Kakuro's training thread

[kakuro]

0/10

SPOILER: Click to show

Raiton - Rakurai Shuryuu (Lightning Style - Lightning Stream)
Rank: "D" - "C"
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The user creates a steady stream of electricity against a single target.
Special: Ox - Monkey - Dog - Dragon
Drawback: "D" Rank require both hands. "C" Rank requires one hand.
Description: After forming the needed hand seals the user will create a fist sized orb of electricity and thrust it at a single target as a steady stream of electricity. At "D" Rank the lightning is only capable of knock a target back and inflict minor burns, and could reach a maximum range of 5 meters. At "C" Rank the lightning is able to cause first degree burns and numbness to the affected area, and reach a maximum range of 10 meters.
Limit: Lightning Release

Kakuro went into a small clearing in a forest. He was learning the jutsu lightning stream. He quickly read the scroll that he got. It said that he was going to need two hands for his jutsu. He took a deep breath and preformed the hand seals for the technique.

He quickly shoved his hands forward. Kakuro watched as nothing happened. He sat down and thought about what he did wrong. He decided that he needed to focus his chakra into a stream. He quickly pushed his hands forward.

But Kakuro ended with the same results as last time. He sat down again and wondered what he did wrong. When Kakuro realized what he did, he slapped himself in the head. “How could I forget the hand seals,” Kakuro exclaimed. He quickly preformed the hand seals and pushed his hands out.

But still, the justsu didn’t work. Kakuro sat down for 10 minutes and thought about what he did incorrect. He decided he needed to push his hands out more slowly. He did the hand seals and pushed out both of his hands. He then focused his chakra into a stream of electricity.

When he looked, a short stream of electricity came out of his hands. “Yes, I’m getting the hang of it,” Kakuro yelled. He then set a log six inches from himself. He wanted to see how far he could shoot his electricity. He performed the hand seals and stuck his hands out. Kakuro watched as the lightning came out of his hand.

He found out that when he shot lightning out of his hand, it didn’t stay on his fingers. Kakuro sat the log back up and did his hand seals. Kakuro concentrated on keeping the lightning on his fingertips. The lightning knocked over the log and stayed on his fingertips. He walked over and looked at the log. He wanted to see how much damage he had done to the log.

Kakuro realized that he tipped the log over, but did no damage. He set the log back six inches away from him. He did the hand seals and focused more chakra in his stream. Kakuro ran over and examined his results. The log had faint burn marks on it.

“I’m making progress,” Kakuro said to himself. He thought that he would improve his range. He set the log 1 foot away from him and looked at the scroll. His maximum range could only be at 3 feet. He performed the justsu at the log.

Kakuro succeeded in shooting his lightning 1 foot, except he missed the log. He decided to improve his accuracy. He did the technique at the log again. Sure enough, the lightning hit the log. He also decided that he needed to focus on the size of the orb of electricity. He took a deep breath and executed the jutsu.

When he got his orb to fist sized, he set the log at 3 feet. Kakuro executed the hand seals and concentrated on his chakra. He pushed his hands out at the right speed. The lightning hit the log and tipped it over. When he looked at his results, he decided he did pretty well. “I think I’m getting the hang of it,” Kakuro shouted with excitement.

[N A T S U M I]

Before I grade this, please put the overview and the TP count (eg: 0|30 for c ranks) in your above post so I know what you are learning.

[kakuro]

Fixed

[Corvus]

+10

[kakuro]

0/10

"Touji Hyu-zu" (Clay Infusion)

