[Nohime Yoshiko]

Into the Darkness

Yoshiko was dressed in a red martial arts gi, she'd worked up a bit of a sweat practicing her taijutsu prior. Her least loved element though also matched the color of her Gi. Fire, one of four elements the kunoichi was capable of manipulating, but one she'd devoted little techniques to memory. It was because of this she was hoping to teach herself and others some Katon from her clan's library of universal techniques. She'd put out flyers and hoped to draw some genin in with the prospect of learning powerful Katon before the chuunin exams.

Multiple wooden dummies and small brick box structures had been set up just inside Iwagakure's training ground. These were things the kunoichi committed to on her own time, she'd had been hustling it out as fast as she could. As there was never a ton of time in the day and she'd be damned to miss out on potentially an early start. If a genin wasn't too quick to appear, then she'd spend most her time practicing by herself. However she was purposely setting up way more obstacles than even her reserves would like to challenge. She'd likely finish preparation only a couple minutes after when her fliers told people to arrive. Granted someone didn't show up early enough to distract her.

Yoshiko came prepared with more than just destructible targets. The jutsu she'd be practicing and teaching would be written out on scrolls. Allowing anyone coming late to pick up and catch up on the material. Learn at least the hand seals necessary and where one would be focusing chakra. Each scroll lying on a table that had a little sign propped up stating, 'Lesson Material!' On top of that would be a basket full of muffins the girl had could that morning, she'd brought less than a dozen so hopefully her flier didn't garner too much attention or she'd certainly be in trouble.

Team 7: Mission (1)

MADE BY ★MEULK

Himishi Jou

[Himishi Jou]

Jou found himself out and about the village, a rare occurrence since he usually sticks around his clan's compound unless for something important. The reason for him being out now wasn't really important...at least to some. Jou wanted to cook a particular dish for later, so he went out to buy the needed ingredients for it. This was going to lead the teen to multiple shops...since he was picky about the type of ingredients. No substitutes...No matter how similar they are!

However, Jou was not going to get the chance to visit these shops...

As he was on his way to one of the closer stores, Jou noticed a flyer from the corner of his eyes. "Hm?" The boy stopped, turning his attention to the flyer...part of him hoping that it was wrestling-related, maybe a show was being put on right now that he could watch! Gently taking the flyer down to read it better, it was clear that it didn't have anything to do with wrestling...but what he read still intrigued the young Himishi.

"Oh...?" It was an invitation....for genin to come to train their katon ability? Jou's a genin...and he knows katon! "Huh...What a coincidence." He muttered to himself blinking a few times. Was...someone trying to pull a prank on him? No...that couldn't be it. There are still some people who...bully Jou, but he doubted that anyone would go this far...right? Maybe it was Haruka...but then again she isn't the bullying type. He then looked a bit more into the flyer, finding a location and a name. "Wh-wha!?" This was from THEE Nohime Yoshiko!? It was clear that this flyer wasn't specifically for Jou now...but he still fits the requirements for it. Was this fate...to be trained by someone as well renowned as Yoshiko? But, he was starting to have some doubts. Was he even good enough for her attention?

He looked at it once more, sighing as he was about to give up and just put the flyer back up...but he looked at it again, and hesitated to do so.

No...He was good enough....

Shaking his head a bit, the boy neatly folded the paper and placed it in his pocket, having memorized the directions. He then started to walk, a bit of confidence in his step...though he has completely forgotten about his shopping.

After a bit, Jou would make it to the destination, Iwagakure's training grounds. He then gave the place one more look before balling his fists, trying to brush away his nerves before stepping in. Stepping in, Jou would take quick notice of the wooden dummies and structures that were put up, taking a few seconds to register them before looking over at....her. Yoshiko was right there...assumingly still putting stuff up. It was really her, the Smile of Iwagakure...a smile as radiant as her strength and beauty....so he has been told.

"U-Uhh...." The boy nearly choked on his words...his confidence sinking back into the depths of his insecurities. He hesitantly took the flyer out of his pocket, clenching the paper in both hands as he tried willing himself to walk further in. "Y-Yoshiki-S-senpai?" Jou's tone was a little on the soft-spoken side. "M-My name is H-Himis-" He then stopped, noticing a particular and decadent aroma. His head then turned towards a table with a basket full of muffins, but they weren't just any muffins...

