.The Climb.

[Aoshi]

- ??.60 -

!

The explosion had gone off without a hitch, the immediate gaia surrounding us scorching and sending streams of fire across the edifice with deafening sounds of explosive proportion following. I had tried my best to mimic my father's ability. Having put a more than generous amount of chakra into the technique, I soared heavenward and lost myself within the trees as the blinding flash poured out and over their encampment. I had to get a better look of what I faced. And there, as my feet touched down upon the branch, I supported myself with an arm against the bark and narrowed my eyes at the sight before me - Kazuya had taken up refuge in an abandoned dojo, it seemed. One that looked much like Su Feng's, the whole of it was rundown with a lack of proper escape besides the way in which I had chosen to approach.

"Ahh! The boy's here! Alert the others!" they shouted. I scanned the immediate distance as my Sharingan Eye once more took its effect. It was so easy to summon it now. The chakra drain was minimal, and all I need do was close my eyes and re-open them with a bit of my life's energy pouring out and into my gaze. My hands once more smacked together, barely audible among the smell and sight of opponents already dropping beneath the influence of my amber and crimson surprise. The flames continued to lick at their charred flesh. In the process of my seals, I could hear the faint sound of whistling. Metallic in nature, I was narrowly able to push off to my left and avoid the onslaught of kunai and shuriken fired from a group that had come together.

Easy targets, to say the very least.

"Hokage! Surrender now!" Such foolish words for a man who had already made up his mind. I once more parted my lips, my jaw appearing almost unhinged as I took in the biggest breath that I could muster. To have been of the Ninjutsu specialty was of great use to me. There was little that could disturb my handseals. I had practiced them for hours, moving at the drop of a hat to show Kazu that I had crafted the Fireball Jutsu to perfection. As I flipped in midair and allowed my feet to touch the ground below, I once more breathed forward with a hand coming up to my mouth. This was the most important part of the entire process.

Without a guiding hand, the jutsu would wind up wandering astray from its intended target. I couldn't waste my chakra here. There were far too many of my opponents. Luckily, I'd caught myself and forced the large projectile forward. This time, I had to make it bigger than my initial try. The fires that now spread along the ground were beginning to take over what little plant life was present afront Kazuya's mansion of sorts. But no matter - there was little that I wasn't willing to do to see the monument of malevolence fall. The Fireball jutsu had taken its effect early on, the increase in circumference coming with a thunderous roar that bore down upon the ground again.

And much like before, it exploded into a grand ball that rose into the sky like a threatening pillar. But as ominous as it appeared to be, there was still something missing. It didn't have the explosive property that I had hoped for. Instead, the lake of fire simply devoured few more of those who were attempting to come within range of me. Was the Hokage truly expected to be so foolish so as to deny Ninjutsu's greatest assets? I stood and shielded my eyes as a nearby barrel afront their encampment took to explosion, pouring out and knocking many of my adversaries from their feet - and their lives. Checking my inventory, I ensured that I had enough to distract them as I moved closer. My flames were beginning to subside from the initial Ninjutsu. I had to keep up the pressure.

[Aoshi]

- ??.60 -

"You're talking about surrender, huh? Why don't you lead by example!?" I shouted out to them, hidden behind the flames that began to rise into the air and consume everything around them. I could feel the understanding of the jutsu growing, though still the grand explosion eluded my grasp. Sweat threatened to trickle lightly down my countenance - I was almost sure that they were aware of my coming. But still, no sign of Kazuya. I once more began to draw upon my chakra, leaping into the sweltering heat so that my opponents were forced to struggle in their desperate search. I could handle the threshold of pain that they could not. I had been built for that of the Katon Element - the same couldn't be said for them.

"You come onto my land and threaten MY villagers! What did you THINK was going to happen!?"

Unbeknownst to me, there was something that had been building up inside of me. I couldn't have placed a finger on it earlier, but the feeling was there. I felt...primal. For the first time, I was in control of the element and the attitude that came with it. My hands were being built to destroy - and I had to answer to the lion within. Even Gabriel, I surmised, had been watching me. And while I wasn't necessarily working with Taijutsu, it was increasingly clear that I was simply moving toward the pursuit of my prowess increasing. My hands smacked together again, as seemed to be the usual. Counting their numbers mentally, I once again began the journey to performing the Goukyakuu No jutsu.I awakened my chakra points yet again, narrowed eyes prevailing as the Sharingan picked up on them.

They continued to advance, blindly thrusting their kunai and shuriken toward the flames to try and interrupt the string of seals that it took to bring about the technique. Unfortunately for them, Su Feng's teaching on the Tensora Style had given me a new type of balance. My right foot pushed off first, my body moving in a slant position away from where their projectiles had finally come. No sooner than when they had begun, however, the vigor with which I summoned my chakra allowed me to push forth and erupt into flame once again.This time, I'd add just a small amount of finesse as I leaned backward and allowed my lungs to expand.

