Haziwara, Youji

[Archives]

Username: Izanagi
Ryo: 28/510
Prestige Perks: 5/5 [Heirloom, [Scaled Accountant], [Scaled Connections], [Scaled Cultivate], [Scaled Professor]

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Haziwara Youji
Harukatsu Yozei

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General Information Age: 25
Gender: Male
Height: 5’10
Weight: 145lbs
Physical Features:

• Face/head: Youji prefers to grow his hair to a mid-length, sporting a messy look. The coloration of his hair is auburn at its base with distinct earthy tones, having lost much of the luster from his youth. His face is quite handsome, though often appearing sullen and withdrawn. He has a strong facial structure, with somewhat sunken cheeks and a strong jawline. His eyes are pale blue, having seemed to dim somewhat after months of torture. Despite this, his eyes convey a sense of power and responsibility.
• Body: Youji is moderately tall and notably underweight. Nonetheless, his lean frame has retained an athletic disposition. His skin clings tightly to dense, functional muscle, maintaining well-defined abdominals and lean but defined arms and legs. His skin is tough, almost leathery after having endured countless burns that were healed time and time again creating a thick, densely layered skin.
• Notable Features:Youji's most notable features are his eyes. They are determined and yet haunted, carrying a great weight from his experiences, though one that he now bears proudly. Additionally, he is known to twitch subconsciously, sometimes recoiling as if in pain, or being easily startled from sudden stimuli.

Clothing/Accessories: Youji often wears drab clothing when going about his day-to-day business, preferring to blend in with simple brown or black tunics. But that isn't to say he doesn't still appreciate rare fineries. He is capable of easily pulling off formal attire, including suits, kimono, or haori and hakama combinations. While he still favors colour palettes of red and gold he rarely wears formal clothing of such designs for fear of being recognized as a Prince of Fire country. Instead, he will defer to Akari Kotaru's judgment for more formal clothing choices. Lastly, the man often wears a ruddy brown bracelet crafted from Mokuton, a reminder of his former girlfriend Hiraku Suzume. A matching green bracelet representing his old life is kept locked away at the home of Akari Kotaru where Youji also resides.

Picture:

Personality:

• General: Youji is a very withdrawn, focused individual. He enjoys strategies and out-thinking others as well as genuinely connecting with others, though his experiences have made him more guarded and less likely to smile to joke about as he used to be known for. Though often he does slip into whatever role is expected of him, he is a naturally caring and understanding person. Bound by a sense of devotion to Akari Kotaru, he strives to prove himself as the man's equal and earn his complete trust and friendship.
  
  Despite being a prince of Fire country, Youji has abandoned his former life as Harukatsu Yozei. He doesn't hate the people of Fire Country or his former konoha comrades but he does resent them, feeling abandoned and never understood. He associates Konoha with pain, despair, and regret and Iwagakure with strength, pride, and glory. In his mind, Konoha is built on lies and platitudes, where everyone pretends to be something they are not, but Iwagakure is a place where one can be honest and true to themselves, and live their life with true purpose and conviction.
  
  While Youji is generally kind, when pushed there lies within a certain ruthlessness that emerges, influenced by the Dark Prince that manifests itself both physically and through in his dreams. This alter ego encourages his ambition, feeding him ideas of continuing to gain power and influence until he sits on the throne as Daimyo of Fire country. Instead of suppressing these thoughts, Youji has embraced them, dreaming of the day he can reclaim his former identity and rule over Fire country.
• Hopes/Dreams: Since being captured by Iwagakure, Yozei has focused on proving his loyalty to Kotaru and the Tsuchikage and gaining more personal strength for himself. As the rightful 6th Prince of Fire country, it is in his blood to rule and he yearns to become Daimyo and remove his competition for the throne. It is his hope that he can save Konoha from bloodshed by ruling over the country legally and forming a partnership between Fire and Earth.
• Fears: Youji fears the damage Iwagakure could do to his homeland of Fire country. He still feels a loyalty to his people in the sense of mitigating any harm to them, but so too does he fear disobeying Kotaru and gaining the ire of Iwagakure Ultimately, he has come to accept Iwagakure's strength and wishes to resolve conflict between Earth and Fireas swiftly as possible, crushing any resistance and ruling with an Iron Fist.
• Combat Mentality:When engaged in combat Youji prefers to keep at a distance, utilizing keen strategy and observation skills in order to gain the upper hand. When he does attack it is swift and efficient, sometimes implementing short bursts of overwhelming force or other times taking down a foe with subtly and precision. Whatever the attack method the prince tends to favor Katon and Doton ninjutsu and will attempt to conserve his chakra and make every move count. Only against overwhelming odds will he fully go all out and unleash large-scale destructive techniques to quickly create his own controlled chaos over a battlefield.

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Battle Information Village: Shittenou-Ji Ryu/Konoha Iwagakure
Rank: Chunin

Stats: (56/75)

• Chakra Pool: 36
• Endurance: 25
• Control: 50
• Strength: 25
• Speed: 45
• Willpower: 25
  Power Rank: S

Equipment:
Left Hip:
The Sword of the Yamabushi
This sacred Katana has been passed down through the Harukatsu family for generations. Named after an ancient monk tribe that forged the blade and utilized it to suppress spirits, this Katana has become an heirloom of fire country nobility. As the first descendant of the Harukatsu family to become a shinobi, this sword was presented to Yozei shortly after becoming a Chunin. The blade is 30 inches long with a 12-inch handle and stored in a deep red sheath adorned in ornate gold markings. Having harmonized with Yozei’s chakra the blade's unique properties have become available to him to utilize. Both the Saya (Sheath) of the weapon and the blade itself have a unique effect.

Any Spirit that touches the Saya directly will find their will bound to the user for the course of the thread (up to S-Rank) Grand Spirits. If a spirit has a control stat higher than 40 it can resist these effects. If this is a summoned spirit Yozei will take on the cost of the passive chakra drain, additionally, the original summoner may de-summon the spirit if their control stat is equal to or higher than Yozei’s. If Yozei is able to take command of a spirit he can banish them at will from the material plane. Spirits with higher control will simply feel their conviction falter and be less inclined to fight the wielder of this sword.

Any Spirit that directly touches the sword itself will be able to be harmed even if they don’t have a physical form and dispelled if their control stat is 24 or less. Any being with spiritual energy will feel excruciating pain from even a light touch. Jinchurriki who are struck by the sword will have their form reduced by 1 each time they make contact with the sword and can not move up in form again for 3 posts afterward. (140 Point Heirloom Weapon)

Raiugiri
A 36 inch long Katana with a 10 inch hilt, blade itself is chakra sensitive and bears a pattern very much akin to flowing water, as if the steel itself was still moving despite being cooled and forged. This is due to being made of Damascus steel. The Tsuba is decorated with many lightning bolts, and the ring itself extends out 4 inches. The Tsuka of the blade is made of manta ray skin and wrapped in black silk, with a kashira designed to look like a wind swirl. The sheath is also decorated with multiple lightning bolts and wind swirls along the entirety of it's black coating.

By channeling chakra into it the blade, the user may activate its special properties. Should the blade of this weapon make contact with the flesh of a living creature, the weapon will release a discharge of lightning into the target's body, causing the area around the slash or stab to become paralyzed as if they were hit by an A rank Raiton technique.

Right Thigh:
Kunai Holster
-10 kunai
-10 Shuriken
-3 Exploding tags

Hip Pouch:
-10 exploding tagged kunai
-1 flash grenade
-1 smoke grenade

Companions: (0/1)
Affinity: Katon

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Abilities and Concentrations

Abilities
First Ability	The Dark Prince While hunting Spirits during the Sunagakure outbreak Yozei was unknowingly cursed by an ancient spirit, part of its chakra merging with his own and laying dormant within him for over a year. Either at will or whenever Yozei finds himself in a critical situation, suffering extreme injury, stress or emotional turmoil this chakra will consume him causing his skin to darken as his skin seems to crack, these lines glowing with the appearance of flames as his eyes too glow like flames. His chakra color will change to black with a red outline which undulates like flames. When entering this form Yozei loses 5 Endurance for the duration of the thread, not to be stacked if he was to enter the form more than once. This grants him Regeneration based on his control. Additionally, he will be able to manifest a long bladed chain composed of dense black chakra with the same red outer aura. This chain can manifest from either one of his arms, wrapping around his forearm and able to extend up to 25 meters in length. At the tip of the chain is a pointed blade 8 inches in length. The durability, Strength and Speed of this chain is equal to Yozei’s control, capable of manipulating the chain with his chakra. While in this form Yozei will lose access the the [Sword Weapons] Concentration and instead be able to utilize techniques requiring the [Chain Weapons] Concentration, able to perform taijutsu with this weapon while utilizing chakra to manipulate it. Yozei can remain in this form for a maximum of 8 posts after which there is a 2 post cooldown before he can enter it again. While in this form Yozei’s personality shifts, removing any sense of emotional attachment or empathy as his actions become more ruthless and detached in nature.
Second Ability
Third Ability	-------------

