A Lonely Outcropping [M] [T] X2

[Former Reformer]

The Space

Not far to the west of Sunagakure lies a series of lonely outcroppings, connected by spider-think stone walls. Three buttes rise in succession, the tallest rising fifty meters, connected to a butte of twenty-two meters to the west and another of thirty-three meters still further west. All together they cast a great shadow over haphazardly strewn boulders and inconsequential cactus growths. Hissing, benign lizards bake in the sun atop the buttes. The stones themselves are the color of the desert with red sandstone streaks at odd intervals. The movement of the sun reveals patches of burnt prairie grass near the base of the buttes, some growing strongly and some scorched and depleted by the few hours they bake in the sunlight each day.

There is a small basin of water near the base of the smallest butte, and as far as can be seen little else besides the rolling sand dunes in all directions.

[Enter Albert]

His tongue smacked loudly against his lips; Albert was parched. "It was foolish to go without water, discretion is a part of valor too." He thought over the strong feeling that had welled up inside of him while he was in the Kazekage tower, pride. It was now mixed with a little bit of desperation. He could very well die out here, but he couldn't very well just go back with nothing accomplished. Hopefully Isamu Shounin would make an appearance, and Albert did believe he had a lucky streak going. Even something as unlikely as a chance meeting seemed almost bound to happen to the genin, what with how his day had been going so far.

Seeing the shade offered by the lonely outcroppings he quickened his pace, eager for a little shade and a chance to plan his next move. He was astonished to feel a man-made basin out in this stretch of desert, thinking perhaps it was very old or there had been a settlement or oasis out here at some point in the past. He counted himself lucky and knelt down, drinking the slightly salty water that welled in the basin a little too greedily. "Isamu, where could you be? Are you even in this country?" He had no knowledge of his target's age, appearance, or even rank. Surely he was an imposing figure, though, being a close acquaintance of the Kazekage? He splashed a cupped handful of the brine water into his brown hair, thinking over his options moving forward.

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Special Mission! Train with Isamu
Rank: "C"
IIC Length: 2 Days
Difficulty: Easy
Objective: Train with Isamu Shounin and learn some new techniques, as well as something about being a ninja.
Description: Meet with the ninja, Isamu Shounin, from the Sand Village and train under them. Learn as many techniques from them as you can, but also learn what it means to be a Sand shinobi. Must learn at least 50 tp worth of techniques to complete this mission.
Reward: 37,500 ryo

[Christoff]

Isamu stood near the base of the three buttes. He was on the opposite side from Albert though he did not know it. The sunny side was very pleasant. The rays of the sun had warmed Isamu's sand a couple of inches deep and he was feeling quite satiated. Isamu was training and had left much of his equipment at home. The Genin's black hair was cropped short just above his forehead protector. He was wearing a black t-shirt with the symbol of Sunagakure outlined in read on the back. The shirt was tucked into a pair of desert khaki pants whose pockets held Isamu's Death's Tear and Immortality Stone. A pair of black combat boots rounded out the ensemble. Isamu's katana with its cryo and thermal enhancements was fastened at his left hip.

Isamu lifted his left hand and as he did so his melody arm hummed in the light breeze that surrounded him. His hands left hand contorted into a series of half seals. The fingers were a blur and his chakra swelled. A boulder flew out of the ground rocketing across the basin before crashing into the earth about four hundred meters away in a large explosion. This was noisy dangerous work, best done well outside the village. Isamu began forming the handseals again, clearly pushing the speed of his non-dominant hand. With speed came a mistake and a seal was missed. Isamu knew it immediately and stopped. He had learned not to chide himself, mistakes were a necessary part of training. The seals began again at the same pace as before and another boulder flew out of the ground in front of Isamu and went rocketing off into the distance.

[Former Reformer]

Albert's was engrossed in his thoughts, considering whether he should return to the village or continue on into the desert; both ideas seemed foolish to him. Suddenly a large crashing sound brought him back into the moment, it seemed both near to him and dulled somehow. 'Must be on the opposite side', he thought as he sprang to his feet. It was either fate or misfortune smiling down on him and he moved swiftly around the smallest butte, wincing as the sweltering heat of direct sunlight came down upon him. His shinobi headband hung from his belt, glistening in the sun next to the hilts of his swords on his left hip.