The transition from chakra to fire was achieved as I placed my hand upward toward my gullet. Much like a dragon, my maw yet again unleashed the sphere of fire that rushed forth and picked up raw power in its travel into the distance. I was careful to apply more chakra, hoping that this time I would be rewarded with an explosion of great flare. As the fireball moved along the ground and a stream of my breath trailed behind it, I narrowed my eyes and watched its trajectory. A slow arc was achieved as they attempted to divide themselves. But it was far too late.

I watched them disappear beneath the power of my Sharingan Eye, the explosion rocking the foundations of the land and erupting into a mass pit of fire that rose yet again into the air. There was even an explosion that broke out, mild and resembling that of half of an exploding tag. Their shinobi were immediately lifted from the earth, spiraling and spinning into the distance before crashing into the structures that housed Kazuya and the rest of his subordinates. The lion had struck yet again. I stood to full height, the looks of awe and horror coalescing upon their facades forcing a grin as I vanished into the lake of fire.

[Aoshi]

- ??.60 -

I'd fought my way forward.The temperatures were the likes of which I hadn't experienced before. I lifted a hand and wiped the sweat from my brow before trekking forward, my clothes unscathed and my eyes unchanging as I approached the large establishment. Every footfall was emphasized to allow Kazuya to watch my triumphant advance. He'd thrown his best at me, and they were cast to the wayside in favor of my Fire Style jutsu rendering their taijutsu abilities ineffective. At least twenty meters separated me from the front door. And yet, a lone figure dared to step forward with a Cheshire Cat's smile lacing his features.

Dark blue armor clanked against his form as he stopped only fifteen meters away from me, effectively barring my entrance into the abode of sorts.

"They send one man when I've killed many already?"

My new "friend" merely shrugged. "You're a growing problem, Shinomori Aoshi. Isn't it obvious by now why Kazuya wants you dead? The true reason?" he asked me. But I wasn't interested in explanations. I was only interested in ridding Konoha of him and the rest of the plague from a distant land. I could only wonder if Su Feng had been watching me from somewhere, or if she knew that her entire school was being reduced to charred bodies. I thought back to the jutsu that I had been inadvertently practicing on their numbers - at this range, I could have easily destroyed myself along with him. Was I willing to try it again? ....But of course. And so I would, leaping back a small degree as my hands darted upward and toward my chest.

I began the handseals once again, but to my surprise my enemy was doing the same. The armor did nothing to stop his advance as his fingers weaved zodiac signs. "Water Style!" he exclaimed. "Fire Style!" I shouted back. From the depths of his gullet, he fired forth a massive stream of water that poured along the ground in heavy waves. So this was the game plan - to counteract me at the doorstep. I'd test the strength of his water as I created distance between us. My eyes discerned that he wasn't able to move. Quite stationary, I lifted my fingers to my mouth and exhaled the fireball jutsu toward the oncoming waves. Potent enough so that I could at least detonate it upon impact, I wondered if our techniques would coalesce.

Boom!

The technique had gone off without a hitch, though the waves were becoming too high for the explosion to do any true damage. My aggressor disappeared behind the mass amount of water that flowed around the sudden burst of steam that moved into the air, the environment around us soaked and heated as we separated ourselves. I was managing my chakra well, this much was for certain. I noticed only after the fact that I had seen his chakra nature. Going into rapid handseals yet again, I couldn't give him the chance to operate with the sudden pool of liquid that churned and spiraled around us. I spotted him emerging from the steam. "So, a Water User. I'm skilled in that art, myself. Though I much prefer fire for the likes of you." He was somewhat a hulk of a man, his hand slapping his stomach once.

"Fire Style. I've seen so many of you. But admittedly....I haven't seen any with eyes like yours, child. I am Fei Long. At least you will know my name before you perish." It was amusing to see him so sure of himself. But no mater - my handseals finished their long string just in time for his words to finish. Planting my feet along what dry land remained, I once more attempted to use my chakra to fuel the Fire Style Grand Fireball jutsu. It roared to life from my stomach as I lunged forward. Closing the distance between us, the stream of flame fanned out into a great circumference and arced downward until crashing into where his position could be seen. I hadn't seen handseals. Had I hit the target..?

[Solus]

+40

[Aoshi]

40.60

I landed softly upon the ground with little more than an adjustment of my attire, the Shiroi Kiba blade unsheathed perfectly at my disposal as I watched the steam billow into the skies. A gentle sigh escaped parted lips as a hand moved upward to brush my locks aside. He'd survived the attack - I could see small tendrils of water rising from the surface of the pool that brusquely approached me. "Zealous, aren't we!? A Fire Style user in the Land of Fire! How convenient!" he shouted. I moved with poise, the sword striking the water and sending it in multiple directions as I applied chakra to my feet. I wouldn't be of any use with a blade in hand. He was far too ranged, leaving me to the devices of sacrificing my sword for the Goukyakuu No Jutsu once again.

"The answer is simple, really.." he muttered from the distance. My handseals had finished by the time he'd begun conjuring his next jutsu. "It's one thing to show as much potential as you have. It's another matter entirely when you choose to defy the natural balance!" I heard. More of those watery tendrils moved toward me, though I was fully prepared to combat them with the Grand Fireball Jutsu yet again. It was becoming increasingly clear that its power was growing with every attempt. Even Fei Long had to draw a certain distance away, wary of the potential in my technique. Who was I to disappoint? "Balance, you say. And what balance is that? Kazuya being at the top of the pyramid while you all serve him like meat shields? Hmph. No thanks." The answer was still unclear, but I held more clarity as to why Kazuya had so many at his disposal.

