[Jun Etsuko]

A FIRE INSIDE Blazing a bright blue and christening great power upon it's Kunoichi It didn't matter that her other students were merely steps away, it was key that Etsuko locked her attention upon Seisho. She'd decided this plan well in advance and needed to hold out confidently, she'd however lead her student a slight distance from the other two boys. However reaching a comfortable sword drawing length between her and her other students, she'd gesture to Seisho to stop with an open palm, as her other hand immediately found itself upon a katana on her back. "Stop." She'd state firmly without emotion. Her hand slowly gripped the handle of one of her seven katana, "Take your most confident stance." Etsuko wasn't going to just play around with the boy, she knew a lot about swinging a sword, so she was confident she could help this boy at the very roots. She didn't however have any idea what type of kenjutsu her student used, but the fact he wore a katana probably meant he knew something about swinging it. Etsuko's confidence would shine like the glisten of the sun across her slowly drawing blade, it was Etsuko's intention to make the experience unnerving. Slow draws often tricked cowards and idiots to charge her misleading display. "If you're feeling lucky you can try to hit me now, but I'd advice you just puff up that chest and show me your blade." Etsuko wasn't sure after all if this boy used iaijutsu or not, but if he refused to draw the blade it'd give it away. However that'd be a less fun style to try and improve upon, it wasn't as mobile as Etsuko liked to be, but maybe she could rebuild his style more around hers. Heck maybe she underestimated the techniques ability, she really only needed to know this boy could hold up against a boar. As well as keep up in the situation of something going array. If Seisho didn't foolishly try to attack his Sensei, then she'd draw her blade upon him getting into a stance. Even a shaky stance was a reasonable reason to draw her weapon, she didn't intend to use it upon him whatsoever, but she figured he'd try harder if she imposed the possibility she could be a threat. He seemed like a smart kid, it took a lot of concentration to be a medic, so if she kept him on edge, he might act sharper in response. If he couldn't though it wouldn't be bad, she was expected to teach them for a reason. If they came out of the academy ready to fight like she intended him too, then there'd be no point in the rank of genin, but to show whose had less service under the belt. Prodigies existed though, so maybe she'd find him to be one, she'd deal with it if he wasn't amazing at the start. She was going to be a great teacher, she'd give a friendlier competitive glare to Seisho, as she'd mentally assure herself again and again. He seemed a bit shy she hoped she could help him out of that at least in the sense of combat and competition. TAG , Notes , other cool stuff

credit to nat of adoxography and gangnam style.

[Mikatakujira Seisho]

[nospaces]

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Jun Etsuko

514

I tried... Also Invisible scrollbar, so...

Just believe in yourself - that's all it takes.

[attr="class","lyra"]
Seisho didn’t believe that this could in any way end well. Why? Well, his sensei was training him in bukijutsu. That often meant that spars would take place, because how else could you teach another how to handle weaponry? It wasn’t as simple as a 'Here, I’ll verbally tell you all you need to know, show you how to do it and get you to show me if you can do it'. One would need to have hands-on practise to learn and hone their weaponry skills, and training dummies wouldn’t cut it. You needed a breathing, living partner to spar with you, so sparring tended to be a staple in most training regimes that involved martial arts.[break][break]

And Seisho didn’t do well with spars - look at his track record with his twin. It’s easy to see from there that while swordplay was his modus operandi for fights, he wasn’t exactly really good at it. Good enough to at least probably defend against and injure someone of genin rank, but not good enough for pretty much anything else. Honestly, if he was going to keep bukijutsu as his main method of fighting, he was going to need a lot of work.[break][break]

So he appreciated that his sensei was bothering to help him improve. Really he did, even if he was kinda shaking in his shoes right now.[break][break]

"Stop." She had said as her hand moved to one of her katana, and Seisho followed the command. "Take your most confidant stance." She continued, slowly drawing the blade. It was unnerving, and eerily reminded Seisho of his twin - the other Mikatakujira had begun some of their spars with a similar move. Unsettled, Seisho involuntarily shifted a couple steps backwards.[break][break]

"If you're feeling lucky you can try to hit me now, but I'd advice you just puff up that chest and show me your blade."[break][break]

