World Travel |Invite Only|

[Zetsumei]

We continued to walk while Argantael flew on ahead, she was searching out everything that was ahead of us. In the air she did have a better vantage point, but there was also the factor of snow limiting her field of vision as well. I could not exactly say that she was the most use to these conditions, nor was I, but the woman that had come with me seemed more lively. She ran out ahead of me while the bird was away and exclaimed about how we could not locate the gate. Did she perhaps think that we were searching for the Village Hidden in the Snow?

I waited and continued to keep my awareness up while we searched the area, it was very likely that in this snowy wasteland that we had gotten off course. "Where do you think we are going? The Hidden Village? No, we're just looking for a town that will have the books we need, no need to find the Village as well." I refrained from answering her question in regards to the Ziz locating anything, she had yet to return from scouting ahead after all.

[Same as Previous]

[N A T S U M I]

Nope sorry :$ Link

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Seeing absolutely nothing ahead nor around me, I was beginning to truly think that we were lost. Shobou and his large bird seemed to not communicate with the other member in the group as much as I would have liked. I hated being in the dark on situations and since I didn't know the man, it would probably be the reason why he hardly spoke to me. Snow continued to fall, showering us with a thick blanket, the whiteness was becoming a little blinding and bland for my taste. I sigh.

But when the Author mentioned about the fact that we were not searching for Yukigakure caused me to stop dead in my tracks. The vein in the side of my head suddenly popped out and I could feel my muscles tensing at the information. We weren't searching for the village. Well why didn't he tell me before we arrived in this country! I relax my posture and turn to face him. Despite I was standing upon a hill, my chocolate colored eyes sized the man up despite I looked down my nose at him.

“Then why didn't we find a path leading to certain areas in the first place?!” I say, starting the question in a soft tone before raising my voice to a shout. Placing both my hands on my hips, I stride down the hill toward him. “Just what kind of Chuunin of Otogakure are you anyway? Don't you have any kind of direction at all?” I snapped, stopping until I was roughly seven inches away from Sho's face. He was the same height as me but obviously older. My annoyance in him growing with each passing moment, I continue to stand there for a few moments, studying those gorgeous features intently.

I didn't want to be in this country any longer and walking lost around in hills of snows was not something that I wanted to do. He wanted books, I wanted money and more weapons. Even purchasing a cloak and a World Map might brighten my mood. My gaze continued to remain stern, yet emotionless at the same time. If anyone noticed me staring at him the way I was, they wouldn't know if I was angry or not. However, my tone identified what my face could not. Wither he answered me or not, I averted my gaze for a moment but didn't break the distance.

“Should we attempt to search for a path? Or at least find someone who is familiar with these parts? I believe we are lost.” I say softly, all evidence of my anger disappearing along with the footprints we had made in the snow. My mind was in chaos and I wanted something to happen as soon as possible.

[Zetsumei]

This Genin had quite some nerve to her as she spoke to me in such a way, I had half a mind give the back of her head a good smack. Still I stood there and remained calm, not flinching as she walked so close to me. I could feel the discomfort and wanted nothing more than to back away, but I would not back down from this. I stood my ground and looked calmly into her eyes as she examined my face. "I, Miss Kamyuja, am the kind of Chuunin that thinks about what he is doing and where he is, something you are currently not doing." I was somewhat lacking patience at this point and went on to say, "Did you once consider the environment we are in and how much it would cost to build and maintain roads that get covered in snow every hour or so?"

I began to move around her at this point and resume my observation of the area, taking note of everything that was in the area. "The possibility that we have gone off course is high, this place has no distinguishing land marks after all which is why I sent Argantael ahead to make sure we stay on the right track." I was walking up the hill and used that vantage point to get a better perspective of the surroundings, to try and find something, anything to help us on the way. "Do you have any other concerns or do you wish to go off on your own to try and find another person among the snow and get yourself lost?"

[1 roll, 11% Hoar Fox]

[Corvus]

you found your foxymajigger :3

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Amusement was an awkward feeling. The Author was clearly uncomfortable with my outburst and was not pleased with my behavior at all. But his remark to me not thinking set my teeth on edge. A low laugh escaped my lips at the words but was cut off abruptly the moment he continued to speak. “Why yes I did actually. What do you think the Shinobi of Yukigakure are used for hmm?” I said haughtily, sizing up the Chuunin matter-of-factually. “I see many missions in Otogakure that involve cleaning up the village or doing repairs. Surely Yukigakure must do the same.”

