[Gurē An]

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An awoke earlier than usual, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. In just a few days, she would face a crucial exam in the bukijutsu class—an arena where practical skills held paramount importance. Determined to make the most of her early start, she swiftly rose from her bed and donned her training attire, readying herself for the day ahead. The comforting presence of her grandmother reassured her as they shared a light breakfast together.
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With her wooden training sword and a selection of essential tools in hand, An set out toward the nearby forest. Along the way, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the hardworking seniors who had left training dummies scattered amidst the serene wilderness. Arriving at the secluded spot, An gently placed her belongings on the ground, each item representing her dedication and aspirations.
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Before diving into the rigorous training session, An recognized the significance of preparing her body and mind. Engaging in a series of stretching exercises, she felt her muscles loosen and her focus sharpen. The tranquil surroundings of the forest enveloped her, fostering a sense of tranquility and inner peace. Each deep breath infused her with renewed determination, eroding the remnants of her nervousness.
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As the morning sun cast a warm glow upon the training ground, An's apprehension transformed into a steely resolve. With her heart brimming with determination, she stood poised, ready to embark on a day of relentless practice and refinement. The exam loomed ahead, but An was determined to give it her all, trusting in the hours of dedicated training that awaited her.
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SPOILER: Click to show

共生遺伝学| Kyōsei Iden-Gaku [lit.Symbiotic Genetics]
[break][break]
As a member of the Gurē clan, An has gained the potential to combine her body with flora and the ground itself because of the similarities in her genetic makeup to fungi. She is able to link her chakra to the underground network of organic matter, which includes plant roots, water veins, and decomposing materials. For example, An can hide in things like trees, shrubs and roots, soil, and so on. Once fused, not only is her presence completely hidden and only felt by those with chakra recognition, but it also allows her to travel within the subterranean web of organic matter.
[break]
[Everything is directly determined by the clan member's rank and skill.]
[break][break]
真菌操作| Shinkin Sōsa [lit.Fungal Manipulation]
[break][break]
An can grow, shape, and manipulate all forms of fungi, including but not limited to yeasts and mold, along with poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms, thanks to the Gurē clan's chakra and genetic makeup. An has the ability to grow fungi on just about any surface. Because An’s genetic makeup is more similar to that of fungi than that of humans, she can use techniques based on Fungi anatomy, such as secretions or enzymes from various Fungi. She can easily generate or grow any part of a Fungi's anatomy from her own body by using chakra to further alter her own cells. Finally, because these techniques are made from her own cells or bodily fluids, such as converting her saliva into a specific Fungi secretion, An is immune to their effects.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 265
[break]
Sourei Kobashi

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[Sourei Kobashi]

Moving through the relatively quiet streets of Kirigakure in the early morning, the bustle of the village just beginning to come alive in the ever so slowly lessening mist; the jounin moved with purpose towards a particular set of training grounds. While he typically would have been using this last day before he set off on a somewhat long mission going over his household and ensuring his younger siblings were properly reminded of the rules and various plans of escape he instead had been cornered by an old acquaintance by the name of Yagyū and had a favor asked of him.

The two of them had not spoken in nearly a decade, not since they had fought together during the Daimyo's rebellion. In the years since they had last since spoken, Yagyū had done reasonably well for himself, rising to the rank of Sp. Jounin and having taken up a position teaching within the shinobi academy. The later fact admittedly irritated Kobashi to a degree, as that had been the job he had wished to take up after the war had ended, but been prevented due to his prominence in the Daimyou's forces, the fact that someone else from the Daimyou's forces had managed to get in made him feel even more singled out even though realistically Yagyū had probably only gotten in as an instructor after Yuki Nanami had died in the Sanbi rampage.

While Kobashi would have liked to simply deny the favor, he also understood that he could never afford to throw away a favorable relationship within the village, there was simply no way of knowing when something might happen where he and his siblings would need to flee and who might be able to help them do so when the time came. So here he was, walking to training grounds in search of a girl he had never met to help her prepare for an academy exam.

He had no idea of where the girl would be specifically. He knew only that she commonly made use of these training grounds and a basic description of her appearance. Once or twice he called out to children with the name he'd been provided, but upon receiving confused looks simply apologized and carried on. For a third time he came across someone who looked like they could match the unreasonably vague description he had been given, this one seeming to have just finished stretching.


