[Takahashi Akio]

Akio leaned against a tree at the academy, enjoying the warm rays of sunlight that filtered through the leaves. Since he was filling in for a sick teacher the entire day, he was also supposed to fill in for the taijutsu class that was scheduled shortly after the bunshin class. The previous class had went relatively alright, aside from him arriving late, but now it was time to focus on some up-close and personal Taijutsu, something Akio was actually an expert in.

While the young sage apprentice sat cross-legged waiting for the students to join him, he glanced at the class roster in his hands and a mischievous grin spread across his face; he noticed something peculiar—a class with an odd number of students. Akio chuckled to himself, realizing that he would have to step into the fray and spar with one of the students. The thought excited him, and he knew exactly who he was going to pair up with.

He didn’t even have to spend time contemplating which student he would choose as his sparring partner. According to the notes the last teacher left, Touwa was physically capable but better with a weapon than their own fists. The interaction would not only benefit the student, but it’d be a little less awkward since they had spent the most individual time together during the bunshin class.

As the students began to trickle onto the field, their chatter filling the air, Akio smoothly folded the class roster and tucked it away. With a quick graceful leap, he jumped to his feet and made his way over to the students waving them down to grab their attention as their numbers multiplied and more children filtered out onto the field.

"Good to see you all again!" Akio called out, his voice carrying across the field. "Pair up with a partner as you come in, we’re doing some taijutsu sparring. Don't start yet though, warm up a little first and I'll explain the rules once it seems like everyone is here." He’d repeat himself a few times as more and more students filtered onto the open training field. It wasn’t until he caught a glimpse of Touwa that he’d immediately point with a smile and address them, "Odd number of students though, so you won the lottery! I’ll be your sparring partner, Touwa!”


Tokonatsu Touwa

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa woke up early that morning, the anticipation of the day's taijutsu class buzzing in his mind. As an 11-year-old academy student, he was eager to improve his combat skills and prove himself among his peers. With a calm and poised demeanor, Touwa went about his morning routine, carefully dressing in his training attire and securing his lifeblade, Ruiteki, as a part of his attire.
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The walk to the academy was peaceful, with the gentle breeze rustling through the trees and the warm rays of the sun kissing his face. Touwa enjoyed these moments of solitude, allowing him to collect his thoughts and mentally prepare for the day ahead. He was confident in his abilities with a weapon, but he knew that mastering taijutsu was equally important. The prospect of sparring with a skilled opponent excited him, as it would provide an opportunity to learn and grow.
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Arriving at the academy, Touwa noticed the increasing chatter and excitement of his fellow students. The atmosphere was filled with energy and anticipation. As he entered the training field, his eyes scanned the area, searching for his sparring partner. It was then that he heard a familiar voice, carrying across the field, calling out to the students. Touwa turned his head and locked eyes with Akio, a mischievous grin on his face.
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Akio's voice rang out, capturing the attention of the students. The young boy turned his attention towards him, listening attentively to the instructions.
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Touwa's heart skipped a beat as he realized he had won the lottery, so to speak. He would be sparring with Akio, the very person he had spent the most individual time with during the bunshin class.
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Touwa approached Akio with a calm and poise demeanor, his voice steady as he spoke, "Thank you, Sensei. I'm honored to be your sparring partner." He couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. "I've been focusing on weapon techniques, but I'm eager to improve my taijutsu skills. I look forward to learning from you."
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
[break][break]
The Araikettei clan's KKG allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 334
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Takahashi Akio

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[Takahashi Akio]

Akio flashed Touwa a playful grin and would almost wave away the formalities with his right hand as he just talked to the young student, "No need for formalities, Touwa. Just call me Akio. Being called sensei kinda gives me the heebie-jeebies.” In the grand scheme of things, Akio had only ever been a student or an apprentice; and while he had let it slide during the bunshin class, he was hoping that he could nip the formalities in the bud.

The rest of the class, caught up in their own conversations and warm-up exercises, paused as Akio's voice carried across the field. "Yo, listen up class!" he called out, his voice infused with a laid-back yet commanding presence. "Time to get this taijutsu party started!” He glanced around, watching the students gather in pairs. "Find a spot with your partner, try to give yourself some space. Warm up those muscles and get ready to kick some ass. You can either do some stretches or start the spar a little light."

