— Oh, I just can't wait to be King!

[Umehara]

[10|60]

Now stepping forward with a casual stride, Atsuhiro managed to once more wrap his hands up into the man's collar before yanking him to his feet. A lanky man, and as such the ability to toss him about as a rag doll would come easy to his abilities. The passionate glare from Atsuhiro's very occuli was enough to disturb a sense of fear unmatched into Zanza, and thus he bit his lower lip harshly. "Why do you do this?! The ANBU will be notified, and you will be detained! You're insane!" Anotsu could only give a wry grin as the grip upon his attire was tightened, his back forced to collide with the tree time and again as he held him there. Once more had the Tenketsu upon his body released the passive chakra required for this Sharingan technique.

The jutsu was powerful. Were the Uchiha of so long ago truly this divine in their behavior and mannerisms? Its various powers suggested that he was capable of delving into the mind of a god even, destroying and creating as he so desired. This was the extent of his own and Kouketsu's power. He even went so far as to wonder if his brother had unlocked such potential. The problem with Zanza's story would be foretold as the Sharingan yet again pierced the distance between them. His heartbeat was growing more rapid by the second, and the fidget within his body was growing more tense...more accurate. Atsu provided a swift punch to the gut of his captive, earning a loud grunt as he keeled over onto his knees. "You're lying again. Where is the truth, Zanza? ..If that is even your name."

Wincing under the intense pressure of Anotsu's fist colliding with his body, the foolish Zanza sighed deeply. "It's in my ass." he laughed. It was then that the Sharingan's intensity magnified for a slight degree, Atsuhiro's knee slamming into the side of his face to turn the man over onto his back. The pressure applied would surely be enough to snap the neck, but the injured Zanza's usefulness would be used before moving on. "Why have the others not come to help you? Are you one of those that experiment on the children?" he'd growl. The cold of his eyes was met by Zanza's surprise; this, the Sharingan could easily pick apart. The constant twitch of both of his eyelids signified that Anotsu knew something that he should not have known. So much for subtlety.

Atsuhiro lifted Zanza into the air and hoisted him over his shoulder, suddenly shifting his weight and allowing Zanza's form to move straight into the ground. The impact alone would be enough to yield a gasp from him, the Uchiha prodigy's Sharingan developing a stronger sense of false pretense. It was taking less and less to discern the truth behind his lies, and inevitably through force (Or other gruesome methods), he would gain the information that he sought. Zanza lay there sputtering, his normal reactions at offense and defense all but lost to him as the ferocity of the Sharingan Eyes kept his will to retaliate at bay. "How..how did you know about such things?" he questioned. Anotsu merely stood above him, his towering form saying nothing as his head tilted backward and stared out into the distance.

"That information is none of your concern. I want to know where the rest of them are." Atsu returned. Zanza could only writhe up under a powerful foot grinding into his jugular vein. The truth would come, one way or another.

[Umehara]

[??|60]

"We only desire to help those children, that's all. Not everyone can be as gifted as the other. Mizu No Kuni needs a vicegrip on all that is power, and we will be the people that are most fit to give it to them." Zanza muttered. The filth that was coming out of his mouth was more than enough to stir a sigh from Anotsu. He had heard these tales before. Many people desiring "absolution" and "power" only for a social gain. These snakes should have been erradicated long ago. Though he was apathetic on most fronts, Anotsu was intolerable of these lies. As he stared down at his frame once more, the Sharingan activated its scarlet essence. The tenketsu upon his body opened up much too quickly for Zanza to have been wary of the transition from humane into godly status, the azure aura seeping off of the Uchiha causing sweat to roll down his frame.

Yet again would the Sharingan activate its prowess. Digging deep into the male's psyche, the copy and counter functions of his Kekkai Genkai could move into areas where even the Byakugan could not. Such was a difficulty feat to do, but altogether possible. He read Zanza's body like an open book. Much easier to do so when the target was scared, but when he was stationary it also added to the effect. Much like a polygraph machine hooked up to a person's body, there was nothing that the Sharingan could not pick up about the anatomy. The silhouette could fool one if calm and cool were kept, but the Uchiha would ensure that fear hindered their ability to resist.

And it was near effortless and painless for him to do it. Zanza's form squirmed as Atsuhiro placed a foot to his throat, once more opening his mouth and delivering a justice long overdue. "Zanza, you keep lying to me. It's not in your best interest. Though I am naught but an Uchiha, I am more than capable of sending you to places that you would never believe existed. I will not keep asking you these questions in vain. Tell me what I desire, and some part of your dignity will leave with you." The male finally allowed his arms to rest at his sides as he shut his eyes tight, the press of Anotsu's sole threatening to bust the jugular vein while it was still barely beating against the epidermis. "Alright...alright! Deep within the bowels of Mizu No Kuni to the island westward, you will find an encampment of Hanakora. They are responsible for the jutsu that keeps the forests lush. Tell them that Zanza sent you, and you will be given access to the leader's domain."