It seemed like a logical explanation to me. Although something told me Shobou would think otherwise. But to hell what he thought. As he resumed his observation of Yuki no Kuni, I turn around to listen to him speaking again. For someone who is quite obnoxious, he did have a somewhat interesting way of using his words. How fascinating. My gaze rose upward toward the sky as I searched for the beast that Sho was talking about. With being so high up, would Argantael be able to locate a small town?

The snowflakes drifted around the land somewhat lazily, sparkling in the sunlight which cast off a brilliance about this cool, harsh environment. If I knew where I was going, or had the right wardrobe for a place such as this, I would have definitely considered living here and observing the beauty the snow brought. I had almost missed the rest of the Chuunin's question and had lowered my gaze to his slowly just as the remaining part of his sentence left his kissable mouth. “And has it occurred to you that you have a compass? Perhaps instead of lecturing me, maybe you should use that to get us on the right track, sweetheart.”

My tone had softened visibly as I studied him from a distance. He had continued to walk whereas I had stopped moving due to staring up at the sky. Although I could not see Argantael in sight, I wondered if it had found what we were searching for. I briskly walk toward Shobou's direction, closing our 2 meter distance easily and slowed my pace to match his once we were close again. I was careful to give at least two feet a distance beside him, but aside from that he had a point; I didn't know where I was going and I didn't want to get myself further lost.

[Zetsumei]

Doubutsu Kougi 動物交宜 (Animal Friendship)
Rank: "D", "C", "B", "A", "S", "S+B"
Skill: None
Effect: A technique that allows an animal to listen to the user through the course of friendship and kindness.
Special: ---
Drawback: Animal will not listen to the user what so ever. May only learn once per animal. If user gets a new animal user must relearn the technique for that specific animal.
Description: To train you must approach, play, feed, etc with the animal. You must love the animal as if it is your buddy. You must train long and hard to gain the trust and of your animal companion. If user has a Small Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "D" Rank. If user has a Medium Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "C" Rank. If the user has a Large Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "B" Rank. If the user has a Huge Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "A" Rank. If the user has a Gargantuan Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "S" Rank. If the user has a Colossal Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "S + B" Rank. This means that the user must first learn "S", and then learn an additional "B" because its such a huge creature.
Limit: Must have an Animal Companion. User cannot have if user knows Doubutsu Shirei 動物司令 (Animal Control)

0|10

"And where do you think the funds to pay for the services of Shinobi come from? Did you think the kage beckoned forth the god of wealth to summon Ryo from the air to pay the people fixing the village? Nay, the money comes from taxes, noblemen, sometimes even the treasury." With a sigh I shook my head and continued, "Besides, those buildings that are fixed do not fall apart after an hour, the roads would be too covered to properly locate after that long and shinobi would have to be maintaining them twenty four seven in order to keep them clear. Shinobi or not, the expenditure is too high."

From my vantage point atop the hill I noticed something not too far off near the base on the other side of the hill. I assumed my companion had missed this due to the fact that she had been searching for something else. "Stay there." I said sharply before quickly running down the hill as I dashed towards the crimson flecked snow I saw. It was there that I saw a small, young looking gray fox being attacked by a slightly bigger, older looking one. I wasn't normally one to interfere with nature, but nothing about what was going on seemed right to me.

I continued dashing down the hill, being careful so I didn't fall and potentially make things worse. I only hoped that I could make it in time and dove at the last moment as the larger fox was going for a finishing blow to the smaller one's throat. Pain shot through my body as I felt the fangs stab into my flesh as skin was ripped away. Warm blood dripped into the crazed Hoar Fox's mouth and it's jaws tightened down upon my hand. Bending my fingers down without making a fist I swiftly struck with my other hand to strike the attacker on the back of the skull, knocking her out.

I felt the jaws loosen upon my hand and looked towards the other fox that was still cowering in fear, well I did have quite the grand entrance. "It's alright, are you okay there little one?" I spoke with a smile on my face, hiding the pain and bleeding hand from the little fox. Still cowering and shaking a bit she let a small 'kyun' sound, she seemed somewhat scared and relieved at the same time. Continuing to smile I spoke, "I'm glad you're okay. Do you have anywhere to go?" The fox slowly began to become more comfortable it seemed and I reached my hand out to pet her as she responded with another 'kyun' sound.

I could not exactly tell, but the tone seemed to be saying that it did not, at least not anymore. "If that's the case, would you like to come with me?" Getting to my knees I would lift her with one arm as she let out another, happier sounding noise. I would take that as acknowledgement as I rose to my feet and began to trek back up the hill. I was doing my best to keep the bleeding hand out of the young Hoar Fox's sight as I walked up the hill, there was no need to worry it unduly about my injury though it was not exactly hidden from a person's view.

