Snake In My Boot, Splinter In My Eye! [sachi+circa

[Sharkk]

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[sachi]

It wasn't often Kain came around these parts anymore, not since his rather dramatic encounter with Coco. He didn't know if he could deal with seeing her again so soon, even if he had vanished from home for nearly a decade now - but here he was, once more drawn back to his homeland, the place where he'd started off and the place he knew he'd always end up whether he liked it or not, but would he be considered friend or foe after all this time?

"Just as dry and miserable as ever. . ."

The Kagehebi spoke under his breath, commenting on the brutally boring landscape that he'd had to deal with his whole life, even if it was awfully appropriate for a snake-man like himself. Thick boots kicked up dust with every step on the thin trail that weaved in between canyons and cliffs, a rather dangerous venture for anybody that wasn't experienced with the landscape! He didn't really know what he was looking for, just that he was a little bit homesick, and heck, word was that Coco was even Kage now - maybe a visit back to the village would be worth it?

"Tch, she better have straightened them out. . ."

He'd only have enough time to finish talking to himself before snake-like eyes noticed a figure in the distance, and with each step he took it became more and more familiar, right up until Kain was just a few feet behind him, a rather unimpressed look on his face,

"What are you doing around here, Big-hair?"

His hair had always been the most... well, noticeable part of his appearance, Kain never failing to point out its ridiculousness, and every time he felt like Coco - I mean, he was actually commenting on somebody's hair. The Kagehebi had learned to keep his long hair simple and tied back into a ponytail, it was too much of an annoyance when fighting, and considering that was entirely possible in these parts, he preferred to be prepared in advanced,

"Didn't miss me, did you?"

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[Sharkk]

[/b][/color] Chuckling a bit he outstretched his left hand and forearm for Kain to take in a friendly hold. "Missed you like a snake misses the season of Fall and Winter."[/color] Laughing a bit more he'd lower his arm even if Kain hadn't gone for the opposing forearm grasp shake. Tilting his head to the side he'd glance about the area, dull, empty...Hopefully they wouldn't be attacked by some weak group of bandits, having to beat them senseless, even kill them.

"What brings you out to these parts? Still wandering about or have you finally taken up a permanent home somewhere?"[/color]

Folding his large arms across his powerful chest now he'd await his response. He hadn't seen Kain in perhaps a year, maybe more. Had either of them changed that much? In his own view Ashur thought of himself as having not changed too much, maybe his hair got longer. Maybe he had put on a bit more muscle, something. But, Kain was relatively the same. Slim, yet tone, long black hair kept in a pony tail. And that aura of distrust he had given Ashur since their first encounter. Perhaps it wasn't even his aura, perhaps it was just because the two of them hadn't really let the other get to know them too much on a personal level. It was really what held their "friendship" back. But, they got together just fine, and Ashur had Kain's back should he ever need him.
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[sachi]

Cold, snake-like eyes simply stared into Ashur's, his facial expression and general aura eerie and unsettling for most, but there wasn't really any bad intent behind it. Kain just had that slightly psychotic look to him, and even if it was BECAUSE he was slightly psychotic, he had managed to make friends with this big-haired man standing before him, even if they did get on eachother's nerves,

"You'd be surprised how nice winter can be. . ."

Kain shot out his arm, hand gripping around Ashur's forearm in a friendly shake before lowering,

". . . the cold makes my prey slow, and weak"

His long tongue flicked across his lips, as if the thought brought some subconscious, animalistic urge to do so. Kain had always been a slightly twisted individual, but his time away from home was largely spent on his own in the wild where he had relied and depended on his snake instincts to survive - so much so that he had become increasingly more snake-like ever since, in his movements and mannerisms.

"I guess you could say I've come back to check on my old nest, although I'm not sure how welcome I'll be . . ."

He pulled on his head to the left and right, cracking his neck loudly before his arms would fold into his chest, dropping to the ground and sitting at the edge of the cliff,

". . . And you? You're awfully far from home, and scarred up too - somebody beat you up?"

His tone was teasing, but in the friendly way they so often did to one another, not to say Kain wasn't genuinely interested though. Heck, it'd been far too long since Kain got into a good fight, let alone had marks to show from it!

