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A spark would sudden ignite an intrigue that could no longer be ignored. This spark, while initially coming from the friction between the two competitors had quickly flickered into an engrossing ember that would suddenly come to control the young man and his next course of action. As the two dark pools would recognize what appeared to be a bomb, they would additionally recognize what it was that this bomb was capable of. Whether it be poison, smoke, shrapnel or flame, a foreign object emerging in the heat of battle meant only one thing: danger. As the ball would be hurled forward, it would ignite, revealing its contents placidly to the young man who would remain underwhelmed. For as this fawn would bark her offensive content at the Yamanaka, it would only signal to the hunter that the prey was soon to be taken. Never being one for close combat, Kurai had recently been exposed to the advantages of his affinity against those using the water element. Of course, while he had no idea what affinity this fawn would carry, he was more than aware of the location of the only source of water that would run through the battlefield. While the tree had been his instrument of choice in the previous round, his suiton-favoring enemy had revealed to him a valuable lesson: water intensifies lightning. It had been an unexpected treasure in the previous round, but it was a much predicted treasure much more recently. While not intending to lure her to the stream at the very start of the match, she nonetheless had been capable of leading herself there. However, his plan would meet an unexpected fault in the form of her recently produced smoke grenade. The tool would fly through the air, instantly obscuring whatever vision he held of her. However, that did not mean that he was unaware of her last position. As soon as the smoke presented itself, he would go to work. His hands moving at a speed that would go to show just how much he was ready to advance to the next level of shinobi. This rate of symbols, seals and shapes that his hands would create was impressive to say the least, but would make it all the more impressive was that the jutsu he had chosen to perform had to be perfectly timed as well. With the smoke separating the two of them, he was left only to assume what it was that she was up to, and for her the same. With the plume of smoke engaging more the battlefield ,it would be impossible to predict where it was that she would move to, but as the cloud would begin to dissipate, things got a bit simpler.

Three women now stood in front of him, with only one standing out from the rest. While it would be simple to assume that it would be this one that would hold the most value, it was a simple trick that he had also witnessed in the previous round, however, on the opposite end. If this girl was capable of making it this far into the tournament, all the way to the final round, it would be foolish of him to underestimate her. While was no where near sure, the only thing that was, was that regardless, all of these clones were an equal threat to him, and had to be eliminated as soon as possible. As his hand seals would finish, and the smoke would clear, the change in scenery would begin to set in. The endless white that would only be brightened by the iron walls around them would grow an eerie gray, with an almost instant storm covering a small portion of the battlefield. It was almost cartoonish; the speed and intensity of the storm, and yet as it appeared atop the three fawn, waiting to be shot down, it's reality would quickly prove itself. While the technique had been intended to attack where he could assume her position, it would now be used to flush her out, eliminating all possibilities that she would be foolish enough to stay exposed, thinking that her clones would confuse him.

Bright flashes would clash together, gnashing and tearing away towards the three women. With the three of them being the central and only focus of the technique, the constant torrent of electricity would tear away at them from a relatively point blank range, the massive cloud both hiding and isolating them from the rest of the arena. As the dark clouds would surround and attack them, it would leave Kurai a small amount of time to make his way away from the wall, and in a circular motion towards the back of the three, hopefully distracting them with the threat of lightning bolts tearing away at them. Additionally, with the three of them having been unfortunate to have been summoned stationary, the added effect of the stream would only assist the attack, the three of them feeling the full brunt of the attack intended for only their creator. Of course, with the three of them standing on water, it would only be assumed that the water would feel the harshness of the fangs to a certain degree as well. With two beady eyes staring into the demise of the women, his legs rapidly carrying him across the battlefield, his hands would quickly thrust themselves into his pockets, reaching for two items essential for the inevitable follow-up for his enemy if she would reveal herself.

Where are you, my prey?

