[Takahashi Kurai]

Kurai has found himself with some off-time today and has decided to take this opportunity to train. But instead of using one of the training areas within the village, Kurai decided to go somewhere a little more open. It was a nameless area Kurai had come across a few days ago on one of his previous days off. The area the Chunin arrived at was expansive, filled with little lakes as well as greenery here and there. One could also still see a bit of Kirigakure in the distance, making the area not too far but not too close either, not that Kurai has any problems with traveling.

Making it to this mist-filled area, Kurai took a moment to just stand there and take in his surroundings. The Seventh Swordsman was currently in his training attire, having not brought any of his ninja tools and such. The only thing he did bring though was Kubikiribōchō resting strapped to his back as usual. Bringing this sword with him was almost as natural as putting on clothes to Kurai at this point. He did not bring the Executioner Blade with him for show though. Kurai had gotten a lot better at wielding the sword with two hands now, his reflexes and swiftness with it almost rivaling his skills with his katana. Still, Kurai felt that there was so much more work to be done with this blade.

So after taking a deep breath, Kurai slid the butcher knife-like sword out of its holster and brought it in front of him, now with both hands on the hilt. He then started to perform a few slashes in different directions, each swing being performed just as swiftly as the last. The way he moved his body in accordance with each swing to keep his momentum without showing any signs of slipping up or falling showed how far he has come since he first acquired this sword. He then attempted to pivot around and quickly slash behind him....while taking one of his hands off of the hilt....but after a few seconds of performing that maneuver, Kurai nearly fell over from the heavy weight of the sword and holding it with only one hand...but instead fall flat on the ground, he managed to save himself by digging the tip of the sword into the ground which in return stopped his potential fall. "Tch..." As far as using this sword with only one hand, Kurai did have some progress...but it wasn't enough clearly.

Hōzuki Kyōka

S.A.

SPOILER: Click to show

Enduring Hardships
While a lot of swordsmen are known for their speed, Kurai has gained enhanced physical endurance through his years of sword training, along with overcoming hardships in his life. He is capable of enduring a lot of physical punishment from those around his rank and lower, making him last longer in fights.

Mokuton
Due to having a distant relation to a member of the Senju clan, Kurai has developed his ancestor's ability to use wood release, the combination of Doton and Suiton. With this ability, Kurai is capable of not only forming wood, but trees with his chakra, molding either around him, or on his very flesh. Its durability can be used for defensive purposes, but that same durability can be just as easily used for when Kurai needs to go on the offense. However, due to him not directly being a Senju, Mokuton jutsu is a lot more taxing on his chakra compared to his other jutsu.

Flowing Chakra River
Kurai was born with enhanced reserves of chakra that go hand in hand with his endurance. He is capable of using more jutsu over a short period of time without getting exhausted. This also allows Kurai to use stronger jutsu without tiring out or draining his chakra too quick....Though, the same cannot be exactly said when using Mokuton.

Shinobi Swordsman
Kurai has honed his skills with both one and two-handed swords. He is capable of reacting swiftly and appropriately with a sword either offensively or defensively with little to no error, giving his Kenjutsu a bit of an edge against other kenjutsu users around his rank, and causing problems for those of lower rank.

[Hōzuki Kyōka]

We are violence "You improved, Kurai-kun." the friendly tone seemed to have come out of nowhere, but Kyouka was no stranger to sneaking around thanks to her many years as a member of the Hunter-nin. Still, she had been observing the man as a puddle of water in one of the ponds for a while. She had just come back from yet another mission and heard something that resembled training. For her pleasant surprise, it was her fellow mist swordsmen who was training there. The woman took a couple steps towards the man, resting her index beside her lips and smiling in that taunting, teasing manner of hers. "Still... You won't pull that off with arms that weak. You need to really focus on increasing your strength." her tone could be rather offensive to some, but Kurai knew her enough by now to know that was just the way she was with people she felt more comfortable with. It was almost a good thing in its own wicked way. "You are only as nimble as your body allows you to be. Finesse with the blade is important, yes, but you need to be able to properly wield it." she added, shaking her head and shrugging to the man. and this is hell Takahashi Kurai 222 words Training

made by eden @ gs and thq

[Takahashi Kurai]

Kurai quickly looked up as he heard that familiar voice. It caught him off guard at first, causing the man to have a firm grip on the handle of his sword for a second. Kurai wasn't a fan of being snuck up on. Given his line of work, people who usually sneak up on Kurai have malicious intents. Fortunately, from the sound of that voice, Kurai knew exactly who it was.