They were afraid.

Afraid of what, I couldn't fathom. Regardless, I needed to dispose of Fei Long quickly and infiltrate the grand establishment only meters away. I was sure that Kazuya was watching, and so I held back by only a small amount; my chakra was beginning to dip from the surface. I had to relax, at least enough to replenish it after I'd dealt with this Suiton User. "Better a meat shield and than innocent bystander!" Fei Long exclaimed. But he'd have more problems than that on his hands; I was suddenly taking a deep breath, my lungs yet again expanding as I summoned chakra from my core. Through my body it swelled, residing deep within the center of my abdomen. As his water projectiles aimed at my limbs, I snapped forward and yet again unleashed the flame of the Katon: Goukyakuu No Jutsu.

Almost immediately, his water evaporated and his projectiles pushed aside. The sphere was much bigger than before. Its circumference rivaled that of a small structure, spinning and violently drowning out any audible sounds that I could hear as it crashed somewhere where I knew that he waited. The water along the ground was pushed aside as the sheer force of it increased. I expelled all sources of oxygen from my lungs, ensuring that the stream of flame that moved behind it could only serve to accelerate its destructive capacity. Fei Long may have been adept at countering me with water, but he still could do nothing against an explosion too big to be contained in any sense.

Minutes seemed to pass as the large consequence of my technique blazed into the air, heat nipping at me as I shielded myself from the repercussions. A blinding light pooled out and into the air, temporarily blocking out all within the vicinity before it inevitably passed. I stood to full height then, my left hand yet again sliding toward my sword and allowing my forearm to rest along it. "So that's it. You're afraid to live your own lives. You don't have the pride of a shinobi, so you hide behind Kazuya. That's no way to live, Fei Long.." I said to him through the sounds of water and fire mixing in various areas. The steam yet again cleared as my Sharingan Eyes searched for him, landing upon his form as he floated on his back in the water. I had just missed a lethal point of contact - the armor had all but been broken, shards of it floating alongside him.

"Fool. You'll come to serve him, too. He has someone important to you. Or at least....he believes that she could be.." he coughed. My eyes narrowed. "....What the hell are you talking about?"

[Aoshi]

- ??.60 -

"Eru...heh! Eru...is in the dojo!" he laughed.

I couldn't control the sudden dip in my character. Immediately, thoughts of that scarlet hair passed along my cerebral and forced me to bite my lower lip in restraint from a feral growl. But I knew little of who she was. And for her to have been captured, it could have only meant that Kazuya's hand had everything to do with it. "What makes you think I care? I met her in the Land of River for a few days. I don't even know who she is." I'd feigned ignorance well enough, Fei Long's resolve easing just a small amount as he attempted to watch me. The water around him was beginning to stain crimson - signs that I had, indeed, injured him beyond what repair I'd allow. It was the time to allow my chakra to rest, though the Katon jutsu would certainly be of use in the near future.

"Kazuya...he doesn't care. He's got the aid of the Sevven with him. You've already met one of them.." he trailed off. To my surprise, Fei Long had begun a long set of handseals. And with the distance that separated us, it was nigh impossible to stop him as his fingers quickly maneuvered to perform one more technique. I could hear the sounds of rushing water all around me as I turned to my six. A massive wave had begun to rise from the earth, much like a fountain of some sort that was threatening to swallow me whole. "I'm going to spare you, kid! Once you walk through those doors, you won't be coming out with breath in your lungs! This wasn't even a formidable fight. And for that, I feel I have to do this..." Fei Long muttered. His eyes slowly fluttered to a close as his chakra rose up and commanded the waters.

But I wouldn't be giving up the ghost that easily.

I had to try again. The echo of my palms smacking together resounded as I narrowed my eyes, lowering my head just enough for a good center of gravity. "I'm the Hokage. I can't die here, nor can I let Eru. If I can't save one, then how am I expected to save the lives of MANY!?" I shouted. The moment was accentuated as I roared to the top of my lungs, my chakra swelling once again and allowing me to break off a generous amount of it. An aura of scarlet surrounded me as the Katon element yet again bent to my will - I summoned it and forced it to mix with my chakra. No sooner than when I had done so did the change in nature take place. I stared deep into the eyes of Fei Long before putting power toward my legs.

And with much strength behind me, I vaulted high into the air as the wave crashed down and barreled toward me. The dojo's walls were at least too high, fortified by a strong structure. If nothing else, the water would block my way to the front door. I had to prevent it, or risk swimming beneath the surface of the torrent and being caught by more watery traps that Fei Long may have orchestrated. And so I would rear my head back, lungs expanding as the chakra lined every inch of my esophagus. One final exhale, and the Fire Style Grand Fireball emerged from my gullet with no less than majesty. So large was it that it even surprised myself, speeding forward with a powerful amount of chakra backing its momentum.