"A-Are those...Banana nut muffins?" He said, his tone not as soft as initially. He walked over to the basket, nearly not as hesitant before, and carefully picked one up. He looked at it, turning it from side to side before taking a bite...and suddenly his expression was in pure bliss! "Th-This is delicious!" he exclaimed before taking another bite. "The bananas must've been mashed with care and the walnuts evenly spread." Jou claimed, another bite as he continued his tangent. "Oh...and is that vanilla? Mixed with the brown sugar, it helps bring the flavor to fruition!" Jou said before looking at Yoshiko, a bit of crumbs on his face as he finished chewing. "Did you make this?" He asked...but after a few seconds he would realize who he was talking to again, and what he was doing...

"A-Ahhh, wait!" He quickly went into a bow, dropping the flyer he had and nearly dropping the rest of his muffin...but at least managed to catch that with a bit of a fumble. "I-I'm so sorry, Yoshiko-Senpai! M-My name is Himishi Jou!! I-It is an honor to m-meet you!"

Nohime Yoshiko

[Nohime Yoshiko]

A Lesson in Fire

As a sensor shinobi the brunette not only knew when people were approaching, she'd be able to gauge their strength to a certain degree. Especially if they were to perform a ninjutsu against her, but this was a peaceful place and the kunoichi wouldn't need to rely on such skill. She would however, turn her attention to the genin entering her training field. The expected smile was lit brightly across her face aimed directly to the genin, as she'd smiled at him she'd raise an arm swaying it side to side to greet him. He'd begin speaking, but she couldn't quite understand it from their distance.

Skipping gleefully over to the younger shinobi, Yoshiko would as she'd always done introduce herself with a bow. It was quick and only a small one, but there was a clear gap in their rank. She respected him, but she needed to respect her village hierarchy over it. She'd however not have the ability to get a word out at first, Jou was sort of stumbling over his words. A solid head on her shoulders the Nohime would kind of understand the intended greeting. Granted he'd surprise her with a sudden switch in the topic, as he'd go from greeting to muffins it'd be clear his comfort zone. Her smile bending further across her face, she partially wanted to giggle, but she'd hold it back and simply let it fuel her happiness.

Yoshiko would rather commonly put herself out for the village, it wasn't always something that received an audience. She lacked a sound schedule to do it, so perhaps like him most had thought the flyer was a joke? Granted it rarely was up long enough to garner many preparation to join either. So the very fact he'd arrived relatively early made her already proud. She hadn't prepared her defenses though for the remarks Jou made. "Yeah!" She'd reply to them being Banana Nut Muffins. It was a family recipe, she made them following the instructions, but didn't really think about what she'd done. Him knowing the steps to accomplish her morning task surprised her, "Oh, you're so flattering! I just followed the recipe to the letter, I guess my families never let me down."

Her last words were a painful reminder to herself, she still had a lot to make up to them. She'd be the best leader they'd ever had, she'd replace the fear her father reigned, with the overwhelming love she possessed. "Yeah, I made them! I'm no baker though, we're just a tightknit family and share in our chores and responsibilities." The Nohime would exclaim, before finally the Himishi would properly introduce himself, bow and all. It'd bring a blush to her face, as well as sort of somber her smile. It'd still be a look of joy, but it'd display something less familiar and more formal. A look of pride from an Iwagakure nationalist.

"The pleasure is all mine! To meet such a well mannered culinary expert, as well as to get the chance to possibly teach them a new jutsu!" Yoshiko would reply absolutely pleased and encouraging to the genin. He clearly had a positive and powerful energy within him, it was important to enforce this, as the world would only get more punishing as time passed. Quickly following her retort to his introduction with a short explanation. As to waste neither of their time. "Well, you're the first to arrive, so over there are scrolls with some Katon jutsu. Give them a look over and I'll happily help you master it with my ninjutsu skills!" Nohime were masters of ninjutsu and their leaders were defined by those most skilled in Jinton, a Kekkai Touta of renown for it's cost and control required to use it.

Muffins a Blaze!

