[Shizu Amaya]

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take me where the dark things are

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Kirigakure lay veiled in the early clutches of winter, the air carrying a moist bite from the seas around the country. Amaya entered a training ground, mist cloaking the landscape like a shroud. The scent of salt was sharp in the air, a reminder of the vast ocean just beyond the city. As he trod through the dampened earth, mist obscured the clusters of trees and small clearings alike. By the faint sound of flowing water, Amaya knew a stream ran nearby. [break][break]



Amaya’s breath hung in the frigid air, as he sought out a woodland creature for today’s torment. Lately, this had had become his chosen method for refining the delicate art of layering Genjutsu on his victims – a skill he had hoped to master by now. The minds of these creature, while akin to humans, were undeniably simpler, offering a canvas for his practice that was, if not vastly inferior, at least less intricate. The scant complexity to their thoughts rendered them susceptible to his techniques. Even with the thick mist, Amaya easily heard the faint tap of squirrel’s paws against the moist wood of the forest.
[break][break]




With a thrill whistle, Amaya reached out with chakra, poised to entwine it around the unsuspecting creature. It stood little chance of evading the technique, yet Amaya had no desire to subject these innocents to the more harrowing illusions in his arsenal. The notion of tormenting their weaker minds had no allure to it. The true art lay in infecting the complexities of the human mind. Initiating the first illusion, he disoriented the creature’s perception, causing the world to spin and turn. Amaya’s sensitive ears caught the stumbling of the squirrel, ensnared in the trap. Quickly, another simple Genjutsu, like a neat cast of the original. It meant to seamlessly intertwine with the each other and become fused. Instead, it fell apart diffusing both illusions. Freeing the bewildered creature which scurried away.[break][break]



Amaya sighed deeply, his breath melding with the mist. Now he would patiently find another unsuspecting subject.

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[masshiro]

    The information gathering that Masshiro usually took great pleasure in was put on hold as of late, given the work the genin of the village were putting in to prepare for the Chuunin Exams. His attention was pulled to them, and as a product of that, in general teaching that he hadn't taken much of an effort in doing up to this point. This all meant that instead of simply taking notes and keeping records he was watching more actively, offering his guidance and help, even to some that were incredibly stubborn about accepting it.

    The mist was comforting, especially for someone like himself that so often preferred to stay unseen, but the smell never failed to give him a nostalgic feeling as he breathed it in deep. As he moved towards one of the training grounds, he could sense someone nearby, then could faintly hear their movements, turning towards them trying to get an idea of who was there or what they were doing. Uemori slung over his right shoulder, unsheathed and absorbing the moisture in the air and enjoying it nearly as much as Masshiro was, as they both begin to watch and pick up on what exactly the shinobi in front of them was doing. 

    It was hard to fully tell without using more precise techniques what was happening, but there were signs and familiarities that gave him an idea. Moving in closer, making no attempts at to hide his presence further, he appeared from the mist and a few feet away, quietly looking Amaya over. A genin he wasn't too familiar with, only ever seeing them from a distance or in passing. He simply stood in front of them, very obviously looking them over as he bounced the weapon on his shoulder a few times, finally making eye contact, but still saying nothing, wanting to see how they'd react to his presence. 
    

[Shizu Amaya]

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take me where the dark things are

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Amidst his search for a new woodland subject to prod at with illusions, the soft cadence of grass crunching underfoot alerted Amaya to the presence of another person nearby. Unfazed, he presumed it to be a fellow shinobi, drawn to the training grounds in the early hours. Standing still amidst the mist, Amaya awaited his next unsuspecting target, an odd silhouette in the tranquil setting, but his focus remained unwavering.[break][break]

Closing his eyes, Amaya anticipated the intrusion of noise from the other training, he allowed his heightened senses to immerse himself into the sounds of the grounds. The landscape expanded with his eyes shut–every rustle of leaves, distant wing flaps, and the subtlest motion of the stranger navigating the terrain became palpable. His prey, though tiny and nimble, revealed itself effortlessly. Yet, amid the amplified soundscape, Amaya couldn’t ignore the rhythmic thud coming from the stranger–a detail that lingered in the sounds of nature.[break][break]

As he locked eyes with the newcomer, the unspoken dialogue lingered momentarily. Perhaps a challenge hung in the mist-laden air, a silent invitation to spar. However, Amaya, fixed on his singular purpose, doubted the stranger’s usefulness in aiding his pursuit. His expression, a stoic mask, betrayed no deviation as he turned away, dismissing the potential distraction and returning to the creature within his immediate focus.[break][break]

Pursing his lips, Amaya unleashed a shrill whistle, ensnaring the unsuspecting creatures in his illusion. With the creature now his captive, he reached into his pocket, producing bells that he let jingle briefly. The ringing, another trap for the creature, should have tightened his grip on its mind. Yet, as the second Genjutsu sought to weave its influence over the squirrel, Amaya felt the disappointing sensation of its unraveling.

