Sudden Victory Lotus [M]

[Comatose]

A Time to Spar
Rank: C.
Shinobi Required: 2-4.
Mission Information: Fighting is a natural part of the shinobi world, but sometimes there is a lull in battle; a mission might be taken here, a small threat averted there, but otherwise all is peaceful. That is why the Jounin of Sunagakure have come together to suggest a mission: those who wish to gain more experience in combat against another shinobi should come together and spar. Death is not permitted, and will be a punishable offense, but otherwise, go crazy!
Special Information: Repeatable. Requires at least two ninja, but a fight between more than two is also encouraged, as such situations can occur during war.
Reward: 50 EXP & 1,000 Ryo.

Youka had a certain control over me that no one else had. Before I had met her all my decisions had been final, anything I had said I would do, or set out to do was done without any further thought. However, when she brought a mission to my attention, I refused, and she gave me those eyes and that face I couldn't resist. The nature of the mission was simple, and the whole purpose of the mission was simply to facilitate a basis for real-world combat experience for ninja. On this basis, and only on this basis, I found it almost necessary to take the mission after convinced to do it. I would rather I be the one to battle against her than anyone else, for I to be the one to facilitate her experiences. The last thing I wanted was some mishap and her getting fatally wounded.

I had told her to meet me at a spot just on the edge of the village itself. Unusually, this spot was one where the sand had almost completely leveled out for about one-hundred meters in all directions, spanning from a central origin point marked by a flag. It was for this reason an almost entirely flat plain, with the only degrees of change in the elevation being mere inches due to uneven sand. No one ever came out here either, because of how exactly desolate and empty it was.

A few minutes had already passed since I had been waiting for her there, posted up against that flag with kusanagi stricken into the ground beside me.

"Where is she. . ?"

[addy-hime ♥]

There were many aspects about Asato's personality that I loved; one example in particular was his unwillingness to injure me in any way. There was the short period of our relationship where he had extorted and threatened me, but never once had he spilled my blood despite his lust for it. Even after Aero's death it took much logical explanation to convince him that he would need to batter and bruise me for the sake of our lie to the Council, and I knew it pained him terribly to follow my advice. That was why, overall, I was shocked that he eventually agreed to be my sparring partner, knowing full-well his strength outmatched mine by a such a degree that it was physically impossible to injure him in my current state.

The sensation of cool plastic beneath my fingers calmed me, and I finally finished pushing down an eyepiece over my right eye. With a simple impress of a button, the lone figure in the distance was zeroed in on and came into view, almost as if he were standing right in front of me. The information readout on the lens told me that he stood exactly 50 meters away from my current position, back turned to me, and naturally unaware of my approach. The sand here was so flat that I had expected him to know well before-hand, but now that I was at a comfortable distance, I was pleased with the outcome of my round-about route to our meeting place.

I did not move even an inch closer to him. Instead, I waited, watching; I wanted him to notice me before we made our first moves. This was to be a completely impersonal fight, but I could not bring myself to attempt an ambush. Instead, I replaced my free hand on the exterior of my Kyodai Sensu, tugging it open yet another notch. It was completely withdrawn from its protective covering now, the trio of lavender circles bright against the white material of its innards.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tracker
Rank: C
Type: Accessory / Self
Special: Has a range up to 1000 yards.
Description: Similar to the communication's device in ease and effectiveness, the range finder can function both as binoculars and as a means to measure the distance to a target. snug and sleek, it fits across only one eye, and has a see-through lens that establishes visual information. With a durable carapace, it is designed to withstand water damage and even the pressure of extreme altitudes.

Kyodai Sensu
Rank: B
Type: Main / Specialty / Melee + Ranged
Special: -
As its name implies, the Kyodai is a giant fan spanning three feet when fully open. Although appearing cumbersome and unwieldy, Fuuton specialists can use their chakra in conjunction with the swinging of the fan in order to create truly devastating gusts and cyclones. By imbuing their chakra further into the wind, they can even paralyze victims in place, so that their slicing gales can be more effective.