Akio began a series of stretches and movements to loosen up his body. His approach to running class was a lot more relaxed and fluid than the bunshin class he'd hosted earlier inside. "Alright, guys, once you loosened up a little bit. No weapons or jutsu, we’re just gonna focus on good ol’ fashioned punching and kicking. Take the sparring seriously, but try not to injure each other. Also, try to find a style that works for you, each of your bodies is different so don’t be afraid to experiment a little bit."

As the students broke up into their groups some of them mimicked his warm-up routine while others either got right to sparring or did completely different stretches. Once only him and Touwa were standing in the immediate vicinity he’d return to talking normally to the kid, "Alright buddy, so I’ll let you control the flow of things. I’ll mostly stay on defense, but don’t leave too many big openings or I might have to whack you a few times.”

Akio would chuckle a little bit at the prospect of beating up a student before adding, "Do your best, and I’ll try not to hit you too hard. I’m ready when you are.” Akio assumed a loose stance, intentionally leaving his guard down; while this was something the teachers might berate a student for, this stance was intentionally meant to dodge instead of block. It might seem like he was underestimating his student; but if Touwa didn’t understand the purpose of his teacher’s casual-looking stance yet, he’d understand once he tried his first attack.



Tokonatsu Touwa

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa stood across from Akio, his eyes focused and determined. The anticipation of the upcoming spar coursed through his veins, fueling his excitement and sharpening his senses.
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"I am sorry, but I cannot do that, Akio-sensei. But in return, I'll do my best," Touwa's refusal to abandon formalities wasn't meant to offend Akio; rather, it was a reflection of his own values and principles. He believed in upholding traditions and demonstrating respect towards those who had dedicated themselves to guiding him, after all, he was a part of the Asagao branch of the Tokonatsu clan, so to say he was the face that represented his clan to outsiders.
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As the rest of the class scattered across the training field, finding their partners and engaging in warm-up exercises, Touwa's attention remained solely on Akio. As Touwa observed Akio's loose stance, a flicker of curiosity danced in his eyes. He understood that there was more to it than met the eye. Akio's relaxed posture spoke of experience and a calculated strategy. Touwa knew that he needed to be cautious and thoughtful with his attacks, taking into account Akio's ability to dodge rather than block.
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Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Touwa adopted a focused expression. He understood the importance of taijutsu in close combat and was eager to test his skills against Akio's. Despite the slight flutter of nervousness in his stomach, he maintained a composed exterior. Touwa's eyes narrowed as he analyzed Akio's casual stance, recognizing that it was an invitation to attack and exploit openings. The young academy student saw this as a chance to demonstrate his understanding and adaptability.
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In one fluid motion, Touwa lunged forward, aiming a swift punch toward Akio's midsection, if it was to miss, it would be followed up by a low sweep, aiming a swift kick at Akio's legs.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
[break][break]
The Araikettei clan's KKG allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 305
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Takahashi Akio

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[Takahashi Akio]

Akio's gaze lit with fire and excitement as he eagerly anticipated Touwa’s assault. However, as soon as Touwa addressed him as Akio-sensei, a faint look of discomfort crossed Akio's face, his playful grin fading momentarily. Being called sensei almost sent shivers down his spine; it just felt unnatural.

"Gross," Akio quickly responded. His smile would slowly come back as he added, "Yeah, just try your best, I guess,” his tone as supportive and encouraging as it could be, while he was doing his best to push past his aversion to being called sensei. As the rest of the class engaged in their warm-up exercises and sparring sessions, Akio's attention remained fixated on Touwa. He observed the flicker of curiosity in the young student's eyes, recognizing that Touwa had sensed there was more to his seemingly relaxed stance.

Akio appreciated Touwa's focus and composure in the current moment, understanding that the student recognized the oddity in his casual fighting posture. He had already mentally shrugged off the discomfort of being called 'sensei' and readied himself to respond to Touwa's attacks, fully aware of the young student's eagerness to test his skills against his own. Akio would take a deep breath the split second before the spar started, almost as if the beast inside him could sense the start of combat.

