A Demon of Ice [ T | P ]

[Jiro]

The winds died down fairly shortly, leaving me curious as to Axcel’s thoughts. This was entirely new to me, and I sought guidance in its purest form. I knew that wouldn’t come from Axcel, though--his way of teaching wasn’t direct in the least. Like he’d done before, I figured he’d finally tell me what I was doing and demonstrate it, but never actually tell me how. In the end, I was teaching myself, with guidance toward the right direction. Most likely, this was better for me; it gave me an understanding of how to learn for myself, while keeping the training quick and effective.

As I’d expected, Axcel said he’d demonstrate, throwing in that I’d lacked the ability to perform it, mockingly. It was a joking tone that I’d gotten used to, though I couldn’t help but feel it was veiled with truth. Either way, there was little help in pondering his implications. Instead, I chose to focus on Axcel’s demonstration, determined to soak in every detail. The first thing I noticed was that he didn’t perform hand seals at all--something I was admittedly surprised about. Almost all techniques that I’d seen required them, as they allowed the user to correctly mold their chakra. This technique only used a limb as a sort of catalyst, much as I’d done only moments before. This was good, and I could see all kinds of uses for such a technique. The second thing I noticed was that it wasn’t a full sized tornado, which didn’t surprise me much, though it was important to take notice of. Thirdly, since he’d used it on the clone I’d created, I was able to realize that this was more than swirling winds. Deep gashes cut into the clone, tearing the ice (which I’d made as strong as I could) in two in many places, and nearly taking whole limbs off. For a living creature, this technique was easily extremely deadly.

Excited by the prospect of such a useful technique, I nodded at Axcel’s request and took a few steps out. My target, too, would be my own clone--that way, I could estimate how well I’d performed the jutsu. It was necessary to ensure that I’d correctly emulated the cutting winds. So, just as before, I concentrated chakra within my arm, straightening my hand and fingers so that they were all in line with my forearm. Once the chakra was built up, I swiped my hand from left to right, releasing the fuuton-style chakra in a quick burst. It ensnared the wind, whirling it before me and picking up in intensity. All of this happened within an instant, though I’d mentally gone through every step as if it had taken minutes. Thus far, the technique had gone perfectly; the funnel was formed, twisting and rocketing forward at incredible speeds.

It reached my clone and tilted upwards, as I’d commanded it, picking the copy of me up with it. It sat, suspended by the winds, as they churned and raged about it. My chakra, laced with the winds, began to concentrate in tiny blades, ripping at the clone. Each time the blade of chakra passed through the ice, a large chunk would fall off, and the clone all but disintegrated from two Kamaitachi.

That was it! I hadn’t noticed nearly any differences between my version of the technique and Axcel’s. Certainly, his was neater, more precise from experience, but mine worked just as effectively. With a grin, and stared down at my clone--or, at least, what was left of it, then looked up to Axcel to gauge his response.

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[DAVID BOWE]

+60 -- Axcel
Learned -- Jiro

[Axcel]

Upon performing the Kamaitachi technique, Axcel would shift his gaze towards Jiro, making sure the kid was watching the technique in action. The kid was indeed watching carefully--he was practically entranced at the sight of his own Yuki Oni no Bunshin being cut away at every angle. The reason for that was obvious enough. Jiro was probably excited that he was learning a technique capable of such a feat--which was no surprise considering that the Kamaitachi jutsu was a very useful one. Anyone who had the opportunity to witness such a technique knowing that they would be learning it soon after would be thrilled.

Upon witnessing his clone receive several dozens of cuts and falling upon the snowy ground, it was now Jiro’s turn to give the technique a try. Would he be capable of doing the technique? Axcel had enough faith in the kid would pull it off--after all, as a sensei, Axcel had prepared him perfectly to try it. In fact, he expected that the kid would be capable of doing it in one try! Amber eyes followed the boy as he prepared his attempt.