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[masshiro]

    His assumption became immediately clear, as a fellow user of genjutsu and one that studied it thoroughly for as many signs to break free and to defend against it as to cast them. For a brief moment he wonders if he was a target, but realized there was a small creature either being used as target practice or a way to pass the time, it was hard to tell.

"Genjutsu, interesting. Odd training partner, though."

    Moving in closer, he was watching the small animal, not knowing what exactly it was seeing, but certainly it had to be in a panic. There was no remorse for it however, just a curiosity he wished he could take notes on. One of the few times he wasn't carrying his notebook with him, but this particularly thick mist wasn't sympathetic to paper.
    
"What exactly is it you're trying to accomplish?"

    He could see by the slight tightening of facial muscles, it was subtle, barely even a noticeable facial expression, but he knew it well enough. Whatever he had just tried hadn't quite worked out, and it made him even further curious. The whistle was likely a catalyst for a genjutsu, but the bell he made a point of pulling from his pocket must have been as well, which either mention confusion on the genin's part, or it was very specifically intentional which was another matter altogether.

[Shizu Amaya]

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take me where the dark things are

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Amaya redirected his gaze towards the watching stranger, who had silently witnessed his failure. Despite the heavy fog, he took note of the man’s stark white hair and fiendishly red eyes. Amaya’s expression remained stoic, ignoring the dry quip regarding his choice of training partner. It was simply the only way of achieving success. Convincing a human subject to sit through his illusions remained a challenge, if not an impossibility. Who could trust a stranger when they promised kind tricks and not the darker of his illusions. Nevertheless, a brain was a brain, to some extent.[break][break]

"Layering genjutsu.” Amaya replied dryly, if not unsuccessfully. Amaya eyed the other man thoughtfully, even if his gaze bore nothing but vacancy. Likely that would not be lost on the stranger, who had been an audience to his mistakes. Trial and error, Amaya had a persistent hope that the intricacies of the feat would eventually weave themselves into success. The dire lack of fellow shinobi specializing in genjutsu only further compounded the problem.[break][break]

"Are you familiar?” Amaya posed a flat inquiry to the stranger. This man clearly understood the nuances of genjutsu if he had clued into what he was performing. Yet, it was still a shot in the dark.

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[masshiro]

    It was a simple enough response, though it didn't exactly explain as much as he would have liked. Of the things he coveted most, information was at the top of the list, and even if two words were more than enough, he would have preferred a detailed explanation that he could in theory write down and likely obsess over later. His response wasn't much more than a knowing nod, but his interest was piqued all the same, as it was something he had attempted at one point before his attentions shifted. 

"Not an easy feat to successfully pull off."

    For all that he could stare at Amaya, the small animal, the mist, the training grounds, he couldn't at the moment tell too much of the success of the genjutsu attempt unfortunately. Without knowing specifically what the attempt was, the most he could see was a clearly uncomfortable if not frightened creature, which could have been something it ate, or simply Masshiro walking up and startling it. He could certainly make his best guesses and pretend for the sake of not looking stupid in the moment, but he was a bit clueless all the same without more context.

"Familiar in concept, yes. Familiar in succeeding, not yet. My specialty is what you would refer to as Lingering Genjutsu. I do understand the theory however and have studied it, thoroughly."

    Looking back to the test subject, then back to Ayama, he readjusted Uemori over his shoulder as his head slightly tilted.

"Is there some way I can help?"
    

