[Uzumaki Ataru]

It was a bright and early morning for the young Uzumaki and yet even that didn't mean he would keep still for long, launching himself through a tangled net of trees situated around the perimeter of an isolated training yard. He moved like a spastic octopanda hungry for some bamboo or violence, perhaps both... sleuthing his way through the tree canopies and array of branches with deft speed; he swung, jumped, grabbed and otherwise traversed through the stretch of forestry with incredible speed using a variety of means. It was similar to his training from the past but without the scalding burn of ash that scoured his skin with a flensing pain that fused cloth to flesh, he could still recall the smell as if it was only yesterday. Dashing such thoughts from his mind the Uzumaki keyed into a zone of focus keeping a mantra to heart on being swift, silent, and deadly. Allowing the momentum via his forward motions to carry him from low to high as he leaps into the air. 

Materializing a number of practice Kunai and Shuriken, one or two held between each digit he tosses them at the dummy in multiple directions as he twists through the air in an arcing pirouette. Levying out a handful of barrages to encompass a number of strikes from various angles around the breadth of the target. Landing onto the ground, he doesn't quite manage to stick it fully tripping up he falls forward though recovers by performing a quick tactical roll which absorbs most of the mislaid impact but sends him skirting along the ground in a rough and tumble manner. A small groan comes from his lips as he stands back upright, "Ow!" he says more to himself with a slight look of disappointment but unshattered resolve at not having been able to perform as he wished. Making his way toward the wooden practice dummy, he wrenches his ninja tools free from it and gives out a steady breath. Trying to recoup his composure after fumbling and attempting to think on what to do next so as to switch things up and improve. 

[Hyūga Honnō]

Rumiko watched it all from above the woods. Being carried by the generous airs above the forestry where Ataru was training, Rumiko had a wide bird’s eye view of the training being undergone, having been naturally drawn to the redhead shinobi-in-training due to said eagle’s curious nature. Besides, flying around and inspecting random people was a luxury to the summoned raptor…

Then, a somber melody engulfed the training area.

The source of the melody was unseen from the dummy, but the sound of a flute being played by a seasoned musician was easy to detect. Somebody was playing on a Ryūteki deep in the woods, and out of nowhere, the raptor from the skies dove down and flapped her wings all around Ataru. "OH NO! OH NO, HE FOUND ME! I’M IN TROUBLE! PLEASE, BOY, CAN I HIDE- oaaaaaaaaaahh…”

Her voice cracked, the steppe eagle’s wings held up to cover her beak as she glared towards the shrubbery. From the entrance into the open training area, a certain Jōnin walked out with a Dragon Flute in their hands, his demeanor shrouded in a ghastly atmosphere. For a moment, he looked neither dead nor alive – indifferent to the flow of time and the effects of the world around him. Like a ghost wandering around…

But it was merely Honnō, a Jōnin of the Hidden Leaf. Rumiko left behind Ataru a cloud of smoke upon de-summoning herself away from the scary Hyūga who approached the younger boy with pale, deep eyes. Hon was simply wearing his Jōnin Flak Jacket and suit under a dark-blue haori resting on his left side, glaring down at the boy who looked like he’d just finished attempting a maneuver.

"… Sorry. Did… did she interrupt you?” he asked shyly, betraying the look on his face that told a certain, ill but indifferent attitude that Hon couldn’t help but carry most of the time. He genuinely wasn’t angry or anything… just a little beside himself due to Rumiko’s actions and the encounter with the young boy in the training yard. Still, Hon had a very heavy face that often intimidated people…

[Uzumaki Ataru]

One moment he was wrenching a Kunai free from the splintered wood of the dummy flipping it around within his hand to stow it away in his pouch, and the next he hears a haunting melody off in the distance. One that made him feel pangs of emotion that he didn't want to really feel but lingered underneath the surface like some hidden sea monster reminiscent of missing his family, friends, and home away from home in Uzushiogakure, turning his head to look over there just past the target's flank towards the source. All of a sudden his vision is filled with the startling sight of an eagle swooping down before him, flapping their wings in a crazed manner he nearly draws a real blade forth before the squawking Eagle fully grabs his attention - SPEAKING to him in a panicked VOICE!