SPOILER: Click to show

Ikadzuchi no Kiba (Lightning Bolt Fang)
Rank: B [C Ranked Cost]
Type: Offensive / Raiton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra: High [Mid]
Special: Distance the user can cast the sphere and diameter of the lightning plume striking area depends on the user's highest 'Karai Shin' range. Storm lasts 1 turn, plus 1 more each time retrained.
Description: Universally known yet still very dangerous, the Lightning Bolt Fang is an ‘area of effect/attack’ technique; essentially, once the user finishes the required seals, to their eyes only, a sphere appears before them, along the ground wherever they choose to target. With the target selected, a storm quickly falls onto that area, several levels of intense lightning sent to wash over and shock all organic material within range. The storm is even so intense that the lightning plumes last for the whole turn. The closer one is towards the central stream of lightning, the more damage they shall suffer.
Domain: Raiton. Karai Shin 'B'.

SPOILER: Click to show

1 kunai prepped.
1 baku tag prepped.

It wasn't long before the enemy would make sure that it wasn't going to be an easy victory. However, this was the portion of the battle that Kurai had been waiting for, the shift between advantages was enticing to say the least. He had overpowered his enemy for a short while, having created a sizable amount of backup in the form of lightning clones, however it was time for a small change of pace. His position had left him at a small distance disadvantage, and while it would allow him a place to hide effectively, it would cut down on the time left for him to attack his enemy effectively. His enemy, obviously skilled, would not make the same sacrifice however. Within an instant, a rush of iron would course the cold, dead air of Tetsu no Kuni. However the stress of his movements were a not as merciless as they were stressful. His weapon, however odd was not as linear as it could have been. The unpredictability was the mysteriously long weapon's strong point, however it's length was it's weakness. Quickly soaring through the sky at an ungodly pace the primary clone would duck the dangerous creep of the blade's tip. Continuing to approach the young man, his choice to stay stationary would allow the doppelgangers to reach the perfect formation. The young shinobi's eyes would awaken to see two of his three opponents. However, as the cord of his weapon would cut through the air towards the tree behind it two shreds of iron would follow up behind it to attack from a different perspective entirely. However the shuriken would curl through the air in an attempt to cut off the clone's life, it was fairly simple to avoid them. The young man, was taking a very kenjutsu approach, and Kurai could appreciate that. As the bold black eyes of the malicious Yamanaka would peer at the battle through the artificial eyes of his creations, he could read his enemy. The more that the battle continued, the more that he could see the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent. A taijutsu user with an appreciation for weapons, specifically mid-ranged weapons. Additionally, he favored a more straight-forward approach in combat, which would play directly into Kurai's hands.

The magnificent black kimono that would float atop his lanky frame distorted from the speed of the doppleganger. As the primary clone's torso would lower to the cool of the ground, his exposed ninjato would slice through the snow, in an attempt to close ground. In front of him, the other clone would take a leap through the air, his legs curling into his chest as he would make a sloppy front flip towards the man's position. With the black cloth flowing gracefully against the contours of his thick, white bandages that would snug tightly against his frame, he would appear to be some form of apparition, multiplied of course. With a skillful, yet simple dodge of the shuriken, the flip would land him extremely close to the shinobi [1 meter], his feet skidding against the slick white snow as he would quickly draw his own ninjato in preparation to attack him. His eyes constantly visiting the entirety of the tall Kusa-nin's body he would appear to almost wait for his counterattack before performing his own vicious stab, the blade already aimed directly at him. The primary clone, to the enemy's right, would reach him almost instantly, unbarred by his counterattack to thrust his ninjato directly at his thigh, his golden eyes vibrant with anticipation, as he would stare upward at the rest of the man's body, ready to react to any sort of retaliation or evasion. Meanwhile, still behind him the final, unseen, clone would course through the battlefield, just out of range of the battle ensuing between the Kusa-nin and Kurai's two other clones. He would remain still for the most part, moving only to maintain his position in the enemy's blind spot just behind his assumed field of vision, his body tucked close to the ground, eyes dripping with anticipation.