[Shizu Amaya]

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take me where the dark things are

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Surprised flickered subtly across Amaya’s impassive stare as he learned that the other man shared his proficiency in genjutsu–so far an uncommon occurrence in the village. While the other shinobi mentioned having honed his skills in different facets of genjutsu, there mere fact that there was someone else with a similar skill set was exciting for Amaya. Beyond the basics the academy had taught him, his own journey with genjutsu had largely been solitary, relying on personal innovation and the occasional trial and error. [break][break]


The prospect of gaining insights from someone more experienced in the art excited Amaya, though his expression remained unchanged. "I would appreciate hearing what you know on the subject," he replied, a tinge of anticipation in his monotone voice. "Perhaps I could practice as well... a human mind would be more valuable," he added, acknowledging the potential sensitivity of such a request. He hoped the other shinobi would be willing to share his expertise, recognizing the immense value it could bring. With additional knowledge, it would no longer feel as if he was grasping for straw.[break][break]


"I am Shizu Amaya, by the way,” he continued, his demeanor shifting slightly as he offered a proper boy, a gesture of respect and formality befitting a potential mentor or superior. If this man could provide the guidance Amaya sought, he must adopt a more respectful and polite stance in their interaction. [break][break]

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[masshiro]

    Reflexively he reached down for his notebook, stopping half way as he remembered it wasn't there. For a brief moment his face contorted in disappointment, having to remind himself to look into getting a way of taking notes that was waterproof. It would have been a simple matter of grabbing for information and sharing it, in great detail, but having to recite it all by memory would be something different, especially given he wasn't skilled in the technique in question.

"I can explain, as in theory it sounds simple enough. Unfortunately as I've yet to master it, it's not near as simple."

    When mentioning a bit of practice, he turned his head some, giving an unsure look. The two of them had just formerly met, and he knew well enough just because someone was from your village didn't mean they would use restraint in practice or sparring. The scar across his face was proof enough of that fact, and he wasn't so quick to let just anyone cast genjutsu on him. There was however a potential solution, and one he had tried to use a few times himself. Raising up his arms, he made a single handsign, using the water vapor from the thick mist and fog hanging in the air, as a water clone of himself formed to his left.

"I'm not keen on allowing you to cast genjutsu on me, however, you should be able to practice on this water clone, assuming you don't directly harm it, otherwise it will dissipate."

    This was yet another instance where he would pull out a notebook, look up the name, and see what he knew if anything, but yet again, no notebook, which meant no information. It wasn't a familiar name, but perhaps one he would look up later.

"I'm Yamaguchi Masshiro, of the Seven Swordsmen. Pleasure."

    There was no bow in response, though his clone gave one for him. Motioning with his hand, the clone stepped forward, as he simply watched.

"Well then, explanations. I'm sure that if you are attempting this skill of layered genjutsu that you understand the basic idea. I also likely don't need to go into a lengthy academy level explanation of how genjutsu works either."

    Stepping forward, he held Uemori over his left shoulder and put his right hand on the clone's shoulder, giving it a slight grip.

"When you normally use a genjutsu, your target is the mind, much like swinging my weapon might aim for an arm. It's precise to a degree in that you are aiming for that part of the body, but layered genjutsu is even more precise while also splitting your focus."

    Raising his arm, he pointed up at the clone's temple, giving it a light tap.

"Most genjutsu users, whether they want to admit it or not, are not particularly precise. You let your chakra flow into the mind of the target, and from there the genjutsu takes hold of the targets mind. Layered genjutsu is difficult because you have to narrow your usage, control your chakra, and try to target very specific parts of the brain in very specific ways. This is challenging as it's very easy for one to simply override the other without near perfect precision. You aren't just trying to trick the mind, you are for example trying to alter multiple specific parts all at once."

    Stepping back once more, he looked around them, getting a full view of the training grounds, and taking a deep breath.

"I mentioned lingering genjutsu as a skill I use; It's like setting a trap within a trap. Layered genjutsu would be like trying to set off multiple specific targeted traps at the same time."
    
    Turning back around, he looked up, really wishing he had brought his notebook with him.

"Did any of that make any sense?"

    

[Shizu Amaya]

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take me where the dark things are

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It came as no surprise that the other man was hesitant to subject himself to being prodded at with illusions. However, Amaya could not prevent his jaw from falling at the revelation that he stood in the presence of a member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. A pang of shame and embarrassment surged within him as the recognition of Yamaguchi Masshiro dawned on him. Whether it was the veiling mist or his own troubled mind, Amaya lamented his failure to address the swordsman with the respect due. It would be foolish to try to restart the interaction with the proper decorum and to acknowledge his misstep. [break][break]