When I reached the top I would finally acknowledge the last of what Natsumi had said. "Silly as it may sound, the compass was a gift and something I would rather not lose in the snow." As I spoke Argantael approached, finally arriving and scaring the daylights out of the young fox. Rubbing her under the chine with my thumb, "There, there, little one. This is Argantael, she's a friend, you don't need to be afraid of her." Still rubbing the fox's chin I looked up to the bird, "How far?" The language of the birds could be harsh, but I understood every word the Ziz said while gesturing her beak.

"The town's just a little ways that way, you got a little off course during the walk." With a nod at her words I would turn to Natsumi, "Argantael says the town isn't far off, let's go."

[Beltran]

Learned

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Fancy that, Shobou always having a say for everything. My head turned away from his face during the time he spoke about clearing the snow every hour. I supposed that he had a good reason, but I was just no longer interested in the conversation anymore. But when he appeared to show signs of spotting something, I made an attempt at moving closer to see when I was sharply to stay put. Was pretty boy giving me an order? He went up the hill without awaiting for a response, but I followed him but stopped at the top of the hill and crouched down.

Shobou was heading down to intercept what appeared to be a battle between what looked like two foxes and had returned with the smaller one of the two. My gaze fell upon the small ball of fluff as he spoke to and handled it with great care. His tenderness toward the animal was taxing as I didn't see the reason for rescuing such a small, weak animal. Crossing my arms across my chest, I studied the fox carefully but spotted the red liquid running along the Author's hand indicating that he had been attacked during the scuffle.

The snowflakes created small white patches in her fine Grey coat and when her gaze raised to see the incoming bird, I realized that her eyes were a bright blue in color. But the screeching of the winged animal appeared to have frightened her a little but Shobou seemed to clam the fox as well as communicate with the bird as well. Although I had no idea what he was saying, I remained silent and waited for the Chuunin to tell me that the bird had spotted a town not too far from here. “About time.” I said bitterly and began to walk in the direction of where the bird was.

[Zetsumei]

I, too, moved in that direction after she began to walk. I was allowing Argantael to lead the way towards the village since she could get us there without getting lost. The woman accompanying me was quite obviously annoyed about the whole thing. She had been quite bothersome about the whole thing really and was starting to get on my nerves. Though, to be honest, it was probably better than those two that were suppose to have been on my team before. Well, anyways, we made it to the small town in very little time and I would choose then to speak. "I'm going to take care of the mission requirements for now, you can do as you like but meet back here in two hours." With that said I walked off towards the center of town.

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Now that I knew where I was heading, following the large bird in silence seemed uplifting for me. Having to not listen to blondie back there had eased my mood. Yet I had surfacing questions that I was all too annoyed to ask as that would only defy what made me happy at present. The small town appeared fairly quickly, which gave me the impression that were not that far off after all. Although the screechy noise shared between man and bird was unidentifiable to me, I had a feeling that they were discussing something that I was not involved in. But no matter, right now I wanted nothing to do with the man, bird or fox.

When Shobou spoke again, he informed me abruptly and walked off toward the center of the town without uttering any more words nor looking back. “Two hours it is.” I said quietly, probably quiet enough that he did not pick up on my words and approached a large rock to my far right and sat upon it. Was he crazy? I wasn't going to wonder around this place not knowing where I was. I decided that I would stay right here. The sound of the wind howling around in my ears echoed powerfully, almost deafening me. My mind felt frozen as did my skin. Reaching up to rub both my arms, I gradually tucked both my legs in beneath me as I sat upon the rock.

Two hours was a long time but something told me inside that I would wait for a whole day for that single man. But why? He hated my guts, it was evident in the way he treated me. But something about him was intriguing. I didn't like him, yet I didn't hate him either. What exactly did I feel? Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to slowly drift away from the world, entering my own mind as I had often done during times when I was alone of frightened. The darkness was comforting despite many horrible things have occurred deep within that darkness. I was alone, in silence. The sounds of the howling wind and the feeling of the piercing cold suddenly diminishing along with reality.

Enter Flashback

And there I was, standing in my Dojo at home shortly after I had learned how to punch properly. I am a Taijutsu Master. I live only to fight and my strength comes from gathering up all the knowledge I had acquired over the years. Killing my Father had given me knowledge on killing, giving me the feeling of not being able to feel a thing while the bright aura of a person beneath me fades away from this world. The teacher teaching me boxing stood before me, speaking words from an unheard mouth, yet I am perfectly capable of lip-reading.

