[Senju Kazuto]

The Senju stood before the building with hands inside his pockets. His eyes stoically looking the rundown edifice before his eyes finally settled unto the hastily arranged sign that read "The Drunken Monkey". An eyebrow was raised the selection of the name. He hadn't expected Yusuke to suddenly become a poet and go for a elaborate name but drunken monkey seemed like the first name that had come up in his mind and thus it felt lazy. As he got closer, the lack of maintenance that the building had suffered from its former owner and tenants became more apparent as he got closer. Someone ripped off Yusuke. He thought as he looked the place and his hand reached for the doorknob. With a single twist the door was opened and the ANBU shook his head. He needs to work on his security. He thought was more as he looked around, the inside of the bar was for the better, somewhat orderly as boxes were stacked against corners and there were very few bottles of alcohol on top of the counter. Moving behind the counter, he would begin to climb the stairs up to the apartment, his footsteps silent as he ascended to the second floor. He followed the growing sound of snoring and the rank stench that seemed to be the mixture of a drunkard and a damp stench of sweat and mold. He stopped next to the door that he assumed that it could only be Yusuke. Holding his breath, he opened the door just enough to pick and gain a glimpse of his friends golden spiky hair. No trace of red. Good. She's not here. It'll make things easier. Kazuto though as his hand went to one of his pockets and retrieved a small orb. With a casual flick he tossed it through the crook of the door and began to walk away as he whistled a jolly tune for himself, his mind doing the silent countdown of what was about to happen. Three... Two... One. Right on queue a string of seven bangs was heard, the sound of exploding fireworks loud enough to disorient anyone by itself, but in concert with others it would've been enough to paralyze people with fear and discomfort. Bright lights would follow the sounds and even as he had closed the door, he could see the flashes coming from beneath the door one after another in successive way. He leaned against a wall, arms crossed and awaited for Yusuke to get up.

-tag- Yusuke Sarutobi -words- 431 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yusuke Sarutobi]

Yusuke returned to The Drunken Monkey after sunset. His day had been spent visiting various members of the Sarutobi clan. He had honestly been surprised how quickly be had learned to throw together his political platform when the elders of the clan and various powers at be began throwing questions his way. He had always had a way with words, though often times his tongue got him in trouble.

I'm these particular conversations it had served him well. He had explained his hope to nurture the village. To spread the will of fire to all of Konho's inhabitants. While his criticisms that the Sarutobi had lost something along the way, that defending the village was not the same as inspiring its growth, had been grumbled about there had been little argument. He was slowly gaining support.

Once home Yusuke had set to work fixing the coy fish fountain in the bar. It had taken several hours. He began by cleaning the old stone, washing off grime and algea that had accumulated before pulling out the mechanical parts. The motor had needed cleaned and greased, and he had found several clogs in the line that had required some attention. As the evening became night however he poured several buckets of water into the fountain and was extatic to see the flow of water running from the coy fish's mouths. A few drinks later and he had turned in for a good nights sleep.

Until all hell broke loose.

The first explosion of sound brought Yusuke out of his sleep. He was wearing nothing but a comfortable pair of sweatpants and his hair was sticking up on his left side where seconds before he had been comfortably lying on his pillow. The second explosion rang out with a flash of light and Yusuke leapt out of bed, his motions fueled by panic as the series of flashes and sound hit him.

He managed to grab a kunai he had been using to cut an apple before bed off his nightstand and threw himself over the flashbombs and into the door, swearing in a fit of words that would have made even sailors tell him to watch his mouth.

He hit the door forcefully enough that the frame cracked and it swung out on its hinges, spilling Yusuke into the hall. He landed in a heavy roll and sprang to his feet in a low crouch, his kunai gripped in his hand as his eyes darted around his living room in a frenzied panic.

And he saw Kazuto, casually meaning against his living room wall, as if they had made plans to meet there.

"What the hell Kazuto?" Yusuke shouted, falling and lying on his back, looking up at the man. The adrenaline in his veins still crashing through him from the sudden surprise.

"Its the middle of the night? Why are you trying to give me a heart attack?" He said between deep breaths. His empty hand clutching his chest.

[Senju Kazuto]