MADE BY ★MEULK

Himishi Jou

[Himishi Jou]

So this was a family recipe then? Jou could only wonder what other things Yoshiko and her family could cook up, but he could tell from the muffins alone that they certainly do not disappoint! Jou's parents weren't exactly bad cooks, but their knowledge of the culinary arts is...limited. Recently, Jou has been finding himself cooking most of the meals at home for his family, mostly for dinner. It wasn't something he minded though, in fact, he's usually looking forward to it. It was why he was out and about, to begin with...but of course, that was something he has forgotten about at this point.

Fortunately, Jou was able to catch himself before he fell complete down this cooking rabbit hole and managed to introduce himself...resorting back to his usual timid self in the process.

The moment he saw the Jounin's smile, he immediately dipped into a half bow to hide his flustered expression! Her smile is just as pleasant as he heard! It was almost contagious, making him crack a small smile as well, especially after hearing her encouraging tone. "Oh, jutsu?" He'd then look back up with a hint of curiosity in his expression. Right...with all that was going on, Jou nearly forgot the main purpose of why he was here. His attention then went to the scrolls that Yoshiko was talking about, leading Jou to step over to them as he looked in silent wonder.

The fact that Jou had somehow gotten here before anyone else felt the teen with a bit of pride...plus it also meant not having to get nervous about being in the same area with too many people. Hopefully, it will stay like that...but Jou does need to work on being able to work with others, become a good teammate...maybe make friends.

Giving Yoshiko a nod, Jou would start going through the scrolls. He would open them and whichever ones didn't catch his fancy he would just close it back up and neatly place it back where he got it before moving on to the next. With each scroll he looked at, he took a bit of time to look them over, making sure not to take up too much time. There were some that have caught his attention but were either something he'd want to focus on at a later point or felt like he wouldn't be able to pull off at all.

"Oh!" Jou finally found something he was content with. Holding up the scroll, Jou would walk over to Yoshiko, glancing away shyly as he did. "H-How about this, Y-Yoshiko-sensei?" Jou held the scroll up with the hint of a small smile formed on his face. "Katon: Endan." Jou said, referring to the fireball jutsu. "I-I already know a similar jutsu but....it requires me to manually light it...normally with another jutsu I learned..." Jou claimed with a small nervous chuckle. With Endan, it doesn't look like he would have to worry about anything like that.

Nohime Yoshiko

[Nohime Yoshiko]

A Lesson in Fire

Yoshiko was confident in her choice of techniques to bring to possibly study. So much so that she'd expect the first scroll touched would be where they started. Her shoulder ready to twist to pull them away to the dummies, but then he'd put the scroll back down. Another picked up and this one put down much quicker, it was filling the Nohime in part with a bit of anxiety. However she'd tell herself that surely the Nohime as a clan had something this genin would take an interest. They'd of concocted those Banana Nut Muffins he liked, so there was no reason to doubt surely.

Her smile wouldn't waver as Jou finally found the jutsu that interested him. She'd of felt the heat of an awkward spot light though and couldn't be more internally relieved he'd find a jutsu he liked. "Katon: Endan, an excellent choice for both combat and practicing general fire ninjutsu!" It was nothing crazy which would fit the rank to which she'd be training. Her own skill would be able to easily fill the lack of exact knowledge of the jutsu herself. She'd happily pick it up for good this time around though. She was all about her own creations, but one couldn't master without the basics they'd say.

It was only four hand seals, the Nohime thought as she examined the jutsu. She'd roll up the scroll and hand it back, "You're welcome to reference this as we go." If he wouldn't take it, she'd return it to the table with the other scrolls. Upon losing the item, she'd perform the hand seals in both hands. Then immediately following redo the hand seals, as single hand seals in both hands simultaneously. Her eyes looking up into her head, as she'd think about how the technique worked. Forming the oil in her gut would be a bit gross, but the effectiveness of the corresponding flame. She'd be happy to learn this one.

"If you've got the jutsu down in your head, I'd like you to give the hand seals a shot now. No chakra applied, a just muscle memory jaunt into how you'll do this jutsu." She'd state explaining how she'd attempt to begin their lesson. To drill this jutsu into his head.

Muffins a Blaze!

MADE BY ★MEULK

Himishi Jou

[Himishi Jou]

Jou was glad that Yoshiko approved of his choice, given a bit of a shy smile and a nod as he watched her go over it. He had a feeling that she was going to be accepting of any choice he made, but still, the boy couldn't help but feel a little anxious when he presented the scroll to her as if there was still a possibility that he would disappoint the woman. Jou could breathe easy now though...at least for now.

