pas de cheval [hydra south]

[Hotaru]

She hadn't been in Kirigakure more than a day when a message arrived at her small apartment. It was a note from Akira, saying that she was to meet her new 'team' at one of the academy training grounds that afternoon. Obviously he had done his research, and her rank of Chuunin had been discovered.

Holding the letter, Hotaru waited at the field. Sitting on top of a log used for target practice by the students, she double checked the time on the note. She was the first one to arrive, yet her team only had a few minutes to be considered on time for the meeting.

The idea of running a team didn't really thrill her, and she had always avoided working with groups if necessary. Still, she had been given a place to stay and a new place to call home. She had a debt to repay to the Mizukage, so she would try and act as normally as possible.

Despite the 'formality' of the occasion, Hotaru was wearing a rather revealing ensemble. A scarlet bikini top that matched her tattoo covered her chest, and a black jacket with it's sleeves rolled up covered her shoulders and back and was left unzipped. Denim shorts barely reached her calves, and ninja tabi shielded her feet. Her fiery hair was pulled back into a pony tail, and her kirigakure headband was tied visibly to her right forearm.

What am I gonna do with these kids...

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[Deleted]

[atrb=background,http://i.imgur.com/qvttS.png][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding: 20px; border-radius: 25px; border: 1px dotted #bcbcbc;] [style=font-family:Georgia; font-size: 36px; letter-spacing: -2px; text-align: center; color: #ffffff; text-shadow: 2px 1px 1px #747474; line-height: 28px;][/style][style=font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #a3a3a3; letter-spacing: 1px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #ffffff; text-align: center;][/style] [style=margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px; padding: 5px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/81xeW.png'); font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #4a4a4a; padding: 5px;] Time seemed to slow down for this particular Kunoichi as she practically flew past streets. This was not the first time that Madoka had been late for a somewhat important event. Equipped with toast dangling from her mouth and a large, protruding staff slung across her back she was attracting all sorts of unnecessary attention from other passer-by's. Her steps were sprung and drawn out to get the most distance she could possibly make, brushing against the shoulders of men and woman who were in here way. She would mutter a small apology whether or not she would hit another villager as she passed by, jerking her head back to bow somewhat before continuing her frantically-paced sprint across the whole of Kirigakure. Of course her house had to be on the other side of the world from the academy grounds and of course she just had to fall asleep just hours from the initial time they were suppose to meet. Someone had obviously cursed her today, and she placed her hands awkwardly together and prayed to higher beings that nothing else would go wrong today. "Awlmwost thwere, Mwadoka, awlmwost twhere" she chanted through the bread in in her mouth. She took a final turn around the next corner and found herself just minutes from her destination. She jumped across fences; taking a quick shortcut down a small, empty park area and soon a rather exhausted and flustered Madoka had found herself in front of the Academy doors. She leaned against the side of a support pillar for a moment to catch her breath. She was glad no one could see her right now as she probably looked absolutely pathetic. Lets not leave home on an empty stomach next time, she thought, in-between long, drawn out breaths. Her stomach rumbled in response. Taking her quickly made snack, she ate the rest of her toast, soothing the aches in her stomach slightly. She then placed her hands over her skirt, pressing away at the tiny creases and flicked at stray strands of hair on her head. As soon as she was sure she was sure that she was somewhat presentable, she made her way to the back of the building, where the training grounds were situated. She hoped that there only a few people there, as large groups of people tended to make the black haired kunoichi uncomfortable. She kept her hand on the strap of her Naginata's sheath as she walked. From a distance she could spot fire-red locks upon a wooden target log. She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, and followed towards the training logs. As soon as she was close enough, she opened her mouth in an attempt to introduce herself. "I-- He--" As hard as she tried, she wasn't sure how to get the words to escape her lips "H-h… Hello" She called out, looking up at the rather curvaceous woman above her "I, uh, I'm Madoka"

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[/style][style=font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; color: #5a5a5a; text-align: center; text-shadow: 1px 1px 0px #ffffff;]CREDITS � made by lovesolfege from OTE[/style][/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[The Motto]

Now it had been the beginning of the young boys shinobi life. Meaning it would be action-packed with the risk of dying at all times. Not the ideal lifestyle if you had a say. Luckily for this self-absorbed psychotic ninja, today was the day where he would meet his new leader of his group, and another ninja of similar rank. The title of Genin was given out to those who were still lacking experience and knowledge for the next rank.