SPOILER: Click to show

Rank: D, C, B, A, S ranked
Skill: Ninjutsu, supplementary.
Effect: Allows the user to give a piece of clay explosive properties. Also determines the speed at which the user can produce a clay bomb(s). (See more below)
Special: Please refer to “Katsu”.
The clay bombs characteristics is directly dependent of the user rank of "Touji Itonami "(Clay Life).
The Amount of bombs; the amount of clay slots used to make a bomb; the size of the clay bomb; the maximum distance in which a clay creature may travel; and the amount of hands required to make a bomb will be stated within the bomb itself. (See more below)
Drawback: The user must load the piece of clay into a mouth begin to chew. Every clay creation requires a certain amount of clay slots and time to prepared. Certain bombs regardless of the users rank, will require additional time and perpetration (stated with the jutsu itself) (See more below)
Description: The user loads a piece of clay into there mouths (any mouth) and begins to command the mouth the chew at the piece of clay. What is truly occurring during this mastication process is that the user is injecting and infusing their chakra directly into the piece of clay. Due to the user's blood line trait, the relocation and concentration of their Tenketsu allows the user is able to pump and redirect a very large amount of chakra to there hands and into the piece of clay (more then humanly possible). The mouths of the user allow for rigorous chewing, ensuring that their chakra is evenly dispersed through out the piece of clay. Once the user feels that the piece of clay has been properly imbued with their chakra, the user commands the mouth to spit out the prepped piece of clay, allowing for the next stage in refinement to occur. (See "Touji Itonami "(Clay Life)). If the user knows the D-ranked version of "Touji Hyu-zu" (Clay Infusion), they may only create up to D-ranked Bombs. If the user knows the C-ranked version of this technique, they may create only C-rank bombs and the D-ranked bombs before that; and so on and so forth until S-ranked is achieved (though some Bombs may state other wise).

Each Ranked Clay bomb requires a certain amount of time to be prepped. The users class and the bombs rank directly effects the amount of time the user will have to spend in preparation. The increased speed is due to the fact that as the user grows in strength and skill, thus so does his or her abilities to handle clay and produce clay bombs. This amount of time has been measured in post lengths:
Creation Times D-Class C-Class B-Class A-Class S-Class
D-Rank Techs 1 Post = 6 secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
C-Rank Techs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
B-Rank Techs 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 Secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs 1 Post = 6 secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
A-Rank Techs XXX 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs 1 Post = 6 secs
S-Rank Techs XXX XXX 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs

Limit: Sankuchi blood line. Must be learned Multiple time as the user cannot gain A rank without first knowing D, C and B ranks. Must know "Kuchisaki Seichuu" (Mouth Control)

Kakuro went into a small clearing. He used this training spot for his first technique. He took out his scroll and looked at it. He was going to learn clay infusion. This technique was important for all of his other techniques.

Kakuro read that to begin, he had to put a piece of clay in his mouth. He decided to use his left hand mouth. He stuck a piece of training clay in his hand mouth. He commanded his mouth to begin to chew. He focused his chakra in the clay.

Kakuro spat it out and felt the clay. When he felt it, he realized that the clay needed more chakra. He stuck the clay back into his hand mouth. Then he commanded his mouth to chew. He focused on putting more chakra in the clay.

Kakuro spat out the clay and felt it. “This kinda feels right,” Kakuro exclaimed. But he decided that he could do better. He knew that to use the jutsu clay life, he had to get this technique right. He took a deep breath and focused his chakra.

After a few seconds of chewing, he spat it out. When Kakuro felt the piece of clay, he felt that it had enough chakra in it. He fell on the ground, exhausted from his work. He thought about how to do the jutsu better. He had to find the right amount of chakra to put in the clay.

Kakuro took another piece of his training clay out of his bag. He stuck the clay in his left hand. He commanded his mouth to begin to chew. He focused a small amount of chakra in it. He waited a few moments and then checked his clay.

When Kakuro felt the clay, he was disappointed. He decided to add a little bit more chakra. He stuck it in his hand mouth and started to chew. He waited a few moments and checked his results. “It’s getting there, slow but steady,” Kakuro whispered to himself.

He stuck the training clay back into his hand mouth and started to chew. He focused more chakra in the clay. He was careful not to add too much. Kakuro spat it out and checked his results. He thought that he did pretty well.

Kakuro sat down and thought of what to do next. He decided that he wanted to be able to chew the clay in his real mouth also. He thought that if his left hand was occupied, he could use his real mouth. He took out another piece of training clay. He started chewing and thought about how good this technique would be.

Kakuro focused his chakra into the clay. He carefully remembered the amount he put in last time. He then put the specific amount of chakra into the clay. He spat it out and examined his results. “I’m starting to get the hand of it,” Kakuro yelled with happiness.

[j]

+7.

