Gintsuki no Mai Dojo

[Circe]

NDE | PM for Invite

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Hyouuryuu Yuki (Drifting Snow)
Rank: E
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user assumes the main stance of the Hyouuryuu Yuki no You.
Special: --
Drawback: --
Description: The user spreads their legs to shoulder width, their main-foot facing forward and their off-foot facing at a right angle to the main-foot. The torso faces the diagonal inbetween the two feet. The knees are bent to allow quick motion with short steps in either direction. The user holds their main-hand forward, with the elbow bent and the knuckles facing forward. The off-hand comes close to the chest, with the elbow bent and knuckles facing forward. The user’s head faces the direction of the main-foot. This stance allows for quick motions back and forth.
Limit: Must be a user of the Hyouuryuu Yuki no You discipline of the Gintsuki no Seikou Mai.

Zero of Five

The dojo was nothing short of beautiful. The polished wooden floors showed no signs of wear, the Shinto symbols and various kanji hanging upon the wall were captivating but there was something more than that. It was if the dojo itself had an aura about it, one that was calming and strong at the same time. This is exactly what I was looking for. The very aura surrounding this place is what I would aspire to be. Elegant and deadly was the perfect combination for one such as myself. There was only one thing that this dojo could not give me and that was the strange and magical speed with which ninja could move. Beyond my training here I would need to find someone I could convince to teach me that technique.

With a quick set of directions I was put to work on learning my stance. My legs needed to be spread shoulder width apart, one down. My main foot was supposed to face forwards, in my case that meant the right foot, that was another part down. Now my off foot, making that my left, facing a right angle to the main foot. So far so good, or so I thought. I let my torso adjust slightly putting myself at a diagonal angle and let my knees bend, this I assumed was to allow fast movements. It was rudimentary but smart. I released my feet from the stance before stepping into it once more so as to begin to implant the stance in my mind and make it a natural thing.

As I took the stance once more my focus would change from my lower body to my upper body. It began with my main hand, seeing as my right foot was forward that meant my right hand. I held it forwards, elbow bent and knuckles facing forwards. The back hand was held near my chest, again with the elbow belt and the elbows facing forwards. I made careful adjustments to make sure the alignment of my body was perfect, I couldn’t afford any mistakes. The stance itself was fairly basic though, in most martial arts the stances were highly similar, just small differences in where one chambered their hands, or so my experience told me. Overall I simply hoped this was good enough to allow me to continue on to newer techniques.

[/blockquote]

[» Comatose]

+ 5

[Circe]

Nameru (To Taste)
Rank: E, D, C, B, A, S
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user, through the sharpening of their five senses and an instinctual knowledge of flow, becomes aware of their surroundings and capable of defending against attacks.
Special: --
Drawback: Can only be learned up to your current Character Rank.
Description: The user strives to expand their senses, taking in data from all five senses and treating each of them as equally important. Through a combination of peripheral vision, hearing, and measurement of air pressure changes, the user becomes capable of perceiving threats around them and reacting accordingly. At E rank, the user can only perceive such threats as traps or projectiles. However, at the following levels, the user becomes capable of perceiving strikes from a foe of an equal level to the rank they have learned. Therefore, a B rank ninja could strike a C rank user of this technique and the user would not be able to perceive them via this technique and lose the majority of the benefits, though their dodging would benefit from the heightened awareness nonetheless. The user may only learn this technique up to their character’s rank. Thus, a C rank character could only learn up to the C rank version of Nameru. Nameru is limited to threats within twenty meters of the foe, as anything that doesn’t enter that radius is beyond the senses of a human to perceive. However, threats are perceivable once they enter that range.
Limit: Must be a user of the Hyouuryuu Yuki no You discipline of the Gintsuki no Seikou Mai. Must know Hyouuryuu Yuki.

Zero of Five

The next step in this discipline was to learn to use my senses to become aware of incoming threats and the topic for today was projectiles. I considered myself to be an aware person but I was now learning that there was much more than what I could have ever imagined within this style. A deep breath centered me as I prepared for the inevitable attack. From the corners of my eyes I watched for the smallest flicker of movement. My ears listened for the smallest amount of sound that could act as a give away for the impending attack. Another trick which I had not imagined before was waiting to feel changes in the air pressure. There it was! A slight differentiation in the flow of the air near my left arm.

I used my stance to let myself spring forwards, thus hoping to dodge the weapon but instead I felt a painful shock rush through my forearm, a senbon stuck out of it. I looked in shock before removing the needle from my otherwise perfect skin. I hurled the needle to the ground and brought my mouth to the wound, taking in the blood until I could stop the bleeding. It was not a complete failure, I had sensed the projectile, I just needed to be able to sense it faster in the future. I readied myself once more, trying to keep my senses tuned to anything that could forewarn me of an attack. Don’t laugh; it is more difficult than it sounds!

