[Graded]A Drop in the Water

[Philosophical Discord]

The island was small but large enough for a training area. It was an abnormally sunny day with the clouds coming few and far between. The island itself was uninhabited, but it was covered by grass and rocks. The island also spanned a diameter of about two miles so it was good for practicing fairly large and dangerous jutsu. It was the second time in as many weeks that Tadataka had been assigned to train with someone else. Tadataka could see how throwing training onto a new Jounin could help improve their skills, but he could also take it that his skills weren't quite up to par. It was to be expected, however, that he was the weakest of the Jounin. He was never very strong on his own and it made sense that the village wanted him to grow more as a solo act rather than being forced into squads that only needed to fill holes in their own repertoires.

I wonder what this guy's going to be like. I hope he's as competitive as I am; otherwise it wouldn't be as fun as that last guy with the sword...

[Red X]

Rozan had recieved a most interesting assignment from one of thos higher-ups. He didn't think it was an offical mission, there were no order exchanged nor would there be pay, but one of the jounin that remembered him bugging for training from the others had recognized him as he went into the administration building and called him over. Apparently there was a jounin who was looking for a training partner, and since Rozan was so eager before, he thought it would be a good idea for him to go.

That was how he found himself traveling to one of the many islands scattered about the land of water, a fairly open plain with some sizeable rocks for attractions. There was already a ninja there, a taller man with pale skin and brown hair mashed together in a very unqiue way. Coming to a stop not far from the inhabitant, Rozan gave a short bow before speaking, "Rozan Nagano, reporting."

[Philosophical Discord]

"Tadataka," he said as he gave a sideways glance at Rozan.

Shorts? I guess it would've been a good idea on a day like this... If only this was average for Kiri, but I like the rain too much anyways. The irony would be that he sports a weapon like mine... a little short, but similar enough.

Tadataka had a little height and quite a bit of weight on his junior. They seemed similar physically in build--with Tadataka having a tad more bulk to show off his larger frame--and possibly in temperament too. Both seemed to have a blank look across their faces. It was sure a fitting pair that had been placed together on this island. Tadataka wasn't particularly used to being thrown in with people who he had never met before, but as a Jounin he thought that is was more of a duty to fit in where he was needed rather that to carve his own niche and preferences for himself.

"So, what are you thinking," asked Tadataka before he began to stretch his body. Stretching was key to preventing injuries during training.

[Red X]

What did he have in mind? From what he had gathered this man before him was a jounin, one of the highest ranked ninja few in the corps would every reach in their entire career, so for Rozan to stand before him with the chance to train with him was a little intimidating. Intimidating and exciting. Rozan had been a chunnin for a while now. Sure he didn't have many missions under his belt, nor did he really know many other ninja his rank, but for the longest time he wondered just how he stacked up to the other ninja in the village. The only ninja that fought him were either A, complete trash that talked loud but fought like slouches, or B, Kasumi, who could keep him on his toes and always won, so to fight a higher ranked ninja was more than tempting.

"I was thinking, that perhaps you would demonstrate your skill. I've longed to see just what is expected of a jounin Kiri and how i measure up to that standard. If you don't mind, that is."

[Philosophical Discord]

"Very well," Tadataka said with a faint smile that curled on the edges of his mouth. It was not very often that he was challenged, nor that he gave challenges to other shinobi. His own weakness prevented him from doing so with confidence, but now it was a lower ranking ninja that had challenged him. He couldn't refuse even if he wanted to, but this time his wish was to say yes anyway.

Tadataka cracked his knuckles in the palms of each hand before reaching back to his own Wazikashi and lightly gripping the hilt while an inquisitive looked appeared on his face. It was then when he returned his hand to his side and cocked his head to the side--as he looked down upon Rozan with only his eyes as his face remained facing his direct front. It was a tad sinister of a look, but intimidation was half the battle.