[/font]

[Comatose]

Naturally, I would look around for her approach. I could do nothing but grin after spotting her behind me, rather impressed by the notion. Of course, one would always want to get the drop on one's opponent. Had she taken the first strike initially I definitely would have been off my guard, at least for a moment. But that was all it took on the battlefield, that fleeting moment to get the drop on someone, or that simple mistake to capitalize on. I shook my head some, laughing under my breath; she really was amazing, my fiance.

There was fifty meters of distance between me and her, as dictated by her being just on the edge of the flat plain of sand and I being at its direct center. This distance marked the extreme edge of my influence, and ground needed to be made up for headway; a planned established beachhead of resistance. The Kusanagi was taken up from it's position, as I was turned around and walked forward toward Youka, the hand holding Kusanagi raising up into the sky. Paper Swords formed the basis for my first assault, simple as it was. No one ever showed their trump card in their first attack and this one was just meant to test the waters.

The swords spun about, twisting like drills before being set upon her, zipping through the air in random vectors at breakneck speeds. Though they were fast at this distance she would have ample time to dodge or counteract, and I expected nothing less than to be surprised.

SPOILER: Click to show

Hatoronshi no Kami (Crafting Paper Skill)

[/u]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S [625 EXP]
Type: Supplementary / Secret Technique
Range: See special!
Chakra: Mid
Special: Highest rank known determines how much of their body can be used to produce paper for clan jutsu, how far the user's paper creations can travel away from them, how big they can be, and finally, the base strength of all paper creations. Although user is able to produce paper from their bodies, they are not yet able to transform into it and move freely in paper form. Paper under user's command moves at a default speed of 1 meter per second.

• D: 10 meter range // 2 meter max size // 20% paper body
  
• C: 20 m. // 4 m. max size // 40% paper body
  
• B: 30 m. range // 6 m. max size // 60% paper body
  
• A: 40 m. range // 8 m. max size // 80% paper body
  
• S: 50 m. range // 10 m. max size // 99.9% paper body
  

Description: Able to create paper from anywhere within their body, Shikigami clan members depend on their Paper Strength as a basis for further clan techniques. Once they are able to grow comfortable creating multi-sized paper creations across larger areas, the clan members moves on to mastering the full Shikigami potential.
Domain: Shikigami.

Pepa Speedo (Paper Speed)[/u]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S [625 EXP]
Type: Passive / Secret Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: --
Chakra: --
Special: Improves paper movement speed. Highest rank known determines the speed at which paper creations can move.

• D: 2 meters per second
  
• C: 4 meters per second
  
• B: 6 meters per second
  
• A: 8 meters per second
  
• S: 10 meters per second
  

Description: With increased training and concentration, the Shikigami learns how to make the paper their control move faster and faster, almost akin to projectiles themselves.
Domain: Shikigami. Hatoronshi no Kami.[/spoiler][/blockquote][/blockquote][/font][/justify]

[addy-hime ♥]

I could easily have ambushed him. All it would have taken was a simple casting of my Kagura Kinzu to cover up the remnants of my chakra trail, and then come up with a plan of action to take him out in as short a period of time as possible. But that was not what this fight was about, was it? I needed the experience of a heated fight; I had dedicated ANBU squads who would volunteer in a heart beat to take a mission with such parameters.

I watched through my Tracker as Asato lifted Kusanagi, immediately making my heart skip a beat and thrum loudly against my rib cage, like a trapped bird. The sword frightened me ... when it was aimed at my enemies it was like a guardian of mine, but even playfully directed at me I was subject to the malevolent aura all the stories boasted. I wanted nothing more than to turn and flee, but I knew he would not be proud of such fear, so instead I wiped the stricken expression from my face and narrowed my eyes. The sword had been risen into the sky like a battle call, summoning forth blades of paper; I knew from experience that they would be upon me in seconds when they began to close the distance.

But, I was ready.

