the blood dribble down his fingers, and now they were curled into a fist that aimed itself directly over the legend's sternum. This is my best now... Let's see how he handles it! To be so challenged by just a clone... Well. Never mind that it was the clone of a legendary warrior like Shioke Aizou. Katsuo's eyes caught flame as he reminded himself once more of how far he still had to go.

jutsuShow

Nenshou Chishyo no Jutsu (Burning Blood technique)
A-rank Ninjutsu
After performing a sequence of eleven seals, Katsuo must pause for three seconds, focusing chakra very precisely throughout his body. In one moment - during which he seems to glow - Katsuo can change all the blood within his bloodstream to acid. This acid is highly corrosive, with a PH balance of .01%, and can eat through many things very quickly. It tends to have trouble with man-made material such as fiber, and eats through that rather slowly (it could get through an inch of fabric in about five seconds), while organic things (such as flesh) burn through more quickly (about one and a half seconds for an inch of flesh, and even faster for bone, because of it's calcium). As hydrochloric acid, it is highly dangerous.


Fijikarupurotekushon Shounetsujigoku -- Protection From a Burning Hell
C-rank Ninjutsu
Using this automatic jutsu, which activates when Katsuo performs the Nenshou Chishyou technique, Katsuo can increase the water properties of his chakra to raise the PH level of the acid while it is in or on his own body, protecting him from his own chakra. This is a focusing of chakra rather than a use thereof, and while it doesn't truly take a large amount of chakra, Katsuo cannot use five percent of his active supply during this. If he tries to tap into this amount, the acid will begin to eat him from the inside out as his protection wavers.

[Kao]

Aizou's blank eyes seemed to glisten from the show of sparks an lightning that assaulted Katsuo. Still moving sluggishly, the clone slid its legs apart into an offensive stance. Salt began to rapidly coagulate on the skin of his arms and face. The jutsu was nearly ready, as the salt began to thicken into a sort of second skin.

But Katsuo's jutsu completed more quickly. The jounin rushed forward, his arm aiming for the clone's sternum. He raised his arms defensively, but the weight of the salt slowed him down. He managed to block with only his hands, and Katsuo's jutsu immediately began to eat away at the simulated flesh. In two seconds, what were the clone's hands was nothing more than a stub of skin that was degrading into salt.

In the blink of an eye, Katsuo's fist connected with the clone's chest. Its blank eyes followed the jounin's arm, watching as a hole began to form around the point of impact. It raised its arms as if it was performing another jutsu, but it no longer had hands to perform the seals.

The hole in the clone's chest spread quickly until it reached the location of the clone's 'heart.' At that point, the clone went still and hardened, its body once again becoming salt. Aizou raised its head before it hardened, meeting Katsuo's gaze with dead eyes before the body crumbled complete into a pile of salt at the man's feet.

The clone had been vanquished.

There was no other movement in the field, no other indication that Katsuo would have to face yet another legendary opponent. He needed only to finish destroying what remained in the abandoned training ground.

[seiuchiblarg]

With mixed emotion, Katsuo watched one of the greatest warriors in the Hidden Cloud melt away until eventually it became nothing but a puddle of salt on the floor. He allowed himself to drop a moment, panting and sweating from the extertion of combat. So many enemies, each of them some of the most powerful beings in the history of Kumogakure no Sato... And Katsuo had beaten them all. They were weaker figures, of course, mere clones, but he had faced them all and survived.

There was an incredible level of pride stirring in his soul as he began to work again, gathering weapons and tossing them into the pool of acid he had created before hte fighting began. If he found any more odd-looking seals, Katsuo decided he would leave them be for now, and take them to the Raikage's tower later. They could hire someone who knew fuuinjutsu to deal with them: Katsuo had had about enough legend facing for the day.

Sure was fun though... The work would go on for quite a while, if Katsuo was uninhibited, until finally the mission was accomplished, and the weaponry was cleared.