Well, Seisho knew one thing he wasn’t going to do, and that was to try and attack his sensei. That could not end well in any possible way. After all, she was jounin and he was genin, and a pretty weak one at that. If he did attempt to do so, Seisho had no doubt that it would end with him face planting on the floor a second after him taking naught more than two or three steps in Jun Sensei’s direction. True, anything he did would likely end up with him getting his butt handed to him, but at least if he went defensive… he would probably last a moment longer.[break][break]

But should he draw his sword?[break][break]

…No, he didn’t feel comfortable with that, at least not now. So he simply left his blade in its sheathe, taking a stance as instructed by his sensei by planting his right foot at a ninety degree angle behind the other and placing his hand on the hilt of the katana. Sure it wasn’t much, and was pretty shaky when Seisho used it, but it was something that he found comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around in.[break][break]

…Oh boy, this would not end well.

[break]

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[Jun Etsuko]

A FIRE INSIDE Blazing a bright blue and christening great power upon it's Kunoichi "Iaijutsu?" Etsuko would ask a touch cautiously, as she'd try to plan out her next move, she wondered how to best unlock this boys true potential. "Hmm..." She'd genuinely show a brief moment of thought, as she'd pull her katana up more like a baseball bat. She grasped the blade in both hands, as she'd approach her student and his less confident stance. Her hair twitched as if it were alive and her actual ears, as she'd quickly lunge forward only to shift backward after one and a half steps. Estuko wanted to test how jumpy her student was as both of them knew, if Etsuko wanted she could shift the breeze and be in the boys face. Etsuko's stare focused in on her students eyes, as she'd announce aloud, "I'm going for your left." Etsuko would then pop forward to clear the space between her and her student, without hesitation she'd swing her sword like a bat with the boys head being her perceived ball. The way Etsuko lounged forward and swung her blade it left little time for the attack to be followed, but Etsuko hoped the warning would be enough to sound a counter. Etsuko was skilled enough though where she wasn't being serious. If Seisho couldn't draw his blade in reaction to the sword, then Etsuko would merely stop her blade an inch or two from hitting him. If he drew his sword on her fast enough her attack wasn't strategic enough to defend her, she'd have to withdraw on principle of defending her own life. However the boy even with slower reactions might be able to at least draw his blade out of fear and adrenaline. Even if that was the case he'd surely be able to bring his blade to match hers, even if a touch delayed to it's potential threat. However she'd be greatly disappointed if the boy didn't react, she hoped her little flares weren't enough to break his will and confidence. TAG , Notes , other cool stuff

credit to nat of adoxography and gangnam style.

[Mikatakujira Seisho]

[nospaces]

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Jun Etsuko

311

Done~!

Just believe in yourself - that's all it takes.

[attr="class","lyra"]
He should have guessed she'd do that - after all, both him and his twin had used that move as a feint on each other before during spars, either as an initiate or midway during battle to divert the other's attention form the true attack. So why did he still flinch backwards, allow his sword to briefly flash out of its sheath before having to slam it back shut when he realised the fake?[break][break]

Stupid. [break][break]

He couldn’t even tell a feint from an attack, despite having used the feint himself and having successfully been able to tell the difference a couple times before. Why? Seisho berated himself: he should have known better, especially after all those spars and training with his brother and father. This shouldn’t have happened - were all those practises for naught?[break][break]

"I'm going for your left."[break][break]

Those words were the only warning Seisho had before his sensei jumped for him, her sword swinging for his head. Having been in a similar situation before - he could not believe how similar his twin and his sensei were! - he instinctively drew his sword as he shifted to a more steadier stance, hoping to at the very least to be able to parry the oncoming blow.[break][break]

But…he felt like he didn’t have to worry too much eve if he couldn’t - surely his sensei wouldn’t actually kill him because he failed a guard, right? …Right? Ah… that did not do his nerves any good. He was actually starting to get worried that he might lose his head if he couldn’t guard well, and he barely stopped his arms from shaking in fright - since, shaky arms would equal to a weaker block, and that wasn’t something he wanted.[break][break]

He could only hope now that he was fast enough to parry the strike form the jounin, who seemed to be able to ride the wind.

