Requiem for a Revolution [P]

[☆ F ☆]

The time spent within the Hospital had done me well, my body restored despite the violent escapes I had lead across the continents that had nearly broken me in two. Now tranquil and calm, I sat in a meditative pose atop the highest boulder within Kumo's ample Academy Training grounds, my claws resting at each thigh while my legs were crossed below me. Chest high, I gazed lazily into the distance, enjoying the calming breeze that flew across the afternoon skies. For now I would wait, but I suspected it wasn't for long - those that sought me here had much to learn and little time to waste in doing so.

It's time to get ready...

...I wonder if Iwa will retaliated - Hmph.

My thoughts would continue to linger, but would they lose themselves for much longer? Patient I was - another's errand boy, however, I was not.

[Yami]

Although Kumogakure's training grounds weren't far from the Academy training grounds, they were far from my home. I was totally cocky back at the Raikage's office, asking for Faust to show me the Kage Bunshin no jutsu, though now as I met with the Uchiha; I realized I'd have a time limit to learn this jutsu. 3:00pm I had to be at the academy training grounds and as far as common sense dictated; one person could not be in two different places at the same time. "So about that technique, I've seen you perform it a few times, so let me give it a test attempt before you show me the proper basics." I guess my cocky streak hadn't ended but truth be told the jutsu gave me an idea.

Crossing my index fingers, my left hand held up almost in the traditional tiger seal. My right hand aimed to cross my left at a horizontal, forming a slight 't'. Though there was something off about how I did it, something I wouldn't realize until my chakra began to flare. Both my thumbs along with the fingers that were curled together, didn't come together well. However I felt my chakra surge to incredible levels. I had to activate my Byakugan, in order to observe the flow of my chakra.

It began with my chakra circulatory system flaring up. Most of it seemed to accumulate towards my left side. Then it seeped out of my body and I watched it wrap around as a POOF was heard. The smoke would soon disipate revealing a...very cute but younger version of myself. It was like taking a trip back in time, this was the me from ten years ago. I gently moved my hands from the seal and placed the left against my temple. My eyes weren't being deceived, for the moment anyway. Still it could be worse, I was able to view a chakra circulatory system from this clone, something the bunshin no jutsu was not able to achieve.

"Erm...other than the 'exact replica' thing, how'd I do Faust-senpai?" I had to ask because I was so eager that I ended up trying the jutsu even before properly asking him to show me the technique. I was sure that because I observed the Uchiha do it quite often on our mission that I had the basics down pact. However, I was wrong and I'd focus my Byakugan on the Uchiha's chakra system. I needed to catch the exact flow, as well as the proper handseal placement.

[☆ F ☆]

I said nothing in response to the girl's entry into our hallowed training grounds, keeping my eyes closed as I sensed the female's lingering presence in the immediate vicinity. Within the confines of my darkness spell, I'd be taken back to the campaign in which Kimi, Nami and myself spelunked all around the world in search of adventure and treasure. Comparing that time to the Raikage's lashing was humor inducing, mainly because I realized he was somewhat right - thought so were we. Regardless; I had gotten out of my system the child-like reflex that carried us across the globe, and with my new powers barely tapped, I had written up a new goal for myself. Taking it on meant becoming a new person. This was the first step.

"Oi! Kimi!!! Don't be hasty now..."

"...but you DO have the right idea!"

My eyes shot open at that same time, revealing the crimson lenses that had allowed me to see the world in a much different light than most. Scarlet invaded by a trio of raven, chakra made the eyes glow an eerie hue, and for a moment, I felt a sense of livelihood unlike another. I fought off a grin as my chakra built up within, growing with each second of time's passing. Slowly I rose, my Chakra Pool making its grandness known through a series of stages, much like a set of classical music is as the horns and strings introduce each theme with supreme loudness and eloquence. Now on two feet, it was time to let the lesson begin.

"Your problem is that you're copying exactly how I use my chakra, and as we both know from the Academy, no two chakra networks are alike..."