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[Sharkk]

[/b][/color]

Growling slightly he'd drop his hand to his side once more, pausing yet again. The man had been a fabled user of the Mokuton element..."Kain, he was a Mokuton user. They're still pretty rare right? Thought it was a dream at first. Heh, he even took one of my axes, but I took his Mokuton forged swords!"[/color] Retrieving the two swords from his axe holster, he'd toss one to Kain, holding the second to analyze it for probably the tenth time now.
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[sachi]

Crimson eyes stared beyond the cliff, down into the canyons and to the small forest off into the distance, looking for any sign of activity or anything exciting really. The Earth country was always dreadfully boring most of the time, and the plain environment only made it feel a thousand times worse, but he'd still always found himself here, helplessly drawn back to home,

"Got angry did you? Sounds about right"

Kain knew very well they were both fiery individuals, they'd had more than enough scuffles between them to figure that out. The reason they'd even become friends was because of their readiness to fight, memories of a certain sea serpent bringing a smirk to Kain's face,

"Did you at least give him some marks back?"

The Kagehebi chuckled, finding it genuinely amusing that Ashur had messed up - had he gone soft in all their time apart? He couldn't understand what kind've person he'd run into to be able to do that so easy, until he heard what he'd had to say next, and then it became even more interesting,

"Mokuton, huh? Show me"

Kain's fingers dipped to his side and he'd retrieve what was known as a ninja info card, and assuming Ashur knew was it was, he'd toss it over to him while grabbing the wooden blade, hoping that his friend could provide a face to this story,

"How come you were out in the desert anyways?"

Kain slashed at the air, getting a feel for the blade before stabbing it in the dirt between him and Ashur,

"And you never did mention what you're doing here, either. . . Looking to tag along with me again, are you?"

He twisted his head to face Ashur, snake-eyes once again sizing him up - I mean, he had to be here for something interesting!

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[Sharkk]

[/b][/color]

Laughter followed his agreement with what Kain had said. But, when he asked if he had injured the man as well he tried to think back, only remember hitting him with one decisive blow, the front kick. "Not sure, it all happened at the speed of the Fifth Gate it seemed..."[/color] Grumbling at the thought of how poorly he did in the battle, he'd catch the card that was tossed his way. A Ninja Info Card, he knew how it was used, and as such he began to feed it a bit of his chakra, as well as his knowledge. While this continued, he'd let his gaze drift off. He had totally forgotten of what he had obtained...The Sharingan...Could he tell Kain? Sure they had known each other for awhile, but the two had kept much from each other? No, Ashur couldn't be worried, he had to gain his pride back.

His eyes shifting back to Kain, he'd speak as his eyes transformed, taking on a dull crimson colour, each with a single black pupil and a single tomoe dotted above them. "I obtained these during the fight..."[/color] Glancing away for a moment he'd turn his gaze back upon Kain, attempting to play off the revealing as something not overly important. "Business, you know how it is...The boss is still out and adventuring or whatever, leaving me to travel about the countries to secure yearly contracts. I was in Kaze to secure trading would ensue, and I'm in Tsuchi no Kuni to continue a trade route contract."[/color] Stabbing his own Mokuton sword into the ground to his right, opposite to Kain, he'd lightly shove Kain with his left hand. "Don't start acting like Mr. Snake God."[/color]

With all known info absorbed within the card, he'd hand the card back to Kain. On it showed the man and his bandaged face, his level of skill in various areas, as well as his bloodline. As well as the equipment he had seen on him, namely the kunai and the axe he had stolen from Ashur. "He wasn't your average shinobi, I know that much."[/color]...But, the looming talk of his obtained Sharingan still filled the air...
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[sachi]

Just when Kain thought his friend had gone soft on him, it seemed he wanted to put some new-found abilities on display, something that showed that Ashur, too, was genetically gifted - his new doujutsu proof of his awakened potential. The sudden transformation rendered his eyes a crimson matching the Kagehebi's natural eye colour, but only a single tomoe appear alongside his pupils, an obvious sign that his eyes were nowhere near developed... but, he supposed improvement was still improvement.

"So you've finally tapped into your bloodline? Not bad, Big-Hair. . ."

The snake-man slowly leaned forward, long limbs swaying loosely at his sides as he looked over the edge. He was quickly becoming restless, and not that he didn't somewhat enjoy catching up with an old friend, Ashur would know better than most how impatient Kain could be, especially when it came to finding something to do. Eyes would fixate themselves on the forest in the distance, knowing that the village was just beyond it, and it'd be as he distracted himself with thoughts of home that he'd feel a light shove,

"God?"

Kain smirked, pondering the word 'God'. He was discovering more and more that he was far beyond the normal ninja, now having the ability to literally birth himself anew, ridding himself of the ailments of previous bodies. And the more he thought about it, the more he agreed he really was moving in the direction of becoming a 'God', but he wasn't so pretentious as to really call himself that,

"Not quite, but you'd be surprised how close I'm getting. . ."