I hoisted my fan up above my head and leaped from the ground; immediately, a gust of wind caught hold of the material and I soared up into the sky like a bird. It would have taken several seconds to get the altitude I desired—30 meters off the ground—so the swords would have barely missed me if they continued in their trajectory and did not change by his whim. Regardless, I was not about to worry myself unnecessarily with it. I was more intent on the body of the man on the ground below me, only slightly less than 50 meters away still.

Immediately I began to glide toward him, roughly as fast as my normal running speed. This was a series of techniques that I had developed on my own time, dedicated as I was to my weapon. He had never witnessed more than the flying itself, so I imagined he would be surprised when a green sphere began to form beneath me, apparently attached to my body, as it followed with each meter I closed between us. I made no handseals whatsoever; this alone would be a daunting realization for him.

SPOILER: Click to show

[ 1/10 ] Tobitatsu! ( 10 posts per thread. )
Rank: C, C, C, C, C, C
Type: Supplementary / Fuuton Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Chakra: Mid [Very Low] *
Special: Requires at least C-rank Amakaze. Originally, the user may only glide for a total of five posts per thread. Each time this technique is relearned, however, that number raises by one.
Description: A technique created by the Kazekage, Etsuko Youka. The user combines a refined knowledge of the Fuuton release with the benefits of the Kyodai Sensu: namely, the ability to manipulate wind without the use of seals The fan is spread out to its fullest extent and gripped at each side. Focusing, they imbibe the weapon with their chakra. The user is then able to leap into the air, controlling the wind currents as they see fit, effectively giving them the ability to fly around for a short while. Other ninjutsu techniques may be combined with Tobitatsu to create a formidable foe. Unfortunately, if the user has not trained sufficiently with this technique they will find it hard to maintain. Once their time limit in the sky has expired they will plummet to the ground, making it a good idea to plan ahead.
Domain: Sunagakure no Sato. Must be used with the Kyodai Sensu.

Kaze no Bakuhatsu - Prepped.

* Fuuton Chakra Reduction I, Kyoukan Ninja Chakra Reduction.

[/font]

[Comatose]

My influence over paper at the most extreme distances wasn't flawless. The further the paper I controlled was from me the more 'input lag' it received. Though I had willed the paper to veer it up it didn't happen until milliseconds after. The three swords pulled up sharply — barely influenced by the winds, attempting to go up and behind her. It was only a consequence of the lag that they would be behind her at all as luck would have it, having overtaken her former position by a meter or so due to it. Still, because the speed at which she herself jumped and flew up into the sky it would be a few seconds before any indication of a connection.

All the while I myself was preparing something, handseals marking the beginning and their finale the end of my technique. I would inexplicably split directly down the middle into two. While one of the two me's was definitely a clone there was no telling which was which. The clone was birthed into a position exactly mimicking my own, and looked in all ways identical. In tandem, our Kusanagi fell to a position directly at our side as we took up quicker pace — running now, the edges of the Kusanagi facing the position we ran and indirectly Youka herself.

SPOILER: Click to show

Pepa Bunshin no Jutsu (Paper Clone Technique)

[/u]
Rank: B
Type: Supplementary / Secret Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra: High
Special: Up to one clone can be made at a time, plus one more each time retrained. When struck physically, clone may disperse and reform easily in paper, making them defeatable only by wide, area-of-effect attacks. When defeated, it explodes in a burst of paper, spreading its essence everywhere. Explosion range covers 5 meters all around the clone. Clone can perform all known clan jutsu, and can move up to one country away from the user before dissipating.
Description: With a sufficient amount of paper, the user forms a single seal and calls them together in order to form a perfect clone of themselves. Unlike regular bunshin, the paper clone has substance, can move at improved speeds, and best of all, scatters when struck for re-use. Although the clone is not spawned with the user's inventory, they will attain whatever main weaponry the user has at the time, if any. When struck by concentrated blows from bladed/blunt weaponry or even a bare fist, the clone disperses into a tuff of paper that can either reform or be used for other clan jutsu. However, widespread, area-of-effect attacks can defeat the paper clones instantly.
Domain: Shikigami. Hatoronshi no Kami 'B'.