These were the words that the Uchiha sought. He allowed his Sharingan eye to once more analyze the figure before him, Zanza's writhing body satisfactory to the sight. He would, indeed, put a stop to the ministrations that had been taken up by Mizu No Kuni's lords, and their victims would be released to freedom once more. Feeling that his Sharingan Eye was developing quite nicely, he ambled into the distance until Zanza could see him no more. What the naive assailant did NOT know was that Anotsu had already suspected a lie. It hadn't even took the full prowess of the Sharingan to get the information that he desired. He only need glance at him. Such was the progression of this jutsu.

[Umehara]

[??|60]

-- He had appeared to have been telling the truth.

Anotsu happened upon Mizu No Kuni's southern location just as Zanza had spoken. The environment seemed rather peaceful; multiple trees sprang out from underneath the ground, bridges and various archways lining the place and veiling it in a shroud of mystery. Moss and vines were beginning to grow from a valley diving deep into the water and lush greenery, the sun's rays dipping in and out of the available patches as Atsuhiro moved further within this "lair". Stepping into the dragon's den would surely lead to conflict, but there was much more at stake than one's life and the thrill of the kill. Small children were being murdered here, and he himself would see to its end.

Perhaps it was the familiarity of it all. As the ANBU lifted his mask from its place behind his head and secured it over his facade, he could not help but wonder where the sudden urge to help had come from. As a child, he couldn't remember the helping hand of any that desired to help in the restoration of the Uchiha Clan. Why, then, had he so willingly moved onto this edifice to help? Much worse was the thought that all of this had been a ruse - he reflected back on Zanza's words, nearly everything coming from him a falsification. Even in a life or death situation, it appeared that the bandit was determined to take every secret to the grave. At least..he'd thought that he would. Anotsu merely need trek forward, and there in the distance was the encampment he sought.

One would have guessed that they had been in operation for quite some time. The entire region was armed with advanced weaponry, its range exceeding those of normal senbon and kunai. Siege weapons were located at the southern flank, jutting forth from behind a large dwelling establishment like a rather large eyesore. Anotsu's Sharingan activated with these thoughts, the three tomoe hitting his scarlet in a brusque fashion before he would waste no time. Diving into what he knew, the tenketsu began to feed his eyes an eyesight he had not seen in quite some time. As such, he needed a victim to experiment on. Twin guards stood duty before him afront a large door, its opening only slightly altered. Perhaps he could get in and get out easily?

Rather easy, yet again, was he more than able to pull off an impressive feat. As his eyes began to swirl, all that was around him could be turned into a grayed out sense of vision, if one would. They seemed to be discussing which "kunoichi" was the hottest, and the magazine afront them had given him the obvious answer. Thus, the Uchiha moved forward and into proximity so that his eye could work its magic. Chakra swelled from the insides of him. He had grown so used to it motioning forth in torrents, but now it was as if the very concentration of his jutsu could help the speedy process along much faster. Birthing unto himself few more handseals, he allowed a portion of his spiritual essence to filter out and cover his body. It was only a matter of time.

[Umehara]

[??|60]

And it was then that the Uchiha would spring into action. Pushing forward off of his right foot, he appeared to jettison across the very distance that seperated himself from them. Like a true god would he ascend into the air with the tip of his sandal, his armor clanking slightly as he fell downward with powerful strikes to the napes of their necks. Empty hands would ensure that they would not be cleaved in twain, but one was more obvious than to suspect that he had not hurt them with his hands alone. Their forms dropped before the Uchiha as the Sharingan continued its way. The eye of magnificence was beholding all that lay stretched out as the victims struggled for movement, and yet it would be denied on every front.

-- Time Lapse: 1 Hour.

After extracting what data was necessary via the Truth or Dare game with the Sharingan Eye, Atsuhiro was free to move deeper into the bowels of the fortress. It appeared to be impenetrable; guard ninja moved on patrol at every turn, pairs of two slipping in and out of the corridors to keep constant watch on the vicinity. Their presence would be felt just as soon as the Chuunin pushed chakra to his optics, and it was then that he'd conceal himself near the various tapestries. A makeshift alternative was thereafter brought to his attention - pushing chakra toward his hands, the string of zodiac beasts slowly allowed him to disappear in a veil of invisibility. With this done, he would be able to spy out his adversaries and gain information on a somewhat better footing.

And so, it would be. Moving like a cat with stealth did he manage to wander into the lower regions of the established building, its make suggesting that it had been up and running for longer than he'd thought. Zanza's description of the defenses and sentries was accurate, at least. To his surprise, the rest of it had been a lie. This was the true power of his Kekkai Genkai. Though a gamble all in itself, Atsuhiro would risk everything to save those who needed it. A soft chuckle left his lips as his shoulders rose and fell - he was beginning to transition in his emotions. Understanding them to some slight degree was proving to be an easy task. It was the later time that would concern him the most.