"Any restrictions," he asked with an air of confidence he didn't normally show so overtly. He realized that it was a possibility that he could lose to his junior due to his own inadequacies, but at the same time he was also confident in the new skills that he now possessed after his previous training with the one known as Ryoga.

[Red X]

Rozan didn't bother to hide the small smirk that crossed his face. This was an opportunity to really push himself and learn something from a jounin, he wouldn't waste it. The run here had warmed him up considerably, but even so the chunnin went through his various stretches, not willing to leave even an inch of his ability unreached. Tadataka left it up to him for restrictions, but he couldn't really think of anything that would make a difference in the long run. While he was hoping to at least push the Jounin to a point, he didn't really think he'd be able to beat the more experienced and skilled ninja, but then again, no one was unbeatable.

"No explosive tags or poisons, anything else if fair game. I'm sure if anything gets to severe the medics will be able to patch us up." Fang was in his left hand, the small blade slipped silently into his grip without so much as a sound. As a child the blade was long enough to be considered a sword, but now it was more of a elongated dagger in his growing hands. That didn't mean he wasn't effective with his weapon, however.

"Whenever you're ready."

[Philosophical Discord]

"Alright," Tadataka said as his left hand quickly made a seal as he lifted it to the height of his chest as his right hand sprang up from his other side to grab at his Wazikashi's hilt. It was then when the Hidden Mist jutsu began works its magic.

JutsuShow

*Hidden Mist Technique
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: Kiri-nin
Kirigakure no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique utilized by Hidden Mist Ninja. Forming a one handed seal, the ninja causes the area surrounding their target to be covered in thick mist or fog that extends for a 50 yard radius, accumulating over the span of a post. The low visibility makes it hard for anyone within this range to see.

The mist began to gather between the two men, and yet, Tadataka did not move from his spot in front of Rozan. He stood with the look of overconfidence completely faded from his face. It was a blank slate with only his eyes showing anything--that was his intense focus. Even in training Tadataka took nothing lightly. It only took one mistake for either of the two to face a serious injury and it was his duty as the senior to make sure that both of them came through without any fatal injuries if it could be helped.

Let's see how he deals with this. What happens next will set the tone of this scrap, but I cannot afford to appear weak at any point. Now is the time to plan my next move...

[Red X]

He opponent was fast, using a jutsu at a moments notice while also drawing his own sword. Rozan had seen this technique before, the hidden mist jutsu that Kiri was famous for. Even on a sunny day like this visability would be reduced drastically, but he could use that in his favor. Sliding Fang back into his home, he quickly crafted his own signs, pour his chakra into his hands before slamming them onto the surface.

Slowly several rocks began to pile up atop one another, held together by his chakra as a lifesized clone formed before him. A worthy distraction. With another sign he sent the clone forward, charging at his sparring partners last known position while Rozan lagged behind it and to the left, careful to silence his footsteps as he waited and watched.

jutsu usedShow

*[Earth Element • Rock Combat Clone]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: Earth Element • Earth Clone Technique
After performing the needed seals, the user creates a clone from the ground around them within five feet of their current position. Developed to overcome the Earth clone's major drawback, this clone is equipped with a higher speed. Only one clone can be made with this technique, and it is unable to use ninjutsu or genjutsu. The clone can travel up to a half a mile away from the user. The stats for the clone are as follows:
Taijutsu: 1
Stamina: 5
Strength: 3
Speed: 3

Hollowed step
D-rank Taijutsu
Prerequisite: 4 or higher Tai
Having some mastery over his body, Rozan is able to almost completely silence his footsteps making it easier to sneak up on unaware targets. Anyone who has normal hearing is not able to detect his steps, while those with above average hearing would still be able to hear him, if only a little lower than everyone elses. In order for this stealthy movement to work, Rozan's speed is -2 from his maximum.