Then he saw the man, much taller than he and looking quite imposing. Albert almost shrank back in fear of a meeting until he noticed the decal of the Sunagakure on the man's shirt. He must have been truly blessed by the gods, and shouted out impulsively: "Isamu Shounin! Test me, teach me, do something!" He felt a little foolish as soon as he said it, it was almost offensive to his own sensibilities to shout without introduction. Out of all the people who could be wandering this enormous desert, why would the first he came across be the object of his current goals?

The man was performing ninjutsu and controlling the environment around him, so Albert kept an a careful distance of fifteen meters. He watched as another chunk of earth rocketing away from the unknown man, and made another, more respectful attempt to start conversation: "My name is Albert Thimble, the Kazekage bid me find a man named Isamu Shounin and study under him for a time. I believe you are he?" He was afraid to look like a fool, but at the same he felt that fortune was smiling down on him too much on this day to lead him astray now.

[Christoff]

Isamu's head swung to his left at Albert's exclamation. His eyes fell on the young man. He appeared to be roughly Isamu's own age. Isamu's eyes were draw first to the man's blades then to the glint off of his headband. Isamu allowed his comrade to close, wondering about his purpose. At fifteen meters the other shinobi spoke again.

"My name is Albert Thimble, the Kazekage bid me find a man named Isamu Shounin and study under him for a time. I believe you are he?" Isamu turned to fully face Albert. "You've found your man. I am Isamu Shounin, Genin of Sunagakure." The man had not stated his rank so Isamu hoped to prompt him. Isamu knew most of the Chunin and Jounin of Sunagakure by this point and did not recognize him. He was old to be a Genin, but then again, so was Isamu. It was also telling that Shihana had sent him to study under Isamu. A Chunin or Jounin might be insulted by such a request. This man seemed excited.

After considering Albert for a moment Isamu spoke, "If our Lady Kazekage sent you here to learn then I had better teach you something." Isamu considered the man's swords again, "You are a swordsman?" It was as much statement as question and Isamu closed the distance between them until he stood he was five meters from Albert, "Draw your blade and show me your steel."

[Former Reformer]

Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu no Kamae (Art of Drawing the Blade Posture)
Rank: "E"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: The basic stance used for all of the Busōsen (Arms Flash) techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture User stands in a long "L" stance. The Forward foot is pointing towards the opponent while the back leg is perpendicular. The weight is evenly distributed between the 2 legs. The sword and sheath is attached to the belt on their hip. Their free hand holds onto the edge of the sheath, while their main hand readies itself near the Tsuba of the Sword. The main hand shoulder should face the opponent.
Limit: Must learn from a Master of Busōsen (Arms Flash).

0/5 TP

Albert's excitement mounted: it seemed everything was falling into place for him. Upon hear Isamu's rank he was quite surprised, but knew there were weak-willed men of high rank as well and truly exceptional men of low rank. He could tell by the man's countenance that he had confidence and by extension great strength. "I am a genin as well, recalcitrant for many years. I am here before you to submit to your authority." So they were both genin, but surely there was great chasm between their experiences.

Albert remembered the experiences to learning swordmanship with his own father, though he was rusty; here was a chance to shake off the rust. He assumed a stance, sliding his left leg opposite Isamu and turning pivoting it in the direction of the sun. His right foot faced squarely towards his adversary, his upper body at a slight angle to the left. His left hand would disappear from view as it slid down the scabbard of his katana, meanwhile the right rose slowly and purposefully to hover just a hairs-breadth from the handle. He was a thinner target from here, his back angled slightly towards the rise of the butte. "A swordsman, not for a long time... I will unsheathe in the moment that it is needed. Please, give me a reason to draw." He smiled with good nature, but internally he was steeling himself for the defining moment. Would Isamu respond with chakra, his own steel, or more words?

[Flower]

Albert: +5 tp, Learned!