The Sharingan Eye had yet to fail him. Even as he approached various guards, it would pick up the chakra jettisoned from his body into its focal point. From there, the surge of his essence allowed him to view the body in its entirety. The anatomy from his guidance as an ANBU was easy to decipher; almost as if some code had been written, and his eyes held the only key. This technique was growing and expanding, and in a matter of time there would be naught but the utmost truth at his fingertips when it was activated. Of course, this had proved to be a test all in itself. There were times where it was rather difficult to read a person, and as such he would need to be careful with how its various uses were applied.

[joshcrisp]

+40

[Umehara]

[50|60]

Moving into the private quarters, the very darkness that lingered within the room was enough to unnerve even the bravest of warriors. Perhaps, he mused, this was why Anotsu had been chosen for the job. He casually strode forth as the Sharingan pierced what it could of the four walls, every guard having retreated to their chambers; night was approaching quickly, and most likely dinner would be served in the far end of the establishment. This left him with ample time to breach their security measures, picking apart the voluminous edifices and finding what information he sought.

His right hand moved forward to push along the apex of what appeared to be a door, his head tilted so that he could view what looked to be a side-room. Dark and decadent it was, practically emanating necrid vibes and wafting with an unmistakable scent of iron and blood. Rotted flesh was amongst these most regrettable tortures, yet Atsuhiro would not do so much as flinch as the sight before him caught his attention. A single light cast itself down onto a child, at least a teenager. Brown hair matted to the boy's face, dulled green eyes almost staring directly into his own. Behind him was an entity that the Uchiha could not make out clearly, but few handseals would push him into an invisible state so as not to be seen.

And that is when the Sharingan eye would go to work once more. The Mizu Nin boldly stepped forward, Apashi resting at his left side as his hand lay against the throat of its saya. Such was to allow him to move nearly undetected, the wet floor below him concealing his footsteps to naught but a dull roar. The obsidian-locked Anotsu would find himself standing only meters behind the shadowed figure as hands rested upon his shoulders, a maniacal chuckle leaving his lips. How cliche' it was..but in due time, Atsuhiro would cleave him in twain and be on his way. "Don't make me do this anymore...please.." the boy whimpered.

The machinations of the very room were torturous in nature. Various needles and syringes lined the wall on a table, the droplets of water cast down from the pipes seldomly splashing upon the boy's torn clothing. From the smell of him, Atsuhiro considered, he hadn't showered in days. Tenketsu awake around his cranium, the optic nerves filtered out all mundane feeling. Chakra was poured into his being, and every tomoe flickered in a malice unparalleled. His hands trembled - he desired to carve the man down now, but he would utilize the Sharingan once more to judge his character.

"Of course I won't. You'll be free to go once the effect wears off." the silhouette assured him.

But it was all a lie. A sudden bright light that cast itself from the shutters behind him revealed the man's frame enough for Anotsu to make out his location, reading exactly the bodily movements. Every detail, every piece of vitae that moved within that sorry carcass...he could decipher, read, and manipulate it to his own will. The deception would not go unpunished, and it was then that he allowed the scarlet spheres to continue reading him. "The effect of death will remain long for you." the Uchiha muttered. Turning upon the ball of his right foot, the startled figure would not even have time to allow his eyes to adjust.

The kissaki of Anotsu's sword sliced clean through his cranium, crimson spilling forth and staining the Shodai Armor as his hands flailed. The eyes were wide open as Atsuhiro thereafter turned his back on his victim, stabbing Apashi deep within the bowels of his torso. Twisting the sword only a breath later, he eviscerated the innards and pulled the instrument of destruction from his vessel. Blood spilled profusely from the artificial orifice as he sheathed the katana, walking past the child to a set of doors that would lead him into the outside world once more.

"Hey! ...I.." the boy began. Atsuhiro stopped only a step after the doors had been swung open.

"..I could tell that he was deceitful. But it is not enough to rescue you today. Keep yourself alive..and your redemption will soon follow." he spoke. With that, he vanished before the boy's eyelids could make a full travel in blinking.