*Chakra Mastery II applies to this and all Paper Jutsu.[/spoiler][/blockquote][/blockquote][/font][/justify]

[addy-hime ♥]

His paper was fast, but up here—in the air—I had enough control and quick thinking to at least have a better chance at dodging. I had to wonder, though ... would he really hurt me if indeed I did not manage to live up to expectation? No matter. I waited a second before I altered my flight path, pulling to a steep dive that would take advantage of his control lag; hopefully the swords would fly right over me, whereas I was much closer to the ground (10 m from it, to be exact) and quickly closing in on Asato and his newly-formed clone.

Daunting, it was, to see the Kusanagi pointed at me ... and to be flying straight at it, certainly in peril of skewering myself if he decided to extend it to any length at all. I almost panicked, but instead, I released the bomb I had prepared just in front of the two and—I hoped—had enough time to curve upward and climb higher into the sky before the bomb hit and exploded in a concussive mass of compressed air. Considering its trajectory and my momentum, my idea had been for it to hit at the exact place the two would have been if they kept running in that direction, at that speed. Unfortunately, in the heat of battle, it was hard for me to concentrate on whether or not my plan had succeeded, and it was a distraction tactic at best. I still had not figured out how to defeat him, and my attention was focused already on his swords, which I expected to have been redirected by now.

A noticeably green aura began to form around my body, and while all I could see were the wisps of my own chakra and a slight haze of color against the blue sky, I knew what it would look like to him: as if, through some sudden expulsion of my energy, I had created an aura-figure of a bird around my very being. The wings did not flap—we were gliding, after all—but the resemblance was uncanny. Despite myself, I tilted my head a bit and laughed, loudly, overjoyed.

SPOILER: Click to show

Kaze no Bakuhatsu
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Fuuton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra: Mid [Very Low] *
Special: Requires Kaze Bakudan and at least C-rank Amakaze. User must have Tobitatsu activated. The explosion can reach a maximum of 10 meters; it is more powerful closer to the detonation point and weaker the further out it goes.
Description: A technique created by the Kazekage, Etsuko Youka. The user simply focuses their chakra, envisioning it condensing until it forms a rocket- or bomb-like explosive. Like a plane dropping a missile, they would then release it upon their opponent. The explosive's path cannot be controlled. The bomb can fall 9.6 meters per second, and how long it takes to get to the ground depends on how high up the user is in the air. Upon contact with any solid surface it will detonate, releasing a torrent of wind with the same power as an exploding pouch.
Domain: Sunagakure no Sato. Must be used with Kyodai Sensu.

Geki Tori: Prepped.

Tobitatsu! : 2 / 10.

* See previous chakra consumption note.

[/font]

[Comatose]

I had noticed the preparation of the technique as explained by the green aura about her just seconds before. Against the dreary and rather monotone yellow hues of the sand, or the blue sky back round it was hard to miss. However, I had no experience of what she was exactly capable of, or what I was in store for. There was no other choice but to wait for the attack as I continued to run in at that same speed; I would endure it if possible. When the bomb hit, compensated nearly perfectly, it slammed against the ground just in front of me, my clone passing in-front to endure the majority of the kinetic back flow. This was a timed measure, seeing the attack being prepared, and noticing the sudden warping of space about the trajectory of the condensed missile-like projectile I reacted accordingly.

The explosion of energy triggered the upheaval of a large volume of sand, which interrupted my vision immediately, formed a good cover for a counterattack. A quick string of seals was formed by my clone and I, summoning forth magnificent wings of which had a certain seraphim quality. Six wings protruded from our backs as we took the sky out of the cloud of dust, the Kusanagi each of us held still poised to attack Youka. I was wary of it's drain of chakra, and did not yet allow it to unleash it's wrath.