[Philosophical Discord]

Tadataka heard foot steps barreling towards him, but he had no clue that it was a Rock Clone. Assuming it was actually Rozan, Tadataka had decided his next course of action only moments before, but by the time he had decided it was too late to accomplish what he had planned before the clone was on him. Quickly he slid his right foot back to create a perpendicular with his left foot that was extended about a foot forward from his right. He moved his left hand from his chest out in front of his left side as his body turned into a profile to face the rock clone. As all of this movement was taking place, Tadataka also removed his Wazikashi from its sheathe with his right hand and moved it into a reverse grip--holding the pommel close to his right cheek to give more power into a strike should he have to commit one.

It was at the first sight of the clone that Tadataka sprang forward and ran towards the clone, staying low as he did so, and sent a slash from his Wazikashi that was aimed to cut the clone in half at the waist as Tadataka leaned slightly to his left to give himself an opportunity to avoid an attack should anything happen before or after his slash had interacted with the clone. Now the probing begins.

[Red X]

It seemed his plan worked as he heard the footsteps of both his clone and what he assumed to be his opponent to his right, their silhouettes appearing in the mist. Rozan had to be quick. With ease he silently throw two kunai at the target, hoping that they would injure the jounin so he could capitalize. His clone had fallen, sliced cleanly in half from the strength of the blow, but it was of no importance. Silently he crept away, moving from his position while keeping an eye out for any movement from his opponent. While he could have launched another jutsu, Rozan felt it was best to keep probing him from the mist, utilizing his opponents own jutsu against him.

He started circling left, towards the direction of his destoryed creation in an attempt to keep Tadataka unaware and disoriented.

jutsu usedShow

Hollowed step
D-rank Taijutsu
Prerequisite: 4 or higher Tai
Having some mastery over his body, Rozan is able to almost completely silence his footsteps making it easier to sneak up on unaware targets. Anyone who has normal hearing is not able to detect his steps, while those with above average hearing would still be able to hear him, if only a little lower than everyone elses. In order for this stealthy movement to work, Rozan's speed is -2 from his maximum.

[Philosophical Discord]

When the vision of Rozan turned into a pile of rocks; Tadataka was pleasantly surprised, but he continued running through his attack to allow himself some brief cover from the decaying rock. His movements played perfectly into Rozan's as the two kunai hit the back of the decaying rock as they came towards Tadataka himself. This slight scratching gave Tadataka's body enough time to react reflexively into a lower roll that sent the kunai just over his own rolled up body and out into the depths of the mist until they would eventually stop.

Well, what was I to expect? He isn't a Genin after all. Now it's time to show him a little something new.

Tadataka quickly sheathed his Wazikashi as he came out of his roll. He remained in a crouched position as his hands entered a flurry of hand signals. By the time he was finished with the hand signs his mouth puffed up to a larger than normal size before he released a good amount of water on to the ground. That water formed into his newest weapon and favorite clone form.

JutsuShow

*Elite Attack Clone
A-Rank Suiton Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: Water Clone Technique, Control Stat of 9
After performing a string of seals, the user will create a large amount of water and manipulate it to form a larger version of the normal clone. The clone stands two meters tall and is quite adept in close-ranged combat. Despite the fact that it cannot perform any techniques, it possesses whip-like arms that extend seven feet and are about one foot in diameter. Should a target get struck by one of the arms, the arm will envelop the portion of the body that made contact and can be broken out of if the target has a strength exceed the clone’s own.
Taijutsu - 7
Stamina - 4
Strength - 5
Speed - 8

It didn't take much longer for the clone to separate himself away from Tadataka enough so that he could use his second jutsu to show only the clone and a small area around him off in the middle of the mist as Tadataka stayed crouched a few yards behind the clone.

JutsuShow

Fading Mist Technique
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the correct hand seals, the user can control the transparency of the mist to become much more lucid or clear in certain area for one post. This allows for him to control what is viewable and what is not in his mist. The extent of the control cannot exceed more than half of the mist unless he wants to charge more chakra.

Let's see how he reacts to that!