[break]

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[Jun Etsuko]

A FIRE INSIDE Blazing a bright blue and christening great power upon it's Kunoichi "Cat got your tongue?" She'd remark as she'd happily smile finding her sword had been met by an attempt to parry. Her sword held true though and locked with her students, as his smaller frame wasn't enough to deflect her Nibi enhanced physical prowess. She'd felt she needed to slow her swing too much though, she'd wished the boy had met blades earlier with her, but she'd wanted too much of everything going perfect. Settling with what she had would have to do, it'd be poor teaching to show disappointment. He'd blocked after all. She'd lean in matching glares with the boy, as she'd put more strength into her sword trying to faint his limits a little. She wanted to keep him on the edge he'd been brought to by her first swing, "Communication is the key to a good relationship, if you're ambushed alerting the team first is always best. Gives us just that much a better chance of surviving the initial ambush, so answer all my questions from now on." Etsuko knew the boy was simply struggling to keep up and perk up to the challenge of facing his sensei in a spar. Etsuko didn't plan to kill the boy, she knew Takigakure's dynamic, he wasn't going to be easily replaced in this small village. She'd break the lock they had between each other, as she'd retreat back to the location she'd drawn. Her hands once again bringing her blade back over her shoulder like a batter. She wasn't using a serious sword style, because she only wanted to at best replicate a good 'c-rank' enemy. She only need to be as proficient as a boar or group of thugs. "I'm going to come at your left again and again, then I'll state right and go for your right once. If you can handle this then, we can advance the training a little to prove yourself, then we can move onto the next exercise." Etsuko mentioned no breaks and seemed very serious about accomplishing her goals. Etsuko would take a deep breath to refill her lungs, as she'd give a nodding motion to alert her student to do the same. If he got the hint he'd have a better chance, because the fighting would once again start, but this time without the break of explanation. "Begin!" She'd call out as she'd charge forward as she'd done before, she'd come at him at roughly the speed she'd slowed down to, to meet blades. She'd however slightly increase her speed right upon the action of swinging, as an attempt to make sure he'd realize he'd need to move that amount faster that she demanded. Upon attacking, she'd stop her blade just before his neck or let it deflect off his blade granted he would fidget and miss his draw. Upon this deflect she'd retreat back to where she'd swung readying her sword visibly, but only giving that amount of time for him to re-withdraw his sword, as she'd then charge again to go for the same attack at the same speed. She'd attack for the same effect, retreating to the same effects, and then stopping a second longer in her stance she'd call out, "Right!" As she'd charge in almost the same way only, quickly raising her sword mid lunge, then lowering it and her stance down to the floor as she'd swoop in from his left to swing for his lower mass. She'd spin her sword around just before his legs, to hit him with the dull side of the sword if he didn't block or dodge. TAG , Notes , other cool stuff

credit to nat of adoxography and gangnam style.

[Mikatakujira Seisho]

[nospaces]

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Jun Etsuko

560

----

Just believe in yourself - that's all it takes.

[attr="class","lyra"]Although his attempt to parry was a success, it was still too close for comfort and in quite the literal sense - their blades had stopped a little nearer to him than he’d like. With his brother, he was used to having their blades around equal distance from each of their bodies, and that was considered the 'safe’ distance when crossing swords with another. At least it meant he stood a chance at pushing back his opponent in terms of brute force.[break][break]

Yet with his sensei, this distance was rather tilted towards him, and that wasn’t comforting in the slightest. Especially when she leaned towards him, her body weight adding to the pressure that his arms had to hold up against. But what was he expecting, honestly? This was a jounin; it was only normal that she’d be far stronger than him…and probably holding a lot back right now during their training.[break][break]

"A-alright!" Nodding was hard in his current position, but somehow he managed a small inclination of his head as he answered his sensei. What she asked of him didn’t seem too hard: it was simply holding a conversation whilst fighting. Since he’d done brief bouts of that with his twin during the few training sessions they’ve had, at least he wouldn’t fail too spectacularly. At most he’d probably just be a little more unfocused.[break][break]

When she finally broke the lock they were in, Seisho breathe a small sigh of relief, opting now to shift his one-hand hold into a dual one, loosely securing his scabbard to his hip to allow both his hands to grip the sword. If he was purely doing blocking, this should help, since any pressure applied would now be able to be evenly spread out between his arms. And if he needed to, he could always remove his scabbard - it was only secured to the point it wouldn’t fall off on its own, but was loose enough for him to remove the binding in the blink of an eye.[break][break]