Still my Paper Blades flew, though nearly missing her, the lag causing again another overcompensation. We were closer now though, and lag started to diminish as we cut the distance more and more. There was nearly none this time, as the blades transfixed their points at Youka's fan's underside before zooming to pierce the weapon. Without her method of flight, how would she fair?

"That won't be enough. Not nearly enough. It needs to be stronger, no hesitation. Attack; use everything."

SPOILER: Click to show

Pepa Tenshin no Kami (Paper Angel Wings)
Rank: D [5 Turns]
Type: Supplementary / Secret Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra: Low [Very Low]
Special: Grants the clan member wings that allow them to take flight. Size, strength of paper wings, as well as distance the user can over above and away from the ground, depends on user's highest 'Hatoronshi no Kami' rank. Cannot perform any other chakra related jutsu outside of clan techniques while wings are active. Wings are meant initially for hovering and not sustained flight, so they may be held for up to only one turn; however, one more turn of flight is gained each time retrained.
Description: After a few simple seals, the clan member can utilize their paper in order to create a flurry of wings meant for stable flight. The wings created by the user can be be any color, size, and type they wish, and will carry them across even the greatest of distances and chasms - as long as the user has enough chakra to continuously power it.
Domain: Shikigami. Hatoronshi no Kami 'D'.

[addy-hime ♥]

There! That was it! As expected, Asato had fallen into the trap I so carefully constructed for him. I did not see it at first, but the wings that lifted him and his clone into the air quickly settled the upheaval of sand with the power of their flapping strokes; even if it had not, I would have noticed when they soared into the air, a pair of magnificent angels. Deadly, but beautiful.

I wasted no time. The wind keeping me aloft allowed for a quick change of direction, my sights now set upon him. I knew that to follow his advice, there was only one thing that could be done—I narrowed my eyes, focusing hard, willing the face of Tsushima Akinori to take place of his own. When I was close enough (10 meters away) I released the built-up energy. The bird-shaped chakra tore away from my body, as if for just this moment it was a sentient being, and raced at him. If indeed it connected it would explode, much like the bomb ... but much more powerful, by far.

Unfortunately, I did not have time to find out if he managed to dodge or if my technique was successful, regardless of the damage he was capable of taking from it. There was a sudden pop in my ear; the wind rushed, drowning out the sound of tearing. His swords had pierced through the durable metal-material of my fan and suddenly I was falling, losing altitude as the wind tried in vain to hold me aloft. 20 meters was a long way from the ground ... My heart sped up, thumping in my rib cage as I held my body closer to the fan, hoping for its protection. But, an idea! Through sheer strength I managed to overcome gravity long enough to swing my fan beneath me; a short burst of wind connected with the ground, slowing my landing significantly.

It was not enough, unfortunately, to stop the collision all together. I released my fan just before I hit the ground and managed to land on my feet, but ... the shock of my weight against such a hard surface, at such a speed, made my legs tremble momentarily before they gave out completely. I collapsed to the sand with a groan of agony, my ankles shooting throbs of pain up through my calves. They weren't broken, but I wasn't getting up for a few minutes, that's for sure. I could still picture the face of Akinori above me, and the idea of him wielding the Kusanagi—even if it was not true—had the effect of me reaching both my arms up to futilely hide my face. The fear that I was about to have my head cut off was tangible, I could taste it in my mouth.

SPOILER: Click to show

Geki Tori
Rank: B
Type: Offensive / Fuuton Ninjutsu
Range: 30 meters
Chakra: High [Low] *
Special: Requires at least B-rank Amakaze. User must have Tobitatsu activated.
Description: A technique created by the Kazekage, Etsuko Youka. While the user is in flight via their Kyodai Sensu, they lose the ability to use their hands, but a certain amount of creativity can be devastating. When a target is spotted, the user taps into their Fuuton-based chakra. It begins to form a noticeable green aura around both the user and the weapon, and quickly takes the shape of a bird. By charging at the opponent and releasing their chakra, the bird's shape will tear apart from the user, remaining the same size as the aura was. It rushes the opponent in a linear path, unable to change direction. Upon contact it will explode in a mass of condensed wind, causing great damage. Primarily used for air-borne or large targets.
Domain: Sunagakure no Satu. Must be used with the Kyodai Sensu.

