Exiled to Exalted [Open Challenge]

[Dagron Hoshigake]

" They were giants. Men, creatures, colossal sentinels standing watch over the world. Primordial beings as capable of bringing peace as they could reckoning. Like mountains they were unmovable, standing at four corners though could have been seen from each should one dare ponder the distance and gaze. Ages elapsed and nature grew around them, forming natural barriers from the preternatural beings. The giants became mountains and spines of stone that encompassed nations. It is said that in their passing, forests sprang to life across the land until war was reborn in an time when they no longer stood watch. Thus recreated the terrible cycle humanity strove to endure and make. This until the day the mountains erupted and would step forth the fierce wrath of the ancient aspects of Gaea." -- By Unknown.

"What a load of crap.. " Satsui's voice rose over the soft whistling of the wind that tossed the pages of his book around before it was sealed with a gentle, guiding hand. In his free time away from training and the horrors of subservience, Satsui indulged in mild reading. Mostly fantastic literature from foreign lands or village written fiction. His room was littered with the likes of which few had the pleasure of seeing. It was his way of slipping off into alternate realities where one was free of worldly constraints and responsibilities. Of course, always, Gin found ways of pushing Satsui back into reality and on the road to becoming a prestigious shinobi. One could not always dance with wood nymphs and elves he would always tease.

He placed the book into a free space of his pack and set it aside from later, light reading. His leaves from the village were kept in secret between him and his brothers. People in the village tend to gawk or bring attention where prying eyes did not belong. A ninjas private training should always be kept private, lest the secrets of his way be revealed and spread. It was always that way with his brothers too. Family skills were still hidden from the minds of all around them, especially now since the eldest shinobi were gone that might have known their father who was less secretive. He himself who was not shinobi did not make it a secret of his talents and abilities in his youth, contending with the local ninja as a show of innate proficiency in Taijutsu. When he passed the knowledge down to Satsui, he sealed the family secrets away.

The area was rocky and secluded but big enough to fit multiple people. It made the perfect training area in contrast to more forested areas. With nothing but solid stone to destroy or toss and carry, multiple spectrums of physical training could be covered. Satsui started with incline push ups with six sets of five hundred with variations placed in between each. To elevate his feet he simply piled stone upon stone which he later used to smash with his hands, knuckles, knees, and heel to toughen up his muscles and body. His opponents would have unnatural vitality and endurance. The kind of endurance and vitality he had to crush to win his future fights, especially at the Chuunin Exams where shinobi from other villages would be.

Doesn't matter who you are or how many of you there are. Come one, come all.

[Dagron Hoshigake]

Stone clattered against stone in disarray like a poorly structured chorus. The noise resounded in Satsui's immediate spectrum briefly before is danced into the distance as a dull echo. The process repeated as he stacked stone upon stone and thrusted his fist through it. A tinge of sanguine blossomed across the fragments as they splintered into several directions, droplets pooling on the stone slab beneath. This kind of vicious training had been going on for hours, swapping from fist to fist until the same result occurred. It assured Satsui that pain had not deserted him when his body became numb and that he was still vinicble though he aimed to harden his body above that point.

With his forearm he wiped the sweat from his brow and rested his back against the ground. How many would train like this? There were so many shinobi running off to do their missions that never once did they think about training for the Chuunin Exams that were just on the horizon. "Poor fools.. Some don't even practice. When we storm in they'll never have a chance." It was conceit that made him think that way. It just seemed logical that the harder one trained, the more likely they'd dominate the competition. It wasn't like that had any drive to do anything more than serve as they were now.

Huffing a sigh he lifted himself from the ground and grabbed the rock slab he had used previously as a kind of stand for much smaller stones. Helifted it over his head with strained effort and proceeded to walk around the clearing. It must have weighed a ton because every few steps he had to pause and rest before moving on. If he could conquer nature, he could conquer the shinobi world.

[| J.im Kelly |]

Gin was simply passing through the area when he noticed a man carrying around a rock slab. Satsui had been out for the day, leaving him to do nothing but walk around the village and see some of the wonders on the outside. From his perspective, the man was completely ripped and had dark skin. As he began his approach, he noticed that he closely resembled the image of his brother, and after a careful thought he realized his predictions were true. A muffled chuckle rumbled within his throat as he watched the display before him. Only Satsui would think to carry a rock slab with other rocks on it. Heh.. His fingers interlocked in front of him as he stepped into the zone. His palms were directed to the opposites of each other, ushering a series of pops and cracks that echoed within the immediate area.

"Yo."