The swordsman's attention went to Kyouka the moment he was able to see her. Was she here this whole time...? Kurai would not have been surprised, knowing full well who she is.

"Kyouka-san." Kurai said with a bit of a nod in greeting just after hearing her compliment. He then rose an eyebrow at her criticism, remaining quiet until she finished talking. "Hmm, I feel like you of all people should be giving these arms a little more credit." Kurai added with a bit of a knowing glance, his tone indifferent. He did not elaborate on this comment any further though since he's a taken man now....Just a subtle jab at their previous fling.

Kyouka's words regarding being nimble and finesse did sit with Kurai though for a second as he shifted his attention from Kyouka to the Executioner Blade. She wasn't wrong. "Been using this sword for a while now, and it's still admittedly heavy." Kurai said. It's not as difficult as when he first started to use the sword. At this point, Kurai has become quite good with wielding it with two hands, but as far as one-handed goes, Kurai has only made small improvements. With a sword like this, most would probably think it was impossible to use with one hand....even Kurai thought that way for a bit, but he remembered hearing how previous wielders of this sword were capable of doing such a thing. It's difficult...but possible, which was enough for Kurai. Plus, Asuka was able to do it with ease thanks to that wild strength of hers...

Kyouka was no different when it comes to strength...so maybe this was a blessing that she was here. "I'm hoping you didn't reveal yourself just to criticize me." he joked a bit, very much willing to get some more pointers from her, or even train.

Hōzuki Kyōka

[Hōzuki Kyōka]

We are violence Seemed like Kurai could be quirky when he wanted to, and when he teased her about his arms, she laughed and shook her head. "Well, they are pretty good for handling a woman, I can give ya that. But that doesn't mean they are good with that big sword of yours. The steel one I mean." she said, winking at him, returning his quirkiness with her own teasing, a not so subtle jab at their previous and short-lived fling. She knew he was with Asuka now, and she was almost tempted and inviting them to a intimate party all together, but she doubt they would be interested. Well, their loss. The man admitted the Executioner's Blade was still heavy and she nodded. It wasn't a matter of just getting used to the blade, he needed to work on his actual muscles, arms, chest, and back. In any case, he was right in deducing that she wasn't there just to criticise him, and she nodded. "Do I really come across as just a jerk? I'm almost upset, Kurai-kun." she said, smirking with the corner of her mouth and leaning forward towards the man so much their noses almost touched. After a second there, she placed her index in his chest and pushed him back a bit, forcing it with her monstrous strength. "When was I ever reticent in helping my fellow shinobi out? I even train a team of entitled brats, don't I?" she said, shrugging and walking away for a moment, purposely wiggling her butt as she did so. Yes, she was committed, but she still wanted to tease him. Kyouka grabbed a large piece of iron, and then stuck it inside an excessively large rock, and then did the same thing with the other side, with a similar sized rock. The weight was obscene, maybe over half a ton, but she lifted it effortlessly. "Does this looks like too much to start off? I can make it lighter if you want." she asked, giggling as she offered the bar, holding it with only one hand. and this is hell Takahashi Kurai 364 words Training

made by eden @ gs and thq

[Asuka Waruichi]

JUST REMEMBER , ANYONE CAN MAKE A FIST

It was roughly the middle of the day and Asuka was in the midst of finishing up a class and grading a few papers. She'd look over each one thoroughly beside her desk with a picture of Kurai that she kept by her side along with the book they were currently reading.

A small keepsake that she kept beside her desk to remind herself of him and as a way of keeping him close to her heart their relationship was still fresh having been together for roughly two months now, but she was very happy with him.