[kakuro]

7/10

"Touji Hyu-zu" (Clay Infusion)

SPOILER: Click to show

Rank: D, C, B, A, S ranked
Skill: Ninjutsu, supplementary.
Effect: Allows the user to give a piece of clay explosive properties. Also determines the speed at which the user can produce a clay bomb(s). (See more below)
Special: Please refer to “Katsu”.
The clay bombs characteristics is directly dependent of the user rank of "Touji Itonami "(Clay Life).
The Amount of bombs; the amount of clay slots used to make a bomb; the size of the clay bomb; the maximum distance in which a clay creature may travel; and the amount of hands required to make a bomb will be stated within the bomb itself. (See more below)
Drawback: The user must load the piece of clay into a mouth begin to chew. Every clay creation requires a certain amount of clay slots and time to prepared. Certain bombs regardless of the users rank, will require additional time and perpetration (stated with the jutsu itself) (See more below)
Description: The user loads a piece of clay into there mouths (any mouth) and begins to command the mouth the chew at the piece of clay. What is truly occurring during this mastication process is that the user is injecting and infusing their chakra directly into the piece of clay. Due to the user's blood line trait, the relocation and concentration of their Tenketsu allows the user is able to pump and redirect a very large amount of chakra to there hands and into the piece of clay (more then humanly possible). The mouths of the user allow for rigorous chewing, ensuring that their chakra is evenly dispersed through out the piece of clay. Once the user feels that the piece of clay has been properly imbued with their chakra, the user commands the mouth to spit out the prepped piece of clay, allowing for the next stage in refinement to occur. (See "Touji Itonami "(Clay Life)). If the user knows the D-ranked version of "Touji Hyu-zu" (Clay Infusion), they may only create up to D-ranked Bombs. If the user knows the C-ranked version of this technique, they may create only C-rank bombs and the D-ranked bombs before that; and so on and so forth until S-ranked is achieved (though some Bombs may state other wise).

Each Ranked Clay bomb requires a certain amount of time to be prepped. The users class and the bombs rank directly effects the amount of time the user will have to spend in preparation. The increased speed is due to the fact that as the user grows in strength and skill, thus so does his or her abilities to handle clay and produce clay bombs. This amount of time has been measured in post lengths:
Creation Times D-Class C-Class B-Class A-Class S-Class
D-Rank Techs 1 Post = 6 secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
C-Rank Techs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
B-Rank Techs 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 Secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs 1 Post = 6 secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
A-Rank Techs XXX 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs 1 Post = 6 secs
S-Rank Techs XXX XXX 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs

Limit: Sankuchi blood line. Must be learned Multiple time as the user cannot gain A rank without first knowing D, C and B ranks. Must know "Kuchisaki Seichuu" (Mouth Control)

Kakuro decided he wanted to practice this technique a little bit more. He wanted to be able to put chakra into clay faster. He took out a piece of clay and stuck it into his hand. He commanded his mouth to chew. He concentrated on putting enough chakra in the clay. When he finished, he examined his results.

Kakuro decided he did well, but he could do better. He preformed the same thing again but faster. This time however he didn't put enough chakra into the clay. "Practice makes perfect," Kakuro told himself. He did it again and focused on becoming faster and putting enough chakra in it.

After that, he quickly examined his results. Everything was going well so far. But still he wanted to get better. He realized that he was not moving when he performed the technique. Kakuro wanted to be able to use the jutsu while moving.

He took out a piece of clay and started walking. He had to focus on dodging pieces of sticks also. Kakuro focused on doing 3 things at once. He walked, chewed on clay, and put chakra in the clay. When he examined the clay, Kakuro realized he did really good.

[Deleted]

+2.

[kakuro]

9/10

Touji Hyu-zu" (Clay Infusion)