I am being taught how to give someone an uppercut. The stance I am told to move into was made without thought. My two arms raise up before me, shadows danced along the walls of the Dojo due to the many candles scattered around us. A single punching bag hung directly before me, the teacher standing behind it, hands gently holding the bag still. “Bend your right knee and lower your right shoulder as you drop that side of your body into a semi-crouch position.” The teacher's lips said.

I obeyed quietly, moving my self slowly, bending my knee as I did so. My left fist still remained beside my face, protecting my face should anyone attempt to strike first. My hips suddenly rotated forward, I pushed off of the ground using my back foot as my body suddenly jerked into motion. It felt like a jerk to me, yet my movements were fluid like that of a jungle cat. As my body propelled itself forward, my right fist was curled tightly into a ball, the muscles rippling down my arm were bulging despite I was relaxed and focused on my invisible opponent.

As my right fist shot upward, my elbow bent slightly while my right wrist rolled outward so that my thumb and palm – despite my hand was closed – faced my face. I pushed my arm closer toward myself, the elbow never raising too far and always close to my size. As my fist raised up, my right shoulder dropped down as my body drove itself forward. The awaiting hand before me, palm facing toward the ground was my target. And as my fist struck it, all force of my strike sent it upward despite it was not as hard a jerk as I thought it would be.

Both my knees had extended as I threw my weight into that punch. The teacher's hand barely jerking at all. I was experimenting on him, realizing that I had not used all of my strength. But when my gaze shifted from his hand to the teacher's face, the response I received was not something that I was expecting at all. The teacher was shaking his head in disapproval. “When you come here to train with me, I expect you to give me all of your strength. Do it again, and this time stop behaving like a girl.”

Learning:
The Uppercut
Rank: "D"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: A vertical, rising punch thrown with the lead hand or rear hand.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture To throw a right uppercut, start in the classic boxing stance with the back (right) knee bent. Lower the right shoulder to drop the right side of the body in a semi-crouch position. Remember to keep the left fist up by the chin to protect the head. Now as you rotate the hips forward, push the ball of the back foot, (the right foot), and punch the right fist up towards the target. The right side of the back and the right shoulder will follow through with the rotation of the hips. The hips finish being squared to the front. The right arm always stays close to the body and moves upward in a semi-circle. To throw the left uppercut from the classic boxing stance, start with squared off hips, left knee bent and the left shoulder lowered. The body weight is then transferred to the ball of the left foot as the punch is delivered with a bent arm at a right angle and the hips will rotate into the classic boxing stance. Do your best to hit your target with your first two knuckles. Remember to bend the both of the knees and lean the body forward. Bring the first close to the side and remember to have the knuckles facing down. Extend the bent knees at full force Use the momentum and the body to thrust the fist upward.
Limit: Must learn in a gym that teaches Bokushingu (Boxing), Must know Upright Stance or Semi-Crouch

00|10

[|Ayame Unbound|]

+10

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Continue Flashback

After performing the uppercut another few times, the teacher grew satisfied with my progress and then moved onto another task. His lips told me if I had learned any of the Shunshin techniques which my response was a shake of the head. I had not learn much Taijutsu, in fact I was only born with the knowledge of my Clan's abilities and nothing else. The teacher nodded solemnly and began explaining about the first Shunshin of what appeared to be five. “Well there are technically thirty two but you won't be learning all of them as some of them will not apply to you. Now listen up carefully.”

The teacher began speaking further, describing each shunshin with great detail. The Shunshin I was to learn was called Oshi. “Now over usage of this technique will render you immobile for a while due to the strain that it will put on your muscles. So the limit is three times per day unless you decide to use more. If you overuse this technique, you will need to seek medical attention.” I nodded and watched as he performed a quick demonstration. He had briefly tensed all the muscles within his legs before he moved so I was able to understand the strain such a technique can place upon a person.

“Now to perform a Shunshin, one focuses on their ankles and feet in order for this to properly work. So concentrate on your lower half and propel yourself forward.” The Teacher explained. My mind focused entirely upon my ankles and feet. The sensation I developed began to build from the tips of my toes before it gradually grew into a tingly, burning sensation. I turned around from the punching bag and quickly calculated the distance between the wall and myself. Fifteen meters.

My mind went straight to my feet again, I raised myself slightly, flattening my foot despite my heel was a few centimeters off the ground. Call it tiptoeing, but I was actually trying to balance myself out so that I was able to propel myself forward much faster and smoothly. My calve muscles tensed at this, stretching as my heels remained off the ground. My body was leaning forward slightly as if I was preparing to dive off a cliff. I used little chakra in this feat, deciding that the energy was not worth using if this was something a person would call Taijutsu.

