To become stronger.{training thread. pm for inv.}

[Chikao]

Ushiro (Rear)
Rank: D Rank
Effect: Deflects/blocks a weak (D Rank or less) rear attack
Special: None
Drawbacks: None
Description: Commencing from a kneeling position, the practitioner quickly turns and draws to forestall an attack from the rear as a simple defense then sheathes.
Restrictions: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn; must have Reflex Training (D Rank)

The morning greeted Chikao with a bright light slowly filtering through his blinds and the smell of coffee being made in the kitchen. Chikao greeted the morning with less enthusiasm, but eventually succumbed. He sat up in bed and began to dress. His vest was being cleaned, but it wasn't a particularly cold day. After putting on his clothes he went down to the kitchen where the smell of the coffee originated. He drank it quickly with the toast he had made while speaking to his mother some. They were both in a hurry so conversation was short. After a shower he fastened his katana to his belt and left for his destination, the dojo.

It was less crowded than usual today, and that suited Chikao fine as he walked up to sensei. He was a beginner in the art of the sword and he still had some basic moves to get down. He had originally wanted to learn battojutsu, but was convinced otherwise by both his medical sensei and the sword sensei. Chikao now whole heartedly agrees with them. After all, a strong defense is practical for anyone, esspecially a medic. The sensei nodded when Chikao requested that he teach him the Ushiro defense.

"This is a somewhat tricky basic defense to learn," said the sensei, "So watch closely."

Chikao knew that the sensei was slowing up as he drew his sword. In a fluid motion sensei twisted his wrist as he raised his arm. His sword went behind his back to deflect an imaginary attack and in the same motion sensei brought the sword around front and sheathed it once again. Chikao nodded and assumed the Iaijutsu Stance. He calmed his mind, for the first lesson of sword combat is focus. He drew his sword quickly and began to bring it behind his back as the sensei had done but he suddenly felt a hand hold his wrist.

"This is why it can be tricky to learn," said the master. He had stepped in and intercepted Chikao's attack as though he was standing still. Chikao knew he had achieved his rank by being blindingly fast but he was still shocked by the ease and raw speed with which he had stopped him.

"You stopped your motion right here so that you could bring the sword around. This will detract from the over all speed of the technique. Your sword must be in constant motion, never stopping. Practice it in slow motion until I return and then you can try again. Remember, the sword is always moving. Also, remember that how quickly you sheath the sword is just as important as how quickly you block."

Chikao did as the sensei had instructed. The sensei walked behind him to another student who had approached. Chikao paid that no mind, focusing on slowly drawing his sword and wrapping it behind his back in a fluid motion. He saw why sensei had reminded him about sheathing, it was so easy to just focus on the block and not worry as much about the re-sheath. He began to try faster and faster until the master returned. The master nodded at Chikao and Chikao drew his sword and it flew behind his back and then to the sheath.

"Much better," said the sensei, "Remember it is always easier to train yourself to go faster than it is to correct your form. Your form has improved."

[Tieren]

+6
(6/10)

[Chikao]

"Thank you sensei," said Chikao, "I also wanted to..."
"I didn't say you were finished. It is an easy thing to defend against the air," said the master, "Go put on a protection vest."
The vests were made of an extremely thick material designed to resist being cut. Because they were so heavy they were impractical for actual armor, but worked well for training purposes. Whenever possible is it best to practice with a real sword. Having fastened the vest Chikao turned to see another student standing next to the sensei also wearing a protection vest. Chikao did not recognize her.

"Chikao, try and defend against his attacks from behind. She is trying to learn Mae-zuki," he turned to the other pupil, "Don't attack at regular intervals."

Chikao turned his back and steeled his nerves. He heard the sound of the sword being drawn behind him and quickly drew his own. He wasn't fast enough and he felt a jab in his back, causing him to step forward to keep his balance. It hurt, but the sword didn't pierce the armor. They righted their stances and tried again. This time Chikao was a little faster and he was able to deflect the blow off to his side. They both sheathed their swords as part of the move and tried again. Chikao was beginning to feel frustrated. He was only able to block her attack a small portion of the time. The sensei wandered over to where they were training and watched.

"Good, good," he said, "You are both improving."

"But sensei," said Chikao, "I can hardly ever block her attack."

The master chuckled, "Of course not," he said, "Do you think we are in the practice of teaching people strikes that are easily blocked from behind. When striking at your back she has an advantage. The Ushiro will not make you impervious to surprise attacks from behind but when in combat it will make it much easier to defend if your opponent tries to outflank you. If you train like this your senses and reflexes will become even stronger. Now, work on your resheathing. You need to be ready to attack again."

[adero]

+4 add it.