It was something that I hadn't seen in myself before, even the stream of flame behind it and originating from between my lips much thicker and bearing searing flames. Fei Long, no doubt, would be just as surprised to see this miniature world of fire descending directly onto him - if I couldn't get rid of the water in its entirety, I'd at least rid myself of the source. But it was almost certain that there was a smile on his face. "Good luck....kid.." he muttered. A hired hand who had seen the truth, I watched as my jutsu tore asunder the earth around him. The resulting explosion was enough to part the water, entire waves of it crashing along the wayside as debris and the like flew into the air. Steam blanketed the area as I descended, lost in the heated waters and finding myself allowing the waves to take me wherever they may. I had to recuperate.

....I had to find Eru.

[Holy Grail]

20+

[Aoshi]

Katon: Daitou (Fire Element: Longsword)
Rank: "B" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: The user concentrates their chakra along the palm of their hands. As the user does, so they are capable of creating a longsword like weapon made out of fire out of the palm of their hand.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: This technique tends to burn the user's hands and is only capable of staying out for two rounds with a five round rest before the hands suffer great damage. For each round the user keeps the fire Blade out past the two rounds the user is unable to use that hand for ten rounds.
Description: The user creates a large blade made out of fire along the palm of their hands. The user does so by creating a few handseals and holds their hands near their body. The user takes in a deep breathe blows out the air towards the palm of his hands. The user then blows in a straight line away from the user as the fire begins to formulate around the palm of the hand creating the large blade. This technique is capable of being used as a quick defensive style move, or may be used as a split offensive slashing attack.
Limit: Must have the Fire Release

0.60

The area had all but cleared.

I pulled myself from the wet ground, staggering and attempting to catch my breath as best I could. Every inch of me was soaked, my own locks matted against my face as I faced the entrance to the dojo once more. I hadn't seen activity since I'd landed within the water from my last attack, and thus I figured that I had to progress. Eru was the least of my concerns - I'd seen the way she looked at me when I had been in the practice of Tensora. Her blade was without equal, so it was only safe to suggest that she was giving her aggressors a hand with trying to keep her in their "care". Still, I could waste no time. I moved forward, my hands too drained to even grasp onto the Kiba blade. If I was going to fight close range, I'd need a substitute.

The Flame Longsword.

I'd only seen it a few times, watching those of my clan utilize the Katon Element when they had lost their weapons in the middle of combat. The Uchiha were far from anything inferior - with a simple breath along our epidermis, we could harness the true ability of our chakra's change in nature. Fire was ours to command in its entirety. None other could rival the prowess. It would also serve to dry my clothing, and so I took refuge behind the walls and ensured that none were in the immediate vicinity. I sat along what dry grass there was, silently thankful for the sun as it beat down upon me. I immediately went into handseals. Partially struggling to remember just what they were, I closed my eyes and reminisced momentarily on the clansmen I had once yearned to learn from.

Multiple seals passed along as my fingers worked to pinpoint just what concentration it took. Finally, after minutes, they had become quite clear. With great care, I moved through them as my eyes took to watching carefully. The chakra rushed forth from my body, moving upward and toward the usual catalyst that gave it life from the Uchiha. My lips parted so that I could thoroughly blow toward the palm of my hand. And with care, I slowly uncurled my fingers and willed the essence of the Flame Element Longsword to manifest against my grip. It started subtly, narrowed eyes watching on as the length of the fire began to ignite and grow. If it were anything like the Shiroi Kiba blade, then I had the daunting task of making it even more grand than what it appeared to be.

I chuckled lightly, wondering if Eru would have appreciated the aesthetics of such a blade existing. but My concentration remained absolute - the fire was manifest within seconds, burning brightly and resembling the ordinary flame. Its length was nowhere near impressive as I exerted the last of my breath. Extending from palm to only at least a foot in length, I was ill-satisfied with the result. The sudden burning sensation along my hand did nothing to quell my disappointment. I immediately dismissed the flame, shaking my right hand furiously before thrusting it over and into a small puddle of water that still existed. Steam rose from the appendage as I lowered my gaze to the earth. It was going to prove more difficult than I'd originally figured.

- Time Lapse: 6 Hours -

I'd gambled correctly, it seemed. The night swiftly took over as I made my way toward the entrance, none barring my way inside as I stood afront it and glanced about. I'd caused Kazuya's numbers to dwindle heavily. He couldn't afford to guard the gate, let alone alter the path that I intended to take. My hands once more lifted toward my abdomen as my fresh chakra reserves took to bubbling up from dormancy. I'd rested well enough, my attire dry and the Sharingan Eye freshly restored to my sight. He'd called them the Sevven, had he? ...And if I'd already met one of them, no doubt the woman that had tried her hand at killing me before, then I could only imagine what the rest were capable of. I had to work fast, the Flame Longsword attempted once again as I thought of a way to cut clean through the entrance.