But after a few moments of testing my balance, I gradually pushed off of the ground, forcing myself forward. For a moment the muscles in my feet refused to move but when I released the breath I had been holding, I suddenly felt the push of my muscles as I jerked forward. The Dojo around me suddenly disappeared in view and I found myself standing two meters away from where I once stood. Confused I turned around and found myself standing an extra two meters away from my teacher, hardly seeming to have moved at all. “What happened?”

Learning:
Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique – Push)
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu that allows a user to rush forward in almost instantaneous speed. Used to draw the user close to the opponent.
Special: ---
Drawback: May use 3 times a day. May perform 1 more each time learned. Passing amount renders the user's legs immobile due to severe pain. Unable to perform again unless gained medical treatment. Must move through an opening. Unable to maneuver around obstructing objects. Can't attack while performing any Shunshin or Variation.
Description: User is able to move forward in a straight line along the ground in almost instantaneous untraceable speed while temporarily masking the user's movements within 10 meters. A puff of smoke is occasionally used to disguise the user's movements. It is accomplished by focusing the user's chi along the ankles and foot. User mostly moves just with their ankles and feet. Jutsu takes up no movements. User may only use this Jutsu half of the movements may allow in a single round while rounding down. Example: User has 5 movements, user is able to perform Jutsu 2 times per round.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu or Universal TaiJutsu.

10|30

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Continue Flashback

It seemed as if I had taken a small leap instead of a short transportation. A sigh escaped from the teacher's mouth before he approached me. “You relaxed yourself right at the last minute. Don't worry, many Shinobi do it. You cannot relax yourself when you do this, you must maintain the tense muscles until you get used to it. Do it again.” My attention turned from the teacher and fell upon the wall a second time. My feet tensed again, that same sensation returned yet seemed more physically challenging then before. I realized that I was raising my heels again, my calves stretching and screaming for release.

I lean forward again, ever so sightly. My muscles screamed more yet I was able to push them out of mind easily. I try pushing myself forward, easily and gently. Yet I found myself taking a step forward to prevent myself from falling over. Frowning, I relax myself and shake both my legs to relieve the tension before continuing again. My right foot moved a scant few inches forward, my toes firmly against the ground. I bent my knees almost slightly and raised my heels again. “Concentrate. Feel your muscles and concentrate on your chakra control.”

Chakra control. So I needed chakra in this after all? My chakra was pour due to my Clan, but I was able to mold it. Sending a small amount of it to my ankles and feet lessened the burning tingly sensation visibly, I was able to stand like this without feeling much of anything. My attention remained fixated on the wall as I gradually pushed myself forward by kicking off the ground. At this point, my body felt that same familiar push and the Dojo around me suddenly became nothing but a blur. However, to my misfortune, I relaxed again at the last minute, and thus only went forward a little bit.

This time three meters had I moved. A little impressed, I walked back toward the teacher and performed a few stretches. “Your getting the hang of it. Remember, don't relax.” He said again, that same expression on his face. I was growing annoyed with him and waved a small dismissal at him while my attention remained on the wall. Why was this not working for me? Yet again all the muscles in my lower legs, ankles and feet tensed visibly and a small amount of my chakra was focused around the soles of my feet and my ankles.

A scant usage of chakra was useful but I didn't see why it helped when it only seemed to assist me in the removal of the pain when I crouched slightly. Perhaps that is the reason why Shinobi use it? I thought about asking the question but bit it back as it no longer seemed of relevance. But raising my heels again, placing my weight onto my toes and bending my knees ever so slightly. It seemed to be the only thing I was able to do. But as I pushed off of the ground again, I didn't relax, my muscles were rock hard and my chakra burst was right on time. But was it able to propel me further than three meters?

Learning:
Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique – Push)
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu that allows a user to rush forward in almost instantaneous speed. Used to draw the user close to the opponent.
Special: ---
Drawback: May use 3 times a day. May perform 1 more each time learned. Passing amount renders the user's legs immobile due to severe pain. Unable to perform again unless gained medical treatment. Must move through an opening. Unable to maneuver around obstructing objects. Can't attack while performing any Shunshin or Variation.
Description: User is able to move forward in a straight line along the ground in almost instantaneous untraceable speed while temporarily masking the user's movements within 10 meters. A puff of smoke is occasionally used to disguise the user's movements. It is accomplished by focusing the user's chi along the ankles and foot. User mostly moves just with their ankles and feet. Jutsu takes up no movements. User may only use this Jutsu half of the movements may allow in a single round while rounding down. Example: User has 5 movements, user is able to perform Jutsu 2 times per round.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu or Universal TaiJutsu.