"O-Oh, really?" Jou would say as he's handed the scroll back. "Thank you!" he bowed once more, holding onto the scroll tight. He was going to make sure he studies this scroll as much as possible. In fact, he was eager to read its contents once more! Jou opened the scroll up and looked at it a bit, but from the corner of his eyes, he would see Yoshiko performing the handseals. Was she trying to give him an example of how it's done!? Jou quickly rolled the scroll up and placed it in his pocket, not wanting to look like he was ignoring her.

Just four handseals, but it was in a pattern that was different from other jutsu he normally uses. He was going to have to remember putting them in the right order, but Jou does not believe he'll need his doujutsu for that. After she finished doing it a few times, Yoshiko wanted Jou to give it a shot. "Right!" He nodded with a bit of enthusiasm before raising his hands up. Without using his chakra, he performed the handseals slowly with a hint of him trying to remember what came next. He did it in the right order, but he clearly needed to work on doing it faster. So Jou picked up the speed a little with his next attempt...but mixed up the second and third seals. "Ah..." A hint of frustration formed on the boy's face.

Again, Jou tried the seals and got the first three right, but screwed up the fourth. "Hmmm..." Jou has had problems with learning hand seals at first in the past, but it shouldn't be this bad with only four. He then looked up at Yoshiko but quickly looked down to avoid any potential disapproving looks. Maybe he was feeling a little anxious in front of someone as well known and respected as her? Maybe he did need to use his doujutsu for this...

Nohime Yoshiko

[Nohime Yoshiko]

A Lesson in Fire

"Yup! It seems your impeccable tastes aren't for food alone." Yoshiko was quite the effective liar, especially when it was such a kind and feels good lie. Her smile was always so genuine and her voices tone control was rather unmatched. She had to act out a different role, as she held quite the conflicting position in Shakar too. Though her heart, hopes and aspirations were all most devote to Iwagakure. So even if her words weren't totally honest, she did speak them with every intention of improving Jou. She'd of definitely spoken up any choice made.

Yoshiko would watch as the boy would perform the hand seals slowly one after another. He'd nail it his first time, but apart of her expected that. Attempting to do so faster he'd mess up the hand seals. It was in her mind a bit to early to make that mistake, so she'd reach out her hand and grasp one of his to stop the seals from being made. "Hold up! You've just messed up the hand seals and detonated the jutsu backwards." Despite correcting the boy, Yoshiko spoke in such an enthusiastic matter.

"That's why we do it without the chakra first of course." Yoshiko added with a smile, as she'd let go of Jou's hand and bring her hands back together. She'd re-perform the jutsu to show the correct seals, but she'd quickly add onto her lesson. "The importance of your hand seals and chakra manipulation far exceed pride. Unless you're a jounin or got like super good photographic memory, I'd suggest you keep the scroll out. At least perform the hand seals a dozen times with it out. Doing it that many times should help make it more muscle memory and reflexive."

This time Yoshiko spoke truths to her knowledge, she'd sworn her teachers told her ten was the magic rule of thumb. Repeat this ten times and it'll stick in the head.

Muffins a Blaze!

MADE BY ★MEULK

Himishi Jou

[Himishi Jou]

Yoshiko certainly has a way with words. Jou could practically feel himself buzzing with confidence from those first words alone. Though...it did not seem like it would last for long once they started to get into the hand seals...

Jou's first attempt was good, but the moment he tried going faster, the young Himishi was beginning to have difficulty with pulling it off in the correct order. The boy looked like he was about to get a tad frustrated until he felt the Jounin's hand grab ahold of one of his. Jou's first instinct was to jump a little, looking at the hand as a faint blush formed on his cheeks. Jou would then look up to her as she corrected him, causing the teen to glance away in embarrassment. It really was a good thing they didn't go right into using chakra...Who knows what sort of damage Jou could have inflicted on himself. That thought did not scare him though, but instead, it made him feel a little more ashamed.

"Yeah..." Jou may have acted a bit rashly by putting the scroll away. A part of him thought that all he needed was to read it once and it would be fine. For the most part, Jou has been able to pull off learning previous jutsu this way...so maybe he was just a little more nervous than usual?