Seisho took the chance to steady his frayed nerves a little, and a deep breath helped him to return to posture. But it wasn’t long before he was back on the defensive, after Jun’s yell of 'begin!'. What had she said again? Ah yes, left, left, left; again and again… just until she said right. Only problem was…even if this was training, who was to say she’d keep her word? For all he knew she’d come at him again form the left, when he reflexively turned right at the word.[break][break]

The sound of steel on steel rang out in the barracks, but not all parries were what Seisho would considered successful, if his twin’s standards were anything to go by. With a few attempts having Jun’s blade stop a few inches from his neck, the genin realised he’d need to work on his speed if he was going to ever stop her sword at a safer distance. What if he’d been but a second slower? The blade would have cut his neck no doubt.[break][break]

Finally the shout of 'right!' sounded, and with some luck, Seisho managed to just barely evade the strike, though his landing was a little less than exemplary. He had stumbled, and had it not been for using his scabbard as a support, he would have lost his balance.

[break]

code and content by silverstar

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[Jun Etsuko]

A FIRE INSIDE Blazing a bright blue and christening great power upon it's Kunoichi Having blocked her right attack and nearly losing his balance, she'd choose right then to re-invite conversation. "How're you feeling? You're breathing sounds a touch frantic." Etsuko would question as she'd pull back and then lunge forward at him with another attack, her persistence wasn't quite relentless, but it's pace wasn't slow or relaxing either. She'd try her best to keep him at his personal edge, if he could push himself out of it or just keep it up, she'd know he'd leave this fight with muscle workout to improve his swings in combat. This type of training would be a staple to warm-up, but she hold back less the more her pupils developed. Her eyes were focused dead in on Seisho's, she clearly wasn't too worried about his movements, her calm demeanor accompanied by her diligent stare could be nerve racking. She wouldn't say anything but she was judging him by his stare, her thoughts filled with little questions about what his thoughts were. She'd hope he could hold his guard to her surgical attacks, as well as keep in touch with his more conversational side. "You can even murmur if you must boy, I'm right next to you after all." She'd tease in her following attack, as she'd lean in towards him so he could feel the hot of her breath. Her gaze went from simply judging to a touch intense, perhaps on the premise of feeling bored, she'd decide to change up her tactics. "I'm going to come at you right in the same fashion two more times, you'll have to be ready though because after the second, I'll be changing up my attack patterns." He presently seemed to display enough talent in this field to survive an practiced stance attack. "Right!" She'd state before he could respond as she'd come in with the same leg sweep attack at his right, her attack was much faster this time to allude him to what was to come. She'd pull back and weight if she struck him down, then call out right again and go for a similarly paced and strength attack of the dull side of her sword. If he blocked her right attack like she hoped, she'd then proceed to break back and draw forward with ten more left attacks, before she'd call out her second right. "RIGHT!" She'd yell it much louder, as she'd swiftly swing into her attack with more strain of her muscles, attempting a similar speed attack to the first right, she'd attack with double her strength to attempt and topple her students stance with might. She needed to remind him the futility of always blocking an attack, often a dodge was the best measure, but maybe a counter could be intuitive. She was open to her students potential, but regardless she'd change her attack stance immediately after her second right attack was completed. Retreating back as she had she'd take her blade more appropriately in two hands, her arms raising into the sky as she'd hold the blade up at it's maximum length. She'd watch to see the boys reaction to the stance, as the tip of her sword held still in the sky. Etsuko's muscles perfectly holding the blade up ready to do more combat, she'd plan to come in with downward attacks to wear the boys stamina faster. She'd want him to switch up to dodging, but if he retreated from her she had a plan to keep him on his feet. First though she'd wait for her student to show he was ready for the next bout, she'd have a conversation to carry too hopefully. TAG , Notes , other cool stuff

credit to nat of adoxography and gangnam style.

[Mikatakujira Seisho]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","lyrascr"]

Jun Etsuko

433

I took so long o-o I'm so sorry o-o

Just believe in yourself - that's all it takes.