[Zetsumei]

+10

[Umehara]

Katon: Ame Hinote no Jutsu (Fire Element: Raining Flames)
Rank: "C", "B", "A", "S"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu to where the user is capable of creating a storm of fire.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: The user performs the handseals needed as they take in a great deep breathe within. Holding it for a movement the user exerts out the breathe in a great force as an amount of smoke comes out in the usage of one movement, the number of movements increase depending on the rank type the user is pushing within the technique. When the user first learns the technique as a "C" Rank the user is capable of creating an amount of smoke covering within the distance of ten meters radius. The Smoke is capable of rising high into the air as it stays when the user wishes for the attack to be performed. The smoke itself may be used as a distraction, to make an opponent incapable of seeing for a brief moment to allow the user to perform more stronger attacks if needed. Within the ten meters of radius as the cloud of smoke is high in the air the user is capable of making the smoke rain down fire balls the size of golf balls down towards those that are along the ground. When the user learns a different rank the amount of distance is increased by ten meters. When the user learns the "S" Rank version of this technique performing the technique becomes quite easier as the amount of chakra is reduced by one rank needed in order to perform the technique, as the storm of golf sized fire balls is added with an extra amount of damage of a small explosion like that of a tag.
Limit: Must learn within the Uchiha Clan. Must have Katon no Jutsu (Fire Release Skill), User must have mastered Katon no Jutsu (Fire Release Skill) in order to learn "A", "S"

[0|60]

With the grim reality that was set for the captives at hand, Anotsu could not help but feel the angst that nipped at his heels. He was to be a figure of great importance, and yet he did nothing more but slay only a single entity in conviction and guilt? Unacceptable. Thoughts of failure plagued his cerebral. Cognizant of all his efforts, even one as valiant as Atsuhiro couldn't shake the foreboding sense of depression manifesting itself from the uncertain. There had to be more that he could do. In due time, perhaps he would come to figure such things out. No use in dwelling on the past, though. Every day presented a new adventure, and it was up to the protagonist to finish the tale.

The Uchiha's travels were halted as he happened upon a large field of grass just outside the encampment. It appeared to resemble that of Grass Country's considerably tall fields, successfully blocking his path for a great majority of what he could see. An irritation crept up on the Mizu Nin's person - that is, until a thought struck him. The corner of Atsu's lips gave an approving smirk as he used Apashi to hack his way further into the endless amount of grass, the thicket sometimes requiring more than one slash for him to endure. It was in this time that he thanked Magoichi for his training. The power in his swing was more than enough to cleave most of the obstruction, but he'd persevere to do much more than that.

For you see, the Uchiha were (as multiple times stated throughout our hero's adventures) more than adept at the use of the Fire Style. This field of grass was more than susceptible to such assaults, and it was conveniently nestled along the outskirts of the establishment he'd just exited. Such knowledge would allow him to make use of it as his "playing field". It didn't even take a moment's notice for him to call upon his chakra, his breathing soft as he focused the Katon affinity. It was almost second-nature to him to call upon this particular element. Regardless of circumstance, it could not be tamed.

Handseals were created simultaneously, used as the conduit with which the jutsu would be expelled from the arsenal within his reach. He would first need to gather as much chakra as possible; there was the possibility of overcompensating, but such would only prove beneficial in the longrun. After all, he'd escaped from their clutches unseen. By the time they figured the death of their own into account, he would be able to rest within the field of seemingly endless grass to gather his stamina once more should the need have arisen. It had come down to this....the salvation of the children rest within this tactic, and thus he prepared himself mentally for the trials ahead.

Muttering to himself, the man's lungs would be filled with the chakra required. He leaned back upon his right foot, the expanse of his abdomen increasing to a moderate degree. He would thereafter step forward with the same foot and exhale, though only a small plume of smoke would be released. The rest was left to the atmosphere, harnessing little energy and barely capable of any visible projectiles at all. Indeed, this would be a few steps further than the simple Goukyakuu No Jutsu.

[Umehara]

[??|60]

The technique had failed for the most part. The remnants of the smoke disappeared as Atsuhiro turned his attention back toward the establishment. With night falling upon them, he could practice in mystery to the victims he'd eventually call upon with the jutsu. Apparently, it took much more than simply a great load of chakra followed by exhaling all the way. Perhaps, if he could attempt it, there had to be phases to growing more knowledgeable with this technique. It had been a toss-up to attempt to master it with his first try, but it'd proven futile. Anotsu rested up for minutes, restoring his chakra reserves. It would be most beneficial to attempt the jutsu at a later time, revealing unto his knowledge the mastery of his clan's great element.

Gathering his wits about him, the legs were spread at shoulder's width. The soft gale flowing along the waves of green calmed him, his breath slowing to a soft heave of his torso. The Shodai Armor had been loosened slightly to allow his chest to rise and fall as it should have, the regulation of his chakra important. His previous attempt at the technique yielded few results - exhale too hard, and most of the art was lost within the esophagus well before it could reach an external state. But decidedly, breathing too little, he'd most likely damage his own internal organs by attempting to preserve the technique prior to release.

All in all, the offenders were fortunate that he had not discovered the true way to unlock this technique in its great potential just yet. He was able to spread the smoke out for a small radius of five meters, and from there it proved easiest to exert the perfect force with his breath. But this was to no avail if he was to ignite the entire landscape. Surveying that which was before him, the Uchiha bent his legs at the knees and vaulted high into the air. His ascension slow and calculated, it only took moments for him to hover in a full circle - the terrain was even, at least. Should he have chosen to invoke the power of the Katon element, it would be easy to spread.