SPOILER: Click to show

Rank: D, C, B, A, S ranked
Skill: Ninjutsu, supplementary.
Effect: Allows the user to give a piece of clay explosive properties. Also determines the speed at which the user can produce a clay bomb(s). (See more below)
Special: Please refer to “Katsu”.
The clay bombs characteristics is directly dependent of the user rank of "Touji Itonami "(Clay Life).
The Amount of bombs; the amount of clay slots used to make a bomb; the size of the clay bomb; the maximum distance in which a clay creature may travel; and the amount of hands required to make a bomb will be stated within the bomb itself. (See more below)
Drawback: The user must load the piece of clay into a mouth begin to chew. Every clay creation requires a certain amount of clay slots and time to prepared. Certain bombs regardless of the users rank, will require additional time and perpetration (stated with the jutsu itself) (See more below)
Description: The user loads a piece of clay into there mouths (any mouth) and begins to command the mouth the chew at the piece of clay. What is truly occurring during this mastication process is that the user is injecting and infusing their chakra directly into the piece of clay. Due to the user's blood line trait, the relocation and concentration of their Tenketsu allows the user is able to pump and redirect a very large amount of chakra to there hands and into the piece of clay (more then humanly possible). The mouths of the user allow for rigorous chewing, ensuring that their chakra is evenly dispersed through out the piece of clay. Once the user feels that the piece of clay has been properly imbued with their chakra, the user commands the mouth to spit out the prepped piece of clay, allowing for the next stage in refinement to occur. (See "Touji Itonami "(Clay Life)). If the user knows the D-ranked version of "Touji Hyu-zu" (Clay Infusion), they may only create up to D-ranked Bombs. If the user knows the C-ranked version of this technique, they may create only C-rank bombs and the D-ranked bombs before that; and so on and so forth until S-ranked is achieved (though some Bombs may state other wise).

Each Ranked Clay bomb requires a certain amount of time to be prepped. The users class and the bombs rank directly effects the amount of time the user will have to spend in preparation. The increased speed is due to the fact that as the user grows in strength and skill, thus so does his or her abilities to handle clay and produce clay bombs. This amount of time has been measured in post lengths:
Creation Times D-Class C-Class B-Class A-Class S-Class
D-Rank Techs 1 Post = 6 secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
C-Rank Techs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1 Post = 6 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
B-Rank Techs 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 Secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs 1 Post = 6 secs 1/2 Post = 3 Secs
A-Rank Techs XXX 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs 1 Post = 6 secs
S-Rank Techs XXX XXX 3 Post = 18 secs 2 Post = 12 secs 1 1/2 Post = 9 Secs

Limit: Sankuchi blood line. Must be learned Multiple time as the user cannot gain A rank without first knowing D, C and B ranks. Must know "Kuchisaki Seichuu" (Mouth Control)

Kakuro decided he still needed more improvement. He want to try something that he never did before. He took out two pieces of training clay and commanded both of his mouths to chew. He focused his chakra into the clay. He then spat out the clay and examined his results.

Only one of the pieces of clay had enough chakra. So Kakuro took out two more pieces of clay. He did the same thing again. But this time he concentrated on both pieces of clay. When he checked his results, he decided he did pretty good.

[Beltran]

Learned

[kakuro]

0/5

Even Stance

SPOILER: Click to show

Rank: "E"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: Natural Position, easy to reproduce.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: One of the four stances a user may learn as they are able to learn just one if they wish. Small base of support in the front-back plane. Body isn't sturdy, so it can move if in high winds. Lowers area for string clearance, especially for large chested shooters. Many Marksman prefer the even stance. In this stance, the Marksman’s body weight is evenly distributed among both feet, and the heels and toes are aligned. The middle of the instep of the foot is aligned with the center of the target.
Limit: Must be a Marksman.

Kakuro walked into his favorite training spot. He decided that he was going to learn Even Stance. This was going to be a good technique to learn for his crossbow. He read the scroll that had the technique on it. After Kakuro read it, he concentrated on making his body evenly distributed. He made sure that his toe and heels were aligned with each other. He remembered reading that his body would move in high winds. But today, it wasn't windy.

Kakuro decided that his target was going to be a tree. The tree was 30 meters away from him. Since he was a Marksman he would be able to hit the tree easily. Kakuro set a bolt into his crossbow in one movement. He checked that the middle of the instep of his foot was aligned with the center of the tree. He concentrated on the tree for a few moments. Then he released his arrow.

He watched as his crossbow bolt sailed through the air. The bolt slammed into the tree. Kakuro ran from his position to fetch his bolt. When he got the arrow it was not in the exact center. Kakuro went back and tried his stance again. This time he made sure he was doing everything correct. He concentrated on the tree and shot the bolt. When he examined his results, the bolt was in the center of the tree.

