[tokonatsu yukari]

After a couple of weeks of Yukari showing up at the academy to collect Touwa and Ruiteki for Life Blade training, there was then a period of absence, much like it had been before. With the change in village leadership and a sudden influx of medical hopefuls elbowing each other for first in line at the hospital doors, Yukari's plate was suddenly overflowing, and she saw Touwa only for once-weekly dinners and special occasions, the tension in the air so thick that it could be severed with the tip of a scalpel. Then, quite suddenly, she reappeared at the academy as quickly as she had disappeared, once again appointing herself as the caretaker of Touwa's training. Whether he wanted or needed her guidance was irrelevant; she had decided what the next stage of his development needed to be, and she would make sure that he climbed that ladder correctly. "Your father was blessed with a deep well of natural chakra reserves from an early age," Yukari said by way of greeting. "Your grandfather as well. It is, in most cases, necessary for our kekkei genkai to operate efficiently—sharing your reserves with another comes easier when there is more to share. I am..." An anomaly, Kyuusai unhelpfully supplied. She ignored him. "Unusual, in this regard. You seem to have unfortunately been burdened with my genetics, so we must strengthen your reserves in much the same way that one strengthens a muscle. What questions do you have?"

Tokonatsu Touwa -- 245

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa's posture stiffened slightly as Yukari's voice cut through the air, disrupting the uneasy calm that had settled over him during her absence. Her sudden reappearance brought a cocktail of emotions to the surface, mingling with the lingering tension that always seemed to hang between them like a heavy fog. It had improved during their time together but had returned to its previous state as a result of the prolonged pause.
[break][break]
He listened in silence as she spoke about his family's lineage and the significance of chakra reserves, his expression carefully neutral despite the turmoil churning within him. Her words struck a chord of resentment deep within him. He shifted uncomfortably, the weight of her words pressing down on him like a heavy burden. Her mention of his father and grandfather's innate abilities served as a stark reminder of his shortcomings, a fact he was all too aware of, a reminder of the weight of expectations he had inherited along with his kekkei genkai. "Thank you for resuming my training, Mother," Touwa replied, his tone carefully measured. "I understand the importance of chakra reserves in wielding our family's kekkei genkai effectively."
[break][break]
"Since when? Never saw you muster enough chakra to light a candle," Rui's cheeky voice echoed in Touwa's mind. "Shh, let him be! Sorry, Touwa, I will make him shut up," Teki, the other part of Ruiteki intervened, trying to silence Rui's teasing.
[break][break]
Touwa resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Rui's interjection, instead maintaining a facade of polite indifference. Though his mother's methods may seem unorthodox at times, he knew better than to question her authority. "As for questions," Touwa began, his tone slightly hesitant, "I suppose I wonder... Are there any particular techniques or exercises you recommend for strengthening my chakra reserves? And how do you suggest I balance such training with my other obligations?"
[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.
[break][break]
鐘剣道 | Kane Kendo [lit. Bell Sword Way]
[break][break]
After investing a significant amount of time Touwa has achieved an understanding of his lifeblade. As a result, he has unlocked the ability to establish communication with them. This newfound connection enables Touwa to effectively manipulate and mold the lifeblade according to his desires. Harnessing the power of the Araikettei clan's hijutsu, Touwa now possesses the capability to skillfully utilize various techniques through the embodiment of Ruiteki itself.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 309
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tokonatsu yukari

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[tokonatsu yukari]