Ataru's brain shuts off momentarily before waking up to reality, as the raptor begs and pleads for aid to hide the boy pinches himself and as they stare toward the shifting shrubbery concealing something that could scare even a predator. He acts fast moving forward and grabbing ahold of the eagle, before stuffing it inside a spacious bookbag and holding it close to himself in abject fear of what is lurking in the hidden greenery. As he initially spots him the boy screams aloud in fright at the sight, crying out in a singular tenor harmonized in tandem with the Eagle before they dissipate. Thinking them to be the disembodied ghost of a fallen Shinobi or a spirit of the will of fire come to haunt them.

But as the restrained Eagle dissipates into a cloud of smoke, the Uzumaki looks on dumbly for a handful of seconds before connecting the dots. It was a ninja animal, and that means... the flak jacket and leaf symbol - he was a Konoha shinobi. Composing himself the fear soon left his body as fast as it came, the boy calming down substantially after his deduction looking upon the Hyoga calmly if a bit embarrassed. Rubbing the back of his head, some might think the youth shy but he simply felt bad for the mix-up, it was a lot to process so fast and all at once. "Uh, no... sir! They didn't, she just gave me a bit of a scare by coming out of nowhere and y'know; being able to talk. I wasn't really prepared for that, but it's nice to meetcha' mister. I'm Ataru, Ataru Uzumaki. What's your name and what brings you out here?"

[Hyūga Honnō]

Great, just wonderful. Rumiko’s antics had alerted the young boy of a danger that was no threat to him. Fortunately, the redhead came to his senses quickly, apologetic even for his outburst. The idea of talking animals appeared new to the boy, so he must’ve been an Academy Student. Those were… pleasant memories, to say the least.

Hon was holding a Ryūteki, but he swiftly put it back into his pocket before facing the young boy once more. "Well… some animals can talk, yes. Better to know that early on, if you plan to cooperate with them,” he informed the redhead with crossed arms hidden under the wide left sleeve of his dark haori coated over his flak jacket. Hon looked very laid-back, traditional to a sense, but also somewhat exhausted by something. Or maybe it was just the weight on his eyes.

"Hyūga Honnō. Call me Hon,” he greeted back without even dropping the monotone look on his face, "… Just walking in reminiscence. Time passed by without you realizing it, at times…” He used to meet up with his Genin Team here, but with Itsuki’s pseudo-promotion, his little fledglings were getting ready to leave the nest. It was somewhat saddening… but alas, such was the passage of time. Things change and evolve, and it didn’t have to be a bad thing.

"What about you? I can tell you’re practicing something – perhaps you wanna get extra ready for the graduation exam?”

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Taking a deep steadying breath, Ataru gazes upon the Hyūga, noting how pale and soft-spoken the man was. Smiling as he explained how there were indeed some animals that could talk he simply didn't expect a random one to assail him here of all places, while hard at work too.

Gazing upon the weapon they held with a curious glint, he watches with an interested eye as they pocket the item away. For how much he was initially frightened the higher-ranking Shinobi seemed so laid-back now. Used to more intense personalities, he reminded him of Tomomi and Magari somewhat glad that they weren't as demanding as his sensei's Hitomi and especially Shinde. Breathing a sigh of relief as he pipes up, "One day I'll have a summoning contract too, just wait!" The boy spoke with unbridled enthusiasm, opposite to the Hyūga who spoke in a low listless tone Ataru's was rich and full of life his eyes shining a vibrant yellow and tenor exuding a natural liveliness.

"Nice to meetcha' Hon, y'know you seem tired... have you tried taking a nap?" His voice sings aloud and he shines like the Sun, a tinge of genuine concern inflected within their bright voice. Folding his arms over one another as he went on to explain the purpose behind him being here, lowering a balled fist into the flat of his palm in a gesture of understanding. "I know exactly what you mean, I lose track of time - all the time! Usually during training and by the time I realize..." He trails off from his line of words, queue PTSD flashbacks reflected within his young features remembering his mother and her brightly flowing crimson hair and the glow born from her threatening eyes as she yells at him for missing dinner and coming home late.