[Christoff]

Learning (0/40)

Keihatsu Ryuu: Kiji o Gyakuten (Reverse Pheasant)
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: A strong downward strike followed by an upward strike.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture The user stands in Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu no Kamae (Art of Drawing the Blade Posture). The user takes hold of their sword near the Tsuba, the user thereafter swings their whole body toward the opponent while unsheathing the blade in a downward vertical striking motion across the body. This attack is able to knock an opponent to the ground in a prone position. This first initial attack takes up no movements. The user then immediately follows with an upward vertical attacking strike using their whole body into the attack essentially performing a Keihatsu Ryuu: Appā Surasshu (Upper Slash) before sheathing the blade. The Upward strike takes up a movement while sheathing the blade takes up another movement.
Limit: Must learn from a Master of Busōsen (Arms Flash). Must know Keihatsu Ryuu: Doraibā (Drive).

Isamu smiled at the challenge, "Very well then first I will test you. Then I will offer you what I can." Isamu made no movement as he spoke but allowed his chakra to coat his blade. Now his blade was dulled and wouldn't create any lethal wounds. He could test Albert without harming him seriously. Isamu sprinted towards Albert. Isamu began his attack from just out of distance. Isamu intended to probe Albert and discover his skill level. Isamu came to a halt his right leg forward. His right hand rested on his hilt while the left held his sheath firm.

Isamu's blade flickered out of the sheath, impossibly fast arcing high up into the air and falling down in a flash of steel. If Albert did nothing the blade would travel inches in front of his face. He would also be able to see the opaque coating of chakra on the blade. Isamu wasn't done however. His strike had warned Albert about his speed, now Isamu needed to test his reaction. Would he hesitate? Would he defend himself? Would he strike back?

Isamu needed to know the nature of Albert's swordsmanship if he was going to refine it. The Sadojin stepped forward with his left foot. His stance seemed unbalanced but Isamu quickly shifted his weight, driving forward with his right hip. Isamu's wrist twisted unnaturally and he drew the blade back across up along its original path. This time though Isamu had stepped in and if Albert did not the blade would impact his chest and push him back. His attack complete, Isamu's blade returned to his sheath.

SPOILER: Click to show

Technique used:

Force Blunt
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: The user blunts the weapon of an opponent and makes the damage of all attacks non-lethal.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Affects 1 targeted Weapon. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique lasts for 5 minutes per class level. User releases a field of force to envelop the targeted weapon, adversely affecting its combat abilities. For the duration of the Jutsu the weapon is treated as Bludgeoning, and becomes non-Lethal.
Limit: Must be a Shape Transformation Specialist.

[Former Reformer]

Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu (Art of Drawing the Blade)
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is the basic concept of Busōsen (Arms Flash) which deals specifically with the rapid drawing and sheathing of a sword.
Special: ---
Drawback: Missing the strike could result in the user being completely vulnerable.
Description: Picture The user stands in the Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu no Kamae (Art of Drawing the Blade Posture). Grabbing the handle of the sword near the Tsuba, the user thereafter steps forward with the front leg while unsheathing the blade in a horizontal attacking motion across the body. So swift is this technique that it is akin to a "flash", taking no movements to perform. However, the concentration of such a quick strike is evident; upon sheathing the sword, the user must sacrifice a movement to do so. This technique may be performed with a knockback attack, knocking an opponent into the distance of 10 meters into a prone position.

Limit: Must learn from a Master of Busōsen (Arms Flash).

0/80 First post

'First he will test me, then he will offer me something. I've gotten what I wanted, I've already won, now I just need to see what I will learn...', Albert pondered the words of Isamu, thinking that the main goal of this combat would be to impress the sand shinobi and create a positive relationship for the future. He would give this his all. As Isamu sprinted forward Albert considered his great speed, but knew instinctively that he must hold his ground; after Albert's confident words before, he couldn't flee at the first sign of conflict.

As Isamu entered a combative stance just at the edge of his range, Albert let his hovering right hand drop to the hilt of his katana. He began pulling at his handle like a ripcord, but didn't consider Isamu's impressive speed. Before Albert could consider his options, his hand was already in motion and his adversaries sword would pass within a breadth of his left cheek. In the imperceptible gap between Isamu's falling strike and the following rise, Albert's sword would slash laterally from left to right with great speed.

If that tight moment, Albert made a realization: the difference in height between himself and Isamu. Though Isamu's initial slash was an inch from Albert's face, Albert's slash would be a full six inches short of where Isamu's chest would be. The sand genin's eyebrows would knit together in perplexity at the realization before widening suddenly upon seeing the rising arc of his opponent's follow-up strike. He'd had a slight tip off about another attack from Isamu's step forward. In response Albert would let his weight flow to the right as his sword had done, dropping into a roll just over his adversaries upwards cut. The tight roll would end just a meter to Isamu's left and Albert rose into a crouch an even meter between both his new mentor and the wall of the butte to his back. He lowly muttered: "I need to consider my opponent's size before I strike. Foolish..." First strike, a failure.