Nodding in understanding, Amaya acknowledged the water clone that materialized beside Masshiro. An almost perfect target for genjutsu practice, one he felt foolish for not considering earlier. Although lacking the proficiency to summon a clone himself. Amaya listened intently as Masshiro shared insights into layer genjutsu. It was inline without what Amaya had gathered on his own, but at least he had found someone with sufficient knowledge to guide him. The skill gap stung more than a lack of knowledge, as he possessed the theoretical capacity but struggled with his execution.
[break][break]




"Yes, thank you.” Amaya provided a slightly deeper bow in an appropriate show of respect for Masshiro’s esteemed position and the kindness he extended in helping him.
[break][break]




"I will try again on the clone,” Amaya stated, bringing his fingers to his mouth to produce another shrill whistle. The first illusion would land without fail, setting the stage for the challenge that awaited. With the initial technique firmly in place, Amaya rang the bells he kept on his person. As the gentle jingled resonated, his chakra extended like a sharp blade, or perhaps more aptly, a precise pin. Delicate threads of chakra, the smallest and most intricate he could create, wove into the clone’s mind, resembling a carefully crafted sheet. His control wavered and returned, a delicate dance that Amaya could only hope would hold for now.

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Kousou [Fighting Confused][break]
RANK: D[break]
CHAKRA USAGE: To Use: Very Low | To Maintain: Very Low[break]
CLASSIFICATION: Genjutsu[break]
ELEMENT: -[break]
HANDSEALS: 0[break]
TRIGGER: Auditory[break][break]

DESCRIPTION:[break]
After a shrill whistle, the user will cast a Genjutsu over their opponent. After they hear the whistle, it will seem as if the world around them begins to spin. Everything turning upside down, making them almost unable to move without falling over. Leaving the opponent extremely disorientated.[break][break]



NAME: Naru Kane: Kakomareta [Ringing Bells: Surrounded][break]
RANK: D[break]
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low[break]
CLASSIFICATION: Genjutsu[break]
ELEMENT: N/A[break]
HANDSEALS: N/A[break]
TRIGGER: The ringing of a bell[break][break]
DESCRIPTION:[break]
A slight advancement of the Kurikaesu technique. This technique will also repeat the ringing sound of the bell without amplifying its volume. Unlike the former technique however, the sound of the bell is not stuck to the origin of the bells location. Instead, the sound of the bell will repeat, always from a stationary position, but from a variety of sources around the opponent. Making it sound as if there are far more bells than there actually are.[break][break]

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[masshiro]

    It hadn't even as much as passed his mind to expect the one he had walked up on training to treat him as anything else but just another shinobi. Even if he was a member of the Seven Swordsmen, and even if he had a lot of pride in that fact, he didn't hold him above others in Kiri at least. He didn't see himself as a position that needed special attention from his village brothers and sisters as he wasn't even a Jounin yet, and even within his operations team he was at the bottom rung. Thankfully it didn't need to be addressed as there was no awkward bowing or formalities, just two shinobi talking.

    His mouth was almost moving on its own half the time it felt like, having to catch up to what he was thinking two steps ahead of it, and by the time he stopped talking, thankfully some of it made any sense. These information dumps were helpful enough if they could be kept up with, but it wasn't often others even attempted, and this was a large part of why Masshiro considered himself a frankly terrible instructor. He wasn't good at slowing it down, it was open mouth, regurgitate information, hope for the best.

    Turning a bit, he caught the bow out of the corner of his eye and immediately turned and made an X out of his arms, shaking his head.

"None of that bowing. We are just two shinobi training. Not unless you are about to pick up a sword and start calling me master, otherwise relax, I'm not fond of formalities. But yes, the clone."

    Stepping back just in case there were any unintended incidents, he rested Uemori on his shoulder and dropped his other arm to his side, watching. For a moment his eyes closed a bit at the high-pitched sound, and saw a similar reaction from the clone. It wasn't exactly happy to be a punching bag, but this wasn't a full shadow clone, so it was not quite aware enough to having a moan. It was hard to tell exactly what was happening, but as far as he could tell whatever it was, the clone wasn't fond of it.

"Walk me through what it is you are doing."