Not long after, a gust of wind would be fired from the boy’s arm, the wind taking form of a funnel and resembling a tornado as it approached the Yuki Oni no Bunshin. The tornado was small in size, much like Axcel’s own which had dispersed long ago. It was about five meters in diameter, and would likely only be capable of traveling ten meters before scattering into fleeting winds. The bunshin was lifted into the air from the technique. Already having been wounded from earlier, it was not fortunate enough to survive the incoming attack--being torn to shreds despite being hardened by the kid’s chakra.

“Good!” Axcel clapped slowly, though his voice lacked any enthusiasm, his praise was genuine. “So you’re capable of using Fuuton after all? I bet you didn’t know that!” He said with a laugh and joyful grin on his face. As for the next technique? Well--it looked like they were returning to Hyouton based ninjutsu. “I want you to form am armguard of some sort around your wrist,” Axcel said, forgetting to specify the nature. “An ice armguard, of course.” Axcel added, being quick to fix his mistake. Now all he had to do was wait.

[Jiro]

I couldn’t help but feel Axcel’s slow clapping--in praise of my work moments before--was mocking in nature, though that was probably because of how he’d joked before. Either way, with the praise of my instructor and a satisfaction all my own, I’d completed the technique in, more or less, a single try. It was a useful one, which I definitely planned to expand upon later. The founding of my ability to manipulate fuuton-styled chakra, and therefore the wind itself, was an entirely new experience. One that certainly opened many new doors for me. For now, though, my training with Axcel would continue.

It appeared we were moving back to the root of our bloodline: hyouton style jutsu. Axcel’s request was simple enough--I expected he would further instruct me after I’d completed the first, simple step. So I did as he asked without question, as it was only a matter of simple ice formation and shaping. Something I was rather familiar with by now. At this thought, I realized how far I’d come. Before, I was only reliably able to create a carbon-copy of myself quickly. Even a simple tile had given me trouble. A grin found its way upon my features.

Almost subconsciously, I focused my hyouton-style chakra into my right arm. It built up to the proper amount before I released it into the air directly surrounding my arm. It condensed the moisture there, forming liquid water as I’d done before with the water prison technique. Then, immediately after, it was cooled to its core until it froze solid, an icy, blue-white block around my arm. A white haze drifted off of the ice, and it was extremely cold to the touch. Despite this, I didn’t flinch away from its embrace, as I was far too used to its freezing touch.

For now though, it was only a simple block. In nearly an instant, the ice began to change form. It was engraved on both sides, atop my forearm, with deep ridges, and layered rows which thinned down as they neared my hand. Instead of stopping there, though, they formed a sort of fingerless guard around my hand, which allowed me to move my fingers. The ice itself broke apart neatly at my wrist, so that I could move it freely without the stiff ice blocking my way. The ice near my elbow ended in a blade-like extension, which had more aesthetic value than practical use.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shimobusou (Frost Armament)
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary / Clan Kekkei Touta / Hyouton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra: Mid per turn with an additional mid every time the shape is changed.
Special: Creates an armguard around the user's wrist, which can be expanded and manipulated up to 1/5th of the user's 'Yuki no Kami' dominion (10 meters at S Rank). Strength and defense of the armguard is also determined by the user's 'Yuki no Kami' rank. If broken or dispelled, the user cannot recast this technique for another two rounds.
Description: The user performs the required hand seals, after which the user forms an armguard of ice around their wrist. The armguard is persistent once created and will remain around the user's wrist until they either run out of chakra or dispel the jutsu manually by forming a single seal, causing the guard to unhinge itself from the user's arm. Upon creating the armguard, the user can manipulate it's form by simply exerting additional chakra (low), causing the ice to expand or retract near instantly. Despite the change in size, the armguard's weight remains unchanged.
Domain: Yukina. Yuki no Kami 'C.'