Touwa always knew the correct answer, as if lifting it with surgical precision from a textbook; his cadence was much the same, every decibel and flux of intonation as carefully measured as flour in a baker’s hand. Such restraint he showed, when he knew she was watching; yet a different boy entirely when she escaped his notice. Paranoia scraped against the surface of her mind; within the confines of her sleeve, she ran her thumb over Kyuusai’s sharp edge, pressing her flesh against the blade hard enough to bleed if the Life Blade allowed it. He didn’t. He never would. "It is as I said,” Yukari replied, "a muscle to be strengthened. When one performs weight-training exercises, the exertion causes microscopic tearing in the muscle. The component cells of the tissue thicken in the healing process and produce, over time, larger, stronger musculature. It is more complicated than this on a cellular level, but the medical understanding is less important than the practical application.” With most, she refrained from deploying medical jargon; Touwa, she expected, should be able to keep up. If he could not, then he would learn. "You need to achieve mechanical damage and metabolic fatigue—not for your strength, but for your chakra. Expend chakra to hold yourself in a state of tension—infuse techniques with more chakra than you think you need, and use them with relative frequency. The balance is found through discipline: everything is a training opportunity. You can hold a transformation technique while doing homework, can you not? Cloak of invisibility while you lay down to sleep?”

Tokonatsu Touwa -- 264

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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As Yukari's words washed over Touwa, he couldn't help but feel a surge of mixed emotions. Her presence always seemed to bring a whirlwind of conflicting feelings, and today was no exception. Her instructions were as cryptic and demanding as ever, but he knew better than to question her methods. Despite the resentment bubbling within him, he recognized the importance of what she was saying. Strengthening his chakra reserves wasn't just about raw power; it was about discipline, control, and finding balance amidst the chaos of his duties.
[break][break]
Despite feeling daunted by the idea of intentionally pushing his limits, Touwa found his mother's explanation of chakra training quite logical. He couldn't help feeling a bit apprehensive about the prospect of causing damage to his chakra pathways, but he trusted his mother's expertise, even if he didn't always agree with her methods.
[break][break]
As his mother spoke of finding balance through discipline, Touwa began to realize that his training would occupy much of his time and energy. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that mastering his kekkei genkai was vital not only for himself but for his family's future.
[break][break]
With a poised demeanor, Touwa nodded his understanding, concealing the emotions brewing within him. "I understand, Mother. I will do whatever it takes to strengthen my chakra reserves," he replied resolutely, bracing himself for the arduous training that Yukari had prepared for the day.
[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.
[break][break]
鐘剣道 | Kane Kendo [lit. Bell Sword Way]
[break][break]
After investing a significant amount of time Touwa has achieved an understanding of his lifeblade. As a result, he has unlocked the ability to establish communication with them. This newfound connection enables Touwa to effectively manipulate and mold the lifeblade according to his desires. Harnessing the power of the Araikettei clan's hijutsu, Touwa now possesses the capability to skillfully utilize various techniques through the embodiment of Ruiteki itself.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 228
[break]
tokonatsu yukari

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[tokonatsu yukari]

So difficult to read, her son. His expression was so carefully neutral, his reply so controlled and resolute. What was going on in that developing mind of his? What resentment did he harbor towards her, what hatred, what plans for her utter destruction at his hands? She was to train him until he was strong enough to kill her outright—perhaps, by that time, he would be strong enough to know what destruction their future held, and the terrible purpose that Yukari had borne on her shoulders. He would never forgive her, but this was the price she had to pay to shape a world worthy of her son. Morbid thoughts, Kyuusai whispered. He relies on you still. Guide him to growth, not destruction. There’s still time to repair the damage that was done. Some damage can never be repaired, Yukari replied, but she drew herself from her blackening mood regardless. "Good,” she said aloud. "We will be focusing primarily on transformation today. Infiltration is key to our line of work, and relying solely on the use of ninjutsu will not get you far. You can change your appearance, but you must also learn to modulate your voice and demeanor in order to create a convincing facade. Your first task is to gain entry to the staff room of the hospital without a keycard.”

