Enter the Elite

[Izanagi]

Time was ticking down and Shigeko knew she only had 7 months to achieve the rank of Chunin if she were to meet her mother’s expectations. She had squandered years of training, isolated and fighting off her own depression after her father’s disappearance. But no more, there was no telling how strong her Genin rival had gotten by now and if she didn’t keep up then she would be killed in the Chunin exams. She had no idea who her rival even was now, as previously it had been an Aisu girl but upon becoming too friendly with her rival Shigeko’s mother had petitioned for a new, more powerful rival to be assigned to her. Knowing her mother it would surely be someone more physical, probably a Kaguya or a Toukai, maybe even one of the renowned and fearsome Karagata. Whoever it was, Shigeku’s ninjutsu would have to be exceptional and even physically she would have to pick up some slack in order to evade a taijutsu user more effectively.

With this in mind she dressed herself in a simple training outfit, a sleeveless black bodysuit that clung tightly to her slender body. Her ocean blue hair was tied up off her shoulders while her bangs parted down the middle and covered her ears. A black-clothed forehead protector with the Kirigakure symbol helped keep the hair out of her soft yellow eyes. She approached one of the larger and more prestigious training grounds within the 1st ring, the center of the village where she had lived all of her life. The streets here were clean, the roads cobbled and pristine and even the mist was notably thinner than in the outer walls. The air felt crisp and fresh. There was no vagrants or crime to speak of in this region, all clan and main family members lived within this district, closed off to any commoners from the merchant class or even the run-of-the-mill shinobi that made up the bulk of Kirigakure’s forces. Perhaps if she wasn’t able to find suitable peers to train with she would resort to common shinobi, but her first choice was always to associate with only the best the village had to offer.

Entering the large, well-lit training facility she made her way to the main hallway that led to several different state-of-the-art training arenas. These rooms were created specifically to practice training in foreign environments to better prepare nobles for war. A desert room, a forest, a cold tundra, a mountainous terrain and even an ocean. Each room was about 50x50 meters wide and 30 meters high. The walls were reinforced with fuinjutsu, making them nearly impenetrable and each room was properly climate controlled and maintained.

Shigeko stood in the wide hallway, noticing a few other people and even some small groups forming up. Team matches were common here and there were even various leaderboards for tracking wins under various conditions and formats. Unfortunately, it had been years since Shigeko had been able to work together with her friends, and only recently had she been able to get out from under her mother’s thumb and start training publicly again. The thirteen-year-old Jouchaku girl looked about nervously as she felt some eyes upon her. How was she supposed to just walk up and find a group to join? She recognized a few people from the academy but there were none of her closer friends. What was she thinking not reaching out to her old Aisu rival or the boy from the Shiimu family that she used to get along with.

Breathing slowly to calm her nerves she flowed her chakra through her body. There was a way, maybe. She wasn’t sure if she quite had the fine level of control needed to differentiate heartbeats but if she focused she knew she could utilize her proficiency in Chiton and her aptitude as a sensory kunoichi to feel sources of blood around her. Maybe, if she focused hard enough she could determine how much blood was pumping through their hearts and determine if there was anyone else that was similarly nervous and feeling out of place. She had never been particularly good at reading body language and social cues, so it seemed the best option given her skillset. And it was a convenient way to train a little bit on honing her chakra control while she decided who she would challenge or if she could join a team match.

Jutsu UsedShow

[Sensory Style • Blood Sense]
C-rank Ninjutsu
The user will do a series of hand seals or channel chakra, releasing waves of chakra out of their hands. This chakra will interact with any blood sources within 50 meters of the user, no matter how faint. The user will be able to detect heartbeats within 25 meters with pinpoint precision and gain an awareness of any other sources of blood, able to distinguish between sources and determine their general direction and quantity. This awareness will last for 7 posts.

748/500 Control Training +1 Stat

[Kabu]

For reasons unknown to her Ryoko had grown up amongst Kirigakure's upper crust, afforded certain privileges due to her status. She had learned some time ago that her 'mother' had been born amongst the commoners but at some point during her several centuries of life had ascended to the ranks of nobility. Unfortunately if anyone were to ask she wouldn’t know how or why, the woman having more or less evaded the question when she asked. She hadn't asked again after that, instead just being happy that she was able to grow up comfortably rather than having to struggle like so many others. The streets were clean and life was generally pleasant enough so she had nothing really to complain about.