Kazuto took a bite of an apple as he heard the symphony of explosions, one after the other followed by the screams and expletives that made him raise an eyebrow in surprise out of the colorful language that his friend could have. When Yusuke emerged from his room, dazzled, confused and with a hand over his beating chest, he could only raise his hand in a salute as he heard his friend's complaints. And although these were valid, if his friend was to train under him then he would be submitted to a the standards to shake off the laziness that had plagued him, then he would have to survive to Kazuto's methods. "Well." He began as he took another bite from the apple, swallowing the bite before continuing. "I did say when you less expect it. Clearly, you weren't expecting it there." The Senju said as he nodded towards the door and began to walk towards it. As he entered, Yusuke's room was messier than what he had seen before, the remnants of the flash grenade were scattered about, the mattress had been kicked and small boxes filled with belongings now lay disorganized. Bottles of alcohol were spread in groupings of three or four, and dirty laundry was still about the room in the form of small mounts accumulated here and there. And the stench of a drunk man and sweat remained, making him wonder if someone had died here or if Yusuke had taken someone here at all, ignoring the odor that made Kazuto's nose wrinkle. He turned to the Sarutobi and shook his head. "This won't do though, this needs to be cleaned, Yusuke. Training will serve of nothing if you return to this. You ought to be organized in an out." As the Senju began to take a last bite from the apple, he casually flicked its heart to a garbage can in the far side of the room, managing to land his shot without the heart even touching the rim. "Clean this up, then we'll go to train, you have one hour, if its not sufficiently cleaned, you lose a training day." He said, as he left the room and leaned to the wall, crossing his arms before his chest and closed his eyes.

-tag- Yusuke Sarutobi -words- 390 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yusuke Sarutobi]

Kazuto saluted Yusuke as if being in the Sarutobi's house in the middle of the night and ambushing him with flash bombs was an everyday occurrence. He casually took a bite of his apple as Yusuke sat up. Kazuto spoke, reminding Yusuke of the words Kazuto had said when agreeing to train him.

"I mean....okay." He said with a defeated sigh.

He rose as Kazuto reached his door. The man gave the room a once over before shaking his head. He finished his apple, spoke and Yusuke's jaw dropped.

"Cleaning? The first thing you are going to have me do is clean?" He said shocked.

Kazuto stood in the hall, crossed his arms and closed his eyes.

Yusuke walked into his room grumbling as he reached the kicked over bed.

"...thinks he's my freaking mother now." He mumbled quietly.

He flipped the bad back to its proper position, and froze. The bed felt lighter than it should have. Yusuke looked down at his arms and smiled. No, he was lighter than he should be. He didn't sleep in his weights, though they were the first things he put in in the morning. Without them he realized he felt feather light, and an idea struck him.

He moved out of the room and to his small kitchen. His entire apartment still needed unpacked for the most part. Everything was sorted at least so he hoped Kazuto wouldn't complain.

He grabbed a trash bag, a small box of cleaning supplies and two laundry hampers and returned to his room. He left the hampers in the hall, just outside the door. He dropped the box of cleaning supplies on the bed, and then looped his arms through the drawstring of the trash bag, it hanging before his chest.

He walked over to his nightstand, tapped a button in the radio there and fast paced music began to fill the room. Yusuke bobbed his head with the tempo.

"Let's do this." He said smiling.

And he moved. Without his weights he felt free and he launched himself into the air in a flip. His right hand planted itself on the floor, where a shirt lay and he grabbed it, flipping again and throwing the shirt. It hit the wall of the hallway and fell into the laundry basket he had brought. His feet hit the wall and he kicked off lightly, his body moving through the room as his arms lashed out and grabbed a set of bottles, stashing them in the trash bag strapped to his chest.

He was a tornado of movement. Flips, spins, hand springs, and with each one he was either grabbing clothes to toss out to his hamper or picking up trash. It was a frenzy of motion and after perhaps fifteen minutes he landed, took off the trash bag, tied it and tossed it out into the hall.

He grabbed cleaner, spraying it and wiping in steady rythmatic motions. Dust and grime vanishing in seconds. As he moved he grabbed objects out of their boxes, tossing some and placing fragile things.

He concluded his cleaning and hit the button to his radio, turning off the music. He turned to take in the room.

The bed was made, there were no clothes or trash to be seen. The writing desk in the corner was dusted and his things were sorted and placed on it. The shelves against the wall above his dresser were now occupied with trinkets, books, records, and the like.

He looked down at himself, grinning. He was sindded faster, more agile, than he had been before. Perhaps training wasn't always a bad thing.

He sprayed some air freshener as he left, leaving his room smelling of lavender. He tossed the trash bag beside the kitchen trash to be taken out later and picked up the hampers, stashing them in the small utility room.

He smacked his hands together to clear off some dust and smiled at Kazuto.

"Alright boss. We all good here?"

[Senju Kazuto]