Atsuhiro landed upon the ground once more, the motivation to perform the technique once more his to dwell upon. Tenketsu were swiftly opened, permeating with the chakra that he would use as the "juice" for yet another attempt. This time, more handseals than before had come to note. He inhaled deeply as the affinity was pushed into the bowels of his stomach, a burning sensation nipping at the seams of his person. Eventually, he'd be able to hold it within the epicenter of his being with no problem. Ensuring that he held proper chakra control, the ANBU member stepped forward once more and exhaled the cloud of smoke into the distance.

Better success was his as it moved outward, projected rather quickly before beginning to seep upward and into the atmosphere. Though, the technique began to break apart before it could get anywhere fast. A thin smog was all that was left of his attack, leaving Atsuhiro to ponder the errors of his methods. There was much more to be learned before this technique could be accomplished.

[Umehara]

Ooc: 3,000TP pl0x?

Ic:

It was after his train of thought had been put into full effect that a newfound force began to tug upon his heartstrings. As if the very angst and malice of the Uchiha were being fully focused, he stood to full height and allowed his arms to raise to eye's level. They seemed to emanate that same, familiar azure aura as before. The skies above began to grow even more pitch black as the night continued, the starts blinking in and out of existence as his very soul called out to him.

...It is time.

As if unable to control his own will, Atsuhiro fell to a knee which planted itself hard against the ground. The very weight of his body forced him downward, and upon his hands and knees did he begin to cough profusely. Embers slipped from his throat as the burning sensation returned, only this time it beckoned him. The feeling was intense..a forthright emotion of sanguine malice latching itself onto his cerebral and painting the world a deep hue of red. Untamed and unchecked was this best, his hands scratching at his throat as the struggle for inner sanity continued. There was no escaping this fate - he had heard these voices before, and into the recesses of his mind were they cast.

Why, then...why then had they come!?

"Remove yourself from me!" he'd command.

And yet, even against the call to his alternate self, there would be no yielding. He could feel himself slipping in and out of consciousness, and what amazed him more than every other aspect was the numbing within his fingers. As if by surprise did his digits begin to weave handseals, furrowed eyebrows attempting to try and make heads and tails of this ordeal. Anotsu was being overcome by a powerful force that not even he could comprehend. Eviscerating all control, only the darkness inside of him could pierce the threshold and take control. A sadistic grin crossed Anotsu's features in following moments, the Sharingan's full activity breaking out and covering the expanse of his eyes.

The powerful Katon Affinity? The task was simple for one such as he. Slowly placing his feet upon solid ground, a rather arrogant and malicious Atsuhiro was granted his great stature once more. Raven locks fluttered about a violent wind as his sharpened canines pierced that toothy grin. His eyes had sunk into a deeper shade of scarlet, so it seemed - even the very hint of murderous intention could be seem within his peripheral vision. The Shodai armor fit snug against his form as handseals were performed. Quickly moving one through the other, the time required by normal means would have been more than triple the alarming rate at which the zodiac beast dance could be completed.

Smacking his palms together, the chakra from within seemed to contort and twist perfectly. Before any note of his abilities could be taken, he was already exhaling at a moderate pace. The smoke thickened as it encircled him, clouding the Uchiha in a shroud of mystery. How...how was this enigmatic force taking over so easily and perfecting a jutsu that the norm could not?

Rising into the heavens did the smoke move, and yet it would remain there until his word could be given. The maniacal laughter that spread out from Atsuhiro's lips was more than audible as he looked upon the torturous building only a mild walk away. "...All in due time, Atsuhiro. All...in due time."

[Umehara]

[??|60]

"Foolishness. Their insolence is unforgivable. I will douse them in flames and allow them to cleanse their sins by brimstone."

His words were as royal decree itself. Echoing in a more than demonic tone, the malicious resonance that came from Anotsu's body was unmistakably of foreign nature. His prowess was the product of nightmare and paranoia alike, birthing an entity that would not be denied in its advance. All the while, the Sharingan Tomoe within his eye began to rotate rather slowly. It was like the former KazeKage had been strung to some kind of device, his own mentality substituted for another host in its entirety. From the casually emotional Uchiha from long ago, to the uncaring and unconcerned silhouette that stood within the field of grass.

What was even more amazing was its ability to concentrate and perform jutsu at his alarming rate. The newfound power surged throughout his body, sometimes creating tendrils of electricity that spanned his body. He didn't even bother to harness it for safety reasons - he literally bathed in it, clenching his fists time and again as he watched the smoke linger. Along the atmosphere did it pull, but soon enough there would be a surprise which would light up the immediate scenery. "I baptize you..in the name of all that is within the Uchiha's power. Suffocate...and rebirth yourselves unto my legion."[/i]

Handseals were once more performed as Anotsu cast his eyes heavenward, the three tomoe within those pools of crimson slowly beginning to spin. Concocting an immediate surge of chakra, only the shards of Atsuhiro's memories were left as the tenketsu willingly opened to Anotsu. It was as if a new life had flowed into him. "..remove yourself...from me.." the Mizu shinobi muttered. As chakra began to syphon out through his lungs, a response bellowed almost deafingly loudly. "You need me. Together, we will unlock your true power.." Why...why the sacrifice of honor?

