Kenjutsu Clash [M: DONE]

[¤ SFS ¤]

The agile pitter-patter of a low ranked shinobi echoed from the pathways he followed down a large and treacherous mountain. He was sure it was going to be harder to get back up those mountains than climb down them but for now it wasn't his concern. The only thing on his mind, aside from the always plausible chance of being attacked by missing nin, was his opponent. A one Kamayo Otega, a man who apparently challenged all of Hidden Stone to a battle. As it would turn out his prowess with a blade was nothing to scoff at, but he would fall fast enough to the skills of a genin, according to the expert opinion of the Tsuchikage who labeled all mission requests with a rank he deemed appropriate.

The kicker? Well that was easy, killing Otega meant failing the mission no questions asked. So, this mission was more along the lines of testing one's skills and representing Iwagakure by fighting and defeating a Kenjutsu Master without killing him. As he made way through a smaller set of mountains an itch at the back of his mind made him go back to the mission's ticket. It mentioned something about Otega's students who weren't to be trusted.

Would they attack him prematurely? Interfere with the match? Offer him tea and then poison it, making him easy prey for their sensei? The land formations were becoming more alluvial and less well.... rocky. That lead him to conclude that he was closing in on his targeted location due to the geology of areas he was passing by. It then dawned on Sen that if the students couldn't be trusted... then that went double for the man in charge of them. All signs pointed to his life being in danger after all.

The dojo wasn't much further away, it was time to put on his pockerface. It would be in his best interest to overestimate his opponent and expect foul play from his students as well. If he anticipated the worst possible scenarios and planned for them accordingly nothing would catch him off guard and he would stay ahead of Otega long enough to secure the victory. He wasn't sure about the rules regarding Ninjutsu or even Genjutsu but it didn't much matter, he didn't know any that could injure his opponent while not running the risk of killing him. If it came down to it though Sen would guess any ninja skills would acceptable since Otega had been the one to decide he wanted to fight a ninja. He was just lucky the Tsuchikage hadn't decided to label it a B or A-Class mission. It was a bit of a shame that his main weapon was a katana, a weapon Otega no doubt was more skilled with. Attacking him head on blade for blade would be a mistake, but perhaps he could use that situation to his advantage. Deception was after all a core skill and concept of the shinobi.

[¤ SFS ¤]

It seemed that C-ranked missions separated the babies from the brave. Cooler heads would always prevail and Sen found himself preparing for the worst case scenario.

I've been ordered not to kill the man which would make sense seeing that he's the contractor of the mission and dead men can't pay the village for future missions. But what if the fight is actually to the death and I've just been kept out of the loop? Logic dictates that if it is a fight to the death and the Tsuchikage believed a genin capable of victory regardless he would in fact deny that genin the right to kill the contractor.

The gears continued to turn in his head as he tried to make sense of the mission with what little intel he was given. If he was going to fight someone might have the intended to kill him, he had to know what everyone else in the equation stood to lose or gain. The idea of relevance would put his anxious mind at ease and steel his resolve.

Otega gets his match, Iwagakure proves it's superiority and ensures the life of potential returning contractor. Even I get a little slice of the profit, a better mission record and some well deserved experience to boot. Everybody wins, except me... if I fail the mission or die. Hell, even if I did die... Otega got his fight, and Iwagakure got paid and got rid of an unworthy overzealous genin.

A new intensity formed over his face as he finally saw the dojo off in the distance. So either everyone wins or everyone except me wins. I guess that makes my objective here that much clearer. Decreasing in his speed the young genin made his way through a flurry of tall and thick bushes just outside the dojo. He couldn't see or sense neither the Master or the students but that only made him more cautious. His hands moved not quite like lightning but something relatively fast, going through his hand seals. As he was trained in such situations the volume of his voice was so low when speaking out loud to evoke the jutsu of his choosing it was drowned out by the naturally occurring sounds in the area, animals and insects on their nocturnal routines.

"Bunshin no Jutsu..."

