[ Green Grove ] [P][NDE]

[eclipse]

Oh wow. Thats...alot.

+10.

[loyal]

"Finally you come out."

I stated as my dark optics shifted off into the distance, around forty meters away I would see Myaku standing, seemingly taking my words of wisdom and to stop hiding amongst the foilage for preemptive attacks would have no effect on me. I was too skilled to be fooled by someone of the skill level of Myaku however this is not to be detrimental upon Myaku's talents. Still, I would look upon the young man in the distance as I would turn towards him. Nunchaku still in left hand, my right hand would form a gun formation at Myaku and I'd let loose a single fire bullet.

The small green fireball was about the size of a pebble but it'd still do damage if it managed to connect with Myaku. Also, the speed of which the fireball was moving was about the speed of that of a bolt shot from a crossbow. This simple action was to test Myaku's ability to see if he had the skill needed to dodge such an attack.

And I'd just watch and wait.

[mitsukai]

The young man fired a green bullet from using just his finger alone?! Ah, it didn't matter much to me because as I looked at it closely. It was flame, and green or whatever; it was still fire. Flipping the paper cards into the air, chakra rushed through my body--almost immediately--as the blood my ancestors came in. Water flowed out of the very air itself as it moved forward in a barrier form. Blocking the green flame bullet, my cards moved to attack. They were controlled solely by me and well equipped with wind chakra as their strength was too weak. I stood where I was, the water only momentarily blocking Masji's view on me. Out the greenery, the Black Panther leaped out, his monstrous sword in his hands as he spoke towards me but with a shrug, I showed him that I couldn't understand his language. A chiming laugh followed after that as Kojo would hit me lightly at the back of my head. Teleporting behind Masji, for no doubt his master should be focused on the paper cards, he raised the sword in attempt to attack the man. The sword swung in a horizontal motion; seeming to slash lividly at the right side. Behind Kojo, Aidos was getting ready for his attack should Masji managed to get out of it. I knew Masji's power but if he tries to use that all body flame thingy he will be in for a surprise.

The paper cards moved in two single file lines and once they moved near their target, one line attacked him while the other line dispersed, scattered and moved around him; not far from him but not close either. I took a few steps closer, not really wanting to train. Rubbing the back of my head to ease the hit that Kojo gave me, I sighed, where was a hammock when you needed it? And so, I spoke, "Masji! You got a minute or two? I just want to lie down, pull my sleep mask and..." I lay down on was about to pull my sleep mask over my head but jolted back up as Kojo roared loudly in annoyance, "You dare sleep while we are battling?! I will eat your guts!! Stand up and keep that fool-headed brain of yours active!" I waved back thinking that he was apologizing for interrupting my sleep. Eh, I couldn't understand him, but I, at the same time, liked this animal. He was cool, in a way, and his dark fur that just seems to blend into the night shined in the sunlight. I admired his passion, though I couldn't really understand why for I was lazy. Kojo eyes turned red for some reason as I laughed out loud, taking a slice of paper in my hands, I channeled my chakra through it, feeling the strengths and weakness of it.

I let it flow on the winds of time as I directed it everywhere, and in all directions. I made flicker, stay in the air and go behind me; stretching for at least twenty meters before returning to me. I was getting better at this and now, I wonder what I should do next. Suddenly, something unexpected happened: I was taken into the world of paper—the Unseen World—but this time, I was there…and not there! I could still see what was happening in reality, and if I moved in the world of paper, I did not move in reality and vice versa. Thus, I let the papers flow out of my backpack, one by one as I quickly controlled them with my mind alone. Spreading my arms, I channeled my chakra through the paper as it swirled around me, and then proceeded to hit the various animals hiding around—obviously testing my ability to control paper—and again, THEY LOSE. Time and again, I will ALWAYS win, just a matter of time and thinking into it. The tall and thick hard wall that was packed with thick sheets of paper lied just beyond my sight as it taunted me, as if trying to get me to attack it myself. But, no, I wasn’t a fool either. The papers flew towards the wall as it was heavily drenched in wind chakra. One by one they flew and attacked the wall, not stopping until the wall crumbled.

Eventually, the wall moaned as it creaked; back and forth it went—the papers visibly falling off—as I commanded the paper to form a large object. Together, they formed into something similar to a hammer if you will, and slammed the paper wall with force and the sharpness of a wind blade. The paper was obliterated as it faded into the whiteness that was everywhere, as if it had not even existed. Taking the papers, I let whirl around me as I tested my control on them. I wondered how much I could control at once; and so, I gathered an abundance amount of chakra inside me. I let it flow continuously around me like a giant tornado forming as the paper picked it up. Massive papers begin to swarm around me as they waited my order, and to answer their question, a large paper wall appeared yet again. Sending the papers all at once, I watched it crumble without a doubt as they lay back into the floor; my own papers flying back into my backpack as I shifted back into reality, but I was there all the time, just this time I was there—consciously.

[loyal]

[+10.]

---

Yes. The paper-using ability that Myaku had exhibited has really perked my interests for the time being and I'd simply take the time to watch him formulate the paper into different formations until the large black panther decided to use its blinding speed to catch me off guard. It mattered not for weaponry would be considered useless against me. The temperature around my being would be altered meticulously to the point where the metal sword would be considered flimsy and useless. The flinging sharp instrument would slash down as I'd simply side-step the impeding swipe. The paper cards were also at my attention however the increase in heat would cause them to lightly spark and thus, lose sight of all of their intended trajectory.