[attr="class","lyra"] While he was able to parry all of Jun’s attacks thus far with varying levels of success, Seisho found it a little harder to keep up the conversation. "Erm.. y-yeah… I’m not exactly calm right now…" A honest reply if anything - even his arms were shaking slightly…though perhaps that was due to the lack of practice with a sword for a few months. After all, the things were heavy, so a sword-wielder would need to be used to the weight if they ever hoped to fight a battle proper.[break][break]

He had to shift again following Jun’s next attack, yet another step taken backwards. But he didn’t really mind - he knew he wasn’t the best in the team, probably the worst, so having to fall back wasn’t as hard for him as some others…or at least that’s what he thought. Oh, and, neither was blushing in the midst of training, like he was now.[break][break]

A slight pink dusted his cheeks as he tried to put as much distance between him and his sensei without breaking the swords’ lock. Risking her following up the break in guard with another attack he wouldn’t be able to block wasn’t something he’d risk. "E-erm o-ok…" Was his only reply before she told him the next practice, before she broke the lock and went right yet again. This time, he barely rolled out of the way, springing to his feet the next chance he got and backflipping from his sensei. Much as he wasn’t a fighter, acrobatics lessons were a favourite of his, and thus by extension dodging was one of his best skills.[break][break]

Left, left, left…[break][break]

Unable to regain ground and use his sword as a guard, Seisho was forced to keep his distance, evading whenever Jun lunged for him. He almost crashed into the barrack’s wall when she went right, however, and just barely got his sword out upon his next roll to block the next attack in a crouch. It was dangerous, but it was the only way he’d be able to avoid letting an attack through.
[break][break]
Clang.
[break][break]
The satisfying sounds of metal on metal rang out yet again, and Seisho allowed a brief sigh of relief…one that was almost immediately replaced with a small 'yip' the moment he saw her next stance. [break][break]

That would break his guard in his position.[break][break]

He jumped up promptly, fear flashing in his eyes before readying his sword in his usual 'front of body' position. He was thankful she didn’t decide to attack just then, or he’d be in the ground by now.[break][break]

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[Jun Etsuko]

A FIRE INSIDE Blazing a bright blue and christening great power upon it's Kunoichi Etsuko grinned at her student proud he still held strong, he wasn't going to be able to defend against her following attacks, so she wasn't sure how he planned to used his raised sword. He probably didn't intend to fight her head on though, it couldn't of worked out any better, she didn't need her team to be totally self driven. She could use this boys cunning and want to live to excel herself, she just needed him to live to improve her chances on the field. She was the fastest shinobi she personally knew, her leader proved to be of the same or higher caliber, but that was expected of leaders. If this boy was going to survive her less than skilled assault, he'd merely have to stay on his feet. Then with a sudden tense of her arm muscles, she'd unleash her katana down upon the boy. She didn't charge forward though, at least not in her first glance attack. Instead she'd bring her sword down at the back of his blade in attempt to nullify his comfort zone, she'd use almost all her strength in the strike too so if he wasn't cautious she might knock it out of his hands. Regardless of if the boy was able to hold the sword, she'd move forward after her attack. Her advance was swift completed in almost one step, but appeared to take up the distance of two, her body moved on the air swiftly. Her muscles re-drawing up her blade into the air, however unlike the first attack she'd give no pause and merely swing the sword again. She purposely stopped the swing just above the boys height, he'd only get injured if he attempted to jump head first into the attack. She believed he had more common sense than that, "You're pretty agile for a boy!" She'd compliment as in an attempt to throw off the boy and remind him they were supposed to be talking. If the boy had dodged her attack preemptively she'd merely feel further satisfied in her analysis of the boy. If the boy had failed to react, she'd follow her stopped attack and kind words, with a swift and sudden smack of the side of her katana to his cheek; she'd tilt the blade away to not accidentally cut him. If the boy blocked however she'd have no choice but to bounce her blade from his, then while stating her compliment begin to rapidly swing down against the held block. If the boy failed to get the hint from her fast attacks, she'd even be willing to go as far as cut at the boy's sword. She had plenty of katana on her to continue the practice and she didn't understand sentimental value. If the boy had other tricks up his sleeve Etsuko might not see them coming, however her speed and experienced made it hard to catch her off guard. TAG , Notes , other cool stuff

credit to nat of adoxography and gangnam style.

[Mikatakujira Seisho]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","lyrascr"]

Jun Etsuko

357

Shorter than usual, but should be ok

Just believe in yourself - that's all it takes.

