Mention of her knowing him gave him the slightest of pauses, and his mind turned inward for just a moment as he pondered the prospect.
"Does she?" He thought to himself, his signature faux smile gracing his lips.
"Does anyone?" Sagara, his older brother, did. His father, Kashiwa as well... though his children's true thoughts and feelings didn't rank high on the man's priority list. Izusa was as much of a mummer as he was a shinobi— practiced in concealing his emotions and oathbound to never reveal what his real role to Konoha was. Even physically, he couldn't... thanks to the seal that was branded on his tongue when he was barely a boy of thirteen. Still, the sentiment behind Tokaku's words was appreciated. If he ever were to confide in someone, she would certainly be among the top candidates.
As the younger Uchiha spoke about her experience at the exams, he nodded in understanding. He knew how it was to be frustrated, and he could sympathize.
"I hear you," he began.
"Though, that is the point, right?" Izusa watched her draw her sword, and he took his stance. Keen red gaze juxtaposed by the soft smile on his face.
"We're put through the gauntlet to see if we can adapt and overcome." Fairness was a thing rarely afforded to ninja, if ever.
But he knew that she was aware of this, and so there was no need of lecture.
"Normally, I'd offer some platitude about how advancement takes time..." he paused, then nodded to her.
"But you know that already." Izusa moved, strafing slowly to the side and adjusting his grip on his blade to see if she would mirror his motions. Always testing, even now as they prepared to spar with each other.
"Your promotion will come, Tokaku-chan." He said, then his red eyes narrowed on her face.
"Now, let me see these skills of yours firsthand." He'd seen her fights at the exams.
Now it was time to challenge her personally. No more slowing of his own movements, no more holding back... just a proper fight to gauge how far she'd come. Or how far she still needed to go. The instructor offered the customary Seal of Confrontation with his left hand, and would wait for her to reciprocate. Only instead of offering her the first move like last time, Izusa seized the initiative now. Darting forward then pausing just before he reached her in a sly feint.
A horizontal slash at her torso followed only moments after, much swifter than the last time they'd fought. Then, he immediately dropped low, extended his leg, and swung it towards her ankle. Hoping to trip her with his
Gachō.
OFFENSIVE TECHNIQUES:
NAME: Gachō [Goose]
RANK: C
CHAKRA USAGE: Very Low
CLASSIFICATION: Taijutsu
ELEMENT: --
DESCRIPTION:
Usually the third part of the Magamo > Kamo combo, the user drops low and delivers a powerful sweep to the legs of the opponent, forcing them to fall backwards due to the momentum still present from the Kamo kick, allowing the practitioner to follow up with a fourth and final move.
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
自制心 | JISEISHIN | SELF-CONTROL - E.C.C.
"Self control." Possessing only average chakra reserves, Izusa learned early on to keep his energy expenditure minimal. Using only the required amount of chakra and nothing more to perform his jutsu. This allows him to not only ration out his chakra more efficiently, but to remain active in battle for longer periods of time without tiring. Restraint is vital to any ninja.
写輪眼 | SHARINGAN | COPY WHEEL EYE - KKG
Wielder of his clan's legendary dōjutsu, the Sharingan gives Izusa incredible sensory awareness. Color springs to life in vivid hues and his clarity is enhanced, making even chakra visible to his red eyes. Still incomplete since its awakening, it requires further improvement. As his one tomoe spins, his eyes allow him to perceive his opponent to an enhanced degree and follow their movements with more ease. Understanding firsthand the great cost that comes with furthering one's Sharingan, Izusa is in no rush to develop it soon. Instead utilizing it only when necessary and treating his Kekkei Genkai like any other skill. Notably, his dominant right eye has a tendency to activate first on its own when his emotions rise.
温故知新 | ONKOCHISHIN | REVIEW PAST, KNOW FUTURE - INTELLIGENCE
"Review past, know future." An avid reader for as long as he can remember, Izusa is ever thoughtful. Scrolls on poetry, life, war, tactics, human nature— all providing him keen insight into others. Making him an experienced tactician. Applying this to his shinobi training, his sharp mind allows him to read situations and opponents expertly. Concocting masterful plans even in the midst of combat to compensate for his own shortcomings and capitalize on weaknesses in their defenses.