Calling to his brother, his pace began to quicken, soon reaching to a full on jog and then back to standing position as he reached. From his narrow visage, cold eyes examined the physical state of Satsui, gathering that he must have been out here for several hours judging by the amount of muscle activity and sweat pouring from him. His body appeared to be struggling to press on, but Satsui himself had strong willpower. He could push his body long past his limits simply through inner strength alone. Gin was amazed at how he could do it, such a feat was not a common scene amongst shinobi. Which brought him to believe that they were a truly gifted bunch.

"As expected, you'd be here."

The area he was passing through was mostly known to the Shintarou brothers, who often could be found located there training. It was somewhat of a family secret, but could be stumbled upon by any random traveler. Couldn't all places be, though?

"You down for a fight?"

It had been awhile since he and his brother had an open skirmish. The last time the two fought, an entire portion of their home had to be redone from their tom-foolery. Gin grinned. Without a word, he knew that Satsui would be inclined to accept any challenge he gave him. The area was sort of expansive, but the debris that his brother apparently smashed could be found littering the earthen floor.

His arm came back behind him, his fingers snaking around the metal base of his Kanabo. His speed couldn't match his brother's, but he could at least try.

[Dagron Hoshigake]

The ache and burn of muscle became a mere afterthought when Gin arrived. Satsui had not expected to be bothered or interupted during his day out. Gin had been in the village tending to his own dealings, so it as a surprise to see him this soon, if at all during the day. Still it was a relief because they both knew Satsui would have endured far more without an interuption. Satsui smiled and tossed the natural weights aside where they clunked and clattered into a mess of rubble.

"Gin? I didn't expect to see you here. Sure.. I'm down for a fight."

With a quick bounce from left to right, the shinobi kneeled down and stretched out his limbs. He attempted to remove as much tension and soreness from his muscles as possible before he threw down with his brother. They knew each other very well. That meant strengths and weaknesses as well. Gin dabbled in the preternatural illusions of Genjutsu, tending to trick and fool his opponents into an untimely demise. In contrast, Satsui relied on lightning quick strikes and power, bone crushing techniques that tore his oponents apart. Still, despite the difference, Gin was a proficient fighter even with his detest for the physical arts.

"Hope you're ready for this. Just like old times.. Only.. Without the broken knick knacks and a screaming father. " Satsui chuckled and retrieved his sword, peeling the scabbard away and toss it to the side. "Here I come. Steel yourself, brother!" Powerful albeit worn muscles carried Satsui forward, katana drawn high in both hands as he rose from the ground and descened with one mighty jump. The sword was brought down in a quick, powerful, crushing slash possibly capable of splitting most boulders in two.

SPOILER: Click to show

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

[| J.im Kelly |]

Gin grinned, watching as his brother took a formation that was unknown to him. For Satsui to have something he didn't recognize was shocking, but at the same time, Gin held secrets of his own. Deadly secrets that probably weren't going to be shown in such a battle, for their lethality. He wanted to spar his brother, not put him into a coma for six months. Also, such usage of powerful techniques would be faulty, as they would simply consume his chakra much like a fat child tore through bowls of ramen. Satsui elevated from the earth with his katana over his head. From his perspective, he realized what to do instantly. Gin pivoted, a maneuver that would've easily avoided any downwards sword strike. Instantly after he propelled himself backwards, expanding the range in between them to about five meters.

At this point his fingers had been released from his Kanabo, and his arms were dangling at his side loosely. The key to Satsui's ability to engage in combat was his armaments, and even without them his body was lethal enough to pummel him. Range was his best bet, and so with another pivot only a digit after he landed he directed himself in the opposite direction, placing himself further away. His movement was at an angle, directed behind his opponent's starting position with a hand digging into his shuriken pouch. Within the gaps of his fingers were three cold stars of death, awaiting his order.

Despite his movements, his attention was bisected between what was in front of him and Satsui to his flank, making sure to keep his tab on him as he pressed on.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shurikenx3

[Dagron Hoshigake]

Perhaps a wise decision, the blade bit deep into the earth and threatened to complete a full circle through the ground with the strength that guided it. Satsui was left in a partial crouch, pulling his earth prisoned blade from the depths and smirked. Gin knew and so did Satsui. This fight would not be won by the clashing of steel or the pounding of flesh. Fighting Satsui required strategy and range, both things Gin excelled at.

Satsui watched Gin twist and swirl away, but Gin lacked tact. The way he delved into his pouch was openly displayed and by the time he'd have time to throw them, Satsui was back up with his katana angled between them. It was the ultimate defensive as well as offensive tool in a sense. Gin would not make it passed the threshold of steel without enduring some kind of hardship. "You're going to have to pick up the pace. This'll be over before it begins."

Though without a scabbard, Satsui took a stance that was all too familiar. His body lowered to the ground. His feet spread shoulder length and evenly apart, sword brought brought over his left hip where it was held in place a by a sttrong right hand. The left hand became an idle fixtured left in the open air as if to balance him. It's purpose was clear though. Very few stars would have made their mark, if any at all.

