tough love, baby! ( youka vs. asato )

[addy-hime ♥]

♥ no attacks during the first post.
♥ weapons aren't permitted, only techniques.
♥ combatants start at least 10 meters from each other.

---

It was always, always harder when it was planned.

Even as I thought back to the conversation that led up to this decision, I simply could not find a reason to back out. My hand lifted, shielding my eyes from the harsh sun that beat down upon my cloaked figure, if only to give myself the pleasure of staring into the endless blue sky. Like an ocean, like my eyes; most especially, like the ring I continued to wear on my finger, even though it risked uncovering the multitude of my lies.

"Come at me!" I yelled into the vast emptiness, choking back a laugh at the cliche words. Who would be so reckless as to say that during a real fight, when stakes were high and death was very likely? Even still, I felt the excitement welling in my chest, enough to make me want to scream as I danced from foot to foot in the sand, waiting for the pleasurable company of my opponent. I wanted this, just as much as I wanted it when I asked him to do it.

It was time to relive the first day.

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[Comatose]

Though I had originally decided against this, telling Youka it was unneeded, I had changed my mind when I had come to the conclusion that the experience would be useful to her. Youka's own experiences with battling and fighting opponents, namely opponents which were stronger than herself, was not vast. She needed to experience it to know how to react; she needed to know that despite everything that made the other person stronger, she could win. She needed the confidence. I wouldn't purposely lose though, as that would defeat the purpose entirely, just the opposite.

My position was but a twenty-meter distance from her own, directly ahead of her standing on the top of a small rock-face. From here I had particular advantage innately — allowed to look down upon Youka as she had to look up to me, against the blazing sun. I couldn't help become a bit excited at the notion of battle, even against my future spouse. I wanted her to be just as confident and strong as I was. This was the first test.

"Over here."

[addy-hime ♥]

"Over here."

My first reaction was to greet him, but I knew he would not be so gentle. Asato loved me very much, and that was why I knew he would not go easy on me—I had specifically begged him of it, made him promise to me several times. So instead, I focused my gaze on him, hissing through my teeth at the sun that obscured his figure. It made him glow at the edges like a god, and I felt my heart both skip and beat and quicken its pace in anticipating of what was to come.

I dropped my hands from my face and immediately began the series of seals that would bring with it my first move. It would need to count, I was certain of that. In a fight against such a strong opponent, even ten seconds could be the difference between a win and a loss. I threw my hand out then, as if shoving something solid; the wind moved with it, picking up to a howl, invisible at first. But as it started to close the distance between myself and him, the sand was picked up with it, tossed into a gale that appeared to spread 180 degrees from the focal point of my body. Surely it would obscure myself from him, much as the sun conspired against me.

Immediately after performing that technique I set into a second string of hand seals, but this time, he would not know the ultimate outcome. It was silent, deadly—I would take no prisoners!

SPOILER: Click to show

Fuusajin ( 10 m. )
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Fuuton Ninjutsu
Range: 10+ meters
Chakra: Mid [Very Low]*
Special: Produces a 180 degree cone of wind that disrupts all loose footing. Wind blasts can travel 10 meters, plus 10 more each time relearned.
Description: With the user’s weapon in hand or their limb extended, they will channel chakra across it so that when the weapon or limb is swung, a strong wind current comes forth. This current, although not heavy enough to do any threatening damage, can in fact knock opponents over, as well as severe loose sediment across the ground, bring up dust and whatever else lies on the floor. Useful for creating vision inhibiting storms, knocking people off balance, covering one’s tracks, escaping, and many, many more!
Domain: Fuuton.

