Cast Iron Caste [Q][Kreathean]

[Krethean]

The Old Woman’s words rang throughout his mind as she told him about the second part of what a Craftsman is about. What they should be about. Not only his mind but his very soul. It was akin to one of those lessons that people do not forget in any hurry, likely because it rang true to the student who took in that advice.

Once he took in her words it made perfect sense. Technique was one thing, but having the passion is another. If you do not have both, then the things one crafts can never reach their potential. It’s like with Ujiyasu’s old passion for hunting and fighting. While he had it, technique came to him easily. He was eager, he was keen and utterly enjoyed it... but since the exams, he had lost the spark that pushed him to hunt. He would still fight, and perhaps get some joy in it, but there was no need to put satisfaction first.

Crafting could very well fill that void, and could very well give him that spark in life again.

The Old Woman almost finished her next batch of instructions, after guiding him to where he could actually work on the iron, when he heard a rather loud growl come from her stomach. A little embarrassed, she took off to get food for everyone. Eager to begin, and put what she had said into practise, Ujiyasu made to strike with the hammer, when a voice called to him mockingly.

“What do you think you're doing, amateur? Put that hammer down before you hurt yourself.”

Ujiyasu looked at the source and saw Ryunnosuke, who clearly didn’t approve of what Ujiyasu was doing. He felt a slight surge of irritation flood him, but he spoke to the man. It would be rude to ignore him after all.

“Oh... I apologise. Here I thought I had moved on to the practical part of the lessons. I suppose you’d like to contribute to the theory lessons that your mentor was giving me? I won’t lie... they’re actually quite interesting, and eye opening.”

Ujiyasu gave the craftsman a slight smile, while his tone hid the irritation well enough that it would be quite difficult to tell if he was being condescending or sincere. The truth was, he was being both: he poked at the man verbally for his air of superiority, and was honest in his opinion of the Old Woman. Despite his calm tone, he did not put the hammer down. Instead, he simply held onto it as he rested his hands by their side.

“I wouldn’t mind listening to someone who’s mastered their craft so I can learn, and become like the both of you in terms of skill.”

[Naitome]

"Oh... I apologize. Here I thought I had moved on to the practical part of the lessons. I suppose you’d like to contribute to the theory lessons that your mentor was giving me? I won’t lie... they’re actually quite interesting, and eye opening."

Theory isn't going to swing the hammer for you. Theory isn't going to turn that slab of iron into a sword any quicker. If you listen to her, she'll have you believe you can just dream up a weapon whenever you wish. It's not that easy.

"I wouldn’t mind listening to someone who’s mastered their craft so I can learn, and become like the both of you in terms of skill."

Become like the both of us? I built this shop, all she's done so far is craft a ball of slime.

His attitude is difficult to handle, and the aggressive overtones don't really lend themselves well to a learning environment. After a few moments of staring you down, he sits on the edge of a nearby table, and gestures his hands towards you impatiently.

Fine, fine, fine. Go on then. Use the hammer. Try not to break your hand. I'm sure I can at least tell you what you're doing wrong.

Outwardly, it seems as if he doesn't really care, as if he has a thousand better things to do then watch a new apprentice fumble around with tools they're unfamiliar with, but behind his conceited smirk, there is a fierceness. He is watching you, your movements, your way of speaking, analyzing how you respond and what you focus on when you reply to him. He has the facial expression of one who doesn't want others to know that he's trying to figure them out. Now is not the time to hesitate. Begin!

---

Your objective isn't to create a sword, merely to get used to the weight of the hammer in your hand. Endurance is key with the profession of a Craftsman.
Proceed.

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[Krethean]

Now Ryunnosuke allowed him to resume what he was doing. His manner really did rub him the wrong way, but it was a chance to put some theory into practice. The iron slab was to become a katana, so a katana it will be.

Ujiyasu lifted the hammer, feeling the weight of it once more, now that he had a chance to take stock, and try to apply what he was taught in such a brief session. It felt almost like one of his ice blades, only the size was shorter. In a way it made handling it easier, but he suspected the weight would wear him out fast if he couldn’t use it properly. His eyes narrowed slightly as he rested the hammer onto the iron, then lifted it past his shoulders. His hand twisted slightly as the hammer seemed to curve behind Ujiyasu’s head, while his grip was as strong as ever, before the hammer arced over the shoulder and slammed down onto the metal with a loud CLANG.