"...just take your chakra and, as weird as this sounds, use it to literally split your soul in half."

Both hands came together now, the famous cross formed as a bevy of chakra bursted through my frame. Though the creation of my clone would be near-instantaneous, to those of use blessed with the eyes of God, the entire process could be broken down into specific phases. It was as if reality had paused for a moment, and that specific person being observed now had their chakra entrails exposed to the world. I observed keenly into her soul, and as the chakra within me struggled to come alive, the cross created before my chest by my hands would play its part.

"KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!!!"

Kimi, I do hope you are watching.

[Yami]

My Byakugan stared quite intently into the chakra system of my senpai, no at this being's form before me. He activated his doujutsu, which came forth with intense ferocity. This new level of power he awakened, I was curious about it despite my focus being on this fabled technique.

"Splitting my soul in half huh, that actually makes sense."

When I observed the creation of my...awkward Kage Bunshin, I noted the splitting of my chakra from my being. Having a look at the younger me, I wanted to observe some of the basics behind this technique and limitations in chakra moulding.

"Alright me, let's see your basic chakra moulding skills. Call up some chakra." I commanded and the little Kimidori turned and looked to me with a weird look. She was rather quiet, shy even..."Aren't these things supposed to retain the personality of the user?" I mused though it seems our thoughts weren't even remotely synched. Perhaps due to them becoming a completely seperate entity, unlike the traditional mental linking of other clone jutsu. Still, it did what it was told, though I noticed something strange with my Byakugan. For some reason I couldn't...understand the pattern of chakra flowing through her system. I had put a colour code and pattern to doton and raiton but normally I was able to understand the basic pattern, even if I couldn't determine the element. This time, it seemed as if chakra was simply swirling through her network and nothing else. Had I simply screwed up?

"Alright I'm done, Ja Ne." My clone declared and forming the Kage Bunshin handseal, dispursed itself. Momentarily my chakra would return to me and my eyes litterally widened. "So this technique...when the clone is destroyed we obtain information that it's seen, heard, felt, everything? No wonder this is a forbidden jutsu..." I spoke out to my senpai before I prepared to take another go at this.

"Also...for people like us, I guess we can take in more information...how good is that new Sharingan of yours?"

I couldn't lie, my curiosity about his little discovery had piqued ever since we returned. Our...debut to the Raikage wasn't the greatest and having time to "walk it off", made me realize more that my conduct really wasn't great. It's not to say we were entirely wrong either, though it seemed I was lacking in information, something I'd like to reconcile whilst testing the limits of this jutsu.

Forming the familiar cross shape, I did well to match my handseal perfectly to Faust's rendition. I'd then focus on my own chakra network, observing as the seal called forth my chakra again. Swirling rapidly, I focused on the dark side of my chakra, aiming to split my soul in half, to replicate myself in all my entirety. I visualized the process as taking copy of my very soul and then... "KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!" I declared, releasing the built up chakra and in a puff of smoke...There was me! Well there were some...differences. This Kimidori wore my standard attire, the uniform I wore at my mom's cafe. Her eyes weren't covered by my familiar contacts and while my Katana was at her side, I was missing my weapons pouch.

"Wow, so it replicates the items on our person too? Okay, I want to test that memory thing senpai. Tell my clone what you know regarding the election of Shodaime Raikage, I'm quite surprised that the conservative elders decided to elect a leader so hastily..." I mused, though the bitterness that I held from our arrival, was largely swept away. Perhaps it was just due to my excitement about this jutsu.

[☆ F ☆]

Though I'd hesitate at the girl's requests initially, her unnatural enthusiasm was one, I concluded, needed not to be stopped. As such I grinned from ear to ear, twin crimson penetrating deep into Kimi's soul as it exposed her inner chakra working. I would not awe for I did not see anything impressive - the Jounin had a well-built system by all means, but I was used to grand observations with these eyes...those bijuu! - but I did take note that her chakra control was improving more and more with each used. Alright, I would agree to her terms of training - but only if she would then agree to mine!