A flicker of movement caught my eye. Somewhere off to the left. I sprung backwards, letting myself arch away from the attack as I moved. Everything went in fluid motion, liquid and elegant as a kunai went sailing past my chest. It missed me narrowly but I would take a narrow miss over a hit any day of the week. Who wouldn’t? I watched as the sensei cocked his head in my direction and nodded once. “You’ll do, but you have a long way to go.” Oh what an excellent reminder. I know I had to train myself into a point of no return but did I really need to be reminded of it by some oaf with a knife?

[/blockquote]

[Zetsumei]

+5

[Circe]

Nameru (To Taste)
Rank: E, D, C, B, A, S
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user, through the sharpening of their five senses and an instinctual knowledge of flow, becomes aware of their surroundings and capable of defending against attacks.
Special: --
Drawback: Can only be learned up to your current Character Rank.
Description: The user strives to expand their senses, taking in data from all five senses and treating each of them as equally important. Through a combination of peripheral vision, hearing, and measurement of air pressure changes, the user becomes capable of perceiving threats around them and reacting accordingly. At E rank, the user can only perceive such threats as traps or projectiles. However, at the following levels, the user becomes capable of perceiving strikes from a foe of an equal level to the rank they have learned. Therefore, a B rank ninja could strike a C rank user of this technique and the user would not be able to perceive them via this technique and lose the majority of the benefits, though their dodging would benefit from the heightened awareness nonetheless. The user may only learn this technique up to their character’s rank. Thus, a C rank character could only learn up to the C rank version of Nameru. Nameru is limited to threats within twenty meters of the foe, as anything that doesn’t enter that radius is beyond the senses of a human to perceive. However, threats are perceivable once they enter that range.
Limit: Must be a user of the Hyouuryuu Yuki no You discipline of the Gintsuki no Seikou Mai. Must know Hyouuryuu Yuki.

Zero of Ten

Just when I thought things were going well I found out they weren’t. The technique at hand is what the sensei deemed ‘multi-rank’. If there’s anything I hate it is training the same jutsu repetitively even though I knew it would have to be done countless times in my life. I suppose what irks me the most is I do not know why I am bothering with this technique. I can see any life form fifty meters out in a three hundred and sixty degree range. Now, does this technique really seem needed with that in mind? Who am I to question the great workings of the style though? Or so my sensei told me.

Once more I would set myself in a stance and prepare for the worst. My senses seemed to heighten, attuning myself to my surroundings and becoming more familiar with the subtly differentiation between air pressure and noises. A flash of color caught my eye and I let myself jettison forwards, pushing off with my back foot just in time to see a woman go flying past my back with a punch. I skidded to the ground landing back in my stance waiting for more. The adrenaline was beginning to rush through my system but I needed to stay calm if I wanted this to work. I inhaled and exhaled slowly to calm my heart rate as I waited for the next impending attack.

All of my senses were on high alert, waiting for the attack I knew would come. The sound of wood scraping against wood reached my ears. I hesitated as I attempted to locate the source of the sound and quickly dropped to the ground. A kick rolled over my head as I kicked out with my own leg, dropping the opponent to the ground and setting myself back in the stance. Hey, they never said I couldn’t fight back. I chanced a glance down at the woman who was clutching her shin in pain. I had no time to worry about her though; I could feel that slight change in air pressure on my open side.

I was caught now. I couldn’t move to the right, my last opponent was still curled on the floor there; the attack was coming from my right. Without thought or reason I shot backwards, springing into the air as I did so and skidding back into my stance once more. A knife went flying past me as I jumped, barely scraping against my shin. My heart rushed once more but I forced myself to relax, trying to fight in a hypertensive emotional state was no way to win a battle. I had to calm myself, my emotions couldn’t get in the way just as much as I couldn’t let hormones get in the way.

Another blast of air pressure came at me, from above this time. I shot to the left, my torso preceding my legs. I flew away from the attack and got my legs under my, landing in the stance once more, and sliding slightly from the force of my jump. I looked around, my chest heaving from the constant fast paced movement until I heard sensei call the word for stop. That training was exhausting but I suppose it could be useful. Sensing incoming weaponry and traps is something every woman should know after all. Though fights rarely happen for me its still nice to know I am prepared, just in case.