??|30

[Draven]

Learned

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Continue Flashback

It most certainly did. I ended up right where the ten meter mark was. Turning around, my gaze fell upon the spot where I was once standing and noticed a trace of smoke floating around the outline of my figure. My chocolate colored gaze shifted from the dissipating smoke to the master and noticed that his look of approval reigned like a King upon a throne. “Very good. Now you will be learning how to shunshin backward. This particular shunshin has the exact same properties as the shunshin that you just performed; the only difference is that you are moving backward instead of forward.”

I turned around completely and faced the area where I had once been standing. By now all traces of the smoke had disappeared leaving an empty spot. “I want you to turn back around and shunshin backward to the spot you had just come from.” The teacher said gruffly as I moved myself into a loose stance. Now that I was moving backward, I was unsure of how I was going to move without raising my heels to perform the shunshin. If I raised my heels and suddenly shot forward, I would find myself slamming into the wall of the Dojo.

At the thought of this, I closed my eyes and relaxed all the muscles in my body. What if I was to take a step back and tense the muscles in my body then? The small amount of chakra that I had pooling around inside my feet sent a rush of heat around the soles of my feet and partially up my leg. My calf muscles were a pair of stone walls and I began rocking myself back and forth slightly. My senses were on high alert, the sounds of the floorboards creaking beneath me echoed within my head and the smooth breathing coming from the teacher behind me was flooding into my ears as well, but why was I incapable of moving from this spot?

It was all or nothing. I gingerly took a step back with my right foot, and released the chakra in my feet while slightly pushing off with my left. The simple step sent me scooting backward in what felt like a hard shove-like stumble. My body skittered across the floor, smoke flaring in all directions as I moved backward in one short burst. However, when I stopped moving, I found myself standing at least one meter and a half away from the wall. I had barely moved at all.

“I see you have figured out a way to shunshin, work with that.” The teacher said sternly, yet his tone was softened to an almost hidden note of approval. I walked back toward the wall and relaxed my muscles yet again. I was patient with this, yet my body seemed to scream for action. Yet again, it gently began to rock back and forth slowly, my calves tensing and loosening with each gesture. And as I took another step back, I released the small burst of chakra in my feet and felt that familiar pull back again.

Learning:
Shunshin no Jutsu - Ken'in (Body Flicker Technique – Pull)
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu that allows a user to rush backwards in almost instantaneous speed. Allows the user to retreat from the opponent.
Special: ---
Drawback: Takes away the number of usages Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push). Same distance applications apply. Same drawbacks apply when over using.
Description: User is able to move backwards in a straight line along the ground in almost instantaneous untraceable speed while temporarily masking the user's movements within 10 meters. A puff of smoke is occasionally used to disguise the user's movements. Supplement of Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push) while using same schematics.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu or Universal TaiJutsu, Must know Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push)

00|30

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Continue Flashback

Scooting backward in a hard, shove-like way sent me stumbling yet again. This time I lost my footing and collapsed on the ground at least four meters away from the wall. Despite I had made an utter fool of myself, at least the distance had increased a little. Sighing, I stood up and walked back toward the wall. I noticed that by relaxing everything and just when I was about to move, I tensed my muscles to move back, appeared to work. But what was I doing that didn't propel me back like it should?

I turned my head around to gaze at the teacher, but all he seemed to do was work on my punching bag while I trained this on my own. Seeing this sent a pang of anger through me to the point when I stomped on the ground in frustration. “The least you can do is assist me a little more, master.”

[/b] I said tersely, shooting the man a cool glance. “I just teach boxing, dear. You have to figure this one out for yourself. But when I shunshin backward, I tend to relax and tense my muscles right at the last minute.”

Hearing that increased my current mood. That was exactly what I had been doing; subconsciously thinking about taking a good leap backward while tensing the muscles inside my legs. Turning my head around to face the wall, I closed my eyes and relaxed my muscles and allowed my shoulders to drop down passively. My entire body felt free then, completely at ease and without a single tensed muscle. My body automatically began rocking gently, almost undetectable little rocks as I gently shifted my weight from one leg to another.

I take a step backward then, using my right foot and pressing off firmly with my left. The sensation was warm and tingly at first but soon changed into a hard pull as I felt myself being yanked back. My muscles in both my legs were tensed and the sudden push of my chakra sent me sailing backward much quicker than the last two times. This alone sent my mind spinning as I began stumbling backward once the[/i] pull was over. And when I opened my eyes, I found myself standing seven meters away from the wall.