[Christoff]

(??/40)

Keihatsu Ryuu: Kiji o Gyakuten (Reverse Pheasant)
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: A strong downward strike followed by an upward strike.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture The user stands in Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu no Kamae (Art of Drawing the Blade Posture). The user takes hold of their sword near the Tsuba, the user thereafter swings their whole body toward the opponent while unsheathing the blade in a downward vertical striking motion across the body. This attack is able to knock an opponent to the ground in a prone position. This first initial attack takes up no movements. The user then immediately follows with an upward vertical attacking strike using their whole body into the attack essentially performing a Keihatsu Ryuu: Appā Surasshu (Upper Slash) before sheathing the blade. The Upward strike takes up a movement while sheathing the blade takes up another movement.
Limit: Must learn from a Master of Busōsen (Arms Flash). Must know Keihatsu Ryuu: Doraibā (Drive).

Isamu allowed Albert to roll away unmolested and collected his thoughts. He had spent years training with the sword but had never truly had a student. He remembered the various teachers. Their styles. He had been sixteen when he first learned Keihatsu Ryuu: Kiji o Gyakuten. He remembered the countless hours of repetition before he was ever allowed to practice it in a spar.

When he had first tried the combination against an opponent it had been stiff and inflexible. He was executing a series of instructions. There was no art to it. It was recitation. Master Toshizo had show him the error of that pedagogy. A sword's purpose was to kill in combat and his training style reflected that. Under his tutelage Isamu had never practiced against air. He always had a sparring partner sometimes Toshizo, sometimes a fellow student. Toshizo had shown him how the subtle changes of weight and distance that mattered in a true fight were lost in forms.

"Your draw was good. We will focus on it. It will get faster with practice," Isamu let that hang in the air for half a second, "My height is not the advantage you make of it Albert." He had heard the boy's self admonishment. Novice swordsmen often overvalued height. "I can hit your body when you cannot strike mine. That's true. At the start of an engagement do not measure distance from chest to chest. It is from hand to hand. The hand is the great equalizer between swordsmen of different heights. Isamu gave Albert a moment to think that over. "Now I will come again. Do not worry about harming me. You cannot." That was more mysterious than it needed to be but Isamu liked to mess with humans

Isamu stepped back a ways to allow Albert to take his stance and move his back off of the butte if he so desired. In a fight an opponent would have pressed Albert, but they were practicing his draw. Pressing him now would only hinder his practice. Now at a meter and a half from Albert Isamu drew executing his form flawlessly. As he did he saw subtle ways he could alter the strike in order to baffle Albert. The blades arc up and down was a path, and from that path branched a hundred smaller paths. Isamu passed them all and and allowed his blade to follow the now familiar path down and then back up. The distance was the same as well. The first strike would pass again inches in front of him. The next was aimed again at Albert's chest.

[Flower]

Isamu: +40 tp, Learned!
Albert: +20 tp, [20/80]

[Former Reformer]

Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu (Art of Drawing the Blade)
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is the basic concept of Busōsen (Arms Flash) which deals specifically with the rapid drawing and sheathing of a sword.
Special: ---
Drawback: Missing the strike could result in the user being completely vulnerable.
Description: Picture The user stands in the Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu no Kamae (Art of Drawing the Blade Posture). Grabbing the handle of the sword near the Tsuba, the user thereafter steps forward with the front leg while unsheathing the blade in a horizontal attacking motion across the body. So swift is this technique that it is akin to a "flash", taking no movements to perform. However, the concentration of such a quick strike is evident; upon sheathing the sword, the user must sacrifice a movement to do so. This technique may be performed with a knockback attack, knocking an opponent into the distance of 10 meters into a prone position.

Limit: Must learn from a Master of Busōsen (Arms Flash).