"Ohkay then..."

"...come over here so we can whisper each other to death."

My right hand, encased in Kumo's unique claw-like gauntlets, raised to my lips in order to cup my words and them strictly for the Hyuuga; as I did so, I used my other hand to softly wave her over, prompting her to bring her head to her side and thus her ear to my sealed hand; in a few seconds, I whispered some random facts, nothing Kimi could possibly know - I too knew nothing of the Shodaime's election, so I made up funny fake facts I knew would force her to laugh upon the clone's dispersal. I grinned evilly when I was done, my index finger extended with the claws tipped towards the clone, hinting he wanted to jokingly pop her like a balloon once her job was done.

"So far so good!"

"Time to move on to stage two of this training..."

My other free hand made the peace sign, indicating the second stage was about to begin. My clone, knowing the meaning behind that phrase, eagerly stood on the side, awaiting for the signal.

[Yami]

My clone though simply grinned at the premise. "Whisper to death huh, then let's get this party started." it declared before looking to me. It motioned for me to turn around and try to take some distance back. I'd opt for fifteen meters back before turning around. My clone would simply skip over to my Jounin senpai. He used his right hand to cover his lips and thus whisper, whilst his left hand motioned the clone to the appropriate side. She'd tilt her head and prepare to listen to the words Faust would utter. Once he was complete, he pointed at the clone intending to touch her? No did he intend to end her existence; "Oh to just be disposable..." the clone faked it's sadness but was prepared for the Uchiha to attack, ready to dispurse and thus transfer the garnered knowledge over to its original counterpart.

With the knowledge gained I'd litterally laugh outloud. "Faust you comedian, if you don't know anything you should say so hahaha." I couldn't help but wonder where this Uchiha hid his funny side during the academy days. As I looked towards his back, it seemed he was soley intent on the conquest for power. It must be true that shinobi lived with many masks after all. Still I caught sight of his peace symbol, so there was more to our training. Well I reviewed the basics thus far as I prepared myself. His own clone had reacted to this symbol as well, it caused me to raise my eyebrow. "Whatever you've got in store, I'm ready."

Well not quite, I needed to prepare this technique before I could truely say I was prepared for what was next. "So I need to gather my chakra, an attempt to split my very soul in two. With chakra focusing on the dark side, it aims to replicate my physical and spiritual state down to the letter. Information a clone receives is automatically sent back to me, along with unused chakra." I mused to myself before my eyes opened wide. "Wait surely a clone must know everything I know upon creation, so I can elict commands in my mind upon creation. This would allow me to perform complex strategies." now I'd have the same grin as my clone did.

My chakra would course through my body, as if sampling every component. This time I thought about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to approach Faust. I knew to keep on my toes for the second phase, because this jutsu was tricky. It must have some serious consequences, though more importantly...I wanted to see how this jutsu was used in a combat situation. So I'd think of one specific command along with where I wanted the creation of my clone. "Right side, release a low amount of chakra around yourself in case we need to rotate." Though of course, while I kept that thought in mind, I also tried to make sure I replicated every detail so that my clone would have everything it needed.

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" I called out, my hands forming the correct seal. It'd pull upon the chakra that I focused on, seeping out of my tenketsu and as I focused, towards my right side. POOF! A cloud of smoke would pronounce the arrival of my shadow clone. I'd give her a once over just to verify everything. "Weapons pouch, check. Katana check...contacts....check!" I whispered, though I was still missing my red cloak, this was a lot better. Next time I'd be sure to remember the little details.

"Alright I'm ready when you are!" Surprisingly we were both thinking the same thing, yet our words were directed to different parties. My clone was looking towards Faust's shadow clone. Whereas I was looking towards the real Faust. We'd shorten the gap so it was five meters, keeping on our toes with a constant flow of chakra seeping from our tenketsu.