[Holy Grail]

10+

[Aoshi]

- ??.60 -

I hadn't made particular attempts to strike the door that stood before me, its massive frame much different from what I had seen before. Iron blocked my way, little more than the Grand Fireball explosion capable of knocking it from its hinges. But I couldn't risk the chance of triggering counterattacks - with such a thing in mind, I looked to my right hand and resolved to slice through the iron with the sword I'd failed to forge hours ago. With my chakra renewed, the attempt would be far easier. I placed my hands together as I watched the immediate vicinity. With multiple seals, expertly remembered from when I'd thought much about the clansmen I'd seen use this Ninjutsu, I was able to deal myself a wealth of concentration. A small breath following, I set to work on my intended jutsu.

Handseals finished as my right arm lay outstretched, my mouth opening to impart the knowledge of chakra and its nature. With a fresh coat of it along my epidermis, the jutsu's prerequisites had finally been met. The sudden ignition of the area allowed me to birth the blade once more, but this time without scorching my own hand in the process. Glorious, it was. The spark of flame had truly taken the shape of a longsword, the length of it still somewhat lacking as the fire coated my appendage for moments. I stepped back upon my right foot, the ball of it pressing into the earth as I focused my efforts forward. "Kazuya! I know you can hear me!" I exclaimed, my hand wrenching forward with the blade slashing in a diagonal fashion against the metal.

With ease, I was able to cut through it. Metal gave way to the scorching flame from my appendage, a swift kick toward the center knocking the entire frame from its hinges into the ground. No doubt, Gabriel would have been proud of my Taijutsu skill. I stepped ever closer into the facility as an empty corridor greeted me. Long and holding no particular specialty about it, I could only figure that this was the first of many trials that awaited me. "Where's Eru!?" I shouted into the distance. The flame had to perish along my hand as I once more felt that burning sensation. Wincing, I used my garb to conceal my hand for the time being. But before I could make my way along the entire corridor, I was greeted with a familiar voice that rang out in the form of an echo. "It's nice to see you again....Hokage."

Her green eyes plagued me, just as they had before. "Red.." I muttered. The dark garb that covered her seemed to allow her to materialize from nothingness, the glint of silver along her left hand implying that she had blade at the ready. But she was no ordinary opponent. The explosions she'd caused within the forest had been no sense of lackluster. I relinquished my hand from its resting place, the handseals I performed faster than before. Breathing along my hand whilst staring directly at her, few words were muttered in the face of me drawing upon the Flame Element Longsword. We'd engage in combat, but first I would need to increase the length of my instrument. And so I would, amplifying my chakra by a generous amount so its edge would increase. The glorious blade was finally within my grasp, swung once to put out a wave of heat that she would surely feel.

"....I'll be sure I finish the job this time."

[Aoshi]

- ??.60 -

"Let's be honest, Hokage. Are you trying to play the hero, or are you here because we just happened to be invading your country's soil?" she asked. I took a moment to allow the flames to dance along the air as my blade sliced horizontally; yet again, that heat wave would show her that my resolve had been backed by the flames of anger. "I'm here because you refuse to leave me the hell alone. If I kill every one of you here and take Eru with me, then there will be nothing left to talk about." Red's lips curled upward into a mischievous smirk as she allowed her robed crown to be revealed. Blonde tresses cascaded down and to the half of her back, those green oculi flickering with challenge. With this new found technique in my grasp, I saw no reason not to oblige.

But to my surprise, she would be the first to strike.

Even the Sharingan Eye couldn't keep up with her speed. At a moment's notice, I found myself victim to multiple astral projections that forced my eyes to register every one of them. I could clearly see her moving, but my body was simply too slow to react. A gasp left my mouth as I turned just in time to see her elbow. I willed the flaming blade e'er longer, but it would not heed my call in enough time. Grunting, I braced for impact as the strength of her Taijutsu attack crashed into the center of my back. Forward I fell, momentum working against me as I slammed into the hardwood floor and bounced multiple times before crashing into and through a makeshift wall of paper and wood. "Kill us, will you? By all means, Hokage-Sama!" Red sneered. And much to my dismay, I had lost the sword of fire.

I managed to scramble to my feet, a small trail of blood appearing at the corner of my mouth and trickling from my chin as I lifted my hands and once more performed the required seals. Oddly enough, the vixen of darkness would wait. "I'll tell you something, though. Your lady friend managed to kill many of the Tensora practitioners before we finally got our hands on her. One glance from Kazuya, and she'd fallen under spell.." she trailed off. By this time, I'd gained enough ground to stand on my feet and expel the fire from my mouth. As the longsword grew to fit my palm again, my eyes found themselves staring into a shit-eating grin that Red was clearly keen to. ".....What did you just say...?" I asked. Widened eyes met her as my Ninjutsu technique came to life yet again.

Perhaps it was the sudden burst of adrenaline that flew through me, every vein within my form seemingly ignited as I squeezed my hand into the tightest fist that I could muster. The fiery blade roared to life, engulfing some of the vicinity as embers strayed from its length and fell to the edifice below. Red's sword tapped idly along the floor as she laughed, a high-pitched shriek that was befitting of the witch. "You heard me right, Hokage. Now the question is whether or not you'll be able to defeat me to get the answers you want. Don't worry....Eru is wandering around the premises, free to do as she pleases. But if you're wondering WHY..." she began. I bit out a growl, the intensity of the sword increasing. My hand began to feel the heat effecting it. But I cared little for the consequences. I'd burn the answers out of her and face Kazuya soon enough.