SPOILER: Click to show

Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique)
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Special: Allows the user to create a clone without substance that resembles the user in every way, including retaining its movement speed. Clones cannot mold chakra nor perform jutsu, nor can they harm. Up to one clone can be made, plus one more each time retrained.
Description: Bunshin no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique which every ninja learns at the Ninja Academy. The Bunshin technique creates a copy of the ninja without substance that, although easily seen through by those with doujutsu, can fool the normal eye easily. Why? Simply because although without substance, the copy resembles the ninja in every way. This clone can function as a distraction or as means to confuse one's opponent, though no real damage can be done by it. Finally, as soon the Bunshin gets attacked or comes into contact with an opponent, it will disperse.
Domain: Academy Student Ninjutsu.

And then there were two. The two Tokomaru Sen's, the original and the clone, grinned smugly at one another and put their scheme into action. One of the two emerged boldly from the bushes stepping into the moon light and approached the dojo's sliding door with a fire of invincibility in his eyes. But then, they made their move. A speedy shadow shot past the Sen heading at the door, ignoring him completely, as if he were a ghost, and headed right for the bushes, Nodachi in hand. Exposed, Sen let out a startled expression, eyes wide at the metal weapon about to hack into his face.

"Nice try... sneaky trash ass ninja."

The blade came down and made contact, cutting the genin down, except, only it didn't. The Sen hiding in the bushes was gone, a clone. The real Sen stood under the moon light still, grinning at who he suspected was one of Otega's students. "Boom." The small note of paper placed directly above the head of the clone set it itself on fire and detonated shortly after, Exploding Tags were 50 Ryo a pop, he would be sure to stock up on it and any other tools he found to be effective in the field.

The student's incapacitated and singed body rolled to Sen's feet. The kid was pretty wounded but he'd live. The mission ticket never said anything about not killing the students so he was sure he wouldn't be penalized for blowing one up. It was really an amazing thing that his plan worked so fast and in the manner that it did. Originally he was going to let the clone remain in the bushes and sneak into the dojo after a few minutes. The Exploding Note was a just an extra precaution in case they were already onto him. It turned out that they were, student number one just got a little too anxious and decided to make his move. It was just his luck that he made the wrong one.

[¤ SFS ¤]

Turning away from the K.O.'d student Sen made his way to the door, sliding it back and stepping inside. The dojo was empty and quite small save for a few lit torches and a lone figure leaning against the back wall, enjoying a smoke and the crisp night air as it blew gently through the dojo's side doors. He took in the genin entering his dojo carefully, and doubting he would have the time to do so for long, Sen did the same.

He was a tall man, four or five inches over Sen making him roughly six and one half feet tall. He was no giant, but his form was of well developed muscle. Not thin enough to be considered lean muscular but not big enough to be considered bulky either. His hair was a dark blue, cut short but unkempt. His beard was small and cleanly shaved. His eyes were an icy lighter colored blue. He wore no samurai robes or armor, just a blue tracksuit with a white double stripe going down the right side of the track jacket and right pant leg. All things considered he couldn't have been any older than someone in their early thirties. All in all the man had a very unique look, accentuated by his katana leaning on the wall to his side. It seemed to have a life, or presence of it's own. It too was wrapped in blue around the hilt, dual white strings about twelve inches long hanging from the hilt, swaying back and forth through the gentle breeze.

The longer they scanned one another the longer Sen found himself wondering how he would stack up against such a man. Otega was bigger, and most definitely physically stronger. There was a fair chance he was faster as well. Beating someone in a sword fight when they were stronger, faster and more skilled with a blade was next to impossible. Otega took another drag on whatever it was he was smoking, it was too big to be a cigarette too awkwardly shaped to be a cigar, he seemed to not have a care in the world. It was Sen's first mission and he came to find himself staring down a man who seemed too confident in what was about to go down. He wasn't even bragging, talking himself up or being over-confident. The Stone-nin found it unsettling as hell, so he pressed on into questioning before doubts started to form.

"You him?"

"I am."

"Where are the rest of them?"

"You mean the rest of the students?"

Otega lowered his gaze with a snap of his fingers, blowing smoke downward casually. From the shadows appeared three students, in front of him; teenagers, two female, one male, each of them carrying a different bladed weapon. Sizes and shapes suggested a Ninjato, Wakizashi, and Kodachi. Their eyes were like his own, full of strong intent as if they had something to prove. One of the females was first to attempt to approach but she could barely get a step closer before she was cut off.