Meanwhile, the real Kurai would complete the odd gestures at his chest from the seclusion of the tree, his eyes stealthily focused on the ensuing battle below him. His body would cling to the bark like a shadow, his stone face meticulously continuing to judge and experience the abilities of his opponent. It was important to. All of this information would be necessary to complete his next jutsu, and even more so to ensure that his next technique would be his last. Holding the hand seal at his chest, he was prepared to initiate the technique as soon as the ninja would fall for his trap, of either diminishing the number of clones that had begun to swarm him, or being unable to diminish them at all. There was no doubt in the man's mind that he was in fact skilled with his weapons, but Kurai had yet to see a technique that came from the shinobi. He was saving a trump card, that was for sure, but as for what? That had yet to be discovered. He hadn't had time to create a proper hand seal, which could have been the reason for his lack of techniques, and yet if Kurai were in his position, that would not have been the case. Regardless however, this man had no hope. Surrounded, he was facing an enemy that would lavish in their own defeat, allowing a hasty victory for the Kumogakure, however he had yet to discover this, and when he did, that would be the end of him.

SPOILER: Click to show

Raiton Bunshin no Jutsu (Shocking Clone Technique)
Rank: C, C, C
Type: Supplementary / Raiton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra: Mid [Low]
Special: Up to one clone can be made at a time, plus one more each time retrained. Because of its light essence, most physical strikes pass through the clone, and when struck, the clone's thundery essence submits whatever struck it with intense shocks, as if it had just struck the center of lightning bolt delivered directly from Zeus himself. Clone cannot perform any jutsu, but when defeated, it explodes in a burst of bolts, spreading its shocking essence everywhere. Explosion range covers 5 meters all around the clone, and leave victims caught in it paralyzed for a whole turn, friend and foe alike. User's 'Karai Shin' range determines how far the clones can travel from the user before dissipating, and once the user exits the thread in which they were created, clones automatically disperse.
Description: With this technique, the Raiton user is able to call upon aid from a perfect copy of themselves. Comprised purely of lightning, this clone retains the user movement speed and can share linked mental judgement. Best of all, due to its flowing essence, many solid attacks pass through the clone, shocking instead whatever was used to strike them. Finally, when defeated, the clone explodes into a storm of lightning that aims to take over the nearest opponent available, taking over their body whole as it is shocked.
Domain: Raiton. Karai Shin 'C'.

B Rank Jutsu Prepped.

ooc: Wasn't entirely sure as to which clones you attacked so I improvised. I hope this makes sense with your post?

The battle began in a heartbeat. Within an instant the complete lack of movement that both men embraced had transformed into a full on assault from both parties. This young man, whose name was still yet to be uttered would waste no time closing the space between himself and Kurai. Utilizing a flashy spinning technique, he would attempt to hide the launch of a flurry of small throwing stars, unsuccessfully. However, the speed of the projectiles were rapid to say the least, and with them closing in on him, he would be left with little time to react. Of course, this would assume that it was the shuriken that would cause his reaction. Instead it would be the short steps taken before bursting off into a run that would trigger the Yamanaka's defenses.

While versed in hand-to-hand combat, he was far from proficient in it. With a sudden burst in speed towards the tall, thin man, his opponent would obviously favor a closer encounter. While miniature to say the least, it was a clue nonetheless, and would help Kurai determine just how to size this man up. The first portion of this battle had to be used effectively, and without too much exertion. Flipping his arms away from his chest, the long, lanky arms of the mummy would crash into each other, his hands clapping together to form a short sequence of hand seals that many Kumo-nin would be familiar to. An outsider however would only be surprised by the instant charge towards the attacker, assisting him in closing space. However, as the shuriken would slide from the fingertips of the enemy, the technique would commit itself. Chakra would surge through Kurai's incredibly long figure, his entire body appearing to be consumed by some ungodly illumination. Within another instant a quick, vibrant flash would erupt throughout the battlefield, blinding all those unfortunate to be within the range of the explosion. To an unfamiliar ninja it would easily appear to be some from of self-destruction, but to those who knew the secret of the technique would quickly discover the new hidden presence of the shinobi.

With Kurai's back against the tree. His hands would continue to compress themselves into various signals and shapes, the tall dark contrast of his patch black kimono would appear like some sort of parasite against the massive white bark of the deadened tree. It wouldn't give him an incredible advantage, but it would allow him enough distance to commit to his own sort of attack. With his back to the tree, and his dark, abysmal eyes facing his enemy he would have left him blinded, with a position far enough to continue his ninjutsu-based assault. His body would conform to that of the tree, as tall as he possibly could be, with his legs straight yet ajar, prepared to launch him in any direction if need be.