[| J.im Kelly |]

Contrary to one such as Satsui may believe, Gin didn't require subtlety to carry out his plans. The aim of the shinobi was to deceive each other, and forward movements such that corrupted his brother's fighting style would be of no use against someone who knew that. Strategy was an art of war. A ninja must see what's underneath the underneath, or die in their attempts at combat. He stopped nine meters from Satsui, allowing his hand to swing around his body like an opening door to release the shuriken at him while in the midst of his stance shift. Their aim was righteous and true, and all descended upon him with rapid speeds.

Hand seals succeeded this action. By the time they were finished the shuriken were fairly close if not melee range. As his hands separated, to Satsui, the world would begin to differ, as if he were placed under the influence of illusion.

SPOILER: Click to show

Kuramu no Jutsu (Extremely Disorienting Color Spray)
Rank: C, Bx2
Type: Supplementary / Sight Genjutsu
Range: 0 - 10 meters
Special: Affects a single victim within a 10 meter area, plus 10 more each time 'C' rank is retrained; 'B' rank adds an additional viciim each time retrained.
Description: After performing the needed seals, the user then targets a person with in range of the technique. The person targeted first shows signs on the technique immediately. From their point of view, the world that they’re looking at is twisting and turning rapidly in different directions, making it very hard to see. After a while disorientation kicks in and the person may feel nauseous and dizzy.
Domain: Genjutsu - Illusion of Sight

[Dagron Hoshigake]

A phantasmagoria of lights, shades, and colors whorled in tandem with the encrouching shuriken. The subtle and disorienting vision that blossomed before his eyes left him confused, if not completely dizzy. Still a discernible whistle of steel in air whisperedin Satsui's ears loud enough for his wobbly legs to shift his weight to one side and roll out of the way of the oncoming shuriken. Rising thereafter became a problem that could not be conquered. Gin woul watch Satsui stagger to stand, incapable of immediately comprehending the visual illusion that played out.

Satsui hoisted himself up on his right hand which still firmly gripped the katana. It didn't take long for him to catch on and a quick close of his eyes created the loophole he required to escape the initial effects of the Genjutsu. Satsui was not restricted to his sight as sounds, touch, taste, and an expanding sense of self remained optional. As his senses regained composure he rose and returned his sword between himself and where he knew Gin last stood.

"You bastard.. Cheap tricks will not win you this fight!"

[| J.im Kelly |]

"What tricks do you speak of, brother?"

Gin was enjoying his moment of triumph. Watching his brother off balance was somewhat amusing, but he couldn't let it go to his head, even if it was just a playful spar. His fingers came together once more to seal, and beside him appeared a regular Bunshin. It resembled him in every way, shape, and form. They both presented the same gaze, stance as well. The art of deception was one Gin excelled at. Because his opponent was in a Genjutsu, the clone could be interpreted incorrectly as being a part of his technique. Which was usually the aim when used in conjunction with such jutsu.

Gin retrieved his senbon from within his pouch as he watched his brother get up after stumbling onto the floor. He lacked the aim of a hunter, but the weapons were dangerous nonetheless. From his position, nine meters from his target still, he slowly began to release the projectiles, beginning with one directed at the shoulder parallel to Satsui's katana.

SPOILER: Click to show

Senbon x1

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

[Dagron Hoshigake]

Sound. A sense often taken for granted. Whether used to enjoy the sounds of nature, or to keenly track and pinpoint the origin of a noise. It was a supporting pillar of the humans structure and without it, could be as crippling as losing any other. Without his eyes, Satsui would come to know the strengths it presented and the drawbacks of being without sight. Even as he swerved and danced forward in quick hops that cleaved distance away, subsequently dodging the aerial projectiles, he could not visibly mark out Gins location.

Even then he slashed through the air in off angles and placed. Never would it blade bite deep into flesh, but Satsui held secrets of his own that Gin did not know. Like his fight with Ayumu, Satsui would strike in ways the common eyes could not see. For now, the plan was being formulated to appear as though just regular virulent slashes, be inevitably would become a thing of lethality.

[| J.im Kelly |]

Gin was finished playing with his brother. He knew that he was far better off when it came to determining an opponents weakness and using it against them. Satsui's was a given, he was adept at controlling his chakra somewhat, and excelled at bashing people's faces in. When it came to controlling other people's chakra, however, he was inept. His ability to control the battlefield and his enemies within it was limited. That's where Gin came into play. They both watched each other's backs, but when pit against each other it made for an interesting battle. However, that was years ago when Gin was a Genin fresh from the academy. Now, he was a seasoned fighter, he knew what to do.