But as the girl would keep her thoughts on him she’d feel a tickle in her nose and would let out a sneeze, "Achoo!” she’d say as she quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe her nose clean, whilst her knee lifted and struck the table knocking over the frame.

After wiping her nose, she’d lean down to pick up the frame and dust it off. Thankfully, there were no cracks or scratches that must’ve been a good sign. She’d carefully adjust it and set it backup where it belonged returning to her grading, but not before looking to it one last time and letting out a happy sigh, It was clear she was very much in love.

Hōzuki Kyōka Takahashi Kurai

SPOILER: Click to show

OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:


MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES:


Summary:

Asuka would be caught in the mist and would attempt to strike out at the young girl using the [Silken Fist: Counter Blow] but due to her uncertainty of where to strike her follow through was poor and may or may not have hit her target. However in the process of doing so she was caught with a strike to the gut by her opponent and pushed further into the mist for now she awaits her opponents next move.

Heavy Handed Iron Fist:
With the rigorous training that Asuka had to endure as she honed her body to levels of perfection rivaling that of any martial arts master. Asuka's strength has increased 10 fold to the point where she is able to crush stoned within her grasp and breaks bones of lesser individuals with ease. And while she still has much to learn as a chunin. The youth's power is not one to be challenged lightly, as she is able to perform physical feats that would seem inhuman to even most shinobi.

Hijutsu: Kinu no Eikyō:
Asuka is a member of the Waruichi clan and as such has the ability to control a special chakra infused silk that was forged by a special group of silkworms that feed on the corpses of dead clansmen. With it Asuka can craft and shape the silk to her will and uses it in a mostly supplementary fashion to aid her in battle alongside her powerful taijutsu skills.

Iron Burst:
As a sole practitioner of Taijutsu Asuka has relentlessly pushed her body against itself for spectacular results: her strength carries over into her speed, and as such alongside the control she exerts body in spirit and in mind, she is intensely faster than those of a similar level of strength and maneuvering expertly as if the air were an extension of her own body.

A Disciplined Iron Bull:
During Asuka's time as a genin the youth had begun to realize that in order to excel as a shinobi she needed to learn how to properly utilize her chakra. And while she doesn't posses the greatest of reserves the youth has learned through rigorous meditation how to keep her chakra still and calm. As a result she is now able to wield it with a great deal of control and is able to channel only the necessary amounts of chakra into the few jutsu she uses in order to make the most of their abilities whilst still being able to keep up in a fight.

MADE BY MINNIE OF FTS & GANGNAM STYLE

[Takahashi Kurai]

The comment about Kurai's sword did not go over his head, but instead of responding to it, the man simply crossed his arms...already partially regretting his previous comment. That moment he shared with Kyouka wasn't something he wanted to think back on now...unless he wants to invoke Asuka's wrath.

Fortunately, the conversation shifted rather quickly to Kurai's sword issue which was then followed up by a little jab from Kurai. Kurai rose an eyebrow at Kyouka's first question. "Just calling you a jerk would be putting it mildly." the man smirked a bit. It was all just banter in the end despite how serious Kurai tends to come off. Though, his smirk did not last the moment Kyouka leaned forward. Kurai stood his ground as his little way of showing dominance, not being the type to shy away. He stared Kyouka in the eyes but was more than ready to stop or avoid her in case she tried anything.

The man was then pushed back by Kyouka's finger alone, causing him to drop his arms to his sides and nearly fall over, but managed to keep his footing. He was quickly reminded of the woman's strength from that single action. He managed to regain his composure though as the Bloody Maelstrom started to talk again. "I'm surprised you haven't killed them yet." Kurai added. He could only imagine what sort of hellish training she must've made her students go through...but he cannot deny that whatever hell she might put them through, there is no doubt that they would come back stronger...if they survive that is. Judging from where this conversation is going...Kurai might just end up getting the 'Kyouka-sensei' treatment.

Kurai watched as Kyouka walked away...making sure to keep his eyes above waist level. He fell for this once...but not again! Kurai's eyebrows rose a little, witnessing Kyouka pretty much create a weight out of two...large rocks with an iron rod in the middle. "I almost forget how strong you and Asuka are." he commented...which would make one wonder about Kurai's tastes when it comes to women.