Still, Jou took the scroll back out and opened it. This moment may have lowered Jou's confidence a bit, but the genin was nowhere near ready to give up. With the scroll in view, Jou studied it before trying the seals again. Like before, he started it off slowly which yielded no problems. Instead of going right into speeding it up, Jou continued doing the hand seals at a manageable speed while looking at the scroll from time to time, but if one were to look close enough, they'd see his hand seals speeding up gradually with each attempt, this time with no mistakes. The boy looked a little more focused now, not glancing over at the scroll anymore while he continued. It was safe to say that he was starting to get comfortable with the seals. Which means progress!

Nohime Yoshiko

[Nohime Yoshiko]

A Lesson in Fire

Yoshiko would watch on carefully to assure he was indeed nailing down the techniques hand seals. He was certainly pretty quick to start locking down hand seals, as he'd performed it to a count roughly over ten. The jounin's attention would shift to the scroll herself, she'd take in the instruction of how the chakra should be channeled. The idea of making forming oil in her gut was a sensible way to enhance the potency of katon, it'd allow for a less easy fire to put out. Increasing it's chance to spread.

Her head focused in for a bit to roughly guess the proportion of oil to produce, as well as the pressure to release it. That only being a part of the process too, as she'd look over to her targets with relief. The stone nature of the training grounds meant fire wouldn't spread, so the strength of this jutsu shouldn't complicate much. Her focus returning to her student who'd be nailing down the hand seals very rapidly now. She'd give an impressed quick clap to draw his attention and give an immediate praising. "Amazing you're knocking out those seals with chuunin speed and precision!" Yoshiko exclaimed.

"Are you ready to move onto the next part? We're gonna start channeling our chakra and hopefully start shooting fire!" The jounin explained making sure her student was comfortable to continue.

Muffins a Blaze!

MADE BY ★MEULK

Himishi Jou

[Himishi Jou]

Jou remained focused as he continued practicing the handseals. His eyes were locked onto his hand's movements, making sure not to mix up or miss any of the seals. As he continued, the boy started to make fewer mistakes, even with him speeding up. This was a bit of an example of how he takes learning new things seriously, whether it be a new recipe...or jutsu. Despite lacking in superintelligence, Jou still showed that he is a Himishi, learning things rather quickly.

The moment he heard Yoshiko clapping, Jou would do one more seal before quickly looking up at her as if he had just awoken from a trance. "Y-You really think so?" Jou rubbed the back of his head, blushing light at the compliment. That certainly helped with his confidence. For a moment, he almost considered using his doujutsu to help him a little more with the handseals but thought it would be just some lazy shortcut, thinking he wouldn't be able to learn much from that. He was glad that he was performing well without it, and at chunin levels? "Thank you, Yoshiko-sensei."

Now she wanted them to move on to actually creating the flames. If it weren't for this confidence, Jou would've probably been a bit hesitant on moving on to the next step. Yoshiko seems to have faith in him, so Jou needed to believe in himself too. "Y-Yes ma'am!" Jou nodded, a look of determination mixed in with his smile. Only a handful of people genuinely believed in Jou..maybe a little less than that, so this really meant a lot to him. Jou knew that he wasn't specifically invited here, but the fact that he has been able to impress someone like Yoshiko so far filled him with the energy to push forward!

Nohime Yoshiko

[Nohime Yoshiko]

A Lesson in Fire

"Of course!" She'd instantly retort not giving a moments hesitation, as she'd understand the power of confidence. The ability to drive yourself to anything if you put forth the effort. Especially if you're willing to put in your all plus and risk that bit of danger. "No problem, Jou! It's just a pleasure to work with such a good student." Perhaps she sugar coated it a little too much, but she still felt a bit extra bubbly from the expert compliment to her muffins. It was always the little things you put effort into that feel the most rewarding when acknowledged. Simplifies it all in a sense.

It was time they moved onto the actual 'fun' part of the practice. The more dangerous side and it was honestly more unnerving for her than most training. One of her biggest losses was to flames, but she made a friend from that experience. The things she lost though. He was buried, but would never truly leave her head. Though she wasn't one to linger on things negatively. She'd use her failures as lessons and motivations to better herself, to better others and to be the best for Iwagakure and Tsuchi no Kuni.