"Gurē An?"


The voice which emanated from Kobashi was his usual calm and near apathetic tone. His eyes scanned over the equipment on her person and that which she had strewn upon the ground nearby. Kobashi otherwise though just waited for a response, his left hand perched on the sheath of his ninjato from habit while his right was tucked behind him at the small of his back. His typical white attire trimmed with bits of brown here and there drifted occasionally in the breeze, the large buckle across his chest holding the hidden Shibuki within. Some would say he looked the perfect part of what a seven shinobi swordsman should be, others would say he looked far too tame, weak and inexperienced to be part of the group.

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Gurē An]

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An looked up as she heard the unfamiliar voice calling her name. She was surprised to see a man standing before her, seemingly looking for her. Her heart raced again, not from nervous anticipation this time, but from the unexpected encounter.
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"Yes, I'm Gurē An," she replied, trying to maintain composure despite the presence of obviously a higher-ranking shinobi. She quickly picked up her wooden training sword and respectfully bowed to the man.
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"I apologize if I'm causing any inconvenience, sir," An continued, her voice steady with a touch of politeness. "May I ask what brings you here? Have I done something wrong?" she added, trying to assess the situation.
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The man’s appearance was impressive, adorned in what seemed to be the attire of a formidable shinobi. His white attire, trimmed with hints of brown, fluttered gently in the breeze, giving him an air of calm authority. His eyes held an air of experience and a tinge of weariness as if he had seen much in his time as a ninja. An's mind raced, trying to recall any interactions she might have had with him before, but she couldn't remember anything of the sort. Nevertheless, she remained respectful and attentive.
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SPOILER: Click to show

共生遺伝学| Kyōsei Iden-Gaku [lit.Symbiotic Genetics]
[break][break]
As a member of the Gurē clan, An has gained the potential to combine her body with flora and the ground itself because of the similarities in her genetic makeup to fungi. She is able to link her chakra to the underground network of organic matter, which includes plant roots, water veins, and decomposing materials. For example, An can hide in things like trees, shrubs and roots, soil, and so on. Once fused, not only is her presence completely hidden and only felt by those with chakra recognition, but it also allows her to travel within the subterranean web of organic matter.
[break]
[Everything is directly determined by the clan member's rank and skill.]
[break][break]
真菌操作| Shinkin Sōsa [lit.Fungal Manipulation]
[break][break]
An can grow, shape, and manipulate all forms of fungi, including but not limited to yeasts and mold, along with poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms, thanks to the Gurē clan's chakra and genetic makeup. An has the ability to grow fungi on just about any surface. Because An’s genetic makeup is more similar to that of fungi than that of humans, she can use techniques based on Fungi anatomy, such as secretions or enzymes from various Fungi. She can easily generate or grow any part of a Fungi's anatomy from her own body by using chakra to further alter her own cells. Finally, because these techniques are made from her own cells or bodily fluids, such as converting her saliva into a specific Fungi secretion, An is immune to their effects.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 200
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Sourei Kobashi

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[Sourei Kobashi]

Kobashi felt some measure of relief quickly wash over him as soon as the young girl answered with some level of obvious apprehension that she indeed was Gurē An. The answer meant he would not need to spend even more time meandering around the entirety of the training grounds continuing to search for her. She continued on, asking if she was causing some sort of issue or doing something wrong; the girl was surprisingly polite for a child although it could just as easily have been anxiety at the situation making her more polite than she might normally be.


"You are not in any trouble Gurē-san. Yagyū-Sensei was under the impression you were struggling with your bukijutsu. He asked me to provide some insight."


Kobashi's voice as usual was a bit on the soft-spoken side and somewhat stiff in its politeness. Some appreciated these mannerisms while others still were put off by it slightly, seeing it as a facade of sorts. Regardless of what the young girl in front of him thought and his admitted reluctance to even be here, he did truly have every intention of helping her if she so wished it. While he might have been hesitant to agree to take on any favor from someone, he did not entirely mind the idea of helping people better themselves, although he did admit it seemed to be happening with more frequency. Earlier with Ikana and now with An.