Speaking of Asuka, Kurai happened to sneeze after mentioning her, making him wiggle his nose a bit...Perhaps she was thinking about him? No...Kurai doesn't believe in such superstitions.

As for Kyouka's question. This was clearly insane, but after a brief moment, Kurai walked up to Kyouka and held his hands out for the makeshift weight...and if he were given it, Kurai would certainly find it ridiculously hard to handle....

Hōzuki Kyōka

[Hōzuki Kyōka]

We are violence To be completely honest, Kurai's sass and boldness was probably the think she found most attractive about him, other than his potential to be strong, so she was having quite a lot of fun, pouting when he said that she being a jerk was putting it mildly. "Oh my broken heart, will it ever heal?" the tone was overly dramatic, but then she giggled. The man asked how her students were still alive and Kyouka shrugged, cracking a very mischievous grin. "Well, they survive because they are strong. They would be dead otherwise. I threw them off a cliff during a storm so they could learn water walking. Survival of the fittest, that's how our village will climb to the top of the world. Hehehe." the casual tone she used to say that she threw kids off a cliff to their potential deaths showed that, despite her playful tone, Kyouka was indeed a cruel and heartless person. Human life meant very little to the Bloody Maelstrom. When commended for her strength she giggled. "You chose well to have Asuka, she is one of the few good ones. And she has a rocking body I wouldn't mind diving into." the teased him, hoping to cause a reaction from the man, but she didn't really care either way. In any case, he was bold enough to take on the challenge and come to her, grabbing the weight with both his hands. Kyouka was still holding it up, and arched one of her brows to the man. "Very well then. Oh... And before your break your arms... I would advice pumping a lot of chakra into these arms of yours. Use it to strengthen your muscles and make them get used to it." she advised before letting go of the weight, and folding her arms to watch how Kurai would handle it. and this is hell Takahashi Kurai Asuka Waruichi 327 words Training

made by eden @ gs and thq

[Asuka Waruichi]

JUST REMEMBER , ANYONE CAN MAKE A FIST

As Asuka finished grading her papers the girl would head towards the door after cleaning up her classroom making her way out of the schoolyard and then thinking for a moment looking to the small picture she had in her bag and would sneeze once more. "Am I getting a cold?” the girl would think. She’d then headed home and from there would take a shower to free herself from the worry of falling ill. And after getting out she’d take a look at herself in the mirror examining her body as she affixed her hair.

"Maybe I should get some training in today, both me and Kurai aren’t working today I wonder if he’s there…?” with that the girl would change into her training gear a nice grey gi and a cute white scarf her muscles on her slender but toned arms on display. With that she’d make her way out of her home and make her way to the training field.

Something seemed weird about today but just what was it? She couldn’t place her finger on it was it good was it bad? She wouldn’t know until she made her way to the field. Upon arrival she’d track both Kurai and Kyouka's chakra signatures and would find both of them training together, with Kurai seemingly set to carry a massive weight, Standard faire for the kirigakure training grounds. "Oh hey you two.” the girl would respond watching lift the weight.

Hōzuki Kyōka Takahashi Kurai

SPOILER: Click to show

OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:


MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES:


Summary:

Asuka would be caught in the mist and would attempt to strike out at the young girl using the [Silken Fist: Counter Blow] but due to her uncertainty of where to strike her follow through was poor and may or may not have hit her target. However in the process of doing so she was caught with a strike to the gut by her opponent and pushed further into the mist for now she awaits her opponents next move.

Heavy Handed Iron Fist:
With the rigorous training that Asuka had to endure as she honed her body to levels of perfection rivaling that of any martial arts master. Asuka's strength has increased 10 fold to the point where she is able to crush stoned within her grasp and breaks bones of lesser individuals with ease. And while she still has much to learn as a chunin. The youth's power is not one to be challenged lightly, as she is able to perform physical feats that would seem inhuman to even most shinobi.

