Chuunin Exam: Preparing For Battle!

[Diatenshi]

It had been a long voyage, a month at sea as Ryōshi and crew made way towards the chuunin exams. They'd sailed south along the coastline of tea country, their jolly roger tactfully stowed away so as to not draw alarm or attention. It was just after midday the sun high in the sky and not even the salty winds from the ocean abated its sweltering heat. Entrusted with the young samurai who'd joined his crew as their cook, Kaisui knew he had an obligation to train and build up the young Kuma. Lest he be recalled for putting on a disgraceful display at the chuunin exams and giving a poor impression of the new nation's youths.

The giant glanced at the water as the waves lapped, reflecting the harsh rays of light from the sun above. He spotted a shorebird dive into the water then resurface, lunch procured in its gullet. His eye followed the bird back to shore and the sandy beaches beyond, as a brilliant idea crossed his mind. It would be two birds with one stone. Tossing his tricorn to the crab, he dropped his jacket and let out a sigh of relief. He'd been on the verge of heat stroke in that blasted thing. Then he took another look at Kani-san and remembered why he wore it. Sure he could tan, but too much sun would still leave him as red as the lobster in front of him.

He called for the crew to weigh anchor. He informed the crab of his plans and had him ready a life boat just in case. "Kuma front and center lad it's time to train. I give you one warning leave yer sword and robes in yer room." As humorous as it would be to see the young lad try to swim to shore in his clothes it would be far too dangerous. When the lad finally arrived, Kaisui would give him a mischievous smile. He'd place his hand on the lads back as they walked to the rail of the ship looking towards the shore. "You're gonna train in two things today. Keeping that anger of yours in check and building up your stamina for the chuunin exams. I hope you remember your lessons on swimming!"

Without giving the boy time to question what he said, Kaisui would give the boy a solid shove over the rail of the ship. After hearing a loud splash from below, Kaisui himself would flip off the deck and dive into the salty waves. Graceful as a flying fish, he'd breach the water his body instantly feeling refreshed. The water reaching his gills left him feeling at home. Even being on a ship wasn't quite as good as actually being in the ocean itself. "Alright lad, gather yerself we're swimming to shore. Do your best to keep up or I'll swim laps around you as I wait." Kaisui would take off his large powerful muscles propelling him forward. His webbed toes acted like flippers as his legs kicked leaving the young samurai behind him.

Taking a pause he'd launch himself into the air like a fish leaping at a bug, he'd see the young Kuma far behind him. With a splash he'd crash back down into the waves and swim back. His one eye open peering into the depths, his extra eyelid protecting him from the sting of the salty water. Swimming in the ocean could be dangerous if one wasn't staying aware of what else might be swimming with you. Passing by the life boat Kaisui would once more turn around heading back towards the shore. As he passed the young man once more he grin. "On your left!" Before taking off towards the shore.

Breaching the waves the giant would stumble out of the surf his feet leaving gouges in the wet sand as he head up on to the dunes. As he stepped onto the soft white sand it'd burn his bare feet a bit. It certainly wasn't a pleasant feeling but running on the wet sand wouldn't be as effective for training the young samurai. Panting from exertion he took a deep breath of the salty sea air, the gentle breeze blowing against his sea soaked body was a pleasant reprieve from the heat of the blistering sun overhead. He plopped his but down onto the sand as he waited for Kuma to catch up. This swim was just the warm up. The next couple trials would be even harder.

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Endurance x1 755/750 (chuunin exam discount)