Fist of Heaven and Earth! [ P | T ]

[Rin]

It was just before the war . . .

---

"Right--first, we go over the basics," I said, staring straight into the older male's amber eyes. Shifting my weight left and right, I took a moment to decide how to go about teaching him. The style was centered around heavy physical discipline, and although I was sure this man did not lack training of the sort, Tenjouken utilized a special set of movements. "Let's see what you can do. We'll try some simple sparring, just fight me hand to hand as best as you can."

With that, I stepped forward, raising both fists up in line with my face. Since the style aimed to use the most efficient movements possible, it often attempted to find the shortest path to it's target. These were all things I'd explain in time. For now, I needed to learn how proficient he already was. From what I'd seen of him, he was certainly a skilled shinobi in his own right, so I hoped he could understand from a short spar. Learning through experience was always incredibly effective, after all. Not to mention, this helped me prepare for the coming conflict; the unavoidable war we were on the brink of. There was a sinking feeling in my gut when I thought about it--not of fear, but something else. A mixture of excitement, and a indeterminable anxiety, as if I felt something bad was going to happen. My superstitions had little to do with the training we were undergoing, however.

"Try to focus on how I move, but don't get distracted. Fighting me comes first," were the words that left my lips moments before I initiated our first training session. Knowing he'd be prepared, I burst forward, my legs pumping against the ground as to close the distance as quickly as possible. My aim was not to harm, but to test--so, I opened up with a quick low kick. It came from my right leg, aimed just behind my "student's" knees, performed in such a way that I did not have to lower my frame to initiate it. This was an example of one of the principles of Tenjouken--although high, arcing kicks are powerful, the distance is covered immensely shorter (and therefore covered faster) when a kick is aimed low. This, coupled with the attack being on the edge of the opponent's vision, allows for a quick and effective strike. With enough power--like that which I'd put into the kick--it would easily buckle a target's knees and floor them.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)

[/u]
Rank: D, C[/u], B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken

Tenchuu (Heaven's Punishment)[/u]
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: ---
Description: Standard Tenjouken technique. A technique that stresses speed. Whether a punch or a kick, the user aims to attack using the shortest path to the enemy--that is, a jab in a straight line as opposed to a hook, or a lower-body kick as opposed to an upper-body one. The "shortest path" changes with every movement, giving this technique a unique versatility.
Domain: Tenjouken, Tenjou no Shuuren 'D'[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)

[/u]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken[/spoiler][/font][/size][/blockquote][/justify]

[Axcel]

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken

0|25/2

“W-wait. I came here to train with the master--why am I sparring with a little girl again. . .?” Axcel inquired rebelliously, though he still listened to what the girl said. He was wearing a standard gi that a fresh student would wear. The former kage had recently disappeared from his village and was presumed to dead. As for the rest of the world--they were on the brink of war. Axcel had heard of Tenjouken, a famous fighting style that originated in Amegakure, and had traveled to Ame no Kuni in hopes of finding a master. He found one--but it looked like he was stuck training with his daughter. . .

"Let's see what you can do. We'll try some simple sparring, just fight me hand to hand as best as you can."

Despite his hesitation earlier at the thought of learning from someone so young, the lad fell into a fighting stance of his own. His left hand was open and raised, his arm pointing towards the girl. His right arm was kept a bit lower, resting near his torso. “Yosh!” Axcel said, hyping himself up for the upcoming spar as well as acknowledging the girl’s statement by saying that.

Focus on how she moves. . . got it! Axcel thought to himself, knowing that his purpose here was to learn. He didn’t seek this dojo to for without reason--although he was no cripple and more than able to do taijutsu, he hadn’t ever bothered to practice a style. He knew he was terrible at performing genjutsu, and as someone who focused on ninjutsu, he needed a taijutsu style to call his own when his jutsu failed him. He spent months figuring out which martial art to train and ended up deciding on Tenjouken--the fist of heaven and earth!

