[Hōzuki Mizuki]

Mizuki felt the weight of being blind as they navigated the training ground, their senses heightened in the absence of sight. Every step was deliberate, every movement calculated. It was a challenge unlike any other, forcing them to rely solely on instinct and intuition.

The disruption field surrounding Toru remained relatively motionless, unaffected by Mizuki's missed attack. Given the nature of their sparring and the fact that he mentioned she was close meant that Toru must have ducked. If he had jumped his disruption field would have raised and if he had dodged out of the way the disruption field would have moved as a result.

Granted Mizuki could have just missed, they were going to bet on the fact that he had ducked or dodged without moving. Undeterred by the initial miss, Mizuki would seamlessly transition into a diagonal swing from the opposite side. "You didn’t move, did you?” The question left Mizuki’s lips but was mostly rhetorical to let him know that they had noticed he was still in the same spot.

The idea of this diagonal attack was that by ducking he had put himself into a relatively precarious position that would make the diagonal attack more difficult to dodge, although the fact that he could see the attack would make all the difference. Despite the challenges posed by Toru's evasive tactics, Mizuki remained undeterred. Each encounter was an opportunity for growth, a chance to refine their skills and emerge stronger.

Mizuki readied themselves mentally for the next exchange, their focus unwavering as they prepared to meet the challenge head-on. In the crucible of battle, they knew that this slow and subtle training would be incredibly valuable if they ever had to fight someone without their primary senses.


Kaguya Toru

[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Hōzuki Mizuki

Toru this time had to roll out of the way when Mizuki came in with a diagonal swing from overhead. It was a bit of a clumsy roll but it was the only one he could manage being in the squatted position that he had been in. He felt his focus shift, in a bad way, and thus his jamming faltered and he would become immediately visible to Mizuki even with their eyes closed. This would pose as a problem of course as he would need to find his center again, whatever that meant.

He kept his eye on Mizuki the entire time now that he was getting up to his feet after the clumsy roll away. Now he was just standing there once more, refocusing and trying to get back to the sensation of jamming. The sheen of sweat was slightly more intense as he stood there, this was probably one of the harder trainings he had done for his chakra jamming. They were all difficult at the stage that he had been but they had only grown more difficult in his opinion with each growing stage.

Toru after all had a generally good grasp on the concept, but this moving around was really difficult.

SPOILER: Click to show

9/13

OWL

[Hōzuki Mizuki]

Mizuki observed Toru's struggle with empathy, recognizing the taxing nature of his chakra jamming Mizuki observed Toru's struggle with empathy, recognizing the taxing nature of his chakra jamming practice. If it was anything like their sensory training it was difficult to get into the habit of doing it without thinking about it. However, in the flow of their training, it’d be good for him to learn how to bring his jamming back up while in a combat situation like this. "You’re gonna have to get it back up, Stone Face-san,” the words came out as they continued their attack.

Understanding the importance of this moment, Mizuki decided to press on, albeit with a gentle approach. With a fluid motion, they adjusted their stance, readying themselves for the next phase of their practice. Gripping the hilt of their sword firmly, Mizuki focused on channeling their energy into a controlled strike, mindful of Toru's current state.

Instead of delivering a forceful blow, Mizuki opted for a measured approach. With a deliberate swing, they directed the blunt edge of their sword upwards towards Toru, ensuring that the impact would be softened to prevent any potential harm. It was a basic Kiriage kata, to bring the sword back up after a downward swing. The aim wasn't to overpower Toru but to continue the rhythm of their training and allow Toru the opportunity to get his jamming back up in a dire situation.

As the blade arced towards Toru, Mizuki remained attentive, ready to adjust their movements in response to his actions. They hoped that this continuation of their practice would not only contribute to their own growth but also provide Toru with an opportunity to refine his techniques under pressure.

In the dance of their training, Mizuki sought to foster a supportive environment where both partners could learn and evolve. While continuing the attack might seem harsh on the surface, an enemy wouldn't stop to let him gather himself in the middle of combat. They would take advantage of the situation in a heartbeat.



Kaguya Toru

[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Hōzuki Mizuki

The measured approach was appreciated, if only because Toru not only recognized his own weakness but also the fact that Mizuki needed to train with a bit more restraint. It was clear to Toru that their training - much like a lot of those he trained - was often without a lot of measure and restraint. But it was always so important to go back to the basics.