[Chikao]

Reflex Training
Rank: C
Effect: D Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill marginally. C Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill slightly. B Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill moderately
Special: None
Drawbacks: Cannot learn Quick Strike training.
Description: The practitioner is put through a series of rigorous repetitive movements to improve their ability to reflexively react to attacks by evading or deflecting/blocking with their sword. As they develop their training, their speed and reflexes slowly increase.
Restriction: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn.

Chikao felt confident that he had learned the Ushiro defense and the sensei agreed. He decided to take a short break. Training could be tiring. As he sat he looked at some of the more advanced students. They practiced their moves and Chikao didn’t see why he couldn’t do them. He hadn’t been practicing Kenjutsu long enough to realize that one of the strengths of the style was the deceptive simplicity of its techniques. Their simplicity is what gave them their speed. When he was finished Chikao approached the sensei again. He pointed to one of the students and asked if he could learn the move that he was practicing. The sensei chuckled. Chikao was devoted, but like most new graduates he was impatient. The teacher did not begrudge him this for he was the same way when he was a genin. Only time could cure it.

“You are not yet fast enough to learn that technique,” said the sensei, “But if you want I could teach you to be faster.”

“But sensei, I have already undergone the reflex training,” protested Chikao.

“This is not a simple pass/fail Chikao. Your reflexes require even more honing. Grab a bokken and sparring gear and go to the reflex room. The machines are already set up from the last trainee. Come to me when you are able to block 10 from each.”

Chikao obeyed the teacher, but he didn’t see why this was needed. Like all beginners of the Iaijutsu style he had underwent intense reflex training. He had passed very quickly, and event the sensei had remarked that he had exceptionally good natural reflexes. Chikao picked up the wooden sword and the padding as he stepped into the training room. There were three pitching machines pointed at a large circle in the center of the room. Chikao pulled the pads over his clothes quickly, making sure everything was in place and he then went to each machine and turned them on. It would take a few seconds for them to start and this gave him plenty of time to get in the circle. He gripped the bokken at his hip as though it were sheathed considered himself ready for the onslaught.

THWACK! Out of the corner of his eye Chikao could see the machine fire the rubber ball at him and he drew his sword as fast as he could. He couldn’t get to it fast enough and he was punished for his lack of speed by pain on his abdomen. The padding protected him from the brunt of the force, but it still hurt. In the time it took him to register the pain a second ball flew at him from a different machine banging against his helmet. Chikao resumed his stance and managed to deflect the next two attacks before catching one on the thigh. He tried not to let this distract him, but he still wasn’t able to block the next one. Again and again they came, and Chikao was frustrated at how many slipped through his defenses. The bombardment ended and Chikao had only counted 14 successful blocks.

“Not even half” he muttered to himself. He went around, setting the machines again and taking his place back in the middle of the circle. He managed to block the first one this time and that set a better mood for the rest of the exercise. He still only managed to block 17 successfully and he went back to set it up again. Time and time again he walked back to the machines and reset them.

Chikao could see where he was improving though. The attacks came much faster than before and he had learned to sheath his sword as quickly as he had drawn it. Wasted movements added up and made him miss. Turning your head was a wasted movement and he tried to only move his eyes. It is best not to use to much force for if he did he found his strength waning at the end.

Still as the day wore on Chikao was wondering if he would ever truly master it. He figured that he might do it once or twice through sheer luck but that wasn’t what he wanted. He knew that the master expected him not to come until he was able to block 30 consistently, and with each barrage Chikao felt closer to that goal.

[Koori.]

10|30

[Chikao]

Chikao walked home wearily. He was exhausted, yet he still hadn’t managed to complete the training. His arms were so heavy he wondered if he would be able to move them tomorrow. The pads had protected his body from marks or any lasting pain but they made the training all the more difficult. He guessed he probably smelled like a sweat farm right about now. He tried to visualize the events in his mind as he lay in bed, but sleep came too quickly.

-tomorrow-

Chikao woke earlier than he usually did so as to get to the dojo as early as possible. He felt like every muscle in his body was sore. His healing hands technique helped with this, but there was still some pain. He dressed quickly and ate. His mother wasn’t even up by the time he left.

He strode purposefully into the dojo and was one of the first people to enter. He bowed to his sensei and went to his locker to pick up some pads and a bokken before entering the reflex room without a word. The rubber balls flew at him again and Chikao realized how much his soreness was affecting him. He didn’t move with the speed he had the other day and ended up blocking only 21 of them. He wondered if maybe it would be better for him to rest a bit before trying again, but if that were the case sensei would have said something. So he practiced with heavy arms and rubber legs. All morning he practiced and he was never able to get higher than his original attempt, 21.