Without words did the clouds of smoke dance and move to his will, circling once before a brilliant display of amber and crimson flew out from beneath their multitudes. Flaming spheres fell from the heavens and descended quickly, igniting the luminescence of the moon with its radiance. Each was about the size of a golf ball, though upon impact with the grass the inevitable effect would be his to utilize. Smoke billowed throughout the area as the grass began to grow scorched, flames licking at every piece of vegetation. At the helm of all of this was Anotsu, and with a head raised high he stared out and into the distance.

"Total elation.."

[/i] he cooed.[/center]

[Itsuki v2]

+40

::40|60::

I got to make Atsu A-rank.

[Umehara]

[40|60]

-- Tsukuyomi was not yet done.

Once more utilizing his swift speed, the newfound silhouette of destruction jumped upward and into the safety of a branch as the fire quickly turned into a sea of beautiful red and orange. Embers and the like crackled away as the tendrils licked and danced along the terra, turning it from its once lush appearance to charred remains of life and natural growth. Smoke rose toward the skies and spanned out with the powerful winds, heat waves striking the trees themselves and threatening to incinerate them with the rest of the plant life that had been present. Anotsu's chakra reserves were pumping full with life, his spiritual essence at the brim of its capacity.

He was inebriated. Deeply satisfied with the torment that the children's captives would inevitably suffer, the impatience building within would force him to take action once more. Thus, his feet planted firmly to the hard edifice below his shoes before kicking off and into a high ascension. The Uchiha lifted his knee to plant gently against his abdomen as the alternate leg lay outstretched; he was like a demon, the scarlet of his eyes piercing the distance and witnessing the emergence of multiple patrons. Out of their little ant hole did they crawl, creating banter and angry words alike at the sight of their fields being burned down to the ground.

It was the sweet intoxication of sin and malice that gave him the edge that he needed. Once more did he perform these sacred handseals, genuinely thirsting for the tenketsu to once more open and feed him that succulent nourishment that his body required to produce an external projectile. It was as if he couldn't wait to finish the dance of the zodiac - nimble digits would sometimes stop, his heart pumping in unison with the adrenal glands. The final seal was completed. And in such a statement's truth, he once more called upon the Katon affinity. This perpetual fire that burned within him could only serve to increase his strength, the potential of his jutsu rising above and beyond mundane expectation.

A quick exhalation took place, the lungs expanding as his chakra lined the esophagus and its corresponding internal organs. Without so much as a quick moment of focus, his epicenter expelled a gullet of smoke that quickly took precedence over all else. He was easily veiled within it, raising a hand so as to control it in all its obsidian glory. The nostrils flared slightly as it thereafter took lift, gliding along the atmosphere before resting alongside the previous amount of smoke he'd pushed out of his lungs. His lips pursed together, Atsuhiro allowed it to remain; it was a perfect decoy for the guilty who so blatantly watched in emotional discontentment, shouting orders for their men to discover the cause of such a sight before them.

Little did they know that the grim reaper had enlisted the aid of the scarlet-eyed deity...and they would reap the benefits of the contract.

[zuka]

Oh shet. A Rank Atsu.

+10

[Umehara]

[50|60]

No sooner than the signal had been given did their hordes approach. The masses donned obsidian armor, moving swiftly throughout the foliage to attempt to catch up with Atsuhiro's position. It seemed as though scores of them were pouring out from the large building that rested due north of where the skurmish would begin. And yet, even with those odds, Anotsu held Apashi within his right hand. The blade seemed to glint with that azure edge when death was spoken - they would hear every syllable, taste every thought...he would make sure of this. As the chakra within him began to build once more, one patron stepped forward.

A wakizashi was pointed in his direction. "It was not wise to come here, fool. What business do you have in interfering with evolution?" No words came from the Uchiha. He merely stood there, the instrument of destruction gripped amongst his tendrils. There was a certain malice that pierced his adversaries, causing the moment in time to freeze as hesitance took its place upon them. Or perhaps, much to their misfortune, the Sharingan Eye had worked its magic. The optic nerves were fed a single shot of his Genjutsu prowess, the three tomoe beginning to spin slowly. A world of deception and pain awaited them, and within the Hypnosis State he was free to do as he chose.