As he speaks further Ataru snaps back to reality, blinking and resuming the same glow that he had before smiling from ear to ear. "Really...?! Heck yeah, I want to try and get faster. Hone my reflexes so I'm always ready, no matter what! Do you think you could help me with that?"

[Hyūga Honnō]

… Was there something on Hon’s face? Shaking that thought aside, at least the boy wasn’t scared away from wanting a Summoning Contract of his own in the near future – Summoned Creatures were intelligent and dedicated allies in and out of battle. Hon’s avian snake eaters had helped him tremendously with delivery, infiltrations and guarding his planted Seals.

Speaking of seals… the boy was an Uzumaki. He’d likely be interested in his clan’s prestige with Fūinjutsu, unless he saw it as abiding by the clan’s ‘tyrannical’ demands or something like that. Many kids these days tended to favor the rebellious paths, after all. Ataru was full of life, a polar opposite in front of the dead ghost.

"A nap… my bad. I’m not young enough – or old enough – to take naps,” he replied dryly, despite looking like he could need some beauty naps once per hour. Ataru… shouldn’t really have issues with needing naps at this age, right? Strange enough, his grasp on time flickered even more than Hon’s… hopefully, he didn’t need medical attention concerning that.

Reflexes… that was something Hon could train him in. Might as well help out the next generation… after the previous ‘next’ generation that he nurtured… man, was he getting that old? Maybe he did need a nap.

"You can try and dabble in Taijutsu. Taijutsu combat requires that you react fast at all times,” Hon explained, raising a flat hand with the palm pointing towards Ataru, "Simply gather experience fighting other shinobi with hand-to-hand combat alone. Then your reflexes will flourish… if you want, I can be the start.” There was really nothing more to it in Hon’s eyes – reflexes were built over time as a result of wanting to overcome obstacles thrown your way frequently. Hon had battled countless opponents with his Gentle Fist, and thus his speed was significantly amplified to catch up with stronger and faster opponents over time. Ataru simply needed to begin throwing hands himself.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Ataru craned his head, wondering if that was true - he certainly looked like he could use a nap. And after all some grown-ups didn't like to talk about how old they were. Especially his Mom and some others in Konoha mostly women he realized, saying how it wasn't polite to ask but maybe it was really something secret they needed to hide so other people didn't know more about them as Shinobi. His face scrunched together in thought as the Hyuga spoke dryly, asserting he was neither too young nor too old to need one. "Then maybe you're just right, like the Namikaze and the Three Summons. I know, how about you try and take one after we're done!" He spoke triumphantly, as if he had found a hole in the quilt of his logic and widened the hole.

Watching as he grew pensive and introspective, though to him his face seemed to grow more distant and dead until it revitalized coming back to life with a set of gleaming greyish-white eyes shining almost like pearls. "Taijutsu, huh!? Heck yeah, that sounds awesome. Let's do it!!!" He leaped in a bound of energy and roared with enough fire to light a candle at every place within a shrine. Taking a series of steps away, giving a suitable amount of distance between the two he seemed to count upwards of five before turning on his heel and levying out a practiced hand but not before making the academy challenge symbol that precedes a fight.

"Let's see what you got, Honno Sensei!" He speaks with a flair of boldness and excitement, it had been a while since he crossed hands with another Ninja outside the Academy. Yearning for the experience, Ataru's smile fades somewhat as it takes a backseat to a more discerning serious state. It was clear that though he was overflowing with vigor such rampant feelings could be tempered by the aspiring Nin's steadfast spirit.

[Hyūga Honnō]

”I guess I can do that,” Hon replied dryly, not seeing himself above taking a nap after helping out a promising student… but he didn’t get the comment about the Namikaze and the Three Summons. That was out of left field, and to the monotone Hyūga, completely unrelated. Perhaps Ataru meant something else, but… he looked confident in his words. Was it a reference to something that Hon was too old to recognize? Even though he was only, what, 29?