Chikao sat outside, his pads and bokken next to him. It was important to stay properly nourished and hydrated during practice. Neglecting this was not a sign of willpower, but rather of stupidity for it made your muscles develop slower. There was a sparring match between two advanced students and Chikao watched, eager to learn what he could. One practiced Iaijutsu while the other practiced Battojutsu. Chikao watched the Iaijutsu one. He could just follow their movements, and he thought he noticed something. He peered closer and his suspicions were confirmed. The Iaijutsu user was not moving at top speed. Not only were his moves economical, but they were perfectly adjusted to the attack coming at him. If his opponent sped up, he did too.

Chikao realized that he had been focusing on improving his speed and efficiency but his defense was not precise enough. He donned his gear once again and returned to the training room, determined to make sure he was precise. At first it was difficult and he blocked even fewer than before. Slowly he was able to make improvements. His new style allowed him to last longer and he wasn’t tiring out at the end as much. He was getting to the point where he could actually see the attacks coming at him and have time to think about what the best move would be.

The more he thought about it the more it made sense that this was superior to just having reflexes. After all, most ninjas were multi step thinkers. If he were to simply respond to every action by his gut it would be easy to outthink him even if he responded very fast. His speed would be pointless if they knew how he was going to react before he did. Of course, these machines had no such reasoning skills, but because his soreness made him loose some of his speed he had to compensate by being more precise.

Chikao wondered if this was the reason that his sensei had not stopped him. After all, Chikao had quick natural reflexes. Chikao figured that if he were in top form he would probably be able to deflect all 3 attacks, but because of his handy cap he was unable to. Still it made him stronger, and that was the goal.

[tetsu]

+8
18/30

[Chikao]

Chikao sat in his room, studying the diagrams. The dojo had long since closed, but he had to keep up on his medical training too. It was so difficult to study when he had spent all day trying to improve his Taijutsu. Everything he read made him think about how best to apply it to his sword training. This was good, but gave him a hard time remembering what he was reading. He looked out his window at the village beneath him. It still dripped and he could just see himself lashing out with his sword and catching that drip of water before it hit the ground. Chikao closed his book. He couldn’t focus anyway.

Chikao stood outside on their back porch. Water dripped slowly from the overhang. It had just rained and the last bits were coming down. He readied his hand on his sword, eyeing the drops. His sword flashed out, but missed. Chikao focused on several places where the water dripped out so that he wouldn’t get into the rhythm. An intelligent opponent would have no rhythm or order to his attacks. If you got lulled into the rhythm o f battle you would let your guard down when you thought it was a time of inactivity.

Again his sword flew from it’s sheath, only to have the water fall onto it’s outstretched flat side. This would not do. Anyone can hold a sword out and catch water with it, Chikao needed to intercept the droplets. He decided not to count it as successful unless his blade intercepted the droplet. One thing about Chikao that his instructors appreciated was his willingness to make his own training more difficult. It could sometimes be hard to convince him to learn a certain jutsu for he wanted to fly ahead as fast as possible, but once he decided that it was important Chikao would not accept anything other than total mastery. In the field of battle there are not short cuts.

Chikao tried to look at the falling droplets of water as an enemies attack. Like an attack they may come at any height. The key is to gauge a foes moves and block at just the right time and place. Chikao tried to do this with the water, gauging how fast it fell. Of course, it was different from an attack but nothing could really imitate battle. His sword struck again and this time he gauged the droplet perfectly as his blade splattered the water. Chikao remembered the earlier part of the day and did not let this success distract him sheathing his sword immediately. He focused, trying harder to visualize the imaginary opponent.

His foe stood across from him in his mind. It’s shape was vague, likely male but undefined. Far more defined was it’s sword. Not fancy, but functional. It bore no emblem or decorative mark but the edge glistened in the moonlight proving its sharpness. Why this foe struck him Chikao did not know, only that he must defend or die. Each time a drop fell he could see his foe bring his sword around. He calibrated and moved to intercept at exactly the right time and place. For a brief moment his blade and the droplet shared the same place and time before the droplet was splattered. His opponent had already prepared for another attack and Chikao did the same. He missed this one by a few millimeters and the opponent was able to slash his chest. Chikao simply readied himself for the next blow and it came swiftly. Chikao was swifter still and he could swear that he heard steel crash against steel as he crossed swords with the shady apparition he had created in his mind.

His mother watched him, not certain whether to be concerned or proud. There was a time when such dedication would have been beyond him, but being a ninja had filled Chikao with a sense of purpose. She was proud of her son for wishing to learn the ways of the protectors of the village. Yet, in the back of her mind she knew the fate of shinobi. It was a time of relative peace now, but did that ever last? Even as she watched him she was reminded that if he pursued his training that weapon he held dear would be able to cut another man right in half without pause. She could only hope that he would become the kind of man who knew when to use the power he had.