Kazekaeshi ( 30 m push-back. )
Rank: B
Type: Defensive / Fuuton Ninjutsu
Chakra: B: Mid [Very Low] *
Range: See special!
Special: Effective in blocking and returning ninjutsu and taijutsu of equal rank. Push-back distance starts off at 10 meters, and increases by 10 more with each new rank acquired.
Description: No one knows the power of Fuuton more than a Fuuton specialist, and this technique was designed by those that met reality sooner than most. Varying by skill and rank, this technique allows the user to take hold of any offensive jutsu used upon them, as along as the attack’s nature allows for whatever is thrown to be controlled. With a great burst of chakra at either their hands or weapons, the user quickly returns the technique back at the opponent, in full effect.
Domain: Fuuton.

Tobitatsu!: 3 / 10.

* See previous chakra consumption note.

[/font]

[Comatose]

The deadly combination of Youka's truly did catch me off guard, as I was not nearly expecting her to so perfectly cast a combo such as this. I was given very little time to think and act, but — it would be just enough time. When the bird had seemingly stripped itself from Youka's existence, I was already in a state of alterity. My being shattered into pieces — pieces of paper to be exact, which scattered throughout the sky immediately. The clone too did this losing the chakra link between us when I lost control of all of my paper constructs. There would be be explosion, as there was never a connection at all. The Kusanagi, would seemingly be unaffected by gravity after leaving my hands, floating before it zoomed off to meet Youka as she fell.

In tandem with her complete fall, and the giving of her legs it'd meet the flesh of the skin of her neck, stopping just briefly before the connection was made, mere centimeters away. The position in which it would stop was oddly exact, as if it knew where to position itself for my coming; it did.

My arm formed first holding the hilt of the weapon, the rest of my body forming within the next second. If there was anything to notice, besides the oddity of the occurrence itself, it would be that when I reformed there was a certain grin on my face. It wasn't a smug grin, at least not directed at myself, but rather a grin directed at Youka's own achievements. What she would not know was that I was nearly at my limit, my chakra waned at the two expenditures in quick succession. But, that was my secret.

"That was rather devious, love."

SPOILER: Click to show

Shikigami no Mai (Dance of the Paper God)
Rank: S
Type: Defensive / Secret Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: Massive - [High]
Special: Considered a Shikigami trump car, this jutsu can withstand 'S' ranked attacks and below when faced with a sudden attack by forcing the user to disperse automatically into paper, enough so as to avoid danger before reforming into a normal person. Can only be used once per thread, plus once more each time retrained.
Description: The ability to control individual sheets of paper allows the user to temporarily shift form and turn themselves into paper, float away as several sheets of paper, and then reform somewhere else. After handseals, and just before an attack lands the user shifts into nothing but sheets of paper, floats about, and then reforms somewhere else. The paper can be any color, or form that the person wishes. In this form the user cannot use or control any other sheets of paper besides those that represent their 'being', and these sheets cannot be used to attack.
Domain: Shikigami. Hatoronshi no Kami 'S'.

Kusanagi no Tsurugi - Kuu no Tachi (Sword of Kusanagi - Long Sword of Sky)
Rank: B [100 EXP]
Type: Supplementary / Legendary Relic / Nintaijutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra/Stamina: High
Special: As long as the weapon is within eyesight, the user may control it. Light as a feather, the sword can move at fast speeds, equivalent to that of a kunai. While sword retains cutting speed, it does not retain its extension abilities.
Description: Once the user connects with the soul of the Grass cutter, they learn to control it even when they are no longer in contact with their legendary blade. During the control, the blade glows an intense white, shimmering all over. As such, with a mere tug of one's finger, they can control the blade - as long as it's within range eyesight!
Domain: Kusanagi no Tsurugi.