SPOILER: Click to show

脱兎の CHISOKU INADZUMA NO JUTSU
Rank: C [D Rank Cost]
Type: Ninjutsu / Offensive
Range: 10 meters
Special: Chisoku Inadzuma no Jutsu is an expansion of Shunshin no Jutsu. Meaning the uses correlate with Shunshin no Jutsu. One use of Chisoku Inadzuma no Jutsu takes away a usage of Shunshin no Jutsu. The user only needs to learn this once, to continue the usages of Chisoku Inadzuma no Jutsu one simply learns Shunshin no Jutsu over again.
Description: Everything is practically mimicked from Shunshin no Jutsu. However the only difference with Chisoku Inadzuma no Jutsu is raiton chakra is used to blind the victim whom is looking upon the user before the technique happens. This blinding lightning is enough to cause a simple distraction so anyone looking upon the user can’t read the Shunshin and where the user is headed. The simple blinding lightning appears automatically for the user, blinding anyone looking upon the user from 20 meters away and requires no extra timing. The potency of the flash obviously weakens the further the victim is from the user. Anyone 10 meters or less from the user is blinded for one post. Someone 11 through 20 meters away is blinded for half a post. Meaning this technique is practically the same as Shunshin no Jutsu minus the small blinding of lightning. Sadly however, this technique will surly give away the users location if they’re being stealthy.
Domain: Raiton; Shunshin no Jutsu; Kumogakure Exclusive

Prepping 1 Jutsu.

ooc: Shunshined in front of the tree which I would assume is to the side of you, or a bit behind you. Still facing you though.

Isolation. It defined this ant farm that these two men would find themselves trapped inside of. The soothing calm of the river would create an ambiance within this hectic scenario. The jeering crowd would coincide with the bloodthirsty sport that this coliseum would contain. However it was this quiet stream that would drown out their screams. The earth, covered in a cold white mask would do well to keep his body cool, his bandaged feet somehow calm surrounded by the slush that would make up the ground in which both men stood. While the arena appeared to be a shell of what he knew this compound to be, it would suffice for now, and it would be sure to ensure his quick victory, or sudden demise. The dreams were over, the sphere had been a temporary lapse that each of these genin would have to suffer, however, the world was in their hands now. They would be the ones to decide their fates from this point forward. A tinge of excitement would escape the heavily bandaged shinobi that would stand to oppose the Kusagakure ninja that would stand a mere thirty meters away. It was his unnamed opponent that would envelope all of the young man's focus. He was tall, but Kurai could tell he had the slight height advantage, though from this distance it was a bit difficult to tell. He would have to get a bit closer to size the young man up a bit more.

A short, draping kimono would swing above the knees of the shinobi, his headband gleaming in what limited light the two would share, his vibrant gold eyes staring viciously at the flesh that would soon expose itself as a threat. They were quite different, these two. While this man appeared to be quiet fit, Kurai was the opposite. The definition of sickly, his muscles would appear to be nothing more than the result of his lack of sustenance. His vicious features visible through the thick rolls of bandages that would appear to cover every inch of his body, aside from the two devilish eyes that would peer through the contrast of the snow that would surround the two of them. Of course the proctor would join them, however he was not the focus, after all, it wasn't his blood that Kurai longed for. While far from sadistic, his ambition was ardent, and his means would no doubt be violent. Oh how he detested violence. However, as a shinobi it was inevitable. Perhaps if this man stayed in one piece during the course of this battle, there was a possibility of him serving as a decent pawn. It was far too early to judge.

"What an unfortunate turn of events that you have me as your opponent." A silky, invading voice would relay from the lips of the lanky young man.

The volume was minuscule to say the least, speaking as though his opponent was directly in front of him.

