[Himishi Jou]

The day was upon them...The final fights of the exams. Jou had gone through so much during the duration of the exams. From loss...pain...and even betrayal. Things were certainly a lot more eventful here unlike the previous exams he had participated in. Jou was fiercely broken down...but in the end, he was able to build himself back up through the experiences he had learned...and with the help of his previous opponent interesting enough.

Jou stood there in the bunker waiting for his turn which was quickly approaching. The young Himishi had his arms crossed, looking down at the previous match that had just concluded, funnily enough involving the very person who helped steer Jou back onto the right path. Jou's demeanor and expression, all lacked the doubt and frustration he had previously formed. There were still some loose ends, some things that haven't truly healed yet and would most certainly not be dealt with properly for quite a while...his now strained relationship with the cousin he once looked up to being one of them....but for now, Jou needed to focus on giving it his all this final round.

Speaking of loose ends...another one of them was about to reveal itself to Jou...one that he had pushed to the back of his mind...ever since the first round.

Jou was called down next. The young Himishi unfolded his arms, letting them rest against his sides as he steadied his breathing before closing his eyes. "Learn from the past...question the present..." He then opened them, his very expression now bleeding with determination. "...and plan for the future." Whether Jou wins or loses, he will be sure to take something from the outcome.

Once more, Jou has entered the arena through the gate. He could hear the various sounds of the spectators, but his eyes remained forward, waiting for his opponent to come into view...and once he did, Jou's determined expression nearly faltered...being replaced by shock.

Himishi Jou, versus...."

Of all the people...Jou was going to be ending this with the very person he practically started this 'journey' with...The one who 'sacrificed' himself so that Jou and the others within their group could live during Round One...His first roommate...

"Kushinbou Kashiwa!"

There were hints of tears beginning to form in Jou's eyes as he saw the man. Jou knew that Kashiwa had survived around the same time the others found out...but Jou never was able to bring himself to go find him, to thank him for everything. Despite this, Jou still felt guilty for how distant he treated him at first...and for thinking that he laid his life down for someone who didn't deserve it...referring to himself. There was some much Jou wanted to say...feeling like that Kashiwa was a ghost that would pass any second now.

"I'm so glad you're still alive, Kashiwa-san." is all Jou could really say now, followed by a sincere smile.

kuishinbou kashiwa

[kuishinbou kashiwa]

round 3 - - final fight

An author couldn't craft a better final page than this; the perfect back cover to an exam that was as chaotic as it was dramatic. The boy who had been first to greet Kashiwa of anyone, after arriving in the Land of Water, his roommate and teammate, now stood a good fifteen meters away from him in the center of an arena. A falter in his determined glare which shattered Kashiwa's own was cast across the distance. Maybe it was a strategy, nothing could be put past a hungry kid like him, but it disarmed Kashi all the same.

Within an instant, warmth spread across the young grass nin's lips to mirror his opponent-- No, not his opponent. They may stand opposed to each other now; and it was likely they would again down the road, but Himishi Jou was Kashiwa's friend.

Before the match was allowed to begin, Kashiwa begged a moment from the proctor. If Jou consented, Kashiwa would approach, weapons undrawn and hands clearly open and empty. He moved close before reaching out his hands slowly to pull Jou's head close to him, just under his chin. "Jou," he began, embracing him. "I'm sorry about what happened, all of it. I wish I could have done something." He rested his forehead against the crown of the stone shinobi's head before pulling away.

Kashiwa wasn't a crier, but Jou was one of the ones he wanted to protect the most.

He was someone he'd formed a fast friendship with and someone he wanted to see again on more peaceful terms. So when Kashiwa gave those brief words of affirmation, he couldn't stop the tears that built up, welling at the surface and threatening to spill over like a glass filled just barely beyond the brim. But his smile never wavered. "Let's show them all what we can do." He spoke through gritted, anxious teeth as he took his space back where he'd begun.

When the proctor did finally drop his hand, signaling the match to start, Kashiwa leapt away, hastily drawing his bow from his back and gripping it tightly in his left hand. His other raised to form three quick seals. He'd learned his lesson from the previous matches and there was no more holding back. This was the final match and if he didn't make a good show of it the whole exams would have been for naught.

With a large cloud of smoke, Kashiwa created three doppelgangers. He'd shown off his Kage Bunshin technique in both of his previous matches and in his last he'd even shown a bit of trickery from behind the veil of smoke. These, however, weren't shadow clones; rather, they were just regular illusions. Kashi was playing off the idea that his opponents had been taking notes, watching his fights and preparing for him. This was the final round and he needed to go all out, no?

The two clones that flanked him ran in either direction, both drawing a single arrow before nocking it and pointing it at Jou. Kashiwa himself continued to retreat back, echoing the movements of his copies but out away from Jou as opposed to trying to rush to his side. The third illusion remained in the center, drawing a kunai in a low defensive stance.

When the true Kashiwa retreated as far as he could get without Jou approaching, assuming he didn't immediately, he released his own nocked arrow, aiming square for the boy's torso. At this distance he had to aim a bit above center mass but it was a minor adjustment. He made sure to avoid the body of the stationary clone he'd left behind, if the illusion hadn't already been debunked of course.

--- words | Himishi Jou

EQUIPMENT REFERENCED: x

JUTSU USED:

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Bunshin no Jutsu [Clone Technique]
RANK: E
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: None
HANDSEALS: 3
DESCRIPTION:
After performing the necessary hand seals, the user can create a handful of intangible clones to confuse the enemy. They do not contain solid mass, have no shadows and do not interact with the surrounding environment, making them somewhat easy to distinguish from the real person.