"All of you. Beat it."
"But Kamayo-sama!"
"Whatever it is you're about to say. Save it because you're confusing the issue. Biko is lying outside in what is most likely critical condition.

If you want to face this shinobi for revenge you aren't following the code I've taught you and thus you have already failed me as a student. If you want to face this shinobi as a matter of reclaiming your pride or proving your worth, this simply isn't the time.

This one is MY opponent. He took out Biko using the most simple and basic shinobi tools and skills. He would destroy you... ALL of you.

Your downed teammate is your only priority. Now get the hell out of my dojo and get Biko to the medic's house up the road. Don't come back until morning or I'll kill you myself."

His words seem to cut them all down for a moment. They moved for the door slowly, as if hoping he'd change his mind. The lead female however turned to face Sen once more as if swearing a personal vow to face him one day if it was an absolute fact that she was forbidden to do so tonight. Soon after they were gone and the genin and his target were alone.

[¤ SFS ¤]

"Sorry about that. They can be a little unruly but they mean well. Someday I'll proudly send them off to the Country of Iron and find four new brats to replace them. They've all been taught to respect the different path that a shinobi walks from a samurai. But they're young and impulsive and don't like to see their teammates beaten."

"Are you sure you they won't be joining in later?" Sen asked calmly unsheathing his own katana.

"No way. This is my fight. Biko is by far the most hot headed of the four of them. They all knew you were coming but were under strict orders not to engage. Even so, there was no way for me to prevent him from attacking you without doing what you did to him or something worse. If anything you did me favor. I'm sure he'll be much more receptive to his training now that he's suffered a humiliating defeat."

"Well.." Sen's gaze hardened on Otega. "I'm glad to be of USE TO YOU!" Rushing in for the first strike, the Stone-nin gave a clean upward swing from left to right aiming for the Kenjutsu Master's side. It was the kind of attack that could kill if landed and though killing Otega meant failing his mission, he made the move anyhow, knowing it wouldn't be any where near enough to beat the man. There were a few bumps, clacks and then a loud clang as steel met steel. Otega's speed was impressive, no joke. He managed to lift his leaning katana into his hands using his foot and unsheathed it just enough for the genin's blade to not scratch his scabbard. But the thing that sunk in the most for their first clash was how heavy he was. A major advantage Sen had over younger genin was his size and natural strength, his body in the early throws of it's physical prime. He was used to being able to toss opponents around in spars with bladed weapons because of his heavy-headed and power based fighting style. But Otega, trying to move him was like trying to engrave a slash on a brick wall with a kitchen knife.

"You've got good form but your angles of attack need work. You leave yourself open for an easy counter."

Vertically repositioning his hands on the hilt and scabbard of his katana he pushed outward, his blade against Sen's repelling the younger male with ease. It all happened so fast the genin was barely able to keep up with what followed, only able to line his own katana up so as to slightly deflect the aim of the attack. He had no chance to block or parry.

SPOILER: Click to show

Nibaigiri (Double Cut)
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu / Kenjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Special: Rank of strikes depends on the user's highest 'Battojutsu' rank. Damage is calculated per strike. Can be used once per thread, plus one more each time retrained.
Description: Commencing from a kneeling position, the practitioner rises and draws, making a rising strike on the draw and a dropping strike as he sheathes.The movement is flashy and hard to trace, leaving unguarded opponent's in trouble.
Domain: Kenjutsu. Battojutsu 'C'.

As he continued to stagger backwards and catch his balance from the push off Otega dropped into a kneeling position and advanced upon him in an instant. Two blows came that he could barely follow one upwards with the unsheathing, and the next downwards with the re-sheathing.

In less than minutes after Sen's first lunge, Otega had already drawn blood. The first cut landed against his right side digging into his abdomen, the second cut landed directly above it. It was enough to slowly begin staining his shirt red but wasn't serious enough to stop the fight. Just a flesh wound as far as the genin was concerned, he'd been cut before. Shit... this guy's a problem with a katana. I can't quite match his speed but it's his strength that worries me. He probably could have gutted me just now! His thoughts of fear and doubt were pushed to the back of his mind as he clutched at cuts on his core to slightly soothe the pain. He wasn't nursing a life threatening wound, he just needed a moment to think.

But apparently, a moment Otega didn't have.