That is where this technique would once more come into play. With the scores of them at the helm of anger, his offensive would have been a downfall had he not anticipated their approach. This jutsu was more than exceptional for crowd control. Though the projectiles were relatively small, it could burn away and consume its targets inevitably. That is the reason Anotsu held them beneath the veil of smoke that lingered within the skies. He'd cleverly masked it behind the natural smoke that the sea of fire was creating, his stealth incontrovertibly evident with every one of their shinobi frozen...waiting for death's cold embrace. And it was he, Atsuhiro, that would deliver it to them.

-- Perfection at its best.

It took naught but a moment for the Uchiha to sheathe his blade, the hands clapping together at the palms before he began a rapid amount of handseals. His fingers weaved one into the other multiple times, the usual clash of the zodiac taking place before he could push his tenketsu points to their limit. And as he did so, his enemies could do naught but wait - quaking in their armor, obviously so by the clank of sword and attire alike one against the other. Anotsu could only smirk in the face of having such power. To end life was his choice, and he dangled it afront their eyes like the last bit of water to the thirsty patron. From above, they could hear the ominous roar of the flames being produced.

And so, it would begin.

The torrent of fire cast itself down from the heavens, much as the heavenly chariots cast off their flames when the wheels moved magnificently against any it would come into contact with. The agonizing screams of flesh burning into a rotted state filled his eardrums - and yet, he refused to let them loose from this entrapment. There were few terms to describe the carnage before him, the sadistic grin laced about his features signifying the disdain for their actions. The children, wherever they were, would now find themselves free of control and torment.

He, on the other hand, was still plagued by the inner workings of the demon he'd become. "..Yes...that's it."

[joshcrisp]

hmmm, go on then, Learned.

=LEVEL UP=

Atsu is now A Rank

[Umehara]

One-handed Seal ~Dragon~
Rank: B
Skill: None
Effect: Perform the Dragon hand seal with only one hand.
Special: None
Drawback: None
Description: Just like the two-handed Dragon Seal, the one-handed Dragon seal mimics it, however it is with only one hand. The pinky is pointing toward the ground, ring to index finger are folded in toward the palm, and the thumb is half bent and pointing toward the opposite side of the user.
Limit: None

[0|50]

The deaths of his opponents had done a great deal in calming the demon within, but there was still much to be learned. Few days had passed since the events of that night, Anotsu awakening from a deep slumber. He'd slept in the public chambers of a nearby home, the fatigue that had settled in doing more than putting him into an unconscious state. A migraine headache, though short-lived thanks to medicine, pushed him to get up from bed and into the shower. Thus, the Chuunin persevered to carry out his day in the norm. Dressing in the Shodai Armor once more, Atsuhiro glanced toward the mirror.

He was a handsome young shinobi, the scarlet eyes of his Sharingan growing in prowess as time passed. He could tell - they were no longer premature. No longer underdeveloped as they had been in Suna. No...these eyes were ominous. They spoke entire tragedies, with him at the pencil and his victims as the pawns. His hand reached for the Apashi blade to reassure himself of the honor constantly pushed into him by his father....but to no avail? Anotsu's eyes wandered for moments, before finally they'd rest upon the blade sitting at the corner of the room. He found that having to use both of his hands for jutsu left it neglected, as was realized whilst he ambled forward to retrieve the instrument.

"..Let's have some fun." the demonic voice muttered.

Anotsu lifted the window - it hadn't been his true opinion to interact with anyone at that interval of time, and thus he'd jump out of the window. A frontflip later, his feet touched the ground and allowed him to stand to full height. What could remedy this issue? Wielding a katana and attempting to perform jutsu at the same time was far out of his reach. There had to have been some way to utilize both in the heat of combat. Pondering upon this, the Uchiha began to dwell upon the Zodiac Beasts. The greatest of these, in his opinion, was the Dragon. He loved the mythical creatures, and had even been blessed with the ability to summon them.

Maybe there was some way to do this single-handedly?

He had no choice but to try. Stepping forward upon his left foot, Atsuhiro pushed his body downward so that he could perform a handstand. Perfect balance was practiced as his legs stuck straight out toward the air, the tips of his toes facing skyward. He pulled a single hand from the ground. Resting the palm against the torso portion of his Shodai armor, he closed his eyes slowly. Eyelids fluttered over his vision before he began to imagine the zodiac all in itself. The beast was untamed...wild...intelligent. Much like Niiro, Spliff, and Mirahi, it could be utilized in multiple ways that could prove beneficial. How ironic, then, that this would be the first he'd attempt.

Anotsu envisioned the complete handseal within his mind. The next to follow would be the physical manifestation of it. He attempted to gather his chakra, but yet being upside down was far greater a handicap than he'd expected. Attempting to introduce one hand into the jutsu that one used? This, too, was out of the question of possibility.

[zuka]

+10

Good luck, kind sir.

[Umehara]

[??|50]

Surely, there had to be an easier way.