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[Axcel]

Axcel leaned against the cliff behind him as Jiro began to prepare for his jutsu training. It would not take the kid long to get ready, evident by the string of hand seals that would follow shortly after being told to create an arm guard of ice. It was a simple task, one that even Jiro could pull off on his first try if he wished. An arm guard of ice would indeed form, succeeding in not disappointing Axcel. Though, despite having formed what Axcel had requested, he was certain it lacked the capability of actually acting as an extension for the technique he had intended to teach.

“That armguard will serve as a tool,” Axcel began, his voice carrying itself across the snowy ground as he remained in his position. His left hand moved itself in front of his person, his arm being raised so the hand itself was near his face. Three hand seals formed in a flash, and ice would manifest from the air, circulating his forearm before coming together to form an arm-guard around the shinobi’s wrist. “A tool that can help you in a number of ways.”

When the armguard had formed, Axcel swiped his arm across the air, and parted his lips once more to speak. “This is the Frost Armament.” Pausing for a few moments, Axcel could feel chakra circulating through his body and eventually directing itself towards his left arm and into the frozen guard itself. In an instant, the ice guard that wrapped itself around the shinobi’s forearm would extend outward, forming a katar. Upon doing so, Axcel swiped his arm across the air a few times, the sound of a blade whistling through the air could be heard, putting to rest any possible doubts that the guard was just for show.

Afterwards, Axcel released another pulse of chakra, causing the guard to reshape itself once more. This time, it spread out from all sides, forming a shield. It resembled a buckler of some sort, and was more than capable of functioning as the very shape it imitated. In fact, because it was formed from ice forged by Axcel’s very own chakra, it was likely sturdier than any regular buckler could have hoped to be. The variety it offered was immense--but now it was Jiro’s turn.

“Go on--try it.”

[Jiro]

This was probably the most instruction Axcel had given on any one technique the entire time. Still, it was more of an extended demonstration than anything else, and I couldn’t exactly see him changing the ways he taught on a whim. At any rate, I watched intently as he manipulated the armament’s shape effortlessly. There was near limitless utility in such a technique, something I could understand from just a short demonstration of its abilities. With the ability to manipulate its shape, and apparently size, as the arm guard certainly hadn’t gotten any smaller even when it increased its size to form a sort of buckler, it would indeed be a useful and versatile tool.

With a determined nod toward Axcel, I focused my chakra into the guard I had previously created and shattered it, removing it from my arm. If I wanted to emulate Axcel’s technique, I figured I’d most likely need to start from scratch. Digits intertwined, my hands flickered through a set of three seals in order to better mold my chakra to form the technique correctly. Like before, my chakra built up and froze the moisture in the air, creating a simple ice guard around my right forearm. It was sturdy, and well shaped. Satisfied with its original construction, I moved on.

First, I sent a second burst of chakra, this time into the already created arm guard. I would use my basic shape manipulation skills, leaving out most of the formation process that usually accompanied it. The first shape I would attempt to create would simply be a mimic of Axcel’s first change. Bits of ice extended forward from either side of the gauntlet, before crossing over the top of my fist and continuing upward to form a blade. A few swipes before me affirmed its completion--and its success--I noticed something, however, that I hadn’t considered before. With the increase in size, and the addition of a blade, the armament increased in its weight. A simple katar made of ice wasn’t nearly heavy enough to bother me, but larger, more complex shapes most certainly had the potential to.

Either way, I moved on. The katar retracted, instead forming a sphere near the center of the guard. The sphere flattened and expanded into a large circle, exactly like that of a buckler--and Axcel’s second shape manipulation. This time, the weight change was more noticeable, but certainly tolerable.

Curious, I began to make my own changes. This time, I extended, from the edge of the buckler without ever actually destroying the buckler, a single, double-edged blade. It continued to extend, further and further, until I could no longer extend its blade anymore; approximately six meters out, the thick blade fell immediately to the floor. Its weight had increased exponentially--not only that, but since much of the weight was extended farther out, it made it more difficult to lift. In the end, I couldn’t really lift it.

”Is there a way to fix this?” I said, immediately retracting the blade until the guard was nothing more than a gauntlet around my forearm.

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[Axcel]

“Go on, try it.”