Nonetheless she knew that she couldn’t afford to get complacent. She needed to work hard so as not to disappoint her mother or bring shame upon her legacy, whatever it was. With that, today was a day for training, the young girl having decided to start her regiment by dashing full speed towards the training center. She had learned full well by now that she wasn’t flesh and blood like most of her peers but it had been thoroughly drilled into her that keeping in peak physical condition was very important even with her body being made of lightning. Her mother did her best to raise her as a normal girl even in spite of her condition.

And so she ran, at first moving at a steady jog so as to preserve her energy for potential bursts of speed later on, keeping her mother's lessons in mind. ”Mom always says it’s best to start off slow. She always says you can’t as easily measure the progress you’ve made if you start off at full tilt.” she cheerfully muttered to herself, her mutterings earning her a few strange looks as she passed by.

She was however fully focused on the task at hand and so paid them no mind, increasing her pace just a little as she passed by a crowd of onlookers, taking a couple deep breaths as she did. It wasn’t a particularly necessary act but something about it helped to calm her and keep her focused.

Soon her destination began to come into view on the horizon and she sped up once more, gradually increasing her pace until she was finally moving at a run. As she did she couldn’t help but realize that her footsteps were feeling lighter and less of a push being needed to increase her pace. It wasn’t much of a difference and perhaps it wouldn’t be noticed by onlookers but she herself could tell it was definitely an improvement from when she had set out. It had certainly been worth making this into a bit of a workout, though for today this would only be the beginning.

She once more slowed her pace as she approached the training center, slowing to a walk as she entered the building.

Upon entering she couldn’t help but tilt her head in confusion, her gaze being drawn towards a nervous looking girl. It seemed that she was here alone, much like herself. Perhaps she was looking for a training partner? Well, there was only one way to find out…

Without a moment’s hesitation she walked over towards the girl. ”Hey there!” she cheerfully spoke out without even waiting for the girl to notice her, her lips turned up into a small smile. ”Whatcha’ doin?”

578/500 words Speed+1

[WrightJustice]

Nishiki wasn't typically one for being fussy about his surroundings however he had came to the decision it was time for some pristine, clear, action and also a place of pure concentration and so he had found himself heading for the top notch inner ring training grounds. The Tsukino needed to truly learn from his fight with Fuhen and was in a relentless training type mood.

Truthfully his training had already began has he moved through the grand and mighty inner streets on his way to the grounds; Yoshimitsu was having quite the joyous grand time having a sort of ragefest within his host's mind, essentially going all out berserk whilst the man tried to remain calm and focused.
"DIE DIE DIE, LET ME OUT, YOU PATHETIC MAGGOT!" the beast bellowed on and on internally as Nishiki tried to remember the way he was going whilst keeping it all in check.

If he were to be honest it wasn't too far beyond anything he wasn't basically used to as of yet, though it was going to start droning on and on and once the beautifully dressed fox finally stepped into the grounds it did start to hurt a bit as the requirements to focus began to build.
The graceful flow of his kimono ended with a flutter as he stepped into the main hall and came to halt not too far from a pair of younger girls, his tails twitching restlessly as he glanced around and tried to take in his surroundings in full with his foxy ears flickering at ever sound and vibration.

It had been awhile since Nishiki had used these facilities so he would have to regain his bearings and figure out which way lead where, though in a way that was a very useful bit of distraction as he focused to remaining calm and not breaking down in confusion.
"STUPID LOSER! YOU'RE NOT BETTER THAN ME!" continued to scream Yoshmitsu as he surged with more power, further pushing the man's mental capacity to its limits as he tried to look around and ascertain which room was which.
"Mountains... Dessert... Ocean..." the bannin began thinking out loud as he asserted his will internally over the beast within.
As he scanned each room he focused on what he could pick up vibration wise and how many people may be inside and what they were doing, piling more concentration and mental endurance on his mind.
"Wait... Mountains?" he then question, forming a grin as that seemed like a good place to train one's willpower but then again so did the dessert "Hmm..." he then pondered some more as he actually began to feel the strain of his thoughts thanks to Yoshi.
"Girls what do you think?" he then just randomly called out to the younger genin he had been standing near, though he seemed to fail to explain what he was asking.