[Red X]

Rozan was glad that he moved as he saw a flash of metal zoom by. He didn't know if his own attack hit the opponent, there were no screams or curses, just the sound of more movent somewhere in the hazy field. Rozan lost sight of his target, and because he didn't want to give away his own position, there was nothing to gain by rushing, he simply retreated back and waited. It seemed to pay off. Soon a shadow of a man appeared not far from his right, and then suddenly the mist cleared up around the area, forcing him to retreat deeper less position was given away. Lucky for him the jounin was facing away from him, simply standing in the clearing as if daring him to attack.

Were this anyone else the chunnin might have taken the bait, but this wasn't some run of the mill ninja, it was a jounin of Kiri. 'Either he's arrogant, a fool, or this is a trap.' And why wouldn't it be the latter? Rozan was smart enough to use clones when visability was low, who was to say that his opponent wasn't? There was only two questions. How would he go about dealing with the trap, if it was in fact one, and where was the real ninja if this was a clone. 'No need to rush, just think of a plan.' So much like the name of his village, Rozan too remained hidden in the mist.

[Philosophical Discord]

As nothing happened, the mist returned in force to the illuminated area. This was unfortunate for Tadataka that Rozan hadn't taken the bait, but perhaps he could be enticed to take a different one. Tadataka formed another set of hand signs as his own Attack Clone turned to face Tadataka--now hidden in the mist--and took a few steps towards him to be within the radius of his extending arms. It was with a slight smirk forming that Tadataka used this jutsu, yet again.

JutsuShow

Fading Mist Technique
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the correct hand seals, the user can control the transparency of the mist to become much more lucid or clear in certain area for one post. This allows for him to control what is viewable and what is not in his mist. The extent of the control cannot exceed more than half of the mist unless he wants to charge more chakra.

This time, however, the mist dissipated only where Tadataka himself was--still crouching with his hands holding the last seal from the Fading Mist Technique. The plan was simply to find out where his opponent was in his own mist. If not... well then Tadataka would have to go to plan C. Tadataka was an exceptionally smart person and as such his mind automatically formed contingency plans and plans for those plans should they fail. It would seem that Tadataka had left himself unguarded, but would Rozan really fall for this ruse? Tadataka hoped so!

[Red X]

It seems that sitting idly by would not win him the spar, not really surprising when he considered the situation. His opponent had moved again, but this time he was crouched low still holding the seal for whatever jutsu allowed him to clear the mist. He was close the edge, just a few meters behind the veil and even then he had to strain to see him. 'This is just too good, I have to take this.' And take it he would. Normally he'd use his katon jutsu to flush him out and engage him on the run, but given that the entire field was soaked with this mist, he decided agianst it. 'Need to work on more doton type jutsu, maybe a stronger holding technique..'

Going through the motions, Rozan made his seals and brough his hands to the ground, dispersing his chakra as spikes began to raise right under his opponent and in his general area.

doton jutsuShow

*[Earth Element • Earth Spike Creation]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: [Earth Element • Rock Creation Skill]
By using the skills learned in Earth Element • Rock Creation Skill, the user is now able to raise solid stone spikes from the ground after performing a set of hand seals. The user can summon up to six spikes, five feet in height and a foot in width, within ten meters of him or her. If these spikes were to be raised beneath an opponent, it could cause serious, even fatal injuries. This technique is more often used to obstruct the user's opponents, and even to harm them while they are distracted. The speed at which the spikes rise from the ground is three.

[Philosophical Discord]

Think fast!

The mist returned as soon as the first spike appeared directly underneath Tadataka. If he was being honest he hadn't expected an attack from below. Tadataka had hoped for another projectile attack for a better indication of where Rozan was, but alas his wish was not fulfilled. It didn't matter anymore as the spike came up right in between his legs--which gave him the space he needed to jump directly up as his Attack Clone had recognized the spikes come up from the ground. With that recognition the clone whipped his arms forwards to break through the tips of the spikes to leave nothing but flat tops across them for Tadataka to land on before the clone himself was skewered by the final spike and burst into nothing more than a puddle of water.