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Gurē An]

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With a profound sense of relief and gratitude, An listened attentively to the man's response. The assurance that she wasn't in trouble and that he was here to help her with her bukijutsu from Yagyū-Sensei filled her heart with calm. Though she felt a mix of appreciation and anxiety at the prospect of receiving guidance from a more experienced shinobi, she knew deep down that this was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.
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"Thank you so much for Yagyū-Sensei's concern and your kind willingness to assist me," An replied sincerely, her voice reflecting her genuine gratitude. "I've been putting in a lot of effort into my bukijutsu, but I'm aware that there's still much for me to learn. Your insights and advice would be an incredible honor for me to receive."
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Straightening her posture, An held the wooden training sword firmly in her hand. Even with lingering nerves, she was resolute in making the most of this chance. Learning from someone of his caliber was a rare and invaluable opportunity that she wouldn't take lightly.
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"I'm eager to improve, so please feel free to point out any areas where I can enhance my technique or form," she added, her determination shining through her eyes as they locked onto his. An was ready and eager to absorb any knowledge he was willing to share, knowing it would aid her growth as a shinobi.
[break][break]
With that, An decided to demonstrate her form. Her movements were precise and controlled as she executed a series of strikes with the wooden training sword. The fluidity and dedication in her actions showcased the effort she had poured into her bukijutsu training. Despite her initial anxiety, her genuine passion for improvement was undeniable, and it was evident in the way she carried herself.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

共生遺伝学| Kyōsei Iden-Gaku [lit.Symbiotic Genetics]
[break][break]
As a member of the Gurē clan, An has gained the potential to combine her body with flora and the ground itself because of the similarities in her genetic makeup to fungi. She is able to link her chakra to the underground network of organic matter, which includes plant roots, water veins, and decomposing materials. For example, An can hide in things like trees, shrubs and roots, soil, and so on. Once fused, not only is her presence completely hidden and only felt by those with chakra recognition, but it also allows her to travel within the subterranean web of organic matter.
[break]
[Everything is directly determined by the clan member's rank and skill.]
[break][break]
真菌操作| Shinkin Sōsa [lit.Fungal Manipulation]
[break][break]
An can grow, shape, and manipulate all forms of fungi, including but not limited to yeasts and mold, along with poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms, thanks to the Gurē clan's chakra and genetic makeup. An has the ability to grow fungi on just about any surface. Because An’s genetic makeup is more similar to that of fungi than that of humans, she can use techniques based on Fungi anatomy, such as secretions or enzymes from various Fungi. She can easily generate or grow any part of a Fungi's anatomy from her own body by using chakra to further alter her own cells. Finally, because these techniques are made from her own cells or bodily fluids, such as converting her saliva into a specific Fungi secretion, An is immune to their effects.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 296
[break]
Sourei Kobashi

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[Sourei Kobashi]

Kobashi simply nodded as she expressed her thanks for Yagyuu's concern and his own willingness to help. After a few more polite words exchanged she eventually moved into demonstration of her technique. This Kobashi watched with a keen eye, his eyes glancing from foot work, how she moved at the waist, the motion in her arms and the more minor movements in the wrist. They were by no means perfect, especially in the eyes of one of the Seven Swordsmen who had spent the better part of twenty plus years honing his skill with a blade. Still, it was probably roughly on par with Ikana's skill, maybe a little worse at most which was quite the feat given the difference in their age.

"Overall your movements are fine. You are twisting your waist into your strikes properly and keeping you arms from being too rigid. Your footwork and the motion in your wrists needs work. Most of your body needs to be fluid in its motion, but you need to try and keep your stance solid enough to absorb impacts as your blade connects with resistance. As for the wrists, they need to be sharper in their movements when you decide to strike."

Drawing his ninjato Kobashi moved to stand several feet ahead of the girl before turning to face her so that she had a clear view of his movements. Kobashi slowed the motions enough to ensure the young girl could clearly make out what he was doing, but not so slow as to fail to demonstrate the actual lesson.

His mock attack was a fairly simple, but effective parry followed by an overhead strike. The parry used the back of his blade to knock away the imaginary opponent's sword which in turn meant the deadly edge would be kept facing them. Immediately Kobashi moved into the downwards strike which was an even greater showcase of the quick snap of movement in his wrists. They had seemed firm, but fluid before, but at the moment of the strike seemed to snap like the string of a bow releasing its arrow. His footwork was simple, but still somehow elegant in that simplicity. The Jounin supported his weight on the balls of his feet which kept any force off his muscle and bone and more so on the tendons in his leg. His left foot circled back around the left which put him further away from the imagined enemy's blade that had been knocked aside; this was followed quickly by a step forward with his right foot towards the imagined enemy as well as An when he delivered the downwards strike.