No answer. As Kurai's echoed words would fall upon deaf ears, it would become quickly obvious that these two men, the wounded ninja and the battered samurai was nothing more than the remnants of a faulty artificial intelligence. His eyes wincing at the wasted time, he would soon realize what risk he had left himself open to the enemy he had hoped to gain the upper hand upon. These two men, or rather, these two shells of men were completely useless. Refusing to even acknowledge his call to them, his decision to protect them would quickly waver. If they could not react to him, were they worthy of being saved? This philosophical conundrum would plague the young man's head; but only for an instant. The sudden pounding of the impending footsteps, the cold shadow of a heartless giant approaching him leaving him with no real time to do much other than act. These two AI shells were incompetent enough to not heed a call, which meant that they had forsaken their use to both Tetsu no Kuni and Kumogakure no Sato. They were dead men from the very start of this simulation. Their only hope was for Kurai to pick them up and drag them to safety, however with the current scenario, there was no safety. The size of this beast was gargantuan. There was nothing outside of his reach. With a grotesque figure, it was the embodiment of power; a power that was limited only to the fears and imagination of the golden eyed shinobi that would soon be forced to oppose it. It was the largest threat as of now. Trumping all forms of crow and samurai, it had to be defeated before he could deal with any of the whelps that would parade behind it, drunk with the influence of its power.

As his arms would crunch into his sides, his hands folded into the seal of his bloodline, he would make his first move to eliminate this thread. The shadow casting over his androgynous frame would cast him into a state of temporary madness, a virtual blood lust caressing his carelessness with a heightened sense of awareness. He wanted to see the anguish on the face of this monster as its limbs would be sucked into oblivion. He wanted to see its tears, its screams, its scratches, and most importantly, the loss of hope in the eyes of its subordinates. He could see the beast watching him, wanting to perform the same evil deeds to Kurai. They shared in each others need for success. It would feel good to crush Kurai into nothingness. While the giant didn't appear functional enough to speak, Kurai could feel his emotion, no matter how artificial it was. However, his enemy would be determined to change that. Quickly, the shadow of this hulk would be overpowered by an unnatural cloud. His eyes widening, he would quickly shift his attention to the sky. Eyes wide, the focus onto impending defeat would narrow towards him. With plenty of time to evade properly, considering the arch in the arrows, Kurai's focus would only increase. However, he couldn't waste time by canceling this technique. He had to destroy this giant, without being impaled simultaneously. Only one option was left to him.

"Fuuma Ninpou – Arijigoku no Jutsu." The course language would ooze from his lips as his body would fall limp under the weight of this artificial gravity, taking little focus on its well being.

Loosening his footing, the bare legs of the shinobi would crash against the course exterior of the very boulder he would perch upon. It was of decent size, and as the arched arrows would grow ever closer, it would serve as his only protection. Lowering himself roughly and carelessly into the crevice of two boulders, his incredibly slim body would slip through a thin enclave, natural to the mountain. While he would suffer little injury from the fall, finding himself in the small, open crevice he would take little time to recover and reposition himself. The constant smashing and snapping around him would send the young man into a small seizure of flinches. His hands thrusting behind his head as his knees would crawl into his chest, his fetal position would reflect his fear. His teeth clenching together tightly he could only hope that his plan would be effective. his previous perch would serve as the primary shield, with the opposing boulder operating as a secondary defense. Finally, with his body tucked into the enclave of rock, he would have no trouble evading the arrows. Even if his attack would disrupt the rock formation, the opportunity for falling rocks would allot him plenty of space to evade. Meanwhile, the effects of his technique would take place instantly. Having gauged the distance of the giant for quite some time, his secret technique would crop up below the thick, slow legs of the monster. As if it's natural predator, the earth would take vengeance on the heavy steps of this unnatural creation. The ground would instantly take on a quick funnel-like appearance below the monster's legs. While it was far from big enough to envelope the entire giant, it would be more than enough to stop it in its tracks, as well as the unseen trainer at the top of its head. The sinkhole would drag all within its path into nothingness. The legs of the beast, or the bodies of incompetent archers which would follow a bit too close behind it, they would soon realize that this peak was far from their control. It would be a crushing blow to the lumbering beast that would find it hard to evade considering its speed. With one down, and an untold number left, a deep breath would envelope the man's lungs as he would thrust his head back towards the massive murder of crows, their numbers having decreased almost entirely after the rain of arrows. Only a small portion would present themselves, and as he would stare at them, his hands quickly folding into another seal, he could hear a faint, yet familiar voice. Had the crows spoken to him? A bit shaken from the arrows, the shinobi would gasp out an answer, weakly wavering to the temptation of further assistance.