Concentrations
Ninjutsu	Katon Affinity A character with this concentration is able to utilize Katon, and can make and use any custom or archived jutsu that require the Katon affinity. Katon has a passive ignition effect. Doton Affinity A character with this concentration is able to utilize Doton, and can make and use any custom or archived jutsu that require the doton affinity. Doton has a passive enduring effect. This user has superb chakra control, and has learned to perform jutsu by channeling, without the use of hand seals. The user can channel any elemental Ninjutsu that is designed to be channel, and there are no specified parameters in which a jutsu must fall to be channeled by this method. Sankaton Affinity A character with this concentration is able to utilize Sankaton, and advanced form of Katon, and can make and use any custom or archived jutsu that require the Sankaton affinity. Sankaton has an eroding effect. Passive (Erosion)Show Sankaton is an incorporeal element that comes in the form of a fine red haze, that exudes warmth, and has the ability to erode. Anything physical that comes in contact with Sankaton is eaten by the energy, which consumes the Sankaton. This gives Sankaton incredibly powerful offensive and defensive capabilities. Sankaton jutsu are notoriously draining, and are known to push the user to the absolute limit. Sankaton jutsu are limited in size by their control prerequisite, which can make them difficult to use effectively. Sankaton is unaffected by energy based elements, and the two simply pass through them. This makes Sankaton's strength, and it's weakness non-matter based elements. Pyrokinesis After achieving notable mastery over a single element, the user has developed an expert control over it. Without needing the use of hand seals or an existing technique, the user can shape and direct any existing body of the element of their mastery. Terrakinesis After achieving notable mastery over a single element, the user has developed an expert control over it. Without needing the use of hand seals or an existing technique, the user can shape and direct any existing body of the element of their mastery. Youton Receiving DNA transplanted from the Enkouten clan, this user is able to utilize Lava Release, a fusion composed of Doton and Katon, and can make and use any custom jutsu that utilize Youton. Youton has a melting effect. Passive (Melting/Hardening)Show Youton melts in all its techniques, making it a powerful offensive and defensive ability. Enkouton are resistant to Youton for short periods of time, but can be just as damaged by it as a normal person, even by their own techniques, if exposed for too long. The melting quality of Youton burns at such an high temperature that it tends to encapsulate everything in it's path. Despite this, however, weaker youton jutsu struggle to sustain themselves and tend to only give weaker burns to those who come in contact with it. Youton have been known to dull weapons, or even melt weapons at high levels, and flow through defensive jutsu. More importantly, the melting power of youton means that youton techniques passively reduce the strength of anything they're in contact with by 1/4th th strength of the youton jutsu per post after contact. This means a 20 strength youton technique would do 20 strength of damage at impact, then melt at 5 strength per post until it hardened. This allows youton jutsu to substantially weaken defenses over time. Youton jutsu naturally harden over the course of time. Below is a chart for the longest a youton jutsu can sustain itself. The length of a jutsu is a given, but can be specified to be less than the listed amount should the user so desire. Once hardened, Youton jutsu have only 1 strength, being extremely brittle. E-rank: 1 post D-rank: 3 posts C-rank: 4 posts B-rank: 6 posts A-rank: 8 posts S-rank: 10 posts Requirements over 35 for S-rank can extend this length as well. The burn strengths of Youton follow the below scale: 1-14 Strength: Uncomfortable heat. 15-24 Strength: First degree burns. 25-34 Strength: Second degree burns. 35+ Strength: Third degree burns. Sensor Sensors are shinobi who are able to activate a sixth sense which can locate and read chakra sources. Sensory is advantageous as it allows shinobi to perceive without using any of their conventional senses, which can easily be deceived. Sensors are able to collect a lot of information through the interpretation of this sixth sense.
Taijutsu	The fundamental skill of [Sword Weapons] indicates the user’s proficiency with swords and sword-like weapons such as knives, daggers, sword-breakers and the like. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu. The fundamental skill of [Perception] describes the user’s practiced methods of more keenly focussing their senses for a short time. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu. The fundamental skill of [Deft Hands] indicates the user’s proficiency with using their hands in very specific and complex movements, like sleight of hand and targeting very small and specific points on an opponent’s body. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu in various ways. The fundamental skill of [Projectile Weapons] indicates the user’s proficiency with weapons designed to attack from afar, such as bows, shuriken, senbon, launchers and the like. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu. The fundamental skill of [Acrobatics] includes the user’s ability to contort their body into unfamiliar positions in order to avoid attacks, as well as the user’s ability to fall safely and perform Ukemi and other feats of gymnastics. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu.
Genjutsu	This user has learned to use visual cues to initiate genjutsu. Allowing them to perform actions, or draw the eyes to something to capture their targets in a genjutsu.

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Jutsu

KatonShow

Katon • Scorching Blade
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
By channelling chakra into a metal weapon or blade the user will cause it to glow a deep red as condensed flames envelop the blade, refining their Katon chakra to enhance the strength of their weapon. The imbued weapon will be reinforced with flames equal in strength to the user’s control, able to cut through defences weaker than its strength with ease while also cauterizing wounds that it may cause. Lasts 5 posts unless dissipated by other means.

Katon • Flaming Crescent Slash
D-Rank Ninjutsu
Channeling Katon chakra into a bladed weapon the metal will produce a thin aura of flame along the blade. When the user makes a strike with the weapon, they can then release a 3-meter-long, 0.5 meter thick crescent of fire which then travels at a speed and strength equal to the users control. The base distance this arc of flames travels is 10 meters.

Katon • Flickering Embers
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After channeling Katon chakra through his chest and into his mouth the user will exhale, producing a breath of hundreds of minuscule Katon embers, easily capable of setting alight and spreading fire over anything they touch. The base range of this technique is 10 meters and the embers move at a speed and burn with a strength equal to the users control.

Katon • Signal Flare
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming a brief set of handseals the user will focus chakra to his hand and raise his arm, firing off a 1-meter diameter plume of fire that travels at a speed equal to the user’s control. If aimed at the sky it will hover for 5 posts, the maximum distance this flame can travel is 10 meters. This fire is unique in that it will burn in place with a strength equal to the user’s control but will not spread. The glow produced is particularly notable, capable of illuminating a 30-meter diameter in a soft red glow.

[Katon • Fireball]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
Channeling chakra the user focuses Katon chakra into one of their hands. This causes a fireball ranging from 6 inches in diameter to 1 meter to form in the palm of their hand. The fireball can be fired off with a strength and speed up to the user’s control. If not fired within 5 posts, the ball will dissipate harmlessly.

Katon • Awaken
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
By channeling chakra into their blade, the user is able to cause a mass of flames to converge around their blade, changing it to look like a two handed great sword instead of its normal amount, effectively increasing the reach of the blade by 2 meters and widening the blade by 0.5 meters. The fire from the blade burns with a strength equal to the user’s control and lasts for 5 posts unless dissipated by other means.

[Katon • Mythical Fire Phoenix]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the needed hand seals, the user draws in a deep breath before emitting it in the form of a series of 6 fireballs, about the size of a basketball at a speed and strength equal to the user’s control. The ninja can also hurl projectiles, obscured in these same flames provided they are able to match the speed. To the opponent, the attack appears to be only the balls of flame, making it more difficult to defend against the secondary hidden threat. The flames can travel up to 25 meters before dissipating and upon impact they explode with strength equal to the users control.

Katon • Bomb Creation
C-Rank Ninjutsu
By channeling katon chakra into any item, the user will turn it into a ticking time bomb. Either when 6 posts are up or when activated through the use of Chakra Kai, the object will explode with flames equal in strength to the user’s control in a 15x15 meter explosion, scattering flames over the entire area.

Katon • Great Fireball
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After chanelling chakra, the user draws in a deep breath before exhaling a 1-inch thin stream of fire up to 25 meters away at a speed equal to the user’s control. At any point the user desires or if the stream of flames makes an impact with anything, the stream will erupt into a spherical 15-meter diameter ball of flames that impacts and burns with strength equal to the user’s control. This jutsu can be maintained for up to 2 full posts before loosing form and spreading normally.

Katon • Ripple
C-Rank Ninjutsu
By channeling katon chakra into their body, the user can store this charged katon chakra for up to 5 posts before releasing a burst of flame around their entire body, coming outwards from them. This sphere of roiling fire pushes outward with Strength and Speed equal to the user’s control. the flames extend up to 25 meter from the user at their discretion, able to be reduced to a shorter range to conserve chakra. Due to the fire pushing outward the user remains unharmed.

Lesser Pyro Infusion
C-rank Ninjutsu
After channelling chakra the user fires a ball of chakra travelling at a speed of [Control] at a body of Katon, this infuses up to [1/4 Control]m volume of fire to be manipulated with pyrokinesis, this infusion lasts 5 posts. The chakra ball while not physical can be blocked by any item containing chakra.

[Katon • Flame Whip]
B-Rank Ninjutsu
Channelling chakra into his hand Yozei will manifest a 5-meter long whip of flames that can extend to a maximum length of 40 meters, expanding and retracting at will. The user’s hand will be protected from the flames of the whip which maintains a strength equal to the users control and can be controlled to a limited extent, able to freely wrap around limbs or objects as well as strike out with speed equal to the user’s control. This jutsu lasts for 5 posts and is capable of leaving deep gashes in solid objects, cauterizing wounds, and burning through most materials as well as spreading flames in the wake of each strike.

[Katon • Mage Fireball]
B-Rank Ninjutsu
Channelling chakra into a free hand Yozei will form a 1-meter diameter and very dense ball of fire which hovers 50cm away from the user’s hand which is protected with a layer of chakra against the heat of the flames. With a small secondary burst of chakra the user can release the projectile at a speed and Strength equal to the users control. Upon impact the fireball will explode, spreading flames over a 40x40 meter area and continuing to expand and burn everything in its path. The explosion diameter can be scaled down to conserve chakra.

