[Chikamatsu Kiyoshi]

     Kiyoshi stepped down the sandstone stairs, passing by citizens rushing to and fro, refreshed and enjoying the warm breeze that the afternoon had carried into the village. The morning'd been spent at the clinic, undergoing the treatment for his lungs that he'd put off for altogether too long since his inauguration.

     It'd been little more than a slight cough for a while, but the missions he'd insisted upon with Arashi and Asahi had aggravated it. It was the dry air here, he'd always thought. That, and the rigor of the Shinobi life.

     He'd gone near three years without treatment before this, but that'd been spent in relative leisure on the seas. Still, he'd sacrifice anything for the sake of his village. A visit to the hospital once a month was hardly anything.

     His daughter Nayu's mother was there, as usual, and though his grin didn't swoon her this time like he hoped it would after so long, the encounter - or, she, rather - reminded him to attend to something else that'd he put off for too long.

     So here he was, rapping on the entrance door to the Aeru compound. It'd been three years since he'd even seen his daughter, and in the three before that he could count his visits on one hand. She'd only been five when he'd last been an active part of her life - eight since they'd seen each other.

     He was wearing his old Jounin outfit - not his favorite these days, but not entirely proscribed against anyway. The (old) standard, black, grey, and tan uniform and flak jacket. It was all she had ever saw him in. The fact he was one of the few who still owned a set, much less wore it, having come from the 990's, meant it'd be hard to misremember - he wagered there was a better chance she'd remember that, than his face.

     The door swung open, and he joyfully called her name.

Aeru Nayu | 322 words

[Aeru Nayu]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
Nayu found herself immersed in the quiet sanctuary of her book when a familiar, cheerful voice shattered the calmness around her. It had been more than three years since she last heard that voice – her father's voice.
[break][break]
The news of his promotion had spread like wildfire through Sunagakure, turning Nayu into the center of attention among her peers. Maintaining her composure, Nayu distanced herself from the village gossip, treating the leadership change as an adult affair rather than something she needed to be involved in. Despite the incessant curiosity of her peers, she continued her routine with an awkward smile, using Kanae - her best friend, as a shield to slip away from the prying eyes.
[break][break]
"Papa!" Nayu's excitement bubbled over as she rushed to embrace her father, paying no mind to his less-than-formal attire. Wrapped in his embrace, she looked up with a mischievous expression, the sand around her forming words that teased him, "or should I call you Godaime-sama now?" Her playful pout conveyed the unspoken annoyance of learning such important news from strangers instead of her father himself. The brief moment of jest melted away as Nayu nestled back into the comforting hug.
[break][break]
After a while, she pulled away, her expression softening into a genuine smile. "Welcome back!" the words carried a mix of joy, pride, and the subtle acknowledgment of the time that had passed since their last reunion.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

砂操作 | Suna Sōsa [lit. Sand Manipulation]
[break][break]
Having embraced the Aiel Clan's Hijutsu from a tender age due to her inability to communicate through speech, Nayu has meticulously honed her skills over the years. Demonstrating a remarkable proficiency, she seamlessly commands any available sand with ease, showcasing her abilities both in and out of combat situations. What was once a skill demanding intense concentration has evolved into second nature for Nayu, reflecting an instinctual understanding acquired through a combination of theoretical knowledge and dedicated practice.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 232
[break]
Chikamatsu Kiyoshi

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #cc8822; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #cc8822; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #cc8822; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]

[Chikamatsu Kiyoshi]

     "I'll always be papa to you, o-hime-sama." he said with a laugh as he squeezed her tight. For a moment, her feet left the ground as he lifted her up and then set her back down. Kiyoshi leaned back into a kneel as he let her go.

     "Thank you, Nayu," he said with a proud grin as he stood. Apparently the sands of time hadn't covered his memory like he'd worried - she was still the same sweet girl he'd raised. "I'm home!" he laughed as he shut the door behind him, stepping forward and offering his hand to her - unworried that she might now be too old to want to hold her father's hand.

     It'd been a long time since he'd been back - and in truth, it'd never been his home half as much as it had been hers. Yet it remained much the same as he'd last seen, and that was comforting. "I've got so much to tell you about! I'm sure you'll want to hear all about papa's trip, no?" he said as they walk through the halls.

     They came to a turn, which Kiyoshi recalled led to the training area. "But you've got plenty to show me as well! Don't think I didn't notice how much clearer your words were!" he chuckled with a pat on her head.

     Her abilities had always impressed him - he couldn't put into words how proud she made him, and he was sure three years of her progress would astound him. "Why don't you show me what you've been working on lately?" he asked as they entered the courtyard.