Kind of like what he was feeling right now, he had to go back to the basics. To return to that even breath, and the feeling of his chakra flowing out both evenly and erratically, causing waves and disturbing the area all around on an energetic level. He knew how to focus chakra into jutsu, but it was difficult needless to say to focus it invisibly like a blanket for the area.

The blade came in and Toru would step back, finding it difficult to focus back as he dodged and weaved around the sword. He knew better than to allow it to hit him in the moment... Firstly it would likely hurt, secondly there was a good chance that the sword might break over him, something he did not want to do to Mizuki's weapon.

It took some time but he seemed to finally grasp it and managed to push a wave of chakra out.

SPOILER: Click to show

10/13

OWL

[Hōzuki Mizuki]

As Mizuki observed Toru's movements via their chakra sensory, their introspection mirrored Toru's own thoughts on the importance of measured training, taking a measured approach was often the best way to master anything in their experience. They were more of a time and dedication learner than a genius that could pick things up on the fly.

Feeling Toru's subtle backward movement through their chakra sensory, since Toru’s jamming wasn’t back up yet, Mizuki adjusted their stance, seamlessly transitioning into a Tsuki kata, or a stabbing technique. This was normally something you would do with samurai armor on, since it left you exposed to downward swings from opponents. With Toru on the backfoot though, that risk was mostly negated in Mizuki’s mind.

With controlled precision, Mizuki executed the kata, channeling their focus into the swift and calculated thrust of their sword. The blade sliced through the air with a fluid motion, aimed not at Toru, but at a calculated distance just beyond him. It was a deliberate move, intended to maintain the intensity of their training and they hoped that they’d have the necessary skill to stop it before it hit him.

As Samehada’s blade stabbed towards Toru’s new location, however, Mizuki felt the chakra jamming come back up. Losing confidence in Toru’s exact location. Mizuki would use their hydrification technique to turn the blade into water. It would make it so the technique did no damage if it connected, also stabbing techniques weren’t very reliable when you can’t pinpoint the exact location of the enemy anyways. Mizuki wasn't too aware of how durable Toru was, so they didn't want to risk stabbing him.

Kaguya Toru

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Suika no Jutsu [Hydrification Technique]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: Suiton
HANDSEALS: --
DESCRIPTION:

This technique makes it impossible to receive damage from physical attacks. From a single hair, to the skin and muscles, everything can be liquefied and solidified at will. Be it to evade an enemy's attack during a short range battle, to infiltrate a structure, or to launch a surprise attack in a liquefied state, this technique boasts a high strategic value. Applying this technique, the user can also modify their body parts for suitable situations or even use the liquid as projectiles. In order to use this technique, the user must remain hydrated, lest the user not being able to use this or other Hozuki techniques.

The only way to contain a user of this technique is to lock them up in an airtight container so they cannot move about. When the user passes out, they turn into a jelly-like state. Since this technique turns the body into water, the Hōzuki are extremely vulnerable to Lightning Release techniques. Along with Scorch Release techniques.

[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Hōzuki Mizuki

Toru kept going backwards or side to side where he needed, but currently he was backing up moreso as he saw that Mizuki was coming towards him with a stabbing move which meant that he needed to either step to the side or step directly backwards. The internal training was distracting him from the attacks though which meant he was not in his normal top form and as a result he took a step far too great and stumbled a little bit. It was not immediately noticeable but it was noticeable to Toru who caught himself just in time. The stumble cost him with the sword grazing him, but it turned to water which meant he was safe from any nicks and cuts aside from the fact that a small part of him was not wet with Hozuki hydrification water.

The teen would take one more step and roll backwards over his shoulder to gain some distance, he felt that familiar vibration of the jamming turning back on and he doubled down on the feeling trying to really get it there... Naturally.

Hoping that Mizuki could not see him now he kept low for a moment before slowly rising and stepping off to the side.

SPOILER: Click to show

11/13

OWL

[Hōzuki Mizuki]

As Toru gracefully maneuvered away from Mizuki's stabbing move, it was evident that his focus on internal training was momentarily distracting him from the intensity of their sparring session. Mizuki noted his stumble, being the first time they had actually heard him move the entire training session, recognizing the delicate balance between concentration and physical execution in combat training.