[Himishi Jou]

Jou was not expecting Kashiwa to tell the proctor to hold off for a bit. It certainly couldn't be some sort of trick if he went that far. So when Kashiwa started to approach Jou, the young Himishi simply looked up at him as the distance was closed. Before Jou could ask anything, he was pulled into an embrace, gentle yet warm. Jou's brows rose a little in response, but as soon as Kashiwa apologized, Jou smiled a little before finally returning the hug, closing his own teary eyes. "You have nothing to apologize for, Kashiwa...Trust me, you've done more than enough....Thank you." Jou claimed. Jou couldn't speak for the others in the first round group, but Kashiwa's 'sacrifice' did more for Jou than just allow him to live. It gave him more of a reason TO live, and for that, Jou was eternally grateful, regardless of their nations.

It was people like Kashiwa that has helped Jou get a better understanding of what he wanted to do...who he wanted to be. Folks have spent their time wanting to protect Jou...but now Jou wants to be the one doing the protecting.

Despite the rocky start, Jou was glad to have met Kashiwa...and can safely say that he sees him as a friend. He was confident in the bond that they formed and was sure if they ever were to meet again, such a bond will remain unshaken.

Kashiwa then said something else, something that sort of mirrors what he himself had said to Haruka before the start of their match....even though she made it painfully clear she did not want to accept that. That still lingered in the young Himishi's mind...but he was glad that Kashiwa was able to see him as someone...as a shinobi. Jou could not help but grin at this after he wiped away his tears. "Of course, Kashiwa-san." He was going to show them...show Kashiwa...and even Haruka his best.

With that, Jou waited until Kashiwa was back in place and for the proctor to start!

As Kashiwa lept away, Jou's eyes immediately turned purple as his doujutsu activated, his demeanor more serious...focused. Kashiwa getting far with that bow is going to be a problem, Jou thought....

Jou reached into his pouch to grab a kunai and as he took it out, he narrowed his eyes at the large smoke formed...and the clones created. Right...This was going to be an issue as well.

Three versions of Kashiwa were taking their positions while a fourth remained in the center. Jou's eyes quickly darted around, quickly analyzing the situation. The way the two Kashiwas with bows were moving made it clear that they were trying to get on both sides of Jou. Thinking fast, before they could properly take position, Jou threw the kunai he took out at the Kashiwa on the left, aiming for one of their hands in an attempt to drop the arrow! As the kunai flew, Jou performed a handseal which caused his body to seemingly be engulfed in flames before seemingly vanishing as he used the Body Flame Technique. In reality, the jutsu had just made him briefly faster to the point where he would be barely seen if not seen at all by untrained eyes.

He used this to quickly dart to the Kashiwa on the right, using the momentum of this enhanced speed to quickly knee him in the gut as he seeming reappears in a similar burst of flames! If this manages to connect...then well, it wouldn't, and Jou would quickly realize that these aren't actual shadow clones...

"H-Huh..?" If this happened, Jou would hop back once and quickly look in the direction of the Kashiwa in the center...and specifically where that final Kashiwa appeared to be trying to move further back to. Deception was the game Kashiwa was seemingly playing....and Jou needed to remain alert.

kuishinbou kashiwa

Tomokenzangan: Active

9/10 Kunai Remains

S.A.

SPOILER: Click to show

TOMOKENZANGAN [Tōzasō] (All Seeing Eye [Present Aspect]
Having seen his sister die and having a near-death experience himself, Jou was able to awaken the Himishi clan's dojutsu, the Tomokenzangan which has the ability to alter the perception of time. First, Jou only had access to the Tomokenzangan's first ability, Iwakusō (Past Aspect) which has given him the ability to view not only his own but others' memories with great accuracy and clarity. It can select these events and recreate them in his or other people's minds, making the sensations from these moments very real. Not only that, but it has the potential to probe or even steal memories if the target is willing, restrained, or physically/mentally weakened. Then there is Tōzasō, the present aspect. With this ability, Jou is capable of reading/analyzing a situation in a matter of seconds and can pick up on the most minute details, making this extremely useful on the battlefield.

Enhanced Speed
Although he has been and still is training his mind, Jou has been mostly focusing on his body. Wanting to be able to physically keep up with his dojutsu's enhanced vision a little better, Jou has done a lot of training with his ability to physically react to things, making him a lot more faster compared to most his rank and lower when it comes to movement.

Jutsu

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Karada Hi no Jutsu [Body Flame Technique]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: 火 Katon | Fire
DESCRIPTION:

A technique used similar to the Body Flicker Technique. When using this technique, the body appears like it's being engulfed by flames, disappearing from view slowly. How the flames engulf the user stylistically is up to them.

[kuishinbou kashiwa]

round 3 - - final fight

The first exchange couldn't have gone better for Kashiwa. While two of his clones had been taken out, he'd gotten two invaluable pieces of information in return. First, he saw one of Jou's answers to his shadow clone technique, that fiery shunshin. Second, he'd made greater distance between him and his opposition than he had in either of his previous matches.

The clone in the center lifted its kunai as the clones on either side of Jou dissipated, standing to meet Jou in a one-on-one match in the center of the arena. The illusion had more or less been shattered but there was no need for the grass ninja to banish the clone if Jou was going to do it for him.

Meanwhile, the distance between the two combatants was ever growing. Kashiwa had wasted no time pressing his advantage in the space offered by his illusion as he raced back away from the center. He raised his right hand again and formed three one-handed seals, a mirror of the previous. The first two were dummy seals, intended only to connect his current movements to his previous. Shadow clones weren't the most common technique but they'd seen some use in these exams. An attentive observer would know the technique called only for a single seal.

With that third and final seal, another plume of smoke. More clones. These clones, however, were the real deal. They held mass, cast subtle shadows near their feet and, most importantly, could attack. If Jou hadn't already dealt with it by now, the original clone in the center of the ring would disappear, leaving only Kashiwa and three shadow clones just in front of him, one ahead and one to his left and to his right.