Moving over to the wooden dummies, Yoshiko would crack her knuckles with a grin. Opposite side of Jou on Yoshiko's forehead a bead of sweat would drop. It wasn't a jutsu she knew, it was just something she'd been thinking over and practicing the hand seals. If she didn't deliver a proper fire ball, then he'd have a terrible first example to base off. Oh no. "Alright, I'll give you an example and you try after!" Yoshiko assured somewhat to herself, as she'd hastily in a somewhat panic perform the handseals.

Charging up the oil in her gullet before igniting and unloading it in a large burning orb of fire. It's path clear to the wooden dummy, which wouldn't have the ability to move and be devoured quickly in the flame. She did it! Turning to the boy she'd give a thumbs up to him with a smile. "See that's-" She'd pause herself noticing the sleeve of her Gi was on fire. Her arm blurring as she'd quickly brush the flame off her and break into a slight laugh. "Haha! Alright so that's kind of how you do it, but uh, purse your lips a bit more than I did and attempt to exhale with more force." Maybe he could learn from her failures too.

Despite her mistake, she'd continue to smile and laugh it off. Her face though was obviously a bright red with embarrassment.

Muffins a Blaze!

MADE BY ★MEULK

Himishi Jou

[Himishi Jou]

Jou had never really noticed how easily persuaded he is by compliments. There was a warmth in his chest that matched the confident smile on his face. Yoshiko's bubbly nature was contagious, Jou was certain of it. He didn't feel as timid or worried as he initially did when he arrived and in return that helped him to focus better with training. She was a lot more positive and helpful compared to the temporary senseis Jou finds himself under the guidance of. Jou did not regret reading that flyer one bit. Plus she knew how to cook muffins!

Now it was time to get on to actually practicing the jutsu, meaning that Jou could now channel his chakra along with the hand seals which he feels like he has gotten a better hang of.

Jou nodded with a hint of enthusiasm as Yoshiko prepared to give an example. The young Himishi stood there and watched carefully as the Jounin performed the seals, but Jou couldn't help but notice how...hastily she was with it. There was a little concern, but Jou was still confident that Yoshiko knows what she was doing! The boy's eyes practically sparkled as he saw the fireball come from the woman's mouth, engulfing that poor training dummy! The jutsu looks rather straightforward and does not need some sort of medium to set the fire off which was a great improvement from the Screaming Murder Technique that he knows. Yoshiko performed the jutsu flawlessly....or so he thought.

The genin was about to clap but stopped as he noticed...the fire that formed on the woman's sleeve. "U-Uh, Yoshiko-sensei...?" Jou tried to alert her, pointing at the sleeve but she seemed to be a little distracted with her little thumbs up and smile. Fortunately, she figured it out and a disaster was averted. Jou looked a little concerned still, but Yoshiko certainly didn't. Even after making a little mistake, she still found the will to just laugh it off. Jou's worries vanished a bit, and he started to chuckle lightly as well. "I'll um...be sure to remember that..."

Now it was Jou's turn.

The young Himishi stepped up to a training dummy and prepared himself. He looked at Yoshiko once more, giving her a smile before looking back at his target. Jou performed the hand seals without fail, and through the use of his chakra, oil formed in his gullet. He then opened his mouth, and pursed his lips just as Yoshiko instructed. A ball of fire then came out and enguled its target just like Yoshiko's....but as this happened, the force of the jutsu caused Jou to be pushed back and he fell over onto his rear.

"Ouch..." he muttered, rubbing his back a bit. He didn't realize that the jutsu had that much force to it, or maybe he just used a little too much chakra?

Nohime Yoshiko

[Nohime Yoshiko]

A Lesson in Fire

"Not bad at all!" Yoshiko would as always praise the successes of her students. This was absolutely a situation where Jou had proven himself capable, he'd put a bit too much chakra into it and let the fire ball loose a little too slowly. So when it released the force came a bit too early, it was a simple mistake a very easy thing to correct. More importantly though it was a mistake that could be recovered from immediately. Extending her hand to the genin, she'd help him up and quickly dust himself off too.

"A little less chakra and try to let loose the fireball a moment sooner, but otherwise that was just about spot on! Heck if anything you can remember doing this might send you a step back and help you dodge something." The jounin would go above and beyond just critiquing, as she'd try to even give an example of how this mistake could of been helpful. After being so close, she was confident that in his next try he'd have the jutsu down. Granted performing something once was just the foundation towards truly perfecting it and the only way to make perfection is through practice.