It was an extremely simply counter and perhaps the most basic of strikes, but the key here was to demonstrate the differences he was talking about with the clearest of examples he could think of. There were other minor things wrong with her stance that his more seasoned eye saw, but these two things were the only issues worth discussing this early into his tutelage.

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Gurē An]

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An watched Kobashi attentively as he observed her demonstration and provided feedback. She absorbed his words like a sponge, each piece of advice settling in her mind with the weight of its importance. As he spoke about the areas that needed improvement, her focus intensified, committing his words to memory.
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"Thank you for your guidance," An responded with a respectful nod as Kobashi pointed out the specifics of her technique. She carefully considered his feedback on footwork, wrist movement, and maintaining a balance between fluidity and stability. His explanation about the importance of absorbing impacts while keeping her stance solid resonated deeply, and his emphasis on sharper wrist movements was noted with utmost seriousness.
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When Kobashi drew his ninjato and demonstrated the counter with precise movements, An's eyes followed his every action. The parry and strike flowed seamlessly, showcasing the integration of proper footwork and the swift snap of the wrists. It was as if he was guiding her through the subtleties of the technique, making sure she understood not just the mechanics, but also the finesse that could turn a basic move into a masterful maneuver.
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An gripped her training sword with renewed zeal and assumed a stance, this time incorporating the changes Kobashi had suggested. Her footwork was more deliberate, with her weight smoothly shifting from one leg to the other. She focused on the snap of her wrists as she executed a series of strikes, aiming for the sharper movement he had demonstrated, though her movements were far from matching Kobashi's expertise. She repeated the sequence of movements over and over, committing them to muscle memory, feeling as if she was doing exactly the same, but to an experienced eye, there was still a lot to work on.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

共生遺伝学| Kyōsei Iden-Gaku [lit.Symbiotic Genetics]
[break][break]
As a member of the Gurē clan, An has gained the potential to combine her body with flora and the ground itself because of the similarities in her genetic makeup to fungi. She is able to link her chakra to the underground network of organic matter, which includes plant roots, water veins, and decomposing materials. For example, An can hide in things like trees, shrubs and roots, soil, and so on. Once fused, not only is her presence completely hidden and only felt by those with chakra recognition, but it also allows her to travel within the subterranean web of organic matter.
[break]
[Everything is directly determined by the clan member's rank and skill.]
[break][break]
真菌操作| Shinkin Sōsa [lit.Fungal Manipulation]
[break][break]
An can grow, shape, and manipulate all forms of fungi, including but not limited to yeasts and mold, along with poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms, thanks to the Gurē clan's chakra and genetic makeup. An has the ability to grow fungi on just about any surface. Because An’s genetic makeup is more similar to that of fungi than that of humans, she can use techniques based on Fungi anatomy, such as secretions or enzymes from various Fungi. She can easily generate or grow any part of a Fungi's anatomy from her own body by using chakra to further alter her own cells. Finally, because these techniques are made from her own cells or bodily fluids, such as converting her saliva into a specific Fungi secretion, An is immune to their effects.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 291
[break]
Sourei Kobashi

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[Sourei Kobashi]

Kobashi released his grip on the ninjato's hilt with his left hand while lowering his right arm so as to allow the blade to rest at his side. As An began a renewed demonstration of her strikes Kobashi walked around the young girl slowly scanning for changes from the first demonstration. Already the girl was correcting the issues he had pointed out; there were still issues of course, but the young girl's progress with only a few words was almost frightening in a way. Perhaps this was why Yagyū had been so determined to see the girl got the assistance she needed.


"Much better. You will need to continue refining your form some, but otherwise its more so a matter of developing the muscles and judgement used in it. You can bypass the musculature to an extent through use of other techniques, but it is better to develop the base capabilities as much as you can. There are many instances where you might not wish or be able to rely on chakra to make up the deficit between the ability you have and the skill required to win the fight."


The thought of he and Toru's recent mission came to mind as he spoke about not being able to rely on given techniques. While he had been able to make use of chakra within that mission, he had been unable to use his go to techniques of the hidden mist and his abilities as a Sourei. Had he not refined his swordsmanship to where it is today he likely would not have left that country with his life; even surviving it had still shown him just how much more he needed to expand his skill set alongside his capability with a blade.