The mention of Taijutsu managed to rile the kid up, driving the Uzumaki to step back, roar, step further back and take a stance without asking any further questions… while very direct and dismissive of detail, Hon wouldn’t argue with such logic. Ataru was driven and in the ‘zone’, and as a responsible Jōnin and Genin Leader, it was Hon’s duty to make use of that drive to shape Ataru into a skilled combatant. At least, Ataru was able to control his excitement as shown by the slight chance on his face… which prompted Hon’s face to grow distorted, pulsating veins directing to his whitening eyes. Might as well see as much of his Taijutsu skills as possible…

Hon initiated the spar by simply charging straight forward, making sure to establish this lesson one step at a time. The first attack was direct, linear and easily predictable – a linear charge followed by an extending Palm Bottom strike towards Ataru’s forehead. Usually, the head was easier to move away from harm than one’s center, especially if you made sure to train your flexibility well.

Jutsu Used:

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Shōtei [Palm Bottom]
RANK: D
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu

DESCRIPTION:
The user thrusts their palm forward, hitting the enemy’s body with a quick and precise motion. The technique is both basic and deadly; this is because like any other Gentle Fist technique it injects chakra into the target causing a great deal of internal damage. When the technique is used it usually temporarily paralyzes an opponent but the collateral damage is not on par with much more elaborated techniques.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

He was as dry as sandpaper, he thought as he readied into a fluid combat stance. Thinking only of what stood laid out before him, pressing his hand forward leading it out like a guide sail. Taking a deep breath as he mentally prepared himself for their bout, it was one of the famed Hyuuga he was facing after all. His Mom had often spoken on their renowned Dojutsu as well as their signature Taijutsu that went hand-in-hand with the Byakugan.

He made quite the emphatic vigorous gesture, ready and raring to go at a moment's notice clearly reciprocated by the approaching Honno who took on a favored position opposite of him. He looked forward to the challenge, of what he could learn from someone hailing from one of the most famed clans in the Leaf. Though reliving some PTSD flashbacks to the scolding he received from Himtomi that day in the Academy yard, a few weeks ago. Brushing off that feeling and such thoughts he chose to focus on the task and fight at hand. His face scrunches together with intense focus as he seeks the veins and eyes spring to life, so that was the Byakugan.

Allowing him the first move, it was quick and clean exemplifying great technique realizing he was likely taking it easy on him. That didn't mean it'd stop Ataru from trying his hardest and gaining the best possible experience he could from their encounter. Bobbing his head into a low pivoting duck he would extend out his arm to catch their punch on the inside forearm directing it away. Meanwhile Ataru goes for a kidney shot, shooting out a quick jab into his lower midriff rotating their hips and following through with a quick jerking twist to accelerate and provide less of a window for reaction as well as to land the blow with greater impact.

[Hyūga Honnō]

… Strange. For a moment, he thought that he saw Ataru’s face grow white for a moment… oh well.

Hon’s Palm Bottom, obviously, didn’t land – Hon’s incredible movement speed meant that he could close in on many opponents from a distance, focusing on granting himself the opportunity to capitalize on the strength of the Gentle Fist while eliminating the weakness of distance as fast as possible. And because of his Side Branch status… the Eight Trigrams techniques, which included being able to nigh-instantly close in on an opponent who was within the area of the eight, visualized trigrams on the ground, Hon had to compensate by becoming faster on foot all by himself.

Ataru had managed to duck under the attack, so that was one point towards his reflexive skills. Hon figured that he could keep count – get ten points, and Ataru’s practice for today would be good. Ataru bapped away Hon’s arm to make space for a counter-attack, but that wasn’t going to be so easy to do-

As Ataru was aiming for his side – likely his kidney, the little rascal – Hon’s hip bent to the side to form a ‘C’ for Ataru’s fist to punch through… and the ‘C’ form that Hon created was extraordinary. Inhuman, even – as if his torso was made of rubber.

"Close.”

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Nan Kaizou [Soft Physique Modification]
RANK: B
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Ninjutsu [General] / Hijutsu
ELEMENT: N/A
DESCRIPTION:
Originally developed for spying activities, this technique can be done after some surgery and actual body modification. The user dislocates their joints then controls their softened body with chakra, allowing them to stretch and twist any part of their body at any angle, elongating and even coiling around their opponent. This can also be used to make the user's body more malleable and snakelike. People particularly skilled with the technique can utilize it for movement as well, being able to slither along the ground or wrap around a tree much like a snake.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Hon wasn't his first Hyuuga, Hitomi, and Raika had been amongst the first he had met and danced with in the fighting square. But out of them all, the older Jonin was coming to be well-liked all things considered. An exchange of fists, one likened to a conversation of physical blows the sound of flesh and dull scraping as they impact against one another resounds within their empty environment. A flat bottom palm splayed outwards toward him at immense speed, and yet the boy understood that a Shinobi of this caliber was likely capable of more. It annoyed him, incensed him even that he couldn't perform at the same level, and give the Hyuuga the same challenge he offered him. One day, he promised himself.