The shock of the hammer meeting metal pulsed throughout his arm, and he knew in that instant that he had to have been doing it wrong. Either that or his arm hadn’t fully healed yet.

Once the nerves relaxed, Ujiyasu thought about how he struck the metal and figured he needed a more rigid arm to absorb the shock better. The way he went about it before was just inviting a wrist injury from the impact. With that in mind, he tightened his grip on the hammer again and brought it up again. This time when he slammed the hammer onto the iron, the shock pulsed through, but it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as the first swing.

Confident that he can do this, Ujiyasu swung again and again. Each time the hammer hit the iron, Ujiyasu began to feel his pent up frustration and regret rush out from his emotional floodgates. Each strike of the crafting tool seemed to intensify as Ujiyasu began to try folding the steel, his anger and fear of being nearly killed drove him to craft the weapon as best he can. He didn’t think about how long he could use the hammer for, he thought more about how he could prevent the same thing from happening again. He thought about how he could better defend Kusa no kuni.

His eyes opened up a bit more as his determination kicked into overdrive, focused on the iron he was folding and shaping. His mind lost on what he intended to do, and what had changed him lately. If he had any fatigue in his arm then, he certainly didn’t feel it now... in fact this seemed almost therapeutic for him. He even shut out what was around him from his mind: Ryunnosuke, the forge he was in, the Old Woman who went to get food.

Of course when this was over that was another story... but that wasn’t on his mind.

[Naitome]

You see, this is the reason I find The Old Woman's theories to be of little help.

He speaks as you hammer away, though does not seem to require you to stop in order to listen to what he says. He speaks casually, as if every word is merely the bored advice of an old man, but there is knowledge behind his method, even if it differs from your true instructors words.

It's not about taking out your emotions, the same way its not about forcing every experience you've had throughout the day into your work. As much as this is an artform, it's also a necessity for the world we live in. Craftsmanship is a utility, a vital part of the military forces of our and every other country, and as such, you shouldn't casually bang your hammer against the metal the same way a warrior doesn't casually swing their sword.

Practice is well and fine, but there's a certain understanding of technique that can't come from repetition. Though your muscles need training to wield your tools correctly, the art of crafting IS NOT a muscle, and practice won't help you do much but tire yourself out. Change the way that you think.

If you were to perform a ninjutsu technique, could you afford for your hands to be sloppy? For your knuckles to be bruised, for your fingers to lazily meander through whatever pattern you could bother to remember as your brain tripped and fell over every single feeling you had before you arrived to battle? Of course not. In combat, your mind must push away such distractions. It is no different in this place.

When you hold the metal, you should not think this is a sword, because you will succeed only in hammering it flat. You should think I am a sword. Your work is not influenced to become what it is by heaping traits upon it that it does not and cannot possess. It becomes a masterpiece by being you, not by becoming, but by existing as an extension of your own flesh and blood.

He continues to watch you, only stepping in to correct the manner in which you fold the metal, assisting you as you attempt to heat it and then douse it in a room temperature pool, blowing away the steam. He shows you where nicks and imperfections can be sanded away, how to fill in the chipped edge, and then relates such small maintenance to every tool that one might use for war. Before long, the iron slab you once held has been shaped into something that could easily be argued was a katana. The metal around the blade itself is a bit clunky, but with more heating and folding and hammering, it will not be too long before you are able to understand the mechanics of how to complete the blade.

---

Now is the time for you to ask questions; to question the philosophy of your new instructor, to try to understand as much about what you'll need to know to handle the craftsman techniques presented in their Profession Thread. Make this is a nice-sized post, The Old Woman is almost back with the food!
Proceed.

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[Krethean]

Ujiyasu had expected Ryunnosuke to further bombard him with useless jeers and snide remarks, however he elaborated on his own experiences, and it was true that he did have plenty. That was something Ujiyasu couldn’t discredit, nor did he wish to. Everything he saw currently was of that man’s doing.

His words opened another door and another path: he had heard how soldiers who practised Kenjutsu often mention that they become the sword, or their sword is an extension of themselves. Taijutsu specialists are also similar in their use of their limbs. The fact that Ryunnosuke had used this philosophy and yet manage to create such a multitude of weapons, armour and contraptions showed that his way seemed just as viable as the Old Woman’s.