Trekking forward into the misty forests of Kirigakure, his pace increasing every step he took as he noticed the time. He was soon going to be late, which meant that it came with some sort of punishment. The self proclaimed Merchant Of Death began his sprint towards the location of the meeting, his speeds unrivaled by other Genin of the Mist.

After a couple moments, and a look at his watch for clarification, he wasn't late. He appeared to be behind the woman sitting on the tall log. Her hair was different from most he has seen, just exotic. He also noticed another lady in front of her, but he wasn't sure if he was speaking or not. Another glance at his watch, he was on time.

With a large leap, jumping over the log and the red-haired female. With a swift landing, he appeared right next to the scrawny female. For his age, he was a large giant, a fitting katana on his back. In his purple gi, which of course was different compared to the two females, but it was what he always wore.

"Whats up, the names Akuma Sasori."

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[Hotaru]

Her team arrived at about the same time, a girl a few moments before the boy. With crumbs on her face, the girl timidly introduced herself as Madoka, and the boy recklessly leaped through the air and landed, introducing himself as if he had made a normal entrance. Hotaru's violet eyes shifted from one to the other, unable to decide which of them was stranger. On one hand, the girl didn't seem like she was capable of hurting anything. And on the other, the boy was so full of himself that he would likely be killed as soon as he was faced with a serious combat situation.

She raised an eyebrow and wondered if she had ever been so wide eyed and clueless as the pair in front of her. As much as she wanted to just smack some sense into them, Akira had asked her to lead them as a team. With a sigh, she pushed off from the log and landed in front of the duo, her hands sliding into the pockets of the undone jacket.

"I'm Hotaru, looks like I'm supposed to be in charge of this. . . squad."

She said, squinting her eyes and trailing off at the end of her sentence.

"I know this is supposed to be a 'get to know each other' and 'start being bestest friends' kinda deal, but that's really not my style. Besides, getting to know you personally won't be worth very much if you get yourselves killed on the first mission. So. We're gonna see what you're capable of with a little...training exercise."

Hotaru paused for a bit, waiting for any out bursts, questions, or comments from the genin. She could imagine how they must be feeling, but that didn't mean that she needed to baby them. If they were going to get anywhere as shinobi, they would need to toughen up, and quickly.

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[Deleted]

[atrb=background,http://i.imgur.com/qvttS.png][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding: 20px; border-radius: 25px; border: 1px dotted #bcbcbc;] [style=font-family:Georgia; font-size: 36px; letter-spacing: -2px; text-align: center; color: #ffffff; text-shadow: 2px 1px 1px #747474; line-height: 28px;][/style][style=font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #a3a3a3; letter-spacing: 1px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #ffffff; text-align: center;][/style] [style=margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px; padding: 5px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/81xeW.png'); font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #4a4a4a; padding: 5px;] "I'm Hotaru, looks like I'm supposed to be in charge of this. . . squad." Madoka gripped the leather strap tighter. Squad. It was something unfamiliar to her as she had never been in a team for well... anything. She couldn't help but feel strangely excited. Her eye curiously glanced to her side, the boy next to her was the third part of this rather convoluted wheel and already had made quite a entrance for himself. Madoka wasn't sure if he was trying to impress the two, or if it was something he enjoyed doing on a regular basis but it sure was not the first, as the red-haired kunoichi was anything but impressed. She was more... confused, than impressed, Madoka thought. "I know this is supposed to be a 'get to know each other' and 'start being bestest friends' kinda deal, but that's really not my style. Besides, getting to know you personally won't be worth very much if you get yourselves killed on the first mission." And that's where the excitement stopped. Madoka's mind was now littered with thoughts. Killed? She wondered why she was so surprised, of course death was a factor when becoming a fully fledged ninja. She had never really thought about it, now that she was on the matter, and it gave her a even worse ache in the pitt of her stomach. "So. We're gonna see what you're capable of with a little...training exercise." During that moment she kept silent although obviously intrigued by her proposal. She was apprehensive about the idea, but the little ounce of confidence within her body had made it so she was determined to prove herself to Hotaru and Akuma, who obviously didn't think much of Madoka at this point. If she wanted to start a change, today was obviously the day for it. "W-what exactly do you mean by 'Training Exercise'?" Madoka finally asked, raising her hand slightly. [/style][style=font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; color: #5a5a5a; text-align: center; text-shadow: 1px 1px 0px #ffffff;]CREDITS � made by lovesolfege from OTE[/style]