With a surge of energy, Touwa lunged forward, launching a swift punch aimed at Akio's midsection. Akio's body responded instinctively, his reflexes kicking into high gear. He swiftly sidestepped, evading the punch with a fluid movement. Akio noticed the boy's body turn and prepared to deliver a kick directed toward his legs, but Akio’s sidestep would position him incredibly close to the young Touwa’s planted leg. The kick wouldn't be a terrible option against someone of comparable speed, but it put Touwa's balance in a precarious position against faster opponents.

"Nice, one, two. I’m not sure about that kick though,” Akio called out as he quickly responded and aimed his foot at the young student’s leg that was still planted firmly on the ground. This left the young student in a precarious position, where if he let himself get hit by Akio’s sweep he’d likely fall to the ground and his sweep would lose almost all of its power before it hit, or he could try to avoid the Akio's sweep and launch another counterattack. Akio was incredibly curious what kind of choice Touwa would make in the given situation.

The young sage apprentice aimed to test Touwa's defensive capabilities and agility, but he maintained a high level of restraint, ensuring not to overpower the young student. Given that the speed they were sparring at was much more slow than his top combat speed, it left Akio with the ability to make incredibly deliberate responses to Touwa’s attacks; it was almost like the two of them were fighting in slow motion for Akio.


Tokonatsu Touwa

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa's heart raced as his punch missed its mark, and he saw Akio swiftly sidestep his attack. A flicker of frustration crossed his face, but he quickly regained his focus, knowing that he needed to adapt to Akio's speed and agility. As he felt the air shift around him, Touwa instinctively recognized the imminent threat to his planted leg.
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In a split-second decision, he twisted his body, attempting to pivot and evade Akio's incoming sweep. But his timing was slightly off. Akio's foot grazed his leg, causing him to lose his balance for a moment. Touwa stumbled, his eyes widening as he fought to regain his stability. His mind raced, searching for a way to turn this disadvantage into an opportunity.
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"You're fast, but I won't let up!" using the momentum from his stumble, Touwa instinctively twisted his body and extended his arm, aiming a swift strike toward Akio's exposed side. He understood that this was his chance to counterattack. His attack, however, lacked the finesse and speed he had hoped for. Touwa jumped back and without missing a beat, he crouched low, gathering strength in his legs before springing forward. Launching himself towards Akio, he aimed a swift series of strikes—quick jabs and feints intended to keep his opponent off-balance.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
[break][break]
The Araikettei clan's KKG allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 212
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Takahashi Akio

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[Takahashi Akio]

Akio's grin widened as he witnessed Touwa's determination and resilience. He respected the young student's refusal to back down and admired his ability to quickly recover from the stumble. Akio smoothly shifted his weight, causing the strike aimed at his side to miss past his front side, his body moving with the agility and skill of an experienced shinobi.

Impressed by Touwa's recovery, Akio recognized the opportunity to truly test the student's skills. As Touwa launched himself forward, unleashing a series of rapid strikes, Akio could have simply dodged again. The Chuunin opted to block each individual strike with an open palm, the flurry of blows would have definitely overwhelmed another student.

With each strike, it was pretty evident that the gap in speed and agility was massive as each punch found its way directly into Akio’s palms. His movements were fluid and almost ethereal, as if he effortlessly danced through the barrage of strikes. Akio's eyes gleamed with excitement, as the flurry of strikes continued. Akio found himself momentarily entranced by the rhythm of the spar. His body moved in perfect sync with Touwa's strikes, a seamless blend of defense and evasion. Despite the intensity of the exchange, Akio maintained a calm and collected demeanor, his mind sharp and focused.

"Nice try, Touwa!" Akio called out, his voice laced with genuine admiration. With a burst of speed, Akio launched a rapid counter-attack with his right hand as soon as he blocked a strike with his left hand; his strikes were a bit quicker than the flurry that Touwa had just delivered. His movements were a testament to his mastery of high-speed Taijutsu, as he aimed to push Touwa's limits and force the young student to adapt to a faster opponent. Akio would deliver three punches towards Touwa’s upper body that were precise and calculated, aiming for controlled impact rather than overpowering force. He was fully aware of the power disparity between them and made sure to adjust his attacks accordingly.