He wouldn't comment further, only maintain that eerie smile, hoping that maybe he too would get the opportunity to showcase some of his new talents! With a lazy stretch of his arm Kain would grab the card, eyes scanning it over before tucking it back into his pocket - who knows, maybe this could come in handy later?

"I don't know about your trade contracts, but I think I'm overdue for a visit to Iwa"

He had enough sitting around and catching up, and checking out his old stomping grounds was the only thing he really had to do, unless Ashur had anything better to suggest!

"You're welcome to tag along, who knows, maybe you'll have a chance to test out those new eyes?"

Kain rose to his feet, hands on his waist and eyes staring off into the distance,

"Unless what you have planned is more fun, of course. . ."

[Sharkk]

[/b][/i]

Nodding slightly he'd chuckle at the the nickname he had been given by Kain, it never got old, never got any less humorously funny. That was until Kain went on to pick at it cosmetically, insulting Ashur directly. His chuckles carried over into Kain's comment on "getting there" when it came to becoming a God. Who knew, it was likely true. He was a genius when it came to Kage-Hebi, but he knew faint details, including legends. Legends that involved being able to ascend to the heavens as a multiple headed serpent like beast. "The meeting is actually in Iwagakure, so I'll probably tag along with you if you don't mind of course."

Letting him slither his hand to retrieve the card, Ashur would faintly watch as he stood up, obviously bored. Which wasn't uncommon, it was almost harmful for Kain to sit in one place for too long, or so he acted at times. Slow to follow him, Ashur would eventually rise up as well. Grinning a bit he'd pop his neck from side to side. He knew what Kain was interested in, a spar no doubt. Removing his gear, axe, as well as hammer, he'd set them all up in a neat pile, turning to face Kain once more. This left a distance of three meters between the two.

"Why don't we have a little spar before that though...It's been awhile."[/b][/color] His weight shifting into an open stance he'd roll his shoulders, as custom, he was to give his opponent the first move. Waving Kain on he'd grin.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sharingan [Ichi][Been active]

Nitojutsu Mental State
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: / Taijutsu / Nitojutsu
Range: Self
Stamina: Passive
Special: Determines the rank of Nitojutsu techniques the user may learn. Using a technique of equal rank reduces its cost by one rank.
Description: Nitojutsu users require an advanced sense of self when fighting with two blades. It would be embarassing to cut oneself because of a misplaced foot or step. The users or this style contain all of the balance and grace to become effect blade dancers, including flips, tucks, and rolls into their combat.
Domain: Nitojutsu

Cunning Mind [625exp]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Passive / Specialized Taijutsu / Kendo
Range: 0-5 Meters
Chakra: N/A
Special: Allows the user to become highly perceptive of their opponent, allowing them to analyze their mannerisms in order to zone in on weaknesses and vulnerable areas to strike. It is important to note that while this does not automatically grant the user evasion against one single attack, this allows the user to have a much, much improved chance at understanding a Taijutsu attack one rank lower than the highest one known.
Description: Through repeated duals, clashing of swords and study of adversaries, the user has gained an uncanny knack for analysis. This manifests itself in numerous ways, such as discovering hidden weaknesses, finding vulnerable points in both weapons and attire as well determining the opportune moment to strike by observing patterns.
Domain: Kendo.


Exquisite Counter [625exp]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Passive / Specialized Taijutsu / Kendo
Range: 0-5 Meters
Chakra: N/A
Special: Allows the user to increase the accuracy and speed of his countering maneuvers. Made possible by continual work on form and reflexive training, this makes up the base of the users defensive capabilities. Each rank earned allows stronger, faster and much more game changing counter techniques to take place.

D: Whole Turn countering capabilities
C: 3/4 th of a Turn
B: Half a Turn
A: 1/4 th of a Turn
S: Near-Instant


Description: One of, if not the, most important aspect of fencing is that of the counter. It enables such a thin and some would say fragile blade stand up to all manner of horrendous offensive devices. Utilizing it's quick speed and maneuverable form to speedily snap attackers away from it.
Domain: The Gentleman's Art

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[sachi]

A spar? Kain paused in his tracks, a smirk evident on his face. It didn't take long for it to come to that, their competitive natures leading to them fighting eachother often enough - and when he thought about it, it sure had been some time, who knows what new tricks he might have learned? Although, if he knew Ashur as well as he thought he did, it was going to come down to hand-to-hand combat.