[Hotaru]

Skipping Sasori. He has 1 day after Madoka posts to reply, after which he will be expelled from the team and replaced with someone more active. This is an activity to test your abilities and improve them; not taking it seriously or posting in a timely manner not only does nothing for you, but it also slows the progress of your teammates. 1 day IIC.

Hotaru reached into her pocket and removed a small jingle bell on a string. Shaking the small instrument around, she waited for her students to get a good look.

This bell will be tied to my hip. Its up to you to take it from me. You can use whatever means necessary, just know that I'll be doing the same to keep you away.

Hotaru then leapt backwards, back onto the target log she had been standing on earlier. Eyeing her students apprehensively, she wondered how much they were capable of. She thought back to her first team meeting in Iwagakure where her instructor had started with a similar exercise. Now that she was on the other side of this torturous activity, she realized how useful it was.

"Don't hold back. You might get hurt."

Tying the string to the belt loop on her left hip, she smirked and looked down to her students. She waited for someone to make a move, her eyes alert to any changes in her students' postures to signify any kind of pre-mature attack.

"Any questions?"

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[Deleted]

[atrb=background,http://i.imgur.com/qvttS.png][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding: 20px; border-radius: 25px; border: 1px dotted #bcbcbc;] [style=font-family:Georgia; font-size: 36px; letter-spacing: -2px; text-align: center; color: #ffffff; text-shadow: 2px 1px 1px #747474; line-height: 28px;][/style][style=font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #a3a3a3; letter-spacing: 1px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #ffffff; text-align: center;][/style] [style=margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px; padding: 5px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/81xeW.png'); font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #4a4a4a; padding: 5px;] Her eye focused on the swaying bell and strictly on it. She had heard of training similar to this before so she had a small sum of knowledge as to what exactly was going to go on. The hands gripped on the strap of her Naginata began to move above her head, removing it. She slid the sheath of her weapon off as the red-haired kunoichi jumped above her, back once more to her spot upon the tree trunk. "So we... we cant just ask it from you?" Madoka looked up, with a slight smile. Madoka had half accepted that someone was bound to get hurt today. She had never truly used her Naginata in the intention of hurting someone, maybe in a small friendly bout but not like this. She held her staff with both her hands, spinning it between her palms to get a feel once more of her weapon. Getting warmed up was important, especially as her hand were practically shaking in her nervousness. Settling into the familiar stance, she took a deep and calming breath. Madoka then turned herself sideways, her left shoulder facing the woman, left hand near the tip, dominant hand near the rear. She took turns clicking her knuckles before tightening her grip onto the pole of her staff. She kept in mind the items in her satchel. Although it wasn't exactly brimming with objects she had enough to use, or at least she hoped. 30 single Makibishi's, and 2 Kunai's were all that were stuffed in her bag. She had also decided to bring along her retractable wrist blade, hidden under the sleeve of her shirt. 'You can do this Madoka... show them that you can do it. Everyone is your opponent now.' She kept the the tip of her blade on the floor, taping the ground twice. This was it, Madoka thought, now or never. Slightly crouched, she pushed her right leg back, leaning her weight on her left before pushing herself into the highest leap she could possibly make. Just as gravity would pull her back down, she would use all the force in her body to push against the air1, impossible as it sounded, to add another meter and a few of height. Her left hand would let go of the tip at this moment, letting her staff slip from the rear to the center of the pole in her right hand. She would then force all her weight to fall forwards, causing herself to tumble down into a somersault, her leg extended2. In one