[Elgar]

+3

[kakuro]

3/5

Even Stance

SPOILER: Click to show

Rank: "E"Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: Natural Position, easy to reproduce.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: One of the four stances a user may learn as they are able to learn just one if they wish. Small base of support in the front-back plane. Body isn't sturdy, so it can move if in high winds. Lowers area for string clearance, especially for large chested shooters. Many Marksman prefer the even stance. In this stance, the Marksman’s body weight is evenly distributed among both feet, and the heels and toes are aligned. The middle of the instep of the foot is aligned with the center of the target.
Limit: Must be a Marksman.

Kakuro decided that he could do the stance even better. He scooted back until he was 40 meters away from the tree. After that, he evenly distributed his weight through out his body. He made sure that his toes and heels were aligned. He aligned his foot with the middle of the tree. Before he shot he realized that he was leaning on his right side too much. So when he shot at close range there wouldn't be a difference. But at long range, the mistake would be easily seen.

Kakuro corrected his mistake and put a bolt in his crossbow. He aimed at the tree and shot his bolt. He quickly reloaded another bolt and shot it after. The first bolt hit the tree but not the center. But the other bolt hit in the dead center. Kakuro fetched his arrows back. He practiced this technique again and again. Every time he shot one more arrow than last time. He could feel himself improving.

[Elgar]

+2

[kakuro]

0/5
Open Stance

SPOILER: Click to show

Rank: "E"Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: Gives stable support base, reduces tendency to lean back from the target.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: One of the four stances a user may learn as they are able to learn just one if they wish. Tends to make upper body twist towards target. Tends to use arm muscles more than back muscles to draw. Open stance is recommended for the beginning Marksman during their initial learning period. In this stance, the feet should be shoulder-width apart. It is recommended that the Marksman should distribute his/her body weight evenly on both feet.
Limit: Must be a Marksman.

Kakuro walked into his favorite training spot. He was going to learn the Open Stance. He had just learned the Even Stance but he wanted to know more than once stance. This stance, Kakuro read, that it tends to make his upper body twists toward the opponent. The scroll said that he had to use arm muscles more than back muscles to draw. This stance was recommended for the beginning Marksman during their initial learning period.

Since this stance was the second one he was learning, Kakuro decided it would be easy to learn. Kakuro examined the scroll that had his jutsu on it. He then put his feet shoulder-width apart. Kakuro had to distribute his body weight evenly on both feet. After he distributed his body weight, he looked for a target. He chose a tree with a trunk that had a width of 8 inches. He placed a bolt in his crossbow and took a deep breath.

The tree was located 40 meters away from him. Kakuro quickly shot his bolt at the tree. The bolt sailed a meter away from the tree. He fetched the arrow and thought about what he did wrong. He decided that he needed to twist his body more toward the tree. He returned to his position and went into his stance. He concentrated on using his arm muscles instead of his back muscles.

Kakuro then concentrated on putting his weight evenly on both feet. He reloaded his bolt and shot at the tree. The bolt soared the air as Kakuro watched it. The bolt narrowly missed the tree and flew into the ground. He fetched his bolt and thought about how tiring it was to get the bolt. After he retrieved the bolt, he went back to his spot. He sat down and thought about what he was doing wrong.

Kakuro stood up and did the same position as last time. He realized that he was leaning a little on his right foot. It was a small mistake, but big enough to make a difference. He corrected his mistake and made sure he was doing everything else correct. He remembered to twist his body toward the tree. Kakuro almost shot his bolt when he got the feeling that something was wrong. He realized that he only had to twist his upper body toward the tree. After he fixed that, he took a deep breath. He calmly shot his bolt and watched it hit the center of the tree.

[Elgar]

+5

[kakuro]

0/5
Close Stance

SPOILER: Click to show

Rank: "E"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: Gives stable support base, Gives good alignment of the arm and shoulder in direct line to the target.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: One of the four stances a user may learn as they are able to learn just one if they wish. Reduces string clearance, so string may strike against body. Tends to make Marksman lean away from target and overdraw the arrow. A closed stance. The shooting line is straddled and weight is evenly distributed among both feet. Left foot is moved forward a few inches so a heel-toe alignment exists between the left and right feet respectively.
Limit: Must be a Marksman.