Hijutsu: Kinu no Eikyō:
Asuka is a member of the Waruichi clan and as such has the ability to control a special chakra infused silk that was forged by a special group of silkworms that feed on the corpses of dead clansmen. With it Asuka can craft and shape the silk to her will and uses it in a mostly supplementary fashion to aid her in battle alongside her powerful taijutsu skills.

Iron Burst:
As a sole practitioner of Taijutsu Asuka has relentlessly pushed her body against itself for spectacular results: her strength carries over into her speed, and as such alongside the control she exerts body in spirit and in mind, she is intensely faster than those of a similar level of strength and maneuvering expertly as if the air were an extension of her own body.

A Disciplined Iron Bull:
During Asuka's time as a genin the youth had begun to realize that in order to excel as a shinobi she needed to learn how to properly utilize her chakra. And while she doesn't posses the greatest of reserves the youth has learned through rigorous meditation how to keep her chakra still and calm. As a result she is now able to wield it with a great deal of control and is able to channel only the necessary amounts of chakra into the few jutsu she uses in order to make the most of their abilities whilst still being able to keep up in a fight.

MADE BY MINNIE OF FTS & GANGNAM STYLE

[Takahashi Kurai]

"You have a heart?" Kurai asked, giving a mocking scoff. "Now that's shocking." he added, continuing to tease her a bit. Kurai could honestly banter all day, but he hasn't forgotten about his need to train so he did not push on any further with this. As for Kyouka's claim of how she taught her students how to water walk, Kurai had no reason to not believe her regardless of her tone. This was certainly something he'd expect this woman to do.

"Well, if it works, it works, I guess." was all Kurai would say before rubbing the back of his neck. Kurai wasn't even sure what he'd do if he had students to train...which was probably a blessing that he wasn't a sensei. Maybe he'll give that method a try if he ever finds himself having to teach someone...though probably for the best to not tell Asuka. He was sure she wouldn't be thrilled about that.

As for Kyouka's comment on Asuka's body, Kurai didn't really react any differently at first since he very much agreed with the woman...but her next comment did get a small eyebrow raise out of him. Kurai wasn't the type to lose his cool over things like this, only finding this comment a little amusing. "Unfortunately for you, we don't share." was all Kurai was going to say about this. Some of the romance novels Kurai has read may have involved such...group activities, but it did not mean that Kurai enjoyed such things himself...well not when he's in a committed relationship at least.

Kurai made sure to take note of Kyouka's advice, and the moment she dropped that weight Kurai started focusing his chakra through his arms which he fortunately has massive reserves of. The moment he placed his hands onto the pipe, he gripped it and attempted to not only lift with his arms but legs as well. Kurai's eyes narrowed a bit, reacting to how damn heavy this thing was! "I-Its...heavy..." Kurai claimed...which was more than obvious. Kyouka made it look so easy!

There was now a hint of strain on Kurai's stoic features...but the weight was starting to wiggle a bit...but before any more progress could be made, Kurai heard a familiar voice, one that caught him off guard that he let go of the weight, and fell back!

"Ngh...Asuka?" Kurai groaned lightly as he sat up and looked over at the kunoichi while rubbing the side of his head a bit. He wasn't surprised that she found her way here...but he wasn't expecting the woman to be here right now.

Hōzuki Kyōka Asuka Waruichi

[Hōzuki Kyōka]

We are violence Kyouka jokingly snarled at Kurai when he threw the jab about her not having a heart. "Of course I do, I love myself very much." she teased him back, but she wasn't really lying. As a Dark Empath, Kyouka put her well-being above everyone else's, and that was not an overstatement. Then, when he mentioned that if her training works it was fine, she giggled and nodded. "You would me amazed how much effort people can make when the alternative is death. A cornered rat is dangerous, is it not?" she added. Her comment as to joining them in some fun was met with a statement that they did not share, and she giggled at that. "B-o-r-i-n-g!" she teased the man, but in truth she couldn't really understand these concepts of monogamy. Why limit yourself to one meal for the rest of your life, when the world had so much more to offer? Well, to each their own. In any case, back to the training. When Kurai held the pipe, she noticed how he was immediately struggling. Kyouka let go of it, took a few steps back and folded her arms beneath her generous breasts. "Come on, Kurai-kun, I was holding this with one arm. Hehehehe." she teased him, trying to see if he would put some more effort behind it. Asuka showed up shortly after, greeting them and that was enough to distract Kurai to the point he dropped the weight. Kyouka sighed and shook her head. "Ahhh, you two lovebirds... You can't hear her voice and you lose the strength in your limbs." she paused, turning her purple orbs to Asuka. "You've gotta let me know what you are doing, girl, because the man is head over heels for ya." her teasing tone was making Kyouka have a lot of fun this day. "So, Kurai-kun, how does it feel to be the weakest one around?" she winked at the man. and this is hell Takahashi Kurai Asuka Waruichi 340 words Training