Backstepping five meters, I would still call out:

" Try harder. "

[mitsukai]

40|100

“That’s pretty impossible seeing how you like to abuse that green flame eruption.”

I would answer to his statement quite bluntly. Nevertheless, it was true as my paper came back to me, half burnt, but I didn’t care. Directing them into the air again, I let them swirl around me as they formed a paper storm. Chakra originating from my body, it looked as if I was going berserk, except the calm surface of my face belied the chakra’s emotion. I sometimes wish that I have spent more time training my heritage, for I truly owned it to them that I am still alive. Well, now’s not the time to complain. My old man always told me that you can get out of anything so as long as you have the brains to think it out from every corner; there is always a way. Kojo came back to my side as I tried to think of a way through this. So far, the boy has been dependant on his fire and if I got passed that, he would most likely use his strength to block whatever got passed it. “Alright… since you’re not going easy, I guess we will have to step it up a bit. Kojo.” The Black Panther lowered himself to the ground, now on all fours. His eyes angry and his pristine white teeth showing, I gave an extra nod as Adios jumped out of the tree and quickly leaped into the air, his wild aura surrounded him as he charged straight down at Masji. Should Masji move, he will be in a surprise, but that was not all; for Kojo rushed towards Masji, but stopped ten meters before him waiting.

My paper, covered by chakra, and purely of chakra, rushed towards Kojo and Aidos as a protection against whatever he might use; I stood firmly in the ground. Water from before lay scattered around Masji as it slowly turned into ice—barely noticeable until the last minute—which is normally too late by then. I watched carefully what he was going to do as my paper still swirled around me. Closing my eyes, I shifted into the paper world as I took out a stack of papers out from the floor and placed it on the paper table. There was 2500 sheets of paper to be exact as I became shocked to my own knowledge… how could I know that without even counting? Ah, no matter, I stared hard at it as I viewed what was happening in reality. The boy was strong and though I did not have the skill level to match him, I could still try to beat him. But the question was how? I need to make something… something large and abstract, beautiful in its creation yet deadly. A smile touched my lips as I sat down—I’ve got just the right idea.

Rubbing my hands together, I stretched them out towards the stack of paper as chakra oozed out of my hands. One by one the paper floated in the air as I formed the image of which I wanted to create. It was simple origami, yet it was going to be deadly. 1000 papers already in the air as it formed a large substance, large enough to be a commendable opponent to Adios and Kojo. Another 1000 sheets were in the air, my will indomitable, as it formed the same substance as the first one. Then, I stood up, my chakra thick and lively as it extracted exactly 4500 papers and combined with the leftover 500 sheets, it was at total of 5000 sheets of paper. With that, I set forth with my creation, something that Masji will surely have a difficult time defeating along with Adios and Kojo. Soon, paper teeth, wide demonic eyes, a tongue and a monster’s face were coming together. The demon was spawned in that slime, born of murderous creatures born of paper; forever banished to the Unseen world by the Almighty, and I was going to bring it back into the world of ninjas. The light help you, once I have gained a considerable control and skill in paper. Still, I had much to learn as I continued towards the creation of the massive beast as it formed before me—already letting out a roar so loud that the ground, if it was there, would shook—a smile of satisfaction touching my lips.

I awoke. All of the sudden, my entire paper equipment flew into the skies; my chakra tornado that swirled around me quickly went with the papers. There were all kinds of papers and as they formed, I watched in amazement with a touch of wonder as a mini version of the demon that was in the Unseen World. My paper skills had this much of an improvement? Ah, I watched on as the demon took the form of a dragon; its large wings and body matching its massive and destructive teeth, and the three-foot tail that wagged slowly at first—and then beginning to gain speed. Its deadly, calm, and omniscient eyes watched Masji as the dragon lowered itself for me to get on its back. I slowly got on its back, speaking, “Lo! My creation!” The first wave of attack came, with the dragon opening its mouth and paper cards coming out of it. My hands on its back, I channeled my water chakra into the first twenty—should the man use that flame eruption, it will dampen due to the water imbued into the cards—while the second twenty held the wind chakra. I was now in the air, and by this time, Adios and Kojo would be below me, on the ground. “Let the real battle begin.” I stated plainly.

[loyal]

[+ten.]

---

" You can figure it ou-."

My sentence would simply be halted once I felt the presence of Aidos coming towards me, his face apparent with absolute rage as he came towards me with a hellish punch. I couldn't believe it, they actually caught me off guard! I could sit and watch as my pupils shrunk as the large fist barreled into my chest, causing my whole five foot four frame to slam into the ground. I was hit so hard that small amounts of rock and debris shot up, telling the apparent pain that I was feeling. I couldn't even breathe as I coughed up a large amount of spit from getting hit so hard.

As I lay motionless on the ground, my eyes would flicker for a moment before I focused upon Myaku to the side, who apparently had conjured quite the paper creation. I wanted to move but my body wouldn't permit it, I could only lay and take the pain as the cards ripped into my being, my plain clothes being torn slightly within the process as a wide variety of cuts littered my body, all seeping with the crimson fluid that sustained life within my being.