The graze of the sword against Toru's form served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining awareness and precision in every movement. Luckily Mizuki had the foresight to turn the blade into water, as the blade's contact simply moistened Toru's body, leaving him a little wet with the water that formed the sword.

Observing Toru's fluid retreat and subsequent repositioning, Mizuki admired his resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. It was clear that Toru's determination to master his chakra jamming technique was unwavering, even amidst the demands of their training.

As Toru sought to conceal his presence, Mizuki focused their sensory awareness, detecting the subtle fluctuations in chakra as Toru intensified his jamming efforts. Although they had a general idea of where he might be from the sound that he made, Mizuki would stop for a moment and resolidify the sword.

Rather than attack him though, Mizuki would gently lower it to their side as they gave some precursory information to set up their question, "I’m not exactly sure how it works with jamming, since I don’t come across it too often, but with my sensory I can still sense the area outside of your jammed area so I can kinda deduce that you are located at the center.”

Mizuki would pause for a moment to consider whether the question would even be helpful before asking, "When I’m using my sensory it feels like this net emanates out of me and it can sense chakra that interacts with that net, but for some people it feels like echolocation. What does it feel like when you’re jamming?” The question itself might seem like a dumb one, but Mizuki was maybe hoping to get some information that they could relate to their sensory knowledge and give some helpful advice.


Kaguya Toru

[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Hōzuki Mizuki

Toru was somewhat aware that he would be at the center, but of course in a tall building that 'center' could be anywhere and thus difficult for an enemy to locate him. It also did not account for what else he could do once he got a good grasp on this ability - with clones his presence could be further obscured with overlapping jamming areas. It was something he had taken great consideration for, and it was meant to be primarily a defensive ability that he would utilize with those that needed help hiding. There were other ways to use it as well, either way he knew that he was at the center but it was at least helpful since the center was not easily figured out in terms of steps, especially if the opponent was a master at hiding beyond just the jamming.

"It feels..." He lingered thinking about what it felt like. It was overwhelming like he was drowning the area.

"It feels like an ocean, or a big fire. Like I'm drowning the area I'm in." That was the harsh way of putting it, of course he could also compare it to a blanket as if he were covering the area, but it often felt more violent than just a blanket.

SPOILER: Click to show

12/13

OWL

[Hōzuki Mizuki]

Mizuki listened intently as Toru vividly described the sensation of his chakra jamming technique, his words painting a vivid picture of the powerful energy he wielded. His analogy, likening it to an ocean or a raging fire, resonated deeply, conveying the overwhelming and all-encompassing nature of his chakra manipulation.

"Hmm, that's an interesting way to think about it," Mizuki mused, nodding thoughtfully as they processed his explanation. "But the subtle verbiage I got from that is that you are actively drowning and pushing that chakra out. This water should flow freely from your body, I think, like you are the ocean."

Their response carried a mix of admiration and concern, acknowledging the complexity of the technique Toru was mastering. Mizuki believed in Toru's abilities as a shinobi, but they also recognized the importance of refining one's approach to chakra manipulation.

"It's difficult to articulate advanced concepts like these without muddying things sometimes," Mizuki admitted, their tone empathetic. "But for me, the net is always there, emanating out from me at all times. It's like a constant extension of my being."

They offered an apology if their explanation added any confusion to the matter, recognizing the intricate nature of chakra control. "Sorry if that’s confusing or not that helpful," Mizuki continued, humbly acknowledging the complexity of their discussion. "You might just have to feel it out for yourself. Doing it without thinking is kinda the hardest part, if it’s anything like sensory."

With a supportive smile, Mizuki encouraged Toru to trust his instincts and continue honing his skills, knowing that mastery would come with time and practice.



Kaguya Toru

[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Hōzuki Mizuki

Toru listened considering Mizuki's words carefully. He had many instructors thus far and all of them had a little bit something different to say. Of course, it made it more difficult to put the pieces together to make it so that he could do it right. But he hoped that the many pieces all together would make it so that he COULD eventually put things together in a way that made sense. Maybe all of these pieces were just loose puzzle pieces that he was picking up on, putting them all in one picture. For now the picture was not quite yet clear, but it was becoming maybe a little clearer every time he got some new advice.

"I would say I understand but this is not familiar to me. I will have to trust the process, unfortunately." The process of training had to be trusted in this case because there was no other way. Tweaking things until it was *right* was important, and he was getting closer every day it seemed to what was right... He had even managed to freak out Daichi with his jamming so something was going in the right direction.