Katon • Afterburn
B-Rank Ninjutsu
Channeling chakra into a Katon ninjutsu within 40 meters of him Yozei can increase the strength of the technique by up to half of his control. This does not require him to stay within range of the affected area nor prevent him from utilizing other jutsu during the duration of its effect.

Katon • Flash Fire
B-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming handseals Yozei will place his hand on any solid structure. His chakra will then course through the material, able to pass through defenses containing foreign chakra so long as his control is higher than his opponents, before igniting in a blazing fire. The flames will spontaneously erupt, displaying only a brief flicker before consuming an area up to 40 meter in diameter, discounting any distance traveled through a surface. The flames manifest with a strength and speed equal to the user’s control.

Katon • Combustion
B-Rank Ninjutsu
After channeling chakra into his thumb and one of his fingers Yozei will also focus on a location within 40 meters of his position. By snapping his fingers, he will trigger an explosion with strength equal to his control that explodes to cover up to a 25x25x25 meter cube or sphere. An instant before the flames detonate a sharp cracking sound and visible chakra gathered at the focal point will give a brief indication of the explosion to come.

Katon • Apocolype
A-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming hand seals Yozei will raise one of his arms, conjuring a large amount of chakra in the sky at an elevation up to 65 meters away from him. This will cause 10 fireballs, each 5 meters in diameter to rain down over a 50x50 meter grid at a speed and strength equal to his control. This technique is incredibly effective against large defenses or simply spreading flames across a battlefield.

Katon • Dragon Flame Bomb
A-Rank Ninjutsu
After channeling chakra, Yozei will inhale deeply before exhaling to fire up to 4 volleys of 3-meter long 1 meter wide bursts of flame that travel at a speed and strength equal to his control up to a distance of 65 meters. Upon impact, each of these projectiles will expand to a diameter of 15 meters.

*[Pyrokinesis]
A-rank Ninjutsu
Having achieved notable mastery over Katon, the user is capable of shaping, directing, and manipulating existing bodies of the element without the need of hand seals or an existing technique. The range at which the user can manipulate the element is equal to the user's control times 2 metres. While the user can freely manipulate this element, they cannot produce the element naturally.

Katon • Guardians of Fire
A-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the necessary hand seals or channelling chakra, Yozei will imbue his surroundings with Katon chakra. For the next 7 posts he, or a singular designated target, will be protected by 8 wisps of flame that can be anywhere from 10cm to 0.5 meters in size and will manifest themselves and move at a speed of [Control] and possess [Control] Strength. These flames will autonomously attempt to impact and deflect any incoming attacks, protecting the designated target. These flames act defensively and on their own accord though cannot manifest themselves from a distance of more than 10 meters from their assigned target to defend and 100 meters away from Yozei.

Katon • The All-Consuming Dragon Fire
A-Rank Ninjutsu
A devastating technique capable of decimating landscapes and suppressing powerful foes, the all-consuming dragon fire is initiated by channeling a large amount of chakra, culminating in Yozei’s chest. Exhaling, the jutsu will manifest as a dragon shaped torrent of fire. This winged dragon extends up to 50 meters in length, though can be created smaller and grown into its full size. The dragon is fully controlled by the user so long as they maintain focus, lasting for up to 8 posts. The dragon can move up to 65 meters away from the user, extended by higher control. The dragon moves at a speed and strikes and burns with a strength equal to the users control.

DotonShow

[Earth Element • Rock Control]
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
After channeling chakra into the earth, the user can control up to 5 rocks, no more than 1 meter in diameter, breaking them out of the ground or using existing rocks and hardening them to up to his control in strength. Then with hand gestures alone he can launch them as a group at an opponent at a speed of [Control] and strength of [Control] . The user has limited control over the launch of the rocks, being able to send them in an arc or change their direction one time. They can be sent a maximum distance of 15 meters and must be within 10 meters of the user when initiating the technique.

Doton • Blockade
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the correct hand seals the user will form a solid stone wall up to 10 meters away from them at [Control] speed. The wall has [Control] strength and is 5x5x2 meters large.

[Earth Element • Dust Cloud]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the necessary hand seals the user will focus their chakra into the ground around an opponent who is within 10 meters of their position. At a speed of [Control] dirt and dusk will rise up around them, swirling to a diameter of 10 meters. Small rocks will continue to pelt them with [Control] strength as the dirt obscures their vision. If the target has a means of protecting their eyes against the dirt one would be able to make out vague shapes and movements through the cloud. After 3 posts the dirt and rocks will settle.

[Earth Element • Misdirection]
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
By channeling chakra into the earth the user is able to remove any footprints or otherwise marred areas of earth or create false tracks and markings within a 15-meter diameter of himself, the affected area of earth will blend in seamlessly with its surrounding soil masking any sign of distortion. If used in a streamlined manner this technique can be used passively in order to erase his tracks as they are made making following users trail incredibly difficult by traditional means.

*Doton • Binding Formation
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After channeling doton chakra into their foot the user will slam the ground within 5 meters of a target's feet with their heel, causing a formation of rock to shoot upwards at [Control] speed binding the target's feet at [Control] strength

Doton • Landmine
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the correct hand seals the user will tap their foot on the ground charging up to a 25 meter radius around their foot with explosive chakra. This is armed at [Control] speed. For the next three posts if anyone steps on that area it will explode with at a [Control] Strength explosion.

Doton • Harden Earth
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After channelling chakra the user places their palm on the surface of a body of earth, channelling chakra into it and increasing the density of the earth in a 25 meter radius around whatever they touched. This earth is extra resilient to digging and takes strength stat equal to [Control] in order to even dent. Falling on this section of ground without a proper landing could also potentially increase damage.

*Doton • Spike Shot
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the correct hand seals the user will form a stone spike directly in front of them roughly 1.5 meter long and 1/2 meter in diameter at it's thickest point before launching the spike forward up to 25 meters away at [Control] strength and speed.

Doton • Lesser Terra Infusion
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the needed hand seals, the user places any part of their body onto a body of earth this infuses up to a 3m x 3m x 3m volume of earth to be manipulated with terrakinesis, this infusion lasts 5 posts.

[Earth Element • Mole Hiding]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming handseals, the user will submerge into the ground. The user can then dig through the earth with the use of chakra. The user can travel underground, up to 15 meters deep for up to 5 posts before needing to recast the jutsu. The maximum distance the user can travel is 25 meters per use. Additionally, the earth can only be moved at a maximum speed equal to [Control], limiting the user’s speed at which they can travel through the ground. Using this technique does, however, create a tunnel of sorts, allowing the user to create a series of tunnels for various purposes though the user can close the tunnel behind them as they move should they choose in which case the earth compresses with [Control] strength.

[Earth Element • Earth Flow]
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
This simple jutsu only requires the channeling of chakra and contact with the earth within a 25m radius of the designated section of earth. The affected earth in its base form can be up to 5 meters long and wide. By flowing chakra intro the ground the user can cause this section of earth to shift or flow suddenly at a speed equal to [Control], pulling strength of [Control] in an attempt to knock an opponent off balance, sweep them away or put strain on their knee or ankle.

*Doton • Tremors
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the correct hand seals and holding the last one, the user will stomp their foot on the ground, releasing their chakra in it and causing it to tremor violently for one post. The tremors radiate out from the user in a 25 meter radius, knocking down anyone standing on the ground without a stability taijutsu technique of a rank equal to [Control]. Lasts as long as the last seal is held, for up to 3 posts.

[Earth Element • Samurai Armor]
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
Channelling chakra throughout one’s body the user will encase themselves in a semi-malleable full body rock armor. The rock takes on the appearance of an ornate samurai battle armor, complete with a removable helmet as well as shoulder guards. The many tiles overlap and cover his arms, chest and legs utilizing dark brown coloring and a thinner layer of rock between the tiles and along joints. Though the back of his hands are protected the palms and fingers remain bare. This armor forms at a speed of [Control] and possesses [Control] strength.

Doton • Secret Passage
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals the user must either press his hand against some sort of earthen wall or flow his chakra through the ground from within a distance of 25 metres. Then as long as there isn’t any foreign chakra circulating through the earthen structure or the user has equal or greater control, then they are able to create a door, complete with hinges and a handle. When used on unusually thick walls the area behind the door will hollow out, creating a passage with a second door on the other side. With an additional handseal the entrance will close behind him, crushing anything trapped within with a strength of [Control] and returning to its previous state. The passageway forms and closes at a speed of [Control].

[Sensory Style • Approaching Quake]
B-rank Ninjutsu
The user will do a series of hand seals and then maintain contact with the ground. Releasing waves of chakra out of their hands or feet. These waves of chakra will bounce back to the user after traveling out 80 meters on the ground. As the chakra returns to the user it will evoke an image in the user’s head of the immediate area around them, anything touching the ground and anything up to 25 meters underground. These are still images, not moving images, but can give the user a good idea of what is happening if they aren’t able to see otherwise. This jutsu can be maintained for up to 6 posts, periodically sending waves of chakra out to receive additional images.

Doton • Chains of Imprisonment
B-Rank Ninjutsu
This powerful restraining jutsu requires that the user be within 30 meters of the target. After forming the necessary seals five lengths of stone chain links will jut out of the ground at a speed of [Control]. The chains will aim rapidly move to immobilize the target, automatically looping around arms, legs, waist and neck. The chains can extend up to 60 meters if necessary, in order to ensnare the victim depending on their height and girth; This is not a controlled jutsu however, but if the target is entangled the chains will retract back into the earth to bind the target in place. The chains grab and restrain with a Strength equal to [Control].