whole tumble, she would create the right kind of momentum, enough for her to hopefully slam her heel into her Sensei shoulder, and if it were to connect, stun her just enough to hopefully grab the bell from her. She could only pray that her opponents reaction would be slow. SPOILER: Click to show 1 'X' Joutou! ('X' Jump) Rank: C Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu Range: Self Stamina: Mid Special: Can only be performed during or after the apex of the user's initial jump. Can execute up to 1 mid-air jump before hitting the ground, plus 1 more each time retrained. Description: Once in the air, only the most advanced Taijutsu users can manage to use their brute strength to actually jump against the air using friction, effectively jumping again before hitting the ground. Domain: Universal Taijutsu. 2Kaiten Kakatou Otoshi (Spinning Heel Drop) Rank: C Type: Offensive / Taijutsu Range: 0 - 5 meters Stamina: Mid Special: If kick connects with head, the victim will most likely be stunned for half turn. Normally the user spins once before descending, but each time retrained, an additional spin is added, which adds more power and thus more stunning capabilities - equal to 1/2 a turn of stun added each time. Description: A very basic but effective taijutsu attack, the Kaiten involves the user's leg in a reverse downward kick. After launching themselves into the air and begin to somersault, the user gains momentum within the chosen striking limb and come spinning down, laying their heels into the target's shoulders and head. Domain: Universal Taijutsu. (ooc: uh.... YEAH. hopefully this made sense. Derpy post is derpy)

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[/style][style=font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; color: #5a5a5a; text-align: center; text-shadow: 1px 1px 0px #ffffff;]CREDITS � made by lovesolfege from OTE[/style][/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[The Motto]

Now the task at hand seemed hard, but for the Flawless Prodigy, he would aim to please as he stood there. He began to observe his female's partner attempt for the bell. She also was a hand to hand specialist which made this even more interesting. The use of her power against the so called "leader' was magnificent as well as her flow. Now falling quickly, he wouldn't wait for her to finish her act.

Yet Sasori didn't want the female to take all the fun out of this little game. Instead of dashing, with the use of a handseal, he appeared about five meters ahead with log behind at his former position with the use of the replacement technique, about right in front of the large log that the female sat on. Swiftly unsheathing his blade before attempting to cut the large log that she sat on into two, disrupting her balance and hopefully getting hit by the female's kick.

SPOILER: Click to show

Kawarimi no Jutsu (Body Replacement Technique)
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Very Low
Special: Switch is near-instantaneous. Kawarimi can only be used once per thread, plus one more each time retrained. However, the technique itself can only be used once per turn, regardless of retraining. Requires the user to switch with objects equal or smaller in size; cannot switch with other living people or animals.
Description: This jutsu lets the user quickly switch places with another nearby object, such as a plant (normally a section of a log), an animal, the moment an attack hits. This creates an optical illusion, making the enemy think the attack was successful. The user can then use this confusion to escape or launch a counter-attack - i.e. exploding tags can be attached to the replacement for an added surprise.
Domain: Academy Ninjutsu.

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[Hotaru]

Her head cocked to the side as she watched her students spring into action. The girl wielding the spear jumped high into the air and tucked forward, her leg extended as she fell towards Hotaru, attempting to deliver a powerful kick aided by gravity. Sasori, on the other hand, floundered with a replacement technique about 5 meters away. With nothing but the log she was standing on for him to switch places with, he would be stuck in place. Further more, even if he had managed to close the gap between them, the fact that he had 0 techniques and a low chakra and stamina pool would disable him from slicing through a thick log in a single swipe.