[attr="class","lyra"] Bloc- no, never mind. [break][break]

It took a split second for him to decide that, heck no, he wasn’t going to try and stop the incoming weapon. Doing that would probably just kill his chances of keeping himself armed - the force his sensei was using would be more than enough to send his sword flying out of his hands, landing halfway across the training ground near the other pair. That wouldn’t be good, not at all, considering it was likely that she wouldn’t let him just waltz over and grab it to continue. It all actuality, he was sure she’d just keep going, and he’d have to solely rely on evasive action - something that, while he was faring alright with for now, would likely fail if it was the only option he had.[break][break]

Her next advance that closed the distance between them led to Seisho quickly raising his sword as he back-pedalled, the sound of clashing steel ringing yet again before he quickly broke the hold. Against Jun, holding a blade lock wouldn’t be exactly smart - she was a seasoned bukijutsu user, and if anything like his brother, would follow the bind with an immediate strike. "T-thanks…" He muttered, leaping up from his roll where he had narrowly avoided Jun’s third strike. This was getting a little harder now, but he was a bit more confident in his ability to hold on.[break][break]

Sheathing his sword - why, using the sheath was just as good as using the blade itself, though perhaps not so much for cutting power - Seisho 'fixed' the distance between him and his sensei, ensuring at least three meters' breathing space between them. Though, with a glance at his back, he gathered that by doing this he’d soon end up with his back against the wall, quite literally as well. Or, if he was quick with sidestepping, they’d just make a huge round around the barracks. Either the case, he’d have to be careful. But attacking didn’t seem like a possibility, and even if his sensei was holding back, he wasn’t too sure he’d be able to push her backwards. "So er… now w-what…?"

[break]

code and content by silverstar

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[Jun Etsuko]

A FIRE INSIDE Blazing a bright blue and christening great power upon it's Kunoichi She'd have to grin for her students display, he wasn't disappointing her yet at all. She liked his quick wit behind the sword, he seemed to be able to size up the situations provided. She'd give him a spot of breathing room, as soon as he'd ask her what'd be next, as if she expected him to take so easily to the situation. "Hehe..." She'd lightly to herself holding her sword out in defense, because she didn't need to think he'd won her affection totally. "I'd like it if you kept your tongue moving more, but if you're not entertained with this exercise, I'll just go ahead and step it up for you!" Etsuko exclaimed gleefully, as she'd move to hold her sword out with one hand. Her other hand quickly reaching behind her to draw another katana, she'd raise the sword together and swing down upon each other to spark out to the boy. Her laugh escaping a bit louder, as if she was enjoying herself. She wanted to shock his nerves a little, so she'd spin her swords around in the palm of her hand. A display of her dexterity as she'd juggle the blade of her swords around her body. Etsuko wouldn't simply draw a second blade and twirl it, she'd then move on Seisho, she didn't approach with the same charging tactics. Instead she seemed to walk, but she used the full pace of her powers. Her feet looking like they skipped across the ground almost hovering, as she'd swoop in towards the boy, then pull back quick step around and attack for the boys side. A gentle gust seeming to move Etsuko as she'd merely taunt the boy now, her swords not yet being drawn offensively, as she'd pace around the boy with a fighters glare in her eyes. "Ready?" She'd ask making it clear she was avoiding confrontation and not just waiting for the opening. TAG , Notes , other cool stuff

credit to nat of adoxography and gangnam style.

[Mikatakujira Seisho]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","lyrascr"]

Jun Etsuko

452

Sorry it was late >~< But I managed to keep my promise to get this up within tthese two days! >~< Still sorry...

Just believe in yourself - that's all it takes.

[attr="class","lyra"] Dual-wielder. [break][break]

Not exactly good for him considering the possibilities. For example, if he attacked, she could block him with one sword and attack him with the other, and if he moved to block that one…the blade he’d had locked with would be free. That wouldn’t bode well for him, or any enemy she faced, and it was a little intimidating hence. Though, he would admit that it was a very intriguing and versatile wielding style, and if it wasn’t that he felt comfortable with one blade, he might actually have tried and bother his sensei to help him learn how to dual wield.[break][break]