[Earth Element • Earth Dome Prison]
B-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming a series of hand seals the slams their hand or foot on the ground causing the earth to form at a speed of [Control] into a large dome; up to 60m in diameter, 25m high and 10 meters thick. Imbued with chakra throughout the dome and the floor beneath, an opponent cannot simply tunnel their way out with earth style. So long as the user keeps in contact with the dome, he can supply additional chakra in order to make any necessary repairs. A Strength of [Control] is required in order to break out of the dome.

Doton • Dragon’s Maw
B-rank Ninjutsu
Yozei will form hand seals or channel chakra into the ground, causing a large Dragon’s head made of stone to rise up from the ground within 45 meters of him a speed of [Control]. The mouth acts as a tunnel into the ground, allowing the user to redirect large projectiles in the ground through its up to 70 meter long ‘throat’, or come up below an opponent, biting its mouth closed to trap them. The head itself is 10 meters long 5m wide and 3m tall. The stone head itself impacts, bites and traps with a strength of [Control], the tunnel structure also containing the same strength.

Doton • Moving Earth Core
B-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the correct hand seals the user places their palms on any earthen ground, channeling chakra into it allowing them to lower or raise any 5x5 meter segments of the ground within 40 meters at [Control] speed and strength. The maximum distance the segments can be lowered or raised is 40 meters. The user must keep their palms on the ground during the course of the jutsu. If they remove their palms at any time, the jutsu will end and they will not be able to raise or lower them any further without redoing the technique.

*Superior Terra Infusion
A-rank Ninjutsu
After performing the needed hand seals the user places any part of their body onto a body of earth this infuses up to a [1/2 control]m volume of earth to be manipulated with terrakinesis at [Control] speed, this infusion lasts until the end of the thread

*[Terrakinesis]
A-rank Ninjutsu
Having achieved notable mastery over Doton, the user is capable of shaping, directing, and manipulating existing bodies of the element without the need of hand seals or an existing technique. The range at which the user can manipulate the element is equal to the user's control times 2 metres. While the user can freely manipulate this element, they cannot produce the element naturally.

Doton • Colossal Titan
S-Ranked Ninjutsu
After performing the necessary hand seals or channelling, the user will manifest a stone Golem from their chakra, emerging from the ground. This Golem can be up to 160 meters tall with proportions equivalent to an average human. It appears like a stone Titan and can follow only basic commands, typically having a singular goal such as attacking or defending a specific target or area though it persists until destroyed.
Endurance: 30
Strength: 50
Speed: 40

YoutonShow

Youton • Lava Bomb
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
Channelling chakra to their hand, the user will form a sphere of lava, anywhere from 10cms diameter to 1m. This sphere can then be launched at [Control] Speed up to a distance of 15 meters. Upon contact with a substance or with a half seal the sphere will detonate with [Control] Strength, spreading lava over a 10-meter diameter area and causing great destruction. After 3 posts the lava will harden and become brittle.

Youton • Lava Flow
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
Channelling chakra into their foot the user will stomp the ground. Then at a speed of [Control] the ground will be turned to lava in a 5-meter deep, 10 meter wide and 15 meter long line, capable of melting whatever stands in its path with [Control] Strength.

Youton • Geyser
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
After forming the necessary hand seals or channeling chakra the user will send their chakra through the ground. Then at any point within 15 meters of them the user can create a 5 meter wide, 10 meter tall geyser that will erupt from the ground at [Control] speed and [Control] Strength, spewing forth lava for three posts before hardening and becoming brittle.

Youton • Molten Weapons
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
Channelling chakra into a weapon they are touching, the user will coat the object in a layer of Youton. There will be a thin layer of raw chakra that will protect the weapon, insulating it against the melting effects. However, any other substance that touches the coated area of the weapon will have [Control] Strength melting and burning applied to it. This technique only lasts for 3 posts before the cases becomes brittle and breaks away revealing the weapon in its original condition.

Youton • Melting Touch
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
Channelling chakra into their hand the user will coat their hand(s) in a protective chakra before enveloping it in youton. Anything the user touches over the next 4 posts will have the melting passive applied to it, weakening any physical substance by ¼ of the users [Control] and similarly inflicting burns equal to strength of control. After three posts the coating will harden and become brittle, crumbling away.

Youton • Molten Minefield
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
After performing the correct hand seals the user will tap their foot on the ground charging an area up to a 25-meter radius around their foot with explosive chakra at a Speed of [Control]. For the next five posts if anyone other than the user steps within the area [Control] Strength explosions of lava with detonate, blasting upward in cone and spewing chunks of rock and lava within a 10-meter radius. The many globs of lava will burn for 4 posts before hardening.

Youton • Blazing River
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
After performing the necessary hand seals the user will expel a torrent of lava from their mouth. The stream can be up to 10 meters wide and 25 meters long. It moves at a Speed of [Control] and strikes and burns with [Control] Strength. After 4 posts the lava will cool and harden, becoming brittle.

SankatonShow

*[Rust Bullet]
D-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
After doing the needed hand seals, the ninja gathers Sankaton chakra in their mouth, creating a blob. After spitting it out, it grows to a .5x.5.x5 meter diameter ball that travels at [Control] Speed, up to 10 meters away, eroding anything it strikes with [Control] strength.

*[Annihilation: Introduction]
D-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
Rather than using hand seals, the ninja is required to put their hands in a specific formation, as if gripping a basketball with each hand. As they do this, a .5x.5x.5m diameter film of pure Sankaton chakra is created in the space between their hands. The film can then be moved around and controlled within a 10m area of the user, weakening the strength of anything that passes through it by [Control] strength, and causing anything smaller than the film to completely disappear.

*[Annihilation: Rising Action]
D-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
Rather than using hand seals, the ninja is required to put their hands in a specific formation, as if gripping a basketball with each hand. As they do this, a 1x1x1m diameter block of Sankaton chakra is created in the space between their hands. The block can be controlled and moved freely within 10m of the user. Whenever this ball comes in contact with any physical substance, it eats and corrodes the substance, instantly destroying whatever it hits, but only equal to the volume of the ball, where it hit, otherwise eroding it with [Control] Strength.

[Deadly Touch]
D-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
The user will channel chakra, causing Sankaton to form around one of their hands. The next time their hand comes in contact with something, the Sankaton will spread through it, causing burns on contact, and eroding up to 0.5 meters of material with [Control] Strength. This jutsu can be risky as it's possible for the user to accidentally touch themselves with the Sankaton.

[Corrosion Sword]
D-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
Channelling chakra into a sword the user will protect the blade with a coating of chakra before shrouding the blade in a 0.5-meter diameter aura of [Control] Strength Sankaton. This aura can persist for a total of 4 posts or until it has been fully consumed. The user can deactivate this aura instantly at will if necessary.

[Corrosion Clone]
C-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
After performing the necessary hand seals, the user will create a clone out of their Sankaton chakra. This clone will have the users stats. It lasts for [Control/5] posts. Whenever it comes in contact with any type of weapon, attack, or person, it 'explodes' into a mass of Sankaton chakra, that attaches itself to and devours any metallic objects within the thin mist it creates. The mist covers a 5x5x5m area, but is widely distributed, which lessens the damage it does to organic material, only causing first degree burns to anyone who passes through it.

[Annihilation: Depth Charge]
C-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
Rather than use a normal method of volume eating, this jutsu uses another method of Annihilation Sankaton chakra. Channelling chakra, the user coats a small weapon in Sankaton chakra. Whenever this projectile/piercing tip hits something, it immediately erodes the material in front of it, boring holes up to 1 meter in depth in front of the weapon, and eroding/weakening structures by [Control} Strength.

*[Defense at the Final Second]
C-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
By doing a string of hand seals, the ninja creates a 15 inch diameter ball of Sankaton chakra too shoot up to 25m away from their body at [Control] speed. If this ball comes in contact with matter, it activates, corroding the object, instantly destroying whatever it hits, but only at an equal volume of the ball, taking up the same volume of the ball as well. Otherwise it erodes with [Control] Strength on contact.

*[Annihilation: Climax]
B-Ranked Sankaton Ninjutsu
Rather than using hand seals, the ninja is required to put their hands in a specific formation, as if gripping a basketball with each hand. As they do this, a 2x2x2m diameter ball of pure Sankaton chakra is created in the space between their hands. The ball can then be shot off at [Control] Speed up to 40m. Whenever this ball comes in contact with any physical substance, it eats and corrodes the substance, instantly destroying whatever it hits, but only equal to the volume of the ball, where it hit. Otherwise eroding with [Control] Strength.

OchibaShow

Ochiba is a weapon style originating from the fire country, one of the few weapon styles developed by Shinobi and not Samurai. Ochiba translate as “Dead Leaf” As it is a weapon style that focuses on the use of a Kunai which are similar in appearance to a leaf. The kunai is held in a reversed manner, the handle comes up by the thumb and the blade comes down by the bottom of the hand. This allows for short, yet quick strikes and parries. Though this style is developed to use a kunai it can be transposed to other short weapons such as ninjato & tanto, though not all techniques will be available.
Requires: Deft Hands Projectiles Weapons and/or Sword Weapons

*Ochiba • Single Finger Draw
D-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Utilizing this manoeuvre, the user is able to quickly draw a kunai from its holster. This is done by placing their finger through the lip of the holder and into the ring of the pommel, flicking it up and out quickly, having the kunai in the user’s hand within an instant.