They would notice that I would stay on the ground for a long while, almost giving the illusion as if I was dead from the terrible assault. However, minutes passed and I managed to induce the slightest bit of movement. Slowly and painfully, I brought myself up to my feet though I did have obvious trouble standing up. Hands became instilled with the mystical green aura as I began to mend my wounds, mitigating the crippling pain that I was experiencing. Should I go uninterrupted, I would be able to have a large majority of my wounds healed in a matter of moments.

Fine, they wanted to fight, I'd give them one. Coughing a moment, as I began healing my wounds, I said out loud:

" You aren't keeping me down. Never. "

[mitsukai]

50|100

I raised my hand up high as the dragon closed his mouth. Adios’ attack had succeeded which allowed the damage of the cards to triple his effects. My halcyon occuli watched as I gained the knowledge that this kid could use Medical Ninjutsu. This man was skilled, no doubt, as I watched him heal himself without any interruption. Then Masji was finished, and spoke. Once he finished his short statement, I raised my eyebrow in amusement as I too spoke, “Is that a dare? Well then! I will be happy to take on the challenge!” Adios and Kojo quickly returned to my side, however they were on the ground, and were to attack on my command. I put my right hand on the back of the dragon, channeling my chakra through it and gaining the knowledge about the creature itself. I was sure that this was the demon that I had seen in the other world, but I couldn’t be too sure. I mean, the demon was banished, locked in their now and forever right? So how could it be here, and I am riding on it—unless it escaped, which then, I would have to learn the art of paper really fast—it just wasn’t possible.

The more I thought about it, the more it seemed to come together. Inside my head, the pieces of the puzzle were coming together as I process even more. Part of my brain was thinking about how should push Masji further into a pit where he couldn’t get out while the other part was figuring out the mystery to this complicated puzzle. Could it be that the demon was still trapped but was strong enough to commingle with one who had a good, decent skill in paper and allow its image of the person to come alive only through the skills of that person? It seemed like that because I didn’t even have nearly half of the amount of paper that was needed to create the actual demon, and so instead, it transformed into a dragon using the paper and the paper skills that I possessed and thus, created its image. Now, it was time to revert back to other half of the brain—the one that was processing the chess pieces and plan—and get Masji back down. I was determined to do so as I first had to test him further. So far, I knew much about his skills as I commanded the dragon to lower me down. Getting down, I would nod to Adios and Kojo, congratulating Adios for what he did. Now, let the fun begin.

Kojo moved towards Masji and didn’t stop until he was right in front of him. Or, in that matter, he didn’t stop until either Masji attacked or he got in front of him and disappeared—the hilt of the blade showing before he vanished. Very, very quickly, the two wood clones in the area went through different sets of hand seals as wood limbs and traps would proceed to attack Masji in a rapid-like fashion. If I was correct about my analyzed data, he would use that flame body of his and burn it all, but should the man stop, Kojo appeared from the side, using a suigzou as a fake attack as he backed away into the trees. Appearing once more in front and using fake, agile attacks. The trick was to get Masji confused by his speed and all this attacking which, of course, could make him just stay “flame on” but that was just a part of the plan. I grabbed the tail of the dragon, channeling my water chakra through it as it shot out ten paper cards with the affinity of water towards him. By this time, Adios appeared before Masji at the side—ten meters—and stood there, his sword in his hands.

Should Masji revert to brutal strength, he would be met by the brawler skills of Kojo, with the support of the wood clones in the area. I still grasped the tail, learning more and more about the paper. I seems that this demon knew a great deal about paper as he taught me the very first level of paper: origami. I let the images flood through my mind, taking them in, remembering them and finally, understanding them. Opening my eyes, the golden hue giving off different shades of gold in the sunlight, I quickly let my chakra surge through the tail and into the stomach of the dragon. The dragon let out a roar as unspeakable as I stood on it once more—I, its master. The dragon opened it mouth to let fifty tiny creatures that were imbued with the wind chakra as they swarmed over to Masji. If you ever had a paper cut, imagine what this will be when they all create a stampede over you. It will hurt—a lot, that I promise you.

[loyal]

[+ten.]

---

Meaningless. I merely stood there un-phased as I saw through Kojo's initial feints however I played along in order to lure him into a false sense of security. Apparently, as he was keeping me occupied with the various feints, I noticed a wide variety of wood traps and such barrel towards my position however they would strike at nothing. I would've Suigzoued forward in a zig-zag fashion, thanks to my utilization of the Dash Technique, cutting the distance between me and Myaku by forty meters.

After hearing the rather loud roar birth from the demonic paper being, my left hand would already be formed in the gun-like formation as I shot a green fire bullet at the beast. However, this wasn't any ordinary fire bullet, it was a garguantuan bullet, as big as four human heads. Along with that, the power behind it was higher than of an S-ranks worth, meaning that if the beast was hit with this said bullet, it'd be completely decimated. The bullet's size didn't hinder its speed at all, rivaling that of a bolt shot out of a crossbow.

From there, I would merely stand and wait to see how Myaku would retaliate, if he'd be able to at that.

