[Ishikawa Ren]

     Rain poured down his face, but Ren seemed unbothered by the cold or the sensation of being drenched. Eyes half-open, unflinching despite the raindrops falling into and past them, he sat perched upon the ledge of one of the older building in the district south of the Arashi Teien like a gargoyle; his lips moved rhythmically, counting.

     Finally, he reached zero and his eyes opened slowly, taking in the sight of dozens of skyscrapers and the streets that sprawled out below like ant tracks. No ready or not, here I come was uttered - though he might've said that only a few weeks ago. Instead the Chuunin rose to his feet and slid down the metal surface of the building before landing with a splash in the quiet of an alleyway.

     Uka'd had quite the headstart, and Ren was no sensor-nin, but without entering buildings or having the ability to walk up walls, there was only so far she could go and so many hiding places. The first half of their lesson - in the streets of this decrepit, half-abandoned district of Amegakure - would be the easier of the two for her, the harder for him.

     But if it wasn't a challenge for himself as well, Ren'd never have agreed to mentor an Academy Student - his time was only well-spent now testing himself or improving. He knelt down to the surface of the dirty alley, gazed intently with dark eyes at where the Yugao girl had begun. Though his (former) expertise was in a forest, there were still tell-tale signs in the city, especially - almost counter-intuitively - when it was raining.

     Displaced dirt, rubbish - in the distance, rounding a corner, dark grey footprints on a small patch of dry concrete. Ren stood and followed them as they faded, step by step, eyes open for hints of the Invisibility Cloak technique or the rare pedestrian he could inquire with for sightings of a small girl - or to inspect for imperfections of the Clone technique, and for the next track.

Yugao Uka | 335 words

[Yugao Uka]

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In today's lesson, Uka had the pleasure of playing a fun game of hide-and-seek with Ren. Uka couldn't help but notice that Ren seemed to have undergone some changes since the last time they met, perhaps due to the stress of being the leader's assistant. Nevertheless, Uka listened intently to Ren's instructions, which were simple yet effective: she was free to use any techniques she knew to hide while Ren would seek her out.
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Uka felt excited as she was doing her best to evade Ren's pursuit. She darted between alleyways and beneath overhangs, using the urban environment to her advantage. The rain added to the thrill of the game, as it plastered her hair to her forehead and her breaths came in quick, shallow gasps from the adrenaline and exertion of maintaining her stealth. Despite not having played hide-and-seek in a while, Uka found the game to be just as fun as she remembered.
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With each move she made, Uka reminded herself of the Academy's teachings: to blend with her surroundings, to leave no trace, and to stay one step ahead of her pursuer. As she moved stealthily, Uka kept her senses sharp and alert for any sign of Ren's approach. She knew that Ren was far more skilled, experienced, and resourceful but she refused to let that slow her down. Instead, she remained focused on the task, channeling her chakra to maintain her concealment and using her wits to outmaneuver him.
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She decided to stop as she saw a perfect hide-and-seek spot: near some trash cans. Performing the transformation jutsu she changed her appearance into that of a trach-can to wait and see, if Ren was anywhere near. Before continuing her run.
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SPOILER: Click to show

蝶々技術 | Chōchō Gijutsu [lit. Butterfly Techniques]
[break][break]
Having undergone comprehensive training under her father's guidance since a young age, Uka has developed exceptional proficiency in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Yugao clan's hijutsu. This extensive training enables her to adeptly utilize a wide array of the clan's jutsu. With her honed skills, Uka can effectively communicate with, command, and channel the innate instincts and capabilities of the insects belonging to the Lepidoptera order, such as butterflies and moths, seamlessly integrating them into her own jutsus.
[break][break]
隠翻 | Inhon [lit. Subtle Flutter]
[break][break]
Due to her unremarkable chakra reserves and her clan's hijutsu, Uka focused on enhancing her chakra control, manipulating her chakra flow and division with a pinpoint precision that is so necessary for any shinobi that uses Genjutsu.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 283
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Ishikawa Ren

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[Ishikawa Ren]

     Following the trail of little clues, hints, Ren eventually made his way into an older neighborhood that'd deteriorated from years of disuse. Trash cans lined the left side, dirty and dinged. Refuse, the right. The trail - barely discernible before, only from Ren's personal know-how - disappeared fully right around here.

     There'd be no tells along the way of her having looped back around, retracing her steps - he'd not seen anybody yet, so it was likely either a transformation or the invisibility cloak techniques. Seeing no need to trash the place further by flooding it, it was time for a distraction - a manipulation, as Masao might've termed it.

     Ren continued on past the area in question, turned around the corner but stuck behind it to listen for signs of Uka fleeing. With a few handseals, some shadow clones popped into existence - and used transformation themselves to turn into two unassuming-looking Amegakure citizens, a father and daughter.

     With a wave of his hand, Ren ordered the clones to loop back around the block and - after a few minutes - they entered the area where the trail'd disappeared, coming from the way Ren had come from the first time. The pair walked silently into the center, then stopped on the threshold of the entrance into a dilapidated home.