The clones that formed a wall before Kashiwa knelt down, each one drawing an arrow and allowing wind chakra to flow from the tips of their fingers down along the length of the arrows wooden shafts. Meanwhile, the real Kashiwa would course wind chakra through the string of his bow, leveling an arrow again toward Jou's midsection. And with a single breath, they all released.

Kashiwa's projectile was the most straightforward, a shot launched straight for Jou's chest moving at a blistering pace even where arrows are concerned. The arrows of each of the clones were less obvious, all of them seeming, at first, to be headed off course. But then, as each one raised their right hands to control their projectiles like a conductor, their courses shifted. Each arrow took a slightly different course but all of them were headed for Jou.

--- words | Himishi Jou

EQUIPMENT SA REFERENCED: x

SPOILER: Click to show

The Strength of Her Judgement
Being chakra reactive, specifically to wind release, the user is able to infuse the bow's string with some of their wind chakra to amplify the power behind subsequent shots. After an arrow is fired off, it will fly with much more velocity than normal. This increase in speed will cause the arrow to fly further without losing power and be much more difficult to evade.

PERSONAL SA REFERENCED:

SPOILER: Click to show

Ninjutsu Genius
Kashiwa's grasp of ninjutsu as a general study is well beyond that of his peers, his ability to perform complicated techniques at a high level being metered only by his average chakra reserves. He's also begun to successfully employ one-handed seals, though at a fraction of the speed when using both hands. If he's to continue moving down the path toward mastery as he is, his ceiling will be something truly astounding.

JUTSU USED:

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu [Shadow Clone Technique]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: None
HANDSEALS: 1
DESCRIPTION:
The Kage Bunshin technique evenly distributes your chakra between one or more clones with form and substance.

The clones created by this technique are able to utilize any jutsu the original ninja knows, has all of their special abilities, as well as their kekkei genkai. Typically a clone's equipment doesn't retain any special abilities and the clone itself is dispersed when hit with a single attack or incapacitated, although the clone can also choose to disperse itself or be dispersed by the user.

When the clone finally disperses, any new knowledge it has gained along with it's remaining chakra are passed back to the original ninja and any additional clones.

--

NAME: Fūton: Kaiten Shuriken [Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken] x3
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low-Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Fūton
DESCRIPTION:
By coating wind-natured chakra into weapons the user is capable of controlling their weapons remotely. While they are in this state the user has free range over the weapons trajectory and the weapons themselves gain a natural boon in their range, effectively allowing them to weave around obstacles to hit their targets from much further than standard ranges. The user must utilize their hand(s) to direct the movements of the weapons & in the event of multiple weapons one is capable of using each hand to control different weapon trajectories. While this technique can be used effectively from afar the control one can place upon them tend to lessen with extended use that normally come with large distances far beyond their standard effective throwing range. However, the amount of chakra an individual must use to effect one's weapons varies in terms of both size and design. Range & Control can also be reduced based on the design of the weapon itself such as a Shuriken, designed for flight, would have a greater control range than a Katana. Can control weapons upward to 3 posts while within range.

Very Low: 4 Max: Shuriken, Kunai, Arrows, or other similar sized ranged weapons.
Low: 2 Max: Folding Fūma Shuriken (or other of similar size), Swords.
Medium: 1 Max: Giant Fūma Shuriken, Zanbatō's

1-10m: Full Control
11-30m: Minor Control
30m+: No Control

CHAKRA USE TRACKER: 1 Medium, 0 Low, 4 Very Low

[Himishi Jou]

At this moment, Jou has no idea just how bad things are going for him. What he thought were shadow clones were merely just clones without any true mass. One would think that this meant that he only has the original to worry about...but Jou knew better than that. There were still two more Kashiwas left, and still had no idea which one was real.

The moment the Kashiwa in the center shifted, lifting their kunai up, Jou immediately focused on it, ready to act...but he noticed something off about the other Kashiwa. They were moving further away. Jou read what was happening quickly and if he had to guess between those two, the one further back was the real Kashiwa, and the one with the kunai was another fake acting as a distraction! It was as Haruka said...during their match.

'Learn to observe not just your opponent but all of their capabilities.'

Despite what happened...Jou still listened, her every word etched into his memories.

Jou had to act fast, seeing that the Kashiwa he assumes is real was up to something. He needed to get closer to him, and so the moment he saw the further back Kashiwa raise their right hand up, Jou molded katon chakra into his mouth, but instead of fire, he exhaled a cloud of ash that quickly took form between himself and Kashiwa, most likely obstructing both of their views. Before this, Jou was able to memorize where he last saw the further back Kashiwa and with that in mind, the young Himishi continued to face that direction before slamming his eyes shut...and lowering his headband over his eyes. This was a gamble...but a part of Jou did not want to risk fatally wounding Kashiwa with any of his ranged katon jutsu. He was also riding on the assumption that Kashiwa would possibly be thrown off guard by this.

With his vision concealed and general direction of where he last saw Kashiwa still in his mind, Jou performed one familiar hand seal again and his body was once again swept away in flames, using his Karada Hi no Jutsu to quickly dart through the ash cloud he created and towards Kashiwa's last known position! The moment Jou felt like the distance was closed enough, the young Himishi while gritting his teeth would 'reappear' presumably in front of the Kusa genin...aiming his head around where their stomach might be. A reckless move, but Jou had no other way to get closer than by doing this...Of course, he also had no clue of the other two clone's existence if they were still formed.

kuishinbou kashiwa

Tomokenzangan: Active But currently covered like a dumbass asdamcimadsc

Jutsu

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Katon: Haijingakure no Jutsu [Fire Release: Hiding in Ash and Dust Technique]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Katon
DESCRIPTION:

The user molds Katon chakra before exhaling a large cloud of ash from their mouths that spreads outwards in a ten meter radius. The ash can sting if it gets in a person's eyes, but the true purpose of this technique is to create a smokescreen that blinds enemies, allowing the user to hide or escape.