"What use do a group of crows have against an army of armed men?" He would shout out to whichever manner of animal had made contact with him. "More importantly, why should I trust them?"

He had spent a decent amount of chakra with that last attack. It would be beneficial to gain a small breather before exposing himself to the army once again. However, if these crows were in fact capable of benefiting him, he would not pass up the opportunity to gain a few new 'assets.'

ooc: Maintaining the current posting order. Hax @ Kunieda. Kurai was talking to the Samurai + Kumo-nin, not Atlas and Akiyuki, but w/e.

SPOILER: Click to show

Fuuma Ninpou – Arijigoku no Jutsu (Ant-Lion Technique)
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Ninjutsu
Range: 20 meters
Special: A single secret handseal must be held for the duration of the absoprtion.
Description: Basic yet horrendously powerful as the user's skill in the clan arts evolve, Ninpou: Arijigoku no Jutsu is a signature Fumma Clan secret ninjutsu technique. Living up to the "Kagerou" (Ant-Lion) monicher, the clan member will form a large conical crater in the ground which will draw and trap careless opponents, sucking them in at rapid levels. Regardless of surface structure, the Fuuma's advanced chakra manipulation abilities allows them to create a space-time rupture at the trageted area, swallowing said area and anything in contact with it for the entire post before reverting back to normal. Victims are never heard from again, and no trace of their act is left behind.
Domain: Fuuma Clan.

With his hands still reaching high, the extent of his armament became evident. Quickly wrapping his fingers around the rope belt which would hold the extent of his known equipment, he would slide it from his waist, creating a slump of it on the ground next to body which had accompanied him here. This would continue to spark the curiosity of the five-man cell, though it would only be the leader that would voice his actual interest in the body, after all, he had been the only one to communicate with the bandaged man since his appearance in this wasteland. His hand slowly moving back to the handle of his rickshaw, the leader would begin to approach the young man, closing ground slowly, allowing him time to slowly back away from the body. However, as he did so, the eyes of the two men never left each other, both of them cautious of the other's intentions. The four other men would follow closely behind, the wooden wheels of their rickshaws creaking to the sound of their bounty against the ground. As the space between the group would close between the solitary man, his appearance would become all the clearer. It was then that they would realize the horrifying image of what they were witnessing.

Sharp black pools would cut through the brightly colored exterior that these men stood within. The bright rays of the sun would only be amplified by the clouds which loomed over them in an almost ironic action. Powerful golden irides would peer through the darkness of his eyes, giving him an unholy appearance. These were the eyes of the devil, the eyes of a man with no soul. His stare was magnificent. As he would peer into the innocent blue eyes of the criminal, it would go to show just how pitiful this life had been for the man. He could now see the truth behind evil, and he did not fit the description. Shuttering beneath the piles of furs and fabric, he would also take notice to the monstrous height of this man. He was thin, evident from the lack of muscle that would hide behind his bandages, with the power of his eyes almost acting as the beacons of a light house. Forcing himself to look away from the intoxicating stare of the young man, he would take quick notice to the pile of equipment that would soon be before him. next to this massive rope belt would lay the body of someone dressed very similar to the villagers that they had recently dealt with. He was tall and slender. With long, heavy brown garbs covering his body, it was clear that his skin had grown cold, and without any sort of protection from the elements, his body had fallen tot he whim of the elements. If he was indeed alive, it wouldn't last long. While the leader would lower his head, in an attempt to ignore the large young man now at the side of the road, his subordinates would appear a bit more bold. As each would lower their heads, taking a cursory glance at the young man before moving on, the final, and no doubt youngest of the group would build the courage to break the silence.

"Who is this man?" He would demand at the mysterious figure.

Behind the bandages, a grin would become evident, what manner of ferocity behind them luckily remaining just as mysterious as the rest of him. However, as he would open his mouth to reply, he would speak clearly enough for the entire group to hear; the rest of them having stopped upon the announcement of the inquiry. The leader of the group would glare at the young yakuza, however couldn't be too cross with him. He was wondering the same thing.