made by eden @ gs and thq

[Asuka Waruichi]

JUST REMEMBER , ANYONE CAN MAKE A FIST

As the girl she’d note that her presence seemed to fluster Kurai and had missed the earlier part of the conversation, but did hear the note about what Asuka was doing to keep him so head over heels for her. "Oh it’s nothing really.” the girl would state rubbing the back of her head. "Just good communication and plenty of quality time together.” the girl would say with glee if Kyouka hadn’t noticed the girl never looked happier she was practically glowing.

She’d then squat down, "Now come on Kurai show that thing who’s boss!” Kurai wasn’t exactly the strongest around much like Asuka herself was however he did have a lot of promise and she wanted to make sure he saw it through. "Use those back muscles you got this!” the girl would cheer trying to poke at his iron will to help him get on his way. She didn’t like seeing him belittled by Kyouka. "By the way I didn’t know you two knew each other…I’m not exactly surprised…but still.” she’d say looking at Kyouka.

"What were you guys even talking about?” the brunette would inquire she was curious as too the origin of their relationship she already knew Kyouka fairly well but what was her business with Kurai?

Takahashi Kurai
Hōzuki Kyōka

SPOILER: Click to show

OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:


MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES:


Summary:

Asuka would be caught in the mist and would attempt to strike out at the young girl using the [Silken Fist: Counter Blow] but due to her uncertainty of where to strike her follow through was poor and may or may not have hit her target. However in the process of doing so she was caught with a strike to the gut by her opponent and pushed further into the mist for now she awaits her opponents next move.

Heavy Handed Iron Fist:
With the rigorous training that Asuka had to endure as she honed her body to levels of perfection rivaling that of any martial arts master. Asuka's strength has increased 10 fold to the point where she is able to crush stoned within her grasp and breaks bones of lesser individuals with ease. And while she still has much to learn as a chunin. The youth's power is not one to be challenged lightly, as she is able to perform physical feats that would seem inhuman to even most shinobi.

Hijutsu: Kinu no Eikyō:
Asuka is a member of the Waruichi clan and as such has the ability to control a special chakra infused silk that was forged by a special group of silkworms that feed on the corpses of dead clansmen. With it Asuka can craft and shape the silk to her will and uses it in a mostly supplementary fashion to aid her in battle alongside her powerful taijutsu skills.

Iron Burst:
As a sole practitioner of Taijutsu Asuka has relentlessly pushed her body against itself for spectacular results: her strength carries over into her speed, and as such alongside the control she exerts body in spirit and in mind, she is intensely faster than those of a similar level of strength and maneuvering expertly as if the air were an extension of her own body.

A Disciplined Iron Bull:
During Asuka's time as a genin the youth had begun to realize that in order to excel as a shinobi she needed to learn how to properly utilize her chakra. And while she doesn't posses the greatest of reserves the youth has learned through rigorous meditation how to keep her chakra still and calm. As a result she is now able to wield it with a great deal of control and is able to channel only the necessary amounts of chakra into the few jutsu she uses in order to make the most of their abilities whilst still being able to keep up in a fight.

MADE BY MINNIE OF FTS & GANGNAM STYLE

[Takahashi Kurai]

Kurai did not doubt Kyouka's claim of loving herself one bit. He was certain that the only person she does genuinely love is herself. She isn't exactly someone brimming with compassion or selflessness. Kurai already suspected that but ended up learning the hard way in one of their previous missions. He also couldn't disagree with her...training methods if, in fact, the only other option is death. Kurai would not be surprised if the Bloody Maelstrom's students turn out to become a lot like her down the line, which is kind of a concerning thought, but he'd be lying if he said such ferocity wouldn't be beneficial for the village...