As the jounin spun her swords in a display of dexterity, two thoughts crossed his mind - firstly, wow, that was amazing, he’d never be able to do that. Likely, if he tried, the blade would just clatter uselessly to the floor, or go flying out of his hand to land someplace or other. Basically he’d fail spectacularly if he had to use a large object to mimic his sensei. A small object like a pencil he’d probably do fine with, with some practice of course.[break][break]


Secondly, yikes, that meant she was getting a bit more serious…why, oh why, did he have to open his mouth? He started to back off as she advanced, tense and jittery, in anticipation for her next move. When it came, he jumped to dodge it, though his nerves didn’t make it easy for him. Falling to the ground yet again, he was quick to get back on his feet as he distanced himself from Etsuko. If anything, whenever they were simply observing the other, he’d ensure that there was a little breathing space between them. [break][break]


Though, it was more for his sanity than any other - he knew that regardless the distance she could cross it in a heartbeat if being serious, rendering whatever space there was between them before pointless. There wasn’t much practicality in it at all. However, it did give him a false confidence, stemming from his belief that even though she’d be able to cross the space in a heartbeat, there was at least a few extra milliseconds for him to think, act, and it made him feel a little bit better. Though, he supposed, if she didn’t go full-out in her speed, the distance would prove useful after all, and all the better. But best to be prepared for the worst, yes? So swallowing the knot in his throat, he steeled himself (he’d admit another thing - despite training only having started a short while back, he was starting to feel a little bit more confidant since he hadn’t screwed up too badly yet.) and nodded.[break][break]


"Yeah."

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code and content by silverstar

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[Jun Etsuko]

A FIRE INSIDE Blazing a bright blue and christening great power upon it's Kunoichi She'd been attempting to mimic a maybe combatant in a C-rank or maybe B-rank mission. She wanted to get them out on the field doing hard tasks, this was a training, but also a trial; her verdict was becoming quite good for the boy. He exceeded her expectations as she wasn't sure how much skill he'd even display, she knew now though he'd be ready for a good bit of bad that they might face. He was clearly taking her seriously and that was a large part of keeping your heard. "Good, Respect your enemy with distance." Etsuko wasn't sure if the distance would protect the boy, but she'd give him it wasn't a bad strategy. She had to keep him on his toes though, so him being ready merely meant everything had to change. She'd shown off dexterity to hint him towards her next attack, as her arm would gesture forward mid rotation of her weapon. She didn't grasp it in her hand though, she'd instead seemed to guide it with one motion, she didn't drop her katana though. Years of using katana's she'd mastered the ability to throw them like kunai almost, so she was confident in her throw as she'd launch the katana for Seisho. He had some distance between them and luckily still a hardened sense of awareness. Etsuko only threw the weapon to scare the boy, as well as possibly distract him. If he somehow lost his swiftness, then she'd not feel right risking his life. Her throw was in fact an inch or two over the boys head, but it's appear to come straight for his head. Upon launching her weapon at her student, Etsuko would shot forward with one lunge. Her still held sword would be grasped with a strong hold, as she'd move in to connect blades. She charged with the wind at her feet, so faster than she'd done thus far significantly. Her freed hand wouldn't take place on the same blade, she didn't need to test his strength, she already knew she was going to be stronger that day. The boys sensei wanted to see how he'd react to surprise, as well as an actually tense moment, her free hand went to where she'd last drawn a blade. Unless they boy was incredibly keen, it'd look as if she were drawing another blade, but she wasn't she was instead drawing the sheath the blade normally sat. Drawing with the full intent of hitting Seisho, she'd aim for a gut blow while fending off his sword. It wasn't a sword though so it'd do nothing more than hurt or knock the wind out of him. Unless he had some counter or plan to escape her swift approach. TAG , Notes , other cool stuff

credit to nat of adoxography and gangnam style.

[Mikatakujira Seisho]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","lyrascr"]

Jun Etsuko

481

I tried!

Just believe in yourself - that's all it takes.