Kage Bunshin no Jutsu ( 1 clone. )
Rank: B
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu / Kinjutsu
Range: Self
Chakra: High [Mid]*
Special: When first learned, a single Shadow Clone can be produced. Each time re-learned, one additional clone can be made, for a maximum of 5. Please remember that regardless of the amount of clones made, the chakra is still divided evenly amongst all bodies. However, when a clone is defeated or chooses to disappear, whatever remaining chakra within their bodies, as well as their knowledge, returns to the user. The only exception is 'Bunshin Bakuha', which sacrifices the chakra return for a grand explosion.
Description: Kage Bunshin is an advanced, forbidden Ninjutsu technique, which grants the user the ability to create a tangible clone. The normal Bunshin technique creates a copy of the ninja that lacks any substance. However, Kage Bunshin distributes the ninja's chakra evenly among the clones and creates a real copy with form and substance, to the point the clone can utilize any jutsu the original ninja knows, and spawns with any equipment the user has one them at the time of the summoning. When the clone finally disperses, any new knowledge it has gained is passed back to the original ninja and any additional clones.
Domain: Kage Bunshin.

* Fuuton Chakra Reduction I, Kyoukan Ninja Chakra Reduction.

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[Comatose]

From her look I knew that she was just as into this battle as I was, igniting a sort of reactionary heart murmur only attributed to being stricken by love. However, I did well to ignore it to heed her request. On reaction her first set of handseals was mocked by my own, a set of seals just a bit longer. My own body split into two, down the center, like celluar mitosis, bringing to question which one was the true body. It was never my intent to be tricky here though, the clone doing well to block the wind-based technique when it reached our forms, simply standing directly in front of the me as to take all of the kinetic force of the attack — having taken the same exact posture to avoid any leak, and the pelting of earth.

It wasted no time in it's counterattack, it running forward in a speed that was unrivaled, it's hands extending like puddy and stretching forth both to her left and right respectively. The hands stretched well over ten meters in either direction as it moved forward with the same haste, coming together only when it was exactly ten meters from her.

Meanwhile, I had myself moved forward, in more of a walking pace, covering no more than a few meters.

SPOILER: Click to show

Hatoronshi no Kami (Crafting Paper Skill)

[/u]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Secret Technique
Range: See special!
Chakra: Mid
Special: Highest rank known determines how much of their body can be used to produce paper for clan jutsu, how far the user's paper creations can travel away from them, how big they can be, and finally, the base strength of all paper creations. Although user is able to produce paper from their bodies, they are not yet able to transform into it and move freely in paper form. Paper under user's command moves at a default speed of 1 meter per second.

• D: 10 meter range // 2 meter max size // 20% paper body
  
• C: 20 m. // 4 m. max size // 40% paper body
  
• B: 30 m. range // 6 m. max size // 60% paper body
  
• A: 40 m. range // 8 m. max size // 80% paper body
  
• S: 50 m. range // 10 m. max size // 99.9% paper body
  

Description: Able to create paper from anywhere within their body, Shikigami clan members depend on their Paper Strength as a basis for further clan techniques. Once they are able to grow comfortable creating multi-sized paper creations across larger areas, the clan members moves on to mastering the full Shikigami potential.
Domain: Shikigami.

Pepa Speedo (Paper Speed)[/u]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Passive / Secret Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: --
Chakra: --
Special: Improves paper movement speed. Highest rank known determines the speed at which paper creations can move.

• D: 2 meters per second
  
• C: 4 meters per second
  
• B: 6 meters per second
  
• A: 8 meters per second
  
• S: 10 meters per second
  

Description: With increased training and concentration, the Shikigami learns how to make the paper their control move faster and faster, almost akin to projectiles themselves.
Domain: Shikigami. Hatoronshi no Kami.

Pepa Bunshin no Jutsu (Paper Clone Technique)[/u]
Rank: B [100 EXP]
Type: Supplementary / Secret Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra: High
Special: Up to one clone can be made at a time, plus one more each time retrained. When struck physically, clone may disperse and reform easily in paper, making them defeatable only by wide, area-of-effect attacks. When defeated, it explodes in a burst of paper, spreading its essence everywhere. Explosion range covers 5 meters all around the clone. Clone can perform all known clan jutsu, and can move up to one country away from the user before dissipating.
Description: With a sufficient amount of paper, the user forms a single seal and calls them together in order to form a perfect clone of themselves. Unlike regular bunshin, the paper clone has substance, can move at improved speeds, and best of all, scatters when struck for re-use. Although the clone is not spawned with the user's inventory, they will attain whatever main weaponry the user has at the time, if any. When struck by concentrated blows from bladed/blunt weaponry or even a bare fist, the clone disperses into a tuff of paper that can either reform or be used for other clan jutsu. However, widespread, area-of-effect attacks can defeat the paper clones instantly.
Domain: Shikigami. Hatoronshi no Kami 'B'.