The bannin stared ponderously for a good moment before realising that they had no clue what he would be after.
"For strengthening one's willpower I mean, like what seems best? Cold or Heat?" he finally explained, asking further as he still yet continued to push back against the genma's constant death threats and other boisterous activities within his mentalscape.

SpoilerShow

Willpower training 542/500

[Izanagi]

Shigeko was considering her options, after her recent encounters with Kaguya li she was hoping to avoid those that looked like they favored taijutsu. She had been embarrassed enough as it was, it was nearly enough that she felt the need to improve her physical ability. Biting her lip she shook her head slightly, no there was nothing wrong with her. She would excel in her own way, there was no need to be skilled at throwing around knives or punching people when she could manipulate the blood of her enemies or boil them alive. The next time she saw Li, she would make him beg for mercy. The feeling of being weak was despicable. But which group of these people would be best to train with, someone challenging enough to not be a waste of time but not so strong that they would humiliate her.

Despite being able to feel the very blood coursing through all their veins, she wasn’t getting very much helpful feedback. It seemed she would need to further refine her skills if she were to learn how to read any meaningful information from the way their blood moved. However, what caught her completely off guard was the sudden appearance of a young girl next to her. Shigeko jumped slightly, letting out a sudden squeak of surprise which was followed by an embarrassed blush. But that color faded almost as fast as it appeared as she realized with certainty now that the girl before her did not have any blood running through her body. This was the third time she had encountered such a person in the same week. She knew Kirigakure shinobi were deadly of course but she hadn’t expected so many true monsters among her. Had she been that naïve to never notice such people while she attended the academy? She supposed her blood sensory skill was relatively new to her, but it was a sobering thought that many people might not realize how many inhuman’s walked among them.

But this girl seemed friendly enough, and the fact that she was here in this facility meant she was an equal. Or at least close enough to be civil toward. “Oh my, sorry. You startled me. I must have been too distracted thinking about which arena to choose” she explained as she nervously tucked a lock of her blue hair behind her ear. And then she noticed that the girl seemed to be alone, perhaps a kindred spirit, looking for a temporary team or sparring partner. “Say, would you like to train together?” she offered as the idea suddenly came to mind. “My name is Jouchaku Shigeko; Genin” she introduced. It was often redundant to state which family she was bled to, after all every Jouchaku she had ever known was loyal to the Shiimu family.

But then her attention shifted suddenly as an attractive pink-haired man entered the room. And how could one not gravitate their attention toward such a well-dressed and flamboyant person. Every girl her age knew who this man was, easily one of the most famous and adored celebrities in Kirigakure. “That’s…” she began, star-struck as she gestured toward the man, nudging the girl next to her to get her attention. “Tsukino Nishiki” she uttered in awe before looking away abruptly when the man looked in their direction and then actually seemed to be talking to them. She couldn’t believe that a Bannin would ever notice her, even for something trivial. And not only that but also one of the villages revered Jinchuuriki. It almost felt disrespectful that someone as insignificant as her was sensing his magnificently pure blood. She cancelled her jutsu at once and had to blink a few times to focus back on the reality that he did in fact ask them for their opinion. “Umm, heat. Definitely! We were just saying we wanted to see a desert. I’ve never actually been in that room before!” she answered, beginning to ramble on a bit before she caught herself. When a superior asked a question it was best to be direct and concise, that was something her mother had taught her. Feeling rather embarrassed and award now, she looked back to the girl next to her, trying to take the focus off of herself. “What do you say? I’m not sure I’m dressed for it but it would be a good reason to practice my suiton jutsu” she considered, wondering if the other girl had any preferences. Shigeko was already beginning to practice chanelling suiton chakra, gathering a few drops hovering above her fingers. She wasn’t sure what jutsu she specifically wanted to develop but even just manifesting suiton at all under a desert environment would take some notable skill and chakra control. That was the sort of training she needed to push herself to the next level and hone her talents further.