*Ochiba • Dance Detour
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: 10 Speed
A technique that relies highly on speed, the user will attempt to slap away any incoming melee strikes or projectiles with their kunai. The average of the user's speed and strength needs to be higher than the strength the projectile was thrown at, using the momentum of their own speed to deflect the strike.

*Ochiba • Spare Ribs
C-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
A simple, yet effective strike. Often used in correlation with Ochiba • Oaken Defense, however not required. The user simply needs to be up close, they will swing their kunai in a horizontal motion towards their opponent's rib cage, aiming for the intercostal space between the ribs and damaging any organ behind it. The user will then turn the kunai, breaking their opponents ribs.

*Ochiba • Leaf Duster
C-Ranked Taijutsu Stance
The user will place their middle finger through the pommel of the kunai, gripping it so the blade hangs out of the side of the palm, using the weapon as a knuckleduster. This will give the user +6 in strength, but will receive – 6 Speed, due to having to move more carefully as to not cut themselves with the blade being in such an awkward position.

*Ochiba • The New Spring Comes
A-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: 35 Speed & Ochiba • Single Finger Draw
A technique that focuses on distraction, the user will pivot and attempt a spinning back fist with a kunai in their hand towards the opponents temple, whilst performing this maneuver with their free hand, the user will draw a Kunai with the Single Finger Draw technique and in mid spin will thrust a kunai towards their abdomen at exactly the same time as the strike to the temple. This second kunai will not be seen, unless the opponent is using a perception technique of the same level.

*Ochiba • Woodpeckers Drill
S-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: 45 Speed & Ochiba • Single Finger Draw
The user can move forward in a straight line up to 80 meters through a clear path, instantly. Using the Ochiba • Single Finger Draw will their weapon, thrusting at their opponent with enough force their arm will tip through the target, damage any internal organs in their path. The user will move at such a rate, an after image will be left where they originally stood often catching their opponent off guard and even perfection techniques will struggle to read this move. This jutsu uses up one of the 2 teleportations a character can use in a single thread.

KugapouShow

Kūgāpou Style
This taijutsu style is all about avoidance, with grace. In this style, the user may slap away blades, thrown weapons, and other objects, all in the interests of preserving one's self. However, this style isn't necessarily about avoiding all damage, so much as avoiding the worst damage. In instances where the user is going against an opponent they can't match, they may use this style to avoid fatal injuries and instead receive less serious injuries and live to fight a bit longer, or even another day.

Requires: [Deft Hands] & [Perception]

*Kūgāpou • Soft Paws
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Soft Paws is a bare-handed deflection technique and is used against bladed weapons. At this level, the practitioner is able to read the angles of the attacks to place the flat of their hand against the flat of the blade and push it away without getting cut by the weapon. However, prolonged use of this technique will cause the practitioner to suffer bruises on their hands.

*Kūgāpou • Down Paw
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Whenever a bladed weapon is coming towards the practitioner, they can slam their palm against the top of the blade, pushing it downwards. This can either cause the sword to miss or, if the practitioner's Strength is equal to or higher than the Strength of the attack, can force the sword into the ground. This technique only works on blades that aren't double-edged.

*Kūgāpou • Down Rush
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Requirement: *Kūgāpou • Down Paw
After using Down Paw to drive the opponent’s blade downward or into the ground, the practitioner will rush forward and ram their shoulder into the opponent, driving them back and away from their weapon or even taking the weapon from them outright.

*Kūgāpou • Slight Dodge
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Whenever in a situation where they can't avoid being struck, the practitioner will slightly shift their body. This slight movement allows them to cause the incoming attack to miss any vital organs and cause as little damage as possible.

*Kūgāpou • Soft Elbow
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Requirement: *Kūgāpou • Soft Paws
After using Soft Paws to slap a blade away, the practitioner will continue moving forwards while jutting out their elbow. The momentum from the target's original attack that was slapped away, coupled with the sudden defenselessness of the target after having their attack deflected, makes for a powerful counter-attack. The elbow can be aimed anywhere on the torso and above, but is usually aimed at the target's face.

*Kūgāpou • Quick Fang
C-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Useful for dealing with an opponent using a short weapon, such as a kunai, knife, or dagger, the practitioner waits for the opponent to attack. Taking advantage of the small size of the weapon, the practitioner then aims a slap or a punch at the opponent's fingers, aiming to simultaneously push the weapon off its trajectory and damage or even crush the opponent's fingers.

*Kūgāpou • Spun Fang
C-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Ducking under an attack from either side, the practitioner lifts their off-hand just enough to touch the weapon against its side and shove it outward, adding to its momentum to either imbalance the opponent or disarm them. As the practitioner comes up from under the attack, they will aim a direct punch at the opponent's face or chest.

*Kūgāpou • Hunter's Prediction
C-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
By observing a weapon's movement through the air and having a deep understanding of weaponry in general, the practitioner is capable of predicting a weapon's trajectory. This technique is especially effective when the practitioner saw the actual moment the weapon was launched, as seeing the movement of the weapon wielder provides crucial information. If they didn't see the weapon being launched, they can still predict the trajectory to a smaller degree but are incapable of accounting for high-level taijutsu that may be applied to the weapon attack.

*Kūgāpou • Return Fang
B-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Intercepting an opponent's weapon attack, the practitioner will catch the opponent's hands in their own, turning the direction of the weapon back towards the target and impaling them with it. Opponents with a Rigid Structure technique of equal or higher rank than this technique can resist having their weapon turned on them.

*Kūgāpou • Multiply Fang
A-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Requirement: *Kūgāpou • Sly Paw & *Kūgāpou • Spun Fang
Having come so close to the pinnacle of the style, the practitioner has trained themselves to apply multiple techniques of Kūgāpou when fighting multiple foes. They may take up a position among multiple opponents in which they are able to push away projectiles or other weapons as they fight, reacting on instinct to stay alive. This technique also allows the practitioner to fully stop and negate weapon attacks launched at them if their Strength is equal or higher than the Strength of the attack in question.

*Kūgāpou • Diversity in Paw
S-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Requirement: *Kūgāpou • Multiply Fang & *Kūgāpou • Return Fang
Having achieved the pinnacle of the style and of discipline within the style, the practitioner is able to expand on other Kūgāpou techniques. When fighting multiple opponents, they are able to position themselves to easily deflect projectiles, slap other weapons away, and with proper timing, redirect their opponents' attacks and weapons and turn them on targets the practitioner chooses, even while the opponents still hold the weapons in their own hands. A true master of the style is death even to a group of enemies that think the master is surrounded.

Skitter StepShow

Skitter Step
The Skitter Step is a style that relies heavily on the user's senses. The style itself is a mesh of quick, fast, and wild punches, kicks, and jumps. Due to the user altering their senses, every bit of movement is heard and, since they can start to respond to things instinctively, they can respond to things that normally wouldn't have been able to be heard/seen/done. In addition to the heightened senses, users are normally in a "paranoid" state, where they start to suspect things that aren't always there. Skitter Step is composed almost entirely of Disciplines, meaning that the user often does no have control of how they fight or attack, even in the case of friends.

If overused, the style can lead to paranoia in individuals, along with constant fidgeting, making experts in the style quite well known for these activities.
Requires: [Acrobatics] and [Perception]
Requires: *[Skitter Step • Senses Open] prerequisite to learn any other jutsu.

*[Skitter Step • Stop]
E-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: Any form of Senses Open used.
The practitioner makes a fist with their right hand and places it against their left before placing both hands against their chest. This calms the practitioner's senses and returns them to a centered state.

*[Skitter Step • Outside Dodge]
D-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Prerequisite: A form of Senses Open used.
The counter-balanced Discipline to Inside Dodge. Having mastered this Discipline, when the practitioner is actively using Skitter Step while in close-quarters combat, their body instinctively dodges to the outside of an attack which forces them to be constantly moving around their opponent. These dodges are only successful if their Speed is greater than the Speed of the attack.

*[Skitter Step • Reject]
D-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Prerequisite: A form of Senses Open used.
The counter-balanced discipline to Accept. When faced with an extended limb, may it be an arm or leg, the practitioner will always bat at the extended limb with full force, typically aiming for the joint of the limb in order to cause it to collapse.

*[Skitter Step • Instinctive Draw]
C-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Prerequisite: A form of Senses Open used.
With this Discipline, any time the practitioner perceives an incoming projectile attack, they will instinctively draw a weapon of their own and deflect the projectile away so long as their Speed is equal to or greater than the Speed of the projectile.

*[Skitter Step • Roll]
C-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Prerequisite: A form of Senses Open used.
Masters of this discipline recognize the importance of evasion and have trained their bodies to roll naturally. When faced with an attack on the upper body that cannot be deflected or blocked, the practitioner naturally drops their body and rolls to the right or left, whichever grants better positioning. This dodging technique only works if the practitioner's Speed is greater than the Speed of the attack.

*[Skitter Step • Senses Open]
C-Ranked Taijutsu Stance
The main jutsu of the Skitter Step, the practitioner takes a moment to focus their bodies, then releases it. While in this stance, the practitioner's sensory input is increased, allowing them to receive more information quickly. This Stance grants a +2 in Strength and a +4 in Speed but a -3 in Willpower and -3 in Control. This Stance will remain in effect until deactivated by [Stop]. Practitioners of this technique will find themselves fidgeting and constantly moving, which can make it difficult for the practitioner to use this style in a stealthy manner.