[Holy Grail]

20+

[Aoshi]

30.60

Forward.

Animal instinct had taken over by now, the sword of flame within my right hand sparking tendrils of light that illuminated the area as I picked up speed and advanced toward Red. Once again, she made use of her speed and found herself advantageous against my attempts. Just barely, I was able to use the Ninjutsu technique to bide time - with every recoil of flame against steel, embers erupted and gnashed at her fingers. Our dance of intimate proportion was ended as I spun upon the heel of my left foot, bringing the Longsword of fire down and onto her horizontally placed edge. Sparks erupted, my hand feeling the burning effect of having held onto it for just a time too long. "Are you telling me that Kazuya's an Uchiha!?" I bit out.

The satisfaction in her eyes easily angered me. "That's EXACTLY what I'm telling you, Hokage-Sama!" she exclaimed. At this point, I was no longer concerned for the pain that plagued my appendage. She was mocking me; teasing me; goading me into playing to the beat of her drum. I'd already had enough, a ferocious roar escaping my maw as I violently ripped the sword of flame from where it harshly rest. I could hear Red's groan of discomfort as she was pushed back for many meters. Skidding to a halt, I knelt down and allowed the sword to vanish. "I'll show you what happens when you toy with my emotions. You think you're better than you are.." I said. I had already begun to manipulate my tenketsu, a surge of chakra rising from within.

It was a sinister pet peeve that few knew not to trifle with. I was apathetic to my life, the title of Hokage finally giving me a meaning that I could rely upon to provide some sense of completion. "Your emotions? ...Hokage, please. It's what I do.." Red murmured, standing to full height as her hands came into full view from beneath her robes. "Kazuya intends to bring out your full potential when....and IF....you arrive. There can only be one that sits on the throne. The rest have to follow. And we're here to make sure that Konoha does the latter." My hands clapped together before I broke out into a flurry of handseals. I'd practiced this sword technique multiple times now, unable to take my eyes off of it to keep watch on Red. But now, with more than enough motivation pumping through my veins, I held no care for what happened. There was only the task of getting past the obstacle.

And so I let loose a breath, fusing it with a roar as the flame ignited from my very lips and rushed along my hand. Longer and longer did it grow until I had a fully recognizable sword of fire within my hand. Swinging it once as I stood and faced her, a streak of flame crossed the hardwood floor and immediately charred it. Wide eyes met with Red's green oculi. "That kind of ideal is why we're not on equal footing. The Ninja World ill needs mercenaries for hire. Especially mercenaries that don't see the bigger picture," I began. Red had settled into her own handseals, multiple copies of her splitting away from her sides and taking up her eastern and western flank.

"The throne is exactly what we need, Aoshi. And if you're not prepared to sit upon it....then we will merely crush you beneath it."

[Holy Grail]

10+

[Aoshi]

40.60

"Crush me beneath it, you say. And just what do you think happens when you've been used up and spent, Red..? What do you think happens when the King is SET!?"

She shrugged, her original self taking no action as her counterparts began their dash toward me. Considerably slower than their original kin, I could engage them with the flaming sword and fend off their attacks just long enough to get myself closer in proximity. I was angry. Livid. Pissed. I actively pursued her doppelgangers, easily dodging twin kicks that stuck out toward my abdomen. Sliding toward the floor and turning upon my right knee, I lashed out with a stroke of the flaming blade toward their knees. To no avail, however - expertly, they vanished backward for at least five meters, one of them flanking my left as the other took to my right. Red allowed her arms to fold over her abdomen, the sinister smile never leaving her beautiful lips.

"Then the pawns will receive their just rewards, unlike those before. Kazuya is a fair man. He's allowed Eru to live this long. You'd take his kindness for granted, Hokage-Sama?" she said, almost cooing the words in an alluring manner. But I couldn't take my eyes off of my immediate problems. My blade had grown longer, but it appeared that its potency had been sacrificed. I was just able to cross it over my torso diagonally, her copies perfectly in sync as their fists collided with the base of the blade. Backward I'd slide, lifting and stabbing the elongated instrument into the hardwood floor. Easily tearing into it, chunks of wood scattered to and fro as I remained on a knee. I was growing weathered. The sound of my panting was audible, Red's snicker forcing me to look up.

!

I thrust the flaming sword forward just as jagged shards of wood flew toward me, splitting them in half and causing them to scatter around me. "...It'll be JUST like before!! My clan was wiped out because we thought that we were living in supremacy! Little did we know that we were just surviving on BORROWED TIME!!" I exclaimed. It was the nightmare that I had lived over and over, the feeling of inadequacy rocking me to my core as I continued struggling against Red's clones. The chakra I'd used on the sword was altogether leaving, its existence flickering in and out. I would have to find time to conjure yet another sword. My left hand, free of action, slipped into my belongings and revealed an exploding tag. Without warning, I thrust it forward toward the true Red. To my surprise, her clones jumped backward and shielded her just as I formed the handseal to cause it to explode. "Vanish!"