248+814= 1062/500 Control Training + 2 Stats
62/500 next stat

[Sia]

The Muramasa cousins had been in the grounds all along, sitting there silently in the corner under the guise of their invisibility. They were motionless, and merely watched and observed for a long time. They saw Shigeko enter, and though they exchanged glances habitually, they couldn't even see each other so it hardly mattered, but they knew they had done it, they were used to working with each other in such ways by now. Hisayo and Kayoko sat in the corner of the training grounds under the effects of the ghost kaguya senbon and further watched as Shigeko was surprised and embarrassed at the sudden appearance of Ryoko beside them whilst they were apparently lost in thought. Hisayo had to stop herself from audibly chuckling as did Kayoko, but otherwise the two of them merely continued to watch from their vantage point with interest.

Then entered Nishiki, a notorious Kirigakure Bannin and one of the two jinchuuriki. This one they hadn't interacted with much other than a few meetings and training bouts together as members of the seven swordsmen, but Maido had regaled a story to them once about a hot spring or such during a nice little festival at the beach. Or something like that. Hisayo couldn't quite remember how she had told it, and neither could Kayoko, but they both remained silent and neither of the two of them told the other that they couldn't quite remember how the story had gone. Hisayo rose, slowly, squeezing Kayoko's hand that she had been holding and causing Kayoko to began to transform. A small surge of chakra enveloped Kayoko's invisible body, transforming her into a rather decently sized claymore. Hisayo moved very slowly, making absolutely no sound as she walked around the perimeter of the grounds, circling around the lot of them and slowly closing the distance over time, before Hisayo stepped quite plainly behind Nishiki whilst invisible and whispered into his ear.

"Definitely Heat."

She said before immediately silently jumping backwards in case her sudden voice in the Bannin's ear caused him to attack in her direction. She wasn't sure it would work, but she had tried her best to sneak up on them and give them a bit of a startle, though gave a big whiff to Nishiki's scent and began to really take him in. As she backpedaled invisibly, she began to pick up on the scents of Shigeko and Ryoko as well, and began to differentiate the three of them as separate scents from the rest of the training grounds.




Hisayo Used:
[Quiescence]
S-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
The user has learned to move in total silence, and does not produce any sound when moving through any means. They cannot be heard unless a person listening for them has a specialized hearing technique of equal or higher rank.

[Chemosensory]
S-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
The user has achieved exceptional proficiency in identifying and interpreting different tastes and scents, and can recall previously encountered tastes and scents with remarkable accuracy from a mental catalogue of sources. This allows the user to detect trace amounts of scent even from minute sources, such as from a blade of grass that touched the leg of a fleeing target, from old footprints, or traces of scent on the wind over great distances. Additionally, the user's knowledge of scents and tastes allows them to accurately determine the origin and age of a source, and with multiple sources can effectively determine a direction and speed of travel.

Kayoko Used:

Doton: Claymore
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
After channeling, Kayako will change her body into that of a claymore sword over the course of a post), up to 30 meters long with a 20 centimeter guard, her core being the handle, covered in a thin layer of stone. This will last until she changes shape through another jutsu.

@ 30 meters in length

[Mre-face]

Mondai had received a letter from the swordsman informing him of a potential training with a swordsman in a noble area... Immediately that was almost enough for Mondai to turn down, he knew what kind of looks he would be getting he didn't belong, but Mondai was done with hiding who he was at least for the most part he would still talk with respect when nobles were around but with those who knew him, it was a different story.

Regardless, he couldn't let all the swordsman and daggers run past him as he stayed idle twice he was humiliated by Shinjiro, and now he was officially the weakest swordsman and that stung Mondai's pride more than anything else. All of his work just to be handed a title with little resistance and be crowned as weakest on top of that, but as much as it stung it also ignited Mondai's fire the fire that made him want to climb it was back and stronger than ever. He would be damned if his father would see him like this, it was time to climb until his bones ached and his fingertips were to give. He needed to climb out of being the weakest one or die trying.

As Mondai walked in with his relaxed posture, he could feel the air change his kind wasn't welcome here, but on one hand, it made Mondai grin as he realized that they were under his whim not that he was a swordsman and permitted to wander these grounds. Special request or not, they couldn't force him out even if they wanted to.