    

[Shizu Amaya]

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take me where the dark things are

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Amaya nodded curtly, allowing the dissipating illusions to fade away. In truth, they were already unraveling, destined to dissipate as soon as he attempted the final layering. He acknowledge his oversight, walking Masshiro through the intricate process would have been more beneficial, considering the invisible nature of chakra manipulation. Amaya took a moment to reset before resuming his efforts.
[break][break]


"Of course,” Amaya replied. "I will guide you through my process.”[break][break]



Once more, he produced the distinctive, shrill whistles that ensnared the water clone in the initial simple Genjutsu. Almost instantly, Amaya felt the connection established between his chakra and the fabricated mind of the clone, the illusion settling smoothly, as it had each time before.
[break][break]


"After the first genjutsu, I have been attempting to cast the second by blanketing the mind with additional chakra.” Amaya explained, preparing to let the bells in his hand jingle softly. "Last time, I focused it like a pin, attempting to enable it to move through the first without disrupting it.”
[break][break]


This time, he aimed to refine his chakra into such a minute point that it would go completely unnoticed as it infiltrated the clone’s mind. Infinitesimally small, the chakra should effortlessly penetrate the first illusion and seamlessly integrate with it. Such levels of control and precision were well within Amaya’s capabilities, but the technique was unfamiliar, especially without an expert guide. Repeating the process, the bells dropped, emitting a gentle jingle as he held them by their string.
[break][break]


"Now, after the trigger, I will attempt just that.” Amaya explained as he reached out with his pinpoint of chakra to seamlessly weave the two illusions together. "I believe with this different technique, they should fit together much more easily this time.”

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[masshiro]

"Your theory is sound to a degree, but I see a flaw."

    Stepping in, he was almost treating his clone like a practice dummy, despite it moving, even in annoyed discomfort at the genjutsu it was being subjected to multiple times now. 

"Your description sounds like a mixture of layering and lingering, as you stated you tried blanketing the first with the second. To me this sounds like layering in the sense of baking, not jutsu, if I can be rank. It makes sense to treat it this way, but this could cause multiple differing effects."

    Pointing at the clones temple, he moved behind them. As he spoke, he moved his hands as if he were pointing directly into their skull as if pointing at specific areas to target.

"With lingering jutsu you are casting one genjutsu, then quickly a second behind it, or even on top of it. It's like a trap, snapping on the mind. Your description is that of a pin, a single point finding its mark, and that could potentially work."

    Holding out two fingers, he imitated stabbing it at the clone's forward as he moved around it.

"Try and think of layering genjutsu not as two separate entities acting at once, but one entity split into two parts. Picture a two-pronged fork. You are the handle of the utensil, and from you there are two splits, but it's all one implement. You want to strike with both at once, simultaneously." 

    Once more he demonstrated the action with his hands, moving around the clone, then turning back to see if what he said had made sense.

"This, while easy enough to explain, is where I personally get tripped up."

    Placing one hand on top of the other he began explaining again, then brought his hands together intertwining his fingers. 

"You don't want one genjutsu over the other, but both of them together attacking at once."
    

[Shizu Amaya]

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take me where the dark things are

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Amaya listened with increasing focus, eager to absorb all of the wisdom Masshiro had to offer. The swordsmen circled his own water clone, pointing and gesturing to various parts of the brain as he continued his lecture. Each morself of information was carefully noted by Amaya, who sought to integrate it into his own approach. There was comfort in learning that one such as Masshiro, a member of the infallible Seven Swordsmen, struggled with the very same technique he did. It appeared that Amaya was clearly on the right path to success and if someone of such notoriety faced challenges with this skill, Amaya reasoned that he shouldn’t be so hard on himself.[break][break]

The explanation Masshiro provided, however, posed a challenge for Amaya’s understanding. In theory, the concept made perfect sense, yet translating into practical application proved elusive. Both illusions needed to merge seamlessly, and while it seemed simple enough in words, executing the process was not as simple as just executing two genjutsu at once. One must be laid and the other must seamlessly become a part of it. Forming both at the exact same time would be impossible, but they should be the exact same once finished. The term "layering” suggested a sequential application, but Masshiro’s description hinted at a more nuanced integration. Amaya had already known that by blending illusions he would create only one entity for his victims to escape. This should have hinted to him the description Masshiro offered, but he had not extrapolated what it meant for a physical application. [break][break]



After a moment of contemplation, Amaya nodded. "I think I understand, I have been trying to have two techniques act simultaneously.” [break][break]

Seizing the opportunity to apply this newfound insight, Amaya repeated the process. Bringing his fingers to his lips, he whistled once again. The mechanical repetition of the genjutsu had made it nearly second nature, but this time, he enhanced the focus of the first illusion. Amaya honed the flow of chakra to specifically affect the visual components of the mind, rather than entrapping in its entirety. [break][break]