[Skitter Step • Improved Senses Open]
B-Ranked Taijutsu Stance
An advanced version of "Senses Open." The practitioner floods their senses with chakra and significantly increases the sensitivity of those senses. This allows them to see and hear everything, even the most distant of objects, minute of details and quietest of sounds including heart beats, without damage or repercussion due to overstimulation. This allows them to easily see through transformation techniques or stealth jutsu of equal or lesser rank. Remaining in this state for a period greater than 5 posts, however, is dangerous, as this state can induce involuntary hallucinations. This Stance grants a +4 in Strength, +5 in Speed but a -4 in Willpower and -5 in Control. This Stance will remain in effect until deactivated by [Stop].

[Skitter Step • Perfect Senses Open]
S-Ranked Taijutsu Stance
This Stance forgoes conscious thought for completely instinctive action. The practitioner stands with their arms at their side, their hips slightly tilted with one foot slightly more forward than the other. They'll inhale and exhale deeply before closing their eyes, initiating the Stance. While in this Stance, the practitioner's eyelids will flutter rapidly, and their body will occasionally twitch. Unless they have Disciplines for attacking, the practitioner will only move when attacked, responding based on the Disciplines they have learned. The practitioner is granted +5 Speed and +10 Strength but a -7 in Willpower and -8 in Control. This Stance lasts for 10 posts and cannot be turned off, often making the practitioner lash out even after combat ends. Because they attack based purely on sensory information and are not fully conscious, practitioners in this Stance are often immune to genjutsu unless the genjutsu affects all 5 senses. Those in this Stance do not talk, nor do they process any sounds they hear beyond the location they are coming from. Ninjutsu or genjutsu cannot be used while in this Stance

Flawless AimShow

Flawless Aim Style
This style of combat is favored by shinobi preferring to use projectiles, often serving as a staple for ranged taijutsu users. Focusing on the synergy between their hands and senses, they strive to make their lethal skills reach as far as possible with absolute precision.

Requires: [Projectile Weapons] Concentration.

*[Flawless Aim Style • Dead Angle Targeting]
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After much training and study, the practitioner has learned how to use projectiles at close range, even point-blank range, with the same Strength as attacks against more distant targets. This Discipline allows the practitioner to use Flawless Aim techniques against melee-range targets without excessive exposure to counterattack and without losing Speed, Strength, or accuracy.

*[Flawless Aim Style • Arcing Shot]
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
The practitioner can launch projectiles in arcs up and over most obstacles, being able to accurately hit a target that is behind obstructions as if they were in the open. The practitioner must still be able to locate their target by some other means to ensure the projectile will hit its target.

*[Flawless Aim Style • Bouncing Shot]
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
The practitioner launches a projectile at a shallow angle, targeting the ground or a hard surface. The shallow angle of the shot causes the projectile to bounce off of the surface, moving at -1 Speed and striking with -1 Strength after the bounce. This technique can be used to launch an attack from an unexpected angle or to shoot around, over, or under obstacles.

*[Flawless Aim Style • Evasive Maneuvers]
C-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
The practitioner has learned how to accurately launch projectiles while moving through the flow of combat. This Discipline represents the practitioner's ability to accurately launch projectiles while moving at full Speed, while jumping, rolling, sliding off the ground, or while performing other basic combat movements

IaidoShow

The samurai of the Land of Tea have produced a unique style of Kenjutsu called Iaido. Unlike other styles, which rely on the sword being drawn to attack, a practitioner of Iaido is always ready to attack their opponents, even when their weapon is sheathed in its scabbard. Known as a "sword drawing" technique, Iaido uses the smooth, linear motion of pulling the sword from its sheath to create abnormally fast slashes and strikes against often ignorant and unsuspecting opponents. Though the katana is preferred for this style, any curved sword single-edged sword with a complimenting scabbard is compatible with this style. Their ability to fight with both traditional swordplay and hand-to-hand combat while perfectly capable of switching to quick slashes and stabs using Iaido's hallmark techniques makes practitioners of this style unpredictable fighters.

Requires: [Sword Weapons], [Perception] Concentrations.[/center]

*[Iaido • Weapon Mastery]
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
Since Iaido is a style that prioritizes speed over brute strength, wise usage of the blade is paramount to the practitioner's success in the style. This Discipline represents the practitioner's knowledge of their weapon's strengths and weaknesses in combat, allowing them to use the weapon more efficiently both inside and outside of its use in Iaido techniques and avoid unnecessarily presenting their weapon's blind spots to the opponent.

*[Iaido • Last Breath]
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
The most iconic (and most basic) strike of Iaido, the practitioner quickly draws and cuts with their blade in a wide arc in one fluid motion. This simultaneous draw and attack straight from the scabbard makes Iaido well-suited for an initial surprise attack and for taking advantage of openings presented by the opponent.

*[Iaido • Clouding Eyes]
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 8 Speed.
A simple technique meant to cripple the target's vision, the practitioner draws the sword from its scabbard and aims a quick slash at the eyes. This technique can be done in any single direction to either target one or both of the opponent's eyes.

*[Iaido • Peace in Death]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 15 Speed.
An abnormally aggressive technique in Iaido, this technique serves as a preemptive counter, attacking the opponent in the split moment between drawing back to prepare an attack and launching said attack. Violently torquing the muscles in their legs, the practitioner more quickly accelerates to their maximum speed (or instantly accelerating to their max speed if their Strength is equal or higher than their Speed) than with normal movement. With this movement, the practitioner bolts toward the opponent and launches an attack, cutting the opponent as they pass to their side. This technique can be used while moving to immediately change direction instead before launching the attack. Properly reading this attack requires the opponent to have a Perception technique of equal or higher rank than this technique.

*[Iaido • Ancestral Visage]
C-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
Using Iaido to its fullest requires a keen eye and quick reactions, enabling its users to target weaknesses and openings that their opponents present almost instantaneously. This Discipline represents the practitioner's ability to attack openings that present themselves, the practitioner now able to reflexively attack an opening in almost the same moment that it is observed. This Discipline reduces the gap of time between a practitioner recognizing a potential opening for attack and launching the attack to exploit said opening to almost nil.

*[Iaido • Shinigami Draw]
C-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
Losing the use of one's hand or arm in a fight can be a death sentence, but Iaido has found a simple, elegant response to this desperate situation. Using their free hand, the practitioner momentarily braces the edge of their sword against the inside of the scabbard before drawing. While it does not confer the instant acceleration benefit of its parent technique, this Discipline does allow the practitioner to use Iaido techniques at their normal speed even with only one hand.

*[Iaido • Death’s Gate]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 15 Speed.
Drawing upon the superlative speed of Iaido, the practitioner momentarily torques the muscles in their body to draw their sword from its scabbard and deliver a blindingly fast slash before sheathing their blade. Properly reading this attack requires the opponent to have a Perception technique of equal or higher rank than this technique. Otherwise, they cannot accurately read the attack and will be unlikely to completely avoid the attack, if at all.
300/300

*[Iaido • Shinigami’s Wrath]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 15 Speed.
A technique refining the concept of targeting multiple opponents with a single draw, the practitioner uses their sheath hand to reverse grip the hilt. Using the one hand, the practitioner quickly torques their body and cuts with a reverse hand slash a full 360 degrees before immediately sheathing the blade. This technique can strike multiple opponents at once, and the reverse grip of the sword allows the practitioner to more easily defend against counterattacks immediately after.

*[Iaido • Peace in Death]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 15 Speed.
An abnormally aggressive technique in Iaido, this technique serves as a preemptive counter, attacking the opponent in the split moment between drawing back to prepare an attack and launching said attack. Violently torquing the muscles in their legs, the practitioner more quickly accelerates to their maximum speed (or instantly accelerating to their max speed if their Strength is equal or higher than their Speed) than with normal movement. With this movement, the practitioner bolts toward the opponent and launches an attack, cutting the opponent as they pass to their side. This technique can be used while moving to immediately change direction instead before launching the attack. Properly reading this attack requires the opponent to have a Perception technique of equal or higher rank than this technique.

*[Iaido • Phantom Funeral]
B-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): 35 Speed.
The superlative speed of Iaido is harnessed to attain seemingly supernatural feats. By momentarily torquing the muscles in their arms, the practitioner manages slashes so fast that they spawn vacuum blades that follow the trajectory of their original attack. This attack spawns a single vacuum blade that travels up to a number of meters equal to half the practitioner's Speed, rounded down, and hits with 1/2 the Strength of the original attack, rounded down. If this technique is used in tangent with a melee attack, the vacuum blade strikes immediately after the original attack is finished, potentially sealing the opponent's guard and creating an opening. This technique can be used in conjunction with other techniques.

*[Iaido • Shinigami’s Gaze]
A-Rank Taijutsu Stance.
Prerequisite(s): 30 Speed, *[Iaido • Ancestral Visage].
Taking a deep breath and regulating their breathing, the practitioner assumes a crouched stance, leaning forward slightly as their sword hand hovers over the hilt of their blade, the scabbard's edge firmly gripped with their opposing hand. Forcing external distractions out of the mind such as pain, fatigue, and non-critical environmental distractions, the practitioner directs all of their focus onto a single opponent, dropping themselves into a trance called the Theta state. The Theta state allows the practitioner to react almost instinctively to each action of the opponent. These reactions happen so quickly that a proficient user of this stance can commonly interrupt or counter an opponent's actions with a movement or slash before they even finish it. This stance will constantly drain the practitioner while in use, and it is both ineffective and dangerous to use when fighting multiple opponents. If the opponent's Speed is higher than the practitioner's Speed, this technique is rendered useless.