When the girl rushed forward, Axcel remained in position. It wasn’t until the girl was in striking distance did Axcel, shuffling forward as she kicked. Her thigh would ram into the back of his before it even gather any momentum or power. As he moved forward, his left elbow came in swinging, aiming to hit the girl in the jaw with surprising amounts of force. He grinned as attacked--not because he expected it to succeed, but because he was excited to witness Tenjouken before his very eyes.

[/blockquote]

[Rin]

Because I loved Tenjouken--and the art of combat in general--it was great to see enthusiasm from the man. Although it was to be expected, since he'd come seeking us, it gave me a sense of both happiness and pride in my art. I wondered how he would counter my attack, and hoped for something more than what I'd always received from opponents. They always cowered away, backing up and staying out of range, never making a move and never succeeding.

"Excellent," I said as I watched the man step forward. This was something that proved, to me, that he had previous experience in hand-to-hand combat. Most people would slink away from an attack, but he instead moved into me, disrupting my attack before it even started. In the process, he put himself in an advantageous position. There was a light in my eyes, an intensity that burned with a passion, ignited by combat. It would likely be obvious that this was something I took immense pleasure in.

The moment he'd stepped forward, I prepared to counter attack. My eyes focused on both everything and nothing, taking in it all so as to react swiftly. The grin on his face only fueled my excitement more. My fists were still up, ready to defend as I kicked, and therefore had little space to fill before they could intercept his attack. My right arm was closest, and immediately moved to block the attack. It was not only a block, however--while his elbow moved toward me, my fist made to strike at his mid-forearm with extreme force. By choosing an area of the attacking limb in which the momentum was not concentrated, I would be able to stop the attack while minimizing any recoil from the Strike Guard. Though I held back my full strength--as this was simply a spar--I wanted to convey that this was not only a block, but a strike. A maneuver that could instantly change the course of a fight, by completely eradicating the attacking limb from the fight. With enough force, bones could be shattered simply by defending oneself.

In the same instant as I intercepted the oncoming attack, my still free hand shot forward. It was not an arcing punch, but a straight and powerful jab. It took the path which was the shortest to its target--the man's face--and in doing so moved at its highest potential speed with my own physical capabilities considered. Like my block, I held back my full strength in case my attack did land.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)

[/u]
Rank: D, C[/u], B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken

Tenchuu (Heaven's Punishment)[/u]
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: ---
Description: Standard Tenjouken technique. A technique that stresses speed. Whether a punch or a kick, the user aims to attack using the shortest path to the enemy--that is, a jab in a straight line as opposed to a hook, or a lower-body kick as opposed to an upper-body one. The "shortest path" changes with every movement, giving this technique a unique versatility.
Domain: Tenjouken, Tenjou no Shuuren 'D'

Keibi no Kougeki (Strike Guard)[/u]
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Defensive / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: ---
Description: When fighting against another Taijutsu user, Tenjouken users find that the best defense is in a good offense. That is, when they are put on the defense, they instead attack. When moving to guard an attack, instead of simply blocking or swatting the attack away, they strike at the body of the incoming attack in order to stop it (i.e. if a punch is coming, instead of swatting it away, the user will strike at the forearm or elbow of the incoming punch, thereby deflecting and attacking at the same time). If a weapon is used, they attempt to close in and strike at the body holding the weapon.
Domain: Tenjouken, Tenjou no Shuuren 'C'[/spoiler][/font][/size][/blockquote][/justify]

[Axcel]

Excellent? Of course it was excellent--nothing less should be expected from Axcel! The boy smirked at her remark, as his elbow came crashing toward her jaw. He was expecting a simple block or a dodge, so the lad was definitely surprised when instead of striking the girl, it was he who had been struck. W-what just hit me?! He hadn’t seen it--the strike was quick, and the only reason he even knew he had been struck was the pain surging through his forearm. Whatever it was--it hurt!

Axcel’s desired reaction was to move back, but before he could even do that he would need to deal with the incoming strike. As the jab came forth, his immediate reaction was to tilt his head, and his body slightly, towards the side in order to let the strike pass him. While her strike passed him and his own left arm retreated upon being struck, Axcel placed his freehand on her shoulder and attempted to shove her back. Upon doing so, Axcel leaped back himself.