"Don't give me lip, boy" Kazuto said in a lighthearted tone as he allowed the Sarutobi to march and begin the first of his tasks. Although he meant it more than a joke, Yusuke had said that he would listen to his words and do whatever he told him to do. He awaited for his friend to come back, hearing to the sounds of cleaning going on as he kept his eyes closed in a form of meditation. Before long, he would hear his friend come back, slapping his hands together and catching his attention. His eyes opened and turned to his watch, an eyebrow rose in a surprised manner. "You finished with ten minutes to spare." He said as she nodded approvingly. Going to the room in question and inspecting it. The faults that he had seen were now gone, the room itself whilst not as clean as he would've liked, it was clearly a progress. Of course he still had to unpack and to remove the remnant scent of a dead drunken man, but if he had to choose to sleep in this room, Kazuto would not put any complaint about he. He turned to Yusuke and nodded once more. "It's acceptable. Now, follow me, and wear your weights." The Senju began to climb down the stairs, leading his friend outside his own establishment, admiring the 'Drunken Monkey' for the last time, at the very least for today. He pulled out a scroll and from it a large backpack was produced by a puff of white smoke. He causally took a hold of the backpack and tossed at him, Yusuke would fine out that it wasn't only large, but it was also heavier, five times as heavy as Yusuke himself, good enough to start with some warm up before the actual training began. "Alright, you carry that. We're already burning sunshine." The ANBU said, even despite that it was still dark out, the first glimmer of golden sun barely starting to creep from the mountains to the east, once more he looked at the man as he stretched and then began to march away, leading him outside the village and into the wildness of the Land of Fire, the forest still dark greeting them with the usual sound of animals and creaking woods that made up the night. "We have sixty miles to march, I want to get there before sunrise, double time it, no rest, no stops."

-tag- Yusuke Sarutobi -words- 423 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yusuke Sarutobi]

Kazuto informed Yusuke that he had finished his cleaning assignment with time to spare before walking to Yusuke's room to assess his work. The Senju's eyes scrutinized the living quarters before finally giving Yusuke the approval, and a new set of instructions.

"One minute" Yusuke said, moving back into his bedroom.

He reached his dresser, opening the top drawer. He picked out a shirt and pulled it on to go with his sweatpants. He knelt and slid a box out from under the dresser where he kept his weightes equipment. Bracers were secured to his arms, greaves to his legs, and he pulled on some socks and his boots.

He followed Kazuto downstairs. As the Senju moved towards the door Yusuke stifled a yawn. Now that the adrenaline from his rather rude awakening was fading, the sleepy fatigue was setting back in. Yusuke paused at his newly repaired fountain for a moment, took a deep breath, and submerged his head into the chilling waters.

Every nerve ending in his face and head suddenly sprung to life, sending the cold sensation running through him. Yusuke pulled his head out of the fountain, shaking to spray off some of the excess water and exited behind Kazuto, feeling awake once more.

A scroll produced a large backpack and as Yusuke caught it he felt his arm slide as the backpack hit the ground.

"You have got to be kidding me." He said to the dark night air.

He stretched for a few, and then lifted the backpack, pulling with all his might and slid his arms through the straps. He adjusted them as the crushing weight of the thing pushed down on him, attempting to secure it as comfortably as possible.

His feeling of lightness and grace from early that morning had now been replaced with the sensation of a massive invisible hand trying to push him to the ground. He had mostly acclimated to the weight of his bracers and greaves, but this pack was a whole new burden to bear.

Kazuto took off, marching through the village. Yusuke took a shaky step, almost losing his balance. Another followed, this time a little more steady, and slowly the Sarutobi followed. He finally reached a consistent march as Kazuto spoke again.

"Sixty miles before sunrise?" He exclaimed in shock, "Is that even possible."

The march itself was already terrible. Yusuke found his bearing, regulating his breathing. The pack bounced slightly as he marched, and each time it came back down he had to fight not to be pulled down. He marched in alternating seconds of relief and agony as he followed the Senju.

"I don't know but I've been told,
Konoho is mighty bold.
From atop our mighty tree
We fight to protect you and me..." He called out a marching cadence as he went.

[Senju Kazuto]

"Not with that attitude." Kazuto replied in a manner of fact tone. His eyes straight forward, he nonetheless admired the commitment to Yusuke so far, so far he was keeping his end of the bargain by doing as he asked. However what must surprised him was the songs of marching that soon became a droning alongside the kicking of their boots on the ground as they advanced forward. For one he didn't know any song of march or of preparation for battle. His experience in ANBU had taught him to take drills and training with a grim and dour mood, and a silent solemnity before the eve of missions or battle. As the song continued, the Senju did press his march, keeping silent as the sky above began to turn from the midnight blue of night sky to a cobalt and then to the early palatine purple tinged with the rays of golden sun. "Press on, Yusuke." He said, as he began to press on, leaving the Sarutobi behind of him, stones and dirt being kicked, following the route by memory as the forest became thicker and thicker, with care he left markers for Yusuke to follow, created out of Mokuton, the poles sprouted on his wake and gave indication for his friend to follow. He stopped after reaching the placed that would be the second part of their training would begin there. Covered on beads of sweat admired the path to the top of the mountain that they would have to traverse before reaching to the top. Sitting upon a stone, he awaited for his friend to arrive as his eyes remained upon the sky as it began to turn lighter, and dark golds and oranges began to mingle with the other colors of the sky. Once his friend arrived he stretched. "Took you long enough." The Senju said as he jumped from the stone and nodded towards the trail that they would have to walk together. A steep path unto the mountain, with stony loose soil and abrupt falls unto rock sharpened as if they were spears and swords and heralded death to anyone that slipped. The path would end abruptly, turning vertical to the flat summit of the mount, where they would train. "Now, we need to climb that, and you can't use jutsu to get to the top. So, go on ahead, you have four hours to do it."