[☆ F ☆]

Crimson eyes, now comfortable with their own existence above that of normal raven optics, would burn a hole into the creation the Hyuuga had just produced. Though the girl had barely seen the workings of my Shadow Clone Technique (albeit I must admit she'd probably caught a peak or two before during our missions), she had already displayed a firm grasp on its inner working. Impressed, I flashed a smirk and a thumbs up her way, a silent praise from sensei to student symbolizing pride over growth. But it wouldn't last long, for the next phase began.

"GO!"

"Tear 'em apart!!!"

My left arm, once dormant and dangling at my side, now outstretched as I let my palm open and my fingertips point her way. It was the signal. Without hesitation the clone took off, maximum speed employed as it aimed to test my student's creation and certify its legitimate skill. For while the appearance had improved considerabley, it was nothing if the copy could not replicate its masters very jutsu. While my clone took off, I remained in the back, observant and anxious, a keen pair of red eyes burning an equally colored hole in its back.

Will she do it...?

The clone would not hesitate. Knowing the Hyuuga's prowess lie in the art of the Gentle Fist, getting close for taijutsu would be the perfect. And while Taijutsu certainly wasn't my specialty, it'd be the best test I could deliver to Kimi right now. In the mean time, while I awaited the clash, I'd let my hands come together once more; though I wasn't certain as to who the winner would be, I was sure a clone would be needed soon enough. Thus, I would waste no time in producing my newest assistant in this most arduous training.

"Kage Bunshin..."

"...NO JUTSU!!!"

Without wasting anymore time I'd let my chakra rage, burning within where my network was it's greatest. If Kimi was watching, she'd see me truly put effort into this creation, my molded chakra precisely activating at the correct time for maximum reward enhancement. In a few moments, once I was done building up all this energy, I'd let it come free. The birthing of a new Faust was imminent, and as both beings came together and struck each other, a new participant would enter the field. It was only a matter of time.

[Yami]

I couldn't help but return the smirk as well as he thumbs up, before observing the match. Everything started with Faust's order to "GO", my Kage Bunshin sliding into a the Jyuuken stance. I simply stood there, observing the Shadow Clones and my senpai, Byakugan at the ready. When I noticed the chakra network of my Shadow Clone flaring up, particularly along the temples/head, I silently hoped it was able to reproduce my jutsu.

"YES!" I thought to myself seeing the prominent signs of the Byakugan emerge. Once Faust's shadow clone gotten into my Shadow Clone's Hakke, I knew what was coming next. The Counter-clockwise spin of her hips, it was time to unleash Kaiten upon the Uchiha Clone. Yet this fight really was just getting started, for I caught wind of my senpai forming the Kage Bunshin seal. I'd carefully observe his chakra network as he prepared for another Kage Bunshin. My own chakra networks would flare up rapidly, except I wouldn't be sending another clone to quickly enter the fray.

My clone would instead run to the left and towards another training ground.
"Gomen senpai, I've got some genin to take care of." I smirked but truthfully I wanted to test the endurance of the clone before me. Though without observing it carefully, little did I realize that the clone that left was a perfect physical copy of myself, including my little red riding cloak. The instructions I left for her mind was to prepare the training ground and report back to me when preparations were complete.

As for the imperfect clone, let's see what jutsu was stacked within her repitoire. Would she be able to summon Kaiten once more? Certainly the clone which snuck into the fray would attempt another attack, she'd need to be ready. Likewise I'd need to be ready to make more Shadow Clones myself. I'd focus on my chakra, attempting to mimic the amount, the flow, everything that my senpai did. Though I had to admit his flow was or rather his pool of chakra was large. Not only that but it was rather sinister, was this the faith of the Uchiha clan?

[☆ F ☆]

I saw it all unveil before my crimson lenses, a sudden display of masterful Taijutsu to the highest degree sending my clone, once a perfect entity of chakra, into a large cloud of smoke. Sharingan revealed more than I expected, and with my eye's recent evolution, I saw through more of the girl's technique than ever before. A grin - was it, of joy, or madness...? - suddenly came over me, and with my chakra surging within, I held off the magical words while seemingly stupefied over the success of Kimi's clones.