— Chakra Mastery II Activated.[/spoiler]

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

[addy-hime ♥]

What he had not taken into account was surely an important feature of my attack. The sand-and-wind storm I had created would actually not reach the position of the clone or himself; in fact, it would seem to dissipate almost exactly 10 meters away from him. Surely, then, the faster of the two would have started its sprint toward me much sooner than planned. I had not stayed completely still during my attempt at a diversion. After the second string of seals, but before the cone lost its power, I had also charged forward a little recklessly. Unfortunately, I was much slower than a creation of paper, and had only moved 2 meters from my original position before I found myself being rounded upon by a startling attack.

The clone wouldn't have been able to judge the distance correctly, given the amount of sand in the air when it had charged. It was safe to say that because of my own forward movement, its hands would have overcompensated by that simple 2 meters, but it left me with the insane vision of two stretched arms around both my left and right. I was already mid-run, so I simply allowed my momentum to continue, even as I purposely dove and slid across the sand, attempting to avoid the closing of the extended limbs upon my more fragile body. Unfortunately, this also left me in kind of a vulnerable state, on my belly beneath arms that could easily change course and hit me in a different way. By this time, however, both the clone and the real Asato would have noticed that I was not the only Youka in the battlefield, as the sand would have completely died down by this time.

Oh, the other me—my true self—was a similar 2 meters from our original position, but this Youka had moved to the west (right) instead of south (toward Asato). I was already in the midst of completing a rather long string of hand seals, and when I finished, I held out my right hand and allowed the wind to compress in the form I wished of it. A chakram shape formed in my hand, the hilt clutched in my fist; it was visible due to the green chakra that dyed it. Immediately I tossed this at the nearby arms, at a vantage point that as the blades spun, they were aimed to hit not only 1 meter down from the wrist of the first arm, but to continue on and hopefully slice through the opposite arm at the same point.

Regardless of whether my attack managed to connect or if the clone—or real Asato—retaliated, that chakram would immediately reverse direction and attempt to return to its master.

SPOILER: Click to show

Kaze no Chakram ( 20 m recall. )
Rank: A
Type: Offensive / Fuuton Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Chakra: High [Low]*
Special: When thrown, the Chakram is able to be called back to the user from a distance of 20 meters. Each time retrained, 5 meters are added. Requires a low [Very Low]* amount of chakra per turn for upkeep.
Description: By performing a set of handseals, the user is able to condense their Fuuton chakra into a visible, green ring about 35 mm in diameter, with a curved handle inside. The outer edge is sharp enough to slice through barriers at A-rank or below, and can have devastating effects on flesh. The Chakram is mainly used as a long-distance weapon, but is also suited for close combat, capable of slashing, parrying, and even disarming an opponent.
Domain: Fuuton.

* See previous note.

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[Comatose]

I had apparently overcompensated for her initial attack, as it never reached me or my clone, and didn't notice Youka herself had used a clone. However, this did not change the nature of my counterattack, and the clone still did as it was beckoned to. The outstretched arms came together with Youka as the center, only to have her not be there, her having essentially 'limbo'd' below it. However, this did not stop the clone. The clone's hands slammed down and dug into the ground as it pulled and moved itself forward at the same time. Though the Youka clone had survived the initial attack, the body of my own clone was poised to essentially slam itself into that clone on a suicide attack.