-tag- Yusuke Sarutobi -words- 414 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yusuke Sarutobi]

"I don't know but I've been told
A monkey mans as good as gold
A lady waits at home for me
And I defend the mighty tree
Sound
One, two
Sound off
Three, four"

The marching cadences were the only thing that got him through it. Most were old songs he had made up with his genin team, his former sensei had always found them annoying, and scolded Yusuke for making noise and giving away their location, but his friends had smiled or laughed as he sang, joining in and he had continued to do so, even when things were tough.

And they were tough now. The slow ache that had started in his muscles from the added weights Kazuto had given him had faded. In its place was the searing pain of strain and fatigue. As the miles passed that too faded and Yusuke found himself numb, his body simply moving forward because it had been doing so for so long.

Kazuto told him to press on and Yusuke simply nodded, not breaking his marching song. Truth be told taking the time to actually think of a response might have broken the almost hypnotic state he found himself in, and he didn't want to do that. His body would likely fail him.

Kazuto took off ahead and Yusuke followed, using the poles of wood that sprung up as markers to guide him. He was sweating furiously, his hair matted to his head. When he finally arrived he saw Kazuto sitting on a rock, and Yusuke came to a slow halt, nearly losing his balance.

Kazuto spoke and Yusuke placed his hands on his knees, taking deep breaths.

"Yeah sorry to keep you waiting. Traffic was a teal bitch. Old lady needed help crossing the street, you know how it goes." He replied sarcastically.

Kazuto gave him his next set of instructions and Yusuke raised his head to look his friend in the eye.

"If you wanted to kill me, it be so much easier to just stab me you know." He said with a sigh, "Okay...I'm on it."

And Yusuke prepared to move. He approached the rock Kazuto had been sitting on, and sat. He began slowly flexing the muscles in his arms and legs, moving his fingers, trying to gain sensation back in them. Kazuto had given him a four hour time limit, and while it would cost him precious time to give his body a few moments to recover, it would cost him much more if his numbed hands slipped ion the rocks ahead, or a clumsy foot hit a soft spot on the path.

So the Sarutobi sat for what felt like an eternity. In actually no more than ten minutes could have passed, but slowly the ache and pain in his limbs returned, an unpleasant reminder that he did in fact have arms and legs. He rose.

"Alright boss, see you at the top." He said, giving Kazuto a thumbs up.

He started walking, slow and measured steps, ensuring his footing on the path before he put his weight down. The progress was slow, but finally Yusuke found himself at the base of the cliff.

"No jutsu, no time. Get creative " he said to himself.

He gripped the rocks and began to pull himself up, the veins in his arms popping as he did. He planted his feet and continued his ascent. When he was a few feet up he held onto the rocks with his hands and let his feet dangle, using the added weights on him he began to swing himself back and forth, moving farther and farther to the side with each swing. At the apex of one such swing, he let go, and the backpack, its momentum going up and its mass so much heavier than Yusuke, simply flung him several more feet up.

He felt his ascent stall and grabbed onto the wall, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. The process was repeated, over and over again, and while the swinging took time Yusuke was able to ascend at a much faster rate than if he simply climbed.

He reaches the peak, pulled himself up and rolled onto his back, taking deep refreshing breaths of fresh air. He thrust an arm out and called to the sky.

"I made it!"

[Senju Kazuto]

"Kill you?" Kazuto said with a chuckle. "I think Sada's doing a good job at it right now, so I won't deny her the pleasure." These were harsh words. Words that he didn't believe truly, Sada was many things but he didn't see her as one of having the patience of methodically kill someone. But at the very least if he could use the weight of his words to entice Yusuke to fight harder for the next leg of the training, he would make peace with that, and hope that such words didn't reach her ear, although he doubted that she would bother with a nonentity like him. For a few minutes he followed Yusuke as he took the treacherous trail, wondering how tired he was and how long he could continue with Kazuto pushing him. In all honesty, he hadn't really begun, this march and waking him up to clean his room was barely the warm up. He did promise however if he would be able to take it. Deciding that it was enough waiting around he waved hand seals and his body felt energized, a poof of white smoke emerged around him and he vanished from plain sight, before he reappeared on top of a stone. The top of the mount was flattered and bald, no tree, no bushel, no twig or vegetation took hold on the rocky and dry soil. He began to take a sip of water as he continued his wait, the sound of struggle of someone climbing as six times his weight dragged him down took his attention until he saw the Sarutobi's blonde head popping from the edge, dragging himself upward. "Hello there." Kazuto said as he looked at his watch, nothing that his friend had arrived just with the nick of time. But it was something acceptable and he leaned forward, looking at the man, run down, dirty and covered in sweat and grim after the march and the climb. If anything he stubborn to a fault and had a great drive to carry on. "You aren't tired, aren't you?" He said calmly, hoping away from the stone, slapping the dust from his shoulder, as he began to stretch, as if he was about to fight with his friend. "Next leg is a spar." The Senju stared at Yusuke as his features became serious, hands in his pockets. "We will fight within the limits of this mesa, you lose either by falling off or by surrendering. Surrendering being the better choice, only death awaits at the bottom."