[mitsukai]

60|100

Ah, it seems that the plan failed, however, the creation of the little creatures were still in his mouth when Masji used his blinding speed to attack us. My hands quicker than my mind could react; I went through several hand seals as I saw that this fire wouldn’t be doused out by normal water. Within seconds—and about this time, the fire came midway—my greatest wood defense shot up as the dragon moved away. A full entire dome raised against the flaming ball as it could withstand. A huge part of the flame technique will be blocked by the dome as it was made from the tree barks around the area (the barrier can withstand A rank damage). By the time the barrier was destroyed, the dragon and I gained a few meters away from them as the little creatures were now made. Spewing from the demon itself, these little creatures made miniature roars as I laughed jubilantly a little. Then the creatures made their way, quick and in three groups as I jumped off the dragon’s back, creating a little technique of my own.

Should the little creatures even brush past Masji, his clothes and skins will be ripped and torn into pieces as they were literally filled with wind charka. I gained speed—using the blood of my people—and created ice skates at the soles of my white shoes. It made my speed double and cut time in half. This way, I could escape from the man’s attacks far more easily and quickly than need to be. Kojo was angry that his attack failed, and now waited ten meters behind Masji should he try to back up away from the little creatures. But again, I could predict that he was going to use his fire skills and try to burn them all away. Halcyon eyes peered the lazuli sky, I sighed as I made a statement, “When am I ever going to rest…” The answer was rhetorical, that I knew, as I shifted my focus back to the group. So far, the clones were doing well in keeping the animals alive and well protected. The animals themselves just needed to know when to attack and how to attack. Lastly, I needed to learn this paper skill so that I could go to sleep.

“Time to dance.” My words slithered through the stagnant air—mostly from the burning of leaves that came from Masji—as I gripped the tail of the dragon once more. It was time to learn more skills of paper as I was getting used to the toll that it put on me. More and more knowledge flowed within me; the images of that acquired knowledge sticking to my mind like glue. I opened up my hands, chakra oozing out of it as I grabbed several of my books—and without knowing what I was doing—taking out the papers without even ripping it. The papers flew out of it as it totaled to about 400 papers. Letting the papers stick to me, I covered it in wood chakra as it became hard, yet easy to use because of my paper skills. With that, I raced towards Masji, my dragon backing me up should I lose the close-combat fight I was about to have.

I really didn’t like close-combat. If I was facing one of those white eyes ninjas—the Hyuuga they call themselves—I would probably avoid them so as long as I have Adios and Kojo to stop them from coming near me. I was basically a long-ranged fighter, one with the analytical abilities of my people as my eyes narrow, the ground before me turning sudden ice as Masji was doomed to fall. I mean, he was tough yes, but how well could he fight on ice? I skated with ease, my body gracefully flowing with the wind itself as I flowed through the energy that carried me towards him. My arm became a wooden sword—carved from pure chakra as no fire could truly melt this—and my shield on left hand, I was now a warrior going into battle. My dragon in high in the air—thirty meters to be exact—waited with the easy feeling as it was ready to attack, should I fail in my battle. Adios and Kojo stood side by side, swords in their hands and positioned fifteen meters behind Masji. It was just me and him now. “Let us dance, my friend.”

[loyal]

[+ten.]

---

Hmph. Myaku's usage of advanced elements was truly becoming troublesome as he managed to properly stall the fire bullet from ultimately decimating his paper creation. I watched with apathy as the swarms of paper creatures skittered their way towards me however, since they were grouped together quite tightly, I would be able to take them all down in one swoop. Raising one finger up, I would slam it down which would birth an upheaval of flame, ten by ten meters. Surely, the paper creations would be completely scorched by this attack as I'd realize that the field had been turned into ice.

It was obviously Myaku's doing, who seemed to be taking advantage of the change of battlefield by forming ice-skate like structures on the soles of his shoes and seemed to be wanting to go into CQC with me. An unwise decision, regardless of the wooden weapon he had available to him. However, even though I could've easily burn Myaku right then and there, I would choose not to for the point of this sparring was definitely not to kill the other opponent. Green fire birthed underneath the soles of my feet as I utilized a movement technique found within the Enten discipline, Jet Propulsion. However, I moved in a skating fashion towards Myaku and due to me being more dedicated towards Taijutsu, I was obviously moving faster than he was. The ice had no effect upon my movements as I'd slip into Myaku's guard and hopefully deliver a hard left straight to his face. Heat was generated while doing so and the Jet Propulsion propelled me even further into the blow, amplifying the amount of damage that would be dealt. Should he get hit, let's just say he'd be in a world of hurt.

But was certainty ever a component of this world?

[mitsukai]

70|100

…out of the blue, and into the fire. All goes red…

A single sound; A sound anguish; A sound of madness; A sound of woe everlasting.

I awoke. I got up, seemingly dazed, my left side burning with a prolong heating. It looks like I lost the battle as I wondered just how long I had been out. Looking down, I noticed I that I was on the dragon’s back, as Adios and Kojo moved to attack Masji while he was attacking me. The Black Panther went up into the air, dodging the flames that streamed from the dark-skinned boy as the White Monkey went around the flames, his speed bypassing the flames easily. It was that simple, yes, but at the same time, it wasn’t. The boy was strong and obviously had a broad sense of when to use his fire. It wasn’t that he abused it; it was that he knew his skills in fire covered the majority of his needed skills in this battle. “Remind me never to go in close combat with you ever again.” I remarked, as I sat there, thinking. So far, Adios and Kojo were better at close-combat than I was, simply because of their size and speed. Their skills could come in handy when I have to face someone like Masji, and I was far more interested in the Black Panther.