As soon as second Youka came into view, in the tail-end of its sequence of handseals, I had moved to attack. My body became something more as I ran, transcending the bounds set by the conventional physicality, moving at a speed equal to that of my clone. My hand itself had transformed into the form of a lance, and shifted to aim at her core, extending as I ran. However, considering I did not know which one was which, I was ready to stop at a moments notice; my hand ready to stop veer off should it get within a point of which she could not dodge.

When her seals did finish, the chakram did indeed slam into my clone's hand at the wrist and cut it off, but much to my own grin, and likely Youka's surprise this meant nothing. The portion of the hand that was cut off had bursted into a small cloud of paper before reforming. The attack would be just as ineffectual on the second hand as the first.

SPOILER: Click to show

Pepa Onigami (Moving Paper God Essence)

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Rank: B [3 Turns]
Type: Supplementary / Secret Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra: High
Special: Must know 'S' ranked Hatoronshi no Kami (Crafting Paper Skill) in order to achieve full paper transformation. Area of paper mass/cloud is equivalent to half the user's 'Hatoronshi no Kami' range. Form can be sustained for one turn, plus one more each time retrained.
Description: Although the clan's secret technique teaches each member how to 'convert' parts of their body into the special paper that fuels their unique jutsu, extended teachings allow the user to sustain their paper essence across their body, so that the properties of their clan paper are now attributed to them. From here, the user can move about to new highest uninterrupted, as the only way they can be defeated is if all forms of paper are defeated at once.
Domain: Shikigami. Hatoronshi no Kami 'B'.

*Paper Speed Applies to the Above.[/spoiler][/blockquote][/blockquote][/font][/justify]

[addy-hime ♥]

I was not so stupid as to ignore the real threat here: Len'autre Asato. The clone was powerful and fast, but I knew for a fact that he was moreso, given our extensive time together. I could still remember when he threatened to riddle my body with a countless number of paper shuriken. That was why, when my Chakram had been let loose, I did not simply stop to watch the outcome—the clone could take care of itself, I had no obligation to protect it—I turned my attention to my real opponent.

It was already nearly too late. It took my hands a single second to form the trio of handseals I needed, and already his lance was nearly on me, given to his abominable speed in this paper form. The power of wind that encased my legs and I jumped over him took me 10 meters into the air, exploiting his hesitation: he refused to pierce me with that lance, so of course he would have assumed that, at the distance he managed to obtain, I was without a way to dodge him. It was singularly that mindset that had given me a sudden advantage, if only for a moment.

It was always fun when things started to add up and happen simultaneously. His clone was already dragging itself forward for a suicide attack against my own, and we were barely 3 meters apart from them at this awkward angle. It took only a thought for my will to be taken up: the clone let out a high-pitch laugh and exploded in a whirl of chakra. Not fire, no—my pure chakra, which I had split with it. The power of it would be enough to consume the paper clone's body completely, destroying any paper that could possibly have attempted to mold together and reform. Likewise, it licked quickly across the ground in a 15 meter diameter from the focal point that would surely include Asato as well.

Gravity had already begun to take effect; I was falling to the ground, prepared for the impact in the best way possible. The chakram had been recalled to its master at last, caught mid-air as I angled to throw the bladed compression of air at Asato's head, should he not be sufficiently distracted by the explosion. This was a tricky situation, because when I landed I would be close-range to the man who could easily flick his arm and slit my throat with his lance, but there was nothing I could do now.

SPOILER: Click to show

Dai Yakushin ( 10 m jump. )
Rank: D, D
Type: Supplementary / Fuuton Ninjutsu
Range: 5 - 50 meters
Chakra: Low [Very Low]*
Special: At the basic level, this technique allows the user to jump 5 meters. Each time retrained, however, another 5 meters are added on, until they have reached a maximum of 50 meters.
Description: Fuuton has a variety of uses, primarily offensive in nature, but this technique is one of the exceptions. The user performs three handseals and focuses their chakra into their legs. When they leap from their position, the wind itself will help them lengthen the height of their jump. By using more or less chakra the exact height can be controlled, but it does require a good judge of distance and fair chakra control to perform correctly.
Domain: Fuuton.