Gin lifted the Genjutsu, allowing Satsui's sight to restore itself on it's own. His lips curled up into a grin. From behind his his Kanabo was retrieved and pointed outward. His feet were together, and his dormant arm was casually hanging at his side. The stance was irregular, and wouldn't be used for combat, only for show.

"Come. Show me something I already don't know of you."

SPOILER: Click to show

Kanabo
Rank: C
Type: Primary / Melee
Description: A kanabo is an iron staff constructed with iron spikes or studs on one end. One or both ends of the wooden types are sheathed in iron, and on occasion, spikes. Kanabô type weapons came in all sizes and shapes with the largest ones being as tall as a man and a two-handed weapon while the smaller lighter ones were primarily one-handed and the length of a forearm.

[Dagron Hoshigake]

Like a storm full of wrath, Satsui's strikes were dangerous, vengeful and wild. They had no definite target but hungered for flesh, a killing intent behind every blow. There was no need to hold back, even now, when disillusioned by the Genjutsu. Reality returned but his eyes remained fastened shut, refusing to release himself from the perpetual darkness his eye lids cast. It wasn't until his lips parted and something was mumbled under his breathe that they parted. An incalculable power dwelled inside, tapping into latent pools of chakra only so rarely used.

It was a conscious drain that lined the archaic weapon with energy that danced across it's surface as an invisible danger. It leaped off the edge and solidified as an extension of the blade, but no longer than the blade itself. It arced and cut through the air and as Satsui encroached upon Gin, sought flesh in the form of several seemingly misdirected attacks in the air. While the sword itself would never make it near, and it would appear to be a part of the random blade storm, the chakra blade knew true its target.

SPOILER: Click to show

Hien (Flying Swallow)
Rank: B
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Special: Chakra blade cannot extend further than half what the total weapon measures.
Description: By unconsciously feeding their chakra into any bladed weapon, the user will manage to extend the length of the weapon by providing an extra extension of invisible chakra. This creation will yield an extremely sharp edge that functions like the normal blade itself. By seeing only the user's bladed weaponry, the opponent may miss the Hien and misjudge how far they need to move to avoid an incoming strike. As a result, even if they manage to avoid the metal portion of the blade, the chakra portion may cut into them as well.
Domain: Universal Taijutsu.

[| J.im Kelly |]

Satsui said nothing but used his actions to relay information to him. Gin knew damn well that after joking with his brother, he would put him in a sort of frenzy. His anger fueled his hunger for blood, and the more he was angry, the more serious about fighting he would get. The strategist knew this, and used it to his advantage to gain a real test of his skill. Satsui's eyes opened, and Gin changed his stance, preparing for the worst. As soon as he began striking, Gin realized an irregularity within his movement. The first was that he was attacking from more than melee distance, and the attacks were no longer aimed at specific points on his body. Satsui appeared to be free-flowing, which wasn't something he usually did.

Instead of engaging closely, Gin backed out, setting himself away from the onslaught by leaping away before they arrived. His clone wasn't as lucky but served well as a sacrifice. As the invisible chakra passed through the clone, it would dissipate, ceasing to exist. This allowed Gin to read his brother's technique, and devise a plan against it. Gin placed himself six meters away from his brother with his maneuver, and from their, held the kanabo outward, both hand wrapped around it's base.

So he does use chakra based techniques.. I wonder how far that jutsu can extend..

He watched Satsui intently, awaiting his next move.

[Kyōbōna Shintarou]

Kyobona had been watching, techniques he knew, some he knew nothing about. He shook his head watching the two go back and forth. After a good fraction of time he decided now was better then ever, his entire frame flickered, the motion fluid, and invisible. Like a deathly shadow honed through the ages he arc'd the air, his entrance made no noise, not even the ripple of grass. As he landed his body was crouched, right fist pressed into the dirt as he slowly rose, eyes of shattered indigo as he gazed at each brother in turn. His intimidating frame shifted, but held nothing to the powerhouse of Satsui at his right. Close, however. He now stood between them both

" Personally, don't we have other things to deal with? I think we do, while this has been entertaining, I believe it's time we move our focus onto matters of more importance, now. If you wish to argue, this will become a three way. Unless of course, you're willing to follow. Then. I believe we are done here. Let's go." His voice no longer held the playful, child like tone he had even climbing the mountain with them, a delicate shift from child to man. Or genetic, to machine had taken place in the last time he'd walked up to either of them. A mass tempest of raw power and rage seethed through his veins like an ice coil and shrouded around his heart. He gazed carefully, at each brother in turn. Waiting, for their response. He refused to leave until this came to a halt. And he had no issues going all out on even siblings at this point. " Put away the toys, we have shit to take care of."