-tag- Yusuke Sarutobi -words- 436 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yusuke Sarutobi]

Kazuto's words about Sada had indeed brought a strange sense of curiosity in Yusuke. While Kazuto had never been openly hostile about Yusuke's companion, in fact he barely spoke of her at all unless prompted, Yusuke felt there was something there. Perhaps the two had a history, or perhaps Kazuto simply disliked the woman. Either way as sweat poured from his brow and pain ran through his body Yusuke knew now wasn't the time to get into it.

When Yusuke reached the summit he heard Kazuto speak and his head moved to look at the jonin. Sure enough he had beaten Yusuke to the top, though the Sarutobi had never seen Kazuto during his ascent. Kazuto asked of he was tired and the reply that came from Yusuke was a simple groan of discomfort as he rose back to his feet. His legs had gotten a decent rest during his climb, his arms had provided most of the work however, and they felt oddly like jelly as he rose.

Kazuto stretched and announced they would be sparring. Yusuke's brows rose up at the statement. He had thought the march and the climb alone would be enough for the day, but now he stood, being expected to face off against one of the most deadly and capable shinobi in the whole village.

He desperately wishes to be back in bed, to have a nice blanket and sleep for a few days. That desire was an almost all consuming thought for a moment, before Yusuke battled it back. He had asked for this. He had asked for the Senju's guidance and help in growing stronger. Kazuto was obliging. There was little to do now except press on.

Kazuto explained the rules of the engagement and Yusuke looked about the barren top of the mountain.

"I don't have any of my equipment. I mean at least my staff would make a world of difference." He said, rolling his shoulder.

"Please tell me I can take this damn thing off now," he continued, gesturing at his back, "Of you are going to kick my ass its really just adding insult to injury to be by bogged down."

This wasn't going to be a spar. This wasn't going to be a battle between equals, pushing one another to their limits. This was going to be Yusuke, exhausted and worn down already, getting beat down. Perhaps there was a lesson there, or perhaps the lesson was simply how to take said beating. Either way the Sarutobi waited for his new master to speak.

[Senju Kazuto]

"You may take it off. You can take off your weights too if you think I'll do a difference." Kazuto said as he analyzed the words and posture and general attitude that his friend had said. And what he was hearing was mostly complains and excuses. Even as he planned to hold back against his friend as he had done before that he had trained, he had wanted Yusuke to hold a greater drive than simply think that the fight would be a pointless endeavor, that there was no hope. It was against all that he held sacrosanct with the tenets of the Will of Fire. Is he surrendering before we even start? He mused silently as he closed his eyes and began to weave hand signs. The stone close to the Sarutobi broke as from beneath a staff began to emerge, the same length than the one he usually carried. Whilst made of wood, it was stronger than any other wood harvested from natural occurring trees and had similar attributes in regards of resilience and striking power to the actual construct. It would serve his friend so long it didn't break. "Take it Yusuke, and save your excuses." His woulds were rotund, almost as if a hammer had struck the very plateau they stood and shattered the rock. Kazuto had at the same time come without his gear, without his weapons and nothing more than his hands and his techniques for the spar that had to happen. He needed to gauge what was his level. Whilst he knew that he was a Chunin, he needed to comprehend how much work and time he would have to invest on the Sarutobi and what methods would best suit him. He knew Yusuke well, but if he truly wanted to know him, he would need to cross fists with him first. He took a final breath of cold air as a breeze struck them and dried whatever sweat had permeated their skin. "To win, Yusuke, you will need to land a good solid punch or kick, or strike of your staff." He said, allowing the seconds to pass before the breeze died and tree leaves swept by the current began to fall. "Now, begin."

-tag- Yusuke Sarutobi -words- 383 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Yusuke Sarutobi]

Yusuke released the massive pack from his back when Kazuto informed him he was allowed. He rolled his shoulders, deciding to keep his greaves and bracers on. He had become rather capable in moving in them, and the defensive abilities they held were worth keep them, for now.

Kazuto formed a set of seals and a length of wood burst from the ground. It was the proper length for the tall Sarutobi and would serve well for the upcoming fight. Kazuto spoke again and the words hung onto Yusuke. He closed his eyes for a moment.

"No more excuses." He said quietly.

His friend spoke true. The tiny flame of determination with Yusuke sparked and fought for survival amongst the storm of doubt, insecurity, frustration, and fear. Fear he would never be good enough. Fear he would fail his loved ones. Fear he wasn't worth what he had been given. He stood across from his best friend preparing to fight. He was sweaty, tired, and broken.

"Why am I here?" He thought to himself.

And somewhere deep in the back of his mind came the answer.