Well, that was close. Maybe I should actually do something about this...

While up in the air Tadataka began throwing together some hand signs so that--as he landed with a soft clap against the dewy stone--his jutsu would be released. This jutsu changed the mist in a way to thicken the water within itself to make it hard for Rozan to breath without being choked with water.

JutsuShow

*Mist Breathing
B-rank Ninjutsu
While inside the mist, the user will perform the correct seals and clasp their hands to initiate the jutsu. In response, the whole mist will become outstandingly thick with water. The opponent and anyone inside the mist will be able to move normally, but their breathing space will be limited and choked with water.

Tadataka took this as his chance to see how Rozan would react to this new disadvantage. Tadataka was running out of probes and it was nearly time for him to give up on his mist fighting techniques already. His traps seemed to be working against him due to the intelligence of Rozan, and Tadataka did not enjoy being made the fool. In fact, he began preparing for another jutsu, but he would not release it just yet. He was waiting for an opportunity to strike.

[Red X]

'That's it!!!'
Rozan was hoping that he'd react that way, jumping into the air to escape his attack and leaving him unable to dodge effectively. His hands blurred through the motions of one of his most familiar jutsu, one he used since childhood, before shooting four small fireballs from his mouth and tossing two kunai behind them. He wasn't aiming for where he was, no that was a rookie mistake he could not afford to make, instead he aimed for the peak of his jump, hoping that the four slightly scattered balls of fire would stike him in the chest or if not that it would at least make a good cover for the kunai trailing behind two of them.

He wasn't just going to stay still and wait though, instead he kept his eyes on the prize while moving torwards his landing point, which wasn't hard to guess since he went straight up. Curiously he could hear the sloshing of water, and from a quick glance at his spikes he guessed it was a clone that just dispelled, proving him right that the eariler attempt was indeed a trap. With one of his last two kunai in hand, Rozan awaited his decent, praying that the attack would injure him enough to take the win in this little contest.

jutsu usedShow

*Katon • Housenka no Jutsu [Fire Element • Mythical Fire Phoenix Technique]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
Katon • Housenka no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique utilizing the Fire Element. The ninja does the necessary hand seals and then emits a series of small fire balls. The ninja can also hurl a projectile which is covered in these same flames. To the opponent the attack appears to be only the balls of flame, they do not see the hidden threat within the flames. Meaning that even if the flames are put out, the projectiles still converge on the target. The flames can be used to cover different projectiles like shuriken or kunai.

[Philosophical Discord]

This fire attack had foiled all of Tadataka's plans, but with it came a new opportunity. The clone still carried out his actions, and his demise, but instead of landing gracefully and initiating a mist jutsu; Tadataka did something quite different. It was true he began to make seals as he jumped up into the air, but the seals that he made were different than he would have made for this mist jutsu after he saw the thick outlines of the fireballs streaking out towards him. They were coming quickly, and for relatively close range, but there was an advantage in his jump. The jump actually created extra distance for the fireballs to travel which gave Tadataka more time to utilize his jutsu before he reached the apex of his jump.

JutsuShow

*Umbrella Defense
D-Rank Suiton Ninjutsu
After performing a set of seals, the user will be able to create a solid, yet watery defense. Once the seals are performed, the user will spray water created from the inside of their chest through their mouth. Once the water is expelled, it will form sort of an umbrella shape that is concave to the user and about two meters in diameter. This defense can be formed in any direction the user can spit, up to two meters away. Once created, it lasts for three posts before falling lifelessly to the ground.

Tadataka's chest puffed up to precede his mouth following suit before he expelled an umbrella of water roughly two meters in front of himself for the fireballs to splash and fade against, or at least the ones who were within the two meter diameter of the umbrella. The two meters distance also gave him an advantage in dealing with the trailing kunai. Tadataka was falling by this point, but they still posed a good enough threat as after the fireballs struck the umbrella, the kunai continued on towards Tadataka. The best part about how Tadataka stored his weapons was their accessibility.