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[Zetsumei]

+10

[Circe]

Tentou (To Invert)
Rank: D
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user inverts their stance, gently dodging a straight thrust or strike.
Special: --
Drawback: Cannot evade wide-radius attacks.
Description: The user steps forward with their off-foot, twisting it to face forward. As they do so, they turn their main foot perpendicular and away, creating a mirrored version of the normal stance. As they do this, the user rocks their body backwards slightly, allowing any attacks coming from the front to simply ghost past them. Learning the Tentou teaches one to be equally skilled with their main-side and off-side.
Limit: Must be a user of the Hyouuryuu Yuki no You discipline of the Gintsuki no Seikou Mai. Must know Hyouuryuu Yuki.

Zero of Ten

The techniques just kept coming. It was almost boring to train. What can I say, I get bored easily. Not that I wasn’t disciplined, I was always sure of that if nothing else but that doesn’t make me any less bored. Determination to master this style kept me going however. The technique they had set me to learning now was a simple inversion of the stance, a stepping through variety that can also be used to block an incoming strike. I do love single techniques with multiple purposes. First I would try this on my own until I got a grasp on the movements required then it was time for partner practice. I dislike people ever so but like I always say, they have their uses.

I took the regular stance, taking a moment to make sure it was perfect. There was no use in getting off on the wrong foot so to speak. A lifted my off foot and stepped forth, turning it to face forwards as I did so. My back foot slid into the correct angle as I landed and my body shifted, also angling in the opposite direction. My body rocked back as I moved, almost in a circular motion. The set of movements made sense in practical application but felt awkward thus far. I would have to continue to practice, these moves had to become a second nature to me. There is a possibility I could go my whole life never using it but at the same time I could be attacked any minute. Better to be safe than sorry.

Once again I would take the normal stance which might I add was becoming easier with every time I entered it. A deep breath centered me and blocked out any outside stimulation. Working to gain fluid movements I would step forth, my feet quickly angling into the correct stature as my torso rocked back and angled in to the opposite direction. I smiled as I looked at the stance I stood in now. It was indeed a perfect mirror image that could be very useful for dodging a technique so long as the opponent did not try and perform a step through punch, I can only imagine that ending up as a tangling of feet and limbs with no clear winner.

Now it was time to test out the technique in some real time training. With a quick signal of the hand a woman came over and bowed to me. I suppose it is required and considered polite but I couldn’t will myself to move more than a few scant inches in response. I don’t know this woman so why respect her. With a deep breath it began. I watched her shoulder muscles twist slightly, the punch was coming. I stepped forth, my foot was placed besides hers as my feet to their angles and my body rocked away from the punch before angling to face her. Not only was the dodge effective but it set up many possibilities for counters.

My partner and I bowed to each other once more, again my body inclined only scant inches. I milled around for a moment until I found a cabinet full of water bottles. I helped myself to one, drinking it down and taking a long sigh. It was almost monotonous training these techniques but I continued hoping there were just the basics that I was required to get out of the way before I could learn stronger and more interesting techniques. I returned to the training floor and looked around wondering what task I would be assigned next.

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[Zetsumei]

+10

[Circe]

Bouseki Yuki (Spinning Snow)
Rank: D
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user delivers a surprise kick with their off foot.
Special: --
Drawback: --
Description: The user steps forward with their off-foot and points it forward, as though performing the Tentou. Rather than shifting their main-foot backwards, however, the user lifts their main-foot off the ground and spins gracefully to deliver a powerful heel kick to the opponent. They then resume the stance.
Limit: Must be a user of the Hyouuryuu Yuki no You discipline of the Gintsuki no Seikou Mai. Must know Hyouuryuu Yuki. Must know Tentou.

Zero of Ten

Now this was what I was talking about. Enough of stances and dancing around, though I’ll admit it was enjoyable, but this is what I needed to make the style worth my time and effort. Some real hand to hand combat skills that I could use if the situation arose. I know my strength will never be as much as someone who specializes in these things but that doesn’t mean I will lack the power to send some idiot flying. What can I say; I just hate men who don’t understand that a woman is not their personal property. In all honesty I would do this for any woman not just myself. Call me sentimental, even if it isn’t true.

But enough about that it was time to get down to business. The technique began just as the prior Inversion technique I had learned. I stepped forth, just as I would with Tentou but instead of readjusting the back foot I lifted it from the ground and let my body twist into a circle performing what was supposed to be a spinning heel kick. My result however was not nearly as accurate or graceful. Which of course meant it was time to search for the specifics. Above all however the technique required balance, speed, and accuracy. When I stepped forth I needed to hover on the ball of my foot, this would allow me to actually perform the spin without stumbling.