[attr="class","lyra"] Seeing the blade come flying at him made him instinctively bend over backwards, an action he regretted moments later when the blade sailed safely over his head, inches above where it would have been. Eyes widen in shock as it dawns on him that Jun hadn't meant for that to hit. He'd been tricked, and snapping back upwards, he just barely blocked the incoming blade. However, it'd seem that the young genin still fared badly in noticing the small things - he had missed sight of her hand that went to her sheathe, drawing it and using it in place of one of the many katanas she had on her back. Unable to dodge or block, he took the blow to the gut, the force of which winded him and sent him rolling a couple feet away.
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"Ha..." He hissed in pain, a hand flying straight to the area of contact as he dragged himself up. If he learned anything from the spars with his brother, it was that you always picked yourself up...and fast, no matter what happened. Drawing a deep breath, he pushed the dulling pain to the back of his mind, steadying his stance yet again as he locked eyes with Jun; he was ready for the next go, even if he might fail yet again. After all, despite bearing a strong dislike of fighting, he wasn't one to give up...often. "S-sorry. C-can we try again?" He wasn't going to stop here, he didn't want to. He wanted another chance. He'd been doing quite well thus far, and one small mishap wasn't going to put a dent in his morale just yet. 
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He'd admit, however, that that practice could have gone much better - if he had only noticed the blade would not have hit him, if he only noticed the drawing of the sheathe.... he would have had a chance to pass that unharmed. If, instead of bending backwards, he had stood his ground, locking swords with Jun then jumping away the moment her sheathe was drawn...or maybe if he had simply did what he could to avoid having been caught in a lock. Maybe then he would have passed. But no use crying over spilled milk, not in a fight. All that mattered was the next move, the next counterattack, the next jutsu... or at least that was what he had been told.
[break][break]
Honestly, he couldn't have cared less - he was never good at fighting, only running away. All the tips on combat? Useless...he couldn't even last in a proper sword-to-sword with his brother. What then, pray tell, was the use of this exercise other than to improve his chance on the field? Yet...even if it was only to improve his survival rate, he still wanted to do his best, at least to show that he wasn't going to be that much of a handicap to the team.

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code and content by silverstar

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[Jun Etsuko]

A FIRE INSIDE Blazing a bright blue and christening great power upon it's Kunoichi Etsuko grinned at her student as they were taken back, it was actually acceptable to be in his shoes. Her system of actions had merely been a sneak attack, if he'd seen it coming it'd of been impressive. Showing he couldn't foresee the whole purpose of her attack wasn't shameful, but the lesson was to hone ones reaction and decision making; especially in the field of close quarters combat. "You okay?" She'd ask not actually concerned as she knew her strength fairly well, to her enjoyment she'd get a quick reply asking for more? She was proud to have a determined student and his response let her giggle lightly, she'd cover her mouth trying not to be teasing. Her coppers eyes peering into the boy's eyes, as if she were examining her student's soul. "Hehe, I can try to repeat that, but I can't at the same time." Etsuko would hold out her hand and wag her finger before explaining herself. "See, what I was practicing was your reaction to a surprise attack, if I repeated the attack it wouldn't be much of a surprise would it?" Etsuko would try to explain her logic, as she'd reattach her sheath, then as she walked past her student to retrieve her sword. She'd gently tussle his beautiful blonde locks, her movements slow as to add anticipation. "Be ready." She'd sate allowed as she'd withdraw her sword upon retrieving it, she kept her back to her student, as she'd slowly trail her hands up her sides. Her fingers lightly grasping and shifting the katana on her back, she had a few after all so surprise could be made by which she choose to use or at least by making it hard to decipher which she'd go with. She'd decide to use her throwing technique again, but she'd use both hands this time and throw for the boys sides. Decided on her action she'd spin around, her body crouching to charge the boy, as her hands took the hilts of two blades. Stepping forward she'd draw both swords from her sides, then swinging them forward before herself. She'd let go of each blade mid swing and together, so each would travel parallel to the other and neither would come first. However both swords weren't going to hit her student, she assumed that this wouldn't be a surprise to her student. The surprise was her next move. Shooting forward at amazing speed's she'd land before her student a mere couple feet away, one of her hands was reaching for a dagger, her other hand was now hovering under the arm which was drawing a new weapon. Swinging her dagger foprward, she'd aim to once again clash her swords with his, but again this wasn't the surprise to her new attack. The trick was her dagger was a trick blade itself, her other hand swung forward under her first, it'd grab a different part of the dagger's hilt. The dagger would would hiss with the sound of steel against steel, as the dagger turned into two daggers one being used to hold the boys blade in lock, as she'd swing the second attack for a lock of the boy's hair. TAG , Notes , other cool stuff

credit to nat of adoxography and gangnam style.