After preforming the Umbrella Defense jutsu, Tadataka's hands were together on the last seal of the jutsu, and they were right in front of his chest. To deal with the kunai all he had to do was release the seal and grab a kunai in each hand to fend off the kunai that had reached him before landing gracefully upon the--nearly leveled--spike that had come up under him. The kunai he used to deflect Rozan's, however, had explosive tags on them. As they were he was lucky that his deflections didn't hit the tags, but it still worked well enough to come out of that bit unscathed before returning them to their proper places on his flak jacket.

Impressive indeed, but now I know where you are... Right in front of me.

When Tadataka landed he didn't have much time to loiter with Rozan's outline running right for him. With no more time to wait to react--Tadataka took his landing, and continued to bend his knees as he did so, to launch himself in a tucked ball forwards--just in front of the spike that he had landed on--while reaching to his back with his right hand to grab his Wazikashi and unsheathe it as he landed--simultaneously reaching across his midsection while in the tuck to grab a kunai from a pouch on his right leg in case he had to make a quick counter attack when he landed.

These were all quick and impressive movements that normally someone wouldn't be able to accomplish with concern to coordination, but since Tadataka was ambidextrous he could maneuver one had as skillfully as the other in high pressure situations. In truth, most of his concentration went into his left hand reaching across his body as reaching to his back was a very simple action that he had practice with thousands of times.

"You're good. Perhaps even a better fighter than I am. Alas, it is not over quite yet. Think you can impress me further?"

[Red X]

Though Rozan couldn't see his opponents impressive movements, the sound of hissing and later metal striking metal painted a pretty good picture of what transpired. 'Foiled again.' No matter what he threw at the jounin he seemed to have a countermeasure, which was both exciting and annoying. Though his surpise attack had failed he still knew exactly where he would be landing, and if this were anything but a friendly spar Rozan would have prepaired a rather nasty surpise complete with explosive tags and poison, yet the restrictions remained firmly in place.

Needless to say when his opponent landed, Rozan was poised to strike, but the sound of Tadakata's voice halted his movements. Praise. He had not been expecting any sort of complement, so far all he did was wait and bait out movements, most of which had been unsuccessful no matter how clever or sly, but here he was being praised for his skills. If his opponent could see his face in the mist he would have seen a smile, one filled with pride and relief. He could go further, already plans were forming in the young ninja's head for attacking and escaping again, but to win he would be hardpressed since some of those plans involved blowing up quite a bit of landscape.

"I don't know about you, but if we go any further I fear that the restrictions will have to be broken. Best we stop now and work on something else." That's right, he wouldn't acknowledge the praise, it just wasn't how he operated, but Rozan would not forget that he was going toe to toe with a jounin and still holding his own.

[Philosophical Discord]

"If you insist," said Tadataka, sheathing his weapons in their proper places before straitening himself up.

Tadataka wasn't satisfied with his own performance in this tussle, but he would have to punish himself later for his own failures. Knowing jutsu wasn't enough--he would need to better master this different usages of his jutsu before he would dare to spar again. After a moment of silence, however, Tadataka cleared his mind and gave his chin a stroke before glancing up at the sky.

"So, what do you think? Shall we learn something new, or did you tire yourself out," he inquired as only his eyes moved to stare down upon Rozan. His face still remained towards the sky as his free hand came up to the hand that had stroked his chin. When the two met they rubbed together in a devious manner as Tadataka awaited a response from the younger man. He would make sure that the next time they sparred that he wouldn't hold himself back. The young man would at least earn that much after his performance.