Aeru Nayu | 267 words

[Aeru Nayu]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
As Nayu walked alongside her father, her heart swelled with a mixture of emotions—joy, pride, and a hint of nostalgia. Despite the passage of time, his presence brought back a sense of familiarity and warmth that she had missed dearly. "Of course, Papa," she replied with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. As they strolled through the familiar halls of their home, memories of their past adventures flooded her mind, intertwining with the anticipation of creating new ones.
[break][break]
As they reached the courtyard, Nayu turned towards her father, her expression filled with determination. "I've been doing my best to increase my control over the sand, Papa," she began, her voice tinged with pride. "Watch this." With a focused gaze, Nayu extended her hand towards a nearby pile of sand, her chakra pulsing with energy.
[break][break]
With a subtle command, the sand began to dance and swirl, forming shapes and figures in the air. Nayu's movements were fluid and precise, a testament to her dedication and hard work over the past few years. She glanced towards her father, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, eager to see his reaction.
[break][break]
"I've also been studying new techniques and strategies at the Academy," she continued, her tone filled with determination. "I want to become stronger, to protect our village and everyone I care about." She proceeded to demonstrate the three jutsu she had learned and was the most confident in.
[break][break]
And then it came time for the last two. Nayu stopped lowering her head as if trying to hide something, and let the sand form the words for her: "Uhm, I am doing well with the three techniques I just demonstrated, but the Bunshin and Nawanuke jutsu... I still need to master." Nayu raised her warm, jewel-like pink eyes to read Kiyoshi's expression. Something she was very good at. To see if there were any signs of disappointment.
[break][break]
Nayu was well aware that she was not Kiyoshi's only child; it was something of an open secret throughout the village. And she knew that while some of those children excelled at whatever they did, her inability to be the best among her peers left plenty of room for self-doubt about her worth to her father. Especially since she loved him so much.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

砂操作 | Suna Sōsa [lit. Sand Manipulation]
[break][break]
Having embraced the Aiel Clan's Hijutsu from a tender age due to her inability to communicate through speech, Nayu has meticulously honed her skills over the years. Demonstrating a remarkable proficiency, she seamlessly commands any available sand with ease, showcasing her abilities both in and out of combat situations. What was once a skill demanding intense concentration has evolved into second nature for Nayu, reflecting an instinctual understanding acquired through a combination of theoretical knowledge and dedicated practice.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 378
[break]
Chikamatsu Kiyoshi

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #cc8822; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #cc8822; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #cc8822; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]

[Chikamatsu Kiyoshi]

     It'd always amazed him just how deftly she was able to manipulate her sand - he almost felt a twinge of sadness that she'd advanced so far that it no longer felt like a secret language only he and her mother could understand, but that'd been the case long, long ago. He was simply happy she didn't let her inability to speak get in her way.

     Kiyoshi smiled widely, enthusiastically praising her - completely genuine. She was capable of things he'd never be capable of, and would only continue to add to that list as she grew, he knew. The sands would blow by, year by year, and in the blink of eye, he'd be an old, old man and she would be more than he ever had been - he simply knew.

     He stood with a grin. "Bunshin, huh?" he asked. "Your papa knows a thing or two about that." Kiyoshi laughed. Forming a handseal, four more Kiyoshi's popped into existence - one to kneel beside her and watch her seals, another to instruct her, two to demonstrate the basic clone technique. A waste, to be sure - but the Kazekage had the right to show off for his daughter, he wagered.

     All five of them laughed heartily and the two who were demonstrating created one basic clone each, the courtyard practically full of Kiyoshis. The real one knelt beside Nayu to guide her and read her sand. "Let's see what you're working with so far." he said, asking her to attempt to create a clone.

Aeru Nayu | 252 words

[Aeru Nayu]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
Nayu found no disappointment in her father's face instead all she could read were positive emotions giving her the confidence and relief she needed. Her eyes opened with amazement as she saw four clones of her father appear. "Okay! I will try!" she answered with bold sand letters expressing her eagerness. The courtyard was literary filled with Kiyoshis. It wasn't bad at all.
[break][break]
Performing the 3 handseals cautiously she gathered her chakra, trying her best to disturb it as evenly as she could before releasing and materializing the jutsu into the world. Nayu had gathered her chakra in all the vital body parts - head, stomach, hands, and feet. Poof. A very weird-looking Nayu appeared. The clone was not perfect or even decent. The body dysmorphia was one thing, the un-resembling appearance another.
[break][break]
The Nayu that appeared had wonky limbs, a big head, a thin body, and well the colors were off too. Logically, this creature was not able to even stand properly and disappeared almost as soon as it had appeared. The sand transferred Nayu's thoughts, "It is always like this. Until now I have never managed to make even one proper-looking clone." She looked slightly disappointed in herself. In most scenarios, she had no trouble with anything related to chakra, since her chakra control was far superior to most of her peers, the aftermath of controlling the sand daily for the means of communication.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