Ryunnosuke assisted the boy when needed, and with his guidance, Ujiyasu learned much about forging the katana. As the forging continued, something had formed in Ujiyasu’s mind, that he decided to ask him about. Both Master and pupil did seem to have differing opinions on how things should be done... but Ujiyasu picked up on one thing that seemed to link both philosophies together.

“You know... hearing about how you and the Old Woman go about your trade... it might sound funny... but they seem to be the same to me. I mean... you mention that what a craftsman makes is an extension of themselves... wouldn’t a weapon forged from this manner be somewhat similar to a weapon forged by the emotion the craftsman carried within them?”

He proceeded to fold the metal further as he brought up the main point of his philosophical question.

“That link between both of your ideals is what has me thinking... why not do both? Why not be the sword... be the shield... be the spear or puppet... but also envision it? Why not pour yourself into the item you know you intend to make? Being your creation is one thing... but to lack the foresight could have you stray from what could have been. By the same token, knowing what you intend to make and seeing it in your mind’s eye is all well and good... but if you can’t connect with your creation and make it a part of you, it’s going to be something that it’s not... right?”

As the work progressed, he took in more and more of the advice and experience, learning the nuances, the essentials and the tricks necessary to ensure the weapon is as potent as it can be. At this, Ujiyasu figured it was a good time to ask about other things, such as what Ryunnosuke was doing earlier.

“This probably will sound very amateurish, but what you were doing earlier, sharpening your blade with that stone...I take it there are many different ways to improve upon the items that are made? Even beyond the simple sharpening or reinforcing methods? People talk about weapons that do some pretty incredible things, like utilising Raiton or trapping victims in genjutsu. Stuff like that.”

“Though I’d imagine that even the best creations have their limits on what could be done... even if I knew how to give my creations such capabilities. Be great to make a sword or spear that could use my ability to use Hyouton... that would be useful someday. Though... I’m not sure how I could cater for everyone. I’m pretty sure not everyone would want things that could only utilise water, wind and ice... and if I’m going to be providing Kusa no Kuni with weapons, armour and equipment... I know I’ll need to be able to provide for things that would be beyond what I can do... like Genjutsu.”

He smiled wide as he looked at the katana that he had been forging with Ryunnosuke’s help. To him, it looked like a katana, and gave the feel of one. One that he knew would prove useful to any soldier who would use it. However, he knew that was just his opinion, and his was one of a novice, not an expert. Ryunnosuke and The Old Woman would be the ones to judge that.

He looked at Ryunnosuke and bowed with respect to him. Despite his rather abrasive attitude, Ujiyasu learned much from him, as he did from the Old Woman.

“Thank you. I learned plenty about craftsmanship, and thanks to you, I learned much about technique as well as how one should go about the trade. I can’t say I made this weapon by myself, but I am sure the next one I will be able to make without as many problems.”

He lifted the katana up and examined it. Ryunnosuke’s help and teachings have certainly given this weapon the qualities of a fine katana, but he couldn’t be sure how fine it truly was, with Ujiyasu being the one who did the rest.

[Naitome]

"You know... hearing about how you and the Old Woman go about your trade... it might sound funny... but they seem to be the same to me. I mean... you mention that what a craftsman makes is an extension of themselves... wouldn’t a weapon forged from this manner be somewhat similar to a weapon forged by the emotion the craftsman carried within them."

There are similarities, yes, but its essentially semantics. You can decide yourself whether to put the combined essence of who you are into a blade, or your momentary emotions regarding an isolated period of time surrounding the craft into a blade. One will be superior to the other.

"That link between both of your ideals is what has me thinking... why not do both? Why not be the sword... be the shield... be the spear or puppet... but also envision it? Why not pour yourself into the item you know you intend to make? Being your creation is one thing... but to lack the foresight could have you stray from what could have been. By the same token, knowing what you intend to make and seeing it in your mind’s eye is all well and good... but if you can’t connect with your creation and make it a part of you, it’s going to be something that it’s not... right?"

An Ryuunosuke ponders what you say, before he can't help but allow a small smirk to creep across his face.

You sound like The Old Woman's son.

He more closely inspects your work. You have made quite a bit of process, and adequately gotten used to the weight of the hammer, but now he begins to show you 'tricks of the trade', How to alternate the power of your swing, how to spot points in the metal that are weaker than others simply by paying close attention to the vibrations created with each blow. How to recast the molten metal, re-cool it, and add a new layer, folding in on itself and pressed flat, using the anvil as a counterbalance for better control. He shows you how the area below the hilt is also an extension of the blades main body, only thinner and more contained, which can be wrapped in hide and leather or metal casing to ensure the solidity of what you create. He sighs loudly. A few minutes has easily turned into hours.