It was what Axcel had told the kid, but he doubted that the kid would be able to simply ‘try’ the technique and make use of it as easily as Axcel had in his little demonstration. Not only was it different in nature compared to other techniques, as once it was casted there was more the user can do it than simply leave it be. On top of this fact, not only did it cost chakra to cast and keep on the user at a constant rate, but anytime the user wanted to shift the shape of the armament, an additional amount of chakra would be expended in order to do so.

Indeed, the technique had it’s drawbacks but the variety it had to offer far exceeded those, that is, if the user is able to overcome the hurdle which is chakra cost. Rather than dwell in a problem that Jiro would eventually run into, since he likely had a much smaller chakra pool to call onto than Axce’s own, the shinobi decided he would rather watch the kid attempt to manipulate the armament. First he mimicked Axcel by creating a katar, not unlike the one the shinobi had crafted from his own ice a few moments ago. It appeared to be properly made--but did he execute the technique and all of it’s intricacies properly?

“Hm,” Axcel mumbled to himself softly as he watched Jiro shape his then katar into a buckle. It looked like he aimed to imitate what Axcel had created, despite being able to shape the ice into whatever he desired. It wasn’t necessarily bad, it was important that the kid understood how to use the technique itself before trying to use his imagination, it was just that Axcel was the type of person to enjoy creativity. Either way, it looked like the kid was running into trouble regarding the weight of the technique.

“Fix it? Hah!” Axcel laughed at the thought. “The error is with your chakra molding--the weight shouldn’t be any heavier or lighter than the armament initially created.” It was true--there was no specific way to remedy the failure and instead the kid would need to try again. “Release the technique and try again. . . The technique relies heavily on shape manipulation, but don’t forget this is a hyouton based technique--nature manipulation is just as important. The weight of the ice should remain constant no matter the shape.” Axcel went on.

“Nature and shape manipulation should be done in perfect harmony.”

[Jiro]

As Axcel replied (and laughed), I pulled the chakra from my armament, causing it to shatter in the process. The pieces of ice scattered, falling even as they continued to revert into nothing but vapor. Then I looked to Axcel, my attention fully on his words. His response made me realize just how useful the technique was; even if I were to extend the ice to its fullest, if done correctly, its weight wouldn’t change. That simple fact made the technique extremely viable, as it removed many of the drawbacks created as the armament grew larger in shape. The only thing I holding me back, then, was its constant chakra upkeep. That wasn’t something I could even hope would change.

So I once again formed the three hand seals, using only a single hand. As I had many times before, I changed the moisture around my arm to water, and then to ice. Cold to the touch and releasing a freezing haze, the beginning of the technique was completed. A simple gauntlet, with extreme potential. I looked at it for a moment, studying what I’d created. For my nature and shape manipulation to be done in harmony would require much concentration. At least, for now. I’d have to shape the ice perfectly as it was created and added onto the current ice.

Another pulse of chakra signified the beginning of my attempt. Directly on top of the armament, the moisture began to condense and freeze until it was a part of the armament itself. This was done in a straight line forward, over my arm and passed it about a meter out. The ice continued to form, rapidly in a line, until it came to an ending point--sharp enough to skewer flesh and bone. No noticeable weight change occurred, even as I swiped it in diagonals in the air before me. Cutting through the very air, I grinned in satisfaction at my success. I wasn’t done yet, though; there was no way I could only test one simple shape change and be done with it.

With a newfound confidence, I sent another pule of chakra into the armament and out through the air around it. This time, the blade retracted before forming a sort of claw around my hand. At the same time, the back of the armament extended and bulked up until my right arm was nearly three times as large as my left, heavily armored in chakra-reinforced ice and boasting extremely sharp claws. Despite the massive size increase, I swiped my hand before me effortlessly. Pumping a fist into the air, I grinned and swiped my hand out before me one last time before releasing the technique, causing all of the ice created to shatter and evaporate.