“What the hell was that. . .?!” He cried out, his right hand rubbing on his left forearm, as if it ease the pain any. It was obvious that he was the one who got hit, but he was in the middle of striking! His inexperience when it came to fighting taijutsu users who took the time to hone their art was beginning to show, but his thirst for knowledge was just as apparent. Shrugging it off, Axcel returned to his previous fighting stance. If he wanted to learn, he’d just have to keep on fighting!

“Again!”

[/i] [/center]

[/blockquote][/justify][/blockquote]

[Rin]

My jab was dodged, which satisfied me. His reactions were swift and well-toned, which was both expected but absolutely necessary. Judging by his next action--which was to attempt to put space between us--he was either overwhelmed and panicked, or desired a short respite out of confusion or fatigue. With all things considered, I'd assumed he most likely had some sort of question; so, instead of attempting to keep the space between us close, I allowed him to shove me back and stepped back with the push. When he voiced his confusion, I nodded once and brought my fist up before my face, clenching it tightly. Strike Guard was a simple but effective technique, and usually came unexpected for the opponent.

"It was Tenjouken!" Pride welled within me as I explained the art I cherished. "To put it simply, instead of defending against your strike, I attacked," Slowly I walked toward him as he fell back into a fighting stance. After a few steps, I, too, would raise my fists in front of me and steady my breathing. When I fought, I fell into a sort of trance--my breathing would adopt a rhythm, one with no tempo or steady beat. It changed and morphed to the situation, never slowing and never falling into a pattern. Once it did that, my fight would be over--I'd become predictable, and fall prey to my opponent.

"In general, Tenjouken is an offensive art. Even when we see an attack coming our way, we stop it with an attack of our own," I said, giving a brief explanation of the technique I'd used. However, it was not what we were focusing on yet, as there were more important things to consider first. "When you fight, there are ways your body can move to make the most out of your actions." As I ended this sentence, I rushed at him again. "The shortest path is always the quickest!" It was a simple statement, one that would seem elementary and obvious. So I would back my statement up with action.

As I closed the distance, I would throw a jab with my left in the exact form I'd utilized moments before. It followed the shortest path to his face, extending out powerfully. Just as before, I expected it to be intercepted. If given the chance, I would throw out another punch with my right, this one hooking around the side instead of straight ahead. It's path was far from the shortest possible, and would take considerably more time to perform. Although it did hold more power, its chances of landing were lessened due to its speed. This was what I'd hope he would understand.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)

[/u]
Rank: D, C[/u], B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken

Tenchuu (Heaven's Punishment)[/u]
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: ---
Description: Standard Tenjouken technique. A technique that stresses speed. Whether a punch or a kick, the user aims to attack using the shortest path to the enemy--that is, a jab in a straight line as opposed to a hook, or a lower-body kick as opposed to an upper-body one. The "shortest path" changes with every movement, giving this technique a unique versatility.
Domain: Tenjouken, Tenjou no Shuuren 'D'[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

Tenchuu (Heaven's Punishment)

[/u]
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: ---
Description: Standard Tenjouken technique. A technique that stresses speed. Whether a punch or a kick, the user aims to attack using the shortest path to the enemy--that is, a jab in a straight line as opposed to a hook, or a lower-body kick as opposed to an upper-body one. The "shortest path" changes with every movement, giving this technique a unique versatility.
Domain: Tenjouken, Tenjou no Shuuren 'D'[/spoiler][/font][/size][/blockquote][/justify]

[DAVID BOWE]

Learned -- Axcel
+56 -- Rin (due to the promotion)

[Axcel]

Tenchuu (Heaven's Punishment)
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: ---
Description: Standard Tenjouken technique. A technique that stresses speed. Whether a punch or a kick, the user aims to attack using the shortest path to the enemy--that is, a jab in a straight line as opposed to a hook, or a lower-body kick as opposed to an upper-body one. The "shortest path" changes with every movement, giving this technique a unique versatility.
Domain: Tenjouken, Tenjou no Shuuren 'D'

0|25

Instead of defending, she struck? It made sense and it was the conclusion Axcel should have came too immediately. As cliche as it seemed, her words made the lad recall an old phrase: the best defense is a good offense! He wasn’t sure how to go about learning just how she did that without practicing some more. Ah well, he’d learn it when the time came--for now, he needed to focus on the basics. As much as he would have liked to jump straight into more advanced techniques, he knew that fundamentals would be required to even attempt to try anything remotely complicated.