"Alright, let's try that again okay?" She'd state before waiting for him to be ready. Once he was ready she'd do her best to perform the technique at the same time as the genin and allow them both to fire off the jutsu at different dummies. Allowing him to see the comparison of the jutsu, as to either make further adjustments or to see he'd truly mastered the technique. As he'd hopefully be seeing that their two jutsu mirrored each other.

Muffins a Blaze!

MADE BY ★MEULK

Himishi Jou

[Himishi Jou]

Jou's face lit up a bit in embarrassment. He was able to perform the jutsu...but it did not go the way it was intended to. Jou was already beating himself up over it. Coming from a clan like the Himishi, Jou often strives to be perfect, or well as perfect as he can be. He feels that he needs to work himself hard, especially to earn his parent's acknowledgment. They are strict and expect only the best from their son...especially after the incident.

That minor screw-up was a complete failure in Jou's eyes, one shown by the expression of disappointment on his face. He was just about ready to get up and apologize for wasting Yoshiko's time, but then he heard the praise she uttered. "P-Pardon?" Jou blinked and looked up at Yoshiko, looking at her almost as if she said something bizarre. He then looked at her extended hand and after a second, Jou would grab it so he could get up. He watched as she even brushed him off, almost as if this was all new to him. He listened to Yoshiko's critique, but at the back of his mind, he still couldn't believe how kind she was. She even gave the teen advice related to his mistake.

"Huh...I never would've thought about it like that." Jou placed a hand on his chin, as he pondered over this a little. All this time, Jou has only looked at his mistakes as reflections of his own failures...He never once considered any of them to be potentially beneficial. Not only kind, but Yoshiko was wise too. "You're very perceptive, Yoshiko-sensei."

Her words of encouragement boosted Jou's confidence. Those thoughts of disappointment, even the thoughts of what his parents would've thought were no longer on his mind. "Right." Jou nodded before getting in position in front of another dummy. He glanced over at Yoshiko and noticed that she was getting ready to do the same with another dummy. The idea of not doing this one alone made Jou smile a little. If only he had an actual sensei like her...

He then brought his attention back to the dummy, a much more focused expression on his face as he performed the handseals again. Jou made sure to control his chakra a little better as the oil formed in his gullet. He then spewed the ball of fire from his mouth once more towards the dummy, this time able to stay on his feet as the flames impacted its target, setting it ablaze!

Nohime Yoshiko

[Nohime Yoshiko]

A Lesson in Fire

"Never miss an opportunity to learn. I wouldn't be surprised if half the jutsu out there weren't the result of people screwing up the other half and enjoying the outcome regardless." There was really only so many hand seals, as well as so many that could be performed in chain. Everything else was variation on the chakra amounts and how one focused and channeled that chakra. Understanding it perfectly would require more knowledge and experience than anyone could muster. So everyone had to feel out jutsu for themselves, heck there were more non-shinobi than shinobi. To even perform a jutsu was an amazing feat.

Yoshiko would revel too long in such thoughts or expand upon it too much, a genin wasn't the sort to be setting off in making jutsu. They had a goal before them to master this one jutsu, it was her job as a sensei to focus in and solidify this lesson. All the more reason for them to perform the jutsu in tangent, it'd to her excitement go flawlessly for the both of them. Two dummies wood in composure would be sundered to ash by the might of their ninjutsu, it was to many a glorious sight. However the jounin still couldn't help looking at it with a bit of a sweat. At this point other genin would be quite late and she'd really have only so much time to dedicate to it.

That in mind the clan leader would know what she should do next, "Very impressive Jou! Seems we've mastered this technique, but it doesn't seem anyone else wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. So if you don't mind, think we can try burning down the rest of these dummies I set up? No reason to let them go to waste right?" Repetition was after all the key to remembering, he'd likely be exhausted by the end of it. However the two of them surely could burn down the remaining targets in relatively short time. If it was too much she'd be more than able to help Jou home. If Jou agreed, then she'd join him roughly at pace firing off this fire jutsu. If he seemed to be tiring she'd quicken her side of things, to not purposely exhaust him.

Muffins a Blaze!

MADE BY ★MEULK

Himishi Jou