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[Iizuka]

+ 60 Axcel
Learned Jiro

[Axcel]

It looked like what Axcel was saying was finally beginning to sink into the boy. It took long enough--Axcel didn’t think he should have had to explain the technique in that much detail in the first place. After all, he had been able to learn all the previous techniques without one, right? This technique was not that complicated, though Axcel supposed since the kid wasn’t a shinobi it was only natural that he would have trouble with ninjutsu. On the bright side, at least the kid would be able to properly execute the technique (at least, Axcel had hoped so).

Just as Axcel had suggested, Jiro would dispel the technique, causing it to unhinge and fall onto the ground. Once again would the kid form a hand seals with but one hand. An icy armament would solidify itself around the kid’s wrist, signaling the beginning of the jutsu. He had that part down, now it was for the shape manipulation. He extended the guard outward, shaping the ice into a sharp blade, which appeared to easily be able to cut into any foe it encountered. Afterwards, the blade retracted and shaped into a claw around the kid’s hand.

Now he’s getting it! Axcel thought to himself as he watched the kid change the icy armament into various shapes. It looked like he wasn’t have trouble with the weight of the technique either. Had he mastered the technique? It appeared so! That meant it was time to move on. What would the kid’s next technique be? It would be a hyouton based jutsu of course--Axcel had already seen Jiro try to learn techniques that played against his strengths and it wasn’t something he had felt the need to try again. He had already taught him a fuuton and suiton technique, which was more than enough foundation for him to learn additional techniques should he will it.

“Alright, this will be our last technique. . .” Axcel said without hesitation. He was training the kid to defend himself, and althoguh he was a quick learner and had potential, Jiro would need to realize that potential without Axcel’s assistance. Perhaps if they had met when the world was under a more peaceful state Axcel would have been able to teach him ninjutsu properly. Such was not the case though, and Axcel had other priorities--other burdens to shoulder.

With a nod, should Jiro acknowledge that they would be done after this, Axcel continued to speak. “Summon snow--without using the one beneath your feet obviously. Summons now from the very air--and make it cold!”

[Jiro]

Our last technique? I thought, and though it didn’t show on my face, I felt a surge of disappointment. Despite that, I knew I’d taken enough of his time for quite a while, and I certainly couldn’t deny I’d already learned more than I’d anticipated I would. So I acknowledged his statement with a nod, ready to learn the last of what he had to teach me. What he asked me to do next was extremely vague--more so than anything he’d asked me to do yet. Tilting my head, I nodded once more and turned from him to face the emptiness of the mountains around us.

Since I didn’t know the technique or anything about it, there was no way for me to know which seals to use. Instead, I simply focused my chakra into the air around me, choosing not to mold it. For now, my task was easy enough that it wouldn’t really require any advanced molding. My blood-given abilities would do. As before, my chakra was hyouton in nature, expanding into the air around me as I closed my eyes to concentrate. This was different from pure ice--it wasn’t simply water given solid form. At least, not all at once. Compared to the normal ice I created, it was, rather, tiny, crystalline drops frozen, instead of larger bodies of water. A powder. So I focused on the moisture, giving it liquid shape but separating the drops individually.

From there, I froze each drop individually, giving rise to a white, powdery snow. A wave of the snow fell around me, lasting for only a few moments before it was over. Despite its short length, I’d effectively produced snow. What its use was, I couldn’t be sure--I assumed Axcel would either explain or demonmstrate that soon. Still, I couldn’t help but feel I could do better. So before Axcel could react, as I was sure I would need to produce more than an inch or so of snow, I again repeated the process. Solidifying, isolating, and freezing drops of water to create snow.

This time, however, much more was produced. Enough to cover my visage in a white veil for many moments. A light breeze drifted by, tossing the powdery snow around in the air. The snow fell lightly, whirling about me and concentrated into a small area perhaps two meters in diameter around me. Since I was unaware of what we were doing with the technique, I couldn’t quite perform anything else. So, for now, I looked to Axcel for further instruction.