[addy-hime ♥]

It was as if the Kusanagi knew my very deepest, darkest fears ... even though, to be fair, I was being transparent at the moment.

As I cowered against the heated sand I felt, suddenly, the cold, steely presence of a sword at the back of my neck; it made my fingers twitch involuntarily as they wound tighter into my hair, offering no true protection against the malevolent blade. My heart was beating so fast I thought I might retch, the fear strong enough that, though my eyes were open into faint slits, my vision of the sand was blurred at best. This was surely the end of me, I would have no time to finish those projects most important to me, such as my marriage to Asato or uprooting the Council from their corrupt positions. Nor, I decided, would I ever really know who had taken my family from me: first, by killing Shiro, and then by filling Soratsu with the thirst for revenge. The idea of death stung my eyes, and I realized that I was crying, silently; I could faintly see the dark splotches of sand where my tears had fallen, given my position.

Then, his voice. It was not Akinori, it was Asato. I did not know how I could confuse the two, even in the midst of battle. Yes, I had been trying with all my might to kill him a moment ago, but that was because—in the back of my mind—I knew I could not really hurt him. None of my jutsu were quite strong enough yet to pierce him, should be protect himself with that deadly paper. Even still, his voice seemed almost ... breathless, as if I had indeed given him some cause for worry, if only for a moment. I did not answer him immediately, as I was still working to control a sob that had welled up in my throat at some point. I managed to quell it, but even I could hear the terror in my voice when I thought I was capable of speech: "A-almost got you, Asato. Almost."

I would not remove myself from this curled up, almost fetal position until he removed the sword from my neck. Who knew having him decapitate Aero would come back as such a strong fear so long after? The tears had slowed down, but they had not stopped yet. I felt like a child, afraid of the dark and positive that there was a monster in my closet; my parents refused to believe me, refused to check, though I swore I could hear the growls. But it had been a long time since ... since I'd even had parents, since I had shown my fear of the night. I hoped that Asato would never realize just how human I really was compared to his unshakable, powerful nature.

[/font]

[Comatose]

I had not formed soon enough to see the tears roll down from her eyes, but, the covered sobs were unmistakable. The Kusanagi was fully under my control and bended to my whim now, we were completely connected, much like I felt emotionally connected to Youka. With all its malevolence it felt a touch of sorrow from her waning thoughts and disposition, instinctually, before I myself had even willed it to, it would float carefully back into it's paper sheath strapped to my makeshift obi.

The expression and my ability to express myself through words in situations like this wasn't up to par to where it needed to be to comfort her. I had supposed the brush with death, however far it truly was — as I would never hurt her, had gotten to her in some way. Not only was she hurting from the fall, but, even from this I could tell she was hurting emotionally. The comfort came with an almost forceful tugging of her chin up with my right hand, the index finger lifting it and her slightly, just enough for it to move. I knelt almost immediately before leaning my own head down, and allowing my lips to meet hers in a kiss. I allowed it to linger for as long as I could before needing to take that breath, and only breaking it after that.

My arms reached under her, and my body lifted with her in tow, picking her up into my arms as I stood to my feet, gently nuzzling her cheek as I came to a completely upright position.

"You did well, Youka. You're right, you almost got me."

[addy-hime ♥]

When Kusanagi left me, I felt as if a giant weight had been taken off my shoulders. I could breathe correctly again, and the urge to cry ebbed away as quickly as it had come on initially. Now that I was starting to regain my senses, I felt even more ashamed of myself than before; when his fingers touched my chin, I tried to tug my head away from him. Unfortunately he was much stronger, so all that I accomplished was a frustrated gleam in my eye as he forced my gaze upon him.