Her son...was a genin of the Hidden Stone. He was competing in a Chuunin exam and was killed before the proctors could come to his aid. I think a bit part of that problem lied in trying to find a combination between two unlike traits.

Consider a life or death fight. While it is possible to act on sporadic, fleeting emotions, to become enraged and fight like an animal consumed with wild 'all-or-nothing' strikes, pouring your moment to moment emotions into a battle can gain a win from unpredictability, or be a fatal mistake. On the other hand, being controlled, putting the entirety of your experience, your essence, into every movement is usually seen as the trait of a master, and is only defeated by one who has somehow developed more skill than you. To do both, to be a controlled animal, is an impossible task. There is no way to go to both extremes without risk of destroying yourself, and your mind.

He allows you to continue for a while without interrupting, nodding or grunting in disapproval if you strike too hard or too weakly. He refrains from stepping in completely or taking over, and allows you to discover your own path, watching intently as you work.

"This probably will sound very amateurish, but what you were doing earlier, sharpening your blade with that stone...I take it there are many different ways to improve upon the items that are made? Even beyond the simple sharpening or reinforcing methods? People talk about weapons that do some pretty incredible things, like utilising Raiton or trapping victims in genjutsu. Stuff like that.

Though I’d imagine that even the best creations have their limits on what could be done... even if I knew how to give my creations such capabilities. Be great to make a sword or spear that could use my ability to use Hyouton... that would be useful someday. Though... I’m not sure how I could cater for everyone. I’m pretty sure not everyone would want things that could only utilise water, wind and ice... and if I’m going to be providing Kusa no Kuni with weapons, armour and equipment... I know I’ll need to be able to provide for things that would be beyond what I can do... like Genjutsu. "

Ryuunosuke removes the same stone from an inner pocket of his clothing and hands it to you. It is completely unremarkable and appears like any other rock, with the exception of giving off a dull tingling sensation.

It's called an Enchantment Stone. It hasn't been charged yet, but essentially, utilizing them is simple. If you wanted, for instance, this stone to be charged with Yinton, the basic nature of Genjutsu, all you'd have to do is allow it to absorb a bit of Yinton chakra. There's a seal, deep inside the stone itself, which is able to permanently record chakra nature transformation that it comes into contact with. Now; it's not simple to perform the enchantment once the stone is charged, but this is the first step towards some of the legendary weapons you might have heard of, and can work for conceivably any element you can imagine, if the stone is of high enough quality. This stone is pretty basic, the lowest level of enchantment, but there are other, more expensive and more powerful.

Here, take it. It's yours.

He tosses you the stone, and indicates a number of hand written instructions peppering the walls around the anvil. These instructions pertain to exactly what he has just told you, as well as detailing the specific methods necessary to enchant a weapon once the stone is charged. It appears like a foreign language to you; it's impossibly complex and currently, out of your depth of understanding.

"Thank you. I learned plenty about craftsmanship, and thanks to you, I learned much about technique as well as how one should go about the trade. I can’t say I made this weapon by myself, but I am sure the next one I will be able to make without as many problems."

BBBOOOYYYSSSSS!!!!! I'VE GOT FOOOOOODDD!!!!!!!!

All you see is the voluptuous body of the Old Woman crashing chest first into your face as she has suddenly 'appeared' out of nowhere, her mouth full of several sandwiches, carrying far more bags than are necessary for the three of you. The food smells wonderful.

---

You have received:

_{Enchantment Stone
Rank: B, A
Type: Profession Accessory / Takumi / Self
Special: A special stone which holds a particular chakra enhancement, such as fire or water, or even Genjutsu chakra. Each stone takes up one (1) accessory slot. Stone must be in direct contact with the chakra source for at least half of a turn in order for the enchantment to be inscribed, and the user must maintain the 'Kai' seal during the process. Each stone can only hold up to one enchantment at a time, and upon infusing it into a crafted item or weapon, is permanently consumed. 'B' ranked version absorbs simple chakra, like basic releases and Genjutsu; the 'A' ranked version can absorb Kekkei Touta and even Pain Genjutsu. Used with the Enchanting Mastery Technique.
Description: A small stone no larger than one's fist, it appears as nonunique in the eyes of the inexperienced. This stone is useless on its own, but in the hands of the Craftsman, becomes the essential ingredient towards enchanting their craft. With a simple 'Kai' similar to the trigger of an explosive note, the user can activate the seals within the stone, which make it receptive to any kind of chakra that's in direct contact with it. After exposure, the stone absorbs a portion of the chakra and records it within itself, replicating until the stone itself is filled. At this point, the stone is ready for enchantment.
Cost: Earned Through Test Event. Cannot Be Sold.}


Proceed.