Breath of FireShow

Honō no Kokyū is a specialized form of Nintaijutsu that involves mixing weapons training, Katon ninjutsu, and body conditioning to form a deadly style. When chakra was first discovered and weaponized, before becoming restricted to the Shinobi Villages and other included parties, particularly skilled warriors would combine their martial training with the strengths of elemental ninjutsu to form deadly schools of combat. There were many variants of these schools, but the five most prominent schools of combat soon came to be known as "The Breaths of Creation."

Having been preserved and modernized by the Shinobi Villages (becoming especially prominent in Konohagakure no Sato), Honō no Kokyū makes use of close-quarters combat and the potent offense of Katon ninjutsu to burn and overwhelm opponents with searing flames. Though practitioners of this school of nintaijutsu are free to adapt the maneuvers (also known as "kata") to whatever weapons they are currently using or make their own maneuvers, Honō no Kokyū traditionally uses a staff of some form in its techniques.

Requires: [Sword Weapons], [Perception] Taijutsu Concentrations; Katon Ninjutsu Concentration.

Honō no Kokyū • Airway Expansion
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After years of training and study, the practitioner has mastered basic breathing techniques to fully oxygenate their bloodstream with minimal effort. This Discipline allows their body to reach homeostasis with less energy expended, thus reducing the amount, of physical stamina the practitioner uses while attacking and defending in combat, making them last longer in a fight. This Discipline also doubles the amount of time they can spend without oxygen (Endurance=number of posts).

Honō no Kokyū • Opening Thread
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After years of training and study, the practitioner has learned how to more quickly recognize openings and weaknesses in the opponent's defenses and fighting style. This Discipline represents the practitioner's reduced reaction time required to take advantage of an opening that presents itself in the middle of combat, thus increasing the likelihood the practitioner will score a successful hit when targeting the vulnerable area. This does not grant the practitioner any protection against falling for feints or traps sent by the opponent.

Honō no Kokyū • Flame Step
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After years of training and study, the practitioner has learned how to maintain forward momentum more efficiently while adjusting to changes in the flow of battle. This Discipline represents the practitioner's ability to more quickly decelerate and immediately change direction while moving without losing Speed, thus conserving defensive and offensive momentum.

Honō no Kokyū • Unwavering Light
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After years of training and study, the practitioner has developed eyes that can easily see in both high levels and low levels of light. This Discipline represents the practitioner's ability to see in varying levels of light without hindrance, as well as their immunity to being blinded by single instances of flashing light, such as flash bombs. In addition, they are resistant to persistent light-based blinding effects, reducing their effectiveness by half.

Honō no Kokyū - Ni no Kata • Ascending Blazing Sky
D-Rank Nintaijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): Honō no Kokyū • Zen Shūchū no Kokyū must be active.
Using the Katon chakra currently channeled into their weapon, the practitioner gathers flames at the tip of their weapon and swings the weapon upward. The practitioner launches a rising line of flames 5 meters wide and 10 meters tall up to 15 meters away. The flames from this technique move at a Speed equal to the practitioner’s Speed and with a Strength equal to their Control. These flames burn for two posts before expiring. The practitioner can also choose to execute this strike horizontally instead, causing the flames to ignite terrain and opponents in a 15-meter cone in front of them instead.

Honō no Kokyū • Eyes of Fire
C-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After years of training and study, the practitioner has significantly increased their visual acuity. The practitioner can now accurately see out to a number of meters equal to their Taijutsu score in foggy, misty, or cloudy conditions (such as while in the effect of a smoke bomb), at night or other low light vision, or through the natural distortions caused by the heat emanating from flames, fire, and mirages. The practitioner's range of sight is doubled in normal or favorable conditions.

Honō no Kokyū • Homehearth Heart
C-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After years of training and study, the practitioner has learned how to make themselves more resilient in the face of persistent elevated temperatures and excessive heat. This Discipline represents the practitioner's ability to self-regulate their internal body temperature and resistance to burns and stamina loss from external factors involving heat, such as an enemy's jutsu, as well as pain received from these factors. All such jutsu or burns that the practitioner receives are considered to affect them at half their normal Strength, rounded up. This also allows the practitioner greater resistance against cold weather, as they have learned how to conserve more heat within their bodies.

Honō no Kokyū • Zen Shūchū no Kokyū
C-Rank Nintaijutsu Stance
Utilizing a special form of breathing while constantly channeling Katon chakra, the practitioner forces their body into a state where a modest amount of chakra is constantly being channeled and primed to mold and emit Katon chakra. This Katon chakra is used to enhance their attacks and movements with flames. So long as the practitioner remains in this Stance, they can reflexively emit a constant stream of Katon chakra from their weapon to enhance their attacks. If the practitioner uses this effect to enhance their attacks, the enhanced attack is treated as a double attack, the first attack hitting with a Speed equal to their Speed and a Strength equal to 1/2 their Control, rounded down. So long as the practitioner remains in this Stance, any nintaijutsu maneuvers of the Honō no Kokyū style executed while in this Stance are granted an unfocused buff of 1/2 the practitioner's Control, rounded down, to the Strength of the technique. The practitioner can exit this Stance reflexively to conserve chakra. Due to the chakra-intensive nature of this Stance, this technique drains 1 point worth of their Chakra Pool every four posts in addition to the chakra costs of other techniques the practitioner uses, regardless of whether they use the chakra or not.

Honō no Kokyū - Hachi no Kata • Hellfire Grasp
B-Rank Nintaijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite(s): Honō no Kokyū • Zen Shūchū no Kokyū must be active.
Using the Katon chakra currently channeled into their weapon, the practitioner rams their weapon into the ground, torquing the muscles in their arms and twisting the weapon as they do. This causes twisting Katon chakra to surge through the ground and target a single opponent within 60 meters of their position with a large hand made of flames. This will bind them for the duration of the technique, burning them each post unless they break free with an equal or higher Strength than the technique. The flames move at a Speed equal to the practitioner's Speed and bind with a Strength equal to the practitioner’s Control. The hand will bind the opponent for up to three posts before expiring.

GenjutsuShow

Divide and Conquer
D-Rank Illusion Genjutsu
After performing the necessary hand seals the user will draw and tilt their bladed weapon, witnessing this shifting motion will initiate the genjutsu. Suddenly the user will appear to split into three individuals with the real one lost among them. Typically one figure will move straight towards the target while the other two branch off to flank. Which are the illusions is completely up to the user’s discretion. When struck the illusions will disperse like ordinary clones. Otherwise this jutsu lasts for up to 3 posts.

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History

HistoryShow

Yozei’s story begins as an outcast. A stone’s throw from living the life most commoners would dream of. His mother was Harukatsu Megami a proud woman of one of the royal lineages that govern Fire Country. Though he was fortunate to be allowed to grow up within the royal palace he was destined never to inherit the title of Daimyo that his grandfather would come to possess. The reason being that Yozei was deemed a bastard, born out of wedlock to an unknown father. For this he and his mother were looked down upon greatly by the rest of his family and yet kept close and under careful scrutiny and supervision so as to not spread word of this dishonor to the family name.

His entire life was spent within the shelter of their great estate. The boy was forbidden from appearing in public or straying far from his mother’s side. While he was treated kindly enough on the few occasions when family would visit there was always a subtle tenseness permeating the air, as if allowing themselves to care too strongly for him would somehow corrupt their own positions. As a young boy however Yozei hardly seemed to notice.

Though he wasn’t doted on by as many servants as most royals would be the boy was permitted a wide array of tutors and was expected to learn formal etiquette and be held to a high standard of aptitude. By the age of 8 he was well versed in arithmetic, literacy, art and strategy games. He was also instructed in falconry, archery and basic swordsmanship. It seemed he would grow into a fine young man, perhaps being allowed to marry into a lesser family one day and be given a small region to preside over.

His life was to take a sudden and unexpected turn however when his mother announced that he would be taking a trip with her. Not just any trip at that but one to meet his father. The thought filled the boy with excitement but also anxiety and fear. He had never travelled outside the estates large gardens and fields. Moreover, on the few occasions he had asked about his father he had been told only that he was a man whom his mother had met in her travels. That he was a skilled warrior and a brave man but one not suitable for her hand in marriage.

Arriving in Konoha was like nothing Yozei could have imagined. The village contained an unmistakable presence of strength and wonder. Even entering the village in relative secrecy, he saw more people than he had ever been exposed to before, men, women and children. Most of which armed. He had thought himself crazy when he had glimpsed some of them leap through the air and run up walls without any effort at all. In all his studies none had ever told him of the existence of shinobi or what possibilities existed in this world. Like any boy would, the thought that his father possessed some form of supernatural training and ability filled him with wonder. All of a sudden, he imagined that same potential flowing throughout his body and he was torn. Was everything he knew until now about to be lost? Was his mother going to abandon him here? As much as he yearned to learn more about his father and what this place was the thought of parting from his mother and the safety of the palace terrified him.