Kurai didn't really respond to Kyouka's 'Boring' comment. After losing his first significant lover, Kurai was sort of on a similar path. driven by drinking and one-night stands. Women, men, it did not matter to Kurai. For someone who believes that loss and tragedies can make one stronger, he really did try his best to forget about his loss through these acts. He eventually mellowed down, and started to focus more on his positions instead...then he eventually met Asuka.

Speaking of...

"I...was just not expecting her to show up all of a sudden." Kurai claimed, his excuse for why he suddenly dropped the huge weight. Kurai attempted to play it off, but there was a small hint of him being flustered, mostly from letting his guard down over something like this. With how serious, and business-focused Kurai is...even he can be hopeless at times.

Kurai couldn't help but smile lightly as Asuka spoke about their communication skills and such. Seeing Asuka happy made Kurai happy in return even if he wasn't as expressional as her. He wasn't really known to wear his emotions on his sleeves. Of course, Kyouka's little teasing insult didn't go over Kurai's head. He then glanced over to the Bloody Maelstrom and then to the weights. "Soul shattering." Kurai said in a plain tone. Kurai wasn't really put down by that comment, but hearing Asuka's encouraging words did give him more reason to train, other than for his sword. Kurai never thought he'd find himself in the company of two of the strongest kunoichi in this village...both who he has been intimate with...which the idea of did cause him a little concern, but not enough to stop him from trying to lift the weight again.

So once again, Kurai had his hands one the pipe and tried lifting the impromptu weight. It was shaking yet again..but this time it was slowly starting to leave the ground...barely.

But as this happened, Kurai overheard Asuka's question, causing him to glance over at her. He then noticed that she was looking at Kyouka, the questioning mostly being for her...and knowing Kyouka, that did not bode well for Kurai. He narrowed his eyes a bit at Kyouka, but did not say anything since this question was mostly aimed at her. Still, he tried his best to focus on the weight...but he had a feeling that this wouldn't be the only weight on his shoulders.

Hōzuki Kyōka Asuka Waruichi

[Hōzuki Kyōka]

We are violence Ah, young love. Such a foolish emotion, but at the same time such a poweful one. People who are enthralled by love were usually dangerous people to deal with, capable of going beyond their own limits for the sake of their loved ones. Kyouka understood its power, but at the same time - in her own head - the down sides of such emotion far outweighed its perks, and ultimately, it was a fool's errand to allow yourself to foster this ticking time bomb in your heart. Indeed, Asuka was glowing with her love, and Kurai also seemed to reciprocate her feelings with a similar - if not the same - intensity. "Silly kids." she thought to herself, but nothing transpired in her smirk as she listened to Asuka and watched Kurai struggle with the weight, with his beloved uttering words of support, which would more than likely prompt the man to put all his effort. At least in this case their love could be useful. When Asuka turned back to Kyouka, mentioning she was unaware they knew each other, Kyouka giggled lightly and glanced over to Kurai for a moment, with quite the mischievous look in those purple orbs of hers. "Oh, me and Kurai-kun go way back! We are quite close, you know?" she said, pausing for a moment, hoping to cause some distress to the man, who seemed to be making an effort to hide his own concerns. "For you know... Me and Kurai shared a very special moment together." she continued. "Isn't that right, Kurai-kun?" she teased the man, turning back to Asuka and pointing towards Uemori on her back. "I'm the first seat of the seven swordsmen of the mist. I tested him before he went to the Mizukage. And I gave him my blessing." she explained, shrugging "And since he joined the group, we work together quite often. In fact, I'm almost hurt Kurai-kun never mentioned me." she said, turning her expression into one of sadness as she gazed away. Her eyes, however, discreetly reached Kurai's for a brief moment, and they had no trace of sadness during the brief moment their gaze crossed. and this is hell Asuka Waruichi Takahashi Kurai 374 words Training

made by eden @ gs and thq