I was almost there. But I did need a break for now since I didn't want to visit the hospital for pulling too many muscles. Turning around, I approached the water bottles and picked up the bottle I had already taken a drink from. My gaze fell upon the master again. “How long do I have to rest before I can resume my training?” I said through my teeth. The teacher regarded me for a few moments before placing the bottle down. “Tomorrow.”

Learning:
Shunshin no Jutsu - Ken'in (Body Flicker Technique – Pull)
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu that allows a user to rush backwards in almost instantaneous speed. Allows the user to retreat from the opponent.
Special: ---
Drawback: Takes away the number of usages Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push). Same distance applications apply. Same drawbacks apply when over using.
Description: User is able to move backwards in a straight line along the ground in almost instantaneous untraceable speed while temporarily masking the user's movements within 10 meters. A puff of smoke is occasionally used to disguise the user's movements. Supplement of Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push) while using same schematics.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu or Universal TaiJutsu, Must know Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push)

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[Zetsumei]

Doubutsu Satori 動物覚り (Animal Understanding)
Rank: "D", "C", "B", "A", "S", "S+B"
Skill: None
Effect: A technique that allows the user and the animal to better communicate with one another by understanding what they would say without words.
Special: ---
Drawback: Animal will not understand the user what so ever and will not be able to perform tasks. May only learn once per animal. If user gets a new animal user must relearn the technique for that specific animal.
Description: A user and the animal are like two peas and a pod. It becomes an understanding of interpreted friendship. A user can give commands, telling the animal exactly what to do however the user must be specific. The user is able to understand what the animal means when it reacts, and the animal understands the user when he/she speaks. If user has a Small Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "D" Rank. If user has a Medium Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "C" Rank. If the user has a Large Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "B" Rank. If the user has a Huge Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "A" Rank. If the user has a Gargantuan Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "S" Rank. If the user has a Colossal Animal Companion, the user must learn the technique "S + B" Rank. This means that the user must first learn "S", and then learn an additional "B" because its such a huge creature.
Limit: Must know Doubutsu Kougi 動物交宜 (Animal Friendship), or Doubutsu Shirei 動物司令 (Animal Control)

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I could not deny it, I was running late after my hospital visit, I had not anticipated that it would take so long. Despite my lateness, I did not hurry to the meeting point, rather I took my time walking from the book store with the fourteen books on animals and plants of the arctic and volcanic regions in my rolling assault bag along with my compass, map, and thirty kunai. Of course, I still had with me two XXL bags eighty slots of exploding clay inside the one at my left hip while the other at the small of my back held sixty five. Resting upon my right hip was a Hip Quiver with one hundred arrows, twenty blunt tipped arrows, and thirty with mechanical blade arrowheads. Resting on my back was a fifty pound draw longbow. Argantael had likely landed at the meeting point a bit ahead of me with the large saddle on her back, Benihime tied to it.

Then there was the little fox that trotted very close to my right leg and I crouched to pick her up. She was really quite friendly, but I was having a bit of difficulty understanding her as things stood. Well, it was time to make an effort while we were heading towards the meeting point. It occurred to me that I did not have any idea what I should call her, and it felt quite selfish to simply force a name onto her. "So, little one," I said gently while stroking the top of her head, "you must have a name, or at least something I could call you. Little Fox does not quite seem appropriate."

With a small kyuun-ing at my words I could only wonder what it was that she was saying exactly. It seemed somewhat to be an acknowledgement of what I had said, but all I could do at this point was play a guessing game with her. I knew she was a girl so I could only begin to guess from there or perhaps I had misunderstood and would be naming her instead of guessing. As I pondered, a few names slipped from my lips, names of characters from my stories to be truthful. "Let's see, there's Aristophenie, Gwethana, Zyneste, and also Tamare."

The noise that she made was the same as ever, yet the tone that accompanied it was something that I could only describe as disparaging. So, it seemed that she did not like the names that I was picking out or claiming that they were not her own. Well, it was not as if I did not have a plethora of names I had yet to tap into, there were a great many. "If none of those were good then there is also Nishi, Mitsuyo, Ayame, Maru, and Komachi, of course." I had been expecting misses all around, but around the middle of my suggestions I heard a sound of delight coming from the little fox, it seems that I had struck gold, so to speak.

There were three potentials behind the approval, and listing them in order I left a pause for the little fox's reaction. "Mitsuyo?" A sound of disapproval came with that name, "Ayame?" That was the name that received an approving sound from the small fox, she would be known as Ayame from this point on. "Well, it looks like I'll be calling you Ayame from now on rather than 'little fox' or something similar to that." It was nice to finally be able to call her by a name, I felt as if it brought us a little bit closer together and she was quite the adorable little creature.