Bunshin Bakuha ( 1 clone explodes. )
Rank: A
Type: Offensive / Ninjutsu / Kinjutsu
Range: 15 meter diameter explosion
Chakra: Very High [High]*
Special: Initially, only one clone can be detonated at a time. When re-learned, one additional clone may be exploded simultaneous with each purchase. Forfeits all forms of chakra return from clones to user.
Description: A follow up technique to the regular Kage Bunshin, Bunshin Bakuha is an advanced ninjutsu technique utilized by highly skilled and ranked shinobi in order for them to detonate a regular Shadow Clone at impressive levels. Once a normal Kage Bunshin is created, the user can detonate the clone at any time to form a very large explosion. The entire amount of chakra left within the clone forms the energy behind the blast, and although it lacks fiery properties, the sudden blast and subsequent implosion/explosion phase is enough to blast through rock easily, leaving serious dents in steel/metal creations
Domain: Kage Bunshin.

* See previous chakra reduction note.
** Very Low drain for Kaze no Chakram.

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[Comatose]

The explosion of Youka's clone was something I hadn't expected. When it laughed, and subsequently exploded it took my clone with it in one fell swoop. Unable to reform, it was subjected to the explosions might, going up a blaze of hot chakra. Unfortunately, there was no way for me to protect it against that, though it had served it's purpose. After the realization that there was a clone, all I had intended for my own clone to do was distract that one.

The explosion and chakram had not distracted me in the least. It was a simple task to judge both the might of the explosion and the chakram by evaluating how they acted upon the paper of the clone before it was felled. I did not stop or turn my head in any way, and continued forth. My lance had disappeared, and my hand returned to a normal state. With a simple last burst of speed and leap, I would catch the girl just before she touched down upon the earth, both the explosion and the chakram putting not a scratch in my frame.

"Hi."

Grin.

[addy-hime ♥]

Was it bad that my biggest urge just then was to wipe that smug grin off his face with the bladed edge of my chakram? Yes, I decided, that was probably very un-wifely of me. Instead, I slid my arms around his neck, holding myself tighter to him as my body trembled. The rush of the battle, and the realization that I would have died if he had been an enemy, struck me with full force. I released my hold on my chakra; the chakram dissipated, stopping its annoyingly small drain on what was essentially part of my life force.

"Does this mean you win?" I asked quietly, lips tugging into what I knew was a childish pout. I never expected myself to beat him, but to be taken down so easily hurt my pride. What did he possibly think of me, his fiance, who could do little more than throw toys around?

"How was I?"

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[Comatose]

I knew that she would feel like if she had lost easily, or I had won without effort, but that was not the case. It was not a problem of tactics or even missed opportunities, but rather a problem with power. None of her techniques could even scratch me in my paper form, and that was what had done her in so quickly and decisively. If that explosion especially, had been a bit more powerful, I would have taken significant damage. I had only half-expected her clone to
explode, and not nearly with such ferocity.

"I think it does, though, if those attacks had packed a bit more punch, I would have been done in. If that explosion was stronger, you would have won."

My own head leaned down to hers, and applied a kiss on her pouting lips.

"You were more amazing that I had imagined."

[addy-hime ♥]

"Hm."

I eyed him up skeptically, not entirely believing his compliments, but the kiss was enough to stymy my worries for a while. In reality, I knew Asato would never let me get hurt, so my fighting prowess meant very little ... But what if I was caught alone? What if I was required to do battle and there was no one around to protect me? As a Kage, it is imperative that I become stronger—I needed to protect my village. More importantly, I needed to feel that the Shikigami and I were equal, partners, before our marriage could take place. I refused to be dependent upon him forever.

"Even still, we'll have to try this again at a later date. Can we go home now?" I leaned up and returned his kiss, tightening my grip on him even further. Obviously, I was in the mindset that since I was dead, he would have to carry me home. Hmph!


exit!

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