Tokonatsu Touwa -- 227

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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"Understood, Mother," Touwa responded, his voice steady and unwavering.
[break][break]
As he made his way toward the hospital, Touwa carefully chose a secluded spot to undergo his transformation before attempting to enter the building. Ensuring the coast was clear, he executed the necessary handseals and transformed into the likeness of a nondescript trainee, reminiscent of those he had observed at the Academy. With luck, his chosen guise wouldn't be recognized by anyone at the hospital.
[break][break]
Uncertain if the new recruits had access to the staff room, Touwa forged ahead, relying on his determination to succeed. Though unfamiliar with the hospital's layout, he remained undeterred. Drawing a deep breath to steady his nerves, he stepped inside.
[break][break]
The hospital buzzed with activity, a whirlwind of patients and medical staff. It didn't take long for someone to approach Touwa, seeking assistance. "Apologies, I'm new here. You'd better ask someone else," he responded, mimicking the voice he had memorized from his observations. This endeavor proved more challenging than anticipated. Not only did Touwa need to avoid encountering the person whose appearance he borrowed, but he also had to convincingly replicate their voice, all while maintaining a steady flow of chakra to sustain the transformation.
[break][break]
Despite being approached multiple times and still not locating the staff room on the first floor, Touwa felt his transformation waver. Not an ideal situation. Opting to gather his thoughts, he found a bench and sat down, determined to regain his composure before pressing onward.
[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.
[break][break]
鐘剣道 | Kane Kendo [lit. Bell Sword Way]
[break][break]
After investing a significant amount of time Touwa has achieved an understanding of his lifeblade. As a result, he has unlocked the ability to establish communication with them. This newfound connection enables Touwa to effectively manipulate and mold the lifeblade according to his desires. Harnessing the power of the Araikettei clan's hijutsu, Touwa now possesses the capability to skillfully utilize various techniques through the embodiment of Ruiteki itself.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 244
[break]
tokonatsu yukari

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[tokonatsu yukari]

Yukari, clad in her lab coat and easily recognized at the hospital by all who knew to stay firmly out of her way, followed in Touwa’s wake with a steady click-clack of her pumps on hard flooring. Most of the medical staff recognized her and knew better than to approach unsolicited without a life-or-death emergency; patients and those who didn’t recognize her were deterred by her resting bitch face alone. She let herself behind the reception desk under the guise of inspecting paperwork to keep an eye on Touwa’s progress, quietly observing his performance and stratagem. As he maneuvered through the first floor Yukari followed, stopping at different nurses’ stations for brief conversation and to flip through patient files as she watched her son. So far no one seemed to recognize the guise that Touwa had taken on, though she was unsure if that meant he had concocted an original appearance or simply copied someone he vaguely recognized. Either way, it was clear that he was beginning to struggle with maintaining the technique with so much external stimuli—which meant, to Yukari’s mind, that it was time to increase the pressure. When she was out of Touwa’s line of sight she created a shadow clone and sent it off to go inventory a nearby supply closet; when it re-emerged a moment later, it had taken on the guise of a slender young man around Touwa’s age, with vibrant red hair and golden eyes. The clone sat down on the bench beside Touwa and greeted him cheerfully: "Hey, Wabisuke-san. Taking a break?”

Tokonatsu Touwa -- 262

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa's heart skipped a beat as the unexpected voice jolted him out of his thoughts. The young man beside him, with his bright red hair and striking golden eyes, was clearly someone he should recognize, given the friendly greeting. Internally cursing his luck, he forced a smile and replied, hoping his voice wouldn’t betray him.
[break][break]
"Ah, yes, just catching my breath for a moment," Touwa said, maintaining his assumed voice. "It's a bit overwhelming with all the hustle and bustle." He couldn't afford to let his guard down now. His mother’s words echoed in his mind, urging him to remain calm and composed.
[break][break]
"So, Wabisuke-san," the red-haired boy continued, "I heard they're shorthanded in the second-floor ward. Maybe we should head up there together? We could make a good impression by helping out."
[break][break]
Touwa inwardly winced. Heading to another floor, where he knew even less about the layout or the people, sounded like a recipe for disaster. But refusing might raise suspicion. He had to play along, at least for now.
[break][break]
"Sure, that sounds like a good idea," he responded, rising from the bench. "Lead the way."
[break][break]
As they walked, Touwa took the opportunity to observe his companion closely. There was something off about him—too perfect, too composed. It dawned on him that this might be a test, a setup to push him further. His mother was known for her rigorous training methods, after all. Determined not to fail, he focused on maintaining his transformation, steadying his chakra flow.
[break][break]
"Actually, I just remembered something," Touwa said not forgetting his original goal, trying to sound casual. "I left a report in the staff room that I need to grab. Could we head there first? It won't take long."
[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.
[break][break]
鐘剣道 | Kane Kendo [lit. Bell Sword Way]
[break][break]
After investing a significant amount of time Touwa has achieved an understanding of his lifeblade. As a result, he has unlocked the ability to establish communication with them. This newfound connection enables Touwa to effectively manipulate and mold the lifeblade according to his desires. Harnessing the power of the Araikettei clan's hijutsu, Touwa now possesses the capability to skillfully utilize various techniques through the embodiment of Ruiteki itself.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 287
[break]
tokonatsu yukari