Made by Riley at THQ!

[Gurē An]

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An continued to practice her strikes, paying close attention to Kobashi's advice. Each swing of her training sword felt better as she worked on getting it right, but as the minutes ticked by, she could feel the tiredness creeping into her muscles. Her arms began to ache, and her legs felt heavy.
[break][break]
While practicing, she thought about what Kobashi said about not relying too much on special ninja techniques or chakra. She realized it was important to have good basic skills. An knew she was still learning to be a ninja at the academy, and Kobashi's advice was really helping her figure out what to focus on.
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She remembered her recent training exercises and how sometimes she had to use her basic training and instincts. It made her feel like she needed to get better at those things and try to rely less on chakra-related skills to bypass the difference between the ability she has and the skill required to win the fight or complete a task.
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An took a break and said, "Thank you, Kobashi-san. Your advice is making me see things differently. I know I need to work on these basic skills. I want to be a shinobi who can handle any situation, like you."
[break][break]
Feeling more determined, An went back to practicing, knowing that becoming really good would be tough but worth it. She was thankful for Kobashi's help and happy to learn from someone so experienced.
[break][break]

SPOILER: Click to show

共生遺伝学| Kyōsei Iden-Gaku [lit.Symbiotic Genetics]
[break][break]
As a member of the Gurē clan, An has gained the potential to combine her body with flora and the ground itself because of the similarities in her genetic makeup to fungi. She is able to link her chakra to the underground network of organic matter, which includes plant roots, water veins, and decomposing materials. For example, An can hide in things like trees, shrubs and roots, soil, and so on. Once fused, not only is her presence completely hidden and only felt by those with chakra recognition, but it also allows her to travel within the subterranean web of organic matter.
[break]
[Everything is directly determined by the clan member's rank and skill.]
[break][break]
真菌操作| Shinkin Sōsa [lit.Fungal Manipulation]
[break][break]
An can grow, shape, and manipulate all forms of fungi, including but not limited to yeasts and mold, along with poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms, thanks to the Gurē clan's chakra and genetic makeup. An has the ability to grow fungi on just about any surface. Because An’s genetic makeup is more similar to that of fungi than that of humans, she can use techniques based on Fungi anatomy, such as secretions or enzymes from various Fungi. She can easily generate or grow any part of a Fungi's anatomy from her own body by using chakra to further alter her own cells. Finally, because these techniques are made from her own cells or bodily fluids, such as converting her saliva into a specific Fungi secretion, An is immune to their effects.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 240
[break]
Sourei Kobashi

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[Sourei Kobashi]

Kobashi observed An's training strikes with a watchful gaze satisfied for the moment with the corrections made to her stance. Listening to An's offer of gratitude he nodded for a moment. Once she got to the part of being able to handle any situation as he did, Kobashi found himself struggling not to let out a bark of a bitter laugh.

In his own eyes he was about as far from being able to handle any situation as one could get. Sure, he was decently skilled with a blade and that in turn made him quite skilled at killing people, but in other regards such as playing to role of a guardian to Hisao, managing the losses he had faced in life or even going back in time a bit, he had been unable to help the Daimyou win the civil war. As far as his own opinion went he was just barely managing to keep his head above the water.


"You are kind to say so Gurē-san, but you should not concern yourself with mirroring any person in particular. You need only continue to improve whether it is by leaps and bounds or one tiny step at a time. First improvements with your stance, wrist movements and edge alignment for this test. Afterwards I would recommend footwork, balance and speed. All of these are critical to swordplay in the end. Eventually though you will need to branch out and find a style that is best suited to your tendencies and personality."


Some might think that the basics he was teaching her now might make it more difficult to learn some other style later, but if she was to truly hone swordplay then she would need a strong foundation to start from and even if or when she began to learn some other style, the idea that a swordsman would abandon any effective techniques learned before was a ludicrous one. In his eyes swordplay was much like languages and one had to be able to seamlessly transition from one into the next whenever needed.