NAME: Karada Hi no Jutsu [Body Flame Technique]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: 火 Katon | Fire
DESCRIPTION:

A technique used similar to the Body Flicker Technique. When using this technique, the body appears like it's being engulfed by flames, disappearing from view slowly. How the flames engulf the user stylistically is up to them.

[kuishinbou kashiwa]

round 3 - - final fight

Following Jou's disappearance into the smoke, the clones' arrows all missed their target who was now obscured by a thick veil of ash. But Jou, with his headband down over his eyes and that same impentrable dark cloud encircling him, was hurtling straight towards the center arrow loosed by Kashiwa himself.

If he took the hit and pressed forward, that still left Jou fast approaching.

As Jou grew closer all three clones stood up and spread out. The two clones to either side dashed away from each other, nocking fresh arrows and preparing to loose as soon as an opportunity arose.

Kashiwa himself needed to make distance, and fast. In the same fluid motion he leapt up and back, twisting in midair and channeling chakra towards the soles of his feet so that he landed perpendicular to the wall behind him. He was careful to angle his body so that his arrows wouldn't go flying from his quiver to the floor; his hand dropped to find one with a familiar piece of parchment wrapped around the shaft. These thing were beginning to become a staple of his.

The clone in front of him, meanwhile, leapt forward, arms outstretched as soon as Jou came into view, whether or not he'd stopped short or continued forward. He wasn't trying to harm him, just grapple him and hold him in place for a second.

If the clone was able to grapple him, or even just distract him for a moment, Kashiwa would draw and loose his arrow directly into the clone's back. The clone would dissipate in a plume of smoke and Kashiwa would feel a wave of refreshing energy as the clone's chakra returned to him; then he would form a single handseal, detonating the explosive note as the arrow clattered to the ground. It would go off close enough to Jou to wound him severely if he didn't get out of the way, but nothing even close to fatal.

The two remaining clones would draw their bows, waiting for Jou to make a call which way he'd flee before releasing their arrows. If he tried to break past the front clone and charge the real Kashiwa, their shot would be all the easier.

--- words | Himishi Jou

EQUIPMENT SA REFERENCED: x

SPOILER: Click to show

The Strength of Her Judgement
Being chakra reactive, specifically to wind release, the user is able to infuse the bow's string with some of their wind chakra to amplify the power behind subsequent shots. After an arrow is fired off, it will fly with much more velocity than normal. This increase in speed will cause the arrow to fly further without losing power and be much more difficult to evade.

PERSONAL SA REFERENCED:

SPOILER: Click to show

Ninjutsu Genius
Kashiwa's grasp of ninjutsu as a general study is well beyond that of his peers, his ability to perform complicated techniques at a high level being metered only by his average chakra reserves. He's also begun to successfully employ one-handed seals, though at a fraction of the speed when using both hands. If he's to continue moving down the path toward mastery as he is, his ceiling will be something truly astounding.

JUTSU USED:

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu [Shadow Clone Technique]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General]
ELEMENT: None
HANDSEALS: 1
DESCRIPTION:
The Kage Bunshin technique evenly distributes your chakra between one or more clones with form and substance.

The clones created by this technique are able to utilize any jutsu the original ninja knows, has all of their special abilities, as well as their kekkei genkai. Typically a clone's equipment doesn't retain any special abilities and the clone itself is dispersed when hit with a single attack or incapacitated, although the clone can also choose to disperse itself or be dispersed by the user.

When the clone finally disperses, any new knowledge it has gained along with it's remaining chakra are passed back to the original ninja and any additional clones.

--

NAME: Fūton: Kaiten Shuriken [Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken] x3
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low-Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Fūton
DESCRIPTION:
By coating wind-natured chakra into weapons the user is capable of controlling their weapons remotely. While they are in this state the user has free range over the weapons trajectory and the weapons themselves gain a natural boon in their range, effectively allowing them to weave around obstacles to hit their targets from much further than standard ranges. The user must utilize their hand(s) to direct the movements of the weapons & in the event of multiple weapons one is capable of using each hand to control different weapon trajectories. While this technique can be used effectively from afar the control one can place upon them tend to lessen with extended use that normally come with large distances far beyond their standard effective throwing range. However, the amount of chakra an individual must use to effect one's weapons varies in terms of both size and design. Range & Control can also be reduced based on the design of the weapon itself such as a Shuriken, designed for flight, would have a greater control range than a Katana. Can control weapons upward to 3 posts while within range.

Very Low: 4 Max: Shuriken, Kunai, Arrows, or other similar sized ranged weapons.
Low: 2 Max: Folding Fūma Shuriken (or other of similar size), Swords.
Medium: 1 Max: Giant Fūma Shuriken, Zanbatō's

1-10m: Full Control
11-30m: Minor Control
30m+: No Control

CHAKRA USE TRACKER: 1 Medium, 0 Low, 4 Very Low

[Himishi Jou]

There was one error in Jou's plan, one simple yet extremely stupid mistake that was going to cost him. He had concealed the very thing he should've been relying on the most...his eyes.

Jou covered his eyes in an attempt to protect them from the smoke he was currently traveling through, but for one reason or another, he did not consider the risks this would pose. His eyes were safe from being irritated by the ash...but even after coming out of the smoke, he still couldn't see, just relying on the last place he remembered seeing the 'real' Kashiwa. Jou didn't even consider how easily his opponent could take advantage of the situation, and unfortunately for the young Himishi, he was going to see just how bad he screwed up this one.