砂操作 | Suna Sōsa [lit. Sand Manipulation]
[break][break]
Having embraced the Aiel Clan's Hijutsu from a tender age due to her inability to communicate through speech, Nayu has meticulously honed her skills over the years. Demonstrating a remarkable proficiency, she seamlessly commands any available sand with ease, showcasing her abilities both in and out of combat situations. What was once a skill demanding intense concentration has evolved into second nature for Nayu, reflecting an instinctual understanding acquired through a combination of theoretical knowledge and dedicated practice.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 235
[break]
Chikamatsu Kiyoshi

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #cc8822; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #cc8822; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #cc8822; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]

[Chikamatsu Kiyoshi]

     The various clones all bore the same look, as though lost in thought. He doubted it had anything to do with chakra control - she was clearly adept at that, so the issue was somewhere between forming the chakra and actually performing the technique. After moulding then, though he doubted it had to do with her basic ability to manipulate chakra in her pathways.

     Something particular to the technique, perhaps. Handseals seemed to be most logical point to start, being easily visible to him. "How are your seals?" he asked with a gentle smile as he inspected the one she'd formed.

     Another clone came up and knelt in front of her, holding a perfectly formed seal for the technique in front of her to observe. Decades of practice meant there was no wavering in his hands.

     He manipulated her handseal, slightly moving and aligning her fingers to ensure she was holding it properly. "Try it again, Nayu." he said, though the seal itself was far from the only possible point of failure - they merely helped in manipulating the chakra into the correct form. It was still possible she wasn't committing the desired result to memory well enough, or not supplying enough chakra, or something else, he explained.

     Kiyoshi knelt beside his daughter, watching intently to examine the clone that she would create, while a clone monitored her hands.

Aeru Nayu | 227 words

[Aeru Nayu]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
As Nayu focused on her father's guidance, a mix of determination and frustration swirled within her. She observed the clone forming the hand seals with precision, mimicking the movements as best she could. Despite her efforts, when she released the jutsu again, the result was disappointingly similar to her previous attempts.
[break][break]
Her heart sank as she saw the misshapen figure that materialized before her once more. The clone stood awkwardly, its proportions still distorted and its colors mismatched. Nayu couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment in herself. She had hoped that this time, with her father's guidance, she would finally succeed.
[break][break]
"It messed it up again," the sand murmured in her stead, feeling defeated.
[break][break]
But just as Nayu was about to give in to her frustration, she noticed something different about this clone. Despite its imperfect appearance, there was a subtle improvement. Its limbs weren't as wonky, and its head was not as disproportionately large. It stood somewhat stable, albeit with a slight wobble.
[break][break]
Her eyes widened in surprise as she realized that, while still far from perfect, this clone was a significant step closer to what she had been aiming for. A glimmer of hope sparked within her as she looked up at her father, "Papa, it is a bit better, right?"
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

砂操作 | Suna Sōsa [lit. Sand Manipulation]
[break][break]
Having embraced the Aiel Clan's Hijutsu from a tender age due to her inability to communicate through speech, Nayu has meticulously honed her skills over the years. Demonstrating a remarkable proficiency, she seamlessly commands any available sand with ease, showcasing her abilities both in and out of combat situations. What was once a skill demanding intense concentration has evolved into second nature for Nayu, reflecting an instinctual understanding acquired through a combination of theoretical knowledge and dedicated practice.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 215
[break]
Chikamatsu Kiyoshi

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #cc8822; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #cc8822; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #cc8822; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]

[Chikamatsu Kiyoshi]

     Kiyoshi reassured her - "No need to worry, Nayu," he said. "your great-grandfather always used to say: No effort spent in a good cause is ever wasted." - and continued to instruct her with a smile. "It is better."

     He dispersed some of the clones with a snap. Not the handseals and not the chakra control - something in between then, though he decided not to overthink it. Jutsu was often a personal experience, something that could be guided to but rarely fully taught. Nayu might have to try and try again, but it was something every Shinobi went though - she'd get there.

     "Make sure you've got a good picture in your head of what you want it to look like - you. Like how you form your words. Don't overthink it though - it should be natural, in a way, like throwing a ball at a target - you just do it."

     Kiyoshi could still recall his own struggles with the jutsu, so long ago. He wished he were half as good as his grandfather had been - perhaps he was, but he didn't feel it most of the time. Atsushi had still had a few decades on him. Beyond that, he found teaching his children was harder than teaching any Genin he'd ever been assigned. He was never sure why.