As the girl approached, Axcel braced himself for combat. Instead of leaving his hands as open palms, he clenched his fists, much like the girl. Slowly he would begin to change and adopt the style of Tenjouken. An offensive art, eh? It certainly seemed that way. Even when on defense, the girl was always attacking. It was pretty annoying to deal with, but he didn’t seem to have much of a problem with that, likely because he knew he was fixing to learn the style himself.

When she moved with a sudden burst of speed, she spoke what, at face value, seemed incredibly obvious. Of course the quickest path is the shortest! What was her point? It wasn’t until the girl aimed to strike did Axcel actually realize just what her point was. Unprepared for the sudden burst of speed, a jab managed to cut through Axcel’s poor guard and nail him in the face. Though it hurt, it wasn’t anything serious. His head reeled back slightly, and just as her hand began it’s retreat, her free one was already aiming to strike in it’s stead. This one was a bit more obvious though--it wasn’t slow by any means, but it hooked around from the side. Just before it would make contact, Axcel would bend his body back just enough so it would pass his face.

Close! Had Axcel been hit by that, he might have been out cold on the hard floor. So that’s what she meant. . . Having learned her lesson, Axcel attempted to apply it. As the hand passed his face, rather than attempting anything fancy, he threw out a simple jab to her sides. It was the shortest path, thus the quickest! It didn’t need to be an overwhelmingly powerful strike so long as it landed--at least, that’s how the lad interpreted the lesson.

[/justify]

[Rin]

The feeling of his face against my knuckles was a familiar sensation, but extremely satisfactory nonetheless. Although my goal in this moment wasn't to win, but to teach, I couldn't help but enjoy the feeling of a successful strike. Still, it lacked my full power, and I felt it got my point across as he dodged my second attack. At least, I'd hoped so, and considering the skill he'd displayed thus far, was confident that he understood.

And he did--he learned fast! When his counterattack came, I witnessed the path it followed as I always did, in order to anticipate the strike and act accordingly. It was swift, as expected. From his fist's position, it followed a straight line directly to my side. Since I noticed it coming so fast, and from so close, I stepped back as I threw my left hand down. This created more space between us, giving me more time to initiate my block. My left hand slapped at his forearm, deflecting the punch downward and away from me. In the same moment, my right hand made to grasp at his left shoulder while my leg lifted up, bent at the knee, for a quick strike at his stomach.

"Great, remember it applies to more than just punches!" I said as I reacted, looking straight into his eyes with an intense, excited, and energetic gaze. My knee followed a direct line to his stomach--although this was standard for such a strike, my intent was to point out that every strike could follow this rule. Like always, my intent was not to harm him, and therefore the attack lacked the power I truly possessed. "Use this when you need to strike as fast as possible. Remember, it lacks as much power as you could use with as lower, more roundabout strike."

I couldn't help but hope he would react as he had before. Surprise me in a way that most didn't, by countering and attacking effectively. Part of me expected him to, because thus far he'd learned extremely quickly.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)

[/u]
Rank: D, C[/u], B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken

Tenchuu (Heaven's Punishment)[/u]
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: ---
Description: Standard Tenjouken technique. A technique that stresses speed. Whether a punch or a kick, the user aims to attack using the shortest path to the enemy--that is, a jab in a straight line as opposed to a hook, or a lower-body kick as opposed to an upper-body one. The "shortest path" changes with every movement, giving this technique a unique versatility.
Domain: Tenjouken, Tenjou no Shuuren 'D'[/spoiler][/font][/size][/blockquote][/justify]

[Axcel]

Just as he thought he had caught the girl off guard, she managed to render his attack useless. Tch! Though he received a compliment for his effort, he really thought his attack was going to strike. However, rather than hitting the girl, she dropped her hand and swatted the lad’s own away. It wasn’t as simple as that though--she managed to step back, creating more distance between the two, in order to actually perform the maneuver that made the boy’s attack null and useless. Then came her counter.