Tsukuyomi slowly gathered his wits about him once more. He refused to leave that spot until the handseal was complete, the palm still placed along his chest as he attempted to line his tenketsu up in their entirety. He was only able to produce small bursts of chakra, and yet there was a plethora of jutsu with which he could make use if this technique could fall under his ownership.

Perhaps a bit of a workout could get him going? An apathetic Anotsu stood to full height, the blade within one hand as the other was free to create what appeared to be half a dragon. His fingers were extended in the right way, effectively reducing the use of two hands for his techniques. Though, he had to admit: he looked much like a retard with this form of Ninjutsu being produced. Cautiously did the Chuunin glance about, ensuring that none were secretly snickering or laughing at the misfortune of his inability to learn. He'd never practiced this before. As with every new experience, one would have to look utterly stupid before they could look like a pro.

Unfortunately, Atsuhiro was amongst the best of the retard section. He sighed heavily to himself, allowing his eyes to come to a close as he relaxed his body. It was stimulating, feeling the breeze of mother nature pass. Calming himself into a state of total laziness, this was the greatest way for him to attempt to push his spiritual essence forth. There was to be no mistake made - Anotsu held a great chakra reserve. Being of the Ninjutsu specialty, he dabbled profusely in the art of the elements. Fire, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Water - all of these could be taken and made into an external form. Atsuhiro simply needed to focus his epicenter around the palm, and perhaps the fingers would make the needed conduit.

But therein lied his problem.

With two hands, the concentration was at a moderate degree. It took virtually no time for one to channel chakra thorugh the zodiac beasts, most likely for their balance between the left and the right arm. Once these were properly brought to the user's chest level, energy could be stored evenly amongst them for greater results. The by-product of such a temporary hold would be the production of a grand jutsu, whether it be in the form of a meager or gargantuan projectile. Hence, he'd attempt to concentrate and train his mind to do better than simply relying on both appendages for his bidding. Indeed, the murderous intentions would be amplified as he learned this jutsu.

Anotsu would take another shot at it. Not bothering to perform the handstand this time, he placed both of his hands together and created the Dragon handseal once more. This particular technique consisted of clasping the fingers. Once that process was done, he could move into channeling the chakra as he normally would. It was taught this way in the academy so that the fingers and the signs thereof could act as the medium. How fitting, then, that he could take this a step further? But the pressure was still evident - draining too much chakra at one time could cause one to burn out faster. If that were to happen, he'd most likely perish before these great feats could be accomplished.

Failure of that caliber was not an option.

[Umehara]

[??|50]

Success!

Anotsu could feel the intangible desire to succeed lingering. It was a gift given to him by the Uchiha Clan's prestigious ways, the village and its inhabitants revoking all sense of self-doubt and giving their people the ability to do the near-impossible. Atsuhiro was one such member. He couldn't remember a time where these feats of strength were possible. Multiple killings at his own hands? His opponents falling without the slightest bit of effort? What would his family think of him now, to know that such a demon walked the streets of Mizu No Kuni in freedom? The thoughts that plagued him were stopped as he thought about his defect from Suna.

He'd betrayed his home village and left them. Without a single trace had he up and gone, taking all of his belongings. Did he miss those dunes? The ability to roam the desert without true care, knowing that his home awaited him just over the largest of the large, sandy obstructions? No. He regretted nothing. Only the stimulation of his adrenal glands was the feeling he desired, and he was easily being provided that. The strong emotion that welled up inside of him yielded the Half Dragon beginning to work. The tenketsu had awakened only slightly, and small amounts of his "fuel" were leaking out and into his person.

Perhaps he could attempt a jutsu? Standing with Apashi in his hand as a "handicap" of sorts, Atsuhiro closed his eyes. The Chuunin focused on the Katon element. It would be the easiest to manipulate, and the dragon was a great being that could pull forth fire from its maw. It could scorch all that lay in its path, so certainly it would be no problem to combine the understanding of both aspects and coalesce them for something grand. So had it been - Atsu would use the Goukyakuu No Jutsu for this attempt. It was the transition of adulthood that he sought, and thus the easiest to perform with two hands.

The adrenal glands began to pump. Chakra opened up to him slightly more as his patience grew thin, the "juice" only filtering out and through the tendrils for a moderate degree. He was forced to use both two and one-handed seals during this process, as well - though he only had one handseal practiced, it would take much more than that for him to be able to utilize the hands as the conduit for jutsu. The lungs were filled with chakra, as was the appendage, and in that the Mizu shinobi leaned back. The Sharingan Eyes spread wide as he attempted to finalize the technique with the one-handed seal. He could only hope that it would help his situation.

Yet, it had not come out as he'd liked. The usual power behind his Grand Fireball was massive - he could destroy an entire region with one blow of his esophagus, and yet this one was considerably dumbed down in strength. Nearly see-through in its appearance, the mesh of the flames was not tight enough to create a full sphere. The projectile crossed the distance, and thereafter simply fizzled out into a mass wave of flame.