20/80 TP

Albert Sheathed his sword, being given a moment to breath, though his gaze never left Isamu's face. He was careful to watch for any of a dozen indication which would allow him to recognize the beginning of an attack. Given a bit of time, he took two step around Isamu, both to give himself space to flee in a losing situation and more importantly to relieve his sight from the glare of the baking sun. Now there were a 100-degree angle between Isamu and the butte wall with Albert as the vertex. He took a deep breath and descended once again into the natural Busosen stance.

As his back heel pivoted into his stance and his weight became evenly distributed Albert considered the words: "...Do not measure distance from chest to chest. It is from hand to hand. The hand is the great equalizer between swordsmen of different heights." He had only ever practiced with his own adoptive father, and more as a bonding exercise than as preparation for bloody combat. Nevertheless, the initial drawing of the blade was one thing Albert had executed thousands of time. He could rely on muscle memory for the movements, and instead focus his thoughts on learning something from Isamu's words. 'Yes, our swords are of roughly equal length. So long as my aim is to cut him, there should be no difference in our reach. For now I should just attempt to draw blood.'

"I doubt I could harm you Isamu, but all the same I must try." He carefully gauged the distance between himself and the mentor, now more aware of his technical reach. Albert kept his focus on the subtle movements of Isamu's lower legs and back, watching to see if he would close the distance. Judging the distance he kept stock-still for the downward initiation of the adversaries strike, and then seeing the movement of the lower body (and by extension the closing of the distance between them) Albert took a wide shift to the right with his forward foot. At this new angle Isamu's sword would pass, again within inches, by the genin's chest. At this moment Albert did not attempt to close the distance for a strike to the body, but instead unsheathed his steel laterally again but with a tight upwards angle. As Isamu's sword arm rose Albert's sword would flash after it, following it close and aiming for a cut through the elbow. Regardless of the result Albert would shuffle backward anticipating a counterattack and sheathing his sword.

[Christoff]

Learning (0/40)

Counter Tactics
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: User's countering tactics are so great the user can act whenever an opponent misses.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User anticipates the combat techniques and feints of opponents before they can attempt them. Whenever the opponent misses a technique or a feint, the opponent provokes an opportunity of attack. Using Counter Tactics is a free-movement that can be performed at any time, but can be attempted only once per round.
Limit: Universal TaiJutsu Technique. Must know Combat Expertise. Must know Counterpunch.

Isamu saw that Albert had adjusted well and taken the lesson. As the Sadojin's blade descended from high he saw the other Genin prepare to target his hand. Isamu's mind flashed almost instinctively through his options. At the peak of his upward swing neither his hand nor his body were in range. From there he could have dropped the blow to the left or right. Doing so would remove his hand from range and draw the counter.

The one thing he could not do was stop the strike. The momentum was too great. Once drawn the blade needed to fall. Isamu knew if he dropped the blade to either side of him it would present his body as a tempting target. As long as Isamu didn't step in the distance would still be wrong for a strike to the body. If Albert took the bait Isamu would be able to strike on the counter. Albert's counter would be turned against him.

Isamu did none of that. His role was the teacher and so he tamped down his instincts, honed from a thousand fights and sparring sessions and allowed his blade to fall downwards. Albert's blade met his wrist and sliced deep across it in a fine spray of sand. The blade carried on up into the air and even here Isamu saw how he could charge inside Albert's guard and tackle into his opponents body.

Instead Isamu stepped back, the cut on his wrist already closed. "Well struck Albert. Once the blade is free from the sheath snap your wrist. That is where the strike derives its power. If you do that you will take my hand off at the wrist." Isamu slowly demonstrated the snapping motion with his hand. "This time you initiate the action. We will continue into the second phase of the engagement and stop when I say halt." Isamu stepped back opening the distance between them once more. He sheathed his blade and waited for Albert to make a move.

[Former Reformer]

Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu (Art of Drawing the Blade)
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is the basic concept of Busōsen (Arms Flash) which deals specifically with the rapid drawing and sheathing of a sword.
Special: ---
Drawback: Missing the strike could result in the user being completely vulnerable.
Description: Picture The user stands in the Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu no Kamae (Art of Drawing the Blade Posture). Grabbing the handle of the sword near the Tsuba, the user thereafter steps forward with the front leg while unsheathing the blade in a horizontal attacking motion across the body. So swift is this technique that it is akin to a "flash", taking no movements to perform. However, the concentration of such a quick strike is evident; upon sheathing the sword, the user must sacrifice a movement to do so. This technique may be performed with a knockback attack, knocking an opponent into the distance of 10 meters into a prone position.