[¤ SFS ¤]

Between his sturdy voice and cutting remarks, also his cutting cuts, it was harder than ever to pin point Otega's intentions. Was he trying to give Sen pointers while working off a little extra energy? Was he toying with the young shinobi as proof that he was the superior warrior, and to that extent that Samurai were superior to Ninja? Did it have something to do with a grudge against Iwagakure? Was it tough love to a young stranger or just plain being tough on a lesser swordsman?

The Kenjutsu Master came in close again, this time swinging his katana upwards at a curve so as to arc through the genin's torso and cut him in two if he made contact. With no time to position for a plausible parry and no comparable strength to block without being thrown against a wall or through a door from the force, the Stone-nin was short of options. With the arc the katana was following Sen tucked and rolled underneath it's path once it was brought up high enough from the ground for him to clear it without getting beheaded.

Spinning on his heels the swordsman grinned as if he were glad that his young opponent found a way out of that last attack. Probably because it meant he could up the ante. He ducked into a slight kneel again, but this time the younger male knew what to expect... or so he thought.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sandangamaegiri (Triple Cut)
Rank: B
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu / Kenjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Special: Rank of strikes depends on the user's highest 'Battojutsu' rank. Damage is calculated per strike. Can be used once per thread, plus one more each time retrained.
Description: Commencing from a kneeling position, the practitioner rises and draws to make three fast strikes at one opponent.The movement is flashy and hard to trace, leaving unguarded opponent's in trouble.
Domain: Kenjutsu. Battojutsu 'B'.

Otega unsheathed again, this time a bit faster than before and made his cuts. Sen was able to guard himself and block with the efficiency of a midwife blocking a projectile'd baby. The first two strikes hit his swords which absorbed the force in them although with Otega's strength Sen's arms felt a bit weak after. The surprise was the third strike which came as the genin began to readjust his blade to counter attack. It carved into his shoulder and down his chest diagonally, much deeper than the first two cuts he'd taken on the abdomen. If he'd had any thought about beating Otega at his own game, they were now crushed. He was beginning to lose a small but continuous amount of blood.

It dawned on him when it was too late to matter at that moment that when Otega re-sheathed he left himself open to attacks. He could exploit that opening but the problem was surviving that next Kenjutsu technique and being able to still move after he re-sheathed.

"Pay attention youngster. You're getting lost in your thoughts. You did pretty good to block most of my Sandangamaegiri, I'm impressed. But you're still not putting all your weight into your strikes... here... let me show you what I mean."

He darted out at the genin again, a man on a mission. He was moving too fast to to pull out another multiple slash technique but his eyes said he was about to do something that he was going to enjoy. He didn't look like a ravenous animal about to sink it's jaws into a prey. He just looked like a man that was enjoying himself and about to claim certain victory.

[¤ SFS ¤]

There was no snappy rhetoric, no scathing comments, no mocking and no boasting. Just a young master of the sword and an even younger, but talented, rookie of the ninja arts. For all their struggles against one another the rookie had been unable to wound the master although that was usually the case in such situations.

Was it really going to end here for him? He damned himself for biting off more than he could chew. He damned himself for not being able to chew. He damned himself for not being able to learn in the moment and keep himself alive long enough to win, and then, he understood, and Otega's words flashed in mind one more time.

"Pay attention younger... ...you're still not putting all your weight into your strikes... here... let me show you what I mean."

SPOILER: Click to show

Morote Giri (Two Handed Cut)
Rank: B
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu / Kenjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Special: Can be retrained in order to stack damage per strike.
Description: Commencing from a kneeling position, the practitioner rises, gathers their strength for one moment, and then strikes with their sword in both hands, performing a single strong attack that is capable of breaking through defenses and delivering massive damage.
Domain: Kenjutsu. Battojutsu 'B'.

Like all the Kenjutsu attacks before it Otega went into a slight kneel before unsheathing, springing forth and bringing his sword down. There was no parry for this, either block, or get the hell out of it's way. Gritting his teeth Sen refused to back down. Even if it meant risking his life, after all, his life had been in danger since the moment he accepted this mission. All my weight huh... Otega was a Kenjutsu Master but because he was the enemy in this scenario Sen had instinctively disregarded everything the man said. But in a moment of blood drenched clarity the genin understood his words. Put everything you have into the strike and hold out hope that your steel will prevail. Crimson eyes locked with Iceblue and for a moment, Iceblue was surprised his young challenger stood his ground. But then the blades clashed, and Crimson was left shocked.