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[tokonatsu yukari]

Under Yukari’s distant, watchful gaze, the clone played its role well, making short conversation with Touwa and inviting him along to a second location—crucially, one that was away from Touwa’s intended destination, luring him further from his goal, forcing him to maintain the technique and step up his performance under additional pressure. She tilted her head as Touwa stood and followed along with the clone, heading for the stairs towards the second floor. Surely he wouldn’t be able to maintain the farce for much longer— —but the boy took advantage of the opportunity. The tiniest of smiles tugged at the corner of Yukari’s red mouth. "Oh, sure,” the clone said, stopping in its tracks. It glanced around, as if trying to remember where the staff room was, then frowned. "The staff room is… this way, yeah?” The clone pointed down a hallway that led, again, away from the staff room; another test, pushing Touwa’s ability to remain in character and corral a wayward stranger while remaining on task. Yukari repositioned herself from the reception desk to a nurse’s station in the hall that the clone wanted to go down; an additional red herring, hoping to bait Touwa into thinking that Yukari would station herself within line of sight of the staff room, and thus lead him down the wrong path.

Tokonatsu Touwa -- 224

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa felt the tension in his chest tighten as the man pointed down most likely to the wrong hallway. The trap was obvious, designed to trip him up and force him off course. But knowing it was a trap didn’t make avoiding it any easier. He had to think quickly, balancing the need to stay in character with the urgency of getting back on track.
[break][break]
Forcing a light chuckle, he feigned mild confusion, scratching the back of his head. "Ah, I might have gotten turned around too. This place is a maze, isn't it?" He tried to keep his tone casual, not letting on that he had his suspicions that the man was leading him astray. His mother’s training emphasized the importance of subtlety, and now, more than ever, he had to rely on that.
[break][break]
"But I’m pretty sure the staff room is back that way," Touwa continued, pointing in the opposite direction with an easy smile. "I remember passing it on my way in earlier. Mind if we backtrack a bit? I'd hate to get lost."
[break][break]
He began to walk in what he thought was the correct direction, Touwa was acutely aware of the strain on his chakra. Maintaining the transformation was draining, and the longer this charade dragged on, the more exhausted he felt. His muscles ached with fatigue, and a subtle tremor threatened to betray his controlled facade. He couldn’t afford to slip up now, not when he was so close to completing his task.
[break][break]
But despite the weariness seeping into his limbs, he kept his pace slow, allowing the man to follow without raising suspicion. The key was to appear confident without overplaying his hand—assertive enough to steer the conversation but not so forceful that it seemed suspicious.
[break][break]
As he moved he caught a glimpse of Yukari from the corner of his eye, her presence confirming his suspicions, there was no way that Yukari would be so upfront and helpful.
[break][break]
"I’ll grab the report quickly, and then we can head to the ward," he added over his shoulder as if trying to reassure his companion. "Wouldn’t want to leave them waiting too long."
[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.
[break][break]
鐘剣道 | Kane Kendo [lit. Bell Sword Way]
[break][break]
After investing a significant amount of time Touwa has achieved an understanding of his lifeblade. As a result, he has unlocked the ability to establish communication with them. This newfound connection enables Touwa to effectively manipulate and mold the lifeblade according to his desires. Harnessing the power of the Araikettei clan's hijutsu, Touwa now possesses the capability to skillfully utilize various techniques through the embodiment of Ruiteki itself.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]WORD: 356
[break]
tokonatsu yukari