"It is not as simple as just inserting the second illusion into the first,” Amaya explained his thought process as he fingered the bells in his palm. "Both illusions must be intricately placed; I cannot simple attack with one and hope the other will seamlessly blend” [break][break]

Allowing the bells to dangle from his hand, Amaya flipped his palm over, creating a gentle jingle. He reached out with his chakra, attempting to perfect the new skill. Amaya began with his original technique, avoiding covering the water clone’s mind and only the portions which were affected by the illusion. "Yet it is also not that simple. Both techniques are affecting different parts of the brain; they can act harmoniously without trying to completely merge them as one.” [break][break]

The first technique, focused on the victims sense of sight and balance. The second only affected their auditory system. "When I cast a single genjutsu, my chakra affects the entire brain, but I should have been more localized from the beginning. In this sense, there is no actual weaving of the techniques as you explained.” [break][break]

Amaya attempted to create another pinpoint of chakra, finding that invading the mind with the second illusion seemed to become more straightforward. With the original technique fine-tuned to one portion of the brain, the second could infiltrate the auditory portions without disrupting the original. Once established, there should be no competition between the illusions and the flows of chakra seemed more stable and harmonized than before.

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[masshiro]

"Keep in mind I am explaining as a matter of theory and not from a place of experience with this particular technique you are trying to learn."

    Even as he was trying to use his clone as a target dummy, he rarely took his attention off of Amaya, trying to see if what he was saying was making sense, getting through, looking for any sign on the younger shinobi's face. It was hard to read, reminding him to a degree of Toru, making his teeth itch at the idea. The way the genjutsu was once more applied snapped him out of his thought as it was a curious thing, using more sound than visual cues, something that he wished he had tried to use more of.

    Listening intently, he stepped back again, realizing just how difficult it was trying to teach genjutsu techniques, now the second time he was doing so. Being able to visually show someone how to swing a weapon was simple in comparison, given he was able to learn it quick enough, but this was all theory and explanation of unseen methods. The fact he had to use his clone for this entire situation proved how much harder it was just to practice such techniques as so few were going to be willing to be test subjects, usually for good reason.
    
"Sounds like you've grasped the concept at the base level, which is great progress."

    Out of habit he once more reached for his pencil and notebook, finding neither as soon as he realized what he was doing.

"I would suggest to find the time to take notes on these processes in the future, especially if you are training alone. Note down these things you are saying aloud, the steps you are taking, what seems more and more importantly less effective."

    He could see the discomfort on the clone's face, but he couldn't understand fully what he was experiencing even if it was being explained, only the two in front of him truly understand the gravity of it; such was the way of genjutsu.

"Just remember, you aren't likely to master this all at once, and it might not even work properly at all today. Just don't rush things. As I'm sure you are aware as am I, genjutsu is much more about patience than many other types of jutsu."


    

[Shizu Amaya]

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take me where the dark things are

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The grasp Amaya had over the water clone’s mind with his genjutsu was tenuous at best. The task of intricately weaving chakra to layer multiple illusions simultaneously was proving to be exceptionally taxing the closer he came to success. For a fleeting moment, Amaya could sense his control over the clone, though it was far from stable. The conflicting illusions, struggling to coexist, briefly achieved harmony before Amaya could no longer sustain the uneasy control. The clone was free from his influence as the layered illusions dispelled. [break][break]

Exhaling deeply, Amaya felt the strain of such precise chakra manipulation and the complexity of stacking his illusions. It had grown taxing over several attempts. As Masshiro continued speaking, Amaya listened attentively, making a mental note to carry a notebook during training sessions. This tip would prove to be quite practical, a way to meticulously record each aspect of his training. [break][break]

"This has been invaluable.” Amaya remarked, his voice flat, betraying no hint of the genuine gratitude he felt. The opportunity to learn from someone such as Masshiro was not something he took lightly. Frankly, it was unforgettable. Although he knew Masshiro would not accept it, Amaya felt indebted to him for this guidance – a debt he intended to repay in due course. Acts of kindness, especially those extended towards him, were rare, and Amaya was not one to forget them.[break][break]

"I require a break, but thank you,” he said, offering a restrained bow–respectful yet not overly deferential, in line with his understanding of Masshiro’s preferences regarding formalities. These displays were a part of Amaya’s nature, but he tempered it to suit Masshiro’s distaste for excessive honourifics.

ulla

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