Finally, the two of us made it to the meeting point and I felt as if out little discussion on names had broadened our ability to understand each other. I walked over to the woman that was there and could feel Ayame cower a bit into me, I guess Natsumi frightened her a bit. "Sorry I'm late, Miss Kamyuja, the hospital took longer than I had anticipated. Are you about ready to head back?" As I spoke to the woman I was petting the Hoar Fox in my arms, trying to convey a sense of comfort to her. The woman would likely be enraged at my lateness, so I was also prepared for that anger as well

[Draven]

Natsumi - Learned. That tech is D rank ya know

Zets - +10. You forgot to highlight the rank, but I am assuming its D or C right?

[Natsumi Kamyuja]

Continue Flashback

After a brief break in my training, I returned to the Dojo at 05.00 hours to find the master just arriving himself. Upon seeing me, his face softened to that of approval. That alone showed me he had not expected to see me until much later in the day. With a priggish look upon my face I smile halfheartedly toward the man and said my good mornings before entering the Dojo first. He may have been a gruff man, but he was a gentleman.

“Now, since you seemed to have mastered the pull , I am more than happy to move along to the next step. The Arc."

[/color] The teacher said gruffly, setting down a box filled with scrolls and what appeared to be six water bottles. I turn to face him, awaiting instructions. “The Arc is to get around and behind an object or opponent without having the need to waste other shunshin. You stand in the exact center of the room whereas, I am ten meters before you, by the door.” The man paused, relaying the area with his hands.

“I will shunshin around you and appear behind you. So the only difference is that you will move in a semi-circle instead of moving in a straight line.”[/color] The master said before briefly disappearing from view. My attention was brought to a wisp of air behind me. “Your task is to shunshin around the punching bag and appear behind it for a strike to the chin.” And that was all he said.

I turned around to face the punching bag ten meters away and began focusing a very fine amount of chakra to the soles and heels of my feet. The warmth and tingly feelings returned to my calves and heels as I rocked there softly. Now, I was capable of transporting myself forward without a problem. So shifting my weight during a shunshin should not be too hard. Closing my eyes, I pushed myself forward, allowing my right foot to lead the way while my left foot pushed off from behind me.

The familiar push I felt as the shunshin began sent myself spiraling forward, but as I[/i] felt like I was nearing the five meter mark, I gently leaned myself slightly to the left as I suddenly felt a shift in gravity. I also found that should I tense my muscles, I will stop moving, so I resumed with keeping myself thoroughly relaxed until I noticed the punching bag nearing at impossible speeds. Only then did I tense the muscles in my legs and the shunshin pulled me abruptly to a stop. However, when the world suddenly caught up with me, I found myself staring at the punching bag.

End Flashback

The sound of a familiar voice broke me from my thoughts, snapping me into reality. Startled, my eyes snapped open and the blinding whiteness of Yuki no Kuni overwhelmed me. Gasping, I stand abruptly, stumbling as I suddenly remembered myself being perched upon a rock. I had caught the last bit of what Shobou had said and must have appeared quite disoriented. At once the coolness of the environment slammed into me, causing my body to shiver visibly. “Head back? Ah, yes. I am very ready to head back.” I said, my tone exquisitely gentle despite my eyes remained cool and dangerous as I studied the blond man.

Could two hours have passed already? My eyes drifted over the Author's face carefully, taking in his eyes and mouth before drifting lower toward the fox he held in his arms. He didn't appear in the bit cold, but he seemed satisfied about something. “Did you manage to get everything you need?” I then ask, my tone keeping that same gentleness. My expression was rock hard, unreadable yet my mind was in chaos.

I did not approach him but instead moved toward the large flying animal that traveled beside him. Surely our travel back toward Otogakure will not be too long? As I moved toward Shobou's flying creature, it would look as if I had not listened to a word he spoke should he answer me. However, during the walk toward the creature, my arms moved on their own accord, rubbing along both my arms as I hugged at myself, attempting to savor what warmth I currently possessed. Yes, the faster we left this environment, the better.

Learning:
Shunshin no Jutsu - Ko (Body Flicker Technique – Arc)
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu that allows a user to rush in an arc in almost instantaneous speed. Allows the user to avoid the opponent's attack and gaze.
Special: ---
Drawback: Takes away the number of usages Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push). Same distance applications apply. Same drawbacks apply when over using.
Description: User is able to move in an arc along the ground in almost instantaneous untraceable speed while temporarily masking the user's movements within 10 meters. User may move forward, or backwards if they know Tweh version of Shunshin. This Jutsu is used to get around and behind an opponent without sacrificing multiple Shunshins. Supplement of Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push) using same schematics.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu or Universal TaiJutsu, Must know Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push)

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