...

It was obvious the clone she had made was better than anything else she had fathomed to create, but before I could let my teammate and friend leave these hallowed training grounds, I had to made sure she was indeed masterful and not simply lucky. I felt the chakra surge within as I continued to accumulate more and more natural energy, feeling my chest seemingly burst in half as my heart's sudden beat refused to slow down. I was truly serious about this, for I knew this kind of forbidden knowledge would come in handy four our future exploits. And then, I felt it - I was ready. It was time.

I hope you're watching, Kimi-chan...

...'cause yo're gonna need this later - I'm sure of it!

My movement was automatic, thought no longer bothering to attempt and control my body. Instead, sheer instinct drove me forward, moving my hands for a brief moment as the familiar cross that gave birth to such dark arts was formed. And through this very seal, simple, singular, would my raging chakra stabilize, the handseal acting as a sudden shepherd for the angry and disorientated mob that was my internal energy. Still, confident, and smiling, those with eyes that could sense chakra would see a most wondrous display - simply put, I'd be glowing!

"Ooooooooo!!!"

Like the others it came forth in a tuff of smoke, the cloud that covered its birthing momentarily hiding my faux twin. However, after a nod of my head, the clone shot forth. This time, under the influence of Shunshin, it would keep a distance outside the girl's Kaiten range, all while preparing an attack of his own in conjunction with the claws - who would arrive first!?

[Yami]

It's a good thing my Byakugan was trained upon Faust's being, that Sharingan of his was intently observing my Kage Bunshin. I had rarely ever displayed the prowress of Hyuuga to my Uchiha comrade. Truthfully, my Hyuuga jutsu was my Ace in the hole, so to speak. I usually attempted to utilize my ninjutsu instead. Though while he was able to see more, he wouldn't be able to completely catch the mechanics. Luckily, I was able to catch this jutsu at long last. I cautiously observed how he harvested his chakra, pushing past the established limits of his body. In an instant he crossed his fingers, forming the forbidden seal.

Of course I too would do the same, pushing my own chakra past my body's limit. I felt the sheer rush, the adrenaline of a good portion of chakra seeping out of my body. A loud puff of smoke occured towards my side, revealing a new Kage Bunshin. This one was a perfect replica of me in every way, yet it would know not to attack just yet. We needed to test the capacity of the clone whom was able to utilize the Hyuuga jutsu. The clone was cautious, attempting to keep out of my clone's Kaiten range.

Yet I observed as my own clone kept calm with Byakugan activated. Brief seals were peformed, four to be precise before holding the last seal. She awaited for the clone's attack, no doubt a Raiton based technique. Yet for some reason I wasn't able to pick up on this with my own eyes. Was it possible that my Shadow Clones had surpassed me? I almost blinked in disbelief, yet this was the time when the attacks would be unleashed. His Raiton Claw based justsu, versus my Fuuton, Daitopa!

"In a match of Fuuton versus Raiton, Fuuton always wins." my new clone proclaimed but it too had already danced the astral zodiac. The very same jutsu would be launched, aiming to level the Shadow Clone from a blindspot. It was amazing at the level of intelligence Kage Bunshin employed. Depending on the speed of the collision, if Faust's shadow could charge and deploy his jutsu before my clone's Fuuton, then it would be destroyed. This would pass on knowledge of the speed of execution, though we all had Byakugan activated and thus would pick up this information regardless.

However should my clone be just on time, the Raiton would be repelled and thus we'd have a leveled Uchiha or rather a non-existing Uchiha clone. Regardless after the exchange I'd begin to pant heavily. This jutsu was forbidden for a reason. I had made so many Shadow Clones in our session. I was even sending some off casually to do my other task. I needed to master this technique, I could tell it would be to the benefit of the village and be one more tool I could leverage in place of my Hyuuga skills.

[Axcel]

Kimidori: Learned

Faust: 84 exp

[☆ F ☆]

/exit