Jou winced, gritting his teeth in pain as an arrow pierced right into his left shoulder. Still, Jou kept on his momentum, believing that this would be a small price to pay for landing his attempted attack. Jou ended up making contact...but not in the way he planned. He found himself currently being grappled, assumingly by Kashiwa which he wasn't technically wrong about. Still not able to see, Jou continued to struggle, but not for long. He was freed, but not because of himself. Unknown to the blindfolded teen, an arrow had pierced the Kashiwa clone, causing it to vanish...but that wasn't the end of it.

After that, Jou quickly rose a hand to his headband in an attempt to take it off...but he wouldn't be quick enough as an explosion erupted! The force of this explosion sent Jou flying back with a half-shout, his clothing, and flesh torn as well as burnt severely....

He eventually landed on the ground, sliding and rolling a bit before coming to a stop on his side, but before he did, his headband which had already come loose from his attempt at removing it fell off a few inches away from him...almost symbolic. Jou's body shook a bit, struggling to try and get up...but part of him started to doubt…question if he should even try at this point. The pain was bad…but so was the pain of his self-doubting.

Was he really fit for the Himishi blood that's coursing through his veins...or these eyes?

kuishinbou kashiwa

Tomokenzangan: Active

[kuishinbou kashiwa]

round 3 - - final fight

There was a moment, as Jou's body crumbled and skidded across the earth away from him, that Kashiwa feared for the boy's safety. His explosive arrows had served a violent dish to each of his opponents slow enough to partake and the damage to the rock shinobi seemed the worst of them all. He didn't look unconscious, but neither was he far off.

Either way, he didn't seem in any rush to stand. Kashiwa took a moment to examine his opponent, waiting a beat to see if he'd launch some attack, kick up from his knocked down position and ready another technique... anything. But 'anything' didn't come.

The remaining two clones of Kashiwa's moved away along the wall, keeping their bows aimed toward Jou in case he tried to pull something. But the real Kashiwa was more focused on whether or not his foe would be okay. He rushed down, leaping off the wall and sliding a bit as his feet met the dirt before he raced over to meet Jou. Twice now he'd approach his 'opponent' with no malice.

Jou was laying in a heap, struggling to rise to his feet and bracing himself on his shoulder. The wound Kashiwa had inflicted was bad, but he hadn't hit the kid's legs. The wound that seemed to cripple Jou more than any arrow, seemed to be his own self doubt. Kashiwa reached the boy and knelt down over his body. Two fists coiled themselves in the remains of Jou's shirt and hoisted his torso up off the ground, dragging his attention away from his injuries and to meet Kashiwa's fiery gaze.

His expression was some strange cocktail of fury, passion and confusion as he spoke from his heart. "Get up, Jou!" He spat, shaking the boy's form as he shouted. "This might be an exam, but it'll show everyone, including yourself, what you're made of. What kind of ninja you'll be in the field." He released the boy and stood over him, his gaze fixed on the boy's form.

With a quick motion he plucked the headband that had fallen from Jou's person and dropped it on his singed chest. "When things get tough out there, are you just going to crumple? Give up!?" He backed up and drew a kunai. "Is this what I died for?" Of course, he hadn't died. But that same mentality, that these exams were what demonstrated who you were as a shinobi; what you were capable of and what you were willing to do, was just as relevant here as it had been in the first round. In these exams, Kashiwa had been willing to starve, kill and die for the mission.

He wanted that same fire from his opponent.

He reiterated, this time with a determined grin, "Stand up and fight, Jou. Fight until your legs feel like they're going to burst. Until your body is burnt, bruised, battered and broken. Fight until you feel like you're dying and then keep on fighting." He steadied himself, getting into a low stance as he brought the kunai up. "This is the final stretch; you aren't giving up now!"

As he met the tip of the kunai up to his lips, breathing out an invisible wind chakra blade, his clones would ready an arrow each. All three sets of eyes were set on Jou's body, ready to re-engage if the boy gave them the chance.

--- words | Himishi Jou

EQUIPMENT REFERENCED: x

JUTSU USED:

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Fūton: Shinkūjin [Wind Release: Vacuum Blade]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Fūton
DESCRIPTION:
The user exhales wind-infused chakra onto a weapon in order to increase its sharpness, range and lethality. For example, the user can infuse a kunai to resemble a makeshift scimitar or infuse shuriken to increase their range and cutting power.

CHAKRA USE TRACKER: 1 Medium, 1 Low, 5 Very Low

[Himishi Jou]

Either through dumb luck...or sheer will, Jou did not fall unconscious from that explosion...but he wasn't getting up either. Jou tried to struggle back to his feet at first but gave up on it. He remained on the ground, letting his self-doubt get to him more than these injuries. He pretty much was on the verge of giving up. Jou couldn't get over how much of a fool he was, performing such reckless stunts. All of that encouragement Jou gained from not only Ichi, but Taki...and Kashiwa as well were at the risk of being undone at this very moment. Jou couldn't take how useless...weak, and stupid he was...Perhaps his parents were right about him...

As Jou's mother previously stated...Perhaps the wrong child was taken from them too soon...

Jou was just about ready to let his injuries take him...until Kashiwa approached him, almost mirroring the beginning of this match.

Even with being lifted up by his shirt, Jou did not make eye contact with Kashiwa, nor did he show any clear signs that he was listening to his words. Kashiwa's words were almost muffled compared to the grey clouds that were raining negative thoughts into Jou's mind. Show everyone what he's made of...What kind of ninja he'll be? Perhaps Jou has already shown enough...Maybe he was never fit to be a ninja...

Why was he here...?

Jou then fell to his back as he was let go, and just looked up almost absentmindedly. Jou was still mostly unresponsive...until he heard those words...

"Is this what I died for?"

At that moment, Jou's eyes slowly but surely focused on Kashiwa...but he wasn't just looking at him...He 'saw' his late sister as well...Keiko. That question...meant much more to Jou than Kashiwa would probably think. A double meaning...