Instantly, I was taken to the Unseen world as paper swirled around me. Somehow scolding me for my foolishness as the demon proceeded to teach me more paper knowledge. Suddenly, in reality, I flew on the dragon’s back, ascending farther and farther into the skies until I could be seen no more. Paper flew all around me, quickly overwhelming my mind; my will fading into existence as I fought hard to control it. Eventually, I was inside a block of ice that wasn’t really ice, and I stood before tons and tons of intricate and abstract details of paper designs. The paper designs were amazing. There were some that I have never even dreamed of creating as I watched a paper cube just appear out of the blue. My golden eyes intent on it, I saw the cube… expanding? It began to shape itself, and went from a cube to a chest, and from there a body, and there arms and legs grew. Head, hair, and other explicit details of the human body were shown. Soon, I could make out a man who was quickly clothed in a long white robe as his face was hard yet smooth; his eyes daring and cold yet had a touch of an elderly man’s kind heart.

He smiled coldly and without emotion as he walked towards me, emitting a deadly cat-like grace that seemed to make danger like nothing. He touched the ice block that trapped me and it melt. Feeling loose once more, I smiled, stating, “Hey thanks man! I was getting a bit cold there. Now, can you show me the exit door?” The man laughed a soft laugh that had not a single mirth in it. He looked at me as waved a hand in the air, and suddenly, five paper cards were locked between his fingers. One by one they flew into the air, surrounding him and I watched closer as they began to multiply! It seems that this man was genius at the art of paper. Finally, he spoke, “You don’t use your unique ability in paper to your advantage like your opponents does with fire.” I nodded, and abruptly froze; how did he know that? My face belied my emotion as I stated calmly, “My paper is not strong enough and I don’t have the right skill yet to forge it properly.” The man nodded, not saying a word as he walked to the pictures, the paper cards swirled around him like a tornado. It seemed to have a mind of its own, and I could only watch in wonder; fascinated.

“Tell me, Myaku. What do you see these five pictures as?” I walked over to him, not really surprised that he knew my name. Looking at the first picture, I saw a giant paper storm happening as people were running away from it. In the center, a man—that I could not recognize—was the cause of that paper storm. I shuddered at the unknown chill down at my spine as I couldn’t sense familiarity that dwelled in my mind. Look at the next two pictures, they were kind of related as they showed a paper creation of two animals. The second picture was the paper creation of a panther with a wolf sitting next to it, while the third was a paper creation of giant monkey as its face was—ironically—hidden. They seemed to have no sort of importance and so, I moved on to the fourth one. Two young men stood five meters from each other, each wielding a powerful paper creation as I assumed that they were in battle. Looking at the last picture, I froze my eyes wide and if I could feel fear that is what you would see in my eyes. In that last picture, was a man with the wings of an angel, and behind it was a large and seemingly powerful dragon. But that man was me.

[loyal]

[+ten.]

---

" Heheh. "

A small laugh would escape my lips as I heard Myaku's comment. I had already taken care of him with his medical treatment before but it seemed as if A and K weren't ready to give up yet as I continued to fight them both. The process was rather frustrating for they continuously dodged my assaults with seemingly little effort, it seemed as if I need more in order to take them out.

Breaking away from the two for a short moment, I would simply have my hands in my pockets as I look at them with a sense of annoyance and boredom. Honestly, this had to end soon.

[mitsukai]

80|100

I staggered backwards, my aureate eyes—unbelieving. That… picture cannot be me. I was a beginner in the arts of paper, and here I was in that picture—already a master. I stammered, I stamped the ground, impatient at my mind processing the data or trying to figure out what is happening. Looking at the man that was clothed in all white, his skin, dark like mine, as he held that all-knowing smile, I spoke, “What do you want? Why did you bring me here?! And why am I in that picture? What is this place?!!!” I had so many questions to ask, and so very much to learn it seems. The man looked at me and spoke, “Some questions I will not answer, but why you are here is simple: For what you must see, for what you must learn,” he went on without pause, “What you see in that picture is what you will become when you master the arts of paper. And as for that last question, you already know this place and been in this world.” I didn’t quite understand it, but I shook my head, nonetheless. I got up slowly, my lazy figure shrugging as I just wanted to leave. The paper cards that swirled around the paper master, aimed for me as I immediately closed my eyes, hands bursting with chakra.

Opening my eyes, the paper cards hung in the air before me, as I saw that I was controlling it with my own chakra hands. The man spoke, his eyes narrowing, “Keep your eyes open always. You will learn much more of what you are doing and understand it better. Now try again.” The paper cards were immediately lost under my control, and flew back to the paper master. The paper cards joined the tornado of cards that always seemed to have a mind of its own. Quickly, once more, the cards flew towards me as I kept my eyes open, and raised my hands to it. Chakra oozed out of my hands as I slowly began to think of an ice rose in my mind. The ice rose came, and the void was there, feeding all my emotions, it drained all my thoughts. I was calm and the void was now within me and I the void. I controlled the cards freely, let it swirl around me, and raised more and more to come about my being. It wasn’t that hard anymore it seemed as I let it drop to the ground again. The cards flew back to the man and joined his army of cards once more. Then, he spoke again, his voice sounding cheerier than before, “Now, go over to the those four pictures, and tell me what you see in them.” I obeyed.