Raising her left arm straight above her head, she tried to grab hold of Madoka's ankle as the spear wielder fell. Instead of blocking the force, Hotaru would attempt to redirect it. Hopefully pulling the girl out of the air, Hotaru would throw the kunoichi backwards, aiming to hit Sasori with his teammate's body.

"You'll have to do better than that!"

Hotaru chided, still not having moved from her perch atop the meter thick log. Though they had made some rookie mistakes, she hoped there was potential still hidden inside of them.

SPOILER: Click to show

Madoka- Not a bad opener, but try not to get aerial unless absolutely necessary or if you know your attack will hit. Usually, being in the air will make you much easier to counter. That 'double jump' technique makes aerial attacks a bit more viable, but only use them if you have no other option or have a high chance of success.

Sasori- You have nothing to switch with, so you cant use the replacement technique. Also, you're over estimating your characters abilities. A basic sword slash wont cut through a log at your stamina level.

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[Deleted]

[atrb=background,http://i.imgur.com/qvttS.png][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding: 20px; border-radius: 25px; border: 1px dotted #bcbcbc;] [style=font-family:Georgia; font-size: 36px; letter-spacing: -2px; text-align: center; color: #ffffff; text-shadow: 2px 1px 1px #747474; line-height: 28px;][/style][style=font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #a3a3a3; letter-spacing: 1px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #ffffff; text-align: center;][/style] [style=margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px; padding: 5px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/81xeW.png'); font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #4a4a4a; padding: 5px;] As the red haired kunoichi grabbed hold of her ankle, her eye's widened and gave a yelp of surprise. Hurtling backwards, she braced herself for impact, unbeknownst to her about the unlucky noy who would soon cushion her fall. They collided in a right crash and tumble, but thankfully for him she wasn't too heavy. As she lay above her partner, a little shaken, she turned her head to the sounds of taunting from their Sensei. "You'll have to do better than that!" She grumbled, stabbing the blade of her Naginata onto the ground beside the two. She had never felt anything like this in her life; she didn't understand what it was either but all she knew that there was this powerful drive in her head to capture the bells for herself. Madoka pulled herself upon her staff, turning her head ever so slightly to mutter an apology to her partner who had unfortunately become her safety-mat for the day. "I-its not over yet!" She would shout out, as she began to preform a quick flurry of hand seals. Her mouth opened as she inhaled a large gust of air, focusing the chakra within her chest and mouth. Her legs split apart; embers ignited and flourish within her mouth which she would mold and blow into a long stream of orange flames heading straight towards Hotaru. SPOILER: Click to show Enkou Shinka (Essence of the Sacred Flames) Rank: D, C, B, A, S Type: Supplementary / Katon Ninjutsu Range: 0 - 50 meters Handseals: No Chakra: Mid Special: Allows the user the ability to create, control and move Katon (Fire) chakra of their own for multiple purposes. Range of flame control and speed at which one can produce them depends on the highest rank known. D: 10 meters / 2 meters per second C: 20 meters / 4 mps B: 30 meters / 6 mps A: 40 meters / 8 mps S: 50 meters / 10 mps Description: Katon, the birth of the flame itself. With but a mere thought, masters of the flame learn to birth their fire over large expanses. Intense training opens the door for other techniques, but they all rely on one simple core - the user's ability to birth a flame from a distance. Domain: Katon. Endan (Fireball) Rank: C Type: Offensive / Katon Ninjutsu Range: See special! Handseals: Yes Chakra: Mid Special: Distance and speed at which the fireball can travel before automatically igniting depends on the user's highest 'Enkou Shinka' rank. Additionally, fireball size and explosion area will always be equal to 1/5th of the user's 'Enkou Shinka' size. Finally, each time retrained, an additional 'C' ranked amount of damage is added on as a bonus to the explosion. However, after every 4th training, chakra consumption will go up by one. Description: Although basic, the fireball technique is nonetheless efficient and deadly. After forming the necessary handseals, the shinobi will expel a jet stream of fire from their mouth, which quickly forms into a large fireball. The user can fire this ball off in any direction they wish, resulting in a small explosion upon impact. Domain: Katon. Enkou Shinka 'C'. [/style][style=font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; color: #5a5a5a; text-align: center; text-shadow: 1px 1px 0px #ffffff;]CREDITS � made by lovesolfege from OTE[/style]