The entire corridor was rocked to its foundation as fire and smoke pooled out and into the area, my body flung back and into the wall before I crashed to the floor. The pain that wracked my body had slowed me considerably. I was sweating profusely, my chakra beginning to dip low. How....how did I expect to survive on this measly skill? I could barely purify my chakra to be taken over by the Katon Element. Fortunately, I'd done just enough to fill my lungs. The pain was clear as I groaned, exhaling quickly over my right hand to restore the flaming blade to its full potential. Using it to prop myself up, I leaned into it and watched as only the original Red appeared from the wreckage ahead of me. Her robe had been all but tattered, revealing a dark lavender suit of light armor that framed her body. "So the lion believes that he doesn't have to forcefully take the jungle, hmm? ....Mistaken, Hokage-Sama. Sadly mistaken."

[Deleted]

+10; 50|60.

[Aoshi]

- ??.60 -

I once again lunged forward, taking what energy I had and using it to approach Red. With little more than her defeat reigning over my senses, I'd fully succumbed to Gabriel's influence. And so I would use my Taijutsu skills, simultaneously working the flaming longsword into my repertoire to eventually dethrone her from her stance. It was becoming taxing to maintain the fiery sword, my chakra's drain significant enough to where my eyesight began to grow blurry. The Sharingan waned for just a moment as I watched her, but this time it seemed that she was considerably slower. She'd used her chakra to form her clones, their demise reached when they protected her from my false Kamikaze attack. Before I could reach her, however, the flame was dispelled altogether.

"What's wrong, Hokage? You look winded.." she teased. But I could tell that she was somewhere around the same. And so I would formulate no words, only my dark desires rising to the surface as my hands slowly placed each finger one against the other. The formation of the seals was at least a quarter slower, but I would never take my eyes off of the woman. Red pushed her hair to the side, her own handseals beginning to form. The room began to swirl and twist, a powerful Genjutsu of sorts beginning to thrust itself upon me. "If you can survive this....then surely you can survive against anything.." she whispered. I could hear her voice filtering through, charming my every sense and threatening to reduce my seals to nothing more than the final ones being missed.

But it was far too late for illusions.

The final handseal had been created, a large intake of breath pushing me to the brink of unconsciousness as I exhaled along my palm. The magnificence of the flame was fully restored as the the last of my chakra rushed through me, giving itself to the instrument of destruction that I would use to combat her advance. My Sharingan had begun to dissuade the illusion from truly taking form - Red had obviously banked on my abilities being too dulled to counteract her advance. But I could see her clearly - standing to my feet, I quickly twisted myself so that the blade's finished form could erupt. Through her left hip did I find the sword's home, piercing her flesh as the glint of her sword appeared less than an inch from my eye. The fullness of the flaming sword burst through..

...Before I'd violently attempt to wrench it away. Her hand dropped onto the flame and held it for all that she was worth, the slight shriek of surprise greeting my ears. She narrowed her orbs as she regarded me, her hand lifting toward my cheek to caress it. "This....isn't over.." she muttered. "I've used too much of my own chakra, underestimating you. But it won't happen again....that, I can promise you.." And just like that, she vanished in a plume of smoke as the Flame Element Longsword pierced nothing. A Shadow Clone. I was left dumbfounded, falling onto my knees as the illusion around me shattered. The tomoe within my eye were dispersed as I tried to hold onto the blade - but without being able to feed it chakra, it dissipated and left me defenseless. I couldn't have reached for my blade, no matter how hard I'd tried.

I felt myself falling into sleep, the sound of footsteps approaching me from a place that I couldn't quite make out. A deep male voice began to speak, though the words were so incoherent that I simply managed to descend until I was nothing more than a slumbering vulnerability upon the floor.

[Holy Grail]

10+

[Aoshi]

Katon - Ryuuka no Jutsu (Dragon Fire Technique)
Rank: "C" "B" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: The user quickly performs a large creation of blinding fire into the form of a large Dragon form. The Dragon must be used in the same concept as the Goukakyuu no Jutsu in which must be thrown by placing a hand in a circle form over the mouth of the user.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: This type of technique is better used if the opponent is bonded down and unable to be moved.
Description: A Large creation is created as the user performs the necessary handseals for the technique. As the user does so they raise their hand up over their mouth. By taking in a deep, breathe the user fills their lungs with chakra to in, which ignites the moment they blow out air. As the user blows out the creation of fire is made taking the form of a giant dragon like creature. The Dragon is quickly hurled towards the opponent as the dragon swivels and swerves moving like that of a Chinese Dragon. When first learned the Dragon does not explode forth but the very flames oozes out spreading out in all directions that would wrap around the opponent in a blaze of glory. When the user learns the "B" Rank version the user is capable of pushing so much power into the technique to where when it touches the target it is needed it is ignited in a mass blaze of glory, creating a grand explosion.
Limit: Must have the Fire Release

0.60 - B-Rank Version

"Well, well. It looks like he's awake."