[Red X]

Following the other ninja's lead Rozan slipped his kunai back into his holster and stood plainly. He wasn't very tired, nor was his chakra drained too much considering he'd only used about four jutsu through the entire battle. Though it was a brief battle he had learned much from it, mainly that he would need to further develope his earth element if he wanted to stand a chance against suiton users. 'I knew the hidden mist jutsu was formitable, but i never imagined just how much it changes the flow of battle. It would have taken a great deal of fire to burn away all of it, and this is on a good day. I'll need to work more on my tracking and silent engagement, who knows what the other villages have created to copy this.'

"I leave that decision to you. I could continue on, but it would be more for my own benefit than yours i'm afraid. Unless of course, you needed my help with something?"

[Philosophical Discord]

"Well, I'm a big believer in competition. I hope you'll indulge me in a little contest of formulating the best jutsu before the day is over," Tadataka inquired with a shrug of his shoulders and a wave of his hands.

It was not often that he had the chance to stretch his legs with a little tussle before going into training. This clarity he found was the identity of his own weaknesses. Now he knew some of what he needed to improve upon in order to counter a foe that was tactically superior. He also realized that taking things slow and attempting to toy with someone was ill advised at any level.

[Red X]

"Sorry I'd lose that competition, my jutsu trainnig is slow if not unrefined." It was true. He trained with another ninja not to long ago, and the best he could do was finish a jutsu that was already, for the most part thought up and created. He continued to stretch his muscles, it was important to cool down after such activities, even if they hadn't lasted that long.

"So how long have you been a jounin? I think i remember them saying it hadn't been too long, but I'm curious. I've been a chunnin for sometime now, and i'm wondering just what I would have to do in order to advance."

[Philosophical Discord]

"Pity, but I'll bite," Tadataka said as he simply sat on the--now flattened--spike behind him. He rested his elbows on his thighs and interlaced his fingers before looking to Rozan when he began to speak. "You are correct. I am the freshest Jounin in the Hidden Mist. For me, however, I feel it was harder than it should have been. At the same time I understand why the Village was hesitant to promote me. Being a Jounin is more than just having the intellect or skill. That is... a large part of it, yes. But you must have a sense of maturity and sacrifice as well."

After fighting--even though it was a light spar--with Rozan; Tadataka felt at ease when discussing his own personal experiences with someone as talented as he. Tadataka didn't have many close friends, and as such he found it cathartic to open up to various shinobi that he felt could benefit his words. In one had you had a gain of experience, and in the other, you have a relief from sharing your own knowledge.

"You have to complete missions, of course, and be able handle yourself in a fight. You have to prove to everyone who matters that you can help the Village in an important and impactful way. Here's a question, who do you think are the ones that matter?"

[Red X]

The jounin's words made alot of sense, and he could have kicked himself for not thinking of it before. 'Of course they need to trust me, what with having access to more information we all need to be trustworthy.' Rozan knew he was skilled, no one who passed the academy could be weak, that was the whole reason for the fierce design, but he believed that he was above average when it came to his profession.

"That's a strange question, but easy enough to answer. The ones who are important, are those with power, Kiri values little else than that. The civilians give us ninja and merchants who can either bring us power on the battlefield or in the markets. Workers make the goods, merchants employ the workers and sell the goods, while we ninja use those goods and protect them as we sell them for money. The more money we have, the better trained and equipped we are, which basicly means, the more money we have, the more power."

It was almost text book, and though he didn't exactly feel thrilled about what his village was doing, it was the way things were, and he could not change them.

[Philosophical Discord]

"Those with power, eh? Why do you suppose they have power to begin with," Tadataka asked ask he looked into the sky. His hidden mist had fully dissipated and a lonely sun had begun to shine down upon them--as if their conversation was now under a spotlight for all to see. "If money is power, then why do I have the power that I do? I am not a rich man, nor am I a poor man, but yet I get to decide the fates of all the people whom are placed under my command."

[Red X]

"Indeed. Physical power, economic power, and political power. It seems to me that our country values all three, but they also support one another. Those with the economic power, with the most money, are often the ones with the political power. When people have political power it is not hard to see that they either employ or wield physical power to back there own agenda. People with Physical power, as i said are employed by those with economic power, or political power, and through them they gain one or both."