[The Motto]

Unluckily the replacement jutsu that he hoped to use to at least reach the fiery red head seemed to fail once he noticed his surroundings and how they were. The lack of logs made his plan an utter failure. When it came to the Mist, "Failure wasn't an option."

As she caught the girl's leg and hurled her into his direction, it irritated him the way she was playing with them. Instead of dodging, assuming it would be less damaging if it was him comforting the fall of the female. As both of there bodies collided, it was enough to cause him to fall back. Using this chance to assist the female.

"Use your Ninjutsu to lure her in, and I'll try to take the bell. Is that okay with you?" Akuma whispered in a way that only she could hear.

They had to use both there talents to get a hold of the bell. Now if she used her long range abilities to make her fall into the trap, it would be much more easier for the Prodigy to steal the bell away. Now at his current level, there was things he couldn't do and it required much work from both of them to get rid of there weaknesses.

He began a sprint towards fiery red head with intention of mutilating her body¹. His speed was incredible, completely ignoring the other shinobi arts so he could focus properly on taijutsu. Moving at incredible speeds to reach the redhead, moving at about 3 meters per second with a frontal sprint.

SPOILER: Click to show

1. Since the technique didn't work at all, didn't even replace with a log, does that mean I actually used one of the limited number of uses?

2. Could I use recent techniques that I bought at the EXP stores in here?

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[Hotaru]

Her team's first attempts had been successfully thwarted, and without even having to move from her perch. The two rose from the crumpled heap on the lawn, this time working together to try and retrieve the bells from her hip.

Madoka formed seals and shot a fireball at Hotaru while Sasori sprinted forwards. Unfortunately for him, mutilating his instructor's body would have to wait. Forming a few seals of her own, Hotaru stepped backwards, falling from the log in order to avoid the fireball. Though Sasori was approaching fast, her seals would finish before he got close.

Aiming for sasori's feet, she spit a ball of rock at him which, upon contact, would burst into a cloud of volcanic ash, covering the entire field in a swirling storm of dust. Under the cover of her smokescreen, she reached down and clutched the ball in her fist, silencing the instrument as she relocated.

Back 10 meters from her starting point, there would be no way for her students to guess where she had gone, and it allowed her to prepare something to really test if they had what it took to stay on her team. She started forming seals, and provided that she was uninterrupted, her next ability would be on the field in a matter of seconds.

SPOILER: Click to show

Kazan Hai Kichou (Volcanic Ash Screen)
Rank: C
Type: Defensive / Youton Kekkei Touta
Range: 0-50 Meters
Chakra: Mid
Special: The area which the screen covers depends on the highest “Fushokuzai” rank known. The screen can be blown away by a Fuuton jutsu of rank C or higher.
Description: The users employs youton in a different manner with Kazan Hai Kichou. He spits forth a ball of lava-covered rock incapable of causing any damage. A thin layer of chakra prevents the lava from immediately burning the rock. Upon contacting any sort of surface the force causes the ball to erupt by breaking the protective layer of chakra, and immediately spreads a layer of volcanic ash in the area by allowing the heat to disintegrate the rock. The breaking of the chakra layer not only allows the two substances to connect, but creates an energetic burst which spreads the volcanic ash. The range which it spreads Depends on Fushokuzai. The ash screen is thick, difficult to see through, but causes no damage aside from slight irritation to the lungs should the ash be inhaled, easily prevented by holding ones breath. Kazan Hai Kichou is not an offensive technique but serves as cover for an escape or as means to support subtlety.
Domain: Youton, Fushokuzai: Rank C

-Sasori- Normally, that is not allowed, but since this is just for practice, go ahead.