Although he didn't really die, Kashiwa was still prepared to lay his life down so that others, including Jou could survive...and grow. His sister did the same for him as well all those years ago...To give up like this wouldn't just be disrespectful towards Kashiwa...but it would also be the equivalent of spitting on Keiko's grave...on her hopes and dreams of the future...on Jou's future. Her dreams were his own now...he couldn't forget that...He mustn't.

He heard Kashiwa...along with Keiko loud and clear...

So then...Jou started to shift a bit. His body still shook a bit from the pain...but he fought through it, taking his headband off of his chest. He held the headband tightly in his hand until he was fully back on his feet. He then looked at it...before placing it back on his forehead, tying it tightly...He steadied his breathing and looked back at Kashiwa, not uttering a word, but the determined expression on his face spoke volumes itself. A nod...a single nod was then given by Jou. He was ready...for real this time.

Jou quickly leaped back, and his tomokenzangan was once again at work, letting Jou quickly analyze what was happening, along with the positioning of Kashiwa and his clones. As Jou leaped back, he was already performing three hand seals, and once done, he placed a hand by his mouth and fired a series of four small fireballs at the Kashiwa with the kunai, the one that was in front of him! This was Jou's thanks to Kashiwa. He was going to show him that his 'sacrifice' was not in vain!

kuishinbou kashiwa

Tomokenzangan: Active

Jutsu

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Housenka no Jutsu [Phoenix Sage Fire Technique]
Rank: C
Chakra Usage: Low
Type: Ninjutsu
Element: Katon
HANDSEALS: 3
Description: After performing the necessary handseals, the user expels a series of small fireballs, each one about the size of a kunai. This are fired in succession and in such numbers that it makes it difficult to dodge by simple means. They are light in form and so they can even be used to hide shuriken within them without being disturbed

[kuishinbou kashiwa]

round 3 - - final fight

A wave of relief coursed through Kashiwa as the stone genin reached for his headband and tied it around his head once more. He didn't say anything; but then, he didn't need to. Jou's actions spoke volumes.

And just like that, the battle resumed.

While it likely wouldn't mean much for his performance in these exams, and very well might hinder him when all was said, Kashiwa was glad he could bring the boy back to his feet. Not only did he want a proper fight, he also was happy to see his friend showing up for the final bout. Deep down, he was just as invested in Jou's success as he was his own.

Jou leapt back, weaving handseals before four small fireballs came flying directly at him, the real Kashiwa. Fire was a natural enemy to little wooden arrows, especially those enhanced with wind chakra, so the clones hung back for now, arrows knocked and ready to draw when an opportunity presented itself. Kashiwa himself would have to get in close to engage.

He rushed forward as the fireballs came at him, nimbly dodging the first and getting clipped by the second and third, which singed his side with a substantial burn. Kashiwa clenched his teeth, breathing hard through the pain, but he kept on. He cut through the final fireball with the longer wind blade of his kunai; it protected him from the flames as he dodged in tandem. For just a moment, the wind chakra of his blade made the fireball flare and burn brighter before being cleaved in half.

Once through the fiery gauntlet, not too worse for wear, Kashiwa closed the distance, coming in fast to engage with Jou in melee and keep him occupied. He brought the invisible wind chakra up diagonally across Jou's chest before slicing out horizontally, threatening his gut. The assault would hopefully warn Jou that Kashiwa was more than ready to engage at close range as well as provide an opening for the clones who watched the melee with arrows drawn.

--- words | Himishi Jou

EQUIPMENT REFERENCED: x

CHAKRA USE TRACKER: 1 Medium, 1 Low, 5 Very Low

[Himishi Jou]

After unleashing those fireballs, Jou assumed that Kashiwa would try to retreat further away to gain distance once more and avoid the attack...but instead, he was now the one trying to close the distance, all while avoiding or deflecting most of the fire! There was a hint of surprise on Jou's face, but he readied himself all the same by pulling out a kunai of his own. Jou couldn't see the wind blade that increased that kunai's range, but he was aware enough of it due to how Kashiwa handled the final fireball. Jou needed to trust his eyes...not conceal them again.

The moment Kashiwa attempted his diagonal slash, Jou grit his teeth and pivoted to his side, essentially following that slash in a way to avoid it! As soon as that was done, Jou threw the kunai he had at one of the clones, aiming precisely for one of its hands, having not forgotten about them then followed that up with an attempt at bending Kashiwa's weaponless arm behind his back and kicking the back of his leg in an attempt to bring him to his knees, then hopefully front first onto the ground. Kashiwa was both skilled in range and close quarters which deep down Jou found really cool. Jou needed to work on the former himself, despite having some jutsu in his arsenal that can assist him. If there was any confidence Jou has when it comes to combat it's his skills in melee which was why he was so focused on getting closer, but now he did not need to worry about that...hopefully.

The moment Jou was on the verge of trying to pin Kashiwa to the ground, Jou glanced over to where presumably the last clone was and quickly pulled one more kunai from out of his pouch with his free hand and launched it right at the clone, aiming for one of his arms! Jou assumed that them being shadow clones would mean that they would fade after one hit, but just in case it turns out that one of them was the real Kashiwa and the one he attempted to pin was a clone, Jou attempted to strike them in a way that would hopefully disrupt their attempts at using the arrows.

kuishinbou kashiwa

Tomokenzangan: Active

7/10 Kunai Remains

[kuishinbou kashiwa]

round 3 - - final fight

While this sort of close range combat was far from Kashiwa's area of expertise, he was still a competent enough bukijutsu user. As a result he naturally had no misgivings about closing the distance between the two combatants. Besides, with his ranged support, he was already filling a distance role passively.