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[Krethean]

After Ujiyasu had talked about what he felt he might be able to achieve, Ryunnosuke surprised him by likening him to The Old Woman’s son. After some more time spent learning about the methods and tricks of forging, the meat and potatoes of crafting in Ujiyasu’s mind, he then elaborated on the Old Woman’s son.

He died in the exams because the proctor couldn’t make it in time to prevent it... I nearly died in the last one. I don’t even know how I got to the hospital, but I guess I was carried there. Ujiyasu’s face darkened a little as he mulled over some unsettling thoughts. I don’t really know what happened. All I know was that for those brief moments that I was conscious after Muu beat me, I really felt like Death itself was right there, looking at me. Just waiting for me to give out and keel over. When I passed out again, I thought it was it. Even though I wanted to live still.

Ryunnosuke handed him a small stone that seemed unremarkable, but felt smooth to the touch, if tad grainy. A slight tingle could be felt on his fingers, then his palm as he held the object, then pocketed it. He was about to thank him for the gift as well, seeing as he had thanked him for teaching him, when suddenly he found himself with a face full of bosom, knocking him to the ground, the hammer dropped onto the anvil as he hadn’t raised the tool for a swing, thankfully. Even more thankfully, the katana didn’t fly off the anvil either. Ujiyasufound himself on his back, looking up at the ceiling, completely stunned and shocked.

What? Where? How? Did she...? That was...

Ujiyasu seemed to take a few moments of snapping his mind back from its frenzied state of shock at what just happened, as well as calming his hormones at that bit of accidental perversion. When his mind cleared, Ujiyasu got back up to the smell of delicious food. His stomach growled from hunger and the Kusa Genin gave a nervous laugh.

“You got back in time. Had no idea I was this hungry... didn’t even know you were coming till it was too late.”

Ujiyasu helped her set the bags onto the nearby table, then looked at looked at Ryunnosuke and the Old woman and gave them a big grin.

“Ryunnosuke came in and taught me more while you were out. With his help, I managed to get the katana made on that Anvil... hang on...”

Ujiyasu leaped to his feet and looked at the anvil, but sighed with relief as he saw it still where he left it, albeit off centre from the recent crash. The hammer was also safe, which relaxed him even more. He picked the weapon up from the anvil and held it up for The Old Woman.

“How is it?”

To Ujiyasu, the katana looked like a katana. Perhaps one that was a bit stronger than one would find at a general store. It surely wasn’t like those Ryunnosuke made, but even though he had assistance, he was proud of his first craft.

He had to admit... his hunger seemed a liiiittle more important right now, despite this achievement.

[Naitome]

You were strangers when you first met; but this day cemented your joining of a brotherhood hailed as one of the most important professions to the business of war. The most basic skills, those pertaining to the more calculated aspects of craft, the physical toll that hammer and anvil take, those are what you will learn over the next few months as now, you sit and eat with your teachers. Though they believe in what at first seemed to be different ideals, it is the heart of the craft, the theory and thought placed behind each moment spent building, that will stick with you, and over time, what you are able to understand and demonstrate increase in complexity by a near immeasurable degree.

You will come to consider this place a home away from home as the months pass, learning and growing, and when you finally depart with the essential lessons they have passed on, it will be up to you to find a balance between the teachings found within what can never again be seen as a simple grass hut. But just like the warriors your art will now adorn, working together with others has solidified your resolve. You are more than a gathering of students and teachers. You are an unwavering call to arms, a movement, the continuing will of a legacy of masters cast in iron.

The learning process is over. But your story has just begun.

---

C Ranked Takumi Test Event - Complete!
ooc: I think you've done a great job Kreth. As far as I'm concerned, you're more than eligible to become a craftsman.

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[addy-hime ♥]

Naitome, 105 EXP.
Krethean, 108 EXP.

Craftsman profession approved.

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