Walking over to another set of pictures with intricate carvings and details finer than the best drawings in the world, I looked at the first one. Speaking my thoughts aloud, “This one, I see a… tiger? The second one, I see a panther. The third, I see a leopard. Lastly, I see a lion.” The master of paper nodded as he uttered two words: “Create them.” The void still vibrating through my mind, the glow of chakra surrounded me as I thought I need about 4000 sheets of papers to create the tiger. To my surprise, the amount of papers that rose to my command was 4000, as I took notes in my head. Halcyon eyes watching the papers form together as the image of the white tiger formed in my mind. Within minutes, I was able to make the white tiger exactly in the picture that formed. It was simple origami still, in neither that I could not really control the animal to do upon my bidding nor could I make it move from that spot. The dragon from before was able to move because it came from a real thing in the Unseen World—the demon that was alive, and somehow took the form of a dragon in reality.

Next, I needed about 4500 papers to make the panther come alive from my image that was already formed in my mind. The papers came together, one by one, as they formed a good body for the panther as I made the tails, legs, arms, and face. Down to its last detail, I made it so, the panther coming together quite nicely as I observed what I was doing—and learning. So far, I had learned how to set up the void, create animals that weren’t real enough of my skill to even move. I still had much to learn but the grotesque image of the dragon was quite frightening; and so I ignored it. Some time passed and the panther was complete. Gathering 4000 papers, I put my hands together as the paper swirled among them. Piling up as it stacked upon itself, it smothered into the ground—if there was ground, I guess that would be it—and out came the structure of the leopard. The last was the lion.

[loyal]

[+ten.] - ALMOST THERE.

[mitsukai]

90|100

Within moments, 5000 papers came together to form a lion. I stood before the Four Big Cats, the creations—wonderfully made through my skill of paper. I looked over to the man, and saw his smile, I smiled too—rubbing the back of my head as I jovially said, “Hey! Look at that! Guess I’m done here.” The paper master shook his head, and reached into his pocket, speaking, “There is one more final test for you Myaku. Pass this, and you have learned the art of paper.” The seemingly senile old man pulled out a cube as it rose to a boy of my age—but the height was obviously shorter. He wore the same dark skin as me, as he watched me with dark, cold eyes that seemed to glow on a winter night like hard black coals blazing in the fire. He raised a single hand, and paper shot up out of ground and swarmed towards me in waves upon waves of paper sheets—30,000 to be exact. The ice rose still in my mind as I clung to void within me, I let my chakra burst out of my body. Abruptly, paper cards swirled around me, quickly defending me from the paper wave.

I knew how do it, finally, as I kept my eyes open—analyzing the boy’s techniques—as I moved away. The papers followed me as the boy merely stepped towards me, slowly but surely. His face was calm, and his techniques were experienced. Lazuli optics borne his eyes as I quickly watched the boy’s wave papers stop and form something. Four creatures were formed and they were—ironically—the same creatures I had created. The only visible difference was that they could move, animated as they were, and were obviously better than mine. But they weren’t better than me that was evident. My cards that swirled around me, twenty of them went towards each beast as I stood watching. The four beasts tried dodging my attacks, and they all but failed. The paper cards were too quick, and agile. They cut through the bodies of the four beasts, torn them down and ripped them apart. Piece by piece, it went, the animals’ bodies screaming into the whiteness that stretch on for miles.

I watched the boy continue to attack me as I attacked back with equal force. Suddenly, I looked at the picture from before as the image flashed before my eyes. This was the battle in that picture! We were the two powerful benders of paper as we fought through the battle. But… something was wrong. The old man, despite his illusionary image, was a thinker. He reasoned through everything, and through everything there was always a goal or a specific purpose for a specific action or event. What exactly was the purpose or rather, the goal of this battle? Was I supposed to defeat him? Acknowledge him? Respect him? What exactly? I opened my mouth to speak as the boy moved to stop what I was about to say, my eyes narrowed as I sent a horde of papers at him as I projected my voice towards the man, “Hey!!! What is the purpose of this battle? What is the goal I must complete?” The old man smiled as the boy stopped—midair in effort to end my life—as he spoke, “The goal was for you to realize that this battle was meaningless. And so you realized it. There will be many battles where it will be meaningless to participate in, meaningless to use or even show the ability to use paper. Remember that Myaku.”

“Now, it is truly time for the final test of what you must be, of what you will be, and of what you will become.” The man spoke. He raised his hands high in the air as papers flew towards the sky, gathering, forming. It looked like there were everlasting papers that just flew from the ground as they formed a strikingly familiar shape. Yes—the dragon made from the demon himself. The man looked at me, his eyes peering deep into my soul as he spoke, “You must overcome the will of this dragon—made in the image of the Fiend.” Darkness quickly filled my mind as I saw the dragon’s huge mouth consume me, I paralyzed. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t speak—only stand there as the dragon’s marrow overwhelmed me. I didn’t know what exactly to do as a suddenly a strike hit me in the head so painful that I just wanted to utter a cry. I lay there; defeated for a moment as I slowly recovered. Remembering my purpose, I formed the void around me. It shook as the dragon attacked once more, but it held firm. Sending a shocking wave of paper across the surface of the mind, I heard the dragon roar in pain as I continued; wave after wave. Nonstop, until the darkness slowly receded and the dragon’s huge body began to fall apart piece by piece. I looked around, finally, done, “OK! OK! I am done right? I’m alive right? I still have my lips right? Ok! Good to go! See ya and thanks!” The man moved quickly, speaking while putting a finger on my forehead, “You are never done. Until the day you die, you are never done.”