Assuming Touwa handled the punches alright he’d finish the flurry with another quick sweep for the kids legs. As the spar intensified, Akio's focus remained unwavering. He kept a watchful eye on Touwa's reactions, analyzing his defensive maneuvers and preparing to stop the flurry if he made contact with the student. While Akio's speed and agility gave him the advantage, he was careful not to overwhelm Touwa completely, allowing the young student the chance to learn and grow from the experience.

"Keep pushing, Touwa!" Akio encouraged, his voice filled with excitement. "You're doing great. Let's see what else you've got!"


Tokonatsu Touwa

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa clenched his teeth, feeling the force of Akio's counter-punches reverberating through his body. Though controlled, the precision behind each blow made them undeniably potent. He staggered backward, struggling to maintain his balance against the relentless assault. Yet, determination burned fiercely in his eyes as he swiftly regained his composure.
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With gritted teeth and unwavering resolve, Touwa summoned every ounce of his strength. He refused to succumb to Akio's overwhelming speed. Drawing upon a surge of adrenaline, he planted his feet firmly on the ground, bracing himself for the impending sweep. As Akio's leg sliced through the air toward him, Touwa's reflexes took over.
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Attuned to the spar's rhythm, he discerned the perfect opening. Springing forward, he harnessed his momentum to evade the sweeping attack. In mid-air, he gracefully spun his body, extending his leg in a sweeping kick to counter Akio's assault.
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If Touwa's strike found its mark, the resounding thud would fill the air, resonating through his leg as a testament to his gathered strength. Upon landing, he would retain his balance, a determined glint shining in his eyes. This spar presented an opportunity for growth, a chance to surpass his own limits.
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Fuelled by newfound confidence, Touwa would charge forward once more, unleashing a relentless barrage of strikes with renewed vigor. His movements would blend speed and precision, continuously keeping Akio on his toes. This time, he aimed not only to overpower his opponent but also to incorporate feints and subtle maneuvers, disrupting Akio's defense.
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Even if his strike failed to connect, Touwa would not be disheartened. He acknowledged the long journey that lay ahead, yet remained resolved to give it his all. The spar with Akio represented a valuable chance for growth, one he was determined to seize. As the intense exchange persisted, his mind sharpened, adapting and overcoming with every move. He embraced the challenge, eager to push himself further and prove his true worth.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
[break][break]
The Araikettei clan's KKG allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 320
[break]
Takahashi Akio

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[Takahashi Akio]

As Touwa bounced over Akio’s leg and delivered a kick of his own, countering Akio's attack, a resounding thud filled the training grounds, grabbing the attention of some of the nearby students. Akio's eyes widened momentarily, impressed by the young student's agility and precise strike. Due to how nice of a maneuver it was for a student, Akio chose to take the hit to his leg; and although the Chuunin braced himself, he could still feel the impact reverberating through his leg. It was a satisfying moment for both mentor and student.

As Touwa landed gracefully, Akio's grin widened. It was odd, the spar didn’t have the same kind of excitement to it as a normal fight with someone of equal strength, but there was an excitement Akio had seeing a student make some impressive moves. At the beginning he had kinda expected Touwa to take it easy like most students, but the kid was really pushing himself to his limit. With newfound confidence radiating from him, Touwa charged forward once more, launching a relentless barrage of strikes with renewed vigor.

Akio's body moved fluidly, dodging and blocking each strike with calculated precision. He matched Touwa's speed and precision, seemingly remaining just out of reach of Touwa’s strikes. The spar had become a captivating dance, a symphony of martial arts skill and unwavering resolve.

As Touwa incorporated feints and subtle maneuvers, attempting to disrupt Akio's defense, the Chuunin's admiration for the student's growth only deepened. Akio's mind raced, analyzing and adapting to each move, his instincts honed by years of training and experience. He welcomed the challenge, eager to test his own limits and push Touwa even further. Of course the two of them could keep at this until the bell, but he probably had to at least lecture Touwa at some point.

Fighting definitely improved Taijutsu, but the real reason he was there was to instruct the students. In the midst of Touwa’s flurry, Akio would hold his hands in front of him in the shape of a ‘T’ and practically start calling time out like a child, "Time out, time out, time out!” The Chuunin would keep dodging until Touwa got the message and stopped punching, and once he did he’d finally start instructing the young kid, "Look that was some really impressive stuff, but it wouldn’t really be a class if there weren’t some instruction part of it.”