     Uka was still a bright-faced young girl, he knew. She'd yet to realize the nature of the world, to realize that nothing truly mattered outside of yourself - she'd pick helping others over helping herself, just as Ren would've in the past. Cruel, perhaps, to use her sense of morality to force growth - but the latter would help in her career far more than the prior.

     Ren lurked around the corner of the block, ear pricked as the yelling of the fake father began echoing, loud enough to leak into the surrounding streets and alleyways - if Uka wasn't near where he thought she was, he bet she'd come running when she heard the smack of the father's palm against the daughter's face.

Yugao Uka | 334 words

[Yugao Uka]

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As the sound of the fake father's yelling echoed through the streets, Uka's heart began to race with concern and determination. Despite the uncertain situation, she knew something was wrong. Without hesitation, Uka left her hiding spot near the trash cans and sprinted towards the commotion.
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As she got closer, the sounds grew louder, fueling her sense of urgency. With each step, Uka's resolve became stronger, overshadowing any fear or doubt that might have crept into her mind. Uka's training had taught her to act quickly in dangerous situations, and she was ready to act now.
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As she turned the corner, Uka saw two figures disguised as a father and daughter in the middle of a confrontation. The atmosphere was tense, and Uka knew she had to intervene.
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Without hesitation, Uka rushed forward, her footsteps echoing against the rain-soaked pavement. She placed herself between the fake father and daughter, acting as a barrier against the violence that threatened to erupt. With a friendly yet firm voice, she addressed the disguised figures, her tone unwavering despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
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"Stop!" she commanded, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Violence is never the answer. Whatever the issue may be, there are better ways to resolve it than through harm. Let's work together to find a peaceful solution."
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SPOILER: Click to show

蝶々技術 | Chōchō Gijutsu [lit. Butterfly Techniques]
[break][break]
Having undergone comprehensive training under her father's guidance since a young age, Uka has developed exceptional proficiency in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Yugao clan's hijutsu. This extensive training enables her to adeptly utilize a wide array of the clan's jutsu. With her honed skills, Uka can effectively communicate with, command, and channel the innate instincts and capabilities of the insects belonging to the Lepidoptera order, such as butterflies and moths, seamlessly integrating them into her own jutsus.
[break][break]
隠翻 | Inhon [lit. Subtle Flutter]
[break][break]
Due to her unremarkable chakra reserves and her clan's hijutsu, Uka focused on enhancing her chakra control, manipulating her chakra flow and division with a pinpoint precision that is so necessary for any shinobi that uses Genjutsu.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 218
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Ishikawa Ren

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[Ishikawa Ren]

     The father looked down at Uka with a blank expression, before he and the daughter looked at Ren, who'd appeared behind the Academy Student. The duo detransformed with a pop, the three Ren's looking down on her with indifferent disregard, before three became one in a cloud of smoke.

     "Your technical skills were sufficient," he said in a monotone voice. "but you revealed yourself to the enemy over a distraction - one entirely unrelated to the mission. You pass, barely." Ren said sternly. He motioned towards the Arashi Teien, directing the young girl to begin walking towards the second section of their lesson.

     Ren strode alongside, continuing to lecture her. "Amegakure does not need sentimentality, it needs results. That girl may've died the next day in a freak accident - or you may've been assigned to kill the two of them. Do not compromise your mission over morals or irrelevant people." After a lengthy walk, the pair arrived in the thick of the forest. The Chuunin crossed his arms, leaned against a tree.

     "Be glad there is little for you to fail yourself over out here. I'd be impressed," he laughed. "so don't expose yourself over a wounded animal that'll die anyway." Ren shut his eyes, leaned his head back. "You have a minute. Assume you're trapped in enemy territory, and evade my search."

Yugao Uka | 222 words

[Yugao Uka]

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Uka stood there, the weight of Ren's words sinking in. She felt a mix of emotions swirling within her—determination, frustration, and a twinge of guilt. She knew Ren was right; sentimentality could cloud judgment and jeopardize the mission. Yet, she couldn't shake off the feeling that intervening was the right thing to do, even if it wasn't part of the plan.
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As she listened to Ren's instructions for their next exercise, Uka nodded silently, acknowledging the lesson learned. She understood the importance of prioritizing the mission above all else, even if it meant suppressing her instincts to help others in need.
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With a renewed focus, Uka took in her surroundings—the dense forest, the sound of rustling leaves, and the faint scent of rain lingering in the air. She knew she had to prove herself capable of adapting to unpredictable situations, just like this one.
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Taking a deep breath, Uka began to move swiftly. Her first point was to create as much distance between them as possible in the given time.
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Uka's heart raced as she sprinted deeper into the forest, her footsteps muffled by the thick undergrowth beneath her feet. The urgency of the situation fueled her determination, driving her to push her limits further than ever before. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she ran. But as she felt the adrenaline coursing through her veins, she knew she couldn't keep up this pace forever. She needed a plan—a way to throw Ren off her trail and buy herself some time to create an even bigger distance.
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As she reached a clearing in the forest, Uka's mind raced with possibilities. Then, a thought struck her—a risky but potentially effective strategy. First, she made sure to create deep fake footsteps in the opposite direction in which she was, and with a glance around to ensure she was alone, Uka focused her chakra and performed the transformation jutsu once again.
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In an instant, her form shifted and twisted, morphing into a small brush that blended seamlessly with the surrounding foliage. She held her breath, willing herself to remain perfectly still as she waited for Ren to pass by.
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SPOILER: Click to show