I stepped forth carefully, keeping my weight on the ball of my foot as I let my body slowly curve around. My leg chambered before extending outwards from the hip and snapping back at the knee, thusly delivering the heel blow that was intended. It was a rather sad excuse for a spinning heel kick I must admit. Once again I would prepare myself for the technique stepping forwards and simply spinning as a test of my balance. I was able to complete the turn without problem. It was as I finished this that someone forced a punching bag in front of me. Lovely. I barely had the basics down and the expected me to kick this thing?

Well que sera sera, or so they say. I set myself up, eyeing the proper distance between myself and the bag. I stepped forth, the ball of my foot resting lightly on the ground as my body curved around, my head leading to allow me to actually spot my target. My leg came up to the proper chamber before extending my leg outwards through the hip. My knee snapped backwards with my foot in the proper position. My heel met the cushioned bag squarely; I hovered for a moment as the bag crashed into the ground and my leg finished its circle, returning me back to the stance. Wow, that was actually sort of fun… is it a bad thing that I’m tempted to try this on a person now?

I righted the bag back into a standing position and sighed. The training itself was tedious but the techniques were sort of awesome I must admit. I couldn’t wait to progress further into the style and become stronger. I knew I was being bad and neglecting other pressing matters that I would need to train as soon as possible but while I was in Sea I should make the best of it since I was unable to train these techniques at home. I looked around and leaned against the wall as I awaited yet another technique to be thrown my way. Like I said, tedious.

[/blockquote]

[» Comatose]

+ 10

[Circe]

{Exit}

[Circe]

Kibikikaze (Brisk Wind)
Rank: D
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user delivers a short, direct punch with their main hand.
Special: --
Drawback: --
Description: The user leans forward slightly, throwing a strong, straight-forward punch with their main-hand, aiming for the head or solar plexus. They then resume the stance.
Limit: Must be a user of the Hyouuryuu Yuki no You discipline of the Gintsuki no Seikou Mai. Must know Hyouuryuu Yuki. Must know Tentou.

Zero of Ten

Alas it was time to further train into the taijutsu that I so valued. I had so much to do and so little time, not that I was in much of a hurry but I was unable to train these techniques at my home and I was tiring of this place quickly. I was in a deserted section of the dojo, away from the prying eyes of the other students and the sensei. Why I had to deal with other people for this was beyond me but who was I to question the great workings of the taijutsu world. The scroll depicting the technique lay before me so I could learn to perform it, hopefully away from prying eyes the entire time.

Carefully I slid into the required stance that I was becoming highly familiar with. It was the start and end of almost all techniques. My torso aligned forwards slightly, giving me slightly more reach without throwing me off balance. My front hand reached out being careful to go straight from where I was to where I was going. My eyes scanned the technique once more, taking in all the small details so I could perform this technique to the best of my ability. There were so many subtle nuances when it came to taijutsu that it seemed nearly impossible to learn them all, but I would try and I would succeed.

Once again I would adjust my stance, readying myself to perform the technique. Once more I would lean forth to throw the punch. I stumbled slightly, my body wavering for a long moment before I regained my balance. There was a fine line between just enough and too much it would seem and I had to be careful not to cross said line. Once again I threw the punch, being careful not to over extend my body this time. It seemed awkward to return to the stance with this snap punch as opposed to continuing on in a combination type movement.

So I was lacking slightly when it came to punches, but perhaps surprisingly, taijutsu was one of my least favorite things. Ignoring my rather unloving outlook towards the style I would continue, I had progressed this far I would not quit now. Once more I went into the needed stance, leaning forwards and punching quickly before rocking back into the stance from which I began. It felt right but I had to double check to be sure it was completely perfect; I allowed no margin for error after all. I set up once more before dipping forwards, throwing the punch and recoiling into the position from whence I began.

What had started out as seemingly difficult was rather easy in retrospect. Even if it was not my favorite past time to pursue it was something worth knowing. Every female should know some hand to hand combat and definitely defense. This style was well suited to me since it could be used hand to hand or with various weaponry. It was ever changing, rather like me in that way. I needed something flexible and fluid that could be changed as the need arose. I sighed happily and glanced around. I still had time to speed through a few more techniques before I left this place.