[Deleted]

[atrb=background,http://i.imgur.com/qvttS.png][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding: 20px; border-radius: 25px; border: 1px dotted #bcbcbc;] [style=font-family:Georgia; font-size: 36px; letter-spacing: -2px; text-align: center; color: #ffffff; text-shadow: 2px 1px 1px #747474; line-height: 28px;][/style][style=font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #a3a3a3; letter-spacing: 1px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #ffffff; text-align: center;][/style] [style=margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px; padding: 5px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/81xeW.png'); font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #4a4a4a; padding: 5px;] The field was quickly submerged in a thick cloud of ash, opaque and impossible to see what lay ahead of them. She was beginning to loose hope, and it was just the start of the battle. She was never going to get those bells. She pulled her shirt above her nose trying to block out the small particles of volcanic ash from irritating her lungs. She drew her staff from the ground and moved immediately forwards though, hoping to find her partner. "Akuma-san! Are you alright?" Madoka yelled through her shirt, her eyes watering somewhat "Lets regroup!" But she had no possible way of finding him in this screen of ash. She would have to try following his voice, but then that would mean inhaling the ashy debris. Then it hit her like a brick. Her mind began to formulate a plan, assuming that their Sensei had not run off too far. She once again stabbed her Naginata into the ground and began to create more handseals, her feet as still as can be. Her hands came together and a fluctuation of chakra dispersed around her, scanning the area for both her partner and her Sensei. In a few moments, the wave of chakra would touch the feet of both Akuma and Hotaru. Their sensei was 8-9 meters from her current spot whilst her partner at around a few meters ahead of herself. She would then create another flurry of hand seals, using up all her chakra now would be unwise and she knew this, but she was going to use the smokescreen in her favor this time round. SPOILER: Click to show Kekkai • Tengai Houjin (Barrier • Dome Method Formation) Rank: D, C, B, A, S Type: Supplementary / Defensive / Ninjutsu Range: 0 - 50 meters Handseals: Yes. Chakra: Low - Very High Special: Rank determines level, and type of chakra that is detectable - 'D' rank is 10 meters, and each rank increases by 10. Must be still in order to use. Description: Kekkai • Tengai Houjin is a Ninjutsu technique named a barrier jutsu due to the field of chakra that it disperses around. After having their hands come together, the user can extend a sensory barrier to detect the movements of a hidden foe. Should the field touch their opponent, the user will know their position immediately. Domain: Universal Ninjutsu. [/style][style=font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; color: #5a5a5a; text-align: center; text-shadow: 1px 1px 0px #ffffff;]CREDITS � made by lovesolfege from OTE[/style]

[The Motto]

The main disadvantage of the abnormally tall shinobi was the fact that he lacked the ability to utilize any of the other arts, instead he was familiar in one art, Taijutsu. It made it even harder for him to hurt others as it required him to get up close and personal. He didn't have any flashy abilities, it was all hard work.

With that in hand, his plan formulating within his head was complete once more, now this time he would actually aim to obtain the bells. Now with the starting distance between them being ten meters, and how he was moving, he wouldn't have reached her in time to stop her.

The instant he she got off the log it was time to actually utilize the technique at hand that had failed before, it was time. With the fluent movement of a single handseal, he replaced himself with the log the female had fell off from¹. Now ahead of his former position and now close enough to thwart her plans of releasing her jutsu.

As he entered, with the uncanny near-instantaneous speed of the replacement technique, unsheathing his blade in the blink of an eye with a swift thrust towards the bell². The blades sharp tip easily able of cutting the little item that attached the bell to the waist of the busty red-head.

Aided by the sudden speed of the replacement technique and the quick drawing of his blade, it was enough for the shinobi to reach the female Chunin before she actually completed her hand-seals. They were now up close and personal, the way he liked it.