蝶々技術 | Chōchō Gijutsu [lit. Butterfly Techniques]
[break][break]
Having undergone comprehensive training under her father's guidance since a young age, Uka has developed exceptional proficiency in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Yugao clan's hijutsu. This extensive training enables her to adeptly utilize a wide array of the clan's jutsu. With her honed skills, Uka can effectively communicate with, command, and channel the innate instincts and capabilities of the insects belonging to the Lepidoptera order, such as butterflies and moths, seamlessly integrating them into her own jutsus.
[break][break]
隠翻 | Inhon [lit. Subtle Flutter]
[break][break]
Due to her unremarkable chakra reserves and her clan's hijutsu, Uka focused on enhancing her chakra control, manipulating her chakra flow and division with a pinpoint precision that is so necessary for any shinobi that uses Genjutsu.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 361
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Ishikawa Ren

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[Ishikawa Ren]

     The pungent aroma of the rainy forest would've been intimately nostalgic to Ren, but now it registered as little more than a pleasant smell, though irrelevant to anything. Ren opened his eyes and looked around. As expected, the forest tracking portion of the lesson was the easier of the two for him - especially after rain, the forest left many hints of someone's passage.

     Aside from the obvious mud - which she seemed to have avoided, preferring to hop off of roots or rocks and cover as much distance as possible - there were snapped twigs, bent branches, disturbed leaves. There weren't all that many wild animals in the Arashi Teien, so the minute signs were easy to tell for an experienced tracker.

     As he ran along the trail, it became apparent that - at least partly - she'd focused on creating distance. A sound enough strategy, though she'd ultimately need to hide. Ren paid close attention to the footprints - their depth, their slant, to determine if she'd tracked back through them or laid any as a distraction. Most were fairly slanted and of a medium depth - those of a run.

     Eventually the trail led him to a clearing, surrounded by bushes. On the opposite side, the tracks continued, though Ren noticed immediately that they seemed far more deliberate. Flat, trodden slowly - and deep, so as to be noticeable. He resisted the urge to look back and examine the clearing once more, and instead intentionally took the bait.

     Ears pricked for movement behind him, he followed the trail with mock attentiveness - it was too early to end the lesson; he wasn't yet satisfied.

Yugao Uka | 268 words

[Yugao Uka]

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Uka remained perfectly still, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched Ren approach the clearing. The adrenaline coursing through her veins heightened her senses, every rustle of leaves and creak of branches echoing in her ears. She dared not move, fearing even the slightest twitch might give her away.
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As Ren fell for her decoy tracks, Uka silently congratulated herself on her cunning. The transformation jutsu had worked like a charm, disguising her presence amidst the foliage. Yet, she knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down just yet. Ren was sharp, and he wouldn't be fooled for long.
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With bated breath, Uka waited until Ren was well past her hiding spot before cautiously emerging from her camouflage. She moved as swiftly and silently as she could, making her way deeper into the forest, all the while keeping a keen eye out for any signs of pursuit.
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Once she reached what seemed a good point, again full of trees and lush bushes, she started to consider her next move carefully. She knew she couldn't rely solely on deception to evade Ren's tracking skills indefinitely. She needed a plan, a strategy that would outsmart him and buy her the time she needed to complete the exercise successfully.
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She decided to employ a combination of stealth and misdirection. She would continue to create false trails and distractions, leading Ren on a wild goose chase while she circled back to the starting point, completing the exercise under his nose. Or so was her grand plan.
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Once again she decided to make some more footprints, this time not just in one direction but in as many as possible, and adding in a few broken branches here and there, to make it more realistic, as if she had indeed headed in that direction. All the while she climbed on a tree, earning a few scratches and bruises here and there and once again performing the henge to look like a branch on the tree.
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Uka held her breath. Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

蝶々技術 | Chōchō Gijutsu [lit. Butterfly Techniques]
[break][break]
Having undergone comprehensive training under her father's guidance since a young age, Uka has developed exceptional proficiency in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Yugao clan's hijutsu. This extensive training enables her to adeptly utilize a wide array of the clan's jutsu. With her honed skills, Uka can effectively communicate with, command, and channel the innate instincts and capabilities of the insects belonging to the Lepidoptera order, such as butterflies and moths, seamlessly integrating them into her own jutsus.
[break][break]
隠翻 | Inhon [lit. Subtle Flutter]
[break][break]
Due to her unremarkable chakra reserves and her clan's hijutsu, Uka focused on enhancing her chakra control, manipulating her chakra flow and division with a pinpoint precision that is so necessary for any shinobi that uses Genjutsu.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 344
[break]
Ishikawa Ren

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