[Masakuni]

+10
[10.10]

[Circe]

Kagemane no Jutsu, 影真似の術 (Shadow Imitation Technique)
Rank: "C", "B", "A" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: The signature move of the Nara family, this jutsu allows the user to control their own shadow and merge it with their opponent's shadow, combining them. This links the movements of the user with the target; the target is subsequently forced to make any movement the user makes. It is an extremely versatile technique, as the user can contract and change the shape of their shadow, potentially grabbing multiple targets at once. The degree to which the user's shadow can be stretched is limited by its total surface area.
Special: "Hanseals"
Drawback: Must Be Learned Multiple times in order to truly achieve something grand. Must hold Rat hand seal until the technique connects with the targets shadow.
Description: Using the shadows of other objects, the user can extend their shadow beyond its normal range. The amount of time for which an opponent can be held is limited by the user's chakra, since the user must constantly maintain the jutsu. The jutsu is also more difficult to maintain at greater ranges or for multiple opponents, since the user's shadow must be stretched constantly. At closer ranges, it requires considerably less effort on the user's part. Additionally, the target can force their way free with enough effort, though the amount of effort required to do so is considerable. There are two tables or understandings for this technique that consists of the Difficulty class of the User as well as the Opponent, and as to how far the user is capable of using this technique. When first learned the user is only capable of using this technique at a distance of Ten meters. Each higher Rank archived, the user is capable of extending the shadow another five meters. The user must first however, learn each rank a certain amount of times before then next rank is obtainable. The C rank version must be learned five times total. At which point the ditance is upgraded to "B" Rank training and now extends ten meters each time trained. This version must be learned 3 times total. The "A" Rank version, extends the range to Seventy meters, and every additional "A" Rank training extends it another ten meters. This technique caps out at 100 meters. The user is capable of making their shadow split and by doing so takes up the distance of the total form of the original technique. This means that if a user has this technique to where they can use thirty meters and wishes to make this technique split to three shadows the maximum distance is ten meters per shadow.

Difficulty on Escaping: Escaping the Kagemane is a tricky art for some, easier for others. Depending on your Stamina and Difficulty class depends on how well the opponent can escape the Kagemane. The Kagemane is held for a Certain time frame depending on Rank of the technique learned. "C" Rank can be held for 18 seconds before it breaks no matter what. "B" Rank 36 seconds, "A" Rank 54 Seconds. For every difficulty class the user is above the opponent, add another five seconds. If the opponent for every difficulty class above th user, subtract five seconds. If the Opponent captured is a Taimaster, subtract 15 seconds additionally. If the opponent is a Tai specialist, subtract 5 additional seconds. If the opponent is a Taijutsu No specialist, leave it as is. After doing the math, the amount of turns held will be apparent.
Limit: Nara Clan Technique

Zero of Thirty

It was time to relax from the physical exertion of my taijutsu. I made my way to the outside of the dojo milling around until I found a likely place to relax. My searches found me a lovely willow with long boughs which I could hide myself in until what time I was ready to return to the physical arts. I sighed and wondered what I would do to pass the time. I wasn’t tired or anything of the sort I simply disliked getting all hot and sweaty, or at least I disliked doing it training. After a moment of contemplation I decided it would be best to train into one of the many clans I considered myself part of for all my lack of techniques.

A random selection brought me upon the Nara clan, and thus I would begin. My hands came together as I attempted, no succeeded, in recalling the string of hand seals I had seen used countless times. Memorization was a girl’s fondest ally after all. It couldn’t be too difficult of a technique. Perform the hand seals, call some chakra and control your shadow. Thus my hands would begin to fold into the required hand seals, I had no need to slow my speed, I could perform hand seals with the best of them after all. It was simply the order which was different.

As I completed the last hand seal I called upon my chakra, letting the mystical energy rise from my core, the pulsations rushing through my body filling me with existential ecstasy. I let the energy flow freely for a long moment before letting my will take over, guiding the chakra to become a shape of my own creation. I let the chakra weave into my shadow, imbuing the dark creation with the ethereal energy that was my chakra. With this process I took my time, I wouldn’t rush something this delicate without previous knowledge of how it would work. Ever cautious as always.

With that done it was time for me to attempt the manipulation of the shadow. By my rough calculations I would be able to have a ten meter extension give or take. Slowly I focused on using my chakra to guide the shadow forth. It seemed to quiver like leaves in the wind. That was something peculiar about this, something enticing but I wanted more. Wasn’t that always the case? I continued to urge the chakra imbued shadow forth. I wasn’t unreasonable just an inch would please me… at least when it came to training this technique it would. It continued to shake as if I was doing something wrong but that was impossible.

Finally my shadow gave and darted forwards that final inch. It was by no means the distance I knew I could achieve but there was always a beginning to be had and I was in no rush. Patience is a virtue, not that I am by any means patient or virtuous but that was with people not techniques. I relaxed for a brief moment, contemplating my next moves and the steps I would take to complete this technique. What can I say, I’m a perfectionist at heart and anything new to add to my arsenal is always exciting.

[Zetsumei]

+10