I was back on the dragons’ back in reality. I was in the sky, and as I rubbed my head, confusion hit me. I had… long hair?!!!! And… my face was smooth, and my hair was a blend of silver and white—making it moonlight. I shrugged, and touched my lips, “At least I still have lips.” With that, I descended down from the heavens and into the training ground seeing A, K, and Masji together.

“Hey guys! I still have my lips don’t worry!” Oh, did I tell you that I simply loved being the odd one out.

[loyal]

YES. YOU STILL HAVE YOUR LIPS.

[+ten.] - learned

---

"...."

My face spelt utter shock. I eyed Myaku as I noticed that his whole appearance had changed completely. It was rather amazing as a matter of fact for how someone was able to completely change appearance in a couple of minutes but I couldn't verbally express that shock as I continued to stare at Myaku with extremely wide eyes. Then, without warning, I would simply fall backwards, stiff as a board, and faint momentarily. It was too much for me.

"..."

[mitsukai]

SPOILER: Click to show

Doton no Jutsu (Earth Release Skill)
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: ---
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: With this skill, or release, the user is now capable of using, and performing techniques that deal with the element of Earth. This means that any NinJutsu or specialized TaiJutsu that deals the Earth Release will need this in order to be performed correctly.
Limit: ---

0|20

Adios’s Story [/u]

The thirteen foot one white monkey edged closer and closer to his master that was lying down on the ground; unconscious. Yes, it surprised him too, when Myaku came down from the skies like an angel on the back of his dragon, but he was not about to lose this chance. Towering over Masji, he gently stroked his skin as his mouth opened into a wide smile; devilish. His eyes narrowed as he danced jovially, his hands reaching towards the body of the small boy, ignoring the statements of Mayku: "oooo! My hair is sooo pretty!!! Moonlight hair!!!" and "oh yea, oh yea, I still have my lips! My beautiful, beautiful lips!" By this time, the immense monkey had stripped the boy's clothes.

"My hai- hey Adios, careful with him. He's fragile y'know?" Myaku will say as the white monkey nodded vigorously, stating, "I'll be very careful--whatever that word means." He knew Myaku wouldn't understand him, but the nodding should be enough, for Myaku went back to the self admiring of his hair and lips. Inside, the white monkey leaped with joy as he slowly approached the small boy that lay before him. Would Masji awake in time?!!!

To be continued...

---

flashback…

I stood in the center, snow all around me. I could watch the massive blankets of white stretch on for miles upon miles as I began to walk with my grandfather—my old man—to a ground where there was no snow. My old man quickly disappeared into the ten meter distance away from me. He faced me, speaking, “Today, I will teach you how to become one with the Mother.” He sat down, and I followed, he closed his eyes, and I watched—observing. The glow of chakra surrounded him as it dived deeply into the ground, and suddenly the rocks from the ground pulled up and out onto the surface. Five rocks to be exact. I watched my grandfather open his eyes and gesture me over to the first rock and I, of course, obeyed.

Walking over to the first rock, I stood before it, waiting on the instructions of my old man, he looked at me and uttered simple words “Break it.” Then, he paused and continued, “Break it, with using only pure charka—no elements mind!” I turned to the rock that just sat there lazily, as I wondered how in all possibility that I was going to break this rock purged out of the ‘Mother’ my old man called it, using pure chakra alone. It just didn’t make sense to me, but as I put my hands on the fat rock, I quickly channeled my chakra. The flow of chakra surged throughout the rock, and I tried expanding it. There had to be way to break this rock, or my grandfather wouldn’t ask such a ridiculous request. So, I would try expanding it, and try to burst it out from inside out. The chakra expanded, filling the volume of the rock as I continued to put more and more. Eventually, the rock shook, gently at first, and then violently. Within minutes, it exploded.

I turned to my grandfather to see a short smile on his lips, as he spoke; pointing to the second rock positioned three meters in front of him, “Find its weak spot using your chakra. Hit that spot and only that spot using your finger alone.” Now, he was just being crazy. I sighed as I obeyed, going over to the second rock, channeling my chakra, I used my mind to search for the weak spot. I always felt that protection—though weak but strong when attacked—lingering around when I did this, and so, I swam through the rock, finding its weak spot. The weak spot didn’t appear to be in this rock and suddenly, I found… two?! I spoke, “Old man, there is two weak spots there.” The old man merely shrugged, as if he expected me to know what to do. Well, then, it looks like I have to hit both spots at the same time.

Cracking my knuckles, I punched the two spots using both my fists as the rock crumbled. I had expected to feel pain pinning its way through the surface of my hands, but I didn’t. Looking at my grandfather, he clasped his hands, chakra slowly oozing out of it. The two rocks beside him came to him as if he was using those hands as a magnet and then they smashed into each other. A new, bigger rock formed before him as he told me to come near it. I did so, obediently, as he spoke again, “Use the skills you have gained so far and find the properties in this rock. Conjure up the same similar properties it has from the Mother.” I sigh, and got ready to do so. Grabbing the rock, I sent waves upon waves of chakra into the rock, quickly gaining a lot of information from the rock itself. In time, I learned its properties as I got ready to conjure it up from the Mother. Would I be able to do this impossible request?!![/font]

[loyal]

[+ten.] and oh god.