Axcel noticed the knee coming towards his body and reacted immediately. The hand which had been swatted away moved towards the incoming strike, his palm intercepting it just as it neared his stomach. The block would be effective, reducing any damage it would have done by the time it would reach his body. The strike was still heavy though and he could feel a stinging sensation in the palm of his hand. For a moment he had thought it was an effective block--then he realized, had he been utilizing Tenjouken, then his block would have been a strike. He still had a long way to go.

Despite realizing his flaw, Axcel didn’t waste his opportunity at a counter attack. With the knee still against the palm of his hand, Axcel used his free arm to strike towards her nose. It was a quick jab that traveled linearly towards its destination. No excess movements were wasted, and he struck while consciously knowing it lacked the power it could have had he thrown a more haymaker-esque punch. Still--the strike was quick, and had a much higher chance of landing than a more powerful punch. The girl was a slippery one, so it was unlikely he’d even be able to hit her with one of those.

As his punch completed, only one thought crossed his mind--was he successful?

[/justify]

[Rin]

As expected, my knee was stopped in its tracks. His hand moved to intercept it, and he used his own force to stop the attack. It was a simple block, though effective. It left me unimpressed; however I would have been more than impressed had he used Strike Guard so soon after seeing it. Frankly, he learned incredibly quickly, and his next action left me surprised. Since my left hand was down low to block his previous jab, and my right hand was on his shoulder, neither were up and ready to block the incoming attack. That left me with one option: to dodge it. However, he utilized the technique I'd taught him perfectly, and executed a swift, perfectly aimed jab.

My body rocketed to the left, but I felt the fist connect with my cheek as I moved. It wasn't a full on strike, due to my dodge, but it had connected well enough to rear my head back and to the side. Instinctively I scowled at the blow, though soon found myself quite proud of the newcomer. Grinning with anticipation, I straightened my posture save for my knee. Since it was still raised, up against his hand, it was in the perfect position for my next attempt--to hamper his movement. We'd continue sparring, and I'd utilize the disciplines of Tenjouken in order to train him through experience.

Instead of kicking out with my still-raised leg, or pulling it back to reset my stance, I instead stomped as hard as I could downward. This served one main purpose: to root my sparring partner to the ground. Although stomping his foot into the ground would be somewhat painful (no where near the level of a normal strike, however), I would continue to press it into the ground. This would keep him from moving it anywhere, if I were to succeed, and force him to stay up close with me. So, too, would it limit his options with which to attack.

Whilst this occurred, I'd make sure to make use of the rest of my body. Time spent focusing on one single strike is often wasted--in many cases, more than one action can be taken at a time. I'd been utilizing this during our sparring thus far. So while I aimed to root him in place, I'd attempt a quick punch for his stomach with my left hand. My fist was down low already, and thus my attack took the form of a swift uppercut.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)

[/u]
Rank: D, C[/u], B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken

Tenchuu (Heaven's Punishment)[/u]
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: ---
Description: Standard Tenjouken technique. A technique that stresses speed. Whether a punch or a kick, the user aims to attack using the shortest path to the enemy--that is, a jab in a straight line as opposed to a hook, or a lower-body kick as opposed to an upper-body one. The "shortest path" changes with every movement, giving this technique a unique versatility.
Domain: Tenjouken, Tenjou no Shuuren 'D'[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)

[/u]
Rank: D, C[/u], B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken[/spoiler][/font][/size][/blockquote][/justify]

[Comatose]

Axcel - learned

Rin - +40

[Axcel]

Tenjou no Shuuren (Discipline of Heaven and Earth)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Taijutsu
Range: Self
Special: All Tenjouken techniques of equal or lesser rank take one rank less energy to perform.
Description: The most basic technique of Tenjouken, this lays the foundation for the entirety of the style. It is a training of the body and a utilization of it to its utmost potential. Though not on the levels of the chakra-enhanced strength utilized by medic-nin, practitioners of Tenjouken have amazing physical power and speed with which to back it up. They focus on hitting hard and fast using efficient maneuvers. However, their training does not only cover offense; their bodies are extremely enduring and efficient.
Domain: Tenjouken

0|50

Success!