After a nice deep breath, Akio continued almost as if they hadn't even had a small little spar, "The way you utilized feints and maintained a constant flow of attacks was impressive. If I were a shinobi skilled in ninjutsu, I wouldn't have been able to easily regain control of the fight. It’s really similar to how I like to fight, so I can dig it. Really great stuff!" With a brief thumbs up, he acknowledged Touwa's performance.

Then, Akio posed a question that Touwa might not have considered before. "However, I'm curious to know, what do you believe is your biggest weakness in Taijutsu?" The query might seem perplexing at first, given the absence of any glaring flaws in their brief spar. Being a Taijutsu specialist himself however, Akio had his own opinions on the matter, but he genuinely wanted to hear Touwa's perspective before he gave his own.



Tokonatsu Touwa

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa's chest rose and fell rapidly as he caught his breath, his adrenaline still coursing through his veins. Akio's words of praise filled him with a sense of accomplishment, but the question about his biggest weakness in Taijutsu made him pause and reflect.
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With a focused expression, Touwa thoughtfully considered his response, still keeping his polite demeanor, but changing the way he addresses Akio from sensei to san, "Akio-san, thank you for your kind words. I believe my biggest weakness in Taijutsu lies in my defense and counters. While I strive to be agile and precise in my attacks, I often find myself vulnerable to counterattacks. In the heat of battle, I sometimes struggle to anticipate my opponent's moves and react swiftly enough to defend myself effectively."
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He took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. " Additionally, I feel that I can be too predictable at times. My strikes may be precise, but they lack the element of surprise. I need to work on incorporating more feints and unpredictable maneuvers to keep my opponents off balance." He wasn’t entirely sure if his answer was to Akio’s satisfaction, but this was a training and probably there were no real right or wrong answers to his question.
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With determination burning in his eyes, Touwa awaited Akio's insight, ready to absorb every word of wisdom that would help him grow and be better than others.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
[break][break]
The Araikettei clan's KKG allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 233
[break]
Takahashi Akio

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[Takahashi Akio]

Akio casually crossed his arms waiting for the young shinobi to think on his weaknesses. Unlike Touwa who was left breathing heavy, the small little tiff had left him exhilarated but also cognizant of the young student's limitations. As Touwa shared his thoughts on his weaknesses in Taijutsu, Akio's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of disagreement coloring his expression.

"Touwa, I appreciate your self-reflection, but I completely disagree with you," Akio began, his voice firm but encouraging. "While defense and counters are important aspects of Taijutsu, you’re just a student, those things are meant to be lacking. I actually didn’t have any issue with your current level in either department, they're about where you should be at the moment."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "After our spar just now, I couldn't help but notice your heavy breathing, an indication that your stamina was already starting to wane. You fought with an insane intensity, but how much longer could you realistically keep coming at me before your attacks got sloppy?"

Akio walked closer to Touwa with that question still in the air, his expression serious yet supportive. "I’m sure that your decision to go extra hard was partially because of the gap between our relative strengths and there’s nothing wrong with going super hard if you can maintain it, but I think you need to fight a little more sustainably. You’ll have to decide what that means, whether it means working on your stamina a little bit or utilizing a slower and more cognizant style to conserve energy."

Akio's gaze softened, a glimmer of pride shining through. "You have a crap ton of potential, Touwa. You just need to figure out the best way for you to fight, and figure out what feels the most natural for you, and if you’re gonna keep fighting like this you’re gonna need some more stamina or an oxygen tank." The sage apprentice would poke the kid’s stomach that was still noticeably rising and falling.

With that, Akio took a step back, giving Touwa space to process the advice and forge his path forward before calling out to the other students, "Alright guys the fighting portion of the class is over, come over here and I'll give you guys some constructive criticism based on what I noticed. Line up behind Touwa." He’d grin before looking back to Touwa as the other students started lining up behind him, "Any more questions before we finish up here?”