---

"..."

I was still out like a light and I certainly wasn't aware of the events that was occurring. So I continued to lay there, completely unconscious and not moving one bit. However, it was strange for I was having a slight aside with some abnormally large creature that seemed to resemble some type of white feline of sorts. It was strange and I felt like I've known this individual before. Still, the beast was barking orders at me and claiming that I was a odd creature of sorts. Still completely oblivious, I spent the time trying to get away from the monster, using my refined juking abilities in hopes of breaking the beast's ankles.

"...."

[mitsukai]

10|20

He looked left, and then right; the Black Panther out of his sight. Inside, he leaped with joy as he dragged the boy to a tree whose bark was large enough to hide the two. There were some bushes in the area as well as the white monkey loomed over the small boy and then, a single sound emitted. The single sound became reiterating, growing to a point where it was heard if you came within three meters of it. Grunts and screams of confusion were heard and they splattered across the air, hitting those who heard it; turning them deaf.

The noises continued, and eventually ceased. It was practically disgusting but hey, to animals, it mattered not for humans were the same to them; so as long as they had a hole for the boy animals and a banana for the girls animals. It was realistic yet dangerous and the fear of Masji not being able to walk straight for two weeks was high indeed. Adios was surely going to be in trouble once he was found out; and who he was going to find out from, obviously—Myaku.

What, indeed, was Masji going to do about this ungodly action?

---

flashback continues…

I sat down on the cool, hard ground that had not a single spot of snow on it. crossed legged, I put my hands together in a somewhat strange seal: my hands forming a circle upside down as I closed my eyes; focused. The glow of chakra quickly surrounded me, and thus, I controlled it and pushed it down into Mother Gaia. The Gaea’s strong cry and the trees’ lively songs embraced my mind as I spread the chakra far and wide, submitting my will entirely to the Mother. Properties of earth passed by, but none were the rock that was the combination of the two. It was impossible, yes, it had to be. But again, my grandfather was reasonable man, and wouldn’t normally tell me to do something that had no purpose. Idly swimming through the earth, I passed through the abundance amount of equipments but none were—unfortunately—the one I wanted.

It was failure, yes, oh it was failure. I needed to find this thing quickly and move on. I had so many months ahead of me and perhaps, years, if I was to keep up this slow pace. The idea was to go from earth to wood, but I couldn’t even reach the possibility of doing so, if I was this lazy. My mind focused, suddenly, a single rose carved from pure ice, my aureate eyes staring at it in wonder. I had seen these before — only three times in my entire lifetime—and this was fourth time. my emotions feeding into the rose, the void—I assume—formed around me as I became faster, efficient, and thus, I was able to pick it out in no time. I swam to it, and a large creature that had no visible interpretation of reality appeared before me; seemingly guarding the rock of which I so dearly desired. Now, it was a battle of wills.

Perhaps, I could die in this battle, but I knew I was going to survive this as I quickly lashed out with my mind. The creature roared in surprise, the pain of it soaring through his body. I knew I was going to win, because the void was me; and I the void. It vibrated within me, keeping me sane to my abilities as the creatures came at me—blindly charging through the Gaea’s strong dirt and debris—clawing at mind. I hated these fools, the same as I hated those stupid rogues who killed my family and my people; I raised my head to the skies, the deep waters where no wisdom could reach forever hating me and trying to curse me. My mind lashed out as a final attack, and the creature died in a painful death.

I watched the creature slowly wither away as I swam towards the rock, pulling it out of the ground. Almost there, I thought as the surface was now in the clear. My eyes shot open as I let out a roar so unspeakable and with the combination of the rock being taken out of the ground—the Gaia shook violently one more. I looked at my grandfather as he stood up, walked over to it and laid a hand on it. Closing his eyes for, oh but a moment, he would open them once more and give a smile, speaking, and “Good job. That’s it for today.” I smiled, I laughed, and teased him about his short height as I got up—looming over him. He hit me on my head—back then when I still had the afro—but it still hurt nonetheless. We walked back home—to the land where snow is everywhere—and I can’t wait to see the start of a new training. Perhaps…

Flashback ends…

[/i][/font]

[loyal]

[+ten.]

---

I woke up but oh god, I wish I hadn't. I wish I just had just kept asleep but it was too late. I saw a ton of things that I wish I hadn't seen and before I knew it, I was practically crippled as I simply laid on the floor, paralyzed. It took me a moment to recuperate myself as I slowly brought myself to my feet as I realized that my clothes were still halfway across the field. Literally grabbing a bush and fitting it around my torso, I sprinted out towards my garments, grabbed them and ran back behind the privacy of the foliage and trees.

Redressing myself, my eyes spoke of rage and absolute pain as I eyed the white monkey.

" HOW COULD YOU DAMNIT?! AGH. I'M GOIN' TO BEAT THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF YOU. "

And with that, my left hand would turn into a gun formation as I'd let out an unrelenting rush of green fire bullets, the pellet sized balls of fire darting towards their target. The shots were left out in rapid succession, mimicing that of a machine gun. The shots weren't enough to kill but I was sure to put him through the same pain that he put me through and Myaku was that for that matter. Was he completely oblivious when Aidos undressed me?! After sending a hail of bullets towards Aidos, I would turn around, rage-filled and send a torrent of fire bullets at Myaku. Oh, they would pay.