SPOILER: Click to show

Yukigakure no Jutsu (Hidden Snow Jutsu)
Rank: D
Type: Defensive/ Clan Kekkei Touta / Hyouton Ninjutsu
Range: Depends on Yuki No Kami Rank
Special: While in the mist, the enemy's mobility and taijutsu may be affected. A normal punch will lose some of its force and their ability to summon their chakra may be slowed. As the rank increases, both of these effects increase in effectiveness. All caught in the mist, including allies, fall prey to its effects.
Description: The Yukina causes the area surrounding their target to be covered in a thick snowy haze. Used to their own jutsu, the ninja are much more effective inside it's effects than their opponents. The haze is extremely cold, and exerts a freezing pressure upon foes that reduce the effectiveness of their muscle and chakra output. Those who have fought a Yukina within the mist and lived to tell about it have said it was like 'wrestling a bear after not sleeping for a week.'
Domain: Yukina, Yuki no Kami Rank D

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[Axcel]

Ah, how troublesome. It was a simple technique, D-rank even, and the kid was having trouble brewing up some snow. If he wasn’t able to do such a task then maybe he was unworthy of training after all? Regardless, it was too late to think of things like that. Why? Because Axcel had already taught the kid some dozen techniques--covering a variety of uses. Some were obviously offensive, some defensive, some were supplementary with both offensive and capabilities, and some offered nothing but utility. He would leave this little session a much, much stronger person, and because of that, he would have power.

How much? Who knew--the world was a big place and there were certainly bigger fish out there, but he would no longer be a mere civilian forced to the sidelines. He would be able to take action and fight for what he believed in. That was beside the point though. It looked like Jiro had finally summoned the snow that Axcel had requested of him. That was good--it meant they could move onto the actual technique. Which was infinitely better than causing a bit of snow to appear, obviously. Unlike the other hyouton based jutsu, this one made use of snow opposed to ice. It was a change of pace, but it was still the same when it came down to the core principals.

“What I am about to teach you is called the ‘Yukigakure no Jutsu’,” Axcel said, his voice calm as his left hand formed a single hand seal. He was sure to bring his arm out in front of him to clearly demonstrate that the technique indeed used hand seals. Suddenly, just as Jiro’s own snow began to die down, the area they had resided had snow everywhere. It covered the area, in a forty meter radius, much like a thick mist would, except it was compose of nothing but snow. It was heavy, and Jiro would feel it was more difficult to move under such conditions than it was before. It was akin to wrestling a bear, as some who have escaped the jutsu would describe it.

After casting the jutsu, Axcel would then release it, parting his lips to speak once more. “Had you not been a Yukina who had honed his Hyouton skills, the snow would have hindered your movements far more than whatever it was you had felt. You should be able to use the technique so that it doesn’t affect you at all.” Axcel lectured. The technique was useful for being of such low rank, and it’s chakra cost should be minimal, considering how easy it’s execution was.

Having watched Jiro, whenever he would complete the Yukigakure no Jutsu technique, Axcel would spare a few parting words. “Remember Jiro--you have power now. It’s not something to enjoy freely--in fact, it’s a burden. You now shoulder the weight of knowing you have the potential to change things--change them for either better or worse.” As his words came to a closure, a large mass of snow would swirl around him, enveloping his body for several moments before falling flat to the ground.

He was gone.

--Exit!

[Jiro]

Having watched Axcel’s demonstration, I felt I’d already grasped the concept of the technique. It was simple, but I could see its use. Forming a single seal with my hand, I summoned an immense amount of hazy white snow, filling my entire area of influence. When Axcel had demonstrated the jutsu, I could feel my body moving slower, and could only imagine it would be worse for those not of Yukina blood. With a nod, I dismissed my successfully mastered technique and listened to Axcel’s final, parting words.

Then, in an instant, he was gone.

With a glance deep into the haze of the snowy mountains, I sighed and began making my way down off of the mountain.

[ e x i t ]

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[DAVID BOWE]

+40 -- Axcel
Learned -- Jiro