He was genuinely surprised that his attack had actually managed to land on the young girl. Indeed, his confidence in his ability to land melee strikes on the slippery woman had been dwindling, despite knowing he had set up his previous attempt almost perfectly. It was natural to think such thoughts, as he had believed himself to have set his attacks up ‘perfectly’ before and instead was on the receiving end of one of Rin’s punishing attacks. However--having hit her, with a counter no less, renewed his tenacity.

“Yosh!” Axcel let out a cry, instinctively, as their fight continued. Having noticed the incoming footstomp, Axcel took precautions to evade the strike. Sliding his foot to the outside slightly, a simple maneuver that wasted no movements, the incoming stomp would land on nothing but the floor. The lad’s own foot moving wasn’t a simple evasion though--no, it was a bit more than that. He turned his hips as well, utilizing both that and his foot placement as a way of pivoting himself, generating extra power with the strike that would manifest soon from his right hand.

As he threw his punch, he took note of the uppercut incoming. At this point, there wasn’t anything he could do. Instead, Axcel opted to trade blows with the girl. Though their strikes would likely land at the same time, Axcel felt he had more power behind his. He aimed for her stomach as well, an area that was actually plausible to land a hit on compared to say, her face.

Axcel braced himself for impact, preparing himself to emerge from the possible exchange as the victor. As his strike traveled, his free hand began to reposition itself, readying for a followup attack or even to parry should the girl have something else up her sleeve. He wasn’t about to let himself be one-upped here so easily! Not at all! With his new found resolve, he felt that he would be able to conquer their sparring, enabling him to move onto bigger things. The Rokudaime was pressed for time, and though a martial art took years to hone, he couldn’t afford that sort of luxury.

[/justify]

[Rin]

As I stomped, so, too, did the trainee's foot move. Avoiding the quite underrated danger that my stomp placed him in, he again set himself up for an attack quite well. Unfortunately, I noticed this as I made to attack--we would trade blows, and due to positioning, his strike held more power. The twisting of his hips helped generate power, as well, and I was glad to see he had this basic knowledge.

My free hand moved down to block the incoming strike, and as his punch extended fully, my uppercut couldn't quite reach him. Instead of trading blows, I only blocked his by grasping his fist with my open hand, and left him unscathed. However, the power behind his blow, although blocked, lifted me off of my feet and caused me to soar backwards. A simple flip allowed me to reposition myself, and I skidded along the ground, keeping my eyes on him as did.

"Alright, well done," I said, raising to full stand. This guy was learning fast, and so I'd decided it was time to move on. Sparring with me could only do so much, and I felt we had reached the point in which simply sparring wouldn't help him grow stronger. "We're done here, I think you're ready to move on. Follow me."

I didn't have anything to bring with me, so I was quite ready to leave without any preparation. Should he follow, I'd lead him on quite a long walk, through a small section of a forest and eventually to the foot of a mountain.

"We're heading up. You ready to do this?" I asked, turning to him with a hand on my hip and an expression full of anticipation. Perhaps I was a bit too eager. This was one of the few things I held a passion for, and for another to train themselves in order to understand and devote themselves to Tenjouken had me beyond excited. Once he'd answered, which I was sure would be a yes, I'd turn and begin the climb. It was easy for us to climb up the vertical cliffs through simple chakra manipulation, and eventually our hike would lead us to a rather flat region of the mountain. It was much like a plateau, and was quite wide. Eventually, it once again turned steep, and the sound of falling water nearby assured me that we were getting close.

