[Tokonatsu Touwa]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
Hotarubi's order for the clone to assume a different fighting stance brought a new dynamic to the exercise. The clone adopted a boxing stance, and Hotarubi prompted Touwa with a question. "What if the person steps forward - their body is faced sideways to you. What do you attack?" Hotarubi's subsequent command for the clone to move spurred it into action, presenting Touwa with a dynamic target.
[break][break]
"In this scenario," Touwa explained, "I'd use kicks and punches to exploit the vulnerabilities in the clone's stance. A quick jab to the liver or ribs with my fists," he swiftly delivered a series of punches to the areas which he thought were the ones he mentioned, " and then follow up with a targeted kick to the lead leg." Touwa's leg moved with precision, aiming for the thigh of the clone's forward leg.
[break][break]
Touwa's eyes tracked the movements of the clone, and he quickly adjusted his approach. His strikes now aimed for the vulnerable points on the clone's side, exploiting the exposed areas in the new stance. The exercise continued as Hotarubi instructed the clone to change positions every few seconds, forcing Touwa to adapt and strategize on the fly.
[break][break]
As Hotarubi provided insights into the practical applications of these exercises in various combat scenarios, Touwa's mind worked to process the information. The notion of building a versatile move set, considering different fighting positions, and the importance of situational awareness resonated with him.
[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: 239
[break]
Akira

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #327380; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #327380; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #327380; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]

[Akira]

At a point, Hotarubi stopped ordering Touwa what to do as he took the initiative and he stepped back to allow Touwa to continue with the clone continuing to change position as they took turns - the clone in moving, and Touwa in attacking the various places. That was good.

The bell by this point had thankfully disappeared from his mind as he continued the tutoring, about where he could take it next for Touwa's benefit. This was good exercise. "Now - don't forget that you're flushing your body with chakra. Saturate your body, steel it - it will let you get those feats of strength. I couldn't lift hundreds of kilograms without thought just by doing it as a human. I do it because I regulate myself."

Again, this was just his truth: if he was just 'human-ing' it, he would probably have still beat a world class athlete in a weight lifting category. However, because he regulated his body with chakra he could go far beyond his means, and it carved at his stamina for good reason. What would become a few hundred kilograms would be... substantially more. Hotarubi was certain he could lift a boulder without much fuss - he knew he could carve out a wall like he were digging through cheese. It was simple.

Touwa would still need to practice this on his own, and this Hotarubi hoped would give him the starting point he needed. While Touwa continued, Hotarubi would go to pick up the clipboard and would actually begin to write down some useful information for Touwa to take home later. Ripping it off and placing it in his pocket he would get into the next step. "Have you seen a Yamakira Nageku about the academy? Looks like me, sans the good looks and more tattoos." Hotarubi would ask another separate question.

[googlefont=Open+Sans]

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
Touwa's focus wavered for a moment as he considered Hotarubi's words about regulating chakra during taijutsu. It dawned on him that while he had been taught about this aspect in the academy, he often overlooked its application in practical training. The concept of saturating his body with chakra for enhanced physical performance was something he had known in theory, but its consistent integration into his movements was a detail he tended to forget.
[break][break]
"Regulating chakra during taijutsu," Touwa muttered to himself, a subtle realization settling in. He ceased his attacks on the clay clone, taking a moment to consciously channel chakra throughout his body, letting it infuse his muscles and movements. The shift in his stance and the added energy gave his attacks a newfound precision and power.
[break][break]
As he demonstrated the adjustment, he turned his attention back to Hotarubi, ready to address the question about Nageku. Touwa's thoughts connected the dots, and a realization struck him. He recalled another Yamakira in the academy with the same face as Hotarubi. The resemblance was unmistakable, and Touwa's eyes widened with comprehension. The question naturally formed in his mind, and he couldn't help but voice it.
[break][break]
"Yes, I have. Wait, is Nageku your twin?" Touwa asked, seeking confirmation of the connection he had observed.
[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
[break]
Akira

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #327380; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #327380; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #327380; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]

[Akira]

"Yes. It's how civilians are different to Shinobi. Chakra." The easy answer was the obvious one, and Hotarubi didn't need to understand it to utilize it. Just that chakra was the difference. As he watched Touwa and thought about his brother he did note that there was already some substantial difference to the 'oomph' of Touwa's attacks. It was good. Great. Better than Hotarubi had done in the academy and it bothered Hotarubi for a second time that this child was already excelling far more than he was and had in the academy./

As the conversation moved topic Hotarubi would nod grimly. So he was still there. It was all but a reminder that his brother was still in the academy, and Hotarubi would palm his face and pull down at the 'skin' (not skin) as a reminder of the man's inadequacy. "He's my older brother. Lazy bastard student." Hotarubi was not happy, it seemed and would be apparent to Touwa that it upset him. "Has he been turning up to lessons?" Was the first question that he had in mind. It was...

Hotarubi didn't want to feel the way he felt anymore. But it was good that he kept a vague eye on the other adult because... he shuddered to think what he would have done if he were an academy instructor or the Lord, he would drag the brother out by his ears.