I couldn't stay upset with him, though ... not when it was not entirely his fault. Besides, there was the sudden sensation of his lips tenderly pressing against my own, molding perfectly in a way only his could accomplish. I thought, briefly: we were made for one another. Through the fog of pleasure I barely noticed when he hoisted me into his arms, but the warm nuzzle of a cheek against my own broke the reverie long enough for me to smile up at him, the negative feelings of the event thoroughly forgotten. He was, after all, not Akinori; Asato would never injure me purposely, and even now I knew he would have been upset with himself if he knew the twinges in my legs.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to beat you, Asato," I laughed, lifting my arms so they could curl lovingly around his shoulders, holding myself closer to him. I could feel his heartbeat, a steady thrum beneath his breastbone. I loved this closeness, more than I would ever be able to describe, even to myself. "Not with the power I have right now. I'll have to train much harder, in the event I ever go up against an opponent who has even a fraction of your strength." No doubt I placed him on a pedestal, but when has he ever given me indication to doubt him? He killed the Nidaime Kazekage with one fell blow, and if he did not love me, he could have taken out the Shodaime just as quickly.

"I'll get better! I promise! I ... I have to. Will you help me?"

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[Comatose]

"I think you're a little better than you give yourself credit for."

I explained after she spoke out on how she would never beat me. While the power for her to do so wasn't exactly there, as she simply did not have the means to severely injure me, the skill was there. She had it in her to be just as strong if not stronger than I. I knew she wouldn't know it and if I told her she would just deny it, but that didn't stop me from thinking it. She didn't know just how close she had really came.

"Of course I will help you. I mean — you've helped me get stronger."

This too was something true, yet maybe not too apparent to an outsider looking in. The Kusanagi was a power I sought only to protect Youka with. The old man which had only given me the weapon after much trouble had grilled me on my intentions. It came out so easily that time, I told him, even yelled at him that the point was to protect despite the weapons nature. Since then I had learned to tame the beast that was the Kusanagi for such a purpose. I had grown so much stronger through the experience of obtaining the weapon, and finally getting it. It was all thanks to her, my better half.

"Now, why don't you say we go home and rest, huh? I think one intense battle is enough for today."

Still carrying her I was heading such a direction, directly back to the village. I needed the rest just as much as she did at this point.

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[addy-hime ♥]

Asato would have been entirely correct in his assumption—there was no amount of praise that would make me believe I had talent enough to supersede him, given the right techniques. He was a God in my eyes, and the Kusanagi only made this more apparent; I had no fear or doubt that he could have taken even a bijuu on alone, given the necessity. Of course, just because he could did not mean I would allow him to do something so dangerous ... I refused to lose him before we had spent forever together, no sooner.

"I have helped you become stronger?" I repeated, blinking up at him as if confused. Yes, he told me once that he acquired that demon sword to protect me, but there was evidence in the contrary to his statement. First, he was far more intimidating when he was not worrying about me, as evidence by the clawed thing he became in my office during that fight with Soratsu. He had even struck out at me—with his tongue, that is—when I rounded on him about it. It was that Asato I remember from our first meeting, and that Asato that could take down any foe. But with me around, he was much more tame; he thought of protecting me above the random slaughter that used to be his way. Sometimes I wondered if he would come to resent the muzzle our wedding ring seemed to symbolize, like that beast inside him thought. It likened him to a dog to be curbed, even though I held him so far from that. I would have worshiped him if I did not think it imperative to be on his level before marriage.

I was too long in my own thoughts to actually inquire what he meant exactly by his statement. He seemed to notice this, however, as he changed the subject to something I could get behind. "Yes! Let's go home, please. I think I need a hot bath ... my legs hurt really bad." I glanced sidelong at the ruined mess that was my Kyodai Sensu and decided not to point it out, as I had a spare at home. Perhaps it was time that I come up with a way to make it more durable than simply what its material could provide? I was the pioneer with its techniques, so why not? "We should take a nap, too," I yawned out, resting my head on his shoulder and closing my eyes, perfectly content.

exit!

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[Icarus]

+70 Addy
+65 Coma