When his mother strode into the lavish office of the Hokage, leader of these people of Konoha, Yozei clung to her as he first took in the sight of his father. The man was large and powerful. Dressed in his red and white robes it was hard to imagine what his mother had meant by him not being qualified to wed royal blood. It was evident he was a leader to these people and commanded great authority and respect. Though, the bearded leader did retain a sense of ruggedness, giving the impression of a leader chosen more for military experience and a warrior’s skill rather than a keen political mind. Perhaps that was the difference. At first he was afraid of the man, wary to be introduced to him, but the kindness in his eyes shone through and soon the boy found himself longing once more to get to know this man.

It was later that evening when his mother told him of the arrangement she had discussed with his father, the 17th Hokage, Natsuki Takeo. He was to stay in Konoha now, be trained as a shinobi and live with his father. Megami too would make Konoha her home now though would often be away on business, her position as liaison between Konoha and the royal family restored. Moreover, Yozei would be granted a last name, the name of his father. For the first time he felt accepted and truly recognized, it was a great honor to be granted the name of Natsuki though in his heart the boy clung to the idea that the name of Harukatsu was his birthright. Often, he would continue to think of himself as such and continued in his determination to be realized by his mother’s side of the family.

The first year living in Konoha became the most difficult year of his life. He was thrown into the academy a few days later, starting well over a month later than his classmates which already painted a picture of him as an outcast. The concept of chakra was completely foreign to him, combined with his unease being surrounded in a classroom setting and he quickly became overwhelmed and filled with anxiety. His mother insisted that he be homeschooled and given private tutors though the Hokage remained firm that he must learn to grow with the people of the village, that teamwork and comradery were essential aspects in becoming a leaf shinobi. And so he pressed on, taking extra lessons on the weekends from various tutors and on occasion his father.

Slowly Yozei began to develop in his understanding. His work ethic was among the most impressive of his class and he excelled in practical applications of intelligence. Equations, history, and tactics were easily absorbed and soon he began to understand and memorize the mechanics of chakra and its applications. His academic grades began to soar though even into his second year he was unable to use chakra, instead relying on his swordsmanship during spars.

Outside of the academy Yozei continued to feel out of place. Though he carried his father’s name he continued to consider himself a Harukatsu. Most of the time he resided with his mother though his father kept a room for him at his home in which Yozei stayed whenever his mother was out of town. Even in the household of his father however the boy kept to himself, rarely straying from his room. Takeo had his own family, and adopted daughter about the same age as Yozei as well as infant twins born form the man’s wife, the Bannin; Hyuuga Aina. Nonetheless he valued the occasional one on one time he got with his father, developing a growing bond though remaining somewhat distant from his half-siblings Takeshi and Kaori as well as their mother Aina and his adopted sister Hanako. However, he didn’t feel out of place with everyone, Takeo’s sister, Yozei’s aunt, Ayame visited often and went out of her way to bond with the boy and tutor him personally as well as make sure he had time for fun and emotional support. There too was the Bannin Yoru, his uncle whom always treated him kindly, giving the boy another strong role model to look up to, though he was rarely around, partaking in many long term missions.

In his third year at the academy Yozei began to truly shine. His grasp on chakra finally clicked and soon he was developing quite a keen level of control, making good headway on learning the various basic jutsu. Finally, the children at the academy began to take him seriously. Previously many had mocked him, others had tried to get close to him for shallow reasons, but none had felt like true friends and comrades. By his fourth and final year Yozei had become one of the most popular kids in his class, his talent had skyrocketed to the top of the class. He had even learned how to harness Katon release jutsu, combining them with his swordsmanship to deadly efficiency. Kids flocked to him as it became clear that he possessed the talent of a Hokage’s child after all. Despite this newfound popularity and recognition Yozei didn’t let it go to his head. It all still felt rather superficial, he wouldn’t stop aspiring for success but more than that he simply longed for a genuine connection to people, to feel truly a part of the village and valued for himself as a person rather than his lineage. At the age of 13 Yozei graduated on schedule, becoming a Genin and a shinobi of Konoha.

As a Genin Yozei met his first love, Hiraku Suzume, the daughter of two rogue shinobi. The young woman had been picked up by Konoha scouts and brought into the village for interrogation. Upon being cleared she was allowed to stay in the village for a few days under the Hokage’s direct supervision, which meant Yozei was to be her guide. The two bonded and vowed to find eachother again even after Suzume left the village and returned to her father. And so they did, in the following years meeting up at each international festival, the recurring yearly events in Fur country and then the tournament in Star.

At the age of 14 Yozei became a Chunin, partnered with a young swordswoman, Inken Nikuya the pair worked well together and defeated their proctor who utilized genjutsu as well as formidable taijutsu techniques. While Yozei did develop a sense of comradery with Nikuya and would continue to work with her on missions in the future she remained a tentative friend at best. However, Yozei did make an unlikely connection with Akari Kotaru, meeting him in Fur country and forming a sort of rivalry that continued over the years whenever they ran into each other at international events. Around this time, he also assisted in the outbreak of Spirits from Sunagakure, inadvertently being possessed while he saved villages. Though the spirit was expelled from him, it had left a piece of itself in him, corrupting his very soul and imparting him with an alter ego that manifested in dreams or when he was emotionally or physically pushed to his limits.

By the time Yozei was 15 he was a skilled shinobi, capable of defeating several Jounin in the Star country tournament, and even holding his own against the Kazekage in the semi-finals. He was promoted to a Special Jounin for his superb display of Katon ninjutsu and chakra control, though he still was quite lacking in physical ability and had long neglected his kenjutsu in favor of his extraordinary talents with Katon and even Doton. Unfortunately, it was also at this time that the young man found his relationship with Suzume come to an end, ultimately their goals were too different the girl taking objection to the shinobi villages and Yozei’s privileged outlooks. Still, he agreed to serve as a liaison between her and Konoha to act in a mutually beneficial information network.

On the day of his 16th birthday, Yozei found himself confronting the Bannin Aizawa Yoru whom had defected from the village having been convinced in a ploy by Suzume’s father Hiraku Kenji that Takeo had plotted to kill Yoru. Such responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders, and despite his uncle’s betrayal he felt worse himself for having to deceive the man. Though together with his father they were ultimately successful in bringing Yoru in. Shortly after the world broke out into war and duty called.

Yozei, together with his friend and teammate Gerudo Zakuro, each led their own platoons of samurai in various conflicts throughout the war. The most notable being an attack on Lava Island that resulted in an entire culture being eradicated. It was genocide and yet the people were so reclusive many didn’t even know they existed. The destruction was instead rewarded by another command, and Fire country was able to establish a foothold over the seas. Yozei moved further south, working together with members of the royal family and being given command over Harukatsu loyal samurai. And over the course of years they were successful in forcing the leadership of Dragon’s Breath to surrender, securing the lavish region on Shrimp continent. The country was finally beginning to stabilize under fire country rule when Konoha was attacked, eastern fire country ravished by Kirigakure forces while Yozei remained across the entire ocean, on a different continent entirely.

Five years the war had lasted and when Yozei finally returned home he hardly felt like a shinobi anymore. He had spent the majority of his shinobi career leading samurai, being treated with the respect of the Harukatsu. In Konoha he had never felt truly accepted, though he did love his family there he had missed so much time. His siblings were all shinobi now and would soon be deployed on their own missions and consumed in duty. His father was still Hokage, step-mother a Bannin. There would be little time to make up for lost time, though he did enjoy festivities in Aroma country. But when his mother, Magami told him of a proposal by his grandfather; whose term as Daimyo had only ended months before the end of the war, Yozei realized an opportunity to finally fulfill his destiny. He was to be recognized as a member of the Harukatsu family, coronated as the 6th Prince of the Harukatsu, finding himself behind his grandfather, a pair of uncles, and each of their surviving sons after the war, his cousins that he had never met. Departing to Dragon Province he would live in the newly established palace and military stronghold; Shitteno-jou Ryu. There he would learn under his mother and uncle and be given regions to manage and a legion of samurai to command in the event military force was required. Though he was recognized as a prince of Fire country now, the man was still a shinobi, promoted to Jounin shortly after the inauguration, and expected to still serve Konoha when called upon and act as a binding agent between Konoha and the royal family.

When Iwagakure marched on Wind country, Yozei responded alongside a platoon of other elite Konoha shinobi to offer protection to their allies of the sand. However, Yozei's squad was overwhelmed by the Bannin, Akari Kotaru and he was captured by his longtime rival from Iwagakure. Tortured for 4 months, Yozei was led to believe he had killed his squadmates and informed of his father's death fighting at another battle site in the same war. Wracked with feelings of guilt and loss and at the mercy of Kotaru's potent genjutsu, Yozei eventually came to feel that he had no place left in Konoha. They had abandoned him and would try him as a war criminal if he was ever to return, not only for his actions in Wind country but also for the genocide of the people of Lava Island during the previous war. His only option was to join Iwagakure, to find his true strength, embrace the darkness within himself and go on to rule as he was destined to do. In doing so he could save far more Konoha lives than if he fought against Iwagakures might. Convinced that Yozei could be used as an asset, Kotaru under the authority of the Tsuchikage decided to rehabilitate Yozei, giving the man a new identity. He would henceforth be Haziwa Youji, a Chunin of Iwagakure, and he would prove his worth and loyalty. And then perhaps one day his former identity would be restored and he would be allowed to rule Fire country under the guidance of Iwagakure.