As Otega came down Sen swung up with every ounce of physical power he had. He believed in himself, he believed in his blade and he believed in his ability to cut, even if he was trying to cut someone clearly more skilled than himself. He didn't hold back a thing. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to block the strike without a grave loss. The combination of Otega's greater weight, experience and momentum gave him the advantage and when they met, Sen's katana was busted to pieces.

The clash forced him onto the ground when he quickly rebounded via handspring, getting some distance between himself and the master. The hilt and about eighteen inches of steel were all that remained of his katana. But, before he slipped into sweet acceptance over his defeat and likely death, he noticed something. He'd managed to leave a deep knick in Otega's blade. Only about one fourth of the way through but it was there and it solidified his lesson of believing in his blade. Well, there was nothing left of his katana he could still use, but he still had one more blade at his disposal.

[¤ SFS ¤]

Sen darted out at the larger man, he had to move fast, couldn't give Otega time to notice the knick. He'd been disarmed, so he had to disarm his opponent to re-secure a chance for victory. The master raised his blade against the genin as if to warn "You don't have a weapon any more, you can't block or parry. You'll die if I swing this at you. Back off... OR ELSE." The space closed between them and Sen rushed in anyway like a child throwing a temper tantrum for having his favorite toy broken. Otega responded as he was accustom to with his own unruly students who refused to listen, by showing that tough love and cutting the rampaging child down.

His katana came down hard and Sen aligned perfectly to be cleaved in half right down the middle. Except instead of a blood chilling scream and a body going limp on the floor, there was a loud clang and then a slight thump. The thump was the sound of the better portion of Otega's katana hitting the ground. The clang? Well, that was sound of Otega's katana hitting Sen's concealed retractable wrist blade. It was a gamble but it was well worth it. The genin used a seemingly helpless and enraged disposition to lure the swordsman into making a strike that was easy to block if you had a blade and then used his Kakkou finish what his own katana started, breaking the opponent's blade in two.

For a moment Otega was bewildered and riddled with unbelief but then he only erupted in laughter. The Stone-nin remained alert, but didn't know if he should laugh too, or fear for the worst.

"You're something special kid, a real shinobi. Just when I think I've got you figured out you go and spin me around. I like you."

"Do you concede?"

"Concede ...really?"

"Your katana is gone there are none in this room and I'll die before I let you get your hands on another one. I win. It's over. Admit your defeat and I can go home."

"Hmph..."

Otega let out a grunt and a smirk, slashing at Sen over the distance.

"You don't have the reach to finish me from there and I'm not letting you get another weapon. IT'S.... DONE."

"Stupid kid... it ain't done yet ... cause I already have one."

The genin went to call Otega's bluff but soon noticed a rising pain on the left side of his chest, at the point where a new cut in that area over lapped with the last one. Shock and awe were the only words to describe Sen's reaction. How the shit did he cut me from there without moving.... with a broken katana?!

"Okay, stay with me kid. Don't pass out before I tell what happened... It's an extremely advance Kenjutsu Technique called... Shoushitsuten."

SPOILER: Click to show

Shoushitsuten (Vanishing Point)
Rank: A
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu / Kenjutsu
Range: 0 - 10 meters
Special: Strength of attack equals to one rank less than the user's highest 'Battojutsu' rank. Cut travels 10 meters at thrice the speed of a kunai, plus 10 more each time retrained.
Description: The ultimate offensive measure. Once the Kenjutsu master has learned the art of the sword and everything these is to know about wielding such sharp steel, they become the cut itself. No longer do they need to be before their opponent to cut them, for the level of sharpness they have achieved is such the very air can be sliced before them until their target is reached. As such, from a relaxed position, the swordsman may flash-draw their blade, cut the air, and sheathe it. The result? An invisible razor sharp force lunged at whatever the swordsman aimed at, with the full strength of their blade behind it.
Domain: Kenjutsu. Battojutsu 'A'.