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[tokonatsu yukari]

What an actor. Touwa deflected, corrected, and asserted what he needed to do—none of it particularly aggressive or offensive, he was the picture of politesse, but he brooked no argument, either. Yukari watched him spot her out of the corner of his eye and make the conscious decision to evade her trap without even a moment’s hesitation. Smart of him, but it rankled her too, the slight subconscious bristle that he didn’t trust her to subtly guide him down the right path. That was the whole point of the challenge she was putting in front of him, but for there to not even be a flicker of doubt… it stung. The clone shrugged and followed in Touwa’s wake; a few seconds walking down the hallways and they came across a door emblazoned with an [EMPLOYEES ONLY] sign. A blinking card-reader was next to the door, a clear invitation for a staff member with registered credentials to let themselves in… but as luck would have it, an older man wearing a long white lab coat emerged only a moment later, absentmindedly holding the door open behind him as a courtesy as he skimmed the clipboard in his hands. With that, Touwa would be in. As soon as he made it inside, the clone would poof out of sight—not an uncommon scene to see in such a busy hospital, where any given shinobi medic might need another pair of their own hands—and Yukari joined Touwa, the sharp clack of her heels against linoleum the only indication that she was coming at all. "You’re exhausted,” she observed. "Let the technique go and take a few minutes to rest. We’ll continue after.”

Tokonatsu Touwa -- 224

LAIKA OF THQ

[Tokonatsu Touwa]

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Touwa felt a wave of relief wash over him as the door to the staff room swung open, the older man in the lab coat obliviously holding it for him. He slipped inside without hesitation, feeling the man’s presence vanish the moment the door closed behind him. The constant pressure of maintaining his transformation had taken its toll, and he knew he couldn’t keep it up much longer without risking a mistake.
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Yukari’s presence was palpable before she even spoke, her sharp footsteps echoing in the small room. The sternness in her voice was unmistakable, but there was also an underlying hint of acknowledgment. She had seen through his struggle, his determination to maintain the ruse despite the overwhelming exhaustion.
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"You’re exhausted,” she stated, her tone leaving no room for denial. "Let the technique go and take a few minutes to rest. We’ll continue after."
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Touwa hesitated for a moment, pride warring with reason. He hated admitting that he was at his limit, but Yukari’s words weren’t just an observation—they were a directive. With a resigned sigh, he let his transformation fade away, his true form returning as the chakra he had been tightly controlling finally dissipated. The strain on his body eased immediately, but the fatigue hit him like a wave, his shoulders sagging as the tension drained out of him.
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"I understand, mother," Touwa said, his voice tinged with weariness and exhaustion.
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He leaned against a nearby wall, closing his eyes for a brief moment to gather his thoughts. The task had been grueling, not just physically but mentally as well. Every decision he made had been surveyed, every move a potential slip-up.
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"I’m ready to keep going after a short break," he said, opening his eyes and meeting Yukari’s gaze. He was not going to appear weak to Yukari more than he already had. No, he just couldn't.
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After a short break, Touwa was ready to continue their training session for as long as Yukari was intending.
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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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鐘剣道 | Kane Kendo [lit. Bell Sword Way]
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After investing a significant amount of time Touwa has achieved an understanding of his lifeblade. As a result, he has unlocked the ability to establish communication with them. This newfound connection enables Touwa to effectively manipulate and mold the lifeblade according to his desires. Harnessing the power of the Araikettei clan's hijutsu, Touwa now possesses the capability to skillfully utilize various techniques through the embodiment of Ruiteki itself.

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tokonatsu yukari

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