I heard the sound of the same deep voice that had spoken to me before I'd blacked out. A wave of grogginess fell over me as I managed to open my eyes, the cold concrete of the floor greeting me as I tried to gather myself. Light fixtures hung from large poles that rose into the air as I sat on my haunches, taking in my surroundings with half-lidded eyes. Lifting my hands to my face, I'd noticed that I was relatively uninjured and free to move around. "What....happened..?" I muttered. Looking up, Tokido folded his arms and beckoned me to stand. I managed to do so after seconds, dusting myself off and brushing what little dirt was on me. "I managed to take you away from Kazuya's place. Had to put in some work to get him to trust me. Eru's safe. But if you're gonna get her out of there, you're gonna have to be stronger. Much stronger."

- 3rd Person -

The determination of the Uchiha had been set in place, convicted by Eru's captivity and his inability to help those around him. Already, he'd eaten and rested his body. But now, it was time for him to improve and learn the value of increasing his technique and chakra gain. Aoshi had to fortify all that he knew, especially that dealing with the element of fire. All for naught, he had been using his latent ability to mold fire to simply burn his opponents. But now, with his explosive personality having revealed itself, he required more. His eyes slowly fluttered to a close as he began to concentrate on the very Dragon Fire technique he had learned not long ago. This was the first of many jutsu that he'd be expanding upon. With a deep breath, he visualized the technique that his father had learned so long ago.

Even Kazu had been an adept at it.

The Hokage, Uchiha Aoshi, stood inside what appeared to be a coliseum of stone and forestry. Tokido had conveniently found this place in his travels, far away from Kazuya's eye. "Now that we know he's aware, it's up to you to let him know that you're coming. But it won't do you much good if you can't even touch him." Tokido's words were like a constant reminder as Aoshi began to form handseals. One by one, they were birthed until he could concentrate on the Dragon Fire's initial ability to burst off from his mouth and into the distance. As he prepared himself for the task ahead, the only thing that plagued his mind was how he would expand his knowledge.

Finishing the seals and prepared to unleash the technique, he narrowed his eyes and inhaled. The intake of oxygen was so great a volume that his chest naturally rose and fell. It was something that he'd grown accustomed to, his esophagus lined with the chakra and its change in elemental prowess once he released it. Winds kicked up about his feet, effectively causing the immediate area to rise in temperature as he let loose. With a mighty breath forward and two fingers over his mouth in the form of a circle, the Uchiha formed the massive dragon of fire and kept expelling breath so that he could urge it forward. The intended target was the very coliseum wall. If nothing else, he'd test his jutsu's power against its hard surface.

[Aoshi]

- 2nd Post -

The element of fire was coming to a fruition that he had always sought ever since he had seen Kazu - he wanted to master it, tame it, claim it for his own. Not only this, but it was the birthright of the Uchiha to have come into knowledge and mastery of the Katon jutsu before anything else. Aoshi had limited knowledge in the art of Suiton No Jutsu. The resolve he had while watching Fei Long had coaxed him into exploring the liquid arts later. But for now, as the Dragon Flame Jutsu rushed forward, he would focus on the most important task at hand. The jutsu began to swerve and twist, something like that of a chinese dragon. Its maw opened wide as it attempted to make its point of contact. Soon, and without little hesitation, it slammed into the wall and began its destructive ability.

Collision.

The resounding sound of the arena exploding rocked the foundation upon which he stood, forcing him to stagger slightly as the sea of flame blanketed the immediate area. The majestic display of fire was certainly a spectacle, its essence forcing him to shield his eyes as the fire illuminated the darkened skies. It was at least one o'clock in the morning as Aoshi practiced. Safe from the watch of Kazuya and his subordinates, he had time to perfect his techniques before engaging them again. As Aoshi stood to full height and watched, Tokido shook his head. "It's not strong enough. Look.." he muttered. Aoshi lifted a hand and dragged it down his face as the flames began to clear. There, within the distance, only a mildly large circle of damage had been done. The charred wall had managed to remain intact.

"Damnit..." Aoshi muttered. He allowed his arms to stretch lightly before he narrowed his eyes. Once more, his hands smacked together. He focused his more potent chakra toward both of his palms. If he couldn't have performed the technique to that degree, then he would alter the way that it was performed. It was a lower rank than what he intended to do, and therefore he'd resolve to place more chakra into the dragon, itself. Handseals were performed, though much more slowly as his tenketsu awakened. "I have to make it better. I barely put a dent into the dojo without the use of a longsword. Damnit..." he muttered. Tokido nodded in understanding, though no words needed to come forth.

Aoshi's own resolve was showing as he finished the last seal. Determination laced his eyes as the fire continued to burn brightly in the distance, embers crackling and dancing into the air before dissipating into a nothingness. Aoshi's sleeves had been completely pulled back so that he could focus his attention on his own epidermis - far be it from him to set himself on fire by accident. Narrowed eyes prevailed as he began to intake a large quantity of oxygen. The time to act was now, the fire burning within his soul calling for more than just a lake of fire with which he'd bathe his enemies. He needed to sacrifice the sanity of his character for the burning resolve. And without restraint, he allowed his chakra to roar to life. The Dragon Fire technique required no faltering.