As Mondai reached the massive facility, Mondai entered the room that housed where he spotted Nishiki with a gaggle of girls not wanting to bother the Tsukino and the snobs. Mondai would prepare for the training by drilling a few techniques and possibly learning a new one, it was good practice and warmed up the body for the coming training. There was one bannin and jinchuriki and unbeknownst to Mondai another two swords and swordsman or swordswoman rather. One being a literal sword, it was rather confusing.

Regardless, as the weakest swordsman Mondai couldn't afford to relax he needed to stay sharp akin to that of a sword.

Mondai drew out his blade and went into "Ochs" as he drew his Falchion activating its two-handed mode whilst his shield and massive great sword were strapped to his back. As Mondai's then exploded forward in a perfectly straight line, thrusting forwards with impeccable technique, ensuring it would be near invisible if looked directly at. Mondai then tried the same technique yet again, this time removing his shield and performing a manufactured "Ochs" ward with his shield and lunged forwards, replicating the same technique. Curved swords made for fantastic cutters, especially fachions but knowing how to thrust effectively was priceless it was a devastating move if the situation called for it.

488/460 words and jutsu trainedShow

Perfect thrust!
B-rank Taijutsu maneuver
After training how to thrust with his swords, he has learned how to completely take advantage of how humans see. By going in a completely straight manner no matter the angle, the person will not see the attack unless their instinct is equal to or higher than Mondai's taijutsu.

[Kabu]

Ryoko tilted her head as Shigeko addressed her, taking notice that her presence seemed to have rather startled the girl. Oh well, she had appeared to be rather distracted when she had come in. Besides... it was honestly rather cute.

In any case she was about to respond when suddenly a rather pretty and boisterous... fox man entered the room. "Hmm? Tsukino... Nishiki. That name sounds familiar...." she quietly responded to Shigeko, all the while wracking her brains in an attempt to recall where she had heard that name before. She knew this man was important, that much was clear just from her new friend's reactions. Unfortunately she didn't quite share the same level of awe and excitement, at least not for the same reasons. As Nishiki got closer her gaze was drawn elsewhere... the man's fox tails just looked so fluffy and she wanted to pet them so badly.

"Ahhh yeah, the desert sounds good. I've only been here once or twice with mom and have never been in that room before." Ryoko responded, looking away from Nishiki's tails and over towards Shigeko as she asked for her opinion. It was the truth, though she also was admittedly curious on what kind of effect the extra levels of heat would have on her.

It was at that moment that it clicked that there was something important she was still forgetting to do. "Ah right, I haven't introduced myself! I'm Nakiya Ryoko! It's a pleasure to meet the both of you." she suddenly loudly spoke up, perhaps a bit too loudly as people turned to stare towards the sudden loud voice,. "Uhhh oops. Mom does always tell me to try and keep my volume in check" she blushed in embarrassment, her cheeks seeming to briefly spark with electricity rather than turning red as they might with a normal person.

[WrightJustice]

One of the girls suggested heat which made sense to Nishiki once he thought about it for a moment, though in that very moment a sly creeping figure prowled its way round in an ambient silence before approaching from behind with but a whisper to cement the idea further all whilst maintaining her invisibility.
The almost twin-like Muramasa girls were quite skilful and proved to be rather unnerving as the Tsukino barely felt any vibrations that stood out against the norm thanks to the silent approach, though he remained focused and steeled himself in order to repel all feelings of anything like fear or surprise as he took in what was said and who spoke it.
"Yes, heat does sound best" he simply replied "Thank you both" he then happily added, lightly nodding to the giddy girl and to the seemingly empty space he presumed the younger of the two cousins stood though he was certain the elder was around in some fashion, perhaps transformed or simply withholding her presence.

The other girl then also quite suddenly blurted out an introduction which truly reverberated through the fox-man's ears but given the situation, in a way, it was quite welcome as he pushed to ignore any pain or deafening with a great show of his willpower all whilst still trying to ignore to outbursts of torment from within.
"Ah, yes!" he spoke as if reminded himself "Nishiki, bled for the family Muramasa, born of the house Tsukino, Jinchuriki host of Yoshimitsu no Etaigenma the Phantom Beast of Elements" he then gracefully spoke to everyone, giving a light bow to the girls.
With pleasantries expressed he then turned towards the path leading towards the desert room but just before leaving he glanced back at the group and spoke once more.
"I suppose I shall be off to the desert room then but perhaps our training can somehow intermingle, I could do with further pressure and distractions" he was brief but rather pleasant with his invitation before marching off with grandeur as his fluffy tails seemed to dance enticingly with each step and his small elemental dolls danced excitedly around his head.