[¤ SFS ¤]

The ache in his chest stung and burned. Sen retracted his wrist blade and touched the wound. He was bleeding out faster now. It was nothing ointment, bandages and a little rest in this town wouldn't fix. The journey back home would be painful but he'd live and get final treatment at the Iwagakure Hospital. But, in order to get there he had to end this match right now.

"That's a nasty cut you got there. It looks like you're losing blood fast so I don't want to waste time with the logistics but Shoushitsuten is one hell of a move. It allows me to cut air so precisely that that cut air can then cut you. Essentially... in layman's terms, it's a projectile sword slash only Masters of Battojutsu, or Offensive Sword can use."

In a moment where most would feel panicked Sen was only relieved. He'd held back from using Ninjutsu because the nature of his skills would destroy this man's dojo, his place of peace and solitude. More importantly his particular brand of Ninjutsu would kill Otega himself thus failing the mission. The mission was everything and using Ninjutsu wasn't worth the risk. But Otega had taken no attempts to hold back on him, unleashing his most brutal moves one at a time until he got to one that was so advanced it seemed like Ninjutsu in and of itself. The genin's vision was blurring, he was reaching his limit. But on his last legs, he would stand taller than ever before.

He launched what was left of his katana at the swordsman which he easily deflected with what was left of his own katana but then as he turned his attention back towards Sen he saw something that made him weary. A grenade of some sort headed right at his face. It exploded filling the small room with smoke almost instantly even with the lit torches and side doors open there was little to no visibility. Being unseen was a ninja's perfect advantage, especially against non-ninja. Sen had already moved from where he stood, leaving a clone in his place.

SPOILER: Click to show

Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique)
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Special: Allows the user to create a clone without substance that resembles the user in every way, including retaining its movement speed. Clones cannot mold chakra nor perform jutsu, nor can they harm. Up to one clone can be made, plus one more each time retrained.
Description: Bunshin no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique which every ninja learns at the Ninja Academy. The Bunshin technique creates a copy of the ninja without substance that, although easily seen through by those with doujutsu, can fool the normal eye easily. Why? Simply because although without substance, the copy resembles the ninja in every way. This clone can function as a distraction or as means to confuse one's opponent, though no real damage can be done by it. Finally, as soon the Bunshin gets attacked or comes into contact with an opponent, it will disperse.
Domain: Academy Student Ninjutsu.

From his concealed spot his hands fired through hand seals once more as fast as he could manage, his life was on the line. "Youton Bunshin no Jutsu"

SPOILER: Click to show

Youton Bunshin no Jutsu (Lava Clone Technique)
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Kekkei Touto
Range: See special!
Special: Clone speed is slightly slower than that of the user. Up to one clone can be made at a time, plus one more each time retrained. Explosion range covers 5 meters.
Description: With this technique, the Youton user is able to call upon aid from a perfect copy of themselves. Comprised purely of molten lava, this clone retains the user's movement speed and can share linked mental judgement. Best of all, when struck physically, most items slowly sink into the magma pit that has become their body, corroding away at appendages and weapons equally. Finally, when defeated, the clone explodes into a blob of intense lava that aims to take over the nearest opponent available, burning and melting them in place.
Domain: Youton. Must know 'Fushokuzai' 'C'.

The three of Sen began their last stand. Otega was patient and the smoke was escaping the room through the open doors but when he saw the shadow of the young challenger reflecting off the smoke in front of him he swung his blade at it using Shoushitsuten once more. He smirked as it exploded, he'd suspected it to be a clone. When fighting Biko, Sen stepped into the line of fire and left his clone to hide. It was the same thing here. If he'd nailed the clone that was hiding than the real genin was about to attack. But from where? The gust of the clones departure blew away the smoke in their immediate area and Otega heard a creeping footstep of someone behind him. He readied the remains of his katana. It didn't have the reach it normally did, but with the Stone-nin getting up close and personal for the final blow, he didn't need a full length katana to end the fight.

SPOILER: Click to show

Ushiro Zuki (Rear Thrust)
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu / Kenjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Special: Rank of strike depends on the user's highest 'Battojutsu' rank. Each time retrained, 'D' ranked damage is stacked.
Description: Commencing from a kneeling position, the practitioner quickly turns and draws to thrust the rear as a simple attack then sheathes. As long as the user is aware of the target behind them, a quick unexpected offensive strike like this usually yields success.
Domain: Kenjutsu. Battojutsu 'D'.