"Because true strength is born through will, effort, and struggle." A voice said.

So Yusuke reached out to the flame within him and fed it the simple thought. The simple idea. And the winds of doubt slowed, the rain of fear evaporated as the fire blazed to an inferno.

He opened his eyes, a cold and powerful determination there, and grabbed the staff beside him. He pulled it from the ground and swung it, familiarizing himself with it as Kazuto explained the terms of the engagement.

"Alright Kazuto," Yusuke said, a smile spreading across his face, "You want to see what I can do. Allow me to show you."

The Senju called for him to begin and Yusuke channeled his chakra around the staff in his hand. A pale, silvery light covered the staff and as Yusuke moved it the phantom glow left faint afterimages of the staff's movements.

He vanished, a small cloud of dust kicking up in his wake. Reappearing before Kazuto Yusuke would swing the staff to his right, aiming for Kazuto's left side. Mid swing Yusuke pulled the staff back, spinning backwards and dropping to one knew, his staff swinging at Kazuto's legs from the opposite side of his feint.

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME:Tsuki no kagayaki [ Lunar Glow]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low (Continuous)
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
ELEMENT: N/A
HANDSEALS: None
TRIGGER: 
DESCRIPTION:

The user channels chakra around their staff, creating a hard shell of energy around it to reenforce their weapon. This jutsu casts a pale white light, turning the staff into a faintly glowing rod. The field covers the staff and protects it from being burned or cut. The field is strong enough to block steel blades and is hard enough that it makes the strikes of the staff harder and able to dent or ding metal. The light produced by this chakra field leaves a faintly glowing behind the staff as it is swung, leaving a small afterimage of the staff that can be disorienting to foes.

NAME: Shunshin no Jutsu [Body Flicker Technique]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION:

By invigorating one's entire body with chakra, a shinobi can seemingly disappear and reappear in another location faster than most people can see. Often times one's movements are disguised with the use of an extra element, be it a smoke bomb, leaves, water, sand, etc. in order to hide the user's trajectory from those with skilled eyes. Though it mimics teleportation, it is important to remember this jutsu merely boosts the agility of its user. As useful as this technique is, it can only be used 4 times in a battle thread, and any more usages beyond that result in muscle tears in the legs from overexertion

[Senju Kazuto]

Yusuke spoke bold words all brimming with confidence and drive. Those were good symptoms for he would need them, but in his opening stance he saw a fatal flaw upon his friends first move. Undaunted like a statue of old, Kazuto remained immobile as he saw the Sarutobi opening stance, a twirling and flurry of movements like a mirage that were unnecessary. Time was a valuable currency in battle than could define the flow of the fight or that could condemn you if time was wasted. The Senju didn't waste time, as he saw the twirling of the staff a hand began to weave hand signs, as his friend would disappear in cloud of white smoke, the skin of the Senju would darken and turn harder instead as chakra coursed through the outer layers of the epidermis. The Sarutobi appeared before him, strike aimed first towards his left side of his body. Muscle memory began to kick in as he ducked, noticing the retreat of his friend, spinning around again in an attempt of a feint. He leaped forward during the feint, right hand reaching forward as the blow from the staff landed, hardened palm seized the first strike, fingers curled around the staff that he had created for the purpose of the spar. With a solid pull he would bring the Sarutobi forward and to him, his hand would open, finger retracting as muscles coiled with the strength and form from practice. His right arm reached forward as eyes picked a clear target in the span of a brief instance. Muscles uncoiled and strength and nigh-impregnable durability combined as the Senju's palm was brought forward, aimed towards the middle of the torso between his stomach and chest. The strike would land, momentum transfered as the Sarutobi would be send away by the strength of the impact.

-tag- Yusuke Sarutobi -words- 318 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

SPOILER: Click to show

SA Used:

Taijutsu Expert
While not as versed on Taijutsu as he is on Ninjutsu, Kazuto has proven that he is more than just a competent fighter in close quarters scenarios. Combining his skills with considerable raw strength and speed, he can fight on equal footing with those who are experts on the form, as well to hold his own against master level practitioners.

Superior Chakra Reserves
Since birth, Kazuto was blessed with above average chakra reserves. Through intense training and countless missions, Kazuto now boast and impressive pool of chakra which allows him to keep fighting for far longer periods of time without the lingering concern of low reserves nor the fatigue that it would impose. While his Chakra control suffers from this, it's vast quantity makes up for the control.

One Handed Seal
After further study and training, Kazuto has gained the ability to cast jutsu with the use of a single hand seal. Although he retains the ability to form the more traditional hand seals, with the use of a single hand he can create use his techniques in a quicker pace than those that require both hands to cast would, as he has forgo the need of bring both hands together, wasting precious seconds in battle, as well use them in combat as if one of his hands were impaired or otherwise not usable.