Weaving left to right, down and under he had gotten into the flow of their fight as it evolved through mutual combat. Hit after hit, one received and another taken in response. His reflexes were akin to a rattlesnake, one cornered and shown as purely reactive whatever training he'd done it was clearly strongly drilled into him. As he aimed to strike hard and fast, drilling into a somewhat painful spot to his horror the man's body twisted and contorted unnaturally almost like taffy or rubber it how it both condensed and subsequently bent out of the path of their strike.

Resolving himself, his gold-laced amber eyes take on a hardened look as he seeks to implement a rather devastating blow he learned from Raika Sensei. Following in the footsteps of the muscle-bound Hyuuga, Ataru's spaced stance turns on a dime as he grinds his foot into the dirt track leading with his big toe. Using the full strength of their legs, he launches forward letting the power travel up from his legs pivoting at the heel before twisting at their hip. He kept his core rigid before bending into the blow using the inertia of their chest carrying through into the shoulder as his arm distended rapidly forward in a singular powerful motion as the full flow of the technique compounds within their fist. Executed in a realized attack, smashing forth directed into his semi-fluid state, even going so far as to forearm smash if need be in order to widen the surface area of the attack and catch them in this softened condition.

[Hyūga Honnō]

That stance…

That twisting motion… and…

That explosive power traveling through Ataru’s foot, shooting up through his leg, traveling through his torso, and launching off his clenched fist.

It was the same type of Gōken form that Raika used. Strong punchers were numerous, after all – but today, Ataru wasn’t training to land punches. He was training to avoid them. And in order to avoid attacks faster than himself, precognition was important. The ability to learn an opponent’s patterns and use it against them in order to lead the battle in their favor – that was a huge power to have.

Ataru’s empowered fist met Hon’s Palm Bottom, which was used to cancel out all of its momentum with a burst of chakra hitting back on Ataru’s fist before it landed on the open palm. "Too much focus on that punch,” Hon explained rather casually, continuing to parry Ataru’s heavy punches, "Divide your focus. Even if you punch with less impact, you’ll have a better chance evading counterattacks.”

With that said, in order to draw the element of surprise, Hon drew a kunai! But the pointy end wasn’t aiming for Ataru – instead, the ring-formed pommel was janked at his way, not impacting with the boy in any way… but a bluish line of chakra shot from the pommel, reaching for Ataru’s forehead in an attempt to flick him a few meters off.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Not a single wasted motion nor ounce of power came wasted as the strength born from the blow came delivered forth in a focused singular jab, Hon’s flash of realization flashed across their face just as fast as a smile creased Ataru’s own expression. Though the power and technique were a borrowed one, there was a pride in beating his fists bloody until he could recreate and now perform it in a live spar.

A mirror image of Raika’s Gōken launched forward with the exception of a towering muscular woman replaced with that of a fiery-haired Uzumaki boy who was no less fierce or forgiving than the hue of their hair. Understanding that though this time was a part of his training in honing their reflexes he couldn’t help but use this opportunity in testing themselves against a much more experienced and seasoned Shinobi.

Already surprised by the rubber contortionism, he decided to press on and see what he could do and get away with before the Hyuga punished him for the boldness. As punch after punch came deflected and otherwise parried, the boy breathed a deep breath in and likewise outward. Wordlessly heeding the older man’s advice, a flurry of blows would evolve from his more traditionally modeled style. Truly embodying the semblance of floating like a bird and stinging like a senbon, as a battery of punches roared from rabbit-like fists in a concourse of strikes aimed at various points in his opponent's body and guard. As the fight progressed, the Uzumaki would weave a series of hand seals never taking his eyes off their Jonin Sensei with them even widening in response as they drew forth a Kunai. Enacting the Jutsu a mirror image would precisely overlay over Ataru, taking his place as the knife’s blunt end infused with chakra rocketed towards their forehead.