Limit: Must learn from a Master of Busōsen (Arms Flash).

??/80 TP

First Albert surprised at the success of his strike, but then he was even more surprised by the result of it. A fine spritz of sand almost erupted from his opponents wrist but was then sucked back in almost instantaneously. He could hardly believe his eyes but carefully kept his composure; there were a great many wondrous techniques and varied bodies among the various shinobi nations. If anything, he found it quite appropriate that there would be shinobi with bodies made from sand within this desert environment. He pondered whether this could simply be an elemental clone that he was facing... but the equipment Isamu carried seemed real enough, and their conversation seemed to originate directly from the man in front of him. "This day is just full of surprises," the genin muttered.

The advice seemed useful and appropriate in their current altercation, and Albert himself felt quite confident from the success of last reaction. He knew there was little hope of injuring his opponent with any sword strike, which was a relief, and so intended to strike with all of his power on his next movement. He addressed his mentor: "Very good, I feel I've learned more today than I have in many years. I thank you." He had learned about swordsmanship and more importantly to expect the unexpected in the ninja world.

At the very moment his previous words ended, Albert's right hand would again drop to the hilt of his katana and he would take two quick steps forwards while his left hand gripped his sheathe tightly just below the hilt. He dropped into the busosen stance just inside of his sword range before Isamu. Immediately his sword exited its' sheathe, first with a little slack and then a snap of his wrist as his right arm extended. It was a fairly obvious sideways slash, which if successful would cut the outer edge of Isamu's clothing.

But this was not the wounding strike, for at the same instance his sword was drawn Albert would sidestep to the right and make a short jump to the wall of the butte: it was only a meter off the ground where he landed, but he hoped it would be a bit surprising. When his feet touched the wall they adhered to the surface with chakra, his sword snapped back into its' sheathe and immediately exited again. From his slight crouch on the wall of the butte, Albert's sword would be within range of the larger man's shoulder, and he tried to cut straight through it; from Isamu's point of view it would be another sideways cut from left to right, but much closer to him than the first strike had been.

[Christoff]

Learning (??/40)

Counter Tactics
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: User's countering tactics are so great the user can act whenever an opponent misses.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User anticipates the combat techniques and feints of opponents before they can attempt them. Whenever the opponent misses a technique or a feint, the opponent provokes an opportunity of attack. Using Counter Tactics is a free-movement that can be performed at any time, but can be attempted only once per round.
Limit: Universal TaiJutsu Technique. Must know Combat Expertise. Must know Counterpunch.

Isamu took the compliment from Albert in stride and nodded, "I'm glad I have something to offer you. Busosen is not my primary discipline, but it is something unique to our country's identity. Every swordsman in Sunagakure should be familiar with its concepts." Isamu took his stance. Two hands on the blade held up in front of him, his right leg forward and left leg back. Then Albert was coming. The other Genin stepped into range and Isamu tracked him and observed the strike.

It seemed he was mirroring Isamu's opening. A horizontal slash. Isamu stepped back slightly and observed the cut. Albert was incorporating his feedback and the strike had much more power this time. Isamu dropped the tip and guard of his sword beneath the strike and swayed backward to allow the blade to pass harmlessly in front of him. He could have thrust the blade forward here. Albert's momentum was carrying his blade away from Isamu's weapon. This was a good opening, but Isamu did not take it.

Albert lept up onto the wall of the butte. It was a smart move as it gave him the high ground without exposing his legs. Albert's movement gave Isamu time to adjust in turn. His feet never moved but his weight shifted and his torso turned. Isamu's blade came up and to his left catching the cut to his shoulder on the flat of the blade. The clash of metal sang across the basin and echoed against the butte. Next Isamu drove his blade along Albert's in a two handed thrust to his chest. Whether his strike was parried or found its mark, Isamu would flicker backwards ten meters and say, "Halt. That was good. One more time."