Assassin
A dark trait, Kazuto has shown to be a proficient assassin. Clinical and accurate in his approach even against multiple foes, the young Senju has shown himself to be ruthless, relentless and brutal fighter when the need arises, dispatching foes without much thought or remorse, something that comes handy in his field of work.

Jutsu Used:

Name: Doton: Yari - [Earth Element: Spear]
Rank: B
Chakra Usage: Medium
Type: Ninjutsu [General]
Element: Doton
Description
Doton: Yari is a Ninjutsu based off of the Maisou no Jutsu of Takigakure. After forming the needed Snake handseal, the user will harden their body using the Earth Element. This provides greater defense against attack and will also strengthen their arm to increase their striking ability. Like other Doton based jutsu, it is weak against Raiton attacks. It should also be noted that this version is much, much weaker than the Taki clan's true embodiment technique.

NAME: Keimou Shou Ouda [Enlightened Palm Strike]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION:
The user forms an open and flat palm with their hands and strikes at the opponent with the full force and weight of their body. Upon impact, the user steps forward and with another push they can instantly double the force used. With the sheer strength required of this style, this simple palm thrust can stop a speeding boulder rolling down a hill in its tracks and with the second push, either break it into fist sized rocks or even send the boulder rolling backwards a dozen feet. When done to a human, the effects can be equally devestating.

[Yusuke Sarutobi]

Kazuto stood, unfazed by Yusuke's display. As the Sarutobi prepared to attack he saw the Senju's hand move forming seals. One handed seals. It was something Yusuke had seen only once before, and something he had never considered possible until that day. Yusuke vanished and reappeared before Kazuto, the man's skin now a dark and earthy tone.

His feint seemed to work for a moment, until he realized Kazuto had gripped his staff and Yusuke was being hauled forward to the man. In a motion almost too fast for the Sarutobi to see Kazuto thrust out his arm. His open palm slamming into Yusuke's torso. The air was blasted from the blonde's lungs as he was thrown backward.

He dropped his staff and his back hit the stone, the momentum of the strike sending him sliding on his back. His arms wrapped around the point of impact as pain seared through him. He caught his breath and rolled, coming to his feet as the slide ended. The Sarutobi thrust out his own arm and released the chakra stored in his gauntlet.

A blast of chakra shot forth, a transparent lance of pure energy roughly a foot in diameter. As the blast shot towards Kazuto Yusuke's hands moved through seals in a rapid pace.

His hair grew in an instant, expanding outward violently as it hardened and lengthened. From the mane came a dozen lion's head shaped tendrils of hair, blasting towards Kazuto from his front, right, and left

SPOILER: Click to show

Ability #2- Chakra Lance
This ability is held only by the bracers. While being worn the bracers absorb a small portion of chakra every time the wearer moves their arms. This energy is stored within the bracers and over time accumulates. By focusing a low amount of chakra into the bracers the user is able to release the stored chakra, unleashing a blunt lance of hardened chakra roughly a foot in diameter at whatever the wearers fist is aimed at. This lance will fly out until it hits something or up to roughly twenty meters. After which distance the force will diminish and evaporate. While this lance is transparent, those with keen eyes can see it by the displaced air in the wake of the blast.

The blast has the force to blow small holes in walls, knock doors off their hinges, or throw an enemy struck up to ten feet. Those hit by the lance may suffer from cracked bones depending upon the location of the impact.

Though a strong ability it can only be used once before the user must take the time to allow the bracers to slowly recharge from their standard movements (Fully charged at beginning of thread so long as he is wewring them. One use per thread per bracer. If thread takes place directly after a previous thread where burst was used it is not recjarged.)

NAME: Ranjishigami no Jutsu - [Wild Lion's Mane Technique]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION:

Chakra poured into the user's hair will extend violently, reaching out like many dense tendrils of fibers. The hair, becoming hard and tough like steel, aims to ensnare and bind targets within thirty meters, their sharpened tips boring into their bodies as it seemingly stitches them while knotting around them. This works well to halt the movements of even massive beasts, not to mention halt several dozen shinboi at once. These tendrils are capable of shaping their ends into what appears to be a lion's mouth, filled with a maw filled with razor sharp iron-rending teeth. Hungry for blood, the beastly endings to these binding tendrils work to finish off whatever prey the user may have caught. With the amount of hair created on average, shinobi are typically able toe create up to twelve individual massed tendrils of hair.