Harmlessly phasing through the copies’ non-existent head meanwhile the real Ataru had ducked down low, performing a low sweeping kick meant to imbalance or send them off kilter toppling onto the ground, especially with how the man might still be somewhat rubbery or distracted in brokering a measure of distance. Choosing to ignore such, the boy would quickly capitalize and utilize the gifts of their body in evading their blows as best as possible taking a handful of blows here and there with gusto through groaning uncomfortably while inflicting his own attacks.

[Hyūga Honnō]

Hmh… that Jutsu was… a Clone Technique. He must’ve used it to evade Hon’s pommel strike, making the pommel phase through the fake clone while the real Ataru appeared below. I see… he can weave handseals pretty fast, Hon’s thoughts echoed, evaluating the young boy’s efforts up until now. When it came to offense, he was up close and personal, not slowing down and quickly taking up Hon’s previous advice – eager to exchange fists with the opponent, he must’ve been more inspired by Gōken than Hon initially thought.

Hon’s fighting style was a gentle one, but even the Jōnin could be ferocious in combat. They could go on like this for a while longer, exchanging attacks and all, but Ataru was getting too used to the level of speed that Hon was exerting right now. It would prove detrimental to his training, and it could result in arrogance birthing within Ataru’s heart if he were to think that he’d already caught up to a Jōnin. Sorry, little one, but in order to develop faster reflexes, your heartbeat had to be much faster than this…

Being sweeped only meant that Hon now found himself standing… on his hands. A full 180-degree spin was made to enable that, and that was when he exerted a great, sharpening force. A damn killing intent was rushed towards the Academy Student, perhaps unfairly in hindsight, as Hon launched a vertical kick down towards the kid’s shoulder… but not a heavy one.

It was up to Ataru to overcome the enemy’s fighting spirit and react in time, otherwise he’d end up kicked to the floor.

Jutsu Used:

SPOILER: Click to show

NAME: Tōki [Fighting Soul]
RANK: E
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: N/A
HANDSEALS: 0
REQUIREMENT: N/A
DESCRIPTION:
Channeling their inner fighting spirit by flexing their musculature, the user exerts a visible, pressurising aura around them with their chakra. The polar opposite of suppressing one's chakra, this technique is used merely for intimidation between duellers, a means to compare each other's wills. Nothing more.

[Uzumaki Ataru]

Yosh, his play worked out but the boy still remained wary of the potential tricks that likely remained in their arsenal. After all, the man he was facing was a Jonin of reputed skill and the tricks he possessed up his sleeve were still unknown to the young boy like how they had turned into rubber only moments beforehand. As Hon came swept off their feet, he expected things to ramp up as he showed the instructor more and more of what he was capable of. His eyes widened as he saw the Hyuuga twist and contort traversing seamlessly onto his hands with a one hundred eight degrees as if he were some daring circus performer. Admiring the fluidity and mastery he held over their body, turning what would normally be a compromising position into yet another advantage, emptying his mind of such thoughts and becoming purely reactive as the exchange unfolds furher.

The atmosphere of killing intent washed over him like a humongous wave, unexpected though something he had grown used to during his instruction under Shinde. Nonetheless it made the boy's heart skip a beat, but he steeled themselves gritting their teeth in determination unwilling to give up even in the face of such a spine tingling aura, rearing back on the balls of their feet. Watching as the sole of their boot glides mere centimeters from his face as they throw a downwards vertical ax kick meant to chop into their shoulder. His feet digs into the earth as they move backwards just out of reach, taking a quick breath as he composed himself while springing their next action. Their golden eyes narrowing with a degree of honed focus, brimming with resolve. Pivoting on their foot bouncing back into the fray as the downward inertia carries him to the floor and might leave them exposed as they land, he wanted a constant challenge until he either won, is defeated, or couldn't continue anymore.

Throwing caution to the wind, his fighting style was aggressive - incredibly so, and it was clear that the boy craved more throwing a jab he utilizes it as a feint or sacrificial blow to either be dodged or caught followed succinctly by a haymaker trailing in its wake.