He didn't know that Jou was more than willing to engage like this, though maybe he should have considering the lengths the young stone shinobi had gone to close in, but he'd already been close up. If he backed up now, showing a definite preference for ranged offense, Jou would be able to abuse that for the rest of their fight. Better to lure him in to this idea that he so totally held the upper hand.

Jou dipped to the side of Kashiwa's first attack in an impressive sidestep, leaving Kashiwa open to being counterattacked; but the attack didn't come quickly enough. Jou turned his attention away from Kashiwa, if only for a second, to attend to the clones that stood some distance back, the threat of their arrows clearly at the forefront of his mind. It was smart to try and take them out but he had an opponent not a meter away!

Kashiwa's eyes narrowed as Jou's attention shifted to toss out the kunai. "Where are you looking?" He spoke low as he dragged his futon blade across the extended arm, twisting his form to meet it. "Threat levels, Jou." That retaliation, of course, didn't mean Kashiwa was free of the oncoming grapple, if Jou decided to pursue it still. But then, it didn't appear Jou had many avenues of attack having thrown away his melee weapon.

Kashiwa wouldn't bother avoiding the grapple if it came. His weapon arm was still free and, if Jou managed to pin his free arm, Kashiwa would stab his wind chakra blade through the opening between his arm and torso, driving it into whatever flesh it could find.

Meanwhile the clones played defense, utilizing all the acrobatic and evasive skill of the original Kashiwa to dodge the single kunai that came each one's way. They refrained from engaging for now but their arrows remained training on Jou's form. In truth, they didn't want to accidentally hurt Kashiwa but they'd be more than willing to take that chance if Jou turly turned the tide on his opponent or left the true Kashiwa to come deal with them.

--- words | Himishi Jou

SA REFERENCED:

SPOILER: Click to show

Gifted Acrobat
A direct result of his penchant for long-range combat, Kashiwa employs evasive maneuvers and trains his mobility almost as much as he does his ninjutsu. He's no faster than the average shinobi at his level but can perform stunning feats of acrobatic skill and evade his opposition easily with supreme agility and balance.

CHAKRA USE TRACKER: 1 Medium, 1 Low, 5 Very Low

[Himishi Jou]

Having to worry about multiple enemies like this was slowly taking a toll on Jou, even with his doujutsu, but that might also be due to his chakra starting to run low and not just his inexperience. If only the young Himishi had clones of his own then perhaps that could've helped...But that was something he could only worry about later...if he survives that is.

Jou's attempts at taking care of those two clones were foiled by their amazing acrobatic skills, clearly taking after the original. Jou may be fast, but Kashiwa's flexibility was enough to keep him one step ahead it seems. Still, this didn't stop Jou from his attempt at pinning Kashiwa...but that moment of taking his eyes off of the main Kashiwa was a mistake. Hearing Kashiwa's words, Jou quickly looked back at his opponent as prepared his kunai. Seeing the incoming danger, Jou had no choice but to abandon his grapple attempt, and leap back in an attempt to avoid the attack, but Jou still did not have a proper gauge on the extended range of the kunai and ended up getting his chest slashed a bit from around the tip of the wind blade!

"Ghh..." Jou winced but did not falter. He instead dug into his pouch once more after just leaping back and threw it at the main Kashiwa, specifically attempting to aim for his hand that was holding that kunai...but didn't stop there. As the kunai flew, Jou quickly performed two handseals which caused the kunai to be engulfed in flames which certainly would add to the pain and Jou's attempt at getting Kashiwa to drop that bothersome weapon. Jou hated that he couldn't properly focus on all three of Kashiwa at once, but he was right. The closest Kashiwa was the one that he needed to focus on a little more.

Only if Jou's attempt appeared successful that he would follow this up by attempting to run at Kashiwa while taking his combat knife out of its holster on his right leg, and once he was close enough, Jou would make it appear as if he were about to attack him from the front but he would pivot to the side once more, this time aiming to slash the side of Kashiwa's left thigh then follow with a leg sweep.

Covered in burns and slashes, while running low on chakra, evident by his breathing starting to get heavy...Jou needed to try to conserve what little he has left...and attempt to finish this fast...if he can.

kuishinbou kashiwa

Tomokenzangan: Active

6/10 Kunai Remain

Jutsu

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Katon: Faia Tama no Jutsu [Fire Release: Fire Projectiles]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: 火 Katon | Fire
DESCRIPTION:

Activated by two handseals [ Horse then Tiger]. A skill where the user gathering their fire chakra they imbue it into their projectiles. Releasing them from their hands, spiraling about they catch flame in order to add to the damage of those projectiles. This technique can be utilized with Shuriken, Kunai, and Senbon.

[kuishinbou kashiwa]

round 3 - - final fight

The kunai Jou had tossed toward the clones may have been easily dodged by them, given their distance, but Kashiwa didn't have that luxury. He was in close and, as Jou backed up, at the perfect range for thrown weapons to be all the more useful; nearby enough to be hard to dodge but far enough away to be even harder to interrupt. Jou was wise to have dropped the grapple.

Even still, Kashiwa had the luxury of deciding where the attack hit him by contorting his body to meet it. He twisted to the right, bringing his left side forward and meeting the kunai with his left forearm. The blade cut through, digging deep into the boy's flesh and burning the surrounding tissue before falling to the floor. The wound shouldn't bleed to bad though, given Jou had done the favor of cauterizing it for him.

At the same time, the clones saw their first chance to strike; with Jou making distance, the real Kashiwa would be safer from their aim. Wind chakra coursed out of the left clone's fingers as it shot at Jou, leading its aim a bit in an attempt to meet the stone shinobi's movement. If the initial shot missed, the clone would lift its hand to guide the wind chakra coursing along its length, bringing the projectile back around to meet its target.