"Almost there, promise," I said, though I didn't turn to look at him and instead jumped up onto a wall, pulling myself over. Once I stood at the top of a small cliff, I found myself overlooking a waterfall, perhaps twenty meters high, falling into a deep, fresh, mountain river. A few hops and a short jog and I would be at the shore of the river, looking up at the crashing water with a small smile.

"Right, next is simple--climb up the wall underneath the waterfall without using chakra."

[Axcel]

His tenacious yell didn’t let up as his arm swung, chakra, though restrained, raged throughout his body. Unfortunately, the exchange of attacks he had anticipated would never come into fruition. Instead, the girl pulled her punch back at the last minute, opting to redirect her efforts into reducing the incoming damage from Axcel’s own attack. Truth be told, even Axcel was surprised to see that his attack had generated enough power to send the girl flying off her feet, even after blocking, and into the air. She was definitely an experienced fighter--otherwise she wouldn’t have had the foresight to block instead of trade blows.

“Done already?” Axcel grinned cheekily as he scratched the back of his head. The fact that they were done with sparring so suddenly was a good sign. It could only mean Axcel was accelerating in his training and ready to advance--just as he had desired. Adjusting the gi had been wearing, the lad headed out the dojo and into the country, immediately feeling the rain pouring onto his body. Ame no Kuni was always so depressing with its constant rain. After traversing through a forest for what seemed ages they would arrive at the base of a mountain, just as Axcel was about to ask how long it was going to take them to arrive at their destination.

Climb up the mountain? It seemed fairly old fashioned, though Axcel didn’t have any qualms with it. “Yep! Let’s go!” Axcel exclaimed, following Rin up the mountain. He had intended to climb it by normal means, thinking it was a part of their training, but when he noticed Rin use chakra and hurriedly along up then Axcel followed in pursuit. The cliff was pretty damn high! Axcel was wondering if he would have even been able to climb it without chakra, seeing as how the rain would have been a massive hindrance. It wasn’t long before the pair managed to reach the top. Finally, the training that awaited Axcel would be revealed to him.

There was a waterfall--a tall one. It was arguably higher than the cliff they had just climbed. Axcel wondered what they were doing here. . .

“Eh?! You want me to climb that?” Axcel was surprised, as the task didn’t seem possible at first glance. Still--he wouldn’t have been taken here if Rin didn’t think he was ready. If that cliff and waterfall was all that held him back from advancing in the art of Tenjouken, then Axcel would climb a dozen of them! Well, not really. Like hell he would do that! At least the mountains wasn’t covered in snow and freezing to boot, though maybe he would prefer it. It would feel like he was at home after all.

“All right, here goes nothing.” Axcel said, placing one hand onto a rock and beginning his trek upward.

[/justify][/blockquote]

[Rin]

Since he was to climb up a vertical surface directly beneath a waterfall, while it rained, I knew it would prove some difficulty. Luckily, if he fell, a pool of water awaited him below, as opposed to the cold, hard ground that would normally. Still, it would be exceedingly slippery, and I knew by experience that there weren't many footholds on that stone wall. With a sigh, I approached the edge of the water, a bit of a ways down the river and away from the waterfall. Leaning in over the water at my waist, I tucked my hands behind my back, grasping them together.

"Careful! I think it might be just a little slippery!" I called out to him, sarcastic to a point. It wasn't just the slipperiness of the rocks that he had to worry about, though. Since he was directly beneath the waterfall, there was constantly water pushing down on him with a surprising amount of weight and force. A twenty meter climb beneath crushing water and rain--I remembered it well, as I had to accomplish this same feat years ago, under the same conditions. Only, my father was the one barking orders at me from far away, and he was far less tolerant than me. It was probably because I was his daughter, and also probably because this guy was proving to surpass my expectations.

Still, I knew it would take a while. Most people failed at first, but we'd see. Luckily, I was used to the rain--living in Ame no Kuni, you had to be. Still, my red short-shorts stuck to my skin, though my torso was protected enough by my white jacket. With a sigh, I pulled all of my soaking, pale-pink hair over my left shoulder and sat on the moist ground, awaiting the outcome of this man's training.