As Nishiki stepped into the dry, dry, hot desert he could instantly feel just how different it was to the usual moist Kirigakure air; raising his arms he felt the scorching heat slamming across his body and he knew it would be perfect as it was completely against his norm.
With a few more steps the bannin came across a small boulder in the sand that seemed perfect to sit on with its uncomfy pointedness and all the heat radiating off it.
"Perfect" he muttered as he leapt atop it and sat cross legged, feeling the pain of the rock and heat as he mentally subdued both all whilst pondering how others sat in a such way on a regular basis and pushing away the urge to correct into his regular sitting position with his knees pulled to his chest.

It seemed there was a couple of other further out in the sandy landscape but they were barely a presence and not putting pressure on his training like he hoped the others might, though it was fascinating to thinking about the capabilities they had to provide such a room and how expensive it must be to maintain and yet he mustn't and so another thing was once again willed away.
That being said a small thought came to him as he watched out for his new companions "Wait... Was that Mondai?" he quietly pondered to himself, having not focused on the man training with a sword earlier.

SpoilerShow

606/500 Words - Willpower +1

[Izanagi]

Shigeko smiled as her new friend introduced herself, she was a cute girl but definitely younger than her. Still, it was always worth expanding one’s social horizons. One never knew what connections others had and how their influence and esteem might benefit one another. The Jouchaku kept a dignified look about her as Ryoko stated her name. A flicker of intrigue crossed Shigeko’s pale yellow eyes. She supposed it was her own failing for not stating the family she was bled to, thus setting the tone for Ryoko. But curiosity nagged at her, unlike clan members it wasn’t so obvious who others were bled to, with the exception of those loyal to the Kawazaiwa and the red markings they bore. Though typically there were some tells even with other family pledges, perhaps a kraken tattoo, or a pinky finger ring. But Ryoko bore nothing of the sort, leaving her an enigma. “A pleasure” Shigeko stated, smiling and dipping her head politely, but behind her eyes her mind raced trying to discern this mystery girl.

Nishiki thanked them and Shigeko quickly diminished her contribution, “No, no. It was nothing” she said, almost out of reflex, before quirking her head upon realizing there truly was an invisible person among them. Shinobi of Kirigakure certainly didn’t disappoint. They were known as the village that produced the greatest assassins in the world for a reason after all. “I want to learn that” she muttered to herself, almost pouting as her eyes darted around trying to discern any discrepancy in the environment; to no avail. Perhaps one day she could be an elite hunter, but that would surely require some focus on taijutsu. In the meantime, she hoped to be able to overcome any deficits with ninjutsu alone. And as such she continued to hone her chakra as if flexing a muscle.

Even as Nishiki spoke, Shigeko continued to manifest chakra at various focal points, gathering it as quickly as possible before diminishing it and flowing chakra somewhere else instead. She would focus on her own body first, her feet, hands, then the nape of her neck, her chest, and then repeat in varying sequences. The idea was to be able to reflexively channel chakra to the point she hardly had to consciously think about it. “We’ll do our best to support you Nishiki-sama” Shigeko insisted as she intertwined her arm with Ryoko’s and guided her along. “What an amazing opportunity, to train alongside a Bannin!” she whispered to the other girl.

One inside the room, Shigeko would release her newfound friend’s arm. “Well, would you like to spar?” she wondered. Whether or not Ryoko wanted to spar or simply practice their skills, Shigeko felt it would be good training to attempt to create mist in such an environment. “I’m not even sure if I can fight here properly…” she considered, before going into a series of hand seals. Her chakra would surge as she began to gather Suiton chakra and seep it into the air around her. It certainly felt more draining already, and as the droplets of moisture began to form before they could get truly thick and cumbersome the mist already began to thin, creating little more than a thin vapor around them. The woman sighed, feeling rather defeated. “I need more practice. Can’t even form the hidden mist jutsu in here” she admitted. Granted she had only learned the jutsu a few weeks ago so it was no real surprise that it would be much harder to perform in such an environment.

43+591= 633/500 Control Training
133/ 500 next stat