The right clone released its arrow as well, though this one carried an exploding note behind it. It didn't aim for Jou, instead it shot at the space between him and the real Kashiwa. If Jou didn't notice the attached note and tried to continue an assault on the real Kashiwa, he'd be in for a rough greeting as the clone would release the seal as soon as Jou got close. If he did notice it, the note would hopefully serve at least as a deterrent.

Kashiwa himself took the opening given my Jou's distance to increase the gap between them. When he was a fair space away from both Jou and the exploding note, he'd take the time to nurse his wounded arm. He brought it close to his chest and winced as the burnt flesh made contact with his clothing.

He still had some gas left in him overall but having these clones out for so long was weighing on him. He'd made an effort to avoid using too many techniques after splitting his chakra reserves but with subsequent injuries it was all starting to catch up to him.

--- words | Himishi Jou

SA REFERENCED:

SPOILER: Click to show

Gifted Acrobat
A direct result of his penchant for long-range combat, Kashiwa employs evasive maneuvers and trains his mobility almost as much as he does his ninjutsu. He's no faster than the average shinobi at his level but can perform stunning feats of acrobatic skill and evade his opposition easily with supreme agility and balance.

JUTSU USED:

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Bakuya Notto [Exploding Arrow Note]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Bukijutsu
ELEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION:
By attached an exploding note to the end of an arrow, the user can fire it using their bow. On command, the note will explode and will deal a good amount of damage, able to typically cause 2nd degree burns and sending splinters form the arrow into the targets body. More exploding notes can be added to increase the damage. The exploding note can also be trigged to explode after a certain amount of time has passed.

---

NAME: Fūton: Kaiten Shuriken [Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low-Medium
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: Fūton
DESCRIPTION:
By coating wind-natured chakra into weapons the user is capable of controlling their weapons remotely. While they are in this state the user has free range over the weapons trajectory and the weapons themselves gain a natural boon in their range, effectively allowing them to weave around obstacles to hit their targets from much further than standard ranges. The user must utilize their hand(s) to direct the movements of the weapons & in the event of multiple weapons one is capable of using each hand to control different weapon trajectories. While this technique can be used effectively from afar the control one can place upon them tend to lessen with extended use that normally come with large distances far beyond their standard effective throwing range. However, the amount of chakra an individual must use to effect one's weapons varies in terms of both size and design. Range & Control can also be reduced based on the design of the weapon itself such as a Shuriken, designed for flight, would have a greater control range than a Katana. Can control weapons upward to 3 posts while within range.

Very Low: 4 Max: Shuriken, Kunai, Arrows, or other similar sized ranged weapons.
Low: 2 Max: Folding Fūma Shuriken (or other of similar size), Swords.
Medium: 1 Max: Giant Fūma Shuriken, Zanbatō's

1-10m: Full Control
11-30m: Minor Control
30m+: No Control

CHAKRA USE TRACKER: 1 Medium, 1 Low, 7 Very Low

[Himishi Jou]

Jou managed to land a hit with his flaming kunai...but it was not where he intended. Kashiwa once again showed off his impressive flexibility, and thanks to that, his hand wasn't hit, meaning that the other genin was still armed with that wind-infused kunai. Jou wasn't exactly thrilled about this, but he thought it would still be good enough. The young Himishi was just about ready to follow up, but he did not miss that arrow coming his way from one of those clones. Using his eyes to time this just right, Jou would make just a slight twist of his upper body in an attempt to have the arrow barely just miss him. With how he quickly analyzed this with his doujutsu, Jou was sure this wouldn't fail....but it did.

The arrow shifted...striking Jou's left shoulder! The teen winced and groaned in pain, his expression scrunching up a bit as he closed one of his eyes. With him starting to feel exhausted and already dealing with other injuries, this was enough to make Jou take a step back, his body practically shivering in pain. He grit his teeth as he tried to bear it as his other eye reopened. Jou then took a step forward with that arrow in his shoulder, eyes on Kashiwa as he tried to fight through the pain to march closer to him. Jou could feel his body on the verge of giving out...but he wasn't going to allow this to happen, not after he almost did previously. It was then Jou saw a second arrow coming his way...but it didn't seem to be aimed directly at him which quickly made Jou suspicious of it.

As it got closer, Jou's eyes widened at the sight of an...explosive tag. The very thing that nearly beat him before...almost making him give in. But this time, Jou could see it coming, and he was not going to fall for the same thing twice!

The moment the arrow got close, presumably about to explode, Jou would make a risky move of forming a familiar hand seal, engulfing his body in flame once more as he utilized the Body Flame Technique! With the amount of times he has already used it as well as his current state, this was a gamble, but seeing as this match was without a doubt about to reach its conclusion one way or another...it was a gamble Jou was willing to take. He used this jutsu to seemingly 'vanish' in flames, rushing forward at Kashiwa at almost blinding speeds!

He would then 'reappear' in front of Kashiwa and once he did, Jou would let go of the seal and cock one of his hands back, clenching it into a fist while gritting his teeth, his narrowed eyes reverting back to their normal crimson color(Tomokenzangan Deactivated). There were no more tricks, no more plans, maneuvers...or steam left.

There was only raw emotion...left...all in the shape of a punch aimed at Kashiwa's face at close range, using whatever strength he has left to back it up!

Whether the punch landed or not, Jou would end up falling over and onto the ground from both the momentum and his current state with now the addition of legs starting to feel strained from that body flicker-like jutsu...

At this moment, Jou no longer cared about winning or losing...In the end, he just wanted to show them how far he has come...how bright his flames of determination were.

kuishinbou kashiwa

Jutsu

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Karada Hi no Jutsu [Body Flame Technique]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu
ELEMENT: 火 Katon | Fire
DESCRIPTION:

A technique used similar to the Body Flicker Technique. When using this technique, the body appears like it's being engulfed by flames, disappearing from view slowly. How the flames engulf the user stylistically is up to them.