Chikao was oblivious to her thoughts. He had considered this in the past, that a ninja must be ready to kill and be prepared to die himself and believed himself at peace with the idea. Death was part of the path he chose. He did not dwell on this now, but rather pulled his sword back to defend against another strike form his imaginary enemy.

[Elgar]

+9

27/30

[Chikao]

{the next morning}

The rubber balls flew at him, but Chikao batted them away. Each block was near perfect as he calculated the exact time and place his bokken would intersect with the projectile. Sometimes he blocked a little too early, and this had concerned him so he had brought it to his sensei who had said dedication is admirable but perfection is impossible. Three times in a row he was successful, and each time he could visualize his actions, easily able to distinguish the moves which allowed him to reach his goal. He was ready. He approached the sensei and told him that he had completed the training.

“Oh have you?” he said, “Let’s see.”

Chikao tried hard to be focused as he stood across from the teacher. He did not want nervousness to overcome him and make him fail. He breathed for a brief moment.

Steady Chikao He thought to himself, This is not a competition. He wishes to make certain of your progress. Make him certain.

On the other side the sensei knew what the outcome would likely be. Chikao would be ready. He would have trained and trained and probably dome more than some would because that was the way he worked. Entirely devoted and thoroughly unapologetic about his actions. He could see in his eyes that he was here because that was where he desired to be and he knew that Chikao would not stop with this school of swordsmanship. He drew his sword, intentionally slowing down so as to give himself an opportunity to test the boys reflexes.

Chikao saw the bamboo come at him and brought his own blade around to counter, bringing full force to bare to block this attack. His sensei sheathed before he did, but Chikao did not let this distract him. Calm focus was required. His sensei circled Chikao, but Chikao held his stance trying not to let himself get flanked. The teacher suddenly changed direction and Chikao caught his back facing the foe. He drew and turned frantically trying to maintain his stance. He saw the movement that was the attack and moved his sword in to parry it to his side. The bamboo nearly brushed his clothes but it was not an official hit and once again they faced each other.

This basic motion repeated itself a couple of times until they both sheathed and bowed to each other. Chikao waited in anticipation to see if his training had been successful.

[Tieren]

Learned!

[Chikao]

Ketsuki Gyouko (Blood Coagulation)
Rank D
Type: NinJutsu
Description: A simple healing technique. The user uses his chakra on his wound to make the blood there coagulate quickly. The wound still remains but the bleeding stops. It goes quickly for small wounds but larger ones need a couple of minutes to finish the coagulation. It can also be used on wounded allies.

Chikao studied the Ketsuki Gyouko scroll. He wanted to learn more sword techniques, but he had fatigued his muscles a lot with his reflex training. No pain no gain was a good motto and the soreness in your muscles meant that they were breaking down so that they could be built up stronger. It also meant that it was not wise to put them under a lot of stress while they were rebuilding. So Chikao kept up with his workouts, but he devoted his training time to the medical profession.

Ketsuki Gyouko was the basis for a lot of medical jutsus involving blood. Even though it was strictly inferior to the Shosen no Jutsu in Chikao's eyes it was the beginning of blood manipulation through chakra, and everyone had to start somewhere. He took a single senbon needle out of his pack. It would be sufficient to make the kind of mark he needed. Chikao rolled up his left sleeve nearly up to his shoulder and tried to puncture his skin with the senbon so as to get a wound to coagulate. He had to push fairly hard and felt a sharp pain as blood trickled from his self made wound.

The scroll had said that while there were some medicines that caused coagulation all the needed materials could be found in ones own body and it was simply a matter of making them work faster. Chikao tried to do something similar to when he had learned Shosen no Jutsu to increase cell activity. He imitated the healing jutsu too much and saw his wound close as the cells repaired themselves at a rapid rate. He took the needle and pierced the skin again.

This time Chikao decided not to bother with trying to imitate Shosen no Jutsu. He hovered his fingers over the small wound and tried to picture what he wanted. The platelets would respond first followed by protein. The two would combine in the blood increasing its density from a pure liquid into a gel that served as a temporary block to keep more precious red blood cells from escaping. The chakra could manipulate life on a microscopic level into speeding this process.

Chikao looked down to see that the blood trickling from his wound had in fact hardened, but the actual wound still bled. Kinda stung too. He had to focus his chakra more. He stared at the wound and focused again. The blood around it began to dry up and then slowly the coagulation spread to the wound. Finally it bled no more and Chikao used his healing hands technique on it to remove it for good. Still, he wasn't sure if he could close bigger wounds. Maybe he should practice that a bit more as well.

[adero]

8/10