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[Gurē An]

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An clung to Kobashi's every word, soaking up his knowledge and helpful advice with unwavering resolve. She was incredibly grateful to have such an experienced mentor by her side. A deep sense of gratitude arose within her as she diligently practiced her strikes.
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"Kobashi-san, I can't thank you enough," An responded earnestly. "I've learned that I shouldn't just copy others; instead, I should forge my own style and path in the art of swordplay. I consider your lessons on the fundamentals to be priceless, and I'm determined to master every aspect you've mentioned. My main priorities will be stance, wrist control, and edge alignment, and I won't rush through them. Your emphasis on laying a solid foundation has reminded me of my objective."
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As she continued her practice, An's eyes glistened with resolve. Although she was aware that the road ahead would be difficult, she was excited about the prospect of developing these abilities and eventually identifying her individual style. "An-chan! An-chan! It's time to eat," a female voice rang through the lushes of the forest, signaling for An to return home for some lunch. An sheathed her training sword after making several strikes, then turned to face Kobashi with a kind expression on her face, but a slight hint of disappointment in her eyes, as the lesson had to come to an end.
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"It seems that I have to go now." An smiled with a bit of blush on her cheeks. "Once more, Kobashi-san, I want to express my gratitude for your advice and for giving up so much of your time to teach me. I'll put a lot of effort into my practice and swear not to rush things. I'll diligently polish each point you have highlighted until it comes naturally. Naturally, I also intend to ace the upcoming test." An bid her farewell picked up her things, and left for the day with a respectful bow.
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- E X I T -
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SPOILER: Click to show

共生遺伝学| Kyōsei Iden-Gaku [lit.Symbiotic Genetics]
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As a member of the Gurē clan, An has gained the potential to combine her body with flora and the ground itself because of the similarities in her genetic makeup to fungi. She is able to link her chakra to the underground network of organic matter, which includes plant roots, water veins, and decomposing materials. For example, An can hide in things like trees, shrubs and roots, soil, and so on. Once fused, not only is her presence completely hidden and only felt by those with chakra recognition, but it also allows her to travel within the subterranean web of organic matter.
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[Everything is directly determined by the clan member's rank and skill.]
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真菌操作| Shinkin Sōsa [lit.Fungal Manipulation]
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An can grow, shape, and manipulate all forms of fungi, including but not limited to yeasts and mold, along with poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms, thanks to the Gurē clan's chakra and genetic makeup. An has the ability to grow fungi on just about any surface. Because An’s genetic makeup is more similar to that of fungi than that of humans, she can use techniques based on Fungi anatomy, such as secretions or enzymes from various Fungi. She can easily generate or grow any part of a Fungi's anatomy from her own body by using chakra to further alter her own cells. Finally, because these techniques are made from her own cells or bodily fluids, such as converting her saliva into a specific Fungi secretion, An is immune to their effects.

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Sourei Kobashi

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[Sourei Kobashi]

Kobashi listened with his usual politeness, giving a slight bowing of his head in thanks towards the praise. The girl was rather bright and despite his initial reluctance to take part in training the girl, he was in the end at least more appreciative than not. It likely would be years before An truly made a big name for herself, but she certainly had the capacity to do well in the shinobi lifestyle so long as she managed to retain her willingness to learn and continued to put in effort into her training.

Unfortunately a voice called out not too long after she summarized the main points he had been trying to emphasize teaching her today. Kobashi assumed it was likely a family member come to collect her for lunch from what he heard, but of course could not be sure. Again the girl launched into voicing her gratitude towards Kobashi for training her before finally proclaiming that she would in fact pass her examination. Despite her young age, the girl said the words with a confidence that even a great many genin found themselves lacking in Kobashi's experience. As she left Kobashi watched for a few moments, calling out just as she began to disappear into the brushline of the woods:


"If you need more instruction, seek me out!"


It was one of the rare instances that Kobashi raised his voice, granted it was more to help ensure he was heard rather than anything and in all honesty Kobashi was surprised himself that he had done so. Whether it was the girl's polite nature, his eternal need to find people he might be able to potentially trust or just the satisfaction he had felt teaching someone other than Hisao or his younger sister which constantly carried anxiety with the lessons; he could not be truly sure which of these was the reason he had called out. Neither could he even be sure that An had heard him, but at the very least an effort had been made. With something akin to a puzzled frown as Kobashi mulled over the question he had no certain answer towards he finally began to make his way out of the woods in the opposite direction. From there his plan was to finish up some other work. As soon as that was done then he could head home to attend to another's training.


I should get some persimmons on the way back.

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