"Your swordsmanship is admirable. Do not forget to come back to the basics now and again. To ground yourself in what was important first." He offered some of his own advice, though not with a smile as Mizuki had. Toru hoped that his words were encouragement enough.

SPOILER: Click to show

13/13

OWL

[Hōzuki Mizuki]

Mizuki appreciated Toru's thoughtful consideration of their words, recognizing the weight of the advice they offered. In the vast landscape of shinobi training, each instructor imparted their unique insights, adding to the complexity of mastering techniques like chakra manipulation.

"That’s totally fair," Mizuki acknowledged, empathizing with Toru's struggle to synthesize the diverse teachings he received. "Trial and error is probably the best way to figure these things out. Not to mention, jamming is just difficult to train since it’s hard to tell if you’re doing it right without a sensor, but a sensor has never jammed an area with their own chakra so they can’t offer any meaningful instruction."

They laughed a little at the unfortunate situation that Toru found himself in, training an ability that not only had very few practitioners, but also the only people that could offer meaningful instruction were sensors who had never tried to jam an area before. Mizuki's expression softened at Toru's compliment on their swordsmanship, appreciating his recognition of their efforts. "Thank you, Toru-san," they replied earnestly, using their name out of respect for the compliment instead of his age-old alias.

His reminder to return to the basics resonated deeply with Mizuki, who struggled to do so when they were going at full speed combat. "You're right though," they agreed, their voice carrying a note of conviction. "I struggle to maintain my form when I'm going full speed. I just need to keep practicing until it’s muscle memory."

With a shared understanding of the challenges they faced, Mizuki felt encouraged by Toru's words because they were shinobi cut from the same cloth. Both preferring to keep their nose to the grindstone when they were trying to figure out a technique.

Kaguya Toru

[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Hōzuki Mizuki

He understood why Mizuki laughed, it was admittedly humorous and a difficult situation that Toru found himself in. There was no easy way to train this and no simple road. It was not like training one's speed, or working on one's reflexes. Not like swinging a sword overhead a million times to insure that the perfect angle was achieved. This was something deeper, it was internal. The life force of all shinobi, and it was the attempt to harness it. The same way, or at least a similar way to how he had been learning to harness Isobu's chakra. None of these things were 'simple' or 'easy'.

"Right, until it is second nature." Though there was no such thing truly as 'muscle memory' the idea of it was there and resonated with everyone he came across. Even with himself. It seemed like his body would remember certain things, even though the reality was that it was their mind and their mind could quack under pressure. It was important to work on something until even the mind could not fall or cave beneath the pressure in combat.

Toru let out a sigh and motioned with his hand briefly.

"Let us continue. You may keep your eyes open for now."

He figured Mizuki would appreciate a more hands-on kata spar they could return to his jamming later, and in truth he wouldn't really stop practicing while Mizuki practiced with him.

OWL

[Hōzuki Mizuki]

Indeed, mastering techniques like chakra manipulation was far from easy—it required dedication, patience, and a willingness to delve deep into the essence of one's being. In this instance the only way either of them would get to their destination was by putting their nose to the grindstone and slowly grinding away the imperfections.

"Until it's second nature," Mizuki echoed, recognizing the truth in Toru's words. The journey toward mastery was a continuous process, marked by relentless practice and unwavering determination. It was about ingraining the fundamentals so deeply that they became instinctual, woven into the fabric of their being.

With a nod of agreement and finally opening their eyes, Mizuki acknowledged Toru's motion to continue their training, "And you should keep up your jamming field too.” The prospect of a hands-on kata where they could actually see would be helpful, offering an opportunity to further refine their swordsmanship skills while Toru honed his jamming.

As they delved back into their training, the world around them seemed to fade away, consumed by the intensity of their focus. Hours passed in a blur of motion and concentration, each movement executed with precision and purpose. The rhythmic clash of blades and the subtle hum of chakra filled the air.

In the realm of training, time seemed to lose its meaning as they immersed themselves completely in the pursuit of excellence. With each passing moment, they grew stronger: with Mizuki working on building good kata habits and Toru continuing his work on maintaining his jamming.

And so, beneath the canopy of the training grounds, Mizuki and Toru continued their journey toward mastery, undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead. In the crucible of discipline and determination, they forged themselves anew.

Kaguya Toru

[fin]