"You sure you want some new scars?"

Kain clapped his hands together, fingers shifting delicately about before he spun around 180 degrees, red eyes now locked on Ashur. The Kagehebi definitely liked this idea a lot more than sitting around and talking, and maybe blowing off some steam before he got to Iwa was a good idea - I mean, who knows what might happen if somebody pissed him off? ESPECIALLY if they decided to give him a not-so-friendly welcome! With a chuckle he licked his lips, head falling to the left and his body leaned forward slightly in an awkward, yet relaxed stance,

"Okay Big-Hair. . . let's see how much you've improved"

Kain reached for one of his ninjato with his right hand, sleeves tightening up as if he was flexing with all he had. The look in his eyes suggested he was taking Ashur seriously, but he couldn't help but grin the entire time, this was going to be fun!

"Whenever you're ready"

Kain held the blade calmly and comfortably at his side, his loose and relaxed stance often mistaken for vulnerability, but Ashur knew better!

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[Sharkk]

Watching the devilish snake before him grin, he couldn't help, but continue to feel a bit weirded out. The grins that Kain produced were full of such evil intent, even if this was just o be a friendly spar. And as he watched Kain draw his tanto, so did Ashur choose now to form a quick hand seals as preparpation and counter Kain's tanto. Drawing his own kukri, he'd give it a quick twirl. Grinning a bit, he'd roll his shoulders, it was always difficult for them to decide who would start first. "Come now Kain, let me be the polite one this time!" But, with a pause following his words he'd shrug his shoulders this time around.

"But, if you insist..." Watching a breeze kick up a bit of dust, leaves, etc. pass on by, his eyes would quickly return to Kain. The tension that was slowly building seemed as if it belonged to one of an epic battle, and not some common friendly bout. But, deciding that Kain would see such a simple plan of combat.

Thus he'd kick up to his max running speed, his Sharingan analyzing the slightest twitch that could escape from Kain. His back nigh to the cliff's edge he'd grin...But, his honor almost refused to allow himself to attack first, especially in a spar. "Sooo, you just going to wait on me, fool?" Chuckling a bit he'd try and get a small rise out of Kain.

They had sparred many times before, but never did Kain mange to not surprise him. It seemed as if the snake was always evolving...In reality, Ashur wouldn't be surprised if Kain had gained risen into a dragon with the time that had filled the gap since their last meeting.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sharingan [Ichi]

Nitojutsu Mental State
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: / Taijutsu / Nitojutsu
Range: Self
Stamina: Passive
Special: Determines the rank of Nitojutsu techniques the user may learn. Using a technique of equal rank reduces its cost by one rank.
Description: Nitojutsu users require an advanced sense of self when fighting with two blades. It would be embarrassing to cut oneself because of a misplaced foot or step. The users or this style contain all of the balance and grace to become effect blade dancers, including flips, tucks, and rolls into their combat.
Domain: Nitojutsu

Cunning Mind [625exp]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Passive / Specialized Taijutsu / Kendo
Range: 0-5 Meters
Chakra: N/A
Special: Allows the user to become highly perceptive of their opponent, allowing them to analyze their mannerisms in order to zone in on weaknesses and vulnerable areas to strike. It is important to note that while this does not automatically grant the user evasion against one single attack, this allows the user to have a much, much improved chance at understanding a Taijutsu attack one rank lower than the highest one known.
Description: Through repeated duals, clashing of swords and study of adversaries, the user has gained an uncanny knack for analysis. This manifests itself in numerous ways, such as discovering hidden weaknesses, finding vulnerable points in both weapons and attire as well determining the opportune moment to strike by observing patterns.
Domain: Kendo.


Exquisite Counter [625exp]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Passive / Specialized Taijutsu / Kendo
Range: 0-5 Meters
Chakra: N/A
Special: Allows the user to increase the accuracy and speed of his countering maneuvers. Made possible by continual work on form and reflexive training, this makes up the base of the users defensive capabilities. Each rank earned allows stronger, faster and much more game changing counter techniques to take place.