[googlefont=Open+Sans]

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
Touwa's eyebrow arched in mild surprise upon learning that Nageku was Hotarubi's older brother. Processing the information, Touwa maintained a casual demeanor, neither particularly intrigued nor invested in the dynamics between the siblings. The subtle frustration and disappointment conveyed in Hotarubi's tone elicited a nod of acknowledgment from Touwa, who then offered some detached observations.
[break][break]
"Ah, your older brother," Touwa remarked with a hint of nonchalance. The acknowledgement of having seen Nageku around the academy was met with a measured response, devoid of any personal interest. "I've seen him around in the academy, but I wasn't aware he's still a student," Touwa admitted, distancing himself from any further inquiry into Nageku's academic pursuits.
[break][break]
"As for attending lessons," Touwa continued, his tone remaining indifferent, "I see him occasionally, but we're in different classes, so I can't say for certain." The information was shared with an air of detachment as if Touwa were merely providing factual details rather than engaging in a conversation about the details of sibling relationships. In doing so, Touwa maintained a deliberate disinterest in delving deeper into the unspoken layers that might exist between the two brothers, steering the conversation away from any personal investment in their familial connection.
[break][break]
"Are we ending the lesson?" his gaze was drawn more closely and inquisitively to Hoatrubi's pocket which had the scrap of paper on which Hoatorubi had scribbled earlier.
[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: 229
[break]
Akira

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #327380; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #327380; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #327380; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]

[Akira]

The look of familiarity rushed across Touwa's face and it made Hotarubi wonder what, exactly, was on the boy's mind. But it was unsurprising at best: and unconvincing at worst. Hotarubi knew what he and Nageku's reputation had been like and it hadn't even been that long that he would have been surprised if Touwa had seen Hotarubi himself. The same lesson that he had been given by his rotten father had also been given to Nageku, so if he was here... it was either out of sheer laziness, vanity or to - like Hotarubi - be defiant of the man.

It was hard to tell for Touwa what was going on in Hotarubi's mind. On one hand, it bothered him at how long it was taking. On the other hand - it was his turn to look out for Nageku. It had not often been that way. But - being drawn back into the present allowed him the opportunity to

Hotarubi looked between Touwa and the clone. And then he would sharpen his hand and stab the clone with his hand - leaving it to harden and Hotarubi's hand would sort of break off a hand as it hardened and moulded the earth back into a hand once again. "Yes." Hotarubi offered the boy a page of the notes he had made. "This is for you. Just things to think about. Focus on, and all that." and he would offer it to Touwa to take.

"Keep up the practice." and that would be it - leaving Hotarubi to his thoughts unless the boy had any questions. For now... clean up the mess.

[googlefont=Open+Sans]

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidebar"]

[attr="class","icon"]

[attr="class","text-area"]
Touwa graciously accepted the page of notes from Hotarubi, an invaluable collection of insights and practical advice. The meticulously crafted guidance provided a tangible reminder of the unique lesson, a roadmap to refine his taijutsu skills and comprehend the strategic nuances that Hotarubi had underscored.
[break][break]
"Thank you, Yamakira-san," Touwa expressed with genuine gratitude, his head bowing slightly in a gesture of respect. Holding the notes close, he felt a profound sense of responsibility to extract every ounce of wisdom embedded in those teachings.
[break][break]
Offering a final bow to Hotarubi, Touwa conveyed his appreciation once again. "Thank you for the lesson, I will," he added with a nod, putting the note into his pocket, a sincerity reflected in his eyes. As he turned to leave, Touwa carried with him not just the physical remnants of the training but the mental impressions as well.
[break][break]
Walking away, he felt a renewed dedication to integrating the lessons into his practice, keenly aware of the importance of chakra regulation, strategic thinking, and the art of problem-solving within the realm of taijutsu. The encounter with Hotarubi had left an indelible mark, steering Touwa toward a more profound understanding of his own capabilities as a burgeoning shinobi.
[break][break]
- E N D -
[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: 200
[break]
@

[googlefont=Fira Sans:400,500,600,700]
[newclass=.sidebar]margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 100px 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr auto; grid-template-areas: 'icon text' 'ooc text'; grid-column-gap: 16px; margin: 20px auto; width: 500px; border: 0px solid black; font: 400 12px/16px 'Fira Sans', arial; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon]width: 100px; grid-area: icon; position: relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img]width: 100%; filter: brightness(90%) contrast(90%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .icon img:hover]filter: brightness(100%) contrast(100%); transition: filter 0.3s; -webkit-transition: filter 0.3s, -webkit-filter 0.3s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area]grid-area: text; text-align: justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .text-area b]font-weight: 500; color: #327380; text-decoration: none; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area]padding: 8px 0; border: 1px dotted #327380; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; grid-area: ooc; align-self: flex-end[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidebar .ooc-area a]letter-spacing: .6px; font: 500 10px/15px 'Fira Sans',arial; text-decoration: none; color: #327380; text-transform: uppercase;[/newclass]