Techniques Used:

SPOILER: Click to show

Wakare Tsuppari (Parting Thrust)
Rank: "D"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The swordsman uses a parry-thrust sword combination.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Wakare Tsuppari is a Taijutsu technique where the swordsman is on the receiving end of an enemy's attack. Before the attack could land, the user would use a parry and move the attack away from him/her. Immediately after parrying the attack, the user would use a two-handed sword thrust at the enemy's chest or abdomen.
Limit: Gyakusatsu

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)

[Flower]

Albert: +40 tp, [60/80]
Isamu: +40 tp, Learned!

[Former Reformer]

Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu (Art of Drawing the Blade)
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is the basic concept of Busōsen (Arms Flash) which deals specifically with the rapid drawing and sheathing of a sword.
Special: ---
Drawback: Missing the strike could result in the user being completely vulnerable.
Description: Picture The user stands in the Keihatsu Ryuu: Battōjutsu no Kamae (Art of Drawing the Blade Posture). Grabbing the handle of the sword near the Tsuba, the user thereafter steps forward with the front leg while unsheathing the blade in a horizontal attacking motion across the body. So swift is this technique that it is akin to a "flash", taking no movements to perform. However, the concentration of such a quick strike is evident; upon sheathing the sword, the user must sacrifice a movement to do so. This technique may be performed with a knockback attack, knocking an opponent into the distance of 10 meters into a prone position.

Limit: Must learn from a Master of Busōsen (Arms Flash).

60/80 TP

Albert's first strike missed just as planned, and he was pleased that Isamu had stayed in his place, simply turning to follow the genin's jump onto the butte. It was an awkward place to take action from, especially considering how little training he had done in the last few years: he had little practice in three-dimensional combat and so his movements were quite awkward on a sideways surface. The clang of their blades meeting was a little startling for Albert. He and Isamu hadn't actually made contact up to this point, and the strike that Albert had landed was passed through the sandy surface of Isamu's hand as though it weren't even there.

As Isamu turned the edge of his blade and drove it towards Albert's chest, Albert would follow the path of his own blade with his feet. His feet slid in a figure-eight along the wall of the butte and to Isamu's left. Isamu's thrust would meet only air as Albert continued sliding a meter along the wall. At the same time he had turned his sword to point straight in order to ward off any cuts that may have followed him as he fled. He was slightly disoriented from the spinning on the wall and on one turn he saw that Isamu was completely gone. At that point Albert dropped from the wall of the butte and landed lithely on his feet to see Isamu ten meters away.

Albert was breathing hard now: "Yes, one more time is about all I'm up for at this point." He sheathed his sword and raced along the ground in a straight line towards Isamu. When he was only two meters from his opponent circled to the right, attempting to stay toward Isamu's off-hand and make him follow Albert's movement if he meant to parry. Once he was directly to the left of Isamu's initial position, two meters away, he would crouch momentarily while entering his stance. "This has been illuminating, thank you," Albert took one strong slide forward with his forward foot as his sword unsheathed in order to shorten the distance and bring him within range for a lateral strike to Isamu's midsection. If the sword was stopped or dodged Albert would pull his arm back and attempt another strike from the opposite direction, low, to his mentor's knees. He was low to the ground, ready to roll or slide backwards if the need arose. If his strike any part of Isamu's body, Albert would stop immediately and wait for a reaction.

[Flower]

+20 tp, Learned!

[Christoff]

As Albert circled him, Isamu turned slowly to match sheathing his blade. Isamu only nodded as Albert thanked him. The Sadojin was locked in. Albert had made rapid improvement and Isamu knew better than to take any opponent lightly. An novice swordsman could be even more dangerous to him than a master. There was no telling what a beginner might take it into his head to do. Masters knew the dance and flow of sword fighting. Gyakusatsu had forced him to study those dances and all the ways to trick them into a misstep of his choosing.

Albert came forward blade sheathed and Isamu stepped forward. The two Genin drew their blades at the same time and they came together with a mighty clash. Their blades hummed apart and Albert came again. This time Isamu parried his blade to the side. The two swordsman separated and Isamu stared back at Albert. He noted the dry heat of the desert and wondered if it was beginning to have a toll on Albert. Either way Isamu had been out since the early dawn and could use a rest, "Well struck Albert. I think that will conclude our session for today. If you ever want to continue this you can find me at the community center. I look forward to serving with you."

Isamu would wait for a response, but only briefly before nodding to Albert. Having made his goodbye Isamu levitated into the air and took off across the desert in the direction of the village.

(Exit)