SPOILER: Click to show

1. Kawarimi no Jutsu (Body Replacement Technique)
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Very Low
Special: Switch is near-instantaneous. Kawarimi can only be used once per thread, plus one more each time retrained. However, the technique itself can only be used once per turn, regardless of retraining. Requires the user to switch with objects equal or smaller in size; cannot switch with other living people or animals.
Description: This jutsu lets the user quickly switch places with another nearby object, such as a plant (normally a section of a log), an animal, the moment an attack hits. This creates an optical illusion, making the enemy think the attack was successful. The user can then use this confusion to escape or launch a counter-attack - i.e. exploding tags can be attached to the replacement for an added surprise.
Domain: Academy Ninjutsu.

2. Mae Zuki (Front Thrust)
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu / Kenjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Stamina: Low
Special: Each time retrained, 'D' ranked damage is stacked.
Description: Commencing from a standing position, the practitioner draws and thrusts a frontal attacker and then quickly sheathes his blade. As he invests more time and practice into the art of offensive sheathing, his overall offensive rating shall increase, although at the cost of greater stamina.
Domain: Kenjutsu. Battojutsu 'D'.

(You never stated a starting point between us in any of your posts so I decided to go with 10 meters.)

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[Hotaru]

Despite his measures, Sasori ignored the fact that Hotaru had cast an ability of her own, causing him to be enveloped in the cloud of ash just as he switched places with the large log along with a 50 square meter area. As she retreated, his sword strike would not find a target since Hotaru escaped 10 meters backwards into the storm. She was a bit farther than 10 meters from Madoka (closer to 15), but she may have sensed Hotaru escape the edge of her barrier if her seals were quick enough.

With her own seal string uninterrupted, Hotaru summoned a pillar of lava to rise from the ground. 5 meters in girth, the tower of molten rock ascended to 25 meters in height before rapidly cooling into it’s hardened state. Amidst the ash storm, an obsidian obelisk had come from nowhere, and Hotaru climbed to the top under the cover of her diversion. Since it would be nearly impossible for her team to locate her amidst the flurry of ash, this would likely happen in total safety.

Assuming all had gone according to plan, the Kunoichi would stand atop the new obstacle and dismiss the ash storm. The black, glass like structure weakly reflected the sunlight, and Hotaru waited to see just what her team would do with the new challenge. Shouting down to her students, she taunted them yet again.

“Let’s see what you do with a bigger log!”

SPOILER: Click to show

Kazan Hai Kichou (Volcanic Ash Screen)
Rank: C
Type: Defensive / Youton Kekkei Touta
Range: 0-50 Meters
Chakra: Mid
Special: The area which the screen covers depends on the highest “Fushokuzai” rank known. The screen can be blown away by a Fuuton jutsu of rank C or higher.
Description: The users employs youton in a different manner with Kazan Hai Kichou. He spits forth a ball of lava-covered rock incapable of causing any damage. A thin layer of chakra prevents the lava from immediately burning the rock. Upon contacting any sort of surface the force causes the ball to erupt by breaking the protective layer of chakra, and immediately spreads a layer of volcanic ash in the area by allowing the heat to disintegrate the rock. The breaking of the chakra layer not only allows the two substances to connect, but creates an energetic burst which spreads the volcanic ash. The range which it spreads Depends on Fushokuzai. The ash screen is thick, difficult to see through, but causes no damage aside from slight irritation to the lungs should the ash be inhaled, easily prevented by holding ones breath. Kazan Hai Kichou is not an offensive technique but serves as cover for an escape or as means to support subtlety.
Domain: Youton, Fushokuzai: Rank C

Madoka- Good idea. You misjudged the distance a bit, since i moved 10 meters back from the log, which was about 5 meters from your position. Otherwise, good job.

Sasori- You ignored my attack, allowing me to use it to completely avoid yours. Just because you feel like you’ll interrupt something doesnt mean you don’t put it in your post. If you want to interrupt successfully, provide your reasoning in your post.