D: Whole Turn countering capabilities
C: 3/4 th of a Turn
B: Half a Turn
A: 1/4 th of a Turn
S: Near-Instant


Description: One of, if not the, most important aspect of fencing is that of the counter. It enables such a thin and some would say fragile blade stand up to all manner of horrendous offensive devices. Utilizing it's quick speed and maneuverable form to speedily snap attackers away from it.
Domain: The Gentleman's Art

¹___prepped

[KEITH]

Tsuchi no Kuni—a dry and boring looking land that the shinobi who had just stumbled upon had seen so many times before in the past, due to the war between Iwa and Kusa over a decade ago, and just recently, when he had met the kunoichi who had become his partner. This land was a place that had never changed, it was unmoving and strong like a mountain, but as boring as well, if you looked at it from his point of view. What was the point of Kouetsu currently being here now? Oh, yeah. I had tried to track down the guy who he had met in Kaze no Kuni, and finish what he had started with him, due to him running away from the shinobi as he was preparing the final blow of his.

The cowardly, yet muscular shinobi had lost the respect that he had gained from him, but it was no big deal, when he would come across the man, he would simply put an end to his life. As he would continue to search across the vast and open lands of Tsuchi no Kuni, he didn't see anyone insight all around, at least not in a fifty meter range of him as he would continue to look, not a single source of chakra was detected, though he continued to look around with his guard up.

SPOILER: Click to show

Doton Ryouuken (Earth Dominion); [625]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Doton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: No
Chakra: --
Special: Establishes the area of earth a user can control for their earthen techniques, including the ability to sense what comes in contact with it. Because Doton is a solid essence with physical mass, its creations deal more with strength and endurance of the earth; as such, each earthen creation from the user will have have a natural, built-in defense against any attacks equally ranked or lower. Highest rank known also establishes the size of Doton creations they can produce, as well as the amount of time it takes for the user to detect any form of contact with their Doton creations, as well as natural earth. Keep in mind detection occurs only when foreign contact occurs WHILE the user is also in direction contact with the earth, natural or self-made.

D: 10 meter range / Full post detection delay
C: 20 meter range / 3/4 post detection delay
B: 30 meter range / Half post detection delay
A: 40 meter range / 1/4 post detection delay
S: 50 meter range / Near-Instant!

Description: The basis behind the majority of Doton techniques lie in the user's ability to control the very earth around them. 'Earth Dominion' is just as its name implies, a fundamental supplementary jutsu of Doton nature that allows the user to intermingle their chakra with that of nature, harmonizing the two in order to create complete control over the earth around them. Once this link is achieved, the door is opened for greater creations to be made.
Domain: Doton.

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[sachi]

Kain would merely remain positioned exactly as he was, blade in hand and wits about him. He was patient, and knew that when it came down to it, he was better off letting Ashur bring the fight to him. He'd keep an eye out for any sudden movements, being sure not to drop his guard.

"I have time"

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[Sharkk]

Grumbling he'd scratch the back of his head with his kukri, careful not to injure himself...or his hair. "You know I can't attack first Kain...First move has always been yours, you know that!" Tilting his head to the side with a bit of an aggravated expression spread on his mug, he'd even grumble. Kain was going to try and force Ashur against his code, his honor. Which wasn't surprising, it's something he tried to do whenever he could. "You aren't going to go first are you?..." Glaring at Kain by now he'd look to his feet for a moment...Perhaps he could get around the initial attack and it belonging to his opponent...A small stone was a mere half step away from his right foot...Thinking quickly he scooped it up and kicked it at Kain with one swift motion, the stone was aimed for his forehead, perhaps between the eyes depending on the change in the wind's direction. "There!"

[KEITH]

Kouetsu, the Mokuton using shinobi, had continued to look through the dry and boring countryside of Tsuchi no Kuni, but to no avail did he find the one he had been looking for. So, he had decided that one man wasn't good enough for the job, so he would need a few more to assist him. He would swiftly run through a set of handseals, and from the right side of his body, and his right flank, two Moku Bunshin's would emerge, he armed one of them with a kunai with another item equipped to it and spread out ten meters apart from each other, as they would begin to advance forward, looking around for where ever his target could have been. Before he had known it, he would emerge upon an open area with an edge not too far from which was only a few meters away from two people, who the shinobi was able to see clearly, from the side of them.

He and his two clones would line up, being about twenty meters away from both of the men he had seen, his two clones would advance forward, and they had formed a triangle formation, with the shinobi behind him. The clones would have advanced five meters ahead of him and away from him, and stood on guard, so they would have been ready for anything that would happen if a fight would have kicked off.

"So, this is where you ran off too?"

The shinobi had said in a loud enough tone for the men to hear him; the shinobi had known what he came for, and he wouldn't leave without it. He and his clones began to form handseals.

SPOILER: Click to show

Doton Ryuuken - S-rank, 50 meters.
2/3 Moku Bunshin's used.
1___
2___
3___

Chakra Used: 2 Mids.

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