He shifted on the ground, trying to gain some small amount of comfort in the grass, "Do we not follow our Kage because he is strong? If the kage was weak, then Kiri and all of water country would be weak. We only respect the strong, be it physical, economical, or political, but really they are all the same. Why do you fight? Do you truely care so much about the weak that you would put your life on the line to defend them?"

Rozan was curious, for reasons he would not share with his sparring partner. These questions and realizations were not something that just sprang into his mind this very moment, but rather they plauged him for years as he came to realize just what kind of nation it was he served.

[Philosophical Discord]

"Hmm, well, my opinion may not be a popular one but I find the people that you call weak are the strongest among us. They possess little, and yet..." Tadataka paused and his eyes shifted as he stroked his chin before finishing his thought. "And yet, they are willing to place their trust in us. That we will do the right things to protect them. There is a limit to what money can buy. When something you are asked to do interferes with your moral code [Read Ninja Way]; do you accept your duty, or, do you follow what you believe to be right above all else?"

Tadataka interlocked his fingers and rested them in his lap before continuing Rozan's questions.

"Why do I fight," he repeated the question before presuming to answer.

"I was raised to fight. Both of my parents are shinobi. My path was decided for me before I could even walk. I fight because I know nothing else, but yes. I care about the weak. The people who cannot defend themselves are an awful lot like myself," Tadataka smirked softly before continuing his musing. "What I mean by that is that without others I cannot survive. The way I fight is in more conducive to teamwork than solo missions. That's not to say I can't do things on my own, but instead, I excel when it comes to fighting in groups... What I'm saying is that the weak make you strong. If you put forth the effort to defend them; they respect your power just that much more. Thus, if you protect enough of the weak you may never have to fight at all. Your name can precede you no matter where you go and your enemies will run before you like a chicken with their head cut off."

[Red X]

Rozan listned with patience as his superior explained himself and his care for the weak, but to him it was not enough, "I understand what it is you hope to accomplish, but perhaps you simply aren't in a position to fight the tide. The actions of one may well help prevent disaster, but Kiri has been, and for the most part always will be a place steeped in blood. Either you shed it, or let it run from you, either way it will flow and it's stench will never leave."

There was no reason to go into detail, to explain his past experiences, 'He has made up his mind, and made it well. We will just have to see how long or how far that road will take him.'

[Philosophical Discord]

"For someone from a Village surrounded by water; you don't really know how it flows, do you," Tadataka answered with a slight chuckle. "You don't fight the tide; you swim under it altogether."

Tadataka spread his arms out wide in an open gesture as he began to speak again. It was funny, in a way, that these two men could talk together and have such different view points with only a gap of four years in age separating them. It was a wonder that they had gotten along so well when they first met.

"Let me know, then, why do you believe that blood is the only answer--the past aside," he asked with a slight tilt of his head to the side. Tadataka was now curious as to what the younger ninja thought. Granted--technically--they were of the same generation of ninja, but somehow, it felt to him as if they were a generation apart.

[Red X]

"I see. You'll have to excuse me, though this talk of..politics is amusing and insightful, there is much i must do today." It wasn't really that late in the day, but there was plenty of sunlight for him to burn with various errands that needed to be run.
Removing his rear from the floor, Rozan began his stretching as he prepared for the journey homeward.

"If you ever again need a sparring partner, do not hesitate to seek me out. Until then." With that he headed for the ferryman that had brought them to this place.

[Philosophical Discord]

Their conversation was done, but yet their real training had never began. Alas that was the fate of the day, but it was not wasted. Their conversation had been a retrospective for Tadataka as he vocalized his views to the young man before him. It was true that things still needed to be done within the day, and Tadataka was prone to rambling given an audience. Now was the time for him, with the removal of Rozan, to work on his shortcomings so that if they fought again he would certainly put the young man in his place...