Aeru Nayu | 215 words

[Aeru Nayu]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
As Nayu listened to her father's encouraging words, a renewed determination ignited within her. She nodded, taking his advice to heart as she focused on visualizing the perfect clone in her mind. With the next few attempts, she honed in on the image, refining it with every ounce of her concentration.
[break][break]
With a deep breath, Nayu channeled her chakra once more, feeling its familiar flow within her. This time, as she performed the hand seals, she could sense a subtle shift in the energy, and synchronicity between her movements and her intent. With a newfound clarity, she released the jutsu, pouring her chakra into the manifestation.
[break][break]
As the clone materialized before her, Nayu held her breath, anticipation coursing through her veins. And then, to her amazement, she saw it – a near-perfect replication of herself, standing tall and steady. A surge of elation swept over her as she realized she had finally succeeded.
[break][break]
Her father's words echoed in her mind, reminding her that every effort was worth it in the pursuit of a worthy cause. With a sense of pride swelling within her, Nayu turned to her father, a radiant smile gracing her lips. "I did it, Papa," she exclaimed, the sand carrying her voice intent filled with excitement and accomplishment. "I finally did it!" Nayu knew she was still far away from perfection, but thanks to her father's and grandfather's words she was a step closer to it.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

砂操作 | Suna Sōsa [lit. Sand Manipulation]
[break][break]
Having embraced the Aiel Clan's Hijutsu from a tender age due to her inability to communicate through speech, Nayu has meticulously honed her skills over the years. Demonstrating a remarkable proficiency, she seamlessly commands any available sand with ease, showcasing her abilities both in and out of combat situations. What was once a skill demanding intense concentration has evolved into second nature for Nayu, reflecting an instinctual understanding acquired through a combination of theoretical knowledge and dedicated practice.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 238
[break]
Chikamatsu Kiyoshi

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #cc8822; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #cc8822; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #cc8822; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]

[Chikamatsu Kiyoshi]

     "Great job, Nayu!" he said with a grin while patting her head. Kiyoshi knelt down and hugged her, perhaps a little unexpectedly loving - there were memories of his head of when he was a similar age, doing similar things.

     His grandfather'd been a tough man - sparse with true love, and his father even worse. He didn't want Nayu to feel any of the inadequacies he'd felt growing up, didn't want himself to have the same regrets he imagined his parents had had before their deaths.

     He lightly ruffled her hair, stood back up. "It'll be shadow clones before I know it, right?" he continued on for a bit with his praises - it wasn't an easy accomplishment, he knew, and the frustration she must've felt was no light matter either.

     Kiyoshi dispersed the last of his clones. "Now, keep that image in your head - practice until it's second nature. Never be content with 'good enough'." That mindset had stunted his own growth for a few of his formative years.

     Gently, he drove home the point about keeping up with personal practice, smiling all the while. To be able to help raise up his properly - in his own eyes - was a blessing in his eyes. It was hard not to be proud.

Aeru Nayu | 210 words

[Aeru Nayu]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
As Nayu basked in her father's warm embrace, his words of praise wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. She cherished this moment, feeling the love and pride radiating from him. With a grateful smile, Nayu looked up at her father, her heart overflowing with gratitude. His encouragement and support meant the world to her.
[break][break]
"Yes, Papa," Nayu replied, the sand carrying her voice filled with determination. "I'll keep practicing until I can master shadow clones just like you." She was eager to take on the challenge, fueled by the knowledge that her father believed in her every step of the way.
[break][break]
As her father dispersed his clones and emphasized the importance of never settling for mediocrity, Nayu nodded in agreement. She understood the value of perseverance and continuous improvement, knowing that true greatness was forged through dedication and hard work.
[break][break]
With a renewed sense of purpose, Nayu made a silent vow to herself to never stop striving for excellence."Thank you, Papa," Nayu said, her voice would have been tinged with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you." As they stood together in the fading light of the desert sun, Nayu knew that with her father by her side, there was nothing she couldn't achieve.
[break][break]
- E N D -
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

砂操作 | Suna Sōsa [lit. Sand Manipulation]
[break][break]
Having embraced the Aiel Clan's Hijutsu from a tender age due to her inability to communicate through speech, Nayu has meticulously honed her skills over the years. Demonstrating a remarkable proficiency, she seamlessly commands any available sand with ease, showcasing her abilities both in and out of combat situations. What was once a skill demanding intense concentration has evolved into second nature for Nayu, reflecting an instinctual understanding acquired through a combination of theoretical knowledge and dedicated practice.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 207
[break]
Chikamatsu Kiyoshi

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #cc8822; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #cc8822; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #cc8822; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]