[Senju Kazuto]

The Senju watched as how his friend was repelled away from him, the palm strike delivering enough force to suck the air from his lungs and propel him away without breaking his bones or damaging his organs. He had restrained himself to do so, he didn't want to damage his friend just to assess him, and as with everything he needed to be careful. A hand began to weave signs and as it did Kazuto caught a stream of bright light, emerald eyes widening, he leaned his head to the right, ducked as the beam of chakra flew over him, the skin of his body returning to its natural tan. Clever. He used that to buy time to launch a technique. He thought as he finished his own seal. A sea of hair erupted from the Sarutobi, enlarged and dangerous the golden mane turned into the golden maw of beasts that threatened to end him. His chakra molded within him as earth and water combined. As if he was going to punch the very air, he pulled his arm back as he felt the all too familiar prickling of his skin and shot the arm forward. Spears emerged from his flesh, forking and creating a wall of death that clashed against the gold wave, cancelling Yusuke's technique. But Kazuto didn't lose time, his mind still in battle began to consider the next move, his hand weaved hand-sings and more mokuton chakra flared within him. In seconds a doppelganger emerged from the very soil, formed from what little roots had taken space. The Second Kazuto knew what he had to do, he leaped to the back of the real, using him as a trampoline as the deadlock of hair and wood continued, the clone would raise to the very heaves as his hand was weaving another seal. This time the air that was breathed transformed and was given another shape as stream of golden flames left the lips of the second Kazuto and a began to pummel towards the Sarutobi.

-tag- Yusuke Sarutobi -words- 350 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsu Used:

NAME: Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu [Wood Release: Great Forest technique]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Meduim
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Mokuton
DESCRIPTION:
A technique that changes one's own arm into big trees. Using chakra, the tissues are transformed into trees at the cellular level. Then, by activating the trees, stimulating them to grow rapidly, they lengthen at high speed and fork into many branches. It is possible to capture the enemy with these branches and at the same time, if one changes the ends into sharp stakes, turn them into countless, sharp, spear-like piercing weapons.


NAME: Moku Bunshin no Jutsu [Wood Clone Technique]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu/Kekkei Genkai
ELEMENT: Mokuton [Wood Release]
DESCRIPTION:
A clone that is created by altering the user's own cells with chakra with the 'tiger,' 'dog,' and 'snake' seals. It has more endurance than the normal shadow clones and doesn't disappear when hit by the enemies' attacks. Moreover, since it has the ability to merge with plants and trees, it is also great for reconnaissance missions. They have the ability to travel far distances from the user and are able to communicate with the original. The clones can be as simple in function as a wooden dummy for use in the Body Replacement Technique.

The basic concept of the Shadow Clone Technique also applies to the Wood Clone Technique. However, the chakra-composed shadow clone and the cell-based wood clone are completely distinct techniques. By directly touching the wood clone with their hand, the user can absorb the information it gathered or change the shape of the clone. Because clone is made up of the user's own cells, transformed into vegetation when it is changed into a seed and ingested into the body or left on a target, it can be used as a transmission device of sorts.

The user can use these to track their target as the seeds respond to their chakra only. This and all other uses make this technique extremely convenient and a perfect clone technique that only the most powerful and fully developed dōjutsu will able to see through. The clone is only as strong as the user makes it. If the user is fighting or pre-occupied the fighting power will be diminished. The user must be still for the clone to fight at its fullest. (The clones ability wise are as strong as Shadow Clones, however they are more durable).

Name: Katon: Endan [Fire Release: Fireball]
Rank: C
Chakra Usage: Low
Type: Ninjutsu
Element: Katon
Description: After doing the necessary hand seals, the user molds a large amount of oil within their gut before spitting it out, simultaneously lighting it aflame with their charka. The result is a giant fireball, fueled by oil, which burns everything engulfed in it. Since it is both fire and oil mixed together, it is even difficult to be put out by water.

SA Used:

Mokuton Mastery
A Senju in all but name, Kazuto was able to awaken the clan's coveted Kekkei Genkai, Mokuton. It is through the simultaneous use of Suiton and Doton that he is able to use prized element. After further training the high degree he demonstrated in the past has now reached greater peaks in both magnitude and scope. Additionally he has full command of the two elements that form Mokuton with the same ease that he would do with his Kekkei Genkai.

Taijutsu Expert
While not as versed on Taijutsu as he is on Ninjutsu, Kazuto has proven that he is more than just a competent fighter in close quarters scenarios. Combining his skills with considerable raw strength and speed, he can fight on equal footing with those who are experts on the form, as well to hold his own against master level practitioners.

Superior Chakra Reserves
Since birth, Kazuto was blessed with above average chakra reserves. Through intense training and countless missions, Kazuto now boast and impressive pool of chakra which allows him to keep fighting for far longer periods of time without the lingering concern of low reserves nor the fatigue that it would impose. While his Chakra control suffers from this, it's vast quantity makes up for the control.

One Handed Seal
After further study and training, Kazuto has gained the ability to cast jutsu with the use of a single hand seal. Although he retains the ability to form the more traditional hand seals, with the use of a single hand he can create use his techniques in a quicker pace than those that require both hands to cast would, as he has forgo the need of bring both hands together, wasting precious seconds in battle, as well use them in combat as if one of his hands were impaired or otherwise not usable.

Assassin
A dark trait, Kazuto has shown to be a proficient assassin. Clinical and accurate in his approach even against multiple foes, the young Senju has shown himself to be ruthless, relentless and brutal fighter when the need arises, dispatching foes without much thought or remorse, something that comes handy in his field of work.