It was done. Otega peered over his shoulder and saw the pained expression on the genin's face.

"You've got potential kid. I avoided major arteries and organs but with this major wound on top of the others you've lost too much blood to walk out of here. I owe you for answering my call. There are stronger ninja they could have sent but you've given me a new found respect for the Hidden Stone. We don't have the best medics so I'll do what I can to patch you up but in case you don't make it. You should know it was an honor to cross blades with you."

[¤ SFS ¤]

"Thanks, that means a lot. I learned a little something from you too."

A stronger wind came and blew the remainder of the smoke through the open doors and all was revealed to both fighters. There were two of them. Two Sen's, one behind Otega, impaled by his broken katana and the other to his front, with his fist to Otega's neck. At first the swordsman paid the one to his front no mind, sure it was just another empty clone but then it gently pushed it's fist against his neck and didn't explode. It wasn't an empty clone at all. But then, what was it and which one was the real him?

Otega went to look back at the one he'd impaled once more, ready to use Shoushitsuten to cut open it's stomach if he had to. "Don't bother Kamayo Otega." The Youton Bunshin gripped Otega's wrist slowly drawing out the blade to reveal that it was gone, melted away.

"I get it. My mission was to fight you, not to win. I interpreted victory as the way to pass the mission because that's what I wanted. I wanted to beat you, I wanted to win. My arrogance made me take the mission because I was sure if you were the opponent for mission ranked only at 'C' my life was in no real danger in facing you, but that was my novice mistake.

"Coming here to face you was labeled a C-rank mission not because you were weak and any genin could take you on. But because you were strong any genin facing you would be forced to see that walking away from a fight with a victory does not always go hand and hand with successfully completing a mission. You only upped the ante every time I refused to back down and admit defeat. It's my own fault you've injured me this much."

The genin could only smile humbly taking in all that he'd learned. "I'm stubborn but luckily for me, of the hundreds of Iwagakure genin at the Tsuchikage's disposal I'm one of the few dozen who could actually beat you. I'm humbled by what our fight has taught me and likewise, it was an honor for me to cross blades with you. But it's done. Behind you is clone of myself made entirely of lava. Just a little more damage and he'll explode all over you. You'll die a very very painful death and there will be nothing I or anyone else can do to help you. Not to mention your dojo will go up in flames." Once more Sen pressed his closed fist harder against Otega's neck. "..and of course you know about my concealed wrist knife. If I popped it out now well, you know more about blades than I do."

"I've learned what I needed to learn from you both about swordsmanship and shinobi priorities. It's done, so say it."

"Gah... you got me. Good shit kid. You win. I concede."

The Youton clone then released it's grip on Otega and followed it's orders to find some desolate place to explode. Sen himself eased off of Otega and fell on his ass. He was getting dizzy and about to pass out.

"If you were sure you owe me then here's your chance to repay me. These wounds ain't gonna bandage themselves."

"You got it kid. I'll get the first aid started and we'll go up the road to the medic. These four slashes alone will be no problem to fix you'll be weak for a few days from the loss of blood, but you'll live. Besides my brats will be happy to see you on the verge of death."

It was a fitting end to a first mission. He was dizzy and bloody and feeling the earliest signs of nausea, but he was alive and he'd won the fight, and passed the mission. He couldn't ask for more.

After his wounds were treated with ointment and wrapped up properly Sen hobbled over to the remains of his katana picking them up piece and piece and wrapping them up carefully. He knew of shinobi taking up side professions like Cooking-nin, Craftsmen and Med-nin, and with his first mission done he swore he'd would become one of these further skilled individuals cause Otega's bandaging skills sucked he doubted the man could cook a revitalizing meal or even fix either of their broken katana. Of couse Otega wouldn't be able to fix his Katana since Sen was taking the hilt as proof of his victory. The swordsman didn't even bother to stop him. It was Sen's guess that he had dozens more swords. It would take about twice as long to get back home in his condition but after the so called medic up the street gave him the okay he would take off. This was a good start but there was more to learn, more to gain, and more missions to be done.

Of course before then he'd take some time off to get to one hundred percent. He'd earned that much... right?

[END]

[♠Solo♠]

1000: +86 EXP