Tokonatsu Touwa

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa attentively absorbed Akio's words, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on his sensei's face. Surprised yet intrigued by Akio's dissenting perspective on his weaknesses, the young shinobi remained composed and mature. He hadn't anticipated such a response, but he trusted Akio's judgment.
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As Akio pointed out Touwa's heavy breathing and the importance of sustainable fighting, a profound realization gradually illuminated his mind. It was undeniable that he had thrown himself into the spar with an unrelenting offense, neglecting the long-term implications. Touwa nodded in genuine acknowledgment.
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"You speak the truth, Akio-san," Touwa replied with a determined and calm tone. "I now understand that focusing solely on offense, without considering the preservation of my stamina and energy, will inevitably impede my progress. I must strive to find a harmonious balance that allows me to fight effectively while maintaining a sustainable pace." This remark wasn’t just about taijutsu but could be applied to any of the disciplines that a shinobi specializes in.
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With his fellow students gathering behind him, eagerly awaiting their turn for Akio's evaluation, Touwa turned and bestowed a resolute and mature smile. "I have no further inquiries at this moment, Akio-san." Stepping out of line, he provided others with the opportunity to receive their feedback from Akio.
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SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
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The Araikettei clan's KKG allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 207
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Takahashi Akio

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[Takahashi Akio]

Akio's gaze shifted from Touwa to the rest of the students who had lined up behind him, their eyes filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. It was a diverse group, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. As their mentor, Akio felt a responsibility to guide them a little bit as shinobi.

With a small sigh, Akio began addressing the class, his voice projecting a mix of authority and warmth. "Alright kids, today's class wasn’t super instructional, but I saw bits and pieces of most of your fights and I have some advice to help most of you guys get better with Taijutsu and maybe fighting in general." Once Touwa had confirmed that he didn’t have any questions he’d go down the line and provide individual feedback in an attempt to help each shinobi grow.

Some kids he had more feedback for than others, it was difficult to provide world altering feedback after seeing only bits and pieces of a single class. In the grand scheme of things it probably would have been better if there were an even number of kids so he could observe everyone thoroughly. Either way, once he was done giving individual feedback, he’d clap his hands to get everyone’s attention before speaking directly to the class as a whole again, "Good stuff everyone, There wasn’t a ton of instruction, but I think I’m gonna let you guys go early."

Akio's eyes scanned the faces of his students, observing most of the tired expressions fill with some semblance of joy now that class had officially been called. "Just remember there’s no right or wrong way to approach combat, you just have to approach fighting in a way that makes sense for you and your abilities. The only way to figure that out is to experiment and train." He’d watch as the kids started to leave and he’d pick up the clipboard that he had brought out with him, and he started making notes for the primary teacher’s return based on his own opinions.

He’d occasionally peek over the clipboard to make sure everyone had left, but keep writing. Assuming everyone left, Akio would take the clipboard back to the teacher’s classroom and make his way home for the day.

Tokonatsu Touwa

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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As the class came to a close, Touwa couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and excitement. Akio's words had ignited a newfound determination within him, and he was eager to put his sensei's advice into practice. With each step he took towards the exit, Touwa's mind buzzed with thoughts of training and improvement.
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As he reached the door, Touwa turned back to take one last look at the training ground. It had been a challenging session, but it had also been an invaluable one. The interactions with Akio provided him with a deeper understanding of his own strengths and weaknesses.
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Stepping out into the fresh air, Touwa took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that the path to becoming a skilled shinobi would be long and arduous, but he was ready to face the challenges head-on.
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With Akio's words echoing in his mind, Touwa made a silent promise to himself. He would seek the balance between offense and defense, between strength and stamina. He would train diligently, refining his skills in every discipline he specialized in.
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As he walked away from the training ground, Touwa's heart swelled with determination and ambition. He couldn't wait to return, to continue his journey towards becoming the shinobi he aspired to be.
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- E N D -
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SPOILER: Click to show

斬術 | Zanjutsu [lit. Cutting Technique]
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The Araikettei clan's KKG allows the user to obtain and wield the Life Blade - Ruiteki. The blade has its own consciousness and is capable of acting on its own. Regardless, Touwa and his Life Blade are inextricably linked to life and death. When one dies, the other dies, and thus anyone who is not Touwa is unable to wield the weapon.

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