Kakuro walked into his favorite training spot. He was going to learn the Close Stance. He had just learned the Even Stance and the Open stance. This stance, Kakuro read, that it tends to make him lean away from his target and overdraw the arrow. Some of it was the same as the Open stance. Kakuro had to evenly distribute his weight on both of his feet.

Since this stance was the third one he was learning, Kakuro decided it would be easy than the last two. Kakuro examined the scroll that had his technique on it. He put his left foot is forward a few inches so a heel toe alignment exists between the left and right feet respectively. After he distributed his body weight, he looked for the target he used last time. He quickly found it and checked that it had a width of 8 inches. He placed a bolt in his crossbow and took a deep breath.

The tree was still located 40 meters away from him. Kakuro quickly shot his bolt at the tree. Kakuro yelled in pain as the crossbow string slammed into his body. The bolt sailed harmlessly away from his target. He grimaced as he rubbed his injured arm. After a few minutes, he fetched his bolt. He decided that he needed to be careful using this stance. He placed his bolt in the crossbow and carefully made sure that the string couldn't hit him.

The bolt soared through the air as Kakuro watched it. The bolt completely missed the tree. He fetched his bolt and thought about what his mistake was. He decided that he was overdrawing his arrow. He quickly fixed the mistake that he made. Kakuro slowly leaned up a little. His stance made him lean away from the tree. He reloaded his bolt and aimed at the tree. He took a deep breath and shot the bolt.

Kakuro watched as the bolt hit the tree. But to his dismay, the bolt was not in the center of the tree trunk. He retrieved his arrow and thought about what he did wrong. He came up with that he was focusing too much on his upper body. He went into his stance and made sure that his feet were in the correct position. Kakuro aimed at the tree and shot his bolt. He smiled as it hit the center of the trunk.

[Water Adept]

Learned

[kakuro]

0/5
Oblique Stance

SPOILER: Click to show

Rank: "E"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: Gives the greatest amount of clearance for the bowstring when arrows is released. Body is in total equilibrium. Target can be seen clearly.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: One of the four stances a user may learn as they are able to learn just one if they wish. Hard to maintain, so mainly used by expert Marksman. Some elite Marksman use the oblique stance. In this stance the Marksman places his/her toe of the left foot nearest the target on a line and pivoting the left foot forty-five-degrees to the target. The heel of the right foot is then placed in line with the toe of the left foot. This allows the bow arm to remain in a position where there will be optimum clearance of the bowstring when the arrow is released. The target should be seen clearly while using the oblique stance.
Limit: Must be a Marksman.

Kakuro walked into his favorite training spot. He was going to learn the Oblique Stance . He had just learned the Even Stance, Open stance, and the Close Stance. This stance, Kakuro read, that this technique was hard to maintain. This was the last of his 4 stances. Elite Marksman use this stance, so Kakuro decided that he had to try his hardest. He kept on using the tree that he had been using for the last 3 stances.

Kakuro examined the scroll that had his technique on it. He placed his toe on his left foot nearest to the tree on a line and pivoting the left foot forty-five-degrees to the tree. The heel of his right foot is then placed in line with the toe of the left foot. After he did what the scroll told him to do, he looked for the target he used last time. He quickly found it and checked that it had a width of 8 inches. He placed a bolt in his crossbow and took a deep breath.

The tree was located 40 meters away from him. Before he shot his crossbow, he read that this technique allows the bow arm to remain in a position where there will be optimum clearance of the bowstring when the arrow is released. The target should be seen clearly while using the oblique stance. He looked at the tree and looked at it's surrounding area's. He decided that he could use the tree.

He aimed at the tree and shot his bolt. The bolt soared through the air as Kakuro watched it. The bolt narrowly missed the tree. He fetched his bolt and thought about what his mistake was. He decided that something was wrong with his feet placement. He realized that he had pivoted his left foot 40 degrees and not 45. Kakuro reloaded his bolt and aimed at the tree. He took a deep breath and shot the bolt.

Kakuro watched as the bolt hit the tree. But to his dismay, the bolt was not in the center of the tree trunk. He retrieved his arrow and thought about what he did wrong. He came up with that he needed to make the heel of the right foot placed in line with the toe of the left foot. He went into his stance and made sure that his feet were in the correct position. Kakuro aimed at the tree and shot his bolt. He grinned as it slammed into the center of the trunk.

[Elgar]

+5